zappygolucky

[zappygolucky]

@ladyleonster

Why am I going this way? Shut up shut up shut up! Don’t think about it! Just go! 

Her feet picked up where her mind hesitated. The staircase seemed to lurch backwards, further and further, continuing on and on. I can help. I can help. I volunteered. The hallway towards the infirmary seemed to stretch and contract as she made her way onwards. Micaiah told me I have a knack for it. I’m sure of it. Keep moving. That feeling, of healing with bloodstained hands, of helping cultivate life back from the brink. What if I can’t help? She’d gotten addicted to the novelty of helping others. And frankly, she wasn’t ready to give up on herself just yet. Not when she had found familiar faces that smiled back at her even throughout everything.

Yunaka poked her head through the door. 

The ghastly sight of the wounded, misery, barely reflected on her face. Peppered throughout, nurses and volunteers treated at any empty bedside. Her eyes darted to their hands that shined with magic, soft light that glinted too in the patients’ eyes. Some volunteers dressed wounds with cloth and poultice, and even others monitored wash cloths or managed bottles of medicine. So I’ll be of use after all…!

As she walked in, a nearby nurse turned to her. Noticing the academy uniform, Yunaka was handed a short staff and pointed towards a bed in the back of the room. Without further elaboration the encounter was over, and the nurse, picking up a tray of bottles, disappeared into a nearby storage room. 

Yunaka stood there for a moment, turning the staff over in her hands. 1.6 lbs, copper and wood. Much smaller than Elyosian staves. Easy to conceal, easier to travel with- STOP THAT! Move! It was definitely some sort of smaller heal staff. She recognized the carving of the wings above the stone placed on its crown, and reflected on her ability. 

With Micaiah, everything had been so easy; and not just because of the emblem’s power. The warmth of her presence had filled her with confidence, giving her the extra push she needed to stand shoulder to shoulder with any member of Alear’s army. When she casted magic back then, she had never been worried about whether or not it would work; Micaiah’s words had guaranteed her success. She had had only to trust Micaiah. Over the greatest distances, even through silence staves, her spells would always be cast into the night. 

She moved towards the back, turning her head to let her eyes wander over the passing beds. A student volunteer, back turned to her, uttered small words under his breath, hand pressed to a patient’s chest. A woman lay on her back, her left arm covered entirely in bandages; a priest attended her. Though the window’s glare shined directly on him, small shimmers of his faith magic rippled over his sleeves. I’m such a sham, I can’t even heal without a staff… Wait, can I even use one? 

As she arrived at the patient apparently assigned to her, she concealed a small gulp. “Hiya! Don’t you worry, I’ll be helping you out today!” She twirled the heal staff in one hand, her other hand on her hip. “Now, I’ll be just a second…”

Yunaka held out the stave toward the patient’s chest. Just as she always had, she closed her eyes, and felt for the pulse in her chest. Remember what Micaiah said. Her heartbeat resonating in her head, she exhaled slowly. I’m already good at aiming for vital organs. This is no different. Not daring to open her eyes, she stood there in silence, breathing in and out deeply.

A quiet voice struggled from the bed. “Hey, um… I don’t think it worked…”

Her eyes snapped open, immediately making direct contact. The eyes enveloped her gaze, and Yunaka began to drown in the misery on the woman’s face. No, no, this isn’t…

“Um, sorry about that! I guess it didn’t work just yet, huh. Well um, while it, er, begins to set in, let me get someone to make sure!” Catching the uncertainty in her patient’s eyes, she continued, “Don’t you worry, everything will work out zappily!”

Turning away, Yunaka’s smile seemed to waver. Privately, panic had started to seep in, though her facade would never allow it. Desperate for some help, she tapped the back of a volunteer at the bed beside her. 

“Hey there, do you mind helping me out with this…? This is a little embarrassing, ha ha, but could you help me cast this heal spell? I’ve definitely done this before but… help me out, wouldja?”

don't worry, all the bleeding's internal! that's where blood's supposed to be!

[zappygolucky]

Heal Us, Emblem of Dawn (drabble)

Micaiah had taught her something of knives. That she had a dear friend who too had been a thief, and how his skill with knives was so adept. How sages of her country wielded them, the same blades that too served thieves, rogues, criminals and the poor. That all such knives were not just of injustice and shadow, that even those of the light used them, kept them, especially for those who could not keep full staves on their body.

She turned the blade between her fingers. A holy woman would wield one. She stared into her warped reflection in its small mirror. The face stared unblinking back.

She remembered holding staves in her palms. Nice and weighty. Easily lifted, easily wielded, spun above her head (to Framme’s dismay). She knew their value though she knew not how they worked. Martial monks had plagued many a botched assassination. The struggle in the victim’s eyes as their tether to life was forcefully strengthened made her shudder. The monks that looked so uncaring, from afar, as they focused their energy into their healing. She knew well the uncomfortable embrace of such magic, as wielded by her employer. Larimar’s guardian. 

The faith that was not rooted in her body that served her even still; Micaiah’s trust, realized. She had had just to hold out each staff, and muscle memory flooded her motions.

At first, she had been shocked. That a phenomenon so caring could come of hands so stained in blood was truly unbelievable. But as she grew to rely on Micaiah, she became less impressed in her own clear redemption. This proof of goodness was nothing more than borrowing the goodwill of another.

Oh, how she had dreaded that conclusion. Leaving the ring in her quarters, she had skimmed magical texts borrowed from Citrinne’s bedside. She had to believe some kind of magical ability resided within her, proving the validity of her choice. She wanted to see something, anything; but the night air always continued its whistling, her hands showing no sign of flame nor shimmer.

A long, slow exhale. She rolled onto her side, facing the wall, and slid the knife easily into the wooden pillar beside her. It was soft wood; proof of a room that had served many, and had been cared for by its tenants in kind. The slit made by her knife was easily missed, but she had not made it. It had been comforting to know that perhaps someone like her had found themselves inflicted with a similar nightly toil.

She wasn’t used to people opening up to her. She wasn’t used to the learning, the sharing, the affection and nostalgia with which past places were recounted, the lively people that she could almost see dancing before her eyes. She remembered that first night on the Somniel, Micaiah’s small, reassuring laugh that came of her discomfort amongst people that believed in her goodness, nigh unquestioningly. She had asked her guardian angel how to cast a simple Shine spell. Training, practicing - she knew the footwork and the attitude. Repetition. And when her small room had rejoiced in the light of her success, every dark corner illuminated as brightly as the center of a candle-flame, she too had felt relief. Relief that she could still find her usual comforts within her new devotion, a devotion to a cause, to a promise, to trust. That though the new path she walked was much different, it was also oh, so bright.

Reassurance of her sage had leavened her heart considerably. Yunaka missed her presence.

[zappygolucky]

Yunaka starts at the silhouette at her door. Muscles tense and relax imperceptibly as she recognizes her mysterious intruder. Though the messy sheets of her bed may reveal her poor attempts at sleep, she springs spryly from the mattress, landing lightly on her toes.

“Zappy morning to you too, Louis! Right, haha… mountains to climb…” Her door already wide open, she meets his eyes calmly. “Just a moment and I’ll be good to go!”

Shutting the door in his face, she sets about getting ready immediately. One, her familiar tight garb, nothing that could slow her down. Two, shining stars to pepper her hair, detracting from dark circles beneath her eyes, and light scarring around her chest. Three, the safety of arms: a small dagger, inside her sleeve; the flash of steel, vanishing into her cloak; and one last knife, fitting comfortably in a slot on her boot. Satisfied, she turns to the mirror, the lone light source just the small tease of the sun climbing the horizon, leaking tangerine light through her dark curtains. The girl in the mirror frowns, and Yunaka smiles, trying to cheer her up.

As she touches the doorknob, the circumstances of this trip find her thoughts. Right, right, we’re helping everyone out! Newfound energy lights up her hazel eyes. And, as the door creaks ajar, she’s now properly prepared to shine on the new day. Following Louis out of the monastery, morning mist settles onto her shoulders: it’s cold! But Yunaka continues in his wake, unflinching. She picks up a light jog to catch up beside him. 

“Thanks for waking me up, buttercup! So then, where exactly are we off to?”

firenese-brodian bear grylls ?

[zappygolucky]

i miss my emotional support thani (drabble)

She walked the sunlight path confidently, but still delicately.

Though her attire was black, she was vibrant thanks to her hair, its sparkles, and additional gold glinting. Far from home though she may be, it would not be often she would be caught lacking the twinkles of the sky; for her hair was a little piece of her soul laid bare. Each star piece that she had clipped to her hair had been a dream of hers in that desolate old place of her childhood, cleaving through endless throats on endless nights. The cackling voice from the shadows that coughed and wheezed and drew no more loathing than one can feel for a sudden onset of rain. Her circumstance had been cruel, unfortunate, but it had seemed natural. Was a knife to appreciate its owner? Its owner that cleaned and maintained it, at no cost to the blade? A cage woven of sturdy trunks and brutal snickers - that she bore now only as stars through her reddish hair. 

The sun glinted off of each one, sure to dazzle any onlooker. One might be more likely to approach a slick cod, tossing and turning its reflective scales on the dock of the monastery pond, its fate clear in its wide eyes. But Yunaka’s face bore no such fears. Her smile wafted easily through the halls of Garreg Mach, and her footsteps made light weight upon the pristine floors. Her thoughts were far from the stars of her past, and as she passed a gatekeeper near the entrance, she could only think, where is the food? This place is like a maze! Though, the craftsmanship of the  guard’s shining halberds was sufficiently ogled. 

-*-*-

Her stomach adequately filled, she continued her traipse of discovery. However, the wide halls were starting to get to her, and she soon pressed herself to the wall for a break to gaze at passersby. Though she was eager to relinquish her past, a thief cannot so easily leave behind the safety of shadows, or the cover of night. Loud halls such as this were not of particular comfort to her, as voices started to mingle, and the speech of those long departed sometimes took her ear by surprise. 

She slumped down beside a tall pillar, in the shadow of a brazier on its other side. The stone paving beneath her turned to ice, and seemed to run up her shining brass-tipped boots. The din of the hall was a volley of noises aimed precisely at her sepia-tinted recollection. Each footstep, every cough, the jingle of gold, the tugging of leather, the grinding of hinges, the sparks spitting from the flames, a waterfall of noise that flooded her memory, becoming a deluge of emotion far from welcome. Oh, why now, why now! She clutched her temples with her palms, and blinked strongly.

I DON’T CARE! THAT'S NOT ME ANYMORE!

-*-*-

Abruptly she stood up, holding her cloak around herself. Blinking one last time to clear her head (and scan the room for onlookers), she walked swiftly towards the light beyond the doors. I can’t believe that happened when I was out… She dug her hand into a pocket, sure to close around a small knife. The sharpened tip prompted blood from her thumb, and Yunaka let that familiar sting take over. That was a close one.

She trudged along the hedges in silence, her deep breaths too quiet for the cacophony of the thumping of her heart. Her usual smile was hidden beneath the gloom behind her eyes. Finding herself in the courtyards beside the students’ rooms, she slipped up the stairway, not quite stealthily but still silently.

[zappygolucky]

Like he had just seen a shooting star Alfred's eyes grew wide. He had seen many friends around here but he hadn't tought of Yunaka appearing here like the star of a play appearing in it's right time. But considering the interest for weapons and many facts she had shared with him this was a fitting place for her considering that interest of hers.

But enough looking at a friend fondly, it was time to greet her just like he would with anyone else. "Hey there Yunaka!" The prince beamed as his waving hand settled down on his hip, a brow raised in curiosity for her appearance here but she did not want to share about herself back then, he would respect it now too—even if asking 'what brought you here?' wasn't extremely personal in his eyes. "Hope you been doing well. I have to say i missed having you around, you know can't help but miss my friends sometimes!"

“Hi Alfred! You’re looking positively zappy! Glad to be back among old pals!” Barely pausing while she gave him a look once-over, she hopped in place and offered a wink alongside a devilish smile. “What a relief seeing you here, huh? I’m sure you’ve been keeping busy.” Matter-of-fact about it, she reached over and dusted off his shoulder. “Keep it up!”

[zappygolucky]

Footsteps tapped along the path toward her, growing louder with each soft passing breath. A small peek from her hiding place informed her of the changing wind direction, the crinkle of leaves. Her blood pounded dully in her head. 

Her posture gradually grew still. She was nothing but a statue to decorate the graves now. Though her body was stiff, her eyes remained loose and alert. Her eyes continued to tear the landscape apart, patiently, methodically, imperceptibly. But, it’s rare for a skilled hunter to lose her prey. 

A small girl walked the central path down through the gravestones. 

Yunaka dashed to a different outpost, where a gnarly old tree had risen amongst the crooked path. Pressing herself into the bark, she again stole away a look as practiced as she had stolen lives. Her target seemed to not have noticed her presence. 

Her eyes delighted upon every detail of the girl’s gait and posture. Upon assessing the demeanor as unawares, and even potentially harmless, Yunaka should have released the tension in her shoulders. Instead, eyes never wavering, she bent down and picked up a small stone at her feet; and with a small motion, she tossed it aimlessly away, hoping to stir up some racket. Stone impacted upon stone, and a dull thunk reverberated through the yard. She exhaled softly, and watched for the girl’s reaction. Reveal yourself...

graverobber? i hardly know 'er!

[zappygolucky]

Looking back on those days they felt like millennia had passed despite it being far from the case. Perhaps it rooted on how quiet the Somniel had grown when the war was over or because this was not the floating island in the first place. But where a past shared with friends was a beautiful memory to look fondly on, the present with them was what she looked forward to the most—that included Yunaka of course.

The Divine Dragon approached the woman she had first met thanks to an Emblem ring, mimicking the lively posture she usually carried the dragon spoke. "Hiya papaya Yunaka!" A greeting she was given by the brown eyed woman when she joined the group, one she had given in return back then. Now that they were both away from home what was more welcoming than being the first to speak those words? "I'm happy to see you! Has everything been going well? I'm sure there's a lot to catch up on."

“Oh wow, Divine Dragon alert! It’s real merry to see you again, strawberry!” 

Yunaka sprang to life at the words from her friend. It was as if the fatigue of the last year had all but melted from her eyes, cleansed from her hair! She twirled a lock of hair in her fingers, trying to suppress her elation overtaking her.

“Well, things haven’t been all fun and sparkles I’ll say. But now that I’m back with you, I’ll be sure to keep you close!” She winked and stuck out her tongue.

“Welcome back, papaya!”

[zappygolucky]

starter for @sorcerese !!

Yunaka didn’t mind spending a day of espionage. She was hardly unused to it; espionage was always the first step of a proficient assassination. But, this solemn stretch down time had begun to affect her differently now. In her travels after leaving the Somniel, she was treated to little kindness of trust, and had returned to keeping to herself. It’s not that she missed conversation, no, but rather company, which was few and far in between. Long treks under the moonlight as just another faint whisper of the breeze had quieted her, and she feared returning more and more to her previous self.

Regardless, she shook her thoughts from her head. Between her entrance into the monastery and her reunions with friendly faces, she was once more a far cry from the darkness of isolation. Approaching the graveyard fence, she glanced around; and, with no one in sight, adeptly jumped over the gate, springing right back to her unassuming posture on the other side.

The air was cold, and quiet. A faint mist had settled there, though she scarcely minded such a small slight to her sharp vision. She padded between the headstones, not sparing so much as a glance at the names. Each one merely a victim of another, or themselves, and so saw no reason to look into words that amounted to simple ornamentations. She looked instead at the soft soil around her, scanning for traces of unusual tampering. The cobblestone path beneath her barely sounded under her light footsteps, but just as she progressed further into the yard, a loud clang sounded from behind her. 

She dashed quickly for cover behind the nearest headstone. Her eyes narrowed, her breath stilled, and a hand strayed to a hilt beneath her clothes. Suddenly, she was no longer on the grounds of a wonderful institution; she was either a target or a killer, and she only knew how to play one part.

graverobber? i hardly know 'er!

[zappygolucky]

Pinned/Mobile links

"I love raucous carousing in enclosed spaces!"

Muse (wip)

Stats

Interview

Mun (refer to my mun page for selena(fe14) here!)

Tags: - Stiletto: in character - Silver Dagger: out of character - Kard: drabbles - Cinquedea: asks

[zappygolucky]

plotting call! 🔪

Yunaka is not a Black Eagle, but if any beagle would like to do a reason prompt...

Prompts I'm interested in: - Tears in the sky, climbing the highest peak: Fun journey story for getting to know someone! Particularly allowing Yunaka's two sides to shine in their own ways

Disturbance in the graveyard

Preparing for war (Lance+1)

dm me on discord @kuromallow or @ me in the toa server!

[zappygolucky]

i go absolutely ape shit buck wild when people ask me if i want to run errands with them like Let's Fucking Go. and my mind absolutely maxes out of dopamine when they ask if i wanna stop for coffee. and if someone took me to the park id go bonkers in funcking yonkers