#vagabonds chapter 10

[skellymom]

"Vagabonds" Chapter 10 "Stranded"

Ongoing fanfic Hunter x Reader/Fem Reader/OC

Hunter meets a smuggler Nomaadi Star Woman with a powerful force sensitive teen who changes the trajectory of CF-99's lives...as they ALL try to escape from The Empire together.

ᴛʜɪꜱ ꜰɪᴄ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀɪɴꜱ ɴꜱꜰᴡ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛ. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʀᴇ ɴᴏᴛ 18+ ᴅɴɪ

To read Chapter 9:

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/741739026615353344/vagabonds-chapter-9?source=share

Word Count: 1.2K

Background: Time is running out for Hunter, Omega, and the crew of The Beldame.

Warning: Star Wars swears, Earth swears, fear, physical pain, fainting, blood, hypothermia, dog bites human, canon-typical violence.

(Credit: Cool moving star dividers by @4ngelic-wh1spers )

Recap:

As the jovial banter continued, a group of clones stood around the window, watching the planet recede from view. 

“You think She and Little One have a chance?” 

“Much better than staying on Kamino.  The Nomaadi will take good care of ‘em.” 

“Wish I could’a stayed on the planet with ‘em.  Kriffin tired of this rat race.” 

“Miss them already...” 

“Shhh...we can’t.  At least not right NOW.”   

“Maybe sometime...in the future...” 

“Yeah, younger ones go first.” 

“Gotta be REAL careful if we smuggle any more out.” 

A hush fell among the group as the planet disappeared with only cold black space remaining. 

"Stranded"

Far out in cold black space the Dread Beldame drifted. 

After Mad had fainted and fallen to the floor, Sil turned her over. Pale and with a bruise from the fall developing on her face, he could feel the panic rising. 

“Sil...breathe...” Omega had to keep him calm. “Love?” 

The teen floated above the decking; eyes rolled back in their head. No answer. 

Hunter had finally passed out from the horrific sensory stimuli. 

Tiggy shook it off and ambled over to them whimpering. She pressed her body up against Sil to distract him. 

The lights of the Beldame began to flicker. 

“Sil! What’s going on? Are we losing power???” 

Sil snapped to, furiously stroking Tiggy. “We lost main power after the Venator exploded.” He looked terrified. “The auxillary power is starting to fail...lights, gravity...and life support.” 

Omega felt a chill go through her. “We can fix it...RIGHT???” 

“No... we need another ship to hook up to the ‘Dame for recharge and repair.” 

“It’ll be ok, Sil. The Marauder will be here soon!” 

Sil shook his head. “Omega...the explosion pushed us parsecs away from Ord Mantell.” He got up, leaving Mad and Tiggy to check ships comm. He found them inoperable, then stared out into the blackness of space. 

“I... recognize SOME of these stars. No planets or any other large landmarks. But we’ll continue to drift farther out.” He looked resigned to their fate. “Without coordinates, or a way to radio them, it’s going to be near impossible.” 

“Tech and Echo WILL find us!” Omega was hopeful...but she was also scared. 

The lights dimmed again and stayed at half capacity. 

“It’s going to get VERY cold here soon, Omega. And we need to conserve oxygen best we can.” Sil opened a panel and pulled out insulation blankets and oxygen face masks. 

Omega and Sil pulled Hunter, Mad, Love, Tiggy and each other close into a warm huddle, donned their oxygen masks, and hoped for the best. 

Echo and Tech furiously checked as many comm channels as possible to hail the Beldame. 

Techs voice was rising, “I cannot find them on ANY channel!” 

Echo was starting to worry, but couldn’t concentrate... 

“You stink!” Echo wrinkled up his face. “Get in the refresher, Wrecker!!!  Pick up your armor, too.” 

“Wait” interjected Tech “Who was that clone with you in the sewer tunnel?” 

Echo perked up and turned around in his seat “Another clone on Ord Mantell other than Rex???” 

“He called himself Riffraff.  Escaped off world after Order 66.” 

Echo smiled from ear to ear, “Thank the Maker!  Vod made it.” 

“You know him?” Tech inquired, still checking comm channels, trying not to panic. 

“Yeah, he was a shiny I met from another unit just before joining the Batch.  Good kid, he had promise.” 

“He looked SO OLD though.  Didn’t recognize him as a clone at first.” Wrecker was shocked.  

“I agree with Wrecker, he must have aged to look like a first-generation clone with all the adversity he witnessed during Order 66 and after.  He said he was staying behind to gain intel for a growing rebellion.” Tech’s brow creased stressfully. “STILL cannot hail the Beldame.” 

“Wrecker, shower!” Echo ordered.

“I’M GOIN’! GEEZ!!!” 

“Well, I hope he accomplishes his goal.  The galaxy really needs a strong rebellion.  Maybe more of our brothers will join the fight.”  Echo looked hopeful.  “Inhibitor chips be damned.” 

“I’m worried about the crew of the Beldame” Tech looked to Echo.  “Without a functioning shield they may not have escaped.” 

Echo shook his head, “I REFUSE to even consider that an option.” 

Darkness penetrated the Beldame. A thin coating of frost covered the huddled, blanketed crew. Omega and Sil were shivering violently from the cold. Love, Mad, and Hunter were still out, but breathing and warm...for now. 

Tiggy, being small and warmly nestled within the center of the group squiggled up through the bodies. She climbed up on Sil’s chest and pressed her canine head against his forehead.  

He felt a strange presence in his mind. The pitter patter of little paws though his thoughts...was the best he could recall. Sil was too weak to care. Concentrating on this was better than the agony of slowly freezing to death. 

“...mega?” Was the best he could muster. 

“Mmm...” She was barely there. He pulled her closer, trying to keep her warm with his body heat. 

How much oxygen did they have left? Even with the masks...it couldn’t last forever. Was it the low oxygen levels or the cold causing them to fight to stay awake? 

Tiggy crawled away from Sil and pulled herself up to Love, who was still levitating, but tied up close to their group for warmth. She whimpered and scratched at Love’s chest. No response. She barked. 

“Tiggy, leave it.” Sil tiredly commanded. 

The puppy whimpered and whined...then bit Love on the chin, drawing blood. 

Love’s eyes popped open with the pain response. 

“Tiggy, NO!”  

Omega intervened. “Sil...I think Tiggy is trying to do something.” 

“What?” 

“Don’t know...” 

Couzin? Love’s eyes rolled back in their head. 

Tiggy bit Love again. HARDER. 

Love’s eye focused on the pup. Oh...can’t...too weak... 

Then Tiggy MASHED her head up against Love’s. Her little tail wagging furiously. Omega and Sil watched closely. 

For what, they didn’t know. 

Bubbles filled the refresher shower. Wrecker scrubbed away at the stink on his skin. On his third wash to finally be rid of it. 

Plunging his face under the faucet a tune wound an earworm into his head.  

Wrecker hadn’t turned on his holotunes, but an oddly discordant song kept repeating in his head. More like a repeating snippet of a song...with some percussion. 

It became stronger. Then Wrecker started to hum...over...and over. Tapped his foot even. 

He finished, dried off, dressed. Still humming the tune, tapping the percussion now with his knuckle on the bunkroom wall. 

Wrecker wandered to the cockpit... 

...humming... 

...tapping... 

Echo and Tech were backtracking coordinates, retrying comm channels, plotting hyperspace lanes...concerned for the worst. 

“Like they just disappeared!” Echo furrowed his brow. 

“Echo...I think we MIGHT have to entertain the idea...” Tech eyed his brother with concern. 

“NO!” 

...humming... 

...tapping... 

“I know it’s difficult to consider...Echo...” 

“I WON’T accept that they may be...” 

...humming... 

...tapping... 

Tech swung his chair around to look at Wrecker. 

Wrecker was grooving along to some type of internal tune. Humming along and tapping on the Marauder’s interior wall. It wasn’t exactly musical, but Wrecker didn’t seem to mind, eyes closed, and he just kept on jamming along. 

Echo took Tech’s lead and watched Wrecker for a few moments.  

“WRECKER!” Echo shouted. 

“WHAAAAT?” 

“Why are you tapping out Basic Standard Code?” 

Wrecker shrugged. “Stuck in my head...can’t stop.” 

“Keep going, Wrecker.” Tech urged, rubbing his chin. 

They watched Wrecker repeat the humming and tapping over and over. 

Echo broke the silence, “DEFINITELY BSC! The message keeps repeating. Don’t know what the other part is...” 

Tech interrupted excitedly. “Notes on the musical scale!” 

Tech repeated the Basic Alphabet that corresponded with the notes to Echo. 

“With the Basic Standard Code...” Echo started the sentence... 

...and Tech finished it, “They’re coordinates!” 

They both spun their seats around and immediately engaged the Marauder. 

Wrecker stopped humming and tapping. “YOU’RE WELCOME!” 

PLEASE like, comment, and/or REBLOG!

To read Chapter 11:

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/744912201871245312/vagabonds-chapter-11?source=share

[tinfoil-jones]

Gravity Falls: A Few Minutes Won't Hurt

Summary: Alternative Title: Repressed Baptist Seduces Menace to Society. I said I would post the smut chapter in CH.13 of For Your Own Good if that chapter got 10 reviews, and I got those within like 2 hours. Well, I'm an author of my word(s), so here's your NSFW Fiddlestan content. Cross-posted on AO3 Here.

One shot from my other work, "For Your Own Good", but you don't necessarily need to read it first to read this.

Rating: E for language and sexual content. Also this whole thing is just smut with some plot and feelings.

WARNING: TW/ Mentioned past sexual abuse.

Of all the things Fiddleford thought he was willing to do to help his dear friend and colleague Stanford, seducing his identical twin brother to buy time while he fixed the houses power grid was not one of them.

While Stanford didn't ask him to do this specifically, he had asked him to distract Stan just long enough for him to get the power back up. And what else was he to do?

Drugging him was an option, but keeping him here against his will was already morally objectionable, he didn't want to add drugging him against his will (again) too. He had at least some standards here compared to Ford. Plus, Stan had an alarmingly high tolerance to substances anyways. He still shivered in remembrance of the crushed Ambien incident.

Brute force was also an option, but Fiddleford had no weapons on him. Hand-to-hand combat? Fiddleford was a lot stronger than his willowy build would lead others to believe. He grew up on a farm with hogs, and he had the strength to back it up. But Stan was a fighter - not just a fighter, but someone who's lived the past decade having to fight to survive. Fiddleford has personally seen what a rat in a corner can turn into, and he wasn't going to see what happened when the same thing happened with an adult man who was bigger than him. Not to mention, on the way downstairs, Fiddleford saw the man had already grabbed the items Ford had confiscated from him when he was brought in the first time, which included a switchblade and pair of knuckle dusters. It didn’t matter how strong Fiddleford was, when he was completely unarmed and Stan was most definitely not.

Reasoning with him?

There was no reasoning with him - and what could Fiddleford possibly tell him? That he needed to be held captive against his will in some mad scientist's basement in the middle of the woods? Stan couldn't even be convinced Stanford was really his twin and they looked almost exactly the same.

So that left, as Stan so eloquently put it, a 'honey trap'. Stan had been flirting with him relentlessly since they met and Fiddlefort had to bet all of his chips on the chance that Stan was actually attracted to him, and not just doing it to mess with him. Although not a betting man, Fiddleford must have made the right bet because now he was pinned against the wall, chest-to-chest with one wrist being held over his head, and a chapped pair of lips against his own.

Maybe, just maybe, Fiddleford was just looking for an excuse…

Given Stan's initial aggression, Fiddleford had fully expected the vagabond to go all-in on this encounter - with tongue, teeth, groping, and all. Yet, Stan was only kissing him - firm, but not rough, and no tongue. The grip on his wrist wasn't even hard, almost like it was a suggestion or invitation. With the power out, most of the lights in the basement laboratory were also out, but there were just enough autonomously-powered machines down there to keep them out of the pitch dark.

Stan put his remaining hand on Fiddlefords shoulder and lightly pushed it down, exposing more of his neck. He withdrew from the kiss and started instead planting butterfly kisses on the engineer's neck and throat. Just enough pressure to make Fiddleford feel hot under the collar, but not enough to leave marks.

Flustered at this almost romantic treatment, Fiddleford wrapped his free arm around Stan's waist, pulling him closer- close enough to rub their crotches together. Fiddleford had already undone his belt and zipper, leaving his trousers halfway down his thighs with only his briefs covering him, while Stan was still fully dressed save for his hoodie which he'd slid off earlier.

He noted Stan stiffened up for a second, but then relaxed again. Curious. He was so eager about this, and yet he was showing some signs of what seemed to be apprehension. Fiddleford would have to keep an eye on that, he wasn't going to do this if Stan actually didn't want to.

Stan nuzzled his chin and then moved onto trailing kisses along his jaw.

Fiddleford chuckled and turned his head to peck his lips "Stan," he teased with a heavy breath "I didn't realize you were such a gentleman."

Stan didn't respond, instead letting go of Fiddlefords wrist, which quickly moved down to hold the other man's hip.

"May I?" Fiddleford asked, thumbing the hem of his jeans - Stan didn't wear a belt, likely because of his thicker gut. Stan nodded, and took a step back.

Fiddleford turned them around so Stan's back was against the wall instead, and he was in front of him. Licking his lips a bit, Fiddleford undid the button and zipper of Stan's jeans before kneeling down and yanking both his jeans and boxers down to his knees.

A slight, full-body tremour ran through Stan's body and he almost seemed to back up even more against the wall as he was exposed. He wasn't completely hard yet, but his tip had a generous bead of precum already forming.

Fiddleford licked his lips again- usually this wasn't something he did, because his throat was sensitive, but given Stan's other actions so far he doubted he was going to try to face fuck him like so many other guys tended to do.

Fiddleford licked him from base to tip, before eagerly engulfing just the head. He didn't want to start off with too much all at once, he wanted to savour this a little bit. He heard Stan gasp aloud but abruptly stop.

He looked up as he slowly took in more of his length- he was surprised to see Stan had slapped his hand over his mouth, presumably to keep quiet. He was looking down at Fiddleford however, and when their eyes met his face turned an interesting shade of red and his eyes rounded out just slightly, almost like he didn't expect Fiddleford to look at him at all.

Fiddleford took in about half of him - that was enough to ease his throat for a moment, and he could feel the appendage swell and stiffen under his ministrations, giving him a perverted sense of pride.

He felt Stan place a hand on top of his head, and he quickly exhaled through his nose as he mentally prepared himself to be fucked in the throat and his hair to be yanked. Which was always fun, but he preferred taking his time.

However, that isn't what happened. Thick, calloused fingers tangled into his sandy blond locks, but not enough to pull at his scalp, and instead began stroking his hair back. Hesitant at first, before finding a clear rhythm to follow.

It was Fiddlefords turn to blush. All of this gentleness was the exact opposite of what he expected from Stan and he almost felt guilty for even assuming the vagabond would be rough or demanding. Fiddleford shoved his free hand down his briefs and gripped his own member, palming himself best he could in his current position.

Humming, he started to bob his head - slowly at first, but picking up pace after a few tests on his throat. He internally pouted that the only response he was receiving was well-muffled noises he had to strain to hear.

Fiddleford pulled his mouth off of Stan's dick, leaving an obscene string of saliva between himself and the weeping tip. "Stan," he said, looking up at the other man, who seemed confused, "I want to hear you." When a look of uncertainty crossed the vagabond's eyes, he added "There isn't anyone down here besides you and me, and the cameras don’t work right now, it's okay."

Stan slowly removed his hand from covering his mouth, and Fiddleford flashed him a small approving smile before quickly swallowing down most of his length in one movement.

"Fuck-!" Stan gasped, his tone so surprised and lewd it made it worth Fiddlefords now stimulated gag reflex. Fiddleford felt himself harden up even more and he jerked himself with even more vigor.

It'd be a good time now to switch to the main act, but it sure would be a shame if he didn't get a taste... especially with that deep, pretty moaning egging him on like this.

Though his hand movements stayed light and affectionate, Stan began to shake and stutter "-F, g-gonna-... I-Im close."

Fiddleford used the hand on Stan's hip to press him against the wall as far as he could, while taking his entire member, gag reflex be damned. Stan practically cried out as he cummed, and Fiddleford swallowed it all eagerly even if he had to cough a bit because of his now angry throat. It took a few strokes for Fiddleford to follow him in release, and his hand was cramping because he hadn't pulled himself out of his underwear to do so but he couldn't force himself to care about that right now.

Fiddleford slowly pulled off, feeling Stan's fingers continue to stroke his hair, albeit a bit clumsily with the aftershocks still wracking his body. "Y-You're pretty good at that, stretch." The brunet chuckled breathily, and Fiddleford felt his own face go hot "What else are you good at?"

Swiftly wiping his mouth with his lab coat sleeve, Fiddleford stood up again and cupped Stan's cheek with his hand, lightly rubbing his jaw with his thumb, which Stan leaned into almost unconsciously, his pupils dilating even further.

Fiddleford brought his face close to Stan's, close enough to feel each other's heavy breaths. "You're just the sweetest thing - like a summer peach. How about I show what else I can do?"  He offered, boldly moving his hand from Stan's hip down to his ass.

Stan breathed out a small laugh "Think you could handle me?"

"Only if you want me to."

Stan relaxed a bit more at that "All yours, specs... You got a condom?"

"Yes-" Fiddleford hastily felt around his jeans for his wallet, and after fumbling a moment Stan got a thoughtful look in his eye before reaching down to his own discarded jeans and sheepishly handing the engineer the wallet. "You stole my wallet while I was-"

"Force of habit. Sorry." Stan apologized, though Fiddleford doubted this would hinder him from doing it again in the future.

Rolling his eyes, Fiddleford rifled through it for a condom, which he quickly produced "Do you have lube?" He asked thoughtfully, though he doubted it. He personally wasn't against using spit but he knew it wasn't that effective.

"Don't need it." Stan answered a bit too quickly. When Fiddleford gave him a curious look, he added "I had some fun in the bathroom while you guys were gone."

"Is that all you do when you're left to your devices?" Fiddleford teased, even as felt his lower regions twitch back to life at the implication. "I must say I'm almost intimidated to be entertaining someone so... voracious."

"Did you eat a dictionary for breakfast this morning, specs?" Stan teased back, rolling his eyes "I don't exactly have a lot of stuff I can do down here… bathroom’s the only private place."

Fiddleford leaned his head against Stan's shoulder and gave himself a few tugs to harden up again- just enough to properly apply the condom. Through the contact he could feel and hear the other man's breath hitch, and his heart rate increasing further. But he also started to... shiver? Just a little, subtle enough Fiddleford wouldn't have been able to see it, but enough he could feel it while being so physically close.

"Wait." Stan said as he abruptly put his hands on Fiddlefords shoulders just as Fiddleford finished applying the condom, not to push him away, just to get his attention. Fiddleford glanced back up at him to see his eyebrows knitted together in concern.

"What's wrong darlin?" He asked.

"Nothings 'wrong'," Stan insisted, but paused "you... You're nice, right? You'll be nice?"

"Nice...?" Fiddleford blinked in confusion.

"You're not going to try to fuck me so hard I'll bleed?" Stan clarified, and there was a grim edge to his tone, like asking Fiddleford to not hurt him was an exception and not a rule "You'll... stop if I asked you to?" There was hesitation when he asked, as if he was overstepping and asking for a favour.

Fiddlefords eyes widened "Of course- Stan of course I would stop if you wanted to stop! Why would you think..." He trailed off when Stan's eyes almost seemed to dull, and grew a bit shiny, a hint of tears.

"I was in prison, Fiddleford." He explained, slowly, strained, "The guys there aren't like you... they don't ask. They're not nice."

"..." In spite of the compromising position and state of undress they were in, Fiddleford straightened up and pulled Stan into a tight hug, which surprised Stan but he didn't push him away "Oh Stan," he said, kissing his cheek lightly "I'm so sorry. You didn't deserve that. No one deserves that."

Breath slightly shaky, Stan didn’t return the embrace, but hid his face against Fiddlefords hair. Considering Stan’s tendency to talk about his various trauma as if it were a joke ir a point of pride, this must have been the first true moment of vulnerability the vagabond had allowed himself in who knows how long. At least, the first one that Fiddleford had seen himself.

"We don't have to do this, we can stop here." Fiddleford assured him, but Stan shook his head.

"I want to- I want you. I like you a lot. I just... I don't want it to be like the other times..."

Fiddleford nodded and pecked his cheek again. "Okay... I'm going to pick you up and we can do this against the wall, is that alright with you?"

Stan quirked a brow "I'm fine with that position, but are you sure? I'm not light." True, not only was Fiddleford considerably thinner, but despite one of Stan's nicknames for him being ‘stretch’, he was also a touch shorter than both of the Stan twins.

“Saddle up, city boy.” Fiddleford said with a wink, before abruptly grabbing Stan by the hips and lifting him straight off of his feet, balancing him between the leaning forward of his own hips and the wall.

“Woah- ah.” Stan briefly gasped in surprise before quickly throwing his arms over Fiddlefords neck, and his legs around his hips, clinging for what he perceived to be dear life. But Fiddleford didn’t seem to struggle holding him up at all, as though he were as light as a feather. “I-if you fucking drop me…”

“I won’t, don’t you worry none.” Fiddleford assured. When he was sure Stan was holding onto him tightly enough, and leaned forward so he could have him more properly pinned between himself and a wall, he let go of him with one hand - pausing to make sure Stan wasn’t unbalanced - and reached down to grasp onto his own cock. He was still a bit sensitive and flaccid from his recent orgasm, but that was going to change very soon. “Are you ready? This might sting a little.”

Stan just nodded, still keeping his arms over Fiddlefords neck but leaning back slightly, trying to keep his body as slack as possible, allowing the engineer to slip inside of him with little resistance, though Stan did still hiss slightly through his teeth.

“Lord have- mphh.” Fiddleford moaned as he pushed up, pulling Stan down enough to where he could be fully hilted. He felt very soft inside- and so, so warm. He could tell from the few times they’d physically interacted before this that Stan ran a bit hot, but nothing like this. It was enough to make his head dizzy, enough for a rare swear word to slip out of him “Fuck, you feel good.”

“You too.” Stan muttered next to his ear, before burying his face into Fiddlefords neck. For a moment they both just stayed like that so Stan could adjust to the intrusion properly. After a few moments, Fiddleford rolled his hips upward, softly, experimentally, and when Stan gave him a slight hum of approval, he continued to do so with more vigor.

Gravity did most of the work for him, he could push Stan upward as softly as he wanted but he always came down much harder and that was the friction that was driving the engineer insane. It didn’t take long for Fiddleford to start snapping his hips up in tandem with the other man coming down on him. He would have started pulling him down if he didn’t remember Stan’s anxiety about being treated rough.

Stan shifted his arms from over Fiddlefords neck so he could cup his face with his hands- his eyes were still as impish as ever, but they were hazed over, Fiddleford could only register that fog as lust before Stan pulled his face in so they could kiss again. Fiddleford fluttered his eyes closed and breathed heavily through his nose as he daringly introduced tongue- something which Stan allowed this time around.

As sweet as Stan;s more romantic inclinations were, Fiddleford was honestly very pent up. Yes, he’ll admit privately to himself at this moment - might as well, he was balls deep in the other man - that yes, he had been using the honey trap as an excuse. Stan had been so relentless with his attention and flirting that it’d been increasingly difficult to not feel a certain way about it in these past weeks.

Stan was crude and used dark humour to cover his multitude of trauma’s, and he made it no secret he was an unabashed scoundrel who would jump right back into criminal mischief the minute he could. And his uncanny resemblance to Stanford had made Fiddleford a bit uneasy at first - how could he possibly be attracted to someone who looked exactly like his best friend? What did that say about Fiddleford? And there was the most glaring issue of Fiddleford being an accomplice to Stanford holding Stan prisoner against his will.

Wanting to have sex with your best friends identical twin? That was bad enough. Wanting to have sex with someone you were holding captive in a basement in the middle of the woods? That was just immoral, unethical, and illegal. 

Those issues didn’t go away, per se, with this encounter. But there wasn’t anything Fiddleford could do to physically keep Stan from tossing him aside like a tumbleweed and just leaving, so Stan had only agreed to a quickie because he wanted to. If that really wasn’t the case, Fiddleford didn’t think he could forgive himself.

But it was really difficult for the sinner to hate the sin when said sin was this tight and hot around his dick, stimulating the nerves in his groin so much that shocks of pleasure shot up and clouded any thoughts Fiddleford had involving logic and ethics.

“Hey, you.” A flick against his temple brought him back out of his head, he could see that Stan had separated from the kiss and they were just panting each others hot breaths again “Pay attention to me, won’t cha?”

When all Fiddleford could do was nod dumbly and snap his hips up and not respond with actual words because absolutely no blood was going to his brain, Stan let out a shaky laugh - pretty close to a yelp given its timing with a particularly steep thrust - before grabbing his shoulders and pushing at them slightly to get his attention.

“Y-You’re pretty tightly wound, huh? Lemme do some of the work here.” Stan offered, and motioned behind both of them “Sit in that chair and I’ll ride you.” Fiddleford nodded and made sure he had a tight grip over him before walking a few feet backwards - Stan was not a fan of this - until he was seated in the chair.

“You coulda just put me down…” Stan huffed, although this didn’t deter him from scooting up a bit before sinking back down, letting out a pleased sigh as he took in all of Fiddleford, and pausing. Fiddleford gripped Stan’s hips with both of his hands, tempted to start moving him himself but deciding to instead watch what the other man would do. 

Stan at first grinded his hips down in a small, circular motion, before beginning to lift himself up, and then dropping back down while tightening around him, making them both moan in unison. Keeping one hand on Fiddlefords shoulder, he moved his other hand down to stroke himself in tandem with his movements.

“Was this- hhah- what you were thinkin’ bout earlier?” Fiddleford began, voice straining to stay even “When you were diddlin yourself?”

Stan paused abruptly and really seemed to consider stopping entirely before continuing his current movements, jolting slightly in pleasure when Fiddleford thrusted upward into him just as he was moving down “Th-that country accent is cute and all, but if you say that word again I’m out.” He chided gruffly, still actively palming his wet and swollen member.

“Not answering my question, darlin.” Fiddleford teased a bit, though he knew he was pushing his luck against Stan’s patience, so he didn’t tease any further when Stan didn’t answer. Maybe after the fact.

Pressure built up in his lower abdomen, good pressure, and Fiddleford felt like a knot being pulled as taut as possible, about to snap-

“Oh f-fuck I’m gonna fucking cum.” Stan practically whined out, unknowingly voicing his partners thoughts. His movements on Fiddleford became uneven and frantic and as did his hand around his dick, his eyes rounding out but his pupils constricting as he became wholly focused on reaching that peak. Tightening his non dominant hand on Stan’s hip. Fiddleford reached over with his other hand to replace Stan’s, taking over his rough jerking with a firm but more delicate touch, much easier with all of the precum he was leaking out.

“Loooord, Stan-. L-like that, just like that-.” Fiddleford rambled, his entire body and especially his face burning “You’re doin so good- you feel so good, I don’t wanna stop-.” If he weren’t so busy pitching woo, Fiddleford might have noted how strange it was that Stan had dug his hands into his hoodie pockets and taking them out just as quickly, but it was so quick he might not have noticed anyways. 

Fiddleford was the first to cum this time, the feeling of the engineer tightening his grip over his length as impulsively roll his hips for friction to ride out his orgasm, it sent Stan down the same cascade of release, Fiddleford coming with almost a shout and Stan with a moan similar to a deep sigh.

Fiddleford hadn’t even started coming down from the high of peaking before Stan abruptly shoved his mouth against him, while also grabbing his wrists and pinning them down on the armrests on either side of the chair. The roughness surprised Fiddleford, but maybe this is just how Stan got right before the afterglow? Regardless, Fiddleford wasn’t complaining, he simply fluttered his eyelids closed and returned the kiss; despite the aggressive entrance, the kiss itself was as gentle and almost chaste as the ones they’d started with. 

Riiip

"Uh-? Huh?” Fiddleford broke away from the kiss at the strange, sharp sound he heard to his left; he looked over to his left to see that his hand on that side was now zip-tied to the armrest, before he could react properly he heard the same ripping sound as before and looked over bewildered to see Stan had just finished securing another ziptie on his other wrist, rending Fiddleford stuck to the chair and unable to free either of his wrists.

“I’m really sorry about this.” Stan muttered as he pulled off of him; he kneeled down to reach over to tuck Fiddleford’s now flaccid cock back into his pants, and quickly re-doing his fly and belt for him. Once he finished with that, he walked over to his own discarded pair of boxers and jeans and yanked them both back onto himself.

“Wait.” Fiddleford almost stammered “Did you just-? Why?”

“I gotta say, I didn’t think you had it in you specs.” Stan said as he dressed himself again, and in spite of what they’d just been doing less than a minute before, Fiddleford felt himself flush. “You’re more devious than I thought you were. Unfortunately, you weren’t going to out-scheme me.” With the nearby sink, Stan quickly washed his hands and wetted some paper towels, and briskly walked back to wipe up the cum he’d practically sprayed onto Fiddlefords chest. 

 “Did you plan this?”

“I probably woulda fought you if you tried stopping me in other ways.” Stan admitted “But I told ya, honey traps are one of the oldest tricks in the book. A reverse honey trap? People don't see that one coming, not even smart ones like you.”

Fiddleford huffed to himself - on one hand, he did feel some humiliation for his own plan backfiring against him; on the other hand, it was Stan's cleverness and gile that had endeared him to the vagabond in the first place. “So what was that to you, then?”

Stan was still kneeling in front of him, pausing right after he tossed the dirty paper towels into the nearby wastebasket. For his part, he did look conflicted. “I meant what I said earlier, Fiddleford.” He told him, standing up just enough to lean over and kiss his cheek “I like you a lot. And I had a great time with you just now. But I didn’t break out of five prisons just to rot in some mad scientist's basement, no matter how hot his assistant is.”

Fiddleford felt his heart skip a beat. The whole time Stan had been down here, he went out of his way to not use his or Stanford’s names, he went out of his way to exclusively refer to them by nicknames. But one particular behavioral quirk Fiddleford noticed in Stan was that he did know their names, but he would only use them if he was being sincere. Given his unscrupulous disposition, that wasn’t often. 

“I like you too, Stan. I’m not saying that to trick you or keep you here.” Fiddleford replied, Stan nodded and briefly pecked his temple before standing fully upright and taking a few steps back.

“I wish we coulda met some other way, but I’m glad I did meet you. In the future, if you ever make friends who aren’t insane, and I’m not dead in a ditch somewhere, we should meet up again. If you want to.” Stan turned heel and started his way up the stairs and out of the basement.

Fiddleford didn’t have a response; what could he possibly say? He’d played a game and lost because he underestimated the other player. 

He waited for Stan to be out of earshot, before muttering out loud to himself. “Standord owes me after this… He owes me big time.”

Just as he finished that sentiment, all of the lights flickered on, and many machines whirred back to life. The power was restored.

The End… Go Home.

[arcane-vagabond]

Arcane-Vagabond's Navigation

Hey, hello! Welcome to my clubhouse, otherwise known as my Tumblr blog! This is my directory page, and below are some links to other pages that you might find interesting!

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✨Recently Updated✨

Hanging By a Moment: Chapter Three - Wild West AU/ Jake "Hangman" Seresin (10/23)

Foul is Fair: Prologue - Jack Frost!Stiles Stilinski (10/21/24)

The Yawning Grave: Prologue - Fae!Isaac Lahey (10/9/24)

Fool's Fare: Chapter Thirteen - Pirate!Jake "Hangman" Seresin (10/8/24)

Trapped in Silk: Chapter One - Vampire!Bucky Barnes (10/7/24)

[sharpedgedfool]

Hello I was just wondering if we could get some more stuff and ideas about the sonadow future museum au (im just going to call it that cuz thats shorter)

heres a quick sketch cuz I really liked the designs👍

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH YES YOU CAN AND IL OVE UR STYLE WITH IT???? I love how uncle-chuck-esc Sonic looks it's the exact vibe I wanted him to have 10/10

I'm in the process of writing this au as an actual story but I'm barely a chapter in yet, but I'll give some more snippets about Shadow and a page of sketches! (its a long read im so sorry but thank you for the ask!!)

Shadow goes by 'Oliver' as his fake name, he took it from a book he read once and liked the cover. They use He/They pronouns and identifies as something non-binary, he's not in a rush to label himself (they joke they've enough to label around the museum)

He lived as a vagabond until settling in Rainmeadow Town, and being taken in by the museum's solo-curator Beatrice, who's a field mouse with a physical disability and was unable to fully access the museum after she took it over from the previous owners.

Shadow adored museums as it was one of the only places he could visit freely so he has a soft spot, and Beatrice was so nice to him so he stayed to help restore it and got too attached he ended up settling down there. He was anxious at first, but its been five years and he's comfortable living there now

He lived with Beatrice for two years, before managing to earn enough from odd-jobs to buy out the small apartment above the local B&B

He has a stray cat he's taken in who wanders around town when he's at work. The cat is known to be vicious but is a sweetheart around Shadow, somewhat mimicking Shadows own demeaner

He dresses himself as unassuming as possible, and that sometimes makes himself a target for any outsiders of the village He gets tired out easily, due to them restricting their energy so much, but they can still fight viciously (almost feral after so many years outside of civilisation) for a short amount of time though would prefer to run. Shadow also needs rest throughout the day

Due to his tight inhibitor rings, Shadows red stripes and eyes have all dimed to a dull grey, his blood however remains a harsh green so he has to be diligent to ensure he doesn't injure himself in front of anyone. If he loosened his rings they would rapidly shift back to a red and he would regain energy to use his abilities, but he hides them and is extremely paranoid about his true identity

He likes to read and cook, and has a habit of reading while walking around even in the dark. He cooks meals for his cat and refuses to give them cat food from a can

He's a huge coffee fan, and loves brewing it himself with the manual machines at home (but also will still absolutely eat the beans straight if it's been a long day)

They haven't 'aged' but they've 'grown bigger' through mutation, their spines and fur are longer so they appear more mature even if internally he hasn't changed much.

He's always wanted a motorbike, but couldn't travel with one and can't afford the upkeep

Their glasses are generic reading glasses that he doesn't really need, but he finds it grounding to have them in his vision (he feels hidden behind them)

Rainmeadow is a known queer-safe town, despite it's remoteness, and the museum has a hall they regularly hold events in (Shadow is fond of the rollerskate hang-outs they schedule)

He has frequent panic attacks and extreme anxiety, they're selectively mute and uses sign (I use BSL when I'm drawing it out) and can't be around large groups of people for too long. He lets Beatrice work at the front of the museum and he lurks around in the back, people jokingly call him a 'shadow' often (and he's gotten used to the fear that shoots down his spine at the mention of his name)

No one knows of his origins, though Beatrice knows some of his vagabond experiences and topics that makes him uneasy

Shadow has met Rouge a handful of times. When he was saving money, he was contacted by her due to his experience in the museum. Due to his lack of background information, she assumed he had been involved in criminal activity and needed his knowledge on artefacts and assistance in restoring something. Shadow agreed reluctantly, but despite his uncertainty he enjoyed working on the things she brought and Rouge found his genuine interest in history and lack of concern for her intentions to be good company. Shadow became her main contact for these things (though she rarely needs his help) and the two are on good terms despite not being close

Rouge has worked with Team Sonic on occasion, and never worked with GUN. She's infamous but her identity is unknown to the public, except her name on her calling card. A few of Sonic's gang know what she looks like as eventually after knowing them for so long she doesn't wear the spy gear around them all the time, but felt strangely comfortable around Shadow rather quickly so he's seen her face

[monkey-papermoon]

Here is the first chapter (I call them Verses to incorporate music terms which has plot relevance later) of my story, of which I have 10 Verses, The first chapter is a bit rough but I gradually learn as I go along and where i'm at in the story now is a lot better in my eyes. Hope you enjoy! any questions please ask :)

The Ballad of Longdead Yuli 

Prelude 

 ⌖ 

  "I've walked this road for many a year, unsure if I will ever find what I'm looking for, I often wonder if there is anything to look for anymore, or perhaps this world has long since swallowed any hopes of prying eyes ever meeting it again. I have no reason to continue, yet still my body pushes forth, driven by... in search of..." 

  In this world there exists a tree. One whose roots span through every quarter of this planet. Harboring the population within its expanse. A mainstay hardly questioned nor pondered upon as anything but truth... 

This story is one of purpose. Crossing fates; Identity, the indominable human spirit and what it means to be alive. 

Our story could begin anywhere. In the comfort of a home where someone has cracked open a book under some light; on someone's free time away from their busy life; A passing glance from a library visitor and so on. But, for our purposes, we begin with sand blasted wastes, a girl of no name, and most importantly – A Diary of Dust. 

Verse  

    ONE  

D slid shrewdly down the steep cliff-face, breathing in with a gasp as she reached the foot of it. The desert night was just giving rise to the morning sun, as such it was still frigid. The ringing of gunfire was still in her ears, she had been running from them. Unsure if she stumbled upon something she shouldn’t have or if she simply happened upon some gunslingers too eager on the trigger.  Regardless her instinct was enough to make her not turn back and find out. She was unsure of how long she’d been running, but at this point, she thought, she was sure to have lost them.  

D spent her whole life learning to survive in the desert, the easiest place a vagabond can slip away if they so ever have the need. She had no home to speak of, but she quickly learned the tricks of a thief, such as ways to conceal oneself amongst crowds, and not to seem out of place while stealing one’s needs, or desires. As such, D would be in and out of towns. She may appear one day, scrounge what she could, and be out of sight the next. Avoiding the chance of the local law being tipped of the existence of a thieving vagrant in their midst. Since she could walk and talk, she’d done this to survive, at any cost. Surviving and scavenging was all she knew. All she knows now though, is the Sun is quickly rising upon the horizon, it was going to be very hot very soon, and she spotted shelter. 

The small building, dilapidated and half swallowed by the dunes, was unsuspecting enough. D managed to kick her way inside without toppling the aged wood responsible for sheltering her, which was a win.  

She quickly slung her cloak off and tossed it to the side, nudging her goggles onto her brow. She didn’t realize just how out of breath she was, she slid down against the nearest wall to catch her breath for a minute. It wasn’t long before her eyes began darting around to her surroundings, a scavenger’s curious eye for pickings in tandem with the need to catch her bearings for the coming day. She still had some rations from her time in Witherwood, albeit rot had begun to set in. No big deal, she was no stranger to it, but she needed more food soon. She was doubtful this shriveled shack would have anything, but maybe whoever left this place behind left a can or two of something. She was hopeful, at least. 

As her brain stopped focusing on her breathing and her other senses returned, the musty smell of wood rot nearly took out the breath she had just regained, rot wasn't too common in the desert, as rain seldom fell. Regardless, she covered her face with the cloth around her neck and started looking around. The building was not too large, but there was a lot more to the inside as she initially thought, sand had not fully penetrated what remained, save for the few spots it managed to sprinkle its way inside. Despite the building being submerged in sand, she was able to stand straight up. In doing so, however, she learned the building was tilting on its axis, the furthest wall was at quite a decline, and it wrapped around a corner, but that was shrouded in darkness.  

From where she stood, there were cabinets and drawers. She eagerly leapt in hastily swinging open the cabinets and pulling the drawers from their hinges. Nothing, nothing, nothing, and nothing. Defeated, her head dropped, there had been nothing to take save for some old wood for fire, if the rot would even take to burning. Some time passed; she was slumped against the wall with the row of empty cabinets, she took one last bite of a half-rotted apple she had stolen. She started to make her way towards the hole she made to enter. Without trying, though, her body stopped, she looked again at the darkened proceeds beyond the corner of the far wall, something about it was calling to her, and, if just for a moment, she swore she saw a bright flash of yellow as if the sun had burst through the dark for just a second. It was impossible, she thought. Every thought and instinct she had was to turn away and leave, but her body was telling her to move towards it.  

 

Accept the dark and you will uncover light... The world, entangled in lies, will it accept truth? These thoughts were not hers, and they were oh, so loud, beckoning her closer and closer. Her legs, as if she were a marionette, were moving on their own, they felt heavy, almost unbearably so. She was kneeling now, the room had gotten steeper somehow, as if her being there was enough to tip the house, the corner was inches away, the thoughts, almost desperate cries now, were ringing in her ears. A veil of countless lives... Locked in time, everlasting, unchanging... Will... You...  Question? D winced, her skin felt as if it were burning, her chest felt as if she were pinned, her whole body felt as if it were vibrating intensely. She had no choice but to watch as her body turned the corner, the thoughts, as if a hundred voices in union; SEEK TRUTH. Just then, her vision became overwhelmed with the now almost searing yellow light. Suddenly, she regained control, the light was gone, and her body collapsed under the freedom it once had. 

It took her a minute to regain control, as she did, she peered into a dark room, she knew it was risky in old buildings like this, but she took a match and lit it. She was standing inches from a pool of murky water, a strange sight in the desert but after what just happened, she didn’t question it, she was still breathing heavily and quite confused, but she now knows the source of the rot. The insufferable smell of mold and the darkness was enough to make her want to turn back. But whatever that had been, she felt she needed to figure it out. In front of her was a glint of metal, as she brought the match closer it was a wooden lockbox, the corners of which were ornate with metal. She saw nothing else in the room that had not already been thoroughly devoured by the water. She needed to pull it out of here, but the dark was intense, she struck another match and put it between her front teeth, it slightly burned her nose, but it was enough to get it out and into the first room she entered. 

She anxiously pried the box open, if this was the cause of what happened, she wasn’t sure if she wanted more of it. Her body kept telling her to open it though. The box held three items, a rusted revolver, a knife wrapped carefully in leather, and a book in pristine condition, The building owners' items before leaving, or biting it, she assumed. The gun was in disrepair, a shame because it would be of good help if she ever needed it. She fastened the knife to her beltline and looked over at the book. She couldn’t read very well, what little she did know was from her only real friend Verrill, but she loved stories. She grabbed the book and flipped through the pages with the notion that Verrill could help her read it when she saw him again. But there was nothing on the pages, every page she passed was blank. She pouted and tossed the book over her shoulder.  

She was stumped, there was no clear reason for what happened to her. I really got to stop eating rotten food, she thought. As she was gearing to retrieve her cloak from the ground, she saw something in her peripheral; yellow mist. She snapped her head around at the book laid ajar on the ground, bright yellow lettering seemed to flood the page. She leapt towards the book and picked it up, in doing so, the letters spilling across the pages, rapidly changing. She attempted to fix her sight on the page and began to sit down in hopes of figuring out something...BANG, a shot rang out in the distance, then another, and another. 

Shit, did they find me? How? She thought; No, the shots are too far, and there's no way they could have tracked me on foot through the sand unless they were right behind me. She knew one thing though, she had to leave before they got any closer, she's not dumb enough to get into a gun fight. Especially not with just a knife. She stored the book in her satchel, grabbed her belongings, fixed her goggles on her eyes and fashioned her cloak into a shawl, before slipping out of the building,  

The sun was in full effect now, from the looks of it, near noon, how long have I been there? She wondered, and took a quick glance back at the building, nothing was visible save for the hole she had made, it was sinking. Shots continued to fire in the distance, and she thought of running the opposite way. Her body, though, had other ideas. Against her will again, and much to her frustration, her body moved towards the gunfight. 

Her legs moved on their own for some time and gave way to freedom as she reached the summit of the dunes, she saw the source of the gunfire, a person dressed oddly fancy for the desert pinned behind a carriage, a barn, and two apparent gunslingers firing back and forth. This was not her fight, but the words echoed in her head again; SEEK TRUTH.  

D slipped down a pit in the dunes and close to the barn. She felt she needed to help the fancy man, so she slipped off her old knife which was too dull to use anymore, and she threw it towards the barn near the 2 gunslingers, yelling “HEY!” before crouching out of sight, which seemed enough to distract the men, two shots rang out, two bodies hit the floor. The fancy man holstered his gun and started making his way hesitantly towards D. 

Whoever he was, he was clearly apt with a gun. She sprang up and raised her hands in the air showing no weapons, the fancy man came closer, taking his hands away from his gun, The bowler hat on his head laid atop long slickened black hair which spilled out like waterfalls on either side of his neck, he looked to have some age on him, there was wispy grey hairs on both sides of his head, his face was clean shaven, He was androgynous, D could believe they were either sex, not that it mattered to her much; She had met all types of people amongst vagrants and wanderers. He was sporting a sand peppered white suit shirt, under grey vest and grey slacks, “I won’t kill you, just keep your hands up for now and come over here” The voice was equally in between, but it wasn’t the time to question that. She started walking towards the fancy man, “toss the knife to the ground and hand over your bag” he said. Great, I help someone against my will and where does it get me? Robbed. She thought, as she complied.  

The person took her bag and started rummaging through it, taking a quick look at every object and tossing it on the ground “Really? Is this all you have for food?” they asked. She replied, “If food is what you want, ask!” She replied, the person ignored her, shaking their head. Suddenly, their face turned pale; a grave expression now painted them. 

 They were holding the book D had taken from the house earlier. “Sit.” he said, “you can put your arms down.” D did as they said, up-close now and the person before them was no more discernable than they had been. Their face was rather round, and they had high cheek bones that pushed outwards from slightly sunken eyes. The person stared at the book for some time, D didn’t know if she should speak up or not. “Can I have my bag ba-” “Where did you get this?” they snapped. D answered meekly “Old house in a dune back that way” she said, pointing behind her. “Dunes? No, that’s not right” he said, looking pensive “That your book?” D asked, Ignored again. “This was buried in Lake Nevorrie, in a house, yes but... that can only mean...” 

 Their face turned from pensive to excited, as they jumped up, their demeanor changed, now sticking their hand out invitingly “How rude of me! The names Coy Allard, what’s yours?” D, taken aback at the sudden change, she reluctantly shook Coy’s hand. She didn’t talk very much, she learned most of what she knew from Verrill, who himself was a quite well-spoken man, but a rather poor teacher. “I don’t know name, but I’m called D” “Dee?” Coy asked, following with “where did you get that from?” D answered by pointing towards the satchel now at Coy’s feet, which had a D engraved on the largest fold. “Ah, do you like it? ‘D’ I mean.” Coy asked. D just shrugged “Don’t pay attention to it much” she said. “Huh, we’ll put that aside for now.” Coy sat again, tossing the book to D. “What did you see?” they asked. “Huh?” D asked. “Did you see anything, hear anything... Read anything?” The memories of the events in the house earlier had started to resurface, despite her usually poor communication, she retold the best she could, the thoughts that hadn’t belonged to her, the blinding light, her lack of control and the dancing Symbols upon the page. 

Coy removed their hat, sliding their hair back and sighing. “Well, that’s that. Fate sure is funny, I worked in the name of that book for ages after its original owner died ‘til I lost hope, I had sworn it was cursed, my goals were fruitless. I’m sure he spites me for it, but I didn’t want my life to be dictated by that book anymore. I guess, though, that book and I are tied by fate.” they laughed, “though, can’t say I didn’t miss the chase” they continued. “What is this? Am I cursed?” D held the book tight to her chest, if this book was cursed, maybe keeping it closed was the best Idea. 

Coy snickered, “poor choice of words on my part, age must be catching up” They sat forward, pointing to the book, a grin stretching across their face. “You aren’t cursed, friend, not unless you lack wanderlust or fight. No, you’ve been chosen by the Augur, and what you have there, is the Diary of Dust. Have you read it?” D shook her head “Can’t” Coy put their hat back on, tilting their head slightly “The words won’t show up?” They asked. “They do, I can’t read, and the letters don't stay the same in this. My friend Verrill helps me read” she said.  “That makes sense, the letters will only show to those blessed by Augur and will change to any language most understood by the reader. If you can’t read, they will rapidly change until you understand.” Coy responded, rubbing their chin “I guess I'll just have to teach you to read”. Not easy to trust, D jumped up defensively “No! Verrill will help!” she said sternly. Coy responded “We can’t just bring along any random guy! You don’t understand, the Augur chose you, you’re a target now. Which means others around you are in danger too.” She clenched her fists, “I’m used to danger! My whole life is dangerous, Verrill is my friend!” Coy took a deep breath, putting both their hands up in front of them in surrender. “Look, I don’t want to fight you, we just met, you don’t trust me. If you need Verrill we will seek his help, but you need to understand, we need to be quick, we can figure it out as we go” they said, pointing at their carriage. D unclenched her fists and nodded hesitantly, Coy handed her satchel to her and she picked up her knife, she put the book into the satchel, as they both topped the carriage. 

It was a long ride with few words spoken, they spoke of location and plan, but no words beyond that. Their goals were the outskirts of Verronas where Verrill sets up cart, he was a snake oil salesman, his trade was dealing in false hope, but the people of Verronas were aware, they’ve long since ran him out of town, everyone knew his products were junk, and his prices too high. It was rare someone was desperate enough to turn to him, and when he sensed a dying man, he’d spin a great comforting story surrounding his product, to ease the customer's mind in his last days, he almost always refuses to take their money He was an interesting man, but not a bad one. The snake oil was a front for his true passion, he loved books, and always had a story to tell. Growing up Verrill was the closest thing D had to a father figure, they’d spent years together running around the wastes, getting kicked out of towns and always getting into mischief. Verrill was her best friend, her only friend. He’d tell tales of his years as a student in the great library of Umbrias far to the east, or his time as a sand raider ruling the dunes, becoming feared and mighty, or his time as a Sherriff’s deputy that took out the infamous Copper-king Lucci Hall. She knew deep down they were tall tales, but she loved them. She had a lot of time to learn from him how to read but her mind was always on other things, and he always said that he hated to see her pout. 

As they neared the city of Verronas they reviewed the plan again, it was to stop by Verrill's cart, asking if he would come with them, or at least say goodbye as their goal would have them travelling, likely to not return. D was used to traveling, but she always stayed within a set radius. After today she’d be leaving it for the first time, which was both exciting and daunting for her. Her emotions were lying between the two, a bittersweet symphony for her last days in the wastes, she just hoped it wouldn’t be the last she’d see of Verrill, he was important to her, regardless of time apart. 

Time passed as the rumbling hooves shook the carriage. Coy and D were nearing their goal, they rode up 20 paces away from Verrill's cart, as to make a quick exit once they’re done. Coy stayed on the cart to get going as soon as they could. D quickly grabbed her satchel and eagerly jumped to the ground off the carriage and ran to the cart. She saw Verrill behind his counter, but something was off. Verrill was a burly, olive-skinned man with curly black hair and a beard that rode his waist. He almost always wore thick pin-striped pants and suspenders with no shirt. He was almost always in good spirits and wore a smile more often than not. Though that smile was now a bleak grimace. 

 She always had a way of cheering him up, so she ran up to the cart. “Verrill! I found a cool book, this guy I met said it’s important. We have to go real soon, I thought you’d be able to help and ride with us.” Verrill slammed a book on his counter and fixed his sights to the distance, “No, I don’t want you here, you need to leave.” he said sternly. “B-but you always love talking with me, what did I do? Can I come in?” she stammered. Verrill’s eyes widened, he left his cart to meet her face to face, narrowly slipping out of the door as to not show the contents. “You need to leave D. You’re nothing but trouble! If you don’t leave, I'll make you leave.” Verrill boomed. D began to cry and started punching Verrill in the chest repeatedly. Begging him to change his mind or explain, he did not. With eyes full of tears, she looked up at Verrill, he looked pained, his expression began to distort, his façade was gone, giving way to a face now wet with tears and full of sorrow. He mouthed to her "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry. He wrapped his arms around her tight for just a second, releasing what he was really feeling 

D, stunned, saw Coy running towards them in her peripheral, Verrill quickly turned and grabbed the book he slammed on his desk a minute before and shoved it to her chest, moving her back a step. She glanced at the book before looking back at Verrill. He was sobbing now, and he began opening his mouth once more, releasing a bellowing “RUN!”  

Before she could react; the breath was taken from her lungs, she cried out to no avail. As she was tackled to the ground, A pain like she never felt; A shot rang out, Verrill was dead. D’s vision flashed, then faded to black. 

[pugzman3]

Psalms chapter 109

1 (To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.) Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise;

2 For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue.

3 They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause.

4 For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer.

5 And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.

6 Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.

7 When he shall be judged, let him be condemned: and let his prayer become sin.

8 Let his days be few; and let another take his office.

9 Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow.

10 Let his children be continually vagabonds, and beg: let them seek their bread also out of their desolate places.

11 Let the extortioner catch all that he hath; and let the strangers spoil his labour.

12 Let there be none to extend mercy unto him: neither let there be any to favour his fatherless children.

13 Let his posterity be cut off; and in the generation following let their name be blotted out.

14 Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered with the LORD; and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out.

15 Let them be before the LORD continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth.

16 Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.

17 As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.

18 As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones.

19 Let it be unto him as the garment which covereth him, and for a girdle wherewith he is girded continually.

20 Let this be the reward of mine adversaries from the LORD, and of them that speak evil against my soul.

21 But do thou for me, O GOD the Lord, for thy name's sake: because thy mercy is good, deliver thou me.

22 For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.

23 I am gone like the shadow when it declineth: I am tossed up and down as the locust.

24 My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh faileth of fatness.

25 I became also a reproach unto them: when they looked upon me they shaked their heads.

26 Help me, O LORD my God: O save me according to thy mercy:

27 That they may know that this is thy hand; that thou, LORD, hast done it.

28 Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.

29 Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a mantle.

30 I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the multitude.

31 For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul.

[alpaca-clouds]

The Old God [Hector-centric Hurt/Comfort]

This is a story I have been thinking about for a while. And as I feared it will not be done as a one shot (as I fear this will end being between 10-12k). Because I wanted to have a Hector story on today... Have at it.

Note: This will include some religious discussion, though not in the first chapter.

The Old God

Fandom: Castlevania (Netflix) Genre: Hurt/Comfort

While exploring the mountains surrounding the Styrian castle, Hector meets a vagabond camping in a cave. Before he knows it, the stranger starts talking to him...

[stuffnonsenseandotherthings]

15 people, 15 questions

Thank you to both @lurkingshan and @btwinlines for tagging me!

1. Are you named after anyone?

No, but my brother (7 years old at the time) was allowed to pick my name (a risky play by my parents right there) and he picked one that "matched" with his.

2. When was the last time you cried?

Yesterday.

I actually don't cry too often unless I'm frustrated or someone else is crying but I was reading Vagabonds by Eloghosa Osunde and the chapter "Gold" hit me right in the heart.

3. Do you have kids?

No and I don't think I ever will for a number of reasons.

4. What sports do you play/have you played?

I don't play any any more but when I was younger I used to do figure-skating, fencing, and ultimate frisbee (that one was very brief though).

I also do dance but not everyone counts that as a "sport" sport.

5. Do you use sarcasm?

Do fish live in water? Yes. It is my love language, my sense of humour, my personality entire.

6. What is the first thing you notice about people?

Probably their height (I'm pretty short, it's hard not to notice when someone is towering over you or when they're actually closer to your height for once).

Also their interests, if I find out someone has a specific interest/hobby within the first meeting then that's going to be my marker for them until I get to know them better (and I will shower them with things linked to their interests in an attempt to befriend).

7. What's your eye colour?

Blue with some grey.

8. Scary movies or happy endings?

I've watched 2 scary movies in my entire life and have no desire to see any more. Happy endings.

9. Any talents?

I can memorise lots of peoples names very quickly, normally within 20 minutes. Not a very impressive talent but it comes in handy.

10. Where were you born?

Luxembourg, have fun finding it on a map without looking it up.

11. What are your hobbies?

Reading, watching dramas, embroidery, language learning (we're on languages 4 and 5 right now), researching social and cultural history, dance, and musicals/theatre. I also love hiking but it's not something I get to do very often.

13. How tall are you?

Excellent question.

14. What were your favourite subjects at school?

I loved pretty much every subject I did at school (at least until I had to do exams in them) but the ones I never fell out of love with were Literature and Philosophy. History would have made the list but unfortunately the teacher I had for the last 2 years of school ruined it for me.

15. What is your dream job?

The job I'm doing right now. It's true that sometimes I hate it and I've cried plenty of times over it and have even contemplated quitting more times than I can count.... but it also brings me moments of great joy and I can't imagine doing something else, at least not at this point in my life. I think even if I didn't have to work, it's still something I would choose to do with at least some of my time.

I don't have too many people to tag but @waitmyturtles @respectthepetty @twig-tea and anyone else who want to give this a go!

[shadows-of-ghost]

SHADOWs of GHOST Story Masterpost (Reworked)

(Updated as of June 2024 ^-^)

Heyo! Welcome to the SHADOWs of GHOST storyverse, my personal headcanon-filled retelling of the E.G.O/GHOST vs A.L.T.E.R/SHADOW war in Fortnite Chapter 2, Seasons 1-3.

I originally posted all my stories on @ksfnmoments , but have since decided to transfer everything regarding this storyverse over to this blog as well as releasing all future stories here. This masterpost is to help both me and you find things easier. Things included are:

All (currently old but soon new) chapters of The Tide Rises, the only currently ongoing story of my trilogy

Small one-shots featuring any of the associated characters

Preview snippets of other WIP stories

Character profiles and backstories, which will individually come out soon :)

Everything is sorted by which story or collection they are part of. I hope this helps💜

Altered Egos

Preview: Journey’s Introduction

Preview: Hunter and the Hunted (Cameo & Rippley)

Preview: Trick Shot (8-Ball vs. Scratch)

Counterespionage

Preview: Prologue Excerpt

Preview: The Device

Lost

Melancholic Melodies

The Tide Rises

Origin: Vagabond

Origin: Rifted

TTR - GHOST Log #1

TTR - Chapter 1

TTR - Chapter 2

TTR - GHOST Log #2

TTR - Chapter 3

TTR - Chapter 4

TTR - Chapter 5

TTR - GHOST Log #3

TTR - Chapter 6

TTR - Chapter 7

TTR - Chapter 8

TTR - Chapter 9

TTR - GHOST Log #4

TTR - Chapter 10

TTR - Chapter 11

TTR - Chapter 12

TTR - Chapter 13

TTR - Chapter 14

TTR - GHOST Log #5

TTR - Chapter 15

TTR - Chapter 16

TTR - Chapter 17

TTR - Chapter 18

TTR - Chapter 19 (dunno what happened to the next 3 i’ll keep looking)

TTR - Chapter 20

TTR - Chapter 21

Bonus

Character Profile Google Doc:

Mom Friend - Outcast

Mom Friend - Cameo

Mom Friend - Turk

Mom Friend - Remedy

Mom Friend - 8-Ball

Thunderstorms

Christmas: A “Treeful” Situation

[tamelee]

Hi do you read any manga? And which if you can say because I am looking for new ones to read thanks!

Hi ♡!

I am, I just finished 2 Manga from Tatsuki Fujimoto (Creator of 'Chainsaw Man'); Goodbye, Eri (さよなら絵梨, Sayonara Eri) which I thought was really good. This, maybe with a few tiny tweaks has movie-potential for sure. CW though, probably not the best idea to read if you're currently grieving- I wish I knew that 😅. I love the pacing of the panels in this though! Second was Look Back (ルックバック, Rukku Bakku).

Currently I'm trying to read Goodnight Punpun (おやすみプンプン, Oyasumi Punpun).. this is pretty much on every Seinen fans' top 10 list, incl on MAL's.. I'm at Chapter 28 and I don't really get why. Maybe it's just me or- maybe it suddenly will get a whole lot better, maybe it's not for me. I don't know. But apparently the story is really, really good.

I started 'Blame!' and will read 'Vagabond', 'Kingdom', 'Vinland Saga', 'Blue Lock' and 'Samurai 8' soon. The latter because I am curious to see why it didn't do as well despite Kishimoto being so passionate about it. I mean, we all know why as the company kept pushing him to work on Naruto-sequel related stuff- but still. I'm already watching Blue Lock's Anime, but I really like some of the artwork so I want to read the Manga too! Same with Vinland Saga- I don't like the pacing of Season 2 at all but.. I do enjoy the story a lot 🫶

[averydavery]

AO3 Timeline Update + Sketches I haven’t posted yet!

Hello, people of tumblr! I’m here with a report on the update status for all of my unfinished works on Archive of Our Own! For those of you who don’t know, on AO3 my username is Moonshot_Sputnik and I have a variety of fics that I’m known for! My tumblr is the only place where I share my fics so a lot of people come from my AO3 to my tumblr for updates and art or from my tumblr where I talk about my work to my AO3 to read them.

A lot of people have been commenting on my works asking when I’ll update them so I figured I should make a master post about when they’ll come out, both as a means for me to commit to something and as a way to show you guys that they haven’t been abandoned. Below I won’t be linking the works since they generate that whole AO3 pop up and that’s obnoxious. What I will link though is my whole page itself, so here it is:

Timeline

“A Doctor & A Detective Walk Into A Bar” 1/3, last updated on 10/25/2023. (Fandoms: Yakuza and Black Jack). Currently writing the second chapter, expected air date should be before next Saturday.

“More Than Human” 3/?, last updated on 10/12/2023. (Fandoms: Fullmetal Alchemist and Dororo). Most popular continuation request and the next thing I was planning to continue, expected air date should be before 11/18/2023.

“When The Swallowtail Flies” 1/?, last updated on 1/1/2023. (Fandoms: Yakuza 0 and Vagabond). Most recent continuation request and oldest incomplete fic on this list, expected air date should be before the end of November.

“Chopping Block” 3/?, last updated on 10/8/2023. (Fandom: Slam Dunk). Most popular fandom I write for and second most requested continuation, expected air date should be between the first two weeks of December.

“Becoming A Myth” 2/?, last updated on 9/9/2023. (Fandom: Ghost of Tsushima). Third most requested continuation, expected air date should be before the New Year.

“Comfort Eagle” 1/1, last updated on 8/8/2022. (Fandom: Yakuza 4). CANCELLED, I do NOT plan on continuing this work.

And that’s all the works that I have that are unfinished currently. Every other fic of mine is completed. On my page I have 13 works both active and completed, as well as 2 drafts that I have given up on (for now) and haven’t posted. The top three fics that I mentioned are of my utmost importance at the moment and I plan on completing them at some point. Updates on the last three will likely vary from when I actually get to them. The first three, however, should be fairly timely. Please be patient with me, as of late I’ve had a problem with starting fics and then not finishing them before moving on. I used to be so good about that. So I swear to all of my loyal readers that they will come out soon!

Anyways… doodles!

Black Jack (2004) redraw + Pinoko and BJ! Cuties!!!

I was John Marston for halloween so I drew him a lot last month. One is oil pastel and the other was while I was at work.

[skellymom]

"There have been great societies that did not use the wheel, but no societies that did not tell stories." - Ursula Le Guin

Welcome to my STAR WARS THE BAD BATCH fan fiction page!

FIRST AND FOREMOST, PLEASE READ THIS POST!!!

WORDS OF HOPE:

PLEASE feel free to use the ASK box or message me (anonymous is totally fine) that burning need for a particular fan fic. That fan fiction you longed for to be banged out and slapped appropriately (or inappropriately, I will write clean to extremely smutty) on the electronic thingy-majiggy for your eyeballs to glean over.

Do it...I DARE YA! Make my day...make yours too!!!

Jabby-stabby with ya fingies on the thingie.

Thanks to everyone who has been supportive, friendly and empathetic on this platform. Honestly, you guys have been/are a HUGE help on those dark and disquieting days.

Divider credit: @saradika @angelic-wh1spers @phantom-z0ne @samspenandsword)

"Vagabonds"

Ongoing OC x Hunter/Bad Batch Fanfic Series:

Introduction: "Chaos On Coruscant"

+ Chapter 1: "Weight of the Galaxy" (posted 8/14/2023/reposted 1/24)

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/738467105361494016/vagabonds?source=share

"Vagabonds" #2: "Spotchka Under The Stars" (posted 9/12/2023) Not SFW/SMUT

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/728315714878980096/background-hunter-and-mad-bond-make-love-and?source=share

"Vagabonds" #3: "Co-Conspirators" (posted 9/21/2023) Not SFW/SMUT

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/729052697841582080/hunter-x-ocfem-reader-ongoing-series?source=share

"Vagabonds" #4: "Meet The Fam" (posted 10/5/2023) SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/730320896366149632/vagabonds-chapter-4?source=share

"Vagabonds" #5: "Secrets" (posted 11/8/2023) SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/733456994638462976/vagabonds-chapter-5?source=share

"Vagabonds" #6: "Job Gone Wrong" (posted 11/12/2023) SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/733835736590303232/vagabonds-chapter-6?source=share

"Vagabonds" #7: "Escape From Ord Mantell - Part 1" (posted 11/19/2023) SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/734468366280065024/vagabonds-chapter-7?source=share

"Vagabonds" #8: "Escape From Ord Mantell - Part 2" (posted 11/28/2023) SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/735297232933453824/vagabonds-chapter-8?source=share

"Vagabonds" #9: "In The Beginning" (posted 2/8/2024) SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/741739026615353344/vagabonds-chapter-9?source=share

"Vagabonds" #10: "Stranded" (posted 2/29/2024) SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/743633412345282560/vagabonds-chapter-10?source=share

"Vagabonds" #11: "In The Depths Of Darkness" (posted 3/14/2024) SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/744912201871245312/vagabonds-chapter-11?source=share

"Vagabonds" #12 "Love's Arrival" (posted 4/16/24) NSFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/747902380483526656/vagabonds-chapter-12?source=share

"Vagabonds" #13 "Precious Cargo" (posted 6/20/24) NSFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/753775679134466048/vagabonds-chapter-13-precious-cargo?source=share

"Vagabonds" #14 "In Confidence" (posted 7/31/24) NSFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/757579231979077632/vagabonds-chapter-14-in-confidence?source=share

"Vagabonds" #15 "Get In Losers (posted 8/8/24) NSFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/758223309018103808/vagabonds-chapter-15-get-in-losers?source=share

"Vagabonds" #16 "Trip Like I Do" (posted 8/14/24) NSFW SMUT!

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/758770205138845696/vagabonds-chapter-16-trip-like-i-do?source=share

"Vagabonds" #17 "WTF" (posted 8/15/24) NSFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/758867009187512320/vagabonds-chapter-17-wtf?source=share

"Vagabonds" #18 "THE FORCE" (posted 8/21/24) NSFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/759480275949486080/vagabonds-chapter-18-the-force?source=share

"Vagabonds" #19 "HEART OF THE MATTER" (posted 9/9/24) NSFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/761182994193154048/vagabonds-chapter-19?source=share

"Vagabonds" #20 "DIFFICULT CHOICES" (posted 9/12/24) NSFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/761407251706707968/vagabonds-chapter-20?source=share

"Vagabonds" #21 "AMARANTHINE" (posted 9/26/24) NSFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/762676548240277504/vagabonds-chapter-21?source=share

"Vagabonds" #22 "THE TEMPEST" (posted 9/29/24) NSFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/762939005812801536/vagabonds-chapter-22?source=share

"Vagabonds" #23 "RETREAT" (posted 10/10/24) NSFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/763930279133970432/vagabonds-chapter-23?source=share

"Vagabonds" #24 &25 "RETREAT" & "THE NIGHTMARE" (posted 10/21/24) NSFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/764929745333927936/vagabonds-chapter-24-25?source=share

"Vagabonds" #26 "HOPE AND LOVE" (posted 10/29/24) NSFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/765645976136564736/vagabonds-chapter-26?source=share

CLONE FORCE 99/THE BAD BATCH GROUP FICS

"SILENT BUT DEADLY" #1 in "ONE SHIT" Series (posted 1/1/24) FART HUMOR

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/739302379984388096/silent-but-deadly?source=share

"BOMBS AWAY" #2 in "ONE SHIT" Series (posted 1/22/24) FART/POOP HUMOR

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/740278235151106049/fionajames-talesfrommedinastation-n0vqni?source=share

"WHO DELT IT" #3 in "ONE SHIT" Series (posted 1/10/24) FART HUMOR

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/739120829947871232/who-delt-it?source=share

"REDNECK DOUG'S BATCHER FAMILY BBQ" (posted 9/5/23) Unhinged Family Drama/COMEDY/Not SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/727626634459529216/redneck-dougs-bad-batch-one-shot-background-bad?source=share

*NSFW* "BALLROOM BLITZ" (Posted 4/13/24)

The Bad Batch Fan Fic Clone Fic Gift Exchange FULL STORY

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/747672258377580544/ballroom-blitz?source=share

"HIGH TIMES" (posted 5/15/24) Medicinal Candy Mix-Up SILLY/NSFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/750529350552731648/high-times?source=share

"LITTLE BROTHER" (posted 6/14/24) Batch rehomes a baby clone. SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/753251556693032960/little-brother?source=share

"SLIDE" (posted 6/21/24-repost from 7/31/23) Jedi Groundhog Day SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/753955452070641664/slide?source=share

CLONE TRIBUTES

"Heaven's Earth" This is seduction of the highest order (posted 8/19/24)Passionately angsty love song dedicated to clone of choice/WHOLE batch!

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/759278574808268800/headcannon-soundtrack?source=share

"Death Is Nothing At All" (posted 6/20/24) Tribute to Tech

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/753782399015469056/death-is-nothing-at-all?source=share

"Goodnight Kamino" (posted 4/25/24) Tribute To ALL Of The Clones

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/748705639648378880/a-tribute-to-the-clones?source=share

Chapter 1-"The Tale of the Dathomir Witch"

Clone Force 99/Bad Batch Mini Series Fic

ONE witch attempts to save the galaxy (Posted 10/16/2023) SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/731338076301000704/the-tale-of-the-dathomir-witch?source=share

"The Tale of the Dathomir Witch"-Chapter 2 (posted 10/17/2023) SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/731405312676003840/the-bad-batch-mini-series-halloween-fan-fic?source=share

"The Tale of the Dathomir Witch"-Chapter 3 (posted 10/31/2023) SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/732696093237870592/the-bad-batch-mini-series-halloween-fan-fic?source=share

"The Tale of the Dathomir Witch"-Chapter 4 (FINALE - posted 10/31/2023) Some violence/check tags

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/732696079947251712/posted-103123?source=share

TECH FICS

"Amber Eyes" (posted 11/4/24) HOPE for Tech Fans! SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/766196448072187904/amber-eyes?source=share

"For The Love Of Dog" (posted 7/29/24) Sweet SFW (features Crosshair)

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/757322076805906432/for-the-love-of-dog?source=share

ECHO FICS

"Wordless" (posted 9/3/24) Love/Hope SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/760581993393209344/wordless?source=share

"Smash and Grab" (posted 7/24/24) Angst SFW (Hunter featured too)

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/756858742702833664/smash-and-grab?source=share

WRECKER FICS

"Stasis" (posted 8/6/24) Love/angst and some humor SFW/NSFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/758038690108997632/stasis?source=share

CROSSHAIR FICS

"The Platform" (posted 5/27/24) Angst SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/751604938204921856/the-platform?source=share

"Bring Me To My Knees" PART 1 (posted 3/7/24) SMUT++ Not SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/744267915687264256/bring-me-to-my-knees-part-1?source=share

"Bring Me To My Knees" PART 2 (posted 3/7/24) SMUT++ Not SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/744276448825769984/bring-me-to-my-knees-part-2?source=share

"CUP OF CAF" (posted 12/4/23) Crosshairs sweet redemption arc/SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/735755898541277184/a-cup-of-caf-the-bad-batch-crosshair-one?source=share

"RETURN TO PABU" PART 1 (posted 1/24/24) Companion to "Cup of Caf"/SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/740375615328354305/return-to-pabu-part-1?source=share

"RETURN TO PABU" PART 2 (posted 1/24/24) Companion to "Cup of Caf"/SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/740838054339723264/return-to-pabu-part-2?source=share

"RETURN TO PABU" PART 3 (posted 7/16/24) Companion to "Cup of Caf"/SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/756137825067515904/return-to-pabu-part-3?source=share

"RETURN TO PABU" PART 4 FINALE (posted 7/16/24) Companion to "Cup of Caf"/SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/756137857356349440/return-to-pabu-part-4-finale?source=share

HUNTER FICS

"Little Interruptions" (posted 6/17/2024) MILDLY NSFW (mild smut)

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/753588665810386944/hiii-can-you-do-a-story-about-after-a-long?source=share

"The Incident" (posted 5/31/24) SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/751971675586822144/hey-skelly-youre-taking-requests-oh-id-love-to?source=share

"Healing Touch" (posted 5/28/24) SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/751709195246649344/hey-skelly-i-was-wondering-if?source=share

"Unfortunate Turn Of Events (posted 3/21/24) SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/745530843675639808/unfortunate-turn-of-events?source=share

"I'm Your Man" (posted 2/29/24) SMUT++

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/743658453597323264/im-your-man?source=share

"Hunt And Peck" (posted 2/28/24) COMEDY SMUT

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/743551116443336704/hunt-and-peck?source=share

"Sunset Over Pabu" (posted 2/12/24) ANGST/SADNESS/SFW

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/742174639837593600/please-like-comment-andor-reblog?source=share

Original OC Art:

OC inked art:

MISCELLANEOUS

"TRIBUTE TO HOPE AND REBELLION" - ANDOR

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/761188315249754112/a-tribute-to-hope-and-rebellion?source=share

PLEASE send me some love too! I created this listing to not just help people find creatives, but to PROMOTE MY OWN Tumblr account. It's called networking, baby! <3

(Credit: Cool moving star dividers by @4ngelic-wh1spers @cafekitsune @plum98)

IF YOU WISH TO BE ADDED OR DROPPED FROM MY TAG LIST, PLEASE MESSAGE ME! Don't comment as I might miss it. Thanks!!! <3

[aplacetosharemyfics]

The Downfall of Susan St. Clair: The Start of a New Chapter

Like the end of Episode 10, this chapter hints at a continuation of the story.

This was my selfish desire for Mrs St. Clair to meet Maisie without the ability to kick her out. WARNING: This chapter contains violence (implied), and descriptions of injuries. Not reading this chapter does not affect the rest of the story - it officially ended with the previous chapter.

They were not expecting guests. No one came round to the St. Clair household uninvited, even door-to-door salesmen avoided the street. So, the knock on the door that Saturday came as a surprise. Susan was upstairs, studying in her bedroom, and arrived at the bottom of the stairs just as her mother opened the door.

“Maisie!”

Dumped on their front doorstep, crumpled and bruised, lay Maisie. In the distance, a car was pulling away, racing off with a holler of laughter. Susan ignored her mother’s shocked gasp and swept past her before she could close the door.

“Don’t touch it, Susan. Who knows what germs it has.”

Maisie was unconscious, a trickle of blood running down her chin from a cut lip. But her breathing was steady. Susan sighed in relief.

“Come inside, Susan,” her mother said, looking down her nose at the scruffy clothing.

Now she knew Maisie wasn’t in immediate danger, Susan stood. She glanced up and down the street.

“What will the neighbours think?” she asked.

Her mother took a sharp breath, her eyes roving the street. Was that someone hiding behind the curtain? Susan tried to keep her smile innocent as she watched the turmoil play out on her mother’s face. Which was better, having a beaten vagabond disgracing her front step, or allowing such a creature into her private property? Her eye twitched.

“Get it out of sight then,” she hissed.

Susan didn’t wait any longer, gathering Maisie into her arms – strong from cheerleading – holding her in a princess carry to carry her inside. Her mother held the door open, giving the street another check before slamming it shut behind her.

There had been a time, Susan remembered, fondly, when the roles had been reserved. Maisie had held her tightly in her arms as she’d fallen asleep, protecting her when her defences had been broken down.

“Not on the good couch!”

Susan paused. She’d automatically headed into the living room, aiming for the large flowery couch where her mother often perched, gossiping on the phone. Her arms were starting to ache. But she waited as her mother fetched a sheet and carefully spread it over the couch so not even a speck of dirt touched the expensive fabric. Finally, Maisie was laid onto the covered cushions.

“I’m calling the police.”

“And have all the neighbours talking?”

Mrs. St. Clair stopped, already halfway across the room. It was true that she’d rather not have the police publicly entering her home. But had her daughter argued a little too quickly? There had been rumours spreading around, particularly after the dance. Had her precious daughter been caught up in the wrong crowd?

At this moment, Maisie awoke. Opening her eyes to an unfamiliar ceiling, she sat bolt upright, immediately wincing as various body parts complained loudly at the sudden movement. Groaning, she doubled over. Susan rushed to her side, hands dithering as she realized there was nothing she could do to help. She didn’t want to hurt her more. But, when the pain started subsiding, it was Susan’s face Maisie zeroed in on. Gently cupping her face in her hands, Maisie ran her thumbs over her smooth skin, allowing relief to fill her eyes. Her hands shook.

“You’re okay.”

Susan nodded, concerned. She covered Maisie’s hand in hers. What had happened to her?

Mrs. St. Clair coughed. She felt the need to announce her presence as if she was watching she ought not. The girls twitched, finally realizing they were not alone. Maisie, in a panic, tried to jump to her feet. But she had barely left the couch before she fell backwards, hissing at the pain erupting through her body. Susan stood, putting herself between Maisie and her mother.

“Who are you?”

Mrs. St. Clair stalked forward, pushing her daughter aside so she could tower over the little tramp that sat meekly on her couch. Only Maisie wasn’t sitting meekly. Over the initial shock, she was now merely observing her with an amused smile.

“Maisie James.”

The smile only got wider as she noticed the way Mrs. St. Clair’s lips pursed at the mention of her family name.

“And how do you know my daughter?”

At this point, Susan stepped in, forcing her mother to take a step back.

“Because” she explained with the tone one would use with a toddler. “She happens to attend Rydell High.”

Mrs. St. Clair opened her mouth. The familiarity she’d just witnessed between the two girls was not that of two people who would occasionally pass each other in the school corridors. She remembered a conversation they’d shared at the beginning of the year when Susan had vaguely asked about the James family. She’d brushed it off back then.

“Please leave my house.”

“She’s hurt!” Susan protested. “She can barely stand.”

From behind her, Maisie nodded, turning her gaze back to Mrs. St. Clair. It was the same infuriating smile as she looked into her scared eyes.

“Now,” Mrs. St. Clair said, her voice shaking a little. She pointed towards the back door.

“Even if I made it outside, I’d pass out on the grass,” Maisie pointed out. “What will the neighbours think?”

Mrs. St. Clair twitched. Was it just a coincidence? The same phrasing, her daughter standing against her, and the girl who kept smiling at her. Huffing as she failed to come to a satisfactory conclusion, she turned on her heel and stalked out of the room.

Susan sank to her knees as the adrenaline suddenly left her. She had finally managed to stand up to her mother. Maisie gripped her shoulder, her hand shaking. Neither talked for a while.

“Who was it?”

Susan swallowed. An asked question hung in the air. She couldn’t look Maisie in the face.

“I didn’t recognize them,” Maisie whispered.

Susan turned around. The brave front Maisie had put up for her mother had slipped. Her voice wavered. There was a hitch in her breath each time she moved.

“Do you know why?”

Reading the fear on her face, Maisie awkwardly reached forward, wincing, to pull Susan into a hug.

“To send a message to Rydell.”

Susan finally relaxed, letting her head fall onto Maisie’s lap. It wasn’t her fault. There were still questions to be asked, and actions to be made towards those who’d attacked her Maisie, but that could wait for a few more seconds.

In the other room, peeking through the crack in the door, Mrs. St. Clair bristled with anger. She hadn’t heard enough of the conversation to completely understand what had happened. But she hated the way her daughter had been pulled into a hug with a complete stranger (in her eyes), and the way her daughter had snuggled into the embrace as if it were the most natural thing to do. As she watched, Susan slowly climbed to her feet, whispering to the girl with an endearing look on her face, before heading to the telephone.

“Dot? Someone’s got a grudge against Rydell. Can you get everyone over here?”

There was a hint of anger to her voice that Mrs. St. Clair had never heard before.

Dot was the first to arrive. She grinned as Susan opened the door, showing off the large bag of popcorn that she’d brought to accompany the discussion. But the smile wavered as she saw Susan’s expression. And, when she spotted Maisie on the couch, bruised and scrapped, the popcorn fell to the floor.

“Angel!”

Mrs. St. Clair blinked watching Dot rush to Maisie’s side. She’d heard the rumours about an angel descending from heaven to save the girls of Rydell. But they’d spread just before the election, and she’d dismissed it as an exaggeration of the other rumours surrounding Jane Facciano. Except, she also remembered the girl who’d phoned after the disastrous dance, asking to speak to Susan. The name she’d given before she’d rudely slammed the phone down was also Angel.

Maisie smiled fondly as Dot fussed, examining every visible surface before meekly returning to clean up the popcorn she’d spilt.

Truth be told, Mrs. St. Clair didn’t know why she was worrying so much over Susan’s friendship with this girl. After all, she appeared just as familiar with Dot. She knew that Maisie James was not the sort of girl she wanted her Susan hanging around with, but that didn’t explain why she had felt so anxious watching the two girls console each other. She watched a little longer. Surely this was merely a group of friends. She pushed her concerns aside and left, missing the whispered conversation that passed between the three.

“What it because …?”

Dot glanced between her friends; eyes filled with worry. To be honest, this was why she’d hurried over so quickly. She wasn’t as innocent as she looked and had already guessed even before Susan explained things more clearly after the fair. Maisie shook her head.

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

She had been walking down the street, enjoying the warmth of the sun against her skin, when the group of girls had surrounded her. The uniforms were familiar, though she couldn’t name the school. Having grown in confidence since she began spending time openly with Susan, Maisie glanced around at them with a relaxed smile.

“How can I help you?”

“You from Rydell?”

Maisie blinked. The words had been spat out. Another girl stepped forward, peering closely at Maisie.

“Yeah! I saw her with them at the fair.”

That would explain why she recognized the uniforms. But the way they were talking was suggesting that being related to Rydell was dangerous.

“We have a little message to send the folks at Rydell.”

Maisie raised her eyebrows.

“I have some paper in my bag?”

“It’s not that sort of message.”

[mogseltof]

3, 10 and 17 for the book ask!

eyyy!

3: Top five books I read this year (excluding answers to the other questions because I ate well this year)

A Very Stable Genius by Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnig (I'm currently waist deep in the follow up "I Alone Can Fix This") which is some of the most detailed investigative journalism applied to biography I've ever read, this thing is a doorstopper and covers the Trump presidency in great detail while still being extremely engaging. I Alone Can Fix This somehow manages to be even better at splitting the focus of its narrative but I haven't finished it yet, these were easily my best impule pick ups from the library this year.

Vagabonds by Hao Jingfang I read for bookclub and it was one of my favourites! The most lasting impression I got from the narrative was one of "Oh this is what it is like to exist while Chinese on the broader internet", it's a sci fi that takes a leaf out of the Dispossessed following the narrative of an 18 year old girl returning home to Mars after spending her teen years on Earth in capitalist society and the effects of everything around that. Very cool and an extremely good author.

Hell House by Richard Matheson is not the most recent release but I only got round to it this year and Jesus H Christ. Prototypical haunted house novel, you can see the fingerprints this thing left over the horror genre in its entirety, I loved every minute of it. Haunted houses, 20s occultism taken too far, seventies paranormal scientists trying to be taken seriously, washed up child psychics, New Age sensibilities put to the test, this thing has everything *pats the roof of this sucker*

The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka I finished while camping in August and is one that's going to stay with me for a while. I loved this book, I loved its presentation of the afterlife, I loved the main character, and it's definitely the 'further reading' book of the year for me given how little I know about Sri Lanka's history, especially in this context of late 80s/early 90s conflicts. This one's my hard recommend of the list.

Leech by Hiron Ennes was deeply fascinating and threw me for the most loops. I love a hivemind and reading from the perspective of one was so cool, especially at the points of [redacted] and [redacted]. I was also totally taken in by the historicality of the setting so when I realised that what I was reading was actually [redacted] it hooked me even more. The interplay with the demographic elements as experienced by a parasitic hivemind was also deeply fascinating, this was my fastest read on this list because once I started I couldn't stop.

Honorary mentions to: The Darkest Web by Eileen Ormsby, Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll, The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones, Mister Magic by Kiersten White, Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero (minus the last like, 500 words rip), and Troll Hunting by Ginger Gorman.

10: My favourite new release of 2023

I'm not great at keeping up with new releases but this one goes to my only preorder of the year,

A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher, which I absolutely devoured. There's something about the mid century occultists that I find both hilarious and fascinating, and Kingfisher/Vernon managed to hit exactly on what I love about reading about them, while also capturing the horror of being stuck in your racist grandma's house. I'm a huge fan of her protagonists as well, and 'furloughed archaeoentomologist' is overflowing with great character bits and I love her. I want to reread this book now because I opened it up to the first chapter to make sure I was remembering her job accurately and got totally sucked into the vulture commentary in the first few pages. Goddamnit.

In close runner up is Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle because holy fuck man, I read that like 2 days ago and I'm a little bit obsessed. I've known Rose Darlings. I've met all of those characters (except maybe the demons). Incredible work by the Tingler Master.

17: A book that suprised me with how good it was

Fairy Tale by Stephen King. One of my friends gave this to me right at the beginning of the year because she'd bought a copy and then had two friends buy it for her as well, and holy fuck mom. I'm really on and off with King, I love some of his stuff, but when I don't like it I hate it, and Fairy Tale I genuinely loved. There were definitely bits that made me go 'mmm', but King also had the forethought to cover for it in later narration which I appreciated ahahaha. I've never gelled with his fantasies before, so I wasn't expecting to enjoy this one, but this is the closest to a spiritual successor to the Oz novels as I've ever read, and I loved his take on it. Still kind of amazed at how much I loved it.

[bakersstreetirregulars]

Yakgwa Village: Haunting Tales - Part 1 Official Patch Notes

As taken from their official Blogspot. Pinned post will be updated in due time, but I, the Editor, am on vacation and may be delayed for a bit.

1. NEW COOKIE & PET

- Okchun Cookie: Flies up riding the Okchun Pouch.

- Candy Shade Pouch: Absorbs all Jellies ahead.

2. OTHER

YAKGWA VILLAGE: HAUNTING TALES

- Frightening ghosts and monsters have appeared in Yakgwa Village!

- Exorcise powerful monsters to earn various rewards like limited Titles, Crystals, Rainbow Cubes, and Diamond Sugar Crystals!

- Event Duration:

- Chapter 1: August 29, 10:00 - September 12, 08:00 (GMT+9)

- Chapter 2: September 12, 09:00 - September 26, 08:00 (GMT+9)

*The event will be unavailable for result calculation during the following time: September 12, 08:00 - September 12, 09:00 (GMT+9)

SPECIAL COSTUME DRAW

- Moonlit Yakgwa Village Costumes are here!

- Okchun Cookie's Misty Trail Hermit (Super Epic)

- Vagabond Cookie's Lighthearted Poet (Epic)

Special Draw Duration: August 29, 10:00 - October 12, 09:00 (GMT+9)

SPECIAL JELLY SHAPE DRAW

- Check out these sweet jelly Okchuns!

- Tasty Jelly Okchun Set (Epic)

Special Draw Duration: August 29, 10:00 - October 12, 09:00 (GMT+9)

GUILD RUNS

RIVAL MATCH

- 1v1 showdown with your rival! A new Rival Match has been added to Guild Runs!

- Compete against a randomly matched rival and earn various rewards, including Rainbow Cubes!

GUILD RUNS BURNING EVENT

- With the new Guild Runs season, the Guild Runs Burning Event has begun!

- Participate in the Rank Rewards event and receive up to 5,000 Rainbow Cubes and Crystals!

Event Duration: August 29, 10:00 - September 12, 09:00 (GMT+9)

ESCAPE LEVELS

- Added rewards for Escape Level 340 - 345.

- Added "+150 pts for Pink Bear Jellies" to the reward for Escape Level 275.

- The bonus will still apply even if you have already surpassed Escape Lv.274

- The applied bonuses can be viewed in "See Bonuses."

IMPROVED PUSH NOTIFICATIONS

- Turn on push notifications and receive rewards, including Rainbow Cubes and Crystals!

- We've made managing push notifications easier in the settings.

*Settings > Notifications > ON

TROPHY RACE: LAND'S END

- The Shattered Kingdom map has been replaced with the Lost City of Sugarteara map.

- In order to collect accurate data for the new map, Dr. Wasabi's Combi Generator will be temporarily unavailable. (Expected to return September 1)

VIBRATION EFFECT

- Changed the default settings of the vibration effect to be turned on.

*Vibration Settings: Settings > Game > Lab > Vibration

BALANCE ADJUSTMENTS & BUG FIXES

COOKIES

1. White Ghost Cookie

- Changed the Scare button to activate only when points can be obtained

- Automatically scares the Cookies when blasting as a ghost

- Changed the design of the Scare button and the Scare Gauge

- Reduced cooldown time by 0.2 sec

- Increased points for Fear Jellies

- Increased points for Purple Fear Jellies

2. Vagabond Cookie

- Fixed an issue where the Cookie's speed was fixed during skill activation when the game speed was fixed

- Increased points for Hangwa Jellies

- Increased Feel The Groove Points

3. Hydrangea Cookie

- Increased points for Hydrangea Flower Jellies created by the basic skill activation

- Reduced points for Hydrangea Flower Jellies created by the Magic Candy skill

4. Abyss Monarch Cookie

- The height of the Dark Energy Beam can be adjusted slightly

5. Mustard Cookie

- Changed to continue spraying even while holding down the Spray button

PETS

1. Fractured Mirror

- Reduced cooldown time by 0.1 sec

- Reduced additional points for all Bear Jellies

2. Yakgwa Pupper

- Reduced cooldown time by 2.3 sec

- Increased points for Jellies fetched by the Pet

3. Floral Froglet

- Added a skill to recover Cookie's Energy with the first Hydrangea Jelly

- Increased cooldown time by 4 sec

- Reduced points for Hydrangea Jellies

TREASURE

1. Tricolor Chewy Rice Cake

- Reduced cooldown time by 1.4 sec

- Slightly reduced points for Songpyeon Jellies

- Reduced points for Combi Bonus

COMBI BONUSES

1. White Ghost Cookie & Fractured Mirror

- Increased points for Fear Jellies

2.Vagabond Cookie & Yakgwa Pupper

- Increased points for Hangwa Jellies

3. Hydrangea Cookie & Floral Froglet

- Slightly reduced points for Hydrangea Jellies

COOKIE TRIALS

1. White Ghost Cookie's Trial

- Fixed an issue where two Bear Jellies were layered at the beginning.

- Changed so the Coin piles do not appear after 1 lap.

- Score requirements have been adjusted.

2. Vagabond Cookie's Trial

- Slightly increased the base speed.

- Changed so the Coin piles do not appear after 1 lap.

- Changed the placement of Potions in Normal difficulty.

- Score requirements have been adjusted.

3. Hydrangea Cookie's Trial

- Removed 1 Giant Potion from Hard mode and slightly increased the base speed.

- Score requirements have been adjusted.

BREAKOUT: RANDOM CHALLENGE

- Fixed an issue where having multiple buffs of the same type that create 1 item when destroying obstacles with a certain probability was not accumulated in the score.

BREAKOUT: MAIN EPISODE TEST SEASON

- A special rule added to Breakout: Main Episode!

- During the test season, the further back you go in the lineup, the faster the Energy drains. However, you'll be able to earn higher bonus points in return!

Test Season Duration: September 2, 21:00 - September 9, 21:00 (GMT+9)

OTHER

- Red Moon Jellies now receive the additional points effect of Crescent Moon Jellies.

DROP OUT FEATURE ADDED TO TROPHY RACE

- We have added a drop out feature to the Trophy Race, where you can give up/drop out of the race.

- If you drop out of a race, your final rank will be recorded, and you can start a new race right away.

- The placement of the Finish button has been relocated beside the race end time with the addition of the Give Up button.

[calmrot]

Go read Kill Six Billion Demons!! I adore Intra

Seeker of Thrones 10-144

By Abbadon

---

Chapter: 10

Once, the great king Aurochs was gifted a prize gladiator. This warrior was a three-sexed Ya-at slave monk. It was mute, and the impurities of its flesh had been seared away as part of its training. The Ya-at were incredible fighters, and this one was no exception. Over the next few turns it won nearly every bout and won the king an enormous amount of fame and glory. The king ordered a private garden built for his prize fighter, and attendants to oil its sore flesh, and it was given every luxury afforded to it, most of which it refused, for it craved only challenge.

Word got out that the king had an invincible fighter, and soon three infamous wandering mercenaries arrived at his door to test their mettle. The first was Five Mountains Gale, who wore a beautifully embroidered jera, a fine silk vela, and a legendary sword at her waist. Her face had been burned hideously by a duel with a sorcerer. It appeared puckered and shiny under the best light, though she was said to be quite beautiful before, and nobody dared comment on her disfigured visage. The second was Yerrid, who was a western dragon. His mouthblades were pitted with the scars of battle, and his hide was thicker than any armor forged by man. He was a member of the Red Dogs Legion, who were infamous rogues and despoilers. They mummified the hands of their enemies and took them as tokens.

The third and last was an unusual fellow, a minor nobleman from the countryside said to have taken up the sword after starving himself and meditating under a plum tree for a week and a day. His finery was disheveled, his sword was rather poorly made, and his long dark hair was held up in crooked and bent pins. He had no reputation, nobody thought very much of him, and it was obvious that he would quickly lose.

Gale squared off against the slave monk first. Her beautiful robe accentuated her lithe form and powerful step. Her sword was called Circle the Moon Thrice. When drawn, it gave off a sound like shivering glass. It had hacked five hundred bandits into pieces just the week before and was thirsty for blood. Gale’s technique was called Flying Snow. She could step on air as well as land, and cut a fly in twain with a flick of her wrist.

For all her arts, however, she could not break the defense of the slave monk. For every movement she made, the monk was faster to react. For every shivering blow she laid upon the monk, it could take it and deal more. She threw her blade aside and submitted before thirty blows had been struck.

Next, Yerrid strode into the arena. It was clear to observers that he would not submit as easily. His scarred, bestial form was corded with thick muscle, and his mandibles were shaved down in the manner of vagabonds and mercenaries of terrible repute. He tore into the monk with incredible violence. His technique was Red Dog Boxing. Every blow he took upon his stony hide, he turned into a counterattack, redoubling his attacker’s strength. He fought like a wild animal, throwing caution to the wind, and absorbing tremendous amounts of violence.

Where Gale had folded after thirty blows, he took a hundred. But it still was not enough. The defense of the Ya-at was too strong, and it tired too slowly. Eventually, Yerrid collapsed of exhaustion, and was dragged out of the fighting pit stone cold unconscious.

Finally, the last man strode into the arena. The crowd leaned in, eager to see him dismembered or worse by the Ya-at warrior, who scarcely had suffered a scratch and was oiled and offered refreshments by its house slaves.

The two warriors squared off, the young nobleman dwarfed by his opponent, and the bell was rung. The nobleman then did a very strange thing. He threw out a single sword stroke that was so artless, so completely lacking in skill, that a child might have made it. It was like a village idiot absentmindedly hurling a stick into a muddy pond. The Ya-at warrior was so shocked and offended by the young nobleman’s complete and utter lack of skill and technique that the hulking warrior was caught by surprise and decapitated in one blow.

The crowd was taken aback and instantly sprung up in confusion, disarray, and rage, for surely the young man must have cheated. The king descended from his gilded palanquin and quieted the crowd, addressing the young man directly.

“What trickery did you use to defeat my warrior?” demanded the king, at this point sputtering with disbelief himself. “No trickery,” said the young man, who was absentmindedly toeing the ya-at’s corpse.

“Then what technique? What sword art did you learn to make such a blow?” said the king.

“My technique is no technique,” said the young man. “My art is no art. It was an idiot’s blow.”

“Ten thousand warriors have failed to defeat my gladiator,” said the king, gaping. “Trained in ten thousand fighting arts from across the Wheel. How could an artless fool have defeated my prize slave?” The young man scratched his chin. “Well, not anyone can use my lack of technique. No ordinary fool could make that blow,” he replied “only one extremely dedicated to foolishness.”

It was immediately apparent to the king that this young man was extraordinarily powerful.

He mentioned as much.

“Powerful men, my lord, must by nature be exceptionally good fools,” said the young man.

“What do you want?” said the king, breaking out in a sweat.

“A drink will suffice,” said the young man.

“What is your name?” said the High King Aurochs, of the Southern Realms.

“My name is Intra,” said Intra, “I am the king of swords.”