#yes you WILL keep hearing about my mysterious fanfic. forever and ever

[astrangeghost]

feels like it was 9:30 like a half hour ago. im not complaining but man.stares off into the ocean

[blackcherrykiss]

BLOOD BOUNDARIES - Enhypen OT7 Fanfic (ch.9)

[CH.1] [CH.2] [CH.3] [CH.4] [CH.5] [CH.6] [CH.7][CH.8] previous chapters

[CH.10] next chapter (unavailable on tumblr but avaliable on wattpad!)

You wait outside the nurse's office beside Jay in complete silence. You were both waiting for someone to burst out the door in front of you to rest assure Jungwon's condition.

"You can go to class, I'll stay and wait for Jungwon." Jay broke the noiseless lounge as his eyes laid flat on the grim grey floor. You were willing to stick around but realized  it would be better if you were to just leave. Jungwon probably wouldn't want to see you after the minor argument. You simply nodded your head and left without another word.

When you had arrived in your astronomy class you carefully explained yourself, explaining Jay would be gone for most of the afternoon. Your teacher listened intently and understood every word well. Sitting in your usual spot, a wave of frustration washes over you once you remember Sunghoon had stolen your book for the class. You could only hope the new interesting concept of the class would jog your mind off of things to which it did. However, as the class came to a close you couldn't help birdwatch Jay's desk. Jay's absence for the entire class continued to make you worry about Jungwon and his condition.

Sending yourself out of the class in a daze, you began to join the trail of the halls. You met Nana and Dahee walking out of their class at the same time to your surprise, "Oh! Y/N!" With an abrupt slide to slow down you let the two girls catch up to you, "Sorry we couldn't eat lunch with you and Hyesun, we went to track tryouts." Nana gleefully explained.

"It's fine, I had detention for half of lunch and then got caught up in something..." Your head going straight back to Jungwon, "We should all be apologizing to Hyesun right now..." Immediately you got reminded about what Hyesun had mentioned to you earlier, "Hey, Dahee... I actually really need to speak to you about something in private." You asked shamelessly.

Nana looked at you both suspiciously but ultimately respected the privacy you desired, "I'll get going to my last class then, girls." She tapped both of your shoulders before joining the flowing current of the hallway.

You went with Dahee to a more private space, under one of the stairwells of the school. "Dahee, Hyesun told me about you and Sunghoon..." You trailed off, hoping you didn't have to say much more as to what you were about to say.

"So you do like him?" Dahee gasped happily to your surprise, "Don't worry I'm not that into him yet... But you should've told us a long time ago!" She nudged you gently in the elbow.

"Yeah! Sorry about that..." You lied with deep despise. You now had to act like you liked Sunghoon and that was the worst feeling ever, "I'll tell you about it later then, you should get going!" You cut the conversation very short so Dahee could both get to her class in time.

"I will! See you!" She waved in a much brighter mood now that you told her you supposedly liked someone for the first time forever.

"Dear Lord, what am I getting myself into?" You muttered furiously. Were you really going the extra mile to protect your friends over some gut feelings? You were literally praying to God that you would receive some sort of reserved spot in heaven for the shadow work you were doing. That is until you were interrupted by a somberly slow clap and a couple of shoes that clacked against the stairs above you.

"Wasn't expecting such a plot twist..." Sunoo came into clear view after reaching the final step at the bottom of the staircase. This was now the second time you were caught being heard by people separate from your plan. "So you didn't like Jungwon, but Sunghoon?!" He giggled in interest and cheap pity. He seemed rather thrilled to overhear your bullshit.

"I..." You could not come up with a reply in fear of both outcomes. By telling the truth or carrying out the lie to people, you were putting yourself in a very sticky situation.

"Dahee and Sunghoon were hitting it off so well the other day, it's a shame you're in the way..." Sunoo made an overly exaggerated glum face to piss you off, "You don't actually like him now, do you?" Sunoo caught on to your intentions, circling around you, "You're just doing it to save her, yes?"

You remained silent, causing Sunoo to stop right behind you where you felt the heat of his body getting closer.

"You're a lot smarter than some girls... It's enticing really... Perhaps that's why the boys are so fond of you?" Sunoo snaked around his arm to have the dull edge of his nail touch the flesh of between your jaw and neck. Slowly he etched a line down until it was right against your throbbing pulse.

You pulled away in shock as to how scandalous the act was, "I need to go... I'm supposed to check on Jungwon." You stepped away to face Sunoo in an abrupt manner.

"I heard about Jungwon's situation from Jay," He held the sharpest part of his chin between his index and middle finger, "Jungwon will just continue to get sick. He's so malnourished."

"Malnourished?" You echoed Sunoo.

"He chose to end up like that." Sunoo walked toward you again but this time passing you, with his shoulder slightly bumping yours, "Don't pity him, darling."

You shuddered. Sunoo was the most mysterious with his hints. He was the hardest to read between the lines with. For some reason, only he out of the boys influenced your thinking pattern.

...

After school and a mediocre meal at dinner, you regretted not at least peeping your head by the nurse's office just once that afternoon. Jungwon had probably been released from health watch but you thought you could've come to terms with him that evening. It was unsatisfying as you didn't feel any closure between the war of words you had with him. What wasn't helping was the stress you also had from Sunghoon.

The daylight vanished rather quick in the colder season of the year and dusk approached rather faster than a candle blowout. Since Sunghoon didn't set a specific time, you just headed out with not a glance at the clock. Your guess was to sneak out as soon as the sun came falling down. Due to the hallway monitors of your school during the late evening, it suddenly became an obstacle you had not planned for. You were confused yourself as to how Sunghoon could sneak out at this time of day, surely sneaking out super late at night was possible but not in the evening. Eventually, you took a trip out of a window on the bottom floor of the dormitory to bypass one of the school monitors.

You were well aware of how idiotic you looked running down the concrete steps and toward the very back of your school where the shadows of the forest shined brightly. You didn't see Sunghoon at all insight which was making your heart thump in fear and anger. There was no way this guy was going to set you up like this? You bit around random parts on the inside parts of your mouth as the sky grew darker every few seconds. With no one around and nothing around to do as you waited for Sunghoon, you approached the line between the woods and open grass field. You began to get deja vu of Jungwon which made you nervous as you felt the same wispy grass tickle at your calves.

"You actually came?" Sunghoon's voice rang in the open air from behind you,  scaring the literal hell out of you.

"Y-yes I did." You sighed as to how close you were to exploring that forest, "Let's just get to the point." You turned your head back just for him to be in your personal space, you almost lost your balance trying to add some room.  

"Walk with me." He ignored your jump into things while crossing the boundary between the skylight of dusk and the darkness of the woods.  With hesitation and no clue as to what was about to go down, you followed him. "What did you want to hear from me again?" He asked carelessly with hands in his pockets as he guided you over a pile of soil and dead leaves.

"Kyungeun." You answered bluntly. "Why is she tied down to you?"

"That son of a bitch. She told you, huh?" He rolled his eyes in dear annoyance, "I guess you could say I have some information about her that would totally diminish her image." He kicked and crunched around a couple of leaves as he dragged his feet. You remembered Jaeyun had told you Kyungeun had secrets, perhaps that was it? Were you allowed to ask him about it?

Making a mental note to ask Kyungeun about it later you brisked forward to the next question, "Okay? But you said she'd be of no use to you when you get your hands on Dahee... What exactly did you mean?" Your heart thumped in loud eagerness as you move behind Sunghoon.

"She doesn't taste as good." Sunghoon paused to have you hear him clearly, "Her blood."

Your face heated up, a vibrant blush sparkling your face before the sickening realization hit you, "D-don't tell me..." The horror spreading like wildfire in your body from your head downwards. You were frozen to the very core as all the puzzle pieces came together. All the times including the gash on Kyungeun's neck, the warnings Sunoo gave, and Heeseung licking your hand... It wasn't just Sunghoon who was a vampire, it was all of the boys...

What Sunghoon faced you with a gentle eyes he withdrew the small book from inside his blazer, making your ankles shake. "I suppose you'll know why I took this now." He shook the book before throwing it in front of you with pity. You simply watched the book plop on the bed of dead leaves before your shoes in no ability to process or produce words. You didn't even feel like picking up the book as you were afraid of reading it's horrific contents.

"W-well you won't be getting your hands on Dahee any time soon." You tremble with a paralyzing fear as you tried to speak. You were regretting the bold comment, for fuck sakes the boy standing before you could kill you right then and there.

He stepped closer and closer to which you stepped further and further. "Well, then I guess I'll keep Kyungeun under my power until the day she dies." His scornful laugh made you shudder painfully. In full defeat, you were sincerely helpless. You felt you couldn't run nor report the boys, who would ever believe you? You began questioning how you even got in this position.

"Wh-why does it have to be them? Can't you just live without blood?!" You cried pathetically as you backed into a hard tree.

"And end up like Jungwon?" Delight crept onto Sunghoon's white face as yours grew in confusion, "He hasn't drunk blood in months, he's so weak to the point where he can't even stand sometimes..." Sunghoon went on to speak his mind, "Heeseung and I were convinced he was messing around you for your blood."

Your eyes shot wide open in disbelief, "Well he's clearly not like you if he's abstaining from blood."

"It's true... Something changed in him recently after he started talking to you. Perhaps he has fallen for a mortal?"

"Go to fucking hell." You muttered at a volume that wasn't loud enough for Sunghoon to hear.

"As soon as I sensed your presence that day in the library, I knew you would fall down this rabbit hole." He hummed while bending to have your eyes both at the same level. "Curiosity killed the cat."

You held your tongue with no desire to respond to Sunghoon as the closeness was now more than dangerous. But your muted self only gave Sunghoon the opportunity to proceeded to taunt you. He began caging you against the tree, causing you to press up against the rough wood where you couple feel every detail of the bark on your back.

"I remember Heeseung telling Jaeyun and I about just how good the blood from finger tasted... How about a deal?" He caught your attention as you met eyes with him. A full set of upper teeth being exposed between his rosy lips. If there was one thing you had been taught by the caregivers of your school, it was to never make deals with the devil. You knew exactly what kind of bargin Sunghoon had in store for you "I'll leave your friends in peace if you promise me this," He said with a small lean forward so that his chin rested on your collarbone earning a gasp from you,

"You'll give me your blood in exchange for theirs."

[101flavoursofweird]

Fic Questionnaire

Thanks for @sixtyfourk for tagging me! I’m putting the questions under a cut because it’s quite long :’)

I’ll tag @northernscruffycat, @northelypark, @edward-elbowlick, @vermontwrites, @asa-liz, @yoshi-g-teh-first, @call-me-rucy, and @aquamarineglow but if there’s anyone else who wants to do this, please go ahead!

How many works do you have on AO3?

107… but a lot of these are just reposts or prompt-inspired fics that are 10 lines long!

What's your total AO3 word count?

378242 words

How many fandoms have you written for and what are they?

Professor Layton, PLvsAA, Layton Brothers Mystery Room, Rhythm Thief, Voltron: Legendary Defender (I only watched the first two seasons, haha…), The Ancient Magus Bride (I was in it for the cute dragon mage— not for the main romance), Steven Universe, Ace Attorney (only as a part of PLvsAA), Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts, My Hero Academia

…10 fandoms altogether, but some like PLvsAA and LBMR fall under the PL category.

What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Aizawa Doesn’t Give Hugs - MHA- 1111 kudos - (Why can’t I update my most popular fic?)

Fireflies - Steven Universe - 221 kudos - (Again, WHY DID I NEVER UPDATE THIS?)

Reset - PL - 134 kudos - (This is the one I feel the worst about because it’s an ongoing long fic for my main fandom and I’ve had so much support from readers but I just can’t find the strength to update it…)

Worth Fighting For - PL - 86 kudos - (My incomplete Whumptober fic!)

Mending - Voltron - 85 kudos - (I think this was one of the first fics I posted on AO3 and I was really happy about the response it got! And for a fandom I’d never written for before!)

Do you respond to comments, why or why not?

I usually respond to comments pretty quickly because I want to show my appreciation for people who take the time to comment :) If I’m ever slow to respond it’s probably just because I’m busy or I’m trying to formulate a long response. If a person leaves a longer comment, I try to make my response longer!

What's the fic you've written with the angstiest ending?

That’s probably ‘To Boldly Flee’. It’s a fic I originally posted on FF.net but it’s now part of an Aurora & Luke oneshot series called ‘Looking Foward’ on AO3. The fic stars Aurora and Luke in an AU set during Azran Legacy. It diverges from canon after Descole steals the Azran keystone in the Nest. Aurora doesn’t want to go to the Azran sanctuary and face her ‘duty’ as the Azran emissary— she also doesn’t want to get STABBED IN THE HEART— so she decides to run away with Luke.

Aurora receives even more angst in this AU than in canon. After Descole’s betrayal, she starts to doubt herself and her friends, aside from Luke.

With a bit of help from Rook and Bishop, the two of them fly to London and then to Misthallery when they hear Targent have taken over the town. During this time, Aurora has her identity crisis about being a golem and having the fate of the world resting on her shoulders. She eventually decides to help Luke save his hometown because Luke is worth the world to her.

This all culminates with Luke getting fatally(?) wounded and taken to the Golden Garden. Aurora is so distraught by this point that she almost ‘floods the whole world’ in a kind of failsafe doomsday device the Azran may have implanted in her. Luckily, Descole and Layton show up to assure her that Luke is alive— but just barely. Aurora returns to her normal self and they get Luke to hospital. Aurora waits by Luke’s bedside for him to wake up. Aurora mentions that Emmy’s fate is unknown, but they still mourn for her.

In the original FF.net ending, Luke wakes up.

In the AO3 ending, Aurora just keeps waiting for Luke. ‘She could not age, so she would wait until he awoke. Even if it took forever...’

If I ever did write more of this story, Aurora and Co would probably go to the other Azran sites (Ambrosia, the Infinite Vault of etc) to search for a cure for Luke. But at it is, the fic is left open-ended as to whether Luke ever recovers.

Have you ever received hate on a fic?

Not really hate but there was one anon review that may have been ‘too brutal’ (their words). I can’t say it hasn’t affected the updates on that particular fic.

Do you write smut? If so what kind?

I wrote a couple of light smut fics back when I really shipped Layton/Emmy. I think I’d cringe if I went back to read those fics (but then again, I do that with a lot of my old writing). I can’t see myself writing smut now.

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

I can’t say I’ve had a fic stolen, but I was reading a fic a while ago and the wording was veeery familiar. I’m not sure why because the fic was already good up to that point? Why would they bother copying my writing? XD I can’t complain, though! We’re all technically stealing the original creator’s characters and concepts by writing fanfic.

Have you ever had a fic translated?

Yes, for my Rhythm Thief AU, Déjà Vergier! In this AU, 16-year-old Raphael gets taken in by the Vergier family. A Deviantart user called BakApple kindly translated my writing into French. With the help of Google Trabslate, I started translating their French Rhythm Thief fic— ‘July the Fourteenth’— into English, but I didn’t get around to finishing it. My translating skills are nowhere near as good as BakApple’s!

Have you ever co-written a fic before?

I wrote a PL fic with called ‘If You Only Had Time’ with an awesome writer called Glowbug. It’s an AU (of course) where Rachel Bronev survives and she runs away from Targent with eight-year-old Emmy. Glowbug doesn’t seem to be active online anymore, which is a shame, but I don’t mind! I’m just glad we were able to write 6 chapters.

I don’t think I’d co-write any more fics now… but more for the co-writer’s sake than mine! I’m notoriously bad at updating long fics and I struggle to write under pressure or within a time limit. There’s a reason why I don’t enter Big Bang events, as much as I’d like too :’)

Writing fics is a hobby first and foremost. If I don’t feel like writing something, I’ll leave it and come back later, hopefully with renewed inspiration.

But I’m always happy to discuss fic outlines/ideas/characters’ with other people!

What's your all time favorite ship?

Apparently the ship I’ve written the most fics for is Janice/Melina on AO3?

There seems to be more content for them recently and that makes me SO HAPPY.

Ranhengela might be a close second favourite… Sometimes I literally forget both of these ships aren’t canon.

My favourite characters tend to be those who are so selfless and would sacrifice their lives for the ones they love— e.g. Janice and Henry— even if their significant other is presumed to be dead. I want these characters to be happy but I also want them to through ANGST.

What's a WIP that you want to finish but don't think you ever will?

I don’t want to say Reset… but maybe Reset? I haven’t given up completely but I’ve lost a lot of confidence with this fic. What I wanted most out of this story was for Luke to bond with other characters aside from Layton— his parents, Arianna, Emmy, Flora etc.— and to give these characters a chance to shine. But I guess I realised I can do this without all the crazy plot twists and time travel mechanics… like in Ready Now, for example. Most of that fic is just Arianna bonding with Luke, Layton and the others, and it’s hopefully giving Flora her chance to shine too! I guess after giving Arianna her own chapter in Reset I just really wanted to write about her, haha.

What are your writing strengths?

Someone mentioned in a nice review that I often fuse canon with fanon? That’s usually just me poking fun at the series— like when Arianna’s mother asks about Flora’s age and her adoption status, Arianna and Tony just shrug at her comedically. Who knows, really? :’)

I’ll often just make two character sit in a room TALK about their feelings.

Dialogue is an easy one, but I like writing dialogue for characters and getting their voices down. (I will forever portray Dalston with his official Yorkshire accent— not the fake posh accent they gave him the the US version of Miracle Mask.)

What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic?

I think it’s cool! …If it’s not used to mock another language— apart from English. Please make all the English jokes you want. I’ll probably agree with you and laugh at them.

I remember when I was re-reading Goblet of Fire and I cringed every time J. K. Rowling wrote about a character who wasn’t English.

I’ll occasionally throw French words or sayings into Rhythm Thief fics especially because that’s what they do in the game. It’s hilarious how Charlie has an English accent but then she’ll sprout a random French phrase.

What was the first fandom you ever wrote for?

Pokemon, but that short oneshot is long gone.

What's your favorite fic you've ever written?

I’m going to be boring and say Bonds Left Unbroken— an AU where Layton and Desmond both get adopted by the Laytons. I think I enjoyed the earlier chapters more, focussing on younger Desmond and Hershel, and especially their time in Stansbury. The later chapters don’t really branch out from canon that much, aside from the fact that Hershel and Desmond are on the same page during Azran Legacy.

I feel bad that I never got around to finishing the ‘bonus’ episodes, but it kind of just felt like the original series with Desmond phoned in :’) But I’m still proud of the original fic!

[et-lesailes]

the bodyguard | pt. 4

series masterlist

pairing: dark!curtis everett x reader

word count: 1906

chapter summary: you’re reaching the end of your pregnancy any day now, but you and curtis get into a fight after a steamy night.

themes: smut, breeding kink, angst

taglist: @tanyam93, @bval-1, @wonderwinchester, @patzammit, @rohaintahquil, @deidrashouseofpain, @sammyslonglostshoe, @jadedhillon, @bohemian-barbie, @whysparker,  @sebabestianstan101, @lille-kattunge, @teller258316, @peach-acid, @allsortsofinterests, @xoxabs88xox, @heyiamthatbitch, @cptn-sgrogers, @heyyouwiththeassbutt, @bangtan-serendipity, @troublermalik, @beardburnsupersoldiers, @bookish-shristi, @kind-sober-fullydressed,  @gingerninjaprincess16, @straightforwardly,  @denisemarieangelina,  @frencchfries, @xlanawriter, @littlemoistcarrot, @pottxrwolff, @arianatheangelworld​, @southerngracela​, @nsfwsebbie​, @rororo06​, @savemesteeb, @raveviolet​, @hurricanerinwrites​, @captainamerica-is-bae​, @shaddixlife​, @tessa-bl​, @marvelouspottering​, @pppsssyyyccchhhiiiccc​, @thegetawaywriter​, @dwights-new-plague​, @rynabarnesrogers​, @fckdeusername​,  @doloreschanal​, @ssworldofsw​, @la-cey​, @buckybarnesplumwhore​, @hevans-angel​, @chuckbass-love​, @stardust-galaxies​, @smyfmj​, @chris-evans-indian-fanfic​

notes: would love to hear your feedback! graphic creds to @allthefandomstogether​ ~

You practically collapse onto your bed in exhaustion, one hand cradling your large bump while the other reaches back onto the mattress to support yourself. Your hair falls upon your back as you tilt your head, briefly shutting your eyes and enjoying the silence of your cart. 

The past nine months have been different than anything you’ve ever experienced before. About three months into you and Curtis’ “relationship”, your grandfather passed away. Curtis claims he was simply old, but you’re almost positive he was behind Wilford’s death, considering his loyal men mysteriously died within a few days after. Not that anyone questioned it. Everyone is terrified of Curtis now. He had Wilford’s approval before his death, thanks to the baby you’re carrying, and so they have no choice but to respect him. It’s almost pathetic how quickly Mason bows down to him, practically falling to her dry, wrinkly knees every time he passes.

His own men from the tail section practically dominate the front now. Edgar and Grey are his right-hand men, now cleaned up rather nicely in comparison to the grubby clothes and overall lack of hygiene from their tail section days. Tanya is still a close friend of his, someone you’ve even had jealousy with in the past. Curtis is slightly more soft with Tanya than he is with you. You often wonder if it’s because she’s a mother, and find yourself hoping he’ll be the same way with you once you give birth to his child.

There were other times you witnessed a softer side to Curtis. Gilliam, Curtis’ dear advisor, friend, and mentor, passed before your grandfather did. You still remember how shocked you were upon seeing the tears spilled from those bright blue eyes, watching the man practically crumple to the floor before you. You remember getting right down with him and hugging him tight, holding his head close to your chest and telling him that everything was going to be alright. He melted into your embrace, letting himself collapse against your body. It was the weakest you had ever seen him.

You remember thinking about the fact that you could have killed him right then and there, if you really wanted to. His gun was in the drawer right next to you, he had a knife right in his pocket.

And then you felt an overwhelming sense of disgust and shame, immediately shaking the thought out of your mind. 

You were and still are forever obedient to Curtis. You love him, even if your brain screams at you for it from time to time.

The door to the cart slides open and he walks in. You look up noticing his blood stained, button down shirt that he’s already swiftly removing. You don’t have to ask where he’s been. Ever since he took command, he forced the “useless” front sectioners to the back- the ones who did not have any jobs or services they could contribute to the train and its passengers. Now he tortures them just like they tortured him. He at least showed mercy to your friends, but you still do not like to think of the torment he puts those people through on a daily basis. He often invites you to accompany him to the tail section, a wicked smirk on his face as he asks, and you always refuse. 

He’s still angry. He wants vengeance. Quite honestly, you can’t fully blame him.

“You’re going to pop any day now, hm?” the man murmurs thoughtfully, eyes locking onto yours as he looks over at you. “How are you feeling tonight?”

“Like a balloon.” You mumble, though can’t help but barely crack a smile as you peer down at your swollen belly. You can’t deny that you’re excited to be carrying Curtis Everett’s child. You’d do anything for him, and you have no idea why.

He comes over to you shirtless, leaning down to press a naturally rough kiss against your lips. “Mm. I like seeing you like this. You look so perfect, pregnant with my baby.” He mutters gruffly, his husky tone making you shiver slightly. You love that he makes you feel so wanted. You love being his, and you love that no one else on the train will ever experience him the same way that you do. He truly is entirely committed to you- he can’t even look the other front section women in the face due to complete repulsion. 

He starts to pull back but you grab his wrist, looking up at him hopefully. “The doctor said that sex can help induce labor.”

He blinks but barely smirks, slowly tilting your head up. “Is that what you want, little kitten? You don’t have to pretend it’s just for the purpose of having this baby, you know.” 

You barely giggle, insistently tugging him closer again and kissing him. “You know it’s not that. I always want you.”

He smirks against your lips, slowly pushing you down on your back as he deepens the kiss, tongue pushing into your mouth to explore roughly. You can’t help but moan softly when his lips move to your neck, his teeth grazing your skin with teasing nips- when you feel his hand slide up your leg underneath your dress and to your panties, fingers rubbing you firmly, you’re practically whining out in desperation.

And then the doors slide open, a loud Irish accent interrupting, “O-oh, ho oh! Sorry, Curtis, didn’t realize I was interrupting. Man, you’re still fucking? Is that even safe-”

“Edgar.” Curtis turns his head, still on top of you as he practically bores holes through the younger male with his piercing eyes. “Get the fuck out.”

“Yes, sir!” Edgar simply hoots in laughter, saluting before giving you a wink. “Have fun, m’lady!” He turns around and walks out, most likely ready to go find Grey to have a laugh together about it. 

You can’t help but blush, though Curtis simply starts rubbing you again with those talented fingers, sucking on your neck even harder than before. “We should really change the code to that lock,” he mumbles deeply, leaving love bites all over your sensitive flesh- you half giggle, half moan, reaching up to grip the back of his neck. “I agree…”

He pushes up your dress and moves his head down, kissing all over your belly. “Come on, little one, we’re waiting on ya.” He glances up at you with a smirk, tugging down your panties and finding your clit with his thumb, teasing it roughly. “Fuck, I can’t wait to see you be a mother, Y/N. Already thinking of knocking you up again once this one comes out.” He reaches down to hastily remove his pants and underwear, revealing his thick erection, the mere sight in itself arousing you even more; though you can’t help but look at him with wide, innocent eyes upon his statement.

“You want more?” you whisper, and he scoffs lowly, pressing his shaft against your core.

“Of course I do. I can’t run this train forever, can I? And I don’t know about you, but I prefer we keep this a family business. We’ll need more than just one.”

You don’t even have time to respond as he thrusts into you roughly, making you gasp out loud as you move your hands to grip onto his muscular back. “Curtis!” 

He groans as he bucks his hips forward, leveling himself on his arms as he stares down at you with grit teeth, eyes completely focused on your pleasured expressions. “Fuck, I love seeing you under me like this. You like that, kitten? You like my big dick deep inside you?”

“Yes!” you cry out, arching your back as best as you can, though it isn’t too much. Not that you need to help him out, anyways, he’s perfectly capable on his own. His strong thrusts, rough kisses, and dirty words muttered deeply into your ear send you over the edge with ease; your moans become louder and louder as you start to come undone. He keeps his eyes glued on you, almost addicted to the way you react to his touch. He hates that in a way, you have him wrapped around your finger. He’ll do anything to hear those moans from your lips, to see the way your body writhes and wiggles underneath him, to feel every single inch of your skin. 

When the two of you finally meet your release, both breathless and panting, he pulls out and lays beside you, lazily kicking off his pants he didn’t even fully remove to begin with. You stare up at the ceiling as your chest heaves up and down, your dress still rumpled above your bump. He looks down at you, arching a brow slightly.

“Do you feel anything?”

You can’t help but think of the conversation you had earlier. You look back up at him, biting on your lip and ignoring his question for now. “Do you really only want me for kids, Curtis? Is that why you continued to be with me after my grandfather died?”

He blinks, slightly thrown off before sighing, reaching up to rub his temples. “Is this talk really necessary? Why do you think of such petty things all the time? This train was so goddamn corrupt, I’m trying to save it here. And this is what you spend your time thinking about?”

You look at him in shock, frowning as you sit up- a little clumsily, nonetheless, due to your belly in the way, but your expression getting angry. “You’re the one who made me want you, Curtis, you practically tortured me! Even after that night you told me how we would be together. I-- you knew I was always interested in you, and I knew you were using that to your advantage but-- is that really all this is? Are you still only just using me?”

He growls in annoyance, sitting up as well. “Is that what you think? If that were the case, why would I keep you around after Wilford and his men died?”

“I don’t know, for image? And I’m the only one on this train with Wilford’s blood, it makes more sense for you to have kids with me if you eventually want them to be leaders.”

He exhales in frustration, running his hand through his buzzed hair. “This is ridiculous. I-- I can’t have this talk with you right now, you’re clearly going insane from these pregnancy hormones or something.” 

He stands up and starts dressing himself again, and you look at him in complete shock. “Wh-what-- where are you going?! I could literally give birth tonight, are you seriously leaving me right now?”

“God, no! Would you just fucking relax? I need to take a walk, I just-- I need to be out of this damn cart for a bit. I’ll be back soon.”

You watch as he walks out of the cart, your heart pounding from anxiety and sadness. You hate this feeling. Sometimes he makes you feel like the only girl in the world, and other times it seems like he sees you as some sick fantasy that plays into an outrageous breeding kink.

Curtis, meanwhile, lets out a yell of frustration once the doors to your cart close behind him, kicking at the soundproof wall. All because he doesn’t want to admit that he’s fallen just as dangerously in love as you have. 

[extremelyblackandwhite]

timeless - prelude

PAIRING: medieval!james “bucky” barnes x reader

WARNINGS: sexual content (18+)

A/N: hello! sorry for my inactivity later with tags and fanfics, i recently moved out of my home into a new one and it took quite a while to set everything up but finally everything is a bit calmer. i hope you enjoy this new work, i’m extremely proud of it xx

NEXT CHAPTER

Time. 

Time is an odd concept. The dictionary describes time as the indefinite continued progress of existence and events that occur in an apparently irreversible succession from the past, through the present, into the future. Yet, would it be fair to describe time in such technical words when the movement itself is so ... controversial. For some, time runs fast, like a drop falling from a leaf onto the river, its consequences reverberating in several rings. For others, the ticking of the clock seems like a painful reminder that every single second lasts forever. However, for some, time is just paused almost as if they’re living in their own life repetition and therefore time has lost all meaning and no definition would apply to it. Time after all is of the earth, it’s not a human concept, it’s not something humanity discovered and coined as their own as they would wish. It is merely a thing of innocence of the Earth seen in the blooming flowers and the falling leaves, the growing of flora and the birthing of fauna. Yet, for some time is seen on their faces, the wrinkles and lines that accentuate their skins, scars that never faded, ages rising and the loss of opportunities. For those, if it were possible to freeze time, to reverse it or extend it, they would do it in a blink of an eye and so is the pure innocence of longing defiled. 

Lady Y/N of Arendelle had no particular affinity towards time. In all honesty, she barely thought about it yet for some reason the forces of nature had bestowed, unbeknownst to her, with the particular gift of giving people time. Why had it been given to her out of all people was a mystery. She was an ordinary girl born in the last second of the last day of the year when the snow covered the ground white, mostly surrounded in mystery. While her mother, Lady Catherine Bouvaire was one who made her way into the most prestigious circles of society in Arendelle from peasant to the Queen’s lady in waiting, Lady Y/N seemed to be locked away from society in their little cottage. “The outside world is cruel, too cruel for someone like you” is what she would constantly say to Y/N. However, no matter how harshly you try to grip onto time it eventually caught up to her. As the Queen’s eldest daughter caught the attention of the future King of Genoa, quickly enough was this locked environment broken. The Queen of Arendelle believed her daughter should take someone trustworthy, someone to remind her of home and no better person fitted that description than the naively protected daughter of her lady in waiting.

Catherine had protested, arguing that her daughter was much to innocent to join the court of such a prolific kingdom. However, she was merely a lady and what the Queen wants goes. Nevertheless, Catherine would not let her precious daughter go, no, she needed more time and if that meant moving with her to another kingdom, then she would gladly do so. And so, Y/N was thrown inside a carriage with princess Odette which took both women away from what they had known for ages. 

They rode the road for a full month, enduring the harsh rains of mid September until, on a late afternoon, the carriage came to a halt in front of the place she would have to call home from now on. The castle grounds were protected by a great wall, tall enough you’d have to strain your eye muscles to find its end, tall enough to look like another prison to keep Y/N. Her mother, whose home arrangements were different to hers, had warned her to be careful with Genoa’s court, not to trust any of the men that paraded the parties. “They are never going to marry you, all they want is a break from their contracted marriages and would use her and leave” is what she said before being separated into a different carriage and Y/N believed her. She remembered the stories her mother had told her, women thrown into the street, into reckless lives and poverty. No, Y/N was there for Odette and no other motive. Yet, she couldn’t deny it was exciting to be somewhere else, to see other things and other people. 

The castle itself was old and small dust seemed to be falling from the walls, exposing the building’s foundation that used to look like a second world wonder, she thought. The windows, however, were crystal clear and glistening in the dark cloudy afternoon which was already setting on the opposite side of the building, casting a great shadow. 

Her shoes touched the perfectly cropped grass and she was ushered into the palace and straight into her living quarters. It was huge, bigger than her old home and while the outside of the palace looked rather somber, the inside was ostentatious, decorated in dark burgundies, whites and shades of gold enough to make anyone gasp at first sight. Y/N felt like she was dreaming wide awake as she explored every nook of her new bedroom, observing the art, the books and the instruments placed for her own enjoyment. 

She couldn’t help but throw herself into the comfortable bed, a small child like giggle escaping her rose painted lips. Yet, she had little to no time to enjoy her new bedroom as the Queen and King of Genoa wanted to welcome the Princess of Arendelle and her entourage with a banquet and Y/N couldn’t be any more excited. With a white ivory dress loosely falling from her shoulders, she joined her princess who was looking at the wall as if it held away the biggest monsters ever created.

     - You’ll be fine. - Y/N spoke out, placing a hand on top of her shoulder. - Prince William absolutely loves you, you have nothing to worry about. 

    - It’s not Prince William, it’s his parents. 

     - I’ve heard they’re fair rulers. 

     - Yes but we come from a small kingdom what if they decide it’s an alliance they don’t want? - Y/N merely gave her a soft smile, almost like a promise that she would be fine. The big white and gold engraved doors were opened to a crowd of a thousand faces all in awe of the beautiful foreign princess. Y/N, on the other hand, was in awe of the sheer beauty and light of the room. It was so much different from the walls of the little cottage her mother kept her in, it was light, breezy, bashed in oranges and yellows coming from the flickering flames of various white candles held by the chandeliers and walls. It was almost like a scene straight out a painting and suddenly the crowd of a thousand faces seemed to melt as she was on cloud 9. The scents were of wild fruits and sweetness which possibly came from the beautifully decorated decadent desserts standing on the long table.

She was much too distracted with the sheer delicateness of the world outside her cottage walls to even notice she had been sat quite far from the only person she knew. Instead, she was sat by some of the other court ladies, her dress majorly overshadowed by the precious stones sewn onto the silks and velvet of the Queen’s ladies. Nevertheless, she found something else to be fascinated by, that being the golden cutlery meticulously placed by the sides of the porcelain engraved plates. In that moment, despite her mind telling her it would be bad to be glad about it, she felt like being away from her mother was a blessing. 

This dazed dream was broken as she felt a gaze burn on her figure, almost as if she was being watched. Gently and slowly, she raised her eyes from the plate, the atmosphere of the dinner being of joy and hope for the new soon to be rulers too lost for someone to notice her, at least she thought so but was wrong as standing a bit left from her front was a very well dressed man, in shades of burgundy and black with a gold heavy medal weighting from his breast pocket looking at her. He looked almost curious, lines creasing on his forehead as his ocean eyes were glued that left her feeling almost naked to his sight. 

    - Are you alright? - one of the ladies sat next to her, the one in a ruffled lavender dress asked, noticing how quickly Y/N had resorted to looking back to her food, barely touched. 

    - Who’s that man? - she slightly moved her head in his direction.

    - That’s Grand Duke Barnes of Addia. He’s one of the King’s advisors, people say he killed his wife.

    - Not too loud, Eliza. - another lady dressed in baby pink scolded.

    - That’s surely just gossip. - Y/N commented. 

    - Gossip or not, everyone in Addia could hear screaming during the Great Fire. Yet again, royals can get away with anything and everything. 

Y/N nodded, looking back to her plate but not before looking up to the grand Duke one last time. It wasn’t exactly shocking news to her what men of court could do. Her mother had told her they were either adulterers, power hungry or untrustworthy men, however, she thought there would be some sort of justice. The dinner continued to go smoothly with Odette spending more and more time sharing romantic looks with her husband to be. Soon enough, she was on the dance floor with him, laughing and telling each other sweet nothings that made anyone and everyone watching smile.

Y/N wasn’t immune to that smile either, standing a bit further removed from the dance floor with her hands on top of her dress fabric. The sweet lullabies played by the orchestra had her head moving slowly from side to side until an overflow of the scent of freshly picked roses made itself quite pronounceable. She looked around looking from here the scent could be coming from as all the flowers scattered around the room were that of Genoa’s flag, lilies. No roses.

     - How come you’re not dancing, milady?

     - Oh, I’m not one for dan ... - she stopped mid sentence as she rustled through the fabric of her dress to notice who was speaking to her. There he was again, making her take a step back out of fright of what she had heard from Eliza at the dinning table. 

He looked somewhat surrounded in an air of mysteriousness costumed by the formal clothing such as his perfectly tailored burgundy jacket whose colour matching the ribbon keeping his long hair away from his face in a low ponytail. There was no denying he was a handsome man but Y/N couldn’t help but keep her guard up. There was always some underlying truth to rumours. 

     - I’m afraid I’ve never learned how to dance, Grand Duke. 

     - Please do join me in the floors, milady. 

     - No, my lord you really don’t understand, I can’t dance ... at all. I would embarrass my princess. 

    - I’m a good lead. - he extended his gloved hand towards her. She guessed he couldn’t harm her while surrounded by several people including guards. - Please, milady, do me the honour of accompanying me. 

She looked at his black matte glove covered his hand which was extended towards her chest and then back to his face and the guards stood in front of every single exit. “You’ll be fine” a voice said inside of her and shakingly she placed her delicate and polished hand on top of the leather, shivering once she felt its texture. Before Y/N could change her mind, he had already led her slightly off centre in the dance grounds, a free hand gently setting itself on her waist. 

The young girl could feel her heart beat against her thoracic cage as the violins and flutes led the dance along with him. It was an odd feeling, it felt peaceful and yet she was rather scared to dance with the man rumoured to have murdered his wife. The Grand Duke seemed to notice her unwillingness as the lines of his forehead and eyes creased even more and his grip on her softened. 

   - You shouldn’t believe in everything you hear. - he whispered against her ear, causing goosebumps to rise on her arms. Her eyes gazed his, lips slightly parted as she wondered if he had heard Eliza back at the dinner table, something she would’ve questioned him about had it not been for the ceasing music. As the music came to an end, he took a step back, bowing to her before disappearing between the crowds leaving her in the middle of the dance floor as another song begun. 

   - There you are. - a familiar voice broke through her haze of confusion. - I think we should retire for tonight. What do you think?

  - I think it’s a great idea.

In all honesty, Y/N was glad Odette wanted to retire from the ball and return to her chambers but it wasn’t without peaking curiosity that she left the room, eyes lingering on the crowds looking yet failing to find the Grand Duke. The orange and yellow lights dimmed as the doors were closed behind the two women and with a sigh, she followed Odette to her chambers, starting the routine taught to her back in Arendelle to get the princess ready for bed. Once she was settled in her silk bedding, Y/N left the room to reach hers, a small golden candelabra held by her hands as she made her way through the halls. 

The walls are hollow inside and it is as if they are whispering at her when the wind howls inside them and the rain hits the foot long glass windows, the image strengthened by the portraits of the several monarchs of Genoa. She climbed the staircase slowly, each step creaking at the slighest weight her feet put on the old wood and then creaking some more when the weight on it is loosened and disappear. Slowly but surely, with her heart beating like a drum, the lady in waiting reached the top of the stairs. Suddenly, her heart beat seemed to intensify its beating in her ears for no reason and, once she held her dainty fingers against them, they are hot to the touch and the saying of the Arendelle people echoed like a curse in her brain: “If your ears are red and warm, it means someone must be talking about you”. She shuddered at the thought, specially considering she stood alone atop the stairs.

Once she was back inside the safety of her chambers, she closed the door behind her and enter the soft cold and unknown bed quickly, throwing her clothes to the side, stretching her legs under the covers and pulling the white sheets up to her chest. Her eyes flutter slowly, staring up at the ceiling and the small chandelier hanging from it and, suddenly, she drifts off to sleep lulled by the falling rain: she felt airy, as if her limbs are being held up in the air and she fluttered her eyes open to the dream land that awaited her.

And at the end of the bed is the Grand Duke. He is naked and he crawls to the bed, hands slowly sliding down her sides as he towers over her and, she too, is naked. She sweated and stared at the man’s face and at the medallion hanging from his neck that rocks back and forth as he moves closer and pulls her knees up and apart.

He’s hard and slick with cum already and she’s not entirely not sure what took over her good morality, but she pulled her legs apart willingly and let him move closer and closer to her and her aching heat.

tag list: @lookiamtrying @kmuir1 @anxiousdreamersworld @tinymalscoffee​

[90sclub]

7 Days Of Fright - Blood Splatter

Pairing: Lee Heesung x gender neutral! Reader

Description: y/n is dragged to a haunted asylum by heesung.

Genre: Horror

Word count: ??? it’s a lot

Warning: Possession, Scary scenes, Fluff at the end i guess . suspense , plot twist , blood

Author’s note: nothing to be said

“I dare you guys to go there”

You and a few of your friends stood in front of one of the most haunted places in the country, Gonjiam Asylum. It was very creepy especially since it was nearly 12 am. You guys had to come during the night because it’s restricted to go here.

And there would’ve been someone guarding it. You looked at your friend who was beside you. “Uh... heesung i don’t think this is a good idea” You spoke looking very worried at your friend who was also the person who dragged you here.

“why not, are you scared?” he asked

“Of course...not” you murmured looking away from him and walked towards your friend group. They were busting chatting away as if there wasn’t a abandoned asylum in front of them. One of them turned to you and looked at you.

“ Are you going to go inside?”

It suddenly got silent and all eyes were on you. Panicking you shouted a yes. Which was a HUGE mistake. The others looked pleased with your respond for some reason. 

To be honest, they weren’t actually your friends but you counted them as such since they were friends with heesung. He was the only friend you had so you didn’t want to feel left out.

“ Then what are we waiting for y/n, let’s go” shouted your friend. He yet again, dragged you inside the place. It was very spooky especially at night. You didn’t know why it was a good idea

The others were following behind. They look scared and didn’t seem to know how to hide it. As you and heesung were walking, you kept hearing weird noises and seeing shadow figures pass by a flash every thing you passed a empty corridor or room.

As you guys continued to explore the place, everyone except you loosened abit. They started to act less scared and had a good idea of splitting up into smaller groups inside of being together.

“Who thought it was a good idea to split up, that’s how bad things happen... especially in horror movies” you gulped. Heesung kept quiet as he looked around. It was awkward since he wasn’t talking to you the whole time. He seemed so focused at the surroundings he didn’t pay attention to you.

He was acting as if he wasn’t scared at all. Maybe he’s probably good at hiding it. But for you... what gave it all away to him was that your hands were trembling as you held the flashlight.

Heesung looked at you with a worried look. You shared the same look for some reason. He sneakily held your hand, squeezing it to try to relieve your nerves. You guys continued to walk until he stopped next to a opened door.

“What is it?” you asked.

He said nothing again and went inside the room, closing the door. You looked at him with question. After a few seconds, there was footsteps followed by chattering. It was the voice of 2 of heesung’s friends.

“You heard that scream right?

“ Yeah i did, what do you think it was ?”

“ Maybe it was a ghost”

“Pfft... As if gh-”

The person who was talking didn’t even finish the sentence. It was just silent now. ‘what happened?’ you thought. Looking at heesung, you tried to speak but he silenced you with his finger.

“Shhh...”

The air was starting to get tense. You tried to calm down but in the inside you were freaking out. Heesung got closer to you and held your hand again.

“what is it?” you whispered.

“I think there’s something outside the door.”

Once he said that, your face turned pale. ‘What does he mean by that?’ you thought. After a few minutes of standing in plain silence, he went towards the old door and pushed his ear against it. As he continued to listen to nothing, you began to look around the room.

It was quite big and there was things scattered on the floor. It looked like a medical room, since there was a table with straps and tons on things on the shelf. You continued to wonder the room, carley examining everything.

BANG!

The door heesung was up against began to shake. You jumped at the sudden sound looking towards the door. Heesung signaled you to move backwards. Without thinking, you obeyed him, not knowing what will come out the shaking door.

...

It suddenly stopped. You were against the windows, shaking. The door shined against the soft moonlight that came through the windows. You decided to hold heesung’s hand, trying to get the soft squeeze he gave you before.

Seeing what you tried to hint at him, he gave you the squeeze you slowly grew to love. Even though, it was the second time he did it. His ears were turning red and time passed by that he held your hand.

BURST!

The door flew open, small wood frames flying through the air. Some of them hit your forearm. You hissed in pain and you held your arm. Heesung leaped in front of you protectively.

You looked towards the door and saw that it was one of his friends. But his eyes, they were pitch black. You weren’t that religious but you were sure it meant that he was possessed by a entity.

“Heesung!” Yelled the possessed boy.

“Come back with me...Your father needs you!”

Anyone could literally choke on how thick the atmosphere was. You were trying to think what the demon boy meant, but was interrupted by heesung.

“I already told him i’m not going to go back with him, why does he keep insisting”

Never in your life, have you heard your beloved friend yell at anyone. You were still left hanging since you had no idea what they were talking about.

“y/n...” Heesung looked at you softly, the complete opposite of what he was a second ago.

“Go back home”

“What! why?” you asked him.

“ Ah... i see what’s going on”

You looked at were the voice came from. The “friend” smirked and laughed. Heesung looked at you, his face filled with guilt and worry.

“Why don’t you explain yourself to y/n...she deserved to know who you really are” a smirk plastered on his face again.

“know what?” you questioned while looking at heesung.

Your vision became blurry and soon turned into blackness, and what seems forever, you open your eyes again. You were terrified as you just seen your life flashed before your eyes. There was another person behind the wall next to the door, hidden in plain sight that you didn’t even notice. It leaped at you making your body slide against the wall behind you

“NO! let them go!” heesung yelled, his voice changing into something more sinister than his usual soft voice.

You can feel as if your skin is burning hot but you’re too scared to open your eyes. The body that’s on top on you begins to fall to your side. And to the result, you see heesung covered blood that’s splattered on his face and shirt.

The pain continues to grow and you yell in agony. Heesung kneels down towards you and caresses your face. He smiled and takes your hand, making you sit against the wall.

It was quiet. After everything that went on you didn’t expect there to be silence. You look behind him and noticed that the possessed friend of his is laying down on the ground. Motionless and blood pooling around him.

“What happened when i blacked out?”

“ I took care of the person who tried to hurt you, y/n” he smiled lightly.

“But...but he was just possessed and-“ you mumbled.

He shushed you again. He stood up and lend you his hand so you can stand up. He pulled you into a tight hug, pushing your head towards his chest. You weren’t happy let’s just say. He smelled like blood, and now you probably do too. The blood that he had on was now left stains on your shirt.

“Come on let’s go...” he began to walk towards the corridor. You looked around the room seeing that the body that was on you before is also in a pool of blood.

“Heesung i’m not gonna go with you until you tell me what happened... and what you are?”

He paced around the room, pushing his hair back. He sighed, and tried to think if he should be honest or come up with a lie.

“I tried to protect myself from my possessed friend and he fell onto a piece of broken glass that was on the floor. And for the other guy... I don’t know he just fell to the ground.”

You looked at him with intensity, trying to see if he’s lying or not. You didn’t want to argue as to want happened, so you took his word.

“Okay... i believe you Heesung”

He smiled and you smiled back. You were extremely tired and it was a long night. You took your phone out of your pocket and checked the time. It was currently 3:58am, meaning that you spent nearly 4 hours at this hectic place.

“Come on y/n let’s go”

He took your hand and led you towards the corridor and after awhile you guys found the exit. It was a cold night and the moon light shined through the trees seeping onto your skin

Heesung and you continue to walk towards gate that surrounded the perimeter of the asylum and jumped it. Leaving behind everything that happened recently and went to the nearest place.

‘i wonder what happened to the others?’ you thought.

The friends that you came with inside the abandoned building were left on the floor, blood pooling their motionless bodies. A man stood with pride lurking over the bodies.

“Find my son and make sure he comes back this time, HE CANT KEEP RUNNING AWAY FROM ME. I wouldn’t let him, even if that means that i have to kill everyone that crossed paths with him. Understood!” the man yelled at the others that stood near the door.

“Yes sir! and with that the 2 men that once stood with the mysterious man are now out the door.

He chuckled and laughed as the moon shined on his face.

If only Heesung and y/n knew what’s going to come.

author’s note: This is my very first looooong fanfic i ever wrote and i’m proud... even thought i don’t write a lot but it’s mostly because i am insecure about it 🙈 i was very excited about writing this and yeahhh :)) i have no idea how much i wrote it’s a lot...ok i’ll stop so hopefully you liked it and please continue to support me

~ peace and love elle 🪐

[sasskarian]

Fanfic Masterpost ... sort of

In honor of Fanfic Appreciation, I put together a list of my fics for anyone who’d like to look 

Under the cut, because length

Dragon Age:

After the Glitter Fades (Glitterverse):  Hawke x Fenris, modern AU. (Long fic, WIP) Hawke and Fenris are movie stars in a torrid love affair. Fenris has a mysterious past. Also Cassandra is investigating a murder mystery? Varric, as ever, is a delight. (*this is borrowed from @nug-juggler‘s excellent and shorter summary!)

Memorable quote:   Fenris observed candidly was something sacred. For a moment, Hawke fiercely wished she were an artist. The scene in front of her was too… every word she could think of— beautiful, elegant, breathtaking— was trite, a pale description of perfection. 

In the Heart of the Woods: Lavellan x Fairbanks rarepair. (WIP) Inquisitor Lavellan’s heart is broken by a certain Commander, Fairbanks has an appreciation for her, and a love story blooms like elfroot in the Emerald Graves.

Memorable quote:   This kiss, she thinks, two mouths moving in perfect unison, is a spell of its own. Not quite love, not yet, but close enough she can pretend it is. Hope wells up, a solid thrum beating in counterpoint to her heart, and for one perfect moment, the world just bows down and… stands still. All that exists, all that ever has existed or ever will exist is wrapped up right here, right now, in Fairbanks’ lips on hers. Motes of dust turn golden in the sunbeams splashing through the roof, and a touch— his thumb, her cheek— says a million more words than words ever could.

Yesterdays: Surana x Zevran, mild Surana x Alistair pining. Post Origins, complete. A Warden’s sacrifice means something only as long as someone remembers it. A king looks back, balancing regrets with happiness.

Memorable quote:   With a half-sob, he realizes he’s forgotten the sound of her voice. Oh, he remembers how it made him feel, all those years ago, all the glorious, shining moments where happiness dwells still. But what she truly sounded like, what sounds she made as she buried herself in books, the snap of her magic, the low buzz of her and Zevran whispering in their tent, all of that is gone. He knows it happened, but the memory is lit dimly in his mind, a torch burned too low to be flame but not low enough for embers yet.

If You Ever Did Believe (for my sake):  Lavellan x Cullen. (On temporary hiatus) A wary Commander. A lost Dalish mage. Two hearts beating alone and exhausted on a battlefield, their only rest coming from each other.

Memorable quote:   “Does your Maker hate us so much?” Isera asked bitterly, and for a moment, Cullen felt as though years had rippled, bringing his past self— still clanking through the halls of Kinloch Hold in Templar plate— and his current together. He’d asked Ser Greagoir the same question once, after a Harrowing went wrong and the body of a former apprentice lay at their feet. So much potential wasted, so much fear in the mages’ eyes after that. For once, Greagoir had shown a hint of emotion, clapping Cullen’s shoulder briefly before walking away, but hadn’t answered.

Voiceverse:  Lavellan x Solas/Dread Wolf. (WIP) Building off of the great works of @khirsahle and @athreehundredthirtythree. All mages are born with a soulmate--a voice they hear in the darkness of the Fade all their lives. The lucky ones find their soulmates and forge a bond strong enough to threaten the very foundations of the Chantry. At least, that's what they claim. So what happens when a Dalish mage hears the voice of their most reviled and feared god shaping her dreams? 

Memorable quote:   Accompanying the thundering voice, great fissures ruptured around her hiding spot, green light streaking upward as they gathered into a roiling cloud. A wave of raw sound— howls, cries, pleas— rolled over her, forcing her to her knees. Iveani clapped her hands over her ears, losing her own scream among the agony thundering through the Fade. All caution, all her hard-won lessons about walking the Fade, vanished into the back of her mind under the need to simply ride out the explosion and survive.

Mass Effect:

Home is Where You Are: Ryder x Jaal (WIP). Ryder didn’t cross two galaxies and 600 years in search of love. But damn if she didn’t find it anyway.

Memorable quote:   “I should take a shower,” he mumbled, as the same time as Sara said, “Would you like to stay?” Both of them broke off, staring at the other, and she laughed nervously. That feeling was back, the one from the tech lab, fragility and strength and affection turned fierce and bright tumbling over and over one other.

A Song of Sea and Stars: Garrus x Shepard x Thane (WIP). Our favorite turian badboy sees right through the mask the galaxy’s most famous Commander projects. Neither of them expected to fall in love on a host of impossible missions. And both are taken by surprise by a pious Drell who steals both their hearts.

Memorable quote:   (He opens his eyes, shocked how it feels to look into her face, intimate and hungry. He hazily notices that up close, her eyes are thulium-gray. There's a hot, tight knot in his chest and she's pressed so close, he thinks he could count each faint freckle on her face.) (They look like tiny stars.) (…there are twenty-eight on her right cheek. Thirty on her left. And fourteen, right across the bridge of her nose.) (Those are his favorite. They remind him of his own markings.)

the sound of shattering glass: Generic Shepard, post-Tuchanka, pre-Citadel II. The Shroud explodes, taking a beloved friend with it. Shepard only has herself to blame.

Memorable quote:   “Damn Reapers,” he said, striving for nonchalance. “Always throwing us around.” “Banged us up pretty good,” she agreed, and he knew she wasn’t talking about their bumps and bruises. “So what do we do about them?” “Get back on our feet. Keep fighting.” Garrus hummed as she shifted closer, pressed her forehead against his neck. “Maybe find a way to use some really big canons I spend half my time adjusting.”

Star Wars:

He Might Like That: Mandalorian x Cara Dune pining. So they argue. So they took down Gideon, and have a magic green frog baby older than both of them. That doesn’t make them a thing. Does it?

Memorable quote:   He tunes back into the not-so-friendly argument in time to hear Greef splutter. “You trash talked while holding hands! If that’s not flirting, I’m a kowakian monkey lizard.” “It was arm wrestling, not holding hands,” Din points out mildly. 

Star by Star:  Post TRoS. Ben x Rey pining, Finn x Rey x Poe. Can three hopeless idiots in love fill a wound as deep as the death of a dyad? Maybe not, but they’re out to try anyway.

Memorable quote:   “You know,” Poe whispers, a glint of mischief in his eyes, “if we ever did tell him we loved him, he’d probably sleep right through it.” Rey touches her fingers to his lips, tracing the shape of his questioning smile. It’s an invitation to play, that smile. A careful offer of love, of comfort. And though she’s not sure if he can really understand when even she doesn’t, she’s finally ready to try a little. 

Counting The Days (Since Exegol): Finn x Rey x Poe, Ben x Rey. Its been 42 days since Palpatine’s death. 42 long days since she felt the surge of light in Ben Solo. And in her dreams, something whispers on the edge of the Force. But she’s shut it down too tightly to hear it. 

Memorable quote:   True to form, Poe can’t resist the urge to kiss away Finn’s troubles whenever possible, and Rey looks away to give them a moment. Some love stories work out, yes, and she loves Finn and Poe more than almost anything else. But that doesn’t stop the way bitterness floods her mouth as the memory of Ben surfaces, and it isn’t until Poe gently squeezes her knee (and she throttles back the near-instinctive urge to break his fingers from a lifetime of fending off handsy scavengers on Jakku) that she comes back to the moment. His brow furrows and she reaches for him, smoothing out the lines of his frown with her thumb. “I’m okay,” she says, answering his unspoken question. It’s mostly a lie, but she has to say it. Most days, she’s okay enough.

A Language Made for Lovers: SWTOR (NSFW). Torian Cadera x Bounty Hunter, gender neutral. Reflections on love and marriage under the glow of hyperspace.

Memorable quote:   He murmurs in your ear, words that should sound harsh in that still-new tongue scalding your mouth, molding you from aruetii to mandalorian. But the love in his voice softens them, steeps them in warmth and adoration. Still the language of a hunter, of those brave souls willing to be reforged, but with a gentle side, a language reserved for lovers. Words like cyare and riduur, words that mean I love you and forever and home.

Malicious Compliance: SWTOR (NSFW). Malavai Quinn x Sith Warrior, gender neutral. Far away, in an apartment no one knows about, a Sith Lord plays dire games of control... and trust.

Memorable quote:   It takes a man with the courage of an entire fleet of Mandalorians to love a Sith, and oh, how he loves you. Like you hung the moons and the stars and all the spaces between. Like you are his other half, like loving you is his sole purpose in life, does Malavai Quinn love you. Your old masters spoke nothing of this, of this enraging hunger gnawing at your bones and curling into the hollows of your rib cage. ... Is it really even love if you don’t want to devour him just a little?

Misc:

Tumblr Prompts: Grab bag of every fandom and series listed above. Prompts filled originally here on tumblr.

Visual Files: Collections of art and commissions from talented friends and artists here on tumblr.

Every Beautiful Thing: Crimson Peak. Thomas x Edith, Edith x Alan. Edith learned, in the dark halls of Allerdale, not to take ghosts lightly. But still she waits, every year, for a chance to see Thomas again. Until the night their son tells her he can see him too.

Memorable quote:   Snow heralds nothing but pain in Edith’s world: first her mother’s funeral, smothered in fat white flakes wet on her lashes like tears, then her father’s. Smaller ones, then, rain slowly freezing and scattering on the ground; the ones that night at Allerdale were the smallest yet, more ice pellet than snow. Jagged, hateful things scraping at her with a cold that burned through skin and encased bone.…God, how she has come to hate the snow.

Where I Can’t Follow: Co-authored by @suspendnodisbelief. show!Witcher, mild Geralt x Jaskier. (Temporary hiatus) Drawing from a variety of inspiration, including greek mythos. Geralt takes a blow meant for Jaskier, finally granted the death by battle he expects Witchers to end by. And Jaskier is not having it, at all. It’s his turn to save Geralt, even if he has to walk the entire bloody underworld to do it.

Memorable quote: “Geralt, get up. Come on, open your eyes. You’re going to upset Roach if you keep this up, and she’ll bite me. You know you aren’t allowed to be dead, because Yennefer didn’t give you permission, and neither did the Princess, and I’m pretty sure they both outrank you.”  

[lemon-trap]

Tarot - Natiqa

I know I know I know! I know I’m super late but this is the seventh day of the 31 days of Arcana made by @thearcanagame

I really like Natiqa and I think she’s really cool so I don’t know if this is her first fanfic but....enjoy!

IGNORE MY GRAMMATICALLY INCORRECT WRITING!

~

The masquerade was in full swing, everyone dancing and drinking like it was their last night alive. I would have probably recognized many people there but everyone was wearing masks and very fancy outfits, including me.

I was sitting in the corner of the dance room, flipping my tarot cards left and right waiting for maybe someone to want a reading.

Speaking of which, out of the corner of my eye I see a bright haired woman walk to my spot.

I look up to see that she is definitely walking towards me and definitely super hot.

“Care for a reading?” I ask, placing the cards in front of me.

“Why not?” She says before sitting down in front of me, even with her mask on I could see that she was pretty.

“Alright then,” I spread them like I have so many times, “pick three.”

She picks out three like I say to do. I pull out the cards so that they are the only ones in front of us.

“Now, choose one,” I wave my hand over the cards to make it more mysterious.

She smiles underneath her mask and picks the one straight in the middle.

Just before I flip it over, a large man with a very angry face starts yelling at us.

I can see that this mysterious girl is trying not to laugh until he starts running towards us.

“Come on!” She grabs my hand as she starts to run.

I just barely grab all my stuff before we bolt down a random hallway, I can hear the man’s large footsteps as we run.

Luckily, we were faster than him but even when we did loose him we kept running.

Soon enough, we ran out of breath and leaned against a marble wall. Once I could really focus, I notice that we’re in the back of the palace. It was quiet here.

“What...What was that?” I finally ask my new friend.

Instead of answering, she laughs. Her laugh is so loud and contagious so I can’t help but laugh a little.

“I’m sorry I made you run with me but it’s better to run from someone with someone,” she smiles at me, her blue eyes staring right at me.

“What did you do to him anyway?” I ask, trying to distract myself from how piercing her eyes were.

“Oh only made him slip and fall while he was dancing,” she says like it was nothing, “I made the mistake of still holding the can of oil when he saw me.”

“Seriously?” I ask.

“Yeah, that guy was an asshole anyway, come on let’s move before he catches up again,” She says and holds my hand as she drags me out of the hallway and into a room.

I see then that it’s not really a room but a balcony outside. The balcony leans right over a fountain.

“So what’s the plan here?” I ask, looking back to her.

“Who said I had a plan?”

“You didn’t take me out here for nothing,” I say.

“You’re correct, you see that fountain down there?” She points to the one I was looking at and I nod.

“Well a certain ex count likes to walk by that fountain every hour to do...whatever he’s doing,” she shrugs but then grabs something that was hidden behind a plant.

She holds it up to show a few water balloons and she’s wearing the most evil looking smile I’ve ever seen.

I mimic the same smile, “Your a genius.”

“Thank you, hold the applause please,” she bows dramatically before giving me half the balloons.

She was right because pretty soon the ex count was pacing in front of the fountain.

Before I could even hesitate, the woman was dropping the balloons on Lucio’s head, the first one hitting him right on the back of his head.

The woman shouts in joy, happy that she hit the target.

Unfortunately, Lucio heard that and looked straight at us. Even from the distance I could the anger ridden and makeup smeared face.

“I’M GOING TO GET YOU FOR THAT!!” He yelled at us, then started running towards the palace.

“Time to make our leave,” the woman said grabbing my hand again and we start running again just like before.

Amazing, we run into Lucio at the end of the hall. We do the quickest turnaround ever and run down the hall like our lives depended on it and they probably did.

“GET BACK HERE!” Lucio said behind us, his voice closer than I would like.

Then we turn a hall and I see Countess Nadia talking to an older but beautiful woman, they stop talking to look at us but we keep running.

“Don’t run Natiqa!” The older woman says but her voice has no sternness to it.

“(MC)?” Nadia says looking very confused to see me running away from an angry Lucio with a strange woman.

“Sorry, Mama!” The woman I’m running with says just as I say, “Sorry, Nadia!”

We have no time to question what just happened because an angry goat was still behind us.

Once we finally stop, my lugs burn like I’ve just run a marathon.

The moment we know the coast is clear, we drop on the floor, right in front of a window.

“He...” She starts but it’s hard to get the words out when you’re out of breath, “He was....he was really fast.”

“No kidding,” I say.

We sit in silence for a while, both of us staring out the window at the huge bright moon.

“Natiqa?” I ask.

“(MC)?” She asks back.

“You’re one of Nadia’s sisters,” I sit up a bit more.

“Yes I am, princess Natiqa at your service,” she raises her hand to shake mine and I do.

“(MC), magician of the palace, at your service princess Natiqa,” We both laugh at his formal we’re being.

Natiqa takes off her mask and I can finally see her whole face. I take mine off too.

“Woah, you’re cuter than I imagined,” she flirts.

“Not as cute as you obviously,” I flirt back.

She giggles and it’s a sound that I’d be okay with hearing forever.

“Well, obviously you’ve never looked in a mirror,” She rests her hand over mine and leans her body closer to mine.

I lean mine as well, “What are you trying to say?”

Suddenly we’re centimeters apart, “I’m trying to say that I wouldn’t mind seeing that pretty face again.”

Suddenly her lips are on mine and all I can think about is how much her lips fit perfectly with mine.

The kiss doesn’t last long but after it I don’t open my eyes for a while, when I do I see her staring at me, her smile is now smaller and gentle.

“That was...” she starts.

“Nice,” I grin.

“Want to go prank the doctor?” She asks.

“Yes, please,” I say as I get up off the floor.

I learned a lot of things tonight, Julian is afraid of giant chickens, sometimes running is fun, and to never get on Natiqa’s bad side.

[maddrmatt]

Kairi’s Epic Journey: The Quest for Sora

New to this fanfic? Click here to properly begin!

Chapter 11: Hook’s New Grudge

Never Land

Anchored in the waters off the shores of Never Land was the dreaded pirate ship the Jolly Roger. Once the terror of the seas, it now sat collecting barnacles due to its captain’s obsession with getting revenge on the boy who cut off his hand.

The pirates had just returned to the ship.  Currently, they were disembarking the lifeboats and proceeding onto the main deck.

“Lash the prisoner to the mast!  And string up that mutt of hers as well,” ordered Hook as he climbed out of his lifeboat with his first mate by his side.

“Aye-aye captain,” said a big burly pirate covered in various tattoos as he reached into another lifeboat and picked up the still bound and gagged Kairi.  Slinging her over his shoulder, he proceeded toward the mainmast with several of his crewmates carrying Pluto behind him.

As the pirate carried her, Kairi squirmed and kicked while uttering several muffled threats from her gagged mouth.  But the pirate was unfazed and simply continued on.

Hook wore a look of absolute glee on his face.  “It certainly has been a red-letter day for us today, Smee.”

“Oh yes, Captain. Indeed, it is,” said Smee.

“Who would have thought that when we investigated that mysterious fireball that shot out from Mermaid Lagoon that we would learn that Never Land had a special visitor?  And who’d would’ve thought that it would turn out to be her of all people?”

Then a pirate dressed in a pink shirt, red shorts and wearing a red bandana named Mr. Starkey approached them.  “The prisoner’s been tied to the mast as you ordered, captain.”

“Very tightly I hope, Mr. Starkey?”

“Aye-aye, captain. She’s a feisty one and she tried to fight us off.  But she’s not going anywhere.”

“Excellent.  Now all of you attend to your duties while Smee and I extend a proper welcome to our guest,” said Hook.

With that, the other pirates spread over the deck and began to do various things while Hook and Smee travelled over to the mainmast.  Kairi was now tied to it and was currently glaring daggers at the two pirates.

Nearby, Pluto had been strung up, so he was dangling by his bound feet from a rope tied to one of the beams of the sails.  Though his mouth was still tied shut, he growled at the pirate captain.

With a cruel smile, Hook raised his hook and inched it toward Kairi.  Her defiant eyes became fearful as he reached under the gag and undid it.

“Well, Miss Kairi, it appears that I was wrong about you.  Why, the last time you were onboard me vessel, you had lost your heart and I was telling your friend Riku that reclaiming it was a lost cause.  I even said I’d stake me other hand it was lost forever.  How fortunate I never made that wager official.  But in any case, I bid you welcome aboard the Jolly Roger,” said Hook as he raised his hat and bowed to Kairi.

“Oh yes.  I feel so welcome.  Is this how you treat all your guests, Hook?” snarked Kairi.

“Only those who may prove troublesome.  You and your mangy cur best get used to your current situation.  You’re going to be with us for quite some time.”

“What do want with me, Hook?” asked Kairi.

“With you?  Oh, nothing in particular, girl.  I be having much bigger fish to fry and you’re simply the worm on the hook.”

Kairi gasped.  “I’m bait?  For what?  For Peter?”

“I’m afraid you are incorrect on that notion, my dear.  For once, that accursed boy is not in me sights.  Besides, why would he come for you?  Especially after what you said to him and those wretched friends of his. Although, I must commend you for calling out those boys on their notorious bad form.  It was high time someone recognized their behavior for what it was.”

If Kairi had any hopes of Peter and his crew coming to her rescue, Hook had definitely dashed them. ‘He’s right.  Why would they come for me after the way I yelled at them?’

“No, my dear.  Me true quarry is none other than your friend, Sora.”

Kairi gasped again. “Sora?  But why?”

“You didn’t think a self-respecting pirate such meself would let such humiliation go unpunished, do you?  Once he hears that I’ve got in you in me clutches, he’ll come right here faster than Pan can fly.  And that’s when he’ll meet his doom!” exclaimed Hook with an evil chuckle.

Kairi’s blood boiled as she listened to the captain.  ‘Not again!  How many more villains are going to use me to get to Sora?’

“Oh yes.  When he comes, he’ll find no mindless Heartless that he so valiantly defeated when he was here last.  Those creatures proved to be a great disappointment.  Instead, he’ll be facing the most blackhearted cutthroats that ever sailed the seven seas!” announced Hook eliciting a cheer from all the pirates on deck.

“Sora’s faced a lot worse than this bunch, Hook!” exclaimed Kairi.

“Well, should fortune smile on him and he manages to survive the crew, I happen to have a secondary plan.  Once he sees you at me mercy, I’m sure he’ll gladly leap off the plank to spare you any harm!  No matter what happens, he’ll finally meet his end!” said Hook with a maniacal laugh.

Kairi’s heart sank. ‘He’s right.  If Sora was here and saw me in danger, maybe he really would. It’s all happened before.  It seems all anyone has to do to get Sora is to get me first.  Why does this keep happening?’

“Quite a brilliant plan if I do say so meself.  Am I right, Smee?”

“Oh, yes sir.  It definitely won’t be a repeat of last time. I mean, tossing that boy into the hold seemed like a good idea at the time.  But he and his friends were more than a match for the Heartless.  They were even more than a match for you, Captain,” rambled Smee before he caught a glimpse of Hook threatening to clobber him with his namesake.  

“Of course, he probably just got lucky,” said Smee cowering before his boss.

“Of course, he got lucky, you idiot!  I could’ve easily defeated that boy if it weren’t for the interference of that blasted Peter Pan.  So, I’ll thank you not to bring that incident up unless you wish to walk the plank yourself. UNDERSTAND?!” shouted Hook with the intensity of a gale force wind that nearly knocked Smee off his feet.

“Y-yes sir! A-aye-aye sir!” stammered Smee with a salute.

“You’re wasting your time, Hook.  Sora won’t be coming for me,” muttered Kairi.

Hook chuckled.  “Don’t think you can pull the wool over this captain’s eyes, missy.  I remember how relentlessly he fought through me ship to get to you before Riku so rudely left with you.  He will come. I have no doubt.”

“He would come.  If he were still alive,” said Kairi as a tear dripped down her face.

“WHAT?!” exclaimed Hook and the rest of the pirate crew.

“You heard me, Hook. Sora’s already gone.”

Hook gazed at Kairi with anger.  “Don’t you lie to me, girl!” he shouted while waving his hook in her face.

Smee took a closer look into Kairi’s eyes.  He could see all the pain and sorrow reflected in them.  A twinge of pity shot through the first mate.  “Captain, I don’t think she’s lying.”

Hook himself then looked at Kairi.  Upon looking into her eyes, he realized that she was indeed telling the truth.  No person could fake that kind of genuine hurt. But instead of pity, all he felt was annoyance.

“Blast!  I was looking forward to ending that boy meself. But apparently somebody else beat me to the punch!”

Hook suddenly found himself surrounded by his crew.  They immediately started bombarding him with questions.

“So, what are we supposed to do with her then, captain?” asked Mr. Starkey.

“Yes.  If the boy she is to be bait for is already dead, then what good is she?” asked Damien Salt, a chubby pirate with a fez and a moustache.

“She’s useless!” exclaimed Bill Jukes, a short pirate with a peg leg.

As the pirates continued to debate her fate, Kairi sadly gazed at Pluto and reflected on what an utter disaster her quest had been up to now.  ‘Useless.  That’s the word that sums me up perfectly.  Nothing’s gone right for me on this quest.  I couldn’t fly.  I couldn’t stay friends with Peter, Tink and the boys.  And now I’m captured once again.  What is wrong with me?  Why can’t I do what Sora did when he was adventuring?’

“Why don’t we just let her go?”

Kairi’s head turned in the direction of whoever said that unusual phrase.  So did Hook and the pirates.  They were shocked to see that it was Smee.

“Let her go?” asked Hook incredulously looking at his first mate as if he had sprouted a second head.

“Well, captain, she really hasn’t done anything to you personally not like Pan or Sora and the poor girl seems so heartbroken.  Can’t we show a little mercy just this one time?” asked Smee nervously.

Hook grit his teeth in anger.  But then his frown vanished and was replaced by a smile.

“You’re right, Smee,” said Hook causing the rest of the crew to look shocked.  “The poor dear does look like she’s been through a lot. So, we’ll show some mercy and let her go.”

“Really, captain?” asked Smee.

“Yes.  We’ll let her go.  Right off the edge of the plank!” roared Hook causing the pirates to cheer and immediately set off to prepare their favourite method of execution.

“Since the opportunity to send the boy to Davy Jones’ Locker has passed us by, I supposed we’ll have to settle for doing it to his faithful friend.  That should make the day not a complete waste.  Smee, fetch one of the spare anchors so we can tie her to it before we make her walk the plank.  She may have failed at flying but let’s not take any chances, right?”

“Yes, captain.” Smee then gazed at Kairi who was shocked at the turn of events.  All he could do was shrug and then he left.

Hook approached Kairi and smiled at her.  “You’ll be reunited with your friend Sora very soon, my dear.  You should thank me for mercifully relieving you of your sorrow. But before we make you walk the plank, answer me this one question: who was the one responsible for Sora’s untimely demise?  I would love to shake their hand.”

Kairi lowered her head and, in a voice barely above a whisper, said, “It was me.”

“Speak up, girl!  What was that again?” Hook asked as he glared at her menacingly.

Kairi was about to repeat her answer.  But just then, a very familiar sound rang through the air around the ship.

Tick-tock.

Tick-tock.

Tick-tock.

Right before Kairi’s eyes, the menace left Hook’s expression.  It was replaced by a look of abject terror.

“Smee!” cried out the terrified captain.

“Yes captain?” asked Smee as he dragged a large anchor across the deck.

“Do you hear that? The crocodile is near!  Drop everything!  You and the crew chase it away!  I’ll be in me cabin hiding under me bed until it’s gone,” said Hook as he swiftly ran across the deck to a door.  He quickly opened it up, entered through it and slammed it shut.

“You heard the captain! Let’s find that crocodile and send him on his way,” said Smee as he dropped the anchor.

“But where he be?” asked Damien Salt.

“The ticking seems to be coming from the bow side,” said Mullins, a pirate wearing a bandana and an eyepatch.

Smee and the pirates quickly charged to the bow of the ship.  They immediately looked over the sides for any sign of their captain’s reptilian nemesis.

Kairi couldn’t believe how things had turned.  ‘Amazing how Hook can change from the most threatening man in Never Land to a screaming coward the moment he hears a ticking sound.  I suppose its lucky for me the crocodile showed up.  But it won’t matter if I can’t escape and I can’t see how to do it.  I’m tied too tightly so even if I could summon my Keyblade, I don’t think I’d be able to cut myself loose.’

“Psst!  Kairi!” whispered a familiar voice followed by a tinkling sound that seemed to be coming from the other side of the mast.

“Peter?  Tink?  Is that you?” she quietly asked.

“Yes, it’s us. Don’t worry.  We’re going to get you and your dog out of here,” said Peter as he began to cut through the ropes with his dagger.

Kairi glanced upward to where Pluto was and saw that Cubby, Nibs and Toodles had climbed onto the beam and were untying the rope.  Once they finished, they carefully lowered the dog to the deck.

As he continued to slice through Kairi’s ropes, Peter muttered, “Rotten old codfish.  I hate it when he does this.  I’m fine with him keeping it between me and him.  But capturing my friends to get at me? That’s when he goes too far!”

As Kairi listened to Peter’s quiet ramblings, she felt oddly touched.  ‘Peter may be a little off about why Hook captured me.  But after what I said to him and the boys, he still considers me a friend?’

Finally, Peter was finished.  The cut ropes fell to the deck and Kairi moved away from the mast.  Peter immediately flew over to Pluto and started to cut through his bonds.

“Peter, Tink, boys, I can’t believe you all came for us.”

“Well, of course we camed for you, Kairi,” said Cubby as he the other boys jumped down off the beam.

“You’re our friend,” said Nibs as Toodles nodded eagerly.

“Yeah and we’re certainly not going to leave a friend in Hook’s clutches,” said Peter.

“How did you know I was in trouble?”

“Tink followed you after you left.  When she saw the pirates ambush you, she flew back and told us what happened,” said Peter.

Kairi gazed toward the fairy, the one member of Peter’s crew who had made her dislike of her pretty clear.  To her surprise, Tink was smiling in the most genuine way.  The Princess of Heart gave her a grateful one in return.

“Lucky thing the crocodile showed up just now so you guys could rescue us.”

“Heh.  We make our own luck, Kairi.  The crocodile’s not even here.  Those ticking sounds are actually coming from Slightly and the Twins. We’ve actually been practicing our ticking sounds so we can really drive Hook crazy. And thanks to you, now we know they work,” said Peter.

“Uh, you’re welcome. You certainly convinced me,” said Kairi.

Peter finished freeing Pluto.  The dog got to his feet and immediately ran up to Kairi.  The Princess petted her companion.

“You’d better take Pluto and run for one of the lifeboats now, Kairi.  We’ll make sure that Hook pays for what he’s done,” said Peter as Tink and the boys nodded.

Kairi ran past Peter and toward one of the lifeboats with Pluto by her side.  But then she stopped.

“No.”

“What was that, Kairi?” asked Peter.

Kairi turned around and gave Peter and his group a determined look.  “I’m not running away from this fight.  You were wrong about why he captured me, Peter.  It wasn’t to get at you.  It was to get at Sora.”

Peter, Tink and the Lost Boys’ jaws dropped in surprise.  It was likely that the thought of that notion hadn’t crossed their minds.

“Kind of surprising that your archnemesis is plotting revenge against someone else, isn’t it?  And Hook’s not the first villain to do something like this to me.  In fact, being captured by an evil villain who needed Sora to do what he wanted is what lead to him being lost.  Well, I won’t stand for it any longer.  This time, I’m going to make sure my captors get the message that they messed with the wrong girl!”

Peter, Tink and the boys were surprised by Kairi’s bold declaration.  Pluto however regarded his friend with admiration.

Peter smiled.  “Well, if it’s that important that you join us in the fight, Kairi, then we’d be glad to have you.  Let’s show Hook and his pirates once again why it’s not a good idea to capture and use friends as bait!” he declared as the small group gathered in a huddle to discuss a battle strategy.  

While Peter outlined the plan, Kairi gazed over to where Smee and the other pirates were still looking for the nonexistent crocodile.  Very soon, she would be engaging in battle with those cutthroats and in spite of her apparent confidence, she still felt a twinge of self-doubt.

‘I certainly hope that this battle goes better for me than the last one I was in,’ she thought with memories of the disaster at the Keyblade Graveyard running through her mind.  Hopefully, now that she had six months of better training and was fighting alongside allies who had experience in defeating the current enemies, the upcoming fight would end more favorably for her.

________________________________________________________________

Onto the next chapter!

[jackcinephile]

L'Inferno (1911) Movie Review!

As promised, we're gonna be celebrating this Spooky Season with a Devilman Crybaby headcanon! In order to fully express my HC, I will be reviewing icons of horror cinema and literature that helped contribute to many of the themes and ideas that are prevalent in Go Nagai's original manga. So, without further ado, let us descend into the Blind World. Put all fear and cowardice aside. I will be your guide through this eternal place, where you shall hear the shrieks and see the tormented spirits who all bewail the second death.

And how appropriate? Because our first film is the 1911 adaptation of The Inferno by Dante Alighieri. I suppose it's only right to begin this saga of horror films with one of the first horror films ever made. Okay, "first horror film" is actually debatable, so keep in mind that I said "ONE of the first." In any case, it remains one of the most important landmarks in horror cinema.

"Stopped, in the middle of what we call life,

I looked up and saw no sky, but rather a dense cage of leaf and tree and twig,

For I was lost."

The film opens as the iconic poem does. Dante Alighieri is a middle-aged man who finds himself lost in a dark, gloomy forest. This opening of the story always had a way of making me feel somewhat lonely and isolated. In my interpretation, I always saw this forest as being symbolic of how Dante felt after the death of Beatrice. Allow me to explain...

For those who don't know, Dante met a young girl named Beatrice when they were both nine years old. The young boy immediately fell in love with her, even though they hardly interacted. Despite their lives continuing in separate directions, Beatrice had always and forever held a special place in Dante's heart. When he received word that she had died, Dante was absolutely devastated. He felt that she deserved to be immortalized in what he intended to be his magnum opus; The Divine Comedy.

I believe that this opening to the Inferno is actually Dante going to a journey to find Beatrice so that he could say goodbye to her. Along the way, he got lost, both literally and spiritually. That, in my opinion, is what this forest symbolizes. In many ways, this opening kind of reminds of the opening to Silent Hill 2, just from how dismal it is.

Having said all that, I think the film does a very poor job of conveying those emotions. Sadly, I just don't feel any of the despair that was present in the original poem. He just wanders around for a few seconds, then steps out into a clearing. But don't worry! As soon as Dante steps into the clearing, the film IMMEDIATELY gets better. Upon entering this clearing, Dante finds himself at the base of, what I believe to be, Mount Purgatory. I can only assume that's where he is, because the gates of Hell are at its base, and Dante seems to suggest the gates of heaven are at its summit, just like Purgatory. Unfortunately, his path is blocked by three ravenous beasts: a leopard, a lion, and a she-wolf, all representing different Earthly sins. He runs back the way he came, before being rescued by a strange apparition. It's here that the film begins to remind us all of why the original poem is regarded as a self-insert fanfic...

Upon introducing himself to the apparition, Dante learns that it is the actually the ghost of Virgil, author of the Aeneid. The significance of Virgil being in the story is that he was Dante's favorite poet of all time, and Dante always longed to meet and interact with him. It's literally a self-insert fanfic of Dante meeting and interacting with all of his inspirations. It's honestly a mystery to me why I love The Inferno so much, because it's everything I hate! It's a Catholic's fanfic about why he sees himself and his friends as morally superior and why everyone he ever disagreed with is going to Hell. Somehow, in spite of all that, I still love it.

So why did Virgil even decide to help Dante in the first place? Well, remember when I talked about Beatrice dying? It turns out, she descended from Heaven into Hell to ask him for help, because she knew how important he was to Dante. She tasked Virgil with being Dante's guide, after seeing that he has gone astray.

This is where the film's innovation starts to take shape. Beatrice has often been drawn as having a halo around her head. The problem is, how do you show that in a film made in 1911? The effect was strikingly realized with, what I assume to be, spinning rods covered in reflective material. I can only guess this is how it was done, but it appears right to me, because that's how a similar effect was created for the lightsabers in the original Star Wars. It looks like the rods were placed behind the actress, so that the rig couldn't be seen, making it appear as if the light was emanating from her head. This scene also displays an early appearance of wire work on film. In those days, that shit wasn't easy. It was even harder to hide the effect, which this film does fairly well.

So, Virgil explains to Dante that he must take him on a pilgrimage through the three different stages of the afterlife. To be perfectly honest, I never understood why. Maybe I'm just an idiot with little to no reading comprehension. It's also a factor that I haven't read parts II and III of the Divine Comedy, so maybe it's elaborated better in there. From what I gathered, since Dante is going on a journey to find the literal Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin intensifies) Virgil needs to take him to Hell and Purgatory, so he can face his sins and better appreciate Paradise. And thus, Virgil's pilgrimage to lead Dante through the Afterlife begins!

"Through me, the way to the City of Woe

Through me, the way to everlasting pain

Through me, the way among the people lost

Divine Power made me

Eternal I endure

Abandon Hope, all ye who enter here"

That is the inscription above the Gates of Hell. It is here, that Dante is already planning on turning back. Virgil literally tells him to stop being a pussy, and I was satisfied. Once they enter the gates, it becomes apparent to the viewer, if it hasn't already, that this isn't just an adaptation of Dante's work. This film is actually a cinematic translation of the ICONIC illustrations by Gustave Dore that were created in the middle of the 19th century. So much care and detail was put into recreating his AMAZING artwork, that many consider to be his magnum opus. This film was basically the Zack Snyder's Watchmen of its day!

Those familiar with the story will recognize this iconic scene that is being recreated onscreen. Dante and Virgil have come to the shores of Acharon, where the souls of the damned board Charon's vessel to be taken before Judge Minos, who lives in Limbo.

Speaking of Limbo, that is the first spiral of Hell Dante visits. This is where good people who weren't Christians come to face eternity. Their punishment is meant to be the denial of Paradise, but if you ask me, it doesn't seem so bad. Apparently Dante felt the same way, because this is where he meets his other great inspirations, such as Homer and Ovid! The poets all enjoy their visit together before Virgil must take Dante on his way. This is honestly the part that makes me cringe the most. Nothing reeks of self-insert fanfic more than meeting your idols and being greatly respected by all them. This is exactly why I abandoned my Silent Hill fanfic.

Anyway, Minos's throne lies at the lower boarder of Limbo. The king himself appears as a giant naked bearded man with a snake tail. The tail is used to determine the punishment of sinners by wrapping around Minos's own neck multiple times. However many times the tail coils determines which spiral the sinner is sent to.

And here we get to my favorite scene in the whole film: Lust! This spiral perfectly displays the true innovation of special effects. In this spiral, sinners are punished by being caught in a tumultuous whirlwind. The wind symbolizes the tumultuous feelings that arise between lustful lovers. It's one of Dore's best illustrations, and it blows my mind that the filmmakers were able to recreate it so well!

Our two pilgrims move onward to the Spiral of Gluttony, where we come across Cerberus. He guards this spiral, but Virgil subdues him by throwing a clump of dirt in his face (still more respectful than Lore Olympus). Honestly, Gluttony is nothing to write home about. It's just a raining landscape with people laying in the mud. Still, I have to give credit for the meticulous recreation of Dore's art!

Down in Greed, who else do we find guarding this spiral, other than Plutus?

SIDE NOTE: I've read a very strange "translation" of his dialogue. The original line reads, "Pape Satan, Pape Satan, allepe!" Strangely, no one seems to agree on what exactly this means, so most translations are different. Particularly, in the case of Douglas Neff, he translates "Pape" to "Papa," which is strange because "Pape" means "Pope" in Itialian. Then, he changes "allepe" to "you are my king." Let's also not forget that Plutus was also occasionally used as an epithet for Hades and/or Pluto. This means Douglas Neff literally wrote Hades to say, "Daddy Satan, I worship you" (still more respectful than Lore Olympus)!

In the Spiral of Greed, the sinners are forced push heavy sacks of gold around for eternity. Once again, this scene is nothing special, but still an admirable recreation of the illustrations that inspired it.

The next scene, however, shows off more of the innovative talent that makes this film so amazing! Virgil and Dante move on to the Spiral of Anger, where the sinners are punished by being submerged in the black sludge of the River Styx. The only way across is by boat. This is where Phlegyas comes in. The two poets stand by a giant tower which they use to signal for passage to the City of Dis. Along the way, the boat is stopped by Dante's political and intellectual rival, Philipo Argenti. It's here that one realizes just how petty Dante truly was. "Oh, I disagree with you politically. Therefore, you deserve to drown in sludge for all eternity!" He sounds like people I used to know. Hell, he sounds like me in high school!

All while this is going on, we see an amazing special effect of a double exposure of Dis in the background. It's an amazing miniature of the city's outer wall, optically printed to take up the entire top half of the screen.

Finally, they make it to the other side of the river, where we actually get a cameo by Hades' and Persephone's children! No, not Zagareus, Makaria, and Melinoe. None of those people were Hades' and Persephone's children. I'm actually referring to the Erinyes (also known as, the Furies). They block Dante's entrance to the city's gates, so Virgil calls upon the aid of an Archangel to rid them of the Furies. It is here that Dante asserts the superiority of Christianity over the Hellenistic faith (still more respectful than Lore Olympus).

Within the City of Dis, Hell begins to look more like how we always imagined, with fire and brimstone. In the Spiral of Heresy, sinners are stuffed into eternally burning ovens embedded in the ground.

Beyond that is the only omitted sequence from the poem. In the original Divine Comedy, the Spiral of Violence is originally guarded by the Minotaur! Beyond that are sinners, stewed in a boiling river of blood (The Phlegethon). On the banks, we see a heard of Centaurs practicing their archery on them. These are the individuals who were violent towards other people. In order to cross the river of blood, Dante and Virgil must ride on the back of one of the centaurs. You know, having heard of centaurs' notorious reputation for being horrible rapists, it makes me concerned for the sake of our Pilgrims. Maybe they didn't include this in the film because they couldn't figure out how to make a centaur?

On the other side of the Phlegethon, Violence continues into the suicide forest (*Logan Paul reference here*). Here is where sinners, who were violent against themselves, are punished. Once judged to this spiral, they grow into trees. The symbolism being that trees are a symbol of life, of which these sinners have deprived themselves. I'm surprised this scene isn't more controversial. After all, seeing as how seriously mental health has been taken recently, it's fucking awful to tell someone they're going to Hell for committing suicide! As a peice of horrific imagery, I love this scene, but knowing that Dante actually believed this makes me despise it.

In addition to being a horrifying concept, this scene also includes one of the first instances of bloodshed in a horror film. Virgil explains to Dante that he can speak with the sinners if he breaks one of their branches. When he does, blood sprays out of the tree like a drinking fountain!

After a brief conversation with the sinners, Dante moves on to the final section of violence, where people were violent against God. Here the sinners are punished in a desert that perpetually rains fire.

Now, not every special effect in this film is good. Because when Dante rides down to the eighth spiral on Geryon's back, it is such a stiff, unnatural, badly puppeteered marrianet that they couldn't even keep stable for the shot!

"There is a place in Hell called the Malebolge..."

Now, we get to my favorite part of the whole poem: The Spiral of Fraud. Here the deceivers are punished in a myriad of ways, depending on how they lied to others.

In the first Spiral of the Malebolge, those who pander towards others are mercilessly whipped for all eternity. This marks the first appearance of the classic image of the winged demons that we all know and love.

In the second spiral, the flattererers bathe in a stagnant pond of their own feces and vomit. This symbolizes the value of the words that they spew at other people. I think this might be where the expression, "You're full of shit," came from. Think about it; you say that to people whom you think are lying to you, and this is in the Spiral of Fraud.

Incidentally, this punishment was referenced in a Turkish horror film called Baskin -- a film about a small group of off-duty police officers who crash their car and wake up in Hell. In that film, the main characters realize they're in Hell when they find demon raping someone, while shoving her face in a bowl of her own face and vomit. Baskin is not a part of this HC, so I'll have to talk about it later. For now, I'll just say it's one of the best horror films I've ever seen!

In the third spiral, those who joined the Catholic Church for their own personal gain are buried head first, with their feet sticking out in the air.

In the fourth spiral, fortune tellers have their heads turned backwards. This prevents them from looking forward, symbolizing their attempts to see into the future.

In the fifth spiral, the sinners are repeatedly dipped in boiling tar. This scene is especially interesting because it shows that the demons we see aren't actually monsters. They're just creatures doing their jobs, punishing sinners. In fact one of the demons named Malecoda assigns a group of demons to help escort Dante and Virgil through the rest of the Malebolge. That, unfortunately, doesn't work out, however, because the demons are distracted by a sinner trying to escape, so Dante and Virgil move on alone. What's also unfortunate, is that other demons, who assume that Virgil and Dante are also sinners trying to escape, chase them into the next spiral. Luckily, each demon is confined to their own spiral, so they can't keep chasing them.

In the sixth spiral, the hypocrites are forced to wear robes made of solid gold. They also find Caiaphas nailed to the ground. As someone who has Jesus Christ Superstar on his top three list of favorite albums, I was happy to see Caiaphas get referenced.

In the seventh spiral, the thieves are bound by snakes, whose venom causes them to burn to ashes. One thief in particular gets attacked by a giant lizard that makes him into a lizardman (someone tell Alex Jones).

In the eighth spiral, the false advisors are eternally engulfed in flames.

In the ninth spiral, the sowers of discord are viciously mutilated. My favorite part about this scene is that it's one of the first instances of gore in a horror movie. The prophet Muhammad has been cloven from his belly to his throat with his guts spilling out all over the place. That's right! Muhammad is depicted in the Inferno. Not only that, but Gustave Dore drew him. Damn. Dante has no chill. Hey, the founder of the most homophobic religion in the world rots in eternal Hell? I'm not complaining! This kinda makes up for the portrayal of suicide victims.

In the tenth spiral, the falsifiers are punished with enternal leprosy.

At last, we make it to the Spiral of Treachery, at the center of the earth. Here, the traitors are frozen within the Lake Cocytus.

"Lo! Dis Himself!

Emperor of the Kingdom of Woe"

Finally, at the climax of this horrific epic, we see Satan, and it's not what you're expecting! He is in the very center of the lake, frozen up to his waist in ice, and forced to eat the three greatest traitors of all. His body is covered in course fur, and he has three heads and six wings. Satan's appearance in this story is disarming and almost pathetic in a way. You'd imagine Satan to be this fearsome king, but he's just shown to be suffering like everyone else. It's kind of sad, really.

The film ends with Dante and Virgil climbing down Satan's leg fur and ending up at the base of Mount Purgatory.

L'Inferno is one of the first true masterpieces of horror! It's hard to believe that this movie is almost 110 years old! Just think of how it would have been to see it in theaters for the first time when it was new. We owe it to this film for proving the language of Cinema could be used to tell the most epic stories possibly conceived.

You can watch the film for yourself here:https://youtu.be/cMUPbPOGPdM

Now, you're probably thinking, "What the Sam Fuck does any of this have to do with Devilman Crybaby?" Well, for starters, in Go Nagai's original manga, the character Asuka Ryo implies that Dante's Divine Comedy might have been based on a true story. This is futher validated when the demon Xenon appears and bears a strong resemblance to Dante's description of Satan. But beyond the surface-level details, let's discuss some of the deeper implications of what Hell actually is. Within this headcanon, the Afterlife is an entirely separate dimension, occupying the same space as our Earth, but invisible to our eyes. There is a way, however, to see and explore this separate dimension. You see, when different dimensions intersect at certain angles, they sometimes leave gaps through which we can come through and cross over to the other dimension. It was through one of these gaps that Virgil was able to find Dante. These angles and gaps between dimensions will be further explored in a later film.

[higuchimon]

[fanfic] Secrets of Ears:  Chapter 5 [end]

Ken trembled, trying not to let loose the scream that lurked behind his lips. His hands shook, but the sword didn’t vanish. It remained in his grip, as comfortable there as if he’d been born to carry it.

He closed his eyes and shook his head. He hadn’t felt that kind of rage in years. He’d thought it had burned out of him forever. Though this was different in its own way, not quite something that he could put his finger on. It wasn’t the righteous rage that he’d felt after being the Kaiser, a mix of guilt and other emotions.

This had been hate. This had been a cold blaze that lit in his heart and nothing had seemed capable of calming it down. And why? Because someone had – had touched his ears. Twisted and tugged at them, and they still burned, still throbbed, and he wanted to go home and put some lotion on them and curl up in his bed and stay there forever.

But Daisuke stood there, staring at him with worry and concern evident in every feature, one hand reaching out to him. Wormmon remained firm on his shoulders, snuggling against him, utterly unafraid.

They weren’t afraid of him. They weren’t angry at him. They weren’t mad that this happened. He wasn’t sure of why they weren’t, since he was furious at himself.

Why would you be? Why would they be? Akigaramon is a Virus, just like you are.

It wasn’t the Kaiser’s voice, but it was very similar. Older, stronger, deeper. It echoed deep in the depths of Ken’s mind. He shook his head. He didn’t want to listen to this.

Of course you don’t. Because I tell you what you don’t want to hear. You are me – I am you. The Kaiser was your childhood – nothing more than a baby’s tantrum. I am Akogimon – the son of Piemon. I am far more than anything you have ever been.

Yet.

Ken shook his head even harder, doing his best to ignore the voice, to stare at Daisuke, raising one hand to touch Wormmon. “I’m fine,” he choked, the words feeling broken and brittle. “I’m fine. Really.”

Daisuke crossed his arms over his chest and stared at Ken. “I don’t believe you. You don’t look fine.”

Ken didn’t believe himself. Not by a long shot. But he didn’t want them to know that he’d heard a voice that said such horrible things.

Why not? You were told about me. You know who I am. Your dark side. The part of you that is true and pure Virus. The soft laugh echoed inside of his head. Do you want to deny it?

He did. He really did; he wanted to think that everything Koushiro had told him had been false somehow. He didn’t want to be part Viral. He really didn’t want to bring this up to his parents. He was more than willing to take a bet that his mother hadn’t ever known and he didn’t want to know why she didn’t know.

Ken pressed his lips together, straightened up, and stared down at the sword. He didn’t want it there anymore. He hadn’t wanted it there to start with. Tachibana wasn’t going to bother him anymore. He’d probably never bother anyone ever again.

He flexed his hand. He told the sword that he didn’t need it – that he was safe. That everything was all right.

Slowly the sword faded away. But Ken couldn’t shake the feeling that it was there if he needed it again. His power had begun to awaken and he would have to deal with it.

It’s not the only thing I’ve ever had to deal with.

“Ken?” Daisuke’s hand rested on the shoulder that Wormmon wasn’t on. “Ken?”

Ken swallowed and steeled himself to look into Daisuke’s eyes. “I’m sorry,” he murmured. He hadn’t meant to ignore Daisuke. But when that voice got started, it was hard to listen to anything else.

There was another laugh at that, one only he could hear. He pretended that he didn’t.

“Come on. Done with your ramen?” Daisuke asked, voice ever so soft and gentle. Ken nodded. “All right. Let’s go back to my place. My parents aren’t there right now. It’ll be just us.”

That sounded so very good. Whatever else they talked about, Ken didn’t want to do it here, where they could be overheard.

Daisuke made sure they’d paid properly for everything and then they headed out. Wormmon remained a warm, comforting presence around his neck, and that voice remained silent. Maybe it would stay that way forever now.

No. I won’t.

Of course. That wasn’t the kind of luck that he had. But at least the silence remained mostly unbroken until they reached the Motomiya apartment. Jun had moved out the year before, attending college, and he’d started coming over more often since then.

Daisuke pointed towards the couch. “You sit there,” he ordered, and Ken obeyed right away. Wormmon shifted down to rest in his lap and V-mon, at Daisuke’s gesture, settled beside him on the couch, while Daisuke headed into the kitchen and did mysterious things that involved banging and a familiar scent that slowly filled the apartment.

He wasn’t surprised at all when Daisuke brought over two cups of tea, joining him on the couch. One eyebrow flickered up in curiosity.

“Mugicha?” He’d had the barley tea before but not here. Daisuke nodded.

“Mom likes it. Says it helps with her digestion and makes sure she doesn’t gain too much weight.” Daisuke shrugged, offering one of the cups to him. “It’s supposed to help you get calmer, too.”

Now that Ken thought he could deal with. He accepted the cup and sipped quietly, letting the tension ease out of his shoulders and gut. He wanted to think that it hadn’t happened at all but with that voice whispering deep in his thoughts, he knew he couldn’t do that.

“I can hear him,” Ken whispered as he reached the bottom of his teacup. “Remember what the others said? Our – our dark sides?”

Daisuke blinked, then nodded. “You can hear it? Him? Whatever?”

“Yes.” Ken stared deep into the cup. “I hate this. I don’t want this at all. I want to be – normal.”

Daisuke stared into his own cup, then glanced at Wormmon and V-mon before back to Ken. “Ken – we’re not. It’s not just being part Digimon.” He nodded towards their partners. “I mean, more people are getting Digimon, but we’re Chosen. That makes it different. We’re always going to be different from everyone else. This is just a different way of being different.

Ken had to nod. Daisuke tended to see right to the heart of things. But he still wasn’t done.

“If the others can learn to live with what they are, and be that casual about it, then so can we.” Daisuke’s grin lit up, brighter than the sun. “Sure, it’s going to take some effort. We’re probably going to screw up along the way. But what have we learned already?” From the twitch of his lips alone, Ken knew what the answer was.

“That it doesn’t matter if we make mistakes, as long as we keep trying to fix them and to do better.”

Daisuke nodded. “Exactly! So any time we make a mistake learning about this, we just work harder to do better. Besides, look on the bright side. You’ve got a new brother to get to know.” Then his attention flicked to Ken’s ears. “And you know why your ears are like that.”

He couldn’t help but nod at that. “Right.” A faint hint of red crept up his cheeks. “Could you – would you check to make sure they’re all right? They still hurt some.” He’d never trusted anyone else to touch his ears. He’d never even wanted doctors to do it.

But this was Daisuke. If he couldn’t trust Daisuke, then he couldn't trust anyone at all.

Daisuke blinked briefly, then nodded. “If that’s what you want.”

Ken did. Mostly the pain from Tachibana’s manhandling had died down but he would rather be safe than sorry. He would have asked Wormmon, but Wormmon didn’t have fingers. Not to mention he rather liked how Wormmon felt being so warm and cuddly and supportive on his lap.

Daisuke adjusted himself until he was close enough to take a careful look at Ken’s ears. Then, he raised one hand. He didn’t actually touch anything until Ken nodded his permission. Slowly, gently he brushed his fingers on the shell of the ear, tracing one finger across them ever so gently.

Ken swallowed, his heart beating faster. The throbbing eased – or perhaps changed. Softer, sweeter, deeper, richer, better. He tilted his head back and closed his eyes, trembling.

That felt good. Better than good – amazing. He’d never imagined that having his ears touched could be like this.

He stopped bothering to think. What did he need to think for, when everything felt so good? He was here with Daisuke, with V-mon and with Wormmon. His ears felt wonderful now – and so did a lot more of him.

A soft sound fell from his lips, and he wasn’t sure if it was because of what Daisuke did or because Daisuke stopped doing it.

“Ken? You okay there?”

He dragged his eyes open to see Daisuke staring into them. His lips curved into a dazed grin. “Oh. Yes. Wonderful.”

Daisuke’s expression matched his a breath later. “I think you’ve had a bit much.”

Ken wanted to protest but that would have involved making words with his mouth and he didn’t want to. Daisuke settled next to him, leaning his head on Ken’s shoulder and sliding one arm around his waist.

“Get some rest. We can have some fun later,” Daisuke told him. Ken tilted his head to look downward at him.

“Promise?” He managed that much of a word, at least. Maybe he’d be able to make more after he napped. Though perhaps words weren’t really what he wanted to make.

It isn’t. You want -

Ken slammed a mental door that he’d never even known was there on that voice. Then he focused his thoughts all on Daisuke. At least what thoughts he had. There weren’t many of them right now.

Daisuke didn’t seem to have noticed anything in the heartbeat that had taken. Instead, he smiled, and Ken thrilled to the feeling of Daisuke’s lips touching the curve of his ear.

“I promise.”

Ken didn’t doubt for a second that Daisuke would keep his word. He relaxed, his eyes closing, and breathed deeply. There would be danger ahead, but they were used to that. Like everything else, he would face it with Daisuke and all of his other friends by his side.

The End

Notes: Okay, that’s done! Though I am not ruling out the idea of a sequel that delves more into their powers developing and having to deal with their dark sides. That won’t be for a long time, though. Not until, at a minimum, I finish all my other WIPS.

[miguel-manbemel]

Aspects & Fanfics Ep. 19: The Pact - Part 1

New entry on the “Aspects & Fanfics” blog inspired on Sanders Sides by Thomas Sanders, Joan S. and the Foster Dawg team. When I conceived this story, I initially conceived it as a finale, because I feel that it has got progressively disconnected from the original source to a point that I feel that there are so many good stories I could make and I can’t to conform to my own created continuity... but as I was writing it, I couldn’t help adding snippets of storylines for future episodes. What can I say? I just love writing it, and I’ll keep on writing it until I run out of ideas.

This story is a two-parter, and here comes the first part. Part two will be released in a few days, as it is almost ready. As usual, if you wanna check any previous entries, you can find them right here. And I leave you now with the story. Until next time.

SYNOPSIS: Roman has been turned into a Dark Side and he misses Virgil. A mysterious sorcerer asks him to get some objects and a black cauldron from Remus’ room in the Dark Realm. With them, Roman could become a Light Side again, permanently.

WARNINGS: As usual, lots of Prinxiety. There are mild references to Deceit suffering physical mistreatment in the past.

EPISODE INDEX

[there’s a sign that reads “In the previous episode...”, and scenes from the previous episode are shown]

LOGAN: Roman… I’m so sorry, but… you were corrupting Virgil.

ROMAN: What? But that… that would mean that…

LOGAN: You have turned into a Dark Side.

VIRGIL: Wait, what? But that’s impossible! How could he suddenly become a Dark Side?

LOGAN: I don’t know if it’s for Roman’s union with Remus or for their abrupt separation, but the symptoms are clear. [...] …as for now, you must stay away from us, and I’m sorry.

VIRGIL: No, no way! You are nuts if you think I’m gonna leave my husband behind just like that!

ROMAN: Virgil, you have no choice. If what Logan said is true… you can’t stay close to me, or I would destroy you.

VIRGIL: But I can’t just leave you!

ROMAN: Don’t worry, my love. I’ll be okay. Besides, there’s no way this could be permanent or irreversible. If you changed from Dark to Light, then I can do it too. We’ll find a way to be reunited someday, you’ll see. [...] Goodbye, my love. Until we meet again. Because I assure you, even if I have to move heaven and earth to find a way, we’ll be together again, somehow.

VIRGIL: I know. Until we meet again, Roman, I love you…

[Virgil walks some steps. Then suddenly turns back, runs and gives a long kiss to Roman, then runs to the door in tears. Patton runs behind him]

ROMAN: [also in tears] I love you too, Virgil.

[intro sequence]

[Thomas, Logan, Patton, Virgil and Deceit are already in their places]

THOMAS: What is up, everybody? Here we are. It’s been five days, and we’re still thinking on something to help Roman. Logan, have you got anything yet?

LOGAN: I’m trying, Thomas, but I can’t come up with anything. The only thing that comes to my mind is too big of a risk, especially now that Roman is not in a good shape after what he had to go through.

THOMAS: You mean Roman inhibiting himself, right? No, we already tried that method twice, and both times the Side almost died. We can’t try that again.

DECEIT: Tell me about it. If I hadn’t been saved by the Dark Master on the last minute, because he needed me for his evil plot, I wouldn’t be here now. We have to find a way to get Roman out of his dark self and back into the light, as soon as possible.

PATTON: Yeah, Roman being a Dark Side is an awful idea. I mean, Roman is still Roman. We would love him the same whether he is a Light Side or a Dark Side. The problem is that it’s his relation with Virgil what is at risk. The prospect of living away from your one true love for the rest of your life must be devastating.

VIRGIL: Thanks for reminding me, dad.

PATTON: I’m sorry, son, I…

VIRGIL: It’s okay. That’s not gonna happen. I’m sure of that.

THOMAS: At least I’m glad that your hopes are high, Virgil.

VIRGIL: I have no choice, Thomas. Thinking negatively would only be harmful for Roman. I must stay positive, for him and for me. Isn’t it ironic? Only a few months ago, I was the embodiment of negativity, and now it’s me who must act positively. You never know what life has in store for you.

PATTON: You’ve grown so much, son, and I’m such a proud dad!

DECEIT: Keep up with that positivity, Virgil. You’ll see how, when you least expect it, Roman will be appearing in front of the TV as if nothing had happened. [sighs] I wish this was true right now…

[Roman suddenly rises up in his place]

ROMAN: What’s up, guys?

[everyone gets startled at Roman’s sudden appearance]

VIRGIL: Roman? What are you doing here? You shouldn’t…

ROMAN: Relax, Amado Emo, I’m fine now. Everything’s solved! I’m a Light Side again!

VIRGIL: Is… is that true? But how?

DECEIT: [closing his eyes and crossing his hands] I wish for a million dollars to fall on my hands right now! [nothing happens] Well, it was worth a shot…

LOGAN: How could this happen, Roman?

ROMAN: Well, it’s a little long to explain.

THOMAS: Go ahead. We have plenty of time right now.

ROMAN: I don’t have so much time, but I can spend a few minutes, I guess… Okay, then it’s flashback time. I’ll show you what happened.

[a flashback begins. Roman is in the royal castle, talking to his brother, the Prince Guy]

ROMAN: [sighs] These days back in this castle are bringing me so many memories, brother. Most of them so good.

PRINCE GUY: Me too. You know, Roman, you could stay here forever, and reclaim your throne. And we could be like the brothers we used to be, as if no time had passed.

ROMAN: I couldn’t. I mean, I’d be happy to rule this country, and living with you again as a family would be a blast, but…

PRINCE GUY: …you miss Virgil, right?

ROMAN: No matter how much happy you could make me, and how much love you could give me… my life would be empty without Virgil.

PRINCE GUY: It’s so beautiful how you two love each other so deeply…

ROMAN: He’s the one, you know? We complement each other, like two pieces of a puzzle that forms a perfect entity capable of doing anything. We could not fit in with anyone else, you know? We’re a perfect match just for each other. And it’s funny how it took us so long to realize. But when we did, everything was so obvious that the idea of not living our life together suddenly became nonsensical. We’re meant for each other and must be together or we won’t have access to happiness, you know? Gosh, I must sound so corny…

PRINCE GUY: No, Roman, you don’t. You are just a hopeless romantic. You can’t help it. It has always been a part of you. And that’s a virtue, not a flaw, because true love, the true unconditional love, could never be a flaw, could it?

ROMAN: Gosh, how I wish he was here right now. Do you know how hard it is for me to repress the impulse of running away from this castle, going back into the Mind Palace and jumping in his arms?

PRINCE GUY: I don’t need to tell you that you cannot do that, right? For Virgil’s safety.

ROMAN: Yes. I know. When I restored Sandersia, I used a lot of energy, and that energy is still emanating from me in great amounts. And as it is Dark Energy, it would destroy Virgil almost on sight, like it almost happened the last time. Not only him, all my friends would be endangered too.

PRINCE GUY: There’s one thing I don’t understand. You are a Dark Side now, right? Didn’t all the Dark Sides have physical animal motifs? Virgil was a panther, Deceit was a snake, and Ira was a bear. Shouldn’t you have developed some animal shape too?

ROMAN: [sighs] You mean something like this?

[Then, Roman shape-shifts. A half of his face looks now like a majestic red fox]

PRINCE GUY: [startled at the sudden change] Oh! Wow… When… when did that happen?

ROMAN: The morning after the incident, I woke up like this. I’ve been shape-shifting ever since, hiding this from sight.

PRINCE GUY: Why?

ROMAN: Isn’t it obvious? Look at me! I’m a monster!

PRINCE GUY: As Logan would say, falsehood! Did Virgil look like a monster to you when he was half a panther?

ROMAN: No… but he looked gorgeous in that shape. All of them, even Deceit with his scales, they all looked gorgeous in their feral forms, unlike me.

PRINCE GUY: You do look gorgeous too, Roman! And I don’t wanna hear you again saying you’re a monster, cause that’s not true. It’s the inside what makes us monsters or not, and you are still the same regal hero inside, the same wonderful prince I look up to and aspire to be like. Who cares how you look on the outside? Heck, hearing you say that, one would think you have never watched Beauty and the Beast. What kind of Disney fanboy are you, Roman? Dishonor on you, dishonor on your cow!

ROMAN: [mischievous smile] Hey, do not question my Disney knowledge, you brat! Or I’ll tickle you!

PRINCE GUY: [same mischievous smile] Not if I tickle you first!

[the two brothers start tickling each other in the middle of lots of laughter and giggling, until they end up hugging each other]

ROMAN: I love you, brother. These days would have been so hard if I didn’t have you here. Thank you for being there for me always.

PRINCE GUY: I love you too, and I’ll always be there for you, Roman. You know it. And don’t hide yourself again. Be proud of who you are and how you are, always. We’re gonna love you always, regardless of your appearance. Look on the bright side. Now at last, you can say you are… foxy.

ROMAN: What do you mean “at last”? I have always been foxy. Only that now I am literally.

PRINCE GUY: [giggles] Of course you are. Okay, now I gotta go. I’ve got an audience in five minutes. This principality is not gonna get ruled all on its own, you know?

ROMAN: Okay, bro.

PRINCE GUY: Wanna join me? You’re the royal prince, after all and maybe this could distract you and make you think about something else.

ROMAN: Nah, my head is too absent right now, I would be totally useless. I trust this is in you, as always.

PRINCE GUY: I’ll do my best, Roman, but will you be okay in the mean time?

ROMAN: Yes, don’t worry, I’ll go for a walk around the castle while you’re working. Some fresh air will do me good.

PRINCE GUY: Yes, it will… Okay, see ya in a couple of hours, if I’m still alive, of course.

ROMAN: [giggles] You dork… See ya.

[the Prince Guy heads his way to the throne room, while Roman gets out of the castle and starts walking. After some time, he finds himself in a forest, next to a little pond. He sits down in a white rock next to the pond and looks at the water. A red fish and a purple fish are swimming there twirling in circles, doing little jumps]

ROMAN: [talking to himself] Were these fishes always there, or did I create them unconsciously? [sighs] If only making you appear here was as easy as making these fishes appear here… I miss you so much, Virgil. I’d do anything to be back with you.

VOICE: [behind him] Anything?

ROMAN: [startled] What the…!?

[Roman looks at where the voice came from, and he sees an old man with a black cloak, his face is hidden behind the hood]

OLD MAN: I’m sorry I scared you, young man. It was far from my intention.

ROMAN: You didn’t scare me, you just surprised me, that’s all.

OLD MAN: Of course, young man.

ROMAN: May I ask who are you?

OLD MAN: Oh, just an inhabitant from this forest. I was going for a walk, just as I do every morning. It really is a beautiful day, isn’t it?

ROMAN: Yes, it is…

OLD MAN: But it’s raining… raining in your heart. Am I right?

ROMAN: Sort of…

OLD MAN: Perhaps I could do something to help you, you know?

ROMAN: Oh… No offense, I wish you were right, but… no one can help me on this one.

OLD MAN: Oh, I think I could help you, your majesty.

ROMAN: How do you…?

OLD MAN: The shields on your shoulders are quite revealing, your majesty.

ROMAN: Oh, you’re right. I forgot.

OLD MAN: And I really think I can help you, Prince Roman. You only need a little magic, and you could be rid of all the Dark Energy that floods your whole being. And you could be a Light Side again. Isn’t that what you want?

ROMAN: Okay, how do you know so much about my problem?

OLD MAN: Oh, your majesty, everyone in the principality knows what happened to you. Word has spread everywhere, you know?

ROMAN: Really? And how could you help me?

OLD MAN: Well, first I must say that doing the change is easy, but keeping the change permanently is a taller order.

ROMAN: How?

OLD MAN: I could make a little spell that would turn you into a Light Side, but only for six hours. That’s all I can do with the ingredients I can fetch in Sandersia.

ROMAN: Six hours only? They would fly as if they were six seconds. That doesn’t solve anything.

OLD MAN: However, you can help me and yourself if you do me a little favor.

ROMAN: A favor? What favor?

OLD MAN: As one of the renowned Sanders Sides, not only you can get out of Sandersia, you can also get out of the Mind Palace and manifest in the outer world.

ROMAN: Yeah, so?

OLD MAN: If you bring me a few certain items from the Mind Palace and the real world, I could cast a stronger spell, so that you’d be a Light Side permanently.

ROMAN: That sounds way better. What kind of items?

OLD MAN: I’m going to need a piece of garment from your host. His name is Thomas, right?

ROMAN: A piece of garment from Thomas? What kind?

OLD MAN: Oh, anything would work, as long as it’s made of fabric. For instance, an ordinary shirt would do the trick, but don’t bring me some stinky leather shoes cause that wouldn’t work. Understand?

ROMAN: Okay, a shirt. What else?

OLD MAN: The rest of the items, you’ll find them in the Mind Palace. From the Light Realm, I’ll need similar pieces of garments from all the rest of the Sanders Sides. The same kind of the host’s garment. If you choose a shirt, bring shirts from all the others.

ROMAN: Shirts? What do you plan to do with them, opening a yard sale in the forest?

OLD MAN: Please, your majesty, listen carefully, cause this one is the most important. Next, you must enter the Dark Realm.

ROMAN: The Dark Realm? But the Dark Realm is empty now. There are no more Dark Sides. Other than me, that is.

OLD MAN: I’m afraid you’re wrong. There is another Dark Side. One that became Dark because he was repressed… by you.

ROMAN: You mean that… my brother Remus is a Dark Side?

OLD MAN: That’s right.

ROMAN: So that’s why he appears and disappears like that, with those dramatic jumps… so that we don’t see him popping up when he appears… even though he gave himself away when he appeared to tempt me into fuse with him. Why didn’t I realize then? Oh, well, I was so unnerved by his appearance I couldn’t notice anything, could I?

OLD MAN: Are you finished talking to yourself? Cause I haven’t finished speaking, you know?

ROMAN: Oh, sorry. Go ahead, please.

OLD MAN: As I was saying, Remus is a Dark Side, and like any other Dark Side, he has a room in the Dark Realm.

ROMAN: I never saw it, and none of the former Dark Sides mentioned their existence.

OLD MAN: However, it is there, and you must go there. Cause there’s an important thing you must retrieve, the most important of all the ingredients. A black cauldron.

ROMAN: A black cauldron? Why would Remus have a cauldron in his room?

OLD MAN: That’s not important, but you must retrieve that cauldron. With that, and your friends garments, I can cast the spell that would turn you into a Light Side permanently. That is what you want, right?

ROMAN: Okay, now the fine print. What is the catch?

OLD MAN: Catch?

ROMAN: I’m sure you’re not doing this for altruism or because you would be a monarchical person. I’ve seen enough Disney movies to know that a black cloaked individual appearing out of nowhere in the middle of the forest is usually not trustworthy. What do you get from this?

OLD MAN: Okay, you got me there. I do get something from it. If you bring me all these items from the Mind Palace and the real world, I could cast a spell on myself that would let me be free to get in and out of Sandersia as easily as you do.

ROMAN: Why would you want to do that?

OLD MAN: Because I want to see the world. The real world outside of this bubble made up of figments from Thomas’ imagination. I truly wanna be part of that world.

ROMAN: Okay, am I suddenly a real gay Disney prince, or something? Because it’s too many references to Disney movies up to this point.

OLD MAN: Just bring me these items, Roman. If you do, you’ll get your dream come true, and I’ll also get my dream come true. Have we got a deal?

ROMAN: I don’t know…

OLD MAN: Think of Virgil. Think of how happy he will be to see you again. Think of all the years of happiness ahead of you two together.

ROMAN: Okay. I will do as you want. But there’s one condition.

OLD MAN: One condition? What is it?

ROMAN: I’m gonna trust in you, but I need you to solemnly swear that you won’t try to do anything harmful against my friends or anyone in Sandersia.

OLD MAN: Your majesty, that’s offensive, you know I would never…

ROMAN: I know nothing, and that’s the point. You come out of nowhere and expect me to trust you unconditionally? I’m not jumping blindly into this without some security guarantees. You mentioned earlier “part of that world”. Let’s use that as an inspiration. I’m the creator of Sandersia and therefore I have power in here, so… [Roman invokes a shining scroll and gives it to the old man] There. I want you to write all the stipulations in our pact in this scroll. It is magic. Once it is signed by both of us, none of us will be able to break these stipulations, and if one of us does, everything will automatically turn as it was before signing the contract, that is, you’ll lose all these objects and any magic benefit obtained from them, and I’ll turn back into a Dark Side. Is that okay with you?

OLD MAN: Okay… I know what you’re talking about. As you’ve noticed, I’ve also watched The Little Mermaid. All right Ariel, I mean Roman.

ROMAN: Yes, Ursula? I mean, um…

OLD MAN: Madilim. My name is Madilim na Haku.

ROMAN: Wow… that’s a weird name.

MADILIM: It’s of islander origin. As I was saying…

[Madilim makes a gesture with his hand and text appears magically on the scroll]

MADILIM: Here’s the contract you asked for. You can read all the stipulations and sign if you agree. I have signed it already.

[Roman picks up the scroll and reads it]

ROMAN: Okay, it reads that you will turn me into a Light Side and I have six hours to get one piece of garment from Thomas and each of the Light Sides, as well as the black cauldron from Remus’ room. If I bring them to you before the sixth hour is over, you’ll turn me into a Light Side permanently. In exchange, you will keep all the garments and cauldron to cast a spell onto yourself to be free to travel out of Sandersia and out into the real world, and you take the compromise of, and I quote verbatim, “not actively doing any harm of any kind to Thomas or any of my friends or their relatives. Should any of us break this pact, each and any spells cast onto any of us related to this contract would be immediately broken and everything would turn as it was before. For all eternity, signed...”

MADILIM: Is it everything to your liking now?

ROMAN: Yes, I think so. I don’t see any tricks or shortcuts anywhere.

MADILIM: You have such a keen eye, your majesty. Then here, you can sign with this pen.

[Madilim gives Roman a pen, and Roman, after quickly re-reading all of the contract, signs it. Then the contract magically multiplies by two. One copy stays in Roman’s hand, the other flies to Madilim’s hands. He saves it under his cloak]

MADILIM: You can keep the pen. Very well. Let’s get to work, then. Stand up and stay still.

[Roman stands up while Madilim stands in front of him. Madilim rises his hands and a dark mist comes from them, then he points at Roman with both hands and the mist flies to Roman, who starts floating]

ROMAN: Whoa…

[While he’s floating, the dark mist slowly turns into a bright white aura, and Roman’s face starts transforming until it’s full human. Then he softly lands and the aura disappears]

MADILIM: All right, your majesty. It’s done.

ROMAN: Is it?

[Roman looks at his reflection in the pond and checks his face is now full human]

ROMAN: [happy] It really is! Thank you so much, Madilim! How can I repay you?

[Madilim has disappeared, but Roman hears his voice]

MADILIM: You already know, Prince Roman. Now it’s your time to do your part of the pact. Bring me the items I asked from you. Your six hours have started counting. I’ll be waiting for you here.

ROMAN: I will, I certainly will. See ya in six hours!

[the flashback ends]

ROMAN: And so, I came back here.

LOGAN: This is all too weird, don’t you think?

DECEIT: Yeah, who is this mysterious Madilim, and how does he have power over Light and Dark? Do you really trust him, Roman?

ROMAN: I mean, he kept his word. I’m a Light Side now, and if I give him one garment from each one of you, the spell will be permanent. It’s signed. [pulls out the contract] You can see it here.

[Logan picks up the scroll and starts reading it]

VIRGIL: I am more than ready to give you my finest shirt, if it helps to bring you back for good. But I don’t trust him. Will he keep his promise?

ROMAN: [while Logan gives Roman the scroll back] Guys, I can’t believe you’re asking me this. We signed a magic contract!

THOMAS: We just want you to be careful, that’s all. Besides, being able to explore the human world at will, it’s a dangerous power. Are you sure he’s not going to use it against us?

ROMAN: Again, we signed a contract. I read it carefully. “not actively doing any harm of any kind to Thomas or any of my friends or their relatives”, that’s what we signed. Please, guys, don’t hesitate now. With all the time I’ve lost to tell you the story, I only have three hours left.

THOMAS: Okay, okay. If you’re so sure, okay. So, you need one of my shirts, let me see… Hold on a second, okay? I’ll go check my wardrobe upstairs.

[Thomas goes upstairs, while Virgil goes next to Roman]

VIRGIL: With the surprise, and then you telling the story, I had forgotten to do this.

[Virgil kisses and hugs Roman]

VIRGIL: I have missed you so much. You don’t get an idea.

ROMAN: Yes, I do, because I’ve missed you even more. I thought I would never have you in my arms like this again. I don’t even want to let go…

VIRGIL: If that Madilim keeps his word, we hopefully won’t be separated again.

[Thomas goes down the stairs. He’s carrying an old shirt]

THOMAS: Here, Roman. Will this do?

ROMAN: Yes. It is perfect. Thank you, Thomas.

[the other Sides invoke some shirts too and give them to Roman. He invokes a bag and puts them all in]

ROMAN: These are all great, thanks guys. Now all that remains is getting that cauldron.

VIRGIL: Okay, but I’m going with you. I know the Dark Realm.

ROMAN: Yet, you didn’t know of that room of Remus’, did you?

VIRGIL: Well, I left the Dark Realm before you split from Remus, so I never had the chance to see that room.

DECEIT: I stayed in the Dark Realm longer, and I never saw it with my eyes neither knew of its existence. Are you sure that wizard of yours has his facts straight?

ROMAN: I think so. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have asked for it. He has a lot to gain from our pact too. We’ll have to look for that room, then.

THOMAS: We’re all going with you, though. We’re doing this together from this point on. You have been away from us for too much time now, Roman. We also want to spend some quality time with you too. And twelve eyes see better than two or four, don’t you think?

ROMAN: Thank you, Thomas. I have missed all of you too, for the record.

[a green sprite appears in the living room, and starts flying around Roman]

ROMAN: Oh, Ira? Is that you? What is it? I can conjure a temporary body for you, but since you’re out of Sandersia, it will last only for a few moments, so speak quickly.

[Roman points at the sprite and it transforms into Ira]

IRA: So, here you are! Your brother and I were so worried about you! You just disappeared from Sandersia!

ROMAN: Oh, I’m sorry, I forgot to warn my brother, but time was short and I… [suddenly thinking, as if he got a sudden idea] Say… Ira, you were a Dark Side before. Have you ever heard of Remus’ room in the Dark Realm? We need to find it soon.

IRA: No… I didn’t even know that Remus was a Dark Side… Wait… weren’t sprites allergic to Dark Sides? How could I bite Remus and remain intact if he was a Dark Side?

ROMAN: Yes, sprites usually are allergic to Dark Sides, but Remus is not an ordinary Side, anyway. He’s part of me and it’s me who repressed him, not Thomas, so perhaps he’s different to the other Dark Sides, somehow. Anyway… so you don’t know anything about Remus’ room? Dang it. How are we gonna find it?

IRA: I had never heard about that room, but if it exists, I could help you find it.

ROMAN: Really? How?

IRA: I’m a green sprite. I’m designed to detect traces of green energy anywhere, so that I can find a green Side, like Remus, and bite him. Hunting resources if you will. That’s how I found the island the first time I came there. The room must contain remnants of green energy if it belongs to Remus. Following those remnants, I could lead you there.

ROMAN: Really? Oh, Ira, you’re a life saver! If you help me find that room I could become a Light Side permanently.

IRA: Really? But… you’ve turned back into a Light Side? But… how? I don’t understand…

ROMAN: There’s no time to explain it all again, Ira. Just take us to that room, and I will tell you when everything’s over, okay?

IRA: Okay. But you must also tell your brother. He’s really worried about you.

ROMAN: I’ll take care of that pronto. [rises his finger for a second then lowers it down] Done.

IRA: Done… what?

ROMAN: I created an emissary on Sandersia who will bring my brother up to date on what’s going on.

THOMAS: You can create characters even outside of Sandersia?

ROMAN: Of course I can, Thomas. Most of my characters, I have created them while I was out of Sandersia. Now, are you ready, Ira?

IRA: Yes, I…

[suddenly, Ira’s body disappears and he’s again a green sprite]

ROMAN: Oh, sorry, Ira, your time is up. Lead the way, okay?

[Ira emits a sound of jingle bells]

ROMAN: I’ll take that as a yes. Let’s go.

[all of the Sides and Thomas sink down. Then they appear in the Dark Realm. There’s nothing on sight, everything’s pitch black except Thomas and the Sides]

THOMAS: It’s all so quiet in here, now that this place is unoccupied.

DECEIT: Yeah. It’s depressing in a way. I wasn’t happy here, by any means, but still… this used to be my home. I know it’s contradictory but… it hurts me now seeing it so… dead.

THOMAS: Nah, I understand you. When it was the only thing you knew for so many years, you clung to it, even if it wasn’t the safest space for you.

LOGAN: And when we indulge on the memories of the past, sometimes we put a mental filter in the bad parts and magnify the good parts, so that’s why you may be feeling like that, Deceit.

DECEIT: Maybe… However, the bad moments that I lived here… I don’t think I’ll ever be able to remove them from my mind, not completely.

[Ira emits some jingle bells sounds]

ROMAN: I think he’s telling us to follow him. Maybe he’s got a trace.

[The gang start following Ira through the Dark Realm. After a while, they reach a weird wall made of perfect square gray ashlars. Ira tries to go through the wall, but bounces on it and can’t cross it]

ROMAN: What is this wall doing here, in the middle of nowhere?

DECEIT: I think I never wandered to this part of the Dark Realm. This is on an area that was strictly forbidden to us by the Dark Master. And he knew how to make us obey, you know?

ROMAN: Wait a second… these ashlars… they look familiar… they’re just like the ashlars from my Dream Factory! Remember?

THOMAS: Yes, I do remember. Didn’t you say that those ashlars were made from the material that separated my notion of fantasy from my notion of reality?

ROMAN: Exactly. For one reason or another, Remus’ room is completely isolated from the rest of the Dark Realm.

THOMAS: How are we going to get in? I don’t see any doors in this wall.

ROMAN: Do not fear, your creativity is here. I can make us all go through these walls as if they were made of air. Are you ready? [not letting them answer] Let’s go!

[Thomas and the Sides suddenly cross through the wall at great speed, and appear on the other Side. There, they see Remus’ room. It is almost the same as Roman’s room, except that it is covered with dust and it lacks the forest of thorns, and instead of a throne, there is a torture chair]

VIRGIL: Wow… I’m not sitting there, not even if you payed me double, Thomas… which would still be zero, by the way.

ROMAN: Where may that cauldron be? Oh, well, the first place we should be looking in would logically be the kitchen, but Remus has never made any sense, so…

[Roman starts searching in the kitchen. Meanwhile, Patton approaches the front door]

PATTON: What may be there, behind this door?

LOGAN: Probably just the Dark Realm, Patton.

PATTON: Yeah, but the wall outside did not have any doors, Logan. So how could this door be here? Now I’m too curious, I have to check out.

[Patton opens the door and sneaks outside]

PATTON: [yelling] Guys! Look at this!

[all the Sides, except Roman who keeps searching the kitchen, go to the front door]

THOMAS: Oh, wow…

VIRGIL: Isn’t this…?

DECEIT: … Remus’ throne room in the castle from the island?

ROMAN: [leaving everything and going to the door] What? Oh, wow… so Remus’ room is also connected to Sandersia… Well, I should have seen that coming. He’s creativity too, of course his room had to be connected to Sandersia too. Guys, I need to you to help me find that cauldron. My time is running out. I don’t wanna be a Dark Side again.

THOMAS: You’re right, Roman, we’ll help you.

[everyone starts searching the whole room. It’s Virgil who has luck, when he looks behind the torture chair]

VIRGIL: Roman, look! I think I found it!

ROMAN: Really?

[Roman goes to check out. Virgil pulls out a little black cauldron from behind the chair]

ROMAN: Wow… I thought it would be bigger, but it is a black cauldron, so I think this is it. [giggles out of excitement and joy] Virgil, you’re so great! I could kiss you! What the heck, I’m gonna kiss you right now!

[Roman gives a quick kiss to Virgil, then starts bopping with joy, while Virgil smiles, rejoicing in Roman’s happiness.]

VIRGIL: Okay, Roman. How much time do you have left?

ROMAN: Oh, we’ve got plenty of time. We’ve got one hour left.

VIRGIL: You call that plenty of time? We still have to get back to that forest before time is over! Come on.

ROMAN: You’re right. Let’s go through Remus’ door. I’ll invoke a ship to take us there.

[The gang goes through Remus’ door into the castle. As soon as Ira crosses the door, he regains his Sandersian body. Then, they go to the island shore. Roman invokes a ship and they use it to sail to the shore]

IRA: I’ll go talk to the Prince Guy. I won’t be at ease until I talk to him face to face about what’s happened. You go ahead, okay?

ROMAN: Okay, Ira. Thank you so much for your help. We wouldn’t have made it without you.

IRA: You’re welcome. Be careful, though.

[Roman and the others go to the forest. Soon they get to the pond where Roman found Madilim]

THOMAS: Nobody’s here. What time is it?

ROMAN: Ten minutes left. I hope it’s not him who arrives late now, after all we’ve been through.

[Madilim appears]

ROMAN: Oh, there you are Madilim.

MADILIM: Greetings, Roman. And good evening to the rest.

THOMAS: Good evening, sir.

MADILIM: So… did you bring what I asked for?

ROMAN: Yes, everything’s here.

[Roman gives Madilim the bag]

MADILIM: [examining the bag’s content with joy] Yes… this will do. Well done, your majesty!

ROMAN: Okay, I did my part of the pact. Now it’s your turn.

MADILIM: Certainly. Just let me prepare the ingredients for the spell…

[Madilim puts the garments inside the cauldron and starts reciting a spell in a strange language with a sing-song voice]

PATTON: Am I the only one who’s finding this kinda creepy?

LOGAN: No, you’re not. Something’s not right here…

[after a while, a light comes out of the cauldron, a light that changes color in a pattern of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and purple. Then, a beam comes out of the cauldron and impacts on Madilim, who starts laughing with an evil voice]

MADILIM: Yes! At last! I’m free!

ROMAN: … free?

THOMAS: I don’t feel so good…

PATTON: Thomas? Are you okay?

THOMAS: No… I’m feeling suddenly weak… as if I suddenly had got the flu…

ROMAN: What’s going on? What have you done to him?

MADILIM: I did nothing, Roman. But I must thank you again. Your everlasting gullibility has been quite useful again!

ROMAN: My… what? Who are you?

MADILIM: I told you from the very beginning. I’m Madilim na Haku, a name of islander origin. With islander, I meant from Philippines and Hawaii. Too bad that you don’t know a word of their languages. Too bad for you that is, that helped me retain that mask in front of you, as I just told you my real name in these two languages. Let’s take the mask off, by the way, this cloak is too hot for this time of the year…

[Madilim shape-shifts into his real form. Roman gasps in a mix of horror and anger]

ROMAN: The Dark Master! Again? You’re so stubborn, aren’t you?

DARK MASTER: Yes, I’m stubborn, but my stubbornness is giving fruit at last. Now I’m free and there’s nothing you can do about it!

ROMAN: However, we had a pact, signed in a magic scroll. You are forced to oblige! What have you done to Thomas? The pact said you couldn’t harm him

DARK MASTER: Read the stipulation again. It said “actively harm him”. Emphasis on the “actively”. And I haven’t touched him at all.

ROMAN: You trickster! You son of a b…!

DARK MASTER: Language, Roman! Don’t forget your upbringing! But you are right on one thing. I must oblige with my part of the pact. So…

[The Dark Master points at Roman and a white beam comes out of his finger. It impacts on Roman’s chest who groans in pain]

VIRGIL: [scared] Roman!

DARK MASTER: Relax, ex-catboy. I’m just doing what I promised to do.

[the beam disappears]

VIRGIL: Roman, are you okay?

ROMAN: I… I think so. What have you done to me?

DARK MASTER: Just what I promised. You are now a Light Side permanently. My part of the pact is done. It’s not gonna be of use to you, anyway…

ROMAN: What? What do you mean?

DARK MASTER: Be careful with what you wish for. Your wish was to get rid of me. And now you will. I’m leaving this Mind Palace to live in the real world. Too bad that a host without one of his two Masters… cannot survive.

ROMAN: [distressed] Oh, no! Thomas!

DARK MASTER: By the way, the ingredients and cauldron were just to set me free. I am a Master. Turning Dark into Light is child’s play for me. I could have turned you into a Light Side permanently all the time. So long, guys! I’m gonna enjoy my freedom!

[The Dark Master flies away, carrying the bag with the cauldron with him]

ROMAN: Wait! Come back!

[Thomas suddenly loses balance and has to be grabbed by Logan and Patton]

THOMAS: I’m… I’m feeling so cold…

PATTON: [putting his hand on Thomas’ forefront] My God, you’re burning! You have high fever!

ROMAN: [approaching Thomas] I’m sorry, Thomas. This is my fault.

THOMAS: [weak voice] It’s… okay… But, guys, please… take me home…

[Thomas faints]

ROMAN: [horrified] Thomas? Thomas!? Oh, no, what have I done!? Thomas!!

[a sign reads “To be continued, guys, gals and non binary pals”]

[kiddoryder]

420

Hey guys! Just wanna say thanks for liking my Hazbin Hotel fanfics! Really appreciate it!

 Anyway this one will be about Charlie and the others discovering a mysterious murderer with an important task.

 So relax and enjoy the story!

 P.S. I got inspired by the Steven Universe “Change your Mind” so there will be references.

 It was just another day in Hell. Charlie was in the kitchen with a clipboard and list in her hands. She was going over the food and spices and writing stuff down. Then Vaggie came in saying:

 Vaggie - “What are you doing Charlie?”

 Charlie - “Oh I’m just going over the food supply. I think it’s getting low.”

 Vaggie - “Let me see *take the list* yeah it has been going down lately. But it is a hotel I mean food will be going down fast.”

 Charlie - “Yeah that why we need to go do a little food shopping.”

 Vaggie - “I’m not sure if that’s a good idea to go out just yet.”

 Charlie - “What do you mean Vaggie?”

 Vaggie - “Haven’t you heard? There’s been murder spree that been going around lately.”

 Charlie - “But that doesn’t make sense. I mean demons get stab and crush all the time and they end up okay.”

 Vaggie - “I don’t know I mean I feel like we been seeing lesser demons lately.”

 “Aw come on!”

 Confused, they went to the lobby and saw Charlie’s youngest cousin Sonya being hung on the coat rack by her hood. Angel was sitting on a chair eating some weed filled cookies smirking at her.

 Charlie - “What’s going on here?”

 Angel - “Oh hey there Princess. I was just teaching your little cousin a lesson on sharing.”

 Sonya - “By stealing my snacks. Again!”

 Angel - “Hey ever heard the expression sharing is caring Kid?

 Sonya - “How is hanging me on the coat rack and stealing my cooking sharing and caring?”

 Angel - “Simple: I’m just wanted snacks! *laughs*”

 Charlie, Vaggie, and Sonya rolled their eyes in annoyance. Charlie went to Sonya and helped her get down and Vaggie smacked Angel in the back of the head.

 Angel - “Ow!! What?!” *rubbed his head*

 Vaggie - “For stealing snacks from a kid.”

 Sonya - “Now I gotta buy more.”

 Charlie - “Well luckily for you guys we are going to go food shopping.”

 Sonya - “Good cause I need to keep my snacks safe from the Slutty Snack Bandit.”

 Angel - “Hey that’s a new one!”

 ()()()()()()()()

 As they were walking to the supermarket, Charlie have noticed some blood stains on the floor. However, she ignored it thinking it was just demons fighting in turf wars again. But what she hasn’t noticed is something that was secretly following them to the supermarket. At Devil’s Market, they began to shop for food.

 Angel - “Ya want me to get the sugar?”

 Vaggie - “No way! The last we trust you to buy sugar, you ended up buying a bag of Cocaine and putting it in the sugar bowl.”

 Angel - “Hey is it bad that I wanted to add a little spice to the food.”

 Sonya - *rolled her eyes* “You’re gonna stay in Hell forever aren’t ya?”

 Angel - “Ya know it kid!”

 Then the lights began to flutter in the supermarket.

 Charlie - “Huh that’s strange the lights usually work here.”

 Vaggie - “They probably need more light works.”

 Angel - “Hey Princess, after this can we go to the mall after this?”

 Charlie - “What for?”

 Angel - “I wanna shop for new clothes. I mean I do keep up with my sexy appearance unlike some gals I know *eyes at Vaggie*

 Vaggie - *annoyed* “Oh yeah!?”

 Vaggie lifted up her foot and stomped on Angel’s foot very hard. This mad Angel jump and held his foot in pain.

 Angel - *in pain* “OW! That hurt you bitch!”

 Vaggie - “Good it’s supposed to hurt you slut!”

 Charlie - “Okay Guys it’s not the best time to be fighting in public. *to Sonya* sweetie do you mind getting some snacks?”

 Sonya - “No problem Cousin Charlie.”

 Angel - “And make sure you by some popsicles! We are running dangerously low.”

 Sonya - “Cause you keep eating them all.”

 Angel - “Well they are my favorite snacks after all.”

 Sonya rolled her eyes and went to the junk food aisle.

 ()()()()()()()()()

  At the junk food aisle, Sonya was collecting chips, cookies, and snack cakes. When she went to the freezer, the lights in the market  began to flicker again. When the lights turn back on, Sonya saw something horrible and let out a scream. The scream was loud enough for Charlie and the others to hear. Worried about her baby cousin, Charlie and the others ran to the junk food sails too see Sonya having a horrified look on her face. Even Liz in her shadow form looked horrified.

 Charlie - *concerned* “Sonya! What’s wrong?”

 Sonya fearfully pointed to the left and other eyes widen in shocked: a dead demon. Charlie went to the dead demon’s body to feel a pulse. Charlie gasps in shock.

 Charlie - *shocked and fearfully* “H-he dead!”

 Angel - “What?! Like dead for good dead?”

 Charlie - “Yes!!”

 Vaggie - *gasps* “T-That’s impossible!”

 Then they heard more screaming and saw demons running away in fear. The lights were flickering and saw blood splattering.

 Angel - “Okay What the fuck is going on?!”

 Charlie - “I don’t know but we are going to find out. Sonya stay here.”

 Sonya - “Wait I can't help you guys?”

 Vaggie - “No way! This is WAY too dangerous. Your cousin told you stay here and that’s what you are doing.”

 ()()()()()()()()

 Charlie, Vaggie and Angel went to the other isle after the lights was flickered back on the lights was still dimmed and they saw lots of blood and dead demons on the ground.

Charlie - *horrified* “Oh my god…”

 Vaggie - “Okay all we know that this isn’t just some regular murder spree.”

 Angel - “Yeah this is even freaking me out! Come on nobody told us there’s was gonna be a purge?”

 Charlie - *scared* “N-No! There wasn’t supposed to be one! The last extermination happened a month ago!”

“It’s because I sense justice.” Confused and saw an exterminator Angel looking at them with a sick smile on its face. The others were surprised to see an exterminator in Hell when it’s not the day of the purge.

 Exterminator - “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Exterminator 420.”

 Angel - *began to laugh* “You gotta be kidding me!”

 Vaggie - “Stop it! It’s not funny!”

 Angel - “It's fucking hilarious! His name's 420! He’s names after a high drug!”

 Angel kept on laughing until an Angelic knife was thrown and stabbed him in his arm and pinning him again the wall.

 Charlie and Vaggie - “ANGEL!”

 420 - “It’s rude to laugh at a name you know.”

 Angel - *in pain* “It's rude to throw knives at people you know!”

 Angel tried to remove the knife but was too much in pain. Angelic weapons are known to either kill or badly hurt demons.

 Charlie - *to 420* “Why are you here?! The last extermination is over.”

 420 - “The extermination may be over, but there are still many demons that need to be terminated.”

 Vaggie - “What for? There’s already a hotel that help reform sinners and send them to heaven!”

420 - “But that’s another reason why I’m here: I’m simply helping the princess by killing the unredeemable ones.”

 Charlie - *shocked* “That is far from helping! The idea of the hotel is to prevent demons getting killed.”

 420 - “But there are those who aren’t redeemable. Like your friend on the wall there.”

 Charlie - “No he's not! He's just a hard case. I know he can be sent to Heaven.”

 420 - “Another word for unredeemable. Disposing him and the others will make the hotel easier for you to handle.”

 Charlie - “No it won't! You're missing the whole point of this! We don’t need the extermination anymore now the hotel will help.”

 420 - “No matter. I’m doing my job and I advise you to stay out of the way.”

 Charlie - “Well I won't! What you're doing is wrong and as the Princess of Hell, I won't allow it!”

 420 - “I like to see you try to stop me.”

 Charlie - “I'm giving you one final chance. We can settle this peacefully. If you don’t, then you will suffer the consequences.”

 420 - “I'm afraid that my method is the only way Princess.”

 Charlie - “Alright then you give us no choice!”

 Charlie summoned her claws and Vaggie took out her knives. Charlie jumped and did managed to scratch 420 on the arm. Then she uses her fire powers and managed to burn some part of his wing. Then Vaggie was throwing her knife at him too but he dodges some of them. Even though he was pinned to the wall, Angel took out his gun and tried to shoot at 420. However, 420 just used his powers to pinned Charlie and Vaggie to the wall along with Angel and his arms was restrained by 420 powers. Charlie was about to use her powers again but 420 grabbed her cheeks and did a smirk.

 420 - “Pity. The Princess is Lucifer’s daughter, yet she can’t fight an Angel.”

 Charlie - *struggling* “I’m normally not much o-of a f-fighting type!”

 Vaggie - *angry* “You let her go now!!”

 420 - “You're no match for me! And for trying to stop me I'm going to destroy all of you!”

 Angel - “You can’t do that! Charlie is the princess! I’m too sexy to die, and Vaggie Maybe an annoying bitch, but even she doesn’t deserve that.”

 420 - “I'm fully aware of that. And she will be spared. Which is more than I can say for the rest of you…”

 Before 420 can do anything, they heard a:

 “Flamera Baniola!”

 Some fireballs began to rain down and 420 quickly dodge them. He turned around and saw Sonya with her spell book in her hands.

 Angel - “Nice shot kid!”

 Vaggie - “Sonya What are you doing here?”

 Charlie - “Yeah you shouldn’t be here!”

 Sonya - “Hey when it comes to my friends and cousin being in danger, I’ll be here no matter what!”

 420 - *annoyed* “What is the meaning of this?!”

 Sonya - “You better leave my friends and cousin alone!”

 420 - “Oh. What’s a little girl like you going to do?”

 Sonya - “This! *reads a spell* knifia stabia!”

 Knifes was summoned, and 420 dodged some but some only gave him little scrapes. Then he noticed Liz in shadow form coming out giving him a menace look.

 420 - *disgusted* “What is that monstrosity?”

 Sonya - *mad* That’s Liz! I’m a Gemini. It’s a rare zodiac in Hell.”

 420 - “There is no such thing as a Gemini.”

 Sonya - “Yes There is!”

420 - “Don’t you realize it’s just a load of crap? Gemini isn’t real. Have you ever seen one in Hell?”

Sonya - “No...But they are just rare to find!”

 420 - “My dear child this just a mental illness you have. That thing you call Liz is just basically you but with a different look.”

 Sonya was now looking lost and confused. She dropped her book, fell on her knees, and held her head. Could what 420 is saying is true? Some people keep saying Gemini don’t exist and she have a mental illness. Was Liz being just a lie? Liz was looked shock and in front of Sonya.

 Liz - *in shadow form* “Come on do you really believe that?”

 Sonya - *confused and scared* ��I-I…”

Charlie - “Don’t listen to him Sonya! He’s just messing with her head.”

420 - *chuckled* “Aw how noble of you Princess. Putting lies in her little head just so you can make her feel better and not tell her the truth.”

 Charlie - “They are not lies!”

 Vaggie - “You don’t know how zodiac signs work in Hell you son of a bitch!”

 Angel - “Come on Kid, don’t be stupid. You know Liz is real!”

420 - “Enough! I can see this is nothing more than a sick child who need help of getting better. He used his powers to lift up Sonya. Sonya was now floating in the air by 420’s power and she was looking scared. 420 flew toward her and had a smile on his face.

 Charlie - “No! Leave her alone!”

420 then summoned his hands and turned them into claws. Then he claws began to glow a golden angelic glow. Sonya - *scared* “W-What are you doing?”

 420 - “Why simply curing you of course. I can see that you are a good demon born in Hell, yet you have this illness taking over your mind and body. Luckily for you, I can fix it.”

 He uses his claws and it went inside Sonya’s chest. All Sonya can do is closed her eyes and prepare for what’s going to happen.

 Charlie - *with tears in her eyes and horrified* -“NOOOO!!!”

420 had a little struggled,  but he used all of his powers pulled out Liz from Sonya’s body! And he dropped Sonya to the ground.

 ()()()()()()()

 At first, Sonya just heard ringing and muffled sounds.

“Sonya...wake up!”

 “Come on Kid wake up! Open your damn eyes!”

 *sobbing* Sonya look at me! Please!

 Then Sonya opened her eyes to see Charlie, Vaggie and Angel looking at her with concerned and worried looks on their face. They managed to be free from 420’s grasps thanks to Charlie’s power that gotten even stronger when she was seeing her baby cousin in peril. Angel’s arms were bleeding from his wound but didn’t care since he was worried about Sonya. Charlie was holding Sonya in her arms to help her sit up. But then all of a sudden, Sonya began to breath heavy and her vision was blurry. Sonya felt sick, weak, even looking deathly ill.

 Charlie - “Sonya! Sonya what’s wrong?!”

 Sonya was panting and weakly moves her sweater to reveal two golden slashes on her chest. This made the others look shocked and horrified.

 Sonya - *weakly* “N-No! Where’s...Where’s?”

 Then they heard a struggled grunting noise and saw 420 struggling to hold some kind of blue blob that was shaking and causing pain to 420’s hands. Then the blue blob began to morph into Liz but still had her red eyes. Liz had an angry look on her face and slashed 420 on the cheek that release her, and he was knocked to the ground. Liz landed on her feet and turn her head to see the others. Liz has the golden glow lashed on her chest like Sonya did. Sonya tried to stand up to walk to Liz but fell on the ground after taking her first step.

 Charlie - “Sonya!”

 Sonya - *weakly and panting* “L-Liz! I...I...need...I need her!”

 420 - “W-What is this?! Who are you?”

Liz - *quietly* I’m Liz 420 - “What did you just say? Answer me!”

  Liz - I’m *loudly* LIZ!!! She said it so loud it causes some lights to blow up, the place to shake, and threw back 420 into the fruit isle. Liz turned around and saw the others who was in shocked and covering their ears from Liz’s loud holler. Then she glitched, held her head and chest in pain a little. Then she began to walk over to the others, but it was slow, due to her limping. Sonya tried to crawl to Liz but was too weak.

 Sonya - *weakly gasping* “Liz…”

 Charlie - “Wait Sonya, *picked her up* I'm gonna help you! Just hold on.”

 Charlie began to walk toward Liz with Sonya in her arms. 420 stood up and wiped the mashed fruits off of him. He saw Liz walking toward Charlie with Sonya in her arms.

420 - “Don’t you dare take a step!”

Liz kept ignoring him and it made 420 angry. 420 - “That’s Enough!”

He threw an angelic knife at Liz, but she quickly catches it and broke it by crushing it with her hands. The others started in shock because no demon ever broke an angelic weapon. Even 420 was shocked himself but quickly got over it.

 420 - “Stop I said!”

 420 began to throw more knives at Liz. An annoyed and angry Liz broke the knives and even broke one over her knees. She looked really angry and held her head in pain. But she kept on walking toward Charlie and Sonya who would stop walking due to 420 interfering. Vaggie and Angel was too much in shock to do anything.

 420 - *growling* “This is unacceptable! You’re not real!”

 Liz - *furious* “Yes...I...AM!!!”

 Liz ran toward 420 with great speed and began to violently attack him. Liz was scratching, biting, punching, kicking, etc. 420 was screaming in pain and the others was horrified on what they were seeing. Even Angel Dust himself was scared and terrified seeing his little best girl buddy going and acting feral. Liz was acting like a wild feral animal.

 420 - *terrified* “W-What are you?!”

 Liz - “A Gemini.”

 420 - “Please no more!! Have mercy!!”

 Liz - “Mercy is for the weak!!”

 Liz was about to attack again with her sharp claws,  until Sonya used up her energy to say:

 Sonya - “LIZ STOP!”

 Charlie - “Listen to her Liz! You need to stop this! He’s not worth it.

 Sonya - *weakly* “Y-you already prove your point...”

 Liz began to pant and calm down to see her friends, Cousin, and mind bestie, looking terrified. Even Sonya was terrified despite being deathly ill. Liz lowered hand whispered to 420:

 Liz - *whisper and seriously* “Get out.”

 420 began to weakly fly away before saying:

 420 - “This won’t be the last time you’ll see me. There will be justice!”

 420 flew away from the supermarket to go back to Heaven. Charlie then quickly walked up to Liz with Sonya’s in her arms. She gently set Sonya down on her feet. Sonya leg’s wobble a little, but Liz grabbed on to her.

 Sonya and Liz - *to Charlie* “Thank you.”

 Sonya and Liz looked at each other, smiled, and hugged. Then there was a glow around them that made Charlie, Vaggie and Angel covered their eyes. Then the glow stopped to reveal Sonya now all better and looking at her friends smiling.

 Charlie - *ecstatic* “Sonya! *ran to her and hugged her tightly* I’m so happy that you are okay! Is Liz still with you? Where is she?”

 Sonya - *smiling* “Right where she always been. Right behind me.”

 Sonya pointed to the back and saw Liz in her shadow form smiling and waving at the others.

 All - *happy* “Liz!”

 Angel ran toward the wall and smacked himself into it trying to hug Liz in shadow form.

 Angel - “I’m so happy that you are alright!”

 Liz was first surprised to see Angel like that. Then again, she is his little best girl-buddy and hugged him back despite being a shadow.

 Vaggie - “I can't believe she was actually...pulled out of you. I mean it only happened twice, but we never saw it...that deadly.”

 Sonya - “I guess it’s because how that was an angel exterminator. Maybe their powers were more deadly on demons and it affected me and Liz in a different way.”

 Charlie - “But what’s important is that you are both okay. We should head home. We had a really...intense day.

 ()()()()()()()()

 After heading back to the hotel, Charlie and the others settled down to relax. Angel’s wounds were patched up and watching TV along with Vaggie. Charlie went upstairs to check on Sonya and saw Sonya looking outside of Hell from the balcony. Charlie walked up to Sonya and gently put her hand on her shoulder.

 Charlie - “You Okay?”

 Sonya - “Actually to be honest...Yeah I am.”

 Charlie - “Are you sure? You can be honest with me.”

 Sonya - “Well...When 420 pulled Liz out of me, I was shocked and scared cause I thought I was going to die. But then it made realize something too: I’m truly am I Gemini. Liz was always meant to be a part of me and be my best mind bestie. I’m not sick like everybody claim I am. I would like to meet other Gemini’s someday but now we know they are really are rare to find.”

 Charlie - “Well of course. You know I would never lie to you about this stuff about this Sonya.”

 Sonya - “I know you wouldn’t Cousin Charlie...Thank you for helping me and Liz...And everything else.”

 Charlie - *smiling* “No problem Sonya. We are two peas in a pod after all.”

 Both cousins hugged each together. Even Liz came out in shadow form and hugged Charlie from the back. Charlie knows it was Liz trying to hug her despite being a shadow for now.

 Charlie - “Come on. Let’s go downstairs and eat some ice cream sundaes.”

 Sonya - “Can it have acid gummy bears?”

 Charlie - “Of course.”

 Both Charlie and Sonya went downstairs to the kitchen to make some ice cream sundaes. Both are happy that despite the intense and horrified battle they counter, Sonya and Liz are okay and showed that they are truly are what they always where: a Gemini.

 Hope you all like it!

[valorandgold-archived]

Morgan and Megan Support Sets

(So I find myself having bursts of creativity and no direction to throw them in, and I kinda wanna keep it contained until the Solstice Event is officially over, which it’s not while I start typing this up, but who knows when it’ll be finished. I have a couple fanfics I’m working on, one that needs to be finished and another that’s just in the starting stages, but I also wanted to type out this since @vallablooded and I have talked at length about Megan’s supports with Morgan in Fates and I thought I’d make a full set out of the ideas we’ve discussed. I’ll try to do it the best I can.)

C-Support

Megan: Ahh, hello Morgan! I’ve been wanting to talk to you, if you have the time.

Morgan: Oh, sure I do! I was just about to head out to buy some books, but I don’t mind!

Megan: Well, I just wanted to thank you for coming with me, even though it was my choice to make and not yours, and it was a difficult one at that. 

Megan: I did want to ask why you followed me, though.

Morgan: No need to thank me at all! I was glad to follow you whichever way you went!

Morgan: As for why I followed you, it’s just, the sort of person you are, and your caring nature-...

Morgan: I don’t know. I’m not sure how to put it into words right now. You just have that kind of quality about you that makes me feel a strong loyalty to you.

Megan: Well, maybe you’ll figure out the words eventually. Speaking of which, you said you were about to go buy some books?

Morgan: Oh yeah! I keep myself occupied with books all the time when I’m not on the battlefield! Not just tactics books either, but different kinds of books!

Morgan: My favorites are actually stories of daring heroism and romance. I used to have reading sessions with my mother and my friends a lot in my homeland.

Megan: Maybe if you stop at my quarters later your purchase, we can read one of those books you’re going to purchase together.

Megan: Just...preferably not one on tactics.

Morgan: Haha, alright! I’ll hold you to it, Lady Megan!

----------

B-Support

Morgan: ‘...and with the Dark Demon injured, Prince Tyle was released from his grasp and his control, returning to the side of his faitfhul knight, Analisa!’

Morgan: ‘ “Analisa! I knew you would come! I never doubted you!” Tyle exclaimed, now that the two were reunited once again.’

Megan: ‘ “Of course I did, Prince Tyle. I owe so much to you. But more than that, I-” ‘

Morgan: ‘But the Demon King wasn’t finished yet! He amassed all his power to become a terrifying dragon!’ 

Morgan: ‘ “It will have to wait, Analisa. We have to stop the Demon King right here, right now!” ‘ ...and that’s the end of the chapter.

Megan: Ahh, and she was so close to telling Tyle her feelings about him too.

Morgan: I know! She just rescued him and everything! I thought it was going to happen! But I’m sure she’ll say after they defeat the Demon King.

Morgan: Now do you understand why I’m absolutely hooked on this book series?

Megan: Definitely. I’m going to have to read them all from the very start myself! 

Megan: I’m sure your summary of the series so far did it justice, though. I was interested in the book from the start!

Morgan: You know, I was wanting to try my hand at writing a story myself between reading these books, but I couldn’t come up with any ideas.

Morgan: But I think I finally have a great idea for a story now! Why don’t I write a chapter of my idea, or a synopsis of it, and read it to you next time?

Megan: That would be great! I’m not sure what gave you such a sudden burst of inspiration, but I’ll be looking forward to it, Morgan.

Morgan: Alright! I’m gonna go ahead and start working on it right now! *Runs off*

Megan: Morgan? Wait-!

Megan: ...ahh, he just never runs out of energy, does he? I envy him a bit sometimes.

----------

A-Support

Morgan: Lady Megan! I finally finished my synopsis. Are you ready to hear it?

Megan: Ah, yes, I’d love to hear it! What did you come up with?

Morgan: So the story starts out following a warrior from a faraway land, weary and without direction.

Morgan: He came to the land that the story is set in to try and track down three of his friends, but he had no clue where to start. Morgan: However, eventually he comes across this Princess, secluded away, but with a kind heart and a strong resolve.

Megan: Hmm...say Morgan? There’s something that sounds familiar about all this.

Morgan: I should hope so! Anyway, even though he does track down his friends, he finds that the Princess gives him direction and a newfound sense of purpose.

Morgan: So he dedicates himself to her, staying at her side from then on-...

Megan: ...no matter what she chooses? Morgan, is this...story about you and what you think of me?

Morgan: Well you did give me a lot of inspiration! Perfect writing material, in my book-...er wait, that wasn’t meant to be a pun. But I finally found the right words for why I followed you! Megan: *sniffle* Morgan: H-Huh? Lady Megan, did I say something wrong? Or was the incidental pun that bad.

Megan: No, Morgan, I’m just...so touched that you would think of your time around me to make a story like that. Thank you.

Morgan: No, thank you, Lady Megan. You gave me direction when I thought I had none!

Megan: Goodness, I”m so inspired, I might just have to try coming up with a brilliant story like that myself! I hope you don’t mind if either you or a literary mirror of you winds up being involved.

Morgan: Ha ha, go ahead! I’ll be waiting to see what you come up with all the anticipation I can muster!

----------

S-Support

Megan: Morgan! There you are! I’ve been looking for you all over!

Morgan: Ah, sorry, Lady Megan! I was just helping Jakob tidy everything up. What did you need?

Megan: You remember how I mentioned that I felt inspired to try and come up with a story? Well, I think I have a summary for you, if you’re willing to listen.

Morgan: Ah, of course I’m willing to listen, Lady Megan, you don’t even need to ask! Go right ahead!

Megan: Well the story begins similar to how part of your story starts, with an isolated Princess, cut off from most of the world. She meets this man, a warrior who claims to be from some far-off land and comes to trust and confide in him Megan: She also trusts in a mysterious songstress, who she meets when a huge chain of events about her true past and a choice she has to make starts to unfold.

Megan: But no matter what choice she makes, the warrior, who has dedicated himself to her, vows to follow her no matter what she decides on. He gives the Princess so much: strength in her convictions, resolve to push forward, hope for the future, and so many other things, but above all else...

Megan: ...love. Morgan: ...W-Wait...Lady Megan, your story...does this mean you-...?

Megan: Yes. I’m...I’m in love with you, Morgan. You’ve been there for me to rely on ever since we first met, and through all the time we’ve spent together and sharing stories, I’ve seen how compassionate, resolute, warm, strong and yet gentle you really are. You’re a light that keeps the darkness away for me.

Morgan: Lady Megan...

Megan: I know you swore an oath to me as my retainer, and if you don’t feel the same-

Morgan: No, wait, Lady-...I mean...Megan! I have to say, you’re forcing some serious rewrites on me right now.

Megan: Huh?

Morgan: There...may have been a part in my story about the warrior having an unrequited love for the Princess that I chose to left out when I was telling you about it.

Megan: There was...? Then-...?!

Morgan: Yeah! I...I love you too! I want to be with you, now and forever! From now on, let’s make our two stories one and the same!

Megan: You don’t know how happy that makes me, Morgan! We’ll make for a brilliant tale filled with romance and adventure about two people meant to be together carved out their own future! It will be a story for the ages!

Morgan: Well, you know what the say, Megan. Everyone loves a happy ending, and you’ve given me the happiest I could possibly have!

(Confession line) Morgan: No book I’ve ever read could compare to you! You’re just like a fairy tale come true!

[the-gedonelune-times]

I’ll Stay

Hello, hello everyone! Today I’m here to bring a fanfic in honour of a certain dragon boy whose route will be released very soon! My writing may be a little rusty, but I hope you all enjoy this fanfic nonetheless! 

Also a big thank you to @leonthecardboardunicorn for giving me some amazing ideas to use for this story, along with character suggestions!

After a long day of both classes and prefect work, I was overjoyed to be here in my dorm sitting down at the vanity, while combing my hair and talking to my beloved roommate. It seemed like forever since we last had some girl talk!

"So what's it like being a prefect? Is it just as hard as you imagined it to be?" "To be honest, I don't know how Klaus and Randy managed to do it all! They made it look so easy!" In the mirror, I saw Amelia taking place at the edge of her bed before speaking. "Oh no...so it's that bad?" Giving a few more brushes in my hair, I placed the brush down and spun around on the seat before getting off and walking over to my own bed. "It's not that it's bad, rather, it's a bit more stressful. I'm really glad Yukiya and Elias are helping me though. Not to mention Alfonse and Caesar, they've been a real big help with the whole prefect thing too." Gently pulling back the covers, I slipped into my bed and proceeded to make myself comfy while Amelia and I continued our girl talk. "Hm, so do you like any of them?" "What do you mean by that?" "Well, I mean do you fancy any of them?! Could one of them be stealing your heart?" Amelia gave a teasing smile causing me to blush and wave my hands wildly in front of me. "No, of course not! At least not like that! Besides, Alfonse and Caesar are a couple and Elias and Yukiya are just really good friends, almost like family. There's nothing romantic going on between any of us." "What about people outside of the group?" "Out of the group...." "Oh! I know that face! You're starting to go deep in thought, aren't you? Oh, your face is even starting to turn red! You really must like someone!" Truth be told, I actually had someone on my mind...he was a bit of a mysterious guy, one who had helped us and even betrayed us a few times. None of us knew what his intentions were, was he friend? Or was he foe? However, after freeing Lucious from the underground Labyrinth, we began to see him around more and more, not that I was complaining. In fact, I was quite happy! This could give me the chance to get to know him more. Just who are you, Hugo? I couldn't help but smile through my thoughts, but I was snapped back to reality when a tapping sound came from the door to our balcony. "Is that Hugo again?" Amelia gave me a curious look and all I could do was look at the door and give her a look of uncertainty. "Maybe? But we've had a few different visitors come to our dorm at this hour. Remember the time when Zeus, Hiro and Lucious came to our dorm near midnight?" "Oh right, wasn't that because of Hiro and Zeus?" "Yeah. Hiro and Zeus were having a fight and Lucious needed our help to shut them up." "It didn't go well if I recall." I shook my head softly. "Nope, in fact, all three of them soon got into a fight and the housemothers got involved." "I hope there's not another fight about to happen." "Me too Amelia, me too." Getting up from my bed, I quickly made my way over to the door, pushing the curtains away; a face coming into my view. It was Hugo! "Hugo?" The moment I opened up the door I could feel a chill blow in. "Forgive me Goddess, have I disturbed your slumber?" "Huh? Oh, no! Truth be told, I was just about to head to bed, but you didn't disturb anything!" "I see. So I take that everything is well? Nothing is wrong?" "Nope, everything is fine, nothing to worry about." "Good. I will see you tomorrow." With that, Hugo jumped down from the balcony and was gone just as fast as he appeared. I reached my hand out in front of me in an effort to stop him, even though I knew it was futile and that he was already gone. I withdrew my hand back slowly before letting it drop back at my side before staring out at the night sky. "Nadia?" "Huh?" "Don't you think you should close the door? It's getting a bit chilly in here." "O-oh, right!" Taking a step back, I quickly shut the door and made my way back over to my bed, once again crawling under the covers, only this time my head made contact with the pillows. "So who was it?" "Hugo." "Really? Again? He's been showing up here more and more." "Well, he told me once that it's part of his duty now." "Duty?" "Yeah, he keeps calling me a 'Goddess' and he says that is mission is to protect me. I guess that means mandatory nightly checkups?" "Sounds kind of romantic to me." "Huh?! Romantic?" "Well yeah! It's like he's a knight doing his duty in protecting a princess. Oh, I wonder if you two will fall in love!" "A-Amelia, let's not get ahead of ourselves now, okay? He's just a friend, nothing more, nothing less." "Aw, if you say so." Yawning softly, Amelia leaned over on her bed and gave a goodnight before turning out the lights. As darkness settled in, my thoughts couldn't seem to stop running. There were so many things I wish I knew about him. I wish...I wish I could find a way to be closer to him. Before I knew it, sleep had taken over and I felt myself drifting away from reality. -------------------------------- The next morning, as Amelia and I were making our way out of the dorms, we both noticed a familiar face and I felt Amelia shake me a little on my shoulder before pointing outwards. "Hey, isn't that Hugo?" "Yeah, how strange, usually he's not up and about this early. I wonder what's up." "Well, go talk to him!" Saying that with a smile, Amelia pushed me forward a little, my legs did the rest and moved on their own accord. As I inched closer and closer to where Hugo was standing, I noticed that something was wrong. His movements were off; he seemed to be wobbling a little bit like he was off balance. Fear gripped my mind and I ran up to him. "Hugo?! Are you okay? Can you hear me?" "G-Goddess?" His voice was shaky and just when he turned around to face me, he fell down, bringing me down with him. The impact my knees had with the ground hurt less than the impact that was on my heart while seeing Hugo like this. I could feel tears welling up in my eyes and I quickly shouted for help before placing Hugo's pale and flushed face in my hands. "I f...feel like I'm dying." "Hugo, you're not going to die! Don't talk like that!" Situating myself, I moved Hugo so that his head could rest on my lap while waiting for help, which didn't take too long to come. I brushed back his bangs and looked down at his face before looking up and seeing Zeus and Lucious sprinting my way. "What the hell happened?" "Is that..." "Yes, It's Hugo, now can you please help me get him to the infirmary?" "Why should we?" Zeus folded his arms over his chest and gave a huff. "Because he needs help!" "Yeah? When has he helped us?" Lucious spoke up this time, even though he had a sharp tongue, he still helped to support Hugo up onto his feet. Zeus, on the other hand, didn't seem to budge at all. "Zeus? Are you not going to help?" "Why should I help?" "Well, would you rather report the incident to Klaus instead?" I watched as Zeus let his hands fall to his sides and he heaved a sigh before taking position at his other side and helping prop him up. "This is such a pain." "I agree, especially since I have to be stuck carrying this guy with you." "What'd you say pipsqueak?" "Do you ever shut up?!" "That's it!" "Don't you dare summon anything, you moron!" As they walked out of sight I couldn't help but feel a little bit bad for Hugo, I just hope those two don't start anything too bad. Especially Zeus, I know how wild his summonings could get. Flashbacks of him teaching a class caused my body to shudder before dashing over to where Amelia was at. "Nadia? What in the world happened?" "I think Hugo might be sick or something. I'm not sure what it is, but he sounded really distressed and he didn't look that well." "Oh no! What are you going to do?" "I heard that Klaus is supposed to be teaching the first-period class. I'm going to fill him in on the situation and see if I can go and be at Hugo's side for a little while. Just to make sure everything will be alright. Which means I won't be able to walk you to class today Amelia!" I shouted out to her as I ran and in the distance I hear her voice, telling me that it was fine, she even wished me good luck. I continued to sprint onward and was getting closer and closer to my destination. However, on my way there, I ran right into someone and would have landed on my butt had it not been for someone's quick reflexes in keeping me upright. "Do people not know how to be aware of their surroundings in this day and age?" a very familiar voice filled my ears and I could feel a wave of relief wash over my body. "Klaus!" "Nadia? Why are you in such a rush? Class still doesn't start for another few minutes." "It's because I wanted to talk with you about something, well, rather inform you of something." "What is it?" "W-Well...um. There was a student that has fallen ill and well...I'd...like to watch over and make sure that they're going to be alright. So I was hoping that I could be excused from your class for the day." "You didn't even have to ask. Nadia, as a prefect, the students become a main concern. However, I expect you to study hard for the test I'll be preparing, I'm not going to make it easy." "Got it! Bye Klaus!" With that, I ran towards the infirmary, leaving Klaus behind as he shook his head. As I ran, my thoughts were all of Hugo. Watching him wobble and fall to the ground, hearing his raspy voice and seeing that pale and flushed face of his. I hoped it wasn't something serious.... The moment I reached the infirmary, Zeus and Lucious were in the waiting portion, along with Caesar. "What are you guys doing here?" "Great, she's here! I can finally leave and do something that isn't killing me with boredom!" Zeus got up but was soon pulled down to his seat again by Lucious. "Shut up, idiot. Look, we wanted to make sure you got here safely." "You both aren't very honest are you?" "You looking to fight?!" Zeus held up his hands and a green light began to form, but it was soon cut off when someone took hold of his hand. "Don't you dare summon something in here you moron! And you!" Lucious pointed a finger at Caesar. "Don't come accusing me of not being honest, pokchop!" Lucious hissed between his teeth before dragging Zeus as they made their exit, leaving Caesar and I alone in the waiting room. Sighing, I took a seat across from Caesar and looked down at the ground. "They were worried, you know?" "Huh?" "Zeus and Lucious. They came here making sure Hugo wasn't in bad condition. They did it for your sake mostly, saying they knew how you cared about him and that they'd force him to get better." I couldn't help but let out a giggle.

”But hey, Caesar?”

”Yeah?”

”I know why Lucious and Zeus were here, but what about you? Why are you here?”

”I’m just here for Alfonse. He was pulled out of his prefect duties to fill in the position of the school nurse. The one usually had family business to attend to and had to leave immediately. Leaving Alfonse to fill in the position.” "Wait, does that mean you're going to be here the whole day?" "Pretty much." "But why?" "Because I don't want Alfonse to be alone. I want to stay right here and wait for him." "Caesar…”

Caesar flashed me a smile and was about to speak when Alfonse suddenly stepped out of the room, a shocked expression was plastered on his face.

“What are you both doing here?”

“I came to see how Hugo was doing. Is...Is he alright?”

“Yes, he’s fine. He’s just got a cold, however, he seemed to have pushed himself too hard and that’s why the effects of the cold have become the way it has.”

I let out a sigh of relief. “Is it okay to see him?”

“Of course. In fact, he might appreciate the company.”

“Off to see your next patient then?”

“Yes, it appears there’s another student who’s become sick and will need a shot with some antidote inside. But I’m going to need your assistance Caesar?”

“Me? Why? You know I’m not that good with doctor stuff.”

“You just need to be your cute piggy self.”

“What? Why?!”

“Because the student that’s sick happens to be afraid of needles and I think it would be nice if you could be there to calm the student down.”

Caesar gave out a sigh and slumped his shoulders. That’s when Alfonse walked over and took Caesar's hand in his own before kneeling down, making eye contact with him.

“Please honey?”

“W-whatever!”

Saying that, Caesar pressed his lips against Alfonse’s and was soon enveloped in a puff of white smoke. When it settled, a blushing pig was sat down with his tail between his legs, he was unable to look at us directly and was making small oinking noises. That’s when Alfonse scooped him up in his arms and hugged him.

“We’ll get you changed in some work attire when we reach our destination.” Saying that, Alfonse opened up his bag full of doctor supplies and lowered his arms down, allowing Caesar to jump down in the bag with a smile on his face. “We’ll see you later Nadia, take care!”

Alfonse gave a final wave to me before the both of them left me alone in the waiting room, I took a glance at the door which led to where Hugo was stationed at and took a deep breath before walking in. Stepping into the room, I saw Hugo lying down in one of the beds, he had a wet washcloth on his forehead and his breathing seemed better than it was when she first saw him in this state. Walking over to the bed I stood and looked at his sleeping face, I felt a blush creep onto my face, I couldn’t pry my eyes off of his beautiful features.

“Goddess is that you?”

His sudden voice made me jump back with widened eyes. “Hugo? How did you…”

“I felt a presence in the room, one I was very familiar with.”

His eyes slowly opened up peered at me, causing my blush to deepen.

“Goddess...may I ask you to join me?”

“J-Join you?! You mean in the bed?!”

“Yes...is that so bad? I wish to tell you something important.”

After hearing his words, I hesitantly began moving forward until I reached his bed and took a seat on the edge of it. That’s when he reached his fingers up and brushed away my bangs and gave me a goofy smile.

“Goddess...I think this may be the end for me, I just want you to know, that..I don’t want you to leave my side…”

Wait, has Hugo never experienced a cold before? Is that why he thinks he’s dying?

“Hugo, you’re not going to die, I won’t allow that and you need not worry about me leaving you, I’m going to stay right here until you get better, alright?”

“You really are too kind…”

I could feel the tiredness in his voice when he spoke and when his hand dropped back down to the bed, I knew he was completely pushed past the brink of exhaustion. I gently ran my fingers through and played with his hair, listening to the small snores that came from his mouth. I then leaned down and placed a small kiss on his forehead.

“Get better soon, Hugo. I’ll be right here by your side.”

Saying that, I could feel another blush rise to my cheeks. I took a seat right next to the bed and ended up falling asleep right next to my guardian, and I couldn’t have been happier.

[faeratil]

Faeratil Samuels - A Destiny Fanfic (part 2)

@morticia-4 this one is a little longer and probably one of my favorite parts

I’ve been here for six months. Ikora, my mentor, has been getting on my nerves about being exactly like her. I’m a Warlock, apparently, and she says I’m her most promising protege even though there are thousands of others under her wing. I’d almost rather be a Titan and work with Zavala except that I have more opportunity to do what I love under Ikora’s wing.

I do research and tactical planning for the Vanguard like I had done in the army. I used to study an alien race that we had only ever speculated after sending probes to other planets and seeing strange robotic creatures with fan-shaped heads and odd-looking stomachs. In that time, we hadn’t learned much more than that they had portals and were much more technologically advanced (one of my probes had wandered through a portal on Venus and reappeared on the radar in an unknown sector of the galaxy map; and then they shot it…) Imagine my surprise when Ikora told me they were called “Vex” and they’ve already sent teams out to study and fight them for years starting with whoever the mysterious ‘Osiris’ was.

I found a box full of books about Osiris and the Vex hidden in the Tower Hangar, and have been reading through them in my spare time to try and figure out how close our predictions were back in the 2250’s. A lot of the books on Osiris have pages missing or are blacked out, and Ikora doesn’t like to talk about him that much. Today, I’ve been reading a journal about the Vex by someone named Pahanin. He’s mentioned another Guardian that extensively studied the Vex called Asher Mir, or something like that. I’ll have to ask Ikora about him later if she’ll actually answer.

“Fae, Fae, Fae!” I hear across the hallway, pulling my attention from Pahanin’s journal. It’s my friend Kadi 55-30. She’s an AI in training at the post office. I don’t know if it’s a glitch or the result of her many reboots, but she tends to say things three times.

I wave her over to my perch looking over the Last City. “Hey, Kadi,” I say as she sits down next to me. We usually spend our breaks hanging out and gossiping about the other guardians.

“Have you met Cayde-6? Cayde-6? Cayde-6?” Kadi asks me out of the blue.

“The Hunter Vanguard?” I ask.

“Yes, yes, yes!”

“I’ve heard of him, but Ikora and Zavala usually take up most of my time. Why do you ask? Do you like him?”

Kadi stutters a bit before answering. “No! But I think you would, you would, you would.” I laugh at the idea that Kadi is trying to set me up. “It’s true,” she says, the tone of her voice showing her embarrassment but still determined.

I stop laughing and give her a small smile. “Kadi, I know you want me to find a guy to make me happy. It’s just… Samuels. His death may have been centuries ago, but as far as I remember, it was only six months ago that I last saw him… He was my husband. I… I don’t even have the ring anymore…”

“Sorry, sorry, sorry…” Kadi says quietly.

“FAE!” I hear a man’s voice yell, almost scaring me off my perch. A big, tall guardian with a white crest and a Viking helmet walks toward us. “I am Lord Shaxx, guardian! I am the Crucible Vanguard, and Ikora has told me all about you! What do you say? The next match is in fifteen minutes!”

I stare at Shaxx, trying not to laugh. Kadi’s giggling. “I don’t know,” I start. “I’d have to ask Ikora if she needs me for a lesson today.”

“Shaxx,” Ikora says, coming up behind him, “I need Faeratil to practice her Void skills today. Her vortexes are weak.”

I know I’m not the greatest Voidwalker, but her words upset me. I look at Shaxx and say, “Keep me posted on the Crucible?”

“YES!” he booms. “I can’t wait to see you perform, guardian. Fight forever!”

Ikora turns to me. “Faeratil, come with me. You still have work to do.” I look at Kadi and make a face before following Ikora to the usual training room.

***

“Focus, Faeratil! You’re sloppy!” Ikora yells at me. We’ve been practicing for five hours, and I am ready to quit. “You have mastered being a Sunbreaker and a Stormcaller, so what is your problem with being a Voidwalker? You haven’t even created a nova bomb yet outside of your journey inside the wall. Was that a fluke? Are you really just a failure?”

I hurl vortex grenades at the dummies, getting more and more worked up with every insult she hurls at me. I watch her from the corner of my eye as she walks closer. She gets right up next to my ear and whispers, “I don’t know how you were a lieutenant at 24. You can’t tell me it was for skill. And your husband? The Traveler didn’t choose him, but I’d bet he’d make a better guardian than you. What did he see in you?”

I can feel more power growing inside me as I get angrier and angrier. Ikora is still at my ear. “How did you get him to fall for you? A liar? A weak woman who pretends to be a good leader? Was it a threat? Did you pay him? Oh, I know. He’s weaker than you and you just wanted a charity case. I’ll bet he never really loved you.”

I whip around and glare at Ikora. Void energy is pulsing through my body like it’s my own blood.

“Your husband never loved you,” she says with a snide smile.

“Shut up!” I scream, releasing all of the pent up energy in a nova bomb that engulfs the entire room, knocking Ikora through the wall. The bomb explodes into the two training rooms on either side. When the energy subsides, I’m standing in a pile of rubble staring at Ikora on her back.

“Oh. My. God. You beat Ikora? This is the greatest day ever!” an Exo male says walking in to what’s left of the room. He looks like a Hunter. He comes over to me and puts his arm around my shoulders. “How did you do it? Was it fun? How much power do you think it was? I’ve gotta tell Zavala about this.”

I stare at him, notice the horn on his head. It suits him, for an Exo. “Who are you, if you don’t mind me asking?” I say, moving out from under his arm. “Oh, right. We haven’t met. Cayde-6, Hunter Vanguard. I’m guessing you’re Fae?” So this is Cayde-6.

“Faeratil Samuels. But, yes. Fae,” I say, reaching out my hand for a handshake.

“Good to meet you. I’m going to call you Faerie though. Let’s go tell Zavala!” Cayde says, grabbing my hand and pulling me out of the rubble toward the Titan training rooms.

***

“Harder, guardian. Discipline and focus are your tools,” Zavala says to the Titan he’s training. Cayde keeps trying to get his attention and tell him about my nova bomb.

I climb on the nearest railing and start circling the room trying not to touch the floor. Zavala’s student keeps stealing glances and breaking focus. Cayde starts to laugh, so I see how far I can walk on my hands before Zavala stops the lesson short.

He turns to me. “Fae, how many times have I told you to stop climbing the railings?” I hop onto the table and take a quick bow before assuming a perch atop Zavala’s chair. He lets out a sigh and turns to Cayde. “I see you finally found Fae. Have you corrupted her focus for recklessness yet?”

“What? No!” Cayde defends. “I heard a big boom when I was trying to find Ikora and then she blew up and it was awesome!”

Zavala turns to me for clarification. “It wasn’t on purpose,” I say so quietly that I’m not sure he hears me.

“What happened, Fae?” Zavala says, stepping up to me.

“I… I lost control and—“

“She threw a nova bomb at Ikora and destroyed three training rooms! Oh. Now that I think of it, I wonder if Ikora’s okay,” Cayde interrupts.

Zavala rubs his eyes in exasperation. “You threw one of the most deadly attacks at Ikora and then just left?”

“It wasn’t my fault!” I shout, jumping onto the table above him. “She was talking shit about my… about Samuels, and the energy just burst through me. I didn’t mean to destroy everything around me. And if she’s hurt badly, I’ll help take care of it.”

Zavala backs off a bit and Cayde slowly comes to stand by me. “If she was slandering someone so important to you, I do not blame you, guardian,” Zavala says. “However, if Ikora is hurt, I will hold you responsible for taking care of her recovery.”

He walks toward the door and, before leaving, turns to Cayde. “I hope if I leave Fae in your hands you can help her?” Zavala leaves and Cayde offers me a hand to get down.

“So… Wanna drink?” Cayde asks.

“I didn’t know Exos could drink.”

“I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. How ‘bout it? No offense, but you look like you could use it.”

I give him a weak smile and agree.

***

About 3 bottles of whiskey later

“So why are you stuck here?” I ask Cayde, my words slurring from the alcohol.

“I lost a bet. My lucky pants weren’t so lucky and now I’m stuck with Kiora and Valaza and paperwork,” he replies, messing up the Vanguards’ names. I think he may have fried a circuit to get drunk with me, but I’m glad for someone to talk to so I don’t ask him if he’s okay.

“You know, Cayde, your horn is really beautiful,” I blurt out leaning closer to him and laughing. “Beautiful, beautiful horn.” I tap his horn and lean over to kiss it, but instead end up falling off my stool.

Cayde and I can’t stop laughing. He tries to help me up but ends up falling on top of me. “Bartender! My woman friend and I need help up. And maybe an escort home for her,” Cayde yells at the first person he sees. “Where do you live, Faerie?” he asks, patting my forehead.

“Russia, I think,” I say, but my head is too foggy to remember anything else. Cayde pushes himself up and pulls me into his arms to carry me like a baby. “Faerie, you can come over tonight,” he says softly, stumbling out of the bar and towards his place. I smile and curl into his chest before I pass out.