#My City type of ship. and you're trapped in here with me

[meirimerens]

sometimes i remember when russian-speaking pathologic twitter had a sexiest patho (male?) character tournament and peter won and someone qrt the result with something like "the french artist who created peterstakh paid for that result" and on one hand i never would. peter has the sex appeal of a trout to me (And Brother. Rubin Is A Pescetarian.) i would never put my money on him. on the other. honored This Ship is what i'm known for. i'm blushingggg omg

[nekoannie-chan]

In the middle of the battle

In the middle of the battle

Title: In the middle of the battle.

Fandom: Marvel, Captain America.

Ship: Steve Rogers X Reader.

Word count: 189 words.

Square: “Battle of New York.”

Rating: Teen.

Summary: The moment when Steve and you met.

Major Tags: Meet cute, battle of New York.

A/N: This is my entry to @multifandom-flash, Steve Rogers Bingo.

Links: Wattpad, Ao3, Spanish version.

@saiyanprincessswanie

My native language is Spanish so I wanna improve my writing skills in English if you notice any mistakes, please let me know and I will correct them.

I don’t give any permission for my fics to be posted on other platforms or languages (I translate my work myself) or the use of my graphics (my dividers are included in this), I did them exclusively for my fics, please respect my work and don't steal it. There are some people here who make dividers that anyone can use, mine is not this type, please look for the other people. The only exception is the ones I gifted 'cuz now belong to someone else. Please let me know if you find any of my works on a different platform and are not one of my accounts. Reblogs and comments are always welcome.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Marvel's characters (unfortunately), except for the original characters and the story.

Add yourself to my taglist here.

My other media where I publish:  Ao3, Wattpad, ffnet, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter. 

If you like it, please vote, comment, and give me feedback to improve my skills and reblog.

Tags: @sinceimetyou @unnuevosoltransformalarealidad @navybrat817 @angrythingstarlight @shield-agent78 @charmed-asylum @pandaxnienke @real-fbi @Smokeandnailz @white-wolf1940 @tenaciousperfectionunknown @xoxonotme @bluemusickid @leyannrae @Harrysthiccthighss @Marvelatthisone @caplanbuckybarnes @sapphire-rogers @lizzieolseniskinda @notyourtypicalrose @hallecarey1 @nana1000night @talia-rumlow @writingshae @alexxavicry @azulatodoryuga @daemonslittlebitch @chaoticcollectivenightmare @endlesstwanted @chemtrails-club  @marigoldreamer @whiskeytangofoxtrot555 @Here4thefanfics @theestorm @patzammit @kmc1989 @somegirlfromasgard @rogersbarber

The alarm echoed throughout the city, and the streets were in chaos. You were running along the sidewalks, dodging debris and explosions, trying to find a safe place. However, something inside you was screaming that you had to help.

You were carrying your classic backpack full of medical supplies. Although you had never been taught what to do in these cases, as a paramedic, you knew you had to help those in need.

Suddenly, a nearby explosion threw you to the ground. You stood in a daze, and a figure stood before you as you tried to regain your bearings. You looked up, and there he was: Steve Rogers.

“Are you okay? “he asked.

“Yes, I'm fine,” you replied. I'm here to help the wounded.

“It's dangerous, but stay close to me if you insist. I need to make sure you are safe.”

You nodded, and together you moved through the streets, stopping to help the trapped civilians. You were in charge of stabilizing the wounded while Steve covered for them.

“You're brave,” Steve said suddenly.

“Not as brave as you. But I couldn't stand by and do nothing.”

[areyoufuckingcrazy]

“Apprentice of None”

Chapter Eight: Traitors, Tension, and Tactical Snooping

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

⸻

You weren't supposed to be here.

You weren't supposed to be anywhere, really—just "observing" like Dooku had said, like you were some sort of creepy Force-sensitive mascot. But you weren't the type to sit still, and Ventress didn't exactly have parental instincts.

So you did what you always did best.

You snuck out.

⸻

She was in the main war room, hunched over a flickering holotable surrounded by a cluster of droids. Ventress barely acknowledged you when you slipped through the outer hallway and crouched by the vent shaft.

The decrypted datachip lay on the table—Slick's stolen codes, translating line by line into troop deployments and perimeter weaknesses.

"These codes are already out of date," Ventress hissed, brows furrowed. "That clone's incompetence is going to cost us everything."

You smirked in the shadows. Not my fault he asked me to knock him out.

But as you kept listening, something itched at the back of your mind.

If the codes were no good... why?

⸻

Back at the Republic base, chaos was unfolding.

Commander Cody paced the hangar, jaw clenched. Captain Rex stood nearby, arms folded, helmet under one arm.

They had Slick in a cell now. Caught red-handed. The whole betrayal laid bare: the explosions, the sabotage, the delay in the clone deployments. And all along, he'd been lying through his teeth.

Rex had a bruise forming along his jaw—Slick had fought like a cornered animal. But what really stung wasn't the damage.

It was the fact that it had been one of them.

One of their own.

"I knew something didn't add up," Cody muttered, watching the clone medics patch up injured troopers from the explosion in the munitions bay. "The second I saw the kid was gone, I knew it had to be someone inside."

"She didn't break herself out," Rex agreed. "She's good, but not that good."

Cody glanced at him. "He handed her our codes."

Rex didn't speak.

Didn't need to.

They both knew it.

Slick had sold them out.

Not just the base.

But to her.

⸻

Back at the Separatist outpost, you ducked back down from the vent, brows furrowed.

Why had the plan changed?

Why had Ventress started moving troops before the full code decryption?

And why—now—was she ordering everyone to fall back?

You crept closer to the edge of the camp, keeping to the shadows. The B1 patrols didn't notice you. They never did.

Ventress stood on a raised ridge, arms folded tight, watching smoke rise from the far side of the city. Clone artillery had made contact early—too early. The trap hadn't sprung.

"That clone failed us," she hissed under her breath. "Again."

You stepped into her peripheral vision.

"So what now?" you asked. "Plan B? Or is this the part where we blame me for not hitting his head hard enough?"

Ventress looked at you. Her eyes narrowed.

"No," she said coldly. "This one's on me."

You blinked.

That was... new.

Before you could say anything else, she turned.

"Stay out of the droid lanes tonight," she ordered. "I'm launching a sweep. If the Jedi respond, I'll handle them."

You tilted your head. "What if I want to help?"

Ventress paused.

Then: "You've done enough helping for one week."

She walked away.

You stood there, alone in the shadowed edge of the base, the sound of distant blaster fire echoing in the background.

⸻

Cody sat alone in front of the now-empty holding cell where you'd been. Slick had been moved to secure custody. The cell felt... colder now. Quieter.

He didn't say it out loud, but a part of him missed the sound of your endless, ridiculous commentary.

And another part of him?

Wondered where the hell you'd gone—and why he was worried.

⸻

Ventress stood beside her ship, arms folded, cloak billowing behind her in the morning wind.

You, naturally, were already pouting.

"You're leaving me with him?"

The droid escort shuffled awkwardly in the background, trying not to draw attention to itself. Even it could sense the incoming disaster.

Ventress didn't flinch. "I've been ordered to retrieve the Hutt child. Dooku was very clear about my timeline."

"But Whorm Loathsom? Really?" you said, arms flung wide in theatrical horror. "That's not a name, that's a warning label!"

"He is the current ranking commander here," Ventress said dryly. "And unlike you, he doesn't set things on fire for fun."

You sniffed, indignant. "One. Time."

Ventress stepped closer, leaned in slightly, and lowered her voice just enough for only you to hear.

"Stay out of trouble."

You raised an eyebrow. "Since when has that worked as a command?"

She straightened. "Because this time I won't be here to get you out of it."

That actually gave you a pause.

For half a second, you thought maybe that was her way of saying she cared.

But then she turned on her heel and strode up the boarding ramp like the dramatic shadow demon she always was.

Her ship lifted off with a roar, and you were left on the windswept edge of the outpost with your arms crossed and your patience thinning by the second.

That's when Whorm Loathsom waddled up.

He was wearing some kind of overly ornate military coat, looked like a boiled slug in boots, and smiled like someone who thought far too highly of himself.

"Ahhh, the child apprentice," he said, eyes narrowing smugly. "I was told you'd be remaining in my care."

You stared at him for three full seconds.

"That's a lot of syllables for saying I've been abandoned."

Loathsom didn't react, which only encouraged you.

"You know, 'Whorm Loathsom' really does sound like something you'd need a cream for," you said brightly. "Or something that kills crops."

His smile twitched.

You kept going. "Do I call you General Loathsom? Mr. Whorm? Or just... your Slugginess?"

He narrowed his eyes. "You will address me with respect, young one."

You pointed at him. "And you will address me as Her Supreme Feralness, Bite-Sized Menace of the Outer Rim."

He blinked. "You are exhausting."

You beamed. "Thank you."

Loathsom turned, muttering under his breath, and gestured to the droids.

"Show the child to her quarters," he snapped. "Somewhere secure."

You saluted dramatically. "Don't worry, General Boiled Potatoes, I'm very secure in my emotional instability."

As you were escorted off, your head turned back toward the sky where Ventress's ship had vanished.

You'd never admit it out loud—but it kind of sucked to be left behind.

Still. You'd make your own fun.

You always did.

⸻

Boredom, for most people, led to sleep.

For you?

It led to war crimes over open comms.

Whorm Loathsom had "graciously" given you a windowless, over-furnished room that smelled like stale war and bad decision-making. He'd assigned two B1 battle droids to "guard" you. They were currently arguing with a wall panel, trying to figure out how to close the door.

You were already gone.

⸻

You ducked under a ventilation shaft and crept through a maintenance tunnel that ran along the side of the Separatist command post. A few stolen wires. A rerouted transmitter coil. And bam—you were in.

The clone frequency buzzed to life in your ear.

"...—recon patrol Alpha, report in. Status on sector seven."

That was Cody.

You grinned.

Your fingers danced across the frequency scrambler.

click

"Sector seven's been overrun by aggressive sarcasm and one (1) criminally underappreciated child. Proceed with snacks."

Static crackled.

Then silence.

Then:

"What the—who is this?" Rex's voice came sharp and suspicious. "How did you get on this channel?"

You gasped theatrically. "Captain! I thought you'd be happy to hear from me. We were bonding. Remember the cuffs? The trauma?"

"How are you still on Christophis?" Cody's voice cut in. "You escaped days ago."

"I'm small and sneaky," you said brightly. "Like a murdery Tooka cat."

"Where are you?" Rex snapped.

"Oh, no, Captain," you purred. "That's not how hide and seek works."

There was a pause.

Then Cody again, voice low and tired. "Kid, this isn't a game."

You flopped dramatically against the side of the tunnel. "Ugh, everyone says that when I start hacking military communications."

"Stand down," Rex ordered. "Power off your signal, and don't interfere with this channel again."

You sat up straighter, indignant. "No."

"...Excuse me?" Cody asked.

"No," you repeated smugly. "You can't tell me what to do."

"We're officers in the Grand Army of the Republic—"

"And you're not my dads!" you yelled into the comms.

Silence.

You could feel the collective blink of two very done clone commanders through the signal.

Then Rex, dryly: "We are very much aware of that."

"You sound like disappointed parents," you said. "Like, 'Get back in your cell, young lady,' and 'Don't swing lightsabers at your babysitters'—maybe if you'd let me duel Cody again, I wouldn't have run away."

"You tried to decapitate me," Cody deadpanned.

"And failed," you said proudly. "Growth."

"You're insufferable." That was Rex again.

You grinned. "And you're both just mad because I'm winning."

"Winning what?" Cody asked.

"Attention."

⸻

Across the line, Cody rubbed a hand over his face and muttered something to Rex about "filing an official complaint with the Force."

⸻

Meanwhile, behind you, one of your assigned droids finally wandered by, looking lost.

"Miss [Y/N]? Are you here? General Loathsom says you are not allowed to rewire communications towers again."

You clicked off the comm. "Tell Loathsom to file his complaint with my nonexistent father."

"Roger roger," the droid said, confused but obedient.

⸻

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

[nayialovecat]

The Ink Demonth 2023 - Day 23. Contraband

Day 23. Contraband Crossover: Craig of the Creek, Disenchantment Apparently Workshop toys are a pretty bad currency at least for the time being, but wait until you have some more of them, Kit, and you can make the best trade in your life: "limited edition toys from haunted studio, only from me!"

Kit, as well as the Trading Tree itself, come from the cartoon "Craig of the Creek" (I drew Craig once), which is an extremely nice Cartoon Network production showing kids playing on the titular Creek. I love it for many things - firstly, it brings back sentimental memories from my own childhood, secondly, it is a wonderful cross-section of different types of kids and their behavior, thirdly - it shows small problems in a completely different light. Every parent should watch this series to understand things better. I especially love the episodes that alternately show what the kids see - and what is really happening (e.g. during the game "the floor is lava"). My objection is the same as against Bluey: that it is a bit unrealistic that all the kids always take part in the games and accept the sometimes problematic rules (e.g. when playing hide and seek or being trapped in a maze) - that no one will say "ok, I've had enough, I'm not playing with you anymore". But apart from that - a wonderfully presented world of imagination, actually a mini-community. This series was also "nominated" for the City entry for a while, but I decided that I wouldn't find anything else for the Contraband (plus wanted to draw Kit).

I really like the character of Kit. This little, enterprising girl is something of a higher instance of the creek - thanks to her, kids (for a small fee) can eat their favorite sweets or snacks without having to leave their playground and go to the store, she also sells toys and gadgets. I ship her with Craig - all the episodes of them working together confirm in my eyes what a wonderful couple they'll be when they become teenagers. I'm honestly counting on it, because of all the girls hanging around Craig, Kit is the one who best suits him in terms of character and common interests.

More observant people may also notice a guest from another cartoon, this time absolutely not for children - the demon Luci from "Disenchantment" - a series by the creators of Futurama aimed at adult viewers, a somewhat modern fairy tale, and partly a parody of many well-known stories. If someone is an adult and doesn't know it, I recommend it. A wonderful story with a very good ending to the whole plot. Luci, the personal demon of the main character, Princess Bean, is undoubtedly my favourite character. I love his physical two-dimensionality, to his absolutely non-one-dimensional character. I love his texts and the fact that in all his participation in Bean's adventures, he never forgets for a moment that he is a hellish being, and his "do it, do it" is always wonderful. In his original storyline, Luci was considered a "weird cat" by those around him, hence Kit's text (while he's actually just another of Bendy's "cousins" that the ink demon is wandering around with).

As for the technical side... it took a lot of time to colour, but was surprisingly fun. It was the first time in a long time that I shaded in such a strange way. Oh, it's worth noting that the colours of Bendy's clothes were entirely developed by my daughter, Ursa. Kudos to her! By the way, I wonder who Bendy stole these clothes from X"D

Finally, I will just mention that the Contraband theme was originally associated with "The Owl House" and Eda's stall, but I moved it to another place with a better idea. And that's why Craig landed here.

PS. I don't like Kopiko, but I'm not crazy about avoiding showing existing products in my drawings. But seriously, I didn't feel like changing the name, so here you have it, a covert advertisement for the hideous Kopiko coffee candies. You're welcome, Kopiko.

Bendy and the Ink Machine (c) Joey Drew Studios Inc. Craig of the Creek (c) Cartoon Network Disenchantment (c) Matt Groening Sammy and the Ink Machine (c) Nayia Lovecat

[wannabepokemonidol]

"Hello, Kanto!" Nickola yelled happily, standing on the bow of the cruise ship. She was vacationing again, and punch-drunk on the feeling.

This time she was visiting the beautiful regions of Kanto and Johto, coming into Vermillion City and planning to travel across the land.

"Is it your first time visiting Kanto?" Someone asked. Nickola looked over and saw a young boy wearing a hat. There was a pikachu on his shoulder.

"Yes!" She said giddily. "What about you?"

"I'm going home! I've been travelling a long time, and now I'm heading home to Pallet Town. I'm Ash Ketchum by the way!"

"Nickola. I'm from Hoenn myself."

"Oh really? I've been to Hoenn!" he dug through his phone for a minute and then pulled up a picture of a brown-haired girl and a young boy with glasses. "These are my friends, May and Max. Do you know them?"

"Oh, yeah! I've seen May at contests before. She's really good, huh?"

"Yeah, she's the best! Hey, why don't we battle?"

Nickola laughed.

"You're on, kid." Nickola threw out her first pokemon. "Go, Obsidian!"

Ash's Pikachu jumped off of his shoulder and into the makeshift ring.

"Pika-pikachu!"

Obsidian howled in response.

"Oh wow, you have a Houndoom? That's so cool!"

"Obsidian has been my pokemon since I was very young, and we've been through a lot together."

Ash smiled goofily.

"I could say the same thing about me and Pikachu."

"Is that so? Should we begin?"

The battle began.

"Pikachu, use Quick Attack!" Ash called, and Nickola smiled to herself. He was using a weaker starting move to gauge her strength. It reminded her of Anabel, who normally used her first battle with someone at the Battle Frontier to gauge her opponent's strength.

She could tell Ash and his Pikachu were not going to be weak opponents, and neither of them had a type advantage on the other. She knew Quick Attack usually went first, but had pretty low damage. Dealing high damage was probably her best chance here, she decided.

Fire Fang would work well enough for that.

Pikachu attacked Obsidian, and Nickola was surprised by how fast the electric mouse pokemon was. Obsidian went next, but before either trainer could think of their next move, the ship shook horribly.

“Huh?” Ash yelled “What’s going on?”

“Looks like we’ll have to pause our battle for now.” Nickola said, returning Obsidian to his pokeball. The ship was an ocean of noise now, with people screaming and alarms going off. “I think something is wrong.”

Something began to play over the loudspeakers.

“Prepare for trouble,” one voice began and another joined in, saying “And make it double!”

“Oh not Team Rocket again.” Ash said, more annoyed than anything else.

“Huh? Team Rocket?” Nickola knew of them, but had never really encountered them. They had no real presence in Hoenn, which had enough to worry about with Magma and Aqua.

“Let’s go find them before they nab someone’s Pokémon!” Ash said and Nickola agreed. Hopefully, there weren’t many grunts. “They are probably after Pikachu anyway.”

Nickola and Ash walked through the ship, arriving at the bridge. Taking a quick glance through the window, Nickola saw two trainers in white uniforms with a red letter R on it.

“That must be Team Rocket.” Nickola said.

“That’s Jessie and James,” Ash explained. “And then there’s Meowth too.”

It was time for them to confront Team Rocket. They stepped into the room.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t the Twerp and his little friend.” Jessie greeted as James threw a large switch. A cage dropped down over the duo, trapping them.

Nickola could see that the officers of the ship were tied up in a corner of the room.

“Look at how easy this was. I must say, Jessie, this is one of our best plans. You really can’t beat simplicity.” James gloated, walking over to Ash and trying to grab Pikachu, who let out a mighty shock. James fell to the ground, but rose quickly and dusted off the soot.

“Fine then!” James snapped. “We’ll take the whole ship to the boss! Imagine our reward for a whole ship full of trainer’s Pokémon!”

Team Rocket became distracted by that thought, and Nickola and Ash took advantage.

“Not so fast!” Nickola said, releasing Obsidian from his ball. She posed, somewhat silly. “For threatening my vacation, trying to steal this boy’s Pokémon, and interrupting our battle, I’ll have to punish you! Obsidian, destroy the cage!”

The hell hound Pokémon let out a fierce howl and bounded at the cage bars, destroying them.

Nickola climbed out of the ruined cage, and then held her hand out to help Ash out.

“Hey, how about a double battle?” She asked.

“You’re on!” Ash said. Pikachu chirped in agreement and jumped down from Ash's shoulder.

"Like you'd stand a chance, old-woman!" Meowth snarled.

Nickola was taken aback.

"I am not an old woman! I'm only 21! I just have white hair!"

"A likely story. You really should accept your age." Jessie said snugly. James threw out Weezing and Jessie threw out Arbok.

"Me? an old woman!" Nickola fumed. "Obsidian, use Fire Blast on Arbok!"

"Pikachu, use volt Tackle at the same time!" Ash called. The force of both attacks made Team Rocket blast off again.

Nickola dropped to pet Obsidian, gently checking him over for any injuries, and then giving him a treat.

"We did really good." Nickola said. Ash smiled as he played with Pikachu. Nickola then jumped with a start, running to let the crew officers down. With the officer's freed and Team Rocket gone, the ship was able to arrive safely in Vermillion City.

"Why don't I walk you home? I want to make sure you get home okay. Just in case you run into Team Rocket again."

"Sure, the more the merrier." Ash said. "Oh! That way we can battle some more too."

"Yeah." Nickola laughed.

[stxrfclls]

nerina  shrugs,  she  does  not  find  a  flaw  in  her  preference  to  books  when  on  land.  it  helped  her  mind  stay  busy  and  away  from  the  fact  that  she  was  not  freely  at  sea.  "  if  only  i  could  bring  them  on  my  ship  without  weighing  it  down  too  much.  i  asked  my  first  mate  if  we  could  manage  more  and  the  answer  was  a  very  quick  no.  "  she  frowns  a  bit  dramatically,  an  effort  to  make  alina  laugh  or  offer  some  humor  to  the  high  lady.  the  sisters  may  have  once  had  a  very  estranged  relationship,  but  nerina  had  been  trying  for  decades  to  work  on  her  own  childhood  trauma.  they  may  not  be  the  closest  as  they  could  be,  but  the  younger  dragomir  liked  to  believe  they  were  getting  there.  ner  may  hate  being  trapped  on  land,  but  she  was  mature  enough  to  recognize  that  it  was  a  benefit  to  their  relationship  that  they  were  stuck  together.  she'd  spent  more  time  with  her  sister  while  in  the  capital  than  perhaps  in  the  past  decade.  it  made  her  realize  that  perhaps  she  might  wish  to  visit  more  often,  or  perhaps  have  fewer  trips  and  truly  call  adriata  her  home.  food  for  thought,  perhaps.  the  younger  summer  lady  did  know  for  a  fact  that  she  would  intend  to  travel  back  to  the  summer  court  with  her  siblings  when  all  this  was  finally  over.  some  day.  "  with  how  often  i  find  myself  climbing  to  the  tops  of  the  ship,  i  do  not  desire  to  offer  anyone  a  show.  "  she  says  with  a  snort.  "  but  i  shall  have  more  made  for  my  time  in  adriata.  "  she'd  yet  to  tell  alina  her  plans  on  that,  but  soon,  perhaps.  "  that  is  why  i'm  thankful  you're  my  sister,  i  hear  some  high  rulers  use  their  siblings  as  pawns.  "  the  things  you  heard  while  sitting  in  a  tavern  of  another  court.  rina  knew  her  freedom  was  a  gift,  even  if  she  didn't  often  admit  it.  when  alina  speaks  again,  nerina  realizes  now  would  be  a  proper  time  to  share  her  plans.  they  were  set,  unchanged  and  perhaps  even  cemented  more  by  the  longer  they  spent  trapped.  "  i  hope  that  does  not  apply  to  your  sister  who  hopes  to  travel  home  with  you  and  stay  for  a  while.  "

it  hurt  nerina's  heart  to  speak  poorly  of  the  night  court,  but  she  let  her  mind  settle  on  the  city  that  truly  was  filled  with  less  than  savory  types.  velaris  was  the  city  of  dreamers,  the  hewn  city  one  of  nightmares.  when  thinking  of  that,  it  was  easier  to  talk  of  the  place  she'd  have  to  bring  her  sister.  it  sometimes  felt  cruel  that  the  night  court  kept  such  beauty  a  secret,  but  her  mother  had  explained  to  her  that  it  was  to  preserve  the  sanctity  of  the  city,  as  well  as  others  undeserving  for  what  they  believed  of  the  night  court.  it  was  easy  to  think  only  of  the  fear  a  place  induced  rather  than  realize  that  good  things  also  came  at  night.  "  it's  almost  as  if  they  are  a  bit  more  behaved  here.  i  do  not  spend  much  time  with  those  who  have  attended  all  this,  though.  "  she  shrugs,  it's  not  a  lie  at  all,  and  that  makes  her  happier  to  say.  for  all  the  effort  she  placed  in  fixing  their  relationship,  lying  to  her  sister  or  being  dishonest  felt  like  a  stab  in  the  heart.  "  if  you  truly  wish  to  visit,  i  will  take  you.  i  just  know  my  anger  will  flare  should  anyone  speak  to  you  as  they  do  me.  "  also  not  a  lie,  and  she  shrugs  at  the  comment  as  if  it  is  nothing.  nerina  was  protective  of  her  siblings  in  some  way,  but  alina  was  the  one  she  felt  that  emotion  the  most  towards.  she  may  not  seem  like  an  outwardly  emotional  person,  but  the  temper  within  her  could  flare  like  a  fierce  summer  storm  when  provoked.  at  the  question  from  alina,  nerina  pauses,  and  takes  a  slow  breath.  "  i'm  not  sure,  we  do  not  seem  to  share  much  in  common.  a  part  of  me  wishes  for  it,  i  suppose,  but  i  do  not  believe  in  forcing  things  either.  our  relationship  is  nothing  like  yours  and  mine.  "  admits  the  younger  sister.

"i  don't  expect  that  to  that  change  anytime  soon,  sister.  for  the  time  being  while  we're  in  the  capital,  the  library  certainly  sounds  a  far  more  acceptable  place  than  elsewhere."  she  could  think  of  another  that  she  wished  to  be  perhaps  too  often,  but  not  always  an  option  given  their  positions.  she  didn't  disagree  with  ner,  parties  had  never  been  a  desire  of  alina  either,  it  was  just  expected  for  the  high  lady  to  mingle  and  show  her  face,  and  exchanged  tedious  pleasantries.  at  the  capital  it  was  bearable  due  to  nerina  who  much  to  her  pleasure  did  not  show  an  aversion  to  spending  time  alina.  it  had  pleased  her  that  nerina  sought  her  out  tonight,  her  previous  mood  improving  significantly.  while  her  memories  of  the  capital  would  be  less  than  fond,  one  of  the  few  good  things  to  come  out  of  this  was  their  current  situation  bought  the  sisters  closer  than  the  elder  would  ever  have  imagine  would  come  to  be.  "well,  they  can  be  altered  to  fit  your  traveling  needs,  but  i  will  settle  for  seeing  you  in  them  while  you're  on  land."  alina  did  not  wish  for  ner  to  change  herself  in  any  mold,  opting  for  the  fact  that  on  special  occasions  her  sister  would  enjoy  them.  she  could  see  nerina  wasn't  all  too  displeased  tonight  with  her  attire.  her  gaze  settles  on  the  younger  fae  with  a  faint  look  of  amusement,  "no,  i  imagine  not  either.  you  certainly  are  not  required  to."  her  siblings  had  no  obligations  to  anyone,  and  truth  be  told,  it  was  a  relief  if  her  siblings  did  not  become  too  comfortable  with  strangers.  simply  out  of  alina's  own  protectiveness  of  them  running  into  unsavory  characters  she  would  rather  not  have  them  around.  she  could  not  resent  nerina  for  leaving  as  often  as  she  did  because  neither  she  or  sunan  seem  to  find  much  happiness  in  their  court,  and  it  was  not  only  their  father's  doing  but  perhaps  alina's,  as  well.  over  the  years  as  nerina  returned  with  her  tales  and  gifts  for  alina,  she  could  perhaps  take  solace  knowing  it  did  not  matter  how  far  and  how  long  her  sister  went,  nerina  still  returned  to  the  summer  court  in  the  end.  "after  all  that  we  must  do  here,  i  am  looking  forward  for  us  to  return  home  and  have  a  much  needed  break  from  socializing."

the  high  lady  did  not  know  presume  to  know  what  the  reason  was,  or  if  she  had  been  correct  in  her  guessing  nor  did  she  believe  the  other  would  deliberately  keep  her  out  of  the  night  court.  even  if  it  was  uncertain  when  alina  would  be  able  to  make  good  on  her  desire  to  see  the  other's  other  home.  the  others  words  of  their  summer  court  certainly  did  make  her  chest  swell  in  pride.  her  copper  gaze  remained  on  the  younger  fae,  catching  the  other's  reaction,  albeit  how  brief  it  was.  "i've  seen  how  ill-mannered  they  can  be,  certainly."  it  was  not  as  if  alina  was  any  more  pleasant  towards  most,  though  her  interactions  with  the  night  fae  were  brief  at  best.  "i  do  understand  your  desire  to  spare  me  from  such  behavior,  and  i  would  honor  it  as  well."  and  she  did,  she  didn't  question  nerina's  concern  for  her  elder  sister,  even  if  she  sensed  the  other  wasn't  entirely  honest  in  her  thoughts.  if  was  the  look  on  the  other's  features  that  most  definitely  gave  her  way.  it  was  odd,  they  believed  alina  would  not  read  their  tells.  they  might  not  be  close,  but  they  were  her  siblings,  her  attention  was  always  on  them.  the  other's  words  of  her  lack  of  closeness  with  her  other  sibling,  surprise  her  for  a  moment,  in  the  same  breath  they  make  her....grateful  that  despite  all  the  strains  between  the  sisters,  ner  had  not  stepped  so  far  away  from  alina.  "do  you  wish  to  change  that?"  in  the  end,  it  was  ner's  happiness  that  mattered.

[asksythe]

Hi! I'm a huge fan of your book air. I read it first when you where still updating it and still come back to it from time to time to re-enjoy it. If you're still interested in posting your rough drafts to give insight in the finished story I would enjoy that very much too, but I understand if you don't. I just wanted to take the time to thank you for everything you've shared with the world and for inspiring me.

Oh wow! That’s… a while ago. Over 10 years ago, I think? I started writing Book Air when I first started using Tumblr. I vaguely remember I had just graduated from university around that time and moved back home to HCMC for a newspaper job too. That was when the whole Makorra vs Masami thing was still all the rage in the fandom and there I was in the corner, shipping Amorra and wanting to do lengthy character pieces into Asami (because she’s great) even after the first season finale had aired! Ahahahaha. I think I was among the first wave to ship Korrasami, too (back in season 1 before it was cool). And I still have the fanart to prove it. 

Man, what a trip down memory l lane! I’m glad you enjoyed my story so much. I’ve always been of the opinion that I write for no one else but myself. But to have readers like you, who have been with me for over a decade and been inspired and come back to visit this sleepy little blog. That is the best accolade a writer can ask for. So thank you.

Yes, I still do have the draft for it. And I’m very happy to type it out here. I probably will have to do several reblogs of this and come back again to type things out, because it is long, and it’s been a while. So it will take time to shake loose the rust in my brain where I store Book Air and its unborn twin, Sun Eater. 

In any case, that is the first thing I will say. 

- Book Air is the first part of a duology. The second part is called Sun Eater and tells the story of when Korra came back from the end of Book Air to the day she turned 17, right on the morning of her test before she snuck her way to Republic City. 

- Book Air was created as a character piece for Korra. So it’s a fairly intense story. At the start, Korra lost all of her bending, with the exception of air bending, which at the time, she hadn’t quite unlocked. Air bending is the most spiritual among the four bendings, so it would be a profoundly soul-searching journey for Korra.

-My idea is that Korra would have to experience life from the other side of who she was, as someone who effectively could not bend, who was poor and working, and who was potentially at the mercy and exploitations of unscrupulous benders. I wanted her to experience living and growing up as an ordinary girl and not… the avatar. So much of Korra’s personality, especially around season 1 and 2, revolved around her being the avatar, that I always felt like. If we take that away, who are you? There’s a reason why before Korra, every avatar had to pass their age of majority before they were revealed to be the avatar. A child raised atop a throne would never have grown up normal. She would be disconnected from the rest of the humans she is supposed to represent because for as long as she has known, she has always been an existence beyond mere humans. I always felt this was Korra’s personality flaw that the show… never properly addressed. I wanted to see Korra the human, interacting with the world and with people without the trappings of her avatarhood, wondering what’s out there for her besides just being the bridge between humanity and spirits. 

- Remember in the last chapter I posted, Korra showed off her jeweled necklace because she wanted the comfort she was used to enjoying as the avatar? It eventually brought unwanted attention her way. The region where she was, Emeq, was very poor, so showing off something like that attracted roving bender gangs looking for soft targets. In short, she got roughed up. Kaya, the shamaness who took her in, also got roughed up. This gave Korra a whole lot of feelings. She had rarely ever felt that sense of absolute helplessness before. She had a lot of rage, pain, and uncertainty. 

- That incident with the gang also opened the door to the plot thread between Korra and Kaya. Because Korra knew Kaya was a bender, likely a very powerful one too. But Kaya never used her bending even to defend herself. So around this part, a lot of Korra’s anger is directed to Kaya. 

- In any case, our girl has a lot of growing up to do. After the run-in with the gang, she was once more really bandaged up. Then came the next issue, which was who was going to pay for her stay. Here came reality knocking on Korra’s door. She had to work. She had to earn her keep, just like every other ordinary human out there. And she had to do this without bending. 

- Without going into the boring parts of Korra having to learn the ABC of ordinary life, this plot thread eventually ends with her getting a loan of a stringed northern water tribe instrument, a nine-string mandolin. It started out as something Kaya loaned to her when she was still bedridden from being roughed up by the gang. It became an outlet for her pain, grief, uncertainty, and anger. It would be the key to unlocking air bending without a teacher for Korra. 

- Yep, air bending. The idea I thought of was basically a reverse Toph style of learning. Air, wind, the vibration that traverses the void. How is Korra supposed to reach a bending that’s highly spiritual without a guide or a master when she herself was in a period of such turmoil and grief? By accessing her rawest emotions, processing them, and letting them out through music, of course. It’s all very unintentional on Korra’s part. But probably this kind of learning is most effective for someone like her. Certainly more effective than sitting her in meditation with old monks who she didn’t understand and who didn’t necessarily emotionally understand her either. 

-To be honest, at first, I thought of a type of zither for the instrument. Atla universe is based off Asia. So a zither would fit in right at home, But then when I really think about it, a zither doesn't really fit in with a tribe of nomads who live as real and raw as you get. When you play a zither, you have to sit down. You need a table or some sort of flat surface for a zither. So what if you want to play while walking during your pilgrimage? What about when you are riding an animal. Furthermore, zithers are associated with philosophers. The oldest type of zithers is considered the philosopher and gentlemen's instrument. So it's an instrument associated with philosophy and logic.... and masculinity. So I thought it didn't quite fit what I had in mind. So I ended up having to search a bit more, finally ending with the mandolin. It's similar to a guitar. It has a unpretentious sensual edge to it. It's also light and simple. An instrument that is both spiritual in a very feminine way and fits right at home in a nomad's hands. I can see Korra playing it as she rides a yak atop ice slopes.

- I also wanted to introduce a softer, more vulnerable, and yet still very fierce, very Korra-esque side to Korra through her musicality. I also wanted her to connect. I wanted to introduce something earthy and grounded, yet deeply sensual, because it’s speaking from her raw emotions. So the mandolin, the songs she learned from the people around her, and the melodies that she eventually came up with herself. These are the tools I planned to use. 

- So eventually, this plot thread would open up into Korra gaining a position as Emeq village’s musician of sort. It’s the one practical skill that she showed the most aptitude in and didn’t require too many tools that she didn’t have. This would eventually open up to a different kind of bending, sound bending. Also my take on something approaching spirit bending without being it entirely.

- Then, the people of Emeq eventually started their pilgrimage into All Dark. This is an idea I came up with when I created Emeq. The idea of Emeq was that I wanted a place that was both primal and raw. As in, the very beginning of the beginning. I wanted a different take on water bending, removed from the ethereality of the moon-based water bending we all know in canon. A much more grounded and fierce kind of bending. So Emeq and their annual pilgrimage into All Dark, the region of the North Pole where there was no sun light or moon light, was the result of this. So a water bending born from a place with no moon would be vastly different.

Tbc…     

[stay-tinystars]

Rumors: pt 1

Ship: Yeosang x Named female character (Jae Hwa)

College AU. 'Bad' girl x shy studious Yeosang.

Some fluff, some angst, mostly slice of life, a bit chaotic

Warnings: overly controlling parents, rumors, cursing, motorcycle.

Word count: 2.3k

A/N: this is a short series. I hope you all enjoy it. I'm trying out different writing styles as I get back into writing so I hope you enjoy.

All of this is pure fiction.❤

"Are you sure we should be doing this?" He whispered tentatively behind her.

"We aren't doing anything wrong. We're fine." she whispered back.

"Then why are we whispering?" He questioned.

"I don't know, you're the one who started whispering" she giggled softly.

They quietly made their way through the dark, slowly weaving through the trees following the path, the half moon slightly lighting their way. The soft sound of their feet against the dirt encompassing them.

"We're almost there, I promise" she said reaching back her hand. He grabbed it tightly, she could feel his heart pounding, as her fingers intertwined with his.

The path opened to a beautiful clearing overlooking the city. The stars visible above them. She smiled as she looked at him, his eyes got big as he looked up, his mouth slightly agape.

"Wow" was all he could say. He never thought sneaking out with his girlfriend would be so unique. Most people sneaking out to parties, his girlfriend snuck him out to go stargazing. She pulled the backpack off her back, and pulled out two blankets. She spread one out in the clearing, and put the other over her lap as she sat down. He laid on the blanket next to her, and she smiled as she draped the blanket over him as well and laid down, her head on his chest.

The stars twinkled in the midnight sky, as they cuddled. She was the yin, to his yang.

He was the shy studious type. His bleached hair, and picturesque features made him the talk of the town. His laugh and smile lit up the whole campus when he joked with his friends. 

She was the trouble maker. Labeled a rebel with her short bright purple undercut hair, eyebrow piercing, and motorcycle. Everyone judged her by her looks, except him. 

----- three months earlier-----

"She just thinks she owns the place" Jen scoffed, stirring her iced coffee with her straw.

"I know, she just storms in every place she goes, her boots clanking on the floor as she stomps everywhere." Jens best friend Rose added, as they both eyed her from across the dining hall.

Yeosang was shocked, everyone at this college seemed to have it out for her. They all gossiped about her, her apparent 'bad behavior', that he'd never seen. Also everyone's rumors of her were different. The only thing he knew for sure was her name was Jae Hwa, or Jae, and she rocked her short purple undercut far better than any other girl could. Sure her resting face was a bit..... harsh, but some people said the same about him. After he heard yet another rumor from the next table over, he decided to go see what she's all about for himself. Yeosang stood up quickly, he had to do this before he changed his mind. He started towards her, ignoring the questions from his friends at the table he just abandoned.

She was leaning her chair back, on two legs, against the brick wall of the dining hall, eating a sandwich, while doing something on her phone. She was preoccupied in her own little world, and why shouldn't she be. This school was full of gossip, which just annoyed her. She was here to study, how else was she going to get into the school she was really aiming for.

Yeosang approached her table when he started questioning everything. What if that prison rumor was true? Or that one about eating a live duck. She didn't look heartless enough to eat a live animal. What was he doing? He didn't know her. She definitely didn't know him. What was he going to say? It's not like he should start a conversation with 'I heard rumors about you, and wanted to know if they were true.'

He stopped a few steps away from her, maybe if he turned back now she wouldn't see him. She looked up at him, cocking her eyebrows, the metal gracing her right brow glinting with the movement. "Can I help you?" She petitioned.

He was a deer in the headlights, he was trapped. Her stare was slightly unnerving.

"I'm Yeosang" he stated, mentally slapping himself. This was not what he intended.

"I know." she replied, leaning her chair forward, letting it hit the ground with a bang. She leaned forward, onto the table. Her bright eyes bore into his. "How can I help you, Yeosang?"

He heard people start to gossip behind him, as she stared him down. He took a few steps and sat at an empty chair at her table.

"I was wondering if I could join you." He seemed unsure of his own words.

A smirk graced her lips.

"Well, looks like you already did" her voice had a playful tune to it, as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"I was wondering what your majoring in?" He asked, trying to seem natural in this awkward situation he had caused.

"Biomedical science" she responded dryly, he was intrigued.

"I didn't know we had that here"

"This university doesn't, but it's close to home, and gives me the prerequisites I need to get into the school I want."

He nodded, a soft smile gracing his statuesque face.

The conversation deepened after that. He explained he was currently doing a computer sciences major, but was thinking of changing to something to do with International relations, or something so he would have the chance to meet people from around the world. They then started to talk about anything and everything, like how she had gotten a motorcycle because it was cheaper on gas. How his best friend was constantly trying new recipes, and making him try them, which most of the time ended in disaster. Their laughter was interrupted by her phone going off.

She looked at it and cursed. "I'm late for that stupid lecture." she grumbled, quickly shoving things into her bag. "This was nice, thanks." She gave a quick wave as she practically ran out of the dining hall. He looked around to see the hall had mostly emptied, and realized he himself was late for class.

"So you have a thing for bad girls now?" Wooyoung asked as Yeosang sat down at their usual table local Cafe, with his coffee.

"What are you talking about?" He asked.

"He's talking about how you ditched us all without saying a word then went and talked to Jae for who knows how long." San smirked, sipping his coffee.

"She's not a bad girl. She's really nice." Yeosang retorted.

"That's not what I heard," Seonghwa raised his eyebrows. Yeosang felt a small flame alight inside him, it was as if some part of him had to protect her.

"That's the problem, everyone talks about her, I want to actually know her." Yeosang started, his voice calm, but his eyes enraged. "Everyone at this stupid university just gossips, and spreads rumors. You guys should know that better than anyone.  Seonghwa, remember when the rumor started that you broke up with some girl over her not eating your kimchi fried rice?" His eyes became pointed at his friend, Wooyoung scoffed, Yeosang turned on his best friend. "Do you remember when we started as freshman, and everyone was claiming you had, not one but three different clones. None of which knew how to drive a car, two of which didn't speak."

"Yeah, rumors are weird" Wooyoung noted as he looked intensely at his coffee. Yeosang took a deep breath in. Where did that come from? He asked himself, as he looked at his friends. San just stared in awe, as did Mingi. Seonghwa just looked everywhere but Yeosang, and Wooyoung continued to stare at his coffee. Maybe it was a slight guilt Yeosang saw in his best friends eyes. No one should take rumors at face value.

Living at home while going to school was great for saving money. While it worked great for Jae, her parents were supportive of just letting her live her life, and pursue her dreams.

It didn't work so well for Yeosang. His parents were strict, he had a curfew even though he was a legal adult. He also had rules to follow, and he did what his parents wanted him to for school, and for work. Aside from his friends which his parents reluctantly approved of, it seemed as if Yeosangs parents controlled every aspect of his life.

"You just don't get it, your parents let you move out, and do what you want at school. I'm stuck here" Yeosang complained as he leaned on the counter at the small restaurant Wooyoung worked at.

"I've told you to inform them it's your life, and to just move in with Seonghwa, and I." Wooyoung chided as he cleaned another table. Yeosang groaned, stirring his water with the straw placed in the cup.

"Eh, Seonghwa I could handle, you not so much"

"Shut up" Wooyoung threw the dry towel on his shoulder at Yeosang.

"I better head to work" Yeosang groaned.

Work was boring for Yeosang, sure it paid well, but working at the call desk, at the fanciest hotel in the city was never in his plans. Most of the calls he just redirected to the correct department. His favorite part of his shift was when it ended, and he got to walk out of the hotel.

Tonight was like most other nights in early spring; a chill in the air, the scent of cherry blossoms starting to bloom wafting over from the park next to the hotel. Yeosang started his walk towards the subway when he saw a small fluffy dog running towards him excitedly, his leash trailing behind him. Yeosang bent down, and held out his hand to the dog, who approached him, and immediately started licking his hand.

"Bong, get back here!" A voice yelled from within the park, he turned and saw Jae running towards them. Her eyes widened as she saw Yeosang.

"Cute dog you have here." Yeosang said, handing her the leash.

"Thank you for catching him. The little stinker ran off when I was tying my shoe. I guess I didn't have the leash under my foot well enough." She explained with a shrug.

"He just wanted to go on an adventure" he commented, as he bent down. Bong nuzzled his head into Yeosangs palms as he pet him. "What kind of dog is he?"

"He's a cavapoo, well at least that's what the shelter said when I adopted him." She bent down as well. Bong was in heaven, enjoying the pets and loves from two people at the same time, his tail whipping back and forth, as he rolled onto his side.

She never expected Yeosangs kindness. Everyone else she encountered avoided her, but he always smiled at her when the rest would stare, and whisper.

They ended up walking the park and talking for over an hour, the park slowly emptying of people as the hour grew later. He found out she worked at the animal shelter, feeding and taking care of the animals in the back. He explained his boring job he had, and ended up venting about his family situation. She was grateful for a friend, and he was grateful for her listening ear. 

When his phone started ringing, he saw who was calling and the time his face paled.

"Hello" he answered reluctantly.

"Where are you" 

"I got held up after work"

"You should've been home by now"

"I'm sorry, I will be home shortly"

"Your father and I expect more from you" the line went dead. Yeosang sighed heavily.

"Shit" he muttered, then let out an aggravated scream.

"I'm sorry" Jae said, watching him run his fingers through his hair. "I shouldn't have kept you." She stared at her feet, softly kicking at the grass.

"It's not you, I just" his voice fading as he stared off in the distance. "I just wish I had the courage and money to just move out. I just have to figure out how to live my own life." His voice soft yet determined.

Jae found herself softly touching his arm, trying to comfort him. Her timid touch brought him back to reality.

"The subway is going to take forever to get home"

"I live less than a block away, let's take Bong back to my place and I'll give you a ride" 

"I can't believe I'm riding bitch on a girls motorcycle" Yeosang muttered as she handed him her extra helmet.

"Well im not letting anyone else drive my baby" Jae laughed putting her own helmet on. She climbed on and started her blue bullet bike. "Climb on, wrap your arms around me and just lean with me around corners." She instructed. The city seemed to fly past, as they made their way towards his house.

"Stop here" he yelled.

"But your house is another block or so," she yelled back.

"My parents are already ready to kill me, I can't imagine what they would do if they saw me get off a motorcycle" he hollered. She shook her head as she stopped, and turned off her bike. He thanked her and handed back the helmet.

"You know, if you ever need someone to talk to, feel free to text me" she stared at the ground, her sudden shyness was intriguing. She usually held more of a hard expression, this one seems vulnerable. He smiled.

"I'd love to, but I need your number first" he teased. He could see her cheeks darken through her helmet, as he handed her his phone. She quickly added her number.

He smiled widely as he made his way towards home. He didn't look forward to what would happen once he arrived home, but he looked forward to texting her later.

[a-collection-of-villainous-aus]

Pirate au part 5 pt2

(link to first part of pt5)

Alright, alright back from the flash back

"Yes but if I am honest, I thought it was a fabrication to deal with the life they forced upon you... however it does explain your need of aquatic plush toys in your quarters."

Hat replied leaning back in his chair, legs outstretched and chin on chest with arms folded.

"Tha' an I jus' like 'em, also sir..."

"Hmm?"

The old demon responded not looking up as a glass appeared aswell as a bottle of wine, pouring by itself before reaching out a hand for it, claws tapping lightly on the glass.

Didn't matter what time of day it was if he wanted a drink he was going to have one.

He was still bitter that Demencia and Acylius were probably talking up a storm and completely ignoring him.

How flipping wonderful for them.

(Awww someone's a grumpy old man XD)

"I were told yer handled yer... Ahem noodles other night."

505 continued, rubbing the back of his neck and looking off to the side, though it was hard not to smile as the Captain let out another indignant huff.

"Excuse you, they are most certainly not noodles, I can make them any size I want!"

He was clearly exasperated by his cooks response, rising to his feet and pacing only for it to hit Black Hat that if 505 knee that means.... ¬w¬ Acylius was awake, that made the pirate King smile, good so he'd heard him, perhaps the merman was intrigued and-

"Really wow...honest jus' be thinkin' with the size o' this 'ere ship was compensating for sumthin."

Fives returned casually and snorted as Black Hat gasped dramatically, hand on chest.

"I am affronted in Spanish you would think such a thing!"

"Pfffft sir yer got a merman who's affronted in a whole lot o' Spanish by ere thin yer done."

That made our Old bastard pause as he looked incredulously at his employee

"Oh like what?"

"Dining withou' even offerin' ter share fer one."

Hat immediately started fidgeting as well as his mind going blank, what was he supposed to do, confess the merman made him lose all reason and he'd been so busy on trying to be impressive to Acylius he'd actually forgotten the merman’s basic needs.

The king couldn't exactly disagree considering be happily ate anything the man put infront of him, scrubbing his hands down his face and groaning

"I have not even asked if Flug has a food he favors most, no wonder he shuns my presence."

"Sir, do calm yer self, trust me, merman ain't hatin' on ya, or he wud 'ave jumped out, merfolk sooner die than stay trapped against their will, part of him wants ter stay."

Now that made the old demon perk up, honestly if anyone other than Fives or Demencia and Acylius talked to him this way, when the blasted merman would finally converse with him that was, he'd have tossed anyone else overboard cut open to draw in sharks and watched as they were mauled.

Ahhh mauling, what a lovely thing.

Maybe he'd do that later anyway, he felt in the mood for a killing, it would be easy enough to find some reason to off one of his own men, no one dared to argue with Pirate King Black Hat lest they be next on his list.

"So what else do you know about deep sea merfolk? I know about Thaddeus's world and of his Edward practically having one as a pet, but they never gave me the detailsr and I did not care to ask at the time, I think they might have even escaped."

Returning to his seat, there was only the sound of the sea and Fives food sizzling or boiling subtly, calming in its own way, his cook had returned to the stove working on Black Hat's meal and the slops the rest of the crew had...excluding the cook himself and Dem...he would not have his best workers fed so poorly.

"King I'm surprised yer dun know more about his kind , I be bettin he has some pet yer ripped him away from..."

Looking over his shoulder he saw Black Hat starting to fidget as he realised that he'd probably caused Acylius more distress without meaning to.

"He dun seem ter 'ave a partner, food offerin' are like socializations...sum cases even get yer matin if they reaaaally like the food and the one offerin'"

Inside Black Hat's mind was a smaller version of himself frantically scrawling all this down while listening calmly, if Acylius did have a pet he was going to bloody well hunt for it and start courting the stubborn fish correctly.

----

In the Captain's quarters Acylius was floating in his tank there was not much he could really do in empty waters.

Tail swaying gently up and down, listening to Demencia's stories about Black Hat and the adventures they'd had.

His fins drooping slightly, so that was a yes, they were a sort of thing, where did that leave him, was he once again some beings pet?

That left him wondering if he was expected to worship within this prison and please his new master...at least if someone explained to him what his fate was to be, his could accept it all the quicker, it was the anticipation making it nearly unbearable.

Maybe if he behaved he could even bargain favors of his body for Black Hat to bring him his beloved Mew Mew loaf...but what if the Pirate king devoured her if he did not behave.

Thaddeus absolutely would have had he had Mew Mew as his companion then.

Looking up at Demencia, she noticed the vulnerability through the cut out holes in the tied bag on his head, she was staring back curiously wondering what was going through his mind.

Acylius had to agree she was really fascinating herself...if Black Hat and Demencia had room for him...it would still be better than his last arrangement.

He'd never met someone quite so excitable as her, she had such a lust for madness it was incredible.

"Hmm would you like to join me in my fish bowl?"

Flug offered, swimming up to the surface, holding a hand out for her, long fingers, fins fanning, delicate veils lined with fragile thin bone adorning his forearms, glistening in the sunlight.

Watching them sway, her urge to touch them rising, she'd never seen a mer being up close until Acylius so of course the lizard woman was fascinated, reaching out hesitantly and pausing, giving him a questioning look as she was unsure if that would upset him.

"Yes you can touch them, but in the tank please, so I can keep them wet, they tend to tear like tissue paper when dry."

Flug chuckled, reaching now with both hands he lifted her into his water home.

Most of course would have have asked why any mer person would want a land walker in their domain and with good reason, there were many cautionary tales of sailors being drowned by merfolk.

Demencia of course being Demencia XD was like Hell yeah and made a joyful surprised sound at how easily Flug lifted her, once in the waters she let out a sigh, they were so cool and refreshing, absolutely wonderful.

"Now that you are in, may I make one more request, may I kiss you?"

His deep and gentle voice with its own alluring inviting timber had her growing a little flustered, she'd lying if she did not agree that it made his request all tempting. .

"Whoa there fish man, at least buy me dinner first."

She teased playfully and gently nudged him.

Acylius was smiling under his mask and shook his head

"What would you like Miss, I have thin air and water...but all joking aside Demencia, it is so I can make you breathe underwater."

"Ohhhh right, makes sense, well then, pucker up fish boy!"

"Only if you close your eyes, I do not want to put you off."

"Please nothing would put me off, you could be a face of tentacles and I'd still smooch ya!"

Flug snorted, indeed she was entertaining. "

"Alright, do not say, that I did not warn you."

Lifting the lower half of his bag, smiling to the fullest extent his lips would allow, the corners of them disappearing under his mask, mouth full of sharp teeth, in awe she stared at their shimmering beauty, all of them like daggers made of pearl, mouth going dry and silently cursing, damn, fangs...her weakness.

The kiss was brief, an opening of mouths, exchange of fluids before being pulled down into the water.

Wow...in here she saw what he saw, the captains quarters looked distant, as if they were peering into a small rectangular window, on the other side of the was the vastness of the ocean, all types of plant life and fish, so on so forth, reaching out to try and touch his world her hand met only more glass.

"Ah ah no touching or it breaks my illusion, it is too tiring to make solid ones at all times but these ones help me from going mad in my solitude in this fish bowl."

Flug was quiet, thinking on how to respond to that

"If you come from Pearl City, you are considered perfect, their colours are more pastel and you are free but with a king...it is full of wonder and lights..."

Sighing he looked out into the vastness of his illusion, it changed to show the city, glowing and splendid

A silhouette of a show over it of he, Thaddeus and Edward.

" Upon my first viewing I thought it beautiful, but that light for me soon diminished as I was kept by its King, like a pet...I do not hate this Land King though who has me now...he seems surprisingly awkward...endearing really..."

"Ohhhh you like him!"

"Shush or I will not continue....my deep sea kind are dwindling in numbers and because of our rarity if captured we can be used as a power play a sign of well to do...deep sea merfolk are wild and free, come and go as we please unless we have a reason to stay that is... "

He raised a brow, sensing Demencia had more to say gently prodded her

" What is it? "

"You want to stay for the Captain huh, that will make him happy he's been a grumpy old sod because he thinks you hate him."

"I would have jumped out the bloody tank by now if I did...anyway my kind is more willing to help anyone and everyone, Pearl City folk only help their own."

Acylius shook his head, smiling to himself, his cheeks were thankfully hidden by his mask because he was blushing and he knew it.

" Screw those pearl mersnobs, you're already more amazing than them...hmm your fins are really nice I was expecting them to feel slimy like actual fish."

Flug stifled a laugh at her attitude toward Pearl Merfolks, that certainly lifted his mood at how unimpressed she was by them, his fins suddenly flared out, the spines on bis back raising defensively as he held her closer before putting her behind him and poised to strike at the nothingness in Black Hat's Cabin, a swirling portal of purple light tore through the air and his first words in response

"You will not have her creature!"

Acylius's claws extended however no one stepped out only a voice was heard

"Awwww cute you were socialising, guessing Black Hat hasn't been looking after you, Demmy Where's Blackie?"

Demencia had been caught completely off guard at Flug's willingness to protect her, taking a moment to come back down to Earth and answer the voice that she knew well

" He's in the Galley Ferral! "

" Thanks hun! "

With that the portal disappeared.

"Full of surprises aren't ya!"

Demmy was clearly excited by his display, like an eager child to see more, that had been pretty awesome for her to see that and see his usually white and deep blue tail instantly go black with bright blue rings on in warning against predators.

" You know them...that thing?"

"Ohhh yes, brief encounters here and there, in another dimension she's Black Hats daughter and your step daughter...though that Flug is really quite different from you, small world after all huh."

"Yes indeed."

He replied, though he still fixed on the space where the portal had been.

It was nice to know in another dimension he and Black Hat had a family... Maybe one day they... No that was thinking waaaaay too far ahead.