#I’ve also got readings and a lab notebook entry and I have to meet with like two people and work on a project

[the-worms-in-your-bones]

Stuck in the endless loop of suffering (have so much homework and a migraine)

[unrelenting-jazz-hands]

He picked the wrong seat.

(This is something that’s been floating in my head. I love college!AUs and I’m just happy to be here. I like the idea of Levi studying to be a social worker and Hange being a behavioural Neuropsychology prof/researcher. plus Hange would have rats... this fic is just a place for her to have rats and rat friends.)

He didn’t know it when he first sat down on the couch, but he should have known it when a woman in maroon sweatpants staggered up to his couch.

She placed the tower of books and papers she was carrying onto the couch with a grunt that let on how heavy the pile had been. She shook out her arms before sitting on the other side of newly formed blockade. Levi glanced her way and leaned over to throw a scowl, to make sure she knew the disruption was not appreciated.

But she just sat quietly and read. So, he didn’t move, he figured it would be fine. He should have moved.

And she just sat quietly and read. So, he didn’t move, he figured it would be fine. He should have moved.

"Hange! Hey, Hange! There you are, why didn't you answer your phone?" A young man jogged over to the woman sitting on the couch next to Levi.

Levi's scowl deepened, and he glanced at his watch, not for the first time in the last 15 minutes. His own class finished over an hour ago, but Isabel's lecture wouldn't be finished for another 45 minutes. It was getting late, and as the air grew colder, the nights were getting darker. He didn't like the idea of her walking home alone at this time of night. Furlan thought he was being dramatic, they weren’t on Understreet anymore.

The kid approached the couch and dropped his bag unceremoniously at her feet. He looked a little older than Isabel. Fuck, he was dreading the day she introduces some dumb boyfriend to him.

The woman slowly looked up and seemed more startled than she should have been to see the kid in front of her. She blinked and looked at her watch.

"Oh, it's 6:45 already? Hey Jean! Sorry, I lost track of time." One of her hands was still on the stack of books that was starting to lean just a little too much for Levi's comfort.

He shifted away and glanced around the room. The atrium was busy and noisy. There wouldn't be anywhere else to sit this side of campus on a gloomy September night. The choices were to either sit here or to stand somewhere like a weirdo. He grumbled to himself and looked back down at his notes.

Jean shrugged, "All good, Hange. But, where's your phone? You didn't see my messages?"

Hange looked down at the report in her hand as though she expected herself to be holding the phone. "Oh... I thought I had it." She attempted to pat down her jacket pockets (of which there were far too many) and then tried to use her foot to move her bag towards her.

Glancing up at the kid with a slight frown, "what's up? Why? Did something happen at the lab?"

"No," Jean said with smile, "Armin was just asking what time he should tell his tutorial the kick-off party starts. And then just to say that the slides for the lecture tomorrow look good."

Levi watched out of the corner of his eyes as Jean bent down to help the woman check her bag for her phone and mumbled, "We really should get you a case you can clip to your belt or something…"

"A-ha!" Hange raised a fist clenched around a flip phone, and then suddenly, she was holding it with two hands.

Her pile of books had had enough and was about to topple over when Levi's arms shot out to steady the tower before it collapsed on the brunette. She hadn't even noticed.

He didn't mean to catch the books before they fell. He really hadn't planned on moving at all; the books weren't even falling his way. It was her own damn fault if she didn't notice. But, his body was just too used to moving quickly to catch pictures, mugs, and lamps before they could reach the floor. It wasn't a coincidence that they didn't have many breakables in the apartment, what with the way Isabel was constantly twirling around and Furlan's sleepwalking.

When Hange did notice, a few seconds later, she let out a startled yelp and attempted to use her whole body to steady her library.

"Shit, no! That's making it worse," Levi said, not bothering to hide his annoyance. He steadied the pile again and kept his arms holding it up for a while longer before shooting a glare to the airhead next to him.

"Sorry, sorry!" Hange said with a laugh. She grinned at him from around the books, "thanks a bunch, though! Wild reflexes!"

He rolled his eyes, "You just weren't paying attention."

She raised an eyebrow and cracked a grin, "what? Were you staring at me?"

Levi felt his cheeks go warm and diverted his gaze from the woman's laughing eyes.

"No, I wasn't," he said curtly, "I was just sitting in the fucking danger zone."

He made sure the books were steadied before he picked up his notebook again.

The kid in front of them coughed and shifted around uncomfortably. "Thanks, man," he said while giving Levi a quick once over. "If those textbooks go down, all the paper she's stuffed into them would have ended up everywhere. It took hours to match the notes up to their text pages again."

Jean reached over and started restacking Hange's stuff on the floor while she held on. She still looked like she found the whole thing much too funny for Levi's liking. He decided not to look her way.

"You should really organize your shit better," Levi mumbled, keeping his eyes on his paper.

Hange leaned her head back against the couch, "aww, man... that's what everyone says. I've tried, guys! It just never lasts." She let out an exasperated sigh.

Jean muttered something too quiet for Levi to catch, but Hange nudged him with her foot and shot him a look.

"Well, enjoy carting around half the library then..." Levi shot her way and that, he hoped, was their last interaction.

Hange looked down at Levi's open binder, which was neatly labelled and visibly well organized.

She let out a small "huh," before turning her attention to the kid again.

"Alright, Jean! Well, the kick-off party starts at 8:30 at the Wallflower. I'll head over after my lectures and locking up the lab." She frowned, "wait, why wouldn't people join? Puppy therapy is always super busy."

Jean sighed and leaned his head to the side, "yeah, but Hange. I mean, the hype just isn't the same with rats. Plus, the lab is intense and the hours for the regular meetings are kind of random."

Levi frowned at his notes. What the fuck? Fucking weirdo...

Hange sighed, "yeah, you're right." Then shot him a bright grin, "But! I swear I'm about to get a big grant to really kick it all up a notch! We're really getting somewhere, and we can maybe take on a few more assistants next semester to help with all the data entry that's going to need to happen!" She was basically bouncing.

She paused and looked around the room quickly before returning her fiery gaze back to Jean, who was looking a little frazzled.

"And get this, Jean Boy, I've been working on something with Moblit. I can't get into it right now, but it could be really big if it all goes according to plan. Like really big!" She was bouncing again. Her hand gestures were getting more exaggerated and much too close to Levi's personal space. He decided to just lean away and scowl instead of getting dragged into another conversation.

Jean narrowed his eyes, "Wait, like big for you and research nerds or big as in normal people big."

Hange grabbed his hands, "like brand new wing big. Like the Rat Pack Club goes on vacation big."

Levi was still looking at his notes. He had to admit he was starting to be a little more curious than he was annoyed. She was trying to whisper but wasn't doing a very good job at it. God, it was like she didn't know how to be quiet.

"Wait, so this is something you're working on with Dr. Berner? I thought you were still heartbroken from him switching labs," Jean asked while trying to take his hands back. "Is he back?"

Hange shook her head, and her smile dimmed a little, "no, my ride or die still over at the Medical Imaging Lab in the comp sci building." She perked up and continued on, "But! It may have worked out for us in the end!"

Jean looked a little less tired now, "huh... well, when can you tell us about it? Who knows about it?"

Hange let out a low chuckle, "uh, well, don't tell anyone. It started as just a little side project for Moblit, Nanaba, Nifa, and me. We didn't expect it to really go anywhere. So keep it to yourself, for now, I'll let y'all know when I can."

Jean nodded. He looked determined and, suddenly, a lot younger than he had a minute ago. He gave a mock salute, "you got it, Doc!"

Hange mirrored his salute and gave him a wink. "Awesome, ok! Oh, also, did you have any questions about tomorrow's lecture?"

Jean shrugged and shook his head, "nah, I looked it over, and it's pretty chill. Cog Psyc was a fun course."

Levi glanced up and looked at the top right corner of his notes. Intro to Cognitive Psychology.

"And that's exactly the vibe we want this semester! Fun!" Hange exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air.

"Yeah… ok, fun. I can do that," Jean mumbled. "I'll tell Armin," he said as he turned to go. The kid waved lazily over his shoulder, "See ya tomorrow, Hange!"

"Get home safe, Jean! Tell Sasha and Connie I say hello," Hange waved to the back of the kid's head before leaning back and slouching down.

"Rat Pack Club goes on vacation. Ha! Take that monkey brain," Hange muttered with a smile. She closed her eyes like she getting ready to take a long nap in the middle of the atrium, which was getting less busy as time went by.

"Oh!" She exclaimed and shot up and turned to face Levi with a much-too-bright smile, "I forgot to introduce myself!"

She stuck out a hand that was covered in ink smudged. Levi felt the corner of his lips fall and held back a snarky comment; he really was trying to be less pissy, as Isabel put it. He sighed and reached out to shake her hand. He had hand sanitizer in his pocket.

"I'm Zoe Hange, but please call me Hange! Nice to meet you, and thanks for saving my books!"

Levi nodded, "Levi." He went to take his hand back, but the weirdo was still shaking it.

"You're taking Psyc 221 tomorrow, right? That's awesome. I hope you're ready for a heckin' good semester, Levi!" Hange was still shaking his hand.

"Yeah. Yeah, it sounds great," Levi mumbled as he jerked his hand away from her grip.

"Is this your first semester here? Transfer student? Do you live on campus? What courses are you taking?" Hange kept going as though he looked happy to be there instead of inching away and gathering his papers to leave.

"Second semester here, transferred from Wallrose College," Levi muttered. He didn't want to admit it, but Hange's enthusiasm was putting him on edge. What the fuck was she on?

Hange nodded enthusiastically, "That's great! Welcome, and if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask! I'll be your lecturer for PSYC 221. My lab's down in the Neuro wing, so feel free to stop by if you have any questions!" She pointed down the hall that had a staircase at the end of it. "I always really enjoy having some older students," she continued, "at least someone to make eye contact with when the kids make a reference I don't know." Hange smiled at him before rummaging through her pocket and proceeding to hand him a business card. He didn't want to take it, but he also didn't want to piss off his professor. Fuck it, whatever.

"I know what you mean. My younger sister is always trying to get me to do these stupid fucking dances for TikTok or whatever the fuck," Levi grumbled out as he looked over the card. His eyes flicked upwards to meet hers.

"rat_attack2000@maria.edu?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. He didn't let it leak into his voice, but, shit… She had to be a few years younger than he was, and she was a professor and director of a research lab. He didn't want to say he was impressed, but he was. But she was also a fucking weirdo.

Hange nodded and smiled widely. She reached back into her pocket, grabbed the card back from Levi, and scrawled something down with the newly retrieved pen. The pen was labelled, pocket pen.

"Yeah! It's the email address for the club I started with some students. My research lab has been doing some behavioural studies with rats, and it's hard not to fall for their little paws and their little eyes. So, every now and then, we get together and hang out and chill with some rats. This Friday, we are having our kick-off party. You should stop by!"

Hange handed him the card back. It had a time, a date, and an address.

"This is more of a social gathering at a bar near campus, not really a regular meeting. It's mostly just a bunch of research assistants and a few of us old folk having some drinks," Hange shrugged, still smiling. She wasn't done, "the usual meetings are chilling with the rats and throwing around ideas. Sometimes the students pitch us some experiments, and then we give them feedback."

Levi didn't think he would go. To the meetings or the party tomorrow. Hell, he knew for sure he wasn't going to go. Still, he nodded and muttered out a half-assed, "sure."

"Plus! The kids don't stay too long at the parties. They eventually head out after a few drinks to the next destination to get trashed where their profs can't see them. So it's only rowdy for a little while. It's been a while since I made it to the second location. I'm not that old, but I'm not that young anymore." She laughed lightly, and Levi was caught off guard by how pretty the sound was.

"I can't Fridays," Levi said as he pocketed the card, "I work Friday afternoons."

Hange nodded, "It's 8:30 to late-thirty, so stop on by if you want! Or if you know someone who'd-"

She was cut off by someone dropping their bag onto Levi's lap.

"What the fuck?" He started, looking up with a scowl. Of fucking course it was Isabel. He looked at his phone and saw 5 missed calls.

"Dude, what's the point of having a phone if you never answer it," Isabel said with a little more sass than Levi was used to. His brow furrowed. He'd ask about that later.

"Don't be a shit," he said gruffly, but still more gently than his usual tone. She made him worry like that. "My phone was on silent."

"Hi! You must be Levi's sister! He mentioned he had a younger sister." Hange stood up and grabbed Isabel's hand with a smile, "I'm Hange. I'll be your brother's professor starting tomorrow. Should I be keeping an eye on him? I feel like he's going to give me a hard time." Hange gave Isabel a wink and a smirk, which the younger girl returned. She looked a little less tense than she had a minute ago.

"Pfft, Nah. He's pretty bland." Isabel replied and shook Hange's hand with significantly more enthusiasm than Levi had. "I'm Isabel. Thanks for engaging with Mr. Grumpy here. He usually just sits there like a weirdo."

Levi stood up and thrust Isabel's bag back into her arms, "Ok, time to go." He turned on his heel and started walking away at a brisk pace.

Hange shouted out, "bye, Levi! See ya tomorrow!"

Levi waved over his shoulder but stopped when he didn't hear Isabel following behind him.

Isabel was still standing next to Hange, who was staring at her pile of books. He groaned and made his way back to the couch as Hange leaned down and tried to pick up the stack.

He placed a hand on Isabel's shoulder and attempted to steer her away.

"Isabel let's go," Levi said.

The young lady shook her head, "Nah. I'm catching a ride with some friends. We're gonna go get some food before heading home! So don't worry about me!" Isabel gave him a look and gestured towards Hange, still mapping out a game plan. Levi pretended not to notice her look and shot her a glare of his own.

"Isabel. Dammit, why did you tell me that before I stayed till the end of your classes?"

Hange let out a chortle and glanced up at them, "Ha! Classic. Have fun, kid!"

"Well, since you don't need to worry about me," Isabel said sweetly, "you're free right now. Hange, let Levi help you with this!" She shoulder-checked Levi and stuck out her tongue at him with a grin.

"I'm sure she's fine," Levi said.

"Oh, man! I would so appreciate it!" Hange all but yelled, standing up suddenly. Her head smashed right into Levi's chin, making them both groan and bring their hands up to their respective injuries.

"Dammit, four-eyes. Be fucking careful," Levi growled. He shot Isabel a look, but it didn't stop her giggling. He was losing his edge.

"Ok, bye! I have my phone, and it won't be on silent!" She waved and hurried off in the direction of the exit. There was a group of girls who waved, laughing, before walking off together. Levi let out an exasperated sigh, but he was happy to see she was making friends. She deserved it.

Groaning, he looked back down. Hange… was just sitting on the floor, next to her pile of books. No, she wasn't just sitting there. She was reading a book.

"Yo, four-eyes. You want help or not."

"Hmm?" She looked up as though unsure of who was talking to her. She blinked her big, brown eyes and then smiled. Her lips formed a little oh, and though she only just remembered where she was. "Oh, yes! Sorry, I got side-tracked there for a minute. How's your chin! I'm really sorry about that!"

She stood and reached out to touch Levi's face.

He took a step back, "You were just touching the floor. I don't want you touching my face!" He felt his cheeks warm up a bit and shifted his gaze. He picked up most of the stupid, fucking books.

She chuckled and reached down to pick up the rest. She looked at him with a grin and replied, "that's a fair point, Shorty."

"Shorty?" Levi all but dropped the books. "Whatever, Four-eyes," he said and stormed away.

He heard some undignified sputtering as she tried to think of a comeback. He smirked. Good, she should feel bad.

"You just called me Four-eyes? What, I can't call you Shorty?"

"Not when I'm doing you a favour," he shot back. " And after you try to break my face!"

"No! Come back, Shor- Levi! I mean... I mean, come help me, Levi," she sounded whiney. He wasn't sure if he liked that sound.

He turned around and saw her trying to pick up the stack again. He let out a sigh and dragged his feet back to the fucking weirdo, again.

"Oh my fucking god… Why do you even have this many books with you?" He said gruffly as he took an armful of the offending items.

"Research!" Hange exclaimed as though it was obvious. She started to walking away at a surprisingly fast pace.

"What the fuck, slow down, weirdo," Levi said. In-fucking-credible.

"Well, come on then!" Hange said, glancing over her shoulder. "My office isn't too far away."

It sure felt like it was, though.

After winding their way through the halls and then down several sets of stairs, Hange finally unlocked a door and turned on the lights of her office. It was absolutely filled with books, with stacks of papers covering every surface. She shuffled into the room, stepping over a few plastic boxes, and placed her cargo on her chair. It was the only surface that had any space. Hange motioned for Levi to hand her his share, which she placed on the ground, next to the chair.

"Fuck, Hange. How the hell do you ever find anything?" Levi said, unable to hide the growing frustration from his tone. He didn't like clutter, and he really didn't like this room. "This is a fucking mess."

"Oh, it's not that bad! I can find what I need eventually!" She waved her hand and flicked off the lights. Hange picked up two plastic boxes, letting out a small grunt as she did so.

"Alright! Let's head out. Close the door, would you?" She nodded to the open door.

"What's in the boxes?" Levi asked, shutting the door. He had no idea why he was still here. Why was he still here, talking to this lunatic. God, he shuttered thinking of the stacks of paper in that little office.

"Oh, just old notebooks that I need to shred, some speakers I need to donate, and then a lot of rat food to bring to the shelter."

He had forgotten about the rats.

He looked over at the tall, lanky woman. She was obviously struggling. Shit.

"Give me those," he muttered as he took the boxes from her.

She let out an audible sigh as she shook out her arms, "oof, thanks a bunch! Ok, it's over this way!"

Levi glanced her way, "what is?"

"My apartment!"

He felt weird about this. He didn't know this person. Well, he did, or he would know her. Tomorrow, anyways. It still felt weird. He wasn't sure he really knew why. He nodded silently and followed her.

He paused when he looked down.

"Are you wearing fucking crocs?"

[bts-aesthetic-drabbles]

House Party: Part 1

Background Info: You are a foreign exchange student at Seoul University where you are studying in medical school.

Warnings: Sexual Content, Drugs, Alcohol, Swearing, Angst

I am running down the overcrowded sidewalk of my school aggressively trying to make it on time to my 8 o'clock Chemistry class, for the third day in a row. With mid terms coming up in the next few weeks, I have been desperately trying to prepare for them by staying after class for extra labs and lectures. I have lost track of how many "all nighters" I have pulled this past semester.

I have to keep my grades up in order to keep my spot in Seoul University's highly sought after medical program. I was lucky enough to get in based on my outstanding test scores, but maintaining the same standard of test scores in university is not nearly as simple as it was for me when I was in high school. 

I finally stumble into the lecture hall just in the nick of time as the professor calls my name, "-(Y/N). Huffing and puffing in exhaustion I drop down onto my seat and sling my heavy backpack on the floor as I raise my hand to make my attendance known to the professor.

I have got to start sleeping more...I can not afford a single tardy or missed class. My parents will be so unbelievably disappointed if I manage to get kicked out of this program that I’ve worked so hard to get into.

"Hey! You left this on the table yesterday on your way out of class. I tried to chase you down to return it to you but you ran off too fast for me keep up " a melodic voice chuckles from behind me as a large hand pops up next to my head.

In the hand is my cherry colored faux leather journal that is filled with very personal drawings, poetry and photos that I have taken throughout the past few years. It was been with me for quite a long time and houses some of my deepest and darkest feelings. I am mortified to think that someone might have seen what all is inside it.

I can feel my cheeks blushing like crazy as I look up any meet the gaze of the man’s shining eyes. His kind and comforting smile makes makes my heart flutter. I carefully reach out and take the small journal from his outstretched hand and look down at the desk in front of me as I grasp the framiliar book. I really hope he didn’t look at any of the things in this book...some of its contents are beyond embarrassing.

“You really should hold onto personal things like that better. There are some cruel people out there that might try to use something like that against you one day.” He says politely with a shrug as I take the book from his hand and clutch it to my chest. Ah, so he probably did at least glace over it for him to know it’s very personal. I wonder what all he saw? Was he looking for something in particular, perhaps it was just my name? I really shouldn’t always assume the worst in every situation.

None the less, he did find it and return it to me so he is owed a thank you, “ Thank you so much, I have been so scatter brained lately. I can’t seem to keep my head on straight!” I bow my head lightly to the guy and turn my attention towards the front of the class as the professor begins his lecture.

Throughout class I can’t seem to focus on anything the teacher is saying, my heart is pounding in my chest and my mind keeps on reeling. I feel like I am drowning in my own thoughts about what the guy next to me is thinking about me and what he might have seen in my notebook.

Was it something super sad and embarrassing like an emotionally charged journal entry about how lonely I am because I have no family around here and I’ve lost all my friends since moving countries. Perhaps he saw some of the (potentially creepy) polaroids I’ve taken of random groups of friends on campus that are laughing and playing games together.

Maybe be saw the sketches of random people, places and things that inspire me. The emotions, sights and experiences of everyday life that make it so beautifully fascinating.

Maybe he took the time to look at everything in the book and maybe was able to piece together how much of a depressed loner I am. Maybe he looked at the contents and connected the dots of my soul that show exactly who I am and how I feel. And maybe he showed it to all of his friends and they had a good laugh together at how much of a loser I am.

Negative thoughts continue to roll around in my brain until finally I am forced to snap back to reality as the teacher ends class and people start slamming textbooks closed all around me. I shake my head and look down at the pencil in my hand and find that I had covered my blank paper for notes in doodles of random things.

I take a deep breath and begin packing my notebook and pens back into my bag as I force my mind to refocus on reality. I can not believe that completely zoned out for this entire class, I am going to be up all night tonight trying to read what I missed. It’s not like I have any friends here that I can get the notes from. Great job (y/n), way to totally fuck yourself over yet again....

Just as I reach to tuck my red journal I nto my bag I find that there is a small folded piece of paper sticking out of the top of it. I bite my lip lightly and tuck the paper further into the pages of the book and make a mental note to check it out later as I stuff the book into my backpack and shuffle out of the nearly empty classroom.

As that was my last class for the day I decide to make my way to the large courtyard in front of the main part of campus. The courtyard is often filled with students studying and hanging out with friends at any given time of day. People like to play sports, board games, read and have meals in the lush green grass.

Most days I set up my portable hammock on a couple of trees that are off to the side of the large lawn. The spot is next to small garden that is filled with a dozen different kinds of flowers and has the best view of campus. I like to study here and people watch from my secluded little spot. It’s quiet and peaceful and helps me to get my buzzing thoughts together.

I set my hammock up and carefully lay down in it so I don’t too over, which I have done an embarrassing amount of times. I just kind of flop backwards out of the nylon swing with my limbs flailing like out of some kind of cartoon.

I pull out my journal and open it up to the page where the folded note is. With slightly shaking hands I unfold it and read what the scribbled Korean handwriting says.

Hi! I want you to let know that I tried very hard not to look at what all was in your book when I found it yesterday. I just wanted to find your name so I knew who I was returning it to but...as I flipped through your journal I fell in love with your art. Your photos and drawings had me in a trance, the way you capture the essence of such complex things like emotions and relationships is so unique and it really moved me.

One of my best friends is an art major here and I think he would die to see some of the things you’ve created.

Also, I noticed that a lot of your book was written in English, which is so cool! I’d love to hear you speak some English sometime. Maybe you can meet another one of my friends who also speaks fluent English as well!

Sorry for rambling...Anyways,

I’ve noticed that you always seem to be in such a rush...and seeing how full your book is, you don’t seem to get out very much. So, I’ve decided that you are coming to party with me this weekend. I can tell that you need to get out of your own head and have some fun for a change. I know you will probably want to say no, so here is some motivation for you to agree:

1. I am not some kind of crazy person that is trying to lure you off campus to hurt you or something. The party is at one of the frat houses just off of campus and there will be a bunch of people there so you don’t have to worry about that. You are welcome to bring a friend if you want.

2. There will be plenty of food, drinks and fun involved. I can introduce you to the friends that I mentioned earlier.

3. I will let you copy my notes from class today since you seemed to be a little spacey and in another world today.

I can’t wait to hear from you! Text me for details! (XXX-XXXX)

-Jeon Jungguk

The handwriting is rushed and a little scratchy in nature. At the bottom of the note I spot a cute drawing of a planet and some stars on it, along with a tiny smiley face.

A party? I’ve never once in my life been to a real party...what do you even wear to a party? What do you do? I can’t imagine that I would be much fun to even hang out with considering I literally bake cupcakes in my dorm room microwave on Friday nights while listening to recorded lectures as a form of ‘fun’.

But maybe it’s for that exact reason that I should try to have some real fun for once. Fun that other people my age are having.

I type Jungguks number into my phone and send him a text with a little planet emoji to let him know that it’s me. He responds almost immediately with, “Ah, so you got my note! So, what do you say? Will you be coming?”

I agree to come and he texts me the address and time for the party and tells me to be sure to pack a small bag with some essentials just incase we end up staying at the party over night. I googled it and apparently, that is a normal thing that sometimes occurs at parties...

I scuttle up and out of my hammock and fold it up and put it in my backpack along with my journal and begin making my way to my small apartment on the far end of campus. I was lucky enough to be able to afford an apartment rather than having to stay in one of the school crowded dorm rooms.

I quickly make my way down the sidewalk towards my home. After several minutes the framiliar grey and white building comes into my sight and I watch as dozens of my fellow students make their way in and out of the popular apartment complex.

The place is nothing that special but it is conveniently in the middle of campus and even pretty modern with its decorations and room accomidations, expecially considering the cheap rent.

I currently am staying in one of the one room studio styles apartments that is on the top floor of the glass building. I press the elevator button and watch as the doors immediately open and reveal an empty elevator. How fast and convenient! That never happens!

I scurry into the elevator and begin rapidly pressing the close door button before anyone can get on. I hate riding the elevator all the way to the top floor with a group of university students.

Just as the door is about to close a tan arms shoots through the narrow gap in the door and says, “hold that elevator please!” Damnit. So close.

I press the ‘door open’ button of the control panel and the door dings and reopens to reveal a very disheveled and stressed looking man.

His dark brown hair is askew and one arm is overflowing with textbooks and lose pieces of paper. He must be a science major. His aura reeks of chaos and stress, much like me.

He clamors into the elevator and flashes a dimpled smile my way as he thanks me with a small bow, “Floor 7 please. Thank you so much, I am in a huge rush. I got out of a study group late and I really need to get back to my room so I can take care of my plants! I’m already a whole hour behind schedule and I’m sure they are dying of thirst andI need to cook something for dinner and...ah sorry I’m rambling and I am sure you must think I am crazy....” He says as he runs a long hand through his messy hair and glances at the floor.

My eyes must have been wide as saucers as I tried to process the guys increasingly panicked speech, “Uh, no I don’t think you are crazy. I just think you are stressed out and in need of a break. Which I totally understand. You must be a science major like me. Hello, my name is (y/n)” I say with a friendly smile as I extend my hand towards him.

His eyes light up and he sticks his hand out towards mine and shakes it once before running his hand through his hair again, “Hi (y/n), my name is Namjoon! Actually I am an English and world studies major, but I am getting my minor is in science. What made you think I was a science major?”

Oh an English major, I bet he can speak English! I haven’t met too many English majors here in Korea. I decide to switch from Korean to English and speak the the guy to test his ability, “Ah, it was the large stack of books and the intensely stressed aura you had on you Namjoon. I think you should take some time to destress before you make yourself sick” I say in perfect English.

I watch as his eyes go wide and his mouth parts slightly as he hears me speak English yet he responds quickly and easily is English, “You speak English so well! You must not be from Korea... And yes stress is defiantly a problem. But I am trying to study as much as I can today before I spend my weekend relaxing and having fun with some friends. I advise you to do the same science major (y/n). It was nice meeting you! See you around!” He says as the elevator stops on floor 7 and the door opens allowing him to step out.

The door closes and the elevator fills with silence as I smile to myself remembered the cute dimples smile of the man I just met. The elevator ascends on more floor to my floor and I step out and make my way to my room.

I unlock the door with my keycode and push my door open and remove my shoes before stepping into the framiliar room. I flick the lights on and I can hear the faint hum of electricity as the room is illuminated. I throw my backpack down on my dining room table and sigh loudly as I throw myself face down on my nearby bed.

What a day.

[theloveablesociopath]

Whisper your love Part 3

Pairing: Bucky x Reader

Summary: As a hydra agent, you where the last person Bucky expected to be kind to him, but during the days of him being locked away as the winter solider, you where a Flower among the graves.

Warnings: Fluff?, Swearing.

Word Count:1,731

Waking up today felt like getting hit over the head repeatedly with a hammer, my temples shot pain through my skull, and there was this strangely familiar stringing that burrowed itself at the base of my neck. Getting out of bed and standing felt like trying to balance on one leg on a moving canoe, I was all stumbles and grunts as I finally managed to pull myself up right.

I knew a few clues that told me where to go, mostly the tiny snippets of orders that spoke through the thick fog of my mind. It was morning and by what I could gather, that meant breakfast.

When I exited my quarters, I felt the strange sensation of confusion again, I didn’t know whether to go left or right, and where it is I would go in the first place. Taking a guess I turned left and headed down a oblong hallway that was lined with a few different doors, all marked with different numbers, and only illuminated by the light flicker of the broken lights on the cycling.  When I arrived at the end of the hall way, I took a chance and turned right, seeing a single door at the end of it. Upon reaching it I heard grunts and the rough sound of a body hit the ground. Though I had enough sense to tell that this was not where I wanted to be, I still felt the urge to grasp the door handle and yank It one. Giving into this odd pull of energy, I did exactly that, only to find a young women and man, sparing relentlessly in a frenzies of kicks and punches.

“You’re getting sloppy Theo.” The young women barked, smiling at him before landing an upper cut to his jaw and sending him staggering back.

“F-Fuck..” the young man-Theo I presume-  mumbled as he cupped a hand under his chin and watched it catch the small amount of blood that trailed out of his mouth. Just as he was about to get up for another round, his eyes caught sight of me, and his face visibly drained. Seeing this, the women looked over her shoulder and upon seeing me, let a soft smile curve onto her face.

“Well good morning winter, I haven’t seen you in a few days.” She beamed, and I could do nothing but stare her down.  Who was she and why did she call me ‘winter’ not only that but what does she mean a few days? I felt like I’ve seen her before, maybe in a dream sometime but she was nothing but that, a faint thought in the back of my mind.  

As my faced mirrored that of a stone wall, her face fell.

“They wiped you again…” she commented disappointingly, and began to make her was over to me.

“I’m (y/n), nice to meet you winter.” She said softly, extending a hand out to me, which I did nothing but glance at.

She sighed, and let a faint smile play on her lips as she looked up to me. “When you get back to your room, look under your mattress.” She informed.

She gave me a half hearted smile, and waved her hand as she made her way back to the mat and with no heist, kicked the legs of Theo from under him as he wasn’t pay attention.

I stayed long enough to hear him yell “ouch! (y/n) what the fuck!” and for her to reply with “You must master the element of surprise!” that was half masked by a soft chuckle.

-----------------------------

My day felt like watching a movie, I could barley control the pictures that flashed through my mind as I ate my protein bar that morning, and I could hardly concentrate enough to endure my training session after words.

Not only had I gained most of my recollection of where I was and what I was supposed to do, but also left feeling like the young women from before had painted her name on every tiny surface of my brain.  She was a deeply seeded memory that had released a sheer mask over me, and I felt like I knew her, I felt like I wanted to know her, and that’s when her words played themselves to me again. ‘look under your mattress’.

My training session ended with my opponent moaning in pain at my feet, and my metal fist covered in small specks of blood.  A guard commanding me to retreat to my quarters, and more men helping the mess of a man up from the mat.

It felt so strange to be able to walk down the hall to my room and knowing exactly where to go but not knowing why or how I even got into this situation. I knew hardly anything about how to navigate these halls, and knew even less about the people who passed me, but I had this pull and push effect going on in my veins. I knew everything well simultaneously knowing nothing at all.

Arriving at my quarters I felt my stomach growl with hunger, and its only then that I realized I had skipped lunch, whether or not that was a common occurrence I do not know, but I did know that my body craved nutrients.

I knew that the small pull of my heart to look under my mattress was strong, but at this moment the call of food was even stronger, so with one last glance at my door, I walked past, and headed to the cafeteria.

-------------------------------

It took me even less time to find it, having looked early that morning, so I arrived in time for dinner. There were significantly less people present then the morning, and most were scattered out eating quietly by themselves.

Despite the complete lack of people, their spread out bodies made each table occupied, which made me coil in nervousness.

I always sat alone.

After I got the plane steak and potato that the cook slid to me on a metal tray, I glanced around once again and noticed only one option.

Either by sheer coincidence, or some form of metaphysical gravity, an almost bare table, with nothing but a notebook, and a young women sketching with in it, caught my eye.

She was much calmer then when I saw her before, no longer were her hands wrapped in white cotton cloth, and her attire had navigated from shorts and a tank top, to a clean and sharp hydra uniform.

My feet began to move before my mind had even given its statement, and within seconds I was towering over her, clutching my tray a little too tight in my metal palm, and giving the all to familiar look of a killer.

She stopped writing abruptly, and slowly lifted her head up to look at me, her eyes twinkling as her face split into a soft grin.

“Hi winter” she beamed, looking at my form in search of a response, but I gave none, just sat down in front of her with a soft grunt of acknowledgement.

She looked down at my tray, noticing the small proportions and the bare, flavorless look.  “Do they realize you’re a grown man?” she questioned.

I looked to my plate, and gave a very weak shrug in response before digging a fork into the baked potato. After a few moments of chewing the taste of starch and what seemed like dirt, I heard a bag rustling and then a flash of blue being shoved in my direction.

My eyes glanced up to her, seeing her soft features beam with giddiness. “Here, eat this when you’re done.” She said.

I looked at the long blue wrapped object in her hand for a moment, and then heard her chuckle after a sigh.

“its only chocolate” she informed me, and with a slight uncertainty, I took it from her hands.

It felt odd, felt like a complete wave of emotion.. she had done this before, with something else, but she had given me food before.

I looked up to her face as she began to look over her notebook again and somehow felt my eyes glued to her beauty, as she scribbled what looked to be diagrams of mechanics in its pages.

The way she brushed her hair out of her face made my heart flutter, and it felt so completely wrong to my obedient mind, yet so familiar in my chest.

Before I could dwell on the feelings too much, I ate the rest of my dinner, and quickly got up to leave. I felt my body pause for a moment as she didn’t even look up at me, and without my consent, a quick “thank you” groggily poured out of my lips.

--------------------------------------------

When I finally arrived back at my quarters, I found myself carding my fingers through my hair, as I stared down at my bed. It felt a little ridiculous, to listen to a girl I barely knew, but she had already proven herself different, and on top of that it would form no harm in listening.

Lifting up the very thin, and worn down spring mattress, I was surprised to see that she was indeed telling the truth, and I immediately picked the leather bound book up.

Sitting down on my bed, I got the bar of chocolate she had given me out of my pocket, and opened up the book.

What lain inside the pages, was scribbling lines of blue ink, all looking to be quick diary entries. The dates ran along the top, and followed a inconsistent pattern.

As I began to read, flashes of each detail blurred within my vision, and each time was like the first time it happened, well simultaneously being the millionth time iv thought about it.

She was there, in the lab, in the med bay, in the cafeteria, she was in my room, in the hall ways and training room.

Every small glimpse of her being there followed a series of smiles and waves, and each and every time my heart grew a little more.

By the end of the last entry, I felt my mind flood with feelings, I knew her, I knew who I was, and I felt that invisible pull on my heart strings.

I wanted her closer.

Tags: @bexboo616 @obsessivegeekynerd @httpstainme

[nsschaintale]

Link 4: Perseverance Draws The Line

CHAINTALE Extra

Chain Link: The Fallen Royal Scientist

Link 4: Perseverance Draws The Line

It had been years since the previous human fell, and things have settled down. There had been some monsters whose time had come for them to be Fallen, and there had been some funerals that were performed. Attempts were made to save some of the monsters, but there was nothing to be done. Nowadays, things have calmed down. By this time, Tether and Catena became old enough to do entry-level things related to what they wanted. Tether was still a bit of an errand boy, but is allowed in the restricted areas alone and learning how to help with low-level tasks around the laboratory. Catena also became an errand boy, but still not close enough to fully join the Royal Guard. Tether sometimes help the guards in the snowfields with deliveries when not at the lab. He was about to return to the lab when he heard something coming from the forest from the direction of the Ruins. He rushed to hide behind the sentry station and when he peeked over, he spotted a human. The human has shoulder-length light brown hair, hazel brown eyes, and wearing black fullframed glasses, a shortsleeved purple shirt layered over a white longsleeved button shirt, blue jeans, and black sneakers. The human was trudging their way in the snow and noticed the station. Curiously, they went to investigate it and when they got closer, Tether popped up to say hello, startling the bespectacled human. By the voice, Tether realized it was a boy.

Human: M-M-MONSTER!!

Tether: Yeah, I know I am. You a human?

Human: Y-Yeah. What's...your name..?

Tether: I'm Tether! Tether Gadwyn! You?

Human: I'm Percival, but you can call me Percy. You...won't hurt me, will you?

Tether: You didn't hurt anyone, did ya?

Percy (shakes his head): No.

Tether: Then I won't!

Percy: Hmn...Hm? (cleans his glasses and put them back on) Whoa, you're a walking skeleton?

Tether: Yeah. Why?

Percy: I've never seen one before. They're usually buried underground when someone dies. (opens a purple notebook and takes a black pen out; starts writing) Monster Type Number..... Living Skeleton...

Tether: Really...? (glances in the notebook) Whatcha writin' in there?

Percy: Oh.. would it be okay if I wrote about you?

Tether: About me? Sure! Oh, I gotta warn ya. The other monsters are really into catchin' humans, so ya better watch out.

Percy: Are you gonna catch me, too?

Tether: Not really, but you did catch my attention!

Percy: I did?

Tether: Yeah, because I didn't catch you, you caught me!

Percy: ….

Tether: Uuh...wait...Maybe it should be... (clears his throat) The only thing that is caught here..is my attention!

Percy: Um...

Tether: Nevermind, I'll..work on it.

Percy: Were you trying to make a joke?

Tether: Yah, but it didn't work. But I got a...skele-ton..of others to try!

Percy: Pft haha, there's one.

Tether (throws his fists up): Yes! I did it! Ah, but I gotta go. Catch ya later!

Percy: Bye, Tether! (watch him run off) He seems nice. I hope the other monsters are nice, too.

They weren't.

Like the humans before him, he was also chased by the monsters. But unlike them, Percy was getting some unexpected help. From snowballs mysteriously flying at the monsters to seeing them being directed away from him, he was grateful to his mystery helper. At times, he had ran into Tether in the snowfields and was often asked about what he writes in his notebook. Percy was willing to share his findings and observations with him when he's not trying to dodge monster attacks. While he was getting afraid of the monsters' actions, he's begun to trust Tether. Tether wanted to show Percy around Snowdin, but knowing that the monsters and the Royal Guard are actively hunting the human down, they didn't have much time to do so. Once they did manage to reach town, they had to sneak around to avoid the searching monsters. As they did, Percy tried to take as many notes as he could, causing Tether to question his insistence in writing as they hid behind a restaurant.

Tether: You're writin' again. Why do ya do that? Is that what humans do?

Percy: Not all of them, but it's what I do.

Tether: Really?

Percy: Yep! I love history, and I want to learn about everything that happened in the past and how it shaped our future.

Tether: But why did ya come down 'ere?

Percy: Because I wanted to see if there was any truth to the legends I've heard of, mainly the Monster-Human War. (frowns) But it looks like I won't be able to get any answers from everyone here since they're chasing me...

Tether: Hmm...Maybe ya should talk to m' Papa! He's old enough ta know stuff 'bout that!

Percy: He does?

Tether: Yeah! He's a scientist, so he's smart!

Percy: Good idea! I wanna meet him!

Tether: We betta go then!

Leaving their hiding spot, the duo snuck their way out towards the snowstorm out on the outskirts of Snowdin. Realizing it was time for him to go, Percy was about to leave Tether but not without giving him a gift.

Percy (hands Tether a blue covered notebook): Here.

Tether: A book?

Percy: A notebook! I wanted to thank you for helping me so far.

Tether: Err, welcome! Thanks fer the notebook! Oh, ya goin' through Waterfall, ya gotta watch fer the Head Guard!

Percy: The Head Guard?

Tether: Yeah, ya know those Royal Guard dogs? The leader is 'round Waterfall. He's a horse.

Percy: Okay, I'll watch for- a horse?

Tether: Of course.

Percy: Oh, that will be easy.

Tether: Huh?

Percy: I'll be able to hear him coming from a mile away. See you soon!

Tether: Eeer, okay. Bye.

Once they separated, Percy entered into Waterfall. This sent Percy into a writing frenzy as he documented everything he came across. The gem-encrusted walls, the flower bridge, even the waterfalls. As he traveled, he didn't realize he was being followed. He noticed a few stone panels on the wall and studied them. He noticed they had the story of the Monster-Human War engraved on them. From what he read, Percy begin to question the truth behind the legend and whether or not the monsters were even bad in the first place. As he was thinking, he was startled by a shout from nowhere, turning to see a horse-headed monster clad in black armor and cloth with chains. That was what Tether meant by the leader being “a horse”. Percy dodged the spear thrusted at him and took off running. Along the way, he had run into areas where there are stone panels on the walls. Whenever he felt safe enough, he would read them and get even more disturbed by the story. He realized they had notes of the legend he had heard of, but not in the way he was taught. Something about Souls and the way they're handled between monsters and humans. Percy was feeling like the war wasn't a war. Rather than the monsters attacking humans out of evil intentions, the humans were attacking the monsters out of fear of their power.

Percy: “Not a single Soul was taken, and countless monsters were turned to dust...” It wasn't a war...it was a...what's that word....massacre..? No way..... (writes in his notebook) This isn't right... The legend was wrong...

Percy was bothered by this revelation during his walk. He definitely has to get this information out. Distracted, he found himself in a room full of blue flowers and Tether was standing among them.

Percy: Whoa, I've never seen flowers like these before..

Tether: I 'eard they're Echo Flowers. They can repeat anythin' ya say to 'em. We monsters use 'em to make wishes!

Percy: Ooh, I want to make a wish. (crouches by the closest one) I wish I can tell the truth of the monsters.

Tether: Eh? The truth of the monsters?

Percy: Yes. I found some wall panels and they told of what really happened to the monsters. I'm beginning to understand why you all are wanting to leave. I want to bring this truth out to people on the surface.

Tether: What if they don't believe you?

Percy: Then I'll find a way to make them believe it! That's a promise!

With that declaration, Percy made his goal: he will escape the Underground and bring the true story of the monsters to light. Percy decided to explore more of Waterfall and had discovered more stone plaques, found a cracked statue, dug around in the trash area (he realized a lot of it came from the surface and figured it was how the monsters got their things), played around with the mushrooms that lit up the ground, and escaped from more monsters. He even discovered a little village with little dog creatures that he found were called Temmies. He had a bit of a field day with that one, but was a little disappointed when trying to get the “rich history” from them. Most of the them were saying strange things or just “Hoi, I'm Temmie!” and the like. At least they were cute, if not for the strange feeling he got from them. Leaving the village happy yet confused, Percy pressed on. At one point, he ran into Tether again and they wandered through a rainy area. They chatted for a while before reaching an area where they can see a distant castle.

Tether: That's where the king lives.

Percy: A king? Really? Is he nice?

Tether: Real nice! Papa works for him as the..uh..the Royal Scientist, yeah!

Percy: So cool! You think he'll let me talk to him?

Tether: If ya can get past the guards, but I'm sure if ya can show 'im yer notes, he'll let ya through!

Percy: I hope so! Hey, maybe I can show you what the surface is like. You wanna come with me?

Tether (lowers his head): I can't..

Percy: Why not?

Tether: Papa says there's a barrier and no monster can leave through it. We're stuck 'ere...

Percy: Oh... I hope there's a way to get rid of it so you all can come out.

Tether (looks at Percy happily): Actually, Papa's workin' on somethin' like that! I don't know what or how, but I know he is!

Percy: Awesome! Can't wait to see it working!

Tether: Me too!

As this went on, in the laboratory, Aden was taking a break from studying the human Souls when he was hearing about a new human roaming around. He also heard some disturbing rumors about a monster helping the human.

Gadwyn: What utter nonsense. Who in their right mind would ever help a human? (looks at the clock) I suppose I should check on my boys, see if they're doing all right. Especially Catena, I worry that the Royal Guard might be a bit too much for him. Tether should have been back by now, unless the guard needed him for something, too.

Figuring his colleagues can carry on the tests without him should he fail to show up on time, Gadwyn left to go to Snowdin to check on Catena and Tether. He found Catena and Darius heading towards the station outside the Ruins with supplies. When he got close, he noticed Darius acting strange upon spotting him and Tether nowhere to be seen.

Gadwyn: Hello, Darius, Catena.

Catena: Hi, Daddy!

Darius (nervous): H-Hi, Dr. Gadwyn...

Gadwyn: Is something the matter?

Darius: No, sir! Everything's good..

Gadwyn: Right... (turns to Catena) Are you doing all right?

Catena: Yep, we're takin' supplies to the Ruin post!

Gadwyn: Is that right? Have you seen your brother? He was supposed to be back to the lab by now.

Catena: I dunno. I was with Mr. Darius. We were s'possed to meet him here when we came back.

Gadwyn: And he wasn't here...?

Darius: He was. I told him to wait, but maybe another guard called for him while we were gone?

Gadwyn: Hmm, I suppose if that's the case, I'll ask the sisters.

Darius: Okay..

Catena: Bye, Daddy!

Gadwyn: See you soon. (walks away) Something's off...

While Gadwyn searched for Tether, Percy was having problems of his own. When he found a series of panels describing how a monster's soul disappears after death, except for a Boss Monster Soul, and how a human can absorb that soul, Percy was startled by an echoing voice.

???: And another....

Percy: Ah!

???: Another Soul brought to us.... Yours is the fourth we need....

Percy: Wh-What?! (turns around to see the equine Royal Guard behind him) AAAHH!!

Keldin: You will not escape from me this time, human.

Percy: W-Wait! The fourth? What's that mean?!

Keldin (aims his spear at Percy): Three human Souls we have so far, you will give us yours.

Percy had heard of this. Three kids had disappeared into the mountain over the past several decades, never to be heard from again. And now, he was about to become the fourth child to disappear in the Monster World. He did not want that. He had a promise to keep. As he saw the monster prepare to pierce him with his spear, Percy felt something rise within him and he screamed.

Percy (eyes glowing purple): STOOOOOP!!

Keldin (freezes): Agh?! What...I can't move!

Percy: Huh..?

Keldin (struggling): What...did you do to me...you....damned...ergh!

Percy: I...It works on him, too? All right! All right, put away your spear!

Keldin (feels his body move and watches his spear vanish): H-How...you...!

Percy: Turn around.

Keldin (struggling but turns around): How are you doing this?!

Percy: Um...Go back to Snowdin!

Keldin (feels his body moving): What?! No...stop!

Percy: Faster!

Keldin (running): Gaaaah!!

Percy (watches him disappear further away): …..That was close... I better get out of here quick... But at least it still works!

With a newfound confidence, Percy kept going. He felt he was close to leaving when he found more panels. When he read them, he was becoming more fearful. The monsters had surrendered to the humans and were sealed underground by seven powerful magicians with a magic spell. That barrier Tether told him about kept them all here. The only way anyone can leave is with a powerful enough Soul and if seven of them comes together before the barrier, it will break.

Percy: ...No human could come here? ....Is this why the monsters were chasing me? ...Those kids disappeared...? Are they trapped here? This is.....What's going on..? No entrances or exits...but I came in through the ruins....Am I trapped here, too?

His confidence now turning into confusion, Percy wandered. He managed to write down the words, but the sentences were becoming even more unnerving. He trudged past the field of Echo flowers and spotted a single panel.

Percy: “But there is a prophecy.” A prophecy...? “The Angel...The One Who Has Seen The Surface....They will return. And the underground will go empty.” The Angel....am I...? (shakes his head) No...I don't think I am. I hope that empty part means everyone will escape here... Seven Souls...If I find the kids..err, maybe they're adults by now? Then maybe we can help the monsters go free!

Percy rushed across the bridge towards an opening and he can see a glowing red light up ahead. Once he passed through the path, he can feel the heat increasing as he entered a new area. He was shocked to see lava under the bridge ahead of him, but was also spotted by a guard manning the station by it.

Guard: A-A human! A human is here!

Percy: Uh oh! Uh, stop!

Guard (freezes): Guh, what?!

Percy: Run to Waterfall!

Guard (runs away): Huaa!

Percy: Gotta keep going!

Percy took off running across the bridge, spotting a large white building ahead. He had stopped but he felt something bad about the place and went north. He found an elevator and used to escape the now pursuing monsters. Once inside, he pressed the L3 button without questioning why it was labeled “Left Floor 3”, he didn't really care. He just had to get away. From a moment's peace to being determined to escape, Percy ran the moment the doors opened. He found himself running past an area where he spotted some cobwebs and into a large area where there are many arrow panels on several rocky platforms.

Percy: How do I get through here...? (steps on a panel, gets launched) WAAAAH!!! (lands on his side) Ooww... I guess...that's how...

Percy had to do this several times while noticing the monster guards standing nearby, watching him struggling with the puzzle. They commented on how he'll never get past the puzzle and that he might as well give up and surrender. Upon hearing this, Percy decided to prove them wrong. Once he calmed himself, he studied the areas and the arrows, planning out the course and adjusting as he went. To the amazement and horror of the monster guards, Percy made it through. He kept going as the cobwebs increased in number, until he reached a dark area where he noticed his movements were slowing down.

Percy: Ugh, why am I moving so slow...? (looks down, sees the floor covered in white threads) What is this stuff? (tries to lift his foot but it barely moves) I'm stuck? (hears sounds of skittering) What was that...?

(giggling is heard)

Percy: Laughing? From where...? (looks down again to see spiders crawling around) Gah! Spiders! No! (tries to kick them away) Go away!

???: There's no use struggling, dearie! You might as well relax while you're here~.

Percy: Who..?

Percy watched as a monster descended down on a silken thread. With an arachnid grace and polite poise, she curtsied before Percy.

???: My name is Kæde, the spider queen. I've heard of a human roaming around the Underground, but I never thought I'd get to meet one~.

Percy: Um, hi, I'm Percy, uh, can you let me go?

Kæde: Let you go? Ahuhuhu~! Why should I let you go?

Percy: Because I have to get to the surface! I have something to do!

Kæde: Aww, but why not stay a while and have some cider? You must be famished.

Percy: I am kinda thirsty...but I don't want anything right now, thank you. Just...let me go!

Kæde: Huhuhu... I'm finding it hard to let go of you, human.

Percy: It's not working..?(eyes glow) Let...me...go...

Kæde: Maybe I will. But let's have some fun, shall we? (snaps her fingers)

The area around them went dark, save for Percy's soul, which is of a purple hue. During the battle, Kæde sent spiders, various pastries, even a giant muffin monster tried to eat him. Percy had to study and dodge them all while running and climbing the spider webs that covered the battlefield. He also discovered why his power didn't work on her; her Soul was purple, too, although mostly white. His power may have been canceled out by hers. He was beginning to grow exhausted, but his desire to leave, the desire to accomplish his goal, kept him going. He had to escape, he just had to get his discoveries out there to the world, to tell the monsters' true story. Even as he was getting ensnared by the threads, nothing was going to stop him, nothing at all-

???: I see you've captured the human, Miss Kæde.

Kæde: Oh! Dr. Gadwyn? I wasn't expecting you to be here.

Gadwyn: Yes... (approaches Percy) So...this is the human that was causing trouble.

Percy: A skeleton monster..?

Gadwyn: Hmph, you don't look as tough as I had imagined. I was expecting something worse. Pathetic.

Percy: You're Tether's dad, are you?

Gadwyn (glares): I am.

Percy: I'm Percival. I'm trying to leave the place so I can-

Gadwyn: I do not care who you are or what you want to do. Your life ends here, human.

Percy: Wait! Why will my life end? What did I do wrong?!

Gadwyn: There are many things that you've done wrong. You exist. You tried to escape. You even went so far as to poison my son's mind with your words.

Percy: Poison his mind? I didn't-

Gadwyn: I had a feeling something strange was going on when Tether didn't come back to the laboratory today. I heard rumors of a human being helped by a monster. I thought it was just absurd. But then I talked to the Royal Guards and my other son, Catena. Then it hit me; Tether must be the one helping you. My own son, brainwashed into protecting you.

Percy: I didn't brainwash him! He wanted to be my friend- (gets choked) Aagh!

Gadwyn (choking Percy with one hand): You may have been able to do it with the other monsters, but I will not allow you to trick me with your poisonous words. There is no way a monster can ever become friends with a human. You are all heartless, lying, bloodthirsty betrayers, and I will not allow my sons to become tainted with your disgusting ways.

Percy: Aggh..b..but..I want...agh..to...I want to...tell the..truth...

Gadwyn: The truth? (loosens his grip) Ha! The last human who did that paid with her life after she took one of our own.

Percy: Wh-What..?

Gadwyn: She thought that telling the truth would let us spare her. It didn't work, so we took her Soul as I will do yours.

Percy: But...that means she's...

Gadwyn: Yes, she is dead.

Percy felt the dreadful weight of terror crash onto him. The previous humans who fell in the mountain were now likely dead in his mind. This threw him into a panic as he violently tried to break free of the spider web cocoon.

Percy: NO!! I can't die!! I don't wanna die!!

Gadwyn: Cease your screaming, no one will come to your rescue. I made sure of that.

Percy: Please!! I can't die yet! I promised I would leave to get the truth to the surface!

Gadwyn: You promised? Promised who?

Percy: Tether... I promised him that I.. (notices his notebook on the ground) ..I would take what I found here and tell everyone what really happened. I learned in school that you monsters terrorized humans to where you had to be sealed up in the mountain. But it's not true! It was us who hurt you! The humans must have started the war because they were scared of your power! If you can let me go, I can at least tell your story! Please, at least let me do that!

Gadwyn: Hmm...So he was telling the truth... You would do that much?

Percy: Yes! That's why- (felt the hand tighten around his neck) Guh! Wha-

Gadwyn: I can't say I believe you. You could be lying for all I know. And besides, your Soul is needed for the project, so it would be pointless to listen to your deceitful droning.

Percy: No...Pl-please...I can...help...free...

Gadwyn: Yes, you will. With your Soul. That way, you will never trick my son again.

Percy: Ugh...Te..ther...

Upon hearing his son's name, Gadwyn squeezed the boy's throat hard enough to audibly break his neck bones and cut off his air, choking him to death. Kæde watched this with fear as she hadn't realized how capable Gadwyn is in simply ending another person's life. She made a mental note to not get on his bad side whenever possible. Gadwyn drew out Percy's Soul and demanded the spider girl to release his body so he can take it to the laboratory. He also took the boy's notebook to read through it once he returned. Unbeknownst to him, the whole exchange between Gadwyn and Percy was seen by Tether. Before Gadwyn met Percy, Tether was found heading towards Hotland to meet the boy by his father and was taken back to the lab. They argued, Tether told him about how Percy was not as bad as Gadwyn made humans out to be, and Tether was locked up and guarded so he wouldn't escape. The scientist hadn't counted on his son learning how to teleport like him. Tether only managed to escape through the door, but it was enough for him to rush past the guard by his door and to the elevator. Once on the lobby level, he almost made it to the exit past the monitors when he saw Gadwyn with Percy. He watched as his father broke the boy's neck without hesitation after telling him to not trick his son again. Tether was unsure of what happened afterwards, but he could have sworn that everything went blurry and it all went to black.

Four Souls down, three to go.

TO BE CONTINUED