#COMMENCING BATTLE「ic」

[uss-edsall]

Like every other person on that flight, he was desperate to live, which makes his final act so stunning. For at some moment in the water he must have realized that he would not live if he continued to hand over the rope and ring to others. He had to know it, no matter how gradual the effect of the cold. In his judgment he had no choice. When the helicopter took off with what was to be the last survivor, he watched everything in the world move away from him, and he deliberately let it happen. Yet there was something else about the man that kept our thoughts on him, and which keeps our thoughts on him still. He was there, in the essential, classic circumstance. Man in nature. The man in the water. For its part, nature cared nothing about the five passengers. Our man, on the other hand, cared totally. So the timeless battle commenced in the Potomac. For as long as that man could last, they went at each other, nature and man; the one making no distinctions of good and evil, acting on no principles, offering no lifelines; the other acting wholly on distinctions, principles and, one supposes, on faith. Since it was he who lost the fight, we ought to come again to the conclusion that people are powerless in the world. In reality, we believe the reverse. . . The odd thing is that we do not even really believe that the man in the water lost his fight. “Everything in Nature contains all the powers of Nature,” said Emerson. Exactly. So the man in the water had his own natural powers. He could not make ice storms, or freeze the water until it froze the blood. But he could hand life over to a stranger, and that is a power of nature too. The man in the water pitted himself against an implacable, impersonal enemy; he fought it with charity; and he held it to a standoff. He was the best we can do.

Written for Time Magazine in the wake of the crash of Air Florida Flight 90, 13 January, 1982. It eulogises the then-unknown Arland D. Williams, Jr., who sacrificed his life to save the other five survivors of the crash.

[strawb4kdior]

Chapter Two: Rivals, Exes, and Secrets

parings: Vi x British Fem!reader

summary: and so the battle commenced, between classes and social life and even a peek into personal life - you become more frustrated while fighting about "rivals, exes and secrets"

a/n: hihihi gorgeous ppl - here's part 2 sorry it's a lil late!!! love you all so much 🩵🩵🩵

< part 1 part 3 >

~

Vi was a nightmare.

Not just because she was loud and insufferable. Not just because she insisted on mocking your accent every time you so much as opened your mouth. No—she was a nightmare because she was smart.

And that was a problem.

Because you were smart. Top of your class, highly disciplined, raised to believe that excellence was the bare minimum. You prided yourself on always being the best, always knowing the answer, always outshining everyone else.

Then Vi showed up.

And suddenly, you had competition.

The first real clash happened in your Political Theory lecture.

It was meant to be a straightforward discussion, but of course, Vi had to turn it into a debate.

“I’m just saying,” she argued, leaning back in her chair, “Locke’s whole theory about social contracts is a little too optimistic. People don’t just ‘agree’ to be governed because they trust each other. They do it because they don’t wanna get stabbed in their sleep.”

You scoffed. “That’s an incredibly cynical take. Hobbes argued for absolute sovereignty based on fear, but Locke’s view was about mutual benefit. The government exists because rational individuals seek stability, not because they’re all terrified of each other.”

Vi smirked. “Right, right. Because everyone’s just so rational all the time.”

“They are when it concerns their own self-interest,” you countered. “Which is the foundation of liberal democracy.”

Vi leaned forward, tapping her pen against the desk. “And yet, we still have corruption, wars, and people acting like complete idiots.”

You gave her a slow, pointed look. “Yes, well. Some people don’t even try to act rational.”

She grinned. “You talkin’ about me, princess?”

“If the shoe fits.”

The class laughed. The professor smiled. “Impressive arguments from both sides,” he said. “You two might want to consider debate club.”

You didn’t miss the way Vi turned her smirk into a full grin. You also didn’t miss the way it made your stomach twist, just a little.

And you definitely didn’t like that.

You didn’t care about sports. Not even a little. But especially not ice hockey.

Vi, however, lived for it.

You only found out because one of your professors had a habit of putting up student achievements on the bulletin board, and there, in bold letters, was "Violet ‘Vi’ K.’s Hat Trick Secures Victory for the Piltover Blades."

You scoffed when you saw it. Of course she was an athlete. She had that unbearable overconfidence of someone who was used to winning, and the reckless energy of someone who probably got into fights for fun.

Still, you hadn’t expected people to care so much.

As you walked down the corridor, a group of students practically swarmed her, gushing over last night’s game.

“That was insane, Vi,” one of them said. “That last goal—unreal.”

Vi slung an arm over their shoulder casually. “What can I say? I’m just built different.”

You rolled your eyes. “Yes, truly remarkable. Hitting a puck with a stick. Groundbreaking.”

Vi turned to you with a slow grin. “Aw, princess, don’t tell me you’re jealous.”

You scoffed. “Not even remotely. I have no interest in hockey.”

Vi tilted her head, amused. “Then what do you like? Tea parties?”

You lifted your chin. “Formula 1.”

Vi blinked. “Racing?”

“Yes. A real sport.”

Vi let out a laugh. “Ohhh, this is good. You—little Miss Posh—are into racing? Lemme guess, grew up with a Ferrari in the driveway?”

You crossed your arms. “McLaren, actually.”

Vi whistled. “Damn. No wonder you walk around like you own the place.”

Before you could retort, a voice interrupted. “Vi, leave her alone.”

You turned—and for the first time, noticed the girl standing beside Vi.

Tall. Elegant. Sharp blue eyes that immediately caught your attention.

Caitlyn Kiramman.

You recognized her, of course. Everyone did. She was one of the smartest students in the entire university. She was also, unfortunately, stunning.

Vi, however, just smirked. “What, I can’t have a little fun?”

Caitlyn sighed, turning to you instead. “Don’t let her get under your skin. She’s an idiot.”

You blinked. “That much is obvious.”

Vi clutched her chest dramatically. “Wow. You two teaming up against me already? I feel so betrayed.”

Caitlyn ignored her, offering you a small smile. “I’m Caitlyn, by the way.”

You returned the smile. “I know. You’re practically famous.”

Caitlyn chuckled. “Well, I try.”

You didn’t miss the way Vi’s smirk faltered slightly.

Interesting.

It was late. The library was quiet. You had settled into your usual spot—far from distractions, focused entirely on your notes—when, of course, Vi showed up.

She plopped down into the seat across from you, dropping her books onto the table with a thud.

You looked up, unimpressed. “Do you have to be so loud?”

Vi grinned. “What, you don’t like a little excitement?”

“In a library? No. I don’t.”

She leaned back, flipping open a textbook. “Relax, princess. I’m here to study.”

You raised a skeptical brow. “You? Study?”

Vi smirked. “Surprised?”

“Shocked, actually.”

Vi snorted, but then, to your actual surprise, she did start studying. And worse? She was good at it. She worked through equations like they were nothing, scribbled notes with the kind of focus you recognized all too well.

After a while, she caught you staring. “What?”

You hesitated. “Nothing.”

Vi’s smirk returned. “You impressed, princess?”

You huffed. “Not in the slightest.”

She chuckled. “Liar.”

The problem with Vi wasn’t just that she was annoying. Or competitive. Or loud.

The problem was that, sometimes, when she wasn’t being insufferable, when she wasn’t smirking like she ruled the world—she was charming.

And that was dangerous.

Because no one knew your secret.

Not your parents. Not your friends.

Not even yourself, until recently.

And the last thing you needed… was Vi making you feel something you weren’t ready to admit.

The days seemed to blur together, the slow hum of lectures and the constant rivalries filling the air. As much as you tried to ignore it, Vi had a knack for being around at the worst possible moments. It wasn’t just her loud voice or her constant jabs at your accent—it was the way she was always there, always present in everything you did.

But there was something else, something you didn’t want to admit: you were starting to feel that strange pull between you and her. It wasn’t just about the way she mocked you. It was the way she cared, in her own messed-up way.

And then there was Caitlyn.

Caitlyn Kiramman—Vi’s ex. Of course, Vi had been the one to tell you that. You weren’t sure whether it was out of bitterness or some strange sense of protection, but Caitlyn was a constant topic of conversation in the dorm.

It wasn’t like you were trying to replace Caitlyn. Far from it. You had a lot of respect for Caitlyn. Smart, calm, and confident, she had everything you admired. And even though Vi made sure to keep her distance, Caitlyn seemed to make her presence known in more ways than one.

It started with small interactions. Caitlyn would bump into you in the halls, offer a warm smile, and ask if you needed help with anything. She wasn’t just book smart—she was charming, in a way you hadn’t expected.

One afternoon, as you were grabbing coffee from the library, Caitlyn waved you down. You’d been buried in work all day, but there was something comforting about her presence.

“Hey,” Caitlyn greeted you with that same easy smile. “How’s your week been so far?”

You smiled back, trying not to get too caught up in the way her eyes sparkled. “Busy. But manageable. What about you?”

“Same,” Caitlyn replied, slipping into the seat beside you. “Though I was hoping you could help me with something.”

You looked at her curiously. “What do you need?”

She hesitated for a moment, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. “I need a second opinion on something... A personal project, actually.”

You leaned in slightly. “I’m all ears.”

Caitlyn lowered her voice, and for the first time, you saw her as more than just a smart student—she was vulnerable in a way you hadn’t expected. “Vi and I... we don’t really talk anymore, but she’s been sending me all these mixed signals. I need to figure out where we stand.”

You blinked, completely thrown off guard. “Wait, you and Vi… are you two still—”

Caitlyn shook her head quickly. “No. Not at all. But I’m starting to think I might still have feelings for her.”

You swallowed, suddenly aware of the tension growing between you. “Well, if you want my advice, I’d say to leave it in the past. Vi’s the type of person who doesn’t know how to make things easy.”

Caitlyn chuckled softly, her eyes briefly meeting yours. “I know. But sometimes, I wonder if she’s changed.”

Before you could respond, a loud voice interrupted from behind you.

“Well, well, well. Look who’s making new friends.”

You turned around to find Vi standing there, arms crossed, a sly grin on her face.

“Vi,” Caitlyn said flatly. “You’re not still stalking me, are you?”

Vi shrugged, her eyes flicking toward you. “Nah, just passing by. I heard someone was talking about me.”

You shot her a sharp look. “I wasn’t talking about you.”

“Sure you weren’t,” Vi shot back, her smirk widening. “Caitlyn and I have a lot of history. I mean, it’s cute you think I’d actually be jealous of you hanging out with her, but trust me, princess, you’re not my type.”

You felt your teeth clench. What was it about this woman that could get under your skin so easily? “Well, I’m not interested in you, either.”

Vi’s expression shifted slightly, as if she was genuinely taken aback by the bluntness. She quickly masked it with another grin. “Good. Wouldn’t want you to get confused, now would we?”

You stood up, cutting the conversation short, and left the coffee shop without looking back.

That night, after finishing your classwork, you were in the kitchen preparing dinner. A simple meal of fish and pasta—it was the one thing you could make without messing up. You focused on the sizzle of the fish as it hit the pan, the smells of garlic and butter filling the apartment.

You didn’t even notice Vi slip into the kitchen until she was leaning against the counter, her arms folded, watching you.

You ignored her, concentrating on the food.

“Making something fancy, huh?” Vi said, her voice teasing. “You do know how to cook, princess?”

You rolled your eyes. “I’m making dinner. That’s all.”

She stepped closer, her presence filling the space. “What, no tea with your fish? You’re all British and proper, don’t you want a nice cuppa to go with it?”

You took a deep breath, trying not to snap. “Can you not start with the accent thing again?”

Vi shrugged nonchalantly. “Just saying, it’s cute. You sound like you belong in a Downton Abbey episode or something.”

“Right. Because mocking people’s accents is so charming.” You turned to face her, your voice sharp. “Do you have nothing better to do than bother me all the time?”

Vi narrowed her eyes. “What’s with the attitude all of a sudden? You’ve been hanging out with Caitlyn a lot lately. Funny how that works, huh?”

The words hit harder than you expected. Your chest tightened, the sting of Vi’s jealousy—if it was jealousy—piercing through you. “It’s none of your business who I hang out with,” you snapped. “Not everything I do is about you, Vi.”

Vi’s lips curled up into a smirk. “Maybe not, but you do know Caitlyn and I have history. And I bet you’re trying to figure out how much of that you can actually replace.”

You didn’t know why it got under your skin so much, but it did. Maybe it was because she was right. You had been spending a lot of time with Caitlyn, and you did want to know what was going on in her mind about Vi. But Vi didn’t need to know that.

“I’m not replacing anyone,” you shot back, your voice shaking with anger. “I’m just trying to make friends.”

Vi smirked. “Right. Friends.”

You turned back to the stove, but in the heat of the argument, you lost focus. You reached out to move the pan and your hand brushed against the edge of the hot stove.

A sharp pain shot through your fingers, and you yelped, stumbling backward. “Dammit!”

Vi’s face dropped for a moment. “Shit, you okay?”

But you were too angry to care. The burn was nothing compared to the heat of the argument. You glared at her, the anger boiling inside you.

“I’m fine,” you snapped, holding your hand to your chest. “This is just great, thanks to you.”

As you started to turn to walk toward the bathroom, you heard Vi’s voice call out from behind you.

“We don’t all have loving families we can go run and cry to.”

The words hit you like a slap, and you froze.

You didn’t want to acknowledge it, didn’t want to feel the sharpness of what she had said, but you couldn’t help it. Your throat tightened. You didn’t have a loving family—at least not in the way Vi meant.

Without turning back, you pushed through the door and into the bathroom, locking it behind you.

And for the first time, you wondered if there was more to Vi’s words than just her usual insults.

[fastfists]

"W'at flavor you want? Got plenty o' choices..."

A nice smoothie while they watch the fight for dominance.

Mostly here for the smoothies . . . but the fighting is a nice bonus!

[evolutionsvoid]

The frigid seas of the north and its great sculptures of ice. Such beauty in its crystalline form, the wondrous blues and whites creating art in the very seas. Even as sailors shiver from the cold, they can't help but feel awe when seeing these icy pieces. But these marvels must be taken with a hint of fear, for even the transparent ice hides dark secrets. Think of the icebergs that seem so small, yet down below lurk a great bulk that can crush a ship to splinters. Look to the dreaded Tear glaciers and the insidious cold that drains away warmth, joy and hope. See the massive shadows that peek out from the veil of ice and snow, the frozen remains of an age long past. Buried beneath it all are the ancient giants of Eitr, those who wept as their time and kingdom fell to ruin, until they forever entombed themselves in their own Tears. They are doomed to never wake, yet any sailor or traveler will find little comfort in that when witnessing those dark silhouettes. For there are other things that lurk within the ice, monsters whose slumber is not so infinite. The nasty reptilian beasts of olden times that use icebergs as their cocoons, unleashing incredible destruction when this frigid shell falls away. And of course for the whalers, these icy fields upon the waves may be hiding a leviathan, one of great worth and danger...

The Icefin leviathan is one of the nasty beasts that lurks in the waters of the frigid north. It swims beneath the ice sheets and hunts amongst the icebergs. It is as blue as Tears and as chilling as the waters it stalks. The visage of the Icefin is a ghastly one, with a horrid hooked beak that can slice through hide and blubber, a crimson mane of gills and those piercing eyes. When it comes to encountering this beast, it is the eyes the whalers hate the most. Their gaze is an unsettling one, chilling you to the bone (but not literally). Whalers in the midst of a hunt while freeze up (again, not literally) when they lock eyes with the Icefin. The superstitions of the seafolk say they are cursed things, casting evil upon those it spies upon. When the beast is hunted, the eyes are hastily removed. Destroy them or conceal them, so their gaze does not doom the entire ship...

Icefins are crafty hunters of the frigid seas, just as insidious as the ice that grows there. These leviathans focus their hunger upon seals, often swallowing them whole in their greed. This prey of theirs, though, is fast and clever, one would be hard pressed to catch them easily. Indeed, the Icefin can give chase, using its power and endurance to eventually snare them in their beak, but such hunt is costly in energy. A lot can be wasted with nothing to show for it. So instead, the Icefin waits. Its body produces copious amounts of Tears, with the largest supply coming from its back. This fluid is quick to freeze and is what makes up its terrible claws and iconic fin. But the Icefin can do more than make mere spikes, as it can cover its body entirely in icy armor. With enough time, the leviathan disappears into a block of frigid crystal, eventually becoming like any iceberg in the sea. Their body slows down and they go still, but the eyes are ever watching. They wait for the seals to swim by, for them to frolic near their icy tomb or even climb up to rest on its shores. When prey is close and unaware, the Icefin jolts to life, cracking through its disguise and lunging at its meal with that terrible beak. The seals are too surprised to escape, vanishing into its hungering gullet.

When predators and whalers go after the Icefin, they must be vigilant and sharp. With its icy disguise, it can be hiding in plain sight, buried within one of the many icebergs. If one were to see through this illusion, or find one still swimming about, the battle shall commence. Unfortunately, one of the first things this leviathan does is suit up for the fight, as its Tears quickly create frigid armor. Shells of ice encase its body, and its beak and claws are fortified by it. With terrible strength and speed, it rams into foes and begins to tear away at them. Their beak and claws leave shivering wounds, while their armor absorbs punishment with ease. Their frozen fin can slam into ships again and again, like a vengeful iceberg eager to destroy. Whalers must exploit gaps in its armor, or destroy it entirely to get to the vulnerable flesh beneath. Heavy weapons, clubs and explosives may be used, that way the harpoons can do their job. Yellowflame is the best for stripping them, but such a tactic will earn some miserable grumbles. In these frigid waters, warmth is coveted, and chucking away the Humor of fire means the voyage will be that much colder now. But if the choices are freezing to death later or sinking to the bottom now, then the answer is sadly obvious. Melt through their armor, pierce their hide and destroy those damn eyes!

When the Icefin is slain, the spoils are claimed. Their bodies provide meat, scale, hide and Tears, which are mainly in icy form. The flesh that comes from them is salty and has an odd chilled flavor to it. Their dorsal fin is the most prized cut, seen as a delicacy. But first it must be chipped out of the icy shell, and then comes the battle of cooking it. Due to the high level of Tears within it, the fin of this leviathan seemingly refuses to warm up, staying cold even on a hot sunny day. This makes it a challenging ingredient to work with, as it defies the boiling pot and fights against the cooking fire. Of course, one could remove all the Tears within, but many would say it ruins the flavor. This ingredient is a tricky one, but it can be bested by a wise cook who knows how to compliment flavors. There are recipes that use the fin's chill to their advantage, creating some real unique dishes, but these meals are not cheap ones to make! And this fin is already pretty expensive!

While meat is certainly a plentiful resource to be gained from the Icefin, their Tears and hide is often what most whalers are after. The ice carved from their bodies last longer than normal blocks, which helps keep their harvest cool and fresh. But the real prize is the scales and leather, which seems to retain the power of cold even after death. These materials carry a slight chill to them, somehow repelling heat while seemingly soaking up any cold they come in contact with. If a scale has finally gone warm, brief contact with ice rejuvenates it within seconds, and it will hold that chill for hours. Obviously, these materials are perfect for making containers and bags that can hold and preserve perishable goods. This keeps the harvest nice and fresh, which is always welcome aboard any whaling ship.

However, many whalers and sailors hunger for these materials for personal use, as they can provide comfort on a long voyage, especially those on tropical waters under the burning sun. Take some scraps of Icefin hide to make a waterskin, and every drink you take with it will be refreshingly cold. Make a necklace from one of the icy claws to help beat the heat while working on the deck. Fashion a hammock from its leather and suddenly the sweltering sleeping quarters feel a whole lot better. If the whaling captain is looking to make big money from slaying an Icefin, they best keep their eyes out for sneaky hands and eager pockets from the crew. Scales and other pieces have ways of disappearing during the mess of butchering. But don't worry, they won't touch the eyes. Nobody wants those eyes...

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

Yes yes, some creative liberties were taken with this one. Typically the seal is swallowed tail first, but alas, I went head first! Oh ho! Such creativity!

[silkkorchid]

What went down in TWST rp in a week-

Covers 3/30 - 4/5

This week was ok ish…

NRC therapist and Gardening club seems to be planning something against Mrs. Rosehearts…

NRC Newspaper club has a new member called, Atlas, seeming to be an unofficial prophet for NRC, thanks to his Unique Magic.

There is a Dance Club at NRC now-

One of the hosts and the host club seem to have a questionable draft that was soon posted by another host. I’m looking at you 🪞⚜️.

NRC Host Club has now a menu of food, with the one of them being uhm a very clever name for it!

NRC cooking club made a disgusting salad that I cannot describe…

NRC allows students to have tazer if worn correctly…

Another race is happening between Royal Sword Academy and Night Raven College. And there is a poll which school is going to win, some students at NRC are rigging the poll.

Both of RSA and NRC Cleaning club have log entries.

Che’nya is at it with the invisible boop towards the boys.

Some of the boys’ future children are throwing powder ball at them, for no apparent reasons???

The Diasomnia gossip account seems to be telling all the juicy stuff that happens in Diasomnia- wait does Malleus even know this exists?

Someone said Sebek is just… I can’t say it as I’m gonna puke…

A boop war has commenced between us who will get the most boops.

A boop battle between Ruggie and Silver. Silver surrender with Ruggie being the winner .

A student of Diasomnia ate a whole pathway since they were hungry. The person that did this, u know.

Malleus and Althea is having a boop match across campus. Then lasers were incorporated into this match of theirs.? After all that happens, Althea and Malleus end their boop match with ice cream.

Althea trying kidnap Gidel, NO TOUCHING THE CHILD ALTHEA!

General Lilia came back from the dead.

Lilia destroyed the microwave again, wait is that smoke coming from Diasomnia?

Lilia got into Ramshackle’s kitchen and yeeeee….

Riddle realized his mother now got a Tumblr account-

Ace got food poisoning, and Riddle ban him from the kitchen till he gets his credit for the mandatory cooking class.

Mrs. Rosehearts has came back after 4 days. Someone gotta hold onto me before I jump her.

Seems like fans of Riddle are pushing their buttons with Mrs. Rosehearts, and I’m proud seeing them being straight forward on causing chaos.

Ace destroyed a microwave. No questions ask.

Ace got collared for the millionth time.

Ruggie’s future child SOMEHOW broke through a wall!? H-how does that logic work!?

Someone cast a spell onto ruggie in which made him wear bunny ears and a tail.

Leona is trying to pass his responsibility onto Ruggie.

Azul has now met his future child after idk how long.

@quartztwst made Azul bald.

Jamil trying to prevent Alcestris dating Najima, his sister. Meanwhile Althea cheering Alce on…

Epel came back after a beauty break to see the last update before shortly going offline.

Idia arguing which anime he and his future children will watch.

Idia allowing his future children to commit arson…. Ortho please stop him being a bad influence to his own future children…

Idia loosing his shit when the topic of Sonic came up.

Idia lost something very important for his magic pen.

Someone reminded Idia that he accidentally left Ortho’s filter off and you know the story.

The boys’ future children somehow got gender-bend due to a potion.?

The children tried monopoly and it turn into a full on war.

One of Sam’s friends can speak that wired language that I can’t understand-

Cheka came back after a long nap.

Someone taught Cheka to swear-

Fellow and Gidel is at it again trying to find new puppets…

[daeneryscel]

House of the Dragon Final Trailer shots:

The Pact of Ice and Fire commences!

“An eye for an eye, a son for a son. Lucerys will be avenged.” When i catch you Aemond-

Young Aemma Arryn maybe? Might play into Sian Brooke being listed to return in season two.

Rhaena might potentially be claiming/attempting to claim a dragon here (I will beat up everyone who works at HBO if my pink beauty Morning is removed).

Battle at Rook’s Rest 😢 can’t wait to watch Rhaenys dog walk Aegon’s bitchass.

??? Vermithor again? I have no idea, shot looks cool though!

Baela seems to be chasing Criston down on Moondancer (I know that’s right).

And finally Aemond calling his dear beloved mommy a fool. Very interesting.

[urmooniee]

I ♥ YOU - RAFE CAMERON

₊˚🖇️✩ ₊˚🎧⊹♡

PAIRING: fem! x rafe cameron

wc: 1044

tw: CUTENESS!!

taglist

Y/N was cosily snuggled in her warm bed, covered in soft blankets. The soft glow of fairy lights adorned her room, casting a warm and inviting ambience. She held a steaming cup of hot chocolate in her hands, the rich aroma filling the air as she took a sip. Outside, the world was painted in a pristine white, snowflakes gently descending from the dark winter sky.

As Y/N enjoyed her movie, her peaceful evening was suddenly interrupted by a muffled thud against her window. Startled, she turned her attention to the glass pane. Another thud followed, louder this time. Her heart raced, and she cautiously made her way to the window to investigate.

Peering out, she was taken aback when she saw Rafe standing there, a mischievous grin on his face, holding a perfectly round snowball. Y/N opened the window and shivered as a gust of cold air swept into the room.

She looked at Rafe with a mixture of surprise and curiosity, "What are you doing here?"

Rafe's eyes sparkled with amusement in the frosty night. 

"I couldn't resist," he chuckled. "I thought we could have a little winter fun. Snowball fight, maybe?"

Y/N couldn't help but smile, despite the surprise and the chill in the air. Rafe always had a way of bringing excitement into her life. 

"A snowball fight, huh? Well, you're on!" She quickly retreated into her room to put on some warmer clothes, determined to match Rafe's playful spirit.

"Alright, Mr. Sneaky Snowball Attacker, let the games begin!" With that, she gathered some snow and fashioned a snowball, ready to defend herself and retaliate in this impromptu battle.

Rafe's eyes gleamed with enthusiasm as the snowball fight commenced. Laughter filled the wintry night air as they exchanged snowballs, creating a beautiful memory that they would treasure for years to come. Rafe and Y/N decided to make the most of the snowy night. 

Amid their spirited snowball fight, Rafe was determined to land the perfect shot. He gathered a snowball, carefully shaping it into a compact sphere. With a mischievous grin, he took careful aim at Y/N, crouched behind a snowbank, preparing her ammunition.

But as he released the snowball, his aim went slightly awry. Instead of a direct hit on Y/N's snowy fortress, the snowball veered off course and, with a sudden gust of wind, smacked Y/N right in the face.

Y/N blinked in surprise, her face dusted with snow. Rafe's grin turned into a sheepish smile, and he rushed over to her, exclaiming, "Oops, that wasn't supposed to happen! Are you okay?"

Y/N wiped the snow from her face with a grin. "Oh, you're on," she declared, her eyes gleaming with determination. She swiftly gathered a handful of snow and, with a playful vengeance, started pelting Rafe with snowballs.

Rafe, not one to back down, retaliated with a barrage of snowballs. The chase was on. They darted through the snowy landscape, laughter filling the air as they pursued each other.

As they weaved and dodged, Y/N's foot slipped on a patch of ice, and she found herself teetering on the brink of a fall. Desperately, she grabbed onto Rafe's jacket, and they tumbled together into the snow, a jumble of limbs and laughter.

Rafe ended up on top of Y/N, their faces close, and their laughter subsided into a shared, affectionate gaze. With a tender smile, he leaned in for a kiss, and Y/N met him halfway. Their lips met in the midst of the snowy landscape, sealing their playful romp with a sweet moment of connection and warmth

After the snowball fight, they decided to create a snowman. They rolled three snowballs of varying sizes, stacking them to form a jolly snowman with a carrot nose and a crooked smile. It was far from perfect, but it was their snowman, and it made them both laugh.

With their snowman proudly standing guard. Hand in hand, they lay down side by side, moving their arms and legs to create beautiful snow angels in the crisp snow. The pristine white canvas was now adorned with their playful imprints.

With a mischievous grin and a heart full of love, Y/N bent down and delicately wrote a message in the pristine snow beneath her feet. She wrote the words, "I love you, Rafe," with great care.

Turning to Rafe, she nudged him gently, her eyes sparkling. "Look, Rafe," she said, pointing to the message she had written in the snow.

Rafe's eyes locked onto the message, and his heart swelled with affection. He was momentarily speechless, deeply touched by this simple yet profound declaration of love. The moonlight illuminated the message, making it shimmer like a secret shared only between them.

Rafe turned to Y/N, his eyes filled with warmth and emotion. He took her hands in his and said, "Y/N, I love you more than words can express."

As they lay side by side in the snow, their breath visible in the cold air, Rafe turned to Y/N, and with a tender smile, he leaned in for a gentle kiss. 

Rafe raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, you win this round," he admitted, a good-natured grin on his face.

Y/N smiled triumphantly and playfully patted some snow off her jacket. "It's all in good fun, right?" She walked closer to the door, the cold now more noticeable. "You should come inside before you freeze out here."

Rafe nodded, brushing snow off his clothes, hand in hand, they returned to the cosy comfort of y/n's house, entering through the front door. The warm and inviting atmosphere of her room welcomed them, with the soft glow of fairy lights casting a gentle radiance over her room.

They both settled by her bedside, where the movie continued to play, but the real magic of the night was the warmth they felt in each other's company.

The two of them, now nestled together in the comfort of Y/N's room, shared stories and laughter, relishing the warmth and cosiness of the moment. They watched the Christmas movie together, the characters on the screen mirroring their happiness.

As the movie neared its end, Y/N turned to Rafe and smiled. "Thank you Rafe, this has been such a wonderful night," she whispered, her eyes sparkling affectionately.

Rafe nodded, his gaze locked on her. "It truly has been."

Their eyes met, and in that silent, intimate moment, they both leaned in for another kiss.

au/ ive been caught! yup im a hopeless romantic and I actually dislike the snow, but such things make me so happy, one day hopefully that will be me:).

[odditycircus-2002]

Medusa!Reader and Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat 1 Part 12

Spoilers for MK 1 Story Mode: Proceed with Caution

PREVIOUS

NEXT

Sooo, given how this whole ending is, just bear with me here, given there will be an alternate version of you. Still, I'll do my best to try and keep it coherent for y'all. Now onwards!

When Lui Kang recruited you to fight against your Titan self and Titan Shang Tsung, you volunteered to be part of his army to fight against the evil Titans. That is primarily because of the fact that they threaten the timeline YOU live in! Luckily, as mentioned before, you wouldn't be fighting alone; you'd be fighting with endless variants of people you know across timelines, including a version of you that appeared to be a heavenly figure.

At the top of the Temple, standing beside Titan Shang Tsung, is your Titan counterpart, who was grinning like a mad woman at the thought of the bloodshed that would take place. You hear her speaking to Lui Kang,

"Oh, but some things never change, Lui Kang. No matter how much you want to deny it. History has a way of repeating itself, such as now.

Titan Y/N claps her hands in amusement as she encourages Titan Shang Tsung as he reveals the allies they both have gathered throughout multiple timelines. Titan Y/N stood with her husband and a Titan Quan-chi as they signaled for their army to attack; in response, your allies charged up the pyramid. As the battle at the Argus's Temple commences, you feel as if everything you did and what happened didn't happen simultaneously.

You couldn't fly up the temple because the skies were packed with other flying Kombatants and projectiles. So you fought and petrified past Kung Laos, Kenshis, Shaos, Barakas, Sub-Zeros, and Rains. Although it wasn't just variant of people you know that you had to fight. The first one you had to face was Sindel, or at least a Sindel mixed with Zateran blood judging from her scaley appearance and how she vomited acid at you mixed with her banshee shriek. After defeating her, you ran off without another word.

Soon after confronting the Reptilian Empress, a Shao/Sub-Zero hybrid sends you to the ground.

"No healer will be able to fix you once I'm through."

While it was cathartic for you to fight another Shao, as you'll never tire of making the brute suffer, the ice he commanded was a bitch for your reptilian skin. Yet, you managed to prevail by slicing off that Shao's head. You had no time to revel in your victory when you had to run from a large group of Titan Shang Tsung's minions. You got a stab in on an evil Kenshi while running from them, though. Shortly after, you're then jumped by a Baraka and Scorpion hybrid.

"We'll see who's fangs are deadlier."

While you were a bit relieved to not be fighting against a Cryomancer, fighting against a Pyromancer wasn't a pleasant experience. Especially one that resembles your dear Baraka. You had no time to dwell on any regret before a blonde woman with a robotic eye that shoots devastating lasers starts to attack you with a large knife. Luckily your blade proved to be sharper as you disabled the blonde's eye by stabbing her in the eye and through the head. Shortly after, you go up against a Kenshi who seems to have mastered Hydromancy. You had to get a bit creative there because of how your petrifying gaze wouldn't work on him. So, the old-fashioned poison would do the trick.

If only the same could be said for the Goro that attacks you with a Warhammer in each arm. Yet, you're then saved by not one or two but three different versions of Johnny Cage, one of them dressed like some sort of ninja errr mime?

"Much appreciated; good health to you all!"

You say to them before you're confronted by a Reiko/Quan-chi hybrid. Like both of his components, he was overly confident in his skills. After defeating him, you climb higher up the pyramid only to be confronted with four people you've never met, all dressed in yellow and black uniforms. Fortunately, you didn't have to fight them alone before another Kitana, this one who wore two buns in her hair and was dressed in a way fitting for the divine, mowed the entire group down effortlessly.

"Oh, thank you so much, your Majesty."

Kitana then got knocked down by some random kombatant who came out of nowhere. After getting through a couple more bizarre hybrids, you were close enough to the top to see your Titan Y/N standing with the Deadly Alliance. The trio, seeing how close you are to the top, combine their magics to throw a huge ball of plasma down the pyramid in your direction. You managed to throw yourself out of the way but at the cost of a large group of people being obliterated. After tumbling down a dozen steps, you're soon confronted by three Mileenas, sais out and thirsty for your blood. While you killed two, one of them managed to pin you down and tried to stab you in the eyes like poor Kenshi. Keyword tried. This time, you took out Mileena's eyes with her own blades.

While Titan Y/N and the Titan Deadly Alliance prepare another spell, who should catch them off guard by attacking them but their far more virtuous counterparts? At first, they appeared to have the upper hand, enough so the more virtuous Shang Tsung could earnestly shout some encouragement to you. You hate how looking at him made you blush.

While Titan Shang Tsung and Titan Quan-chi devour the souls of their more heroic selves, your Titan self has a more sadistic idea in hand. She tore a hole into your virtuous counterpart before grabbing heroic Shang Tsung's spine as a hacksaw, bifurcating your other self. Titan Y/N then uses her blade to swiftly cut off your other self's head and tears off her veil to reveal the writhing head full of snakes beneath. Titan Y/N giggles before she turns her back on the war beneath her feet to toss the decapitated head over her shoulder like it were a bouquet. This turns dozens of the kombatants on either side into stone because they made the mistake of looking at your other self's eyes. These poor souls are soon shattered into pebbles by their enemies, indistinguishable from the rest of the pyramid's ruins. Luckily, you were spared this gruesome fate.

After getting through more strange opponents, you could finally reunite with Lord Lui Kang and follow him the rest of the way up the pyramid. Finally, you reached the top to fight the masterminds behind this war and the conspiracy against your timeline. Titan Y/N was less than impressed.

"I've heard your righteous spiel long enough to last ALL my lifetimes. So please, at least keep this fight interesting."

You knew Lord Lui Kang to be powerful beyond compare, but even with his Titan power restored, he was still one Titan going against three malicious ones. It didn't help that none of them, including Titan Y/N, didn't fight fairly such as when she bit into Lui Kang with her fangs. So with the Fire God currently out of commission you're forced to fight them all alone.

"Honestly, at this point in time, I've forgotten how many of you I've seen die."

Somehow, against all odds, and you nearly dying so many times and sustaining so many injuries, you were still standing among the bloodied and beaten Titans. Lui Kang couldn't help but compliment you on your impressive feat.

"Your praise is like a healing salve for all my wounds. Now, let's cut out these tumors."

Lui Kang, deciding you've done more than enough, walks over to stand over the fallen Titans. Using his own Titan power, he reduces all of them into dust and sand, hopefully making it the last time you'll see any of them specifically. However, without either Titan Shang Tsung or Titan Y/n, it became clear from how the entire realm shook that the timeline was starting to crumble and tear at the seams.

"What now?!"

Lui Kang quickly uses his power to send you back to your native timeline before the current one you're in collapses with you alongside it.

"Thank you for your aid, Y/N. I hope we meet again one day."

You're lifted into the air and surrounded by fire before a bright flash of white goes off in front of you, and you end up exactly where you need to be.

A/N: Whaaa, two posts in one day?!? How can this be??? Anyways, remember to like, reblog, and comment. And if you like, drop and ask a random thought in my inbox, as I do enjoy hearing from y'all!😁😁😁😁

Playlist while writing this

"A Good Song Never Dies" by Saint Motel

"Tot Musica" by Ado

"I Can't Decide" by Scissor Sisters

"Play With Fire" by Sam Tinnesz

"Running up that Hill" feat Meg Myers

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Gabriel - WOLVES ON ICE

Location: Northern Boreal Zone, 300 km Northwest of Castle Erebor

Time: 04:52 GST, 20 September 3153

Operation: Final readiness drill—Joint Winter Warfare Exercise

The forests of Merdengard lay silent and ghostly beneath a blanket of snow, ancient conifers stretching like pale sentinels into the twilight sky. The dawn was still a whispered promise; stars lingered stubbornly above the horizon as if reluctant to cede ground to daybreak.

Hidden among the towering trees, nearly invisible beneath patterned layers of white and frost-blue camo, over five hundred BattleMechs moved with cautious, methodical purpose.

Inside the cockpit of his Kodiak, named Mánagarmr, Generalleutnant Margrave Gabriel Bisclavret von Thiess III keyed his comm, his deep voice rumbling calmly across the encrypted channel reserved for command officers.

"All units, this is Generalleutnant von Thiess. Stand by for exercise commencement. Confirm readiness."

Across dozens of comm channels, responses rolled back swiftly and clearly.

"Sixth Royals confirm, Generalleutnant," came Generalfeldmarschall Olivia von Arnsburg's authoritative tone, sharp and unwavering from inside her massive tripod Ares, named Fenrir’s Judgement. Her cerulean eyes flicked across sensor readouts, calm and calculating. "All battalions report green. Awaiting your command."

"Merdengard MTM Regiment is green across the board," replied Generalleutnant Markus Elst crisply. "Standing by."

Star Colonel Ze'ev Winson did not open his eyes—he had no need. Cocooned inside a sensory cradle, encased in his specialized suit of Elemental interface armor, he was one with his Skinwalker II. With enhanced imaging implants blazing softly against his pale skin, the heavy 'Mech’s sensors became his senses—its pulse laser barrels his hands, its armor plates his skin.

The line between warrior and machine was a dream—soft, pliable, indistinct.

"The Omega Provisional Cluster stands ready," Ze'ev's voice murmured, as even and regal as ever, though his lips barely moved inside the interface harness. "My warriors hunger for battle—even if it is only a simulation."

Gabriel acknowledged all, then switched smoothly to their private, intimate comm frequency.

"Everyone holding up well?" His voice softened imperceptibly, losing its martial edge.

"Nothing like cold morning air and imminent simulated carnage," came the wry reply from Leutnant Anika Dray aboard her lithe Wolfhound IIC, the famously unique Grinner – technically, it was Gabriel’s personal ‘Mech, but he had the sense to recognize it was best used as a combat asset, not a hangar queen. Her 'Mech shifted its weight from foot to foot, as eager and restless as its pilot. "Beats coffee."

"No, it does not," Olivia replied flatly, but her tone was touched by warmth.

From inside Gabriel’s comm suite, a voice interrupted gently. "Castle Erebor observing," Thalia Marten’s familiar voice filtered through clearly, a comforting anchor from far away. "You have my undivided attention. I will be taking notes, Gabriel. Try to impress me."

"I always do," Gabriel rumbled affectionately.

In hir Cyclops, nicknamed Bifrost, Stabshauptmann Eike Fischer adjusted a control slightly, glowing with tactical data flowing seamlessly through hir neural implants. Behind hir, Stabskorporal Kaia Erzberger sat tucked into the drone station, a cluster of tactile controls and monitors flickering with precise readiness.

"Confirming drone array ready, Margrave," Eike reported crisply, professional once more. Ze smiled faintly when Kaia’s hand brushed hir shoulder in silent, encouraging support.

Aboard Fenrir’s Judgement, Vizeleutnant Lyra Channing rapidly completed her last system checks. Her bubbly voice lit the crew channel. "Olivia, heat sinks optimal, weapons cycling beautifully. Veika?"

Oberstabsfeldwebel Veika Morr’s low voice, steady as stone, drifted down from her gunnery station. "Gauss and PPC capacitors at full readiness. All ordnance locked."

"Outstanding," Olivia murmured softly to them alone. "Your work is flawless, as always."

The brief moment of warmth ended as Gabriel’s powerful voice returned, a wave of calm authority washing over the line. "Commence Operation Snowblind. Advance to contact and execute training plan Gamma-One."

A symphony of affirmations flooded the channels as 'Mechs moved in perfect choreography through dense snow and ice-crusted forests.

From Castle Erebor’s command center, Thalia observed silently, her hands clasped behind her back, watching the holographic displays bloom with data. Her eyes lingered on the signals of her lovers. Each name a heartbeat, each heartbeat a loved one.

"Good hunting," she whispered, knowing they could not hear.

Back in the field, Gabriel watched his displays, content as the vast war machine of four separate commands rolled forward as one cohesive force.

"All elements," he intoned, voice deep and resonant, "begin combat maneuvers."

Dawn crept over the frosted forest, washing the landscape with pale shades of lavender and cold, metallic blue. Through the ghostly trees, tons of armor moved as softly as falling snowflakes—Star Colonel Ze’ev stalking forward, his motion eerily fluid, almost organic. Under the influence of the EI, he had ceased to consciously think of himself as separate from the great machine he piloted; he was his ‘Mech now—its limbs his own, its senses integrated seamlessly with his brain. Every subtle shift of armor plating, every twitch of the torso-mounted pulse lasers, felt as natural as breathing. To observers, the Skinwalker II moved effortlessly through the forest like a predator on the hunt.

A target flickered ahead—an enemy Mech from the opposing training group. Ze'ev smiled internally, the Skinwalker's targeting reticle shifting effortlessly. The opposing 'Mech pilot saw nothing, even at fifty meters. Ze'ev was the snow itself—silent, deadly, perfect camouflage in motion.

He opened a direct, private channel. "Sable, I am in position. Your move."

A soft chuckle drifted over the comm, warm and amused. "Copy that, Glowstick. Standby for chaos."

A blur of motion tore across the clearing—Grinner moving at lightning speed, jump jets flaring brightly through the mist. Her voice carried mischief. "Contact! Enemy lance in sector 3-Bravo. Marking targets."

Ze'ev felt her data tag appear instantly on his HUD. "Targets received. Thank you, Anika."

"Anytime," she purred back.

Further back, in the hulking form of his Kodiak, Gabriel keyed the main command channel. "All units, contacts at sector 3-Bravo. Execute plan Delta-Four."

Olivia responded without hesitation. "Sixth Royals, engage targets at maximum simulated range. Oberstabsfeldwebel Morr, fire pattern Sigma."

From the elevated gunner's seat in Fenrir’s Judgement, Veika's steady voice replied: "Confirmed, Generalfeldmarschall. Sigma locked, gauss up. On the way."

Veika’s whisper-soft Old German mantra floated gently across their internal comm. Olivia’s mouth curved slightly in appreciation. Veika did not miss.

"Bifrost, sensor sweep and drone advance," Gabriel ordered.

Eike’s fingers danced elegantly over hir consoles. Behind hir, Kaia bent forward, immersed in tactile drone controls, her amber eyes intent. "Deploying UAV flight now," she murmured, leaning forward so her warmth pressed lightly against Eike’s shoulder. "Scanning sectors three through six."

Eike smiled faintly. "Well done, Kaia. Good eyes."

The drones launched smoothly from Bifrost’s dorsal pods, gliding gracefully above the trees, relaying visual data streams directly into Kaia’s helmet. She exhaled softly, feeling the gentle thrill of connection—the birds were her senses now, her extended hands and eyes.

"Multiple OpFor clusters identified," Kaia confirmed calmly. "Sending tactical overlays to all units."

At Castle Erebor, Thalia watched the data streams blend effortlessly onto the main holotank. Her heart swelled quietly with pride.

Ze'ev took Kaia’s data, weaving it instinctively into his own view. He shifted silently through a gap in the trees, almost invisible, pulse lasers aligning. The Skinwalker’s torso twisted gracefully, fluid and predatory—exactly mirroring Ze'ev’s subtle body movements.

A perfect extension of himself.

A brilliant volley of simulated energy pulses flashed across the snow, tagging the enemy BattleMech with virtual hits. The target stopped dead, signal lights flashing—simulation-confirmed kill.

"Kill registered," Ze’ev murmured calmly, as if discussing the weather.

Gabriel’s voice filled his ear. "Excellent shot, Ze’ev."

"Thank you, Gabriel."

Lyra’s bubbly tone came through Olivia’s internal comm from Fenrir’s Judgement's technical station. "All systems green, Liv. Heat nominal, energy reserves optimal. And that was one sexy gauss shot, Veika."

Veika, deadpan, replied simply: "Thank you, Lyra."

Olivia allowed herself a small, fond smile at their quiet camaraderie. "Maintain focus," she said evenly. "There are still more targets."

Anika’s cheerful voice crackled back in comms. "Gabriel, I've stirred up the hive. Four hostiles in pursuit. Leading them to your position—hope you're feeling sociable."

Gabriel's rumbling chuckle resonated through everyone's speakers. "We are ready for guests, Leutnant Dray."

From behind the lines, Markus Elst’s voice broke in respectfully. "MTM Regiment deploying screening units. Confirming your perimeter secure, Margrave."

"Excellent, Markus," Gabriel acknowledged warmly.

Eike opened a private comm to Gabriel. "They are adapting quickly. Better than expected."

"They know what is at stake," Gabriel replied. "Good. We must be sharp for TOUCHDOWN."

The morning deepened, the sky brightening to a hard, crisp blue. The battlefield simulation intensified, the combined forces flowing seamlessly through drills, maneuvers, and combat scenarios that tested their limits.

In the Cyclops cockpit, Kaia’s voice was tender, intimate in Eike’s ear. "Are you enjoying yourself, love?"

Eike smiled, unseen by anyone else. "More now than ever."

In Fenrir's Judgement, Lyra laughed softly. "Liv, remind me after this to give you a proper victory kiss."

"Do not distract me, Lyra," Olivia replied—voice stern, eyes sparkling warmly.

Gabriel watched the holomap thoughtfully, a calm satisfaction settling over him. They were ready, and he was proud. His warriors—his loves—were ready for what was coming. He keyed their private polycule channel, voice low and steady, filled with quiet authority and affection.

"Well done, everyone. Now finish strong."

At last, the pale dawn had fully broken, flooding Icefall Ridge with crystalline radiance. The ridge itself—a massive, ice-glazed stone formation—rose sharply from the forest, crowned by an SLDF-built mock fortress shimmering with frost and sunlight.

Gabriel’s Kodiak paused just behind the treeline, its arctic camouflage perfectly masking its massive bulk. He studied the simulated fortress on his monitors carefully. His deep voice cut gently but firmly through command comms.

"All units, we have reached final objective: Icefall Ridge. Prepare assault formations."

A chorus of disciplined acknowledgments flowed back. His focus narrowed, assessing the disposition of friendly and opposing forces.

Olivia’s voice sounded first, calm and precise. "Sixth Royals confirm artillery simulation ready. Awaiting command to initiate suppressive barrage."

"Hold for my order," Gabriel said.

"Confirmed, Generalleutnant."

Eike’s softer tones came next, quick and composed. "Drone flights confirm enemy strength and positioning. Uploading now."

Instantly, detailed tactical overlays appeared on Gabriel’s holomap. He nodded slightly in satisfaction. "Exceptional work."

Inside Bifrost’s cockpit, Eike turned slightly and squeezed Kaia’s hand. "Well done, Kaia."

Kaia leaned forward warmly. "My pleasure. I have your back, love."

Ze’ev’s Skinwalker II paused effortlessly, seemingly melting into the pale woodland backdrop. Within his EI harness, Ze'ev breathed slowly, feeling every centimeter of terrain, every pulse of his ‘Mech’s lasers as extensions of his own being.

"Gabriel," Ze’ev murmured gently over their private channel, "The Omega Cluster is positioned for a flanking assault. Awaiting your order."

Gabriel smiled softly at the familiar voice. "Stand ready, Ze’ev."

Anika’s Wolfhound crouched nearby, sleek and poised for motion. "Gabriel, I’m good to go," she teased lightly. "Say the word and they’ll never see me coming."

"Patience, Anika," Gabriel chuckled gently.

In Fenrir’s Judgement, Olivia spoke evenly: "Veika, Lyra, confirm final status."

Lyra’s voice was bright, cheerful even amidst tension. "Heat and power stable, Liv. Fenrir’s ready to pounce."

Veika whispered her mantra softly, then calmly replied: "Weapons locked and steady."

Olivia inclined her head slightly. "Good. Stand ready."

Gabriel took one final breath, visualizing the battle’s flow, then opened the full command channel. "All units—commence objective assault."

Staring out of the cockpit at the enemy's defensive line, Olivia’s voice cracked sharp and clear, on a comm line to the artillery battalion in the rear: "Hateful, this is Ice Queen, fire mission, over."

"Ice Queen, this is Hateful, fire mission, out," responded the Fire Direction Center.

"Grid 347 689, over."

"Grid 347 689, out."

"'Mechs, two companies, in the open. Danger Close. ICM, over."

"'Mechs, two companies, in the open. Danger Close. ICM, out."

There was a pause of several seconds before the FDC responded: "Message to observer, T, ICM, ten rounds, target number AA 7732, over."

"Message to observer, T, ICM, ten rounds, target number AA 7732, out," echoed Olivia. Then she waited. Waited to hear the word that would announce the-

"Shot, over."

"Shot, out." Olivia imagined the thumping of the great Long Tom guns, dozens of kilometers behind her, as they sung their war-song and filled the air with cluster rounds.

Seconds ticked by.

"Splash, over." Five seconds until impact.

"Splash, out."

Five seconds later, dozens of simulated artillery submunitions exploded vividly across the ridge’s forward slope, bathing Icefall Ridge in harmless flashes of holographic fire. Olivia gauged the simulated fall of the single round.

It was perfect. She smiled.

"On target, fire for effect, over."

"On target, fire for effect, out."

"Shot, over."

"Shot, out."

"Splash, over."

"Splash, out."

Five seconds later, the entire ridgeline seemed to completely disappear under the weight of thousands of detonating submunitions.

Olivia transmitted back to the fire direction center. "End of mission, ten 'Mechs destroyed, estimate 150 additional casualties, over.”

At the moment Olivia finished her final transmission, Gabriel surged forward, his Kodiak lumbering into the open with unstoppable momentum.

"All Grenadiers, follow my advance!" he commanded, voice like thunder.

The 1st Merdengard Grenadiers, disciplined and fluid, broke cover with fierce, coordinated precision.

"Bifrost," Gabriel instructed, "Maintain sensor coverage."

Eike’s Cyclops moved steadily, protective at Gabriel’s flank. "Understood, Generalleutnant."

Kaia’s fingers glided across her interface, guiding drones high above. "Enemies scattering," she relayed calmly. "They're confused. We have an opening."

"Ze’ev, Anika—now!" Gabriel called sharply.

The Omega Provisional Cluster and Anika’s Wolfhound erupted from concealment in perfect synchronization. Ze'ev’s Skinwalker moved like a living predator, pulses of virtual laser fire cutting enemy formations into chaos. Anika darted swiftly, effortlessly weaving through simulated enemy fire, harassing heavier ‘Mechs.

Ze’ev murmured softly on their private channel, "You dance beautifully today, Anika."

"Only because I have a good partner, Glowstick," she laughed back warmly.

In Fenrir’s Judgement, Veika targeted calmly, methodically disabling enemy targets with pinpoint simulated accuracy. Lyra tracked system diagnostics, her voice singing out technical data joyfully. Olivia’s steady commands guided her forces forward, her voice crisp, authoritative, powerful.

Gabriel’s Kodiak crashed through the last enemy position at the foot of Icefall Ridge, stopping briefly to survey the fortress above. He keyed his mic again, triumphant but controlled: "Secure the ridge. Final wave—advance!"

Ze’ev’s mind and ‘Mech flowed together, effortlessly graceful, a storm of fluid steel and purpose. His Skinwalker crested the ridge first, sensors painting targets, Ze'ev dispatching them as easily as breathing.

"Suppress eastern fortifications," Olivia ordered as she lumbered the Ares forward at its somewhat stately flank speed.

"Understood," Veika answered softly, firing carefully, precisely.

Lyra laughed cheerily, relaying data: "Fenrir’s eating this up, Liv!"

Olivia’s lips curled in subtle pride. "Outstanding."

Within twenty minutes, the ridge fell silent. All simulated enemy indicators faded to neutral green. Eike exhaled softly into hir comm. "Objective secured. Bifrost confirms no active threats."

"Castle Erebor confirms successful capture," Gabriel’s voice intoned, warm with pride. "Exercise complete. Excellent work, everyone." He paused, looking down from atop Icefall Ridge, watching the dozens of reserve OPFOR 'Mechs stand down. He opened the private channel between himself and his lovers, his voice deeply tender:

"My loves, you did beautifully."

A chorus of warm, private murmurs came back instantly:

"Of course we did," Anika teased.

"Flawless," Kaia purred softly, her voice warm against Eike’s ear.

"With all of you, always," Olivia’s voice was steady, proud, intimate.

Ze’ev’s quiet voice gently joined last. "Together."

Gabriel nodded once, slowly, a quiet pride settling deep within his heart.

"Together," he echoed softly. "Always."

[fan-is-short-for-fanatic]

A list of lyrics engraved in my brain :

I don't wanna die ! But sometimes I wish I'd never be born at all ! (Bohemian Rhapsody : Queen)

The flesh is living but the soul has spoiled. THE WRATH OF GOD LIES BENEATH THIS SOIL ! (Funeral Derangement : Ice Nine Kills)

And i don't need your civil war. It feed the rich while it buries the poor. (Civil War : Guns N' Roses)

you can't trust freedom when its not in your hand. (Civil War : Guns N' Roses)

For all I've seen has changed my mind. But still, the wars go on as the years go by. With no love of God or human rights. And all these dreams are swept aside By bloody hands of the hypnotized Who carry the cross of homicide. And history bears the scars of our civil wars (Civil War : Guns N' Roses)

What's so civil 'bout war anyway? (Civil War : Guns N' Roses)

Oh no love, you're not alone (Rock 'N' Roll Suicide : David Bowie)

I'm a sexual innuendo in this burn-out paradise (Rocket Queen : Guns N' Roses)

Is this a worthy sacrifice ? (Great War : Sabaton)

When we celebrated Christmas, we thought about our friends, those who never made it home, when the battle had commenced (Christmas Truce : Sabaton)

Sixteen years old when I went to the war [...] And I marched and I fought and I bled and I died. And I never did get any older (1916 : Sabaton)

Colors in the air they gleam (A sight that brings me to tears) I can see them almost every day If only everybody saw the same (They can) Maybe they would feel the love like me (Planetary Bliss : Opal In Sky)

Inside, my heart is breaking My makeup may be flaking But my smile still stays on (The Show Must Go On : Queen)

Your mother's eyes from your eyes cry to me ('39 : Queen)

You will wear your independence like a crown (From The Pinacle To The Pit : Ghost)

[sulphuryasecretcloset]

Leave Him Alone

“I'm sorry.” Zev sighs, plopping some snacks into her mouth from the container she had secured from the first food stall they had encountered.

This was meant to be a quick trip into the village to pick up some supplies and then just head back to the cabin where Mose is waiting with Junior (Neither of them do well in the cold.) and Grogu, but things just got more complicated.

“It's fine.” Din sighs as well. He had known bringing Leave-it along, not just her and Corin, would mean there would be a lot of talking, he just hadn't anticipated the blond making it his personal mission to speak to just about every soul in the village.

“He's just...” Zev gestures vaguely towards where Leave-it and Corin are in deep conversation with some stranger. “Weird. Always have to talk to strangers. He got invited to some baby's naming ceremony last week after speaking to the parents for about ten minutes. I honestly can't take him anywhere.” She rummages around in the container for more treats. Din battles against a smile. They are such complete opposites, her and Leave-it, but somehow it works. Judging by how much she's been eating these last two days, things appear to have worked really well between them. She hasn't said anything about anything, but Din is still willing to bet credits on there being some good news real soon. “Seriously, it's fine.”

Which it is. A bit time consuming, but fine. The trouble emerges when Leave-it and Corin come trotting back over, all excited, to tell them they had just been invited to join in on some big sporting event that takes place on a frozen lake.

Zev'sonya scowls and chews. Din is about to veto the entire thing until he sees the excitement in Corin's eyes and the gorgeous smile that reveals just how much he wants to go to this thing. Great. How is he supposed to say no to that?

He can't.

Which is why Din Djarin finds himself standing next to a frozen lake with a very annoyed twi'lek by his side, while the love of his life and his obnoxiously cheerful friend are attaching skates to their feet to join the people already warming up on the ice.

“Push-over.” Zev'sonya mutters.

“I didn't hear you tell your boyfriend no.” Din mutters back, skilfully ignoring Zev’sonya’s scowl.

Down on the frozen lake, Leave-it shows he's not a lost cause on skates, unlike Din. He's clearly not completely comfortable at first, a little awkward as he moves but improving by the second, and soon he's skating around with a confidence and skill Din has yet to achieve even after an embarrassing amount of tutoring.

Corin, on the other hand, is moving with such talent and grace that Din can't help but to wonder if he'd come rushing out of his poor mother on skates. He’s outshining everyone on the ice and he’s not even trying to impress anyone. If anything, Corin looks relaxed and is just having fun hanging around with Leave-it.

The game is silly and pointless. Six souls on each team, each person with a sturdy stick in their hands, trying to smack a small, black rock across a line about a meter long on either side of the lake.

If not for the bright grin on Corin's face as he skates next to Leave-it, Din would have found this a complete waste of time. That smile makes it worth it, though. That smile is perfection.

Once the game starts and the battle for the rock commences, it doesn't take long before the opposing team realizes what Din had already concluded; Corin is the biggest threat to their victory.

While there follows plenty of bickering over the rock, shoulders knocking against shoulders and the volume of voices rising along with their tempers, Din isn't too worried at first. In the fighting pit at the Covert, tempers always flared during their games as well. Then everything changes.

Corin is racing up the ice, tapping the rock along with his stick, when one man comes rushing in from the left. This one ignores going after the rock entirely and instead, with the determination of a hammerhead corvette, he body-slams into Corin with all of his might.

Din’s entire body jolts as Corin goes flying through the air, slams back down onto the ice and slides a good distance before coming to a halt. Pushing himself up on his arms, Corin shakes his head, as if to shake off the shock and dizziness, while Leave-it rushes to his side to check on him along with a couple of others from their team.

Din takes a step forward, about to call Corin off the ice, but it's too late as the crazy man is already up on his skates again and is sliding over to rejoin the game. He appears unharmed by the attack, though Din doesn't trust that for one second and scans Corin as he moves for any signs of discomfort. He knows only too well that Corin will ignore broken bones rather than inconvenience anyone, thinking a silly game being far more important than his own well-being. If Corin's shoulder droops, like when he broke his collarbone, or if he tries to keep his weight off a leg to ease hidden pain, or anything like that, Din will march over and physically drag Corin off the ice.

It’s not long before there is a new attempt at knocking Corin over. The same guy rushes twoards Corin with every intention of body slamming him into next week and it happens so fast that Din can't do anything to stop it.

Luckily, Corin must have anticipated this and he’s ready for it. When the guy charges at him, Corin turns, twists his body out of the way, and watches as his attacker flies by and nearly ends up face-first into the massive snowbank that circles the lake. Unfortunately, Din doesn't get to feel relief because he sees a second guy rushing at Corin's back with the intent of knocking him over while he’s distracted, but Corin once again merely turns and lets the idiot fly by him, even gives him a little wave. Now Din smirks and actually relaxes. A little. Corin's got this.

Despite several more attempts, no one comes close to even touching Corin. He side-steps, twists and slides out of their path with hardly any effort and mouth-watering elegance. If anything, he seems amused.

Din does the mistake of relaxing. Which is of course when bad luck strikes.

Once the players realize they can’t break any of Corin’s bones, they unleash their anger on the easier target: Leave-it, the other outsider. He’s nowhere near as fast or smooth on the skates and so he has no chance to dodge the guy now rushing at him.

Din flinches at the impact. It’s not as harsh as when that first guy hit Corin, but it is plenty hard enough to knock Leave-it over and for him to hit the ice with a yelp. Din looks over at Zev’sonya, who watches with a frown until Leave-it is back up on his skates and grinning at the fussing Corin before turning her attention back to her snacks. It appears that she’s a lot less worried than Din.

Minutes later, they knock the blond over again. Corin quickly skates over and helps Leave-it back up. Minutes after that, the opposing team knock him over a third time.

Kneeling next to Leave-it, who is gesturing that he’s fine, Corin slowly turns his gaze towards where the opposing team are huddling together with smugness radiating off them.

Corin is too far away for Din to see his eyes clearly, but he does see how Corin lowers his chin and how his shoulders tense up as his muscles tighten and bulge.

“Uh oh.” Din mumbles.

“What?” Zev’sonya asks.

“They just made Corin angry.”

Zev’sonya squints with the effort of trying to see what Corin’s face looks like. “I didn’t think he could get angry over a game.”

“Trust me.” Din says. “They could go after him and knock him down all day and he wouldn’t be bothered, but once they go after someone he cares about… I almost feel sorry for them.”

“I don’t.” Zev’sonya says, indeed without an ounce of sympathy in her voice. “I hope Corin breaks their legs.” She slowly cracks something between her teeth that sounds scarily like bones breaking.

Ah. A slight smile tugs at Din’s lips. Not less worried than Din after all, just better at hiding it.

The game starts up again, but this time Corin is the one ignoring the black rock and makes no attempts at scoring points. Instead he skates nearby Leave-it in what others might think is a purely whimsical way until one guy does the mistake of rushing at the blond with every intent of knocking him down.

Corin turns, faster than anyone should be able to on skates, speeds up, hunches forward and slams his shoulder into the guy so hard that both Din and Zev’sonya flinch. The impact is so violent it stops the man as if he’d run straight into a wall, his feet fly high while his upper body go down like a lead weight. The landing is so brutal his ancestors probably feel it too.

Zev’sonya lets out a low cackle of mean satisfaction when the guy has to be helped back up on his feet. Din, on the other hand, keeps his gaze on Corin, who nonchalantly skates around like nothing happened without straying too far from Leave-it or taking his eyes off the opposite team. Oh, he is seriously pissed off. Those guys have no idea what they’ve unleashed. Dank farrik, Corin is hot when he’s angry like this. Watching him destroy that guy without mercy, he’s gorgeous. Most people who have met Corin once upon a time would describe him as amiable to the point of being an easy push-over, but he’s showing a very different side to himself at the moment. One that Din loves. Right now, Corin looks ready to knock your teeth out if you challenge him.

The next man trying to knock Leave-it down fails to see Corin’s approach, but he certainly feels it when Corin grabs a hold of his shoulders and spins around to fling him face first into the snowbank on the left. Idiot number three who charges at Leave-it eats the ice hard when Corin comes up behind him and swings the stick with all of his might at his ankles. It takes a little while before someone tries to knock Leave-it down again after that, but once he scores two points for his team the tempers flare and one moron can’t help himself and rushes towards the blond.

“Mistake.” Zev’sonya observes,

“Big mistake.” Din agrees, while hoping she doesn’t pick up on the rasp in his voice due to how his throat is snaring up with the urge to admire out loud how hot Corin is right now.

“Down, boy.” Zev’sonya mumbles with a slight grin.

She heard. Dammit. Din clears his throat a little awkwardly, but still savours the ruthless way Corin slams into a guy with all of his considerable strength and no fear. Magnificent. Mandokarla. So karking Mandokarla. This is what he knows is hiding behind Corin’s peaceful front and Din love it when idiots are corrected for mistaking his kar’ta’s kindness for weakness. Just because Corin prefers not to beat the shit out of people, it doesn’t mean he’s not able to if he feels like it.

It almost makes Din a little sad when there are no more attempts to challenge Corin’s defence of his friend. Leave-it gets to skate around freely, oblivious to the ominous presence of his self proclaimed bodyguard hovering nearby, ready to interfere with anyone going after him.

Not trusting things to not go wrong, Din lets out a sigh of relief when the game is finally over. Corin and Leave-it’s team win 16-2. After a quick celebration with their team-mates, the two make their way over to Din and Zev’sonya, who choose to wait at a safe distance from clingy strangers.

“We won!” Leave-it declares with a laugh, one arm around Corin and the other punching the air.

“Congratulations.” Din says, eyes dwelling on Corin and loving how happy he looks.

“We saw.” Zev’sonya drawls.

“Don’t you wanna kiss the most important player on the ice?” Leave-it counters, leaning towards Zev’sonya with a suggestive grin and waggling eyebrows. “I mean, I must have scored ten or eleven of those points.”

“Yeah.” Zev’sonya says, raising an eyebrow to underline her sardonic look. “Because Corin beat up anyone who got in your way.”

“What?” Leave-it huffs. “No!” He looks over at Din. “Tell her that’s not true.”

Corin sends Din a tense look that begs for him to lie so Leave-it can go on smiling like he is.

Din purses his lips for a brief moment, considering his options, before replying. “I think you scored twelve of them, actually. That’s what I counted, anyway.”

“See?!” Leave-it exclaims with delight, only to have Zev’sonya roll her eyes and walk away which of course makes him hurry after her. “Zev, baby, twelve points. That’s awesome. I’m awesome! We should celebrate. Lucky you to be married to a genius. I’m kinda jealous. Zev. Hey, Zev. Wait up!”

Din smirks. Not a lie, no revealing of Corin’s actions, the perfect distraction for the guy famous for his lack of attention span. Raga would have been proud.

Corin inches over to stand next to Din as they watch the two walk away, speaking in a quiet voice: “Thank you.”

Din grunts, then turns to face him.

Offering a nervous smile, Corin shrugs. “I got a little carried away, I know. I’m sorry. I just… There was no reason to go after him like that. They were just doing it because they couldn’t get me; hurting him because they couldn’t hurt me, and I… got angry.”

“Furious.” Din corrects him a little absently.

Corin nods and lowers his gaze, appearing outwardly submissive, yet there is an unmistakable undertone of quiet, hard defiance in his voice as he speaks. “It was just game, I know, okay? I acted like an idiot, I realize that, but they were hurting him and I-”

“You.” Din reaches up and cups his gorgeous face between his hands to make him look up again. Din loses himself in those mesmerizing eyes as if the barrier of the HUD does not exist. “Were magnificent out there. Strong. Gorgeous. I could have watched you for days.”

Corin’s eyes flash with surprise and his lips part a little in a way that makes heat lick up Din’s spine. Yeah, his kar’ta still has no clue in regards to the effect he has on him and Din is starting to think he might never get it. Though, that might not be a bad thing, considering how enticing Corin looks all flustered when Din has to spell it out for him. “Din…”

Breathing a soft laugh, Din decides not to tease him today. He draws a final and lingering caress along Corin’s jawline before letting go and ordering the heat to leave his blood. “You protected your brother. As a Mandalorian should. You did good, okay?”

Corin smiles as the anxiousness leaves his body, but his gaze never leaves Din. Actually, there is something in his mesmerizing eyes that keeps a stubborn ember of fire alive in Din’s veins. “Does that mean I get a reward?”

Din struggles to swallow. Behave. He might mean something platonic. “Sure. What do you want?”

Corin’s smile widens a tiny fraction. There is nothing platonic about what’s on his mind, for sure. “I’ll tell you later.” He abruptly turns to follow the others. “Let’s get back to the ship before Zev’sonya decides to leave us behind and makes us walk back to the cabin.”

Din takes a deep, deep breath, before he follows with a faint laugh. Ice skating with sticks is officially his new favourite sport. It is definitely not a waste of time after all.

Maybe there is some way to get Corin a semi-regular spot on the local team?

[celestiall0tus]

Tales of Bloody Bug and Chat Noir - Chapter 44 - Commence

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            Bloody Bug moved through the city as she searched the usual haunts of the guys she looked for. She hadn’t seen any except for Ivan out with Mylene as they got some ice cream from Andre’s ice cream cart. She leapt down and approached the pair.

            “Our mighty hero, Bloody Bug! Come for an ice cream?” Andre cheered.

            “Maybe later, big guy. I’m here on business. An investigation and I need to speak with this gentleman right here,” Bloody Bug said as she motioned to Ivan.

            “M-me?” Ivan asked.

            “Can I join you two?” Mylene asked.

            “W-wait…!” Ivan protested

            “Fine by me. Come alone with me.”

            Mylene grabbed Ivan’s hand as they followed Bloody Bug to an empty alley. Ivan opened his mouth, but Bloody Bug held up her hand as Mylene transformed into Hydra. Ivan’s jaw dropped as Hydra scooped him up and they headed to an isolated area on the outskirts.

            “This seems a little far, doesn’t it?” Hydra commented.

            “Yeah, well, I want to be careful and not feel a thousand eyes on me. Especially for this.”

            Bloody Bug took off the panja bracelet and handed it out to Ivan. Ivan raised a brow while Hydra’s eyes lit up.

            “Ivan, you get to be a hero with me!” Hydra cheered.

            “Wait, really?”

            “Should you accept this burden. I’m sure you’ve seen the news, seen the results of the recent battle with Mayura. Cat and I failed as fusions, but a team succeeded. We’ve been ordered to hand out the last of the jewels to build a team to take on Mayura. It’s dangerous, you could get hurt, but I trust you,” Bloody Bug explained.

            “Could I possibly die?” Ivan asked.

            Bloody Bug inhaled, then sighed. “There’s a chance. There’s always that chance.”

            “But it’ll be ok! You have me and everyone else. Isn’t that right?” Hydra exclaimed.

            “Yes. Furthermore, you’re not to engage Mayura alone. Should you encounter her, inform the team and we will handle her together. So, Ivan Bruel, do you accept?” Bloody Bug asked.

            Ivan grimaced and looked down at Hydra. “You’ll be at my side always?”

            “Always, my big teddy bear,” Hydra cooed.

            Ivan blushed and hugged Hydra before he took the panja bracelet.

            “Welcome to the team. Now, would either of you know where I could find the Marc, Nathaniel, Kim, or Max?”

            Ivan raised a brow while Hydra nodded.

            “We saw Kim and Max heading into the zoo earlier. I think it was the one that Alya’s dad works at. Nathaniel said something about plans with Marc at a café near Jardin des Plantes.”

            Bloody Bug nodded and headed off to find them. She scouted the first café, 2B Café, but didn’t see them. She checked Le Petit Café with no luck before she headed to Le Café Parisien where she found Nathaniel and Marc. She stepped inside and up to their table. They both gawked up at her along with the rest of the establishment. She opened her mouth when she heard a few cat calls and wolf whistles followed by crude remarks.

            Bloody Bug curled her lip as her eye twitched. “Right, you two. I have evidence that you have information I need regarding an investigation. I ask that you two come with me.”

            “What is-?” Marc started.

            Nathaniel jumped up. “Yes! And after can we interview you? Please?”

            “We’ll see how far we get, Tomato.”

            “Tomato? That’s-.”

            Bloody Bug threw Nathaniel over her shoulder as she scooped Marc up in her free arm. She headed for the door when a thousand eyes fell on her. She shook herself as she turned back to the room. She scanned it for anything unusual but didn’t see anything. She frowned as the feeling persisted as she stepped outside.

            “Hold on tight, lanky boy,” Bloody Bug muttered.

            Marc held on tight as Bloody Bug leapt up. She dashed and jumped through the city out to the outskirts until the feeling of the eyes faded. She let out a breath and put the boys down. They groaned and collapsed onto the ground.

            “That was… a wild ride,” Marc commented.

            “Sorry, boys. Something is watching me today and I can’t be too careful. Especially with what I’m about to ask.”

            Nathaniel and Marc raised their brows as Bloody Bug held out the snake bracelet for Marc and the fox necklace for Nathaniel.

            “Wait, are these like your earrings and Chat Noir’s ring that Hawkmoth wanted?” Nathaniel asked.

            “Yes. Nathaniel, I am trusting you with the power of illusions while, Marc, I’m trusting you with the power of second chances. You will use these to help us bring down Mayura, if you choose to accept them.”

            Nathaniel grinned and snatched the necklace while Marc hesitated.

            “This sounds… really dangerous,” Marc whispered.

            “It is, but that comes with the territory of doing anything right. However, that shouldn’t stop us from them. Tell me, do you want these villains to stop and return life to normal?” Bloody Bug asked.

            Marc considered and nodded.

            “Then help me. Take a stand and help me put an end to all this. Help me give everyone their happy ending. Including you two.”

            Marc’s eyes widened as they darted over to Nathaniel, then back at the bracelet. He hesitated before he reached out and took it.

            “Be careful moving forward. You are not to engage Mayura alone. Should you encounter her, inform the team, and we will work together to bring her down. Understood?”

            Nathaniel and Marc nodded.

            “Thank you. Now, you’ll have to excuse me. I have two more jewels to give out and another to get back. Then I need to make things right.”

            “Wait! Make things right with who?” Nathaniel asked.

            “Someone who’s life I destroyed just by existing.”

            Bloody Bug left Nathaniel and Marc before Nathaniel could get another question out. She headed for the zoo that Otis Cesaire worked at. She scanned the area and found Kim taunting a panther while Max stood beside him. She landed on the railing between them as Kim went on about how he’s faster than any wild cat. She rolled her eyes, grabbed his throat, and pulled him in close.

            “You are a fucking arrogant dumbass that couldn’t be bothered to think for a split second about how stupid you sound right now, fool. Enough heckling a damn beast because you and pint-sized are coming with me,” Bloody Bug hissed.

            “Pint-sized? Are you referring to me? I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m sure I’m taller than you,” Max commented.

            Bloody Bug deadpanned as she threw Kim over her shoulder and scooped up Max before she headed back out to the city outskirts. She placed them down as Max collapsed.

            “Quite the thrill ride there, Bloody Bug. Uh, we won’t be doing that again, will we?” Max asked.

            “No. You’ll be getting yourselves home with these,” Bloody Bug said as she held out the last two jewels.

            “Woah! What are these?” Kim asked.

            Max hummed. “By chance, would these be related to the jewels Kim told me about after his Dark Cupid experience?”

            “They are. Kim, we’re reluctantly trusting you with the power in power invulnerably. Max, we’re trusting you with the power of multiplication. If you accept, you are to help us in bringing Mayura down.”

            “What about Hawkmoth?” Max asked.

            “He is no longer a threat to worry about. Mayura is though. She’ll be a dangerous foe, and I’ll understand if you’re afraid to-.”

            “Afraid? Me? Ha! I’m not afraid of anything. Give me that ring thing!” Kim yelled as he snatched the nose ring.

            Bloody Bug and Max watched Kim fight with getting the nose ring on. Kim got it in, spoke with Stompp, and transformed. Bloody Bug and Max raised their brows seeing Kim’s clothes become a set of maroon athletic techwear jacket and pants, a white shirt, and ox-themed running shoes. His mohawk was dyed red as a pair of golden bull horns adorned his head. He laughed and cheered as he ran around like a kid in a candy store. They both deadpanned and looked at each other.

            “So, will you…?” Bloody Bug started.

            “Yes. I’ll take the necklace.”

            “Thank you. And uh, good luck with that.”

            “I’m going to need it. See you on the battlefield, Bloody Bug.”

            Bloody Bug nodded and headed off in search of Marinette. She stopped in first at the bakery and received a warm welcome as she stepped inside.

            “There’s our hero! Come, Bloody Bug, I have something to show you!” Tom called from the register.

            “Make it quick, please. I’m-,” Bloody Bug started.

            “Of course! You are a busy woman protecting all of Paris. I wanted to thank you for everything you and your team has done, so I started making these!”

            Tom stepped back to unveil a display case with different pastries themed after the heroes. Ladybug creampuffs, black cat eclairs, bee chouquettes, mini rabbit loaves, rooster tarts, fluffy Pomeranian croissants, pig scones, turtle beignets, and goat cupcakes. The patrons buzzed as Bloody Bug felt all their eyes on her along with the return of the thousand eyes.

            “Would… would these be available? You know, to purchase?”

            Tom’s face lit up. “Of course! Special order only. With the first one for our fearless hero on the house.”

            “No, no. You don’t need to do that. I can pay.”

            “Nonsense! For everything you’ve done for this city and my daughter, this is just the least I can do.”

            Guilt gnawed at Bloody Bug and left her hollow. She opened her mouth, but Tom cut her off.

            “In fact, my little girl helped me make these. She’s so talented. Don’t you agree?”

            “Uh, yeah. Uh, speaking of, where is she?”

            “Oh, she left for a date a little while ago. She’s going to the movies with the Agreste boy.”

            The bakery erupted in gasps and excited buzzing. Bile churned in Bloody Bug’s stomach as she fought to keep it down.

            “Ah, well. I’ll have to catch her later. Say, when could I get some of these special pastries? Namely the chouquettes first. And possibly the dog croissants and bun loaves?”

            “I can have them ready by the end of the day.”

            “Cool. I’ll swing by later then. Uh, later!”

            Bloody Bug retreated from the bakery and searched for Marinette. Bile rose and lumped in her throat as she couldn’t shake the many eyes on her. She ignored them when she found Marinette and Felix masquerading as Adrien nearing a nearby movie theater. She took a deep breath and landed in front of them. Everyone gasped and jumped back as they gawked at her.

            “Bloody Bug? What are you-?” Marinette started.

            Bloody Bug ignored Marinette and pushed between Marinette and Felix. “You need to head back to the Agreste mansion, Felix.”

            “Felix? Uh, Bloody Bug, that’s…,” Marinette attempted.

            “Open your eyes, Marinette. This is Felix. Adrien is currently at home utterly distraught. He just received some devastating news that destroyed him. I would wager he could use his cousin along with his girlfriend.”

            Felix’s eyes darkened with fear as he nodded. “He will also need his sister, an ankle biter named Alix Kubdel.”

            Bloody Bug’s eye twitched. “If I see her, I’ll inform her. However, I have business with this young lady with our Mayura investigation. If you don’t mind, I’ll be taking her with me while you see to your cousin.”

            “Fine. Everything’s ruined already anyway.”

            Bloody Bug nodded as she scooped up Marinette. She didn’t head to the outskirts, but to Marinette’s rooftop balcony. She put Marinette down as Marinette took a seat on the lounger.

            “So, uh, what do I owe this visit? Did I do something?” Marinette asked.

            Bloody Bug stared at Marinette for a moment, then sighed. She knelt and looked up at Marinette. “I have to ask something, and I’m begging you to be honest with me. Why have you sided with Mayura?”

            Shock and fear plastered all over Marinette’s face. She fought to contain it, but it was too much. “I… I don’t know what you mean. I’m… I’m with you guys. Ever since you freed me of her, I’ve been on your side.”

            “We got rid of the toy she gave you. That doesn’t mean you were freed of her. You went back to her, didn’t you? She made you something new, didn’t she?”

            “What? No. I’d have no reason when I have… I have Luka.”

            Bloody Bug sighed and stood. “Marinette, I know you did. I know you went back to her and asked for a new toy. I know she made one with the peacock and goat.”

            Marinette paled as she pursed her lips and remained silent.

            “I just want to know why, Marinette. Why do you go back to her? Why do you need Adrien so much that you’d take a copy?”

            Marinette looked down. “Isn’t it obvious? I love him. I love him so much, but he doesn’t love me. He doesn’t see how much I love him. I could give him all my love, but he chose Sabrina over me. All I want is him and to shower him with love, but he won’t let me.”

            Bloody Bug felt the full weight of the eyes on her as she considered her words. “What about Luka? Why do you lead him on if you only love Adrien? From my understanding, he loves you, but you don’t love him.”

            “It was the only way to get everyone to shut up. All I heard from them was I needed to let Adrien go, I should look for someone else, Luka likes you, why not him. I just thought I could get them to stop. I thought I could get Alya back if they just… if they thought I had moved on.”

            “But you never did. You lead him on instead, hurting him more.”

            “I didn’t-! I didn’t mean to! I just… he’s not Adrien. He never will be. And all I want is Adrien. That’s why… that’s why when Mayura came… I just… I just….”

            The weight of the eyes were near unbearable for Bloody Bug as Marinette broke down. She glanced around but saw only her and Marinette. She hummed and sat beside Marinette.

            “So, what now?” Bloody Bug asked.

            “I… I just want Adrien. I just-.”

            “Is it Adrien you want, or just people to want you?”

            “What do you mean?”

            “Sounds like you gave up everything in the pursuit of Adrien. Your friends, any connections you had, anything if it meant him. So much that you were willing to make a deal with a devil.”

            “What? No! Mayura isn’t like that! She just… she wanted to help me. She gave me exactly what I wanted. She gave me Adrien.”

            “But he wasn’t real.”

            “I don’t care! I had someone I could care about. I had someone I could love. And they loved and cared about me! It wasn’t like with Kim who tricked me and hurt me. Him and his stupid pranks. I thought… I thought…!”

            Marinette broke down again. Bloody Bug frowned as she reached out to comfort Marinette when she stood up.

            “I thought when I met Adrien, he was the one. Thunder rolled and lightning striked. It was love at first sight. I was determined, but then Hawkmoth went and ruined everything. He gave me those powers when Alix was stealing Adrien from me, and again for the same reason, but I don’t even remember what I did that second time. And now Adrien hates me, won’t even look my way. I just wanted to love him, and now he won’t even look at me!”

            Marinette wailed as she crumbled to the floor. Bloody Bug pinched the bridge of her nose as thunder rumbled in the distance. She sighed and moved to the floor with Marinette to wrap this up.

            “Marinette, I’m sorry for what happened. It’s unfortunate what happened, but we can’t change what happened. We just… we just need to live with it. Mistakes and all.”

            “But I don’t want to. I just want Adrien. I just want to be loved.”

            “I know, and it sucks. There’s a lot of things I’ve done that I regret now, but I have to live with them. It’s just part of life to learn to live with the bad things. We may not like them, they’re ugly, but refusing they were a part of us is a disservice to who we were and where we came from. I think you can see it, can’t you? A few short months ago I was yelling at you and not listening to a word you said.”

            Marinette sniffled. “It seems longer.”

            Bloody Bug chuckled. “Yeah, yeah it does. Hard believe I’m here listening to you cry about wanting to be loved. Not that there’s anything wrong. Hell, come to find out, that’s something I wanted all along too.”

            “It… it is?”

            “Yeah. Hard to tell when you’re busy pushing people away and building walls so high that no one can get in. But some asshats are too stubborn to give up and squirm their way in. As much as I tried to keep them at bay, I couldn’t deny I craved that closeness again. Now that I have it, I can’t imagine why I tried to live without it.”

            “Lucky. Everyone… everyone that loved me is gone. All I have is… is….”

            “Well, not everyone is gone.”

            “What do you mean?”

            Bloody Bug stood and held out her hand. “You still have me. Let’s amend the past and move forward into the future, together.”

            Marinette hesitated. “What if… what if you hate me again? What if you leave me again too? What if-?”

            “Easy, Marinette. We’ll cross those bridges when they come. No point dwelling on them now. Only make things worse, and we can’t be doing that right now. So, what do you say?”

            Marinette considered before she took Bloody Bug’s hand. Bloody Bug smiled and pulled Marinette to her feet. Marinette glanced up at Bloody Bug, then at the floor.

            “I’m… I’m sorry for everything I’ve done. I just… I love him. I want to be with him.”

            “I know. I want to make one thing clear, I won’t help you in that pursuit. If you pursue him, that’s all you. However, I will be here every few days to check on you. And, unfortunately, since you were involved with Mayura afterwards, I will need the goat clips back.”

            Marinette grimaced and fidgeted with her hands. “I… I don’t have them anymore.”

            “What?”

            “She… she came and took them this morning. Said I could keep them and lose my… or give them to her and keep my… oh, I’m so sorry.”

            Bloody Bug prickled with annoyance from the news and unease from the eyes. “It’s… well, fuck, it’s not alright. Dammit. Alright, fine. Just… just be careful, ok?”

            “Will you still come by in a few days?”

            “Yes. I’ll see you then, Marinette.”

            Bloody Bug waved and headed out. She landed atop a building several blocks away before she took out her yo-yo. She slid it up and scrolled through her contacts. She saw some of the boys were transformed with the names “Ox”, “Mouse”, “Fox”, and “Snake” in her list. She ignored them and tried to find Porcelet but saw Gallic Chick. She groaned and dialed Gallic Chick. She waited a few rings before Gallic Chick picked up.

            “The mighty and incredible Gallic Chick speaking. How may I help you?”

            “Where are you?”

            “Oh, well hello to you too, Bloody Bug. How are you doing?”

            “Stressed. Where is Porcelet and where are you?”

            “Porcelet is currently comforting a very distraught Adrien. I, on the other hand, just finished my report to the emergency services before they carted Gabriel’s barely alive body away.”

            “Please tell me you didn’t let certain information out yet.”

            “Oh, heavens no. Amelie specifically asked that I didn’t so she could figure out what to do. Something about concern for Adrien falling under her protection, house, assets, legal stuff, you know.”

            “Thank goodness. What about the brooch?”

            “What brooch?”

            “The butterfly brooch. His miraculous. Didn’t you or Porcelet get it?”

            “Uh, no.”

            “Fuck. Get that brooch. We cannot allow another to fall into Mayura’s hands.”

            “Another?”

            “Look, I’ll explain later. Can you… can you just go to Chat Noir or Porcelet, whoever, and ask them to message Pom Pom to meet me atop Notre Dame Catherdral?”

            “Oh, is someone in trouble? You should be. You did almost die, again.”

            “Concerns ignored for now, Gallic Chick. Just tell Pom Pom, please. I need to talk to her, and I told her I’d talk later. Well, later is here and I want to get this over with.”

            “Fine. Don’t know why you can’t do it yourself, but fine.”

            Bloody Bug’s eye twitched as she hung up the call. She took several deep breaths to case the frustration away while the unease of the eyes remained. She shook herself as she headed off to the Cathedral.

Patreon || Discord || Ko-Fi

[snakegorl212006]

Chapter 5

Zane awakens in a dream. There was a road and on that road there was a power line. Then the falcon landed on the power line and stared into the distance until it unexpectedly speakers “wake up zane, I know where you come from��. Zane wakes up from the shock and hits his head on the bunk bed. Although he hissed in pain he sat up and looked through the window to see the falcon flying by the bounty. He heads to the main headquarters and saw Wu “the hunt starters early i see” Zane said “a watchful eye never sleeps”Wu replied “as long as Lloyd and the Serpentine  roam freely, no one in Ninjago is safe” Nya said “where are the others Zane asked “Training on the upper deck” Wu replied. Zane heads outside on the deck to see nobody but the falcon who cried to alert it’s presents “You were in my dream, little friend.Last time you led me to good fortune.What reason you returned”Zane asked as he walks forward but the falcon flew away making zane run onto the upper deck leaving him confused. Then garmadon creeps up behind him. Zane sensed him coming and turns around “lord garmadon, but you were banished” zane said “Only to return for the golden weapons of spinjitzu.Soon I will have the power to recreate Ninjago my own image” garmadon said as he attacks zane but he dodges. Garmadon demands for the shurikens of ice but Zane refuses commencing a battle between them only to result in zane being thrown back and a crate almost falling on him. Zane blocked but nothing came and as he unshealds himself he was greeted by a Ninja in green who ends up defeating Garmadon using attributes each of the four ninja possessed. At the end the ninja stood in front of zane with the falcon resting on his arms as fire lit from his hand and eyes as more falcons appeared causing zane to question his identity only to wake up and hit his head on the bunk.

[evaslytherpuff]

Desperate For Sanctuary

Ominis Gaunt x F!OC

Friends to lovers, Yandere OC

18+ MDNI!!!

Characters are 18+ in this fic!!!

Tag list: @myrachondria @hotcinnam0nspicy @moongurl95 @localravenclaw I appreciate that you all support this story and the characters, this fanfic is very dear to me! Thank you for reading!🥹💙

CW: Slightly intense duel, Sexual tension (if you squint), Longing, Abusive and manipulative parents, Trauma induced illness, Obsessive behavior, Stalking, Slight Somnophilia, Mentions of character deaths

If any of the above warnings may trigger you, PLEASE DO NOT CONTINUE READING!

Chapter 4

Vivian’s POV

Vivian unfortunately didn't have double potions that day but she did get to see Ominis again in DADA and she was excited to see him. They were actually going to spend time together which made her feel giddy. He came to her for help. He could have asked anyone but he sought her out and she thought it was the sweetest thing. When she built up the courage to ask him for his time, the blush that blessed his cheeks made her heart pound against her chest. She understood that they just met but Ominis was truly enchanting. She looked forward to getting to know him alone without anyone else's opinions of him.

Professor Hecat made her way to the middle of the classroom and demanded that all the students stand as she magically moved the tables and chairs to the sides of the massive classroom.

"Today, we shall pair you all up in some friendly duels. I want to see how far you all have come over the years. I hope I have taught you well, if not, hmm we shall see how it goes." She chuckled lightly as she summoned the dueling platform from the floor. The class cheered as Professor Hecat made her rounds, eyeing the students up, making sure she had the pairs set in her mind.

"First up, Mr.Clopton and Mr.Prewett. Let's see what you've got." The Professor grinned as the two boys made their way to the platform and took their dueling positions. "On my count. Three, two, one! Begin!"

The light in the room seemed to change, highlighting the boys as Leander cast the first spell, knocking Everett off balance. Everett surprisingly didn't back down and cast an even stronger spell at Leander who easily blocked it. Vivian watched excitedly as the duel commenced but her eye's kept wandering over to Ominis who stood on the other side of the room. He held his wand out in front of him and smiled as he took in the two students dueling. She wondered what he saw with his wand. Did it send a visual to him? Could he fully see while he held it? The whole situation was fascinating to her.

She turned her attention back to the heated battle on the stage as Everett cast a powerful depulso in Leander's direction, knocking him clear off the platform. The class was in an uproar as Everett bowed to the students and crossed over to Leander, helping him up.

"Good one, Clopton." The red haired boy coughed as he took the Ravenclaws hand and stood up.

Next it was Natsai and Poppy. The two girls fought at an even level but Natsai seemed slightly more skilled than Poppy, although the petite Hufflepuff was extremely feisty, casting spells with a quiet confidence. Natty was very good at chaining her spells, sending one after the other to disorient Poppy but the young girl knew how to defend herself. Poppy's protective spells kept her shielded from Natty's onslaught. Unfortunately for her Natty finished with a Levioso, raising Poppy off the platform then Glacias, freezing Poppy in midair. She finished with a few basic casts until Poppy fell to the floor, the ice shattering around her. Poppy stood up quickly, dusting off her uniform as Natty jumped down from the dueling stage, the girls shook hands and laughed loudly as they returned to the sides of the classroom.

Then, surprisingly, it was Ominis and Vivian's turn. She hesitated when she heard who she was paired up with as she crossed to the platform but nearly tripped over her own feet as Ominis casually removed his robe and hung it up on a nearby training dummy then rolled his shirt sleeves up to his elbows. She thought he was handsome before, but now, he was breathtaking. She had to shake her head a little as she walked up the stairs and stood on her end of the platform.

"Take your positions." Professor Hecat spoke from the sidelines.

"Don't go easy on me, understand." Ominis said calmly as he took his dueling stance.

"I wasn't planning on it Monsieur. Gaunt." She blushed as she took her stance as well, a smirk gracing his beautiful face.

"On my count. One, two, three!" Their Professor shouted.

Vivian was the first to cast without hesitation, snapping her wand in Ominis direction, he blocked her attack with ease. What surprised her was how quickly he was able to cast. Before his Protego shield even fell, he cast Confringo through the haze, damaging her with the fiery spell. She didn't go down easily though and swiftly cast right back. Eventually it became a back and forth between the two, a heated dance of who will win and who wouldn't. The way that Ominis would cast was like a snake, poised and ready to strike, his wand hand snapping forward with venomous fury. He was powerful and it sent chills up her spine to watch him perform with such precision and grace. She couldn't be distracted, if she let him get to her, she would easily lose.

Ominis chained his spells perfectly but Vivian was prepared, matching his strength and protecting herself from his rapid attacks. This man was determined though as he seemed to lose himself in the heat of battle. She noticed the tense look on his face as if his mind drifted while he was dueling. What was he thinking about, she wondered.

He somehow grew closer, pushing her further to the edge of the platform, she could barely move from his advance. He lifted her from the ground and she was completely unprepared. He then cast depulso followed by a swift descendo, forcing her arse to the ground. The shockwave that vibrated through her entire body knocked the air from her lungs and made her see stars. The class gasped in shock but started to clap hesitantly as Vivian slowly rose from the ground, still unsteady on her feet.

"Damn, Ominis, this was supposed to be a practice duel. You kind of lost it up there!" Leander snapped as he crossed to Vivian. "Are you alright?" He asked kindly. Ominis swiftly jumped from the platform and crossed over to her, hesitating to come closer, a look of horror on his pale face.

"I'm so sorry, Vivian. I didn't mean to hurt you. Please forgive me. Are you okay? I didn't mean to take it too far!" He looked like he was on the verge of tears.

"Guys, I'm fine." She said as she brushed dirt from her uniform. "Wow, Ominis. Your skills are exceptional! I think that was the longest and most intense duel I have ever had. It was thrilling and a privilege to duel with such an excellent duelist like you." She held out her hand to him but he seemed terrified to take it. Eventually he clasped his delicate fingers around hers and shook gently.

"Are you sure you're alright?" He asked softly before letting her hand go.

"I'm fine, Ominis. Really. You won fair and square. It was actually a lot of fun." She giggled as Leander nodded and patted Ominis' shoulder before he walked back to the rest of the students. Ominis still looked like he could vomit at any minute as Professor Hecat crossed over to them.

"That was a very impressive duel. One of the best I've ever seen. Well done Mr. Gaunt. Ms. Beausoleil, you did a wonderful job, they taught you well at Beauxbatons." The witch smiled warmly before walking away to announce the next pair of duelists.

"Thank you, Professor Hecat." Vivian beamed but Ominis appeared to be on the verge of a panic attack. Vivian stood by his side and grabbed his hand gently and was relieved that he didn't pull away.

"Ominis, Je vais bien. Je te le promets. I'm fine, I promise you that I'm fine." She said soothingly as she rubbed his knuckles softly. He closed his eyes and tried his best to take slow and even breaths.

"Are you sure, Vivian? I'd be devastated if I actually harmed you." He sighed and ran his free hand through his blond locks.

"I am unharmed, Ominis," She said kindly. "Besides, I've got enough back there to soften the blow of a fall." She laughed and his face turned beet red when he realized she was talking about her behind. He blinked rapidly in her direction and was rendered speechless so she decided to change the subject.

"You are quite the duelist. Where did you learn to do all of that?" His face dropped while the blush drained from his cheeks and she immediately knew she messed up.

"It's not something I really like talking about. I come from a very twisted and horrible family. I despise my name with a passion and l am not proud to be a Gaunt. Where did you learn to duel? I could tell that your knowledge goes beyond what our schools have taught us." He said softly.

"My mom and dad. They were very skilled and made sure I knew how to defend myself. I appreciate you noticing." She blushed.

"Our duel was pretty thrilling wasn't it? That was the most exciting thing I've felt in a while." He said as Imelda won against Adalaide.

"It was pretty amazing." She said as she stared up at him, a ray of sunlight shone through the glass window, highlighting his beautiful face. She swallowed hard when his blue eyes landed on her and he smiled gently.

"I'd happily duel you again. Maybe this time I'll win." She giggled.

"Maybe." He continued to smile then cleared his throat, realizing they were still holding hands. He hesitated for a moment but pulled his fingers from hers and returned his attention back to the class.

She came to school to focus, to pass with flying colors and move forward with her life, but Ominis was proving to be a wonderful distraction.

Ominis' POV

For the rest of his classes, all Ominis could think about was what Vivian had said in DADA. He could barely focus as her words kept replaying in his mind. "Besides, I've got enough back there to soften the blow of a fall." Now all he could do was think about her arse. He was shocked but also found it refreshing that she could easily talk about her body like that. She just blurted it out like it was nothing, as if she was talking to one of the girls in her dorm, not to a guy who couldn't stop thinking about her since she walked through the doors of the Great Hall.

When she laughed in Herbology it sounded like music to his ears. What was she laughing about? Who made her laugh out loud so joyfully? He slowly turned in his stool until he was facing her energy.

As long as he held his wand in his hand, this is what he was able to "see." Everything in this world gives off energy, in waves, sparks, hazes, auras, glows, etc. With the help of his wand, he could easily read a person's energy. Poppy always seemed to glow, very vibrant and warm. Natty gave off sparks, great energy and headstrong. His brothers were hazy like smog. Their energy felt heavy and toxic, smothering even. Then there was Vivian. Her energy was entirely different from everyone else's. He didn't know why though. Was it because he was attracted to her? Vivian wasn't just energy, she appeared like the entire galaxy laid out before him. It was the most mesmerizing thing he ever saw and he couldn't take his eyes off of her.

She was giggling and joking with Imelda and a small part of him felt a little...jealous? He wanted to be the one who made her laugh, the guy she made jokes with, the one she could talk to all day. Was it wrong or weird to be attracted to someone so fast? He sort of felt like a creep for having these thoughts about her but he also couldn't seem to help it.

"Are you alright, Ominis?" Professor Garlick appeared next to him and startled him out of his conflicted mind, making him jump, his tentacula plant gurgling loudly.

"Yes Professor. I'm okay." He said softly, embarrassed to be caught not paying attention.

"Just making sure. You're doing very well by the way. Your tentacula is adjusting to its new soil with ease. Keep up the good work." Professor Garlick said sweetly before she walked away to check on another student.

Ominis finished up his assignment and tucked his notebook into his satchel. His attention eventually returned to Vivian. He was a whirlwind of emotions and it was giving him a migraine. He sighed heavily as Professor Garlick dismissed the class and Vivian left the greenhouse with Imelda. He would be meeting her after his Charms class and he didn't know if he was anticipating it or regretting his decision to ask for her help.

His anxiety was in full swing as his final class finished and he made his way to the clock tower. His heart was pounding so loud he could hear every beat echoing in his ears. There she stood, leaning against the entryway to the courtyard, her energy emitting stars and clouded colors around her silhouette. He approached her slowly while mustering a small smile. Her energy shifted entirely as she pushed off from the wall.

"Ominis, you look pale. Are you sure you're alright?" She placed the back of her hand against his forehead and he raised a brow at her concern.

"I still think I hurt you during our duel." He said as he lowered his head, he could feel her staring through him, examining him.

"I'm a tough girl, Ominis. There is a lot about me that you don't know. I can take a few hits and keep on going. If you had hurt me, trust me, I would have been honest and told you. Come here." She pulled him in and hugged him and his eyes grew wide. He was able to feel her again, to hold her in his arms, it made him feel excellent. He sighed in content as she rested her head on his chest. Stuff like this would usually annoy him or make him feel embarrassed but with Vivian it was different, he felt like the world fell away, she felt so right in his embrace. She cleared her throat as she pulled away from him and he had to stifle a whimper at the loss of her body pressed to his.

"Are you ready to brew some potions?" She asked excitedly as she led him out into the courtyard.

"As ready as I'll ever be." He shrugged as he followed behind her.

"No need to panic, I'm here with you, I'll guide you through it." She reassured him as she sat down in the corner of the stony yard, yanking him down with her. He sat beside her as she began to pull out all the ingredients they needed for the potions.

"We aren't doing this in the potions room?" He asked out of curiosity.

"Nope. I ran it by Professor Sharp and he said it would be fine as long as we are careful. I want to do this to help you and he understood that." She said confidently as she started to get to work.

"He was okay with this?" Ominis was shocked.

"It helps that I'm a good and trustworthy student." She giggled. "I've only been here all of two days but he knows how seriously I take my potions. I'm going to help in any way I can, okay, I know what it feels like to not sleep." She said sadly. He hesitated but decided to ask her anyway.

"What keeps you awake at night?" He wondered as she handed him a ladle.

"Memories of my mom and dad. The night she was killed. The day I found my father had died in his sleep. It all haunts me. When I had to leave Marseille and move in with my Grandmother. She's a sweet woman, le meilleur en fait, but her house doesn't feel like home to me. She's the best, you would like her." She said confidently.

"I would like her? What is she like?" He asked as he helped her stir the potion a few times.

"I may be judging but, you seem like the type of guy that likes a nurturing soul, my mamie is kind and caring. She's always looking out for others. I love her dearly." He liked how she sounded so happy when talking about her Grandmother. He didn't really get the chance to know his, either of them, they were dead before he was born. From what he read and heard about them though, it was probably better this way. His father's parents were worse than him and he's a horrific man. His mother's family was rumored to be sick and twisted and this was obviously passed on to her, a woman who was as vicious as she was beautiful.

"She sounds great, Vivian." He said with a sincere smile. He noticed her energy changed for just a moment then faded back to its original colors. He wondered what that meant. It was aggravating that he couldn't decipher one color from another. He's been blind since the day he was born so he didn't know which color was which. Sebastian would try his best to describe things to him but he had no idea what a blue sky was. A green tree was a mystery to him, red flowers just sounded like a pretty plant in his opinion. It was frustrating how people thought he could tell colors apart when he truly couldn't. He turned his head to take in the stars and swirls her form emanated. What color was her hair? He could tell it was tied up on top of her head. Was she pale like moonlight or sun kissed with glowing radiance? What color were her eyes or her lips? He was so curious and desperately wanted to know. His blindness never really bothered him before, he had grown used to it, but now he wanted to see her so badly it pained him.

"This potion batch is almost done, would you like to brew some more? I have enough ingredients for another cauldron full." She asked as she placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Another batch would be lovely please." He gave her a genuine smile and her atmosphere shifted again and this time it stayed that way and his heart began to race. Was she...blushing?

"Alright, let's get started." She chuckled.

They continued to make potions all through the evening and Ominis even walked her back to their common room. This time, he chose to cross the threshold with her. It had been ages since he slept in his dorm but for some reason, he wanted to feel closer to her.

"Good night, Ominis. I hope our potions help you sleep well tonight." She gently hugged him before retreating to the girl's dormitory. He smiled to himself as he sat down on one of the couches near the fireplace. His satchel was filled with the Dreamless Sleep potions they brewed together and he was beyond thankful for them. He had enough to last him for about a week and she even promised to help him brew more if he needed them. He knew that he would so he told her it was definitely going to happen and her energy seemed to bloom and grow more vibrant. He took that as her excitement and it made him happy to bask in the feelings she radiated.

He reluctantly trudged up to the boy's dormitory, crossing the iron bridge, until he stood in front of the door. He could hear voices inside but it only sounded like two people. He opened the door and the voices abruptly stopped.

"Holy shit! You're in our dorm, Gaunt?" Nigel's voice sounded from his bed.

"I thought I'd sleep in here tonight." Ominis shrugged.

"Good luck with that, your bed has been collecting cobwebs since you haven't slept in it." Keith chimed in.

Ominis simply cast a quick cleaning charm with a roll of his eyes and his bed was as good as new.

"This isn't about the new Slytherin is it?" Nigel asked from across the room.

"No, where I was sleeping has become uncomfortable." Ominis quickly changed into his pajamas and flopped down on his freshly cleaned bed.

"Man, I'd love some alone time with her. She's gorgeous." Keith sighed and Ominis suddenly became agitated, clutching his wand tightly before setting it down on the bedside table.

"You mean Vivian?" Ominis asked, trying to remain calm. He didn't know her enough, she wasn't his girlfriend, he had no right to be jealous. Yet he was.

"Hell yeah, I understand you're blind and I'm not sure how you feel about that, but if only you could see her." Nigel chuckled.

"She's honestly the prettiest Slytherin I've ever seen. I can't get over her eyes and lips." Keith groaned and laid back on his bed. Ominis wanted to punch both of them but he restrained himself.

"It would be nice to see her, the way you two describe her, she sounds beautiful." Ominis said as he clenched his fists and laid down on his own bed and pulled the covers over his body.

"She is, Keith is over here talking about her lips, ha! It's her hips and breasts I can't stop thinking about." Nigel laughed and high fived Keith before crossing to his bed to sit on it.

"Have some decency, Nigel. Don't be a pig!" Ominis snapped, a little too aggressively.

"Woah, calm down, Ominis! She doesn't even seem to be into anyone else but you anyway." Keith snapped.

"What the hell are you talking about, Keith? It's only been a few days." Ominis fired back.

"From the moment she arrived here, she's been hanging out with you." Nigel interjected.

"Well, one, she's my potions partner. Two, she helped me brew a few potions to help me sleep, she was assisting me since my potions are awful. We are just friends, that's all." Ominis shook his head.

"So does this mean I can ask her on a date?" Keith asked with way too much enthusiasm.

"Don't ask me, it's up to Vivian. I can't speak for her." Ominis sighed heavily as he rolled over to pull a potion out of his bag.

"Hey! What if I want to ask her?" Nigel snapped.

"Yeah right!" Ominis and Keith said in unison.

Ominis had to fight back the urge to laugh, although the situation was funny, he was annoyed with both of them at the moment. Nigel was considered very handsome according to other students but his flaw was his awful personality. He was always a jerk and a bully to others and that made him unattractive. Ominis couldn't lie, he was worried about Keith. The girls always gossip about him and how good looking he is. He also had a more approachable personality compared to Nigel. Would Vivian say yes to him if he asked her out? Was it wrong for Ominis to hope she turned him down? His stomach was in knots and all he wanted to do was sleep so he could block out the two Slytherin boys.

Erebus Gaunt's POV

Erebus sat on the armchair in the corner of his bedroom as shouting continued to echo from down the hall. He sighed heavily and set his letters down on a nearby table and stood up to leave his room to see what all the commotion was. He shut his door behind him as his father's voice rang out from Marvolo's room. As Erebus crept closer, he could clearly make out his father's words, and he was livid.

"What the fuck is going on with my son!" His father shouted at an unseen being in Marvolo's bedroom.

"S-sir, l've told you, l'm not entirely sure. We've examined him and he seems to be perfectly healthy. I-I have never come across this type of situation in my line of work." Another man's voice stuttered in fear.

"Why is his hair turning white?" Hadeon growled.

"I have only heard rumors of this happening and supposedly it hasn't been scientifically proven but, this could be trauma induced Canities Subita, the sudden whitening of the hair. Has Marvolo experienced anything that could have been…permanently damaging?" The doctor asked nervously.

Their father sighed. "He lost his fiancée on their wedding day. Just this past February. She died in his arms." Their father said quietly.

"Goodness! I am so sorry for your loss, young man." The doctor genuinely sounded like he cared, unlike their father, who announced the situation like he was talking about the weather. Marvolo was completely silent as Erebus stood outside the open door and eavesdropped.

"Can he be fixed? I need him to be perfectly healthy in order to work. Will this affect his ability to perform well at his job?" Hadeon asked sternly.

"Fortunately for him, no. This may just affect his appearance since he's otherwise healthy. Nothing wrong with his body, heart, or brain, and his blood work is normal. Marvolo is in great shape, his hair may just-gradually turn white. If he can work through the trauma, it's possible it could return to the normal midnight black color he's used to." Erebus could literally hear the scowl that was probably plastered on his fathers face.

"Your positivity sickens me but I'm glad he's technically fine and able to work. You may leave now, Doctor." The authority in his dad's voice clearly spooked the poor man and he quickly left the room, almost colliding with Erebus on his way out. Erebus moved to stand in the doorway and cleared his throat to announce his presence.

"Pardon my intrusion, Father. Do you have the roster for tonight's deliveries?" Erebus asked, gaining his father's attention.

"I do. I'll get it for you as soon as I can. I'll be in my office. There are some things I need to attend to first." Hadeon said as he limped over to leave the room. Erebus moved out of his way and entered the bedroom to sit on the edge of Marvolo's bed.

"What's going on with you, Marvolo?" Erebus asked, his deep voice breaking the awkward silence in the room.

"Marie Antoinette Syndrome apparently." Marvolo responded softly as he gazed at his reflection in his mirror. His golden eyes were blank and showed absolutely no reaction to his diagnosis.

"This is about Lucia, isn't it?" Erebus watched as his brother ran his fingers through his long hair. A pure white streak stood out against the rest of his dark waves.

"It's always about Lucia. Every time I close my eyes, I relive losing her all over again, she's gone. There's nothing I can do about that." Marvolo swallowed hard with a clenched jaw.

"I know how you feel. The girl I love is gone too." Erebus sighed and Marvolo whirled around to stare daggers into his brother.

"The girl you love is not gone, she's just out of your reach! She is not dead lying in a fucking cemetery, Erebus!" Marvolo roared, his chest heaving as he finally showed some form of emotion.

"You're right. Unfortunately Vivian would never have me now after all that I have done to her. I don't even know where she is." Erebus said as he leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees.

"You're a hunter. Track her down if you care for her so much." Marvolo snapped.

"I will...in my free time. If I ever get any." He grumbled as his brother rolled his eyes.

"When we hunt, we also do some digging. You'll find her again." Marvolo shrugged and made it sound like it was the easiest thing in the world.

"I would have to force her to be mine. She won't do it willingly, not after we killed her mother." Erebus scoffed and shook his head, a strand of hair tumbling from his slicked back look. He fixed the stray curl with a groan as Marvolo moved to stand in front of him.

"I'm the one who killed her mother, not you. I used the killing curse. Somehow Vivian managed to get away from you that night, which is still a mystery, but you will see her again. We'll make sure of it. If you have to force her to be with you and love you, so be it. I'm honestly tired of hearing you "trying" to get over her. The last one you bought home sounded like she was being murdered." Marvolo chuckled wickedly.

"She claimed that she could handle being fucked and clearly she could not. It was a very frustrating night. I used a memory charm and sent her on her way." Erebus sighed.

"Better than killing her like you have to some of the others." His brother said with a smirk.

"Those girls were accidents. I only ever killed one willingly because she was standing over me with a knife!" Erebus scowled.

"Doesn't really matter to me anyway. I sleep around too and murder just because. Anything to try and fill the void Lucia left behind, so in some ways, I understand why you do it. You don't have to get over Vivian though, I'll help you find her." Marvolo said as he crossed to his bedroom door. Erebus stood to leave the room with his brother, staring at Marvolo with a puzzled expression.

"Why would you help me?" He said and crossed his big arms over his chest.

"Because I owe you for being the one who killed Vivian's mom." Marvolo said nonchalantly as their father called for them from down the hall.

"Time to work. Let's see what he has for us.” Erebus smirked.

The brothers crossed the threshold to their father’s office. Even though it was the middle of the day, his space was shrouded in darkness and looming shadows. His golden gaze bore into his sons as he sat in his high back chair and frowned. They both took a seat in the armchairs that were situated in front of Hadeon's desk. The old man sighed and pulled out his roster from a locked drawer.

"The deliveries will go as planned, Erebus. Here is the list of muggles and their buyers. I expect each one to be completed swiftly and without any issues. Now, onto a slightly bigger problem. There has been a wizard by the name of Fletcher, that is trying to stir up an uprising, claiming that he can gain enough power to bring me down. Here's the thing—the fucker is a coward—hiding behind a group of witches and wizards he has working for him. I need you both to spy on, track down, and torture his little posé until you can find his true whereabouts. Once you have done that, bring him to me alive. I want to be the one to finish the job. Understand?" Hadeon asked them sternly.

"Understood Father." The brothers said in unison.

"I heard that a few of his lackeys have been spotted hanging around Hogsmeade. Start there, see what you can find out. You're dismissed. I know the both of you will get this job done. Do not disappoint me." Hadeon said with a clenched jaw.

Erebus noticed that their father had been behaving differently. He always walked with a limp due to his deformity of having one leg that was longer than the other but now it seemed like their father was in constant pain. He would try to hide his winces and hissed in breaths but Erebus was overly observant. He could tell that something was wrong. Inbreeding may have affected his father’s body but the man was still an imposing threat. No one should underestimate him. Since his father was trying his best to cover it up, he wouldn't ask him what was going on, he knew the old man would be furious if someone noticed that anything was off.

Marvolo stood to leave when suddenly, there was a gentle knock on the door. Their mother poked her blonde head into the room with a small smile.

"Just coming up to let you boys know that lunch is ready." She said softly before opening the door all the way.

"Thank you, Darling. We'll be down in a minute." Hadeon responded as he stood from his desk and limped over to his wife to kiss her forehead. Marvolo was right behind him as they exited into the hallway. Erebus stood to leave but his mother walked into the office and closed the door.

"May I have a word?" She asked with that same small smile that never truly reached her mismatched eyes, another result of inbreeding on her side of the family.

"You closed the door. So apparently you can, Mother." Erebus sighed as Lorelei stood in front of him.

He wasn't fond of his mom and it was clear for anyone to see. Their relationship was very strained ever since the witch gave him the scar over his left eye, leaving his face marred and his iris resembling that of a snake. Erebus had overheard a conversation he shouldn't have and she punished him for it at the age of twelve. Not only was she mentally and physically abusive, she also picked favorites out of her boys, which is probably why she stopped him to talk.

"I overheard that you boys will be taking a trip to Hogsmeade. I have a favor to ask. Could you check on your brother? I just want to make sure Ominis is alright." She clasped her hands together in front of her body and sighed heavily.

Of course, it all circled back to Ominis, her golden child that she spoiled rotten. Erebus couldn't stand his little brother and he did not hesitate to show his disdain for the young man. Not because his mother seemed to baby and favor the blind boy but because of her parental smothering turning Ominis into a whining coward. Erebus did believe that his brother had potential, if he wasn't so terrified and repulsed by the dark arts.

"Why even bother, Mother? It's clear that he wants nothing to do with us. You worry about him too much." Erebus sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Erebus, he is still your brother and my son, nothing will change that. You may hate him but try to see things in my perspective. I'm a mother who is concerned about her child." She tried her best to sound like she cared but it came across as just being nosy.

"Concerned? Where was your concern when Father tortured us throughout our lives? When we were forced to fight one another to see who came out on top? The best of your children. Where was your fucking concern when you mangled my face? You claim that you care but I do not believe it! It doesn't matter anyway, he refuses to speak to any of us. He took his share of the money and left! Let him go, Mother." Erebus said through gritted teeth.

"Our treatment of you boys made you stronger. We prepared you for a world that is not kind, Erebus. You are not weak like Ominis, he is so naive to what is really out there. He can not handle the harshness of the world the way you and Marvolo can. You don't have to write to him or even approach him. I'm hoping that you may just...see him. He used to go to Honeydukes quite often. Perhaps you'll run into him there." She looked at him with hope in her eyes and it made him feel sick.

"Fine. Don't look so hopeful, Mother. I may not even come across him."

"If you don't, then it wasn't meant to be. I do have a question for you though. Do you still have feelings for that girl you were looking for?" She took a step closer and tilted her head at him.

"That girl's name is Vivian. Yes, I still have feelings for her. That hasn't changed. I stopped pursuing her after Marvolo killed her mother. I won't lie. I'd love to find her but...she doesn't want me. She won't have me." He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.

"Erebus, you usually take what you want. Why is this girl suddenly different?" His mother placed her hands on her hips and shook her head at him.

"She was the first girl that didn't see me as a monster. Not until I took things too far and ruined her life. I took her for granted and destroyed our relationship. I take what I want? I took her sense of security, I took her family, I took her trust in me and twisted it into something it wasn't. All of this happened and yet...I still long for her, I still dream of her, I will always love her." He felt his anger and frustration building as he clenched his hands into fists.

"If you somehow find out how your brother is doing, I may pull some strings with the Ministry and see if l can find some information on Vivian. Would you want that?" His mother asked.

"More than anything. I have her letters, I read them repeatedly, they make me realize how badly I ruined things. I know this is mainly to find out how Ominis is but...why would you help me? You haven't before. First Marvolo, now you, what is going on?" He scowled.

"I didn't know your brother offered his help. As for me, maybe it might make up for the scar I gave you and everything I've put you through. I'm not the best mother. I know that. I do want my boys to be happy though, believe it or not." She said and it almost sounded sincere.

"I'll see what I can do about Ominis." He sighed with a shrug.

"I'll see what I can find out about your girl." His mother slightly smirked. "Let's go have lunch." She moved to open the door again and Erebus let her leave the room first.

After a bland and abysmal meal with his family, Erebus retreated back to the armchair in front of the fireplace in his room. He released a long and drawn out sigh while pinching the bridge of his nose as he picked up the letters on his end table once more. He caressed the broken wax seal with his thumb before pulling the parchment out of the textured envelope. Inside was one of his letters from Vivian. The letters started out simple and almost hesitant. She just wanted to take part in her mother's pen pal program. It was meant to reach out and try to help troubled youth and he sure was troubled. She was very kind and chatty, she had no idea what she was walking into. He hated that he had lied to her, he even gave her a fake name, but he had to so she wouldn't learn too much about him. When he slowly started to divulge and open up to her, she accepted him, she believed that everyone deserves a second chance.

Then things got more intense, her kind words and open heart made him grow more attached to her, he couldn't help but fall for her. Letter after letter, his desire for this sweet young woman intensified. He started to get a little flirty, which she quickly refused and that only frustrated him. It wasn't enough to be her pen pal, it wasn't enough to just be friends with her, he needed and wanted more from her. He needed her to love him. He was persistent in his letters which eventually scared her off. She just wanted to be friends and he wasn't having that, he wasn't satisfied with just that.

She had trusted him too much in the beginning. She was even foolish enough to give him her address, he had given the address of a man who was dead, one of his targets actually. The letters couldn't be traced back to him, but he could find her and find her he did. He started stalking her, following her wherever she went, except when she was safely inside school. He scared her when he first approached her, Showing up outside of Beauxbatons one weekend. He tried his best to be sweet but she had her guard up. He just wanted to see her, be near her, possibly even hold her if she would let him. She did not. Even worse, she told him about her boyfriend, someone he had to get rid of quickly. The exchange lasted for only a moment but she wasn't happy to see him.

He found her so-called lover and made sure the prick knew his place, which was as far away from Vivian as possible. The guy clearly got the message because he broke up with her the next day. Vivian had sent him another letter accusing him of having something to do with her breakup but he denied it claiming that he hadn't gone back to the school since his first visit. She didn't believe him and blatantly demanded that he leave her alone and stop writing to her.

He was not going to allow that. He kept writing to her, even though she ignored him, until one night when she couldn't turn him away. It was days after her birthday and he was on a hunt near Paris that went horribly wrong. He ended up badly injured and found himself outside of her house. He threw rocks up at her window, as best as he could, until she snuck outside to let him in. She was furious that he had the nerve to show up there but quickly caved and changed her mind when she saw the condition he was in. They crept up to her room so they wouldn't wake her parents and Vivian did everything she could to help heal and treat his wounds. There was an awkward silence between the two of them but he couldn't take his eyes off of her while she worked. She didn't ask questions and took pity on him that night, even allowing him to stay until dawn. She offered him a place to sleep on the couch in her bedroom while she took her bed.

He knew he took things way too far that night by ignoring her wishes and giving into his twisted urges. He waited until she was sound asleep, curled up on her bed, nestled in her blankets before he crawled onto the bed with her well after two in the morning. He pulled her in as close as he possibly could but they didn't quite fit. He loved that she had generous curves to hold and caress but she was still so small compared to him. He was well over six feet tall and all hard muscle. Vivian was barely five foot five and his frame completely swallowed hers.

That night should have ended so differently but instead it ended in disaster. He remembered how his hands leisurely roamed her body as she slept beside him. How soft her skin was under his fingertips, the supple flesh of her breasts being kneaded by his hands, her scent washing over him as he trailed his lips from her neck down to her shoulder. He did his best to wrap his arms around her without waking her so he could press his body against hers. She stirred and groaned but didn't wake up, which he was thankful for. He could have easily spelled her, the Imperius curse was very tempting, but he didn't want Vivian to be mindless. He needed her to feel as deeply as he did. To experience every detail, every sensation, each second of every moment—she was his craving. He tried to deny it, he wanted to fight it, but he couldn't help himself when it came to her. He slowly began to thrust his hips against her arse and stifled a moan that was on the verge of escaping his lips. He was losing himself as he ground his pelvis against her backside, wishing that he was buried in her tight heat. He kissed her neck and explored her body, lifting her nightdress up to expose her underwear. He was just about to slip his hand inside the waistband of her knickers when she abruptly woke up and screamed. He tried to calm her down but it was too late, she felt betrayed. Her little fists pounded into him and he could hear her parents storming down the hall towards her room so he fled, escaping out the window as Vivian cried on her bed.

The final nail in the coffin was when he decided to just...take her. He knew she didn't love him but maybe she could learn to, especially if it was the only choice she had. He showed up one night during a hunt. He figured, if he could chase after and catch muggles, he could do the same with Vivian. He lost it and snapped, his obsession getting the better of him. Marvolo was with him that night and all hell broke loose. He wasn't expecting Vivian to put up as much of a fight as she did. He completely underestimated her and her magical ability. She fought back and her mother ran out of the house to save her daughter. Erebus nor his brother were thinking clearly that night. Vivian's mother screamed for her to run and Vivian obeyed, fleeing from him. Amidst all the chaos, Marvolo cast the killing curse, murdering her mother in the dead of night. Erebus was too slow to stop him and by the time he turned around to seek out Vivian, she was gone.

After that horrific night, Erebus never saw her again. He laid low for weeks and when he had the opportunity to return to her home, the place was cleared out and she was nowhere to be found. He didn't know if she had any other family besides her parents that she could live with or if the Ministry was protecting her after her mother's death. Was he a fool to hope to see her again? He didn't know, but he hated the idea of just giving up. No, he would surprisingly listen to Marvolo, he would find her again and this time she'll be his... he'll make sure of it.

A/N: Before you attack me for killing my beloved Lucia, DO NOT WORRY, I am working on an alternate storyline where she is indeed alive and well. Her death was an important part of this story and is the reason Marvolo descends into madness. It unfortunately had to happen. It's all going to get intense from here.

[celestialfables]

a journey to the end.

the fight had been brought to asgard and odin. armies from all realms. dwarves, midgardians, gods, giants, elves. they all banded together to take down the cruel all-father, once and for all. in the distance you could hear the loud rumbling of thunder and lightning as thor battled with the world serpent. the canons left a strong odor in the air amongst the yelling. 

standing beside kratos and atreus was celeste. the daughter of faye and tyr. the demi-goddess of courage. she stood with her family and the few valkyries that were still awaiting orders. she held her sword in her hand, taking in all of the destruction. it was glorious to see asgard finally get what it deserved. she gave a half-grin to kratos before running forward, leaping from one boulder to the next, propelling herself into the air and over to the first battle she could find. 

ice, wind, and frost carried her as she landed with such power. icicles came protruding from the ground, instantly killing anyone who wasn't paying attention. she swung her sword with such might, such force. striking blows caving themselves into the sides and skulls of her foes. she kicked, punched, and stabbed her way through whoever dared to stand up against her. 

as celeste reached the top of the wall, her eyes came to find odin. . . killing his own son. she let out a gasp and moved forward as freya joined. quickly, they took their chance to imprison odin in vines, but he was stronger. he fought them off, the ground beneath them caving in as they all fell into the study below. celeste had sustained minor injuries, however, still able to fight. she did what she could to assist kratos and freya while also making sure her brother, atreus was safe and out of harm's way. 

the battle between odin and kratos ended with justice as atreus pulled his soul out of him and placed it into one of the marble's given to him by angrboda. one thing happened after another and freyr was there, but so was surtur. . .

he was there to destroy asgard and full commence ragnarok. the portal opened and everyone went through, minus celeste and freyr. she hugged her brother tightly as this would be the last time she saw them. she gave kratos a nod, fighting back the tears that brimmed her eyes. her attention returned to atreus once more as she quickly handed him the wolf carving. "protect it. . . guard it with your life." she kissed her brother's forehead before pushing him and kratos through the portal, watching it close just moments before surtur came crashing down. 

celeste ran toward freyr, helping him as much as she could. she glanced over at him, smirking. "what a way to go, huh?" she laughed as she looked over to surtur, one more final time before everything went black.

everything went cold.

[avaford2009]

Battle for Battle for Dream Island (BFB): The Amaze Chase/Transcript

In Beep Living Room

Announcer: (on television.) Don't miss the next episode of the Amaze Chase, an all celebrity extravaganza featuring contestants of Battle for Battle for Dream Island; known for BFB.

Balloony: We're on the Amaze Chase?

Cloudy: (gasps.) For reals?

Announcer: (on television.) For reals.

In Beep Kitchen

(Nickel makes a huge stack of sandwiches and pushes them into the bag.)

Cloudy: Nickel, why didn't you tell us about the Amaze Chase?

Nickel: I thought you knew.

(Camera pans to Amaze Chase banner.)

Balloony: Yay! I gotta pack! We can't go without my balloon collection.

(Cloudy, writing on a clipboard.)

Cloudy: (gasps.) A cross country race requiring split-second timing and organization! I'm gonna need more clipboards!

Leafy: Got my 37 gadget charger. Ugh, forgot my charger charger.

Nickel: Hmm, let's see - snacks, camera, first aid kit, tiaras - special occasion and everyday, obvi.

Leafy's diary: Password accepted. (Leafy's voice) The new boy in algebra class is so dreamy. Why did I have to have pizza stuck to my chin when I talked to him? Facepalm!

Nickel: What in the world?

Leafy's diary: (Leafy's voice) Note to self- gotta replace Nickel's new nail polish before he realizes that I spilled it all over Rocky.

Nickel: Wait, what?

Leafy: Nickel! You were SNOOPING!

Nickel: No, it was an accident. It just started playing.

Leafy: Yeah, right!

(Nickel looks down and sees Rocky covered in nail polish.)

Rocky: (throws up.) Bleh.

Outside of The A Better Name Than That Mansion

Golf Ball: A chance to show up Beep and have the world's attention?! It's a win-win!

Tennis Ball: And why am I going along with this?

Golf Ball: Because you're my dear friend and my dear brother.

Tennis Ball: Aw, thanks, sis.

Golf Ball: . . and because I need some help to change the battery.

--Golf Ball throws a battery at Tennis Ball--

Outside of Casa de Free Food

Puffball: We should totally come up with a super fun nick-name!!! How about Puffker? No, no, I got it! Marball!

Marker: I can't wait to get my hands on that trophy.

Inside The House of Death P.A.C.T. Garage

Black Hole: This road trip will be a perfect chance for us to bond together as father and son . . . er . . . inventor and inventor.

Pen: Um . . . yeah . . . that. And I can't wait to reveal my secret weapon!

Black Hole: Is it fuzzy dice?

Pen: No!

Black Hole: I bet it is fuzzy dice.

Pen: It's not! (Commences to applying fuzzy dice to rear-view mirror and starts clapping happily.)

Outside of The House of Iance

Match: Ta-da! It's my first car of Iance!

Pencil: Are you sure it's not the first car ever?

Match: It's the safest car on the planet. Made with carbon reinforced polymers.

Pencil: I can't be seen in this! I have a reputation!

Match: So do I! A reputation for safety!

Outside of The Beep Dreamhouse

Announcer: Welcome to the Amaze Chase! These 8 teams will race across the country to earn the coveted Amaze Chase trophy and earn the title of "World's Most Amaze Chaser." I'm your host, Announcer! Contestants start your engines!

Announcer: Wait! I have one dramatic last-second announcement.

(A Better Name Than That, Beep, Bleh, Death P.A.C.T., Free Food, Iance, Team Ice Cube, and The Losers gasped, but Coiny and Pin ignored.)

Announcer: Leafy is leaving Beep and joining... The Losers?

Nickel: What?!

Coiny: What?!

Pin: What?!

Nickel: Leafy, wait! We can work this out!

Leafy: Forget it! I'm not going with someone who doesn't respect my privacy! Watch the video I posted online about it!

Eggy: (laughs) But this is only a two-seater and I'm already- (Loser ejects him from the passenger seat and into the air.) (yells as he flies through the air.) I LEFT MY PHONE IN THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT!

Loser: Yay, Leafy! Love, love, love the way you dumped Nickel for me! (Eggy crushed by the tree.)

Nickel: Leafy, let's talk about this.

Loser: Ya-da, ya-da, ya-da. Discussion over.

(Loser sprays wiper fluid on Nickel.)

Nickel: Oh!

Death P.A.C.T.'s car: Your door is ajar.

Black Hole: Oh, she sounds cute. Could you set me up?

(After throwing his stuff in the back seat Eggy moves Black Hole over and sits in the passenger seat.)

Eggy: Great news, Penny-boy! I'm on your team now.

Pen: No way!

Eggy: Way!

(Pen places a giant water bottle in Eggy's lap.)

Pen: Fine!

Eggy: Really?

Pen: Well, I could always use an over-sized cup holder.

Announcer: Contestants, lets start the Amaze Chase!

(A cannon shoots confetti and glitter, all of the contestants are on the move in their vehicles, a pile of confetti falls on top of Announcer, and Four, Two and X come on the scene out of no where in a golf cart.)

Four (on confessional couch.): We can race to, you know. I mean, what else is this license for?

In Iance's car

Match: Oh, no!

Pencil: Match!

Match: Did I leave my iron on?

Ruby: Are you kidding?

Match: Oh, I'm such a silly. I never leave home without it!

On the road

Announcer: The contestants will race to locations across the country and compete challenges at each stop. The last team to finish a challenge is eliminated!

In Beep's camper

Nickel: I sure miss Leafy. She's a top-notch navigator and was just perf company.

Cloudy: Um, I'm right here!

Nickel: Sorry, Cloudy. I'm sure you'll make an excellent co-pilot! Now, where's our next-

Cloudy: Are we there yet? I hate sitting in a car. There's nothing to do. (presses a button and his seat becomes a toy car.) Vroom! Vroom! Eyes on the road! And keep the quarters comin'!

Balloony: Nickel! I've been working on some strategies for the next event, but first I gotta go to the bathroom!

(Balloony runs to bathroom only to find David laying toilet paper on the the toilet seat.)

David: (shocked.) Aw, seriously?!

Balloony: I can hold it.

In Free Food's car

Bell: Ooh, the world's largest blister pack! Can we stop? Can we stop?

Fries: No!

Yellow Face: Ooh, the Museum of Items Sold Separately! Ah! Can we stop? Can we stop?

Fries: No!

Puffball: No way! The Plastic Canyon! We gotta see the Plastic Canyon!

(Puffball abruptly grabs the steering wheel, turns it right causing the car to go off of a cliff, and the the car ejects its own hang gliding equipment causing the car to fly.)

Fries: PUFFBALLLLLLL!

Eraser: Woo-hoo! Ooh! Those ants down there look like little people. That's crazy.

In Death P.A.C.T.'s car

Eggy: And when I got home I realized I already had conditioner. (laughs along with Black Hole.)

Black Hole: Oh, Eggy, you are so charming and delightfully humorous.

Eggy: (laughs.) Right back at 'cha Black Hole.

Black Hole: And that voice. When you sing my circuits melt. Your dulcet tones-

Pillow: Come on! Can we please talk about something else?

Eggy: Sure, Pillowy-girl. Anything you say!

Black Hole: So Eggy, your hair-

Pen: Did I tell you this baby's equipped with a one-of-a-kind, platinum, super-charged schlond poofa?

Eggy and Black Hole: Gesundheit.

Pen: We can't lose!

Eggy: Cool! So what's the hold up?

Tree: It can only be used once. We gotta wait for the right moment.

Eggy: How about now?

(Pen slaps her finger away twice, Eggy slaps him, and that escalates into a full-blown slap-boxing match.)

In The Losers' car

Leafy: Um, it's a little windy!

Cake: It's a good thing I customized my car with some fabulous The Losers-centric options. (presses a button and the car sprays his hair with hair spray.) Ta-da! High-octane hairspray. Holds up in a category five hurricane.

In Iance's car

Flower: Looks like we gotta take the next exit, Match!

Match: Oh, Flower! (pulls out a large map.) I don't trust those new-fangled contraptions.

Pencil: Match! Look out!

At the desert

Announcer: Shocking developments! Are Iance out of it already? Will Cake's hair really hold up? Can I possibly look this good for the entire show? Stay tuned for- (gets hit by Iance's car and screams.)

On the road

Announcer: Our contestants are making their way towards historic Mount Yoylemore! And it looks like The Losers will win the first leg of the race!

At Mount Yoylemore

Loser (on confessional couch.): That place is way over-the-top! I mean, compare it to the quiet dignity of my theme park - Loseratopia. (camera zooms out to show a moving diorama of his theme park- the rollercoaster moves into his mouth on the diorama version of herself, bursts into flames, he gasps, and he pushes diorama off the table it was on.)

Announcer: We've hidden seven iconic items from Yoyle's past around this national monument. We've got eight teams, but just seven items. The team that comes up empty-handed is eliminated! For arriving first, The Losers have a ten-minute head-start.

Pen: Hmm, nothing in here! Better check Yoyle Bubble's other nostril.

Remote: Oh, no. We have lost Eggy.

Inside Mount Yoylemore Gift Shop

Eggy: (grunts as she puts a large amount of things on to a gift store counter.) I'll take all of these! And put them on my plastic!

Salesclerk: You got it, Sir!

Eggy: Call me Pen. Ooh! And throw in a couple of diamond-encrusted foam hands while you're at it!

At Mount Yoylemore

Leafy: I've covered the entire scalp! Find anything down there!

Loser: Just that Nickel could use a shave. (laughs because she has just painted a moustache on one of the stone Rubys.)

Balloony and Cloudy are swinging on the hoop earrings of one of the stone Matchs

Balloony: Woo-hoo!

Cloudy: Yippee! (a bathing suit ejects itself from the stone Match's ear.) Nickel, look!

Nickel: My bathing suit! (Nickel reaches for his bathing suit.)

Bubble: I'm absolutely flabbergasted! Do you see anything, Lighting?

Lighting: Just a whole lotta misguided hair choices! (Bubble plants one of her feet down on one of the stone Pencils' top lip, which causes the mouth open to reveal a Golden Glob.) Bubble, look! It's the Golden Glob!

Fries: Bell, you find anything?

Bell: (talking to a butterfly on a finger.) Hello, what's your name? (Camera pans out to show her hanging from one of the stone Books' eyelashes.)

Fries: Bell!

Pen: Yeah! Alright! I found my flight attendant hat!

(Loser tries to steal it from Pen, but misses.)

Loser: (doing a Tarzan yell and lands one one of the stone Bubbles' hair, which causes a compartment near Leafy to open up and reveal a pair of Leafy's sunglasses.)

Leafy: Gotcha!

(Buzzer blares.)

Fries: No. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Announcer: Contestants, you found all four iconic Yoyle items! And so the first to go are Iance.

Eraser: Oh, yeah! We're first! First, first! Yeah, yeah!

Fries: Uh, no! We're eliminated! Ooh! I can't believe it!

Nickel: You guys don't have to go home. There's plenty of room in the camper!

Yellow Face: Awesome! We can have our victory party there.

Nickel: Leafy, you know me. I would never deliberately lie to you!

Loser: Announcer! Nickel's tampering with my team! That's low, Nickel. Show a little class.

(Camera pans out to show that Loser has defaced Mount Yoylemore.)

Eggy: (carrying gift shop trinkets as Pen drives away without her.) Hey! Pen! Wait up!

At the desert near Area 51

(Four, Two and X are racing down the road in a golf cart and end up taking a wrong turn through Area 51 and attaining an alien, which causes them to be chased by Area 51 personnel.)

Area 51 Personnel: Turn your vehicle around and return the alien!

In Death P.A.C.T.'s car

Eggy: Ugh! Pen! We just got passed by a car from the '90s! The 1890s. Use the turbo-charged schwan-musin!

Pen: No, not yet.

Eggy: You gotta be kidding me! You finally invent something useful. Use it. ([Pen presses a button that ejects a plunger onto her face and muffles her speech.)

At Old Fabful

Announcer: Welcome to Old Fabful! The most powerful glitter geyser in the world!

Staple: Glitter! I love it! Woo! Glitter fight! (laughs.) Come on guys! Glitter ball fight! Woo! Ow! (continues in background.)

Announcer: Here's your challenge: collect as much glitter as you can in these buckets, then choose one team member to run to my podium with-

Staple: Come on! Let's make a glitter man! Oh my gosh! We have to make glitter man!

Announcer: Iance! Since you were the first to Old Fabful, you get the biggest buckets.

Fan: What gives? Is this thing ever gonna erupt?

Needle: Yeah! I don't even see any- (geyser erupts as she is looking onto it and blasts her into the air causing her to scream.)

(Everyone goes about catching glitter in their buckets.)

Pen and Eggy: Mine! (They crash into each other and their buckets go flying into the air one of them falling over Eggy's head.)

Pen: Ha! (The other bucket abruptly falls over Pen's head.)

Nickel: Woo! (laughs but Leafy catches the glitter droplet that she had planned to catch and walks away.)

Black Hole: (catches glitter droplet.) Ooh, pretty.

Pencil: Come on, Match! We've got the most glitter!

Match: Okey-dokey! I'll bring her home! (commences to running in slow motion as other teams run past her.) (talks in slow motion.) No!

(Buzzer blares.)

Announcer: The Losers' team wins! Iance are eliminated.

Match: Gosh! That's what I get for running in slow motion.

Needle: (screams as she falls out of the sky head-first into the geyser.)

Nickel: Nice job, Leafy!

Leafy: Yeah! I'm gonna tell my diary my innermost feelings about it! Or wait! Why not cut out the middle-man and just tell you right now?

Nickel: Leafy, that's not fair! But nice burn.

Announcer: Needle! Your thoughts at this stage of the race?

Needle: (coughs glitter onto Announcer.)

At the desert near some monument similar to the Great Pyramids

(Four, Two and X are shown to be still being chased by Area 51 personnel.)

At Yoyle Chloride Mountains

Announcer: Two teams have been eliminated. Three remain! And Beep gets their first win!

Balloony: Yeah!

Cloudy: Awesome!

Announcer: Welcome to the Yoyle Chloride Mountains! Each of you will send one person down the ski run. The last one down's a rotten egg and eliminated. Nickel! For being the first to the flag, you get to choose your ride.

Nickel: (picks up skis.) I'll take these! I used to be a world-champion skier!

Pen: I got this!

Eggy: No! Me!

Nickel: Leafy, you don't understand!

Leafy: That you're a liar? No. I totally do.

(The sled falls on the snow.)

Pen: You dropped it!

Eggy: No! You did!

(All of the remaining competitors are off of the ski lift, the race starts, and Pen and Eggy end up both being on the sled.)

Pen: Get outta here!

Eggy: No! You get outta here!

(During the race Eggy and Pen are still fighting over who should be on the sled and the sled abruptly starts to disintegrate then, Pen and Eggy turn into a snow ball of sorts and go tumbling down the run when they commence to tumbling the roof off of a small hut containing a hot tub, where A Better Name Than That, Bleh, Team Ice Cube, Free Food and Iance are soaking and Spongy presents the girls in the Hot Tub with biscottis.)

A Better Name Than That, Bleh, Team Ice Cube, Free Food and Iance in Hot Tub: (oohs and ahs as they grab a biscotti.)

(Pen and Eggy continue tumbling down the ski run while screaming and end up making it to the finish line before the other contestants.)

Pen: Yeah! Alright! We won!

Announcer: Sorry! Only one racer per team. You're disqualified and eliminated!

Leafy: (as she and Loser race by.) Woo!

Nickel: You're welcome to join me in the camper, Pen. I'm looking for a new co-pilot!

Cloudy: I can still hear you!

Pen: That'd be awesome, Nic-

Eggy: (grunts as she gets pushes past Pen to get into the camper's passenger seat and then laughs.) Sorry, Penny-boy. The position is already filled. (Nickel pushes a button that ejects her from the passenger seat and into the air.) (yells as she flies through the air.) NOT AGAAAAAAAAIN!

On the road

Announcer: Only Beep and The Losers remain. The tension must be unbearable for their teammates.

(Inside the Beep's camper, Death P.A.C.T., A Better Name Than That, Bleh, Team Ice Cube, Free Food and Iance are waiting in the bathroom.)

Fries: Who builds a super deluxe camper with just one bathroom?! (he opens the bathroom to find David shaving.)

David: Aw, seriously?!

At Diamond Falls

Announcer: Welcome to Diamond Falls! fifty million pounds of fabulousness cascade over it every hour! And now we're down to teams. Beep versus The Losers! But hold everything. This is not an elimination round. No, no, no, no! It's a chance for a losing team to get right back into it.

Pin: What!?

Announcer: So, if you want redemption, step right up! (everyone comes out of the camper to take advantage of this opportunity.) All you have to do is go over Sequin Falls in this barrel and survive. (cheering dies down.) It's really nothing to be afraid of. It's a glorious natural wonder. (he puts his head into the falls.) Ah! Just feel that refreshing spray! (his head and shoulders are drenched in diamonds, which causes everyone but Marker to look at him oddly.) What?

Fries: Ha! Who needs a barrel? I'll body-surf that bad boy!

Ruby: Too dangerous for my taste. I'm going back to the camper to work on my Sudokus. Only one square left! (wind blows her Sudoku puzzle into the Diamond Falls and she grabs hold of the barrel and jumps into the Diamond Falls.) (yells.) Sudoku! Ah! Got it!

Flower: Alright, Ruby! You go, Ruby!

(While in her barrel, Ruby hits from a rock causing her to fall straight into the sequins at the base of Diamond Falls.)

Ruby: Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow!

Announcer: Ooh! Sequins in the joints. That's gotta hurt!

Nickel: Ruby, shouldn't you be powering up your car? Better make sure you've got enough to get to the finish line!

Ruby: Oh Nickel! I always come prepared. (commences to applying a wind-up mechanism to the back of her car and winding it up.)

Loser: Can't even get in to the bathroom! That stupid bear is hogging it! Oh well. I'll go at the finish line because I'm going to be there first. Obvi!

Leafy's diary: Password accepted. (Leafy's voice) Nickel doesn't respect my boundaries. He's so noisy I could just scream!

Loser: Ooh! Leafy! Dishing the dirt. Love it!

Leafy: Loser! How could you?

Loser: What? I didn't do it on purpose! Not that I wouldn't . . . but this was an accident. Isn't it obvi?

Leafy's diary: Password accepted. (Leafy's voice) I can't believe my own friend would do such a thing.

Leafy: Oh. Heh heh. Nickel! I'm sorry. You didn't snoop. This was all a big mistake!

Nickel: Of course, Leafy. The main thing is we're friends again!

Leafy: And I'm back on Beep!

Balloony: Hugging?! There's no time for hugging . . . or even light back-slapping!

Nickel: Come on, Leafy! Let's win this race!

Watch: (glues the camper's tires to the street after Beep got inside.) Ha ha ha! Victory is so close, I can taste it . . . and to the victor, go the spoils.

Pen: (walks by the camper whistling when Pen grabs him and places him in her passenger seat.) Woah! (Loser glues him to the seat.) Huh?

Loser: Buckle up.

Announcer: (after The Losers races off.) Wait! I didn't say "go." No fair! I always say "go." I'm the 'go' guy!

Pencil: Let's book it Match! We gotta catch her.

Match: (backs into a large stack of car batteries.) Guess that's assault and battery. (laughs and snorts.)

Nickel: Come on, Leafy. I want that trophy!

Leafy: Burn plastic, Nickel!

Nickel: (Tries to drive off, but the camper remains stagnant.) What in the world?

Eggy: (laughs.) I hate to give Penny-boy credit for anything, but he did install his turbo-charged schlond-thingy in the camper . . . and now it's time to use it. (presses button and a climactic revving sound starts, the schlond poofa flies up into the air and causes fireworks that say 'I love Beep'.) Oh, come on! Give it a rest! I'm gonna go join them in the hot tub.

Nickel: (sighs.) The fireworks were adorbs . . . but that was our last shot! Looks like Loser wins the Amaze Chase.

Nickel and Leafy: (sigh.) The Carcuzzi!

Nickel: Hit it, Leafy! (turns a knob that disconnects the front part of the camper along with the hot tub from the rest of the super deluxe camper leaving Eggy, who was about to get in the hot tub, behind.)

On the road

Bubble: Oh-oh! My water wings are back there.

Nickel: Next stop: the finish line!

Loser: What's that thing?

Pen: The perfect combo of high performance roadster and soothing spa-like massage.

Loser: Well, no kiddy-pool on wheels is gonna beat me!

Pin: I'm coming, Leafy! (rips herself off of the seat and reaches out towards Leafy's hand.)

Loser: Oh, no, you don't! (plants Pin back on the seat.)

Flower: Hey Nickel! Can we get some exciting race music back here? (music starts.)

Nickel: (starts to sort of lose control of camper.) Woah! Guys, settle down! You're rocking the tub!

Loser: Ha! Nickel's out of it for sure now! Better freshen up for my victory photos. (car powers down tremendously and stops very close to the finish line.) What?!

At the finish line 

Announcer: That's it! They did it! Beep just one the Amaze Chase!

Loser: Hold me?

Pin: (pushes Loser back and presses a button that ejects her from the passenger seat.) (yells as she flies through the air.) I'M FREEEEE!

Loser: (Lets out a disgruntled growl.)

Leafy: This truly has been an Amaze Chase! It couldn't get any better!

(Everyone, but Loser, begins throwing Team Beep in the air and cheering for them, when they pause for a while because a UFO beams down Four, Two and X along with the golf cart that contained them, they wave goodbye, and everyone continues their cheering.)

Loser: Dear diary, the last time Pin ran out on me, she seemed a little more caring and sensitive than all the other times. There's hope for us yet! (wave crashes onto him causing him to scream as everyone continues to cheer.)

At Diamond Falls

Eggy: (back at the camper at nighttime.) They'll be back.

(Eggy hears a flushing sound and then Bear comes near her, they both are shocked by each other's presence, which makes the Bear run away while growling in fear and Eggy climb up a tree as she screams.)