#Suspense tw

[ohanahoku-ao3]

Wumptober Day 7

@whumptober Hope you all enjoy!

Teen & Up - Gen - Teen Wolf

Nogitsune in the Mirror

     Aiden died. So many people died. People that Stiles didn’t even know had been killed as casualties of a war curated by someone who wore his face. That war was over now, but it didn’t feel like it. It still felt like Stiles was just waiting for the Nogitsune to strike again. With Scott and the others rallied around him, it had been easier to ignore the feeling for the first few days after it happened. But life had to return to normal at some point, so here Stiles was, alone. A late night shift had his father out of the house, and the building felt too empty without him. Every creak of the old foundation, every whisper of a breeze at the window, and every squeaky floorboard beneath his feet filled him with restless energy and paranoia.

     Sleep wasn’t going to come, so Stiles was up. He paced around his room, making endless circles as he tried to exhaust himself. But the paranoia that was building in his mind had him jumping at the slightest of sounds, providing him with a steady stream of adrenaline to keep him on his feet.

     Footsteps in the hallway had him turning slowly to face his open door. He swallowed thickly, cautiously moving forward. "Dad?" He reached the doorway and peered into the empty hall. "Who's there?" He walked out of his room, wincing as he stepped on a squeaky floorboard. He moved with deliberate steps towards the stairs, whirling around at the sound of fabric brushing against fabric behind him.

     There was no one there. Stiles breathed out shakily, hands coming together as he started counting his fingers on each hand.

     One. Two. Three. Four. Five.

     One. Two. Three. Four. Five.

     One. Two. Three. Four. Five.

     One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six.

     One. Two. Three. Fo-

     Stiles started as he processed the number he'd counted, holding his hands up as he counted again.

     One. Two. Three. Four. Five.

     One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Or was it six?

     He did it again, but his brain was so scattered, mind so paranoid that Stiles couldn't keep track. Was it five or six? Seven? He couldn't tell, couldn't focus enough to figure it out.

     He gave up, instead rushing to the bathroom, hands slamming onto the edges of his sink and gripping tight as he looked into the mirror.

     Stikes' face stared back at him, but it wasn't him. This face had dark circles under its eyes, ghostly pale skin, and a smile that cracked its face apart in all the wrong ways that screamed unnatural to him.

     "Hi, Stiles. Miss me?"

     Stiles shook his head, stomach flipping as the reflection stayed still. "You're not real. You can't be; we got rid of you."

     The visage smirked, slowly shaking its head in disappointment. Stiles wanted to mimic the movement if only so he'd match his reflection. "You really think you could beat me at my own game, Stiles? You broke the rules, but cheaters never really win."

     "What do you want?" Stiles asked, voice shaking. "Why are you still here?"

     "Mm, good question," The image said, breaking their gaze as it looked around. "I want chaos, naturally."

     "Then why come back now? Why haven't you been killing anyone?" Stiles asked.

     "Are you sure I haven't?" The reflection asked, and Stiles paled at the question. A laugh rang out in the bathroom, and Stiles flinched at the sound of his own laughter. "I find I haven't the need to kill anyone. You see, as long as I stick with you, I'm sure to find chaos. This place, Beacon Hills, draws in chaos like no other."

     "But why stay with me?" Stiles asked, knuckles white where he gripped the sink.

     "Because you, Mieczyslaw Stilinski, have something inside you. A dark void that draws you to chaos the same as me."

     Stiles shook his head, pressing his lips together. It wasn't true.

     "Oh, but it is. If you didn't believe that, I wouldn't be here. Your despair and self-hatred provide plenty of chaos in your own mind alone, Stiles."

     "Leave me alone." Stiles whimpered, looking away from the mirror. He grit his teeth together as his fear and guilt twisted into anger. "Leave me alone!" He shouted, raising his fist and punching the mirror hard.

     The mirror cracked, the Nogitsune's image multiplying in the fractals, and Stiles recoiled at the sight as the bathroom was filled once more with his laughter.

     He woke with a hoarse scream, kicking the covers off him as he struggled to sit up. He panted, staring into the dark for a moment before feeling along his hands, counting off his fingers.

     One. Two. Three. Four. Five

     One. Two. Three. Four. Five.

     Stiles slowly breathed out, running a shaking hand through his hair. "Just a dream." He murmured, laying back down slowly. He looked out the window at the waning moon and forced himself to relax as he got his breathing back under control.

     He eventually fell back asleep, not once noticing his scratched and bloody knuckles.

[animeglitch]

[shepscapades]

So erm... It hath been decided, by the terms of @saphushia proverbially beating me over the head with a golden shovel, that their short comic is canon.

To clarify how this is to be the case, I present to you with a comic that takes place between parts 3 and 4 of the initial "How Etho Deviates" comic! Bdubs, after returning with the stolen supplies from Xisuma’s android facility, decides it's too dangerous to try to have etho fix himself up where bdubs left him in the caves, so he carries etho back up to the surface, probably to wherever safe is closest (most likely to where he has Lulu hitched up).

However comma. This means it takes substantially longer before bdubs is able to give Etho the thirium, and… well, he was laying there for Quite A While. I can only imagine that the increased thirium loss would complicate things considerably.

Part 1 (You are Here!)

Part 2

[toffeebrew]

Torn to bits!

Alt images:

Plain Background

With whatever this is? Sparkle effect.

[suspensefulpen]

White Collar

TW: Dehumanization, Implied Pet Whump, Shock Collar, Chain Restraints

Whumpee hated silence. It made them feel lonely. And there wasn’t a single feeling they despised more. Whumper hadn’t been down to the basement to torture them in sometime. Only to feed them. They wondered what brought this change about. Did Whumper want to give them up? Or was Whumper ignoring them? Why weren’t they coming to hurt them anymore?��

Whumpee began to do things that they knew would rile Whumper up. They screamed, they shouted insults, they pulled at their chains, all in hopes Whumper would hear and come punish them for it. But they never did. Eventually, Whumpee gave up on trying to get their attention. 

One day, Whumper came down to the basement empty handed. Whumpee sat patiently, waiting for their next move. 

Whumper crouched down in front of Whumpee. “You’ve been shouting for days, Whumpee. Yet every time I’ve come down here, you don’t say anything. Do you want my attention that badly?” 

Slightly now embarrassed by the fact, Whumpee nodded slowly. 

Whumper hummed. They were unable to hide their smile. “Well if that’s how you feel, I have something for you.” They stood and went back up the stairs. Several moments later, they came back with a box in hand. Curious, Whumpee watched as Whumper opened it. Inside was a white dog collar with Whumpee’s name hanging from it. 

“Um… what’s that for?” 

“You, obviously.” 

“Me?” Whumpee stared up in horror. 

“Yep.” Whumper fastened the collar around their neck, ignoring the look on their face. They adjusted it and leaned back to admire their work. They pulled a remote out of their pocket and showed it to Whumpee. “It has a little shock to it. That way, next time you start screaming and it’s not important, you’ll stop.” They smiled. 

“But–” 

“Ah, ah, no protesting.” Their smile widened. “Plus, it looks even better than I imagined around your neck. If you want my attention that badly, I’ll turn you into my pet. That way, there won’t ever be a time you won’t have my attention.” They hummed at Whumpee’s expression. “Let’s get started with training, shall we?”

Part 2

[hawnks]

Enough dancing around it.

I need a loverboy. One who is insane though. Plans out in excruciating detail all the firsts (firsts dates first kisses first oral fem receiving), loves to gift roses and champagne, says I love you every ten minutes and always means it sincerely and with his whole heart. Takes everything incredibly seriously, cherishes every moment with his lover, would literally kill someone for hurting his little puppy and probably already has.

[roguecanoe]

Waiting

[whumpetywhump]

Favourite Trope: Held Hostage (199/?) All That Glitters - Ep. 29

<- Previous Masterlist Next ->

[truths33k3r4]

"Double Mutated Mikey" ~ Collaboration Story with Phoebepheebsphibs!

~CHAPTERS~

A Dark and Stormy Evening

Little Beasty

Feline Instincts

Burning Up and Freaking Out

Prayers and Promises

Answers...and MORE QUESTIONS

Triple Vision

And Then There were Four

Fellow Protector

( You're also going to have to scroll down for each chapter! )

( PS- This story is completely for fun, and has no scheduled posting. :) Me and Phoebe just upload when we get the time or the inspiration. Also, Mutated Mikey's original story and concept are done by @phoebepheebsphibs and @boots-with-the-fur-club. :) Enjoy! )

To God be the glory

[dearestaeneas]

bought a copy of When I Arrived at the Castle by Emily Carroll yesterday and got the most intense wave of inspiration that I've had in a while. super recommend!

word count: 854

----

“You are nothing so easily removable,” she said as she cut off her skin and offered it to me. Her hide hung in one hand, the blade in the other. I hesitated, and she dropped her arms dramatically and with a huff: the very picture of an emotion I could not place, but understood intrinsically. “If it was you,” she said. “Would it come off so easily?”

I accepted the knife and stared at it, its weight heavy in my hands. Although motionless, its blade was frozen in movement as it snaked back and forth gently in an animalistic mimicry.

“If it were not me,” I countered. “Why would it move the way I want it to?”

Foolishly, I believed I had outsmarted her.

“And what is your explanation for when it does not listen? What is it when you are sick, when you are injured, when you hiccup? Sneeze?”

I did not take my eyes from the dagger.

“What is it,” she continued. “When it does not behave in the ways you want? Is that still you?”

She stepped closer to me then and held my chin with incredible care. She was warm and wet with blood. I could feel every tiny muscle in her fingers as they flexed against my flesh.

“You don’t need it.” Her voice was soft. It oozed with understanding, with sympathy. “You are more than this. Feel. Feel.”

My hands did not shake. I wondered at this, curious how they could so easily protect everything that was inside of me.

“If it were not me, why would I hesitate so?”

The wave of patience that had overtaken her disappeared. In this low tide, her eyes darkened.

“You-” She prodded an exposed finger into my chest with the word. “Are a stone in the ground. Feel it in your stomach, your chest. You are a stone in the ground with a name and dates. Everything around that stone can be scorched. Flooded. You are a stone in the ground, and the rest is circumstance.”

I tilted the knife and saw myself in the reflection. My face distorted slightly with its curves. Another tilt, and I saw her in it, as well. Her reflection was an exact copy of the figure stood before me.

“A stone can erode,” I said. “A stone can gather moss, or vines, or-”

She screamed then, frustration at its peak. In a single movement she flung her skin to the ground and rushed toward me, grabbing the knife from my hands. She swiped, but the blood that had pooled around her feet had made the floor slick and her usual dancer-like movements were awkward and clumsy as she regained her balance. I stepped back, the dagger only having broken a thin line of skin. This enraged her further and she rushed at me a second time, more careful and aware than before. I barely missed her this time, the meat of her shoulder knocking into my own. I ducked as she lunged, nearly slipping in her blood as my own fingers tightened around her discarded flesh.

I ran then, bare feet sticky as they pounded along the hardwood. I wound her skin close to me, taking care to make sure none trailed after me as I ran. She roared with fury, her own wet footsteps close behind. She chased me through the house in circles, but she did not appear to realize my plan as she became driven by rage above all else.

Finally, I found my way to the door and wrenched at its locks. It was of the heaviest wood, and I fought against its weight. She realized then and redoubled her speed. With the last burst of energy I could muster I pulled the door open and ran into the storm. Rain pelted down on my naked body like needles, but all I could do was laugh.

She stood on the porch, screaming. She had followed me down the stone steps, quickly learning that the gravel of the path found its way nicely between her tendons, and the water seeped between muscles to wash the blood out. She stumbled back to safety, howling.

We stood facing one another, mere feet between us.

“Please,” she begged. “Please give it back.”

“Why?” It was a cruel question.

“I won’t come after you,” she promised.

“I didn’t know you planned to.”

Such stupid words continued to fall from my mouth and I savored the taste of every one of them. She saw the joy on my face, which I had no intention of hiding. Desperation, rage, and fear overtook her.

I took a single step closer to the porch. She reached her hands out. They shook.

I dropped her skin in front of my own feet and grinned. Then, I turned and ran. I could hear her screams, filled with curses and wails, for what must have been miles. I do not know if she braved the rain to retrieve her skin. I find myself wondering if it would still fit. So many of those tiny stones found their way into every corner of it.

[magical-mistakes-vm]

15

It is time for the Council of Elders meeting and to decide Jonathan's fate...

Mahala was still asleep when the time for the council meeting arrived.  If it hadn’t been for all three of the warlocks checking on her, and being sure that she was fine and just resting as she healed, Vollrath would have stayed and told the council to fuck off and he’d deal with Jonathan as he saw fit.

Instead, Vollrath replaced his suit jacket, that had been wrapped around Mahala, with a throw blanket and prepared to walk down to the conference room with Baldur.  The lingering scent of her perfume on the collar of his coat made him doubt his decision to head the meeting, and simultaneously evoked an overwhelming sense of protectiveness.   “Anyone comes through that door but Bal or I, kill them, El.  I don’t give a single damn who it is or what the fuck they want.  I will not allow anyone to come for her from the meeting, but that does not mean that someone won’t sneak into the building to try to get some kind of weird revenge or some shit, if it���s gotten out to the Coven at large.”  

If he managed to keep his temper till the end of the meeting, it would be some small miracle.  Already he wanted to go down to the holding cell that Jonathan was in and end the man’s life; then spirit Mahala away to his mansion like some prince locking up his princess to keep her safe from dragons.  He’d been worried about witch hunters the night before, yet it had been a member of his own Coven who had almost killed her. 

“Don’t worry, Vol, I’ve got this.  I get it, she’s special to you.  Fuck, she’d damn special period.  We don’t have a witch that powerful in the whole damn Coven.  I’m not sure I’ve ever met one in my whole life.  If you think I’m letting anyone near her, you are insane.” Elmar reassured him.  He kept his voice calm and level.  Of the three of them, he always was the one with the longest fuse, and at the moment that was a good thing.

Vollrath nodded, then went over and placed a soft kiss in the middle of Mahala’s forehead.  His breath stuttered slightly, the expression on his face tight and pained.  “I will make up for this, meine kleine Hexe.  Just don’t hate me when you wake up again.”  His fingers almost trembled as they ghosted over her forehead and down the side of her face, the softest feather light touch.  It was as if he was afraid one false mood could literally cause her to shatter.

Clearing his throat, Vollrath stepped back, straightened his suit, and then he and Baldur left the room.  All the way down to the conference room they discussed in hushed tones their ideas on what punishments to put before the Council.  Banishment from the Coven seemed the least that could be accepted, binding of magic next, and then there was full death for the attack.  Normally Vollrath would make decisions on his own, but everything about the situation demanded the Council of Elders take action.  It had been a long time since the Council had been invoked, and he knew that none of them would take it lightly that it had been now.  

****

The video had been watched repeatedly, slowed down, and even parts enlarged so the Council of Elders members could see more detail.  The Council had been deadlocked for over two hours, at times almost shouting at one another in disagreement of what the appropriate next steps and punishment should be.  If no one changed their vote, another option would have to be devised and voted on.  Vollrath informed the room of this once more, and prepared for debate again, something he was dreading.  He had not anticipated this.  He really had thought that the vote would not be very contentious.  

Then the door to the meeting room opened.  “It’s not a tie, dear brother, there is one vote left that has not been cast.  So, you will not have to come up with another option.  And, looky here, I’m it.”  Every head in the room whipped around to the door of the conference room.  Eyes went wide, a few scooted back from the table, gasps were heard, both Vollrath and Baldur were on their feet, but it was a toss up which of them was more shocked.  “What?  I mean, I do still get a vote, right Vol?  You haven’t taken me off the Coven Council of Elders ranks have you?”  

“No.” Vollrath felt his mouth go dry as he stood staring at his brother Balor.  The last time he’d seen him had been four years before, and it had not ended well.  If it wasn’t for his voice, Vollrath might not have even recognized him.  Balor’s dark blonde hair was darker and longer, pulled back now, his beard longer than it had been before, but his startlingly blue eyes were as piercing as ever.  He cut an imposing picture, his shoulders taking up the breadth of the doorway, arms crossed over his obviously muscled chest, and standing straight to his full six and a half feet height.  

“You still have your seat, Balor.  It was you who walked away from it, if you remember.”  Vollrath fought to control his tone and expression as his brother entered the room with what could best be described as a strut.  It caused Vollrath to straighten, but even then his brother had just over four inches on him.  They had always looked similar, but at the moment, they were opposites.  Where his brother looked like he could be a performer at a metal concert, Vollrath was in his finely tailored suit, perfectly trimmed facial hair, his auburn hair shorter and neater, and his eyes the ever changing hazel that had led his grandmother to bequeath him with the title of the Lion of the Nachtnebel. 

“Good, I didn’t think so.  I do apologize for my tardiness, it seems my invitation got lost in the ethos.  Thankfully, a kind soul did ensure it got delivered in time for me to attend.” Balor smirked as he strode further  into the room, expression smug and stride cocky.  Only his brother and Baldur could match him in abilities and magic in the room, and he knew it.  He did have to wonder where Elmar was, although glancing around, the little witch he’d heard so much about was absent too. “Play the video again, dear brother, I’d like to see for myself what transpired.  I’ve heard the allegations, but I don’t like to vote on rumors and second hand information.”

Baldur slid his phone into his inner suit coat pocket with the mic facing up.  Elmar was now on speakerphone so he could hear who just arrived, and not be surprised if anything went down.  There was no doubt that Balor would press things, he always did, so better to be prepared.  The fights between Vollrath and his brother had been legendary since they were children, and had not lessened as they got older.  Since Mahala was affected by unshielded magic, it might be best for Elmar to be ready should the Nachtnebel boys go head to head once more.

“Of course.”  Vollrath didn’t sit, but hit the button to play the video again.  No one other than Balor was watching it as it once more ran though, projected on the screen. The rest of the occupants of the room were watching him, uneasy at his sudden appearance.  How had he learned of this meeting?  While he technically had a seat on the Council, most in the Coven feared him if not outright disliking him as well.

“I see.  Interesting.” Balor commented once it had finished.  One hand stroked his beard as his head tilted to the side, a silence stretched for a few minutes as he considered things.  “And half of you are ready to allow Jonathan to escape with just banishment for his attack on the witch?”  Balor’s gaze swept the room, landing on every one who had voted for just the banishment.  “You really think that should be the only punishment for that attack?”  His eyes narrowed, and Vollrath could swear his brother’s eyes seemed colder than he’d seen them before.

No one said anything.  No one even moved.  The room was so silent that even the smallest brush of fabric or deep breath sounded loud.  Balor regarded them all with a bit of condescending amusement.  This is why he kept to himself and his small group; hypocrites, the whole lot of them.  Was his brother proud of this Council?  Of these Elders who were afraid to voice condemnation for the violence they all saw?

“I want to see her.” He spoke to his brother, but noticed Baldur tense next to him.  That was interesting.  Vollrath, he expected to react, but that Baldur did and Elmar was missing meant this woman was important.  He wanted to know how important, and to whom exactly.   It seemed there was much more going on than he had been informed of, than maybe anyone had.

“Why do you want to further traumatize her, Balor?” Vollrath’s voice was eerily calm.  Even Baldur was concerned how calm he sounded.  With all that had gone on during the day, he’d expected more of a reaction.  Balor was the last one that Vollrath had expected to see show up.  He rarely cared about general Coven business and now something regarding Mahala hung in the balance. The universe had to be hating him for some reason. How had he been notified of this meeting?

“I don’t and I won’t.  I was called to be here, I want to meet the one who has someone around you VERY concerned.  Then I will vote.” Balor’s smile took on a sarcastic edge as he dared his brother to deny him.  If he’d been paying attention, Vollrath already knew what he was going to say, there was no reason to keep him from meeting the woman.  Or was there?  Was there more than the video showed?  

“Baldur, please escort Balor to my office.” Vollrath was once more almost too calm.  He knew that Balor was looking for a reason to strike out, to make a scene before all of the Elders.  At least that was how it felt to Vollrath, who had more than once faced his brother’s anger for being passed over for Master Warlock.  If this was a test, he did not intend to fail, and he knew that Mahala would not.

Baldur nodded and led Balor from the room.  “You will not upset her, you will not intimidate her, and you will not hurt her in any way.  Elmar is with her, and if you do anything…”

“Save it, Baldur.  I’m not going to.  Something is up with my brother and I want to know what.  You don’t think I can read him?” Balor interrupted him, and made it clear what his intentions were as they walked down the ball.  “I am not going to challenge him in that room, but this I can do.  That you and Elmar are standing by him means he has not lost the faith of the general Coven, and that he's on the right side of this….whatever the fuck it is.”  His brows rose as he tipped his head and looked over to Baldur.

“Your brother hasn’t even slipped a bit, Balor.  I’m not sure why you would think he had.” Baldur’s brows drew together.  How had Balor known about the meeting?  The vote? And Mahala?  Someone in the Coven was talking out of turn.  That it was to Balor was not that big of a concern, but if they talked farther it could be.  Maybe it had been a bad idea to leave Balor out of the Council of Elders' call, but that still meant someone else had decided to involve him.  Who else had someone decided to involve?

“I did not even flex my magic in the slightest, I pulled it back to be honest.  She is very weak physically and drained, I felt the pull on my power, and wasn’t sure it was safe to let her feed off a strong tap not knowing her abilities.  I can heal her if one of you two is not going to, however.  I can feel residuals of Vollrath’s magic on her, so I know he tried and she is quite powerful in her own right when not drained, but she could use some help, Baldur.  I did no harm.  Ask Elmar if you doubt me.”  Balor was now extremely concerned.  He also understood why his brother seemed off.  This witch needed protection, and instead had been attacked, in Vollrath’s own office no less.  He was quite sure that at one point, she had been on the brink of death, even with her supernatural powers.  This was what was causing her delay in healing, Jonathan had caused that extreme of damage.  He pulled his powers back even further as he read the situation unfolding around him, and guarded his thoughts and emotions.  There would be a time for expressing them later.

When they reached the door to the office, Baldur knocked, then entered first.  “Mahala, this is Balor, Vollrath’s older brother.  He wanted to come meet you before the final vote is cast in the meeting of the Coven Council of Elders.” His eyes then met Elmar, who looked none too happy about the other warlock being there as he helped Mahala to her feet. Baldur watched her with concern, she still looked unsteady.  Regret over the antics from the morning weighed heavy on him after all that had happened afterwards.

Mahala stood, still looking shaken and drawn hours after the incident had happened. Shaking Balor’s hand, “it’s a pleasure, Balor? I’m sorry, my head is still…”  She raised her hand to her temple then reached over to grab Elmar’s arm for balance quickly.  Her breathing deepened, and Elmar took her hand off of his arm so that he could wrap it around her back, and get her back to the couch to sit down.  She was getting pale and clammy. “Sorry...Sorry…” Her voice was slightly slurred.

“What did you do?” Baldur leaned forward and all but growled in Balor’s ear.  Magic crackled in the air from both Baldur and Elmar. “If you hurt her…”

Elmar got Mahala some water, and ran his fingers gently over her forehead as she relaxed back over on the couch.  He remembered that not only had she been choked, but slammed into the wall a couple of times by Jonathan.  Maybe she had been more injured than they had originally thought. He’d just been relieving her headaches and nausea, but it seemed that more than symptom relief might be needed for the future.

“I now cast my vote for death.  Immediate would be most prudent.” Balor watched Vollrath’s surprise.  “It has been hours since the attack, I can feel the residual magic of not only the Master Warlock of this Coven, but also of his two Seconds upon her still, and she is not fully healed.  When she rose to greet me, she could not stand more than maybe ten seconds without getting dizzy and almost passing out. Jonathan did not merely physically attack her.  If she had been a normal human she would be dead; if she were not such a strong witch, I also believe she would be dead, so the punishment should fit.”  He saw the glances around the room.  He was quite sure they expected him to diverge from Vollrath’s desire, but he could find no argument to do that.  That didn’t mean he was without more questions about Mahala, however. 

“El, is what Balor says true?  Do you need help, or have you got this?”  Baldur asked when he saw the concern that was etched on Elmar’s face.  If anything happened to her, Balor would learn even more how much Mahala meant to his brother. Vollrath might be the one to carry out a death sentence personally and instantly, something that hadn’t been done since his father had been Master Warlock.

“I’ve got it, I think.  He’s right about it, she’s still got a lot of healing to do.  Oh, and he also didn’t do anything, he wasn’t lying.” Elmar looked back and nodded.  As much as he didn’t like Balor, he wouldn’t lie about that.  “I’m wondering if she has a more serious concussion than we thought.  Jonathan slammed her up against the wall more than once, the walls in this place are concrete block, it could have done some damage.  When the meeting’s over, talk to Vol.  Probably don’t want to let her sleep tonight or be alone.”  Elmar wasn’t looking at them, he was focusing on the healing he was doing, and helping Mahala relax.  If he had looked, he would have seen neither man was happy with what he’d just said.  

“I’m ready to vote, let’s go back.”  Balor didn’t even wait for Baldur before heading to the door, his voice was clipped and short.  He had been able to read all he needed to know.  His brother’s residual magic, Baldur’s residual magic, Elmar’s magic, and the strength of her own, coupled with the fact that she was still healing meant Jonathan tried to kill her and almost succeeded.  There was nothing else he needed to know.  He hadn’t expected that. He’d seen the tape, he only had wanted to meet the woman, and he knew that Vollrath would not deny him.  Instead, he’d gotten a lot more insight into things than he’d counted on.

Baldur had barely caught up with him when Balor entered the boardroom once more.  He looked around at all assembled with condescension before meeting his brother’s inquisitive gaze once more.  “Interesting witch you have in your office, Vol.   Also, still seriously injured.”  Balor didn’t even try to hide his irritation as he looked around at the faces of the others again, noting their confusion and shock at this.  “Elmar is taking good care of her, at least there is a strong warlock to do the healing. I give you credit for that, Vol.” He inclined his head to his brother, who seemed to be confused where he was going with everything.

[hcttrick]

(I jumped at this.) ⚗️

(Bet Lyney never expected the day he’d be abducted by aliens, eh? Not that he knows that... maybe)

“Drink from this, please.” (A soft purple fruit is offered to him with a straw awkwardly poking out. They even placed a napkin on his lap. How kind.)

To say that the young magician was shocked and confused by all that has occurred was a understatement as the boy was offered what he thought was a mere drink was actually something that somehow knocked him out, he woke up with a start and a audible hiss as his cat like eyes greeted a bright light shining down on him.

He tried to move but he couldn't, what the?

Lyney looked around and was horrified to find that he was strapped down to a table of sorts, wait, was this...no! This can't be happening!

His eyes began to dart around, his heart beat increased as he felt his chest becoming tight.

He struggles to call out, panic settling in his voice.

"Hey! What is going on?! L-Let me go! Answer me!"

[mamamittens]

For all Your Troubles

Commissioned by @raptures-finest

Warnings: Murder, off screen violence, blood, and implied yandere behavior.

Featuring Andy (OC)/Koala/Kaku very lightly.

Word count: 7,002

There was a chill that hung heavy over Andy’s blankets despite how close he tucked the thick fabric to his chin. The bunk house creaking ominously as leaves rattled over the roof tiles. Soft snores and sleepy shuffles absently registering to his muffled senses.

Something woke him up.

The shuffle of feet on carpet and wood. Blankets shifting as a hand pressed over his shoulder. Shaking him gently.

A breathy call of his name.

“Andy! Psst! Andy, wake up!” Blearily, he cracked open his eyes, squinting against the darkness surrounding his bed. Faint moonlight cutting past curtains on the far wall. Casting soft beams of light up the rows of bunk beds. Catching on soft, golden hair and piercing blue eyes. “Andy, the heat is out but it smells funny. Something is wrong!”

He--who was he? He knew this boy, but what was his name?—was right. There was a gross, rotten egg smell filling the room. But it was hard to think. Maybe a prank? Wouldn’t be the first. But—what was his name? He has a name and Andy knew it by heart—thought it was important so he reluctantly shuffled out of bed. Socked feet hitting the cold floor as he was led by a cold, soft hand through the dark to the radiator. Metal pipes silent save for a soft hissing sound.

Huffing, Andy shuffled over the area rug and went to poke at the dial that the camp counselors warned them not to mess with—

IT WAS SO SUDDEN.

IT WAS BURNING.

HE WAS BURNING AND SCREAMING AND WHERE WAS SA—

Andy gasped, his lungs curling into a sob. His hands fisted into the bedding, dragging it close as he sought comfort. His skin itching and burning at the nightmare.

At the memory.

Andy shivered despite the warm room, crying softly as he rode out the shock and phantom pains. Drenched in cold sweat.

It was… a very long time ago. He didn’t have many memories of that summer or anything before it. Flashes of playing in a creek. Laughter as they chased minnows through the mud, catching frogs and letting them leap from their hands. Campfire songs drifting on the wind. Burnt marshmallows on sticks oozing between a broken chocolate bar and graham crackers.

He spent a long time in the hospital after that. The old radiator had a leak and, to the best of the investigation’s findings, it was only a matter of time before it blew. Andy just had the misfortune of carrying a static charge when he tried to look at it. The other boys were also hurt, but luckily no one died. The entire campground had to be renovated after that, closed for two whole years as they worked.

When it reopened, Andy was the first to show up.

Despite not remembering well, he had the sense that they changed a lot. Gone were the old metal radiators for centralized heat and air conditioning. Though most of the nice amenities were in the main house, the segregated bunks for the kids weren’t left wanting for much. They still had a building with bathrooms and showers, separated by gender of course. Close by the bunk houses, in fact, so it was now less of a walk. Though it did go past the counselor’s cabins.

There were even a few small cabins for housing special guests or certain occasions. Someone got married out by the lake one year, catered by the camp and every camper helped out. Receiving a piece of cake for their efforts. But usually the cabins were for inspectors, repairmen, and officials who had business over multiple days. It was easier than driving the two hours from the nearest city or camping in the woods.

The main house was a massive building, built to accommodate the campers for meal times and special events with a stage out back for any performances. A large fire pit ready to warm them up during cold, windy nights. Head office and med bay for official business and emergencies. Room and board for staff also provided so they could have peace from noisy children at all hours.

Safety devices outfitted to every building. Lights, sign postage, emergency phones, intercoms connected to the head office, and detectors for smoke and gas. And all of it was carefully reviewed by state inspectors every year before camp opened for the summer.

So, with all that, Andy knew his ‘accident’ was unlikely to happen again. But that didn’t change the hard time he had sleeping the first few nights. His parents had assured him he didn’t need to go back—but he wanted to. First as a junior camper, then a counselor, and now a head camp leader.

He loved this place. All the memories. Even with the pain, he was always drawn back to this place. If he could, he’d live here year-round. But he can’t so almost year-round would have to do.

Andy was first to volunteer when the owners of Camp Crescent asked for help keeping the place in check until first snowfall. Teens and homeless folks alike tended to leave a hell of a mess during the off season. Break things, graffiti buildings, and just generally leave more cleanup for the spring team to handle. The owners didn’t want anyone here during winter—too much risk for insurance purposes—but for the month and a half between the last campers leaving and average first snow was prime time.

Andy squeezed his eyes shut and took in a deep breath.

They were all in the main house. The other cabins shut down to keep the cost of heating and electricity to a minimum. It was also just safer in case wildlife migrated through the camp at night to their usual homes in the national park a few miles away. That and, to be frank, no one wanted to walk in the frigid autumn air from the showers at any time of day.

After a long moment, Andy squinted at the bedside table where an alarm clock sat. The time stung his eyes.

4:38 AM.

Gross.

But he wasn’t going back to sleep now. So, with great reluctance, Andy got out of bed. Mindful of his roommate, Koby. Koby continued to sleep as Andy stripped his bedding and retreated to the adjoined bathroom. The water took a minute to heat up but in short order, Andy was clean of any residual sweat and his nightmare mostly behind him.

He threw on a loose sweatshirt and joggers, camp logo blazoned on the front and down the side of his pants in bright yellow and an earthy green. His bare feet chilled slightly as he crept out of his shared room. But he didn’t mind it, finding the contrast comforting while he made his way down the thick, wooden staircase to the kitchens.

Andy perused the pantry, taking his time to plan a meal. Most wouldn’t be up for another few hours, so he wasn’t in any rush. And any hunger he felt was assuaged by a comfort snack of peanut butter and sugar on saltine crackers.

The kitchens were renovated last year on the advice of an inspector. Stainless steel appliances now ready to serve upwards of three hundred people on short notice with a full staff. Fridges stocked with the leftovers of the last campers and some fresh groceries for the next few weeks. Anything left behind after that will be given to the park rangers ‘nearby’.

Parentheses on ‘nearby’ because even by road it would take almost an hour to get to the nearest station. Hiking would be over two if you knew your way and didn’t mind the rough terrain.

But there were only six people present, so Andy didn’t foresee any trouble keeping them all fed until it was time to leave.

Looking out at the dark, almost foreboding cafeteria beyond the pony wall, Andy considered turning on the radio. It would lessen the spookiness of his early morning breakfast chore, at least. Though the radio stations available were few and only because of a special receiver on the roof to ensure the staff could know the weather report and nay major incidents.

Supposedly, next year, they were adding a satellite connection or something like it to afford internet and phone access to privileged individuals.

But for now, their only communication was a few radio stations and the transceiver to the park rangers nearby. If anything happens, they’re to call them first and they will organize help from more official channels depending on the need. With no cell service this far out, it was the best they could do. Truthfully, Andy could only recall a few times over the years that It’s been needed.

A few near-drownings that needed to be checked by medical professionals. That one time a rowdy kid found an old barbwire fence and needed a tetanus shot. There was, of course, the kids that cried and had to be sent home but didn’t really count. In those cases, staff would pack them up and drive to a signal spot and call the parents. Sometimes a phone call was enough and they’d come back but other times parents would meet halfway with a partial refund for their troubles.

It happens and Andy was usually more than happy to talk to the poor kids. Homesickness was a bitch.

Decided, Andy turned towards the pony wall and the hidden cabinet underneath where the sound equipment was hidden. It could be used to announce things or just play soft mood music. After some messing around with the buttons and ensuring the volume was turned way down, he had early morning radio filling the kitchen space. Just soft enough that he could still hear it over his cooking but not disturb the rest of the house. Hidden speakers carrying top hit radio as he rolled out dough for cinnamon rolls.

“—and that’s it for our ad break. In today’s news, local Roronoa Zoro has been missing for three days. Last seen at the visitors center in Crescent Moon National Park with his friends. Five ten, tan, green hair, and a scar over one eye. If found call the hotline for missing adults or local authorities. This is the eighth disappearance in the area over the last three months, though based on personal accounts, it’s doubtful that this one is connected to the prior missing cases. Close friend, Monkey D. Luffy seemed unsurprised and cheerful about his friend disappearing. Other friends corroborate this with anecdotes of getting lost in other such places. Here’s to hoping the young man is found safe and sound with another humorous story for those that love and miss him.” The radio host regaled with a light, humored tone as Andy put the tray of cinnamon rolls in the oven to bake.

Smiling, Andy snorted. Having personally met Zoro and agreed that he was likely fine. The man could get lost in a hallway with one exit. How none of his friends hadn’t put a backpack leash on him to prevent this sort of thing was a mystery. Andy made a mental note to purchase one when Zoro was found and gift it to the man. He’d likely get punched for it, but it would be worth it to stop stressing out the energetic group.

Prepping a skillet for sausage and bacon, Andy bobbed his head as the regularly scheduled music started playing again.

The kitchen filled with the scent of cinnamon rolls, bacon, sausage, and eggs by the time the first person stumbled into the kitchen. Paulie yawned widely, waving blearily to Andy as he started a pot of coffee. Stained shirt hanging loosely over his broad shoulders.

“Mmm, smells good, Andy. Thought it was Koala’s turn to make breakfast?” Paulie asked as the pot filled slowly.

“I co—”

“It was!” Koala protested, coming around the corner with a sleepy scowl, fluffy pink robe tied around her waist. Andy grinned sheepishly, waving a spatula at the oven.

“They’re almost done if you want to ice them. I just… couldn’t sleep is all.” Andy explained softly. Koala’s scowl softened as she huffed.

“Fine. But next time you cut into my cooking, I’ll serve you for breakfast, ya hear!” Koala threatened, searching for oven mitts. “Showing me up—honestly!” Andy grinned to himself as he turned his attention to the bacon. Removing them to a plate with a paper towel on it when they were done.

Koala was a decent cook, really, but when you have hours of prep time and a home recipe for cinnamon rolls… well, the competition can have a hard time measuring up by such standards.

Koby finally stumbled into the kitchen, much more awake than the others, Valentine and Bonney behind him.

“Ooo~!” Valentine cooed with interest. “A man that cooks, what a sight!” she playfully winked, pouring herself some orange juice. The early morning light pouring into the cafeteria from behind the trees. Just beyond them was the lake, only visibly by the flashes atop gentle waves in the distance.

Koala slammed down the trays of cinnamon rolls with a huff.

“Jeez, did you really need to make this many? There’s only six of us here and these things are almost as big as my face!” Koala complained, though her tone was light. The rolls perfectly baked and pipping hot. Andy… may have gone overboard. But, in his defense, he could eat three of those face-sized rolls by himself. It was a bit of a weakness of his, really.

There was a light chime of the front door and Koby perked up.

“I’ll get it!” He volunteered and took off, Paulie frowning at his retreating back.

“Who the hell is all the way out here at this hour?” He asked softly. Andy shrugged but the question was answered soon enough. Boots clicking over hardwood and carpet.

“My! That smells delicious! Oh—should have known it was your cinnamon rolls, Andy! Mind if I join?” Kaku asked, his uniform lightly rumpled from the trek outdoors.

“Uh, sure thing, ranger Kaku. Plenty for everyone!” Andy stammered, a bit surprised to see the ranger at the camp. Usually, rangers didn’t come out here. Their main interest the park as opposed to the privately owned campgrounds. Kaku beamed, eagerly washing his hands and retrieving a plate, his eyes lingering on the cinnamon rolls despite grabbing plenty of bacon and eggs.

Seemed that Andy wasn’t the only one with a soft spot for cinnamon rolls!

They all set their plates down around the island table, barstools already set up for the small group. Milk and juice passed around for whoever preferred it. Andy served himself a hearty amount of bacon and eggs with a plate dedicated to a single cinnamon roll, though he fully intended to have at least one more. The soft dough falling apart on his fork as it unravelled, generous icing dripping over the crisp skin and thick cinnamon insides.

It was hot, naturally, but that didn’t deter anyone. Conversation broken into pleased compliments and inquiries about sleep.

The radio music paused for another break, but instead of an ad for car dealerships or lawyers, it was the host.

“Good morning, folks! Looks like we’ve got a line of storms rolling in just before sunset with wind gusts of up to fifty miles per hour. We’re going to have a downpour until tomorrow afternoon with plenty of lighting and a chance of hail after midnight! Well, that’s what the weather report tells me, at least. Looks like I’ll have to postpone mowing—again! Missus won’t be happy but them’s the breaks, honey!”

Kaku cleared his throat, licking a smear of cinnamon and icing from his lips.

“Mm! That’s actually what I came out here to tell you guys about!” Kaku cheerfully replied. “You probably won’t be able to call until the storm passes and I wanted to check in. Let you guys know to close the shutters and all that.” Kaku scooped up some eggs and ate it with a smile.

“Well, looks like you came all this way for nothing!” Kaola teased, Kaku glaring at her playfully. Andy knew they had met but never had the impression they got on quite this well before.

“I got delicious cinnamon rolls out of it, didn’t I?” Kaku challenged, reaching for another one. Koala smacked his hand with a glare and Andy snorted, quickly scooping up one to give to the man before dropping another on his own plate.

“Ack! Andy! Don’t encourage this mooch!” Kaola protested with an exaggerated pout.

“C’mon Koala, it’s not like we’ll be able to eat it all ourselves!” Valentine giggled, batting her eyes at Kaku who winked in response.

“Well, I just might!” Paulie declared, retrieving more sausages and eggs, leaving Koby to scramble to claim more of his own.

They all laughed as Andy unraveled another cinnamon roll for his own enjoyment, his chest tight with happiness.

It felt good to have everyone enjoying a meal together like this.

Kaku didn’t hang around long after that.

“Don’t forget to call and let us know you guys made it out of the storm alright! No power loss or anything! Oh, and if you happen to see Zoro stumble into camp, his folks are worried sick!” Kaku bid them goodbye, snagging one more cinnamon roll for the journey back to his station.

“Jeez, if Zoro wandered all this way, I’d be more impressed than anything. That’s like, what? Five hours hike through dense bush and assorted forest bullshit? Straight?” Valentine mused to herself.

“Something like that!” Koby affirmed. “The start of the park is quite a ways off with no trail straight to here.”

Paulie volunteered to do the washing up so everyone else could get a head start on preparing for the storm. No one wanted to be running around when the rain started, and it easily fit into their usual walk around anyway.

Koby paired up with Andy as they headed to the boat house to make sure everything was still stored properly and the boat was tied up. The canoes were still neatly stacked away, along with the life preservers, oars, med kit, and the speed boat tied to the dock inside the boat house. One last check to make sure the old wooden doors were locked shut and they made their way to the boys cabins.

The cabins were still as they left them, tidy but growing a light layer of dust. Windows closed and shutters locked. A stray sock was stuck under a bed but neither of them bothered to retrieve it, disinterested in the dirty fabric or touching it with their bare hands. They locked the doors behind them as they went, rattling the handle to ensure it stayed that way. They even checked the further cabins that are meant to house guests.

Still locked and uninhabited as intended. The mini houses quite cute—if he ever won the lottery, he’d want to buy one. Assuming the owners would let him.

“Well, that’s this side taken care of. Ready to head back?” Koby asked brightly, pushing up his glasses. Andy nodded.

“Yep. I doubt anyone will try and break in tonight but I guess we’ll still have to check in case of damage.” Andy shrugged as they made the leisurely trek back to the main house. It was nearly noon and clouds were already rolling in. Koala and Valentine still out checking the girls’ side.

“Hey, slowpokes!” Koala waved from the amphitheater, poking at a low fire in the fire pit. The heat was welcome as Koby and himself took a seat. There was a pack of hot togs and an open cooler set out. “Figured we’d have a simple lunch and make a big dinner later tonight.” Koala winked, handing him a thin rod. Andy looked over and saw more hot dog supplies, including snack packs of chips, and laughed.

“Sounds like a plan to me!” Andy speared the unfortunate wiener and held it over the fire. “Where’s Paulie and Bonney?” he asked. Koala shrugged.

“Dunno. They should be back by now.” Andy narrowed his eyes and waved his hot dog at her with a smile.

“You don’t think they’re up to something, do you? You know we’re not supposed to be doing that~!” Andy chided with a grin, aware of the lewd joke he was unintentionally making by pointing his food at her. Koala rolled her eyes.

“Those two? Doubt it! They’re probably eating snacks like the black holes they are!” Koala denied.

“Someone say snack!?” They yelped as Bonney jumped down to join them, snapping up Andy’s hot dog.

“Bonney!” Valentine snapped, glaring at the young woman. “You scared the shit out of us!”

“C’mon, Bonney, what are you doing snagging a man’s meat like that?” Paulie chuckled, handing Andy another rod as he slipped in beside Andy. “For shame~!”

Bonney rolled her eyes, grabbing another hot dog to warm over the fire as a cold breeze whipped by, leaved rattling over the wooden stands and concrete stage.

“Big deal! It’s not like he was eating it yet!” Bonney protested, lowering hers till the skin bubbled, almost charring it. Andy sighed but restarted his own hot dog.

“What took you guys so long?” He asked. Bonney’s nose wrinkled.

“Ugh! Something got into the bathrooms and dragged toilet paper everywhere. Might have been a racoon or something. Thought the door was locked but it looks like the lock’s broken. Won’t lock. I put a big rock in front of it but we’ll have to check after the storm.” Bonney supplied helpfully.

“I hope you washed your hands before coming back.” Koala asked, mildly disgusted.

“Hey, it wasn’t used! It was literally like someone grabbed the roll and pulled, stringing it up everywhere! You know they empty the trash cans before they leave.” Bonney huffed, tossing her long pink hair back. Every let out a relieved sigh.

“Thank fuck for that!” Paulie barked, smirking as he drowned his hot dog in mustard and ketchup.

Those preparations done, they all enjoyed what little sunshine was left. And, exactly as was foretold by the radio host, the rain came in just barely an hour before sunset. A light sprinkle of cold rain that quickly turned into a downpour as they shrieked and ran for the main house.

Bonney pressed her face to the glass as the rain fell in sheets, rapidly darkening the skies and obscuring anything mere feet from the building.

“Wow… really coming down, huh?” Bonney mused over the muffled roar of rain.

“Yeah. Really is.” Andy mused, frowning as he realized the rain sounded louder than it should have. There was the rapid beating of water all around them, but notably even louder somewhere behind. Andy investigated curiously, walking quickly through the cafeteria, pausing every so often to determine where the sound was coming from. Totally ignoring the voices calling after him.

“What are you looking for?”

“Pft, he looks like a dog. Yo, Andy! What is it? Timmy stuck in a well?” Paulie teased, following Andy to the front entrance.

Andy paused, his eyes fixed on the open doorway.

“Huh… did Kaku not close it?” Andy asked out loud, the others coming up behind him.

“Uh… I don’t think that’s it, Andy. Look.” Koby pointed out, gesturing to the floor. The welcome mat was damp—something Andy was ready to dismiss as rain blowing in. But that didn’t explain the damp, muddy footsteps leading into the house. Andy walked over and closed the door, their group following the footsteps to the stairs where they disappeared completely on the carpet runner.

“Who the hell could that be?” Valentine asked. Koala stooped down low.

“They look like men’s boots. Wide too.” She looked down at everyone else’s shoes. “Not any of ours, we just came in from the kitchen… HEY! WHO’S IN HERE?!” She yelled suddenly, startling everyone.

Obviously, no one spoke up from upstairs.

“We’re not mad! Is that you, Zoro?” Andy called out, but didn’t receive a response either. He looked to his friends in confusion. “Split up into groups and check it out?” Andy suggested cautiously, receiving worried nods as thunder cracked above.

No one found anything.

No doors were open. Nothing had been moved.

Nobody answered their calls.

They ended up reconvening in the kitchen.

“…so… what now?” Valentine asked nervously. “I mean, obviously, someone’s here. They couldn’t have gone back out!” She gestured to the far windows in the cafeteria, a hazy world of shadows and rain so thick it was like watching static. Lighting ripped through the skies and cast sharp cuts of light across the landscape every so often.

“Well, maybe they’re scared?” Koby asked, voice small and uncertain. When this was met with clear skepticism, he shrugged. “I guess there’s nothing left to do but wait until the storm clears and call Kaku. And don’t go anywhere alone until then. Either this is a big misunderstanding or… Just, don’t be alone, okay?” He asked, squaring his shoulders like anyone would challenge the suggestion.

“Alright. Sounds good to me. Let’s just… make dinner and go to bed. Lock your doors. We’ll figure this out in the morning.” Andy affirmed, giving Koby a small smile which was returned with relief.

Paulie huffed but nodded.

“… how does pizza sound? Maybe it’ll smell so good our new friend will stop hiding!” Bonney suggested brightly with a wide grin. Andy snorted and Koala rolled her eyes.

“Pizza sounds good. Let’s do it.” Koala agreed despite her exasperation with Bonney.

It was a messy but cheerful affair. Flour may or may not have been dumped onto Andy’s head at one point, though Paulie claimed it was an honest mistake. His own hair hardly changed by the liberal addition of flour due to it’s blond hue. Sauce was spilled onto the floor. Toppings scattered across their personal pizza’s like it was a crime scene.

Clean up was horrendous, but for a while, Andy forgot about the storm outside and the possible intruder inside.

But they all remembered as they turned off the lights behind them and made their way up the stairs to their rooms. Andy watched as Bonney peered from outside the door into their rooms anxiously. Paulie and Valentine acting nonchalant but there was no mistaking the tense way they looked back at Andy after glancing into their own rooms.

Koby and Andy were no exception. Leaving the door open as they looked everywhere for an intruder. Andy even kneeled down and looked under their beds, noting that it would not be a comfortable fit for any grown adult. Even the dust bunnies looked a little cramped. In the end, they closed their door and locked it. Preparing for bed in relative silence. Showering away the remnants of the pizza war as rain poured overhead.

Andy let Koby go first, watching out the window anxiously as the occasional roll of thunder followed a flicker of lighting. The shower barely audible as he fixated on the faint tree line bordering the main camp area. The trees swaying with the turbulent wind gusts that howled loudly.

“Your turn.” Koby’s voice cut like a knife and Andy almost yelped. Jerking his attention to his friend.

“Oh. Yeah. Sure.” Andy stammered nervously, grabbing his clothes and heading into the shower. The water didn’t need time to warm up but Andy found himself constantly distracted. Ears pricking at every foreign sound he could barely hear over the water pounding the shower curtain.

It was a very brisk, short shower.

Andy shared a tense look with Koby as he checked the bedroom door again to ensure it was locked.

It was. And all there was to do was wait until morning. Wait until the storm passed and they could call for help.

Hopefully it was nothing. And they could have a spooky story for the kids next summer. Or maybe it was Zoro and the man found an unlikely place to sleep off his exhaustion. But regardless, it was time to sleep.

“D-Do you think… we could share a bed? I-It’s just—I’m right next to the door a-and—“ Koby asked nervously and Andy smiled, secretly relieved Koby brought it up.

“Sure!” Andy agreed readily, throwing back his blanket and scooting to the side. The bed wasn’t exactly made for two, but with how tense they were, neither was going to turn down cuddles. Koby glanced at the door and quickly grabbed a chair, shoving the back rest under the doorknob. Nodding affirmatively to himself before flicking off the light and quickly sliding in next to Andy.

Andy noticed Koby was shaking but said nothing, throwing the blanket over Koby and pulling him closer.

Sleep came a lot easier with someone next to him. Even the howling winds and booming thunder seemed just a little further away than before. Just after ten, they had about twelve hours before the storm was gone.

The scream was piercing though, hounded by a roll of thunder so vicious the windows rattled. Incredibly loud and practically right in his ear.

Instantly, Koby and Andy were up. Scrambling to investigate, the alarm clock showing it was just past three AM.

The chair was tossed aside and the door thrown open. Paulie and Valentine already out of their rooms as Koala stumbled from hers, tugging on her shirt. Her eyes wide as she looked out at them.

“Where’s Bonney?!” She gasped, their eyes cast downstairs where a faint light slipped into the front from the kitchen.

They all ran, nearly tumbling down the stairs. As the only one barefoot, Andy managed to not slide on the hardwood floors when he rounded the corner. Stumbling back with a strangled scream.

Bonney lay prone on the floor in a pool of blood in her pajamas. Butcher knife in her stomach as she gasped for air, the makings of a sandwich spilled onto the floor. Her eyes locked with Andy’s, tears slipping free. Lips curling around faltering words as she jerked to life.

“K-K-kkk…” Bonney gasped wetly, choking on blood. Andy stumbled over, falling to his knees as he tried to do… something? Anything?! His hands shaking as he pressed around the knife, barely aware enough to know better than to remove it. “—oooooo…” Her lungs rattled wetly as she collapsed, chest falling still. Her hot blood still gushing around Andy’s fingers. Slipping under his toes and knees.

“B-Bonney! BONNEY!” Andy screamed, vision blurring in a smear of blood and pink. Hands pulled him away from her body as he found it hard to breathe. None of his sobbing gasps deep enough to satisfy his lungs, eyes fixed on her lifeless ones. Bloodstained hands reaching out to save what was already gone.

“—dy! Andy! Andy, listen, she’s gone!” Koala cried out into his ears, barely audible over the ringing. His gaze torn away by Koala turning his head into her shoulder. “Someone get something to clean his hands!”

“O-On it!” Koby stammered, crying as he stepped past Bonney to get a wet rag. Gentle as he crouched in front of Andy, blocking the bloody scene from view with a soft, wet smile. “H-Hey, Andy. C’mon, l-let’s get you cleaned up, huh?”

Andy felt numb, the wet rag feeling hot on his cold hands as Koby wiped the blood away.

“S-She… B-Bonney…” Andy cried softly. Koby’s eyes softened.

“I know. I know…” Koby responded, his voice a little dull. “…W-We should hunker down in the same room—the head office. Block the door and call first thing when the storm breaks.”

The head office had the transceiver. It was the best course of action now that they knew their uninvited guest had bad plans.

“Right. No more going off on your own. No one.” Paulie demanded. “Gather some bedding and we’ll make a pallet in the floor if we have to.” Paulie grabbed two knives from the kitchen block. Koby and Koala helped Andy stand up, careful to not let him see Bonney again as they led him out of the kitchen.

They moved as a tight group, Andy taking until halfway up the stairs to find his own footing. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Bonney.

All that blood…

Hot between his fingers. Shuddering breaths under his hands…

His mouth watered and Andy wrenched away, running into an open room to the toilet. Bile ejecting into the bowl as footsteps followed. Gentle hands stroked his back.

“I-It’s okay, let it out, Andy.” Koby reassured him. “Y-You guys get the stuff ready.”

Andy gasped, gripping the cold porcelain in his hands.

“K-Key! I-In my room—b-bedside---ugghhh!” that was all Andy managed before a fresh wave of nausea overcame him. All his attention on what was left of a good meal. Utterly wasted.

Ruined like Bonney in the kitchen…

“I’ll get the key. You two grab bedding. Make sure to piss if you need to before we go in—I have no plans on leaving that office until the cops come.” Koala hissed, storming off as Paulie protested.

“—What did I just say, woman?!” he followed her out.

“…I’ll grab blankets.” Valentine sounded meek as she walked away, Koby barely acknowledging her.

“Just throw them in a pile and we can drag them down the hall.” Koby advised, rubbing Andy’s back anxiously. “You’ve stopped for a while… how are you feeling, Andy?” Koby asked softly.

“H-Horrible! B-Bonney… she’s dead!” Andy cried, blindly fumbling for the handle. The water swirling away with a loud rush under his face.

“… I know. C’mon. Let’s wash up and join the others.” Koby murmured, helping Andy stand up.

Reluctant to venture back to their room to brush his teeth, Andy settled for aggressively gargling mouthwash. The minty flavor burning away the taste of bile. He noticed the blood on his pants and shucked them off, leaving only his boxers. Koby had to stop him from scrubbing the bottom of his feet raw from the blood. This time, he was able to walk on his own. Koby hovering at his side anxiously as they made their way to the head office where Koala was arguing with Paulie.

“—get it, really, but we can’t fucking run off right now!” Paulie hissed, gripping the knives anxiously.

“The faster we get our shit, the faster—Andy!” Koala gasped, her attention instantly on him. “Are you alright?” she asked softly, Paulie huffing before looking at them with worry.

Paulie frowned.

“…Where’s Valentine?”

Andy felt his blood run cold and he whirled around. Valentine wasn’t anywhere to be seen. They all ran down the hall, turning to the corner to find a pile of blankets just outside of Koala and Bonney’s shared room.

“Oh!” Andy sighed in relief, Koby walking just ahead of him. But when Koby got to the doorway he froze, paling sharply.

Andy tried to look past him but was shoved away.

“DON’T!” Koby screamed, startling them. With trembling hands, Koby stepped back and closed the door, barely touching the knob. He then gripped the edge of the blanket pile and quickly started to drag it, hysterical sobs bubbling up.

Horrified but unwilling to see two of his dear friend’s corpses, Andy picked up the other side and helped Koby quickly carry it away. Paulie glanced at them as they passed and seemed to think better of something.

The head office was a generously sized room. A large oak desk with a map of the surrounding area just behind it. The transceiver and an intercom transmitter on the shelf under the map. The large bay windows flashing as the storm raged on. The door was locked firmly, the guest couch shoved firmly against it.

Andy and Koby fussed with the blankets, trying to decide where to best put them all. Near the couch, where they could brace closed the door in an emergency? Or behind the desk, where it felt safer? Koby was still crying and Andy hadn’t really stopped since finding Bonney.

“C’mere. We’ll move the desk in front of the couch and sleep where it used to be.” Koala suggested.

They liked that idea. All four of them moving the desk into position. It was a better plan anyway. The area rug the desk used to stand on thick and helped make up for the lack of bedding.

“… what happened?” Andy asked softly as they took pillows and leather couch cushions to make a head rest. Koby gave him a long, mournful look.

“… choked with a shirt.” He finally said after a long moment.

Andy didn’t know what he was expecting. The answer hardly made him feel better, after all.

Nothing Koby said would have.

They all curled up close under thick blankets, anxiety in every movement. Every shift for comfort on the barely cushioned floor making someone startle. Andy found himself furthest from the door, his back to the shelf with the equipment. Koala in his arms and Koby just behind her.

Paulie settled with his back to Koby, eyes fixed in the door, knife under his pillow and one in his fist.

Andy was certain he’d never fall asleep. But somehow he drifted off, a warm hand rubbing over his back, his nose buried in Koala’s hair.

It seemed damp in places.

Andy woke with a jerk and a crackle of the radio. His arms still holding Koala as daylight poured in. The sudden absence of rain jarring to his senses.

“—this is Camp Crescent, can you read me?” Paulie asked urgently, his voice husky and rough with lack of sleep.

“This is Ranger Kaku—I see you guys made it alright! Heck of a storm, you know—”

“They’re dead. B-Bonney and Valentine were murdered last night. S-Someone came in a-and we d-don’t… fuck!” Paulie shook, Andy looking up at his friend with tears in his eyes. Paulie glanced down and they shared a wobbly smile. “J-Just get the cops here, Kaku. W-We don’t know if they’re still here.”

“Shit.” Kaku cursed softly. “I’ll call it in and head on over. Is… is everyone else safe?” he asked gently.

“Safe as we can be. Holed up in the head office. Barricaded the door.”

“Good. You guys just hang tight, alright? Don’t go nowhere. Boys in blue will want to investigate everything exactly as it is. That means no snack runs, ya hear?” Kaku joked but it did little to break the tension.

Kaku pulled up less than thirty minutes later, he looked high and low before turning up outside the office. It took a bit but they pushed the desk and couch out of the way, cracking open the door.

Kaku looked relieved to see them more or less alright, opening his arms for an embrace that they all accepted. He also looked like he barely slept.

“I’m sorry you had to see that—shit what a mess.” Kaku sighed, rubbing Andy’s back as they all waited for the cops. Andy buried his nose in Kaku’s jacket, noting that it was a bit damp and smelled like cleaner.

One of the officers shook his head, muttering as they were lead out to the ambulance for shock blankets. All of them drifting off under the reassuring weight, particularly Paulie, who definitely didn’t sleep at all.

“Place looks damn spotless. You’d think there’d be a blood trail from the kitchen at least.” Andy looked up in confusion.

There’d been footprints into the house. Hell, he’d definitely left bare footprints from the kitchen. No one had time to clean that before they bunkered down.

And… thinking about it now, Andy didn’t remember seeing any footprints when they found Bonney either.

Like it had been cleaned up before they got there.

Andy’s gaze fell to Koala’s pajama pants. It was definitely different from the ones she wore the day before, a pair she had professed dislike to since they were apparently itchy.

The gurneys rattled as they were pulled out of the house with black body bags and Andy squeezed his eyes shut. Taking in a deep breath before letting it out.

He didn’t want to think about it anymore.

Andy didn’t want to think about any of it anymore.

Kaku jogged up to them with a soft smile.

“Well… good news. Zoro was found just before the storm broke. Scared the shit out of a hunter and nearly got shot for his troubles. Maybe this will keep him from wandering off, huh?” Kaku chuckled weakly. Andy smiled, sharing a commiserating look with Koby.

It was doubtful but…

“I guess we can only hope… did they… find anything?” Koby asked faintly. Kaku frowned, shaking his head.

“No. ‘fraid not. No signs of forced entry or exit. It’s like they just… disappeared.” Kaku sighed.

Paulie swallowed hard.

“You showed up quick—thanks.” Paulie whispered tiredly. Kaku shook his head and smiled. “Called as soon as the storm broke.”

“Hey, what are friends for? I was on my way to check anyhow.”

Andy frowned, faintly sure he’d briefly woken up several times as Paulie tested the system, trying to get a call through. The storm stopping all at once suddenly being partly responsible for waking him up.

“Must have been hard to drive through.” Andy muttered with a weak smile.

“Worth it!” Kaku declared with pride.

The rain hadn’t let up once until Paulie managed to call.

Andy sighed, feeling a bit relieved he had such good friends willing to brave such weather.

Still… Andy would have thought at least Kaku would have left a trail into the house with how much mud was out here… His boots looked pretty dirty.

Koby yawned widely and leaned against him, Koala half asleep against his other side.

“M glad… been a long night.” Andy sighed, feeling the night’s events weigh heavily on him.

It’ll all make sense tomorrow, surely.

[suspensefulpen]

Choice

TW: Wounds, Death

Whumpee winced as he dragged himself across the rubble. He was injured somewhere, but he didn’t care to find out exactly where. He was looking for his team, he’d been out for a couple of minutes and everything had gone silent. 

They hadn’t left him, had they? They couldn’t have abandoned him. There was no way. 

The more Whumpee adjusted himself to get a better look at his surroundings, the more he was convinced otherwise. Absolutely no one was around. At least, no one who was alive. Despite not wanting to believe it, Whumpee couldn’t ignore the rising hurt he felt. And not the hurt from the wounds he was still choosing to ignore. He wasn’t usually one to be emotional but, he suddenly felt the urge to cry. Why had his father figure Team Leader decide to leave him? Didn’t they all care about Whumpee? Didn’t he care about Whumpee? Was anyone going to come back for him? 

Before he could dwell in his thoughts any longer, he heard something behind him. Grabbing the nearest jagged object, he turned to face the source of the sound. He frowned deeply when he faced Carewhumper in all their annoying glory. 

“Don’t worry. I won’t hurt you.” 

He lowered the makeshift weapon and turned his head. “Go away.” 

“Why when you seem lonely out here?” 

“Gee, I wonder why that is.” He rolled his eyes. “Don’t you have something better to do than bother me? Shouldn’t you be with your own team? With Whumper or something?” 

“Oh but I am here for one thing.” Carewhumper’s smirk turned mischievous. “And that’s you.” 

Whumpee quickly turned back to face them. He frowned again, narrowing his eyes. “That sounds like a bunch of crap.” 

“Oh, but Whumpee, remind me why you’re out here alone again?” They mirrored his expression, making him pause to consider their words. He shook his head. 

“I’m not… I’m not alone.” 

“Of course you aren’t.” Carewhumper smiled softly. “You have me.” 

“No I don’t! I have my team! I’ll always have them!” 

They shook their head, almost in disappointment. “Whumpee, you just don’t understand, do you? Your team does not care about you. Your team does not have your back. Your team did not come back for you. But I did.” They said. “And I always will, no matter what happens. That is, if you want that.” They extended their right hand, the left out of his line of vision behind their back. 

He stared at it for several moments. “How do I know you won’t hurt me? You’re not exactly known for not hurting people…” 

“But Whumpee, your team isn’t known for leaving people behind are they?” 

Realization sank deeper into his mind. No. That wasn’t what his team was known for. Yet here he was, all alone in a field of dead bodies. And the person who came back for him wasn’t on his team. 

It was Carewhumper. 

If they were willing to come back for him, they couldn’t possibly want to hurt them in the same way. Would they? Would they hurt them at all? After all, Team Leader told them to give everyone a chance sometimes. 

But he was the reason Whumpee was stuck out here in the first place. Why should he wait for him longer only to bleed out and die? Or even worse, get attacked again. 

He looked up at Carewhumper, seeing the look in their eyes. Eyes like those wouldn’t hurt him. Would they? 

“Okay.” He nodded and took their hand. 

Carewhumper smiled. “Good choice.”

[theshadowrealmitself]

Keep thinking sad thoughts and sad scenarios and spiraling a bit, so this is my attempt to take a tragic scenario and pivot it since trying to avoid flat out of thinking of tragedy isn’t working, so tw for mentions of attempted suicide:

Person (A) who tries to kill themself a few times but sets it up to seem like complete accidents so no one figures out what they were trying to do, and it doesn’t work

So they think that’s the end of it, everyone else thinks they just had a close, completely accidental, brush with death, and they’re gonna be made to go to counseling for it anyways, so they start mentally preparing themselves to take counseling seriously and actually work on their mental health, use this as an opportunity to turn their life around

But someone they know (B) went investigating, and they found all the other set ups to lead to “accidents” against A and come to the conclusion that someone’s trying to murder A

And A of course knows that’s bullshit, but they don’t wanna explain that they were trying to kill themself, so they keep trying to pass it off as bad luck and B’s just seeing patterns that aren’t there

Until A’s car explodes, almost killing them, and they realize that someone was trying to kill them while they were trying to kill themself, and, unlike A, they didn’t come to the conclusion to stop

(I don’t actually know what B should be in this situation, so they’re detective-esque, maybe they aren’t an actual detective but they put themself on the case and they’re gonna assure A’s safety if it’s the last thing they do)

(but it won’t be)

(because this isn’t gonna end in tragedy, not this time)

[house-of-1000-corpses]

VITRIOL [-] He Will Fight Savagely