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fairyoftbz · 3 years ago

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a day at the beach | l. juyeon

🌊 pairing: juyeon x fem!reader 🌊 word count: 4k 🌊 genre: fluff, a lot of awkward flirting, kind of friends-to-lovers 🌊 tw: none, mention of the ocean and going underwater(?) 🌊 synopsis: you spend a day at the beach with your friends and it leads to something new. 🌊 a/n: my second and last work of the summer collab hosted by the lovely @bangchan-fairy ✿ i had a lot of fun writing it and I hope it'll be enough!

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You had forgotten how tiring it was to spend a day at the beach. Soaking and sweating under the sun, running around in the sand and play at different games in the water that have you tired at the end of the afternoon, but it was a good type of exhaustion. It’s the type of feeling where you could fall asleep at any moment, but you wouldn’t mind keep on playing and laughing either.

Laying on your stomach on your towel, you enjoyed the warm rays of sunshine drying the salty water on your skin. Hair was all over the place as you tried to tie it back to prevent it from going everywhere, but it was to no avail, so you gave up and stood up. Ruffling your hair to get rid of the sand trapped in it, you managed to tie it away from your face and neck, finally sighing in content as you could feel the wind caress the skin in the base of your exposed, sweaty neck.

The majority of your friends was still playing in the water, but you still had Kevin, Chanhee and Jacob resting on their respective towel. The eldest was peacefully holding a book, his free hand mindlessly caressing his stomach as his eyes followed along with the story with entertainment. You smiled at Chanhee when a familiar TikTok song erupted from his portable speaker, the action waking Kevin up as he was right next to him.

A few of your friends gestured you to join them in the water, but they all got negative answers. Hyunjae and Eric almost begged you to come, making big arm movements and yelling a bunch of begs until you finally gave in, earning cheers from your friends. You carefully jogged to the cooler, wet sand after tossing your cap and sunglasses on your towel. You let out a shriek when the water touched your feet, all your muscles contracting as your friends laughed at your shocked state.

“It’s so cold, what the hell!” you yelled as a small wave came and crashed onto your calves, sending goosebumps in your entire body as you expected the ocean to be a bit warmer, but kept going anyway. “Come on, Y/N, you can do it!” Juyeon yelled from where he was, dozens of meters away from the shore. Clutching your jaw, you progressively made your way into the water, smiling when the boys cheered again when you dove underwater. It was fresh, almost cold, but it felt uplifting, and most importantly, fun.

Once you reappeared at the surface, the boys were surrounding you and you laid on your back, feet hitting the water hard to splash them. A water fight broke out, and you sunk underwater to escape for a few seconds all the splashing and screaming from your friends.

It was your turn to scream underwater and resurface as soon as possible when two hands landed on your waist, softly gripping the flesh of your hips. You sharply turned around, only to find Juyeon laughing at your frightened face.

“Please never do that again,” you said half-laughing, half recovering from his malicious joke, some flashbacks of Jaws coming back into your mind for an instant. Pushing his gear down, mask and snorkel dangled around his neck, long black fins in hand, he stood next to you, breathing heavily as droplets of water fell on his face.

“Did you see something cool?” he nodded at your question, showing you the net bag attached to his wrist. He found a few colourful rocks, some trash, a few coins and two shells, one catching your eye.

“This one looks really pretty,” you pointed at the said shell, only to have Juyeon nearing his hand to yours. “Take it,” he mumbled, and you glanced at him, refusing with a gentle smile. “No, no, keep it,” you answered, and it was his turn to shake his head.

As your friend didn’t retract his hand and kept looking at you, you shyly took the shell in your hand and thanked him, gaining a smile from him before he got out of the water. Younghoon suddenly shrieked and whined when he felt some seaweed brushing his ankle, making everyone laugh, including you. Some of the other tourists were looking at your group from the side, not enjoying how loud you were becoming. You quickly noticed and quieted them, vaguely motioning to the elderly couple on the beach that was meaningly watching you.

“Are you already getting out of the water? It has only been a quick minute,” Eric asked as you walked closer to the shore, the waves almost making you lose your balance. “I’m coming right back, I’m just thirsty,” you claimed and ran back to your towel, feet burning under the scorching sand.

“Ah, Y/N! You’re here. The water is beautiful, and I’m trying to persuade the boys to come and snorkelling with me. Do you want to tag along?” “Okay, sure? Who’s coming?” you said, looking at the other boys on the beach as you grabbed a bottle of water from the cooler next to Jacob, who put the lid back on as soon as you were done. “The two of you,” Kevin smirked, his annoying, playful tone made you roll your eyes, Juyeon paying absolutely no mind to his comment. “Fine, let’s go,” you said before seizing the mask and snorkel Juyeon was handing you and you both ran back into the water.

“They’re cute,” Jacob mumbled, hand supporting his head as he went back to reading, the two other boys approving his words.

As you quickly tried to put on everything to catch up with Juyeon, he saw you struggling to put on your fins, so he gently grabbed your ankle to bring it closer to the surface. You quickly held onto his shoulder, your proximity with the young man making the other boys coo and gag. Almost hissing at them, you offered them a death glare while Juyeon simply smiled to himself, not paying attention to a single of their comments as he focused on securely tying your fins around your heels.

“Are we good to go?” he asked, and you signed ‘ok’ with your thumb and index finger before placing your head underwater.

You stayed near Juyeon, making sure to heavily splash your friends as you swam away from the coast. Feeling satisfied as you heard them complain. The water was getting progressively colder, feeling goosebumps rise on your skin, but the view was worth the chills. Your eyes trailed everywhere around you in the sand, in search of any kind of source of life through the translucid water.

Juyeon suddenly pointed at the ground, discerning a hermit crab making his way to a safer place, deeper in the sand. You smiled at the sight of the small creature, following its movements before watching disappear under the sand.

Your eyes widened in your mask when you saw Juyeon dive, bubbles coming out of his snorkel. He rummaged through the sand for a few seconds, before going straight back to the surface. You got your head out of the water, watching your friend blow the water out of his snorkel just like a whale. He held another shell, similar to the one he gave you.

“How do you notice those? I barely even noticed the hermit crab you pointed at,” Juyeon smiled as he spat some salty water out of his mouth, wiping it with the back of his hand.

“I remembered the spot I searched before coming back to you and the boys. I think it’s a good one, there’s a lot of beautiful things to look at,” he explained, and you nodded, waving at the boys on the beach with a smile. “Look, now we’re matching,” he said as he showed you his shell, a happy look on your face. “Keep it in a safe place,” you suggested while giggling, and he nodded, putting it in his bathing suit pocket before diving back to his searches.

For the remaining hours of the afternoon, you snorkelled with your friend, making beautiful discoveries all around the shore, such as another hermit crab. You gently picked it up from the shell and let it float around for a while, observing its behaviour as Juyeon dove even deeper. You had struggled to pick up the hermit crab because the sand looked way closer than it actually was, and the sensation of the salty water filling in your snorkel to the brim wasn’t the best feeling ever. When you reappeared at the surface, you expulsed all the water from the snorkel and stayed still for a while, moving your fins to keep your head above the water level, your body slowly following the waves.

You were amazed by how the ocean flora and fauna was beautifully hidden from the rest of the world. Letting yourself slowly sink deeper, the water pressure tightening around you, water filling your snorkel in big bubbles, but you didn’t pay much attention. Some small fish swam around you, speeding when you reached out a hand in an attempt to grab or touch them. Being underwater felt good and somewhat reassuring, the noises from outside were muffled by the thick layers of water surrounding you. It was as if you were receiving a big, reassuring hug from nature and nothing could actually happen to you.

As your lungs started running out of air, you felt a presence behind you, only to discover Juyeon observing you. Inside his goggles, you could see his worried eyes and furrowed brows, so you hastened to reassure him about your safety by signalling it with your fingers. He motioned you to go back up to the surface, and you followed him, slowly ascending face to face, his eyes never leaving yours as you stayed close to the other.

You let out a big sigh as you took off your snorkelling equipment, feeling suddenly heavy and tired. A hand running on your skin, you gently wet it to get rid of the marks that lingered on your face due to the tightness of the mask, smiling at your friend as he did the same, throwing his head back to replace his hair correctly.

“What were you doing down there? You got me scared, you weren’t moving. I thought something happened to you,” Juyeon asked as you slowly moved into the water and started getting closer to the shore, feeling the water getting progressively warmer. “I’ve always wanted to stay still in the ocean for a moment, and it felt super good,” you explained a bit out of breath as you were swimming, Juyeon touching the ground before you so he started walking, his flexed muscles tiredly moving as the waves pushed you two closer to the shore.

Almost all your friends were gone, only Jacob and Sangyeon waving at you from their spot on their chairs, just like two parents waiting for their kids to be tired and sleepy. You nearly fell over as you struggled to walk on the sand to get back to your friends, who were watching you out of the corner of the eye. Juyeon walked at your pace and rid you of your equipment when you joined your friends.

“Did you have fun together?” Jacob asked with a smile, hair slightly messy and dried because of the salt.

You tiredly nodded as Juyeon explained where you went and what you saw, still standing up with his hands on his hips as he sometimes pointed towards the ocean. Sangyeon smirked as he caught your eyes lingering on Juyeon's healthy body while listening to him, earning an elbow hit from you as you sat next to him, thanking him with a smile as he passed you your towel.

“I didn’t expect this to be this tiring, but it was a nice experience,” you admitted, and your friends laughed, a genuine smile appearing on Juyeon’s face. “You spent almost the entire day in the water, it’s normal to be tired,” Jacob said in his usual reassuring voice, handing you your bottle of water from the cooler. “Where did the other boys go?” Juyeon asked as he looked around, trying to see if they were any closer or hiding. “They left a moment ago, they wanted to freshen up before dinner.”

“Yeah, we ordered pizza for everyone,” Sangyeon explained and you two nodded, your stomach grumbling at the mention of one of your favourite foods. “Don’t worry, we got you your favourite,” Jacob giggled as Juyeon was about to open his mouth, only to make you all laugh and smile at how predictable he was. “Thank you,” you said in unison and Jacob sent you a playful wink, taking off his sunglasses as the sun wasn’t as bright as before. Sangyeon sighed while he started picking up his belongings, Jacob imitating him.

“Are you two coming?” Jacob asked and you looked at Juyeon, who was already looking at you with his eyebrows raised, waiting for your answer. “I just want to go one more time in the water before going back to the hotel if you don’t mind,” you said as you stood up, placing your towel on your chair. “Yeah, me too,” Juyeon said, and you turned around, just catching a glimpse of an understood look between Sangyeon and Jacob, the two boys smirking at each other.

You frowned for a second but paid no mind, ignoring them as you walked back to the waterside. The salty foam came crashing on your feet and ankles as you jogged deeper into the water, diving back in, smiling as you couldn’t get rid of that happiness when you were surrounded by water while swimming. Juyeon followed you not so long after, and you waved at the two boys on the shore as they started walking towards the hotel.

“It was nice diving with you, do you think we could do this more often? I had a lot of fun exploring down there,” you said and Juyeon looked at you, a surprised look painted on his face. “I mean sure, whenever you want, we can always do it again! I know good spots in our town where the water is even more beautiful than here,” he explained and you accepted his proposition with a smile, keeping the conversation going as you two remained still in the water.

Once you were tired of trying to keep your head afloat and felt the conversation slowly dying out of presumable nervousness, you rested on your back, gently waiting for the waves to decrease the distance separating you from the beach.

The sky above your head was gorgeous and infinite, tones going through all the colours of the spectroscope as your eyes didn’t know where to look. The water wrapped around your body and the sight of the sky hanging above your head never felt so comforting, you could stay here for hours if it was possible. You let out a big sigh as you relaxed, sometimes shivering, the water getting colder as the sun was close to disappearing.

Juyeon’s upper body appeared in your field of vision and he grinned, observing you relaxing in the water. His eyes disappeared into crescent moons when your back touched the sandy ground faster than intended, taking the hand he was offering you to stand up. He didn’t let go of your hand and ran towards your chairs for the last time, collapsing and sprawling on them out of exhaustion.

Juyeon let out a groan as he repositioned himself in his camping chair, resting his head against the backrest as his legs were spread open in front of him. His right knee rested against yours, but none of you moved away, the action making Juyeon’s ears flush bright red and stifle a smile while closing his eyes. You liked this accidental contact with him, and you wanted to enjoy it while it lasted. Quickly glancing at your friend, you noticed that his eyes started fluttering, pearls of water falling from his messy strands of hair on the far end of his cheeks, rolling down his jaw to crash in his strong neck. As tempting as it looked, you had to force yourself not to wipe the water off his face with the back of your hand, thinking that your gesture would be a bit out of hand.

Out of nowhere, he sat back up, head moving left to right while looking for something, emitting a surprised sound when he found a dry towel resting on his sports bag.

“Is it yours?” he asked, and you shook your head, only to have him unfolding it and wrap it around your shoulders. You opened your eyes wide, startled by his actions, but didn’t dare to say anything, you just smiled at him. Tightening the towel around your body, it felt nice to feel something dry and somehow warm as your towel was completely soaked due to you going back and forth in the ocean during the entire day.

“Do you need anything?” you asked as he furiously blinked, searching for something again. “Can I just use it?” he said, pointing to the towel he had just given you.

Nodding, you were about to unwrap it from your shoulders, but he was swifter, grasping the far end of the towel and wiped his salty, reddened eyes with it, pushing his chair nearer to yours to be more comfortable while doing so. You didn’t dare to move in order not to inflict him a stray elbow hit, smiling at him once he was done.

“Thanks, I just had some sand in my eyes,” he clumsily said, and you shook your head with a smile. “Don’t worry about it,” you reassured him, and he offered you a warm smile, your heart suddenly quickening at the sight.

You both sighed simultaneously, feeling the tiredness and hunger winning over you. You both felt at peace as the sound of the waves began to lull you, the comfortable atmosphere making you slightly shiver in delight. It was hard for both of you to stay awake after you had been swimming all day, breathing through a snorkel was as exhausting as doing any other physical activity.

Juyeon had spent his entire day in the water, and the other boys told you that he got up at dawn to go for a run before joining you at the beach, so it was natural for him to be this drained.

What you didn't expect was his head rolling onto your shoulder, lips slightly parted as he gave up, his slumber sinking him into the comfortable hold of Morpheus's arms. You tried not to move too much in fear of waking him up, so you just mindlessly stared at the ocean stretching as far as the eye could see, following at some jet-skis cutting through the waves and a lifeboat ordering some bathers to return to the secure area.

Loud voices made you turn your head to the side and smile when you saw your friends arriving, all dressed in proper clothes, their hands full of soda and pizza boxes. You greeted them with a soft wave, showing the first to arrive that Juyeon was sleeping on your shoulder. Sunwoo smirked at you and placed the sodas in the cooler under the closed umbrella, Younghoon laying two large picnic tablecloths on the sand.

Your friends gently snickered at the innocent boy asleep on your shoulder, taking pictures of him to the potential blackmail. You shook your head with a thin smile, not approving so much of their method, but you knew there was nothing mean behind all of this, just fun. Once everyone was settled in and ready to eat and spend the evening together, you decided to wake Juyeon up by squeezing the forearm that was sprawled next to you.

"Ju', the boys are back, we're gonna eat," you whispered in his ear and Kevin cooed at your proximity from his spot on the blanket, sending a threatening gaze to silence him, which didn't have any effect on the Canadian boy.

Juyeon quietly emerged, suddenly straightening up when he felt he was resting on you, looking all lost and confused. Your friends burst into laughter at his behaviour as he apologised profusely, but you assured him that it was completely fine. His breathing had accelerated, and his ears turned bright red as the laughter didn’t seem to die down. Seeing him like that just because he had fallen asleep on you made your heart flutter, and you allowed yourself to giggle along with everyone.

After putting on your beach dress, you sat down between Younghoon and Jacob, the latter moving to the side as Juyeon sat behind you two in silence when there was more space on the other side of the blanket. The older boy silently giggled, stifling a remark with an amused look that you tried to ignore, asking Eric to give you a soda can.

“I'm fucking starving,” you blurted out as you all threw yourself on your pizza, you and Juyeon eating at a pretty disconcerting speed.

Every single one of you was busy talking and laughing about the incident that happened to some of the boys while you were still at the beach, while a special someone was busy staring at you.

“And then, Chanhee stared at the waiter and they were both confused about what just happened,” Eric explained and you all laughed, Younghoon quickly throwing a glance at his friend next to you, who didn’t have a single reaction since you all started eating.

Juyeon watched you out of the corner of his eye and allowed himself to wipe a piece of tomato on your cheek with the tip of his forefinger, making you turn your head towards him with a surprised look. He explained to you by mimicking the gesture he had just made on your cheek on his and you nodded as a silent thank you, wiping your mouth with the back of your hand.

Half the boys had noticed your little game, constantly looking at each other with understood smirks, but no one dared to say anything and break your little bubble of romance.

"We need to do something for those two, they’re getting mad annoying at playing who’s the most oblivious, they're gonna make me gag," Kevin whispered to Sangyeon, nodding at the two of you. You were too busy glancing at each other and listening to the rest of Eric’s story to hear what they were whispering about. "Just let time do its thing," Sangyeon suggested but received a growl in response, the younger absolutely not convinced.

The entire evening was great, your friends poking fun at Juyeon as the poor boy struggled to keep his eyes open and sit straight due to his exhaustion, shoulders sagged and head falling to the side as he shyly smiled at the teasing. When the sun was long gone and the wind started to pick up, you all decided to go back to the hotel to sleep because you were all exhausted, no matter how hard some were trying to deny it. You helped Younghoon shake the sand off and fold the tablecloths while the others were busy throwing away the leftovers and other rubbish.

All the boys checked that no one had forgotten anything and started walking in direction of the hotel, you bringing up the rear after checking everything back one last time.

Juyeon was drowsily walking and suddenly stopped, waiting for you to catch up with him, letting the other boys take the lead. You shyly smiled at him and kept on walking together, almost tripping over when you felt his hand take yours and hold it tight. He gave you a sweet, tired smile and kept on walking as if what he just did was utterly normal, your hands getting clammy and your heart fastening in your chest for the rest of the walk back to the hotel.

You looked up at him and offered him a sweet smile, to which he answered by squeezing your palm in his and gently move you closer to him. Juyeon felt the same way as you did so he couldn't feel your nervousness, but his behaviour gave you a hint that something will probably change between the two of you, and it was for the best.

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bluejayblueskies · 4 years ago

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for tma fantasy week prompt 7: legend

Jon’s foot slips on a tree root, and he nearly falls before he manages to catch himself on a tree, the rough bark cutting into the palm of his hand. He mutters a curse and checks to make sure he hasn’t dropped any items from his basket. The mushrooms and herbs seem to be in order, and Jon carefully tucks a delicate white flower back into place before starting forward again.

That’s what he gets for foraging at night, he supposes. But the flowers he’s looking for bloom in a very specific time frame, and if he doesn’t pick them then, they’ll lose their medicinal quality. So, Jon grits his teeth and slows his pace slightly, taking more care with where he places his feet lest he end up actually hurting himself or—gods forbid—losing some of his supplies. He needs those flowers; most of his medicines rely on the little purple blossoms clustered near the shore of the lake, and he’s the only one who makes them. So, he spends most of his nights in the woods and most of his days fighting off exhaustion. The bags under his eyes have reached rather impressive proportions.

It’s not his fault everyone else is too scared to venture into the woods at night. Putting so much stock in a local legend, in what is essentially a child’s tale, is ridiculous, and Jon will have no part of it.

He’s heard the legend before, of course, so many times that the words have begun to grate on his ears like sandpaper. According to legend, there had once been a man who lived in the very center of the forest. He lived alone, isolated and hidden away in the trees, with only the flora and fauna for company. But it had never bothered him, and he had spent his time painting the forest in yellows and purples and blues, spreading wildflowers all the way to the edges of the wood and carving paths in the earth for creeks and streams to flow. (This was the part that annoyed Jon the most; a man living alone in the woods he could believe, but that? Ridiculous.)

The man had grown comfortable being alone. He’d loved it. And then, one day, another came to the center of the wood, looking to build a home there. The stranger stepped on the flowers the man had carefully cultivated and scared away the birds and disrupted the gentle silence of the trees and the leaves with boisterous words. So, from within the forest, the man summoned a great fog, thick and heavy as it rolled over the ground and through the trees, and swallowed the stranger whole. And then the man was alone again.

Something something legend says he still lives in the woods, something something only comes out at night, something something people sometimes see fog peeking through the trees when they get too close, whatever. It’s all nonsense. Jon knows it is, because he’s been visiting the forest at night for months and he’s never seen anything but a few startled rabbits and a plethora of moths.

They’d even named the place after him. Blackwood Forest. Jon had always disliked the name—it felt rather repetitive for it to contain both wood and forest, and there had almost certainly never been a man called Blackwood living in this forest.

Jon is crouched by the lake, halfway through collecting that night’s quota of flowers, when he realizes with a start that he can’t see his hands clearly anymore. They’re hazy before him, like he’s viewing them through warped glass, and when he looks up and over the lake, he’s met with only grey, stagnant and flat and unmoving as it surrounds him.

Jon stands, gripping his basket tightly. He can barely see its contents; they’re smudged by the fog, turned greyscale and desaturated. His own skin looks sickly, like all the color has been drawn out of it.

“Hello?” he says, his voice too-loud in the stillness that surrounds him, and if it shakes a bit he pretends it doesn’t because he’s not scared. There’s no ghostly specter of a man planning to trap him in fog forever. It’s a temperate night; fog is to be expected. There’s nothing supernatural about a bit of fog.

Then, a voice drifts out of the fog, and Jon nearly drops his basket in shock.

“You’re not supposed to be here,” it says. The words reverberate through the fog, echoing over and over again until they trail away into nothing.

What? Indignance wipes away Jon’s surprise in the span of a breath, and he snaps back, “I can go where I very well please, thank you. I’ve been coming here for months, and I’m not going to stop just because you tell me to.”

Gods, he’s talking to fog. This is a new low for him.

There’s a moment of silence before Jon swears he hears the fog sigh. It’s almost absurd enough to make him laugh. “Still, you… you should leave.”

Jon scoffs and decides to entertain, just for a moment, the notion that he’s speaking to the man everyone’s convinced is haunting these woods. “What, can’t you just threaten to steal me away? To hold me captive in the fog forever? Apparently, it’s what you do.”

It’s quiet for a long while—long enough that Jon begins to shift impatiently and consider how long it might take him to navigate out of the forest without being able to see the route in front of him. Then, so quietly Jon can barely hear it, the voice says, “It’s not.”

If Jon didn’t know any better, he’d think that whatever’s hiding in the fog sounds sad. “What?”

The fog clusters a bit heavier around Jon, tickling at his skin and leaving behind a fine mist of water, before retreating suddenly, leaving the ground and the trees bare around him, illuminated by the moon above. And, not five feet away, stands a man, his edges blurred and every part of him an icy white, from the curls that spill down his shoulders to his skin to the cloak he has wrapped tightly around him (though, when Jon looks closer, he thinks that might actually be fog, thick and clinging to the man’s skin). The man is looking at a point just behind Jon’s shoulder, avoiding his eyes. “It’s not,” he repeats. “I- I don’t want to hurt anyone. I haven’t hurt anyone.” He lets out a humorless laugh. “Who’s there to hurt? Nobody comes here anymore.”

Well. Jon still doesn’t believe in legends, but this is hardly a legend anymore, is it, with the man in question stood there in front of him? A bit warier, Jon says, “So then… what do you want?”

The man looks at Jon then—really looks at him—and a shiver runs through Jon’s body like he’s just stuck his hand in ice water. “I… I don’t really know?” He hugs his cloak tighter to him, the fog shifting as he does so, and continues, “I… I suppose we could… we could talk?”

“Talk,” Jon repeats flatly. “I hardly see why the fog was necessary, then.”

A few tendrils of fog snake out from the man, reaching toward Jon, before the man seems to notice, and they retreat back into the fabric of his cloak. More sharply than Jon expects, the man says, “I’m a bit out of practice, okay? Like, a few decades out of practice. I think I’m allowed a bit of leeway.”

Maybe Jon’s imagining things, but he thinks, just for a moment, that he sees a flash of color—a wisp of tawny brown lacing through the man’s hair. When he blinks, though, it’s vanished, and so he puts it out of mind. “And what did you want to talk about?”

The man pauses at that, wrings his hands together. “Anything?” he says finally with a small shrug. “Like, er… what do you use the viccolas for?”

“The what?”

The man gestures toward Jon’s basket. “The viccolas? They’re one of my favorite flowers here—a shame they only bloom at night, really—and I used to use them in my tea, to- to help with the pain. I, er. I used to be quite ill before I…” The man trails off and makes a small, distressed noise.

“Died?” Jon suggests helpfully.

“What?” The man’s head snaps up to look at him, eyes wide with surprise, and there it is again—that small flash of color, just for a moment, this time along the side of the man’s face, a light peach almost indistinguishable from the pale white surrounding it but there all the same. “No, I- I’m not a ghost! Why- why would you think that?”

“To be fair, you do look like one.”

The man makes a frustrated noise. “I- I suppose, but that’s- that’s not what happened! I’m still alive, I’m just not—”

The man cuts off again, sharper this time. When he speaks again, his voice is choked, as if with tears. “I’m just not human anymore, I don’t think.”

Well, Jon could have told him that much. It’s really rather obvious. Still, he doesn’t think that would be well received. So, instead, he says, “I use the flowers for medicines. Nobody else comes into these woods at night, but I’ve never been afraid of- well, of you, I suppose.”

He wants to ask the man if he’d created the flowers. If he’d painted them by the lake like the legends say. But that would be ridiculous, and Jon’s not keen on indulging his own childish sense of curiosity.

“Oh,” the man says quietly. “So, then, you… you’ll keep coming back for them?”

Jon frowns. “Yes, of course. Some of the people I help would die without the medicine I give them.” His expression turns wary again. “So I would suggest you not try to stop me.”

“No, no, of course not,” the man says quickly, looking rather horrified at the thought. Which does put Jon’s mind at peace a little. “I… I suppose I just thought that maybe we- we could talk again? Er, whenever you come back, that is.” He lets out a small, bitten-off laugh. “I promise I won’t surround you with fog this time?”

“Yes, that would be preferable.”

The man’s eyes brighten at that, his irises lit briefly with a flash of baby blue. “Is- is that a yes?”

He looks so excited at the prospect of another conversation with Jon—one that will surely feel just as much like pulling teeth as this one, though that could just be Jon’s poor interpersonal skills. And unlike what some people might think, Jon is not heartless. Besides, he can’t deny that he’s curious about the man who lives at the center of the Blackwood Forest.

“All right,” Jon says with a small nod. “I’ll be back this time next week.”

The lips that smile back at him are rosy red. “G- great! Er, sorry, I- I realize I never actually asked… what’s your name?”

After a pause during which Jon briefly entertains the notion of giving out a false name, he says, “Jon. You can call me Jon.”

“Jon,” the man says, as if testing its weight upon his tongue. “I’m- I’m Martin. Er, Martin Blackwood.”

Right. A bit of truth in the legends after all, then.

Jon leaves with his flowers, and Martin fades back into the fog that hangs over the lake’s surface. And when Jon returns the next week, they talk. And the next, and the next, until it becomes routine. Until it becomes something Jon looks forward to. Until he spends most nights in the woods, sat next to the lake and unraveling every facet of a man whose life is so much more than has been spelled out on paper.

And when the flashes of color begin to resolve into vibrant skin and hair and eyes and Martin begins to cry, Jon wraps his arms around a man who’s become solid once more and finds him warm.

#tma #tma fic #the magnus archives #tmafantasyweek #jonmartin #my fic #my writing #and that's it! ending the week with my most self-indulgent jmart yet #ft. skeptic jon and not-a-ghost martin

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lightwithinthedarknessu · 3 years ago

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A Crown to Adorn

Starting off #sokaiweek2021 with a fluffy one-shot!

Wrote a little fluffy one-shot for Day 1 of @sokaiweek Prompt: King and Queen. Childhood memories for #sokai and a cute flower date! A time of healing and reminiscence, adorned with flowers fit for a King and Queen.

A03: https://archiveofourown.org/works/32511775

Fanfiction. net: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13918369/1/A-Crown-to-Adorn

A Crown to Adorn

*.*.*.*

“Wear a crown of flowers on your head, let its roots reach your heart.” – Kabir

*.*.*.*

The smell of the grass, the warmth of the sun on their faces, and the slight scent of honeysuckle wafting through the canopy above was the perfect complement to an otherwise ordinary day. Ordinary, that word seemed to slip into her mind with a lithe bump, nestling into her heart but leaving behind a tinge of anxiety. Was it good to cherish something even if you knew it wouldn’t last? Those words danced within her mind as warm rays of light kissed her cheeks.

Living in the moment. Cherishing those small moments of reprieve-sometimes Kairi had to keep reminding herself to do that. Whether it be taking in deep breaths of the salty air or cherishing the soft sensation of sand squished between her toes- those small insignificant moments she needed to hold close. The way the wind hit her face as Sora and Riku rushed past her in one of their many races or the sensation of cold droplets hitting her face during one of their many water fights. Those moments, they would rush back at her all at once during those times she was alone, listless, and longing for their company.

Somehow, Kairi knew that today would be one of those many moments she held close to her heart. She took in a deep breath, savoring the crisp air hitting her lungs.

The Kingdom of Corona was as beautiful as Sora had claimed it would be. Filled with flora and fauna, clean air, and warm bathes in sunshine. Even the few heartless around were, she had to admit, cute in their own way. Made her almost sad to pummel them, but once she found herself attacking in unison alongside Sora- every thought she had just melted away. He always seemed to do that, make her feel as if she could do anything, be anything. It sounded silly but- his light made hers stronger somehow. It radiated within her a warmth that felt so comforting she never wanted it to leave.

After clearing the area, they had decided to take a quick swim in the spring nearby and were now sunning themselves like a couple of lizards on the forest floor. They had taken off their shoes and fully let themselves relax for what felt like an eternity. Peaceful, it was so peaceful that Kairi felt she could fall into a sleep here without a care in the world.

“I’m glad you brought me here. It’s so pretty.” Kairi turned to Sora, her eyes welling with shimmering light. After hours of training, Sora had dropped by unannounced, unattended by the other two little half-pints, to whisk her away for a “well-deserved break” as he put it. At the time he had a shy grin on his face, letting her know that really, he had just wanted to see her. Not that she minded. She wanted to see him too.

“I had to! I mean you love flowers and well the beach back home isn’t as green as this. Heck, I hadn’t even seen some of the plants here before. It’s really something- all those worlds we wanted to see- just there’s always something new.” Sora blurted out, his excitement burgeoning behind an uncontrollable grin. He rubbed the back of his neck and leaned forward. “Sorry, I’m getting a bit too excited. I’ve been wanting to show you all these new things for so long. Every time I see something I think, “Kairi and Riku need to see this!”

Kairi giggled. Sora did seem to be holding in boundless energy every time she saw him. “I want to see it all with you. I mean, we always wanted to travel and learn everything we could. Even just seeing this world makes me want to go to all kinds of places with you- and Riku too…” Kairi tucked a stray piece of hair from her face. She felt almost embarrassed to say anything more- to tell him that really, she wanted to just run away with him right now. Leave it all behind. But that would be selfish, wouldn’t it? They had to face Xehanort. Even if that meant risking their lives. Still, that incredible wanderlust creaked within her bones. Even now her heart began to beat faster at the thought of Sora whisking her away to world after world. She could just picture it-brisk walks on stardust touched beaches, huddling close in frigid snow-kissed air, or dancing on the tips of their toes across warm cobblestones-

Everything. Just experience it all-together- hand in hand in a world all their own.

Kairi felt something lightly fall on her head. A light gasp escaped her lips at the sensation. It tickled her eyelashes as she looked up to greet Sora’s impish grin. Her hand reached up to touch the delicate petals of a ring of flowers he had placed on her head. Her eyes widened. “When did you…”

“Oh just while you were humming to yourself earlier. Did I do a good job? I mean I’m not as good at connecting them together as you…but I did have a good teacher.” Sora winked.

Tears pricked the edges of her eyes. When they were children, Kairi often spent her time near the shore picking small wildflowers and clover. One of the few things she remembered about her grandmother was her love of flowers and the way she used to weave together flower crowns. It used to make her feel like she was almost home again, weaving the flowers together, creating something from nothing. It was cathartic. For hours she would lose herself in the action- maybe that was why piecing shells together also soon became second nature. Once, Sora sat down next to her, and watched intently as she connected each stem of clover flower without asking any questions. When she was done, he told her how pretty it was and how “he wanted one too.”

For a few days after school, they would go down to the shore, make flower crowns, and pretend they were a King and Queen of the flower people. Well, the last part was entirely Sora’s idea. When she thought back on it- Kairi wondered if Sora did that to help her feel better about being homesick. She had missed her grandmother so badly back then. Every day she felt so alone. But then…Sora was there. And Riku…and the three of them found new things to do together.

Back then, Kairi hadn’t paid a second thought to the idea that most boys wouldn’t find what she was doing that interesting. Thinking about it now, Sora probably only said he wanted one too so she wouldn’t feel lonely- after all…she wasn’t the fastest runner or could hold her own at the time in a mock sword fight. What she was good at was making things, connecting flowers, shells, and bits of shattered sea glass into stars shapes or crowns. Her room back home was filled with makeshift stars, unfinished and marred imitations of the charm Sora now held close as an oath to her. Her childish fantasies of an unbreakable connection, made real and whole through a brush of their fingers as she passed the charm to him. Her fingertips warmed as she recalled his touch.

Now, with the newly coronated flower crown atop her reddened locks-Kairi felt that same bubbling joy well up inside her.

Kairi couldn’t believe Sora had still remembered that time or well had even retained his “flower-tying skills” as he used to call it. Sora had remembered a time that even she had pushed back deep into the depths of her heart. “I think that you retained some skill.” Kairi puffed out her chest. “But I think I’m still the master. So, I’m going to work my magic! It’s only fair that you have one to match.”

Sora chuckled and placed both hands behind his head. “Well, I guess we’re off flower picking then huh?” His hips swayed from side to side, his legs acting listless as if they hadn’t moved in hours.

Kairi bounced up on her heels, feeling a renewed vigor in her veins. “Yep! Lead the way, King!”

“King?” Sora’s jaw slacked. “Gosh, when you say it like that it only reminds me of “the King.”

Kairi lightly patted Sora on the shoulder. “Now, now.” Kairi chided. “There can be more than one King and Kings of different things. He may be “the King” but you- you’re my Flower King right?” An impish grin filled her cheeks. Sora blinked a few times before averting his eyes. She could swear a tinge of red was on the tips of his ears.

“Geez flower King? Don’t tell Riku, or Donald or Goofy- I’ll never live that down.”

“But I’m the flower Queen- we have to match!” Kairi pointed an accusatory finger at him. Sora jumped back a beat, his deep blue eyes tinged with uncertainty. Soon, his eyes swirled with glimmering sunshine, his smile so subtle she found herself itching to gently brush her fingers across his lips. Her cheeks heated at the thought.

“Okay, I mean if you are I have to be then.” Sora put a hand over his mouth to muffle a laugh. Though clearly uncomfortable, there was a hint of joy in those words. Poking fun at him like this was almost too nostalgic. With ease, she slid her hand into his and gave it a tight squeeze. He recoiled slightly before sheepishly squeezing her hand back. His eyes wouldn’t meet hers, but she knew- he was just a tad shy still.

Hand in hand they traversed the woods searching for violet, azure, and fuchsia hues. Their still bare feet brushing against rough patches of dirt and slick grass, staining their toes a light green as they went. The morning dew, still kissing the tips of their hair, kept them cool against the ever-rising sun. Every flower they came across seemed more beautiful than the rest- they gathered until they were spilling out onto the ground beneath them. Sora sneezed a few times, sending them flying much more than he would have liked. The air filled with laughter as they collected them all again, each time regretting having over-prepared their bounty.

They returned to the clearing in no time at all-and she set about her work. Connecting the flowers together wasn’t hard- but choosing which flowers suited Sora best- well that took some thinking. Baby’s breath, delicate and kind, hydrangeas as blue and calming as the sea, red carnations brandishing the passionate courage in his heart, and yellow calla lilies to represent his happy disposition. When she was done- it was a crown only befitting him. When she held it up against the light, the shadows cast across her face danced- truly she could think of it as her best work yet. Smirking and a bit too proud, Kairi stood up and delicately laid the crown atop her “King’s” head.

“I, Flower Queen Kairi dub thee- Sora- Flower King.” In a grand bow, Kairi placed a hand over her heart, glancing up at him with mischief and mirth.

Sora’s wide toothy grin greeted her. “It’s an honor!” He paused, searching his mind before snapping his fingers in the realization of something important. “Does it look Kingly?”

“I think it suits you, just as mine suits me.” Kairi spun on her heels, dancing as she delicately brushed the petals she adorned. She gave Sora a taunting wink as she thrust out her hand. “I’d say a dance is in order, sire.”

A deep laugh escaped his chest as Sora jumped up to grab her hand and pull her close. Their eyes connected as if a thread between them became taught, sure, and certain that the entire world around them could just melt away into nothing, and it would all be alright. One step, then two, a sway and a swish, he even threw in a twirl or two as they danced to the bubbling brook and twilling birds. The melody in their hearts flowed and swirled at a tempo that pulled her into a sense of weightlessness. The countless times she dreamed of the two of them, blissfully dancing, suddenly made it real.

It was real, him, her, this moment. It was a sensation, a scent, a feeling she wanted to bottle up and keep close- like an herbarium filled with preserved flowers. Bright, opulent, and ever so warm. As their dance slowed, and her heart settled, Kairi leaned her head on Sora’s shoulder, letting herself melt into his rising chest. It was then Kairi knew that home wasn’t ever far anymore. That homesickness had long flitted away like petals in the wind once she let Sora into her heart. Now, every time she thought of their memories, these moments, the rise and fall of his chest, his heartbeat…Kairi knew somehow she was always closer to home.

Years Before

*.*.*.*

The bluff at the edge of town was filled with clover flowers. Though she had been warned with a stern shake of the mayor’s finger, and a disapproving huff or two from the town elders, Kairi always found herself foraging for flowers here. The wind blowing through her hair, and the misty salt air gently caressing her chubby cheeks made her feel more at home here than anywhere else on the island. In the afternoon quiet, only the rumbling low roar of the waves had been keeping her company. Lightly and carefully, she hummed a melody as she worked, losing herself in knot after knot.

*.*.*.*

“What do you think she’s doing?” Sora muttered in a hushed tone, trying to keep his usually loud voice as quiet as possible. He was huddled on his haunches behind a large hedge, practically wiggling to keep himself from falling over. He and Riku had followed Kairi from a distance like two ducks up the winding hillside. When they had seen her leaving the Mayor’s house she had been stomping and letting out a long-winded sigh or two. Riku had said that she was “probably angry” and that it mostly had to do with her going off alone. Sora, being extremely curious about Kairi ever since she had arrived on the beach, had never not kept watch over her. So, Riku being Riku had suggested they follow her, knowing well that Sora would have found himself trailing after her absentmindedly.

Riku let out a sigh and shook his head. “She’s going to make something again. The last time she came back down from here she had a crown of flowers in her hands. That’s probably what she plans on doing.”

“Hmm, that seems more lonely than fun. She’s all by herself.” Sora pursed his lips, his nose scrunching up. He crossed his arms and readjusted his drooping bum with a light hop. “Seems like it’d be better to do with more people.”

Riku raised a brow, then smirked as he realized something important. “You know, if you want to join her nothing’s stopping you. We can go back to the play island any old time.”

“But it feels like if I go over now, I’d be like- I don’t know- I’d um make her mad…”

“Mad?”

“You always say I talk too much. Kairi seems a bit scared when I do that.” Sora looked down at his fidgeting toes. “Still, I think she’s lonely.”

“She just doesn’t know much about us yet. And well you do talk a lot. My dad says sometimes though that just being near someone without saying anything is enough.” Riku crossed his arms, and nodded, certain his father’s words were true.

“Really Riku?”

“Yeah, Really.” Riku put a hand on Sora’s head and gave his hair a quick ruffle. “Now, no more waiting!” Riku placed both hands on Sora’s back and pushed him forward- not even worried if he would fall over on his face. Usually, he did, and Sora had to brace himself for a fall that didn’t come. Instead, he found himself balancing on one foot and staring into the wide cerulean eyes of a frightened girl.

*.*.*.*

When a rustling bounded behind her Kairi gasped and found herself on her feet, her hands clutched close to her chest. A familiar head of spikes was what first caught her eyes, then the twigs and leaves sticking out every-which-way, followed by the shy grin of a boy caught doing something he shouldn’t.

“Geez, Sora! You scared me!” Kairi tucked her hair behind her ear as if she were suddenly aware of her own messy mop.

“Sorry, Kairi! Me and Riku were just…” Sora paused to look behind him. Not a soul was in sight. “Aw man, where’d he go? We were just talking about…ugh never mind.” Sora stood up straight and puffed out his chest as he shook the stray twigs and leaves from his head. Once he was done, he placed both hands behind his head. “So…what-cha doing?”

“Making flower crowns…” Kairi mumbled under her breath, feeling herself carefully enunciate each word. Sora was nice, after all, he was the one who found her on the beach that day. But a part of her felt scared, nervous, and a bit rumbly in her tummy when she talked to him. He was always so bright, and his grin was wider than his face. Kairi didn’t know how to be around him. Kairi turned her back to him and smoothed the ends of her dress.

“Okay.” Sora uttered. He continued to stare at her, unmoved until she decided to sit back down among her work. As she picked more flowers, she began to take more glances over at Sora. He watched her intently, swaying from side to side on the edges of his sandals. He stayed that way for a beat then promptly plopped down next to her. Kairi’s breath hitched in her throat at the sudden invasion in her little bubble. But Sora didn’t say anything, although his face was twisted into an unnatural frown, alerting her he really did want to say something.

Kairi tried her best to get back to her crown, but she fumbled with shaky fingers as she tied the tiny stems together. Her lips moved into a fine line, her teeth biting down into the corners of her cheeks. Again, soon she became lost in the motions, not even noticing Sora get up and go look around. Moments later he dropped back down next to her, this time, with a handful of clovers.

“It’s really pretty.” Sora blurted out. His eyes were wide, expectant.

A shivering jolt went through her back, and Kairi shyly looked back down at her completed crown. He said it was pretty, what she made. A slight hint of pride wafted through her chest. “Thanks…”

“I-I want one too!” Sora’s voice was louder than he intended, for Kairi almost fell back at the sudden noise. She made sure to quickly put on a smile for the boy looked almost as if he would cry if he knew she was scared.

“Okay, I’ll teach you.” Kairi found a new strength in her voice. She was more confident now. A voice inside her heart, but from where she didn’t know, whispered caressing words.

Whenever you feel lonely, look to the flowers. Surround yourself with them, let them take root in your heart. Every moment may seem small, but you can make them bigger and more beautiful. For those moments when you’re alone, the flowers will remind you of me and of those who love you. That light in your heart will continue to bloom and grow, as long as you let it. Adorn your head with a crown of flowers, my dear. Adorn the head of the one you love. Find that light, never lose sight of it.

Notes:

Thank you for reading! This fic was inspired by the prompt King and Queen for SoKai Week 2021. Visiting Sora and Kairi's childhood and what they meant to each other during that time was pure joy. I hope that this little bundle of fluff reminds you of the wonder of picking flowers as a child, and how even the smallest acts of kindness can mean the world to someone else. I tried to add in some of Sora's flowers from his herbarium by super groupies as well as flowers that spoke to his personality. Fun fact: Clover flowers were something that I would gather when I was a child, and luckily they do grow at least in Hawaii at high elevations, so it's possible they could be on the mainland in Destiny Islands!

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#sokaiweek2021 #sokaiweek #kingdom hearts #kingdom hearts fanfiction #sokai #sora and kairi #kairi #sora #kingdomheartsfanfiction #KH #kingdomhearts

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queenof-literature · 4 years ago

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A Sick Wild Child - Chapter 9

Here it is! Thank you all so much for being so supportive during and after my break from writing. As many of you know, I’m struggling a lot with everything going on and it means the world to me that y’all are so sweet and supportive. I hope you enjoy the latest chapter!

Chapter 9 - The Eye in the Storm

Time didn’t just dread injuries because he grew worried. Of course he worried when one of the boys was injured, it was always terrible to see one of his companions in pain. But he also dreaded it because there was one emotion he truly feared for both himself and the others… boredom.

Staying in one place for an extended period of time got all the Links restless in different ways. The only bright side of this situation was he didn’t have to worry about Wild fist fighting a bear for fun. He did however, have to worry about the others. He had to worry about Four and Legend disappearing and returning covered in flora and fauna they wanted to observe. He had to worry about Hyrule and Warriors getting a hold of fire weapons. He had to worry about Sky and Twilight going cliff diving if they were around an ocean. The same went for Wind if he got his hands on a raft, they might not see him for hours. He also had to worry about himself, the part of him that never disappeared after years of Termina and stasis and countless travels through time, itching to run away and become a child of the forest again, even if just for a day. Time worked hard to push those thoughts down.

Sky had managed to throw together something that night after their small fight over what they should have. They had managed without Wild’s skills and slate before, they could do it again. However, it was obvious the antsy group missed their cook. Said boy was still curled in Warriors’ bed roll, cold clothes placed upon both his forehead and neck after his last bout of delirium. Delirium that Time truly wished he could forget.

Based on what the terrified boy had murmured, Twilight and Time, two of the eight people he should be able to trust most, practically tortured him. Time going as far to burn him with a torch. And Din above was that a knife to the heart. Time knows, he knows that fever dreams didn’t make sense, but weren’t all dreams from the subconscious? Did Wild think that would happen? Was he scared deep down that his allies would become his enemies? Time wanted to say no, but he was never one to lie to himself. After all Wild had gone through, parts of him would never be unscathed. The same went for every Link, after all they had been through. Time was more worried about what the boy’s Hyrule had done to him. Forced into battle before he was even a teenager, betrayed and murdered by the Guardians he was supposed to trust, constantly on the lookout for traitors sworn to Ganon, it was no wonder the boy was paranoid. And these fears were constantly in his nightmares. The fever dreams must have been Hell.

Twilight wasn’t taking it well either. He seemed to have calmed down a bit after his conversation with Warriors, but Time could tell this was all getting to him. The lengths Twilight would go to help his friends was admirable, if not terrifying sometimes. But no amount of healing, potions, and worrying would fix this, and that was starting to sink in for everyone. No matter how much Twilight did, all he could was try and make it better. Twilight didn’t cope well with not being able to help, none of them did, especially with Wild.

Speaking of, Wild had been dead silent since he had passed out in Legend’s arms. Besides the small rasps coming from his mouth and the weak stutters of his chest, the boy was completely still. After some debate they decided to put Twilight’s pelt over him again. It had always been comforting to him, and who knows if he would even remember his panic over what Dream Twilight did to him. Hylia, Time hoped not. Time hoped Wild’s silence meant he was having a good enough dream, or maybe not dreaming at all.

The chatter around the campfire was scarce that night, no one having the energy to talk outside the small conversations they had with those near them. Legend seemed perfectly fine with shoving a groggy Hyrule back to bed as soon as he finished dinner. Hyrule certainly didn’t put up much of a fight, clearly tired from healing Wild throughout the day. It wasn’t the worst they had seen him after healing, but there was no reason for him to not sleep it off. As much as Time didn’t want to admit it, they may need Hyrule’s abilities later. Nothing else seemed to be helping. Time didn’t want to make Hyrule feel like they were exploiting him, but Wild needed water and the only time he was able to keep it down was when Hyrule healed him. Time wasn’t willing to believe that was a coincidence, they needed to get Wild to hold down any water they could. But Time truly wanted anything else than to wake up their exhausted sorcerer. It was quite a conundrum.

“I could hear you thinking from across camp.” Sky stated softly, settling beside Time.

“I don’t want to wake Hyrule, but Wild needs water.” Time said bluntly, not having the desire to beat around the bush.

“Hmm. Well.” Sky pondered for a moment. “Wild can go the night right? When I was little, I was really stubborn when I was sick. Sun tried to get me to eat, drink, or do anything really and I just wouldn’t.” Sky put his hand on Time’s shoulder. “ I know it’s not the same thing, but let’s give Wild the night, and as long as his condition doesn’t change, we’ll let Hyrule rest for a while. Now that we’re staying here for the time being, we can let Hyrule rest and help Wild a bit until he can keep things down. I know it’s not the best solution, but we all know you’re not trying to force Hyrule into exhausting himself.” Sky radiated comfort, and Time felt bad for subtly soaking it up. It wasn’t fair, he shouldn’t force decisions on the other Links. But Hylia, he was just so tired.

“Sounds like a good plan.” Time’s lips turned up slightly, and Sky knew that was a thank you. A thank you for taking some weight off of Time’s shoulders, even if it was a laughably small amount. But it was the least Sky could do.

Wild was pretty sure he was stone. There was no other reason for his limbs to be so heavy. The only thing he could really feel was pain. He couldn’t be sure where it was the worst, he was floating. He just knew he was cold. So, so cold. Wild didn’t like being cold, not when after he learned there were ways to be truly warm. Another feeling reached him, weight on top of him that he appreciated, and the fluttering of eyelashes he struggled to recognize as his own.

“...think- waking up.” Voices drifted in and out of his mind.

“-nother… -mare?” These voices sounded weird.

“-ild?” These were outside of his body.

Opening his eyes took more strength than anything he had ever done, but he needed to see where the voices were coming from. Slowly his eyes pried open.

Everything was blurry, but he could see shadows moving around him. If they were enemies, he couldn’t bring himself to care. It wasn’t like he could move anyway.

“Wild?” A voice filtered into his head, more clear than before. Colors swirled as he pried open his eyes, and Wild struggled to push down the nausea that rose, determined to find out where the voices were coming from.

“Wild? Can you hear us?” The fog cleared slightly, the first thing he saw being a colorful tunic. He knew that voice… right?

The swirling subsided a little more, now resting on the edges of his vision. The shadows that previously surrounded him were replaced by figures he recognized. He tried so hard to remember their names, and why he suddenly felt like crying. He didn’t know anything in that moment other than the figures surrounding him being warm, and Wild was still so cold.

“C-c-ld” Wild croaked out pathetically, frustration creeping up to replace confusion. Something cold and wet was surrounding him, soaking his skin. He tried to move his head in a weak attempt to get rid of the cold, but all he got was vertigo.

“Sor-... -an’t. Fever i-” Ringing filled Wild’s ears.

“I think he’s waking up.” Four rushed out, bringing the idle chatter around the fire to an abrupt halt. Lo and behold, the boy’s eyes fluttered, eyes flickering beneath.

“Do you think it’s another nightmare?” Wind called out hesitantly.

“I can’t tell. Wild?” Four called softly, placing his hands on his shoulder. Blurry eyes opened, revealing a sickly haze. But they weren’t frantic, just exhausted.

“I don’t think he is. He isn’t panicked. Wild?” Four asked again as the others gathered closer around him. Legend, Sky and Warriors gathered behind Four, while Time and Twilight stayed back, clearly uncomfortable with potentially sending him into another panic. Wind stayed back with them and held onto Twilight’s hand, squeezing when he noticed how much not being able to help hurt Twilight. The older squeezed back in thanks.

“Wild?” Sky asked. “Can you hear us?” The sick boy’s half lucid eyes flickered in their direction, and they could have thrown a goddess damned party over such a simple action. Legend almost went over and woke Hyrule to celebrate. Wild hadn’t been this coherent since he got smacked into that tree, not without being in a hallucination. His eyes were fogged and consciousness was barely there, but it was still the most awake he had been since this whole thing started.

“C-c-ld.” Wild croaked out, shaking his head slowly. Four reached out and gently stopped the movement, worried for the headache Wild was probably sporting.

“I’m so sorry, Wild but we can’t. Your fever is too high, we’ve done everything we can.” Sky tried to reassure, but he doubted Wild understood any of it. He looked to Four to confirm Wild’s fever still hadn’t broken. Four solemnly shook his head. Wild’s eyes continued to look around, seeming to search for something, but the others didn’t know for what.

“W-lf.” Wild choked out, his weak right hand reached out, only making it an inch before tumbling back down against his chest, clutching weakly at the furs laid on top of him.

“Wolf? Are you trying to say wolf?” Legend asked, glancing back at Twilight.

“W-” Wild was cut off by a rough cough. Four was ready to roll him over for choking that never came. Time could see the relief the other Links had that Wild seemed to be better, if not slightly. He wanted to remind them that this was just an eye in the storm, that sometimes with illnesses it got better before it got worse… but he didn’t have the strength to crush their hope. Deep down they all knew this wasn’t the beginning of the downhill, it was just a lull. But they deserved to have a little joy after all they had seen Wild go through.

“He’s the most coherent he’s been in awhile. We should give him water.” Warriors pulled a water pouch from seemingly nowhere.

“W-w-lf.” Wild insisted.

“Get over there! You heard him!” Wind whisper-shouted, shoving Twilight forward with a small snicker. Twilight hesitantly made his way over to Wild, eyes burned into him, watching to see what Wild’s reaction would be. He knew the other Links didn’t mean to freak him out, but they certainly weren’t helping.

Twilight gently kneeled on one knee next to Wild on the other side of Four, ready to back track if Wild showed any sign of discomfort at Twilight being there.

“Hey Cub.” Wild’s eyes stopped for a moment, and the entire world halted, everyone waited with bated breath. Slowly eyes flickered over to Twilight, and eyes that had been dull for so long finally lit up, if only just by a little spark.

“W-ol-T-Twi.” Wild gasped, and the others could have sworn Wild’s lips twitched upwards.

“Yeah, Cub.” Twilight’s shoulders relaxed, dropping completely to both knees as the other Links smiled. Legend thought about teasing the cheesy sight before him but thought better of it. Hyrule would love to see Wild doing better. Aw shit, Hyrule slept through this. Hyrule was gonna kill him-

“See if you can get him to drink some water. He doesn’t seem as nauseous” Warriors insisted, handing Twilight the water pouch.

“What if he throws it up?” Sky questioned.

“He can’t keep going like this.” Legend nodded to Twilight to try.

“Alright, Cub. This might hurt for a moment.” Twilight soothed, before lifting Wild’s back gently into his lap, the cub’s head resting against his lower chest. With only a small gasp of pain, Wild was situated well enough.

“Small sips.” Twilight directed, carefully pouring some water into Wild’s mouth. The boy coughed a little, but soon strained to get more cool water into his sore throat. “Slow down.” Twilight soothed, placing his hand on Wild’s forehead to stop his squirming. Wild managed to drink half the small pouch before obviously having his fill.

“Thank Hylia.” Sky breathed.

“Don’t thank her yet.” Legend huffed. “He could still heave it back up.”

“Maybe stop talking about it around him and he won’t.” Warriors hissed.

“How ya feeling Wild?” Four asked, deciding now would be a good time for a change of subject.

“Ngh.” Came the eloquent response. It was better than Four expected in all honesty. Twilight snorted a little at that.

“That good huh?” Twilight chuckled. He went to put Wild down and let the boy get the sleep he obviously needed. But the cub reached up and grabbed Twilight’s hand where it had come to rest on the boy's chest. Twilight could have easily shaken off the weak hand if he wished, but Hylia hadn’t Wild gone through enough already?

Wild’s eyes flickered up once more, resting on Twilight’s face. The cub’s hand squeezed so light Twilight could barely feel it, and the man quickly covered their hands with his other one. Wild’s hands were cold and pale.

“S-stay.” Wild pleaded.

“Okay, Cub. I’ll stay.”

#linked universe #linkeduniverse #lu #legend of zelda #loz #wild #twilight #time #warriors #four #legend #hyrule #sky #wind #soft legend #A Sick Wild Child #queenof-literature #queenof-literature story #QoL Story

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halo-jpeg · 4 years ago

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Bearable | A Reddie Fanfiction

Read it from the beginning

Chapter 6.5

After 8:00 pm Stanley hadn't expected any more customers- Mrs. Earnshaw had told him he could close just after 9:00, which was a mere 30 minutes away. Curled up behind the counter with The Shining held in shaking hands, he was letting the time slip slowly by as the sweet aroma of flora and fauna soothed the otherwise expected fear from his veins. Despite the steadily rising intensity of the book, Stan simply couldn't feel afraid. Even as Jack Torrance ran from bloodthirsty hedge animals, the atmosphere was too pleasant to be spoiled by nerves. Roses on Deane was a beautiful little shop and Stan had discovered a newfound interest in plant life because of it; with only one day of work experience, he was already captivated by the leaves and the petals, the different soils, the surprising amount of knowledge and care it took to nurse and mother a plant. The shop wore dark Jacobean-toned paneling, shelves and shelves of flourishing plants lining each and every one. The lights were dim during the evening, allowing the red-hued artificial ones to feed the plants as needed throughout the course of the night, giving everything the feel as if he were disconnected from the world. If he let his imagination wander, he could convince himself that this building, his building, was floating in a state of suspension, where time had stilled and he could sit, silent, for the rest of eternity.

Ever since he was a child he had used this state of suspension as a getaway. From the ages two to seven, the trigger, the gateway, the one thing that allowed the disconnect had been his nightlight. To Stan, that nightlight in the shape of a star, giving off it's warm gold hue, had meant safety and youth. As he grew, the nightlight passed away and instead his trigger was the space in his closet, where he had stuck small luminescent stars and hidden away whenever anything grew difficult. He'd go through his bird books and drown out the sounds of his parents fighting downstairs in the kitchen. After the closet, the disconnect came with more of a scenario than a place or an object. This scenario was harder to achieve, but when it happened, when he managed to let his mind float away, he had felt safer than ever before. This scenario was the feeling of the Barrens with Eddie and Bill. The endless hum of the Kenduskeag rushing on it's endless course often grabbed hold of his thoughts and carried them away right with it, down towards the ocean and out to sea. It often washed away everything except for his two closest friends. Together, in silence, the three would do nothing but sit and bask in the still nothingness, the timeless sense of being with one another and needing not to worry about school or bullies or the future. Roses on Deane was already emanating the soft, enveloping comfort, the warm tones and safe hues of a gateway. Without needing to debate it, Stanley knew that he would never be harmed here, among the plants and the flowers, surrounded by the rich scent of life and growth.

With his nose in his book, minutes passed though he hardly felt them. To be entirely honest, Stan could have sat there until long past closing time, time both entirely unmoving and racing past him all at once. The only reason he didn't was because he was given a customer- at least, he thought it was a customer until he placed his origami crane, folded out of deep blue gold-star speckled paper and used as a bookmark, into it's place and glanced up to greet them with a smile. That smile grew soft, surprised, almost, at the sight Bill Denbrough rather than anyone else who would have actually been interested in plants.

"H-Hey," He said with a gentle grin, approaching the counter, "Just w-wanted to stop by and say h-hello," Stanley rose from his seat, setting the book aside. He was about to greet Bill right back, maybe ask what he was doing out so late at night, but before he could Bill swiped the book from the countertop and flipped open to where Stan had left off. Reading a few lines with gently squinted eyes (it was difficult for Bill to read in the low-light, especially since he would soon discover he needed low-prescription reading glasses) he was reminded of exactly what had happened up to that point, and returned the book once more. "Great book, hu-huh? It only gets bu-better, trust me." Bill hopped up onto the counter, "So, h-how was the fir-irst day?" Stan had expected the tender atmosphere to wane, or maybe to shatter completely, at the sense of another presence- but Bill's being here only made it better. Stan leaned forwards, forearms rested on the aged wood of the cashiers till, and shrugged his shoulders.

"Slow, but... pleasant." A silence fell over the two like a weighted blanket. They didn't need to speak. If anyone understood Stan's need to retreat into silence, into this other world of the disconnect, it was Bill. He had never judged or laughed or mocked- Eddie hadn't, either, of course, but anyone could tell that he sometimes thought Stan to be... almost silly, in the way that he so often craved the quiet, the slowness. "What are you doing out so late?" At last Stanley voiced his question in a gentle, fuzzy tone, delicate like the soft pink petals of the flowers on display beside his elbow. They stood tall and proud from an intricate blue-glass vase, flourishing in the perfect conditions the shop provided. Just as it promised safety to Stan, it promised it to these plants. Bill scanned around, soaking in the details, relishing in them in the same way as his friend, and then finally responded, his voice just as light,

"Me and Eddie went to Richie's for dinner," He explained, "There aren't any leftovers but I can help you make something for yourself when we get home." Quirking a brow, Stan was met with a soft wave of questions, popping up like small green buds breaking from the dirt.

"You and Eddie? Willingly?" Stan asked with a hum, tilting his head and running his fingers gently through his curls, "And what do you mean 'we'? Are you... staying here?"

"It was... actually Eddie's idea, for dinner. Well... he got the call from Richie. I think he just wanted an excuse to hang up on his mom. She called him," Bill toed off his shoes and pulled his feet up onto the counter to sit cross-legged, in order to better look at Stan. The soft lighting bathed his face in an orange colour, giving him the image of a statue of gold. "It was actually pretty nice. We watched The Birds. I was thinking of how much you would've liked that movie the entire time- horror might not be your favourite, but I think you'd actually laugh," With a chuckle, Bill flashed his handsome grin, "It's stupid. And," he moved on to address Stan's last question, "If you didn't mind, I thought, maybe... I could stick around until you have to close up. I have nothing else planned and I missed you today."

"Oh," Stan straightened up, clasping his hands together, "I," He struggled for the words, something he rarely did, and then swallowed the lump in his throat and recomposed himself, "That would be nice, I think. If you really don't mind." Joining Bill on the counter, Stan removed his own shoes. Now, the two were sitting facing one another, legs crossed. It was no secret, at least to himself, that he had a crush on Bill. He had known it for years now- Bill was... perfect, in every form of the word. He was handsome and smart, and he had an extroverted self-assurance that Stan envied more than anything; but what Stan had really fallen for was the kindness, the endless fields of it. Bill was always kind. It amazed Stanley sometimes. There was music in the shop, so silent that he had hardly noticed it until now, in the total stillness. Mrs. Earnshaw enjoyed classical. He enjoyed classical all the same. "Hey, Bill?" Stan asked, his hands clasped in his lap. Bill met his gaze with his own, steady, steady.

"Yeah?"

"Do you ever... miss Derry? I know we haven't been gone for long, but..." Stan shrugged. He suddenly felt very silly for even asking. Again, Bill chuckled, a low sound that was anything but mocking. It was almost sad, the timbre of it, and Stan realized he wanted to take Bill's hand. He didn't.

"Yeah, I do."

"What do you miss most?" For a moment, Bill pondered, and then he said,

"The Barrens." Stan agreed with a small nod. Silence again, warm and comfortable. "What about you?"

"Probably the river. Sitting in the sunlight, surrounded by the nature and the water, even though it didn't always smell the best." As if having read his thoughts, Bill reached forwards and took both of Stan's hands in his. Bill's blue eyes were the same shade as the sky above the Barren's treetops. He didn't have to explain what he meant when he spoke,

"We'll find a new place like that here, I promise. It'll happen, soon, I'm sure. A new place where we can all just... sit. And be. Maybe a place where everyone else can be with us, too." Stan felt that this moment, right now, with his hands in Bill's, their faces inches apart- he felt like this moment was more important than it seemed to be on the surface. Like there was more to it than just a promise between friends. It felt almost like the day before, in Portland Authentic with Richie, with Ben, with Mike and Eddie and Beverly behind the counter. Something similar yet drastically different from the disconnect weighed on his shoulders, something else that was comforting but in an entirely different way. The disconnection comforted him because he felt nothing- this new weight, the overbearing presence he had felt for no more than a moment, had been like that of a mothers love. For the briefest moment the solidity fell out from under him and he really was floating- but then, he was right back there with Bill in front of him and his whole entire future stretching wide and endless like the oceans led to by the Kenduskeag.

#reddie #reddie fanfiction #richie tozier #eddie kaspbrak #stan uris #stanley uris #bill denbrough #stenbrough #beverly marsh #ben hanscom #benverly #mike hanlon #it #it movie #it chapter 1 #it chapter 2 #it 2017 #it 2019 #the losers club

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komahinasecretexchange · 5 years ago

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Title: Setsunai

Author: @sonivegas

For: @entraptantrum

Rating/Warnings: G - T

Prompt: Awkward first kisses

Author’s notes: WAAAAAAAAAAAAA i am so sorry in advance for this. absolute Mess. i wanted to make the prompt part itself better/more prominent though i think i was trying to juggle the ‘plot’ (introspection and two lads chatting) and two of the prompts? words hard……. either way, i hope this is alrighty!!(??) i hope you like it (even a tiny bit) + happy new year!!! :]

Hajime Hinata thought, on that fall day, that some things never really changed.

All the while knowing, as he remembered his classmates, who were not unlike broken live wires dangling helplessly over open water, that everything was anything but the same. And yet… Every time he’d close his eyes, he could just faintly see the silhouetted figures of his classmates, his classmates, every motion and every day blending together like time never existed for them; acting as if they were nothing but average teenagers. Hell, by now Hinata knew that they weren’t even teenagers anymore. He’d always see the fall colours behind their silhouettes, dead leaves dancing around their figures though they looked like nothing more than a backdrop in a school play. Or maybe that was wishful thinking on his end. After all, it was their choice, their fault, for losing sight of themselves and giving into despair, wasn’t it? That’s what he’d always tell himself to soften the blow of reality. ‘Close off your heart.’ ‘Don’t think about the past.’ ‘Just keep moving forward.’ That’s all he was ever good for anyways. Or at least now he knows that he is.

A cool hand gently taps his shoulder twice. Komaeda, he figured from the touch alone. No one else had hands as cold as his. “Hinata-san, I don’t mean to be rude by that gesture, but I really need you to pay attention for just a moment.” Sonia’s face was leaned in a mere few inches from Hinata’s face when he turned around and, undoubtedly, scaring the life out of the boy. It was about then that it clicked in his mind that, yes, it was a colder season now— the winter attire hadn’t come in their newest shipment, so everyone had icicles for hands, and not just the guy who seemed to occupy his headspace more than he liked. Craning his neck back slightly (though not enough to be insulting), he could only try his best to compose his voice. “Sorry, yeah,” He cleared his throat and plastered a polite smile, “What— what’s the matter, then?” Sonia looked away and pressed her lips shut, hesitating on something, before she finally looked back at Hinata with concern laced in her eyes. “I think… he might in the warehouse again.” Ah. A cold sinking feeling dropped like lead in Hinata’s stomach. Hinata knew exactly who “he” was; he didn’t need to ask again, he didn’t even need to ask what the situation was, he simply went as fast his legs could carry him towards the fifth island, only nodding to Sonia before he pushed off the concrete. When it came to the general recovery of the islands, they were doing rather well. The trees were healing from rot and decay, and new branches were sprouting out from the body. Somewhere in the heart Hinata tried to close up, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of hope. He found it strange that he would even pay attention to something like that, but he’d be lying if he said his outlook on life as a whole didn’t change after everything that happened. Whereas in contrast to his highschool days, he wouldn’t give a damn whether one man or twenty got killed in a shooting on the news; nowadays he finds himself tiptoeing with caution even with the smallest of ant hills. It wasn’t something he talked about, there was no need to open up about something as trivial or stupid as that. Yet, no matter what he convinced himself of, being aware of the life around him, his friends, flora, fauna, whatever else is there in between… that was truly something he couldn’t deny caring about. So what was it like for everyone else, with autumn’s undeniable melancholy, to see everything dying and fading away to dust and dirt in the cold?

Or was he the only one feeling this childish? It was only a few moments after stepping off the bridge that he noticed a familiar green hoodie haphazardly pulled over a mop of white hair, feeling the icy weight in his stomach evaporating into thin air. But it wasn’t the warehouse, like he expected it to be, but rather—

“Ah, Hinata-kun!” A distant but cheery voice called out to him, and this time, it wasn’t a sickeningly sweet façade; it wasn’t even the condescending tone dripping with the venom he’d once heard in the past. Hinata padded towards the ruined administration building, faintly remembering Jabberwock Park being exactly where Komaeda now stood admiring the maple trees. Hinata could only try to smile back despite himself.

“It’s strange, isn’t it?” Komaeda spoke barely above a whisper as Hinata came to a stop beside him, both of them never breaking eye contact with the scene surrounding the them. “It feels like time has gone by so much slower, even though this is already our second autumn together.” Somehow it felt like there was a reason why Komaeda wouldn’t look back at him.

“Sonia told me that you would be at the warehouse.”

“Oh… was there an obligation to be at the warehouse?” He finally broke his gaze to look back with stormy eyes, “Or are you still wary of me?”

“I’m not—!” Hinata bit his tongue down. He didn’t want to say anything unnecessary; not now, not when he felt like… this. There was no reason to fight. “What are you doing here anyway? It’s far too cold out here.” “It’s fine, I think I’ve gotten used to the cold bit by bit.” Komaeda replied, “I just like spending time like this.” Hinata sighed, running a hand through his messy hair, “It’s not fine if you get a fever tomorrow. Tsumiki has medicine stored in the kitchen cabinet, but it’s not worth risking it.” The other boy did nothing but nonchalantly shrug, “I’d hate to be a burden on anyone, but you’re saying that as if I’m as reckless as you are.” He spoke with a slight grin that was enough to adorn his face. Or maybe it was just that seeing Komaeda happy in any sense was enough for him. A cool breeze swept through the island, silencing the two, while making a shiver run up Hinata’s spine and goosebumps line his arms; he could tell Komaeda was cold too, but somehow, more than anything, he wanted to be out here at this very moment with the one person who might understand him.

“Hinata-kun…” The other was the first to break the silence, “What would you say the feeling of setsunai is?”

An abrupt question, one that Hinata had no clue how to answer as they both fell into thoughtful silence; yet, it was exactly what he needed to hear. Komaeda hesitated, opening and closing his mouth before he finally took a deep breath and spoke, “If you don’t mind me answering my own question… I think, it feels like autumn itself.” Gently holding onto the leaves that were burnt orange and red, Hinata noted, was how he grounded himself as he talked – even if his already pale fingers grew deathly pale in the freezing wind. There was something that resonated in Komaeda’s words. Setsunai, at least… was a rather peculiar feeling. Something akin to nostalgia, pain, like a bittersweet note plucked in one’s heart. Watching time flow like a never-ending sandglass was all Hinata could do while the days passed, seeing the sun dipping into the horizon night after night, as the world revolved around the sun like it was a promise; though some things never changed. He never changed. He could never change, but only could watch as the world around him continued to evolve. Or rather, the world around them continued to evolve. Winter lead to spring, spring lead to summer, and summer died and bled into autumn. Just like the orbiting earth, it was a promise to nature itself, that it would always come around. But it would always beg the question…

“Do you miss it? Our youth… being free from this pressure?”

Feeling his chest tighten up, Hinata gazed at Komaeda, hoping, pleading for him to understand. However ironic, considering this was the boy he distrusted the most in the past, but deep down he knew where his real feelings lay. He didn’t know why he was so desperate, but he wanted to know, just for once, if his heart resonated the same tone. Komaeda turned towards Hinata, shoving his hands in his pocket at long last. “I can’t say that I miss it, because we never lead the same lives.” Hinata held his breath and braced himself, he could never tell when the coin was flipped when it came to Komaeda; whether it was holding his hand without question or bashing him for his lack of talent, he was worryingly unpredictable. Though he continued, “I never once felt that I’d be deserving of being free but… in another life, I would long to be as ordinary as I could. I would long to be like you.” His words caught Hinata off guard, making him feel as if his lungs were being squeezed though he tried his damndest to shrug it off, “Ordinary isn’t as great as you make it out to be. Sometimes, it feels like you’re stuck. Like nothing is moving except the people around you, and sometimes…” He trailed off, hesitant. Komaeda’s fingertips gently touched his wrist, eliciting something like a static shock in Hinata’s chest, while the other only beamed at him, “I’m listening, but only if you want me to.” Hinata pushed back the urge to roll his eyes at that response and instead took a deep breath. “Sometimes it feels like, now those feelings I carried with me back then are affecting my friends. All of you. When I look at everyone, it feels like something’s missing. Something’s missing from our lives and I can’t even pretend that I don’t know what it is.” Hinata felt like the lead was back in his stomach, “Sometimes I just wish we could all be stupid, innocent teenagers, unafraid of losing time. I wish… I wish I didn’t have to feel afraid of change anymore.” ‘Sometimes, I feel like I’m nothing but cursed.’

‘I don’t want to lose anyone else.’

‘I’m afraid of caring too much again.’ A low hum came from Komaeda’s chest, as he lifted a finger to the bridge of his nose, when he suddenly made a distressed expression, “Ah…” He mumbled, “I forgot my glasses in the warehouse” Sighing, he shoved his hands back into his coat pockets with a little more force than needed. Whiplash aside, Hinata on the other hand, did nothing but gawk with wide eyes at the other, “I’m sorry, since when did you wear glasses? And why are they in the warehouse?” “Well… long story short,— because I would rather die than bore you with my antics— I realized my vision was going bad because I was reading at night, or maybe it was just bad luck— anyway, I didn’t want to bother anyone, so I’ve been trying to craft a pair of glasses with the materials in the warehouse.” Komaeda smiled warmly at Hinata, “I’ve been keeping people out so they wouldn’t see how atrocious my handiwork was!” Hinata scoffed, turning his head away so he wouldn’t think about the warmth he felt from Komaeda despite the biting cold. Feeling his lips go dry from the wind, he touched the tip of his tongue on his lips before speaking, “…So, all those times in the warehouse then, they weren’t—?” Komaeda shook his head, knowing what would come next. “It wasn’t that I was feeling suicidal…” He paused, braving a glance in Hinata’s direction only to find that he held his solemn gaze to the dying trees once more, “In fact, I owe that peace of mind to you… still, those lingering feelings of throwing my life away still hold me down, so, I take solace in this withering season. It reminds me that, despite everything… I’m still alive.” Hinata holds his breath, listening to Komaeda as he smiles to himself, just barely brushing Hinata’s arm with his own, “I don’t know what comes after this, or if I’ll even want to be around for that but… I’ll take that I have in this moment. This peace is what I long for even if it’s temporary. This is what I want to call hope.”

Silence wrapped the two of them like a blanket, where not even the wind could over power the white noise; but, like always, this kind of silence with Komaeda was never an uncomfortable one. Even if his very existence was unpredictable, even when they were trying to numb their feelings for the other, there was always a sense of mutual understanding amidst the silences.

“So, don’t you think we both understand what setsunai is in our own ways?” Komaeda smiled, a genuine one that even in the context of melancholy and hope overlapping each other like ocean waves, felt like a breath of fresh air. Both the sadness and joy intertwined of time flowing created this feeling— a chord of emotions twisting their strings into one, but it was one strong enough to create a bond between those he cared for and loved and that maybe, just maybe, that was alright for now.

“I don’t know. It’s still so strange… I always thought I’d be the one supporting the others in their time of need. But now that I myself feel lost in my own ways, it’s you who’s helping me.” And now Hinata was sure of it; the brushing of each others’ arms wasn’t accidental, when Komaeda leaned into him just a little more. “Hinata-kun, more than anything, I hope we both can remember that there is both good and bad in time passing, and that if you ever feel like you can’t keep up then… I hope I can be there for you too.” The swelling feeling in his chest was unbearable at those words. “Yeah, well—” “I’m glad I met you, Hinata-kun. I’m glad I’m still here with you.” He couldn’t pry away Hinata couldn’t stop staring into Komaeda’s eyes. “I-I’m so sorry interrupted, you aren’t mad, are you?” Komaeda panicked slightly, taking the situation otherwise.

But now Komaeda could be sure of it too; that when Hinata grabbed the edges of his hood and pulled him closer, that the way their chapped lips clumsily brushed together, that they felt the exact same way. About their common ground when it came to change, and even their feelings. Even as the leaves continued falling to the ground below them.

#komahina #komahina secret exchange #fanfiction

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bellatrixobsessed1 · 4 years ago

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Kissing Dead Pearls (Part 19)

Azula winces, what a wonderful thing it is to wake up to such intense throbbing. It is expected but unpleasant all the same. Mostly her arm aches but her legs and abs aren’t feeling much better. She doesn’t need to look to know that her body is covered in a decent helping of bruises, some of which are quite notably large. She rolls over on the mattress several times over and resigns herself to that she won’t be getting comfortable no matter which way she positions and angles her body. The comfiest position has her weight pushing against a particularly large knot on her hip. She punches herself up and utters a soft irritated groan. At first she thinks that it is a miracle that she had slept at all that night, but it is rather clear that sheer exhaustion had knocked her out completely.

“I can get you some ice.” Katara mumbles as she rubs the sleep from her eyes.

Azula nods. “Ice might work.” She hopes that it will provide her with at least some relief.

She finds herself musing about what might have happened to her if she had successfully managed to get her boat on the waters before her father could catch her. What might have happened, had she tried this journey alone. Having left around a month earlier, she wouldn’t have run into that storm. But surely she would have had to deal with another.

She might not have made it. But then, she wouldn’t have had to worry over Katara and Zuko. She thinks of the snapped sail, about the unfurling of the storm sails. A sea storm is a task for many not for a solo adventurer. She wouldn’t have made it.

She thinks of Sokka, a solo adventurer.

Azula tries to still her thoughts, she is going to spiral... Katara comes back with the ice before she can. In the other girl’s hand is one of the small painkillers that had been prescribed to her at the hospital. Azula takes the pill from Katara and drinks it down.

“Here, let me.” Katara offers.

Azula turns her more aching shoulder to Katara and allows the girl to hold the ice pack to it. She sighs, “I feel like this is my fault. If I would have just stayed below deck…”

Azula cuts her off, “it isn’t your fault.” She has come to decide long ago that it never really is. She has come to decide long ago, that storms are to be feared. And yet she can’t ever truly shake away the intrigue. She isn’t sure what exactly it is, but something pulls her to them. She thinks that in some twisted way, it makes her feel closer to her mother.

“I still feel bad.” Katara sighs.

Azula shrugs, wincing in an instant.

“Don’t do that!” Katara scolds.

Azula gives her own sigh, she hadn’t realized just how much she shrugs until she had gone and mess her shoulder up. “I wanted to go out to sea.” She says after the pain passes and she can ungrit her teeth.

Katara gives a soft smile. “Regret it yet?”

Azula thinks for a moment. The first thing that comes to her mind is a sunset with dolphins and poorly cooked shrimp. The second is the feeling of cat fur on her calf and the horrid taste of pineapple seafood on her tongue. She finds that, even in conjuring, in her mind, the events of the storm that she most vividly latches onto her father’s tight embrace after it had come to pass. That fierce feeling of protectiveness and of being protected. There had been a closeness, one that hadn’t been there in such a long time. She thinks of the satisfying splash of her father’s final liquor bottle hitting the ocean water as it finally claims something from her that she hadn’t wanted in the first place.

“I don’t.”

Katara rolls her eyes, “of course not, that was probably fun for you.”

“Hmm.” Azula ponders again. It might have been had she not been so completely horrified. “It was...exciting, that’s for sure.”

“Exciting in a good way?”

She shakes her head. “Not this time.”

“Let’s go up on deck, Zuko said that your dad spotted land.”

“Land sounds wonderful.” She pauses. “Inhabited or uninhabited?”

Katara shrugs.

.oOo.

The island is lush and teeming with various flora and fauna. A fragrance of hibiscus, pineapple, and coconut wafts in the air weaving through tall grasses, jasmine, and bromeliads with the hues and brightness of a sunset.

A short distance from the island, Ozai has convinced Zuzu to go for some father-son time. Much to her brother’s dismay, Ozai’s choice activity is fishing. Zuzu always did hate fishing, he’d never had the patience for it.

“I wish I’d have remembered my camera.” Katara remarks.

“That’s what phones are for.” Jet points out.

“Not if you want a high resolution photograph.” Azula shrugs and flinches.

“You have got to stop doing that.” Jet chuckles.

The girl frowns and massages her shoulder. “I caught something!” She hears Zuko shout. She hopes that this means that they will be heading into town soon. Granted town is a cluster of private homes and a few recreational facilities. It is a small and hidden pocket of the world. Which, according to the locals, probably wouldn’t be known at all if not for them making trips to buy food.

For the time being, Azula stretches herself out on a beach towel and lets the sun warm her back.

“Sunscreen?” Katara offers.

“That’s probably a good idea.” Azula holds her hand out. “Jet?”

The boy rubs sunscreen upon her back, arms, and legs, taking the care to avoid any cuts and scrapes. Goodness, it looks like she has just emerged from a terrible fight, she hopes that the locals won’t take all of these bruises the wrong way. She isn’t sure if it paints a better picture or a worse one with Katara’s back decently banged up as well. She is fairly certain that Zuko’s hand are raw and cut from having the sail so forcefully torn from them. Her father has a rather sizable knot on his own shoulder, she isn’t sure exactly what it is from.

Ultimately, she decides that people will probably not that they are sea travelers and that there had been a storm and put two and two together.

“It’s kind of nice to have a break from ocean water.” Katara remarks.

“Those two are crazy for not taking advantage of it.” Jet comments with a head nod towards Zuko and Ozai.

“They’ll come to shore soon.” Azula shrugs.

.oOo.

“We’re due for another spat of bad weather.” Ozai informs.

“When?” Zuko asks.

“Two nights from now, they predict.” he replies. “So I have found us a place to stay. There is a small motel on this island, we will stay there until the storm passes, I don’t have the funds to repair our boat after another beating like the first one.”

“That’s probably a good call.” Katara agrees.

“I guess that I can use a longer break.” Azula nods.

He is thankful that the decision is unanimous. Truth be told he frets over the prospect of losing Azula to a storm. He had come so close. Had his hand slipped he would have lost his own daughter and then would have had to explain to Hakoda and Kya how he’d lost theirs too.

Truth be told, he is afraid of a lot of things at sea. Truth be told he isn’t thrilled about this journey. It has its perks and he would be lying if he said that he doesn’t have any happy memories from it. But it has its risks. Too many of them for him to be wholly comfortable. All the same, he would rather be there than have her run off alone.

The clouds roll in near sunset, he watches them from the balcony. Wispy and grey with rain, they carry with them a chillier gust. They don’t have the thick and bloated darkness of a more powerful storm. They are merely a grey washed warning of what the next several days will bring.

Weak as these clouds may be, he can’t help but feel a sense of foreboding. It swells in his stomach as a light tingle, an itch that something will go amiss. At the very least, that something significant will happen. Khozen has always called that the sailor’s instinct. Ozai inhales deeply, they are far inland in a sturdy motel, so long as they keep their boat docked, they will be fine.

He puts his head against the pillows. However plush they are, he doesn’t get much sleep from them. The first pitter patters of rain come down. He hears the drops upon the window. The sound of rain carries into his dreams. Dreams wherein it comes down like a liquid wall and lightning forks above waves as tall as buildings. His hand is wrapped around Azula’s and then it isn’t. Azula’s hand slides out of his and he watches her fragile body get swallowed by the waves. He shouldn’t be able to hear her over the roar of the waves and the fury of the gales, shouldn’t be able to hear her through the water filling her lungs. But he does, clear as day. She asks him how he could let her fall, how he could leave her to drown. Her voice interweaves with Ursa’s and, against all logic, his wife’s face flickers onto and off of Azula’s.

He wakes with a chill, the rain is falling harder.

In the bed over, Azula stirs.

He takes a deep breath and tries to go back to sleep.

#Avatar The Last Airbender #Azula #Ozai #Zuko #Katara #Jet #Sokka #Sokkla #Jetzula #Fanfiction

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thoughts-n-paper · 5 years ago

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It was just one of those mornings, one of those rare ones, one where she did not wake up out of place. Everything was at the right time and the right place, no confusion, no conflict, a perfect harmony. The dew from the previous night was sparkling on the green leaves as the sky filled itself with the orange morning glow, she even got to hear a bird sing. The perfect day and she ruined it by waking up.

She could have stayed in bed with him, wrapped around each other in silence, embraced in a void where nothing travels, not sound nor thoughts, not even time. She could have stayed, yet she didn't. It wouldn't be fair, she told herself, dragging up fantasies and living in fairy tales, it wouldn't be fair to stories in her head. she walked towards the outhouse, her feet against the coarse ground, she can barely tell the difference between the two now. She could picture his feet, soft and protected against the cushion of the sole of his shoes, living in his luxuries. He will grow old with a million distractions, finding someone to love, someone he will make a home with, make a family and she will be just a fading dot to him, a spot on his eye which he will eventually rub out. His world had that luxury, hers didn't. She can picture them, the tall buildings her grandfather used to tell her about, millions of tiny lamps lit up at the same time, the world glowing up, demanding attention and in one of those boxes, his face, lit up because he is happy, happy without her. That is the image she will keep in her heart, his life going on, him happy and satisfied. She will hang onto it till her last breath, she will clench her wrist tight and hold on to it, digging her nails into her skin so deep till the moment is absorbed in her blood and is running in her veins. Just the one image though, she tells herself, she cannot have too many of those flowing in her or she won't be able to lift herself.

The professor's message came early in the morning and it was clear enough that his work was done, he had perfected his experiment and this would be their last day together. A portable time machine, arrangements of magnets and wires, just iron and copper, that was all it took to shatter her. When the letter came, she didn't wake him up, she let him have his sleep, let him be restful for happiness or disappointment, whichever comes to him naturally.

"You are up early." She heard his voice coming from behind her. Without turning back she gestured to him to take the little piece of paper in her hand.

"Is this from the professor? Did he find a way out?" He asked her, confused by the message.

She turned halfway and gave him a side glance, "You should get some breakfast." And turned to stare ahead.

She could feel his stare shoving into her. She kept walking ahead, searching for a tree or a wall to hide behind. How she wished that the rubble of the old buildings would collect itself and reverse itself into the tall structured one it once was, she could disappear into one of those, lock it up and not go out for a day.

The crops in the field had grown healthy this year, pretty soon it will be time for the group to move somewhere else. A family would move into the house they built, the crops would be harvested, walls replaced and eventually, every trace of their existence would go away. The other night she had thought to ask to stay back on the farm and take care of the place, some people did that, change career paths and settle down. Laying on the bed next to him, she had created a whole life for herself. But the knock on the door broke the spell.

"So this is it huh?" His voice startled her. She did not feel him following her. She took a deep sigh and finally turned around to face him. He quickly ran up to her and wrapped his arms around her. Her face felt wet against his shirt, she did not realize she was crying or for how long she had been crying.

"Hey! It might not even work."

"Come On." she chuckled. "Don't get my hopes up."

"Maybe I don't go back."

She broke from the hug and looked at him with a quizzical look. "Can you though? Stay?" She turned away from him. "You know what happens. The plan, you go back, tell everyone and you change the future."

"I know. I know." He put his arms up in frustration. "But are we certain that it can be changed? Maybe you can't change the future." He walked close to her and took her hands in his, "Can the professor confirm that the future will change, that anyone would listen to me? First of all, we don't know the experiment would work, second, what are the rules? Can the future be changed, do we create some parallel universe? And why would anyone listen to me, I will be just some guy in a crowd of billions shouting the same thing every day? Nobody listens and nobody cares. Why would they care about me? Why would they listen to me?"

They both knew they were just excuses. Saving the world was not the reason he had to go back. He did not belong here, at this time. He grew up with a different set of rules, he was not a nomad like her, his family did not give him up and he did not give up on them either. He had to go back, no matter how much they both wanted him to stay. He was the piece that belonged to a different puzzle box, it doesn't matter how much they colored him to fit in, he would never fit in.

The walk from the farm to the building was quiet. It was as if the world around could sense it too, the wind did not ruffle any leaves and the birds did not care to sit on a branch. Nature knew to be quiet that day, mourning their story.

Hand in hand they approached their destiny. The professor was all smiles when they reached him.

"It's cliched but, EUREKA!" The professor shouted.

"Subtle." He grinned. "How did you figure it out anyway?" He asked while looking around the apparatus.

"This." The professor said while throwing a book at him. " All the answers we need. I found it in one of the abandoned libraries, thought it might come handy someday. It is a pity someone would just abandon books like this, we can learn so much about the 21st century just by reading them." The professor kept on rambling while going around the amphitheater.

The dome was one of the few big structures that survived the century. They were lucky that this village was not too much affected by disasters. The soil survived which meant that only a couple of batches of crops were ruined, and the houses were pretty intact so they didn't have to set up tents and spend their nights trying to twist in a sleeping bag. Although, moving to any place above the net survival rate was always risky, mostly the places were completely abandoned which meant days of field clean up, both wild flora and fauna and constant fear of when the old walls will give in and crumble on their heads. Or there would already be a community settled, in that scenario, they just move to the next project. Apparently, the smaller the population, the more closed off people become. They don't accept outsiders nor their ideas. It's things like these which make her glad that he will be going back, he did not have to go through the abandonment, the disappointment of this world and he would not have to go on surviving this attempt at utopia after destroying the one they already had.

She still couldn't look into his eyes. He placed his hand under her chin and lifted it, "It's okay,"

It felt more like a question than a statement, so she nodded.

"We don't have to do it right now." The professor said from behind them. "Take a day off, go have a picnic, say goodbye to each other, properly. I will still be here tomorrow."

"No." She walked away from him towards the setup. Pretending to examine it. " We shouldn't keep him long. There is a letter from The Center, they have summoned him, hearing is in a week, they want to question him, keep an eye on him. Inspection officials could show up any day. You know how they are, they don't want any locals or rebels disturbing the flow."

"Oh!" The professor sounded sad, he wanted them to have more time together, in his excitement he forgot the heartbreak he will be responsible for. " Well tonight then, we will do it tonight, after dinner."

They both nodded. "Now go!" said the professor gesturing them to get away from him. They both gave a little chuckle and started walking towards the door.

It took them five minutes to decide what direction to take after leaving the professor. The age-old question, what would you do if today was your last day alive?, everybody had some answer prepared, something to impress the person in front of them, something even to just joke about, but when the day comes, nobody wants to do the things they said, nobody can decide what they want to do, she could not decide, neither could he. They could go to the hilltop and make shapes out of clouds or go to the lake and watch ducks float away on the water. She could show him all the places around that he didn't get to see, but they are just abandoned relics now, they were much more beautiful in his time.

"Let's go to the railway station." He said breaking her chain of thought. "Jog up old memories." He smirked.

Just another abandoned symbol of an era, an earthquake had blocked all the tracks passing the station and fixing it was the least of anyone's worries, also nobody went there because it was too far from the safe zone, funny how they were yet to establish a proper lifestyle and had already got gangs trying to rip them off. She only encountered them once but pretty soon realized as long as you have something to trade your safety with, they will let you go wherever you want.

The place was quiet except for the sound of wind-fighting off the scraps of rusted tin. It was a horrific reminder to the way things were it was also one of the few places she found peace at, a place to sort out her insides. A place where they first met. He was wearing the same jacket that he wrote that day, however now it was covered in dust and torn from several places.

She remembers it like it was yesterday, he thought he was a vampire, said his skin was burning from the sun and his memory was gone, she just laughed and took him with her. They had met his kind a few times, quarantined from birth and drugged beyond tolerance and rationality, it was a wonder he escaped his parents considering the tight control they kept, saving up themselves for when the government would make everything all right again, just like old days.

Of course, he did not belong to that community, he did not belong to any community of the new world. It took her a full week and him two hours to realize that they were not from the same time. Somehow one branch of the tree had bent down to merge with its root. They didn't know-how and after a while, they didn't care.

"Now what?" She asked him.

"Nothing, we do nothing." He smiled at her and sat down beside one of the walls. He gestured her to sit next to her.

"So, going back. Do you think it will matter?"

"It should, you can't change your past, but the future is always uncertain."

"So I go back and tell everyone and you grow up with space houses and Jet packs."

"If you can save some fuel, then maybe."

He chuckled. They sat in silence for a while, her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat and him tracing her fingerprints in memory.

Nothing about it made sense, the beginning, the middle and the end. Their lives were ruled and consumed by the randomness of this one event, they spent weeks trying to understand and here they were, still oblivious. And was coming to an end.

They were at a waterfall, she had not been to this one before, in fact, she had never been to a waterfall before. People didn't go in untreated water unless they wanted to kill themselves or just ruin the rest of their lives. He took her hand and led her to the highest rock, she kept trying to stop him, tried to warn him about the risk of going in the water, but he wouldn't listen. She giggled when she felt the tingling in her toes as she stepped in the water, "You don't giggle much. You should do that more.", he said sitting down on the rock. He wasn't wrong, she wondered why was that, it was not like she had it especially rough. They all grew up together, facing the same hardships, some fell in love and started a family while some went on their way, exploring other worlds and some stayed, building up the new world together, still they never forgot to smile so why did she? She was lost in thought when she felt the touch of his hands and she was bought back to the physical world from nonexistence just like the fingers do not exist unless they are pressed against something, he was her surface.

"Hey wake up! It's dark already."

She opened her eyes slowly, it took her a while to make out his figure in the dark until he lit up the candle. "We should be going. Professor would be waiting for us." He was gathering up their stuff in the light of the torch. The rebels would be arriving any time to set up camp and even though wildlife was rare, it was never a good time to run into something with sharp teeth. He turned to her and came close, he placed the torch close to her so that the only thing illuminated in the vast black space was their faces and he wiped a tear from her cheek. Lately, she had been spending a lot of nights crying, the dark would trigger this storm inside her too strong to hold back. It would always leak out eventually.

When their lips finally separated, their faces were drenched and eyesight was fluid. She pressed her head against his and stood there, there were stones in their shoes and wet sand in their pockets, no matter how much they shook it off they couldn't move.

"Just give me a minute." The professor said to them while he went to work on his apparatus. She did not want to look at him and couldn't look at her either, they both stood next to each other, holding each other's hand, staring at the man running around in front of them with promises of rift and repair.

"Well, say your goodbyes now." The professor took him by his shoulders and walked him to a spot marked 'X' on the floor. "I won't bore you with details, but just stand there and in a few minutes you should be at your home running to hug your mother."

He smiled looking at her. They spent last night talking, they spent the last six months talking, narrating every story they lived and describing every scar they got, this day, their last day together and they barely said a hundred words between them. Maybe it was the word 'goodbye' or every word that came before and after that, but there was nothing to say to each other which would make them happy and so they just didn't.

"Let me know when you get home." She said with a smile on her face. He nodded back.

She closed her eyes and imagined them in the waterfall again, playing in the water, kissing as the drops ran down on the side of their faces. No worries and... A thunder-like sound broke her thought and then in a blink of an eye, he was gone. He was a distant memory now and she was too far for him to reach. She was left standing there staring at a wall, trying to conjure him in between the space. "Do you think he made it?" She asked the air which was left where he was standing.

"Maybe you should read this." the professor handed her a book, she could recognize the cover, something the professor showed them earlier, dug up from the professor's dusty collection. "Thank you, but I am not really in the mood." she replied dismissing the offer.

"Please. The first page." The professor nudged the book towards her.

"Fine." She took the book in anger and opened it in frustration, "What about it?" she asked as her eyes cruised through the page, and there in bold letters, stood the words she wanted to hear at the moment. 'As my father would say everyday growing up, "I made it home."'

#short story #climate crisis #dystopia #dystopic #romantic short story #romantic one shot #romantic #love story #doomed future #future doomed #time travel

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evolutionsvoid · 6 years ago

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I am sure there are some people out there surprised to hear that the Underworld has lakes and rivers. According to many tales on the surface, that land down below has replaced such water bodies with fire and lava. While it is true that some regions have magma pools and fiery springs, the majority of the Underworld has water just like us up above. Some of these bodies are so big, that they almost act like oceans! I bet you never thought that the Underworld would have coastal towns! They are definitely a sight to see, and they bring with them an equally amazing amount of flora and fauna that you find on the surface. One of these interesting species is the Klost. Klosts are freshwater dwelling creatures that are mainly found around pools, lakes and rivers. They possess slick, wet skin like a frog or salamander, which means they thrive where ever there is moisture. Due to the structure and environment of the Underworld, some regions are constantly humid and damp, which allows some Klost to live in areas without major water bodies. A set of gills allows them to breathe underwater, but they also have lungs so they can breath normal air. Due to their amphibious nature, they spend half of their lives out of water and the other half in it. With this in mind, their anatomy is built to let them maneuver on land or underwater. A pair of webbed forelimbs are capable of acting as arms or fins depending on the situation, and they are often used to manipulate objects or food. Three pairs of fins line their lower body and they help provide propulsion when the Klost is swimming. On land, they act as crude legs, pushing the Klost along as it slithers across the shore. They are not nearly as fast on land as they are in water, but thankfully their food doesn't run all that fast. Before talking about their diet and feeding habits, one has to bring up the most notable thing about Klosts. If you have ever talked to any demons or shades about these beasts, you would get the impression that Klosts are not to be messed with and should be given their space. When you finally see one of these creatures squirming across the land or lazily resting in the shallows, you may wonder how it got such a reputation. With their strange limbs and big goofy mouths, many describe them as a cross between a fish and a salamander. So what is so fearsome about them? Sure they are large and they have sharp spines, but what is the big deal? This answer will come to you when you observe the Klost eating or warding off threats, and it will be pretty hard to miss. When looking to take a big bite out of something, the mouth will open wide and its entire "face" will unsheathe itself. The slimy skin will pull back to reveal a terrifying face built of bony armor and shearing plates. With a single bite, the Klost will crack through stone, armor and exoskeleton with ease. Once its meal or foe is chomped into pieces, the skin shall slide back into place and the Klost's goofy appearance will return. When watching this amazing transformation, some people get the impression that the Klost is opening its mouth to release a second head from its throat, but this is not the case. What is actually happening here is the skin on the face is sliding back as if you were pulling up an arm sleeve. This hide is not fully connected to the head region, and special muscles allow it to pull this layer on and off. The point of this skin sheath is not fully known, but it is believed that it acts as a protective layer when the Klost is not eating. Another theory is that this maneuver is meant to keep the skin from being damaged when it is feeding, as its armored plates can take a lot of punishment. I can see that one having some merit, as you wouldn't want to bite your lip with those chompers! Just by looking at its mouth, you can tell the Klost has some serious power in its bite. Instead of teeth, its jaws are lined with tough sharpened plates that kind of look like a beak. Backing up this intimidating grin are several powerful muscles that create an amazing amount of force. Combing the two together creates a bite that can shear through just about anything. The fang-like protrusions can be positioned on its meal so that they puncture thick armor and rinds with little resistance. Bare flesh is an absolute joke to these jaws, as Klosts can bite through a leg or torso without missing a beat. Armed with this incredibly powerful weapon, the Klost is able to take on its favorite food: Fruit!

Shockingly, the Klost is not some powerful carnivore but instead an omnivore that favors fruits, nuts and vegetables. The cracking jaws are meant to take down thick shells and rinds, allowing the Klost to get to the meaty center. One of their particular favorites are Geode Fruit, which possess a rock-like exterior. While we would have to access this food with a hammer and chisel, the Klost merely needs to take a bite to crack open this impossible shell. For food, the Klost roams the waters and lands in search of vegetation. Due to the environment found in the Underworld, many plants and fungi grow their pods and seeds closer to the ground. With its arms, it will dig up buried roots or pluck low hanging fruits. Aquatic plants can also provide a crunchy meal, and the Klost will slither across the water bottom in search. They are indeed capable of eating meat, but they often find it too fast and bothersome to deal with. Shelled mollusks and insects are their main meals in the meat department, as these critters are slow and rely on their armor to protect them. Hiding in your shell, though, will do nothing to save you from these jaws though! The Klost can sometimes eat softer animals, but this usually happens when some fool decides to pick a fight with one of these beasts. When it comes to defending itself, the Klost's preferred weapon is obvious. An array of sharp spines can deter attack, but its powerful jaws are the thing that can take down any foe. Armor and hide are insignificant to this bite, while flesh and bone offer as much resistance as a bowl of warm butter. If one is not careful around a Klost, they can easily lose a limb to the beast. Tales even suggest that the Klost can bite through weapons, shattering blades as if they were twigs. Demons and shades are sure to give Klosts plenty of space, and any boat captain will avoid getting too close to foraging individuals so that the irritated beast doesn't bite through the hull. Thankfully, the Klost is a lazy creature that is perfectly fine slithering along and chowing on fruit. They are not territorial and will only be aggressive if an idiot chooses to get too close and antagonize them. When I got to watch these creatures in action, I literally sat on a ledge overlooking a shore line and watched a dozen of Klosts just laze about in the shallows. I don't even know if they registered the fact I was there! With this strength and laid back attitude, Klosts are a danger only to the ignorant and stupid. Vespar said that they warn young ones about Klosts like how you would warn them about a precarious ledge or cliff, "you can look at them if you want, but don't go dancing on top of them." Another thing that I have heard was that Klosts are one of the beasts that can be considered a "Fool's Trophy." I never heard of the phrase before, but Mamin explained it to me. A Fool's Trophy is an indicator amongst hunters and warriors that let you know if someone is absolutely full of it. If you go into a boastful hunter's abode and find a trophy or a mount of a Klost in their collection, then you know that they are a fake and an idiot. The reason behind this is that Klosts are incredibly strong and they have an intimidating visage, but they are lazy and uncaring oafs. To actually hunt one of these beasts is not all that difficult and such a feat is hardly an accomplishment. No professional hunter would put up a trophy of a Klost because it is meaningless and proves nothing, but a try-hard fool would solely on the reasoning that Klosts are strong and they look scary. While Klosts are really cool with their bizarre facial anatomy and pretty colors, I have to admit that this species is a little ruined for me. I am not saying they are bad, stupid or boring, but every time I see them or hear about them something else comes to mind. You see, the sharp jaws of a Klost bears some resemblance to the shearing plates that we dryads have. This was an observation that was not missed by my demon guides, and I never heard the end of it. The name "Klost Face" became a frequent thing I heard during my trip, most of which I blame on Valac. I guess this is what happens when you try to "smile with teeth" for people who have never seen a dryad before. I was just trying to be nice and polite! Gimme a break, guys! Chlora Myron Dryad Historian ------------------------------------------------------------------- Back into the Underworld we go for a spell!

#monster #creature #amphibian #art #drawing #underworld

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lpenvs3000-2018 · 6 years ago

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Trees, please!

Forests cover about 30% of our planet, and provide our planet with so many important things: our air that we breathe, a place to rest, and a home to our flora and fauna. There is so much diversity in forests, and we often forget how interesting the complexity of trees can be. Trees, although quiet and solitary, are buzzing with life and energy, and perform amazing feats for survival! The inability to move does not stop trees from getting crafty in order to survive and reproduce, and there is always so much to learn from them. From the massive redwoods and baobabs, to the slender but beautiful birch, there is much to love about trees, and the amazing things they do for us.

Without further ado, here are 5 AMAZING things about trees you probably didn’t know about:

1. Trees communicate with eachother.

A boreal forest in Lake Clarke. Note the pattern of evergreen greens, scattered among the deciduous trees. Retrieved from the U.S National Park Service website. https://www.nps.gov/lacl/learn/nature/forests.htm

In The Hidden Life of Trees, German forester Peter Wohlleben describes a new and controversial concept that is growing substantially in the scientific community: that trees are constantly communicating with eachother. He looks at the interactions between tree species, and how they individually fight for survival in a forest stand. By identifying these interactions, he has created the idea that trees simultaneously work together with their own species, as well as cooperating with trees of other species! He relates this interaction to that of an insect colony: by emitting chemical signals to other trees through their roots and underground fungal networks, trees can communicate danger, can facilitate growth and can protect eachother in times of drought and disease. Check out this article by the Smithsonian, which looks at this amazing interaction and Wohlleben’s novel!

2. Trees can clone themselves.

A trembling aspen stand in Zion National Park. Are they all separate aspens, or just clones of one adult? Retrieved from Flickr - photo by Zion National Park. https://www.flickr.com/photos/zionnps/5205494244

Trembling aspen, the iconic tree that resembles “jazz hands” as the wind blows through its leaves, is actually a professional of colonizing land! The trembling aspen forms ‘root suckers’: root extensions off of the main root system of the adult tree, which shoot up from the earth to grow into new aspen trees. This way, they can create large populations in a new environment quickly and efficiently, as a form of asexual reproduction. Each separate shoot will have an identical genome to the plant that it grew from. So, when you see a large trembling aspen, look out for neighbouring aspens, who may actually be clones, a product of the adult! Aspens are not the only trees that can do this, as beech, birch and dogwood can also propagate themselves in this way.

3. Growth rings are able to take us back to the past.

Looking at the cross-section of a bald cypress tree from Northern California allows us to see which years had plentiful nutrients and water for the tree, and which years may have had drought. Retrieved from Flickr. Photo by James St. John. https://www.flickr.com/photos/jsjgeology/38675652474

As kids, we all learned that to find out the age of a tree, we take a cross-section of its trunk, and count the rings. Then, I have no doubt, we all spend a considerable time trying to count the hundreds and hundreds of tiny rings on a stump, to no avail. Well, by looking at the growth rings of an old tree, we can not only tell how old the tree is, but also its history, and the history of the environment it lived in! By looking at the size of the growth rings, you can determine whether or not a tree had a ‘good year’ - one with plenty of rain, nutrients and sunlight or a ‘bad year’ - one likely with drought. A big ring indicates a good year (lots of growth), and a small ring indicates a bad year (little growth!). Not only that, but recent scientific research is looking at the chemical compounds within each ring to see what the environment was like during a particular year. For example, the Tipuana tree in Brazil is being used as a marker of atmospheric pollution, as its roots absorb heavy metals that are present in the atmosphere, transporting these compounds to the wood of its growth rings. By looking at growth rings of the past 50 years, you can rewrite the story of the surrounding pollution in those years!

4. Some trees are not that tall, and not trees at all.

A ground pine, hiding under the shade of a tall tree. Behind it, you see many other shoots of the same ground pine plant poking up from the undergrowth. Retrieved from Flickr. Photo by Dendroica cerulea. https://www.flickr.com/photos/dendroica/

Club mosses sure look like tiny trees, don’t they? Well, it’s because in an essence, they are. These plants have a similar function to vines; the plant creeps along the ground, shooting up small, tree-like leaves up towards the sky to reach sunlight. By doing this, the plant creates a mat, or mini-forest, along the forest floor. Even though they are not considered trees, early lycophytes (which were the descendants of clubmoss) formed the oldest group of forest-forming trees in the Carboniferous era. So, although club moss are not trees themselves, they evolved from early trees and have still kept similar function to forests, just on the forest floor!

5. Although trees may look small, they can be old, and strong.

Foxtail pine growing in Sequoia National Park. This photo was taken before the treeline (which is where trees can no longer grow due to extreme weather and altitude). Note how dispersed the trees are, and so small! Received from the U.S National Park Service website. https://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/nature/subalpine-forests.htm

In a subalpine ecosystem, life grows differently. Once you reach altitudes where snow, rain and cold is prevalent, life is not able to grow the same as if you were lower in altitude. Trees in these biomes are adapted to these extreme weather conditions, and have evolved some amazing survival techniques! Krummholz trees, also known as dwarf trees, are trees that live above the treeline, which is the highest point at which trees can grow. These trees are smaller than most trees, and misshapen, but are the same species as the ones growing lower than the treeline. This shows how far a tree will go to survive, and will even risk death in adverse conditions to grow! Since northern, subalpine forest communities are often never disturbed, we can still see old-growth forests today. However, these forests are threatened by climate change, as the trees thrive in cold conditions, and are susceptible to change.

5 AMAZING things about trees just barely touches on all the incredible adaptations and functions trees have. The most amazing things in nature may not be the most spectacular views or the weirdest animals. They can be the things we see in our day-to-day lives, like our forests!

If you are as passionate about trees as I am, please share some cool things that you may know about them!

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anata-wo-kudasai · 6 years ago

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Chapter 5 - Magic

Quick as she was, Kairi’s sorcery still left much to be desired. She was already two firagas into destroying a standard dining chair when four blue tables floated above her head.

She got to work on the set, dodging out of the center of the dining room to the southeast corner where she could ice blast two tables from one angle. But by the time she had finished off one blue table, a yellow sofa and two red benches had swirled into the assortment.

Soon the room was a cyclone of primary colors, swirling and spinning and gaining speed around her. She blasted random spells in every direction, ducking from a chair that swooped too low and dodging a drawer that had flung off of a purple dresser. She didn’t even know what purple was supposed to be.

“Kairi?” Merlin called from the doorway. “Are you still in here?” The wizard raised his arms high over his head and halted the furniture in midair.

“I thought maybe I’d do a little more training on my own today.” She sat up, panting, and covered in sweat.

“You’ve certainly met the requirement for ‘a little,’” Merlin speculated. “Have you been in here since our session ended this afternoon?”

“It never hurts to practice!” Kairi replied sanguinely.

“That, my dear, is false. Or have my lessons not been sufficiently disciplined?” Kairi lifted herself up and stood alert, ready for anything. “To become stronger, one must also have rest, both physically and mentally, to renew and endure. You can’t learn while wearing yourself too thin.”

“I understand Master.” She had been hoping for an impromptu physical lesson, but alas came another mental one. “I won’t be too much longer.”

“I admire your tenacity, dearie, but I will not let you torment yourself with these absurd expectations.” Merlin waved his wand and the furniture popped like giant bubbles, sprinkling into nothing. The old, oaken dining room table reappeared in the center of the room. “Now, there are a few old friends of mine eager to meet you. They’re waiting in the foyer. Do go out and greet them, will you dear?”

A gust of wind hurried her out of the dining room and slammed the door behind her. Kairi huffed, shooting a glare at the solid oak. She can walk using her own free will, she thought, facing the grand, vacant hall.

“Hello?” She called out to no one. The foyer lay bare as it had always been. Without the faintest idea who Merlin would permit her company, she assumed the matter to be important. She hoped against hope it would be her friends. Surely, though, that was only setting herself up for disappointment, so she let that thought go.

“We will keep it simple, and practical to boot. We’ll put her in trousers. Yes, yes trousers! Short like her skirts- ah.. what do they call them in this world?” Voices reverberated off the walls. Kairi looked all around her, but there was no way to tell where they were coming from.

“Shorts. But her eyes-“

“And of course the ensemble will be pink-“

“But she likes skirts. She’s always worn them. They suit her, and she is darling in them.” A third, more genial voice chimed in.

Three glowing orbs, one red, one blue, and one green appeared out of thin air before Kairi. The light grew rapidly, exploding magic dust that glimmered into three fairies, each with their respective color.

“What if she dressed in blue? We’ve never seen her in blue, and it would bring out her beautiful blue eyes.” The blue fairy argued. The red fairy sighed emphatically.

“I really don’t think she-“

“Ex-cuse me?” Kairi broke in softly.

“Oh, hello my dear! It’s so nice to finally meet you.” Said the red one. “We were sent by Master Yen Sid to provide for you suitable attire fit for a keyblade wielder. You may call me Flora,”

“Yes! Yes, we have known you and your friends for quite some time, yet we have never been properly introduced. My name is Fauna.” The kindly green one added.

“I’m Merryweather.” Said the blue fairy. “Gosh, you are lovely.”

“Yes, such radiant light,” cooed Fauna.

“Yes, of course, dears, she’s still one of the seven, which is why we mustn’t stay long.” Flora instructed. “A certain rotten fairy could be tracking us this instant.”

The self-made leader levitated at once and flew around the room, drawing the curtains, shielding all view of the outside world and locking every door. Fauna ascended from where she stood, lighting the chandelier directly above her as Merryweather handled the wall sconces.

“Now,” Flora gleamed, a twinkle in her eye, “let’s get to work.”

After bidding her farewells to her dear new friends, Kairi found herself walking through the large double doors, through the ruins of the courtyard and into the dense, dark wood. The breeze tickled her neck, and her new short hair made her feel light and free. Her custom-made dress was more flexible than the school athletic attire she had brought from home, weather and flame resistant yet surprisingly breathable. She couldn’t wait to unlock and experiment the various abilities the fairies spoke of. She had seen Sora transform hundreds of times, so it shouldn’t be too difficult.

She followed the thin sunlit path shining through the colossal pines, over the rope bridge, and up the slope until, at last, she saw the freckles of blue sky guiding her towards the clearing. Off the side of a cliff rolling hills and sprawling trees outstretched as far as the eye could see. Pink and yellow flowers sprinkled the grassy slope, almost glowing in the setting sun. There, perched on the jagged rock sat a tall redhead in a heavy black cloak.

Over the past few weeks, since that day at Central Station, Axel had taken to coming to this spot after training to contemplate. Kairi joined him sometimes, shooting the breeze and occasionally talking battle strategies. Something had shifted in their dynamic, she felt far more comfortable being alone with Axel, they were like friends.

“Hey Axel,” Kairi greeted.

“Hey! Liking the look,” said Axel with a small smile, “you cut your hair too.”

“Mhmm” She smiled as she twisted from side to side, displaying the mismatched frilly plaid and black pleated patterns on the sides of her skirt. It was a small detail, but it made the dress feel one thousand percent more her, a little quirky and unexpected- and was caused entirely by accident.

She had spent almost an hour with the good fairies, happily contributing ideas and openly expressing her opinion. Apparently, Sora was never too involved with his own sartorial choices, which didn’t surprise Kairi in the slightest, and Riku was never around when those decisions were made for him. Kairi, however, had a wonderful time, giggling at their incessant squabbling over the most insignificant details that, to them, was in some ways unavoidable. Kairi nodded and took a seat next to Axel.

“Oh! And I got better shoes too, like you suggested! Look!” Kairi held up a boot and rotated her ankle around. “I asked them to give me combat boots like you. They didn’t know what that meant, took a little explaining, but eventually, they made me these!”

“They?”

“The Three Good Fairies- they’re friends of Merlin. They did all this. They had to fly off, though, but they promised to visit again soon.”

“Our Rose was one of the seven pure lights.” Fauna had told her while running a brush through her hair. “You probably met her- erm, Princess Aurora?” Kairi remembered, but she never had much time with the other girls. “I used to comb through her long golden curls like this all the time.” Fauna had sighed then, away in her memories.

“Someone’s happy,” Axel observed. “Perhaps that bracelet really works.”

“Or perhaps the fairies gave me a little more magic.” She said with a grin.

“Oh really? What’d they do, cast the spell ‘glee’ on your boots?”

“No, but they did make them water, fire, and time-travel proof.”

“What on earth is ‘time-travel proof?’” Axel asked. Kairi winced.

“I was hoping you could tell me.” Axel shrugged and shook his head, dumbfounded.

“Well, looks like you’re well prepared for anything Merlin could throw at you.”

“Mmhm! Hey, maybe next time they’re around you can ask them for some new clothes.”

“Hmph. I don’t even know what I’d wear. Feels like anything else at this point would look ridiculous on me.”

“Not as ridiculous as black leather in this heat.”

“Hey, this suits me. Brings out my vibrant hair.” Axel tossed his head to the side and flipped his spiky locks. Kairi chuckled.

“Whatever you say.”

“Heh. Seriously, what’s gotten into you?” asked Axel. Kairi held up her foot again and gestured to her boot. “No,” he shook his head, “it’s more than that.”

Kairi had argued the benefit for many of the additional functions the fairies had deemed necessary, stating that she wouldn’t have much use for them, always being hidden away and all.

“Nonsense!” Flora had countered. “The power you possess is one-of-a-kind, strong beyond even our understanding. They’ll make use out of you.”

“Yes,” added Merryweather, “Thank goodness Aurora doesn’t wield a keyblade, I’d hate to think of her off fighting everyone else’s wars.”

“Hush,” Flora then commanded, “Don’t talk about war, you’ll scare the poor girl.” But Kairi didn’t feel scared. She was emboldened, on her path, going in the right direction.

“Just-“ Kairi began, “All of this. I feel like destiny is on my side.”

“Hmph. Well, that’s good for you,” Axel sneered.

“Don’t you believe in Destiny?”

“How do you people say things like that without a shred of sarcasm?”

“Is that a no?”

“It’s an- I don’t know. I guess I’ve been destined to live, though everyone around me changes. If I do have a touch of fate, I think I’ve pretty much used it all.”

“Well, that’s a ridiculous assumption,” Kairi smiled, “how could you possibly know that?” Axel considered for a moment.

“The cat had nine lives,” he replied, “what happens when it reaches the tenth? And what if the cat finds himself alone, lost in the darkness, without any of the cats he cared about? What’s a cat to do?” Her smile faded.

“I get that.” There was a moment of silence. Kairi leaned back on her palms and stared at the sun. “I’d like to get a cat someday, though I like dogs, too.” Axel laughed.

“Is that all you got out of what I said?”

“No,” Kairi tittered, “I know what you said, but it’s rather cynical, don’t you think? I mean, you’re on the side of the light now, right?”

“Well, yeah...”

“Then destiny is on your side, too. The light will never fail you.” Kairi took a beat, remembering. “Even in the deepest darkness, when all else seems lost, there will always be a light to guide you. Believe in the light, and the darkness will never defeat you.” She grinned and pointed to her temple. “Got it memorized.”

“Hmph. Is that something they teach in princess school?”

“No,” Kairi traced the outline of a large cloud in the shape of a whale. She remembered, vaguely, how terrified she and Sora felt whilst trapped in such a monstrous beast. “My grandmother used to tell me that all the time.”

“Grandmother?” Axel asked. Kairi didn’t say anything, only nodding soberly. “Sorry,” he said after an awkward moment, “I didn’t mean to kill your mood.”

“It’s okay,” she chirped, “you didn’t.” Still, it seemed as if there was nothing more to say. The whale had dissolved, scattered into a sea of clouds.

“Say, Kairi,” Axel began, “have I ever told you why the sun sets red?”

The next morning began like any other. Kairi dressed, brushed her teeth, washed her face, and combed her hair before descending the grand staircase where she would normally find Merlin waiting in the open dining room with breakfast on the table, prepared by the various animate objects under his employment. But things took a different turn today; the foyer didn’t smell of tea and toast, the dining room doors were closed, and Kairi found nothing and no one on the other side of the double doors.

“He’s outta town,” Axel said, coming out of the kitchen with a slice of burnt bread. “This was on the table,” he said, handing her a piece of parchment paper.

My dear pupils-

It appears there are urgent matters that need my attention abroad.

As a safety precaution, I cannot disclose my whereabouts.

I shall return shortly, I trust you two will get along until then.

Eat, get enough rest, and don’t dilly dally!

Resume with your daily exercises as if I’m there. I’ll know if you don’t.

Be well, my lads.

-Merlin

“Hm,” She contemplated, returning the letter, “I wonder what was so urgent.” When she pulled her arm back, a sharp pain pierced through her armpit to her shoulder blade. “Ouch,” she winced.

“Something wrong?”

“It’s my swinging arm, I think I slept on it.” She said, rolling her elbow back in circles. “My cure spells work only so well, best when conjured right after taking a hit, but they don’t quite get to these chronic aches.” She relaxed her arm and shook it off. “It’s not that bad though.”

“Here, try this,” Axel said, pulling a green vile from his coat pocket. “But don’t drink too much, it might make you nauseous. It’s pretty strong stuff, meant to be shared.” Kairi accepted the potion, uncorked the stopper, and took a tiny sip. The pain instantly melted away. Kairi studied the label, Mega-Elixir. It must have cost a small fortune.

“Okay, seriously, how are you so rich?” She asked incredulously.

As part of their welcoming package, Merlin had given both of them a neatly organized basket containing the essentials; two potions, one hi-potion, one ether, one elixir and a pouch containing 40 munny. The master always halted his attacks long before either of them were in fatal danger, and healed them frequently throughout the rigorous exercises. Their sore muscles and aching joints that persisted afterward, however, had to be attended to themselves. Both Kairi and Axel’s supply was gone by the end of the first week.

“I know how big a payout the master’s fake heartless give.” She said, folding her arms and tilting her head to the side.

“Yes, but I bet you don’t know how much real heartless give.”

“Real heartless?” Kairi stiffened. “Where?”

“Relax, they’re not here, but there are a few in the real Twilight Town.”

“What?” Kairi asked, “How did you?” Kairi looked around her, as if someone may be eavesdropping. “When?” She whispered.

“Weekends, before you guys get up.”

“Is that allowed?”

“Haven’t asked. Easiest just to assume it is.”

“Well if there are heartless there, it might be dangerous! Do you know why the heartless are there? Someone could be summoning them!”

“Easy! The place has always been infested with something or another. Nothing your miracle worker boyfriend could change.”

“He’s not my...“ Kairi evaded it, “Are you sure it’s safe?”

“Yes,” he affirmed. “No one can track me while I have this on,” he pulled on his collar, “and I stick to the woods. Tons of heartless, they don’t even see it coming.” He grinned. Kairi thought a moment.

“Can I come?” She asked.

“I don’t know about that,” he replied, rubbing his temple.

“Oh come on!” She said, determined. “You said yourself that it was safe.”

“Safe for me. I don’t know if it would be safe for you.” Kairi smirked.

“Easiest just to assume it is.”

#sokai #sora x kairi #fic #kairi x sora

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exilesofembermark · 6 years ago

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Exiles Game Dev Update | 10.3.18

“(unintelligible language that seems familiar, but you just. can’t. place it.)” - the Bard in Embermark

You’ve seen him before, but now he’s alive! And we have big plans for bardery in Exiles-- plans unlike those you’ve experienced elsewhere. Welcome back to the Exiles Dev Update!

Last update, we focused on the “Explore” feature in PVE, a swashbuckling boss baddie, Embermark populations and the reveal of the Houses redux. This time, it’s the latest evolution of our Combat system, more VFX, the dungeon system coming online and big changes for the World Map. Read on…

COMBAT EVOLUTION

The evolution of the combat system in Exiles has been the source of much sharing and discussion since we’ve been chronicling the game’s development. We’ve been designing and honing and throwing out and changing things all along the way as we develop something players enjoy doing 'til the cows come home. And we have more to share, but first a quick history:

The Exiles of Embermark Combat System: A Chronological History of Systems and Why They Were Shelved

Thems Pokeemans - The first combat system, super straightforward and simple, much like combat from a certain favored “RPG” about collecting and training little creatures.

Why No: too simple. While easy to grok, this system was far too dependent on the setup of the character (loadout, abilities, talents). If you had the wrong one, tough-- you were dead regardless of your choices.

The Deck - Similar to a CCG, we took Abilities and had the player “draw” them in a shuffled order.

Why No: in a quick battle, you didn’t have time to wait for the “right” move to come along and combination-planning was difficult.

The Stance Dance - the player had 8 abilities in a battle, and each had a “Stance”-- Martial, Magic or Mystic. The Stance employed a typical Rock-Paper-Scissors superiority circle to give players some guessing and gamesmanship, but they were also incentivized to stick in Stances for a while, because there was an Initiative bonus for doing so.

Why No: Too much going on-- you needed to be a real student of the game, every Ability and which ones were what Stance to be successful. The brain load was too much for the quick Battle.

And now, what we’re calling Combat 3.0 (even though it’s really 4). Please note that we are currently testing this thinking, and it’s not an official “thing” yet, but as you know, we like to discuss all things with you along the way. It’s a “Mid-Mort,” if you will.

The Basics:

It’s “I Go, You go.”

You: “Whaaaat? I thought this was a We-Go game?”

Me: “It was, but clear communication of combat events and the player’s ability to make smart counter-choices in a We-Go mechanic never got there for us.”

It uses “Charges” of resources that build up.

Types: Martial, Magic and Mystic (no surprise there).

Players “Consume” those charges to unleash certain attacks.

This gives the game some systematic interplay between Abilities that we didn’t have before (e.g., one Ability Charges, another Consumes, they both do damage and other effects).

It creates choices that are “better” in certain situations where you have the resources to make them.

Most importantly, this opens up design space for things like Breaks, Steals, Cleanses, and more-- you get the picture.

In a nutshell, we created a distillation of many of the concepts that you’ve been hearing about all along. Without losing anything other than We-Go, we’ve entered into a combat system that still fulfills on the original Exiles promise of quick-but-strategic battles.

Is this our final format? Maybe, maybe not-- but it’s a really exciting step for us toward something we can put into peoples’ hands.

BATTLE BACKGROUNDS GET ANIMS AND FX

The way we’re churning out battle environments has been shared much in the past, so this month I’m highlighting some of the Little Things-- specifically, how we’re animating environmentd to give them more life and character. From leaves to popping bubbles to embers or snow or water, each will have (mostly subtle) animations to give you that little extra immersion while you fight for your life.

Here’s a close-up of that little bog-bubble in the environment above, cuz if I don’t share it, it may not get its due:

Leaves and water and embers will start to dot the various “places” players spend the majority of their time in.

And, where appropriate, a little dust/smoke/etc...

DUNGEONS

The system is coming along quickly, from the concepts I’ve shared before, to the backend system that we’re implementing as we speak. In fact, I clicked through my first dungeon experience on Friday (was just a few wolf encounters and alas--no traysure-- but I was still excited). In the coming weeks, we’re adding story choices, treasure, exploration (for RNG content) and bosses.

Below, you can see the entrance, where encounters are, random exploration (the ? mark), treasure for the taking, blank rooms that could hold anything and a big boss ending.

AN ONSLAUGHT OF VFX

They’re coming fast. Player abilities and NPC moves will involve some additional animations and VFX that clue players in to what effects they bring.

Here, summon the Arcane Wall FX, wrap your character in a protective shell and thwart all manner of negative effects.

Manifest a sword of ice with which to smite your foe? Check.

And the most powerful looking Magick Missile evar:

I mean, we all grew up with a MM that can’t miss, but this is way beyond what I first saw in my head when casting it...

THE NEW MAP

As the systems change, the lore changes and now the map is changing! The development of Exiles history, geography and flora/fauna has been going nonstop for the last several months (you’ve heard about story changes and House changes in particular), and here’s a first look at how geography has morphed to accommodate:

(compare this with the original map)

MEET ADDRIGHAR, THE CENTRAL HILLS AND BORDER TO THE SCAR

Another Zone takes shape. This one is both key and exciting for the Gunslinger team here, as it bridges the gap between the Zones that we’ve already produced art for (namely, the Western mountainous Zone, Siege, the Eastern starting Zone of Wildewoods and the Southeastern coast of Askala).

It’s bordering on the Breach-ravaged Scar, has more land than any other Zone and is home to all manner of House (Majesty), creature (Bogans and Draccai) and landmarks (Tallwind Lake and the Zandri Wastes). We’re just getting started, but you can see where some of the main locations and landforms will be.

THE SERPENT

The Serpent will get a better name than “Serpent,” but until then, we’re working on bringing her to life, featuring a hypnotic, menacing ready pose...

...and a lightning-fast strike to your dumb face:

NEW GEAR SAMPLES

A Warrior isn’t a Warrior isn’t a Warrior in Exiles, and the gear will reflect that. Besides horned helms and plate mail, we’ll also have more menacing garb like a hood/mask that promises to hide the combatant’s intentions from their opponent...

...and the Mage gets some new shoulders that shouldn’t restrict their spellslinging movement too much:

THE BARD LIVES

He’s wily, this one. As shown in the Update’s intro, the Embermark-ian bard isn’t your classic lute-player in a floppy hat with questionable martial skills. This one is a mystery-- is he from the continent or beyond the Breaches? Is that a mask or his face?

And what does he want?

These, and other questions will be answered as players progress through the game, but one thing is certain-- this is not your father’s bard.

Despite his otherworldly appearance, he’s still got some familiar jestery moves that will both delight and enrage the player.

I mean-- no one likes a jig danced at their expense. This guy is cruisin’:

DON’T FORGET TO REMEMBER…

We’ll keep sharing details as we head toward testing (go here to sign up for testing and be among The First), and you can count on early impressions from the testers throughout our various channels.

If you haven’t already, follow along with Exiles development on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. And if you haven’t, I’ll find you. And SMITE you.

CONNECT WITH OTHER EXILES

If you want to hear about the game, ask questions or connect with others who are helping the development team think about features, design and narrative, hop into the Discord Channel for live chat and say hi– it’s a friendly crew with plenty of daily/weekly/sometimes-planned shenanigans.

BONUS: BUGGED SKELETON GIFS

Bugs are never pretty, but sometimes they’re amusing. When skeletons go awry, we get a mix of visuals. And no, my good Discord community, these will not be in the game...

On we go!

#gamedev #dungeons #mmorpg #fantasy

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tilltheendwilliwrite · 7 years ago

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Once a Witch

Chapter Three

Previous Chapter

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Witch!Reader | Word Count: 1906 Warnings: None

You were puttering in the back of your small shop when the bell chiming above the door alerted you to a new patron. “I’ll be right there!” you called out, wiping your hands on a towel, removing the extra lotion from your fingers.

Creating creams, lotions, and soaps was a passion, one which went well with your calling. After nearly nine hundred years as a witch, walking the Earth and caring for flora and fauna alike, you were finally living in an age where being different, being… quirky - as most people put it - was considered normal.

Having a shop based around herbal remedies and tonics, lotions and creams, soaps and shampoos which did what you claimed they would was a blessing and of interest. No longer were you looked at with fear or disdain when you smiled and claimed you were a witch. Most people quietly chuckled or smiled and nodded. Some claimed kin who were the same.

You highly doubted any were like you. Not many could claim nearly a millennium of life. If they had lived yours, they likely wouldn’t have wanted to.

After the death of Henry three hundred and fifteen years ago, you had searched endlessly for him, waiting with bated breath for his soul to return to you. After three hundred years of living alone, of running, hiding, scraping by to stay alive, you had lost most of your hope he’d ever come back.

An ember of it still burned. You were unable to quell it completely, but you no longer looked at every face to grace your door with expectation. When the Goddess chose to return him to you, she would.

Five years ago you’d decided it was time to return to Salem. You’d loved it there, originally, until things had gone bad. Returning had felt like coming home, and being a witch in a town with Salem’s history had been a boon. Your business had flourished once word of mouth had spread, and now you lived comfortably in a house near the Forest River, on a big enough plot of land to allow you the space to grow gardens filled with much of what you needed for your business.

It was a good life, even if there was a never healed hole in your heart.

Shoving at your hair, you pushed through the curtain which separated workspace from retail, a smile on your lips. The sun hit you just as you looked up, momentarily blinding you, causing you to squint at the large shape silhouetted in the center of the shop.

“Hi! Can I help you?” you asked, raising your hand to shield your eyes from the blinding rays.

The man turned toward you, broad shoulders slightly hunched, blonde hair cropped close, a coat of blue upon his back and jeans clinging to heavily muscled thighs.

A part of you you’d long thought dead stirred to life, desire flaring where none had lived in three hundred years. Letting your eyes trail up over the plaid shirt and chiselled jaw, you felt your heart leap and begin to thunder in your chest when his blue eyes, so bright and vibrant, connected with yours.

“Henry…” whispered from your lips.

“Ma’am?” he stepped closer, effectively throwing his shadow over your so you could lower your hand.

When you did, his eyes widened in shock. “It’s you…”

“Oh, goddess… Henry!” Rushing out from behind the counter, you darted forward, only to stumble to a stop when his hands came up defensively.

“I’m not Henry.”

But he was. You could feel the ebb and flow of his magic all around him. Your soul cried out, ached to be closer. Your skin tingled with the desire to have his fingers upon it once more.

It was the look of wary confusion upon his face which finally broke through your amazed joy. He was back. He was here. He was alive! But he didn’t know you.

“No,” you moaned, bringing a hand to your mouth as tears burned the backs of your eyes. “No… I’ve waited… so long!” A sob broke through, and you turned away, wrapping your opposite arm around your body as you fought to hold yourself together.

“Hey, now. It can’t be that bad.”

“Three hundred years I wait… only to find you don’t know me.” A despair filled laugh fell from your lips.

“Look I…” he hesitated before stepping closer and taking you by the shoulders. “Please don’t cry, doll face. I never like seeing a swell dame cry.”

Dollface? Swell? Dame?

The slang were all things you were familiar with, but they certainly weren’t from this era. “Dame?”

“Uh… yeah.” He let go of your shoulders and stepped back as you turned to face him.

“Can I expect nifty to appear from your mouth next?” you asked, a tremulous smile quaking your lips.

“Would that cheer you up?” he asked, a crooked smile appearing on his face.

“Maybe… a little.”

“I think your shop’s pretty nifty, baby girl,” he drawled.

You couldn’t help but chuckle. Wiping at your face, you rubbed your palm off on your jeans. “Excuse me for getting… emotional, but you look like someone I lost, mister…?”

“Rogers. Steve Rogers.” He held out his hand, but you could only stare at him in awe.

“Captain Steve Rogers?”

“Uh… yes?” His face twisted into an adorable look of apprehension.

“I should have known. You never were one to sit out a fight.” Shaking your head, you pulled yourself together, walked past Captain America, locked the door to the shop and flipped the closed sign. Striding back past him, you headed for your workroom, stopping only to look back at him still standing in the middle of your shop. “Well? Are you coming?”

“Where?”

Smiling, you tilted your head. “To have tea. I assume you’re here for a reason… Captain. Come along.”

Once through to the back, you went to fill the kettle and motioned Steve to take a seat on the small sofa while you puttered.

“Why don’t you tell me why you’ve come, Captain?”

“Steve is fine.”

“Steve then.” You flicked the switch on the kettle and leaned against the counter.

He looked at you with those bright blue eyes. Confusion warred with wariness, with distrust. He’d seen much in his life to have him looking at you like that. Henry had once turned that look on other people, but never you.

“Whether you wish to believe it or not, Steve, I mean you no harm. It goes against everything I am to hurt you.”

Something in your words evidently resonated for him as he sighed and began to speak.

“I’ve been having… dreams.”

“What kind?” you asked, collecting teapot and cups.

“About running through the forest at night. About protecting a woman I… loved. And…”

You refused to let your hands shake as you measured out tea from a tin. “And?”

“And of dying.”

The spoon clattered against the pot before you caught it and set it carefully aside. “And these dreams… they led you to me?”

“They led me to Salem. The soap in my hotel led me to you.”

Clicking off the now hot kettle, you poured water into the pot and placed on the lid. Turning with the tray and taking it to the low table, you set it down carefully. It wasn’t uncommon for you to have consultations with people seeking remedies for that which ailed them, and it was always easier to do so in a setting of comfort. While you could have sat in the wingback chair next to him, you settled on the couch at his side, knees touching when you turned toward him.

“Why my soap?”

“The logo.”

“What about the logo?”

“I… know it.”

“Are you sure it isn’t this you know, Steve?” Reaching for the chain around your neck, you tugged out the pendant, letting it swing free.

He inhaled sharply, eyes wide. “That’s… how is that… what the hell is this?”

“Let me tell you a story, Steve. A story which starts nearly nine hundred years ago.”

“Is this a setup? Did Tony put you up to this?” he demanded, leaning closer.

You shook your head and smiled sadly. “No. Not a setup.” With a sigh at his suspicion, you began your tale. “Once, nearly a millennium ago, two witches met on a hillock outside what is now known as Salen on the Isle of Mull. They were brought together by their two clans, neighbouring ones who, for once, were not rivals but friends. Upon that start of summer when the bonfires were lit he, the son of the chieftain, giant of a man and warrior of renown, met her. Daughter of a healer and one of great power.

They fell instantly in love and were hand fasted within weeks. Blessed by the Goddess, they were granted many powers. She, able to control flora and fauna. He, to change the minds of men with his great capacity to speak the truth, or fell them with a mighty blow. He also had a special gift,” you paused, looking up to watch his eyes, “He could move things with a thought.”

Steve startled, stiffening even as he tried to control it. “Nice story, doll, but what’s that got to do with me?”

“The two were blessed to walk this world together. Live full lives and help others. To use their magic for good. Only,” you took a shuddering breath, “they chose to settle here… three hundred and sixteen years ago.”

Sweat had begun to form on his brow. “Don’t.”

“You died trying to protect me. You knew it wasn’t safe any longer, but there was a village woman ready to give birth. She and the babe would have died without me, so we stayed. That night, they came for me. Screaming my name, calling me witch. We cast a spell, a quick one, to cover us until we reached the woods, but one villager saw us. He took a shot at you. I didn’t know how bad it was… until you died in my arms.”

“No.” Shaking his head, Steve lurched to his feet. “NO!”

“We walked this Earth for five hundred and seventy two years together. I have walked the last three hundred and fifteen… alone.”

“No. Stuff like that… it’s made up!”

You laughed softly. “Says the leader of the Avengers. A man who’s fought aliens alongside a witch, a giant green hulk, and the God of Thunder.”

He gaped at you before slowly settling back to the sofa. “But… I… you don’t look a day over thirty!”

This time the laughter was not so soft when it burst from you. “Why thank you, Captain!”

He blushed, and oh dear goddess, he was Henry all over. “I didn’t mean…”

Pouring his tea, you slid the cup closer. “I know what you meant.”

He picked up the cup and sipped, his brow rising in evident surprise. “Wow. That’s good.”

“Hm. It is an old recipe.”

He drank silently for a while, the wheels turning, before finally looking up. “I don’t know if I believe you.”

Setting your cup down, you held out your hands. “I can show you, if you like.”

His cup joined yours. Reaching tentatively toward you his hands hovered an inch above. “This going to hurt?”

“Depends.”

“On what?”

“On which memory we fall into.” Grasping his hands, you dragged him into the past with you.

Next Chapter

#once a witch #steve rogers #steve x reader #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers x witch!reader #captain america #captain america fanfiction #captain america x reader #avengers #avengers au #avengers fanfiction

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starwrite-er · 7 years ago

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Poster Boy [Chapter 25 - Final] - Poe Dameron x Reader

A/N: exactly a year ago I began this fic, and somehow today it’s come to a close. Thank you all for sticking by me throughout this story, and I hope you’ll stay around for the companion fic and the eventual sequel!

Tag List: @firefeatherx @plethora-of-things @britishteahater @umbrellabrass @purple-skeleton @winchesterandpie @the-creative-lie @i-alrightokaycool @definitely-nota-fangirl @purelittleblueberry @gemmielii @thedepressedsponge @merlinlover @flylikeajetpack @buckysmaingirl @wookielicious @andyl394 @books-netflix-and-pizza

Falling out of hyperspace reveals the rich blues and greens of the planet we’re headed to. The Millennium Falcon flies close to the landscape, rolling hills surrounded by numerous lakes spread out before us.

“I didn’t know there was this much green in the whole galaxy.” Rey whispers, and I feel a pang of pity for the life she’s lived.

We come to stop in a clearing, the forest we’ve landed in surrounding a stone castle that towers above the foliage. Rey’s the first one out of the ship, taking in the sights and sounds of the flora and fauna she missed out on growing up. I hang back for a minute while Han gathers equipment.

“Hey, Solo, listen, I don’t know what we’re walking into here-“ Finn starts, his voice low.

“Did you just call me Solo?” Han interrupts.

“Sorry, Han- Mr. Solo,” Finn corrects himself before going on. “You should know, I’m a big deal in the Resistance, which puts a real target on my back. Are there any conspirators here? Like, First Order sympathisers?”

“Listen, ‘Big Deal’, you got another problem. Women always figure out the truth,” Han pushes a blaster into Finn’s arms. “Always.”

The older man glances over at me. “Hm? Oh, I knew from the get-go,” I say, shrugging. “I think Rey’s lived life in too much isolation to realise, though.” Han gives Finn a look before leaving the ship, passing me a blaster as he goes.

Finn takes a deep breath before we leave with Chewie to join the others. For a moment I feel like we’re intruding on a conversation between Han and Rey, but they bring the topic to a close, and we set off down one of the dirt paths towards the castle.

“Solo, why are we here again?” Finn asks, antsy about the whole situation.

“To get your droid on a clean ship,” Han answers. “You think it was luck that Chewie and I found the Falcon? If we can find it on our scanners, the First Order’s not far behind.”

The entrance to the castle is an impressive display of flags from across the galaxy, decorating the base of the looming statue portraying a foreign race I’m unfamiliar with.

“You wanna get BB-8 to the Resistance? Maz Kanata’s our best bet.” Han continues.

“We can trust her, right?” Finn asks, ever on edge.

“Relax, kid. She’s run this watering hole for a thousand years. Maz is a bit of an acquired taste, so let me do the talking,” Han tells us. “And whatever you do, don’t stare.”

“At what?” Rey, Finn, and I ask in unison.

“Any of it.” Is the vague answer we receive as we enter the building.

Mellow music plays throughout the cantina, patrons of numerous species and cultures taking up almost every seat, the atmosphere bustling with life.

“Han Solo!” A voice calls out, and it goes silent, save for the sound of a shattering glass. Every head turns in our direction. Han sighs.

“Hey, Maz!” He replies with a wave, and the music and chattering resume.

Through the crowd weaves a small, orange woman, and I realise the statue outside is of her. This must be Maz. “Where’s my boyfriend?” She questions.

“Chewie’s working on the Falcon.” Is Han’s answer.

“I like that Wookiee,” She says. I exchange looks with Finn and Rey. “I assume you need something. Desperately. Let’s get to it.”

By this point, I’ve learnt not to question things like this, and follow her. Still, this place is full of shady people, and I’m on edge with BB-8 out in the open like this. Maz leads us to a round table, taking a seat as she listen intently to the astromech’s explanation.

“A map, to Skywalker himself?” Maz turns to Han and laughs. “You’re right back in the mess.”

“Maz, I need you to get this droid to Leia.” Han tells her, voice low.

“Hm, no,” She replies shortly. We look at her in disbelief as she continues to address the older man. “You’ve been running from this fight for too long. Han, go home.”

“Leia doesn’t want to see me.” He says, melancholic.

“Please, we came here for your help.” Finn pleads.

“What fight?” Rey asks, as curious as ever.

“The only fight: against the dark side. Through the ages, I’ve seen evil take many forms. The Sith. The Empire. Today, it is the First Order, their shadow spreading across the galaxy. We must face them, fight them. All of us.” Maz tells the young girl, but she strikes a nerve with Finn.

“There is no fight against the First Order, not one we can win,” The ex-Stormtrooper states, leaning forward. I clench my jaw. “Look around. There’s no chance we haven’t been recognised by now. I bet you the First Order is on their way right-“

“Then we deal with them,” I snap, cutting him off. His argument is one I’ve been fighting against for a long time. “Cowardice never got anyone anywhere. If we don’t fight back, then innocent lives across the galaxy would have been lost for nothing, and will continue to be lost under the rule of the First Order.”

A clicking distracts both Finn and I from the debate. “Uh, what’s this? What are you doing?” The boy questions, watching Maz adjust her lenses. The woman squints at us, climbing across the table, knocking things to the floor. “Solo, what is she doing?”

“I don’t know, but it ain’t good.” Is Han’s seemingly unfazed answer.

“If you live long enough, you see the same eyes in different people,” Maz tells us, observing closely. “I’m looking at the eyes of those who want to run. A man who wants to run away, and a woman who wants to run towards the fight.”

I swallow thickly. Finn leans forward, and speaks in a low voice. “You don’t know a thing about me. Where I’m from, what I’ve seen. You don’t know the First Order like I do. They’ll slaughter us. We all need to run.”

Maz returns to her seat and points across the Cantina. “You see those two? They’ll trade work for transportation to the Outer Rim. There, you can disappear.”

“Finn?” Disbelief laces Rey’s tone.

“Come with me.” Finn offers earnestly.

“What about BB-8? We’re not done yet, we have to get him back to your base!” She reminds him. The orange-and-white droid beeps anxiously. For a moment, Finn looks forlorn.

“I can’t.” He decides, leaving us behind. It’s not my place to feel this way, but I can’t help but feel almost betrayed by his actions, despite knowing exactly why he’s doing it. The hurt on Rey’s face is clear as day, and she too stands up and leaves, BB-8 following her.

Han and Maz discuss something, and I too excuse myself the conversation. I make my way outside, BB-09 hot on my heels.

I take seat on the stone steps leading up to Maz’s Castle, taking a minute to myself to think about everything that’s happened the past couple of days, and everything there is still to do. As my astromech chirps reassurances, I find myself thinking of home, of my family and friends, wondering what’s happening back on base.

My thoughts are interrupted when around me, people shout and cry out, pointing to the sky. I look up and feel my blood turn to ice at the sight of the angry red beam. I stand, filled with an incomparable dread. Even here, across the galaxy, the destruction of the system is visible. Han is now beside me, resting a hand on my shoulder. I cover my open mouth, tears filling my eyes as my heart goes out to the billions of innocent people that just mercilessly lost their lives. BB-09 beeps, frantic.

“It was the Republic! The First Order, they’ve done it,” Finn calls to us, running over. He’s breathing heavily, and glancing around he realises someone is missing. “Where’s Rey?”

The destruction of the Hosnian system leaves me feeling helpless, but as the familiar, distant screams of TIEs fill the air, I’m left with a deep-rooted feeling of dread.

Maz takes us back inside her castle, leading us to a passage underground. “I’ve had this for ages, kept it locked away.” She tells us. At the end of the stone corridor is a wooden chest. The small women reaches in, revealing to us a metal hilt.

“Where did you get that?” Han questions, recognising the object.

“A good question, for another time,” Maz places the item in Finn’s hands. “Take it. Find your friend.”

The way Finn instinctively holds it makes something in my mind click, and I realise that, of all the things that could have been given to us, this- this is a lightsaber.

There’s a boom, and around us, everything shudders and shakes. Maz speaks, her words hushed. “Those beasts, they’re here!”

When we make it above ground, the castle has already been reduced to rubble, flames burning and blaster fire filling the air. Han takes the lead, clearing out the first few Stormtroopers that notice us. Behind me, Maz shouts at Finn to go help Rey and BB-8.

Han and Chewie briefly split up from us, and as Finn utilises the lightsaber now in his possession, I watch his back, taking out Stormtroopers that don’t get too close.

I hear a shout of ‘traitor!’ behind me, but am too preoccupied to acknowledge it. When I turn back a minute later, I see Finn on the ground, a trooper preparing to bring their weapon down on him. I fire at the buckethead, distracting him long enough for Finn to crawl away. It’s Han that fires the finishing shot as I dash over to my friend.

“You okay?” I ask, helping Finn to his feet.

“Yeah, thanks.” He replies, breathless, Chewie and Han joining us.

“Let’s call it even.” I suggest, referring to his role in Poe’s escape from the First Order. Finn nods.

“Don’t move!” I turn to see a group of Stormtroopers surrounding us, every one of them with their blasters raised. “TK-338, we have targets in custody.”

Our weapons are snatched from us, and we’re shoved with blasters, being made to surrender. Hands on our heads, we’re lead through the ruined remains of Maz’s castle, helpless.

The Stormtroopers continue to relay messages back and forth to each other over their comms, most of it indistinct chatter to my ears. The group leading us away suddenly stops, though, something else brought to their attention.

“We have incoming at 28.6, move, move, move!” Comes the shout of their squadron leader, troops immediately positioning themselves in the direction of the lake.

The flair for the dramatic is not lost on me as incoming ships at high speeds spray water into the air behind them, creating a mist that follows them. My hands drop from my head as a grin breaks out across my face. “It’s the Resistance.”

I watch, ecstatic, cheering as I watch my friends begin swiftly clearing the area out, wishing I was up there with them. The Stormtroopers guarding us are shot down, and we’re quick to grab weapons and start firing.

I’m beside Finn when a TIE starts shooting at us, getting dangerously close when an X-Wing speeds overhead and takes it down. My heart skips a beat when I see the familiar black and orange design, and an almost teary smile is brought to my face as I recognise the skill of the Starfighter’s pilot.

“That’s one hell of a pilot!” Finn shouts at the display.

I whoop as the X-Wing loops back round. “Take ‘em down, babe!”

The enemy quickly realises that they are outmatched in skill, and begin to retreat. Finn and I run through the debris, just in time to see a cloaked figure carrying Rey into a ship. I stop, horrified by my friend’s capture, as Finn runs towards them, screaming out her name. We watch helplessly as they take to the sky, vanishing into hyperspace.

“He took her, did you see that? He took her. She’s gone.” Finn calls to Han as we regroup. He reassures the younger man he saw as he brushes past, making his way to the landing site of a transport ship.

I pull Finn into a quick hug, knowing exactly how he feels at this moment, having experienced it before myself. “We’ll find her. I promise.”

BB-8 makes an appearance, rolling past us to the ship from which a number of Resistance fighters exit. With the fighting over, from behind a pile of rubble emerges my own astromech - unharmed, much to my relief.

I make smalltalk with my droid, discussing the events of the battle as I give Han and Leia a chance to speak. It’s not long before it’s time to leave the planet.

While Han, Chewbacca, and Finn take the Millennium Falcon back to base, I know the General will have something to say about my actions, and I take the transport ship back.

For the most part, our journey is silent, but somehow that still speaks volumes about the disappointment my General feels.

Eventually, she breaks the silence. “I have every reason to ground and demote you.”

I don’t reply, knowing better than to argue back. The older woman sighs.

“Had it not been for your message about BB-8 on Jakku, I would,” I glance up at her words. “If you disregard orders like that again, however, you won’t be as lucky.”

I nod, quiet. “Yeah, that’s more than fair.”

Setting down on D’Qar is almost surreal. Part of me had felt as though we’d never make it back, and after the hectic couple of days I’ve just had, it’s kind of strange to be surrounded by busy Resistance members again.

I see Finn, and he nods at me from across the runway. He catches sight of something, though, and quickly runs off in that direction. BB-09 chirps, averting my attention to someone else.

“Keipii!” I call out. The girls sees me, rushing and jumping into my arms. I spin her around before sinking to my knees, holding her close.

“You’re okay. I wasn’t sure if you made it.” She murmurs. She must’ve heard my last transmission to base.

“I’m not leaving you anytime soon. I promised I’d come back alive, didn’t I?” I remind her, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

“You did,” She agrees after a moment of thought. “You also made that promise about Poe.”

My heart drops. Seeing Poe’s X-Wing at the battle of Takodana left me with a spark of hope, but truth be told, anyone could have been piloting it. Finn had all the evidence to believe Poe Dameron was dead, and despite his First Order roots, I trusted the man and his judgement.

Keipii frowns at my silence, confused by the look of heartache on my face. “Ma? What’s wrong?”

“Oh, my little galaxy,” I murmur, the guilt of telling her the truth of what happened weighing down my heart and my words. “Poe- Poe didn’t make it back from Jakku.”

Keipii’s eyes widen, full of fear and heartbreak, but something occurs to her and a deep frown replaces the expression. “What do you mean?” It hurts to see her like that. “He got back yesterday! He was hurt, but he was even more scared when found out you left to find him. He went to Ta- Takod- uh, the planet they just fought at, and he got back safe.”

I freeze at Keipii’s words, heart pounding.

“...What?” The whisper barely makes it past my lips.

“Where is- there he is!” Keipii tells me excitedly, point down the duracrete runway. I follow her gaze, instantly welling up when I see him.

“I love you, Keipii,” I kiss the girl’s head, reassuring her as I stand to go to Poe. “I’ll be right back.”

With every step I take, my pace quickens. Finn points in my direction. Shock and relief flashes across Poe’s face when he sees, and suddenly he’s sprinting towards me.

We collide, clinging to each other as sobs wrack throughout us.

“I-I thought you were dead.” I tell him, gripping the material of his orange flightsuit.

“Organa said there would be no rescues. What were you thinking?” He responds.

Poe pulls back, just enough to wipe his face with his sleeve before brushing away the tears on my cheeks. He presses his forehead to mind, laughter bubbling up out of us at the sheer relief of seeing the other alive.

“And you called me reckless.” Poe chuckles, pulling me impossibly closer to him and kissing me deeply, a repetition of actions he took mere weeks ago. This time, however, there’s no trace of uncertainty in what we’re doing, just the vague regret that it took near death for us to throw aside our inhibitions.

For a moment we break apart. Those that bore witness to our action whoop, cheering for what they’d been betting on for so long. Poe, looking at me fondly, shrugs at the attention and kisses me again.

We’re both grinning into it, overcome by a sheer giddiness. Lost in the moment, we’re broken out of it by our General. “As pleased as I am to see you two together, we have work to do.” I pull back, smiling sheepishly at the woman as Poe positively beams, his arms still secure around me as my hands fall to his chest.

“We’ll be with you in a moment?” I try, and the General nods, a small smile on her face.

Poe hums happily, kissing me quickly once more before taking something off from around his neck, slipping the chain over my head to hang against my chest.

“Wait, are- are you sure?” I question, shocked as I realise what it is he’s given me.

“For all the reckless, impulsive decisions I’ve made,” He tells me. “I haven’t got any regrets about anything I’ve done with you.”

I’m speechless, staring at him wide-eyed. After a moment, I find my voice. “Stars, I love you.”

Poe grins as I pull him in for another kiss. “I love you, too.”

The weight of ring on the chain around my neck has already become a comfort.

#oh my god this fic is really over is this surreal #my work #fic: poster boy #poe dameron #poe dameron x reader #star wars #star wars tfa #the force awakens #star wars x reader #reader insert

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