#multi tap transformer | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

cozycottagetarot · 6 months ago

Text

The Little Things That Drive Them Wild

Notes: I've been working on this all week, I'm depressed and on top of that burnt out and exhausted soooo sorry if I missed any mistakes!

💄 Reading Contents:

How Do You Unintentionally Captivate Them?

The Personality Traits They Find Magnetic

Your Everyday Charm

💋 Patreon Extended:

Moments When They Feel Weak for You

Their Favorite “Caught in the Act” Moments

How They Fantasize About Responding

This reading is for entertainment purposes only! Take only what resonates be it all, some or none! ✨

PILE 1

How Do You Unintentionally Captivate Them?

Cards: Page of Cups, Two of Wands, Sun,

For some reason, the first thing that comes to mind is someone caught mid-thought, their eyes kind of distant but soft, lost in a dream or musing about something exciting. There’s something so captivating about when you slip into those moments. It’s like you radiate this quiet, hopeful energy that makes your person wonder what’s going on in that mind of yours. To them, it's irresistible.

You also have this undeniable joy exuding from you. The kind that can infects others without them even noticing. When you’re fully in the moment, letting this joy pour out of you, it’s like the world around you disappears for your person. They’re completely pulled in without you even trying.

I also keep getting this image of you smiling—a genuine, effortless kind of smile—and your person being absolutely smitten. You seem to have this way of lighting up when you’re excited or happy, and it’s almost like they can’t help but feel it, too.

The Personality Traits They Find Magnetic

Cards: Knight of Swords, Death, Seven of Wands

The first thing that stands out is your ambition and drive—you don’t hesitate to charge forward when you’ve set your sights on something, and your person finds that magnetic. And it’s not just that you’re ambitious; it’s the way you act on it. You seek out transformation and change with a sense of confidence and purpose. There’s something so inspiring to your person about the way you embrace growth, even when it means taking risks or stepping into the unknown.

I also get that your fierceness is a big part of what draws them in. I feel like you don’t back down when it comes to defending what you believe in. Even in moments where you might not be 100% correct, the passion you bring when it comes to standing your ground is something your person finds strangely endearing. Part of what draws your person to you is that spitfire energy and the way you throw your whole heart into what you care about.

But you also have a softer energy that balances everything out. You’re someone who's generous and compassionate, maybe even without a second thought. You're the type of person who would stop everything to help an injured animal or lend a hand to someone in need without a second thought. It’s that blend of intensity and gentleness that makes keeps the hooked. Your person loves how multi-dimensional you are—someone who can fight for their beliefs one moment and show deep compassion the next.

Your Everyday Charm

Cards: Five of Cups, Five of Wands, Wheel of Fortune, Ace of Cups

There’s something about you that comes across as a bit mysterious... I feel like in quieter moments when you’re lost in thought or just keeping to yourself, your person may feel like they take the time to really see you. What I mean by this is the little details about you such as the way your features soften when you’re deep in your own world.

I don’t know if you’re someone who fidgets or has a habit of touching things, but it feels like they notice those small quirks. Maybe it’s the way you twirl your hair, tap your fingers, or run your hand over a textured surface— but whatever it is, it’s something they can’t help but find endearing. I'm also getting that in moments where you’re being challenged by others, you may observe before reacting. If they're with you, it’s like they can see the gears turning in your head. They love watching you process things, almost like they’re trying to understand your inner workings of your mind.

There’s also this magical quality about you, like you have this ability to make life feel filled with magic in the simplest of ways. You might not even realize it, but somehow you make them feel like they’re living in a dream. There’s a sweetness to the way you show care, whether it’s through small, everyday gestures or moments where you’re pouring into your person or your relationship. Even mundane things—like making them a cup of coffee, fixing their hair, or just sitting next to them—feel enchanted for your person.

💋 Discover what makes them weak for you, their favorite “Caught in the Act” moments, and how they fantasize about responding (not a spicy reading). Plus, unlock exclusive extended readings for all my other PACs when you join The Cozy Corner for just $1.50 USD (and up). Check it out here.✨

PILE 2

How Do You Unintentionally Captivate Them?

Cards: Five of Wands, Three of Cups, Death

The first thing that comes to mind is your ability to adapt effortlessly to different environments and social circles. It’s like you could seamlessly blend into one group today and an entirely opposite group tomorrow, without missing a beat. This could stem from a survival mechanism you developed throughout your life, but it’s become second nature—a part of who you are. Your ability to navigate these social dynamics with ease is likely something your person finds captivating.

There’s also a strong sense of resilience about you. The way you handle conflict or challenging situations seems graceful, almost effortless, even when the odds are stacked against you. Your person might be struck by how you manage to remain composed under pressure and spin difficult moments into opportunities for growth. They might admire the way you emerge from the other side of hardship renewed, stronger, and ready to embrace what’s next.

Beyond that, there’s a warm, supportive energy radiating from you. Whether you’re celebrating with others or offering comfort, you seem to have a knack for making people feel at ease. I also get a sense of enchantment from these cards, almost as if there’s a spark of magic in how you carry yourself. For some reason, Tinker Bell comes to mind—maybe it’s a reminder of your playful, whimsical side or your ability to light up a room in unexpected ways. Maybe it's a confirmation for something you've been pondering on for a bit.

The Personality Traits They Find Magnetic Cards: Seven of Cups (Reversed), Page of Pentacles, The Emperor

You give off an energy of someone who is grounded, decisive, and incredibly self-assured. You have an ability to cut through the noise (of life really). While others might get lost in daydreams or overwhelmed by choices, you’re someone who sees clearly and knows exactly what you want. Your person could likely find this decisiveness magnetic, as it exudes a quiet confidence that feels stable and dependable.

I think you also bring a unique blend of practicality and creativity to the table. You’re someone who can take even the smallest spark of an idea and nurture it into something tangible. You have the focus and drive to bring dreams to life, and that’s an inspiring quality. It’s like you’re the one people look to when they need a plan or want to see something through. You come across as someone who knows how to take charge and create stability, whether in your own life or for those around you. Your person might admire how dependable you are, someone they (and others) can rely on for solid advice or a calm presence in chaotic times. I also feel like you're someone who puts the time and effort in and that's something that just does it for your person.

Your Everyday Charm Cards: Wheel of Fortune, The World, Five of Pentacles

There’s something charming about how you carry yourself through life’s ups and downs and not just the significant moments but the little ones too. Like missing a bus, running late for work, running out of something when you need it (I hope you get the gist lol). I also feel like your person sees beauty not just in your appearance (although that's emphasized as well) but in the way you quietly navigate the dull moments and short term disappointments we experience. You have a way of picking yourself up and boosting your spirit that is endearing. On a daily level, it might be the little things you do to create beauty in your life, no matter the circumstances. Think how you decorate your spaces, plate your food, cultivate a cozy moment.

Your person really admire how you’re able to turn the simplest things into something special, creating a life that feels fulfilling and intentional even when resources are limited. You don’t need the latest trends or expensive items—you can take something as humble as a few old books or scraps and turn them into something that feels genuinely valuable.

Your person notices the way you focus on making things better, no matter the circumstances, and finds it charming and hard to ignore.

Pile 3

How You Unintentionally Captivate Them

Cards: Death, Judgement. The Emperor, The Hierophant

It’s not just one thing—it’s everything about you that pulls them in without you even realizing it. There’s this grounded, unshakeable energy you carry, but it’s wrapped in a quiet elegance that feels so effortless. It’s not about trying to stand out; you just do. The way you move through life—intentional, steady, and composed—creates a presence that people can’t help but notice. Even in chaos, you somehow stay calm, like you’re the eye of the storm.

What really gets them is how deeply you focus on what’s in front of you. It’s like the world blurs around you, and you’re completely in your element. Whether it’s the way your hands move when you’re busy, the calm in your voice when you’re speaking, or the determination in your eyes when you’re locked into something—it’s magnetic. They can’t look away.

It’s in the small, subtle things, too. The way you pay attention to details, how you seem to elevate even the simplest moments, or that quiet confidence you have without even trying. Maybe it’s the way you smile, how kind you are in little ways, or the natural grace you bring into every interaction. It feels like you make life more beautiful just by being in it.

There’s this perfect balance between your strength and your calmness that they can’t get enough of. You’re firm but approachable, confident but kind, and it’s just captivating. They admire how you move through life and how you make them feel just by being yourself.

The Personality Traits They Find Magnetic

Cards: Four of Cups, Eight of Wands, Queen of Wands, Strength

Your person is attracted to how intentional you are about what you let into your world. You don’t say “yes” just to go along with things or settle for something that doesn’t feel right. Your discerning nature makes you stand out and pulls them in.

There’s also the way you move through life with an air of purpose, momentum, and confidence. You don’t linger too long in “what ifs” or overthinking; you simply trust yourself to make the right call and go for it. It makes watching you in action thrilling for your person as you bring this bright, unstoppable energy wherever you go. You’re bold, and you own it, but it never feels forced. It’s just you, shining naturally.

I do think that what makes you really magnetic to your person is how you balance your boldness with gentleness. Beneath all you passion and creativity, there’s a softness that makes people feel safe and seen. It’s in the way you treat others with kindness and show care without making a big deal about it. Even when you’re chasing your passions, you always seem to carry this warmth and thoughtfulness.

Your Everyday Charm

Cards: Wheel of Fortune, Justice, Nine of Pentacles

Somehow, you manage to make the simplest moments feel special, like everything you touch has a hint of magic to it. Even the way you go about your routine feels intentional, like you’re crafting a life that’s all your own.

I know I keep saying it, but the balance you keep on a daily basis charms your person. You’ve got this knack for keeping things in harmony, be it work, downtime, or fun, and on top of that you make it look so natural. It’s not about chasing perfection either, you just do what works for you. I think your person admires this so much.

I think you also manage to genuinely enjoy your everyday life and your person loves that about you. You don’t wait for big moments to feel happy—you find joy in the small stuff. Whether it’s sipping your favorite tea, throwing on an outfit that makes you feel amazing, or stopping to notice something beautiful, you have this way of savoring life that’s so refreshing.

#pick a card #pick a pile #pick a card reading #pac reading #pick a pile reading #pick a picture #pac #tarot reading #cozycottagetarot #pick an image #cozycottagetarot readings #your person #future spouse #love tarot #free tarot reading #free reading tarot

850 notes · View notes

beheamothscreamoth · 1 month ago

Text

Touchstarved Main Cast As RPG Characters

Slapping my two interests together because I am cringe and free 😌 Lately I've been wondering what the Touchstarved characters would be like if they were in other video games (Ace Attorney being one of them, though that's a potential post for another time)--

I'm a sucker for big adventures, and I find most of these in RPGs, so I decided to slap the TS cast into an RPG format and treat them as if they were actual RPG video game characters! :D This isn't super serious or anything, it's just an idea I've had for a while now orz

First, here's a quick run-down of what mechanics we're working with:

Stats:

HP (Health Points)

MP (Magic Points)

Physical Attack + Physical Defense

Magical Attack + Magical Defense

Accuracy

Speed

Luck [The higher Luck you have, the chance to land critical hits and dodge enemy attacks will increase.]

Abilities: All characters can choose a special ability that will help them in battle. They can only have one ability equipped for every fight.

Pairs: All battles will have two characters fighting together. Certain character pairs will get a special boost!

Enemies: The enemies you face would be humans, Monsters, Soulless (and perhaps even other beings), but those three would be the most common.

With that, let's move on to possible moves + mechanics that the cast could have!:

Ais

Moveset:

Summon -- Will summon one red-eyed minion to help the party fight. The minion being a human, Monster, or Soulless is random.

Coffin Nail -- Melee attack aimed at one enemy. With his cigarette in hand, Ais has a chance to inflict a burn.

Gut Punch -- Melee attack aimed at one enemy. Ais has a chance to lower the enemy's Physical Defense.

Bruised Knuckles -- Multi-hit melee attack targeting all enemies.

Beatdown -- Strong melee attack targeting one enemy.

Spot of Tea -- Ais drinks some tea, increasing a random stat.

Sea of Red -- Ais taps into Ocudeus’s power, and after one turn to charge, he unleashes a powerful tentacle-crushing attack on all enemies.

Abilities:

Groupmind Host -- When at low HP, Ocudeus will take over Ais, dramatically increasing his attack stats. However, Ais can only use attacking moves for the following turns until his HP is restored or falls to zero.

Man's Best Friend -- If Princess or one of Ais's pets is called through Summon, Ais’s Accuracy and Luck increase. When the Soulless/Princess is defeated, however, these stats disappear.

Thrilling Enemy -- When faced with a powerful enemy or boss, Ais's defense stats will increase.

Pairs:

Good Impression: When paired with MC, Ais's Accuracy increases.

With the Good Doctor: When paired with Kuras, Ais's Luck increases.

Friendly Rivalry: When paired with Leander, Ais's Physical Attack increases.

Notes/Other:

Weapon: Silver Rings [Rings that will definitely leave a mark when he hits enemies. Increases Physical Attack.]

Item: Red Horn Earrings [Are those actual horns or just jewellery? Increases Luck.]

Ais has the highest Physical Attack stat in the cast.

Most, if not all, attacks he learns are physical.

Vere

Moveset:

Jeer -- Vere goads all enemies to land their next attacks on him for the next three to five turns.

Sinking Fangs -- Vere burrows his teeth into one enemy. Strong melee attack.

Mutilation -- Melee attack targeting all enemies.

Fiery Bite -- Fire attack that has a chance of inflicting a burn on an enemy.

Kiss of Death -- Attack that has a low chance of instantly killing one enemy.

Clanging Chains -- With the sounds of his chains, Vere lowers the enemy's Physical Defense.

Lurking Shadows -- Vere will slip into the shadows, and after one turn, will unleash a powerful attack on one enemy.

Depths of Darkness -- Vere submerges his enemies in shadows, lowering their Accuracy.

Hasten -- Increases Speed for a number of turns.

Abilities:

Monster Form -- When HP is low, Vere will transform into his true form. His Physical Attack and Physical Defense will increase, but Magical Defense drops.

Scorching Sun -- When in a hot/sunny environment, all stats will increase. However, when Vere is in a cold/snowy environment, all stats will decrease.

Mischief and Mayhem -- When in a dark environment, Vere has access to more shadow-based attacks. These attacks are also stronger.

Pairs:

Friends With Benefits: When paired with Ais, Vere's Speed increases.

"That Damn Doctor": When paired with Kuras, Vere's attack stats greatly increase.

Notes/Other:

Weapon: None.

Item: Leather Collar [An old leather collar with a chain harness. This keeps Vere under the Senobium's command. Increases Physical Defense slightly.]

Alternative/Additional Item: Sketchbook [An almost-filled sketchbook with Vere's doodles and drawings. Increases Magical Attack.]

Has very high Speed and attack stats.

Weak to ice attacks.

Leander

Moveset:

Knock Back -- Melee attack targeting one enemy.

Rally -- Encourages and cheers on ally. Increases their attack stats.

Magical Barrier -- Casts a magical protection spell on either user or ally, increasing Magical Defense.

Heal -- Restores health to either user or ally.

An Adder's Venom -- Afflicts poison on one enemy.

Clouburst -- Deals water damage to one enemy.

Flash Flood -- Deals water damage to all enemies.

Lightning Bolt -- Deals lightning damage to enemies.

Conjured Flowers -- Summons a green flower to give to an ally, increasing their Luck.

Abilities:

Man of the Hour -- When ally is down, all of Leander’s stats will dramatically increase.

Put on a Show! -- Leander’s chances of dodging enemy attacks are increased.

Make Our Own Luck -- At the start of a battle, Leander uses Conjured Flowers without using MP.

Pairs:

Green-Eyed Obsession: When paired with MC, all of Leander's stats increase.

Friendly Rivalry: When paired with Ais, Leander's Physical Attack increases.

Notes/Other:

Weapon: Black Gloves [Simple tight gloves. Increases Physical Attack.]

Item: Dagger Earring [A fashionable symbol for the Adderstones. Increases Luck.]

Has even stats all around, though Magical Attack is the highest stat.

Has the widest spell pool and more variety of magic attacks.

Kuras

Moveset:

Heal -- Restores health to either user or ally.

Revive -- Revives fallen ally with a certain amount of HP. Costs MP.

Heaven’s Light -- Strong healing move that heals both the user and ally.

Luminous Arrow -- Kuras attacks a single enemy with burning illustrious light.

Summoning Star -- Kuras summons an explosion of light, hitting all enemies.

Snake Oil -- Weakens an enemy's constitution, lowering their defense stats.

Vitamin Shot -- Injects a shot of healthy vitamins into either the user or ally, boosting Physical Defense.

Divine Blessing -- Kuras blesses his ally, raising their attack stats.

Celestial Veil -- A protective veil is cast around user and ally, boosting defense stats.

Abilities:

A Doctor’s Duty -- When this ability is equipped, the power of Kuras’s healing moves will be boosted.

Emergency Treatment -- When ally is at low HP, Kuras will automatically heal a certain %-amount of their HP at the end of each turn.

Golden Radiance -- Boosts the power of light-based attacks.

Pairs:

"A Difficult Patient": When paired with Vere, Kuras's Magical Attack increases.

What the Doctor Ordered: When paired with Leander or Mhin, Kuras boosts their defenses.

Notes/Other:

Weapon: Seraph Spear [A golden spear crafted from heavenly light. Only Kuras can use this. Increases attack stats.]

Item: Glass Vials [Glass vials with a shimmering substance in them. Increases Accuracy.]

Kuras is the super busted unit that makes all the bosses super easy askjda--

Highest Magical Attack stat in cast with high defenses.

Has really good stats all around, but is the slowest character in the cast. (This is to mainly balance out how OP he is, kfgjn-)

Mhin

Moveset:

Stab -- Simple melee attack targeting one enemy.

Dual Wield -- Makes their next attacking moves hit twice for 3-5 turns.

Knife Honing -- Increases Physical Attack.

Knives Out -- Mhin throws multiple knives, targeting all enemies.

Cutting Talons -- Mhin’s curse transforms their hands into bird talons, and they claw at one targeted enemy. Costs MP.

Antidote -- Gives a potion to either themselves or an ally to heal status conditions.

Hasten -- Increases Speed for a number of turns.

Abilities:

Hunter’s Eye -- With their extensive experience as a hunter, Mhin will never miss landing an attack.

Surgical Precision -- Chances of hitting an enemy’s vital points, and thus landing critical hits, are increased.

Remains of an Expedition -- After using Cutting Talons three to five times in a row, Mhin’s curse will fully transform them, greatly increasing their physical attack stat. However, they can only use Cutting Talons for the following turns.

Pairs:

Newcomers: When paired with MC, Mhin's Physical Attack increases.

Close Acquaintances: When paired with Kuras, Mhin's Luck increases.

Notes/Other:

Weapon: Stiletto Knife [An intricate knife that can fetch a high price according to Vere. Increases Physical Attack.]

Item: Dark Blue Cloak [Mhin's trusty cloak. Increases Physical Defense.]

Alternative/Additional Item: Shredded Fish [A small snack for the cats. Increases Speed.]

Has highest Speed in the cast.

Low defenses, but relatively high Physical Attack.

Below the cut are bonus OC inserts! Please feel free to add on your own MC / OC if you're interested! :D

Daniella

Moveset:

Knock -- Simple melee attack targeting one enemy.

Premonition -- Tapping into their oracular powers, the user foresees an enemy's attack. This increases their chance of dodging future attacks.

Magical Barrier -- Casts a magical protection spell on either user or ally, increasing Magical Defense.

Beam of Light -- Casts light magic on a foe. Costs MP.

Oracle's Protection -- Casts a spell, boosting ally's defense stats.

Prophetic Sanction -- Casts a spell, lowering an enemy's stats.

Enchanted Boon -- Cast's a spell, boosting ally's attack stats.

Light of Kyklospex -- Daniella calls upon the god Kyklospex. After one turn to charge, Daniella and Kyklospex unleash a powerful light attack, targeting all enemies.

Abilities:

Wrath of Kyklospex -- When Daniella is defeated, Kyklospex will send down a barrage of light on all enemies.

Divine Guidance -- When a battle begins, Daniella will foresee one enemy’s moveset, and reveal it to the player. (Useful for boss fights.)

Steadfast Spirit -- Charge-up moves will not be interrupted by enemies.

Pairs:

Divine Connection: When paired with Kuras, Daniella's Magical Attack increases.

Friendly Face: When paired with Leander or Mhin, Daniella's Luck increases.

Notes/Other:

Weapon: Wooden Staff [A simple staff made of wood. Acts as an axis that connects Daniella to the god Kyklospex.]

Item: Tattered Gloves [A pair of well-loved, but shabby gloves. Daniella's most beloved gift from her family. Slightly increases Physical Defense.]

A support unit rather than an offensive one.

Lowest Physical Attack stat out of the cast, but has high Magical Defense and HP.

Edgar:

Moveset:

Injection -- Injects substance into an enemy, lowering their Physical Defense and Physical Attack.

Stab -- Simple melee attack targeting one enemy.

Piercing Icicles -- Ice attack targeting all enemies.

Crushing Vines -- User summons vines from the grounds to attack enemies.

Rejuvenating Shot -- Injects his ally with a healthy substance, boosting their Physical Defense and Physical Attack.

Mutated Slash -- Edgar mutates his arm and swings at an enemy. Costs HP.

Magical Barrier -- Casts a magical protection spell on either user or ally, increasing Magical Defense.

Magical Mark -- Casts a stimulating magic spell on either user or ally, increasing Magical Attack.

Alchemic Concoction -- Ally or user drinks an alchemic brew, restoring some MP.

Abilities:

Hypothesis of Humanity -- When this ability is equipped, Edgar has access to the move "Humanity's Elevation." When this move is used, Edgar injects a mysterious substance into himself, and he transforms. All stats will greatly increase. (Warning: Once this move is used, Edgar will leave the party and not fight in future battles.)

Scientist's Wisdom -- With his extensive knowledge from his dissections, Edgar's Luck will increase when facing against a human or a Soulless.

A Bit of Savoir Faire -- Puts on a smile befitting a gentleman. Boosts Luck and Accuracy.

Pairs:

Mad Scientists: When paired with Mhin, Edgar's Accuracy increases.

Unlicensed Practices: When paired with Kuras, Edgar's Magical Attack increases.

Notes/Other:

Weapon: No. 22 Scalpel [A scalpel with a number 22 scalpel blade. Intended for creating large incisions, often through thick skin. Increases Physical Attack.]

Item: Hypodermic Syringe [A trusty syringe for extracting and injecting fluids. Boosts Accuracy.]

Knows/Learns a mix of Physical and Magical Attacks.

High Accuracy with moderate Magical Attack stats. Low Speed stats.

Shinju:

Make It Rain -- Physical attack targeting all enemies. Shinju utilises his fortunes and resources. The more money the party has, the more damage this attack does.

Cobweb Cavern -- Spins spiderwebs around the opponent's feet, greatly lowering their Speed.

Punch-In -- Taking advantage of his multiple arms, Shinju deploys a multi-hit Physical Attack on one enemy.

Severance Pay -- User lowers an enemy's MP/Luck.

Constricting Silk -- Shinju wraps up an opponent in webs, making them unable to attack for a number of turns. This move has a low chance of hitting the enemy.

Spider's Covenant -- After waiting one turn, Shinju commands a horde of spiders to swarm all enemies. Deals Physical Damage.

Paired Strike -- Shinju slashes at an enemy twice before Hansuke appears to bite them.

Sharpened Tarsus -- Shinju sharpens his claws, heightening his Physical Attack.

Abilities:

A Merchant's Earnings -- After winning a battle, the team will gain more money and EXP. More earnings will be gained if Shinju is present on the field.

Arachnid Disclosure -- When this ability is equipped, Shinju reveals his third pair of arms. This increases how many times a multi-hit attack lands, but his Magical Defense decreases.

Nighttime Spider -- Shinju's intuition heightens, increasing his Luck.

Pairs:

Favorite Customer: When paired with MC, Shinju's Luck will increase.

Reliable Business Partner: When paired Leander, Shinju's Accuracy will increase.

Notes/Other:

Weapon: Heavy Ledger [A thick ledger documenting Shinju's finances. Increases Physical Defense.]

Item: Gold Glasses [A pair of gold glasses with stylish chains. Helps with Shinju's nearsightedness. Increases Luck and Accuracy.]

Shinju strikes me as more of a gimmicky unit- I can see him being a recruitable unit, but before he's on the team, the player can spend money in battles to summon him for help.

Low Magical Defense, but high Physical Attack and Luck.

Weak to fire attacks.

I hope you enjoyed reading these! If you have any other thoughts or opinions, please feel free to add them :D

#This took me WAY too long to write out holy moly 💀 And the Tumblr formatting was actively fighting against me while making this orz #But I had fun! Some of these move names are kinda funny to me (although what attack names aren't at least a little silly /lh)#“Make It Rain” is literally just Shinju flexing his wealth on his opponents alskjda-#Coins and bills are raining from the sky and Shinju is maniacally cackling “Yes... YES!!!! THE ECONOMY!!!"#The rest of the team are looking off from the side like 🧍🧍🧍#Daniella looking on with concern- “Should we do something??” Kuras familiar w/ his antics atp sighs “Leave him be. He'll stop soon enough.”#With 'Spot of Tea' a cup materialises in Ais's hands in the middle of a fight-#-he chugs it and throws it over his shoulder and resumes throwing hands - love that man /pos /lh #Daniella is whacking an enemy with her stick with Knock and Edgar casually transforms into a Creature™ 😌#Scream Posts For: Touchstarved #touchstarved #touchstarved game #touchstarved leander #leander #touchstarved kuras #kuras #touchstarved ais #ais #touchstarved vere #vere #touchstarved mhin #mhin #touchstarved oc #touchstarved mc #touchstarved daniella #daniella #touchstarved edgar #edgar #touchstarved shinju #shinju

35 notes · View notes

talonabraxas · 4 days ago

Text

“Intuition is for thinking what observation is for perception. Intuition and observation are the sources of our knowledge.” - Rudolf Steiner

Trinetra - Third Eye Talon Abraxas

The Third Eye of Wisdom: Delving into the Symbolism and Power of Lord Shiva's Trinetra

Within the realm of Hindu mythology, the image of Lord Shiva often captivates the imagination with his enigmatic third eye, known as the "Trinetra." This celestial eye, situated on his forehead, holds a deep well of symbolism and spiritual significance. In this blog, we embark on a journey to explore the mystical dimensions of Lord Shiva's third eye, uncovering the layers of its symbolism and the profound power it represents.

The Inner Eye of Perception

The third eye of Lord Shiva represents an inner eye of wisdom and insight that transcends the limitations of the physical senses. It is often depicted as an eye with a vertical mark, symbolizing the awakening of spiritual vision. This eye is not bound by the boundaries of space and time; it sees beyond the surface of reality, delving into the realms of higher consciousness and divine truth. Just as an ordinary eye perceives the external world, the third eye perceives the internal world of thoughts, emotions, and spiritual realities.

The Power of Destruction and Transformation

One of the most iconic aspects of Lord Shiva's third eye is its association with destruction. Legend has it that when Shiva's anger intensifies, he opens his third eye, unleashing a powerful fiery energy that can incinerate anything in its path. This act of destruction symbolizes the dismantling of illusion and ignorance, paving the way for transformation and rebirth. The third eye teaches us that to evolve spiritually, we must first let go of attachments, misconceptions, and ego-driven thoughts.

Balance between Creation and Destruction

While the third eye is associated with destruction, it also highlights the balance between creation and destruction. Shiva's role as both the creator and destroyer of worlds embodies the natural rhythm of the universe. Just as a forest fire clears the way for new growth, destruction leads to renewal and evolution. The third eye encourages us to accept the cycles of life and to find harmony in the ebb and flow of existence.

Awakening of Intuition and Clarity

The third eye is often linked to intuition, insight, and clarity of thought. When the third eye is awakened within us, we gain the ability to perceive deeper truths and make decisions guided by inner wisdom. This heightened sense of intuition helps us navigate life's challenges with a clear understanding of our path and purpose. The third eye also opens the door to a profound connection with the universe, allowing us to tap into the collective consciousness and access universal knowledge.

Cultivating the Inner Eye

In the journey of spiritual growth, the concept of awakening the third eye serves as an invitation to cultivate inner perception and deepen our connection with the divine. Through practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and self-inquiry, we can gradually open our own inner eye of wisdom. Just as Lord Shiva's third eye represents the divine knowledge that lies within, we too can uncover our innate wisdom and embark on a path of self-realization.

Conclusion

The third eye of Lord Shiva is a symbol of transcendence, transformation, and inner wisdom. Its multi-dimensional symbolism reminds us of the interplay between creation and destruction, the power of intuitive perception, and the potential for spiritual growth. By delving into the symbolism and power of Lord Shiva's Trinetra, we uncover not only a profound aspect of Hindu mythology but also a timeless message that resonates with seekers of truth across cultures and traditions.

22 notes · View notes

rainydetectiveglitter · 2 years ago

Text

Jupiter's Blessings / Where Fortune Smiles According to Your Sign" ✨🌟

Jupiter's placement in your birth chart influences where you experience natural luck and expansion. Here's a journey through Jupiter's influence across the signs

♈ Aries: "Energetic Endeavors" 🚀🍀

♉ Taurus: "Material Abundance" 🌱💰

♊ Gemini: "Intellectual Adventures" 📚✈️

♋ Cancer: "Emotional Enrichment" 💖🏠

♌ Leo: "Creative Crescendo" 🎭🌟

♍ Virgo: "Organized Opportunities" 📊🔍

♎ Libra: "Harmonious Connections" 🤝💫

♏ Scorpio: "Deep Transformations" 💎🔮

♐ Sagittarius: "Expansive Horizons" 🌄🌠

♑ Capricorn: "Structured Success" 🏆🏢

♒ Aquarius: "Innovative Insights" 💡🌐

♓ Pisces: "Intuitive Blessings" 🌊🌈

Main Asteroids

Jupiter with Ceres: Nurturing Abundance 🌱🍀

Jupiter with Pallas Athena: Wisdom Expansion 📚💡

Jupiter with Juno: Partnership Prosperity 💑💰

Jupiter with Vesta: Devotion and Expansion 🕯️🌄

Jupiter with Hygieia: Healing Abundance 🌿🌈

Jupiter with Astraea: Justice and Blessings ⚖️🌠

Jupiter with Eris: Transformative Expansion 💥🌀

Jupiter with Sedna: Wisdom of the Depths 🌊🌟

Jupiter's influence expands further as it moves through the houses of your birth chart, bringing luck and abundance to different areas of your life:

Jupiter in 1st House: "Radiant Self" 🌟🎉

Jupiter in 2nd House: "Material Flow" 💰🛍️

Jupiter in 3rd House: "Intellectual Exploration" 📚✉️

Jupiter in 4th House: "Home Harmony" 🏠🌼

Jupiter in 5th House: "Creative Joy" 🎨🎭

Jupiter in 6th House: "Health and Growth" 🌿💪

Jupiter in 7th House: "Partnership Prosperity" 💑🤝

Jupiter in 8th House: "Transformative Abundance" 💎🔮

Jupiter in 9th House: "Expanding Horizons" ✈️🌄

Jupiter in 10th House: "Professional Triumph" 🏆🏢

Jupiter in 11th House: "Friendship Fortune" 👥🌠

Jupiter in 12th House: "Spiritual Blessings" 🌌🙏

Aspects:

Jupiter Conjunction: When Jupiter is conjunct (close to) another planet, its energy merges, amplifying the qualities of that planet. This can bring heightened opportunities, growth, and luck related to the specific planet's traits. For example, a Jupiter-Sun conjunction can enhance your self-confidence and attract positive experiences into your life.

Jupiter Sextile or Trine: Harmonious aspects between Jupiter and other planets indicate ease in harnessing Jupiter's blessings. These aspects encourage positive growth, expansion, and the ability to seize opportunities with relative ease. A Jupiter-Moon trine may enhance your emotional well-being and bring support from family or women.

Jupiter Square or Opposition: Challenging aspects between Jupiter and other planets may require extra effort to tap into its positive energy. These aspects can bring growth through overcoming obstacles and learning valuable lessons. A Jupiter-Mercury square might indicate a need to balance optimism with practicality in communication and decision-making.

Jupiter and Outer Planets: Aspects with outer planets (Uranus, Neptune, Pluto) can signify transformative and profound experiences. A Jupiter-Neptune trine could enhance your spiritual journey and creative pursuits, while a Jupiter-Pluto opposition may involve intense personal growth through confronting power dynamics.

Multiple Aspects: When Jupiter forms multiple aspects, its influence becomes multi-faceted. A Jupiter with a mix of harmonious and challenging aspects can create a balanced interplay of growth, challenges, and opportunities.

Remember, Jupiter's influence is unique to your birth chart. The aspects it forms with other planets provide a dynamic interplay that shapes your life journey. Consult an astrologer to gain deeper insights into how Jupiter's energy interacts with the rest of your chart and discover the keys to unlocking its full potential. Embrace Jupiter's blessings and navigate your path to prosperity! 🌈🔑

548 notes · View notes

lunesviolettes · 1 month ago

Text

Void - 07.

(This series was originally posted on my Wattpad, so I��m bringing it over here)

pairing: MCU!bucky barnes x MCU!female reader

word count: 2.4k

summary: Y/N was far from any normal girl in Brooklyn during the 1940s. Her physical and mental strength were far from ordinary and her mother and father were nothing short of strange, just like her. Secrets and strange occurrences were all that she had ever known and with the approach of a second global war, it seemed that everything would only become stranger. A powerful organization, a target on the back of a young girl, a serum, and an infinity stone were all that it would take to change everything she knew about her world.

chapter warnings: multi-character death. steve being greased up like a glazed donut.

a/n: This fanfic follows the course of the MCU movies (The First Avenger - Thunderbolts). It’s more focused on the story aspect of the MCU and is very much a slow burn type of story with not a lot of focus on smut.

Series Masterlist Next Chapter

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

You turned at the sound of the double doors being pulled open, eyes falling on a very pale and clearly terrified Steve. He swallowed thickly, eyeing the contraption in the very center of the room. You couldn't help but feel sorry for him, knowing how overwhelming everything must have appeared. Doctors, agents, nurses everywhere, along with the ever so powerful Howard Stark.

Upon their test subject's arrival, everyone had stopped what they were currently doing and looked towards the top of the stairs. A hush fell over the room so quiet that you could hear the inhales and exhales coming from those closest to you. When Steve and Agent Carter had finally made their way down the steps, Dr. Erskine moved forward, greeting them both. "Good morning," He announced, shaking Steve's hand lightly. "Are you ready?"

A slow and hesitant nod came from the blonde as his eyes fell on the chamber now that he was much closer to it than before. His heart rate increased, and his legs seemed to refuse to move in the direction he wanted them to. There was a part of him that was completely ready, almost excited to discover the sort of transformations he would undergo. The other fueled his fear and Steve wondered which side would prevail in the end.

What had calmed him down ever so slightly was the appearance of his friend, whose friendly smile had quelled his urge to run.

"Good. Take off your shirt, your tie, and your hat." When Steve had taken off everything that was necessary to be removed he laid down in the chamber, his small frame nearly drowned in all the metallic gears and locks that came up around him. "How are you feeling?" You asked, placing a comforting hand against his shoulder. "Terrified. Are you gonna explain to me how you got involved in this project?"

"I made this." You stated proudly, tapping the cushion above his head. A dark-haired man came up behind you, his identity coming clear and yet surprising to Steve. "She helped make it." Howard clarified, earning a small shove from his former assistant. "Okay fine, I helped make this entire project possible." Abraham Erskine had appeared at Steve's other side, giving the blonde man a quick glance. "Comfortable?"

"It's a little big." Steve replied, drawing a laugh from both Erskine and his official assistant. "You save me any of that schnapps?" Erskine shrugged, his head moving back and forth. "Not as much as I should have. Sorry. Next time. Mr. Stark, how are your levels?" Howard appeared once more behind you, peering over your shoulder briefly. "Levels at one hundred percent. We may dim half the lights in Brooklyn, but we are ready...as we'll ever be."

His lack of confidence seemed to not ease Steve's fears in the slightest and very quickly did the blonde start to remember the Stark Expo in which his invention had failed horribly. Steve immediately began to doubt the man's ability to complete the experiment and not kill him in the process. When everyone not closely involved in the project had gone to their seats in the booth above the lab, Dr. Erskine deemed it was time to begin the first official attempt at enhancing Steve to what they hoped would be super-human levels.

With a mic in hand, he tapped it several times alerting those in the booth with a small high pitched ring. "Do you hear me? Is this on? Ladies and gentlemen, today we take not another step towards annihilation, but the first step on the path to peace. We begin with a series of micro-injections into the subject's major muscle groups. The serum infusion will cause immediate cellular change. And then to stimulate growth, the subject will be saturated with Vita-Rays."

That was what they were calling it. A code name for the accidental creation of the new radioactive material. Something that sounded legit and wouldn’t raise to many questions as to what it was.

You lifted a few test tubes into your hands, moving back towards the chamber where they were inserted into their appropriate slots by the nurses. A small needle filled with Penicillin had been handed to you and you smiled as comfortingly as you could manage before inserting it into the portion of his arm that had been sterilized with a small alcohol wipe. His face immediately scrunched up as it pierced his skin and a breath was released when the needle was finally pulled away.

"That wasn't so bad." He said softly, relieved. You grimaced, looking to Dr. Erskine who shared your same expression. "That was Penicillin."

Steve's eyes widened as he quickly whipped his head towards Dr. Erskine. If he was having second thoughts, it was too late to back out. In the back of your mind, you knew he would be able to do it. You knew some part of Steve also believed he could do it. That’s why he was here. "Serum infusion beginning in five, four, three, two, one." Your eyes fell towards the test tubes, watching as their levels began to shrink, slowly being pushed into Steve's bloodstream.

His eyes squeezed shut, a barely audible groan escaping and you wondered briefly if that was how it had been for Johann Schmidt too. "Now Mr. Stark." Howard pulled the lever in front of him and very slowly, the chamber began to rise. The plates that we once open began to come together, trapping the small man inside. Tubes supplying oxygen were inserted into the machine and Dr. Erskine stepped up, tapping lightly on the glass. "Steven, can you hear me?"

"It's probably too late to go to the bathroom, right?" You shook your head, stifling your laughter as Abraham Erskine ordered for Howard Stark to continue the procedure. He turned a nob on the panel in front of him and a low rumble signified the powering up of the chamber. After placing a pair of tinted goggles on, he wrapped both of his hands around the wheel that would control the percentage of ‘vita-rays’. "That's ten percent." The light inside the pod glowed more prominent, the humming increasing with each higher percentage they reached.

You lifted a hand and held it over your eyes as the light grew to an almost blinding level. With each rising percentage, your nerves rose, sweat building up on the pads of your fingerstips as you wondered just how much radiation one man could handle. Your worries rose, Steve’s silence filling you with nervous anticipation. All eyes widened in the room, panic growing as the percentage reached seventy, pained shouts suddenly coming from inside the cradle.

You raced towards the machine, level with the glass as his screams grew louder. "Steve!" You shouted, completely prepared to rip apart that chamber in order to reach him.

Peggy Carter's voice boomed from above as she ordered both of them to shut it down. "Turn that damn thing off, Stark!" You leapt off from the platform, rushing towards Howard Stark with a sense of urgency. "No!" Everyone turned, standing there frozen as Steve's voice shouted from inside. "Don't! I can do this!" With your hand held over her mouth, you stood there, unable to tear your eyes away from the contraption as the percentages grew closer and closer towards one hundred.

When the machine reached its max, the humming was almost overwhelming. They were drenched in the bright white light and very soon, sparks began to fly from the panel Howard Stark was stationed at. Much like his performance at the Expo.

The energy inside the cradle grew to an uncontrollable extent, voiding the other machines around the room of their life. As the chamber powered off, you became all too aware of how much light had been provided from the machine as it seemed almost entirely too dark now. You slowly lowered your hand from your mouth, finding the silence entirely too frightening to bear. In the back of your mind there was the faraway order from Dr. Erskine and immediately the panels of the machine began to part.

Not a single whisper was heard as the man inside was revealed. Steam seeped from the cracks, flooding onto the ground beneath your shoes. Your mouth fell open, finding what looked to be an entirely different man from the scrawny Steve who was originally inside. What used to be just skin and bones was replaced entirely by bulging muscle. The once large pod could barely fit him anymore. His head was thrown back and it seemed as though the whole ordeal had drained him of all his energy.

You did not hesitate to race forward to his left as you gently took hold of his arm. The hand that once fit around his entire bicep, now only covered a portion of it. Dr. Erskine supported the other side and together, the two of you helped him down from the platform. His hands were on your shoulders, stabilizing himself. "I did it." Steve said breathlessly, drawing a relieved smile from you as you looked up at him. A new development that you would have to become accustomed to. "Yeah, you did it, Steve."

"I think we did it." Dr. Erskine retorted, though he wasn’t about to disrupt Steve’s victory. The two of you slowly brought him to a stop and Peggy was there, chest almost rising and falling heavily as she searched him for signs of injuries. "How do you feel?" She asked and only then had Steve lifted his head, panting as he gazed over the crowd of people who once stood above him. "Taller." A plain white tee-shirt was handed to the dark-haired agent and with some assistance, it was soon fit securely over Steve's large frame.

You curled your arms tightly around his torso, clamping your eyes shut. "Don't ever scare me like that again, Rogers." A breathless laugh escaped him as he leaned into your embrace.

The happy moment was short lived.

An ear-splitting blast came from above and your heart leaped from your chest as glass shattered, raining down over the crowd of people that surrounded Steve. His arm came up, shielding you from the shrapnel as he pulled you closer to him.

From where you were standing, you could hear two close-range shots and what sounded like a grieving scream from one of the nurses. You easily found the target of the bullets and nearly fell to your knees as you stumbled towards him. "Dr. Erskine?" Your voice cracked as you dropped, clasping onto the hand that he reached towards you.

No. No. No. You thought to yourself, eyes blurring with tears. This wasn’t how the day was supposed to go. He finally reached his goal. He made it happen. He was victorious. And yet, here he was, dying in front of you. “Don't...give up...the vial." You could barely hear him, his voice shaky and broken, nearly drowned out by the fear-filled screams around you.

"What?" You whispered, but no further words had come from the doctor as Steve kneeled by his side. His remaining free hand was raised, pointing gently at Steve's chest. "Dr. Erskine?" You said once more, watching his eyes slowly fall shut. In seconds he was gone, and you felt an emptiness like no other.

Darkness had fallen over Steve’s eyes and you watched as he rose up without a word. "Steve. Steve, no!" You reached out for him, but it was hopeless and soon he was gone, the double doors swinging upon his departure.

The other doctors and nurses surrounded Dr. Erskine and you were soon pulled back, hands wiping furiously at your tears. You let out a choked sob and turned, sprinting to where you knew you had put the last remaining serum.

Your grief could not distract you. You knew you heard him correctly. No one could have the serum. Just as you suspected, there it was tucked into the desk drawer, one remaining tube of the bright blue serum and a small vial of the black substance to its left.

Your hands shook as you took them into your grasp. You could hardly focus, fighting tooth and nail to keep breathing. Your throat was tight, chest heaving as your shaking hands lowered the two vials into your pocket. Don't give up the vials. He knew. He knew the whole time that you had them, and yet he trusted you enough to not take them. Abraham Erskine trusted you with keeping them safe. I won’t give them up. You said to yourself, shaking in rage.

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

Your home had become your prison after you were cleared to return to it safely. You were there for days on end, staring blankly into the distance. Howard had reached out several times, but you couldn't find it in yourself to be around him or Peggy or any of them. The guilt was eating you alive.

How could you be so selfish? How could you keep the vials to yourself knowing how desperately they needed your knowledge of the formula? But Dr. Erskine had to have known something. He had to have been suspicious enough to warn you against giving them up.

Night had soon fallen and you hadn't moved an inch. You felt trapped inside your own mind. Your entire body was numb and the only thing that bugged you was the small glistening that came from outside your window. The moonlight had brought its light out and you flinched as it now bounced off your eyes.

An almost eerie blue light sitting atop your window sill. Upon closer inspection, you found a small speck underneath its bright aura. Energy swirled off its surface, a small hum buzzing in your ears. Within your chest, you felt a small pressure. Your skin was warm, tingling almost. As you opened your window with a creak, you examined it closer.

It was almost painfully cold. Rolling around in your palm, directing its waves of light in every direction. It was captivating. Beckoning you into its swirling depths. Within your eyes, the bright blue light flashed, like it had physically entered your irises.

"What are you?" You whispered, looking out your window as if you find the answer somewhere out there.

Nothing.

Crickets chirped from inside the tall grass that lined your fence. Not a single soul was outside that time of night, but you were unsure how long it had actually been sitting there, waiting for you to notice it.

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

"What did you say?" Johann Schmidt slammed a hand down on his desk, turning away from the magnificent window in front of him. The soldiers shook in fear before one stepped forward, swallowing the lump in his throat. "The energy cartridge broke. It snapped and we believe the girl now has it in her possession.

The Hydra leader curled his hand into a fist, rage all but burning through his insides. "Come here." He whispered venomously. Although the guard was terrified, he did as he was told, only stopping when the desk blocked his path. Schmidt yanked out the pistol sat comfortably in his holster, aiming it once at the man's face. The other four soldiers behind him all flinched as he pressed the trigger, the thunderclap of the bullet ringing in their ears as it entered the head of its target.

“Find the girl. Get it back and take the formula. Kill her if you have to. If you fail, I'll put one in your head too." They lifted their shoulders, raising their arm in the air almost completely in unison. "Hail Hydra!" They shouted robotically before marching from the room.

Next Chapter

#bucky barnes #bucky barnes x reader #bucky x female reader #bucky x y/n #bucky x you #bucky x reader #bucky fanfic #james bucky buchanan barnes #marvel #voidlunesviolettes

25 notes · View notes

a-court-of-fics-and-errors · 1 year ago

Text

Keep Moving Forwards, Part 30

Image Source

Azriel x Reader Fic

Summary: After finally deciding to leave your abusive and manipulative mate for good, you find unexpected companionship with Azriel, the Shadowsinger of the Night Court. As you navigate the aftermath of your traumatic relationship, you struggle to understand where the mating bond went wrong and contemplate your path forward, vowing never to return to the past.

Find other parts here: Master List

To follow this fic, follow tag "Keep Moving Forwards Fic" or comment to be tagged in future parts.

Content Warning: This story contains depictions of extreme emotional manipulation and abuse, detailed descriptions of direct physical abuse, and scenes of men hunting women with implied sexual assault. Please read at your own risk.

Word Count: 2.7K

Author's Note: This is a multi-part series. Unlike my previous works, this fanfiction delves deeper than just fluff, exploring complex emotional landscapes. As I navigate this new writing journey, I kindly ask for gentle feedback. The topics addressed are profoundly impactful, touching many lives with diverse experiences. Please be gentle with yourselves and others. Healing is a journey, and everyone processes it differently. Be kind to yourself. Take what resonates, and leave what doesn’t.

Please continue reading, being aware of the above content warnings, ensuring you are in a healthy headspace. Give yourself time to process and be gentle with yourself.

In the days that followed, you did your best to brush off Azriel's lingering looks, rationalizing away the soft touches he gave your shoulders when you seemed nervous, or the small bowls of berries he brought when you appeared too lost in thought to eat. You couldn't let yourself get attached again, and you most certainly wouldn’t allow another person to be harmed because of you, even unintentionally. Each night, Azriel still crawled into bed with you, his warm body pressed against yours as you stared wide-eyed at the moonlit balcony, the gentle glow casting a silver sheen over the room. You’d feel his unconscious hand slide up your midsection until he held you against him, and while you yearned to sneak away to the other side of the bed, you couldn’t help but melt into the warmth he provided.

As the weeks turned into months, summer gracefully gave way to fall. The trees on the surrounding mountains ignited in a breathtaking display of oranges, yellows, and reds, painting a vibrant picture against the crisp, azure sky. The air carried a hint of earthy musk and the sweet decay of fallen leaves. You had started visiting Titania twice a week, giving her a break from the little ones who ran amuck in the house, barging into rooms without a second thought. The once daunting pleasure house, now a warm refuge, had become a second home. You became acquainted with the other residents, many of whom had children of their own, though none had been around during your earlier years with your mother.

Azriel often accompanied you on these visits, doing his best to navigate the admiring glances from both the female and male companions with a mixture of amusement and discomfort. Titania delighted in nudging you about how Azriel followed you like a lost puppy, her red, pointed fingernails tapping against your arm as she teased about the longing looks he cast your way and how he would talk about you to the children. You always rolled your eyes at her comments, though secretly they made your heart flutter.

Back at the House of Wind, the great hall was a hive of activity as preparations for the Autumnal Ball reached their peak. Nesta had taken charge, orchestrating the event with the precision of a general, her frustration mounting as Cassian and Rhysand debated over the shade of burnt orange for the decorations. The grand hall transformed under her meticulous care, wreaths of autumnal leaves strung about the room as though the guests would be dancing beneath a golden canopy. Faelight candles twinkled among the leaves, casting a warm, golden glow over the entire hall.

The Autumnal Ball, you knew, was more than just a lavish party. It was part of a delicate and ongoing effort to mend relations between the Autumn and Night Courts. Tensions had simmered for centuries, rooted in old grievances and power struggles. Eris, the Autumn Court’s heir, had agreed to this event as a gesture of goodwill, Rhysand hoping to bridge the gap and foster a fragile alliance. The symbolism was everywhere: the blending of traditional Autumn Court foods with the Night Court’s celestial touches, the mingling of courtly guests who had once been wary of one another. The ball was a dance of diplomacy as much as it was a celebration, a careful balancing act where every detail mattered.

The preparations had been intense. Nesta had demanded the finest bakers in Velaris learn to craft Autumn Court pastries and savory treats, adding a “Night Court spin” to each. The end result was a delectable spread featuring spiced apple tarts dusted with stardust sugar, warmed brie and cranberry compote, and no shortage of spiked ciders directly from Autumn Court vineyards and orchards, courtesy of Lucien. The scent of freshly baked goods and mulled spices filled the hall, mingling with the faint, earthy aroma of the fall leaves, creating an intoxicating blend.

You spent the afternoon assisting Nesta with the final adjustments—redraping tables that seemed no different to you after each attempt, readjusting punch bowls, and repositioning leaves for a more “rustic look,” as Nesta put it. You hadn’t expected to attend the ball, content with simply being part of the preparations. After all, you were just a guest in the House of Wind with no official standing in the Night Court.

But as the final touches were made, Nesta pulled you aside, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “So, how are you planning to do your hair for the ball?” she asked.

You stuttered, taken aback. “I didn’t realize…I mean, I didn’t think I was invited.”

Nesta’s face softened as realization dawned. “Of course you’re invited,” she said, almost scolding herself. “I’ll have a dress sent up to your room. Just do your hair however you like, and be ready to have some fun tonight.” She flashed you a foxlike smile, her eyes twinkling as she winked and scurried off to handle last-minute details.

—

You sat at your dressing table, wrestling with a particularly stubborn knot in your hair. The door creaked open behind you, and Azriel’s head appeared, his eyes reflecting the soft faelight from the room. You caught his gaze in the mirror as you tugged at the knot, wincing at the unpleasant “schrip” sound of the brush pulling free. Azriel’s face mirrored your grimace.

“Do you need help with that?” he asked gently, stepping into the room.

You sighed, your fingers running through your slightly damp hair. “No, I think I got it.”

Azriel nodded, Just checking in on you. Heard you got blindsided with an invite.”

You rolled your eyes playfully as you managed to smooth out the last of the knots. “A little bit.”

He gave you an easy, albeit apologetic smile. “Mind if I come in?”

You nodded, watching in the mirror as he slipped into the room. The suit he wore was all black, with spirals of sparkling blue embroidery swirling down the lapels, the same signature blue as his siphons. The polished shine of his dress shoes clicked against the floor as he dropped into the sitting chair beside the dressing table, slumping down with a casual grace, his fingers idly massaging his temple.

“Nervous?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Not at all,” you replied, though your voice betrayed you as another knot gave way with a wince.

Azriel chuckled lightly, standing to move behind you. “Your heartbeat’s going a million miles an hour.” You ripped another stubborn knot from your hair. “Want me to take over?”

Reluctantly, you handed him the brush, leaning back slightly as Azriel took it. He began at the ends of your hair, working his way up with gentle, careful strokes. His fingers brushed against your neck, sending a shiver down your spine. “These things,” he murmured, his voice low and soothing, “they’re just posturing.”

You looked at him in the mirror, noting how his focused gaze made his eyes seem softer, more earnest. “Nesta thinks this one’s important,” you replied.

Azriel’s brows lifted slightly as he continued to brush. “They are important. But a lot of it’s just about ruffling feathers and showing off wealth.”

“But we do care, right?” you questioned, your eyes meeting his in the reflection.

His hands paused for a moment as he pondered the question. “We definitely care. But I think there are better ways to handle diplomacy than by throwing parties.”

You quipped, “Is it just because you have to wear a suit and can’t wear your training clothes?”

Azriel’s eyes flicked to your reflection, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “That’s part of it.” He gave you a gentle bop on the crown of your head with the brush, making you feign a greater deal of pain than it actually caused.

“Thanks,” you said as he handed the brush back to you.

Azriel sighed, settling back into the sitting chair, his knee bobbing up and down. You noticed the anxious energy in the motion, a tell you had come to recognize.

“What do I need to know?” you asked, and Azriel’s brow furrowed in mild confusion. “I mean, about the whole court ball thing,” you clarified.

Azriel shrugged, “Just chat with courtiers. Smile. Shake hands if someone offers. Feign interest in stories that bore you.”

“Is there anyone I should or shouldn’t talk to? Things I should or shouldn’t mention?”

Azriel grinned, “Maybe don’t insult anyone to their face.”

“Wasn’t planning on it, but thanks,” you replied, rising and wandering to the closet. Nesta had brought a dress into your room, wrapped in a dressing gown bag. You hadn’t yet had the heart to unzip it. Running your hands down the front of the bag, you sighed, pulling it from the hanger and trudging into the closet to change.

“Just stay close to me,” Azriel hollered from the room. “I’ll help you through it.”

“I don’t know why I’m going at all,” you called back, letting your robe drop from your shoulders.

“Why wouldn’t you?”

As you unzipped the bag, your breath caught in your throat at the sight of the gown. You exhaled slowly, pulling the dress from the bag and hanging it in front of you. “Just seems like I wouldn’t really need to be there,” you said, stepping into the gown.

“Well, Nesta wants you to come,” Azriel replied.

You slipped your arms into the sleeves, trying unsuccessfully to pull the zipper up behind you. You huffed, stepping out of the closet into the main room. “I need some help,” you said, showing Azriel the zipper you couldn’t reach.

But Azriel didn’t respond immediately. His eyes widened slightly as he took in the sight of you, his mouth agape.

“Too much?” you inquired, glancing down at the iridescent blue silk of the gown. Embedded with small stones that mimicked the night sky, it flowed in a gradient of burnt orange, deep red, and gold as it cascaded to the floor. The bodice, a deep midnight blue, was adorned with delicate embroidered patterns of autumn leaves and moonlit branches in metallic golds and silvers. The sleeves were sheer gauze that clung to your upper arms before billowing down, catching the light like mist.

Azriel blinked, shaking his head as if to clear it. “No, no,” he stammered. “It’s gorgeous. You—you look breathtaking.”

You let out a breathy laugh, feeling a blush rise to your cheeks. “It’s definitely more elaborate than anything I’ve worn before.”

“You make it look effortless,” Azriel replied, his voice soft with admiration.

You peered over your shoulder. “Zip me?”

Azriel quickly moved behind you, his touch gentle as he pulled the zipper up slowly. His eyes traced the small of your back to your shoulder blades, lingering for a moment before meeting your gaze in the mirror.

“I’m glad you like it,” you said, running your fingers through your hair.

Azriel glanced down at his own suit, a wry smile tugging at his lips. “You’ve certainly outshone me.”

You rolled your eyes, moving to sit at the dressing table, pulling on a small necklace of silver moons. Azriel watched you, then suddenly exclaimed, “Wait one second!”

You paused, turning to see him hurrying out of the room, his shoes clicking on the floor. He returned moments later, holding a small jewelry box. “Here,” he said, extending it to you.

You looked between him and the box. “What is it?”

“Just a necklace I think would look nice with the dress.”

You took the box, opening it to reveal a simple silver chain with a crescent moon pendant, hugging a small blue gem similar in hue to Azriel’s siphons. Your mouth dropped slightly. “This is beautiful.”

Azriel smiled, a light blush dusting his cheeks. “I’m glad you like it.”

Shaking your head lightly, you murmured, “I can’t accept this. It’s too much—”

“It’s nothing, just something I’ve had lying around,” Azriel interrupted, though his voice held a note of hesitation.

Not wanting to disappoint him, you smiled up at him. “Thank you,” you whispered.

Azriel’s eyes softened as he helped you with the necklace, his scarred fingers clasping it gently around your neck. The pendant fell against your skin, the blue gem catching the light. His touch lingered on your shoulders for a moment, his eyes meeting yours in the mirror.

“You really do look beautiful,” Azriel noted quietly.

You smiled at him, feeling warmth spread through your chest. “Thank you,” you replied, even more softly.

Azriel seemed to take you in, his gaze filled with pride and tenderness as he saw the transformation in you—the once broken figure now standing strong and radiant. His eyes shimmered with unspoken emotions, reflecting the light of the faelight.

“I should go check on Nesta,” Azriel finally said, “Make sure Cassian is still alive.”

You chuckled softly. “Good plan. I need to finish up anyway.”

Azriel gave you one last smile, his hand resting on your shoulder in a reassuring squeeze. “I’ll come back up in an hour and we can walk down together?”

You nodded, your heart swelling with gratitude and something deeper you couldn’t quite name. He squeezed your shoulder again, his fingers brushing against your hair as he turned to leave, his heels clicking softly down the hall. You looked into the mirror and for the first time in a long while, you almost liked what you saw.

To my consistent, readers, I'm sorry for the lapse in posting yesterday, I've had some family stuff come up that I had to take care of and writing took a bit of a backburner. Hoping to continue to post regularly from here on out! @thatacotargirl @mcuamerica @lilah-asteria @florabelll @fightmedraco @marvelbros-oneshots @mariahoedt @quinzzelx @romantasyreader28 @minnieoo @mysteriouslydeafeningwerewolf @annabethgranger123 @krowiathemythologynerd @scatteredstardustt @romantacyreader28 @caroline-books @slytherintaco @sevikas-whore @sidthedollface2 @405rry @sleepylunarwolf @acourtofbatboydreams @quiettuba @julesofvolterra @skylarkalchemist @darling006 @rhysandorian @loglady00

90 notes · View notes

eat-healthyisgood · 1 month ago

Text

Gf multi-grain + spinach 🍃 + olive oil + fresh tomatoes + goat cheese + oregano salt & pepper🤤

Unlock your healthiest self with The Ultimate Keto Guide Cookbook! 🔥 Dive into 1001+ mouthwatering, fuss-free recipes and follow our game-changing 21-day meal plan to torch stubborn fat, skyrocket your energy levels, and sharpen your focus—all in just minutes of prep. 🕒 Complete nutritional breakdowns take the guesswork out of every bite, so you can eat confidently and see real results. Ready to transform your body and life? 🚀

👉👉 Tap here and grab your copy today—your journey to vibrant health starts now!

•

15 notes · View notes

godesssiri · 1 year ago

Text

10 Thrifting Tips – Part ? I lost count just check my thrifting tag

1) Make friends with the staff. If you go into a particular thrift store frequently it’s well worth it to get friendly with the staff. Ask them about their day, chat with them about what you’re buying, infodump if you’ve found something exciting and unusual. When the staff get to know you and know what you buy they’ll start pointing out things in the store that have come in since the last time you were there, that fit your interests. They may even start putting things aside for you. Recently I walked into my favorite thrift store and had 2 separate staff members say ‘Oh I’ve got something for you’. Plus having the staff greet you by name and having little inside jokes with them just makes the whole experience more fun.

2) Brita jugs turn up at the thrift store frequently. If tap water in your area is safe but has A Taste, keep an eye out at the thrift store.

3) Coffee making equipment. Capsule coffee makers, the wire racks that hold the capsules, French presses, these all get donated frequently. The occasional espresso machine comes in – and goes out very quickly. Now and then you’ll find pour-over coffee equipment. If you like your bean juice you can get the equipment you need to make fancy bean juice at the thrift store.

4) Handmade pottery mugs. Story time: About 6 or 7 years ago I went into a thrift store and someone had obviously just cleaned out their mug cupboard and donated a pile of handmade pottery. I bought 4 because I thought they were cool, very tactile, nice to hold. This AWOKE something in me. Humans have used handmade pottery for thousands of years and there’s something about holding a handmade mug that sparks a genetic memory of warmth and comfort. Pottery also has much better thermal properties than mass produced ceramic, hot stays hot longer and vice versa with cold. Build up a little collection of handmade pottery mugs from the thrift store, each one has its own personality and it brings joy using them.

5) In the same vein: teaspoons. Build up a collection of fun teaspoons and take joy from using different ones depending on your mood. I have one with an owl on the end and another with a rose, a brass one with a wiggly handle in the shape of a snake, one that has the branding of an airline that now only uses wooden stirrers - probably because people kept pocketing the stainless-steel teaspoons (I always wanted to steal one as a child but never had the nerve). Whenever I need a teaspoon it’s always a little endorphin boost to open the drawer and select the perfect one for today.

6) If you need something to do a specific job, be patient, you will find the perfect thing eventually. I switched to solid shampoo and my old soap dish wasn’t big enough to hold my shampoo bar and my regular soap, so I waited and watched and found the perfect little glass tray that was exactly the right size and fits perfectly on the shelf in my shower. I could have bought a brand new made-for-that-purpose multi soap holder, but it wouldn’t have been as cool looking and when I’m done with it, it wouldn’t necessarily get another life.

7) Gift supplies. Thrift stores often have a selection of unused gift wrap, bags, bows, cards. It’s worth it to sift through what they’ve got and buy any you think you might use – even if you don’t have an immediate use for it. That stuff can get expensive so if you can create a small stash then, when you need it, you won’t have to shell out $$.

8) Look for things that can be made over – or thrift flipped as the DIY content creators like to say. There’s so much satisfaction from looking at something that was plain ugly when you bought it and you’ve turned it into something pretty. It doesn’t need to be a major transformation that requires 5 different power-tools and 100 bucks worth of supplies. It can be as simple as a lick of paint, but every time you look at you will feel good about it.

9) Sometimes it’s worth buying something that’s just really cool and figuring out a use for it later. I bought the coolest little silver plated mustard pot; it has 3 legs and at the top of each leg is a lion head. Do I eat mustard much? No. Did I know what the heck I would use it for? No. I get bad indigestion and keep antacids on hand, I hate how once you tear open the roll, they tend to spill everywhere so I like to put them in something. Guess what holds exactly one roll of antacids? If something is just freaking awesome but you don’t know what you’d use it for, you will find a use (and it will be so much cooler than anything else you might have bought for that purpose).

10) Use the fancy stuff. Don’t ever look at something in a thrift store and think: that’s too fancy, I’ll never use it. If it’s not bought and used it ends up in landfill. Save it from the landfill and use it. Today I bought the most OTT fancy silver pepper shaker to sit next to my stove and hold ground pepper for cooking with, one of my housemates never puts the damn pepper back in the cupboard when he’s finished with it, so now we have this ostentatious silver shaker next to the stove top. One of my dogs can be relied upon to get half of his food on the floor before he hoovers it up, I could have got a plastic mat to feed him on but I had a spare thrifted marble cutting/serving board (I have a problem, I own 3, I have so much trouble resisting them), and another plus - he can’t destroy it like he would a plastic mat. I keep my toothbrush in a crystal bud vase. I decant my micellar water into a bottle shaped like a seahorse. I eat off pretty vintage pink glass plates. Using the fancy stuff from thrift stores both helps you romanticize your own life and it gives these items another life. Do be sensible though, some items made before the early 1970s including glassware and dinnerware contain lead in the decoration so do your due diligence and be safe.

#thrifting #thrift shopping #solarpunk #solarpunk tag #eco home #fuck capitalism #reduce reuse recycle #sustainability

44 notes · View notes

peskellence · 1 year ago

Text

Rule Of Nines

Retribution

Explicit content, Graphic Violence

(18+)

Pairing: Reed900

Tags: AU, Multi-Chapter, Lovers to Enemies, Kidnapping, Crime and Violence, Oral, Anal, Dom/ Sub, Toxic Relationships

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

Read on AO3 here:

Summary: In a world where loyalty is currency and compromise is weakness, Gavin Reed, a ruthless mobster, lives by his own rules. When an old enemy resurfaces with a deadly demand, his life is thrown into chaos-as his trusted second-in-command, Nines, is put to the ultimate test of allegiance. Will he stay committed to Gavin, or will the loyal guard dog begin to stray? (Human Mob!AU)

Warnings: Major Character Death (before events of the story), Graphic Violence, Implied/Referenced Homophobia, Dubious Consent

Tag List: @sweeteatercat @wedonthaveawhile @ladyj-pl @tentoriumcerebelli @negative-citadel @faxaway

If you would like to be added to the tag list for future projects, please let me know♡

The basement door creaked open, rusted hinges groaning under the weight as the rotten wood swung back. Nines slipped through the gap, calmly surveying his surroundings. Motion-activated bulbs flickered, the yellow fluorescents humming incessantly—catching slightly before promptly extinguishing, unable to light.

The room was dark, making it impossible to see what was shrouded within the oppressive walls. It was an area the family rarely frequented, save for general storage, with no one enjoying spending any significant time there. It served no purpose outside that—just a cold, dead space.

Of course, it had adopted a more sinister use in the last 24 hours.

Finally, a charge of electricity succeeded in its pursuit. With another groaning whirr, illumination flooded the mercury tubes. A whine of protest came from below, coming from the bundled mass of flesh curled against the concrete.

A cord of rope bound Gavin's wrists, with a matched coil wrapping his ankles. A rag was shoved haphazardly into his mouth, muffling the bulk of his voice.

This foresight proved invaluable, as the man had spent the hours preceding his unconsciousness screaming through the walls.

Cries that had been less defined by suffering, more than they were angry—vengeful. He had thrashed around like a caged animal, stumbling against walls and crates as he attempted to evade the repeated blows being struck against his body.

They came relentlessly. Dull thuds of merciless impact, never once stopping or slowing—like the incessant drip of a leaky tap. Nines had not seen much, although it was hard to escape the noise. Instead, he had tucked himself away on the floors above, diverting his focus to more pressing matters.

The urgent call to action demanded by an increasingly dire scenario. Devising a plan of attack—determining movements, coordinating forces, and ensuring nothing would go wrong.

Because nothing could go wrong.

If it did, Nines stood to lose everything.

"Did you sleep well?"

Gavin's response was delayed. He blinked through the sudden onslaught of light, lids flickering in line with the unsteady glow. Having spent so much time in darkness, his bleary eyes took time to adjust. When they finally did, they focused on Nines—glaring from beneath his furrowed brow. Flickers of amber mingled with searing hatred as he attempted to form a snarl around the gag.

Nines moved forward, ripping it from his mouth, despairing at the mass of saliva that had wadded its end into a ball. The captive gasped to fill his lungs, a reflexive response after having his breathing constricted for so long. His nose was broken—damaged cartilage crushed against his face, nostrils crusted with blood.

Once the breathing had stabilised, he rasped out his reply, voice rough and defiant:

"Go fuck yourself."

Nines huffed before casting the rag aside, allowing it to flop onto the red-speckled canvas surrounding them.

"I suppose you've never been a morning person," he hummed distantly. "I am sorry it had to come to this, but you really did leave me no choice. I intend on bringing my brother home. I won't have you, nor anyone else, stand in the way."

He awaited the riposte, the kind of superfluous resistance that always came when Gavin was challenged. Anticipated the warmth dripping down his cheek as he realised the futility of using his bound limbs and resorted to spitting instead.

But it didn't happen. Instead, he did something worse. Something he knew would damage Nines more than any other form of protest.

He jutted his chin, attempting to flick the mass of hair clumped on his temple, before flopping his body to one side. Shivering, he tucked his knees to his chest and turned away completely—refusing to look at the other man, presenting instead the procession of welts that littered his back. Raised and raw, discoloured by bruising.

All manner of physical and verbal resistance could be tolerated—was expected—but Nines refused to be ignored. It was an offence that could not be forgiven, demanding swift repercussions.

He was willing to extend a warning first. Clasping Gavin's shoulder with measured firmness before smoothly pulling back. His battered body rolled compliantly, too weak to resist the momentum.

"I am in charge now," Nines reminded, capturing his chin between his thumb and forefinger before forcing his head upward. "The sooner you prove willing to accept that, the sooner this unpleasant arrangement can become more tolerable."

He flitted his thumb possessively against the canvas of stubble, reducing the pressure of his grip. His captive showed no gratitude for this as his eyes remained fixed on the corner of the room. Boring holes into vacant storage containers, refusing to meet his gaze.

The show of mercy did not last long. Nines' hold tightened again—remaining fingers enclosing his face—digging into spongy flesh which yielded obediently to the force. He demanded Gavin's mind to follow. Appealing to any sense of reason that might permeate his haze of rage.

"Is your pride truly worth suffering like this?"

Pressing tightly against his jaw, the smaller man winced in pain—but refused to cooperate, much to Nines' growing frustration.

"You can come with us; I am willing to allow that. To let you assist in the operation. It isn't too late to redeem yourself, to prove that you can do the right thing."

This suggestion finally elicited a response, breaking through the stonewalled stubbornness. Gavin laughed bitterly, barking in the face of his generosity.

"What do you know about doing the 'right thing'?" he accused, casting him a sidelong glower. "If you wanna act all high and mighty? Start preaching fake fucking virtue? Then save it for the choir of traitors waiting around to lick your taint. I'd rather die than listen."

Nines rolled his eyes at the dramatics. The man had always been like this—unapologetically crude and obstinate, even when it created endless problems for him.

It was a surprise that his mouth hadn't landed him in deeper trouble over the years, although it could be rationalised by the fact he'd always had protection. This had undoubtedly given rise to his excessive confidence: a sense of unearned entitlement and superiority.

Something that should have been challenged sooner and a wrong Nines sought to correct. Robbing the man of his safeguards, he aimed to shake the foundations of security with long-overdue repercussions.

He leaned in, pulling Gavin closer until their faces were inches apart. Smothering him with heady puffs, tracing the wounded slits of his lips with his thumb. He drew at the malleable flesh, moving with intrusive touches from which the other man reeled.

But Nines was stronger. He hooked a digit between his lips, pulling them down, forcing his mouth open. He brought his own close, breathing laboriously into the wet cavern. Not to claim it—but to establish he could . A demonstration of how easy it would be, how powerless Gavin would be to stop it.

"I can't understand why you are making this difficult." His words were delivered in a way he knew the man found irresistible. Syllables stretched into long draws. A decadent richness undercut by a not disproportionate amount of menace. "You've never had an issue answering to me in the bedroom. Is this really so different?"

Because if Gavin knew what was good for him, he would concede to temptation. Listen to the undercutting demand, following its instructions.

In contrast, he snarled , growing increasingly defiant. He lunged with what little strength he could muster, attempting to sever the digits pawing him. Snapping at them with sharply bared teeth.

Having exhausted patience with the clumsy flitting between cold snubs and flaring temper, Nines made good on his warning. He drew back his available hand, balling it into a fist before wiping the sneer from his captor's face.

Knuckles embedded mangled cartilage as shattered bone crunched and squelched. Gavin howled as his head flopped back, dangling limply. Dizzied by impact, he gawked at the ceiling—sights unfocused, slipping loose from any grip on reality.

His shoulders slumped as his body attempted to slip laxly to the ground. Nines prevented this. Holding firm, refusing to let go.

"Just think for a moment," he seethed, shaking the increasingly limp weight, urging a response. "This entire situation could have been avoided if you had simply listened to reason. Don't make any more rash decisions."

"... S-Screw —" The words were aborted, gargled in rubied pools rapidly filling his mouth. The strike had reopened a split on his lip, consequences of insolence dribbling in rivulets down his chin.

The droplets glinted like gems in pale casts of light, and Nines felt like a king.

It was a level of control he had never experienced, a power that couldn't be rivalled. His only regret was the delayed ascension of his throne. He drank in the sight of his former master, swilling liberally from the gratification of his crumpled form. Reasoned factions began to desert him as he became lost to intoxication.

"Come on, baby ." The term of endearment was hissed like a slur, mingled with venom pooled on his tongue. "This isn't worth us fighting over. You're smart enough to know that, right?"

Nines' trademark deadpan had adopted a more abrasive quality, exaggerating gruff inflexions to the point of mockery. As the echoes of his own cruel taunts were levied against him, Gavin was knocked from his stupor.

"I said what I said." His brow scrunched together as he sharply hocked the bubbling liquid from his lips. "I'm not going to change my mind. If you don't like that, stop being a coward and finish the job. Or are you gonna let your gaggle of shitheads do your dirty work?"

The numbing high of euphoria fizzled in the wake of this rejection. Sensation returned as Nines was struck by a lingering pang of sentiment. Inconvenient and inescapable—something that refused to let him proceed.

He held all the cards—had claimed all spoils of their twisted game. He could do what he wanted. Snub Gavin out, extinguish his flame, all the while inflicting unspeakable suffering, making him hurt in every measure that he had hurt him.

Nines was in a prime position to claim his victory. All he had to do was instigate the final move…

"I don't want to kill you."

"I don't give two shits what you want. You've already taken everything from me. I'm not letting you take my pride."

He couldn't move, gripped by indecision only Gavin inspired. It made him doubt his initiative, questioning whether or not he could act—knew how to—in the absence of his coercion.

Despite everything, Nines was still losing, and he hated himself for it.

He let go of the other man's chin, removing the anchor holding him upright. His former lover teetered on the unsteady foundation of his knees before dropping back, collapsing against the gnarled concrete.

"I am going to get Connor." The icy detachment in his voice resumed as he briskly stood. Refusing to betray any lingering disappointment or the bitter sting of his longing. "I'll decide what to do with you when I return. Whatever the outcome, make preparations."

"Not like I can do much else." Gavin traced the perimeter of his makeshift cell with a pointed flourish of his head. His mouth contorted, forming into a twisted parody of a grin, as he flashed Nines a set of tobacco-stained teeth.

It was astonishing how apparent his flaws seemed. With rose-tinted glasses removed, leaving only the overhead glow to cast a stark, unforgiving light on what he really was.

"Take your time, sweet pea. Don't rush back."

"I also meant what I said," Nines gravely reminded, plagued by a twisting ache in his gut. It pulled and wrenched, threatening to eviscerate his precariously held resolve. "I don't want to kill you, Gavin—but if it is a life for a life, I will not hesitate."

Ascending the narrow staircase back to the hideout, Floyd was waiting to greet him. His pudgy lips parted curiously, attention darting down the passage towards the sealed door of the basement. Nines offered little answer to his silent query, save a curt shake of his head and equally brusque demand:

"Bring him water in three hours, and make sure he doesn't get out." He stepped around the gawking man, straightening the lapel of his jacket. "Outside of that, do whatever you feel required to keep him in line."

Floyd stuttered a fumbled agreement that Nines did not fully hear. He doubted the simple man grasped the full weight of his permissions, but hoped the crux of the message was understood.

Turning the corner, he rounded his way towards the meeting room. A congregation of men stood huddled around the card table, conversing in tense mumbles as they pocketed supplies. Nines watched from the sidelines, observing the scene through an observation slot. This was until he kicked the door, firmly nudging it open.

Vincenzo was first to look up, clicking a silencer atop his pistol before nodding respectfully to his superior. A message had been sent to DeLuca advising the deal was accepted. The rival gang would know they were coming and, despite the compliance, would undoubtedly be readying their defences. Ensuring they were prepared for tricks, planning required contingencies—

They had no awareness of the almighty storm about to rip through them, casting ruin to every one of their poorly conceived strategies.

Nines gathered his own resources. Goggles and respirator slipped into the back of his tailored suit pants, the resultant bulk concealed by the tail of his overcoat. His pistol was already waiting, tucked dormant in the silky lining of his inner pocket.

Checking the time on his watch, he adjusted the concealed mechanism attached to its case. Ensuring it was securely in place—and accessible when its moment came.

A large duffle bag awaited him, propped against the nearby wall. The men closest, Rooney and Meyer, compliantly passed it over—reassuring their leader the contents had been checked.

Nines pulled back the drawn fastening to peer inside, studying the neatly stacked bills before raising an inquisitive brow at Meyer. "And the rest?"

"Y-Yeah, just like you said—" the lanky man responded, bobbing his head in overzealous insistence. "Promise, boss. Everything's ready."

Satisfied with the fretful testimony, Nines resealed the bag. Slinging its ample mass onto his shoulder, he commanded the charge out of the hideout, his men following suit.

The journey was spent in silence, as he knew that no further instructions were demanded. Everyone understood their roles, aware of what had to be done.

The underground bunker DeLuca had led them to was a compact, windowless space—enclosed by walls of crumbling cinderblock. It had once served as a storage area for a now-defunct company, though the specifics hardly mattered. Basic blueprints of the facility had been recoverable, but without insider intelligence on the 'Snakebite Syndicate', it was impossible to know how accurate they remained.

That said, initial scouting of the compound suggested no significant structural changes. This was fortunate.

Less fortunate was the partition that had been installed through the centre of the room, dividing it. The barricade was fortified with bulletproof panes, with access permitted through a revolving doorway, the controls undoubtedly on the other side of the wall. A drop slot, similar to a mail chute, was also present, awaiting their deposit.

Evidently, Salvatore was making a business of this style of ransomed exchange, the area forming a hotbed for similar dealings.

The mobster in question was sitting in wait, flanked by two of his more imposing goons, a chair positioned across from his station. The foundation of the room appeared to slope, with the Syndicate's leader positioned towards the peak of its incline.

Nines noted the deliberateness of this choice as he sat in his allotted seat. A smaller opponent would have been forced to crane to see through the opened window shutter. Fortunately for the towering figure, this wasn't a concern.

"I must say, Nolan, I was a little surprised when I found out it was you I’d be meetin’ with..." There was an anticipative twinkle in the older man’s eyes, matched by an assured smirk. "What happened to the old ball and chain? Feelin’ under the weather?"

"The family has undergone a restructure," he curtly responded, studying the man scrupulously before slowly arching forward, face inches from the glass. "You will be answering to me now."

His adversary appeared somewhat rattled by the confidence. He edged back in his seat, beady eyes blowing to the largest fraction physically possible…

Until crinkled folds formed in their corners, and his lips twitched with the re-emergence of his grin. It was far more pronounced this time, stretching to each of his prominent ears as he jostled the men on either side, nudging their forearms until they broke into obedient chuckles.

An inferred celebration of their superior's planning, as his scheme had come to fruition.

Precisely as he'd wanted.

The successful dismantling of Gavin's leadership, with Nines and Connor acting as pawns. Unwitting means to an end, their suffering collateral in achieving his goals.

Chuckles built to laughter, fanning in waves across the Syndicate, as Nines imagined propelling a fist through their transparent barricade.

Enclosing DeLuca's throat in his hands, he'd trapped the hideous laugh as he systematically crushed his larynx. Cutting airflow, allowing pressure to build until it sought escape through the swell of his eyes. Vessels would balloon and rupture as the man's ruddy skin turned blue, and he was decisively robbed of his ability to make the sound again—

The fantasy ended with a steadying breath as Nines grounded himself. The morbid images slipped away, allowing for a renewed focus on the task at hand.

"I want to see my brother," he requested evenly, masking all traces of malicious intent. "If you can prove he is alive, I'll give you the money. Fail to do so, and the deal is off."

He hefted the duffle bag, brandishing it towards the glass for added incentive. DeLuca's eyes gleamed with avarice, captivated by the bulging seams. He was practically drooling as he motioned to a pair of his thugs, who vanished beyond the glass.

When they returned, they did so with the audience their 'guest' had requested.

Connor was presented like a hunting trophy, his weakened body propped limply by his armpits, anchored between their grips. Were it not for low, wheezed breaths rattling through his swollen lips, Nines would've assumed they were too late.

The mutilated figure scarcely resembled his brother. Every inch of flesh was covered in bruises, patterned by deep-set gashes dragged and scored in all directions. One of his eyes was pummeled so rigorously it had swollen shut, while the other was hidden beneath a serrated mass of pink.

There were also blisters—clustered in patches that bubbled and wept—like he'd been drenched with scalding water.

As though the depths of brutality weren't enough, they'd had to escalate their torture, inflicting pain so excruciating that Connor undoubtedly pleaded for death.

He could not answer when Nines called, but it wouldn't have mattered. The mobster couldn't hear anything past the roaring rush of blood in his ears.

Rage boiled. Hissing like steam through every available pore, gurgling beneath his skin as it demanded release. He would not let this atrocity go unpunished—yielding an inch to the creatures who had done this to Connor.

They would receive no reward, with the family under strict guidance to give them exactly what they deserved. The only exception was DeLuca, who would be forced to wait until last so that Nines could deliver fitting retribution.

Resisting the impulse to abandon all sense—to charge headfirst into action and snatch his brother from their revolting clutches—he resumed the act of compliance. The ploy developed gradually as he noted the number and positioning of the captors. Determining vulnerabilities and establishing escape routes before identifying a primary candidate:

The fire exit stationed at the crest of the slope.

True to his word, Nines made the deposit. The duffle bag rattled down the chute, echoing through its narrow confines. He then released the handle of the drop box, a spring lock pulley snapping it back. On the other side, Salvatore’s men yanked the opposing lever, eagerly retrieving their spoils.

"I’m glad you could see reason," DeLuca lauded, exuding satisfaction as his men fumbled to raise the bag onto a nearby countertop. "I’ve always liked ya. Connor, too. You’re good kids. That’s hard to come by in this line of work. Ya know what I mean?"

Nines bit down on his tongue, threatening to rupture the muscle, as he forced a cordial nod.

"Really, this ain’t nothin’ personal, it's just—"

His feigned sympathy was interrupted as his lackeys ripped through the bag’s fastenings. The severed drawstring fell to the ground as one of them exclaimed in cackled delight:

"Holy fucking shit! Look at all this!"

Salavotre’s head snapped around, beaming in tandem as he keenly leant toward the counter. The goons had recovered the first stacks of notes, brandishing them like fans. The rest of the layer was excavated, piles carded through with practised thumbs, as they were checked for the number of bills.

As this practice was underway, Nines also began to count. Smoothly and methodically in his head:

Four.

"I understand," came a measured lie as he clasped his hands in his lap, fingers wound tight. "Although I wish circumstances could have been different. With communication, we might have come to a fairer arrangement."

"Ahh, don’t be like that," Salvatore dismissed, waving his stout fingers. "Reed was gonna be a serious problem in expanding my turf. I know he was still sore about what I did to his Pa."

Nines was doing a masterful job of appearing focused on DeLuca while his attention had shifted elsewhere. His sharp eyes stared through him, trained on the men rifling through the duffle bag.

"I would’ve gone for him directly, but ya know how it is..." The older man looked Nines up and down, extending his reach to trace his full stature. A not-insubstantial degree of jealousy was evident in the despondent curl of his lips. "He had protection."

"Had eliminating Gavin been your goal, there would have been other ways to do it." Nines made a concerted effort not to let any anger bleed through the cracks of his stony visage. "It is a shame that you didn’t consider appealing to me directly. I am my own man, with my own autonomy. I believe you will find I am quite reasonable."

Three.

"Yeah, but it’s…different with you two…what with…" Salvatore rolled his wrist, floundering to find the desired words before abandoning at tact. Snorting uncouthly, his shoulders stooped in a dismissive shrug. "Look. Let’s not play dumb here. We all know you were close."

"Yeah, real close."

A rogue snicker emanated from the makeshift workbench. The men assigned to count the money had unceremoniously abandoned their task, opting instead to jostle each other with a series of juvenile shoves. The larger of the two, whom Nines identified as the instigator, began flipping his wrist limply, speaking in a breezy, lisping cadence. Obscene displays soon escalated as the second man bent over the table, his cohort positioned behind him. Together, they mimed unsavoury acts, scored by wanton moans and exaggerated pants. The dominant party repeatedly swatted the air above the other’s backside, adding to the vulgar pantomime.

Salvatore made a show of frowning, although it was clear he was amused by the antics. He then motioned towards the table, demanding they resume their previous task.

"Point being: I knew I had to do something extreme to shake up the waters. You don’t get what you want in this world by keepin’ on as a little fish."

"I wholly agree," Nines drawled, citing a muddled analogy DeLuca favoured during his time with the family. Something he’d frequently spout to Connor during his coaching on finances:

"If you choose to swim with the sharks, you mustn't allow yourself to bleed. Unless you wish to be eaten."

Following his cue, the more overt 'muscle' present in his carefully curated company began to position themselves, ready for an impending charge. Nines continued his efforts to retain DeLuca’s focus, feigning interest in his mundane response, all the while pondering the most gratifying ways to shatter his skull.

"Hey, you got it," the smarmy man winked, clicking his tongue as he did so. "Props for bein’ a strong swimmer, Nole. Better luck next time."

Two.

Unfortunately, Nines would need to step up his efforts, as progress risked being fatally hindered. Salvatore was seeking to wrap things up, signalling to the men holding Connor, ushering them into action with a firm head tilt. They began to advance towards the rotating doorway as their boss to close the metal window shutter. A brusque conclusion to their exchange, having gotten what he wanted.

Nines glanced at Vincenzo, who had been examining the catch on the entrance. Namely, it's flimsy aluminium plating, scarcely secured by loose bolts. He gave his superior a nod, ensuring there would be no issues in claiming access to the room—when the timing was right.

As it stood, they couldn’t allow DeLuca’s men to breach the seal of the door. Not in the absence of a crucial moment yet to pass.

"I can assure you my blood is in no danger of being spilt," Nines began cryptically, seeking to recapture the man’s attention, "but I fear yours is already in the water."

This effectively stalled Salvatore's movements. His grip hung suspended on the handle before gradually loosening. "...Whatchu talkin’ about, kid?"

"I am simply suggesting that with how you currently operate, you are likely to make some enemies." He paused momentarily, watching as he gauged the man's reaction. "Given your reputation for defection and backstabbing, I doubt you’ll find many associates willing to lend you protection, ‘Snakebite.’"

DeLuca was less than appreciative of the advice. His face flushed red, veins pulsing from the crinkled folds of his brow, as his lips pulled into a tense line.

"I don’t know what you’re implyin’, faggot ," Any show of decorum was gone as he spat the hateful rhetoric in response to the slight. Proving his namesake and exposing precisely the calibre of deceptive bastard he was, " but I don't need any protection. I get what I want when I want it—"

To illustrate his point, he levied a pudgy finger at the room behind him, gesticulating wildly to the men counting his money. They were making good progress, moving onto another layer, closer to their penultimate find…

Not that they were aware of this. They would be staying much longer for all they knew, sorting through piles of ill-earned riches. Nines’ own dormant fingers migrated from their neatly held clasp as one of them arched towards his wrist.

One.

Satisfied with the silence, Salvatore reclined in his chair with a grunt. Running a sleeve across his temple, he dabbed at the dense sheen of sweat beginning to form. "Now, don't run this for yourself by gettin’ all sour. I already told ya, ‘better luck next time.’"

Beads of perspiration trickled down, in line with the steady tick of seconds beneath the glass of Nines' watch. His finger deftly traced the mechanism, ready to unleash its cataclysmic reckoning.

"I don't think we'll need to worry about next time."

Now.

As DeLuca's men reached the layers containing decoy notes—and before any suspicion could be drawn—Nines detonated the trigger. The concealed devices in the bag promptly ignited, releasing billows of smoke that rapidly filled the enclosed space. Chaos erupted, with members of the Syndicate stumbling blindly, clutching their throats as they wheezed in panic.

The infiltration began.

Protective equipment was removed from pockets—strapped securely across eyes and mouths. Vincenzo stepped back, guiding his cohorts to do the same, as he retrieved a handgun from his pocket, aiming it towards the doorway. With a targeted shot at the catch, the flimsy metal promptly crumpled, splintering into shrapnel. DeLuca and his men were left exposed as the first of the assailants advanced.

The thugs holding Connor were dealt with first. A decisive shot between their eyes, a bullet embedded in each temple, to which they folded like marionettes onto the ground. Rooney and Meyer moved in fast, catching their captive and holding him upright.

Any further shots were held as they carried him towards the fire exit, hurriedly breaching the seal. They slipped from view, the breeze outside slicing through the blackened clouds, moving Connor to safety.

The door was slammed shut, and in the knowledge no further harm would fall upon him, Nines showed no hesitation. Save for covering exits, coordination and planning became less of a concern. He raised an arm before flinging it forward, a clear signal to proceed.

What ensued was a massacre. The spearing of fish in a concrete tank as they desperately floundered for escape. Puerile tendencies notwithstanding, DeLuca's men were far from amateurs—but they put up little resistance.

The confusion was too great, and the ambush too precise. One by one, they fell.

A man by the door clutched his throat as a bullet pierced through it, eyes wide in disbelief. He gurgled like a brook, mouth spilling blood, as he futilely fought for air. Another man darted away as he fell at his feet. Searching blindly for escape, but turning too late. A silenced shot cut through the mist, catching him in the chest.

The smoke had dispersed slightly due to the previously opened exit, but it hadn’t provided enough reprieve for the men to establish bearings. Most were eliminated before they could comprehend what was happening.

Nines had no consideration for them, retaining focus on his primary target. Barging through the dwindling crowds, callously thrusting aside survivors as they scrambled for cover, he headed straight for DeLuca.

The cover continued to thin, parting in a slow reveal of the immense carnage surrounding them. Bodies lay strewn across the room, lifeless eyes gawking at the crimson streaks which fanned in all directions—traces of life lending vibrancy to a once barren palette of grey.

Salvatore shuddered, mouth agape, as trembling hands fumbled with a gun half-retrieved from his pocket. Nines quickly impeded his efforts with a fierce hook to the jaw and a targeted kick to the abdomen.

The man was propelled into a nearby wall, weapon flinging from his jacket and skidding across the tiles. He wheezed, stunned by the impact, as his hands fell to his sides, fingers twitching involuntarily. Nines surveyed the sea of death, discerning no lingering forces remained to aid him.

He then signalled for Vincenzo to open the exit, permitting the remaining smoke to clear from the space. With the field of vision returning, he ripped off his mask, tossing it to one side before continuing his advance.

The older man snapped from his daze as fear sparked in his eyes. Nines loomed closer, becoming lost in his violent desire to extinguish the light—quashing it with his own hands, watching it fade permanently.

In grim comprehension of what was approaching, Salvatore made a desperate attempt to slither free of his fate. He clambered through the bloodied embers of his empire, crawling on hands and knees, whimpering like an infant. Babbling through the pitiful sounds, he implored Nines to search his conscience, to show him mercy —

He would show every measure of mercy they had shown his brother.

Nines didn't think, couldn't think, as he grabbed DeLuca by the collar and forced him to turn around. Searching the man's horrified gaze, he smoothly adjusted his pistol—grasping it by the barrel, rotating it so the grip was angled towards his cheek.

" Holy shit, please—God— don't —"

He struck it across his face. Repeating the motion again and again, until skin and muscle tore like paper, and rivers of red flowed freely through cool, pitted steel.

DeLuca's face soon lost structure—reduced to a shapeless, pulpy mass. The attached body twitched and spasmed as gurgles rumbled from what remained of his lips. Torn ribbons of flesh that flapped weakly, futilely, until their movement finally ceased.

Then, there was nothing. Just a silent, broken ragdoll collapsing laxly against the tiles.

With the task finished Nines strode from the primary scene, scouting the adjoining rooms until he found an old utility closet fitted with a basin. He washed the blood from his hands, staining porcelain with the filth of the savagery he had just committed.

He then traversed back through the chaos, leaving the hideout through the fire door and stepping out into the sunlight. Breathing deep, he filled his lungs with crisp fall air. Far less oppressive than the acrid stench of copper and gunpowder.

The mollifying ritual was halted by the rumbling of a burner phone concealed in his jacket. Nines reached inside, retrieving the device before surveying its contents.

Rooney and Meyer had done as instructed in securing Connor's help. The correspondence had come from Dr Victor Dagny, the principal of a prestigious local medical centre and established confidant to the family:

┌─────────────────────────────┐

Junius Ward

Room Number 317

Let me know when you're done.

- V.

└─────────────────────────────┘

┌─────────────────────────────┐

I am done.

Ready for transfer.

- N.

└─────────────────────────────┘

The trip to the hospital was gruelling despite the short duration. His mind ran wild with possibilities, ruminating on all manner of news that could be awaiting him on his arrival.

With every rotation of wheels against tarmac, the raging pulse of adrenaline tapered, and the lingering smog of fury dispersed. In this renewed clarity, he was forced to contend with an increasingly bleak outcome. One where his triumph meant nothing, as he was made to endure the loss of his most valuable treasure—

But he couldn’t succumb to despair, the situation demanding greater mental fortitude. As the journey wore on, his mind rebuilt its strongholds. Anxiety turned to disillusionment as Nines blocked his grim introspections. Upon arrival, he mustered the strength to power out of the transfer vehicle, pushing aside the heavy doors of the clinic’s entrance.

Dagny was waiting for him, rolling on his heels, lips pulled into a crestfallen scowl—prepared to recite a briefing on Connor’s condition. Nines neglected to listen, veering towards the Junius Ward, reasoning he could discern the severity of the situation when he saw his brother.

He doubted anything could be said that hadn't already been ascertained from the profound desecration they'd discovered him in. Were the prognosis even worse than that, Nines did not want to hear it. Not now.

He just wanted to be with him. To be close, even if his sibling could not comprehend his presence.

Despite all internal persuasion that he was ready—with cognitive strongholds sufficient to shield him from psychological blows—Nines was woefully mistaken.

Upon entering Room 317, all assurance shattered the moment he saw him.

Connor, the incarnation of strength and vibrancy, wrapped like a corpse in a polyester shroud.

His body was drowned in sterile vacancy, not just from the starched linen but from the oppressive shine of the lights above. A stark illumination that only served to highlight the full extent of his injuries.

Almost every inch of his body was bandaged—binding skin that had been irreparably damaged and preserving what little there was to save. One hand was encased in thick gauze, the folds stopping disquietingly close to his wrist, while the other hand was exposed enough to reveal an embedded cannula.

He was hooked to a complex matrix of tubes and wires, aligned with monitoring devices which buzzed and droned incessantly—a stark testament to the intricate balances keeping him alive.

From what little Nines registered from Dagny, his brother was in a state of deep chemical sedation—aimed at promoting his physical recovery but also to mitigate the depths of suffering he would otherwise endure.

Despite this, the awful, rattling resonance of his breathing persisted. Audible over the monotonous beeps of a nearby heart monitor. Nines could not elude the suspicion that Connor was still in pain, suffering desperately despite all extensive medical intervention.

Assessing his presence wasn't welcome, Dagny left the siblings alone, permitting them some much-needed privacy. Nines sat in the chair beside Connor, feeling decidedly numb against the rigid groove of moulded plastic.

For a moment, he didn’t move or speak. He seldom breathed, as the oxygen in his lungs was held under strict deadlock. Just stared absently across the bed, paralysed by indecision.

Then, slowly, his weight shifted, the teetering legs of his seat groaning. His fingers slipped across the sheets, moving to clasp his brother’s hand. This was until hesitation re-emerged, and he doubted whether or not he should. Not wishing to hurt him more.

"...Connor? Can you hear me?"

Even if he could, he wouldn’t be able to answer. Nines had known that—and was uncertain why he asked—perhaps borne from sheer desperation to hear his voice. To fill the vacancy in the room with something .

It was an absence that ached far more than words could convey. The distance between them felt immense despite their current proximity. It soon became unbearable, compelling him to push past his fear and decisively bridge the gap.

Connor didn’t flinch when their hands met. There were no involuntary spasms, not even as he tentatively brushed a thumb across one of his numerous burns.

Maybe he couldn’t feel anything. Truly detached from the Hell he had been mercilessly dragged through…

It was a comforting thought, far more so than the alternative.

"I wanted to come and get you sooner. As soon as I knew where you were, I just—I couldn't go against him. I was too scared to find out what would—"

He stalled, too disgraced by the shallowness of his excuse to continue—the contemptuous words lodged in his throat, inspiring sickness.

To have permitted such selfish desires—lust and voracity—to take precedence over the things that were most important.

Shrouding his principles, allowing damage to escalate irreparably before finally choosing to act.

"I was weak, and you suffered for that." The confession came with a shuddering breath, clawing past the flimsy sentiment he had abandoned. "I'm sorry, Connor. I promise I'll never be that weak again."

Nines could only hope his slumber was proving restful. Shielding him from the egregious injustice the world had inflicted. Perhaps it was immersing him in simpler times—happier ones.

"...Do you remember when we were small…" The words came idly, without any real intent or direction, "and Dad used to take us on fishing trips? I’m not convinced he even liked fishing. I think he just enjoyed the quiet. Being so far away from everything."

Their father had always valued the comforts of solitude. The pleasantness of a peaceful silence unburdened by pressure or pain. Just being . Nothing else.

Nines laughed, though it hurt to do so, the sound more akin to a terse gasp. He straightened his back correctively, forcing himself to smile. An exhibition of positivity where he tried to appear genuine, as though Connor might sense if he wasn't.

"I suppose it was never that idealistic. We never let it be so calm—

Do you remember when Cole tried to convince us there were monsters at the bottom of the lake? And that if we stuck out our rods too far, they would come up and grab us?"

This was until everything happened.

After that, all Dad knew was pain, and it couldn’t be escaped. No amount of cathartic fishing trips—idle time spent with his children—would ever change that.

Nines had been too young to understand—but looking back, it was as though he didn’t want to. Their father didn't fight his anguish but submerged himself in it. Plunging deep, allowing it to consume every part of him.

"Then he…" Another forced laugh as Nines pressed through derealisation to finish his story. "He pushed you in. Dad was livid because you could barely swim, and he had to jump in with his wallet and phone to scoop you out…"

The descent had started with their mother. Disappearing without a trace, nothing to suggest where she might’ve gone. Dad threw himself into his work at the DPD, investing everything and making endless sacrifices to discern what had happened. To find her.

"...But he didn’t mind. Not really. All he cared about was that you were safe…"

He never did.

Connor and Nolan had been okay. They were young when she vanished—young enough to recover, to ‘forget’—as people always assured. Nolan could scarcely recall her at all. Not even a face, save from glimpses in snapshots stashed in the shoe box beneath his father’s bed.

Cole had been different.

He was older—couldn’t forget, couldn’t move on.

Dad was submerged so deep in the waters that he didn’t notice his eldest son being pulled under. Consumed by grief, exacerbated by the perceived rejection of his remaining guardian. Dragged deeper and deeper until he was lost to a current of choppy waters.

"He just wanted to know you were safe."

It started with Mom, but it ended with Cole.

The night he stole Dad’s car, driving it at 100 down Interstate 96—until he lost control and clipped a telegraph pole. He was sent hurling through the window, whirring through the inky black towards the sky. Air rushed past him, brisk and freeing, although Nines doubted he’d had time to register this.

Then he hit the ground, and it was over. All of his pain was gone, ensuring he never felt lonely again.

"I thought we could go back there one day. I know it wouldn’t be the same, but it could still be nice. There was so much history on that lake, so many memories..."

Something changed in their father. All the resolve, all the drive, was gone. Spidering like a cracked windowpane until the pieces broke apart, scattering across the floor with the splintered fragments of their family.

"I was going to surprise you for your birthday. I wanted to see if I could rent a boat for us. Just you and me, together."

It wasn’t long until sorrow and desperation led him into darker pursuits.

The drink and drugs did not kill Hank Anderson, but rather the bullet to his head. Not delivered by his own hand but the hand of an aggrieved supplier.

Richard James Reed, who had come to collect his debt.

He imagined his father was glad, accepting this fate as a mercy. No doubt he would have done it himself had he possessed the strength to pull the trigger—

"You might act like tough shit, Nolan, but deep down, you're fucking weak. Guess you can't help that; it runs in your blood."

"The lake is gone. They filled it in. Groundwork for a new apartment complex."

Reed had a child the same age as Connor. He must have seen some of his son in the petrified glint of tear-filled eyes. It had inspired some level of remorse in him.

Pity.

The decision was made to take them in, tying loose ends through less bloody means. The man probably thought he was doing a kindness, allowing them to live.

"They can never just let things be, can they?" Nines inhaled sharply, and the breath stalled. Obstructed by unsaid words, trembling against the walls of muscle, desperate to fill his aching chest.

The younger version of himself would have never imagined—searching in curiosity online to discover what actually happened to his eldest brother—that Cole had been the lucky one.

He never had to keep living, to discover the depths of depravity he might have sunk to, discovering what the darkness might’ve made of him…

To risk becoming one of the monsters that lived at the bottom of the lake.

"After everything Dad did for you. After everything I did for you."

One of which was staring back at him, cast in the reflection of the nearby monitor.

Sorrow clouded his vision as Nolan Anderson broke apart. He burrowed himself into Connor's sheets, curling against his chest before he allowed the tears to fall. He released all the burdened pain that had been vying so hard for release—mourning for the children they had been and the adults they might have become had fate dealt a fairer hand.

Don’t go, Connor.

Please.

I need you.

He sobbed, howled , not caring who heard—not caring how weak it might be—allowing what lingering tethers remained of Nolan to slip from his clutches until there was nothing left but Nines.

You’re all I have left.

He stayed in the hospital for some time, neglecting himself almost entirely—seldom eating, drinking or attempting to sleep. All in the pursuit of being there for Connor, even in the knowledge he often couldn't be.

His brother required surgeries, ones that frequently left Nines relegated to the waiting room. Watching as the seconds ticked by on a nearby wall clock. An exercise in mind-numbing repetition.

The longer time persisted, the more he was forced to confront the updates delivered by doctors. Each was a devastating, striking blow—knocking him back and fueling what evolved from crushing guilt into the re-emergence of silent fury.

There was no telling how long it would take for Connor to recover. If he ever did.

His face was destroyed—and with it, the boyish charm that had defined him. His off-kilter smile, delicate freckles, the guise that had instilled so much pride and assisted him in being so skilled at what he did. Carved and mutilated beyond repair.

Physiotherapy would help him adapt to the nerve damage in his right hand and adjust to the absence of fingers that had been lost to necrosis.

Then there was his eye, the one that was gone. He would need to learn how to cope with the loss of depth perception, the permanent knock to his coordination and balance—

All of this because Gavin Reed refused to comply with DeLuca's demands. To act in any small measure of favour for anyone other than himself.

Returning to the hideout was a reluctant journey but one he needed to make. Inaction and passivity were what had brought them to this point.

It was time to make a decision. To resolve matters once and for all.

In the time he had spent in that bleak waiting room, surrounded by grief and boundless suffering, a moment of enlightenment struck.

Blaming himself was difficult. Excruciating. It was easier to place blame elsewhere. To channel his sorrow into hatred.

Nines swung the door of the basement open, allowing the bulbs to charge to life before casting his focus on the loathsome creature huddled against the ground.

As per their instruction, the men had worked to keep him breathing—but this was the extent of their generosity.

Gavin was severely dehydrated, evident in his fissured lips and crumbling skin. His bruised, sallow face was drawn tight across his skull. Sunken and gaunt, a far departure from the healthy plumpness that once defined it.

His former lover was filthy, caked in blood, as well as all manner of filth he didn't care to think about. Green eyes were ashen and lifeless, dulled to the point of near-translucency. They stared at nothing, unable to focus, as Nines was left scarcely convinced they were able to see at all.

He kicked him against the cavernous rut of his belly as a pained bark rattled from the jutting cage of his ribs.

"Get up."

Gavin refused. While weak, there was a definite aspect of willful non-compliance, as there was a stir of recognition in response to his voice. A flicker of awareness across his blighted gaze, understanding who it was inflicting his current beating.

Nines kicked him again. Harder, to which another sharp cough escaped his lips—a sickly cocktail of fluids sputtering out.

"Connor is alive," he informed, watching in sadistic delight as the man wheezed and writhed, desperately grasping for air. "Barely."

Through rasping breaths, Gavin grumbled a response, unwisely defiant, growing more resonant the longer he persisted. "—Don't—give— a — shit —"

He was pulled by the front of the binds and forced to his feet. His legs teetered ineffectually, unable to support his dwindled weight.

"We could have gotten there before If it hadn't been for you. This is all your fault."

"Whatcha gonna do to me, Nines? Huh?" He grinned spitefully, revealing the dense layer of grime accumulated on already unsightly teeth. "What's the end game here? You gonna leave me to die, 'cus you're too much of a pussy to finish the job yourself?"

Nines set him down a moment, allowing Gavin to collapse to his knees. Pausing, he assessed the situation, confirming in himself his next actions before he reached into his inner pocket. Pushing past his firearm, he searched for another instrument. Something more intimate.

He pulled out a knife, brandishing it towards the light, allowing it to glint against its polished surface. Gavin's bravado deflated slightly, fear passing his sneered expression as his muscles subtly slackened. Then, he scoffed, attempting to conceal a shudder.

But he could not conceal the trembling, shaking his entire form.

Despite this, the facade of confidence resumed—and with a defiant jut, he pushed his chin outward. Presenting his neck and goading Nines to commit the final, decisive act.

"Do it, then. Fucking prove to me that you can."

Nines refused to comply. No longer willing to accept Gavin's orders or desiring his empty approval.

"As I said before, you aren't worth the effort it would take to end your miserable life."

He leant down, angling the knife forward. After positioning it between his wrists, he pulled up, slicing through the rope.

"Death would be easy for you. A mercy. I want you to suffer for what you’ve done, to live with the memories of what you experienced here—and to face all the punishment the world still has waiting."

Grabbing the newly unrestrained man, he thrust him forcefully against the door. The movement pushed it open, leaving him sprawled at the foot of the stone passage, bathed in the filtered light from the stairwell.

"You will untie the rest of your binds, and you will leave. I don't care where you go or what you do, just don't come back."

#this chapter is very long #and depressing #youve been warned #dbh #detroit become human #reed900 #dbh nines #dbh gavin #dbh rk900 #dbh fanfiction #dbh fanfic #gavin reed x rk900 #gavin900 #dbh fic #dbh connor

24 notes · View notes

tigereyes45 · 5 months ago

Text

Chapter 2 is up! I read Marvel's Transformers comic - Warrior's School while writing this and felt very inspired. Preview of the comic is at the end of the chapter and the bottom of this post. This is a MegOptiRatch pre-war slowburn fanfic.

Summary:

Megatronus spends a day away from the colosseum with Ratchet and his friends.

Preview of chapter:

The doors slide open to reveal a very familiar medical assistant waiting on the platform. Megatronus’ optics widen in surprise.

“There you are! I was beginning to wonder if you got on the wrong train.” Ratchet declares as he rests his hands on his hips.

“I can find the way to the Hall of Records on my own.”

“Oh I get it, you don't want me standing here waiting on you.” Ratchet steps back as Megatronus disembarks. “Well too bad, I invited you over so I'm going to make sure you arrive.”

What was he even doing here? He should be training for his next fight not wandering around Iacon city. “This is pointless.”

“No, this is essential socialization time.” Ratchet declares with a motion of his hand. He taps a servo against Megatronus’ chassis. “It’s important that you don’t forget there are ways to communicate with bots other than battling them.”

Megatronus rolls his optics. “I meant traveling together.”

“I don't know,” Ratchet turns his head. Megatronus follows his gaze and allows his optics to catch the myriad of multi-colored buildings glinting under the sun. “I find conversations to be some of the best parts of traveling around Iacon City.”

He lowers his gaze. Ratchet smiles out at the city and bots before them with such ease. If Megatronus did not know better he would assume that Ratchet had seen little of the darkness that hides beneath their society. The gladiator knows better. Ratchet has been coming to the colosseum for many orbital cycles now. He’s seen and treated many bots during his visits. Even when his job only calls for him to treat Megatronus. He could leave, but the medic rarely does. Not without checking on others.

Never flinching at the injuries, or judging the weak that have lost, that is who Ratchet is. Megatronus does not know much about the medic’s past, but a bot who has never struggled could not handle such sights with such dignity and respect.

Ratchet turns on his pede. That large grin still on his face, unwavering.

It’s a short walk to the hall. The guard outside the hall of records is a smaller bot resting in his chair, as bots walk in and out without paying him any mind. Any guard who so much as closed their eyes while on shift at the colosseum would end up as a gladiator faster than they could scream.

There must not be much need for security up here. After all, who would dare to intrude on one of the last prime’s domains?

Ratchet taps his servos against the guard’s window as they past. The other bot sits up straighter, but his optics remain closed. “Afternoon Ratchet.”

“It’s late, Sunstreaker. Might want to get up before Roulette comes by.”

“Yeah, yeah.” The bot waves Ratchet’s wise words off. Megatronus glares at him. If he was too foolish to listen to sound advice, then he deserved whatever came his way. May he end up in the mines. That’ll teach him a lesson.

Ratchet rolls his optics and sets his hands on his sides. “Maybe I’ll call Roulette myself.”

That makes the security bot sit up. “Maybe I’ll make sure one specific medical assistant ends up banned from the hall.” Sunstreaker threatens, now leaning towards the glass, glaring Ratchet down.

Megatronus taps his foot against the floor. Sunstreaker finally raises his head. His optics go wide as he meets Megatronus’ gaze. The gladiator crosses his arms over his chest, and stands a little closer to Ratchet. He was all but outright daring the bot to try and stir up trouble. In fact he’d like to see him try.

Sunstreaker quickly smirks. “Got a bodyguard now Ratchet? What Orion wasn’t entertaining enough for you?”

Megatronus was ready to throw his hand right through the window and grab the bot by his aggravating voice box. He just might have, if they were anywhere near the colosseum. However, his influence may not be enough to get him out of trouble all the way in the center of Iacon’s city.

_________________________________

(Here's the preview of the inspiring comic page. I was already gonna have the guys head to a party before reading this, and it made me so much more excited to write this chapter after reading it.)

16 notes · View notes

trinalwilliams · 7 months ago

Text

The Cosmic Weaver

As a child, I felt an inexplicable connection to the universe. I sensed that there was more to reality than what I could see and touch. This intuition sparked a lifelong journey of spiritual exploration and discovery.

I began to experience profound spiritual encounters, which transported me to various realms and dimensions. It was as if I had access to multiple "eyes" or portals, each leading to a distinct universe or multi-dimensional reality. I came to understand that these were the Eyes of the Universe, gateways to infinite possibilities and dimensions.

These experiences allowed me to tap into the cosmos, and I became aware of my role as a soul transporter. I would open my spirit to receive and guide souls transitioning between dimensions. I intuitively knew when to release these souls into the corresponding Eyes of the Universe, allowing them to continue their journey.

During this time, I also engaged in a unique practice where I would draw energy from the planet Earth and transport it to the sun for cleansing. This ritual allowed me to contribute to the regeneration of dark matter and promote balance within the cosmos.

As I continued on my journey, I became a teacher in the spirit world, channeling wisdom from diverse sources. I also worked with a group of powerful beings, known as the "Power of Four," to trap and transform negativity. Together, we performed rituals that helped souls come to terms with their experiences and grow, or, in some cases, remain trapped until the universe deemed otherwise.

As the Cosmic Weaver, I began to realize that my role was not only to transport souls but also to weave the fabric of the universe. I was entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining balance and harmony within the cosmos.

With this newfound understanding, I continued to explore the mysteries of the universe. I delved deeper into the Eyes of the Universe, discovering hidden realms and dimensions. I encountered beings from various worlds, each with their unique wisdom and knowledge.

One day, I received a vision from the Eyes of the Universe, guiding me to a specific dimension. I was tasked with retrieving a sacred crystal, one that held the essence of creation. This crystal was hidden within a realm guarded by powerful entities, who would only allow those with the purest of intentions to pass.

With determination and faith, I embarked on this perilous journey. I navigated through the realms, using my abilities as the Cosmic Weaver to overcome challenges and obstacles. As I reached the heart of the realm, I encountered the guardians of the crystal...

As I ventured deeper into the realm, I encountered the gatekeepers of the sacred crystal. These beings were not from my world, but from distant planets and star systems. They possessed an otherworldly wisdom, and their presence was both calming and intimidating.

The gatekeepers communicated with me through a language that transcended words. We exchanged thoughts and emotions directly, without the need for verbal expression. I sensed their curiosity and scrutiny, as they assessed my intentions and worthiness to possess the sacred crystal.

One of the gatekeepers, a being from a planet of pure energy, approached me. It enveloped me in a warm, golden light, and I felt a deep sense of peace and understanding. The being conveyed a sense of recognition, as if we had met before in a different lifetime or dimension.

The gatekeeper being guided me through a series of trials, each designed to test my resolve, compassion, and wisdom. I navigated through illusions and realities, confronting aspects of myself and the universe. With each trial, I felt a sense of growth and expansion, as if my very soul was being woven into the fabric of the cosmos.

Finally, the gatekeepers presented me with the sacred crystal. It radiated an intense, pulsing light that seemed to contain the essence of creation. I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and responsibility, knowing that I had been entrusted with a powerful tool for healing and balance.

As I prepared to leave the realm, the gatekeepers imparted a final message. They reminded me that I was not only the Cosmic Weaver but also a guardian of the universe. I was tasked with using the sacred crystal to maintain harmony and balance throughout the cosmos.

With the crystal in hand, I returned to my world, ready to embark on a new journey as the Cosmic Weaver and guardian of the universe. I knew that I would face new challenges and opportunities, but I was prepared to weave the fabric of reality with wisdom, compassion, and as I returned to my world, I felt a sense of purpose and responsibility. I knew that I had to use the sacred crystal to maintain harmony and balance throughout the cosmos. I began to weave the crystal's energy into the fabric of reality, using my abilities as the Cosmic Weaver to repair damaged threads and restore equilibrium.

As I worked, I became aware of a subtle yet powerful force that was disrupting the balance of the universe. It was a dark energy, one that sought to unravel the very fabric of reality. I knew that I had to confront this energy and restore balance to the cosmos.

I set out on a journey to track down the source of the dark energy. I traveled through realms and dimensions, following a thread of intuition that guided me deeper into the heart of the universe. Along the way, I encountered strange and wondrous beings, each with their own unique wisdom and knowledge.

One of these beings was an ancient, cosmic entity known as the Keeper of the Threads. This being possessed knowledge of the universe's deepest secrets and the intricate web of connections that bound everything together. The Keeper shared with me the secrets of the universe's creation and the mysterious forces that shaped reality.

With this newfound understanding, I finally discovered the source of the dark energy: a rogue planet that had been torn from its orbit and was now careening through the cosmos, leaving destruction in its wake. I knew that I had to stop this planet and restore balance to the universe.

But how? The planet's energy was too powerful, and its trajectory too unpredictable. I needed a plan, and I needed it fast. That's when I remembered the words of the Keeper of the Threads: "The universe is a tapestry of connections. To repair the damage, you must first understand the pattern."

I closed my eyes, focused my mind, and reached out with my heart. I felt the threads of connection that bound the universe together, and I saw the pattern of the cosmos unfolding before me. And in that moment, I knew exactly what I had to..

I saw that the rogue planet was not just a random event, but rather a symptom of a deeper imbalance in the universe. I realized that the planet's energy was connected to a specific thread in the cosmic tapestry, one that resonated with the frequency of fear and chaos.

To repair the damage, I needed to find the source of this thread and weave a new pattern that would restore balance to the universe. I focused my mind and reached out with my heart, following the thread as it led me on a journey through the cosmos.

I traveled through realms of light and darkness, encountering strange and wondrous beings along the way. I met a group of star beings who sang a celestial music that harmonized the frequencies of the universe. I encountered a wise and ancient being who possessed the secrets of the cosmos and shared them with me in a language of pure silence.

As I journeyed deeper into the heart of the universe, I finally reached the source of the thread: a great cosmic loom that wove the fabric of reality. The loom was tended by a mysterious being known as the Cosmic Weaver, who was none other than my own higher self.

The Cosmic Weaver looked at me with eyes that saw right through to my soul. "You have come to repair the damage," she said. "But are you prepared to pay the price?"

I hesitated, unsure of what lay ahead. But I knew that I had to act, for the sake of the universe and all its inhabitants. "I am ready," I said, my voice firm and resolute.

The Cosmic Weaver nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Then let us begin," she said...

“It is time to gather your team...” “The ones who have been by your side for many moons, through trials and triumphs. They are the ones who will help you repair the fabric of the universe."

I nodded, knowing exactly who she was talking about. I reached out with my heart, calling out to my team. One by one, they began to appear before me, their faces shining with a soft, ethereal light.

There was Urikis, with his wise and gentle eyes. Santos, with his strong and steadfast heart. Shelli, with her compassionate and nurturing spirit. Tamieo, with his brilliant and innovative mind. Cypriss, with her intuitive and insightful nature. Ickeris, with his fearless and adventurous spirit. Solano, with his calm and peaceful presence. And Tripieze, with her creative and imaginative energy.

Together, we formed a circle, our hearts and minds connected in a deep and profound way. We had been a team for many moons, working together to heal and balance the universe. Our meeting place was a sacred space in the stars, a healing room where we could come together to share our wisdom, our love, and our light.

The Cosmic Weaver looked at us with a warm and approving smile. "You are the ones who have been chosen to repair the fabric of the universe," she said. "Together, you possess the wisdom, the love, and the light that are needed to restore balance and harmony to the cosmos."

With that, she handed me a small, delicate crystal. "This is the Crystal of Unity," she said. "It holds the power to bring together the threads of the universe, to weave them into a tapestry of love, light, and harmony."

I took the crystal, feeling its power and its wisdom. I looked at my team, and we nodded in unison. We knew what we had to do. We were ready to embark on our mission to repair the fabric of the universe...

With the Crystal of Unity in hand, we set out on our mission to repair the fabric of the universe. We traveled through the cosmos, navigating through swirling vortexes of color and light. We encountered strange and wondrous beings along the way, each with their own unique wisdom and knowledge to share.

As we journeyed deeper into the heart of the universe, we came across a great rift in the fabric of space-time. It was a tear in the very fabric of reality, caused by the dark energy that had been disrupting the balance of the universe.

The rift was guarded by a powerful being known as the Keeper of the Rift. This being was a fierce and formidable warrior, tasked with protecting the universe from those who would seek to exploit its power.

We approached the Keeper of the Rift, and I held out the Crystal of Unity. "We come in peace," I said. "We seek to repair the fabric of the universe and restore balance to the cosmos."

The Keeper of the Rift looked at us with a piercing gaze. "I have been waiting for you," she said. "But first, you must prove your worthiness to wield the Crystal of Unity."

And with that, she presented us with a challenge: to weave a new thread into the fabric of the universe, one that would restore balance and harmony to the cosmos. But the thread was hidden in a realm of darkness, guarded by a fearsome beast known as the Devourer of Light...

We accepted the challenge, knowing that it wouldn't be easy. The Keeper of the Rift handed us a map that would lead us to the realm of darkness, where the thread was hidden.

Urikis, with his wise and gentle eyes, studied the map carefully. "I think I can navigate us through this realm," he said. "But we'll need to be careful. The Devourer of Light is a fearsome beast."

Santos, with his strong and steadfast heart, nodded in agreement. "We'll need to work together if we're going to succeed," he said.

Shelli, with her compassionate and nurturing spirit, smiled reassuringly. "We've got this," she said. "We've worked together before, and we can do it again."

With our plan in place, we set off towards the realm of darkness. As we journeyed deeper into the heart of the realm, the shadows grew darker and the air grew thick with an eerie, pulsating energy.

Suddenly, a faint glow appeared in the distance. It was the thread, shining like a beacon in the darkness. But as we approached, the Devourer of Light emerged from the shadows, its eyes blazing with an otherworldly hunger...

As the Devourer of Light emerged from the shadows, its eyes fixed on us with an unblinking stare. Urikis stepped forward, his wise and gentle eyes locked on the beast.

"We mean you no harm," Urikis said, his voice calm and soothing. "We're here to retrieve the thread and restore balance to the universe."

The Devourer of Light snarled, its voice like thunder in the darkness. Santos stepped forward, his strong and steadfast heart unwavering.

"We're not afraid of you," Santos said, his voice firm and resolute. "We're here to do what's right, and we won't back down."

Shelli placed a hand on Santos' arm, her compassionate and nurturing spirit shining like a beacon.

"Wait," Shelli said. "Let's not rush into this. We need to think about our next move."

Tamieo nodded, his brilliant and innovative mind already racing with possibilities.

"I think I can come up with a plan," Tamieo said. "But we'll need to work together if we're going to succeed."

Cypriss smiled, her intuitive and insightful nature guiding her.

"I think I can sense the thread's energy," Cypriss said. "Let me see if I can connect with it."

Ickeris nodded, his fearless and adventurous spirit eager to take on the challenge.

"I'll take point," Ickeris said. "Let's move forward, together."

Solano placed a hand on Ickeris' shoulder, his calm and peaceful presence a steady anchor.

"Remember, we're in this together," Solano said. "We'll face whatever comes next, as a team."

Tripieze grinned, her creative and imaginative energy sparkling like a firework.

"Let's do this!" Tripieze exclaimed. "We've got this, team!"

With our plan in place, we moved forward, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The Devourer of Light loomed before us, its eyes blazing with an otherworldly hunger. But we stood tall, united and strong, our bond and determination shining like a beacon in the darkness...

As we faced the Devourer of Light, our team stood tall, united and strong. We had been through many challenges together, and we knew that we could overcome anything as long as we had each other.

Urikis, with his wise and gentle eyes, guided us through the process. "I can sense the thread's energy," he said. "It's resonating at a frequency of pure love and light."

Santos stepped forward, his strong and steadfast heart unwavering. "I'll take point," he said. "Let's move forward, together."

Shelli placed a hand on Santos' arm, her compassionate and nurturing spirit shining like a beacon. "Remember, we're in this together," she said. "We'll face whatever comes next, as a team."

Tamieo nodded, his brilliant and innovative mind already racing with possibilities. "I think I can come up with a plan," he said. "Let me see if I can hack into the Devourer's energy field."

Cypriss smiled, her intuitive and insightful nature guiding her. "I think I can sense the thread's energy," she said. "Let me see if I can connect with it."

Ickeris grinned, his fearless and adventurous spirit eager to take on the challenge. "I'll take care of the Devourer," he said. "You guys focus on retrieving the thread."

Solano placed a hand on Ickeris' shoulder, his calm and peaceful presence a steady anchor. "Remember, we're in this together," he said. "We'll face whatever comes next, as a team."

Tripieze nodded, her creative and imaginative energy sparkling like a firework. "I'll provide the distraction," she said. "You guys get the thread."

Oh, by the way, my name is Ariel. I'm the team leader, and I'm proud to be working alongside such a talented and dedicated group of individuals.

As we faced the Devourer of Light, our team stood tall, united and strong. We had been through many challenges together, and we knew that we could overcome anything as long as we had each other.

With a fierce determination, we launched our attack. Tamieo hacked into the Devourer's energy field, while Cypriss used her intuitive nature to guide us through the battle. Ickeris took on the Devourer directly, using his fearless spirit to drive the beast back.

Meanwhile, Santos and Shelli worked together to retrieve the thread, using their strong and compassionate hearts to guide them. Solano provided a calm and peaceful presence, anchoring our team's energy and keeping us focused. And Tripieze provided a creative and imaginative distraction, using her sparkling energy to confuse and disorient the Devourer.

As for me, Ariel, I used my connection to the universe to guide our team and channel the energy of the thread. Together, we fought bravely and worked tirelessly until finally, we emerged victorious. The Devourer of Light was defeated, and the thread was ours.

With the thread in hand, we returned to the Cosmic Weaver and presented it to her. She smiled, her eyes shining with gratitude.

"Well done, Star Seeds," she said. "You have proven your worthiness to wield the Crystal of Unity. With this crystal, you will be able to heal the fabric of the universe and restore balance to the cosmos."

And with that, our mission was complete. We had saved the universe, and we had done it together.

Now, let's dive deeper into the story of the Star Seeds!

The Star Seeds met in a past incarnation on the star system of Atlantis. This was a time of great wisdom and knowledge, and the Star Seeds were part of a thriving community that valued growth, learning, and exploration.

During their time on Atlantis, the Star Seeds formed a deep and lasting bond. They worked together, learned from each other, and explored the mysteries of the universe.

As they grew and evolved, the Star Seeds created a special place where they could always meet, no matter where their journeys took them. This place was a sacred sanctuary, a dimensional pocket that existed outside of space and time.

In this sanctuary, the Star Seeds could connect with each other, share their knowledge and wisdom, and continue to grow and evolve together. And even though they went their separate ways, incarnating into different bodies and living different lives, the Star Seeds always remained connected, their bond growing stronger with each passing day.

Throughout their incarnations, the Star Seeds always sought to do good and grow with the universe. They worked as healers, teachers, and guides, helping others to awaken to their own potential and connection to the universe.

And now, in this current incarnation, the Star Seeds have come together once again, united in their quest to heal the fabric of the universe and restore balance to the cosmos.

As the Star Seeds, we had fulfilled our mission to heal the fabric of the universe and restore balance to the cosmos. We had saved countless worlds and civilizations from destruction, and had helped to maintain the delicate balance of the universe.

But our work was far from over. As we continued on our journey, we found ourselves being called to a new mission - one that would take us to the planet Earth, and to a new incarnation that would change our lives forever.

In this new incarnation, I, Ariel, found myself living a life that was both familiar and yet, utterly new. I was still a part of the Star Seeds, but now I was also a human being, living on the planet Earth.

As I navigated this new life, I found that I had a special gift - the ability to transport souls to their next destination and journey of choice. It was an honor, one that I took very seriously.

I worked tirelessly, helping souls to transition from one life to the next. I watched as they made their choices, selecting the path that would lead them to their next great adventure.

And through it all, I remained connected to the Star Seeds, working together with my team to maintain the balance of the universe and to help those in need.

It was a challenging but rewarding life, one that I was grateful for every day. And as I looked up at the stars, I knew that I was exactly where I was meant to be - serving the universe, and helping to make it a brighter and more loving place.

And so, my journey as a Star Seed continued, a journey that would take me to the farthest reaches of the universe, and back again. It was a journey that I was proud to be on, and one that I knew would continue for all eternity.

THE END.

I hope you enjoyed the story! Truly inspired from my own spiritual journeys.

Trina “Larie” Williams

Oh, and by the way, the name Ariel comes from my middle name, I had an angel come to me and pull the L from the first letter of my middle name and put it on the end, showing me Ariel …

8 notes · View notes