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storiesofsvu · 29 days

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Decadent Desires Ch 17

Emily Prentiss x reader warnings: language, alcohol, super late night deep somewhat emotional conversations, explicit and not so explicit smut. 6.5k

There wasn’t a single spot on the entire island that wasn’t stunning, sun soaked, full of fresh air and the utmost of relaxation. No matter where in the resort that you and Emily wandered off to, you always found yourselves in a tranquil oasis, bonus points if it had unlimited delicious food and heavily poured drinks. The Nava Beach Club was in the heart of the resort, on the crest of the beach surrounding various pools with stunning lagoon views. Much like other areas the entertainment varied throughout the day, a DJ currently setting the fun tone for an ideal afternoon. Beach loungers, high top and low top tables scattered through the space; certain areas seemed to have servers while others appeared to be bar service only. You and Emily were closer to the bar, opting to stay at a small table that had a huge umbrella blocking the beating sun, thankful for the shade and breeze coming off the water.

You’d decided on sharing multiple plates of food, wanting to try as many of the different offerings as you could while slowly working your way through the drink menu. Your free hand lay across the small table top, Emily regularly picking it up in hers without even noticing, her fingers tapping along to the rhythm of the music against your palm. You let out a soft breath as a breeze wafted through the air, nearly shivering at the way it made the loose hairs along your neck tickle at your skin. Emily’s eyes drifted from what had been turned into a dance floor and a group of younger guys attempting to breakdance to the table so she could pick up her drink. They drifted a little further and landed on you and she did her best not to stare. You’d certainly got some sun over the last couple of days, your skin practically glowing, your hair was still in the braid she’d put in, though many more pieces had come undone, drifting around your face in the low wind. Her hand reached out, fingers deftly picking a larger piece, tucking it back into its appropriate spot in the braid. Without even realizing it, your lips curved up into a soft smile and you leant into the touch.

“You planning on swimming when we get back?” She asked, hand returning to her glass to take a sip.

“Hmm?” You pulled your eyes away from the shoreline, turning to face her.

“Your usual nightly dip in the ocean?”

“Oh, yeah.” You laughed, a blush across your cheeks that she was certain wasn’t from the sun, “gotta take advantage while I can.”

“Good.” She smiled softly, her hand reaching out to tuck another large piece back into the slightly mussed braid, “your hair will hold a tighter braid if it’s wet.”

“And here I was thinking you didn’t know anything about hair care.” You teased, a laugh sweet as honey coming from your lips and Emily felt her cheeks heating this time.

“I know enough.” She shrugged, “and I think you’d look pretty cute with two braids.”

“Oh?” You raised a brow, “we’re going for cute now?”

“Oh—ar—c’mon.” She groaned and you laughed, scooping up your glass.

“I’m only teasing.” As you stood, you leant over, your free hand directing her face to yours to steal a kiss, “I’m gonna swing by the bathroom then grab another round, what’d you want?”

“Anything but that fucking blue drink.”

“Alright.”

With a small smile on your lips you picked up her now empty glass, crossing the space to drop them off at the bar before disappearing inside. Emily kept her eyes on you the entire time, partially out of instinct and partially because it was hard as hell not to, the bikini you’d chosen today was clearly a Tony pick. Smaller than the others, extremely form fitting and minimal yet somehow giving your tits the perfect amount of support. You had a cover up tied around your waist in a mock skirt like fashion, but that still left pretty little to the imagination.

Her hands picked at the basket of fries in front of her, half playing with her food as she was lost in thought before she finally managed to pick one up, popping it in her mouth and her eyes shifted back to the beach.

“Excuse me,” an elderly voice broke through her daydream and she glanced towards where it came form, “I’m so sorry to bother you.”

“Oh, no worries.” Emily let out a small laugh, nearly shifting into professional mode as she took in the older woman who’d stopped at their table.

“I know this may sound weird, but you two have been in our eyeline all afternoon, we couldn’t help but notice just how adorable you are.” She glanced over Emily’s shoulder and when Emily did the same she saw an older man, assumedly the woman’s husband a few tables back giving her a bright smile and wave that she returned. “Something about new love in paradise just makes us so nostalgic. You seem so happy, are you celebrating your honeymoon?”

“Oh!” She stuttered suddenly, “Uh, thank you, oh! Oh, no, no…. we’re just uh.. on vacation.” Her eyes darted over to where you’d disappeared to and the woman chuckled at her reaction, especially as Emily tensed, fidgeting in her chair.

“Oh…” she grinned, “perhaps it’s too early for that kind of celebration?” She raised a knowing eyebrow, “don’t be so nervous about it sweetheart, you’ll give away the surprise.”

“No, I,” She laughed awkwardly, “no, that’s not. I dunno.”

“Mum’s the word.” She smiled softly, “either way, you and your girlfriend enjoy your vacation. I’m sure you’ll make memories you’ll never forget.” She winked at her, a hand reaching out to squeeze her shoulder, “my husband and I got engaged here too and we do our best to make it down every couple of years. A place like this, you always want to come back to.”

“Yeah… thanks.” Emily mustered up the best smile she could, not bothering to correct any of the woman’s missteps.

It would take too much explaining, too much awkward explaining and that wasn’t even if she started to include the whole sugar baby thing. Something about the entire interaction, as flustered as it made her, also made her stomach fill with butterflies. There certainly was something about this place that she was sure she’d never forget. Beginning to chew on her thumbnail she was suddenly craving that fresh drink, a couple ounces of eighty proof rum disguised in tropical juices would certainly calm her racing pulse.

Rather than actually being able to calm down, a jolt was sent through her at the sound of your laugh wafting across the area. Her brow furrowed for a second until she found where it was coming from, catching her lip between her teeth at the sight of you somewhat cozied up to a shirtless man at the bar. A sinking feeling dropped into her stomach as she slouched back into her chair, her eyes narrowing at the man as he reached out, playing with the tie on your cover up. You at least playfully swatted his hand away, a glittering smile on your cheeks as you scolded him, shaking your head in his direction. Emily let out a muted grumble, picking up a cold French fry in an attempt to distract her, her eyes drifting back to the breakdancing bros. Whatever you were up to she didn’t need to watch it all go down.

“Bet you can’t do a shot without flinching.” The man offered up with a cocky smile and you scoffed.

“Are you choosing the shot?”

“How do you feel about tequila?”

“Only if it’s top shelf.” You bartered back, watching as he flagged the bartender over to order.

“You want anything else?” He asked and your head tilted.

“You sure?”

“Yeah, get whatever you want.”

You tried to hold back the smirk on your lips, your hand squeezing gently at his bicep as you turned to the bartender, “two Mai Tai’s please.”

“So she’s a fruity drink girl.” He teased, sliding the shot over to you, “you sure you can handle this?”

“You had no idea what I can handle.” This time you let the smirk take over your lips, clinking your glass against his before throwing back the shot. You’d spent enough time rallying in political circles, hard liquor didn’t affect you, especially not smooth expensive tequila, your lips remaining curved in a smile as you watched the man wince, immediately reaching for a lime wedge and a small giggle broke out from your mouth.

“Damn.” He pulled the lime from his mouth, tucking it into the empty shot glass, “you really are built different.”

“So I’ve been told.” You replied with a smile, leaning up against the bar with crossed arms, your chest pressing up even more and you could feel his eyes lingering. “You here with friends?”

“Yeah.” He gestured back to the group on the dance floor, some of whom were successfully breakdancing, “boys trip. Celebrating a big win at work.”

“Mmm.” You nodded to the bartender as your drinks were slid over to you, picking one up to take a sip as you studied the man in front of you, “let me guess…. finance?”

He pulled a face, surprise taking over his eyes as he let out a small laugh, “how’d you figure that?”

“Wall Street boys need coke to have fun.” You ticked it off on your first finger, continuing to do so as you went, “blue collar boys would be an at all inclusive in Mexico not here, politicians are either at home with their families or somewhere like this with their mistresses, and lawyers don’t know how to have that much fun.” You gestured in the direction of his group and he laughed.

“Wow. Right on the nose.” He picked up his drink, “and what about you? Model? Actress? Something with fashion?”

You snorted into your drink, holding back an eye roll. At least the guy was complimentary without being sleazy, he could give Tony a run for his money. “Yeah right.”

“Well,” he nudged at your arm, “what’re you into?”

“It’s a secret.”

“Then how about, I put your drinks on my tab for the rest of the weekend, and you let me in on at least one?”

“You’re insane.” You laughed, knowing there was no way this guy had enough money to cover a tab like that with the costs of the drinks here.

“I mean, pretty girl like you, doesn’t deserve to pay for drinks.” He shrugged, “how about we settle for the rest of the day?”

“I guess I’ll have to accept.”

“There we go.” He clinked his glass with yours, a grin on his lips, “and I mean, after dinner, maybe if you’re interested, could always swap over to room service, you could come check out how nice the beach front villas are?”

You chuckled softly as he shifted closer, daring you to make the next move and you could feel Emily’s eyes burning into your back. “As enticing as that might sound, I really don’t think she would like that to much.” Your voice nearly husked into his ear as you pushed at his shoulder, turning his back to the bar and you were both able to catch Emily staring. “Beach front villa must be nice but she already splurged on an overwater one for us.”

The man let out an embarrassed laugh, as if he was caught passing notes in class, his cheeks tinging as he raised his drink in Emily’s direction. “Sorry, my bad.” He sheepishly waved at her, glancing between the two of you as he recollected himself, “damn. Look at the two of you, talk about a pair of hotties, your girlfriend’s a minx.”

You let out a loud laugh, to unbothered to correct him “okay, that’s enough.”

“I’m not flirting, promise, I’m just stating the obvious.” He defended with a laugh, pulling another one from you.

“Don’t I know it.”

“Hey,” he caught your hand before you could pick up Emily’s drink, “let me buy you a second round and some shots, I didn’t mean to step on any toes.”

You didn’t deny him, shrugging as the bartender signalled for someone to help you bring the tray of drinks back over to the table. The man gave you a small wave, saying he’d see you around and wishing the two of you a good night.

Emily felt the tension leaving her body as you reapproached the table, the man turning back to the bar, she figured at the very least he’d be staring at you the entire walk over. Her eyes widened at the tray of drinks beside you, her brow furrowing when they were all placed down onto your table.

“Did…did you just flirt your way into free drinks?” She asked and you laughed.

“Not intentionally. But it worked didn’t it.” You took a sip of yours, “and we’re on his tab for the rest of the day.”

“Damn.” Emily whistled, picking up her drink, “those extra skills really do work.”

“I think it was less about my political navigational skills and more about the fact that my tits are basically falling out of this top.”

“Hey, he’s not complaining.” She teased, “and if I not only get free drinks but also get that view, neither am I.”

“Please.” You chuckled over the rim of your glass, “you get to do a lot more than just look at them.”

“Yeah?” Emily’s hand slid up your thigh, “last time I checked, you liked that…”

“Mmm… very much so.”

She leant in, stealing a kiss from your sticky lips, “maybe we should take the rest of this back to the villa?”

“I wouldn’t complain about that.”

Emily found it amusing that no matter where in the world you were, or what you were doing, you still couldn’t break a morning routine. Practically every day of the trip you’d been up and gone from the villa for the beachfront yoga, making sure to get your body moving and stretched out as the sun rose. She enjoyed the mornings she got to wake up tangled in your limbs, but she had to admit the yoga mornings were nice too. Today she’d made coffee and picked up a book, settling herself on one of the loungers outside to get a start on her day.

She didn’t hear the lock beep, you’d likely come in through the terrace, she was so focused on her book it was only the splash you made while diving into the ocean that brought her back to earth. She watched as you surfaced, brushing a couple of loose hairs off your face before swimming a couple of laps to help cool your skin off. She was now very much not focused on her book as you pulled yourself up onto the deck and your bikini was absolutely clinging to your skin, leaving basically nothing to the imagination. She gulped, feeling a tingling between her legs and the deep desire to lick the water droplets off your skin. You squeezed out what you could from the flimsy fabric, crossing to the outdoor bar to grab a juice, glancing up when she spoke.

“I have to admit, this warm weather’s nice. Getting to see you wandering around in nothing but a bikini is an incredible bonus.” The smirk was ever present on her lips and you laughed, a sparkle in your eye as you glanced around, placing the juice back down.

“Well… we’ve got a totally private villa, terrace and pool. Who needs a swim suit?” Your hands swiftly went to the knots, undoing the straps and letting the fabric fall to the floor. With a little grin, your body now completely bare you picked up the juice again, along with a hand towel so you wouldn’t damage your own book as you approached the other lounger.

Emily though, had other ideas, not even giving you the chance to sit down before she grabbed your hand and you let out a little yelp as she yanked you down onto her lounger. Her lips immediately wrapping around a nipple, sucking it into her mouth and a moan was falling from your lips.

If asked, neither of you would have been able to figure out how many rounds you went that day. Once Emily laid eyes on your naked body walking around the villa there was no way she was going to keep her hands to herself and if she started to lose steam it only took a few seconds for you to flip her over and have your way with her.

What started on the lounger with hands and mouths roaming each other’s bodies morphed into something that needed more space and you were stumbling over to the daybed overlooking the ocean. More freedom to move around, more angles and positions to explore, the subtle rocking of the bed intensifying the sparks firing through you. On the breaks where both of you were out of breath, left panting against the bed, bodies glistening in a sheen of sweat, there were breaks for snacks, water and most importantly, cocktails, endless amounts of cocktails. Sometimes the post orgasmic haze got the best of you, the sun warm on your bodies, Emily wrapping her cover up back over her as the heat coaxed both of you in and out of little cat naps throughout the day.

As the sun sunk in the sky you stumbled your way back inside, still intoxicated with each other, the fuzziness of the cocktails driving you even more wild to keep your hands wandering. It was well past midnight, the moon high in the sky, rain drizzling from the few clouds floating around by the time you were both finally so physically exhausted you’d gotten your fill of each other. It wasn’t clear if it was humidity brought with the rain that was hanging thick in the air, or your endless amounts of orgasms, sweat and saliva that was making everything feel a little sticky. Heat wafting off both of your naked bodies, the bed covers were shoved aside, the floor to ceiling windows pushed wide to take advantage of the breeze.

The television was turned on, the usual middle of the night rom com playing on mute, your eyes drifting between it and the moonlit sea. You were laying on your side, half draped over Emily, her arm around you, her chest rising and falling in time with the waves crashing against the sand. It was almost too peaceful, listening to the rain gently hitting the ocean, the water rippling with each drop.

Your fingertips tickled across her skin, highlighted by the moonlight, it wasn’t often Emily left her stomach exposed, if she wasn’t busy fucking you she’d pulled her cover up back on. There was a heightened part of her skin, practically glowing in the moonlight and your fingers couldn’t help but trace a featherlight trail over the scar. Emily’s hand began trailing up and down your spine, lulling you into a sense of comfort, your breathing matching hers and the waves, there was just enough alcohol left in both your systems to have you utterly relaxed, comfortable a middle of the night blanket thick over any worries you’d had before.

“It was a long time ago.” Emily finally spoke, feeling your fingers begin their third trace around the faint scar in her abdomen. Your hand stalled, one finger at a time lifting off her skin before tapping gently and continuing its pattern, as if you weren’t sure you wanted to know. Emily’s lips brushed against the top of your head, reassuring you that it was okay, “he’s dead now and I’d do it again to protect who I was protecting.”

You pressed a kiss into her collarbone, your hand stilling, falling curved around her waist as you pondered on your next words. “You must have to be really strong to do your line of work, incredibly brave.”

Emily practically snorted, a laugh leaving her lips, “I’m not sure if you’d call it brave or self reckless endangerment.”

“You have a bit of a wild streak?” You asked with a tease and she nodded. “How many times have you been hurt in the field?”

She paused, pulling her lower lip between her teeth, wondering if you actually wanted her to list every single one of them off. The sound of rain pattering on the villa roof and the feeling of your heart beating against her side reminded her that this was a comfort space, not really a time for show and tell.

“Enough that it doesn’t scare me anymore.” She replied.

“Somehow I think that’s even scarier.” You murmured softly, your fingertips beginning to rub at her body again, as if memorizing the shapes on contours of her skin.

Emily hummed, not ready to agree and say that you were probably right, instead she pressed another kiss to the side of your head. “I guess it comes with being married to the job. I’ve been doing it so long I’ve kind of accepted my fate, I’ve walked into the hands of death before, maybe it isn’t actually so bad. If putting myself on the line is what I have to do to make sure my team doesn’t get hurt and stays safe then…so be it.”

Your hand stalled in its movements again, curling deeper around her so it was buried under the small of her back, tucked against the bed as you nuzzled deeper into her. She felt a wave of comfort soothe through her, as if you were her own personalized weighted blanket, calming her heart and racing mind, keeping her safe.

“The other members of your team aren’t the only important ones.” You finally spoke, voice hushed over the noise of the waves.

“I guess…” she half acknowledged it with a sigh, “they’ve got family, kids, people who expect them to come home in time for dinner, best I’ve got part time custody of an elderly cat who I’m sure isn’t going to be along for much longer.”

You didn’t reply, simply continued tracing patterns across Emily’s skin, her eyes glanced downward to see if she could get a read on you but all she could see was your eyes staring out toward the ocean, a ghost of a smile on your face. Finally, your lips kissed her body again,

“Your team is your family, they are your friends, and I bet they feel that way too.” You shifted your head up, your eyes glittering in the moonlight, the corner of your lips threatening to curve up and she new there was some kind of a tease coming, “besides, who else is gonna keep me company and spoil me with lavish vacations if you’re not around?”

Emily barked out a laugh, the corners of her eyes crinkling as she swatted at your ass. You let out a playful shriek as she suddenly flipped you onto your back, caging you into the bed.

“Oh? Keep you company and take you on trips? That’s all I do? Really?”

Her eyes darkened at the devilish grin on your lips before you surged up to kiss her, tugging her body down onto yours.

Emily’s head was thrown back into the pillows, her eyes scrunched tightly shut as her pussy pulsed around your fingers. The small bag of toys lay off to the side of the bed, she’d intended to spend the afternoon using them on you and after one round you were quick to remind her she deserved pleasure and ultimate relaxation as well. Your fingers thrust in and out of her, juices leaking down your wrist, your face nuzzled into the crook of her neck, sucking and nipping at the supple skin. She was already panting, her hands grasping at your body when her peak hit her, crying out as her thighs shook.

“God…” you muttered, “you’re so hot when you come.” Your lips left a trail of messy kisses across her jawline as you sat up on your haunches, fingers still slowly pushing into her, “can I fuck you?”

“Thought you were already doing that.” She replied with a chuckle, her breath catching in her throat when your finger tips brushed the sensitive spot inside her.

“Technically.” You purred, pulling your fingers out, sucking them clean between your lips and she let out a low swear, “but you look so pretty coming on my fingers I just know you’d look even better coming around my cock.”

All it took was half a pout of your pretty lips and Emily was swearing again, her hand quickly digging into the bag to get what you needed. You let out a small giggle, leaning down to quickly kiss her before getting ready. Your hands soothed up her thighs, spreading her legs, double checking that she was okay before you ran the tip of the toy through her folds. A low groan escaped from the back of her throat and the moment you sunk into her pussy every single thought left her brain as pleasure took over everything. Stars blinked through her vision when you began to move, your body meeting hers with each thrust, lips wrapping around one side of her chest while your fingers toyed with the other. It didn’t take long for fireworks to begin bursting under her skin, her limbs wrapping around you, pulling you impossibly close as you fucked her. The weight of your body on hers sent a warmth blooming through her that had nothing to do with the way her pussy was squeezing around your cock or how hot your breath was on her neck as you urged her on.

A week in paradise and it wasn’t just the stars in the sky that Emily was seeing.

Your last night on the island came before either of you were ready, the little reminder about your yacht transfer back to the airport hanging on your doorhandle when you went to accept the breakfast room service. You lounged around in the villa, not wanting to ever leave or forget the incredible views, knowing you only had one last chance to fall asleep and then wake up to the ocean ever again.

Throughout the day you wandered the resort, taking advantage of the amenities you hadn’t gotten to yet. Snacks and drinks at the various beach huts, lunch at the delectable main restaurant and another dinner down at the beach barbeque as it had become your favourite. Though this time you didn’t stay long enough to see the sunset, instead, Emily grasped your hand in hers and lead you to a dock you hadn’t explored yet.

You were greeted with a small, glass bottomed boat, a captain and a steward to complete your journey out into the ocean. There were tapas to eat, and unlimited champagne offered as the boat coasted out into the water, the bottom giving you a birds eye view of the incredible wildlife. You came to a stop once you were out far enough, the steward telling you which directions to keep you eye on as there were always dolphins at this time of night that were incredibly friendly.

You naturally sunk into Emily’s side, a happy grin on your face as your eyes scanned the horizon, little surprised gasps leaving your lips at the sight of a dolphin breaking the surface of the ocean. Emily’s fingers tickled at your shoulder, though her gaze was just as distracted as yours and you couldn’t help but smile, admiring the way her eyes sparkled in the sunlight. Leaning in you pressed a kiss to her shoulder and her arm wrapped tighter around you, her eyes finally tearing away from the water. With admiration taking over her face she leant in, kissing you softly, her lips moving with grace against your own and you let out a gentle hum into the kiss. If a perfect night to end a perfect vacation existed, this was it.

Emily stirred in her sleep, while she had become completely accustomed to the sounds of the ocean overnight something about it was louder than earlier and she began to wonder if it was storming. She rolled over in the lush bed, her arm landing on what should have been your waist only to find your side of the bed empty. Opening her eyes she glanced around the room and immediately found why it was louder in the villa, one of the sliding doors had been pushed all the way open and she figured you must be outside.

She debated leaving you be, rolling over and going back to sleep for the rest of her last night in the almost too comfortable bed. But after a minute her brain had snapped fully awake, she knew that being up in the middle of the night wasn’t always a pleasurable thing and maybe company would help. So she slipped out of the bed, glancing around the deck, her eyes squinting in the dark moonlight, nose scrunching when she couldn’t see you. She stepped back inside, double checking the bathroom was actually empty before returning outside and making a sweep over by the daybed in case you’d fallen asleep over there. She was about to check if maybe you’d taken one of the bikes out for a mid night ride when she heard something softly splashing in the water off to her left.

Approaching the side of the deck she stopped with her feet at the edge, staring down at you in one of the overwater nets, your eyes gazing out to the horizon as one of your feet and hands trickled through the water.

“Ocean keeping you up?” She asked quietly.

You’d heard her coming, probably could have called out to let her know where you actually were before she started to panic, but you’d been having such a tranquil moment you hadn’t wanted to disturb it.

“No.” You replied, rolling your head to face her with a dreamy smile on your cheeks, “I love it.”

“You okay?” She thought she may as well double check.

“Perfect.” You sat up slightly, extending your hand to her, “c’mere.”

You tugged gently and Emily somehow gracefully tumbled into the net with a soft laugh, sitting beside you. You dropped back down, sprawling across the net as one of your hands returned to the water, your other one interlacing your fingers with hers. Your gaze drifted to the sky above you, that happy smile returning to your face.

“The stars are so bright out here, I’m gonna miss it. And even in the middle of the night the water’s warm.” Your head tilted again as your hand flicked at the incoming waves, a quiet laugh escaping your lips, “god I love the ocean. I guarantee you I was a mermaid in a past life.”

Emily chuckled, her thumb brushing across your knuckles, “yeah? You grow up wishing you were Ariel?”

“Every fucking day.” You replied, your finger tips trailing through the water, “she was my favourite.” You let out an awkward laugh, “and I had a huge guilty pleasure for Aquamarine.” Your head rolled back to face Emily, a blush creeping into your cheeks, “I was probably too old for it when it came out but there was this bit about her wearing mini starfish as earrings and they’d whisper compliments and positive affirmations to her all the time. I loved it. Stupid, I know…”

You ducked your gaze, starting to chew on your lip as your hand began to play with Emily’s, she laughed softly, having absolutely no idea even what form of media you were talking about but she definitely didn’t think it was stupid.

“No… that’s adorable.” Her free hand reached out, pushing a piece of your now loose, wavy hair back behind your ear, her fingers lingering a little bit, gently pinching at your earlobe and lack of earrings before trailing down your jaw. “Was it strictly a mermaid thing? Or do you secretly have a hard on for Prince Eric?”

You snorted, cackling out a laugh, your hand clutching as your stomach, flicking salt water over the both of you that Emily didn’t give a care in the world about.

“If there’s anyone in that movie I had a hard on for it was Vanessa.”

“She was… the undercover version of the sea witch, yeah?”

“Yeah.” Your lips curved up on the side, amused by Emily’s description as your head rolled back to the side, looking out over the water. “I always identified with Ariel. She felt trapped somewhere that she didn’t belong, her dad never trusting her or letting her do what she wanted or go off and be herself. All she wanted was to be part of a different world, a chance to explore something new, something she was forever curious about. Rather than support her he forbid her, making her sit by the sidelines watching all these incredible things happening that she could be experiencing if it wasn’t for his doubts.”

You let out a soft sigh, both of your hands resting on your stomach now as you played with Emily’s hand in yours, your fingers tracing each one of the lines on her palm over and over again as if you were trying to memorize them.

“I think that must be why I ended up in the career field that I did. I always saw these really important, confident, powerful people, they knew exactly what they wanted and they got it. I wanted to be a part of that. To be important, impactful, have my own sense of power. I knew there was something different out there, something bigger, more fun, more influential. I always felt trapped whenever I was at home, like no one ever understood me, ya know?” Your head rolled back, your eyes searching Emily’s as she gazed down at you, an understanding smile on her face.

“Completely…” She nodded, a wave of relief washing through you as you let out a breath.

“Something about the ocean… it just makes me feel… free…”

Emily’s free hand was on your hip, her thumb soothingly rubbing back and forth over the skin peeking out from your pj shorts. She knew exactly what you meant, the world seemed to stand still on calm nights like tonight with this view, everything was peaceful, everything was perfect. Which is exactly what you were thinking when you glanced back up to her, moonlight glittering across her skin, shining in her hair and she could see the stars sparkling in your eyes. It was the perfect moment. Your hand reached up, pushing her hair behind her ear with a soft smile on your cheeks, you couldn’t help the breath of a laugh, your gaze daring to duck.

“What?” Emily asked, lips curving up into a grin.

“Nothing.” You shook your head, your fingers trailing down her cheek, “you just look absolutely stunning right now.”

Blushing, she ducked her gaze, her eyes landing on her hand tangled in yours, warmth soothing through her from the touch as she breathed in the fresh air. You squeezed at her hand to get her attention, then tugged on it so she would topple over in the net, your arm wrapping around her, gently catching her. The hand on her cheek remained, thumb stroking at her soft skin as you leant in, kissing her tenderly.

Emily’s entire body relaxed into you, her arms loosely wrapping around your waist as your lips moved with grace. It was nothing hurried, nothing fierce, no huge fire behind it, hands didn’t roam, simply stayed in place, finger tips or thumbs rubbing soothingly as you held each other. Your tongue traced the seam of her lips and Emily let them drop open, easily welcoming you into her mouth. It wasn’t lazy, but it was relaxed, almost peaceful to be in the other’s arms as the ocean gently rocked underneath you. You couldn’t remember the last time you’d kissed somebody like this, the last time you’d felt this sensation of bliss, that it had felt so right to be exactly where you were with you who were with. There was absolutely no desire to be anywhere else, you were right where you were meant to be.

Your hand slid up Emily’s cheek, threading into her hair and she didn’t have a care in the world that it was wet, dampening her previously dried locks. All she cared about was the feeling of your lips on hers, moving with such perfect grace that it was like an invisible string had connected you all along. Her lips slipped off yours as the net rocked, her eyes fluttering open to find you gazing at her with a happy smile, she couldn’t help but return the gesture, leaning in to kiss you again and as much as she wanted to stay in that moment forever, her shoulder was beginning to cramp up. Very reluctantly she pulled away, leaving a kiss on the tip of your nose as her hand trailed through your hair.

“Okay as incredibly relaxing as the ocean is, I’m way too fucking old to spend any longer in this net.”

The laugh that left your lips was loud, your eyes glittering as Emily joined in, thankful for moments like this. She climbed out of the net, reaching her hand back down to help you out, her arm winding around your waist as you padded across the deck back to the villa. You paused in the doorway, turning back to the ocean and starry sky and let out a soft sigh.

“I really am gonna miss it here.”

“Well…” Emily’s lips brushed your temple, “guess that just means we’ll have to come back.”

Your head titled to face her, a childlike wonder written in your eyes, “yeah?”

“Yeah.” She smiled, leaning in to kiss you once more, a warmth wrapping around both of you as you giggled softly into the kiss, pulling her impossibly close to you.

“Thank you.” You murmured, your lips brushing against hers as you spoke and she hummed in response, unable to tear herself away from you, relaxing deeper into the kiss. Sparks flickered through you, feeling her lips against yours, her finger tips rubbing at the back of your neck, the warmth blooming through your chest.

If you absolutely had to leave paradise, if there must be a final night for you to feel the salt air on your skin and listen to the soft waves at least it was a night like tonight. A night that you thought you were going to spend hours watching the ocean alone, dreaming those far off dreams from when you were a kid. But instead of being on your own you were met with a force of warmth, compassion and support and it just so happened that force was in the shape of Emily.

__________________

@mickey-gomez @momlifebehard @daddy-heather-dunbar @maybe-a-humanbean @rustyzebra @leftoverenvy @kades95 @dextur @supercriminalbean @emilyprentisssluvr @lex13cm @zizzlekwum @emobabeyy @riveramorylunar @scorpsik @onmykneesformarvel @inlovewithemilyprentiss @regalmilfs4me @ara-a-bird bird @inlovewithmiddleagewomen @kmc1989 @irishavengersassemble @hopedoesntknow @venromanova @waitaminuteashh @noahrex @imlike-so-gaydude @wittygutsy @cx-emerald-cx cx @momily @nilaues @borinxnovak @soverign @v3nusxsky @mccdreamys-writes @l4yne @obsessedwjill @supercorpstan97 @asolitaryrose3 @lisqueen @mrs-prentiss @whitewinewithice @d33pd3sire-blog @daffodil-heart @maximoffcarter @i-lovefandom @chimnlex @moonlightjxuregui @chestnutninny @gamma-rae-bursts @just-moondust @idkifimasub @gaydragonwitch @dowsedwithbleach @divergentalwaysandforever-blog @m1lfsh4ke

#emily prentiss #emily prentiss x reader #criminal minds #decadent desires #emily prentiss fanfic #emily prentiss series #criminal minds fanfic

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f1daydreamers · 2 months

Text

𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬 [𝐓𝐀𝟔𝟔] 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟒

gif credits: @trenty

Pairing: Trent Alexander-Arnold x Fem!Reader

Summary: Arne, in hopes to focus on his team’s mental health as much as their physical, recruits a younger but just as educated psychologist to work one-to-one with the more reserved players. Trent is one of them.

A/N: I have so many ideas for this series but I can't get too carried away otherwise its gonna end up longer than a book lmaooo, also super random but this idea came to me from rewatching Trent and Robbo’s wingmen episodes and in one of them he goes, “team bonding!” verryyy heavily in his Scouse accent lol

Warnings: fluff, mentions of being overworked but nothing too harsh, general stress, this is a cute one ok ur welcome

Word Count: 2.7k words (10 mins reading avg)

...

“Why you so sour for?”

You glanced up to see your sister plopping on to the sofa, grabbing the TV remote off of the glass table situated in front of you. Her expression was curious, eyebrows raised in an exaggerated arc. You’d forgotten you’d even put a movie on.

Closing your laptop, you ran your palm over the cool steel surface.

“No reason. It’s nearly time to go to bed, what are you doing?” You watched as she navigated the TV menu, opening the ITV app and clicking on Love Island.

You rolled your eyes. “Don’t tell me you like that stuff.”

She smirked, not taking her eyes off the screen as the latest episode began to play. “No one likes it, it’s just funny as fuck.”

“Hey, why do we need to swear?”

“For expression,” she replied with a shrug, as if that was a valid reason.

“Express yourself in other ways.”

“Like what?” She challenged, finally looking at you.

You paused, a little stumped. “The world is your oyster, go and find some.”

She snorted, clearly unimpressed with your wisdom. You hoisted yourself off of the couch, tucking your laptop back into your work bag and zipping it up.

Kaia paused the show, turning so her knees were on the sofa, looking over the backrest to see you better. “Fine, but that doesn’t answer why you’re in such a mood.”

“It’s just work,” you admitted, leaning against the counter. Your eyes traced the outlines of your sister’s old drawings hung on the wall. “A lot more pressure than I’m used to.”

Her eyes lit up with youthful curiosity. “How’s the job going? Met any really fit guys yet?”

You laughed, shaking your head. “Is that all you care about?”

“It’s important! C’mon, spill,” she insisted, leaning forward.

You sighed, but a small smile tugged at your lips. “The job is good. Stressful, but good. As for fit guys.. there's.. I don’t know, a few? I’m there to work, not flirt.”

“Sure, sure,” she teased.

You chuckled, tossing a freshly washed blanket you’d just pulled out of the dryer at her. “Oo, thanks,” she said, catching it with a grin.

You rolled your eyes as she sprawled out on the couch, the music of the show coming to life once again.

You pulled the rest of the sheets from the dryer, shoving them into the laundry basket to fold in the morning. As you wiped down the counters and finished the dishes in the sink, your mind wandered again.

Arne, Lee, and the club had all been incredibly supportive since your arrival, but the internal pressure you’d carried from university - to be the best, to never fail - was fading. Wataru, Conor, and Curtis were all doing great.

From your reports, you were instructed to make Trent the priority, at least to gather enough information for a new evaluation.

But how could you do that with a player who seemingly wanted nothing to do with you?

“Y/N?” Your sister’s soft voice calling your name pulled you out of your trance.

“Yeah?” You replied, turning to face the back of the couch.

The show paused again. A beat of silence hung in the air.

“No one’s giving you a hard time, are they?” She asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Your eyebrows furrowed as you frowned, “of course not. Why would you think that?”

“We’re pretty notorious for being hated.” Sadness poked through the tone in her voice.

“Nobody hates us, Kaia. And no one is giving me a hard time at work, I promise.” You tried to sound reassuring. She was a kid and she meant well, of course she did, but she didn’t need to know the full truth. She was your sister, not a therapist.

“Okay. Cause you do know I’ll fuck ‘em up, right?”

You scoffed, shaking your head in amusement. She picked her head up to let you sit then rested it in your lap. You pulled her hairs away from her face, combing them back with your fingers.

“With your swears?” You teased.

“I got a mean punch."

“Which I hope isn’t being put to use, thank you very much.”

“I’m an angel, really.” Which she tried to pull off in an innocent way that really didn’t suit her.

“Mhm,” you hummed, sceptical but smiling.

She chuckled, turning her head to face the TV again.

“Come on, let’s watch this shit show.” You said playfully.

“I thought you said no swearing.” She retorted matter-of-factly.

“That rule doesn't apply to 25 and above people.”

“Let me guess, when you turn 26, that rule’s gonna be extended by a year?” Kaia asked, her lips curling upwards.

“Precisely.” You smiled down at her as she rolled her eyes, playing the show.

Your smile faltered almost immediately. You subconsciously continued smoothing over Kaia’s hair, but your mind was plagued with thoughts about work, and as much as you didn’t want to admit it, about him.

...

The first two matches of Liverpool’s season had come and gone in a flash. But, despite in how much of a blur it passed, the level of work every day only surmounted the work of the days before.

But you could take it. If you couldn’t handle psychology, you’d probably be useless at everything else.

The new week began, and the first thing you spotted in the mountain of emails was an update. Your cabinet for the office had arrived, courtesy of the club, who were happy to cover the costs once you'd submitted your request.

You swivelled your chair to face the desk phone, dialling reception downstairs. The phone rang twice before Annika's cheerful voice answered.

"Hello," she said brightly.

"Hey, it's Y/N from upstairs. I got an email saying my cabinet had arrived. Am I okay to collect it now?" You asked, glancing around your office and imagining where the new cabinet would go.

"Oh, don't worry," Annika replied with a smile in her voice. "We'll send someone up to drop it off for you."

"Really? It's honestly no bother," you said, feeling a bit guilty about causing extra work.

"No, I insist. They’ll be up shortly," she reassured you.

"Thank you, I appreciate that," you said, a note of relief in your voice.

"No worries!" Annika chirped.

You hung up the phone, feeling a bit lighter. Come to think of it, you really didn’t fancy carrying a ton of weight up the stairs and potentially embarrassing yourself to any bystanders.

Once you’d gone through your emails, creating your to-do list for the day, you patiently waited for your cabinet to come.

But it didn’t.

You tried to put it to the back of your mind, focusing on ticking off the first two items on your list before your first session. Yet, even as you checked them off, you found yourself glancing at the door, expecting the cabinet to arrive at any moment.

An hour passed, then another, and still no sign of the delivery. The anticipation was starting to wear on you.

You glanced at the clock situated on your desk, wondering if you’d be able to make it back in time for your session with Conor.

But just as you were ready to leave, there was a knock on your door. You walked over to open it, expecting only the Irishman. There he was, but also holding a large brown box with an outline of your cabinet on the front.

“Uh-” You couldn’t register what was happening.

“Mind if we come in? Don't fancy holding this all day.”

We.

You realised you hadn’t responded as Trent lifted his head to stare at you.

“Yeah, yeah. Sorry.” You opened the door, standing off to the side. You allowed them to come in and they placed the box upright against the wall.

"Annika mentioned she'd send someone up, I didn't think she meant the players." Conor chuckled, motioning to his trusted helper.

"Yeah, well, Brian was going to bring it up but he got busy so reception asked if we could help. We were coming up anyways," he explained.

“Oh. Thank you, I really appreciate it,” you said, your voice carrying a hint of genuine gratitude. You glanced at Trent, and a heavy silence ensued.

“Yeah, whatever,” Trent muttered, his tone dripping with indifference, leaving almost immediately. You let out a quiet sigh, your shoulders slumping ever so slightly.

Conor, who had been observing the exchange with a wry smile, exhaled through his nose in mild amusement.

“He’s warming up to you,” he retorted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. You rolled your eyes, trying to hide a smirk.

“Aw, you really think so?”

“Sure,” he replied with a grin.

“Sit down,” you said, gesturing to the chairs. You both laughed softly as you walked over to shut the door.

Yet, an unsettling frustration gnawed at you from within. Trent had always been distant, but after weeks of being here, he still showed no signs of letting his guard down. You were no stranger to the challenges of being a psychologist, it's not like this was your first job.

But in the past few days, self-doubt had crept in. You wondered if you were even fit for it; maybe the pressures of working for one of the most prestigious football clubs in the country were finally catching up to you and kicking you in the ass.

You shook your head, feigning a smile as you returned to your desk, starting your session.

...

“Is this upside down?” You muttered to yourself, flipping the instructions around again.

What use were instructions if they had no text under them?

You debated calling your dad, but the lecture you’d receive about the hours of manual labour he used to put you through every time a new piece of furniture arrived at the house was not worth it.

“Okay. Wood, screws, knob, cabinet. Perfect.” It was only a small one, so you weren’t worried about the height of it per se, just worried about everything else.

You slumped onto the floor, surrounded by longer and shorter pieces of wood with a bag of screws and one handy screwdriver that you were currently twirling between your fingers.

Just as you were about to try again, a voice broke through your concentration.

“What are you doing?”

You gasped, your hand instinctively going to your chest as the paper floated to the ground.

“Oh my God,” you exclaimed, breathless and startled. “Can you knock next time?”

“I did knock,” Trent replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

“Did you?” Your eyebrows furrowed as you tried to recall when you heard a knock reverberate through your office.

“No.” He admitted.

You huffed, feeling a mix of annoyance and embarrassment at falling for his joke.

“Funny.” You mumbled, shaking your head.

To your surprise, he plopped onto the sofa situated by the side of the wall, near the door. Your eyebrows raised slightly.

Trent, sitting on your sofa, in your office, willingly? This was new. Only today, you were doubting yourself if you’d ever be able to get through to him and yet here he was.

You didn’t want to overanalyse the situation but it was hard to ignore the significance of it. Maybe he was finally starting to let his guard down, even if just a little.

There was a strange combination of nervousness and relief running riot inside of you.

Rather than drawing attention to it, you chose to stay focused on the task at hand, wary of saying anything that might reinforce his emotional walls.

“I’m trying to build a cabinet, if you must know.” You didn’t want to sound as annoyed as you were - not necessarily by the man you were conversing with, but more so by the wooden contraption that was puzzling you to your core.

He peered over the armrest, then slowly returned to his original position. “Making a lot of progress, it seems.”

“How nice of you to state the obvious,” you replied calmly, but your mind was racing.

“It’s late, how come you’re still here?” You asked, trying to make conversation. He just shrugged, pulling out his phone from his trouser pocket.

You gave a half-smile. Even if he wasn’t in the mood for conversation, he was still here, and that’s what mattered to you.

Ten, fifteen, twenty minutes passed by, and you were officially ready to give up. Resting your head against your desk, still seated on the floor, you were on the verge of admitting defeat and calling your dad.

Your attention was diverted by a soft creak from the sofa frame. Trent stood up, and you looked up at him, squinting as the ceiling light shone brightly.

“You heading out?” You asked, your voice tinged with resignation.

He took a small step to the right, blocking the light from hitting your eyes. He glanced around, as if debating something.

His mouth parted slightly.

“Move over.”

What?

“Huh?” you said, bewildered.

He tucked his bottom lip between his teeth, motioning to the pile of wood still stacked in various directions. “Move.”

“Why?”

“Why do you think?” He replied blandly, yet still entertaining your conversation. A few weeks ago, he would’ve murdered you.

You glanced down at your cabinet, which was rather resembling modern art, then back up at him.

“Are you suggesting women can’t build things?” You asked, raising an eyebrow.

He tilted his head downward, shoving his phone back into his pocket. “Women can. It’s just you that can’t. Wanna disagree?”

Your pressed your bottom lip up to your top, as if you were actually considering the idea. “I’d love to argue, but you’re lucky I’m too tired right now. Maybe come back tomorrow and we can pick up where we left off.”

“Move over or I’m leaving,” he said, a touch more firmly.

“Okay, okay. Sorry.” You chuckled.

You scooted over, making room for Trent to sit beside you. He settled on the floor, crossing his legs. There was a fair amount of distance between you.

You found yourself stealing glances at him as he took a look at the instructions a few times, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude for his unexpected help.

His presence was a welcome distraction.

You couldn’t deny you were entirely useless as he separated the pieces, lining them up to get a full look at everything, ensuring nothing was absent.

“Screwdriver?” He asked for quietly and you cast a quick look around, spotting it underneath a plank of wood.

“Here.” His fingers brushed yours as he took it from you, a touch that you were acutely aware of but one he didn’t seem to think twice about.

Whenever your knees brushed while adjusting the cabinet or while holding it in place, you could feel the warmth of his proximity, which only heightened your perception of him.

After some time, the cabinet stood completed. You couldn’t help but smile proudly at the result.

Trent glanced at your beaming face and quickly looked away, as if unsure how to react. The fleeting moments of physical contact had created a soft tension in the air.

You tilted your head, deciding to tease him while you still had the chance. “Does it look a bit bent or is it just me?”

He barely looked at the cabinet, already ready to fire a response back. “It’s just you.”

You scoffed, your eyes meeting as he extended the screwdriver back toward you. You swallowed as you took it, another brush of hands.

It was brief and unexpected but he too registered it this time. He briefly tensed but stood up quickly after.

You just about scrambled to your feet after him, placing your screwdriver on your desk.

Before he could leave, you called out, “thank you.”

He turned to give you a simple nod, brushing off your gratitude.

“I mean it. Not just for building this,” you gestured toward the cabinet, “but for being here. I’m always happy to see you.”

A silence befell you both, but it didn’t feel awkward or uncomfortable as it had before.

“If you don’t mind my asking, how come you came here?”

He thought about his answer for a second, wanting to correctly word it.

“Saw you struggling through the door. Thought you were finally having a heart attack or something.”

You paused for a second, slowly nodding your head. “Couldn’t miss it, huh?”

At that, Trent’s lips curved into a genuine smile as he looked away from your eyes, the first smile you’d seen from him that was actually for you.

It was a subtle, upward curl, softening his usually serious expression.

You mirrored his smile, it was hard not to. Perhaps you’d leaned forward, or your shoulders had finally relaxed, but you weren’t focused on the specifics.

“See you round, psychologist.”

You hummed, afraid that even if you opened your mouth, nothing would come out.

You watched him walk away, your eyes falling to the cabinet against the wall.

Seeing him smile, just smile at you, was a moment you wouldn’t forget so soon. It was as if a dam had burst, releasing a flood of relief and hope you’d nearly given up on.

But before you could think about it further, your phone buzzed. It was Kaia, asking when you’d be home.

You hadn’t even realised what time it was.

“Shit.”

…

Part 5

Masterlist

Comment below if you want to be part of the taglist! Once you are part of it, you'll be reminded for every part of the series until its completion!

Taglist: @trentwife @bluebreadenthusiast @julovesurmom @blubsberries @remmysthings @heyjudeb @keepitabuckxx @vivi-grace @hoddystark @hiireadstuff @trentione @missusstark @iamasimpingh0e @xxxstormyninixxx @lolawwww22 @myloveisforbellingham @purpleniight @bffrwme

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catchingdaydreams · 4 months

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Mirthrun x gardener reader

(if people like this I'll create a small fic)

Part 2 (Beach Day)

Yeah here me out. This is after the events of the Manga where Laios becomes king. Mirthrun and the Canaries stay on the island to avoid the law and all that...

Mirthrun gets lost, like a lot. No matter how many Canaries are supervising him he manages to allude them. His teleporting doesn't help either. It's not like he wants to be alone. He just gets caught up in the little finds, like a bug or some rabbit moving by and follows after them. See he's being trying/ training himself to reclaim his desires/wants back and Kabru mentioned to try to focus on a specific things to get a better understanding of his emotions onto it.

Anyway, one day he stumbles on a green house and sees a tall man there. Your minding your own business, picking the herbs from your garden, utterly unaware of the elf who just transported behind you. The first encounter was .... unpleasant. With a fright, you slapped Mithrun and cussed him out of your green house. He just trots along. You were confused at the whole ordeal, especially how the man didn't really react to you at all.

He shows up again, a couple of days later. And again you kick him out. Its almost became comedic.

He keeps on showing up to the point you don't care anymore. He doesn't do anything but bask in the green house sun, utterly in his own world, speaking no words to you.

You do ask why he shows up. His only response was a lifeless stare in deep pool his single eye casts, followed by a shrug. Not the response you want but nevertheless you keep allowing him to stay.

You notice that after a while he watches you tender the plants. You mostly strike a one-way conversation about your passion with your medical herbs but at times he does ask questions.

The first time you heard his voice you had to double take. You thought he was mute. He just cocks his head to the side , confused at you surprised acts.

Some time later you become more accustomed to his blandness and directness, able to read his emotions with subtle things like the flicker of his cut ears to the twingers of his eye. This though came with time and after finding out that he doesn't really take care of himself.

That one time you saw him passed out from dehydration wasn't a fun memory. And not wanting to relive it, you offer him tea and sweet pastries when he arrives. You found he particularly likes sour things, so lemon tarts are frequently on the menu.

He does help out with tending to your plots, though he isn't much of a green thumb, picking the ripe fruits off your small orchid helped you tones. You even gave him a basket of lemons to take home one time. It was a sight to see when he smiled at it, even though it turned quickly back to his emotionless form.

The Canaries still didn't know where he was going most of the day until he arrived back with that basket of lemons. Fleki ask where he got them from but Mithrun refuses to answer. They reach for one, but Mithrun grabbed their hand tightly. Anger distorts his face making the other Canaries surprised by his quick change in demeanor.

"Their mine", was all Mithrun said before he stormed into his room.

Eventually they were able to make out where he was heading all the time , though there was some misunderstanding. See they thought you were using him as free labor and quite abruptly came to you about the situation. Drama pursues, Mithrun gets upsets and snaps at his companions.

It just turns out the reason why he never told them where he was, was that he wanted you all to himself. He didn't want to share you with anybody.

Ah and that's it

#mithrun #mithrun x reader #delicious in dungeon r #delicious in dungeon #delicious in dungeon fic #laios dungeon meshi #dungon meshi #dungeon meshi #dungon meshi mithrun #drabble #dunmeshi #dunmesh spoilers #dunmeshi mithrun #boy #he needs go be cherished

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gemsofgreece · 8 months

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8 rare local dishes from the Greek islands

Post inspired by this Greek article. I picked half of the dishes in order to create an island and local exclusive list, then translated and summarized the info. The pictures have links and in most of the respective websites you can find the recipes in Greek.

Makarunes with Sitaka, Kasos island

Makarunes is thick penne-like handmade pasta which is served with caramelised onions and the special Sitaka cheese of Kasos island. Sitaka is so rare, it is sometimes hard to find even in Athens but some restaurants do have this dish in their menu.

Atherinópita (Smelt pie), Syros island

It is not truly a pie, but it is a dish produced from frying various small fish like sand smelts and bogues as well as onions all close together until they create a crust holding them together.

Photography: Χριστίνα Γεωργιάδου

Stuffed Hachles, Lesvos island

These are small baskets made of sun- and air-dried wheat kneaded with sour tarhana. They are usually stuffed with cheese, fresh tomato, herbs and spices but the filling is up to anyone's appetite really.

Sweet sefuklotí pie, Naxos and Tinos islands

Sefukloti or fesklopita is a rare pie that is actually a dessert, which is surprising (in Greek cuisine) because it looks exactly like a spinach pie. Sefukloti is a traditional recipe of these islands, particularly of the Catholics celebrating Christmas Eve (The Cyclades islands have the largest presence of Catholic Christians in Greece.) The pie is made of swiss chard, rice, sugar, molasses, walnuts, raisins, cinnamon and clove. The crust is kneaded with orange juice. Some also add onions and leeks, which also do not prevent this pie from working perfectly as a dessert. Before the serving, sefukloti is dressed with sesame seeds and honey.

Anthógalo with eggs, Réthymnon, Crete island

Anthogalo or Staka is produced exclusively in Crete island. It is made of the salted fats of sheep milk. In this recipe, eggs are fried with anthogalo which works here like butter. The eggs are buttered by the anthogalo, while parts of it curdle and form cheese pieces during the frying.

Aliaða & Vakalaópita, Cephalonia island

Aliaða is the local version of the Greek garlic dip "skorðaliá". Aliada is made of garlic, potatoes and the juices of boiled cod or octopus. The latter turns the dip a burgundy colour. Besides the famous fried cod that is enjoyed everywhere in Greece, in Cephalonia cod is also used to make "Vakalaópita”, a cod fish pie, in which the crust and the filling are kneaded with wine and vinegar.

Rhodian pungiá, Rhodes island

These are wild greens pies baked in special local traditional pans. The wild greens are not boiled before they are added to the pie but they are salt dried. The juice that is produced by this process is mixed with olive oil and is used as a dressing for the pie when it's served.

Anthos, Andros island

Anthos means flower. In Andros island it is also the name of the local spoon sweet, made of lemon flowers as well as the flowers of other citrus plants. It is fragrant, chewy and is considered an aristocratic dessert with limited production. It is a pretty hard recipe, because the flowers must be picked at the right time of the season and the cooking must be very careful so that the sweet won't get bitter and dark.

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freesia-writes · 4 months

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Ch 7: The Alignment

~ Master List ~ Previous Chapter ~ WC: 2.9k

Some background music for this chapter: Bossa Nova Beach Cafe Ambience with Relaxing Bossa Nova and Crashing Waves (youtube.com)

It was a quiet afternoon at the tiki bar when Hunter and Wrecker found themselves there, having an early dinner and chatting about the recent happenings in their jobs. They were tucked into the far end of the L-shaped bar, relaxing into the hubbub of contented chatter and glasses clinking from the few other patrons. Omega and Lyra sat at a table on the far side of the deck, bent over a myriad of data files about the various job shadow opportunities for the next phase of the internship year, and Hunter cast a glance at the two every few minutes, whether consciously or not. Regardless of Wrecker’s boisterous recount of half a house nearly falling on him, Hunter couldn’t ignore the unsettled feeling in his stomach.

He hadn’t felt truly at peace since they arrived on the island, now the better part of a year ago. Morning hunts allowed him the most opportunity to be focused, to feel purposeful, and to let everything else fall away. But the rest of his time had a somewhat odd sense of artificiality to it, as though they were acting in a role that would soon be over and they’d have to return to their regular soldier ways. He’d never had time to think about his own sense of identity, as his days had always been determined entirely for him from the very start. The others had seemed to find their paths more quickly than him, save for Crosshair, who maintained a sense of unease as he casually pursued a variety of jobs, partners, and interests, but Hunter wasn’t much inclined to seek out a heart to heart with him about it.

“Still good with your water, babe?” Luciana asked, touching his hand briefly to get his attention. She’d given him a hard time when he insisted that he wasn’t in the mood to drink anything else, but it was all in good fun. Wrecker, on the other hand, could enjoy an island beer at any hour of the day without much effect, and he enjoyed both the full-bodied taste as well as the filling sensation of its hearty flavors.

“Still good,” Hunter echoed, nodding politely before turning back to Wrecker, who had finished his story and was holding a double-stacked Bantha burger in his hand, turning it from side to side to determine where the perfect first bite should be placed. With a hearty chomp, about a quarter of it disappeared with a grunt of delight. Luciana returned a couple minutes later with a basket of fries, pushing them toward him with a wink. His eyebrows climbed up his forehead as he gave her a messy grin and a thumbs-up with his free hand.

“You’re the best!” Wrecker exclaimed, blushing as she blew him a kiss before being called away.

“Free snacks, eh? Looks like someone’s in her good graces,” Hunter said, idly tracing a finger up and down the side of his glass where droplets of condensation had gathered.

“Everyone’s in her good graces,” came the response, hampered slightly by another mouthful. And indeed they were – a bright giggle reached their ears from a table on the deck, where a small, motley assortment of species was having an early dinner. Luciana’s little white dress ruffled in the breeze around her sun-kissed thighs as she leaned over the menu on their table, pointing out some favorites and upselling the add-ons with bubbly enthusiasm. None of the patrons’ eyes were on the menu, however, instead finding various points of interest from her perky cleavage to her long, slender legs. They made their selections, and Hunter would have bet good credits that none of them knew what they’d ordered as they watched her return to the kitchen.

“Anyway,” Hunter said, returning his attention to Wrecker after another glance at Omega, who was rubbing her forehead with a look of consternation on her face. Lyra pointed from one datapad to the other, speaking too quietly for him to hear, and then touched Omega’s shoulder for a split second. It seemed to have a soothing effect, as the girl’s shoulders dropped a few inches and she nodded slowly, tapping on her own datapad with a renewed focus. “Thanks for fixing the chimney,” he finished, grateful for the use of the fireplace being restored thanks to Wrecker’s skill.

“Yup,” his brother said, swirling the last bite of burger in some sauce at the bottom of the paper-lined basket before making it disappear with a flourish. “You stoked for this lunar festival? Everyone’s talking about it. Gonna go?”

“I guess so.”

“It sounds kinda fun, no? Everyone seems pretty excited.”

“Yeah, I’ve been hearing a lot about–” Hunter answered, interrupted by an elderly Xyloan a few seats down. The island native had been quietly nursing a darkly-colored drink and gazing contentedly at the ocean with his deep golden eyes, his somewhat feline face relaxed and expressionless.

“It is a very special occurrence this year…” the dark green-skinned male said, rising from his stool and approaching the two with an uneven gait supported by a knobby wooden cane. “Because of The Alignment.”

“The what?” Wrecker asked, eyebrows furrowing.

“The Alignment. It hasn’t happened for nearly two hundred cycles. My grandfather told us legends of the last one – the Elders received great insight from a hidden place during low tide.” Dark eyes moved slowly from Wrecker’s to Hunter’s as he nodded somberly, both claw-like hands clasped around the top of the cane.

Hunter worked hard to keep his face neutral, having heard a little here and there about the highly superstitious practices of the native Xyloans. They held the planet in high regard, insisting that each island upon it had its own voice and intentions, and that they all worked together to protect the planet and keep everything in harmony. There weren’t many natives left, many having ventured to other systems in the galaxy in favor of larger experiences and wider exploration, but the remaining population was scattered across the planet to sustain its history and practices. The younger generation didn’t hold the “ancient wisdom” in very high esteem, so the primary guardians of the old ways were mostly older, and they worked as an eclectic blend of healers, interpreters, and spiritual guides for those who would seek it.

Upon his arrival to the island, Hunter had been greeted by one of the female Xyloans with a traditional gesture – three straight fingers slicing across the air in front of his forehead and a few words in their guttural language. The intensity and unexpected act of the encounter had thrown him off, but the native had continued on in Basic as though it were the most natural thing in the world, asking about where he’d come from and what he was doing there. He’d tried to appear forthcoming with his answers while also avoiding specifics, and she had seemed to find his responses satisfactory. The short creature had tilted her head, tufts of her long, wavy mane following the motion, and squinted at Hunter with a piercing stare.

“You are fragmented, repplika,” she’d said quietly, startling him with her assessment. He wasn’t sure about the native word she’d used, but it sounded an awful lot like a familiar word in Basic. He’d felt a wave of apprehension, having been careful to reveal to no one that he was a clone, hoping to live in the safety of anonymity, but he could perceive no malice in her body language nor her words. She’d continued on, taking one step closer with large, flat feet that splayed out into small claws at the end of each toe, and had woven her head back and forth in a serpentine motion as she finished her declaration: “But even shattered shards find smoothing and settling in the steadiness of the sea.”

“Got it,” had been his short reply, thoroughly unsure of the entire encounter. He’d only seen a few other natives so far; some lived in the homes near The Forest where his own cabin was while others stayed closer to the center of town where the square and rectangular island housing was a bit closer together: flat roofs staggered as they layered themselves up the hills toward the school. The rest of the population on Xylo seemed to hold the natives in mixed regard, from polite reverence to dismissive avoidance.

Returning his thoughts to the present, Hunter gave the elderly male a nod and some muttered thanks while Wrecker watched him curiously.

“What’d they learn?” he asked, “The last time?”

“Ahh,” the slightly pointed ears of the Xyloan flickered as a glimmer appeared in his eyes. “The secrets are only for those who must know them. For those to whom they are given! It is not the privilege of all. The island has its own heart, its own powers. It protects itself from those who would bring harm, and it blesses a lucky few when knowledge is most needed.”

“Huh,” Wrecker mused, looking a little disappointed but taking it in stride. “Well, the festival sounds fun either way!”

“Enjoy it, young kreeyaytenn,” came the ominous reply, accompanied with a knowing smile as the male tapped Wrecker’s thigh with his cane before slowly making his way toward the exit.

“Young?!” Wrecker called after him, unable to decide if he was flattered or insulted. “I ain’t young!”

“To us you are!” the quavering voice returned as the green-skinned humanoid disappeared around the corner.

“Cryptic folk…” Wrecker observed with a grumble, turning back to the two remaining fries with a thoughtful expression.

“That they are,” Hunter agreed, noticing Omega and Lyra rising to their feet out of the corner of his eye. His little sister had made him promise that he wouldn’t feel the need to walk her everywhere, therefore she was to walk home alone after working on her applications. She did offer him a smile and a wave, leading Lyra to notice them and give a small wave as well before the two of them headed toward the crooked wooden stairs that led up to the main part of town.

“Is that one of the school workers?” Luciana asked, sidling to their end of the bar with a glass and a towel in her hands, wiping it haphazardly before placing it into a nearby tray.

“Mhm,” Hunter mused, ignoring the sudden elbow to the ribs from Wrecker, who liked to tease him about any and all interactions with anyone outside their family. Luciana smirked at the gesture, leaning on her elbows over the counter as though sharing a secret with them.

“Where is she from? She got here a little bit before I did.” Her green eyes wandered back and forth between the brothers and framed a charming smile on her full lips.

“No idea,” Hunter said, finishing his water glass and sliding it across the wooden counter to her. Wrecker shrugged too, crumbling up the paper liner from his fry basket and lobbing it toward the trash can behind her. It bounced off the corner and rolled away, earning him a mockingly accusatory glance from Luciana.

“Sorry,” he said sheepishly, but her grin was back in an instant.

“No worries, sweetheart,” she chirped as she went after it. Both men looked pointedly at the bottles lining the back wall of the bar as she bent over, her tiny dress sliding dangerously far up the backs of her thighs as she reached down. She tossed it in the receptacle and returned to them, taking Hunter’s glass and Wrecker’s basket to their appropriate places before pausing for more chatter.

“So. You and the school lady, huh?” Luciana teased, waving a long-nailed finger close to Hunter’s nose. “Tell me all about it!” She wiggled her eyebrows, giggling at Hunter’s indignation as he stumbled over his words, goading Wrecker into laughter as well.

“She’s helping Omega. What’s it got to do with me?” he finally said, unsure of why he was reacting so defensively. He didn’t like people assuming things, nor did he appreciate his life being determined for him by others. Ah, there it was. He raised his own eyebrows, surprised at the sudden aversion to the only lifestyle he’d known for most of his existence. Shaking the thoughts away, he shrugged, feeling his sense of stability returning slowly.

“Okay, okay,” Luciana chuckled, holding her hands up in surrender. “Sorry Xyrgio. Didn’t mean to ruffle your hair, as glorious as it is.” She was as disarming as she was playfully provoking at times, and her natural charisma invited others to relax more into being themselves around her. At least it seemed that way for Wrecker, who leaned onto his elbows with an unabashed grin. “What do you think, Big Boy?” she continued, turning to him now. Her nickname for him was far less original than the ones she’d graced the others with, but he didn’t seem to take any issue with it. “Is she gonna be dancing at the lunar festival? Eating at the food trucks with her family?”

“I have no idea,” Wrecker said, casting a glance at Hunter, who was still puzzled at her sudden interest in Lyra. Then again, the bartender did seem to be the town gossip, knowing random information about anyone and everyone.

“Maybe she’ll get a future reading from one of the Xyloans,” she pondered, stroking her chin with thoughtful fingers. “They’re so adorable.”

“‘S an odd choice of words for them, but maybe?” Wrecker was at a loss at this point, and fortunately was saved from further banter by the bell from the kitchen signaling that an order was ready to be delivered. Luciana was there in an instant, effortlessly carrying a large tray full of baskets to the table of hungry visitors. A chorus of admiration and gratitude rose as she began placing the food in front of each patron, and the nearest male grabbed one of her hands suddenly, placing a jubilant kiss on the back with gusto. Hunter caught the quick wrinkle of her nose and noticed how quickly she took her hand back, but she clutched the tray to her front and laughed endearingly, wishing them an enjoyable meal. As she turned to leave, one of them swatted at her backside, barely grazing the hem of her dress as she stepped aside quickly.

“Hey now,” she said, a sharpness to her voice despite the bright smile on her face. “Don’t get naughty with me, or I’ll have to do something about it.” She pursed her lips, tilting her head with a look that said try me. But the wave of tension disappeared as she blew them a kiss and continued on her way. As she slipped back behind the bar counter, Hunter heard her let out a heavy exhale, shaking her head minutely as she started mixing drinks from the list on the screen.

“They botherin’ you?” Wrecker asked, having noticed the ordeal as well.

“You’re too sweet,” she said, shaking the mixing container vigorously. “It’s okay, it happens all the time. Part of the job, you know.” She rolled her eyes theatrically, pouring the cocktail over a few chunks of ice in a curved glass before starting on the next one.

“Well it doesn’t have to be,” Wrecker answered quietly, giving Hunter a moment to appreciate his protectiveness and general good nature. “You let me know if anyone needs a talkin’ to.”

“I will,” Luciana answered gratefully, giving him a wink before brushing a curl of red hair out of her face. “Thanks, Big Boy.”

As Hunter watched her deliver the drinks to a different table, he caught the slight stiffening in her body as she passed the raucous bunch, who were not too busy stuffing their faces to spare a few looks in her direction. She noticed on her way back, waggling a finger at them but gracing her fingers lightly across the top of the shoulders of one of them as she walked by. He furrowed his brow at her approach, which seemed to simultaneously encourage yet deflect their attention. Perhaps it was a way to avoid direct or heated conflict, he mused, slowly climbing to his feet and standing beside the stool to bid Wrecker farewell.

“Leaving so early?” Luciana asked, flashing an adorably pouty look at him as he dropped some credits on the counter for Wrecker’s meal, nodding at his brother’s thanks.

“Family dinner tonight,” Hunter answered, offering a small, flat smile.

“What, my dinner’s not good enough for you?” she said, putting a hand on one hip and jutting it out to the side, her head coyly tilted.

“No, it’s great,” Hunter said, shifting uncomfortably. “But…”

“And he ate already!” she laughed, pointing a finger at Wrecker, whose eyes grew large as he also rose from his seat.

“That was first dinner,” Wrecker explained, looking like a scolded puppy. “Tech and Phee eat so late…”

“I’m telling,” Hunter jabbed, smirking as his brother gawked at him in horror.

“Ooooo, you’re in trouble now!” Luciana laughed, swatting him with a towel from across the bar. “See you soon, boys. Have a lovely night,” she purred, sending them off with one last delicate wave.

Previous Chapter ~ Master List ~ Next Chapter

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simaddix · 1 year

Text

*Pay Attention - Part 2 - Tutorial*

I was about to go back to my business and quietly leave y'all with a word of wisdom but the very next package I opened raised my hackles. So here we go, hold on to your seat.

Disclaimer for younger/sweeter - followers - this has language in it because I'm pissed... I apologize in advance.

49,282 Polycounts. That's 50K for a fucking basket!!!

It's pretty, it's beautiful, and I downloaded it because it's everything you could want out of a basket of lemons... whoever created it did an outstanding job... for a movie production.

NOT PC GAMES.

So let's fix it - and let's hold our creators and converters to a higher standard or send them along to a different platform where they can create without our bitching.

First off, there's 3 or 4 ways you can check polycounts.

1 - TSRW under Mesh tab

2 - S3PE (Pretty sure you have to have an addon to do this - I'll try to find it when I'm done and add the link) Under MLOD, right click and go down to Preview. It'll open up a window and you can view the model and the polycount.

3 - 3D Viewer on your computer

4 - Blender or Milkshape

Now that we have the ability to check our polycount - we're gonna fix this mesh. I'm not going to show you how to package it, there are other tutorials for that part, but this is VITAL to having a healthy game, and honestly, being a creator or converter for this game. I do understand that you have to have the knowledge before you can fix a problem, so here it is - literally handed to you in a basket. I also understand that there are creators/converters who don't post polycounts because they're afraid people won't download it - that is inexcusable. If that's the case then you will eventually be boycotted by the players who know better.

Alright, so step one - you're going to want to get into blender after exporting your mesh. You're going open the modifier properties and add a decimate modifier (the wrench circled in red, and the add modifier drop down menu).

Keep it in Collapse, not un-subdivide. It's gentler on the mesh itself and you'll get a lot farther with it. You're also going to want your UV map to match what you're doing with your mesh, in case you need it for selection (I'll explain that in a minute) and have faces tagged so the selection is easier.

Now that you have that set up, you're gonna want to remove unnecessary vertices. See the shadows on the bottom of the basket? Here's how to fix that - hit tab, press A to select everything, and then go to MESH/MERGE/BY DISTANCE. This removed 16,900 loose vertices that didn't need to be there.

Go back to your modifiers and add an edge split modifier and hit apply.

Boom - no shadows.

Now that that is all done you're going to go in to edit mode (tab) and press L while hovering over what you're wanting to select. This is going to select all of the islands in your UV, and it's the fastest way (that I've found) to quickly select pieces of your mesh.

When you have your whole group selected (you can also figure out at this point what pieces need alternate textures or groups for TSRW later in your packaging process) you're going to hit P-Selection. That's gonna split whatever you have selected into a separate group.

Now, you can do that to however many pieces you see fit, but for this I'm just gonna stick with two - the lemons and the basket itself. You're going to click the blue Ratio box - and type in .5 and hit enter. That will collapse your polycount in half - (you can move that ratio box lower if you wish, but this way is the gentlest way possible and I've gotten better results. So play with it and see for yourself if you wish to. ) - Now repeat the process until your mesh starts to lose quality, I tend to stop there unless I can push it a bit further without making it look bad.

Now repeat that process with all groups.

Given that this particular mesh was such high polycount and an intricate mesh, I could only manage to get it from 49,282 faces (polys) down to 18,860. This is absolutely not okay for TS3 - and I'm using as a lesson rather than using something that I can get down to an okay level - because this is what you're going to run into when getting meshes that start in the tens of thousands of polys. THIS IS NOT MEANT FOR TS3, it's beautiful, yes, but you are putting people's equipment at risk by advertising a mesh for a 13 year old game without disclaiming that it's dangerous for it.

This tutorial will absolutely work for most objects, and I've used this process for a couple of years now with success, but you have to be able to decide what you're willing to put into TS3. We have all of these tutorials for reducing lag in this old as dirt game, but NONE of that matters if you're carrying objects like this - no matter how pretty they are.

If you need it that bad, figure out how to make a version of it that CAN look as good as this with a little less detail (think the spirals in the wicker that is actually meshed rather than just textured), or ask a creator to make something for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. If I have the time, I try to help whoever comes into my inbox. If I can't help, there is a hoard of creators out there that probably can.

So have fun, CHECK YOUR CONTENT, and keep your computer safe.

And creators/converters - do better.

Edit to add - to the creators/converters who do put out their polycounts, or a disclaimer of high poly/photo use only - thank you. I do understand the need for high poly objects for photo-op purposes, and I'm not here to attack anyone's preferred gaming style. I just want people to be safe while they play, as there are those who don't know what they're putting into their games. Let's help ensure that everyone has a chance to play whether they're experienced creators or regular game-players.

Edit to add 2 -

To add a bit of context - I was able to get the reduced mesh even further by removing some of the intricate details of the mesh, to create a simpler version. This is now down to 5,270 - and it could be lowered even further by removing the top of the handle - which is 1700 by itself because it's spiraled. So when you're dealing with a high mesh object such as this, pay attention to what's really adding weight, and if you can replace/remove it without taking too much away. The shadows can be fixed in gimp as well.

#ts3 #ts3tutorial

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sovengardeswag · 1 month

Text

The Pines Files

After the events of Weirdmaggeddon, Dipper and Mabel are contacted by the SCP foundation and join the ranks. The adventure never ended, it just took a different turn. And now, years later, they're back to Gravity Falls, aka SCP-████. And it is up to them to investigate the ever-growing mystery behind the town and protect the most dangerous and important SCPs there are and face their past.

Chapter 3: Business as Usual

Dinner had not been the awkward, miserable, and accusatory event that Dipper’s anxiety had convinced him it would be. In fact, it was downright pleasant. The places to eat in Gravity Falls weren’t exactly endless, even with expansion, but the town certainly had new places at least, including a Cheesecake Warehouse. The tacky Greco-Roman-Egyptian-80’s ostentatiousness of the place was almost a comfort after the last five years of his dingy [redacted] apartment or the site-19 cafeteria. He took a breath of the restaurant air and went up to the hostess, quickly tucking in his dress-shirt when he noticed it was displaced. “Uh, hi, I’m here to meet up with a party of 4. It would be under the name Pines?”

The young woman looked up from her computer then, asking Dipper, “For 6 o’clock, right?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“Right this way, sir,” She led Dipper to where Mabel and his grunkles were waiting, Mabel’s charm bracelet jingling as she waved to him, “Dipper! You made it!”

“Course I did! I’m not a flake.” Dipper sat down, taking a menu from the hostess and flipping through the unreasonable number of pages. “Did you guys order yet?”

“Nah, we just got here,” said Stan.

“That’s good. I got kind of turned around on the way here, it’s been a while, ya know?”

“No need to apologize, Stanley and I almost got lost as well. It didn’t help that he tried to find us a shortcut.”

“I’m telling you, Sixer, it would have worked if someone hadn’t started building a bunch of traffic lanes there.

Dipper couldn’t help but laugh a little, it seemed nothing changed with these two. “Was the construction near the lake?”

“Yeah, it was, something about making it easier to go there or something.”

“Speaking of water,” Mabel added, grabbing a piece of pumpernickel from the basket. “How was this year’s trip? I wanna hear everything! How was Armand? Was it the tearful, historical romance style reunion I’m thinking of?”

“Actually, Stanley almost rammed us into a rocky island off the coast of California.”

“Oh, come on, I said I was sorry!”

“It’s not judgment, Stanley, no one can resist a siren song and Armand had everyone stop when he realized it was me.”

“Made them stop? Is he their king or something?” Dipper asked out of curiosity.

Ford clarified, “No, not a king. Sirens operate as fully autonomous anarcho-communes-”

Stan then interjected, “Basically, they’re hippies and it was his ex’s turn with the conch.”

“Well, I think it’s romantic that he recognized you after all this ti- Dipper are you seriously taking notes?”

“No," Dipper lied, quickly putting his pen and notepad back in his pocket. Stan laughed at his embarrassment before he admitted, "Sorry, it’s kind of hard to turn off the whole, ‘take notes on everything and anything weird,’ mentality.”

“Nah kid, it’s fine, you’ve been doing this as long as I’ve known you. Of course, you’re gonna take notes on mermaids.”

“Sirens, Stanley.”

“He gets my point.”

Dipper took his notepad and pen back out of his pocket, clicking the pen before asking, “Can you tell me about the anarcho-communes? Is that universal among sirens or just Armand’s community?”

“Is everyone ready to order?” Interrupted the waiter right on time.

Dipper set his notepad aside, quickly looking over the drinks menu, “Uh, yeah, I’ll have the,” he squinted, “the super-skinny-you’ll-forget-you-had-kids margarita?”

“And I’ll have a pitt-cola please,” added Mabel.

“And two beers for us,” Ford finished off, the waiter nodding and leaving.

“Still not drinking, Pumpkin?”

“Yeah, absolutely not. Besides, someone’s gotta be the designated driver around here.”

“You got me there.”

And just like that, things were almost, well, normal. To say he felt 12 again would be a lie but what it did remind Dipper of was being 17 and about to go off to college, like this kind of thing would last forever, even if his knees hurt sometimes now. He enjoyed his oversized meal and was just allowed to feel happy. He didn’t even mention work, it came up when Ford mentioned it. “By the way, Dipper, are you going to be working with Dr. Clef?”

“I don’t know, why?”

“Oh, no reason. I just met him a few times when he worked for the GOC. He would have been very young at the time, I’m not sure if he would remember me.”

“I’ll say hi if I see him.”

Mabel butted in then, saying, “And if Dipper doesn’t see him but I do, I’ll say it.”

The next morning, Mason headed straight to work. It was almost surprising how quickly he adjusted back to routine. When he arrived at the staff room to await his assignment, he even found that he was early, knowing the town like the back of his hand, minus that little hiccup from yesterday. With people mostly just milling around the staffroom and not sure what else to do until assignments were handed out, he scrolled through his phone, checking the comments on his neglected YouTube channel. He almost didn’t notice that someone said something to him. “Oh, sorry, what was that?”

The person who spoke to him was a woman of about 25. “I asked if you’re a local,” she said.

“Uh, no, not really, I’m from California. I used to spend summers here though. Why?”

“Oh, you just seemed like you were,” she clarified. “I’m new and almost got lost on the way here. I should have expected it but this town’s layout is kind of weird.”

“Eh, you’ll get used to it. To tell you the truth, this is my first day at this facility. I was transferred from site-19, so we’re both having a first day.”

“Wow, really? I wish my first assignment was there. I read through some of the containment procedures, it seems like some of the objects there would be amazing to work with."

“Some of them can be. Others are just awful. They can’t all be coffee machines that give you dragon’s blood.”

“True, but still- “

It was then that attention was called to the front of the staff room by a member of HR, “Alright everyone, eyes up here! Since everyone’s new here, I’ll speak nice and clear, but I’ll only call your name and department once. If you miss me, check your employee portal within the next 15 minutes. If you mess that up, then I don’t know what to tell you. Get a job somewhere else. Preferably someplace you don’t have to pay attention.” And just like that, he started, “Anderson, Gnome Relations.”

Mason made a face at the harshness of it all. It wasn’t like they were D-class who couldn’t be trusted. But as soon as the thought crossed his mind, the image of the D-class choking on his own blood forced itself forward, and he got a sinking feeling in his stomach. He put his phone back in his pocket and just stood there, waiting with his own thoughts. Then, he was called, “Pines, Special Projects!”

Now, that got Mason’s attention. He knew that there was some sort of project here being worked on, as the woman he had been speaking to had been called to special projects too, but he hadn’t been told about anything specific he was working on. Only that he was now a general researcher. Either way, he went up to the HR rep and grabbed his assignment sheet. There it was, clear as day, special project headed by Dr. Jack Bright. Lab number 586. But he still wondered what this project was about. With there being only one way to find out, he headed to lab 586 as fast as he could.

When he arrived, he found that he was the last one there. He also noticed that, with the exception of a dark-haired man wearing an amulet, he had seen everyone else in the staff room, but it was only the young woman who had talked to him.

It was Dr. Bright, for who else would be wearing that amulet, who greeted him first. “Ah, there’s the man of the hour. It’s good to meet you, Dr. Pines.” He shook Mason’s hand.

Dr. Bright then looked to the other researchers, “Ok, now that everyone’s here, let’s establish our specialties.”

Mason looked to the other researchers, two women, and one man. The middle-aged woman spoke first, “Lucia Gonzalez, specialist in magical barriers.”

The man spoke next, “Peter Cheng, cryptozoologist.”

And lastly, “Katie Benson, forcefield engineer.”

And Mason finally added, “Mason Pines, specialty in general anomalies.”

Dr. Bright corrected him, “Actually, that’s not why you’re here.”

“Huh?”

“You’re here because you’re our leading most expert in SCP-[REDACTED].”

“Wait, really?”

Bright nodded, “Of course. None of the other researchers here are locals and everyone who was there during; what’d you call it in your research? Weirdmaggedon? Transferred out, retired, or quit. So that leaves you.”

“Oh, huh.” Mason had a realization about their group. A cryptozoologist, an engineer, and a specialist in magical barriers. “I’m guessing our work has to do with the containment barrier.”

“Exactly!” Bright then addressed the team as a whole. “Ladies and gentleman, we are trying to replicate the barrier that prevents escape from this site. This will make containment breaches a nigh impossibility.”

While Dr. Gonzalez and Dr. Chen looked impressed and Katie looked like she’d been told she was going to be crowned queen of the elves and worshipped for all her days, Mason had a question. “Um, Dr. Bright, not to be rude or anything but I already see a problem. The barrier isn’t exactly picky. If we make one, anomalous staff won’t be able to leave the site.”

“And that’s why this is a research project and not a building project. Part of our job here is figuring out how to make it selective. Good thinking though.”

Mason could certainly understand that. Magic barriers like the one around Gravity Falls were feasible, if finicky, and forcefields were practically child’s play in this line of work. A selective magical barrier that could be activated at any site? That would be quite a feat. And it seemed his colleagues agreed, as Katie piped up, “Where do we start?”

“We need to review literature and footage first. I have the physical files over there,” he pointed to a box on one of the tables, “and video footage should have been sent to your secure portal by now. Don’t hesitate to tell me if we need anything else.”

Mason headed straight to the case files, taking out the first one he saw. He knew that coming to Gravity Falls would be the change of pace he needed. And would you look at that, the first file was labeled June 1st, 2012.

It was an incident in which a gnome seemingly attempted to build a tunnel under the town in order to leave for some unknown purpose. Apparently, the little guy tried for days before giving up. If he had to guess from the timeline though, he was probably heading out to look for a queen. Mason called out to Dr. Bright, who was looking over footage on his laptop and taking notes, “Hey, is there any way for me to edit these incident reports?”

Dr. Bright paused his video and told him, “You’re gonna have to put in a request in the foundation portal. But some of these aren’t on the staff wiki so you’ll have to retype them.”

“Damn,” he wrote down what he knew in his notes instead. He’d have to make that request later. But this report at least told him something. The barrier went below the town. “Do we know how deep the barrier goes?”

Dr. Hernandez looked up from her own file, “What do you mean deep?”

“A gnome tried to get out in the early 2010s by tunneling but couldn’t. File says he tried to use a drill made out of sticks, acorn bits, and unicorn horn shed. Obviously, it didn’t work but it means the barrier extends underground.”

Katie looked up, questioning, “Wait, acorn bits?”

She went unaddressed as Dipper went on to say, “The question is though, how far down does it go? And is there a floor like a fish tank?”

“Shit, you’re right,” Bright stopped watching his video entirely and went to the files, sorting through them, “Everyone, look through the files about the amber dinosaurs. It could be that the floor could be down the mineshaft.”

Dr. Chen began furiously typing at his laptop then, knowing exactly which file to access. “Hold on, I’ve got it. It’s under SCP-[REDACTED]-118. The mine goes to 1500 meters and there has never been digging from anomalies at the maximum depth, but that could be due to a lack of food.

Katie then pointed out, “Shouldn’t we start with the ship? I mean, it might be the source of the barrier, so it makes the most sense to start checking there.”

“That’s a good point. So that gives us two options for the initial study. Either we can go to the crash site or we can go see the bottom of the mineshaft.”

“Why not both,” asked Mason. “I mean, even if we can find a definitive answer at only one site, it can be worth checking to see the limits of the barrier at two different points.”

“Well, that settles it then. We’ve got some field trips to plan. I say we start with the crash site, rule out that possibility and maybe see if we can find any working equipment, especially anything that might be generating a barrier. Then we can test the mineshaft.”

Barely an hour in and Mason had already arranged two fieldtrips for this little project. As he smiled to himself, he thought that he was in for a good time.

Agent Mabel Pines was not having a good time. She was almost late to her shift after Baby escaped her house and had to be wrangled back inside. Then she was late when someone’s tractor got stuck in the middle of the road. On top of that, today was supposed to be boring. As a member of MTF team Mu-Alpha-Epsilon, which specialized in the maintenance of magical creatures, one would think Mabel would be spending all her time wrangling something but alas, that was not the case. Today was contraband day, meaning she would have to go through boxes and boxes of gnome hats and goblin claws and all manner of magical body parts both antique and contemporary. Check if it was the real thing or a forgery and report accordingly for further action. And she was supposed to do that all day. As she ran into the contraband room, wearing a sparkly blue sweater over a white work blouse and a black pencil skirt, she looked around to make sure no one noticed her lateness. Luckily, no one did so she set to it, looking through the closest box. Unicorn horns. Great.

Unicorn horns were always a huge pain in the ass. Their similarity to narwhal tusks made them hard to check visually. They weren’t allowed to bring headphones into the contraband room, so that made audio inspection a tedious option, especially since they had to be careful to not damage the horns. She already felt like she was developing brain fog. And then her superior walked over, and she sighed. “Look, Reg, I’m sorry for being late, it won’t happen again.”

“Actually, I didn’t notice you were late,” said Reg. “You’re needed in the field today. Dr. Clef wants your expertise for a project in the unicorn grove.”

Expertise? Mabel had never heard it called that before. However, any excuse was a good excuse to avoid contraband day. She stood up and told him, “Of course, I’ll go change into my tactical gear right now.” And with that, she dropped the unicorn horn she was inspecting and headed straight to her locker.

While tactical armor was meant to be stealthy in the dark, the conditions of Mabel’s contract allowed a certain level of customization that wasn’t available to other MTF agents. She of course had a small American flag patch as required for identification purposes, but her helmet was decorated with purple swirls like fog or smoke. On the straps of her uniform, she also had various charms and pins of pigs and cats, including a custom tabaxi charm she would vehemently deny was a tabaxi.

Mabel didn’t know many of the doctors, just because she wasn’t in contact with them very often. So the surprise on Clef’s face when he saw the state of her tactical gear was expected. “Agent Pines?”

Mabel took his hand and shook it, telling him, “Yep, and you must be Dr. Clef. Don’t mind all the knick-knacks, we’re not on a stealth mission, so they won’t be a bother. My great uncle Stanford says hello by the way. You might have met him when you were in the GOC?”

Clef looked at Reg and Reg said, “Special contract.”

“Ah, that explains the decals." He turned his attention back to Mabel and said, “I think I’ve met him, yes. Tell him I said hello back. But I have to know, your file said you’ve had experience with these unicorns. How'd you handle that as a little girl?”

“Oh, it was awful. These unicorns are complete jerks.”

Reg nodded, concurring, "I've never dealt with a unicorn who wasn't at least a little hostile."

"I can only imagine. Granted, I've never dealt with one outside of combat before." But then, it occurred to him, "You said this wasn't a stealth mission. How are we going to get the hair then?"

"I did say that, I'll explain on the way there. Later Reg." Mabel claimed the driver's seat, Celf taking the passenger seat while Reg stayed behind. Staying true to her word, Mabel explained the incident from 2012, not finishing the story until they reached the edge of the woods.

"So the plan is to basically beat some unicorns into submission?"

"No, no, I'm going to threaten some unicorns into submission. I won't start punching unless they refuse to help. And you can join if you want, Doc."

"Thanks?"

With that, the two went into the woods together. walking paths Mabel had walked a million times. When they reached the deepest part, Dr. Clef played a recording of the druid's chant from a tape and the grove opened up to them, revealing the great waterfall and an ever-present rainbow. The moment they stepped in, Agent Pines and Dr. Clef heard a whinny and the sound of hooves on grass. Before them stood a beautiful, powder blue unicorn, resplendent in the sun.

She then began to speak, "I am Celestabellebethabelle, the last of the unicorns. What brings you here, brave advent,-" She then recognized Mabel, "-oh, it's you again. What do you want?"

"Same thing as last time, lady, we need hair."

"Are you kidding me?" She stamped her hoof as she said it. "You beat me and my friends half to death, make off with my treasure, rip my hair out, and expect me to give you more? Just like that?"

"I figured you'd be less of a dillweed about it if anything."

Dr. Clef then stepped in, "Agent Pines, if I may." He then approached the unicorn, telling her, "Look, I understand your history with my colleague is tumultuous, to say the least, but it's important that we have unicorn hair. World ending importance."

"So you say, Doctor, but I can see that you are not pure of heart. Your soul lurches with the weight of your sins and your lecherous nature. Why should I trust you?"

"That's not gonna work on him. Look, we just need it for a barrier and we're not leaving without it. Now, I can either just give you a haircut and go or we can fight again. It's up to you, just keep in mind that I'm a grown adult now."

Now, Celestabellebethabelle was cruel, she was unkind, a poor excuse for a unicorn, an already very arrogant species, but she wasn't stupid. It would be very easy for Mabel, who had only grown stronger with age and was in her prime, to beat her again. She also had a weapon this time and unicorns were not so endangered that her presence would be missed. She could see it now, her hair used for that barrier, her blood made into potions of youth, her hooves boiled down into magical glue, her horn made into an undying MP3 player. With little choice, she thus lay down on her legs, telling Mabel, "Fine you can take my hair. If you yank, I'll gore you. And don't let him touch me, I don't want some freak giving me a bad haircut."

Clef made a face at that but Mabel paid it no mind as she told the unicorn, "Don't worry, I won't give you a bad haircut."

She took a pair of scissors out of Clef's bag as well as some plastic garbage bags and knelt down to cut. She knew it would be harder to keep her promise with dry hair but she didn't let that deter her. Dr. Clef said they needed lots of the stuff, so she took five inches of the unicorn's mane, the proud beast huffing and muttering the whole time. At one point, she told Mabel, "You know there really was a time when we could sense if someone was pure of heart."

"Yeah, I've heard."

"Do you know why we lost that ability?"

"I'm guessing it's because you started lying to little girls." Mabel closed her scissors rather audibly at that.

"No, it's because we stopped being approached. Magic is use it or lose it and when humans don't care about being pure of heart, why use it? What I'm saying is that it was basically your own fault that I was mean to you."

Mabel then held the scissors to the very root of the unicorn's fine hair, "Oh no, looks like my hand slipped." She then cut off a lock of hair and added it to the already copious pile.

Celestabellabethabelle screamed in fright, "Alright! I'm sorry that I was a bitch!"

Mabel then went back to giving a normal haircut, "You sure were."

She then finished up, wrapping the unicorn hair in itself as neatly as she could and putting it into the bags. As soon as Mabel let go, the unicorn ran to check her mane in the lake. It was certainly a lot shorter but that wasn't a bad thing. She looked as fashionable as any dressage horse. She couldn't even see where Mabel had cut off a whole lock. "This is acceptable. Now get out."

"Wouldn't have it any other way." With that, she and Clef left the grove. The walk back was slower with each of them holding a bag of unicorn hair. Not one to let the opportunity for conversation to slip by, Mabel told Clef, "Sorry she called you a freak."

"It's alright, I've been called worse and sometimes even deserved it."

"She's not very creative."

"You know, I haven't read up on the old unicorn files, was there ever a time they could read someone's heart?"

"Nah, they couldn't. I just wanted to see where she was going with that. You never really know how they'll react when they're caught in a lie, so it's best to keep them talking until you can turn it around on them."

"Well, that's quite a strategy, I suppose that's why Agent Grey recommended you."

"Maybe, but it's probably just because I know the place best." She looked at his bag and a thought occurred to her, "So, I know what unicorn hair is used for and that I'm not supposed to ask for specifics but do you mind telling a lady if the reason for doing this is classified?"

"Oh no, I can share some details. We have an object being brought in from another site. It is imperative that we not only bring it but that it's as safe as possible. It's alive and non hostile and I'll leave it at that."

"The non-hostile part is doing a lot of heavy lifting there."

"Maybe so, but that's still a lot of possibilities."

"You got me there." She then looked at her watch. That haircut had taken longer than she thought it would. "Well, it's lunchtime. Do you want to join me?"

"Oh, no thanks. I need to get started on the barrier right away. You can drop me off back at the site."

Mabel shrugged, "Suit yourself. Just remember to eat, Doc."

"Thank you for the concern, I'll be fine though."

With that, they got back to base and the day went on as normal. Or as normal as any day could be. Honestly, anything was better than sorting through contraband. When she left, she didn't go home. Not straight away at least. She first went to Dipper's apartment, walking straight in, "Dipper, you won't believe the- what are you doing?"

Dipper was standing over his tank with a fishbowl in one hand and a net in the other submerged and cornering the terrified axolotl that was Bill. Dipper must have been at it since he got home from work, as he was still wearing a lab coat.

Bill used Dipper's surprise as an excuse to swim into his hide, Dipper explaining. "I needed to feed him and my fish and don't trust him. That can wait though, what's up?"

"I had a very interesting day is what happened. They're building an anti-possession field."

"What?" Bill and Dipper said this in unison, the axolotl sticking his head out of his Aztec pyramid. Only Dipper heard the former demon's wary tone, ignoring it in favor of his own curiosity. "Did they say what it was for?"

"Dr. Clef said they were transporting someone or something friendly to the Gravity Falls site and wasn't at liberty to say anymore, but I think the fact that it's friendly says enough."

"What do you think it is?"

"I think it's SCP-166."

"I kind of doubt that. She's not exactly easy to move. You need to remember I worked at site 19 longer than you. I passed her room a million times and that thing is like a vault. Plus, we've both read her file. They'd have to move her Oregon Trail style. Besides, are you even at liberty to openly discuss this with me?"

"It's not classified if it's just speculation and he gave me those details at least. Besides, who else could it be?"

"I don't know but think of it this way, has she ever been at risk of possession before?"

"He's got a point, shooting star. Say what you will about nuns, they can teach a girl a thing or two about mental fortitude."

"See, even Bill agrees with me."

"Are you seriously listening to Bill right now?"

"No, I just know I'm right. Anyways, is that the only reason you're here?"

"A little, but I also wanted to see how your first day was."

"Oh, it was great, I'm working on a project. Details are classified though."

Mabel groaned, "Seriously? Classified on your first day?"

"Yeah, on my first day." He went back to trying to catch Bill, telling Mabel, "All I can say is that it's incredibly important and that there's a reason I'm in Gravity Falls for it."

Mabek huffed but then, she got an idea, "Do you want to play D, D, and more D tomorrow?"

Dipper had finally gotten the screaming and squirming axolotl into the bowl at that point. He looked at Mabel, regarding her carefully before asking, "One-off or campaign?"

"One-off, you're the DM."

"Deal."

"What?" Bill stuck his head out of the bowl as he asked this, truly confused now. He didn't even pay attention to the delicious blood worms Dipper dropped into the bowl. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"That's a need-to-know basis and you don't need to know."

"Oh, come on!"

#gravity falls #dipper pines #mabel pines #stan pines #stanford pines #bill cipher #dr bright #dr clef #fanfic #scp foundation #sam’s writing #sam speaks #sam writes

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himehikoshrine · 1 year

Text

Mary Jane Stage Script (EN)

This is the full Stage Script from the game menu for Mary Jane (occasional typos and all, though I tried not to add any that weren't already there, but no promises).

There are some things in this script that are not in the game version that are very much worth reading - in-game, parts of the script are elided in favor of summary. In my opinion, some of the cuts for this play are particularly heinous.

The Stage Scripts don't include any character ad-libs from the in-game performance, though. Of course, you can access it from the game menu, if you've got it, but this version is searchable! The play is over 900 lines long, and is thus behind the cut. Tumblr dislikes that many line breaks, so the formatting may get wonky, especially if you're trying to copy and paste. I have a version saved elsewhere that might work better if you're looking to save it -- feel free to ask.

Mary Jane By Neji Kokuto

(1) Kakuriyo Island

A stormy sea.

Sounds of a torrential downpour.

Man: “What a storm!” Sailor: “Not much farther now until the island, but at this rate, the ship will…”

The ship runs aground of the rocky shore with a great crash.

Woman: “Eeek!” Man: “The ship’s leaning

Sounds of the ship's wooden planks splintering and breaking apart.

Sailor: "Aaaaaagh!"

Sounds of violent winds.

Sounds of violent winds begin to fade.

(2) The Reviled Dollmaker

Fade out.

Narration: "Behold the sky, the sea, the island." Narration: "Birds fly, fish swim, and men work steadily once again." Narration: "Forgetting what is important, losing what is important." Narration: "That place is Kakuriyo Island, floating alone in the sea. There is no end to the praises it can be given. A paradise, so long as you don't ask for more.” Narration: "A paradise, so long as you don't ask for more."

◆Harbor Town

Townspeople busily go about the day. A day like any other.

Mumbling can be heard.

The island dwellers look away, as if they see something they do not want to.

The murmurs turn to whispered conversations.

Islander: "The dollmaker." Islander: "It's that dollmaker." Islander: "The dollmaker's here!"

The dollmaker appears, carrying a basket stuffed with dolls.

Mary: "Dolls, would you like a doll?! A doll for your house! An adorable doll made specially by the dollmaker!" Mary: "Would you like one? If you buy one, then how about another? Or, three, four, five, six, or even seven! A discount for the whole family!" Mary: "A bit of food would be payment enough, in fact that would be best! Gold or silver won't help this empty stomach of mine!"

The dollmaker finds a man walking nearby and rushes up to him.

Mary: "Hello, good gentleman! Let us shake hands in greeting." Mary: "Oh? What a solemn face you have, like a flying fish who cannot fly. Look at these dolls I have, and you'll be happy in an instant!"

The islander man runs away, trying to escape the dollmaker's outstretched hand.

Mary: "Good day, my lady. Let us shake hands in greeting. Your skin is as pale as a fish's belly today. One of my dolls would be perfect for you!"

The islander flees from the dollmaker.

Mary: "Young boys and girls, elderly women and men, let us shake hands in greeting! And with that hand, hold one of my dolls!" Mary: "I am Mary, Mary Jane! The dollmaker, Mary Jane! The dollmaker whom no one calls by name." Mary: "Gather 'round, and please buy one of my dolls!"

Charles and Figaro appear.

Charles: "Figaro, look! There! It's her, the dollmaker! That woman is the dollmaker!" Figaro: "So that's the rumored Mary Jane. The dollmaker everyone abhors." Charles: "What a strange manner she has. A headless chicken would have more grace." Charles: "Figaro, tell me more about the rumors the islanders have shared since our arrival." Figaro: "Yes, yes, as you wish." Figaro: "The dolls she crafts are dolls of the devil, white skin with a deathlike pallor, and lips as red as dripping blood." Figaro: “And that is because it is said... she makes her dolls out of corpses!"

Figaro raises both his arms up as if to scare Charles.

Charles: "Ah, how frightening! Frightening, indeed!"

Charles puts on a mocking act, acting scared.

Figaro: "There is another rumor as well." Figaro: “Every last one of the dollmaker's wares are cursed. The door to the netherworld will swing open and pull you into the realm of the dead!" Charles: "Ah, how scary! How terrifying! Aah, aah, aha, aha... Ahahahahaha!" Charles: "I had initially taken it as idle gossip, but seeing such a peculiar woman, I must say the rumors suit her." Charles: "I must repent for distrusting the islanders! God, save me!" Figaro: "The islanders look at the dollmaker as though she is a ghost." Charles: "They give her no answers whenever she approaches them."

As the dollmaker rushes around for a customer, she notices Figaro and Charles.

Mary: "Oh! I have never seen your faces before." Charles: "She's coming this way, Figaro." Figaro: "It's because you keep staring at her, Charles." Mary: "How very nice to meet you! I am the dollmaker. Let us shake hands!" Charles: "My apologies. Where we are from, shaking hands is a challenge to duel." Mary: "Oh, what a happy little custom! It's all right. I have no intention of fighting you to the death!" Mary: "Look at these dolls! They are wonderful, aren't they? Very popular with the islanders. Before they run out, why don't you have one for yourself?" Charles: "This woman is lying straight through her teeth!" Mary: "No need to concern yourself with the details! Just a piece of food will do for pay!" Figaro: "A doll... Huh. Look at this, Charles." Charles: "Whoa, won't we get cursed? Let's see here... Oh." Charles: "This looks iust like a person! It's so well done that I wouldn't be surprised if it were made from corpses." Mary: "Yes, it is wonderful! Lovely enough to trade for a bit of food, wouldn't you say?!" Charles: "Hmm... Nope! A bit of food is far more lovely." Mary: "Hm? How strange, to love food so much." Charles: "In my eyes, you are the one who is far stranger." Charles: "All right, we're done talking here! Figaro, let's go."

Charles and Figaro start walking away.

Charles: "Hmm, she's even more peculiar up close. Maybe it's best that we don't interact with her." Charles: "All right, let's get back to sightseeing before the next ship arrives." Figaro: "Right." Islander: "She is the dollmaker of those cursed dolls." Islander: "She lives right next to the forest along the island's edge." Islander: "Those eerie dolls, that eccentric dollmaker." Islander: "She is like a ghost. The cause of headaches on Kakuriyo Island." (3) I Am the Dollmaker

◆Dollmaker’s House

Mary: "Home sweet home!" Mary: "I'm back with just as many dolls as I left with. What a shame that none of you could find a new mommy or daddy." Mary: "Such cute, adorable things. It's a wonder you are not the "trend' of the island. My heart breaks for you!" Mary: "I'm so sad, it's making me hungry. It must be nice that you all have no stomachs to pester you." Mary: "Now then, here is the food I managed to buy with my meager savings. Let's see..." Mary: "Ah, again! The food is rotten again!" Mary: "The food yesterday was rotten, too. And it was rotten the day before that." Mary: "It wasn't rotten the time before that, but it was time before that." Mary: "Rotten, rotten, not rotten, rotten, rotten." Mary: "They sell me rotten food day after day." Mary: "I cannot keep up with this rotten 'trend' of this island! Off to the bucket you go!" Mary: "I suppose I have no choice but to chew on some mushrooms. They don't taste great, but they're good for the body. And what is good for the body is good for the mind." Mary: "And when your mind feels good, one's vigor is renewed. Yes, let us make some more dolls!" Mary: "What design will it be this time? Hmm... That's it!" Mary: "I can draw inspiration from the two strangers I met today! They were so wonderful, in such unusual clothing!

◆Dollmaker's House (Night)

Mary: "All right, I'm done!" Mary: "What wonderful dolls. I feel as if they'll move on their own at any time." Mary: "...How wonderful would it be if they did." Mary: "The islanders are spreading rumors that I use corpses for my dolls because they look so much like real humans." Mary: "There isn't a single grave on this island, though." Mary: "The real materials are just fabric, cotton, strings, buttons, and overflowing love." Mary: "Oh, no! I've forgotten!" Mary: "There's one last, important material left."

Sound of a hair being plucked.

Mary: "My own hair. This is the string that connects me to the dolls. Proof that we are all family…” Mary: "Now they are truly done. Good morning, dolls. I'm your mommy!" Mary: "What good dolls you are! So gentle and wise. You're the only ones who don't run from me..." Mary: "Oh, drat! The sun is setting! I'm sorry, there is somewhere I must be." Mary: "When the sun sets, it's the moon's turn to rise. Now then, I must get ready." Mary: "This is Kakuriyo Island, floating alone in the sea. There is no end to the praises it can be given. A paradise, so long as you don't ask for more." Mary: "A paradise, so long as you don't ask for more. But…” Mary: "The unchanging scenery, the unchanging days, the unchanging people." Mary: "It's the worst nightmare l've ever had." Mary: "There is but a single place where I can have pleasant dreams." Mary: "And that is the chapel of the ghosts!"

(4) Ghost Chapel

◆Ghost Chapel

Ushinoko: "Another party tonight, a ghost party!" Hachinochi: "We are ghosts! Undead ghosts!" Sister Ghost: "We live in a wonderful chapel." Hachipochi: "We are ghosts! Lively ghosts!" Bukuro: "Ghosty, roasty, toasty ghosts." Ushinoko: "Another party tonight, a ghost party!" Sister Ghost: "Until the moonlight disappears." Ushinoko: "Until the bright morning sun rises!" Ushinoko: "...What a splendid night it is. I imagine that in ten seconds, Hachipochi will bare his stomach and do a bit of moonbathing." Hachipochi: "How did you know what I was thinking, Ushinoko?! As expected of you, woof!" Hachipochi rolls over and bathes in the moonlight.

Sister Ghost rubs his stomach.

Sister Ghost: "The light from the moon shines vibrantly through our bodies. What a blessing from God!" Bukuro: "Light tonight, bright and white."

Sounds of rustling in the bushes.

Mary: "Ah, they look like they're having so much fun!" Mary: "Every day, the ghosts are bright and cheery and so sociable! It gives me the strength to be alive!" Mary: "Ah, I want to join... I want to laugh with them...!" Mary: "But... if I draw near, I'm sure the ghosts would run away, just as the islanders do. I'm sure their smiles will disappear." Mary: "I want to join the ghosts, I want to laugh with them, but… I am a human being. I cannot be their friend." Mary: "...Hahh." Mary: "Watching them from the shadows is enough. Now then, I should go back and make more dolls."

◆Harbor

Sounds of waves.

Mary: "I have no mommy or daddy. That is why I made dolls to be my family. Then my loneliness disappeared, just a little." Mary: "I made dolls that looked exactly like the islanders, hoping to give them as presents. However, none of the islanders wanted any dolls." Mary: "I wonder if they are lonely without any dolls. Or if they are better at bearing their loneliness." Mary: "I am so lonely! I can spin my loneliness faster than the fabric for a doll..." Mary: "Ah, I really do want to befriend a ghost..! I want to sing and dance and shake their hands!" Mary: "But I'm sure that wish won't come true.. Mary: "Ah!"

A thudding sound.

Mary: "Did someone pull my leg? Oh, it's just the root of a tree…” Mary: "Moon! You must shine more carefully or it'll be dangerous for me!" Mary: "...Hm?" Mary: "This is not a rock jutting out, nor the root of a tree."

She holds up a human foot.

Mary: "It is the foot of a person! My, what a sturdy heel." Mary: "I'm sorry to have kicked you as I was dancing, Mr. Heel!" Mary: "Let us shake hands in greeting. Oh, how cold you are!! Mary: "And what a difficult shape to shake hands with!" Mary: "Mr. Heel, where are your hands? Oh, this is...!" Mary: "Moon! Don't dawdle now. Shine as brightly as the daylight sun!" Mary: "I will not be able to locate the other human parts otherwise!"

The shoreline is scattered with corpses and objects drifted from the ocean.

Mary: "Not just corpses, but bottles of wine. Wet books. Swords and guns. Glass bottles. All scattered about." Mary: "Ah! Could this be... a present from the moon to me?" Mary: "I apologize for complaining so much, Moon! I shall accept this with gratitude." Mary: "But what a large number of corpses this is. They are surely dead. This is the first time I've seen a corpse." Mary: “...That's right." Mary: "The islanders are spreading rumors that I use corpses for my dolls." Mary: "Because my dolls are so lifelike, they seem as though they could move any moment." Mary: "In that case..." Mary: "I wonder what would happen if I made a doll out of an actual corpse?" Mary: "What if my dolls, on the cusp of human likeness, actually moved as a human would?" Mary: "Perhaps a ghost would be born from it?" Mary: "Oh what a great idea, Mr. Heel! I'II make you into a doll!" Mary: “I’ll make a body perfect for you and become your mommy!" Mary: "First, I’llI need another heel. This one is too narrow. This one is too wide. This one is full of so many holes that it's not even worth my time." Mary: "This may take a while. But it'll be fine. Hands and legs and stomachs and heads, and even pretty faces, there are so many materials here!"

The dollmaker excitedly gathers up the various parts.

◆ Workstation

Mary: "I'll use my needle to string things together. To tie these chunks of meat into more meaningful shapes." Mary: “I’ll connect all the body parts I've gathered in order to make a lovely doll!"

(5) First Friend

◆ Dollmaker's House (Night)

Mary: "Phew... Hahh.." Mary: "I wonder how many times the moon had risen. I want to sleep, but my needle just doesn't know when to stop." Mary: "Lastly, I'll pass my needle through here... And there, very good! Everything's in place now!" Mary: "And for the finishing touch, a strand of my hair!"

◆Sound of hair being plucked.

Mary: "And now you and I are family." Mary: "All done!" Mary: "Ah, it's done! My doll is finally completed!" Mary: "Oh, how adorable.." Mary: "Oh yes, I have to give him a name. Something more humanlike than anyone on this island." Mary: "John, James, Alex... Too common, perhaps?" Mary: "Joseph, Michael, Reinhardt, Ja... Ja... Ja…” Mary: "That's it!" Mary: "Jacob. I'll name you Jacob!" Mary: "I am Mary Jane. And you are Jacob Jane!" Mary: "Jacob, what shall I do when you wake up? First, a handshake!" Mary: "After that, you'll tell me your name, and after that I'll tell you my name..." Mary: "I want to be your friend!" Mary: "A friend who won't run off, who will look me in the eye and talk to me." Mary: "Oh, how wonderful that would be..." Mary: "... Ah, but..." Jacob: “...” Mary: “He will not move." Mary: "But of course. He is dead." Mary: “...” Mary: “I’ll never have a friend, ever…”

Enchanting music plays.

The cobbled-together corpse becomes a ghost through the island's magic.

*Dance "A Friend Without a Name"

The corpse awakens and joins the dollmaker in a dance.

When the dance ends…

Mary: "Jacob! He's moving...!" Jacob: "Good morning, Mary." Mary: "'Mary'?! Did you just call me ‘Mary'?! The name no one here has ever spoken before?!" Jacob: "I did, Mary. You are Mary Jane. My mother." Jacob: "And I am Jacob Jane, your undead creation." Mary: "Undead!" Mary: "H-Has my dream come true…?!" Mary: "I have always wanted to become friends with a ghost!" Jacob: "I know. That is why we should go." Mary: "Go?! Go where?" Jacob: "To the party."

◆Ghost Chapel

Ushinoko: "Another party tonight, a ghost party!" Hachipochi: "We are ghosts! Undead ghosts!" Sister Ghost: "We live in a wonderful chapel." Hachipochi: "We are ghosts! Lively ghosts!" Bukuro: "Having fun without the sun." Ushinoko: "Another party tonight, a ghost party!" Jacob: “Until the baby's milk has spilled." Ushinoko: "Until the bright morning sun…” Ushinoko: "Hmm?! Seeing a newcomer here is quite the treat!" Mary: “Jacob!” Hachipochi: "Treat? Treat? I love treats, woof!" Bukuro: "Sweet treat, neat, petite." Sister Ghost: "A newcomer? I wonder if they're dangerous! Oh, God!" Jacob: "Hello. I am Jacob. This is my mother." Jacob: "We want to become friends with you ghosts." Mary: "The ghosts I've been watching from afar... are looking at us..!" Hachipochi: "Friends, you say?!" Bukuro: Friends unite to play at night." Sister Ghost: “Having more friends is splendid. It is God's will. However..." Sister Ghost: "Jacob, you are a ghost just like us, but isn't your mother a human?" Hachipochi: "A human?! Sniff, sniff...She's right! A-wooooo!" Bukuro: "Humans are not ghosts." Mary: "Ah, I guess it's no use... If I am of the living...!" Jacob: "You can't give up, Mary." Ushinoko: "Everyone! Silence!" Hachipochi: "Ushinoko! Tell us our future!" Mary: "Ushinoko?" Sister Ghost: "He is the leader of our ghost group." Ushinoko: ''Mother', our unexpected visitor. May I ask your name?" Mary: "Mary. I am the dollmaker Mary Jane. All the islanders call me the crazed dollmaker." Ushinoko: "Hmmm, I see. I shall give a prediction!" Mary: "Prediction?" Hachipochi: "Ushinoko here can see the future!" Mary: "The future?! How amazing!" Ushinoko: "I can see ten seconds into the future." Mary: "Ten seconds... into the future?!" Ushinoko: "Hahaha, ten seconds from now is still the future." Ushinoko: "Now then, let me make a prediction. Mary... In ten seconds, you will say 'yes'!" Mary: "Ten seconds from now... I'II say 'yes'?" Hachipochi: "Woof! That's our Ushinoko!" Bukuro: "It still hasn't happened." Ushinoko: "You…” Ushinoko: "Must adore ghosts, I presume!" Mary: "Yes!" Hachipochi: "He was right!! You did it!" Bukuro: "Surmise, then surprise." Ushinoko: "And let me make another prediction! In ten seconds… you will become friends with us!" Mary: "Friends?! Me, friends with ghosts.?! My long-awaited dream will come true?!" Hachipochi: "She looks super happy!" Sister Ghost: "You're a human, but you really do want to be friends with us. Ah, what a wonderful blessing from God!" Bukuro: "Happy, crappy." Hachipochi: "In that case, from today onward, you're our friend! Oh, you were right again, Ushinoko! Wooof!" Bukuro: "Mary and Jacob. Meetings and greetings." Sister Ghost: “I hope we'll get along, Mary!" Jacob: “Good for you, Mary." Mary: "Oh, Jacob! The ghosts are calling me by name! Surely, I must be dreaming!" Ushinoko: "Now then, let us continue our party!" Ushinoko: "My adorable two newcomers. This is the ghost chapel." Ushinoko: "We require no formalities here, so enjoy yourself as much as you like!" Sister Ghost: "If there is anything you don't know, please ask Ushinoko. He can see the future, after all." Ushinoko: "But only ten seconds from now!" Hachipochi: "Woof!" Mary: "Whoa!" Hachipochi: "Ahaha! I surprised her!" Ushinoko: "This is Hachipochi. He's a ghost who loves to surprise people. He's probably a dog. Perhaps a dog. I believe so." Hachipochi: "Don't get a heart attack from jumping in surprise! A-woooo!" Sister Ghost: "I'm Sister, the keeper of this chapel." Mary: "Good evening, Sister. Allow me to shake your hand..." Sister Ghost: "Oh, you can't." Mary: "Whoa!"

Sound of her falling over.

Jacob: "Mary!" Mary: "Ahaha! My body went right through her…!" Ushinoko: "Sister Ghost is a very ghostly ghost, as untouchable as the smoke from a candle." Sister Ghost: "Indeed, for I serve a consecrated life for God!" Jacob: "What is your name, you there in tattered rags?" Bukuro: "Gunny sack, funny sack, money sack." Jacob: "Nice to meet you, gunny-funny-money sack." Hachipochi: "His name is Bukuro! The hidden-headed, half-brained, no-faced gunny sack. Sweet, harmless Bukuro. Our own sleepy scarecrow!" Ushinoko: "Welcome, Mary! Welcome, Jacob!" Hachipochi: "Let's play together! Let's dance until morning!" Sister Ghost: "Don't forget singing!" Ushinoko: "Another party tonight, a ghost party!" Hachipochi: "We are ghosts! Undead ghosts!" Sister Ghost: "We live in a wonderful chapel." Hachipochi: "We are ghosts! One of us, a human!" Ushinoko: "We are ghosts! One of us, a human!" Bukuro: "Human, crewman, women, woman." Jacob: "Another party tonight, a party with all of you!" Mary: "Until the moonlight disappears." Mary: "Until the bright morning sun rises!"

◆Dollmaker's House

Mary: "Ah, that was so fun! I've never had so much fun in my life!" Jacob: "Good for you, Mary." Mary: "It's all thanks to you, Jacob!" Mary: "Oh, drat! I forgot something so very important!" Jacob: "What's wrong?" Mary: "A handshake." Jacob: "Handshake?" Mary: "Yes, a handshake. Our very first handshake!" Jacob: "We cannot shake hands." Mary: "Huh? Whyever not?" Jacob: "Because it is a challenge to a duel. You and I are family and friends. Something more suitable would be better." Mary: "Then I wonder what we should do?" Jacob: "Hug." Mary: "Hug?" Jacob: "Yes. To hold and squeeze the other tightly. Not with one hand, but both arms." Mary: "All right... Like this?" Mary: "Wow, your skin is as icy cold as a doll's, but you have a comforting warmth that's different from a human's." Jacob: "I do not feel heat. But my heart is warm. What a comforting warmth."

(6) Visitor

◆Dollmaker's House

Jacob: "Mary, breakfast is ready." Mary: "Good morning, Jacob! This lovely aroma will wake me up in an instant, regardless of how late we stayed up with the ghosts!" Mary: "The meals you cook are always so delicious. And most of all, they're not rotten!" Jacob: “I throw away all the rotten things in the bucket outside. That is simple enough for me to do." Mary: "My mornings have completely turned around since you've arrived, Jacob. Every day is wonderful..!"

A knocking sound.

Mary: "A knock? Has someone come to visit me?" Mary: "The islanders would never come here, but neither would the ghosts during daytime." Mary: "The answer lies behind the door. Yes, I'm coming." Jacob: "I’ll hide myself, Mary." Mary: "Oh Jacob, you're so shy! Yes, who is it?" Figaro: "Good morning. Is that a flying fish meuniere you're having for breakfast?" Charles: "Sniff, sniff. I can smell roasted mushrooms. too!" Mary: "Oh? Who might you be?" Магу: "Your faces look so familiar." Mary: "Ah, yes. You look exactly like a couple of dolls I made!" Figaro: "You recognize us, but have forgotten as well. My name is Figaro. This is my twin brother, Charles." Charles: "Morning!" Figaro: "The two of us are journeying across the world together." Mary: "Oh, my! What business would travelers have here? Were you not told by the islanders to steer clear of the dollmaker?" Mary: "They are geniuses at gossiping about me. They have so many ways of doing so." Charles: "Yes, we've heard. Enough gossip to make our ears bleed." Figaro: "They told us our bodies would be made into dolls if we went to the dollmaker's house." Mary: "Then why have you come? Do you wish to become dolls?" Mary: "Oh, dear. I've never made dolls out of living humans before. I'm sorry!" Charles: "Hah! You really ARE strange!" Figaro: "We do not wish to become dolls." Figaro: "We have come here to befriend you." Mary: "To befriend me?" Mary: "What new meaning does 'befriend' have these days? I'm afraid I do not know." Charles: "Her hands may be quick, but her brain sure isn't!" Figaro: "Charles." Charles: "I'm joking, I'm joking. Do not mind me." Figaro: "There is no hidden meaning to the word. We wish to be your friends." Mary: "Friends?" Figaro: "Yes, friends." Mary: "You humans?" Charles: "Yes, we humans!" Figaro: "Can you blame us for being interested? A single human who is the source of all island gossip." Charles: "I thought you were crazy when I first met you, but…” Figaro: "We travelers are captivated by the exciting unknown." Figaro: "That, and the dolls you make." Figaro: "...I actually would like one." Mary: "One of my dolls?" Charles: "He may not look like it, but this guy loves adorable things! Cute, right?" Figaro: "The payment was a bit of food, was it not? How about this bright, shiny apple?" Mary: "Oh, yes." Figaro: "All your dolls were wonderful, but if there is one in my likeness, I would like that one. Would you please show it to me?" Mary: "Just a moment... There he is! It's this one here." Charles: "Wow, he DOES look like you! That's pretty impressive!" Figaro: "Two peas in a pod. I love it. Thank you." Mary: “...” Mary: "This is the first time someone's accepted one of my dolls!" Figaro: "Really? Even though they're made so well?" Mary: "On this island, gossip is as good as truth. My dolls are so eerie, no one will come near them." Figaro: “...” Figaro: "Dollmaker, what do you think of going to the islanders right now?" Figaro: "With a basket full of dolls." Mary: "For what purpose? To chase them around while carrying a heavy basket?" Figaro: "Just take your friends' advice to start. Now then, let us go."

Figaro stuffs some dolls into a basket.

The dollmaker and Figaro exit the house.

Jacob: “...” Jacob: "Mary…”

◆Harbor Town

Charles: "All right, we've arrived in town." Charles: "You certainly are an infamous figure. I've never seen people scatter so quickly." Mary: "Thanks to that, I am quite a fast runner." Charles: "So, what are we gonna do, Figaro? We've got a basket full of cursed dolls that the islanders absolutely hate." Figaro: "Charles, a moment?" Charles: "Hm? What's up?"

The two talk in secret.

Charles: "Mhm... Ohh, I see." Charles: "Okay. Leave it to me, Dollmaker." Mary: "Leave what to you?" Figaro: "He's going to change the curse into a blessing.” Mary: “...?" Charles: "Now then... Ahem." Charles: "Everyone! Here are the dolls from the dollmaker! Adorable, wonderful dolls!" Islander: “...Some travelers are advertising the dollmaker's dolls. Has the dollmaker cursed them?" Mary: "We seem to be drumming up gossip rather than sales." Figaro: "Another rumor or two is nothing at this point, right?" Charles: "Yeah. I've heard ten thousand rumors. What's one more?" Figaro: "I'm sure this will be the very last one." Charles: "We are travelers who roam the world! The dollmaker's wares are among the most exotic and surprising things we have seen!" Charles: "Never have we seen dolls so beautiful in the entire world thus far!" Charles: "Such clear skin, beautiful curly hair, red lips, like princesses from a distant kingdom!" Charles: "Outside of the island, they would each fetch no fewer than two silver coins!" Charles: "And this skilled dollmaker will trade them for just a bit of food. There aren't many people with such lack of greed!" Islander: "T-Two silver coins?! For THOSE dirty dolls?! I don't believe it..." Charles: "If you don't, then so be it. WE will just buy them all and sell them ourselves." Charles: "The riches we can make from the profits! Perhaps we will buy another ship!" Islander: "...Wait! I'll give you all the fish I've caught! Just give me a doll!" Charles: "All right, congratulations! Dollmaker, give him a doll." Mary: “Ah, sure...! Okay, then here's a doll that looks just like you...!" Islander: "You're right, there's one that really looks like me. I can understand why this would be worth two silver coins...!" Islander: "Thank you, Dollmaker! I'II take good care of it!"

The islander takes the doll and shakes the dollmaker's hand.

Mary: "Wow, wow..." Charles: "Come now, who's next?!"

The islanders shout out names of different food as they crowd around. Charles: "Eggs over here! Poultry from over there! Seaweed and shellfish, too! Huh? No, no, a shirt cannot be eaten!" Mary: "I can use shirts as clothes for the dolls." Charles: "We got an okay on the shirts!"

The people who receive a doll shake her hand and leave.

◆Port

Charles: "We sold them! We sold all of them! We're sold out!" Figaro: "I think there were even a few who couldn't get one. Let's come sell them again tomorrow. We'll help you." Mary: "...” Mary: "Why are you both so kind to me? Everyone else hates me…” Figaro: "You are human, same as us. That is reason enough, Dollmaker." Charles: "Well, we've got our own reasons after seeing the world." Figaro: "That, and we're new friends, after all." Figaro: "Now then, let us shake hands, Mary."

Figaro extends his hand.

Mary: "...!” Mary: "Wasn't a handshake supposed to be a challenge to a duel where you are from?" Charles: "Oh, just forget that!" Figaro: "This is a handshake of friendship." Mary: "It's so warm…”

The islander's hands are cold.

Charles: "Of course it is! We've got the same blood running through our veins. Did you not know, Mary?" Mary: "Friends..." Mary: "Friends who are human... just like me…”

◆Dollmaker's House (Night)

Mary: "...I'm back." Jacob: "Welcome back, Mary. Let's go to the ghost chapel again tonight." Jacob: "They said everyone's bringing snacks, so we'll be having a snack party." Mary: "I'm sorry, Jacob. Snack parties are great, but I should get to sleep. I have to wake up early and make dolls!" Jacob: "Huh…” Jacob: "Mary…”

(7) Human? Ghost?

◆ Harbor Town

Islander: "Ah, it's the dollmaker! The dollmaker's here!" Mary: "Dolls, dolls, dolls, from the dollmaker!" Islander: "Dollmaker, I've brought some food! Sell me some dolls!"

The people crowd around the dollmaker. She quickly sells her entire stock.

Mary: "My dolls are getting new mommies and daddies, one after the other!" Mary: "The islanders who always called my dolls eerie are now all holding one of them!" Mary: "Everyone is glad to see me now!"

Everyone leaves once the dolls have been sold.

Mary: "But..." Figaro: "Mary's dolls were a big hit again today." Mary: "Figaro!" Charles: "Oh? You look a bit sad, Mary." Mary: "Th-That's not true, Charles!" Figaro: "...How about you come for a walk with us?"

◆Harbor

Figaro: "Mary, do you like the island?" Mary: "Why the sudden question, Figaro?" Figaro: "You just seemed so lonely, even when surrounded by all the townspeople." Mary: "...!" Mary: "...Thanks to you both, the islanders have changed. They pay notice to me now. They approach me. They buy my dolls." Mary: "But it feels as though they aren't actually paying attention to me. That's why it feels like the islanders are even colder to me now than before." Mary: "And that's... what makes my heart ache." Figaro: "...I've become sure of something, Mary." Figaro: "You must leave the island with us." Mary: "What?" Figaro: "A herd will always single out a runt." Figaro: "You will find no happiness here in the midst of such disdain." Figaro: "You must get out, Mary. As long as you live on this island, your role will never change." Figaro: "That's why it's best for you to leave with us." Mary: "Leave the island... But if I struggled so much on this island, how could I ever do well outside of it?" Charles: "Hahaha! How many islands do you think there are in this world?" Mary: "I don't know. How many?" Charles: "I don't know, either!" Mary: "Wha...?" Charles: "That's how big the world is! I'm sure there is an island you can truly call home." Figaro: "There is joy and happiness that you can hardly imagine. Please think it over. Good day."

The two of them leave. Mary: "Outside..."

◆ Ghost Chapel

Hachipochi: "Woof!" Jacob: "Hello, Hachipochi." Hachipochi: "Tch, how boring! It's no fun that Jacob never gets surprised!" Jacob: "Maybe that's because there are snails in my ears." Hachipochi: "In that case, I'll scare Mary. Where's Mary?!" Jacob: "Mary goes to the harbor town each day to sell dolls." Sister Ghost: "How splendid to work so much every day! Dear God, please grant Mary your blessings!" Jacob: "...” Bukuro: "Jacob, not happy." Jacob: "That's not true." Bukuro: "Want to flee, but nowhere to be?" Jacob: "Why do you think that?" Hachipochi: "I hear Bukuro tried running away in the past, but failed. Woof." Sister Ghost: "The gunny sack and the rope on his arm are symbols of his sins. God have mercy..." Jacob: "I see... Everyone has their own circumstances, it seems." Jacob: "Perhaps I want to run away, too. I'm not sure." Jacob: "I just want to mull over my thoughts awhile." Ushinoko: "You can do anything here. Mull to your heart's content." Jacob: "Thanks, Ushinoko." Jacob: "...” Jacob: "Mary. Mary is the best dollmaker. The dolls Mary makes overflow with love." Jacob: "I'm the same. I feel Mary's love in every single stitch on my body." Jacob: "It's not just love. Mary's pain, sadness, and the loneliness she's carried all this time, all of it is etched in me." Jacob: "Mary. I wonder if talking to humans soothes your soul. I wonder if it makes you happy." Jacob: "Now that you have human friends, I wonder if you don't need dolls or ghosts anymore." Jacob: "I wonder if you won't need me anymore." Jacob: "Say, Mary. Mary, Mary... Jacob: "Hah…” Jacob: "Hm…?" Jacob: "What's that? There's a large ship on the horizon.”

Fade out.

◆Harbor Town (Night)

Islander: "The dollmaker's doll, worth two silver coins..." Islander "It is only a doll. but it looks iust like me." Islander: "I remember when I look at this doll... What exactly? I remember something." Islander: "Something I'd forgotten long ago. Something I'd thrown away. Something important." Islander: "Something important."

The islanders cover their faces, looking at their dolls.

Charles: "...Figaro, something strange is happening on the island." Figaro: "I think we'll have to move a bit sooner than planned..."

◆Dollmaker's House (Night)

Mary: "I'm back, dear dolls. Mommy's home." Mary: "Jacob, are you at the chapel?" Mary: "...Hm?" Jacob: "Zzz…”

Jacob is sleeping on the sofa.

Mary: "You'll catch a cold sleeping in a place like this... Oh, but ghosts don't catch colds!" Mary: "Still, I'll put a blanket over you. Here you go." Mary: "...”

She touches Jacob's cheek.

Mary: "What a cold cheek. He's different from Figaro and Charles. He's different from a human." Jacob: "Mrrn... Mary..." Mary: "...” Mary: "But when I'm with you, my heart steadily grows warm." Mary: "I'm curious of the world outside, but I'm sure my place is here!"

(8) Burning

◆Dollmaker's House

Mary "Hahh... Hm? The sky's as red as a ripened tomato. It's already evening." Jacob: "Good morning, Mary." Mary: "Jacob. 'Good evening' is more like it. Why did you not wake me?" Mary: "I had business in town today." Jacob: "In town, you say…” Jacob: "Town... harbor... ship…ghost.." Mary: "Jacob?" Jacob: "Please stop going to town, Mary!" Mary: "Whatever is the matter? Why do you look so sad?" Jacob: "I have an unbearably bad feeling about this. Please, stay here." Mary: "A bad feeling? But I must see Figaro and Charles today." Jacob: "Those humans?" Mary: "They're my friends now. We made plans to meet today…” Jacob: "I'm your friend too, Mary!" Mary: "Aah! What is the matter, Jacob? Yelling as loud as Hachipochi." Jacob: "Even Hachipochi wanted to see you, too! Let's go to the chapel! Let's go the place where the ghosts are!" Mary: "I told you, I can't today. Figaro invited me to go with them to the outside world." Jacob: "The outside... world...?" Jacob: "I guess you do prefer humans…” Mary: "Jacob?" Jacob: "I hate you." Mary: "Wha…” Jacob: "I hate you, Mary! I absolutely hate you!" Mary: "Wh-Where has this come from?!" Jacob: "Mary, you're... you're... not my friend!" Mary: "...!” Mary: "Were you the same as the islanders all along..? You were a friend only on the surface?" Jacob: "No... I...!" Mary: "You are! In the end, if I stay on this island, I'll never be loved by anyone!" Jacob: "Mary...!"

The dollmaker rushes out of the house.

◆Outside the Dollmaker's House

Mary: "Terrible, how terrible... I thought he was my friend, too..." Mary: "My fingertips are cold. I feel they might freeze." Mary: "Hm?" Mary: "The setting sun is covered in black." Mary: "What is that black color? Smoke? From where? It seems to be coming from town... Too billowing to be from any kitchen…” Mary: "...It's a fire." Mary: "The town is on fire!"

◆Burning Harbor Town

Mary: "It spread so fast! The islanders, Figaro, Charles…” Islander: "…..Dollmaker."

An islander appears, carrying a doll.

Mary: "Ah, good gentleman of the island. I see you are safe! ...Hm?" Mary: "My doll... Did you hold onto it so that it wouldn't be caught in the fire?" Islander: "This doll is like me. The doll, it... speaks to me." Mary: "This is no time for speaking. Hurry and escape or you'll be burned to a crisp." Islander: "I didn't want to remember. I didn't want to remember, and yet. Urrgh, uurgh…!” Islander: "This is your fault, Dollmaker!" Mary: "…Urk! Aagh!"

Sound of a gunshot.

Islander: "Aaaargh!" Mary: "H-He was shot...?" Charles: "Ahahaha! That was close, huh Mary?" Mary: "Charles!" Mary: "You shot the islander?! Why…” Islander: "Agh, ugh…”

Whooshing sound of the islander disappearing.

Mary: "He disappeared...?" Islander: "Dooollmaaaaker!" Charles: "Oh, there's another one!"

Gunshot.

Mary: "Aah…” Islander: "...Dollmaker." Islander: "Dollmaker, dollmaker!" Mary: "That person, and that one, they're holding dolls…” Islander: "It's your fault that I remembered..." Islander: "My life, my death, my rotted corpse..!" Mary: "Death...? Rotted..?" Charles: "Ahaha...Mary, you really didn't realize what was happening?" Charles: "That everyone on this island aside from you are ghosts!" Mary: "Everyone's a ghost... aside from me…?” Islander: "Dollmaker, dollmaker, dollmaker." Islander: "Dollmaker, dollmaker, dollmaker." Mary: "The islanders are gathering together..." Charles: "They were finally able to forget they had died, but remembered again thanks to your dolls. Only natural for them to hate you for that." Charles: "Still, there are quite a few of them. Too many to clear away with a gun." Islander: "Dollmaker, dollmaker, dollmaker!"

Sound of a blade cutting through flesh.

Figaro cuts down islanders rushing toward them.

Islander: "Aaaaaagck!" Mary: "The islander was cut in two..!" Figaro: "If only you had a sword too, Charles."

Whooshing sound of the islander disappearing.

Mary: "They disappeared…” Figaro: "Both Charles's bullets and my sword are blessed. They have properties that are effective against ghosts." Mary: "I don't understand, Figaro! Why are the islanders attacking me?! Why are you attacking them?!" Mary: "Please tell me!" Figaro: "...This island, Kakuriyo island, is a strange one. Every person who dies here becomes a ghost." Mary: "The people become ghosts…” Figaro: "Have you ever seen any of the islanders grow old?" Figaro: "Have you ever seen babies growing into children, children into adults, adults into the elderly, or the elderly passing away?" Mary: "The islanders never change! The children stay children, and adults stay adults." Mary: "The newborns seek their mother's milk day after day, and those on the verge of death from illness live to see every sunrise." Магу "But isn't that how humans are?" Mary: "I am the one who is strange. With my changing moods, with my hobbies. That is why everyone thinks I'm strange and avoids me." Charles: "Your common sense was just distorted because of the ghosts." Figaro: "...Let's leave the island, Mary. You've been burdened with a pain you were never responsible for." Charles: "A ship's just arrived, a ship for us. Our friends are there." Mary: "Friends...?" Mary: "You're right. There are so many people here I don't know..." Mary: "These strangers holding torches..." Mary: "The flames are the same color as the fire...!" Figaro: "This is no ordinary flame. It was brought here specifically. Flames kindled by priests, which light the depths of the great cathedral." Charles: "The ghosts don't stand a chance with this." Mary: "Just who are you people?" Charles: "We are the Order of Shadows. We specialize in hunting ghosts." Charles: "Our objective is essentially…” Figaro: "To wipe out everyone on this island." Mary: "...!” Figaro: "We were actually supposed to take care of this more quickly." Charles: "The ship we rode here is no more. Figaro and I were the only survivors." Charles: "But reinforcements have finally arrived." Charles: "We've got to finish this job and get home. With you." Charles: "These ghosts pretending to be humans are almost gone. There's no reason to stay on an island all by yourself, right?" Mary: "...” Figaro: "Are you worried about the ghosts at the chapel?" Mary: "How do you know of them?" Figaro: "We are no ordinary hunters. We investigated everything about this island, down to the doll that lives in your home now." Mary: "You mean, when you came to my house for the first time…?” Charles: "It's our job, sorry." Figaro: "I feel so sorry for you, Mary. To have to reached out to ghosts because you couldn't bear the loneliness." Figaro: "However, you are not alone anymore. We are here with you." Figaro: "We are as warm as you are, in the same form. Humans who can grow alongside you." Figaro: "Let's leave the island, Mary." Mary: "...” Mary: "My best friend told me he hated me. The doll I made by sewing parts of corpses together.” Charles: "That's a ghost for you. They'll make you trust them, then stab you in the back without blinking. I see it all the time." Mary: "I see. That's what ghosts are... Mary: "..." Mary: "......” Mary: ".........” Mary: "That can't be!" Charles: "What can't be?" Mary: "I... I... I still care for Jacob!" Mary: "Even if Jacob hates me, I still care for him! I like all the ghosts in the chapel!" Mary: "I didn't become friends with ghosts just because I couldn't get along with humans!" Mary: "I wanted to be with them because they were so full of life!" Mary: "None of them have done anything wrong. Please leave them alone and return to your country!" Figaro “...” Charles: "What we do, Figaro?" Charles: "If that's how Mary feels, we've got no choice…” Charles: "Yeah, you're right." Mary: "I'm sorry. Thank you…”

Figaro knocks the dollmaker down with the hilt of his sword. Mary: "Urgk!"

Sound of the dollmaker falling down.

Charles: "Ahaha! A clean hit!" Mary: "Why...?" Figaro: "Why?" Figaro: "Because I have to take you back to our country and crucify you for making a doll from the corpses of our friends, Dollmaker!" Mary: "The corpses of your friends..." Charles: "Wow, you really are stupid. You really don't get it?" Charles: "The corpses you used to make your disgusting doll were our friends who perished in the storm!" Mary: "Your friend's... corpses...” Charles: "Understand now? The depth of your sins?" Mary: "If you can love unmoving corpses so much…” Mary: "How can you not feel for living ghosts...?" Charles: "Yeah... She's off her rocker." Charles hits the dollmaker with the butt of his gun and knocks her out. Figaro: "Don't put humans and ghosts together, you crazy dollmaker!"

◆Dollmaker's House (Night)

Jacob: "...” Jacob: "Ahh, why did I say such a terrible thing...” Jacob: "As a ghost, I was jealous of Mary's friends for being human like she is." Jacob: "Because of that, I lied and hurt her." Jacob: "When she gets back, I must apologize to her…”

Sound of a door opening.

Jacob: "Mary?" Jacob: "Mary! I'm so sorry, Mary! I said something so terrible to you. Please, forgive me..." Sister Ghost: "I don't know what has happened, but repenting for your sins, seeking forgiveness, and expressing your love are the very things God wishes!" Jacob: "Sister Ghost, why are you here?" Sister Ghost: "I'm sorry to come unannounced, Jacob. Look out the window." Jacob: "Out the window...?....!" Jacob: "The town is on fire...?!" Jacob: "Mary! Mary's in town! Mary, Mary!" Sister Ghost: "Calm down, Jacob! I'm sure Mary's fine." Jacob: "Being sure isn't good enough!" Sister Ghost: "But it's certainly better than what will be arriving in mere moments." Jacob: "What will arrive...?" Sister Ghost: "The Order of Shadows are ghost hunters, and they are on their way to kill us." Jacob: "The Order of Shadows…” Sister Ghost: "The dollmaker is human, so even if she's captured, she won't immediately be killed. That will not be the case for us." Sister Ghost: "They are given enchanted weapons and sent to places where there is neither God nor devil." Sister Ghost: "Let us escape for now, Jacob, so that we may see Mary as well." Jacob: "...” Jacob: "All right..."

(9) Save Jacob

Darkness.

Mary: "…Urgh. Where are we? It's pitch black." Mary: "Ah! Where's Jacob?! Where are the ghosts of the chapel?!" Mary: "Figaro! Charles! Let me out of here!" Mary: "...I cannot hear a single thing." Mary: "Will this door reopen when everything is done? When everyone on the island has died?" Mary: "I don't want that! Jacob, Jacob..!"

Sound of the door unlocking.

Mary: "...!” Hachipochi: "Wooof!!!" Mary: "Aahh!" Hachipochi: "Ahaha! Did I scare you, Dollmaker?!" Mary: "Hachipochi?!" Hachipochi: "Ushinoko said that you'd definitely be scared!" Ushinoko: "I can see ten seconds into the future, after all." Mary: "Ushinoko! Why are the two of you here...?" Mary: "I see, so the Order of Shadows does not exterminate ghosts after all! You're all safe!" Hachipochi: "I remember, that's why we're here!" Hachipochi: "Even though we were all hiding in the chapel, the Order of Shadows came and sprayed holy water all around!" Mary: "Holy water?" Ushinoko: "It is like acid or poison to us ghosts. We'll melt if we touch it, and suffer when we smell it!" Hachipochi: "Raw garbage smells way better! Woof!" Ushinoko: "We were able to barely escape, but everyone else is still in the chapel. Jacob is there, too." Mary: "Jacob!" Ushinoko: "They'll grow weak and die if we don't save them quickly…” Mary: "What do we do?!" Ushinoko: "First we must get out of here... Though it is rather hellish outside."

◆ Burning Harbor Town

Wailing voices.

Gunshots.

Screams.

Mary: "Ah, the islanders…”

The islanders disappear, attacked by the Order of Shadows.

Mary: "We must find something...something to save Jacob and the others…” Ushinoko: "If only we could find something to wash away the holy water…’ Mary: "Wash away…” The dollmaker looks at the islanders. Mary: "Ah, that's right...!!" Ushinoko "Ah, I see...! I know what you'll say ten seconds from now!" Hachipochi: "What is it, Ushinoko?! What did the dollmaker think of?!" Mary: "If we use THAT, then maybe...!"

◆ Ghost Chapel

Charles: "I've never heard of ghosts holing themselves up in a chapel before." Figaro: "It must be Sister Ghost's plan. We can burn the town, but not a chapel." Charles: "If it's a nest for ghosts, we can burn it down without guilt, can't we?" Figaro: "Don't forget we are granted God's divine protection, Charles." Charles: "You sure are faithful. Well, the ghosts inside must be weakened by now, anyway."

◆Ghost Chapel (Inside)

Bukuro: "Choking, croaking..." Sister Ghost: "Hang in there, Bukuro… Urgh." Jacob: "The scent of the holy water is filling the chapel." Bukuro: "Fly now or die now…” Sister Ghost: "No! If we leave, we all be killed by the Order of Shadows!" Sister Ghost: "Ushinoko and Hachipochi will come save us, I'm sure! Mary will come as well! Let's believe in them and hang in there!" Sister Ghost: "Ah, but... I am losing consciousness…” Jacob: "Me, too... My mind is beginning to fade." Jacob: "Will I never see Mary again?" Jacob: "If I can at least apologize to her…” Jacob: "I want to... hug her again…” Jacob: "Mary…”

◆Ghost Chapel

Figaro: "...it's about time." Charles: "Time for cleanup duty!" Mary: "Stop!"

The dollmaker appears, holding a bucket.

Charles: "The dollmaker?! Why is she here...?" Figaro: "…..She's holding a bucket?" Mary: "The ghosts saved me! That is why I'm going to save them!" Charles: "Hah! What can you even do alone?!" Mary: "Just watch! These are all the things the islanders have given me!" Figaro: "That's... No! Charles, stop!" Sound of the dollmaker throwing down sludge. Charles: "What is this stench?! It's sickening!" Mary: "It's rotten food!" Charles: "Rotten food...?! You're pouring it everywhere!" Mary: "Even God would hold his nose and run away from this!" Mary: "…..The people from this island are all dead, so they must not know what foods are rotten and what aren't…” Mary: "All that's left is you two!"

Splashing sounds. Figaro: "Urk." Charles: "Ugh, I'm gonna vomit!" Mary: "Jacob, Jacob! You're there, aren't you?! It's me, Mary!"

◆Ghost Chapel (Inside) Jacob: "..Mary? I can hear Mary's voice…” Bukuro: "Mary's gotten something rotten." Sister Ghost: "The smell of the holy water's weakening…” Mary: "Jacob, Jacob! You have to escape from here! Come outside, hurry!" Jacob: "...Mary! Mary!" Charles: "Hah! The entrance to the chapel's barricaded with holy wood!" Figaro: "Even if the effect from the holy water is gone, the ghosts can't open it..." Jacob: "Aaaagggggh!"

◆Ghost Chapel

Sound of a wall breaking.

Ushinoko: "Jacob! I didn't imagine you'd break through the chapel wall!" Charles: "Are you serious...?!" Figaro: "...What strength." Jacob: "Mary!" Mary: "Jacob!" Jacob: "Mary, Mary!" Jacob: "I'm sorry, Mary, ..." Mary: "My precious doll. Let us rejoice in seeing each other again!" Jacob: "Yes…! Mary, you stink!" Mary: "This is a gift from the islanders." Charles: "..Damn it! What 'precious doll'..?" Charles: "Listen, Dollmaker! His face is Quoran's, his eyes, Cumero's! His feet are Ozarki's and his hands are Rinzei's!" Charles: "His heart is of a Kariudo… all friends of ours!" Charles: "To sew all of those together and make them into a doll! You disgusting zombie, I'll purify you first!"

Sound of a gun cocking.

Hachipochi: "Grrrr... Woof, woof, woof, woooof!!! Charles: "Agh!" Figaro: "Wh-What a loud sound...!" Charles: "It's like my eardrums are bursting! This dog of a ghost! I'lI blow your brains out!" Hachipochi: "Dog?! Did you just call me a dog?!" Hachipochi: "Yes! Finally, someone said I'm a dog!" Mary: "Hachipochi!" Hachipochi: "Oh, that's right. Now's not the time for this!" Mary: "Everyone, run away!"

*Dance

"Hallelujah Shout the name of God, My Friend~"

Sounds of running footsteps. Figaro: "Urk... After them, Charles!" Charles: "Right!"

◆Forest

Mary: "Hahh, hahh."

Sound of a gunshot. Jacob: "...They're already right over there!" Sister Ghost: "They'll catch up to us at this rate! Oh, God!" Bukuro: "Gunning for us, running toward us." Ushinoko: "My prediction for ten seconds from now! They'll shout in voices as loud as Hachipochi's!" Mary: "Ushinoko?!" Ushinoko: "In ten seconds, the two of them will fall into a hole I dug!" Charles: "A hole?!" Figaro: "...Charles, wait a second!" Charles: "Damn it! Where is that hole…” Ushinoko: "Now then, go!" Hachipochi: "Ushinoko, when did you have time to dig a hole?!" Sister Ghost: "Would it not have been better to simply say nothing and let them fall in...?!" Ushinoko: "Heh heh, listen very, very closely!" Ushinoko: "It takes less time to tell a lie!" Jacob: "So there isn't a hole!" Mary: "I guess ten seconds into the future isn't all you can see!"

Everyone runs off together.

(10) Head to the Ocean

◆Burning Harbor Town

Dolls strewn about.

Mary: "...”

The dollmaker gazes at the dolls left behind.

Mary: "So they were all ghosts.” Ushinoko: "They all thought of themselves as human, unlike the rest of us." Ushinoko: "It was what they wanted to believe." Mary: "I see. Indeed..." Hachipochi: "Ushinoko, what are we gonna do now?" Bukuro: "We're not covered, we'll be discovered." Ushinoko: "You've just given me an idea. Come, this way!"

◆Port

Mary: "The port?"

Sound of a gunshot.

Hachipochi: "Ah! I felt a bullet graze my fur!" Charles: "This game of tag is over!" Mary: "Charles." Figaro: "We'd like to return to our country quickly." Mary: "Figaro…” Bukuro: "Sought us so fast, caught us at last." Figaro: "...Charles. Aim for the dollmaker." Mary: "...!” Jacob: "Why?! Mary isn't a ghost, she's human!" Figaro: "She's a sinner who has done the work of the devil and desecrated the dead." Figaro: "There's no point in bringing her back to our country just to punish her there." Charles: "You heard him. I happen to agree." Mary: "Figaro, Charles…” Mary: "Even now, I see you both as my friends..." Charles: "That's nice." Figaro: "But farewell all the same." Bukuro: "…Look out!" Charles: "Agh, what are you doing?! Let go!" Mary: "Bukuro?!" Bukuro: "Run away, run away!" Mary: "Bukuro, what are you…” Bukuro: "Run awaaaaaay!" Mary: "Bukuro…!” Charles: "St-Stoppp!"

Sound of them hitting the ocean water.

Charles dies.

Figaro: "Charrrrrles!" Mary: "Bukuro pulled Charles down into the ocean…” Ushinoko: "Urk... Everyone, hurry onto the ship…” Figaro: "Charles... Charles..." Figaro: "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh!" Jacob: "...Mary, look out!" Mary: "…..Urk!"

Jacob saves the dollmaker.

Figaro "How could you... Charles... I won't forgive you... I’ll never forgive you…” Figaro: "I'II kill you... I'll kill all of yoouuu!!!" Ushinoko: "Sister Ghost, get back!!" Sister Ghost: "Eeek!" Hachipochi: "Look out!" Hachipochi grabs Sister Ghost and dodges the attack. Hachipochi: "Ah, did my ear get cut?!" Figaro: "I'II kill you... I'll kill you.. I'll kill you...!" Ushinoko: "We can't get closer to the ship with him waving his sword around like that...!" Mary: "Figaro…” Figaro: "Don't speak my name with that filthy voice of yours!" Figaro: "Everything would have ended without any problems if it weren't for you...!" Figaro: "Yeah, that's it...Dollmaker... It's you. It's your fault... It's your fault Charles died!!!" Jacob: "Mary!" Mary: "Stay away, Jacob!" Figaro: "Dieeeee!!" Mary: "...”

A large number of dolls jump out and grab onto Figaro. Figaro: "...Urk!! Wh-What?!" Mary: "Dolls...?" Jacob: "Mary, these are…” Doll: "Mommy." Doll: "Mommy, mommy." Jacob: "The dolls Mary made…” Doll: "Mommy, mommy.” Doll: "Mommy, mommy."

Ushinoko: "More and more are gathering together...!"

Figaro: "Not just the pile of corpses cobbled together, but even these simple dolls have souls...?!" Doll: "Mommy was so alone." Doll: "Mommy was so lonely." Doll: "But Mommy isn't alone." Doll: "We were always there with her." Doll: "Protect Mommy, let Mommy run away." Doll: "Protect Mommy, let Mommy run away!" Mary: "Ah, ah..." Figaro: "Ugh, get off! All of you, get off…!" Ushinoko: "Now's our chance! Let's go!" Ushinoko: "We need to escape the island!" Mary: "But...!" Doll: "Protect Mommy, let Mommy run away." Doll: "Let Mommy run away. Please Mommy, run away." Mary: "My dears…” Jacob: "Mary!"

Jacob grabs hold of the dollmaker. Jacob: "Let's escape!" Mary: "Urgh, uurrrrghh..." Mary: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry... Thank you all!" Figaro: "Urgh! Get off... Get off!!" Doll: "Protect Mommy, let Mommy run away." Doll: "Protect Mommy, let Mommy run away." Figaro: "Aaaaaaaaaaagh!"

The dolls overtake Figaro completely.

(11) On the Boat

◆Ship

Hachipochi: "Ushinoko, this ship makes my head spin! Woof!" Sister Ghost: "Holy Bibles, holy water, holy weapons...! There are so many things stored here that ghosts hate!" Ushinoko: "Not to worry! We have a powerful ally with us. Mary the human, throw them all away please!" Mary: "This is the first time I've been so happy to be a human!" Mary: "...” Mary: "Figaro and Charles mentioned before that the world was so big." Mary: "There is surely an island where I can be happy. To experience joys I cannot fathom." Mary: "I'm sure they only said that to win my favor..." Mary: "But I want to believe in those words. They were the first human friends I had ever made." Jacob: "Right. I'm sure that joy and happiness await. Beyond all our dreams." Mary: "...Yes, that's true. I'm sure that's true!" Mary: "All right, I'II throw everything we don't need into the ocean!" Mary: "First, these heavy books! Next, these glittering candlesticks!"

Sounds of splashes as they hit the ocean. Bukuro: "...Items pricey! Water spicy!" Mary: "...?!" Jacob: "That voice... Ah, look!" Hachipochi: "There's something that looks like trash floating in the ocean!" Ushinoko: "Oh, wait! In ten seconds we'll all be a whirl of joy after noticing what that trash is!" Mary: "Bukuro... It's Bukuro!!" Hachipochi: "He's okay! That's amazing, woooof!" Sister Ghost: "Oh, what a miracle! Thank you, God!" Mary: "We can't wait ten seconds! Let's pull him up!" Jacob: "Right!"

◆ Harbor

Charles appears, soaked to the bone. Charles: "Agh... To think our ship would become a ghost ship!" Figaro: "Looks like we'll have to wait here on the island for another rescue crew." Charles: "Still, looks like we survived by a hair." Figaro: "I didn't know what would happen for a moment there." Figaro: "...By the way, Charles. You look pretty terrible." Figaro: "That pale face of yours, is like a flying fish that can't fly." Charles: "You're one to talk, Figaro. Your skin is as pale as a fish's belly!"

◆Ship

Sounds of waves.

Ushinoko: "Another party today, a ghost party!" Hachipochi: "We are ghosts! Undead ghosts!" Sister Ghost: "We lived in a wonderful chapel." Hachipochi: "We are ghosts! One of us, a human!" Bukuro: "Friends together, fun forever." Jacob: "Whether you're a ghost or human doesn't matter!" Mary: "Another party today, a party for all of us!" Jacob: "To where the sea wind whispers us to go." Mary: "Until we reach the end of the world!"

*Song

"!!!Ghost Party!!!"

The End

#jack jeanne #stage script #mary jane #reference #my posts #happy spooky month

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mod-a-day · 1 year

Audio

Benoît Charcosset (MaF) "Basket Island Menu IV" Basket Island (1997, unreleased) Cocoon Soft.

#music #tracked music #module music #ProTracker #MOD #Benoit Charcosset #MaF #menu #Basket Island #1997 #unreleased #Cocoon Soft #video game music

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rumbelleshowdown · 1 year

Text

Author: Rose Daughter

Prompts: Every day. Monster, fear, cold sweat. Celebrity.

Group: B

Tomorrow

“You’re late, dearie.”

Belle jolts, whirling around, her feet skidding on the shelf of wet rock. She manages to keep her balance, wobbling on the edge of the crystalline pool. Two dark eyes bob above the water, sharp and observant, unsympathetic to her flailing.

“I’ve told you not to sneak up on me like that,” she huffs.

The creature lifts further out of the water, looking menacing with his mane of matted curls hanging in his face. Then, he shakes his head like a wet dog and grins.

“Your lack of spa-cial aware-ness has naught to do with me.”

The words are stodgy in his mouth, so he pronounces them slowly. These were acquired from the book she read aloud to him yesterday. Rumple’s mind was a funny wee lagoon; when she cast new words into it, they usually resurfaced as ammunition to tease her.

He slithers to the pool’s edge, moving through the water like an eel. He props his elbows up on the rocks.

“You’re late,” he says again.

“How can you even tell?”

His crocodilian eyes shift to a silver pocket watch that dangles from a knobbly finger of overhanging rock. It looks suspiciously like the one that used to hang from a fob on Jefferson’s waistcoat.

Belle’s lips press into a thin line. “Yes, well, it’s becoming quite tricky to leave my house without being badgered about another ‘recovery mission’. I think I might need to start charging for my services. You’re becoming too…popular in the village.”

Notorious is a more appropriate term, but she knows he would enjoy that label far too much.

It is not uncommon to see Finfolk off the coast of the Orkney Islands. It is, however, unheard of to catch more than a glimpse of talon and tail as they steal a fish off the end of your line. They don’t linger near the shore. And they certainly don’t take up residence in a grotto at the base of the headland, transforming the limestone ledges into a personal museum of pilfered trinkets.

“I hear you’ve been tipping rowboats again,” she says.

“Shouldn’t have rowed so close to the cave,” he trills, “Def-ini-tely shouldn’t have been out on the water if you don’t know how to swim.”

Rumple’s behavior has elevated him from overgrown sardine to local celebrity; a spectacle at the best of times and a menace at the worst. And when Belle’s routine visits to the grotto became public knowledge, the villagers thrust a title upon her as well. Hostage negotiator.

She scans the cave, searching for possible new additions to his hoard. She feels like she’s playing one of those ‘spot the difference’ games they print on children’s menus. Ah, there. Coiled around a stalagmite is a heart-shaped locket, its ruby pendant winking in the reflection of the pool.

“You know, Miss Lucas used to have a necklace just like that. She took it off to swim one afternoon and, by the time she’d paddled back to the docks, it had vanished.”

“Extra-ordin-ary coincidence.” His expression might have looked innocent on a small boy or a puppy, but it only succeeds in making him look all the more devilish.

Belle shakes her head and bends down to unravel the locket. She pockets it, ignoring his cry of protest.

“And I’m going to need the tackle box you nicked from Marco’s boat.”

He scowls up at her. She can just imagine his tail flicking with irritation. He must have known she’d come asking for that particular prize, as he’d stashed it beneath the water rather than displaying it above.

“What if I trade you for it?” she offers.

His gaze darts to the basket cradled in the crook of her arm. His furrowed brow gives a faint twitch, his resolve instantly weakening. Hook. Line. Sinker.

With a profane grumble, he ducks back under the water. His vocabulary has been increasing in color ever since he started spying on the sailors at the docks.

Belle watches him disappear into the deep as she sits down at the pool’s edge and begins unlacing her boots. She has learned the hard way that heels have rubbish traction.

Some say that jewelry and fishing gear aren’t all that the Fin like to steal. The villagers tell tales of those that have been ferried away to a kingdom beneath the waves. The legends serve as requiems for the men and women who were dragged to the depths and eternally imprisoned in unlawful marriages to the Fins that snatched them. Belle thinks that’s nonsense. The Finfolk detest humans and – typically – want as little to do with them as possible. It would be like kidnapping a cockroach from the gutter to keep as a pet.

Still, the superstition persists. Even when begging her to rescue his tackle box from the sea beast’s lair, Marco had cautioned, “Be careful, girl. He’ll steal you too, if he gets the chance.”

Belle dips her toes into the cool water. Marco’s words echo in her mind as she feels a clawed hand latch onto her ankle. Her scream bounces off the cave walls. Rumple’s head breaches the water’s surface again, eyes glinting with wicked glee.

“…for…for god’s sake, Rumple,” she gasps, pressing her hand over her chest, trying to work her heart out of her throat.

He laughs, baring two rows of razor-sharp teeth. She’s reminded of what a terror he must be to unsuspecting fishermen.

His grin wanes when it comes time to surrender his treasure. Rumple reluctantly hands over the tackle box, looking so forlorn that she almost regrets taking it from him. She knows how enamored he is with the little lures and bobbers.

He plants both hands on the rock and, lean muscles straining, heaves himself up onto the rim beside her. His tail hits the stone with a wet slap.

No artist has ever truly rendered the ethereal beauty of a Fin. They refuse to be pinned to a canvas and captured in a frame. There is no shade of paint that can reproduce the exact green-gold color of their tails, nor their iridescent quality in the sunlight. Belle’s eyes follow the scales up his body to where they become a smattering over his belly, just about where most human men have a trail of fine hair.

Aware of where her eyes are fixed, Rumple reaches for the basket with both hands like an impatient child. Her reflexes are a tad quicker and she slides it out of reach.

“No. Don’t grab. It’s not polite.”

He gives her a rude gesture – something else he undoubtedly picked up from the sailors. The effect is somewhat less potent with his webbed fingers.

After the thermos of hot chocolate had gone down so well last week, Belle suspects his serrated teeth might be quite sweet. She produces a small bundle from the basket, unwrapping the gingham handkerchief to reveal a crumbly stack of homemade shortbread. Rumple peers at it, captivated as the scent of honey and coriander hits his nose.

“Dry your hands first or it’ll go all mushy.”

Rumple does dry his hands; not on the handkerchief, but on her jumper, his talons snagging the woolen yellow fibers on her sleeve. He swipes a wedge before she can delay him any longer.

He takes a small, suspicious bite. She can tell the exact moment that the butter-rich biscuit dissolves on his tongue. His eyes go wide and he looks to her with such childlike delight, it makes her heart beat wildly against her rib cage.

“There are otters up the coastline. They have pups,” he says suddenly, as though trying to bolster his half of the trade. “I’ll take you to see them.”

“I’m not dressed for swimming.”

He rolls his eyes. That isn’t something he learned from the sailors. That is something he adopted from her.

“You can’t get these clothes wet, but you can put on different clothes speci-fic-ally to get wet?”

He wrinkles his nose indignantly. His derisive ‘urgh, humans’ is unspoken, but is heard all the same.

“I’ll wear something suitable tomorrow. You can bring me then.”

Tomorrow. He loves that word more than anything.

His sullen expression melts away. He leans in expectantly. Now, this is special. This is something he taught her. Belle meets him halfway, resting her forehead against his. His crooked nose presses into her cheek, their faces slotting together like two puzzle pieces. They stare at one another for a long, quiet moment. His lips twist into a lopsided smile and he pulls back.

That means, ‘I’m happy’. It means, ‘thank you’.

It means, ‘love you’.

Rumple’s tail thumps the rock again, splashing water over her legs, the droplets clinging to her calves like a sheen of cold sweat. She watches him examine a second piece of shortbread like it’s made of solid gold.

‘Yes, tomorrow’, Belle thinks, smiling down at where his fin grazes her ankles.

‘Perhaps he’ll steal me tomorrow.’

#rumbelle showdown #round one #rumbelle fic #rose daughter

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docholligay · 2 years

Text

Palentine’s: Haruka and Mina, eating from each other’s plates

“So what I’m saying is,” Mina stuffed her mouth full, “I think we should broaden our borders and horizons and all that.”

“So, like, go to America?” Haruka thought for a moment, and then smiled as she picked up her fork, “I mean, I like America. If there’s whatever the hell they call senshi over there, why not?”

Mina shook her head. ‘I don’t know if there is, anywhere else. I mean, it seems stupid that the entire globe exists and the Moon only dropped us on an island country of less than 400,000 square kilometers, but maybe there’s a homing beacon, I don’t know. Anyway,” she plucked a tater tot off Haruka’s plate, “I don’t just mean soldiers like us. There’s people who can fight all over, and with things going how they are, it might not be a bad idea. I’ve always wanted to go back to London.”

Haruka leaned back and took a drink of her beer. “I don’t like London.”

Mina rolled her eyes. “That’s because Squidward--”

“Don’t call her that, Mina.”

“Oh excuse the hell out of me,” She took another tater tot, “Miss Kaioh, there, you happy? Only takes you to places with the absolute worst people the entire country has to offer. I promise there’s plenty of normal-ass people in London.”

Haruka scratched her head. “I guess we have to talk it over with Usagi.”

Another tater tot, and Haruka lightly smacked Mina’s hand. “Those are mine!”

“Oh what, are we not friends now?” Mina put an aggrieved hand on her chest. “I didn’t know that you were so in need of some deep fried food, you deprived creature.”

Haruka reached over for one of Mina’s fries, and Mina dove at it like a very determined seagull, biting it out of Haruka’s hand.

“Oh okay, so--”

“Haruka,” she swallowed the fry, “You have an unimaginably rich wife. I, on the other hand, am a struggling working girl, who makes her own way in the world, ekeing out an--”

“I’m paying for dinner!” Haruka laughed. “I always pay for dinner!”

Mina flagged down the waitress. “I don’t see what that has to do with anything. I’m getting another pitcher.”

It was strange, sometimes, for Mina to think about when they’d first met. Even more than that, when they’d truly been thrown together. How she couldn’t stand Haruka, how she thought she was a self-pitying, dramatic, mess of a human being who was just trying to trip into her own destruction.

And, okay, that wasn’t wrong, exactly. Mina was a good read of people, even without the Gift, and Haruka wasn’t exactly hard to figure out. The trick was that Haruka could be other things as well: Generous, brave, tender when she let herself be. It was a good reminder to Mina that though stripping people down to their base elements helped for snap decisions, the real tricks lived in the complication.

“Can we get a plate of kaarage too?” Haruka tossed the menu back down on the table.

“Ruka?” Mina leaned back for a moment, “What’d you think of me when we were first living together?”

Haruka shrugged. ‘I didn’t, really. I had a lot going on. It was a place to sleep.”

Mina took a fry off her own plate, swirled it in mayyo and contemplatively bit into it. “You broke up with your girlfriend, Haruka, you didn’t have a lot going on.”

“C’mon,” Haruka looked at the table, and then took a swig of her beer, “You know it was more than that.”

Well, maybe. Haruka was more things than Mina had taken her for initially, but resilient was never one of them. Still wasn’t, honestly. She put all her eggs in Michiru’s basket and never learned how to eat scrambled, so she’d ended up starving. It didn’t have to be more than that, but it was, and that was part of the bargain with Haruka. Everything took on as much meaning as she could carry.

“I thought you hated me.” She still didn’t look at Mina, poking at her burger, but she chuckled, “because you did.”

“I didn’t HATE--”

“Oh come on!” Haruka shook her head, but she smiled, “You only let me stay in your apartment because you needed a roommate and Usagi threw me at you. You couldn’t fucking stand me.”

Mina thought for a moment. What would be the point in lying to her? She hadn’t exactly hidden the fact.

“Well, I didn’t really know you, I guess. And, uh, by the way, you were being supremely annoying. So, jot that down. I’m taking another tater tot, even the memory fills me with horror.”

The pitcher and chicken were dropped, and Haruka poured another.

“I’m glad we’re friends now. I guess.”

“As long as you keep buying beer, bud.”

“Okay, you know what?” Haruka reached over and took the burger off her plate, smiled broadly, and took a big bite as Mina watched.

“Ugh!” her face pulled into a grimace. “I hate avocado.”

“Have we learned something today?” Mina grabbed Haruka’s burger and took a bite, “By the way, this bacon is great. Anyway, so as I was saying before you interrupted, I DO think you’d like London. If you went with me instead.”

“Well Michiru speaks English.”

“I speak English! I speak fucking amazing English! People mistake me for a native speaker! I did a summer exchange in London! Why does no one ever remember this? I don’t expect my actual life to lack narrative continuity.”

Haruka grinned, and took another fry.

#Doc writes #Palentine's Day

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innermuse24 · 1 year

Text

Hannibal (TV Series: The Menu AU - Fanstory: 'The Feast'

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

Summary: Will and his wife, Molly Graham-Foster, receive an invitation from the Famous Chef, Hannibal Lecter, to come to the Island of Varnas to celebrate the opening of his new restaurant "The Ravenstag" where also found out they are not the only ones who have been invited.

The reason being is Hannibal knows all their secrets they hide.

So begins a series of who is telling the truth? What is gain behind all of this and how is Will connected to the mysterious Head Chef known as Hannibal Lecter?

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Notes:

Inspired by the film trailer of the film 'The Menu' a black comedy horror, involving the actor Ralph Fiennes.

Invitation, Guest List and Menu created using Canva.

For @apastandfuturenerd , @hannibalsimago , @thewitchofstjohns and the rest of fannibals out there.

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PART 1 - The Invitation and a Link to One's Forgotten Memories'

A cold, bitter snap is hanging in the air when Will Graham comes up the Hunting Cabin path, close to the frozen lake covered in thick ice and snow closely followed by pack of dogs, carrying in both of his hands a bundle of chopped wood for the fire, while sees waiting on the cabin porch is his wife - Molly Foster-Graham - holding two mugs in her hands.

"Got some more chopped logs for the fire." Will tells her, coming up the wooden steps to head inside where he places the chopped logs close to the fireplace where a fire is gently crackling in the hearth in the log basket, while the group of dogs - except for one, a golden mongrel retriever who waits near the doorway cocking it's head to one side to watch Will doing the task - come in, heading to the various dog beds that scattered about in the dining/sitting area.

"You're such a darling, Will Graham." Molly says to him, making Will softly smile and getting up heads back outside onto the porch, stopping to bend down to greet Winston who wags his tail in delight at getting some attention from him.

"Hmm..."

Continuing to give Winston skritches and rubs, Will wonders why that word 'darling' felt so familiar to him - had someone said it to him in the past maybe.

He didn't know the answers, because most of his past memories were so fractured that when he had asked Doctors about it they had said it make a take very long time before certain memories return to him because having been diagnosed with long-term amnesia.

Whether he would ever get answers he didn't know. And even if he did would they even make sense.

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

Lying under the duvet cover of the king-size bed, Will finds for some unknown reason that he cannot sleep, so he rolls to lay on his back staring up at the wooden beamed cieling wondering what had woken him up.

Had it been the strange dream again that he continued on having about a strange, mysterious creature with the body of a large stag and raven feathers covering every inch of it's body padding through a forest of tall needle-shaped trees, the autumn leaves having already fallen off them crunching under Will's bare feet and the distant sound of ravens cawing as they flew overhead in the white sky above.

Hearing Molly shifting beside him, he realises he must have woken her up so goes to turn his face to say something only notices she is checking her phone for the time - because of being small-time vet, his wife had early shifts so doubt she was checking to see if there any messages about her upcoming shift - then mutters something under her breath, before pulling her side of the duvet cover back to slip out of bed.

She says nothing, instead heads out to the bathroom leaving Will deciding he needs to make a hot cup of coffee so sliding out of the bed, picking up his threadbare night-gown to wrap around himself - one which Molly said that at some point he would gave to throw out and get a new one - and heads downstairs to the kitchen area in the dining/sitting area about to flick on the small kitchen lamp when something like paper being shoved under the door makes him look up seeing briefly the shadow of figure disappearing of the porch.

The strange thing was that the dogs hadn't barked when it had been slid under the gap of the cabin door, so heading over bends down to pick it up seeing when he turns it over his and Molly's name written in ornate script.

Who would be writing to them?

There was no-one he really knew that would write a letter to them like this?

Most of Molly's friends emailed or sent postcards or parcels, but never a letter with ornate script on it.

Puzzled by it, Will gets back up with it in his hand at the sametime Molly is coming downstairs towelling her damp hair dry with a small towel then stills at the sight of him holding the letter.

"What is it? Has someone sent us a letter or something?" She asks him, heading over to put the kitchen light on so can see what she is doing and placing the letter on the kitchen counter for her to see, Will decides to light the fire in the hearth to warm up the dining/sitting area.

"I don't know. Do you recognise the handwriting?" He replies, asking her whether it was familiar seeing how briefly she almost seems to recognise it - whether it been a trick in the dimmed kitchen light that her eyes had widened with shock and fear - before shaking her head at him.

"No. Can't say I recognise it, Will."

Accepting the answer for now, Will begins to build up the fire listening to steady whistling of the boiling of the kettle, the clinking of mugs being taken out of the cupboard and the dogs shifting in their sleep in the dog beds before settling back down again.

"I see you later, alright. Don't forget to pick up Wally from his friend's house."

"What was the address again?"

"You forgotten?!"

"I....No....I mean...Yes...but..."

"Oh, Will. Here's the address. I'll see you later, alright!!!"

Sitting in the armchair close to the fireplace, Will once more looks at the letter which is his wife, Molly had said she didn't recognise the handwriting - but yet why would her eyes show fear and shock at the sight of it? Why had she lied to him? - then slitting the letter open, sees lying within is an invitation card, a guest list and a menu - well if one could really call it that it was more drawings of food representing what might be on it.

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

Looking at this, he finds himself complementing who would be sending this to him and Molly.

Why were they both being invited to the opening of restaurant he had never heard of?

And just, who was this mysterious Head Chef called Hannibal Lecter and why did the name sound so familiar to him - like in his forgotten past maybe had known this person?

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

Notes:

Flashback in italics

Reference in the flashback Hannibal experiencing an illness which still affects him

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PART 2 - ' A Memory of a Past of One's Lover and Introduction to the Chef' (1 of 2)

A figure walks calmly on a long stretch of beach, listening quietly to the waves going back and forth across the sand and pebbles combined on the beach before reaches the sand-dunes covered by the swaying sea-grass where at the top of one of them a man sits on a wooden bench made from some driftwood busy sketching the view in front of them.

"Hannibal, there you are. Abigail called to say that she will be able to travel on Wednesday to visit us."

Turning his head, Hannibal Lecter - famous chef, once known for hosting amazing dinner parties at his Baltimore, Maryland Restaurant before a fateful incident had made him take a hiatus to head to the Island of Varnas - looks at his fiancé-to-be.

Placing the pencil down in the margin of the sketchpad, he closes it to place to one side out the way before shifting on the driftwood bench to allow Will to sit down beside him.

"Are you alright?" Will asks him, taking hold of both his hands to rub some warmth with Hannibal weakly smiling that is fiancé-to-be is concerned about his health.

"I'm fine, Myilamis, just...." Hannibal replies, indicating his heart then fisting his hand into his coat to indicate gripping pain.

"You're heart has been troubling you, Should I book another appointment with the mainland Doctor?"

Lifting his head having it lowered it to look at the special wedding ring he had chosen for Will on his fiancé-to-be finger, he goes to shake his head in reply when a cough rising up makes him place a hand to his mouth where the coughing becomes more heavier feeling something more than spit cover his hand.

Shakily pulling it back, he sees that crimson petals cover it completely before another bout of coughing happens, distantly hearing Will shouting for Chiyoh - who have been watching them from the cabin attached to the new restaurant being built - to get the boat ready and that they are taking Hannibal to the Hospital on the mainland immediately.

"Will....wait..." Hannibal tries to say, only to collapse against Will's chest as blackness sweeps into his vision covering it completely, while he swears he can hear raven cawing in the far distance before remembers nothing thereafter.

Shooting his eyes open, Hannibal Lecter, reaches a hand up to pull the plastic oxygen mask steadily supplying him with fresh oxygen so his lungs didn't fail on him off before sitting up trembling heavily.

Why had his mind made him experience such cruel memory?

His darling Myilamis was gone, buried six foot under close to their favourite viewing point on the Island of Varnas.

So, why?

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#Hannibal #Fanfic #hannibal/will #Emotional Angst alert #WIP mode #Slow-burn #will graham #hannibal lecter #nbc hannibal #hannigram #Canva used to create the cards #Do not copy and repost to another site #Other additional tags to be added #Inspired by the upcoming trailer for the film 'The Menu'#Hannibal Fic AU Collection (1 of ?)

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cityofdreamsrp · 2 years

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YOU’RE INVITED TO THE ONE LOVE PARTY!

“LET’S GET TOGETHER AND FEEL ALRIGHT.”

When: Final night, November 30th, 2022 - all night!

Where: Sandals Resort at Jamaica’s largest exclusive beach

Join us for a night of mingling and celebrating tradition and culture. The vibe that comes alive in Jamaica - enjoy a state of mind only Jamaica can deliver! Somewhere between the vibrant energy of the culture and the warm tranquility of the island is where the magic happens. The pull of the alluring island is far more than sparkling blue waters and incredible mountainous terrain. The food is tantalizing and the weather is perfect, but it’s the charm of the people who will keep you coming back for more. The famous words of Bob Marley, “every little thing is gonna be alright” is a lifestyle they embody. No matter what hardships may hide beneath the surface: find a way to smile, dance, and be merry as you go about your night. ( x )

PARTY FEATURES BELOW:

Party enjoying world class cuisine!

Jamaican food is a feast for the taste buds. Delicious seasonal fruits bursting with flavor, deep earthy spices and a melting pot of culinary traditions, it is a foodie's escape. Have a taste of what makes their cuisine internationally recognized at fine dining restaurants at the resort, as well as corner shops, jerk shacks, and fruit stands across the beach. We'll treat you to exotic foods you've never heard of but will remember for a lifetime.

Menu includes: jerk chicken, authentic flaky Jamaican patties, ackee and saltfish, steamed fish, Jamaican curry chicken, pepper pot soup, oxtail stew, curried stew, Jamaican chickpea curry, jerk grilled eggplant, fried plantains, Jamaican rice and peas, Caribbean style corn on the cob, Jamaican fried dumplings, callaloo, stamp and go, coco bread, rum cake, breadfruit, sweet potato pudding, blue mountain coffee, ginger beer, hot chocolate tea, Jamaican rum, sorrel, and more!

Bonfire story telling!

Sit around the fire pit and mingle... and entertain! Oral tradition has a long history in Jamaica, beginning with the folktales told by Jamaican people. Storytelling is one of the oldest forms of communication and is an essential part of the history of Jamaican society. The art of storytelling has served to convey vital knowledge and information through generations. Sit with groups of your fellow celebrities and take turns sharing fact or fiction.

Dance the night away!

The Jamaicans love to express themselves through their music and to celebrate with dance. The most popular form of Jamaican music is reggae. Reggae has a laid back sound that has become popular worldwide. Music is the heartbeat of Jamaica! Throughout the party, discover trademark Reggae, dancehall, jam to the island beat, or just let loose to your own rhythm. Looking for the dance floor? Learn and battle out different traditional dances. Looking to relax? Lay in a hammock and enjoy the soothing sounds.

And create!

The tradition of graphic arts began with indigenous Taino sculpting and pottery and has continued with the evolution of the African tradition. Jamaica has a long tradition of pottery, including items used in everyday domestic life, which are referred to as yabba. There is a West African tradition of basket and straw mat weaving, seashell art, bead making, embroidery, sewing, and wood carving. At the party, you can find tables to practice each art. Enjoy lessons right from the beach and bring home a souvenir from your last night in Montego Bay.

#cityofdreamsevent #codgoestojamaica #food tw #fire tw

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telomeke-bbs · 2 years

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BAD BUDDY FILMING LOCATIONS 6

This post continues my five previous ones (linked here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 and Part 5) on filming locations for Bad Buddy. This instalment is loosely about F&B and commercial locations.

One of the filming locations I had thought would be impossible to find was the wonton noodle stall, because it looked so much like an authentic street vendor set-up (and if that were true, looking for it would really have been a haystack-needle quest given that there are more than half a million street vendors in Bangkok, according to this article linked here).

(top) Ep.10 [3I4] 11.50; (bottom) Ep.5 [1I4] 9.20

I thought they had commandeered an actual stall because the attention to detail was just insane:

There's steam rising off that stove (see Ep.5 [1I4] 9.20);

That white Suzuki van is all kitted out with lanterns, Chinese decorations and branding stickers;

There are condiment bottles in baskets on every table and at the ordering counter too;

There is a large menu board that not only has dishes, prices and photos of what's on sale – they also canceled out two items to make it look like they're no longer available (which happens all the time in real life – when something is sold out/not saleable and is removed from the menu).

But I should have known better – because it's all artifice. The wonton loong is also an actor (he was the ice-cream vendor in My Engineer, and can be seen in that series on YouTube at Ep.7 [3I4] 0.16) and the whole stall was set up at the open forecourt of Building 7 (the RSU Library) at Rangsit University (RSU).

The following image of RSU Building 7's forecourt is from Google Street View:

These are the corroborating details in Bad Buddy, with reference to the image above:

The pink RSU Building 7 sign can be seen at Ep.7 [3I4] 3.56, Ep.7 [3I4] 4.47 and Ep.10 [3I4] 11.50;

At the far left you can see the white picket fence palings that are visible behind Ink at Ep.7 [3I4] 5.10;

The little frangipani tree in a dragon urn with a rusted white-frame impact guard all around it (between the tree on the left and the pink RSU Building 7 sign) can also be seen at Ep.7 [3I4] 3.56, Ep.7 [3I4] 4.47 and Ep.7 [3I4] 4.52;

The red-brown ramp with black railings, as well as the banana trees to the right, can be seen in BBS at Ep.3 [1I4] 6.10 and Ep.5 [1I4] 9.51;

The distinctive black and white rainwater spouts at the parapet above the round columns of the white single-story block can be seen behind the vendor van at Ep.3 [1I4] 6.08 and Ep.5 [1I4] 9.06.

Opposite the RSU Library is Building 11:

(above) This image of RSU Building 11 is from Google Street View

RSU Building 11 can also be seen in the background of some scenes at the wonton noodle stall. The following are some more corroborating details in BBS:

The poster on the left (with the slogan "Let's Go Global") is just visible at Ep.7 [3I4] 3.56 and Ep.10 [3I4] 11.50;

The glass façade with its spider clamps, as well as these elements behind it – the wide, white staircase, the round metal-clad column flanked by flags of different countries (Japan, India, USA, Canada, Brunei, Turkey, Indonesia, and Bangladesh) – are visible in BBS at Ep.7 [3I4] 3.56, Ep.7 [3I4] 4.47 and Ep.10 [3I4] 11.50.

For some reason, when I saw this building in BBS it looked like a car dealership to me, and that led me further astray in the hunt to track the location down. 🤷‍♂️ But it was RSU Library's pink signboard that finally pointed me in the right direction.

Although the wonton noodle stall wasn't a real one, the next few locations are actual F&B/commercial establishments. A number of these were easy to find because they're acknowledged in the closing credits, and the buildings they are in were also used as establishing shots – these buildings are The Promenade Mall (587,589 589/7-9 Ram Inthra Road, Khan Na Yao, Bangkok 10230, Thailand) and Fashion Island Mall (Ram Inthra Road, Khan Na Yao, Bangkok 10230, Thailand):

(top) The Promenade (Ep.8 [2/4] 0.17); (bottom) Fashion Island (Ep.10 [3I4] 17.53)

The Promenade and Fashion Island are connected by a covered skybridge that crosses the road separating them – it's really a corridor in the sky and brings the two together into one giant shopping destination.

(above) The corridor in the sky connecting Fashion Island and The Promenade (image from Google Street View off Google Maps)

A must-see location here is the dessert café where Pat had his disaster date with Ink, and it is in reality Gram Café and Pancakes on Level 2 of The Promenade:

(above) This image is from The Promenade's website (linked here) and is a match for Ep.5 [2/4] 1.42 (InkPat's disaster date), Ep.5 [2/4] 5.04 (Ink feeding Pa in front of the sign that says "I DON'T HAVE TO TELL YOU I LOVE YOU – I FED YOU PANCAKE") and Ep.5 [2/4] 9.46 (Pran catching sight of Ink and Pat at the café)

(above) Ep.5 [2/4] 5.03

Even if you're not a Bad Buddy fan, the fluffy pancakes served in this Japanese chain are legendary and should soothe any dessert-hungry traveler (Gram is so popular it now has outlets all across Southeast Asia and in Australia as well).

The other F&B establishment at The Promenade that was also featured in BBS is Shuushabu, and it was the locale for Ink and Pa's clumsy shabu-shabu meal (starting at Ep.8 [2/4] 0.21), as well as the setting for Pat's dream date with Pran coming true (at Ep.10 [3I4] 17.57 – which was the realization of the wish he made at Ep.8 [2/4] 3.39: "I want to go out and have a hot pot with you" 💖).

(above) This image of Shuushabu is from The Promenade's website (linked here) – Pat and Pran had the first table next to the door, right up front; Ink and Pa's table was further inside, facing the blackboard at the back

Shuushabu's Facebook (linked here) also has this: 😍

Across the bridge from The Promenade, tucked away inside the gargantuan commercial behemoth that is Fashion Island, is the one BBS shop setting here that isn't F&B – Vee Music, on Level 3 of the mall. Vee Music represented PatPran's favorite music store (seen in BBS at Ep.3 [3I4] 2.12 and Ep.5 [2/4] 5.13):

(above) This image dated 1 September 2021 is from Vee Music's Facebook (linked here); corroborating details are the framed chainlink support for the LED signage that says "Fender", the horizontal paneling on the right and left walls (beechwood on one side, pale gray on the other), the white ceiling tracklights at the front of the store, and the illuminated signboard of the Sizzler restaurant opposite, that is reflected below the "Fender" signage

(above) Ep.3 [3I4] 2.55

For a closer look around the interior of Vee Music, check out this video posted by Audy Thailand on YouTube (the signboard outside is different because the video is from three years ago, but the interior looks largely the same):

youtube

The last BBS location within the confines of Fashion Island/The Promenade isn't strictly speaking an F&B or commercial establishment, but I'm including it here because it's still mall-based. It's the corridor where PatPran had their confrontation with Ming after they shopped for groceries following their hot pot meal (Ep.10 [4/4] 0.22):

The sign that says "Momoko" (visible in the image above) was the clue to pinpointing this location on plan – it's for the Momoko Bag and Shoe Spa at Level 1 of The Promenade, meaning that this location is the walkway connecting to the car park from Main Street East, just after the corridor turnoff to the toilets:

(above) This plan graphic was adapted from The Promenade's website, linked here

The next location takes us back to Rangsit University (where the academic scenes were filmed). It's Hokkaido Coffee at the RSU Student Center:

(top) The location of Hokkaido Coffee on plan; (middle) this photo taken by วิษณุ วรรณแสวง and dated April 2019 is from Google Maps (linked here) – corroborating details are the standee (seen in BBS behind Pran at Ep.4 [1I4] 16.45) as well as the teapot sticker on the glass door (Ep.4 [1I4] 16.56); (bottom) this interior view dated 4 May 2019 is on Hokkaido Coffee's Facebook (linked here) – the mirror at the back, the Japanese-inspired mezzanine balustrading, the green text "Hokkaido Coffee" below the curved display case, and the artwork on the walls are all matching details

This is the café where Pran saw Ink buying Pat iced milk tea (Ep.4 [1I4] 16.56), where he discussed Pat's charges of gun possession with Wai, Safe and Louis (Ep.9 [4/4] 2.47), and where Ink bought dessert for Pa and her friends (Ep.10 [1I4] 16.59):

(top left) Ep.4 [1I4] 16.45; (top right) Ep.4 [1I4] 16.56; (bottom left) Ep.9 [4/4] 2.57; (bottom right) Ep.10 [1I4] 17.24

We all know that Ink's rendezvous with Pat at Hokkaido Coffee triggered Pran's memory of buying iced milk tea for Pat in high school (Ep.4 [2/4] 0.35). That flashback scene was filmed at the canteen of the Satit Bilingual School (SBS), also on Rangsit University's campus:

(above) The SBS canteen is at the first storey of this block, seen here in an image from Google Street View dated January 2022

Zooming in, you can just make out the back of the Smoothie Shake stall where teen Pran bought iced milk tea for teen Pat (although why a smoothie stall should be selling Thai iced milk tea is beyond me 😂):

(top left) Google Street View, zoomed in; (top right) this image is an old photo from the SBS Facebook (linked here) – the name of the stall is different probably because this image dates from 1 September 2012; (bottom) Ep.4 [2/4] 0.46

The staircase next to the stall is also the one that we see Pat walking up as he calls out to Pran (at Ep.4 [2/4] 0.47). Corroborating details are the vivid orange paneling and black steel framing at the stalls. I can't find a more recent image but there are a fair number of photos with other matching details on the SBS Facebook (linked here).

The university counterpart to the SBS canteen is the RSU Student Center Food Court – and this was the setting for several scenes in BBS: Ep.2 [1I4] 6.04 (Pat and Pran hustling their friend groups away from each other), Ep.3 [4/4] 2.36 (the Archi boys discussing funding to rebuild the bus stop), and Ep.10 [1I4] 13.53 (WaiKorn's wedding – see this link here for an explanation – and the post-wedding discussion about Wai's crush on Pa).

(top left) This image is extracted from a video dated May 2022 by Liu Tangyuyang on Google Maps (linked here) – the poster with a coffee cup below the counter can be seen in BBS at Ep.3 [4/4] 2.57 behind Wai, and the signboard saying "Koffee" can be glimpsed at Ep.10 [1I4] 15.17 behind Pran; (top right) Ep.10 [1I4] 16.51; (bottom left) this image is extracted from a YouTube video ("RIC" Uni Tour 2021, linked here, timestamp 5.50); (bottom right) Ep.2 [1I4] 6.06

There is one more F&B location on the RSU campus that can be seen in BBS, but I can't find corroborating images for it online – this is U Café, and it was in the background of Pat, Pran and Wai’s fight at the base of their student apartment building (Ep.5 [4/4] 1.59), as well as the scene where Pa says to Ink "Anyone taller than me is fine" (Ep.9 [2/4] 3.04).

Google Maps has some images, but they are old (dating to November 2016) and except for the U Café logo they really don't match what we see in the scene beginning at Ep.9 [2/4] 2.13.

(top left) This image of the U Café box signage is from Google Maps (linked here) and it dates from November 2016 – although the logo matches what we see in BBS, the box sign and other details don't; (top right) Ep.5 [4/4] 2.03; (bottom) Ep.9 [2/4] 3.37

Google Maps suggests that U Café is situated at the RSU Faculty of Art and Design (not the College of Engineering as I'd previously thought), but I haven't been able to find enough information to ascertain this and pinpoint a location. If anyone is visiting Rangsit University, do have a look around and let me know if you find anything! 💖

Afterpost Edit: OK, so based on some feedback from @tiistirtipii who went BBS location-spotting in Thailand (thanks dearie! 💖) and after more searching on the Internet, I'm pretty certain of where this location is. U Café is no longer there, but the location of Pat, Pran and Wai's altercation, as well as Pa's height-themed flirty come-on to Ink, is at the end of the road where Pat and Pa drop Pran off after rescuing him from being beaten up by Korn, Mo and Chang (see Ep.1 [3‌/4] 2.05):

(top) The probable location of where U Café used to be on the map; (middle) a zoomed-in screenshot from Google Street View of the location, viewed from 13°57'54.4"N 100°35'08.8"E; (bottom) a screenshot of Bad Buddy Ep.5 [4/4] 2.07 that has matching details

In the Google Street View screenshot above (apologies for the blurriness) you can just make out the air-conditioning condensers mounted between the windows above and a stretch of brick wall lower down, the dark gray doors below the café counter, and the large white uPVC rain water downpipes that bend horizontally to avoid the edge of the floor slab and enter the underground drain one step below – these are all corroborating details visible in BBS at Ep.5 [4/4] 2.07. 👍

‌

The last location for this post (that I've not previously written-up) is food retail but not dining F&B – it's the market where PatPran went shopping for ingredients during the Archi Volunteer Camp, and this was Chatchai Market in Hua Hin, along Petchkasem Road:

(above) Ep.6 [3I4] 3.19

(top) This image of Chatchai Market is from the Tourism Thailand website (linked here); (bottom) this photo of the interior, dated December 2020, was taken by Poomjit Sirawongprasert and is from Google Maps (linked here)

(above) This image is a screencap from the Behind-the-Scenes video at timestamp 0.01 (linked here) – the telephone number on the stall sign at the top left of the image is a match for the number in the image off Google Maps above, and helps to corroborate the location (it's for a dried seafood stall in the market: ร้านเข็มทองของแห้ง by โอ๋")

(top) At timestamp 0.08 in the same Behind-the-Scenes video linked above, we can see Ohm and Director Backaof waiting for Nanon outside Chatchai Market (one of its exits leads to this road – Hua Hin 72); (bottom) this image is from Google Street View at the same road (Hua Hin 72) – the shops are a match for what we see behind Ohm and Director Backaof

So aside from the above, there are actually three other F&B locations that I've already mentioned in previous write-ups. There's no point re-writing them up here, but if you're interested to read more –they're the Jae Si Curry House (actually Nabnuer Meat & Co. Steakhouse at Ek Thaksin Road in Rangsit; write-up linked here), the iced milk tea stall at Pat's faculty (write-up linked here) and the café at Pran's faculty where the Archi gang discussed Pat's gift of khanom thong yod (actually Decons Café at the RSU Faculty of Architecture Building; write-up linked here).

Whew! That's about it for this long post. 😊 But if you're wondering why I grouped all these F&B/commercial locations together in this one monster write-up, I did have a particular reason in mind.

Any BBS fans traveling to Thailand might find it fun to visit the filming locations – but for non-fans the experience could be rather boring if they hadn't watched the series.

F&B/commercial locations, however, should still be reasonably interesting (hopefully) to any dragged-along travel companions. Even if they aren't into BBS as much as we are, they might still enjoy themselves patronizing these places as customers, if not as fans. (OK, this wouldn't apply to the noodle stall location or the canteens, but you can't win 'em all. 🤷‍♂️)

Well I'm hoping this holds true anyway, and I'm also thinking of my own traveling companions in the future here. Heh. 😜💖

‌

[Afterpost Edit – here are the links to all the filming location posts:

Part 1 – The legendary rooftop, PatPran’s student apartments, their high school, the white arches behind the Engineering Canteen, the Zero Waste Village and various seaside scenes, their honeymoon suite, the hospital where Pat was treated for his gunshot graze, and the high school reunion.

Part 2 – Pat and Pran’s family homes, the Flagpole Bar, the car park fight location, and the Jae Si Curry House.

Part 3 – Various locations at and around the rugby field, including Pat’s photoshoot with Ink, the rugby bleachers, the iced milk tea (and green tea wave) picnic table, InkPa’s photography picnic, the old bus stop and the new bus stop. Also Khun Noppharnach’s pharmacy.

Part 4 – Pat’s Engineering Faculty (in and around Rangsit University’s College of Engineering).

Part 5 – Pran’s Architecture Faculty (Rangsity University’s School of Architecture).

Part 6 – Various F&B and commercial locations (eateries, shops, malls and a market).

Part 7 – Pat’s post-graduation apartment and Pran’s residence in Singapore.

Part 8 – Various campus locations filmed within Rangsit University’s Digital Multimedia Complex, including the auditorium and the Freshy Day Song Contest.

Part 9 – The LogTech Building and Pran’s architectural office in Singapore.

Part 10 – Locations for the Our Skyy 2 x Bad Buddy special episodes.

Part 11 – The apartment for rent that Pran went to view in Ep.2, the elevator scene with Pat just after the viewing, and Wai’s apartment.

Part 12 – PatPran’s elementary and high schools, as well as the location of Pa’s near-drowning.

Part 13 – Random locations (Pran searching for his lost earphones, the covered car park where Wai spied on Pat serenading Pran with Nanon's Love Score, the airport car park, the SouthTech U Library, PatPran's rainy day ointment interlude, their motorbike and truck rides in Hua Hin, the approach road to Uncle Yod's bar, the filming location for the music videos Just Friend? and Our Song, and Pran's street address in Singapore).

Will update this list if I can track down the hardware stores – the one remaining location still unidentified! 🤣]

#bad buddy filming locations #bad buddy locations #bad buddy analysis #telomeke #patpran #bad buddy f&b locations #bad buddy commercial locations

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