#this is the first time i've gotten this far and i'm gonna ride this damn wave as far as i can go

[hypnofantasma]

"Where's the Ulterior Spectacle remake?"

I know i've gotten this a ton of times, and seeing how it's been a couple years since i said it'd exist, i decided i'd give all of my reasons why it's taking So Damn Long. hopefully, this'll reduce the amount of... hate? judgement?? i keep getting regarding this song.

1) The only reason I SHOULD be giving: the simple fact that I am working on an immense universe

I'm not working on JUST Stars Below, and even THEN, a remake has the lowest priority of all when it comes to new Stars Below songs, character development, design solidification, etc. I'd rather solidify the world and story FIRST before making a remake that might swiftly become outdated once again if I rush it. This is also why songs IN GENERAL have been slow; I'm refining the story. It's a HUGE WIP.

I'm not a company, I'm One Single Person with OCs on the internet. If I don't work on one singular aspect, I'm sorry? I guess? That leads into...

2) I'm so immensely stressed at the moment that I'm having physical health issues and can't reliably/consistently work on things

Like I still CAN draw, but completed PVs are so high-effort (and risk), low-reward for me right now that I have to make smaller things. That's why I'm focusing on Artfight for now. On top of that, I'm gonna try to get another term of college this year so I can accomplish something tangible in my life and get a degree. (College is ALSO why stuff's been slow)

If you want to know WHAT my health issues are, all you need to know is that I've got visible ribs yet my weight is constantly depleting.

3) People keep reuploading my stuff

People keep taking things from my Discord server and reuploading them on sites like Youtube. If I don't upload something, I do not want it uploaded, plain and simple. No, I am not free game just because I'm on the internet. I'm just an independent artist and not a company, and this is breaking several boundaries of mine.

If you claim it's "out of fan love" or "giving me free promotion", it doesn't change the fact it makes me (and even my community) exceedingly uncomfortable. The big one being reuploaded was Tundra Lens, and while I did make it public again, it was solely to appease the reuploaders. Please don't reupload my stuff.

It's killing my motivation and drive for the Ulterior Spectacle remake.

4) Multiple abusers in my life

I won't dive into this one but just know that, behind the scenes, I have been treated like a goddamn ragdoll. I have been treated like an object by both strangers and people extremely close to me, and I'm drained, man.

These events have been adding to my current status of being physically ill and chronically fatigued.

5) I am currently being stalked by a group who hates me and intentionally mocks me

A certain group of individuals (who will remain unnamed) are currently stalking me, gathering my creations, and making a complete mockery of a project that intends to break all of the universal rules I have crafted. I don't mind if you don't know everything about my universe; it's a lot, after all, and I'm more than happy to educate.

However, this group intends on making a complete mockery of not only my universe but also my art. It is out of malice and not parody. Due to this, I'm almost too scared to post anything, really. I don't want this to stop me, but damn it does it sting. I'll ride this out with god-rivaling perseverance if I have to.

Now....

While all of this is there, I'll also say the remake IS NOT cancelled. I'll be dead before it's cancelled. But I just wanted to give some perspective a little bit, and maybe- if you're someone mad about the lack of the remake so far- you'll understand why a little more.

Just please respect my boundaries for things, don't drum up drama with me, and leave me in peace. That's all I ask. One day this song'll be completed, and it'll be a day where I'm no longer treated as some soulless machine.

Thank you.

[cybersteal]

𝕎.𝕀.ℙ 𝕎𝕙𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣

tagged by @koda-shoulda-woulda-but-didnt @ouroboros-hideout & @katsigian

Thanks for the tags, chooms! Sorry it's taken me so long to get to it but uhm, I didn't have anything to share until now, so...

Yeahhh 😅

First thing's first!

VP

I've had this idea for a while, as a good way to learn and maybe level up my skills, but haven't had the patience to dress a damn set for it, but I decided to give it a try. Kinda fucked it up the first time around - egregious clipping where I didn't notice it initially, not enough props, etc - so this is my second attempt at this finnicky fucking series. I like it so far, and I have to take some indulgent screenshots as a reward when I'm done that really make me wonder if I want to be Vice, or fuck him, because why the hell not? Who's gonna stop me?

Here's a few that I think are acceptable to share, though not all of them are guaranteed to be posted anywhere when I'm done lmao

And secondly!

Writing

I've ended up diving back into writing some decently chunky pieces of narrative revolving around Vice and the canon I'm still making for him. I finished a small, cutesy 1600-word thing where Vice and Johnny ride the fixed roller-coaster in Pacifica, and that opened the floodgates to my writer brain. Unfortunately I just don't have the stamina or energy to bang out 8k+ works in a few days like I used to, even for something I love writing about, but I managed that, and a question asked over on the Cyberpunk discord server I'm part of really hooked me. I've only gotten about 2k words out for it at the moment, but I'm chipping at it steadily.

I also won't be sharing it in this post, just because I don't like to share my unfinished writing, sorry sorry, it's not you it's me, I promise lmao

Taglist ahoy!

I’ve already lost track of people who’ve done one of these recently so if you posted a WIP post, just ignore this, or save it for another time when you have smth you wanna share! whatever you like 🤗❤️

@lokiina @totentnz @netripper @pacificaisstillpacifica @nightcxty @nightcityace @wraithsoutlaws @cyberholic77

[pure-garbage]

Apologize Or Be Shunned! The Chill Of A Woman's Scorn

Chapter Warnings: Light Language

Even after the straw hats were all reunited, Lana couldn't bring herself to speak to Zoro. She gave Chopper his sword to return and stolidly refused to interact with the swordsman.

'He's the one who messed up. If he wants to apologize, he knows where to find me,' she reasoned.

The ride on the sea train to Enies Lobby would already have been the longest journey of her life, but the tension between her and Zoro only made the wait that much less bearable. Lana filled the time with training.

'I've trained so hard this past year, gotten so much stronger than I used to be. I can't be that far behind these government agents,' she thought stubbornly. 'I just have to move faster. I never tried moving that fast before because it never occurred to me it was even possible. Now that I've seen it done, I won't rest until I can replicate it.'

"You're wasting your time."

Lana dashed from one end of the train car to the other, moving with impressive speed, but it still wasn't enough. Zoro's voice was an unwelcome intrusion on her focus. She clenched her teeth and kept going, racing in a tight, stammering circuit that didn't leave her much room to build speed over time. That was better, as far as she was concerned. She hadn't seen the government agents building speed. They were too fast to follow with the naked eye from the first step.

The rest of the crew were crowded a train car over with the Franky family and Zoro had been with them until a minute ago.

"You won't pick the trick up in the course of a few hours," Zoro informed her as she sped past. "Anyway, it's just a gimmick. It's no substitute for raw fighting ability. I can give you a list of over a hundred more productive things you could be doing with the time we have before we arrive at Enies Lobby."

"Sure, I could sleep the entire train ride there, like you," she snapped in passing. If Zoro was hurt by the jab, he didn't let it show.

"You could. It'd be more productive than all this glorified pacing."

Lana ignored him and kept at it.

'Trip?'

She sensed he would kick his leg out to interrupt her rhythm and hopped over it, rolling her eyes as she carried on, hiding the fact that his presence was starting to bother her. He retracted his leg out of respect for her reaction time, crossing his arms over his exposed chest as he considered what he would say next.

"You know, you've barely said five words to me the entire time since we dropped anchor in this damned waterlogged city," he grumbled. "Except to yell at me, that is."

"I have nothing to say to you," she replied, words strained past the exertion of her training.

"Come on, Lana, stop being childish," he chided.

"I don't hear you apologizing."

"You're not still stuck on that? I'm here, aren't I? We're going to get Robin back, together. I don't know what more you want from me."

"I want you to apologize for what you said back at Iceburg's mansion."

"I'm not sorry for what I said! For all we know, I could still be right!"

"You're not!"

"Damn it, Lana!"

'Grab!'

Lana evaded his attempts to capture her, rocking the train car as they danced savagely in the confined space. Frustrated as he was with her behavior, Zoro couldn't help but grudgingly admit that she did seem to have gotten drastically faster since the last time they'd sparred.

"Stop wasting my time!" Lana yelled, taking the offensive as her anger reached its climax. They traded a few blows before Lana's intuition warned her of something odd.

'He's not gonna block!'

Her fist flew at him unhindered and she just barely managed to stop short of punching him full in the face. She panted for breath in the wake of their struggle while Zoro remained still, except for the smirk that spread over his features.

"Good control."

"You jerk! Could you be any more condescending?!"

"What, I can't even compliment you?"

"I won't accept a pulled punch in place of an actual apology!" she hissed, realizing his intentions. "What you said was uncalled for and out of line and I still want you to take it back!"

"Which part? Robin never being your friend? Her not caring about you? For all we know I could be right about all that," Zoro pointed out, still calm in the face of her wrath. "Can't you get out of your feelings long enough to think it through and even consider the possibility?"

"I could tell you the same thing!" she shot back vehemently. "You say you avoid tying yourself to any one line of thinking, but you're awfully convinced that Robin's lost to us!"

"She said it herself! What more do you want from me?!"

"Luffy didn't accept it, so it doesn't count!"

"What the hell kind of logic is that anyway?!"

"Don't act dense! You know the captain as well as I do, maybe better! He's got his heart set on confronting Robin about this, set on getting her to come back with us! You know damn well he'll move heaven and earth to make it happen! From where I'm standing, you're the idiot this time around, Zoro!"

"Tch!"

Zoro could offer no argument. On this, at least, Lana was painfully right.

"Luffy doesn't take no for an answer. I don't see why you think Robin would be the exception to his track record," Lana pointed out. "Now if you're not gonna apologize for upsetting me-"

"Huh?!"

"- You can get out of my way so I can keep practicing."

"What do you want me to apologize for?" Zoro demanded, taken aback by her phrasing.

"How many times do I have to say it anyway?!"

"That's the first time you put it like that."

It was Lana's turn to be confused.

"What... what the hell did you think I wanted from you anyway?!" she demanded.

"To admit I'm wrong about Robin. Which I'm not," Zoro grumbled.

"You are wrong, but I'm not going to ask you for something I know you'd never give," Lana frowned. "We can see this through to the end and if you're wrong about Robin, you can apologize to her too for being such a stubborn jerk and a crappy friend... but I'm just mad because you yelled at me. I was sticking up for my friend and you hurt my feelings."

"I hurt your... that's the dumbest thing I've ever heard in my life!" Zoro raged. "That's why you haven't spoken to me since Iceburg's mansion?!"

"Go on then, genius, keep digging the hole deeper!" Lana fumed. "They're my feelings and it's up to me whether they're hurt or not! I could give less of a damn whether you think it's dumb or warranted or not!"

"Well what about my feelings?! You yelled at me first!"

"Well did I hurt your feelings?!"

"NO!"

"Then I guess I don't have anything to apologize for, unlike you!"

Zoro pinched the bridge of his nose and squeezed his eyes shut while Lana resumed her frenzied racing.

'What a hassle.'

"Lana, I'm sorry I hurt your feelings."

His flat tone and snugly crossed arms didn't impress her.

"That's the worst apology I've ever gotten in my life," she scoffed.

"Well what do you want from me?!" he demanded for what he was well aware was the third time in under ten minutes, eyebrows furrowed so starkly Lana considered the possibility that they might never straighten out again.

"How about a little sincerity?!" she snapped, flashing past him in a blur.

"How about just forget it!" he stormed, stomping back to the car he'd come from. "I'm not groveling to satisfy your spiteful little grudge!"

"I don't want you to grovel, but that apology was garbage!" Lana shouted at his retreating back. "That's right, just leave so I can focus on practicing! Put a damn shirt on why don't you!"

"Spiteful hag!" Zoro muttered under his breath as he slammed the door shut connecting the train cars.

"Trouble with the ladies, huh?" Usopp asked from behind his flamboyant mask. "Where I come from, we have a special method of issuing formal apologies to appease the lasses."

"Where you're from?" Zoro scoffed snidely.

"Yeah Zoro, Sniper Island!" Chopper cut in excitedly. "Please, oh please, Sniperking, tell us about the way you apologize in your homeland!"

"Well, it's tried and true, time tested, infallible and guaranteed to earn a man forgiveness," Usopp began.

Zoro couldn't have been less interested in hearing his yarn. He made his way to the back of the car and settled down, closing his eyes grumpily.

'Idiots. I'm surrounded. By. Idiots.'

________________________________________________

<== Previous Chapter

Next Chapter ==>

== First Chapter

[dizzymoogle]

Vals' adventures in Vana'diel

So. I've played every Final Fantasy game except XI. I've always been curious about it but heard it's not as user friendly as modern MMOs.

You lose exp when you die, you can't do stuff solo, etc. An XIV FC member recently told me they kind of made it more user friendly by adding trusts (npcs in game that you summon to party with and do stuff with in game) , the xp death penalty isn't as nasty etc.

Back on May 10 the game and it's expansions was on sale for $10 (this happens quite frequently through out the year) and I had been close to purchasing it in the past but this time I took the plunge.

I have to say the hardest part of FFXI so far was installing and setting up the damn game lol You have to have a PlayOnline account (anyone remember PlayOnline from the FFIX strategy guide days? LOL) It took me about an hour to install and set everything up. You literally need a guide to set the game up and get it going.....I had to use one.

Game straight up crashed my whole computer the first time I launched it (off to a great start eh?) but I finally got in and got going.

Now XI is a 20 year old game. You literally have to have a wiki pulled up while playing to do anything cause the game does not hold your hand. The quests give you the bare minimum info on where to go, what to do.

Needless to say the music is fantastic. There are still people playing, granted some servers are smaller then others (there's apparently three larger servers that everyone went to. I chose a small server)

The story is slow going but it's starting to pick up and I heard it's great once you get into it (think getting past ARR in XIV lol)

I also wanted to give it a shot since the new alliance raid in Dawntrail is gonna be from FFXI.

So far I'm level 27 WHM. I started in Bastok. Last night I went to San d'Oria and Windurst, the other two starting nations (took about an hour on foot to travel to them both) Picked up the ability to get a support job. Haven't gotten my Chocobo yet even though the quest for that is level 20 (I have not been to Jeuno yet where the quest is)

The boats in game travel in real time (had to wait 6 mins for it to arrive then had a 13 minute boat ride to the other area) While you're on the boat enemies can board the boat and attack (monsters, pirates, etc)

Met Cid, met Gilgamesh.

But I'm enjoying it enough to want to continue past the free 14 days I got for signing up.

[irkimatsu]

Caught up on Hazbin Hotel! It's a fun ride! I don't have nearly enough words for it - there's someone in my circle way, way better at that when it comes to this - but I did want to ramble a little bit:

-Charlie. CHARLIE. I am about 60% here for Charlie. You could have told me nothing about this show besides "the Princess of Hell is basically a shoujo protagonist" and you would have gotten me from there. Is my love for Charlie proof of my namby-pamby hippie ways of love and kindness and forgiveness? Probably! But it's fine. I love Charlie. I want to know her dreams of redemption are possible. (Sometimes I really need to know that you really can be redeemed no matter how badly you've fucked up...)

-I'm also really loving Husk. How much is the personality and how much is the character design? No clue. (I'm a furry, baby~) He's a good straight man, though, and someone that most of this hotel's residents are gonna need, especially Angel. Glad I'm not the only one on the Husk/Angel train, looking forward to where that's going

-Sir Pentious is a pathetic baby man and I love pathetic baby men. (My main fandom is still an anime about six pathetic baby men, after all.) While there's other characters I care more about as a whole, I fully expect to be laughing my shit off every time this guy's on screen. Idiot. <3

-God damn the music is good, just as I expected after years of Helluva Boss. Standouts so far are "Poison" (obviously, even though that scene fucking hurt to watch - which isn't a complaint, it did what it was supposed to); "Stayed Gone" (Vox is such a petty bitch and damn do I see why a friend of mine favors Alastor, he's effective as hell); and "Loser Baby" (maybe because I literally just watched it and boarded the Husk/Angel train, but hey, it was fun, and a desperately needed cleanser after "Poison". You know "Poison" was rough when a cheerful song about how much your lives suck is a cleanser.) There hasn't been a dud yet, though! Gonna have to loop the soundtrack to commit everything to memory, though that might wait until the whole season's out. Don't want to not give later songs a fair shake because I was too busy looping the earlier ones.

-If I have to complain a little, I do admit to being lost on some things, and I don't know how much of that is "I'm supposed to be lost, they'll explain later", "I'm dumb and didn't absorb things properly", or "that was explained in side materials". I hope most of it is those first two and not the third - side materials are fun, but I do think the show should be able to stand on its own. Even with the pilot - is that on Amazon? I don't know because I watched the show, um, elsewhere. I have my doubts about it, though, since so much changed between the pilot and the main show, as it tends to happen with pilots. If it's not, that does feel like a bit of a problem, since I think this show has its best chance of success if someone sees it turns up in their recommended section, knows nothing about it but thinks it looks cool, and tunes in there. Treats for the dedicated fans are great, but continuity lockout makes it hard for newbies to care, and I'd rather this didn't turn into "well you're not a real fan because you didn't read all the side comics and blog posts". No elitism, please! Let people who don't live on the Internet enjoy the funny demon show, too!

-Twitter is annoying and my engagement with this show in public will probably be slim-to-zero because this show's hatedom is one of the most obnoxious I've seen in a long time. It's fine to hate the show, obviously, but god, all the reaching for straws to prove that everyone who watches this show is evil and supports all the crime in the world. It's okay, you don't have to like the violent Hell show where people say fuck. It's not for everyone. You don't need to prove you're better than everyone else for not liking it. It's fine, love, it's fine. Of course there's stuff to criticize, every show can be critiqued, but "it's gross for Niffty to make sex jokes because she's tiny"? Go away with that shit.

I hope at least some of this was coherent. Looking forward to more!

[dilophosaurusatenewman]

Anyone willing to edit/beta for me?

I finally finished the first draft of my book (the first time I’ve actually finished a draft even though I’ve started several books) and I’ve done a quick read through for basic punctuation, editing, etc. but I was hoping someone else would be willing to read through and give me feedback? I know it always helps to have a fresh pair of eyes and there are things I may not have articulated well enough because I already have the whole story in my head. It would really help me out!! I’m gonna include the first chapter here (under the cut) so y’all aren’t committing to reading something that wouldn’t interest you (and of course don’t feel obligated to finish or rush, even if you offer to help). Any feedback is super appreciated! I’m proud of myself for finishing but am thinking of self-publishing (small time; I don’t expect to make a fortune) and I wanna make sure I do my due diligence before getting further into the process. Thank you guys so much!!!!

It’s like a fantasy/YA sort of genre, also, if that matters to anyone!

Thalana rushed down the path, hastily shoving the herbs in her satchel, almost tripping over a tree root as she went. She paused and took a deep breath before securing the knot on her pouch and taking a few careful steps before picking her pace back up. She knew Aumir would be angry that she was late to the processional, even if he didn’t find out why she had been late, and she wanted to avoid an argument. 

She huffed, annoyed that her brother favored tradition so highly even when it seemed inconsequential. The traders were in town so often that it seemed pointless to greet them, even if this was the one time a year traders from all clans were present. They were the same traders that were here throughout the year, why did it matter? Thalana was especially annoyed because she knew, beyond her brother, nobody would even notice her absence. The entire clan met to greet the traders, and one missing villager was not going to be obvious. But Aumir insisted it was their duty to greet the traders, and so Thalana rushed, hoping he had already left and would not notice her tardiness.

Luck was against her, however, and she pushed the door to her home open to see Aumir leaning his hip against their table, waiting.

“Where have you been?” he demanded as soon as she entered, eying the red pouch on her hip and she tried, unsuccessfully, to pull it off and hide it.

“Nowhere,” she replied, giving up on being sneaky and retreating to her room to leave her equipment.

“You know I don’t like it when you go to that place,” Aumir yelled from the kitchen but did not follow her. “It could be dangerous. You have no idea what’s in there or what trouble you could bring back with you. Those herbs could be poisonous.”

Thalana retrieved a nicer set of clothes and changed before bothering to reply. “Nobody seemed to mind when I was able to make that potion that healed Haylica after she ate those helgenberries,” she challenged, emerging from her room to fix her brother with a glare. He pursed his lips, looking away briefly before continuing.

“Still, you know the processional is today. We can’t be late.”

“Yeah, yeah, the entire ceremony will come to a screeching halt if we’re not there,” she griped, but she finished putting on her shoes and motioned for her brother to lead the way.

The center of the village was packed with people, all waiting to see the traders as they made their way into town. In the middle by the hearth was Chieftan Onet, dressed in her formal gown. The Chieftan always greeted the traders during the annual processional as a show of unity among the clans. Thalana found it a bit too ceremonial, especially considering Chieftan Onet hardly even acknowledged traders the rest of the year. This whole event was a show of solidarity among clans who often struggled to be amicable let alone friendly. It was hard for Thalana to believe all the clans had formed from a singular group when her people had first inhabited this land. People were always friendly with outsiders on the surface, but suspicion ran deep and it was rare for true friendships to form among members of different clans.

Thalana hated it.

She eyed her brother, smug in the fact that they hadn’t been late, and disappeared into the crowd before he could restart one of his speeches. She loved her brother, and she knew he loved her, but he had become overbearing since their parents had died. She tried to be understanding that he had had to grow up young, taking on the role of caretaker when he was barely more than a child himself, but it was difficult when all he seemed to do was criticize her. She knew what her clanmates thought of her, of course. The Belgre clan were herbalists and healers; they were supposed to leave the fighting and protecting to the Ravrog or the Vailzur or even the Drenlug. They certainly weren’t supposed to fight themselves. But Thalana hated feeling like she had to rely on others to protect her, so she learned to fight and use a bow, and she was labeled a troublemaker.

She sighed, moving through the crowd to find a spot near the front where she could see. The traders had already begun entering town, their Barrabraun loaded with all the supplies they couldn’t carry themselves. The traders from Oni Nalore led, of course. The Melotra clan inhabited the capitol city and were often trained in diplomacy. It was where the High Chieftan lived, overseeing all that transpired between clans though hardly getting involved. Next were the Ravrog, sturdy people who crafted arms and other trinkets, tasked with watching over the capitol city from their place in the mountains.

The other clans followed behind, waiting their turn as the processional made its way into the city. Chieftan Onet greeted each trader, grasping their hands and touching foreheads, the formal greeting among her people, a sign of respect. It was slow moving, and Thalana lost interest, watching politely but impatiently waiting for the trading booths to be assembled. This was the only real time Thalana got to interact with those from other tribes. The traders made their rounds the rest of the year, of course, but there were long stretches between each visit and many of the clans avoided her village altogether. The weapons and armor of the fighting clans were useless to the peaceful herbalists of Tisval Copse, but they weren’t useless to Thalana. This was her only chance to acquire these items, and she was eager to begin trading.

It took far too long for the processional to end and trading to begin, but Thalana began making her rounds as soon as she could. The Melotra were offering rich fabrics and books, which Thalana scoffed at. The fabrics were only good for making nice clothes, which were worn rarely, and most of her people couldn’t read so the books felt like a veiled attempt at condescension. The reclusive Grenchot clan was known for their study of the stars and were, therefore, the only clan capable of making trustworthy calendars and sky charts. Thalana thought they were interesting, but ultimately useless since she had no real desire to track the stars, sun, or moons. The Sedhi clan, seafarers from the coastal town of Novalona, often bought trinkets made of shells and sea glass but, more importantly, they also brought dried and salted fish, something the Belgre people almost never got to enjoy, being the most centrally located clan, far from any coast. The Drenlug clan came from the city of Salbour. Closest to the mainland, but in an area that suffered from regular flooding and never completely dried, Salbour was known for being swampy and humid, and its people had taken to living above the swamps in treehouses to avoid the mud and muck. This had caused them to become quite adept at stealth, and any hunting they did was usually long range. This meant Thalana had the opportunity to trade for new arrows, and she did so happily.

The Vailzur people were the most outcast of the clans. Hailing from the Venbell Storm Basin, they were known for facing severe conditions on a daily basis and focused on the strength of spirit and self-reliance necessary to survive in the wilds. They were the only clan to come out once a year, solely during the annual processional, and Thalana was justifiably curious. The Vailzur were both tall and muscular, many bearing scars that told the stories of previous hunts. They were offering their own handmade weapons, the only clan not to be armed by the Ravrog, often made from the bones of slain animals. Thalana shivered, thinking of what animal could be big enough to have bones worth crafting weapons from. In addition to weapons, they traded other materials collected from animals that were good for eating or using in alchemy. They also had herbs only found in the storm basin, and were always popular among her people for that reason. Thalana wondered why they didn’t maintain a regular trading regimen with the clan to the south, but knew better than to ask.

The last table Thalana visited was the Ravrog. Before she could begin browsing their items, like she had been planning, she was distracted by one of the men behind the booth. He was perched upon his seat, both legs folded beneath him and a book in his hands, looking up only when Thalana cast a shadow over the words she couldn’t decipher. 

“I’ve never seen a member of the Ravrog who could read,” she started, eying the book curiously. He paused, looking up at her cautiously before the older man beside him interjected.

“And I’ve never seen a Belgre who could fight; or, are you here to look at something other than our weapons and armor?”

“No, I’m here to look at armor,” Thalana hesitantly switched her attention away from the man reading to the one before her.

“So, then, you won’t judge my son for his strange interests. My name is Vimdrin; this is my son Daumdahr. He has more interest in reading than crafting, as you can see,” the words seemed biting but were said in a playful tone. “Many in my tribe see it as a reason to ridicule, but I’m sure you get a lot of that yourself with that quiver on your back,” he chuckled. “So, what kind of armor are you looking for?”

“Well, I- I’m not really sure,” Thalana confessed. “I’ve never really had any.

“That doesn’t surprise me,” Vimdrin smiled. “I gather you work mostly with a bow, from the arrows on your back, which means you’ll probably want something a bit more lightweight. But given you’re probably not as experienced as some other fighters, you still want something that will give adequate protection,” Vimdrin paused, looking over his stock and thinking. “Ah,” he exclaimed, walking over to a trunk and pulling out a few pieces. “This should suit you just fine; it’s a little of everything.” He laid the armor out for Thalana to inspect. The piece was made mostly from leather, intricate designs stitched onto the front. There were metal plate attached on the inside, small enough to allow for fluid movements but still enough to offer some extra protection. 

Thalana grinned, “it’s beautiful. I’m not sure I could afford something like this, though. All I have to offer are some gems I’ve found while foraging, maybe some stamina potions, oh! And some blade oil I’ve been experimenting with, though I’ll admit I’m not sure how effective it will be,” Thalana trailed off, laying her offerings on the table. Vimdrin inspected the gems carefully before turning his attention to the blade oil, opening the jar and sniffing the contents.

“What’s in the oil,” he asked, taking another whiff.

“Tamander leaves,” Thalana answered, feeling somewhat foolish as she said “I’ve only tried it on my arrows while hunting small game, but the poison is quick acting and has helped me salvage several hunts where the animal would have escaped otherwise.”

Vimdrin paused before looking over at Daumdahr, his nose still deep in his book. “What do you think, Son?”

Daumdahr looked up quickly, startled by the attention. He closed his book, setting it to the side and walking up to the table, looking at Thalana’s offerings. He looked up at her, a small smile on his face, before turning to his father.

“Well, it may not even out exactly, but the blade oil is something we’ve never seen before and it could be worth trying. For all we know, it could be incredibly potent when used on the right game.”

Vimdrin hummed under his breath before looking at Thalana. “I’ll tell you what: I’ll trade you the armor for everything you’ve offered here and the promise that you’ll show Daumdahr around, force him to meet some people and get out of his comfort zone a little.”

“What?” Daumdahr gaped at his father, his cheeks reddening.

“Bah! It’ll be good for you! You never cut yourself any slack, always caught up in your studies,” Vimdrin teased, laughing lightly at his son.

“We do have nightly gatherings,” Thalana interrupted, hoping to spare Daumdahr some embarrassment. “Most of the clan gathers around the hearth for dinner every night. We share food and drink and visit with our neighbors. I could take you, if you’d like.”

Despite her attempt to save him embarrassment, Daumdahr’s cheeks reddened even more. “I don’t need my father to buy me friendship.”

“I don’t mind at all!” Thalana insisted. “You could show me your book, if you want. It would be nice to have someone to talk to; most of my clan are annoyed with me, especially since they’ve seen me trading for weapons and armor today. I doubt they’ll want to talk to me much, but I could at least show you around.”

Daumdahr looked somewhat sheepish before Vimdrin interrupted again. “Great! It’s a deal then. Come around here so I can get your measurements and alter the armor to fit.” 

Thalana stepped around the table, smiling at Daumdahr in an attempt at hospitality. He smiled back weakly before picking up his book, continuing to read as Vimdrin used strings of leather to measure Thalana’s build.

“I should have the armor done tonight; you can pick it up when you pick up Daumdahr,” Vimdrin smiled again, warmer than before, though it had never lacked any kindness in the first place.

“Thank you,” Thalana's voice was genuine as she gathered the rest of her belongings before heading home.

[winnies-headcannons]

Kyoya x reader

Secret crush

Summery: kyoya just knew he liked you from the way you walked to the way you care for others. You were a family friend of kyoya so he had known you since birth, he had secretly liked you for awhile but family buisnness got in the way. You guys havent talked in a while but when you joined the host club his heart stopped.

Trigger warnings: Drinking, arguing, fluff, slapping

A/N: I hope you like this, I've been having writers block lately but this idea inspired me!! Anyway enjoy!

Koya's eyes widened, his heart racing like horses on a race track. Out of everyone in the school, Tamaki had to choose you to be the new host, a girl he had known since birth, a female he had liked for forever but too stubborn to tell you. You meant everything to him but he let his work get in the way. He had pushed you away to focus on the family business as he tried to impress his father.

After the host introduced themselves you smiled, you couldn't help but stare at the black-haired glasses-wearing guy, he looked more mature than he did when you guys were little. His chest was buffer, his facial expression more serious. It was kinda...hot.

"Hi, my name is l/n y/n, second-year student!" You exclaimed introducing yourself to the hosts, you were honestly excited to get started. You were the first female to be in the club that will be working with guys (besides Haruhi at times). One thing you didnt except was that your childhood best friend/crush would be the manager of this type of club. I mean come on the Kyoya ootori a host? Kinda hard to believe, he wasn't the 'host' type.

"Well well well, got ourselves a cute little kitten~" the ginger-haired makes spoke in sync, your face became a light shade of pink "you're gonna be fun~," the one named Hikaru said resting his arm around your shoulders. Kyoya got pissed, he didn't want anyone to touch you but he didn't want anyone to know so he just watched from behind the black book he always writes in. "Wow Tamaki was right you two do look just alike!" You smiled, you can't believe the resemblance they had, identical twins!

It was a few hours before the club opens and you were just starting it up with the club. They told you how they wanted something more for the club, they wanted it to surpass high school, you found it quite amazing how hard they work just to please girls. "Oh that reminds me, you didn't get to meet kyoya when we introduced ourselves!" Tamaki exclaimed "no need me and y/n have known each other for years" kyoya interrupted, "she's a family friend" his voice monotone, never looking up from his book. The club mentally facepalmed, they knew there was a reason why you didn't talk to him. "Yup, but we kinds fell off in middle school..so we haven't really talked since then" your heart pulled at you're chest, it hurt you've loved him for so long yet he just pushes you away.

"I didnt seem you to be the host type kyoya" you exclaimed turning around to look at him, he smirked from behind the big black book "nor did I, tamki talked me into it" turning toward tamaki he was doing his little kingly pose "yes all my idea!" God he was full of it. "We must not delay the ladies and gentlemen-" he looked towards you "are going to be here soon! We must get the club ready" everyone nodded got to their designed spot but kyoya didnt move just sat there so you decided to sit with him at the back of the room. "So..how have you been" you shyly said, you noticed how he didnt even look up from his book not once. "If your attempting to small talk me its not gonna work, Y/N I'm a very busy man and I dont have time for silly small talk" this made your heart hurt, you knew he wouldnt really wanna see you but figured it's been so long since you've last seen each other, Guess you were wrong.

"O-okay" you put on a fake smile and walked to your designated spot fighting back tears. In the back of your head thinking maybe, just maybe he would be different. Hours have gone by and it was honestly a good first day, flirting with guys and them flirting back, even got a few numbers. Your population was growing quickly, I mean it should everyone knew at this point that your family was close to the ootori family so they wanted to get on your good side. School had ended at this point and you were waiting by the front gate for your ride, but thanks to the buisnness of your father and his driver he couldnt make it. You had gotten the text on your phone a few minutes ago that he couldnt make it, you only sighed not surprised but disappointed.

Sitting on the front gate fountain you sighed, how were you gonna get home? It was too far to walk and you didn't really know anyone well enough to get a ride with someone except..no, no you couldn't, he didn't wanna even talk to you let alone give you a ride home.

"Your father not coming?" A voice appeared out of nowhere. Looking up from the phone you see the devil himself, Kyoya. "Ah, no he's busy" a fake smiled crept on your face, he was the last person you wanted to see at the moment.

"Well seeing as we live close to each other it would only make sense you ride with me" his dace black his stare harsh, you didn't want to but yet you did. Only wanting to know why he pushed you away so much. "A-alright" you agreed, walking with him to his limo. "We're taking miss L/N home first" kyoya exclaimed to the drive, he only nodded and drive off. It was silent half of the way there till you got the guts to speak "Kyoya..why did you push me away" oh God why did you ask that your anxiety oh the frights now. He looked up at you and was silent for a quick second "Y/N you should know the answer. We are both very important people and we can't let a friendship get in the way of things" he huffed out "but we've known each other all this time why now" he was starting to piss you off, you just wanted your friend back, you wanted to see if y'all could be more. "Because my father's business is much more important than our petty friendship" tears were on the verge of your eyes, clenching your fist on your dress "why do you care so much" looking down and tears falling down your face "because I love you.." He eyes widened and his heart racing, did you really mean it? All this time he thought you were just playing him. "y/N I-" suddenly he was cut off by the sudden stop of the limo. "Don't bother kyoya like you said, your work is way more important than me" you got out of the limo leaving him speechless.

The last thing you remember about that night was running to your room and crying your eyes out, you even snuck into your dads room and stole some alcohol and chugged it, throwing it up instantly as your body wasn't use to it. Even though you kept puking you just kept drinking till eventually you were drunk off your ass making you fall asleep.

The next day the worst hangover hit you, school was the last thing on your mind but had no choice, after spending to much time in the bed past your alarm you got up and got ready for school. Arriving at school you went straight to the host club knowing everyone would be in there, rubbing your temple as you opened the door. "Wow Y/N you look like shit" one of the twins said you only grunted at their statement and sat down on the couch next to haruhi "jesus Y/N you smell like alcohol" the female dressed as a male (still valid) covered their nose. "Sorry didnt have time to shower, but damn I have a hangover like no tomorrow" rubbing your temple Mori handed you a water with a simple 'here'then walked away. The hosts was crowded around you wanting to know why you drank so much last night. "Listen guys I dont wanna talk about it." Kyoya was getting mad, a simple argument made you drink so much last nigh? He slammed his book closed causing everyone to be quiet, he stood up quickly and walked to you grabbing you by the hand causing you to stand "are you stupid? Drinking at your age, ruining your system" he stared you straight in the eyes "why do you care, why not just go write in your little book if yours." You harshly said making his jump back a little "if you weren't such a DICK maybe you would have more friends, maybe someone would love you MAYBE-" you were cut off by a pair if warm soft lips, it was kyoya, his hands on both side of your face. You never kissed back only stared at him in shock. Soon he let go of your alcohol tasting lips, "I do love you" you heart skipped a beat, beating as fast as it could go, tears formed at the edge of your eyes.

Slap

Your hand met his soft pale face as hot tears streamed down your face. "I love you more" you smiled then hugged him, guess this is a perfect life.

[eomerra541]

I wanted to share a portion of the first chapter of Blood and Ink with you all!! Zierra LeFay is my leading lady in this fanfiction with a two-world plotline. Middle Earth and a fantasy style Earth. Hope it draws you in!!!!

YTD 2019, October 31st

Location: Hillsboro Oregon, USA Bishop/LeFay/Boleyn Coven

"So, what do you think?" Zierra had been facing her over-the-door mirror and swiftly turned to look at Tutela, who had taken her most frequent form as a black cat. Her tail swayed as she meowed approvingly, rubbing herself against Zierra's leg. Her vibrant eyes smiled as she seemed to almost break out into a gentle grin.

"You're totally right. I look gorgeous." Running a finger through her dark curls, Zierra adjusted the waist armor that was snug against her maroon long sleeve tunic. Zierra's black pants were tucked beneath a pair of black leather boots that dawned a hidden pocket inside meant for a small weapon but she used it to hold her cell phone(she was a witch after all… Zierra was a weapon all on her own).

Moving toward her dresser, Zierra grabbed two silver wrist guards, placing them over the sleeves of her tunic before tying the leather strings. She then reached for her satchel, double checking to make sure all the essentials were still inside before readying herself to leave.

To Zierra, Halloween was much more than a chance to dress as her ancestor Morgana LeFay(though she thoroughly enjoyed that part). It was also her birthday and a day when witches, like herself, felt a sudden boost to their magic. For All Hallows Eve was one of the nights where the universe's magic was at its most potent.

Grinning, Zierra motioned for Tutela to follow. "Vamonos, let's get to the coffee shop."

With a nod, Tutela moved toward the open window while Zierra headed for the door of her one bedroom apartment. Grabbing her keys, Zierra watched as Tutela examined the area, making sure no one would see her transformation, before taking the sudden form of a blue jay, flying about and patiently waiting for Zierra to meet her outside. With Tutela outside, Zierra used to magic to close the window and made her way outside

Zierra's apartment was located near the Trimet( Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon) at Orenco Station, an urban neighborhood filled with decades old brick buildings as well as those with wide windows and a modern appeal.

It was within walking distance of her work as an RN at a senior living facility, and an even closer walk to her mother's coffee shop, LeFay Lounge. Orenco Station was by far her favorite neighborhood in the Portland area, and as Zierra stepped outside, she smirked taking it all in. It was a view sje wouçd admire for years to come.

Her eyes fell on Tutela before she began to walk toward LeFay Lounge. The lively street was filled with evening joggers, mom's taking their kids out trick or treating, as well as a young man playing his guitar for money. She threw in a few dollars as she passed while Tutela flew overhead, keeping her flight patterns headed in the same direction as Zierra, without looking as if she were following her.

Taking a right, she could see her mother inside the coffee house just ahead. She was nervously pacing the floor while typing some message in her phone. The sudden ping from inside the pocket of her boot made her realize Ellie, Zierra's mother, had been texting her.

Reaching for her cell, Zierra glanced toward the screen.

I thought you were gonna get here before everyone else?!

Zierra's mother had never been the controlling or worrisome type, always trusting her daughter to do the right thing. More than that, Ellie had an amazing truest gift(every witch can do most spells but every witch also has their own strength known as their truest gift) of foresight and was always one step ahead. She knew when danger was truly imminent and when to roll with the punches. Still, that didn't mean Ellie could foresee every outcome. The future was often unpredictable and depended on the decisions of others(if everything was black and white, Ellie would have been able to protect her husband from his untimely death). Nevertheless, it was because of that special gift that if Ellie was worried, Zierra ought to be as well.

"Ay dios mio." She said, quickening her pace. She gazed toward Tutela, pursing her lips. "We better get in there fast. I'll let you in from the back." Tutela made a loud chirp in reply just as Zierra took a deep breath, hoping it wasn't too serious before reaching the front door.

Inside the shop, lanterns adorned the walls along with quotes written in an Old English font. The floor was made of stone, and the arched ceiling was painted to look like the night's sky. In every way, the coffee house symbolized their great heritage of Medieval Times.

Ellie, who had been facing toward the large fireplace, quickly moved toward her daughter as she entered. "Zierra, we don't have a lot of time." Ellie's voice sounded panicked before she fixed her eyes on the large glass window that showcased her coffee house. She raised her hands as a gold mist began to emit from Ellie's fingers before floating toward the walls of the building, circling it entirely.

The Glamour Spell was used to keep those without magic from ever witnessing or hearing the practice of magic. From outside, LeFay Lounge would appear silent and still, without a soul occupying it, concealing their every action, no matter who arrived for the meeting or what magic they chose to use.

"Mom, what's going on?" Zierra asked worriedly. She hadn't seen her mother this distraught since the night their father died.

Turning to face her daughter, Ellie looked anxious. "Zierra, I've just had an awful vision. It was about you, and it's going to happen soon."

Zierra, seeing the sudden fear in her mother's eyes moved forward. Her mother reached for Zierra's hands before continuing. "In the vision you were standing before a hideous creature with flesh that looked burned. Its' fangs were long and it had stocky legs. It wanted to kill you. It wanted to eat your flesh." Ellie's breath seemed to hitch as a tear fell across her cheek. "You used your magic to defeat it but then as many as fifty came toward you, with some riding on the backs of unnaturally large dogs." Ellie shook her head as her eyes closed for a moment, carefully remembering every detail. "I- I thought at first they were werewolves but their structure wasn't quite the same. Not to mention wherever you were did not look familiar at all."

Zierra could hardly keep up. She pinched the bridge of her nose trying to comprehend her mother's words. "Mama, calmete." She placed her hands on her mother's shoulders. "What are you talking about? What creature? Werewolves? I thought they were extinct?"

Ellie drew in a breath, feeling frantic. "No, I'm saying I thought it was a werewolf." She waved her hand as if to move on. "That's not what's important Zierra, I'm trying to tell you something bad is going to happen, and whatever those things were, I have never seen in all my studies of magic."

Zierra bit her lip. This was supposed to be a typical meeting between three joined covens. Those that were direct descendents of Bridget Bishop, Anne Boleyn, and Morgana LeFay. She thought she'd get to celebrate her birthday as well as Analise Bishop's(they'd both been born on All Hallow's Eve and as such their magic was a great deal stronger than even those on the councill). She thought the two of them would finally be initiated into the councill, as it was typical on a witch's twenty fifth birthday. Instead, she began to fear for her own life.

"Have you told the council your vision? What did they say?" She asked, hoping the coven could help. Whatever her mother had seen, she strongly wished to prevent it.

Ellie gripped her daughter's hands, her eyes growing large at Zierra's question. "You can not even mention my vision! We have to figure this out on our own and be ready for anything that might happen tonight."

Zierra was growing more concerned by the second. "Why aren't you going to bring this up to the councill? I thought all visions of foresight had to be shared-"

"Not when I think a bloodwitch is the reason these creatures were created!" Ellie interrupted.

Zierra furrowed her brow. Analise had been the first bloodwitch in centuries. They were uncommonly rare and could use their own blood to spark life to inanimate objects or bring back dead things(though no matter what they brought back to life they were never entirely the same, their bodies needing constant repair). The two girls had never truly gotten along but Zierra wouldn't suspect Analise of wanting to harm her. Analise had always been full of herself but given that they saw each other a few times a year it just didn't make sense. Analise was a beautiful girl with her own damn life in Rio De Janeiro! She had money, power, and popularity and was miles away from Zierra.

"Mom I don't understand-" Before Zierra could continue, a blue flame suddenly formed within the large fireplace to her left before the stone began to expand. Then, stepping beyond what Zierra knew as Doorway Flame, a woman with red hair and pale skin gave them both a warm smile.

"Merry Hallows Eve, Zierra and Ellie." Lisa greeted. "And Happy Birthday, Zierra."

"Merry Hallows Eve." Zierra and Ellie replied in unison.

Lisa's smile began to fade, taking in Ellie's blotched face. She knew she must have been crying. "What's wrong Ellie?"

Ellie composed herself, giving Lisa a wide grin before waving her off. "Oh we were just reminiscing of when Byron was still alive." She lied.

Lisa's head tilted as she gave them both a look of sympathy. "I can imagine how hard it must be to not have him here for a day like Zierra's birthday." Lisa turned to Zierra just as the others began to arrive. "I heard about you finishing your degree. Congratulations on becoming an RN and for snagging such a prestigious job right out of the gate!"

"Thank you." Zierra answered with a smirk. "I did apply on a friday the thirteenth." She admitted, which was açeatd a day of luck for witches and wizards.

Soon each young descendent(future council women when they were of age and maturity) and council members began to arrive, totaling thirty women. There were ofcourse male descendents, but their magic was typically never as strong(an old curse caused by Mordred was responsible) and as such it was always women who led councils across the globe. They greeted each other kindly, taking seats at the many tables in Ellie's shop, with Ellie LeFay, Lisa Boleyn, and Octavia Bishop standing near the fireplace as the head council women.

"Zee!" Zierra spun around when she heard her cousin's voice, who immediately wrapped her arms around Zierra. "Happy birthday, gorgeous!"

Zierra released her cousin with a pleasant grin, momentarily pulled from her troubled thoughts. Her eyes lit up at the sight of Aliyah's costume.

"You look, muy bonita!" She exclaimed, remembering the dress as one of Regina's from their favorite TV show, Once Upon a Time (The pair loved the world's interpretation of magic and all the irony behind its hidden truth)."I think you could give Lana Parilla a run for her money!"

Aliyah slowly spun around to give Zierra a full view nodding as she spoke. "So true, cousin. So true. But it's not just the party that has me looking so spectacular." Aliyah's smile was wide and filled with excitement, she gripped Zierra's forearms biting her lip. "I'm going to ask Ezra to marry me!"

Zierra's mouth fell open. Ezra Leveau's- who was a half witch half Faery- ancestry came from Marie Laveau and his coven held a council with two other families in France. His mother's marriage to Veyro, an ambassador for the Fae kingdom, had also helped solidify a peace treaty between both parties.

Zierra had been so happy to see them together. And though it had only been six months since they started dating, anyone with eyes could see it was meant to be. "Does that mean you're asking him-"

"Tonight? Yes! And at the Festival? Also yes!"

Zierra practically screamed before giving Aliyah another hug. "Yey! I am so happy for you both! Seriously he is perfect for you! And at the festival no less! Which I get to see happen!"

The two girls sat at one of the round tables, still giddy from excitement just as Analise Bishop had taken the last chair. Zierra's smile immediately dropped as fear crossed over her eyes.

"How were your summers girls?" Analise asked quietly, looking down at her black polished fingernails. Her skin was painted green and her dark hair was fastened into a beautiful dutch braid. She glanced at Aliyah first, waiting for a reply.

"Paris was just as romantic as they say." Aliyah answered with a reminiscent grin. Despite how annoying Analise's ego could be, Aliyah had never been rude to her. It wasn't in her kind nature. But as she looked toward her cousin, Aliyah was quick to notice Zierra's sudden apprehension. Her body had stiffened and her eyes were momentarily filled with vigilance and though Zierra had been quick to recover, Aliyah was much too close to her cousin to miss it.

"I got hired at a senior care center. It's great money and I'll always have the same shift, unlike if I took a job at a hospital. It was a gig most wouldn't have fallen into having just finished school but I did apply in a day if luck, so I was bound ti get it, but I plan to stick around."

"Oh yeah, you finished your nursing degree." Analise stated. She glanced Zierra up and down as if she were beneath her. It was the same self righteous expression Analise often carried, but this time her eyes seemed sinister and it only caused Zierra's fear to grow; her mother's strange vision painting gruesome images inside her head as she contemplated whether Analise would ever want to hurt her. What would she gain from doing so? She asked herself, not able to come to a rational conclusion.

"Love the costume by the way, and happy birthday." Analise added, taking Zierra by surprise. Her smile seemed genuine and the darkness she had seen a moment before was gone "Don't I look ravishing in green?" She winked, gesturing to her costume as The Wicked Witch. Maybe I hadn't seen it at all, Zierra considered. But mom seemed really scared.

"Thanks, and happy birthday to you as well.' Zierra's eyes narrowed for a moment. She truly didn't know what to think. The two had never had any bad blood. So why now? Trying to hurt Zierra meant Analise risking her position on the council and giving up even the slightest opportunity at power felt out of character for Analise. Still, her mother's vision kept Zierra on guard. She gave Analise a slight grin before nodding, turning her attention to her mother who was about to speak..........

Here's a link if you want to read more!!!!

https://m.fanfiction.net/s/13695267/1/Blood-and-Ink

[haddonfieldproject]

<<PREVIOUS⏺<<CONTENTS>>

CHAPTER TWO: ALL SAINTS DAY

1.2.1 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29th, 6:04pm PT‬

Woodsboro, California

‪

“Okay, let's see what we have here,” Ophelia Tate said, pulling a plastic clipboard from the little cubby beside the door and looking at the chart that was affixed to it. She skimmed over it and then looked up at her young patient. On the hospital bed, sitting atop the clean white paper, was a short and skinny little brunette girl, with big square glasses and a red beanie cap that made her look a lot like Velma from Scooby Doo. Just under the cap on her left eyebrow she was holding an ice pack, wrapped in a towel soaked in blood.

“It says here you fell and hit your head on a water heater?” Ophelia asked her, pulling the little rolling stool out from under the cabinets on the far side of the room and seating herself upon it.

“Yeah,” the girl sighed, showing a row of silver braces. “I know...I'm such a klutz”.

Ophelia looked again at the clipboard. “Yasmin? Did I say it right.” Ophelia made sure she pronounced the “Y” like a “J”, the girl did look Hispanic.

Yasmin smiled, “First one today.”

Ophelia tossed the clipboard on the bed next to her patient and pulled some latex gloves out of her smock. “Excellent. Let's have a look!”

The young girl withdrew the towel containing the ice pack and a spurt of blood shot out passed Ophelia's face, sprinkling the tile behind her.

“Whoa!” Ophelia gasped and reached over and grabbed the girl's hand with the towel in hers and pressed it back onto her eye. “Let's keep that on there shall we!”

Yasmin swooned.

“Breathe,” Ophelia said looking at her. “You look pale...are you gonna pass out?”

“I don't know,” Yasmin stuttered, “Maybe.”

“Well don't,” Ophelia smiled, “It's my last night of work here in this place and I don't want to be spending it picking you back up off the floor.”

Yasmin smiled. “I'm okay...I think.”

“I'll get you a cup of water and Jennifer, our nurse, is gonna come in here and butterfly that. Then we'll wait and see if it can close a little bit. Then we'll decide it we have to use stitches or glue.”

“Oh please glue! I don't want stitches.” Yasmin cried.

Ophelia grabbed the clipboard and began writing. “Well, I'll tell you this,” she said while she scrawled, “Glue is much easier, but it doesn't heal as well. Sometimes...a lot of times...the scar ends up jagged where the glue held better in some parts than others.” She looked up, “And where it is on your eyebrow...it might make your eyebrow look crooked. If you let us stitch it, it can heal up in a few months and you'll probably not even be able to tell it was ever there.”

Yasmin's shoulders dropped. “Then stitches.”

Ophelia folded the clipboard in her arms, hugging it to her chest. “Are you sure?”

“Hell yeah,” Yasmin exclaimed, “I have senior pictures next year. A crooked eyebrow on a guy is cute...a crooked eyebrow on a girl is the difference between a rich husband who takes you on a honeymoon to Barbados, and Joe MBA who takes you to Miami.”

Ophelia frowned, “I like Miami.”

Yasmin gave her a look and they both laughed.

“My question is how the hell you smacked your head on the water-heater?” Ophelia asked.

Yasmin rolled her eyes, “On Wednesday nights I ride the school-bus to my church for youth group after school. We basically just hang out and play games down in the church basement and...well, this guy Juan Menendez..we were...I don't know...chasing each other or something and I tripped over the leg of the ping-pong table and fell...right in to the water heater.”

Ophelia grimaced, “Ouch...right in front of him?”

Yasmin grimaced back, “Yeah....I know...so embarrassing”

“What did Juan do?” Ophelia asked.

Yasmin smiled and closed her eyes dreamily. “He got me this towel...and this ice...and he picked me up off the floor and put me on the ping pong table.”

“Is he the cute guy in the waiting room with the blue shirt and white shorts and the gold necklace?” Ophelia asked.

“No way, he's here?!” Yasmin dropped the rag, sending another spurt of blood that just missed Ophelia's smock.

“Whoa! Keep that on there,” Ophelia said laughing. “I'll go tell Jennifer you want the stitches.”

“Aren't you going to do it? I like you,” Yasmin said pleadingly.

“Sorry kid. My time at Woodsboro Family Medical Center has come to an end. Actually ten minutes ago. I'm transferring to a new hospital in Illinois and I got to get out of here and get on the road.”

“Illinois? What's in Illinois?” Yasmin grimaced again.

Ophelia plopped the clipboard back in it's spot. “Lots of corn I hear.” She snapped off her gloves and stomped the pedal on the stainless steel trashcan by the door and dropped them in.

She headed down the hall and turned to the left toward the break room. The annex area there was empty, which was odd because usually there was at least one nurse at the nurses station. She had her purse in her locker to get and she knew she had at least one frozen meal in the staff room freezer to throw away. She hated when people left their food behind and she didn't want to be one of those people. To her surprise, there wasn't anything in the staff room freezer, so she shrugged, pulled her purse out of her locker and turned to walk out the door, feeling strange that there was no one around to say bye to or have wish her luck. Just then, Dr. Holmes, a young Chinese girl who had been Dr. Yang a month ago before she married a nice plastic surgeon from Cloverdale, popped into the door, making Ophelia jump.

“Oh...sorry Dr. Tate,” she said.

“Jesus Yang you scared the shit out of me,” Ophelia still hadn't gotten used to calling her Homes. Usually Holmes corrected her...and everyone else who made the mistake, but this time she didn't.

“Dr. Shaw wants to see you in the conference room, he has some forms you need to sign before you leave.”

Ophelia groaned, “Really?! I have to get out on the road.”

Holmes shrugged.

Ophelia followed the young Dr. Holmes out of the break-room, passed a pair of restrooms and a supply closet to the conference room. The door was shut, which was odd, and even odder was the fact that Dr. Homes stepped out of the way to allow Ophelia to open the door. Ophelia frowned and pushed the handle.

“SURPRISE!!!”

The room was full of doctors and nurses, as well as balloons and streamers. On the giant mahogany conference table was a large cake, upon which was written: GOOD LUCK DR. TATE! There were also various fruit and vegetable trays and a pitcher of what looked like pink lemonade. Her husband stood there too in one of his ridiculous sweater vests that Ophelia had asked him over and over again not to wear, smiling at her from ear to ear. In the corner, sprawled out on a couple of chairs was their son Damon, but he was wrapped up in his smartphone and didn't look up. In front of him was the small TV on which there was a baseball game.

“Oh my gosh,” Ophelia put her hands to her cheeks, “You really got me..I never expected this.”

Dr. Shaw was an older gentlemen, and he was standing next to Ophelia's husband Jack. He came around the table and embraced her, kissing her cheek, “Well you should have my dear. You've been part of the team for so long, you don't think we would send you away without some kind of celebration?”

Ophelia's husband Jack approached her next and and leaned in to kiss her. Ophelia turned her head and offered him her cheek. “Surprise,” he said quietly.

“You know I hate surprises,” she said under her breath through her teeth.

“Smile and fake it,” he answered.

“That's what I'm doing,” she replied, “I thought we had to get on the road.”

“I budgeted time for this,” he answered.

Dr. Holmes/Yang came up next and hugged her. “I was convincing?” She asked.

“Yes,” Ophelia smiled, “You were very convincing.”

Ophelia's best workmate Tonya, a big beautiful black woman in pink scrubs came up next. She squealed like a middle school girl at a slumber party and hugged Ophelia's neck. “Oooooohhh gurl...I am gonna miss yooooouuu!”

Ophelia laughed and said, “I know girl...I came out of 7 and looked at the nurses station and was like, 'Where the hell is everybody?'.”

“That should have been your first clue,” said Dr. Thomas. He was a tall, sexy, black doctor who had only been working at Woodsboro Family Medical long enough to make Jack Tate insanely jealous. The young doctor stuck out his very large hand, Ophelia took it.

“Where are you going exactly?” He asked.

“I have position waiting for me as the Chief of Medicine for a small town hospital in Illinois.” Ophelia replied, moving around the table and grabbing one of the small plates on the table. She held it up to Tonya. It read: HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Tonya waved her hand and laughed, “They was the only ones we had gurl!”

Ophelia smiled and grabbed the cake cutter, carving a wedge in between the last T and the E in her last name on the face of the cake.

“Really,” Thomas said, “I grew up in Springfield, what part of Illinois?”

“It's called Haddonfield,” Ophelia said plopping the cake on her plate.

“Never heard of it,” Thomas said.

“Where is the damn remote for this TV, we need the sound on.” Dr. Shaw grumbled.

“It's right here,” Damon held it up without looking up from his phone.

“Un-mute it son,” his father said.

“Isn't this Game Six?” Thomas asked.

“Yeah,” Shaw said, “It's been a hell of a series...as a doctor I've been very thankful for my DVR.”

They all laughed.

🎃

1.2.2 PRESENTLY—SATURDAY NOVEMBER 1st 2:04 AM

Interstate 70 near Booneville, Missouri

‪

Ophelia sat up straight in her seat and looked out of the windshield. She couldn't see anything but rain. She looked over at Jack who was sitting straight up in his seat also, squinting hard, his head leaning so far over the steering wheel as he drove that his forehead was mere centimeters away from the glass.

Ophelia stretched, “Where the hell are we now?” She asked.

“Somewhere in the middle of Missouri,” he said, not taking his eyes off the road.

“God it's raining hard,” she exclaimed. She pulled her phone out from the center console and disconnected the charger cord. She looked at the time. “When are we supposed to be there.”

“I expected to be close by now,” he said, “but with this damn storm, I can't go anymore than 40. It will be closer to sunrise now.”

“How long has it been storming?” Ophelia asked, pulling up her weather app.

“Since we got into Oklahoma,” he said.

Her radar was completely red, and there was scrolling banner on the top of the screen. “Says this area is under a tornado watch,” she said.

“This is the worst storm I've ever seen,” Jack grouched.

“You've lived in California your whole life,” Ophelia laughed and opened up her social media page. There were no notifications, everyone she knew was either at work or asleep right now. She looked at the dashboard. “I can't believe this old piece of junk made it!” She said.

“This baby will never die!” Jack exclaimed, for the first time taking his eyes off the road and smiling at his wife.

“Not if we keep dumping all of our money into it,” Ophelia rolled her eyes. “I'm going to miss my Mazda,” she pouted.

“I told you,” Jack replied, “As soon as we get our feet wet in Haddonfield, we'll buy you a new car.”

“I think you should trade this in,” Ophelia grumbled, putting down her phone, “You're not going to need a car sitting at home writing a book.”

“Never!” Jack said smiling, holding up a clenched fist.

Ophelia looked in the backseat. Damon was sleeping, his bluetooth earbuds still in his ears.

Jack saw that she was looking at him and looked at her. “What?” he asked.

“Nothing,” Ophelia waved, “watch the road.”

She looked at their son a little longer and then finally turned back around and closed her eyes. “I just hope we're doing the right thing.” She said quietly.

“Of course we are,” he said, “trust me, this is going to be a great plan.”

“Yeah yeah,” Ophelia yawned, “You have a plan for everything.”

Jack ignored her snide comment, “I'm thinking about stopping off at a truck stop to take showers before we get in to the town. The sun will probably be up by the time we get there if this rain holds up and we might be able to check out the hospital. Then we can just sleep the rest of the day before we unpack everything on Sunday.”

Ophelia nodded, “If it's all part of the plan...” she said sarcastically.

“Oh shit!” Jack breathed as the car hit a puddle and hydroplaned for a second or two.

“Please don't kill us,” Ophelia said quietly, without opening her eyes. It was better that way.

NEXT>>

[lazywriter519]

A Date With Ignis

So this is an excerpt from my book Ignite My Heart. You can find it on Wattpad if you wanna read the whole thing. But I stopped writing on there because I want to write fan suggestions. So please suggest me any Reader x FFXV stuff you want to see ^^

After deciding that Ignis and I would go on a date, Prompto asked if he could go dress shopping with me.

"Why?" I asked.

"Because you need someone else's opinion! Especially a guy's opinion," He put me in a choke hold, not strong enough to hurt me, and rushes me out the door.

"Prompto! What the hell?! Let go!" I yelled as I smacked his arm.

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

We walk through the halls of the hotel in silence. I had not spoken a word to Prompto the entire time we had been out, which hadn't been too long. He finally had gotten the hint and stopped talking. The only sound was the sound of my plastic bag.

"Come on. You can't stay mad at me forever, Y/N" he says in a light-hearted tone.

"..." I remain silent.

"You know Ignis is gonna love it," he sings.

"..."

"And it's all thanks to who?" I eye him down and see he's smiling like crazy, probably to get me to laugh or something. It was a beautiful dress and it really was thanks to him. Not only that, but he insisted I buy makeup too.

I sigh, "You."

"That's right!" When we reach our rooms he says, "Okay! Now go in your room and get ready. Come to our room when you're done." He quickly enters his room before I can respond.

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

I look at myself in the mirror absolutely amazed. Although we were in Altissia, this is a dress I would have expected to find back in Insomnia. It was a tight black dress with long sleeves. One of the sleeves and the torso of my dress was made of a beautiful black lace that exposed my skin. I put on a light layer of makeup and then left the bathroom to put on my heels. As I walked around the room with them, trying to get used to them I noticed just how short the dress really was. I almost felt exposed, like I wouldn't be able to bend down if I dropped something without flashing the whole city.

After walking around for a bit longer, I decided to knock on the door that connected the two rooms together. There was a lot of shuffling and shushing on the other side of the door. Then Prompto cracked the door open and peeked inside. His jaw instantly drops to the floor.

"Oh. Em. Gee." He quickly grabs my wrist and pulls me inside. I almost fall down, not being able to keep my balance from the heels. I don't see Ignis anywhere when I get myself straightened out.

"Gladio! Gladio!!" Prompto starts yelling.

I see Gladio sitting at the foot of one of the beds. He looks up from his phone in his hand and his eyes widen. I see his eyes are mostly traveling around my body. Damn, I guess my body looks so good in this dress that even the other guys can't help but look. I guess there reactions make sense. Throughout the entire trip I hadn't worn any makeup and I'm always dressed in clothes that are appropriate for combat. I snap my fingers in front of Gladio's face to get his attention.

"Um, hello? Earth to Gladio." He shakes his head and forces himself to look at my face, "Where's Iggy?" I ask.

"Oh! Right!" Prompto laughs nervously. He skips over to the bathroom and opens the door, "Okay you can come out now. Just wait until you get a load of her!"

I hear him sigh, "Prompto, I think your being a bit too-" he stops as he steps out and sees me.

We look at each other in slight shock. He wore what he usually did, but instead of leather he wore an actually suit without a tie. He also didn't have his gloves on. Unlike Gladio, Ignis' eyes were locked on to my face. He gulps nervously.

"You look... Ravishing, Y/N" Even as nervous as he seems he still manages to keep a cool voice.

"You do too, Iggy" I mumble.

"Okay okay! Stand together you two!" Prompto says as he holds out his camera. We stand next to each other, slightly awkward at first. Ignis isn't much of a fan of being affectionate around the boys.

"Come on! Put your arm around her, Iggy." Prompto motions with his hand for Ignis to do as he says. He sighs and hesitantly pulls me closer. Prompto begins snapping away, moving to different angles and sounding like a true photographer. Eventually the flash starts bugging my eyes however and I start getting annoyed.

"Mom, your embarrassing me!" I speak like a spoiled teenager.

"Oh, come on! I'm excited!" Prompto whined.

"Alright, Blondie. Shows over," Gladio throws Prompto onto his shoulder. He begins punching his back and yelling at him to put him down. "Go on, lovebirds."

I laugh and Ignis holds my hand as we leave. I can hear Prompto shouting, "Be safe you two! Don't do anything stupid! And no making mini Ignis's!"

My face turns bright red. He probably did, but I really hope Ignis didn't hear that. Then I start to wonder. Would we do anything afterwards? Is that why Ignis wanted to go on this date? I think back to all the times we had spent time together. I don't recall him ever look down at my body. He always looked me in the eyes, which wasn't a bad thing, but now I wish he had peeked at least once. But does he even know... How?

We leave the hotel and head for a gondola station. One is already waiting for some passengers. The man greets us and asks where we would like to go. Ignis gives a destination and we step in. We float slowly along the water and I watch as the sun sets. I think sunsets and rises are going to become our thing now.

"So, what did you have planned?" I asked.

"We already had dinner, so I thought we could go out for tea," he answers.

"Anything else?" I didn't want to seem rude. However, I wouldn't want the night to end with just tea.

"Hmm... I suppose we'll just wonder around for a bit."

"Okay," I rest my head on his should and feel him rest his head on top of mine. I close my eyes and try to savor this sweet moment for the rest of the ride.

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

After we have tea at a small outdoor restaurant we begin walking around the city, looking for something to do. We end up in a very tiny square, with a giant fountain with what looked like a fish statue in the middle or something.

"Whoa. That's huge!" I stare up at the statue in amazement, and barely notice Ignis walk away for a few seconds.

He taps my shoulder, "Y/N?" I look back at him to see he's holding a paper bird. "Would you like to throw a wishing bird?"

I take the bird I'm my hands, "Wishing bird?"

He nods and hands me a pen, "If you write a wish on the bird and throw it into the statues mouth it may come true."

I gasp, "That's so cool!" I try thinking of something to write and eventually write something down.

I stand in front of the fountain, trying my hardest to aim correctly. Please make it... Please. I throw it and watch as the bird flies right into the fish's mouth.

"I did it!" I yell. Ignis chuckles.

"What did you wish for, love?" He asks.

"I can't tell you. Then it won't come true." I answer.

We continue for quite a while, talking amongst ourselves. We walk for so long we manage to get a little lost. Ignis decides to ask around for help, but I stop him.

"What is it, love?" I point at a building nearby. I can hear the music and see people moving around.

"Why don't we have some more fun?" I ask.

"I never would have thought you'd enjoy dancing." He answers. I look up at him waiting. He smiles and wraps an arm around me. "Well, let's go in."

We dance for a long time. All of the music is a bit fast pace. I was surprised to see that Ignis is a really good dancer. Way better than I am. Eventually, a very light and slow song echoes through the building. I stop and look at him awkwardly. I have no idea how to slow dance. I thought we would just leave, but he holds out his hand and bows to me. I hesitantly take his hand and he stands straight again. He pulls me closer and puts a hand on my waist. He senses my nervousness.

"Are you alright, Y/N?" He whispers gently.

"Um..." I look down at our feet, "I don't know how to slow dance," he chuckles.

"Don't worry. Just follow my lead," I do my best to follow each step. I keep my eyes on his feet until he pulls my chin up with one hand, "Look up. I can't see your beautiful face when you look down like that," I blush like crazy and resist the urge to look back down.

I mess up a few times, but soon the moves come naturally to me as I lose myself in his green eyes. The songs pace slowly quickens. We keep up to the tempo and eventually he starts trying new moves. Spinning me around, lifting me up. He then lowers my body for a dip. Instead of lifting me back up however, we stay like this. Out of breath, both is hands on my waist, our faces mere centimeters away from each other. The song ends, but we stay like. I expect him to kiss me, but he lifts me back up.

"It's getting late. We should go," he says. His voice trembles this time. Has he lost his cool? Or is it just from the dancing? I look up at the sky as we exit the building.

Oh Six, please make tonight extra special!

After wondering around in the nearly empty streets we find another gondola station. We find out that this gondola is a bit far from our hotel, but we don't mind. We are silent for most of the trip, but halfway through it we hear a loud bang as the sky lights up. We look up to see fireworks filling the dark sky. I don't think I've ever been on a more romantic date. We watch in amazement and I giggle like a child, pointing up at the sky as some shapes appear. We see cactuars, moogles, and Prompto's favorite, chocobos.

Eventually we make it back to the hotel. As we walk the halls to our rooms my heart beat becomes faster and stronger. Please...please...please!