#trying to drop my mask

[mercymaker]

So our vamp isn't so heartless after all...

[lovesickeros]

☆ even the gods bleed [ pt 2 ]

{☆} characters furina, neuvillette {☆} notes cult au, imposter au, multi-chapter, gender neutral reader {☆} warnings none {☆} word count 1.9k {☆} previous [ 1 ]

This had to be a punishment of some sort – some kind of divine punishment.

She was bored out of her mind just watching the sleeping body – she hadn't blinked once in the past five hours, her eyes were really starting to hurt. Yet they still hadn't moved so much as an inch since she sequestered them away to the only place she had known to be safe.

But it'd been almost a week since then.

The only solace she found was that Teyvat had seemed much less hellbent on collapsing in on itself like a dying star.

That counted for something.

Not much, but something!

..Even if their position was no better then it was a week ago.

There was, after all, still the issue of what to do about the false Creator – the actual imposter – and the Archons following them like blind lambs. The other Archons wouldn't listen if she tried to reason with them, and it would only risk the life of Divine One if she spoke of their location to anyone else.

She also was pretty fond of having her head still attached to her shoulders.

So she avoided them all together. Partially because she wasn't sure she wouldn't have a breakdown at the sight of them..she'd never been a fighter, and fighting an Archon? Easy pass.

Instead she was forced to babysit the sleeping Divine until they woke up while Neuvillette handled taking care of the nation and dealing with the other Archons – and by extension the false Creator.

Really though, she would almost think them dead if not for the subtle rise and fall of their chest.

Though..this also left her with a lot of time to herself. A lot of time to think.

She really didn't like it.

There wasn't a lot to occupy her mind and what little there was only distracted her for a scant few moments before her eyes drifted back to the Divine like she was locked in their orbit, unable to escape.

She closed the same book for the twelfth time – she kept count – and returned it to it's meticulously designed place within her bookcase. A low, barely audible huff of frustration escaped her lips before she could bite it down, her stare boring a hole into the body of the Divine One with a sharp intensity she rarely showed.

She was tired, bored and constantly on edge, fearing that at any moment someone would find out about their presence here.

That, at the drop of a hat, she would be powerless to stop the greatest tragedy of her time play out before her eyes.

Neuvillette would have scolded her for being so petulant, especially around the Divine One, if he were here.

But he wasn't.

He was out running her nation, instead.

And what was she doing? Nothing!

She grit her teeth, nails digging harshly into the palm of her hands as she took a deep breath – now was not the time to think about that. She had..much more pressing matters. Sulking and letting her thoughts spiral helped no one, least of all herself.

Yet her attention was caught by a harsh inhale, the rustle of fabric – were they finally waking up? She was exhausted, but it all vanished at the sudden drop of life within the otherwise deathly still body of the Divine.

Her eyes followed the subtle twitch of their fingers, watching as their brow furrowed and their features twisted in something almost like..pain.

..She wasn't ready.

What was she supposed to say?

Should she even say anything? Would that be considered impolite? Does she wait for them to speak first? Should she kneel? Bow?

She doesn't get much time to find her own answer before their lashes flutter, chest heaving with every strangled breath. Every single thought vanishes from her mind the moment she meets their eyes.

For a long, silent moment she thinks that her heart must have stopped.

Their eyes glow like the cresting of the sun over the horizon, painting the world in hues of gold – yet it also reminded her of the dipping of the moon below the waves, casting the briefest, most gentle of lights upon the world engulfed in darkness. In the depths of their eyes was the birth and death of stars in the infinite cosmos – glittering stars in a sea of empty, blank space that left her feeling lightheaded and breathless.

Beneath the splendor is a spark of recognition in their eyes so vibrant it was like a shooting star piercing through the dark night sky, leaving nothing but the wonder in the eyes of the observer as the only proof it ever existed – brilliant in it's beauty, however brief.

It is the most beautiful thing she has ever seen.

"Focalors?"

The lilt of their voice nearly made her knees buckle beneath her – euphoria so consuming it left her feeling she was starving swallowed her whole, her mind blanking in a moment of utter bliss. It was..an indescribable feeling that she doubted she could ever hope to put into words – not in a way that could properly express it, try as she might.

She swallowed the words that threatened to spill from her lips – she couldn't make a fool of herself. Not in front of them of all people. She'd never forgive herself.

"Divine One," She rasps, clearing her throat and covering her mouth with a hand to mask both her nervousness and the small smile that creeps across her face. She quickly regains her composure, hand resting on her hip as she puffs out her chest with every bit of pride she can manage. "I am sure you must be confused, but worry not– your most loyal acolyte has seen the truth!"

The silence is deafening.

She opens one eye, peaking at the bewildered and almost distraught expression of the Divine.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

That..she was not prepared for. Surely they knew who they were! Surely they knew. They had to– she's been praying to them for as long as she's breathed, she's dedicated every hour of her life to living up to their ideals, they can't just–!

"Lady Furina?"

Neuvillette, thankfully, spares her the embarrassment of having a meltdown in front of the Divine, the gentle rap of his knuckles against the door making her and the Divine pause, the soft lull of his voice soothing her nerves and yet setting her on edge at the same time.

"Neuvillette." She clears her throat again, her steps hurried as she marches to the door and pries it open none too gently, a forced smile pulling at her lips. She wastes no time tugging the man into the room, shutting the door behind him with a short huff. The silence is, somehow, even worse then before as the three of them stare at each other in absolute exasperation.

Neuvillette, for his part, manages to get his act together with a sharp clearing of his throat, bowing so low even she looks unnerved. She steals a brief glance at the Divine, and she's taken aback by the uncomfortability twisting their features into a grimace.

Their expression is schooled back into one of empty apathy when he stands back to his full height, but she saw it – she knows she did! Did they not like their worship? Were they not respectful enough? For a moment, she feared the Divine would smite Neuvillette down on the spot..but they just stared at him like he was a ghost.

"Why aren't you killing me?"

The defeated, resigned tone combined with the way their voice cracks makes her heart ache in her chest – it feels as though her entire world is crumbling down at her feet, and she cannot explain why she feels such emotions so strongly, but it is suffocating. It is almost as if Teyvat itself is weeping, bearing down upon her shoulders like a heavy weight.

She feels the urge to weep herself, but she powers through, gritting her teeth long enough for Neuvillette to take his place at the side of her – though it feels more like their – bed, kneeling like he was going to pray.

"Divine One," He offers a hand with a quiet rumble of his voice, the words slipping off his tongue like honey. It's like trying to soothe a stray cat..though she'd never voice such comparisons of the most Divine out loud. "I..we mean you no harm. I swear on my authority as the Iudex of Fontaine and Chief Justice that you are safe with us."

The skepticism she expected, but the reverence in which Neuvillette must convince them – or perhaps they are simply so tired that they simply did not care any longer if it was all some ploy to drive a knife between their ribs. She didn't expect them to actually place their hand in Neuvillette's.

He didn't either, judging by the way he visibly brightened – not that they'd notice, but she did.

..Not that she could really blame him, her heels clicking against the floorboards as she shifted her weight to the other foot with a nervous energy that was practically bursting at the seams, more then a little jealous of the attention he was receiving. She was the one who found them, she was the one who stayed with them the entire time..but he gets all the attention?

How unfair.

"O-of course! We would never lay a hand on our creator," She adds, her voice a little higher pitched then she would have liked as she placed her hands on her hips, puffing out her chest and brushing off the sting of jealousy. "Least of all I– your most loyal, most devout acolyte!"

She felt baffled when she heard the sound of their laughter, her shoulders hunching and her cheeks flushing on mere instinct – she was expecting mockery, but the look in their eyes, still dulled by a pain she cannot even begin to imagine, made her hesitate.

..It was, perhaps, the most genuine thing she'd heard from them ever since before the hunt began.

She wasn't sure why her heart hurt at such an idea, but it was enthralling to see the beginnings of a half hearted smile on their lips.

For a moment, her mask of theatrics was forgotten as she stared at them in a mixture of awe and adoration– and though she didn't look at Neuvillette, she could imagine he must've shared such an expression.

Had she any doubts that they were her Creator, that they alone were the most Divine..they would wiped clean now. There was no mistaking the way the world itself seemed to grow clearer as they glanced up at her like she was worth something.

For a moment, she realized how cold the false Creators gaze had been now that she has felt warmth so gentle it almost made her knees buckle beneath her. It felt like a pale imitation, now.

Nothing could compare to the warmth that spread through her body at the mere semblance of a smile upon their lips. She didn't even mind if it was her they were laughing at anymore, she just wanted to hear them laugh again.

She'd make a fool of herself, if she had to.

She'd never felt so..ravenous for such a thing, but just the briefest glimpse was addictive.

She simply couldn't help herself from striding across the room and clasping their free hand in her own, her smile wide enough to unnerve as she leaned her weight onto the bed. For a moment, she considered pulling away at the way they startled, but her mind was made up by then – there was no going back.

"Again."

[elderwisp]

◁ || ▷ now playing

Icarus: Isn’t it interesting how one song can be linked to a single moment in your life. And it’s like at that very moment, such a simple tune seems so miniscule, yet here you are years later thinking about it.

-

Daniel: I’m surprised they took the fake ID’s.

Icarus: You think they actually care about kids like us?

Daniel: Tch. I’m surprised this hole in the wall hasn’t gotten raided. This place is crawling with people from our school. That guy over there is in our fifth period.

Icarus: And she’s in my first period. As for her, she’s new. 

Daniel: Now what’s a valley girl doing all the way out here? Mamas, looks like you missed your exit!

Icarus: Are you- Shut up!

Daniel: Well, if you’re not gonna talk to her then don’t mind if I do.

Icarus: What happened?

Daniel: She wants to talk to you.

Icarus: Fuuuuuuck.

Daniel: Have fun, bro.

Icarus: So, I see you’ve met Daniel and I’m assuming he made a complete fool of himself.

Violet: You say that as if he does that quite often.

Icarus: Talk to pretty women at bars? Mmm, that’s a first. Being a loser? Always.

Violet: He actually came over here to see if he could give me your number.

Icarus: Oh.

Violet: I figured I’d speak directly to you. I’m Violet.

Icarus: Like the song. 

Violet: Ah, yes. My dad has a thing for Hole so he named me after his favorite song.

Icarus: That’s really cool.

Violet: [ small laugh ] I guess so, and your name?

Icarus: Icarus.

Violet: Icarus… That’s a pretty name.

-

Ares: Hey Icarus! You alright?

Icarus: Yeah, just thinking.

Syx: If you’re gonna brood, can we at least go inside?

Icarus: [ snorts ] I’m not brooding.

Ares: Ya kinda are.

Icarus: Come on, man. You’re supposed to have my back!

Ares: By lying?

Icarus: Well no-

Ares: So you agree?

Icarus: I’m gonna shut up now.

[random-lil-illing]

‼️ TW: BLOOD ‼️ (granted its not very realistic but still)

the best friends finally meet !! granted its during the end of operation sand viper and theyre both Going Through It™ but at least they met :)

[kit-kat-jo]

WHAT THE FUCCCKKK WHY DID IT END LIKE THAT??? 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[mihai-florescu]

People dont know what to do with you when you're burnt out just from existing alone fr

[tequiilasunriise]

In that recent interview with Jenna casually bringing up how Wenclair’s dynamic is one of her favorites of all time because they’re “dark storm cloud and sunshine” and it’s like. Like.

LIKE OKAY MISS MAAM I SEE U, I SEE YOU UNDERSTOOD THE ASSIGNMENT. ONEOFUSOFUSONEOFUSONEOFUS-

Like, the question wasn’t even remotely about character dynamics (it was about the sets of the show ffs) but just like One of Us™️ Miss Ortega took any opportunity to bring up her ship like a true Wenclair Warrior. Combine that iconic moment with Hunter’s “fighting for #Wenclair iykyk”? I am getting SUCH flashbacks to the RWBY fandom where Bumbleby’s VAs Barb and Arynn would be absolute champions for the ship oh my GOD. They talked about it on the ship it show or whatever that youtube series was, the fucken ‘Yang’s arm is a vibrator’ jokes Barb would make, just- SO MUCH fer our lovely Bees (who, mind you, are THE Sun & Moon Girlfriends™️ in their aesthetics, their personalities before Blake opened up more but it still works in current time, their semblances, even their NAMES LIKE ARGH NO ONE SERVES LIKE THE BEES,,,).

In conclusion, that rush of the actors of a show themselves advocating or even just giving us little crumbs towards a ship? It’s immaculate it’s amazing like I can not wait for next week to see what happens. I will say that if Wenclair DOES follow the Bumbleby route of “super popular sun and moon gfs even the actors themselves ship” then I am dying to see what version of Beehaw the Netflix Wednesday fandom will throw together should there be a longass hiatus for another season. Yorse? Nah, let’s make it WORSE (please laugh at this awful pun). Like Hunter said, if you know… you know.

[anastacialy]

y'know, i keep making a habit of swinging my bat at hornets nests, but i have to say i'm getting so, so tired of people complaining about shows not making perfect sense when they aren't even close to done. we're four episodes into this season of doctor who. we're four episodes into this season of bridgerton. and yet in both fandoms i keep seeing people whine that such and such didn't make sense or it wasn't explained all the way and by god you guys i think maybe explanations might come later in the season. this is something most viewers will recognize as being called a 'plot.'

[lairmadness]

How about that Ogerpon

Please read the tags!

[talentforlying]

one of these days i'm going to write up all that i've changed from azzarello's bullshit era and the one (1) piece i've kept from milligan (and also changed) and the only thing currently stopping me is that it is going to be so, so inside-baseball incomprehensible. and i almost never want to go reading/screencapping azzarello and milligan to add references but i Want to add references.

canon is goop, just know that we continue to ride the bus down "hellblazer ended at #250 and looks like swiss cheese before that" street.

[osaumu]

one thing i think is really interesting about writing dazai is that he is truly a miserable, hollowed out shell of a person on the inside, but the performance he displays daily masks it completely from view from those who wouldn’t otherwise know what to look for. people who knew him from fifteen to eighteen would be able to see the performance for what it is but the question would still remain, has he changed at all? you would want to believe that he has, because that fantasy is so much better than the reality that is, he’s the same. every single day dazai makes conscious choices not to fall on his easier, messier, morally wrong decisions and resolutions to problems. your blood is port mafia black - it’s true, and it’s something he has to work to remove himself from (he can’t).

and the mask cracks, the performance halts when he forgets a direction or needs to be fed a line because he’s constantly thinking, devising plans and contingencies and processing outcomes and solutions for problems that don’t yet exist, and can’t keep up with himself sometimes. when it cracks, when the show comes to an abrupt halt, he’s just left with the hollow emptiness of his own soul, completely void of anything real and tangible and he has to face the feeling of being untethered that is constantly brimming beneath his skin. dazai has no desire to live, his end goal in life is to do what he can, with the direction that oda gave him, and then die. in the meantime searching for the easiest and most painless way to do so. that would have been an easier feat for him in the port mafia, because he spent his time wilfully abusing the power he had been given and installing himself as a figure to be feared and avoided - his only friend within the port mafia being chuuya, but having forged meaningful connections with the likes of hirotsu and kouyou (seen in the way dazai respects them both immensely even in his teens). following his own rules and the trajectory he has set for himself is harder in the agency, because these people are good at their very cores, and have come to care about him despite the mask he wears, because they haven’t seen another side of him that they don’t like.

[icewindandboringhorror]

Various recent pictures of things

[theres-whump-in-that-nebula]

Was in an “I need to do something fun, novel, and mildly dangerous right NOW or I am going to self-destruct” kind of mood so I got a waffle cone locally then walked an hour or two to Target and Big Lots, bought some stuff I needed, and carried it back from 8:30–10:00. I saw the moon! It is very orange. Very beautiful. Very powerful.

I got a file folder for important documents and some Command strips and hooks from Target; and a denim chindi rug, an over-door organizer, and some pretty butterfly depression glasses, which I assume are for liquor from Big Lots.

I also helped some kids cross the street because they were unsure how crosswalks worked; and I gave a few dollars to a lady holding a sign who needed it to support her kids. Honestly I liked doing those things more than the actual shopping but I am quite pleased with my denim chindi rug. It’s pretty.

[cerbreus]

More slasher oc, who is now named Myc, doodles :-) 

[probablygayattorneys]

Miracle Mask but if Kat was the main character instead of the Professor

[roxannarambles]

teal mask fixit-fic on the fly part 7

(Current story so far: Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6)

Kieran went to bed that night happier than he'd been in a very long time. Things had been a bit up and down for him, but ultimately it seemed he'd managed to make not one but four new friends that day. The misunderstanding he had towards the end of the evening had been cleared up later by Arven, when he'd explained they hadn't been saying mean things behind his back-- they were just planning a picnic for the next day and they'd wanted it to be a surprise. So it all turned out, in the end. Kieran slept in the following morning, because his sister had told him that his exchange student partner, Juliana, liked to sleep late anyway so he could take his time.

When he did get up, he ate breakfast quickly, feeling impatient and eager to start the day. He had tried his best to sleep in, but was only able to sleep in a little; he was just too excited. As he headed to the door to leave, he could hear his sister shouting at someone in the front yard.

"Juliana, you took your sweet time-- Kieran should be up soon, at this rate! Wait, why is she here? What part of 'keep this secret' did you not understand?!"

Kieran paused by the door, feeling very confused. Why should it matter if he was up? Didn't Arven tell her that he knew about the picnic now? He decided to continue listening.

"Sorry. Bestie privileges, I tell Nemona everything. But you don't need to worry, she won't tell anyone else."

"Ugh. Whatever. Is Arven coming? We need to get started here, grandpa doesn't have all day."

"Yeah, he was right behind us--"

"Heyya."

"What-- Arven, why is she here too?!"

"Yeeah, um . . . about that. Juliana and Nemona and I were talking and Penny sorta . . . overheard us. So."

"Sorry."

"We figured she may as well come too since she's in on it now."

"Great. So now I gotta deal with every one of you Naranja Students. What a headache. I guess people in Paldea have no grasp of the word 'secret.'"

"Hey, no one in town knows, all right? Chill."

"Look, did you bring the . . . 'thing' or not? Just hurry up and show it to grandpa."

"Yeah, yeah."

Silence, followed by;

"ARVEN THAT'S NOT THE THING, STOP SCREWING AROUND!"

A smattering of laughter.

"Okay, jeez, don't have a cow. Here."

"Where-- where did you get this?!"

"At the festival last night. Arven saw some kid who looked lost, but I realized it was the Ogre!"

The awful, dreadful suspicion coiling silently around Kieran that something was very wrong suddenly snapped and crushed him like a vise-- and now he felt like it was difficult to breathe. They . . . he . . . he'd been right all along. They were keeping something from him . . . something incredibly important . . . something they knew would mean so much to him . . .

He huddled against the door so he could better eavesdrop on the conversation. The awful thoughts churning in his mind were so loud that it made it difficult. He was so stupid to think he'd finally made friends . . . of course something like this would happen. Something like this always happened. He was always going to be shunned and alone . . . even his own family was excluding him . . .

He shook himself. He had to focus, and learn all he could.

Later . . .

It was a beautiful summer day in the land of Kitakami, and only the second day of Juliana's trip out here. It should have been perfect. She was wandering the vast open nature with her exchange student partner, in idyllic scenary, and later tonight they would have plenty of time to return and enjoy more of the local festival. They only had one more spot to visit for their orientation assignment.

Yet, somehow, things felt off. Kieran was acting strangely. Mind you, Juliana had only known him since yesterday, but still; in that time, yes he'd been very shy, but once they'd battled and he'd started talking to her about the Ogre, he'd warmed up to her a fair bit. At least, it had seemed that way. But today he'd hardly said more than a peep, despite Juliana talking to him. She thought perhaps he was still sore about last night, when he thought they'd been talking about him behind his back. But Arven had assured her that he'd patched up that misunderstanding with Kieran for sure. So it really didn't make any sense.

Unless . . . somehow, he'd heard them all talking this morning?

Juliana glanced to Kieran, who had apparently been looking at her, because he quickly looked away and cast his gaze downwards at his feet as they walked. Trying to break the awkward silence, Juliana asked,

"You said this place is called Paradise Barrens, right?"

The boy nodded silently.

". . . heh, pretty dramatic name," she chuckled.

There was silence as their feet scuffed along the dirt path. Eventually, he said,

"It's a very barren patch of land. People think it's because the Ogre spent a lot of time there. Spoiled the dirt where he walked or something."

"Oh."

After another pause,

"I think it's just 'cause of the nearby volcanic activity."

She smiled.

"Hey, that's good thinking. You're a clever kid, Kieran."

She glanced to him, but he didn't seem to care about the praise. He just sort of frowned and shrugged.

"Not a difficult observation to make."

Eeesh. Juliana sighed quietly. She was willing to bet her friends were having a way better time than she was.

Meanwhile . . .

The silence was starting to grate on Carmine's nerves.

At first, when she realized she had to partner up with Nemona again to finish off the dumb orientation assignment-- because her partner had wasted so much time yesterday goofing off so they didn't finish it then-- it filled her with dread. She just knew that motormouth would be going all morning long. Yet when Carmine stomped up to join her partner for the day, it seemed her barely-contained disgust was actually noticed, for once. And Nemona remained uncharacteristically silent, simply letting Carmine take the lead on getting the assignment finished up. It was blissful, at first. They reached the second sign, took a photo, then started out on the hike to the third sign, making very good time.

Yet after a while, Carmine started to feel . . . weirdly uncomfortable with it.

Eventually it bothered her enough that she found herself actually attempting to initiate conversation.

"S-so, uh . . . apparently you're something called 'Champion Rank,' huh?"

She had done air-quotes as she said it, and it had come out a lot snottier than she'd intended. Nemona glanced to her.

"Y-yeah, I am."

There was an awkward silence. Nemona looked anxious as she added,

"I'm sorry I didn't mention it sooner, but I-- w-well, in the past when people find that out, they tend to not wanna . . . fight me. I guess they get intimidated or something. So that's kinda why . . ."

"Oh. Well. Uh. Hah, I mean, I totally get that!" Carmine said, waving a hand,

"Like, same here, you know, people are constantly intimidated by how good I am once they see me fight, so. Yeah."

Nemona's expression shifted into a relieved smile.

"So you understand what I mean."

"Yeah, totally."

Carmine paused, growing lost in a thought for a while. Eventually, when she spoke again, her voice sounded softer and a little more sincere.

"I . . . kinda do get what you mean, though. Like, don't get me wrong, Kitakami is an amazing town and I'm proud of it, but . . ."

She sighed.

"It is . . . small. And there's only so many kids to battle around here, and once you've risen to the top here, well. There's kinda . . . nowhere else to go. Kicking their butts stops being all that satisfying. That's why I applied to Blueberry Academy."

Nemona replied eagerly,

"Yeah! I was the same with Naranja."

Carmine flicked her a look and then gazed ahead again at the path.

"Was it . . . what you wanted? Naranja, I mean."

Nemona fiddled with the zip of her bag as she pondered.

"Mmm, well. Yes and no. I learned a lot, and had a lot of great opportunities there. I don't regret any of it. But I also still felt kinda aimless there, for a long time. It's only been really recently that things have been falling into place for me."

Carmine raised a brow.

"How so?"

Nemona smiled; there was something indescribably affectionate and soft in the expression.

"I finally made some really good friends. Including my best friend and my rival for life . . . someone who appreciates me for just me and who can really meet me where I am."

Carmine's brow crumpled into confusion.

"Your rival? You mean the person you wanna destroy?"

Nemona laughed.

"I don't wanna destroy Juliana."

Carmine gesticulated as she spoke in exasperation,

"Why not? If she's better then you, then you should try to beat her, that's the whole point of battling. Is she better then you?"

"We're rivals. We're equals."

Carmine snorted and rolled her eyes.

"That's just a cop-out. There's always a winner and a loser."

Nemona looked at her, and there was an amused sort of glint in her eyes. It was annoying.

"Lemme ask you something. Was it what you wanted?"

"Huh?"

"Blueberry Academy, I mean. Did you find what you were looking for?"

Carmine scowled deep.

". . . you're just changing the subject."

Nemona's annoying smile had not faded. She said,

"Maybe I'm not. Maybe what you're looking for is a good rival. Not somebody to destroy, but somebody to help you grow."

Carmine was quiet for a while.

Then, she said,

"That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard."

Meanwhile . . .

"ARVEN JUST DROP THEM!"

"NO I WILL NOT!"

"ARVEN WE'RE GONNA DIE!"

"YOU'RE BEING DRAMATIC!"

At the moment, Arven and Penny were taking a brisk jog, Arven's arms laden with a huge pile of Liechi berries, so Penny was running somewhat ahead of him. A few yards back, an entire pack of Poochyena and Mightyena were running after them.

Arven had been lucky enough to come across a bush packed with the rare berries and of course he knew he had to stop and pick them. He'd stuffed his bag and then his arms with berries, knowing they were perfect for their picnic and then for freezing so he could use them back home in some desserts he wanted to try his hand at.

Unfortunately, it seemed the large number of Poochyena in the area were also fond of the berries. He'd tried just shooing them away, but more and more kept gathering and watching them. It wasn't until the Mightyena arrived that they'd grown bold enough to attack, and by then, their numbers had grown a bit overwhelming for just a pokemon battle. Arven and Penny had to just make a run for it.

The dogs were very persistent, though, as it turned out.

Penny started to grab the berries from Arven and chuck them behind her as they ran. Arven gave an outraged,

"HEY!"

"ARVEN THE DUMB BERRIES ARE NOT WORTH BEING MAULED FOR!"

"WE JUST NEED TO MAKE IT TO THOSE TREES!"

Penny reached to grab more berries and Arven jerked, trying to shield his cache from her.

"ARVEN-- YOU FAT GREEDENT--"

"YOU-- YOU PIPSQUEAK, YOU TAKE IT BACK!"

Later . . .

It was early afternoon when Juliana and Kieran finally reached the Paradise Barrens. The hike hadn't been too bad, but it was definitely a lot more walking than Juliana was used to. Especially since she was so accoustumed to Koraidon's help with transportation. She hadn't used him here, though; she worried the pokemon might intimidate the locals.

"So . . . I guess this is it, huh?"

She could see the signpost up ahead with its red, triangular roof. It stood beneath a large outcropping of rocks. She glanced to Kieran, but he was as quiet as he'd been all day. She muttered,

"Guess I'll go check it out . . ."

Once she'd reached the sign, she leaned down to read; however, before she could, a voice called out.

"Wow, you guys are so slow."

Juliana turned and frowned. Carmine arrived on the scene, followed closely behind by Nemona.

"What do you mean? We got here first."

"Yeah, but me and Nemona had to visit the second sign before heading over here, yet we got here at pretty much the same time."

Juliana sighed, answering,

"Okayyyy well, excuse me for enjoying the scenary."

Ignoring Carmine's general crankiness, Nemona chirped,

"Hi Jules! Wanna see this weird rock I found?"

"Yeah, always!"

The rock was indeed weird, very lumpy and a pale shade of pink.

"Haha, it kinda looks like used chewing gum."

"Oh my god you're right it does."

The slap of feet on the ground made them all look up and turn, as another pair of students came round the bend; it was Penny and Arven, panting and sweaty and looking like they had just run a marathon. Their clothes were stained in red berry juice and they were disheveled and dirty.

"Uh . . . you guys okay?"

Penny reached the group first. She stopped and sat on the ground, groaning miserbly as she sunk down.

"No."

Arven reached them next and stopped, his arms braced on his knees as he panted for breath, messy hair hanging in his face. There were some scratches on his face and arms too, Juliana realized.

"Seriously, what happened to you two?"

"What happened was this genius thought it was better to try and outrun a pack of Mightyena than just hand over a few lousy berries," Penny snarked bitterly.

"There were only like THREE Mightyena, the rest were Poochyena," Arven shouted back, which took too much breath so then he went back to panting.

"Yeah, well. I don't think it mattered much when there was that many of them," Penny said, taking off her glasses to wipe the smears off.

Juliana gave her a sympathetic smile.

"Well, um, at least you made it here in one piece?"

"I guess, but we lost the berries so it was all for nothing."

"Not all of them! I still have some in my bag," Arven announced proudly, patting the oversized pack that he brought everywhere with him.

"Great. That means it was sooooo worth it," Penny deadpanned.

"See if I let you taste the desserts I'm gonna make--"

"Okay! Enough! Jeez, you guys argue more like you're enemies than friends," Carmine interrupted.

Juliana cleared her throat.

"Okay, well. We're all here, so I guess we could just take one big group photo with the sign?"

Carmine shrugged.

"Yeah, whatever. Let's just get this done."

They all gathered around, posing for the camera. When they finished, nobody seemed to know what to do next; reading the sign didn't take long.

"So, um, what should we do now? There's still a lot of time left today."

"Hmmm."

"Ugh, I don't care what you guys do. I'm headed back."

Juliana asked,

"Wait, Arven, didn't you have the . . . you know, the picnic?"

"RIGHT! Yeah! Uh, yeah! The picnic."

He gestured at Carmine, who was already leaving.

"Don't go, Carmine, we have a picnic planned! It'll be nice."

She hesitated.

". . . fine. Only because I'm hungry."

"Great! I saw the perfect spot for it on the way out here. Everyone follow me, it's not too far."

It looked like Kieran had been trying to slink away from the group, but Carmine spotted him and grabbed his shoulder.

"C'mon, Kiki, where you going? You wanna have lunch with all your new buddies, don't you?"

He sighed and mumbled,

". . . sure."

The spot Arven had picked out was back in the Wistful Fields, tucked away behind a hill. When they reached it, Juliana's face lit with a smile.

"Oh wow, it's so pretty here!"

Nemona agreed enthusiatically,

"Yeah, this is so cool!"

All around were soft grasses and wildflowers, and in the center was a large pond, lots of Lotad floating in the waters as Yanma flitted about overhead. Planted throughout the area were what looked to be dwarf trees, all of them hanging heavy with hundreds of little purple blossoms. They had a magical, dreamy sort of ambiance. Ghost-type Oricoro hung around the trees, filling the air with their exotic calls.

Carmine commented,

"Yeah, this is Wisteria Pond. Honestly not a terrible place for a picnic. So good job, I guess, Arven. I'm surprised."

Arven smiled proudly, but then his smile slipped.

"Wait, why are you surprised?"

"When did you even manage to notice this?" Penny interrupted.

"While I was climbing that tree when the Mightyena bit me!"

"Ah."

They headed over to a cluster of the purple trees, where Arven laid out a picnic blanket and began to set out food; sliced fruit, berries, vegetable sticks, deviled eggs, cookies, so forth. He also began to assemble some mini sandwiches. Everyone gathered round to enjoy the late lunch.

"Wow, Arven, you went all out. How do you even fit all this in your bag?"

"Talented packing, of course. I'm not the picnic master for nothing. Here, who wants another sa- uh, one of these?"

"Oh, what kind of sandwich is it?"

"--NO, don't-- don't use that word--"

A pokeball suddenly opened from Juliana's bag, deploying a large, bright-red lizard. The Blueberry Academy students gasped in surprise. Arven sighed,

". . . just great."

"What the heck is that?" Carmine asked, watching as the huge creature sniffed enthusiastically at Arven.

"It's a menace and a pest, is what it is," Arven groused, pushing Koraidon's snout away. Juliana rolled her eyes.

"That's my ride pokemon. And don't listen to Arven, Koraidon is the bestest boy in the world. Just give him a sandwich, Arven."

"No! There's plenty of berries here, it can eat those just fine."

"He can have one of my sandwiches," Nemona said, holding out a mini sandwich. Koraidon gulped it down quickly and made a happy little trill.

"Nemona, I am not giving you another one just because you gave yours away."

"He looks strong. Why didn't you use him in battle?" Carmine asked, eyeing the pokemon warily. Juliana shrugged.

"Eh, that wouldn't really make for a fair game. Besides, he likes running around and eating way more than he likes battling."

Koraidon turned to sniff at Carmine, looking at her sandwich with envy. She recoiled a little, uncomfortable with the attention.

"Koraidon, c'mon, leave her alone. Don't be rude."

"Here, Koraidon. You can have this."

Penny fed Koraidon one of her own sandwiches. Arven cried out in dismay.

"You guys! I worked hard on these! Koraidon doesn't even taste them, he just swallows them whole!"

Nemona countered,

"You don't know that, I bet he can taste them."

Juliana fed Koraidon a sandwich too. Koraidon gulped it down and then rolled onto his back. Juliana rubbed his belly, chuckling.

"Ooh, who's a hungry baby boy? You are! Yes, you are!"

"Don't worry, Arven, I'm not throwing away my sandwiches," Carmine said, shifting so she sat further away from Koraidon.

"Thank you, Carmine. At least someone appreciates my hard work--"

She added, "--although, this chorizo isn't really spicy enough."

Arven sighed.

"I-- ugh."

"Of course we appreciate your work, Arven. It's just that Koraidon appreciates it most of all!" Nemona said. Juliana laughed.

After a leisurely lunch, the teens spent the time just lounging and fooling about. Nemona and Juliana decided it was the perfect spot to practice their pokeball throws, so they spent the time chasing after the many bug and grass types that were crawling and flying around, Juliana coaching Nemona on how to improve her form. When they'd practiced enough on the easier targets, like Swadloon, Cutiefly, and Petlil, they moved on to the nimble Yanma that were circling the pond. This evolved into a full-blown catching competition, before long. For a while Penny joined them in this contest, but she eventually tired of running around and chose to sit in the grass and just watch Juliana and Nemona's hyper antics, to cheer from afar.

Koraidon wandered over to where Penny sat and she rolled a ball for it, and they engaged in a lazy game of fetch. After a while, Penny noticed that Kieran was watching her, off alone in the grass, and she waved for him to come over. He looked very reluctant, but approached anyway, sitting down closer to her but still fairly distant. She asked if he wanted to throw the ball for Koraidon; he seemed very conflicted. He did eventually agree, though, and Penny tossed him the ball. The large pokemon made him nervous at first, but before long, he warmed up to it; one time when Koraidon returned the ball, it trilled happily and licked Kieran's face. The boy laughed, for the first time that day; when he looked to Penny, she was smiling warmly at him. He seemed to catch himself, glancing away from Penny with a tense frown. Unaware of the boy's sadness, Koraidon continued to lick him; he pet the lizard with a distracted sigh.

Arven had been dozing on the picnic blanket under the trees, during all this; his earlier skirmish with the Poochyena had worn him out a lot. It didn't exactly help he was always carrying such a heavy bag with him. Carmine hadn't really been in the mood to fool about like the others, it seemed, so she was sitting under the trees near Arven, fiddling on her phone. Once Arven had woken from his nap, he asked her if she wanted dessert. She shrugged and accepted the offer, and he shared with her some mochi made with Mago berries. It was a pretty shade of pink and was light and sweet with a nice tangy edge.

"What d'you think?" he asked.

She nodded, eating another one.

"They're really good."

Arven puffed his chest a bit, grinning.

"Thanks! The key is letting the Mago berries stew a while as a compote."

Carmine raised a brow.

"Wait, you made these?"

"Yeah!"

"Huh. That's . . . kinda cool, actually."

Arven looked thrilled with the praise. Carmine continued,

"Usually gramps makes mochi and that kind of stuff. Didn't really expect someone like you to know how to do it."

"Someone like me?"

"Hm, yeah. Guess I think of it as more of an old person thing to do."

Arven deflated a bit.

"Aw, man . . . you coulda just said they were good and left it at that."

She snorted.

"They were good. Good job, gramps."

"Ugh," Arven grumbled. She chuckled at him, and the conversation lapsed into silence for a time. Eventually, Arven commented,

"Your brother seems to have cheered up a bit."

They watched as he played ball with Koraidon. Carmine grunted.

"Guess so. I dunno what his problem has been today. Teenage angst or some crap like that, maybe."

Arven frowned.

"Well, he could have his reasons."

Carmine sighed as she laid back,

"Who knows."

After hesitating, Arven said,

"I still . . . feel kinda bad about . . . hiding the truth from him."

Carmine shot him a glare.

"Did you tell him? Don't you dare tell him."

"I didn't! I won't. I'm just saying . . . I feel bad about it."

"Well don't. There's no reason to. You heard gramps, Kiki's not ready for the truth. Let his own family worry about him."

Arven looked away, sighing.

"All I mean is that if it was me, I think I'd feel pretty bad if I found out my family was keeping such a big secret from me."

Carmine scowled.

"You act like I don't care about him. We're doing it for his own good, I told you-- I know my brother, he'd probably try to do something crazy if he found out. You want me to put him in danger?"

"No, of course not. Just . . . look, never mind, I was just thinking outloud."

There was an uncomfortable silence. Eventually, Carmine spoke again. Her voice lacked the usual hard edge; it sounded softer and more self-conscious.

". . .we'll tell him when he's ready."

Arven looked to her. He nodded, smiling faintly. She glanced away awkwardly, instead watching the other teens fooling about near the pond. After a while, casting around for a change in subject, she spoke in a slightly exasperated tone;

"Are those two like, girlfriends or something?"

Arven blinked, confused, looking to where she had gestured. It seemed Juliana and Nemona had worn themselves out with their pokemon catching contest and wandered back to the grass to collapse, exhausted, under some of the purple trees. Juliana was reclining against Nemona like she was her personal couch, and they were talking to each other and giggling, the purple blossoms drifting down softly on their heads.

Arven laughed.

"I dunno. Maybe. Wouldn't surprise me, I guess."

"You've never asked?"

"Hah, no. That'd be way too awkward. Also, I don't really care, I mean, that's their business."

Carmine seemed disappointed at his unwillingness to gossip. With a smirk, he added on,

"Why? Were you hoping to date one of 'em?"

She made an outraged noise and responded instantly,

"Oh my god, no. Gross. I can't stand those two. So loud and hyperactive and saccharine and . . . annoyingly good at battles . . . "

She'd muttered that last part very quietly, then huffed.

"Perfect for each other."

Arven just laughed.

"Yeah, that's true."

"Why are you even friends with them?"

Arven crossed his arms and smiled at her,

"They're good people."

Carmine was unimpressed with this response. Arven carried on casually,

"You are too, though. I can tell, beneath it all. You just got that tough guy act going on."

"Ex--excuse me?!"

Arven chuckled.

"Tough girl act, I guess? Whatever. I used to be the same, you know."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

Undiscouraged, he said,

"I mean I was all gruff and distant and stuff like that. I didn't wanna have to rely on anyone. But after I made some real friends, I realized I didn't actually need the tough guy act anymore. That actually it had been pushing people away for no real reason."

Carmine rolled her eyes. Arven continued,

"So I'm a bit more chill now! Or, uh, I try to be, anyway. Friendlier, ya know? And more willing to rely on my buds for help from time to time!"

Scathingly, Carmine replied,

"That's great, Dr. Feelings, but I don't need you trying to psychoanalyze me. Maybe I just happen to be tough, did you consider that? Maybe I don't need to rely on anyone to get by."

Arven chuckled,

"Oh, I'm sure you don't. I never said otherwise."

She cast him a puzzled look. He said,

"But it's not about what you need. It's about what you want. Don't you want something more satisfying then just getting by?"

She glanced away, grumbling. After a bit, she snipped,

"I'd have no problems getting tons of friends if I wanted to."

Arven sighed. Eventually, in a patient tone, he told her,

"Well . . . if you're wanting a friend, I wouldn't mind being one of them."

She glanced to him. The calls of the Oricoro filled the silence as she hesitated.

She looked away again.

". . . fine. If you'd really like that, I wouldn't deprive you of the honor."

"Cool," Arven said, smiling at her.

After this discussion, Arven decided he'd head down and see if anyone else wanted some mochi. It was while the gang were snacking on mochi that Kieran decided to appear; he marched up to Juliana and Nemona, looking nervous but determined.

"I'd like to challenge you to a battle," he announced, pointing to Nemona. Carmine looked immediately surprised and concerned. Nemona looked thrilled.

"Of course!" she said, jumping to her feet eagerly.

"Wait, wait. Her? You sure you wanna do that, Kiki?"

Kieran nodded.

"Y-yeah. Juliana battled me before, so I figured I could battle Nemona too. I wanna get stronger."

"Yeahhh, but still, maybe it'd be better if you found some weaker trainers to beat up first--"

"No! I wanna get strong, and I don't want to waste anymore time. Please, Nemona? Will you battle me?"

Nemona gave Carmine a hesitant look before answering kindly,

"Of course, Kieran. I'd love to battle."

Carmine grunted,

"I'm just trying to look out for you, bro, but whatever."

Struck with inspiration, Nemona suggested,

"Hey! Maybe everyone else can have a battle too at the same time. It's such a nice place for one, and we haven't had many yet!"

Carmine frowned and her gaze shifted away as she made a reluctant humming sound. Nemona quickly added on,

"Uh, if people want to! Only if they feel like it, no pressure, of course."

"You already fought me and Nemona so you could give someone else a try," Juliana suggested gently. It seemed Carmine was not as gung-ho about battling as she was earlier; perhaps being crushed twice in a row dampened things for her.

"I could fight you if you want," Arven offered casually. Carmine looked at him. After a long pause she asked quietly,

"You one of these Champion-Rank students too?"

"Uh . . . no," Arven said, looking a little bummed out. Carmine answered,

"Okay, well, I guess we could battle."

"Oh. Uh, okay."

Juliana flashed a smile at Penny.

"Guess that leaves you and me!"

"Oog. Okay, but I know you'll kick my butt."

Juliana laughed.

"Nah, it's fine, we don't need to go all out. We can just mess around with the pokemon we've caught here, how's that?"

Penny agreed to that, and the teens went to battle their respective partners. Juliana and Penny had fun just messing around. The result of Arven and Carmine's battle was made quite obvious when they'd finished and Carmine had cackled in glee and gloated about her victory. The result of Nemona and Kieran's battle had not been to Kieran's liking, though.

"It's always like this, I'm always too weak," he was lamenting, while Nemona desperately tried to reassure him that he'd done a great job. He quickly went to Juliana and begged for her to battle him, too. She was reluctant but he was very persistent, so she gave him a battle as well. Once again, he was incredibly frustrated with the results.

"Kiki, c'mon, you're being too hard on yourself," Carmine said, but Kieran wasn't listening to anyone.

"Forget it, I'm going to go back home now."

"You're being a real sore loser, you know. You don't have to leave!"

Juliana opened her mouth to comment on the amazingly hypocritical statement coming from Carmine but decided not to get in the middle of a sibling squabble. Kieran said,

"I have stuff to do anyway. I'll see you all later."

He left without another word. They awkwardly watched him go. After a bit, a worried Nemona asked,

"Should I have . . . gone easier on him? I wanted to, but he begged me not to hold back . . ."

Juliana was about to comfort her, but before she could, Carmine shook her head, saying,

"It's fine. He's been acting weird all day, it wasn't your fault. I don't know what his problem is."