#they crave to be understood for once like how their siblings seem to be

[vellichorsdesire]

talked about this a little with my friends but, i truly do think that f/o would want to push me away at first. and it’s not in like a ‘grr i hate you’ way but it’s more of a ‘i don’t understand you and why you want to get close to me’ and the fact that i’m a distraction to the work they’re so terribly close to that they know nothing but that.

i truly do think they’ve always wanted to feel understood for once in a way thatt they’ve felt isolated from everyone and so very ‘inhuman’ their entire life. but now that they finally get the chance, that that certain someone finally does show up, they’re terrified in a way, because they’re so used to hiding and being closed off that they can’t imagine being unraveled like that so easily. so they push away their only chance (also worth mentioning their identity crisis, where they do want to be seen but have nothing to show of themselves in the end. something something)

[luna-indigoduh]

Baby fever

word count: 2492

CW:  Breeding kink, cursing, oral (Femal receiving)

AN: Hey guys I’ve been gone but im excited to release this. I suddenly had muse at like 3 Am and want to start being active more so ill be posting more headcanons and getting fics out when im not busy. Feel free to send headcanons or even small prompts would really like to interact with mutuals again. Anywho enjoy 

Touya had never thought about having kids.  There was nothing that was in him that had ever made the male wonder or dream of having kids of his own. Between his family trauma and the fact his quirk was one he wouldn't wish on to anyone (besides his father). He feared he would be just as good of a father compared to his father, which was like saying he'd  be the best at being the damn worst. With the same rage, stubbornness and passion that endeavor carried through his veins being in his there wasn't any guarantee that his child wouldn’t face the same amount of neglect or abuse he faced as a child . Then when it came to his quirk, he knew his own fucking body couldn’t handle his quirk. He knew for sure that a child that had the chance of gaining a much more powerful fire quirk and his weak frozen body, he’d be putting a death sentence on that's child's back even before birth   If it was up to him the todoroki bloodline would be put to an end with his siblings.     

Sadly he had no control in that seeing he sat face to face with his nephew that you had been babysitting for the weekend. Natsuo had asked if you two would be willing to watch his son for him and his wife. Touya could still remember how unsure his brother  was when he asked him. He was positive that had the same matching looks on their faces as he held the babbling baby in his arms. Touya was reluctant of  course when he asked.  Plus he was positive he was only asking him due to Fuyumi being out of town for vacation and Shoto being too busy with her0 work.  He couldn’t muster up any words and could feel as his nerves would boil over any second. That was until he felt your hand on his shoulder that instantly felt himself cool down .  

“Of course we will,” you said cheerfully with a smile ever so bright .

You hadn’t told Touya but you had been going through baby fever heavily . You found yourself looking in the baby aisle more than usual as you did your daily errands. You also have been going over that baby list of names and even scrolling through cute family tiktoks that could only make you imagine having a family with Touya. Sadly you knew about his past and what he had been through. As much as you were ready for a baby you understood his stance on children and you wouldn't push your want for a family onto the male. You respected him and accepted that at the moment your two cats would be just enough for the both of you right now. 

Touya would agree with you also, up until this weekend.    At first he had decided that he would have as little interaction with the child as possibly. It at first sounded like an easy task,but once he realized that you would be using this time to have as much fun with the child. If he wanted anytime with you, he was going to have to be with the baby. Nothing about the baby had given him the idea that he wanted his own. Especially with the fact he had cried for over an hour once his parents left. If anything he was sure it would be the best birth control that you guys had ever had. Then you had managed to calm the baby down and that had begun to ignite the spark in him that made him crave to put his own kid in you. Watching as you rock as you rock the small baby as it rested its head against your chest was an image he did not know he needed to see.   He could only think about how beautiful you looked in that moment, and how beautiful you would look with his own child in your arms.  From there that spark in him only grew more as the days carried on. While you cured your fever by playing with the child, feeding and caring for him it had seemed that this baby loving illness was contagious because Touya was positive that he had  come down with a case of it and there was only one way it could be cured for him. By the end of Saturday night Touya had easily fallen into a domestic role. He took the time to do your guy’s typical household chores  such as the laundry or cooking dinner for you guys . He also gave you chances to relax as he fed the baby or rocked him to sleep.  Of course after he let you show him he would hurt the small human in his arm.   It was as if you guys had been playing house all weekend,but sadly the fun was coming to an end .

He watched as the child giggled and smiled reaching out for him, a new sound that made his chest warmer than any fire that he had ever weld in him. “You know you weren't so  bad,” he said, picking up the child from the floor where he was originally playing. “How would you like a little cousin?” he asked the small child as he tickled the boy who erupted into a fit of giggles that were only stopped once the door bell rung causing you to quickly move from your bedroom where you where getting the baby’s things together (plus a little extra things you guys had bought when you guys took them shopping with you). “Hey,  Natsuo ,” you said as you  quickly answered the door with the baby bag on your shoulder. “ I knew you'd be here soon.”  You guys chatted a bit  before he asked how the weekend went knowing that watching a kid could be a handful. His worry had been dismissed once his older brother came in his view with his son who had the same striking white hair as the two of them. “It was alright, this little stinker is welcomed any time,” Touya spoke, giving the baby a smile just as bright as the one on the smallest Todoroki’s face. It was a pleasant surprise for all of you.

After your guy’s goodbyes and coming back anytime was given the house fell into a peaceful silence for you. Only you. Touya was doing his best to get over the emptiness within the house,but he couldn't shake the need to want to have a child with you. Later that night you and Touya  decided to cuddle and watch a movie wanting to make up for the lack of solo cuddles you guys had gotten.  While your mind was focused on the movie that played on your bedroom tv Touya seemed to have other plans for you guys . His soft lips found the skin on your neck as he gently placed kisses against it before leaving each kiss with a playful nip at your skin. As his hands began to wander under the hem of your shirt you couldn't help but to hum from his touch. He always knew your body. Where to touch, how to touch and exactly to make you want him more than you typically control. 

He rolled you over on you back easily pulling his  shirt  that your smaller form swam in over your head being glad to see you opted for no bra and just a beautiful blue thong that contrasted against your melanated skin that had him and his dick practically drooling for you before he could even get to touch you the way he wanted. “Fuck your gorgeous doll,” he said softly before pecking a kiss to your lips, going back kissing your now warm skin. You hadn't expected  this attention from him but god you were not going to turn him down for a second.   You watched as he trailed his fiery intense kisses down your body. Each one leaving a marking of love that made your body look like an art piece that was covered with every inch of passion the male had in his body for you that made him feel like an artist. Once he reached  your soaked cover pussy he couldn’t help, but top lap up a taste through your panties with kisses following right behind them.     

“Touya,” You gasped as your hips bucked, wanting more friction. Hating that he wouldn’t just take the stupid thong off of you. It wasn’t usual for him to move slow and take his time with you, but he sure as hell was going to tonight.  

“Just relax for me baby, let me take my time,” he said softly as he sat up to take off his own shirt leaving him in his boxers before finally relieving you from the drenched fabric.    

He couldn't stop himself from spreading your folds watching how your sticky lust connected them together. Touya was sure he had died and went to heaven at the sight.  He rubbed slow circles against your clit watching as you clench around nothing just begging for more. You were sure he was going to ignore how you whined for him to give you more before you heard the sound of him collecting saliva in his mouth as spitting on your pussy the easily meeting your eyes as he lapped it back up   then eating you like his dinner he had wasn't enough to settle his hunger. He needed dessert. It was hard to control the way you squirmed under his touch with how he didn't seem to let up against you. Switching between sucked your clit, small kitten licks that had you melting into the mattress and fucking you with his tongue. He gripped you thighs wanting to keep you close as he got lost in the taste of you.   It would explain how he didn't hear you first say his name.

“Please, I-I need to… fuck , “ moans slipped past your lips as your head fell back into your pillow before feeling a harsh smack against your thigh causing him to gain your attention back as you whimpered.

“You wanna cum? Then you’ll keep those pretty brown eyes on me doll.”

With ease he went back to eating you watching you just as intensely as he tasted every inch of you. He always loved how you came undone right in front of him. The sound of your moans made him believe the heavens gave you the voice of the most beautiful angel that had.  He wished he could hear it every second of the day.  Once you finished he looked at you standing taking in the sight of you.  The lust filled look in your eyes that had your pupils blown with the combination of thin layer or sweat that made your body glisten like gold as your juice continued to leak from you made his mind race. In that moment the image of you round with his spawn made his chest swell. He was going to make you a mom, you were going to have his baby and hell he was going to be the best goddamn father/ husband he could be. The only thing that pulled him from his thoughts was the sight of you getting on your knees reaching for the hem of his boxers before he took a hold of your wrist.

“Wanna make daddy feel good too,” You said licking your lips as seduction fell into your words.

Any other night he would love to see your full lips wrapped around him as his tip hit the back of his throat, but tonight he had a goal in mind.

   “Not tonight baby, you just let me take care of you tonight ok,”he said softly before kissing your forehead.  Something soft was brought out in him and you didn't have time to figure out what it was as he laid you back down. He removed his boxers leaving you both naked as his dick sprung out. Tip red and angry while dripping with his arousal, you licked your lips with anticipation as he pumped himself a few times before folding you in half in a mating press letting you legs rest on his shoulders. With you prepared properly and your pussy having been fucked to fit him over the few years he was easily able to fit. He didn’t take a second to wait to fuck you. The sound of how sloppy your pussy dripped for him was enough to encourage him to carry out fucking his baby into you.

   Long deep strokes made you gasp with sweet moans leaving in between. You loved feeling with each thrust how his tip kissed your cervix. All you could do was beg for him more and more as your arms wrapped around his neck.  He leaned down placing hot kisses into your neck as he found his thrust picking up with each second he felt you clench around him. He couldn’t control himself anymore as his mind was only focused on the feeling of you and the thought of giving you a baby.

  “God you're going to be such a pretty mommy,” he rasped as he slammed deeper into you.  “I’m going to fill this sloppy pussy over and over tonight until you're so full with my cum.”

 His words earned a whine from you before you found your fingers tangling into his hair and pulling it to make him look at you .

  “Cum in me Touya,” you begged as you looked at him with soft eyes. “I want to have you baby, please give me a baby. I’ll be a good mommy.”

 Between your words, your cheeks stained with tears of pleasure and how easily you were taking him, he knew he wasn’t going to last much longer.  After a few more thrust that became sloppy  with each second you both finished together causing you both to cry out each other's names.

He pulled out looking down at you taking in your after sex beauty as his eyes traveled over you before seeing how his seed dripped out of you. He watch proudly as he used his finger to take the mixture of you pushing it back inside wanting to be sure you didn't lose a drop before placing a kiss against your clit.

“I love you doll,” he said softly looking back to your eyes knowing this was a big next step for you guys.

“I love you too,” you said just as gently.

Just like he promised Touya spent the rest of your night fucking you into the sheets to be sure you were filled with him.   For the next few days Touya was happily showing you the same amount of attention. It was a month later that the two of you had found out your non-stop loving had accomplished exactly what he wanted.

You were going to have a baby.

Tag list/ mutuals: @nasty-quillz @darkmajesty-xo @plussizeficchick @dabilovesme @bookwormsenpai @bl–ankhaeji @bl–ankhaeji @xogabbiexo @38riku @tenyaiidasslut @riozakii @sintiva @namjoonswifeyy

[doomed-prophetess]

How the hell does Derrick have so much authority over Penelope? Something I never understood was how it was possible that Derrick, being only the eldest brother, could grant harsh punishments such as feeding his younger sister bread and water or restricting her mobility, without even consulting his father, the Duke. Clearly they have given me more power than a simple brother should have in my opinion, I am an only child so I don't know much about sibling dynamics, but it seems strange to me that Derrick has more influence in Penelope's life than her own father at the point. That when she is arrested, he is the one who goes to visit her. Don't you think that in a situation like this the legal guardian should go?

what is an elder brother if not a second absent father? From the start Derrick seemed to me more like an abusive guardian than an elder brother. His actions towards Penelope were never those of a brother towards a sister. Their relationship was not sibling like. In a similar manner I don't view Reynold and Derrick's relationship as very brotherly. It might have been different once. Before Ivonne disappeared. He helped Reynold and Ivonne sneak out to visit the festival, didn't he? Disobeying his father, that doesn't sound like something the Derrick we know would do. But something in Derrick must have changed after he lost his little sister and made him crave control.

Their relationship would be more comparable to a guardian and ward. I hesitate to call it parentification, because Derrick absolutely did not meet the emotional needs of Reynold and Penelope (he probably barely interacted with Penelope) but I do think he took to some degree care of Reynold in a way their father failed them. I believe he had to grow up too early and that his childhood was cut short given the fact that he had to be prepared to become the next head of the Eckart duchy and their father had likely fallen into a depression after experiencing the loss of his most treasured child. Perhaps Derrick wanted to share his father's burden and offered to take on some of his tasks. Such tasks may have also included looking after the children that the duke was neglecting over his grief at Ivonne's disappearance. Making sure Reynold doesn't stray away from the right path and gets in trouble, being in charge of punishments for minor offenses that he considers too unimportant to bother his father about, ironing out his mistakes, overseeing his education, budgeting etc. You can see where I'm going with this: Derrrick was a person of authority in Reynold's life (hc). And I think that's how he became easily a person of authority in Penelope's life as well. If Derrick did his role so well with Reynold then this could explain why the Duke entrusted him with Penelope. Though I suspect that most often the Duke had no idea what kind of punishments Derrick was handing out to Penelope. I can imagine that at the start Derrick was asking his father for permission for every little thing that eventually the Duke just handed a share of his power over to Derrick. And when he noticed that Derrick acted independently he found that it had a positive impact on their family interests, which caused him to have a little bit too much trust in Derrick's judgement without checking.

Unusual circumstances forced Derrick into the role of the little Duke to support his father and unconsciously everyone around him started to get used to it. Derrick gaining more power over his siblings than he should have wasn't seen as something weird, because he was a precocius child and already preparing to follow into his father's footsteps as the next Duke anyway. Everyone else was so busy searching for Ivonne or offering their condolences, they had forgotten completely that they still had two other children in the house which were in need of parental care.

In my opinion part of the reason had to do with their father's mental state and inability to act as a guardian, part was Derrick's overqualification in certain fields that made people trust him to take on tasks that they would not have given other kids his age typically, part was that his status as the Eckart heir lifted him above his siblings and he would enjoy certain privileges that were connected to serious responsibilities in the future that neither of his siblings would have to fullfill. I think Penelope's gender also played a major role given that they were living in a patriarchy where the domination of women through their male relatives and spouses was normalized. The story is set in a historically western inspired world but the author herself is Korean. It is possible that some Confucian ideas of filial piety still made it into the text.

Lastly there was the underlying idea that Penelope had to prove herself worthy of the Eckart name. If Derrick's treatment of her was that of a master to his servant or a noble to a commoner instead of a brother to his sister or a nobleman to a noblewoman then it was condoned because no one viewed Penelope as an Eckart except for her stepfather. The staff acted under the assumption that Penelope was living there temporary and would be thrown away once the true lady had returned. Even if some of them had objections they were in no position to voice them. Only very few would intervene in other people's family affairs.

As for why Derrick went to visit Penelope in prison instead of his father: plot related reasons. Love interests are generally given more screentime than side characters such as parents. Penelope's situation also wouldn't have looked that bleak if instead of her brother her father had come. Unlike Derrick the Duke would have shown that he cared. Besides the scene of Penelope trapped behind bars was important, it was meant to parallel the bird in the cage that Derrick gifted her and would serve as a hint that Derrick's desire for Penelope was dark and possessive.

I can also imagine that their father was doing paperwork, looking for a good lawyer or meeting with influencial people and trying to negotiate better conditions for Penelope in the meantime.

[silver-tooth-the-panther]

Half-Demon! Tanjiro AU

Chapter 16:

Reunion

Warnings: Angst, parental death, implied child abuse

Word Count: 5855

  The halls of the Infinity Castle were filled with a bright and cheery atmosphere. Half-demons, both slayers and Kizuki, roamed the building and partaken in delightful conversations with each other. Now, everything was calm. Everything was peaceful. Things have finally settled down.

  Zenitsu sat in the lap of his new boyfriend and Demon King, Tanjiro. His head rested on his lover's chest, listening to the soothing heartbeat inside. Stroking his hair, Tanjiro smiled as he looked at the blonde boy. They were the only two in the office. It was just them.

  "I'm surprised everything is going well so far." Tanjiro said in a soft voice. "I probably shouldn't say that now that I think about it. Trouble will come...eventually." Zenitsu only nuzzled harder into Tanjiro. "Oh come on. You of all people deserve a break. Just try to relax." Tanjiro nodded and nuzzled his boyfriend.

  "Thank you..I am glad that the Kizuki are getting the help they need." Tanjiro purred with a smile on his face. A painful memory resurfaced once more in Zenitsu's mind. He remembered his so-called brother and how cruel his words were. Venom was laced into everything Kaigaku said, yet fear controlled his actions. That's why he became a demon. That's why Gramps died.

  Yet..Zenitsu knew that Kaigaku didn't intend to cause Gramp's death. He also understood what fear could really do. So, Zenitsu wondered. He wondered if Kaigaku was like the other Kizuki? Was he redeemable? Despite everything he has done, Zenitsu hoped so.

  "Hey, Tanji?" Zenitsu asked, making Tanjiro look down at his small boyfriend. "Mind if I ask you something?" The Demon King nodded. "Of course! What is it?" Gripping his lover's haori, Zenitsu sighed heavily. "There is..still another demon that needs to be revived."

  A soft, surprised rumble came from the Demon King. "Really?! Who is it?" Zenitsu's heart clenched before he spoke. "It's someone who took over the Uppermoon Six position after the Shabana siblings died..Kaigaku. We used to be training mates and sort of adoptive brothers." Tanjiro tilted his head and raised an eyebrow. "Why didn't you tell me about him?" He paused, somber realization creeping in his heart. "Did something happen between you two?"

  Sadly, Zenitsu slowly nodded his head. "You could say that.." He put the side of his head against Tanjiro's chest. "I'll be honest, I really didn't believe that demons could be helped, but your dream seems to be working. I'll...I'll give it a chance. I'll give him a chance." A sense of longing could be heard in his voice.

  Tanjiro understood this longing completely. Family was difficult to come by in this life and it was completely human to crave it. "Do you have anything of his? I could easily track down his scent if you do." Zenitsu nodded before standing up. He walked past his beloved, headed behind him, and went into the floorboard right against the back wall. There, Zenitsu lifted the board up with ease. A dull black and gold sword lay within the wood chips and nail.

  Blowing on the weapon, Zenitsu brought it over to Tanjiro. "This was his weapon. It's the last thing of his belongings." The Demon King sniffed the sword. Aspen flowers and a faint scent of peaches wafted in his nose. Now, he had the scent locked in his memory.

  Tanjiro stood up and huffed in determination. "Alright! Let's go get him!" Zenitsu gently took the Demon King's hand as Tanjiro opened the door. The couple then walked out into the vast hallways and corridors of the Infinity Castle. Sniffing the air, Tanjiro led the way. An invisible trail of Aspen and peaches guided them to a darkened area of the castle.

  The home of the half-demons was vast and like its name "Infinite", so it was no surprise that they ended up in an uninhabited spot. This didn't stop chills from creeping down Zenitsu's spine. "Don't worry, Zen." Tanjiro lightly squeezed his hand. "Nothing can hurt you."

  The scent built up in an empty room that had barely any light. Tanjiro was able to sense the red particles that floated around him. Blood splattered on the floor as he cut his arm open. A red light emitted from the ashes as they were drawn to the blood. Zenitsu hid behind Tanjiro as the ashes slowly formed the body of his estranged brother.

  "Oof!" Kaigaku fell to the floor with a thud. He rubbed the back of his head and winced in pain. Zenitsu shook and trembled behind his boyfriend. Kaigaku looked up at the Demon King. "Who the fuck are you?" Kaigaku hissed and backed away like a scared animal. "I'm the new Demon King, Tanjiro Kamado." Tanjiro spoke in a formal and stern voice.

  Kaigaku widened his eyes as his ear flattened. His body started to tremble. "Wha-what do you want from me?" His voice was much softer and submissive. "I'm just here to give you a second chance. I won't hurt you. No one will." Tanjiro's tone turned warm and gentle. Still, Kaigaku's heart pounded in his chest. "You have no use for me."

  "Maybe not, but he does." Zenitsu peeked out from behind Tanjiro when he said that. Kaigaku's jaw dropped when he saw the young boy. "He..he wanted me? He wanted me to come back?" Any hostility and fear melted from his voice. Kaigaku stood up with shaky legs. "He does, Kaigaku. Zenitsu informed me about you."

  Looking down at the floor, Kaigaku fiddled with his hands. "But why? That doesn't make any sense.." Tanjiro nods and hums understandably. "Does it matter why? He just wants you back." Kaigaku huffed and scoffed. "He's just a softie.." A contradicting scent hit Tanjiro's nose. "I know you don't mean that." Kaigaku hissed in a defensive manner. To retaliate, Tanjiro growled and victoriously snarled. Thus, making Kaigaku tremble and look down at the ground.

  Pain swelled in Zenitsu's heart. He prayed that their relationship wasn't hopeless and unmendable. "Let that fierce act disappear." Tanjiro spoke sternly. "Be honest and you will have love. No one likes a liar." Kaigaku pawed at the ground, staying silent.

  "Zenitsu wants you to be better and I believe you can reach that goal." Tanjiro looks down at Kaigaku. "Question is..Are you willing to put in the work to be better?" Kaigaku looked up at him. He turned to look at Zenitsu.

  It was truly hard to believe that Zenitsu wanted him back. After all he's done...Why? Why did he want this? Not to mention, Tanjiro was able to read him like a book. Must be able to smell the fear. "I..I can try." Kaigaku said weakly. He wasn't sure if he could. Breaking through the cage is incredibly difficult and Kaigaku wasn't sure if he would be strong enough to.

  "Try your best, Kaigaku. Follow me. I'll lead you to your new room." Tanjiro turned around with Zenitsu walking in front of him. Kaigaku's legs shook as he followed behind them. He looked around him, examining his surroundings. Everything had changed since he was gone and it terrified him. Fear filled him as he slowly followed behind him.

  Eventually, they stopped at an empty room in the warmly lit area of the castle. "Here's a good space." Tanjiro spoke as he opened the door. "I'll bring a futon in and you can get whatever decorations you want." Kaigaku nodded and walked inside the room. "Thank you. It's surprisingly spacious.."

  "It's no problem. We eat our meals in the dining room. Take a left at the next turn and head straight. You'll get there. If you need any help, let me know." Tanjiro spoke with warmth. Kaigaku just nodded his head and huffed. "Alright..I'll find my way."

  Tanjiro then walked away, yet Zenitsu stayed behind. Instead, he went up to his adoptive brother and presented the sword to him. "Here. I believe this is yours, Kai." Kaigaku widened his eyes and gently took the sword. "Thank you.." Zenitsu nodded and turned. "Please...make the right choice this time."

  Those last words rang in Kaigaku's head as Zenitsu walked away. He looked down at the symbol of shame in his hands. This was completely unbelievable. Why did Zenitsu still care for him? Why did he still want him? Kaigaku might never know the reason, but he had to accept it. He held the sword close to his chest. Maybe..just maybe...He could change.

  "I'm just goin' out to draw! I won't be too far!" Gyutaro hollered to Daki as he held onto the front door. A crude piece of paper, a pencil, and a brown bag were held in his clawed hands. "Just make sure to get home by dinner! Tanjiro's making something with venison."

  "Venison.." Gyutaro whispered to himself. "Haven't had that in a while..See ya in a while, Ume!" The spotted demon purred with warmth as he stepped outside. It had been three days since he last saw Kerido, so he was hoping he would see him soon.

  Fresh air hit the Uppermoon's face as he walked. The woods of Kaikoma mountain were just as beautiful in the daylight as it did during the night. Little rabbits and birds hopped from one place to another. Gyutaro treaded down the soil path to what he called "the perfect drawing spot."

  This spot was against an oak tree that let the sun shine down upon it. A beautiful creek flowed right below the boulder that gave Gyutaro the space to rest his legs. He headed to this spot and rested his back up against the tree. A soft sigh escaped him as he placed the bag beside him and started to put pencil to paper.

   Gyutaro remembered when he started drawing. One day when he was young, the poor boy found a piece of paper and a quill and ink that was left behind from one of Daki's clients. Instead of returning the items, Gyutaro decided to put it to good use. He curled up near the door and used a lamp as his source of light. The young man found a wall scroll that had a drawing of a traditional Japanese dragon. This was his muse.

  For the next few hours, Gyutaro drew the angry and energetic dragon. He made sure every shape was right. Every stroke of shading was accurate to the original tapestry. Surprisingly, this seemed to be his natural talent, but he wouldn't believe that. "Brother! Brother!" A young, human Ume waltzed into the house. She looked down at him and raised her eyebrow. "What are you doing?"

  "I'm just drawing. I don't know how to write, but I thought I could try this." Gyutaro said as he put down the quill. Ume looked down upon the paper, scanning the ink dragon. "Wow...That's actually really good!" Gyutaro looked up at her and smiled. "You don't need to be nice. I know it's bad." Ume shook her head. "No! I mean it! It's great."

  A soft blush spread on Gyutaro's face. "Thank you." Despite saying this, he didn't believe her. Gyutaro didn't think that his drawings were any good. Yet, he still did it for fun. It was one of the few hobbies he had that brought him joy. So, that's why he was drawing now.

 

  Just like he did back then, Gyutaro chose to draw a traditional dragon. The magnificent creature was wandering the slope of an arctic mountain. It's serene expression contrasted the furious flames of the dragon he drew over a hundred years ago. Time ticked by as the half-demon put pencil to paper and let his imagination fly.

  Behind him, the bushes rustled quietly and the wind was misdirected ever so slightly. Pieces of tree bark fell to the ground as the leaves of the great oak shook and swayed. Despite this disturbance, Gyutaro was not disturbed. He was too deep in his mind to truly pay attention. So, the branches waved and wiggled behind the demon.

  Giant paws descended down the tree and hopped quietly from one branch to another. A rigid tail latched onto the lowest branch as the being swung himself on the branch. "RAWR!" The sudden sound startled Gyutaro, causing him to jump. He whirled around to see who the culprit was.

  "Oh wow! I didn't think that would work!" Kerido chuckled as he swung upside down. He swung himself upwards and grabbed the branch with his front paws. His lower paws landed on the ground with a loud thud and the manticore demon looked at the bewildered Kizuki. He chuckled nervously. "Heh..Sorry."

  Despite Kerido's surprise, there was no smudges on the drawing. Gyutaro stood up and dusted himself off. If this was anyone else, he probably would've grumbled and growled at them. However, he wasn't even ticked. In all actuality, Gyutaro had a large grin on his face. The only other two people that would've gotten away with this were Tanjiro and Ume.

  "Don't worry about it.* Gyutaro chuckled as he picked up the pencil and paper. "Just glad you came back. For a second, I didn't think ya were." Kerido shook his head as he walked up to him. "I always keep my promises. One of the few things I truly have is my word." Gyutaro flushed at the demon's hospitality.

  "So, how was your trip?" The Uppermoon asked, scratching the back of his neck. A wide grin appeared on Kerido's face. "Oh! It was amazing!" His tail wagged like a joyful puppy. "That blood you gave me let me go into towns! I finally got to talk to people!" Loud purring came from him which warmed Gyutaro's heart. "Oh! Speaking of which! I've got you something!"

  Gyutaro widened his eyes. "Really? You did?" Kerido nodded and went over to the great oak. He began to climb it once more. A knot in the lumber hid in the leaves near the top. That's where the manticore demon went.

  There, he pulled out two purple string bags. Kerido slid down the bark and hopped off the trunk. "Got it!" Kerido yelled as he hobbled over to Gyutaro, who had a shy grin on his face. "I really hope you like it!" The manticore demon handed one of the bags over to his friend. Undoing the strings, Gyutaro opened the stash and peered inside.

  Shimmering metal greeted him as Gyutaro yellow eyes stared at the various items. The first item he pulled out was a small, golden-colored dragon that had its body coiled up into a ball. Gyutaro smiled at the adorable tetsu. "He looks great. You really didn't have to do this, Kerido. Thank you."

  "Oh! But there's more!" Kerido's tail wagged as he pointed at the bag. Next up was a hawk's quil and a rather expensive ink bottle. Guess he must've had an inkling of Gyutaro's hobby. "One more thing!" Kerido took out the last item. It was a black bandana with green X's that covered the edges. Kerido folded it in half and took off Gyutaro's red cloth that hung around his neck.

  Then, the manticore demon tied the bandana around where the red cloth was, making Gyutaro blush rather harshly. "And...there!" Kerido stepped back and examined him. The bandana fit perfectly around Gyutaro's neck. "You look great!"

  Gyutaro put a clawed hand up to the bandana. The soft fabric felt almost euphoric against his fingers. A clear sign, to him at least, that this gift was rather expensive. He could feel himself tearing up over the thought. "Thank you...Thank you so much, Kerido."

  Kerido gave the Uppermoon a warm smile. "Of course! I love spoiling my buddies. I also got a little stuffed deer." He said as he shook the other bag. The manticore demon sighed as he went over to the edge of the cliff side. His paws slid against the rock as he sat down.

  He looked at Gyutaro's brown bag. "I'm guessing that must be your lunch?" Gyutaro chuckled as he gently grabbed the bag. "No..Far from it." He opened the bag and pulled out a soft, plush dragon. "I don't know why I bought it. I'm normally quite frugal, but...I guess he just caught my eye. Maybe it's to make up for my childhood,"

  Kerido smiled warmly at him and patted the ground next to him."So, how have you been? I know we've been sending letters, but there's only so much you can say on a piece of paper."

  Gyutaro chuckled as he took a seat next to the manticore. "Oh, I've been fine. Just taking care of my sister. She's a handful, but she's got a good spirit." He purred softly, scooting closer to the manticore's side.

  "You have a sister?" Kerido had a giddy grin on his face as his tail wagged excitedly. Gyutaro nodded, which made the manticore demon more excited. "That's great! I was an only child, so I don't have any siblings."

  "Did you have your parents to take care of you?" Gyutaro raised an eyebrow as he felt his stomach turn. He put his hand to his face and groaned. "Sorry. That was a rather personal question."

  Kerido seemed unaffected by the intimacy of the question. He raised his paws with a cheery grin on his face. "No, no. It's fine! I don't mind answering that." He looked off into the depths of the cliff. Running water rushed through the creek below them. "Truth be told, I did have a mom."

  "Was she a good mom? Hopefully she was better than mine." Gyutaro winced when he spoke. His muscles tensed as he recalled his past. He would never wish that fate on anyone.

  "She was a great mom." Kerido spoke in a soft voice. His paw gently grabbed Gyutaro's hand and lightly squeezed it. Gyutaro could feel his body warm up at the physical contact. Then, Kerido continued.

  "My father left us shortly after my mom gave birth to me. She was devastated, but she always tried her best to take care of me. We were huntsmen and we lived in a small, but very homey cabin that was near the edge of the woods. She taught me how to hunt, but also how to respect the balance in nature. My mom was my light. My comfort..."

  Kerido went silent. Something had shifted in him. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. A single tear ran down his face and a soft whimper escaped from him. "I'm sorry, Kerido. I shouldn't have asked." Gyutaro said quietly, feeling his heart sink like a weight.

  "No. Don't apologize. You didn't do anything wrong." Kerido wiped his tear away and continued. "One day, my mother and I were attacked by a grizzly bear during one of our hunts. In fact, that's how I got my scar." He traced the mark on his face before continuing. "She tried to defend me as much as she could...Blood was everywhere and the bear tore into her. In the end, she was able to slay the bear, but I couldn't save her from her blood loss. From then on, I was alone."

  "Did anyone ever come by to help or to at least check up on you?" Gyutaro asked with an empathetic and soft voice. A voice that not many heard. His head tilted as he made a subtle wince.

  Kerido shook his head and gripped the earth beneath him. "No. There was a quaint village outside our woods, but they treated us like outsiders since we lived in the forest. Luckily, I had the skills to survive on my own."

  Gyutaro gritted his teeth and growled. "How dare they leave a child on his own. They left you alone for your whole life." His nails dug into the dirt. Then, he felt Kerido put a paw on his shoulder.

  "It's alright." Kerido smiled sweetly, then sighing quietly. "It really wasn't all that bad. They warmed up to me after a little while." His legs swayed back and forth as they hung from the cliff side.

  "Th-they did? How?! Most people that I've delt with never changed. They never cared if an innocent child suffered." A low hiss came from Gyutaro as he recalled the horror of his past.

  Kerido shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not sure why they did. Even though they hated me at first, I still tried to help them when I thought I should. A child wandered into my section of the woods one time. When I found him, the boy shook and cried from fear. Luckily, I was able to calm him down with some sweets. I took the child to his parents, which was rather quick, and they actually thanked me!"

  An epiphany snapped into Gyutaro's head. They had very similar lives. Neither one of them had much growing up. They had to raise themselves, but there was one key difference between them. A small one that turned them into the opposites they are.

  "Why did you treat them so kindly?" Gyutaro raised his eyebrow. "They didn't deserve your kindness, not after abandoning you."

  Kerido chuckled softly as he adjusted his kimono. "Because they're still people. Sure, they should've tried to understand me better, but they had their own lives to worry about. Besides, I would be just like them if I fought them."

  The anger Gyutaro felt melted away. He thought about the way he treated everyone around him. Sure, he needed to defend himself sometimes, but he didn't help himself by feeding into their monster allegations. He had fed into their fears and made it harder for anyone to come close. That outlook unfortunately affected his sister as well. Out of everything, he regretted that the most. "Did anyone keep you company? In your adulthood I mean."

  "There was one little ray of sunshine that helped me." Kerido smiled warmly as he looked off into the sky. His tail wagged as his thoughts shifted.

  Gyutaro tilted his head in a curious manner. "Who might that be?" He purred quietly as he looked at Kerido.

  "My son, Aino Musuko." His voice softened as he spoke his boy's name.

  Gyutaro's eyes widened with shock. "You have a son?! I had no idea you had a boy! When was this?"

  Kerido chuckled at the many questions the Uppermoon was asking him. "I do. Aino was a small boy who used to live in the town. He was ostracized because of a large birthmark that covered half of his face. I don't know why people hated it. He was fine just the way he was."

  Gyutaro blushed as he listened to Kerido. The manticore was clearly the fatherly type and it was also clear that he deeply cared about his pup. "What happened to him?"

  Kerido's tail and wings dropped as he sighed heavily. "When I turned into a demon, I had to leave him behind. I was lucky when I ate a deer instead of a human, but I didn't want to risk eating him. Even if I didn't, I figured that Muzan would try to go after me, and by extension Aino. I had to leave him. I had no choice."

 

  He remembered the moment quite clearly. A young boy in a dark purple and navy blue kimono walked up to the door of the cabin. A large birthmark that resembled a horrific burn covered the entirety of his left cheek and jaw. His short, black hair shone brightly in the moonlight. "Papa? Is that you?" His voice was soft in the night.

  Aino opened the door to see his once human father turned into a manticore-like beast. The boy widened his eyes and gasped. "Papa?" He shook and trembled as Kerido walked inside the cabin.

  "Hey there, my little fawn. It's alright. I'm still here." He spoke softly, but his voice shook.

  "Papa, what happened to you?" The boy asked as he clutched his kimono. Aino's eyes welled up with tears as he looked upon his father.

  "I-I...was turned into a monster.." Kerido's voice turned hoarse as he choked up. The moonlight now shone on the blood that covered Kerido's chest and jaws. "Please don't be scared...I'm not going to hurt you."

  The boy then burst into tears. Instead of fearing his father, he went up to him and hugged him. "Papa! Please tell me you're okay! I don't want you to die!"

  Kerido's eyes widened when the boy hugged him, but he wrapped his arms around him anyways. "I'm fine. I'm okay, but I need to make sure you'll be safe." He knew what he had to do.

  "What are you gonna do?" Aino looked up at him with teary eyes. His grip tightened on Kerido's kimono.

  "There's...only one thing I can do...Please forgive me." Kerido tried his hardest to stifle back tears. "I need to leave."

  "P-papa? But why? I don't want you to leave!" Aino squeezed Kerido's waist and squished his face into Kerido's belly. He sobbed as his father patted his head.

  "I don't want to either, but I don't want you to get hurt." He crouched down and picked up the small boy. "Do you remember what I've taught you?" The boy nodded as he wiped his tears. "Good. I know you'll be okay. Just remember everything I've taught you."

  "Am I ever going to see you again?" The boy sniffled as he laid his head on his father's shoulder. "I don't know. I'm just going to stay away until I get rid of this curse."

  Aino whimpered as Kerido set him down. "I love you, Papa. Please don't forget me" Tears finally ran down Kerido's cheeks. "I love you too, little fawn and I won't." With one last, tight hug, Aino watched as his father went to the cliffside. Kerido unfurled his wings and took off. The manticore's tears shone brightly in the moonlight as he flew away from the only family he had.

 

  Kerido's tears started to drip onto the soul beneath him. "I didn't want to leave him. He was everything to me." He wiped his eyes and whimpered softly.

  Gyutaro could feel his heart clench as he listened to the manticore. "I can't imagine how much that must've hurt. Becoming a demon...ruined your life."

  Kerido sniffed quietly before sighing. "I would say that." His tail just dropped and laid on the ground woefully. "Besides, there's nothing I can do about it. That stuffed dawn was meant for him, but I don't think I'll be able to give it to him." His head now hung low as sorrow overcame him.

  Gyutaro looked away, trying to figure out what he could do. His fingers tapped anxiously as he thought. Then, he remembered that Kerido's two problems had been resolved. Muzan has been replaced and half-demons don't have the animalistic bloodlust. "Why don't we...go visit him?"

  Kerido looked at him and tilted his head. "It's been about forty years..so he might still be alive." He then looked at the creek below him. "That doesn't matter. He probably hates me."

  Gyutaro sighed and rumbled emphatically. "I understand where you're coming from, but it sounded like he understood why you had to leave. You raised him, so I know he'll be understanding."

  Kerido still looked somber and defeated, so Gyutaro stood up and dusted himself off. "Come on. Life doesn't stop for anyone." He then offered his hand with a confident smile.

  With a small smile, Kerido took his hand. "You're right. If anything, I'll be happy to see him." Kerido turned around and unfurled his wings. Gyutaro grabbed his brown bag and Kerido's purple bag before he wrapped his arms around the manticore's chest and quickly climbed on his back. "Let's go!" Kerido roared as he jumped off the cliff side.

  The wind whipped at their faces as they flew through the skies. Gyutaro could hear the nervous rumbles that came from Kerido. He gently patted the manticore's back. "It's alright, big guy. He'll be really happy to see you."

  Kerido turned back and nodded before looking out at the serene sky. "I just miss him. I really hope he's doing okay." Gyutaro hugged Kerido from the back, trying to reassure him that everything will be alright.

  After half an hour of flying, Kerido swooped down onto the outskirts of a forest. A quiet, rudimentary town moved on to their right. Gyutaro could see an old, yet well kept cabin tucked away in the trees. A glowing light could be seen emitting from the windows. Someone was there.

  "Kerido...I think he's there. I think your son is alive." Gyutaro said after he slid off of Kerido's back. He placed his free hand on Kerido's shoulder. The manticore demon's wings shivered and trembled. His arms shook as his tail curled against his back.

  Kerido turned to look at Gyutaro with nervous eyes. "I-I don't think I can do this. He's gonna hate me! I know it!" His gigantic paws grasped his head as his breathing quickened.

  "Kerido...Kerido...KERIDO!" Gyutaro grasped the manticore demon's shoulders and shook him, causing Kerido to snap back to reality. "It's alright. He's not going to hate you." Gyutaro smiled at him. "The sooner you do this, the better."

  Kerido took a deep breath as he placed his paws on his hips. "You're right...You're right. I need to do this." With that, the manticore demon walked up to the cabin's door. He took another deep breath. "Alright, here I go."

  With a nervous paw, Kerido tenderly knocked on the door. He quickly backed away as he heard footsteps shuffle towards the door from the other side. Then, a man answered the door. A large birthmark covered his left cheek and his green eyes shone brightly. His messy black hair was tied up in a low bun. Aino had grown up.

  "Hey, little fawn." Kerido gave him a nervous smile as he outstretched his arms. "I'm home." Aino's eyes widened before covering his mouth with his hand. His body began to tremble as his eyes filled with tears. "Papa? Is that you?" His voice had grown as well, but was still soft. "Yes. It's me."

  Aino practically threw himself into Kerido's arms. "PAPA! I DIDN'T THINK I WOULD EVER SEE YOU AGAIN!" The young man sobbed into the manticore's chest. His arms were glued to Kerido's chest.

  Kerido grinned happily as he wrapped his massive arms around his boy. He spun him around and nuzzled his shoulder. "Me neither! I'm...I'm so glad to see you again." He sent his son on the ground before cupping his paws around his boy's face.

  "So, you did it! You removed the curse!" Aino's voice cracked with emotion. Kerido nodded as he wiped his son's tears away. "I did, but my friend was the one who truly helped me with that." The manticore demon turned his boy to face Gyutaro, who only smiled nervously.

  "Oh? So, you helped my father?" Aino walked up to the crooked demon. Gyutaro nodded, slinking backwards as he looking at the ground. The bags were clenched in his right hand. "Why, thank you, mister. I'm Aino."

  Aino outstretched his arm towards Gyutaro. The crooked demon looked up at the young man. "O-oh...I'm Gyutaro, Gyutaro Shabana." He timidly shook the man's hand with a weak smile.

Gyutaro then handed the purple bag over to Kerido. "I actually bought something for you. I didn't think I'd be able to give it to you, but I'm glad I'm able to." The manticore demon spoke softly as he handed the string bag over.

  Aino smiled warmly at his adoptive father as he opened the bag. Brown, fluffy fur poked out of the bag. The young man chuckled softly and he took out the stuffed fawn. "Just like my nickname." Aino hugged the deer close to his chest. "Thank you, Papa."

  Kerido grinned at his son before a small, female voice hit his pointed ears. "Daddy? Who is that?" A little girl in a magenta and pink kimono poked her head out from behind the door. She had long, hazel brown hair and purple eyes. However, the girl also had black spots that covered her body and face. Spots that resembled Gyutaro's.

  Aino laughed nervously as he went over to the girl. "It's alright, Kakusa. These people are just Daddy's friends." Kerido's wings fluttered with excitement as Gyutaro's jaw dropped.

  "I didn't know you had a daughter!" Kerido yipped excitedly. "Yeah...let's just say I followed in your footsteps, Papa. I had to give this precious baby the love she deserved." Aino said as he ruffled his adopted daughter's hair. The little girl looked straight at Kerido. "I have a grandpa?"

  Kerido walked over to them, tail wagging behind him, and raised his arms. "Yes, you do." He then looked at Aino. "May I hold her?"

  "Of course." Aino handed Kakusa over to his father. The manticore demon cradled the girl in his gigantic arms. Her purple eyes showed pure innocence and love. "Such a beautiful girl." Kerido spoke softly as he nuzzled her, causing her to giggle. "I wish I knew. If I did, I would've gotten you something too!"

  Gyutaro looked down at the brown bag he had when Kerido said that. Then, a realization hit his head. "Hang on, Kerido. I've got something." He hobbled over to the duo and handed Kakusa the bag. "There you go. I hope you like it."

  The little girl shuffled through the bag and pulled out the purple and red dragon. It's soft fur had various swirl patterns and small, fake gems covered its body. Kakusa's eyes widened with glee before she squeezed the dragon. "I love him! Thank you, mister!"

  Something in Gyutaro's heart melted when he heard her little squeal. "No problem. It was the least I could do." He gently rubbed her head. The black spots on her face stood out to him. Kakusa looked at him as well and tilted her head. "Hehe, look! We're the same!" She put a hand onto Gyutaro's facial spots, which melted his heart.

  "Yeah! You two really are alike!" Kerido grinned as Aino walked over. "I'm glad you two are being so nice to her. Kakusa doesn't really like her spots...no matter how many times I tell her that she's beautiful." Gyutaro felt his heart warm as he gently took the girl in his arms. "I know how that feels, so I'm glad that we're able to help."

  "Would you like to come inside for some tea?" Aino asked with a warm smile. "There's a lot we need to catch up on." Kerido nodded. He now felt fulfilled. "Of course!" Aino went to the door and led Gyutaro and Kakusa inside.

  However, he did stop Kerido at the door. "When you leave, do you plan on coming back?" Aino asked in a hushed tone. Kerido's expression softened, placing a paw on Aino's shoulder. "I will never leave you alone like I did back then. I'll visit as often as I can." With warm smiles and both in their hearts, Kerido and Aino hugged once more.

Author’s Note: I'm so sorry for going on a hiatus. My writer's block was awful and kept me from writing. Luckily, I was able to break through it and I wrote this emotional chapter! I hope you enjoy it!

Also, I took some advice and I decided to properly space out the paragraphs in this! Also most of the dialogue will be associated with one character in each paragraph. Hopefully, this will make it easier to read.

[luxcruor]

*. i’ll always remember how an old mutual seemed a bit peeved when i told them that i felt thalia became a hunter of artimis to dodge the prophecy and just liiiitle bit of that child of zeus weakness, power. which seemed to make them upset more… like do you remember who her father is??? thalia doesn’t crave power for herself she craves the strength to fight for her loved ones. “ thalia was the original child of prophecy “ “ she should’ve stayed and fought instead of percy if she’s so strong.” that’s the point… she IS the best fighter, one of the strongest demigods and oldest sibling of the big three children. The eldest daughter to the king of the gods who already lost her child brother. Then lost Bianca. Once brought back from her pine tree form the FIRST thing she does is look worried the second she looks down and sees her hands again. she was ALIVE and immediately worried about the fate of the camp and her family still living. The point of thalia is that she’s the exhausted eldest sibling of a toxic family that leaves the system altogether. The pressure of performing for her father and the other gods wore her down so badly that even after sacrificing herself for annabeth and luke there are people who still expect her to step up and save the day. SHE IS TOO TIRED. percy HAD to step up and honestly I think he resented thalia for a bit but understood why. thalia is what would’ve happened to percy if he hadn’t told off the gods at the end.

[wickedsrest-rp]

Name: Zoey Moonhart Species: Werewolf Occupation: Unemployed Age: 23 Years Old Played By: Sunny Face Claim: Zendaya Coleman

"Not everything in this world is bad."

TW: Parental death, sibling death

Zoey was the last pup born on a warm spring day. For almost a month and a half the smallest of the litter crawled around in darkness and silence, exploring the surrounding den only to be pulled back by her concerned mother. Meanwhile, her older brothers had already opened their tiny eyes and could distinguish sounds around them. But the fear that her only daughter would be destined to spend a life in solitude quickly changed, when Zoey finally looked up and made contact with warm golden eyes.

From then on, Zoey couldn’t be stopped. Out of the litter, she became the most precocious one. She loved exploring and finding undiscovered parts of the woods. Not much seemed to scare her when her brothers were close by, and if they dared her to do something, she eagerly accepted.

However, there was one time every month when Zoey’s parents would gather their offspring and force them to stay in the den - the new moon. The first few times the shift occurred, Zoey found herself pained, confused, and desperate to get answers from her parents through jumbled grunts and moans. However, all she received were disapproving looks without answers. Then, after the aging of the new moon, she was covered in fur once more, back to a life of familiarity. With zero explanation and her own curiosity, Zoey found herself dissatisfied, while her brothers accepted it as the way of the pack. With no means of finding answers, she let the topic go and resumed her familiar life.

But Zoey found herself questioning everything after being drawn to a clearing by the sweet melodic sounds that felt familiar, yet unknown. As she inched closer, she laid eyes on someone who looked like an older version of her mother’s shifted form. But it made no sense, with no new moon to cause the painful change. After that first sighting, she continued to watch, remaining out of sight, fearful of what would happen were she caught. Soon enough, she had an idea -- even knowing she'd be scolded upon her return after the new moon, Zoey knew that if she wanted any chance of understanding what everything meant, she had to take action. It was scary being on her own when the change happened, but it gave her the chance to finally approach the old woman.

For the next three days, Zoey began to understand a different way of life; and so, for three days each month, she would go and visit the human called Ellie.

Ellie had taught Zoey everything she could about human life, including how to orally communicate. The more Zoey learned, the more she wanted to experience life as a “human”. But the pushback from her family caused discourse among the pack. They had valued learning how to speak to each other during the new moon, but that was as far as they wanted to take it. It was dangerous being around humans, and her parents made sure that their children understood that by revealing the horrific ways other family members had been hunted using the same form of communication Zoey held dear.

As much as she loved her family, Zoey refused to give up on Ellie and their bond. The older woman had been nothing but kind and accepting of Zoey, and she had taught her about a vast new world that her parents left unacknowledged. She saw nothing wrong with learning more, especially if it kept her family safe. The one thing Zoey didn’t anticipate, though, was the fragility of human life.

Almost a year had passed since the werewolf and her mentor first met, and she had learned what clothes were, how to speak, grow a garden, and other human necessities. Ellie, who lived off the grid, saw Zoey as a granddaughter and wanted to teach her all that she knew about the human world. And the strain between her and her family had grown, which left her craving more time away. The real mistake came when she found herself alone for the first time on a full moon.

The rage and uncontrollable bloodlust that had been satiated by hunting with her pack was not satisfied, and no matter how many deer she devoured, she still wanted more. By the final night of the full moon, Zoey found herself moving back toward familiar territory that she had sworn to avoid - Ellie’s property. Smoke billowed from the chimney and the smell of fresh deer meat cooking drew the hungry werewolf closer. And then, she broke down the door.

The next morning, Zoey found herself surrounded by blood with soaked fur, and it didn’t take long for her to piece together what had happened. As she scanned the room, her eyes met what was left of Ellie’s small, frail form.

Like a tidal wave of emotion, the werewolf suddenly felt pain encapsulating her body, and with no way to control it, she found herself laying on the floor in human form  overcome with more emotion than she’d ever felt. Tears streamed from her eyes at the realization of what she had done, and without thinking, she scrambled to her feet and ran back home to her den and her family.

The light that had once filled Zoey disappeared. She just did as her parents asked without pushback. Her notions of living as a human vanished when she realized she had harmed someone so important to her. However, it gave her the chance to reconnect with her family. And despite Zoey’s change of personality, the pack grew close once again.

On the following new moon, Zoey and her family sat comfortably in their den as rain poured down from above. Their ability to communicate had increased drastically, and one of her brothers commented on that fact, attributing it all to Ellie. Hit by an unexpected wave of emotion, Zoey found herself rushing away from the den and her family, taking off into the night to a cave she was familiar with from her childhood.

Just as before, the morning brought her unexpected heartache. Returning to her den, Zoey realized that the storm came through during the night, leaving damage and destruction in its wake, and the entrance to her home caved in. With further inspection, she found her family, crushed by the large tree that had sat just outside their home – dead.

Left without a family or place to call home, Zoey had a big decision to make. Ellie had spoken of a place beyond the forest that housed many humans; a place that Zoey had dreamed about visiting one day. So with only two days left under a new moon, she said a final goodbye to her home and set forth towards Wicked’s Rest to start a new life for herself.

Character Facts:

Personality: Mournful, curious, kind, naive, adventurous, playful, wild, stubborn, fearful, friendly

The color and markings of Zoey’s fur resemble this. 

Zoey is the youngest out of her siblings. She has three older brothers.

She’s scrappy and one of the toughest out of her pack.

The name Zoey Moonhart was given to her by Ellie, since her family only used howls to identify one another.

Because of Ellie, Zoey knows how to grow a garden, start a fire, and build birdhouses.

Zoey discovered music from an old portable record player Ellie had in her cabin. The only music she’s heard is from the 70s and earlier. Her favorite song is “All Along The Watchtower” by Jimi Hendrix, because it was the first human song she ever heard.

[writing-sunshine]

Cryosleep

Paring: Platonic!Settman sisters x Settman!reader

Warnings: Death

A/n: Biologically I don’t know if this is possible, but this is a dystopian world so who knows.

Summary: Instead of seven children, there were 8 but number 8 wasn’t identical to her sisters, Terrance was too confident in his abilities to keep all eight hidden…

-

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday could all go outside on the day of the week which was their name. This was to keep all seven of them hidden, however Terrance was too cocky. He thought he could get away with having Y/N under a different name.

It worked for many years, 13 to be exact. Y/N had lived 13 years able to go outside any day, she got the freedom her sisters craved. Only eventually someone noticed that Y/N had a lot of resemblance to Karen Settman and the more they thought about it the more things seemed to click in place.

Never once had any of them seen another parent with Y/N, only Terrance which didn’t make sense because he had Karen to care for so who was this girl. Someone had snitched to someone else and before they knew it CAB was knocking on the door.

Terrance knew why they were there, so instead of sending Y/N with her sisters behind the mirror, he told her to wait in his room. As much as it pained him to give her up, he had no choice. It was her or her sisters in his eyes, one sacrifice for the many. Once she was gone into cryo, people would stop putting their nose where it didn’t belong, keeping all seven of them safe.

“Terrance Settman, open up!”

He opened the door and was quickly restrained, the officers pushing their way into the apartment searching each room.

“Found her!” A voice shouted out and one of the officers dragged out a scared looking Y/N.

Monday who was Karen at that moment looked like she also wanted to cry. She knew and understood what would happen now and looking at Y/N’s face she knew that would be the last time she would see her youngest sister.

“Siblings.” An officer confirmed, they didn’t even do any kind of test, that just assumed.

“You know what happens now Mr Settman. I hope you have said your goodbyes.”

While the adults were talking, Y/N got free of the grip and ran to her bed grabbing her stuffed animal tightly while getting dragged away again. This time she kicked and fought, she didn’t scream but the tears rolling down her cheeks showed how she was feeling.

“No! Let me go, please I need my sister! Sister, help me! Grandpa help me!” She cried.

Later Monday would realise why Y/N had said ‘sister’ instead of Karen. She wasn’t just talking to her, Y/N was talking to all of them without giving them away.

Once the door had closed and they no longer heard CAB, Terrance pressed the red button letting the remaining Settman sisters out of their hiding place. Many of them were in tears. They didn’t get to say goodbye, they would never see their beloved younger sister again.

Y/N stayed in the facility for a few days before she was lead into the room where she would be put into cryo. Never once did she let go of her stuffed teddy, despite what the doctors told her. She held onto it tightly as she was injected. Never to let go of it again as she fell into a deep sleep one last time.

*17 years later

Monday had struck up a deal with Cayman, donating money for the safety of her twins and getting her sister back from Cryosleep. Never once did she betray her sisters. At some point Cayman had trusted Monday enough to show her what was actually happening behind closed doors, what cause Monday was donating to and what really happened to her sister.

Unbeknownst to Cayman, Monday recorded the whole process which would later be shown to the world.

As Monday went home that night, she stumbled through the door unlike herself. Practically weeping once the door was closed, into her sisters arms.

“What’s wrong? What happened?” This wasn’t like Monday, maybe it was the added hormones.

“Cryosleep isn’t real, they aren’t putting children to sleep they are killing them!”

Monday showed them the video and each of them once again grieved the loss of their sister. The first time it was difficult, knowing they would never see her again but they thought that she was still alive and able to live freely one day. But the second time hurt a lot worse, she was only 13, Y/N didn’t get to see the world and grow up.

Eight was now seven forever. They had lost their youngest sister again.

[incandesang]

vamptember day one! the devil’s in the details

(i wrote this in the intermission, and on the ride home from my sibling’s dance showcase. if you can guess where i started falling asleep you win. it’s pretty much a first draft rip. one day i’ll revise and reupload and it will actually be good!!)

for some reason the prompt made me think of ‘wasting my young years’ by london grammar, so this is sort of inspired by that song! im just obsessed with characters overthinking their past and freaking out over their losses im pure evil.

here’s the link tooo my ao3 if you wanna go read it there instead!!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/41419002

Lestat had learned fairly early on that the world, for immortals, quickly became as haunted as the ancient burial grounds he had read so much about during his time in Egypt.

He never dared to wander there, not for long. Although he was dead, the idea of being surrounded by all those little headstones, or to see the etchings on the cave walls himself, made his chest ache, and squeezed the air from his lungs. He understood that he walked the fine line between those corpses, whether they be wrapped and treated with preservative herbs, dried out with salt, or just left to rot in satin-lined wooden boxes, and the realms of the living.

The streets called to him every night. They always had. He would lurk in bookshops, studying the covers of the old plays he loved so much, tracing his fingers over the stamped gold designs on their spines, and, if the weather was particularly nasty, he would sit somewhere and read one cover to cover. Lestat remembered, distinctly, the transition between ornate, leather bound books with lovely hand-painted covers and stitched bindings and the cheap card and glue books of the twenty first century.

Of course all these things still existed, and vampires kept antiques in spades. It was often much easier for them to surround themselves with knick knacks and other items that reminded them of their times.

None of them seemed to talk about how ‘their times’ were always the days they were still mortal.

Perhaps they clung to the memories of the time where they still had futures, which, ironically, was the thing that immortality stole from them. That had been what had destroyed Lestat. He had mourned his security - the guarantee that every night, he would walk off the stage and stumble into the arms of his beloved. All he ever wanted was to feel like he was a part of something; to be surrounded by people who loved him, and who he loved in return. He wanted to smile so often that it showed on his face always, and for an ache to settle in his bones that he needed the embrace of a lover, before a little fire in a cheap apartment to banish. God, he had just wanted to live.

Vampires surrounded themselves with everything they had lost; Louis kept old oil lamps around where he slept, and his bookshelves were stacked with old French bibles, one of which bore his sister’s signature, Daniel had his tape recorder, Lestat had his plays and his music, and even Marius had managed to salvage a few metal trinkets that had once belonged to his mortal family. Only Armand didn’t do this. He chased modernity with a fervent passion, too afraid to look back on what he had suffered: forever too young to be able to sail those seas without being lost in them, like so much else.

Perhaps Lestat was lucky. Most of the ghosts he found himself craving were still alive, even if only in abstract ways.

He loved being haunted. The taunts of his brothers chased him across rooftops, much more lighthearted and teasing than they had been in life. They egged him on, yelling for him to run faster, to jump higher, to take flight and circle the planet. Lestat would often find himself turning around, when he found a spot he wanted to rest, almost hoping to see them before him. All of them. Even the ones that had died before he was born.

They didn’t look like him. Not really. They were shorter, more stern. Their eyes were all the same steel-grey that Lestat’s had been, back when he was still their little brother, and not a flower on the vine of Amel.

Sometimes he would catch Claudia’s eye in the glass of a toy shop. She would stop there, blue doll’s eyes wide, as though she couldn’t believe what she was seeing: a perfect mirror image of her father, who would find himself so stricken from grief in these moments that he had to turn his back.

Claudia would’ve hated all the toys of the twenty first century. Their plastic bodies lacked the care and grace of the handmade porcelain dolls Lestat used to buy for her. Their dresses were cheap, with the patterns stamped rather than embroidered, and their identical faces were digitally blurred. They were all the same. Each of Claudia’s dolls had been unique. Lestat’s favourite had been one made of china, with a delicate hand painted face and an emerald green dress stitched with the finest bronze thread. He had sat all evening with the women who made it, listening to her talk about her father, and her new baby, and all the things she dreamed of doing once her little boy grew up.

He had gushed about his own daughter. He told little stories about how she loved it when he played both Romeo and Juliet, differentiating between the two characters by placing a hat on his head and hiding it behind his back, or how they would go shopping together to pick out new clothes for Louis.

There was very little left now that reminded Lestat of Claudia. She was a frozen thing, yet time wore her away. Claudia went from being a brilliant painted marble palace, to the ruins of Pompeii.

Nicolas was always his favourite ghost.

Lestat saw him around universities, standing amidst a group of students, shrouded in cigarette smoke. Their cynicism was dragon fire, and their poetry burned like embers and scattered like ash in the wind.

He never seemed to see Lestat, however. Strangely enough, he didn’t mind. He had been the moonlit phantom, sitting on the windowsill, waiting for his beloved to pull him into the warmth. That part was old, and he was tired.

With Nicolas came everything the pair of them had lost. He would see them together, back in Paris, standing in the dimly lit streets outside of a cafe, sharing one final moment together before they went inside and pretended to be something they weren’t. Sometimes he would hear the echoes of his laughter, distorted by the cheers and shouts of the theatre crowds from the other side of the curtain. Or they were back at the inn; the Golden Moment shining like the sun, bathing them both in the naive hopefulness their youth had been defined by.

How tragic that neither of them ever got to grow up.

Sometimes Lestat would find himself imagining waving, or maybe calling out, hoping for some sort of response, but his short time on the stage had taught him that dealings with ghosts often began and ended with tragedy.

And there wasn’t much more of that he could bear.

[sugamamacustard]

One more time

Pairing:  Alpha! Toru Oikawa x Omega! Reader

Genre: Fluff! (Sorry, no NSFW this time! I just couldn’t fit it!)

Request: Hi 👋 May I request an Alpha Oikawa x Omega reader scenario where they already have a pup and Oikawa wants another. How he would he be with his pregnant omega and his pups ?I'm sorry if this is confusing, ABO Au is one of my favourites but I have never made a request before so I'm not sure how to explain? Fluff, NSFW you can write it however u like THANK YOU 💕

Summary: You loved your small little family, but your alpha felt there was something missing. 

Author’s Note: I loved this request so much??? Like, it’s so wholesome and domestic and my A’/B/O heart melts every time at Dad! Alpha! boys.  I’m super sorry as I didn’t put any NSFW into this. 

Requests: Open!

Toru Oikawa

➵  Your daughter Akemi was a blessing in every sense of the word. She was a sweetheart, happy and giggly and the absolute cutest little thing.

➵   Even if she did look like an absolute carbon copy of your husband.

➵  Her bright brown eyes and chocolate locks all copy and pasted from him.  

➵ She was precious in every way nonetheless, even if Toru rubbed it in your face every chance he got.

➵ You never got made at him though, as he was the ideal father in every sense of the word. 

➵   He made time for Akemi every day, even if he was sore and sweaty from practice—he’d shower before saying hi to her--, he’d let you have at least thirty minutes a day to yourself, more if he feels he has it down, which is almost always the case.  

➵   Toru fed her, changed her, helped you to clean up the house. You both worked like a well-oiled machine and parenthood was a breeze.

➵    It was tough at times but you both stuck to your guns, communicating efficiently about what you wanted for Akemi and her childhood.

➵    How you wanted to deal with future tantrums, what schools you were looking at for her (Neither of you were touching high schools just yet), but there was one thing that you always seemed to slip out of discussing.

➵     Siblings for Akemi.

➵    Either you never really had the time before Akemi was crying, or you and Toru were fast asleep by the time you had the chance or- there were just a multitude of things that stopped the conversation from happening. 

➵   Until Akemi’s first birthday though.  You were rocking your daughter to sleep, brushing your hand along her head and past the brown locks on her head, just reveling in the feeling of holding your pup, a sign of your and your alpha’s love for each other, even if your omega felt the smallest bit…Empty? 

➵   You knew that you and Toru wanted more children, just never got a chance to really talk about it

➵   . “Hey,” Your husbands voice purred into your ear, making you purr in response.

➵    His hands rested on your hips, holding you close as he held his daughter’s hand, running his thumb over her knuckles with such a soft and proud smile, making you just melt.

➵  “I know we haven’t talked about it in a while, but I want another.” 

➵  You laughed. “Another pup, huh?”

➵  He nodded, rounding around to take Akemi. He laid her in her crib, slowly moving to hold you close once more—his hands on your hips with yours wrapped around your neck.

➵ He kissed your forehead, resting his forehead against yours. 

➵  “Mhmm. This time they’ll look just like you with your cute little nose and beautiful eyes. Maybe even your adorable little cheeks.” You laughed, squirming when his hands came up to pinch your cheeks, enlarging your smiling face. 

➵ He let go suddenly, turning and walking out of the nursery with a smirk. “Of course, maybe the Oikawa genes just run to deep.” He chuckled, making his way to your bedroom. You merely laughed once more before following. 

___

➵ “And then when mommy’s tummy is all big and round- Pop! Out comes your new sibling. Maybe a boy or girl. I hope for a girl. Two little princesses to spoil and love.” 

➵ Akemi giggled at her father’s words, not really understanding what was going on but enjoying the attention, nonetheless. 

➵  Toru couldn’t blame her though, as he too was laughing and giggling all through the house.

➵  It had been four months since you began trying, a heat passing where Oikawa proved yet again, he was the perfect husband by tending to you and allowing his sister to watch Akemi for four days your heat was there. 

➵ She was ecstatic to hear the news of you guys trying and jumped at every opportunity to babysit for you guys.  

➵ “It’s not really a pop, but whatever you say, Daddy.” You laughed, stepping out of the bathroom, thin stick in your hands. Toru watched you expectantly, turning Akemi to look at you too.  

➵ “Ma!” Akemi preened, holding your cheeks with her small chubby hands when your nose rubbed against hers.  

➵ You crouched in front of her, holding Toru’s knees with your hands before smiling up at him.

➵  “Hope your ready to go through those nine months again.” You chuckled, Toru nearly squealing with delight as he brought you into a hug, Akemi squished carefully between you two. 

➵ “Ma!” 

➵ “Ma- Oh my god- I’m gonna be a dad again ‘Kemi! Focus on me!”

➵  “Ma!”

___

➵ You knew you married Toru Oikawa for a good reason. 

➵ Yes, he could be an asshole. 

➵ Yes, he could be the most annoying person you would ever meet.

➵  Yes, he sometimes cared too much for volleyball and-

➵ You had a point. What was it?

➵ Oh- Toru was an amazing husband through and through, despite all his flaws. He cared deeply for you, for your daughter, for your new baby (You decided to keep the gender a surprise to piss of Mattsun and Hanamaki who had a current running bet on what it would be).

➵  Every inch of his being, both alpha and not, was dedicated to your family. He was just as doting during this pregnancy as he was the last, making you purr in delight. He never wasted an opportunity to run out and grab whatever you were craving. He was even teaching Akemi to help. 

➵ She’d waddle around after you—making you watch where you are going 24/7—picking up anything you dropped and giving it the extra foot and a half that would make your life so much easier. 

➵ She picked out blankets and onesies and pacifiers, everything you would need she had a say in. And maybe it was another Blood Oikawa thing, but she had great taste. 

➵ There was a small running duckling theme in the new nursery, which was painted a pale grey, most of which was coordinated by…You guessed it.

➵  Oikawa and Akemi. 

➵For being twenty- almost twenty-one - months (A year and eight months), she was incredibly clever and smart for her age. That was all you though.

➵  No way was Toru ‘hit it till it breaks’ Oikawa the smart one in your relationship. (I live to bully this man I’m so sorry).

➵ When the first signs of labour (I’ve waited for this moment. To write about labour, as I see it done wrong all the time and as a Bio 30 student it hurts) showed up, you two began making plans to slowly prep yourself for the delivery of your new baby. 

➵ Oikawa called up his sister, who screeched—loudly into his ear when he told her about your first contractions—before agreeing to come over in case they drastically increased. You re-packed and double checked your hospital bag, making sure you had everything you didn’t during your first trip.  

➵ And you even packed Akemi her own bag for when her aunt would drop her off to meet her new sibling.  She was just as excited to meet them as you were and was constantly handing you things she would later ‘gift’ to her sibling (These included a multitude of…art that was labeled 2 bb in the cutest, but messiest scribbles you’ve ever seen). 

➵ You had to explain that when her sibling got back from the hospital, she could give them all the art she wanted as it would not all fit into the bag. She understood, watching you pack a change of clothes and pull ups for her. 

➵ She would waddle after you as you and Toru would slowly walk up and down the hallways to try and ease the pain, which was more uncomfortable than painful really.  

➵ Coos left both of you when she tied to hold onto your leg like Toru was, looking up to you with wide eyes brimmed with tears. 

➵ When active labour kicked in, she cried, hugging you both before you left. Akemi made sure to pat your belly at least one more time before waving you off, watching you both leave. 

➵ Toru was amazing the whole time, purring to you and letting you crush his hand (Yes. It was his spiking hand as he was going on paternity leave and had the time to heal. Plus, nothing would ever top his family).  

➵ When it came time to push, he was encouraging in every sense of the word, coaching you through the entire thing.

➵  He brushed off every snap you sent his way, every angry word and vile insult spat his way. He didn’t know what you were going through, just that it was painful and taxing on every part of your being. 

➵ Mentally, physically, and he was not about to start a fight with you. 

___

➵ When your son was finally handed to Toru, he cried. He’s cried a lot in his life, most in front of you, but he would always cry when it came to his family.  

➵ His son was just as small as Akemi was when she was born, but just as precious. 

➵  His face was squishy and chubby—and cone shaped—but he was adorable and you both absolutely loved him. 

➵ When Akemi got to meet him, she also cried. She loved her brother the moment they met, which you and Toru were forever grateful for, and would refuse to go more then ten feet away from him.  

➵ You ended up naming him Hiroshi, which Akemi had been trying to pronounce for as long as she’d known it.  

➵ Your little family was beautiful, and Toru was thankful for you, giving him his two bundles of absolute joy, and your love.

➵  He was entranced with you from the moment he met you and never knew his life would lead to this. He wouldn’t change it even if he had the chance. 

➵ In case you were wondering, your son ended up looking exactly like his sister and your husband. Seems the Oikawa genes run long and true.  

[knightmareaceblue]

Last Chapter

Next Chapter

Index

AO3

The pitter patter of rain against the ground just outside filled Frisk with DETERMINATION.

File Saved.

Mom made them stop for just a moment to dress Frisk in a rubber coat and boots before taking their hand and leading them out into the drizzle. It wasn’t too bad just yet, but this storm had been brewing for quite some time, so Frisk imagined it would get worse later. Asgore… Dad held their other hand, gazing down at them with a smile that didn’t quite meet his eyes. He carried Flowey with them, the only one who wasn’t putting on a mask of any sort. He looked just as haggard as Frisk themselves felt.

Behind them the various humans and monsters that had joined in the FIGHT against Gaster followed sullenly. Undyne, Papyrus, and Sans were exchanging stories with Rupert and Dave, trying to piece together the entire battle for each other. That made sense; Papyrus, having been holed up in the Ruins the entire time, knew basically nothing about the events that unfolded, and Undyne had basically missed half the battle. Rupert and Dave, meanwhile, had a skewed perception of the first half of the battle. Their tones were hushed as they recalled the close calls they’d all overcome.

The Top Hats trailed behind them, sort of huddled together in pairs. The Right Hand Man and his husband, Reginald the Twin Hat man, used each other as crutches as they scuttled slowly behind the monsters. Despite his slow speed, the Right Hand Man seemed content – after all, he had his friend back, his husband was healing, and the threat that had almost taken them from him was gone forever. On the other hand, Sven and Burt (with Councilor Mitchell in tow) seemed to be careful to not make contact, despite walking side by side. There was thick tension between them, and Frisk didn’t understand why Burt didn’t just tell Sven how much he meant and how much he’d missed him. It felt like such a simple problem to fix. But with the way Sven kept touching his new eye patch, or how Burt would casually graze the scar on his chin when Sven wasn’t looking, there was a lot unsaid between the two. Frisk’s heart went out to them.

But not as much as it went out to Charles and Henry.

They trailed along at the tail of the party, Charles clinging miserably to Galeforce while Ellie cradled Henry’s too still body. He wasn’t dead – Frisk could see his chest moving if they looked closely – but his entire body was slack, and despite numerous attempts at prodding from everyone (barring the Top Hats, for obvious reasons) Henry’s eyes remained shut. Frisk still remembered the way they felt, gazing upon those fading, broken shards of Henry’s soul. It invoked a deep ache within them, one that made Frisk’s stomach turn and their breath quicken. Their very soul felt broken when they stared upon the ruined pieces of Henry Stickmin.

That’s empathy, Frisk. You have a large amount of KINDNESS, and it compels you to feel other people’s pain. And seeing a person’s soul is like seeing to the core of their very being. Their truest state. It’s only natural seeing a broken soul makes people upset.

Well, at least Frisk had Chara. For better or worse, they’d always have Chara.

Their ghostly sibling was currently inhabiting the same body as them once again; this time, it was to the benefit of them both. Their experience in the Void, in Gaster’s clutches, had left both children feeling small and vulnerable. Chara had craved physical contact with their family; something that was only possible in Frisk’s body, and while Frisk was slowly growing more comfortable being alone in their head, it felt nice to share their thoughts with someone who truly understood what they were going through. The arrangement was temporary. After they got back to camp and had calmed down some, the two had agreed to separate for good. The thought of that made Frisk feel surprisingly anxious but…

But it’s for the best.

Yeah. Frisk knew that. But still… they felt bad. Chara had only been a part of them for a few days, but already they’d become so ingrained into Frisk’s life. The options they’d pointed out to Frisk, the way they would give Frisk information about things they didn’t understand…

...the way I pressured you into certain choices, the way I tried to push some of my worst traits on to you…

That… was true. The visions Gaster had conjured of their friends, butchered in cold blood and taunting Frisk over their guilt, still haunted the darkness behind their eyelids. The child had a feeling they’d be having that nightmare for a long, long time. There was no erasing what Chara did, what Frisk had let happen while sitting idly by. Even if no one else truly remembered, the consequences of their actions lingered in Frisk’s mind. There was no escaping it.

...and now there was another pair of eyes that would haunt Frisk’s conscience.

Frisk, Henry’s fate wasn’t your fault. If anything, it was my fault for allowing Gaster to pull me into his realm. I was… weak. Careless.

Something about Chara’s voice gave Frisk pause. They sounded guilty.

I’m so sorry. You were right; all I wanted was to protect you, like I’d FAILED to protect Asriel, and I only ended up hurting you worse than the monsters ever could. Even after you told me, I didn’t understand how badly this was effecting you until Gaster trapped you in that nightmare. I’m sorry Frisk. I’m…

A weight fell off of Frisk’s shoulders, one they hadn’t realized had been there at all. The wound wasn’t healed quite yet, but hearing Chara apologize – hearing them understand that they’d done wrong – was enough to stir something familiar in Frisk’s soul. It felt like forgiveness.

“My children?” Toriel asked, squeezing their little hand. It appeared they’d been quiet for too long; she was worried again. “Are you both alright?”

Frisk and Chara squeezed their mother’s hand together, smiling up at her as sincerely as they could. For once, it felt like the twin souls were in perfect sync.

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

Doctor Alphys greeted them a short distance from her tent, panic written plain as day on her face. “Oh my god! You’re all okay, thank goodness!” She leapt forward into Undyne’s embrace, and though certainly exhausted from the battle and the long march, Undyne caught her with ease. The reveled in each other’s company for a brief moment before she turned began to look around, “Did any of you see Reginald? I lost track of him, I thought he was right there, and then he wasn’t and I only looked away for a second-!”

“Relax, hon.” Undyne pointed out the Top Hats walking back towards their own tent, “He followed the others up the mountain, but they looked after him. He’s just fine.”

“Good.” The Doctor looked relieved. “I’ll have to apologize to Mister Right Hand Man later…”

Well, she’d have plenty of time to do that, as the General and the Top Hat Chief had privately agreed to a one-on-one meeting later, once things had calmed down, so they would be sticking around for at least another night. Mister Galeforce wasn’t comfortable just leaving them to their own devices, especially with Sven in the camp, but it was clear to Frisk and the rest of the monsters that none of them were in any condition to make an escape attempt. Burt glanced over briefly, and Frisk gave him a cheeky smile and a confident thumbs up. He just turned red and increased his pace.

Oh yeah, he and Sven were totally gonna smooch later.

Nah, ten G says Sven chickens out like the wuss we know he is.

Frisk inwardly snickered, and was about to rebut Chara’s statement when they caught sight of Ellie stepping forward, Henry’s body cradled in her arms, and their smile died instantly. Alphys, too caught up in her panic about Reginald, hadn’t noticed him until then, and when she did her eyes went wide with horror. Then she just looked sad. “Oh no… Henry, what have you done?”

“He… he didn’t have a CHOICE…” Charles’ soft voice whispered anxiously. His green hand was entangled with Henry’s own, holding it so tightly Frisk could swear Henry’s skin was turning red. “You have to help him, please!” His voice nearly broke as he breathed out one final, desperate, “Please…”

Horror and panic flashed across Alphys’ face, but after a moment a more professional calm overtook her and she reached to stretch the entrance to her tent wide for them. “Bring him inside, quickly.”

Charles and Ellie immediately escorted Henry to one of the open cots while Rupert, who currently had all of the lost souls, took care of reintegrating them with their bodies. While they took care of that, Undyne and Alphys grabbed a variety of machines that Frisk recognized as soul and magic monitors from all over the tent. Frisk took a seat on a nearby cot, watching everyone buzz around like bees in a hive.

They were immediately engulfed by family. Mom and dad sandwiched them from both sides, and Flowey slithered down Asgore’s arm like a plant serpent. To get a better look, he’d likely claim later, but Frisk still relished in the tickling sensation of his head resting on their shoulder.

Once all of the monitoring devices were set up, Alphys briefly tapped Henry’s chest and the tattered remains of his soul appeared again. Three jagged little shards, irregular and choppy like fragments of a broken mirror. The empathy that immediately shrouded Frisk caused them to shiver like a sudden rush of cold wind had rushed passed them. Tears began to burn the edges of their eyes. And this was nothing compared to the pain Henry was feeling…

Easy, Frisk. Don’t get too caught up in other people’s pain.

From her position at the printer nearest Henry, Alphys flipped through readout after readout, her brow furrowing as she examined the results of her scans. Her lips pressed together in a thin line. Something sad glistened in her eyes as she looked first up at her girlfriend, who offered a comforting hand on her shoulder but no words of advice, and then over to Henry.

There’s no good news here.

The Doctor pushed the papers aside and walked back over to Henry, opening her mouth and then closing it again as she struggled to find the words. After a moment, she told them. “Charles, I… I’m so sorry. This isn’t something I can reverse.” She pushed her glasses further up her snout, not looking anyone in the eye. “Quite frankly, it’s a miracle he’s hung on this much. In this state his soul and psyche are both fragmented, leaving him in what is best described as a vegetative state. He did his best to hang on but… once the DETERMINATION in these pieces fade, there will be nothing left of Henry Stickmin.”

Charles bit his lip and stifled a sob. A set of strong footsteps alerted Frisk to the person approaching the grieving green soul from behind, and General Galeforce put a comforting hand on Charles’ shoulder. Following behind were the rest of the returned souls; Mitchell, who stood straight and tall even as his eyes were shrouded with pity, and Dave, who used Rupert as a crutch as they hobbled over to watch.

“Thank you, Doctor Alphys.” General Galeforce said with a soft but professional tone. His eyes were dark and tired, reminding Frisk of the state he’d been in when they’d first met. He squeezed Charles’ shoulder comfortingly. “How long do you think he has?”

“Given the rate of DT decay in what remains in his soul… I’d guess three days. At most.” Charles’ breath hitched audibly at the news. “Worse case scenario, there’s a chance he might not make it to morning.” Toriel squeezed Frisk a little closer, hugging them a little tighter.

Three days at best? No… that couldn’t be it for Henry. His DETERMINATION to live a happy life with Charles was so strong… he wouldn’t just give up. He couldn’t. Frisk REFUSED to accept that. There had to be something they could do to fix this. There had to be.

“Damn.” Rupert whispers silently under his breath. He looks stunned.

Galeforce immediately readjusted to hug Charles close to his body. “I see… is there anything we can do for him?”

“We can use healing magic to try making him a little more comfortable…” Here, Alphys looked a little less certain. She may just be saying that to make them feel like there’s something they can do to help. In his current state, I doubt he can feel much of anything. “Other than that, not really. It’s just a matter of time at this point.”

Charles bowed his head down. Galeforce’s arm remained steady around him, though his face was hidden under the brim of his hat. Emotions buried beneath the mask of professionalism. “I’m sorry, son. Do you want to step outside for a moment? I know this is hard to see.”

“No.” Charles rebutted immediately. “No, I’m staying. Henry didn’t leave me behind, not even for a second. I’m not leaving him either. I’m staying until… I’m staying.” Ellie, without a word, sat down next to him. Her eyes were dark, but her expression was as stony as her resolve. She, too, would stay by Henry’s side.

General Galeforce nodded, likely having already suspected that would be his answer. “Doctor, thank you again for everything you’ve done for us. I hate to impose on you any more, but…”

“Stay as long as you need.” Alphys assured them immediately.

“Charles…” Rupert seemed to struggle for words, approaching Charles slowly while still being mindful of Dave’s leg. The sympathy he must have felt, knowing what it’s like to lose someone so important to you, was spelled across his face clearly. “I’m so sorry. This shouldn’t have happened.”

Chief Councilor Mitchell cleared his throat briefly to get everyone’s attention. At first glance he appeared detached from the situation, but judging from their conversations, Frisk knew better than to assume this was how he truly felt. Does he mask his emotional responses? Or simply suppress them and pretend to feel nothing so he can analyze a situation? “I understand it’s easy to be lost in grief, but please remember that nobody here other than Gaster is responsible for anything we’ve gone through. He is the only one to blame for Henry’s condition.” He sighed, looking upon Henry’s motionless form. “I will make sure the City Council honours Henry Stickmin for what he’s done for Ebott. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to find the other councilors, and try to figure out how the hell to condense what happened into one comprehensive report.” The politician began to message his temples with two fingers, as if he could preemptively soothe the headache that was to come.

As he made his way out, General Galeforce called out to him, “Make sure you leave time in your calendar to see me tomorrow! We need to have a discussion about…” The General’s eyes flicker briefly over to Ellie. “…certain events.” The Councilor nodded and took his leave.

Frisk frowned as they watched Mister Mitchell leave. The way he spoke about Henry was like it was already decided that Henry was dead. But he was still alive… there was still a piece of him left. Three pieces, in fact! That meant the FIGHT wasn’t over yet, but everyone was acting like it was. Didn’t anyone want to find some way to SAVE him? Were they all just giving up on the man who’d sacrificed everything for them?

Calm down. They’re all still caught up int their emotions, but Frisk, so are you. This may be a problem that’s just too complicated for us to fix…

No. No, Frisk REFUSED to accept that. There was always another way. If they couldn’t SPARE a monster, they could RUN AWAY until they found what they needed. If they couldn’t SAVE Asriel, then they’d SAVE Flowey instead. And just because Henry’s soul was shattered into a million pieces didn’t mean there wasn’t a way to fix him. Henry was strong enough to FIGHT Gaster, courageous enough to take a bullet in Frisk’s place, devoted enough to bring back his best friend from the dead. There was no way this would be the end for him.

Frisk was DETERMINED,

File Saved.

Frisk? What are you doing?

Ignoring their inner voice for the time being, Frisk pulled themselves away from their parents and hopped down onto the floor. With everyone preoccupied, there was no resistance to Frisk’s approach. Galeforce and Ellie’s murmured words of comfort to Charles were like the wind blowing in the distance, audible but separated from the situation at hand. Without even being noticed by the people talking about ‘final wishes’ and ‘last days’ and other things that Frisk would keep from applying, they were able to stand right next to Henry’s still body. The quiet demeanor that had suited them so well in the Underground had once again given them the upper hand.

Henry slept so soundly. All he needed was something to bring his soul together…

Frisk, I don’t know about this. This may be a bad idea…

Once again brushing Chara aside, Frisk reached their chubby little fingers out towards the three floating triangles of Henry’s soul before them. If only he had a little more DETERMINATION, they knew he could pull himself together! He just needed a little help! After all they’d accomplished, there was no way Henry would give up like this! There was no way… he just needed a little help…

Stay calm, Frisk.

They took a deep breath, calmed their mind, and reached out to touch the soul shards; one in each hand. Instantly their mind began to flood with emotions not their own. Bitter grief and sweet affection… a dream of happiness and warmth… a sense of responsibility, fueled first by obligation, then guilt, and then by loving devotion. Those were the things that had remained tethered to Henry when the core of his very being had shattered.

And they all had one core. Charles. Come on Henry, Frisk thought as they attempted to push the three shards together. Come on!

Frisk wait-!

“W-what are you…?!”

“Ambassador, stop!”

“What are you…?! Henry! STOP!!!”

Frisk didn’t listen. Tears streamed down their face as the emotions became overwhelming. They focused their DETERMINATION on the pieces, pushing with all their strength while the pieces resisted, like magnets repelling each other. There was this sound echoing in the air. It was hard to describe, like a continuous strike of lightning directly in their ear. It hurt, but Frisk kept pushing. And pushing. And…

All of a sudden Frisk’s hands were suddenly enveloped in green, which forcibly pulled them away from their mark. The child glared up, perhaps to complain, but any resistance within them was quashed when they looked directly at Charles. His face was the picture of rage, eyes narrowed with white tears and teeth gritted, forehead wrinkled from how hard his brows were pressed together. The entire time they’d known him, Frisk had never seen Charles get more than a little annoyed, so the raw anger overflowing from his soul made them shrink back as he simply said, in a harsh gravelly voice, “Don’t. Touch. Him.”

Frisk blinked owlishly at Charles, but otherwise didn’t react. The General took the lull in action as an opportunity to pull Henry closer to his side, scanning him over for any visible sign of injury.

This reminds me of something Henry did once… it seems they’re more alike than I initially suspected.

After an awkward second that felt like an awkward eternity, Charles’ brain finally caught up with his heart and he quickly released Frisk, backing away. His eyes kept to the ground, bashful. “Sorry, I’m sorry… I just wigged out when I heard Henry screaming.”

Screaming?

You couldn’t hear it? It wasn’t coming out of his mouth, but Henry’s soul made, like, a death cry or something.

They’d only heard the thunderous sound of DETERMINATION flowing freely. Had that distressed the fragments somehow?

“Frisk, I understand you want to help.” Alphys consoled. “You’ve always done everything you can to help us out, even when we… really haven’t deserved it.” She looked over to her fellow monsters. Papyrus, Undyne, Mom and Dad, Flowey, Sa- no, Sans was gone again. But everyone else wore sympathetic expressions, looking at Frisk with pity.

Not pity, worry. You’re worrying them.

What did they have to be worried about? Frisk was fine. They weren’t the ones with their soul torn to shreds, lying in wait to die with all their loved ones unwilling unable to do anything. Even if it hurt, there had to be something Frisk could do.

(Because Henry had SAVED them. Protected them with his body and rescued their souls from the Void, at the cost of his own. They couldn’t just leave him like this. They couldn’t FAIL Henry like they’d FAILED to SAVE Asriel.)

“My child, this isn’t something you can just fix. The majority of Henry’s soul is missing.” Toriel gently scolded, walking over to lead Frisk away from Henry. Reluctantly, if only because of the worried stares of Henry’s friends and family, Frisk allowed them. “As hard as it is to say, there’s nothing we can do for him now but make him comfortable.”

The wince that put on Charles’ face filled Frisk with DETERMINATION.

“No, there has to be a way!” Frisk insisted. There was always a way, even when nobody thought it possible. “Maybe we can recreate the missing parts!” After all, it only took DETERMINATION and some other stuff to make a soul! And they had those in spades!

“That’s… very much impossible.” Alphys explained, her cadence slow. She was treating Frisk like a little kid. She’s trying to be careful, because of how sensitive you are. “Even if we could recreate the missing parts, core parts of Henry’s identity – his love for others, and his memories – would be entirely disconnected from the new soul parts. It wouldn't be Henry. Not really.”

This failed to discourage the young ambassador. “Then let’s get the missing pieces!” They’d brought Chara back, after all. They could bring Henry back too!

It’s… not that simple.

“It’s not that simple.” Flowey’s voice echoed Chara’s in their mind, which made Frisk scowl. “The pieces of Henry’s soul would be impossible to find. They’re likely scattered all over the place. There’s no way you could track them all down. And we don’t know if they retain enough of Henry’s sense of identity while separated to respond to you CALLING for him.”

Frisk REFUSED to accept that. Henry was strong-willed, one of the most DETERMINED people Frisk knew. He wouldn’t go down so easily. He couldn’t. “We won’t know until we try!” Frisk snapped back, wrenching themselves free of their mother’s grip. Frisk, slow down… “We have to at least check first! It’s not fair otherwise!”

“My child…!”

Calm down!

No. Frisk was DONE being calm. They nimbly dodged a pair of hands reaching out to restrain comfort them and bolted. Their mind was traveling a million miles a minute. They had to get underground, quickly. Out the front entrance? No, the soldiers would never let them pass by themselves. Over the fence, then. It would be tricky, but they were sure they could climb it before anyone noticed. No, you need to go back, you shouldn’t be down there by yourself. Frisk ignored this ‘brilliant’ advice and raced up to the nearest fence.

They gripped onto the fence and began to scale as quickly as they could, their climbing clumsy and rushed. A familiar feeling formed in their soul, though Frisk didn’t recognize it until a pair of red arms was tugging them down, and Frisk put all their strength into resisting Chara’s pull.

“This isn’t… helping… anything!” The red ghost scolded as they redoubled their strength. Frisk tried to ignore them and kept climbing. Chara still weighed them down. “Frisk…! You need to calm down! I KNOW you’re exhausted! You’re in no condition to climb the mountain again!”

The pressure on Frisk sudden increased, like gravity had SHIFTED to drag them down, and with the added weight Frisk couldn’t continue to hold themselves up. They squirmed and clung to the fence, but felt themselves slowly being dragged down until, eventually, they were forced to release the fence, falling into a blue cushion of skeleton jacket. “you should listen to your friend kid.” Sans scolded gently. “just because there are no monsters in the underground doesnt mean you can just run around down there willy nilly. That sounds like a good way to your parents femor-ous, especially if you end up buried alive.” Sans winked for good measure. “all the action that caves seen has probably made some things unstable.”

That wasn’t something Frisk had considered. The Underground had always been so vast and lively, it was easy to forget that the entire place was actually a gigantic mountainous cavern. Even so, “I have to get down there! I-I have to at least try to get Henry back! He-” He’d sacrificed everything for them. To SAVE them from the Void. Frisk couldn’t just let someone else suffer for their mistakes…!

“Hey, shh…” Chara whispered soothingly, their arms looped tightly around Frisk. “You can’t just run off blindly into danger. He’ll hang on long enough for you to get some proper rest and, maybe after you sleep for a little bit, you’ll come up with another idea.”

Begrudgingly, Frisk had to admit Chara had a point. “I just… so many bad things have happened because of me.” Because of what they’d let Chara do, because Frisk had slipped up and let themselves and Chara be caught by Gaster. “I can’t just let it go.”

“kid.” Sans sighed. “this isnt making up for your mistakes. this is punishment. youre holding yourself to a ridiculously high standard because thatll ‘make up for what you did’, and when you FAIL to meet those standards you just pile more self-loathing onto yourself. Your not going to ‘make up’ for what happened because youre still in that mindset of needing punishment.”

Something in Frisk broke, and they squinted their eyes shut to stop the tears. “So… what do I do?”

“You just… keep doing your best.” Chara told them. “Keep helping your loved ones, but don’t try to martyr yourself if it’s too big. Remember when we faced Flowey in his Asriel form?” Sans didn’t respond to that tidbit of information. Frisk couldn’t tell if it was because he already knew, or because of his naturally chill demeanor. Right now it didn’t matter. “You CALLED FOR HELP, and all the friends you’d made responded? You can’t do this alone.”

Frisk sniffled and confided. “I feel like I’m just burdening everyone with my problems. I should be able to do this by myself, because I owe everyone for all the bad stuff we did.”

Chara opened their mouth, thought for a second, then closed it again. They stroked their chin and stuck out their tongue, puzzling their options over in their head. This momentary silence gave Toriel and Asgore the opportunity to catch up, both slightly winded from their frantic attempts to keep up with one very nimble, very fast child.

Toriel reached them first, dropping to her knees to take her child into her arms. “Oh, Frisk!” The words she breathed out was barely loudly than the wind. “Please, my child, you must stop scaring us like that!”

From the shoulder of his father, Flowey slithered down the king’s arm like a snake and dove into the ground, tunneling below and reemerging by Frisk’s side. “Seriously. You’re going to give these poor people heart attacks.”

“Sorry.” Frisk sniffled out as they wiped away their tears. “I just… got overwhelmed.”

“It’s been a difficult day for all of us.” Asgore agreed, and Toriel took Frisk’s hand and helped them stand up. “On days like this, I like to take a moment to rest and relax. Once you’ve done so, you may find yourself able to look at the problem with a new perspective.”

When it came to problems like this, Frisk could definitely use a new perspective.

“Okay,” They whispered, and allowed themselves to be lead back their tent. Sans waved to them as they left.

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

By the time Frisk awoke, the morning sun was streaming through the slit of the tent entrance and pouring onto their face, gently nudging the child awake to greet the new day. They stretched, yawned, and took a quick glance around. Mom was asleep atop her bed, and Flowey was loosely wrapped around her shoulder, head pressed down against Toriel’s ear. He subconsciously nuzzled his face into her fur as he slept, which made Frisk smile. Asgore, being both too big for any of their beds and also a guest, slept on a pile of pillows on the floor. His snoring sounded like whistling, which Frisk decided was quite cute. There was no sign of Chara, but with the danger passed perhaps they’d decided to spend some time by themselves? Well, wherever they’d wandered off to, Frisk hoped they were doing okay.

Slow and quiet as a mouse, Frisk crept up to the kitchen table to find a whole smorgasbord of magical treats. There was a plate of cookies, mostly broken into pieces, with a note on top from Undyne telling their little punk to ‘get better soon, or else!’ that Alphys amended with a clarification that ‘or else’ referred to the two of them playing nurse for Frisk. There was also a plate of spaghetti from Papyrus, with a rambling note telling them how he’d made ‘human-style’ pasta for Rupert and Dave, how he’d gotten their seal of approval, and how, now that he’d mastered spaghetti, his next goal was to perfect the art of the pancake. Frisk silently wished him luck with that. Nearby was a blue and purple striped mug filled with a cool beverage that smelled like tea. Asgore had left them a little note with a heart, which was positively adorable. And mom had cut them a single slice of her famous butterscotch-cinnamon pie.

So precious. Frisk really had worried them all, hadn’t they? They were so caught up on the idea of making up for what they’d done that they hadn’t really considered how their actions would affect their friends. In the future, they would have to be more careful about that.

Frisk took the time to reheat the tea with the help of a portable hot stove they’d been provided by the government, and ate a pleasant breakfast of tea and pie, saving the cookies and spaghetti for later. Once they’d had their fill, the child looked back to see the others still asleep and pulled out their phone to access their item box. From the box they procured a pencil and a piece of paper, and did something they probably should have done earlier; they left a note.

Dear Mom and Dad,

Went out to look for Chara and check on Henry. I won’t leave the camp, promise.

Love, Frisk

Satisfied, Frisk left the note atop the remaining food and paused only to wipe the crumbs off their face before exiting the tent to face the new day.

The world outside was cool and bright, with the grass smelling of dew. Frisk took in the fresh mountain air before marching out into the camp. Already, they noticed a change in the humans and monsters. More specifically, that they were much more integrated. The Royal Guards of Snowdin were patrolling alongside the humans, engaging in casual banter. Off-duty men gathered around as Shyren, Nabstablook, and Mettaton performed live. Muffet and another woman Frisk recognized as the human chef were engaged in a deep discussion. Probably about muffins or something. These new developments made Frisk’s heart full to burst. Gaster’s plan had done so much harm, but in the end he may have brought them all together in a whole new way. The sight of everyone at peace filled Frisk with DETERMINATION.

File Saved.

In the end, Frisk was surprised to find Chara sharing a pleasant conversation with Monster Kid. The two spoke in hushed tones that died completely when Frisk approached. Monster Kid was smiling brightly, waving Frisk over with a familiar, “Yo!” while Chara merely hovered nearby.

“It took you long enough.” They declared when Frisk was close enough to hear. “I thought you’d sleep through the whole day!”

“But it’s only nine in the morning.” MK pointed out.

Frisk gave them both an apologetic smile. “Sorry. With everything that’s happened, I guess I’ve been more tired than I thought.”

“Oh no, it’s cool!” MK immediately assured them. “I’ve just been talking to your buddy Chara. They said they’ve been with you the whole time? How come I’ve never met them before?”

There was so much baggage with that one simple question that Frisk didn’t know how to respond. They paused, unsure feelings swelling inside of them, before answering with a partial truth, “Well, Chara’s a human ghost, so I wasn’t sure how everyone would react… I didn’t want to scare anybody…”

Scare, traumatize by bringing up literal ghosts of the past that they couldn’t even see, same difference.

‘Oh, okay!” Monster Kid immediately accepted this answer, not pursing the line of questioning any further. A part of Frisk felt warm and bubbly at their consideration. Maybe one day Frisk would give them the whole story. One day, when they’d made peace with it themselves.

Chara made a hand gesture that was something like ‘close enough’, then hovered down a little closer to Frisk. “We were talking about what happened yesterday.” Chara’s eyes darted briefly over in the direction of Ebott, and then clarified, “Under the mountain.” As if Frisk needed reminding. “I’ve been trying to make sure my story’s straight, for when we need to tell people later. MK’s a really good listener.” The little dinosaur monster stuck out their tongue, smiling widely at the praise. “I’ve also been thinking about… Henry.”

“Henry…” Frisk looked down. “Any change?”

“He’s not dead, if that’s what you mean. First thing I checked on this morning.” Chara shrugged. “I’ve been thinking about what we should do about him. My best guess is that we’d need something to locate all the pieces of his soul. Like a metal detector, but for souls stuck in the Void.”

“Is that, uh, possible?” MK asked.

Frisk tapped their chin, sticking out their tongue as they puzzled it over. “Maybe… if we had something Henry really cared about? Like, maybe we can get something of Charles’?”

“I’ve heard Henry likes shiny things.” Chara mused. “Perhaps we could get a shiny rock from the Underground and attach it to a magical transmitter?”

MK jumped up and down, excited by the plans they were making. “Oh! Oh! That Henry guy says he hates being told what to do! What if we had a bunch of people yelling ‘Go Away!’ in a big magic circle? That would reverse pie-cology him into showing up.”

Frisk couldn’t quite help their giggle at Monster Kid’s mix up. Chara gently corrected him. “It’s reverse psychology. You were very close, though.” Still, Frisk didn’t think that would really work. There had to be some way they could get those soul pieces. But how…?

“U-um… Ambassador Frisk?” The children turned, and Frisk almost jumped when they spotted Sven’s familiar blue hat clutched in his hands. Chara and Monster Kid had similar split section reactions, with Chara moving to a straight standing position and MK jumping between him and Frisk with an adorable growl. But this wasn’t Gaster; it was Sven, and in response he merely took a few steps back, with one hand releasing his hat to be held up in a placating fashion. “Er, sorry to interrupt, it’s kind of important…”

Frisk frowned, noting the dark bags under his eyes, the way his hair was tousled. It was likely he hadn’t slept all night. They held out an arm to signal to Chara that they should hold back, and then their other in front of Monster Kid to do the same. The two other children briefly glanced at Frisk, but ultimately trusted them and backed down, allowing Frisk to approach. They asked, “Is something wrong, Mister Sven? You look terrible.”

Oh, they hope nothing was wrong with Sven, because that would mean there was something up with Gaster, and they were hardly prepared for another battle. Just the thought of that had Frisk suppressing a shiver.

But Sven merely shook his head ‘no’. “I have something important for you.” He knelt down next to them and held out his blue hat. All three children peered inside.

It was empty.

“What…?” Chara squinted their eyes, looking confused. “There’s… there’s something in there. I can’t quite make it out, what is it?”

Those words made Frisk and Monster Kid peer closer. Though their eyes were narrowed in focus, Monster Kid complained aloud about not seeing anything. Frisk focused their DETERMINATION, and saw the light reflect off of something. Little odd shapes, piled up on themselves. They looked familiar. They felt familiar. They were… “Henry’s soul.” They realized, and clutched the hat closer. “You… found it?”

Sven grinned at them, bringing up a finger to brush against his eye patch. “Yeah, took me all night, but I know I got them all. My INTEGRITY tells me so, and Gaster’s habitation of my body had certain… advantages.” That made Sven frown deeply, though he quickly moved on. “But I don’t have the power to bring them back. That takes DETERMINATION, and I don’t have enough. You, though… you are the most DETERMINED person in the world. Gaster said so at least twice. If anybody can bring those shards back to this reality, you can.”

They could? Frisk peered down into the hat. That was Henry Stickmin. Henry, who sacrificed himself to drag them back to the real world. He fixed their happy ending. He protected Frisk with his body, even after he’d made it clear he didn’t like them. Everyone missed him so, so much. Charles was a wreck. Galeforce was barely suppressing his emotions, and likely only for Charles’ sake. Ellie, the few times she had caught their eye, looked tired and hopeless. He meant so much to them. He made so many people so happy. He protected Galeforce, devoted himself to Charles, forgave Ellie. And Frisk would bring him back. To repay their debt. To bring a smile back to his family. To give him one final chance after everything he’d been through.

They were DETERMINED.

Under their hands, the many soul shards began to slowly fade in, and MK took a few steps back in shock while making an awed noise. Frisk’s DETERMINATION surged through them like electric shocks. They first appeared a sickly gray, then slowly grew more saturated as life flooded back into them. Each one radiated warmth and emotion. Eventually Frisk pulled away their hand and gazed down into the hat, which was now filled up with radiant red light.

MK gasped aloud. “Whoa… it’s so pretty… and so sad…” Silently Frisk agreed. The ambassador could vaguely feel the souls, their proximity allowing for some semblance of a consciousness that was reaching out. The consciousness wasn’t quite complete; it was vague and fragile, unable to really form any coherent thoughts. Only its emotions were even remotely capable of being felt, and they too felt off, like soft gray television fuzz. Poor Henry. Frisk reached down and softly stroked one of the triangles, receiving a vague feeling of comfort in response.

“Thank you, Mister Sven.” They smiled up at him.

“Yeah,” Chara remarked, “You’ve really SAVED us some time. I was worried we’d have to climb Mount Ebott AGAIN. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the Underground, but I’m kind of sick of it at this point.”

Frisk silently rolled their eyes.

“It’s… no trouble, kids.” His eyes were dark and haunted, but Sven didn’t necessarily look bad. Just tired, like he’d surpassed some impossible obstacle and had come out the other end exhausted but accomplished. “Henry SAVED the Right Hand Man, and fixed my mistakes. I owed him a favour, and now we’re even.” Sven then frowned. “There’s… a lot of mixed feelings there. Henry and Charles were a big part of why the Toppat Clan fell. But I’m trying to listen to my INTEGRITY from now on, and it says that I need to square my debts, however I can.” Sven then looked to the side. “Now I need to figure out what comes next.”

“That sounds hard.” Frisk consoled, taking a moment to touch Sven’s arm. “But I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

Sven smiled tiredly down at them. “Heh, that makes one of us. Good luck fixing Henry, kid. It’s up to you now.”

Frisk was DETERMINED.

File Saved.

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

“Charles! Charles!” Frisk yelled as they rushed into Alphys’ tent. Their miniature stampede was brought to a halt by a harsh shush. Galeforce gave them a stern look from his spot at the head of Henry’s cot. Henry rested in his lap, supported by General Galeforce’s knee as his hair was combed through by one of his hands. In the cot to the left Ellie slept soundly, her eyes circled by dark rings. Charles was snoring in another cot, his body so translucent in his resting state that it was basically see through. From the looks of it, none of them had gotten much sleep last night.

“Sorry, yo.” Monster Kid whispered from behind Frisk. Chara flew over their heads to hover next to Henry’s body. “But- but we’ve got good news! We’ve got Henry’s soul!”

The poor General had looked like he was barely awake, but MK’s words had him jump up from his chair. “What?!”

“With some unexpected help from the Top Hat Clan, we were able to secure what was left of Henry’s soul and use Frisk’s DETERMINATION to bring the pieces back from the Void.” Chara made a grand gesture towards Sven’s hat, still outpouring with a beautiful red glow. “They’re right there.”

Galeforce’s knees buckled as he swiftly made his way over to Frisk, falling to his knees as he took Sven’s hat and gazed into it. “Henry…” He breathed, completely stunned. Tears formed at the corners of his eyes as the emotions overwhelmed him. “Oh my god, son, oh my god…” The hat was clutched close to Galeforce’s chest and he began to hiccup with suppressed sobs.

The commotion, at last, roused Charles and Ellie. They both groaned as they awoke, Charles returning to full transparency and Ellie taking a few seconds to just stare sleepily at the scene before her. Naturally, they were quite confused to see General Galeforce clutching a Top Hat and quietly crying into it. Ellie forced herself up and got closer, while Charles paused to stroke Henry’s hair before joining Galeforce.

“Sir…?” Charles asked. His eyes widened as red light began to reflect in them, though he asked before daring to hope, “What’s going on? What is that?”

Ellie stood stone still in her shock. Her eyes remained trained on the red soul shards.

“It’s Henry!” MK announced excitedly, jumping up and down energetically. “One of those Top Hat fellows found and brought back the pieces of his soul, and Frisk brought them back! Yo, they’re so COOL!”

The blatant praise made Frisk blush.

Ellie, like Galeforce before her, fell to her knees and watched the shards slack-jawed. “I-I can’t believe it. I would have thought that’d be the last of him. Heh, should have known.” She smiled and wiped at her face with her sleeve. “You red souls are way too stubborn to just keel over and die.”

“I feel like that’s directed towards me.” Chara remarked flatly.

Charles was stunned, frozen in one spot levitating above the ground. Once he got his bearings he dove down to peer into the hat. “You… oh my god.” Charles was smiling with brilliant white orbs of light falling from his eyes. “You really SAVED him… thank you, thank you so much!” Galeforce rose, and Ellie and Charles rose with him, as though pulled up by the red glow of Henry’s soul. “What are we waiting for?! Let’s put them back!”

Everybody raced to Henry’s side, Frisk ducking under Galeforce’s arm to get as close to the body as possible. The hat was carefully emptied of its contents, the soul shards flooding out over Henry’s chest.  They just remained there, floating over their person. Frisk reached out. This was it. They’d get Henry back. They’d returned the favor Henry had done them, SAVE him as he’d SAVED them. Frisk was DETERMINED.

And… nothing happened.

Frisk frowned, and focused their DETERMINATION again. Come together, they openly willed the soul shards, come together and remake Henry. Everything was there. Frustrated, Frisk tried to physically push the pieces together, but like before they repelled each other, and when the DETERMINATION began to thunder they stopped.

“Why… why isn’t it working?” They asked, trying not to sound hysterical for the other’s sake.

A hand pressed down on Frisk’s shoulder. “Stay calm.” Ellie instructed them. “Just try to focus. If anyone can do it, it’s you.”

Frisk tried again. They tried to focus their DETERMINATION like a black hole, to pull the rest of the pieces in. Nothing happened. Frisk tried again. They attempted to imagine the pieces sorting together like puzzle pieces. Nothing happened. Frisk tried again. They thought of the soul pieces as continents, and imagined them moving together as a super-continent in fast motion. Nothing happened. Frisk tried again. Nothing happened. Frisk tried again-

“Frisk, stop.” Chara gently pulled at their shoulder. “Your DETERMINATION is great. Gaster may even be right about you being the most DETERMINED person in the world. But DETERMINATION alone… it might not be enough. This may be the best we can do.”

“No.” Frisk whimpered. Their hands were shaking, they had no idea how much time had passed. Frisk tried again. Nothing happened. They tried again. Nothing happened. “No, no, this can’t be it! This can’t be!”

Tears began to burn their eyes and face as they dripped down. Frisk tried to stop, they really did, but once Chara had pulled them back into a proper embrace they couldn’t help themselves. MK, careful not to touch Chara, sidled over and nuzzled their head into Frisk’s side. With their sibling on one side and their dear friend on the other, Frisk let go and started sobbing in their embrace.

It felt like, no matter how hard they tried, there would always be someone they FAILED to SAVE.

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

Step two is complete. Next Chapter: Step Three.

Things I've done that have delayed chapters while writing this fanfiction:

-Play Dragon Age: Origins all the way through (which is a very frustrating experience, btw) -Buy a new laptop -Delete an entire chapter halfway through and start over because 'it didn't vibe right'. -Dogsit

I'll let you decide which excuse applies to this chapter.

We're getting closer to the end. Here's hoping I can pull it off. :)

[obsidian-chika]

Zhongli x Male Reader

✼ •• ┈┈┈┈๑⋅⋯ ୨˚୧ ⋯⋅๑┈┈┈┈ •• ✼

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝘄𝗼

┲━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┱

𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬

┺━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┹

✼ •• ┈┈┈┈๑⋅⋯ ୨˚୧ ⋯⋅๑┈┈┈┈ •• ✼

A few days have pasted since the male's last visit to the Golden House. The weather didn't show any signs of sun. The ceremony drew nearer and nearer. Soon, the events to pick the bride or groom would commence.

No exorcist could even come close to the place. There were many stubborn and overly confident ones that have tried, but to no avail.

Which family would it be? Who will be the one to get sent off to the Golden House, as the bride or groom?

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Liyue had events that would take place.

One, was the well known lantern festival for Lunar New Years. People would spend time with their family and friends. Games, food stalls, filled with happiness. Joyful times for the people that took part in the celebration. As well as releasing lanterns at night. 

Two, would be the choosing and wedding ceremony for the spirit attached to the Golden House. These were mostly filled with grief. Families fearing for the life of their children, hoping that it won't have their family name on the slip of paper being picked.

About a two weeks before the choosing and a month before the marriage ceremony, people would start to planning of the event. Listing out everything that was needed. Having traditional clothing for the marriage on hand, the timing for both parts, times to use as offerings, the host(s), along with ideas of foods and drinks getting made for the event.

(M/n)'s family usually took part in the clothing, jewelry, and any other accessories. Helping to provide fabrics for the male or female wedding gown, fresh make up supplies, jewelry, any type of hair piece, along with anything else to prepare the bridge or groom. Also, having fabric out for a male wedding gown to get burned off in place for the ghost.

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Soon, the choosing began. The people of Liyue gathered. Names of the different families have been craved onto sticks and placed in a jar. There was a table set up, with variety of foods, incenses, flowers, and other Liyue specialties. Red and gold decorated the area, everything was falling into place. Soon a family would be chosen for the wedding.

Not long after everyone has gathered, Liyue's leader stepped forward to start the ceremony. There were lots of people in the crowd, praying that they didn't have to give their kid away to the cursed spirit.

"We are here today, to find out who will be the chosen one for this traditional wedding. When the family name is acquired, may I ask for the head of the family to step forward to retrieve some items, along with announcing which child within the family it will be. 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻."

There was a large can of sticks, each stick being engraved with a family's name. The can was shaken up and down, which ever stick fell out, the family who's name is engraved will be the one providing the second part of the pairing. The crowd was silent as their Leader raised the can you and down in front of her. A group of sticks raised above the rest, but one remained up and out while the others fell back, and it dropped to the ground. The sound moving through the crowd.

She picked it up, raising to her feet, "the (l/n) family was chosen, the head of the family please come up for the items and to announce the partner of the marriage."

The boy stood in the far back to the crowd froze apron hearing his family's name being spoken out as the chosen. He hoped he wouldn't have to go, there were many things he still wanted to do. Seeing the beautiful of the world and acquiring any new type of knowledge he could because he had a passion for learning what he didn't know. He wasn't focusing on the speech his father was giving the crowd, he just wanted to go somewhere far away from what seemed like his home. Not catching much of the conversation, his father's words snapped him out of his inner thoughts.

"— as much as it hurts me to say, the son, (M/n), will be the one becoming the groom for this occasion."

The crowd was silent. Great. He knew it, nothing would change how he was viewed by his parents. He knew what his father said about his was a lie, his father and mother would gladly jump at the chance to remove him. His fate was now sealed, he was going to get married off in about one month. No one to save him, he could run away from it all, but it wouldn't feel right to push what he had to do onto someone else.

He didn't know what else to say beside replying with, "I accept my fate. I accept the responsibility that was placed onto myself. I will do my best."

No one smiled. No one was clapping. He was like a small sunshine around the harbor, but now his fate was decided. The only ones happy were his parents, the smirk of victory they felt when they no longer have to house that child they find horrid.

✼ •• ┈┈┈┈๑⋅⋯ ୨˚୧ ⋯⋅๑┈┈┈┈ •• ✼

He had about 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 before he would be married off. It was quite ironic to him, the place he found comfort in would also be the last thing he would be seeing in this life time. His time was now limited, so he wanted to make the most out of it. He traveled to places he loved, manipulating his hydro vision to teleport during some of his travels.

He now about 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 of time left after traveling to some and most of his favorite places. He wanted to spend the time he had left around the harbor. Helping people, petting the dogs, cats, along with spending a bit of time here and there relaxing in the Golden House. 

There wasn't much to do or even say to his family. He knew his parents were quite delighted to get rid of him for good, while his siblings were a hit or miss. He also wanted to visit a few more people before completely departing from Liyue. He never had any friends his age so there wasn't anything for him to say either. He wished he had at least a few friends to hang out with, but the kinds never talked too him.

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During the two weeks he had left, he would vividly remember dreams from the night before. Dreaming about things that was hard to understand, yet it seemed like all the dreams were related.

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 𒆙 ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

There was a table, surrounded by seven people. Their faces being a blur, but one figure stood out. A small pony tail of gold and brown hair through the back of the hood worn. The conversation was also a blur, not many words were heard.

❝ 𝙤𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙪𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙚 ❞

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 𒆙 ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

A large rock dragon, next to it was a standing man figure. With the same hair colors and hood, staring out at Liyue.

❝ 𝙖𝙯𝙝𝙙𝙖𝙝𝙖 ❞

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 𒆙 ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

It seemed to be the archon war. Rock like spear formations were falling from the sky. There was a figure in the sky. That same exact figure, again.

❝ 𝙞 𝙖𝙢 𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙮 ❞

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 𒆙 ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

There was a female figure standing beside a male figure. Beautiful as the night sky. Bright as the sun. The male figure gazed at her.

❝ 𝙜𝙪𝙞𝙯𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙜 ❞

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 𒆙 ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

The male figure looked a bit different. The hood was gone, now dresses in most black, gold, and brown. The hair color was beautiful as always. Plus, there were three other people a what seemed like a flying pixie.

❝ 𝙬𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙠 ❞

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 𒆙 ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

There were three others along with the same male. There was a blond male that seemed to have appeared before. The other two figures seemed to be the yin and yang of each other.

❝ 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚'𝙨 𝙖 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙡 ❞

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 𒆙 ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

The man now stood there. Staring at who knows what. Time seemed to slow around him, he was in deep thought about the what he had just overheard.

❝ 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙞 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙙𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 ❞

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There was one week of times left. The (M/n) could fit some of the visions together, but he was never truest sure of what they meant. He wanted to find out more. So, he decided to spend his remaining time learning about what happened in the past, and more about the archon that once ruled one of the seven nations, who was the geo archon.

Books, stories, tales, anything he could find on the geo archon. His room soon filled with multiple books relating to Morax, or Rex Lapis. He was learning to much. The geo archon never failed to surprise him with his actions. Sure the geo archon could have been merciless at times, but there were things he also agreed with.

He understood quite a lot to his surprise. He also looked for first person stories when he ran into a few adeptus with his time left. He wanted to learn so much more, yet his time was so limited.

"My time is almost up, yet I want to learn so much more about you. I wonder, would I be able to talk to your spirit, or would I have an instant death. A heart is stone is still a heart, is it not?"

The boy closed his eyes, with those as his final thoughts about Rex Lapis, along with what might happen to him as he was the one to get married off.

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It's finally done. Hope you enjoyed it, and I

also want to thank you for the support.

[dwlrmoon]

Astrological Analysis: I.M "Duality"

An astrological analysis of I.M's solo album "Duality" & how his astrological placements manifest through the songs. Changkyun said that he poured his entire soul into this album, so I thought it'll be really cool to dissect the songs in the astrological lens because I'm in love with his artistry.

REMINDER

Observed & analyzed through western tropical astrology; we are missing information due to lack of confirmed birth time, so I can only deliver using the traditional 7 planets (mainly the personal chart) without a house system.

DUALITY

Having the album entitled "Duality" with songs expressing this topic (esp. the title track) reminds me of his Aquarius placements, mainly the Sun. I.M has his Sun in detriment, meaning that his Sun is "weak" or uncomfortable in that sign. As the sister sign of Leo, Aquarius symbolizes celebrities, fame, the star in tarot, as well as hopes & dreams. Aquarius can represent notoriety & infamy while simultaneously having the stereotype of the loner or outsider, not wanting to be perceived or "understood."

Using traditional rulership, Aquarius is ruled by Saturn who also rules Capricorn. If Capricorn rules authorities & conformities, Aquarius is the rebellious younger sibling refusing to conform & rather revolt, deviating from the norm. I.M placed his artistry in precedence; convincing SSE to use God Damn as the title track despite the profanity requiring him to release this album digitally in addition to him creating the tracks in his own style that may or may not be in line with k-pop or Monsta X.

GOD DAMN

In true I.M fashion the song & MV are very concupiscent, & since I already talked about the duality that is expressed through this song, let's talk about the MV specifically. Pisces rules escapism & addiction & his Pisces Venus was very on brand to go with alcohol as the imagery of getting high to hide from his frustrations. This piece is highly self-reflective & he encourages listeners to read between the lines, it's quite Saturnian in nature. I also love how the lyrics have that duality of hating & loving whoever/whatever that is ruining/comforting him—I really associate this with his Martian Moon (him assigning Misbehave as the song that represents him is so... Aries Moon).

HOWLIN'

No more taming 'bout my color I swing 'till I get, what’s the problem? Problem I ain't follow simply what I see I go follow what I need 'Cause I see that I'm loyal Imma go on my speed, even I'm slow

The 1st verse reminds me a lot of his Saturnian + Martian energy—no more wanting to be someone he's not, doing his own thing without care of what others may think. However, the last 2 lines really highlight the fixed modality of his Aquarius: I love that he says he's loyal even if he goes on his speed which can be slow; he doesn't care as long as he gets there.

I don't celebrate 'till I make it till the end Ain't time for the 'hol up' You want me be a shade but I'm made for a big wave Ain't time for the 'hol up'

This song has a lot of Saturnian themes esp. the chorus. It reminds us that Saturn rules time—he doesn't succumb to the challenges & distractions or "hold ups," rather focusing on his goal & only celebrating once he reaches the mountaintop. Saturn is karmic, it takes its sweet time to give you your rewards that you must work laboriously for. He knows he's made for something bigger (Aquarius), & with his perseverance (fixed), determination & passion (Aquarius Mars + Aries Moon), he will be rewarded despite all the struggles (Saturn).

Don't call me, I'm drivin' I just wanna keep on ballin’ Even though when you are hatin’ Woah Grab me when I'm fallin’ 'Cause I make myself so lonely You know that I'm howlin'

However, Saturn can be extremely isolating & Aquarius is akin to the underdog. Of course we don't know where his placements are, but his Pisces Venus contributes to that isolation. He feels lonely & he knows that, but he inevitable makes himself lonely which Aquarius natives can do when they develop that mentality of me v.s. the world sometimes. Keep in mind that Aquarius rules community yet the outsider, showcasing that wanting to be alone while wanting someone to be there for him. Saturn is burden & he's a lone wolf used to being alone carrying all that burden himself.

BURN

The night has become cold and now it's a meaningless fight I don't wanna waste my time on the past time Endless shot, let me head to the top I don't wanna waste my time on the past time Burn the accumulated emotions, burn Burn everything without leaving anything, burn

An Aries Moon anthem? I find that Aries placements love having fire/burning imagery if not in their songs then in their MVs. Aries is Martian, cardinal & fire by nature, which means that Aries Moons may get irritated fairly quickly—a quick temper? But they get over it super quickly, kind of like blowing off steam & then letting it go right after. The Moon rules our emotions, & I think the lyrics speak for itself here. The allusion to the fight is very Martian as well.

I'm mixed and complex, yeah I don't know myself well, eh Yesterday I couldn't empty it out, yeah I'd rather burn it, yeah The tears that fell are oil Make the flame burn higher Pour it out, no more regrets Burn it all up and high, yeah

I really enjoy I.M's introspective & intrapersonal nature; he always says he doesn't know himself well & accepts that rather than fighting it. He accepts all facets of himself, & that's very refreshing. The 2nd verse made me chuckle a little bit because the first 2 lines look Aquarius while the rest is Aries. Not to mention he has an Aquarius Mars conjunct Sun, so, more Martian energy there. Cardinal + Martian give me that attitude he portrays very well in this song—throw some more oil, let it burn more so that there'll be no regrets. Another Aries placement who wrote something like this? Yoongi.

HAPPY TO DIE

I could die right now, yeah I can never lie, yeah You bring me to sky Let me be yours till I die When you say goodbye, yeah Bury me on your heart, yeah Don't you say that word Could you keep it till I die? You brought me back to the real love I wanna get lost here forever

There is so much to unpack in this little song... The chorus is a mixture of Saturnian commitment & Aries headstrong, passionate reckless energy motivated by his romanticist Pisces Venus. The title itself, the whole concept of this song, is fundamentally Pisces (his DSC would be really cool to talk about here, if we had the birth time, but we don't, so).

We're childish like we were when we used to play back then I let go of rationality as if I'm drawn by the wind I don't know what this feeling is Even if I try to pretend I don't know, everything seems to be obvious, yeah I don't know, I like it the way it is I don't know me well, I don't know I guess it's not a lie that I really like you I'm happy to die right now

Verse 1 truly has my heart in a grip. He has a rational & intellectually-minded Saturnian Mercury & Sun, yet once he's in love he gets enamoured & childish, rendered completely irrational. It's giving me Aries meets Pisces—of the moment, idealistic, just overwhelming emotions taking control of his Saturnian mind, which I find funny because he has Moon square Mercury.

Things of mine might go away and shape Will just change, but don't you change When I'm low, could you make me not alone? I could die right now if we were just this crazy about each other

Pisces is sentimental & can represent past lives, that feeling of being stuck in the past? Pisces Venus is visionary & idealistic, they're more in love with the idea of love than love itself sometimes. Here we see that theme of isolation again, his Aquarius could play a role here, but his Pisces placements are also desperate to be loved. The last line, like said before, is utterly Pisces because Romeo & Juliet is known to be a Pisces type of relationship, plus with that Aries Moon... it just makes sense since Aries Moons love the rush & passion.

시든 꽃 FLOWER-ED

Somehow I have no strength to resist I stay right where I am It's not like I'm longing for someone But I'm standing there

Personally loving how his songs gradually grow more & more Piscean? The overwhelming emotion of yearning with no one to long for is so Pisces/Jupiterian Venus in general. Like I said, they're idealistic & in love with the idea of love more than anything—not the happy kind of love either. I notice that Jupiterian Venuses play with the theme of wanting a lot, mainly because they are ruled by the planet of expansion. Distance is a huge theme in Jupiterian signs, & they idealize that.

When you step on me like it's nothing I desperately want you to come back and hug mе I deeply remember your smilе that laughed at me While I was being illuminated by you

Because Pisces placements love the idea of love & the feeling of longing for someone they can get into the habit of sacrificing themselves, hence their association with the hanged man in tarot. They are too focused on the fantasy of love to take off their rose tinted glasses.

I don't really blame you I know your days by my side Have faded away Please don't disappear, oh

The hand that held me, the eyes that captured me are all blind The scattered hands, the shining eyes are gone

I don't know what else to say here, like, I think you guys understand how these verses really depicts his Pisces Venus very well... With a Venus conjunct Saturn it can really emphasize isolation & rejection as well—this aspect feels like they are deprived of love, so they crave it desperately even if it hurts them which is a theme of Pisces. Him titling this track "withered flower" in Korean is so Pisces Venus of him overall.

[lavendersugarplum]

☂︎ZEROᵗʰᵉ ʳᵉᵈ ᵘᵐᵇʳᵉˡˡᵃ

(The Umbrella Academy x Sibling! Adolescent! Reader)

sᴏɴs ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀs

─━━━━━━⊱☂︎⊰━━━━━━─

ZERO WAS OBSERVING HERSELF in the mirror imagining what her day would be like this morning. The change in the weather already had her feeling gloom, but she didn't really expect much from today. It was probably just going to be just like every morning, or so she thought.

Seconds later, Pogo came in, gently, through the door. "Miss Y/n, Luther, and the rest of your siblings are here." As soon as those words fell out of the chimp's mouth she froze as if she didn't know how to process what he just said. She couldn't believe it. Zero didn't think that they would even attend. After how so Sir Reginald treated them, this must be some kind of joke. Once Zero fully processed what was happening, she positions herself around and raised an eyebrow. "Why hadn't you told me they were coming before?"

"I wanted it to be a surprise." Pogo smiled gently at her before walking up to fix the tie on her uniform. Once he was done tying it, he looked at her with his big brown eyes. "You'll do fine. Just talk to them." Zero nodded in understanding, eyes furrowed. "I see....... and Pogo?

"Yes?""You don't have to call me Miss. I'm not quite grown up, as you can see."

"Well, I think you've grown to be a mature young lady," Pogo said smiling.

"Too bad Mr. Hargreeves didn't think so." Zero thought as she walked out of the room.

~☂︎~

TO SAY THAT SHE WAS nervous was an understatement. It had been forever since she had seen any of her siblings at all, including Luther. A bead of sweat rolled down the side of Zero's head in anxiousness. Within every step she took getting closer to the living room, the feeling of her throat closing up came with it.

When Zero arrived in the living room, the first person she saw was her bulky brother Luther along with Diego, Allison, Klaus, and Vanya. They had all looked so grown up. It almost made Zero envy for how mature they had gotten.

"Zero has arrived." Pogo announced causing the five to have their eyes zapped straight to Zero. Vanya was the first to walk up to her with welcoming arms. "Zero." Vanya went over to hug her, causing Zero to back away trying to contain her abilities from being triggered. "I'm sorry." Vanya apologized as she backed away.

"You came back." Zero said, putting what had just happened aside. She was just overjoyed and slightly overwhelmed to see her family again.

"I told you I would come back." Vanya shyly smiled, running a hand through her dark brunette hair. The next person to the conversation was Klaus.

"Oh my, Zero! Well I'd say you don't look a day over..... Since I last saw you!" Klaus said acting surprised but was just really being a tease."Some family reunion, huh?" Zero slightly rolled her eyes at him. "Go on, M-I mean Zero. Go sit by Luther." Pogo held his hand out in the direction of the couch. As Zero made her way over to the couch, she tried to avoid eye contact with her siblings in pure shyness.

"So do you come out of your room now or is it just for stupid occasions like these?" Diego asked, clearly annoyed.

"Diego." Allison warned.

"It's fine." Zero said quietly, voice barely above a whisper. As soon as she said that Klaus's eyes widened.

"Wait. She can talk now?"

Klaus asked, but everyone just ignored it as a question.

"Why am I always the last to know about stuff?" Klaus groans as he fixes himself a drink.

A pensive silence starts to enclose over the room. Zero understood it was kinda awkward because none of them saw each other in such a long time.

Zero observed her siblings as they had their moments of silence. She looked to Luther who looked the same just as when he had left. With the chimpanzee DNA he took, he had gotten taller. She remembers when they were younger, with him being the leader. She knows Luther tried his best, but Reginald didn't think that was enough. Luther was always the leader, and she could feel how much it always got on Diego's nerves. Those two were always getting into rivalries.

Sh started to feel bad that he's going to realize he went to the moon for no reason. Reginald didn't read his reports at all; and she knew that.

Even though Luther was raised to be the best and most useful, Zero couldn't deny that he went through some trauma. They all did. He was raised to believe he was the best and a leader. Another example of Reginald's bad parenting. And as a result, his ego is still here, as Zero noticed. He's the only one that still cares for his father, while Zero just doesn't know how to feel after all the things he did to her. They say it's always better to forgive, but Zero just doesn't know.

Luther loved being hero more than anything, she had to  just hope that he wouldn't put that over himself and his family.

Her pupils bored over to Diego. He may be brash, but deep down Zero senses that he's insecure and still wants to prove himself. Still trying to measure up to Luther, even though Diego has become very skilled in Zero's eyes. She still remembers the time when they had first interacted.

~☂︎~

ZERO WAS WALKING DOWN the hall with Reginald's reports in her hand; taking them to him. A thud into her shoulder made every last one of the reports fall out of her hand, but like magic, she reached her hands and the reports defied gravity to arrive back into her possession.

"Sorry"

Zero was about to walk away but Diego stopped her.

"W-wait. I heard you in my mind. What kind of ridiculous trick are you playing on?"

"...... I can read minds and feel emotions."

"Well don't do that on me. I-i don't need a weird girl like you looking through my mind." With that Diego walked away, keeping a guard on his mind.

~☂︎~

ZERO THEN PEERS AT ALLISON. She had grown up to be a very pretty girl, as so Zero thought. Allison was always nice towards everyone in the Umbrella Academy. She never once talked bad about anyone behind their backs, which is quite admirable to Zero. How much Allison craved for attention is what she didn't notice.

Then there's Klaus. Still the same rebellious person he is. Zero admires how he can just move on and not dwell on the past too much. Sweet and vulnerable as a boy, and also her other close friend thanks to Ben. Besides herself, Klaus got experimented on by Sir Reginald the most. Through the years he has become not all himself, which awakens her concern for his well-being.

Finally, there's Vanya. Zero learned that she became a writer. She remembers when she sent her book to Reginald, but he never read it. Zero finds herself wondering how her music career was doing. Though in the past she seemed aloof, not want to have anything to do with her siblings, Zero had always watched them from afar, knowing their feelings and insecurities.

But sometimes it would be too much feelings and insecurities.

Zero's thought process was interrupted when Luther began the gathering speech.

"I guess we should get this started. So, I figured we could have a sort of memorial service in the courtyard at sundown. Say a few words, just at dad's favorite spot."

"Dad had a favorite spot?" Allison asked, astonished, an expression of surprise crossing her face along with the others.

"You know, under an oak tree. We used to sit out there all the time. None of you ever did that?" Luther asked, like it was a usual thing.

Not all of us were his Number One, is what Zero thought.

"Will there be any refreshments? TV? Scones? Cucumber sandwiches are always a winner." Klaus asked as he nonchalantly popped a joint, joining his siblings in the living room, drink in hand. Luther's face scrunched up at Klaus.

"What? No. And put that out. Dad didn't allow smoking in here."

"Is that my skirt?" Allison says in tone, referring to the skirt Klaus was wearing. "What? Oh, yeah, this. I found it in your room. It's a little dated, I know. But it's very breathy on the." Klaus motions his hands. ".... Bits."

"Listen up. Still, some important things that we need to discuss, all right?" Luther proceeds.

"Like what?" Diego asked dryly and uninterested.

"Like the way he died."

"And here we go." Diego rolled his eyes, uninterested.

"I don't understand." Vanya mumbles. I thought they said it was a heart attack."

"Yeah, according to the coroner."

"Well, wouldn't they know?"

"Theoretically," Luther explained.

"Theoretically?" Allison asked.

"I'm just saying, at the very least, something happened. the last time I talked to Dad, he sounded strange."

"Oh, Quelle surprise!" Klaus exclaimed gurgling his drink.

"Strange how?" Allison asked.

"He sounded on edge. Told me I should be careful who to trust. Hearing these things made Zero look up from her lap, at Luther.

"Luther, he was a paranoid, bitter old man who was starting to lose what was left of his marbles," Diego said walking over to him.

"No. He must have known something was going to happen. Zero, you must know something. Did he say anything out of the usual to you?" Luther said kneeling to Zero.

".........No." Zero replied, looking back down.

Luther sighed and got back up. "Look, I know you don't like to do it, but I need you to talk to Dad," Luther said referring to Klaus, causing Allison to scoff.

"I can't just call Dad in the afterlife and be like, "Dad, could you just...stop playing tennis with Hitler for a moment and take a quick call?"

"Since when? That's your thing," Luther encourages.

"I'm just not in the right frame of mind," Klaus replied.

"You're high?" Allison exclaims.

"Yeah! Yeah! I mean, how are you not listening to this nonsense?"

"Well, sober up, this is important. Then there's the issue of the missing monocle." Luther said.

"Who gives a shit about a stupid monocle?" Diego said.

"Exactly. It's worthless. So whoever took it, I think it was personal. Someone close to him. Someone with a grudge."

"Where are you going with this?" Klaus asked.

"Oh, is it obvious, Klaus? He thinks one of us killed dad." Diego said, eyes trained on Luther.

"You do?" Klaus said in awe.

"And I already know exactly who is the main suspect is. He thinks Zero did it." As soon as Diego said that everyone's eyes went wide and Zero tensed up.

"No, Zero. That's not-" Luther reached out for Zero, but she backed away.

"Why......do you lie?" That was the last thing she said before walking out of the room, heading for her bedroom.

"How could you think she would do that," Vanya said in disbelief.

"She's a kid, Luther," Diego said.

"You're crazy, man. You're crazy. Crazy."

Klaus, Vanya, and Diego started to storm at the room not wanting to continue with the conversation anymore.

Allison started to walk away too with a disappointed look on her face.

"That went well," Luther said sarcastically. He sighs and settles down on one the couches and rubs his head in exhaustion.

"Master Luther."

Luther's thoughts were halted by Pogo, who walked in; wooden walking stick glued to his paw. Luther had called him in to ask him about Sir Reginald's Monocle which turned to be missing.

"I'm trying to locate Dad's monocle. Have you perhaps seen it?"

Pogo simply shakes his head.

"No, unfortunately I haven't, but I would assume it would be one of his personal findings."

"It's not there... I've already checked." Luther goes silent almost about to give up.

~☂︎~

ZERO WAS IN HER BEDROOM reading the book Ben gave her. She already read it a thousand times, but this book is the only thing she has of Ben. She soon started to hear the music play in the house. She shook her head and kept reading. Zero' started to think about what Luther had said about their father seeming off. It wasn't just him, she also noticed he was a out of character months before he passed. Reginald started telling her more about the world beyond the Academy. Of course they would have their usual sessions, like playing chest or eating breakfast together. Sometimes they would just sit by the fireplace in silence. No lectures, no teachings, just silence.

Zero's thought process was diminished by a Thunder clap and sound clouding her ears, along with bright blue shadowing over her room. Zero decided she would stay in a room since there is no way she was going outside. A blue glint casted her eyes as she just stared in awe at the illuminating glow. It was some sort of a wormhole forming in mid-air. She saw her siblings going out to look at it as well.

"And just what do they think they're doing?"

She saw Klaus coming out with a fire extinguisher throwing it in. She then saw Luther directing them to back away from it. All the Hargreeves just stared at it with the wind ferociously blowing. The unbelievable happened. A small figure fell from the whole. As soon as the person hit the ground, the wormhole instantly closed up.

The siblings started to inch closer to the figure, along with Zero who examined the person with curious eyes, eyes widening at what it was.

It was her missing brother.

Five Hargreeeves

[cafeinthemoon]

THe Home I Crave - Chapter 10

Title: The Home I Crave

Genre: Fanfiction

Pairing: Tobirama Senju x reader

Rating: teen and up

Word count: 

Chapter: 10/?

Symbols: ⭕ | ➕ | 💛 | ▶️▶️

Read the previous chapters here: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9

Chapter 10 - The Clause

Fortunately for you, Tobirama still had some matters to discuss with the Hokage, so that he saw no problem in staying while Mito accompanied you to your house. None of you had a teleportation jutsu as him, but your houses were not so far from one another and you weren’t feeling so weak that you couldn’t walk, so you just took some minutes to finally reach the front door.

The first thing you did once you were inside was to drink water: it helped you to clear up your senses and to wash away the remaining bitterness in your mouth. After that, you could breathe and talk properly. Then you took a bath and started to prepare your bed.

Mito helped you with what she could; soon everything was settled and you were sure you’d get better in some hours.

However, the conversation you started in her bathroom wasn’t over.

- Y/n-san.

- Yes?

- I told you about how our actions can influence the situation between our clans and such, but I forgot to tell you something. It is more about Tobirama than about our Village and the clans, if I’m being honest.

- Really? And what is it?

You were in your bedroom now; you were on your futon, while she took a sit on a couch you had near it. You crossed your legs on the mattress as if you were about to hear a long story.

- I told many things about him, that’s true, but I didn’t explain why he’s so attached to rules and protocols even for an advisor – she took a deep breath, as someone who had to be careful on how to speak about someone else’s issues – Tobirama might not be as open about his feelings and ideals as Hashirama, but just like his brother he always wanted peace. He grew up as a warrior and the war took two of his brothers from him, as well as many friends and relatives. Of course he was not the only one who suffered with it, but to us it’s clear that he never really moved on, you understand?

That was new to you.

- So... after all these years and with all these alliances, he is still afraid of war?

- Exactly. And this is just one of the things that don’t let him sleep – she united her hands on her lap – I suppose you’ve heard about the rivalry between the Senju and the Uchiha.

- Yes. Of course.

You knew that the creation of Konoha started with the peace treaty signed by the two clans’ current heads, Hashirama and his friend, Madara. The Uchiha was not in the Village by the time you arrived and haven’t returned yet; since your clan didn’t have formal trades with his people, you never met him in person. But you could have news about him at any moment.

- First, let’s just say that him and the Uchiha head, Madara, are not the best friends. Some time before Konoha’s foundation, Tobirama was responsible for the death of Madara’s younger brother, Izuna, when they faced each other in combat. Izuna was the only sibling left for Madara, so naturally he never forgot this. On the other hand, Tobirama’s siblings were killed by Uchiha warriors. Do you understand what I’m trying to say?

You nodded.

- Do you know about the Uchiha’s kekkei genkai, the Sharingan?

- I’ve heard many things about their dojutsu, but never witnessed it in action.

- Indeed, most of its aspects remain a secret even for the wisest ninjas until this day. However, Tobirama has studied the nature and the development of Sharingan and found out its basis before any of us could make a statement. According to what he found out, the Sharingan is a proof that the Uchiha are moved by passion above all, so much that it has to be sealed. Otherwise, it can be quite problematic, as everything can be without discipline.

- I see.

- When the seal that kept the Uchiha’s passion under control is broken, the individual awakens their Sharingan. It is true that having a dojutsu like that is very useful in the battlefield and during missions, but at the same time it represents great levels of unpredictability. To summarize, it turns people unreliable to a certain point.

You finally understood where Mito wanted to go with that.

- And when someone is not reliable, it is harder to make sure they will continue to follow the rules that have been maintaining peace and order, and since the Uchiha are part of Konoha’s base, it represents a constant risk, at least on Tobirama’s eyes.

- You’re really quick to catch things – she smiled, but there was still worry in her eyes – So… In short: Tobirama already has a struggle with passionate individuals to work on. Having one more of them under his roof might be more than he can handle. And you have to admit, y/n-san. You are a passionate and idealistic girl, and you don’t even try to hide it. I’m not saying it is not good thing, but as you can see, it makes things hard.

- As if I am the only one who makes things hard here – you sighed – Guess I don’t even need to tell this to you, Mito-san, but despite not knowing the Uchiha as well as you do, it is obvious that Tobirama will never be totally in peace with them while he’s not in peace with himself. And I just came in the middle of it, I have nothing to do with it and it is not my fault if I am what I am. We all have our issues to deal with, but he can’t just take it out on me like this. I’m trying to make it work, but I can’t do it all by myself. Now, if his resistance towards me is because he finds me similar to the Uchiha as you’re suggesting, this is a poor excuse for his behavior. He cannot forget the fact that my clan always have been in good terms with the Senju, and we never declared support to the Uchiha during the Warring Period. Bringing this back in the form of suspicions is unfair with me and my people. I won’t accept this.

Mito chose her next words with caution.

- I could not agree more. Things are happening too fast for all of us and it’s been hard to keep up with them. But let me tell you that Tobirama knows that there were some renegades from your clan who joined the Uchiha during the Warring Period, fighting beside them as mercenaries. I believe your father told you about this.

Damn it. This man just knows everything?! Yes, you were aware of the existence of renegades who left your clan to fight beside others, including the Uchiha, but the official position of your clan has always been in favor of the Senju. That should be enough, even more now that your marriage has fortified this connection.

- Yes, my father never hid this from us. But Tobirama just can’t use something from the past to make things harder for us now. We are in peace, after all.

- This is exactly what Hashirama is saying to him right now. I could have asked him to do this, but he knows his brother. He’s used to make what’s necessary to calm down the moods in situations like this. At least for now, we don’t have to worry about them.

She sighed in relief for the first time since the conflict started; maybe she was waiting for you two to be alone so that she could have a chance to show how those events were affecting her. You thanked her in silence for this; it made you feel less alone in that house.

You stood in silence for countless minutes. You were the first to speak after that.

- I still remember when you told me that there are things about a man that can only be unveiled by his spouse – she raised her eyes to you and you continued – I’ve been thinking of this since that day, and then when I saw his photograph and in the wedding day. I’ve been seeking for ways to turn this into actions. But a week passed and nothing seemed to change – you looked around the room, too large and too cold for a couple’s private space – We are still strangers to each other. We much effort I can say we are allies. Mito-san…

- Yes? – her tone was lower, sadder.

- I think you gave me a great advice. I really do. But maybe it doesn’t work if a man doesn’t want us to unveil anything.

Mito didn’t hide her deception with what she saw in your face; to her, you were giving up too soon. But what you had to endure to reach this point was something that only you knew. It had nothing to do with her.

- Y/n-san…

- It’s getting late – you stood up and walked toward the room’s door – Hashirama will get worried if you stay out for too long.

The princess didn’t try to argue. Without a word, she left the coach and walked with you to the house’s front door. For one last time, you thanked her for everything she has done for you despite knowing you for so little time.

- You don’t need to thank me – she replied with a sad smile – It is my duty to offer you support. When I first arrived at this Village, I had no one to do this for me. I just don’t want you to face the same as me. This time we can do things differently.

You nodded. You closed the door behind you after she left, your eyes burning with tears you didn’t want to let come out. You agreed with her in each point, each word. You couldn’t be more glad for having found in her a friend who was like a sister. But you already had a sister you left behind in the name of your clan, and now you found out she needed you. You couldn’t turn your back on your own family now that you were aware of the facts; that was not the point of this treaty.

Once you were sure Mito was far from your door, your ran to your room again and found the travel bag you started packing that afternoon, after Tobirama went back to his office and you were left alone to process the bad news and to prepare yourself to dinner at the Hokage’s house. You finished to put in it all the remaining items you would need for a long travel: another change of clothing, more weapons and all the money you brought with you to Konoha – you didn’t know when or how you would come back, but you had to take enough provisions with you so that you wouldn’t depend on your family to pay the expenses of your return. Finally, you went to the kitchen and grabbed some of the things you bought in the marketplace the day before; you already had decided that if you ran out of food, you could find more in a forest or buy something in a tea house.

After drinking a bit more of water, you turned out all the lights and went to the night, disappearing among the trees that grew on the way between Tobirama’s house and the Village’s gates.

***

You didn’t know if the silence in the depths of the forest that surrounded the Village’s territory was a reason for you to be worried or relieved, for it could only mean two things: you didn’t have anyone coming after you, or you had exceptionally trained persecutors tracking your path.

The air among the trees was colder than you expected too, despite the absence of winds or breeze on those parts. The humidity was perceptible, and you couldn’t help comparing it to your own land: Konoha had more rivers and lakes in its surroundings, something that you supposed to be a determining factor in its prosperity. You remembered Mito’s comments about Tobirama being a master of Suiton and thought that it was easy for one to sharp their abilities when the environment favored them. Thanks to the same logic, you and your family developed your talent with Doton to a point when you could be mistaken for shinobi of Iwagakure. You started to deliberate about which points of that land would favor your performance as a ninja and in which ones you would have to work in order to win your weaknesses.

It was true that because of your thoughts, all towards your family and your sister’s conditions, your head was too noisy, but as the distance between you and the Village grew, you started to get truly worried about the silence around you. You haven’t noticed a single sign of movement except the ones coming from yourself; not even the small animals expected to be found in a forest seem to be near your way, though Konoha seemed to be a place so full of life when you arrived. It was like the forest just died at some point after your passage; it had nothing to do with what you first saw when you passed through it for the first time with your parents.

Your eyes would go from one side to another and over your shoulder, but nothing changed. You started feeling you were walking in circles, jumping through the same branches in the high trees. Could it be you were lost? Or…

- Damn it! – you cursed to yourself, your whisper sounding like a scream in that stillness – Is it a genjutsu or am I becoming paranoid?

You stopped so suddenly that even the air around you changed. Your feet, firm on a higher branch out of your path, forced the wood and produced some crackling noises. You stood up on it and with one last look at your surroundings, you jumped on your back, doing a flip toward the ground, where your could find a better use to your abilities.

You landed on the grass on one knee and put your palm over it. You closed your eyes and concentrated your attentions on the smell of the earth, trying to catch up with every information it could bring to you. You took off the glove on your right hand and touched the soil with your fingers, sensing the vibrations that would go through it: if a person, an animal or even a bug crossed your surroundings, you would know. Those were tracking techniques your master taught you when she noticed you didn’t have sensory abilities; they have been very useful specially when you were sent to distant places and there were no sensor shinobi available to join your team.

Unfortunately, the earth and its smells didn’t tell you anything about intruders. But you were still suspicious, so that you felt the need of a second, less subtle measure: an earthquake jutsu you developed for cases like that. That jutsu was going to cost you a precious amount of chakra, that was true, but it should be enough to tell your persecutor – if they were really existed – that you weren’t willing to play.

You made the hand signs and your palm touched the ground, sending a seismic wave in circular form that started around your hand and expanded through the ground around you and further. As the earth was shaken, the brown soil, the grass and worms were spread to all sides, and the trees had part of their roots exposed. The only spot that remained untouched was the one upon which you were kneeling.

The impact must have been sensed in the Village at least by the shinobi. But if this would catch their attention or not, you couldn’t care less: the annoying part was that Tobirama probably have noticed your absence by now; if he was as talented with sensory techniques as Mito told you, he could have already guessed the direction you took, and all you did with your Doton was to give him your exact location. You weren’t sure if he would come after you or not, but whatever he would decide to do, he could have avoided this by not to hiding things from you. Besides, you wanted to make sure you weren’t caught in a genjutsu without having to hurt yourself or to stop your chakra flow when you needed it most.

When the forest went back to its previous silence, you stood up, relieved to confirm you had no company. You adjusted your backpack and looked for the next branch to reach: it was safe to continue your journey through the trees.

You prepared to jump when something sharp, shining at the moonlight, crossed your way with a hiss and buried itself on the trunk of the tree you were were going to climb. You held your breath; you looked closer at it and you identified a kunai. Wrapped around its base, there was a tag marked with a seal.

You cursed when you recognized the Hiraishin’s pattern.

You moved away from it right before he teleported to its side and could do anything to immobilize you. You let the kunai you carried under your sleeve slip to your hand; whatever was going to happen there, you were going to fight and survive to continue your journey: he was not going to take you back to the Village.

When you raised your eyes to him, however, what you saw was confusing: Tobirama was wearing full armor just like you saw him in that portrait, with the blue arm pads and the white fur covering his shoulders as if he was prepared for a mission; on his right hand he carried a bag just like yours. Was he intending to accompany you along the way?

Still, you wanted to hear it from his mouth.

- What are you doing here?!

- Tsc! – he removed the kunai from the wood and hid it in his sleeve – I am the one who should be asking. What are you doing here?

You gasp in your indignation to hear him using your words against you, but you straightened up and hid your blade as well.

- I don’t need to answer this question. My intentions are obvious, and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.

Tobirama passed the bag’s strap over his shoulder and crossed his arms, standing his ground. It was clear that if you wanted to go ahead, you would have to pass through him.

- I could say the same – he replied – But I had to come to remind you about a clause in our treaty that you happened to forget after your meeting with my brother. The treaty stated that you should stay in Konoha as your clan’s primary representative until your people arrive. Only then you could make any plans regarding travels outside our Village’s territory. Leaving like this, without warning, will be understood as treason.

- And then I will be left with two choices: to come back with you or to be killed – you crossed your arms too – Yes, I’ve read the clauses and I remember this one very well. But if you came here to try and use it to intimidate me, let me tell you that you’re wasting your time. You know I will not come back until I do what I have to do.

- You do not have to do this when my brother already sent a doctor to take care of your sister. He’s a ninja just like us and is more than used to long and difficult travels. He will reach your compound in half the time a regular ninja would do.

You gasped. Was he really calling you a regular ninja? You ran out of patience, but you decided not to get into this type of discussion: the longer you stayed there, later you would reach your destiny.

- What kind of shinobi just leaves their work for others to do and sit on their house waiting for things to get better, specially when their family is involved? – you shrugged – I know that’s not your style. Neither it is mine.

Tobirama put a hand on his waist as if he was unsatisfied to see that this discussion would take longer than he first expected. You laughed at this internally: it seemed that the man who wasn’t used to have his orders questioned finally found a worthy adversary. He could see you as a brat right now, but you were a determined, honest brat at least.

- You speak as if your sister is completely alone in your family’s house – he argued – Which is not true. Your parents, as well as your other sisters, are there with her, and you have your own doctors working on her case, according to your father’s last letter.

You raised an eyebrow; you tried to ignore your heartbeats that just got faster.

- What are you insinuating?

The Senju didn’t waste time with deliberations, saying to your face what he had in mind:

- I’m afraid you are using this situation as an excuse to run away from the treaty.

This time you couldn’t help let your bitterness out.

- Well, let’s just say that you didn’t give me much reasons to not run away – you noticed the way he tightened his lips and continued before he did anything – But this is not what I’m doing. In my family we don’t break promises, even when we have to face hell to keep them.

- If this is the case, leaving in secret does not speak in your favor, y/n-san – he took one step in your direction, but didn’t seem willing to go any further – How can I be sure you will  respect our treaty and come back to Konoha?

- The same way I can be sure you will not hide anything from me again – you replied with seriousness – What do you have to say about that?

Tobirama sighed, but didn’t lose his temper.

- I know that words will not prove my point. Instead, actions will do. This is why I am coming with you.

You swallowed. So, he was really planning to travel with you? This was the solution he found to keep the treaty untouched, then: instead of killing you or forcing you to come back to the Village with him, he offered himself to go with you as a way to prove his honesty and to be sure of yours at the same time.

You wanted to smile at this: again, he managed to caught you with a surprise. But you didn’t want to give him a taste of victory so soon, so you kept a straight face.

- You don’t have to do this, Advisor. You have no obligation to agree with my decision…

But that man’s will was something as firm as the stones in your land. That caught you off guard as no enemy attack ever did.

- Yes, I do. It is the least I can do – and tightening his grip around the bag’s strap before jumping toward the same branch you once stood – Shall we?

[mk-empress]

Battle Against The Dual-Bladed Duelist

The Boss Fight

The invasion was a success. The folded soldiers had captured Bowser and his minion army. And Bowser’s cowardly mage had even crashed the entire castle. Sure, the minions got away and are now enslaved to do maintenance on Shangri-Spa by the toads, but at least I had Bowser as a living trophy in his own throne room. I was alone in the throne with the chained, oversized koopa. 

“Hey! Release me this instant! Don’t you know who I am?! I am Lord Bowser, and I will not stand for-“

“Oh, cut it out already. Can’t you see you belong to me now? You’re already lucky to be in one piece.” I told him. I walked down the red carpet on the floor to Bowser’s throne. I decided to try it out, see how it felt. His throne was surprisingly quite comfortable.

“Hey! Get off my throne! You’re not allowed to sit there!” Bowser barked.

“Silence! You are not the one in charge here anymore. You are my prisoner. I am above you. Now, be good and seal your lips closed, or I’ll cut out your tongue.” I threatened. Bowser gulped and froze in place. Good. 

I glanced up and saw the green streamer penetrating the ceiling, creating a large hole. Seeing this reminded me of the other streamers. I had already watched the red streamer, the blue streamer, and the yellow disappear. I felt bitter about it. I was worried about the purple streamer. I decided to step outside to see if the purple streamer was still there. I know I’m not supposed to leave my post, but I needed to know. 

When I got outside, I flew under the clouds of Shangri-Spa. I could see the Sea Tower below. Wait-... where’s the purple streamer-? No... I zoomed down to the roof of the Sea Tower, no one was there. Why? Where was Tape? I-I couldn’t be the last one! I can’t be alone! I frantically soared faster than I’ve ever flown before toward Overlook Tower. I stopped above the top. I only saw a couple of toads looking at the hole left by the spool in the pole, nothing else. I shifted my gazed and soared to Shogun Studios. I got a bird’s-eye view of the park. I saw several toads working at the entrance. Some of them were carrying bags of Rubber Band’s broken bands. I glanced into another direction and arrived at The Shroom Temple. I entered through the upper entrance. When I got down to the dance floor, my heart shattered when I saw Hole Punch’s broken, pale, lifeless body. My eyes watered, and I just shook my head. I rushed back out and flew back to the Sea Tower. I landed on the roof and spun circles around looking for Tape. I noticed blood on the ground, and it was fresh. I was panicking. I stared over the edge of the tower into the sea, then I saw blood in the water. Tape had to be down there! Maybe I could save him. I jumped off the tower and dived toward the surface of the ocean. I held my breath as I plunged into water. I scanned my surroundings looking for Tape, then I saw him. I swam deeper down to him, and grabbed his hand. I held on to him tightly in my arms and shot up out of the water back to the roof of the sea tower. I gently laid Tape down. I tried to wake him up.

“Tape! Wake up! Come on!” I shouted, but he didn’t stir. I shook him harder. “Please! I can’t be the last one! Get up! GET UP!” He still didn’t move. 

I looked at his body and I started to cry. His wrists were bleeding profusely, and his arms were red. I put my hand on his chest, and I felt his ribs were broken. I pressed my fingers on his neck, there was no pulse. I froze in place. It felt like my heart was just ripped out of my chest. Tape was dead, like the others. I cradled him in my arms and held his head to my chest. I was devastated. His body still felt warm. It came to me that he died recently. I looked up at the clouds above me. Tears streamed down my face. I screamed at the top of my lungs. I thought I could save SOMEONE! I just wanted someone to be with me. I stayed there, with Tape’s body, still holding him close to me. I remembered all the times we had, the good, the bad, and the insane. We fought at times, we sparred at times, we laughed, we raced, we enjoyed each other’s company, and now... I continued to mourn. Deep within me, I felt an inhumanly rage boiling within me.

I blasted up back into Bowser’s castle. I swung open the doors into the throne room. I wanted to shred Mario and Olivia into a thousand pieces. I wanted them to sink into the deepest rivers of The Underwhere! They had to pay for this! I needed revenge! It was all I craved!

“Aww! What’s wrong? Did something hurt your feelings?” Bowser taunted. I was not in the mood to deal with his mockery! I drew one of my sword blades and grasped his throat, choking him, and pointing the tip of the blade at his eye.

“Listen to me. I am NOT going to listen to you whine, beg, or mock me! If you speak one more time, I will murder everyone you love or remotely care about! Then you will know how I feel!” I screamed. I released Bowser, turning my back to him. I was still so enraged, and I didn’t realize that my eyes were glowing. I craved revenge! I had to have it! I would annihilate EVERYTHING in my way! I would destroy Mario! HE’S THE ONE WHO MUST PAY! 

I felt like I had the rage of many people at once. I felt like my heart was beating out of my chest, and my back was aching. I thought I felt something seeping out of me. I looked behind and saw dark, wispy shadows. What was this? What was happening to me? Suddenly, I felt like something just bursted out of my back, then I felt it again, and again. I started to notice shadowy creatures appearing around me. I saw the black silhouettes of little boys and girls holding hands, I saw large, black, adult silhouettes- both men and women- towering around me, and then, I saw a massive creature that wasn’t like anything I’ve ever seen before. It had a hand for a head, and the body of a snake. I decided to call it the “Handaconda”. I felt the pain in my back go away, and I felt a bit more in control of myself. The shadows surrounded me, and they looked like they were waiting for something. Oddly enough, I didn’t feel threatened by them, as if they were MY minions. I looked behind me at Bowser and he looked terrified. I just smirked at him. I turned back at the shadows.

“Do you serve me?” I asked. All the shadows nodded the best they could. “I want you all to spread throughout and guard the corridors and rooms of this castle. If you see any of the folded soldiers, do not attack. If you see a small man with a mustache, and a little girl floating beside him, bring them to me for termination. If any of the toads or any of Bowser’s minions enter, get them out any way you like. NO ONE is to enter this room at any cost! Understood?” I commanded them. All the shadows agreed and left the throne room.

I still felt an unnatural rage within me, but I felt a little calmer after creating those shadows. Suddenly, I heard someone from outside the castle. It was faint, but I did hear it.

“DAAAD!” I heard a child scream.

“SON?!” Bowser called. 

I glared at Bowser, then he looked at me. I looked up at the hole in the ceiling, then back at him. That boy was coming for his father, and I can’t risk the green streamer being destroyed, now can I? I grinned as I drew my blades and zoomed out through the hole above me. I saw the kid that looked similar to Bowser, and zoomed at him. I latched my blades together into an actually pair of scissors. At the last second, the kid saw me just before I sliced him and his clown car into six, bloody pieces. Some blood had sprayed on me. I watched as the remains of the boy fell to the ground.

“NOOOOO!” I heard the blue mage scream. I cackled as I returned back to the castle.

I landed back on the red carpet in Bowser’s throne. I sheathed my bloodied swords. Bowser stared at me with a worried expression.

“What did you do?!” Bowser barked. He could see the blood on me.

“I simply delayed Mario from entering this castle.” I answered.

“What did you do to MY SON?!” Bowser roared.

“I KILLED HIM! But don’t worry, we’re in Shangi-Spa! The Spring of Purification should revive him.” I explained.

“YOU’RE INSANE, YOU MONSTER!” Bowser screamed at me. Insane? INSANE?! 

“Insane?!” I laughed. “With what I’m going through, I think I have the right to go a little insane!” I snapped. My eyes began to water. I was laughing and crying at the same time. I knew I lost my mind, but Mario took so much away from me. He stole my siblings’ lives! He SLAUGHTERED all of them like they were pests! I SAW WHAT WAS LEFT OF THEM! If I’m not allowed to be a tiny bit crazy... 

I waited for what felt like an eternity, pacing back and forth, pondering all the things I could do to Mario. I was clutching my skull, my tears were dripping onto the floor, and my rage was destroying me from the inside out. Bowser was good as he stayed quiet the whole time. All of a sudden, I heard the bullhorns outside squeal, then someone spoke.

“Ahem. Attention, fellow minions of Lord Bowser! The folded soldiers guarding the entrance to Bowser’s Castle are no more! Now is the time for us to rise up! Make for the castle and stand with Mario! Together, we shall free Lord Bowser and restore honor to our names! FOR BOWSERRRRRR!” That was the voice of that blue mage. I heard cheers outside.

“HA! Yes, my minions! You hear that?! Soon, my minions well storm and retake this castle. And when I’m free, I’ll stomp you into bits!” Bowser threatened. I simply laughed.

“Oh, I wouldn’t get so excited if I were you. Your weak little army will be rushing to their DEMISE! They won’t even make it to that door.” I replied. My own minion shadows would destroy them first. Then, Mario will be next!

I could hear all the commotion outside. I was wondering who was winning. Not too much time pasted when I heard Bowser’s minions outside trying to break down the door leading into the throne room. It seemed the folded soldiers had failed.

“It would seem I underestimated your minions, Bowser. But, no matter. I will swiftly dispose of them myself.” I drew my blades and flew up out of the castle. I soared around the structure and entered again through the front door. I had a straight shot to the koopa army.

“INCOMING!” One of the minions shouted. 

I gripped my blades tightly, and I began my rampage. The minions tried so desperately to land a scratch on me, but alas, my blades minced them first! I laughed maniacally as I wiped Bowser’s army from existence! I thoroughly enjoyed killing them one by pitiful one. In mere minutes, all who were left were the blue mage, and Bowser’s son. They both stared at me in horror. The mage held the kid and turned their gazes away. I thrusted my blade through the kid’s spiked shell, and out the mage’s back. Blood poured from them, and they both became limp. I yanked my sword out, and let the blood drip from the tip. I looked behind me and saw the result of my massacre. The blood of the minions flooded the floor, and the chucks left behind littered across the carpet. It felt great to vent on an ENTIRE raid. I unlocked the door and walked into Bowser’s throne room, then closed it behind me. I was soaked in blood, and I LOVED IT! Bowser stared at me, horrified and speechless.

“I told you not to get so excited. EVERYONE is dead, and now you know how I feel, losing everyone.” I said quietly to him. Bowser sank and started to cry. GOOD! He’s going through what I’M going through. And now all that was left to do was KILL MARIO for what he did to MY family! 

Suddenly, I heard more calamity outside the doors. I could hear Olivia... and hissing? I assumed it was Handaconda fighting Mario and Olivia. Finally, Mario had arrived to my doorstep. A wave of uncertainty suddenly hit me- if not even my siblings could stop Mario, why would Handaconda be any different? No, surely it could do something to the plumber. Handaconda was forged within me by my rage. Wait, was it JUST Handaconda fighting Mario? Where were the other shadows I created? I heard loud slams and hisses. I wasn’t sure who was winning behind that door. I flew up and hid in the rafters above, watching that door closely. I heard one last hiss before silence fell. Who just won? I heard a thud against the door, and I heard Olivia talking! No! Everything I created, everything I loved- why does Mario always win?! 

Mario and Olivia swung open the doors into the throne room. After a long struggle of saving Bowser’s son and facing so many shadows, they could finally see the end of the green streamer.

“There it is! The end of the green streamer! We did it! It’s the end of the road! The last of the streamers!” Olivia exclaimed. My anger and hatred burned hotter for every second I looked at those two.

“Hey! I’m here too!” Bowser shouted.

Mario and Olivia approached the steps leading up to Bowser’s throne. I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I lunged down from above.

“Look out!” Bowser screamed. I flew down and slammed my blades down above Mario, but he jumped back half a second before I could kill him. “I get credit for that!” Bowser said. I slowly floated down to their level.

“Hmph. Well dodged. Of course, I expect nothing less. It would have been terribly boring to end things so quickly, yes?” I was losing my composure rapidly in front of them. “You may have been successful in killing the others and destroying their streamers, but- by doing that- you’ve only doomed yourselves further. You’ve made me angry, Mario. Now, I will cut off your head! En garde!” Mario pulled out his hammer, and I gripped my blades tightly. And so began the duel. 

“Let’s get this straight: I WILL annihilate you...but I don’t see why we can’t have some fun first. After all, where’s the challenge in slicing you to strips immediately? Therefore, I shall grant you... a slight advantage.” I sheathed my blades in front of them. I wanted to cut them to shreds, but I wanted to have a little bit of pleasure softening them up. “See? My blades have been sheathed. We’re on equal footing. However! Should you damage this cover during our battle...I shall interpret such boldness as a direct challenge...and I won’t hold anything back!” I warned. 

As much as it hurt, I had to hold so much of my fury back. With my swords sheathed, I had to go with fist-fighting, which- I will admit- I wasn’t as skilled with as two of my fallen brothers were. I flew up then dived down toward Mario, but he dodged, and I ended up slamming my fist into the floor. I dashed toward Mario before he could ready a swing. I flipped up and kicked Mario in his chin, sending him flying up. I flew up to him, grabbed him by the neck, then threw him into the floor. I dived after him. Mario scrambled up as fast he could, and swung at my side, but I dodged. Mario hurled his hammer at me, but I caught it. I threw his hammer back at him with powerful force. Mario dodged, but his hammer was destroyed on impact. Mario pulled out a shiny tail and a POW block. He absorbed the tail and floated toward me. I attempted to kick him across the face, but Mario dodged and countered with a tail-swipe to MY face! Mario floated up a little higher, then ground-pounded onto of me, crashing me to the ground. He threw the POW block into the floor, and the shockwave threw me back up. I felt dizzy, as the vibrations rang in my skull. Mario’s tail wore off, then he absorbed an ice flower. He threw four ice balls at me, but I was too dizzy to dodge, and they all hit me, freezing parts of my flesh. The ice flower wore off, and the frost on my skin melted. I laughed.

“All right! Enough. It was fun while it lasted...but your feeble attacks have grown tiresome. Let’s CUT to the climax! Ha haaa!” I exclaimed. I grabbed my swords and slowly unsheathed them. I glared into Mario eyes. Finally, it was time to DESTROY Mario, and take REVENGE for my family! “Guarding is useless! This is the end for you, you despicable fiends! FAREWELL!” 

I flew back and latched my blades together. Mario’s doom is now. This was the FINAL CUT! For The Missile Maestro! For The Elastic Entertainer! For The Disco Devil! For The Shifty Sticker! For The Fanged Fastener! FOR KING OLLY! And for myself...This is IT!

I zoomed at Mario. I closed my blades together, but MARIO JUMPED OVER IT?! I turned around and saw Mario land. My rage consumed me. I couldn’t hold it back any longer. A powerful green aura erupted from my body. My eyes glowed and flamed so brightly. Even my blades had their own auras. My hatred became too strong, I had lost full control. I rushed at Mario with uncontrollable speed. I repeatedly tried to slice him with my blades. I heard both Mario and Olivia panicking. Mario could barely keep up with dodging my attacks. I even heard Bowser freaking out. 

Eventually, Mario fell too far behind. I swung both my blades, and they cut straight through him, slicing him in half and removing his head. I watched Mario’s body fall apart. I straightened up, then froze. I was still furious. I did it, why couldn’t I calm down? I heard Olivia weeping to the side, then I locked my gazed on her. She stared at me with fearful, watered eyes. She was involved with the deaths of my siblings. I had to kill her too. I dashed at her and swung my blades, but she too dodged, then ran and hid behind Bowser’s throne. I rushed at her and sliced the throne in two, scaring Olivia senseless. 

Before I finished her, I heard a certain sound behind me. I turned around and saw a 1-up mushroom absorb into Mario. Next thing I knew, Mario was standing up with no wounds. My rage was still erupting out of me. I charged at him and slashed my blades. Mario dodged and whipped out another POW block, then threw it into me. The shockwave shook my bones, but my rage let me push through it. When I looked at Mario, Olivia had just transformed into the Ice Vellumental. She blew a massive ice beam at me and froze my legs in ice. I couldn’t moved them, I couldn’t fly, I couldn’t escape! Olivia smashed her hands down, and the ice shattered, mangling my legs. I collapse onto me knees. I couldn’t walk. I was bleeding. It suddenly hit me that this most likely is my end. Olivia transformed back to herself than stood behind Mario. Then, Mario gained the 1000-fold arms. My anger was extinguished immediately, and fear took over. My eyes widened as Mario grabbed me and slammed me into a wall. He pressed me against the wall with one arm, and took hold of one of my blades with the other. I knew I was done for. Mario drove that blade straight into my stomach. All my breath was taken away. Mario released me and pulled the blade out, and I collapsed to the floor. I felt so weak. All my rage, my energy, my strength, gone. 

I looked up and watched Mario smash the spool of the green streamer. My eyes flooded with tears. I failed! I FAILED! How could I have failed?! I used all my will, all my fury, everything, but I still failed. I failed to protect the streamer, I failed the avenge my siblings. I failed...

“Great job as usual, Mario! That was the last streamer. We’ve done it!” Olivia shouted. 

My heart just sank. I was so lost in agonizing thoughts. I zoned out. I don’t remember what they said, or what happened, but when I snapped back and looked up, I saw Mario, Olivia, and Bowser leaving. I was able lift myself up a little bit and took a breath.

“You think yourself a HERO, Mario?!” I screamed. Everyone paused and turned around toward me. “You took EVERYTHING from me! My brothers, my sister, my creations! Do you even understand what you did to me?! WHAT YOU PUT ME THROUGH?!” My body was growing weaker. I couldn’t hold myself up anymore. Life was draining out of my body. I heard Olivia reply. 

“You guys all threatened the toads’ lives! You all did terrible things to them!” Olivia replied.

“AND you butchered my army AND my son! Even I couldn’t do something so cruel.” Bowser jumped in. 

“You...ruined...us... First, you kill my siblings, then you kill me, and now your going to kill my creator? I loved them! And you are tearing apart our lives! We have feelings just like you, you know? How can you live with yourselves?” I questioned. We had our own lives. We were created for one purpose, but we still treated one another as family. Even King Olly cared about us. The toads neglected Olly, and then these guys come to break us ALL down. Why? 

My thoughts slowly became nothing. My vision was fading. I felt so bitter, but none of it mattered anymore. I never heard an answer from the others. I felt a wave of peace come over me. When I die, I would see my siblings again, and- when the time came- I would see Stapler and Olly again too. We would be united again, and I would feel happy once more. I felt calm.

I’m so sorry, but I’m coming.

[mcklene]

An introduction....

NAME Marlene Arlais McKinnon

NICKNAME Marls 

AGE 24 

HOME Wales by way of Ireland

ACCENT Swansea Welsh with County Carlow especially in exciting moments

OCCUPATION Auror, formerly

BOGGART Being alone and no one can see her 

WAND Mahogany with Dragon Heartstring, 11 inches

PATRONUS Unicorn 

BIRTHDAY July 19 

LOOKS LIKE

Perfectly messy dirty blonde hair, thick boots, large sweaters and overalls, blue eyes that glint like crystals, freckles that just deepen in the summer, a permanently messy room covered with picture frames, scraped knees, a wand that sparks in tandem with feelings, thus a slightly singed right sleeve, candy hidden in corners, loving hugs at anytime, quick feet running silently down a dark hall, dark vignetting closing in over a last sunlit glimmer

Sounds Like:

Storms; Fleetwood Mac, Fire and Rain; Birdy, Trouble’s Lament; Tori Amos, 32 Flavors; Ani DiFranco, Daughter; Pearl Jam, Volcano Girls; Veruca Salt, Crazy on You; Heart… 

about 

you see here hanging upside down on a tree, she insults you with laughing crystalline eyes, and you fall in love with her a little bit… 

The hyper little gryffindor was born to parents working within the ministry, the youngest child at that. In all of her family’s successes, it was always assumed Marlene would just follow - be a model student, a prefect, probably head girl, and then settle into a similar role within the ministry’s administration.

Growing up at this time was strange - the threats posed by the inner and outer circles in a war she barely understood. As the youngest child, she just could not process and understand such terrible things. However, Marlene just wanted someone to explain to her how such awful things could happen. Yet, no one had an answer. It seemed the rest of the McKinnons took in stride the way of the world, they had their words and emotions in check.

There she was, freckle faced with her ear pressed up against the door hearing the adults speak in hushed tones. She watched as older siblings were included, she saw the gravity in their expressions. For some reason, it seemed she was made to play along, but Marlene could not do it. She couldn’t hide her nervousness, her angst, her energy, she was too much at once it seemed. It lead to a series of mishaps, but sometimes that was the only way to get anyone’s attention.

And then came time to start Hogwarts. Now being the outlier as always, Marlene was rather readily sorted into Gryffindor. She let out one heck of a shriek while she ran to the table, nearly crashing into the fellow students beside her. She gave quite a fright to one Ravenclaw sister that evening.

She proved to be quite a daredevil, craving the attention and positive reactions her stunts received. By second year, she knew she was just itching to break the rules a little bit - giving professors, prefects, and Filch a run for their money. The detention was practically a reward for a job well done. And such as, she became very assertive and quite attention seeking. Don’t have an argument with her, she’s not good at arguing but will insist she is correct.

When it came to her friends and loved ones, especially those who she saw things dangerously changing for; she became both defensive and offensive when provoked. She can often find herself in a fight without ever intending to start one, often times from her own lack of ability to communicate well.

Despite her constant search for adventure and thrills, she was deeply worried by the world around her. But with so few outlets, her actions often came at the consequence of good emotional expression on the back burner. It was often easier to lash out and hurt others. Maturity was best served in small plates with Marlene. Her insights were shared within her closest circle of friends and her emotions always were her last concern. For her the best way to process is to first act and think later. That didn’t always lead to the best of things. 

At some point, she new her choice would be to pursue an Auror-track. McGonngall and nearly every other professor was against that. Surely, her skills were strong, there was a brain under there, but the focus, the dedication, the willingness to listen was lacking. Her strength, was quite literally her strength. She had a penchant for destruction, and sometimes that attracted the wrong crowd.

There were growing “movements” among her peers, and with her chaotic being, knack for ruin, and unawareness of herself, those who thought she’d be easy manipulated started sticking thoughts into her head about who it was Marlene was meant to be. And sometimes when you’re just a kid, you just want to be accepted somewhere. That wasn’t easy in family of Ministry officials and prefects with perfect grades who had a habit of harsher words towards their youngest.

Yet, in Seventh year, Marlene did the best she could to turn it all around. By the skin of her teeth, she made it through the year with no more than a few connections she was trying leave behind. But those shadows and darker elements cropped up every now and then. She needed the steadiness of her true friends to stop her from falling too far down one path.

It had only been a short while that Marlene had finished Hogwarts and began auror training that the war took a drastic turn. Training was difficult, her aim and strength are now only part of the game, not the saving grace to make it out with an outstanding exam mark. She felt anger, uncertainty in her role in this world. She felt the disappointment of her siblings and parents settling on her like cement and stone.

It was nearing the summer of 1981, the nearing of her own twenty first birthday that her sisters role in the Wizengamot was a make or break in the last few strongholds the government seemed to have. The Order of the Pheonix had taken the fledgling Marlene, who kept her involvement quiet from her family for their own safety. The less they knew, the less danger they were in. But that did not change for Marlene’s oldest sister who’s important role put a price on the McKinnon name.

Marlene did the best she could to move her sister from one safe location to the next, begging for once that she be understood and trusted. It was done brilliantly, quickly, and swiftly. Marlene had managed to keep her sister safe for weeks, but it was reliant on telling no one. Not one auror, not one Order member knew what Marlene was doing all those nights.

In the end it was not enough, a tab on their movements was finally trackable. It went down guerilla style. Marlene taking out whoever she could with rage broiling in her magic. Power uncontrolled had consequences and one wrong move lead to another misstep. It was soon that the newest and most influential McKinnon member of the Wizengamot was gone all too soon.

Word spread that the young Auror was to blame. Protection of the McKinnon family was not her duty professionally or through the Order. If by her doing that her whole family was not yet dead, she was dead to them.

Still brave, vivacious, fully coming to herself as an adult in those moments and the weeks she’d spent saving her sister’s life were ripped away. She took a leave of absence from work, too afraid to show her face after the loss.

Since when was Marlene Arlais McKinnon afraid of anything?

It was too often really. Emotions ran her decisions, and self-hate already ran deep from her mishaps in the past. This was the edge and it was only by the Order not expelling her that she’d find her way back some how.

She gave expertise where she could, went on missions made available to her. It was better maybe, better than being an Auror. There was less restriction, more freedom to let her wild magic and senses latch on to what they did best.

Unfortunately, as things crumbled so did her hopes. But the only way back to anything – forgiveness from her family, friends, and other was by going back to life. She’d taken up residence in Hogsmeade, close to somewhere safe where she could continue training. Afterall, she was a rather young auror when the war took a turn.

Marlene, ragged and unsure of her own strengths, overly confident in her abilities, beautifully guilt-ridden and seeking something was determined to find her way back – despite all temptations and vices. 

Facts and some quick vignettes

marlene was known for rather “aggressive” language when it comes to quidditch. she’d join the team herself, but there’s that whole discipline and sportsmanship thing…better off in the stands really

speaking of quidditch, the little demon that sat on her shoulder seems to have been with her longer than most. One of her earliest ventures was challenging everyone to fly to the top of the castle and see who could hang upside down from the spires for the longest - of course you win when there aren’t many challengers

girl can drink, it’s wee bit scary.

telling her to do something will often provoke her to do the opposite or attempt to challenge you in many different ways. this can manifest in something like her fighting over quidditch or in more cerebral senses when she feels she is being attacked personally.

she says more or less what’s she’s thinking when she’s thinking it. she doesn’t often leave room for other’s thoughts and usually neglects to consider her own or anyone’s feelings in a particular situation. she has no filter.

 Marlene’s greatest claim to fame is getting each and every one of her older, prefect siblings to give her detention at some point. It was really the only way she’d get a letter from her parents anyway.

her heart is absolutely on her sleeve and she doesn’t even know it. she’s terrible at expressing emotions and is so easily hurt but will never admit it. Just as bad is her ability to explain those feelings. It’s all actions first and regrets later.

she wanted to become an auror from about fourth year on. it felt like the perfect opposite to what family had done before her. and somewhere along the way, that became her genuine interest.

her vices and daringness lead her astray many times between her last year at Hogwarts and auror training. A certain level of self-hate can drive you to where you think you’ll find acceptance. A few soon-to-be death eater characters absolutely found that she may be a great “in” to something larger as someone easily manipulated by her own feelings and inability to communicate

She’s been estranged from her family since the loss of her sister. As someone who pretty much always dealt with a “why am i like this” self-loathing complex - it drags her down quite far to where her old partying vices emerge

At this time in 1984, Marlene isn’t necessarily an Auror anymore. She identifies strongly with that part of her history, but is essentially trying to work for the Order and keep afloat. Thematically, this is her second attempt at adulthood. (It’s not going well)

her wand is an extension of her feelings. It very often ‘sparks off’ and singes her sleeve when she’s beginning to get upset or angry

She had probably flirted with you, and you probably liked it