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shintorikhazumi · 4 years ago

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Romero and Julie (Act I: Truths and Lies)

A/N: Thought of it while I was looking up K-on’s romeo and juliet episode and accidentally typed “Romero”.

...I know i have so many wips, but this will most likely be a 2-shot or a 3. It’s not going to drag on that long. I think... I believe...

... I think...

...5 chaps at most?

Also, this story is as sloppily written as that search prompt, so I apologize. (I keep writing romeo as romero for some reason.) I don’t know how to write anymore, it seems. Also, I didn’t reread this for checks. Sorry again. I just... yeeted this out as soon as the last word was in place. Anyway,

Enjoy?

~Shintori Khazumi

Two households, both alike in dignity,

In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,

From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,

Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.

From forth the fatal loins of these two foes

A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life;

Whose misadventur'd piteous overthrows

Doth with their death bury their parents' strife.

The fearful passage of their death-mark'd love,

And the continuance of their parents' rage,

Which but their children's end naught could remove,

Is now the two hours' traffic of our stage;

The which, if you with patient ears attend,

What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to me-

“I can’t believe the utter bullshit I’ve just read.”

“Lady Claudine!” Mahiru gasped, unable to believe the words she’d just heard coming from the noble lady sat across her.

“Oh, come now, Mahiru. You can’t tell me you actually like this piece of work?” Claudine sighed, shutting the book and placing it on the table. She stared at the cover a few minutes more before pushing it away from her in disgust.

“Hmm? I don’t get it. It is a piece? And it is a work?” Mahiru’s escort cocked her head to the side in confusion, giving Claudine a look that requested clarification.

“Dame Karen.” Claudine sighed, resting her elbows on the table and propping her head up in her hands. She ignored Mahiru’s wide eyes at her ill-mannered display and went on with her exchange with the female knight. “I’m saying it’s a terrible piece of work. Terribly inaccurate.”

“Ohhhhh. I get it.” Karen nodded, eyes wide, expression enlightened before it settled into a smile. “I think so too.”

“Right?!” Claudine thought her voice was a bit too enthusiastic there. Clearing her throat, she calmly reiterated. “Right? I actually had high expectations for this as many of the noble ladies I’ve come across recently have been flaunting their copies of the script. They even dubbed it as the ‘New Romance Bible of High Society’.” Claudine rolled her eyes. She would have made a gagging motion, but she was certain Mahiru would cry blood at that.

“Besides, I can’t believe they’d try to make a reference to my family name for such a piece, and even claim to have modeled the heroine after me when clearly, she is nothing like me.” Claudine continued to criticize. “Therefore, I have fair reason to dislike such a novel.”

“It’s not all that bad, is it?” Mahiru tried. “I managed to read up to half of it, and I believe it was alright.”

Claudine stared at her blankly. “I decided to give Junna the benefit of the doubt here, as she has been my long-time tutor and friend. I believe in her recommendations.” Claudine pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration. “So, I’ve read the book cover to cover.”

“Oh?”

“It was the worst decision I’ve ever made.” Claudine lamented. “Nana should have stopped her from picking up such a horrific title. I can’t believe she actually liked it enough to recommend it to me.”

“Maybe she thought it would be a nice read since it was about you?” Karen offered her opinion.

“Who would want to read about themselves in such a sad excuse of a tale?” Claudine played with her tea, swirling it in the cup. “Maybe if it was written more tastefully... Anyway, I can’t stand the book so maybe I’ll just give it away or use it for fire.”

“Madame Junna will feel sad to hear that, you know?” Mahiru sighed, taking a bite of her cake. “She might even cry.”

“No, she won’t.” Claudine chuckled with a wave of her hand, but then Junna’s face flashed a brief moment in her mind, and it made her pause in thought. “...right?” She wasn’t so sure all of a sudden.

“Lady Claudine... she sulked for three days when she’d heard you laughed during one of the most tragic plays of our generation.” Mahiru deadpanned.

Claudine’s brows furrowed, unable to recall the events that Mahiru was referencing.

“Que?”

“Remember? We went to Brighton theatre the other day?”

“...”

“Brighton?”

“Karen! You were with us too, you know!”

“Ah-”

Mahiru looked to Claudine excitedly. It seemed as though she’d finally remembered.

“That comedy skit Junna recommended?”

“Again, it was tragedy!”

“The one where the main character got shot after being stupid enough to not take a shield after he was advised to? The ‘A sword is mightier than a pen, but the sword is my...’ my...” Claudine thought hard, struggling to find the right words in her memory. “Something or other.” She gave up.

“Kuro-chan!”

Claudine grinned at the nickname, pleased that she was able to rile Mahiru up another day.

“Okay, okay. Enough teasing, I know.” She laughed, patting her friend on the head and gaining a blooming blush in return. “You were just too lovely, I couldn’t help myself.” She flashed a charming smile that made Mahiru burn even hotter, and made Karen pout.

“This is why you’re so... and nobles keep... hrmmrrgghh...” She grumbled. “And yet you complain about being crowded and you....”

“What was that, Dame Karen?” Claudine chuckled, eyeing her friend with an amused look.

“Oh, nothing really, Duchess Claudine.” Karen fired back.

“Hey now, don’t go spreading lies, my dear knight.” Claudine frowned.

“I speak no lies, milady. Everyone knows that you are the one who has been handling estate affairs as of late.” Karen spoke seriously all of a sudden, irking Claudine secretly.

She didn’t want to think of those things right now.

Before Claudine’s mood sunk further, Karen- with a quick flip of a switch- had returned to pouting. “And I’m not your dear knight.”

Oh, Karen could be so perceptive, sometimes. Claudine gladly accepted the bail.

“I know.” Claudine smiled, half-grateful, half-teasing. “You are Mahiru’s, right?” Claudine wiggled her brows suggestively. Karen flushed hot red, and Claudine thoroughly drank in her new target’s vexation in enjoyment.

“Kuro-chan!!”

Claudine admired the twin tomatoes in front of her. Life had been a drag lately, but time with her friends always seemed to offset all of those.

“Oh right. And Hikari’s too.”

Claudine broke into hysterics at the display of flailing arms and incoherent half-yells of denial at the mention of her knight’s name. She swore she could physically see the steam coming off of the pair in front of her. Was it from anger, embarrassment, or both? Probably both, Claudine supposed.

“Kuro-chan, you are seriously so mean.” Karen whined, fanning her face uselessly as the heat showed no signs of subsiding.

Claudine wiped a tear from her eyes. She’d laughed so much her sides were beginning to hurt.

“I’m terrible, aren’t I?” She smiled.

“That you are, Milady.” A stoic voice suddenly inserted itself into their conversation.

Claudine found herself jolting in her seat at its proximity from behind her. Whipping her head around, she sighed in relief at the sight of her escort.

“Hikari! At least alert us sooner if you’ve arrived!” Claudine complained. Her heart beat strongly against the palm she’d rested against her chest in an attempt to calm herself.

“I have arrived, Milady.”

“No, like I said. Say that sooner!” Claudine huffed, settling back into her seat, leaning her head on her palm once more. Claudine spared a glance at Karen and Mahiru who were looking rather bashful, eyes averted from the newest arrival.

She covered her mouth with her hand to hide the growing smile on her face as her knight stared at the pair across them. Claudine patiently awaited the usual awkward interaction between her friends that she knew would play out soon. She counted the seconds off in her head, knowing exactly when the first move would be made.

3... 2... 1-

Like clockwork, Hikari faced Mahiru and Karen head-on, straightened her posture, and bent into a deep bow of greeting. “Lady Tsuyuzaki.”

“Dame Kagura. It’s a pleasure to see you once more” Mahiru responded calmly.

However, Claudine caught the way Mahiru’s brow twitched. Her displeasure was skillfully hidden behind that gentle smile she’s known for forever, but Claudine would like to believe she’s adept enough at deciphering the true meaning behind Mahiru’s masks called grace.

She internally shook her head, hoping Mahiru could soon find the freedom to be free from the expectations laid on the lady known as ‘High Society’s Saintess’, and be able to express emotions outside of simple joy, kindness, or sympathy.

Turning to the other knight, Claudine waited for what Karen’s reaction for today would be. She had a variety for different days. Sometimes it was openly voicing her disappointment, and other times it was a response just as curt and detached as Hikari’s.

“Dame Ai-”

“Karen!” The owner of the name interrupted. “Just Karen. Karen is fine... H-Hikari...”

Oh? Today was a little more bold, Claudine noted. Usually Karen would only politely request the other knight to refer to her by her given name, even if it bore her title. This was a fresh attempt. Now, how would her dear knight react?

“Dame Karen.” Hikari stated blankly, completely unfazed by the hiccup in her usual greeting routine.

Claudine lightly slapped Hikari’s arm-earning her a confused yelp- before throwing Karen and Mahiru a consoling smile; one that told them there was always a next time to attempt to woo her clueless knight.

She watched Karen’s shoulders drop in a sigh, and Mahiru cover her relenting smile with her fan. She should talk to Hikari about this sometime again. For now, however...

“So? What goes on back at the manor?” Claudine took a sip of her tea that had now gone cold after she’d ignored it a while. With a minute flick of her finger, it grew warm in her hands and she smiled, hoping her friends hadn’t noticed.

She heard her knight groan from behind her. Quite a rare happening, to be frank. Hikari was usually very careful with her actions and reactions, so Claudine braced herself for some unpleasant news.

“Master Cyrille has finally arrived.” She reported dutifully.

Claudine somehow heard the frosty bite in her tone. It was understandable. Cyrille was her elder brother of four years, and the heir apparent to their household.

-Or that was how it was supposed to be.

He and Hikari never really got along after- ehem- certain incidents had taken place a few years ago. Those incidents also happened to be part of the reason why his successorship was being reconsidered at present.

“How did Pa- Father react?” Claudine caught herself before her small childish habit would be revealed.

Hikari scratched her cheek, another nervous habit of hers that Claudine had learned about after years of being together. “They had the usual debate. Right as he arrived.”

That was expected. Claudine knew something like that would happen. So why was Hikari so bothered.

“The young master came onto the premises yelling right away from the gate about being the rightful heir or something along those lines.”

This too was within Claudine’s foresight.

“I can’t believe he’s making a fuss on foreign land. We’re not here to start a war, we’re here as representatives of a peace treaty.” Claudine shook her head in disappointment.

Her family, the Capulets, had hailed from the Western empire and had been residing for a few months on Eastern lands. After hundreds of years of warring with the east, they had experienced the first fifty years of a truce. Finally, the two empires had decided to build friendly relations to completely cease all the needless battles between them. After fifty years of an ambiguous standstill, the emperors had finally decided to send forth representatives to celebrate the golden year of peace between them and cement the alliance of the nations.

As the grand ducal household located at the border of the empires, their family had naturally been selected. This was also the West’s acclaimed ‘reward for service in battle’ to their family who had always fought to protect the precious border.

Yes, all that struggle in history, and her brother might just be the one to render it all useless in one fell swoop.

Not that it would have been the first time.

“Anything else, Hikari?” Claudine could feel her headache coming on.

“They argued in the study.”

“I figured.”

Hikari still radiated nervous energy, and Claudine just had to wonder why. “What are you not telling me yet, Hikari?”

“... Master Cyrille kept pressing that he was the rightful hair to the Dukedom... then Your Grace was angered and said that... that...”

“Hikari?”

“You’re not going to like it.” The knight warned.

“Obviously not.” Claudine replied flatly. “From how you are at this moment, I’ve already figured that out.”

“The Grand Duke said he’d rather make you the heir... instead of Young Master Cyrille... so he wishes to speak with you back at the estate.”

Claudine’s eyes widened. She knew there was a possibility that this outcome would arise. She just didn’t think it was that possible. She had already voiced her stance on this in the past to her father. She was not willing to take over their family as head. She had other plans in life. Plans of freedom and of adventure; she had other desires that were probably not suited for a woman carrying royal blood.

Yet she longed for that particular life. Thus, she could not be the Duke’s successor. She’d suggested that her father give the title to their youngest sibling instead who was seven years her junior.

He might not be ready now, but he could still be groomed to be the perfect candidate in the future. She was sure Gabriel could do it, irresponsible as she may sound at that moment, pushing it all onto the child.

“Kuro-chan?”

Mahiru’s tender voice reminded Claudine that her friends were still there, quite worried that she’d suddenly froze on the spot.

“My apologies, Mahiru.” She got up, bowing deeply. “I know you’ve gone out of your way to prepare all of this for me, but-”

“Hey.” Claudine felt a warm hand on her cheek, guiding her to stand back up. Mahiru’s gaze was kind as it always was, full of tender empathy. “Go. A few tea and biscuits aren’t going to go to waste just because you’re not around.”

Claudine managed a small smile, taking Mahiru’s hand into her own two.

“You have Karen anyway.”

“Exactly.”

“Hmm? What about me?”

The two young ladies laughed at their inside joke for a few moments before embracing one another goodbye.

Karen had offered one to Claudine as well, and she gladly accepted.

After being sent off with the best of regards and well-wishing, Claudine tried to not think on her dread the entire carriage ride home.

She just knew it was going to be a messy affair.

//-//-//-//-//

“Claudine.”

“Your Grace.”

The Grand Duke heaved a sigh, gesturing for his daughter to take a seat across from him. “I take it you’ve already heard from Hikari?” At the nod of Claudine’s head, he sighed once more. “I’m really sorry about that. I am aware that you do not wish to get involved in such dealings. However, I didn’t have much else to say. I could not think of any other argument at that moment.”

Claudine could see the exhaustion built up in her father. She felt bad for being so insistent on her own wants that she’d possibly pushed him up against a wall. However, she could not deny that this was the only path she was willing to take.

Taking her father’s hands and planting a kiss on them, she reassured him. “I understand, papa.”

“Claudine...”

“I am also at fault, anyway. I know you’re being pressured by the Royal family into a succession ceremony soon, and yet... I’m adding onto your troubles.”

“I just- I don’t understand why they are so adamant on it... yet at the same time I know why.” Duke Capulet’s expression turned stern. “I suspect this is the first prince’s doing.”

“Paris?”

The duke nodded, clearly unhappy at the mention of the name. “I don’t understand why your brother went against my guidance to not associate with him. The second prince would make a far better friend, as well as future ruler.” His frown deepened. “And yet, that imbecile, Cyrille...”

Duke Capulet brought Claudine’s hands to his forehead, bowing before his daughter.

“After all that fool, Paris, had done to you...”

Claudine shuddered at the memory of her days at the academy and the forceful ‘courtship methods’ of the first prince. Had her father been a different man, she feared she would have been long-engaged to such a twisted brat who hid behind a cunning smile and the power of the crown.

He was sure never to push too far, or too dangerously, but Claudine knew he was bordering terrible, terrible deeds. She was just glad she was far away from him now.

“Claudine.”

Her father lifted his head up, eyes saddened, but commanding in a sense as they stared into Claudine’s own. Claudine immediately knew that his next words would be incredibly important, that they would be of the utmost value to her and her life, as well as their entire household’s. She just knew that their weight would be something she would have to endeavor to bear for everyone’s sake.

She knew because he rarely ever asked her of anything that she did not desire. She knew that something must have happened to allow the Grand Duke to tremble in this way, before his nineteen-year-old daughter, with a gaze that was begging her to comply.

“You have to get married.”

//-//-//-//-//

Claudine swung her sword, ridding the area of the final beast and collecting its glowing core off the puddled ground. Handing the gem-like item to Hikari for safe-keeping, she slumped against a tree, sinking to the ground that dirtied her pants with mud that had formed from the night’s rain.

“Are you hurt, milady?” Hikari inquired, already rushing forward to do a thorough body-check for any injuries on Claudine.

“Nothing of the sort. Also, I told you not to address me that way while we’re out adventuring. What if someone found us out?” Claudine ran a hand through her damp bangs, grimacing at the repulsive feel and smell of blood and grime in her hair.

“My apologies.”

Times like these, Claudine wished she hadn’t focused too much on learning combat spells back then. She should have taken the foundational classes with Nana more seriously, and looked into metamorphosis magic sooner. She wouldn’t have to worry about issues such as being discovered then.

Better to start late then never, she supposed. She could only manage to change her hair and eye color, as well as clothes for a small amount of time for now, but she was working on changing her entire appearance for extended periods soon. Then she and Hikari could go off on any journey or mission without being recognized.

“Claudine?”

The soft calling made her smile. It was rare for her knight to address her so casually, and even rarer was the tenderness she allowed to escape in her voice. Claudine placed a hand on Hikari’s head, petting it lightly.

“Yes, Hikari?”

“Do you not want to get married, Claudine?”

The question wasn’t what she had expected. She hadn’t even told Hikari about her current situation yet. She must have listened in on the conversation secretly.

“If my dad had caught you...” Claudine laughed at the realization, shaking her head.

Hikari remained silent.

Claudine scratched her cheek, looking away from the knight’s expectant gaze. “It’s not as though I don’t want to.” She admitted. “I just...”

“Just?”

“I haven’t found a person I’d like to share that kind of joy with yet.” Claudine spoke with a loneliness to her tone that they both weren’t quite familiar with. “I haven’t gotten to know anyone who makes me want to experience that kind of relationship.”

Hikari didn’t seem to understand fully, but she nodded nonetheless. “Okay.” She decided not to push further, noticing her master’s discomfort. Instead, she held out a hand to aid her up on her feet.

“Thank you, Hikari.” For the assistance and for listening, Claudine said in her heart. “Shall we head back to the guild now? Wouldn’t want Cyrille to barge into my room first thing tomorrow morning and find it empty.” Claudine half-joked.

If Claudine knew her brother, which she did, she knew he’d have searched for her at the dinner table tonight already, but her father had likely made an excuse to keep him out of her hair ‘til morning. She already knew that he would want to speak to her on matters regarding the prince, or succession, or whatever it was he did that was likely no good.

If he ever got into Claudine’s room without supervision, she was afraid he’d stumble upon things he wasn’t supposed to, and would likely use it against her.

Her conversation with her father resurfaced in her mind. His words on finding a suitable partner, a suitor, and the reasons behind it were invasive, consuming her every thought.

Cyrille was trying to set her up with Prince Paris for some reason. He was willing to pull all stops to do so. It seemed that he had went ahead and made a proposal to the royal family under the authority of ‘Heir-apparent’ to the Capulet Dukedom. He’d sworn that once he was made Duke, she’d be married off into the imperial household as a way to strengthen the standing and influence of the emperor.

Whatever he had been promised to make him act so selfishly and vilely, Claudine didn’t even want to know.

As of now, he held no real power over her father. Neither did the first prince, in reality. Deep down, however, both Claudine and the Grand Duke knew there was more to this arrangement than two boys and their greedy egos being fed. He feared for the future.

With all they had already gotten away with in the past, Duke Capulet was suspecting that someone else held the strings to the puppets dancing to a tune. They had yet to know what gears were turning in a suspected grand scheme, but it must not come to pass. This was what their family feared the most, and why Claudine must not get involved with Paris.

In order to have a valid reason to reject such a candidate, she needed a better one. That was the part she had to play.

There was just one small problem-

“You there!”

A voice echoed through the shadow and mist of the forest, horse hooves stomping rapidly against the wet ground. Quickly, Claudine brandished her sword, pointing it in the direction from whence it came. “Hikari! Get behind me!” She commanded, left hand twitching in anticipation.

“Now see here, Milady. I’m the protector suppo-”

“Don’t move! Stay where you are and drop your weapons.” The voice commanded, a silhouette beginning to form in the distance.

“Like hell we’ll listen.” Claudine grumbled, sword still at the ready with a glow that traveled from its hilt to its blade.

“I’m warning you!” The voice echoed once more. “State your name and your business here. And don’t even think of trying to fight or escape.”

Claudine fixed her glare on the figure coming into the light of the clearing they were at, magic barely finishing its work of turning her hair black as Hikari’s shifted into a shorter cut. It was the best she could do at such short notice. Hopefully the night would be kind enough to be their mask and they wouldn’t be recognized afterwards should they escape successfully.

“Again, I order you to state your names and your business here, strangers. Are you not aware that these grounds belong to the imperial family?” The powerful stomping halted right in front of the women, a sharp huff from the steed sending them reeling back in disgust.

Finally, underneath the gaze of the moon, a figure cast in stardust light appeared before them, hooded cloak hiding the identity of the horseman.

“Who are you.”

Claudine continued to glower at the newcomer, unrelenting as she kept her lips tightly shut. Who was this person? Why had they suddenly been approached? This place was supposedly a mission ground for adventurers and hunters hoping to earn their keep by clearing out the ghouls and demons that infested this uninhabited land.

“Who. Are. You-”

“I could ask you the same thing.” Claudine spoke levelly through grit teeth, ready to slash at any given time should the newcomer move in a threatening pattern. “We’re only here on quest. Adventurers if you will.”

The cloaked man dismounted and walked up to Claudine, staring a few inches down at her. “Is that so?”

Claudine hated that he was even trying to intimidate her. Placing a firm hand on his chest, she pushed him away somewhat gently, not really wanting to potentially aggravate the already-tense situation. “Yes. That is so.” She confirmed, scowling. “For us at least. But what about you?”

Claudine eyed the man, watching for any suspicious movements. He returned the gaze, looking her up and down, searching her expression for signs of dishonesty. He seemed to have found nothing as his aura of hostility calmed drastically, and he sighed.

“I’m an imperial guard, patrolling.” As he said that, a sword was raised, still sheathed. Claudine was shown the imperial seal on the scabbard and she relaxed somewhat as the guard backed off with a small bow. “As I’ve mentioned before, these grounds are under the jurisdiction of the imperial household.”

“Apologies, sir. However, we were unaware of this fact as this place has been a known hotspot for adventurers for many years- or so we’ve heard.” Claudine explained, now sheathing her own sword.

“I understand.” The guard nodded. “I also apologize. While your statement held truth in the past, as of recent, this forest has been deemed more unsafe than it used to be. It’s not just magical beasts or ghouls that lurk these shadows now. Reports of spies, terrorists, and bandits trying to enter the capital via a newly discovered route through the woods have been reported, so we are at high alert.”

Claudine hummed, taking in their current situation. “I see.” Claudine nodded, agreeing to his words. She had expected these kinds of threats to arise as the peace treaty ceremony approached and more nobles from both empires flocked to the main city. It was an opportune moment to spark disaster, and even a civil war.

Good on the west to take quick measures.

“As such, I must ask for your identities to ensure the safety of all.”

Not so good for Claudine.

“I, er-”

“As you are adventurers- and I, of course, believe in your words, I would just like to see your identifications and know your names. It’s a quick process then I can let you go. That is... if you have nothing to be suspected of.”

Truthfully, she shouldn’t be as nervous as she suddenly was at the moment. However, there were a few issues with that request. For one, no one but Hikari, the Grand Duke, and the Head Guild Master of the Eastern Empire knew of her being an adventurer. She had been registered under special circumstances that had been agreed upon, and her issued permit in order to accept quests in the west was also an unorthodox arrangement, and very much a secret one.

When she’d first arrived at the guild hall, she was given an identification badge that also served as her permit like the rest of the adventurers. However, this did not contain her name at all. Instead, it only contained her registration code and where she had come from.

As a law-abiding citizen for the most part, she hadn’t ever needed to do much besides flashing the shiny trinket from a distance at other guards in passing.

This time, however, was different. She was certain that it would be scrutinized and most definitely questioned.

“You sure are taking an awful lot of time to simply identify yourself.” The stranger’s tone of voice was still calm, but his aura had shifted noticeably. “Is anything the matter?”

“No, not at all.” Claudine responded, proud that she’d managed to keep her voice steady. Reaching into her polo, she pulled out the chain that held her badge, presenting it to the imperial guard, praying that he wouldn’t check it as thoroughly as she’d feared.

“Um, excuse me. Why isn’t your name imprinted on it?”

‘Damn it.’

“Allow me to come clean.” Claudine spoke, instantly regretting her choice of words. It made her sound like she actually was someone to be wary of. She should conjure some believable alibi at least.

“Milady-” Hikari stepped forward, but was blocked with that same imperial-branded sword from earlier.

“It’s alright.” Claudine reassured before her knight could retaliate. One wrong move and they could actually be in jeopardy. Not only them, but the entire event of a peace treaty could lay to waste if they were not careful and would get found out.

“Go on.” Was the command.

“I’m actually...” Claudine licked her suddenly dry lips, thinking of how to say it. “I’m a daughter of a noble, and I’m operating under... rather private conditions.”

Okay, she hadn’t meant to be that truthful. If at all.

“How can I believe such a tall claim?” The cloaked man stepped closer to Claudine, now incredibly suspicious. “To which family do you belong?

Claudine had no time to secure a valid name, speaking the first that came to mind. “Sa-Saijou.” Another truth that would surely deepen her dug grave.

“Saijou? As in the Marquess Saijou?” She could almost shrink under that examining gaze. “I’ve never heard of or seen you before though.”

“I- I’m not his child, no. I’m a niece and I’ve been staying with relatives in the west. It was an arrangement made when I was very young, and I have only since been allowed to return here.”

‘Damn me and my inability to lie.’

“I’m sorry, as much as I’d like to believe you, I’ll have to take you with me for some questioning.”

No, no, no. This was not good. Claudine couldn’t risk more people prying into her identity. Also, she could feel the strain of her magic that was about to undo itself. She couldn’t keep up appearances- quite literally- for much longer.

“If you would come quietly.”

They had to bail.

“I’m sorry, but we-”

Suddenly, an arrow flew right by her head, barely grazing her cheek as sounds of multiple hooves and wolf-like growls filled the forest.

“Tsk.”

“Milady!”

“Stand back, you two.” The guard moved in front of them, sword drawn and aimed towards the origin of the arrow and sounds. Quickly, those same sounds began to shift and spread, as if circling them.

Claudine and Hikari quickly drew out their own swords, as the former launched a quick area check spell discreetly.

‘Twenty? No, thirty. Thirty men on horseback... at least ten hunting wolves.’

As Claudine weighed their situation, a harsh gust of wind came hurtling towards them, the hood on the imperial guards cloak coming off, revealing long brunette locks tied up in a ponytail.

The sight of such smooth strands on which the moon’s beams bounced off so gently almost made Claudine forget the gravity of their situation, eyes bewitched- captured- by stunning violet gems that she couldn’t believe she’d failed to take notice of before.

“It seems they have a mage in their midst.” The knight, now fully facing Claudine, addressed them. “I’m sorry to ask this of you after having suspected you; and while I still doubt your credibility, I would like to shamelessly enlist your assistance as of the moment.”

There was something in his gaze, in his entire beautiful expression, that compelled Claudine to know more, to say yes, to help him.

“Truly, you are quite shameless.” She grinned, head held high. “I would have done so without you asking.”

The smile she was rewarded with sent her heart into a frenzy. It wasn’t a handsome grin, no. Claudine took note that under the moonlit night, this man oozed a dignified beauty that was quickly distracting her from her mission at hand.

“You have my gratitude.”

Claudine nodded, willing herself to not stare for longer than necessary as she and Hikari took stance.

With their backs to each other, they stood in wait, counting down the seconds to their adversaries’ arrival. Claudine sighed ruefully as she felt her transformation spell fade, this instance confirmed as she glanced over at a now long-haired Hikari. She could just feel questioning eyes burning their gaze into her golden hair.

She was not looking forward to having to explain this too.

“What.” She spat, meeting the stare of her temporary ally, hoping no questions would come right now.

“Oh nothing. Just wanted to tell you something.”

“And that is?”

As she said that, gruff looking men arrived in the clearing, their disgusting smirks clearly indicated that they were looking down on the small group they’d surrounded.

Claudine was beginning to feel irritated. She hated being underestimated.

She barely caught the grin thrown her way as the guard launched himself at the group. She did, however, receive every single insulting word of challenge.

“Don’t hold me back now, Little Miss.”

Oh it was on,

“Insufferable asshole.”

//-//-//-//-//

Claudine did not frequent pubs. They weren’t her type of hangout spots. And while she wasn’t one for leisure cafe dates or tea parties with the other noble ladies, she did love the peace of libraries and the refreshing mountain creeks.

Needless to say, this place intimidated her more than any imperial guard could hope to.

“Not a good drinker?”

It wasn’t that. It really wasn’t.

If anything, both Claudine and Hikari were strong drinkers. Just not... public drinkers, she supposed.

“No.” Claudine sighed, taking a seat across the pretty man- damn, he was beautiful. Claudine would have almost mistaken him for a woman. He was tall, but not much taller than Claudine, and his voice wasn’t all too deep, so maybe she wasn’t wrong. Maybe.

“Then what has you so down, milady?” His tone of voice was playful, and Claudine knew she was being teased. He probably still didn’t believe in her whole ‘secret-noble-adventurer’ story.

“I’m just tired.”

“Hoh? Already? From that little excursion?”

Claudine growled, pounding the table with her fist. “Well, if someone would have just stayed out of my way while we were fighting earlier then-”

“Now, now. Don’t go blaming someone else for these kind of things, Young Miss. How are you ever going to survive as an adventurer if you blame others for your mistakes? Being able to take responsibility for one’s self is one of the most important traits in the field.”

Claudine clicked her tongue. She knew she was purposely being toyed with. “Shut up.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, Miss.”

“And why the hell not?” Claudine’s glare went ignored as the man waved over a server to place an order.

Turning to her with that same smug smile that was equal parts gorgeous and incredibly annoying, the guard spoke. “Because I want to get to know you better.”

Claudine scoffed, rolling her eyes.

“Starting with your names.” He clasped his hands together, resting his chin atop them. “I at least believe you are of some noble descent. If the silence of your companion, and her respect towards any of your earlier actions and decisions hold any significant hint to that.”

“Glad you’re at least that sharp.” Claudine huffed, putting up a mask to hide her inner thoughts that were struggling to come up with some alias for both her and Hikari.

“So. Names.”

Anything. Anything.

“J-Julie!”

Curse that damn book and the sudden memory of it!

Claudine inwardly cried as she gave away that piece of false information, even screwing up the actual name she was supposed to use.

“Julie... Saijou.” The brunette looked at her skeptically, but nodded. Somehow accepting it for now. “And your companion is?”

“She’s-”

“Kagura Hikari.”

“Hikari?!” Claudine whipped her head about in shock. So much for discretion! Just what was this girl thinking?!

“I’m sorry, Milady. But I think it is in our best interests to be as honest as possible.” Hikari bowed apologetically to Claudine before turning to her fellow knight, face blank and giving nothing away. “I am uncertain if you’ve heard of such details, but the Saijou’s have long since had ties with the Capulet family of the Western empire.”

Claudine covered her face with her hands, now groaning into her palms. She could only hope this wouldn’t ruin her already fragile freedom and put their positions at risk.

“They are the relatives milady has mentioned before. Her aunt married into the family, you see.”

Ah, so that was how Hikari was going to play it.

Well, maybe it wasn’t a bad excuse. Claudine believed the knight was considering any future encounters with the imperial guard since they would be attending palace events soon.

She spared the guard a glance, and was surprised to see that he actually looked to be convinced of those words. Not that they were much of a lie in the first place.

“I see! I understand. My apologies then.”

Claudine held back her sigh of relief, not wanting to give even the slightest thing away anymore.

“Yes, that’s it.” She said, trying to add onto their story. “And about the identification badge... well... you wouldn’t really expect any noble children, much less ladies, join an adventurer guild and all that.”

“I suppose so.” The guard chuckled.

Soon, their drinks had arrived, and Claudine found herself staring into the golden liquid the man across from her was downing to keep her eyes of his too pretty face, a question nagging on her mind.

“And you?”

“Hmm?” Placing his glass down, he gave her a curious, yet smug smile. “What about me?”

Somehow, Claudine wanted to wipe it off his stupid face.

“We gave you our names and background. It’s only common courtesy to introduce yourself properly in return, is it not?”

His growing grin was really pissing her off.

“Right, of course. Excuse me for my rudeness since earlier.”

“No kidding.” Claudine complained, waiting rather impatiently for his information. Not that she’d ever remember it, much less use the knowledge for any future plans. No. Not at all.

Not even for that.

“Hmm, well you could call me Romero.”

Romero.

Really, now. Romero?

Again, that damn book was really trying to force its way into Claudine’s thoughts. She internally cringed at the association.

“Romero. Of course that’s your name.” She rolled her eyes, not believing it for even one second. “You certainly look like a ‘Romero’.” She stated sarcastically. ‘Romero’ here looked as eastern as eastern gets.

“You wound me, Lady Julie. Can’t a man adapt a name of different culture simply because it suits him this much?”

“I didn’t say anything against it.” Claudine waved, taking a sip from her drink. It was cold, a little bitter. She liked it.

“Your expression says all there needs to be said.”

Claudine smirked, leaning across the table. “Oh? I’m glad it does then. Sir Romero.”

The man’s eyes glinted in amusement as he leaned forward as well. Claudine huffed. So this is how they were going to play it.

“So, Lady Julie. I said I’d like to get to know you.”

Claudine nodded. “Know all you want, then.”

“You say that so easily, but are you sure?” Really, this man unnerved her like no one else. His gaze was piercing, yet dull. It was clear, but betrayed no thoughts nor intentions of his.

Claudine nodded again, but a little less confident now.

“Then, if I may be so bold as to ask,” Romero began. “What business do you have here in the capital? Besides the whole peace treaty, I suppose. If I recall correctly, it is not a requirement for all nobles to attend, and I know the property of both the Saijou’s and Capulet’s are a ways away from here.”

Claudine swallowed a lump in her throat, wondering what she should say. “Isn’t it the greatest honor for any noble to be able to claim that they stood as personal witness to the changing of times?”

What a generic answer.

Bless Junna’s etiquette lessons that were coming to fruition.

“Ehh, how boring~”

Somewhat.

“Be that as it may, it’s the truth.” Claudine raised her glass back up to her lips, taking in more of that golden liquid.

“Is that so? Just that? Nothing else?” Romero pressed.

“That’s all I’m willing to divulge, Sir Romero.” Claudine said sternly, eyes ordering him to back down. Even for an imperial knight, wasn’t this a little too impudent?

“Fair, fair.” Romero responded, hands up in the air in surrender. “I must have overstepped my boundaries. My apologies.”

Claudine downed her drink, ignoring him for a moment.

“I’m simply curious. And to think, for the sole purpose of this event, you went out of your way to get an adventuring permit for quests from the main guild when you might only be staying a short while.” Romero continued to seek her gaze, peskily grinning in wait. “As an imperial guard, I’m just concerned, milady. It’s part of the job.”

Claudine gave him a blank look. Romero seemed unfazed.

“I just need a few more details for my report, that’s all. Something to make your story believable enough to not be sought out by other guards who aren’t as kind and considerate as me.” He winked to accentuate his statement, and Claudine threw him a disgusted look.

“If you were the least bit as considerate as you claim to be, you’d have been quiet for the last hour.”

“Harsh words, Milady. I only want to kno-”

“Milady is here to get married.” Hikari slammed her mug on the table, pinning her gaze on the troublesome man. “Now that you know, stop bothering my master.”

“Hikari!” Claudine didn’t know whether she should be touched at the intervention, or frustrated at the reveal.

“What a loyal guardian.” Romero complimented with a grin. “You’re the kind of escort the imperial palace would love to have.”

It was almost as if he were holding out bait for Hikari to take. Claudine didn’t like it.

“Excuse me, but Hikari is-”

“I belong solely to my Master. I serve no one else but her. My loyalty has been sworn. Your words are kind, but they are not right. Not for me. I’m sorry.”

“Hikari...”

Romero and Hikari’s gazes remained locked in a contest, waiting for one or the other to crack first. Claudine watched on with concern. She hoped they wouldn’t get into any serious quarrel.

To her fortune, Romero finally broke. Broke into a fit of laughter, tears of amusement spilling that he quickly wiped away.

Claudine allowed herself to sigh in relief as she finally relaxed in her seat for the first time that night.

Romero finally calmed enough to begin talking again, much to Claudine’s chagrin. “Married. I see. Married, huh?”

Claudine narrowed her eyes at the amused man, scowl deep. “And what of it? Do you think I’m too unfit for such a maiden’s dream?” If he said yes, Claudine might just be tempted to chop a ball off or too. Tempting beauty of this man be damned. He should try to see if he could snag any lady after tonight.

“No, no. Nothing of that sword, Milady.” He smiled, settling down and emptying the remaining contents of his cup. “Just... Who is the lucky fellow to have caught such a strong-hearted beauty such as yourself?”

Claudine actually blushed at his words this time. Though she did curse her heart for being swayed so easily like that, and by this insufferable man, no less.

“There is... no man... or anyone at all.” She managed to say through grit teeth, slightly embarrassed at that truth that she had about zero suitors coming for her.

She was surprised to see that Romero looked genuinely surprised. It wasn’t some faux, mocking expression. He seemed sincerely shocked at the reveal that Claudine was as single as the lonesome sun in the daytime.

“No one?”

“Not one.”

“For someone as charming as you?” He blinked those big, violet eyes, honest and innocent-looking for once.

“Flattery will get you nowhere, good sir.” Claudine chuckled, actually finding Romero more endearing than annoying at that moment. A shocker for herself.

“I just can’t believe that no one would approach you or ask you. You.” He gestured towards her. “You’re appearance is definitely a win, but more-so is your personality.” He openly praised Claudine. “You are a lovely being. I’m not saying this shallowly. I truly mean every word, Milady.”

Claudine felt her heart warm a little at that.

True, she’s heard those words before from close friends and family. Said in a particular way that she just knew was honest. However, they knew her. They knew Claudine and how she really was. As for the other noble men and women she’d met, they had always seemed to presume things about her based on rumor and first impressions, never attempting to truly know Claudine enough to say compliments that Claudine could think to consider as truthful.

Empty laud, frivolous words, backstabbing comments.

A beautiful face, they said. A cunning mind. A brash personality, an unladylike disposition.

Claudine never claimed they were false, but they weren’t exactly accurate.

Just like that dumb book.

Why did Claudine feel so moved all of a sudden. It wasn’t as though Romero had said much more than others, now that she thought about it. She’d probably have already heard those utterances before. So why?

Was it his tone? The way he looked straight into her eyes with an unguarded sincerity?

Before Claudine could find the answers to her internal queries, the door to the pub burst open, a group of men tossing over tables, and harassing the nearest bar patrons, in search of something or someone.

Romero got up from the table, as did Hikari and Claudine, hands already on their swords, ready to swing.

Claudine’s eyes met with one of the men in front, and something seemed to click in the air.

A finger was raised and pointed right at her.

“Them.”

And they charged.

“Hikari!”

“Yes, Milady.”

The knight moved swiftly, positioning herself in front of Claudine to ward off those who targeted her master, buying Claudine time as she tried to infuse as much magic as she could into her sword and limbs. She didn’t have enough mana for an entire body enhancement as she’d used a fair amount up during the earlier hunts, disguise, and fights. She knew she had barely enough to spare. Just enough to hopefully end this.

She prayed it was enough.

Romero seemed busy as well, sword clashing against spear and blades, shields and armor.

He should be fine. Claudine couldn’t spare him much worry if she had to worry about herself first.

Other patrons had also joined in the fray, but it was clear that there was a difference in the power the intruders held.

With her amplifications complete, Claudine readied herself, and in one motion, swooped past a flurry of enemies, knocking them to the ground before a new wave could approach her.

Were these also among those that Romero had mentioned? Terrorists who had actually managed to enter the city? This wasn’t good. They needed to subdue them before more damage could be done.

Where were the other imperial guards anyway? Why was Romero even patrolling alone with such a dangerous agenda at hand?

She didn’t have time to entertain any of those questions, she decided. Claudine knew she had to focus on what was happening right now. Those could be saved for later.

Focus.

Foc-

“Julie.” Romero called.

Claudine almost forgot that that was her name at the moment, barely managing to send him a confirming nod. “I’m a little busy, but what is it?” She responded, knocking someone over on the head.

“I just thought of something.”

Was it a plan on how to defeat all these men for efficiently? An easier way to protect all the innocent people from these terrorists? If so, Claudine was all ears. “Speak.”

“What about me? What about us?”

‘Huh?’

Claudine managed to throw him an incredulous look as Hikari kicked an attacker away just in time before he could touch Claudine.

“What about you- or us?” She asked, restraining another man with a single binding spell before taking away his consciousness.

“What if you...” Romero dodged a slash, countering with his own. Another masked man made a grab for him, but he easily turned the situation around, ending up on top of him, standing atop a few other bodies.

“I?”

“What if you married me?”

Claudine managed to smash a man’s skull against the wall just as she stared dumbfounded at the imperial knight who looked amazingly serious, and undeterred by all that was occurring around him.

Really?

“...Are we really having this conversation here? Right now?” Claudine questioned, movements fluid as she added to the pile of bodies behind her that were slowly being tied up and secured by a few free bar patrons.

“Yes? Why?” Romero replied nonchalantly, repelling a blow with his sword.

Claudine could not believe the audacity of this man. “Couldn’t it, oh I don’t know, wait until things have settled down?!”

“Couldn’t what wait?” Romero said clueless, stepping back from the force of one particular strike, approaching Claudine’s space.

“This talk!” She answered back, vexed.

“I’ll have you know I’m a hundred percent serious on this proposal. Despite its untimeliness.”

“And I can’t be serious thinking about it because there are so many things I have to consider. One of those being why I must reject your ‘serious proposal’.” Claudine growled as someone managed to hit her leg hard enough to cause her to go off balance.

Romero had caught her just in time, righting her and going back to his own fight. Claudine felt a little annoyed that he had so easily switched gears and was able to handle both his enemy and ally.

“Why ever not? It’s not like anyone else has made an offer?” Romero sounded disappointed.

Claudine really couldn’t explain it right now. Not in this situation, and certainly not as other people listened in.

“Because.”

“Because?”

“Just because!” Claudine yelled, sending one man up into the ceiling in uncontrolled temper.

“I need a concrete reason, milady. Else I’m unwilling to step down from this.” Romero laughed, continuing on with his battle as he and Claudine fought back-to-back.

“And I’m telling you we can talk about it later.”

“Just trying to tell you that I’m a very good candidate, Lady Julie.”

“No thank you, Sir Romero.” Claudine rolled her eyes, tossing another enemy away to the side.

“And that is because?”

Claudine noticed a quick shift out of the corner of her eye. The refraction of light off a blade gave her all the information she needed to calculate a countermeasure. With her feet firmly planted, she twisted her torso, channeling enough energy to deliver a speedy lethal blow into the attacker’s ribcage-

...and apparently also Romero’s who had decided to jump in front of her in a chivalrous attempt at saving her.

A wrong decision, clearly.

Both he and their foe dropped to the ground, on the obvious brink of consciousness.

Claudine’s mind flew into panicked disarray as she quickly knelt over her comrade, trying to think of how to help him.

“Romero! I’m sorry!!! But you’re an idiot!” She began to spout words out so quickly. “You should know that I’m a trained fighter. And why did you do that! You clearly saw what I was doing! This is why you shouldn’t interfere with my battles! Also what was with that sudden proposal in the middle of it all huh?! Are you trying to get us killed?!”

“Milady-” Hikari was at her side, trying to calm her as the fighting had finally subsided. Claudine’s vision however, was unexpectedly tunneled, worry apparent on her face as she desperately tried to aid the fallen knight.

“There’s a time and place for everything, Romero!” Claudine continued to scold, hands already taking on a healing glow. “You ought to be more mindful. And you claim you’re an imperial knight?!”

“Master Clau-”

“I fear for the empire if all the knights are like you. What, did you think you were saving me by placing yourself in front of me?”

“Stupid Romero. Now you’ve gotten hurt. You weren’t focusing at all, were you? And all for a silly proposal?!”

“Milady, I think he’s losing consciousness-”

“And you wouldn’t even let me explain why I clearly have to reject your proposal! I have very specific conditions, mind you. So don’t go mocking me once you hear them.

“Milady!”

“You see, I can’t accept your proposal because...” Claudine finally took a deep breath, a pause for once.

Hikari tried to tell her that Romero had long since been knocked out, but Claudine couldn’t seem to hear her. At this point, she’d realized it would be better to give up and allow Claudine to settle down on her own.

Hikari only hoped her Master wouldn’t break down at the realization and the embarrassing memories to come.

“-I like women.”

“...”

Hikari sighed, finally seeing the truth sink in for Claudine as her eyes widened and her hands trembled in an emotion that was no longer just concern.

“... he heard nothing, did he?”

She was in for a long day tomorrow.

“Milady...”

A/N: Uh. I think I did my best atm. Yey. If you’re wondering why Claudine has eastern friends, and supposedly they go way back, as well as why her knight is also from the east, well... see you next ep! Or I think next next chap? Ma- er, Romero needs a turn.

Also, before ppl complain to me about genderbending or making this mlw, I’m not one to mis-tag something. Just saying.

I apologize for OOC-ness

Also I’m just... really tired. I wanted to amuse myself by writing something silly or like... unusual-ish. Idk.

Meh.

~Shintori Khazumi

#mayakuro #shoujo kageki revue starlight #starira #revue starlight #my dumbassery arises once more #romeo and juliet but not really #fanfic #tendou maya #saijou claudine #kagura hikari #mahiru tsuyuzaki #aijo karen #au

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nikibogwater · 4 years ago

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The Norse Chaos Chronicles: Chapter Four--In which by some Easter miracle, the Incompetent Vikings defeat the Elder

Been a few days since my last update in regards to Team Bogwater’s exploits in the world of Valheim. This is mostly because we actually had a couple of play sessions that were relatively calm.

We actually did manage to expand to the Black Forest across the sea and set up a functioning base there, where we lived in somewhat cramped quarters for a while until we had gathered enough minerals to enter the Bronze Age (and by cramped, I mean all three of us were crammed into what was basically a single king-sized bed because we failed to make the house big enough to accommodate a reasonable amount of space between each of our beds--clearly some home renovations are in order).

I, being a very kind and responsible sister, spent some time on the server by myself making our base more secure with Stake Walls, setting up a sufficient space for storage, and gathering food, all tasks that the others didn’t seem too excited to take care of. I was expecting the boys to notice and at least tell me that my additions were helpful.

I know for a fact that they at least noticed, because when I joined them for this most recent play session, Gustav had decided that what our base needed now was a spike pit around the front gate, which I know wouldn’t have occurred to him if I hadn’t put up the spiky walls. I was never told that my additions were helpful or appreciated, but considering that there were far fewer deaths happening close to our base, I suspect they were nonetheless.

Niki: ...Is....Do we really need the spike trap? Like, is it necessary? Gustav: How could you even ask something like that?! I have never been more upset in my life. Niki: It’s just...like, there’s a bridge that goes right over it. Gustav: Yeah. So we can get across it. Niki: Right but so could the Greydwarves. Gustav: Greydwarves aren’t that smart. (20 minutes later) Gustav, trying and failing to shove a Greydwarf into the pit: You guys, I may have overestimated how unintelligent Greydwarves are.

Gustav got exactly one (1) Greydwarf to fall into the pit and die. The only other thing he caught was Tripe.

Okay, well, he did manage to get a Troll to walk into the spikes, but then it just smashed them all to pieces. It was at this point that Gustav finally accepted the reality of the fact that a spike pit was completely useless to us in this particular area.

Gustav, filling in the pit with rocks: Man, why didn’t one of you guys warn me that the spike trap was a dumb idea? Niki and Tripe: Yeah, that was our bad. 🙄 (10 minutes later) Niki, just peacefully mining copper in the forest: Wait, so where did the Troll go- *gets slammed by the Troll before I can even finish voicing the question* GUSTAV, WHY DIDN’T YOU KILL IT?!

Tripe and Gustav upgraded to Bronze Gear and Troll Hide (I brought mine over from my single player world to save time and resources). I was still trying to gather up enough Bronze to make a Cultivator so we could eat something other than Cooked Meat and Queen’s Jam, when suddenly I was informed that we were getting into a boat (we upgraded from the raft, finally) and going to kill the Elder.

Tripe: Get in losers, we’re going to kill the next boss. Gustav: *jumps in without any hesitation* Niki: Wait what?! That’s a terrible idea! (5 minutes later) Niki, sulking in the front of the boat: Did I mention this is a really bad idea? Gustav and Tripe: It’s fine. How bad can it possibly be?

Horrible. Absolutely horrible. That’s how bad it was.

We had rather unlucky RNG with our world generation, and the Elder’s altar was a good 1,000 miles away from us. Which meant a significant portion of this play session was actually just sitting in the boat and watching the scenery pass.

It sounds like a pleasant time, but I was absolutely terrified the whole way there.

Gustav: ...Oh hey, we discovered the ocean. Niki, who has seen videos of Sea Serpents absolutely wrecking well-equipped players: BACK TO THE SHORE. GO BACK. DO NOT MOVE INTO OPEN WATERS. GUSTAV, FOR THE LOVE, GO BACK TO THE SHORELINE! (Passing a Plains biome) Niki: ...Did you guys know there are one-hit death bugs in the Plains Gustav and Tripe: Will you please calm down

We happened to run across Haldur the merchant shortly before reaching our destination. Since Valheim doesn’t tie your inventory to individual worlds, I went ahead and bought a few things to bring back to my single-player world (namely the fishing gear). I hopped off the server for a minute to transfer the items, and while I was in my world, I grabbed some extra food (the boys are terrible about keeping food in their inventories) and, since I figured we’d need all the help we could get, grabbed a few jugs of mead without really paying attention to what effects they gave.

When I came back into the server, Tripe and Gustav were setting up our temporary base so we could reset our spawn points. Right. Smack. Dab. Next to the altar. As in, when the Elder spawned, he was going to basically be standing directly on top of it.

Niki: ...You guys that seems like a poorly-conceived plan. Gustav and Tripe: No, it’s fine. Stop worrying.

At this point, I was pretty resigned to the disaster that was inevitably going to unfold, so I just grabbed some wood and set up my own shack a decent ways away without making any further attempts to convince the other two.

Gustav: Niki, where are you? We’re all ready. Niki: I just...I’ll be there in a minute, hold on. Tripe: What are you doing? Niki: ...I’m building a house. Gustav: YOU ARE BUILDING YOUR OWN HOUSE WHEN WE HAVE A PERFECTLY GOOD ONE RIGHT HERE?! RUDE! Niki: I DON’T WANNA RESPAWN AND THEN JUST IMMEDIATELY BE SQUISHED AGAIN, ALRIGHT?!

Houses built and weapons readied, we all gathered at the altar. I chucked the Ancient Seeds into the flame and immediately booked it out of the vicinity as fast as my meaty Vikings legs could carry me, frantically downing a jug of mead as I went. The Elder spawned in and within seconds, absolute carnage reigned supreme.

Gustav died within the first two minutes and spent the next ten trying to make it back to his grave. Which he couldn’t really do because his respawn point was right next to the Elder, and emerging from the house naked of all armor and gear was basically an instant death sentence.

Gustav: I’ve died six times trying to get my gear back. We really shouldn’t have built the house this close to the altar. Niki, why didn’t you warn us? Niki, fleeing from the massive thorny vines that the Elder is trying to impale her on: I hate you guys so much right now.

I was hanging back as much as I could, dealing damage with my Finewood Bow, but the Elder has a huge range of attack, and it had me down to single digits in health within less than a minute. And it was at this point that I realized I had majorly screwed up.

The mead that I had been frantically chugging in hopes of gaining better health regen? It was actually slowing my health regen and only increasing my stamina.

Niki: YOU GUYS THE MEAD WAS A MISTAKE. OH MY GOSH, IT’S MINUS FIFTY HEALTH REGEN, NOT PLUS! OH CRAP CRAP CRAP--I’M LITERALLY SLOSHED OVER HERE! Gustav: WAIT, NIKI CAME INTO THIS FIGHT DRUNK?! Niki: I DIDN’T NOTICE THE MINUS SIGN!!!! *yeets the rest of the mead into the ocean before meeting my first demise at the hands of the Elder*

Miraculously, I only died twice during the fight (again, mostly because my respawn point was away from the altar, meaning I had a clearer path back to my graves when I respawned). I have no idea how many times the other two died. Towards the end we were also being bombarded by hoards of Greydwarves, which only made things ten times worse.

Gustav: Have either of you seen my corpse? I mean, I have several lying around here at this point.

I don’t even know how we managed it, but we did finally take out the Elder and received our Swamp Keys. We all stood around the scene of destruction for a minute, just kind of collecting ourselves.

Tripe: ...I feel like that could’ve gone better. Gustav: Yeah. It’s just, Niki goes and does all this research and watches videos and then she doesn’t bother to tell us not to put our house so close to the- Niki: *punches him*

The trip home was blessedly uneventful. Tripe did decide to cut across the ocean instead of following the shoreline in order to save time. I was 90% certain we were all going to be eaten by a Serpent, but we were fine.

We made it back to our camp only to find a Greydwarf Shaman mucking around in our front yard.

Gustav: What is he--is he barfing on our house...? NO, HE’S SMASHING THE CART! OH YOU SON OF A-- *takes a flying leap out of the boat and tears through the shallows, furiously waving his spear*

The Shaman poisoned Tripe, who had a mild panic attack because his respawn point was still back at the Elder’s Altar, and if he died now he would have to walk all the way back here.

Tripe, with 1 HP left: NO I’M NOT DYING LIKE THIS! *dives headfirst into the nearest bed*

So yes. That is what I was doing this weekend, in case any of you were wondering where I disappeared to. I am hoping to spend some time working on ToA stuff today, but I again, I think it is important to record these events for posterity...and perhaps as a cautionary tale for others.

#niki rambles #gaming #valheim

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casikototmblr · 5 years ago

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The Devil’s Wish - Part 4.

Summary: Reader sets the record straight with Venable, giving her an ultimatum. A scene happens in the dining area of the Outpost and reader helps to resolve it.

A/N: Yeet, this part contains smut. don’t say i didn’t warn you, lol ;).

Word count: 2,377.

You eyed the arrogant woman up and down as she paced into the boardroom, the thin heels of her shoes click-clacking on the pristine marble floor of the cynical room. You bobbed your head in the direction of the black and outlandish seat which was situated on the opposing end of the long-drawn table; encouraging her to sit down.

"Why am I here? I need this to be quick, I have an outpost to run!" She spoke firmly as she sat down slowly in the chair opposite, her bony and frail hands clasped tightly together as she impatiently sat.

"Managing the outpost isn't your concern anymore, Ms Venable. You should have apprehended that by now as I believe Michael has made it clear enough." You scoffed as she unclasped her paws and deposited them on the slabbed table.

"I was put in charge here, tasked with the fundamental duties of leading the outpost." She asserted sharply as she watched you intensely, her anger starting to display on her face and you had only just started.

"I know that, but matters have changed. I understand what it's like, you've gone from running an outpost your way to now having someone else do it for you." You addressed as Venable sank into her tall seat, lifting her hands from the cold, metal table to the sides of her small frame.

"But what you have to understand is that Michael isn't here to undo what you've done. He's simply here just to do his job like you are." You continued as you rose out of your seat and moved swiftly over to the repulsive woman who followed your every move.

"I've been here longer than Michael, I know this place like the back of my hand!" Venable yelled as she became more outraged by the second at the thought of her position being jeopardised.

"Look, Ms Venable...I could bring your world crashing down with a single click of my fingers if I wanted to. I know people that would be more than happy to do so, myself included. I'm just asking you to back off, for your sake..." You scolded her as you towered over her delicate frame. "So, either take what I'm saying on board or face the consequences. It's up to you." You continued as you paced back to your elegant, black seat.

"Can I just go now?" Venable groaned as she rose from her chair, her eyes fixed to you as the woman placed her hands behind her back.

"Of course...Just think of what we've spoken about today." You returned as you moved away from the woman before you exited the large room. You left Venable there as she clutched her hands together, the whites of her knuckles started to show.

As you made your way down the hallway and back to Michael's office, you were suddenly interrupted by a Gray. You looked the pale Gray up and down as she fumbled with the hem of her long sleeves, confusion displayed on your face as you set your hands on your hips.

"Is everything okay?" You asked as you furrowed your brows in curiosity as to why they stopped you in the hallway.

"You might want to see this, Miss." The Gray responded as she ignored your previous question. The Gray started walking down the darkly-coloured hallway as you followed her quickly, wondering where she was taking you.

As you came closer and closer to the end of the hallway, you heard raised voices. They seemed to be coming from the dining area. Both your's and the woman's paces became quicker as the shouts became louder.

"Ugh! If I have to eat another of these fucking god-damn blocks, I'll kill myself! I can't take this shit anymore.!" The shrill voice exclaimed. You quickly caught a glimpse of who the voice belonged to as you and the Gray swiftly turned the corner, now exposed to the screaming mess that was taking place in the open dining area. It was no other than Coco, of course.

"You know what, she's right! I can't take this shit anymore." The white-haired man exclaimed, knocking his chair to the floor with a force as he rose from his chair. You studied the situation as you made your way over, everyone else in the small dining area was sat down now apart from an eccentric Gallant.

"You're more than welcome to leave, to rot outside like the rest of the world," Michael declared firmly, not noticing your presence as you stood a couple of meters away from him.

"Gallant, just sit down...You're making a scene!" Evie exclaimed at Gallant, a serious look on her face as Gallant scoffed at her.

"Don't tell me what to do. You never gave a shit before, so don't start now." Gallant answered back as he grabbed a plate and tossed it at the bricked wall behind Evie - just barely missing her. The shards of china spewed everywhere on the concrete flooring.

"Get out." Michael declared raising his voice now, the sound of his voice echoing off the walls of the outpost.

"Fine!" Gallant exclaimed with a laugh, throwing his hands up in defeat as he walked out of the dining area - only to be dragged back by two tall guards and knocked out cold. You watched on in shock as his unconscious body fell to the floor with a thud.

"Move him somewhere else," Michael barked at the guards as they quickly obeyed his command, dragging Gallant along the floor in the opposite direction of the dining room past you.

"Where's Gallant being taken?" You asked as you walked over to Michael, anger resonating on his face as he turned around to face you, stepping out of the dining area and closing the sliding door behind him.

"To one of the chambers," Michael answered taking a deep exhale whilst he pinched the bridge of his nose, his head to the floor. "There's always something happening here..." He added softly with a sigh. You placed the tips of your fingers underneath his chin as you lifted his head, his soft eyes now looking at you instead.

"People are still adjusting to the change. You have to be patient, Mikey. " You cooed softly as you grabbed his rough hand in your soft one.

Michael nodded along.

"I have to go deal with Gallant." Michael continued as you squeezed his hand in yours.

"I'll do it, you go back to the room and get some rest." You suggested as you ungripped his hand and placed yours on his soft cheek, rubbing the skin of his cheekbone with your thumb.

"What about lunch?" Michael asked as you moved your hand away, placing it beside your sides.

"We can do that another day, go get some rest." You continued as Michael approved before turning away and stepping down the candle-lit hallway to the right of him.

It was a 5-minute walk down a labyrinth of tunnels and hallways before you finally arrived at the chamber Gallant was placed in. You nodded your head towards the door for the guards to open it as they strolled over and opened the flap. They took a quick peek inside and unlocked the door, giving you the go-ahead to enter.

"Gallant?" You spoke softly as you glared at the man beginning to come conscious again.

"W-Wha- Where am I?" Gallant exclaimed confused as he jolted upright, examining the strange place. The walls were stone as well as the floor with very little lighting just bright enough to see Gallant's confused face.

"You're fine, We've just placed you down here for the time-being once you calm down." You explained as you placed your hands behind your back. "Now, what happened?" You asked.

"I-I don't know..I-I think I'm going insane. This place...This place is driving me over the edge." A rather confused Gallant exclaimed. You knelt to his level, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"You're fine, you'll be back upstairs with the others in a minute." You had more sympathy than Michael did in situations like this. Michael probably would have kept him down here for a couple of days for the way how he behaved like a wild animal, showing him the consequences of what would happen if he was to repeat himself. You decided not to and to show some compassion - compassion which was needed at a time like this.

You held a hand out for Gallant to take. He grasped your hand and leaned on you, getting himself up.

"Thank you." A now calmed Gallant mumbled to you.

"Open the door." Your voice bounced off the walls of the small room. The door quickly opened, allowing you and Gallant to walk out. You made your way back to the seating area where the rest of the residents were, you glanced as Gallant made his way to the sofa.

"Feel better, Gallant." You spoke to him softly as you flashed him a smile before turning around and walking away in the direction of your's and Michael's room.

You unlocked the door to your shared room and glanced over to see Michael asleep on top of the silk bedsheets. You sighed softly and stepped into the room as quiet as possible, making your way over to your side of the double bed. You kicked your small boots off and set them down before drawing the silky covers back and climbing into bed next to Michael.

"Where's Gallant now?" Michael asked sleepily as he draped an arm over your body, pulling you closer to his.

"Back with the others." You responded softly as you grabbed his hand and intertwined your fingers with his.

"Why? He could have hurt someone before, or even killed Evie." Michael stated, his voice slightly raised at the thought of Gallant getting away with what happened.

"I decided to show some compassion. It's a hard time Michael, for all of us." You cooed softly to Michael as you tried your best to calm him down.

"Compassion that he doesn't deserve. I'll be having a word with him tomorrow." Michael declared as you turned around to face Michael.

"There's no need, I dealt with it effectively." You added as you glanced at Michael.

"Alright if you say," Michael replied with a sigh as you straddled his hips. His hands snaked their way to your hips as you connected your lips to his in a passionate kiss; your hands placing themselves on both of his cheeks as he turned over, you now on the bottom.

"You want this, huh?" Michael spoke as you palmed him whilst Michael started to undress you.

You nodded as you bit your lip, doing the same to Michael..

"Then I'll fuck you so hard, you won't be wanting it for a bit." He started kissing your clit, flicking it with his tongue fast.

You moaned at the pleasure you were receiving, you bucked your hips forward maximizing the pleasure.

"Fuck, Michael!" You moaned out, your hands already wrapped in his hair. Michael ran a finger up and down your wet slit, drenching himself in your juices before thrusting his finger deep inside you causing you to scream out in pleasure. He added another finger, amping up the speed of the thrusts.

"You liking that, baby?" Michael cooed as he looked up at your body, weak at his touch.

You grabbed hold of his fingers and thrust them deeper inside you, hitting your g-spot. You threw your head back and moaned. He added another finger, intensifying the pleasure again now going faster and hitting your g-spot repeatedly with the three fingers.

Your legs and body twitched at the pleasure, your hands gripped the sheets as your stomach tightened as you edged closer to your climax.

"Cum baby." Michael cooed, softly into your ear, the words pushed you over the edge.

"Fuck! ou moaned as you reached your high, your walls clenching around his fingers. Your juices flowed out of you as your legs trembled.

Michael slid his fingers out, you opened your mouth requesting his fingers. He placed his fingers in your mouth as you licked yourself off them. You opened your mouth, letting them go.

"Turn around and get on your hands and knees," Michael said firmly, you did as he said. You turned onto your front and got yourself up. Michael unbuckled his belt and took his pants and boxers, his cock already hard. He grabbed his hard cock and ran it up and down your wet slit, drenching the tip in your juices. He pushed himself in slowly, you moaned, throwing your head back as he buried his cock in you. He grabbed your hips to steady himself and started thrusting in and out, first at a slow pace, teasing you.

"Michael.." You moaned. This turned him on, even more, he picked up the pace now slamming in and out of you. You felt your legs start to tremble as the vibrations trickled down your legs, you placed your hands on the top of the headboard to hold yourself up.

"Fuck.." You moaned loudly. He started going faster and faster, causing your stomach to tighten up, your legs almost caving in as you edged closer to your second orgasm. Michael leaned forward and grabbed hold of your tits, still slamming in and out of you.

The pleasure was too much for you to handle. Your legs gave out, you grasped onto the headboard as you came, just managing to keep yourself in the same position.

"Michael!" You screamed out as you came, your walls clenching tightly around his cock causing him to cum too. Yours and Michael's juices mixing. Michael pulled out and grabbed your weak body, pulling you into him as he pulled back the covers and threw them over.

You nestled into his chest as he held you in his arms whilst the pair of you caught your breath as you fell asleep, wrapped in Michael's arms.

#michael langdon #michael langdon headcanon #michael langdon imagine #michael langon x reader #ahs fandom #ahs fanfiction #cody fern #ahs murder house #ahs apocalypse #ahs x reader #devil #hail satan #ahs coven #cordelia foxx #evan peters #smut #michael langdon smut #michael langdon series

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baku-no-alt · 5 years ago

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by design: seven

The night carried on and table service ended, so you and Bakugou sat yourselves at the bar while Mei and Kirishima (rather conveniently) made their way to the dance floor.

You ordered another drink, and Bakugou stopped you before you could pay. “It’s on me,” he said, “happy birthday.”

“You don’t have to do that, Bakugou,” you smiled cheekily, staring at him while your mouth searched for the straw of your fresh drink.

“Don’t turn down a free drink, dumbass. And you can call me Katsuki, if you’d like,” he gave you a sly half smile. He leaned his back against the bar, elbows pressed behind him, searching for Mei and Kirishima in the crowd.

“Okay, Katsuki,” you replied. Your head was starting to feel a little fuzzy, so you mentally cut yourself off - no drunkenly making a fool of yourself in front of your client. Or fooling around with your client (shut up, your brain hissed.)

He asked about where your friendship with Mei and Kirishima had come from, and you explained that you knew Mei from school and that she worked with Kirishima and you left out the part that the only reason you really knew Kirishima was that you used him to get closer to Katsuki. Then you both started exchanging quirk-related stories and you mentioned Kirishima was helping you strengthen yours.

Katsuki excused himself to the restroom and you smiled dreamily to yourself in your seat at the bar. You looked out at the bar and saw Mei and Kirishima laughing next to each other, dancing like fools to whatever sugary pop was coming through the speakers. You had a half a mind to join them, but-

-your view was obscured by the frame of a large man. Your gaze traveled upwards and you saw a handsome stranger staring back down at you, and what looked like a few friends of his behind him.

“it’s my friend’s bachelor party,” he said, and the pure alcohol that hung on his breath tickled your nose.

“Uh... congratulations?” you stirred your drink nervously, already on edge.

“You should dance with him,” he gestured over his should with his thumb to one of his friends, who gave you a slimy smile.

“Oh - no thanks. I really don’t want to.” Your hand left your glass and rested close to your right hip, where a vial of the liquefied metal that Mei had made for you clung to your belt.

“C’mon, what’s the big deal? Your boyfriend here?” the man asked, and anger flared in your stomach.

“Whether or not I have a boyfriend doesn’t matter,” you sounded braver than felt, “I said no.”

Your fingers twitched closer to your weapon. You didn’t want to make a scene at the bar but you so wanted to teach this man a lesson.

“Hey, we’re not trying to get in your pants. My friend just wants to have some fun before he gets married,” the stranger said, trying to sound innocent.

You relented a little. “I’m not here to dance with people I don’t know. I’m just here to hang out with my friends.”

“I’m surprised she has friends here when she’s such a bitch=“ you heard one of his friends mutter behind him.

And you weren’t sure if it was the alcohol or if Bakugou was rubbing off on you, but you stood up and managed to grind out, “What the fuck is your pro-” before Bakugou placed himself between you and the men.

“Fuck off, assholes.” Bakugou grunted, and like magic, they obeyed. He turned around to face you. “Are you okay?”

“I could have handled it myself,” you mumbled.

“I think you meant to thank me,” Bakugou rolled his eyes, but you were still pissed.

“I just wish you had let me handle it,” you repeated, “I didn’t need you to rescue me.”

“Are you kidding me? Four guys against one girl? It wouldn’t have even been a fair fight.”

“I’m weak because I’m a girl?” you snipped.

“No!” he was exasperated now, “But you’re not-”

“What? A hero? So I can’t stand up for myself?” Your thoughts were getting wilder, and you felt frustrated tears prick at your eyes.

“You train with Shitty Hair for two weeks and all of a sudden you think you’re strong enough to take on the world? I hate to break it to you, but that’s not how it works, princess.”

“Don’t call me princess,” you warned.

Bakugou pressed his fingers to the bridge of his nose, “Look, whatever. I’m sorry I didn’t let you handle it.”

“I didn’t want to take on the world. I just wanted to take on one asshole.” you sighed.

“Hm.” Bakugou glanced away from you.

An awkward silence developed between the two of you, until Bakugou spoke again.

“I’m tired. I’ll see you at the Expo.” he said curtly, and made his way towards the door.

Your eyes followed him, hoping he would change his mind or look back at you again, but he left the bar and hailed a cab. You watched it drive away until you couldn’t see past the frame of the window anymore.

---

masterlist

@yeet-these-hoez @frenchspeakingfilipina @hanatsuki-hime @chims-kookies @iamthepenguinwhosearseisonfire @ha-tep @the1975thing @lookslikeleese @thatlonelypieceoftoast

#bakugou x reader #bakugo x reader #bakugou x you #bnha x reader #bnha fanfiction #bnha bakugou

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kyndaris · 5 years ago

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The Cost of Honour

What would you sacrifice to save the lives of the people you love and the home you cherish? How long would you be able to hold onto your morals when faced with an enemy that is impossible to win against? In the last exclusive for the PlayStation 4, Ghost of Tsushima from the developer Sucker Punch, asks these hard hitting questions and many more as it follows the journey of Jin Sakai in his quest to drive out the brutal Mongols from the island of Tsushima.

Considering the pedigree of Sucker Punch and chafing to dive into the world of Feudal Japan, Ghost of Tsushima was an easy buy for me. Immersed in the world of the Yakuza series and delighting occasionally in fresh new anime, it seemed imperative that I see what this game could bring to the fore. After all, the game looked very much like Assassin’s Creed. I liked Assassin’s Creed. And hadn’t the fans of the Assassin’s Creed franchise been clamouring for something in a similar vein for a very long time?

Once I booted it up, I was immediately struck by the visual representation. The colours were vibrant (though one could choose to play in black and white mode) and coupled with the particle effects, I could have sworn I had been pulled into a cinematic world. The opening scene used this to great effect and proved to be a masterful attempt of immersing me immediately with the world. As Jin raced down the beach, I thoroughly enjoyed the rush that came with swinging my katana at anyone that was foolish enough to stand in my way. Yet, it is not long before it becomes exceedingly clear that the samurai have lost the battle. Many are slain on the beach and Lord Shimura, Jin Sakai’s uncle and jito (land steward) of Tsushima is captured. Jin, having taken a couple of arrow shots in the back, is left for dead.

Enter Yuna. It isn’t clear why she singled out our protagonist as being alive and pulled him away to nurse him back to health.

As the prologue continued, I wondered if she was questioning her choice of companion as Jin, armed with only his sword and a broken piece of armour went to confront the Khan at Castle Kaneda, in a desperate bid to rescue his uncle. This first attempt is met with failure and Jin is essentially yeeted off the bridge. Yes. I know. I used the word ‘yeeted.’ I’m basically roasting my own hands over hot coals as I type this.

Despite plummeting what looked like several hundred metres down into the water below, Jin manages to survive. The man, it seems, is almost unkillable. You could say...he’s a ghost. Badum tss. I’ll see myself out now.

From a discouraging defeat, Jin, however, vows to avenge his fallen samurai brethren and rescue his uncle from the clutches of the evil Mongol invaders. Here, too, was when my journey to collect everything and complete all the side stories began.

Unfamiliar with the works of Kurosawa Akira, I can not rightly say if the narrative nestled in Ghost of Tsushima’s maze of collectibles plays upon the tropes of those that came before. What I did manage to glean was a story of revenge and hate, the cost of war and the values embodied by the notion of ‘samurai.’ With his back to the wall, Jin Sakai must adapt if he hopes to win. Much like Yuna’s speech at the start of the game, he and Lord Shimura have forgotten what it was like to face someone stronger and smarter than they were. If Tsushima and its people hoped to survive, instead of throwing away their lives, they needed to change their tactics.

In the early stages, Jin is shown to grapple with the idea of going in quietly and silently stabbing people in the back. But after the first mission and the first outpost, he was free of the burdens that were his old code of honour. I suppose in that sense, there is a degree of dissonance between the narrative and the play. Alas, I couldn’t have cared less as I went from camp to camp, observing the leaders and unlocking new technique points.

The end of Act 2 and the beginning of Act 3, however, is when Jin Sakai’s actions finally catch up to him. Instead of following through with his uncle’s plan of rebuilding the bridge at Castle Shimura after an explosion killed countless soldiers and allies, he poisons the Mongols drink in a bid to save the lives of his comrades. Classic war crime manoeuvre. Learning from this, however, the Mongols use this against the people of Tsushima as well.

It is this devastation that we see after Jin escapes from his uncle’s stronghold, desperate to free the people from the Mongol’s iron grip. Despite the gruesome nature of it all, it helped put Jin’s actions into a different light. By making the enemy aware of a new weapon, could he have possibly doomed his own people?

Subsequently, when the Khan is killed and Jin is about to face his father figure, it makes sense for Shimura to point out many of his misdeeds. Can the people of Tsushima really be saved if Jin’s actions undermine the authority of those in power? What of the stories that paint him as a ten foot demon with eyes that glow in the dark?

So, it came as no surprise when Lord Shimura asked for a warrior’s death. And wishing to be the dutiful son, no matter how painful it would be, I granted it. One last ‘honourable’ act.

The gameplay in Ghost of Tsushima initially proved to be a challenge, although that was mostly due to the fact that I had to readjust my understanding of my controls. Navigating without a minimap in the corner or a HUD showing me the general directions of north, south, east and west also took some time to adjust to. I don’t think I’ve ever just ‘followed the wind’ when it came to video games before. But, because of that, it allowed me to actually keep my eyes focused on the screen in front of me rather than the top right/ left corner. I could actually take in the scenery instead of being solely focused on clearing out the fog of war.

As for the actual combat, the controls were incredibly intuitive. Square for a normal attack, triangle for heavy. L1 to block and circle to dodge. Where it seemed like the developers should have stopped a little when it came to the variety of options available to the player was mapping R2 as the interactions button - but also the stance and quick throw wheel.

Traversal also proved to be fun and because the HUD wasn’t as cluttered as I was used to, it made exploration easy. Equipped with the Traveler’s Outfit as soon as the game had started also made it incredibly easy to start hunting down collectibles and feeding my urge to see every nook and cranny that was on display. What pained me, however, was the fact that it took me a while to realise that I needed to progress the story and obtain the grappling hook before I could complete a few of the shrines in the first area. And to obtain a few choice head gear.

My only other gripe with the game is that my poor Nobu was felled so swiftly at the start of the third act. And the thin brown horse that served as its replacement was not the replacement I had hoped for. Thankfully, Yuna was able to gift me with another horse - which I named Sora - but my heart still goes out to the faithful Nobu.

Why do you have to kill all of my faithful steeds, video games? I was distraught when Red Dead Redemption 2 did it. Appalled when Shimmer was caught in an explosion in The Last of Us Part II and now...this?

The side characters and side stories also proved to be entertaining distractions over the course of the long journey to free Tsushima. While Masako’s revenge plot was a hollow echo of the pain Jin faced, it was Norio’s burning of the Mongol camp that left me frightened of the legacy of the ghost. At least the ending of Sensei Ishikawa’s story felt a little more redemptive and filled wit hope.

And, after IMDBing the cast, I was gladdened by the fact that many of the voice actors chosen for the game were Asian Americans. Jin Sakai was actually voiced by a Japanese man in the English dub! Imagine that!

Ghost of Tsushima is an excellent open-world game that hews quite closely to the more recent Assassin’s Creed formula. Despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed my time exploring Feudal Japan, inconsistencies and all! My favourite part of it was collecting Mongol artefacts, records and learning a little about each clan banner. The combat also provided a few surprises, although the duels were a little tedious in the latter half. With the world still unable to quite shake the virus that still threatens many of our loved ones, it’s fun to actually dive into this fantastical and historical inaccurate world that is Ghost of Tsushima.

#ghost of tsushima #video games #platinum trophy

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meowmeow-motherfucker · 5 years ago

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O Come All Yeet Faithful

This is my contribution to day 1 of the 12 Days of Ficmas challenge hosted by @negans-lucille-tblr and @the-minus-four. I chose On The Naughty List with just a hint of drunkenness.

A/N: All of these prompts take place over the span of a few days, and are part of my Fox & Squirrel SPN verse. I’ve deliberately been vague in some parts because spoilers. I hope you enjoy!

“YOU DID WHAT?!” Sam’s angry shout made the Christmas guests jump in alarm. They all eyed him warily, wondering what could have upset the typically gentle giant. “Ugh, alright fine, I’ll be right there,” he groaned into his phone, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. He ended the call and sighed heavily. “I’m sorry guys, I have to run into town and pick up Dean and Savannah from the police station. Apparently they had a little too much fun on their date.”

“What did those crazy kids get up to?” Donna asked.

“You know what, I’m gonna let them explain to everyone why they’re late for dinner,” Sam grumbled. “I’ll be back soon.” He slipped on his coat and left the bunker, quickly making his way to the police station in town. He ran in, sighing yet again at the sight of his brother and sister in law locked in a cell with two other men.

“Can I help you?” an officer asked.

“Yeah, hi, um...I’m here to pick up those two hooligans.” Sam gestured behind the officer to Dean and Savannah, both waving at him excitedly from their seat on the bench within the cell.

“Uh huh. Sir, has anyone explained why those two are here?”

“I was told they uh…” Sam trailed off in embarrassment. “They stole the baby Jesus from the park nativity.” he finished quietly.

“Actually son, it’s a bit more than that,” the officer said. Sam’s stomach dropped and he stepped aside to shoot the couple a foul look. “When Officer Williams came onto the scene they were in the process of dismantling the nativity. Not too much damage was done to the structure as a hole, but we can’t seem to locate the baby Jesus. Mrs. Winchester apparently confessed they-” the officer shuffled some paperwork on the desk, rereading the report in front of him. “Threw the baby Jesus into the lake.”

“Nononono-we didn’t throw it, we yeeted it!” Savannah hollered from the cell. “You know, yeet? It’s a thing, ask Claire! It's on Vine!” Dean cracked up at his wife’s explanation, and Sam might have also found it funny if he wasn’t completely mortified.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry,” he muttered to the officer. “This is really...really embarrassing; I’ve never known them to do something this stupid. Well Dean, maybe, but-” Sam stopped himself. “Look, man, it’s Christmas. Our whole family’s in town, it’s the first Christmas since they got married...what would it take to get them out tonight?” The officer laughed at the request.

“I’m sorry, son, it’d be a different story if we could find the baby Jesus, but-”

“Shouldn’t be that hard,” Dean offered from inside the cell. "Jesus walked on water, didn’t he?” he chuckled. "He'll be fine, he's just floating along."

"We did throw him a little far though. Those poor ducks."

"How did that go again?"

"YEET-quack." Savannah mimicked. The married couple dissolved into laughter, much to Sam's chagrin.

“This isn’t Jesus, Dean, it’s a plastic doll,” Sam tried to reason with his brother, “Damn it, guys, It’s at the bottom of the lake by now! What were you thinking man? Our whole family is waiting for us so we can have family dinner, and now I have to go back and explain why you two won’t be there.”

“We really have to stay in here? We can’t pay a fine or something?” Dean asked.

“Mr. Winchester, that nativity has been used since-” the officer was interrupted by Sam setting a heavy wad of cash on the desk.

“That’s $600. More than enough to replace the baby Jesus.”

“Are you...trying to bribe me?”

“Look, it’s Christmas. Our family doesn’t get together often, and it’s really special to all of us. I was planning to use that money for gifts, but I’d much rather have my family all in one place. So yeah, I’m trying to bribe you.” The officer gave a heavy sigh.

“Put that away, son. Spend that money on gifts for your family. Just…promise me they’ll be in court Monday morning at 9 am, and they’re free to go.”

“No worries there, I’ll drag them in myself,” Sam replied as the officer fumbled through his key ring. “Thank you so much.”

“Thanks, officer.” Dean echoed as the officer opened the cell for him and Savannah to exit.

“Monday morning, 9 am.”

“You got it,” Dean nodded, slinging his arm around Savannah’s shoulders. “Come on gorgeous, let’s go eat. I’m starving.”

Sam didn’t say a word until they got to the car. He pulled out onto the main road and headed back toward the bunker, shaking his head angrily.

“What the hell were you two thinking?” he asked. “You’re lucky that cop even let you out; he could have kept you there all weekend if he wanted and you would have missed dinner with Jody and Bobby and everybody. What were you even doing in the park anyway, you said you were going on a supply run!”

“And we made a detour,” Dean said. “I don’t have to give you a play by play of what I do with my wife, dude.”

“No you don’t, but what the fuck were you thinking? Seriously; what possessed you-”

“Can you stop?” Dean asked sharply. Sam sighed, swallowing his words and focusing on the road. “It’s okay, sweetheart. We’re just a little late.” A glance in the rearview mirror showed Dean fussing over Savannah as she buried her face in his neck. He pressed a kiss to her forehead and tucked her tightly into his side.

At the bunker, Dean was quick to pull him aside when they got out of the car. Savannah pressed a kiss to his cheek and disappeared into the bunker with a timid apology to Sam.

“Look man, you wanna be mad at somebody, be mad at me. It was my idea.” Dean said.

“I’m mad at both of you. This is Christmas, family, and you nearly derailed it with a stupid prank.”

“Fine, be mad at both of us, but you take it out on me, not her,” Dean crossed his arms over his chest, leaning back against the car. “This whole baby thing is upsetting her more than she’s letting on.” Sam stopped short, looking away from his brother in the direction his wife had gone.

“Oh. I...hadn’t even thought of that.” Dean and Savannah had decided several months ago to refrain from having kids. It was something they both dearly wanted, but Savannah refused to expose a child to the suffering she’d gone through with Crowley. It was a risk she simply wasn’t willing to take.

“Well, it is. So yeah, I got her drunk and took her to look at Christmas lights to get her mind off it. I saw the nativity and it just...popped in my head. If we can't have a baby, neither can they. I know it was dumb, and childish, but so what? It’s the most I've seen her laugh in weeks. It's what she needed. If I gotta spend a little time in jail to make my wife smile, then so be it.”

“Alright, I'll drop it. ‘M’sorry.”

“Apologize to her.”

“Alright, I will. Promise,” Sam said. ”Jerk.”

“Bitch.”

“You’re still explaining this to them.” Sam said as they made their way toward the door.

“Yeah, yeah,” Dean grumbled goodnaturedly. “Now about that $600-”

“Oh no, I’m not getting either of you anything now,” Sam chuckled. “You’re both on the naughty list.”

“Whatever.” Dean scoffed as they stepped inside, grinning when everyone cheered at their arrival.

It was their first Christmas with the whole family together, and not a single thing could spoil it. Not even a plastic baby Jesus at the bottom of a lake.

#12 days of ficmas #fox and squirrel

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hex-craft-art · 5 years ago

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This was kind of a random project but basically I wanted to make myself into a Sonic character. It was kind of a project to relax me as I had also been working on my Pride Month drawing (it's now done, just waiting until June to post it) and making that 'Yeet off a bridge' comic from a little while back into a digital version, both of which are big projects, so just having a small, simple project was helpful

While Shaylyn is my main OC and goes through a lot of the stuff I have and a lot of my personality, I still see her as a character, not a full on self insert and since I want to make a comic, I figured I should make a representative avatar for myself that fits with different worlds and also, I just figured it would be fun.

At first, I was going to make myself a wolf before I remembered that wolves are typically seen in packs and I am typically more comfortable by myself rather than around a lot of others and the idea of the 'lone wolf' being an actual wolf seemed a little predictable. So then, I figured a cat, after all, they're kinda stereotyped as being kind of lazy, independent, and just wanting to do their own thing which kind of sounded like me. so I just went with that

Then I added a sketchbook because ... I'm an artist and constantly drawing. I also added a 'resting bitch face' because that's just how my neutral/default face looks.

I added hair because, I mean, Honey the Cat has hair so why not.

It may look a little crappy but that's because I pretty much did it in one day but I thought it looked nice enough and I was proud of how it looked at this point.

Obviously my persona/avatar's design belongs to me

The Sonic style belongs to SEGA though

#my art #my artwork #please don't steal #digitalillustration #mypersona #myavatar #sonic_avatar #sonic_persona #sonicthehedgehog #sonic #sonic style #sonicfanart #digital artwork #digitalart #digital drawing #digital art #digital illustration

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generallynerdy · 6 years ago

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Our Little Secret Part 13 (Merlin & Child!Reader, Mordred X Reader)

Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12

Summary: Mordred is dying. Unfortunately, the only person with the potential to save him is the one who hates him most; Merlin.

Key: (Y/N) - your name

Warnings: violence, death, injuries, blood, angst, totally unnecessary depressing shit, on that note there’s probably cursing

Word Count: 2,479

Note: owo angst also CLIFFHANGERS YEET (one more part + an epilogue if someone guesses the amount of title drops in this series (please guess right it’s a fluffy one i swear))

(Y/N) had heard the shink of the axe against his skin and turned, killing the Saxon with a stab to the stomach. It was then that she saw Mordred’s bright eyes, turning back to his own rather than the green they would be under Morgana’s spell, staring up at her with a sort of deadness.

“NO!”

With swift and shaking hands, justice was dealt to the two remaining Saxons. (Y/N) kicked one against a rock, which broke his skull open. The other was knocked unconscious by the hilt of her sword, falling to the ground with a clang.

The instant they were felled, the young woman dropped to the ground beside Mordred, lifting his limp form into her arms.

Nearby, Arthur had yet to move. He had been frozen in place at the young man’s sudden charge, then even during (Y/N)’s retaliation. He took a mere few steps forward, watching the two with grief in his eyes. He looked down at his sword, almost regretting even fighting Mordred. If only he had been watching (Y/N) more carefully. If only he had taken care of her.

A stampede of footsteps began and Arthur was ready to draw his sword until four knights of Camelot rounded the corner.

“My lord--” Leon began, before he noticed the sight.

Percival exhaled sharply. “Christ...Mordred.”

They all remained at a distance, gazing helplessly at the young pair. From where they stood, Mordred looked dead as it was. However, he had yet to go completely.

“Mordred,” (Y/N) whispered, shaking him a little. When he did not respond, she lifted her head and, glancing around frantically, screamed. “MERLIN!”

It was then that the boy spluttered, choking on his own blood. “(Y/N),” he croaked.

At his voice, she snapped her face downward, a slight gasp passing by her lips. “Mordred,” she said again, cradling his head and caressing the side of his face.

She suddenly snapped into action, doing her best to rip his shattered armour off him. She almost dropped his head as she did so, her frantic hands making her entire body shake and quiver.

“MERLIN!” Again, she screamed out, her voice cracking and her throat scratched with the effort. “MERLIN!”

Mordred coughed violently. “I’m sorry,” he sobbed, blood trailing down from his lip.

“Stop, don’t-- don’t be sorry. Don’t--” (Y/N) shook her head, ignoring the tears falling from her eyes.

The young woman reached around herself and grabbed the bottom of her cloak. Most knights removed it before a battle, seeing as it was a hazard, but she had tucked it into her armour instead.

It was her most precious possession: Lancelot’s cloak.

It had multiple patches and mended rips, some in places you think couldn’t possibly be damaged while in a fight or traipsing through the woods. One in particular was on the bottom right corner and the threads were beginning to pull loose. Here, (Y/N) decided to rip the edge of the cloak.

“(Y/N), no,” Mordred wheezed, grabbing her arm to stop her. “You’ll ruin it.”

She chuckled through tears. “It’s already red.” His eyes drooped slightly and she panicked. “Mordred, Modred, stay with me. Stay with me, please. MERLIN!”

“(Y/N), I l--” He started to say feebly. He rose a hand to the base of her head, blood wiping from his hands onto her neck, though she paid it no mind. “I love you.”

A wretched cry came from the girl, even though she had tried to hold it back.

All the knights heard the boy speak and could not hide their emotion. They were fond of him, after all, which made (Y/N)’s reaction all the more painful. Percival was the most obviously hurt of the group, choking back sobs. Gwaine was a close second, sniffing and wiping at his face. Elyan shook where he stood and Leon was frozen, unable to avert his gaze.

They felt like they had failed. They all felt like they failed Mordred and (Y/N).

Arthur, on the other hand, felt the worst. He struck his sword into the ground and took a cautious step forward. “(Y/N), maybe I could--”

He hadn’t made another move before the young woman’s head snapped up to look at him. Her eyes glowed an unnatural yellow and she flung out her hand threateningly.

“Don’t touch him!” She screamed, her voice distorted.

Her gaze was back on Mordred in an instant, but the knights were left silent.

“Was-- was that--?” Elyan whispered.

Arthur looked defeated, destroyed, betrayed. “Magic.”

“Oh, (Y/N),” Mordred muttered through a sob. “Why-- why would you do that? Why did you--?”

She shook her head. “I won’t let you die. I have to do something. There has to be something--”

From there, she tried every spell she knew as blood seeped from the long cut. Her spells lessened the bleeding and began to heal his skin somewhat, but it was an enormous gash and she feared it wasn’t enough. (Y/N) had almost given up when footsteps sounded and she looked up.

Before her was an old man in red robes, using a staff to walk. (Y/N) recognised him in an instant.

“Please,” she begged with a raspy voice. “You have to save him.”

He looked down at her with doubt in his bright eyes, glancing between the two of them and the other knights, who all looked appalled. The sorcerer had a sinking feeling.

“He saved me!” (Y/N) sobbed. “He broke the spell and he saved me, Merlin, please!”

Merlin inhaled deeply and, after a moment of consideration, knelt beside the two. (Y/N) almost cried more in relief, but not all was well just yet.

He took one look at Mordred’s wound and grimaced.

“What?” (Y/N) asked frantically. “What is it?”

“None of the spells I know can heal a wound like this,” he muttered.

Her face fell. “No, no, you have to do something. There has to be something you can do, anything--”

“There’s one,” Merlin interrupted, “But I need a live volunteer.”

“I’ll do it.”

She was met with instant protests from a drowsy Mordred and a firm Merlin. “No, no, no,” Mordred slurred. “Please--”

“I won’t do that,” Merlin said. “I refuse.”

“But--” (Y/N) started to protest.

A minor groan from nearby interrupted their argument. Both Merlin and (Y/N) followed the source of it to the Saxon the latter had felled with the hilt of her sword.

Merlin looked back at her with a nod. “That’ll do.”

Within a moment, the Saxon was laid beside Mordred. Both sorcerer and apprentice placed their hands on Mordred’s wound and the Saxon’s side. Merlin went to give her instructions, but paused, looking behind her and meeting Arthur’s eyes.

“This would have a better chance of working if I wasn’t disguised,” Merlin whispered.

Before (Y/N) could speak, Mordred shook his head. “Don’t-- you can’t do this for me, Merlin.”

“I said your name,” (Y/N) muttered. “They’ll be suspicious. And they-- they know I can do magic. They’ll want to know who taught me. They’ll put two and two together.”

Merlin sighed and, taking out a small blue vial, nodded at her before glancing at Arthur. “Here goes nothing.”

He chugged it all in one go. Within minutes, he was the younger, good-looking version of himself. The knights whispered among themselves and one tried to get Arthur’s attention, but it could not be drawn from the sorcerer. If his face showed hurt at (Y/N)’s reveal, this one was devastated.

Merlin instructed (Y/N) to repeat after him and the area was bathed in light when they began to chant. The Saxon cried out in pain, but was drowned out by a distinctly magical ringing filling the air.

When the deed was done, the light died out and the Saxon was left limp on the ground. Mordred was passed out and (Y/N)’s heart sank at the sight.

“He’ll wake in a few hours,” Merlin reassured her.

She flung herself at him, wrapping him in a hug and sniffing into his shoulder. “Thank you. I-- about before--”

“Water under the bridge. We’ll talk about it later,” he whispered, hugging her tightly. When he let go, he looked toward Mordred. “We should get him to Gaius, just to be safe.”

(Y/N) nodded and they situated themselves, ready to attempt to pick him up. Between the two of them, the young woman was stronger than her companion, at least physically. They feared they couldn’t lift Mordred safely and comfortably. However, they didn’t have to fret for very long.

There were gentle thuds against the mud of Camlann and (Y/N) almost leapt to her feet, ready to fight off Saxons. Instead, Leon, with his red eyes and cheeks, knelt on the ground beside them.

No words were spoken at first, but he nodded at (Y/N), who looked upon him with such respect and relief that she looked like a child again.

The knight lifted Mordred from the ground. “Lead the way,” he said.

(Y/N) went to leave, but turned back to Merlin. She glanced between him and the other knights, not to mention Arthur, though she did not meet their gazes fully.

“I’ll be fine,” Merlin said, reading her mind.

For the first time in a long time, (Y/N) gave him a soft smile and squeezed his hand hopefully. Then, she left with Leon and Mordred, leaving Merlin to finally share their little secret.

Arthur cleared his throat and turned to the three knights left behind. “Morgana must be found. I need you to--”

“Morgana’s dead,” Merlin said loudly. He was met with a doubtful look from Arthur and pointed down a path. “Down that way. I killed her myself. You can check, if you want.”

Arthur nodded to the three, two of whom left. Percival and Elyan dutifully took to the task, not able to look at Merlin as they passed. Gwaine was left staring at Merlin, which made him uncomfortable. He couldn’t tell if he was in awe or anger. Either way, he decided that he didn’t like it.

“Gwaine,” Arthur said firmly. The knight snapped out of his trance and frowned. “Go,” the king muttered.

With one last mournful glance, Gwaine followed Percival and Elyan.

Thus, the king and the servant were left alone.

Merlin opened his mouth to speak, but Arthur could not bear to hear it. He turned away and followed after the others. For all that had happened that day, he could not bear to look at Merlin, his friend and servant.

The second his back was turned, Merlin grieved.

Back at camp, (Y/N) strode ahead of Leon and Mordred to get to Gaius. She wasn’t that far ahead, as she still wanted to keep an eye on them, but she was at least a yard in front of the two.

The young woman was terrified of conversation with Leon. He would no doubt question her about her magic and that was something she wasn’t ready to talk about, not without Merlin there to help her.

Inside the medic’s tent, (Y/N) found Gaius running around, frantically doing all he could for wounded soldiers.

“Gaius!” She called, getting his attention.

He turned and heaved a sigh of relief. She rushed into his arms and was embraced in a tight hug, which occurred just as Leon entered with Mordred. The old man pet her hair and whispered words of gratefulness at her sudden appearance.

“I thought you’d died,” he sighed as he pulled back, holding her head in his hands.

She shook her head, a small smile painting her face. “No, I’m okay.” She glanced toward Leon, who was putting Mordred on an empty cot.

“What happened?” Gaius asked. “Is he--?”

“He’s alright. He broke free of the spell and saved me,” (Y/N) said softly. “Merlin and I were able to heal him, but…”

He nodded instantly. “Better check just to be sure.” He then noticed Leon’s glances in their direction. “You-- you healed him, you said?”

“They know, Gaius,” she whispered. “About Merlin and I. They’ll probably hate me now.”

“I see,” he muttered before patting her cheek fondly. “You’ll be fine, both of you, no matter what happens. I’ll go check on Mordred, you get some rest.”

(Y/N) nodded absentmindedly as he left, though she had no intention of following his orders. She was far too stressed to do as he asked. She didn’t want to abandon Merlin, either, should the others want him to explain himself.

Just as she was considering what they would want to know, someone called her name.

“(Y/N)! Thank God!” A voice exclaimed.

Guinevere appeared, racing to the young woman’s side and pulling her into her arms. (Y/N) froze at the contact. For a second, she hugged the woman back, relief filling her heart, before she was struck with regret. Gwen did not know her secret. The (Y/N) she was hugging was not a sorceress. The (Y/N) she thought she was hugging wasn’t the real (Y/N).

“I thought we’d lost you,” Gwen sighed, taking the girl’s head in her hands, much like Gaius had. She noticed her forlorn expression and instinctively frowned. “What’s wrong?”

“I--” (Y/N) put her hands on Gwen’s, which rested on her neck.

Arthur appeared at the tent entrance just prior to this very moment, having witnessed Guinevere’s affection for a mere second before he saw the doubt in (Y/N)’s eyes. He didn’t make a noise, but (Y/N) noticed he was there. She looked over to him, then back to Guinevere.

The young knight pulled Gwen’s hands from her face and bowed her head slightly. “My lady.”

Gwen was about to ask after her, but she strode toward the very entrance Arthur stood. She nodded at him, prepared to walk by him in complete silence. He was about to let her do so, but was surprised when she stopped right beside him on her way out.

“Arthur--” she began to say.

What words could she say that would fix this? Would the truth help him to understand or would it only hurt him more? Would she apologise for who she was, what she chose to do? Should she say what felt right to her or right to him? Furthermore, would either help?

Glancing out of the tent, she saw Merlin, stopped in his tracks. He watched her with curious eyes, wondering what she would do. He did not shake or nod his head, nor did he give any other hint as to what she should do. It was her decision what to say, not his. After all, it was her little secret, too.

(Y/N) swallowed, paused, and exited the tent without another word.

Merlin Tags: @pearlll09

Part 14/Finale

Masterlist

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husbandoneeded · 6 years ago

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The Friendly Foe (part 4) Peter Parker x reader

Please do not repost my work without my permission.

Summary: As a child, (y/n) never grew up wealthy. Her dad had left her and her mom at a young age, leaving them behind with almost nothing. She was used to not being able to go out much or enjoying life with friends. She never minded though- life was hard, but it was okay in the end. At least that's how she felt until things quickly started to change as her mom got sick. Paying the bills was harder than before- so much more money was needed and she didn't have it.So she did the only thing she could do that would earn her enough money for everything. Become a villain...

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Masterlist What happened at the end of the last chapter: "You should get out of here, before back up arrives." I said. "or a car hits you in the face spider-boy." I followed up calmly, while slowly backing away. Spider-man just looked at me- he seemed baffled. "I'm gonna go now... I'm sorry." I said, and sprinted towards the side of the highway. I used my last energy to run away so he had no way of catching up anymore, even if he was still fast enough to web me. I quickly leaped over the edge, as i took my leap down the meters high bridge. "Woah woah woah WAIT!" I could hear him yell and run after me, but I had already made it over the edge. I was falling down, knowing Adrian was in the area and hoping he'd swoop me up. I had seen him flying in the distance, the only way to have Spiderman escape unscathed and have him also not follow the van, was risking my own life. Please Adrian, have some good and please catch me. I looked around, not seeing him, all I could see was Spiderman panicking over the edge of the bridge. I was going to yell something to him when Adrian collapsed against me, swooping me away from the dangerous water underneath. "Are you out of your mind?!" I ignored his angry yells and watched Spiderman sink down behind the rails of the bridge, visibly relaxed I was alright. He shouldn't even care... Back at the base Andrian was angerly pacing in front of me. "(Y/n) answer me! Why did you think it was even a remotely good idea to jump off?" "I didn't want him following the van and catching us at the base! I also am not a good enough fighter to fight him one on one. I saw you in the distance and decided to just, I don't know, yeet myself of the bridge." He sighed, holding his fingers on the bridge of his nose. It looked he was about to yell when he took another deep breath. "You cleared the mission, I guess..." He looked up and then pointed at a guy int he back. "YOU, give her her money. And you," he turned back to me "get yourself something to eat, you look like you're about to pass out." I nodded, I did feel like passing out. I was hungry and tired, I just wanted to go home... "It's late, try not to run into the spider kid on your way home. If you do make sure to hide your suit." "I'm taking it home?" "Yes, we are still developing the new upgrades so for the time being take it with you and make sure to always be on stand by." I nodded slowly and grabbed the suit, stuffing it in my bag. Sighing I stood up, took the money, and made my leave. The walk home was silent, well of course it was, it was the middle of the night but still. Some of the street lights were flickering, the buzzing reaching my ears. Walking home like this made me feel mixed inside. It made me think, and it wasn't always a good thing when I started thinking. I remembered what Spidey said when we were fighting, that if I cared for people and didn't want them hurt- why I was taking part in selling the exact thing that could murder them... He doesn't understand, no one ever would... And what does he even know to being with? "(Y/n)?" I heard my name being called and looked behind me. "Peter? What are you doing up so late?" I raised my eyebrow, weird kid. "Me? What about you..? Is that your school bag, a-are you okay? Nothing happened walking home right?" Oh peter, if only you knew. "Uh no, no don't worry. Just uuh, just got back from work that's all." I stumbled over my words, as he caught up to me and started walking next to me. He nodded and stayed silent. "I guess you work this late at night too huh, I mean uhm, I mean I don't work, I mean I do- stark internship and all. Yeh yeh, stark internship." "Damn, they keep you up late too huh..." No wonder Peter was always tired, they really do wore him out as well. I guess everyone does have their own things going on. To me it always felt like he had such a perfect life, but the internship has probably been weighing on him too. "so uhm, it's late, and well, you want me to walk you home..? I-I mean not in a creepy way! Just-" "That's really nice of you Peter but I'd rather you not..." I held my head down, hoping he wouldn't make it difficult. I didn't want Peter to see the shithole I lived in, I didn't want him to lose the at least decent impression he had of me. "Please, (y/n)... I don't want anything happening to you.." My heart skipped a beat, maybe it was the kindness or the fact I didn't expect it. I could feel a lump starting to form in my throat, when was the last time someone cared for me..? Even nowadays my mom is too sick to feel anything besides the pain and misery of the chemo. I'm sure she cares for me but she probably is thinking so much about the therapy to worry about anything else... There was a slight pause, maybe, maybe I should open up to at least someone... Maybe it would be nice? Peter is really kind, maybe I can rely on him... Can I? I could hear him take a breathe and he stopped me, holding onto my wrist. "Hey, it's okay there's probably personal things and I-I guess I'm coming off as a creep so you do-" "NO! N-no... it's, it's fine you can drop me off. Just please, don't laugh when we get there okay..?" He nodded and let go of my wrist. As we reached my house I started panicking. I made a mistake, I made a big mistake. Omg why did i do this,why did I tell him to follow me and drop me off. I'm so dumb AAAAH "(y/n)..?" I looked down in shame. We went in a dirty alley, with an apartment building that looked like it was rotting away, trash laying around and dirt covering the steps. "Well... this is my stop..." I refused to make eye contact with Peter, not wanting to see the look of disappointment on his face. "It's okay if you want to stop associa-" "Woah woah stop right there, why would I not want to hang out with you anymore?" "Because I live in a place like this..? It's nothing compared to Start tower I assume." "I literally couldn't care less." I decided to look up, and he started at me with a kind smile on his face. Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all. "Thank you... But can we keep this between us, maybe?" "Ofcourse." He smiled at me, than awkwardly stood there for a bit before he waved me goodbye. I thanked him for dropping me off and went back inside. At the very least I didn't run into spiderman that night. Read on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/14713436/chapters/34015325

#spiderman #peter parker #peter parker x reader #peter x reader #spiderman x reader #far from home #mcu #marvel #readerinsert #homecoming #tony stark #captain america #bucky barnes #end game #fanfiction

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sassycassie-s-writing · 6 years ago

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Always Right

By: SassyShoulderAngel319

Fandom/Character(s): Avengers - Peter Parker/Spider-Man

Rating: PG-11/T-

Original Idea: Spider-Man: Far From Home baby!

Notes: (Masterlist)(By Character)(About Me) Brown Recluse is back, babies with a slightly different backstory because Endgame feels! MAJOR ENDGAME AND SM: FFH SPOILERS AHEAD! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. THIS IS YOUR WARNING!

^^^^^

Peter’s shoulder slammed into the locker next to mine. “Hey!” He grinned at me.

“Hi Pete,” I replied.

“So! Are you going on the trip?”

I slammed my locker. “Nope,” I said, twisting the comb lock and striding away.

Peter ran after me, pushing through students that my smaller stature wove through with more ease. “What? Why?!” he demanded, grabbing my arm to slow me down.

I turned with a glare. “Because I can’t, okay? Look, I know he was your mentor and you miss him too, but he was my dad. I’m just… I’m needed here.”

“New York can survive without Spider-Man for a couple weeks—surely it can survive without Brown Recluse too.”

I smacked his hand off my arm. “It’s not about New York, Peter! It’s about…” I ground my jaw and looked around. Peter and I were still mildly nerdy losers even in a school like this so no one paid us any attention. “It’s about Pepper and Morgan,” I hissed. “They need me. Am I a bad reminder of Tony’s playboy past to Pepper? Yes. But Morgan doesn’t even realize that I’m only her half-sister. She needs me. We’re all that’s left of him. I can’t leave Morgan and Pepper.”

“I thought you were still living with your caretaker.”

“I am. But only because I go to school in the city. Once summer starts I’m going to the cabin upstate to stay with Pepper and Morgan. My caretaker has the summer off to spend with her own family.” I gave him a forced smile and a two-fingered salute. “Have fun on the trip, Pete.”

I ducked through a gap in the crowd of students and headed off for class.

^^^^^

“Fri… FRIDAY…” Dad rasped.

“Dad—no. Don’t. Don’t try to talk. We’re gonna get you some help,” I promised around the tears flowing down my face. “Dad. I’m back now. Me and Pete—we both are. Your family is here. You can’t give up now. Dad, please!”

Dad grasped my hand with the one that hadn’t been charred by the Stones. “FRIDAY… activate… Suit of Armor… Around My World Protocol.”

“Dad—Dad what are you doing?”

The nanotech that made up his suit started crawling up my arm, vanishing off of his body. As it moved, the colors changed—from gold and red to brown and black.

“I…” he breathed. “I knew you were Brown Recluse the day you started. The… mole on your chin… gave you away. You should have gone with… the full-face mask.” He gave me a weak smile. The nanotech kept crawling over my body, spreading down my legs now.

“Dad you’re gonna be fine. Please. You have to be fine!”

“Pete…”

“Yes, Mr. Stark?” Peter squeaked, voice breaking and thick with emotion.

“Take care of her.”

“O-of course, Mr. Stark.”

The nanotech finished crawling. My whole suit had been swamped by it—like Peter’s Iron Spider suit.

^^^^^

I shoved out of my chair and bolted out of the physics classroom, snatching my backpack.

“Miss Marble!” Mr. Llewellyn called after me. “What’s wrong? They’re about to send down the yearbooks!”

I couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think. Couldn’t see past the tears welling up in my eyes. I pounded down the hallways at full-tilt, scrabbling through my pockets for my mask. Impatiently wiping tears from my eyes, I shoved the front door open, gasping for breath.

I freed my mask, slammed the gate of the school open, and sprinted across the football field.

Once I ducked out of view of the school, I yanked my mask on over my head and shot one of my webs up into the sky. It latched onto a building and I swung away as fast as I could, making my way from Queens to Manhattan.

To the top of Avengers Tower.

Once there I panted, clutching at my chest with one hand, sticking to the building with the other one.

“Hey. You okay?” a familiar voice asked as there was a soft thump on the glass behind me.

I whirled.

Peter, decked out in his full suit.

“Go away. Have fun on your trip,” I said. “I don’t want to talk to anyone right now.”

Peter sat down next to me, ripping his mask off and wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “Then… we won’t talk,” he decided. His other arm wrapped around my front and he just hugged me. He didn’t seem to mind me sobbing into his shoulder, soaking his suit. Just rocked me back and forth.

I thought about a snarky retort that him not talking would be a veritable miracle but didn’t have the brain power to force my mouth into saying it.

He tugged my mask off my head and started stroking my hair.

I cried for several more minutes until I cried myself out and the hiccups from sobbing subsided.

Peter got to his feet and offered me his hand. “C’mon,” he said. “Let’s go get our yearbooks. I want you to be the first one to sign mine. Got your marker?”

I felt in my backpack until I found the gold marker I’d brought. I held it up and waved it vaguely. “Got it.” Shoving it back in my bag, I zipped it up and took Peter’s hand. He helped me to my feet and handed me back my mask. I pulled my hair back to get it less tangled and pulled my mask back on over my head. The gap in the full-head spandex for my mouth and nose pressed into my skin.

He smiled and slid his own mask on over his curls. “Great. Let’s go.”

Still holding my hand, he swan-dove off the Tower, forcing me to go with him.

We swung our way back to school, found a place to straighten up back in our civvies, and went inside.

“Y’know, it’d be easier on everyone if you told someone on staff who you really are,” Peter remarked as we trudged up the stairs. “If the teachers knew you kept having breakdowns because your dad sacrificed himself, they’d go a lot easier on you for storming out of class and—”

“Not gonna happen,” I snapped, harsher than I meant to. “No one but you and my family and my caretaker know. And no one else is gonna know.” I combed my hair with my fingers. “Thanks for always being there for me, Pete. Enjoy the trip.”

“I promised I would be!” Peter called as we split up to go back to our classes.

“Welcome back, Miss Marble. Everything alright?” Mr. Llewellyn asked. The rest of the class was exchanging yearbooks, getting ready to head out into the hallways to sign friends’ books.

I nodded. “Yeah. Just a… personal problem,” I said.

“Miss Marble, I know this Blip business has been hard on everyone, but your reactions are the most severe. Maybe you should see a—”

“I already am seeing a counselor, Mr. Llewellyn,” I said.

“Well, alright then,” he remarked. He handed me the yearbook that had a sticker on the side with my name on it. “Have a good summer, okay?”

“I’ll try,” I said. I took the book and left the classroom, digging my marker out.

I wove through the sea of people back to Peter’s homeroom.

“Parker!” I shouted. He smiled and ducked under a jock’s arm to make his way over to me. I thrust my yearbook at him. “Wanted you to be the first to sign mine too.” He smiled and swapped books with me.

Dear Pete, I wrote on one of the blank white pages in the back of the book.

It’s been a crazy year, hasn’t it? After the Blip took us both… Pep told me it was YOU who convinced Dad to help bring us all back. He wasn’t gonna, but then he found the internship photo in the kitchen in the cabin, and that’s why he helped the team bring back everyone. He loved you. I love you. Thanks for keeping your promise to keep an eye on me. Have fun on the science trip!

With love,

Miss Stark

I drew a little cartoon spider next to my name and passed it back to him, taking mine from his hand.

“Hey, if you see something really weird and authentic in Italy or France or wherever that’s, like, less than five bucks, get it for me and I’ll pay you back, okay?” I said, cradling my book under my arm and recapping my marker.

“Ye-yeah! Sure thing!” Peter replied.

“And call me if, I don’t know, the world starts to end.”

“It’s… not gonna end,” he complained. “Don’t jinx it.”

“I’ll do my best. Knock on wood,” I said, knocking on his forehead. He snorted and ducked away. “Bye Pete!”

“See ya!”

^^^^^

“Spidey!” I shouted, slinging up onto the bridge and slamming a drone out of the way with both feet.

“Recluse!” Peter exclaimed, voice completely breaking so it sounded like, “ReCLUse!” I snickered. “What are you doing here? I thought you weren’t coming on the trip!”

“You called Happy and had him fly the jet to the Netherlands! You really thought I wouldn’t come?!” I demanded, snatching a drone with a web and hurling it into another one. “Why didn’t you call me?!”

“I… I couldn’t remember your number!” His voice broke again, squeaking on “number.”

I wrenched a drone’s power source out and chucked it at Peter. It glanced off his shoulder. “Liar!”

“Okaaay. I was embarrassed to call you after I royally screwed up.”

“Well I had to hear about it from Happy! I’d rather have heard it from you!”

“Can you two have your little lover’s quarrel later?!” Happy demanded in our earpieces.

“Shut up!” I retorted as I tore a drone in half with my bare hands. Or, rather, semi-bare hands. “We’re not having a lover’s quarrel, Harold.”

“Harold?” Peter asked.

“Happy’s real name?” I said.

“Wait really?”

“Focus up!” I threw a drone at Peter that he quickly smashed apart. “We don’t have time to chat!”

“I can’t believe you’re here!” Peter said, grabbing me by the hand and Yeeting me right into a group of drones that I slung all together in a huge web.

“I can’t leave you alone,” I said. “Have to come pick up after you.”

“Shut up,” Peter said.

^^^^^

Peter and I sat on the top of the Shard building, stuck to it with our powers, suits and masks on. “I should be honest with you, Pete,” I said. “Mourning my dad isn’t the only reason I didn’t want to come on the trip.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Why?”

“Because… because I was upset that he chose you for EDITH instead of me!” I snapped.

Peter stared at me. “I… didn’t even think about that. I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. Thanks. But I know why he chose you instead of me.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I have too much of my dad in me—”

“Hey. That’s what makes you the best—”

“You didn’t let me finish. Dad knew he and I were super similar, but the stuff I got from my mom makes me unworthy of EDITH. And, my dad was what he always was.”

“And what’s that?”

“Always right,” I said. “My dad was always right. Because, ultimately, you’re a better person than I am. That’s why he chose you.”

“Don’t… say that…” he said.

“C’mon, Pete. Let’s go. We should get you back to our classmates so you can fly home together. Happy and I are chartering a jet back to JFK so that I’m not on a public plane.”

“I get that.”

“Oh, and Pete?”

“Yeah?”

“EDITH is a big responsibility. Take care of her.”

Peter smiled at me. “I will. Promise.”

I stood up and offered him my hand. He took it and let me help him stand. Still holding his hand, I swan-dove off the Shard.

“Whoo!” I called as we fell. I heard Peter laugh.

We swung back to the hotel. “See you back in Queens,” Peter said.

I beamed, grateful that I’d left the bottom of my face exposed so he could see my mouth smiling. “See you in Queens.”

#Always Right #Peter Parker #peter parker imagine #peter parker fanfiction #Spider-Man #Spider Man #SpiderMan #spider-man imagine #spider-man fanfiction #spiderman fanfiction #spiderman imagine #spider man fanfiction #spider man imagine #Avengers #Avengers Imagine #Avengers FanFiction #Marvel #Marvel Imagine #Marvel FanFiction

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changji · 6 years ago

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Here we go I’m finally continuing our convo from like,, last week LOL but anyway 4-5k for an apartment I’m HOLLERING (yes i did it so you’d laugh) I’ve never lived in an apartment before but I’m pretty sure that’s really expensive for one sksks. Also personal chromebooks? My school literally can’t relate we share them with the rest of the students in the school. Tbh I don’t remember much from twilight so I’ll agree w you so that we don’t fight 🥺🥺

I normally go ham when I’m in a pool,, like I’ll start off w my hair up bc I don’t wanna get it wet but when I leave the pool everywhere is soaked. I haven’t played chicken in years?? Oml last time I played I was on my cousins shoulders and I was Puny. Haha most ppl are like “it can’t be that cold here right” and I’m “oh no it gets COLD” which I hate (but it’s colder in the territories so I’m thankful for where I’m at)

I’d rather it be hotter than colder bc at least there’s ac. I mean there’s heat but at least I can still walk outside without snow and ice everywhere. Don’t even get me started on freezing rain and winter tires and shovelling snow and OEUFIHD as you can see I hate the winter here. Tim hortons is so good I literally inhale iced capps 24/7. They’re pretty much blended frozen coffee but it tastes a lot better than it sounds!! I like to think of it as the Canadian pride and joy

I’ve actually never had timmies canned coffee… i’ve had the keurig pods things but they don’t taste as good as getting them from an actual timmies. But hey you never know maybe we will drink from ice bergs one day LOL. I’ll never back out from being your soulmate we’re literally meant To Be 😤😤 iced blonde vanilla lattes are so Good I’d probably inhale them as much as I do with iced capps if they weren’t so expensive

I didn’t even know that milk was a good portion of the drink,, when I saw a starbucks barista fill my cup with 80% milk I was like “hold up what” Your smoothies must be really good if your family specifically wake you up so that you can make them some hhh baker arella? More like smoothie expert arella. i usually make smoothies with whatever works and is in my fridge, but mango will always have my heart

People who eat pancakes plain should be banned from the world that’s disgusting,, you’re literally eating cooked flour,,,,,, I actually haven’t had waffles in 4 years oopsFrench is a mandatory course in grade 9 where I live but then after that you can choose if you wanna continue it or not. ASL classes seem so cool, I would totally take it if it were an option here. German & Japanese seem so hard; I look at the words and here ppl speaking it and I’m like ??? woah okay what’s happening

I’m terrible at English too, but then again I suck at every language? Is that even possible?? Jisung’s literally talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular skskdkf I am a Chan stan but Jisung wrecks me SO hard I can’t with this man. Pls don’t hurt my head too much with the fic I only have one braincell left bit ilyt 🥺 now I wanna try peet’s but I’m probably not going to the US for a hot minute 😔😔

(AJSDHJF I HIT THE LIMIT OF ASKS IM CRYINF) I saw what happened with ur Jisung drawing and I feel your frustration?? I was drawing a photo for an English presentation on photoshop and instead of closing my reference photo tab I closed the drawing (and i didn’t save it beforehand) so I lost the entire thing. Just thinking about it again makes me So Mad like,, how dumb can I be I literally can’t believe I did that!!

School sucks the life outta me I’m dreading going back and school starts in a little over a month? Fav vampire fic PLS I’m honoured. We fr out here as coffee soulmates look at us go 🤧👊

it’s so expensive like. whomst. I LOVE IT WHEN PPL SAY HOLLERING ITS SO FUNNY (ur so cute ily). living in an apartment is just Constant Stress esp bc i always accidentally slam a door open and make a hole in the wall and we have to pay but like i never learn LOL. the chrome books suck tho 😪 i would never fight w u LOL but i love twilight hhhh

today i just learned what “go ham” means like. i never knew. idk if i’m uncultured or ur weird (BUT ACCORDING TO CHAN WEIRS IS GOOD AND HES RIGHT.) i hate swimming sksks i burn easily and im Not here for it. i see why u would prefer the heat esp w snow, but i don’t have snow so i like winter LOL. i feel like i would die if i had to shovel snow like. i tried gardening and i gave up in .2 seconds. it was tough.

ooh an ice capp is like a frappuccino? i used to love them but they became too sweet. i believe in lattes and lattes only. keurig never tastes as good as the OG, i’ve had starbucks, dunkins, and peet’s keurig cups but it’ll never live up 😪 u r my soulmate and i snatched u, u can’t leave even if u wanted. period. LATTES ARE EXPENSIVE like. i pay $6.70 or smth like that bc of the vanilla flavoring and the extra shots. makes me wanna yeet myself off a bridge but there aren’t lattes in hell.

RIGHT omg the first time i saw them make it i was like. where r u giving me a cup of MILK but it tastes good so it’s okay. my stomach has not been cooperating and hurts whenever i get normal milk so i have to ask for almond and pay an extra 25 cents. like damn i $7 for a cup of coffee. but it’s okay it’s still good 🤧

& SMOOTHIE MASTER ARELLA HHHH my family is also Lazy like. it’s not hard to make a smoothie u FOOLS but i mean ig. they’ll just be hoes and force me to make them 😤 but it’s fine bc when i make the smoothies i’m let off of washing dishes 🤪

if u eat a pancake plain ur wrong on so many levels. it’s so painful to see. like. WHY. and cooked flour,,,, ada ur so funny omg waffles are so good like. it’s crispy but pancakes get soggy and it’s Gross. not here for it

i suck @ all languages too like grammar who? i only know keyboard smashes and incoherent screams. jisung is amazing and i love him w my whole soul. he’s such a good wrecker like whY are u so perfect?? i was bin biased but jisung came and made me double biased 🤧 i’m unloyal.

i don’t believe in no brain cells i believe in broken hearts and that’s what this fic is going for. angst angst and angst. i’ll send u peet’s and u send me tim hortons i look forward to gross and melted coffee 🤪

WLSKKSSK TUMBLR RLY OUT HERE UR SO CUTE AHHH i screamed for a good 5 minutes. i’m still upset. like. why did i do this to myself arella u big dumb. omg and did u save urself for the presentation? it’s worse for u bc like. it’s for school 😔 we can be dumb hoes together it’s okay

OVER A MONTH WHEN DO U START i have 2 weeks and a half. 3 weeks? i start on a thursday which is weird but Go Off. i’m gonna drop a class i’m not up for 7 classes esp w an AP and 3 honors 🤧 why did i take those classes i’m actually an idiot hhhhh

i stan ada and ada only (jk binsung but yk what they don’t count) stan TALENT my coffee soulmate ily

#gonna put a read more bc long long post oops #also like. do u have a dog or a cat or like a pet idk #queen ada 💞#mutuals #asks

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frankensteined · 6 years ago

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6 characters: caleb, nott, beauregard, fjord, jester, and mollymauk (it was pretty hard deciding who to leave out skdfbklshf good luck friendo)

do the sexy love™ with - molly, cuz he’s canonically a good lay sfgjkl (or, he’s a fun lay, at the very least!)

sacrifice myself for - me, throwing myself in front of anything trying to hurt jester, but in slow-motion: …jester.

kick - beau, but only in a “we’re training together, and by that i mean i’m trying to train but i’m just really bad at it so she lets me land a single kick out of pity cuz she’s a good friend” sense

take to prom - caleb, because he can dance, but he’d probably rather not be there, and neither would i, so we can definitely get one obligatory dance outta the way and then we can bail and go someplace that doesn’t look like jester decorated it while hopped up on sugar.

abandon in jurassic park - fjord just cuz he’s already kinda bros with a giant reptile-ish…guy. (*whispers* uk’atoaaaaa)

push off a bridge - nott, because i kept flip-flopping between her and caleb for this and the prom question (because they can both cast feather fall!), but she’d just really want caleb to have a nice night. but like….we’d have talked about this in advance, too. she’d know the bridge thing was coming. i’m not just yeeting my favourite character off a bridge all willy-nilly. it’s cool! she’s fine!!

send me 6 characters!

#Anonymous

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hollowbastionsurvivor · 5 years ago

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Episode 9 - "We made a play and swung for the fences" ~Kim

Individual Immunity: https://hollowbastionsurvivor.tumblr.com/post/631100066023768064/individual-immunity-4

Kevin creates an alliance chat with Adaora, Christina, and Amy (the heartless faithful)

Kevin, Amy, Adaora, and Christina share idol spots to hunt for the idol

Wow, I did it! I can't believe that worked. I guess ellie/kim are saving their idols?? Idk. I mean next round the heartless 3 are gonna have to do some quick moves to save ourselves from an idol play. But i believe in us! I'm so excited! that was fun!

After hands up tribal: https://youtu.be/aYO6iSl4_78

I’m not really sure what to do. It’s 4-3 and I know if I want to be sitting at the end I have to make a move now. But I don’t really trust Dylan or Ellie and Kim never talks game with me. Is it wise to split off now? Or is it better for me to just hold on for one more round? Only time will tell...

~~~~~

Results: https://hollowbastionsurvivor.tumblr.com/post/631181422736162816/results-chain-reaction

That was a really interesting challenge. Looks like it might be time for me to flip? I don’t want to be the 4th wheel in a strong 3 person alliance. The fact that they all had each other at least on the top 3 of one of their lists is not sitting right with me. I’m definitely on the bottom, and I need to flip and take control ASAP! I just have to be really careful. How I play this round could determine if I am in FTC or if I’m gone next round. I need to check in with Dylan though. Are they willing to flip and vote someone from heartless (preferably Christina) out, or are they trying to buy their way back in their good graces? Their vote is crucial and I need to secure it in order to correctly execute this plan.

That was some tribal. I mean we made a play and swung for the fences but Kevin thought ahead and neither i or Ellie felt the need to play the idol. I feel excited to play with Dylan because they're someone who we know will play with us

~~~~~

Ellie transfers her idol to Dylan

Dylan and Kim have the idols

This round i am almost absolutely using my idol. Whether or not i end up wasting it , we'll know during tribal

https://youtu.be/brlj_3hn68k

~~~~~

The target seems to be firmly on Dylan after flipping on the Heartless.

Kevin - Needs to maintain his F3 with Christina and Amy

Amy/Chrstina - Need to YEET Kevin before FTC

Adaora - Needs to flip

Dylan/Ellie/Kim - Need to survive

Update: I just found out Kim was going to save me if He had just been awake. I’m so annoyed because that definitely would’ve changed EVERYTHING! I have no doubt I would’ve won this immunity. If Kim saved me in round 5, I would’ve saved Amy, Amy saves Kevin, and then Christina would’ve been knocked out. Christina most likely would’ve picked Kevin, Kevin saves Amy, and Amy saves me, which knocks out Kim in round 4. Kim would’ve picked me to stay again, I would’ve saved Amy and Kevin gets knocked out. This would leave Amy and I in final 2 and I think would’ve won as I would’ve had Ellie and Kim’s vote for sure! So all I had to do was convince either Kevin or Christina. It’s so frustrating that I lost this challenge because Kim decided to fall asleep. I’m so annoyed!

I WON IMMUNITYYYYYYY!!!!! That chain reaction challenge was interesting, though. I doubted Kevin’s loyalty to me, but I was his first choice. I’m glad I had him as mine. I still don’t think I can go to f2 with him, though. He would win because he’s liked and he’s been targeted and survived. Amy also tried to play it like she felt she had to vote Kevin. Girl. Whatever. Anyway, adaora seems a little messy recently. I think she’s in bed with what’s left of the nobody tribe. Dylan... lol. Dylan is on an island as far as I’m concerned. I think their move was idiotic and I will take pleasure in taking them out. 💜 Time’s running out on these advantages, so I need to make a move ASAP.

~~~~~

Adaora contemplates making a Big Move this round, but it is dependent on who wins immunity.

Amy expresses concern about taking Kevin to FTC

I think I know what I need to do now. I need to convince Ellie to use her idol tonight. I know I would much rather flip and work with Ellie and Kim but I just can’t quite trust Ellie completely, as there is a 99% chance she has an idol. Emma was pretty certain of it, and as all over the place as Emma was, she was right about a lot of things. So if she wholeheartedly believed that Ellie has an idol, I have no choice but to believe it. I have to get her to use it tonight so we can send Kevin home. This is going to be tricky, but I think if I drive the point home that we can’t rely on Dylan’s vote, and if I tell Ellie it’s going to be her tonight, Ellie will see that we don’t have the numbers to get Kevin out so She needs to get him out using an idol. Once she does that, I’ll officially flip and work with Ellie and Kim. At the same time, I’ll also still be good with Christina and Amy as they don’t talk to Ellie and Kim enough to know how close I am with them. I’ll be in two 3 person alliances in Final 6, making me the most powerful person in the game. Hopefully I can convince both sides to get out Dylan at Final 6, as they are the one Person I don’t have any type of deals with. If this plan fails or in the small chance that Ellie does not have an idol, I don’t see a path for me to get to that Final 3 seat AND WIN. :/ So I seriously need to get to work. This is by far going to be the most crucial vote for me and the most defining moment of this game for me. -Delusional Queen rants

~~~~~

Ellie has a wrong read and thinks they will go for Kim. If they misplay the idol, Dylan will be sent packing

Here’s what’s been going on in my host chat!! “Ellie, 7:23 AM There’s nothing in the world quite like finding two idols and ending up with zero without playing any 🤩🤩 Omen, 10:56 AM Ednndnwnwkw Omen, 10:57 AM Why did you give Dylan your idol? Ellie, 10:57 AM I was scared for them Ellie, 10:57 AM Like they flipped, soooooo of course they’re stressed and scared. Thought an idol would help them out Ellie, 10:58 AM Plus I trust that both Kim and Dylan would play an idol on me if I need it Ellie, 10:58 AM And if not, then 7th is a fun placement sjfjdjrjsjrj Omen, 10:58 AM Wig Ellie, 10:58 AM Also I’m convincing the heartless that Dylan isn’t actually with us Ellie, 10:59 AM And it was just a in the moment thing Ellie, 10:59 AM So that Dylan might be able to get back in with them Omen, 10:59 AM Why would you need to do that? Ellie, 10:59 AM I mean, it’s either Kim, Dylan, or I. Most likely Kim or myself and with both idols we have a 66% chance of playing them correctly Ellie, 11:00 AM But that’s not as high as I’d like it Ellie, 11:00 AM Plus I’d like to save one if at all possible Ellie, 11:00 AM Now it’s highly likely they’ll lie to Dylan and give them a fake name Ellie, 11:00 AM So it might end up coming down to chance Ellie, 11:01 AM But if they were to choose a target between Dylan, Kim, and I? They think I have an idol and know if I did I would play it, probably still want the nobodies gone, and would end up going for Kim Ellie, 11:02 AM But it’s no guarantee, just a guess Ellie, 11:02 AM I’m hoping to get last in the challenge, or at least Dylan or Kim get last too Omen, 11:03 AM Wig Ellie, 11:03 AM I need whatever reward there is Ellie, 11:03 AM I think I’ve 1 uped how stupid I was in kalymnos Ellie, 11:03 AM Lowkey impressive Ellie, 11:05 AM Sorry for going off on a tangent I’m just nervous and excited Ellie, 11:05 AM I’ll figure out if I made the right choice depending on if I get 7th place or not Ellie, 11:06 AM Plus I can always bluff and be like, I do have an idol if I need to Ellie, 11:06 AM They already think I have one soooo” That’s all!! And currently where we’re at is me planning to hopefully work with adaora, Kim, and Dylan to get Kevin out! And if not, Dylan will have to play their idol and we vote Kevin.

I am really nervous for this tribal . On one hand i have an idol that i can play for myself. But what if i don't need to use it and i end up wasting it and needing it next round ?

~~~~~

Kevin talks to Amy and Adaora. He tries to convince them to go for Ellie. Their plan is to tell Ellie that they are going for Dylan so that Ellie will play an idol on Dylan. This might instead just make Ellie ask for an idol to be played on her.

You so I didn't realize the challenge would be like that and just have me choose kevin so I went to heartless three and said we really need to butter up Adaora. Kevin and I jumped in a video call with her for like 30 minutes and I think she is solid. We also all 4 started sharing hunts we've tried so we know what's not working. Bow I have -10% for next immunity lol. Anyway I think we solidified it. Kevin basically said firemaking / rocks at 4 so I think Adaora is good with that to stay with us. And here I am seeing if I need to change it to be me, Adaora, and christina at the end. I have a feeling christina is going to win this. I think she's been talking to people more. Anyway I think we are solid. We are voting ellie but if they ask we are voting dylan bc we are mad. I just hope no one pulls an idol or extra vote. We are kind of banking on the nobodies to vote dylan, but really, why would they when they can use dylan to tie us up? I don't know why kevin decided to not talk to dylan... At all .. I want to tell tell we are voting kim.

~~~~~

Adaora still doesn’t trust them after this call. However, her only barrier is trusting Ellie enough to go through with it. If that bridge gets mended, we might see a shake up this round.

Ellie doesn’t know if she can trust Adaora, but the idol needs to be played correctly or else Ellie will be going home.

Ellie believes that Kevin is telling her the truth about going after Dylan. Ellie has told Kim and Dylan this. The idol is likely to be misplayed tonight, unless Adaora reveals Kevin’s plan to Ellie

This just in, I'm bad at math. We are up 4-3. Praying for no steal a vote. Still a possibility this is BAD. For me.

~~~~~

Adaora creates Hot Mess Express (Herself, Dylan, Kim, Ellie)

Adaora commits to flipping

Dylan plans to use the idol on themselves

Dylan doubts using the idol. Discusses with Ellie. They end up deciding not to use the idol and put their faith in Adaora.

I truly want to believe I'm safe tonight and that Adaora and Dylan are voting with us . It would be perfect.

Adaora tells Ellie that she is getting votes tonight at tribal council. This makes Ellie trust Adaora enough to not have the idols used tonight, despite Kim and Dylan wanting to. This demonstrates Ellie’s firm hold on Kim’s and Dylan’s decisions.

Tribal Council: https://hollowbastionsurvivor.tumblr.com/post/631273955535273984/tribal-council-7-seekers-tribe

Kevin is voted out

~~~~~

Edgic:

Closer Views for Episodes 6-9:

#episode #episodes

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