#What Year Did Doris Day Die?

[pilfappreciator]

Did another oopsie and accidentally deleted another ask (*bangs head on table*) BUT HOPEFULLY THE LOVELY ANON WHO SENT IT SEES THIS!!

DADZONE & Child! Reader: John Dory

Includes: GN! Reader, Child! Reader, Adopted! Reader, accidental DILF John Dory, slight angst

TW: mention of spiders and body horror near the end (nothing too graphic but just in case)

🥽 This man doesn't trust himself enough not to fuck up another meaningful relationship ://

🥽 Personally, how I see it, becoming a father is probably the last thing on JD's to-do list. I mean he's definitely got the skills (being the oldest of five and having to raise his brothers means he's picked up a few things), and I like to think that it's something he longs for deep down, but considering how BADLY he fumbled with his brothers the last time they were all in the same room...

🥽 So yeah. In theory would be SO down to start a family of his own, but in practice?? He is EXTREMELY hesitant

🥽 THAT BEING SAID!! Chances are he probably found you as an egg

🥽 He was out one day, hiking out in the forest or exploring coastal coves or rock climbing, when all of a sudden he just… stumbles across an egg. Just sitting there in a patch of moss or nestled into a log

🥽 Ends up taking the egg with him back to Ronda, but not before an actual HOUR of confused staring? Distressed pacing back and forth?? Panicked rambling all the while???

🥽 (the fact that Ronda tried to eat the egg upon his return doesn't help at all)

🥽 John Dory spends the next month or so visiting nearby troll villages and asking anyone who crosses his path "Hey man did you drop this? 😬"

🥽 In the end he decides to take you in himself. Partly because he's gotten tired of all the looks other trolls keep giving him for trying to force an egg into their hands, and also because he… may have grown attached to said egg in the past few weeks. I mean by the end of day 3 he'd already given you a name so you know he's screwed ahsjkakaa

🥽 He tells himself he's taking you in because it's what any good citizen would do (He is a lair. He is 100% doing it for himself)

🥽 The day you hatch is LITERALLY one of the best days of his life? Like he's just making himself some dinner and suddenly he hears crackling coming from his hair?? And then there's babbling???

🥽 This man is going about his day with you nestled in his hair (basically the troll equivalent to carrying a baby on your hip lol). He's choppin trees, foraging for food, and driving his armadillo van all while he's got an actual egg sitting on his head. Absolutely talks to you the whole time, too. He has no idea if you can actually hear him but like.. this man spent the last 20 years all alone in the woods, okay, his ass is lonely :((

🥽 Yknow that thing parents do where they hold up headphones to a woman's womb and play Mozart or whatever to make the baby "smarter" or some shit?? Yeah that's JD. He's doing the same thing to his egg

🥽 no Mozart tho ONLY BROZONE 😤😤 HIS BABY HAS GOTTA HAVE GOOD TASTE AND NOTHING LESS

🥽 If he's really feeling himself then he'll sing the songs himself. And then proceed to give unprompted lore behind the lyrics and the songs "true meaning" (songs include Brozone classics such as Baby Boy Got My Heart In A Headlock Boy and Baby Baby Love You Like A Pizza But Hate You Like There's Pineapple On It Babe)

🥽 "holy crap YOU'RE SO SMALL—"

🥽 UGLY CRYING HOLDING YOU IN THE CROOK OF HIS ARM CARESSING YOUR SOFT LITTLE FACE WITH HIS FINGER

🥽 Will die if you reach for him with your tiny baby hands or just smile up at him

🥽 He's still gonna carry you around in his hair while he goes about his day and stuff ngl. Like for him, it's a signature of your guys' bond and you bet your ass he's gonna be milking it for as long as he can (definitely dreads the day you become too big/old for it)

🥽 Most definitely tries to teach you survival skills as soon as possible. He's teaching you how to fish, he's demonstrating how to start a fire with the bare essentials, he's letting you DRIVE RONDA—

🥽 "It's an important skill to have, champ, trust me!"

"...but I'm only five."

"Never too early for a learner's permit!"

🥽 Defnitely tries to reel in that controlling/perfectionist mindset of his, at least for your sake. The last thing he wants is a repeat of what went down with his brothers. As a result he's probably more lenient when you get into trouble or do something wrong

🥽 Fr tho like... you'll accidentally(?) cause an explosion and his ass will be standing, hands on his hips like "I'm not mad, just disappointed 🤨"

🥽 You thought you were getting spoon fed Brozone content as an egg?? Well congrats on being born cuz now you're getting served Brozone content for BREAKFAST 👏 DINNER 👏 AND 👏 LUNCH

🥽 JDs most definitely the type of guy to break into song whenever he's doing the most mundane of tasks (laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc), and yes he fully expects you to join in and know all the lyrics helloooo?? You've basically been raised on Brozone songs at this point like cmon, don't leave him hanging!

🥽 FR THO!! If you grow up to be a Brozone stan, he's never gonna be more proud of himself <33

🥽 This man definitely has a physical collection of every song/album/cover his band has ever done (I'm mean this is the same guy who kept his brothers underwear in a frame for 20 years so ://). He treats every CD, record, cassette tape, etc. like the priceless artifacts they are and YES, HES GONNA PASS THEM ONTO YOU LIKE THEYR FAMILIY HEIRLOOMS DID YOU EXPECT ANY LESS

🥽 If you grow up to lean more towards a different genre of music or Brozone just doesn't end up being your cup of tea... JDs gonna be a lil devastating ngl

🥽 Pls assure him that he has not failed as a father

🥽 Jokes aside tho! I feel like despite his wounded ego, JD will at least TRY to see your point of view. I mean he's definitely gonna be a bit of a grandpa about it—

*while the two of you are listening to your favorite song*

"I mean, I GUESS it's okay... not nearly as lyrically genius as Brozone's hit single: Baby Girl Ur Sweet Like A Milkshake Girl But I'm Lactose Intolerant Baby 🙄"

"Dad. Please shut up."

—but rest assured that he WILL support you and your music taste <33

🥽 You want merch of your favorite band/artist? No worries he's (stealing it right off the shelf) got money to pay for it! Is there a new album about to drop? He's (breaking into a store in the middle of night like a rabid racoon) patiently waiting in line just to buy it for you! You wanna go to a concert? He's using Ronda to (break speed limits, run people over, disobey every known traffic rule) get good parking at the venue!!

🥽 SPEAKING OF CONCERTS!! I feel like he'd be able to offer solid advice on the do's and don'ts of attending a concert. Like... my guy was in a popular band back in the day and he knows first hand how outta hand concerts can get. He has SEEN some shit ajskskaka

🥽 JD definitely has a photo album full of pictures from back in the day. Some of them are snapshots of him and the rest of Brozone, but a majority of the pictures are just of him and his family— away from the stage and cameras. Just him and his brothers and grandma Rosiepuff too...

🥽 He remembers the exact moment every picture was taken, and he'll tell you every bit of context. Birthday, pranks gone wrong, holidays, first day of school— there's a snapshot for just about every milestone. All you have to do is ask and JD is more than happy to relay every childhood anecdote he can remember

🥽 It gets to the point where you eventually know just about everything about your uncles... WHO YOU HAVE NEVER EVEN MET YET AKSKSKAKAK

🥽 It's definitely something that freaks them out once you finally DO meet them

🥽 Like you'll have a conversation with Clay and they'll be like "yeah I'm not a big fan of spiders haha" and you just go "Oh that makes sense considering you used to have vivid nightmares about them crawling under your skin and tickling you to death" and Clay's just like "how the fuck did you know that????"

🥽 "Dude stop telling your kid everything about us"

"I haven't seen you guys in 20 years! I just wanted them to feel close to their uncles ;(("

"THEY DONT NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOW I USED TO PICK MY NOSE WHEN I WAS SEVEN"

🥽 John Dory, Older Brother Who Overshares About His Younger Siblings my beloved <33

Ermmm yeahhhh this was originally gonna be one big post including ALL the brothers... but then I started writing for JD and got carries away... so yeah this ask is gonna have to be a multi-parter AJSJSJAKKA SORRY ANON I COULDN'T HELP MYSELF 🤥

NEXT PARTS ARE IN THE WORKS!!

Bruce | Clay | Floyd | Branch

[freyrmichokolatte]

@xshandra STOPPP YOU'RE MAKING ME CRY WHAT

No but fr though just think about it

Just imagine Branch when he saw them getting captured and when the rest of Brozone got saved by Poppy and Viva he thought that they were going to leave him to die. Then imagine the shock on his face when they're still going after Ven and Vel to rescue him then after the whole fiasco they went back to Trollstopia to take a good rest. The brothers are all in Branch's bunker and Branch looked at them in the eyes and asked them why they saved him, when they explained it's because they love and care for him Branch hit them back with:

"But you hate me don't you?"

Those words are going to be stuck in their brains for a lifetime because no, they don't hate him, they never did. Thet realized how much they screwed up and how much they missed out on Branch's life, his childhood- but no, he didn't had a childhood because the day they walked out on him, the day they walked out on their baby brother to return to *their* childhood, it stole his. They all could've go back to him, but they didn't.

John Dory and Floyd did come back. But when they reached an empty Troll Tree, they didn't bother looking for him, they proclaimed him as dead.

Clay was scared to go back because of the Bregens. But he was still in the Troll Tree when they escaped the Bergens so why didn't he come back?

Bruce could've come back too, but he didn't.

All of this started because of a dumb arguement 20 years ago that could've been settled by communication but no, they're stubborn and said 'Fuck you I'm leaving this household!'

Now look at how it turned out. And when they found out Branch was gray for 20 years, it made them feel more guilty and shameful. That's why they promised theirselves that they'll make it right. They will be better brothers to Branch, learn about him and his interest and slowly build up eachothers trust again. Although it'll take a long time but they will get there.

[gabykatttt]

You are not alone

Trigger warning ⚠️ ‼️ Suicide attempt

Today was nice beautiful day of the troll village.

Poppy,Viva and the others are setting up party for Veneer living with them since he and Velvet went their separate ways after prison.

Veneer started to do a solo act of sing without a troll’s talent. He was proud for making progress for himself having a normal live.

Floyd felt guilty of why Veneer left his sister behind after what happened two years ago at the rage dome at Mount Rageous.

Branch in the other hand didn’t trust Veneer first until Floyd convince him to be a brother figure to him. Branch finally accepted Veneer and starts being protective to him.

Bruce and Brandy liked Veneer as their son. They always invite him to the Vacay island to spend time with them and the kids.

As for Clay. He’ll always tell Veneer to come join his sad book club. Of course Veneer joins his club.

Poppy and Viva are sister figures to Veneer. They would make candy bracelets and eating them. They also have themselves a sleepovers whenever Veneer feels down due to his mental health.

Lastly John Dory and Delta show Veneer around what live for a family is.

This is going to be the best party ever Viva said letting out her excitement

You got that right sis Poppy replied adding the final touch of glitter.

Hey girls Clay said crying after reading his sad book.

Clay sweetie have you been reading sad stories again? Viva asked wiping his tears.

Yes Clay replied giving Viva a kiss on the cheek. Viva couldn’t help but blush.

Poppy smirked as she used her tail to come down.

I see you and Clay are dating Poppy said.

Yeah we are Viva replied giving Clay a kiss on the cheek.

No idiot you’re supposed to mix the butter Delta yelled.

No it’s said mix it after sweetheart John replied. As the couple started arguing for no reason.

Floyd and Branch rolled their eyes.

Say where’s Veneer by the way? Viva asked

He said he was getting some fresh air but he hasn’t came back yet Floyd replied starting to get worried.

I’ll fine him Branch said exiting the castle to find Veneer.

Few hours later

Veneer where are you? Branch yelled still no sign of Veneer.

Veneer Branch said repeating his name over and over again but no response.

Veneer Branch repeated again until he finally found Veneer standing on the cliff.

Oh no Branch gasped as he quickly ran towards him.

It’s all my fault Veneer said crying as he kept walking towards the cliff.

No it’s your fault Veneer Branch said trying to use his words wisely.

It is I hurt Floyd and my sister hates me, you hate me so I’ll be okay to die anyways Veneer said taking a few steps of the cliff.

Branch gasped as he used his hair to climb on the tree and stopped Veneer.

Veneer fell on the ground.

No please let me die I don’t deserve to live Veneer said trying to get up but no use.

No I won’t let you Branch replied getting on Veneer’s shoulder.

Why? Veneer asked as tears started to form again.

Branch took a deep breath and started to sing a song to calm Veneer down

Branch 🎶🎤

Another day has gone

I'm still all alone

How could this be?

You're not here with me

You never said goodbye

Someone tell me why

Did you have to go?

And leave my world so cold

Everyday I sit and ask myself

How did love slip away?

Something whispers in my ear and says

That you are not alone

I am here with you

Though you're far away

I am here to stay

But you are not alone

I am here with you

Though we're far apart

You're always in my heart

But you are not alone

'Lone, 'lone

Why, 'lone

Just the other night

I thought I heard you cry

Asking me to come

And hold you in my arms

I can hear your prayers

Your burdens I will bear

But first I need your hand

Then forever can begin

Everyday I sit and ask myself

How did love slip away?

Something whispers in my ear and says

That you are not alone

I am here with you

Though you're far away

I am here to stay

But you are not alone

I am here with you

Though we're far apart

You're always in my heart

But you are not alone

Whisper three words and I'll come running

And girl you know that I'll be there

I'll be there

That you are not alone

I am here with you

Though you're far away

I am here to stay

But you are not alone

I am here with you

Though we're far apart

You're always in my heart

For you are not alone (You are not alone)

For I am here with you (I am here with you)

Though you're far away (Though you're far away)

I am here to stay (You and me)

For you are not alone (You're always in my heart)

For I am here with you

Though we're far apart

You're always in my heart

For you are not alone

Not alone, oh

You are not alone

You are not alone

Say it again

You are not alone

You are not alone

Not alone, not alone

If you just reach out for me girl

In the morning, in the evening

Not alone, not alone

You and me

Not alone

Oh, together, together

Gotta stop being alone

Gotta stop being alone

Veneer began to cry as Branch started to wipe his tears.

Don’t cry Veneer you’re not alone me,Poppy,and the others were here for you you’re part of the family now Branch said gently.

Thank you Veneer said wiping his tears and getting up.

Now come on we have a surprise for you Branch said smiling.

Okay Veneer said as he walked away from the cliff and headed home where he belongs.

[completely-normal-about-trolls]

Poppy's Secret Stash

A/N: I never wrote on tumblr before, so I don't know how this works or how formatting works. Also this was written on computer so I don't know if that changes any formatting.

@vacayisland

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

Poppy smiled and giggled to herself, pulling out a brand new scrapbook and her supplies. She set out all her fabric, colorful paper, some glitter, and some popcorn to snack on, before getting to work.

In her younger years, back when she was simply Princess Poppy, she LOVED to make stories with her friends about bands and singers they liked, like Violet Wonder, H.E.A.R.T, No Map, and BroZone - especially Brozone - to name a few. They would sit up, late at night, giggling and scrapbooking the stories to their hearts content, and then sharing their stories with the other trolls their age. Before DJ Suki was Dj Suki, she was MAP-LESS. Everyone talked about her scrapbooks, which ranged from midnight getaways from abusive parents to be with Roman Bass, lead singer of No Map, to being being the sixth hidden member of H.E.A.R.T and dating ALL FIVE MEMBERS! Even to being the secret girlfriend of John Dory, leader of BroZone! Poppy was always jealous in awe of her friend's talent, and happy sad that she ended up leaving behind the scrapbooks in exchange for turntables.

Poppy, also known as POPSTAR_X3, was famous for one series as well. She had authored a self insert scrapbook, about her being the "pet" of the BroZone brothers, in a universe where crime ran rampant. The boys, known as the Dory Brothers in her books, kept her safe from all harm as long as she kept them happy. The books were fairly short, about ten chapters each, but she had written about.... Well, she lost track after 15.

See, while most of her friends fell out of the fictional scrapbooking, she would always find time to make these stories about her and her favorite bands. She had an entire bookshelf full to them, that she had successfully hidden away from Branch. If Branch even found one of her books, she'd probably die from embarrassment. Especially since he was one of the people she wrote most about.

Poppy's head jerked up from the page, her eyes wide as she heard some faint voices.

"Are you sure you can just barge in?" That sounded like JD.

"Yeah, Poppy said she was hanging out with Satin and Chenille today. I just need to grab a couple of things." Oh God, that was Branch.

"Well hurry up! I gotta piss so freaking bad!"

"Just go in the bushes!"

Poppy's heart started to beat at a hundred miles a minute as she scrambled to put her supplies away. The lock clicked, the doorknob turned, and Poppy frantically shoved her supplies in a nearby drawer just as-

"Poppy? What are you doing?" Branch asked with a little smile, surprised to see her in her own home. He was supposed to be hanging with his bros right now, and he was, as evidence by the four head peeking through the door.

"Branch! I, uh... Satin and Chenille had to cancel for some, uh, fashion emergency!" She lied with a giggle. "So I just, you know... Decided to have a me day! How are you? How ya doing? How ya been?" She said awkwardly, trying to hide the mess popping out of the drawer. "I'm not hiding anything. What- What- Why did you...come in?"

"I needed to grab my ESK," He said, grabbing a box that said "Emergency Survival Kit". "Are you ok, Poppy?"

"Yeah no I'm fine! Totally fine! Completely fine!" She forced a smile and some giggles before stopping abruptly. "Please leave."

Branch just gave her a weird look before noticing the open book. The one thing she had forgotten to hide. "Oh, I didn't know you write-"

"I don't!" Poppy said, grabbing the book and holding it to her chest. "I'm holding this for a friend!"

Bruce furrowed his brows and tilted his head. "The Dory's Pet-"

Poppy blushed heavily and tossed the book out an open window. She hadn't realized the title was still visible.

"Poppy," Branch said calmly as he closed the distance. "What going on? You know I want judge you." He held her hands and met her nervous eyes. "You can be honest."

Poppy bite her lip and looked at the ground. "I... I write fanfiction..."

"What's that?" The brothers had made their way in the pod now, all staring at Poppy as if she had grown two heads.

"It..." Poppy started and sighed. She pulled away from Branch and grabbed some of her scrapbooks, handing one to him and his brothers to look at. "It's something my friends and I did when we were younger. We would make up stories about ourselves being friends or being in relationships with band members. Sometimes we would make the main character ambiguous so that the reader could be the love interest... I know it's weird, especially now, but... I like it. It's kind of a guilty pleasure..." She smiled gently at the book in her hands, titled "Into the Brozone", which was about Penelope becoming the sixth and only female member of Brozone. Penelope was a fictional version of Poppy, one where she was just an average troll. No royal duties, no kingdom to worry about. Just a troll who wanted to sing and hug and dance (and be Clay's girlfriend.)

"Well..." Floyd said as he thumbed through the pages. "It's well written. And since you're writing about real trolls, then I don't think there's anything wrong as long they're ok with it." He smiled and handed the scrapbook back. "But please, don't write me as straight ever again."

Poppy smiled brightly. "Of course." She took the book back and looked over at Branch. Her heart started to beat faster. She was so nervous about what he would think. I mean, she wrote about falling in love with him and his brothers (among other singers) for years, even if she didn't realize it. There has to be something creepy about that, right?

"Floyd's right," Branch said with a smile. "This is pretty well written."

"Which one is that?" Poppy asked, peeking over his shoulder.

Branch flipped over the book and looked at the cover. "To Hook a Star," he said, going back to where he was. "Apparently, it's about you trying to win my heart." He smiled and handed the book back to her. "We all have our quirks, Poppy. If you like doing this, then do it. Have fun. You should probably ask my brothers or your friends before you write about them."

"You don't think it's weird?" Poppy asked.

"Oh no, it's definitely weird. But as long as you're happy, and no one gets hurt from it, then I think you should keep writing." Branch smiled and cupped her cheek. "Just write about me a little more, ok?"

Poppy chuckled softly. "Of course..." She looked over at the Bros, all looking at the cover of one book. JD looked confused, Bruce looked very concerned, Clay look terrified, and Floyd looked like he was about throw up.

"What?" Poppy asked nervously. "Which one is that?"

They all looked up at her, still looking confused and concerned. JD flipped the cover around so she could see it, before yelling in unison with his brothers. "SOLD TO BROZONE?!?!"

[wooziswonderfulworld]

It’s Not Easy To Say Goodbye (Especially When We Just Said Hello Again)

Floyd was relieved.

 

He was finally free, and he was finally home with his brothers. He knew recovery would take time, but he was ready.

 

Except he seemed to never get better; in fact, he always felt worse, like his body wasn’t regenerating despite being brought back to life.

 

At first, he was fine. He could move around, sing, and dance. For three months, he felt like he was getting better.

 

Until he wasn’t. It started off small; he was always tired, like always tired and fatigued.

 

God was he tired—so damn tired, his muscles ached every day, and sometimes he could barely move. Why wasn’t he getting better?

 

“It’ll take time, Flo." Clay said as Floyd lay in bed, too tired to sit up, “You’ve only been out for a few months now; give it time; you did die." Floyd sighed. "Yeah, I know."

 

Clay patted his head as he walked out, and Floyd turned around, sighing, He’d get better.

 

Except he never did. As the days went on, his body grew weaker. Soon, it had been 7 months since he’d been freed, and there was no progress.

 

But the doctors and everyone around him told him to give his body time to heal, saying that draining the life out of a troll took time to heal from.

 

Floyd groaned, reaching down and puking in the bucket beside him.

 

That was another thing. He was constantly throwing up; he barely even ate because he couldn’t keep anything down.

 

John Dory suggested that maybe he had an egg. Floyd, despite how much he loved his big brother, wanted to punch him.

 

Luckily, Branch did it for him, just not where Floyd would’ve personally preferred. Still, it was a good punch.

 

Floyd felt so weak.

 

Floyd felt like his body was shutting down, and he couldn’t do anything.

 

Eight months after he had been freed, he was having a hard time remembering where he was or who anyone was.

 

“Thank you, Um." Floyd looked at whoever was in front of him and handed him a glass of water. “Bruce? Floyd, are you okay, buddy?” Floyd stared at something in the distance, unresponsive.

 

“I’m worried, man." Bruce said, leaving the room, “Floyd’s been getting worse."

 

"Yeah, but his body just needs time to recover, like the doctors said." John Dory said, "Yeah, but he barely even knows what's going on anymore; like, he’s never focused on anything." Bruce said

 

“It’s been 8 months and there’s been zero progress; actually, he’s been getting worse.”

 

John Dory shook his head. “No, he’ll get better. He’s a fighter." He said getting up and leaving

 

Floyd didn’t get any better.

 

11 months since he was freed

 

Sometimes it felt like he couldn’t breathe; his breaths felt short and irregular. Not to mention his body temperature was even more irregular. By this point, he couldn’t even ask for help because he couldn’t remember anything; his brain was all fuzzy. Who were these trolls that kept coming in to see him???

 

“I’m worried, Peppy; it’s been almost a year and Floyd hasn’t made any recovery; he’s been getting worse. He’s completely bedridden now; he can’t even feed himself,” Branch said, speaking to his girlfriend's father.

 

“Have you spoken to the doctors?” Peppy asked, “Yeah, but they keep telling us it’ll take time for him to recover, that maybe his body is confused from dying and coming back to life." Branch said, “I’m just worried for him.”

 

“Completely understandable, son; just do your best to make him comfortable." He advised

 

“Yes sir” Branch got up and left, thinking of what they would do once Floyd finally recovered.

 

They would never get to do those things.

 

12 months, It had been one year since Floyd had been freed. His body was running a high fever, and any medicine he took he threw right back up. He was lost and confused; everything hurt, and he could barely breathe.

 

He wanted to find someone to help him. Floyd pushed himself up and stumbled out of the room, his body shaking and sweating, his head hurting, his arms hurting, and his stomach hurting. He started coughing, his body sinking to the ground.

 

Clay eventually decided enough was enough. He scooped his baby brother up and took him to the village hospital.

 

Hooked up to machines and breathing tubes, Floyd lay on the hospital bed, his chest weakly rising up and down.

 

“You should’ve come to us sooner." Doctor Sprout said, as if it were the brothers who kept saying Floyd would get better.

 

“We have been!” Branch shouted, standing up, “You all told us he’d get better!"

 

Doctor Sprout sighed. "Yes, well, we didn’t know it was this bad. His body is shutting down,” he said, looking at the brothers.

 

“What do you mean?” John Dory asked. He knew what he meant; he just didn’t want to believe it. “Floyd was meant to die that day; he was freed, but he didn’t. You said he started getting worse. How long after he was back home?"

 

“3 months later, he started becoming increasingly tired at first,” Bruce said. “Tired, fatigued? Then let me guess: nauseous, disoriented, irregular breathing, irregular body temperature? It’s all signs of the body shutting down; typically with older trolls, Floyd’s still young, but his body was damaged too much."

 

“So are you saying..." Clay asked, “Start preparing to say goodbye." Doctor Sprout said, nodding, and left.

 

“Goodbye? We just got him back, though." Branch said, looking down, that he was pulled into a hug by Clay. If this was a joke, it wasn’t funny.

 

 

It was now a year and one month since Floyd had been moved back to the bunker; it was a request he had made. Floyd lay in his bed, machines hooked up to him. He looked over, seeing a face that seemed familiar; he just didn’t know why.

 

"Hi,” he whispered weakly. "Hi, my little Pink Floyd, I miss you." Rosiepuff spoke from where she stood.

 

Floyd looked over at the two other figures. He couldn’t remember who they were. "Hi, my baby." The lady spoke, smiling softly. “We can’t wait to see you." She said, “Everyone’s waiting." Floyd smiled slightly; he liked her, and the man seemed nice too.

 

“Floyd?” A voice said, and he looked over, seeing the hospice nurse walking in with a kind smile on her face. He smiled softly. “Hi nurse,” he said, but he couldn’t remember her name.

 

“You look happy." She said she was smiling and helping him take his medication. “I met some really nice trolls. They said they can’t wait to see me again." He said happy

 

The nurse smiled and said, "That's wonderful, honey. You get some rest, okay?” Floyd nodded softly as he was laid back down.

 

“How is he?” Branch asked, and Nurse Daisy sighed softly. “It’s time." She said, “I suggest you go in and say your goodbyes soon."

 

She left, and the brothers looked at each other and said, “Let’s go." John Dory spoke weakly. They walked in. "Hi, Flo,” Clay said, smiling. Floyd looked over. "Hello."

 

“I know, you probably can’t remember who I am; I’m your older brother Clay. When you were younger, I used to read you this  story." He said, pulling out a book from his hair, He looked at his brothers, who nodded. “And I wanted you to hear it again, even though you probably know it word for word." He laughed slightly, opened the short book up to the first page, and began reading.

 

A long time ago and far, far away, an old woman was sitting in her rocking chair, thinking how happy she would be if she had a child. Then, she heard a knock at the door and opened it. A lady was standing there, and she said, "If you let me in, I will grant you a wish." The old woman let the woman in firstly because she felt pity and secondly because she knew what she'd wish for—a child. After she washed the lady up and fed her, she saw that she was really beautiful.

The lady slept soundly all night long, and then right before she left, she said, "Now, about your wish. What do you want?"

The lady thought about most people's wishes to be the richest in the world, the most powerful person, the smartest, and the prettiest. But the old woman wished for something the lady could not believe. She said, "I would like a child."

 

The only thing that could be heard aside from Clay’s voice was the sound of the pages turning.

 

"What did you say?" She asked because she was astonished at what the old lady asked for. The old lady repeated what she said. "I would like a child."

The lady then placed a tiny seed in the old woman's hand and gave her instructions. "Plant this seed, water it carefully, watch over it, and give it your love. If you do all those things, then you will have a child."

So the old woman did all of those things the lady had told her to. In a week, there was a beautiful yellow flower in place of the seed. The next day, the flower bloomed. Inside the flower was a beautiful little girl who was the size of the woman's thumb, so she called her Thumbellina. She made her a little dress out of golden threads. Thumbellina slept in a walnut shell and brought the old woman joy and happiness.

But one day, when Thumbellina went down for her nap, a frog hopped through the open window and said, "You will be a perfect bride for my son," and she took Thumbellina to a lily pad and hopped off to find her son.

Thumbellina cried, and some little guppies heard her and chewed the roots off the lily pad to help her escape. Thumbellina's lily pad floated away. A few hours later, she finally stopped floating. During the summer, she ate berries and drank the dew off the leaves. But then winter came, and she needed shelter. A kindly mouse let her stay with it, but it said, "You'll have to marry my friend, Mole, because I cannot keep you for another winter."

The next day, she went to see Mole. In one of the tunnels, she found a sick bird and said, "Poor thing, I will bury it." Then she found out that it was still alive, and she cared for it until it was ready to fly. It flew off. That fall, she nearly had to marry Mole. But then she heard a familiar tweet, and an idea popped up in the bird's head.

"You can come down to the warm country," said the bird, so Thumbellina hopped on the bird's back and flew to the warm country. The people there who were like her renamed her Erin. She married a prince, and she lived happily ever after.

 

The End

 

By the last few paragraphs, Clay’s voice was shaky—a mix of tears and his voice getting choked up. “I’m sorry. I love you, Floyd." Clay spoke through tears and pressed a kiss to his forehead. Floyd smiled. He had enjoyed the story very much.

 

Clay stood back, allowing his other brothers to speak.

 

“Floyd” Bruce spoke next, walking over and grabbing his hand gently. “I know we were never the closest growing up, but I want you to know that I loved you more than anything else in the world." He spoke, looking him in the eyes. “There wasn’t a day or night that I didn’t think about you. My kids grew up hearing stories of their uncle Floyd. They were so excited to meet you, and I’m sorry you didn’t get much time to spend with them. Floyd, I’m so sorry we were too late." Bruce said, tears falling, “I know you’re in pain, baby; you can rest soon." He said, “I love you, Floyd." Bruce pressed a kiss to his forehead and stepped back with Clay.

 

John Dory walked over. “Floyd, I have no words. I should’ve been a better brother to you; I know I’ve made you cry countless times, so I guess this makes us even, huh?” He joked, “Floyd, you are one of the most incredible trolls I know; you’re talented, handsome, and funny." He grabbed his hand. “You made me better every day, even when we were all separated. I’ll make sure your name lives on, I promise, baby brother." He said, “I love you, Floyd. Give mom, dad, and grandma a hug for us, please." He whispered, pressing a kiss on his forehead before stepping back.

 

Lastly, there was Branch.

 

“Floyd, why? I-we-just got you back." Branch whispered weakly, “Don’t go; I’m not ready to say goodbye.”

 

Floyd smiled weakly and reached his arms out. Branch hugged him tightly. “Floyd, you were and always will be the best big brother I could ever ask for. It’s not fair; you did nothing wrong; you should be able to live longer. We just said hello; I don’t want to say goodbye now. I’ll learn how to one day, though. I love you,  Floyd." Branch whispered, pressing a kiss to his forehead, just as his other brothers had before.

 

“I’m tired,” Floyd whispered weakly. The four brothers gathered around him. “We know, baby; you can rest now." John Dory spoke, holding his hand, and Floyd smiled softly. “Brothers?” Floyd spoke, looking at them.

 

“Yes baby?” Bruce asked, stroking his hair, “I love you guys." He spoke; his voice was not even a whisper. He closed his eyes and took one final breath, a smile gracing his lips.

 

His heart had flatlined. Floyd had passed away with a smile on his face, and his family gathered around him. Just like he wanted to.

 

The brothers hugged each other, and sobs echoed through the bunker. Branch sobbed about how unfair it was; they all did; it really wasn’t fair; Floyd was still young; why was he taken away?

 

Poppy and Viva had wanted the brothers to spend Floyd’s last moments together.

 

Once the doctors came in and took Floyd away, they didn’t hesitate to hug the other four brothers. Poppy held Branch, and Viva held Clay tightly. But they didn’t just give their attention to their respective boyfriends. Poppy hugged John Dory tightly. "I'm so sorry, JD." She whispered, rubbing his back, as Viva hugged Bruce, Poppy hugged Clay next, who sobbed into her shoulder, and Viva hugged Branch, who hugged her back tightly.

 

The funeral was no different; more tears were shed. Floyd had touched so many troll hearts back in his band days, even as a soloist. The brothers were surprised at how many trolls had come to pay their respects. They didn’t know Floyd knew so many trolls. From rock trolls to funk trolls, even country trolls, and so many more. They all came to pay their respects; they had known Floyd way before the reuniting of the trolls. They had stories to share and so much love to give.

 

In the distance, behind everyone, a small deer watched the funeral and all those gathered. With a small noise, the deer walked off, seemingly more at ease.

 

 

What would’ve been Floyd’s 36th birthday? Poppy and John Dory worked to decorate the village with magenta lights in honor of Floyd.

 

Behind a tree, a beautiful deer watched as the village was illuminated by magenta lights. The deer turned and walked off calmly.

 

two years later. It had been two years since Floyd had passed away.

 

Branch and Poppy walked to the gravestone, where they laid Floyd to rest. “Hi Floyd. I wanted to introduce you to someone.

 

Poppy kneeled down, holding a small bundle in her arms. “Her name is Flora,” she said, smiling softly. The light blue and dark pink-haired troll stirred in her sleep, "fitting, huh?” She said she was laughing.

 

A small deer walked over to them, and Branch and Poppy watched as the deer pressed its nose to Flora’s small head before nuzzling Poppy and Branch’s cheek before running off.

 

They didn’t say anything; they just left in a comfortable silence. No words needed to be spoken.

 

Even if he was gone, he never truly left. Floyd found a way to be in their lives again, just in different ways.

 

Floyd would live on in their hearts and minds forever and always.

[toongrrl-blog]

More Benvi Playlist

What are you doing just sitting there? Listen to some tunes at least ;)

"Let's Leave the Lights On Tonight" Johnny Rodriguez

We’ll let them old memories die

We’ll be just you and I

Somehow it all feels so right

2. "A Matter of Trust" Billy Joel

Let’s leave the lights on tonight

I'm sure you're aware, love

We've both had our share of

Believing too long

3. "Feels Like the First Time" Foreigner (also a Trenor song)

When the whole situation was wrong

And I know that it must be the woman in you

That brings out the man in me

I know I can't help myself

And it feels like the first time

You're all that my eyes can see

Like it never did before

Feels like the first time

Feels like the first time

Like we've opened up the door

Like it never will again

4. "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" Nina Simone or The Animals

Never again

Baby, do you understand me now

Sometimes I feel a little mad

Well, don't you know that no-one alive

Can always be an angel

5. "Torn Between Two Lovers" Mary MacGregor

When things go wrong I seem to be bad

Torn between two lovers, feeling like a fool

Loving both of you is breaking all the rules

Torn between two lovers, feeling like a fool

6. "Never Really Over" Katy Perry (suggested by @fishyyyyy99 )

Loving you both is breaking all the rules

Two years, and just like that, my head still takes me back

Thought it was done, but I guess it's never really over

Oh, we were such a mess, but wasn't it the best?

7. "Hanging on the Telephone" Blondie

Thought it was done, but I guess it's never really over

It's good to hear your voice, you know it's been so long

If I don't get your calls, then everything goes wrong

8. "Listen to Her Heart" Tom Petty

I want to tell you something you've known all along

She's my girl

And you just can't creep up behind her

And you can't understand that she's my girl

It's gonna tell her what to do

Yeah, she's gonna listen to her heart

She might need a lot of loving

But she don't need you

9. "Fools Rush In" Ricky Nelson

Just open up your heart and let this fool rush in.

Well, open up your heart and let this fool rush in...

10. "It's Now or Never" Elvis Presley

I spent a lifetime

Waiting for the right time

Now that you're near

The time is here, at last

It's now or never

Come hold me tight

Kiss me my darling

Be mine tonight

Tomorrow will be too late

It's now or never

My love won't wait

11. "Act Naturally" Buck Owens or the Beatles or Buck Owens w/ Ringo Starr

Well, I hope you come to see me in the movie

Then I know that you will plainly see

The biggest fool that's ever hit the big time

And all I gotta do is act naturally

12. "Queen of Hearts" Juice Newton

Playing with the queen of hearts, and knowing it ain't really smart

The joker ain't the only fool who'll do anything for you

I'm laying out another lie, I'm thinking 'bout a life of crime

'Cause that's what I'll have to do to keep me away from you

13. "Send Me No Flowers" Doris Day

Call me up and say that you're on your way

Til you're back how lonely I'll be

Send me no flowers today

Instead of sending flowers come back to me

And love me just as I love you

14. "Time Won't Let Me" The Outsiders

Can't you see I've waited too long to love you

To hold you in my arms

Time won't let me

Time won't let me

Time won't let me aw

Oh

15. "Head Over Heels" Tears for Fears

I wanted to be with you alone

And talk about the weather

But traditions I can trace against the child in your face

Won't escape my attention

You keep your distance with a system of touch

And gentle persuasion

I'm lost in admiration, could I need you this much?

Oh, you're wasting my time

You're just, just, just wasting time

Something happens and I'm head over heels

I never find out till I'm head over heels

Something happens and I'm head over heels

Ah, don't take my heart, don't break my heart

Don't, don't, don't throw it away

16. "Just What I Needed" The Cars

I guess you're just what I needed

(Just what I needed)

I needed someone to feed

I guess you're just what I needed

(Just what I needed)

I needed someone to bleed

17. "What Is Life?" George Harrison

What is my life without your love?

Tell me who am I without you by my side

Oh, tell me what is my life without your love

Tell me who am I

18. "Hello It's Me" Todd Rundgren

Think of me

You know that I'd be with you if I could

I'll come around to see you once in a while

Or if I ever need a reason to smile

And spend the night if you think I should

19. "All This Time It Was You" Ginger Foutley

You were right there from the start

And what might be the strangest part

Is while I sure enjoyed the view

Of seeing everything brand new

It's still you

20. "Words" F.R. David

Words don't come easy to me

How can I find a way to make you see I love you

Words don't come easy

Words don't come easy to me

This is the only way for me to say I love you

Words don't come easy

21. "Sway" The Kooks

Still I need your sway, because you always pay for it

And I, and I need your soul

Because your always soulful

And I and I need your heart,

Because your always in the right places

22. "Stay Awhile" Dusty Springfield or She & Him

Oh, I hate to see you go

Tell you what I'll do

I'll be good to you

I'll make you glad that you are mine

So come on baby

23. "Hysteria" Def Leppard

I gotta know tonight

If you're alone tonight

Can't stop this feelin'

Can't stop this fire

24. "Slowly" Ann-Margret

Come on and kiss me again but this time slowly

Not so fast, make it last, you're talking too fast

Honey make it last, oh, not so fast, yeah

25. "I Beg Your Pardon, I Never Promised You A Rose Garden" Lynn Anderson

I beg your pardon

I never promised you a rose garden

Along with the sunshine

There's gotta be a little rain sometime

When you take you gotta give so live and let live or let go

26. "Baby I Need Your Loving" The Four Tops

Empty nights echo your name

Whoa, sometimes I wonder

Will I ever be the same?

27. "The More I See You" Chris Montez

The more I see you, the more I want you

Somehow this feeling just grows and grows

With every sigh, I become more mad about you

More lost without you and so it goes

28. "Expressway to Your Heart" Soul Survivors

I was wrong, baby, I took too long

I got caught in the rush hour

A fellow started to shower

You with love and affection

Come on, look in my direction

29. "Here It Comes Again" The Fortunes

Then there's nothing left for me to say

You no, you no, you no you broke my heart

Here it comes again, that feeling

Here it comes again

30. "Rhaspody in the Rain" Lou Christie

And in this car our love went much too far

It was exciting as thunder

Tonight I wonder where you are

The windshield wipers seemed to say

"Together - together - together - together"

And now they are saying

"Oh, ne... ver, ne... ver"

Ooh-wee, ooh-wee, baby

31. "I Saw the Light" Todd Rundgren

Though we had our fling (we had our fling)

I just never would suspect a thing (suspect a thing)

'Til that little bell began to ring (began to ring)

In my head, in my head

But I tried to run (I tried to run)

Though I knew it wouldn't help me none (not help me none)

'Cause I couldn't ever love no one

Or so I said

But my feelings for you

Were just something I never knew

'Til I saw the light

In your eyes (in your eyes)

32. "Party Lights" Claudine Clark

Too late and mama dear, oh tell me, do you hear?

We're partying tonight

I tell you, I can't sleep, because across the street

Oh-oh, oh-oh, I see the party lights

33. "She's Got the Devil in Her Heart" The Beatles (Susan J. Douglas thoughts on this song's meaning was "just how long were we going to behave ourselves, anyway, especially when behaving yourself as a girl meant not having any fun?")

I'll take my chances

For romance is

So important to me

She'll never hurt me

She won't desert me

She's an angel sent to me

She's got the devil in her heart

No, no, this I can't believe

She's gonna tear your heart apart

No, no, nay, will she deceive

34. "The Hard Way" Mary Chapin Carpenter

Show a little inspiration, show a little spark

And show that things that drew me to you and stole my heart

And tell me something I don't know instead of everything I do

And look at me as if I mean something to you

Our hearts are beating while we sleep, but while we're wide awake

You know the world won't stop, and actions speak louder

Listen to your heart, and what your heart might say

Everything we got, we got the hard way

35. "Big Shot" Billy Joel

Because you had to be a big shot, didn't you

You had to open up your mouth

You had to be a big shot, didn't you

All your friends were so knocked out

You had to have the last word, last night

You know what everything's about

You had to have a white hot spotlight

You had to be a big shot last night

[borrowedtimeandspace]

Please Try To Hear

8. Dream

From this list of gt prompts

AU: Zepheera's Origins

Note: This features a song that has come up before if you've kept up with the life and times of Zepheera. This particular version can be found here if you're curious.

~~~

Every once in a while, the human who lived in the house above the floorboards would put on a record in the evening. Usually after dinner, while they went about whatever quiet activities humans get up to with music on. Toffer in particular enjoyed the chance to listen in, and over the years developed quite the taste in music, albeit a limited one.

His partner, Ceillo, indulged him in a night of frivolity when this happened, allowing himself to get into the silly dances Toffer would pull him in for. Borrowers had to find their fun wherever they could, just like anything else in their lives.

Only tonight, they weren’t alone. They had a third partner in their dance. A lovely baby girl, only a few months old and promised to be theirs once her mother, their dear friend, ceded her to their care.

Zepheera sat placidly to the side watching them all. They were a colorful group, with her daughter’s bright red hair between Toffer’s blond and Ceillo’s brunet, and all their smiles and laughter. Now more than ever, she was confident in her decision to leave her as yet unnamed child with these two. They had been so kind in giving her a safe place to stay, taking care of her all throughout her pregnancy. Ceillo’s mother had acted as a midwife for the other borrower families in the house over the years, so she was in good hands with him.

The two men did their best to make Zepheera feel welcome, especially now that she’d promised to give them the gift of parenthood when such a thing would not be so easy for them ordinarily. She honestly couldn’t have asked for better people to raise her and Orrick’s daughter, with the option of Orrick himself well out of the picture. Not by his choice.

Looking at them now, they seemed like they would make a wonderful, loving family when Zepheera was gone.

She did plan to leave, eventually. She wouldn’t tell Toffer and Ceillo why, and they didn’t push her for explanations. It was just as well; she couldn’t begin to describe the way that she couldn't bear to keep the child herself. Perhaps the awful reality that she was too afraid of watching her and Orrick's baby grow and wither and die before her while she was left behind, could be cushioned by the gesture of giving her dear friends the gift of raising her themselves.

Zepheera had never heard of Doris Day. Apparently she was from a part of the world far, far away from here, and this particular album was called “I Have Dreamed” after one of the songs. She had a beautiful voice, which drifted down through the floorboards that night. Toffer adored her, it seemed, and was quite excited to hear that the human had put it on. So far, the album had consisted mostly of ballads about love, which put Zepheera in a contemplative mood to say the least.

It had been just about a year since she’d left Orrick behind. What would he think of her now? The woman who abandoned him out of the blue. What would he say if he knew she’d taken their child with her, no matter how unwitting it was?

Watching Toffer and Ceillo dance around with that happy, healthy baby did help distract her from such thoughts. She would live a good life here.

The baby began to fuss in Ceillo’s arms, just as one side of the record ran out and the human got up to turn it over. He did his best to shush her, but she had a need that needed expressing and no amount of rocking or back-patting could make it better.

“I’ll take care of it,” said Zepheera, getting wearily up from her seat. This was why she was sticking around the place, after all. 

Nodding in understanding, Ceillo gently handed the baby over. Her cries didn’t quite stop, but they settled down significantly once she was in Zepheera’s arms. She spent the walk to her bedroom convincing herself that it was because she recognized Zepheera as the one who could sate her hunger, and not because she recognized her mother.

By the time Zepheera sat down in a chair in her room, the human had begun playing the B side of the record. Focusing on that instead of the way she avoided eye contact with the baby, she noticed that the first song was a tad more whimsical than the previous ballads. Bouncy and flowery, yet still about love and all that fluff. It seemed she couldn’t quite escape the topic tonight, but the lighter tune at least put Zepheera and her child at ease for the moment.

Then the airy flute and strings faded away, replaced by a melancholy oboe and piano.

“When one is lonely,” Doris sang, “the days are long…”

Zepheera’s hand clapped over her mouth, barely containing a gasp.

“You seem so near…”

‘No! Not this song, please!’

“But never appear…”

Zepheera hadn’t heard this song in years, maybe decades, but she’d never forget it in all her life.

“Each night, I sing you a lover’s song…”

Their song. Hers and Orrick’s.

“Please try to hear, my dear… My dear…”

The next thing Zepheera knew, Ceillo was holding her in a tight hug while Toffer muffled the baby’s fussing in his shoulder as best as he could. Evidently, she slowly realized, she’d begun sobbing uncontrollably, loud enough that the other two heard and came to help. Given how hoarse her voice felt after only a few moments of such raw, turbulent emotion, it was a true miracle that the human hadn’t heard her through the floorboards.

In all the time Zepheera had been with them, she never allowed herself to break down like this, even when the dark thoughts wouldn’t leave her alone. All the reminders of all the hurt she’d caused just by being alive, making the choices she’d made. They didn’t quite know what to do but hold her and assure her that it was alright, they were here for her, and she was safe.

If only they knew.

The song was still playing, Doris’ dulcet tones dragging out the chorus that Zepheera knew all too well.

“I’ll leave you never.... Love you forever... All our past sorrow redeeming…”

Zepheera did her best to pull herself together, pulling away from Ceillo. Catching her breath, she told them something that they didn’t quite expect after such an outburst.

“I think I know what to name her.”

They blinked at her in shock. Zepheera had always insisted that they name the baby, since they’re the ones who would raise her. They, in turn, insisted she should at least come up with a few ideas. It was only fair since she did all the work in carrying the child. So they’d reached an impasse, and the most Toffer and Ceillo would do was call the baby by a few pet names like ‘sweetie’ or ‘love’. A few more names were brought up in conversation, but Zepheera refused to give input.

“Make it all come true…”

“I… Do you think Day could be a good name for her?”

“Make me love you, too…”

Ceillo and Toffer exchanged looks, as though confirming for one another that Zepheera was actually offering a suggestion. They couldn’t begin to understand their friend, but the last thing they could do was deny her this.

“Someday I’ll find you…”

Taking one another by the hand, they nodded together and Toffer said, “Day is a lovely name for her.” He shifted the newly named baby in his arms so the three of them could finally put the name to her soft, round face. “Look at her. She shines like the sun.”

All three of them were misty-eyed at that point, and with the last of her strength, Zepheera reached out to wrap an arm around each of their necks. Their hug surrounded Day in a warm embrace.

“Someday I’ll find you…

Again…”

[sunnyrosewritesstuff]

Hello hello 👋🏻 for the wip title game - how’s about #17 - cheat code? 👀👀👀👀👀👀 thank youuu

Yes, of course! Thank you. So Cheat Code is basically my take on a time loop where Bilbo was in the modern world playing a video game, only to get sucked into Quest for Erebor. I teased it earlier this year as one of my Birthday Plot Bunnies, but here's a new little snippet below:

Bilbo didn’t even get a chance to cry out and warn Ori before finding himself back in Bree…again. He groaned as he rubbed his eyes. Trolls, stupid, stupid trolls. Why did they have to go to the Trollshaws at all? Why couldn’t he just skip this part of the game? Bilbo stomped down the stairs in a bit of a mood as he decided to wait for the Company in the bar. 

He drummed his fingers on the table as he waited for the food he ordered. Apparently, his stupid hobbit body that he picked need to eat constantly or he would run out of energy. Not for the first time, Bilbo regretted not picking Wizard. He bet Gandalf surely had some sort of spell that would deal with the trolls, but no. Every time they get to the spot, Thorin does something to drive him away. And nothing Bilbo says gets Gandalf to stay. Another dumb gaming mechanic.

When he had last been in his world though, Frodo said something about distracting the trolls until the sun could come up. Only problem was the dwarves he was traveling with seemed to be in a contest of the ‘most dramatic way to die’. Honestly, the way they came in to fight the trolls…some of them not even having any useful weapons. He knew both Kili and Thorin had a bow, but of course NEITHER of them actually use it against the trolls! Bilbo groaned as he let his head fall into his hands.

“And what’s got you down this morning? Did you also have a few pints too many last night?”

Bilbo snorted as Nori came into the room, taking the seat across from him.

“Of course not. Who would…”

“Bofur.” The dwarf interrupted with a smirk. “Plus the lads and Gloin and Dori, surprisingly enough.”

“Dori?” Bilbo gaped, his smile growing wide.

He never would have guessed the dwarf who had been so worried about his tea selection in Bag End to be the kind to be a part of an all-night binge. Nori answered his grin with one of his own in a way only a younger sibling could. 

“So what’s on your mind, Master Baggins?”

Bilbo was temporarily distracted by the barmaid serving his food, and Nori decided to light his pipe. He could just not answer Nori. It never seemed to affect the programming anyways as he learned from his long talk with Thorin that seemed to have been conveniently forgotten the next day. However, maybe that was the perfect reason to ask Nori.

“What would you do if we ran into a small clan of trolls?”

Nori raised an eyebrow. “That’s oddly specific.”

“Just…like to be prepared. For the worst outcome possible.”

“I don’t think trolls are very plausible even as a ‘worst case scenario’, but I do like the way you think. It’s the mindset of a thief. Planning out your moves ten steps ahead.”

Bilbo thought that would be the end of it, as Nori took another puff from his pipe. It was fine. After all, the NPCs are limited in their responses.

“Trolls are massive and will most likely snuff the life out of you faster than you can blink.” Nori remarked. “But they do have one major weakness.”

Bilbo leaned in, almost as if Nori were telling a secret.

“Trolls are very stupid. Get them to engage with you verbally, and there’s a good chance you can outwit them long enough to get away…or stall til daylight.”

Bilbo took a bite of his eggs, chewing thoughtfully. Outwit the trolls. He certainly hadn’t tried that one yet.

[amore-fics]

Alphabet Challenge: H

Letter: H

Word: Hope

At age 15, Kaveh had met a young boy, by the name of Alhaitham. Unlike all the other kids, he was not sitting with his darshan. He was alone, sitting by himself, reading a book. He looked lonely, and somewhat sad. For whatever reason, Kaveh felt a pull to talk to him. So he sat down across from him and decided he wanted to be a thorn in his side.

That first day, when they met, this little boy that he barely knew… That smile… Those eyes. It gave him hope.

As years went on, the more time he spent by his side, the more that hope burned and swelled. This young boy, alone, gave him hope for his future. And Alhaitham had already become a rock in his life, someone he couldn't live without. And he didn't want to know what it was like to live without him. Every time one of them had a project, they'd help each other out. To Kaveh, Alhaitham was his world. His best friend, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

And then it happened. The day he never thought would come. Alhaitham told him that his ideals would kill him. He told him that he couldn't stand by and watch him get destroyed because he'd rather take care of everyone else before he took care of himself. But Alhaitham didn't understand. Kaveh's life wasn't important if it wasn't filled with helping people. He was not worth a single mora if he wasn't helping someone with every breath he took.

Alhaitham didn't understand.

And so his hope was dashed as he threw the thesis at the ground.

His hope was dashed as he turned and walked out, slamming the door behind him.

His hope, his rock, his everything. Shattered. As he decided to never see or speak with Alhaitham ever again.

More years passed. Learning to live without Alhaitham was hard. He didn't have a new rock, a new everything. A new hope. He dove into his work head first. He began to build a palace, and it failed. A withering zone. Of course that was his luck. He begged Dori to allow him to try again. One more time, he promised. She let him, on the premise that she wouldn't pay him a dime for it. He'd already wasted her money. He said yes, knowing that he could make her proud.

And he did.

But where did that put him? In debt. He had to sell everything he owned, just trying to make ends meet. And he ended up on the streets.

No hope.

No rock.

Nothing.

Lambad gave him the light at the end of the tunnel. He'd allow him to stay at the tavern, if he agreed to take care of it when needed. He'd even pay him a bit for the work. Kaveh agreed, afraid that he'd die out on the streets. And on one fateful night, Kaveh was drinking his life away, with the few coins that Lambad had given him for his work. He was depressed and felt like he'd never get back up out of this hole he had dug himself into.

Hopeless.

Homeless.

Nothingness.

And then he heard a voice as he had his face buried in his arms. A voice he recognized but hadn't heard say his name in so many years.

His hope.

His rock.

His everything.

Kaveh lifted his head and his brows furrowed, "Come to laugh at me, Alhaitham? Come to mock me because you were right?"

"Why would I do that?" Alhaitham asked, crossing his arms over his chest, "I saw you over here, looking miserable, and I figured I'd see if you were okay."

The humorless laugh that left his chest caused Alhaitham to take a step back. He shook his head, "Do I look okay to you? I'm the furthest from okay I've ever been. And you're asking if I'm okay," he laughed again, shaking his head, "I'm living out of a tavern because I've lost everything."

Kaveh had to admit that he hadn't expected Alhaitham's next move. The ashen-haired man walked over and sat across from him. He was silent, just staring across the table at the architect, the destitute homeless architect. And the words that left his mouth made it hard for Kaveh to breathe, "My house is just as much your home as it is mine."

Was it though? He'd forfeited that right when he threw the project at him, when he threw the thesis away. Alhaitham was the one that turned it in and told them that they weren't finishing it. Alhaitham was the one who graciously accepted the rewards for what part of the project they had finished. So why was he sitting here, telling Kaveh that the house was his?

After everything he'd said during their fight? After everything he'd done?

"Why?"

"You worked on that project with me. If you need a roof over your head, I'm offering you the one that belongs to you, just as much as it belongs to me. You can take it or leave it. But I don't want to think that I'll leave here and you'll be homeless."

It took a minute. But the realization dawned on him. Alhaitham still cared about him. Despite how he'd reacted to his harsh truths all those years ago, he still cared. He didn't deserve it. Of all people, not from Alhaitham, not from the man whose heart he knew he shattered all those years ago.

Because Alhaitham had understood.

Alhaitham had known.

Even back then, the reason why Alhaitham said the things he said was because he wanted to protect him. He wanted to prevent him from taking the inevitable fall into a black pit of nothingness. The same pit that he had ended up in anyway because he didn't listen to him.

To his hope.

To his rock.

To his everything.

"Okay," Kaveh choked out, putting his face over his hands, "Thank you…"

"Come home with me, Kaveh. Come on," he stood from the booth and held out a hand to Kaveh. Kaveh stared at it for a moment. It was practically shining with a glow he hadn't seen in years. And he knew what it was.

His hope. His rock. His everything.

It was back.

[swagbreadstranger]

Que sera, sera.

An original by Alyzza Yzzabel N. Fatalla

To live and let die

To smile with tears left on the eye

To shine and still sigh--

I lived with a dye

Painting colors to a life that’s dry

An A+ student with auspicious questioning

A progeny esteemed for reigning

A dancer who pulls off a beat with grace

A known artist plunking away their aches

I met everyone in an abysmal situation

We, the renaissance of medieval

Torn between valleys like Percival

Pierced hearts with possible retrieval

We lived a life anchored to qualms

A youth who aged years ago deep the swamps

The future of the world which the present thumps 

Yet we continued with chortles, we kept calm

So what will I do after high school?

After the beams without ground rules

After the good times of the young fools 

After the careless computations of molecules 

After knowing nothing yet continuing?

The answer is.. I don’t know

Let my future watch the present with disposable films?

Let myself lick off the reaper’s grim?

Or maybe, live and leave everything engraved on my limbs

Sing the song that became my heart’s hymn:

Que sera, sera; whatever will be, will be. 

Live wild and free, will you?

The poem I wrote is entitled “Que sera, sera” inspired from my comfort song with the same song title by Doris Day. I connected the concept of “Whatever will be, will be” to ease my worries from what will happen in the near future. Kaloka na ang college applications right? I often hear that from my peers and fret not because just like everyone else, I feel the same. I feel lost. Like, all of a sudden, I started at zero. A child lost in a department store yet not finding any customer service around, CHAR. The first verse of the poem basically implies the idea of just letting anything flow no matter how clueless you are of what’s lying ahead of you. Experiencing downs and ups at a young age, I became used to the bahala na mindset because I sincerely don’t know what to do. Will I gain friends? Or will I be like a pushover during high school who’s tired of attending classes because of feeling-superior colleagues? Then, the second and third verse of the poem came tackling about the different types of people I met during high school. Actually, that’s just SOME of those I met during this stage of my life and I find everyone equally amazing in their own ways. I felt relieved because in the environment I reside in right now, I feel just as amazing as them. It was also mentioned there the things that I think all of us underwent together like the pressure, fun, and accomplishments. Ironically, we kept calm and stood on our grounds, like a narra tree trying to push through amidst the typhoon. 

But just like how trees and flowers come to pass or like seasons that eventually come to their end, this phase of my life will soon say goodbye to me. I can feel it coming but I am glad that I am experiencing the finale of high school with the same people. Never did I regret being in this stage where I felt belonged and appreciated. High school is such a wonderful experience and a ground to hone myself before I step to the next stage of my life. Right now, I don’t know what to do but I am certain that this uncertainty will go soon just like how I faced the start of my high school. 

Hello nakamas (friends), especially to those who will miss the breeze of youth after this year! : )) How are you? You think you can continue? At such a young age with such a young heart, I know we’ve gone through a battlefield and are still going through it right now. We think so highly of ourselves yet we feel like what we do is still not enough for us to take a next step to our dreams; but it’s okay, alright? It’s normal to not know everything and be not okay about it. Just like how we faced the early stages of our lives all the way to our adulthood, I know we, you, will manage to shine on our own. Even with sighs and tears, no matter how hard the life outside high school or comfort zone will be, let’s all trust the process and live life just the way we want it to be. Whenever you feel despondent and have nothing to keep you going, just remember how you stood your ground countless times before. Surely, you’ll be able to do the same this time. Take the worries off your back and whisper to yourself, Que sera, sera; whatever will be, will be. I love ya!

                            - alyzza

[devilshalf]

Unexpected Treasure Chapter Eight

Fandom: The Hobbit

Summary: A stubborn headed ranger joins the company unaware of the treasure she is about to find.

Pairings: FilixOC  ThorinxBilbo

Chapter warnings: Injury mentioned

Chapter One    .    Chapter Seven 

Chapter Eight

Silk sheets, smooth against the skin it flowed over Arabelle’s body as the smell of lavender drifted into her nose, the pillows beneath her head the softest she had rested on in so long. Her mind was foggy as memories of the wargs came back to her, a tight bandage prevented her from moving her arm she groaned a little when she instinctively tried. “Careful Amrâlimê.” A low familiar voice forced her to open her groggy eyes, still blurry they struggled to adjust but she did not need to see the blonde in his hair to know whose hands now held hers. “Rest. Its ok, just rest. I am here.” His words soothed her back to sleep. So dream like when Arabelle woke late the next day it was little more than a distant memory.

The sun had already began its descent, the warm light radiated into the open room and pulled Arabelle out of her bed, healers hearing the movement came to her aid. Pulling on some clothes, they brushed her hair and against their wishes rebound her shoulder to allow her some use of her arm again. Quietly she walked through the familiar gardens. It was a beautiful time of year in Rivendell, the flowers were blossoming, the rivers running, all the harshness of the world blocked out and far away. She should have been thinking to see her saviours and old friends but her mind was with the dwarves, curious to see if they had stayed and though she would never admit it a little part of her was worried they had left her behind.

Her heart swelled as familiar voices echoed down a hallway, the dwarves remaining easy to track. She smiled quietly to herself having snuck up without being noticed, they had made a camp in the halls in front of what she knew would have been perfectly set up rooms for each of them. They had sprawled out together, clothes hanging up, a fire pit in the centre, it was a sight she had grown accustomed to seeing and yet this was different. They were not the same. Little conversation was happening, Bifur and Bofur whittling at wood without tunes, Bombur was not even eating the food beside him as Ori held a pen but made no movement on paper, Nori and Dori sat beside him staring into cups but not taking one sip, Oin and Gloin were not stoking the fire and instead silently stared at it, Thorin was with Balin and Dwalin away from everyone not even his usual scowl in place this one was deeper than she had ever seen. Then she realised Fili was missing, as was Bilbo and Kili.

“Looking at all your faces you’d think someone died.” Arabelle’s playful voice had pulled them all out of their trances, faces lighting up as she was suddenly surrounded by dwarves in all directions.

“You gave us a fright lass!” “Were the Trolls not enough?” “What were you thinking!” “You need some food?” “Are you right lass?” “You look flushed!” “Let us see you move? Any pain?” “Get her some drink!” “You need a seat!” “Give her some space lad’s”

“Boys. Boys. I’m fine.” Arabelle laughed and put her hands up in surrender, though as she looked at the group her heart grew for them “I am glad to see you all.”

“Please Arabelle, I was hoping to talk with you.” Thorin asked quietly, the others all backing away and Arabelle could not even hold in the shock as she did not think Thorin capable of being so cordial with her.

“Did I in fact die? I don’t think I have ever heard you use such manners!” Arabelle joked and Thorin gave her his much more usual unamused look. “Ah nope still the same.”

“Belle! I found her!” Kili yelled from down the hall, sprinting to her he wrapped her in a hug forcing a wince out of her before he put her down as another came sprinting around the corner.

“Belle you weren’t in your room.” Bilbo was looking her over as though new wounds were capable of developing in front of his eyes “And no one knew where you went and then the elves were no help, honestly you think they would have you forced to bed rest. Why aren’t you in bed-“ Bilbo began to fuss and Arabelle got down to his level and pulled him in for a hug. “I think the only person ever to force me to bed rest was your mother and she was far scarier than some elves.” They shared a smile and laugh “I need to speak with you.” Bilbo spoke but as the final dwarf of the company came around the corner Arabelle’s attention was no longer on her friend.

“Are you ok?” Fili asked as she stood, his hands on her arms, so gentle a slight blush appearing on her cheeks as they had never been so close in front of everyone; she tried to supress it in fear they would connect the stars.

“So long as Kili doesn’t bear hug me again any time soon.” Arabelle laughed as Fili shot a glare up to his sheepish brother.

“Sorry Belle.” Kili offered scratching the back of his head.

“Belle we need to talk.” Fili held her hand and she smiled at him for she wanted to talk to him, she wanted to be with him without the eyes of the entire company, she wanted so desperately for him to hold her but before she could say any of this an Elf appeared.

“Lord Elrond has requested your presence for dinner M’Lady.” Lindir bowed his head “Lord Elrond has of course extended an invitation to all your company.”

“We will talk soon, I promise.” She smiled at Fili, though remembered Bilbo also wished to speak with her and then Thorin’s strange request was recalled; she was unsure if she had ever been so popular.

Lindir had guided them into an open entertaining area, vines wrapping around archways there was no roof but instead only the few branches which stretched to meet in the middle, large areas of the sky visible. It was a beautiful sky for the sun was setting with warm hues of orange fading into blues and soon there would be only the stars and moon. Multiple round tables were scattered amongst the elves that were already present, each filled with beautifully presented finger sized bites of food, each a master piece the cooks would have worked on for most of the day; the dwarves taking no time in grabbing handfuls. Lord Elrond stood from beside Gandalf, the pair previously in an intense conversation which had stopped at the arrival of The Company.

“M’Lady.” Elrond took her hand, a gentle kiss upon her knuckles he bowed and she rolled her eyes “Nine months has been far too long.”

“Don’t worry My Lord I promise I haven’t brought any sneaky love children back with me.”

“Which is good news indeed, Elrohir owes me a bag of coin.” A mischievous elf joined the conversation and Arabelle’s face lit up.

“Elladan you son of the dark!” Arabelle exclaimed as she embraced him, laughter in her eyes he picked her up, spinning her around the room “So did you have to go and find some friends that made you feel tall?”

“Prefer my men rugged, hate to break an arm by accident; again.” She punched his arm lightly as they both laughed.

“Elladan I would like you to meet my dear friend Bilbo Baggins.” The elf bowed his head respectfully to the hobbit who had been lingering by Arabelle.

“A pleasure to meet any friend of Belle’s.” Elladan commented as they made their way to a lounge filled with cushions and to Bilbo’s delight a platter of food in front of them “I hear you had quite the run in with trolls.”

“If by run in you mean nearly skinned and cooked alive? Then yes.” Bilbo mused as he sipped wine from a cup too large for one hand, he was rather enjoying it too.

“Quite an adventure that, Belle you will need to tell me how you wiggled yourself out of that.” Elladan mused as Belle rubbed the back of her head.

“She’s the one that saved us!”

“Now that I will believe. Let me guess stung him straight in the eye!” Elladan laughed as Arabelle nodded to confirm “I remember the time you had to save Elrohir from that horrid mountain troll near Moria!” He laughed and Arabelle couldn’t help but chuckle as well.

“You remember how angry your father was?” Arabelle giggled at the thought.

“Honestly still think we would have been better off taking our chances in Moria. I was on night patrol for twenty years!” Elladan took a sip of wine, shuddering at the recollection of the lecture that was a punishment all to itself, he gestured to Arabelle’s empty cup and she nodded approvingly as he retrieved it from her hand. “Come Master Baggins I believe you will enjoy the pastries by the wine.” Bilbo followed Elladan without needing any further explanation as Arabelle settled into the cushions trying to adjust her shoulder without showing any pain.

“I don’t like him.” Kili jumped beside her on the mountain of cushions and Arabelle swore she would’ve hit the roof had there been one.

“By the light Kili you scared me half to death! Have you been spying?” Arabelle looked at the dwarf who conveniently was not looking her in the eyes.

“Not really spying, the pair of you seem quite content chatting and laughing loud enough for anyone passing by to hear.” Kili grumbled as he grabbed at some grapes from the small table in front of them, playing with them more so than eating them.

“You are more than welcome to join us Kili, Elladan is a fine archer.” She watched as Kili muttered something under his breath in Khuzdul.

“Kili don’t go mumbling things you know I can hear but don’t understand.” Arabelle said, her irritation clear.

“If he is such a fine archer then why don’t you just stay here with him.” Kili grumbled just loud enough for Arabelle to hear, though he perhaps forgot how keen an elf’s ears can be.

“I believe in Arabelle’s own words ‘she prefers her men rugged and less breakable.’” Elladan returned with an extra drink offering it to Kili who sat shocked for a moment before erupting into laughter.

“So you have just been using us for our muscles and good looks all this time?” Kili feigned offence.

“Well, have you seen Balin in the morning or Bombur after dinner? I mean how could a girl refuse such handsome men.” She giggled as Kili looked over to Bombur whose beard appeared to have picked up more food than his mouth.

“So you are also an archer?” Elladan asked and Kili nodded “Tell me of your arrow heads, I have heard the dwarves have a peculiar style.” Elladan started a conversation that continued for the rest of the night, Arabelle excusing herself once bow size got brought into the conversation.

Fili had followed her out to a small hallway, she had been staring out into the gardens enjoying some fresh air and peace. Her beauty paralysed him. Fili watched as the moon fell upon her face she had her eyes closed seeming to bask in the white glow that was made for her, the white and lilac dress was elven in design, the fabric falling down so thin it left little to the imagination for what was under. Sensing his presence she opened her eyes, extending a hand to motion him closer which he happily complied with, coming to join her he placed a hand on her cheek as she looked up to him with gentle eyes. His hand lingered on the new braid in her hair, the elves had placed thin plaits on either side and he couldn’t help but trace them down to her neck; he wish they belonged to him.

“Belle…”

“M’Lady. Prince Fili. Just who I am looking for, I believe your uncle awaits.” Elrond had appeared from around the corner, he offered his arm to Arabelle who gave an apologetic look to Fili as she took it. Much to Fili’s annoyance they entered a room filled with books and a hobbit openly gawking at it all, however his displeasure was aimed at Thorin who was in a heated discussion with Gandalf.

“Thorin you are being too proud, you need to give him the map.” A rather frustrated Gandalf was attempting to be quiet as Elrond led them into the room.

“Gandalf you asked me here?” Elrond queried as Arabelle awkwardly stood beside him watching in confusion as Fili kept a distance from his uncle but still stood beside him.

“Show him.” Gandalf restated staring daggers at Thorin who was standing at least ten times taller than normal, his usual stance when he was being extra pigheaded.

“It is the property of my people. Our legacy.” Thorin argued, Arabelle confused she looked to Fili who was just glaring at Thorin, Thorin not even glancing in his direction. She had not a clue what was happening, but she felt the need to step in.

“Then it is safe in Lord Elrond’s hands.” Arabelle spoke looking to the elf who had helped raise her and then back to Thorin “If you do not trust Lord Elrond then trust me.”

Thorin looked to her and for a moment he glanced at Fili before looking down at the map in his hand. With a sigh he handed it over, the instructions read by Lord Elrond and a warning given; he thought the journey unwise, a risk to the peace and to all their lives. However, as the map was handed back Thorin paid no attention to the warning, having little time for the fear filled words of a gentle Elf Lord. Arabelle had been held back by Elrond as Fili and Thorin left the room together, though they both seemed upset when she did not follow.

“Tell me you do not intend to go on such a quest.” Elrond spoke to her in Elvish and she sighed.

“I have yet to make a decision.” Arabelle spoke honestly, for now she knew the price of such a quest, and it weighed heavy on her heart.

Once in the hall she came to a stop hearing the raised voices of Fili and Thorin, both of whom seem rather annoyed and for a change it was not with her, she was unsure if she had ever seen the pair even disagree. Though it was Thorin’s general disposition Fili had always been softer, not quiet in nature but in soul, it was abnormal to hear him so worked up. It quickly became clear that it was not just a mere annoyance either as the pair began yelling, Fili storming off in one direction and Thorin in the opposite.

“What am I missing Bilbo?” Arabelle looked to the hobbit who lingered in the shadows with her.

“Belle I have to tell you something…”

Chapter Nine

[eviesessays]

32. What is one of your earliest childhood memories?

My memory is cluttered with fragments of memorable events.  I remember a storm when we lived on Queen Street.  The thunder clapped and lightning bolts seemed to be everywhere striking and melting our neighbors fence.  I clearly remember our playmates Billy, Kathy and Patrick and that might be because we went all through school together graduating with Patrick.  I clearly remember all the roads were dirt and Mr. Otto graded them in summer and rolled the snow packer over them in Winter.   I knew no other type except from pictures in the paper. I think I was about three and a half years old when we went to visit my paternal grandmother, Eva Kolody in East Selkirk, Manitoba. My Dad insists I was too young to remember but some memories die hard and I am certain I remember this story.  My grandmother was a formidable presence. She was a large woman who wore long dresses and always a babooshka.  not an attractive head scarf but a babooshka.  I have no memory of liking her but only  being quite afraid of her.  She spoke mainly in her native tongue so I seldom knew what she was saying.

My memory of that visit was not primarily of her but rather of her dog.  He was a nondescript snarly yowl who lurked everywhere.  One day Kip and I were sent to her cellar to get ourselves an apple from a bushel barrel.  As I reached for my apple that dog bit my right hand.  I had a puncture wound and it was likely only an act of God that I did not get rabies.  My grandmother died shortly after that visit but I still have my scar from that last visit.

 She and my grandfather, Stephan had immigrated to Canada in 1909.  They were recipients of a land grant in East Selkirk where they were to grow potatoes and a specific number of bushels of potatoes would go to the Canadian government until the cost of the land was paid.  I do not know how long it took to own the land outright but my grandfather died soon after.  My grandmother with a flock of daughters and only my Dad and uncle John (who was cognitively “slow”), were left to run the farm.  Various hired help came and went. My Dad went to work in the rolling mills hoping to never do farm work or wear dungarees ever again.  

When I visited my Dad near his end  he was in Sioux Lookout General Hospital, having had many strokes over the last ten years.  he was now quite debilitated and it was on this visit that I brought an old photo album from his house to identify all these people I did not know.  I remarked that he and his brothers Harry and Bill were very handsome young men.  I asked if they looked like their Mom or Dad.  with a very sheepish grin my father reminded me that they were born six or more years after my grandfather died.  At age 50. I was able to do the math.What a revelation.  Babooshka and all my granny was a tart.

Weeks after I wrote this remark I was plagued with feelings of regret.  It was a reckless, glib remark and I felt compelled to correct it.  I know my gran was not a tart.  She was an immigrant woman with very limited language ability, a potato farm to maintain and a dead husband. My Dad as still a boy and my uncle John was  no help.  John had some mental impairment.  With limited language ability and limited facilities in the farm country his mental deficits went undiagnosed and untreated.  My grandmother took in a hired hand.  My uncle Harry resulted from that liaison. After  a couple years this help left.  My aunts were old enough to help care for the baby but the farm still needed help.  Another hired hand came on board and in time my grandmother gave birth to my uncle Bill.  The hired man eventually left but the potato farm remained until the death of my uncle Bill.  His widow, Doris inherited the farm.

My grandmother died not long after our visit which makes me think her condition was the reason for our visit.  I have no other memory of my paternal grandmother.  

Probably of the same era is my memory of Fasano’s Candy Store where my Dad took us every Sunday for a sweet treat. I clearly remember Betty, who owned the candy shop.  She also played the piano for the town band who were all anchored on a flatbed truck for every parade  or occasion that required a little music.  

I remember my friend, Elsie.  Our fathers were old friends from their bachelor days.  We didn’t hear stories of that time. Elsie’s house had a second floor and I thought that was about as good as having two houses.  

These are some of my earliest memories and there are fragments of others lurking here and there.  However, the small puncture wound scar on my right hand where my grandmother Kolody’s snarly yowl bit me is a vivid reminder of my earliest memory.

[blowflyfag]

Wrestling World presents Wrestling Maniacs: JUNE 1999

TERRY FUNK: THE GUIDING LIGHT OF MAT MANIACS!

Terry Funk has become the soul of mat maniacs with the wild method of his never-say-die competition. Promoters and fans alike have come to respect Terry for his all-out, 100% effort and the way he has developed much of wrestling’s crazy style as it nears the year 2000!

By Len Matthews

HE IS the soul of hardcore. He is the guiding light of the mat maniacs. And on December 10, 1975, in Miami, FL, he pinned Jack Brisco to become the World Heavyweight  Champion as recognized by the all-powerful National Wrestling Alliance. When Brisco tried to clamp on his deadly figure four leglock, he countered with a perfect inside cradle to grab the gold. 

And on February 6, 1977, in Toronto, Canada, he lost the heavyweight crown to Harley Race when Race clamped on an Indian deathlock that finished the job of wrecking his knees. It looked like his career was over. 

Hell, the truth is Terry Funk was just getting started. 

Despite probably a dozen retirements, Terry Funk has become the soul of mat maniacs with the wild method of his never-say-die competition, both in this country and overseas. When “Bruiser” Brody tragically passed away, Funk became the bridge from the old style of mayhem to the new kind of madness.

Terry’s brother, Dory Jr., was and is the epitome of cool, calculated and cleaver wrestling. That certainly paid off for Dory Jr., as he had a four-year reign as NWA champion and today helps train promising new talent coming to the World Wrestling Federation. 

Even in the 1970s, though, Terry was the opposite of his brother. Wild and crazy and unpredictable, although ever shrewd and cunning about business, Terry upset many promoters when he took the crown. Since then, more promoters have come to respect Terry for his all-out, 100% effort and the way he has adapted, in fact developed, much of wrestling’s crazy style as it nears 2000. 

The injuries have been plentiful for Terry, who almost signed with the Denver Broncos after being a superb football player at West Texas State. But, like his father and brother, Terry could not resist the call of the squared circle. It is in his blood and he truly won’t retire until he drops, no matter how bad the knees and how painful the back. 

Terry cut his teeth on the wild-and-woolly West Texas style of wrestling and further refined the strategy as folks like he and Brody and Stan Hansen and Abdullah the Butcher ripped, clawed, battered and destroyed their way through Japanese rings. Even now, Terry heads to Japan for some of the smaller promotions and brings them an aura of respect and big crowds. 

Everyone remembers that Terry battled Atuyshi Onita in a ring which exploded and left Terry burned and bleeding before 40,000 fans.

And the feud with Abdullah was gruesome and ugly. At one point, Abdullah used a scissors to carve open Funk’s arm at the bicep and blood spilled everywhere. Terry retaliated by opening Abdullah's head and he bled buckets. How could anyone not respect, if appreciate, what Funk was willing to do for his sport? 

[When Bruiser Brody tragically passed away, Terry Funk became the bridge from the old style of mayhem to the new kind of madness and, well, set the wrestling world on fire!]

Likewise, Funk helped bring a measure of legitimacy to ECW in its early days. Younger guys were taking big bumps; Terry Funk took bigger. Funk threw the moonsaults and dove off the top rope to the concrete floor. He collided with the people trying to make a name for themselves and they did, because they held their own with the legendary Terry Funk.

[Terry tussles with Sabu in a classic battle of mat maniacs!]

The amazing part is that Funk does it because he loves the business. For instance, a few years back, Terry was booked on a card in Centralia, IL, before perhaps 500 fans. His opponent was powerful Ron Powers, a Brody protege who never really got a break because of politics. Powers was primed and pumped to make a reputation by giving Terry Funk a few lumps. 

What a war! Not on television. In the ring and out. If Funk swatted Powers with a chair, Powers banged Terry right back. The confrontation spilled into the crowd and the two gladiators crashed into a concession stand. Soon Powers, younger and stronger, started to take control. After Funk missed a dive from the top rope to the floor-some 15 feet or more–Powers scored from a leg drop from the top rope. 

And wily ol’ Terry Funk hooked him with an inside cradle when Powers tried to cover. One, two, three. Powers went berserk and the two again traded blows until Funk was hurled over the top rope. 

Afterward, in the relative calm of the dressing room, Funk approached Powers and talked to him quietly. The message was kid, you’ve got what it takes, don’t quit and never hold back. Go full throttle all the time. 

It was probably that influence which the WWF wanted in its chaotic dressing rooms and unpredictable rings when Funk came on board as “Chainsaw Charlie.” With panty hose on his head and swinging a chainsaw, Terry Funk was “over” from the first night a bell sounded. So-called stars who occasionally gave the effort and sometimes not were shamed into being professional by the things Funk did night after night. 

Think back to the remarkable duels with Mankind, or Cactus Jack. As partners, what a team and it’s a cinch that Mick Foley grew up with Terry Funk as an idol. Remember when they banged heads with the New Age Outlaws. Age certainly meant nothing to Terry Funk, who was right there tooth-and-nail for every battle. 

[A former NWA World Champion, Terry turns the tables on another former World Champ Bret “Hitman” Hart! 

Photos by Dr. Mike Lano 

The number of matches that have seen Funk left battered and bleeding on the mat are too numerous to count!]

When they bumped heads and became opponents, they literally wrecked arenas. Mankind prides himself on being crazy and willing to do anything. Terry Funk pushed him to new levels and made Mankind find even nuttier things to do.

Think back a few years when Terry Funk had a tremendous run in World Championship Wrestling. His bouts with Ric Flair are still regarded as classics. Funk was in the middle of so many wars and so much excitement. When he left WCW, Funk said he was going to retire. Hmmm? It was followed by tours in Japan, more ECW, independent shots and then the WWF tenure. 

So is it any wonder that there were more than a few skeptics when Funk left the WWF and declared he was finished?

Since that departure, which many felt was due to Funk’s disgust with the internal politics at the WWF more than anything, Terry has headlined in Japan and even popped up in ECW. Apparently, one Tommy Dreamer is about to learn from clashing with one Terry Funk head-on.

The irony of all this is that Terry Funk has all the attributes of a classic grappler. He knows the holds, the escapes, the takedowns. But more importantly, Funk has always understood what modern pro wrestling is and has to be to survive. 

When the time changed, Funk not only changed with them. He initiated many of the changes. He sensed that fans wanted more violence, more pizzazz and he gave it to them.

When young wrestlers and new promotions needed that vital boost, Terry was there to give it to them. And when the big-money giants need a shot in the arm, Terry Funk gave that to them as well. 

Of course, Terry Funk has gotten his share as well. What better way to get the last laugh than to have the bucks and the total respect of your peers as the soul of wrestling?

[A wily veteran, Terry Funk certainly knows how to fight fire with fire!]

[crickey-itsjake]

How I Met Him || February 2024 Task

TLDR; Six Year old Jake Rogers asks his Mum where his Dad is. She has a flashback to the night they met and how they broke up. Jake gets an abbreviated version TW: Talk of pregnancy, suggestion of not keeping pregnancy, college drinking/drunkenness [Doc link]

Running through the station, passing by the cows, and stomping through the mud, Jake Rogers was on a mission.

He was 6 years old and at that age, kids would point out anything that made you different and instantly needed to know all about it. Something about someone’s Dad taking them to see the Adelaide Rams during the summer season which led to talks about Dad’s doing things. And then suddenly Jake was fielding questions left and right from the kids in his class about his Dad.

"Where is your daddy?"

"What's he do?"

"Did he die?"

“Do you have two mums? I hear some people have those.”

"Why did he leave?"

"Do ya think he wants to see you, Jake?"

"I've got an uncle and a dad, do you want one?"

He had no answers to these questions. Jake sat there wide eyed, eyes getting bigger behind his glasses by the minute as everyone continued asking him questions, his mouth slack and his brain going a mile a minute. "Uh, I dunno. I'll ask my Mum," was all he could mumble out before it was time to head home.

The work day wasn’t quite over yet, so his mum could be anywhere on the station, horses, cows, sheep or anything in between.

“Mum!” Jake ran through the stables looking for his mum, backpack thudding against his back as the various stable hands pointed in the direction of the sheep out back.

Kelly Rogers, blonde hair back in a pony tail and face shielded from the sun with a large brimmed hat had just hitched her jeans up and vaulted up over the pens from where she had been looking at one of the ewes.

She stepped in front of her son who was careening towards her at a rapid pace, “Oi, slow down, you’re spookin’ the ewe.” She grabbed him, scooping him up easily, “What’s the John Dory, little wallaby?”

“Where’s my dad?” Kelly just about dropped him right there. She had not expected that. She thought she’d have more time before having to explain certain things to him.

“Where’s this coming from, Jake?” She set him back down and kneeled next to him.

His little hand came up on her shoulder, “I have to know at some point.” He stared into her eyes for a long few seconds, very seriously. “Also the kids at school were asking about him and also if I have two mums, but I think you’re the only one right?”

The jillaroo couldn’t help but laugh at that one. “Yeah, you’ve got one mum. I’m your mum, Jake.” She ruffles his sandy colored hair, “And for the purpose of anything they’ve got to say I’m your dad as well.” She paused, “Go get cleaned up for dinner and I’ll tell ya what I can about him, okay?”

Dinner came and went and Jake sat down on the couch of their little house on the station. His legs dangling from the side as he stared up at his mum.

“Guess I should start with how we met.”

The real question was how would she sum all this up for him?

She was suddenly transported back to a time she hadn't thought of in quite a while.

The year was 1992 and Kelly Rogers had been at a local bar in Adeliade with some friends, celebrating the weekend. It was the summer season. She was studying animal husbandry at the uni and it was time to party. “Kelly! C’mon let’s do some shots!” Her best friend Joann called and she just let out a giggle as she ran over to her college friends. “To the summer, yeah?!” She downed a shot and looked towards the door as the breeze came through off the beach and a couple boys walked in from the night. A bloke she’d never seen before walked right in, sandy mullet curled by the waves and a mustache on his big grinning face. “Who’re they,” Joann loudly stage whispered, obviously very, very drunk at this point. Kelly was a little better at pacing herself. “No idea. Probably a couple boys here on holiday.” She breathed out, not taking her eyes off the mustached one. That body was toned under that shirt, she reckoned. They locked eyes and Kelly whispered, “Shit, bugger.” She breathed in deep and looked away, “Is he coming over here?” Joann just stared behind her. She really wasn’t much help. “You mind if I buy you a drink?” She heard a Gold Coast accent say behind her. The blonde girl turned and looked up at the bloke she’d just been caught staring at. “At least then, you can stare without trying to hide it.” She giggled a bit and took him up on the offer. He was cute and funny and well, Jordan was saying all the right things. “I’m only here for the week, but I’d like to keep seein’ ya for a bit if that’s alright. Well, as long as you’ll have me.” “Don’t worry, we’ll give it a fair go when I go back to Queensland. Distance isn't that hard, people do it all the time.” “I feel lucky to have caught a wild one like you, Kelly. You’re absolutely beyond what I imagined.” How could she say no to the entire week with him? Adeliade felt so small, she’d felt like there was nothing new in the dating pool after having been there for long enough. They spent the entire week together. She thought it was leading to love. She thought distance would be okay. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t as easy in 1992 to keep a relationship over 2,000 kilometers away. She had her life and he had his. About a month later, she realized she was up the duff and with no boyfriend in sight. She had a bit of a time trying to figure out how to tell or even if she should tell Jordan. He had barely said anything in their last phone call and she didn’t want him sticking around if he found out just because he felt obligated. Kelly was independent. She always had been, why couldn’t she do this on her own too? She honestly couldn’t help but be excited. She’d wanted to be a mum, maybe not this soon, but she’d wanted it. She’d called him one more time though, because she felt like maybe he’d want to know. He broke up with her and she told him she was going to have his kid. “We’re not in a place to have kids, Kelly!” “No, you’re not in a place to have kids, Jordan. I’m having this kid. And if you don’t want it or me, which you’ve definitely already proven, then we don’t need you in our lives.” She hung up and that was the last time she spoke to him. He didn’t call or write or do anything. The one thing she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt was that she to give that kid the whole world. And so, she did. She finished one final semester of uni and made her way back to Alice Springs where she had some family, got a job on a cattle station (granted it was much more paperwork based while she was in her late stages of pregnancy) and raised Jake Rogers with more love than he could ever want.

Her much more simplified, safe for a 6 year old, retelling of all of this amounted in summary to: “Your dad and I met in Adelaide, we cared about each other very much, but I decided to raise you myself in Alice Springs and he lived in Queensland and sometimes adults can’t work things out to be together in one place.” To which she answered any questions she could that Jake might have.

Young little Jake looked up at Kelly with his wide eyes and glasses and crooked little smile speckled with a few missing teeth and she knew over and over again she’d made the right decision. “Well, that’s alright, mum. You’ve got me. And I’m not an adult so I can work out how to live here. I’m not going anywhere.”

She fought back a tear that was brimming over the edge of her ducts and hugged her little man with all her might. He grunted and whispered, “You’re gonna crush me like a croc, mum. I’m not a fish.”

She pulled back in mock offense, “Like a croc?!” She snapped her hands at him like a mouth and started tickling him. “You sure you’re not a fish?” He wiggled and laughed, squirming from her hands as she laughed, “You’re certainly floppin’ like one now, Jakey.”

Yeah, Kelly Rogers had met some guy named Jordan who helped make this little anklebiter. But she, and everyone at the station and in Alice Springs who had helped raise her kid, was Jake’s father.

[un-angel]

70 horrible questions updated

black march 2020, purple november 2022

01 Do you have a good relationship with your parents?

no

no

02 Who did you last say “I love you” to?

sara

izzy

03 Do you regret anything?

there’s one thing i should regret but i’m not sure i do, but apart from that nothing at all

still not sure i regret that same thing i was talking about but i do regret one relationship i had

04 Are you insecure?

hell yeh baby

yeah

05 What is your relationship status?

single

single but married

06 How do you want to die?

on my own terms

and i stand by that!

07 What did you last eat?

a bagel

half a cheese toastie

08 Played any sports?

netball and horseriding played tennis and swam when i was younger too

i joined netball and football at uni idk tho

09 Do you bite your nails?

yes

still yes

10 When was your last physical fight?

never properly only my brother

my brother literally doesnt count ive never fought anyone

11 Do you like someone?

kinda

yes im completely in love with her

12 Have you ever stayed up 48 hours?

ummm i don’t think so

not sure probably not why would i

13 Do you hate anyone at the moment?

yes

no and i havent for a while, no point wasting ur energy hating anyone

14 Do you miss someone?

yes

yep

15 Have any pets?

2 cats jasmine and tiger (my lovs)

still got em

16 How exactly are you feeling at the moment?

struggling

dying

17 Ever made out in the bathroom?

no

yes

18 Are you scared of spiders?

yes

yes

19 Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?

maybe

yes maybe for a day or so

20 Where was the last place you snogged someone?

ewww but a club in bulgaria gag

in my bedroom

21 What are your plans for this weekend?

stay alive and go cycling

stay alive lie in bed

22 Do you want to have kids? How many?

i change my mind everydsy

2 or 3 maybe not sure

23 Do you have piercings? How many?

yes 8

i have 8 but theyre a different 8 from before

24 What is/are/were your best subject(s)?

ummmmmm art english RS chem

why would i ever have written chem? it was art and RS + i’ll let english slide

25 Do you miss anyone from your past?

yes but u don’t get to know who

yeah a little

26 What are you craving right now?

frozen yogurt

oh my god i have literally been craving frozen yoghurt for the past 7 years but i had so much of it this past summer. that will do me for a while.

27 Have you ever broken someone’s heart?

maybe i think so a little

yes

28 Have you ever been cheated on?

i don’t know

girl u were cheated on

29 Have you made a boyfriend/girlfriend cry?

yes

yes and now it’s a boyfriend and a girlfriend

30 What’s irritating you right now?

my parents

the love of my life

31 Does somebody love you?

damn i hope so

yes . ur loved dont forget it

32 What is your favourite color?

all of them

still all of them but maybe blue or purple or pink

33 Do you have trust issues?

wirh certain people yes but in general no

im gonna say no but i think im about to develop a few Xx

34 Who/what was your last dream about?

i dreamt we went back to school (nightmare)

i cant remember

35 Who was the last person you cried in front of?

mia

izzy

36 Do you give out second chances too easily?

no

i dont think so

37 Is it easier to forgive or forget?

forgive

literally neither i will never forgive u and i will never forget it fuck u

38 Is this year the best year of your life?

no

maybe

39 How old were you when you had your first kiss?

just turned 15

true story

40 Have you ever walked outside completely naked?

no imagine not being insecure

no!!

51 Favourite food?

my nans lubia polo or my great aunts🤤 or nachos

still probably lubia polo

52 Do you believe everything happens for a reason?

yes

yes but u wont always understand the reason

53 What is the last thing you did before you went to bed last night?

finished watching finding dory

cried and prayed

54 Is cheating ever okay?

no

still no but i did maybe slip up and i get how it happens but doesnt make it okay.

55 Are you mean?

i don’t know maybe

no!!! but sometimes

56 How many people have you fist fought?

0 sir

0!!

57 Do you believe in true love?

ummmmmmm don’t think so

i wanna say yes i wanna say i know my true love but now im not sure

58 Favourite weather?

when it’s raining but it’s warm

yeh that

59 Do you like the snow?

YES

yes

60 Do you wanna get married?

yes

yes

61 Is it cute when a boy/girl calls you baby?

depends who but yeh

if it’s the loml then yes

62 What makes you happy?

art and animals and my friends

and my love

63 Would you change your name?

not anymore but i used to really really want to

dont think so i would never adjust

64 Would it be hard to kiss the last person you kissed?

yes

the hardest but so so easy at the same time

65 Your best friend of the opposite sex likes you, what do you do?

mannnn idk

scream and cry jack get away from me

66 Do you have a friend of the opposite sex who you can act your complete self around?

yes

not sure if we’re there yet

67 Who was the last person of the opposite sex you talked to?

bruce hahahah

rory

68 Who’s the last person you had a deep conversation with?

i can’t remember but probably mia

izzy? been having a lot recently though

69 Do you believe in soulmates?

no

yes i do that was silly. u can have multiple though

70 Is there anyone you would die for?

a lot of people

yes but less than before i think i was just suicidal

[ohgoddard]

Pawns. 1 of 12.

Retirement was a foreign concept to the people of Landros. Not that they were financially poor, far from it. Every Landrian was well fed and had ample education, housing, and healthcare. No, what made retirement foreign was that they simply just lived too long. One didn’t know when to stop working to enjoy the twilight years because the Sun never began to set, just kept being reset. It wasn’t always like this, either. Many could remember when death was a natural thing that occurred to someone. Sure, people still died, but it was never of age or illness. Always some external threat. An alien army, a failed expedition into ruin, or just simple fatal happenstance. Death just didn’t come naturally anymore, so people continued to live as if they would never die. That meant retirement became a foreign concept. You simply didn’t become too old to work if you never became too old. Technology always seemed to outpace the previous age limit, always prolonging life just a few more years, a few more decades. Most thought it to be a result of the Empress’s divine power, bestowing upon all true believers a life most prosperous and (very) long. It did wonders for the Imperial Cult, and people still stayed steadfast believers. Afterlife was phased out of their worship because the concept of life even ending became less and less probable to the new generations.

So it came as a surprise when, out of the blue, the Empire’s 6 topmost political, military, and scientific minds announced they would be resigning in favor of retirement.

These figures who have guided the nation’s efforts in every field since it first took to the stars all those hundreds of years ago, who themselves have been deified to a small extent in their fields and the eyes of those proles beneath them. There was Logan Haines, the Governor Supreme. He was the first of his position, Governor of the new star empire in its early days. He would handle all the busy work and bureaucracy so that the Empress could put her attention to other things she deemed more important. His power was near to hers, and he held a direct line of communication with her. He commanded respect and used his position to maneuver the Empire through the most difficult of times. After he was Mason Nix, the Preserving. His mind was foremost in the Imperial Navy, and his victories stretched as long as the cosmos themselves. His men were steadfast and loyal, and his command was never questioned. A wiser man the navy would never have again. Benjamin Ziemecki, the top mind of Engineering and head of the Academy of Divine Science. His inventions brought us to the stars and beyond them. Much of the life extension work was done by him, but he would never divulge how he did it. Zachary Collins, Governor-General of Brillis. He commanded and trained every soldier to fight for the empire. His command in the numerous invasions of the Empire’s enemies saved countless lives and took countless others. Guillermo Perez, renown for his colonial expansion programs and pioneering of Xenos relations, made the very system of communication and language that the entire galaxy uses universally. Without him, such things would have been impossible. His tenure as Governor of the Xelteks acquired after the Xeltek War of Aggression was full of remarkable strides in Landrian-Xenos relations. And Doris McBride, renowned geneticist and Commandant of the Research Corps. It was thanks to her that the Super-Soldier Program was launched at all, and that Landrians experience a high degree of living. 

It was these six people who kept the nation afloat. Some of them even put it out to sea to begin with. Their departure sent the higher echelons into a frenzy. Factions, suddenly without their figureheads to guide them, all jockeyed for the power and control that was in their grasp. And while the media outlets all reached out to contact the six “Founders” as the people called them, they would only be met with empty signals. Long gone before their announcement was even public and scot-free, the six made their way to their last stop. A resort.

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

The warm sun set behind the waves, casting a dark orange light on the sky. Waves rhythmically crashed against the warm sands, calming the nerves of anyone nearby. It was tranquility incarnate.

The sound of a beer can being opened was the reality that made Logan Haines return from his distant thoughts. He slowly turned his weary eyes to his left, glancing at the large man in the beach chair next to him chugging a beer. Logan sighed and took his headphones off, the once muffled sound returning to his ears.

“I thought we agreed drinks could wait until 9, Zach.”

Zach finished drinking, placing the can on the table between them.

“It is 9, Logan. The sun sets rather late on this planet. You should know, you were governor of it for almost 400 years.” A chuckle comes from a group of people approaching the two, chairs and coolers in hand.

“Hold on you two, don’t start without us.” The voice came from Ben, already sporting retirement fashion in full with a floral shirt and khaki shorts. Behind him, towering over everybody and carrying four chairs, was Mason. He finally let his hair grow out beyond the cut he had to have to be in the Navy. Doris and Gulliermo both had a cooler in their hands, each dressed for a good day at the beach.

Logan gave a light smile as he sat up, grabbing a chair from Mason and positioning it around the firepit he and Zach chose. 

“Don’t you worry, “ Logan spoke as he sat back down, “the only one getting a head start is Zach.”

“Hey, I earned this. You don’t know what it's like being on a planet with a goddamn Imperial alcohol ban for 300 years.”

Ben rolled his eyes as he sat next to Logan. “Zach you know it was because alcohol literally killed you when you drank it within Orbit of Brisillia, let alone on it.”

Mason sat down next to Ben, stretching out to his fullest. “I can’t relate with you guys at all. Alcohol ban this, entertainment ban that, the navy had it all. I had a great time over there. Non-stop party.”

Guillermo tossed a drink his way, landing at his feet in the sand. “Yeah, until you had to wake up at 4 a.m. the next day more hungover than a priest on Divine Wine Night.” 

Mason picked up the drink, chuckling. “Yeah, that sucked so much. But it never made me stop.”

Doris reached into the cooler and took out a dark brown drink, uncapping it with the scent of cherry. “At least you guys had the opportunity to party sometimes. Some of us were doing round-the-clock research and having to work triple shifts to get a project out in time.”

Ben snorted. “Yeah, been there. I wonder what jackass would put us through that.”

Everyone looked at Logan. He rolled his eyes.

“You know full well why I have to ask the things I had to ask. It's a different level of stress when you have not only the oncoming deadlines set up by yourself but also by the literal God of our nation.”

Mason leans forward, quickly swallowing the sip he took of his drink. “Blessed be her reign, of course.”

Brief mutterings of ‘blessed be her reign’ echoed from the group. Silence followed, only the sound of the waves and the sipping of drinks was heard. Logan looked out at the sea, at the setting sun. A flood of memories came back to him, all those years ago. He looks around the group, well into their 400th year of life soon. The last of their kind.

“We must be the only ones left that remember what it was like before she came to power.”

Ben put down his drink, a pensive look on his face. Zach’s brow furrowed.

“You might be right. We were the only Old Guard to not defect when Iccius seceded. All of the unifiers, save us of course, went over the Alphecca. And we know what happened on Alphecca.”

Zach bowed his head, silent. More silence in the group.

Guillermo swallows another gulp, setting it down. “You know, despite my position I have never once met her. I was never granted an audience, not once. I have had messages and conferences with her liaisons, of course. But I have never stood in the same room as her.”

Doris’s face turns inquisitive. “Come to think of it, neither have I. Which is strange, considering that I was stationed in the Palace Laboratory for so long.” 

Logan, Ben, Zach, and Mason all looked at each other.

“I think we all have met her. In some direct capacity,” Logan said while sitting up in his seat. Ben looked deeply uncomfortable, trying to sink further into his chair. Mason rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact. Zach took another shot.

“I didn’t meet her directly, but I was taken to trial before her court.” Everyone looked at Zach like he had killed a man in front of them. He looked back, confused. “What?”

“You were before the Empress’s court? What?” Doris asked, putting down her drink. Logan looked around the group, a look of surprise on his face.

“What, you guys didn’t know?” Ben leaned over to Logan, speaking in a snarky voice, "We weren’t all the goddamn Governor Supreme.”

“Why were you taken before the court?” Guillermo pressed the issue, leaning forward from his chair.

“I can’t believe I haven’t told this story yet.” Zach set down his drink.

“I can, you were censored to never speak of the event ever again. By law. Divine law.” Logan took another sip of his drink. Mason kicked sand at him.

“Ignore him, Zach, what the hell happened?”

“Ok so, I was gonna countercoup a general, right?”

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

It had to be done with the utmost care and quickly. It had to be down without no one knowing and it had to send a message so no one would attempt this again. And he had to do it by himself, or else he would lose everything. These were the restrictions and requirements placed upon the newly appointed Governor-General, mere years after his assignment to the planet of Brisilia. The whole place was a glorified boot camp, made to make soldiers from birth and the guns for them to fire. It trained the officers that commanded them, it created the tanks and trucks it used to drive the troops around. Brisillia was a near-infinite source of every resource, harnessed by the divine will of the Landrian Empire. 

But behind the veneer of a perfectly oiled machine was a world of backroom deals, blackmail, and political trickery. The army was a nation within a nation, operating near autonomously but in fealty to the Empire. It took a steady and aggressive hand to nip the rebellions that were constantly planned in the bud and to keep ambitious officers in line with their orders. It was why Zachary Collins was chosen to be the Governor-General of Brisilia. He was loyal to the nth degree to the Empire, and a long-time member of the army. He had led the most successful brigade during the unification wars, and since he had taken a great injury in the final battle had mostly been behind a desk for decades. Many thought his mind was weak from inaction, that the office life had dulled his blade. He had no ambition to go higher than where he was put, simply because he had liked where he stood and made a good life out of it. Yet, when the call came from Governor Supreme and longtime friend Logan Haines, he answered the call.

The political elite of Brisilia did not like the outsider’s arrival. He turned things around, changed operations instantly. Policy and tradition changed overnight, and if you had an issue he was happy to discuss it with you. No one would take him up on the offer, yet he was completely genuine, something foreign to the planet. It was this climate that he navigated for a few years when he got word of something bad brewing.

“A coup?!”

The Governor-General yelled in shock as his intelligence advisor gave him the news. The former Governor-General, a man named Fractus Rayze, felt he had been pushed out in favor of nepotism. He felt slighted, and as such his loyalties to the crown were no more. A lot of the troops still followed his command, and he was in charge of a sizeable force. Should he choose to rebel, the government would not be able to hold out long enough for reinforcements to arrive. Or if those reinforcements would matter.

Zach sat in his seat, hand over his mouth in thought. How could he not see it coming? Of course, the former would resent the current, but he never thought to this degree. He had to bring him out in the open, and catch him before the movement could be fully organized and launched. He knew from his years in the espionage legion during the Unification Wars that a movement dies without its figurehead. But how would he bring the traitor out? He wasn’t about to risk his own life, it would be putting too much on the line. But there was no one else Fractus hated more than Zach at the moment. Perhaps the crown, but…

Wait.

Zach looked up from his hands at the Intelligence officer. “You are dismissed. Thank you for the report. Keep this news secret. In fact, burn all evidence of your findings. This never happened. On your way out, send in my secretary.”

The officer salutes, grabbing the papers he brought into the office off of the desk and walking out the door. Mere moments later, a small woman walks in with a PDA in her arms.

“You wanted to see me, sir?”

“Yes, I feel like our troops need a morale booster from the upper brass. They need to feel like their work matters. Do you think we can get the Prince to do a tour of the planet?”

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

“No goddamn way,” Ben spoke with astonishment at Zach. The rest of the group, save Logan, similarly looked at him.

“You were going to draw out your murderous, traitorous general using the Prince?!” Doris put extra emphasis on ‘prince’.

“Yeah, I thought it was a great way to draw out a traitor without putting my neck on the line.”

Guillermo shook in utter confusion. “What?! To save your neck from assassination you put the royals in danger instead? That's not saving your neck, that's moving from one chopping block to another.”

“Will you guys let me finish the story? Anyways, getting a hold of the Prince was shockingly easy. Turns out, he didn’t do much.”

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

The royal arrival was a rare moment for Brisilia. The planet was outside the Imperial Core, so was often ignored during royal functions and visits. And it was no normal prince visiting either. Brisilia was preparing for the arrival of the crown prince himself, Lucius. Turns out that when your mother is immortal, you have a lot of time on your hands to do whatever you wish. 

Just as soon as the royal tour was announced, the reaction Zach was looking for came. Immediately his intelligence officers reported buzzings from the separatist channels, and General Rayze took a sudden leave of absence from his duties to “take care of some urgent health problems”.

Urgent health problems. Zach mused on his excuse. Urgent health problems indeed. He would incur the most urgent of health problems. That is if the plan worked. And if it didn’t, Zach didn’t really care. He would be too dead for it to matter.

The royal arrival was large. The Prince’s flagship, a rather minute cruiser, moored proudly above the capital city of the planet as shuttles carrying the Prince and his guard burst through the atmosphere. The roads of the city were cleared, and on each and every sidewalk waited the civilians of the planet with excitement. Each troop marching the parade had prepared their dress uniform to perfection over weeks. Shoes have never been so shined, and rifles so clean. They stood in perfect formation, at attention, waiting for the Prince’s float to come down the street from his shuttle. 

And as Zach stood from his vantage point, looking down at the parade grounds, he smiled. Already picked out in the formation of soldiers were the traitors identified by Intelligence. Their rifles would not fire, and their loyal friends would subdue them when they attempted to do so. Countless window snipers had already been caught, yet the general himself was still absent. A message came over his earpiece.

“Sir, did you change the location of your area of interest?”

The sentence sent a pit into Zach’s stomach.

“Negative. Explain.”

“Sir, there is someone who looks just like you shaking the hand of the Prince at the shuttle platform.”