#to be the guide to people on understanding and grasping the unknown

[l3xdrigo]

The concept of Zero

Inspired by someone commenting that like the number zero, Vertin or the role of the timekeeper itself is a concept.

The concept of zero being that it is the placeholder for writing numbers, it is the origin but it is also the one that is merely a concept to get more of an understanding or guide to natural numbers to integers. It is the invisible line from the positive to negative, it is the middle ground.

The concept of zero in a more mathematical sense is that it is a additive to other numbers to make them bigger (ex:100) but the number zero itself is a non existent and empty number, like an equator, it is an imaginary line that helps us grasp the locations and placements of continents. Both are imaginary, both are just man made concepts to guide us to a better understanding.

Vertin's soul number is zero, she is unchanging and is considered one of the middle ground between humans and Arcanist. In a sense, she is a guide to most, but once the storm reaches its end, she will become nothing more than a concept, the role of the timekeeper was created for the very purpose of recording the beginning and ends of eras and braving the storm to one day create the immunity for it. The moment that there is no need for the timekeeper anymore, either the storm ending or finding a full reliable immunity towards it, the more people that gain the ability, the more Vertin's role becomes more of the ordinary.

The role of the timekeeper will soon fade and become only an invisible line, the origin of how it first began, on how civilization reached the immunity of the storm, and how the threat of the storm ended. In the far future where the rain doesn't rise, the term timekeeper and the name "Vertin" will be nothing more of a concept to what once was a catastrophic phenomena that hinder the progression of time, a subtle reminder of how she guided the freedom of humans and Arcanist out of the grueling storm, and into a world where the rain falls and the sun rises; Vertin is the concept of zero.

[lowkeyerror]

Summer Secrets

Regina George x Reader

Word Count: 13.2k

Notes: minor homophobia, some angst, cursing, fluff, soft Regina (only for reader), cheating (technicality), takes a lot from the movie but timeline may be different.

Summary: When tasked with showing Cady Heron around school, you two quickly become friends. When Cady comes in contact with Regina George you feel obligated to help her out. Things get complicated from there because you have a soft spot for the mean girl.

An: Full disclosure have never written this much for a single post, but I'm excited to share it with you guys. I hope you like it likes, replies, and reblogs are always appreciated 💜

Masterlist

For some people high school felt like the end-all-be-all of life. It made sense to some extent. Spending your formative years locked in a building with other hormonal youths forced to participate in some social hierarchical bullshit that only benefited the one percent, sounds like a nightmare. If you were lucky enough to do well, you’d get to spend some time as one of the top one percent. However, any wrong turn and you’d be remembered for whatever mistake you made for the rest of your school career.

It sounds over dramatic (cause it is), but it’s true. It’s your junior year in high school and people are still calling Janis Ian a pyro lez. On the other side of things, Regina George still enamored people. Many people fade in and out of popularity but not Regina. She held her crown in an iron clad grasp and would die before she let it slip.

You didn't really understand how Regina became popular. As far as you were concerned popular meant well-liked, but it didn't seem like anyone genuinely liked Regina other than Gretchen and Karen. Regina was cruel, but she was pretty and had money which in some convoluted way made her the queen bee.

You didn't play into the social dynamics of North Shore. You weren't some outcast or loner who was proud of being different, you weren't a nerd who got bullied by jocks, and you were not some popularity-obsessed junkie. You were just a person.

Someone who went to classes, ate lunch, then went to more classes, and subsequently left the school premises. So, while the school might have been a magnet for chaos, you felt like your experience was pretty normal.

Unfortunately, the normal way you went through school was about to drastically change.

For some unknown reason you had been selected to give a new student a tour of the school.

“Alright Katy this is Y/n, she’s going to be showing you around today. You got the same classes and lockers close enough together so, be friends or something and have a nice day,” principal Duvall was quick to usher you two out of his office.

“My name’s Cady by the way not Katy,” she broke the silence as she followed you down the hallway.

You stopped in front of her locker, “Welcome to North Shore Cady, try not to get sucked in to all the chaos.”

The girl gulps as she places her belonging in the locker, “Chaos?”

You take in her appearance, and she shifts under your gaze, “North Shore is kind of like that scene from High School Musical where they’re dancing in the cafeteria singing about the status quo. You seem like a sweet girl Cady, and the last thing you need to do is find yourself with a label on your forehead.”

Cady hears what you say, but she’s stuck on the fact that you called her a sweet girl, “I’ve been home schooled my entire life and now I feel like I’m being tossed to the wolves.”

You laugh, “I’d say that’s a pretty accurate analogy. As your guide, I can try to keep you out of the drama, but you are a new student, so you’ll get some kind of attention.”

You take Cady to homeroom and have her sit by you before class starts. You make a little small talk with her, until you’re interrupted.

“Y/n, who’s the new girl?” Janis plops directly behind you.

“Cady, this is Janis.”

Before Cady could speak to the goth girl, Damian interjects, “Is that your natural hair color? It’s gorgeous.”

Again, before the girl can speak for herself, the boy takes some of her hair in his hand, “See, this the color I want.”

Janis swats his hand out of Cady’s hair, “Sorry about that, Damian is too gay to function sometimes. He’s not the best with boundaries.”

The conversation doesn’t go any further as Ms. Norbury walks in. Ms. Norbury’s attempt at introducing Cady goes comically bad, but it’s not something that she harps on for long before starting class.

The rest of the classes seem to go by quickly and soon it’s time for lunch. You can see Cady’s head spinning as she looks at all the cliques.

“Who do you usually sit with?”

You shrug, “I usually don’t eat in here, it’s super stuffy. But if I do it’s usually either with the stoners or the art kids.

You stand quietly in line before Cady speaks up again, “What’s your label?”

“I don’t have one. I’m not some outcast or jock or anything like that. I’m an actual human being and labels are overrated.”

She nods slowly smiling, “That’s pretty cool.”

One you both gather lunch you go and sit at the edge of the stoner table. You give some greetings before turning your full attention to Cady.

“Ok, don't freak out but I won't be here tomorrow. So, you’re going to be on your own,” you break the news to the ginger.

She falters a bit, “Oh okay.”

You see her eyes land on Janis and Damian.

“Be careful with those two.”

Her eyebrows furrow, “Why they seem cool?”

You elaborate, “They are cool, but they have labels and roles to fit in to. They’ve got an affinity for ditching class and making up schemes. So don’t get sucked in to that stuff alright?”

Cady nods and then you see her eyes sparkle, “Who is that?”

You follow her line of sight and find yourself in a brief staring contest with the school’s queen bee. Your eyes dance over her features and time seems to slow down for a moment, until she finally looks away from you.

“That’s Regina George.”

“She seems important,” Cady says, noting how everyone around seems preoccupied with her.

You counter, “She carries herself that way, so no one really questions it. Regina is the most popular girl in school. The two with her are Gretchen and Karen. Some people call them The Plastics.”

“Got it, so I should steer clear?”

You shrug, “She’s a massive deal and some people would grovel for even a minute with her. She’s got a lot of influence around here. So, I would just say be careful of interacting with her. She’s as mean as she is pretty.”

“I don’t get it.”

You sigh, “It’s nuanced. You shouldn't be seeking out interactions with her but trust me you don't want to turn her away or brush her off if she approaches you. She can ruin the rest of your time here, so careful of her.”

One last time you look in Regina’s direction to see her laughing at some poor kid.

Cady sees this but decides against questioning it. The rest of the day goes by quickly and by the end of the day, you might just consider Cady your friend. You exchange numbers and tell her to make good choices in your absence.

It was some time the following night that you got a text from Cady.

Cady: I think I messed up today.

Y/n: What happened?

Cady: I got invited to sit with the Plastics.

The text conversation ends there as you can’t help but call the girl. She picks up immediately and starts rambling about her day. You silently listen from the other end of the line, almost in disbelief that all of that could happen in one day.

“So, you got encouraged to sit with Regina and her friends by Janis and Damian, who also made you skip class,” you try to follow.

“Yes.”

You continue, “And you have a crush on Aaron, from Calc?”

Cady blushes on the other line, “I don’t know? I just think he’s cute.”

You run a hand over your face, “Jesus Christ Cady, I’m gone for one day and this is what you get in to, Aaron is Regina’s ex."

She scrambles over the phone, “I don’t know it just happened. What do I do Y/n?”

“Tomorrow’s Wednesday, so the best advice I can give to you is wear something pink,” you joke over the line.

“Damian is letting me borrow his shirt.”

You couldn’t contain your laughter.

“It’s not funny, Y/n,” she whines.

“Tell him to keep the shirt. You can borrow something from me instead.”

Cady is grateful but she has a curious tone as she asks, “You don’t seem like the pink wearing type.”

You speak coyly, “What have I been saying about labels Cady? You can’t put me in a box. Fun fact pink is one of my favorite colors.”

Cady’s next words are hesitant, “Maybe if you wear something pink too, they’ll let you sit too.”

“Cady, I have no desire to sit with Regina and her friends, but I don’t want to throw you to the wolves without at least trying to save you. So, for you, I’ll wear the pink, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll let me sit.”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” Cady praises you over the phone.

You chuckle, “Anything else?”

“Nothing that I can think of. You’re the best Y/n, I’ll see you tomorrow. Goodnight.”

You smile, “Goodnight, Cady."

When the conversation ends you get out of your bed and head for your closet. For the most part it was filled with t-shirts, jeans, sweaters, and the occasional formal attire. You have to go deep into the back of it to actually find what you’re looking for.

You’re hesitant to pull it off the hanger. It’s a simple pink bomber jacket. It’s cute and the material is soft. Cady could wear it. The one thing that gives you great pause about letting her borrow it, is that the jacket had been gifted to you by Regina George.

You had grown up in North Shore, so you were always aware of Regina George. You’d gone through school together, even sharing some classes together. All this to say you knew the girl’s character. She had always been mean.

It was 2 years ago when your parents decided that a family vacation during the summer would be good for everyone in the house. You weren't complaining, it was good to get out of the city.

Your parents had gone all out and rented out a beach front property for the 3 months you had away from school. It was a gorgeous property, and you often found yourself enjoying the scenery.

The last thing you expected to see was Regina George. Yet coincidentally the home your folks rented was right next to a property owned by Regina’s family.

You didn’t have any need to acquaint yourself with her. So, for a few weeks into the vacation, you didn’t approach her. That didn’t stop you from looking at her. You always knew she was gorgeous, but it was a shame her personality didn’t match.

Eventually your staring caught her attention.

“Y/n, right?”

You frown as the sun you were using to read is blocked. You look up to see Regina standing in front of you. Her blue eyes pierce yours curiously.

“Yep, how can I help you?”

“Why so formal?”

You finally meet her eyes, “Well you are the most popular girl in our grade.”

Regina’s eyes divert from yours, “We aren’t in school right now.”

You nod, “You’re right. So, I can just tell you to fuck off.”

She sets up her things next to yours, “You could, but who says I will listen.”

You laugh a bit, “What do you want, Regina?”

She sighs, “Is it a crime to want some company?”

“It’s not,” you answer, before returning to your book.

“I haven’t seen you here before. I come every summer,” Regina tries for small talk.

You sit the book down and give the girl your full attention.

“My parents saved up to rent out a beach front property this summer. They said it’s good for family bonding,” you say.

“I’ve only really seen you,” Regina comments.

You shrug, “My parents are enthralled with each other. They’re rediscovering how much they love each other. Where are your parents?”

You see her shift under your gaze, “My dad is on some business trip or something and my mom is out somewhere with my little sister.”

That first interaction spurred on by Regina started something of a summer friendship. You had no expectations of keeping it when the summer ended. So, when she came to you nervous one of those summer nights saying that it was better not to interact at school, you weren’t surprised.

You told her you expected this from her and that it was fine, but that maybe you could continue this friendship next summer. That night she hugged you for what seemed like forever as an apology.

When school started back it was like you were strangers. You were surprised to receive some texts from her here and there. You’d always answer, and you’d be lying if you weren’t looking forward to summer.

When the next summer rolled around, as soon as your feet hit the sand you were nearly knocked to the ground. The queen bee locked her hands behind your neck and her legs wrapped around your waist.

“You miss me or something, Gina?”

“You have no idea, how much I’ve been looking forward to it.”

She pulls away to look at you but doesn’t unhook her legs from your waist. The two of you stare at each other for a moment before you clear your throat. She drops down smiling innocently as a blush spread across your face.

“You look good,” Regina comments.

Your hand scratches the back of your neck, “Puberty or whatever, I guess.”

Her hand finds yours, “So what’re we doing first?”

Last summer was different than the first. It didn’t feel like you were further expanding the friendship, it felt like you were building something different with Regina.

Those suspicions were confirmed when her lips met yours one night when you both were watching the waves.

“You aren’t supposed to kiss me, Gina,” you whisper against her lips.

“Why not?”

You open your eyes to look into hers, “Because when we go back to North Shore, I’m going to miss this.”

She pulls away, “I’m sorry, I just-”

You chase her until her back is flat on the sand. You hover over her lips, before pecking them, “Be mine for this summer Gina.”

You can see the sadness in her eyes as she speaks, “I’m going to break your heart, Y/n.”

Your hand cups her face, “I know, but that’s not your problem.”

Regina shakes her head, “I care about you, Y/n. I don’t want-"

“Just let me down gently baby,” you plead with her.

She sees the desperation in your eyes as they search hers. Regina didn’t want to hurt you, she needed you to stay away from her. For once in her life, she was thinking about the consequences of her actions. However, pushing you away was not an option.

She captured your lips again. You deserved more, but you were begging for her. All she could do was keep her promise and let you down gently.

You thought you had prepared yourself for the summer to end. That was far from the truth because when you woke up the day before you left, Regina was already gone.

You thought she left without saying goodbye. You were wrong. When you went to the patio of your summer home, you found her goodbye. She left you her jacket, a letter, and a seashell necklace.

The letter itself had a few tear stains on it that made it hard to read. You didn’t think Regina was the type to put pen to paper, but you were used to being surprised by her.

I’ve tried writing this a bunch, but I keep fucking it up. I should’ve started with Dear Y/n or something, but that just didn’t sound right. I’m sorry for so many things, Y/n. You told me to let you down gently and here I am leaving without saying goodbye because I'm selfish. I’m mean, I’m selfish and I’m not good for you. When school starts, I have to uphold this image and as much as I want to say that it’s not me. It’s not true. I’m that girl that you know back home, but here with you… I feel this responsibility to be better. This summer meant everything to me. Every moment with you meant everything to me. I wish we could stay here because I’ve never been happier. I will never be happier then I was here with you. I don’t deserve to be. I hope this was gentle enough, baby.

Love,

Your Gina

Reading the letter stirs a plethora of emotions through your system. You let Regina break your heart and you hadn’t faced her since. The thought of getting close to her at school scared you. You knew the girl you had feelings for didn't exist during this time of year and if you got in her way, she’d surely take you down.

The next day you find yourself wearing a pink tank top mostly covered by your black zip-up hoodie. You send Cady a picture of the jacket advising her to find something that matched.

You arrive on campus and patiently wait for Cady to show up.

“Pink might be your color Y/n.”

You roll your eyes, “Shut up Janis and what are you planning with Cady and Regina?”

“I can't shut up and explain at the same time so…”

“I’m serious Janis. Cady is fresh meat for someone like Regina.”

Janis claps her hands together gleefully, “Fresh meat or a blank canvas. Regina stood up for Cady yesterday, which means she's taken an interest in her. Queen bee sees potential, which means Cady is either a successor or a threat.”

“Ok, what does any of that have to do with you?”

Damian enters the conversation at that point, “Oh it’s a part of her plan for revenge on Regina.”

Janis smacks the boy a few times. The end up play-fighting before you get between them.

“Enough! Revenge for what exactly?”

Janis’s eyes darken, “That information is classified I'm afraid.”

You glare back at her, “You shouldn’t drag Cady into this.”

Now it’s Janis who rolls her eyes, “If she wants to help out a friend who am I to stop her.”

You get up as soon as you spot Cady. With one final look back to Janis you say, “Friends don’t use each other in revenge plots.”

Cady’s outfit was simple, but cute and the jacket would go perfect with it. You greet her with a smile.

“Nervous?”

“More than I was on the first day,” she frowns.

You grab her by the shoulders and shake her a bit, “You got this and even if it flops, you have me ok. The biggest thing to remember is you have to be yourself alright?”

“Janis and Damian said I shouldn’t be myself around The Plastics,” Cady put her head down.

“Hey, look at me. You don’t need to try to fit in with them. Regina invited you to sit, which means she wants you there. Think about it like that,” you try to ease her nerves.

She nods, giving you a small smile in return, “That makes sense. Oh shit, they’re looking at me. Do you have the jacket?”

You turn to find Regina and her clique looking curiously in Cady’s direction. Quickly you pull the jacket out of your bag. Cady reaches for it, and you pull it back slightly.

“This jacket is important to me, ok? I need it back at the end of the day,” you warn her.

Cady’s attention stays on the popular girls until she sees Regina’s gaze shift towards you. Again, the two of you are in an intense staring contest.

“I’ll give it back to you at the end of the day,” Cady repeats.

You hand her the jacket and go to walk off. Her arm catches your wrist, and you turn around. It’s a bit too fast and the girl almost falls, so you steady her.

“Careful,” you scold her lightly.

Her voice is light as she questions you, “Where’re you going?”

“To my locker?” You say curiously.

“Well, mine is close to yours so I didn’t really expect you to- sorry it’s silly. You go, I’ll see you-”

This time it’s her that goes to pull away. You drop your hand into her’s leading her towards the lockers.

“No, you’re right. Sorry, I’m just kind of used to doing my own thing. It makes complete sense for us to go together.”

“I didn’t mean to make a big deal out of it,” she apologizes.

Your hand lets go of hers as you get in front of your locker, “No big deal, let’s just get through today.”

Lunch comes sooner than you want it to. You try to hide your nerves for Cady’s sake. She approaches Regina’s table with you not too far behind her.

Before she sits down, she clears her throat and looks at Regina, “H-hey it’s cool if not, but I was wondering if my friend Y/n could sit here maybe?”

Gretchen goes on some tangent about it being disrespectful to ask and says that Cady should be disinvited just for even bringing it up, “I mean who do you even think you are?”

“Are you done Gretchen?” Regina replies not even looking at the girl.

“I- I,” she stutters and sits silently in defeat.

Regina eyes look at Cady as if she’s bored, “Is she at least wearing pink?”

You unzip your jacket revealing the pink tank top underneath. Regina looks briefly at shirt before letting out an exasperated sigh, “Only today.”

The answer shocks Gretchen and Karen, but they don’t say it. Cady sits at the edge of the table while you decide to sit next to Karen, in a way that separates you from the main group.

“Cute jacket. Where’d you get it?” Regina says to Cady.

The question alone makes the food on the lunch tray unappealing to you.

Cady answers seamlessly, “It was a gift.”

It’s a good save. If it hadn’t been Regina’s jacket it would have been the perfect lie. The blonde lets it go with a hum before she starts diving into the stereotypical gossip of the school.

It’s hard being this close to her. You had done what you could to stay away from her at school, but here you were sitting across from her trying your best not to stare.

Gretchen goes on explaining the rules of The Plastics to Cady for what felt like forever. You mindlessly scroll through your phone wishing the lunch period would end.

Cady definitely didn’t need you here. You had decided that you were going to leave the table, but before you did, you felt her eyes on you. It was like you were glued to the seat.

“So, we’re going to my house after school to study. Cady are you in or out?” Regina asks, but it’s really a demand.

“Yeah, for sure I’m totally in,” she says excitedly.

“One day offer loser, are you in?” Regina looks at her nails, but it’s clear she’s talking to you.

Gretchen speaks up again, “Regina you can’t be serious? Sitting with us was one thing, but-”

“I’m sorry, was I talking to you Gretchen?” Her voice was ice cold.

Cady looks at you with eyes that were basically saying ‘pretty please’.

“I’m in,” you say against your gut feeling.

Once lunch is over you all disperse. Cady corners you before you go to your next class, “Oh my god that went so well. Regina even asked us to come over.”

You bury your head in your hands, “What have I just agreed to?”

“Hey, this is a good thing, right? If it's not its only one hangout,” Cady’s hand finds your shoulder giving you comfort.

“You’re right, it’s just- Regina’s kind of intimidating up close,” You mumble.

Cady nods, “Very intimidating. Did something happen between the two of you?”

You make a face that creases your eyebrows, “Who? Me and Regina.”

“Yeah, I've seen you staring at each other, and it just feels like tension,” Cady says.

You avoid the truth skillfully, “Well, I've known Regina a long time. I’ve seen what she's capable of. It’s pretty scary. It’s not really staring on my part more like freezing in fear.”

“She can’t be that bad. I think she’s kind of sweet,” Cady admits.

You shake your head, “What did I tell you before Cady? Regina George is mean.”

Cady scoffs, “Everybody keeps saying that, but no one is giving me any examples.”

“Watch her the rest of the day, you'll get it then,” you say knowing that Regina couldn't go too long without letting her mean streak show.

It didn’t take long for Cady to see what you were talking about. Regina treated their peers like they were beneath her at every chance she got.

When your last class was over, you both made your way to Regina’s jeep. Cady is stopped on the way by Janis and Damian. You decide against staying for that conversation. You expect the ginger will catch up to you.

When you get to the car Regina is already there waiting. It is slightly strange seeing her without a boy or her friends. Cautiously you approach her, but not to close. You keep your head down as you stand what you deem as near enough to her car.

“Get in,” she says after an awkward silence.

Your hand barely touches the door to the back before she speaks up again, “The front seat.”

This causes you to look up at her, but she’s already making her way around to the driver’s side. You follow her orders and get in the passenger seat next to her.

You can’t remember the last time you felt this fidgety. Your hand finds a spot firmly on your knee to keep it from bouncing out of control.

“You gave her the jacket,” It’s small when she says it.

It’s a challenge for you, but you make eye contact with her, “She’s just borrowing it. I would never give it away. “

The conversation dies there as Karen, Gretchen, and Cady arrive at the jeep.

“Regina, why is she in my spot?” Gretchen complains about your presence once again.

You start to remove the seatbelt to get in the back, but Regina’s hand grabs your wrist.

“Gretchen, when did you start asking more than 2 stupid questions a day? Nothing in my car belongs to you. If she were in the driver's seat, I would expect you to get in and shut the fuck up. So, get in the back and stop being so annoying.”

You could see Gretchen shrink under Regina’s words. Part of you feels bad for her, she was just acting in the way Regina usually would approve of. You were already making things complicated when they didn’t have to be.

The rest of the girls pile into the back of the jeep and it’s awkward for a moment, but eventually the chatter starts naturally. Once again you feel out of place.

You can’t stop thinking of the feeling of Regina’s hand on your wrist. Her skin on yours provides you with a sense of comfort. It’s almost like you were remembering that you knew what she felt like. You’re craving her touch; the thought alone makes your face burn with embarrassment.

Pulling up to Regina’s house feels surreal. It’s bigger than you thought. It almost felt wrong to go inside. Regina ushers everyone upstairs quickly trying to avoid her mother. You move the quickest, slightly afraid that Mrs. George might recognize you from the summer. Cady takes time to properly greet the woman.

If being in her house felt wrong being in her room felt even more invasive. It’s as pink as you imagined it be, but not in a childish way.

This is when Cady tries to fold you into the conversation, “Y/n, actually really likes pink.”

It’s so sudden having all the girls look to you for conformation. You try to regain your usual attitude, rather than the bundle of nerves you've become today.

“I think it's pretty cool,” You shrug.

Karen’s eyes widen, “You talk?”

You laugh as the other girls roll their eyes, “Yes, Karen I talk.”

“Well, you haven't said anything this whole time so how was I dose to know,” she tilts her head to the side.

She has a good point. From that point you try to engage more with the girls. It isn't so bad. The more you talk with the others the more you begin to relax.

That was until Mrs. George came upstairs with snacks. You excuse yourself to the restroom. It isn't until you’re out of the room that you realize you have no idea where it is.

“Follow me,” Regina appears from seemingly thin air.

You follow her and the two of you end up in front of the bathroom door. You stand there not saying anything to each other.

“Well, are you going to go?”

“I don’t actually have to go, I was just saying that to leave the room in case your mom recognized me,” you explain.

Regina nods, “Right makes sense."

Another long pause.

“I’m sorry, for coming here Gi- Regina. I was just trying to be there for Cady,” you don't look at her as you speak.

“Looking out for your new girlfriend, I get it,” there’s some venom in her tone.

“She’s not- I’m not into Cady.”

Regina falters, “It’s not my business, I shouldn’t have assumed.”

That was her way of apologizing. You don’t know what else to say. Your eyes linger on her, taking in her appearance this close.

“Stop looking at me like that,” she says before heading back in the direction of her room.

You sigh, “You look good, Regina.”

That seems to stop her in her tracks. She turns to face you again, “You can't say stuff like that.”

You take the opportunity to joke, “Do I need to say you look so totally fetch instead or…?”

She rolls her eyes playfully, “You’re annoying you know that.”

It’s completely different than how she said it to Gretchen. For this small instance in the hallway, she sounds like your Gina. It makes your heart flutter but sickens you all at the same time.

Re-entering Regina’s room you see the girls looking at a weird book. You see the shift in Regina’s features instantly, “Why is that out here? “

“Your mom thought it would be funny,” Karen answers, flipping through the pages.

You can't help but read one of the pages aloud, “Ms. Norbury is a PUSHER, a SAD OLD DRUG PUSHER.”

The book is filled with girls from school, it’s surprising you had escaped the pages. It’s then you’re reminded just how effortlessly cruel Regina could be.

Janis's revenge plot was starting to make more sense. You hated to agree, but maybe she needed a fall from grace.

“I have to go,” you say gathering you're things.

Regina moves to block your exit. She looks at the rest of girls like they’re idiots, “Why aren't you guys grabbing your shit? She has to go that means you all have to.”

The girls scramble to pick up their stuff. Regina grabs her car keys from the vanity, signaling that she was doing drop offs.

She takes Gretchen home first, then Karen, next is Cady. You notice Cady doesn't have on your jacket when you get a glimpse of her. Slight panic bubbles inside of you. If she left it at Regina’s, you'd likely never see it again. You get a text as you come to this realization.

Cady: The jackets in your backpack

Y/n: Cool thanks

When Regina parks in front of Cady’s house you say goodbye and tell her to text you later. When she leaves the car, the energy shifts drastically.

You knew Regina did this intentionally as your house was only a block over from hers. It would've made sense to take you first, but she waited to have you alone in this moment.

“Can we talk?” You see her hands tightly grip the steering wheel.

“Well now is as good as it's going to get, isn’t it?” You say picking at the sleeves of your sweater.

Regina sighs, “You were never this timid on the beach.”

“You and I both know you're a different person there. I never thought I’d be in this situation with you here, forgive me if I’m cautious around the queen bee,” you rebuttal.

Her grip tightens, “You’re scared of me.”

You shake your head, “I’m not scared of you, Gina.”

“Then why?”

You look out of the window, “I’m scared of the way you make me feel. I look at you and all of a sudden, I want to be back on that beach. This is as close as we’ve been during the school year, and I can’t make a habit of this. You let me down gently, but that doesn’t mean my heart isn’t broken.”

“I told you,” it’s a whisper from the blonde.

“I would do it all over again,” you still can’t look at her.

Regina feels herself losing her composure. Before she can drive any further, she pulls over in a random parking lot. She shakes her head as tears build behind her eyes.

“You’re not supposed to say shit like that, Y/n. It’s cheesy and overplayed. It’s something you say to people that you care about, and you shouldn't care about me,” she begins to breathe heavily.

“Gina-"

Her hands find her hair as a groan leaves her, “I hurt you Y/n and you just let me. Why don’t you hate me?”

Your hands reach for hers. She lets you pull them from her scalp.

“Regina, I’m not some stranger you met on vacation 2 years ago. I grew up here, with you. I knew what I was getting into. I did it anyway,” your thumb runs over her knuckles.

“You didn't want more?”

Your eyes soften, “I wanted you in every way you’d allow me to have you, Gina. You weren’t just some summer fling to me. It’s just- I knew you'd never go for that. You have this image to uphold, and I fuck it up.”

“You shouldn’t care about my image. You should be calling me a coward and a liar. I don’t get why you haven’t even tried to expose me,” she goes on.

“I don't care about school politics,” you say.

She sounds desperate as she speaks, “But I do, and you could ruin me.”

Against your better judgment your hand caresses her cheek. She looks up at you and you lean forward.

“I gain nothing from hurting you Gina,” your lips graze hers as you speak.

“Fuck it,” Regina closes the gap between the two of you.

Her lips against yours feels better than you remember. Neither of you are eager to pull away. When you do your forehead rests against hers.

“I was so stupid thinking I could stay away from you,” Regina says trying to catch her breath.

“I missed you too,” you tell her.

“We have to figure this out. I’m not ready to… show this side of myself to the school, but I need you,” Regina admits.

You shrug your shoulders, “We could sneak around. No one has to know.”

She searches your face, “Are you sure?”

You nod, “Positive.”

People often make jokes about famous last words, but that honestly felt like yours. Life became a lot more hectic after you suggested that arrangement between you and Regina.

A lot of it was a blur as she began to pull you into the janitors closet whenever she got the chance. Sometimes for talking and sometimes to makeout.

Off campus you would find yourself at the blonde’s house quite often. The two of would hang out in her room for hours. On occasion she would borrow her mom’s car to take your somewhere out of the city.

While things were going great for you with Regina. Cady was slowly but surely making her move on Aaron. You didn't think it was wise, but if it made her happy, then you supported it.

Cady had also kept her seat with Regina and friends. It seemed like she was finally progressing towards actually becoming a member of their clique.

You hadn’t been around much, but you hoped this meant Cady was done with whatever Janis had been planning. Playing both sides wouldn’t be good for her.

“Are you going to Chris Eisel's Halloween party?”  Cady asks as she goes through her locker.

“Probably, everyone is going.”

She nods her head, “I think I'm going to try to get with Aaron at the party.”

Your eyes widen, “I don't know if that's a good idea.”

Cady dismisses your warning, “Regina and I are cool now. I think I'm going to tell her I like him and see if it's ok that I take my chance.”

You look at her as if she was crazy, “Cady getting with the queen bee's ex-boyfriend is not smart.  Telling her about it beforehand only gives her prep time to take you down.”

“It will be fine.”

You knew that it, in fact, would not be fine. Your suspicions were confirmed later in the day when you were in Regina’s room.

The blonde paces back and forth silently. There’s a scowl on her face. You let her try to cool down for nearly 15 minutes, but at this rate there would be a hole in the floor where she walked.

“So, you talked to Cady,” you lightly poke the bear.

“Who does she think she is? I let her into the most influential group at the school and now she wants to fuck my ex. If she gets with Aaron there’s a chance that I look like an idiot,” Regina was furious.

“How would that make you look bad? You dumped him, right?” you try to follow.

“It makes it look like I’d allow anyone to have the things that I have. Dating Aaron would push her up the social ladder. Being one of us and dating him would make her more popular than me,” she says it like it’s obvious.

“Right,” you’re still confused.

Regina groans before finally sitting on her bed next to you, “You wouldn’t get it. You’re not into the school politics or whatever it is you say.”

You wrap your arms around the blonde and she leans back into your touch, “Just try not to destroy her too bad, ok? She’s, my friend.”

“I’m going to put that ginger bitch in her place,” she threatens.

You sigh, but there’s not much else you can do. You warned Cady that this was a bad idea.

“No more talking about Cady. We have episodes of Malcolm in the Middle to watch,” you kiss the top of her head.

“You’re right, I don’t want her cutting into our time together,” she places a kiss to the side of your jaw.

You knew that whatever happened at that party would be bad, but for now you decided to ignore it for now. In hindsight, it was a mistake. It was almost as if all the time you were spending with Regina made you forget that when everything was said and done, she was mean.

The party’s already in full affect when you get there. It’s almost impossible not to spot Cady in her costume.

“I see you went for the scary over sexy look,” you shout so that she can hear you.

“I thought this is what they meant by costume. Not just a pair of mouse ears,” you can barely make out what she’s saying over the giant plastic teeth.

You laugh, “Well I think it’s pretty cool for what it’s worth.”

“Thanks, I hope Aaron thinks so too. Who are supposed to be?”

You pull out your tiny comb and run it through your hair, “Well me sweetheart, I’m grease lightning.”

She giggles at your antics, “I don’t why, but that makes sense for you.”

You chat with Cady enjoying the party atmosphere until you get a glimpse of Regina, “Wow.”

Cady turns her attention to the blonde, “She looks amazing. Is she-”

“An angel,” you finish Cady’s thought.

Cady watches as your eyes rake Regina’s entire form, “I’ve never seen you look like such a fan of hers before.”

It’s a task as you tear your eyes away from Regina, “I’ve said it a million times Cady. She’s mean, but damn she's pretty.”

“I’m going to go say hi, I’ll be right back.”

You don’t stay to watch the interaction between the two girls opting to get a drink from the kitchen instead.

In the kitchen your quest for a drink is postponed as you see Karen standing on the table, looking as if she was going to fall. In typical North Shore fashion, instead of helping her down people are recording her.

You take it upon yourself to walk over and extend your hand to the girl. She takes it gratefully, but still manages to trip on her way down. You’re reflexes work fast to catch her, and steady her on the ground.

“Y/n, you saved me,” she giggles and jumps up and down a few times.

You laugh with your response, “I did, but be careful next time I might not be around.”

“I was trying to find Gretchen,” the girl frowns.

You sigh, trying to figure out if you really want to take on this task. One look at Karen’s wobbly stance, and you take her hand.

“Let’s find her.”

It takes you longer than expected to find Gretchen. When you get a glimpse of her, she’s yelling at Jason over who knows what. You see if you wait it out if it will end, but it doesn’t. So instead, you decide to interrupt anyway.

“Gretchen!” Karen exclaims as you get closer to the girl with the loose curls.

“Karen was looking for you,” you tell her nonchalantly.

Gretchen looks at her clearly drunk friend and then back to the boy she was arguing with. She points her finger at him, “This isn’t over.”

She then takes Karen by the arm and begins to drag her away, “Bye Y/n.”

Gretchen turns back to you for a quick moment mouthing ‘thank you’ before she goes to take care of Karen.

You’re basically back to the middle of the party. You look for Cady and spot her standing still across the room. Her chest heaves up and down rapidly as she clutches her hand over it.

You follow her line of sight and feel your heart break in your chest. Regina and Aaron are locked in an enthusiastic kiss. Tears threaten to spill from your eyes, but you hold them at bay. You make your way over Cady deciding that the party is over for the both of you.

Your presence takes her out of her trance, “Let’s go.”

She looks over to see Regina looking right at her. Cady doesn’t hesitate to follow your lead out of the party. It’s not until Regina realizes that you’re the one taking Cady, that the blonde regrets her actions.

You don’t know how you end up and Janis’s place, but you do. Janis and Damian are watching some old Halloween movie in her garage. Cady starts telling the art kids what happened at the party. Janis springs up from her seat quickly comforting the girl.

You take this opportunity to sit next to Damian. Its then that you learn that Cady didn’t actually know why Janis wanted revenge. You find out some details you didn’t know either, despite being there for the debacle.

“Now you know that Regina George is not your friend, we’re your friends and we’re going to make her pay,” Janis says with her eye twitching.

“Pause, why are you here Y/n?” Damian acknowledges that you look just as upset as Cady.

You search for an answer, “I brought Cady.”

Janis narrows her eyes at you, “That’s not everything.”

You know you shouldn’t, but as the images of Aaron and Regina cross your mind you can’t hold it in.

Your head falls into your hands, “It’s complicated.”

The moment the two words leave your lips you find yourself telling them everything from the first summer to the recent rendezvous. By the time you're done you’re a mess.

“She told me this would happen, but I didn't listen. I’m so stupid,” you began to get angry at yourself as you harshly wiped your eyes.

“Hey, don't be so hard on yourself,” Janis wraps an arm around.

“And I thought she was cruel before,” Damian looks at you sympathetically.

“She’s not going to get away with this Y/n,” Cady promises.

You shake your head, “Guys, I’m not out for vengeance. I just- it hurts.”

Janis rubs your shoulder a few times, “Don’t worry, we got your back. While Cady focuses on knocking Regina down a peg, Damian and I will make sure she stays away from you.”

Just as the words leave her mouth your phone begins to buzz repeatedly. You peak down at it and can see a bunch of messages from Regina coming through. You reach for it, but Cady takes it and simply flips it over on the table.

“No more, Regina George. “Now, what are we watching,” she says, and you nod gaining back some of your bearings.

So, you spend the rest of your night watching bad horror movies with your friends, trying to keep your mind off of Regina.

The next school day you don’t make it far without feeling a certain pair of eyes on you. Before you can turn to look in her direction Janis and Damian are by your side whisking you into the school building.

“I can’t believe you didn’t like disintegrate under her gaze,” Janis comments.

Damian follows up, “Yeah if looks could kill, you’d probably be dead right now.”

Your gaze stays on the floor, “She can look all she wants as long as she keeps her distance.”

That's basically what transpires your next 6 weeks at school. Janis, Damian, and Cady fail to make any sort of mockery of Regina, the popular girl debuts her rekindled romance, and you fall deeper into your depression.

Regina does try approaching you a few more times, but she consistently gets blocked by Janis, Damian, or Cady, for which you’re grateful. You don’t want to talk to her while she’s busy parading her boy toy around.

Every day is starting to seem longer than the last. You dread stepping on campus, because even if you manage to avoid seeing Regina, she’s all anyone talked about. It was like you were always surrounded by her and it was driving you insane.

It gets to the point where sometimes you periodically skip class, just to walk the empty hallways to get away from her. Skipping class seems to be your downfall as you find yourself being yanked into the janitors closet.

“What the fuck?” Your initial panic only increases when you see Regina blocking the door.

“We need to talk,” Regina says with a sharp tone.

You shake your head, “No we don’t, now let me out of here Regina.”

You try to push past her, but she puts a hand on your chest, “I’ve been trying to talk to you since the Halloween party.”

“For what, Regina? You put Cady in her place just like you said you would. I should've seen it coming,” your words come out harsh.

“I didn’t mean for you to get hurt,” her voice was small when she spoke.

You let out a bitter chuckle, “There was no way I wasn’t going to get hurt. What, you were just going to kiss and date Aaron publicly while keeping me on the side?”

“I don’t care about Aaron, I only care about you,” she shoots back.

“You couldn’t even run it by me. Maybe check to see if I would’ve been ok with it? Regina we were practically dating,” you argue to the girl.

Regina runs a hand through her hair, “I know that. I know I fucked up, I’ve been trying to apologize, to talk to you, but your guard dogs never let me get close.

You scoff, “My friends are protecting me from you.”

Regina sounds incredulous, “So you told them?”

Your hands go up feigning exasperation, “Yes, I told them. I didn’t really have a choice because when I left the party, I was a fucking mess, and they were there for me.”

“It was just a kiss, Jesus Christ you’re acting like I fucked him on the couch,” she complains.

The disbelief in your tone comes out, “You really don’t get it, do you? You want to know why it fucked me up so bad? Despite how mean you are and how vain you can be, I saw something in you. I cut through all the bullshit to find the actual human being with feelings. I got to know you better than anyone else in this hell hole ever will. Underneath all that toxic plastic costume that you wear is the girl that I loved. So, I’m sorry if my hurt feelings are too much for you, but it fucking sucks seeing the person you love kiss someone else.”

You didn't know when you got so close to Regina. The roles had reversed at some point, and you were now the one trapping her against the closet door. Her blue eyes peer into yours looking for any sign of deceit.

“You loved me?”

You close your eyes, “Don’t make me say it again. “

Regina doesn't have the words. She doesn't want to search for them. All she wants to do is kiss you. So, against her better judgment she hurriedly places her lips on yours.

You should push her away, tell her that this isn't an apology. Yet the only thing you can do is wrap your arms around her and pull her into you. The kiss is sloppy, and it sends you both into a frenzy. Neither of you break it even when you both know better.

When the door to the closet is violently yanked open, is when you finally pull away from each other. Aaron stands there looking between yourself and Regina. The blonde yanks the door back shut, and you drop to the floor as embarrassment sets in.

“Fuck, I have to go,” you say trying to pull yourself together.

“You can’t go we haven’t talked,” Regina tries to block you.

This time you’re gentle as you move her aside, “There’s nothing to talk about Gina. You were right, I thought I could handle the heartbreak, but this is too much.”

Leaving the closet your jaw clenches as you see Cady down the hall. Her attention that was on Aaron, shifts to you. Her eyes go wide as she begins to figure out what happened in the closet. You don't give her the chance to comfort you opting to leave the school entirely.

Maybe it was time to embrace the school’s politics. Becoming the outcast, loner, weirdo didn’t sound so bad anymore. Anything to keep you away from The Plastics and The Art Freaks. You didn’t want to deal with either side ever again.

Just like you had done with Regina you ignored all of Cady, Janis, and Damian’s messages. You and the block button had never been any closer. At school you resumed having your lunch outside away from the drama and stuffy cafeteria.

In class you kept your focus on the teacher ignoring any notes or whispers from the trio. It was a challenge, but it was for the best.

You kept your head down when walked the halls and your earbuds in. If you kicked out the outside world then it was like it didn’t exist. You should’ve been paying more attention.

That’s the thought that crosses your mind as you trip right in front of Regina George. You expect to hit the floor dramatically but are surprised when you feel her hands at your waist keeping you upright.

The entire school watches with bated breath waiting for your fate. You too, are curious to see how the queen bee will treat you with the public watching.

“Watch it… loser,” she mumbles, making sure to shove you lightly out of her way.

You can tell her heart isn’t in it, but it looks normal to the public. In some ways it looked like you got a warning, which Regina was kind enough to give to most people.

You didn't dwell on it much. She probably had bigger things to worry about with the talent show happening so soon. The Plastics never missed a year of doing their kind of provocative and surely cringe-inducing dance routine.

Extra credit was being offered in most of your classes for students who went. So, you had decided to go to boost up your grades.

On the night of the talent show, you take a seat in the back row. Most of it is uninspiring. You hate to admit that you really enjoyed Damian’s rendition of the Icarly theme song. It was weird, but in that sort of niche artistic way that made it cool to you.

When The Plastics get on stage you’re surprised to see Cady with them. It was unsurprising to see everyone recording the performance. You’re sure some weirdos would be glad to have that performance at their disposal.

 It is more difficult to watch this year than the previous. Something is more off key than usual. When the cartwheel spot is being set up you see Karen’s knee buckle first then Regina slams into the floor.

When she does, the crowd erupts. You shoot out of your seat as well. This is her worst nightmare. In a digital era, there’s no way that this isn’t going to go viral.

You don’t know why you’re running out of the theater, but you are. You didn’t know where to look for her, but she had to come to her car. You stand outside the pink jeep for what feels like an eternity.

In reality, it was only a few minutes before you could make out the figure of the crying blonde. You wait for her to get closer before attempting to say anything.

“Regina-”

She tries snapping at you, but it doesn’t pack much of a punch behind the tears, “It’s pretty funny, isn’t it? I bet you enjoyed every second of it.”

“Give me your keys,” you say without pause.

“What?”

“It’s dangerous to drive under intense emotion. Give me your keys, so I can take you home,” you reiterate.

Regina wants to question it, but she doesn’t want to ruin tonight even more. She put her keys in your hands. You don’t say anything else, simply waiting for her to get in the car.

When she does, you begin driving to her house. You can see her scrolling through her phone, so you snatch it from her at a red light.

“Stop,” you tell her, knowing she’s looking at her viral moment.

When you get to her house you follow her to her room. She faceplants on her bed and you watch as her body begins to vigorously shake with sobs.

You sit next to her your hand rubs her back soothingly, “I’m sorry this happened to you.”

“You’re not happy that your bestie usurped me,” she says sarcastically.

“I haven’t spoken to Cady, since the closet thing happened,” you admit to her.

She wiped her eyes, “Why not?”

“Well Cady’s the one who told Aaron to check the closet,” you tell her.

“That bitch.”

You nod, “Yeah, I know that she and Janis wanted revenge, but that was low.”

Regina’s eyebrow furrows, “What are you talking about?”

You fill her in on everything and you can see her get angrier at every word.

“You didn’t think to warn me?”

You fight back, “Last time I checked they were failing. I wasn’t in on the planning, and I don’t even know all that they did. But also, I don’t owe you anything Regina.”

Her tongue clicks against her cheek, “I guess that’s fair.”

You speak again, “I don’t really know why I’m here if I’m being honest with you. I saw you hit the floor, and I just felt like I needed to be here for you.”

Regina laughs softly, “Even after all of this, you’re still thinking about how I feel.”

You laugh too, “I don’t think I can help it. I mean you are the Regina George, massive deal and all that.”

She shakes her head, “Not after this. I will never be her again.”

“Is that such a bad thing?”

She looks at you, “I mean it doesn’t feel great, to be embarrassed for the whole world to see.”

“Fair point, but what is it they say about the head that wears the crown. Aren’t you a little bit relieved that you don’t have to be perfect anymore?”

She shrugs, “I guess so. My heart hasn’t been inn it since the last time we talked.”

“Regina, I don’t know if now is the time to-"

Her eyes lock on yours, “Please.”

Reluctantly you nod your head.

“I’m not a caring person. I don't usually give a fuck about anything but myself. I’m selfish and ruthless and cruel and mean. I really am everything that these people are saying about me. Except when it comes to you. I care about you more than I’ve cared about anything in a long time.”

She looks at you to make sure you're really hearing her.

“Kissing Aaron was so fucking stupid. I felt threatened by Cady and in truth I acted how I usually would. But I forgot to consider your feelings because I’m not used to considering others. I knew I fucked up and I wanted to fix it, but you were avoiding me. So, I kept the act because if I lost you at least I still had my power.”

“So, you care about your power more than me?”

Regina frowns, “No, I don’t, that’s what I’m trying to say. In that closet when you told me you loved me, it was like everything just clicked into place. We got carried away and then you left, but if you would’ve stayed just a second longer, I could’ve told you I loved you too.”

“Regina-”

“I’m almost done I promise. I could’ve told you any time after the fact, but it felt selfish. I was trying to do the right thing for once. You said that I hurt you too much and you were right. So, I thought it didn’t matter. I still don’t know if it matters, but if this is the last chance I have to say it, Y/n I love you.”

Your heart could come out of your chest at Regina’s admission. You’d love nothing more than to just pull her in and kiss, but something was stopping you.

“I love you too Gina, but what does that mean for us?”

Regina takes your hand in hers, “I want to be with you. Not just on the beach, but here, everywhere.”

You can sense there’s something she wanted to say, “But…”

“But I want to deal with the situation at school first. I want to change, but I still have to be mean for a while. I don't know if you’ll like that side of me,” Regina looks at her bedsheets.

You let a tiny smile come over your features, “I’m not really into school politics. So, I don't mind if you’re still a little mean. As long as you don't care that I want to be by your side.”

Regina has a smile that matches yours, “I like the thought of you by my side.”

“Good, because I don't plan on leaving.”

You can't wait any longer. You take her face in both of your hands and kiss her softly. Regina melts against your lips. It’s not like the kiss in janitors, it’s closer to your first kiss together. There’s a slight hesitation, but it’s not enough to stop.

“I love you,” she says against your lips.

“I love you too.”

You stayed at Regina’s pretty late that night. It was so late that by the time you got home you were exhausted. When your alarm went off in the morning, you snored right through it. You ended up making it to your third period right before the bell rang to start class.

You took your seat next to Cady. Something about her was different. She looks like Regina, more than usual. She wasn't paying any attention during class, to preoccupied with her makeup.

“What’s up with her?” You say to Janis, who sits directly behind you.

“Oh, well hello to you too stranger.”

You roll your eyes, “I’m serious, Janis.”

The artist shrugs, “I don't know. After last night I called game on the revenge, but Cady said she needed one more day.”

You frown, “Is worldwide embarrassment not enough? She’s viral all over the internet for her fall.”

“I thought so, but this is all Cady,” there’s some hint of worry in her tone.

You want to talk to the ginger, but the moment the bell rings she's out of the class. Once you’re out of class you head to the cafeteria for lunch. As you’re standing in line waiting for the food the loud chatter of the cafeteria drops.

You lift your head up to see why; it’s Regina. She’s not in her usual attire opting for something more comfortable, but just as cute in your opinion. She walked over to her usual table but was stopped from sitting.

You couldn't hear the conversation, but you did hear as Regina’s friend yelled, “You can’t sit with us.”

Nobody in the cafeteria moves to make space for the girl. Her mean nature finally biting her in the ass. You set your lunch tray down loudly, causing the attention to shift to you.

You hate the way everyone looks on, as you make your way towards Regina. Standing by her side in front of the entire school felt strange.

You hold your hand out for her to take and she does. You glare hits all the girls’ sitting at The Plastics table before lingering on Cady, “Let’s go outside, it’s stuffy in here anyway.”

Regina let you drag her out of the cafeteria towards the front of the school. You found a shady spot under the tree and sat there.

“You want me to sit on the ground?”

You look at her and then pat your lap, “You could always sit here instead.”

She takes a seat on the grass next to you, “I wouldn’t want to crush you. I’m so fat now.”

You frown and pull the girl into your lap. She squeals and tries to get away, but you lock your arms around her.

“Doesn’t feel like you’re crushing me.”

Regina looks away from you, “I’m wearing these sweats because I can’t fit any of my pants anymore. It doesn't make any sense because all I've been eating are these nasty bars that Cady gave me.”

You take the bar from Regina. The more you examine it the angrier you get.

“Don’t eat anymore of this shit.”

“What’s wrong with them?”

You feel your body growing hot with anger, “These are Kalteen bars. They’re for gaining weight.”

Regina’s facial expression darkens, “What?”

“I’m going to kill her. This is too far,” you start to stand, but Regina stops you.

“I will handle it,” Regina’s calm tone is unnerving, but Cady deserves whatever hell Regina invokes on her for this.

“Ok, but I’m here if you need me,” you squeeze her lightly.

“Thank you, baby. Not just for being here, but for what you did in the cafeteria. I know you don’t like the attention,” she places a kiss on your cheek.

You blush at her praise, “I don’t like it, but I wasn’t going to stand idly by why Cady tried to humiliate you in front of everyone again.”

“I don’t want to talk about her anymore. Karma will get her soon enough and her world will be burnt to a crisp,” Regina’s smile is small yet sadistic.

Maybe a few hours ago you would’ve warned Regina about taking it too far. Potentially you would have said something about the moral high ground. However, upon learning about the weight gaining bars, you decided that Cady needed to be humbled quickly.

You and Regina decide to ditch the rest of the school day. You spend the day at her house watching tv in her bed. It only takes a few episodes before you fall asleep, still feeling some grogginess from your morning.

After a few minutes of your soft snores, Regina begins her plot. She knew this would not only destroy Cady, but the entire population of girls at the school. They deserved it after the talent show and lunch today. If they thought she was a problem when she was mean, nothing could prepare them for when she felt vindictive.

“What’re you doing so far away,” you yawn and make grabby hands at the blonde.

“This is called full proof revenge,” she holds up the burn book.

Your eyes widen as you read ‘this girl is a fugly cow’, “Oh shit.”

“Come here.”

You follow her orders. She opens the book to a page that has your name and your picture, but no description, “Where’d you get this picture of me?”

Regina shakes her head, “Not important. You need to write something mean about yourself here.”

You give her a questioning look, “Why?”

“Because it’ll look suspicious if you aren’t in it,” she hands you a marker.

You don't think about it too much as you write ‘Gay Loner Weirdo’ above the picture.

“Simple, elegant, classy,” you hand the marker back to her.

“Timeless if you will,” Regina jokes.

You nod feigning insight, “Yes, it was either that or Regina George sympathizer, but that felt too new. Gotta make them think I was always in there.”

The two of spent the rest of the day enjoying each other’s company. It was a nice change for once. You found yourself thinking that you could get used to having Regina to yourself like this.

You expect chaos the next time you step onto campus, but you aren’t prepared for what you walk in to. The halls were a mess. Girls are fighting, running, and screaming everywhere you look.

“This is insane,” you whisper to yourself.

“This is what happens when you fuck with Regina George,” the girl appears by your side faux distraught on her features.

You don’t get to answer her before principal Duvall calls for all the girls in the gymnasium. A situation like this was unprecedented in the history of the school. So, it didn't surprise you that none of the faculty knew what to do about it.

They were trying some weird truth and unity trust fall that you thought was a shitty idea. Things were cringy at first, but it seemed like the message was working on a few girls.

When Janis gets up there things take a turn for the worst as she begins to air out Regina and Cady’s dirty laundry, “… and I find it so ironic because while Regina’s been calling me a pyro lez she's been busy having summer beach romances with Y/n. Pretty fucking gay if you ask me.”

She lets out a scream before falling into the arms of the student body who began changing her name and carrying her out.

The only students left in the gym were yourself, Cady, and Regina. Cady’s remorse finally manages to kick in and she starts to apologize. She doesn't get too far in before Regina storms off. You stay hot on her heels as Cady follows the two of you. Regina makes it all the way to the front lot before she turns around to start arguing with Cady.

The closer Cady gets to the blonde, the further Regina goes into the street. You’re somewhere in between trying to mediate the situation.

“Why don't we do this somewhere private for once? Where the while school isn’t involved,” you suggest.

“I don't have anything to say to her except that she's parading around as a cheaper version of me. She can imitate take it all, but she’ll never be as good as me,” Regina spits out.

“Regina, I’m-"

You look between the girl’s and that's when you see the bus coming from the corner of your eye.

“Regina!”

You scream her name, and your body moves on its own as you forcefully tackle the girl to the ground. You make sure to protect her head with your arms as you go down on the concrete. Everything feels like it’s slowed down as your arms connect with the concrete.

That feeling is nothing compared to the pain you feel in your leg. You cry out in pain at the feeling of your leg being run over by the bus.

“Oh my god, Y/n. Someone help, quit standing around like idiots. Call an ambulance or something, make yourselves useful,” Regina yells as the entire school looks on.

She repositions herself so that your head is in her lap as she holds your sobbing figure. She can’t help it as her own tears begin to fall.

When the ambulance comes, you’re loaded in and rushed to the hospital. As much as Regina fought to get into the ambulance, they wouldn't let her. She knew you were going to need surgery on your leg, it had to be completely broken. All she could do was worry and count down the moments until she would be able to see you.

It took a full day for you to wake up after the accident and another before you were allowed visitors. Regina was the first person there.

The first thing she did was kiss you, “Don’t ever do anything stupid like that again.”

You laugh tiredly, “I believe the words are thank you.”

“It’s not funny Y/n, you could’ve died.”

You readjust the bed to sit up straight, “I wasn’t going to let you get full on hit by a bus Gina. My leg will be fine after rehab. The doctor says I'm lucky that it broke clean, but I might have some permanent nerve damage.”

“But you'll still be able to walk?”

You nod, “It’ll take a few months, and I might have like a permanent limp, but I’ll be able to walk."

“You saved my life,” her hand interlocks with yours.

“I mean we don't know that. You could've survived being hit by the bus,” you joke further.

“Oh yeah, totally would've survived. Probably would be walking around with the hottest neck brace on the market,” she rolls her eyes.

“Super fetch neck brace,” you add.

She groans, “I love you, but you have to stop saying that.”

“I love you too, but I’m going to keep saying it,” you kiss the back of her hand.

Regina isn't the only one who stops to visit you. You’re a little surprised to see Cady stop by. The popular persona was nowhere to be seen. She looks the same as the first day you met her.

“I know you probably don't want to see me, but I came to apologize… for everything. I did exactly what you warned me not to and got caught up in the school politics,” she stands by the forest while she talks.

You motion for her to have a seat, and she does so cautiously. You let out a breath before addressing the girl, “I did warn you, but sometimes you have to make mistakes to learn and grow. When you sent Aaron to the closet, I was so upset with you. Maybe I could’ve forgiven you then, but your attitude just went downhill from there.”

“I know.”

“I’m not even mad about it anymore. I’m more upset about what you did to Regina. Some of that shit was pretty low, Cady,” you tell her.

“I know, I got caught up in Janis’s plan. I was so excited to have friends that I thought going along with it was ok, but it wasn't. What makes it even worse is that I got carried away and became someone I’m not. And now you're here in the hospital because of me,” she can’t look at you.

“Cady you weren't driving the bus.”

She stands her ground, “It’s the domino effect of my actions. No one would’ve been-"

You cut her off, “Cady this isn't your fault. You sound crazy. I literally kind of threw myself in the path of the bus. It was my choice, and I stand by it. Instead of taking accountability for things that aren’t your fault, maybe you should focus on the things that are your fault.”

“Like with Regina,” she says to herself.

“Regina, Janis, hell even Ms. Norbury. Apologize and mean it, that’s a step in the right direction,” you tell her.

“How do you always manage to have the right advice?”

“We're all just actual human beings at the end of the day Cady. Falling into these boxes that we think are desirable takes us out of the reality of the situation.”

She takes in your words and then stands, “I’m going to go work on being an actual human being. Maybe when it's all over, we can be friends again.”

You salute her playfully, “Go get em tiger.”

Despite your injury, time seems to go by in a blur. Rehab is hard and the handful of meds you have to take is annoying, but it’s worth it. You were doubtful about returning to campus before the end of the year, but you found yourself cleared a week before Spring Fling. You’d have to use a crutch, but for the most part you were alright.

“You know we don’t have to go to the dance, right? I’m content staying here and finally finishing Malcolm in the Middle,” Regina says as fixes the sleeves of your suit.

“I know, but I have to let my adoring public know that I’ve escaped the clutches of death.”

Regina stops her movements, “I’m being serious, Y/n."

You place a hand on her waist, “I want to go out and dance with you. Or at least attempt to.”

Regina blushes under your touch, “Might be a little difficult with the crutch.”

“It can sit on the bleachers for one dance,” your eyes are love-struck, staring at Regina.

Her face heats even more under your gaze, “Let’s go your adoring public awaits or whatever.”

For the second time in your school career all eyes seem to be on you as you enter the dance. It could be the fact that you looked good, or maybe that you were walking in with Regina George on your arm, or more likely that no one had seen you since the bus ran over your leg.

“Do people ever do anything besides staring,” you say to the blonde.

“Nope,” she pops the ‘p’ on the word.

You don't get particularly far into the dance floor on account of your crutch. Instead, you find yourself situated by the punchbowl. You urge Regina to go dance, which she does reluctantly.

“You know rumors were going around that you’d lost your leg,” Janis appears by your side.

You look down at your leg, “Still there.”

“Look I wanted to say I’m sorry for how everything played out. It wasn’t cool to try to involve you in the drama and I shouldn’t have said anything about your thing with Regina,” she apologizes.

“Apology accepted, I’m just ready to move on from everything,” you say earnestly.

“Janis,” Regina says cordially, as she puts herself in this conversation.

“Regina,” the girl answers in the same tone.

With a respectful nod the girl in the purple tux takes her leave.

“What was that about?”

“Well, I' told you that I wanted to change. The first part of that is making amends. Janis and I had a talk, we both apologized. So now, we’re civil with each other,” Regina reveals.

“That’s awesome baby, I’m proud of you.”

She looks away from you as embarrassment coats her face, “Yeah whatever, don’t you owe me a dance?”

You laugh and lean your crutch against the wall before offering her your hand. Your leg is strong enough for the two of you to sway together as a slow song plays.

“People are still watching, I think it’s the Regina George factor,” you say so only that she can hear.

“I don’t really mind it. It lets them know you’re mine.”

A goofy smile plants itself on your face, “Oh, am I?”

Regina nods, “All mine.”

You lean in closer to her, “Weird way to ask if I'll be your girlfriend, but I accept.”

Regina begins to sputter which keeps you smiling. The smug look on your face drives her crazy. She’s quick to place a soft kiss on your lips to regain some control of the situation.

“That’s so not fair,” you say against her lips.

“It’s girlfriend privileges,” she counters back.

When the song is over principal Duvall calls for the nominees for Spring Fling king and queen to go up on stage. You stand to the side and cheer loudly as your girlfriend gets on the stage. Tension slowly builds as the man reads of the kings name first before holding the envelope with the queen’s name in it.

Silence takes over the crowd as principal Duvall announces Cady as the queen of Spring Fling. When the girl gets on the stage, you notice she’s not dressed for the dance at all. The casual attire with a letterman jacket seems like a change of pace for her.

She takes the microphone and starts to apologize publicly to everyone she has wronged. She breaks the crown into pieces sharing it with the girls on stage. She also throws some pieces into the crowd before getting off the stage.

The ginger makes her way over to you and hands you a piece of the plastic crown, “Glad you could make it.”

You smile at her, “That was probably the corniest shit I have ever seen, but you seemed like an actual human being on that stage.”

“Learned from the best. I’m going to go talk to Janis, but I’ll see you around?”

“Definitely,” you reassure her and watch as she goes off to continue righting her wrongs.

Regina comes not too long after Cady goes. She leans her back against you lightly and you wrap an arm around her.

“I'm ready for summer,” she mentions offhandedly.

“Why?”

She tilts her back to look up at you, “I'm ready to sit on the beach and relax with my extremely hot girlfriend.”

Her eyes sparkle as they peer into yours. This moment feels like it could last forever. You get to be with the Regina George in a room where anyone can see. Yet you resonate with her words deeply. Nothing sounds quite as good as having the girl all to yourself, soaking up the sun. You can almost see the book in your hand while the blonde rests her head in your lap.

“Me too.”

[kairoot]

𝑴𝑶𝑶𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐂𝐊 — 西村力.

𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: during the village’s annual moon festival, the moon shines big and bright. legend says that it reveals a person’s true emotions under its light and can rekindle lost feelings. when you move to the little romance village, it’s bustling with talk of the festival and a famous local painter. deciding to see what the gossip was about, you attend said moon festival. but what happens when you run into this unknown artist under the moon’s light?

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: niki x 𝑓．𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲 : fluff , s2l, soulmates (???), folklore kinda thing.. 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 : no 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 : riki is kind of a loner .. ( 𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒏’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 ) : special thank you to nini ^^ @flwrstqr for proofreading for me, I love u ♡︎. pls leave reblogs, they are much appreciated !! ♡︎ WC: 3.3K

**

THE VILLAGE SQUARE WAS a kaleidoscope of lights, colors, and laughter. Lanterns hung from just about every surface, casting a warm, golden glow over the cobblestone streets. The air was full of sweet scents, coming from every corner of the small town.

You weaved through the large crowd, taking in all of the sights and sounds. It was beyond anything you’d ever experienced. Being a new resident to the town, you couldn’t understand what all of the excitement was about over one festival but now you felt the same way everyone else did.

Melodic strains of the village’s music played, causing people all around to dance together, not caring if they were strangers to one another. You smiled, the sight somehow bringing you joy.

After walking a few miles, an older shop catches your eye. The traditional decorations hanging outside the tiny building, with a crescent moon sketched on the wooden door. You opened it to walk in, the small bell ringing as the door moved.

You were greeted with the sharp tang of an earthy aroma of dried clay and the rich smell of more wood from the easels, frames, and shelves. The subtle hint of fresh pencil shavings, and the crisp scent of new canvases waiting to be transformed.

A few employees smiled and waved at you, their kindness making you feel welcome as you got ready to explore this new environment. The store was quiet; the only noise being a few painters conversing with one another, the low traditional music that played in the background, and pencils or paintbrushes moving against the canvases.

You walked further into the shop, wandering around the shelves to look at different tools and paintings that had been hung up on display.

You ran your hand over the wooden shelf, another crescent moon etched into the dark surface.

This town is serious about the moon, you thought.

You continued your mini journey through the aisles, amazed by some of the artistry inside of them.

But a certain painting seems to pique your interest. You let your feet guide you to the image, captivated by the delicate brushstrokes that brought the scene to life. Just as you let your fingertips graze the painting, another hand brushed against yours. Startled, you pulled your hand away at the same time as the other person’s, causing the art to fall to the ground.

“I’m sorry,” you quickly apologize to the stranger, before you both chuckle at the small incident. The stranger crouches to pick the canvas up from the ground, holding it with a firm grasp.

You look up, only to see a much taller male in front of you, dressed in all black with a paint splattered apron tied around his waist. His eyes sharp but filled with surprise as he stared back at you.

His beauty captivated you in a way. In a way where you couldn’t even find your words or perhaps even start a conversation.

You both stood silently until he sucked in a breath, hesitant on whether he wanted to say something.

“So, uh—, arts’ your thing, too?” He glanced at the painting in his hands and then back at you, a gentle smile making its way to his face.

“I guess I’ve found it kind of interesting lately,” you beamed, feeling a bit more at ease. “What about you?”

“Yeah, uh, this is mine actually..” He trailed off. Your eyes widened in surprise, suddenly feeling guilty for the incident that had occurred a few minutes earlier.

“Oh, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to knock it down, I was just curious, and—“

He looked down, chuckling, “It’s no problem. I was thinking of chunking it anyway.”

Your brows furrowed in confusion, “But it’s way too good for you to just throw away like that.”

He shrugged, still smiling a bit. “I don’t know.. I’m just not too fond of it.”

You tilted your head, curiosity piqued. “Why’s that? It seems really beautiful to me.”

He looked at you with a spark of enthusiasm in his eyes. “Well, if you’re interested, you can make your own. I give mini-lessons from time to time. If you’re free, I’d be happy to show you some techniques.”

A smile crept onto your face. “I’d love that.”

“I’m Riki, by the way.” He extended his larger hand.

You shook his hand, the warm and firm grip making you feel as if you had butterflies in your stomach.

“Y/n.”

The sunlight filtered gently through the shop's windows, casting a warm, inviting glow over the art supplies and canvases. You arrived at the store a bit early, your excitement barely contained. Riki was setting up a small workspace in the back corner, his movements precise and deliberate. The room was filled with the rich scents of paint and wood, a comforting backdrop for the lesson ahead.

“Hey,” Riki greeted as you walked in, his smile making your heart flutter. “Ready for your mini-lesson?”

You nodded, trying to maintain a calm exterior but feeling a tingle of nerves. “Definitely!”

Riki’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he motioned for you to join him at the small table. “Alright, grab an apron and we’ll start with some basics. I’ll show you how to create depth and texture in your painting.”

You took one of the dark aprons off of the hook by the door and took a seat. Riki’s proximity made you acutely aware of his presence. He stood close enough that you could catch the faint scent of his cologne mingling with the earthy aroma of the paint. As he demonstrated the brushstrokes, his hand occasionally brushed against yours, sending a shy smile to your lips.

“Alright, so you want to use a light touch for the highlights,” Riki said, his voice warm and encouraging. He leaned in slightly to show you the technique up close, his face just inches from yours. The closeness made your cheeks warm, and you found it hard to focus on the painting as you became acutely aware of the soft sound of his breath and the gentle way he spoke.

“Like this,” he continued, guiding your hand with his own. His fingers were careful and steady, and you felt a gentle pressure as he helped you maneuver the brush. “The key is to layer the colors gradually, so it builds up the texture without looking too harsh.”

His hand lingered on yours for a moment longer than necessary, and you couldn’t help but glance up at him. Riki’s eyes were soft, and his smile was reassuring. “You’re doing great. Just remember to relax and let the brush do the work.”

You nodded, trying to steady your breath as you followed his instructions. The way he spoke to you, with such patience and attentiveness, made your heart race. Each time he leaned in to offer guidance, you felt a flutter of shyness but also an endearing sense of comfort.

Riki moved to the other side of the table, giving you space but still offering occasional tips and encouragement. “You’re really picking this up fast,” he said with genuine admiration, his voice carrying a note of pride. “You have a natural eye for detail..”

You blushed at his compliment, focusing on your painting with renewed determination. “Thanks. I’ve really enjoyed learning from you.”

He smiled warmly, his eyes reflecting a hint of something more than just professional interest. “I’ve enjoyed having you as my ‘student’.”

As the lesson continued, you found yourself growing more confident. Riki’s careful instruction and the way he interacted with you made the experience both educational and heartwarming. Every time he offered a correction or praised your work, it felt like a gentle nudge toward something greater.

By the end of the session, you were both smiling, the painting before you a testament to the techniques Riki had shared. “I think you’re ready for more advanced techniques next time,” he said, his eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. “But for now, you’ve done really great.”

You beamed, feeling a mix of accomplishment and affection for the kind-hearted teacher who had made your art journey so special. “Thank you. I can’t wait for our next lesson.”

As you packed up your things, Riki’s gaze lingered on you with a warmth that made your heart skip a beat. “I’m looking forward to it too,” he said softly. “See you soon.”

You left the shop with a smile, carrying not just the knowledge of painting but also the warmth of a shared connection.

A few days later, the festival was in full swing again, but this time it was a different night. You decided to take a quiet walk to a nearby beach, not too far from the festival setup. The moon hung low in the sky, casting its silver light over the ocean waves.

You carried with you a small set of painting materials, inspired by the techniques Riki had taught you. Setting up on the sand, you began to paint the scene before you: the moonlit waves and the gentle shimmer of the water. With each brushstroke, you used the tips he had given you, trying to capture the serene beauty of the moment.

The night was quiet, save for the soft sound of the waves and the occasional distant laughter from the festival. As you worked, you felt a sense of peace and contentment, lost in the beauty of the moment.

After a while, you sensed someone approaching. Turning slightly, you saw Riki walking towards you, his eyes bright with curiosity and admiration. He stopped a few feet away, watching you paint with a soft smile on his face.

"Hey," he greeted, his voice gentle. "I didn't expect to find you here."

You smiled back, feeling a flutter of happiness at his presence. "I needed some quiet time to practice. I’ve been kind of inspired."

Riki moved closer, sitting down next to you on the sand. His proximity was comforting, and you felt a warm sense of connection as he admired your work. "You've really captured the essence of the scene," he said, his eyes scanning your painting. "It's like seeing the world through your eyes."

His compliment made your heart swell with pride. "Thanks.. I’ve been trying to use the techniques you taught me.”

“Oh, really?” He raised an eyebrow, a playful smile on his face. “My techniques?”

You chuckled lightly, nodding, “Yes, your technique.”

You continued to paint, occasionally glancing at Riki, who watched with genuine interest.

The moonlight cast a soft glow on his features, making the moment feel even more magical. After a while, Riki spoke, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability.

"You know, the legend of the moon... it's said to reveal the truth about one's emotions," he began, his eyes fixed on the waves. "I've always been afraid to let the moon see mine, not after what happened before."

You looked at him with curiosity. “What happened?”

He sighed softly, looking out at the ocean. “I once let the moonlight reveal my true feelings and it led to heartbreak. It was... painful.. But that’s a story for another day..”

He turned to you, his eyes sincere and vulnerable. “Somehow, being with you, I don’t feel that fear. There’s something about tonight, and about you, that makes me believe in the magic of the moon again.”

You felt a pang of sympathy and reached out, gently placing your hand on his. “Riki, you don’t have to talk about it if you’re not comfortable.”

He looked at you, his eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and vulnerability. “Thank you. It’s just... hard to think about sometimes. The pain was so real, and it made me afraid to show my true emotions again.”

You squeezed his hand gently, offering him a reassuring smile. “It’s okay. Take your time. I’m here. Though we met nights ago, I’m here.”

 Riki‘s eyes softened, and he gave you a small, appreciative smile. “You have no idea how much that means to me.”

The moon’s light bathed the beach in a gentle glow, illuminating the quiet understanding between you. Riki’s honesty and openness resonated deeply, and you felt a sense of connection that was both comforting and profound.

He shifted slightly, moving closer to you until your shoulders almost touched. The warmth of his body next to yours was a silent reassurance, a wordless promise of support. “You’re really something, you know that?” he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Your heart skipped a beat at his words, and you turned to look at him, finding his gaze already on you. “I could say the same about you,” you replied, feeling the intimacy of the moment deepen.

Riki’s eyes held a mixture of vulnerability and strength, a silent testament to the pain he carried and the bravery it took to admit it. He took a deep breath, his fingers brushing against yours as he spoke. “It’s just... sometimes the memories are too painful. But being here with you, it makes it a little easier to bare.”

You felt a surge of tenderness for him, your heart aching at the thought of the hurt he’d endured. “I’ll be here, whenever you’re ready.”

He nodded, his eyes glistening with unspoken emotion. “Thank you. It’s... it’s a lot, but knowing I have someone who understands means everything.”

The waves whispered their secrets to the shore, and the moon shone down, wrapping you both in its gentle embrace. The moment was filled with quiet revelations and tender support, a reminder that sometimes, the simple act of being present could be the greatest comfort of all. 

As the night continued, you returned to your painting, the brush gliding smoothly across the canvas. Riki watched you with a gentle smile, his eyes filled with admiration and something more—a tenderness that was growing stronger with each passing moment.

Unbeknownst to both of you, the moonlight was beginning to take effect, subtly enhancing the emotions between you. Every glance exchanged, every soft touch, carried a deeper meaning, an unspoken promise of what could be.

You finished your painting, setting the brush down and turning to Riki. He reached out, taking your hand in his. “Come on,” he said softly, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Let’s take a break.”

He led you to the water’s edge, where the waves gently lapped at the shore. The cool water splashed over your feet, sending a delightful shiver up your spine. Riki laughter filled the air, infectious and free, and you couldn’t help but join in.

You ran along the shoreline, the waves chasing after you, and for a moment, all your worries melted away. Riki caught up to you, grabbing your hand and spinning you around, both of you laughing as you stumbled into the shallow waves.

The moonlight danced on the water, casting a magical glow over everything. You splashed each other, the cool water mingling with the warmth of your laughter. Riki’s hand never left yours, his grip firm yet gentle, grounding you in the moment.

At one point, he pulled you close, his arms wrapping around you as the waves rolled in. The world seemed to fall away, leaving just the two of you under the moon’s tender gaze. You looked up at him, your heart swelling with an emotion you couldn’t quite name but felt deeply in your soul.

“Riki,” you whispered, your voice barely audible over the sound of the ocean.

He leaned in, his forehead resting against yours. “I know,” he replied softly, his breath mingling with yours. “I feel it too.”

The moonlight seemed to intensify, casting a silver halo around you both. The moment stretched, filled with unspoken words and shared feelings. Then, with a gentle tug, Riki led you back to the shore, where you sat together, the waves gently lapping at your feet.

You rested your head on his shoulder, feeling his warmth seep into you. The night was filled with love-filled glances and quiet intimacy, a perfect blend of comfort and connection. The magic of the moon had done its work, weaving a spell of closeness that would linger long after the night had ended.

You both sat in comfortable silence for a while, the rhythmic sound of the waves providing a soothing backdrop. Riki’s fingers traced gentle patterns on your hand, his touch sending a pleasant shiver through you. He seemed lost in thought, and you didn’t want to disturb the quiet peace that had settled over you both.

But then, as if needing to break the silence, he spoke again, his voice soft and filled with emotion. “You know, sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever fully heal from what happened. It’s like a part of me is still stuck in that moment.”

You turned to him, your heart aching at the vulnerability in his eyes. “Healing takes time, Riki. And it’s okay to feel that way. Just remember, you don’t have to face it alone.”

He looked at you, his eyes searching yours. “You really mean that, don’t you?”

You nodded, squeezing his hand. “I do. Whenever you’re ready to talk about it, I’ll be here. And if you’re not ready, that’s okay too.”

Riki’s gaze softened, and he leaned in, pressing his forehead against yours. 

The intimacy of the moment deepened, the air around you thick with unspoken emotions. Riki’s fingers continued to trace gentle patterns on your hand, each touch sending a warm, tingling sensation through you. You could feel the connection between you growing stronger, the bond solidifying in a way that felt both natural and profound.

As the night wore on, the two of you shared stories, laughter, and moments of comfortable silence. You found yourself opening up to him in ways you hadn’t expected, sharing parts of yourself you usually kept hidden. Riki listened with genuine interest, his responses thoughtful and kind.

Eventually, the lure of the waves became irresistible again, and you found yourselves splashing through the shallows, once again, laughing and playing like children. Riki’s laughter was infectious, his joy a balm to your soul. You chased each other through the surf, the cool water a delightful contrast to the warmth of your growing affection.

At one point, Riki caught you around the waist, lifting you off your feet and spinning you around. You laughed, the sound pure and free, your heart swelling with happiness. He set you down gently, his arms still wrapped around you as the waves hit your ankles.

The moonlight bathed you both in its gentle glow, casting a magical light over the scene. Riki’s eyes met yours, and for a moment, it felt like the world had shrunk to just the two of you. He leaned in, his forehead resting against yours, his breath warm on your skin.

“Thank you for tonight,” he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity. “For everything.”

You smiled, your heart full. “I should be the one thanking you. This has been... amazing.”

Riki’s eyes held a promise, a silent vow of what could be. “Let’s make a pact,” he said softly. “No more hiding. From the moon, from each other, from ourselves.”

You nodded, feeling a surge of hope and determination. “Deal.”

The night continued, filled with love-filled glances, quiet intimacy, and the gentle lapping of the waves. The magic of the moon had woven a spell of connection and understanding, one that would linger long after the festival lights had faded. As the first light of dawn began to creep over the horizon, you knew that this night would be a cherished memory, a moment of pure, unadulterated connection.

And as Riki‘s hand found yours once more, you knew that even if you had met only nights before, for some reason you wanted to spend the rest of your life with him.

✩

TAGLIST: @haechansbbg @contyynishimura @sasfransisco @kgneptun @jungwonderz @enha-stars @dioll @jakesangel @cupidscourt @violetwitchmcu @haohaoshoe @randomgirl02228 @wonsdoll @powerpuffstuts @flwrstqr @elysianiki — send an ask to join.

[eunxhan]

E ( 💭🪶 . • ✧ ) 𝖺𝗋𝗍 & 𝖽𝖾𝗌𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝟸𝟶𝟸4

─── © 🎞 film by EUN.X.HAN⠀

# ⋆ ⩉ EUNA 𝂅 🖋 : I just started replaying obey me and all of my memories about my priest!oc came running through my mind.. So I thought of writing about him all over again.

❛ 𒀭 : DISCLAIMER — OC slight, bad grammar, RELIGION.

❛ 𒀭 : READER — Male , You/Yours

❛ 𒀭 : LINKS — Request rules

The priest, deeply rooted in religion and spirituality, was known for his soft and gentle nature towards others. His faith guided his every action, and his compassionate demeanor brought comfort to those around him. Though, everything changed when he was transported to the realm of Devildom.

At first, he struggled to comprehend the reality before him. The world he had been immersed in, where religion was forced upon him at every turn, seemed to crumble around him. His gentle facade began to crack, giving way to anger and disbelief. How could this be the true nature of existence? What do you mean that there's a school between heaven and hell? Celestial realm? Devildom? Him becoming an exchanged student? None of this is real.. The idea of interacting with the Demon King or the seven demon brothers filled him with disgust and fear His once-kind eyes now held a flicker of hostility, his voice tinged with bitterness as he struggled to reconcile his beliefs with the reality of Devildom.

The priest's journey was one of internal conflict and anger. As he grasp with the unknown of this new world, questioning himself everything he had once held dear. His faith, once a source of strength, now felt like a burden, a reminder of the lies he had been fed throughout his life. As the priest character go through Devildom, his once-unshakable faith began to waver. The demonic realm stood in stark contrast to the existence he had led, causing him to question his beliefs. He have never seen anything like this in the book.

As the priest go deeper into Devildom, he began to uncover secrets that challenged his understanding of good and evil. He witnessed acts of kindness and compassion among the demons, qualities he had once believed to be exclusively human. The lines between right and wrong began to blur, and the priest have a hard time grappling with a newfound sense of uncertainty.

As soon as Priest was assigned to be with the seven demon brothers, his reaction was one of shock and disbelief. He stared at them as if they were something disgusting, his eyes wide with horror. The sight of Diavolo, Barbatos, the demon brothers, sent a chill down his spine. This was a far from what he was forced to believe, he had envisioned, and struggling to understand with this new reality.

Priest's attire was a stark reminder of his life back in the human realm. His simple priest uniform and the cross necklace that hung around his neck stood out most. The demons, with their elaborate unifotms and otherworldly appearances, looked upon him with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. Wondering how can a priest react.

Their mischievous antics and irreverent behavior just makes the Priest frustrated. Of course the demons probably dislike priests or any religious people because of how they imagine demons to be. And when the moments where he had to act like a therapist, the priest gets angry. Asmodeus and Mammon, in particular, seemed to take great pleasure in pushing the priest's buttons, their playful taunts and suggestive comments leaving the priest flustered and off-balance.

Throughout his journey, Priest's unwavering faith and gentle nature served as a beacon of hope in the darkness of Devildom. His interactions with the demon brothers, though often fraught with tension and conflict, has revealed the hidden depths of everyone, and the priest found himself questioning his own beliefs and assumptions about the nature of good and evil. Priest initial interactions with the seven demon brothers were marked by tension and misunderstanding. His opinions, shaped by the teachings of the human realm, clouded his perception of the demons. He was struggling with the differences between the biblical depictions he had been taught and the reality that stood before him.

Lucifer, the eldest of the brothers, was the embodiment of Priest's deepest fears. The priest's apprehension was understandable, his every move guarded and cautious. Like any human would act when being forced to live in a different realm that they never thought it was real.. Lucifer, though understanding of Priest's reactions, Lucifer is sometimes angry by the constant side-eye glances and mistrust coming from Priest. Their interactions were filled by misunderstandings, both of them struggling to bridge the gap between their different worlds.

Mammon, the second eldest, was a force to be reckoned with. Priest realized he had signed up for a game he wasn't sure he could win. Their constant fights and yapping were by moments of unexpected empathy, as Priest relating to the demon brothers despite his best efforts to maintain his religious beliefs. Mammon grew frustrated with Priest's tendency to bring religion into every conversation, urging him to let go of his rigid beliefs and embrace the reality of Devildom.

Leviathan, the third eldest, evoked a sense of nostalgia in Pries. The demon's nature reminded him of the edgy teenagers who had once hate his attempts at religious guidance or even visiting the church. Despite their clashes, Priest and Leviathan discovered a shared interest that brings them close, allowing for moments of unexpected connection. Especially when it comes to animals, like Snake. Priest often finds Leviathan's Ruri-Chan's merchto be concerning which made Leviathan to judge him for believing into something for so long only to found it everything was a lie.. both of them have not talked about it since..

Satan, the fourth eldest, priest's initial hesitation and desire to avoid the demon were quickly overshadowed, drawing him into Satan's orbit alongside the other demons. As Priest navigated his feelings towards Satan, he found himself questioning his faith and beliefs. They quickly bonded with the liking of books.

Asmodeus, the fifth eldest, a constant confusion for Priest. The demon's flirtatious attempts were met with confusion, as Priest struggled to understand Asmodeus' intentions. His pure nature, often underestimated by those around him, made him particularly uncomfortable with Asmodeus' unexpected touches. Priest still tried to be understanding of Asmodeus' interest in fame and beauty, recognizing it to his own experiences in the human realm.

Beelzebub, the sixth eldest, was another confusion that Priest found himself with. The demon's seemingly nice and gentle personality. To Priest, that's not how a demon should be. Despite his instincts telling him to maintain a safe distance, Priest is drawn to Beelzebub's normalcy. He even caught himself cooking and baking for the demon of gluttony, a task that brought them closer together despite Priest's best efforts to keep his guard up.

Belphegor, the youngest of the demon brothers, was the one Priest disliked the most. His disdain for unmotivated individuals was well-known, and he saw Belphegor as someone who was not making the most of his life. At first, he never intended to help the demon at all but something in him made him to. After traumatic encounter with Belphegor, where he was betrayed and choked, left him with a deep-seated fear. Whenever Belphegor entered the room, Priest made a tried his best to appear normal, but he couldn't help but leave the room.

Other headcanons is that Priest has a secret love for sweets, particularly chocolate chip cookies. He often sneaks into the kitchen late at night to bake batches of cookies, only to find Beelzebub eating too. Which made both of them to talk together as they eat (Priest couldn't help it.. I only wonder how he'd react to the angels) Talking about sweets, one time Barbatos offered him baked goods and Tea.. Oh he couldn't wait to see Barbatos after that encounter.

Despite his stern and serious demeanor, Priest has a hidden talent for playing the piano. In the human realm, he always plays the piano. He often plays softly when no one else is around, pouring his emotions into the music and finding a sense of peace that he struggles to achieve in his interactions with the demon brothers.

Priest has a collection of small, intricately carved wooden crosses that he keeps hidden in his room. Each cross represents a person he has helped or a struggle he has overcome. And sometimes, puts it infront of his door whenever he's fed up with the brothers.

Priest has a soft spot for animals, particularly stray cats. He often leaves out bowls of food and water for them, and he has been known to sneak them into his room for a warm place to sleep on cold nights. He was once caught by Lucifer when helping Satan to bring a kitten home during the heavy storm and scold him for it.. that night, it seemed like Priest was more angry towards Lucifer than Lucifer is angry at Priest..

Priest has a secret journal where he writes down his thoughts and observations about Devildom and the demon brothers. He uses it as a way to process his experiences and writing down the new things he have learned in this realm.

Priest has a habit of humming softly to himself when he's deep in thought or when he's trying to solve a problem. The melodies are often hymns or prayers, a subconscious way of seeking guidance and clarity. Right when his and Belphegor's relationship goes, He hums different songs for him to sleep.

@𝑬𝑼𝑵𝑿𝑯𝑨𝑵. Do not repost, plagiarize, translate, or adapt my work/theme without prior permission and/or confirmation.

[juliussilver25]

The Silver Collective

In a small, quaint town nestled in the hills, lived a man named Roxas. His ginger hair and beard often caught the attention of passersby, but it was his heart full of love and compassion that truly defined him.

Roxas' days were often filled with acts of kindness, his smile brightening the days of those around him. He would spend hours helping out in the community garden, lending a hand to anyone in need, and always ready with a listening ear. Yet, for reasons unknown to him, the townsfolk kept their distance. They whispered behind his back, casting sideways glances, and treating him like an outsider. Roxas felt a growing ache in his heart, a longing to be understood and accepted.

One crisp autumn morning, Roxas decided to host a small gathering in his modest home. He invited everyone in the town, hoping to bridge the gap and share his love for spirals. Roxas had a unique fascination with spirals—a seemingly simple shape that held profound meaning for him. To most, it was just a quirky obsession, but to Roxas, the spiral represented growth, continuity, and the interconnectedness of all things. In moments of solitude, he would sketch spirals, finding solace and peace in their endless curves.

He decorated his walls with his intricate spiral sketches, filled the room with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread, and adorned the table with vibrant, spiraled flower arrangements.

As the townsfolk arrived, they cautiously entered his home, their eyes darting around in curiosity. Roxas greeted each guest warmly, offering them a slice of bread and a cup of tea. He shared stories of how the spiral had always been a symbol of hope and resilience in his life, explaining how he saw it as a reminder that life's journey was full of twists and turns, but always moving forward.

Despite his heartfelt explanations, many of the guests struggled to see beyond their preconceived notions. They viewed his fascination with spirals as an oddity, a peculiar quirk that set him apart. Some even found it unsettling, unable to grasp the depth of its meaning to Roxas. As the evening drew to a close, the guests bid their farewells, leaving Roxas alone in his spiraled sanctuary.

Feeling disheartened, Roxas retreated to his small studio. While surfing the web, Roxas stumbled upon an image that captured his heart—a unique silver spiral that shimmered with an otherworldly glow. Unlike anything he had seen before, the spiral radiated a sense of tranquility and peace. Roxas felt an inexplicable connection to the spiral, as if it understood the depths of his soul.

In that moment, he resolved not to let the misunderstanding and ostracism define him. Roxas decided it was time to share this sense of serenity with others. He would spread the message of love and unity. He envisioned a space on the internet where anyone seeking brotherhood, safety, and love could come together and feel valued. Inspired by the newfound peace the silver spiral brought him, the idea of the Silver Collective was born.

With unwavering determination, Roxas set out to create this digital haven. He designed an online platform that radiated warmth and welcoming energy. He posted positive images of unity and diversity with silver as a commonality while incorporating his other love for baseball.

Each post symbolizing the unique journeys of those who joined the collective. Word of the Silver Collective spread, attracting individuals from all corners of the globe—Japan, the Middle East, Europe, and America. People who had felt isolated, misunderstood, or lost found a sense of belonging within its virtual walls. The allure of the silver elements created an atmosphere of peace and unity, drawing people in with its calming glow.

Roxas, with his compassionate heart and understanding nature, became the guiding light for the collective, offering support and love to all who sought it. The silver spiral that had once brought peace to Roxas now radiated its tranquility to countless others, weaving a tapestry of connected lives and shared stories.

Over time, the Silver Collective became more than just a virtual space; it evolved into a symbol of unity and resilience. The shimmering silver drew people together, fostering a global community where men felt safe, cared for, and loved like family.

And so, the Silver Collective thrived, a testament to Roxas' unwavering belief in the power of love and compassion.

Join the Silver Collective! Reach out to @morphmastersilver !

[theink-stainedfolk]

New WIP!!!

The Erudite Fracture

Sippet

---

In the Library of Exile, a liminal realm where thought bends reality, the greatest minds of history are stolen from death’s grasp to play an eternal game of ideas. Here, logic conjures storms, metaphors shatter walls, and paradoxes bleed into the air. But something is wrong. A Fracture—a rip in the fabric of reason—is unraveling the Library, turning books into prophecies and scholars into ghosts. To solve its mystery, or be consumed by it, seven thinkers must wield their philosophies as weapons in a battle where truth is both salvation and doom.

Anaxagoras the Luminary, a star-obsessed seer, maps the Fracture’s chaos with jars of whispering mind-stuff, but his cryptic visions hint at a truth too vast to grasp. Empedocles the Pyromancer, draped in volcanic robes, burns with Love and Strife, convinced he can conquer the Fracture as he claims to have conquered death. Democritus the Laughing Blade wields an atom-forged dagger that cuts through lies, his manic laughter hiding a dangerous secret. Leucippus the Vanished, unseen but ever-present, reshapes reality with midnight marginalia, their words a riddle no one can solve. Chanakya the Strategist schemes from a shadow archive, manipulating truths with poison-tipped philosophies, but even he can’t outwit the Fracture’s spread. Hypatia, the Ghost of Alexandria, writes backwards on mirrors, her spectral wisdom haunted by rumors of escaping the Fracture once before. And Averroes, the Mirror-Split, torn between reason and mysticism, decodes secrets that threaten to unravel them all.

As the Library warps—corridors looping, stars vanishing, ideas turning feral—these seven must unite or betray each other to uncover the Fracture’s source. Is it a cosmic flaw, a sentient rebellion, or a mirror of their own suppressed doubts? In a world where knowledge is power, poison, and punishment, every answer risks shattering their minds.

(For the gals, gays, and theys who crave truth and wield it like a blade, The Erudite Fracture is a labyrinth of mystery, philosophy, and unhinged academia where the only way out is to question everything—even themselves.)

---

Character Introduction

ANAXAGORAS the LUMINARY

Age: Appears 50, timelessly wise

Birthday: Unknown (aligned with cosmic cycles, perhaps spring equinox)

Zodiac Sign: Pisces (intuitive, cosmic, enigmatic)

Ethnicity: Inspired by ancient Greek Ionian culture

Height: 5’11”

Build: Lean, almost ethereal, as if stretched by starlight

Eyes: Swirling nebulae, glowing faintly with cosmic light

Hair: Long, silver streaked with cosmic black, flowing like a solar wind

Skin Tone: Pale, with a faint shimmer like moonlight on water

Dominant Hand: Ambidextrous, as if guided by the stars

Style: Midnight-blue robes embroidered with shifting constellations, a silver circlet etched with celestial sigils, and a satchel of glowing mind-stuff jars.

Moodboard: Star charts, indigo skies, shattered glass, glowing ink, ancient scrolls, silver threads.

Appearance:

Anaxagoras moves like a comet—deliberate, untouchable, trailing faint starlight. His robes shimmer with constellations that no longer exist, and his nebulae eyes seem to see beyond the Library’s walls. A pendant shaped like a cracked star hangs at his chest, pulsing with his thoughts. His presence feels like standing under an infinite sky, both awe-inspiring and unsettling.

Past:

In ancient Greece, Anaxagoras was exiled for daring to claim the stars were not gods but fiery stones. Moments before his death, staring at a sky that refused to answer, he was pulled into the Library. His obsession with cosmic order became his weapon, but his isolation left him haunted by questions he couldn’t voice.

Personality & Traits:

✔ Visionary: Sees patterns where others see chaos.

✔ Cryptic: Speaks in metaphors that unravel minds.

✔ Detached: Emotionally distant, tied to the cosmos over people.

✔ Curious: Driven to understand the Fracture’s cosmic roots.

✔ Resilient: Unfazed by the Library’s shifting realities.

✔ Introspective: Constantly questions his own truths.

✔ Aloof: Keeps others at arm’s length, fearing intimacy.

Hobbies:

Mapping non-existent constellations.

Collecting fragments of “mind-stuff” from the Library’s edges.

Writing celestial poetry that rewrites itself.

Meditating in starless voids.

Quirks:

Hums cosmic frequencies absentmindedly.

Never looks directly at anyone, only upward.

His jars rattle when he’s near a lie.

Leaves star-shaped sigils in his wake.

Likes & Dislikes:

✅ Likes:

Silence of empty skies.

The smell of ancient parchment.

Paradoxes that defy logic.

Hypatia’s clarity.

Solitude in the Observatory of Absence.

The hum of the Axiomatic Sea.

❌ Dislikes:

Chanakya’s manipulations.

Emotional outbursts (like Empedocles’s).

Closed rooms without windows.

Linear arguments.

The Fracture’s refusal to align.

Earthbound concerns.

Favorite Food:

Star-dust infused ambrosia (metaphorical, not literal).

Bitter herbs steeped in moonlight.

Bread baked with cosmic ash.

A Line That Defines Them:

“The stars are gone, but their absence speaks louder than light.”

~☆~

EMPEDOCLES the PYROMANCER

Age: Appears 35, vibrant and ageless

Birthday: Summer solstice (for his fiery nature)

Zodiac Sign: Leo (bold, passionate, dramatic)

Ethnicity: Inspired by ancient Sicilian Greek culture

Height: 6’0”

Build: Muscular, radiating heat like a furnace

Eyes: Molten amber, flickering like flames

Hair: Wild, dark red, streaked with ash, always slightly singed

Skin Tone: Sun-scorched bronze, warm to the touch

Dominant Hand: Right, with a fiery grip

Style: Volcanic-ash robes in crimson and black, adorned with obsidian beads that smoke faintly. A cloak that billows like flames trails behind him.

Moodboard: Lava flows, smoldering embers, red velvet, cracked marble, alchemical symbols, burning manuscripts.

Appearance:

Empedocles is a walking inferno, his robes trailing ash and heat. His amber eyes blaze with passion, and his wild hair seems to ignite in anger. He moves with theatrical flair, every gesture a performance of Love or Strife. A pendant shaped like a burning heart swings at his chest, pulsing with his emotions.

Past:

In ancient Sicily, Empedocles was a poet-priest who claimed divinity, leaping into a volcano to prove his immortality. Moments before the flames took him, the Library claimed him instead. His belief in Love and Strife became his alchemy, but his arrogance hides a fear of being forgotten.

Personality & Traits:

✔ Passionate: Lives for emotional extremes.

✔ Charismatic: Draws others with his fiery presence.

✔ Arrogant: Believes he’s above death and doubt.

✔ Volatile: Swings between love and rage.

✔ Romantic: Sees beauty in chaos.

✔ Reckless: Acts before thinking, trusting his instincts.

✔ Loyal: Fiercely protective of allies, like Hypatia.

Hobbies:

Conjuring elemental flames to sculpt ideas.

Writing love poems that burn when read.

Debating with theatrical flair.

Exploring the Library’s molten core.

Quirks:

Lights candles by snapping his fingers.

Leaves scorch marks on everything he touches.

Laughs during tense moments.

Calls everyone “my spark” or “my ember.”

Likes & Dislikes:

✅ Likes:

The heat of debate.

Volcanic landscapes in the Library.

Hypatia’s spectral calm.

The thrill of danger.

Dramatic gestures.

The smell of burning parchment.

❌ Dislikes:

Chanakya’s cold schemes.

Democritus’s cynicism.

Cold, sterile rooms.

Silence without passion.

The Fracture’s indifference.

Being ignored.

Favorite Food:

Spiced wine that burns the throat.

Charred figs drizzled with honey.

Bread baked over open flames.

A Line That Defines Them:

“Love builds, Strife destroys, and I am both.”

~◇~

DEMOCRITUS the LAUGHING BLADE

Age: Appears 40, weathered by cynicism

Birthday: Autumn equinox (for balance and decay)

Zodiac Sign: Libra (seeking balance, but skewed by despair)

Ethnicity: Inspired by ancient Thracian Greek culture

Height: 5’9”

Build: Wiry, taut like a drawn bow

Eyes: Gray, sharp as steel, always darting

Hair: Short, black, disheveled, streaked with silver

Skin Tone: Sallow, as if drained by laughter

Dominant Hand: Left, wielding his atom-blade

Style: Tattered gray cloak over a tunic of woven iron threads, with an atom-shaped pendant that hums faintly. His dagger glows with a cold, cutting light.

Moodboard: Rusty blades, stormy skies, cracked stone, ink splatters, grim smiles, broken clocks.

Appearance:

Democritus moves like a predator, his gray eyes slicing through pretenses. His cloak is frayed, marked with atomic sigils that pulse when he’s near a lie. His laughter is sharp, almost a weapon, and his atom-blade hums with the promise of truth—or destruction.

Past:

In ancient Greece, Democritus wandered, preaching the world was made of atoms and void. Mocked as the “laughing philosopher,” he was pulled into the Library moments before despair claimed him. His blade, forged from his atomic theory, cuts through illusion, but his laughter hides a deeper wound.

Personality & Traits:

✔ Cynical: Sees through everyone’s motives.

✔ Witty: His humor cuts as sharply as his blade.

✔ Secretive: Knows more than he shares.

✔ Resilient: Laughs to keep despair at bay.

✔ Perceptive: Spots lies before they’re spoken.

✔ Restless: Always moving, never at peace.

✔ Loyal: Reluctantly devoted to Hypatia.

Hobbies:

Sharpening his atom-blade with paradox stones.

Writing satirical aphorisms in the margins.

Observing others to catch their lies.

Exploring the Library’s void shelves.

Quirks:

Laughs louder when nervous.

Twirls his blade absentmindedly.

Avoids mirrors, fearing what he’ll see.

Whistles a tune that unravels thoughts.

Likes & Dislikes:

✅ Likes:

Exposing hypocrisy.

Hypatia’s clarity.

The sound of breaking illusions.

Dark, empty corridors.

Sharp debates.

The smell of ozone after a reality shift.

❌ Dislikes:

Chanakya’s secrecy.

Empedocles’s drama.

Blind faith.

The Fracture’s ambiguity.

Emotional vulnerability.

Being questioned.

Favorite Food:

Bitter olives soaked in brine.

Black bread with a metallic tang.

Sour wine that stings.

A Line That Defines Them:

“I laugh because the void is all that’s true.”

~♡~

LEUCIPPUS the VANISHED

Age: Appears ageless, formless

Birthday: Unknown (tied to midnight’s mystery)

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio (elusive, transformative)

Ethnicity: Inspired by ancient Greek culture

Height: Variable, never fully corporeal

Build: Fluid, like ink dissolving in water

Eyes: Unseen, but rumored to be starless voids

Hair: None, replaced by wisps of midnight mist

Skin Tone: Translucent, shimmering with marginalia

Dominant Hand: Unknown, writes with both

Style: A cloak of shifting parchment, covered in glowing marginalia that rewrites itself. No face, only a presence marked by ink trails.

Moodboard: Midnight ink, glowing script, empty pages, labyrinthine halls, ghostly shadows, cryptic symbols.

Appearance:

Leucippus is never fully seen, their form a blur of ink and mist. Their cloak is a living manuscript, scrawled with notes that appear and vanish. Their presence feels like a question left unanswered, and their marginalia glows faintly, reshaping reality around them.

Past:

Little is known of Leucippus’s life, a shadowy figure even in ancient Greece, credited with atomic theory alongside Democritus. Pulled into the Library before death could claim them, they became a ghost in the margins, their ideas too dangerous to be fully embodied. Their absence is their power.

Personality & Traits:

✔ Elusive: Never fully present, always slipping away.

✔ Enigmatic: Communicates through cryptic notes.

✔ Manipulative: Shapes reality subtly, without detection.

✔ Curious: Seeks the Fracture’s deepest truths.

✔ Detached: Untouched by emotional bonds.

✔ Ingenious: Crafts ideas that bend existence.

✔ Unpredictable: No one knows their true motives.

Hobbies:

Writing marginalia that rewrites rooms.

Observing from unseen corners.

Collecting forbidden paradoxes.

Whispering riddles to the Footnoted.

Quirks:

Their notes appear only after midnight.

Never speaks directly, only through text.

Their presence causes books to open randomly.

Leaves ink stains that form questions.

Likes & Dislikes:

✅ Likes:

The silence of empty shelves.

Hypatia’s mirror-writing.

The Fracture’s chaos.

Unseen corners of the Library.

Paradoxical arguments.

The smell of fresh ink.

❌ Dislikes:

Chanakya’s control.

Empedocles’s loudness.

Direct confrontation.

Fixed truths.

The Curators’ silence.

Being perceived.

Favorite Food:

Ink-infused tea that tastes of secrets.

Bread made from shadow-grain.

Fruit that dissolves on the tongue.

A Line That Defines Them:

“I am the note you cannot read, yet it changes you.”

~♧~

CHANAKYA the STRATEGIST

Age: Appears 45, calculating and ageless

Birthday: Winter solstice (for his cold precision)

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn (strategic, ambitious)

Ethnicity: Inspired by ancient Indian Mauryan culture

Height: 5’8”

Build: Lean, coiled like a spring

Eyes: Piercing black, always watching

Skin Tone: Deep brown, with faint ink stains

Dominant Hand: Right, precise as a quill

Style: Austere robes of black and gold, lined with hidden pockets for dossiers. A poison-tipped quill hangs at his belt, dripping faintly.

Moodboard: Black ink, gold embroidery, shadowed archives, locked scrolls, chessboards, poisoned daggers.

Appearance:

Chanakya moves with the precision of a chessmaster, his black eyes missing nothing. His robes are severe, hiding countless secrets in their folds. A faint scent of poison lingers around him, and his quill glows with the power to rewrite motives. His presence is a quiet threat, commanding respect and fear.

Past:

In ancient India, Chanakya was a kingmaker, forging empires with cunning and ruthlessness. Pulled into the Library before a final betrayal, he turned his strategic mind to the shadow archive, believing knowledge must be controlled to survive. His past betrayals haunt him, fueling his paranoia.

Personality & Traits:

✔ Calculating: Plans three steps ahead.

✔ Ruthless: Sacrifices others for his goals.

✔ Secretive: Trusts no one fully.

✔ Brilliant: Masters manipulation of ideas.

✔ Paranoid: Sees threats everywhere.

✔ Loyal: Only to his vision of order.

✔ Charismatic: Commands with quiet authority.

Hobbies:

Compiling dossiers on everyone.

Rewriting the Library’s laws in secret.

Playing strategic games with ideas.

Spying on rival factions.

Quirks:

Always carries a hidden quill.

Whispers to himself when planning.

Never sits with his back to a door.

His dossiers hum faintly when opened.

Likes & Dislikes:

✅ Likes:

Control over chaos.

Democritus’s sharp mind.

The shadow archive’s secrecy.

Strategic debates.

The smell of old leather.

Orderly systems.

❌ Dislikes:

Anaxagoras’s aloofness.

Empedocles’s recklessness.

The Fracture’s unpredictability.

Emotional displays.

Being outmaneuvered.

Open trust.

Favorite Food:

Spiced lentils with a bitter edge.

Black tea steeped with saffron.

Rice infused with secret herbs.

A Line That Defines Them:

“Truth is a weapon I wield, not a burden I bear.”

~♤~

HYPATIA the GHOST OF ALEXANDRIA

Age: Appears 30, ethereal and ageless

Birthday: Unknown (aligned with lunar cycles)

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius (visionary, detached)

Ethnicity: Inspired by ancient Egyptian/Greek culture

Height: 5’6”

Build: Spectral, shifting between solid and translucent

Eyes: Glowing silver, like moonlight on water

Hair: Long, white, flowing like mist

Skin Tone: Translucent, with faint mathematical sigils

Dominant Hand: Left, writing in reverse

Style: A spectral gown of mirror-shards and chalk dust, with a chalkboard pendant that scribes itself. Her movements leave equations in the air.

Moodboard: Moonlight, cracked mirrors, chalkboards, silver ink, ancient libraries, ghostly veils.

Appearance:

Hypatia is a vision of spectral grace, her form flickering between flesh and light. Her silver eyes glow with ancient logic, and her gown shimmers with mirror-shards that reflect others’ thoughts. She writes on air, her words appearing backwards, and her presence feels like a theorem waiting to be solved.

Past:

In Alexandria, Hypatia was a mathematician and philosopher, torn apart for her knowledge. Pulled into the Library before her final breath, she became a ghost, her intellect unbound but her body fragile. Rumors say she escaped the Fracture once, but at a cost she won’t reveal.

Personality & Traits:

✔ Brilliant: Solves problems others can’t see.

✔ Ethereal: Untouched by earthly concerns.

✔ Empathetic: Feels others’ intellectual struggles.

✔ Haunted: Carries the weight of her past.

✔ Determined: Seeks to end the Fracture.

✔ Enigmatic: Her motives are unclear.

✔ Inspiring: Draws others to her clarity.

Hobbies:

Writing equations that reshape reality.

Communing with the Library’s mirrors.

Guiding the Marginalia.

Studying the Fracture’s patterns.

Quirks:

Appears only in reflective surfaces.

Her words reverse when emotional.

Fades in direct sunlight.

Hums mathematical tunes.

Likes & Dislikes:

✅ Likes:

Anaxagoras’s cosmic insights.

The clarity of logic.

Mirror-writing.

The Library’s quiet corners.

Helping the lost.

The smell of chalk dust.

❌ Dislikes:

Chanakya’s secrecy.

Violence of any kind.

The Fracture’s chaos.

Blind faith.

Being forgotten.

Emotional manipulation.

Favorite Food:

Moonlit honey cakes.

Pomegranate seeds that glow.

Water infused with starlight.

A Line That Defines Them:

“I am the equation that solves itself, yet remains incomplete.”

~◇~

AVERROES , the MIRROR-SPLIT

Age: Appears 38, caught between two selves

Birthday: Spring equinox (for balance)

Zodiac Sign: Gemini (dual-natured, conflicted)

Ethnicity: Inspired by Andalusian Islamic culture

Height: 5’10”

Build: Slender, with a split posture—one side rigid, one fluid

Eyes: One brown (reason), one green (mysticism), always arguing

Hair: Black, half-bound, half-loose, reflecting their duality

Skin Tone: Olive, with faint script-like scars

Dominant Hand: Both, each controlled by a different self

Style: A robe split down the middle—black for reason, emerald for mysticism. A mirrored pendant reflects their inner conflict.

Moodboard: Split mirrors, emerald and black silk, Arabic calligraphy, candlelight, conflicted expressions, dual shadows.

Appearance:

Averroes is a paradox in flesh, their robe and demeanor split between logic and faith. Their mismatched eyes argue silently, and their movements are a dance of contradiction—one hand precise, the other flowing. Their mirrored pendant pulses with their internal debates, casting fractured light.

Past:

In medieval Andalusia, Averroes bridged Aristotle and Islam, only to face exile for his ideas. Pulled into the Library before his death, they became a dual being, their reason and mysticism at war. Their ability to decode secrets comes from this tension, but it threatens to tear them apart.

Personality & Traits:

✔ Conflicted: Torn between reason and mysticism.

✔ Brilliant: Decodes what others cannot.

✔ Argumentative: Debates themselves constantly.

✔ Insightful: Sees truths in contradictions.

✔ Fragile: Risks fracturing under pressure.

✔ Charismatic: Draws others with their duality.

✔ Determined: Seeks balance in the Fracture.

Hobbies:

Decoding forbidden texts.

Meditating in mirrored halls.

Arguing with their own reflection.

Studying the Library’s dualities.

Quirks:

Speaks in two voices when stressed.

Their pendant reflects others’ thoughts.

Shifts posture to match their dominant self.

Writes in two scripts simultaneously.

Likes & Dislikes:

✅ Likes:

Hypatia’s clarity.

The balance of opposites.

Mirrored chambers.

Philosophical debates.

The smell of sandalwood.

Resolving paradoxes.

❌ Dislikes:

Chanakya’s manipulations.

Empedocles’s extremes.

The Fracture’s chaos.

Dogmatic beliefs.Internal discord.

Being forced to choose a side.

Favorite Food:

Dates stuffed with almonds.

Saffron rice with rosewater.

Mint tea that calms their duality.

A Line That Defines Them:

“I am two truths at war, yet one mind seeking peace.”

~☆~

(Why does everyone hate my man Chanakya😭😭 he's not bad i swear)

---

My ♡s: @paeliae-occasionally @willtheweaver @drchenquill @wyked-ao3 @the-inkwell-variable @corinneglass @seastarblue @keeping-writing-frosty @oliolioxenfreewrites @vesanal @orphanheirs @dauntlessdraupadi @oros-ash3s @pheonix358 @ominous-faechild @loveyouloatheyou @write-with-will

[bloedewir]

About that Dragon Age: The Veilguard spoiler discussion...

>>> obviously spoiler territory. no leaks, only official info but be cautious if you (somehow) managed to avoid any details since summer <<<

I see some worries about spoilers that leaked by Bioware themselves or IGN or even GameInformer. Also I read people are upset about it and I understand it. But at this moment (middle September) we mostly saw just a few small pieces of the game and this is the very beginning (but not the Weisshaupt I guess).

Ritual site - Recruiting Bellara - Lighthouse - Crossroads - Creepy village

(also Minrathous and Treviso but it was more like a virtual city guide)

It's like to see Haven and a bit of Hinterlands in DAI. And that isn't even a quarter of the game.

Most of the locations has the same quest mark. Like "Into the Crossroads", the first travel through the eluvians, or "The Cauldron", the quest Davrin gave.

(btw, it seems Lucanis Dellamorte can be a fourth recruited companion just after Neve and Lace in Minrathous and Bellara in Arlathan forest)

Monstrous "Champion" and the essence player must take from its body to pass through some weird portal?

Converged City, "Into the Crossroads"

The unknown creature I refuse to connect with Felassan?

The same location, Converged City.

"In Entropy's Grasp" (recruiting Bellara) is the quest GameInformer wrote about. It's between Solas' ritual and awakening in Lighthouse.

All of that is a few first hours of the game. A "prologue" part to teach player how to manage new game mechanics. It's not the leaked mind-blowing story twists (and I guess there will be a few at least).

I don't say you have no right to be upset especially if you wanted to start the game being blissfully unaware (I kinda wanted too). I say there's plenty PLENTY intriguing things to discover. A whole game and not just a prologue.

[rebelspykatie]

that green light, i want it

Epilogue

“Just like that,” Steve guides El’s hands, making a minor adjustment, “good. That’ll push people away, it’s a good defensive spell.”

“This is like Mister Miyagi.” El says, looking up at Steve with a soft smile.

“Yeah, you’re a real karate kid, Hopper junior,” Eddie says from his spot on the porch stairs. He snaps his fingers. “Hey Steve, you should call her young grasshopper.”

El doesn’t look like she understands that reference, but her smile grows into a grin that makes her look like sunshine incarnate, nodding at Steve regardless.

Steve rolls his eyes. “You two are trouble together.” He looks over at Eddie with a faux stern look and points a finger. “Stop encouraging her. This isn’t karate, it’s magic.” 

“You can’t get mad at me that your hand signals look dumb,” Eddie says, bumping shoulders with Nancy beside him on the steps. “Nance agrees.” 

“Putting you two together was even worse.” Steve groans, rubbing one hand down his face. “Call the coven and complain to them, I didn’t make this shit up.” 

“Language,” Nancy chides, grinning at him mischievously. “There are children present.” She points a thumb in Eddie’s direction. 

“Yes, and my sensibilities are so fucking delicate, sweetheart,” Eddie calls out, leaning back on the stairs and crossing his legs at the ankles. 

“Munson, are you corrupting my kid?” Hopper says walking through the front door while wiping his hands on a towel. He stops behind Eddie and Nancy, looking down at them with a sour look on his face. Steve can see his mustache twitching from here, though. He’s fucking with Eddie on purpose, then.  

Eddie scrambles to sit back up straight, almost whacking his head on the railing in the process. “Uh, no sir. A-and Steve started it,” he points a finger accusingly, “He said it first.” 

Steve tries not to laugh in Eddie’s face. Hopper’s about the only adult that scares Eddie, a remnant of his past dealing drugs, but Steve gets it. Hopper has the kind of authority that you want to respect because he protects the right people. That take-no-shit attitude has helped them far more than it hurt them. Steve was glad to have him on their side. 

“Don’t knock yourself out, kid,” Hopper finally cracks a smile. “Everyone inside, it’s time to eat.” 

Hopper helps Nancy up and leads them inside, El trailing behind them. Eddie hesitates to follow, watching Steve with knowing eyes, reading his thoughts before Steve can even pull him aside. 

It’s been several months since everything happened. Hopper got them through the investigation and offered them a place to lay low from the coven. They’ve been hanging out at his cabin ever since, working through issues with the coven and how to move forward. 

One of those issues was Steve’s unknown power. Nancy’s helped him research it, but there’s still a lot of unanswered questions that they need the coven’s library to answer. 

They haven’t done anything to harm them, but Steve doesn’t trust them after learning that they actively participated in the ritual to kill Barb. With their ring leader dead, they’re not as much of a threat, but Steve’s not taking any chances. Now that they know Steve’s a druid, they seem unwilling to double cross him. They almost treat him with reverence or fear, his powers othering him in their minds. 

Another issue was what to do about El’s growing powers. She was already bursting at the seams with power at an uncommonly young age, but Steve didn’t realize how much until he started training her. It didn’t take long to figure out she was more like him than Nancy. 

She’s already more powerful than Steve, but she’s naive. She doesn’t quite grasp why defensive magic is the most important thing she can learn, or that she can’t share this with anyone. They told her what happened, and she knows about Hopper’s involvement, but that doesn’t exactly make it real in the mind of a thirteen year old girl. 

The other issue was Eddie. It was an issue that Steve trusted him so fast, let him in too quick. He was scared that Eddie would see too much, get scared, and run away screaming from the insanity of Steve’s life. But, he hasn’t. 

In fact, Eddie’s been right by his side every day since the graveyard incident. He takes learning about magic in stride, poking fun at it and making Steve laugh. The circumstances under which Steve learned magic were stressful, trying to get answers for an unsolved murder and trying to keep Nancy and himself alive while he was at it. He never had an opportunity to take in how magic could benefit him outside of that. 

Eddie helps him see it as a gift, instead of a burden. When Steve was at his lowest, Eddie stepped in and helped him pick up the pieces. No one’s ever been that crutch for him. He has the ability to flip the script and put everyone around him at ease, especially Steve. 

It didn’t take long for Steve to stumble upon grounding techniques in the druid manuals the coven lent them. Even in magic, someone can use a person or an object as their anchor, something that pulls them back from the brink of magic enveloping them. But druid’s need it. It’s essential to their ability to function. 

Anger was his anchor before. That burning fire in his gut that kept him searching for answers was enough to keep him centered. But once he had answers, he was left adrift. His powers wonky for weeks before he figured it out and started looking for a new anchor. 

He hasn’t told Eddie about that part, yet. Everything between them is too new and exciting to dump that kind of thing onto him so early. He doesn’t want to come on too strong and scare him away. They only just admitted their feelings to each other a few weeks ago. 

But as he sits there in front of Steve, that sweet, dimpled smile on his face, Steve wants to tell him. He’s already halfway in love with him. Already trusts him more than anyone else besides the people already inside the cabin. He wants to scream about it from the top of the highest point in Hawkins. 

Instead, he slides his hands along Eddie’s shoulders, wrapping his arms around his neck. He kisses him softly, just a quick peck on the lips before he’s resting his forehead against Eddie’s in the quiet cover of dusk. They still have a long way to go, but at least they can face the future together.

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six | Part Seven | Part Eight | Part Nine | Epilogue | AO3

[cleoashbee]

Why Ed Chigliak is a Pisces

A Dreamer’s Tale in Northern Exposure

If you’ve ever watched Northern Exposure (and I really hope you have), then you know it’s not your average small-town drama. It’s a show that tugs at the fringes of surrealism, dipping a toe into the mystical, often with a wink and a shrug. Nowhere is that more evident than in Ed Chigliak. Ed, that odd, earnest, soft-spoken orphan who drifts through Cicely, Alaska, with an emotional compass that seems just slightly off from everyone else’s, is, in fact, the perfect Pisces. He’s not just a Pisces in theory; he’s the archetypal embodiment of that zodiac sign—every dreamy, empathetic, spiritual, and elusive characteristic in full bloom.

Let’s talk about why. Pisces is a sign known for its rich inner world, its ability to drift into fantasy as easily as breathing. Ed, with his endless love for movies, is constantly retreating into that fantasy. He isn’t just a fan of movies—he sees them as the guiding star of his life, the structure by which he interprets reality. He wants to be a filmmaker, but not in a goal-driven, Capricorn way. Ed doesn’t care about the industry grind; he’s all about the magic, the escapism, the way film lifts people out of the mundane.

In the episode "A Wing and a Prayer", Ed’s fixation on becoming a filmmaker showcases this Piscean quality in its purest form. His idolization of Woody Allen, Francis Ford Coppola, and the art of directing isn’t so much about achievement as it is about creating alternate worlds. "Movies help people escape reality for a while. That’s what I want to do," he says, perfectly capturing the Piscean impulse to build safe, imaginative sanctuaries—whether for themselves or others.

Ed’s relationship to movies isn’t just a hobby; it’s his lifeline, his emotional outlet. When life gets overwhelming, he immerses himself in film, showing a deeply Piscean need for escape.

Pisces feel deeply. They absorb the emotions around them like a sponge, often without knowing where their own feelings end and others’ begin. Ed exemplifies this in how he interacts with the people of Cicely. He’s always trying to help, always tuned into the undercurrents of what others are feeling. Even when his own understanding of the world seems limited, Ed intuitively grasps the needs of others.

In "Jules et Joel", when Joel’s more reckless twin shows up and starts causing tension, Ed immediately senses Joel’s emotional discomfort. He doesn’t have to be told; he just knows, and in typical Ed fashion, offers his quiet support. It’s a hallmark of Pisces to read emotional situations without needing explicit clues. Ed's instinctive desire to help others, even if he doesn’t always know how, fits that deeply empathetic, almost psychic nature of Pisces.

Ed’s Connection to the Beyond

Now, here’s where Ed really shows his Pisces stripes. Pisces is often described as the most spiritual sign of the zodiac, and Ed has an uncanny connection to the mystical. His Native Alaskan heritage introduces him to animal spirits and vision quests, but it’s more than just cultural connection—Ed feels the spiritual realm. It’s a natural part of his existence.

One standout moment of this mystical connection is in "The Gift of the Maggie", where Ed encounters a White Owl. For most people, an owl is just an owl, but for Ed, it’s a symbol, a guide, something that transcends the physical and offers wisdom. This effortless acceptance of the spiritual—where others might question or rationalize—is a hallmark of Pisces. Ed doesn’t just believe in the mystical; he embodies it. It’s not about having answers, it’s about feeling your way through the unknown.

Pisces are notorious for their escapism, sometimes retreating into fantasy or isolation to protect themselves from the harsh realities of the world. Ed exemplifies this with his frequent daydreams about cinema and his love for solitude. He finds peace in quiet moments, where he can tune out the noise and contemplate life in his own Piscean way.

In "Animals R Us", when Ed is faced with the task of saving a cow, he’s filled with doubt and anxiety. Rather than confront the situation head-on, he retreats into his imagination, envisioning heroic moments from movies to guide him. This is textbook Pisces—avoiding reality by escaping into a fantasy world where they can regain control, if only for a moment.

Ed’s sensitivity is his strength, but also his Achilles heel. Like many Pisces, when life gets overwhelming, he doesn’t always confront it. Instead, he drifts away, either into a cinematic daydream or into the comforting presence of the natural world around him. It’s not avoidance; it’s self-preservation, another classic Piscean move.

Ed is a man of few words, but when he speaks, it often carries a depth that belies his seemingly simple exterior. Consider this line from Ed in "The Quest": "I’ve been thinking about the future. Not my future, the future future. The big one." This is Piscean thinking at its finest. Ed isn’t worried about his personal life trajectory—he’s contemplating the grand arc of existence. It’s this kind of abstract, spiritual musing that Pisces are known for, and Ed embodies it fully.

Why Ed is More Pisces Than Any Other Sign

Ed is a Pisces to his core. His need for emotional escape, his sensitivity to the people around him, his profound connection to the mystical, and his love of fantasy over the gritty details of life are all Pisces hallmarks. The truth is, Ed’s character doesn’t just align with Pisces; he exemplifies the sign. His every action, from the way he drifts into conversations about film to his serene acceptance of the spiritual, radiates Pisces energy. He’s the dreamer, the mystic, the empathetic soul who is deeply in tune with the hidden layers of life.

In Northern Exposure, Ed Chigliak is more than just the lovable, oddball side character—he’s the emotional and spiritual undercurrent of the show. His quiet, introspective nature, his ability to slip between reality and fantasy, and his deep, soulful empathy make him a Pisces through and through. While everyone else in Cicely is grappling with their problems in their own unique ways, Ed simply dreams his way through life, feeling more than thinking, escaping when necessary, and always finding meaning in the most unexpected places.

In Ed’s world, life isn’t about the daily grind; it’s about the dream—the spiritual, emotional, imaginative journey that connects us all. And in that sense, there’s no character more Piscean than Ed Chigliak.

Joel: That, that's the movies Ed; try reality. Ed: No, thanks.

[evolutionsvoid]

The depths of the ocean bears many mysteries, some that intrigue the mind and others that chill the soul. Many don't know what to make of such a place, a realm so cold, empty and impossible. At least the deeps of the earth itself can be reached, slowly but surely as the sprawling tunnels bore through ancient flesh and soil. But the abyssal void remains out of man's grasp, for those willing to even entertain such an idea. There are plenty of tales surrounding the deep, but they are born from fantasy and scraps of washed up knowledge. For a realm so inhospitable to flesh and fluid, the Church of Divine Wealth would be quick to deem it outside the divine ways. This world would be labeled as empty as a bottomless pit, not worthy of attention by divinity. For many, it should just remain a gnawing mystery when sailing across the seas, wondering of what lurks far below their ship. However, the things that wash to shore sometimes bear proof that the abyss isn't so empty, that a sort of life exists in that realm of shadow and cold. What to describe these things that drift into the shallows is up to constant debate, with arguments that they are either holy or blasphemous. Their alien appearance and strange bodies sure strike revulsion in some, but what truly unsettles the people are the similarities we see in them.

One of the great mysteries and incredible phenomenon born from the abyss are the Saints, creatures who sheer existence sparks endless debate amongst the churches and priests. These sightings are rare, but each one sends waves through the divine, reigniting the investigation into these bizarre beings and the unknown world they ascend from. Their arrival is heralded by the thrashing of a great leviathan, a massive fish roiling in the shallows of the coast. For a beast of such size, traveling to such thin waters would mean death, but yet it willingly throws itself upon the shores. It will beach itself, laying there as if already dead, but then its great maw shall open wide. Unfurling from the darkness of this yawning throat is a Saint of the Sea, a bizarre insectile creature whose appearance strikes a chord in the devout. Despite the fearsome beast they are attached to, they are calm and careful creatures, their bodies and limbs moving in methodical slowness, as if a statue come to life. Their claws are bent in gestures of holiness, and at times they have been seen gripping tablets and effigies carved from ambergris. While these arrivals are rare, they do appear to have some kind of purpose or intent. As far as one can tell, there is always at least one person in the vicinity of the beach to witness their coming. For those who gaze upon this beached figure, it shall beckon them forth silently, with subtle gestures of their claws and faces. These Saints seek an audience, with seemingly no preference on who witnesses their sermon. 

From the tales, those who approach this waiting Saint shall be granted their blessing, sometimes in the form of carved ambergris or in cryptic words that echo in the mind. These aromatic totems are etched with odd symbols and unknown words, a tongue still not yet discovered. What purpose they serve is quite a mystery, but those who receive them and cling to them swear to odd events and fortunes changing their lives. Something comes from these effigies and words, even if one cannot understand them. Claims that they somehow steer one's fate, told by those who's dreams are now cold and dark. For those who are blessed with unspoken words, they will be at a loss at first. Though this message is translated to their tongue by their mortal mind, its meaning and purpose will be quite an enigma. But yet, those who hear them will find them guiding in the most unexpected of times. As if they had been granted a prophecy of their own lives, and now realize that this message was meant for this one single moment. Some have found these words saving, while others have been doomed by them. Are the words of these Saints meant to warn of what is to come, or merely the telling of a story already written?

While the legends of these encounters may excite one on the possibilities of meeting a Saint, a word of caution must be given. There are those who indeed grant blessings to those who draw close to hear, but not all Saints appear to be sworn to peace. Other tales speak of those who reach towards extended claws, to accept a priceless gift of ambergris, only for those talons to snap shut on their flesh. In one horrid moment, the Saint bolts to action and seizes the helpless sheep in its arms. The jaws of the leviathan shall close upon the screaming victim, and its great bulk shall churn through the shallow waters and sand. With the powerful thrashing of its body, it will push itself free of the shore and return to the deep, where all shall descend into the abyss once more. What happens to these stolen victims is up to our imaginations, with some simply believing that the Saint devours them, while others claim that it is for breeding purposes. All that is known is that those taken by these divine claws are never seen again. How these victims are selected, no one knows. There are plenty of guesses on things like purity, intent or allegiance, but so far the tales of those lost bear no discernible pattern. Much like everything else with the Saints, it is a mystery. 

Due to their holy appearance and sacred blessings, there are some sects of the church that believe that these creatures are truly divine. The idea that perhaps the abyss bears some kind of connection to the devout, that maybe it is a place meant for those who truly live by the word. The sea is strongly tied to Phlegm, in its calm and emotional ways. Why else does the rhythmic sound of the waves bring peace? What else can be compared to the waters that can be so serene and still one moment, than wrathful the next? These sects do find some connection to the sea, so why should the abyss be any different? To imagine a world of sheer darkness, where endless cold and stifling pressure robs the senses. Yet, in this deprived state, isn't it the perfect state for the mind? To truly meditate in a world where only the mind remains? With these beliefs, there are plenty of priests who see the abyss as an extension of their religion, a holy land where only the truly reverent can go. Thus, the Saints are seen as true saints, and they weave new tales to explain it so. 

If there are no answers to the mysteries of the world, than the devout shall take their faith and bend it to fit so. When asked how these divine Saints came to be, there is a myriad of tales to choose from. One popular legend claims that the first Saint came from a holy man who sought peace for his meditations. He wished to ponder upon life's great purpose, but to achieve the perfect state of Eukrasia, he needed absolute silence and stillness. Yet, each time he sat to pray and think, something would bother him and make such a journey impossible. His tale had him traveling to every room in the monastery, but yet each location had a flaw. He would then venture out into the world, hoping to find true peace out there. Yet again, each spot he sat to think in presented a distraction. At last, frustrated to no end by this constant failure, he cast himself into the sea, where he was devoured by a great fish. The tale ends with him in its belly, deep in the abyss, finally having found that true peace and quiet. As the story speaks:

Yunus, Yunus, mercy me

Where can your peace truly be Yunus, Yunus, mind now free

It's in the bowels of the sea

Another tale suggests that the Saints came to be because of the forbidden love between a divine priest and an abyssal creature. As the story goes, this priest was known for his wondrous sermons, and his flock came each holy day to hear him speak. Seeing how much his words meant to his people, he made sure to practice them every day to ensure perfection. The best place for him to ease his mind and test his sermons was upon the beach, where he found peace in the gentle waves and soft sand. Eventually, his pleasing words fell upon the ears of some creature of the deep, who was moved by them. They would come to the shallows to hear him speak, and the priest soon took notice of this strange audience. Rather than be afraid, he was equally moved at how such a strange beast loved his speaking, and thus was encouraged to keep doing so. Every day, he would go to the beach to share his sermon, and the abyssal creature would come to listen. Eventually, the two fell in love, and the priest began to neglect his duties. So caught up in sharing his words with his abyssal lover, that he began to miss his own mass, and the people grew angry. When they discovered him upon the beach with this horrible beast, the church and its flock cast him out and sought to execute him for heresy. It was then he and his lover embraced and fled into the ocean, vanishing into the abyss. The tale says that their children came to be the Saints, whose unknown swings between blessings and violence are from these offspring both caring for the humanity their father loved and despising them for driving him away.

Lastly, another popular story says that the Saints were born from two divine figures who sought to answer the mysteries of the world. However, their quest to learn all came upon a problem when they considered the vast seas. How would they be able to figure it all out, if they couldn't fathom these oceans? And if they committed themselves to the sea, how would they learn of the land? So the two came to an agreement: one of the divine would bind themselves to the earth to learn its secrets, while the other give themself to the ocean so they may explore its depths. Every ten years, the two would meet upon the shore, where their two realms conjoined, and share their new wisdom. This went on for decades, until one day the divine of the sea returned to find their partner missing. They would soon learn that the divine of the earth was killed in a thoughtless act of violence, and the knowledge enraged them. Furious at the corrupt world of man, they returned to the sea, taking their immense knowledge with them and never coming back. What birthed from this event were the many Saints, who still came to land time to time to share knowledge. However, they are all conflicted, torn between enlightening the world of man or condemning it. Those who approach will see what choice these Saints currently settled on..

Which of these are true, if any? To most, it does not matter. The Saints are divine, and blessed be to those who are granted their offerings, and woe to those whose sins doom them to the maw.

Look to the Saints who rest, unharmed, in the jaws of beasts.

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

"Saints of the Sea"

Was looking at old pictures and drawings of sea monsters, when I stumbled upon some old depictions of Jonah. Looking closer at a few gave me an ol' "Hmmmm, that looks familiar!"       

[cliff-and-the-kid]

Celestial entity

Cliffjumper: asteroid

Sierra: star

(Descriptions under the cut 'cause these are LONG ones):

asteroid you are on the fast track of life, my friend. everywhere you go, you leave fires in your wake. you know how to spark conversation, stoke ideas, ignite long-lost passions. you’re not content with the way things are and are more interested in what they could be. you have so much you want to say and do. your worst fear is being stagnant. instead, you’re willing to brave the unknown in search of something that satisfies you. you’re ambitious and unafraid to go after exactly what you want. you are Newton’s unstoppable force, barreling forward and blasting through whatever obstacles you may encounter. when there’s no path you make your own—blazing a trail for others to follow. you are good at addressing issues head-on. no sense in sugarcoating or beating around the bush. you’re the one willing to wrangle the ugly truth and drag it out into the open. your boldness is something rarely found and appreciated by many. sometimes your one-track mind might lead to you developing tunnel vision. don’t forget to open your mind to the possibilities. life has so much to offer and you might miss out if you don’t give it a fair shot. some might see you as abrasive and too set in your ways. others will most likely admire you for your honesty and straightforwardness. others still are made uncomfortable by your unyielding heat. despite how you’re perceived, ultimately, you’re still you: passionate, direct, and dedicated. you don’t do things halfway—once committed, you follow things through to fruition even if you do get a little impatient. you are movement and boundless ambition. rough edges and fire. racing thoughts your mouth can’t keep up with and impulsive decisions. you make people want more. crave better. you are probably independent and find it hard to ask for help. remember to be kind to yourself and don’t burn yourself up in the process of trying to achieve your goals. known fact: you’re never truly alone in this life.

star like stars, you are effervescent and indefinable. stars somehow feel simultaneously within your grasp but infinitely far. people devotedly pour all their hopes and dreams out to you, spill their secrets, and bare their souls for the unique, special joy of gaining your favor. you are a special person to be around. being with you is like flying—weightless and exciting. you are sympathetic and can’t help trying to help everyone even when you’ve already got enough on your plate. you try to make everyone else’s dreams come true at the same time as yours. you are warm—not in an outwardly radiating way but at your very core. in your thoughts, and intentions, and desires. like stars, you can be fickle, shifting according to the season and twinkling like you might wink out of existence at any moment. however, you make up for it in your extraordinary qualities—stars guide sailors to new lands, remind us to keep dreaming, and give us a reason to keep looking up. you are a beautiful and extraordinary person. even if people don't quite understand you, they admire and appreciate you. you inspire them to keep dreaming. you sometimes miss what once was and have a hard time letting go. you find nostalgia simultaneously comforting and heartbreaking. yet you still manage to move forward. you also have a hard time seeing the value of your own innate brightness, yet still, think highly of yourself and what you have to offer the world. you somehow never manage to lose your spirit. you are the light that never goes out, against all the odds. you are the essence of art, creation, and beauty. the lightness of laughter. the shaky peace following a good cry. you are simultaneously cold-tempered with a warm core. you are beautiful and beloved and faithfully enduring. remember to take care of yourself the same way you do others. don’t burn out on us, we need you around <3

[valleymyristica]

For What It Takes, if it was a TV series, what songs would you choose for the opening and closing themes?

What It Takes [TV Series]?

Oh, that's quite a fun question, I like it!

Though, that sure would be one twisted TV series Gosh, just imagine, what kind of twisted mind would come up with something like that? HAH!

Anyway! Hmm… Give me a moment

: : INTRO : :

The Hoosiers A Sadness Runs Through Him ════════════════════

Twisting it a bit you can probably see how it can reflect the story, there are after all many one can worry about here.

Truly, in a way, no one is safe. Everyone will have a dip in the river of sorrow. Everyone will have a reason to cry. Some stay for a long while, where it takes so very long to get dry again. Others never really left, ignoring the river they find themselves in. While a few just dip for a moment, quite a long moment, but they'll get dry pretty quickly.

It's all so pretty and sad, there will be joy, I promise. Though, isn't it interesting to see how one can find joy despite hardships? How despite horrors, a smile can still come?

Was planning on going through the lyrics, at least half, here, but it became a bit long. So, I've put it at the end instead.

: Links : Spotify [Embedding at the end] YouTube

: : OUTRO : :

Detektivbyrån "Laka-koffa" ════════════════════

I know my story is intense and at many times brings terror and pain, and you may not believe me in this, but it is a story about healing, about getting better, about finding who you are It just has to get worse, before it gets better Because, sometimes, when you are at the end of your rope It's hard to imagine that things can get better

Trust me

Trust. Me.

The universe isn't kind But that doesn't tell you anything about the people in it

They can be vile, cruel, kind and sweet

Just keep walking, and one day You'll have others joining in your step

So, try and live a life without regret And know there is always a place But it may lay in the unknown Do you dare to roam?

{ I say all that, but honestly where is even STARTS to get better is act 3 and where it's more proper is 4/5. So you know, it will take a LONG while. It's important to be patient. Things CAN get better. They WILL get better. Trust me. }

: Links : Spotify [Embedding at the end] YouTube

It's interesting, I have been trying to find songs that fit for the story

And for a moment I was thinking about my two favourite songs, but I think these two are far more fitting

[Lyric analysis]

People are puppets held together with string

As I say, and will keep on saying, the strings of fate these characters hold, falls in my grasp. I'll take them, guide them, down my own path. What choice do they have? As if they had any

There's a beautiful sadness that runs through him

Whether we are talking about Peri or Dev, the sorrow they bring sure is a lovely one to behold.

As he asked me to pray to the God he doesn't believe in

I like to think of it in a way of Dev using what he's learned from Dale. Teaching Peri. Forcing Peri to follow Dale's teachings. All without Dev fully understanding what’s so wrong with the teachings.

Time and again boys are raised to be men

Oh poor Dev, wanting to be grown, but always just a kid. He wants to make his dad proud, yet a failure is just around the corner.

Impatient they start, fearful at the end

HAH! Have you seen chapter 11? Hahahahahaha

But here was a man mourning tomorrow

Just makes me delight in "two more days" Oh, Peri You can take it, right?

He drank, but finally drowned in his sorrow

Hahaha! Ahh, yes, he did drink, or rather, he tried to But alas, rules have to be followed

He could not break surface tension

Yet he can not break free from where he has found himself He's fallen into the waters and now all the light he can see is becoming distorted

He looked in the wrong place for redemption

The simple fact that Peri is looking towards Dev for help, guidance He's the godparent He's the adult Yet, he looks towards the child Not really the right place too look

Don't look at me with those eyes

Just makes me think of CosWan's side of chapter 11 Oh, imagine the look in Peri's eyes How heartbreaking it must be

I tried to unheave the ties

And then there is Peri, trying to escape Removing all that is trying him down

Turn back the time that drew him

Oh how time has changed him How different he has become from what first we see

But he couldn't be saved

That's how it feels, right? And if not now, it will later Hehehe

A sadness runs through him

Oh how much sorrow there is Peri's a mess Dev may be sorry but doesn't dare tell Dale can never be free

_Intro_

_Outro_

[fairylandblog]

Faerie Prophets

Tales of faerie prophets, mysterious beings from folklore who can predict the future, have captivated audiences for generations. These figures are frequently mysterious and unearthly, existing between humans and supernaturals. Riddles, symbolic language, and cryptic visions surround their prophecies, adding intrigue. Faerie prophets are intriguing figures that represent humanity's longing to understand fate, discover hidden truths, and interact with supernatural forces. Many cultures picture faeries as having unreachable wisdom. Their capacity to see the future makes them beloved and feared. Celtic legend deeply connects faeries to the earth, seasons, and cycles of nature, endowing them with eternal wisdom. Therefore, people typically depict them as prophets capable of foretelling future events. According to Irish mythology, the Sidhe live in a parallel world and know human destiny. They sometimes warn or guide people, although their words are rarely clear. Fairy prophecies are frequently vague, leaving possibilities for hope and despair. 

Faerie prophets in legend blend compassion and malevolence. While they may offer assistance or warnings, their intentions remain unclear, and their predictions often come with a price. Faeries are complicated, morally ambiguous beings, reflecting their duality. A faerie prophet may warn a mortal of impending doom, but the prophecy may set the events in action. Many faerie prophecies emphasize the conflict between free will and fate. A reoccurring theme is that future knowledge can be a burden as well as a gift, reminding us that some facts are better left unknown. In addition to connecting mortals and spirits, faerie prophets also represent the divine or mystical. People often attribute their capacity to foresee the future to these otherworldly entities. Since they are timeless, they are ideal prophecy conduits. Some traditions say faeries' prophetic power comes from their connection to nature or the cosmos, implying they grasp the universe's rhythms and patterns. This depiction presents a worldview that links the natural and supernatural, allowing those with the right perspective to know the future. Fairy predictions symbolize human ambiguity and complexity with their enigmatic character. These forecasts often use symbolic imagery or double meanings and are difficult to decipher. A faerie may forecast a mortal's enormous victory, but it may come at a terrible cost. This ambiguity prompts questions about fate and human knowledge. Faerie prophets force mortals to face life's mysteries and their choices by presenting the future in ambiguous terms. Thus, their prophecies inspire self-discovery and growth.

As a symbol of the unknown, the faerie prophet captivates audiences in literature and art. These characters from ancient tales to modern fantasy novels represent the appeal and risk of seeking unknowable knowledge. They demonstrate the power of the invisible and our preoccupation with fate and foresight. Faerie prophets reflect humanity's innermost fears and ambitions as knowledgeable mentors, mischievous tricksters, or neutral observers. They challenge us to face future uncertainty while showing us future possibilities. Fairy prophets symbolize humanity's eternal search for purpose and connection. They appear in stories because we want to comprehend the forces that create our existence and appreciate the beauty and mystery of the unknown. These mythical entities remind us that the future is a story we are continually unraveling, one choice and one moment at a time, by weaving prophecy into their tales.

[saiakv]

SUGURU'S RELATIONSHIP WITH NANAKO & MIMIKO is a complicated one. My personal take on it deviates from fandom in some things and alligns with in others. This post is moreso meant as a guideline for how I tend to portray it, of course, so to keep it flexible I'm mostly writing from Suguru's POV — and the facts of what is happening during the course of those 10 years. Every rp partner's take on the twins will be different, so this meta will be adjusted accordingly to verses, of course.

In spite of what Suguru himself claims this relationship to be ( a patron, a protector ) everyone in his group knows that he is the twins' adoptive father. They just don't call him such, a defined boundary has been drawn when it comes to how they should refer to him. But as with all things in the new life he built for himself, this too is filled with contradictions. For be it with a bratty whine from Nanako or Mimiko's softer mumbling, when it comes from their lips, 'Master Geto' sounds like 'dad' all the same.

PART ONE: FOUNDATION.

Suguru's own childhood took place in a very nurturing and loving home. His parents were kind people, even if they weren't capable of understanding or handling the potential in their son. They encouraged him to pursue his own goals in life, believed that he would make something of himself; ergo naming him after the excellence they believed he stood for. As with many children whose parents harbor high expectations of them, that in turn lead to Suguru acting ahead of his years and suppressing many typical childish behaviors that were not seen as 'appropriate'. He felt the weight of those expectations and it molded him into a person with a high sense of responsibility — soon after discovering his abilities, he also realized the weakness that plagued his own parents. They were susceptible to curses and he wasn't. His family home was suddenly too small to house him, his parents too fragile in his eyes. He soon learned to hide his encounters with curses so as not to worry them, to keep his powers an open secret to protect them. Suguru could no longer be himself around his parents, feel their love under his skin as before — so all that was left for him to grasp onto was the feeling of being needed by them.

This feeling prevailed in his formative ages; it's not something he's necessarily aware of. But he needs to be needed. It was the origin of a savior complex that later spiralled into a messiah one with his meltdown, age 17. His motto as a teenager was 'I have to grow stronger, so that I can protect others more efficiently'.

Nanako & Mimiko on the other hand are unwanted children without a sense of 'home'. It is unknown whether they have a biological family that consented to their mistreatment or not. But judging from their background it is safe to say that these two did not an 'adult' figure they could safely rely on growing up. Regardless of how being feared and detested has shaped their individual dispositions, they are still children — there is a deep seated need in every child to feel protected, the same instinct that guides foals back to their mother in the herd. When they come across someone who checks every box, who rescues them from the only life they've known and immediately offers them acceptance for the thing ( sorcery ) that had condemned them thus far, it is only natural that these needs are finally accessed.

This is one aspect of this dynamic that is often emphasized in fanon and as a result Suguru would be depicted favorably as a parental figure. But if we go back to the initial moment that this familiar bond was formed, we get a much different picture.

PART TWO: FORMATION.

Suguru's expression. That was the first image of him the girls saw; and it is no less disturbed than their own — wide eyes, uncertain, they don't know what to expect from this man who might as well be the one who kills them after he was summoned and he is struggling to piece together the thing he is witnessing through his own shock. It is not until after the massacre has taken place that Suguru presents a calm and reassuring smile.

When arriving to the village, Suguru had still been in the throes of his own personal debate, after it was incited by Tsukumo. He has already lost his faith in the system he is serving, realized his part in it and saw the dead end ahead of him if he continued to work as a jujutsu sorcerer — but he has no alternative in his mind, yet. Think of it as, he is trying to cross a hostile river and the girls are that one stepping stone that suddenly appears, making the distance a little less impossible to jump.

Nanako & Mimiko were Suguru's new reason. At least in my personal take of things, of course; this was not the drop that tipped the glass but rather a new incentive, a new reward appearing at the end of his never-ending marathon. It was in that moment that he could finally make his choice, because he had something new to believe in; a better world for these two, who had suffered so much simply for being born stronger. All Suguru had suffered before had sufficed to make his resolve falter; but if it hadn't been for the twins he would not have been able to justify that next step.

What he tells Satoru about it next is rather telling: Satoru points out the fact he murdered his own parents and Suguru responds with 'they are not my only family anymore'. The presence of his parents had been that last branch he'd been dangling from that kept him unable to decide if he hates non sorcerers or if he protects them. So, the girls coming in to replace that pushed him to make that call.

PART THREE: CO-DEPENDENCY.

After the massacre, Nana & Mimi had nowhere to go. The more responsible option in that moment, the one that better aligns with the values of the man known as Suguru Geto, would be to hand them over to the officials, authorities or otherwise ensure a stable housing environment where they could receive the proper attention and care.

Instead, Suguru takes them with him in the uncertainty of his new journey. Mind you, at that point there is no assurance that Suguru is going to succeed, no solid plan and they will most likely have to be on the run for a bit until he can make arrangements. It is very possible that the girls asked to stay by his side as well, but ultimately Suguru did expose them to a potentially unsafe environment and had them rely sorely on him for their protection. ( disclaimer: no, I am not implying he is a 'bad person' for this, obviously he's 17 and traumatized so he doesn't have the best judgement over the situation either ) We could say Nana/Mimi barely even had a choice on the matter of following, given their background.

So ultimately the relationship that begins to form is centered around the premise that Suguru is building a new world for these girls, rather than merely loathing non-sorcerers. In Suguru's mind annihilating the non-sorcerer population is a secondary task before building a new world where sorcerers can thrive — by overthrowing the notion of quantity > quality that he believed the world was ran by. So ultimately, Suguru is doing this for Nanako and Mimiko. In that light, the relationship takes a darker turn.

On the one hand there's the brainwashing. These girls are inevitably parroting his ideals of racism and hate without exercising their own critical thought on the matter. The 'love' they describe towards him is so extreme that it drives them to put their own lives in danger over and over if only to aid, satisfy or rescue him. And that's not to say Nana & Mimi couldn't have just been the sort of people to do that, but even so Suguru would have influenced them into 'going all out' like he did throughout his life.

And then on the other hand, there's the fact that Suguru, in thinking he is creating a better world for them to make them happier ( he had already admitted for himself that this was not an option for him, after all ) actively damages the relationship by going forth with his risky plans and becoming more and more consumed with his delirium. Eventually causing them grief and their own demise.

The point of this rant is not to trash the muse, of course, every one of these choices can be explained in ways that feel natural for his character to react with — but to highlight the conflicting nature of this relationship. Suguru holds a very deep sense of caring for the twins, but ultimately what happened back in that moment, was the synapsis of impulsive empathizing needed for someone with a massive savior complex to empathize and devote himself to the cause. And yes, he makes a decent parental figure later on, he has some very positive traits that aid him with that. The girls probably had a good life with him, overall. But the dynamic never changed and it was a condemnation for them in the end; they were the one end of a co-dependent bond ( someone who needs to be needed meets someone who needs them ) the end that was left loose after Suguru died, to deal with the consequences of this sort of bond.

[kwiisatz]

𓏭  we were born sick. ⠀/⠀/  from alia ᝰ @karmasainted ⨟ accepting .ᐟ  

alia  had  known  him  better  than  he  knew  himself  even  before  she  had  been  born. paul  remembers  a  time  in  which  he  asked  her  to  return  to  the  land  of  unknown,  to  stand  with  their  father  on  that  distant  shore  and  wait  for  him  to  join  them.  he  could  not  fix  this  galaxy  before  she  came  but  she  had  known  that.  alia  had  known  too  much. her  being  pre-born  left  her  standing  on  the  very  edge  of  abomination,  fighting  to  have  her  mind  to  herself  ––  hoping  and  praying  for  some  semblance  of  normalcy.  theirs  was  a  curse  that  no  one  else  could  understand. when  the  world  fell  to  its  knees,  they  would  foresee  it  and  they  would  stand  at  the  precipice  of  destruction  ––  a  penumbra  of  this  holy  war  beneath  a  banner  of  the  atreides'  red  hawk.  but  sweet,  beloved,  broken,  lost  alia  was  born  more  sick  than  he.  paul  had  made  his  choice,  had  dove  into  his  powers  with  the  hope  of  razing  the  universe  with  the  intention  of  leading  his  people  to  their  paradise.  their  alia?  she  had  no  choice.  paul  reaches  over  now,  to  take  the  porcelain  form  of  his  sister's  hand.  he  loved  her,  in  what  way  he  could.  so  much  in  this  life  had  become  hard  to  grasp,  including  the  finer  emotions;  they  are  family,  though  ––  and  paul  would  never  not  love  the  blood  of  caladan. 〝 we  were, ”  he  assures,  finally.  〝 if  I  could've  made  it  so  you  weren't,  alia,  I  would've. ”  and  he  could  definitely  try  harder  to  guide  her  now,  help  her  to  learn  control  of  her  abilities  so  she  doesn't  drown  but  he  fears  he  will  fail  her. a  part  of  him  very  nearly  flinches  from  his  own  words,  though.  what  would  things  have  been  like  if  his  sister  was  born  more  his  father  than  his  mother? if  she  had  the  heart  of  a  true  atreides  woman;  a  fierceness  and  a  need  for  justice  ––  calm,  collected  and  just  a  girl. he would give almost everything to be able to offer her that. 〝 but what would be different if we weren't? in some way, we'd just be easier targets. ”

[schwarzwaldcr]

@mystalwartheart || cont. x

They called it 'The Inert Castle'.

It isn't technically a castle at all. Not in the traditional sense one thinks of when 'Castle' comes to mind. There aren't the high ramparts or turrets or studded doors. The walls around the courtyard are merely stone privacy walls; tall, but served no real defensive purposes, crumbled with age and time. Originally, it had been a manor house of some lord of the area, some time in the early or mid 1800s, they thought. Before the German Federation, for sure. But it is inert.

Or at least, the courtyard is inert. A dead space, a bubble where no influence from either the Castle or the broader Zone around it hold sway, like a no-man's land. Rules from Schwarzwald do not act here, the Castle itself does not think or feel into this space. It is a sphere where reality still manages to stubbornly persist. Good to house greenhorns, good to make it a meeting place for those who are wholly unused to the temperamental creature that surrounds it and close enough to the outer boundaries of the proper where even those who have never set foot in a Zone can get to without incident.

However, despite being in the title, the Castle itself is not a dead space. It's very much alive and kind of grumpy, as far as Castles go. Not nearly as bold and brash and playful as some of its other more appropriately-named brethren. Unlike its bigger siblings, however, it's also not nearly as powerful. It doesn't like visitors, really, and most people who have a basic understanding of a Zone know not to grasp at its metaphoric dangling lure when it does present it.

Unlike the group Wulf spies through the trees as she's walking up to the site entering through the front doors as they open. The Castle itself cannot influence the courtyard but human curiosity, it can still tickle and she heaves a sigh in a mixture of exasperated exhaustion before continuing on passed the threshold into the courtyard. She can only guess this was the group Papa told her would be waiting for her. 'It is easier to conduct this type of business where our old friends in the 'Stag cannot hear', she hears the old Russian boom in her memory as she climbs the crumbling steps up toward the front doors. Back over the boundary and into the sight of the Castle itself.

The doors are closed by now; the first trap for the newcomers has been passed, so like a carnival event, that way is closed. She can enter through here, but her path will be different. Already the Castle is complaining at her for the intrusion of another group of foolish humans.

I want to be left alone! it yells through so many voices built of crackling stone and crumbling plaster.

She makes a counter-argument of that it lured them in the first place should factor, nevertheless the old thing haughtily just tells her to remove them with a whine like a Lady who's spotted a mouse in the drawing room. Thankfully, without screeching. This demand is, of course, accentuated by the doors flying open again, the halls beyond dark and foreboding and unknown.

She knows the halls shift and twist, impossible labyrinths devised to trap even the most experienced of stalkers. It's a contradiction to the Castle's entitled personality and the sounds of scraping wood and ceramic plaster is enough to make veterans pale and turn away. But The Wolf is no ordinary stalker, veteran or not, and Guides are capable of going places others cannot and still come out the other side physically unscathed.

She steps casually over the door's threshold into pure darkness, shifting equipment while the world readjusts. The lights are faint, but enough her eyes adapt fairly easily. A tactic to disorient at the first steps, she's already moving through the halls. The sounds of sliding corridors is louder and more frequent the further she goes, and although she knows she's only walked forward in a straight line, the internal workings of the Castle have sent her down numerous identical corridors moving of their own will and whim. Occasionally, gravity shifts in pockets and she feels it somewhere in her. It feels a little like vertigo, even feeling the ground beneath your feet. She knows if she consciously tries to realign herself, she'll fall over and that will be the end.

Get them out already!

The voice permeates the space around her head as the corridors cease their incessant personal journeys, allowing her to plant herself on firm ground in a hallway that looks at least somewhat normal. A wall to one end, a wall at the other end. The first test has been passed.

"Where are they?" she asks of it. "I can't help if I don't know where they are."

In the music room. Here. I'll make it easier for you.

The emphasis of a spoiled child who simply can't believe they have to give directions to a newcomer in their house makes The Wolf roll her eyes, but with a few more shifts of walls, she can hear it. Her ear twitches momentarily and her head follows suit to zero in on the direction of what sounds like a piano. The sound is muffled, like it's coming through many rooms and halls, but the ticking tinkling of the keys has her attention enough she can at least move toward it.

Her pace quickens as she catches sight of something more pressing, in her mind. A flash of light, blazing silhouettes of people distorted against the walls ahead. She's almost positive instructions were given to leave all electronic devices behind. Her steps are quick and practiced, utterly silent in the darkened corridors in time to the Queen of the Night's Aria that echoes in her ears from the piano. She's not sure if this is relative, but given how things just are around here, she's willing to bet they all hear something different.

She's barely a shadow moving between the unit in the door and the hall, using practice honed by years as an invisible child thief to reach forward and click off any electronics she sees on her way through and drop them. She is built to see in the dark, after all, a little more definition than others around her. The others will barely notice her as a streak of faint light and flutter of winded wake before she's passed into the room beyond, the music room.

A hand is gripped around the flashlight of the woman she takes to be the unit's commander, given how she is the one at the forward point, and subsequently the slender fingers encompass the hand gripping it. Glowing quicksilver eyes are leveled as well as she can into the other's, her thumb pausing over the button to the flashlight.

"N̴ ̷O̶ ̴D̴ ̴E̸ ̷V̴ ̵I̴ ̷C̵ ̴E̵ ̷S̷"

A simple demand before the button is clicked, turning off the offensive device in question. To be honest, she's not sure how the Castle writes this rule. But given the things she herself has seen and been privy to in her time in the trees, it's better safe than sorry on this rule.