#voyage of the blue flower

[meadow-roses]

let it make in you, a new river,

[whitecerberus]

credit:whitecerberus

[animusrox]

TOP 10

Past Lives

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

How to Blow Up a Pipeline

Poor Things

Oppenheimer

Barbie

BlackBerry

The Holdovers

The Iron Claw

Killers of the Flower Moon

MY LETTERBOXD Grade A 11.    The Killer 12.    Beau Is Afraid 13.    Dream Scenario 14.    Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 15.    Godzilla Minus One 16.    American Fiction 17.    They Cloned Tyrone 18.     Evil Dead Rise 19.    Eileen 20.    The Artifice Girl 21.   Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 22.    Talk to Me 23.    Reality 24.    Leave the World Behind 25.    A Thousand and One 26.    Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One 27.    Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. 28.    Theater Camp 29.   Carmen 30.    Merry Little Batman 31.    Priscilla 32.    Society of the Snow 33.    Infinity Pool 34.    Enys Men 35.    Sanctuary 36.    Rye Lane 37.    Skinamarink 38.    Monster 39.    Anatomy of a Fall 40.    Landscape with Invisible Hand 41.    Reptile 42.    Sisu 43.    Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game 44.    No One Will Save You 45.    Tetris 46.    May December 47.    The Zone of Interest 48.    V/H/S/85 49.    Dumb Money 50.    El Conde 51.    Arnold 52.    Maestro 53.    Napoleon 54.    20 Days in Mariupol 55.    Influencer 56.    The Creator 57.    Origin 58.    Thanksgiving 59.    Next Goal Wins 60.    The Boy and the Heron 61.    Bottoms 62.    Wonka

[Press Keep Reading For The Full Graded List]

Grade B

63.   God Is a Bullet 64.    No Hard Feelings 65.    Joy Ride 66.    Fair Play 67.     Cocaine Bear 68.    NYAD 69.    Asteroid City 70.    Nowhere 71.    The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster 72.    Divinity 73.    The Equalizer 3 74.    The Last Voyage of the Demeter 75.    Venus 76.    Butcher’s Crossing 77.    Somewhere in Queens 78.    The Persian Version 79.    Boston Strangler 80.    Polite Society 81.    Miguel Wants to Fight 82.    The Color Purple 83.    The Royal Hotel 84.    Saw X 85.    All of Us Strangers 86.    Fallen Leaves 87.    Ferrari 88.    Elemental 89.    Peter Pan & Wendy 90.    Renfield 91.    Cat Person 92.    Scream VI 93.    The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes 94.    BS High 95.    Blue Beetle 96.    Huesera: The Bone Woman 97.    When Evil Lurks 98.    Dark Harvest 99.    A Good Person 100.    Final Cut 101.    Knock at the Cabin 102.    Quiz Lady 103.    Leo 104.    Air 105.    The Super Mario Bros. Movie 106.    Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham 107.    John Wick: Chapter 4 108.    Beaten to Death 109.    The Wrath of Becky 110.    Passages 111.    Transformers: Rise of the Beasts 112.    Gran Turismo 113.    65 114.    Sick 115.    Sister Death 116.    The Blackening 117.    Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain 118.    Flamin’ Hot 119.    Nimona 120.    Cobweb 121.    Totally Killer 122.    What’s Love Got to Do with It? 123.     Sharper 124.    Unseen 125.    Dunki 126.    Bird Box Barcelona 127.    The Marvels 128.    Shazam! Fury of the Gods

Grade C

129.   Wildflower 130.    Freelance 131.    M3GAN 132.    Strays 133.    Sympathy for the Devil 134.    Creed III 135.    Chevalier 136.    The Marsh King’s Daughter 137.    A Haunting in Venice 138.    The Little Mermaid 139.    Silent Night 140.    Master Gardener 141.    The Flash 142.    Fast X 143.    The Pope’s Exorcist 144.    Saltburn 145.    Kandahar 146.    Stand 147.    Plane 148.   Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny 149.    Fingernails 150.    Quicksand 151.    Fool’s Paradise 152.    Migration 153.    Rustin 154.    The Covenant 155.    Good Burger 2 156.    The Pod Generation 157.    Alice, Darling 158.    Insidious: The Red Door 159.    Missing 160.    Shotgun Wedding 161.    You Hurt My Feelings 162.    The Boogeyman 163.    Showing Up 164.    Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom 165.    Champions 166.    Consecration 167.    The Nun II 168.    Biosphere 169.    House Party 170.    The Exorcist: Believer 171.    Big George Foreman 172.    Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves 173.    Children of the Corn 174.    The Beanie Bubble 175.    Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

Grade F

176.    Anyone But You 177.    Marlowe 178.    Paint 179.    Extraction 2 180.    It Lives Inside 181.    Deliver Us 182.    Trolls Band Together 183.    Finestkind 184.    Corner Office 185.    Wish 186.    Prisoner’s Daughter 187.    Pain Hustlers 188.    Foe 189.    The Mother 190.    Old Dads 191.    Ghosted 192.    Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken 193.    Haunted Mansion 194.    Mafia Mamma 195.    Five Nights at Freddy’s 196.    The Machine 197.    Justice League: Warworld 198.    We Have a Ghost 199.    What Comes Around 200.    Legion of Super-Heroes 201.    The Boys in the Boat 202.    Attachment 203.    Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre 204.    About My Father 205.    You People 206.    Meg 2: The Trench 207.    Pathaan 208.    Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire 209.    Assassin 210.    Dalíland 211.    Vacation Friends 2

Bottom 10

212.    Sound of Freedom 213.    Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 214.    When You Finish Saving The World 215.    Heart of Stone 216.    Family Switch 217.    Expend4bles 218.    Sweetwater 219.    Hypnotic 220.    80 for Brady 221.    Spinning Gold

[feitanii-ll]

巛—𝗥𝗢𝗟𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗘 𝗪 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗞—⫸

[[ knight !reader x royal !link scenarios ]]

you've been assigned to him for as long as you could remember. people have observed your bond, and it's quite obvious that you're the only reasonable match— the only one he's willing to let take care of him. you wouldn't want to change that fact either, but taking care of link comes with an unfathomable amount of responsibility. such as...

★ "put down that damn frog!"

you're the closest you've ever been to a heart attack at this point. taking the prince out on a voyage where there were monsters lurking about was the last thing you had wanted to do, but unable to resist his insistent, silent pouting, you couldn't exactly denyhim what he wanted.

he's cute when he's curious, which is everyday. you let him roam around with his large observational book, studying and taking notice of whatever shroom or flower was blooming by whatever random tree.

speaking of a tree, you figured to set up a small campsite under a large tree not too far away from the castle. there was a fire going in a pot, and the boy had been throwing random food stuff inside and hoping for the best dish to come from it. you watch with a soft smile— that is, until it deflates as you spot a few bokoblins a little too close and sigh, standing up.

"Stay here." you mumble softly, to which the boy smiles and nods, eyes glued to the way you reach up to grip the handle of your sword, pulling it up and out of its sheathe.

yoi don't take long— really you don't. the bokoblin type was blue, more than easy to take down. you don't even break a sweat until you begin walking back to the tree, only to feel your breath hitch and your heart stop. that damn monster of curiosity (or, link) was holding a poor frog over the pot, probably more than ready to drop it in for Hylia knows what.

your shouting startles the boy, making him go wide-eyed and sheepish as you storm up to him. you take a second to glare before snatching the creature from his hands and setting it back into the small body of water that he was most likely snatched from.

"seriously? I was gone for five minutes." you protest.

his face goes expressive,

'it's for science!' he signs

"I know, link... you always say that." you sigh, pinching the bridge of your nose, opening your eyes to see him flipping frantically through his research book before holding it open, shoving the open page in your face.

a silly healing elixir that he had been mentioning non-stop. it was probably the reason he was so adamant about tagging along.

"yes, my liege, I know about the elixir. but if you want it so bad, why don't you just simply buy one?" you suggest, exhaustion in your voice.

his face scrunches in disgust at the idea, throwing the book down before signing again,

'too far. want to experience creating it on my own'

you look from his hands to his face, being met with his saddened eyes. if he were anyone else...

"fine..." you mumble, to which he silently celebrates, "just, not in front of me, please?"

'thank you.' he steps closer, and you smile.

'no problem'. you sign back.

* * *

★ "please be careful, my liege." you voice to the blonde prince.

he'd gladly tell you that he was fine if his hands weren't currently full. if anyone else saw how you and link interacted outside of the castle, you're sure you'd be killed for your crimes.

maybe it wasn't a good idea to let the prince of hyrule use your sword and swing it around however he pleased, but in your professional opinion— he's a natural.

"you're doing great!" you smile, shaking your head as he was caught up in his own little world. and he really was. so great that he couldn't heat a word you said. holding a weapon just felt so natural to him, and he absolutely loved it when you offered it up for him to use during leisure time.

his swings are heavy and lethal, but it's obvious to you that he isn't pacing himself. the movements are so natural that he doesn't even comprehend the strain it's putting on his body— not until his swing is stopped.

link looks down at his tightened grasp on the handle, but looseness it as he realizes that you had caught his wrist. his disgruntled expression softens significantly as he looks up at you in awe and embarrassment as you hold his wrists with one hand, and remove the handle the handle from his grip with the other.

"that's enough," tour voice rings through his head as you chuck the sword to the side, face growing serious as you keep holding his wrists, "you alright?"

he can't respond with occupied hands, and so he nods, heart pounding at your serious expression. he wonders what he's done wrong, or what should be wrong, until he begins to feel an ache in his back and shoulders, making him wince. you notice.

"I know that feeling... it's why I stopped you." you explain whilst removing your hands from him. "you're good, but you're straining yourself. you're not fit for that type of intensity."

he mouths a small 'oh', and you sigh, frowning as he rubs his aching shoulder.

"it's alright... I've got something to heal you right up."

the male smiles softly, nodding in appreciation. you were always taking care of him like this. but your encouragement for him to get a little rough and rowdy is why he liked you so much. though you wanted him safe, you weren't constantly sheltering him. he hated that.

he taps your shoulder, to which you turn to him,

'sorry.'

you smile and shake your head, "don't apologize. you did really good my liege. wonder what you'd be like as a knight, actually." you chuckle.

he smiles back, letting the butterflies float around in his tummy.

* * *

★ "what do you think you're doing?"

you felt like you've done this... a lot. for the umpteenth time, you've caught the prince walking around the castle grounds, barefoot, and draped in a softened blanket as he attempts to protect himself from the nighttime breeze.

the look he gives you is one of disappointment as he thinks you're going to take him back inside, but he's pleasantly surprised when you shake your head and simply rest a hand on his shoulder, guiding him forward.

"Don't worry...I'll sit with you."

he smiles, clutching the blanket tighter. beyond the wall, he can spot the swaying of the grass, the wispyness of the clouds in the deep blue sky, and the stillness of the ancient guardians that settled into the ground. he truly loves his kingdom, and you can see it true. he walks until he reaches a spot that makes it easy to see the vast land and takes a seat on the edge of the castle walls.

"this is nice..." you sigh as you sit beside him

he nods, and your eyes glance over to him incase he's ready to talk back. and he does:

'I think I enjoy nighttime the best.' he signs, glancing between you and the beautiful view amongst him, 'sometimes, i think about running. I want to explore.'

you heart aches

"I know, my liege... I'm sorry you feel trapped." you whisper

to your surprise, he laughs softly, shaking his head, 'not trapped... just hidden potential'

you smile. such a purse and positive response. his head turns to face you, eyes so blue that you can't help but observe them thoroughly. he scoots closer beside you, careful, as to not fall, and rest his head on your shoulder.

"I think..." you wrap his blanket around him tighter, "I think we were definitely meant to be this way, my liege." you whisper, and watch as his eyes flutter shut

but not before he nods in agreement, and your heart tate spikes at what he says next.

his hands don't communicate, no. nit this time. instead, you're blessed with a sound ao angelic, so soft that you'd dread if you accidentally missed it.

"I think so too..." he whispers.

* * *

[charliehoennam]

angel part 2

pairing: louis bloom x f!reader

summary: louis and his newfound crush slip deeper into their attraction after the 'wet dream'.

warning: this fic contains dark themes such as stalking, dubcon/noncon, smut and others. Read at your own risk. 18+ ONLY.

SHARING IS CARING, SO PLEASE REBLOG

The early morning sunlight begins to stream into your room. Its beaming warmth stirs you from your deep slumber.

Your head is pounding. The room feels it's still spinning around you and your mouth is drier than a desert.

Water would be really good right now, but you're not ready to get up yet. Your limbs still feel heavy and sore.

As consciousness slowly permeates back into you, you realize the soreness concentrates down between your hips. You lay in bed and think back to the dream you had.

You're riddled with confusion. You've had plenty of hyper realistic dreams before, but this felt different.

It felt so real and so good that you wish it had been real. You brush it off deciding to believe you're just so hung up on your neighbor. Being single for as long as you have been, his kind gesture and his piercing blue eyes are incredibly hard to not find so attractive.

You could still feel his warm breath on your skin. His hands felt soft and rough altogether gliding over your supple thighs and groping at your breasts. The memory of his wriggling tongue in your pussy already has it growing wet again.

You must've been really wet in your sleep judging by the stickiness on your sex. It seemed sort of clean; it must have rubbed against your bed sheets or something. It explains the small crusty stains on the cotton fabric.

Looks like you'll be doing laundry today. You needed to anyways. The stack of dirty clothes that you'd been ignoring during the packing process has piled up.

Louis watches you stir around in your bed from where he's stood behind his dull green curtains.

"So pretty even when you wake up," he thinks to himself.

He's so hypnotized by you, he doesn't even look down at the bowl of cereal in his hands as he eats calmly wondering if you know.

He watches your hand slide down between your legs to feel around, blissfully unaware as you search for any residue in your sore pussy.

His stare is relentlessly fixed on you. He can't look away, not that he even wants to. His heart drums faster in his chest along with his thoughts.

Does she know? Did she wake up? Is she going to touch herself? Did she enjoy it?

Inebriated with intrigue and curiosity, he stands frozen with one wide creepy eye peeping out from behind his curtain.

His mouth dries with anticipation, hoping you would touch yourself at the thought of being fucked by him. He can almost hear his blood rush in his head as his breath catches in his throat. He wishes he could hear every sound you make.

Lou doesn't even notice he's holding his only breath as you investigate your body, running a hand over your sore breasts and swollen pussy, when he sets his cereal down on the flower table by the window.

"I can't believe it," he thinks to himself. "That little filthy whore liked it. Can't get enough. Just the way I like it."

While you're asking yourself how this came to be, wondering if your little wet dream became a masturbating sleepwalking session, Lou's got his pants and belt open to unleash his heavy twitch dick.

With every recollection of your soft skin, the taste and the warmth of your pussy, his precum oozes from his domed head, allowing himself to smear it over his veiny member adding to the lube of his spit.

He can imagine how sweet your moans must sound. He would give anything to hear them while defiles your innocent body, plundering for the mind-numbing high.

It brings him to the idea of setting up cameras in your apartment, which doesn't sound so bad.

How come I hadn't thought of that before? He questions himself mentally, being the perverted voyager that he is.

He makes a mental note to plan that later. His mind is too impaired to churn out the details for that. Right now, all he can focus on how your hand is still between your legs.

As you think back to every possible explanation, your mind seems to only concentrate how realistic your dream felt.

You could smell the musky cologne of his body. You could feel his cock pushing and pulling in and out of you. You could feel his tongue wiggle between your folds once he was done pounding it ruthlessly.

The more you think about it, the more you ache for your neighbor.

The thought of him fucking you into your mattress drives you reach your heavy arm to your nightstand and pull out your vibrating friend.

The soreness of your limbs and the throbbing headache aren't enough to silence your pussy's craving. And it yearns for Lou.

Lou watches with a dry mouth hung open as you grind the humming cock against your pussy, drenching it with your slick to push it in.

You lick your lips and moan as you let the vibrator tease your clit, imagining Lou's face so clearly hovering over you as his dick penetrates your cunt.

The thought of the heavenly sounds your bodies would make as his hips snap against your sweaty hot skin.

You imagine threading your fingers into his silky hair as he buries his face between your legs, his tongue invading your core. The intensity of his thick-browed gaze up at you, gripping you with greedy hands and hunger as his mouth works it's wonder on you.

The watch on Lou's wrist rattles softly in the quiet of his apartment as he tugs his dick; his only little compliment to your performance.

With your legs spread wide, you push the vibrator into your slick slit and begin fucking yourself into your own bliss.

You're so fucking horny and drenched that the squelch of your pussy overcomes the vibrations of your toy. You're so hungry for cock and so pretty unknowingly putting yourself on display, holding one leg back to your chest as you fuck your pussy.

You're moaning, gasping and kneading your breast while Lou struggles to not cum just yet.

He wants to wait to cum with you. He wants to cum together because you're his. You were meant to be his and you have to cum together. He needs to feel - or at least pretend enough - that he's right back in your vice of a cunt, dicking you down raw.

His breath hitches as you get closer together and closer and closer until the pulling tension finally snaps in your cores, sheathing you both euphoric waves of pleasure.

"Fuck," he sighs looking at the curtains he'd just stained with ribbons of pearly white cum.

He really needs you again.

He wants more. He'll always want more.

Looking back out the window, he sees you slowly getting to walk to the bathroom and exit from view. He correctly assumes you've gone for a shower, but he needs another round.

With the camera hooked up to the tv, he finally sits back on his couch with your panties in hand. He presses play and begins to watch his work of art from the previous night, he threads his cock into your panties and begins to stroke his length.

He takes a bit of time to notice all the little intimate details of your home that reflect your tastes. Stroking his softened cock to its hardened state again, he makes notes of most of the things you love.

What a lucky little angel you are. He should be watching the news to see what his team's managed to capture without him. Yet here he is, prioritizing you. Worshipping you. You just don't know how truly special you are...yet.

Louis's head falls back as the vulgar images and sound lull him into bliss.

He remembers how pretty you looked. So exposed just for his eyes. All and only his even if just for a while.

Louis's chest heaves as he stares at the TV. You look so peaceful in your sleep. He wonders if he'll ever get to sleep beside you.

While Lou jacks his cock off to the dirty homemade video with your panties hooked around his cock, the fresh scent of the dark brew in your coffee pot wafts through your apartment, infiltrating your bathroom as you wash yourself in the shower.

The warm water rinses away the soreness of your body as you sit on the ground under the running shower.

You close your eyes to enjoy the soothing calm of the shower. Your mind begins to wander. What is it about him that has you so hung up on him?

Sure, he's attractive. He's no LA fitness model. Just a thin, young man with a deadly smile, luscious brown lock and piercing unyielding eyes that could burn a hole tight through you.

He looked fairly common, but there was still something there within that brought a chill up your spine until the hairs on the back of your neck stood on end.

To be entirely honest, you can't tell if you're attracted to him or scared of him. But whatever it is, it's pulling you like a magnet.

As he waters his treasured flower, he notices across from his window that you're gathering clothes and bedsheets, preparing a laundry basket as you nestle the laundry soap and softener upon the piled fabrics.

He sees this as an opportunity to get closer to you presenting itself. And given the mess he's made on the curtains and your stolen panties, he knows it'll have to be laundry day for him as well.

The complex you share has a community laundromat for the tenants. He presumes that's where you're going, he needs to get there before you do. He needs you to think it's all a mare coincidence.

He watches you wide-eyed as you set your basket down on the couch.

Your toast's popped up in the toaster.

He sighs in relief, knowing now he has enough time to gather his laundry and soap to race to the laundromat to get there before you do.

He stumbles through his apartment, gathering whatever he can find to toss aimlessly into his laundry basket. Then he gathers the curtains from his window to dump them into the basket, along with your dirty lace panties.

He kinda hates that he ruined them. Now, he'll have to wash them and that will wash away your precious scent. No worries, though. He'll just steal another next time and make sure he keeps that one sealed and cleaned to sniff whenever he craves your pussy.

Grabbing a few more clothes, not really caring if they're clean or dirty, he takes one more glance out the window and see that you're still enjoying your simple breakfast.

Dressed in a pink shirt, he ties his brown locks back away from his face and carries his basket on his hip as he calmly makes his way to the laundry room confident in his plan to win you over.

You finish your slices of buttered toast and coffee before wiping your hands together and quickly rinsing the dishes.

The move must have really taken a toll on you because your body is beyond tired, but you still need to push forward though all you wish you could do is sleep under your covers.

Taking a cold water bottle from the fridge, you walk out of your apartment with basket wearing a simple top, short denim shorts and a pair of flip flops.

As you approach the laundromat, you can hear a machine working already from the hallway. The door is wide open, providing more light into the dull dark laundry room.

Outdated washers and dryers line the the walls of the room - if you can even call it that. It really looks more like a building basement with the lack of windows.

You freeze for a minute as you quickly make out the familiar figure standing with his back to you as he calmly sets his clothes in the washer one item at a time.

After a glance over his shoulder, he turns around his head to flash a smile that attempts to seem more welcoming than devious, though faint worry radiating from your amygdala questions his succession in asserting comfort.

"Y/N, right? The new neighbor?" As if he could ever forget your name.

"Yeah. You're Lou, right?" you reply politely returning the smile.

Without any control, your pussy squeezes around nothing arching for him once again as you're reminded of your dream.

"Are you settling in alright?"

"Yeah, I am. Still have some unpacking to finish, but everything is going well. Thanks for asking."

"Sure thing. Oh, " suggest washer number 3. It works the best if you ask me. Don't bother with number 9. It'll take your coins, but it doesn't work. I personally believe it's intentionally rigged to steal our money."

"Thank you for that. I'll have to keep that in mind," you smile politely.

You wonder if it's actually true or if he just wants you to be closer to him given that washer number 3 is right next to him. Why wouldn't he take the best washer instead?

Brushing off the worrisome questions, you feel like you barely know him enough to make judgements about him, so you walk over to the washer beside his and start loading it up.

"Thank you for the cookies again. They were really good. I almost ate all of them."

He smiles to himself. Almost? That could only mean you didn't eat all of them, meaning there are more of the sleep-inducing cookies that can provide him with another opportunity and hopefully tonight.

His dick twitches at the excitement.

"I'm glad you enjoyed them. Although I admit they're much better when eating within the first two days. After that, they start to go stale."

They don't, but he can't risk you not eating them.

"Guess I'll have to finish them all today. What a sacrifice," you reply ironically flashing a smile at him.

He chuckles at your jokes, trying his best to mimick genuine amusement.

"What an awful way to indulge."

"Did you make them from scratch?"

"Oh, of course" he lies. "They're my late grandma's recipe."

He never even met his grandmother or grandparents. He was given up to adoption at an early age. He lies to add a personal taste; he hopes he can win you over a little with a family-friendly detail.

And he does.

"Aw, that's sweet," you swoon. "Did you learn how to cook with her?"

"She taught me enough to get me by."

"Well, she taught you well. Those cookies were delicious."

Yes, you are. The best thing I've ever tasted, he thinks to himself.

"She taught me how to make a wonderful chocolate cake as well. I'd love to make it for you sometime," he beams at all the possible opportunities that flash through his mind.

"Yeah, I'd love that! I love chocolate cake. But you gotta let me make you something too," you reply feeling a little too spoiled.

"You don't have to do that. I love baking," he hasn't the slightest clue how to make a cake from scratch. Thank God for box mix, though.

"Well, I wouldn't feel so bad about accepting all your treats. Why don't you at least let me take you out then? My treat."

"Are you asking me out?" he smirks locking his eyes on you.

"I might be. Doesn't have to be a date if you don't want to."

Your cheeks flush with warmth as he catches your not-so-subtle invitation.

"Yeah, I'd love that. And I appreciate a woman that isn't afraid to take the initiative."

You smile brightly feeling like you just took a step in the right direction.

"I'm free tonight if you are? I know a great place that serves authentic Mexican food."

"Sounds great to me. How about tonight at 8?"

"Perfect, sweetheart" he grins.

His idea to win you over is actually working, all according to plan.

[immediatebreakfast]

There are no wolves in England.

Modernity, and its need for land killed their home, and in consequence killed them too.

The people of Transylvania live with their legends at their front door, covering their necks with rosaries, and prayers. Closing windows, and hanging flowers. Less another life gets taken by that Evil Being whose eyes now point beyond their borders. A young english man was the last victim, who knows if his visage now walks in those forests, waiting for an unsuspecting traveler like he was.

There was something Inhuman aboard on the Demeter. It killed the crew, and pushed the captain to the edge of humanity, yet he held his head high, and made himself deserving of honor among the sailors of Whitby in death. All proud of the captain who completed his duty to the end.

"It almost seems as though the captain had been seized with some kind of mania before he had got well into blue water, and that this had developed persistently throughout the voyage."

A huge, unknown dog jumps from the tragedy of the Demeter, and hides in the shadows. Because it couldn't be anything else than a dog, there are no wild canines in England.

The log of the captain doesn't mention a dog. However, it is weirdly filled with superstitions.

Something, a horrible unknown beast is killing the poor dogs. We must do something! What if it gets the poor dog that left the Demeter in such a hurry, it might get hurt!

Even the oldest people in Whitby laugh at their legends. Only constructed to bring in tourists who are curious about them.

They could be true! Says an old sailor, but we don't need those anymore. There is no need to put rosaries on our necks, nor lock our doors.

After all there are no wolves in England.

[riding-with-the-wild-hunt]

". . .Lúthien was the most beautiful of all the Children of Ilúvatar. Blue was her raiment as the unclouded heaven, but her eyes were grey as the starlit evening; her mantle was sewn with golden flowers, but her hair was dark as the shadows of twilight." - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Silmarillion, "Of Beren and Lúthien" "Then Dior arose, and about his neck he clasped the Nauglamir, and now he appeared as the fairest of all the children of the world, of threefold race: of the Edain, and of the Eldar, and of the Maiar of the Blessed Realm." - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Silmarillion, "Of the Ruin of Doriath" "For Ulmo bore up Elwing out of the waves, and he gave her the likeness of a great white bird, and upon her breast there shone as a star the Silmaril, as she flew over the water to seek Eärendil her beloved." - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Silmarillion, "Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath"

@halfelvenweek day 1 ⇢ doriathrim || THE LINE OF LÚTHIEN

[ID: a picspam comprised of 18 images, separated into three sets. The first set is purple, the second is green, and the third is brown. All have black accenting.

1: A branch of white and purple blossoms / 2: Valentine Alvarez, an indigenous mexican model with brown skin and long black hair. They are looking at the viewer with a serious expression, wearing dangling earrings that reach their shoulders and a purple shirt / 3: Purple crystals / 4: Tall dark and light purple text reads "lúthien" in all caps on a black background / 5: A small bird perched on a rock. It is silhouetted against the dark sky and its head is framed by a circle of purple light / 6: A night sky filled with stars and glowing dust, framed by tree branches / 7: Philip Bread, a kiowa/comanche/blackfoot model with brown skin and long black hair. He is shown slightly from below against a green background, looking at the viewer with a serious expression / 8: Green light filtering into a cave / 9: Same format as Image 4, but the text is green and reads "dior" / 10: A spiderweb among mossy rocks, glistening with dew / 11: A painting of a person dressed in elaborate green robes / 12: The figure of a person silhouetted beneath a spotlight / 13: The mist of a waterfall falling among brown rocks / 14: Zentyatze Echeverria, a oaxacan model with brown skin and dark hair. She is a white dress and a large wreath of corn husks, and looking down / 15: Two brown pelicans on water / 16: Same format as Images 4 and 9, but the text is brown and reads "elwing" / 17: A black and white image of a person underwater / 18: An ornate room with columns and wall tiling //End ID]

[stalkerofthegods]

Lady Aphrodite/Venus deep dive

Lady Aphrodite/Venus is Amazing and beautiful in soul and looks, graceful as a swan and as kind as a mother, I adore Lady Aphrodite/Venus as a worshiper and as a researcher, she is far beyond interesting, so please know that she is not any insults you may know, she is a powerful and wonderful goddess and a mother, and know she is not just her looks.

Herbs • anemone, daffodil, myrtle, lettuce , pomegranate, apple, rosemary fresh roses, vanilla, cinnamon, cypress, jasmine, the olive tree, narcissus, honeysuckle, the apple tree, the lime tree, Strawberries, Oranges, Pears, lotus

Animals• hare, turtle-dove, sparrow, goose, swan, horses, hummingbirds, cats, butterflies, bees, fish, hare. 

Symbols• Hearts, Seashells, Mirror, Girdles, Dolphins, Doves, Swans, Sparrows, Bees, Sea Foam, Pomegranates, Apples, Strawberries, Oranges, Pears

Colors • pink & red, rose gold , blue, green, white, gold, baby blue, pastel colors, Seafoam green, Aqua

Appearance in astral or general • many ancient artworks of her, depicted her with traditionally male features, like beards, along with traditionally female features, she can change looks many times, but no matter her looks she is the most beautiful alive.

Crystal• rose quarts, garnet, pearls, diamond, sapphire, aquamarine, opal, sea glass, silver, emerald, rhodonite, rhodochrosite, ocean jasper, morganite

Jewelry • pearls, rose gold, promise rings, diamonds

epithets of Aphrodite• Psytiros - whispering Aphrodite, epithet also is attributed to Eros, Euploia - a marine epithet to Aphrodite of easy sailing, fair voyage, Leaina -the Lioness, an epithet given to the Goddess by Athenian orator Democha, Praxis - Aphrodite of action, a statue to whom stood in the city of Megara, Peitho - as an epithet to Aphrodite, it describes Her a persuasive, Epiodoros - Aphrodite of bountiful gifts as She was titled by Greek poet Stesichoru, Argounis - shining Aphrodite, worshiped in Boeotia and likely associated with Dawn, Philomedes - Aphrodite of a lovely smile or smiling Aphrodite, Helikoblepharos - quick-glancing, or Aphrodite with an ever-moving eye, Polychrisou - rich in gold, rich in many golden gifts, Chrisopeplos - gold-clad, Aphrodite dressed in gold, Chrisostephanos -  Aphrodite wearing a golden wreath, Chrisanios - Aphrodite holding golden rein as Her chariot was often said to be fully made of gold, Nikêphoros- She is the Warlike, Areia- She is the averter of unlawful desires and actions, Apostrophia- She is one who blessed marriage and unions, Migôntis- She is the one who turns to love, Ourania- Heavenly, Divine Love, Pandêmos- Common To All, Epistrophia - She who Turns to Love, Nympthia Hêrê - Of Hera of Marriage, Symmakhia- Ally in Love, Pontia - Of the Sea, Kypria - Of Cyprus, Pothon Mater -  Mother of Desire, Chrysea- Golden, Aphrodite Urania (also spelt Ourania), Aphrodite Pandemos, Venus Genatrix, Peitho, - meaning persuasion, Philommeidḗs - "smile-loving", Cypris and Cythereia -  for her association of Cyprus and Cythera, Eleemon, In Athens, she was known as Aphrodite in kopois ("Aphrodite of the Gardens”, At Cape Clias, a town along the Attic coast, she was venerated as Genetyllis "Mother", Aphrodite Euploia - of the fair voyage, Anaduomenê - The Goddess Who Arose From The Sea, Ambologêra - The Ons Who Delays Old Age, Antheia - The Blooming One / Friend Of Flowers , Apotrophia - The Expeller ( Of Shameful and Sinful Desire), Areia - The Warlike, Kupria/Kuprigeneia - The One Born in The Island Of Cyprus, Despoina - The Rulling Goddess/ The Mistress , Genetullis - The Protectress Of Births , Nikêphoros - Bringer Of Victory

Cult epithets • Ourania (heavenly) , Pandémos (common to all) , areia (of ares, warlike) , hòplismené (armed) , Symmakhia (ally in love) 

Poetic epithets • Kypris ( of Cyprus) , philomeidês (laughter loving) , aphrogenia (foam born) khryseé (golden) Pothón Mêtêr (mother of desire) 

Names• Venus, Aphrodite, Harthor, Astare, Priyah, inanna, isis, Freaya,

Mortal or immortal • immortal

Zodiac • Libra, taruas

How to get closer • sign her hymms or dance in her honor

Number• 5

Courting• Ares, she is no longer married.

Past lovers and flings • Anchises (a mortal in the past she dated), Adonis ( handsome young man killed by a boar (Ares in disguise), Dionysus, Zues (maybe), Hermes, Phaethon, Posideon, Butes, Apollon

Devine children • Phobos, Deimos, Harmonia, Eros, Anteros, pothos, hermaphrodios, (From the mortal Anchuses), Aeneas a mythical hero of Troy and Rome, and Lyrus/Lyrnus (From Butes), eryxs, Meligounis and several more unnamed daughters, Hymenajks, lacchus, priapus, the Charites, (graces: Aglaea, Euphrosyne, Thalia) (From Dionysus) Phobos, Deimos, Harmonia, The Erotes (Eros) , Anteros, Himeros ,  Pothos,  from Ares, Hermaphroditos, Priapus, from Hermes, Rhodos from Posideon, Beroe, Golgos, Priapus (rarely) (from Adonis), Astynous from Phaethon, Priapus (from Zeus)

Attendees • The erotes, Harmonia, Hebe, peithos, the kharites , Naiades

Regions• Cyprus; Kytherea, Corinth, Eryx in Sicly

Holiest shrine•  Paphos, island of Cyprus, (her birth place & seat of her mysteria) 

Other shrines • Temples throughout Greece and Asia Minor and ur moms house. Some places, most notably Sparta, Thebes, and Cyprus honored her as a goddess of war.

Parents • Ouranos Sometimes it’s said that she is the daughter of Zeus and Dione. And born from the severed genitals of the primordial god Ouranos.

Siblings • Aeacus, Angelos, Apollo, Ares, Artemis, Athena, Dionysus, Eileithyia, Enyo, Eris, Ersa, Hebe, Helen of Troy, Hephaestus, Heracles, Hermes, Minos, Pandia, Persephone, Perseus, Rhadamanthus, the Graces, the Horae, the Litae, the Muses and the Moirai.

personality• she isn’t intimidating at first, she likes not having already used products on her alter if possible, a clean, nice smelling alter.

dislikes• She does not like Medusa, she wants nothing to do with her for some reason, just what I’ve heard from people who worshiped Aphrodite and Medusa in close timelines

Diety of • Sex, libido, self-image, self-love, relationships, friendships, parent love and pet love, crushes, lust, procreation, seduction, pleasure, happiness, sadness, passion, stalking, ports, port homes

Home• Olympus and was living in the sea before Olympus

Hate• Boars, pigs. 

Likes• Faries, unicorns, butterflies, lacy & frilly things, music boxes, ballet, cars.

Roots• Greek, born near Paphos, on the island of Cyprus

Offerings • pastries, cakes, , olive branches,  dark chocolate, wine, apples, perfume, makeup, Pomegranate: said to be first planted by Aphrodite herself, Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Figs, Watermelon, Sea shells, handheld mirrors/ beautifully ornate mirrors, makeup products, perfumes (sweet/sensual/seductive ones), skin/body care products, fruits, apples, lettuce, pomegranates, chocolates, sugar and cream, honey, wine (rosé or sweet-scented), sweetened rose tea, rose quartz, pearls, jewelry, roses, flower bouquets, statues of her sacred animals (ex- swans) ,  myrtle or myrrh incense, pink/gold/white candles, seawater, the artwork of her, devotional poems, self-care routines, ritual baths, have a rose garden that you can take care of in her name if possible, be supportive of women and the LGBTQ+ community. • olive oil, fruit, honey, chocolate, dark chocolate (she loves it) , Apples/golden apples, Mermaids, Jewelry, Cherries, Dolphins imagery, Perfumes, Cologne, Makeup, Combs, Affirmations/Affirmation Cards, Beach Sand, Sea imagery, Water, Love poems, Oyster shells, Pink Salt, Driftwood, Sea glass, Amenome/Roses/Carnations, Other flowers, Valentine's Day gifts, Teddy bears, Rose water, Eros/Cupid imagery, Cakes, (Dress up) Dolls, Chapstick/lipstick, Fishnets, Honey cakes, Undergarments, Hearts, Handheld fans, Pictures of loved ones, Condoms/lube(18+), Lingerie(18+), Undergarments(18+), Sex toys(18+), NSFW magazines/books/movie(18+) (AND I MEAN IT WHEN I SAY 18+, OR ASK HER!!), roses, Myrtles, Apples, Pomegranates, Honey, Chocolates, Cookies or cakes made to look like one of Her symbols (ex- hearts), Strawberries, Oranges, Pears, Bath Salts, Bath oils, Bubble bath soap, Scented lotions or fancy soaps

Devotional• light your favorite candle, put on your favorite lotion or perfume, put on your favorite piece of jewelry, put on your favorite article of clothing, enjoy a sweet treat, Sex magic, Glamour spells, Dressing up, acts of self care and acts of self- love, Caring for mental & physical health, Take a bubble bath,Spend time at the sea, Collect sea shells, Read Sappho poetry, Donate to LBGTQ+, Support sex workers, Have safe sex and learn about it, Stand up for yourself and what you believe in, Donate to woman programs and shelters, Do stuff to make ur self feel empowered and beautiful, Honor her kids and ares, watch a romcom, watch a regular romantic movie or show or read your favorite romantic story, Make plans with loved ones and friends or your lover in her honor, Treat yourself to something you enjoy, if you have a pet and they like to snuggle, snuggle or lay with them. Talk to them and tell them how much you love them (If able take them for a walk or a ride), listen to ocean/sea soundscapes, read up on all the many kinds of love, engage in an act of self-care, listen to love songs, listen to a devotional playlist for her, make a Pinterest board or playlist, or journal all of your favorite things and things that you love, learn about the different kinds of love, do things that boost your self esteem, be gentle with yourself, take it easy, etc, watch a ballet, read love poems, Dress up and selfies, Keep menstrual products on you (even if you don't bleed), Advocate for pro-choice, Give/accept compliments, Advocate for SA victims, Go on a date, Take yourself on a date, Do something nice for your partner, get a Manicure/pedicure, Flirt, Affirmations in the mirror, Drink wine, Advocate for proper sex ed (Including queer sex ed), Experiment with your style, Mirror scrying, Listen to sleep affirmations, Love letter to self/her/partner, Take a bath/shower,Go to the ocean/water, Finally give into that one kink (You know the one, 18+), do Masturbation in her honor (only 18+, I heard she’s not comfortable with minors doing it, but that’s between y’all, just ask her beforehand.), Practice safe sex (18+), Educate yourself on the porn industry, Support sex workers (TIP THEM, 18+), Have sex (18+), Get educated on consent/safe sex, Take nude/lewds (18+)

Holiday • on March 18, goddess of fertility day 

Season• spring 

Status• Olympian, major goddess

Music • Harry styles, Classical music, old love songs (50s & 60s)

Day• Friday 

Planet• Venus

Tarot• High priestess, the lovers, the empress, the star

Rituals • honored and invoked for love and fertility and beauty

Festivals • Aphrodisa, kinyrades ( summer festival) adonia ( mourning for Adonis, woman only) 

Fact• She was most worshiped during times of politics, Many people offered her Opiates, or did Opiates in her honor. opium-burners were often found at her shrines in ancient times, please do not do opium.

Prayer•

1• sing, sing, oh i sing to aphrodite who is most beautiful! she who stirs the passionof men & god alike! o, to she — i sing! golden goddess with soft lashes, golden goddess withsoft arms, i spin and sing and delight in the bright rose that is you. may i dance with your grace, lifted up as the foam from the sea as you were — may my smile be blessed with delight. golden-haired goddess, bless my tongue to be sweet as honey, bless my fingers to be delicate and swift, bless my steps so they may bound forth in soft beauty. glory to she — praise to she! goddess of ever golden smiles, of fierce beauty, of spilling laughter and delight. o! may i love as you love — may i delight as you delight! goddess, fill me with your beauty — may i shine & rise above the wrathful waters of those around me and delight, delight, delight in the glory that you have given to me! 

2•Golden Aphrodite

Lady of beauty and grace, Please give me the power to appreciate my body, Grant me confidence in my masculinity, Help me to feel your love within myself, and to express it outwardly as well, Lady Aphrodite, please hear my prayer, I sing your praises and offer you this incense

3•Aphrodite, guide me towards love. Help me discover it, receive it, embrace it, give it, celebrate it, honor it, teach it, and live it. Let love be the mark I leave, as your devotee, as a human being. 

4• Antheia 

Hear to me my call for spring to have sprung,Oh, sweet one scented of honey and nectar. Hear my call Aphrodite Antheia,As I harken a need for the sweet bloom. I crave the beauty of the opening flower, The sweet taste of its nectar upon my lips. Ah Aphrodite Antheia, Bring to me the joy of the fresh blooms. Let the petals cascade upon my body, Allow me the joy of the sunshine. Oh sweet one, Oh Aphrodite Antheia. Bestow upon me and mine, The gifts of the flowers fair.

5•daughter of seafoam, goddess of beauty, aphrodite please hear my cries. please listen as i describe all the parts of me that are shattered & torn, please understand as i tell my stories of pain. aphrodite accept me please. aphrodite pick me up & help me mend myself for i am yours, thank you so much & so mote it be

6• Aphrodite rivals the beauty of the sun setting over an ocean's horizon as you stand on the shore, the water tickling your feet as it pulled in and pushed back out repeatedly by the waves.

Scents/Inscene •  Rose, wine, fresh roses, Frankincesne, Myrrth, vanilla, cinnamon, cypress, jasmine, cherry blossom, lavender. 

Other• images of things she’s associated with, jewelry, perfume, bath salts , scented lotion, seawater, seashells, sand, makeup, feathers, self care essentials. 

Links/websites/sources

 @khaire-traveler

 ephemeral-cryptid.tumblr.com

  @mars-and-the-theoi graffitiphilosopher.tumblr.com teawiththegods.tumblr.com

 @seleniangnosis

@melitheoidevotion

 @seafoamsister

 evilios.tumblr.com hearthcreation.tumblr.com orsialos.tumblr.com 

@hisfluer

I use resources, I do not own the info, and most deep dives have UPG (that I use in my work.) And I only take some information from sources. I am 14, this is my hobby, I am learning but I spent many hours and days on this, and I am always open to criticism. I have been doing worship for 5 years. Please know you can use the info, I do not sue, but I will take action if this work is used without permission and not put as a resource if used in any work. without permisson and not put as a resource if used in any work, for the public.

[chernabogs]

ames you are COOKING (or should i say, planting???lol) SO HARD with the flower language prompts, 😭💖💞💖💞✨✨am really out here sobbing and crying over them like im watering these flowers with my Tears lol

so here i am requesting for these prompts: rosemary, begonia, pink camellia, dark crimson rose, purple hyacinth, blue salvia, zinnia

i picked these based on your initial tag about Maleficia and zinnia flower,,,, I SEE THE VISION so im requesting it now lol but also picked on prompts that reminded of Meleanor and Malleus,,, 😭i think therapy bills should be forwarded to Draconias instead, istg all they ever do is be in grief and loss /lh😭

if its too many, please feel free to choose whichever prompt you like and take your time in writing !! ☺️💞🌹✨✨

Ohhh I did my best here I promise LMAOOO. I tied in some easter eggs with other works i've done (namely Monody, Stasis, and Labours Gained). I hope you enjoy my absolute monstrous dump about Maleficia, whom I will die on a hill for tyvm

EMPTY CHAIRS

Inc: Maleficia, Meleanor, Levan, Lilia, Malleus (whole gang wow) WC: 4.2k :))) Warnings: Just some death, but I swear it ends on a happy note this time. Flowers: Begonia (How ghosts help the living live a little), Pink Camellia (Where I notice your absence the most), Dark Crimson Rose (The grave I visit everyday), Purple Hyacinth (The worst pain of my whole life and how it healed… multiple times) , Zinnia (The seats at the table and how they eventually became empty… multiple times) Summary: Moments where Maleficia was convinced her family was cursed, and a few times she truly wished this to not be the case.

A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world.  It knows no law, no pity.  It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.

Their family may be cursed. 

For many decades now Maleficia had toyed with the possibility of such a matter in her mind. It had first passed briefly with the death of her father—the second monarch to take over after the initial uprising—and the subsequent death of her mother a few weeks later. No one was surprised when she went. Her grief for the loss of her love had been so profound that it had flooded Briar Nation, drowning both cattle and crops in her dismay. Maleficia had postponed her own coronation as the cleanup occurred. It felt ill-boding to be crowned while bodies were floating down the mountain pass. 

The thought had returned once more when her husband vanished at sea, leaving her with a newborn hatchling on her own. Her love had been a strong headed man with adventure burning in his blood—it had been what drew her to him to begin with. That, and he was the only ex-sailor she knew who was bold enough to try and hold her for ransom. Wiping the deck with him had captured his heart—and the fact that he had been a dragon settled the Senate to a degree. But the sea is a fickle mistress, and although her love had skill and he had drive, even the most knowledgeable of sailors can never predict its next move. 

She had not flooded Briar Nation like her mother had, and she had held herself together before her people, although the empty space in her bed and at the dinner table deepened the wound nightly. It was in the quiet moments alone when it was just her and Meleanor that she felt his absence the strongest. 

In the beginning she loathed him for leaving her. Whenever she cradled their daughter as the hatchling shrieked and protested, blowing flame, and biting for flesh, she loathed him. Whenever she dealt with the Senate or another disaster befalling the Nation, she loathed him. 

But when Meleanor learned to fly, learned to run, and shifted into her two-legged form for the first time, the hatred began to fade. Because although he had vanished into the mists on a voyage destined to fail, he had left her with the greatest treasure she could ever have—and for that alone she could hold no ill will. 

Perhaps this sentimentality is why when Meleanor dragged a thin, sickly-looking bat into the halls of Black Scale, Maleficia heard her out.

“Please let him stay!” The princess had asked, green eyes wide as she grasped her mother’s skirts. “Please, mother!”

The other child had shrunk behind Meleanor, but shadows could not hide the burning defiance in the boy's eyes—a gaze of confrontation, and one that nothing truly innocent should hold. This is why she lacked the heart to say no. She quietly hoped that Lilia, as she would name him, would be the one to slay whatever reaper was following them—that the burning anger she had seen would ignite a fire that would cleanse the family of its suffocating misery. 

With the presence of Meleanor, Lilia, and eventually Levan, the silent table Maleficia had sat at for so long soon became a place of raucous conversation again. Although she found herself scolding the three children more than once (especially Levan for his non-subtle attempts at discarding food), the lingering warmth she would feel as she gazed at the trio made her confident that this family curse was on the bend. 

Naturally, it didn’t last. 

The first time she heard of the Silver Owls, Meleanor was 200 years old and more focused on warding off suitors than an unmarked ship. Maleficia had allowed her daughter to indulge by instead consulting with an advisor alone in the dark of her office. The concern lingering in the advisor's words would grow to haunt her.

“Perhaps it is temporary?” She posited, trying her best to remain optimistic on the matter. Plenty of people came and went from Cape Sunrise. A single unmarked ship with a few scraggly sailor’s was not something she felt the need to stress over. The advisor seemed doubtful on the matter.

“But they have tools. Items designed to dig up our soil,” they had insisted, but Maleficia dismissed the concerns with a wave and a blase response. 

“Let them try. They will not be able to break the first layer of our land.” 

___________________________________

The first one to leave the table had been Levan. There were many soldiers and nobles who vanished before he did but, selfishly, he was the first one that Maleficia really felt the absence of. Levan had grown up from a non-confrontational child to her son-in-law, a general of the princess and a father to the future heir. His compassion had not faded despite the years of war that now tore the Nation apart. Maleficia knew this by the way she came across him one night, cradling his egg so gently while murmuring against its shell. 

When he had noticed her, he had not corrected himself; if anything, he held the egg even closer. They had not exchanged too many words that night, but she sat next to him on the bench in the gardens, the silence speaking volume of her support to his decisions. 

“You will return.” It was not a question—it was a demand. Her voice held the authority of a queen who had seen many, many losses in her long life. Levan had remained silent for a moment longer as his lips brushed against the shell of her grandson's egg. 

“Always,” was the promise he made, and the last words Maleficia heard from him. When they didn’t receive notice for several days after he left, the conclusion was drawn that he was either dead, or the closest one could be to it. Meleanor held herself well in lieu of this information, as had Maleficia. 

But the empty seat felt an ill omen. 

___________________________________

The next one to leave the table had been Meleanor. When she was younger, she used to rest her head on Maleficia’s lap as her mother had fixed her hair. She would ramble on about her day and what she got up to with the two boys in the nonsensical fashion that many children do. Maleficia had listened with amusement, although her mind had always been half-focused on what she needed to do for her meetings the next day.

The regret of not giving Meleanor her full, undivided attention sunk in deep when she felt her daughter’s magic cut off. The bond in their family was intrinsically woven to allow them to get a sense of whether the other members were still alive. If asked, Maleficia might say it’s something of a dragon trait. Most of the time it served to be a blessing to allow her to know her family is alive and well. 

When it cut off mid-emergency meeting, the abruptness had been so profound that she nearly collapsed then and there. Her breath had hitched, her words stuttering to a stop as she stared wide-eyed at the Senate members surrounding her. At first, she hoped it was simply a fluke—a disruption in the magic—until she didn’t feel it return and the horrible, tar-like panic of a mother when her child goes missing welled up in her heart. She was tearing out of the room before any of the Senate members even had a chance to speak, screaming for her guards and her soldiers to tell her what was going on at Wild Rose. 

Her daughter, who spent her childhood running through the forests and laughing in the face of suitors. Her daughter, whose hair she would braid and then re-braid again when the girl somehow got burs in it. Her daughter, who was set to become a mother herself and experience all the precious moments Maleficia had. 

Her daughter, whose body wasn’t even recovered at the end of it all. 

___________________________________

The final one to leave the table was Lilia. In wake of the princesses passing, Malleus’ egg was put in the cradle tower, and Maleficia was designated to spirit him into hatching. She felt the faint connection of their magic from within the thick shell that guarded his body. His warmth, the subtle movements he made; they were all indicators that he was still alive and well despite his tumultuous arrival.

But Maleficia didn’t know if he would oblige. Hatchlings often needed the love of both parents to be shepherded forward—and Maleficia, now over eight hundred years old, already felt the strain of her magic from the conflicts going on in her Nation. There was no doubt that she held love for her grandson—but a lingering fear that her love wouldn’t be enough burned in her mind. This is what made her turn to Lilia, to send him on his quest around the world to try and find an additional means to bring the young prince forward.

For the first few decades, it worked well. Maleficia held the egg on a nightly basis and poured as much of her love and magic into it as she could. The egg consumed it all in a greedy fashion, demanding more every time she returned to the tower. One would think that Malleus was starving within by the way he pulled, and tore, and ripped at her powers to fuel his own development. 

Then he ceased feeding. She recalls the first night it happened; everything had been going well, until the connection was suddenly severed, and the green glow within the egg dulled back into a faint tint of color. Maleficia had initially dismissed it as a one-off event. Until it happened again, and again, and again. 

There’s a curious sense of panic that fills someone when they do everything they can to no avail. The panic she felt came in the form of a privatized breakdown in the tower. For many decades now Maleficia had toyed with the possibility of a curse in her mind. Now, she was beginning to consider that it was not her family who was cursed, but rather just herself. 

First it came for her father, and her mother shortly after. Then, when it grew hungry again, it ate through her husband and that of her daughters. Then it came for Meleanor herself, and now whatever reaper followed them was looming over her shoulder as she held Malleus’ egg and begged him to take something. 

Pleas fell from the lips of a monarch as she rocked the egg, stroked its shell so softly, whispering to just eat a little more, just take a little more. But the egg had remained as cold and aloof as it had for several nights now. Her desperation mounted in an order to Baul to summon Lilia back—to slay whatever reaper was following them before it pried the last of her bloodline from her hands. 

Her hopes of his role as the vanquisher of death came in an explosive hatching that she was informed of after it occurred. When she requested for Lilia to be brought to Black Scale to be reinstated in his role in his efforts, the Senate had then informed her that Lilia Vanrouge would never step foot in the capital again.

And so, in a span of mere moments, the final seat was emptied—and Maleficia found herself alone once more. 

___________________________________

Grandchildren are the best reminders  of the beauty and innocence of childhood.

When Malleus was first brought to her after he hatched, she didn’t want to touch him. The purple hue of his stomach and the way his green gaze darted around, drinking in the new world he emerged to, reminded her so much of Meleanor that she wanted to laugh at the cruel irony. The hurt that smouldered in her heart ignited back into a flame that found her turning a cold shoulder to the hatchling. 

“Go clean him. He has amniotic fluid all over.” She remembers ordering, voice deceptively calm for the turmoil happening within. The wet nurse that was hired obliged as the hatchling shrieked and protested the frequently changing environment around him. His cries made Maleficia clench her jaw tighter as she stared resolutely at the battle plans drawn before her, her hands gripping the table enough to turn her knuckles white. 

A few times she went to him in the beginning. The encounters lasted only as long as Maleficia could tolerate seeing how similar he looked to Meleanor before she would depart and leave him in the care of his wet nurse once more. Guilt fought with anger in her heart about the circumstances that she found herself in and her inability to overcome them. She could feel the ghost of her daughter chastising her in the corner for being so cowardly in her approach. 

The breakthrough arrived when Malleus became ill. Grieves—a fever-like condition that affected fae children in particular—resulted in Maleficia sitting with her grandson one night as the exhausted wet nurse was excused for a long overdue break. She held him on her lap in the dark as his small form fought his fever, whispering how the stars that looked down from above were the eyes of the people who loved him, keeping him safe in this world. Her voice had cracked as she spoke, and it was only when a small whine left him did she realize she was hugging him tight to her body. 

“I am so sorry,” she had choked out, unsure if the apology was for the hold she had or the neglect she had given so far. “Please forgive me.”

Malleus had twisted in her arms, small wings fluttering before he settled himself down and began to doze. He had already forgotten what upset him to begin with. She wished it would always be that way—but she knew that was nothing but a vague hope. 

She loathed Meleanor for leaving. Whenever she cradled Malleus as the hatchling threw his tantrums, blowing flame, and biting for flesh as all children seem to do, she loathed her. Whenever she dealt with another part of the war or signed another treaty alone, she loathed her. 

But when Malleus scrambled onto her lap mid-Senate meeting, chased after courtiers, and flew for the first time (admittedly, into a flock of pigeons), Maleficia loved her. Because although like her father she had vanished in an ill-fated decision, she had left a small reminder that she was never truly gone. Maleficia could comfort Malleus, could see the ghost of his mother in his clever little eyes, and for that alone she could hold no ill will. 

Meleanor’s death had proved to be far worse than anything else—but her gift of the small dragon in her lap felt like the first steps towards recovery again. So, she had kissed between his horns that night and promised to herself that she would do all that she could to give him a future free of the misery that plagued their family thus far. 

___________________________________

In the aftermath, she spent time with him whenever she could. Via dinners, via having him sit in on meetings, via walks in the gardens—whenever she could, she would be there. However, despite her newfound presence changing some things for the better, she remained unable to quell the curiosity that burned in her grandson's mind. 

She found him in the mausoleum once. He was standing on the toes of his mother with his small hand touching her stone-carved face. Maleficia had not been to the mausoleum since the boy hatched so many years ago. The raw memories still stirred in her heart and seeing him look up at his mother with such a gaze of innocent adoration did nothing but unsettle her more. 

When he noticed her, his face had lit up into a smile as he hopped back down and pointed up to one of the other statues. “This is grandfather?” 

Maleficia’s gaze slid to where he was pointing. A strong jaw, a dangerous glint in stone-etched eyes, and a faint smirk painted the picture of the man she had once loved and held so dearly many years ago. Maleficia nodded. Malleus, taking this as encouragement, then ran back to the other statue he had been touching with his small hands. 

“And this is mother?” 

Again, Maleficia nodded. The painful similarities between Malleus and his mother were more apparent when they were side to side. If Maleficia were to squint, she could mistake Malleus as a younger Meleanor: the same horns, same hair length, even the same streak of mischief that got both into so much trouble. 

Malleus had hummed thoughtfully before stepping down again. “Do you miss them?” 

A deceptively innocent question. Of course she missed them. All she had left of her family was one grandson and three empty coffins: a husband at sea, a daughter in the hands of humans, and a son-in-law somewhere in the moors. “I do,” she offered back. “I miss them greatly.” 

Malleus had asked her why, then. Children like him were filled with innocence and wonder about the world. He had no knowledge of the bodies that were lost, or the tragedies that had predicated his birth. Her reply did nothing but fuel an unease in the boy, for moments after she offered it, he ran back to her and threw his small arms around her waist.

When he hugged her, he clung with a ferocity that was baffling for his size. Her hands rested on his head and stroked his hair soothingly as she had done with Meleanor many times before she guided him away from the tombs and the memory of family he never met.

She should visit them more often now. 

___________________________________

She rediscovers that there’s a privilege in watching someone grow. Lilia’s gradual return into their lives helps ease the stress of raising a child again in her older age, which is partially why she turns a blind eye every time Malleus slips out of the palace to visit the man. She’s honoured to observe in a more passive manner the way her grandson changes and grows as a person. She watches him go from spiteful towards humans to more amiable with the arrival of Lilia’s adopted son. As he grows before her eyes, she begins to see less of Meleanor and Levan in his features and more of just Malleus—the quiet, albeit arrogant, boy that was hers. 

Time goes by faster as she ages alongside him. One moment he’s clinging to her skirts, and the next he’s off to NRC, and then finally, 178 years have passed like the blink of an eye. She used to bemoan how slow time was—and now she wishes it to ease off a bit.

She’s sitting in the gazebo in the gardens for reprieve, a novel in hand as the screaming of insects choruses a song for her amusement. The aroma of flowers surrounds her and for a moment she feels utter peace in the world. The summer is ending and there are no celebrations or events to concern herself with. For the first time in what feels like eons, Maleficia Draconia can breathe. 

The sound of someone approaching puts a pause in this. 

She lowers her book to peer over at whoever is coming, hoping silently it isn’t an advisor or a courtier seeking out an audience on the sly. Fortunately, the sight of two horns and a scowling face turning the corner nullifies this as she turns back to her book. 

“Finally decided to see the sun?” She muses as she hears him stepping onto the gazebo platform. She waits for his response, but only comes to feel surprised when Malleus kneels by where she sits and does something that he hasn’t done in a long time now—he places his head in her lap. At his age, his body is too tall now to really kneel efficiently at her side, but by the gods does the boy try as he hits his head right down. Her hand comes up on instinct to brush strands of his dark hair behind his ear as he looks over the gardens, his shoulders tense with stress. 

They’re silent for a moment, listening to the sounds of screaming insects from beyond before Malleus speaks.

“The gardens look atrocious.”

Maleficia raises an eyebrow as she lowers her book to look at where he’s staring. Her hand continues to stroke his head soothingly as she huffs a soft laugh. “Our groundskeepers are going for a more ‘untamed’ look this season.”

“I have counted twenty-six thistles in the minute I have been here.” Malleus shoots back as his hand comes to rest by his face. “It’s late in the season. They might be growing lazy.”

 “Nonsense. You know how hard working they are. You spent ample amounts of time with them when you were younger.” She fails to hide the smile teasing on her lips with this comment. Malleus’ temper tantrums had landed him in more than enough problems in his youth. Problems which were often rectified by a gentle lesson of how hard it is to fix up his messes—garden destruction included. 

Malleus deigns her with a unprincely snort in response. They fall back into a warm silence as she keeps her hand on his head and returns her attention to her book. She knows that something is on his mind, but she retains her silence both to give him an opportunity to speak, and to enjoy the moment that they’re having. In the privacy of the garden, they can get away with this rare display of familial affection. 

She feels him sigh as his eyes flutter close before he speaks up. “Do you ever feel… unease?” 

“Unease?” She hums quietly as she turns a page. “On many occasions I have, yes. Unease tends to go hand in hand with some of the things I have dealt with.” 

She knows he doesn’t mean in the sense of his royal duties. Malleus is an unusually quiet and introverted boy—but she had noticed him being more so the past week as summer began to inch towards its end. He opens his eyes and sighs again before withdrawing to sit back on his knees. 

Maleficia wisely closes her book and sets it down before affixing him with as stern of a look as she can muster without chuckling. “Sighing and moping in the corners does little to aid me in providing advice.” 

Malleus’ gaze goes upwards to stare at the ceiling of the gazebo before his expression drops to a pout. “I am feeling reluctant to return to NRC.”

“Oh? And why is that?” 

Maleficia quietly reaches her hand out to brush his bangs back from his forehead, revealing the scale pattern beneath. Malleus’ eyes flutter shut at the gesture as his pout remains present.

“Three years have passed now, and I have yet to feel included in the school environment. Spending my days with those I already know from here hardly feels like an efficient use of time.” His jaw clenches. “Every effort I make to form any sort of connection to others feels like it’s a pointless endeavour at this rate.”

“Malleus, you must be patient with these things. It takes time for people to warm up to the likes of us. You must simply continue being yourself, and the right people will make the effort to get to know you. I understand it may seem upsetting right now, but you must simply keep trying your best.” A faint smile touches her lips despite the worry gnawing at her heart. She wishes she could do more, but she also understands that these are things he must figure out himself. “You’re going to this school to gain new experiences and see the world beyond our little Valley without the Senate looming over you. Things will work out in the end.” 

Malleus’ body seems to relax at her words as he opens his eyes again. His expression eases to his usual neutral look as he nods slightly. “... yes, I suppose you are correct.”

“I often am.” She pinches his cheek lightly, causing the scowl to immediately return to his face as he jerks to avoid her grasp, making her laugh in turn. “Besides, are you not excited to see Lilia, Silver, and Sebek more often again? Well. More often than you do already.”

A pointed look has him averting her gaze as she picks her book up again. His demeanour reminds her of Meleanor, but the similarities no longer ache when she considers them. This was Malleus—her grandson, not his mother, nor his father—and she was eager to see the person he was still destined to become. “Now, you should be packing, should you not? We don’t need the crisis we had last year where we were all hunting down books for you last minute.” 

Malleus groans softly before rising to his feet and brushing his pants off. He presses a brief kiss to her forehead, coaxing another smile from her lips before he pulls away. 

“Yes, grandmother,” he grumbles with all the moodiness of an embarrassed teenage boy, and Maleficia can’t help but feel happiness at seeing it. Cursed or not, she will continue to enjoy these moments of joy as long as she may have them.

[echantedtoon]

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished Ch2 Red Shines Bright Tonight

(Tagging @punks-never-die205 @feiatjjk

@karmadglory @babygurlenthusiast @swampstew @purplesoulsapphire

Remember if you want to be added to the taglist lemme know.

I apologize if I write Kid or his crew OOC in this. I only wrote for Kid like one other time. Also apologies for the inaccuracy of anything. I'll research everything in One Piece as accurately as possible. I'm only planning on this to have four parts so bare with me. The first three chapters are post the two year time skip.

Warnings for spicy things implied or mentioned maybe some innuendos but it will STAY sfw otherwise. Kid's cannon killing streak and violence mentioned. Some cussing and mentioned drinking.)

The measurements of one's own worth weighed heavily upon the beauty of outer looks. Or the wealth from the status you had upon thee either from birth or taken for one's own self through selfish means. 

Wano was no stranger to that way of life.

The crystalized glamor that was painted over the true cruelty of the withering Flower Capital of Wano hid the true meaning underneath. The streets bathed in the battered blood of civilization tainted with selfish desire and covered in a layer of cherry blossom petals and silk robes to distract those from the real monsters underneath. 

Which was exactly why they felt so at home being worse than the monster's already inhabiting the district.

The many hours of sailing had made the residents of the blight known as the Victoria Punk had grown restless in excitement and desire at their Captain's promised reward for their gastly deeds done not a mere day ago. The celebration of their bloodshed would soon be upon them. Morning sunlight shown upon them all as that night slowly slid to a close to make way for the morning light. Many a crew slept the day's voyage away minus those whom had duties to perform or were too excited to sleep. Slowly the day trickled by. The morning sun rising towards the middle of the sky. Winds favored the boat full of sins as they pushed the sails ever faster towards their desired promise. However no greedy pirate would miss the loud voice carried upon the breeze and instantly awoke any slumbering hellions.

"LAND HO!!"

The voice calling down from the crow's nest caused quite a stir up. Men and women crew members alike bursting from below deck charging up towards the deck stampeded out. Some snorting awake and tripping over themselves from beds to rush within the growing board. Some already up top rushing towards the railings. No matter where they came from, all cheered and talked with glee spotting the glittering land so close now on the horizon and having their desires so close to being fulfilled.

The dull thudding of boots against wood under his feet sounded out before he stopped just on the upper deck looking upon the sunlight glistening off the beautiful blue sea and seemingly added an extra shine to the glamoured land. 

"Huh. We got here earlier than expected," the red headed man commented shooting a grin at the right hand man next to him. "Guess today's our lucky day after all, ain't it?"

"The winds were favorable is all," he calmly stated but couldn't hide the happy undertone of his voice. "We got here a couple hours before sundown." A sigh was let out. "I wish you didn't make such a big deal about it. The entire crew's riled up now."

"You would be too if you're promised the night of a lifetime which I did promise you." The blonde didn't respond beyond a sigh as his best friend and captain patted his back. 

"Just don't do anything really crazy like burn half the district down. I heard Kaido's had his eyes on this place and with what happened a day ago, it's best to at least lay semi low."

"Don't worry. If there's a barbecue then you're the first person to get dibs on the food." Killer didn't respond to his joke as he turned grinning eagerly to himself and rubbing his own hands together in his own anticipation. "The district is a walnut and the best way to get the goods inside is to crack it wide open."

The closer to the glittery land they got, the more the excitement and desperation truly grew within greedy heart. It was only a matter of time before they truly were there.  And the horrors of the Victoria Punk brought with it would not be lost on the people who gazed upon it's visage either. For when the danger pulled into the docks only the sounds of sloshing ocean waves and the groans of the ship coming to rest into the docks were the warnings onlookers got before the cheers of the greedy hellions were had again.

Those within earshot or eyesight of them were always the same and upon this land there was no exception. Those who recognized the immediate threat shrieked out in terror, fled, or both. Some of them seeking to hide in the nearby streets and buildings while some could only watch in horror. Those who didn't know looked on in confusion but fear as the bridge connecting the Victoria Punk to the docks lowered until connecting with a resounding thud and then the desperate board descended onto the promised land. Whoops. Bollard. Cheers. All were heard alongside the desperate steps thundering down onto land after hours at sea, and right behind them following slowly behind was the Red Devil himself.

Slowly coming down off his ship with each slow step of those boots until he took a deep inhale of air before slowly letting it all out. The sweet smells of seawater and the distant cherry blossoms were both an enticing and delightful change of the usual smoke and fire from the misdeeds done and the oil and rust from the workshop located right next to his own private courters. 

"Smells nice..Almost makes me sick." Amber eyes darted towards the latest victim of the devil. And a nearby man shouted in fear as he was suddenly in the air, held there by a fist holding the collar of his shirt. A maniac pirate smiling up at his as a crate of fish, no doubt, what he'd been doing at the docks, crashed onto the ground below. "Which way's the Red Light District?"

Terrified a arm shot towards the right, down a stretch of road. Good. His reward was getting to live another day. With a squawk of fright, the man was tossed aside. Flying off the docks only to splash into the seawater below. Earning a round of laughs from some but most were interested in following the thudded footsteps of their Captain as he walked down the street towards the desired night or another night of horror at his own hands.

The streets were as beautiful as the buildings and each were obviously made to show off wealth and status, and yet they looked so breakable! The annoyance in pattern only continued on with each step they took, each street passed, each house going by. Becoming more bigger and tacky looking the more wealthy into the district they marched. Getting stares of disgust, horror, confusion, and in most cases a mixture of all three. Mothers pulled their children inside. Ladies closed windows and doors. Men quickly retreated out of their path and in some instances even diving into nearby buildings to escape his path. 

He reveled in the fear he brought automatically. Yes. Fear him and his decaying death and drear he brought with him. It'll only benefit them all to listen to the warnings. 

Then a soft glow settled amongst the glam and glitter that paves the streets. There was still plenty of light only just beginning to turn sundown, but most of the light came from above. Strings of lanterns hung up over the streets and connecting the buildings within the dazzling glow of red lantern lights. Sparkling like mini stars and giving off the red glow the district was known for. Finally. The heavy scenes of sweet perfumes and food ravaged the air. And the sights before Amber eyes were what they were hoping for.

The streets were full of people crowded yet still more were coming in. Once a buzz like bees murmuring of speech, now slowed down to a full stop as eyes from streets, doorways, and windows looked down to stare wide eyed at the band of murderers and thieves standing loose in the streets. The streets were filled with beautiful women adoring flattering dresses and make up, and working men in loose fitting Hakama shifts showing off their impressive builds, both men and women of the night ripe for the taking for any paying customer. They'd often catcall out to potential customers to entice them out of their money and lure them to an early empty wallet.

However there was nothing but silence as the mere presence of the pirates was noticed. 

Eventually the silence was broken in by the chuckling of a Red Devil. "Well? What the hell are you bastards standing around for?"

That was it.

The straw that broke the camel's last remaining restraint.

The floodgates burst open like a dam of water rapidly pushing a trail of dominos.

A woman's squeal was the first thing heard amongst the domino's effect. First by a man of their group shoving aside a man who might've been talking to said woman moments ago, but was now caught up in the arms of the hellion cackling in pure delight at his catch. A domino effect started on as they descended amongst the crowd and buildings. The sounds of women squealing and maniac laughing filled the air as he just smiled...And then turned hearing a sigh next to him. 

"'Nothing's gonna go wrong', huh?" Killer crossed his arms in a 'i told you so' way as he stared at him.

"Eh, fuck off, Kil. Let 'em get some stress relief in." He waved off the concerns of the blonde, rolling his eyes with a grunt. Before setting his sights up on a establishment he was itching to see. An unmistakable pub. Whoever placed that in the middle of an entertainment district had a smart investment idea. "Speaking of which-"

Killer watched him start walking off. "Where are you going?"

"I've had a long day, so I'm going to drink until I black out or you drag me back to my ship! Whichever one comes first!"

An inwardly sigh left the killer's brain, but the thought of getting a drink was appealing so follow Kid he did. Through the chaos surrounding them all and straight into the pub which was already swarmed in other members of their hellish parade. They passed by Wire who was in the middle of working an honestly eight out of ten barmaid. Whispering something sweet to her mad face before slowly kissing her hand. Ah. Wire always had a thing for charming the ones who caught his eye. A couple more feet away from him was Quincy eyeing the nervous bartender with a list filled smiling face.

Proof in point. Doesn't matter what gender they were, any crew member of his hell scape was fearful. 

The poor bartender quivered more when the stares of both himself and Killer stopping at the bar looked down upon him from their rather taller heights. The pupils in his skull shrinking as the Captain leaned down to give him that satisfied smirk.

"Gimme a beer. Make it strong because I'm planning on not being able to walk come morning."

"Give me a shot of whiskey and leave the bottle..Please," Killer added watching as the trembling man quickly nodded and turned around to scramble around the many bottles visible on the shelf before looking back to Kid. "Let's not loose ourselves too much and act like semi civilized gentlemen at least."

"HA! Since when are we civilized?" A pint of the alcohol he wanted was placed in front of him and he pointed it at Killer snatching it up into his grasp. "We don't fucking pretend to be something we aren't, Kil. If we want something then even Kaido couldn't stand in our way." He made him point by downing the large pint in front of him before slamming down the mug loud enough to be heard above the many voices around him. "Give me another!"

Killer hummed again casually reaching out to poor himself a shot of the whiskey the trembling barman had placed in front of him, plucking a straw from a nearby cup before poking said straw into one of the holes of his helmet. "This is why Heat n' I are the designated babysitters." 

Despite the sigh leaving his lips, anyone could tell Killer was smiling under his mask as he drank the preferred drink tonight. For tonight was about nothing but celebrating the Red Devil's whims.

Step after step through the crowd.

His legs carried him closer and closer towards the destination of the festivities. Music played. Many people celebrated. Lots of guests coming forth to celebrate the creation of hellions' escapades. 

"Almost shameful behavior."

He commented to himself  despite the gleeful smirk on his face watching as one of the men drunkenly pulled his laughing woman of the night onto his lap, giving her a big kiss to her cheek, and holding up a large mug. "TO CAPTAIN KID!! MAY HE BE HALF AS HAPPY AS ME AND MY BEAUTIFUL LITTLE LADY HERE!" The woman busted out laughing high pitched giggles in his lap as he pulled the mug back chugging down the sake.

A loud laughing fit emanated throughout the crowds followed by wolf whistles as the man went back to smothering his wife back with affection as she just laughed. It made his eyes roll and a chuckled huff escape his lips at the sight. Truly degenerate. But he meant it in the best way.~

He heard the sounds of loud laughter a mile before he even stepped back outside and was hit with the reek of alcohol long before he even stepped foot outside and made his way quickly through the throngs of people and towards the center. Back towards the pub. His senses were attacked by the strong smells to the point he was sure he'd get drunk from just smelling it. The crowds were terrible. Pushing against his body uncomfortably so and bumping his arms annoyingly so but he kept going his way towards the pub.

The loud laughter, music, and other blurring noises blending together from the crowds was mixed together in a vile assortment of degeneracy. The only thing to remedy this would be to seek shelter at the ship...But why would he want to do that?~ Finally he managed to get back to the bar and find his way inside. It had been a good three hours now. The sun had finally set and early night had just arrived. Now truly the city was alive but the hellions made no signs of stopping anytime soon. Knowing them, they'd be at this all night only to get dragged back to the Victoria Punk to sleep off angry throbbing hangovers. However he didn't bother with their fun.

Once inside he made his way over towards a small table in the corner where a few of his fellow crewmates were sitting by themselves and just drinking. Those included Killer still sipping on the draw poking out of his mask, Heat, and one other crew member whom was in a conversation with Heat while both drank some form of alcohol but they looked up as he just casually sat down across from the three of them.

"There you are, Wire. I thought you went back to the ship when you left," the pink haired man said before again taking a sip of his drink. Ah. Mosh. By the smell of the drink, it was some kind of margarita but bigger.

"No. I was just simply tending to business."

"Uh huh..And would that business be the pretty lady you were sweet talking a few hours ago?"

A grin was all Mosh got back, head settled in his hands. "I don't kiss and tell.~ But speaking of missing people-" Dark eyes gazed momentarily around the room and rose a brow at the missing red headed Captain. "-where'd Kid go?"

"Compo got drunk and someone dared him to stick his head in a bucket. Kid's outside helping him get it off."

His words got Heat to sigh tiredly but otherwise no one else really made a comment on it. "Hm. Seems about right. Honestly I'm surprised no one's done anything REALLY stupid yet-"

"DON'T jinx it, Wire." Heat narrowed his eyes at him. "I don't want to have a repeat of last time everyone got drunk. Killer still can't find his favorite spatula." At the mention of his name, Killer nodded in agreement with the other man.

"Heh. Well I can't say everyone's not enjoying themselves. Except maybe Kid and Compo at the moment. Surprised it's not one of you two trying to help him out."

"Kid actually volunteered for it."

Well that certainly surprised Wife as both his brows rose at his masked companion. "Really?"

Killer nodded. "Said we did a good job so we deserved to have a break tonight. That and he could probably get Compo out of there easier with those magnetic abilities of his."

That got Sore humming. Not in a 'oh ok' hum but a 'Im thinking of something' him. Head in hand allowing his eyes to gaze around lazily, and the other tapping on the table. "I don't suppose he's gotten any breaks himself yet."

"Whaddya mean by that?"

"Well he's doing the damage control tonight and if he's sober enough to do that then I can conclude he hasn't had a lot of drinks either. That's not enjoying himself."

"Well you know Kid. Once he does something he's too stubborn to let anyone, except sometimes Killer, to talk him outta it."

Wire hummed again still looking around the room until his eyes finally locked onto UK. At the moment he was a blushing mess of a man both no doubt from the booze but also because of the lovely lady cooing at him. That's when his eyes slightly widened and a smile graced his features.

"I know that look. What are you thinking?"

"What if we get the boss a gift?"

"Gift?"

He nodded. "Yeah. He's doing so much he should enjoy himself too." He finally looked back to them. "Let's get him a girl for the night."

"A girl?" Heat tilted his head in question.. before shrugging. "That's doable I guess. There's plenty of girls workin' the establishments so it wouldn't be hard to find one."

"I'm not talking about any regular working girl. There's plenty of them around. I'm talking about getting him something REAL special. Something even Kid's never had before."

"What are you talking about now? You want to get him a working guy instead?"

"What if we got him an oirans?"

There was silence around the table as the three stared at Wire before Heat and Mosh exchanged glances and Killer spoke up.

"You want to get Kid an oirans...Do you know the crazy conditions surrounding Kumorasaki? She takes and takes men of all their money and then raises the prices every second you're with her. She's a dam good digging witch and that's me putting it politely."

"Did you forget what District this is? Just because Kumorasaki is the most popular and well known Oiran in the Flower Capital that doesn't mean she's the only oiran here. C'mon, Killer. You still have the key to that chest right?" Killer slowly nodded. "Then what's the harm in surprising him with a gift?"

A long thoughtful him came from the blonde man. The cup in his hand slowly lowering until it says on the table with a light thud, his head tilted at Wire. Mosh and Heat exchanging unsure but thoughtful looks in turn to Wire's suggestion.

".....Which house do you think would have an oiran?"

-One Hour Later-

Lanterns as heaven's echo play above the street, come to the night as if they are our brightest of dreams and forever lighting our way. Lanterns are the stars we make in salute to the black heavens. The red glow shining down upon the masses as they walked the streets below.

It was then that the red glow matched with the red hair of the man walking through the masses, only to stop short just outside the pub of where he was headed. A curious sight to behold seeing everyone drinking outside the pub instead of in. Even more so seeing tables placed on the street where he saw familiar faces that attracted him towards them. 

A number of faces smiled up at him as he exasperatedly pulled out a chair only to plop himself down into it with a grunt. Sighing as he allowed his muscles to relax for once sinking into the hard oak wood.

"There ya are, Cap'n. Where have ya been?"

"Don't ask!," Kid growled out head leaning towards the lanterns and night sky above, "Killer, take a fucking mental note. Compo is not fuckin' allowed near booze again and NEVER in the same room as fuckin' Bubblegum!"

"Got it. Heh."

Immediately amber eyes shot up and narrowed at the blonde. "What's so dam funny?"

"Nothing really," Killer replied genuinely. "Just drinking my whiskey."

Those eyes narrowed more, brows scrunched up as more Snickers could be heard around him. Slowly tilting his head back down, he was met face to face with chuckling and his men not only at this table but a few surrounding tables snickered. Stealing smiling glances at him to which he felt annoyance bubbling up from his chest.

"Alright. What's the fucking joke?" He demanded slowly looking at Killer whom shook his head no. "I'm fucking serious, Killer! Did someone put something on my chair?!" Wood screeched as he immediately stood up and snapped his head around. "I swear if anyone-"

"Calm down, Kid," Killer held up a hand to calm the angry man, "No one's playing tricks." He gestured to the empty chair as if to prove his point.

Kid still stared suspiciously but slowly sat back down. "Then why is everyone looking at me like I'm the but of someone's dam joke?"

"They're excited and grateful to ya for the reward. Like you said relax and enjoy a little. C'mon. Drink and have some food with us!" He motioned for the barman still inside.

A small chorus joined in agreement with Killer. He didn't loose that suspicious look..but soon turned his attention to the new mug of beer and plate of delicious smelling turkey legs brought out and placed in front of him. Not as good as Killer's cooking but still delicious. He soon mellowed out, loosing himself to the tender taste of seasoned meat and butter taste of alcohol. 

The laughter and music around them continued through as he stuffed his face and laughed at a crude joke Wife told him. Meanwhile excited looks and whispers still glanced up and down the streets in anticipation of what's to come.

Slowly the loud laughs and talking with the occasional scream filled down to a murmuring him until it reached a silence. The new slowed silence wasn't lost to the captain who slowly rose a brow at the sudden change. Noticing the way everyone's faces turned down the street behind him. Still chewing on the food, he turned to see why such a change in direction occured. 

The entire middle of the street had been cleared and what looked to be two giant crowds of men and women lined the street on either side. As if something was blocking them from crossing with each other. What was stopping them? Did something happen just now? He then looked up the street and immediately knew the reason why.

Slowly coming towards you was a parade of people. And smack dab in the middle of them all was a woman.The most BEAUTIFUL woman he had ever seen.

 She glowed under the lantern lights like a beacon of beauty, slow steady steps she took gracefully step after step slowly but surely as if she was dancing, by the way she was doing so he knew she must've done this countless times before. Her makeup and hair done perfectly. Her robes the fanciest he's ever seen yet so beautifully matched perfectly with her complexion. But what struck him the most about her was her smile. Her eyes were the most striking beautiful he'd ever seen. Lips pink in lipstick catching onto the red lantern lights shiny with the lip gloss she used. In a way it she was angelic with the way they shined in the light. 

However her demeanor was... Strange. As she got closer he could see the slightly worried look in her eyes. As if she didn't want to be here, but yet at the same time there was something... Powerful almost scarily heavy about her body despite how graceful she moved. Entranced by the new sight he only stopped and stared as she ever so slowly and gracefully walked, continually up the street with her escorts.

"Huh. She's coming pretty close to us." He made sure to note in his head giving a look around at the awe filled looks from men and women alike. Taking special care to note the tackily dressed men that weren't his crew. "Her customer must be one of the rich snobs close by. Lucky bastard."

The moment of silence was deafening with only the sounds of the oiran's parade coming down the street, the red lanterns being her spotlights for the whole district was her stage and her the one glittery star. The rummage of fabric like flowing wind danced amongst her body as her flesh and bone became flowing water, gracefully dancing each step she took up the long stage of streets. 

Her face was memorizing with each flutter of half lidded lashes, the flashing of those beautiful eyes reflected in the reddened lights, her smile warm as she offered a smile as thanks for the watchers standing there. The gold ornaments shining in her styles silk of hair caught the glitter of moonlight and lantern reds, causing an almost uthereal glow around her body as she danced in her silks.

Beauty. Grace. Elegance.

Like a current in the sparkling blue ocean, she flowed.

Amber eyes were transfixed upon her with everyone else as the party of people in front and behind her came closer, but no one paid any attention to anyone other than the main gleaming star herself because..Well he's never seen such a display before. An oiran's procession was always a sight to behold and he'd be damned if he didn't also want to stop and watch her dance to the sounds of bells and her own graceful steps. 

Closer and closer to the end of the street they came. Angelic face coming closer and closer to his eyes, until they stopped in front of them all. And he realized that he was able to gaze right at those beautiful eyes and smile. The air was tense with silence anticipation and awe from everyone awaiting at the dancer's words. Slowly the hand a hold of the pint brought it up to his lips. If he didn't know better, he could've sworn that she was beautifully directed to him. As if a pirate like him would be given the smile of a woman like this.

"Captain Eustass Kid." The voice so calming and sweet carried with it and aura of grace as those lashes fluttered shut as she bowed.  It struck his veins like an icy ghost's hand dipping into his body and seizing his throat. "I'm so honored to have the pleasure of meeting you."

"PPFFFTT-?!" 

The metaphorical ghost hand entrapping his throat clogged up the alcohol going down forcing him to choke it out of him. Back into the mug of all over the table, whichever one was closest. A loud series of coughs and hacks left his throat disrupting the serenic scene and finally bursting that seed filled bubble.

"Surprise, Captain!", someone shouted from the crowd, "WE GOT YA AN OIRAN!!"

A series of laughs, cheers, whoops, and a few wolf whistles filled the air. Amber eyes widened as his face snapped in shock towards the crowd of cheerers. The mug dropping to the ground with whatever was left inside spilling out all over the ground. He sat there in stunned shock only stiffly looking over when Killer reached out to pat his shoulder grinning under that mask he wore.

"Well, Kid. You said you wanted the night of a lifetime."

[lostinwildflowers]

Dragon Island

Eijiro Kirishima x Reader

Summary: Kirishima is nothing but loving toward his dragon. When she disappears with no trace, he panics. When set out on a voyage to find her, he finds something he wasn't quite expecting.

Word Count: 4.7K

Warnings: strangers to lovers, also kind of idiots and enemies to lovers, fluff, very slight angst at the end, and slightly more mature language, a little *tiny* but spicy but still SFW :3

A/N: Wow, wow, wow, it has been a hot second. I have been so insanely busy with work that I am completely exhausted by the time I get home. Please enjoy this Kiri fic. -Birch<3

Useful Info:

Part i. Romantic Flight - Katsuki Bakugou x Reader

Part iii. To Befriend a Dragon - Shoto Todoroki x Reader

Nothing is stronger than the bond between a dragon and its trainer. The relationship is strong as the metal forges that build their armor, it's as tough as the gnarled skin of the dragon. It even is as tender as the love between a married couple, soft and kind.

This rings especially true for Kirishima, who loves his Rumblehorn, Honey, with all of his heart. She is a remarkable dragon; obedient, protective, and most importantly, loyal.

You see, Kirishima raised Honey when he found her egg abandoned in the mountains of his home. There was no clutch of other eggs, no mother dragon in sight. There was no indication of a home for the egg, so he took it to his village to raise on his own.

Kirishima spent countless hours incubating the egg, monitoring its temperature and position until it hatched. That is when Honey joined the world.

Honey, once hatched, was identified as a Rumblehorn, a medium-sized tracker dragon. Known to be tough skinned and thick-skulled, Kirishima knew this little dragon was going to be his entire future.

That's why it stung so much when she disappeared into thin air.

The roar of the ocean was loud in Kirishima's ears, the dark, steely blue waters slapping against the keel of the ship. It was a rhythmic crash and pull, one that seemed to tug him deeper and deeper into his mind of worries.

The crew of men was working together on the ship, following the maps and comparing them to familiar landmarks. And the path of the dragons.

The longboat was one Kirishima had been in many times as a young boy, but now he found it dreadful and confined. He felt trapped by its mossy walls and soggy floorboards, wishing at any moment he could step onto dry land.

A cry from the darkened sky above crackles the air, and the sight of fire breaking through the blackness of the night makes Kirishima's throat tighten. Yet a moment later, it's silent again, or at least back to the sound of waves crashing.

After the brief interruption from whatever dragon was in the sky, Kirishima attempts at busying himself, sharpening his blade, sorting through his rations- anything to help him stop fretting over the disappearance of Honey.

At least, he tells himself, At least it wasn't just Honey. That Nadder from the family up on the hill has been missing, and even Mrs. Oonlouck's Grockle flew off.

So, the hours on the ship slowly ticked by. A night full of dangerous waters and old shipwrecks merged into a light blue dawn full of hope and prayers.

And, Dragon Island.

The island was beautiful, to say the least. Soft, white sand edged the beaches, with nothing but clear waters washing the shoreline clean.

The island was mountainous, with a high peak in the far-off distance carving into the sky, while smaller trees and bushes coated the rest of the land. Kirishima could see the small, colorful specks of flowers and wild grasses where the sand faded into the dirt.

And that's where the dragons were.

Many distinct dragon species dotted the skies and the ground as the longboat came ashore; Gronckles, Deadly Nadders, Hideous Zipplebacks, and even the occasional Monstrous Nightmare.

Some of the dragons were fishing in the clear waters, rendering themselves full of fat fish. Others were scavengers, hunting down deer and elk further inland. And those that were full sat basking in the sun, soaking in the heat of the day from the warm rocks they laid on.

Crimson-colored eyes raked the sky, the water, and the land, but there was no sight of the green-toned Rumblehorn anywhere. Kirishima tried to keep his hopes up as the men prepared the ship for docking, but he couldn't help the feeling of his stomach sinking at no sight of Honey.

He tried to push off the nervousness and help his mates settle the ropes and unload the supplies before they set up camp. It was no easy task, skirting around the dragons and trying to find an unoccupied and central location where no one would burst into flames, but after a while, they found the perfect spot to set up.

They had to hike a good distance inland, as many dragons liked to nest on the beach, but they eventually found a quiet field with the cover of some tall pines as protection. As brave as the viking men were, there was always a minor fear of getting blasted by an angry Thunderdrum or Scauldron on the beach.

So the men set up tents and a main fire to cook their dinners and soon set off on their own paths to find the missing dragons.

Every dragon roar that hissed through the air made Kirishima's heart flutter, but there was still no sight or sound of his beloved Rumblehorn.

He recalled that when he found Honey, he was deep in the mountains, so he would set off for the tall peak that signified Dragon Island first thing the following morning.

The next morning, Kirishima gathered the most he could in his pack and started his hike deep into the heart of the island. Alone.

Many of the other men were missing their dragons too, but they figured that based on their dragons' personalities and species, they would be lower in altitude, more likely to be by the beach or lower forests.

So, the redhead picked his way through the underbrush on the outskirts of the camp, his heart pounding in his chest. He traveled as carefully and efficiently as he could while he hiked, the small pack on his back carrying a canister of water and a couple snacks, as the climb wasn't easy.

Up and up he climbed, the ground changing from lush, brown soil to rocky outcroppings, with loose stones underfoot. The stone was smooth under his boots, and Kirishima stumbled a few times and had to slow his pace down so as to not hurt himself.

Why am I doing this? Kirishima thought to himself as he rounded a bend leading to a flat clearing near the top of the peak. There was little grass, but he could see the mouth of a cave up ahead.

He was tired and sweaty, a thin sheen of sweat coating his entire body and dripping down his forehead. The sun was almost setting at this point, and Kirishima knew he wasn't going to make it back to camp tonight.

Instead of dwelling on the fact that he'd miss dinner, Kirishima focused his attention on the cave he saw in the distance up ahead.

Well, this could be it, he wonders as he makes his way over to the inlet. It was dark in the mouth of the cave, the sun's orange and pink rays only lighting up the very edge of the cave, but nothing deeper inside.

He slowly cranes his neck into the darkness, but the cavern was damp and quiet. When he doesn't see anything initially, a crestfallen sigh breaks past his lips as his crimson eyes trail to the ground.

Nothing.

But then, an ear-splitting roar sounds out, and Kirishima whips around just in time to see a flash of green armored skin, and he lunges into the bushes just outside of the cave as the scaled creature dives into the cave.

His heart racing in his chest, Kirishima peaks out of the bushes to try to see what just dove past him, but he couldn't make out a figure. It's silent, so he peaks around the edge of the cave entrance, where he had just been standing, to lock onto the unmistakable golden glow of a dragon's eyes.

Kirishima starts, "What the-", but is interrupted when the dragon turns to face him head-on, and a soft "Wait," falls from his parted mouth.

The redhead squints, trying to dig through his memory, and takes a hesitant step closer to the dragon. He slowly offers his hand, the tips of his fingers shaking ever so slightly, and lets his eyes flutter closed before standing perfectly still.

A beat passes. And then another one. And just as he thinks about opening his eyes to see if the dragon is still there, the smooth skin of a dragon's horn brushes against his hand.

A shaky breath falls from his lips as he feels the warm breath of the dragon puff against his face. Kirishima's crimson eyes gradually slide open, only to be met with the face of the dragon he so desperately missed.

"Honey!" he immediately calls out, lunging excitedly into the chest of the large green Rumblehorn. His muscular arms wrap around the neck of his beloved dragon, and he can feel Honey chitter underneath him in happiness, her eyes soft as she nuzzles at his back.

Kirishima does his best to keep his emotions under control, but he can't stop a stray tear or two from sliding down his cheeks. However, he rapidly pulls back from the hug when he hears a small cry from deeper into the cave.

He glances at Honey in worry and asks, "Did you hear that, girl? Sounds like someone's in trouble."

He untangles his body from around the large dragon, and picks his way around to her tail. Moving cautiously and with his hand on a knife in his belt, he plunges into the darkness of the cave.

It's dark for a minute, and then fresh air hits his cheeks, and it opens up into a wider den. The gentle cast of an orange glow can be seen dancing on the walls of the cave, but his attention is soon drawn away from that.

And it is pulled to the figure of a woman.

The woman was crouched over what he quickly identified as a baby dragon, her hair color warmed by the small fires in the edges of the den.

"Hold still, you little rascal," you mutter as you try to wrestle the baby Rumblehorn. He was attempting to slide out of your grasp and toward Honey, who had appeared from the cave tunnel.

Kirishima stood silently next to his dragon, almost blending in with the wall as he watched, his hand relaxing from his knife as he gazed at you trying to help the baby dragon.

You didn't notice the redhead as you called out to Honey, whose footsteps you heard, "Mama Dragon, you're back! This little one had a crack in his tooth and wouldn't let me look at-"

Your words trail off as you catch sight of the tall man standing next to Honey, and you instinctively reach for your blade strapped to your back, pushing the baby dragon behind you. A war cry falls from your lips as you draw your blade and you dash toward him, sword swinging straight toward Kirishima's head.

He's fast though, and reads the attack from across the room, easily ducking out of the way. Working on instinct, he grabs one of your arms, and folds it behind your back, pulling the blade out of the hand.

Since he was close to the wall when you attacked, he uses it to his advantage, pressing you into the cave wall with his hips and knee.

Pain blooms in your chest as the air left your lungs, your collarbones cracking against the hard stone. You can feel his larger frame and muscular chest push against your back, and you hiss in frustration at his simple move.

Kirishima takes his free hand and reaches up to pull the blade from your hand that was still grasping at your sword. In a swift motion, he throws it a couple of feet away, far enough away that you won't get it, but not too close to the dragons to be a threat.

He keeps you pressed against the wall like this, and you tried to struggle and get free, but it was no use.

"Who are you, and what are you doing with my dragon?"

Kirishima could feel you stiffen under his touch at the harshness of his words, yet he remained quiet in wait of an answer. When you don't say anything, he sighs and repeats, "What are you doing with my dragon? She disappeared into thin air a little while ago, and now here she is."

You shift ever so slightly in grasp, a disgruntled look on your face as your cheek laid flat against the cool, damp wall of the cave. A quiet gasp falls from your lips as you back pops from the pressure he's applying with his hips and knee, and you can feel him loosen his grip ever so slightly.

Kirishima sighs again and reiterates, "Look, I don't want to hurt you or fight. I just want to take Honey home."

"...You call Mama Dragon Honey? Wow, I can't imagine how she puts up with that," is what you spit out. Kirishima blinks in hurt at the harshness to your words, but a look of confusion passes over his features, not that you could tell.

"Ma- Mama Dragon?" he stutters, his grip completely relaxing and letting you free. He takes a step back, giving you space as his hands run over his face.

You groan in relief and shake out your arms before you grumble, "Yeah, Mama Dragon, didn't you know she was pregnant and carrying eggs?"

Kirishima's jaw drops, "HONEY WAS PREGNANT AND SHE LEFT ME?!" You sigh and pinch the bridge of your nose in frustration at this stranger and you reply, "Yes. Sometimes it's hard to tell when a Rumblehorn is going to lay eggs because they are already built so wide."

You walk around Kirishima to your fallen sword, reaching down to pick it up from the stone. Kirishima's hand instantly falls to the knife on his belt, but he doesn't move as he watches you pat Honey on the chin before walking back over to the baby you were tending to.

"So... how many babies has Honey had then?" Kirishima asks quietly, walking over to Honey's side and gently rubbing at her face. His crimson gaze watches your every movement, waiting for any sign of hostility, but he didn't see any.

You turn back toward him, the baby you were working on in your arms. There is surprise lacing your features, and you shrug and say, "She laid 4 eggs, so now she has four babies. 3 females, 1 male."

Kirishima just nods, processing the new information. He points to the one you are holding and questions, "Which one is that?" You smile fondly down at the newborn dragon and say, "I call him Boulder, he's the only boy from the clutch, and he already thinks he's the strongest."

The little red-toned Rumblehorn just yawns in your arms, curling up for a nap. You giggle down at him, walking over to the large wood-built nest near one of the fires.

Kirishima watches you set him gently down on the dried grasses, and he suddenly notices the other three dragon newborns curled up, asleep. He gazes in awe, and can't stop his feet as he walks over to stand next to you.

He is completely starstruck by the colors of their scales, and kind expressions on their faces as they cuddle up together. His mouth falls open before he stammers out, "I- I am so sorry for fighting you like that. All this time Honey's been away, and you've been taking care of her?"

You turn to face him, and you have to look up to catch the corner of his red gaze, but you nod in response. "Yes, I have been watching over Honey. This den isn't usually occupied because it's so far from the water, but I knew a special dragon must have chosen this den for a reason."

Your (colored) gaze flicks over to Honey, and with a gentle smile, you continue, "She is the first Rumblehorn I've seen in a few years. You are very lucky to have such a strong dragon at your side, Sir...?"

Kirishima just looks down at you, his eyes glazed over. In the time of your fight, and his whole world being flipped upside down at the factor his dragon left him to become a mother, he didn't realize how beautiful you were.

Your (colored) hair was pulled back into a couple of intricate braids that cascaded down behind your neck, a few stray pieces lingering to frame your face. There was a firmness to your eye that let him know your guard was still up, but he could see the kindness written on your features.

"Hello?" you repeat, "What can I call you?" Kirishima shakes his head back and forth for a moment, a warmth blooming on his cheeks as he chuckles and offers you his arm as he replies, "Sorry, this is all a lot to take in. Please, call me Kirishima."

You nod and reply, "Nice to meet you, Kirishima. Honey is an excellent mother and a very gentle dragon. I can't imagine how much training it has taken for her to be as good as she is."

The tall man shifts on his feet and glances over at Honey, who had made her way over to the other side of the nest and laid down. She had closed her eyes to rest as well, it seemed.

"To be honest, I really didn't do that much to train her," Kirishima started, "From the moment she hatched out when I was a boy, she always was the sweetest dragon. It's sort of how she got her name."

You just giggle at that, and Kirishima immediately finds your (colored) eyes, genuine happiness coating your features. Your giggling persists for a moment before you wave at him, "It's nothing, it's nothing, I swear. That's just a funny origin, that's all."

Kirishima just tuts and gestures toward you, "Well then, miss, what name can I call you? Especially if you think Honey's name is so ridiculous."

You get slightly shy at that moment, glancing down at your boots as if they were the most interesting thing at that moment. You shrug and mumble, "I'm just the caretaker for the dragons on this island, that is all."

Kirishima steps closer to you and insists, "Well, you must go by something," he feels butterflies bloom in his belly but he gushes, "You have a gorgeous face, I can only assume your name is equally as stunning."

You freeze at his words, and you swallow thickly as heat spreads from your cheeks to your ears, and down your neck. Kirishima seems to understand the weight of his words, and he shuffles back in embarrassment and stutters, "I- I, I only mean-"

"Y/n," you cut him off with a smile, glancing up at his obviously flustered appearance, "You can call me Y/n L/n of Dragon Island."

He dips his head in acknowledgment and replies, "Seems as though I was right... Miss Y/n." He tests your name out like it's delicate, and yet he revels in the way your name rolls off of his tongue.

It's silent for a moment before you point to the back of the cave, even further into the den, "Would you like to sit with me? I can explain more of what I do and know."

Kirishima opens his hand and points to the narrow opening and replies, "Lead the way, milady."

You and Kirishima talk through the night, conversations of Dragon Island, breeding season, and travels filling the late-night air. You told him of your place on the island; helping dragons that were sick or injured, tending to their young, and the general welfare of the sacred breeding place.

Kirishima, in turn, told you of his travels across the seas, all of the dragons he's encountered, and the people of his home. The conversation flowed so easily that it was hard to remember that the two of you had only met a few hours prior.

It had been silent between the two of you for a while, comfortable and peaceful.

"You should come to my homeland sometime," Kirishima murmurs quietly, his eyes gazing deep into the embers burning in front of the two of you.

You are quiet for a moment, and then you shake your head, "I couldn't. There is so much for me to do here year-round, and there are always dragons that need my help. I cannot leave."

Kirishima nods but doesn't say anything, but sits there and crosses his arms across his chest. Your (colored) gaze snaps over to him, gauging the contemplating look on his face.

He can feel the heat of your gaze on him, and a soft smirk rests on his lips as he then states, "Then I'll just have to come visit you then, right? So we can catch up and talk about Boulder, Honey, and the other babies?"

You mirror his smile and reply, "That would be lovely, Kirishima." He sighs and pokes at the fire with his boot before he asks, "Do you ever get lonely here? I mean you have the dragons, but I bet you hardly ever see anyone."

You feel the weight of his question more than he realizes. Yes, it does get lonely. Yes, I do crave connection and human attention. But my lifestyle cannot afford that.

All you can do is nod and whisper, "I do get lonely, Kirishima. More than you could ever know." The redhead's gaze is on you this time, your own eyes latched onto the dying flames of the fire.

He shifts from his wooden seat to stand next to your own, offering you his hand. You look up at him, vulnerable in a way you never would imagine with a stranger, yet he made you feel so comfortable.

"I get lonely too, Y/n. You don't deserve to be alone all the time. Please consider joining my village, or even coming to visit. The invitation will always be open for you," he whispers back.

He leans down slowly, placing a soft peck to the top of your head before retreating back into the main den where Honey and the babies were sleeping.

"W-wait!" you call out after him, your cheeks burning and your mind racing. He stops in the doorway and looks over his shoulder back at you, waiting.

"D- do you really mean that?" you manage to choke out. He gives you another gentle smile and states, "Never been more sure in my life." And he walks down the hall as the dawn light starts to flood into the den.

The trek back down to the ship seemed to come quicker than the hike up the mountain. Maybe it was because of Kirishima riding down on Honey's back, or the way he had to chase Boulder and the dragon babies as they rolled down the grassy hills.

You bid him farewell at the mouth of the den, promising that you would see each other again. Neither of you discussed the kiss on your forehead, but there was tension in the air as his figure disappeared in the direction of the ocean.

You could feel your heart splintering at the thought of him leaving. You knew you didn't truly know him, but you could tell your body felt like it knew him, that your souls were somehow akin.

You didn't know what to do, so you let him walk away.

But then you heard a soft cry from the back of the cave, toward the edge of the nest you had helped Honey build. And there, sitting in the depths of the nest, was a tiny, and freshly hatched Rumblehorn baby.

You dug through the straw the find the remnants of the shell, and you gasp in disbelief that you somehow missed an egg that Honey laid.

Crap, crap, crap, you thought to yourself as you looked at the newborn in front of you. This little fellow really needs his mother, but I bet Kirishima and his mates have probably loaded up and left at this point. What do I do?

Another glance down at the newborn told you everything you needed to know. You needed to get to the water before their ship sailed off.

So you wrapped the baby in a spare shirt that you had, tucked him under your arm, and ran as fast as you could in the direction you knew Kirishima set off in.

Your lungs burned for air as you ran, your feet sliding on loose shale, your calves aching as you pushed your body to its limit. You could feel your arms growing weaker from the weight of the newborn, but you pushed yourself on, determined to find Kirishima before he left.

You ducked under low-hanging limbs and jumped over dense brush, swerving and dodging everything in your path. C'mon Kirishima, you think, Please wait. I know you don't want to leave yet, so please wait!

It seems like hours as you rush down the mountain, time somehow flying by and slowing down at the same time. You swore your heart was about to explode in your chest, but you were so close to the shoreline, you couldn't give up now.

But by the time you get to the white, sandy beaches, you can see the viking's longboat sailing into the horizon, and you can't stop the sob that rips itself from your throat. Your body crumples to the ground in sheer exhaustion, and you bring the small dragon into your arms to hug closely.

"I- I'm so sorry, little one," you hiccup out, tears streaming down your face as you pulled back to look at the little green Rumblehorn baby, "I couldn't get you back to your family in time."

It just peers up at you, curiosity and innocence emanating from it's sweet face. This only makes you cry harder, and you clutch the little dragon back to your chest.

You sit there in the sand for a few moments, blinking through the tears and emotion as you watch the ship float off into the distance.

That is, until you feel warm pressure on your shoulders, and when you look up, a tall figure is blocking out the morning rays of the sun.

"You're missing me already? I don't think gorgeous women like you should cry, Y/n," comes the voice.

A loud sob pulls past your lips, and you scramble up to crush Kirishima in a hug with one arm. You cradle the baby in the other, careful to not hurt him.

The tall redhead just chuckles and steps back at the force of your hug, but wraps his arms around you closely, holding you tight, "I've gotcha... I've gotcha," he whispers as you settle down.

You pull back a minute later, wiping the tears from your eyes, you punch him in the shoulder and yell, "You forgot something, dammit!"

Kirishima yelps in pain and shies away from you as you hold out the small baby Rumblehorn, and awe takes over his face as he cups the delicate dragon in his large hands.

"I didn't know there was another one," he mumbles as he glances back up at you, "Thank you." You roll your eyes and mutter, "That wasn't the thing you forgot, dummy."

In one swift movement, you grab the front of his shirt, pulling him down to meet your lips. Your mouth collides with his own a second later, and he can't help but let out a groan at the taste of tears on his tongue.

The kiss is short but sweet, and it's enough to send both of your minds into overdrive. You both pull back at the same time, staring blankly in shock at each other.

The moment is interrupted when Honey chuffs, nudging Kirishima to give her the last baby. He quickly sets the green-scaled baby on the ground before turning back to you.

"Now, where were we?"

[meadow-roses]

Their relationship is very important to me 😭

(these pictures are like 20 years apart timeline wise btw)

[firemenenthusiast]

kai voyagers x reader headcannons

warnings: sfw, fluff. kinda sad tbh

- since you were little kids you’ve been almost inseparable, doing almost everything together

- he had his eyes set on you when all of you were introduced to each other in the playroom and as a kid he had approached to befriend you without thinking

- the blue makes them emotionless, cant feel happy, cant feel sad, cant feel love— yet he knows deep down he feels something for you. he just didn’t know what it was

- and the something he feels since you were little wasn’t necessarily love, but what he is sure of is that he’d always pick you in a room full of people

- richard noticed how both of you would play together, do chores together and was becoming a pair. a one for two deal. so he let the both of you be

- the best thing about living on the ship is when all of you are given a free day of the week. where you could just do whatever you feel like doing, no chores, no schedules, for the whole day

- so he would knock on your compound first thing in the morning, making sure to be the earliest so you can have the whole day to spend time together

- you as a child was so cute, so he would pick a blooming small flower from the garden, picking out the most vibrant of them all because he couldn’t tell what was pretty and what was not

- the flower he’d pick would be tucked behind your ear, making you look even cuter to him

- the feeling you both have for each other would at times pound at your chests yet there’s nothing you could do about it, the blue supressing them all

- he wished he could describe or atleast tell you that he loves spending time with you but he didnt know how, he didn’t know that was a thing

- despite not understanding or knowing what the two of you have, you continue doing everything with him cuz you feel the most at ease beside him

- the two of you have always been around each other since there wasn’t much difference in your height so when kai started growing so tall, you have to crane your neck to look at him

- free days are always both your favourites, up until you’ve both grown up as teenagers. especially now, you spend more time just sitting together at the ship’s viewpoint, pointing at the nearest burning star, you resting your head against his shoulder

- so when the whole ship stopped taking the blue, the feelings you have for each other became elevated. like you had just now discovering a deep connection with each other

- the lack of blue in your systems makes the two of you happier, finally being able to feel the rush of running around the ship, laughing and giggling at each other,,

- and cry together at your designated spot, the viewpoint while watching the stars in private after they had found richards stash of his photos on earth

- you don’t understand the fault of your existence that you have to be shipped away in a swallowing abyss of darkness, away from the shining sun on earth

- he doesn’t know what it feels like to sit on the grass, basking in the sunlight like richard used to do in those pictures, but he bet it feels nice

- and he wants nothing more than to feel how nice it is to lay on the grassy field, with your hand in his, you on his side for hours on end

- living on the ship is full of uncertainty, they don’t know who they actually are most of the times

- but one thing kai knows that even if it’s the end of the world, he wants you to always be with him

[chic-a-gigot]

L'Art et la mode, no. 28, vol. 15, 14 juillet 1894, Paris. Art & Chiffons. Bibliothèque nationale de France

Robe en lainage rose, boutonnant derrière. Garniture de guipure blanche.

Pink woolen dress, buttoned at the back. White guipure trim.

—

Robe en batiste ciel. Garniture de linon brodé. Guimpe plissée.

Sky cambric dress. Embroidered lawn trim. Pleated wimple.

—

Toilette en taffetas changeant. Garniture de bouillonés de mousseline de soie. Col, ceinture et nœuds de satin noir.

Changing taffeta ensemble. Garnished with chiffon bouillons. Black satin collar, belt and bows.

—

Toilette en linon à fleurettes, de point à l’aiguille.

Ensemble in flowered lawn, needlepoint.

—

Ding ding! Ding ding! Le glas du départ est sonné, le Bois est désert, les salons sont clos. Paris a beau être joli et charmant, il faut s’en aller, qui à la mer, qui à la forêt, qui à la montagne, et quand l’époque du voyage est fixée, la malle est vite faite.

Au risque de passer pour rabâcheuse, il faut bien dire encore une fois que le blanc domine.

La vigogne fait des costumes simples et élégants, privés du moindre ornement; on ne les garnit que de grosses piqûres et d’énormes boutons de nacre.

La serge bleue semble être la nuance préférée des bicyclistes féminines, avec galons de mohair blanc ou rouge, ou écru; le chapeau Escadre en toile ou en serge bleue.

La saison s’annonce déjà très brillante à Cabourg, et l’on y fait, paraît-il, deux et même trois toilettes par jour… le matin, ce sont des costumes tailleur en covercoat, avec biais piqué dans le bas, petite jaquette pareille, col rose ou lilas, cravate en batiste; l’après-midi, ce sont les robes de piqué blanc, avec devant froufrou en crêpe de chine, boléro écourté sur des dentelles vaporeuses superposées, ce qui est plus habillé que le simple flottant de surah; mais ce qui domine, c’est la robe de mousseline à pois brochés, enrichie de volants ourlés de dentelles; à côté de ce genre, le style Pompadour, avec dentelles écrues; quant aux nœuds de rubans, on les sème partout, au relevé de la jupe, à la berthe au cou, à la ceinture, jamais le ruban n’a été aussi en vogue.

—

Ding ding! Ding ding! The death knell has sounded, the Bois is deserted, the salons are closed. Paris may be pretty and charming, but you have to go, some to the sea, some to the forest, some to the mountains, and when the time of the trip is set, the trunk is quickly packed.

At the risk of coming across as harping, it must be said once again that white dominates.

The vicuña makes simple and elegant costumes, deprived of the slightest ornament; they are only garnished with large stitches and enormous mother-of-pearl buttons.

Blue serge seems to be the favorite shade of female cyclists, with white or red, or ecru mohair braid; the Escadre hat in canvas or blue serge.

The season is already looking very bright in Cabourg, and it seems that there are two and even three ensembles a day… in the morning, they are tailored suits in covercoat, with stitched bias at the bottom, similar little jacket, pink or lilac collar, cambric tie; in the afternoon, there are the white piqué dresses, with frilly front in crepe de chine, cropped bolero on superimposed vaporous lace, which is more dressy than the simple floating surah; but what dominates is the muslin dress with polka dots, enriched with ruffles hemmed with lace; next to this genre, the Pompadour style, with ecru lace; as for ribbon bows, we scatter them everywhere, at the top of the skirt, at the berthe at the neck, at the belt, ribbon has never been so fashionable.

[noonesgaylikegatson]

A Definitive List of over 100 Films featuring Gay/Bi Men of Color

Macho Dancer (1988)

The Fruit Machine (1988)

Tongues Untied (1989)

Young Souls Rebel (1991)

Anthem (1993)

Farewell My Concubine (1993)

The Wedding Banquet (1993)

Shinjuku Triad Society (1995)

Happy Together (1997)

The River (1997)

Pusong Mamon (1998)

Hold you tight (1998)

Gohatto (1999)

Punks (2000)

Iron Ladies (2001)

Lan Yu (2001)

The Road to Love (2001)

Mango Souffle (2002)

Yossi and Jagger (2002)

Proteus (2003)

Brother to Brother (2004)

Formula 17 (2004)

Star Appeal (2004)

Chicken Tikka Masala (2005)

The King and the Clown (2005)

My Brother Nikhil (2005)

Boy culture (2006)

No Regret (2006)

RagTag (2006)

Blueprint (2007)

Soshite, Harukaze ni Sasayaite (2007)

Pleasure Factory (2007)

All of my life (2008)

Antique (2008)

City without Baseball (2008)

A Frozen Flower (2008)

Lovebirds (2008)

Noah’s Arc, Jumping the Broom (2008)

Boy (2009)

Do Paise Ki Dhoop, Chaar Aane Ki Baarish (2009)

Soundless Windchime (2009)

Bashment (2010)

Dunno Y Na Jaane Kyun… (2010)

Fit (2010)

KickfOff (2011)

Lost in Paradise (2011)

My Brother the Devil (2012)

Mixed Kebab (2012)

Morgan (2012)

One Night and Two Days (2012)

The Skinny (2012)

Speechless (2012)

Leave it on the Floor (2013)

La Partidoa (2013)

Peyote (2013)

Snails in the Rain (2013)

Hidden Away (2014)

Hot Guys with Guns (2014)

My Bromance (2014)

Night Flight (2014)

Praybeyt Benjamin (2014)

The Way He Looks (2014)

Yo Soy la Felicidad de esta Mundo (2014)

Aligarh (2015)

Beauty and the Bestie (2015)

Blackbird (2015)

The Blue Hour (2015)

Daddy (2015)

Eat with Me (2015)

Fire Song (2015)

How to Win at Checkers (Every-time) (2015)

Out in the Dark (2015)

Loev (2015)

Naz and Maalik (2015)

Thanatos, Drunk (2015)

Time Out (2015)

2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten (2016)

Dear Dad (2016)

Front Cover (2016)

LUV Don’t Live Here (2016)

Kapoor & Sons (2016)

Moonlight (2016)

The Pass (2016)

The Super Parental Guardians (2016)

Teenage Kicks (2016)

Alaska is a Drag (2017)

God’s Own Country (2017)

Method (2017)

My Son is Gay (2017)

Play the Devil (2017)

The Wound (2017)

I am Happiness on Earth (2018)

Noblemen (2018)

Dear Ex (2018)

I Miss You When I See You (2018)

Voyage (2018)

Kalel, 15 (2019)

The Panti Sisters (2019)

Socrates (2019)

Funny Boy (2020)

Your Name Engraved Herein (2020)

B-Boy Blues (2021)

Gameboys: The Movie (2021)

Barrio Boy (2022)

Bhaadai do (2022)

Cobalt Blue (2022)

Fire Island (2022)

Golden Delicious (2022)

Marry My Dead Body (2023)

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (2023)

[super-ion]

The Voyages of the Padua

Chapter 3

(1, 2)

Maybe the security bots anticipated that she would just lay down and surrender. Maybe they anticipated her trying to run away.

What they did not anticipate was her hurling herself at them with all the rage of a trapped animal.

Somehow in her panicked flight, she had held on to the wrench. It was heavy and solid and she brought it down in an arc on the wrists of the closest of the two bots. Metal and composite cracked and twisted under the blow and its gun clattered to the floor.

Its companion fired off a shot that barely missed her. The crackling energy bolt raised the hairs on the back of her neck, singing more than a few stray strands.

She delivered a kick to the knee of the one she had already struck and it staggered, then she threw herself at its companion with a wordless scream. The wrench connected with the head, shattering the blank faceplate. The neck bent at an odd angle and it went down in a twitching heap.

The first one was still regaining its balance when she rammed the butt of the wrench into its neck. It staggered once more and she struck again. And again.

“P-L-SE CMP-LY-” it said in a garbled distorted voice.

She struck it a final time and something important went crunch. It collapsed to its knees and made an indecipherable utterance before collapsing to the floor.

The whole encounter had lasted maybe a few seconds and she stood there panting as her brain tried to catch up.

Then something red flashed in her peripheral vision. She lashed out blindly, swinging the wrench wildly in that direction.

“Whoa!” someone shouted.

The wrench connected with a loud CLANK and rebounded with a painful vibration that went up her arm. Whatever this was, it wasn't going to crumple like the security bots.

She readied another strike.

“Hey!” the same someone shouted. “Hey wait!”

She swung again, but something caught it mid strike.

“Hey, can you stop!?”

She blinked, her panicked ferocity fading back to a more familiar sense of panicked foreboding.

Gripping the haft of the wrench was a hand with scuffed silver white metallic skin and black mechanical joints. The hand connected to an arm which in turn connected to a person… well, it was another android, but it did also seem to be a person.

The face was human, somewhat feminine, and made of the sort of opaque composite capable of emulating a wide array of facial expressions. Lightly glowing blue eyes regarded her with some concern.

The current expression was somewhere between concern and annoyance.

“I'm not with them,” the android said. “I'm not going to hurt you. Do you understand?”

She nodded.

“Alright,” the android replied.

The luminescent blue eyes flicked to where both of their hands still gripped the haft of the wrench.

She let go of the wrench and and staggered back. The android made a small noise of approval.

Had she seen androids before? Obviously the security bots were technically androids and she wasn't caught completely off guard by their existence. But the security bots were about as different as possible from the person in front of her.

Aside from the very human looking expression, which was now edging into matronly concern, this one was also wearing clothes. A well worn duster jacket covered a red shirt patterned with tropical flowers and khaki pants (safe also noted the gun belt and holster with some apprehension). Then there was the hair, a sort of purple black, cropped close to the head and messy in a way that seemed intentional. The whole ensemble was clearly designed to convey a sense of identity. This was definitely more than just a machine and don't you dare forget that.

“Are you alright?” the android asked calmly.

“Yeah, I… think so.”

“What's your name?”

“I… I don't know,” she replied.

The android raised her eyebrows dubiously and her eyes darted to the patch on the woman's chest.

Oh right, she was wearing Cassidy’s jumpsuit.

She was quivering slightly now. The crash really wasn't that far off now, was it?

Gods, she was a mess. What a first impression this was.

“My name is Aela,” the android explained slowly, calmly. “I'm captain of the Padua. We received a distress call and came to investigate. Where is the rest of the crew?”

“Nobody was here when I woke up,” she replied with a helpless shrug. “I don't really… I don't know what's going on.”

Should she have admitted that? Could she even trust this stranger? She wanted to. The android seemed kind and had the bearing of someone who was used to taking charge of a situation.

She so desperately wanted someone else to take charge of the situation.

Before the android captain Aela could ask any more questions, they were interrupted by the sound of running footsteps coming down the corridor.

The person who rounded the corner was short, nearly a full head shorter than the captain. They were dressed in a close fitting suit, finely tailored and sturdy as far as she could tell, with all manner of high tech devices strapped to their person. Long hair was tied back, expertly braided, and an impeccably trimmed goatee framed their chin.

She supposed it was meant to be sophisticated and dapper, but the entire effect was ruined as they approached, red faced from the exertion of running, and doubled over panting.

“Cap'n!” the person gasped “Intruder alarm… external party… security bots… lost the stowaway…”

They gestured pathetically in the woman's direction at that.

“Stowaway?” she repeated, dumbstruck.

Was she a stowaway? She could be. That would probably explain why the security bots shot in sight. The possibility also raised a whole slew of new questions and mysteries.

Aela raised an eyebrow.

“Are you a stowaway?” the captain asked.

“I don't know…?”

She trailed off as the creature from earlier loped up easily behind the other stranger. No, not a creature. It was another person. The others were completely unbothered by her presence, clearly they were all ship mates.

It… or she, the woman supposed, looked at her once and then pointedly avoided eye contact, hunching her shoulders in an attempt to appear small and unthreatening.

“You don't know?” the captain prompted in response to her previous comment.

“I just woke up and I can't remember anything before the cryotank,” she explained.

The captain opened her mouth to ask something else, but the shorter person had finally caught their breath..

“Captain. There's an external party in the system.”

“What do you-”

“I mean,” they interrupted. “I got in and disabled the evac alarm easy peasy, but then somebody not on the ship accessed the system and triggered the intruder protocol.”

As if on cue, a new, fourth voice crackled over the radios attached to all of their shoulders.

“Aaaaaeeeeeela!” the cheerful voice called.

“Talk to me, Ria,” the captain replied into her own radio.

“Hey, so there's this skip drive signature and I'm tracking three contacts coming in hella fast.”

“Ria, I need more details than that. What do you mean three contacts?”

While this whole conversation was going on, the woman watched baffled as the short person crouched and began stripping down the ruined security bots.

“I meeeean,” the voice on the radio (Ria?) said, dragging the word out in a singsong fashion, “there's three spaceships coming in hot and they're not responding to my pings.”

“Time?”

“Contact in 15 minutes and 43.5 seconds. Do you think they're friendly?”

“Not likely,” Aela muttered. “I hope you kept the engines hot, looks like we need to get out of here in a hurry.”

“I always do!” Ria replied cheerfully.

“Tre, how are we doing?”

The short person (Tre?) didn't stop to look up, they just kept on stripping the bots and shoving components into a bag at their side.

“Not great,” they said. “I got a few bits from the security office. I think Mina grabbed a few tools… and then there's the stuff I grabbed from food storage… and then there's these.”

They paused to gesture at the bodies on the floor.

“Our friend here really did a number on them though. All told, not even enough to cover the cost of fuel for this little misadventure.”

“Do your best,” the captain replied. “You have sixty seconds.”

But of course, at that exact moment, footsteps echoed down the corridor. They were inhumanly regular, which could only mean more security bots. Judging by the sound, there were a lot of them.

“Zero seconds!” Aela shouted. “Back to the ship now.”

“But-”

“Now, Tre!”

One of the bots rounded the corner and suddenly the android captain had a pistol in her hand. There was a sharp crack and a metal slug went straight through the optical receptors of the bot.

“Everybody move!”

The woman stood there as Aela sprinted away, Tre right behind her as they shoved the last bits of valuable scrap in their satchel. The creature (Mina?) paused, glancing at her. She still couldn't quite shake the impression of a predator sizing up its prey, but there was a question in Mina's face. Then she made a few quick gestures that her mind somehow recognized as a sign dialect common among spacers.

Something to the effect of “coming?”

Was she?

The captain had said “everyone”, did that include her?

The next security bot rounded the corner and fired an energy bolt at her. It barely missed, scorching the fabric covering her arm.

That got her moving.

She heard Mina strike the security bot behind her, and then footsteps as Mina followed her. She tried desperately not to think of the predator pursuing its prey… though, maybe that would be a benefit here considering they were all running for their lives.

She skidded around a corner and there at the end of the corridor was the open airlock and the long docking tunnel leading to their ship and salvation.

What had Aela called it? The Padua? Why did that tickle her memory?

She was halfway there when another energy bolt crackled behind her. Unlike before though, this time the bot didn't miss. Searing pain lanced through her left leg and then… nothing. Everything below her thigh went completely numb. Her leg gave out mid stride and she collapsed painfully on the floor, earning a healthy share of bruises and scrapes in the process.

She blearily looked down the remainder of the corridor at the retreating backs of Aela and Tre.

This is how I die, isn't it? she thought to herself.

Her deep buried conditioning screamed at her that whoever was coming would certainly usher her to her death though it might not be fast and certainly wouldn't be pleasant. Somewhere between Tre mentioning external parties and Ria mentioning unknown contacts speeding towards them a dread had settled into the pit of her stomach. She had needed to be off the ship when they arrived, but now-

A pair of arms scooped up.

The claws were indeed sharp, but Mina's inhuman slenderness completely belied her strength. She carried the extra weight with barely any effort at all.

What was Mina exactly?

She looked up at her face and received an awkward apologetic smile.

Together they covered the distance to the tunnel in a few more moments, then came the horrible gut churning transition to the zero gravity of the docking tunnel. She was suddenly grateful that her stomach was empty. It would have been terribly embarrassing to throw up all over Mina after she had been kind enough to save her life.

They were hurtling down the tunnel distressingly fast and for a moment, she thought for sure that they were going to crash. But then Mina executed a perfect microgravity pirouette and caught the one of the airlock service handles with her clawed feet. Then, with unimaginable grace, she pivoted and the two of them were suddenly in the inertial field of the Padua.

“Oh! We got a new friend?” came Ria’s voice over the intercom as the outer airlock began to cycle shut.

Without breaking stride, Mina closed the final distance to a somewhat cramped cockpit. The interior of the Padua was exactly as she imagined it based off its exterior profile. Where the Eosphorus had been all bright lights and clean lines and touchscreens and just generally sterile, the Padua was… well, it wasn't any of those things. It felt used, lived in, patched and repaired to the point where she couldn't even tell which was original hardware.

Mina deposited her gently in one of the crash seats just as Aela and Tre were bringing up displays at their own stations.

“Talk to me, Ria,” Aela said as she punched a series of buttons and flicked another series of switches.

Images flickered on the screen, flashing displays faster than a human could follow. Aela’s hands raced across the keypads as she absorbed and synthesized the information.

“Shit,” she said finally before throwing yet another series of switches on the console in front of her. “We need to go into the drift.”

“The drift!” Ria’s detached voice chanted over the ship's announcement system. “The drift! The drift! The drift!”

Tre moaned and scrambled at the harness on their seat.

“The drift?” the woman asked. “What does-”

“It means buckle up, buttercup!” Tre shouted back.

A hand gently tapped her shoulder and she glanced to find Mina gesturing helpfully to the straps on the sides of the chair.

She shrugged on the straps, not entirely sure what to expect next.

Her hands were shaking fully now. Was that the chemical crash? Or was it the paralytics from the energy bolt she had taken? Maybe both.

She still couldn't feel her leg. That was-

The ship lurched. Inertial dampening couldn't quite keep up with whatever Aela was doing. Wait, what was the captain doing?

She wasn't piloting, at least not manually. And her eyes blazed white instead of the blue from earlier.

“Hold on, this could get bumpy,” someone said. Aela's lips had moved, but the voice had come from everywhere. And the voice hadn't been Aela's or Ria's, but kind of both.

She didn't have a lot of time to ponder this before momentum shoved her back against the cushion of the seat. Her vision tunneled and she tried to track the conversations happening around her. She thought Tre was speaking and someone else, Mina maybe, was tapping something. A code maybe.

The ship lurched again.

The ship did something. She wasn't exactly sure what. There was a flicker of light then black as she slipped into oblivion.

Not Aela and not Ria said something again.