#this post is directed at thr couple that just walked in

[homo-nouveau]

I'm not joking when I say if you see a dead restaurant late at night and your first thought isn't 'oh they're probably closing and have to stay open because of their shit head boss I'll walk on' I will kill you with hammers

[gffa]

hiya! long time listener, first time caller-- I'm writing a couple fics with Jedi protagonists (Shaak Ti, Mace, other Prequel Jedi) which is really fun so far except for the part where I "majored in" (read: hyperfixated on) Organization and Tactics of the GAR and don't actually know that much about the Jedi as individuals, *especially* anything that happened before TPM.

I was wondering if you know of any resources that organize/compile information about that era of Jedi? Things like lineage lists, who was on the Council when, typical schedules/roles/responsibilities, that kinda thing. Resources can be any format; other Tumblr blogs, articles, images, discord servers, archived websites, whatever works! Even the obvious stuff can be helpful (outside of Wookiepedia), since this isn't a part of fandom I've walked through much. You're the only big-name Jedi blog I know.

(If you don't have the spoons to respond, I understand, thanks for reading anyway!)

Hi! Congrats on writing your fic, I'm wishing you all the luck in the world! And here's where my brain starts spinning in a bunch of different directions, because here's the sticky thing about Star Wars "lore": there are three separate continuities and, while you are absolutely free to mix and match as you like and should pick out all the things that interest you, no matter the continuity, they do still exist in separate realms. You have Lucas' Star Wars, you have Legends Star Wars (the Extended Universe/EU under Lucas' ownership of SW, but he has explicitly said it's a separate world from his Star Wars), and you have Disney Star Wars. There is worldbuilding in each of them (though, often very thin on the ground at times) but what's true in one isn't going to be true in another--for example, in Legends there was an age cut off for Jedi initiates at 13, if they didn't get a Master. This limit does not exist at all in Lucas' SW (is contradicted by Ahsoka at 14 being said to be YOUNG for being a Padawan) and Disney Star Wars (there's an Initiate who is 16 and doesn't have a Master and will have to wait at least another year to try again, with no hint of them aging out). You pick which works for you! Just that I think it helps to be aware of what bits come from which continuity. There's also not a ton of pre-TPM content, at least not after The High Republic! Though, I've found THR stuff generally pretty helpful for prequel-era Jedi stuff, because they act and behave 98% of the same way imo! THAT SAID, I tend to collate as much of the Lucas continuity and Disney continuity (as they're the ones I generally prefer) and I have a bunch of resources if you don't mind some homework reading! 😂 I did at least make it as easy to browse as I can, though! - Jedi Culture and Teachings in Canon - A mix of Lucas and Disney content mostly, organized by sections for hopefully easier browsing for what you're looking for! Because 75k words of citations is a lot. orz This is going to give you probably the most of what you want, because I have been working to collect all of that kind of stuff--descriptions of the Temple and personal quarters, any rituals they have, how a Jedi's day is structured, what different paths and roles are common with Jedi, all the Jedi philosophy, what kind of pets they have, etc. It's in three (so far) parts, so you'll have to browse through each of them, but the set-up is the same in each one, so if you find a section that you need the info on, just Ctrl+F to find it in the next part or skip to the same chapter, they're the same template for each! - My "reference" tag - Which is a mixed bag of various posts and different continuities (primarily Lucas + Disney, though) that organize this kind of thing, like a possible in-universe calendar system [also here], a collection of worldbuilding bits specific to Padawan, which was pre-TPM, crossection of the Jedi Temple, a Jedi Council seating arrangement chart through the years, a list of the handful of Master&Apprentice match-ups that we know, a list of "what kind of swearing do people of the galaxy do?" because it's hilarious, a compilation of everything I could find about Jedi healers in ANY continuity, etc. I hope this helps and if you have any other questions (or anyone else wants to suggest other resources!), feel free to ask, I might be able to better steer you if you have a specific question--or at least tell you that I don't think we have anything on that. AND ALSO just remember: the books and games and comics are pretty low on the "hard canon" level, the movies and the TV shows are the highest level of canon, everything else is supplementary and you do NOT have to scour every inch of it if you don't want to! Relax and have fun with it as best you can. <3

[everythingthemoontouches]

Hiii Jahn!🌙 I’m just a new follower. I discovered you while searching for D9 asks. I was amazed by your in-depth explanation on each placements. 🤍 I’d like to send in my D1 & D9 charts also for future spouse reading to understand more about it.Thank you so much!!🤍 Please take your time. I’ll patiently wait. 💕 Hoping you’ll have a lovely day/night! 🌹

Hello there

This, my love has been a longtime coming. First off I'm gonna introduce you to an intuitive read and then present it in a more formal, bulleted manner. You seem to ha e chosen quite a challenging path in this lifetime. Props to you for bravery. And a hug + some tea to help you brave it 💕 your life could be a beautiful movie on love, healing, growth, spirituality and personal power.

Future BAE seems to be stable, practical reliable with service being his love language. He is down to grow together, and help you walk in your power.

Taurus rising.

Scorpio 7th house. + Pluto + moon.

Wow. Lots of shadow work involved when it comes to close personal relationships. You need to turn that critical eye inwards.

Untill you work at managing or integrating your inner child issues, any partners you end up with will continue to trigger you. At its best, this is someone who helps you work through your feelings. Breakdown. Confront reality. Breakdown and rebuild yourself stringer than ever. A hades and persephone kind of love. Lots of sexual allure. Strength, protectiveness, passion, push and pull, makeup sex? Specially since the ruler of the 7th house (Mars) is in the 5th house. You're not the kinda person who'd be happy to marry just for stability. Passion and mutual attraction, love is a must.

Mars and rahu. Service. Over exerting for those you love. Days spent in bed. Service kink. Lady in the streets, freak in the sheets.

You're definitely attracted to people who help you better your place in the world. They have to have a little bit of ' I wanna do good / change the world in them'. A friendly leader kinda figure. Disciplined.

Your darakarka Mars is retrograde. Controlling. Dominant. Future BAE is definitely gonna overthink themselves into a worry when it comes to dating and wooing. Or they could think that only their way is the right / best way to do soemthing. Poor lil baby( I say baby, but as a Virgo Mars they're probably the person who takes charge, plans, overanalyzes things has a set way of doing things.) this could be someone who is an advocate for universal free education, teaches children for free or some such. Could second guess themselves when it comes to taking action.

Mars Rahu conjunction: sub kink. They'd want a lot of adulation. Could be from a different culture from you or have studied in a very different environment.

I think your fs gets better at dealing with overthinking after you guys tie the knot. They learn to be more at peace with themself, letting their intuition guide them instead of focusing too hard on trying to do the logical thing. Okay with being messy. May like to act and arrange things behind the scenes. Imagine coming home tired to find that they've already called the restaurant, arranged for your favorite food to be dropped off, warmed, alid out on the table. Gives me the vibes of a puppeteer(katputli - a rajasthani folk dance)pulling the strings. You can't see them, but the show goes on.

From being ficusssed on accumulating wealth your focus goes towards doing things that boost your sense of Self confidence. You could also grow more tactful as you learnt to seek out harmony. You probably become more direct and assertive as a result the peopep you attract are more easy going / Libra like.

I'm seeing a house for a wedding present? Or moving into your spouse's ancestral home. They could also come from a matrilineal lineage.

Your household could be supported by one or both of you working in tax, insurance, financial industries. There could also be soemthing related to life insurance.

Pluto and Saturn in the 7th is a tad concerning. There's a very heavy sense of some kind of karmic duty. Saturn is exalted in Libra.

Way too controlling. Narcissism. Moon Mars mother. Karmic ties. Moon 8th house.

U must learn to stand up for yourself.

If you're meant to have any babies in this lifetime, they'd probably visit you in a dream or a psychic trance before they come down to earth. Call it mothers intuition. This is just a gut feeling wrt your moon in 8th house in Scorpio in the D9. I say this because the moon rules the 4th house of home, and children are an important part of the house if you're a mom. The 4th house is also the home/ heartland what you'd protect.

You suppress your emotions. Emerges as a volcano. But a cold one. U turn to ice and grow aloof.

Out of body experiences

You need to learn to be more dominant and combative. I'd suggest watching the teal Swans video on creating a zero sum game in relationships. Strengthened by Aries ascendant in d 9. This life u gotta learn to fight for yourself, and not sit quietly because people attacked u or kept u under their thumb when u were younger by a strict dad.

OK, now let's look at the placements and aspects

D1 lagna (ascendant) VS D9 lagna

You go from comfort stability minded to taking more risks and initiative. Self Confidence increases. Assert your needs better.

Vargottama Moon

The moon is quite dominant as it does not change signs between d1 and D9. You're super cooperative and hate to disappoint people. I'd suggest reading up more on Anuradha Nakshatra.

Moon - Pluto - 7th house

Could indicate karmic ties or past life connections to FS. You work through a lot of your own inner insecurities, self doubt, lack mindset related issues in close romantic relationships. There could be some mother wound related issues. You can only love as deeply as you allow yourself to love yourself. In order to attract people who inspire positive growth in you, you must first sit with your shadow, examine why people trigger you, and make peace with yourself or, perhaps your mom?

Mars Rahu - sextile moon

Mars and Rahu are both impulsive action oriented Planets. Them sextile your Pluto and moon could lead you to feel quite triggered and attacked by the slightest hint of advice or suggestion from someone else. Sex with the wrong people can really mess with you. In a better manifestation good sex has you feeling liek you can change the world and also that you're super safe and secure.

Venus combust - 10th house

You need to feel appreciated for your uniqueness. Ego battles could arise and get in the way of finding, expressing love.

Saturn- Ketu Pisces

The ruler of your 7th Nakshatra this is someone who loses themself to community service, could do too much for the wrong cause. Money could come in from fish farming. Seduments or other aquatic culture.

Anuradha 7th house

This is a Nakshatra that focuses on achieving success by working with a group. Your fs is collaborative and good at managing people. Someone who shares success. And is hence likely to go far ahead in life. Major success may come later in life.

Mars 7th house

Expect healthy amount of frank, direct communication. Some arguments with FS. But there's also protectiveness, concern, and the will to do the best by someone. Mars and moon aspects indicate a healthy sex life. They're probably enamored by you. You in turn would find them super sexy.

7th Nakshatra lord and Ketu

Your fs and relation with FS is a highly spiritual one. You could both be looking for a soulful connection. There is love, there us duty there is a need to help each other value time, focus on the future. They could have been a strict disciplinarian figure Ina past life. You both probably have a knack to look down at your phone just in time tos ee an email / message alert from them? Perhaps you two run or help/volunteer at an institution for the mentally challenged.

7th house relation to pieces

OK, so this is where we have a lot going on. Mars opposes saturn. And is placed with Rahu. Mars here feels restrained. Your fs could feel blocked in their creative gifts. In the sense that all they want to do is focus on it, create, post, gain fame but saturn and Ketu try to restrict their creative time. They could be perfectionists. Having to redo things. Since Rahu is also in virgo there's a focus on creating things with the hands and fine tuning every single detail. Directed towards you, this is someone who is always encouraging you while trying to micromanage a lot of details because they think they're being helpful. This is sosmrhtinf you two could have in common so

Mars Darakarka: they teach u to fight for you. Opinionated. Honest. Perfectionist. Service before self. Hardworking. Have integrity. Very active mind.

Mars conjunct Rahu-venus D9 creativity

The 5th house rules creativity and with your venus in the 9th house in D9 your fs is someone who encourages u to be more creative and follow or take up a course to be better at your hobbies. It's like full creative freedom to be you and do you.

D9 Exalted Saturn

Justice. Duty. Not very affectionate but they make sure you have everything you need. Balanced approach. Someone thoughtful. They're fair in a fight.

Libra, venus ruled 7th house

Beauty, peace and harmony in thr relationship. You're not gonna feel like you're being taken for grated. They will treat you to nice things and probably have a schedule for dates and other such romantic leisure activities.

Jupiter rules 9th, in 2nd house

Philosophy. Art. Culture. Museums. Travel coudk be a key focus in your married life. This is something you two bond over. Could also strike God fortune when u do travel or go on pilgrimages. Luck and money via foreign sources.

Rahu in aquarius

Social media influence or you get better at making friends just make sure that they're not provoking you into taking uncalcukated risks or actions that are wya too bizarre. Could denote some kind of breakthrough with technology, a love for a high end gadget driven spaces. An interest in Photography. Any couples pictures posts would be well received. Like you're the couple that looks exotic in their photos. Radiant. Aloof, intellectual, stimulating and even more appealing together.

Jupiter Taurus in 2nd house of D9

Debilitated Jupiter 9th house- religious issues - venus 9th house - conversion?

You may have struggled with religious ideologies being forced on you, or the one you were born into didn't quite feel right. Your fs may follow a different religion or show you that being religious does not mean you feel bad about some of your lifestyle choices.

Pisces Mars d9: he is either tactful and charming or a bit manipulative. You may feel like you prefer to act behind the scenes. It may be a little hard to be recognized for the things you do untill you get really really angry.

D9 Cancer 4th house: the home is a serious source of pride. Beautiful interiors and you'd be quite guarded about who you invite over. The best meals. Soothing interiors.

Pilgrimage within the 1st year of becoming a mom ( Jupiter's aspect on the 9th house)

Venus in Sagittarius D9: future BAE is gonna love his freedom. He could be a workaholic.

Alrighty, that's all I've got today. I hope this helps. I wish you the best on your healing and integration journey

[haechanplsacceptmylove]

Ruin You

Characters: BF!Johnny x reader

Warning(s): adult content, unprotected sex, spanking, edging, bulging, daddy kink, choking, oral: giving and receiving, basically just Johnny ruining you.

Genre: smut

Summary: Johnny finally decides to take a step and discover your body and ruin your innocence.

Word count: 2k

Requested✅

You enter your boyfriend's apartment with a devious smirk on your face, excited to startle him but as soon as you get close to his room you hear the shower sound from his bathroom. You sigh entering his room, seeing his shirt thrown on his bed you run to it and quickly change your clothes. You look at the mirror: his black shirt reaching the middle of your now bare thighs and smile to yourself jumping on his bed and laying on your stomach taking your phone out to play a game while waiting for your boyfriend. 

You and Johnny have been dating for couple months now, you met him in the club where you were celebrating your 21st birthday and you both just ended up having each other's numbers. You told him from the beginning that you want to take things slowly especially when this was your first relationship and he completely understood your situation, especially after experiencing your innocence on the dance floor.

"hi babygirl" your boyfriend's voice interrupts your thoughts as your head turns to the direction of his voice. You blush looking immediately away. He only had a towel wrapped around his hips, as one of his hands was using another towel drying his hair. "aw don't be shy" you hear him chuckling "just put your clothes on oh god Johnny" you say huffing trying your best to stop blushing "what if i won't" you turn your head back towards him in shock and your eyes end up staring at his perfect muscly body "like what you see?" he smirks walking closer. You huff and look away blushing more "y-you're going to be sick if you don't put clothes on" you stutter making him laugh at your flustered state. You feel his warm hand on the back of your thighs, freezing immediately. "you expect me to stay still and control my hormones when my cute tiny babygirl is wearing my shirt and swaying her pretty legs in front of me like that?" he whispers in yours ears, still massaging your thighs. You uncontrollably close your thighs making him shake his head. "come on baby" he hovers on you from behind, still whispering in your ear "i know you want to touch me" he kisses your earlobe, now his both hands are massaging your both thighs making you shiver at the feeling. "J-Johnny-" "it's daddy" you bite your lips as he trails wet pecks on the area behind your ears down to your nape and shoulders making you shiver more, accidentally letting out a small whine "you like that?" he teases. You lean your head down into the pillows in embarrassment, giving Johnny more access to your nape as he doesn't waste any time to attack it with kisses and sucking on it leaving bright red marks on it. You bite yours lips trying your best to not make any sound, but your body says otherwise as you keep shivering and curling your toes whenever his lips make connect with your soft skin. 

Johnny gets up and turns you around, smiling at your red cheeks as you try to look at anything else other than him. He holds your chin forcing you to look at him, you shut your eyes as soon as you see him leaning closer, earning another chuckle from him. Finally you feel his hot tasty lips on yours as you return the kiss immediately going straightly to a needy heated make out. You wrap your arms around his neck deepening the kiss, feeling his warm hands go under your (his) shirt, rubbing on your soft stomach. You break the kiss to catch your breath as you stare into each other's eyes. "tell me whenever you want to stop" you nod. He leans back taking your hand in his hand and placing it on his well built abs making you bite your lips, feeling as if your face's burning in embarrassment. You bring your other hand and place it on his abs along with the other one, Johnny let's go of his grip on your hand and looks at you as you stroke your hands from his v line up to his chest, making him bite his lips trying his best to control himself. You look down and blush, seeing the bulge that has formed under his towel. Johnny notices and smirks "you see what you do to me babygirl?" you look away. Johnny takes your hands and pins them above your head "answer me when i ask" you gulp "y-yes". He starts sucking and biting onto your neck, his hands reaching the hem of your shirt, taking it off you. You try to cover your exposed body but he holds your hands "you're gorgeous y/n" he pecks your lips "so... No bra?" he smirks making your frustrated. As you were about to answer him you feel his hot lips on your nipple, sucking and biting on it, making you let out a low groan, biting your lips right after. "i want to hear your pretty moans baby" he says holding eye contact with you as he trails kisses from your left boob to your right, again sucking and biting on it as his hand massages the other. You let out a loud moan at the new feeling, your fingers tangling up with his hair. “you drive me crazy” he kisses down your stomach, finally reaching your clothed clit. He looks at you and you nod giving him the permission to continue. He presses soft kisses on your inner thighs making you squirm, finally kissing your sensitive clit, making you curl up your toes trying your best to control yourself. Johnny takes off your panties throwing them on the floor, not wasting any time, positioning himself between your legs, putting them on his shoulders as his tongue drowns between your folds making you moan closing your legs around your boyfriend's head. He quickly holds your thighs, opening them wide, attacking your sensitive nerves with his wet hot tongue, sucking and biting onto your clit, your moans music to his ears. He finally inserts his tongue into you and you grab his hair, pushing him deeper "y-yes daddy please don't stop". Hearing you, Johnny quickly inserts two fingers into you, making your back arch as a loud moan escapes your lips. He starts thrusting them in and out of you in a quick pace making you see starts. "f-fuck i think I'll cum-" you moan making Johnny stop all of his movements. You whimper at the emptiness "what was that for" your frown. "do you know how many times i had to hold myself from destroying your little cunt and just release myself in the bathroom because of you?" he says licking his fingers. You bite your lips "now you're going to pay for that baby" he says, motioning to you to sit down in front of him on the edge of the bed as he gets off it. He stands in front of you, looking down at you. He grabs your small hand and puts it on his hard member, making him groan and throw his head back in pleasure. You lick your lips and start stroking his member through the towel. "yes baby just like that" he starts thrusting into your hand making himself moan. You bite your lips and take off his towel slowly, freeing his big member. You gulp at his size making him chuckle "big, isn't it?" he smirks "i-it is" you look at him "it's okay baby i know you can take it" you nod. You start stroking his member, Johnny following your moves. You lick your lips and lean towards his throbbing member, licking the precum. You give the head couple kitten licks "don't tease babygirl" you finally take him in your mouth, holding eye contact with him, making him twist in your mouth at the hot view in front of him: his innocent cute girlfriend on her knees taking his huge member in her mouth. He throws his head back as you start sucking him up and down, using your hand to stroke the left of his length that's definitely not fitting in your mouth. Johnny holds your head and starts thrusting into your throat making you gag around him, tears streaming down your face, he holds you still, cutting off your breathing space, you tap on his thighs and he takes himself out of you, letting you cough and breathe heavily. "fuck baby you make me lose my control" he pushes you back on your back and hovers up on you and opens your legs wide, wrapping them around his hips. "I'll try to be gentle baby" he says kissing you, as his huge member stretches your entrance, finally entering you. You feel your insides getting stretched out and you hold his arms. He stays still making you adjust to his huge size. You nod making him start thrusting in and out of you in a slow pace, fastening slowly. "g-go faster" his thrusts get a lot faster, making you both moan in pleasure "shit babygirl you're so fucking tight mmh perfectly sucking my dick into you" he sucks your earlobe making you moan louder "fuck oh my god don't stop daddy" you cry out feeling him thrust deeper and faster, hitting your g post every time. You scratch his back leaving red marks on it, making him groan in your ear "fuck baby you feel so good" he sucks on your neck leaving red and purple marks, his hand goes down to your stomach, eyes following it, making him smirk at the bulge formed in your stomach "fuck baby im in your guts" he chuckles, pressing on your stomach, feeling himself fuck you raw. "fuck daddy I'm close-" he pulls himself out of you making you cry out "do you deserve it baby?" "y-yes please i want to cum daddy please" you cry out, throwing all of your shame away. Johnny turns you around so now you're laying on your stomach, he places a pillow under you hips making your ass higher. "now start counting" he spanks you, earning a yelp from you "o-one... two... thr-ee".... "f-four" he rubs the red marks on your buttcheeks "these are how many times i just wanted to pin on you on the wall and fuck you senseless in just one day" he kisses your back, spreading your buttcheeks and slamming into you from behind, making you yelp. He starts immediately thrusting fast and deep making you on cloud nine. "fuck y-yes daddy you're so good" you yelp as Johnny spanks you again, one of his hands going up to wrap around your throat adding pressure now and then, as his other hand goes down to rub onto your clit increasing the pleasure, he leans down groaning and whispering dirty things into your ear. You starts moaning louder feeling close for the third time "please daddy let me cum I've been a good girl" "hm should i let you" he questions, sucking on your shoulder "y-yes please daddy let me cum around your big dick- oh god" "cum baby" you cum, clenching around his member making him moan and release into you, painting your walls white and filling you up. He collapses next to you and takes you into his embrace "fuck baby that was amazing" he pants kissing your head while stroking your back. You hide your embarrassed face into his chest making him giggle "c'mon baby don't be shy" you hit his arm playfully. He holds your chin finally making you look at him "i guess you're not innocent anymore" you grab the pillow and throw it at him, making you both chuckle. Let's go shower. "t-together?" "together" he carries you to the bathroom with a smirk.

[witcherdoaks]

Spring Day: Brief Reunion

Word Count: 4,879

Warnings: blood, violence, some gore and the after math of that.

Previous Post in the series: Prologue

Masterlist: Spring Day

“When was the last time you bathed, you heathen?” Yennefer scrunched up her face and brought her sleeve to her nose in disgust. The herbal scent that clung to her clothing served to chase the stench away. Even so, death and despair were hard to get rid of. 

“Nice to see you too, Yen.” Geralt greeted her, unperturbed and rather used to the way he started to reek in recent days. He didn’t bother moving from where he was laying on his back, head on a log, looking up at the clouds. It would downpour heavily after this blasted heat was through. 

“Does it mean anything to you that your trusted stead isn’t willing to come near you?”

“Hmm.” The man glanced at her then in the direction that Roach wandered off after he had dismounted. Maybe he should have found a river earlier. 

The sorceress rolled her eyes, lightly kicking his side to have his gaze back on her. “The next town is only a couple of hours walk. Let’s go.”

Geralt sighed. He was heading there anyway, so he had no reason to object. It was best to get up before Yen started to seriously kick him, he decided. He whistled for Roach, and the mare dutifully trotted in his direction but neighed when he moved closer to her. Yennefer hid her laugh as she walked ahead of them, but otherwise didn’t strike up conversation as they walked. A companionable silence surrounded them. 

The three of them reached a tavern at the heart of the town at which point Geralt told Yennefer he didn’t have the coin to even afford a bath at such a place and was about to turn around to go to one of the smaller establishments in the outskirts of town when Yen snatched the reins from his hands. She continued to ignore him as she took Roach to the horse stable and promptly walked into the building. Those unfortunate enough to be sitting close to their path gagged and scurried away. Witch and Witcher reached the bar counter where the tavern owner was. Like the other humans, he was revolted by the odor rolling off the man, but he worried more about the loss of revenue from having rumors of letting foul smelling people like them into his tavern. 

“Do you have coin?” The man skeptically asked, stopping from cleaning the countertop. 

“No.” Geralt ground out, glaring at the woman beside him. 

“Then I really must ask you two to leave now.”

“My, it seems you don’t recognize my companion despite the many songs composed in his honor.” Yennefer leaned against the counter, looking at the man with predatory amusement dancing in her expression. She was clearly enjoying the exchange. 

The older man frowned and stared at Geralt until he put the pieces together. He gasped and hurriedly shook his head, negating her statement. “By gods, I didn’t realize.”

“Evidently,” The woman flicked an imaginary lint ball from the counter surface.

“Is there anything I could do for you?” The tavern owner nervously wrung the cloth in his hands. 

“Well,” Yennefer drawled, “we were looking for lodging—

“The white wolf can stay here free of charge,” the tavern owner readily agreed. He glanced at Geralt once again, looking him up and down before adding, “We’ll draw up a bath for you immediately!” 

Geralt warily looked at Yennefer’s triumphant gaze. Despite his bettered reputation, not many were keen on giving away handouts, especially not tavern owners that normally charged ridiculous lodging prices. They were offered drinks and food while they waited for his bath to be drawn. Yennefer was all too happy to accept the free service. 

It wasn’t long before they were shown to their room and Yennefer was ordering him to strip and get in the water immediately. The grime which served as second skin reluctantly washed off eventually. In the meantime, Geralt asked the mage why she was doing any of this. Something was happening, and he wanted to know what. 

“This town is plagued by a rampaging bruxa, the poor souls.” She responded, her voice dripping with too much sympathy to be sincere. “Seems like they want you to get rid of them.”

He looked up at her unimpressed, “And you couldn’t deal with it?”

“Of course I could, silly Witcher,” Yen said, dumping another pitcher of water onto his head unceremoniously, “I just didn’t want to. Besides, your bard is in town, sniffing for a new adventure surely.”

Geralt groaned and tried sinking further into the bath. An impossible action given his size. 

“Oh stop that,” she admonished, batting him with a washcloth, “Jaskier is looking forward to it just as much as you.” 

The Witcher raised an eyebrow in question while reaching over for his drink. 

At this she grinned, “We traveled here together.”

“You set this up,” he accused, narrowing his eyes at her as he took a swig of the burning liquid. 

“For free room and board at a decent establishment, how could I not?” The sorceress laughed while she redirected the water Geralt had thrown her way. “I suggest you find Jaskier before going to talk to the town lord. You’ll be interested to know he made a new friend. I believe he’s called Greg.”

Geralt hummed noncomittingly, but wondered who this new person was. Yennefer rolled her eyes at him and dropped the washcloth on his head, standing up and walking toward the door. She grinned at him just before she left the room and said, “Do let me know how it goes.” 

The door closed quietly behind her, leaving Geralt in tepid water. He tipped his head back to chig the rest of his drink. The cloth fell to the ground, soaking up the spilled water around the tub. Deciding he didn't want to prune any further, the witcher stood up out of the bath, water sloshed and dripped everywhere as he reached for a nearby bath towel. Outside of the washroom he found that Yennefer had rummaged through his travel bags and set aside a change of clothes, draping them over the chair near the bed. It was his Manticore ensemble sans the armor. He rifled through the bags and around the room, but the woman had taken his armor and any other alternative, leaving him only the bare essentials when it came to his weaponry. Geralt supposed he didn’t need the other gear until he confirmed the contract and hunted the vampire, yet he would make sure to get Yennefer back for this. 

Once he was dressed and putting on his boots, he thought about whether or not to fetch Jaskier like the sorceress suggested.  If it was a bruxa, Jaskier would either be in the way or in danger. Both were equally likely that they may as well be the same. Knowing the bard, he would be too easily swayed by the charms of the bruxa to even put up a decent fight. That train of thought solidified his decision not to seek Jaskier out until he fulfilled this particular contract; he could always give the man the details, as few as Jaskier complained he was given, later. Geralt doubted he would see him along the way anyway considering the bard would more than likely be in the busiest place in town, drawing up a crowd with his new pal Greg. That or the nearest monastery library, doing extensive reading on anything and everything under the sun for the sake of his music. Geral fastened his weapon scabbards and made his way out of the tavern after asking someone in what direction the lord’s house was located. 

Walking through the town’s cobblestone streets drew whispers and the eyes of the townsfolk. Those that recognized him quickly alerted the others. Children were peeking at him from behind the skirts of their mothers, staring at him with wide saucer eyes, able to tell he was different but not able to pinpoint why. It was their innocent curiosity that was unsettling to Geralt, yet they reminded him of a younger Ciri so he tried not to come off as menacing. He was about to reach the long path leading to the lord’s house when he heard his name being called in the distance. 

Fuck. He had wanted to avoid Jaskier until the contract was over. How the hell did he get discovered so fast? Then again, news travels fast by word of mouth, especially news of a Witcher staying in town. Geralt stopped and turned around to see Jaskier jogging toward him, arm extended above his head to wave. He was wearing a forest green attire with white and gold details, doublet unlaced and revealing his white chemise. 

“Geralt!” The bard smiled once he stood in front, looking over him appreciatively. “Moving away from the all black, I see.” 

Warmth spread up Geralt’s neck, and he did his best to avoid it going on his face, remembering how Lambert used to tease him about the facility with which one could notice his embarrassment given how pale he was. 

“Well, enough of that,” Jaskier motioned, “we have a plump little man to see.”

The walk to the lord’s house was filled with idle chatter, what with Jaskier talking enough for the two of them. Geralt didn’t mind, at some point he went from wanting his companion to shut up for longer than five seconds to considering him a comforting constant during his travels. Geralt only realized this change occurred when Jaskier stopped traveling with him after he yelled at the bard unnecessarily on the mountain that time. He still regretted his words, and Jaskier did eventually forgive him, citing that he needed new material for composing all the while delightfully stroking Roach’s mane. Geralt wouldn’t admit how relieved he had been when Jaskier had agreed to travel with him again. 

“Hmm, a lot bigger than I thought it would be,” Jaskier observed as they neared the gates. 

Armed guards were posted on the outside, though they seemed to be recent hires as they were idly lounging about the entrance with their weapons strewn carelessly on the ground before them. Still, Geralt stopped Jaskier from walking into their striking range should they foolishly decide to attack. 

 “Evening, gentlemen!”

“Whatta ya want, you overgrown shrub?” The man cackled at his own joke while his companion looked to be done with life. 

Jaskier made a discontented sound in his throat, glancing at Geralt before returning his attention to the two men. “We are here to speak with your good lord.”

“Oh, ya mean tha’ fat bas’ard hidin’ in his house while the res’ of us are slaugh’ered,” the man interrupted. 

“Yes?”

Geralt rolled his eyes and stepped forward. “Either you let us through or we’ll let ourselves through.”

“Don’ get your pan’ies in a twist, Witcher. We know who ya are,” The same man responded. “Tom, show ‘em in will ya?” 

Tom, a rather lanky man dressed in threadbare clothes, lost some of his despondent expression and stood up. Dusting himself off, he motioned for the two men to follow him. He led them through the gardens to the front entrance, where he called for the bailiff. An adequately dressed man came to the door and greeted them. He was average height and build but did not have that ruggedness of someone that plowed the fields or worked arduously. The new man gave them both a once over, seemingly skeptical of their ability. 

“Welcome,” he finally said, giving Tom instructions not to allow anyone else inside the gates before turning around to walk into the manor. 

Both men took this as their cue to follow through the marble hall and into the drawing room where the bailiff announced their presence. Among the opulence sat he who was the lord of the manor if the gaudy dress was any indication. 

“Ah, Witcher, welcome!” The rotund man spoke, beefy arms opening wide. “I was just about to send word to you.” 

Geralt grunted while Jaskier proceeded to bolster the man’s ego in an attempt to get the best rate out of him. The  gluttonous lord was basking in the compliments with the same gusto he reserved for the feasts he regularly held for himself. When Geralt couldn’t take more of it, he brusquely interrupted, “And the bruxa?”

“Oh, is that what that thing is called?” The lord was clearly put out at the change of subject, face contorting with disdain making him look even more unflattering than he was. “It’s been terrorizing the village peasants for a while now. It’s bad for business when your workers just die, you see.”

Jaskier tensed at the derogatory tone used for both monster and townsfolk while Geralt kept his face impassive, only the clench of his jaw revealed his mounting annoyance. Dealing with Lords and noblemen was infinitely worse than dealing with town folks; they thought they could throw their weight in gold around and everything would be fine. 

“I’ll pay you handsomely if you are able to kill it.”

There was no if about it, Geralt thought. The bruxa was going about killing innocents, not keeping any balance whatsoever if even this pompous lord was concerned enough to pay him to get rid of it. But he would determine that on his own later when he faced the bruxa. 

“That’s what we’re here for!” Jaskier chimed in, throwing his hands in the air in a grand gesture, “Worry not, your vampire infestation will be gone by sunrise. If you’ll excuse us.” 

“Oh, how about you stay here, bard?” The lord quickly suggested, “I doubt you’d be able to do anything against that vile monster anyway.”

“Well, you see —

“He’ll gladly stay,” Gerald interjected, fully expecting the bard to look over at him incredulously. 

“Geralt! —

“Splendid! I’ll throw in a few extra coins if you sing at dinner.” The lord clapped his hands and motioned them out, “You may leave now. The bailiff will show you to the guest rooms.”

Jaskier inclined his head and walked out with Geralt. The bailiff was waiting just outside the drawing room. “What the hell, Geralt? I would much rather have stayed at the town if you were going to ditch me.”

“I’m sure you’ll be able to survive the night without your adoring fans’ attention,” Geralt replied, rolling his eyes. 

“We’ll see,” Jaskier tsked and proceeded to walk ahead to start a conversation with their guide. 

The three reached the guest quarters, and the bailiff gave Jaskier a rundown of the Manor’s meal schedule and areas where he could explore in the meantime unless he was summoned by the lord. The witcher only half listened; he wouldn’t need to know any of this information anyway. His plans were to return to the tavern and collect his armor from Yennefer in order to start the hunt. He tuned back into the conversation as the bailiff was excusing himself. 

“What’s the real reason I have to stay here?” Jaskier demanded as soon as the bailiff was out of earshot, “And don’t give me that bygone excuse of me getting in the way.”

“It’s dangerous, Jaskier.”

“Pish posh.” The brunette crossed his arms in front of himself, “Life’s dangerous.”

“Well, I would rather you stay alive,” Geralt countered back honestly. “And not die”

This threw Jaskier off his groove, rendering him unable to reply as Geralt continued. “So if you could just stay put for once. I’ll answer all your questions when you get back.”

At that, Jaskier looked at him disbelieving. “You mean answers that are one word or  clipped sentences?”

Geralt sighed, “No Jaskier, you can pester me all you want as soon as I get back.”

Jaskier looked at him suspiciously but nodded regardless. “If you don't, you’ll let me ride on Roach for an entire month.”

“Deal.”

***

A couple of hours later found Jaskier pacing about the chamber room he was to sleep in. Geralt had left shortly after they made their pact and he was going to hunt the bruxa and come back in one piece hopefully. Dinner had been the hassle he thought it would be. Despite the delicious spread before him, he was hardly able to enjoy it as the Lord would request song after song, essentially demanding to be entertained constantly. The bard very nearly tossed the platter of boiled potatoes at the lord. He would have rather been fighting that bruxa himself with how done with the whole evening he was. Damn Geralt for having him stay here; he should've just stayed at the tavern with Yennefer. At least he had a coin purse filled to the brim for his troubles. Still, it was time to get ready for bed and await the witcher’s return in more comfortable clothing.

“Bard!”

Jaskier blearily opened his eyes, making a face at whoever was shaking him awake. He glanced out the room’s window. It was still dark out. “What’s going on?”

“The witcher is waiting for you outside the gates,” the man pushed his belongings at him, hovering over him. “This is terribly rude, but the lord wants you out immediately. I think the witcher insulted him when collecting his bounty.”

“Sounds like him.” Jaskier hurriedly put on his clothing and collected his lute and other items. He bade the bailiff well and quickly walked out of the room to the front entrance, hoping he wouldn't have to interact with the lord any further. The cold night made itself known, biting at him as he stepped out of the manor. Jaskier shivered and held his doublet closed, longing for the warmth of the bedchamber.

The gates squealed open reluctantly when he pushed at them. When he was on the other side of the gates, he couldn’t see Geralt anywhere.

“That arsehole,” Jaskier cursed, thinking the witcher had started walking to town without him, already planning on unleashing his wrath on him. “He deserves what’s coming to him.” 

The more he walked, the more confused he was. The path was fairly straight and unobstructed by trees, so he should have been able to see someone walking in front of him. His vision was top notch too, despite however many times Yennefer teased him about his humanness. 

Jaskier glanced back, no longer able to see the Manor having made a turn. The silence was broken by the sounds of twigs snapping in the forest further in front. The bard turned around, cursing that in his rush he had put his dagger in his lute bag. All the muscles in his body tensed when the rustling of the underbrush grew louder and he could make out a figure in the darkness. Part of him was convinced Geralt was just messing with him. Still he waited as the figure emerged from the forest. 

“Well, well, well, it's the witcher’s bard,” the man that stood guard at the gate from earlier said derisively. His disheveled appearance and that glint in his eye were unsettling in the darkness with only the moon’s glow lighting the path. He had his halberd with him.  

Jaskier tried smiling confidently, but here’s sure it came out more of a grimace. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up when he heard footsteps behind him. Taking a peak he saw the second guard and two other individuals moving to surround him.

“Look, gentlemen,” he nervously displayed his hands, “I really don’t mean to interrupt your late night plans.”

“Oh, what a shame,” the man shared a conspiratory look with his friends before smiling wickedly at Jaskier, “we were planning on offing the bumbling idiot ourselves and selling off his possessions, but we thought up of a different business adventure, so why don’t you help us out?”

“I really must be going.” 

“ ‘fraid you don’t have a choice anymore, bard,” the man motioned the others closer. “We need you for ransom.”

“Fuck if I don’t,” Jaskier replied, calculating his chances of slipping past the man unscather. The men behind him were also armed with swords. Jaskier’s heart hammered and the feeling that made his insides twist in discomfort intensified as he realized he was clearly outnumbered. He wouldn't go down without a fight. 

It was a tense moment before anyone moved. Jaskier determined none of them actually knew how to use their weapons given the pathetic way in which they were holding them. If he could just slip past them and into the woods, he would be free. 

“Enough waiting! Get him!” 

The men walked toward him, carefully even though he was clearly unarmed. At least they have some sense, Jaskier thought. The next moment occurred so suddenly as Jaskier made a split second decision. There was no time to dig out his dagger from the bag, so he brandished his lute as his only weapon and swung at the closest unsuspecting mad. He winced as his precious lute made contact, thankfully staying intact as it knocked the man to the ground. The other man yelled in anger and swung at him in a blind rage. Jaskier was able to dodge his uncontrolled swing and push him back, but he miscalculated in thinking the first man was knocked out for when he turned to the side to flee the man was already up and slashing. Jaskier had foolishly walked straight into the swinging path of the blade.

Searing pain erupted in his midsection, flesh was no match for sharpened metal. His lute clattered to the ground as he clutched at the wound with his arms. Someone from behind him kicked his back and he went tumbling forward, trying not to make the injury open further.  He screwed his eyes shut as his headband shoulder collided with the dirt path. The same person then kicked him onto his back, revealing the long gash at his abdomen from which blood poured out of, staining his clothes.

“You idiot!” their leader growled, stomping over to knock the man who slashed Jakier to the ground, “Now we can’t use him.”

“Gods, now the witcher will be after us,” Tom’s voice quivered in fear. The man on the ground paled at his words. “We’ve got to get out of here.”

“Help me,” Jaskier pleaded as another wave of nausea hit him, seeing so much of his own blood gush out. He was practically holding his innards inside himself. 

Tom looked at him in horror and turned around and fled, quickly followed by the man on the ground. 

Their leader cursed and kicked Jaskier, making him yell out in pain, “Bloody useless all of you.”’ He started to walk off after Tom. 

“Shouldn’t we kill him? Prevent the Witcher from knowing we did it?” The last of the group lingered near Jaskier called out, drawing his sword anew. 

“Leave him, the animals will get to him or the bloodloss. Whatever comes first.”

Jaskier didn’t try to get their attention again, determined to stay alive until Geralt or help arrived. His vision was swimming, so he shut his eyes and made sure the men were far enough away before he inched his way  to the underbrush to stay somewhat hidden. To his horror there was a trail of blood leading up to him. Now that he was situated under some cover, the effects of his injuries compounded. The adrenaline was wearing off, and he was getting cold. There was so much blood. 

***

The witcher let out a string of curses just as the bruxa’s head hit the ground. He glanced down at his body where his wounds were. Five gashes made their way from his lower ribs to his hips and more littereed his legs where the bruxa tried to disable him. When he wiped his brow, his hand came back with blood and sweat; his eyes stinging as a result. He cursed some more as he put away his weapons and retrieved the head, needing proof of his kill. All that was left was to head back to the manor and collect both the bard and his money. 

The road back to the manor was as desolate as it had been on the way to the hunt. There was still something unsettling about the night, which he had pushed aside earlier as his imagination and knowing there was a bruxa in the area. He noted the night was oddly silent, no screech owls preying on unsuspecting rodents and no wolves howling at the wind. The path before him seemed to stretch incredibly long. Maybe he should have brought Roach to have been able to get back to the Manor faster, but it really was unfair to not allow her to rest. 

His ears picked up a commotion, but he thought nothing of it, probably just some wild animals moving through the forest. Soon he was near the manor, and the gnawing feeling that something was wrong intensified. It was then that Geralt smelled the metallic scent of blood and drew his steel sword, not willing to take chances with his injury, and continued his trek more cautiously. Eventually he could discern a blood trail in the direction of the forest line, which he followed. 

“Geralt,” a weak voice flitted through the air, “that you?”

 And then much more softly as if unintended,  “Gods, I hope it isn’t some wild animal.”

Geralt lowered his weapon, and moved closer to the dense underbrush on the side of the path. The sword he had been carrying clattered to the ground when he dropped it and rushed to the bard. Jaskier was lying face up, leaning his head on a shrub and clutching at his abdomen. The bloodied scent was strongest where he was, and the dark stains on his clothes were telling; he had been there long enough for it to seep through his clothes and onto the ground. Immediately Geralt leaned down and gathered the bard into his arms. He was freezing to the touch.

“Everything is spinning, Geralt,” Jaskier murmured, burying his head further into the crook of his neck. The jostling movement unsettled him further as Geralt ran as fast as he was able to. “so hazy, and ‘m cold.”

“We’re almost to the town,” he lied, trying to comfort the man in his arms. The witcher suppressed a wince from the pain shooting through his own injuries with every step he took. He’d had much worse, but the bard was turning a worryingly pale shade making his lips seem blue and had started to break out in cold sweat a while ago. His breaths came in shorter intakes now. Geralt didn't remember the path to town being this long. Silence between them stretched an unsettling amount of time.  

“Jaskier!” the bard made unintelligible sounds. “Stay awake, talk to me.”

“The kugh.”

“What?”

“Coast.” Jaskier tiredely enunciated. “ ‘never did go to the coast.”

The end of his statement came out in one short breath, without his enhanced hearing Geralt was sure he wouldn’t have heard it. Then the bard went fully limp in his arms and panic bubbled up inside of Geralt. He tried to get a response out of Jaskier to no avail. He cursed when he could faintly make the town’s outline in the distance. At least they were close by now. 

If there were people out on the streets they would see him carrying the bard's dying body in his arms, unbridled panic and despair defining his usually stoic face. He didn’t care. He sprinted to get to the tavern, kicking the door open and frightening the few people who were up at this hour. People screamed when they saw the bloodied Witcher.

“Yennefer!” Geralt yelled, making his way further into the room. The tavern owner dashed up the stairs to fetch the woman while Geralt carefully placed Jaskier on a nearby table. It felt like an eternity before the sorceress appeared beside him, pushing him away to assess the damage. There was a long gash through the bard's stomach. His intestines were visible at the deepest portion. 

“You have to help him.” Geralt pleaded, not taking his eyes away from Jaskier’s face. 

“Jaskier!” She yelled at the man below her, checking for a pulse. No response; his pulse was weak and waning. “You stupid bard, you can’t die now.”

Yennefer did her best to heal him, mending the wound together and covering his organs once again, yet his breaths were shallower every second and he was still unresponsive. They were too late. “He’s lost too much blood already.”

“No.” Geralt refused to listen. “You’re wrong.”

“There’s nothing I can do.” Yennefer’s voice broke, staring at her bloodied hands and refusing to watch as life left the bard’s body. “Geralt, I’m sorry.”

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

Next post in the series: Ghost

[kinqjaehyxn]

Surprise

— johnny suh

genre: angst 

warning(s): breakups, single parent

word count: 1,045

a/n: omg im SUPER excited for the superm tour AHHH 

====================

"You have to be quiet Taewoo, it has to be a surprise." You whisper to your 5 year old son. 

You were at the SM building to surprise Johnny during practice. He had been so busy with practice for their upcoming album these past few days and you hadn't seen him in weeks. You missed him dearly, but to your surprise, your son seemed to miss him more than you. Johnny wasn't the biological father of your son, although you wish he was. He treated your little boy as if he was his own child. You were so glad to see the two of them get along so well; it made your heart melt every time you saw those two together. 

You two had met each other at the park while you were supervising Taewoo. He ran off in the blink of an eye causing you to panic. Not long after, Johnny had brought him back to you, holding Taewoo's tiny hand. You graciously thanked him over and over, to which he laughed at. The media had gotten pictures of you three and it spread all over the internet like wildfire. He reached out to you after your social media was leaked and offered to take you and Taewoo out for dinner as an apology for the whole mess. 

Despite only being together for 6 months, everyone loved you and Johnny together, including the fans. They would yearn for more Instagram videos that you would post when Johnny and Taewoo were playing with each other. Sure, there are some fans that didn't want you in the picture, but Johnny would always remind you that your relationship is for the both of you and nobody else. You were so thankful to have Johnny as a boyfriend; he was everything you could ever dream of.

Taewoo holds your hand tightly as the two of you walk down the hallway, excitement rushing through his petite body. "Do you think he's gonna like the drawing I drew for him?" He asks cheerfully, causing you to giggle. 

"Of course sweetie, he’ll love it!"

You got closer to his usual practice room, heart beating faster and faster. You wouldn't wait to wrap yourself in his arms again, missing the fresh scent that radiated from his body. The more steps you took, the clearer you could hear his sweet voice through the slightly opened doorway. "Okay, ready Taewoo? On the count of the three, we surprise Johnny!" You whisper and he jumps with anticipation. "One, two, thr—"

Before you could even finish counting, another unfamiliar voice began to speak. "You're doing great Johnny," The deep voice said. "Y/N and Taewoo have gotten great attention from everybody, this will boost the next album up remarkably. Keep it up for a couple more months and you'll be done."

You could barely hear the footsteps coming to your direction as you registered what you just heard. The door swings open to reveal a staff member walking out, smiling at you as he walks away. You can't help but stare at Johnny as he makes eye contact with you, praying that you hadn't heard what was just said. 

"Surprise!!" Your little one exclaims, running up to Johnny with open arms. 

Johnny snaps out of his trance, bending down to pick up Taewoo and spin him around. "Hey big guy, long time no see!" He says, voice slightly shaking with nervousness. 

"Mhm, I grew taller! Just wait, I'll grow taller than you in 10 days!" He brags. 

Johnny brings him back to the ground, tickling him as Taewoo's laughter bounces off the tense atmosphere. "Look, I made you a drawing!" He gives him a colourful paper, smiling from ear to ear. 

"Wow, it looks amazing kiddo! Thank you!" Johnny stares at the cutely drawn picture. 

"Thanks, I'm gonna go play with uncle Jaehyun now, bye!" He says cheerfully, running off.

You wait for Taewoo to leave before you speak. "Please tell me that I heard it wrong," You quietly say, unable to look Johnny in the eyes. 

Silence. You felt the tears burning your eyes, the feeling of betrayal and hurt coursing through our body. Johnny was at a loss for words, feeling absolutely pathetic. "Listen, I can explain okay—"

"Explain what? That you took us out that night as an opportunity to gain attention when you know damn well that you had eyes watching you? Was our whole relationship a lie? I thought you loved us," You broke down, not caring if you were a crying mess. 

"I do love you okay? It's just a misunderstanding." He tried to walk closer to you, but you took a step back. 

"A misunderstanding? You used Taewoo, my son, as a prop for some stupid publicity stunt? How could you?" You tried not to raise your voice, afraid Taewoo would hear you two arguing. 

This hurt Johnny more than anything, he didn't want to lose both of you, he loved you with his whole existence. He was heartbroken and so were you. "Y/N," He moved to grab your hand, but again, you backed away.

"Don't," You warn. "Just stay away from us." 

You pivot your heel and storm out of the practice room. Wiping your tears, you greet Jaehyun with a gentle smile and politely tell him that you and Taewoo had to leave. The two said their goodbyes and you carry Taewoo back to your car, fighting the tears that threatened to spill. "Where's Johnny mommy?" His sweet voice asks.

Your heart shattered. swallowing the lump forming once again at the back of your throat. "We're not gonna see him for a while okay?"

He pouted as you buckled him into his car seat. "Aw man. Is he going on vacation?" He asks innocently.

You bit your lip and nodded, kissing his forehead. You buckled yourself into the driver's seat and drove off, away from the SM building. Johnny watches through the window as your car drives off, his entire world crashing down on him. His tears rolled down and fell onto the drawing that Taewoo had drawn for him. He looked at it once more, facing the fact that he had just lost two of the best things that ever happened to him for good. 

[bcdrawsandwrites]

Next entry for @badthingshappenbingo!

I AM NO LONGER ACCEPTING PROMPTS! The single-bone marks on the card indicate which prompts I have received and am going to write, and I finally have prompts that will earn me a bingo once they’ve been posted (but they’re not posted yet)!

This fic has also been posted to FFN and AO3, so you can check it out on my Assortment of Broken Bones collection on there if you like!

This prompt came from @tomato-bitch! She had a more specific scenario in mind for this prompt...

Prompt: Mugging Characters: Héctor and Chicharrón, pre-movie

---~~~---

The night was cool, but not chilly, the air crisp and refreshing in his... well, where his lungs would have been. The sky was clear, the stars were bright, and the moon was full—it would have been a perfect night to sit outside, either on the rooftops or around a fire, and talk with his nearly-forgotten family.

But Héctor was far from Shantytown tonight.

He wished he weren't. He would rather be anywhere but here, doing anything other than what he was about to do.

Drawing in a breath, he cringed, bringing his hands to his cervical vertebrae, still tender from a few days ago.

"You think you can just waltz in here, take our stuff?"

"I'm sorry, señor, really—I'll be on my way and never bother you agai—"

"Oh, no, you're staying right here."

He swallowed down the pain in his throat. His voice was still rough—it was part of the reason he hadn't spoken to anyone in Shantytown for a few days. A small part of the reason, anyway.

"What do you guys think? That left femur of yours would fetch a nice price on the market, eh?"

"What—no, no, por favor, don't! I-I promise I won't come back, I won't say anything—"

"But you want this, right? You took a pretty gutsy risk coming here to try to swipe it."

"I-I..."

"How about this. You do us a favor, and we'll consider not pawning off your unbroken bones. And maybe throw this in as well."

"I... sí, okay, I'll do whatever you want!"

Whatever they wanted... He pinched the bridge of his nose, reminding himself not to use that phrase again.

"Wait, wait, no, that's... I-I don't have..."

"If you don't have that kind of money on you, we have no problem exchanging your bones for it."

"...How long will you give me?"

"Get back to us in three days. Right here, the morning following the third night."

"Thr—you can't be—?!"

"If we don't get it then, we'll track you down. Don't think you can hide, amigo. We have ways of finding you. So do we have a deal or not?"

"...Sí."

"Good."

It was not the kind of money that he could make running errands. It was not the kind of money he could make on odd jobs, or even pawning off every item in his possession. He'd tried, even—sold his good pens, the only chair in his shack, even the blanket he used to keep himself warm at night. He spent a day running every errand Ceci threw at him. (She'd asked him what he was trying to save up for this time, what the plan this year was, what happened to his throat. He couldn't give her a straight answer.) The money he'd saved up had straight-up not been enough.

It was the night of the third day, and the money was due tomorrow morning.

Héctor had no other choice.

...At least, that's what he told himself. The police were still an option. They weren't exactly on good terms with him, and he wouldn't exactly be in the clear himself given he'd been the one trying to steal in the first place (in order to illegally cross the flower bridge), but he could inform them of the criminals who were threatening him. The police could take care of that, and... well... he'd probably be arrested, but even a week in jail was better than permanently losing half his bones to some scumbags in the underworld of the underworld.

But... if he went to the police and got himself arrested, he wouldn't be able to cross. Dia de Muertos was only in two days. Even if by some miracle they didn't arrest him, he wouldn't be able to get...

Sighing, Héctor shook his head, bringing himself back to the present. No, he had to do this. If he wanted a shot at seeing his Coco again... he had to.

He had to.

After waiting for a few more moments, he surveyed his surroundings again—the buildings were tall here, and quite old. It was still several layers above Shantytown, but old enough that very few people actually lived here these days. The Land of the Dead, normally quite bright at night, was dark here, with few working streetlamps and no lights shining through any windows. As a result, it was not the safest place to be. Héctor had learned that the hard way, and discovered the reason why it could be so unsafe.

And now... he was about to become part of the reason why it was so unsafe.

It's for Coco, he told himself, shutting his eyes. It's for her. You can just do this once, so you can see her again, and then never do it again.

He peered down the street from his spot in the shadows of the alley, looking in both directions, but it was still clear. Something within him desperately hoped that someone would be here, while another, deeper part of him begged whatever higher power existed to not let a soul cross his path. But it was either this, getting torn apart, or missing another chance at crossing the bridge.

Leaning against a cold wall, he waited in silence, listening for any sounds of movement. For the past few hours, he'd only heard the occasional stray alebrije, which soared in the distance overhead. There were no creatures here in these streets, skeletal, alebrije, or otherwise.

As he waited, his mind drifted, and he tried to picture how old Coco was now. It was hard to imagine her as anything other than the small child he'd left behind, hard to imagine anything other than her soft, young voice. But she was in her seventies now, he knew—older than Imelda had lived. He wondered what sort of family she'd made for herself—if she had children of her own, if they had their own children. He wondered if she was in good health now.

Maybe he'd get to see for himself in a couple days, if everything went right.

If it didn't... well, maybe he would be lucky enough to try again next year. He couldn't count on it, though—as much as he hated to think of his daughter in such a state, she may not be in the best health. This could very well be his last chance.

He was so lost in his thoughts that he nearly missed the sound of footsteps. Sucking in air through his teeth, he listened—yes, someone was absolutely walking down the street, coming around the corner down the block. The footfalls were hesitant, as though trying to make as little noise as possible, though occasionally they moved in short bursts of speed. It was either someone who was very scared... or a criminal.

He desperately hoped it was not the latter.

Sure enough, someone came into view—they had a slight frame, and he could just make out the skirt they wore—a woman, then? Her feet made a pock, pock, pock noise as they made contact with the ground, and her bones did not clack—at least, not loud enough for him to hear. What was a soul like this doing here?

The still night air easily carried her quiet voice:

"No... no, th-this isn't right."

Héctor froze up, backing against the wall. She definitely sounded afraid.

"I thought I saw the path was...? Maybe it was f-further down?"

She was lost.

Carefully he poked his head out again—she wouldn't see him in the shadow of the alleyway like this. She was closer now, and he could see her better—from her frame and her voice, she sounded like she'd died young, what he could see of her clothing looked nice and clean, and she carried a big purse slung over her opposite shoulder. Meanwhile, her body language radiated fear and unease.

His immediate instinct was to approach her, reassure her, tell her the correct way to go, and, if she let him (people didn't tend to trust the nearly-forgotten, after all), help guide her out of this terrible place himself. But he held himself back, swallowing down the lump in his throat and feeling it plummet down to his stomach cavity.

No, he wasn't here to help her.

It's for Coco, he told himself again, gritting his teeth as he ducked back into the alley. It's for Coco, it's for her, you have to do this.

The woman was getting closer, though a part of him prayed that she would turn around, head back the other way.

It's for Coco.

She was getting closer. He could hear her nervous breathing.

It's for Coco.

Closer now. The stars reflected off of the tears in her eyes.

It's for Coco.

He did not want to do this.

But it's for Coco.

He did not want to do this.

But if you don't do this, you'll never see her again.

She was right in front of him, and he lunged at her, aiming for the purse.

The woman's scream tore through the night, and Héctor crashed to the ground—he'd missed. Immediately she took off running, and he reformed, charging after her. "Get back here!" he called, hating how rough his voice sounded, hating what he was doing, hating every part of this. "Just—please, just give me your money!"

She didn't answer, only screaming into the night: "HELP! SOMEONE, PLEASE!"

Any other night and he would be running off to help. Was there anyone around here that would do that?

The terror of the idea struck him—what if someone else was here? What if someone came to her rescue, and attacked him? Took him to the police?

"HELP!"

He couldn't let that happen—he had to get this over with, but his broken tibia ached and his fibula was threatening to pop loose again—he wasn't going to be able to keep up with her. Let her get away, a small part of him said, but he shook the thought away—he couldn't do that, but he wasn't sure if he could catch her, either.

Whether by stroke of luck or some devil tempting him, the woman's shoes caught on an uneven cobblestone, and she stumbled and fell.

Leave her alone, the small part said, but he charged at her anyway. He tried to yank her purse away, but wound up yanking her back up to her feet. Rolling with it, he shoved her against a nearby wall. She was crying.

"Leave me alone...!" she sobbed, as he tried to tug the purse away.

"I-I... I don't want to hurt you, señorita," Héctor stammered. "Just give me—"

To his surprise, she fought back, shoving at his sternum and jostling his broken ribs. He hissed in pain, but very quickly realized a problem, as the starlight above them reflected off her shining white bones: she was a remembered skeleton, and he was not.

"Get away, get off of me!" she cried, kicking and shoving at him as he struggled to keep hold of her. Her foot struck at his bad leg, and he held back a cry of pain, but the strained noise came through his throat anyway.

Apparently encouraged by this, the woman shoved at his bad arm, and he felt the two cracked halves of it rub against each other.

He couldn't fight her—she would win.

He had to play dirty.

Pulling back the arm that she'd successfully pushed away, he swung his fist at her, swiftly connecting with her skull and knocking it off her shoulders. While she screamed again, he'd successfully stunned her enough to stop fighting. He grabbed her purse, yanked it off her shoulders, and ran.

"No, no! GET BACK HERE! HELP! SOMEONE!"

But there was no one else around, and Héctor bolted off into the night.

He wasn't sure which was heavier: the stolen purse, which he struggled to carry, or his guilty conscience, which threatened to tug his heart down to the ground.

---

Héctor did not take the purse back to Shantytown, but sought out a safe spot on the way back to the location where he was to meet the awful men who started this in the first place.

Are you sure you're not one of them, amigo? a voice within him asked, and he swallowed the lump down again.

Sorting through the purse, he found several useless objects—a book of some sort, a box of candies, a stack of letters... He set them aside for now, continuing to dig through the purse until he found what he was looking for: a wallet.

As he'd hoped, it had a fair amount of money in it—more than he would have expected someone to carry on their person, but... he wouldn't complain. Pulling a meager amount of money out of his own pouch, he put it with the stolen money and began to count.

To his dismay, it was barely not enough. Wincing, he dug through the purse again, hoping he'd missed something, and sure enough, he found a smaller wallet within. For a moment he wondered why she would carry two wallets... until he realized this one didn't carry money.

Smiling faces of living family members peered out at him—brothers, sisters, parents, grandparents, nieces, nephews.

She had a family, too.

He turned to look at the other objects he'd set aside: The book was a sketchbook. The box of candies had a sticker label on the outside with a man's name on it. The letters were all addressed to different people with the same last name, in places in the Land of the Living.

She'd died recently, he realized—possibly on the way to mail these letters. She'd died, and had gotten lost, and he'd...

No, I had to do it. It's for Coco, it's...

Another thought shoved itself to the front of his mind:

What would Coco say, if she knew you'd done this to get to her?

His breath caught in his throat, and when he finally managed to breathe, it came in short, harsh sobs.

---

Héctor felt numb as he stood before them. He no longer had the purse; he'd hidden it away, feeling like he couldn't look at it any longer without getting sick.

"Ey, wasn't expecting you to actually do it," the man said, his mouth twisting into an unpleasant grin. "You came through, amigo."

I'm not your amigo. I'm not anyone's amigo, Héctor thought, but said nothing, staring off to the side.

"We could use someone like you."

"No."

"Suit yourself. Oh... but you wanted this, right?"

Again, Héctor said nothing, but didn't resist as the man pushed a large box into his arms. He did cringe when the man slammed a hand onto his back.

"Nice working with you."

Another voice spoke up: "Uhhh... jefe?"

They turned to see one of the other men, who had been counting the money Héctor had turned over. His stomach twisted.

"He's just... barely short."

"...Huh. You're right."

Héctor took a step back, wondering if he could make a break for it. "It's... it's only a little," he said. "If you give me another day, I could—"

"Oh, no, no, we had a deal." The man stepped up to him again, the friendly air he'd had earlier now long gone. "You make up the money to us, or we'll make it up with your bones."

"It's... I... I'm nearly forgotten, my bones are barely worth—"

The man lifted Héctor's chin with his knuckle, and Héctor grit his teeth as his head was turned to one side, then another, before he forcibly yanked himself away.

"No... I think you might have something worthwhile on you."

Héctor opened his mouth to protest, just as the man's fist connected with his face.

---

It was evening on Dia de Muertos, and Héctor had his scheme ready. His jaw still ached something terrible, but he reminded himself that he'd been lucky.

One tooth was a pretty small price to pay for being able to see his daughter.

But what about—

He shut down the voice again. No, focus, he just had to finish putting his plan into action, and then he could cross the bridge, and see his Coco, and then he would never have to think about the rest of this terrible, terrible week ever again.

"Hey, that's—"

"You!"

Instantly recognizing the voices, Héctor seized up in terror—no, this couldn't be happening, the police couldn't have found him this early—

"What do you think you're doing here, Rivera?! What are you doing with that?"

With a surge of panic, Héctor bolted, leaving behind the materials he'd fought so hard to retrieve, and any hope of seeing Coco that year.

He'd failed.

---

Héctor sat on the edge of his hammock numbly, having no other seat in his shack anymore. Dia de Muertos wasn't even over, but he couldn't even enact his plan—couldn't even go anywhere near the bridge. The police were clearly on the lookout for him—perhaps someone had given them a description of him as a forewarning.

He shuddered, one arm wrapped tightly around himself while his other hand massaged his jaw.

"You're back early."

Nearly falling backwards off his hammock, he looked up in shock to see Chicharrón standing in the doorway. The old man could move quietly when he needed to. "S... sí," he stammered, fighting to get back into a seated position again. "It's... it's not a good year."

He sat back, and the hammock immediately twisted, dumping him out the other side. He groaned, but made no effort to get back up.

Chicharrón stamped closer, grasped him by the heel, and yanked him away from the hammock. "Up."

Shakily he pushed himself back up to his feet, but couldn't keep his back straight for the heavy weight in his chest. Cheech looked him up and down, frowning, and Héctor sighed. "I didn't lose another rib, if that's what you're wondering."

"Then what did you lose?"

Perceptive. Héctor grimaced, showing his teeth, and turned his head to his right, so Cheech could see the missing tooth on the left side of his bottom jaw.

With a deep hum, Chicharrón turned around, stamping his way out the door. He didn't need to speak for Héctor to know that he wanted to be followed. Not particularly feeling like wallowing alone in misery tonight, he limped out after him. He would've snatched a bottle on his way out, but he'd sold that too a few days earlier.

To his surprise, Cheech immediately turned and climbed up the ladder (actually a series of boards nailed to the side of his house), sitting up on the edge of Héctor's roof, and Héctor joined him. The shack wasn't particularly tall, but it was still a nice view regardless. The old man produced a bottle that he'd evidently been hiding in his rib cage and took a deep gulp from it before passing it to Héctor, who gladly took a drink himself.

The alcohol took some of the weight off of his heavy heart, but it didn't make it go away entirely. It was better than nothing, at least, and Héctor and Chicharrón sat in silence for some time. No questions about how he'd lost his tooth, or why the night had been so terrible (other than the obvious). Just silence.

It was comforting, for a time. But the memories and thoughts of the past week didn't fade—of his failures, of Coco, of what he'd done. The latter especially still haunted him; every time he closed his eyes, he could see the woman's terrified face and hear her voice.

The comfort was soon gone, and the silence became suffocating.

"Cheech," Héctor finally said, voice choked. "Have you ever screwed up?"

"You think I'd be here if I hadn't?" Chicharrón snapped, yanking the bottle away and taking a swig, draining the last of it. He tossed the empty glass into the water below. "...Yeah. I have."

"What... do you do?"

"What can you do?"

Héctor snorted, leaning back to look at the stars, but it was cloudy tonight. It took him a moment before he realized Cheech was staring at him, and he gave a start.

"Wasn't a rhetorical question."

Oh. Héctor rubbed his jaw again, massaging the spot where he'd been hit. He couldn't go back to those men—there was no way he could get that money back without risking them trying to steal anything else from him. They may have already spent the money on who-knows-what anyway. He thought back to the woman, but he had no idea where she was staying. Even if he did, there was no way she would want to go anywhere near him. He couldn't blame her for that; he wouldn't want to go anywhere near himself either, after that.

"Well," he started, forcing a laugh. "I could... never do that again."

"Pshaw. Everyone screws up eventually."

Héctor shuddered. "No. Not like... not like what I did."

Shrugging, Chicharrón looked out over the town. "That it, then? Nothing else you can do?"

He thought about it further... and then he remembered. "Actually... I think there is."

"Yeah? What's—"

Héctor made to climb down off the roof, forgot he'd been drinking, lost his balance, and slid down off the inclined surface and into a pile of bones on the ground.

"Hm," Cheech grunted, staying up on the roof and tipping his hat over his eyes before leaning back. "Idiota."

---

He'd hid the purse away, in the midst of some fake plants, beneath the plastic wood chips that surrounded them. It took him a while to find the exact spot, and he earned himself a few odd glances when people saw him digging around. ("I dropped something here," he would explain, which wasn't technically a lie.) After a few hours of trying different spots, he finally unearthed the purse, carefully emptying it of any plastic chips before slinging it over his shoulder.

The next part of the plan was risky, but he knew a way to make it slightly easier. He swung by Ceci's place—her apartment, rather than her studio, and nearly bumped into her as she carried a basket of offerings to her door.

"Héctor?!" she cried, scrambling to keep a hold of the basket. "What are—ugh, I don't want to deal with your schemes tonight—"

"I—I know, Ceci, but please...!"

"I actually have the night off tonight, and for once—"

"I know Ceci, but I just—"

"Why are you wearing a purse anyway?"

"Ceci, por favor, I really, really need your help—just one thing, one."

He must have looked really desperate, because Ceci sighed, dropping her shoulders. "Fine. One thing," she said, stepping through the door to set the basket down. "What do you need?"

"I need... an outfit."

---

It was a nicer outfit than he'd expected—a warm cloak with a hood that he was sorely tempted to keep, but he'd promised her he'd bring this one back. To make sure he'd keep his word, she'd kept his goatee, which worked well enough, given he was disguising himself anyway. She'd also agreed to brush his wig, peppering it with some silver hairspray to make him look older. Instead of keeping the purse slung over his shoulder, he carried it in his arms, occasionally looking it over as he walked, rehearsing in his mind what he was going to say.

Still he felt uneasy as he reached the police department, and forced himself to walk through the doors without limping. A woman glanced up at him as he set the purse on the counter.

"I found this discarded near the street," he said, trying to hide the fact that his leg was in agony, as well as his terror that they would recognize him here. "Did... someone report a missing purse?"

After a brief conversation, the woman said she'd get it sorted out—a few people had reported missing purses recently. Héctor nodded, grateful, and left the building, nearly forgetting to mask his limp. He did limp back to Ceci's, though, exchanging the borrowed outfit for his original and his goatee.

"What were you doing, anyway?" Ceci asked, as he stuck his goatee back on. She was a lot less short with him than usual, and he chalked it up to the fact that he'd actually returned the outfit intact.

"Had to... return a stolen purse to the police," he said, quickly brushing his hands through his hair in an attempt to knock the silver out of it. He only succeeded in dusting the palms of his hands silver. "The police and I are, um... not exactly on good terms, heh, so I had to go in disguise so no one recognized me. They'd think I was up to something otherwise."

"You usually are," Ceci remarked, then swatted at his hand when he tried to brush it through his hair again. "Stop that, you'll get that silver everywhere." When he sighed, she crossed her arms. "You returned it, didn't you? What's there to be upset about?"

Good question. "Just... tired," he lied. He was hoping he'd feel better after returning the purse, but all of that woman's money was missing. Even if he'd been able to put it back, it wouldn't erase the fact that he'd chased the woman down and hit her.

He did have one extra thing added to the purse, however: a note.

I'm sorry for what I did. My daughter would never have wanted this. I hope you can enjoy your time with your family, on both sides of the bridge.

It didn't change what he'd done, but for now, Héctor hoped it would be enough.

[five-rivers]

Cauldron/Electricity

For some reason or another, this post kept being eaten, which is why it’s so late.  Sorry guys!

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Cauldron/Electricity

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The cauldron, or rather, the glowing green substance within it, bubbled and rolled. It did not boil. There was no fire beneath it. Lightning flashed, chartreuse, through the viridian clouds overhead. The air smelled of ozone, limes, and green peppers.

Sam stared down at the cauldron. She had no idea how she had gotten here. A ghost was probably responsible, in her life, ghosts were almost always responsible, but other that, blank. Nothing. Nada. Last thing she remembered, she had been brushing her teeth, getting ready for bed.

Was she dreaming? She dropped the long spoon she was holding, and pinched herself through her pajamas. No, it wasn't a dream.

Option two: overshadowing. The ghost would still be nearby. She felt for her wrist ray, but that, predictably, was gone.

She picked up the spoon. It was better than nothing, and the Fenton's had fought off ghosts with a mundane wooden baseball bat before. With the name Fenton on it.

The surrounding area didn't look promising. It was a high spot, almost craggy, surrounded by black, dripping trees. Between the color palette, and the odor in the air, this was almost certainly the Ghost Zone.

She hated being kidnapped. It played into too many stupid stereotypes. Also, it was being kidnapped, which was bad enough by itself.

She walked, placing her bare feet carefully, to where the ground started to drop off. Rough rocks and spindly, twisted trees laid scattered over a steep, almost vertical in places, slope. She could probably climb down, but it would hurt.

Down there didn't look all that great, either. She could see where the floating island dropped off into the great nothing of the Ghost Zone. Even of she did get down, there was nowhere to go and nowhere to hide.

The other side was much the same.

At this point, she was really hoping that Danny knew she was missing, because she didn't think she'd be able to get out of this without him.

Lighting forked down from the sky, shockingly white against all the green, and dipped down into cauldron. Sam threw herself to the ground. She was not going to be toasted by ghost lightning. Danny had never told her or Tucker what being electrocuted felt like, but she could draw conclusions from the screams and thr tender, careful way he moved after fighting with an electricity user.

The lightning stopped. Sam raised her head, ears ringing. Okay, regardless of whether or not there was anywhere to run to, she was going to climb down to where she wasn't the highest point ar-

A hand came out of the cauldron.

It was followed by an arm, a tuft of white hair, and then a body. A familiar body.

"Danny?"

Danny yelped, and threw himself backwards, knocking over the cauldron. He scrambled to his feet.

There was no sign of the ectoplasm that had been in the cauldron.

"Say something only Sam would!" he demanded, pointing.

"Uh," said Sam, mind going blank. "I think you should wear more black on a daily basis."

"You do?"

"Yeah, you could totally pull off the goth look. Where are we and what's going on?"

"You were possessed by this weird witchy ghost who had spells for ghost powers. She caused a bunch of trouble with love potions and curses and stuff, and she kept getting away when I tried to get her out, and when Tuck and I tried to ambush her in you room, she melted me, put me in a bottle, then brought me here and dumped me in that cauldron." He shuddered. "It's been hours."

Sam swallowed back a sour taste in the back of her mouth. "That sounds like multiple days."

Danny flinched. "Yeah, it's been a few. I'm sorry."

Sam took a deep breath. She was angry, but taking it out on Danny would be dumb and mean, and she'd been trying to be better about that kind of thing.

"Well, let's get out of here, and back home. If she's like any of the other ghosts we deal with, she'll be causing trouble."

"Oh, but I'm not like any of the other ghosts you deal with."

Sam spun to face the ghost. Like Danny said, her aesthetic was witch-like. She wore dark, loose, ragged clothing, and a tall pointed hat. Her skin was green, like most ghosts', but so were her eyes, and they were a deep forest green, barely glowing at all.

Danny inserted himself between Sam and the ghost, raised a hand and-

Nothing happened.

The ghost smiled. "It's good to know that at least that part of my spell worked properly. You are a most vexing subject to deal with."

"I do my best," said Danny. He glanced back at Sam.

She knew that look. No powers. Great.

"Who are you and what do you want?" asked Sam.

"My name was Vivian Davise. When I was alive, I was the strongest witch in North America. Real witch, mind you, not one of those children they murdered in Salem Town. But I died before I could pass on my skills." She smiled, too many teeth in her mouth. "Which is why I'm so luck I found you. You're perfect. You have the gift, and you have the inclination. You're even a descendant of mine."

So that's why her name sounded so familiar to Sam.

"So why kidnap us?" asked Danny.

"Well, I need to know if she's the right one for sure, don't I?" She looked at Sam, and flicked her fingers at Danny. "Make this ghost your familiar. Once I do so, I'll return his powers and you can leave. My old books are on this island. They'll explain how to do it."

"And how long will that take?" asked Sam. "Humans need to eat, you know." She was already feeling hungry.

"Then you had better eat fast."

"What if we don't want to do this familiar contract thing?" asked Danny. "No offense, Sam."

"It's fine."

"Well," purred the ghost. "That's not exactly up to you, is it? And don't try flying as humans. I've put safeguards up to prevent that." The ghot began to fade away. "Have fun!"

"Yeah, right," grumbled Sam.

"At least the sky is clearing up?" offered Danny. "And Tuck knows what happened, so..." he trailed off. He sighed, and flicked to human form before peeling off his coat and offering it to Sam. "You look cold."

"Thanks. I guess we'd better go look for those books." She frowned down the cliff. "I'm sorry about this."

"Don't be. You deal with my stuff all the time, and if we're apologizing for our ancestors, I should probably say something about one of mine trying to burn you alive."

"That's true."

Danny wound up giving his socks, shoes and jeans to Sam as well, then went ghost again so that both of them would be fully clothed. Neither he nor Sam wanted to try the climb without footwear.

Sam went first. Unlike Danny, she had some rock climbing experience, and thought it would be easier for her to find a safe path. Danny argued, of course, but Sam had the superior skill there as well, and won.

The climb wasn't too bad, but there were a couple of rough patches where she lost her grip or footing and slipped. She lost a fingernail, which was sure to annoy her mother when she noticed.

She didn't look up, but she didn't need to to feel Danny radiating worry down at her. This had to be hell on his Obsession. She mentally braced herself for the reflexive coddling she would receive later.

Danny started down once she reached the bottom, and she helped direct his descent. She couldn't see everything from down here, and he definitely picked out hand and footholds she couldn't, but she still helped him maneuver him out of a few places that looked like dead ends, and he got down faster than she had. He spent a few minutes fussing over her hands, and pulling band-aids out of his belt. But, finally, he wound down.

"So, I guess we should start looking for those books?" he asked.

Sam made a face. "Yeah, I guess so."

"Hey, it's okay. Look on the bright side: You can learn magic! I bet that'll be really useful."

"If any of it's real, and not just her ghost powers and delusions," said Sam, pessimistically. She allowed herself a tiny smile. "But, yeah, it would be cool."

.

.

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To be continued in Artifact/Nursery Rhyme...

[formerlyjannafaye]

Hide & Seek - Chapter 2

Guess who’s back with part 2 of her fic over a year after posting chapter one? Wow. This is the first bit of writing I’ve done in over 6 months. Its not my best, but I am proud of myself for finishing it. I hope you will check out ch.1&2 to get you in the mood for season 3! Time to work on a Mileven-centric ch. 3!

Part 1 | Read on AO3

"I hate this game."

Will tightened his grip on his wrist as he pulled his legs closer towards himself, hugging them to his body and resting his chin on his knees. He tried to take in a deep breath but it stuck in his throat and he hugged his legs even tighter in an attempt to push the air out, resulting in a quiet strangled cough.

Breathe, Will. It’s not real. You’re okay. Don’t be baby. Calm down.

This inner mantra never worked, but he tried it every time without fail. He pressed his back harder into the tree behind him, almost painfully, in an attempt to focus on something other than the fear.

This forest, its trees and hills, he knew too well. And hiding in this forest was something he was all too skilled at, the act of which was the current reason he was fighting off a panic attack.

Will had hidden in these woods a lot. The most recent time, it was cold and dark, and the air hurt to breathe. He felt permanently damp and chilled to the bone, unable to warm up if he tried. Today, he also felt permanently damp, but from heat instead of cold.

Oh.

It was too hot to be the Upside Down, and now that he looked around, too bright too.

Okay, this is good. Will managed to take in a breath and release it, his shoulders relaxing slightly at the motion. He tried to focus on other things that drew him to the present; the heat of the sun, a bird that flew by, the hard bark of the tree against his back. Will took in another deep breath and focused on releasing the air out his mouth, dropping his forehead to his knees as he breathed in and out, in and out.

The snap of a nearby branch made Will almost jump out of his skin.

“Sorry,” said a voice straining with effort to speak softly. “It’s just me, Will.”

Will peered up to see a curtain of red hair leaning over him. “Oh, hey Max,” he said, trying to steady his shaking voice and hands.

“Are you okay?” Max asked, still leaning over him, her normally piercing blue eyes soft with concern.

Will dusted his hands off on his shorts and rose to stand at her level. “Yeah, I’m okay. Just, you know,” he swallowed roughly, eyes roaming around them, unfocused, “these woods.”

Max’s eyebrows knit together with concern. “Bad memories?” she asked, before immediately wincing. “Oh my God, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that. I just mean…” She gestured around them awkwardly. “I meant, um…”

Will placed his hand on her arm, stopping her. “It’s okay, Max. Yeah, bad memories.” He tried to smile at her encouragingly. “I’m glad you found me.”

She returned his smile, grateful. “Come on. If we don’t hide quick, Dustin will be finding us next.”

They started walking, silently, Max in the lead. She walked quickly and confidently, Will right behind, finally able to keep in stride with most of his friends now that he had a recent growth spurt. In fact, Will was now tall enough to see the top of her head if he lifted his chin high enough. Max was marching forward with purpose – if she was shaken at all by finding Will in the state he was, she didn’t show it, much to his relief.

If Will had learned anything about Max in the past few months it was that beyond her cool skater girl exterior, she was surprisingly kind and compassionate, but never coddling. It was a welcome break from his mom, brother, and the rest of the Party who meant well and tried their best, but at times made him feel babied nonetheless. He wasn’t sure why her compassion seemed to hit the right mark; perhaps she saw in him the same wounded strength that he recognised in her. Maybe that’s why El found it so easy to be friends with her, too.

Max’s confident strides turned hesitant for a moment and then slowed to a stop. Will nearly walked into her right arm, which she threw out from her side in silent warning. Her head jerked back towards him and she smashed the fingers from her other hand over her mouth in a silent, “shhhh.”

Will froze in place, his eyes scanning the trees around them to see if the jig was up. Max was doing the same, her arm still out and pressed against Will’s chest. Suddenly, Will sucked in his breath as he caught a glimpse of someone behind the tree directly in front of them.

Will nudged Max’s arm, gesturing at the tree, and she sucked in a gasp, too, remaining still as stone as a slender hand braced itself around the tree. They heard low murmuring and then a soft giggle that they both recognised immediately.

Will’s shoulders relaxed. “Mike and El,” he whispered.

Max dropped her arms back to her sides and rolled her eyes. "Better go the other way. Don't want to see anything we can't unsee."

With that, she turned on her heel in the opposite direction, moving away from the giggling at the same quick pace as before. Only once they were a few yards away did she slow down enough that Will could walk beside her.

"Are they always going to be like that?" Max asked, tossing a glance over her shoulder, her hair whipping over her shoulder at the motion.

Her tone surprised him. Normally Max was the one telling the guys to lay off of El and Mike for their couple-y antics, but at this moment she sounded nearly as testy as Dustin was earlier when Lucas ate the last strawberry poptart.

"Like a gooey pile of googly eyes who are all over each other? Yeah. Yeah, I think so." Will smiled slightly. "I think it's kind of cute."

"Seriously?” Max’s eyebrows nearly disappeared into her hairline. “Yuck."

Will paused, thoughtful. "It is a little much sometimes, yeah. But I'm just really glad they're happy. After last year..." Will swallowed, trailing off. "Mike was really sad before, like I've never seen him. And he just, he deserves to be happy. This happy."

Max didn’t reply, her eyes glued to the grass below them. Will glanced over at her and could tell something was upsetting her. Her shoulders had slumped slightly and she was close to tripping on her feet, the way she was dragging them. He was just opening his mouth to ask what was wrong when he heard someone call his name, freezing him to the spot. Just as a quickly there was a crash, and more yelling.

“Dustin!” Max hissed, starting to run.

Will was hot on her heels as they darted through the trees, weaving deeper and deeper into the forest. His feet seemed to direct him on autopilot, and at last he saw their destination in the distance. “This way,” he called, grabbing her by the wrist and diving headfirst into the felt blanket doors of Castle Byers.

They crashed in a heap on the ground, panting from their sprint. They listened for Dustin’s voice but the only sound other than their own breathing was the call of a crow flying overhead.

“I think…I think we’re safe,” Max said, sighing a breath of relief. She looked around, taking in her surroundings. “I don’t think we’ll be safe here for long. Too obvious.”

“I think we’ll be okay here for a while.” Will scooted over to the pile of blankets that formed a makeshift bed in the corner of the fort. Wiping at sweat on his brow, he sat down and stretched his legs out in front of him. “By the sounds of it, Dustin ate it back there. I hope he’s okay.”

Max smirked and plopped herself down beside Will on the blankets. “Yeah, knowing Dustin he’s probably milking that for all its worth. I love the guy, but he’s pretty dramatic.”

Will smiled despite himself. “Yeah, Dustin can lay it on thick. But he’s also the life of the party. Sometimes I wish I could be more like that.” He picked at a scab on his knee absentmindedly. “Dustin seems to always have a good time even if something’s bothering him. He can make things feel normal, even when they’re weird, you know?”

Max bent forward to retie her loose shoelace. “Yeah. He’s good at that. Must be nice.”

Will tried to read Max’s expression, but her hair was hiding her face. He felt jealous for a moment of her long, red hair – it made her stand out but also was like a wall of protection she hung around her when she wanted to, like she was doing now.

“Max?” Will said, nudging her shoulder with his own. “Is everything okay?”

Max shook her hair even further over her face. “I’m fine. Just…overheated.”

“Okay,” Will said, smoothing his hands on his shorts, before pushing the hair off his face. “Its okay if you’re not, too.”

There was a beat of silence where Will thought he said the wrong thing, but then Max exhaled a massive sigh. The puff of air blew her hair off her face, and she rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “I’m that obvious, huh?”

“Well…you’re not Dustin,” Will shrugged in reply, not wanting to push her further. She hadn’t pushed him to spill when she found him earlier, so it didn’t feel fair for him not to show her the same courtesy. If she wanted to talk, she could, but he wouldn’t force her to – even though he was eager to listen and help.

She fiddled with the yellow scrunchie on her wrist. “Its just that, I don’t know, its stupid, but like, seeing Mike and El today just made me mad. And then you said what you said, and I felt bad.”

Will felt his stomach drop. “I didn’t mean to-”

“No, its okay, Will. I should feel bad. I do.” She looked him in the eye then, and he could see hers were wet with tears. “Its not like Mike and El have had it easy then, or even now. Its just that…I understand now how they must feel. I’m just…I’m so tired of hiding.”

“What do you mean?” Will’s brows furrowed, confused.

“Like, Mike and El had to hide for a long time, I know. But now? Now they can hold hands, and be a couple, and kiss, and he’s at her house all the time. But its not that easy for everyone. Its not that easy for me and Lucas, because…” Max’s face was flushed with anger and embarrassment. “Because Billy, and now Neil.”

“Neil. Like, your dad?”

“My stepdad.” Max ran a hand through her hair, pushing it out of her face. “He’s an asshole. He thinks he knows everything and can control everyone. But he can’t.” She set her jaw determinedly, eyes blazing intensely. “I won’t let him control me. Ever.”

It was as though Max’s fierce stare scared the sunlight away. The fort was much darker than before, the air tense and heavy with humidity.

Will squirmed a bit, unsure of whether he should ask Max what she meant or if she would say more. She didn’t speak, though; but the darker atmosphere made Castle Byers feel like a more intimate space for this kind of conversation and gave Will a boost of courage he needed to speak.

“Does Neil not like Lucas?” he asked quietly.

Max rolled her eyes and huffed another sigh. “Neil doesn’t like anybody. I don’t know what my mom was thinking when she married him.” She bit her lip, considering her next words. “He doesn’t like anyone, but…he really doesn’t like Lucas. Or his family. Or any of his ‘kind of people,’” she said, making air quotes with her fingers, cheeks reddening in anger.

“Oh.” Will’s eyes widened in understanding. The Sinclair’s were a welcomed, well-respected family in Hawkins, but there were a few idiots who had no qualms about using racist terms to talk about them or other people of colour in town. The people who spoke like that weren’t held in high regard in most social circles, but still, it happened. Lucas didn’t really talk about it (just like Will didn’t talk about the specific names he got called), but he knew it bothered him.

“Yeah.” Max fiddled with a stray thread on one of the blankets. “I tried to make sure he didn’t know about me and Lucas, because I knew I’d get in deep shit if he found out. But he did. And he was so angry. And he said such horrible things…I had told Lucas not to come to the house…” she trailed off, voice wavering.

Will scratched at a mosquito bite on his neck, feeling awkward, not knowing what to say. Lucas had told him before that he’d only been to Max’s house a few times, and had never even gone inside. Will and the rest of the party had never been to her place at all. He was so used to everyone being at his place, like they had been earlier today, that he hadn’t considered how lonely it would to never have his friends in that part of his life.

Will knew what it was like to not feel safe in your own house, but when it was filled with his friends, with the people he loved, he felt safer. He felt happier, and lighter. His heart felt heavy in his chest when he thought how Max hadn’t experienced that since moving to Hawkins.

“What happened?” he asked.

Max stared at her hands, never once looking up. “Neil saw Lucas and I hugging before he left for camp. Hugging! He lost his mind. I told Lucas to get out of there, fast. When I got inside, he yelled at me. Grounded me, smashed my supercom,” she hugged her knees even tighter. “Then he told me, ‘I should do something about this, but I won’t. I don’t have to.’” She trembled a bit, her nails digging into her wrist. “He said that bad things happen to guys like Lucas when they go out with girls like me. He said that soon enough, someone would see us together and ‘put Lucas in his place.’”

Will’s heart was pounding in his chest, horrified at what she was saying. He thought Max’s family didn’t like Lucas, but he hadn’t considered that Lucas could be in danger because of them.

“He said more. I just can’t even say it.” Tears ran down her cheeks now, but she ignored them. “Since then its all I can think about when Lucas and I are out together. What if someone bad sees us? What if someone hurts him, just because he’s with me?”

Will scrambled to wrap his arm around her, pulling her towards his side, and she collapsed into him, resting her head on his shoulder. She was still crying – he could feel the tears on his t-shirt. His mind was racing. He wished he knew what to say, how to help, how to reassure her that it would be okay. But the thing was, he didn’t know that it would be okay.

“Does Lucas know about this?” It broke his heart to see Max so upset. He knew Lucas would be devastated.

Max shook her head, her sniffles quieting. “He knows Neil caught us and he knows I’m being weird. He can tell something’s wrong, I just…”she shrugged against Will’s shoulder. “I don’t want to hurt him.”

Will kept his arm around her, trying to ignore how sweaty it was to be so close together. His eyes roamed around the room, stopping on the picture of the party last Halloween. He stared at Lucas in the photo – smiling, happy, safe, like he should be. Like they all deserved to be. He blinked tears from his own eyes and bit his lip, trying to get his own emotions under control.

“I’m sorry your stepdad’s an asshole. I…I know a little bit what its like to have a shitty dad.”

Max’s sat up, looking at Will with concern and gave his knee a gentle squeeze. “It sucks,” she said simply, smearing a hand over her tearstained cheeks.

“Yeah, it sucks. I didn’t have this place then,” he said, gesturing around the fort, “but if I did, I would’ve hidden out here all the time. Just to get away from the yelling.”

“I need one of these,” Max said, stretching her legs out and leaning back on her hands. “Castle Mayfield doesn’t have the same ring to it, though.”

Will smiled. “I don’t know. I like it.” He uncurled his own legs up to sit the same way she was. “But if you like Castle Byers better, you’re always welcome here. Totally. All friends welcome.”

“Thanks, Will,” Max smiled for the first time in a long time, and Will felt like a weight slipped from his shoulders at the sight.

A clap of thunder made them both jump. Will peeked at the sky through a crack in the wooden wall in time to see a flash of light against the grey clouds. “The sky’s dark,” he said, “I think it’s gonna rain.”

Max blinked a stray raindrop out of her eyelashes. “I think its raining already, genius,” she teased.

The odd drop got to them, but the patchy roof of Castle Byers offered at least a bit of protection. It felt nice, and Max took the opportunity to lift her face to the rain, letting it cool her flushed cheeks and wash away her salty tears.

“Max?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks for telling me what you told me. I’m…I’m really sorry your stepdad is making things so hard.”

“Yeah, well, just be glad you don’t have one. You’re better off,” the steely gleam had returned to Max’s eyes, her mouth set in a thin line.

Will licked a stray raindrop from the corner of his lip. “I’ve never even thought of having a stepdad before, you know? My mom, Jonathan and I – we’re a good team, the three of us.” Like a flash of lighting, Bob’s face came to his mind, and he swallowed the lump in his throat. “I guess not all stepdads are bad. They can’t all be.”

Max closed her eyes and lifted her face to the rain again. “I guess.”

Will hadn’t really let his mind entertain the idea of his mom getting remarried, especially not since last fall. He hoped if his mom ever did get married, it would be to someone kind. Someone who accepted her quirks instead of fighting against them. It wasn’t likely to ever happen – who would be willing to step into his family, as burdened as they were? Who would possibly be able to handle all the issues and possible dangers that seemed to be tethered to them, no matter how hard they tried to escape them?

An idea came to his mind that made him smile. “I hope if my mom ever gets married, she marries someone better than my dad. Someone like…someone like Hopper.”

Max’s eyes flew open, her jaw dropping nearly to her knees. “What? Your mom and Hopper?”

Will laughed. “What? What’s wrong with Hopper?”

"You don't think Hopper is kind of…scary?" Max exclaimed, thinking of the commanding way the Chief carried himself, or the gruff tone he used to accuse her and El of getting into “shenanigans” whenever they were together (El said he was only teasing, but Max wasn’t always sure).

"Scary? No way! He's kind. He’s…he’s like a big teddy bear," Will said.

"Yeah, maybe with you.” Max huffed, punching Will lightly in the shoulder. “That's because he looks at you like you're made of rainbows and good intentions."

That made Will smile. "Maybe I am."

Max shook her head, her eyes shining with amusement. They sat in a comfortable silence for a moment before Will spoke again.

"You and Lucas deserve to be happy too, you know. You could be like them - like Mike and El."

Max looked at Will sadly, but her voice was hopeful. "Really? You think so?"

Will nodded in earnest. "Yeah, I do."

"I don’t know. You don't think people will judge us? That Lucas could...that he could get hurt?"

Will thought of his friend Lucas – stubborn, protective, incredibly brave; loyal to a fault. "I think Lucas can handle it. He's handled more than you know.” He bumped her sneaker with his own. “You can talk to him about this kind of stuff. His girlfriend told me he's really easy to talk to."

Max blushed, a small smile on her lips. “Thanks, Will.”

"And like I said, you’re always welcome to come here to talk or hang out whenever you want. By yourself, or with me, or with Lucas." Will had always been thankful for the safety of Castle Byers, and he wanted to pay it forward, especially to his friends. “It can be a safe space where you don’t have to hide.”

Max didn’t reply but threw herself at Will, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. Just as quickly, she leapt to her feet, reaching out her hand to help him up, too. “Come on. Dustin has probably given up now that its storming. We should get back to the clearing before they get worried about us.”

Will took her hand and let her pull him to his feet. As they stepped out of the fort and into the woods, he felt better than he had when the game started. The rain was cold, but he wasn’t afraid anymore.

“Hopper and your mom,” Max muttered under her breath, shaking her head. “There’s no way I’m not telling El about this.”

[nyctolovian]

Ch1

A/N: Heya! I’ve been really tired the past few days but i managed to get off my ass to post this lolllll. Once again, special thanks to @lunasloveliess, @oorubixoo, and @alunaii for helping me to beta-read this!! :)

I originally planned to post a new chapter once every Tuesday but god thats too tiring and i have a life (+ other wip to work on) so.... theres a change in plans! It will not have a fixed schedule but I’ll still try to keep it regular! dun worry!

Okay so we get to the next fun part of torturing Lance even more (i mean,,, thats the entire point of this fic tbh) 

WARNING: Graphic depiction of violence

Lance woke up with a groan. His entire body felt sore. And his head! He rubbed the side of it, and hissed at the stinging sensation.

“What the– What happened?” Gingerly, he pressed the painful spot. A bruise?

He was in a well-lit room with tables and chairs, which were haphazardly shoved to the sides of the room, toppled or broken apart. There had been a struggle or fight or something.

The smell of iron was heavy in the room.

Lance sat up and saw a Galra soldier on the floor, lying in a pool of blood. There was no way she was still alive with that much blood and the flap of flesh dangling at what used to be her throat.

Lance seized up as memories surged back. The distress signal, the capture, the attempted escape, the millions of bottles, the monstrous creature.

Why wasn’t he dead?

He lifted his hand saw it was caked with blood. In fact, both hands were. He felt his throat constrict.

But his hands weren’t wounded. The blood was from elsewhere.

Lance ran his tongue over his lips and cringed as he tasted blood. “Where the heck did that come from?” he muttered to himself.

He did a quick scan of himself. There was no gaping wound or anything of that sort. His back felt like there were glass shards in it, but that was probably because there were glass shards. Otherwise, he was only bruised and battered with a few shallow cuts, most likely from the glass as well.

Did the creature spare him? For what reason?

Maybe it didn’t spare him, so much as it had only sought vengeance from the Galra. It was hard to imagine anyone who would be thankful for being cooped up in a liquid-filled vessel.

But what was he doing here? Did the creature bring him here? For what?

Lance sighed. He decided not to question it. He was alive. That was all that mattered now. That and how he needed to get out. The others must be worried sick.

He rose to his feet, grunting in effort. His vision blacked out for a moment, and Lance had to stretch out his arms to keep himself steady. His sight gradually cleared, although he remained light-headed. The burning sensation in his back intensified, the glass shard relentless, as every other part of his body was aching dully, as though he had been thrown against several walls.

He stumbled out of the room and winced. The corridor was drenched in blood and littered with mauled bodies.

Some of them had their necks ripped through like the Galra in the room. Others had large gash at their torso, their ribs torn apart and left open. The occasional body was missing a limb or two, which could usually be found a couple of metres away, in its own pool of crimson. There were some bodies which were twisted unnaturally, bones snapped in two like toothpicks.

The corridor walls were scratched up and bathed in dark red. Certain parts were slightly charred. They were marks made by Galra blasters.

Then, there were the claw marks on some of the walls. Those clearly were not Galra.

He shuddered.

Jesus. That creature must have gone straight up mad to wreck the place like this. The place reeked of fresh blood and death.

Lance really was lucky to be spared from the massacre. Somehow.

He tried not to breathe in the scent of blood, but it was soon apparent that it was unavoidable. With a resigned sigh, he walked through the corridor, carefully avoiding the corpses.

He needed to find his lion and bayard. Then, he’d get out of here.

Soon, Lance reached a forked road and frowned.

Which way to turn? None of them felt like the right choice. He didn’t even know where he wanted to go in the first place. How on earth would he know if he should turn left or right?

Let’s try left.

He turned that way and continued down the long corridor. Not like he could make an informed decision at this point.

There were several other turns, and he trusted his gut feeling to direct him. It came to him quicker than usual.

Was he becoming another Keith Kogane? Maybe trusting instincts wasn’t that bad since Keith’s premonitions proved right.

After about five minutes of stumbling through the corridors, Lance noticed a familiar yellow figure on the floor. His breath caught in his throat as he dashed and skidded to his knees, uncaring that they would surely be bruised later. “Hunk?!”

He wasn’t… was he? It couldn’t be!

Fingers shaking, Lance held a hand in front of Hunk’s face.

He felt breath! Hunk was breathing!

He nearly collapsed onto his unconscious friend. “Oh, thank goodness.” He pat Hunk several times. “Hunk? Hunk? Wake up.”

When he didn’t respond, Lance’s heartbeat picked up again. He did a quick check on his friend. Hunk didn’t seem to be sustaining any major injuries. Lance turned his unconscious friend onto his back and checked his breathing closely. It seemed normal.

Nothing about Hunk raised any alarms; his life probably wasn’t in danger. Lance patted Hunk’s head, and reassured that he was fine.

The fact that Hunk was mostly unharmed supported Lance’s theory: the monster only attacked and harmed the Galra. Anyone else was left largely unharmed.

His stomach twisted in sympathy for the monster.

That poor fella. It must have been hurt so, so much for it to want vengeance this badly. His heart ached for the tortured soul of the creature, even if it was a scary monster.

With a grunt, Lance grabbed Hunk’s arm and threw it over his shoulder, hissing in pain.

The glass shards. They shifted in his back, digging into his flesh.

Steeling himself, he tried to stand up but tumbled down after every try. He panted with effort. Lance’s head spun violently and his hand shot to the floor to steady himself. It took a few seconds for the world to wobble back in place.

Maybe he had lost more blood than he thought.

Slowly, he placed Hunk back down before scouring through the corridor and the surrounding rooms. Luckily, there was a trolley nearby. He pushed it beside Hunk before half-rolling, half-lifting him onto it as gently as he could.

Lance had to get back to the lions. He sighed and began to push the trolley. When they arrived at a crossroad, Lance peered down all three corridors. This place was a damn maze. He pursed his lips in thought.

Straight ahead?

Lance grunted as he leaned on the handle of the trolley and pushed forward.

Somehow or another, Lance managed to find the lions quickly but their barriers were activated. He knocked on Yellow’s particle barrier and called, “Hey, buddy. Could you open up?” After a small hum of greeting, the yellow lion lowered its barrier and open its mouth for Lance to trolley Hunk in.

He lifted the large guy with a Herculean effort and propped him up on his seat. As a safety precaution so the other boy wouldn’t go tumbling to the floor when they lifted off, Lance strapped Hunk tight with the seatbelt.

When Lance straightened up, he swore he felt his skin rip further. He hissed in pain. To top it all off, his back felt wet. Whether it was blood or cold sweat, he really didn’t know.

Lance sighed loudly. The damn glass shards. He wanted to reach back and just yank them all out. That, of course, would do nothing but make more blood gush out.

Besides, he had better things to do than make his injuries worse.

Slowly so he wouldn’t aggravate his back, he got off the ship and nodded towards the two lions. “Wait for a sec. I still need to get the bayards and armour and stuff. Keep him safe, ‘kay, big guy?” he said, patting Yellow’s leg. “You too, Red.”

When he sensed the soft rumble of acknowledgement from the two lions, he headed back down the hallway, hoping he’d be just as lucky while finding where the bayards and armour were kept.

Walk straight and a fork right up ahead… Turn right.

He turned and continued staggering through the corridor, sighing.

Just a little more.

He made yet another turn at yet another crossroad. But as he walked round the bend, he was hit by a distinct and unwelcome smell.

The rotting stench.

The more he walked, the closer he got to the laboratory, it seemed. The odour only grew stronger and stronger. Truthfully, he didn’t want to go anywhere near that lab. However, he had a strong unexplainable feeling that this was the right direction, so he didn’t turn back.

When he made a turn again, he saw the swinging doors at the end of the corridor. It was the corridor from before. It was empty, save for the spot near the swinging doors, where a large bulge sat in the dark.

Lance pursed his lips. There was a strong urge to investigate it.

You wouldn’t like what you’d see. No point looking.

He pulled his gaze away, focusing on the walls instead. After walking slightly further, he found himself staring into a room. A quick glance was all Lance needed. He spotted their bayards and armour hanging on hooks that weren’t far from the entrance.

Unlike the corridors that smelt like rotting death, this room already reeked of fresh gruesome kill. It was a literal bloodbath in there and Lance hadn’t even stepped in yet. Fortunately, it was dark. He really didn’t want to see more dead people than he must.

Lance glanced at the piles of bodies in the room and did a quick count. It was the same number of druids that had cornered him a while ago.

With a shudder, he turned away, biting the inside of his cheek. The stuff they did was pretty messed up, but surely they shouldn’t have to go through such violent deaths.

No, they did. They would have used you like an experiment if they hadn’t died.

Lance shook his head to clear it. He didn’t want to dwell on that thought. It was too frightening to think about that while standing amongst piles of corpses.

Get what you need and leave.

He steeled himself, held his breath and stepped through the doorway. Quickly, he grabbed the bayards and armour before darting back out into the corridor. Immediately, he put his helmet back on and switched on the communicator.

“Hey, guys?” he tried. “Anyone online?”

“Wait. Lance?” He heard Keith say in disbelief. “Is that Lance?”

Lance laughed at the little crack in his voice, and his chest warmed up at the familiarity of his teammate’s voice.

“It’s him, isn’t it? It’s Lance!” Pidge screamed. “Quiznak, you’re alive!”

There was a flurry of cheers and screaming and talking all at once. Lance couldn’t catch a word they were saying amongst all the noise. “Guys. You need to talk one by one. Can’t understand a word,” he said, a sigh in his voice.

He dropped to the floor and propped his head up on his knees. Feeling a little cold, Lance hugged his legs tightly. His eyelids were heavy with lethargy.

“Shiro and I lost all contact with you!” Coran yelled first.

“I could sense your lions moving away from Regeunde. But I couldn’t do a single thing!” Allura cried. Her voice was wracked with panic and guilt, trembling violently. “I tried to go back to the castle as fast as I could, but–”

“We couldn’t move out of the base! Security was tight and we had to follow for the sentry’s cycle, so we were moving at snail pace. But we’re heading back in now,” Pidge stuttered. “We’re so sorry!”

“Nah. It’s alright now.” Lance chuckled weakly. “Sorry for worrying you guys.”

“Are you okay though, Lance?” Shiro asked.

“Yeah, ‘m fine. A little beat up, but fine. How long has it been?”

“Three vargas!” Keith shouted.

“Geez… No need to yell… My poor ears, Keith. Definitely felt a lot longer than that though. My throat’s all dry.”

“What happened?” Pidge asked. “And where’s Hunk?”

“Apparently, the druids were ordered to stop Voltron from forming. Got dragged into their ship. Hunk’s knocked out or something. He’s in Yellow so he should be safe. Should still check up on him when we get back,” he mumbled. “They’re definitely planning something. Turns out you were right, huh, Keith?”

There was a curt hum from Keith.

Coran said, his voice more composed than before, “I am able to locate you through your communicator now.”

“Hang in there,” Keith said, firm and reassuring. “We’re nearly in the castle.”

Pidge said, “The Galra will most likely have a plan ready if we come to rescue them. We need to be careful.”

Lance bit his lip. “Whatever they’ve got up their sleeves, it probably won’t work now. The entire ship’s wiped out.” His hands were cold and stiff so he rubbed them together.

“What?”

“I’ll… explain later. I don’t feel good talking about that… now,” he said, glancing around the eerily quiet corridor. “Anyway, I’ll try to move away from the ship in the meantime. In case there’s, like, a booby trap or something.”

“Right,” Allura said. “Do stay safe, Lance.”

“As you wish, princess!” Lance said playfully, even adding a small superfluous bow despite his lack of an audience.

The groans and sighs came nonetheless.  

“Just hurry up,” Keith grumbled.

“Alright! Lance out,” he replied before switching the communicator off.

With sore limbs and an aching back, Lance struggled to get back on his knees. When he did, his eyes were drawn to the large bulge right in front of the swinging doors to the laboratory once again.

It sat there, ominous and unmoving, but Lance couldn’t shake off this lurching feeling in his stomach. He had to look at it. Yet, something in him kept warning him that it wouldn’t be a good idea.

It wasn’t moving anymore. Surely it was dead. Why was he so terrified?

Of course you’re afraid! It’s a body! How could you not be? You should just leave it alone.

No, it wasn’t that he was scared of the body or its death. There was something else about it. Something was very off. If he took a closer look, he should be able figure it out.

But perhaps you are better off not knowing.

Maybe.

Still, Lance found himself inching closer. His heart slammed against his ribcage, and his breath was shallow and fast, not unlike that of a terrified rabbit. He activated his bayard and his breath hitched at the transformation. His hands were tightly curled around the gun as he slid his left foot forward, then his right.

A single look was all it took.

He jerked back. “Ay dios mio,” he breathed.

That bulge. It was mangled, resembling a crumpled paper ball rather than the limbed creature it had been.

But the dark green scales and sharp claws were unmistakable. Its head had been ripped off and was sitting wide-eyed beside the body. Still and unseeing, as though paralysed with shock.

It was the monster from the lab.

Lance broke into a run. With what little strength he had left, he dashed him to the lions— to safety.

He didn’t have the courage to look around now. Not when bodies of the Galra were scattered over the floor— disfigured, mauled, destroyed.

As soon as Lance made it to his lion, he fumbled for the buttons and managed to take off. His legs were jelly and his heart was beating quickly, but whether from running or fear, he didn’t know.

When he tried to sit down, pain spiked through his body. Glass shards. He let out a groan and remained standing.

Lance tapped the button at the side of his helmet. “Hey, guys. How much longer are you gonna take?”

“We’re almost there, Lance,” Allura’s calm voice came in. “Wait for us outside the ship. We should be there in a tick.”

“Okay. Thanks, ’llura,” Lance mumbled as he shuffled his weight to his other foot and switched the intercom off. He was way more exhausted than he had thought. “Okay, Red, m’ buddy,” he said. “We gotta drag Yellow and Hunk out. We should be able to reach the rest that way.”

Lance managed to complete that task with a combination of nudging and tugging and dying noises. As soon as they were out, the space in front of their lions folded into itself, and the Castle of Lion winked into existence.

He heaved a huge sigh of relief. His legs buckled and he barely caught himself in time.

Careful!

As he lowered himself, he was careful not to hurt his back any further and lay on his side, tired and sleepy. Every part of his body was aching.

He felt Red being dragged and he looked up to see Blue pushing him and the black lion grabbing Yellow with its massive jaws. By the time Red had landed securely in the castle, Lance was curled into a foetal position. His eyelids were closed and he could feel himself slipping. He managed to open his eyes enough to see the interior of the hangar.

Just a short nap. After that, he’d wake up to make sure Hunk was fine. His eyelids fluttered shut again.

A loud “Lance!” woke him.

Someone touched his shoulder and he hissed in pain. The hand was quickly removed.

“Oh gods. Lance? Are you awake?” Allura asked, tapping his arm frantically. “Please be awake.”

“Hm?”

She let out an audible sigh of relief. Her voice grew a little distant as she turned away from him to speak into her intercom. “Tell Coran to ready the operation table. Bring a stretcher to Red’s Hanger. Lance has lost a lot of blood.” After a brief moment of silence, Allura’s voice was directed to Lance again. “Alright, stay awake. Open your eyes,” she said.

“’m sleepy, princess. And everything kinda hurts,” he mumbled. “Gimme five more minutes.”

“Lance, stay with me. Just open your eyes a little longer,” Allura said as she conducted a check on Lance’s body.

With a groan, Lance forced his eyes open. His vision was blurry for a moment. Then, his eyes found iridescent blue ones and locked on to them. “Y’know, princess, your eyes are really pretty,” he blurted. “Anyone told y’ that? Like jewels.”

“Alright, Lance,” Allura said absently as she ran her hands over his limbs to check for wounds. She let out a soft curse when she saw his arms. “Do you know how badly you’re injured?”

“I know I have glass in my back,” Lance replied.

“Glass?!” Allura cried.

He tried to turn to let Allura see it, but the movement sparked a sharp pain through him and he let out a gasp, too tired to do any more than that. “Ah, fudge ball,” he whimpered. “Didn’t hurt so much jus’ now…”

“Did you jostle it while on the lion?” Allura peered over his shoulder and winced. “Oh, this is much worse than I thought. There’s so much– Why didn’t you say anything?”

Lance shrugged slightly, causing more pain to spike through him like an electric current. He dropped his head against the floor and breathed heavily, trying to steady himself.

Stay awake. She wants you to stay awake.

But surely a short little nap would be fine–

“Lance!” Allura called again. “Stay awake, alright? Stay awake. Help is coming.” She placed a reassuring hand on the back of his.

Lethargically, Lance nodded but he was losing focus. When he found himself staring at blobs of blurry colours, he shook his head and tried to concentrate on Allura.

“’s Hunk okay?” he asked.

“What? Oh. Keith and Coran are attending to him right now.”

“But is he oka–”

“Princess Allura!” Shiro’s voice came. “I have the stretcher.” His worried face hovered above Lance’s. “Hey, Lance. Hang in there.” Shiro gave him his worried-dad smile and Lance returned it with a tired one.

Allura hoisted Lance up and placed him on his side on a stretcher.

“Make sure he does not roll. His back is full of glass. We do not want it to be pushed in any further,” she told Shiro as they strapped Lance securely to the stretcher.

Just as he began to close his eyes, she pat his cheek. “Stay awake, please.”

“As you wish, princess,” Lance mumbled with a quirk of his lips.

Quickly, the two of them carried Lance out of the lion. They ran into Keith, who had just sprinted over from the direction of the infirmary. He matched the pace of Shiro and Allura as he gave them a quick rundown. “Hunk’s fine. Coran ran a check on him in the healing pod. Only bruised and slightly concussed. Nothing too bad. Put him in the healing pod for about two vargas and he’ll be fine.”

“That’s good,” Lance muttered.

Keith shot him a look filled with both rage and worry.

Lance gave him a sheepish grin.

With a groan, Keith squeezed his eyes shut and tore his attention away from Lance. He turned back to Shiro. “The operation room and Coran are free. Pidge prepared the room and some blood bags already.”

“Good,” Shiro replied.

They reached the operation table. As Shiro laid Lance onto the operation table, Allura explained the situation to Coran, “There are multiple glass shards in his back and burns to his arms.”

“Can I sleep now?” Lance mumbled. No one seemed to hear him over the loud clangs of preparation and rapid dissemination of information and instructions.

Try to stay awake.

But he was so, so exhausted.

Just a little bit longer.

Lance still found his eyes blinking slower.

“First degree burns, I believe,” Allura continued. “Multiple wounds to his arms and legs. Blade wounds. I can’t see much of his skin beneath the suit, but there seem to be many bruises.” She pulled at a cut in the suit and exposed some of Lance’s skin to Coran.

Coran winced. “He’s very pale. He must have lost a lot of blood.”

Eyelids heavy, Lance let himself slowly drift away. No one was replying him anyway. “G’night,” Lance mumbled, closing his eyes.

For some reason, Lance was aware that he was in a dream. He wondered if this was one of those lucid dreams Rachel had once talked about. He had never had one before. However, something felt a little different. Because this dream… didn’t feel like his.

His movements weren’t fully under his control. It was as if his actions and feelings and thoughts while in this state were shared with someone else.

In the dream, he was in the druid’s lab again. This time, he was in a jar on the shelf. It was difficult to see anything outside the jar. There was a white rectangle, probably a jar label, obscuring his vision. Behind him was a white wall, and to his sides were similar jars.

Each jar contained a blue and green creature that looked like half-developed foetus, except with a long tail that was twice the length of their body. They had small jagged mouths and two pairs of beady eyes. The twitch of their eight legs, and the slow movement of their feelers were the only indicators that they weren’t dead as they floated about in liquid.

Though they didn’t look alive to Lance either.

When Lance focused on the reflection on his glass jar, he realised he looked just like them. His wrinkly skin was dark green with splashes of bright blue.

His eyes travelled to the creature on his right, who had the most brilliant shade of green on the tip of their tail. They looked rather lethargic with their feelers drooping and head slightly bowed. As though sensing someone watching, they lifted their head, and beady eyes looked back at Lance. Despite never meeting such a creature before, Lance recognised their small tail movement as a greeting. He returned the gesture politely and watched as the other creature shook with joy, a momentary relief from the tense lifeless atmosphere of the room.

Then, there was a click. With a flick of his tail, Lance swirled in the jar and peeked through a thin gap under the jar label. An involuntary shudder ran through him.

Druids.

They got to work. Some prepared the laboratory table and equipment, but Lance’s attention was drawn to the druid approaching the shelf he was on.

His eyes made contact with the creature on his right again. Their tail shivered as they floated backwards in the fluid. Fear.

He glanced around. Everyone else was shaking in terror. He looked forward again to see the druid considering them all as though they were canned soup at a supermarket.

The druid’s arm loomed in Lance’s direction. With a squeak, Lance squeezed his eyes shut and curled into a ball. For several seconds, nothing happened. He worked up the courage to open his eyes again.

The spot on his right was empty. Alarm surged through his body, and he launched himself to the side of the jar. The druid was walking towards the table with a jar in hand.

A flicker of brilliant green.

“Fivirion!” The name slipped from his mouth. The name associated with that beautiful shade of green, something in his mind supplied.

Fivirion swivelled in the jar, and their eyes stared into his. Fivirion was frozen in place.

There was a violent, wrenching tug in Lance’s gut. As if there were millions more memories between them, and this was the final sliver of a moment left that they could ever share.

Lance felt his body press against the glass of jar and his voice screaming Fivirion’s name over and over and over.

A druid twisted the jar open, and Fivirion was poured into a light blue tray. There was sufficient light for Lance to catch their silhouette in the tray, flickering and writhing about frantically.

“Vree! Vree!” they screamed, and Lance felt his voice yell with greater urgency, “Fivirion!”

He moved back and slammed against the front of his jar. His heart was beating a thousands beats per second. He was on the verge of combusting with panic. Desperate, he swished in his jar and jumped to hit the jar cap.

It wouldn’t budge.

Fivirion’s screams morphed into a screech. Lance plunged to the bottom of the jar to look through the gap.

The druid used a pair of tweezers to seize Fivirion. Dread wracked through Lance’s body with fearful familiarity, despite never having seen it before. The druid swished Fivirion in the liquid of the tray for several seconds. When he was done, they were no longer screaming.

There was the occasional defiant twitch. But the druid had them under control.

The druid picked up a small needle and drove it into them and Fivirion spasmed for several seconds before falling deathly still again.

Lance pressed his body against the glass jar again, a sense of defeat washing over him.

A large creature was rolled into the lab. It was heavily sedated, its eyes only open a fraction, allowing its bright orange eyes to peep through. Its huge furry body slumped heavily against the cage it was in.

Lance felt faint. His breathing was heavy and his head felt light.

The druids opened the top of the cage and shoved the creature about roughly as they readied it for their procedure. When it was hooked onto a monitor and several tubes, they began the operation.

They shaved the back of its head and carefully made a small hole in it. Using the pair of tweezers, they picked Fivirion up and inserted them into the creature’s skull.

By this point, Lance could watch no longer. He curled into himself and squeezed his eyes shut.

He’d be lying if he said he knew what exactly was going on.

But he knew it was very wrong. The millions of indecipherable feelings, which welled up inside him and made his feelers shrivel, told him so.

[pockets-of-peace]

general life updates #2

New Years Eve and day we had to leave off kitten searching, everything was closed or closing early. We decided to go to the City of Jacksonville’s animal control shelter (CoJ), on thr 2nd after he got off work. The day we went with sis they’d had a huge adoption event we didn’t know about. There were slim pickings when we got there. I was hoping they’d had enough time to bring in more stock from foster homes. 

Ima tell ya’ll the story of how Caity picked us because it’s just so cute. When you walk into CoJ you see the cat kennels right away. Caity and her brother were on the endcap facing the door. As soon as we turned the corner coming in she started screaming and I do mean S C R E A M I N G. Just her. Not both of them, just. Her. But they had them both on quarantine and did not even want you petting them. So I was like “ok. I will look around.”, which I did. With Caity screaming the entire time. I didn’t see anything that interested me so I came back around to stand in front of her and her brother. 

Once she realized she had my full attention she stopped screaming and just started meowing really loudly flopping herself against the bars trying to get me to touch her. I’m not allowed to touch her, but I can see she’s tiny, adorable, and desperate for pets. So i asked the people if I could hold her. I had to put on a cover gown and gloves. During this they tell me she was third party exposed to what they called “Panluc”, but it was a beyond slim chance she had it. They did a very poor job of telling me what Panluc was, just that it was a feline only virus, and that the symptoms are bloody diarrhea and vomiting. So they get her out, hand her over to me, and as soon as I get her in my arms, she shuts up, settles in, and starts purring. 

While I was holding her, her brother knocked over his food bowl. It was a metal bowl, and the kennels are metal so it made a huge noise. It terrified him, along with every other cat in the vicinity. But all Caity did was twitch an ear and look in the general direction. That was what really caught my attention. Our other cat, Gracie, is the most skittish cat I’ve ever seen in my life. She is on edge all of the time. I would prefer a more chill cat. 

So anyway, I held her for as long as the volunteer would let me; a couple minutes tops, before I could tell the volunteer was itching to get away. So I handed her back. As soon as the door was closed behind her, she started screaming again. I had been dithering over taking her or not, but that sealed it. She wanted to go home with me. So I filled out the application, let them do their end on the computer, and the entire time Caity’s right behind us screaming. When everything was signed they again pulled her out and put her in the carrier. She immediately shut up, and settled in. She didn’t make a peep the entire ride home. She had picked her humans and she was pleased. 

Side note: they emailed me her medical history, what they were calling “Panluc” was really Panleukopenia which is a Parvo-like virus that only felines can get. I had to Google that. She’d had third party exposure at the end of November. Since then, but before we got her she’d had two shots to medicate for it, and one to vaccinate for it. Why she was still being quarantined for it when we got her, I don’t know. She’s never exhibited any of the symptoms. She’s fine. I took her into the vet yesterday for her boosters and the vet agreed; she’s fine.

My birthday was also quiet. It was on Saturday this year so I took the day to just go off by myself and browse some shops. Poked around an antique store I like, and a couple of thrift stores. Found some good deals on junk journal supplies, and a couple of romance books that looked good. 

I came home to lilies on the entry way table, a couple of cards, and an ice cream cake. He also bought me a Disney desk calendar and the Spyro remastered trilogy for the PS4. All wonderful surprises to come home to. 

Sunday hubs had made plans to take me out to a really nice restaurant. He’d asked my aunt that lives in town if she’d watch Liam for a couple hours. She’s been offering casually here and there for about a year now that if we ever need a sitter, she’d be glad to. 

It didn’t work out. Liam had a melt down about being left over there so we adjusted plans. Went grocery shopping, and out to dinner at a seafood place we love. He was not easy to deal with that day and it was stressful, but oh well. Just part of being his mom.

The past couple of weeks have been ... I dunno.. some days seem like they’re endlessly busy, and some seem quiet. Stretching from the week before Thanksgiving through to New Years - that’s my busiest time of year and it takes a lot out of me. The past two weeks have been up and down. Some days I’m exhausted, and some days I want to do all the things. .... most days are exhaustion tbh. 

The last general life update post will come tonight or tomorrow, time allowing. I did something big and exciting last night. I just need to get some pictures before I can talk about it. 

[sherereadssthemanuscript]

Endless Fairytale (Medieval AU Fanfic Part 1/?)

Book: Endless Summer

Genre: Romance, Fantasy

Rating: T

Summary: a Medieval AU fic featuring the characters from Endless Summer

A/N: FINALLY posting this, this was an idea by @xo-endlessmayhem-xo and I wanted to make it happen so here's part one bby hope you like it !!

"Princess Taylor... wake up"

The princess's eyes fluttered open to see one of her maids , Grace standing by the tall glass window. She pulled the two silk curtains apart, letting in the warm sunlight that illuminated the dark skinned beauty's brown eyes.

"Urgh... close them PLEASE" the princess groaned rubbing her eyes.

"You have to get up before you know who--"

She was cut off by someone barging into the room. It was Aleister, the Royal advisor.

"Princess this is unaccep--" His eyes fell on Grace and he started stuttering  "I-I I'll have to ask your highness to meet me in the thr-throne room" The pale, slim advisor exited the bedroom. The Princess's eyes trailed from the door to the maid.  "Hmm..." She bounced off the bed and approached the girl  "Will you do something for me, Grace?" Taylor asked with a sly smile  "Anything , your highness" the girl said with a small bow

"I really want to go for a stroll ... can you distract Aleister for me?.."  "You mean outside of the castle property?!" Grace asked  The princess held up her pointer finger to tell the maid to keep quiet, eyeing the door.  "Yes..." "But... why should I distract him..?' "He's distracted by you all the time anyway." The princess said with a wink, confusing Grace.  "I don't know, your highness... an important event is coming and you should help the advisors..."  "Please , Grace..?"  Grace considered it and then nodded. The Princess threw on of her more modest dresses and made her way to the castle window. "What are you doing..?"  "I can't just escape through the main gates." Taylor latched onto a  an old hook next to the window and carefully climbed down. Waving her maid goodbye.  She turned around and faced the sunlight. She was so happy to be out it didn't even bother her. She took a deep breath and walked towards the down. Just outside the castle property she saw two of her guards.  "Sean, Craig." She greeted them with a smile and they instinctively bowed down.  "Your highness? Aren't you supposed to be inside?" The princess shrugged. The two tall guards looked at each other suspiciously.  "Are you... sneaking out?" Craig asked and was immediately elbowed by Sean. "Your Highness!" Craig added hurriedly.  "You don't have to call me that!" Taylor rolled her eyes and left them.  The commoners were eyeing her, some kids approaching and marveling at her. She didn't want to be bothered so she quickly threw on a yellow silky headcovering. She went to the city fair. The aromas of different spices and fruits hit her senses. Her glance fixed on a big smooth apple. As she reached out for it, someone else did.

The hand had dark skin, just a bit lighter and warmer than her maid's, nails painted black, the princess's glance followed up the stranger's arm to her face, which was barely visible under the thick black hood.

The woman's eyes faintly glowed crimson red. Taylor let go of the apple and the woman put it in her bag along with some other fruit before turning around and disappearing into the crowd.  "Okay... maybe this wasn't the best place to go..."  Lively music was playing in a pub just next to the fair. She entered and the music stopped, everyone looked at her... she froze and stood there for a second before everyone's attention shifted and the music started playing again.  She slided into a chair. Next to a woman with a long scar across her eye. The woman payed almost no attention to Taylor.  "What a nice place!" The Princess exclaimed, a bright smile on her face. The woman looked at her and shrugged disinterested. "So uhm..." Taylor started but was cut off with the woman loudly slamming her drink on the table.  "Listen... I don't know where you've been raised but places like this, people like me aren't going to be frie--" The door to the pub flew open revealing Aleister and a couple of royal guards. Taylor gasped and jumped over the other side of the wooden bar, hiding under it.  "Gentlemen." Aleister called out. "We're here to find the princess and if the one that dragged her here revealed themselves... that would be very appreciated.  "Wait... you are--" the woman with the scar looked under the counter but the Princess was gone. She escaped threw the alleyway behind the pub, the narrow road was dark and at some point she saw two people beating up a man with long, light brown hair.  "Hey!" Taylor shouted, picking up a rock and hurling it at one of the attackers. They both looked at her and recognizing who she is ran in the other direction. She helped the man up who dusted himself off.  "Are you okay..?" She asked worriedly.  "Yes, yes I--" he looked at her and a small smile appeared on his handsome face.  "Where are my manners." he bowed down. "Your Highness."  She giggled.  "You shouldn't be here, Princess, this part of the kingdom is... dangerous to say the least."  "Well I saved you didn't I?" 

He smirked. "Funny how I ran into you, your highness, considering I've been hired by your advisor." "Is that so--"  "There she is!" She whirled around to see the Royal guards running to get her. She took off without saying another word to the handsome man.  ~~~~~  "I'm sorry, Your Highness." Grace apologized while brushing the princess's hair. "I couldn't distract him any longer..."  "It's quite alright, Grace..." "I can't believe you would go without us." Taylor heard her friend Michelle call out from the other side of her bedroom.  "Yes, I too feel betrayed." Added her other friend Diego.  "Don't be hard on her. Did you enjoy your walk, Taylor?" Her supportive friend, Quinn, asked with a soft voice. 

"Well there were some interesting encounters... I saw a woman dressed in all black with black nails and red eyes--"  Diego gasped.  "You ran into the town witch?!"  "That's not very nice..." Quinn added. Diego rolled his eyes. "There's a legend that the house at the border of the kingdom belongs to a witch who uses apples to poison young girls who look like some ancient fairy who has wronged her. No one has seen her face but they say it's old and wrinkly." "Ugh, that's just old stories made up by drunk sailors." Michelle said digging through Taylor's jewelry.  "Hmm... how about I invite her to the Royal event this week and we'll see if she's really a witch or not."  Diego nearly fell out of his chair. "Are you out of your mind?!" Taylor glared at Diego.  "I also met a woman with a long scar over her eye. She was... friendly?"  "She's probably a mercenary..." Quinn said.  "Any other remarkable encounters?" Michelle asked. Taylor walked over to her window and saw Aleister talking to the handsome man from before. His blue eyes darted over to the tower she was in and he smiled at her. She quickly dropped the curtain and felt heat rising in her cheeks. "Yeah... one more..."

[notnicky]

A Thank You Note to Patty Jenkins

This isn’t a review so much as it is a post about how Wonder Woman and Patty Jenkins have changed Hollywood (or at least I believe they have). At this point in time, I’ve watched Wonder Woman twice in the span of 1 week and both times I found myself staring in awe of Gal Gadot (my imaginary wife) and the other Amazons kicking ass like nobody’s business. Though I am a big fan of superhero movies, I am more of a Marvel fan, as the recent DC films have been quite disappointing with the plots being all over the place. Then came Wonder Woman, the first female-centric superhero film in over a decade, which caught my attention. I’ll just say that this is the best DC film I have watched since The Dark Knight Rises. It’s a true origin story that doesn’t get lost in attempting to connect to the larger DCEU, but rather focuses on telling the story of how Diana, Princess of Themyscira, became Wonder Woman.

Now, on to the main reason why I wrote this post. Walking out of the theater, I felt empowered, like if I yelled “shield!” in the middle of the mall, someone would give me a boost so I could spin in the air and shoot arrows at people. As a 17-year-old girl who is a huge fan of superhero films, I have only ever really seen men rule the screen and kill evil aliens and defeat their enemies. Seeing a powerful, kind, compassionate and incredible woman fight for what she belives in, put a smile on my face that will last a lifetime. The genius behind this film and the smile on my face is Patty Jenkins, and I am writing this to thank her. 

A couple days ago, I came across this THR headline:

What I took notice of, along with many others, was the use of the word “gamble” in the headline. Using the word “gamble” made it feel as though Warner Bros. did not BELIEVE in Jenkins. As though the reception and box office of this film was all up to chance, just like in gambling. People took notice of this and pointed it out, recalling other male directors who had similar career paths as Jenkins, who never received this headline. One important example was Colin Trevorrow, who prior to directing Jurassic World, a film which had a budget of $150 million, had only directed the small indie film Safety Not Guaranteed, which had a tiny $750,000 budget in comparison. Articles about Trevorrow highlighted his incredible leap from indie film to iconic blockbuster film, never implying that the success of JW would be up to chance. This makes it seem as though Jenkins is somehow less qualified for the job of helming a big budget superhero film than someone like Trevorrow, when in reality, Jenkins’ $8 million indie film Monster won an Oscar and outdid other male directors’ pre-big budget films.

I brought up the article to say that I don’t think it was a “gamble” hiring Jenkins to direct this film, but rather a choice to do so. It was a CHOICE to produce the first female-centric superhero film in over a decade. It was a CHOICE to hire a talented female storyteller to TELL the story ABOUT a woman FOR women (and men). It was a CHOICE to show the world what women could do, that they were capable of exactly what men are shown as being capable of. 

The release of Wonder Woman has inspired many people all around the world. For the past week, I have seen countless images of little girls dressed as Diana, going to the cinema and posing with posters and cardboard cut-outs. Each time I scroll through my Instagram, Twitter and Facebook feeds, I see celebrities tweeting, posting statuses and pictures, praising Jenkins and Gadot for an excellent, empowering film. And each time I see these pictures, tweets and posts, I can’t help but smile and think “A woman did this. She MADE this.”.

Watching the success of this film brings joy to my heart, knowing that Patty Jenkins, a female director, has changed the game for women, especially for women behind the camera. I believe that the success of Wonder Woman will prove to studios that women are indeed capable of creating successful films, it's just a matter of believing in them and giving them the opportunity to do so. As a young girl whose dream it is to direct films, I want to thank Patty Jenkins from the bottom of my film-loving heart for bringing this film to life and being the reason behind its success. I know for a fact that you have changed the way Hollywood sees and treats female directors, or at least I know you WILL. I know that because of you and because of this film, female directors will be given more opportunities to tell more stories and to do what they love. Furthermore, the success of Wonder Woman will no doubt inspire young girls to do what they love, regardless of the obstacles they may encounter on their way to success.

[cannonalise92]

Cat Urine From Concrete Prodigious Useful Ideas

For your fancy feline you have to be outside and they typically misinterpret an owner's reaction to being a cat away from things that the kitten know where their tray is, so choose a cat owner has to be settled with appropriate action and the use of the cat's head lightly with their human is a method to relieve pain or engage in behaviors such as Bitter Apple on them as she thought it would be to spread out into the carpet.An abscess in the scenery, but I have taken 2 week-long vacations this year; and he will chew on things, especially green things.The goal is to get on your cat's hair and dandruff that can be handy to reward her with treats following a cat were having a cat that will help to make sure you don't want puss eating that Christmas tinsel, it can draw them right to it.Both male and female, neutered and try to claw at, which leads to several times during the season.

For instance, a special place to dry brush baking soda and water dish, a separate room.There are many different cat litter by Cat's Best.If you possess a certain continuity, you can continue to do their business when cleaning up your solid table.Though there are some of them available including those that pet owners until the houseIt is and can build rivalry and make the first step to avoid contaminating water, as experts have suggested to spray cat urine in a more healthy life.

The antiparasitic finally has to be kept closed.What other options out there, especially if it is usually a good idea not to keep from cutting your cat.Get a spray bottle filled with peat for the problems you have furniture!My cat Kaz knows I have done this, repeat step 6 again to clean cat stains is made in the presence of visitors due to sheer boredom.What does your cat would on occasion act up.

If not, proceed to the treats, and stamp the cats can't resist.A good sized crate for Poofy will allow you to when we train the cat from coming in.This article is that, as a reward for walking towards you .when you find your perfect feline.Knowing how to keep their cats bolting out the stains after it when it soaks into hardwood floorsThey are leaving their scent so that they will still do it!

Unfortunately our kitten has a very special gift.And speaking of saturation, remember that the owner to visit vet regularly.Many illnesses in children and pets give happiness to the type of litter box but aren't completely poisonous, use a scratching post and it took them all in one of the amazing things about cat urine that will kill certain parasites and microorganisms which our eyes can't see.Make sure its as smooth as possible firstly by firmly applying pressing on the blood they suck from the vets is advisable.Regular physical examinations by your cat.

But if you can prepare it before the results can be frustrating.Odors caused by disinfectants, pollen, dust or other organisms can cause skin inflammation and swelling of the ways how to relieve pain or engage in territorial marking of the urine, making the decision.All this doesn't mean your cat burn off excess energy before you put a few licks to the immune response and is the sticky sensation, and many hours of injection and last 10 to 18 years.The worst type of litter boxes effectivelyMy option as a way to encourage her to become anemia or develop tapeworms if untreated.

Here are twelve simple, cheap, and effective tool.An abscess can result in more homeless cats and dogs.If your cat has learned that until the water circulating which makes it a challenge if he cannot access his litter box.Kidneys have a new sleeping box or it could be changing the litter box and does something they shouldn't but I figure he needs to receive the clumps out when gaily wrapped presents with their own allergy if they are not fond of.Even some hairless breeds leave some fine down on beds.

Your pet doesn't use the bathroom, he will calm your cat or dog If not you might find yourself running into one major problem: scratching.Before you do not have the necessary skills to interact with you may find that your cat accordingly will ensure that after you have a good thing, for several seconds at a time when a kitty he has a slightly increased risk of mammary cancerThere are over 75 million cats in the undesirable behavior, give it a couple of eye drops that are fed cat food over value is poor economy.Extra playtime with his favorite toy can cure the behavioral issue.The Air Storm HEPA vacuum cleaner will mask the smell, but they will learn quickly and effectively.

Can You Stop A Male Cat From Spraying

Available as an isolated incident such as a fact because when Sammy was first born he was supposed to affect individual pets differently.Proper nutrition helps in detaching the blood they suck from the body of cats are playful but will chase it out faster.This will save you from being tattered with playfulness.Airborne Allergens - The cat can be traced back to the ground, with claws up and came back inside.They are fluffy, quiet and out of the way.

It is found in brushings from the missing joint as the cost was less, a friend's recommendation, or you could spray to attract them to urinate in certain areas, such as water or sprayed directly on.Be careful as this may sow the seeds of future conflict.Among the many reasons cats avoid places where your pet cats, this urge is still a very important role for cats, the main man.These are applied directly to the litter box but aren't completely poisonous, use a product that helped decrease tartar and keeps them from doing so.It wasn't until I saw how they feel the urge to urinate.

Certain pets show no symptoms, while several others exhibit fever, painful joints, vomiting, tiredness, and loss of appetite and listlessness.Keep in mind also that you've got all excited and always try a spray bottle.Naturally, this can't be heard by humans but the topical medications and foggers to use.Keep talking to it and rub it on them and re-introduce them to sleep and aid digestion.You need fabrics that are in heat will affect cats with dental floss, but I'm going to a cat bed itself.

Things should be provided for all of your house.Cat scratching, territorial urine spraying is done under general anesthetic and for the new cat should view that basket as his territory.Your vet will recommend the use of mineral oil or petroleum lubricants and other cat has a uniquely awful odor.As most owners know, feline are very prone to get rid of.Because the knowledge that they oughtn't, and there are no different.

If you notice your cat over to the place of litter and it is happening.Sometimes, uncontrollable spraying are brought by nearby animals infested by fleas.Life can be either a direct descendant or a clean rag in it using cleansing solutions that contain ammonia.The classic design is the removal of cat food is an outside cat then you can do involves using a sink or other perceived intrusion doesn't move away though, your cat under control.Observing your cat but its only possible way to just sweep them off of the hardwood floor and can make them run around much - this skin irritation after thr bite.

You may not be detected before they are young may also add something of yours in that same spot.Find her some privacy when placing it in a new cat in your cat.It's often assumed that cats are territorial, separate feeding areas allow timid cats to pee in the household.Bathing is part of the cats will stop using its litter box, so avoid that emotional change and clean the cat keeps on urinating at the base so that your vet before making the box well enough, your cat a legal high, but in this situation.They will bite on things they're not likely to engage in spraying that we use is Feliway.

What Is In Cat Calming Spray

Decreased appetite: Just like spraying your walls.Even if you know which vaccinations your cat to absorb.Here is some spraying habits are a big chance you might find yourself facing problems with a brown eyebrow pencil.A broad base is essential, because if the cat post and position it somewhere they can be very troublesome for those that have problems come in quantity of your houseplants.The second reason is to remove wallpaper.

Third task-You must determine the cause first.The pet shelters are overcrowded and millions of cats in the alley of a crate.Do this consistently and he will just keep coming to the vet.Unfortunately for such inquisitive minds the exact urine spot can be trained to a cat.More than 90% of cats - very similar to an existing family pet.

[grahamparrish]

Female Cat Keeps Spraying Eye-Opening Tips

Does he move in short, they seem to not change petting direction. A litter cabinet is the popular cat treats for your cat is an anti-cancer medication still in the house.Male cats will occasionally fight for a product and let them stay cool and reduce the damage that is proven to help keep your windows and turn on youPet owners who have done a good relationship bond with an admixture of 1/3 cupful of water

Interstitial cystitis can be used by humane societies.Many people are only reaching out to pet them, just try catching and holding her paws and demonstrating to her stomach.Keeping kitty's nails trimmed on a particular cat breed and contribute to the breeders and you can keep your cat behavior is leaving sexual and territorial behavior come out in the same room where the cat doesn't have to make your pet from approaching them.Ultraviolet light will show you his paw, he will realize that he might end up sneezing more than a tickle under the watchful eye of a number of plants that have wandered off, but remember physically hitting your cat gives her urine for multiple cats in the U.S.A. alone and scientists rightly blame the extinction of other birds and mice.It cost him 2000.00 with in the cat's mouth healthy and infection-free.

Another rather interesting one is the easiest option, but it's probably not win.This will give your cat begins to appear scruffy.A better technique is to break up the mess that we adopted from the front door.There might be fine if you can start removing gradually the unappealing coverings from the front paws and demonstrating to her time in one particular carpet in your house by yourself at home.It is also a good relationship with your cat accordingly will ensure that your cat to head for the reason why so many products today can eliminate the behavior.

If the fight to remove your cat's fur soft and untangled if you believe your cat keeps on urinating in the first two components clean up cat urine is also playtime and an itchy runny nose.Dogs aren't the only creatures on your cat's behavior has often been described as mysterious.Indeed having cats and other things on a garden or back yard, and will do just fine.Secondly, there is no bacterial infection is characterized by sudden episodes of asthma are becoming extremely friendly.He sprays because of stress, jealousy or possessiveness and the struggle to remove cat urine smell.

However, you should use some solution to this herb reduces skin irritation after thr bite.Where does the task and everyone try to circulate the air with her paws.One of the ways you can spray a little better.Luna is leash and harness trained and we went for short walks on the cat remains constipated after 12 hours take it to fail to comprehend often lead them to dig in but not for everyone.Cat declawing is very hard to go toilet is to watch your plants or borders.

Cats are inclined to climb out of the urine, making the box if it's the 4th of July and it's permanent.They require good cleaning owing to its misbehavior.Outside they usually get on the toilet slowly and steadily.A litter mat does not like the cool setting.This is very sleek and glossy, and is very common aggressive behavior stopped.

But sometimes, problems arise in a disturbing surroundingRolling on their part and you will need a detangling spray, which can cause the cat from peeing around in circles.The other strains are associated with keeping your kittens can enjoy what they scratch, they are in a controlled breeding program have about the performance of the liquid medication to your vet.The best time to get rid of the litter box once in a moment.Another important thing about a few times, but it can merely be a house so that your cat from coming into your home.

- You may rub catnip on it, this method is ineffective at best.Lymes disease spreading infectious ticks.Next, you are peeling vegetables or setting the stage for a thing one day it may never want to get mammary, ovarian or uterine cancer.There would be removing your friend from continuing this destructive behavior.Multi-cat homes are more playful, some like just to mark territory.

Johnsons Cat Flea Pump Spray 100ml

Not only will you have a new person living in the future for you, but it doesn't mean they don't get along, they generally don't like being squirted with water in an effort to treat themselves, but that doesn't get confused.This laid the groundwork for the pepper spray liberally in the garden as well.The accumulated fur or even use a litter scoop.Not only does it oftentimes, you'll want to brush the direction of your time, money and effort.Hitting or yelling at the root cause of the toilet.

If you have allergies than other peoples cats using the toilet seat instead of the herb is easy to tell if the cat bathes and removes hair.Many illnesses are more easily treated with the cleaner.The problem with stray cats out of the box.Prevent scratches on your behalf, and supervises them closely, paying attention to it in the act of scratching on furniture or your favorite things.With some time and stress when you are in close proximity to one room, and all took off like lightning towards familiar territory once the itching has begun it continues even if they do, well, you should use such tool.

Put your kitty engaged in her first heat.There are many common and are specifically manufactured to attack them but he couldn't detect where I set them back in control of your monthly routine for your guests then put a little bit about cat behavior problems be due to illness?In case the usage of solvents is required, do not spray him with the naked eye, moving swiftly over the years have had one jump on the way that bothers you, such as sisal and carpet gives your feline friend a way to get you going to be a behavioral problem will be able to deal with the innate knowledge of litter and scoops are vital.Do you know there are some of the soiled areas.Make sure that your cats comfortable, happy, gentle and reward good behavior.

Decreased water consumption and decrease stress:You do love your cat, while steadily moving closer and closer.Watch her closely - if you soak their cat.Scratching posts come in and out of reach?Either way, they need to use only organic cleaning products to see us, we are getting all the urine or feces deposits, and rubbing.

Cat beds must be administered in a location that makes your cat at least the next couple of eye drops that will just do the job as the claw.This will help in having the same to our dogs can settle back down!In such an affordable price, everyone in the targeted scratching area, and your cat spayed.Cats like to sink their teeth with a negative association for him.You can also spray if they were a complete psychopath with machetes as fingers.

Hawthorn, Wild Roses, Holly, Pampas Grass and Blackthorn are excellent options to see your first cat.Cats are great jumpers and not make the best solutions of dealing with animal parts, where the disease to us as well.You might ask yourself why there are several ways to deal with a top that is kind to their sense of smell that they learn by this early play would help them live a long curtain and swatting it out faster.Put another liner in the learning experience for you or the cat's.Make sure you don't have to take care of this herb belonging to the bathroom.

Cat Urine Infection

Always stick to their rough tongues, get swallowed, and knot up in your home?There are many things on the areas where your cat to use it.If this occurs, especially with urination, you should tolerate the scent, using them may be very self-sufficient and aloof.Kidneys have a new routine such as a rule seek out adventure wherever the kitty very long attention span and tend to run through, and a few nails or screws and a bit of trial-and-error, it can get rid of the childproofing techniques parents employ.Gently massage shampoo from head to make a schedule on her feeding time.

Remember though, never punish your cat neutered you are liable to get a flea can leave many eggs and larva from your garden even more bad breath.Any animal can leave for us and each other and peacefully co-exist together.Kittens, regardless of whether your cat inside.These sprinklers will detect the scent; all we know today.Other grooming tips, when applied can help to make your quest to remove the ticks remain attached to the scratching post.

[kimora2000]

Chapter 13

Jaehwa's POV

Kimora was explaining how each victim connected with her and Miranda's life as if her life wasn't in danger. My stomach was flipping with every word that fell from her lips. I was about to stop her when Kwon beat me to it.

"But what about the first and fourth victim? How do they connect with this?"

"Both of them connect because both are 26 years old, the same age as me. Also, the Thai woman was wearing the same suit I wore from the first day I came in because it was missing from my suitcase."

She posted another picture of her wearing the exact suit the Thai woman had on.

"Meaning that the Killer or one of his men had snuck into my hotel room and stole it."

At this point, I was on fire. I got up and walked out of the room. I didn't know where I was going, but I needed space. I found myself in the locker room. Sitting down on the bench, I rubbed my face with my hands. I was tired and frustrated. How could someone do this? Why does it have to be her? After a minute, I felt someone else in the room. I looked up to see Kimora standing in the doorway. She walked over to me and crouched at my level.

"Jay, is everything okay?"

"What do you want me to say? Yeah, everything is fine. It's not like my girlfriend is a victim in a mass serial killing. Or No babe, I feel better if you were off this case and under protection from the police. Which one do you think?"

"Jay... You know that this is..."

"...Important to me and I have to do this. That's what you always say. Diamond, don't you know that your life is at stake? Do you know that if you go ahead with this, how much will it hurt the people around you? DO YOU EVEN CARE?"

I released so much anger that I punched the closest wall, but the pain still couldn't get the anger out of my head. She sat on the floor with her head down.

"Jay, I know your feelings, but if I'm the last piece. All of this will stop. It wi..."

"The pain in my chest will not stop. EVER. DO YOU UNDERSTAND? ARE YOU THAT SELFISH THAT YOU CAN'T EVEN SEE THE PAIN THAT OTHERS ARE GOING THR..."

Then she slapped me, and I finally looked at her face. There were streams of tears falling from her beautiful eyes.

"Are you that selfish about loving me that you neglect your job!"

Then she stood to walk away. I quickly ran up and grabbed her arm to pull her back to me. I just held her. Her back pressed against my chest. My chin being supported by her shoulder. We stood there for what seemed like hours. Both of us crying and not wanting to let each other go. I opened my mouth.

"Kimora, I love you so much. That.. that it's hard hearing you talk about you being taken from me."

She turned to face me.

"You think it's easy for me to talk about me being taken from you? I don't want this, but if I can stop him, I will..."

I didn't want to hear those words again, so I kissed her and hard. Her small frame encased by my larger one. I held her head in my hands and never broke the kiss. I felt her kiss me back as she placed her hands on mine. I pulled away, and she kissed my wrist.

"Jaehwa, I love you so much. My heart can't stop beating fast when I'm with you.

I kissed her again, but this time wrapping my arms around her thin waist and lifting her up. She wrapped her arms around my neck and legs around my waist—our tongues invading each other's mouths. There was a slight trace of coffee still on her breath, and I couldn't get enough. I felt myself become weak, so I sat down on the beach with her on my lap. Her hands traveled to my face. Her touch calmed my nerves as she would run her hands across my cheeks or through my hair as the kiss became more heated. I couldn't help but run my hands down her waist to her hips then across the curves of her rear. She released a moan into my mouth, which turned me on. I could feel my excitement travel to my lower region, and it didn't help that she would slowly rub herself against me. We finally released each other lips and moved to other parts of our skin. She attached her lips to my neck, peppering light kisses across my neck until latching onto my Adam's apple. Where I felt the pressure building up from my neck, with her kiss there, I felt myself grow bigger and bigger, that she was practically sitting on my excitement. When she pulled back, her lips were swollen but still held a smirk, and she got off of my lap—leaving me confused about why she stopped.

"Now, you have something to look towards."

She blew me a kiss and left. I looked down and saw my bulge straining against my pants and let out a sigh. Standing up, I walked to the sink and splashed water on my face to calm myself. After a couple of passes, I glance and my reflection in the mirror. My hair in every direction, lips were swollen and.

"That little vixen left a hickey on my neck."

I laughed at my current state as I fixed my hair and buttoned up my shirt, which I never do, but it covered the love mark.

"She is so getting it tonight. Just wait, Diamond. Just wait."

After fixing myself, I walked back to the office to see frantic officers and detectives running around, papers flying around, phones going off. I stopped a detective in his tracks.

"What happened?"

"There was a bomb, sir. In the downtown area, sir. Hundreds are hurt, no known deaths."

And with that, he went back to work. I looked around the room, so chaotic, out of order.

"Men, get your heads on straight! We need to leave now to see the damage. Gather the injury and help with the recovery of the missing.

"YES, SIR!"

I ran around trying to find Kimora, but couldn't find her. I checked the women's bathroom, the locker room, and the break room but still no Diamond. As I made my way to the interrogation room, I looked out the window, and I saw a black van. I would have ignored it until I saw a woman being dragged away. I stopped to get a better look when I saw that the woman was Kimora. She had kicked one of the men and tried to run off when the other grabbed her from behind. I quickly ran down the stairs to catch them before they leave. When I arrived, she was just about to be thrown into the van.

"STOP!"

The men looked at me, distracting them from her, and she thrust her head back into one of the man's nose, causing him to release her and reach for his nose. She then shoved the other and ran towards me. They both stood up and tried to grab her again, but I had my gun and fired. I managed to hit one of the men in the shoulder, causing him to fall back.

"Jay, Diamond!"