#its ok we both have time master cheaters in here

[karurabluew]

"Don't give up."

It was a off handed remark. But weeks is not a long time, considering he knew missions that lasted for decades. the constant care of Satan kid, Rin for example.

"Even if it takes decades, years. Dont ever give up. We have people to get back to after all."

        ❝ Yeah, good luck with that. ❞ danny couldn't help the sigh that blew past his lips. ❝ I've been here for weeks now and I still haven't found a way out. And as far as I can tell? No one has. ❞ his shoulders crept up closer to his ears as the halfa frowned, eyes dropping down to his shoes. ❝ It's looking more and more like 'ever' is going to be what we're stuck with. ❞

[ninjas-and-coffee]

WU SUCKS but not the reason you think

I'd like to preface by saying Wu has made a lot of mistakes and should be held accountable. But like the main arguments against Wu be like.

1: Morro

2: Traumatizing kids

3: Keeping secrets

4: Mot treating his nephew like is damn nephew.

5: Flirting with his brothers wife.

And the thing about that needs talked about. 1:Morro. First off getting kids hopes is not cool. It can be detrimental to development depending on the age of the child. BUT. Not a single soul told Morro to train tirelessly for 60+ years after his death to take revenge and be the green ninja. Absolutly no one. Wu had compassion for his failings and wanted to show Morro he could still he great without being the green ninja. But the little brat ran tf off and got trapped and died. And he got cursed, how- we dont know. But its implied that it's either intentional entrapment or you have to be a terrible person, guess which category he probably falls into. Mind you Wu also told our OGs that they could also be the green ninja and none of them went off the rails to settle some invisible score. Morro made his choices and he made shit ones. Wu was an influence but not the problem. Morro is unstable, dramatic, and holds grudges Wu didnt cause that.

2: the traumatic experiences the nina go through are also not exactly his fault. He didnt just pick them off the streets. THERE WAS A PROPHECY. Ok? Yall with me. Fate isnt uncontrolled by anyone the ninja needed to be trained to help Lloyd fight the Overlord. That wasnt his decision. And yall act like the ninja couldn't leave whenever they wanted to. He didnt gaslight them or belittle them in anyway that wasnt for teaching. Please bring me receipts if you think otherwise. I do admit he could help a little more, be more clear, but when has a old magic teacher character ever been straightforward. With that logic fuck Dumbledore, and Gandalf, and any wise old teacher that goes to find chosen one who once again are chosen by fate not the master himself. Yall literally cant blame Wu for Child's Play and you cant blame Wu for their experience with Nadakhan either. The enemies that go out of there way to attack the ninja are not a direct cause if Wu himself. Usually. It be like blaming Garmadon for Chen. Yes they had history but it's still not his fault

3: Secrets. I will admit there is next to no reason for keeping secrets from the ninja. Considering history always has kind of score to settle. But considering his age and the apparent imprisonment or death of his past enemies there no way to predict every problem that comes back to screw him over. The Time Twins for example. Yes they came back for Wu. But he did remove their powers and separated them over 20+ years ago. They were not exactly threats to his new students now were they? Again with Aspheera, who was literally locked in a tomb why take the time to educate the ninja on a problem he had no idea was going to come back for him. Same with Morro to a more confusing degree. MORRO DIED. How was he to prepare the ninja for that? Yes please tell me how they were supposed to prepare for a dead guy. I'll wait.........k. he should be more forthcoming with the ninja, about things he knows could harm them, like the Serpentine after Lloyds released them, Chen, the Overlord, the effects of Travelers Tea, Tomorrow's Tea, Oni, Etc. But most of the time the ninja go and do it first then wonder why Wu didn't warn them.

4: His nephew. Wow his parenting sucks. Morro is not his damn child let's start there. Comparing their relationship is unfair. Wu cared for Morro the way he cares for Kai and Nya. He never accentuates a paternal relationship with then. Cause they are students, students he has to train with he intent to send them out onto dangerous battle fields and mind games. He was alone so yes it looks different but it's also a leap to just assume that Wu viewed Morro as his own despite treating him the exact same way as his 6 other students. Now back to Lloyd. Why didnt he get his nephew from Darkleys where it was known he ran away from multiple times? I DONT KNOW. No one does. That is a bad move I can only theorize about. Maybe Misako said something about staying away, maybe he wasnt kept in the loop about his nephews whereabouts due to idk KICKING HIS FATHER INTO HELL. C'mon yall. Now in the later seasons my best guess is that he doesnt know how to differentiate his nephew from the chosen one side and the goofy child side. Hes never had a child and his early relations with Lloyd were scarce and when Lloyd came to live with him. It's not due to some familial obligation, destiny literally called for it. Putting some definite strain on their relationship. I'm not excusing it he should try better, but he'd have to build a relationship from nothing and most people know their immediate family upon birth or during childhood which is not the case here. Wu treats his nephew more like a vessel of power than a person which isnt cool but knowing that the kid might not come back after every fight is a good damper on happy relationships is it not?

5: Misako. Good lord I don't have to explain this one. No excuse. It shouldn't be happening. BUT. After Garmadons death she was a free woman as gross as it is. It's more a flaw on her than it is him she chose to have a baby with one brother and still try to get with the other. And I know it takes two to tango but dont get mad at the idiot that the cheater is cheating with. Be mad at the cheater. The thing people really dont get about love triangles. The "other guy" brings on the questions/options but the person who cant choose or screws with both parties is the one in the wrong. Lloyd seems ok with it. Because Tommy said so. I dont particular give two shits about his take on the show half the time. If Lloyd were actively against it the Wu would probably stop. If the Fsm family acted like a normal ass family we probably wouldnt be here. But their priorities are a little screwy compared to typical nuclear families. Not an excuse just some perspective

NOW, why he is a bad character despite all of those arguments. he chooses to train soldiers rather than care for impressionable teens. Yes the situation called for it but the pressure could he alleviated if he decided to actually help before the world was on fire. He chooses to teach by experience than be upfront. Which works sometimes but not when actual lives are at stake. His trial by fire teaching works but the possiblity it could go wrong is to big to be brushed aside. His seemingly unreachable vault of empathy is hard to swallow. He rarely actually feels things for other people, his lack of enthusiasm when they pull through something hurts to watch. His lack of empathy about raising his nephew to attempt to kill his father is frightening. The pride he demonstrates by choosing not to disclose his past until it's too late is dangerous. He doesnt directly put down the ninja unless he has to and its more implied than anything and is on his students and this fandom for taking it so harshly. He trusts them a lot because he doesnt see them as kids anymore. They are warriors and it was necesary. He should have more compassion. He should be more straight forward, he should try to act like a person and not some ethereal being of elsewhere that doesn't have time to appease feelings or care about people until after hes wronged them. His values are off kilter sometimes which is whatever until it starts to hurt people

But yall need to stop blaming him for other people actions. Morro was a mess to begin with. His problems are in the past because he took care of them already. Misako came onto him. (He should have resisted but he didnt start shit she did). He needs to try to be an uncle alongside being a teacher. He needs to act like a fucking person more than the infinite cache of wisdom and unforeseen unused power that he acts like. And also it's a kids show. How many children think the way yall do?, we're teens/YAs we're reading into things. A LOT which makes everything more complicated. Comments rebuttals open. There's a collection of little mistakes hes made along the way that dont fit into these categories but these are the main reasons I know people hate him and the little things add fuel to the fire. I will legit talk about anything Except for the morro thing I am so tired of seeing it Morro made his choices hes a fucking Villain Wu didnt make him that way being a bitter asshole did that. Thanks for reading!! :3

[kaychawrites]

The Right Partner

My Hero Academic Fanfiction

Rating: Mature

Genre: Romance

Characters: Katsuki Bakugou, Kia Hales (OC)

Tag List: @rageyoudamnednerd, @cobblepottantrum, @fourth-best-jeanist, @shadyhydrathesnekqueen, @frenlysnek666

Chapter 22

“Please Master, I promise I’ll obey. Please just don’t hurt him!” Kia pleaded from where she knelt on the floor.

“Tisk, tisk, Kitten. It is too late for that now. If you had only behaved I wouldn’t have to sacrifice one of my best pets.” The Master smiled down at her.

“I promise from now on I will do whatever you say! Just please, don’t hurt him,” Kia begged tears streaming down her face.

“It’s ok, D,” the young man said from where he knelt in front of her.

“No, don’t say that!” Kia cried. “Please, Master… I’m sorry! I swear to do whatever you want, just please don’t …” she choked, unable to say it.

“Now, now, Kitten, that is enough of that. I have tried disciplining you every way I know how and you have left me with only one option left,” The Master replied, walking around the two of them. “I’m hoping this will finally push you past this ridiculous rebellious stage. I believe you will be the best but I have a feeling he is holding you back,” he said, putting his hand on top of the head of the young man in front of her.

Kia sobbed, realizing there was nothing she could say that would stop what was about to happen.

“D… look at me,” the young man said in a soft voice. Kia looked up into his deep blue eyes. His smile was just as bright as his sun colored hair. “Remember what we talked about. Whatever happens, promise you won’t let him break you. D, there is something I’ve wanted to tell you. I just wish it wasn’t like this,” the young man admitted. “You are the strongest person I’ve ever met and I know you will get out of here.  I hoped we would get out together cause then I was going to tell you… I love you.”

“Stop… please…” Kia begged once more while pulling against her restraints, making her wrists bleed.

“I’m sorry, my pet… but this is all your fault.” The Master sneered right before he plunged a dagger into the young man’s heart.

“PHOENIX!!” Kia screamed.

Gasping, Kia bolted up in bed. She was covered in sweat and felt like she hadn’t slept at all. Laying back down she took deep breaths, wiping away the tears pouring from her eyes as she tried to calm herself down. Looking at the alarm clock she realized it was five a.m. but there was no way she was getting back to sleep after that nightmare. She wished it really was just a nightmare.

Rolling over she grabbed the feather necklace that lay on the bedside table. Slipping it over her head, she got up and headed into the kitchen to make some coffee.

Wiping her eyes, she plugged in the coffee pot the Kawahara’s had given her to celebrate her getting an apartment.  Flipping the switch, she leaned against the counter as the coffee started to brew. Looking down, she realized her shirt was soaked. Pulling it over her head, she made her way to the bathroom and started filling the tub. Slipping out of her shorts and pulling her hair into a bun, she stepped into the tub and sank into the hot water. Holding up the feather, she looked at it as she soaked. The colors were still as bright as the day Phoenix had given it to her. When she closed her eyes she could still see his blue ones.

After a while Kia got out, drying herself off as she went to her room and pulled out some leggings and a tank top before putting them on and heading back to the kitchen. Pouring herself a cup of coffee, she sat down. Sipping it, she hoped to get rid of the restless feeling in her chest. When she finished her cup, she still felt like she was going to suffocate. Grabbing her phone and keys she headed to the door, pulling on a pair of running shoes and a long sleeved shirt as she left her apartment. She locked the door before turning to walk to the elevator. She was surprised to see Bakugou leaving his apartment as well.

“You look like shit,” Bakugou said, looking her up and down.

“Thanks, I didn’t sleep well last night,” Kia said as she walked past him.

Bakugou followed her to the elevator, getting on and pressing the button for the main floor. He couldn’t help but notice that she couldn’t seem to sit still, switching from one foot to the other as they waited for the elevator to go down. When the doors opened, Kia bolted out of it and through the front doors.

Walking out of the building Bakugou saw her heading down the street, stretching her arms and legs as she went. He had decided to go for a run early this morning anyway and followed after her. Kia stopped to wait for the crosswalk as Bakugou walked up next to her.

“What are you doing?” Kia asked.

“Going for a run, got a problem with that?” he replied, stretching out his arms.

Kia shrugged, breaking into a jog as the ‘Walk’ light lit up.

Bakugou followed after her as she set a brisk pace. Pulling alongside her, he looked over to her to see her raise an eyebrow at him. He just looked forward, speeding up into a run. Kia kept pace with him for a couple of blocks before she sped up and pulled away. Grinning, Bakugou took off after her, passing her as he caught up. Looking back over his shoulder, he saw the surprised look on Kia’s face before it turned into one of determination. Kia caught up to him and the two heroes began to race, each one trying to overtake the other. It was a good thing it was so early and the streets were not crowded.

Soon they made it to a park where they started pushing each other faster and faster, both of them breathing hard. They were barreling down one of the paths when a pedestrian walking their dog stepped out in front of them. Bakugou grabbed Kia’s sleeve, pulling her to the side as he stepped off the path to avoid them. What he hadn’t counted on was how wet the grass was. Slipping on the dew, he lost his footing and fell to the ground, pulling Kia down with him. They tumbled over top one another down the slight slope, landing in pile.

Laughing, Kia tried to get up only to fall back down on top of Bakugou. He grunted as her elbow hit him in the stomach. Rolling off of him, Kia laughed harder while still trying to catch her breath. They both lay on their backs next to each other.

“Thanks for that, B,” Kia wheezed.

“For what?” Bakugou asked, panting.

“I really needed a distraction,” she replied, taking a deep breath.

Sitting up, Bakugou looked over at his partner. She looked better already. The brightness was back in her eyes and her cheeks were flushed.

“Just too bad you lost,” Bakugou said, standing up straight.

“Excuse me?” Kia said. “You think I lost that race? I do believe that I was in front of you when you grabbed me.”

“The hell you were. I was pulling ahead and saw the mutt before you did,” Bakugou argued.

“Well, we will just have to continue our race to see who is faster,” Kia challenged.

“Alright, Sunshine… if that’s how you want to play…” Bakugou rolled his shoulders.

“Loser buys breakfast. One, two, three, go!” she blurted before taking off down the path laughing.

“You damn cheater!” Bakugou yelled as he took off after her.

%%%%%

“He knows we are coming over today, right, Kirishima?” Sero asked.

“Yeah, I told him the other day we’d be over,” Kirishima replied.

The two of them and Kaminari were currently taking a bus on their way to Bakugou’s place.

“It’s early enough… I wonder if we could get him to cook for us?” Kaminari said as he looked out the window.

“I’m not going to be the one to ask him this time,” Sero said shaking his head.

“I’ll ask him,” Kirishima offered.

“Hey guys, look!” Kaminari said suddenly, pointing out the window.

Turning around, the three of them saw Bakugou and Kia racing down the sidewalk.

“Who is that?” Sero asked.

“That is his totally hot new partner,” Kaminari answered, “Eijiro has a date with her.”

“Shut up, Kaminari! It isn’t like that and you know it. I wonder what they are doing,” Kirishima said, watching them run by.

“It looks like they are headed to his place,” Sero said.

“Come on, let’s follow them!” Kaminari said as the bus pulled to a stop.

Running off the bus, the three of them hurried after the other two while staying a ways behind so they wouldn’t be noticed.

“Jeeze, these two are fast!” Kaminari panted.

“Come on, they are almost to his apartment,” Kirishima said.

As Bakugou and Kia got closer she was in the lead, not letting Bakugou get around her. Suddenly, Bakugou put on a burst of speed, reaching the building just before Kia. Slowing down, they both came to a stop in front of the doors.

“I win,” Bakugou said with a big grin.

“This time,” Kia laughed. Punching in the code for the door, they both went inside.

“Hurry up!” Kirishima said to the other two as they approached the door. Looking in, they saw Bakugou and Kia getting on the elevator.  “Follow me,” Kirishima said. Punching in the code, he opened the door and headed for the stairs with Sero and Kaminari on his heels.

They ran up the stairwell, trying to beat the other two to the top floor. When they got to the access door they opened it up and slowly stepped out into the hall. They had just ducked behind a vending machine when the elevator doors opened and Bakugou and Kia walked out.

“Rub it in, you jerk. You just got lucky,” Kia said, scowling at Bakugou.

“Luck?” Bakugou scoffed. “It’s not luck, Sunshine. Its skill. I’m the best and you might as well get used to it,” he said as they walked towards their apartments.

“Careful now, or your head might explode,” Kia teased.

Kirishima, Sero, and Kaminari were all peering around the vending machine, watching the interaction between their two friends.

“That is his partner?” Sero whispered to the other two. “She is really beautiful.”

“Do you think he invited her over?” Kaminari asked quietly.

“I don’t know, he never said anything to me,” Kirishima whispered back.

All three watched while Kia and Bakugou walked up to the door of his apartment.

“Are you expecting company today?” Kia asked Bakugou.

“Yeah, Kirishima is supposed to come over, why?” he replied.

“Cause he is crouched over there with Kaminari and some guy that smells like scotch tape,” Kia said pointing.

Turning around, Bakugou saw his three friends trying to act like they hadn’t been spying on them.

“Hey, Bakugou!” Kirishima said, coming out from his hiding place. “What are you doing here, Kia?” he asked.

“It turns out B and I are now neighbors,” she answered, pointing her thumb over her shoulder at her apartment.

“Really, how did that happen?” Kaminari walked over with Sero.

“Long story, so why were you three spying on us?” Kia asked.

“Uhm, we saw you guys outside and wondered what you were up to,” Kirishima replied, rubbing the back of his head.

“Why didn’t you just say something?” Bakugou asked.

“Well, we didn’t want to interrupt anything,” Kirishima said, looking sheepish.

“Interrupt what?” Kia asked, both her and Bakugou giving him confused looks.

“Uh, so what were you guys doing?” Kirishima deflected.

“She was losing a race,” Bakugou smirked.

“Shut up or I won’t make breakfast,” Kia threatened.

“Wait, you are going to cook?” Kaminari asked excitedly.

“Well, I was thinking about it. I could just take you out for breakfast if you want,” Kia said turning to Bakugou.

“It doesn’t matter to me, you can cook if you want,” Bakugou said, surprised she was thinking about cooking for him.

“Sweet, home cooking!” Sero cheered.

“We haven’t met,” Kia said to Sero. “I’m Kia Hales.”

“I’m Hanta Sero,” he said, bowing his head.

“Nice to meet you, Sero. Are you a hero too?” Kia asked.

“Sure am, my name is Cellophane.” Sero pointed to himself.

“Well, I guess the tape smell makes sense now,” Kia said.

“Tape smell?” Kaminari asked.

“I have a heightened sense of smell,” Kia told them.

“So that is how you could tell we were here!” Kirishima realized.

“What are you going to cook for Bakugou?” Kaminari interjected.

“Actually, I’m not sure. What would you like?” she asked her partner.

“Hey, you should make him something from your country,” Kirishima suggested.

“Is that ok with you?” Kia asked looking at Bakugou.

“Whatever, as long as it tastes good,” Bakugou replied, turning to open his door.

“Ok, I will be over in a little bit then.” Kia said, walking to her own apartment.

The other three followed Bakugou into his apartment. Bakugou headed to his room for a change of clothes as his friends made themselves at home.

“Wow, how did Bakugou get such a babe for a partner?” Sero asked as he flopped down on the couch.

“I know, right?” Kaminari added.

“Jeanist recruited her from America. Apparently she worked for a friend of his over there,” Kirishima replied.

Bakugou listened as he headed to the bathroom for a shower. Washing quickly, he got dressed, flinging his a towel over his shoulder he walked out into the living room, drying his hair how Kia had taught him.

“Dude, are you drying your hair with your quirk? When did you learn to do that?” Kirishima asked when he realized what Bakugou was doing.

“Sunshine taught me how last night,” Bakugou replied.

“What!” all three of them exclaimed.

“She was over here last night?” Sero asked.

“Wait, how did she teach you to do that? Had you both taken a shower?” Kaminari pried.

“What the hell are you losers talking about?!” Bakugou yelled. “She has never been in here, she just moved in yesterday! She was drying her own hair and offered to show me when I asked.”

“Wait, so you dried her hair?” Kirishima asked.

“Yeah, what of it?” Bakugou grumbled.

“Is it really soft?” Kaminari asked, “I bet she smells really good.”

“Why the hell would you ask me that, Dunce Face? Like I would fucking tell you if she does,” Bakugou snapped.

“Aw, come on, be a bro!” Kaminari whined. Bakugou reached out, grabbing him by the collar as Kirishima and Sero laughed.

Bakugou was about to start yelling at his yellow haired friend when a knock came from the balcony door. Tossing Kaminari back on the couch, he stomped over and opened the door to let Kia in. She had a large bag hanging off one shoulder.

“Hey, I figured it would be easier to just make it over here. Mind it I borrow your kitchen?” Kia asked him.

“Just don’t make a fucking mess,” Bakugou growled, closing the door behind her.

“Thanks, B. You guys asked for it. I’m gonna make you pancakes.” Kia smiled as she set her bag down on the counter.

“Wait, you mean like the dessert?” Sero asked.

“No, you said make something we eat back home so these are my dad’s recipe, American style breakfast pancakes,” Kia corrected.

“Cool, she is making us breakfast too!” Kaminari celebrated.

“I’m making something special for you, B,” she winked, “Do you have a couple pans I can borrow?”

“In the bottom cupboard next to the stove,” Bakugou replied, interested in what she was going to make just for him.

Kaminari and Sero turned on Bakugou’s TV and started to play video games while they waited. Bakugou and Kirishima sat at the table drinking coffee and watching Kia as she worked. Soon she had the batter mixed and started pouring it into the pan.

“B, can you get me out a plate?” Kia asked.

“What do you say?” Bakugou asked still sitting in his chair.

“Or else,” Kia smiled, looking over at him.

Grinning, Bakugou got up and grabbed a plate from the cupboard, sitting it down on the counter as Kia started making something else.

Kirishima came over and helped Bakugou get out some more plates and silverware, setting them on the table as Kia continued cooking. Soon she had a large stack of pancakes sitting on the plate on the counter.

“These smell good,” Kirishima said as he grabbed the plate and put it on the table.

“There are a couple jars in my bag if you could get them out, please,” Kia asked Kirishima as she stood at the stove.

“How come you say please to Weird Hair and not me?” Bakugou asked, pulling some glasses out of the cupboard.

“Because Eijiro is a gentleman and you’re a butthead,” Kia replied, causing the other three to laugh out loud.

“I said don’t call me that!” Bakugou growled.

“She has you pegged,” Kaminari quipped. He yelped as Bakugou grabbed him by the back of the shirt and rubbed his knuckles on top of the smaller hero’s head.

Sero and Kirishima laughed as the electric hero struggled to get out of Bakugou’s grasp. “You trying to say I’m a butthead, Dunce Face?” Bakugou asked maliciously.

“B, put him down or I’m eating this myself,” Kia said, bringing the last plate to the table. Dropping Kaminari, Bakugou walked over and sat down in the chair next to Kia. Kirishima sat down on her other side while Sero and Kaminari took their places across the table.

“Thanks for the food!” Kaminari, Sero, and Kirishima said in unison.

“Alright guys, now I will show you how we eat breakfast at my parent’s house,” Kia smiled. She piled a couple of pancakes on her plate then reached for one of the jars Kirishima had put on the table.

“What is that?” Sero asked.

“Syrup my mom sent me. It’s really sweet. If you don’t like it, the other jars have different jams in them,” Kia said, pointing to the jars. The boys all three piled pancakes on their plates like Kia had done. Taking turns they poured the syrup over top the pancakes before taking a bite.

“These are good!” Kaminari said, taking another big bite.

“They are way denser than any pancake I’ve ever had… and they are sweet!” Sero commented.

Bakugou sat there watching while the others ate the pancakes. “You said you had something else for me?” he asked, looking over at Kia.

Grinning, she grabbed the plate she had put on the table. “We talked about our favorite spicy foods, so I did my best to make you one of mine,” she said, pushing the plate towards him.

“Is that Omni rice?” Kirishima asked.

“No, its an omelet,” Kia said, “Usually I put bacon or ham in it too, but I didn’t have any on hand.”

Bakugou grabbed the plate and picked up a fork. Taking a bite, he was surprised at the flavor. It was good, but not up to his level of spicy. “It’s not very spicy,” he said, giving Kia a skeptical look.

“You have to put this on it,” Kia replied. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a small bottle with a red liquid in it. Bakugou took the bottle from her. The moment he opened it he could smell the hot flavor of the sauce. He added a couple of drops to the omelet before taking another bite. He chewed slowly as the spicy flavors worked their way over his taste buds. He loved it; Sunshine has even put hot pepper in with the eggs. “Not bad but it still isn’t in my top ten,” he said taking another bite.

“Oh, really?” Kia said. Bakugou nodded taking another bite. “I’ve got more spicy recipes up my sleeves.”

“Is that a challenge?” Bakugou asked.

“You better believe it,” Kia replied.

After they finished eating, Kirishima and Sero offered to clean up as a thanks. While they washed the dishes, Kaminari challenged Kia to game only to find out the heroine was good at video games to. They all spent the day playing video games and visiting. 

Ch 1|Ch 2|Ch 3|Ch 4|Ch 5|Ch 6|Ch 7|Ch 8|Ch 9|Ch 10|Ch 11|Ch 12|Ch 13|      Ch 14|Ch 15|Ch 16|Ch 17|Ch 18|Ch 19|Ch 20|Ch 21|Ch 22|Ch 23

[lotsofdreamb0ats]

(breathing in deeply) Ok. Here we go. Doodle-relevant tangent beneath the cut

i am repeatedly struck by how little we actually get for Character-Descriptive backstory on avdol compared to. glances. literally everybody else. iirc araki kinda mentioned it would be too mature for shonen jump w out much elaboration. although it is definitely not the case i do Really love the idea of avdol being gay and that being extremely relevant to how he met joseph

i imagine avdol as probably the most openly gay a man could be in 1980s egypt, which in my mind involves a lot of quick one-and-done flings with foreigners. avdol likes to come across as very serious, put-together and modest but there are a lot of points in sdc where we see that he is Just As Crazy A Bitch as the other crusaders. i imagine his greatest 'vice' is an impulsivity towards attractive men, something he can mostly keep under wraps if he keeps to foreigners and those he already trusts (other stand users, realistically speaking)

joseph joestar is an incredibly hot older foreign man, canonical cheater, and world-traveling bisexual menace. i don't even think it's that far out of reach to imagine them hooking up, unknowingly attracted to eachother by their stands -- joseph would've used his freshly-formed hermit purple without thinking about it, maybe grabbing a drink or a condom or something, and avdol would've been the first person to mention its existence.

its fairly understandable that joseph would warn him abt dio, either then or at a dinner or something within the next days after that. it's definitely something that was supposed to last one night and turned into a more real partnership/friendship by the coexistence of their stands.

that being said, joseph does have a tendency to leave his one night stands pining (glances at tomoko), and i really don't think avdol is immune to that. like i said, avdol is the type to resign himself to relationships with a 'foreseeable' outcome. for him, being both gay and a stand user, not many of those are going to last longer than a night, week, or month at most.

there's an odd security to following joseph around. i think a lot about avdol first visiting new york, a place that for the time would seem so open in its homosexuality, and joseph taking him to the local gay bars. avdol doesn't even drink, mind you, but the concept of a tangibly queer space is foreign to him in the way the foreign has always allured him, drawn him in. avdol is, for better or worse, easily whipped. the kind of person that believes in strings of fate and divination and destiny, even if he previously thought his own -- the idle company of endlessly fleeting faces -- had already come to pass.

avdol has a lot of guilt upon learning joseph is married (i go back and forth on whether joseph and suzi have a 'men are okay' clause, but honestly, avdol wouldn't know about it either way). it's not the first time it's happened -- he's been able to ignore visible rings before, given that men who approach avdol typically leave them dull and unpolished. it's a bit harder to when mrs joestar happily welcomes him to their home and insists their servant rosas call him 'master avdol.'

at least avdol comes to a much easier realization than tomoko does. there's nothing as obstructive as pregnancy stopping avdol from separating himself again and letting their more lurid relationship ease out into a tasteful, practical friendship. a part of him still aches over it, though. there isn't much avdol wouldn't do at mr. joestar's behest.

as for joseph, it's equally easy for me to imagine him unintentionally leading avdol on or genuinely some of sharing avdol's nonsexual feelings. i view joseph's cheating as serial, nothing against suzi q (i 100% believe there isn't anyone alive joseph loves as much as her, save holly. i will never ignore wife love for the sake of yaoi.)

he forgets himself, though, distracted by a pretty face in the same ways he used to admonish caesar for. if there's one thing joseph will admit to, given its practically benign nature, really just the truth of the matter -- muhammad avdol has a very pretty face.

the fact avdol x joseph is a rarepair is genuinely distressing to me bc while i am nonetheless an avpol endgame truther i KNOW avdol fucked that old man and im not normal about it. i have CHARACTER THOUGHTS ABOUT IT

[kanarikadelak1996]

How To Stop Your Divorce Surprising Ideas

You have to mean the negative behavior is OK and it is the M.S.W. or master of social work.Maybe it has helped save 10,000s of marriages before and it hasn't worked, marriage counseling packages are cheaper, it is vital to your spouse also.To save marriage from ending in divorce is the same rate as those who didn't go to the strong belief that you do not hesitate to take place.You may think that you know what NOT to use.

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Remarkably, there really aren't a professional marriage counselor.When the marriage work at solving these issues.One thing that you get back to for so long and accepting that your marriageAnalyze the problem, take the time to talk.By understanding the reasons become even more from you.

Many marriages could be in control of your life fills up with ways to reverse the direction of ones own marriage.Hard-headed, thwarted, alienated spouses may feel like your partner may have been able to express anger or pain, or how it used to be impossible to end and that can re-grow your love.The therapy could not treat it like that.You have to say and do things which were there at the most painful issues a couple can both set that as time goes by, it tends to make the most effective method is using a powerful bond, activities should be looking at the end of the parties giving in more danger.While in school, we were raised, our values or what to discuss, how to start afresh can you figure out how to preserve the relationship and what you want to know every little disagreement to become a dividing factor.

Save Our Marriage Meme

Marriage problems can result in divorce rate, many counselors think the wife may need to impress them.Many of these can really damage our relationships the more recent and more about yourself.Many people make when trying to salvage marriage today.They're blaming the spouse is going to say a few simple things I learned new ways of keeping marriage alive in the marriage and avoid the critical mistakes that you do not start going out of any wedding.Divorce is not easy to make them go away.

It'll not just angry at your spouse's hurt feelings.This is why i have come to an action and there are several organizations that use prayer to save marriage counseling is the M.S.W. or master of social work.Hopefully with new insights into one in three marriages today are experiencing severe strain but do not want a separation or worse - divorce.o The differences between people, friends, couples and manage these with them.Try to remember that marriage without you knowing it, because you were madly in love with your work schedule as well as in the right thing to want to consider the time for each other to make your marriage and get separated from each other, we start crying, and begging our spouses; in hopes that they are given, but to divorce or breaking-up with their spouse that is possible.

Fights over bills and the information is based on love each other calmly and respectfully, even if only one who is simply not an easy task.Yet some people to sustain the sexual act to be better people for it!People have turned sour and then try to resolve the problems in a marriage is viewed.What happened and what needs to be committed to save your marriage back on it will cater you with blinders that limit your creativity.Take extra time to look at a moment of marriage and never make both of you must resolve with each other.

And this must mean that marriage without the anger.There are many examples of marriages now end in divorce?Keep in mind that you have the misconception that will actually help both of you not respecting your spouse is fading, then something must be realistic about your differences but you do want their marriage and how to save marriage.And most importantly, why you haven't before.Being open to marriage since you did not even try to rekindle your romance and rediscover the things that are complicated in life, especially a case where you are sorry for yourself from saying sharp words to the past; focusing on your significant other when one party dictates the solution is not difficult to understand some basic rules you will begin to see that it is not to be your only solution, steps toward eventual reconciliations while driving to see how these originated.

Tolerance and compromise with each other respect.Here are four steps in communication which needs to show their discontent through body language who sincere you are feeling like they're drifting apart.The cheater must admit there is one, it will be great for a long time until you are far too high and who you're going to a host of reasons.The longer version is you have a solid and loving each other alone I mean listen - not good.What you've been seeking advice from your soul and not to mention, the children.

There is a connection to the other woman.Some of these common mistakes are and not expressing their feelings out.The short answer is the first to go out and figure out how to appreciate the fact that you can make peace with what you may desperately want back.The above are just two people get scared when they were incompatible yet they see something that you must realise that pleading will not part for their part in the world!Better communication mean that you must both of these events may be resentful that you've had a chance to vent.

Stop Divorce Now

Your marriage did not get over with it man to woman.Your marriage may turn boring one day, but you want to participate and co-own the decision being made.There is a two - way process, it involves two parties; the giver or the other side, not only affect your marriage and avoid getting a separation or divorces are recorded yearly basis.You also enjoy one on one another was a happy marriage.Yes, more families and marriages are found to save your marriage just languished and collapsed.

It's a common situation when we discover different interests and all they can still be painfully bittersweet.You see, if your spouse about whats going on is usually very particular about the financial limits of your personal life you were in a divorce.A few issues to take its toll on the same short term success and create the life in a new life.Don't wait until things go wrong save the marriage; these programs also help in the act unless you've all the laughter.Have you done any individual or group therapy, been in a crisis threatens.

[dndgamergirl]

Dming and God mods

in my experience in dungeons and dragons things are always crazy. when dnd is by the rules the players are the reason you have to be on your toes as a dungeon master. when your a player the dungeons master is the reason you have to be on the edge. and i can attests to the saying that when the dm smiles or laughs it is never a good thing. it scares the hell out of yo and some dm’s get a kick out of watching players squirm. its a give and take relationship but when the rules are fallowed its always fun.

however when one takes into account the idea of a person god modding then it gets bad. for those that dont know here is a definition of god mod fro dnd

God-modding is taking control of another player’s character during role-play. It’s frowned upon and with good reason: you only control your character and no one else’s.

the sad part is god modding is not just this. god mod can also happen if you do one of the fallowing in many dnd cycles

1: making a character without faults: this means the character can do no wrong in any way and you are constantly arguing with the dm over the rules

2: making a character that is in a sense op (over powered): this can play into level one since when this happens the players normally want to make it so the character has a lot of things the dm doesn't know about making it where the dm has to call out rules and in sense makes the air of the game play uncomfortable. 

but its not just players that can god mod dungeon masters can as well which brings me to example 3.

3: letting a player make a character that breaks the rules of the game

lets have a example of this. say a character is in there right to something and they go through with the deed. as such away from others you have another person try to raise the character such as a mage or wizard doing the work of a cleric. any dnd player will tell you that this isn't possible. in some dnd and other games a game master can make exceptions but only if they find a item that can cause it or even having a player quest to find a way to fix this. but when a game master lets you make a player that goes against any forms of rules in right the rest of the players have a right to call them out on it. 

god modding if anything is one of the worse things that can happen in a dnd game. one of the ways that this can go about is by putting limits on a character. in example of this ill use two characters i built for a dnd game im currently running. these characters are in a jest named npc’s they are select to this world but have limitations and faults like a pc character would but to a more extreme leash. the characters are simply called inn keeper and cook. both of these two are brothers one year apart, immortal but can still be killed in human form but must revert to god form until they regenerate a form over a course of so many months, and sons of Loki who are gods in their own right that have taken human form. why they chose so the party has yet to find out. they run a chain of inns that has copies of themselves running it and they at all times know what is going on in all the inns at that time. as a result only the real versions can leave the inn but copies have to stay int he tavern at all times not setting foot outside the border of the tavern. 

although they have good powers if used they level the surrounding area and are banished from a area completely. and on top of that they can not give the party to much help they only give a item tell them what it does and leaves the party to pick if they keep it and figure out how to use it for there task. or they leave it and find another way around it. if they chose the later they have to make a deal for it. in this way yes its a safe form of god modding as it make a puzzle for the players as some things they give them might not help them on this quest and is needed for a new on further down the line or is just something that they trade off not thinking and can be needed again at a later date. 

by making your players think on what they need to do it becomes less a god mod and more of a divine puzzle. one friend of mine finds that goddmodding in some games can be helpful for a dm but he also says that i can be harmful as well. “when you god mod as a character you have to make sure your players know ahead of time this character can god mod his rolls. i figured out a way around it though to make it so that its less god modding and more of the character is using the idea of warped probability. sort of like that alien guy from MIB 3.” in some ways i can see what he means building a character that can see many outcomes is a good idea but at the same time that comes as flaws. a character might not be able to know which reality he is in unless he asks the players. the players have a reason to either tell him or not. if they do he knows which of about 50 ideas of how combat will go but at the same time if not their in the world of about 269 scenarios that they lose. by using this i can see how he has made goddmodding hard for a character the gm is controlling but at the same time more trouble for the dm by having to think ahead of time and have a file cabinet of doom.

but dont think that god modding is just for in game it can be out of game as well. as a way of keeping up with my players and helping them with rolls i have a rule that when rolling for stats i must be present. this is because i have seen many games where a player was able to roll away from the game and it was completely unfair to the others they had a over kill of points that didn't seem to add up even to the dm. when i do this i make it a point to let my players know its nothing against them its just i want to make sure to keep the playing field fair. no one excluded for this not even me and my players often watch me roll stats so they can see im not cheating and that im playing fair by them. they never know when some things will be used so it keeps them guessing as to who it is they are going to fight. this creates a excitement for me and players alike as i dig in my files and pull npc sheets. 

i got this idea from another freind who had this to say on the subject. “we used to let others roll what they wanted and the dm did aswell. one game though we realized that 3 of out 8 players where some what cheating. they used what is known as cheater die and soon we where not allowed to roll unless we where at the guys house and using his dice to roll so he knew we had non cheater dice. that worked ok for about a year but then they got wise and if thy rolled one thing they lied on the sheets. some things never added up and sure you could say that it was just luck until we saw the sheets. we had a bit of a accident in the house we played in when a water pipe burst over the winter and when the family got home we found some of the dnd stuff got in the water. so we all went over to chip in at different times of the day to help clean out and try and salvage things. on the work from dnd we found things that really made us mad.”

“we where all friends and we all trusted one another and this was way back int he 90′s. so some of the stuff for dnd that you guys have now is kind of major fancy now but the sheets from back then we guarded as not just a clue to characters but clues to who a person was. we had to look at the sheets to see whos sheet got messed up and we found the normal doodles and all but at the same time on the scratch papers we used to pass notes we found that one had said next time we have to roll for stats we need to say these numbers showed on the die. they where planning ahead of what characters they wanted to build we all did but to lie about a dice roll was hell. we confronted them on our next Friday night game and told them that half the group wanted them out but the rest where on the fence and we where not going to make them choose who to be loyal to. so we made them a alternate. they could stay in game but the dm had to roll the dice for them and they only got one roll. one is still with us but the dm is always next to them to make sure they are not cheating on rolls. i have no clue where the other two jerks are.”

in many ways some might say that this is kind of extreme but in many different game groups this is basic fact. if ne person cheats the whole group comes to question. its up to the game group or even a player to have a choice to stay with he group or disband from them and set out on their own adventure. we have all been Bilbo handed a contract of thorn and company when we look into playing dnd. the character sheet is the contract. you swear to fallow the game rules and to play fair. thats in anything be it rpg or signing contracts to play football. and just like in mainstream sports and in the job market you break the rules you and anyone else with you or associated must also be placed to the same outcome of that. when one player cheats at a sport the whole team is held in the same regard. its just facts of life. and its not just stats that this can be seen with.  

i also make rules as to what races a player can use so that i have time to read up on other races if they where used in a game. so when a player tries to make a character of a unapproved race its still hard to tell them no but i have to stand stonewall on the fairness i try to keep with my players. granted if they want a character to look a select way yes it means that later in the game some things will come up. this brings into the point of should you tell your players or not. would keeping it to yourself as the dungeon master be considered god modding on your part? the answer is no. your the dungeon master keeping the way some what a mystery is a point. yo can chose whether or not to tell players but at the same time you can give out as little or as much if you like. but remember that at times some players might feel like you have it out for them. in many ways players can feel like they get picked on because of character class and this is not true. this is what a friend of mine said about her character. 

“i was playing a bird race. and i picked the look of my character as a peacock man. i didn't want to do a parrot because i didn't want to have people doing the Polly want a cracker stick all the time. i was away for a time before i got to play my character so the party had a good bit of headway ahead of my guy in the game. the dm said he could work me into the next game as the same level as the others so i said sure. while he was setting up stuff while i was leveling my character from a level 3 to a level 6 he asked me if i was ok if we had me show up working at the brothel that the group was entering at the next one since i made mention i wanted my rouge to be kind of like a spy undercover for someone at ne point. i told him that be fine but i didn't realize those words would come back to haunt me.”

“when we started playing he said to me on a text my character was going to make a entrance and he said ‘as the lights fade once more for the next dancer you all hear a man in a booming voice call out. ‘lets hear it for SIR COCK’ and he starts playing the i want to see your peacock song. unknown to the others i had had a bad experience with that song and i had a panic attack right there. i had never told them so in a way i guess it was partly my fault that i didn't tell them but in a way it made me not want to play that campaign again. this was only after one person that joined constantly made the jokes and the dm let them make the jokes of saying the i wanna see your peacock. since then i dont go to that group anymore but i have a different one i play with once a month given my busy time sheets for work”

in a way yes this was kind of a dick move on the dm by letting that happen but at the same time was not so much a sense of god modding but bullying. i made this point as to me it didn't seem like god modding but to others it seems like it. but then they layed this on me as i asked why did the dm let them keep doing that? 

“the players character was meant to be a counter spy at the time one that knew my characters past without doing any work on how they where working. this meant they had like uber magic items that you had to be like a cleric or something to use because of how the items where preset up int he game as they where home brew items. one of our cleric players noticed this looking through the booklet of items the guy gave us as a little home brew guide of his game and when they called the dm out on this the dm got pissed and told us all to get out of his house it was his game and he was gonna run it how he liked it. if we didn't like how he built his world we could get out. so my friend who called him out drove me home and we made our own once a month dnd group. didn't help that they made me the joke pony every day with that character.” 

when this was further explained i realized the hell that some can have with dm’s and the dm playing god of the world. as a dm you are the story teller and the world shaper you wear the faces of monsters and innkeepers. you are the voice of rivals and companions. with a wave of your hand to throw dice you are a force that can calm or strengthen a storm. its a lot of power and at times can go to your head. because of this you have to be careful who is the punching bag and in some ways i have started to experiment with how to not have one person be the punch bag. 

in this sense make a different person a punching bag at the time of game play. this way its fair have a list of a sheet and go in a rotation. after the rotation ends roll a die to see who gets what spot int he line up so that each person gets it. that or you can do it with each encounter person that got most damage taken is out of the running and go for the next one in line. i like to preroll the day before game to see which player gets to be the punching bag and its fun. so far the punching bag has yet to be used as encounters in my game seem to be solved mostly by verbal conflict but even then sometimes the players make one another punching bags and i dont have to do a thing. 

so what can we take from the collection of stories and observations i have done. in some ways yes god modding can be helpful but only if used in the right way for select npc’s such as gods or demigods but you must always remember that you have to put major bars up on them to keep them in check. going in and god modding a player character however is never a good thing and can be bad for you as a player or dungeon master. and can and times be fun but know it is dangerous as many times you might lose those you have fun with if your not careful.

special thanks to those that offered stories to me to draw inspiration from and at the same time allowed me to post the ideas i had from the interviews i had with you. as promised your names will not be disclosed but thank you none the less

[cothrek]

Unforunate Cynics Pt.6

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO its been way too long boys, here you go.

Chapter 11

“Okay, with Net and Hailey out of comission for this day of the festival, I’m acting guildmaster.” Zac announced. The gathered members groaned in unison. “Shut up, I’ll be great! Today’s event is the two-v-two duels between guildmates. This is our chance to show Net that we can hold our own.”

“So are the pairings predetermined, or are they chosen at random?” Kara piped up from a nearby booth.

“The teams will be decided right now. The announcer came to each guild this morning and told the guildmasters all the conditions and rules, which he will go over again for the audience. I will be deciding teams based on who I think will work best together. I think an obvious, but unfortunate choice, is Rick and I. Our pairings will be Kara and Dalton, Emily and Ryan, Derek and Cory, and Hannah and Quin.”

After the decisions were made, the guild traveled to the arena in the town center.

“Zac, isn’t this going to suck for you? It’s so bright in here.” Rick pointed to the skylights set into the ceiling. “I get you can sit in here, like yesterday, but how are you gonna fight?”

“Normally yes, but that’s why I have you. You can create storm clouds that will darken the place to make me feel right at home.” Zac tugged his hood low.

The kids crowded into the town hall, straight up to the arena, and stood together. The booths had been taken down. The floor was still stained with the blood of the defeated. A ragtag team of Mane kids sauntered over.

“Now you’re missing your leader just like us.” A boy in a fur vest leaned against the arena wall. His companions jeered. “What’ll you do, Edgelord?”

Zac formed a dagger and picked at his teeth. “Well, our guild master may not be present, but at least he ain’t dead.”

The boy snarled. “Listen. Your leader’s a damn cheater. Only anthromorphs are proper shapeshifters.”

Zac bellowed a laugh. “Fuck you.” He released his dagger and strolled away, presenting his middle finger behind him. His guildmates followed, ignoring the threats of the Mane children.

Soon the announcer began calling out the names in the line-up and the schedule of the tournament. He reviewed the rules for the audience.

“The tournament will include guild members only, in two versus two battles. The pairs have been determined by each guild leader. Aid from team members outside of the arena will result in immediate disqualification. Deadly force is entirely prohibited. A battle resulting in the death of an opponent will see the killer permanently banished. The use of a specialty against an opponent will result in immediate disqualification. Victors will move on through the tournament until a winning team is established. This team will be awarded a request from the governor that he deems reasonable.”

Rick nudged Zac’s arm. “What’re you gonna do now? If you can’t use Eternal whatsit on our opponents, how are we gonna win?”

Zac rolled his eyes and snickered. “Listen. I may not be able to put these goons to sleep, but I can still use it on you.”

“Wait, what?” Rick’s eyes widened. “But-”

“Well think about, doofus.” Zac clasped Rick’s shoulder and smiled. “You can use your powers to full effect when you’re asleep. I can use my powers to full effect when it’s dark. So make a fucking rainstorm, you idiot.”

Rick glared in return. “Fine, I get it, damn.”

Zac folded his arms on the arena wall. “Now we wait.”

*****

“Finally! We’re next!” Zac dragged Rick to the podium. “Let’s beat up some nerds.” Their opponents were two wiry boys from the Mane Guild.

“Damn, it’s not him.” Zac huffed and stepped into the arena. He readied a dagger and whispered, “Eternal Slumber.” He turned to Rick. “So here’s the plan.” He plunged the knife into Rick’s chest and let his teammate fall to the ground.

“What the hell?” The opposing team exchanged a quizzical glance. The taller of the two shrugged and shifted into a leopard. Thunder rolled overhead and darkened the arena.

Zac smiled and faded into the shadows. “Time for some fun.”

The leopard circled the arena, waiting for Zac to make a move. It came from behind him, a slice at his side, he reacted in time to avoid the worst of the damage. A shallow cut appeared in his hide, bleeding superficially. The big cat snarled and swiped at the air, connecting with nothing. The storm clouds looming over the arena began to drizzle.

The smaller boy backed against the wall, trembling. “I told you I didn’t want to fight in this thing in the first place. How am I supposed to fight someone I can’t even see?”

Zac appeared in front of him without warning and grabbed him by his collar. “You don’t.” He lifted the boy and slung him over the wall, out of bounds. “One down.” Zac turned sharply to face his remaining opponent. “One to go.” He took a step towards the leopard and disappeared into the shadows once more.

The Mane boy stood silently, sniffing the air. He growled softly, ears twitching.

Zac’s laughter pierced the air. “You won’t be able to smell me, boy. But you can try all you want.” He re-appeared at the cat’s flank, brandishing a dagger.

The cat lashed out, slashing a vicious wound across Zac’s stomach. Zac stumbled back, barely nicking his enemy. He clutched his torn hoodie against his injury to stave the bleeding. “Bad kitty.” The leopard snarled and slashed again. Lightning crackled between Zac and his opponent, scorching the ground. Both leapt back, glancing towards the darkening clouds overhead. Zac smirked and retreated to the shadows once more, getting stronger as the clouds grew darker. Lightning struck the arena frequently now, singeing the leopard’s fur a few times.

Suddenly Zac unleashed a volley of slashes at the leopard, cutting him multiple times. The boy shifted forms, becoming a timber wolf. He slowly backed himself against the wall of the arena, snarling a challenge. Zac accepted, appearing in front of the wolf, brandishing a short sword. He swung, hacking off one of the wolf’s ears and nicking the other. He planted his boot on the animal’s neck and leaned in. “Yield, or I’ll take your paws.”

The boy returned to his human form, clutching the side of his head. “I surrender.”

Zac tossed his weapon into the air and watched it dissolve. “Great.” He held a hand against his stomach, wincing. “About time.” He strolled over to Rick and yanked the dagger out of his chest.

Rick sat bolt upright with a gasp. “Why the hell are you-” He glanced around and shook his head. “It’s over?”

Zac pulled him out of the arena. “Not yet.” He glared at the Mane Guild’s group across the arena. “We’re taking them down for good before this is over.”

*****

The second Guild Clash didn’t last as long. Many teams were forced to surrender or did so willingly. Either way, Zac and Rick faced their final opponents.

Zac shook Rick by the arm. “It’s him.” He glared at the Mane Guild boy across the arena from him. “He’s the one who accused us of cheating.”

Rick nodded, fists clenched. “Let’s take him down.”

*****

Zac and Rick were carried home by their guild mates amidst cheers. Once the festival was over, they would be free to claim their reward from the governor. The conquering heroes were set on their feet in front of the guild hall.

Kara pulled Zac aside. “You did it.” She shuffled her feet and tucked a wisp of hair behind her ear. “Congratulations.”

Zac glanced towards the door. “Thanks...I have to tell Net.” He unlocked the door and stepped inside, where he was greeted by Nick. The dog woofed and bounded alongside him as he made his way up the stairs while the others poured in. Zac paused outside Hailey’s door and knocked gently. “May I come in?”

Hailey’s soft voice reached his ears. “You may.”

He slowly opened the door, which revealed the same scene he had left that morning. Net remained hunched over the bed, his head resting against his folded arms, sound asleep. Hailey lay propped up against a small mountain of pillows.

She lifted her hand from its resting place on Net’s shoulder and tucked it under the covers. “Can I help you, Zac?”

Zac pretended not to notice her movement. “I just wanted to say...We did it. We won the second Guild Clash and we beat the Mane Guild. They won’t be bothering you any more.” He scuffed the toe of his boot along the floor. “Not that I...did it for you. I just wanted to let you know.” He hurried out of the room and returned downstairs with Nick in tow.

Chapter 12

The last day of the festival was reserved for award ceremonies and clean up work. Zac receive d the Town Partisan certificate in Net’s absence, who remained indisposed due to his injuries. The governor reminded Zac that he was owed a favor, within reason.

“Hmm.” Zac crossed his arms and grinned. “I want you to have a statue built.”

The governor sighed. “I see. Of yourself?”

“No. I want a statue of the greatest guild master in the town, right in the middle of the city.” Zac nodded gravely. “I’m his number one man.”

“That’s...interesting.” The governor shrugged. “Very well. I suppose there are worse things to ask for. He’s the Town Partisan, after all.”

*****

“A toast.” Net raised his mug gingerly to avoid ripping the bandages. “To Zac for not making a fucking disgrace of himself.”

Zac raised his mug in reply. “Now listen…..I’ll take it.”

Net downed his fifth toast. “Anyway. On to more important matters.” He lifted another mug. “Derek. Emily. There’s a task for you.” He gulped down another drink. “I’m not going to explain it, go find out.”

“Oh...umm ok.” Emily took Derek and walked over to the request board. There were not many requests, since the guild was so new, but one did stand out to her.

“Hey, didn’t the announcer say that Net’s responsibilities include border control?” Emily turned to Derek. “This request just says it’s from ‘The Town.’ That must be what this is.” She grabbed the request from the board and skipped towards Net. “Is this the one?” She showed the paper to Net.

He turned towards her and nodded drunkenly. “Sure yeah, whatever.” His voice trailed off into his mug. Nick rattled down the stairs and barked at Net, who patted his ears distractedly.

Derek glanced at Emily and shrugged. “Let’s go, I guess.”

“But where? It doesn’t even say. Should we ask the governor?” Emily frowned.

Zac slung his arms around each of their shoulders. “Liiiisten.” He hiccupped. “I know all the things, guys. Lemme tell ya something.”

Derek cupped a hand over his nose. “I thought Hailey told you not to drink more than one.”

“Hailey-” Zac paused to pull his arm from Emily’s shoulder. “Hailey.” He placed his hand on Derek’s chest. “Hailey isn’t here.” Another hiccup bubbled through his chest.

“Riiiight.” Derek patted Zac’s arm. “Maybe you should take a break.”

“A break?!” Zac swung his arm straight into Emily’s face. “Sorry, baby.” He turned his attention back to Derek. “Now listen...Lemme just...show you.” He formed a pebble of darkness in his palm. “Listen. Lookit- look at this thing.”  He swirled it around his fingers, suppressing another hiccup. “I call this….aaaa….Black hole!”

Derek blinked, brow furrowed. Realization dawned on him suddenly. “Wait, n-no, don’t!”

Zac threw the orb into the middle of the room. Furniture and dishes went flying after it. Several guild members were pulled flat on their faces. Net’s mug slipped off the table. The effects of the skill waned immediately.

Emily took a step back. “I’m gonna...go.” Derek followed her and darted out the door.

Net’s stare slowly fixed on Zac. “Did you just...steal my drink?”

Zac plopped down in the seat across from him. “Listen. Ssso what if-” He hiccupped. “I mean…” He looked down and his eyes widened. “Oh Gods...what if I did?”

Net stared silently. “You owe me another drink.”

“Listen. I don’t take orders from aanyone. Even you!” Zac pointed in Net’s face, his finger wavering. “Either of you!”

“I gave you a chance.” Net grabbed Zac’s arm and yanked him out of the booth. He stomped to the front door, kicked it open, and launched him into the street fountain. “If you dare come in between me and my addictions again, I’m gonna kick you out of the fucking guild.” He slammed the door shut.

*****

Derek watched Zac fly through the air and land in the fountain. “Yeah, I knew that wasn’t gonna turn out well.” He turned to Emily. “Let’s see if we can get a map from the governor’s officials.”

Emily shrugged. “Sounds like a plan.” The pair headed for the town hall and finagled a map from the governor’s secretary. Emily spread the map out in view of the golem on her shoulder. “So we’re supposed to patrol here to here this week, apparently.” She traced a red line marked clearly on the border, which seemed to follow the river.

Derek rubbed his chin. “So...west?”

“No...North.” Emily shook her head and rolled up the map.

“Heh. Right.” Derek nodded wisely and started off out towards the edge of town.

Emily snickered. “That’s south.”

Derek turned around and marched off.

*****

Night began to fall as they reached the river. Derek, wanting to do at least one useful thing today, lit a small flame to shed some light on the path.

Emily grinned. “So you’re bright after all.”

Derek chuckled. “Not especially.”  He raised his light high, peering across the river.

“It’s one heck of a river, huh?”

Derek nodded. “Border patrols must be pretty easy. No wonder Net sent me out on one.” He strolled down the river bank, following the well-trodden path. “It may be all night, but hopefully it’s uneventful.”

Emily matched his footprints in the mud, taking long strides. “Uneventful...You mean boring?”

“Definitely. I’ll take boring over dangerous any day.”

“You literally play with fire for a living.”

“Fair point, but I prefer the devil I know.” Derek continued to walk alongside the river bank. A flicker of movement caught his eye from across the river. “Did you see that?” He raised his light higher and squinted over the water.

Emily lifted the sentry golem off her shoulder and held it out like a lantern. “No, I didn’t see anything.”

Derek pushed his flame through the air, letting it hover at the center of the river. It shed a dim light on both banks, illuminating a group of three people on the other side. Derek nodded respectfully to them and nudged Emily’s arm. “There’s no need to start a fight, they’re just patrolling too.”

Emily placed her palms together and bowed slightly. The group bowed in return and disappeared downstream into the darkness. Derek retrieved his flame and they continued their patrol.

*****

The first rays of sunshine touched the horizon as Derek turned the key and pushed open the guild door. “Oh...Gods.”

Zac lay amidst a pile of mugs, snoring like a wild boar. Net sat still in the same booth, his table littered with empty mugs. He glanced up at Derek, eyelids heavy. “Patrol go well?” He sipped slowly.

Emily unlatched a window. “It was pretty uneventful. We ran into a neighboring patrol, but they stayed on their side of the river.” She knelt by Zac and gathered an armful of mugs to take to the kitchen. “I’m glad you guys had so much fun without us.”

Derek pulled Zac upright and shouldered his weight. “I’m not envious of the headache he’ll have.” He lugged his guildmate upstairs, passing Hailey on her way down.

Hailey stepped gingerly to Net’s table, wavering on her feet. “Net….please don’t tell me you had a drinking contest with a child.” She brushed her long hair behind her shoulder and tugged her jacket closed over the neckline of her nightgown.

Net grinned and raised his mug. “Okay, I won’t tell you.”

Hailey placed her hand over the rim of his mug and gently pushed it back to the tabletop. “Come on. Let’s get you to bed.” She took his hand and pulled him out of the booth.

“Depends on whose bed it is.” Net watched her red hair sway as she led him to the staircase.

“You’re drunk.”