#chapter 1 kni

[islands-0f-violence]

Kimetsu no... Isekai?

Synopsis: Modern Era MC is thrown into disarry inside the Demon Slayer universe. What could go wrong? Pairings: Various X MC/Reader

❝Under the harsh light of day, MC appears! Groggy and confused, our lovely MC has to figure out how she went from attending boring seminars to slaying demons within hours. With no memory to conclude how she got there--or why she got there--our MC adventures through the Taisho era with Tanjiro and company trying to figure out just why they're there, while trying to keep the story as linear as possible. Though, it's getting harder and harder to keep secrets as they keep piling up.❞

Chapter 1 [NEXT]

I winced at the bright light that suddenly enveloped my face. Covering my eyes from further abuse, I sat up in my bed and rubbed them out. I could've sworn I shut the curtains tight so this wouldn't happen. Upon placing my hand down on my bed, I felt a peculiar texture and immediately snapped my eyes open. Around me was greenery, something that isn't in my bedroom. I stumbled up from my bed—which happened to be made of moss—and looked around.

Where the fuck am I?

The last thing I remembered before dozing off was watching TenSura. Ah, what an anime. No! No time for that right now! I gotta figure out what happened. I felt around my person for anything but found nothing. I'm stranded out here with no phone or supplies.

Honestly, it's probably just a prank my friends pulled. Though this feels borderline too far, I suppose they wouldn't actually leave me for dead in the middle of some unknown place, right?

Right?

Sighing, I began to walk around. Well, not around, in as straight of a line as I could. I can't waste time going in circles. After a few moments of walking, I came across a dirt path. I'll be damned, I'm not completely lost. I still don't recall any dirt trails I'd personally know near me, though, so I just hope I'm not too far from home. Or a gas station. I really have to pee right now. I kept walking for quite some time and felt like I was getting absolutely nowhere. Suddenly, the trees and greenery around me got thinner and thinner. Once the trees had ended, I walked out into a nice field. On either side of the path I'm walking lies some sort of vegetable or something. Maybe rice? It's set up so weirdly… I don't think this is anywhere near my house.

Looking further ahead, there was a bright blob in the middle of the road. It wasn't moving and didn't look like any animal I'd seen, so I continued forward toward it. Maybe it'll have some telling of where I'm at.

As I got closer, my stomach began to twist. I felt such an intense wave of déjà vu wash over me, but I shoved it aside. Once I approached it, it became clearer and more person-sized? No, not just person-sized, but just a human! I crouched down beside them, they weren't making too much noise. Honestly, I was concerned because they were just trembling there.

"U-Uhm," I started out, but it felt like I haven't used my voice in days, "excuse me? Are you ok?" I went to reach out to nudge their shoulder when they stopped moving altogether. Their head snapped up suddenly and this man's amber eyes were locked onto mine.

And then he opened his mouth.

"AHHHHHHHHH! I thought I heard someone coming, but I thought I was crazy, but it turned out to be an angel sent from above!" In mere seconds he had pushed my back and was nuzzling my cheek, a sobbing mess. "You've got to marry me! MARRY ME PLEASE! I might die soon!" My face exploded in color as I tried to shove the strange man off of me. Looking around, there was no one here to help me so I panicked and began to hit him.

"Off! Get off of me!" He seemed to not care as he continued to cling to me and beg for marriage. I don't think I'm ready for that. As I continually assaulted him, I got a closer look at his face.

It was snotty, but I instantly recognized the blond and orange hair, the bushy brows, and—oh god—the haori. How could I not recognize this pattern sooner? My swings got weaker as I put the realization together and he seemed to quiet down a bit once he noticed, but I swung harder once I remembered cosplayers exist.

This man could just be pretending to be Zenitsu to cop a feel of random girls and blame it on his character! With this new fuel to my anger, I successfully kicked him off and scrambled backward onto my feet. I brushed my shorts off from the dirt path. He pulled himself back up and began to walk on his knees towards me, hands are done in a praying motion. "Pleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasemarryme-" he babbled.

"Ugh, just get away from me, it's pathetic you have to cosplay that just to touch a girl." He blinked, seemingly not understanding a word I said before he lunged. Screaming, I tried to turn and run off from his sudden attack, but he was too fast. Lightning fast. Does this kid do track in his spare time?

"You can't leave me here! I'll probably die on my next mission and if I do I'll never have the chance to marry someone so you have to marry me right now!" He was getting desperate, his fingers digging into my hips from how hard he was gripping. I was actually starting to tear up when suddenly his weight was forced off of me. I looked up and saw a man in a green and black haori, a box strapped onto his back and an irritated look adorned his face as he faced the blond.

Did I stumble into a cosplay reenactment scene and they used me as the girl? They began bickering, running through the same shtick as I slowly boiled with anger. Would it not hurt to ask someone's permission? Maybe I wouldn't have minded or even dressed up for it!

"This is so fucking stupid, next time ask someone before you involve them in your games." I snapped at the squabbling pair, effectively stopping their argument and I turned to walk off, hoping to find someone competent enough to help me.

"Stop! You're going to be my wife!" 'Zenitsu' reached out again, grabbing my shirt and yanking me back. I fell on my ass pretty hard and let out a groan. He squeaked and crawled over with speed to my side. "I'msosorryididntmeantopullyouthathard-" I held my hand up and stopped him, which to my surprise he did.

"A-Are you OK?" I looked up to see 'Tanjirou' reaching his hand out as if to help me up. I accepted and he pulled me up gently, even stepping in between me and 'Zenistu.' At least one of these guys has manners.

"Yes," I paused, contemplating asking him for directions. "Do you know how I could get back home? I don't know this area very well. We shouldn't be too far from [address], right?" His look changed to an uncertain one as he looked me over. This further puzzled him, I guess.

"[Address]? I haven't heard of anywhere like that near me. Which prefecture are you from?" Prefecture? Excuse me.

"Look, we're not in Japan so don't play with me right now. I'm looking for [address] in [State/Province]. You can drop the act." I swallowed as the boy in front of me struggled to understand. Even 'Zenitsu' was quiet, trying to figure out what I was talking about. Is it that hard to stop with the reenactment to help someone who's lost?

"But we are in Japan? What are you talking about?" I opened my mouth to further argue with him but stopped myself. I woke up out of nowhere in the middle of some forestry area. I don't remember getting there at all, not to mention I clearly remember laying in my own bed last night. To say I am confused is an understatement. I genuinely believe this is fake and there are cosplayers in front of me, but a part of me is scared. What if I'm actually here?

I shook my head, it's not possible. Looking back up at 'Tanjirou' who was waiting patiently for me, I reached up to run my hand through his hair. Before he could object, I already had his strands between my fingers and I felt over his head for bumps from possible wig caps. None. Leaving him red-faced and stammering, I turned to 'Zenitsu' who had watched the interaction with jealousy. I proceeded to do the same to him, which he absolutely enjoyed. But still no wig cap. I pulled my hand away to his disappointment and examined it for any spray-on dyes.

Ok, this has got to be either a really good dye job or my ass is in Kimetsu no Yaiba. And yet, for some reason, I felt calmer than I should. Maybe it's because I don't thoroughly believe it yet? And honestly, as excited as I am for an isekai, I at least want to know if it's real, y'know?

"I- Sorry, I just needed to know if this was… really happening." I covered it lamely. "What I mean is, I don't remember coming to Japan."

"How could you not remember coming?? You speak the language." The blond pointed an accusing finger at me. This puzzled me, I don't think I'm speaking Japanese. In fact, I don't hear it either.

"But your outfit… tells a different story." 'Tanjirou' commented, looking me over once more. I look down at myself to see the loose pair of shorts I sleep in and a random [design] shirt. There is literally nothing wrong with my outfit. Well, I guess unless I am in an anime set back in time, there is.

"Shut up! There's nothing wrong with her outfit!" OK, maybe this actually is Zenitsu. He giggled and crawled forward, reaching for my thighs when I slapped his hands away. "That's ok, I can wait for my… my…" I expected him to say wife, but it looks like he was going for something different. "What's your name?"

Of course, they wouldn't know your name, dipshit. "Sorry, it's [Y/N]."

"[Y/N]." Tanjirou tasted, slowing the pronunciation. "I knew your accent was strange, but this definitely backs up that you're a foreigner. My name is Kamado Tanjirou, but please, call me Tanjirou."

Not missing a beat, the blond beside him scrambled up and grabbed my hand, smiling. "I'm Agatsuma Zenitsu. Your future husband." I pulled my hand from his grasp and stifled back a laugh. Me? In this situation? Fanfiction could never beat this.

"You said you don't know your way around right? Well, more specifically that you don't know how you got here, you could come with me and I could take you to a nearby village?" That sounds like a shit idea, to be dropped off at a random village and just left. However, I could travel with them to their next mission and see if this place is actually real.

I opened my mouth to respond before Zenitsu butted in. "You! You got in my way once already, I'm not letting you again! We're going together!" He dramatically pointed at Tanjirou, seething at the idea of the two of us traveling alone.

"Fine, we'll go together then, but I do have a mission we need to complete." Zenitsu panicked and began to have a full meltdown again, to my and Tanjirou’s disappointment. After his scenic spazz attack, Tanjirou managed to hoist him up and get him to walk a way with us.

"Better now?" The redhead smiled at the other.

"Mm, yeah, but I'm hungry." I walked along the other side of Tanjirou, making sure I stood away from Zenitsu. Tanjirou reached into his haori, pulling out an onigiri and splitting it. He handed one half to Zenitsu and offered the other to me.

Not gonna lie, it looks good, but provided I'm experiencing this in real life, he's going to need it more than me. I shook my head, "Keep it, I feel nauseous. " I didn't lie, I do feel sick right now, but I'm not sure if it's just nervousness or not. Tanjirou opened his mouth to offer again, but I grabbed his arm and had him take a bite. He was surprised at my action but didn't bother offering it again. I know he was hungry, too, so I would keep chewing and swallowing as well.

"Eh?! Really, just eat in front of her?! Don't you have any other food!" Suddenly flustered, Tanjirou swallowed harshly and began sputtering.

"I-I'm sorry, this is all I had left-" I slapped Zenitsu upside his head for making Tanjirou panic. Not saying another word, Tanjirou finished his half, not trying to invoke anything like that out of me.

"Give it a rest! I'm not hungry, can't you listen?" I glared at the blond, who teared up in response.

"[Y/N]-chan, you've been hitting me all day! Why can't you hit Tanjirou like that?!" He brokenheartedly bit into his snack.

Tanjirou paled and looked at me. "Tanjirou hasn't been acting stupid! Also, it's only been like 20 minutes since we've met?!" The redhead was relieved to see I wasn't gunning him down. Tanjirou stuck his tongue out at Zenitsu before a crow circled above them and cawed out.

"Tanjirou! Zenitsu! Start running to your next destination! Run! Run!" Hearing that in person, yeah a little creepy.

"AHHHH- THAT CROW! IT JUST SPOKE TO US! crowsarentsupposedtodothatright?!" Zenitsu fell to the ground, having one of his episodes again. Instead of helping him, Tanjirou and I just stood there, staring at him with a blankly stare. Was it ever right for me to simp for this scrub?

( ˘▽˘)っ☆ﾟ.*･｡ﾟ

The rest of the walk was decently calm, except for the occasional whining of Zenitsu wanting to stay back. We eventually reached our destination, which was a tall manor, mansion? Big home. Yes, that. I can't remember what happens here too well since it's been a minute, but there should he some kids around here. I scanned the area.

"I smell blood, lots of it." Tanjirou sniffed.

"Smell? I don't know about that, but I can hear something from inside… you hear it, right?" They looked at each other, and then at me. I looked back at them blankly.

"Huh? Did you ask me something?" They deadpan. Zenitsu begins to repeat it when Tanjirou interrupts him.

"Look, children. " We follow his gaze to the tree line where a young boy and girl stood, clinging to each other with wide eyes. Zenitsu is startled for a moment since he didn't hear them, but Tanjirou took the lead and stepped towards them carefully before crouching down to their height. I followed behind, hoping to not frighten them. "Hi! Is this your house?" The kids shook their heads and he continued. "Could you tell me what's wrong? I'm here to help you." After they showed no signs of speaking, Tanjirou pulled Zenitsu's sparrow out and presented it to them. "Look at what I have, it's a sparrow." It took a moment, but they relaxed and one of them finally spoke up.

"Th-There's a monster in there!" The boy choked out. "We were with my brother and a monster grabbed him! We followed them here with his blood but… he was hurt badly." The kids teared up. I wanted to hold them close and tell them it would be ok, but it felt weird. Like it wasn't my place.

"That was very brave of you two, to follow him all the way here. Don't you worry, me and my friend here are going to help him and reunite you three." The girl's eyes sparkled.

"Really?! You're going to save our brother!" Tanjirou gave her a kind smile and nodded.

"Hey, do you hear that? It's like drums." Zenitsu spoke up seriously, staring at the second-floor window. What happened here again? I listened closely, trying to hear what he was hearing but couldn't.

No-

I got up and ran towards the house but by the time I got there, I was too late. A body flung itself from the second story and landed mere feet in front of me. I stared down at it, wide-eyed, feeling the blood spatter hit my bare legs and cheeks. I heard the other two run towards me, Tanjirou crouching over the body. I remember this scene, as he's the one who comforted him in his last moments. Could I have saved him if I caught him? Or was he too far gone before that?

"Hey! Are you OK?" Zenitsu turned me around to face him, I stared at him blankly for a moment. He had a look of concern and his hands were around both of my wrists. I shook myself out of it and gave a half smile.

"Yeah, just wasn't expecting that." That was a lie. "I just was trying to hear what you were hearing." What I really didn't expect was a legitimate dead body. I didn't expect the realness of the situation. If I enter that house with them, will I come out like this next? I'm just an anomaly. Anything could happen to me.

Zenitsu felt around his person until he found a spare cloth that he happened to have. He placed one of his hands under my chin to look up at him and used the cloth to clean off what splattered on my face. He had a soft smile while he was doing it, and damn I almost melted right there. Well, that was until he finished with my face and dropped down, wiping at my leg while placing his other hand firmly on my ass to hold himself up. "I'll get you cleaned up, [Y/N]-chan~" This ruined it and I planted my foot against his chest to push him away. He fell backward, losing his grip on the cloth he had and I used it to quickly get what he didn't before he sat back up. "So mean…"

I turned to Tanjirou who finished laying the boy in a respective way. He turned towards the kids and gestured toward this man. "Is this… your brother?" They shook their heads and he sighed in relief. "Then we still have time." He bowed to the body before getting up and walking over to the kids. He took his box off and handed it to them, smiling. "This will protect you. I and my friend are going in for your brother, so just wait here with [Y/N] and everything will be alright!"

Thank God, he didn't expect me to go in with him. Zenitsu, however, looks like he was just given a life sentence. "I don't know if we should Tanjirou! I can't fight!" He cried. I glanced over at the kids who stared at him in obvious disgust. Eh, maybe I do wanna go in. I could see him make a fool of himself in front of those kids. Tanjirou's only response to that was to grab him by the haori and drag him to the entrance.

"We'll be back, [Y/N]! Stay with the kids." He waved as he and Zenitsu entered the building. I sighed, looking back at the box of his sister and the children. If it weren't the day, maybe I would take a peek inside. I crouched down beside it, reaching out to examine the materials used, and suddenly the box shook, and scratching sounds emitted from it. I jumped, and immediately felt stupid since I expected it to happen. The kids screamed and dashed for the main door.

I got up and ran towards them after I realized they were making a b-line for the entrance. "No! Don't go in there!" I was a few inches short of grabbing the boy's kimono when the door slid shut. I stood there, mid-run and my hand outstretched where the boy once was. I can't go in there, I won't live! But I have to, what will Tanjirou and Zenitsu think about me if I let those kids run in there?

Actually, Zenitsu wouldn't blame me one bit.

But that's not the problem, it's immoral. I reached for the door and went to open it, but it wouldn't budge. I glared at it and tried again. Still, no movement. I took a few steps back from the door and looked at the frame and—there! The door was slammed so hard, it broke the door frame. The door is now jammed into the wood, and therefore not moving. Huh, I guess I don't need to go then. Kicking the frame in slight frustration, I made my way back to Tanjirou's box and sat on the ground beside it. Soon enough, there were scratches coming from the box again. I furrowed my brows. Does she need something?

"Hello?" She doesn't know me yet, so I don't want to just start calling her name. "Is there someone in there?" I was met with silence. I waited a bit longer to see if she'd respond, but it seems since she can't sense Tanjirou outside the box, she doesn't want to. Tanjirou… "Are you worried about Tanjirou? He's going to be OK, trust me! He'll be back soon." I stopped at that, not wanting to give her too many details. Just give her hope for his return.

After a moment, there was more movement in the box, with no scratches this time. She must've been stressed before with Tanjirou leaving her here. I hope that brings her some peace.

It felt like a good hour, but eventually, there was movement from the house. Zenitsu came barreling out of the same window as the guy from before. In his arms was the boy from earlier. I gotta admit, he looks pretty cool when he's doing selfless stuff. I ran over to where he was going to land and, again, fell short and watched as he hit the ground. Fortunately, I knew he was going to be OK already.

The boy, however, didn't. "Ah! Are you OK?!" He gasped out, pointing at Zenitsu's head.

I looked closer and winced at the stream of blood where his head hit the ground. "Yeah, I'm better than ever since I got out of there, why?" He rubbed his head sheepishly and then froze when he felt something wet. Bringing his hand back in front of him, he saw blood and screamed. "TH-THAT'S WHY!" I pulled the cloth he was using earlier and pressed it against his wound for him. In response, he giggled gratefully and flushed. Man's was just dying and now he's blushing. Great.

A crush suddenly emitted from the other side of the building and a boar-headed figure rounded the corner. "I sense a demonic presence!" And then the most guttural cackle came from him. He started towards Tanjirou's box.

Honestly, I could care less because of damn this man's chest. Stop, stop ogling him right now, [Y/N]. I can't stop. Stop. I can't stop. Stop. I can't- UGHSG, get to Nezuko now! I can't get distracted by him, he's literally targeting her.

I half expected Zenitsu to get up as he does in the story, but he's too busy begging to be babied further by me to do it. I groaned and sprinted towards the box, Zenitsu sitting up confused behind me. I blocked Inosuke's leg as he came to kick back the box. His foot met my crossed arms and knocked me back into the box. A corner lodged itself into my back and I gasped in pain. Jesus fuck, that hurt.

"You, woman, get out of my way!" He pointed a sword down at me, tip at my nose. I scowled and pushed the box back further, backing up with it. He brought his sword up to swing it down when suddenly there was yellow in between us. Zenitsu stood there, arms out. "St-Stop! Leave her and the box alone!"

"There's a demon in that box and if you don't move I'll have to take you with it." Zenitsu stuttered for a moment, aware that he was right.

"No! Well, I mean! I know that! I'll ask Tanjirou when I see him, I just haven't yet." He glanced around nervously.

Inosuke didn't like this answer and pulled his arm back. "I don't care! I'll take him and his box out!" He proceeded to punch Zenitsu, who recoiled back at me. I caught him and stabilized his stance so he didn't fall over. Inosuke continued his pursuit and kicked Zenitsu's legs out from underneath him and began to kick him while he was down. In reflex, I got up and tackled the boar. This pisses me off too much to be able to stop and watch.

He laughed maniacally as we rolled over each other, fighting for dominance. I swung at him at any chance I got, but it was like my punches weren't doing anything to him. I kept my stomach and face as protected as I could, but there was only so much I could do when being rolled around on the ground. I could hear Zenitsu yelling out, but eventually, Inosuke's fist met my stomach and I gasped for air, letting go of him. He took advantage of this and got another hit on the side of my face. My ears were ringing and I tried to make out voices from it but had a hard time focusing on them and trying to breathe. I could feel myself being sat up as I began to breathe again. My hearing was clearing and Zenitsu was snapping to get my attention.

"[Y/N]! [Y/N]! Can you hear me? Oh my god, are you alive?!" I looked around before answering him, seeing Inosuke knocked back and Tanjirou standing above him, seething.

"Y-Yeah, I'm fine. It just made things fuzzy for a moment." I tried to get up but immediately got pulled back into Zenitsu's lap.

"No! You shouldn't get up after getting hit like that!" My eye twitched.

"Zenitsu, I'm fine. It just, like, stunned me for a moment, I guess." I tried to pry myself from his grasp again to no avail. I glanced over at Tanjirou who watched us with disgust I know people could only hold for Zenitsu. His attention was snatched by Inosuke once again as he began to sit up.

"I understand! Fight me, with your fists!" Tanjirou sweat dropped and told him no. Inosuke ignored him and lunged at him, Tanjirou missing just barely. I wiggled out of Zenitsu's grasp while they had their squabble. Eventually, Inosuke's head was grabbed and Tanjirou slammed his head into the boar's. There was a sickening crunch that I even heard and I winced.

"DIDYOUGUYSJUSTBREAKYOURSKULLS?!" Zenitsu screamed, shaking his head back and forth at the scene. The boar head slowly came off Inosuke and I stared in anticipation. Blue hair and vibrant green eyes were revealed and I squealed. Of course, I clamped my hand over my mouth, but I don't think it matters since neither guy was looking my way. "EH?! A girl's face! How could someone with your personality be so pretty!"

Inosuke turned towards Zenitsu. "Got a problem with my face?!" He huffed.

"No! There isn't a problem! It's just that most people, including me, would consider it an attractive face!" Tanjirou smiled nervously. This seemed to rile Inosuke up further. I had no comments, I just wanted to soak up this moment and look. He caught my gaze and lunged forward again.

"You! Do you have a problem with my face? Stop staring!" He growled as Tanjirou and Zenitsu caught him halfway. "I'm going to fight all of you! Fight me! Headbutt me! Just fight me!"

"Stop! We can't do that!"

"Stop! It's taboo to fight with each other! Is it really that fun to you? To beat those who are weaker than you??"

The guy flexibly bounced back, doing a flip and landing in an interesting pose. "Fight me now! I'm flexible, strong! I won't take no for an answer."

"Stop bending like that! You've got broken ribs! That can't be good for you." They cry.

"There is no one else like me! Only I can do this! Aren't I awesome?! Aren't I?!" He smiled up at them in his scorpion pose. "Now fight me!"

"No!" Everyone yells.

"You know what! I'll tell you my name! Hashibara Inosuke! You better remember it!" He stood up straight.

"How is it spelled??" Tanjirou piped up.

Inosuke was taken aback. "Spelled?! Eh! I don't know how to spell, or read! I just know my name was written on my loin-ACK!" He paused. We watched as his eyes rolled to the back of his head and he fell back.

Zenitsu screamed. "Is he dead?!" Tanjirou quickly knelt down beside the man and sighed in relief.

"He's just unconscious! I bet I gave him a concussion when I headbutted him." He smiled.

"A-Are you OK?" The girl spoke up, Tezuka? Teruko? Teruko I think.

"Yes! I was born with a really hard head, like my mother!" He smiled proudly. Teruko grinned at him and reached up.

"Could I touch your head?" He nods and lowers his head for her and she runs her small hand across it, even tapping it. "Wow, it is tough!" I lean in and reach out as well. Might as well do it, too, since he's offering. My palm came into contact with his forehead and he turned red. I ran my thumb across it and the red mark and smiled.

"Yeah, it's hard." Zenitsu began whining behind me, disappointed.

Tanjirou stared for a moment before he got up hurriedly. "I-I think we should start burying the dead. There were countless people in there." He started off in the direction of the house, before making Zenitsu give him his haori and taking his own off to make sure Inosuke was more comfortable. After that, he barely spared me a glance before taking Zenitsu with him inside again. Was I not going to help?

( ˘▽˘)っ☆ﾟ.*･｡ﾟ

Yeah, I helped more than they wanted me to. How do I know this? The moment they brought the first bodies out, I helped with the burials and they kept trying to push me away. I proved stubborn and kept assisting where I thought I could. There was a sudden movement from behind us and we turned just in time for Inosuke to get up and face us.

“What are you guys doing?” he asked.

“We’re burying the dead, you should help.” Inosuke turned his head up in distaste.

“I don’t need to help, I see no reason to bury them.” I opened my mouth to say something since he was so rude about it, but Tanjirou beat me to it. Honestly, I preferred his response anyway.

“Oh, it’s OK, I see. You’re too injured to help, right? Please, lay down and get some rest. I wouldn’t want you to overdo it.” He gave a coy smile. I had to stifle my laugh. Way to go. Even Zenitsu looked impressed.

Inosuke growled and pointed at him. “No! I can do it! I can bury more bodies than you ever could!” And with that, he ran off back into the estate. With him hard at work, we got everyone buried properly. Paying one last bit of respect, we turned to leave. In the distance, Inosuke was rushing head-first into trees. Tanjirou’s crow circled above us, calling out and shocking the children.

“Go down the mountain!”

“Is that crow really talking?” Shoichi asked.

“Crows actually have higher intelligence than most people believe. It’s very possible.” I smiled down at him. He nodded in thought.

We walked for another 10 minutes before the path split and the three siblings took the left. They bowed and thanked us for escorting them down. Zenitsu caused a scene, dragging Shouichi down, and begging him not to leave us. After some convincing, we pulled him off and went our separate ways once the crow handed the ward to the kid. As soon as they were out of sight, Inosuke began to pick another fight with Tanjirou.

“Come! Fight me, you!” He pointed at the redhead. I groaned inwardly.

“Dude, can’t you calm down?” I poked my finger into his forehead, pushing him back.

“You! Weak woman, fight me as well!”

Ticked, Tanjirou spoke up again. “We have names you know! I’m Kamado Tanjirou, and this is Agatsuma Zenitsu and [Y/N]!” Inosuke laughed at this.

“Alright, Gonpachiro Kamaboko! I’ll beat you.” He stated seriously. Zenitsu and I could help it and laugh.

"Excuse me, who? I don’t know who you’re talking about!” Tanjirou whined.

“You! Gonpachiro!” In response to this, Tanjirou retorted with his proper name.

I sighed. “This is exciting.”

Shortly after that argument, we came to a gate with a Wisteria crest on it. I marveled at the size of it as the crow came back within distance and landed on Tanjirou. “Rest! Anyone who was injured, rest!” Tanjirou raised a brow, skeptical of the crow's comment.

“Huh, what about earlier when I was fighting with my broken rib and leg from the mission before?!” The crow looked sheepish and let out a dry cough. Inosuke popped up on the other side of him and grasped his tail, holding him up.

“Let’s eat him.” I gagged at the idea of it, and the crow itself screamed in discontent, flapping to get away.

The gate creaked open and an elder woman stepped through, a warm smile on her face. “Hello, welcome. You guys are demon slayers, right?” There were glances my way before they curtly nodded. Well, except for Inosuke.

He stood beside her, poking a finger into the side of her head. “What are you? A demon? Huh?? You look weak.” Steam escapes through his mask.

“Rude!” Tanjirou exclaimed, but the old lady seemed unbothered.

“Please, come in.” She turned to the side and entered the gates, walking ahead at an alarming pace. In hopes of keeping up, I quickly scrambled after her, and the others followed shortly. She led us to one room and gestured inside. The boys entered and before I could step foot, she stopped me. “Here, I have a separate room for you to change in.” Huh, understandable. She led me not too far down the hall to another room and handed me a clean yukata. It was just white with a faint, generic pattern in it. So simple. “When you’re done, you can come back down the hall to the left and I’ll have food prepared.” I nodded and she left before I could say thank you.

Once I had changed and put my scuffed-up clothes to the side, I stepped out into the hall. It was empty, except for the faint noises coming from Tanjirou and the others. I honestly didn’t know where I was going, but I didn’t worry too much as I had the sound of their voices to follow. I came up to a lit-up room with a crack in the door. I pushed it open to reveal four sets of food, Tanjirou and Inosuke were sitting next to each other while Zenitsu had the empty spot reserved beside him, waving me down. I tentatively took a seat beside him, causing him to squeal.

I picked up my chopped sticks and tried some of the food, a little clumsily, might I add. I liked most of it and picked around a few parts I didn’t quite enjoy. Across from me, Inosuke had his boar head off, eating away at his food with his hands. Huh, I wonder if they’ll care if I do the same. One day if I get tired of it, I’ll break down and do it, too. “She’s a monster!” He shovels a mouthful of rice and shrimp in his mouth and begins to speak again. “Granny’s a monster! She does things too fast!” Tanjirou recoils in disgust.

“Use your chopsticks!” Inosuke stops for a moment and grins before snatching some of his food off his plate. Zenitsu was clearly bothered at the sight, but kept his mouth shut in fear of falling victim, as well, I’m sure. Tanjirou went to put some more of his food on Inosuke’s plate, but I stopped him and proceeded to place what I had left on my plate on his. Honestly, it was mostly the things I didn’t like from the selection, so it wasn’t a loss for me. “Oh, I wouldn’t have minded, [Y/N]!”

I shrugged. “I didn’t like that anyways, might as well give it to someone who will eat it.” I took a drink of my tea. He nodded back in understanding and continued to eat. Zenitsu tugged on the sleeve of my shirt and offered his chopsticks to me.

“[Y/N]-chan! Feed me please~ I’m so tired.” I groaned and declined.

“No, thanks. I’m not interested. If Tanjirou and Inosuke can feed themselves, you can, too.” I huffed. He pouted and began to eat again, albeit dejectedly.

After everyone was finished, they went to the room they were originally in. There were three futons set up in the boy's room and I inwardly groaned. I expected this, but I’m too nervous to say anything about it so I’ll just suck it up. I walked back to my room alone and shut the door behind me. The room was scarcely decorated and a decently fluffy-looking futon was in the center of the room. I sunk into the bedding and turned over, thinking about today’s events.

[brainddeadd]

Loosely based on this ask

What the NHL is Saying About Y/N

Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils - Teammate & Honorary Brother):

"She’s one of us. Tough, skilled, and honestly, probably the best-dressed player on the team. Just don’t let her sweet off-ice vibe fool you—she’ll dangle you out of your skates if you give her an inch."

Nico Hischier (New Jersey Devils - Captain & Teammate, Honorary Brother):

"She works hard, and that’s what matters most. She’s earned her spot here. I don’t care what anyone says, she belongs in this league."

Luke Hughes (New Jersey Devils - Teammate & Honorary Brother):

"If anyone touches her, we’re fighting. No exceptions."

Dawson Mercer (New Jersey Devils - Teammate & Chaos Instigator, HonoraryBrother):

"She’s got that quiet fire. Doesn’t talk much, just proves it on the ice. But also, she drinks the pinkest, most ridiculous protein shakes I’ve ever seen."

Trevor Zegras (Anaheim Ducks - Friend & Agent of Mayhem):

"She’s fun, fast, and fearless. I respect that. Plus, I love watching her make guys twice her size look stupid on the ice."

Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks - Protective Older Brother Energy):

"I see why my brothers won’t shut up about her. She’s got skill, and she plays smart. I just hope she doesn’t let the league chew her up—this place can be ruthless."

Matthew Knies (Toronto Maple Leafs - Opponent & Friend - Clearly PR-Approved Statement):

"She’s got potential. You can see she plays with confidence, and that’s huge. But, you know, it’s a long season. We’ll see how she holds up."

Colton Parayko (St. Louis Blues - Veteran Presence):

"She’s tough, no doubt about it. Doesn’t back down, doesn’t play scared. That earns respect in this league."

Travis Konecny (Philadelphia Flyers - Certified Pest & Y/N’s Enemy #1):

"She’s feisty, I’ll give her that. But she’s still gotta learn how to keep her head up when she’s playing against guys like me."

Matt Rempe (New York Rangers - Absolute Menace & Secret Softie):

"She’s fast, she’s skilled—yeah, she’s good. But more importantly? She’s got an entire army ready to throw hands for her. Smart move, baby devil."

Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs - Superstar & Sniper):

"She’s got good hands, no question. It’s not easy being in the spotlight right away, but she seems to handle it well. We’ll see how her game evolves."

William Nylander (Toronto Maple Leafs - Fashion King & Skill Player):

"I like how she plays—smooth, confident. And she’s got great style, which is obviously important."

Brock Boeser (Vancouver Canucks - Elite Flow & Laid-Back Vibes):

"She’s a fun player to watch. Got that mix of skill and grit. I’m just glad I don’t have to play against her every night."

Gabe Landeskog (Colorado Avalanche - Captain Material Always):

"She reminds me of the young guys who come in and immediately demand your attention. She’s got something special, and if she keeps working, she’s going to be a problem for the rest of us for a long time."

Tyler Seguin (Dallas Stars - Veteran & Former League Heartthrob):

"She plays hard, and she doesn’t let the noise get to her. That’s impressive, especially for someone new to the league. I respect that."

Brad Marchand (Boston Bruins - Menace & Instigator):

"Look, the league’s changing, right? New faces, new energy. Not sure how long she’ll last once teams start really targeting her, though."

Matthew Tkachuk (Florida Panthers - Agent of Chaos & Certified Hater):

"I don’t get the hype. Everyone acts like she’s some kind of game-changer, but this league isn’t just about showing up—it’s about proving you belong, every night. Let’s see if she can actually handle that."

Unnamed Fourth-Line Grinder from a Random Team:

"I don’t get the hype. She’s fine, but she’s not some superstar. I’ve seen guys with way more skill struggle to stay in the lineup."

League Executive (Clearly PR-Approved Statement):

"Y/N represents an exciting new chapter for the NHL, bringing skill, determination, and a fresh perspective to the game. We’re thrilled to see her thrive at the highest level."

[yourdarlingness]

　◞◟　Yuri　names · pronouns · titles　!

　　·　requested by @eyelessraven

　more npts from others　—　1　2　3　4

　◞◟　NAMES　✦

　:　Efulesse . Effuliene . Eloquainte . Eloquesse . Eloquette . Heavensent . Lexaria . Lyrica . Melancholi . Melancholine . Melania . Melaniesse . Metaporielle . Metraphia . Metraphorine . Novelle . Odeaira . Odirra . Oderielle . Proselia . Proselie . Quillara . Quillaire . Solumnia . Solemnia . Sonatae . Sonnet . Sonnetta . Sonnetto . Versana . Versiana . Verseona 　:　Anastasia . Ava . Avery . Cordelia . Elaine . Elissa . Elyssa . Elysia . Evangeline . Freya . Isadora . Lexi . Loraine . Melanie . Noelle . Noemi . Odessa . Odette . Ophelia . Rosalina . Rose . Serafina . Sonya

　◞◟　PRONOUNS　✦

　:　chae / chaer . chae / chapter . cry / crys . hu / hurt . kni / knife . mi / mir . mi / misery . ode / odes . shy / hyr . shy / hym . poe / poem . rhy / rhym (/ rhythm) . rhy / rhythm . ve / ver (/ verse) . ve / verse . 🔪 . 📜 . 📚 . 📖 . 📔 . 🖋️ . ✒️

　◞◟　TITLES　✦

　:　the poetess . the socially inept poet(ess) . the lady of poetry . the sophisticated [x] . the enigmatic elegist . (the / prn) melancholic verses . prn knife collection . prn shyness . prn eloquent writings . prn literary eminence . the (one / [x]) whose eloquence shown (through poetry) . prn metaphorical views / poems . prn wise words

[x] can be replaced with any nouns or terms you prefer

Words used ...

Eloquent

Lexicon

Metaphor

Novel

Quill

Solemn

Yuri's preferred words: Effulgent, Heavensent, Melancholy, Rose, Cry, Hurt, Misery

Poems: Sonnet, Verse, Prose, Ode, Elegy

[couldawouldashoulda50]

Just my little corner...

◈Gratitude◈

Stories in Progress

William Nylander

From Completely Different Worlds (William x OC Loren Girard) - 7 chapters Chapter One - Easter Seals Skate Chapter Two - Bath time Chapter Three - The Filler Chapter Chapter Four - Time Alone Chapter Five - Toasting to the Present Chapter Six - The Whiskey Lounge Chapter Seven - The Inevitable

The Sweden Chapter (7 Parts) Part One Part Two Part Three Part Four Part Five Part Six Part Seven ("The Beginning of the End") Part Seven ("The End") The Follow-up

One woman, a thousand ways (William x Loren continued) Love on the Brain Lingerie Exes Alex's Cheerleader The Red Dress Money can’t buy everything…but it sure does help Yes Day - Part One Yes Day Part Two The Reset Wagers are better in Ibiza

⁜⁜⁜ Additional William Nylander fics ⁜⁜⁜ The Distance and the Time Between Us (WIP - William x singer/reader insert) - Introduction Part One - February 2016

A Heart Full of Regret (WIP - William x singer/reader insert) - A heart full of regret Part 1 A heart full of regret Part 2; A heart full of regret Part 2.1

Side Stories (William x singer/reader insert) -

The Homecoming - Round One; The Homecoming - Round Two Toi et Moi

Alex Nylander

Between Two Brothers....What Goes on in the Med - Part One

Kevin Fiala

The Rabbit versus Kevin Fiala (Kevin x OC Mariana Ortega) - 5 Chapters

Introduction/Meet Cute Part 2 - New Beginnings Part 3 - The Rabbit Part 4 - The Kopitar's Party Part 5 - No Contest

Matthew Knies

Never Been Kissed (Matthew x Lana Scornaienchi) - 3 Parts (for Cellythefloshie's 2024 Birthday Bingo) - Completed

Part One Part Two Part Three

Jeremy Swayman

The Girl (Jeremy x Rowan Shea) - Part of the Eras Writing Challenge

[chocolatepot]

You've got to read the gift I got for Yuletide!

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply Category: M/M Fandom: The Shabti - Megaera C. Lorenz Relationship: Hermann Goschalk/Dashiel Quicke Characters: Hermann Goschalk, Dashiel QuickeHoratio Additional Tags: POV Hermann Goschalk, Romantic Fluff, Healing from Past Horrors, Supernatural and otherwise, Weinukkah gifts, holiday fluff, Yuletide 2024, Post-Canon, Slice of Life, Domestic Fluff

Hermann comes home to find Dashiel unexpectedly absent, and both men realize they still have some healing left to do after the events of The Shabti—and everything that came before. Fortunately, they have each other, and that’s an excellent place to start.

[semi-imaginary-place]

rewatching stampede and yeah glad to see that in every trigun iteration time isn't real. Elendira was there as a child when rolo began being experimented on which was 25 years ish before the present. Vash and knives grew like 10 years in a year but elendira has been stuck as a child for decades. Nico-chan gained years in months and idk about his lifespan now. And roll is plausibly his chronological age he's chronologically at least 35.

Info on vash is above luida's clearance level. And to her knowledge plants are clones from an original cell. Independants are birthed from other plants. Its like f2 hybrids

i still hold by that Plants were probably a result of human experimentation (Luida comments that vash's dna is mostly human though that's not saying much since most of human dna is the exact same as banana dna), but conrad at least doesn't seem to know how plants were created from humans given he's spent all the time since the crash trying to recreate independent plants, or give humans Plants' self sustainability.

Forgot elendira is from the study of clones, one in a series. So the one that met Rolo might have been a different clone/experiment than the one met at the end on season 1. That said conrad implies that the surgical experiments to modify existing humans preceded (to some extent, again rolo and the elendira look alike) the clone series so who knows how old livio and nico-chan are. Once again time is fake.

Ah back to the impregnation imagery. In maximum this was largely centered around knives, him burst from a Plant's primary abdomen in his "revival" the way the earth fleet independent was colonized by tendrils. In Stampede that imagery in centered around Vash instead. Knives and Conrad want to inject souls inside of plants. This is done by Knives connecting/stabbing Vash which sends out roots/tentacles which pierce the other plants abdomens and cause them to swell up like a pregnant person. Also the whole vaginal penetration and egg and sperm imagery with the gate and core while flowers bloom on a giant woman made of their combined powers.

Knives was searching the ship logs because he had a suspicion Rem was hiding something and found Tesl but given Rem was a navigator I wonder when she found out about Tesla. In Maximum I think it's likely Conrad told her when he found out about the twins.

Kni is so stupid all he had to do was pet vash on the head a bit and say he did a god job and vash would have been eating out of the palm of his hand.

Also I was paying attention to the gun shots this time and yeah Vash shoots his gun like 4 times at non-Knives targets and then is emptying barrel after barrel on Knives the few times they meet.

Millions knives, thousands forks, hundreds spoons. Conrad picks up teen(?) kni like a stray kitten off the street. Kid proceeds to name himself millions knives and vow genocide and then starts a cult. Conrad deals with so much.

Thinking about how (to him at least) knives was betrayed and abandoned by the two people he loved most

I find it endlessly amusing that Orange shoved acclaimed Hollywood actor Robert de Niro into an anime for the sole purpose of dying to give Meryl a character arc in season 1 because season 1 really is about Meryl growing and maturing as a person . Which leads to one of the biggest differences between Stampede and Maximum, where in tristamp Meryl is a main character while trimax totally forgets Meryl exists 98% of the time like she shows up in 5 chapters tops.

[cellythefloshie]

【ｃｏｍｉｎｇ　ｓｏｏｎ】 Below the cut is a current list of my WIP's

COOL FOR THE SUMMER - SERIES - andrei svechnikov x oc ↳ 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 IT'S MY PARTY - mat martin x reader LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DO - brady skjei x step-sister!reader ↳ DELICATE MAMA BEAR - jeremy swayman x oc ↳ UNTITLED - hurt comfort ↳ UNTITLED - more hurt comfort ROAD WIFE ↳ 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 ↳ ROAD WIFE AMENDMENT #1 - various players ↳ ROAD WIFE ONE SHOT - ross colton x reader ↳ STEAL MY SUNSHINE - ross colton x reader SHORT N' SWEET ↳ COINCIDENCE ↳ BED CHEM ↳ ESPRESSO ↳ DUMB & POETIC ↳ SLIM PICKINS ↳ JUNO ↳ LIE TO GIRLS // DON'T SMILE REMIX UNTITLED - brendan lemieux x oc, joel farabee player x oc UNTITLED - matthew knies x oc , joseph woll x oc (series) UNTITLED - matthew knies x reader (onehot) UNTITLED - steven lorentz x undetermined (series or oneshot) UNTITLED - chris kreider x reader (age gap) WPG ROAD WIFE - SERIES - Winnipeg Jets

*list is written in alphabetical order not in order of priority **series posts include all encompassing chapters but does not include oneshots ***includes fic in varying stage of development updated 2024-03-21

Titles below this page break have been put on the backburner, and are not in active stages of development.

500 FOLLOWER CELEBRATION - CAN'T FIGHT THE MOONLIGHT - vince dunn x reader 500 FOLLOWER CELEBRATION - SO GOOD - adam x charlie FOUR'S A CROWD - multi!player x reader HIGH INFIDELITY - SERIES - tom wilson x oc/reader x vince dunn LIPS OF AN ANGEL - adam x charlie MR STEAL YOUR GIRL - vince dunn x reader x andrei svechnikov NANNY DIARIES - SERIES - tj oshie x reader x undertermined player OVER NOW - vince dunn x reader OUT OF THE WOODS - vince dunn x reader UNTITLED - adam x charlie UNTITLED - vince dunn x reader/oc UNTITLED - vince dunn x reader UNTITLED - vince x samantha MULTIPLE - ross colton x reader UNTITLED - mat barzal x reader

[bearbluebooks]

Chapter 12 - Signal Fire

This chaper contains hurt and healing. "Who did this to you" -take your guesses who says it, and the Howlers reappear.

Read on AO3 or under the cut :)

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8 - Chapter 9 - Chapter 10 - Chapter 11

The forest on the outskirt of Helmerra.

Azriel POV, Hewn City, 8 p.m.

Darkness is something to observe- shadows in a corner, a night sky illuminated by sparkling stars, the surface of the sea hiding secrets in its depth.

Observation can turn into creation- a single hit that awakens bloodthirst. A mutual motivation that creates pressure. A stern order that creates lasting expectation. An isolated appreciation turned into a blinded pursuit of self-worth.

Darkness becomes a creation.

‘Hit him boy’, Zephyr ordered 8-year-old Azriel from somewhere in the corner. 

The high lord said he made the room specifically for Azriel. It was for him to ‘enjoy’ as he frequently said. He also informed him of the ‘special subjects’ he would bring, and that he was to get as many answers out of them as possible. He was to learn everything he could from his senior shadowsinger, Martor, so he could eventually take over.

The first male he brought was tied to a chair with heavy chains. He seemed to be around his dad's age, 50, with gray streaks in his brown hair. Wrinkles reflected the worries he saw before him. His clothes were torn, but no injuries seemed to have formed on his body, yet. That was what he was for, he guessed.

The room was dark and heavy with expectations from all males that gathered there that night- the high lord who prepared for a new shadowsinger, the male who predicted a beating, and the young boy who awaited approval.

Shadows fluttered around Azriel, in a desperate attempt to protect his innocence. They thought if they shielded him enough, no influence could alter his future. 

But Zephyr was no ordinary force. And Azriel was no ordinary boy.

Azriel had been hit many times, but he was never the one who committed violence. Today, Zephyr demanded it, he felt it in his bones that he would get in trouble if he didn’t follow through. So he did. It was in his blood after all, and now in his hands too. The sound of the smack reverberated through the tiny cell. 

Something shifted in the air and Azriel was no longer the innocent boy asking for approval, he was the hand that dealt condemnation. He was finally useful. Accepted.

It started small. With one lesson, that turned into one hit, that evolved into one cut, and one torture session. One loss of life, and one ‘good job.”

Years flew by, as did the subjects. So many males entered his chamber, that he lost count. The actions became automatic and his feelings became numb.

Torture became what he was good at, it became an expectation. A validation. An identity: The Monster of Hewn City.

Azriel was left behind in Gwyn’s room. The Monster was all he was good for in this world, so that was who he would be.

The sun sage was waiting for him in the familiar room. His second home.

Every time he stepped foot in the chamber of night, numbness took over. His mind became singularly focused on violence. His soul solely focused on protection.

Protection of the little boy who lost his innocence in that chamber. Who felt like he needed to earn love. The little boy who learned love was transactional, and that usefulness equaled worth.

His mind would always win.

And that’s why he would never be worthy of Gwyn.

That’s why he transported away. Because he could at least make himself useful by taking his darkness and all his mistakes with him.

He sharpened truthteller mindlessly, something he could do with his eyes closed.

With the knife in his hand, he walked toward the male who was strapped in the chair. He seemed eerily calm. Good.

As he moved the knife, he stopped it in front of his throat. He scraped the rough skin, and made a small incision on the end. The male made no noise. Interesting.

He moved his knife to the back of the chains and with one swift movement unleashed the male. He wanted it to be a fair fight. He banished his shadows to the corners, even though they were useful in a fight as blindfolds, restraints, and stranglers, their only use for now would be to observe.

“Hit me”, Azriel ordered.

The male looked confused. Some semblance of cognizance.

“Come on you son of a bitch. Hit me” the male stood up but made no move. 

“HIT ME” Azriel screamed desperately, moving directly in front of the male.

Finally, a smack resonated throughout the room. The male seemed to get the idea.

That opened the possibility to unleash himself too, Azriel hit the male with so much force that a tooth flew out of his mouth.

A kick landed in his groin in reaction. The pain made him feel alive again.

Another hit found his right cheek. His brow. His mouth. He tasted blood.

That would certainly leave a bruise. Good. His body would match how he felt inside now. Broken.

Azriel hit the male with two slaps in the solar plexus, when he said, “what do you know about Koschei?”

The male had fear in his eyes now. “Nobody says his name and lives.” He answered.

“If you knew anything you would know I would rather eat my own tongue than betray my master.” The words were spewed together with the spit that landed in front of Azriel's feet.

“Tell” a hit landed on the sun sage’s face.

“Me” smack

“What” smack

“You” smack

“Know” smack

The sun sage hit him back, he felt something shift in his nose, and blood started running from it as the taste of iron entered his mouth. Azriel laughed, he was sure he looked like a madman. He sure as Cauldron felt like one.

The male hit him in the chest and followed with a fist under his chin.

He opened his mouth to utter some new bullshit, but a strange gurgling noise was coming out. He was suffocating on his own tongue. Not again.

Azriel rushed towards the male and stuck his fingers down his throat, in a desperate attempt to help the male breathe. He was already too late, as the familiar sun sign left his mouth.

The smoke felt acidic on his skin, it burned with the heat of a thousand suns.

What was that?

Suddenly he felt a strange pull in his heart, as if an invisible string was pulling him in.

His shadows felt the call too. They surrounded him and transported him to the origin of the siren's call.

-------

Gwyn POV, Helmerra, 8 p.m.

Tears fell down her face.

Azriel’s words still rang in her ears. 

“It’s all my fault.”

Was he blaming himself for the actions of the sun sages in Sangravah?

Nobody was at fault other than Koschei and his band of lunatics. She couldn’t believe that he had been beating himself up with thoughts of blame, of guilt over that.

She couldn't fathom that he accused himself for (in) actions of the past, and that they still held so much hold over him in the present.

She may not have known he was there in the kitchen, she had known he was there in Sangravah, but she never blamed him for a second.

If anything she was grateful people came to her village to offer aid amid so much destruction.

Azriel had been dealing with all of that guilt by himself.

That thought alone would have crushed her. If he hadn’t uttered those next words: “you deserve someone better than me.”

He connected all of that to his worthiness. To his worthiness of her. Tears streamed down her face.

She hadn’t seen it. She hadn’t been there for him. All those times he had been there for her, and he had been all alone in his struggles. 

It was as if a hole opened up in her heart and filled with tears.

The first thing she wanted to do was embrace him. Enfold him in the safety of her arms. Something he had done so many times for her. She needed to envelop him in the worthiness he couldn’t give to himself, but she could do for him. To take him into her arms and tell him everything would be okay. Something she knew he had very little of in his life. 

She needed to tell him that he was worthy just as he was, that he didn’t need to do anything or be anything other than himself when he was with her. That she would embrace every part of him if he let her.

The only thing she couldn’t handle was lies. 

And that was the problem.

She couldn’t grasp his arms or his words. 

He didn’t give her the chance.

He stepped into the dark to Mother knew where.

And eternal emptiness replaced the space of his broken promise.

“You can trust me.” The words flashed in and out of her mind. How she confessed she needed to be able to trust him, and how he reassured her she could. Only to break that very same promise one week later.

That was what hurt her.

Not the things he said, but the things he hadn’t shared before.

Footsteps broke through the shifting gears in her mind.

“Gwyn, are you crying?” Nesta said worriedly from somewhere in the door.

Gwyn took one look at her best friend and broke down.

She didn’t even know where to start.

“He lied, Nesta.”

“He lied.”

Nesta crossed the space quicker than she ever saw her move.

“Who lied Gwyn. Whose ass do I need to kick?”

“He didn’t say…” the words came out in a strangled voice in between sobs.

“He was there…”

“… He was the one who saved me…”

“And he just kept it from me…”

Her chest was heaving now. As if she ran a thousand miles. Her heartbeat quickened so much she wondered how it still remained in her chest. So many tears left her eyes that she didn’t know how there were any left.

“Oh, Gwyn,” Nesta said as she took up the empty space on her bed. She put her arm on her back and reassuringly rubbed circles on her back.

“It’s Azriel, isn’t it,” Nesta guessed.

Gwyn nodded her head up and down carefully. They hadn’t shared whatever was happening between them with anybody, this was the first time she talked about it with someone other than Azriel. Cauldron, they hadn’t even really talked about it.

“Gwyn…”, she had never seen Nesta searching for words.

“…Azriel is one of the smartest males I know. But he can be very incapable when it comes to words.” She paused shortly before she continued. “I don’t know how much he has told you about his past. But he comes from a very complicated home.”

“He has never really been taught how to communicate.”

“The less he showed of himself the less people could hurt him. If that makes sense?”

“It still doesn’t make it okay and you’re completely right to be hurt. But…”

Gwyn finished the sentence “He didn’t do it to lie, he did it to protect himself.”

It all made sense now. She was so preoccupied with her own past that she forgot about his.

She needed to find him.

And she needed to do it fast.

She quickly thanked her wise friend and moved towards the door. Black smoke followed her outside.

She went to his dorm first. Maybe he didn’t go far. His room and bed were empty.

Then she went to the library. Maybe he came to find her, maybe he already regretted leaving so abruptly. But only Howlers stared back at her.

Then she went to the Illyrian common room. Maybe he went back to his friends. Here, she saw Emerie chatting with Morrigan. “GWYN. What are doing here?” a voice yelled from out of a corner.

“Have you seen Azriel?” she answered swiftly.

“No, we haven’t seen him in two days actually,” Morrigan answered.

“Thank you,” Gwyn said as she made for the door. She needed to keep it as brief as possible. She had no time for further questions. She needed to find him.

Maybe he went for flying in the late-night air. She knew how he liked to clear his head in the sky.

When she entered the forest grounds, her face suddenly hurt with heat like she had never felt before.

Her hands moved instinctively to the spot where she expected to feel a wound or melting skin, but she couldn’t detect anything other than the melting sensation.

The strong emotion caused her to feel some sort of string tied to her heart? She never felt it there before. 

Curiosity and instinct made her pull the thread hard.

Suddenly the shadow that always accompanied her moved to a space right in front of her. When more shadows gathered in that exact spot a winged male figure stepped out.

“Azriel?” she asked expectantly.

He was wearing his training leathers, which had a lot of blood on it. Was that his blood? His face was full of bruises and his eyes were full of shame and sorrow.

She ran toward him at lightning speed. She never wished she could winnow more in her life. Her need to touch him had never been so great, to make sure he was alright.

When she finally reached him, her hand moved to touch the bruise that formed on his right cheek, then the wound on his left brow. She wiped away the blood under his nose. Finally, her fingers found the cut that ran through his beautiful lips.

“Who did this to you?” she said in a voice more angry than she was used to.

She would hunt down whoever hurt him in his already vulnerable state.

“Gwyn?” the baritone voice said like a silent prayer.

---

Azriel POV

It was Gwyn who was on the other side.

She was standing at the edge of the forest in a small clearing where there was just enough space in the canopy of trees for moonlight to filter through. The bright white light illuminated her beautiful teal eyes. She was wearing her school uniform with a cable-knit sweater- good, she wouldn’t be cold. He hated it when she was cold.

He had no idea how he got here, but his being here must have been an accident.

He was ready to let his shadows transport him back to Hewn City when she rushed forward and touched his freshly acquired wounds.

The touch should have hurt, but all he could feel was relief with every point of contact. Her featherlight touches seemed to possess a kind of magic he had never felt before. Every touch spread light directly throughout his being.

His body already missed her and the relief of having her so close to him again transcended everything else.

But even her touches didn’t change the fact that he hurt her, and he would continue to hurt her. 

He wasn’t good enough for her and he would never be. At least now she knew it to be true too.

He expected her to tell her as much- was he strong enough to hear it, he wondered as her arms suddenly wrapped around him, and squeezed him tight.

He didn’t mean to but he collapsed into the heavy embrace. As if his body could finally stop fighting and lean into another force. 

He crashed into the safety of the freckled arms that held him so tightly that all noises ceased to exist. The arms that blocked out the rest of the world and his thoughts.

The calmness of mist that dominated the evening sky became disturbed by the shadows that moved in a frenzy around Gwyn and Azriel. As if their emotions could not be contained in single movements but needed to be scattered throughout the twilight plane. It was as if white mist and black shadow moved together in a dance of dusk.

The stillness was replaced by her words “you’re safe.” 

“You’re safe Azriel.” She placed her hand on his hair and lovingly brushed it.

A tear ran down his face, down to the cut on his lip that stung a little from the salt it transported.

His heart sank to a depth he didn’t know existed. It was as if his soul had been waiting to hear those words for all his life. As if his body had been waiting for that embrace for just as long. As if the safety was always so far out of reach, almost like a fantasy, but it was now something real, something tangible. 

It was someone. 

It was Gwyn.

They stood like that for a while. Breathing in each other’s scent. Basking in each other’s embrace.

Until he finally moved out of the safety of her touch, he needed to bring them back to reality.

“I’m broken, Gwyn.”

“You should stay away from me.”

“You should be with someone better, someone who is actually…”

Her finger moved towards his lips once more, this time more roughly, to prevent the next words from coming out of his mouth.

“Don’t ever say that again Azriel.” Her hands moved to touch his face, to force his eyes to meet hers.

Tears ran down her face, too.

“I’m also wounded, Azriel.”

“I’m so sorry it took me such a long time to see you were hurting too.”

“I was so focused on my own hurt that I didn’t notice yours.” She said with such hurt in her eyes.

She took his scarred hands in hers. And kissed them like she so often did.

He wanted to pull them away- his hands functioned as a permanent visible reminder of his brokenness. And he hated them.

Instinct made him remove them from her touch.

“We’re both healing.” She continued.

“Some scars are more visible than others,” she said as she kissed them, “I should have looked beyond the ones I could see.”

“I’m so sorry,” Gwyn said as she kissed his hands again.

“Will you forgive me?” she said as she softly placed another kiss.

Azriel didn’t know what to say. Gwyn had done nothing wrong. She had no idea. He should have told her about it.

He always chose silence over words. It seemed easier, less painful, less reasons for people to really know him, to leave him. He always feared if people knew the real him, that they would leave. To share what was going on in the deepest parts of his mind, felt like asking to be hurt. To be abandoned.

To open up felt like someone asked him to stop breathing. It was something he had become accustomed to, something inherent to his being. But he would try. For Gwyn. For him. For them.

He grabbed her hands that still held his and kissed them. He whispered against them “I will be better about showing them.”

“Do you forgive me, Gwyn?” He already knew the answer, it was too much to forgive. He ruined every shot of forgiveness by not telling her. It was his own fault.

There was a pause that seemed to confirm his fear.

“There is nothing to forgive Azriel.” His heart stopped beating at that sentence. Never did he expect that outcome.

He tried very hard to hear her next words, “you didn’t hurt me, Koschei and his men did. 

“You couldn’t have been there sooner, you didn’t know it was happening, and when you did, you came as fast as you could.”

“You saved me, Azriel.” She held his bruised face in her hands, forcing him to look into her eyes again. To really absorb everything she was saying.

“I don’t ever want you to blame yourself for what happened, to me, to my sister, to my mother.” The last words came out in a choked voice.

His eyes moved away from hers as if the memories and guilt flooded back at the mention of them.

“Look at me Azriel.”

“I have not blamed you for even one second, and I never will.”

“I understand why you didn’t tell me, although I never want you to feel like you need to keep things from me.”

“I want to be there for you. But I need to know what is happening in that beautiful head of yours for me to do that.” 

He smiled at that.

“Nothing you can say or do will ever make me think otherwise. I need you to know that Azriel.”

“I’m in too deep.” She said with that charming irreverence.

New tears fell down her face. As if she desperately wanted him to believe the words she said and her emotions couldn’t be contained anymore.

She whispered in his ear “I really care about you, Azriel.”

“If you have trouble believing anything else I said, please believe that.” She started kissing every bruise on his face, the one on his cheek, his eyebrow, and his nose.

To end with a featherlight kiss on his lips.

He smiled onto her mouth. She was right, he had a lot of trouble believing all the things she said. Mostly because he truly thought she would say the complete opposite. 

He didn’t struggle to believe her last words, because he really cared about her, too.

[ao3feed-hockey]

pauses, then says 'you're my best friend', and you knew what it was (he is in love)

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/nRNatM4

by happypuppys

“Let’s fake-date.” Are the first words out of Mitch’s mouth, and he plops down on the couch just in time to see Connor choke. “Please don’t die before I can date you.”

“What the hell.” Connor manages to say, coughing, and Mitch grins brightly at him.

“That’s exactly what I thought you would say!”

or, 5 times someone finds out Connor and Mitch are dating and 1 time they tell them

Words: 3377, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: Men's Hockey RPF

Rating: Not Rated

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: M/M

Characters: Mitch Marner, Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Zach Hyman, John Tavares, Matthew Knies, Morgan Rielly

Relationships: Mitch Marner/Connor McDavid

Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Fluff, Cuddling & Snuggling, Friends to Lovers

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/nRNatM4

[askfallenroyalty]

im getting really off-track here and am sorry to disturb from the main storyline but im very curious what fate ralsei holds in your universe because i think? this is one of the most unique endings i saw him getting? not that ive seen much besides all of the fountains closing or rals being a villain/someone from ut partially i just wanna know how he's doing. he seemed so disappointed when leaving

oh! i can actually show it. i WANT to clean up and make the drawn comic panels i did on the dark world stream publicly available but i just never find the time for it KLFLSf it'd be a bit of an effort because i didn't know to use the webtoon feature so everything is by a LARGE folder instead of separate canvases... wild i used to work that way. hell on earth.

ok so. I WILL transcribe this comic when i do the above ^ so apologies to those who need it for now. under the cut is Ralsei's ending, minus most of the context. i want to emphasizes, THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSTING LMAO. it will be accessible and fully contextualized later

Uh. Spoilers for Darkworld Arc (the Sam's Biggest Mistake in AFR History Arc). Does it count as a spoiler if i'm a lazy ass who hasn't gotten around to cleaning this story up?

again transcript will be added in the actual release. alongside the unfinished "music" video (the audio was never composed as the vid wasn't finshed.) it has SOME merit tho.

After the Big Battle with Gaster the knight returns (is anyone surprised? no) and posseses Lancer to help give an epilogue to the kids.

(skipping ahead a little because i DO want this scene to mostly be unspoiled, even after all this time)

...apparently this is where either my tablet died again or i was burnt out after drawing for like, idk, 12 hours on stream SKFJSLDF. this is the last panel.

mwuah. a master piece.

ANYWAY. Ralsie (at this point he's been reunited with the kids at the end of the battle. i DO have art for that but i'm just going to show the aftermath)

anyway with Tazetta being crowned princess and given a fresh new life, (again, details vauge cause it's a cute scene that works best with full context) she and ralsei are set up to be new siblings -a brother and a sister!

Kris and Susie got the chance to be proper heroes to defeat Gaster (saving Ralsie in the process) so everyone's on good terms -Susie feels redeemed for attacking Feylow and Knight-Kris (Knis???), Kris got a big Hero Moment and feels validated in their ability to choose their destiny, Ralsei gets to feel the prophecy wasn't a total lie, and he's been given a full chance to live his own life now without the Knight being a turd about it

anyway with the Knight

(AGAIN trying my best not to spoil the scene (fine with talking story beats but not in detail) so deal with being out of context as possible) the knight literally ends the fight by putting gaster in a time out and deciding to become a better person for the darkner's benefit.

yeah. jeeze. really wild how chapter 2 completely recontextualized things huh.

Also, since it's been a year :grimace emoji: i can saftely say the knight is WAY out of character and way to nice and "forgivable" in this dark world. back then I was thinking: "hm, maybe the Knight can be more redeemed and once in Darkworld, they could have a change of heart :)"

yeah thats. that's WAY off the table for Angel's Lullaby as it is now. the "will they or won't they redeem themself" is still on the table but its a WAY bigger fight to accomplish (or fail) than what was depicted here, sharing Kris' SOUL or not.

I think i was just toying with the idea of the Knight's redemption to foreshadow Asriel being flowey and not believing their SOUL was real. I felt this would help justify/foreshadow why Asriel was wrong ahead of time. or something. now i just think it hurts the story by having the knight involved, it undermines that story's intentional confusion if Asriel was right or not a ton!

yeah a big reason why the DW arc was Bad was because 1) outdated for both Angel's AND deltarune LMAO 2) bad in context of Asriel's arc 3) Feylow is kinda a big mess and overly ambitious of a writing metaphor for my skill level at the time 4) litearllyyyy hate the narrative i built for frisk and ralsei and i couldn't really salvage that x-x

ANYWAY sorry for the mean tangent. hopefully this gave you some insight to Ralsei's story arc even if I didn't show the full extent of it

[butterflies-dragons]

Loved your post on the similarities between Jon and Waymar Royce and Sansa's preference in men. I would like to add something else on the table. The Royces have Stark blood through the maternal line. Catelyn even suggested to name them as a possible heir to Robb. So Sansa really has a thing for the Stark look. This might be incestuous in nature. But isn't there a phrase that women tend to fall for men who remind them of their father? In Sansa's case it's more literal than usual lmao

Hello there! 

Thank you very much ♡

You know, when I was writing my meta, I was suggested by @lostlittlesatellites, to write about the Royces with Stark blood, but I decided not to bring the subject up because we don’t really know who they are.

I know about what Catelyn said to Robb regarding the Stark relatives in the Vale: 

“Young, and a king,” he said. “A king must have an heir. If I should die in my next battle, the kingdom must not die with me. By law Sansa is next in line of succession, so Winterfell and the north would pass to her.” His mouth tightened. “To her, and her lord husband. Tyrion Lannister. I cannot allow that. I will not allow that. That dwarf must never have the north.”

“No,” Catelyn agreed. “You must name another heir, until such time as Jeyne gives you a son.” She considered a moment. “Your father’s father had no siblings, but his father had a sister who married a younger son of Lord Raymar Royce, of the junior branch. They had three daughters, all of whom wed Vale lordlings. A Waynwood and a Corbray, for certain. The youngest … it might have been a Templeton, but …”

“Mother.” There was a sharpness in Robb’s tone. “You forget. My father had four sons.”

She had not forgotten; she had not wanted to look at it, yet there it was. “A Snow is not a Stark.”

“Jon’s more a Stark than some lordlings from the Vale who have never so much as set eyes on Winterfell.”

“Jon is a brother of the Night’s Watch, sworn to take no wife and hold no lands. Those who take the black serve for life.”

“So do the knights of the Kingsguard. That did not stop the Lannisters from stripping the white cloaks from Ser Barristan Selmy and Ser Boros Blount when they had no more use for them. If I send the Watch a hundred men in Jon’s place, I’ll wager they find some way to release him from his vows.”

He is set on this. Catelyn knew how stubborn her son could be. “A bastard cannot inherit.”

“Not unless he’s legitimized by a royal decree,” said Robb. “There is more precedent for that than for releasing a Sworn Brother from his oath.”

“Precedent,” she said bitterly. “Yes, Aegon the Fourth legitimized all his bastards on his deathbed. And how much pain, grief, war, and murder grew from that? I know you trust Jon. But can you trust his sons? Or their sons? The Blackfyre pretenders troubled the Targaryens for five generations, until Barristan the Bold slew the last of them on the Stepstones. If you make Jon legitimate, there is no way to turn him bastard again. Should he wed and breed, any sons you may have by Jeyne will never be safe.”

“Jon would never harm a son of mine.”

“No more than Theon Greyjoy would harm Bran or Rickon?”

Grey Wind leapt up atop King Tristifer’s crypt, his teeth bared. Robb’s own face was cold. “That is as cruel as it is unfair. Jon is no Theon.”

“So you pray. Have you considered your sisters? What of their rights? I agree that the north must not be permitted to pass to the Imp, but what of Arya? By law, she comes after Sansa … your own sister, trueborn …”

“… and dead. No one has seen or heard of Arya since they cut Father’s head off. Why do you lie to yourself? Arya’s gone, the same as Bran and Rickon, and they’ll kill Sansa too once the dwarf gets a child from her. Jon is the only brother that remains to me. Should I die without issue, I want him to succeed me as King in the North. I had hoped you would support my choice.”

“I cannot,” she said. “In all else, Robb. In everything. But not in this … this folly. Do not ask it.”

“I don’t have to. I’m the king.” Robb turned and walked off, Grey Wind bounding down from the tomb and loping after him.

—A Storm of Swords - Catelyn V

This passage is very interesting because Robb said: By law Sansa is next in line of succession, so Winterfell and the north would pass to her.  But since Sansa was married to Tyrion Lannister, Robb had to name another heir.

This is a contrast with Jon.  Stannis use the same argument to convince Jon to accept his offer to be Lord of Winterfell, he called Sansa “Lady Lannister”, but no matter what, Jon didn’t accept it.  

“But, instead of Tyrion, Willas or even Robert, who pursue Sansa’s claim over her, there is a man that has been offered Winterfell and choose her over it. Among all the high lords interested in becoming the Lord of Winterfell by marrying Sansa Stark, the bastard Jon Snow refused to despoil his sister Sansa of her rights, even if her claim is the one thing he has wanted as much as he had ever wanted anything.”

“By right Winterfell should go to my sister Sansa.”

—A Dance with Dragons - Jon I

Jon said, “Winterfell belongs to my sister Sansa.”

—A Dance with Dragons - Jon IV

Robb and Catelyn were both pushing to prevent Sansa and Jon to get Winterfell, and ironically enough, I think that Sansa and Jon will be the Starks that will retake Winterfell.

Now, about who may be the Royces with Stark blood...

“Your father’s father had no siblings, but his father had a sister who married a younger son of Lord Raymar Royce, of the junior branch. They had three daughters, all of whom wed Vale lordlings. A Waynwood and a Corbray, for certain. The youngest … it might have been a Templeton, but …”

This means: Ned Stark’s father Rickard had no siblings, but Rickard’s father  Edwyle, had a sister Jocelyn who married a younger son of Lord Raymar Royce, of the junior branch, Benedict Royce.  

Jocelyn Stark and Benedict Royce had three daughters:

Daughter 1 married an Unknown Waynwood

Daughter 2 married an Unknown Corbray

Daughter 3 might have married an Unknown Templeton

See? we really don’t know who the Royces with Stark blood are. We don’t even know if they have the Stark features. We don’t even know if they are still alive… 

Also take note that Jocelyn Stark married a Royce from the junior branch, called House Royce of the Gates of the Moon.  While Waymar Royce was from House Royce of Runestone. 

So I addressed the subject only with this line:   

The resemblance between the Starks and the Royces [of Runestone] maybe has to be with both houses being descendants of the First Men.

Now back to House Royce of the Gates of the Moon.

At this point in the books, the known Royces of the cadet branch are: Nestor Royce and his children: Albar and Myranda.  Imagine Myranda having a claim to Winterfell, Alayne will hate it…

Also imagine Lyn Corbray having a claim to Winterfell, Alayne will hate it even more…

About the Templetons, we don’t even know for sure if the third daughter of Jocelyn Stark and Benedict Royce married into House Templeton…

Now, about the Waynwoods, this is exactly why @lostlittlesatellites​ suggested me to write about the Royces with Stark blood, because at this point at the Books, Alayne is very linked with the Waynwoods. And even Harrold Hardyn’s mother was a Waynwood! Imagine Harry the Heir having not only a claim to the Vale but also to Winterfell!  Alayne will like this scenario a bit more… This is unlikely,  but it was funny to think about it… 

Harry the Heir doesn’t have the Stark Look tho.  But his Waynwood cousins do. So they could be the descendants of Jocelyn Stark and Benedict Royce.  Let see:

In the first Alayne chapter of the Winds of Winter, Sansa meets the Waynwoods and Harry the Heir:

“Lady Myranda. Lady Alayne.” Anya Waynwood inclined her head to each of them in turn. “It is good of you to greet us. Allow me to present my grandson, Ser Roland Waynwood.” She nodded at the knight who had spoken. “And this is my youngest son, Ser Wallace Waynwood.  And of course my ward, Ser Harrold Hardyng.”

(…)

Ser Roland was the oldest of the three, though no more than five-and-twenty. He was taller and more muscular than Ser Wallace, but both were long-faced and lantern-jawed, with stringy brown hair and pinched noses.  Horsefaced and homely, Alayne thought.

—The Winds of Winter - Alayne I

Ser Roland Waynwood and Ser Wallace Waynwood have three features that match the Stark Look:

Both long-faced

Both horsefaced

Both have [stringy] brown hair 

Sansa/Alyane doesn’t find the Waynwoods attractive tho, not like she fancied Ser Waymar Royce. Maybe this have to be with their other features: lantern-jawed and pinched noses.

The lack of attraction to the Waynwoods was another reason why I didn’t bring this subject up in my meta.          

In contrast, the Waynwoods seems pretty attracted to Sansa/Alayne:

“Had we known such beauty awaited us at the Gates, we would have flown,” Ser Roland said. Though his words were addressed to Myranda Royce, he smiled at Alayne as he said them.

“To fly you would need wings,” Randa replied, “and there are some knights here who might have a thing to say concerning that.”

“I look forward to a spirited discussion.” Ser Roland swung down from his horse, turned to Alayne, and smiled. “I had heard that Lord Littlefinger’s daughter was fair of face and full of grace, but no one ever told me that she was a thief.”

“You wrong me, ser. I am no thief!”

Ser Roland placed his hand over his heart. “Then how do you explain this hole in my chest, from where you stole my heart?”

“He is only t-teasing you, my lady,” stammered Ser Wallace. “My n-n-nephew never had a h-h-heart.”

“The Waynwood wheel has a broken spoke, and we have my nuncle here.” Ser Roland gave Wallace a whap behind the ear. “Squires should be quiet when knights are speaking.”

Ser Wallace reddened.  “I am no more a s-squire, my lady. My n-nephew knows full well that I was k-k-kni-k-k-kni ��“

“Dubbed?” Alayne suggested gently.

“Dubbed,” said Wallace Waynwood, gratefully.

Robb would be his age, if he were still alive, she could not help but think, but Robb died a king, and this is just a boy.

—The Winds of Winter - Alayne I

And about that phrase you mentioned: “women tend to fall for men who remind them of their father,” it is true that the Asoiaf Books have plenty of incestuous undertones with the Targaryens, Cersei and Jaime, Asha and Theon, Crater and his daughters, etc. But in the case of the Starks, GRRM uses the pseudo-incest trope. After all, Jon and Arya, that are lookalikes, were intended to be in love in the so called “original outline”.

We also have the issue of the First love’s Resemblance: Sansa fell wildly in love with Ser Waymar, and Jon fell in love with a wildling girl kissed by fire.

Waymar Royce looked like a Stark. Waymar Royce was Jon’s lookalike. And Jon is Ned lookalike:

Riding through the rainy night, Ned saw Jon Snow’s face in front of him, so like a younger version of his own. 

—A Game of Thrones - Eddard IX

More about it here.

And Jon’s first love was Ygritte, a redhead, with blue-grey eyes, and to make the Tully look even more evident, Ygritte called herself half a fish:

“Ygritte punched his arm. “You know nothing, Jon Snow. I’m half a fish, I’ll have you know.”

—A Storm of Swords - Jon V

Sansa’s first crush having the Stark Look and Jon’s first lover having the Tully look, reminds me of Catelyn being first betrothed with Brandon Stark but marrying Eddard Stark instead.  Brandon, died like Waymar.  Ned said Jon’s is a younger version of himself.  Ned never imagined marrying Catelyn, he had a young infatuation with Ashara Dayne, but he never acted on his feelings for her, and she died.  Ned also killed Ashara’s brother Arthur.  

Sansa fell wildly in love with Waymar, but she won’t marry him, he died.  She will probably fall in love with Jon in a more mature and calmly way.  Jon Snow, after a non-con beginning, ended loving Ygritte, not a lady, that offered him a “comfort level of femininity”, but he won’t marry her, she died.  Jon will probably fell in love with Sansa, freely and willingly.    

Thanks for your message.

[banalbones]

The Petite Prince: Chapter 3

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, 7, 8

Chapter 3: Of course, little prince

Summary: Roman is a child. Virgil and Logan lost him, and Remus has found a new purpose in life.

Words: 1524

Ships: Familial prinxiety, logince and Creativitwins. Eventual familial royality, roceit and DRLAMP  

Genre: Fluff with a side dose of angst

Warnings: A few swears, Remus (if that needs a warning idk), falling, arguing, small blood mention, small injury, corpse mention, tell me if there’s any more!

Taglist: @pricklyfish777 @sunflowerblondeuwu @itriedandimtired

                                   ̴

The floor outside of big him’s room was waaay more slippery than Roman thought it would be. But then again, the socks he was now wearing probably didn’t help.

The small royal looked down at the smooth wood floor and giggled, a devious little smile slowly spreading across his features.

Slippery, smooth, perfect for sliding around!

Ignoring the fact he could, and probably would, fall and hurt himself, Roman ran across the hall, slipping with every step, cackling hysterically as he neared the stairs.

______________________________

Remus was strolling about, letting his tentacles drag behind him on the hardwood floor of the light side commons.

These dorks should never leave this place unsupervised.

Hehe… dork…

Wonder what they’re doing… Didn’t Patton turn into a giant frog?

That’s pretty hot…

Then suddenly a crash, ending with a small lump landing on the floor at the bottom of the stairs.

Oop.

Wonder what that is…

A corpse someone threw down the stairs?

A bag of bones?

He crept closer.

Is it a-

Then the lump moved... and started crying?

Wait, was that lump a… child?

A child!

Remus moved forward, summoning a stick to poke it, when suddenly the loud wailing stopped.

I thought children were supposed to cry, like all the time?

Isn’t that a thing that living children do?

Then the child turned its head towards him.

Roman?

“Roman?”

The child, Roman, nodded its head, staring at Remus in awe.

Not at Remus, he realized, but at his tentacles.

“Ten-tenacles!” The youthful voice squealed.

Remus felt a wave of protectiveness wash over him.

Mine.

_______________________________

Roman had almost successfully gotten down the stairs, and was quite proud of himself for doing so.

But then came the last two steps.

The petite prince had gotten confident, too confident, and so he let go of the rail.

That had been his big mistake.

The fall had been a blur of color and movement, and then he landed.

Roman felt a small pain shoot up his right -or was it his left?- ankle, causing tears to well up in his eyes.

He let out a loud wail.

Princes weren’t supposed to fall, that wasn’t fair!

He continued to sniffle.

Then stopped.

What if he annoyed someone?

Roman heard the shuffle off feet behind him, and turned towards the person (And their stick).

Then stopped, slack-jawed.

“Roman?”

It was Remus. Big him didn’t like the Duke very much, thought he was scary. Well, this Roman wasn’t scared of anything.

So he nodded, his gaze drifting to the bright green tenacles trailing behind the figure.

The prince’s eyes widened.

“Ten-Tenacles!”

They were so big! And they looked suuuper slimy. He wanted to poke them. How could he poke them?

“Can I have you’ stick?” he asked.

With a big stick like that, it would be easy to touch them.

“Sure.” His big brother replied in a soft voice.

______________________________

Remus handed the three year old the stick, still a bit shocked.

He had a baby brother. A baby bro!

I must protecc. He’s just a smol boy, alone in the world…

(Who said he wasn’t allowed to be extra?)

Then, a sharp pressure on Petunia.

He looked at the tentacle to see a stick, the stick he gave Roman, poking at it. And he laughed.

The little prince looked up at him, confusion clear on his face.

“Wha?”

Remus smiled. Hopefully it wasn’t too scary.

“It’s nothing. Do you want to go to my room? There’s way more stuff to poke there.”

The prince grinned and nodded determinedly, showing off his gap tooth.

Adorable. So cute. My baby bro is cuter than any of the other regressed sides. Change my mind.

And so Remus scooped the little Roman up into his tentacles, causing the smol one to squeal in delight.

“Tenacles!”

“Yup. Tenacles is right, little knight.”

Roman stuck his tongue out and harrumphed, (so pure).

“I’m a Prince, not a kni-not a knight!”

Remus felt his grin spread.

“Of course, little prince.”

And then they sank down into Remus’s room.

_____________________________________________

Virgil felt a sense of fear overtake him. They lost him. They lost the bean.

“Logan, we need to find him, like, right now.”

“I know!”

“Should we get Patton? He could help.”

He watched Logan wince.

“I don’t think that would be a good idea, Virgil. You weren’t there throughout the whole ordeal.”

The whole ordeal? That didn’t sound good.

“Ordeal?”

_______________________________

Logan sighed. He would have to recount the whole tale to Virgil, which would take time. They didn’t have time. They had to find Roman. But if he told Virgil later, that would also take time… Aha! A compromise was due.

“We will look for Roman first, I will tell you as we search.”

There.

This was going to be… something.

_______________________________

Remus rose up in his room, a slime-covered Roman in his tentacles.

“That fun, little Prince?”

Roman just laughed in response.

Remus, still smiling, set the smol one down, gently enough that he wouldn’t break anything. That didn’t stop the Prince from scrunching up his face in pain.

The duke frowned.

“You okay, little prince?”

Roman nodded, then stepped forward on his right leg to do… something… Remus didn’t know, and cringed in pain.

“I don’t think you are, RoRo. Did you hurt yourself on the stairs?”

“No.”

Remus stared at him.

“Maybe…”

Cocked (Hehe) his eyebrow.

The smol one groaned.

“Yeah, I di- I did. But I’m okay!”

He then took another step forward and tipped over, saved only by the mattress Remus summoned in a panic.

It was only slightly bloody. (It was drenched in blood)

He quickly summoned a different mattress (a bloodless one, don’t worry), and flicked his hand, soaking Roman with water.

He loved his baby bro, but cleaning him properly? That was a bit much.

_______________________________

Roman’s face was smushed into a mattress.

Then he smelt blood.

Then he didn’t.

And then-

“AhHhHhH!”

He was drenched in water! It was so cold!

Roman jumped up from his soft savior, ignoring the pain shooting up his foot, and scrunched up his face in concentration.

Aaaand, BAM!

The prince giggled hysterically as he splashed ReeRee with water.

“Take that, you he- you heathen!”

His brother laughed, equally as hysterical, and lifted his hand, summoning more water.

“Oh it. Is. On!”

______________________________

Logan and Virgil sank in and out of the different rooms of the mindscape at a lightning pace, all the while talking about what had happened with Patton and Janus(?!?!) and looking for the bean.

“He sank out? Before the video was done?”

Virgil was shocked. And out of breath. He motioned at Logan to stop for a moment so he could recuperate.

They were back in the commons.

“Yes, he did. And I suspect that the happenings of this ordeal is what led to his eventual regression.”

That… did make sense.

“It isn’t an optimal situation.” Logan remarked.

“No shit, Sherlock,”

“I am not Sherlock,”

“It’s an expression,”

“It isn’t in my collection of vocab cards.”

“Then add it, genius!”

“I will! Just-”

A laugh echoed throughout the mindscape.

Two laughs.

”Is that-”

“Roman?”

“And-”

“Remus?”

The pair stared at each other.

“It came from the entrance of the Imagination.”

“How is your hearing that good?” Virgil mumbled, as the two ran (more exercise? He was not fit enough for this) towards the Imagination.

_______________________________

Would they find Roman? That’s TBD.

Totally believable, dude.

It means ‘to be determined’.

Whatever.

Just get on with it, guys!

_______________________________

Remus grinned, picking Roman up off the ground and spinning him through the air.

“As your prince, I command you to s- I command you to stop!” he squealed.

Remus cackled.

Then he gently placed the smol one down and bowed. “Of course, little prince.”

After the water fight, they had made a deal. If Roman let Remus bandage his ankle, they could go do something in the Imagination. On Remus’s side.

He was a little hesitant to agree at first, but anything was better than a pained little prince. Even the ruination of childhood innocence.

Come to think of it, maybe he shouldn’t have agreed to that.

But it actually went well, so Remus decided not to think about it.

“Now, let’s go!”

The scaled-down side looked up expectantly at Remus.

“To where?”

Roman’s face screwed up in thought.

“ReeRee’s!”

I never thought I could like actual cute things, but here we are.

_______________________________

“To where?”

Roman’s face screwed up in thought.

They could go to…ReeRee’s room!

He opened his mouth to say so, but couldn’t quite form a sentence.

That was so annoying! How was it so easy for big him? No fair.

“ReeRee’s!” he managed to get out.

Yes!

Words were hard, so even one was good.

Remus picked him up.

“Off we go!”

And as they sank down out of the Imagination, the dark grass brushing against Roman’s cheeks, the wind picked up.

The paper crown sat atop his head was then caught in the breeze, thrown off and carried to the edge of the Dark Imagination, ready to be found by a very distressed pair of left brain boys.

__________________________________

“Virgil?”

“Yea- oh no…”

“Exactly.”

__________________________________

Thanks for reading this chapter of The Petite Prince!

If you want a little side story about what the Creativitwins were up to in the Dark Imagination, please let me know.

As the story progresses, I’ll probably make a bunch of fluffy side stories (excuse the pun) about cute stuff that just…happens throughout the main plot (If you people want that).

Also, sorry if Remus is a bit out of character. I’ve never written him before and he’s a lot softer with Roman, sooo, yeah.

Any constructive criticism would be great!

Thanks again!

[writingpaperghost]

There is a Me Who Can Become Strong (Chapter 10)

Chapter 10: Uneven Riders

The power of Drago Knight Hunter Z requires teamwork, but as it turns out, the Riders' aren't... great at that.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/32857183/chapters/82837186

As it turns out, using the Drago Knight Hunter Z Gashat fucking hurts. While he thankfully wasn’t really hurt, at least nothing that wouldn’t heal pretty quickly, Emu was very much in pain. Asuna helped him back to the CR while Saki and Nico were still fighting Graphite.

When he and Asuna arrive back at the CR Director Kagami is in the midst of bemoaning Graphite’s large-scale infection, “It’ll be just like Zero Day again!”

Something in Emu didn’t like that statement very much. But he was in pain and wasn’t going to let that make him say something that would be a pain to deal with later. So he bites his tongue, nearly literally, and trudges over to the patient room.

Doctor Kyotaro is there, of course he is. Something about seeing him in that bed, the infection causing him to subtly glitch, made Emu tense. The glitching wasn’t much at the moment, most people would probably miss it, but he’d spent enough time searching for glitches that he could. It would grow, he knew, and if they weren’t quick enough, Doctor Kyotaro and everyone else Graphite had infected would die, disappear.

“I’ll fix this,” He finally says, “I promise that I’ll stop Graphite.” He’ll be damned if he lets one of, if not the first, good person in his life die.

Looking at him with the same kind expression from sixteen years ago, Doctor Kyotaro say, “Asuna told me about the fight, about how you tried to use Drago Knight Hunter Z on your own,” Emu’s not sure where he’s going with this. After all, how else would someone use a Gashat? “No doctor works alone, Emu. When I saved you, it was with the help of a whole team.” He tries not to flinch when Doctor Kyotaro calls him Emu. In that very moment, it feels very wrong. He isn’t much Emu, right now. This person is very much M.

Hesitantly, He wonders, “A team?” He’d never really considered the four of them being much of a team. Saki worked well with others fine, until Graphite was involved. Nico had only seemed to care about challenging him, or getting even for a defeat in some way – almost like it was all a game. And Kiriya… It wasn’t that Emu thought Kiriya was bad, but at three lies, it was hard to trust him. “Doctor Kyotaro, you know I don’t do co-op games well.”

“I know,” Doctor Kyotaro nods, “But I hope you can learn. All of you.”

Thinking about the other Riders, Emu’s not sure what to do when he leaves the room. I hope you can learn. “Yeah, Doctor Kyotaro,” He mutters under his breath, “I hope so too.”

---

Saki had leveled up after Emu was kicked out, though her focus on Graphite hadn’t ceased. Without the dragon Bugster here, Nico didn’t exactly have another opponent to worry about, so she too turned her attention to Graphite.

She shoots at Graphite, catching both his and Saki’s attention, “Stay out of this Nico!” Saki yells, swinging at Graphite, an attack he blocked.

“You didn’t stay out of M and mine’s fight yesterday!” Nico retorts, running up and shoving Saki slightly, then kicking Graphite, “Besides, I’m a higher level than you.”

“Well if you hadn’t taken our Gashats-“

“You involved yourself in it, otherwise I’d have just taken M’s,” Nico dodges out of the way of Graphite’s attack, shooting at Graphite and jumping back, “That’s on you, really.”

While the two were technically fighting Graphite together, they were also almost as much fighting each other. Which meant Graphite had more than a few openings to take advantage of. Nico would have loved to focus on just Graphite, but Saki was making it a bit hard, wanting to desperately to fight Graphite. Not that Nico even knew why.

Thankfully, someone she did trust to do half-way decent did show up. Not M, of course, but rather Lazer, already in Level 3. Not that she expected him to work any better with the either of them in this situation than her and Saki were with each other, but she at least figured he wouldn’t be so dead set on being the one to fight Graphite.

Not that it took long before Graphite managed to land a good hit on her, causing Nico to drop both the DoReMiFa Beat Gashat and the Gekitotsu Robots Gashat. Oh, Taiga was going to give her shit for that. Though she tried to pick them both back up, Saki had already grabbed them.

“Hey, I won those fair and square!”

“They’re not yours anyway!”

Kiriya glances at the two of them, “Who cares! There’s a dragon-“ Not that he was given an opportunity to finish. Graphite threw one strong attack at all three of them knocking them out of their transformations and back to the roof.

Right about then, Emu emerges from the doorway, having clearly ran the whole way. Asuna’s not far behind him. Nico notices that though he seems to be hurting a bit, he doesn’t have any visible injuries. Strange, the rest of them did. Of course they’d been fighting longer.

“I’m sorry!” He says, “Earlier, I acted terribly! But I think I know how we can defeat Graphite, since Drago Knight is a co-op game, we all need to work together.”

“No,” Saki answers immediately, “I am not working with a child or a liar when I can defeat Graphite on my own.”

“Hey! Who you calling a child?” Nico shoots back, “Not that anyone can work with Miss need-to-defeat-Graphite-all-on-my-own over there.” She gestures to Saki.

Kiriya seems casual as he responds, “You don’t use a Gamer Driver like the rest of us,” He’s looking straight at Emu when he says that, “No offense, Ace, but I’m not going to work with someone who’s clearly hiding something.”

That reminded Nico… “Yeah, and how’d you even beat the dragon earlier, anyway? You weren’t even transformed, just like the first time when you fought Salty’s Level 1.” Kiriya looked at her with surprise at that.

Eyeing the two warily, Saki asks accusingly, “Since when were you two buddy-buddy?”

“Since none of your business, Brave,” Nico shoots back, “Honestly, I don’t know why Taiga’s always singing your praises. You seem pretty shit at this whole thing, frankly.”

Saki stiffened at that, “Excuse me?” Then shakes her head, “Never mind, I’m leaving.”

Shrugging, Nico looks at Kiriya, “Whatever. Hey, Kujo, I’ve got something I want to talk to you about.” With that, she and Kiriya leave.

Now Emu stands alone on the roof, wondering what to do next. That was the only plan he had, and all three had managed to veto it. Still tired and sore from earlier, he sits down, realizing he’d really need to get home soon.

“Well,” He began quietly, unable to help but feeling small and helpless again, “That was that, I guess.”

Asuna stands beside him, “Don’t say that, Emu,” She puts a hand on his shoulder, “If anyone can find a way to get them all to work together, it’s you.”

“But how…?” Then he has an idea.

The first call is to Saki, she answers promptly, “Saki, listen, I don’t think I’ll be able to handle the Bugster operation tomorrow. I want to give you the Drago Knight Hunter Z Gashat in the morning.”

Then to Nico, “Hey, Nico, no, don’t ask why I have your phone number, listen, I think you should take the Drago Knight Hunter Z Gashat. I mean, you beat me fair and square yesterday, after all.”

Lastly, to Kiriya, “Kiriya, hey, so I figured you’ve probably got your shit together best here and I just don’t think I can handle Graphite after today. So could you meet me and come get the Drago Knight Hunter Z Gashat tomorrow morning? Cool, see you then.”

---

Night falls on the city and Graphite watches from a roof. Mu walks up behind him, “Graphite?”

Graphite turns to face him, “Yes, Kin? Is something wrong?” He narrows his eyes, “Shouldn’t you be thinking about sleeping?”

“Not tired,” Was Mu’s immediate response, “Anyway, I was wondering what you were up to.”

“Waiting,”

“For what?” Mu stands at his side now, leaning against him slightly.

“The Bugsters to form,” Graphite answers, throwing his arm around Mu’s shoulders, pulling him closer. “Now you should at least head inside. It’s getting cold out and we don’t need you to catch a cold on top of what you already have.”

“It’s not that cold,” Mu tries to protest, but Graphite just turns around and uses his arm around Mu’s shoulders to lead him inside.

---

Emu’s waiting on the three of them the next morning, at the place he’d gotten them all to agree to meet at. The first to arrive was Saki, slightly bandaged. Then Nico and Kiriya arrive at the same time.

“Yo, Ace,” Kiriya calls, “Hear you told both Nico and I to come get the Gashat. Saki too, by the looks of it.”

He hadn’t expected Kiriya and Nico to be seemingly communicating that much… but he supposed they could still have been talking when he’d called the both of them. Saki looks between the pair and then to Emu.

“Intern,” She says, “What are you doing?”

Taking a step back and looking at the three of them, Emu asks, “You all want the Gashat, right?” The three all nod, “Cool, then you’ve got to beat me if you want to get it.”

Saki takes out her Gamer Driver and Gashats, “If that’s what it takes.”

“I beat you once, M,” Nico reminded, following in kind, “I can do it again.”

Kiriya does the same, “You’ve barely seen me fight, Ace.”

Emu holds up the Drago Knight Hunter Z Gashat, alongside his own Mighty Action X. “Then let the game begin.”

Mighty Action X!

Drago Knight Hunter Z!

Taddle Quest!

DoReMiFa Beat!

Bang Bang Shooting!

Jet Combat!

Bakusou Bike!

Giri Giri Chambara!

Do-Do-Drago Kni-Kni-Kni-Knight! Dra! Dra! Drago Knight Hunter! Z! Para-DX!

Do-Do-DoReMiFa-So-La-Ti-Do! Ok! DoReMiFa Beat!

Jet! Jet! In the sky! Jet! Jet! Jet Combat!

Giri-giri-giri-giri Chambara!

The strength of Drago Knight Hunter Z wasn’t as overpowering this time, though Emu could still feel it gnawing on the edges of his mind. He’d have to make this quick, especially with how draining using this Gashat could be. Thankfully, he was outnumbered – one of the only times he’d be thankful for that, certainly.

He did his best to put up something of a fight, but an actual proper fight wasn’t the point of this exercise. As they fight, Saki drops the Gekitotsu Robots Gashat, which Emu wastes no time in picking up. Finally, all three of them ready their attacks, inserting their Gashats into their weapons. The armor comes flying off Emu before they’ve even attacked, just as he’d hoped.

DoReMiFa-Jet-Giri Giri Critical Finish!

The mascot character that was created by the armor splits into four Gashats, one going to each of the four Riders. Staggering a bit from the attack, Emu grins beneath his helmet.

“Drago Knight Hunter Z is a co-op game,” Emu explains, “Each Gashat is for each of the four players.”

Judging by the way Nico looked up at him, she must have realized what he was getting at too. She presses the stage select button on her Driver and they arrive in the game world. Standing across from them was Graphite, in his human form.

At the sight of a fight, he uses the Proto Drago Knight Hunter Z Gashat, transforming into the black version of his Bugster form. Using the Gashat that each of the Riders had been given, they all transform into Level 5. This time, the power was properly divided, making it much easier to handle.

Each armed with their own part of the armor, they prepare to fight Graphite.

---

The colorful woman, who still reminded Mu greatly of Poppy Pipopapo popped into the game arena, watching the fight. She seemed excited to see that the four Riders were able to use the power of Drago Knight Hunter Z.

Walking up beside her, Mu notes, “They’re all fighting their own fight,”

“Oh!” She jumps, taking a step away from him. “You!”

“I’m not going to try to fight you or something,” He says, “This is Graphite’s fight. He’d be upset if I just interrupted it. And I’m not going to attack someone who can’t fight back.”

The woman seems to realize his point about the fight, hesitantly saying, “They’re not really fighting together…”

“Are you with them, Ms. Poppy?”

She jumps at the question, “What? Po-Poppy?”

“Because you look like Poppy Pipopapo, obviously,” Mu smiled, “But are you with them? Are the Riders friends of yours? I noticed you yesterday.”

More startled and taking another step back, the woman wonders, “You were there yesterday?”

Mu doesn’t really think that’s a very hard question, “Of course,” He said, “Graphite’s my friend. I wouldn’t want something bad to happen to him.”

“The Riders will beat him,” she says, slowly but certain.

“Then I’ll just have to choose between the two people,” Mu says, “When it comes down to it, I’ll choose the one that’s still here for me.” He doesn’t bring up the many people Graphite infected. He wishes he knew why Graphite had infected those people, why he wanted to stress Hinata.

Then he catches it. Though the Riders aren’t working together well, they are overwhelming Graphite, slowly but surely. While the four began to argue about their fighting, Mu runs over to Graphite, already transforming to Level 3.

“Graphite, let me help,” He pleads, “While their distracted, we might be able to beat them.”

“Kin, no,” Graphite insists, “This is my fight.”

“You’ll die. If they defeat you, they’ll kill you.”

Graphite looks at him and Mu can feel the sorrow radiating off of him, “Then I shall die and Hinata will live, along with my other victims.”

“No…” Mu attempts to plead, but out of the corner of his eye, he can see the four Riders preparing their finishing attacks. Graphite shoves him away, knocking the two Gashats free and losing the transformation.

Drago Knight Critical Finish!

The attacks come and don’t stop. Graphite deflects them away with his Fang, making sure only to send them in the directions that Mu wasn’t. But even Graphite couldn’t keep that up forever. Eventually, the attacks began to get through and by the time the smoke cleared, the only thing left was data disappearing up into the sky, and the Prototype Gashat on the ground.

“Graphite…” Mu stared in shock at the place where, moments before, his friend had once been. “Graphite!” He grabs the Gashat off the ground and holds it close. He pulls his hood back up, which had fallen down when Graphite had shoved him, and tried desperately to reign in his emotions.

The armor on the four Riders disappeared and they were all sent out of the game world, back to where they belonged.

---

Emu’s at least thankful Doctor Kyotaro and everyone is alright. Unfortunately, the Ministry now has to deal with a very public incident. He does not envy any of them.

He hasn’t seen Saki since they defeated Graphite. She disappeared quicker than Emu ever could. So he just began his walk home.

There were a few too many people to take his shortcut yet, so he was searching for somewhere more secluded. He hurt. So he really needed to get home, sooner rather than later. One would usually say that taking a secluded alley is a terrible idea. Emu has a pretty good reputation with alleys, though, so he wasn’t worried.

Maybe this time he should have been, given someone decked him in the gut. He doubles over and hopes that he was able to handle another fucking fight today.

“Holy shit, Ace, I was not expecting that.” In a similar manner, Emu had not been expecting to hear Kiriya. Or to realize that he was the only other person in the alley and thus the one who fucking punched him.

“What the hell Kiriya!?” Emu managed to gasp out, “Did I really piss you off that much today?”

He’s able to look up just enough to see that Kiriya looks surprised, “Not really,” He says, “I just wanted to test something but… Well this is a surprise.”

Which didn’t really make sense. Just what was Kiriya talking about? Having finally regain his breath enough to not be doubled over, Emu stands up straight. Only to see his appearance. “Fuck,” He groans, “You just had to go punch me.”

“What are you?” Kiriya asks, “A Bugster?”

“Got it in one,” This wasn’t exactly how Emu saw revealing this to anyone would go. Then again, he hadn’t exactly planned to reveal it at all, certainly not to someone who he worked with to fight Bugsters. “It probably explains whatever questions you had about me, like the lack of Gamer Driver.”

Kiriya still seemed a bit shocked, which really didn’t surprise Emu. “I know Nico said she saw you glitching yesterday… But I’d just thought you’d been infected or something…”

“Of course she did,” Emu groaned once more, “Listen, we should knock this out now, so since I know you like getting answers, give me whatever questions you have now so we don’t have to deal with this later.”

Considering for a moment, Kiriya asks, “Where’s the real Emu Hojo, then?”

Emu rolls his eyes, “Where do you think? Dead, as far as I know.” He shoves his hands in his pockets, “Has been for six years now.”

“Since Zero Day?”

“Since we were separated. Which was before Zero Day.” He pulls a hand out to run his hands through his now curly hair, shorter than it was in his Emu appearance, “I was in class on Zero Day.”

“Before?” Kiriya wondered, “Wait, what do you mean separated?”

Yeah, Emu had been quickly figuring out that the sight he was greeted with when he’d gotten his own body was not what most Bugsters were greeted with. “There were… scientists, I guess. I don’t know, by the time I ‘woke up’ they were all dead.”

Slowly, Kiriya asks, “If you’re a Bugster, why are you helping us?”

“Because becoming a doctor was Emu’s dream,” He answered, “And I know that if this were Emu in my position, he’d do the same. He’d become a Rider if it meant that he could make people smile.”

There isn’t another question, just silence, so Emu assumes that Kiriya’s done and begins to walk away. He was just about to simply teleport home when Kiriya does speak up again, “Hey, Ace?”

“Yeah?”

“If you ever want to just… be… not Emu, come find me, since I know.” Casually, Kiriya puts his hands in his pant’s pockets, “Besides, maybe I’ll come up with some more… scientific questions to ask you. You… don’t seem quite like Poppy. Also she won’t answer many of my questions.”

Emu laughs a bit at that, “You know what? I might take you up on that.” With that said, he gives Kiriya a grin and a wave and teleports home, leaving Kiriya in the alley.

---

“Well, Mu,” Kuroto begins, “We’re ready to begin the next part of the plan.”

Mu doesn’t respond. He’s laying in the nest, alone. Kuroto can see the Proto Drago Knight Hunter Z Gashat in his hand, being clutched to his chest. It was odd, seeing Mu willing go into the nest.

Sometimes people leave you,

It was probably what struck Kuroto to realize that it hadn’t been an ordinary Bugster that the Riders had defeated today. It had been Graphite. It had been Mu’s best and currently only friend. Something in him felt terrible about that. But it had to happen. At least, that’s what Kuroto keeps telling himself.

Halfway through the woods

“Don’t be too sad, Mu,” Kuroto called, “We still have the Proto Gashat, so we can bring him back eventually.”

Over in the nest, Mu seemed to perk up a little at that. “I hope so,” he says quietly.

He can’t be aware of how much it’s like a knife to the heart for Kuroto to see him like this.

You decide what’s right, you decide what’s good

[nightashes]

Beside the Mountain Lies Magic - Chapter 1

Masterlist - Next

Warnings: talk of killing witches and magical creatures.

Summary: Patton tells Dee of the arrival of a stranger in town.

Ao3

September 21st 3:00pm

A soft flutter of wings is heard. Missy lands lightly on the counter besides a collection of bottles as tall as her, if not taller. She finds one filled with a soft blue liquid. And discovering it's too heavy for her to carry, she begins pushing it over to where Dee stands. He is deep in thought, his hands moving with surety, crushing a mixture with his mortar and pestle. He takes the bottle from her and adds a teaspoon worth to the paste. Taking a small leather pouch, Dee scoops the finished product into the bag and ties it off with a yellow ribbon. Missy stands quietly watching his progress. When she sees he is done, she flies onto the windowsill beside the counter, and waits expectantly. Dee hands her the pouch. She grabs tightly onto it with her small yet strong hands.

“Be careful,” he says softly.

She gives him a warm smile and turning, flies out of the window and into the world. Drooping slightly from the weight of the pouch. Watching the fairy fly away, Dee struggles not to worry. And seeing her disappear into the forest, he reminds himself that she is a wild creature able to take care of herself.

He hears his door creak open and a shout, “Hello, Dee Dee!” as a ball of sunshine and curls comes bounding into his shop.

He jerks back at the sudden greeting, his heart racing. If they had arrived a moment earlier, they would have seen him with Missy. Taking a breath, he hides his nerves behind a charming smile.

“Patton, I am sooo glad you came. I wasn’t doing anything at all and am just thrilled that you are here” His pulse is distracting but his hands are steady as he carefully begins cleaning up his tools.

He grabs his bottles of ingredients and turns to place them onto the shelves behind him.

Patton walks up to the counter and tilts his head to peer at Dee. “It’s nice to see you too, Dee! But… umm… I was wondering if you could help me with something. And I know what you are going to say. But if you would just listen, this is important.”

Dee sighs heavily, “Of course, this has nothing to do with magic. Does it? Because you know how I feel about that.” Dee turns around, his smile gone and his eyes heavy. The scars raking across one half of his face are pulled tight in worry.

“Dee, a knight came into town. He’s over at the inn bragging about coming here to kill some creature in the woods. Killing it just because it has magic! That’s wrong, Dee! We have to do something!” Patton’s eyes are lit with a fire of determination.

Dee leans across the counter, his face inches from Patton’s as he sneers, “Magic is evil and killing the creature would be doing it a kindness. Do you understand?"

"You're wrong! Killing is wrong! And I know not all magic is evil! Why won't you listen to me?"

"Patton! If you keep spouting this utter nonsense, people are going to assume that you are a witch.” He pauses to stare into Patton’s eyes. “And if you are, you deserve to be killed along with it.”

Patton jerks back away from Dee. A sharp gasp is torn for his throat. "Dee..." He whispers "You know I'm not. You know. You know why I'm against killing magic!"

"You're right, Patton, I do. But they don't. And if you say anything to this kni-"

“No!” Patton slams his hand against the counter. “I won't just stand back and do nothing!"

"Well that's a brilliant idea." Dee leans back as he examines Patton, his eyes searching. "Truly wonderful. Save your dear precious magical creatures and witches by joining them at the ssstake."  He hisses out.

Patton glares at him. "I'll think of something. With or without your help" He turns to leave.

“Patton.” Patton stops with his handle on the door as Dee continues. “Did the knight say which creature he is to kill?”

Patton wipes his sleeve across his eyes, refusing to turn around, “Why do you care?’

“Well isn’t it obvious. A knight facing off against a deadly beast just might require use of my services. And you do know how I love to be of help.” He smiles.

Patton huffs angrily as he stares at the wood grain of the door. “Then why don't you just go ask him yourself, you snake.” Patton throws open the door and storms out into the afternoon light.

Dee’s smile strains as he watches Patton run off. His one friend in town now hates him, great. Patton must think he is just like the witch hunters and the knights. But this is the way it must be. Glancing down at his dirtied mortar and pistol, he scowls. He’ll have to leave it like this for now. Dee grabs his coat and bag as he races out of his shop. Afterall, he has a knight to talk to.

[notarobot1006]

AK AU Fix-It Pt. 14

A dialed-back version of Arkham Knight with less pointless death and more talking about feelings.

In this chapter: Holy smokes, it was Jason Todd all along. Also, Batman skips the fetch quests and goes straight to the Riddler.

Part 1  Part 2  Part 3  Part 4  Part 5  Part 6  Part 7 Part 8  Part 9 Part 10 Part 11

Part 12  Part 13  Part 15

Batman’s shock gave the Kni-No, Jason, it was Jason- time to dislodge Batman and escape. Batman just stood there.

It couldn't be Clayface. Batman’s Detective Vision had shown a skeleton underneath and Clayface didn’t know how to mimic that. And he had never found Jason’s body.  The Knight’s remarks about Batman’s failure to save people suddenly made a lot more sense.

He was alive. How did he get away from Joker? How long had he been Joker’s captive?

And Batman had given up. He’d taken the tape at face value and tried to move on from someone who still needed his help.

Batman had no idea what to do. No, that wasn’t true. He might not have a plan for Jason yet, but he had plenty of other conflicts to solve in the meantime. In fact, there was one he really should have de-escalated a long time ago. Well, no time like the present and all that. It was time to go back to the orphanage and talk to the Riddler.

An intercom crackled to life as Batman entered. “I know you’re eager for violence, Dark Knight, but you have a few hundred more riddles to solve before you earn the privilege of being bested by me.”

Batman resisted the temptation to address the intercom and instead turned to where Riddler and his mechsuit had descended beneath the floor. “I didn’t get all the trophies and scan all the landmarks because I’m not here to fight you.

“Even though that’s been your go-to strategy this entire time? Not likely.” Riddler didn’t sound convinced.

“If I was only interested in beating you down, I’d bring my car in here and destroy your suit with it,” objected Batman. Granted, his car was almost completely trashed, but the Riddler didn’t need to know that.”

“Do you think I stopped monitoring everything just because I’m down here, Batman? I know full well that your car is one stiff breeze from falling apart after your little tussle with the Arkham Knight.”

Darn it. “That’s not my only car and I’ll prove it. Oracle, broadcast a live image of my backup Batmobile.”

A mini-Batmobile minus the cool paintjob popped up from Batman’s gauntlet. “The point is, I’m not here for a machine fight.  “Every time I fight you, you just come back angrier and more dangerous. This cycle has to stop before it kills someone: A hostage, me, you…I won’t let it happen.”

“Oh I see how it is, Batman.” The Riddler began bitterly. “You’ve already beaten me with your fists and brains, and that’s just not good enough for you because maybe, just maybe, I still have a shred of self-esteem left. So you’re taunting me with mercy to show how much nobler you are, how you’re better than me at self-restraint. And then I’ll get out and you’ll beat me into the ground for being dumb enough to think you’d spare me. I’m not falling for it.”

“I don’t care who’s better, Edward,” replied Batman. “But you could be great. You are great, you’re a genius for goodness’ sake. Stop wasting your time fighting me and-

“And dedicate my life to slaving away for a city of troglodytes?”

Batman sighed. “Edward…you’re already doing that.”

The mech’s hands dropped as Edward’s left the controls. “What.”

“You constantly talk about defeating me in public, about showing everyone in Gotham how smart you are. Everything you do is for an audience. You’re performing for them. It’s okay to want recognition. But you don’t have to destroy yourself for it. Just…get out of the mechsuit, and we’ll figure out something better to do with your life.”

“We?” Edward sounded skeptical, but that was a step up from bitter and two steps up from violently angry.

“I’ve saved a lot of influential people’s lives,” Batman explained. “I can call in favors, make sure you’re treated fairly, get you a job when you’re released. But I can’t do any of those things if you kill me. Get out of the mechsuit and turn yourself in.”

Edward complied. “It isn’t fair. I put so much effort into all of this, but it looks like the only way to make any significant progress is giving up.”

“Giving up isn’t always a bad thing. Giving up smoking makes you live longer, giving up trying to beat me gives you more time to do other things,” reasoned Batman.

Edward walked with him to the Batmobile. “I’ll take your deal, Batman, but don’t think you’ve bought my allegiance.”

Batman smiled a little. “I’d settle for buying your grudging tolerance.”

“…I suppose that would work.”

Catwoman watched from a distance as Batman and Riddler got into the car. Huh. Looks like he’d managed without her. Oh, well. She’d have to repay the favor she owed him some other time. And now her schedule was freed up for the night. The other looters had probably gotten the more easily accessible goods by now, but Selina was up for a challenge anyway.

As soon as Batman had dropped Riddler off, he summoned his backup ride. That comment about a stiff breeze was a little to close to the truth for Bruce’s comfort.

“I see you’ve chosen to replace your broken-down death machine with your intact death machine, Master Bruce,” said Alfred. “A wise strategy. Do try to avoid using this one as a battering ram, bullet shield, or other form of improvised hearse if you possibly can.”

“I’m pretty sure the tanks are gone, Alfred,” replied Batman. “I’ll be more careful with this one on account of there being fewer people with heavy artillery and explosives now.”

[ao3feed-smzs]

by Komorebiwalk

Words: 1781, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: M/M

Characters: Kartik Singh, Aman Tripathi

Relationships: Kartik Singh/Aman Tripathi

Additional Tags: Fluff, Fluff and Smut, Idiots in Love, Domestic Bliss