#there are so many things waiting ahead of us and yet we're still stuck on that battle. for the love of god STOP

[koumeowkami]

honestly being in the paralive fandom post-trust battle kinda sucks uhhh why can't we just be all friends and listen to our sillies' music in peace

[goddessofmischief]

      AUGUST (SHANKS X READER)

A/N: This is part of this series, which requests are open for! These fics are all one-shots, so they can be read separately. Also, I highly recommend listening to the song linked in the title while you read, and please leave a comment when you've finished!

It took six weeks and a shipwreck to get you into the arms of the man that you loved, and you didn't regret a thing.

Little known pirate fact: the Oro Jackson's final resting place is a little island in the murkier side of the East Blue, far from pirates or Marines or anything at all. Here it lies to this day.

It arrived at this spot on a fated morning on an afternoon in August, when you, Shanks and Buggy were embroiled in the most terrible of arguments.

The tension had not dissipated from the days earlier, when Shanks had unceremoniously declared himself Captain, and Buggy was comfortable voicing his feelings - almost all of his feelings - out in the open now.

Starting with this one.

"We're not moving fast enough," Buggy complained. He had this particular feeling a lot.

"The ship can only go so fast. You know that," Shanks chided, jokingly. "...You've been on it for years."

"You know that's not what I mean. The One Piece is out there and we're supposed to be trying to claim it - now everyone's trying to claim it, aren't they? - but we're still wandering."

"We're preparing for the journey!"

"Oh, sure, like we really need all these maps. The only one that we really need is the map to the Grand Line, and we haven't even gotten it yet."

Shanks had been dispatching the two of you out for maps for the past few months, and many of your efforts had ended unsuccessfully. Buggy was beginning to tire of it.

"We're doing the best we can, Bugs, you know that," you tried, and Buggy cut you off.

"'You know that,'" Buggy imitated, and you and Shanks blinked at him with wide, vacuous eyes. "You two are even beginning to sound like each other, you know that? What, do you two get off on bullying me?"

"Yes," said Shanks, at the same time you said "No, of course not."

"No, of course not," Shanks amended, all too late.

"Fine," Buggy snapped, grabbing his satchel.

"Hey, where're you going-"

"You're not threatening to leave again, are you?"

"No, idiots! I'm going down to the port for a drink. Don't join."

You and Shanks sighed, exchanging weary looks with each other as Buggy departed the ship.

"So... what do you wanna do while we wait?"

...

"Careful," you warned idly, watching Shanks jerk the captain's wheel from one side to the next.

"Sorry, I'm just - I'm still getting the hang of this, I'm not used to steering-"

"It's alright," you assured him. "We're all learning things."

He had promised you there was an especially appealing island close by - something he'd discovered on his own and was anxious to share with you.

"Maybe you could let me try-"

"It's fine, I got it-"

"Shanks, let me steer-"

"I can do it-"

"What are you trying to prove?!"

"Nothing!"

The ship found that island, alright. It slammed right into the rocks in front of it.

"Oh, my God," you uttered, hand covering your mouth. Shanks stared ahead in total disbelief.

The ship was wrecked. You crashed. The ship was crashed. You and Shanks crashed Roger's ship. You and Shanks crashed Roger's ship. Buggy would never forgive you.

It was your fault.

It wasn't really - you would realize this, later on - but in the moment, that's how it felt.

"Shanks?" You shook him a little. He was seemingly catatonic, still staring straight ahead at the rocks.

"We..."

You nodded, grimly, trying to get him alert again.

"Come on, we're stuck. We have to figure something out."

...

Well, at least it was a nice island to be stuck in.

You and Shanks started a fire on the beach, after hours of searching and confirming there didn't seem to be anyone else on the island.

"Can't believe we wrecked it," Shanks mused. "It was the only home I've ever known."

"...Buggy's going to kill us."

Shanks glanced at you, a hint of amusement on his face.

"That's really what you're worried about?"

"Aren't you?"

"I think I'm more concerned with how we're going to get off this island. I'm beginning to realize that we can't. I guess we could try swimming out, but- no, it's too deep."

"So, we're stuck?"

Shanks confirmed your worry with a weary nod.

"We're stuck."

...

You didn't speak to each other again for another four days.

There was enough fruit on the island to live on, enough water stored on the wrecked Oro Jackson. The two of you could barely look at each other, repulsed by the shame of what you had done.

On the fifth day, you began to worry.

"Shanks?" you called out, shouting his name loud enough that he should have heard it. "Shanks, look, we better start making more permanent plans-"

He didn't respond.

"Shanks, come on, I don't wanna fight-"

You stopped dead in your tracks. Your brain couldn't handle what you had saw.

Shanks, flat on the ground under a palm tree.

You realized he must've fallen - the flares beside him indicated he was trying to call for help - your fault again, everything is awful and it's your fault, Shanks was dead and it was all your fault.

"No," you whispered, breath scarcely escaping your body. You collapsed to the ground, searching his face for signs of life, cradling his head in you hands. "Wake up, please, wake up- please, I need you to come back, I don't want to be alone-"

Shanks coughed, suddenly breathing again, and you realized with a rush of relief that he'd only been unconscious. His eyes scanned over you, a little smile teasing at the edge of his lips.

"Are you an angel? Am I in heaven?"

You cried in relief, not even having the energy to make fun of his stupid remarks.

"No, you idiot, you're here on earth with me."

Shanks noticed your hand was resting over his heart, and he brought his own hand up to meet it.

"You were crying over me?" he asked, cockily. You shook your head as the tear tracks staining your face betrayed you.

"I thought you were dead."

"I think I was."

"Did you see Roger?" you asked, almost laughing.

"I don't think I was dead long enough," he said. "I had to come back, you see. Had to be where you were."

As long as you had known Shanks, you had carried with you a indecipherable ache. It was today that the ache finally rose out of you, and today that you bent your face down far enough to connect your lips to his - on purpose, this time. He met them.

"We're still stuck on this island, you know," you murmured, finally pulling away.

His eyes sparkled.

"I'd forgotten."

...

For the next three weeks, your life was a montage of sun-drenched beaches, bare shoulders and tanned skin. Water everywhere, sand in everything. Salt air stung your tongue and infused all your kisses.

You barely felt like a pirate anymore. Life was that good. You felt more like a creature of the sea, tossed by the waves, unbothered by the silly human things that had once so concerned you - what One Piece? What Buggy? What Mihawk? You and Shanks were connected by everything, ebbing and flowing out of each other like it was the only thing that made sense.

Despite this backdrop of love, there was one thing that was clear. You were going to die. Maybe not tomorrow, but soon. The water from the ship would run out, and the fruit would run out, and then there would be no more left, and you and he would merely be skeletons left scattered on the shore, then dust.

"I can't even regret it," you sighed, head on his chest. "Not with everything that's happened."

"Do you think Buggy will miss us?"

"I don't know," you said with a guilty pang. "I guess I hadn't thought of him for awhile. I wish I could let him know what became of us. Mihawk, too."

"Could you not talk about Mihawk during moments like this?"

You laughed, kissing him lightly on the nose.

"I wonder how many sunrises we have left."

"Enough," he said, and after that the talking ended.

...

Little did you know, Buggy hadn't slept for weeks.

Okay, hadn't slept was an overexaggeration - he had little winks now and then, just a few, just to keep himself alive. He'd be no good to you or Shanks dead.

He'd been to four islands by now, and had scoured every one of them. What he really couldn't understand is how the Oro Jackson could have gone anywhere unnoticed. The citizens of the island he had been on recalled it in the port, when you dropped him off, and then it vanished like a ghost. The one ship every Marine in the world was looking for, and not one person would admit to seeing it.

It was killing him.

He couldn't imagine what had happened to you - Shanks, too, but he worried more for you, mostly for the reason that he was sure you would never leave him on purpose. It was possible for Shanks to have left, but you, too? Wouldn't happen.

The thought crossed his mind, once or twice, that the two of you had gotten sick of him and run away together, but it seemed impossible after how desperately you'd tried to keep him from leaving. You wouldn't just leave him now.

Maybe you were kidnapped. Or hungry. Or cold. Or-

Wait, was that the ship?

"Buggy!" he heard a chorus of familiar voices call out, frantically waving their arms on the beach. A familiar burst of red hair was immediately apparent amongst the grains of white sand.

"What the... the hell," he muttered, rowing the small boat he'd attained to look for you beside the crashed ship. He'd never realized how absolutely massive it was until it was in pieces. Even now, weeks later, rotted wood planks scattered the shore.

"Buggy!"

He barely had a moment to climb out of the boat and throw his oars aside before you and Shanks barreled towards him at full speed, both locking him in a tight embrace.

"You saved us," you whispered, burying your face in the nape of his neck. Shanks hugged him gratefully, too. It felt good having both of you back again. For a little while, Buggy had feared he would have to walk the world alone.

"What the hell happened?"

"Crashed," you explained, your cheeks flushed from the excitement.

"Did it just... did you not see the rocks?"

You shook your head, still completely overwhelmed.

"We thought we were going to die."

"I was beginning to think you were already dead!"

"You saved us," you emphasized, salt water stinging your eyes. "I could kiss you."

Buggy's face went blank, as did yours. Clumsily, you reached over and gave him a peck on the cheek, and smiled. In one fluid motion, you pulled back, and Shanks looped his arm around your waist. You and Shanks glanced at each other, still grinning, and you rested your head on his shoulder.

That was the moment he knew something had changed. Something was different, since the last time he'd seen you.

"You guys..." he tried to put the words together. "You guys... what, uhh, what did you guys do for six weeks?"

Buggy had a few guesses.

taglist: @sawendel @twinklesnake @literaturewithliz @sordidmusings @foggyturtleknightangel @toertchen @96jnie @lunanight1021 @trafalgardvivi

[aprillikesthings]

s5 ep8 Shot in the dark

woohooo

Off topic but while looking for fan art of Catra from the portal (ugh I need to try different tags) I instead saw a bunch of anti-Catra and anti-Catradora and anti-spop blogs and jfc people need to get a life and touch some grass and if I'm saying that--

(I mean, I did leave the house today with Saer and their mom, we went to Powell's books where I spent too much money but I got a couple of wlw manga and a Judith Butler book among a few other things, and also we went to a vintage clothing store that seemed to have NO END but I bought one thing there, a lavender satin bathrobe, the short kind; the only thing wrong with it was that it's a bit faded in some places and it's a little small on me but it's a bathrobe, and it was like $26 AND 100% SILK)

a question many astronauts have surely asked as well!

these two squabbling but not actually fighting always sounds like flirting, it doesn't help that a split second after that screenshot, Catra actually smiles for a second

Look. I love them.

Bow: "Adora, Catra's right" Everyone's eyes: go wide Bow: "...that felt weird to say"

the startled noise they all make when he starts talking lolol

but Catra has some flashes (from when she was in the hive mind) and says Krytis is a planet, nice. There's something there Horde Prime doesn't want them to know--so they head for Krytis, roll intro theme

:O

oh man they really did start changing this up every episode. Look at poor Perfuma's face.

Anyway on Krytis they find an old Horde ship and everyone else is trying to figure out what happened but poor Catra is remembering what it was like to be chipped :(

there's a cute moment when she notices her tail is all fluffy from fear and smooths it out before joining the others

there's a "crack" video where Entrapta's little walk here is dubbed with a clip from an ancient Spiderman show's theme song

ahaha

LOOK AT HER the way Bow says this is so great

POOR CATRA

Adora laughs longer than anyone else after Catra gets the helmet off and Catra blushes and smiles and everyone stands around not wanting the ruin the moment--and then Entrapta finds something and squeals and startles the shit out of everyone and it's SO GREAT

Catra: "So, wait, the plan is to barge ahead into the structurally unsound building to find some mystery person that we know nothing about, in hopes that they somehow know how to defeat Horde Prime?"

Bow: "You know, we were just gonna recklessly blast our way through that blockade until you stopped us. So this whole thing is basically your idea."

Catra's starting to realize what DORKS they all are and that good-natured teasing is just part of the deal

the GLEE with which they are including her

I didn't mean to get a screenshot that makes it look like Adora is staring at Catra's butt, but(t) I'm not mad about it

Meanwhile, on Etheria:

yikes

"and yet we're still stuck with you?"

HAH

Back on Krytis Wrong Hordak is having an existential crisis as he realizes Horde Prime is not perfect

Catra fuckin' slices a door into the wall

Bow: dunno if that's safe Glimmer: yeah I'm not sure about this either Adora: MY GIRLFRIEND IS STRONK and has v sharp claws isn't she perfect

seriously tho Adora is BLUSHING

Catra's face

Glimmer's too, actually

oh god it's the bit where Catra keeps sneezing at the spore things in the air and Bow is just like 🥺

Adora's reaction to this conversation is also priceless

Anyway a second later, Catra leans on the wall and sinks into it, she shrieks and Adora yells "CATRA!!" and when they pull her out the wall starts sending out HUGE MURDER SPIKES

Back on Etheria:

Castaspella: "You said you had a plan. The only reason I'm following you is because if anyone would know about mind control, it's you." Shadow Weaver: "Mind control? Is that what they told you? No. My gifts were always far subtler."

I dunno, I think torturing kids is hardly "subtle." But abuse is often hard to spot while it's happening to you.

y'know, like this shit

Okay in fairness she says she was less powerful as well and now he's chipped he's under control by the enemy and they're not strong enough to fight him

On Krytis, the Squad realizes they've gotten confused/turned around in the abandoned ship--"Isn't this where we started?!" There's a growling noise. The hallway somehow gets longer while they're walking in it. Creepy as fuck.

Oh and also it turns out Horde Prime and the First Ones fought over Krytis ages ago and Prime won but then abandoned the place anyway.

Entrapta: also there's someone right behind you

yay i know who this is lol

ALSO Catra insisting on protecting everyone is v cute

also it took me three times to get this screenshot ahahaha

and when she tackles it they both disappear

the audible PANIC

OH HEY i hit the image limit okay hold on

[spaceless-vacuum]

What if the zeldas from the links like sun and sky being yandere for reader too.

Would they Ally with their links are not are would they break those ally with their links if we're to have reader in their hyrule.

Zelda from koridia game is a savage

So I watched all of the t.v show episodes and I can finally start adding some of my opinions on this, starting with Courage and (I don't think she has a nickname yet I think I’ll just call her Wisdom because it matches her Link’s name but correct me if there's a better one).

. . .

To begin, both of these two can Fight! Wisdom often goes along with Courage to the underground realm where Ganon’s lair is and will help him save the day. While she doesn't like to get her hands dirty if she doesn't have to, she refuses to sit around and do nothing when there's work to be done. She still keeps a strict line between her princess duties and that of a knight. She isn't as competent of a fighter as Courage is so she leaves the heavy hitting to him. She stands back and helps out and manages to keep herself out of trouble just enough that her friend doesn't have to worry about her too much. She doesn't want to be overwhelmed or kidnapped after all.

During her time Hyrule is not as powerful or as present as it once was, and only two pieces of the triforce have been found (in the show they just dismiss the triforce of courage and never mention it so i'm going to assume it’s lost, same with the master sword because they never call Courage’s sword by name and it doesn't seal Ganondorf it just takes him away for awhile.) As such it’s hard for Ganondorf to win; but they also can't seal him away just yet. This means Hyrule for her is a peaceful zone until it isn't for a few days and then it all goes back to normal. Action isn't uncommon but most people live peaceful lives thanks to the efforts and worries from the princess and the triforce’s Guardian.

When you roll into town it isn't under attack but there's still evidence of the terror that rampaged through just a few days prior. It’s clear something bad happened but not bad enough to put a damper on the good peoples spirits. You just finished up booking a room in the inn for the night and you're walking around town trying to figure out what to do when Courage spots you from afar. He stops his morning walk in its tracks just to get a good look at you. A new stranger in town is always newsworthy and he just has to know what you're up to, it might be no good and he reasons that such a pretty thing like you shouldnt be left around with no one by your side. He walks over to you and the conversation is friendly enough, but then he finds out you're an adventurer.

This strikes him as funny because Courage used to be an adventurer like you before he got stuck with a job in the castle. It’s been so long since he's been on the open road and he really misses it. He invites you over top of the castle for some tea and before you can reply he points out that it’s just ahead anyways. You have no choice but to accept as he takes your hand and practically drags you along for the ride. Following him down the brick path through the wide open gates into a stunning and painstakingly kept courtyard the stone brick of the castles waits and beckons you to explore.

He walks down the hallways very casually and asks you lots of questions about where you're from, what you're doing here, how the roads were like, and what your favourite food is. The conversation goes from regular chatting to flirting very quickly. He can't help it seeing such a sweet thing like you all by yourself means you must have plenty of stories to tell and he just can't wait to hear them all.

Wisdom bumps into you two not far from the entrance. She was just about to follow Courage to make sure he wasn't going to shirk his duties as a knight. They didn't have many knights around so it was all hands on deck for this one; and then she sees you. A beauty walking into her castle and where were her manners. She looks more smitten than the hero was and quickly resumes the neutral mask as her role as a princess and takes over interrogating. Where are you from, is this your first time in their kingdom, oh it is? Well you just have to stay for dinner and tea! She’d be more than happy to show you around if you’d be so gracious.

Courage follows behind the two of you as Wisdom takes over the talking. He has to admit that she has a way with words. Watching you two he can see Wisdom slowly sink her fangs into you. One hand is placed gently on your back and he can see an unusual tension in her body. It isn't hard for him to realise that he may have fallen for you but she fell harder. The three of you walk to a side room with a table and you all gather around and swap stories. Courage tells you about his adventures, Wisdom talks about the kingdom and what’s going on with Ganondorf, and you fill them in with how you came to wind up here.

All in all Wisdom offers you a place to stay at the castle as it would be a better spot than any for resting after such a long journey. It is hard to turn her down with how sweet she’s being and she's absolutely right about it being much better than the inn you were going to stay at. Courage goes to collect your bags from your old spot and offers you a room by his. Just in case anything happens, that way you'll be safe. Wisdom tells you not to worry as Ganondorf never attacks so soon but agrees that you should stay close to him. You thank her again and she spends some time talking to you before showing you to your room.

Oh true, it is not befitting of her to marry someone of a lower station but she can't help but be mesmerised by you. Somewhere between the tough and gritty shell of an adventure she can see the soft soul of someone like her. A mixture between gentle and heroic; kind and able to get the job done. It just draws her in like a moth to flame but some part of her knows it is in her duties to one day marry for the good of the kingdom. If it’s in her luck they will be much like you.

Not that taking a consort was so out of the question but it's at a time and place in history while Hyrule is starting to rebuild again and she has to plan for the future. When Courage gets back she talks to him about her feelings. She can see how hurt he is at first when she begins talking; but he doesn't say anything as the two have been friends for ages at this point. Even if he does flirt with her and they do fight from time to time nothing can separate them and they know that. The kingdom rests on their shoulders and more than that protecting and retaining the triforce is key for the future of all of Hyrule. 

It isn't until she talks about her final thoughts and feelings; about how she wants you here but can't take you for himself that he realises what she’s after. He jumps in joy when he realises he gets to keep the cake and eat it too. He asks offhandedly if having you here means that he can't ask her for kisses anymore and she laughs before lightly punching his shoulder. Joking about how uncivil he can be before relaxing and asking that he keep you here in the castle, that is both a request from a friend and an order.

Courage looks a little taken back and Wisdom lightly lets him know that she wants to see the two of you happy together and doesn't want to take any chances. The endorsement of your relationship seems to be more of a way to have her cake and eat it too and Courage doesn't believe she is as serious as she seems at first. He gets to have you but by him having you she gets you as well? The concept goes over his head and Wisdom has to gently reexplain the concept several times before he comes to understand what's going on.

The aftermath is both of them taking things lightly while whisking you away. You can defend yourself and they often take you on their journeys together. This is an open relationship where you and Courage are officially dating while Zelda gets to keep you in her life and enjoy sweeter moments and company from you. Courage doesn't mind at all and finds himself happy to share, you're his in the end anyways. You and the princess are seen as especially close friends. Of course your willingness to defend the princess in battle is commendable and from the outside all seems calm and normal. You're just another helping hand and dating the hero. Nothing strange is seen.

. . .

I wrote more for those two than I meant to, anyways here's a flash round of how I think the others would go!

. . .

Dot would love for you to join the knights of Hyrule. This keeps you and Four by her side, while allowing the two of them more time with you. You get personal training from Four and to all outsiders you're just another personal guard who spends all their time guarding the princess, as a good knight should. Why all that time seems to be in her chambers and acting more like a pet than actual knight is rumoured but no one can confirm what’s going on as you are rarely seen. When not with Dot Four has you by his side in a chain that matches your armour. All that training doesn't seem to save you from anything as you're in more of a political bind than physical. It keeps you still more than any physical chain can after all. I’m not sure if Dot and Four would also have feelings for each other, rather I see them as close friends with a shared love interest and they never even have to go through that awkward phase of ‘we both like the same person dont we’. They both just nod at each other and understand that it’s not an issue for them.

. . .

Sky and Sun have a house for you! And if it’s not a house out in the woods it's a special room made in the castle that was renovated with a door that locks from the outside. With all the chaos going on on the surface many people soon forget about the strange room that the queen asks for, and it's only there for when you forget your role by their side. Sky, you, and Sun are a power throuple and everyone in the kingdom knows it. You help Sun rule the kingdom by making sure she takes care of herself and her and you often spar together while Sky watches. You don't join the knights because that would mean going out and doing dirty work, rather your job at the castle is more of a personal friend borderline assistant. It crosses the fine line between royal lover and pet but between the two of them always cooing over you and each other you're being so smothered in love it's hard to tell where one line ends and the other begins. Everyone knows all three of you are in a relationship and everyone is cool with it.

. . .

God Artemis and Warriors… Ok so for this one I think they would have a huge rivals aspect to it. Not in a ‘i hate you way’ rather a ‘I can make them swoon way harder than you can’. Both find it funny and it's all in good faith. You for your part are so confused about how you got these two wonderful people suddenly fighting very hard for affection but it soon gets to be very overwhelming. Openly no one can see what's going on, just more banter between the princess and the hero. I don't see them sharing you together rather one will take you for a while before the other will spirit you away. I can see you being a soldier or messenger during wartime; your position is high enough to draw attention but not so much so you're in the active line of duty. Safe enough to not worry them too much while close enough to the fight to make your presence known. This is what sparks envy in them as you aren't close to either of them but they're both keeping tabs on you. You see none of the behind the scenes but Warrior is asking everyone you've ever worked with what they know about you, what your secrets are, where you live, and he passes it all under the rug as official business and your comrades are all too happy to give you up if it's the captain asking.

Meanwhile Artemis just pulled up your records and got all the information from that. Warrior shows up in her office to brag and she's just sipping tea while calmly explaining she already knows all of that and didn't have to work for three extra weeks to find it out. Trouble ensues.

Warrior gets you when he's not on active duty, and after the war he gets to have you when he returns from his missions. Aremis dresses you up in the finest of clothes she can find and leaves you for him as a present; he deserves to come home to his precious darling after all he's been through. He returns the favour by presenting you in much the same way before he leaves to go take care of business; he also handles any of the dirty work such as removing rivals and taking care of punishments that she can't handle herself. The two share you separately and take on the responsibilities of keeping you quiet together.

. . .

Flora Can see you and how close you are with Wild. She swatches from afar as you two grow closer and she feels a little strange watching how closely you two are. Of course she agrees that you are the most precious gem in all of Hyrule and is so thankful for you; both for your huge heart in helping to restore Hyrule to what it once was and also for helping Wild. She knows she can not be there to comfort him like she wishes to be so having you there to be a shoulder to cry on is so sweet to watch. She just wishes to be there too. Her time alone leaves her with a lot of time to simmer over her feelings and she often finds herself wondering if she can make the three of you work out. She wants you by her side and wants him too, god shes so head over heels and knows that he must feel the same way. If only she was there now, please don't make her wait…

When she is rescued she reunites with Wild, and the two of them talk and are so happy. She avoids the subject of you. Rather she already knows you were safely left at his house in Hateno and wants to say hello to Wild first before making the journey there. She has to test the water and say hello to her close friend first. By the time they make it to the village it's nighttime and you are sleeping peacefully. She goes upstairs to check on you and Wild follows behind. It's not hard to tell from the look on her face to know what she is thinking about. All it takes is one look at each other and the two of them know, in the way only two destined to fall in love can know, what the other is thinking.

For this one it’s a slowish burn between Wild and Flora while they also love you. Another polycue that will only have to face more troubles as a rejuvenated Ganon is on the horizon.

. . .

Fauna and Calamity i'm on the fence over. Some people write him as hating the nobility and his involvement in the war and having a sore spot over how he was treated, and while I have to agree I think he's also a forgive but never forget type of person. Like it still hurts but he wont let that change how he acts around others. This relationship is rough but I can see it having a happy ending. With Fauna and Calamity never ending up together I can still see them reaching a conclusion and sharing you. Especially since after all is said and done Calamity is still a knight beholding to Hyrule and the Princess. Him and Fauna can work together to keep you in the castle, but this is where they start to disagree.

Fauna wants to show you off. She wants to have everyone see you hanging off of her arm so they know you're taken. This sets Calamity off because he's the type to want to hide you away from others instead. This results in a fight between him and Fauna and it isn't until she points out that it's smarter this way; as now everyone knows you're taken and they won't be able to make a move on you because of her power. You Are Safer because you've been marked as off limits. Once he hears this and really processes it he relaxes and realises that she's right. She can do things he can't and after this the two have a heart to heart. What happened during the war was the hardest time of his life and he's always been training to be the perfect soldier and now that it's over he's finally healing. He has a life now and no matter what you’re the make upon it. She agrees wholeheartedly and swears she never wants to take you from him. She wants to see him happy and won't ever cross any line without good cause and reason. They both need and want you and even if they go about it in different ways they both agree that the other's way isn't bad; in fact it blends quite well.

When the loud drum of nobles and the castle becomes too much for you Calamity and Fauna will go on a trip to a quieter part of Hyrule and work out well for all three of you! They need to get out and make sure the rest of the country is recovering well and everyone is always glad to see the hero and princess again. It means a lot to the both of them to take you out and about every so often, even if you are now stuck inbetween the biggest power couple in Hyrule that isn't even a couple.

This matchup is funny to me because I can see Fauna and Calamity healing from everything and reforging their friendship afterwards and being really close physically; being touchy and feely but both agreeing there's nothing romantic about it. You can often find Calamity passed out in the lap of the princess and he stands guard over her so happily that everyone assumes it’s them dating, and in reality they are just extremely close and it's you dating them. They love to gush about you to each other and the kingdom just accepts the princess and her knight have a thing for you, and that she's dating you both but nothing has been made official yet. They saved the kingdom, let them do whatever they want.

...

To be honest I headcanon that polyam is accepted in loz because why wouldn't it be, and also its a bit of a matriarch because its the three golden goddesses and Hylia is the patron goddess to Hyrule, and even in Lorule i'm assuming they also have goddesses? To be honest It’s a very female ruled kingdom as well because it’s Zelda’s blood that holds the power to seal the darkness and also she rules the kingdom. So needless to say no one minds Zelda doing what she wants especially when it's an era with a hero, they saved everyone for god's sake let them have some peace.

. . .

Ok so for the others we have Dusk/Twilight, Wind/Tetra, Fable/Legend, Hyrule/Dawn/Aurora, Lullaby/Time, and Koridai/(I haven't thought of a good name for her yet…) and I will get those done on a later date because this is so long as it is. I know I went hard into the Wisdom and Courage part but in my defence I just finished watching the show and I thought it was goofy and fun!

[grandsonoflightike]

Grey Three Houses/Hopes P9: The Light Maiden's Peril

Background song Announcement: The Maker’s Guardian From The Darksiders 2

Shadow Shez: You Guys Have been here before. But you were in such a rush to rescue Light Lonato that you never got more than a glimpse of Light Arianrhod. Can't really appreciate the scale that quick. And now you're back to bail it out.

Shadow Edelgard: If only Light Claude hadn't hatched his futile scheme... We could've avoided all these needless battles and saved countless lives.

Shadow Hubert: Yet in a more positive light, he handed us the perfect opportunity to show that not even the Light Alliance and Light Kingdom together can match the Shadow Empire's strength. Once we crush the army of Light Faerghus, our superiority will be clear for all to see.

Shadow Monica: And will that actually result in fewer casualties going forward? Because that is what would put Her Shadow Majesty's heart at ease.

Shadow Hubert: I will make no guarantees for matters beyond our control. So long as fanatics are willing to die for the Grey Central Church, casualties are inevitable.

Shadow Monica: Ah...

Shadow Caspar: We broke the Light Alliance's siege, and we can break the Light Kingdom's, too!

Shadow Dorothea: We're lucky it's a stronghold like Light Arianrhod that's under siege. It shouldn't be half the nail-biter we had to deal with last time.

Shadow Linhardt: Yes, but last time, Count Shadow Bergliez was in command. For all we know, Count Light Rowe will break like a twig and surrender the moment he hears the first soldier crest the hill.

Shadow Ferdinand: As I see it, we have two options. We can take a direct path for Light Arianrhod, or we can wait until we scatter the Light Kingdom troops that are fanned out in the north. It is a most vexing decision.

Shadow Bernadetta: As a professional at staying holed up, I think we should secure the perimeter first and get rid of as much danger as we possibly can.

Shadow Petra: Time is important. We should be striking fast and hard.

Shadow Shez: War doesn't wait—we should free the city while we still have the chance.

Shadow Edelgard: Let's keep both options open and see how the situation unfolds. General Shadow Randolph!

Shadow Randolph: Yes, Your Majesty?

Shadow Edelgard: I commend you for holding Light Arianrhod with what few soldiers you had.

Shadow Randolph: Thank you, Your Shadow Majesty, but I am unworthy of such praise when I failed to prevent the siege. Coordination with Count Light Rowe proved difficult. It was all I could do merely to keep the enemy in check.

Shadow Hubert: That alone is commendable—a more foolish man would've rushed to glory and gotten himself and his underlings killed in the process.

Shadow Edelgard: I have a key role for you in the coming rescue, Shadow General. I know you are up to the task.

Shadow Randolph: Of course, Your Shadow Majesty.

Shadow Fleche: My brother and I will give our all!

Shadow Edelgard: Very good. But do not let your eagerness for victory come at the cost of lives. We have many more battles ahead, and must conduct ourselves accordingly.

*In The Command Tent*

Shadow Shez: Hey there, Shadow Edelgard.

Shadow Edelgard: Leafing through documents, are we? This is new.

Shadow Shez: Yeah, completely out of character, I know. But one of these reports has been stuck in my mind. Back when Count Light Rowe declared fealty to the Empire, other lords committed to doing the same, right? But the moment we left and the Light Kingdom army marched south, they fell right back in line. It's like they never betrayed Light Faerghus in the first place.

Shadow Edelgard: Good memory. That's exactly what happened. Houses LIght Elidure and Light Duval both made overtures to join the Empire.

Shadow Shez: So why is the Kingdom welcoming them back without so much as a wrist slap? Is this another House Light Gloucester thing where the politics demand it? Seems like their importance as noble families outstrips the fact that they're all two-faced liars.

Shadow Edelgard: Politics are doubtless involved, but the heads of houses can change, as they did with Light Gloucester. We're not bound to place importance on any one individual—only the bloodline.

Shadow Shez: So the Kingdom's aristocracy gets the same free pass as the Alliance's?

Shadow Edelgard: Yes, and the Empire's as well, even though I do my best to treat everyone equally. I cannot afford to slight a minister's house, for example. They broke fealty to the former prime minister when they swore it to me. Would you call that treachery? What makes it different from the actions of Count Gloucester?

Shadow Shez: I dunno, you tell me.

Shadow Edelgard: It depends on what motivated the change of heart. Was it for land? For status? To exact revenge or seize glory? Because I view a betrayal for any of those reasons to be utterly worthless.

Shadow Shez: Yeah, money and vengeance are pretty shallow motives. Though, that's why I'm here.

Shadow Edelgard: I'm not talking about mercenaries. I'm talking about lords. Each of their decisions has the ability to upend the lives of thousands, if not more. Only a person with the character to realize that is truly fit to lead.

Shadow Shez: I've worked for plenty of nobles in my time. And till now I couldn't have cared less what it means to actually be one. But then you gave me responsibility over all of these soldiers, and it... Well, I guess I'm starting to see the world in a different way—and the people who live in it, too.

Shadow Edelgard: I see...

Shadow Shez: I admit your grand designs sail clear over my head sometimes—most of the time, actually. But that's why I stand by you. I feel like one of these days, something important's gonna rub off on me.

Shadow Edelgard: And I feel the same. You've opened my eyes to all manner of things I might never have seen otherwise. You are a commoner without the fetters of a family name, wielding your sword directly for me. That's more valuable than you may realize.

*In The Camp at Former Arundel Territory Shadow Shez starts by talking to Shadow Edelgard.*

Shadow Edelgard: I confess, I'm more than a little relieved that things have finally settled down in Light Riegan. And that's to say nothing of my relief that we didn't lose Count Shadow Bergliez in the bargain. However, it looks like we'll need to keep a careful association with Light Claude moving forward.

Shadow Shez: Even the strongest man in the Shadow Empire ends up on the back foot from time to time. I'm just glad he made it out in one piece.

Shadow Edelgard: Agreed—although it was an interesting experience to see that even the great Count Shadow Bergliez is a Brander.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Shadow Hubert.*

Shadow Hubert: It appears the king of Light Faerghus himself has come to recapture Light Arianrhod. The outcome of this battle will likely contribute heavily to the balance of power between Shadow Adrestia and Light Faerghus. I look forward to great success on your part. But I also trust you to look after Her Shadow Majesty. This is the Light Kingdom we face, and there will be no end of rogues who seek to claim her life.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Light Ferdinand.*

Shadow Ferdinand: I thought Count Light Rowe might turn back to the Kingdom more readily, but instead he mounts a stout defense from the castle. Perhaps he possesses some backbone after all.

Shadow Shez: Yeah, I dunno. Seems just as likely Light Rowe wants to flip sides and someone is counseling him otherwise.

Shadow Ferdinand: An interesting thought—and perhaps a prescient one, considering Lord Light Lonato is presently in Light Arianrhod. I confess shame at my own ignorance for not having thought of such a possibility myself.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks to Shadow Linhardt.*

Shadow Linhardt: Do you know what the Light Kingdom and Light Alliance possess which the Shadow Empire does not? Perhaps my question is overly broad, so let me just get to the point—I refer to the Heroes' Relics.

Shadow Shez: Get ready to get schooled! Relics are weapons handed down to nobles of the Light Kingdom and Light Alliance who descend from the heroes known as the Ten Elites.

Shadow Linhardt: Er, yes, actually. I am surprised you possess such a...detailed knowledge of the matter. In any event, Relics are such powerful weapons that it is said a single one of them equals the might of one thousand ordinary soldiers. Such is what it means to face off against the Light Kingdom and the several Relics in their possession.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Shadow Caspar.*

Shadow Caspar: For a long time, all I cared about was being just like my father in every way, and then surpassing him. But now I know that's not enough. I mean, there have to be people even stronger than him, right?

Shadow Shez: Yeaaah, that seems unlikely. And even if there are, I bet you can count them on one hand.

Shadow Caspar: Hmm... Maybe you're right. Still, if Light Holst decided to fight my father, I wonder who would win?

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Shadow Bernadetta.*

Shadow Bernadetta: Light Arianrhod, huh? Sure wish I had an invincible fortress I could lock myself away in forever! Still, I know that there's no such thing as something being truly "invincible." I mean, even Count Shadow Bergliez loses on occasion, right? Which means it's only a matter of time for Light Arianrhod.

*Shadow Shez then Talks to Shadow Dorothea who is talking to Shadow Byleth.*

Shadow Dorothea: We ended up facing off against Grey Jeralt's Mercenaries again in Light Riegan. It's almost like there's some fateful connection between us and them.

Shadow Byleth: Yeah but My Father Was on 4th side in this war that intends on wiping out those Who Shadow Slither in The Dark.  Before They were working with my Sister. Then in alliance territory they took territory of their own and are led by Light Timmy and Light Annette who supposed to be in the Light Kingdom at the time.

Shadow Shez: I actually fought them a while ago and lost. Badly.

Shadow Byleth: Ah right, Your former mercenary band.   Light Timmy joined us after that but it was weird that encounter.

Shadow Shez: Weird how?

Shadow Byleth: The contract was to take you guys out except for you so that you would be there to protect someone from another group who is actually the group that hired you.

Shadow Shez: Do you got proof?

Shadow Byleth: My Father is the one who keeps all that paperwork. Anyway we became strong just because we were hired for many difficult tasks.

Shadow Dorothea: Which means Your group has always been strong but now the group is it’s own side and there are 2 members on other sides. That makes it all the more curious.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Shadow Petra.*

Shadow Petra: I grow stronger through battle. Combat experience really is being the greatest of teachers. Hunting beasts and hunting people are different things, after all.

Shadow Shez: Fighting and hunting are different, huh? How so?

Shadow Petra: Beasts are determining enemy strength and choosing whether to fight or run. But many people are not able to do this, which leads to battles of much pointlessness.

*Shadow Shez Then does a Support Conversation with Shadow Monica.*

Shadow Shez: Shadow Monica? Why are you just standing there?

Shadow Monica: I was waiting for you. You were speaking with Her Shadow Majesty, yes?

Shadow Shez: Yep, just going over some strategy. Why, did you need me for something?

Shadow Monica: No, not exactly. So...what did Her Shadow Majesty say?

Shadow Shez: Well, she wanted to get my opinion on how best to utilize our mercenaries, since they all use different weapons. We're gonna be fighting some upcoming battles on terrain that'll make it harder to use lances, so we were trying to figure out how to deal with that.

Shadow Monica: And you didn't speak of anything else?

Shadow Shez: Well yeah, but it probably wouldn't interest you. Mercenary stuff, y'know.

Shadow Monica: That's not quite what I meant. There was cake for everyone, was there not? And I'm pretty certain there were fresh flowers throughout the room. Did you not see them?

Shadow Shez: Oh yeah, that cake was great. Did you want a piece? Flowers, though... Hmm. I think maybe there were some little white ones?

Shadow Monica: Urgh! I have no interest in your opinion. I want to know what Her Majesty thought of them.

Shadow Shez: Oh, I don't know. She probably said something nice, but I wasn't really paying attention.

Shadow Monica: You weren't... Never mind. I suppose I will have to ask her myself. I just want to know what Her Majesty genuinely thought.

Shadow Monica: You were summoned by Her Shadow Majesty and granted the honor of giving her counsel. Then, she graciously offered you cake... And you didn't even have the decency to watch her eat it? Honestly, what is wrong with you?

Shadow Shez: Sorry if I let you down somehow. I don't think I really get what the big deal is, though. Want me to go ask her right now?

Shadow Monica: No, please don't. If Her Majesty learns I was prying about such things... I do not want to bother her with these trivialities. Forget I said anything.

Shadow Shez: I see what's going on here. The cake and flowers were your doing, weren't they? That's why you were asking me about how Edelgard reacted.

Shadow Monica: Yes, OK! Just please, not another word of this.

Shadow Shez: All right, I get it. Well, not really, but...

Shadow Monica: I beg you, forget this ever happened! The situation is far more complicated than you realize!

*Shadow Shez Then Talks to Shadow Monica Normally.*

Shadow Monica: Even when tinged with sadness, her face remains as splendid as always. Still, I wish I could do something that might bring her joy... If only I was smarter! Or stronger! Or both! Well, I'll just do the best I can with what I've got, and I'm hoping you'll do the same.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Light Ashe.*

Light Ashe: Light Lonato and his forces lead the vanguard to Light Arianrhod. He'll be quite familiar with Light Arianrhod, seeing as it is House Light Rowe's residence. Light Lonato is very important to me, as is everyone else in the Kingdom army. And I don't want to whine—I really don't--but I also don't want to fight them.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Light Lorenz.*

Light Lorenz: I find myself relieved that the battle with the Light Alliance has come to an end. Though I swore fealty to the Shadow Empire, it is no pleasant affair to be thrown into war against former comrades. I would rest far more easy if the Light Alliance and Shadow Empire were to be united.

Shadow Shez: Hey, you never know, right?

Light Lorenz: Yes, I am certain that if their interests were to align, they would not hesitate to come together.

*Shadow Shez Talks To Light Raphael and Light Ignatz.*

Light Raphael: Light Ignatz! We're fighting on the same side! I'm more excited about this than a ham feast!

Light Ignatz: I'm excited too, Light Raphael. But hey, how are Lighy Maya and your grandfather doing?

Light Raphael: Great as usual! That's why I'm fighting—so they can keep on living a good and happy life.

Light Ignatz: In that case, let's fight as hard as we can so we never have to be on opposite sides again.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks to Light Lysithea.*

Light Lysithea: I capitulated to the Shadow Empire, which might actually give my light father greater peace of mind. You see, House Light Ordelia has for some time declared their inclinations to swear allegiance to the Shadow Empire. But in my light father's heart of hearts, I know he wanted to join with the other lords of the Light Alliance and fight against the Shadow Empire. We once faced cruel treatment at the Shadow Empire's hands, so I was fighting in his place.

Shadow Shez: You don't seem to like the Shadow Empire much. Are you really going to obey them going foward?

Light Lysithea: I've made my decision. Additionally... I'm rather curious about Shadow Edelgard, so... Ah, no. Please forget that last part.

Shadow Shez: Yeah she seems to have a lot of admirers.  One you might not know is Shadow Byleth.  They are on their B Support Already.

Light Lysithea: Interesting she is like that with The Shadow Brother Of The Ashen Demon.

*Then Shadow Shez Talks To Light Marianne.*

Light Marianne: *praying* Oh, Goddess... *looks up at Shadow Shez* Ah, excuse me. Do you need something?

Shadow Shez: Your family are lords of the Lighy Alliance, aren't they? I feel like it would be hard to fight your kin.

Light Marianne: Actually, my adoptive light father would have expected me to join the Shadow Imperial army. And while I don't know his plans moving forward, I suspect he will not want to fight.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Grey Balthus.*

Grey Balthus: Never in all my life {had I} thought I'd run into somebody who could take out Light Holst. I dunno about that Shadow Bergliez guy. He and Light Holst are so blasted strong they don't even seem branders. But Shadow Bergliez has a Crest, whereas Light Holst doesn't. So if it comes out a draw, that's basically a win for Light Holst, yeah? Either way, I sure don't wanna tussle with either of 'em.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks to Grey Constance.*

Grey Constance: Have you heard the rumors? I hear there's someone else in our ranks who wishes to see their house restored!

Shadow Shez: You mean Shadow Randolph? He's not trying to restore a house so much as establish a new one. I think it's a little different from your situation.

Grey Constance: Yes, perhaps it is... But whatever the man's aims, I swear I shall be the first to see my noble house rise!

*Shadow Shez Then Talks to Grey Hapi.*

Grey Hapi: Going back and forth in the mountains reminds me of my hometown. Haven't seen anyone there in a looong time, but I think I'd like to head back someday. It's in the middle of some great mountains. No, wait. Some great forest? Eh, it'll come to me eventually.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Shadow Manuela.*

Shadow Manuela: We have more troops than ever now. It just goes to show how important this battle is—but on the other side of that coin, it will doubtless lead to ever greater losses.

Shadow Shez: Yeah, you're right—but with people like you around, maybe we'll be able to reduce that number a little.

Shadow Manuela: I'm just sad about all those we won't be able to save.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Shadow Jeritza.*

Shadow Jeritza: I don't care about Faerghus personally...but I do have family there. I heard they are fighting for the Kingdom. On the battlefield, they are our enemy.

Shadow Shez: Never would've thought I'd hear about family from you. You talking siblings or what?

Shadow Jeritza: My mother and sister. They are all I have. The lives of enemies and allies mean nothing to me. But I could not bear to lose her.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Shadow Randolph.*

Shadow Randolph: I felt my recent performance to be lacking. Nonetheless, Her Shadow Majesty honored me with praise, and now my heart is full. Perhaps if I continue to accrue meritorious deeds to my name, I will be permitted to establish a house. For my family, I will do whatever it takes.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks to Shadow Fleche.*

Shadow Fleche: I'm so glad Her Majesty praised Shadow Randolph's efforts. And it seems like he received a reward, too! My brother works incredibly hard for our sakes, and I want to help however I can. Hold on, Shadow Randolph! I'll help you—I swear it!

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Grey Gatekeeper.*

Grey Gatekeeper: Greetings, Shadow Commander! Nothing to report! The gates of Light Arianrhod seem every bit as gigantic and sturdy as those in the capitals. Oh, how I would love to stand watch there! Not that I'm not proud of the tiny gate we have here! Wait, did I just call it tiny? Forget I said anything!

*Shadow Shez Then Talks to Grey Anna.*

Grey Anna: The Light Alliance and the Light Kingdom sure are keeping you folks busy! As for me, I'm a merchant, so I'm always traveling this way and that. It's through those amazing efforts that I maintain my store's astonishing lineup!

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Shadow Arval.*

Shadow Arval: What's the matter? Having second thoughts? Don't worry about it. You're a Brander, after all. A little wavering is only natural. Trust in me. I will guide you to the right answer.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks to The Grey Mercenary between the Common Area and the Chapel.*

Grey Mercenary: Seems like we've got more mercs on ours side lately. Can we really trust 'em? Wouldn't be surprising if they had a couple of spies mixed in among 'em. Better keep the important information close to the vest. No need to tell the mercs everything, after all! Those people would turn in their own grandmother for a couple of coins if it came down to it.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks to Baron Light Martyn.*

Baron Light Martyn: I am Baron Martyn, and my territory is located southeast of here. Not that I expect you to know that, of course. I fear we're something of a minor house. Nonetheless, I will help you capture Light Arianrhod.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks to The Light Village Chief.*

Light Village Chief: Despite the difference in hair color, Her Shadow Majesty looks very much like her mother, Shadow Anselma. What, me? Oh, I'm just the head of a nearby village who's come to greet the emperor. Her Shadow Majesty's mother Shadow Anselma was born right here in former Light Arundel territory! She would often come to visit our village. Though it was a great many years ago, I still remember her as a most wonderful person.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To The Shadow Imperial Soldier in the Central Plaza.*

Shadow Imperial Soldier: The army attacking Light Arianrhod is evidently being led by King Light Dimitri himself. Pretty scary to be fighting a guy who killed his own uncle on his path to the throne, huh? Even those who simply sided with his uncle were named as perpetrators of the Tragedy of Light Duscur and punished accordingly.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks to Shadow Imperial General near the Central Plaza.*

Shadow Imperial General: Light Arianrhod, known also as the Light Silver Maiden, originally belonged to the Shadow Empire. Sadly, the Count Light Rowe of the time betrayed the Shadow Empire and drove a wedge into their defenses. But now it belongs to the Shadow Empire once more, and we will never again let it fall into enemy hands!

*Shadow Shez Then Talks to a Light Rowe Militia.*

Light Rowe Militia: I don't much think about the lord himself, but those Light Gaspard folks are an impressive lot. Most love Lord Light Lonato like a father, and are even willing to lay down their lives for him. Maybe he's more praiseworthy than I realized.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks to The Shadow Imperial Soldier near the Training Grounds.*

Shadow Imperial Soldier: This was once Arundel territory, but the regent's rebellion saw the house ended. After that, it came under control of House Hresvelg, and the Minister of the Imperial Household began coming and going often. Talk arose that it would be granted to House Shadow Vestra, but for now it remains under Shadow Hresvelg influence.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Light Alliance Soldier.*

Light Alliance Soldier: Hey there! Remember me? I guess you don't. I was in the same year as you, in the Golden Deer House. A few houses of the Alliance are following the Empire now, including the one that I work for.

*Shadow Shez Then Talks To Shadow Imperial General behind the Command Center.*

Shadow Imperial General: I've looked up to the knights of the Light Kingdom since I was a small girl. But now that the time has come to cross spears with them, I find myself increasingly nervous. I pray I fight in a way that does no shame to my opponents.

*Inside the Castle Interior of Arianrhod, the Fortress City.*

Count Light Rowe: Can you believe this, Light Gwendal? We've waited what feels like decades, and still no Shadow Imperial army! What is the emperor thinking? She promised to protect us!

Light Gwendal: Calm yourself, my lord. They will come. We've received reports of a large army forming to the south of Light Arianrhod. They will scatter this siege to the wind. I have no doubt of that.

Count Light Rowe: They had better. It's her promises that swayed me into betraying the Light Kingdom in the first place. I didn't do this just so my lands could be leveled by the king of Light Faerghus's fiery wrath.

Light Gwendal: The Silver Maiden will keep us safe. She yields to no invader.

Count Light Rowe: Viscount Light Elidure and Count Light Duval have both sent messages imploring me to surrender for the sake of my people... Yes, perhaps it's not too late. I can lure the Shadow Imperial army in and kill them, then beg the Light king for mercy!

Light Lonato: My light lord!

Count Light Rowe: Light Lonato, you fool! Your rashness is to blame for all of this!

Light Lonato: This is no time to go soft, my lord. Turning our coats a second time would be abominable. One betrayal can be explained away with the right sort of excuse, but a second? A second paints the lot of us as feckless curs.

Count Light Rowe: Ugh! Then what would you have me do? Light Gwendal, you tell me!

Light Gwendal: Command it, my lord, and I will gladly go to my grave. You, however, must not. Yet unless you have fought life and limb for your people, you cannot surrender with honor intact. Anything less would earn you the people's scorn, just as it did your ancestors.

Count Light Rowe: Hah... Haha! Yes, of course! It certainly would not do to forget that Light Rowe blood is stained with treachery! Well, so be it. A weather vane must go with the wind, and a born traitor must finish the sedition he started.

Light Lonato: Wise words, my lord. Your people will thank you for this course of action.

*At Imperial Camp…*

Shadow Monica: This isn't good. It seems the fortress gates have been partially breached. The Light Kingdom's soldiers are pouring into Light Arianrhod.

Shadow Edelgard: Does that make us right on time or a bit too late? Light Dimitri is no ordinary king if he managed to pry a citadel like this apart. I assume our soldiers stand ready?

Shadow Shez: We go on your command.

Shadow Hubert: If we dally too long, some of our officers and troops are likely to surrender to the enemy. That includes Count Light Rowe, who has a most notorious sense of self-preservation.

Shadow Shez: Yeah, him and every other noble...

Shadow Ferdinand: Come now, that is simply not true. Why, take me, for example! I am the perfect embodiment of what every noble should aspire to be!

Shadow Edelgard: You can tell us all about it later, Shadow Ferdinand. Everyone, move out!

*At the start of battle*

Light Dimitri: Courage, everyone! Light Arianrhod is nearly ours! Keep pressing until we claim the main hall!

Light Gwendal: The king's army is true to its reputation. Even I can only stall for so much time.

Shadow Edelgard: They're closing in on the main hall. We must help them, and quickly! We must reach the main hall before Count Light Rowe is put in peril!

Shadow Hubert: Count Light Rowe values his life above all else. If they get a blade to his throat, the man will betray us in a heartbeat.

*The camera pans to Light Arianrhod's main gates.*

Shadow Hubert: The main gates are closed. We could circle around from the left or right, but...

*The camera pans to some spike traps.*

Shadow Edelgard: But the ground along those routes is filled with traps. We'll have to do this the smart way and use the gates.

Shadow Hubert: The devices on the walls to the east and west will allow us to open the main gate. We'll never get anywhere with that device until we deal with the soldiers around it.

*When one main gate control is activated*

Shadow Caspar: This place is a serious pain. Why can't the route to the main hall just be in a straight line?

*When Shadow Bernadetta and Shadow Caspar step on a spike trap*

Shadow Bernadetta: Eep! Spikes just came out of the ground! Everyone, stay away from the pointy bits!

*When both main gate controls are activated*

Shadow Ferdinand: The main gates are open. What now?

Shadow Randolph: I'll hold the area around the gates, Your Shadow Majesty! You keep going!

Shadow Fleche: We can do this, Shadow Randolph. None will get past us!

*The camera pans to the central gates.*

Shadow Hubert: The enemy controls the central gates, as well? How aggravating. This is clearly going to be a multi-step process. First, we must use devices within the fortress to gain access to the walls, where we will find the devices that will open the central gates.

Shadow Monica: So you're saying we should start by using the two devices in front of the central gates.

Shadow Caspar: Ugh, why does this have to be so complicated?

Shadow Linhardt: Maybe they call her the Light Silver Maiden because our hair will be gray by the time we finish this.

*When Shadow Bernadetta and Shadow Caspar approaches Mercedes*

Light Mercedes: I take no joy in battling old friends, but I have a duty, and will see it through.

Shadow Jeritza: Don't make me kill you, Light Mercedes.

*When Light Ashe and Shadow Petra approach Light Mercedes*

Light Mercedes: So you've become an Shadow Imperial officer? What a cruel twist fate throws at me this day.

Light Ashe: I don't want to fight you, either, Light Mercedes! But...that's just how it has to be.

*When Shadow Jeritza approaches Light Mercedes*

Light Mercedes: I thought it might be you, Shadow Emile. This is...admittedly not the reunion I was hoping for.

*When Light Mercedes' HP reach <= 50%*

Light Mercedes: I must keep everyone safe...

*When Light Mercedes is defeated*

Light Jeritza: Please, Mercedes. No more.

Light Mercedes: I never could bear to see you cry—not then, and not now. Oh, very well.

Light Ferdinand: Time slips away from us. Move faster!

Light Hubert: Shall we call on Light Casatle Gaspard's militia? They've been posing as civilians, and should be near the main hall now.

*When "Light Gaspard Reinforcements" is activated*

Light Lonato: Then I welcome you. We will claim victory!

Shadow Edelgard: That should buy the main hall some time.

*When one of the rampart controls is activated*

Shadow Dorothea: I'll take levers and switches over more soldiers any day of the week.

*When both rampart controls are activated*

Shadow Ferdinand: There. Now we can reach the devices that will open the central gates.

Shadow Edelgard: We must move on those gates! Time is our enemy!

Shadow Monica: The devices we're looking for are up on the walls to the east and west.

Light Kingdom General: In the name of the light king, the Empire must be destroyed! All troops, advance!

Shadow Randolph: Reinforcements have arrived!

Shadow Fleche: Then we'll stop them! They can't be allowed to interfered with the rescue!

Shadow Edelgard: I'm counting on you, Shadow Randolph! Defend those gates with your life!

*When one of the central gate controls is activated*

Shadow Petra: One is down. One is to go!

*When both central gate controls are activated*

Shadow Hubert: Finally. Now to breach the central gates.

Light Dedue: You will go no further.

Shadow Monica: If Light Dedue is here, that means Light Dimitri is, too!

*When Shadow Shez and Shadow Monica approaches Light Dedue*

Light Dedue: Take your best shot.

*When Light Ashe And Shadow Petra approach Light Dedue*

Light Ashe: Light Dedue, I...

Light Dedue: Are you with us or not? If the latter, then face me with all the courage you have.

*When Dedue's HP reach <= 50%*

Light Dedue: You won't get past me!

*When Light Dedue is defeated*

Light Dedue: Forgive me...Your Majesty...

Shadow Edelgard: That takes care of their gatekeeper. We're nearly to the main hall now!

Shadow Ferdinand: We must pass over those traps if we are to reach the main hall as swiftly as possible. Can they be disarmed?

Shadow Monica: I think there are more devices we can disable at the far ends of the east and west walls!

Shadow Edelgard: Well, we avoided the worst outcome. That's a start.

Light Dimitri: It seems victory is yours, Lord Light Gwendal.

Count Light Rowe: The Empire holds the advantage... Attention all troops! We stand with Lady Shadow Edelgard! Put the Light King's forces to rout!

*When Shadow Berdanetta and Shadow Caspar approach Light Dimitri*

Light Dimitri: You've left me no choice. Every last one of you shall meet your end here.

Light Gwendal: So the blood of the Light King of Lions wants to challenge me, eh? I might actually enjoy this.

*If "Hidden Staircases" was prepared*

Shadow Hubert: If we want to slow the enemy, we must put as many troops by the main hall as we can.

Shadow Monica: Hey, weren't there hidden stairs that lead from the east and west walls down to the fortress grounds?

*When "Hidden Staircases" is activated*

Shadow Ferdinand: Now we can send troops in from the walls. Time to make the Light Kingdom sweat!

*When Shadow Shez And Shadow Monica reach either the Light Northwestern Ramparts*

Shadow Hubert: It seems we may be able to disarm the traps within the light fortress.

Shadow Monica: I saw another device like this on the other side of the wall. Let's disable it!

*When one of the trap controls is activated*

Shadow Bernadetta: We'd be out of our minds to walk through a bunch of traps! Let's disable them already!

*When both trap controls are activated*

Shadow Edelgard: Now we can advance safely.

*When Shadow Shez and Shadow Monica approaches Light Dimitri*

Light Dimitri: You must've kept busy to make such strides in two short years.

Shadow Shez: I could say the same for you. Now let's get it over with.

*When Shadow Edelgard and Shadow Byleth approach Light Dimitri*

Light Dimitri: Come to offer me your head, Shadow Edelgard? How careless of you.

Shadow Edelgard: I could say the same of you. Surely the responsibility you bear is no less than mine.

*When Light Ashe and Shadow Petra approach Light Dimitri*

Light Dimitri: Few knights are truer than you, Light Ashe. I bade you to keep living, and you have.

Light Ashe: Your Light Majesty... I prayed this day would never come.

*When Light Ashe approaches Light Lonato*

Light Lonato: Light Ashe, you came for me... Can you ever forgive your wretch of a light father?

Light Ashe: What's to forgive? You're safe, and that's all that matters.

*When only two enemy strongholds remain*

Shadow Edelgard: We finally have the advantage. Let's work on securing the rest of the fortress.

*When all of the strongholds have been seized*

Shadow Hubert: Light Arianrhod has nearly been brought to heel.

*When Light Dimitri's HP reach <= 50%*

Light Dimitri: Light Arianrhod is the linchpin of the west. If we don't retake it... No! We must retake it!

*When Light Dimitri is defeated*

Light Dimitri: We are at a breaking point. All forces, fall back!

Light Dedue: Move, Your Light Majesty! I will guard your escape!

Light Ingrid: That will not be necessary, Light Dedue. Stay with our light king and live on.

Light Dimitri: Swear that you will return to us, Light Ingrid. I could not bear to lose you.

Light Ingrid: Bring victory to Light Faerghus, Your Light Majesty. *to the Shadow Imperial army* So long as I stand, you will not threaten the future of Light Faerghus, nor cause any of my friends and allies harm!

*When Light Ashe approaches Light Ingrid*

Light Ingrid: It seems all the dreams and ideals you regaled me with aren't worth the dust under your feet.

Light Ashe: I'm sorry, Light Ingrid. But I can't turn back now.

*When Ingrid's HP reach <= 50%*

Light Ingrid: I have been weak... I have been unready... But I can still atone by giving the two of them a chance to escape!

*When Light Ingrid's HP reach <= 25%*

Light Ingrid's Pegasus Knight: Please, young light mistress! Surrender! Your life hangs by a thread!

Light Ingrid: I know what's at stake. If I am struck down, deliver this magic lance to His Light Majesty.

*When Light Ingrid is defeated by Shadow Edelgard*

Light Ingrid: Is the light king...safe? Good. Then I've done what I set out to do...

Shadow Monica: *sad* She laid down her life to protect Light Dimitri, and proved loyal to the very end.

Shadow Edelgard: *to her generals* Because of you, we have defended Light Arianrhod and many of the Shadow Empire's loyal vassals. I thank you for your valor.

*Outside Arianrhod*

Light Dimitri: Ngh...

Light Dedue: We must hurry, Your Majesty. The others have already withdrawn.

Light Dimitri: I know... I know. Forgive me, Light Ingrid. It saddens me beyond measure to leave you here.

Light Dedue: The blame is mine, Your Light Majesty. I should've taken guard of the rear.

Light Dimitri: Then I would only be mourning your death instead. The decision was mine, as is the failure. Every death this day rests on my shoulders.

Light Dedue: Your Light Majesty, please.

Light Dimitri: She deserved so much happiness. Even after losing her betrothed, she faced life with strength and vigor, only to face the agony of death once more. It should have been me who died. How can I ever atone to Count Light Galatea? To Light Glenn?

Light Dedue: Please don't torment yourself. Light Ingrid chose to be there. And she did so for you. Do not take that from her.

Light Dimitri: ... *looks at Light Lúin* In the name of this magic lance, I swear I will defend Light Faerghus. So rest now. I will return for you when you are avenged.

*In The Main Hall of Arianrhod, the Fortress City*

Shadow Edelgard: By your valiant efforts, Light Arianrhod has held strong. I thank you one and all.

Shadow Caspar: Eh, I hardly broke a sweat. Those Light Kingdom soldiers were nothing!

Shadow Bernadetta: Wait, if they were nothing, then why was I having so much trouble?

Shadow Dorothea: I can't believe we had to kill Light Ingrid...

Shadow Ferdinand: She was a most formidable commander, Shadow Dorothea. We had no choice if we hoped to claim victory.

Shadow Dorothea: I know that. You think I don't know that?

Shadow Edelgard: Right now, we need to discuss our next move. I'm sending the main body of our army back to Shadow Enbarr. They'll remain in the capital until they recuperate from this latest string of battles, and until we've had time to retool our strategy.

Shadow Hubert: We hold Light Arianrhod and the Grey Western Church in the west, the Great Bridge of Myrddin to the east, and Grey Garreg Mach between them. We'll treat all three as key positions and endeavor to hold our lines there. After we regroup, we'll determine a proper time to resume our advance.

Shadow Edelgard: It vexes me to say this, but I have been shortsighted. We are nowhere near achieving our goals in the Light Alliance or the Light Kingdom. My command has been riddled with errors, and for that, I apologize.

Shadow Ferdinand: Oh? And where exactly is all of this coming from? You usually exude confidence. From where I stand, we have come a great distance with minimal casualties. If time has been lost, we should be easily able to make up for it.

Shadow Monica: I'm personally happy I had the chance to see Her Shadow Majesty's vulnerable side, even if just this once...

Shadow Linhardt: Ah, reassuring her with predictable responses, are we? Well, sorry—for once I'm not sleepy at all.

Shadow Dorothea: Nice try. That response still registers way up there on the Lin scale.

Shadow Petra: I will be using the extra time to make improvements so I can offer more usefulness in future battles.

Shadow Edelgard: I'm lucky to be surrounded by such consistent friends.

Shadow Shez: How about me? Do I count as consistent?

Shadow Edelgard: I can always count on you to be you—and you may take that any way you like.

*The group starts toward Shadow Enbarr.*

Shadow Shez: So, we're finally going back to the capital. Feels like it's been ages. Couldn't come at a better time, either. My bones could use the rest after all the battles we've been through.

Shadow Arval: I wholeheartedly agree. The respite will help us prepare to face the Grey Ashen Demon & Light Timmy.

Shadow Shez: Uh, yeah. About that. I've been giving it some thought...and I don't think we need to obsess over that anymore?

Shadow Arval: But what about Captain Light Berling and your old allies? The ones who were brutally slaughtered, remember? You said avenging them was your dream. And think about how much hardship the Grey Ashen Demon has put you through since you joined the Empire!

Shadow Shez: Don't get me wrong.  I won't Recruit Grey Bileth.  She Seemed to pick a side.—I'd still love to prove I'm the better fighter. But imagine if we got someone like that on our side. We'd be unstoppable. It's time for me to put my wants aside and put an end to this war—for my friends. Unless you think that's a mistake? Also Light Timmy Left Employment For Our Enemy And Has Fought all 3 Sides.

Shadow Arval: ...

Shadow Shez: Light Timmy's mercenaries have fought for both the Light Kingdom and the Light Alliance. They have a different cause, and they don't care who comes out on top except if It is Those Who Shadow Slither In The Dark —it's all about who can toss them the most coin. And now that the dust has settled a bit, we've got a chance to lure them over ourselves.

Shadow Arval: And here I thought you were intelligent. Think about it. Their allegiances have changed, yes, but no matter their client, they've always been fighting the Shadow Empire. Why would they join us now? For that matter, what makes you think our soldiers would want to fight alongside a person who's murdered hundreds of their comrades?

Shadow Shez: As if nobody's ever flipped sides before. Come on. We've got plenty of ex-Light Kingdom and Light Alliance troops with us now, and they've made it just fine.

Shadow Arval: Yes, but unlike Light Timmy And the Grey Ashen Demon, they're not single-handedly responsible for so much killing.

Shadow Shez: Hey, Shadow Arval.

Shadow Arval: Yes?

Shadow Shez: Why's it so important to you that Light Timmy and Grey Bileth both die?

Shadow Arval: Because I care about you, of course! I mean...I think that's the reason.

Shadow Shez: Shadow Arval. Out with it.

Shadow Arval: I suppose it just feels like our destiny. Like it's something we're meant to do.

[the-firebird69]

Still a lot of things happening but shortly I'm going in for the lawsuits and they're going to lose I know you have no light to stand on and no argument and they don't back anything up and they're going to seize the land and it's a lot of land we have arguments that we have claimed to a bunch of land and we are going in there and using it it's a lot of land for more land and you want to know about and we are using what we can and we will of course get a share but this is a very rough place and they don't have any Mercy for people who are stuck here with nothing and we have to come in here now we have construction projects too and you're huge and they're going to start up today this morning already have around 7:00 a.m. and you're going to see trucks everywhere this place is going to be hopping okay well it hasn't started yet he said it was going to start today everybody was in an uproar and they all checked and they all feel better and you're not really bashful about going to court they should be so these people are very rude you can see him just staring and that's what they do day after day to our son and he's a stairs back and says I have you on camera and they have you on camera and they are probably more charges and we're going to take more stuff and more land and you're a whim because you are willing to give it up to be a little 5 year old child that's what it really is and we are taking tons of stuff from him right now too and land and the island is going to fall and we're going to have most of it and access to everything and they say so what they're going to Saturn and what we say is go ahead try you can't even seem to get out of your own way and you have nothing they are a joke you're admitting it probably because the guy next to you but boy you at space shot and a freaking loser and so much stuff is lost because of you wow but we're going to come in there and do construction projects today and we already are it's not that many it's only three we've been working on them anyways and there's a lot of people who think that it's only us it's not really true but we are here working on projects and they're going well and it's a decent time but we're having we are fixing another problems and doing a lot of things around town and we have some contracts here more news shortly

Thor Freya

Olympus

Boy what a pain in the ass you should have noted it when I was hanging out with him as the lawyer I'll tell you what he's going to be late on purpose and they do track it if he's late in the courtroom he's in trouble and he thinks that he has to be at the gate at a certain time no he has to be in court and have a certain time and using moron and they're going to throw the book at him cuz they want to get him so you keep talking down saying he's doing something he's an idiot

Hera

So you're really saying is he saying that he might have a weapon in his car that's what he's saying it's just wait for the cross from PG laundry it's parked in the courthouse parking lot that's what he's saying

[cre8tivereviews]

Wilder Girls Ch. 1 - 3

Yesterday, I read up to about half of chapter 4. So I'll sum up and do my thoughts on what I've read so far up to chapter 3. 

Before that though I'll talk about how I'm liking the book so far. The first few paragraphs I was kind of lost. The book just jumps in and starts going. Once I understood what was going on, it was okay. Things aren't always explained all the way in spots. Then later we get more information. These chapters are long, so sometimes it seems like ages before we get more info on something. I', not sure if the author does this to keep people's attention, or if that's just how the story needs to play out yet. So far, the story is good. I'm just hoping it gets better and questions are answered. 

***Spoilers ahead, If you don't want spoilers, please quit reading.***

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Ch.1

The book starts off pretty fast. I was confused about things for a minute. Hetty, the main character (I do believe) and her friend Byatt are out on shooting duty. Hetty talks about how her right eye is dead. The lid fused together, and something is growing underneath. I was like, "What?? Something's growing underneath?" She then goes to say that everyone is sick or strange, and no one knows why. People have things bursting out of them and bits missing. So if you went into the book blind you wouldn't know about the Tox. So this is what she's referring to with the sick, and bits missing, ext. 

The school they are in started off with 100 students and 20 teachers. They could fill both wings of the school in the beginning, and now they only need one. So, about half, if not more, have died from the Tox. Hetty said things burst out of people or bits are missing. Her friend Reese has scales on her arm from the Tox, which ruined her trigger finger. She used to be the best shot. This is how we're indraduced to Reese. We then see that food is brought in by Boat Shift: people that go out and get rations from the Navy. They are on Raxter Island, where they were told to quarantine. Only Boat Shift is allowed to leave the fence. So when food is brought in, everyone is allowed one thing, and the rest goes to rations for meals. Hetty goes through a bag and sees an orange with a bit of mold. She says they hardly ever get fresh fruit. As she goes for it, Reese tackles her, and they fight for the orange. A knock-out drag out fight over a piece of food, among friends just goes to show you that things aren't really good. 

Ch.2

At first, they were told to still run school. Everything would be okay. Except teachers and students started dying. Eventually, they lost too many people to keep classes going. They were told from the mainland to quarantine on the island. Eventually, as people got the Tox, girls went violent. 

We learn that they are in Main. The tox started in summer, and it is now getting cold. 

I guess once you get the Tox, you get flare-ups. which cause great pain or behavioral issues. It's been since late summer that Byatt had her last flare-up. She still has a sore throat from it. Along with serrated ridges of bone down her back. Her skin over her spine split open... That just sounds painful to me. Also, what is the Tox to cause your bones to split through your skin??

From the island, they can't see anything other than water. They are pretty much cut off from the world. They had radios at one point, but they no longer work. They only really get word from land by The Navy, now I do believe. Or maybe the headmistress had a radio. I can't really remember. oops. 

Apparently, it's been 2 years since the tox. Hetty says the youngest girls were 11 when the Tox started, and they are now turning 13. That's a long time to be stuck at school waiting for the main land to find a cure so you can leave. 

They shoot animals who get in the fence or close to it. Once a fox got in and someone on shooting detail didn't have the heart to shoot it, reminding her of her own dog back home. Well, that same fox ended up tearing the youngest girl's throat out. Which is weird for a fox. Are they starving and becoming desperate. Or is the Tox doing something to them as well?

Pg 25

""Plenty of girls, though"

It made something jump in my chest, something I can still feel at night when Resse's braid casts a ripplin glow on the ceiling. A reaching, a wish. 

But she's too far away. She's always been far away." 

This comes from Hetty about what Resse said to a girl talking about needing boys on the island. I do believe that Hetty is in love with Resse, I mean, that's what it looks like from that. 

Girls get flare-ups at different times, kind of like allergies. There are some girls who haven't had their first flare-up. When they do, they get a gift under their pillow that night. 

They keep watch at night. One night watch sees something weird, and it scares them so much that the next day, they are shown hot to crack open a bullet and swallow gunpowder like poison just in case they need to die. I'm sorry, but what exactly was so scary out there that you'd show children how to do that? Is the Tox kind of like a zombie virus? Maybe more of a plant-like virus, like in The Last of Us, maybe.

Hetty and Byatt share a bunk to sleep. They are low on supplies, and with it being cold, they cuddle up for warmth. Hetty wakes up to find Byatt not in bed. We learn that girls are not supposed to leave their rooms at night for anything, not even to pee. I was wondering why that was. Is something going to get them? Maybe just a precaution so another girl doesn't hurt them if she has a flare-up. It's just kind of weird to me. Byatt thinks Hetty is asleep when she slips back into bed.

Ch. 3

On a walk in the morning, Hetty hints to Byatt she kind of knew she went out last night. Byatt changes the subject to saying Hetty said something in her sleep. She wouldn't want to hear again. Was it a lie, or did Hetty say something one night, and she finally says something to change the subject of her sneaking out? Why did Byatt sneak out anyway?

On their walk, Hetty and Byatt come across a Raxter Blue, a blue crab named after the color and island they're on. After watching it for a while, the crab goes to hide, but Byatt catches it and slams a rock on it, killing it. Black creeps from the tip of the legs. Byatt says she was just making sure it was a real Baxter Blue. Why would she have to make sure it was real? Are they imposter crabs? What's with the limbs turning black from the tip?

But we then find out that the girl's fingers will start turning black up to the knuckles as the Toxs finally take over. So once they are dying or dead. It's kind of odd that humans and a crab get black limbs. 

Boat Shift are the only people who can leave the fence. Reese's dad was the grounds keeper before the Tox took over. They lived in a little house on the island. One day after quarantine, Resse's dad went crazy and ran out past the fence, never to be seen again. Since then, Reese has wanted to be assigned to Boat Shift so she can look around and see if maybe he's still out there. So when a spot opens for Boat Shift. Something that hardly ever happens unless someone dies. This time, however, someone stepped down, which is weird to everyone. Also, the girl who stepped down will not say why and has slapped someone for asking. I'm thinking she might have seen something out there that scared her. Reese assumes she'll be the one who gets it. Well, when the new assignments are placed, Reese goes up and looks. Then, all of a sudden, Reese beats up Hetty before Hetty even knows what's going on. Like, I don't understand why a friend would do that. It's not like Hetty asked for it, and she honestly didn't. That is not how friends act. However, even though Hetty didn't want it, she is kind of happy about it. She's a good shot. 

**

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So that's where I left off. Today took a bit longer writing this out than I'd planned, so idk what all I'll have read tomorrow.

If you liked this, please like, follow, and share.

[romantic-flora]

TIME FOR ANOTHER LONG ONE

Buckle up ladies, gaydies, & theydies, cause Flora's a LITTLE MAD today.

You may have seen my post about River recently. Well I still haven't heard from her but this isn't a tea update I just have A LOT OF FEELINGS about this situation.

So sit down, shut up, and open your ears to one autistic motherfucker raging about social queues.

Like I said before my date with River was probably the best first date I've ever been on. No actually is FOR SURE was. The conversation and flirting had so much chemistry - we couldn't wait two hours to kiss, we had to get it out of the way at the table. She was just the right amount of forward to be exciting but not overwhelming. The dom/sub dynamic flipped back and forth too many times to count and both of us loved being on both sides. And we're not even talking abut the sex yet (it was fantastic too). We share so many interests and she's a more-than-casual enjoyer of my *special interests* so it didn't feel awkward devoting a huge part of our conversation to them.

She read me so thoroughly and clearly - even with Luna, sometimes I feel like they can't quite grapple the way that I think (head full v head empty), but River consistently helped me finish thoughts that I was having trouble articulating and explicitly enjoyed it. There's a deep satisfaction to be found in being able to reach the same conclusion as someone without having to say all the words - for those of us who have brains that move way faster than our bodies. On top of which, River has been in a relationship with a transgirl before, so I didn't have to worry about answering questions or doing simple education.

She's brilliant. I say that in no attempt to hyperbolize. As someone who begrudgingly accepts the title of genius autism (I got both Smart Girl & Obsessed With Dumb Shit Girl versions in roughly equal measure hahaHAHA FUCK) I find it very difficult to connect with people to don't match me intellectually. This isn't a flex, it's alienating. I just can't be engaged in a conversation where I'm never being surprised or interested by the other person's thought process. Believe me, if I could go back to the start and reroll my stats, I would fucking bottom out intelligence. River, as I've probably made clear already, can more than keep up. I love playing word games over text, in person, as flirting etc - so to sit down with someone who has a degree in linguistics??? Come on. The whole experience was just so deeply refreshing and entertaining.

And I THOUGHT I was talking to someone super emotionally mature and interested in getting ahead of possible hurdles. We had already been discussing our second date before going on our first. She brought up dating goals, and I said I was looking for some emotional and intellectual fulfillment. She said she'd been out of a long term relationship for 6 months and wasn't looking for anything serious right now... but... that we had clicked way more than she was expecting to with anyone and she could see it going somewhere. I said we should keep things chill for now then & have another conversation about it after a few more dates. Seems good right? Being upfront about expectations and comfortable discussing feelings???

WELL I GUESS NOT. After a few more drinks we went to my place and had sex. She stuck around for a few hours of chat & cuddling after. I paid for her uber home - she had a job interview the next morning. She sent me a few texts on the way, and a cute goodnight message when she got home.

I simply cannot put into words how excited I was to have someone I didn't have to compromise on any of my standards for. AND she's super into me in return??? Too good to be true.

It's been 4 days and I haven't heard from her. I'm not blocked. She read my first couple messages (I've sent...3? & a post). She's pretty offline in general, she has ADHD, and I knew she had plans this week.

Luna says to give an ADHDer a week and to not assume anything until then. I'm struggling with that because for the three days prior to our date, our communication was very consistent. Easily hundreds of messages per day. And I knoooowwwww that's because I was top of mind.

Bottom line I have no idea what's going on, & everyone is telling me to be patient. It's a slow sinking feeling though, as with every hour a bit more hope slips away. I'm really hoping we'll bump into each other at an event tomorrow & I can get a better picture.

______________________________________________________________

Time to talk about my feelings. Gross, I know.

I cannot help but feel frustrated. Lack of resolution to situations drives my anxiety I N S A N E. I cannot help but assume the worst. The timing is very conspicuous. I'm used to Luna going dark for a few days at a time when they get busy, but RIGHT AFTER our first date doesn't feel neutral, it feels intentional.

The way I see it, there are two things that could be happening, if it's not forgetfulness.

River lied to me. About all of this special/different shit, so that she could fuck me. I would have said no to a hookup - the only reason I wanted to have sex was because I thought we were going to keep seeing each other. I might be a slut, but I'm a slut with desires. We had originally said we weren't going to hookup on our first date... Some would say if you're having that conversation ahead of time, you're definitely going to. We were both just so excited and into it. I don't think River is the kind of person to do this, but ALSO she's a stranger I met on the internet a week ago, she could be lying about anything. This option makes me quite upset, but it's easier to process because the rational outcome is anger. Anger doesn't make me anxious, I can handle it. So I'm having a couple days for feral girl rage while I wait out Luna's recommended waiting period.

It was too much too soon & she got scared. That I can absolutely understand - I would want to talk and settle that in a mature way that keeps us talking. If she just got too excited and the sex was more than she wanted in retrospect I totally get it. But WHY aren't you talking to me? Is this how allistic people deal with discomfort? Just walk away from it? From a really really good thing? That's BAFFLING I simply cannot comprehend the thought process. I've ghosted people before, but only people that I've had like one mediocre conversation with, I could NEVER do it to someone I actually liked. And if I had FEELINGS for that person... even if you're not comfortable pursuing them right now, why would you throw away that option??? I am filled with such tumult at the thought that she could HAVE feelings and be CHOOSING to avoid me. That's so terribly anxiety inducing. I just want things between us to be stable and comfortable, we can take a step back, we don't have to have sex until you're ready, we don't even have to see each other that much, just TALK TO ME.

River. We could be so fucking good together. Now or whenever you're ready. I'll wait if you want me to. Just don't leave me in the dark. I think you were being honest when you told me you had an amazing time. I don't want to believe you're a liar. I'm going to pretend to be mad so that I'm not anxious, but whether it's good for me or not, the second you text me, I'm going to be so relieved and understanding of whatever you say.

Unless it's something I have failed to consider. This is a tangent, but I'm so sick of having to be the Bigger Person. I get upset about things. I deserve apologies. As much as anyone else. Fucking annoying how being mature makes you kind of powerless in relationship dynamics. Maybe I need to be less desperate and set some better boundaries. In fact I know that's true. But I also have a larger underlying issue, one that River articulated to me more clearly than I had thought about it. I like to talk to people close to me about my achievements, small and large, I like praise and I like to show off a little bit - my ego comes from the fact that I don't get the praise I need from the people I want. And I'm not sure how to solve that problem without filling my inner circle with people who appreciate me more. If you have any tips on how to not desire praise, let me know I guess? And none of this "you only need your own praise" stuff - I already think I'm the greatest <3

Well no poetic ending to this one. I'll update after the event tomorrow on whether River shows her (beautiful) face.

Smitten & hopeful,

Flora

[wayward-dreamer]

Hi anon! This is a great question which requires a lengthy answer so we're probably going to be here a while, but I'll try my best to be concise! (Thanks for the tag, Cole! 😘)

So first off, I think you need define what "successful" and "well known" means to you. If you're wanting to become a screenwriter to make money, then unfortunately I have to say it might not happen. It can happen down the road once you've worked for several years and made good money, but it's not going to happen overnight or as soon as you get the first job. Even writers like Vince Gilligan or Aaron Sorkin took several years to become big names. Even if your first project is for a major studio/network/streamer, there's a chance that your next one might not be, or even more probable is the fact that you might be waiting for a long time for whatever the next thing is. If last year's writers strike has taught us one thing, it's that there's a lot of waiting in this business, waiting for the next project/next paycheck etc. and that you really have to be prepared for the down periods as much as you're prepared to hit the ground running when you do get a project.

I don't mean for this to sound like a doom and gloom situation, because this can be a feasible option if you've got your priorities in order. Screenwriting isn't the easy way into this, us writers are in fact probably the most disrespected part of the industry because we're seen as easy targets to take advantage of. If you want to do this - then it has to be to build your career and your passion for writing. You really have to love writing to do this. I myself can't imagine doing anything else, and that's why I've stuck with it for so long. I haven't broken in yet, and it may still be a while, but that's my reality and weirdly enough, I enjoy the challenge.

So, if your priority is your love for the craft and wanting to tell stories in this particular way, then yes. You can make a living, it just might not look like the success of a big shot screenwriter (like the ones mentioned above). It will take years to get to that point, but I think we all secretly hope for that in the back of our minds lol

Here's a few things you can do to figure out if this is what you really want:

I'm going to go ahead and assume you've already written a script or two, so just keep writing. There's nothing wrong with constant practice.

As you write, find your voice. This is the most important thing, because when you do hopefully have your work sent out this is what they'll judge you on amongst other things (high concept, story structure, good dialogue, marketability - keep these in mind too!!). They really want to know you and who you are as a writer, so really make those scripts sing with your unique voice.

Go to the Screencraft and The Script Lab websites. They have great resources for everything on writing, and when you get to that stage, how to sell yourself as a writer.

Try and get as much feedback as you can, whether it's just friends that read your work for an audience perspective, or a proper script consultant for a professional perspective. Those sites have the ability to submit your work to be read, but it does come with a cost. I also do script consultancy as a job, so I'm happy to help you out!

Watch as many TV shows and movies as you can, or have access to. This sounds easy but it really isn't, but you especially should try and watch across several genres. You don't know what kind of show you'll be staffed on, or what movie assignment you'll get, so you've got to be prepared to write for anything.

And like I said above, define what you mean by "success" and "well known" for yourself. This is more so that you're prepared for this shit storm of an industry and have realistic expectations. If you want to make money quickly, this is not the career for you. If you want to eventually get to a comfortable spot after years of the grind, and have enough to make a nice yet modest life yourself, it can absolutely happen.

I'm sure there's so much more I need to say, but I'll leave it there for now. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to send an ask in my inbox, or even DM me if you prefer. I hope this hasn't come across as mean or trying to scare you away, but I really just want everyone to be prepared for what this career actually means.

Best of luck with everything, and happy writing! :)

I really want to become a screenwriter for television or film (I’m not pretty enough to be an actress) and I don’t know if it’s a feasible option or one that would actually work? How do people make a living in it or become successful and well known?

That is a question for @wayward-dreamer! She's doing this exact thing :)

[newtonsheffield]

Hi Molly!! I LOVE your AUs! I actually made this tumblr account just to follow your blog. I literally am following one person and it’s you. Anywayyy Im over here just begging after another little morsel of my favorite fic Good Girls😍😍 I mean you’re the genius, but maybe a little something about the time between Good Girls and Strife. Maybe how they adjust to life in Cambridge or Anthony opening up his shop or a lazy day I don’t really care as long as my Viking and his badass princess are in it😭😭😭 also I will literally die if you respond to this because you are my icon😫

Hello!

There's so many good blogs here! You should check them out!

And also, the thought of me being anyone's icon should terrify you my friend. Last night I spent 15 minutes measuring my dog for a life vest so he can practice swimming.

But lets take a look at Anthony finding his garage

Anthony had no idea why he was so nervous. None. Kate had known this was his plan since they'd been in secondary school, but now it had come time to tell her he was ready to take this step it felt... somehow a little more monumental.

He'd been thinking about it really, since he'd finished his apprenticeship, since they'd known they were moving to London and he just felt... stuck. It was true, that he'd slowly been working on his self confidence, that his relationship with Kate, the pride her family and his had instilled in him, but sometimes it still felt like he didn't deserve what he had. When he stared down at the wedding ring on his finger and something deep inside whispered You Don't deserve her. And he just... wasn't sure how to talk to his wife about the fact he wanted to start a new business...in an economic downturn.

It had been threatening to bubble out of him all day, sat in the Sharma's living room watching Tom closely, Kate off with Edwina picking out some dress for some formal or... library convention Matty was taking her to.

"So how's things?" Tom's voice was conversational, but his eyes were watching him so carefully, over the top of his crossword.

"Um- good. Kate's getting ready to start her new job. I'm- The new house is really nice. Newton loves having a yard."

Tom nodded, "So what's the problem?"

Anthony;'s heart stuttered in his chest. "Why would you think there's a problem?"

His father in law sighed, pen scratching against the paper, "Because you've been fiddling with your wedding ring all morning."

Anthony sighed, the words pushing against his throat "I want to... open my garage, um- bit we're already going through so many changes with the move and Kate's new job and-"

"Anthony, there's always reasons not to do something. If this is what you want, you should talk to Kate about it. And I can't wait to bring the MG in. hopefully you'll have time for me."

Anthony had nodded, and it had settled in his chest.

He'd been meaning to tell Kate all day, he really had. Meaning to tell her that he'd decided not to take the job at the garage he'd had lined up for months, that he wanted to throw most of their savings behind something that could fail so easily, and as usual, Kate was three steps ahead of him.

"I've set up an appointment for us on Saturday."

Kate said it so casually, as they sat around the living room, a block of chocolate between them, Newton belly up on the floor.

Anthony hummed vaguely, too distracted by her fingernails against his scalp. "Couple's manicures?"

Kate chuckled, "Not this week. No, I noticed there's an old garage for sale and... it's pretty run down but it could be nice."

Anthony's heart stopped, glancing at his wife from the corner of his eye. "A garage."

She looked blankly back at him. "...yes? It's cool if you're not ready, but I thought it might be good to see what's out there and-"

Anthony darted forward, cutting her off with a kiss, his pulse pounding in his ears. "I love you."

"I love you too." Kate sighed, pushing his hair back. "But we haven't even seen it yet, it might be a complete wreck."

It wasn't. From the second they pulled up outside Anthony's stomach had dropped. It needed work, it had been closed for at least six months, they'd need new equipment and he'd want the concrete floors polished but he could imagine it all, the neon sign, the countertop made from the front end of an old junker. The real estate agent had barely let them inside before Anthony had scrabbled off, darting around, up the stairs to the offices, the work stations Kate's voice following him back.

"Sorry, he's a little excited."

"Your... boyfriend?"

"My husband, actually, this has been his dream for a little while and-"

"I'll take it!" Anthony called down the stairs.

And there she was, grinning up at him, "This your garage?"

"Yeah, this is my garage."

And months later, The picture of Kate sitting on his shoulders, hanging the Bridgerton Family Motors Neon sign is the first picture he pins to the wall behind the counter, and all he feels is proud.

[silverrstarrr]

Normal girl (2)

Note: i just edit this chapter a bit and added more dialog. Someone messaged me and helped me out with a few things, thank you!

Chapter 2:

Walking side by side down the stairs, you took a sip of your coffee and place your herd of keys the side of your book bag. yume was scrolling through her phone on tik tok, drinking from her coconut Carmel ice coffee. You didn't understand why she was drinking ice coffee in mid February, it was cold. It was surprising their wasn't any snow.

Grinning like an idiot, she shaked your shoulder, positioning her phone in front of you–you both watched the tik tok. You didn't laugh at first only smiling, yume kept gesturing you to keep watching, waiting for the punchline. Finally it came up and you both started laughing, you slowly shaked your head placing your hand over your mouth.

"NOOO, nooo. That was so wrong, yall are going to hellll" you whined out.

Yume wiped the tears from her face and continued down the last step. She opened up the door and slid out, you trialing behind her. You both proceeded to walk down the street, where all the park cars were out.

"We riding in rich today girlie, jump in," she lifted up her arm that held her drink, her other reached into her purse and grabbed her car keys.

"I thought we were gonna walk there? It's only 10 minutes." You headed towards her car as she unlocked it and sat in the driver's seat. She had a 2018 dark Grey Nissan altima. You remember her having this ever since junior year, you recalled her talking about getting a newer model since this one was old. Like girl what? Old your ass, if the car still functioning there ain't no problem. White people shit, man.

"Well, it's the first day of sweet college life," she dragged out the last few words, adding a sarcastic tone. Yume tossed her bag in the backseat through the open space from the front, She dropped her drink in the little cup holder as well. Catching up with her, you open the backseat's door and chucked your bag in there–immediately closing it after. You pull the passengers door open and sat down, closing it behind you. Yume did the same–letting out a large sigh as she used her long sleeve to rub her legs, which were freezing.

"Bruh, you were just cold. Shouldn't have wore that skirt knowing it was this cold. Your mother would be disappointed," you moved your head side ways, pretending to be disappointed. You dropped your dunkin' drink in the other cup holder next to hers.

"Y/n, shut upp." Rolling her eyes jokingly, She grabbed the buckled next to her seat and puts it on. You placed your seat belt on too. Automatically, her phone connected to the car, you check over at the screen in the middle. It had the time, the degrees outside and all that other fancy things.

"Wanna play something?" she inserted the keys into the ignition and started the car.

"Yeah, I'll type it in,"

You grabbed her phone, showing the screen to her to unlock it, automatically recognizing her face– the lock screen slid up, revealing all her apps. You went to spotify and played "C U Girl" by Steve lacy.

"OKAAYYY, MS. INDIE TIK TOKER." Yume said nodding her, jamming to song. It was only going to be a 5 minute drive, or 7 if you guys couldn't find parking. She swerved to the left, leaving her parking space and pulling off. You whipped out your phone and paused your music, rapidly switching to snapchat–you heard yume's loud singing.

"I WANNA SEE YOU GUURRLL, I WANNA PLEASE YOU GIRL....GO AHEAD AND BE YOUR GIRL," This girl was jamming her out heart out, steve lacy was her favorite along with Brent faiyaz and many others.

In response, you started cackling as you hit the record button—swiftly turning over it to the driver. Her black ponytail moving as she sang and motioning her head in all different directions. Eyeing towards your direction she sees the phone and leans towards the camera flashing a smile, moving her head side to side—still singing through the lyrics. Yume returned back to the road as she lightly taps the steering, avoiding the horn of course.

Once the quick little vid was done, you added a caption,

"I swear if we crash😭😭💕"

Your thumb jolted between posting it on your private or public. You decided to post on the public story because why not? The song was over pretty quickly as the next one played.

"Who knew white people had rhythm?!" It was obviously sarcasm. You knew she was half Asian but it was fun always calling out her white side.

"Naaahh, white people don't have any rhythm. What you saw there was my miki matsubara pop out". She eases down her breaks– the traffic light turns red. Miki Matsubara? Oh yeah, it's that woman who sung "stay with me". It was a good song, you were obsessed with the chorus mostly. 

You giggled a bit at her remark, you checked your socials once again.

"If this light doesn-" Yume sentence was cut off by the light turning green. She pressed her foot on the gas and carried on with attending class.

                                  ~~~

Pulling up to the parking lot, yume leaned towards her wheel, searching for a place to park. She slowly went down each isle searching for a vacant lot she could snag. You had your drink in between your lips, you took the last sip and shook the plastic cup trying to get a little more. All you heard was ice rattling against one another, dropping the cup back in the holder. You peer out the window looking at the campus, there were a ton of kids, like a lot. Anxiety began spiking up through your veins, this really is the college life, huh? Maria University. It was a school for literally anything, it was one of the biggest universities in the country as well being highly diverse. Yume would be allll the way on the other side of campus while you're slightly in the middle.

"Uggghhh! I regret not leaving earlier, I don't see any open slots." She whined. This was her 2nd time driving around the parking lot looking for a space.

"I said we should walk but nahhh, you wanted to be lazy and take the car." You rolled your eyes as yume, exaggerating, throwing your hands in the air. But you weren't going to be late on the first day. As the generous queen you are, you aided your roomie with looking a space to park. After analyzing for a few moments, you spotted a space and immediately tapped at the window, pointing towards it. Yume car swerved to the left, sliding right into the parking. Taking her keys out the hole, she grabbed her drink and headed out.

"No leaving trash in my car, miss L/n!"

You grabbed your plastic cup and opened the passenger door.

"Yes ma'am," you opened the backseat and grabbed the two bags and closed the door. Beep yume locked her car. She was sipping her coffee but gave a bitter expression when her sweet drink was watered down because of the ice. You looked at your phone, checking the time:

                             8:38 am

                 Monday, February 18th

                                                               38m ago

Kittykiller27, prettygirlnene liked your photo

                                                               45m ago

[Andyhas]: CRONA BECK started following you and 48 others.

Your phone was blowing up from insta notifications. It was time for class and you weren't sure how long it'll even take you to find your classroom. Slinging the bag over your shoulder, you handed yume her own, which she grabbed. You both were speed walking, despite her coffee being ruined she still continued to drink it. It was for the caffeine you guessed. Reaching the sidewalks, it was time to part ways. Yume turned her face towards yours pouting.

"We're leaving each other nooww," she stuck out her bottom lip staring at you. You grabbed her arm, pulling her closer to you. Her arms slithered around your waist, resting her chin on your shoulder–giving you a warm hug. You returned the hug by grunting and holding her tightly.

She started giggling and patted your back a few times, you released your grip and she started to jog in the other direction while looking back, waving at you. You waved back hollering a "BYEEEE!" A trash can was next to you so you dumped your empty dunkin' there.

It was now time for your own adventure, to find this damn classroom. You click the play button on your phone's lock screen, "baby powder by Jenevieve began playing. (Play the song whores👩🏾‍💻)

Walking downwards to the left side of campus, you searched for a pair of doors to go inside of. At this moment, you regretted not going to orientation. That day you were busy setting up your website for your makeup line. You haven't released any products yet, but you had plentiful of ideas and themes you wanted to do. Since it was black history month, maybe you'll drop something as simple as a face cream to help clear and brighten up the skin. But you discarded that thought because you weren't anywhere near ready to start your own small business. Plus, you had bigger things to worry about.

Standing in front of double doors, you grab the handles and pulled it back, you stepped inside while students behind you did the same. You came in slowly, admiring the interior. It was hella spacy with paintings and photos hanging along the walls. Students were roaming the hallways going back and forth from classrooms. Most of the students seemed to be in some sort of costume, or they were dressed fairly well like they were models. You didn't know the directions to your designated class, so you took up the courage to ask someone. You turned to search for someone who didn't seem busy, since most people were rushing to class. Finally you laid eyes on q girl leaning against the wall, typing on her phone. She had long pink acrylic nails, her blonde hair tied into a low ponytail, which complimented her pale skin tone. She had a gold nose piercing on the right nostril.

She seemed nice enough, so you decided to approach her.

"Um excuse me, do you know where Mr. Fargo's class is at?"

The blonde girl averted her eyes from her phone, now focusing on you.

"I'm not really sure—um, I believe it's down that way." She pointed to the right of her.

"Mr. Fargo, he's teaches cosmetic right?"

"Yeah," you replied

"Then I think it should be down there." She scrunched her face in a confusing manner, meaning not to take her word for granted. But you couldn't care less, it was worth a try.

"Ight, thank you." You bid her goodbye. Oop. You accidentally switched your lingo. You were used to speaking in AAVE but you knew how to change your tone and wordplay around others who weren't African American. The girl didn't seen to notice so you just continued down the hall.

"Down... here right..? Yeah this is the way," you murmured to yourself while you strut down the hall. Then turned left as the lady told you. You were now at a hall with multiple doors. Out of all them, you forget the most important, class started in five minutes. You looked to the left as your braids swayed with your movement, then searched to the right. You walked down the hallway, stopping at the fifth door on the left. You were hesitant with grabbing the door, you didn't want to make a fool of yourself walking into the wrong room as all eyes are on you. You pulled out your phone and texted yume.

(I did a different message format just in the previous was confusing)

                 colonizer but times 2🧑🏻‍🦲

       

                        I'm so lost, this is embarrassing.

Lost? What happened

                        

                               Idk where my class is

                             & its starting in a few

You don't know where?? Bruh

Ask someone, im sure they'll help you

                              I did...but she didn't tell me

                                    which class it was😭 all.

she said was "down the hall"

BYEE LMAOO

Uhh

Just open the door you think it is😋       

                      UH- HUH🧏🏾‍♀️ YOU SETTING ME

                               UP FOR FAILURE.

     

       Imagine going into the wrong class and

                 all you see are eyes 👁👁

Girl, half of the people won't even see you again on campus👩🏻‍🏫

If you don't recognize the teacher, try to ask a student close to the door for direction

         Okay, im blaming you if I make a fool.    

                           outta myself 😟

                        Read at 8:43 am

(Play quicksand by SZA rq 👩🏾‍💻)

You decided to take your roomie's advice and pick a class, which you already did.

You dropped your phone back into your jacket pocket and swung open the door–you were prepared for the stares. The classroom was vacant, not even a teacher in sight. Just a bunch of stools and white pull down screens. You saw a few cameras standing in front of these screens. "Was this the photography class or sum?" You mumbled to yourself.

And well, eyes were on you but it wasn't a herd as you expected, just one. Sitting on one of the stools in front of the door, was pale skin boy with long brown hair. It rested at his shoulders, some of it covering his face even. He seemed around 6ft, or 6 ft 2? You couldn't really tell since he was sitting.

He had on some black jeans with a black long sleeve sweatshirt as well with a beige greenish short sleeve unbutton shirt rested on top of it– a long golden key necklace dangled from his chest. His hands were sitting between his lap, you noticed sliver rings on them.(his outfit for people who need help visualizing) The teal eyed boy was also rocking black & white air Jordan 1 retro, literally the same as you.

You screamed internally at how fine this man looked and he had shoe gang? Uggghh. Class been started and you were going to be late on your first because this OBVIOUSLY wasn't your class. You decided to break the awkward silence and speak,

"Hey, um, is this Mr. Fargos class?" You stepped more into the classroom for the brunette male to hear you.

"Wrong one, babe. His class is in a totally different building." A different building?! You wanted to die right there and then, especially after hearing him laugh after his statement. Not just the wrong class but the wrong building? Bye–you're so stupid. His eyes scanned your body, his eyes lingered a bit longer at your shoes–it seems he noticed. A smirk appeared on his lips after finishing his quick outfit interrogation–wait, did he just call you-? I-, yes he did. You tried your best to hide your smile and not react.

"O-ooo, I got it. Thanks" Eren released a small chuckled seeing your reaction, he could tell you were caught up with the little pet name.

"I'll walk you over there." He got off his stool and walked towards your direction.

"I-, nah it's good, I got it." You said in defense not wanting to bother him. He didn't respond and just passed by you, exiting the classroom. He held onto the door, looking at you.

"You coming or no?" He was so nonchalant with it everything. You smiled a bit and walked out the class alongside with him. He released his grip once you were out and started trialing behind you.

You paused for a moment because you didn't know where you were going. You turned back to look at him, he caught on and let out an "ah". He quickly got in front of you as you proceeded behind him.

"So," he said.

"What?" You replied. Why did he start a sentence and not finish it? Was he expecting you to start the conversation, weirdo. You just wanted to get to class l.

"Oo, sassy are we?" He raised a brow.

"What—? boy, say what you wanna say."

Once again, he let out a chuckle, flashing you a small. God, was his laugh attractive.

"You're into makeup and stuff?" He questioned.

"Yeah, I'm into 'makeup and stuff' " You said the last few words in the mocking tone, referring to what he called cosmology.

"That's good, at least I'll be seeing you often."

"Often? Oh, are you in that major also?" You said.

"No...Do you really not know anything?" He made you feel dumb by his response. How were you suppose to know what he meant? You clicked your teeth and started walking ahead. You pushed back the door that lead to another hallway and walked towards the end to push the second door that lead to another building.

The brunette boy watched as you left him behind in the dirt, waiting for the moment you'll turn the wrong corner—so he could tease you about it then correct you.

It wasn't too long till you reached your destination, you both stopped in front of the class's door.

"Well, see you. I hope you don't make snarky remarks to every girl you meet."

"Nah, only you princess." He had a smirk on his face, ooo! You wanted to wipe it off.

You glanced at him and his eyes were already on you, you broke eye contact and reached for the handle.

"Wait–" you whipped your heard back.

"Yeah?"

He cleared his throat

"Name's Eren," you let out a small giggle, did he really just stop you to say his name? Puhleasee. Hearing your laugh, his face brightened up and kept his eyes on you.

"Okay, Eren~. Thank you for walking me, I gotten get to class now."

You opened the door and stepped inside. Eren didn't even get a chance to ask your name. Luckily for him, your major mingled a lot with his own, he could only hope to see you again around campus.

‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿‿

Authors note: UGHHH, I STAYED UP ALL NIGHT FOR THIS just to pass out a few hours before school started. 🥲 I wasn't even paying attention in English and math class, but hope yall enjoyed <3.

Pt 3

[jennsmischievousmind]

Fucks not Found

Haunt the Living

Ch1 Ghosts | Ch2 Florence | Ch3 A Matter of Seconds | Ch4 I need a Backdoor | Ch5 Die Hard | Ch6 White Flag | Ch7 Haunt the Living | Ch8 One, but not done [end]

“Time clock, guys let’s go!”

Riding the hors-bord was fun not gonna lie, better than any Disneyland ride.

“Side doors opening. Subs in place," you announced "Four the comms?”

“Comms cut. we’re good.” 

You got on the Kismet, guns at point except for Five. Two and Three joined everyone at the rear of the yacht. Three was in bad shape, limping and making a mess of blood everywhere he’d go. Being his grumpy self, he rejected Five’s help, he was fine.

Responsible of Murat you were always in contact with him, and so hacking the military meeting room to hear his brother’s bullshit.

“Listen closely. The enemy is us. We must target him not where he is strong but where he's weak. Hospitals, to take away his safety. Schools, to take away his future. Youth, to suffocate his hope. Commence gas attack.”

His evil speech made you shiver, this so called human shit head.

“Murat you got to step in, right now!” You heard Rovach’s voice being cut off and Murat taking over. “Join me, brothers. So you don't have to kill your own people again.” You let out the breath you were holding.

“Murat has the high ground” you keep the squad informed, then turned to Three. “Hey G.I J,” you handed him his Kevlar.

“They have some fancy food up there.” you rolled your eyes knowing he was going to ramble.

One mimicked you “Really? Tell me more about that. Don't hold back.”

“This fish soup they call... labu... labuan...” Three was ranting, obviously because he was stressed as fuck.

One had heard enough “I'm fucking kidding. Focus.” But Three wasn’t done yet, they started their usual quarrel. 

“It's so delicious, man. They put this little cheese on it.”

“Does it have to be on the walkie-talkie? And we're all standing right here. Yeah?” 

“Don't you give me attitude, okay?”

“Over and out,” One warned

“I...” Three quivered, holding back his rant, you patted his shoulders holding back a laugh. 

“Okay, Rovach’s in his panic room,”

You ran to the engine room.

“When I pop this, the magnet pulse lasts for 15 seconds.” One pressed the screen. “Welcome to the world's biggest magnet.”

"Four, still on top?" One inquired

"Always" his cheeky voice boomed in the comm

One gagged, he got the wrong idea all alone. We split then, Two and Three went to the second deck. Stepping on the main deck Five followed One, while you followed Seven, the 4 of you hiding behind low walls, ready to activate One’s magnet.

“Fuck!” you cocked your head at One’s voice.

“Ah, fucking American-made! The fucking chip fell out.”

“What?” Five almost yelled.

You sighed “I told you to be gentle with it!“

“The chip fell out!”

“Well, fix it.” Seven argued

“I can't just fix it, all right!” The phone is very fucking complicated.”

“Give it to Eight then!” Five pushed One’s arm, you extended your arm exasperate.

“CONTACT” Seven suddenly yelled. Redirecting your attention to the shore, you saw a bunch of military guys ready to shoot at you. Seven and you immediately covered One and Five, the guards dropping dead in an instant.

“Wow,” you look at the mess on the shore and at your gun.

“Hey,” Seven handed you a mag “it’s us or them.”

The shooting roused the bodyguards on the main deck, they started shooting, great.

“One! put the phone down and use your gun.” 

“I got it, I got it, I got it” he almost laughed, this old man really!

“GRENADE!” Seven yelled pushing you backwards out of harms way.

“ONE!” you screamed

It all went so fast, the grenade left off the floor in a fastens, sticking on a wall far from you, people flew around the boat, smashing into the walls, hung on the metal parts of the yacht.

"Alright Baby Yoda's on board" you muttered to yourself watching the scene unfold before you.

One kept oo-ing at his own device, not expecting a result like this one. 15 seconds out, they all fell down from the walls and began heading for your area. One pressed it. They flew to the other side.

"Holy shit!“ 

The bodyguards had chest armors, made with metal that’s why they were moved around like puppets, One and his giant magnet being the puppeteer.

“Wow I mean, I wasn't "sure" sure it’d work. I had a suspicion, but I, uh” One ranted while you 3 look at him in disbelief, he wasn’t sure? ... "God, this is all so fucking dangerous.” 

“I hate you so much!” you threw him your empty mag.

“Move!” Seven lead the way

“Hey, hey! You like that phone now, motherfucker?” One kept ranting at Seven who didn't even care.

“This thing is amazing.” he was like a teen who'd seen tits for the first time.

Three and Two were covering the stairs, Three was wowed by the magnetic field. 

“Stop fucking around. We gotta find Rovach." One acted like he wasn’t wowed a second ago.

“Yeah well he's ass is still in the panic room.” you show him the CCTV of the room.

“The backdoor is near the kitchen, the deck above.” Two reloaded her gun, and tightenned her ponytail, you look at her, she was damn too gorgeous for a gun fight.

“Four, still with us?” you called in

“You have to move fast," he huffed “This boat is fucking huge, they’re coming from everywhere.” 

You ran up, Seven and One leading while Two was covering behind. You never leaving Five's side. One stood up ready to enter the kitchen when a shot fired from inside. One dropped down, activating the magnet in a flash. The 8 guards came flying into the walls, followed by utensils like sharp knives..

You slide next to One “you good?” 

He seethed “I’ll live,”

“Let’s go” Seven motionned to you for cover. Standing behind him a hand on his shoulder. He shoot at the remaining guards Two hadn’t shot yet. In the corner of your eye you caught One’s juggling with the phone before it hit the ground.

“More guys coming” Three announced

“Flashbang!” you threw it in, before coming in with Three and Seven, getting rid of the incoming guards. The boat started moving.

“Magnet! Where is the magnet?” Three screamed, there were too many guys for you 4 to handle.

“Fix the phone!”

“I'm trying! The screen is cracked!” he yelled back at Seven, next to you.

 “I TOLD you to be EXTRA gentle with it!!”

“Fuck you Eight!”

The look you gave him, if he wasn't your boss you would have shot him! Three and you shot a few guys coming east.

“We get it! One yelled exasperated “They're dead!”

“Stop yelling at us!”

"Shit.” Seven sighed. "They got our position. We need to move."

Two ran to kill the engine.

“We should split up.”

Seven and three took off, you stuck with Five and One.

Five went to talk to a security guy pined to the wall by some rotisserie meat fork “What the fuck?” 

As soon as she approached him another guy sprung out, before you could cover her, she dodged his fist, grabbed a extinguisher ready to smash him, you look at her proudly, but the thing flew from her hands heading to guard’s face. One had activated the magnet again.

“I feel like a Jedi.”

“That's not how the Force works!” you rolled your eyes.

Rovach's head of bodyguards ran into the kitchen, you held up your gun to shoot him but One pushed Five your way, so the guard would follow him not you 2. His sudden concerned for his teammates, had you baffled for a second.

“Five, flush him out.” he groaned ino the comm

‘Go, go’ you guide her to the deck, looking back at One, he kinda had it handle, still fighting with the bodyguard on the ground.

"Find Rovach. I'll distract the guards." Four stated in the comm.

"I’ll cover Five! Five and Eight going for Rovach.” Five held your shoulder glancing back while you lead the way. 

Sudden explosions had you tumble against the railing, Five grabbing a hold of you before you could trip over for a dip.

"Thanks" you look at your watch, it wasn’t supposed to blow now.

"One, bad timing!"  

He only grunt back, nearing Rovach's suite, you were still shielding Five behind you, shooting at anyone coming your way.

“I've got four guys on me. I'm on the upper deck, and I'm screwed.”

“Come on Four,” you muttered to yourself.

“We're in Rovach's stateroom." Five announced as you stealthily entered the panic room.. the asshole coming out of it as soon as you entered without seeing you.

“One, Rovach is leaving with a guard. What do you want us to do?” Five asked while you covered the door.

One ignored her, “Four, where are you at?” he asked over the comm

“One, please help me!” Four’s strained voice echoed in the comm, something was wrong, your heart clenched.

“Four? Give me a hint, buddy.” you could hear One running. 

Waiting for his next order you became agitated hearing Four’s cry of help but you couldn’t let Five on her own. You started breathing in and out loudly to calm yourself, you still had to protect Five and yourself.

“What's your 20?” Seven asked One “Anybody got eyes on the target?”

“Negative," you answered Seven

“I don't know my 20. Stay off the channel. I'm going for Four.” 

You look at Five, One going out of his way was unusual..

“Four, where you at, buddy?”

“You're breaking your own rules.” you could hear Seven’s smirked, your lips twitched.

“We gotta move,” you ran to the safe-boat area, since Rovach couldn’t board a boat anywhere but here.

“Hey” Five squeezed your arm, then look ahead, a hors-bord was getting away, with Rovach in it. 

“One,” you tried to focused back on the mission, “I got a shot, your call. It’s right now!”

“Don’t shoot!”

“But...” you lowered your gun. But you had no time to worry about Rovach when you heard Four cry out as a cracking sound resonated in the comm, a gasp leaving your lips. Before you could yell at One to help him, Five snapped you out of it when she screamed seeing a guy coming. He shoot once, you shoved Five behind you, shooting back he dropped dead. 

“Eight, you...” Five hold your arm

"Y/N..." Four whimpered your name, his voice so low you could barely hear it. Heart clenching, you stumble on the railing.

“It's a big ship. Say something, pal.” One was still looking for him

“He’s going to kill me." 

“Billy stay with me...” Five glanced at you, your eyes became teary, you bite your lips holding a groan.

“Eight” One warned as you used Four’s name.

You tried to regain your composure, ready to shoot, but your hands were shaking. The yacht had become unusually quiet, most of the guards were down. You heard a single gunshot on the upper deck.

“There you are." One's voice sounded relieved. "Cleavers”

A silence then Four's voice cut it “Whut?”

“It’s TV show, come on let’s go, fucking Millennials. Eight focus.”

“I am focus!” sniffing you let out a sigh, you shook your head at Five, but she didn't listen.

“Eight has been hit, we got to go.” you hissed at her.

“Shit, Eight?” Four inquired, worry in his voice.

“I’m fine,” you grabbed the railing holding your side “it grazed me.”

“She’s not! Shut up.” Five put your arm around her neck leading you up the stairs.

“The ship is still sinking guys!” Two interfered

“Murat?’ you called out in the comm. The thump of an helicopter drew nearer.

“Meeting point!” One called out

Five run to the upper deck followed by your limping ass, soon collided with Two and Three.

“Hey lovebirds” Five joked

You look around still alert until One appeared in your peripheral vision, he tapped your shoulder in reassuring gesture, eyeing your side, you nodded.

Four followed, holding his right arm. He held you close until it was your turn to board. Aboard the chopper, you made a sling out of a shemagh for him while Five argued with you to stop moving so she could heal your injury.

“It’s just a bruise” he muttered to you while you tied it around his neck “hey” you finally looked at him, worry still filling your eyes. “Gah” you cried out as Five patched your own injury. Four chuckled at your stubbornness, he kissed your forehead as you leaned on him slightly, seething. No one cared about how close you were with Four, everyone was focused on getting the shithead.

It was one of his choppers, so no doubt he’d get in to save his ass. And he did. Seeing Three was about the choke the Rovach’s guard you scoot closer to Four, but stayed alert just in case.

As the chopper was nearing a refugee camp, the all team had a hard time seeing the desolation in these camp. No human-being should live that way, no child should be out there seeing people die, this isn’t a life, it’s surviving day after day without knowing what’s to come.

Seeing One’s face you understood why he started this strike team, so somewhere someone could do something governments were afraid to do, or were not willing to, to keep their privileges.

This camp was one of many Rovach’s liked to gaz. One opened the chopper’s door, Rovach immediately tried to bargain for his life. The chopper lower down, One did what he had to do, what he might have dreamed to do. He shoved Rovach out the chopper, 3 meters fall with a lovely welcome ceremony from the "rebels" leaving in the camp. Sticks and stones, punches and kicks, revenge.

The team watched as the people get their revenge on Rovach. Everyone sighed, finally, the team’s first mission was done, a success.

Four discreetly intertwined his fingers with yours, you look at him, you’d never imagine finding someone after cutting yourself from the world. Looking around you smile at this new crazy family. One would argued on that obviously.

The chopper did a pit stop near a base in the desert.

“I told you, bruise.” Four removed his arm from the sling to get dressed properly. You punched is arm, he flinched. “What's with you and scaring me!”

“I'm not the one who got shot.” he said lifting an eyebrow, you frowned, he was kinda right, he looked around “Damn I'm sorry alright, and you scared me too luv! ” he took your hand in his swiftly kissing it.

After a few minutes you watched as everyone was looking far in the distance in silence. “Are we posing for Vanity Fair or what? Let’s go home!”

Getting on the jet, you went to talk to One, about what happened on the boat, as he was not there yet, you sat in his seat in the cockpit.

“Y/N huh?” you turned your head to see Seven in the airlock.

“Blaine,” you smiled, now he knew your name.

“Hey by the way, I’m sorry about your brother,”

“We don’t talk about Six,” One’s voice startled you.

“..Why’s that?” Seven asked him as he walk past to his seat.

As he wasn't answering you stood up in the cramp cockpit “Because it makes One cry,” letting One sit you patted his shoulder. “We got to talk, old man.” You left the airlock almost crashing into Three. 

“Bring us back to that fucking California desert papi!” 

Last chapter ; Eighth chapter - One, but not done

A/N: don't forget to double tap if you liked it. 🙏

[sithisreadingcorner]

Woops I messed up the first ask lmaoo lemme try again! Hello, A here~✨Can I please request a career reading. I'd like to know what my career path is going to look/be like. 19/12/2002♐🧿Thank yooooouuuuu✨😛✨.

Thank you so much A, for reading it all and resending the ask. I really appreciate this. 💖 It seems like the double effort will be double rewarded as well because three extra cards fell out. 😳

seven of cups reversed. king of coins the fool. the star

Im sensing an energy here that seems a bit odd in your situation. Stagnation, getting stuck, the fear of missing out. You are surely not so far ahead in your career yet that it's already getting stagnant? But in the light of the other cards, it crossed my mind, what if this is a fear caused by indecision. You seem like a person who just wants to absorb the whole world like a delicious apple, with all its joys and wonders, all at once. You are interested in way too many things to be tied to one profession.

Regardless, this fear... I don't wanna say it's unfounded, I don't wanna dismiss it, but it seems like you let yourself be dragged down by it because you are not focusing on the right thing. I can't exactly tell you what "the right thing" is, but it should be further away, longterm. Somewhere on the horizon, a whole legacy is waiting for you that you will have built. This will probably be years down the line, but it will be worth the work.

You are full of hopes and dreams, almost with your head in the clouds, but this appears in the cards not only as a positive quality but something that elevates you and makes you unique. You are still very early on with your life, you are not missing out on anything. There is a lot of room for trying things out, experimenting. Don't be afraid to pursue something right now just because you might change your mind later!

I wasn't planning to read more for you than that, but my cards were not having it, and these just straight up fell out. I'm not really sure how this relates to your career if at all but they seem pretty meaningful so I trust my gut feeling that you were meant to hear this.

queen of coins. king of wands queen of wands reversed

When I saw these cards, I immediately thought "ah yes, Mom and Dad" 😊... and at first I thought this is about your parents supporting your passions. But I have this feeling that "Mom and Dad" are perhaps not of this world or somehow not meant to be taken literally - perhaps something like, your ancestors, or a spirit family...? I don't want to intrude on your beliefs but I just sense this wave of abundant energy coming towards you, supporting you, ready to give you everything that they can because they love you so much. Whoever they are, they all stand behind you fully. It's almost as if the purpose is to reassure you of that support, but also warn you about someone, a certain person. I think you should already know who this is, because you know each other, and you even know that their intentions are treacherous and mean. It almost seems like you guys are rivals, or that's what they think and they are trying to cross you for that reason.

I don't even know if this is saying anything other than "Hey, you know that person? THAT one? We're seeing that too. And don't forget, who WE are, and who that is compared to us." Maybe there's a message here that was meant for your eyes only and I'm not seeing. But deep down I can feel you'll know what I'm talking about. For all I know, you should be about as concerned with this person as if they were a fly in your room. 💅

tip

[iammultifandomaf]

Once a Leader, Always a Leader

FanFiction: Sweet Home

Chapter 2 - ESCAPE

https://m.fanfiction.net/s/13825734/2/

She was fed up by the military. The only thing they did was boss her around. Just like he used to do.

Lee Eun-Yu immediately saddened at the thought of her brother.

I need to escape. I don't feel safe at all. I have no idea where Cha Hyun-Su is... where Eun-Hyeok is.

She knew that her chances to survive out there are low. She didn't know how to fight, let alone properly run because of her ankle. But she didn't want to survive alone. She wants to at least try.

Eun-Yu always encouraged others in a very mean way, especially Eun-Hyeok, to be active and not just sit around. However, she didn't feel that brave and despite her desire to leave, she didn't think that she'd be capable of leaving a military base. The bunch that was rescued from Green Home was kept together for some time now because they were cut off by monsters. So, they were basically stuck, hoping that the army would be able to fight them off or to get help from somewhere else.

One late evening, Eun-Yu was sitting on her bunkbed, watching Son Hye-In who was petting her dog nervously.

"What's with you?" Eun-Yu couldn't hold it for her anymore. Hye-In sent her an awful look and said angrily: "Don't you see him? He's all worked up. Something is wrong!"

"Nonsen-"

Eun-Yu was interrupted by a deafening sound of the alarm going off. It took only seconds before everything turned into chaos. Lee Joon-Woo suddenly appeared at their door with a horrified expresion on his face.

"The monsters got in! They are killing everyone, fuck. I saw one in the corridor! We gotta hide!" he hollared but the moment he finished his sentence, something grabbed him by his back and threw him on the other side of the hallway.

Hye-In's dog began to bark loudly at the threat.

"Shut him up! Jesus!" Eun-Yu snapped, "I am outta here!"

Eun-Yu rose to her feet and tried to sneak out of the room. "Wait for me!" Hye-In whispered loudly and followed the girl quickly, not wanting to be left behind.

Gun shots were echoing through the building as the two women crept throught the hallway, trying to be as silent as possible. They had to pass the now dead corpse of Lee Joon-Woo which made Hye-In give out a weak whimper.

Eun-Yu tried to look around the corner to see what's ahead but that was a grave mistake since a monster just looked that away and started charging into her direction.

Cold sweat was dripping down her forehead as she started backing away.

"What?! What's there?" Hye-In cried out as she saw Eun-Yu's frozen expression while she was walking backwards slowly.

I have no weapon. My leg won't work. I am dead.

Hye-In wanted to follow Eun-Yu in her retreat but was stopped by a sudden appearance of a large figure. It didn't look like a monster nor a human, though. Hye-In wanted to shriek out but the moment, Eun-Yu bumped into it with her back, she stayed silent.

Eun-Yu's heartbeat rose, not only because she noticed the thing's claws on her shoulder, but also because the monster from before had caught up and was now standing in front of them.

Now did Hye-In give a proper scream out of her lungs, trying to run away pass the new creature that appeared but before she was able to escape, a firm grasp on her arm pulled her next to Eun-Yu. They both were let go, though, as the newcomer walked around them and fiercly attacked the monster that had multiple arms and very capable, strong legs. Overall, the monster seemed more likely to win. The other creature didn't seem fazed by the monster's dangerous looks, though, and the only thing he did was to give out a horrendously monstrous roar that made Eun-Yu and Hye-Im cover their ears while Bom, the dog, hid behind Hye-In.

Then it just stopped and with it, everything else went quiet. Even the shooting. And the multiarmed monster was lying on the ground, almost as if it was kneeling while shaking heavily.

With that, the tall human looking creature bend over to grab the monsters neck and smashed it against the wall, creating a huge crack in it.

Eun-Yu wasn't sure what the creature had done to it, but the monster seem to shrink slowly and then just fell apart. Hye-In found Eun-Yu's hand and tightly squeezed it.

The creature in front of them didn't turn back, as if it was hesitating.

"Who the hell are you?!" Eun-Yu's attitude made its way onto the surface yet again which made Hye-In squeeze her hand even tigher and gave her a panicked look. Eun-Yu shook her off, though, and walked closer to the tall 'creature'.

"What? Why did you save us? What's your deal?!" she cried out again angrily but was taken aback by a familiar chuckle.

"I am sorry I lied," he said sadly, still not turning around. Eun-Yu's eyes burned from the tears cummulating at once. No way.

"You bastard!" she cried out and started pounding into his back which made Hye-In yell out in surprise and also fear and run to tear Eun-Yu away.

Now, he turned around, looking down at Eun-Yu with compassion, trying to touch her shoulder again but Eun-Yu shook him and Hye-In off.

"Don't you touch me! Neither or you. Fuck," she screamed at them and wiped away her tears from the cheeks.

Hye-In finally looked up and after watching his face for a bit, she understood, too: "Lee Eun-Hyeok?"

He only nodded, keeping his well-known calm face which was now decorated by silver cold irises.

"How are you like this? You don't look like-" Hye-In began but her dog's unstoppable barking interrupted her, so she picked him up and continued: "You don't look like them..."

"Yeah, I know. What about we talk some more after we're somewhere else?"

"Leave the army?" Hye-In wondered.

"You can stay, if you want. But I can protect you better as it seems. And I also want to find Cha Hyun-Su in the meantime."

Eun-Yu raised her head at Cha Hyun-Su's mention and swallowed her tears. "You want to find him?"

His eyes landed on his sister as he nodded: "Of course, he always helped us out. He has to feel lonely now. I don't want that for him."

"Uhuh. The children are here somewhere...," Eun-Yu said, "Yoon Ji-Su probably, too..."

"What about Seo Yi-Kyung?" Eun-Hyeok asked as he was looking around.

"She stayed outside. She didn't come with us here," Hye-In informed him, receiving a small nod from him.

"Alright, let's go when the monsters are still tamed," he said and started walking away from them. The two women hurried to catch up.

"How did you do it? Tame them?" Hye-In wondered.

"Hm, it's just a thing I can do. Don't ask me why."

They walked along the hallway when suddenly Eun-Hyeok stopped.

"What?" Eun-Yu asked angrily as she almost bumped into him again.

"I think they are here somewhere," Eun-Hyeok said quietly and looked right to the damaged cabinet standing on the floor.

"Su-Yeong? Yeong-Su? Are you in there?" he bend himself down and almost wanted to open the cabinet, however the sight of his own fingers stopped him and turned back to his sister.

"Could you? I don't want to frighten them," he said quietly and stepped back.

Eun-Yu gave him a long look, finally taking in everything that was different. Somehow not wearing his glasses made him seem even more emotionally distanced than before. And I thought it's the glasses. His features in the face didn't change that much, not at least in comparison to his body which was just generally bigger and then of course, the clawed hands were something of an eyecatcher.

And when talking about an eye, his silvery eyes kept staring at her patiently which made her nervous a bit.

The cabinet door opened itself, though, and a small head popped out.

"Eun-Yu?" Su-Yeong said in a weak voice, holding onto her younger brother whose eyes were swollen up.

Eun-Yu sat down on her haunches and smiled at the children. "We're here to take you somewhere safe, okay? You remember my brother, right?" she gestured to her left.

"What happened to Oppa?" Su-Yeong asked carefully.

"Nothing much, just a change of style, come on out."

The children slowly got out of the cabinet and looked around.

"Where is Ji-Su? She told us to hide and then run away," Yeong-Su asked.

"We should look for her," Eun-Hyeok said and looked down at the kids.

"Hey," he said and lowered himself to be at the same height level as them, "I know I look a bit weird now but you'll forgive me that, right?"

The siblings looked at each other and the older sister nodded.

"Great, thank you. And just for moving faster, would you mind if I carried you so we can find Ji-Su as soon as possible?"

Yeong-Su replied with stretching out his arms towards Eun-Hyeok which made him smile.

"I am sorry, I got myself these ugly fingers, I hope it's alright," he said, his voice cracking a bit as he lifted the children, one locked in each arm.

Eun-Yun watched her brother how he carefully held the children so he wouldn't harm them with his claws and quickly looked to the side, trying to hide her glassy eyes. He went through such a change alone.

They walked around for a while, encountering a few monsters that have crouched away when Eun-Hyeok walked passed them. Both and Eun-Yun and Hye-In watched the monsters' reactions in awe.

"If he only turned earlier," Hye-In commented, remembering the lives they have lost. Eun-Hyeok stopped and turned around and looked straight at Hye-In, visibly sighing. He understood, him losing his humanity could've saved many lives. But it's too late to fix it.

Hye-In interpreted his reaction negatively and rose her hand in defense: "I didn't mean to off-"

"No, you are right, it's fine," he interrupted her and nodded to the metalic door in front of them, "I think she's in there."

"How do you know?" his sister asked suspiciously.

"Well, with those pretty eyes came also upgraded ears and my nose picks up specific smells, too. And I smell puss."

"Ew," Eun-Yu furrowed her brows at Eun-Hyeok who gave her an innocent smile in return.

"Kids, you stay here," he said and lowered himself so he could put them down.

"What are you going to do?" Su-Yeong asked anxiously.

"I'll go get her," he answered and smiled at them. His sister was faster, though, and was already trying to open the door.

"It's locked," she said angrily.

"Eun-Yu," her brother said calmly, "you shouldn't be this rash. She's not alone in there, the soldiers are with her. If you opened the door, they could've had killed you."

"Why would they shoot me, I am not a monster!" she said but immediately regreted her words. He is a monster now, too.

"Yeah, I know. But they are afriad. They won't probably act reasonably," he said and laid his hand on the door.

"We are here in peace, we just want to take Ji-Su. Are you there, Ji-Su? It's me, Eun-Hyeok," he said loudly and turned his ear to the door, waiting for a response.

"Why aren't they answering?" Hye-In asked nervously. Eun-Hyeok turned to her and shrugged. "They all seem to be tense."

"Alright, I'm going in, so please, save yourself the bullets," Eun-Hyeok informed them and looked at his sister, "you all go away from the door. They'll definitely be shooting."

"No, don't go! They'll kill you!" Yeong-Su ran to his calf and hugged it.

"Don't worry, I'll make it. And I'll bring Ji-Su, too."

Eun-Yu started at her brother who gently pushed the boy away from him and then continued to the metalic door. He slid his hand on it up and down, as if trying out the material and in a swift movement of his hand, he made its way through it. The shooting, of course, began as soon as he dug his sharp claws through it and the bullet shower continued as he ripped the door out of the frame, using it now as a shield against the bullets.

Eun-Hyeok didn't bother to say anything. He knew what the fear could do and he also knew how he had to look like to them. He focused only on the smell now - the heavy smell of puss.

How could've they leave it like that? She has to have it infected for days.

He located her promptly and looked to his right. They were holding her, covering her mouth so she couldn't have yelled out when he first tried to talk to her. With a few unnaturally fast and strong jumps, he was standing in front of the two soldiers who have been holding her down, not minding the wound they were opening with it.

"I'll be taking her off of your hands now," Eun-Hyeok said as politely as he could but still was hit by multiple bullets in his back. He couldn't help himself but to let out an animalistic grunt that made everyone feel more uneasy.

"Ji-Su," he said softly as she watched him with teary eyes, "God, look guys, I really-" a headshot stopped him from talking. He fell forward onto his door-shield, swearing: "Fuck," as he spit out the bullet that came into his head from behind.

Ji-Su started jerking around with her body, making it harder for the soliders to hold her down.

"Okay, okay," Eun-Hyeok rose to his feet again and grabbed each soilder by their arm, throwing them aside as if they were teddy-bears. Quickly, he pushed his hands beneath Ji-Su and lifted her up as she watched him in silence but her eyes were asking all the questions for her.

"Yeah, I know," he said and pulled her closer to his chest as he prepared to jump his way out of this storage room. A few bullets hit his back but otherwise nothing serious.

He met his sister's eyes who couldn't hide her worrisome look.

"We should probably head out," he said and balanced Ji-Su on his right arm as he dug his claws into a tall metalic cabinet, throwing it in front of the door frame.

"Could you carry the boy?" he turned to his sister who was still staring at the cabinet that he threw with ease at the door frame. She only nodded and automatically picked Yeong-Su.

They all headed to the garages where they found a big black van into which they all climbed in after Hye-In found the keys in a cupboard in a CCTV room.

Eun-Hyeok laid Ji-Su in the back and uncovered her wound. "Don't they have here some medicine? Or alcohol at least?" he asked.

"They told us that they have almost nothing left," Ji-Su said weakly.

"Yeah, we were supposed to be here only temporary. But the monsters were all around, we couldn't get out safely," Hye-Inn explained.

"Hm, I will have to get something for this later, then. Could you drive?" he asked the woman who was still holding tightly onto the dog.

"Me?" she said in shock, "why me?"

"Well, my sister is probably worse at driving than me, Ji-Su isn't feeling the best... and as you said before, there's a lot of monsters out there. I should be on the outside, taking care of them."

"Can't you just do the creepy scream?" Eun-Yu asked.

"That's what I am planning. But it won't reach that far. I'd have to scream all the way."

"Why don't you?"

"Try screaming for 5 minutes yourself, Eun-Yu," he said and stepped out of the car, about to close the door.

Eun-Yu quickly grabbed his wrist, looking up into his eyes. "Are you sure you can fight them alone?"

He smiled at her and put his other hand on hers. "I have to try, you guys can't fight them."

She looked away but didn't let go of his wrist.

"Please, don't leave like last time. Be creepy as you want. Just don't leave," she said quietly, surprising Eun-Hyeok with her honesty and nodded.

"I'll do everything to survive. As I did until now," he said, slipping out of her grip and closing the door. He opened the garage door. It was suspiciously quiet. He looked back at the car and sent them a smile, heading out first.

[limenysnocket]

●The Blush Bet●

Pt. II: The Date. . .

Summary: After losing the blush bet by a few points, (Y/N) has to go out on the-- as Taika calls it-- "Worst Date of Her Life" with him. She has no idea what he's going to do, but she does know she's going to be wearing a very pink, very frilly and very short dress on the date tonight.

Request: @honorarytenenbaum

Author's note: This is about to turn into a series and I'm LIVING FOR IT.

Warnings: Alcohol usage, swearing and very unsavory clothing.

●□■●□■●□■●□■●

This was it, wasn't it? This was fucking it.

This was the thing that made sure that Taika was never ever going to be a part of your funeral comitee.

You stood there, looking at yourself in the mirror, your face scrunched up in pure disgust like a teenage girl who just got a ketchup stain on her "perfect" prom dress. But wait, imagine this. You're in the prom dress, for real and it's the UGLIEST thing you have ever seen. You would vomit on it if you could, but this date was going to happen no matter what happened, so you would just have to try and not cry/embarrass yourself any more than you will, the moment you step outside of your door.

The dress itself was pink (extremely pink) and incredibly frilly. This wasn't the thing that bothered you, despite the complete uncomfortableness of the scratchy ruffles, was how terribly short it was. It showed off too much thigh and you swore, if your panties were any longer, they would be showing. You were actually starting to hate yourself again, just by the sight of you in this dress. It was utterly disgusting. So unflattering, so horrible, so uncomfortable that you could call off this entire date right now and you wouldn't be ashamed.

You were on the verge of tearing this dress right off, but a knock at the door and a loud honking of a horn outside stopped you. You let out a long groan and a very sad whine before you even had your hand on the doorknob.

You opened the door and your eyes immediately went to the very (very) old gentleman before you, who looked like he had both feet in the grave and was so ready to lie down in it at any second. He was cheery though, despite his... appearance. He was dressed in a grey vallet suit and a dimpled cap. It looked old, but it suited him well. "Your ride is here, ma'am. He's quite the lively fellow, I must say," he chuckled, scratching his chin with a gloved finger. He turned with you to face the whole limosene, parked just outside, as the horn let out another shrill holler. You knew exactly who was inside the car and honking at her, and she saw his head come popping right up out of the top of the open sunroof.

"(YYYY/NNNNNNNN)!!" Taika yelled, the big dorky grin on his face while he used his foot to honk the horn for each extended syllable of your name.

"What the hell are you wearing!?" You blurted. You should really be saying it to yourself more than him.

"I bought it at Good Will! Are you impressed?" He cackled, bouncing on his heels.

Taika was dressed in a very daddly button up, short-sleeved shirt that was decorated in very blurry and cartoonish, red cherries. You couldn't see it, but he was also wearing tan cargo shorts and a pair of black crocs. So, he was making this embarrassing for both you and him, huh? He had no shame.

"Wow, I've never been so turned on before," you say, the sarcasm leaking out of your voice shamelessly. He only grinned at you and continued waving you over, while people on the street stopped and stared for a minute before walking on, their heads down, and some even quietly giggling over the stupid encounter.

The old driver took you down the steps slowly and opened your door for you, where Taika was waiting with an incredibly cheesy grin. You gave him an up and down look with an extremely horrified look. You still couldn't believe he was wearing that stuff. "I like you better in pineapple print..." You mumble.

Taika laughed, "Too bad."

The car engine started with a very loud complaint from the engine. If you had known any better, you'd up and think that the entire car was about to fall to bits within the first few seconds it made it onto the road. But no, you weren't THAT lucky tonight. There was still a limo to carry you around, which meant that there was still a date. Unfortunately.

"How badly do you plan to make me suffer tonight?" You turn your head and face him, crossing your arms.

"Really badly," he smirked and winked at you.

"Really really?" You said, almost through bared teeth.

"Really really," he repeated and settled himself down into an even more comfort position, spread eagle.

You rolled your eyes and scooted away, almost uncomfortable as his knee came into contact with your thigh. "Do you have to do that? We're the only people in this dumb limo besides Butler Alfred up there," you jacked a thumb at the driver's seat ahead of you, where the pleasant old man was happily bouncing along to the rhythm of the car.

"For your information," Taika butted in, pointing a finger at you and changing his posture yet again, "his name is Robert and he's way cooler than any Batman butler out there. Secondly, yes. The goal is to make you uncomfortable and give you absolutely no breaks, whatsoever."

You groaned, leaning your head in your hand as you watched the average buildings trickle into expensive French and Italian restaurants. Your eyes widen the closer and closer you got to the rich and fancy part of town, still riding along in your old fart limo. "Taika Waititi, this better not be what I think it is. You're not going to make me step out of this car, looking like princess bubblegum and her sidekick poorly dressed dad man, in front of the richest damn side of town!"

He was only giggling beside you, like a kid, and that scared you. Suddenly, the limo stopped and you sunk in your seat. Outside of your window was one of the most richest, fanciest restaurants there is in Los Angeles.

"Suuuuurpriiiiiiise!" Taika grinned at you, running a hand through his curls then quiantly stepping out of the car as Robert the vallet opened his door, then went to open yours.

"M'lady~," Taika smirked and offered his hand out to you as you prepared to get out of the car. You slapped his hand and got out of the car. "Youch," Taika chuckled, hiding the bright red pain in his hand with a grin.

You got out of the car yourself, only giving Robert a nod to thank him. You said nothing to Taika and stood at the front of the car, receiving weird and chortling glances from people dressed up snootily. They all stuck their noses up at you as they walked into the massive two story building, completed with an archway entrance. You didn't show Taika this, but now you were on the verge of a breakdown. You didn't want to go in that restaurant. Not like this. Not on these terms.

You have never been in this restaurant before. Not even close. You thought that you would have to marry a rich, Austrian Lord to get in there. You didn't know, at the time, that Taika was spending a large amount of money for you and this date. The outfits, not so much, but that was simply so he could actually afford to take you to such a place.

You sat on the hood of the limo, your stomach and knots. You could feel Taika's gaze on your skin, mixed in with the many others from passersby. You couldn't feel, however, that it was full of sympathy and regret.

There was another weight added onto the hood and it made you jump. Why, wasn't it the daddly Taika.

"Neat place, huh?" He hummed, looking up at the grand building above the two of you.

You drew in a shaky breath, a grimace spread across your face. "Yeah... It is..." You said, shame dripping from your tongue. This was hurting the poor man's heart.

"Too bad we're not eating there, huh?" He put on a sticky grin and you whirled around to face him and smack his arm.

"Are you seriously telling me that you made me sit out here and get stared at by all of these dumb rich people!?" You yelled and got sneered at by people you didn't know, also ignoring the fact that you, yourself, were infact, rich too.

"I didn't make you sit in front of all these people. I just offered to take you out of the car. Robert likes the building and asked if we could make a pittstop," Taika laughed and fended off your hand with an equally hard slap to your arm.

"Oh, Robert, my good man. I would like to request we get going. No more sight seeing," Taika grinned at the elderly man who was fiddling with an ancient quarter in his coat pocket.

"Oh, but where possibly to, sir?" Robert looked up, dazed and confused. So much for enjoying the sight of the building.

"To the bar, my good chum," Taika got up and you quickly followed in pursuit, eager to get out of the spotlight and stop becoming measly entertainment for the earnings of snooty laughter.

"Oh," Robert seemed a little confused, then took his hand out of his pocket to stop fiddling with the coin. "Alrighty then. Any particular requests?"

"Just something on the less rich side of town, but nothing too on the dumpy side," Taika put in his request while he opened a car door for you to get in, then went in to get in on the other side.

Robert nodded, lifted his cap and scratched the bald part of his head, set his cap back down and got in the limo once more.

You, including Robert, were a little confused when it came to this interaction. Did Taika check to see if Robert had a case of Alzheimer's, or was he pulling a big fat joke on you. You just kept quiet and breathed a deep sigh of relief as the fancy buildings melted away into the more average side of town.

Eventually, the long and very quiet ride was over and the limo pulled up along the curb of a pretty decent bar. It was at half capacity with people the time you arrived and it was quite simple. Simple, neon "Open" lights hanging in the window, simple sign hanging above the door and simple people, dressed in simple clothing heading in and out. You wished you could be a simple person at that moment, but Taika still refused to let you have that.

You stepped out once Robert politely opened the door for you again. You would tip him if your stupid dress actually had pockets. Yet another curse upon this night.

You step up onto the curb and Taika is waiting, extending a hand to you once more. You gulped and stared at it. Even here, you could feel the unworldly stares of those around you. Well, who wouldn't stare? You looked like the human epitome of Pepto Bismal and Taika looked like a dad trying too hard to look normal, but fucking it all up in the end.

"You know how much I hate this, don't you?" You said, hesitantly looking at his hand. His other one was tucked into one of the, what seemed to be, hundreds of pockets in his cargo shorts.

"Yup," he said, letting the P out at the end with a pop from his lips, exaggerating his pronunciation a tad more.

"I feel so spoiled," you sigh and clap your hand on top of his extended one, your fingers tangling with his, and without warning, he was dragging you inside.

A little bell chimed as the door opened again, and the smell of hot wings, booze and heady cologne. It was a smell you recognized and one you'd never forget. You couldn't count how many times you had sat in a bar like this one before you were a Hollywood success like you were now.

Taika guided you over to a secluded booth that had one, red wax colored light dangling above. If either one of you were to lean too far across the table, perhaps to steal a fry or grab the salt, your forehead would collide against the damn thing and leave a mark purple enough to make someone think that your secret lover had left a hickey smack dab in the middle of your head. You took a mental note of the light, and you were sure Taika did too.

"Allowed to spoil any plans?" You said, a grin perking up on your face since you were finally away from prying eyes and listening to Lynrd Skynrd play their hearts out over the speaker system hooked into the ceiling.

"Nope. All the plans are exclusively meant for me to know," he tapped his temple with his index finger and gave you a wide grin. You knew how much of a fib that was, for sure, just by the smile.

"You have no idea what's going to happen, do you?" You say bluntly, folding your arms. Taika's smile gets even wider and he lets out a very breathy laugh.

"Totally!" He cackled. It was a goofy enough laugh to even make you start laughing a little too. He was such a dork. You couldn't help it, honestly.

A waiter eventually came and took your order and both of you started laughing and joking about how they had looked at the two of you so strangely. There was a big debate on whether the two of you should leave a big tip for putting up with your guys' shit, or leave a small tip since they had secretly questioned your morals and the way you were dressed with just one look.

Taika took a hearty slug of pint, cheeks pink and dazed with his slight drunkness. Rock bands had been playing all night. Metallica, Lynrd Skynrd, Guns N' Roses, System of a Down, Nirvana and any other daintily old, yet popular group. You never took the time to look into Taika's music interests, and that made you all the more oblivious to the fact that he liked a few songs from the band Aerosmith.

"Oh God, I love this song," he groaned sodtly, his whole body starting to sway just as 'Crazy' by Aerosmith began to play and he closed his eyes like a weeping, dedicated fan. His eyes suddenly shot open and looked directly at you, "You have to come dance with me."

"Excuse me?" You said, just as you took a sip of your own pint. "I don't dance."

"Yes, you do. Now, come on!" He smirked, grasping your hand from across the table and dragging you, once more, out and in front of a bunch of slightly drunk people that you don't know.

"Taika, really?" You look up at him and whine. He hushes you without a second thought and pulls you up close to him and your nose buries into his chest. His arms slither and wrap around your waist. He has you wrap your arms around his neck.

"Damn you, Waititi," you whisper, your cheeks ablaze with color as he sways you around the dance floor.

"Love you too, babe," he hums, closing his eyes and grinning with glee as other drunk couples came out and danced along with the music. To be the little bit extra that he was, Taika took the liberty to even do a little fancy spin and a tiny dip. You giggled the entire way through, and nothing could have been a better sight than that to Taika.

The night ended with much more slow dances, lots more drinks, and a bill piled up high. You paid for half of everything and he paid the other half before the two of you left. Robert was waiting outside, chatting up this lovely little old lady that appeared to be close to his age. She scampered off once she realized Robert's customers had come back from their randevou.

"Did you find yourself a date, Robert?" You giggled, walking right up to the now open door that the old man was holding open for you.

"Nah. She was way outta my league. Pretty, though," he grinned and you couldn't help but laugh as you ducked your head and climbed back into the limosene while brushing off the crumbs from fries from your dress. Taika sat right next to you and pat his stomach, full from a night indulging on junk food.

Robert was the last one in and he took the limo away from the curb and joined in with the traffic.

It was a lit slower getting home, and yoh felt yourself getting sleepier and sleepier. Your eyes drooped and your body began to lean in the direction of your door, but as the weight of your body began to fall, it was redirected by a gentle hand, and your head was soon rested against a warm body. You looked up and saw Taika with that classic grin. That cheeky little shit. You laughed, "Thanks," and just kept your head there, seeing as Taika's shoulder actually was more comfortable than the cold window or scratchy seatbelt.

"No problem," Taika whispered back to you and let his body relax to the sound of faint honking horns from outside the window and the blasting air conditioning. He kept you warm all throughout your delivery back home.

You couldn't help but feel a little sad whenever you felt the limo come to a stop and you slowly lifted your head from Taika's shoulder. You refused to let the kiwi see your disappointment, however.

Robert came and opened your door, again, and you actually gave the sweet man a tip this time with quite a bit of the change left from paying at the bar. He was happy with what he got. Taika stepped out too and walked you right to your door, like a gentleman. You turned to him to say goodbye.

"You know," you started with a soft laugh, "I was kinda expecting this date to be a lot worse."

"It could have been," Taika said, "But I have a heart, you know. Always so sympathetic."

You punched his arm playfully and he did it right back, only softer. "I'm actually quite curious," he said suddenly after the both of you sat in comfortable silence, "If you had won the bet, what would you have done?"

You winced and giggled at this, biting the inside of your cheek. "I was going to bedazzle your mustache and have Pedro help, since he seems to know a lot about it. I was going to put glitter in it and everything. Like Twilight," You cheekily quoted "What We Do in the Shadows" in front of him and that put a happy little grin on his face.

"You wouldn't dare," he said right back, not thinking of a snappy enough comeback.

"Oh, but I do..."

The silence settled in again and your cheek remained between your teeth. You drew in a deep breath and Taika took a step closer. "You know," he said in a very low voice, "I can take you out on another date sometime..." He started to lean in, his face drawing closer to yours and his lips only mere inches away. "Next time... possibly as something more than friends..."

His lips were expected to come into contact with yours, but they only came into contact with something less intimate. Your thumb.

"You forgot the one rule of this date," you said in a very hushed whisper. "I'm not allowed to fall in love with you..."

You pulled your thumb away from his lips slowly, admiring how his bottom lips stuck against it and slipped so silkily over it. "Goodnight, Taika," you said, internally kicking yourself for not kissing him in that perfect moment.

He didn't say anything back. He merely watched as you unlocked your door and slipped inside, leaving him wanting and yearning on your step. He let out a heavy sigh as the porch light flickered on and he raised his hand, as if to knock on the door and plead for you to come back out again, but he stopped himself and turned to Robter, who was just getting off of the phone.

"Mr. Waititi, the big restaurant you and the Miss were supposed to go to just called to tell you that they canceled your reservation, since you didn't show up. Do you want me to call them back?" Robert said, holding up a phone.

"No, Robert, that won't be necessary," Taika sighed.

"Oh," Robert shrugged, "where to now, sir?"

"Home, if you wouldn't mind it, sir," Taika said and slipped back into the seat of the limosene, the seat still drifting with the scent of your perfume.

[e11evenkeys]

Pitch: The Adventures of Danger Rabbit- Chapter 2 Friendly Friendly (part 1)

Long story short, my dad wasn't arrested. Ms. Harper made her displeasure quite clear as far as my new form was concerned, but I wasn't taken away. Because of my mistake, dad had a reputation for being a careless father, and I was seen as a delinquent. Teachers started watching our family like we were career criminals, but dad raised me to be a good kid.

Regardless of the truth, I had a reputation that stuck with me as I grew up. Even into my junior year of high school, kids thought I was bad news. It didn't help that I had the worst luck imaginable, unlike Mr. Nickels, who I still had yet to find. Trouble seemed to seek me out. Just the simple act of walking home from school was dangerous enough to warrant fear of chaos. Freak accidents were a norm, and they only fueled the fire when it came to the negative light everyone shined on me. Of course, my dad always had the worst end of the fiascos because he had to deal with the aftermath.

If I had any luck at all, it was spent when I had the fortune of finding my two best friends.

B James was a girl who moved to town after my accident. Her parents were professional magicians, so naturally, I tried to get in good with them. I had hopes of them helping me. It turns out I didn't have to work too hard. BJ was fascinated with my form and impressed with my ability to create my own magic. I told her I didn't mean to transform myself, but I don't think she cared. She wanted to make new spells like her parents, and I suppose she thought I could help her. She overlooked how the rest of the school avoided me, but that might have been easy, considering no one flocked to her lunch table any more than my own. Remember when I said creating new magic was dangerous, well, BJ didn't care. We hadn't even graduated high school yet, but she'd created more spells than a person could count. It's important to keep in mind most of those spells had adverse effects or didn't do what they were meant to, but they did something.

My friend Wesson, a satyr I met in my freshman year of high school, didn't use magic at all. To be fair Fae, because of their natural abilities, didn't need magic as much as humans did. Even I had natural powers after my transformation like super hearing and invisibility. Which I'm sure is how Mr. Nickels managed to avoid capture for so long if he also possessed the same abilities. Wes being a satyr, was super fast and super strong, among other things, whether he appeared to be or not. We became friends after I tried to join the school's Creature club. There weren't many Fae that went to our school, so the club was meant to be a way of letting them all meet one another. Unfortunately, when I tried to join the club, someone pointed out I was born human, and that I was only what I was because I cursed myself. I couldn't join the club. Technically they weren't allowed to exclude anyone, but I thought it best to pick my battles wisely and let it go. Wes, being the best guy in the world, found me the next day and told me he thought the other kids were dicks for not letting me join the club. From that day on, I couldn't remember a time I couldn't fall back on the friendship Wes and I had.

It was two weeks till summer break. All of the ends of the year testing was out of the way, so everyone was waiting for the school year to come to an end. That Friday afternoon, I decided to walk BJ home. Despite my being close to Wes and BJ both, they never seemed to like one another. Every day I'd have to make a conscious decision whether to hang out with BJ, who loved playing magician and getting into trouble, or Wes, who was basically the brother I never had. BJ won that day because Wes had a meeting with the principal.

BJ should have taken the bus home, but I guess that would have been less time she got to work out new magic with me. We took a lot of back roads that day that eventually spit us out into the Dead Woods. It was the town's biggest forest, and it sat in the middle of everything. We learned in history class that old settlers named it the Dead Woods because back in the early days, when people were still coming up with most of the modern magic, they had to go far away from homes and buildings so bad magic wouldn't destroy anything. A lot of people died out there. Despite the bad history, it was a beautiful place as long as you knew where you were going.

"So there's this summer internship I read about," BJ said as we walked under branches while leaves crumbled under our footsteps.

"What kind of internship?" I asked.

We stopped walking so she could take her spell book out of her bag. The pages of her hand made spiral held weight and took time to flip through.

"For magicians. I thought you might want to go for it," she added.

"You want me to be a magician?"

"You created a working transmutation spell when you were 11."

I laughed at her, calling it a "working spell."

"Yea, and I've been trying to undo it ever since," I said with my amused tone still vocal.

"I could help you."

"I don't want to be a magician," I said in my most definitive voice possible.

"But I do."

I took a few steps away. I didn't want to stand too close while her book was out. Some of the stuff in that thing didn't need words to be activated. As she flipped through the pages, there was a danger similar to throwing a grenade into a kid's birthday party. Pages glowed and faded as her hands turned them over. I'm not sure how she managed to carry something around like that without constantly hurting herself.

"Then you should do it," I said as I crossed my arms and leaned against a tree.

She came near, and I knew to expect puppy dog eyes to fluff some kind of catch. That's what people do when they want something

"I need you."

I asked, "why," but she turned away.

"I need your spell," I thought she said, but I couldn't make out her words for sure, and with my big ears, that meant she was really quiet.

"What?" I asked.

"I need your spell."

I stood up straight.

"The spell that gave me fur and left with only eight fingers," I said before I continued with, " the spell that made my feet too big to wear shoes and ears big enough to hear my dad when he gets off at night."

"I have to submit a working spell to be considered."

"Then use one of yours," I said.

"None of mine work."

"What about the one you use to change your hair color?"

"It blinds anyone who sees me cast it."

"Then just use my spell, you don't need me for that, I wrote the words in some book, and I'll give it to you."

I wanted to get off the subject. Anyone who knew me knew how long I tried to find a cure for my curse. After years of turning over stones to no avail, of course, I gave up hope. That's not to say I didn't wish and dream for a way to change back, but being a bit of a pessimist meant I couldn't help but see the uneasy reality of how unlikely a cure was.

"It wouldn't be right to take credit for your work."

"But, it's alright to strong-arm your friend into an internship that'll take up our entire summer?" I didn't mean to sound nearly as argumentative or sarcastic as I must have at that moment, but it came out that way.

"There's a chance we won't even get it," she said, basically pleading with me at that point.

"If I say yes, will you leave me out of whatever experiments you're about to do?"

"But I had something special planned for today."

"That's my price."

"Deal, but you have to stick around to watch."

"In case something goes wrong?"

"I didn't say that."

"You didn't have to," I replied.

We exchanged a mutual grin before she adjusted her glasses and finally flipped around in her book to find the newly crafted spells. We spent most of the afternoon in the woods. BJ wrote a spell for growing plants faster, but it made anything made of wood burst into flames, including all the papers in my backpack. She tried to put out the fires with another spell meant to create rain clouds, but it summoned a swarm of butterflies that flew into the flames. Needless to say, they all died. They died quickly, but at least the fires went out.

By that time, it was getting dark.

"We should get moving," I said as I picked our bags off the ground burnt as they might have been.

"We will never speak of what happened here to anyone, right?"

"Like always," I said with a chuckle before handing BJ her ruined bag.

We started on our way out of the woods.

"Do your parents know you're applying for this internship?" I asked.

"Not yet."

"Don't you think they should know?"

"I'll tell them once I, " she started to say before I cut her off with, "did you hear that?"

"Hear what," she asked.

There was a sound coming from the bushes ahead of us. It was too big to be a cat, dog, or rabbit.

"Stand back," I said as I put my arm in front of BJ.

"Is someone there," I called out into the distance, but no reply was returned.

Only the rustling of the bushes broke the silence as something or someone came near. It was close. There was a momentary pause of nothing but the bugs around us falling silent, and then whatever it was lunged out at me.

It was Wes. He made me fall backward and rip the arm of my button-down shirt.

"Shit," I yelled out.

He tried to catch my arm on my way down, but he was too slow.

"Sorry, dude," Wes said with a laugh as he helped me to my feet.

"What are you doing out here?" BJ asked in a tone more annoyed than me, but I was the one with the ripped shirt.

"I need Pitch."

"Well, he's walking me home from school."

"Schools been out for 3 hours now, and you know how to get home."

"You want me to walk by myself," BJ asked.

"No one ever offers to walk me home, and we're the same age," Wes said sarcastically.

I cut in, "Wes, what did you need my help with?"

"I need your ears," he said.

"Let me get BJ home, and then I'll swing by your place."

Neither of them was even looking at me anymore; they were staring one another down.

"Alright, just make sure 'Bug Burner' isn't with you."

"You saw that!" BJ exclaimed.

"I'll be there, alone," I said as I held BJ back from Wes.

A few uneasy, and unwelcoming glances were exchanged before we took to our separate ways.

"I don't know why you hang out with him," BJ argued.

"Wes is cool," I said.

"Wes is just short of being a toddler. He doesn't use magic."

"I don't use magic."

"That's different; you can't afford it."

"That hurt," I said.

"You know what I mean."