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night-filled-mountain · 3 years

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Captivity and Escape in Critical Role

So this post has been sitting in my drafts for about half a year. It’s about a persistent theme I noticed throughout campaign 2, which I’m sure others have noticed and written about before, but parallels and recurring themes have always been my Thing, and I couldn’t let it go. And with last week’s episode, and the campaign finale airing tonight, and the dominance of this theme being more glaringly obvious than ever, I thought I’d just give myself a treat and finish up a giant meta post. For old times’ sake.

So, just for the heck of it, here’s an exhaustive exploration of a single through-line of campaign 2 since the very beginning: captivity, and escaping or being freed from it.

Let’s start by taking a quick look at everyone’s backstories, the things that happened to them before the campaign even started, and how they were ultimately resolved.

FJORD: Entered unknowingly and unwillingly into a pact with Uk’otoa, which bound him to perform services he never agreed to in exchange for powers he never asked for. Fjord did not know how he got into this pact or how to get out of it. He makes his escape when he pitches his sword into a lava river and pledges himself to the Wildmother.

JESTER: Spent the majority of her life “locked in her room” (or at least hidden from sight) until the consequences of one of her pranks forcibly liberated her into the wider world. While Jester loves her mother dearly and thinks of her long “captivity” as being for her own protection, its negative effects on her--loneliness, insecurity, a lack of worldly experience and social awareness--were still apparent, and she spends much of the campaign working through them.

BEAU: Her parents had her kidnapped by monks. It could be argued that even before the kidnapping, she was a prisoner to her father’s “over-protective” tendencies and her parents’ expectations when it came to her career, behavior, gender role, etc. But most significantly, she was very much kidnapped by monks, and made her escape from the Cobalt Soul shortly before we met her.

CALEB: Where to start? First he suffered coercion and abuse at the hands of Trent (a form of captivity); then he was made to torture and execute prisoners; then he spent eleven years literally imprisoned in an asylum, and had to kill and steal in order to escape; and four and a half years later, he met Nott when they were both thrown in jail (and had to engineer their own escape once again). Caleb’s ordeals ultimately made him a prisoner of his own guilt and fear, and escaping that prison has been the heart of his storyline.

VETH/NOTT: Besides the aforementioned stint in jail, the catalyst for her entire adventuring career was being captured by goblins along with her family--and then, after engineering the escape of her husband and son, being imprisoned in the wrong body (and subsequently enslaved!). The desire to escape from this second imprisonment was her driving motivation through much of the campaign. With Caleb’s help (and Essek’s, and Jester’s), she ultimately succeeds.

MOLLY: His first memory was of clawing his way out of a grave, which is just about as extreme a form of captivity and escape as you can get. More subtly, he was also a prisoner to the expectations placed on his body--to the life that body once lived, which he could not remember and refused to claim. Arguably (and tragically), his escape from this particular prison is his own death...until Cree resurrects Lucien, Mollymauk fragment and all. Then he presumably becomes a prisoner much like Yasha was, subsumed body and soul by a mind and a will that are not his own. Until last week.

... (incoherent sobbing)

Until last week.

YASHA: She was a prisoner to her clan’s laws and expectations. Her brief attempt to escape this prison through a forbidden marriage ended tragically, and then she was forced to make a second, literal escape (fleeing into the desert)--only to be (presumably) possessed by Obann, imprisoned inside her own mind, and forced to do his bidding until the Storm Lord liberated her once again.

CADUCEUS: When the gang first meet him, he’s literally a prisoner of his own fear (and/or inertia)--though his whole family has left the Blooming Grove, he’s been too afraid or hesitant to brave the corruption of the Savalirwood without companionship, and spent years isolated in the family temple as a result. The Mighty Nein (or rather, Caleb, Nott, Beau, Keg, and Nila) initiate his escape.

***

And that’s just the backstories! Now let’s take a look at each of the places the Mighty Nein have visited since they came together, and the story arcs therein.

***

TROSTENWALD - CARNIVAL ARC: This arc’s entire goal is to free the (future) Mighty Nein and the other carnies from jail or house arrest. (Much later, the M9 come back to pay Gustav’s debt and liberate him as well.) And remember that Beau is especially sympathetic to Toya’s predicament because she, too, was once a young girl held somewhere against her will.

ALFIELD - GNOLL ARC: This arc’s entire goal is to free the citizens of Alfield who have been kidnapped by gnolls to feed to their manticore leader (and to kill off the gnolls and manticore to keep it from happening again).

ZADASH: The Mighty Nein’s first undertaking in Zadash is to kill off the giant spiders in the sewer. In the process, they free a halfling imprisoned in a spiderweb, which leads them to the Gentleman and all his future quests.

Aside from that, their biggest job in Zadash this time around is the High Richter heist--which, yes, is a mercenary/political job that goes terribly wrong, but why does it go terribly wrong? Because Ulog, the M9′s NPC ally at the time, is so furious over his wife being wrongfully imprisoned by the High Richter that he impulsively blows up both her and himself. And arguably the most poignant moment in the heist’s aftermath is Caleb speaking to the next High Richter, Dolan, and ensuring that Ulog’s wife will be freed.

Also, let’s not forget the drow the M9 meet in the sewer. The one they capture, interrogate, and ultimately...let go. Yes, he’s killed shortly afterward and his beacon falls into their hands, but I think it’s very important to remember that the decision they make, when holding a captive terrorist from an “enemy” nation, is to return his stolen artifact to him and let him walk away free.

LABENDA SWAMP/BERLEBEN: The most memorable events during this interlude are: (1.) The M9 literally freeing Kiri from the swamp, where she is stuck in the mud and at the mercy of crocodiles, and (2.) Bowlgate, a.k.a. Caleb and Beau’s tense confrontation over what to do with Calianna, which is once again fueled on Beau’s side by her sympathy for a young woman held against her will. (Caleb proposes that Cali spend the night with the M9, which she did not intend, so they can use spells to determine her truthfulness the next day.)

HUPPERDOOK: This one’s obvious: The M9 fight a deadly automaton to free two gnomes from prison and reunite them with their children (largely to prevent said children from being taken to an orphanage against their will).

GLORY RUN ROAD/SHADYCREEK RUN - IRON SHEPHERDS ARC: ...Even more obvious. The sole goal of the remaining M9 members (and Nila) throughout this arc is to free their friends from slavery. They end up slaughtering all the slavers and freeing several other captives as well.

LUSIDIAN OCEAN - PIRATE ARC: Here’s where things get really interesting. Because this whole arc is also about captivity and freedom, isn’t it?

It’s about whether or not to free a little old captive named Uk’otoa!

I haven’t given nearly enough thought to how this arc fits in with all the others thematically, considering its central lesson is that freeing this particular captive would be a very bad thing. I do think it’s significant that:

(1.) The beginning of this arc, which leaves the whole party feeling so bad and icky, involves them quite inadvertently taking a captive of their own--and one whom they don’t treat very well. (And still don’t, for that matter...poor Marius.)

(2.) Soon after that incident, the M9 are themselves effectively taken captive by Avantika and her crew. This situation doesn’t last nearly as long as many audience members (and quite possibly Matt, and quite possibly the players themselves!) thought it would, because they panic on Darktow, go all Wall of Fire, and free themselves in a huge, climactic, desperate battle. The Mighty Nein do not take well to captivity.

Anyhow, they follow all this up with...

FELDERWIN/XHORHAS - YEZA ARC: ...another very straightforward quest to free a captive. Not only is this arc all about rescuing Yeza from a Xhorhasian dungeon, but after Caleb returns the beacon, after the Bright Queen of Xhorhas offers the Mighty Nein anything they want...all they ask her for is to let them go.

BAZZOXAN & BEYOND - OBANN ARC: ...By now, you know where I’m going with this, right? The entire arc is about freeing Yasha from Obann, who has her imprisoned inside her own body, inside her own mind. There’s a reason That Moment in the cathedral hit so hard, right? “And as you close your eyes, you see yourself breaking the shackles. You see the influence no longer holding any sway over your soul. There's nothing but the storm, vengeance, and hope.”

(Bonus: In the middle of the above arc, we get the HAPPY FUN BALL - RESCUING YUSSA ARC, which, once again, is devoted to freeing a captive.)

KAMORDAH/CYRIOS MOUNTAINS - ISHARNAI ARC: Aimed entirely at freeing Nott from the body in which she was imprisoned. Beau also has a bit of a freedom arc here: confronting the parents who imprisoned her figuratively and literally, turning her back on them (possibly for good), and then confronting a major source of the expectations and superstitions they shackled her with: Isharnai, who is neutralized by Jester’s cupcake.

THE MENAGERIE - CLAY ARC: Aimed entirely at freeing Caduceus’s family, who are imprisoned in perhaps the most literal way possible, being turned to stone. (The M9 also manage to liberate the Stone family while they’re at it.)

RUMBLECUSP - TRAVELER CON: Two great liberations take place here. First, all the residents of the Village of Vo are freed from Vokodo’s influence, their memories restored, their blind devotion dispelled, able once again to choose the course of their own lives. Second, the followers of the Traveler are freed from the deception he’s imposed on them, the cult he’s roped them into. Thanks to the Moonweaver’s interference, they, too, are free to make informed decisions. And I think we can also safely say that Artagan is freed from them, from the false “god” role he managed to box himself into, and he’s happier for it.

EISELCROSS - SOMNOVEM ARC: ...And this is it, folks. This is why I decided to finish this post today. Because I was openly not feeling the Eiselcross arc as an endgame. The hard slog through the elements just wasn’t doing it for me, or the frequent combat, or the increasingly complex lore, or the traditionally heroic quest to save the world from being swallowed by a monstrous city.

...Until last week. Until Lucien’s defeat. And Molly’s oh-so-improbable resurrection.

When I heard all the voices of the Somnovem whispering “Thank you” as their individual souls were freed from the Lovecraftian hivemind...when I heard Jester sobbing that at least Molly’s soul wasn’t “trapped” inside a monstrous Lucien anymore...when Cad’s Divine Intervention succeeded, and Mollymauk Tealeaf opened his eyes--his two plain old natural eyes--unburdened by Lucien and his Somnovem eyes and all of his dark baggage for the first time--I was finally able to embrace this as the ending.

Because it’s not about saving the world. That’s just a bonus. It’s about saving a friend. Freeing a friend. Freeing captives, wherever they find them. Whether from Crown’s Guard, gnolls, and giant spiders, or from royal dungeons; whether from ruthless enemies or from their own families; whether from eldritch abominations or from the forces that chain their own minds.

In the end, the Mighty Nein--and the people whose lives they touch--belong to no one and nothing that they do not choose to belong to. They belong to themselves, to the people they most sincerely love, to the gods and causes they have chosen freely. And that has always, always been my favorite kind of story.

And I can’t wait for tonight.

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crescentmoons-and-stardust · 3 years

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Twisted Tales: Wendy and James

Wendy was at that age where she was not quite a child but not yet a woman. An age where she was expected to sit still and not play but was not allowed to sit with the adults after dinner. She was to quietly exist until behind closed doors until she was at a suitable age for marriage.

When Peter came through her window, she was hesitant but excited. Neverland was dazzling and magical but there was a dark undertone to the adventure. Peter was handsome but wild. He could be sweet or cruel depending on his mood. His games were dangerous and often ended with someone bleeding. Wendy grew tired of his immature nature and considered going back home. As she walked the forest one night, she came upon a pirate ship on the black sea.

Captain Hook frightened and fascinated her. He was not the ugly old man from her stories but a charming and attractive young man. He captured Wendy as a pirate often does and in turn was taken in by her eager interest in him. It was easy for the pirate to seduce the girl and convince her to join him. She let him tie her up and use her as bait for Peter. It worked to an extent but Peter managed to outwit the captain once again.

When Wendy was at last brought home, she begged Peter to come for her again. Peter felt a strange connection to Wendy and thus he did come back year after year and each time, the girl would seek out the pirate. As she matured into a young woman, the captain started to return her affection. In the late evening on a summer day, he whispered that his name was James, and it was that name she called out when he took her to bed.

But this wasn’t right. This was not how the story was supposed to go. Wendy wasn’t supposed to grow up and she was not supposed to fall in love with the man but rather the boy. The island would never allow it. And what was the island of Neverland but an extension of Peter himself?

So James made himself the villain once again. He tied Wendy to a rock and left her to drown. When Peter came to rescue her, as he always did, James let the boy defeat him once and for all. Peter made a show of cutting off his other hand and fed it to the hungry crocodile that followed wherever he went. He cut off each of his feet in turn as well. Wendy cried and begged him to stop but the jealous boy would not. Finally he sawed the man’s head off and that was the end of James Hook.

Strangely, Peter wept when the deed was done and brought Wendy home at once. He left without a goodbye. Wendy’s memories of Neverland faded over time but the face of her first love remained. One day, she was at a party, a sophisticated and adult party, when a man caught her attention. The face from her dreams. He seemed to recognize her too. “It’s strange,” he said upon introducing himself. “I feel that I’ve met you before. Or seen you in my dreams.”

Wendy smiled. He had no hook on his left arm but she could see that the hand had been amputated. “Is your name James?”

“My friends call me Jim,” He was not surprised she knew. They talked all night and were in love by the end of the party. Jim couldn’t recall how he’d lost his hand but he’d woken from a coma without it. A long strange coma filled with long and strange dreams.

Perhaps Peter wasn’t as cruel as he seemed. Perhaps his act of violence had really been one of release for a prisoner he kept as a play thing for far too long. Perhaps there was a capacity to love even if he didn’t quite understand it himself. And maybe that shadow in the corner that neither noticed, was that of a sad boy, who watched as the woman he could have loved had he allowed himself to grow up, receive her happily ever after with someone else.

#wendy darling #peter pan #peter pan au #captain hook #fairy tales #fairytale #Aesthetic #fairytale aesthetic #aesthetic challenge #72 out of 100 #my post #dark fairytale #fairytale retelling #fairytale au #neverland #twisted tales

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thewildomega · 4 years

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Star in the Sand Ch. 21

"Again! Again!" Luffy Cheered.

Humming you thought for a moment before looking to him. "You stabbed yourself under the eye to show Shanks that you had what it took to be a pirate." you told him and heard him laugh loudly while Bon Clay gasped.

"Do Zoro next."

"No." the swordsman grunted.

"So in this world you grew up in we are all some characters in a book?" Nami asked in disbelief.

Nodding you sipped at the fruit smoothie Sanji had made you.

"Yea and I'm the main character." Luffy boasted with a large smile.

"That means you already knows how everything is going to go." Ussop said.

"Well not exactly, the story wasn't done yet and I wasn't caught up."

"How far were you then? How much of our 'story' have you seen?" Zoro asked.

"I've only read up until a little after you get to the New World."

"Then you could tell us and..."

"No!" Luffy spoke up, his voice firm. "I don't want to know what our future holds, I want it to be a adventure."

Looking to him you grinned softly and gave a nod, silently promising not to say a word.

"Interesting. Would you perhaps mind answering some questions for me about your world later Y/n?" Robin asked.

"Not at all." you told her before quickly moving to cover a yawn.

Grinning at the pregnant woman Robin stood. "Come Y/n I'll show you to your bed. I've heard pregnancy can make a woman quite fatigue."

Shaking your head you went to object but Nami stood up and smiled as well. "Not to mention the hell you went through, I'm sure your whooped. We've still got a ways to go so you might as well sleep while we go."

"Yes Y/n you need some proper sleep, let's try to get those dark circles faded a bit before you are reunited with Mr. Zero." Bentham spoke.

Grinning you stood. "Thank you. Sanji I can clean up if..."

"Don't even think about it." the cook spoke. "A sweet princess like you needs her sleep so go on and when you wake up I'll have another healthy snack ready."

Smiling up at the blond you thanked him again and then Luffy before following Robin towards the rooms, hearing Bon wish you a goodnight. Getting to the girl's room you looked over the room enough to get a sense of it but not so much as to seem nosey. There was Nami and Robin's beds on one side but you saw another bed had been made up as well, it looked different than the others but none less comfy.

"Here you are, I believe Franky outdid himself given the time." Robin smiled.

Blinking you looked to the bed with actual blankets and pillows, feeling tears prickle your eyes again. "It looks perfect." you said in a quiet voice. "I really don't know how to thank you all... I wish there was something I could do or something I could give you."

Humming the brunet tilted her head a bit. "You and Crocodile are quite different from each other."

"So everyone tells me." you grinned, your fingers moving to your locket at hearing your soulmate's name.

"If I may ask, what is it in your locket? I've noticed every time someone mentions his name your fingers move to it out of reflex it would seem."

Looking down to the gold locket you grinned and moved to open it and turn it to her a bit as she stepped forward. "I know it's not a real picture but it's all I have."

Grinning at the sketch of her old boss she chuckled softly. "I think it is wonderful, did you draw it?" she asked and saw the woman nod. "You are very talented."

Looking down some you grinned a little, "Thank you."

"I'll leave you to rest now. If you need anything just let one of us know."

Watching the woman leave you sighed and moved into the bed. Curling up you opened the locket again and looked at the sketch of Crocodile. "I love you Croc." you whispered. Kissing the small picture you closed the locket back and curled up, your hand instinctively moving over your stomach as your eyes closed. Having your belly full for the first time in months mixed with the warmth of the soft bed, it took no time at all for you to fall into a deep sleep.

.............................

"Hey! Hey! Come on don't be dead wake up."

Hearing the male voice you gasped and quickly started coughing up water. Feeling someone help turn you over and gently pat your back as you coughed you looked up and saw Franky there.

"There you go. You scared me there for a second." he said with a chuckle. "Hey I got Y/n, she's okay!" he yelled down to Robin and Nami.

"Thank you." you told the cyborg as he helped you stand up on the large coral. You had completely forgot about how they entered Fishman Island and were fast asleep when the water suddenly swept into the ship. Attempting to swim out you quickly got disoriented and started to loose air. You must have passed out but lucky for you Franky was there to save you.

"Don't mention it."

"Y/n are you alright?" Nami asked as she and Robin moved over to you.

"Yes."

"I wonder where the others are?"

"I'm sure they are safe." i

"So what now?"

Listening to them all talk you heard them mention going to do their own things and licked your lips as they turned to you.

"What do you want to do Y/n?" Nami asked.

"I don't think it would be wise for me to go into the city. I've just escaped from prison and well with Big Mom claiming the island I don't want to be spotted by anyone working for her." you told them.

"Why? What's one of the four emperors got against you?"

"I'm well she's my grandmother."

"Big Mom is your Grandmother?!"

Nodding you looked down and then back up. "Yes. I've never met her but I know she doesn't like me... in fact I'm fairly certain she wants me dead."

"But you're her grandchild why would she want her own family dead." Franky asked.

"I've been told I was not approved to be born, my father, her son, went behind her back and married my mother. When she found out they had me she killed them and tried to kill me but I was sent to that other world. Now I think she sees me as proof of a mutiny so the only way to fix it is to kill me."

"But you're pregnant." Nami said with wide eyes.

"She was going to kill me when I was a baby I don't think she would care if I was pregnant." you shrugged.

"How about you come with me then Y/n, I plan to stay out of the city so no one will see you." Robin suggested.

Nodding you gave her a smile. "Thank you."

"Alright it's settled then. I'll see if I can track down the others." Nami said and with a wave everyone was off.

Walking with Robin towards the Poneglyph you answered any question she had about your world. You truly didn't mind, Robin was easy to talk to and after being alone in that prison cell for so long it was nice to have company again. It also helped that she knew your dear Croc more than the others and she seemed to enjoy the idea of the two of you being with one another.

"Does Crocodile know you are pregnant with his child?"

Shocked by her sudden question that wasn't about your world you blinked and subconsciously moved a hand to your womb where that small bump now was. "Yes or rather he did before I was taken. We had just found out the night before."

Humming she rose her chin. "How is it you plan on finding him once we get to the new world? Do you know where he is?"

Shaking your head you sighed, "No. Before I was taken we were in the New World, sailing from one island to the next. I don't know if he is still doing that or not but I'm hoping this will lead me to him." you spoke, opening your locket and carefully removing his picture to show her the compass underneath. When her eyes went a bit wide however and her brows rose you furrowed your own. "What? What is it?" you asked, glancing down to the compass yourself.

"Is that a... May I see it please?"

Licking your lips you removed your most prized position and handed it over to her. She said nothing as she examined it for a moment but when she handed it back you saw the slight grin on her face. Slipping it back on you looked to her for answers.

"I've never seen one in real life but I've heard about them, Heart Compasses. From what I have read they have all thought to be destroyed hundreds of years ago but that is clearly one. The stories say that they will lead the wearer to their destined love no matter where in the world the other is. Many have been killed to be the next owner of the compass, some even charged people to use them. That will definitely lead you to him if it is one but I would keep it hidden for the time being."

Nodding you tucked the locket back into your shirt. Looking forward you gave a small smile. "I'll leave you to it then."

Following the woman's eyes she smiled at the Poneglyph before looking back to her travel mate. "Stay close."

While waiting for Robin to read and think about the Poneglyph you thought about the conversation the two of you had had. You knew what would happen as soon as you got to the New World and knew there wouldn't be much time for Luffy and the others to take you off to find Crocodile, not if they were to keep to their own story. Biting your lip you sighed, there had to be another way. You hadn't gotten much further than Fishman island in the manga but you at least knew where the next destination was. If you could somehow get a letter to Croc maybe he could meet you there. From what you had read News Coos could be paid to deliver private letters but still you would have to be smart about it. The last thing you needed was the World Government getting their hands on your letter. Think.

....................................

By the time You and Robin had gotten back to the Sunny you saw most of the crew there as well, all except for Usspo, Brook, Bon and Zoro but you knew they were at the palace. As the plan was decided you looked to Luffy when he turned to you.

"Y/n I think you should stay on the ship when we get there. I don't want baby gator to get hurt."

"Y/n, Firelocks Y/n? Daughter of Vincent Charlotte?"

Nodding to Luffy you saw Jinbe looking to you and grinned at him. "Hello Jinbe, it's nice to meet you."

"I saw you in the paper months ago. I pained me to know that Vincent's daughter had been imprisoned. I knew your father very well, he was a good man, the only level headed Charlotte I've ever met."

"So I've come to understand." you chuckled softly.

"Come on we don't have time for this now, you two can talk later." Nami spoke.

Getting aboard the Sunny you took a deep breath, time for the battle. Arriving at the center of the fight you stood on the deck like Luffy had told you to. Although the plan had been to try and keep you and your baby safe some of the fishmen and slaves quickly tried to get aboard the ship and then you didn't really have much choice but to fight.

"Give it up girly, you're surrounded."

Kicking one of the barrels towards him you managed to knock him down and grabbed the broom that had been leaning up against the mast. Swinging it through the air you smacked the nearest fishman in the head with it. Shoving them from the ship and taking out as much as you could your pitiful weapon soon broke and you heard them laughing. Looking up as they formed a semi-circle around you you swallowed hard but before any of them could attack they were being cut down.

"If you are going to fight pick a better weapon." Zoro spoke.

Snapping your eyes to the swordsman you saw him jumping back down to the ground and took a deep breath. Looking around at all the fallen people on the deck you caught sight of something and raised your chin. Grabbing the spear you gripped it tightly as you heard more enemies making their way onto the ship. It wasn't your father's but maybe Katakuri would be right. Seeing the fishmen come charging at you you took your stance. You hoped he was.

......................................

By the time the fight was over you were ready to collapse. Watching as Jinbe donated blood to Luffy you grinned and leaned against the railing of the ship, closing your eyes for a moment.

"Y/n are you alright?" Nami asked as her and Bon came rushing onto the ship. Looking over all the bodies and then to the small woman she feared she may be hurt but relaxed when the woman lifted her head and looked to them with tired eyes and nodded.

"You took out all of these people? By yourself?!" Bentham gawked.

Humming you looked back to Nami, "I broke your broom, sorry."

"Forget the broom I'm just glad you're alright." Nami laughed.

Sitting on one of the massive fish between Jinbe and Robin you smile softly at the huge celebration going on around you. Listening as Jinbe speaks to you about your father you sighed. "I would have loved to meet him... and my mother."

Humming Jinbe places his hand on the woman's shoulder. "They would be very proud of the woman you have become Y/n." Seeing her grin a little and look down he noticed her hand absent mindfully stroking her lower stomach and blinked. "Pardon my forwardness but I must ask. I heard Luffy mention something before the battle about you staying on board the ship so that a 'baby gator' wouldn't get hurt. Tell me Y/n are you with child?"

Looking up at the fishman you nodded. "Yes."

Knitting his brows he hummed again. "I saw on your wanted poster that you were also affiliated with Crocodile."

Knowing what he was getting at you sighed and gave a bittersweet grin, "Yes, he is my soulmate."

"I see and is he..."

"He's the father yes." Answering all of Jinbe's questions you saw him shut his eyes and shake his head when you told him about being imprisoned in Impale Down.

"The fact that you were able to continue carrying your child through all of that shows how determined and strong you truly are, much like Vincent. Crocodile and I do not see eye to eye in the slightest but if he cares for you and your child then I give you my blessing in finding him. I wish I could tell you where to start your search but alas I have not heard anything of him since the war."

"He is good at going undetected." you huffed. There was a bit of silence for a moment as you glanced to the party below, seeing Brook had joined in on the music. Thinking you looked back to Jinbe. "Jinbe, there wouldn't happen to be a way to send a letter directly to him would there?"

Swallowing his drink he glanced back down to the woman. "News Coos can be paid off to deliver private letters yes but they are often looked over by Marines should the Coo cross their path. If they were to find it and see it was addressed to someone as famous and wanted as Crocodile then they would no doubt follow the Coo to his location."

Biting your lip you nodded, "But say I could think of a code of sorts, something that only we would know..."

"Then yes it is possible." Seeing her thinking he raised his chin. "If you get the letter written then I will pay for the letter to be sent."

Snapping your eyes back up you shook your head, "I don't have anything to pay you back with or..."

"I want nothing in return. Vincent was a friend of mine and I will do whatever I can to help his child be with her family again."

Swallowing you blinked away the tears threatening to fall and smiled at him. "Thank you Jinbe, truly."

Smiling he asked the fish you were on to carry you down further and helped you into the part of the palace that had air in it. Asking someone to bring you paper and a pen so you could write your letter while the rest of the crew took time away from the party. Sitting on the floor you leaned back against the wall with your knees pulled up and the pad of paper on your lap. Looking at the blank paper you closed your eyes and took a deep breath. This was it. Be smart. Think. Opening your eyes as it came to you you started writing your letter to your lost love.

Sealing the envelope you walked over to Jinbe when you noticed he and the others were done talking.

"You have it ready then?" he asked and saw her nod. "Very well. I will send it now. I hope it finds it's way.

"Thank you Jinbe."

.....................................

Standing aboard the ship beside Bon you watched as Luffy and everyone ese said goodbye, a soft smile on your face. Giggling a little when Sanji and Zoro went at it you heard Bon call your name and looked up to him.

"I heard Jinbe got your letter to Mr. Zero sent off." he said and saw her nod.

"Yes I hope it makes it's way to him."

Seeing her yet again holding onto her locket he smiled. "You will be with him again soon Y/n.... and you too little one." he spoke, bending over to speak to her tiny baby bump.

Smiling you looked down as Bon spoke to your belly, telling the unborn baby how adorable he or she was going to be but how they had to smile more than their father.

"Ah yes before I forget. For you Ms. Y/n, I along with the rest of fishman island would like to offer you a pregnancy gift. Jinbe spoke to me about your current situation and I would like to thank you for offering your help even in your delicate state. I hear it is customary in humans to give gifts while expecting and so I hope this is acceptable." Neptune spoke in his deep voice.

Looking up to the king you were a little taken back when he held out his hand, a tiny wrapped box sitting in his palm. Blinking you looked up to him and saw him smiling behind his mustache and gave a smile back, bowing your head as you slowly reached out to take the gift. Seeing the royal family as well as everyone else watching you you licked your lips and opened the box to see a metal box inside decorated with a mermaid and other sea life. It looked to be made of silver and as you flipped the small latch on it and opened it you heard a soft tune start playing. It was a music box. Smiling you looked up to the King. "It's beautiful. Thank you."

"Hey I want one of those." Luffy grumbled.

"You're not pregnant!" Nami scolded, smacking the captain in the head.

Listening to the soft melody play out you bit your lip and looked up the huge merman again. "Thank you so very much."

"Of course."

Giving Jinbe a smile and a bow of your head as you left you took a deep breath as Luffy gave the order to set sail. Placing a hand on your belly you closed your eyes, praying to whatever higher power that would listen, asking them to reunite your family again.

......................................

Sitting at his desk the room was silent except for the sound of the scratching of his pen on the paper. Adjusting the cigar in his mouth he breathed out a puff of smoke around the rolled tobacco. Thankfully there wasn't much else to do as far as this deal went and if everything went according to plan he would make a large amount of money on it. Reading over what he had just wrote he was startled by a sudden tapping at the office window. Sitting up he turned his head some and looked to see a news coo perched on the trim outside. "I've already got a paper today." he told it and turned back to his work. Not a moment later did it tap it's beak on the glass again. Sighing he turned to it. "I don't want one." he grunted. When it still didn't fly off he stood and moved over to open the window. "I'm not buying anoth..." Before he could finish his sentence the thing was pulling out a envelop from his bag and holding it out to him. Just starring at it for sometime he heard the thing make a noise and reached out to take it. Looking over the blank envelope that was sealed shut he saw no name on the front and knit his brows. Lifting his eyes to the bird he took out some money and gave it to it, watching it fly off before closing the window and moving to sit back at his desk.

The wax seal was made in blue wax and he didn't recognize it. It didn't even have his name on the front of it or a senders. Breaking the seal he cautiously looked inside but saw nothing but a piece of paper, a letter. Pulling it out he flipped it open and knit his brows tightly at the first words.

Child of Storm,

Just what the hell was this? Child of storm, the meaning of his name, thunder and lightning. Rayden. Biting down on his cigar he looked to the next line.

I pray this letter finds you. There is so much I wish I could say but I was told to keep it short so let's play a game. Here are the instructions, Open '80's Playlist. First letter of each song. Ready? Go.

His lip twitched for a moment and while he normally would have thought this was some sort of trick he quickly and slightly clumsy yanked open his desk drawer and grabbed his darling's phone. Typing in the passcode he swiped across the screen to her music and went to the playlist she had named. Snapping his eyes back to the letter he saw numbers. Song numbers? Maybe.

#78, #99, #63....

Okay, 78. Number 78. Scrolling down he got to the song title. Purple Rain. First letter. Grabbing his pen he wrote the letter P down. Next number, 99. Under Pressure, U. On and on he went, scrolling to the song number listed. No one like you, N. Kickstart my Heart, k.

Finishing the list he looked down at what it was he had wrote. 'Punk Hazzard' Punk Hazzard, the island Vegapunk had been using. He knew it was inhabitable now from the explosion. Unfolding the rest of the paper he looked to the bottom and felt his cigar fall from his lips.

Until we are together again, Starlight.

Y/n. His star. She had made it out. How? Shaking his head he stood so fast his chair fell backwards. Shoving her phone in his pocket he folded her letter and grabbed his coat. Hurrying from the room he pulled out his den den and called Daz.

"Yes s..."

"Ready the ship, we are leaving. Now." was all he said before hanging up. He didn't even bother packing a bag. His soulmate was waiting for him and he wouldn't keep her waiting.

#One Piece Fanfiction #Sir Crocodile #one piece crocodile #crocodile fanfiction #crocodile x reader #sir crocodile x reader #one piece crocodile x reader #soulmate #soulmarks #soulmate au #crocodile x ofc

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victorie552onepiecespeedrun · 4 years

Text

Reading One Piece pt 239: Comrades

Chapter 486

Thoughts:

- Ok, One Piece wiki tells me we still got 4 chapter (with this one) in this arc but the main action is done. So this is post-Thriller Bark segment. I’m excited, these post-segments are always great

- Chapter title: “Piano” …did Oda named that chapter at random?

- What a daring escape! What a successful heist! Who’s escaping

- Oh, it’s Absalom and Hogback, they’re running from Thriller Bark on a now not-invisible ship. They couldn’t find Perona, so she’s gone forever I guess

- But they got Moria! (How? He’s like, THAT big)

- Hogback is practically a mummy right now. Why are you even alive

- They’re talking about Crocodile and Blackbeard right now. What, do they want to change henchmaster or what

- Absalom got a newspaper. I wish normal mail was as efficient like One Piece mail storks

- !!!!!!!!!!!

- “Captain of Whitebeard Pirates Division Nr 2: “Firefist Ace” is imprisoned in Impel Down” D: D: D:

- So Ace lost his duel with Blackbeard!

- Well, at least we know where we’ll go next? Prison break time!

- I think Hogback and Absalom really will change masters. Or are they bachelors

- With Straw Hats

- Lol, everyone slept whole day in the courtyard

- Hobo Pirates are fine, all of them! And just don’t want to leave outsides. They’re “Sunbathing in tears”! I would too, if I spent three years without sun

- Anyway, Sanji will feed them all!

- Oh wow, look at that! Nami got her treasure! (Perona stashed everything on Sunny when she wanted to run away but as we know, Kuma vanished her)

- Wait. Captain Lola and Nami recognized each other! Even though Nami only met Lola’s shadow! POWER OF FRIENDSHIP

- Oh holy sh*t, Nami is giving away some of her treasure, Power of Friendship really has no bounds

- Hobo Pirates love Straw Hats So MUCH :D

- “Is Zoro awake yet?” ZORO! What about Zoro!?

- “This is the first time I’ve seen so many wounds on Zoro’s body.” Try “on anyone’s body” Chopper

- “Really… he was so close to losing his life. I’m sure something must have happened when we were knocked out.” Yeah

- Why so silent, Brook?

- Wait, Hobo Pirates saw everything? What?

- …Sanji?

- “Why? You were pretty awesome too!” Oh, he doesn’t want everyone to know what happened. Just as Zoro would want it to be. Sanji, you’re a real one

- But they told him about that pain stuff so now Sanji knows

- “Just keep your mounts shut!!” goddammit, it’s amazing, everything here is amazing

- “This guy is super cool!” right?

- Oh, Robin eavesdropped. So she knows too

- Anyway, FEAST TIME!!!

- Brook is so happy :D you go, Grandpa

- Franky and Brook are already on the table and party just started, I just know it will be great

- Zoro sleeps

- DON’T MAKE HIM DRINK WINE WHILE IN COMA LUFFY thought I thing he would appreciate the gesture

- Oh, would you look at that, Brook found some piano! So that’s why chapter title

- “If it’s an instrument, I can play it!” Another genius, I swear, these Straw Hats

- Oh, now Brook tells Sanji he saw/knows everything. That’s 4 out of 9 guys, how long can you keep it a secret from Luffy, really?

- “Comrades… isn’t it such a wonderful thing?” Right?

- So many feeling, so little words

- “Don’t put me and him into the same topic, I’m not an idiot like him” no Sanji, you are, you’re just a bigger tsundere

- And now Brook plays a song :)

- Bink’s Brew, sounds like a good song. Think I saw it somewhere, gotta play it later

- “Hey Brook! I know this song! Shanks and the guys used to sing it!” Luffy :)

- “All pirates sang it in the old days. During hard times and happy times…”

- “You’re gonna become one of us?” oh, Luffy remembered his Main Objective: Get a Musician

- Brook tells Luffy about Laboon and Luffy says they met him!

- “If Laboon finds out you’re okay… he will be so happy!” oh no, there’s something in my eye

- “You really met Laboon? Even after 50 years, he… He’s waiting for me?” I don’t want to cry but I will. Manga, stop it

- Oh, if Brook’s crying, I can too

- Dammit, not flashback with tiny Laboon

- These pirates played a song JUST FOR HIM

And just like that, they leave everyone in tears.

rOP 238 rOP 240

#one piece #one piece speed read #I'm glad Brook can cry #damn it 50 years #who here even LIVED 50 years #but WAIT 50 years?#why is that manga like that #chapter 486 #one piece chapter 486 #486 #spoilers #spoiler #have a nice day #rOP 239

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razorblade180 · 4 years

Text

Shackles pt8: Everything

Part 7 <-

Black, pitch black. That’s all Blake could see around her as her body writhed on the coarse ground. What happened? Where was she? Those were the only major questions coming to the forefront of her pounding head until suddenly, her entire body jerked forward. Blake’s eyes opened as she gasped for air as if she was drowning. It was only at the sight of black smoke and blistering flames around her did the haze become clear. A bomb went off. A bomb near Yang and Jacquelyn.

Blake stumbled to her feet, dizzy from the blast. Somehow that was the only major impact. “Yang!!!?” She yelled painfully. “Jac- cough couch. Jacquelyn!!!?” Blake tried to take a step but her legs weren’t having it. They gave out immediately; it was only by the grace of familiar shrine garb that Black didn’t fall back to the ground. “Jacquelyn!?” Blake groaned. The maiden’s eyes glowed purple with magical power as she breathed heavily. She looked a little less worse than Blake. “How….”

“I...shot flames around us and the blast.” Jacquelyn huffed. Her body finally fell onto her knees with Blake leaning on her back. “It diverted the flames, but the impact was far too much. Especially how I am now.” Jacquelyn rubbed her stomach with concern. Hopefully the baby was just fine. Blake rolled off of her back and to the ground. If Jacquelyn hadn’t tried to protect her, Blake was positive that would’ve been the end. Yang however, she wasn’t near them. That alone made Blake feel dead inside.

She found the strength to get back on her hands and knees. The house was completely blown apart with rubble everywhere, but no sign of the blonde bruiser. “Yang…?” Blake said, her voice quivering in fear. That fear gave way when nobody responded. “YANG!!!!! WHERE ARE YOU!?”

The ground started to rumble before a pile of debris shot into the air. “Right...here!” Yang growled, climbing out of hole with Adam’s sword. Her hair blazed like an intense bonfire while her eyes raged red. She saw Blake struggling on the ground with Jacquelyn trying to stand. Yang stormed over to her and yanked her collar tightly. If it wasn’t for the smoke, Yang would’ve screamed until her lungs collapsed. “Care to explain why the fuck a bomb was in your house?”The anger came clearly through her teeth. Her grip immediately began to loosen by the pain of electricity. Yang wasn’t the only one in a fowl mood.

Jacquelyn grabbed the women’s wrist with charged hands. “If you’re delusional enough to still think this is some kinda trick then you got another thing-is...where did you get the sword?”

“Inside your house. Where else!?” Jacquelyn’s grip finally gave way and Yang backed off. “It’s the whole reason you don’t have a home now! It was sticking out behind a bed frame. I went to grab it and it had fucking trip wire on it! Didn’t you check his room!?”

A tint of red came over Jacquelyn. “That’s not his room. It was just a spare. We...we don’t sleep separately.” The look of judgement on her wasn’t an easy pill to swallow. Divulging that information didn’t exactly help her case in trying to be an unbiased member of this group. Jacquelyn reached for the blade but Yang pulled it away. “Ugh, listen, do you really think if I knew something about this then I’d willing be in the explosion and let someone else trip the bomb? Blake’s friends-” both frustrated women turned to look at the girl in question. They had been so busy being angry that they ignored the fact Blake was still trying to recover. Jacquelyn tried making the first move but Yang stepped ahead and carefully hit Blake on her feet, supporting her weight.

“You hurt?”

“Just winded. Jacquelyn bailed me out.” Blake was quick to add. No need for the situation to get any worse. “Like it or not, she’s with us Yang. As for who rigged that bomb, Adam didn’t do it.” Her claim was met with skepticism from her partner and shock from Jacquelyn. Blake grabbed Adam’s sword and held it close. Despite the smoke and ashes, a scent is a scent; nothing changed that. Especially one reeking of dust and blood, lots of blood. “This sword, the entire house itself smelled different from how it looked.”

“And….what would that be?” Jacquelyn asked. She watched Blake’s hand tremble as her claws dug a little the sheath.

“A slaughter house…” The explosion did more damage than Blake realized. Her body betrayed her will to go. As much as she wanted to continue, the only place she was going right now was back on the ground; the sound of her friends calling her name became muffled until silence. Blake felt all tension in her fade away, blacking out on the on the spot.

xxxx

THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! The continuous sound of faunus falling to ground as their wrecked bodies gave into fatigue echoed through the cavern walls. The only thing louder was the guards frustration towards Adam’s reluctance to break. Jasmine hobbled down below, her eyes fixated on the man gritting his teeth as a whip cracked against his back and a blade glided along the flesh of his abdomen. Even from here, Jasmine could see Adam’s nails scratch his chains to stave off the urge to lash out.

They’re still at it…” Her brother lightly pushed her to keep moving. Too much slacking wouldn’t be good for them, yet she still couldn’t help but watch as she walked. “He’s really something else huh?”

“Yeah, a real fool.” Rajah said, his tone bitter and angry. “Maybe if he yelled then we’d get shown a little mercy.”

“Why would you want him to yell?”

“He’s the reason we’re here in the first place. If he didn’t fill mom and dad’s head with fighting then we wouldn’t be here right now.”

Jasmine slowed her walking. Her ears folded down and thought about her brother’s words. “Yeah...I guess you’re right.” Her gaze went back to Adam, the source of everything. It was a strange thing, her feelings. Anytime Jasmine looked at the guards, the tired prisoners, her frightened brother, the bodies; anger swelled deep inside her like an inferno. Not with Adam though. Despite the blame being on him, she just sorta felt...indifferent. Was it their conversation, or the fact Sobek personally hated him that made Jasmine like him on some surface level? She couldn’t tell the difference. All she could tell was the man named Adam Taurus was being beaten like the rest. Like herself. What good did that do?

Adam coughed up blood and wheezed heavily. How long was his session this time? Maybe an hour? Counting stopped numbing the pain at least three sessions ago. The guards finally gave him some space again. “Break time already?” He groaned with his head held down. A piece of him wanted to thank his past for giving him the experience to endure this. Then again, it was the same past that put him in the predicament. That’s what he wanted to believe anyways. Jackie would hit him on the head and go off on a tangent about choosing your actions. A tiny smile snook onto his face. He liked her over the top speeches.

A hand slowly appeared under his chin and lifted his head. “What are you so happy about?” Said Sobek.

The feel of his calloused hands against normal skin unnerved Adam, and that’s saying something. Ripping off scales couldn’t be healthy in any way, but nothing Sobek did suggested a healthy state of being. “If you think this is a smile then you’re sicker than I thought.” Adam retorted.

“Predictable response.”

“And yet you still asked. Cut to the chase already. Is this another attempt at a speech or a display of power?”

Sobek smirked, “nothing so repetitive. I just thought the monster would like to know the den we found you in is gone. Our spring trap was sprung. How unfortunate for you.”

Adam couldn’t hide his look of concern. Sobek paced around. “Care to tell me who in their right mind would be in that house? They must’ve showed up looking for you.”

“Your dead family.” Adam didn’t even get the chance to blink before Sobek backhanded him for that answer.

“I should just cut you into pieces and be done with it!” Sobek’s grip on Adam’s lower jaw tightened.

The taste of iron became heavier in his mouth. A look at bloodshot eyes and a nasty snarl proved that Sobek was still a faunus no matter his delusional claims. “Tsk, and I’m the monster?”

“Like you have any ground to stand on. You and I are not the same.”

“Oh I know, and so do they.” Adam nudged his head toward the people below. There wasn’t an eye that wasn’t on the vicious doctor and terrorist. Those who looked at Adam weren’t thinking of the man himself, but staring at the injuries. The same couldn’t be said for Sobek. Looks of fear, anger, shock, judgement; it was aimed right at him. Even his men were put off a little.

“WHAT ARE YOU ALL LOOKING AT!?” Snarled, not helping his case. “Do you feel sympathy towards this...thing; this good for nothing animal!? He is nothing to shed pity over and certainly nothing close to anything that resembles a leader that you all so blindly followed!!!” Sobek huffed. He couldn’t believe how stubborn Adam was to break. It had been days since he'd arrived. Nonstop torture, day in and day out. It was beginning to be a problem. If Adam stayed stubborn, then they all might. It was for that reason why Sobek had a backup plan.

The crocodile man slicked back his hair, regaining composure, then walked off the platform and up to awning shielded by class. It was where old SDC guards watched over the miners. It was still plenty sturdy, and fully equipped. Minutes went by before Sobek descended from it with a devious smirk. For the first time since arriving, Adam actually felt his blood run cold. In Sobek’s right hand...was a branding iron. The infamous three letters glowing red hot.

“Remember this?” Sobek asked sarcastically. He slowly started to approach Adam, enjoying the sight of him attempting to break his shackles by tugging and jerking the chain link. “Come now, you know that won’t work. You know I think I’ll test a new experiment today. What will hurt more? Branding your good eye, or placing this perfectly over the first scar? Only one way to find out!” Sobek laughed.

Terror and pent up wrath filled Adam to the point guards tried to hold him down, but were met with horns bashing their faces and screams. “I swear, I fucking swear Sobek, death will be the only thing you want after this! P-Monsters like us, we get what we deserve a hundred times over! You and your crew-” a guard finally grabbed him by the hair and slammed his to the ground and held it there.

Was this irony, karma? It had to be. The excessive breathing, crowd, the complete lack of compassion as Adam found himself screaming while men held him down in order to make an example. How could so many years pass by and he still be in the exact same situation? Once again, Adam felt powerless. Deep down a feeling tugged inside of him that was different from last time. Jacquelyn, a person who was no doubt worrying about him. A person he wanted to see. A person he wanted to call out for. However, he did not. Under no circumstances was he gonna give Sobek any information about her. This was his problem, and yet…

“H-elp…” he said, barely above a whisper. Sobek’s boots stopped right in front of him. Adam’s good eye can only see the man towering above him with the brand at the ready. And just like those many years ago, Adam shed tears of fear while letting out a plea into a frightened crowd.

“Somebody, anybody, HEEEEELLLLLP!”

For the first time...a cry was shouted back.

“LEAVE HIM ALONE!!!” Cried the voice of the only one who would dare move, Jasmine. Nobody realized she had climbed the platform. She wasted no time ramming all the strength she could muster into Sobek’s stomach. Her claws dug into his flesh, teeth clamped down. Two things were made clear in that moment to Jasmine. Her animal intensity was a gift, not a disease like Sobek tried to brainwash into people. The other thing she already knew from the start. There’s no way any justice could exist in a place like this. Only one thing makes a place like this. Hate, and she had plenty of that to give. Her claws slashed at Sobek’s fleshy arms and made him drop the branding iron down below to the crowd.

People stepped back as the tool made a loud bang against the ground. Several guards scrambled to retrieve it, but so did one prisoner. Rajah, armed with his pickaxe. His legs had moved on their own and fear ran deep into his heart as he saw his little sister get slammed to the ground. He told her to behave. To keep her calm. Why couldn’t she listen? Why couldn’t he stop running? Had she inspired him to act? No. Deep down he knew exactly why he moved. If that thing reached Sobek again, Adam wouldn’t be the only one branded. His sister, everyone might be. Rajah raised his pickaxe for all to see, then smashed the weapon of their torture.

A deathly echo resonated from the impact into utter silence. Rajah looked up to see the soulless eyes of his captor burrow into his very being, paralyzing his body from pure terror. Not even the force of guards pinning him to the ground snapped him back to reality. What had he done?

Sobek’s teeth snarled like a pure beast. He wrapped his hand around Jasmine’s neck and squeezed. “Clearly I’ve been far too lenient with you. I thought I told you what to expect if you couldn’t behave like a good little girl.” He looked at his men. “Get the boy ready for his correction.”

Rajah felt his heart stop. He frantically tried to escape the grasps of the guards but to know gain. “Hellllp! Let me go!”

“Raja-ahh!” Jasmine could barely cough let alone speak. Her eyes glared immensely at Sobek’s in fury that refused to die.

“This time, I’ll make sure you stay broken.” He slammed her against the ground, knocking her out briefly. He wasted no time dragging her through the doors back to the torture rooms.

Adam pulled at his chains. He had shown fear and it cost him. “Sobek! Leave them out of this!”

“Beat him within an inch of death!” Sobek demanded. “Just an inch.” Sobek’s men didn’t hesitate to start kicking and beating Adam’s body like a drum while their master went to make an example of defiant animals.He looked at the bleeding child in his hand💀 “All you had to do was learn. Now pain will be your teacher.

Adam could only grunt as the mysterious door closed once again.“SOBEK!!!!”

xxxx

Black. Once again, Blake found herself waking up to blinding light. Thankfully, it wasn’t the scorching sun. It was her lamp. Blake laid in her bed, bandaged up. “I’m home? How did-” the door opened and it was Ilia who entered, surprised by her friend’s state.

“You’re awake!”

“And you’re here?” What is- agh!” The side of her ribs ached as Blake tried to sit up. “How’d you get here so fast?”

“I didn’t. Blake you’ve been asleep for a little over a day.” Ilia sat at the edge of the bed. “Sun and I have been here for a couple hours now. Had to make a few stops.”

“Stops? Wait, how are Yang and Jacquelyn!?” Blake’s voice trembled. “Did any grimm attack on the way back? How-”

Ilia covered the girl’s mouth. “Take a breath, they’re okay.” She watched how Blake slowly lost tension in her body from her words. Ilia regretted covering her face though. Blake looked down at her red stained fingers. Knowing Blake, she probably could smell her too. Ilia removed her hand quickly. To know shock, Blake looked concerned.

“Ilia…”

“It’s fine okay? You told me what was happening and I had the means to get answers.” She justified, mainly to herself. “Those thugs were gonna kill me or worse anyways. I won’t lose sleep over it, much.”

Blake took Ilia’s hands and held them close.“Did Sun see?”

Ilia shook her head. “No, not entirely. I kept him out of the room but at the end I… well, disposing them was too much for me alone. His team did it without my input. I’d feel worse about it if I didn’t gain anything of value from it all.” Ilia got off the bed and walked towards a wall. A heavy and irritated sigh came from deep down. “Given what I’ve learned from you and Jacquelyn was it? If our incidents are related, then Adam is actually in Vacou. Underground, in a very old, very unsafe abandoned dust mine.”

Blake hung on every word said. Her gut twisted into knots from this new information and what she had smelled in Jacquelyn’s home. “How many White Fang members are in there?”

Ilia tossed her scroll at Blake. She watched as her face turned pale by what was on it. Dozens of pictures and videos in inferred signatures rising, then falling. Some got added, while others went dark fast. “Sun and I stopped to confirm the location we were told. It took everything I had not run into that place immediately. Blake, they’re just killing us. Regardless of if Adam’s alive or not, we need to-”

“Does Jacquelyn know?” Blake said, finding her voice again. Guilt spread across Ilia’s face. Suddenly, Blake feared the worst. “Where is she?”

“I couldn’t stop her.”

“You let her go!?”

Ilia threw her arms up, equally upset. “Like I had a choice!? You haven’t exactly told me important things, like knowing the winter maiden; Adam being alive and then being connected is another thing! Of all people not to tell, me? You watched me bury an empty casket out of respect for that guy. That shit gets to me!” Ilia began to pace around the room. “You fully know Adam is not this exclusive entity that’s only shaped your life. I had a right to know!”

“I know! I know…” Blake felt her blood rush and nails dig into her sheets. “You do have a right. I just… it was so confusing and I didn’t know things would… ugh, I’m not trying to make excuses okay? Listen, I swear I’ll come clean with everything but now is not the time. We need to catch up to Jacquelyn.”

“Stop deflecting! You’re in no shape to move anyways. Why would a maiden need help, and why does she care about-”

“Damnit Ilia, she’s pregnant with his kid!” Blake shouted. Her words had frozen Ilia in her tracks. Time was a thing Blake refused to waste. Even if the worst had already come to pass, Blake could at least save two lives; as well as any others that still suffered. Blake forced herself out of bed and passed Ilia, heading down stairs.

Her sense of urgency only got her as far as the living room before she saw Yang and Sun standing up, both alarmed by her swift actions. Yang quickly took hold of her by the wrist. “Let me go!”

“Hold on a second! Where are you going?”

Blake locked eyes with Yang. “Where did you think?” her arm tensed and tugged but couldn’t escape. “Did you even try to stop her, Jacquelyn?”

“You know damn well nothing I could say would’ve helped. Not like it matters. I doubt A-”

“SHUT UP!” Blake screamed as loud as she could. Anger and anxiety manifested as tears that threatened to run down her face. “As if you cared about what actually happened to him.”

Yang felt her hand trembling. Blake’s judgements gaze turned her own gaze to scarlet. Was coming here a mistake? Did this one man’s existence truly mean the death of one of Yang’s greatest relationships? The one she wanted to restore so badly? “You’re right… there hasn’t been a day I didn’t wish that stab killed him instantly, but what does that have to do with what’s right here, right now? You know as well as I do Blake that running off now means nothing without a plan or rest. You’re racing to a dead man.”

The tears finally fell, and they fell full with a silent wrath that Blake had never felt, or has been seen. “So what? Then I’ll save the body.” A burst of strength freed her arm and Blake didn’t look back. She ran, ran far and fast. Disappearances, murders, torture, how could this have all swept by her? Blake promised them peace. Blake hoped for peace, believed things were changing. Nothing had changed. Nothing, but the one person she never believed could. Blake was no High Leader of peace. Merely a leader of the blind.

Yang could only watch her partner race of, her final words still echoing clear. Saving the body, Jacquelyn had said the same thing. Yang looked at the hand that failed to reach her friend. “Why…” she clenched her fist tightly and began to cry. “Why can’t I hold onto you?”

Ilia had finally come down the stairs to see the end result of further friction. Sun pointed in Blake’s direction and Ilia took off running. “I’ll keep her safe. Call Ghira and Kali!” She didn’t stop to get a confirmation. She didn’t need it. “I’ll keep her safe Sun. For everyone’s sake.”

Ilia might not have been looking back but Sun nodded anyways. “Good luck.”

“Good luck? How could you say that right now?” Yang said trembling. “I’ll keep her safe?” Yang had reached her limit. Her head snapped towards him and grabbed his shirt. “HOW COULD THE BOTH OF YOU SAY THAT SO CASUALLY!?” She cried, shaking him. “HOW CAN YOU KEEP UP WITH HER WHEN I...I” Yang fell to her knees in defeat. It’s always been this way. Even from the very start. No matter how close Blake had gotten, Yang always felt like she was out of reach; while others, while Sun never failed to keep his stride. All that Yang was, could never take all who Blake is. It’s why their love broke down. It’s why Yang broke down. “How are you okay with this?”

Sun wasn’t sure what to think of all of this. He’s seen Yang upset, but never so...in pain. He knelt down and reached slowly for her hand, until she actively grabbed him tightly. “Yang, who says I’m okay?” Her body jolted. Yang’s head rose up to look at him. Sun could only offer a small smile and a hand to wipe her tears. “I’m scared out of mind. There’s so much I didn’t know like Ilia and things I wanted to say to Blake before she left, but didn’t. Not right now anyways. Ilia is the same, I'm sure.”

“Yet you stay here without question and Ilia follows her into a living nightmare without question!? How could-”

“Because at the end of it all, agreeing or not, comprehending or confused, I’ll stand by Blake to help anyway I can. You know as well as I do Blake follows the beat of her own drum, and she doesn’t know how it’ll turn out. People like you, Ilia, and I, we’re encouraged to, well, free to join in and add to the crazy beat. What we can’t do, is stop it. Blake will do it anyways. It’s why I love her so much. Easily her best, and most dangerous quality. That’s why she’s always telling people they’re free to leave. Blake’s never gonna ask someone to take part in her risks. Yeah, this situation is nuts; I’m definitely gonna chew her ear off by the end of whatever happens. Until then, nothing matters but making sure the end isn’t the worst it could be.”

Was that really his entire reasoning? She’ll do it anyways so might as well help. It was so reckless, dangerously simple, it was..Sun. It was Sun, and it used to be her too. Yang couldn’t count how many times she did something and Blake ran with it, or at least stuck around in case she needed help. Has that attitude changed? Yang didn’t think so. This situation though, it was… “You can willingly help Adam without a second thought?”

“Hmm? Of course not. I can help Blake without a second thought. If that leads to Adam, then fine. I’ll take him if I have to and be glad if there’s no need. Though, I know why that’s harder for you to do than me.” He squeezed her prosthetic. “Blake actually called me about you visiting. She was so happy to finally see you again. Even if things fell apart, Blake liked that you wanted to try. I’m pretty sure it’s the same with Adam. All Blake wants is a chance to have everything she dreams about. Pretty greedy, I think I’m a bad influence hehe.” He stood up and faced the open door. The light of the sunset had finally begun to fade. “Yang, is Blake in your dream ending?”

“What kind of question is that?” Yang held her head down. “You know she is. Honestly, Blake’s the last piece. I even have my mom back for crying out loud.”

“Ha, if that’s the case…” Sun reached for hand again and got Yang on her feet. “Dance to the end.”

A fire inside Yang felt ready to burn her up. It felt terrifying, yet nostalgic. How long had it been since she felt so exhilarated? Still Yang knew the price to pay for wanting everything. If she were to do this, she’d risk the future Jaune and her were going to have. Yang’s hand rubbed her stomach. No one would judge her for stopping now. Sun might’ve spoken differently if he knew, or maybe not? He’d probably tell her ‘everything’ would mean not losing Blake and the baby. Weirdly enough, there was beauty in that mindset.

“Sun?”

“Yeah?”

Yang smiled at him,then ran out the door. “I’ll keep those idiots safe!”

Sun could only cuff his hands around his mouth and scream with all of his heart.

“GOOD LUCK!” He pulled a small box out of his pocket and opened it to rub a ring inside. “Good luck...”

#rwby #rwby au #yang xiao long #rwby shackles #blake belladonna #sun wukong #rwby blacksun #ilia amitola #adam taurus #jacquelyn frost

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op-law · 3 years

Text

If You Try To Break Up With Them

Trafalgar Law

I may have heard some rumors around the submarine and let them get to me since before I could stop myself, I had already walked into my boyfriend's office. "Law we need to break up!" When the man didn't look up from his papers, I said my sentence again just encase he didn't hear me the first time. "And why is that (Y/n)-ya?"

"You know exactly what you did! Don't play me for a fool!" When Law started to rub his temples with his thumb and index finger, I narrowed my eyes at him since this was a serious matter. "(Y/n)-ya I have no idea what you're talking about. Please take a seat" Leave it to Law to play the innocent act but I was not about to give in to his orders. "No! You're a fucking cheater!"

When Law stood up from his desk, I took a few steps back but it was only for his safety. "(Y/n)-ya I have never once cheated on you! Who the hell told you I did!?" Thinking back to what I had overheard today I felt my fist clench but quickly responded before I could act on my rage. "Penguin said you stole the hearts of three girls and two men on the last island we're on! How dare you yell at me cheater!"

He seemed to be thinking over what I said although once his facial features relaxed, I became confused. "(Y/n)-ya I love you to death but you can be a moron at times. I took the hearts of those people as in the actual beating organ. Do you want to see them?" When a small blue cube was placed on the desk between us, I felt the color drain my face before I slowly started to back away. "Wait... Oh my- I was never here! This conversation never happened!"

"I'll see you at dinner (Y/n)-ya and please stop yelling you'll only make your throat sore"

Dracule Mihawk

"Mihawk where are you!?" I had endured being stuck on this island for far too long and once I found my so-called boyfriend, I was going to tell him exactly how it was. He wouldn't be very happy with me but I just didn't care anymore. "In the kitchen. Why are you screaming my dear?" When the man stuck his head out of the kitchen, I noticed a bowl in his hand though ignored it as I started the little tangent that I had been practicing all morning. "I'm breaking up with you and there's nothing you can say that will change my mind"

Instead of becoming annoyed with me, I noticed he only turned his back and slowly started to speak. "There's a new girl wandering around the castle. Her name is Perona perhaps you can act as her mother figure for the remainder of her stay?" Damn it why did this man have to use my weakness for children against me like this? "Where is this girl?" As my head started to look around the area for the girl, I heard what sounded like a smartass comment from Mihawk. "Aren't you ending our partnership (Y/n)?"

"Tsk. That can wait until next month"

~~~~~~~~~~

Three Months Later...

"Mihawk I'm breaking up with you and this time I'm serious!" I knew the man had just returned from the war a few days ago but unfortunately, I was sick so I couldn't start a fight with him at the time of his return. "(Y/n) have you met my new student yet?" He might have been able to change my mind by allowing Persona to stay here but this time I wasn't going to let that happen. "No! I'm not going to fall for that trick ag- Is that him? He's so cute!"

"You're predictable as ever my dear"

Bartholomew Kuma

I had been thinking this through for a while now but today I had finally decided where I stood with my boyfriend. We couldn't be together sexual and, in the end, that was what caused me to settle with the decision of leaving him. "Kuma?" As he turned his attention away from his book, I felt my breath stop for a minute though I knew this had to be done. "Yes, (Y/n)-chan?"

This needed to be treated like a bandage since if I waited longer than necessary, I wouldn't go through with it. "I don't want to date you anymore" My voice remained calm but inside it hurt me more than he would ever know. "Alright, if you could go anywhere where might that be?" Kuma always was reasonable when it came to me and in some way, he probably knew that this moment was coming. "Hm? Dressrosa seems interesting enough"

"Very well (Y/n)-chan. Until we met again"

Sir Crocodile

"Excuse me Crocodile?" As the man continued to stare down at the paper within his hand, I got a little annoyed since Crocodile didn't even look up as he replied. "What do you want (Y/n)?" He was just asking to get slapped but there was no way I could even hit him thanks to that devil fruit he ate. "You've been ignoring me all week and I'm not going to stay with such a jerk. Consider our relationship dissolved" Even after I said that the man still didn't look up although he did address the stupid assistant. "Miss All Sunday would you escort my darling partner back to their room?"

"Of course, Sir~ Come along (Y/n)-san" As the girl took a step towards me, I took several away from her but I knew she'd catch me the moment her devil fruit came into play. "Hell no! This isn't over Croco-bitch!"

"Dos Fleur... Shall we (Y/n)-san?" I hated when she used her devil fruit powers on me but as Crocodile spoke up, I could see his eyes and they looked a little more lifelike than usual. "Miss All Sunday, my partner bruises easily and if I see even one of their fair skin, I'll kill you" That was probably the most romantic thing he's said all month. "Ah~ My Croco-chan is such a protective husband~ Hehhehehe. I'll see you at dinnertime, alright Croco?"

"Didn't you just inform me that you wished to break up (Y/n)?"

"Yes, but now I've changed my mind. I'll see you at six and you better not be late! Goodbye, my dearest husband~"

Donquixote Doflamingo

'Cough' 'Cough' 'Cough'

"Can I help you with something (Y/n)?" That smirk on Doflamingo's face was always present but right now all I wanted to do was make it disappear. "I don't like you and I refuse to be kept prisoner any longer" His smile never faded but this wasn't the first time I told him about my desire to leave him. "Hm, are you trying to break up our little partnership? Fufufu. I'm afraid you don't have much of a choice in the matter love~ Go sit back down before you say something you regret"

This man wasn't weak but a small part of me believed that I could take him on. Probably was a stupid thought but a person could hope. "I'm leaving today Doflamingo so don't expect to see me for dinner" He always made me eat dinner with him and his family although tonight I'd be leaving this Kingdom. "Such a silly girl~ Fufufu. Please take a seat" Doflamingo's smile was starting to twitch but I decided to push my luck just to see what would happen. "No thanks" Never once in this forced relationship did, he use his devil fruit on me without permission but as those tan fingers started to move, I froze. "That wasn't a request (Y/n) it was an order. It wouldn't be wise to test my patience"

His strings weren't anywhere near me but I kept a watch on him just encase he did attach them to me. "No Doflamingo" As he leaned back against his desk chair I took in his relaxed position although didn't feel threatened. "I'll have the kitchen prepare you a snack~ How does that sound?" Damn did he really need to bribe me with food? "What kind of snack?" I wasn't that hard to please when it came to food and I'm sure Doflamingo knew that. "Whatever you want"

"Hmmm? I'll break up with you later" As I made my way over to the couch, I turned back to lock onto Doflamingo's sunglasses but noticed he had taken them off. His eyes would always cause me to pause though before I could fall too deep within them, I looked away. "Keep telling yourself that (Y/n) maybe one day it'll happen" If I was being honest with myself, I knew even if I did leave him my life would be over. There was no running away from someone as powerful as the Joker and even if I did, he'd only drag me right back to his side within a week or two. "Well, thankfully you're old so maybe you'll die soon"

"I love you (Y/n)~"

"And I hate you Doffy"

Boa Hancock

"B-But my love what did I do wrong!?" Telling Hancock that I wanted to break up was probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do. She was an incredible girl though I just couldn't handle the amount of attention she would shower me with. "It's nothing against you Hancock but it's time that I moved on" I would have thought she'd fight a little more and some part of me had some doubts about her next sentence but I'd give in to the girl's last request. "... As you wish my love although I would like to throw you a farewell party tonight. Please allow me to do at least that then I'll escort you to any island of your choosing"

"That sounds fun. Sure, Hancock let's do that"

~~~~~~~~~

Later That Night...

The party was in full swing but I could find my soon ex-girlfriend. "Here (Y/n)-san please enjoy some punch" As I was handed a glass, I stared down at it though took a quick sip before focusing on the person who gave it to me. "Oh, thank you. Have you seen Hancock?" I could do without seeing her but I needed to at least say goodbye to her before we departed. "The Snake Princess should be arriving soon (Y/n)-san" Of course the girl was going to end up being fashionably late. "Right... thanks again for the punch"

As I walked away from the girl, I continued to drink from my glass but when my sight became fuzzy, I accidentally dropped the glass. I didn't even register what was going on though I must have blacked out since when my vision became clear I found myself laying on a bed. "What the hell happened?" When I had tried to sit up something had stopped my movements. "Wha- Are those ropes?" The room might have been dark but I could definitely pick up on the rough material tied around my wrists. "Oh, my sweet (Y/n) did you really think you could leave me after everything I did for you? I'm sorry about the bindings but this is the only way to keep you from running away"

"H-Hancock?"

"Don't worry my love I'll always love you and we'll always be together~"

Jinbei

A/n: Couldn't think of something for him but if I do, I'll add it later*

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lu-undy · 4 years

Text

Chapter 6 - SBT

Here is chapter 6! Let me know what you guys think so far! ;)

Mundy drove to a quiet spot in the middle of the desert. He needed some peace and quiet to think.

"Roight, what do I know…?"

The Australian was lying on his van's rooftop, his eyes on the night sky and yet not seeing the stars.

"They did it in two times. What's that supposed to mean…?"

He liked the desert. It was a place of solace, a place of calm and paradoxically enough, despite its impressive size, the desert was where the tall man felt the most intimacy. The dust there knew him better than anyone.

Really? He wondered.

Yeah, actually.

The dust knew him better than anyone. The cacti would hear him think and the boulders would answer in the echo of his own voice.

He shook his head to shoo away the thought and not fall in the trap of dwelling on it too much.

"Roight, the 'gators, the bloody 'gators. Why would they get the job done in two times? They had more than enough cars to get them all in one go… They'd all have fitted!"

He sighed as he realised what his comeback in the business meant.

"Bloody hell…"

He thought he had torn that page of his existence and burnt it away.

"Bloody hell…"

He had sworn to himself that he wouldn't take it back again. It was insane. Insane and unreasonable. Insane, unreasonable and madly dangerous. It had cost him too much by the past, way too much.

"No."

No. He wouldn't take the job. He would call Johnson first thing in the morning and he would refuse.

No! It was bloody crazy! He had lost too much and for what? For animals? Animals?

He had been clawed, bit, punched, kicked and shot. All for animals, some of them no one even cared about…! No one, but him.

Crazed gunman.

His father was right. He had become exactly that…

Mundy sighed and opened another beer.

So that was it, eh? He would abandon those alligators to basically die…? Hm, and why not? No one had saved him when he had needed it, when he was at the bottom of the pit, no one, no man or animal came to help. So why on Earth should he help rich-as-all-hell Johnson and his bloody crocodiles?!

No one had helped the solitary Australian man in a van. Like a sad ice cream truck, he would drive her around without any music on, dragging her around with him. She was more than a home on wheels, she was his home, and his best friend. She was all he had left. At least, she had been there.

He would sleep in the safety of her arms, he would talk to her, and she was by far his most helpful companion. She knew how to listen to him when he needed an ear and was there when he had moments of happiness, to celebrate with him. Although… Now that he thought about it, he couldn't remember any such moment since… Well, since a long time now that didn't seem that long. The past years seemed to all mash together to an inconsistent soup of non-events through which one thing had persisted. His solitude.

That was his second best friend, after the van. At first he had hated her and couldn't stand her. She had invited herself in his life flinging the door to his heart wide open and without knocking. She had erupted in the most brutal fashion.

Then she made him like her. He didn't want anything to do with her but she cleverly managed to get him to do exactly what she wanted. Ha, some people say that a man only sees reason when he meets a woman. Those are lucky bastards who haven't met Solitude first. He hated that she controlled him, he hated that she had cut all his ties with his friends and any human contact that remained, she killed as easily as his kukri sliced a juicy melon.

Mundy was her prisoner. The only way to break free from her, was to embrace his condition and see it not like a constraint, but like a normal life. And so he did. He let her have her way without resisting anymore and had grown to like it. She had brought him peace and more free time that he ever thought was possible to have.

For what? Well, for the last thing he had, namely, himself.

No one cared about him, so he had grown to care about no one but himself. Hidden behind the safety of his tinted glasses and under his brown hat, he felt as comfortable as a snail in his shell. He was sheltered, safe and protected in a zone where things were familiar and usual, and where he was the only one in charge. His best companion, Solitude, controlled everything so nothing went wrong and nothing surprised him in a regrettable way.

That's how he had chosen to live for almost a decade now. Some would say it was sad, others would argue there was no point in living if it is to go through the days like that. Maybe they were right and he was just organically decaying, withering one day after the next, growing older and waiting for his conclusion to bow goodbye to no one but his van…?

Maybe.

Yet something had planted the seed of doubt in his heart. Something was tickling the back of his mind and almost his conscience.

Yes no one cared about those alligators and in all honesty, now, neither did Mundy. But… When he had entered the enclosure, when he smelt those familiar scents of wilderness, when his hands touched the wood of the log, the blood on the wall, the dust of the tracks left by the trucks… When he started seeing the scene in his head, those men shooting the alligators, dragging them out and driving off…

He had felt something that Solitude had taken away from him and jealously kept away. He could barely recall what she was called, that other one. The one that made him see the orange of the desert, the blue of the sky, the green of the cacti. The one who made him smell the warmth and not the bitterness of his coffee, the one who made him taste the sweetness of the apples that he now had gotten used to crushing between his teeth not to enjoy them, but because crushing something outside of him was much better than inside.

What was left to crush in his little empty self now anyway? Pff, nothing! Solitude, like the very efficient poison that she was, had done one hell of a spring cleaning and had got rid of anything that would make him feel any shred of life in his body.

Life! That was her name! That's what she was called! That's the one that Solitude had taken away from him! His life!

He had felt alive again in that enclosure, for a fleeting moment, yes, but he had felt it! His heart pumping, his eyes excitedly looking for clues, his mind eagerly trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Mind you, he hadn't felt that in years!

So now he was faced with a choice.

Either stay with Solitude and repeat his days like the verses of a song he knew too well, comfortably nested in rituals that she had laid for him; or risk it and take his life back, let himself work again, let himself feel whatever life would throw at him. Make the bet that he could find those alligators and get them to safety, for them, for himself and for his life. Screw Johnson long and large, he couldn't care less about the man. There was something about rich people that he couldn't stand. Their arrogance in thinking that they were owed everything because they had enough paper notes and metal coins to get it. He hated that.

Besides, what was left to lose now, hm?

Mundy's eyes darted left and right as if he was looking in his own head, trying to find something that he would regret if he came to lose it. But nothing came to his mind… Absolutely nothing.

Solitude or Life?

Live his days like photocopies of each other or risk it all and feel again?

His mind was set and he slept on his decision. Solitude would be upset and would no doubt try and catch him back, but Mundy was ready to fight. He had survived long enough, time to live. Life was extending a helpful hand to him. Why not accept it when he had nothing left to lose?

The next morning, the Australian was driving to find somewhere to get his breakfast from. He looked for a place he hadn't been in a long time as the perspective of being recognised and dragged in small talk by anyone made him gag in his head.

Ah but no… Not anymore… He had set his mind to cheat on Solitude and take risks.

And it seemed to him that the van drove him as opposed to the other way around. She parked in that same place he had had a coffee the day before.

"Roight…" Mundy took a deep breath and took a seat at the same table he had the day before, on the terrace. He looked around him. The city was waking up and people were commuting either to work, or parents with their children to school. The sun shone beautifully and not too brightly. All in all it seemed like a good day.

“Look who came back…!” It was the same waitress. He raised his eyes to her.

“Oh, hey there.”

“Good to see you again. You liked my coffee, eh?”

Mundy smiled.

“Well, was good enough for me to come back apparently.”

“Yeah, apparently.”

They exchanged a short chuckle.

“Should I get you the same?”

“Yeah. Uhm, actually, could I get a muffin with that?”

“Sure, which one? We’ve got chocolate with chocolate chips, classic with chocolate chips and classic with berries.”

“Uhm, classic with berries would be nice, yeah.”

“Alright…” She scribbled everything on her small notepad. “Anything else with that?”

“Nah, that’ll be more than fine.”

“Alright, I’ll be right back.”

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome, beautiful smile you have.”

And on that note, she turned her heels and went away, leaving the Aussie surprised and confused.

Beautiful smile you have.

He didn’t know what he looked like when he smiled anymore but she had found it beautiful. Mundy looked at his reflection on the metal sugar bowl. It was distorted given the shape of it but that was the only thing he could see himself on now. He tried smiling again and stared. Was that beautiful? He stopped smiling and looked away, pushing the sugar bowl further from him.

No, he didn’t look anything like that, if anything, he looked strange when he smiled, he almost pitied himself…

“There we are…!”

The waitress stopped him right before he fell in a dangerous abyss.

“Black coffee and muffin with berries for the handsome man with the van…!”

She placed the coffee mug and the pastry on the table in front of him.

“Thanks.”

“Oh, what’s wrong? Did I get your order wrong?” The waitress got her notepad and flipped the pages quickly.

“No, nah, it’s fine.”

“You’re a very bad liar…”

She took a seat opposite him.

“Tell me.”

“Tell you what?” He asked, trying to earn some time and come up with an excuse.

“Tell me what’s wrong.”

“Bah… It’s work stuff…”

“What is it that you do in your job?”

“I’m a hunter.”

“Ooh… What kind of animals d’you hunt?”

“The ones no one else can.”

Her eyes lit up at the mere thought of the level of danger that it involved.

“You got me interested there! Tell me more…!”

“Well, I don’t know... “ Mundy removed his hat and scratched his head.

“Oh, c’mon!” She insisted.

“That’s no sheila’s talk, y’know…”

“Who cares, imagine I’m a bloke and tell me, please…?”

Mundy sighed.

“I uh… I go after poachers.”

“You hunt poachers?”

“In a way, yeah.”

“D’you kill them?”

“No! Nah, never… I just give them a good fright and make them understand that they have to stop.”

“Hm, you make them understand, eh?” She raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah, I think it’s the best way to put it.”

“So what’s it like?” She asked.

“What?”

“How does it work? Go on, give me an example!”

Mundy was at a loss. She seemed to enjoy talking to him and asking him about his job. Of course he was mildly sugarcoating it. No sheila needed to hear the exact way that he dissuaded the poachers to ever take a job again. But maybe that was his chance. Maybe that waitress was a first point of contact with a fellow human being.

“Well, there was this time where uh, you know the kangaroo and emu reserve?”

“The one outside of town?”

He bit in his muffin and nodded.

“Yeah.”

“Yeah I see where it is.”

“Well, they had some problems cause they kept on losing the kangaroos. Thing is, those big ones don’t really have natural predators and certainly not around that reserve so they called me in. I took a bit of time to work out that it was a group of poachers who’d slip in at night and steal a few every so often. I waited for them to strike again and caught them red-handed.”

“Is it dangerous?”

Mundy bobbed his head left and right as he continued eating his muffin.

“Depends. For a few ‘roos, nah. People don’t want the kangaroos for their fur or anything. It’s just for their meat, which is a bit more expensive than beef, yeah, but not that ridiculous. It’s when they go for more rare or more pricey animals that it usually gets a bit more difficult.”

“Why?”

He gulped down and took another bite before answering.

“Cause usually if you want your hand on say some snake’s skin or some crocs’, you’re ready to make a fortune and you’re ready to pay whatever it costs to get it. You know that after you sell it, you’re gonna be filthy rich, that’s why…”

“Oh, I see… Do you ever get hurt and stuff?”

Mundy frowned as he wiped his hands on a paper towel.

“Oh yeah, countless times. It’s not an easy job on the body and on the mind but eh, gets the gas paid for the van and it’s honest work so can’t complain.”

Mundy had finished his muffin and was sipping on his coffee.

“Must be intense at times, yeah?”

“Yeah, sometimes. Although most of the time, nothing happens really.”

“Which I guess is quite nice, you got some free time, eh?” She answered.

He looked her in the eye.

“Yeah, yeah it isn’t that bad.”

Mundy finished his coffee and leaned back on his chair. He let the silence settle before he tilted his head on the side and asked.

“What about you?”

The waitress opened wide eyes and her cheeks turned pink.

“Well, I’m a waitress here.”

“Can see that, yeah.”

They both chuckled.

“You like it here?”

“Yeah, job’s easy and pays the bills and rent…”

“But..?” He anticipated.

“But I wish I could do something more… y’know… better.”

“What would that be?” He asked.

“I don’t know. Something with plants. I’ve always liked gardening but eh, bills aren’t gonna pay themselves.”

“It’s not too late to look for somethin’ in that area. Plenty of parks and stuff here.” He answered.

“Yeah but I don’t know anythin’ about it. Used to garden with my Granny when I was a little girl. She had a massive garden, always green no matter the season. We used to take care of it together.”

“You could try and learn. I’m sure there are places that could teach you or somethin’.”

“Yeah, I suppose I could…” She sighed.

“What’s stoppin’ you?” He asked.

“I don’t really have the time with this job.”

“Got kids to take care of at home?” Mundy asked innocently but only realised that she didn’t after he saw a flash in her eyes.

“Nah, nah I’m alone.”

“Well then you could try and find sort of uh, night classes, or something that suits you for the hours, to still work here at the same time, I s’ppose.”

“Yeah, I suppose you’re right.”

She smiled.

“What’s your name?”

“M.”

“Just M?”

He nodded.

“In that case, I’m E.”

She extended her hand to him. He stared at it for an awkward second. It seemed like he had been parachuted in the human race and didn’t know the customs of it… But he eventually shook her hand.

“Nice to meet you M.”

“Same.”

She stood up and took her tray.

“Right, better get back to it before I get shouted at.”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll walk to the counter with you, I need to go.”

He took his hat off the table and followed her in. She went behind the counter and he paid for what he had.

“Uhm, M?”

“Hm?” He answered as he put his change back in his wallet.

“Come back tonight, at about 8.”

He raised his head to her and his eyebrows twitched for an instant.

“I should be done with my shift by then.”

Mundy’s eyes widened.

“Okay, alright…”

He turned his back and walked to the door.

“Don’t forget!”

His grip hardened on the door handle. He turned to her and nodded.

“I won’t.”

#tf2 sniper #tf2 spy #sniperspy #SBT

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sarcastically-defensive17 · 4 years

Note

OMG, so I just saw a post of Australia, you know the kind of show how wild nature is there, so I just thought like any member of 5sos x reader where whoever you choose is so exited to show reader Australia and his home and reader is just really nervous and afraid bc Australia is wild jajsjsjdjd But she doesn't say anything bc she loves to see how exited he is

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie - M. Clifford

So this probably didn’t live up to expectations so I hope you don’t completely hate it! I figured Mikey would be the type to hype himself up to a reader who had no experience with the fine country I come from.

Gotta love the crazy ass animals we have here!

Original story by sarcastically-defensive17

When Michael informed her of his decision to take her on a round trip of Australia, she had to feign excitement.

She knew that it was a beautiful country, filled with beautiful people and Michael had so much love for the land he called home, but there was one largely terrifying factor.

According to every nature documentary she had indulged herself in, in preparation for the trip, Australia had some of the most dangerous wildlife imaginable.

“Ooh, the wildlife channel,” Michael sounded from behind her, and she turned her head from the television to see her blond boyfriend walk into her vision. He had a black hat positioned on his head. “Getting excited to battle the frightening natural elements back in ‘Straya?”

She giggled at the way he molded his accent, resembling the way Steve Irwin spoke in the Crocodile Hunter movie he had subjected her to.

“It’s not that crazy, is it?” She was hesitant. She had heard so much about the creepy crawlers, the large snakes that could kill people within seconds, the vicious kangaroos and whatever ‘drop-bears’ are. She was terrified.

“Oh it’s much worse!” He giggles. If only he knew that his jokes were increasing her anxiety for the trip. “I remember when I was younger, a kangaroo jumped in my backyard and started chasing me. Those 2 meter y’all Mike Tyson’s are terrifying.”

Y/N felt her face visibly pale. Kangaroos are meant to be cute and cuddly. When she was younger she heard that they were the kindest Australian animal.

“Don’t even get me started on the drop bears! One of them ate my puppy when I was 6!”

“What’s a drop bear?” She gasped, letting her mouth fall open slightly.

“It’s what we call Koala’s that have gone rabid,” he held a devilish grin on his face.

It might have been cruel of him to torment his girlfriend in such a way, but he couldn’t deny the amount of badassery he felt when she gushed about how tough he is to have survived living in such a dangerous place.

Having a girlfriend who was born and raised in a nice neighbourhood in Columbus, Ohio had some benefits to his ego.

“Bad time to say that I don’t wanna get eaten by a drop bear?” She laughed nervously, “Koala’s are cute and cuddly. How do they go rabid?”

“The rabies gets to them.”

“Rabies?”

He made a noise of agreement, “You will be fine baby,” he rubbed her shoulder softly. “Just need to remember your running shoes.”

She groaned, feeling no other way to expel her nervous energy but to smack the hand off of her shoulder.

She was going to get eaten, she knew it. One of the dangerous wild animals in Australia was going to murder her.

That, or she would be sent to prison for strangling her boyfriend.

“How did you survive down there?” She whined, dreading the trip they will be leaving for in a few days. “Everything is so terrifying already.”

“Us Aussies are born with fire in our blood, sweet cheeks,” he quipped, flexing his arm and frowning when his bicep didn’t inflate enough. “We know how to handle the crazy wildlife.”

“I can’t imagine you or Luke handling a 3 meter long Red-bellied Black snake, or a big huntsman,” she grumbled.

“Ahh, see, you know the threats already! Summer time is the worst for the snakes and spiders, but we will be fine!” She sighed at his words, closing her eyes as he pressed a kiss to her forehead before pulling her close. “At least, we might be.”

()()()()()()

The flight from LA to Sydney was long and arduous, but made better by the presence of her boyfriend and her friends who were either visiting family or accompanying them on their trip.

Calum, and Luke and Sierra had planned to visit family while in their home country, whereas Ashton and KayKay and Michael and Y/N would embark on a three week trip from state to state in the country.

Everybody seemed excited apart from Y/N who was filled with dread at the sight of any native animals, but she loved nothing more than to see the way michaels eyes lit up when they landed at the airport.

She was even more terrified when she found out the first place they would be staying would be at a camping site that Taronga Zoo in Sydney had, but he was beyond excited to see all of the different animals up-close.

He told her a story on the plane ride over of how he did the camp out with his parents when he was younger, and it made her heart swell.

You could physically interact with the animals that surrounded the area, and she would be at the mercy of all of the little critters that swamped the ground. Nevertheless, she was determined to do it with Michael.

Ashton, in all of his sane glory, insisted that once they arrived at the zoo, they all needed to take a walk through the reptile exhibit.

All was fine and well until they reached the entrance to the cave like structure and Y/N couldn’t move her feet anymore.

She had forced herself to not mention her feelings to Micheal because of how excited he was to visit his home turf and spend time introducing everything to her, but she couldn’t bring herself to physically enter the cave.

Unfortunately, the blond man she adored noticed her faltered steps and walked backwards towards her with a concerned look in her eyes.

“What’s wrong, babe?” He asked, a soft smile on his face that slowly stretched into a sly smirk, “scared of some snakes?”

She let out a soft laugh, lacking every ounce of humor as her wide eyes darted from Michael’s face to the entrance to the cave.

“Would you laugh if I said yes?”

“No, but I would laugh at the huntsman about to crawl on your ear?”

Her eyes widened further than they were, and a screech left her lips at the same time a loud laugh left Michael’s. She lurched her body, swatting at her shoulder and rushing to Michael’s side.

It took her a solid minute to realize there was no spider when her boyfriend was doubled over, taking in large gasps of breath as he released obnoxious laughs.

It took him a further minute to recover from what he believed to be the most hilarious joke ever, and when he looked up, he was met with the unimpressed expression that Y/N had on his face.

“I’m going to go find an animal that is cute and cuddly, and I’m staying far away from anything that slithers, or has more than four legs, or will bite me and kill me,” she began walking in the direction of a sign displaying koalas and kangaroos, without waiting for Michael or anybody else to catch up.

Footsteps sounded behind her as Michael jogged time catch up with her annoyed footsteps.

He slung an arm around her shoulder, pressing a kiss to her forehead and sending her an apologetic look.

“I’m sorry, baby!” No reply. “You’re not seriously mad at me, are you?”

She gave him no sense of acknowledgement, walking along with her arms crossed.

“Y/N, please?” He began to put now, grabbing her by the shoulders and spinning her to face him. “Okay, baby. I know this isn’t your most ideal vacation, and all of the murderous animals here are getting to you, and don’t try to deny it because I can read you like a book,” he wagged a finger at her, poking her nose before continuing. “But I also know that there is no such thing as drop bears, and there are perfectly cuddly koala’s not far from here that I convinced some keepers to let you meet after hours.”

She seemed to perk up at this. She had read much about koala’s as she was drawn to the fluffy, grey bears and she was most excited to see them.

She couldn’t stop the smile from her face as she laced her fingers with his and pulled him along towards the koala sign.

“That’s my girl!” He beamed back at her. “You’re gonna love this! They’re so fluffy and they’re gonna let us give them some eucalyptus leaves, and have as many koala hugs as we want-“

His words stopped short, as well as his footsteps, much like Y/N did at the entrance to the reptile cave.

She stopped along side him, raising a brow at him, “Mike? What’s wrong?”

He gave her no reply, his eyes locked on a single figure ahead of him.

She turned her eyes to see what had him in such a state of fear, only to be met with a single kangaroo.

“Holy shit, they are bigger than I expected,” his voice trailed off, causing a laugh to fall from Y/N’s lips.

“I thought you said you went toe-to-toe with a kangaroo when you were little?” She was now the one to smirk, crossing her arms in a sarcastic way.

“Okay,” he huffed, “I lied. And now I don’t want to go near it because it looks really scary so let’s just run in this direction.”

Before she could protest, he had her sling over his shoulder and they were running in the direction of the much awaited koala exhibit.

Maybe Y/N would enjoy her time in Australia more than she thought. Especially with Michael by her side.

#michael clifford #5sos #michael clifford x reader #luke hemmings #ashton irwin #calum hood #5 seconds of summer #requested #australia #aussie #holly is so un-australian so she probably did this really badly but sorry!!!#im only good at songfics #even then im pretty bad!

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skylanders-after-the-end · 4 years

Text

Revenge

Déjà Vu opened her eyes. She was laying on a hard surface with a soft touch. The Skylander slowly lifted her head to find herself inside a small circular room surrounded by bookshelves. In the center she saw the backs of Spyro, Enigma and… herself? The timelord stood up and finally recognized the place. It was the house to which they travelled shortly to find the Book of Destiny. Seeing herself right in front of her made Déjà Vu realize that this must be another one of her time tricks. However, when she stepped closer to the trio of the past, she phased right through them, as if they weren’t even there. The Magic Skylander didn’t think much of it as the book attracted her attention instead. The pages were turning at such a fast pace that Déjà Vu couldn’t make out anything. Finally, it stopped. It was the same page and the same cluster of words scribbled onto it, just like the first time. Only this time something was different. She could read the words ‘An alliance destined to destroy’ once again, but soon another word was added to the sentence - ‘itself.’.

Déjà Vu opened her eyes. She quickly observed her surroundings. This time she was in bed inside a room of the Academy Hospital, which made far more sense. Nevertheless, the dream she just witnessed revealed something that none of them thought of. The complete sentence was ‘An alliance destined to destroy itself.’. The Skylanders figured out that the alliance was between Hex and Malefor, but they weren’t destined to destroy everything, they were destined to destroy each other.

Far away from the Academy, Spyro soared through the grey skies. His look going straight ahead as the wind rushed by. He occasionally had to flap his wings to keep himself airborne. Next to him appeared an airship which could barely keep up. Smolderdash was on top of it amongst other Skylanders. “Spyro, what are you doing!? We have to work together to-”

“I’m not following that plan!” The leader immediately denied.

Meanwhile Sprocket and Roller Brawl were inside the cockpit. The vampire struggled to steer the ship, but her time with the Superchargers didn’t leave her completely clueless. Sprocket was busy building the power-absorbing device from some of the parts from the destroyed Core of Light. It was a metallic spherical capsule, not much bigger than the engineer’s head, but it should be able to contain all of Hex’ immense powers.

The Skylanders originally wanted to use that to put an end to the witch’s undead reign, but Spyro had other plans. “They’ve gone too far they don’t deserve mercy! I will take care of them!”

Smolderdash was worried to hear such bitter and ruthless words from the dragon. He didn’t sound like himself. “Spyro please, you don’t want to do this!”

“I know exactly what I want to do!” The Magic Skylander constantly fought back the tears forming in his eyes. Cynder’s death broke something inside of him and the dragon was fueled by his overflowing emotions. He dived down and left his allies, going his own way. Down to the underworld.

Many years ago, when Eon just founded his heroic group of Skylanders, the leader first met the infamous witch Hex. She has been an undead for centuries and when Eon heard the stories of her battle with Malefor, he knew that he had to find her. Hex never stopped doing good and helping people, despite all the fear and distrust she received. Eon however was able to see through her gloomy appearance and frightening powers. He recognized her as the hero she was.

Eon recruited Hex and soon invited her to the Academy which was almost done with construction. The present Skylanders were quite wary, some even scared, but they trusted their master. The dark sorceress was just as cautious as everyone else, she learned to not trust anyone, even heroes. She was surrounded by suspicious looks, but she didn’t bother to appeal to any of them.

While Eon introduced the witch, Spyro was the only one to step forward and properly welcome her. “Hello! I’m Spyro, the first Skylander Eon recruited and kinda the leader here.” His cocky grin and wide eyes surprised Hex, but not enough for her to return a smile.

Eon then retreated to his office and left Hex alone in front of the crowd. While all eyes were set on her, she just asked one simple question. “Where do I reside?”

Spyro called Chop Chop over who would guide the fellow undead to her room. She didn’t speak to him nor anyone else on her way there.

The other Skylanders stayed at the center of the Academy and immediately began gossiping about their latest member. “Where did Master Eon find that one?” Stealth Elf was anything but thrilled with the new face. “I avoid judging a book by its cover, but I can’t help it if it’s locked with black leather belts.”

“Go easy on her Elf. I’ve heard the stories too, how she joined Malefor and cursed her village, but if Eon trusts her then we should too.” Spyro looked across the Academy and spotted Cynder talking to some fellow Skylanders. Lost in thoughts, he only kept his eyes on her. “Things are not always as simple as they seem.”

In present day, amid a raging blizzard was a singular air balloon struggling to stay on its course. Enigma did his best to stay inside the aircraft and prevent the countless snowflakes and sharp winds from tearing through the balloon. The Trap Master received a message from his Traptanium sigil, and it led him to this area. His fear of heights had already vanished, all he wanted was to make it through the storm alive.

When the sorcerer finally spotted an island covered in snow, he used it to land the balloon and get out. He spoke a quick spell that engulfed the air balloon with an aura which kept it in place so it wouldn’t get swept away. The Skylander’s cape was flowing in the wind and he had to remain balanced to not get blown away himself. He couldn’t give up now, he felt that this was important. Enigma kept following the glowing light of his sigil which became brighter with each step he took in the right direction. The Trap Master had to jump from island to island until he eventually reached a larger one. His staff glowed brighter than ever before. That’s when Enigma knew it, he found what he was looking for.

The Magic Skylander saw a familiar body dressed in white in the freezing snow, it was almost invisible. Upon closer inspection however, the sorcerer gasped in shock. It was Knight Light, but in the place of his wings was a large red stain which colored the snow underneath as well. Enigma fell onto his knees and carefully touched the fallen Skylander. He couldn’t bear the wind blowing against his hood anymore, so after many years of anonymity, he took it off. He revealed his blue skinned face and pearly white hair which followed the raging winds. His white eyes stared at the unconscious angel with worry. He didn’t know what happened, but he knew that he had to get him back to the Academy as quickly as possible.

The bars between Dr. Krankcase and Boom Bloom were lowered. The Doom Raider was back inside his cell despite all his efforts to help the Skylanders.

“Are you sure I have to go back here?” The mad scientist didn’t expect much, but he did hope that his actions would change something. “I mean, didn’t I redeem myself now?”

Boom Bloom sighed. Even though she had a better understanding of her creator and decided to bury the hatchet, she remained wary. “One good deed cannot erase all your bad ones. I’m sorry.”

As the plant mutant was about to walk away, she felt something grabbing her hand. She turned her head to see Krankcase with an awkward yet somewhat calming smile on his face. “Hey, I’m… sorry about your friend.”

The Life Sensei appreciated the gesture and gripped his hand in return. “Thanks.”

The Skylander left while Krankcase looked after her longingly. It was still a long way to redemption but having a genuine connection to his most beloved creation was enough to satisfy the scientist for now.

Meanwhile at the prison cafeteria, a few Skylanders struggled to keep a bunch of villains at bay. They all had to move there due to the lack of cells for the cursed Skylanders, so now they were all free and eager to escape.

Snap Shot was sitting on a bench with his arms crossed and smirked upon the sight of the excited villains while Bushwhack and Head Rush tried their best to restrain them. “You think they’ll manage?”

Wolfgang, who was sitting on top of the table next to the reptile, tilted his head slightly. “Hard to tell, maybe if they served tacos they could calm them down for a while.”

The two laughed and continued to joke around. Head Rush desperately scanned the room until she laid her eyes on the duo. She approached them, making their smiles fade more with each step. “Snap Shot, we need your help!”

Snap Shot gave her a baffled look and thought he wasn’t hearing correctly. “You need my help? For what?”

The Trap Master hated to admit it, and since Snap Shot was a prisoner this was a very unprofessional decision, but after thinking it through once more, this was really the only solution she could come up with on the spot. “You need to calm the villains down. You used to be our leader you have to do something now! Please!”

Wolfgang started to cackle immediately, but Snap Shot didn’t laugh, he didn’t even smile. He looked at Head Rush and then stared at the countless villains swarming through the cafeteria like headless flies. Wolfgang’s laughter ceased when he saw that the crocodile was actually thinking about it. What else was there to lose?

Snap Shot finally stood up and stepped into the crowd. He hopped onto a table and unleashed a high-pitched whistle. All the villains halted and stared at the blue reptile, who admittedly didn’t know what to say now. “Hey everyone!” Snap Shot didn’t sound very convincing, but after throwing the equally clueless Wolfgang a look, he had a moment to think of something. “So, I know that today is very exciting for all of us.”

“Who let the Ex-lander talk!?” A voice yelled before the crowd giggled.

Snap Shot ignored the comment and moved on. “I know you have no reason to listen to me-”

“Then why are you trying?” Another insult that lead to a wave of laughter.

“Because I know what you want.” Snap Shot silenced the crowd with a sharp response. “You want to get out, and now seems like the perfect time since half of the Skylanders are locked up and you’re here.” Snap Shot took a breath before continuing. Surprisingly, no one interrupted him this time. “But take it from the guy who locked each one of you up at least once, this is not your way out. The Skylanders will always find you, it may not be fair, but it is what it is. You’re all here for a reason and the fastest and easiest way for you to get out is if you stay patient and prove that you’re worthy of your freedom. And wouldn’t it feel so much better knowing that you’ve earned it? Finally being able to live without the constant fear of being imprisoned?”

The crowd was silent and even the Skylanders and Wolfgang were impressed by Snap Shot’s speech.

Before he went on however, Snap Shot cleared his throat and decided to finish. “So, what do you say, will you choose the path of reformation?”

There was a moment of looming silence. The villains blankly stared at the reptile and his eager eyes. In a split second everyone went back to running amok and forgot every word Snap Shot just said.

Wolfgang and Snap Shot made their way to the cafeteria entrance and rushed outside, locking the doors behind them. They looked at each other briefly before bursting into laughter.

“Ya really thought that would do anything?” Wolfgang grabbed his stomach as he spoke through his laughter.

“Nah, but it was worth a shot.” Snap Shot calmed down for a second before starting to cackle again.

Wolfgang opened his eyes and looked at the amused reptile just for his own laughter to cease. It wasn’t often that he saw him like this. Ever since they met, Snap Shot was either mad, frustrated or sad. But now the werewolf saw something he had never seen before. Happiness.

As Snap Shot’s laughter toned down as well and he looked at the mesmerized wolf, they both just stared into each other’s eyes. One pair of striking yellow eyes with the typical slit pupils and a pair of dark brown eyes with deep black pupils. Wolfgang suddenly moved his head forward and pressed his lips against Snap Shot’s. It was a brief, surprising kiss and the werewolf pulled away almost immediately.

The two stared at each other once more and Wolfgang was anticipating a reaction, but nothing happened. He became insecure and thought that he had made a mistake. “I- I shouldn’t have done that. You must hate me-”

Before the musician could say another word, Snap Shot pulled his head closer and returned a longer, more passionate kiss. Their lips parted after a few moments and they looked into each other’s eyes again. There was no tension, no insecurities, just a warm feeling which the two of them could feel throughout their entire bodies.

While Spyro and the other Skylanders headed off to look for Hex, Tidepool used the opportunity to look for Wild Storm instead. The Water Skylander followed the footsteps that he left behind while sprinting off in his beast form. All she wanted was to help him, yet she felt terrible. The Sensei disregarded his feelings and let her emotions get the better of her. She thought the knight was the one drifting away, but it was actually her all along.

Tidepool soon found the rogue Wild Storm on a small abandoned island. She noticed that he was struggling. Struggling for control, or perhaps to transform back? She didn’t know why his beast form was taking over, but she wanted to be by his side. “Wild Storm!”

The beast swung his large head around and stared at the Quickshot with his glowing white eyes on top of his mask. He then turned back around before starting to shake and flinch. Tidepool saw that he was slowly shrinking, but moments later he grew right back to the beast’s size.

“I know you’re in there! You don’t have to run away from me, we can do this together!” Tidepool looked for the right words to calm him down, but the beast only responded with an agonizing roar. “Please Wild Storm, I’ve lost you once, I can’t lose you again! Come back to me, please!” Tidepool’s eyes teared up as she moved closer to her friend step by step.

Wild Storm kept on flinching and fighting with himself, but the Sensei didn’t back off. She carefully reached out to him and was about to touch his back, when suddenly Wild Storm erupted in a tremendous roar. Tidepool fell back on her rear and watched as he slowly transformed back, falling face front to the ground.

“Wild Storm!” Tidepool rushed towards her companion and fell onto her knees before grabbing his arms. She turned him around to see that his eyes were closed. He was unconscious. She looked down and spotted a dart stuck inside his leg. She pulled it out and inspected it. There was a symbol inscribed into it, a symbol that caused Tidepool to gasp and drop the dart. She quickly turned her head, anxiously looking into every direction.

There was fear in the Skylander’s eyes as she was shaking the knight. “Wild Storm wake up! We have to go, please wake up!” Tidepool kept looking around herself in distress. Something wasn’t right. She continued to shake Wild Storm until he finally opened his eyes. “Thank the ancients! We have to go, now!”

Tidepool placed the Air Skylander’s arm around her shoulders and lifted him up. Wild Storm was quite big and thus heavy to carry, but he soon regained his senses and used his own feet to get back up. While Tidepool still had to assist him, he could walk on his own. The Water Skylander didn’t stop observing their surroundings, all the way until they’ve reached the Academy. Only once they entered the collection of buildings and towers she exhaled with relief and helped Wild Storm get to the hospital.

Once Wild Storm was taken care of, Tidepool exited his room and wandered through the hospital halls. She held the dart which the knight got shot with in her hand and kept staring at it while turning it with her fingers. She peeked through a window to look back at the vast area outside where the Air Skylander was mysteriously assaulted. A haunting feeling overcame the Sensei. She was frozen in place and just thought about that moment, that dart. Tidepool quickly shook it off and continued walking, she couldn’t concern herself with that now.

In another room, Whirlwind and Buckshot were standing next to a silver iron table. There was a white cloth covering a figure on top of it. The dragoness couldn’t hold back a tear from running down her cheek while the faun looked down in devastation. They knew what it was, but neither one could bring themselves to say it.

The quiet somber moment was disturbed by the sound of doors being slammed open and hasty footsteps. The Skylanders turned around to see Enigma, surprisingly without his hood, carrying a blood-soaked Knight Light in his arms. “Someone, please help!”

“Enigma!?” Whirlwind was perplexed by the sight of the Trap Master’s striking white hair and pale blue face. No one has seen him like that before. The dragon then directed her attention to the unconscious angel instead. “What happened?”

“I’m not sure. He probably fought his former Guardian companion and she took his wings.” Enigma was out of breath, he explained everything as quickly as possible so they could move on to saving Knight Light. The Magic Skylander placed his friend onto a hospital bed and blankly stared at his motionless body. “He’s lost so much blood, I don’t know if it’s too late.”

Buckshot pressed his fingers against the patient’s neck. “He has a pulse! We can still save him!” Whirlwind hurried to grab her medical instruments and potions and immediately called for backup.

Buckshot didn’t work at the hospital, he just followed Whirlwind to support her after the tragedy. Enigma observed as the hybrid and many helpers consisting of mabu, foxes and even Skylanders surrounding Knight Light. The sorcerer had to move a strand of hair out of his face and back into his loose backwards hairstyle. He then turned his head to see many more Skylanders laying in bed with injuries, and finally the table covered with the cloth. “What happened here? Did you stop Hex?”

“No, they are looking for her and Malefor as we speak. The corrupted Skylanders are all locked up. But…” Buckshot slightly turned his head to see the haunting cloth out of the corner of his eye. “We’ve had losses.”

Enigma set his white eyes on Knight Light again. Seeing him there all butchered and on the verge of life and death, it made the Trap Master feel terrible. He was the last Skylander to see him, he knew that Angelica had it out for him, yet he ran away. Not this time. He couldn’t run away this time. “I have to go.”

Enigma swiftly walked out of the hospital and left the Academy behind once again. He used the same air balloon as before to fly off. His fear of heights was always there, looming over him like a dark cloud, but his determination was stronger. Enigma wasn’t sure where he’s headed, but he knew what he was looking for and why. He would make it up to his friend.

Back when Hex first joined the Skylanders, it didn’t take her long to earn the role of the loner. She never talked to anyone unless it was necessary, she disappeared as soon as she returned from a mission and no one dared to get close to her due to her immense and terrifying powers. One day, Cynder decided to change that.

The dragoness knocked onto a dark wooden door inside the Academy. Back then, the Skylanders didn’t have their Elemental Realms to reside in yet. Nevertheless, Hex isolated herself by choosing a room which was located in the most abandoned corner of the Academy. Cynder did that too at first, but she moved closer to the center when she became more comfortable being around the Skylanders.

“Hex?” Cynder slowly moved her head through the door to see Hex with her back turned towards her. She was standing in front of a large black cauldron with a glowing green substance inside.

Cynder was about to leave, but the sound of the witch’s gloomy voice stopped her. “Come in.” Cynder did as she was told and closed the door behind her.

The room was simple. It had a dark stone floor and walls, just like the rest of the Academy. Hex put some furniture inside as well, all made of dark wood with gothic accents. As an undead, she didn’t really need any basic things that mortal beings did, such as a bed to sleep in or a table to eat at, but nevertheless those objects were there. Cynder stepped towards the sorceress and her cauldron in the middle of the room and peaked inside to see the color of the substance shift from toxic green to a warm orange.

“Why are you here?” Hex kept circling her hands above the cauldron to stir the liquid while speaking to Cynder without looking at her.

“I don’t mean to bother you, but I just want to… talk.” Cynder abruptly moved out of the way when a lid zoomed past her and landed on top of the cauldron.

“Talk about what?” Hex finally directed her sight to Cynder just to show her cold neutral expression. Not a hint of emotions in her eyes.

“About you.” Cynder gulped as Hex floated towards a chair next to the table. “You’ve been here for some time now and you’ve barely talked to anyone. I mean, you don’t have to, I get it really.” Cynder remembered how she also refused to communicate and bond with the Skylanders when she first arrived. “I just want you to know that we’re your friends and you have nothing to be afraid of.”

“I’m not afraid.” Hex stopped in front of the dark table and turned her head. “But you are. Everyone is.”

Cynder didn’t expect to hear that. “I’m not afraid of you, nor are the others! They’re just-”

“Suspicious because of the stories.” Hex finished the sentence. “Fear and hate, those are the only two things I’ve been met with for the last centuries. I didn’t expect it to be any different here.”

“But why?” Cynder was confused. “Eon trusts you and you’re doing good things, I’ve seen you on your missions. Why is everyone afraid of you?”

“I wish I knew.” Hex sighed as she pulled out a chair and lowered herself onto it.

Cynder thought for a moment. She heard the other Skylanders talk. Talk about the stories of Hex and how she joined the undead just for the sake of power. Yet she’s here, as a Skylander. Cynder just couldn’t see her being evil. “What about those stories everyone keeps talking about?” The dragon hesitated to continue, but after taking a breath she finally asked what’s been on her mind all along. “What about Malefor?”

Hex looked at Cynder, she saw the eagerness in her eyes. She didn’t just want to know the truth, she wanted to know about Malefor. “Do you want to hear my story?”

Cynder nodded and got closer before lying down in front of the witch.

“Ever since my transformation, rumors about me joining Malefor to gain more power spread like wildfire. The people of my village accused me of cursing them, making their crops decay and children fall ill. I can’t say for sure if it truly was due to my powers or an average plague, all I can say is that I didn’t do it on purpose. I was unfamiliar with my undead powers at that time.” Hex thought back to the day where her once closest friends who she considered family dragged her out of her house and attempted to burn her alive. “After I was cast out, I spent many years alone, mastering my newfound witchcraft. I could not reverse the transformation, so instead of fearing it, I controlled it. That only made everyone more afraid. They forgot who I used to be and only saw a frightening witch casting dark magic, they didn’t feel safe. Nevertheless, I remained loyal to my oath to protect the innocent people of Skylands, whether they like it or not.”

Cynder saw Hex in a completely different light. She was misunderstood and did everything she could to prove that she wasn’t evil. It reminded the dragoness so much of herself. “And what about Malefor?”

“Malefor was the reason for all this.” Hex looked down at her ashy blue hands and dark robes. “But not in the way everyone thinks. He found out about my great amount of power when I was still a mortal and tried to hunt me down. Many people were hurt and lost their lives because of that, until one day I’ve decided to put an end to it.” The sorceress remembered that day like it was yesterday. The day where everything changed. “I descended into the underworld and gathered all my strength to face him. We fought for hours, I lost the hope of making it out alive, but somehow I did.” Hex looked Cynder right into her anticipating eyes. “I defeated Malefor.”

“It was you.” Cynder exclaimed with awe in a whispering tone. She was the one who defeated her tormentor, she was the one who freed her from his influence. Hex helped Cynder become who she was today. “Then what happened?”

“Due to the raw undead magic of the underworld and Malefor I was changed. I became an undead myself and my powers got corrupted. When I returned, I told everyone that I’ve defeated Malefor just like I said I would, but they didn’t believe me. They thought I joined him because of my appearance and increased powers. That’s when it all came crashing down.” Hex arose from her chair just for Cynder to follow her. “And that’s the true story.”

“I can’t believe it.” Cynder was in shock. “All this time you’ve been accused of joining Malefor when you’ve actually freed me- everyone from him!” The Undead Skylander looked emptily through the room and got an idea. “We have to spread that story!”

“It’s no use.” Hex stopped the dragoness from running outside and fulfilling her idea. “I told many people this story, you are the first one to believe me. And besides, this has nothing to do with Malefor anymore. They believe I’m evil on my own accord.” Hex looked down to the ground. “I’ve learned to live with it. It doesn’t matter what they believe, all that matters is the truth.”

Cynder was disappointed, but also understanding. She knew best how hard it can be to convince others that you’ve changed, no matter how hard you try. She nodded and smiled and gave Hex one last look before leaving her room. “Thank you, Hex. For everything.”

This was the first time anyone’s thanked her in centuries. Hex couldn’t help but feel somewhat warm inside. A feeling she hasn’t felt in a long time and which she’s dearly missed. Perhaps she wasn’t completely alone after all. Perhaps there was still hope left.

After many hours of flight Spyro finally reached the underworld. The airship with the remaining Skylanders and the power sphere followed, but they couldn’t catch up to him. The dragon flapped his wings rapidly, almost manically. So many thoughts rushed through his head. He was sad, angry, disappointed, frustrated, but there was no time to waste on that. He couldn’t grief his friend, not yet. He had to find Hex and put an end to her and Malefor’s wicked scheme.

The Magic Skylander passed many places throughout the haunting realm. Some familiar, some not. All until he finally reached the one he was looking for – the Creepy Citadel.

Hex was still in the throne room of the citadel. Neither Malefor nor any Skylanders have arrived. She was all alone, thinking. Was this truly what she wanted? Would she be the Skyland’s greatest villain? Hex thought she was certain about her decisions, but she was beginning to doubt herself. During that quiet moment, there was a crashing sound above her, and the witch immediately looked upwards. Spyro flew through a newly created hole in the ceiling as he charged towards Hex with flames in his mouth.

The witch easily blocked the attack with her magic. Spyro soon landed on the cold ground and continued to furiously shoot fireballs. Hex already created a bone wall in front of her and cast a spell to deflect the projectiles. The purple dragon spread his wings and was about to rush towards the villain until a giant claw abruptly pinned him down from above.

Malefor arrived just in time to stop the Skylander from going after the sorceress any further. “My, my, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this angry.” He grinned as the small dragon squirmed and clenched his teeth trying to break free.

“Of course he is, his friends have been turned into mindless monsters.” Hex stayed calm as usual in the presence of others. She couldn’t reveal the thoughts and feelings going through her head. “And he’s here to take us down, isn’t he?”

Spyro grunted before finally giving up trying to break free from Malefor’s grasp and stayed put, still as furious as ever. “What do you want!? Haven’t you done enough damage already?”

“Nothing will ever compensate for all the suffering I had to endure!” Hex made her point clear. “There’s nothing you can do to stop me, and if you dare to try, I will repeat the curse once more until there’s none of you left.”

During the confrontation, Smolderdash, Sprocket and Roller Brawl quietly landed their ship at the very back of the citadel and carefully made their way to the heart of the building where the throne room was. Sprocket carried the power sphere which could absorb Hex’ powers. This was their only chance.

“What will you do now, huh!?” Spyro’s eyes were filled with rage, they lit up like flames. “Are you the new Undead Queen? Will you turn the Skylands into a barren wasteland? Tell me!”

Hearing the Skylander refer to the witch as the Undead Queen didn’t sit right with Malefor, but he held himself back. Hex clenched her fist as she floated towards the dragons. “I will make sure that you suffer like I did for all those centuries. I always had to take things as they came, I had no choice. Now neither do you.”

“Was it your choice for Cynder to die!?” Spyro couldn’t hold his tears anymore and shouted at the top of his lungs, his voice breaking in the process followed by a stuttering breath.

Hex’ eyes widened. Spyro’s devastated look was enough for her to know that he was telling the truth. “What?” For the first time she was caught completely off guard. This was not part of the plan. “She can’t be dead, that’s-” The witch suddenly stopped. There was only one reason why that could’ve happened, and Hex moved her head up to look into its spiteful eyes. “You…”

Malefor returned a blank stare followed by a sick smile. “Guilty.”

Hex began to move backwards. She thought she had everything under control, but this wasn’t supposed to happen. “I told you to not kill any of them! You were supposed to scare them, nothing more! And out of all you chose Cynder-”

“Did you actually believe I would listen to you?” As the dragon was talking to the distraught witch, the trio of Skylanders that carried the power sphere have reached the throne room and hid behind the crumbling dark walls. “You may be more powerful than me, but even you cannot stop me this time!”

Sprocket held the sphere tightly in her hands and carefully peeked through a hole in the wall, followed by Smolderdash and Roller Brawl. They were told to use the weapon when Hex is distracted, so they were ready to strike at any moment.

“You never had any control over me, Hex!” The dark sorceress’ sight went from Malefor’s triumphant visage to the ground. She didn’t know what to do. “In fact, I have been controlling you the entire time! You were too blinded by vengeance and hatred to realize. This is what I was striving for all along, for you to break and turn against everyone until eventually your rage wears off and I finish what you started. You were only the means to an end, you always have been.”

Tears were streaming down Spyro’s face as he was still trapped under the giant dragon’s steel claw in a fury of anger and sadness. He then noticed that his companions were present and visible behind the wall. Malefor’s eyes spotted them too and the three quickly ducked down, but he already saw them. Instead of attacking however, he continued to speak down on Hex. “And I’m sure you all wonder how Hex got through the shield at the Academy. The Skylanders did remove her page from the book, but that didn’t matter. It’s because deep down she still believes she’s a Skylander. She wants to believe. No matter how wicked or cruel she may be, at the end of the day all she wants is to be a hero.” The Undead King kept his eyes on Hex, and it seemed like he was able to see right into her soul.

The witch moved her head back up with a death stare. She glared at Malefor as he was teasingly smiling to her face. In his silver armor plates, Hex saw the reflection of Sprocket who slowly approached her from behind. The sorceress turned around and reached for the Tech Skylander to grab the sphere she was holding with her magic. Sprocket fell with shock as Hex’ dark magic engulfed the device in mid-air. Roller Brawl and Smolderdash revealed themselves too and huddled around the engineer, watching their last chance at victory hover in front of their eyes.

“Destroy it Hex! This is their last shot!” Malefor lost his attitude upon seeing the sphere. He knew exactly what it would do to Hex, and even worse to him, if the Skylanders get to use it.

“Go ahead, Hex. You’ve won.” Spyro spoke words no one ever hoped to hear. “You did it, you’ve defeated the Skylanders. There’s nothing standing in the way of your revenge now.” He has never sounded this defeated, he just embraced his fate.

Hex only focused on the sphere. The Skylanders’ terrified expressions and Spyro’s hopeless look surrounded her while Malefor’s sinister eyes were looming over her. She had to decide. The witch then proceeded to raise her other arm and suddenly unleash a powerful beam of magic at the device.

Malefor’s first eager smile curved into a frown when he realized what was happening. “No!”

Spyro, Sprocket, Smolderdash and Roller Brawl observed the bright beam which enlightened everything around Hex alongside a mighty gust of wind.

Hex remained steady and kept emitting more and more undead magic towards the power sphere. She wasn’t destroying it, she was using it.

Malefor raised his claw and freed Spyro from his grip. The smaller dragon stayed in place and just watched in awe while the wind blew the tears out of his eyes. “Stop it, you foolish witch! You will destroy us both!” The dragon attempted to get closer, but the force of Hex’ powers was so strong that he couldn’t move an inch.

While she kept on feeding the device with her magic, the witch slowly turned her head and looked Malefor dead in the eye one last time before turning back towards the sphere.

Malefor eyes widened in horror before he looked behind himself. His long sharp tail suddenly started to deteriorate and turn into dust which was immediately blown away by the wind. “No!” The dragon screamed in agony as more and more of his body decomposed and he soon fell to the ground after losing his legs to hold himself up. The Undead King roared horrendously as his entire body, up to the final tip of his horn, turned to dust and the dragon ceased out of existence.

The undead magic exiting Hex with ghastly and frightening sounds began to change her as well. Her dress shifted from the raven black colors to a pale blue and the horns of her headdress turned into black strands of hair. She blinked and instead of the white glowing eyes she had blue irises surrounded by a minty green skin. Finally, all the magic has left Hex’ body and was stored inside the sphere. The metallic orb fell down with a clang as it was radiating undead energy. Hex slowly sank to the ground as well before falling onto her knees. She was back in her mortal state. No powers. No curse. “It’s over.”

While the Skylanders stared at the witch and were paralyzed, a sparkling purple flame engulfed the villain before making her disappear into thin air. Spyro was in his awakened form and used his teleportation ability to send her right to Cloudcracker Prison, just like the Doom Raiders the first time. His transformation didn’t last long and with a bright light he changed back, huffing and breathing heavily. “It is.”

The Skylanders cautiously approached the sphere which was already shifting into a darker shade due to the immense undead powers it absorbed. Sprocket used her energy glove to create a containment capsule around it. “This should keep it safe.” The engineer grabbed it before looking at her allies with relief.

Spyro inhaled. Malefor was gone, Hex was defeated, and her powers were concealed. It was over. One more time the leader thought about the phrase he read in the Book of Destiny. Now he realized that it was never complete, there was always a part missing. “An alliance destined to destroy itself.”

At Cloudcracker Prison, all the imprisoned Skylanders who have been affected by Hex’ magic started to transform back. One after the other lost the lifeless black eyes and came back to their senses, confused as to why they were behind bars. The Skylanders on guard happily released them and the entire facility was filled with relieved hugs and worried chatter.

The villains that were currently in the cafeteria willingly returned to their cells after seeing the dozens of Skylanders surrounding them. Snap Shot and Wolfgang, who have found a private place to spend time together, kissed each other goodbye and returned to their cells as well.

All the other people throughout Skylands that Hex cursed were freed as well. Many awoke with glee and joy to see their families and friends again, others were faced with the gruesome sight of a loved one killed at their hands. No matter how good or bad it ended, everyone was glad that it was finally over.

When Spyro, Sprocket, Smolderdash and Roller Brawl returned, they were greeted with mixed reactions. Some cheered because of their victory over Hex, yet the ones who weren’t cursed remained quiet. The word spread fast and Stealth Elf heard what happened before they arrived. When Spyro stepped off the airship, the elf pulled her mask down and embraced her friend. She whispered words only the two of them could hear which made the leader break down in tears again.

The rest of the day was spent mourning the loss of a beloved Skylander. Someone who was struggling to become the best version of herself her entire life and when she finally did and gained the courage to stand up to her fears, she was taken from them. She believed that there was more than meets the eye, because she knew from experience that there always was. The Skylanders grieved their fallen ally and friend Cynder.

A shrine to honor the dragoness was put up in the center of the Academy. Every Skylander and anyone who could come to the Academy at the time was there. Silence loomed over the heroes like a curse. No one said a word, everyone barely moved. They all took their time to remember Cynder and what change she truly made in the Skylands. After a while, one Skylander after the other left, paying their last respects before returning home to rest. Eventually everyone was gone except for Spyro. He sat right in front of the shrine for the entire day. Hours passed, the dragon didn’t move. He kept gazing at the portrait of his deceased friend and the dark flowers surrounding it.

Cynder has always been more than a friend to him, they had a connection. As much as he despised him, Spyro remembered Malefor’s words about how the three of them were connected. Now he knew that it was true. Spyro was the only dragon left and he felt that something was missing. This driving force that always empowered and motivated him to become better, to treat others better and to give second chances. None of that would have been there without Cynder. She was taken too soon, Spyro was certain of that, but nevertheless the time she had she used to its fullest. When she was once this insecure and sometimes cruel companion who he had countless arguments with and each one seemed to drive her further away, she finally managed to become something extraordinary. She grew beyond herself, jumped over her own shadow and confronted her demons. Cynder was more than a Skylander, she was an inspiration.

On the next day, the first thing Spyro did was to visit Eon’s office. He shared his report about the recent mission and they discussed the fate of Hex and the Skylands after the effects of her curse. A knock on the door interrupted the conversation before Sprocket slowly entered.

“I’m really sorry to disturb, but there’s something I have to show you.” The technician wore a black sweater accompanied by equally dark pants. She never dressed herself in many dark things, even back when her mother forced her to wear certain clothes, but in memoriam of Cynder she was willing to wear the funeral attire for a while. “I know we all have a lot on our minds right now… and we need some time to process everything.” The Tech Skylander felt terribly uncomfortable bringing this up during this time of grief, but she felt like she had to inform the leaders of the Skylanders as soon as possible. “When I confronted the Golden Queen and destroyed the palace she hid in, I found something very peculiar.”

Eon and Spyro stared at the engineer patiently as she pulled out the containment capsule holding the glowing brown orb which she found in the debris of Golden Queen’s palace. “This orb was the only thing that survived the collapse. It was right in the middle of the ruins and some rocks orbited it. I’m not sure if it’s what I think it is, but-”

“The Earth Orb! You found it!” Eon exclaimed with awe and relief before grabbing the relict. “We have been looking for it for years but never managed to find it. We thought we lost it forever!”

Eon already showed Spyro the Light Orb which was in his possession and he told him about all the Elemental Orbs which were scattered across the Skylands. It wasn’t their main priority, but the spirit advised that they should keep an eye out for them. “What does that mean? Is it like a new Eternal Earth Source?” The dragon was riddled.

“Not exactly. The orbs are not as powerful as the sources, but if all of them were to be found and brought together, it could create a new Core of Light!” Eon finally recognized a spark of hope during these dark times.

Sprocket was hearing about this for the first time and she was getting quite overwhelmed by the number of new things she’s learned in the last few days. “That’s great! Then why aren’t we looking for the other ones?”

“It’s not that simple. Those orbs have been lost centuries ago. We now have the Light and Earth Orbs, but the remaining ones could be at the farthest corners of the Skylands. It could take years to retrieve them all.” Eon was always a motivator and tried encouraging the Skylanders to go beyond their limits, but after all those years he found this quest to be hopeless.

“Well, if we were able to find the Eternal Sources, then we can also find the orbs!” Spyro looked at Sprocket who nodded in agreement. “I promise you master, we will find the remaining orbs and create a new core, one which will keep all enemies at bay!”

Eon chuckled. Even during this time Spyro managed to keep his hopes up and follow his heart. “I’m sure you will, but you deserve to take a break first.” The dragon’s smile faded as he was reminded of the current situation. “I know how hard this is for you, please don’t overstrain yourself.”

Sprocket put her hand onto the Magic Skylander’s shoulder as a sign of comfort and partnership. Spyro took a deep breath and let it out again. The sorcerer was right, as usual. “Thank you, Eon.”

The spirit nodded as the two Skylanders left his office and went on with their day. He then looked down to the Earth Orb in his hand and formed a fist to make it vanish. He put it somewhere safe, somewhere not a soul could find it.

As Spyro was about to return to his room, Stealth Elf suddenly appeared in front of him in distress. “Spyro, I hate to tell you this right now but something bad happened!”

Spyro didn’t believe it could get any worse than it already was, but he was proven wrong once more. They rushed to a secured room inside the Academy where many Skylanders gathered around and looked down in horror. After Spyro managed to get through the crowd, he understood what it was all about. “Oh no.”

There was a single broken jar on the ground. It didn’t seem that terrible at first sight, but considering the room they were in and what was inside that jar, no one could hide their concern. “Kaos is free.” Everyone just stood there in shock and without a clue what to do now. Just when they solved one problem, another one was already arising.

The free villain and his henchman Glumshanks were able to escape during the chaos of Hex’ attack. One of the corrupted Skylanders knocked the jar they were in down and while they were still shrunk, the two sneaked out and left the Academy. Over time they grew back to their regular sizes and made it to Kaos’ fortress.

“Ah, home sweet home!” Kaos exclaimed, followed by an echo that sounded through the large entrance hall inside of his residence. “Now that we’re finally free again, we can begin plotting our ultimate plan to take over the Skylands!”

“You mean like the last twenty ultimate plans to take over the Skylands?” Glumshanks has lost hope years ago, and there was no reason to gain any now.

“It will be better this time!” Kaos was determined. “The Doom Raiders are out of the way and that witch has weakened them! This time we will do exactly what she did and take the Skylanders out one after the other!”

Glumshanks watched as the small tyrant went on about his plan when he noticed a mysterious purple glow at the back of the hall. He stared at it with surprise and saw a cloud of smoke appear as well. “Um, master…”

“Don’t interrupt me, Glumshanks! You should have already written everything I just told you down!” Kaos kept facing the troll and was completely unaware the ominous occurrence.

Glumshanks pointed his trembling finger at the light which now spawned a slim figure inside the smoke. “You should really see this.”

With an irritated expression, Kaos turned around only to gasp in shock upon the sight at the end of the hall. As soon as the smoke faded, they saw a large shattered mirror on the ground as a dark heel stepped onto one of the shards. Kaos’ and Glumshank’s heads slowly went up to see Kaos’ mother Kaossandra standing on top of the mirror she’s been trapped in for years, surrounded by purple lights and smoke.

The woman smiled sinisterly as she looked down on her son and his henchman. “Hello darling, did you miss me?”

#skylanders #skylanders after the end #skylanders ate #after the end #ate #chapter 2 #finale #original story #fanfiction #hex #malefor #spyro #cynder #déjà vu #smolderdash #sprocket #snap shot #wolfgang #enigma

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actualbird · 5 years

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most of the rec lists i have planned for @dghdafeedbackfest are completely brotzly centric so this rec list goes out to the shipless fics/fics that dont have the ship as the focus that deserve love!!!!!

An Interlude; or, Compulsory Heterosexuality Made Me Do It by @gallantrejoinder and @teacupsandcyanide

Farah and Todd did, in fact, make out while on the run. They also both realised some very important things about themselves.

But not the things you might expect.

okay im kinda cheating with this one because theres suggested brotzly but this fic is just SO GOOD AND HILARIOUS and a wonderful look into farah and todd’s relationship

How Doth The Little Crocodile by quingigillion (cartouche)

Someone has beat them to it. That’s never happened before. They hate having their fun spoiled. Especially by some skinny white guy with a bloody nose who’s grinning far too wide.

"Oh. Hi!"

gorgeously atmospheric and beautifully written. i lack the words to adequately explain why i love this fic so much, but it just paints an amazing picture of a could-be dirk with wonderful prose

Pistachi-Oh, Dear... by @dont-offend-the-bees

All Dirk wanted was a muffin. The universe had better ideas.

THIS FIC IS SO CLEVER AND FUNNY. THE SHEER GENIUS OF HOW EVERYTHING CONNECTS IS AMAZING AND THIS IS JUST A GREAT READ WHICH ALWAYS MAKES ME LAUGH

when you see me by couldaughter

Mrs Cjelli - Mum - was silent. He could hear her breath hitch, could almost taste salt in the air. The pressure in his chest hadn’t eased.

“I suppose this might be a bit of a shock,” Dirk said, eventually. He forced himself to look back up, to assess the damage he’d caused.

time for the TEARS. this fic makes me emotional so much. dirk gently deserves the BEST MOM!!!

Life by yeaka

Panto and Silas ask their king about children.

short, beautiful, and poignant. the magic here takes a life of its own even if it is sitting in the backseat.

where the falling angels meet the rising apes by cosmicocean

The thing sweeps its scythe and straightens. It must sense eyes on it, because it turns it’s head and looks right at Svlad. It is a skull’s face, grinning and bleached. Svlad stares. It tilts it’s head, like it’s watching a particularly fascinating documentary, or a cat attempting to catch a laser pointer created dot. AH, it says. It’s mouth doesn’t move, but Svlad hears it’s voice all the same, resonating deep and forever. INTERESTING.

A story of Death and the boy who could see him, through the years.

DISCWORLD DEATH AND DIRK ARE BUDDIES, WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR??? well this fic is also a wonderful peek into dirk’s development and Death as a character is done so well.

i was born in a summer storm (i live there still) by janeseyre

Farah confronts the vestiges of her past as she, Dirk, and Todd travel east to visit her mother. It turns out Farah isn’t as over her father’s death as she thought she was.

do you want the agency trio being the best of mcfucking friends???? gen ot3 feels are so strong in this fic. heartfelt and warm.

Breezes and Buceros have one thing in common by Grand_Funk

"Hi, I'm Mona." Says Mona in a voice that Svlad feels is fit for someone who breaks into rooms as a draft, only to spend time in them as a bird.

very VERY clever writing that is so apt for the short and heartbreaking scene that this fic portrays. lovely, so lovely.

An utterly non-de-escalatable situation by Grand_Funk

And in the deafening silence, Farah realized she had made a grave mistake.

"Oh my God, Farah, I didn't know you could sing!"

SWEETNESS OH GOD. RIP FARAH

Peach, Plum, Pear by Lavellington

"Mona!" Dirk says. "What have we said about sneaking up on people in the form of inanimate objects?"

"It's bad manners," she says, "and may result in invasion of privacy, or untimely cardiac arrest."

"Yes," he says, "good, thank you."

my favorite mona fic of all time. im taking this fic as basically like, the bible for how mona’s pov works and it is a joy to take a trip into her wonderfully crafted perspective and mind.

AAAAND here are some self indulgent self recs because im proud of my genfics hehe

the same wish is returned by reptilianraven

"I don’t really know how to make friends.”

The fortune teller opens a flap under Dirk’s fingers. The text reads, just do what you did with me.

“Take you with me while I escaped a government prison?” Dirk asks, dutifully folding all the paper back in order before unfolding a flap open anew.

smile. be yourself. keep talking. Mona says through the new text. if that doesn’t work do what i did to make you my friend

“And what is that, exactly?” Dirk fondly remembers how he met Mona. How he first yelped in shock when he saw a chair shift into scorpion and then watched in awe-horror as that scorpion stood between him and the exit.

make sure he doesn’t get away :D

When Dirk escapes Blackwing that first time, he takes Mona with him. Friendship is a little odd when one party refuses to turn into anything human and the other party is Dirk, but they make it work.

i just really love mona, guys

Estevez and the Acceptable, Tolerable, Not Too Bad, Okay Continued Living Existence by reptilianraven

Seconds before he’s about to stand to leave, his phone pings. There’s text from a number he doesn’t recognize.

estevez i hope this is ur number

Who is this?

who are you first is this estevez detective estevez i never got your first name is it detective hey are you ignoring these texts HEY THIS IS LYDIA

For real?

Wherein Ex-Detective Joel Estevez does not die.

i could not accept estevez’ death SO MUCH this fic had to happen lest i sulk for a month.

happy reading!! dont forget to show these writers some love!!!!

#dghda #dirk gentlys holistic detective agency #fic

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thatsnotcanonpodcasts · 4 years

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The Mask Of Anarchy by Percy Bysshe Shelley read by Zane C Weber

The Mask Of Anarchy by Percy Bysshe Shelley

As I lay asleep in Italy

There came a voice from over the Sea,

And with great power it forth led me

To walk in the visions of Poesy.

I met Murder on the way -

He had a mask like Castlereagh -

Very smooth he looked, yet grim;

Seven blood-hounds followed him:

All were fat; and well they might

Be in admirable plight,

For one by one, and two by two,

He tossed them human hearts to chew

Which from his wide cloak he drew.

Next came Fraud, and he had on,

Like Eldon, an ermined gown;

His big tears, for he wept well,

Turned to mill-stones as they fell.

And the little children, who

Round his feet played to and fro,

Thinking every tear a gem,

Had their brains knocked out by them.

Clothed with the Bible, as with light,

And the shadows of the night,

Like Sidmouth, next, Hypocrisy

On a crocodile rode by.

And many more Destructions played

In this ghastly masquerade,

All disguised, even to the eyes,

Like Bishops, lawyers, peers, or spies.

Last came Anarchy: he rode

On a white horse, splashed with blood;

He was pale even to the lips,

Like Death in the Apocalypse.

And he wore a kingly crown;

And in his grasp a sceptre shone;

On his brow this mark I saw -

'I AM GOD, AND KING, AND LAW!'

10.

With a pace stately and fast,

Over English land he passed,

Trampling to a mire of blood

The adoring multitude.

11.

And a mighty troop around,

With their trampling shook the ground,

Waving each a bloody sword,

For the service of their Lord.

12.

And with glorious triumph, they

Rode through England proud and gay,

Drunk as with intoxication

Of the wine of desolation.

13.

O'er fields and towns, from sea to sea,

Passed the Pageant swift and free,

Tearing up, and trampling down;

Till they came to London town.

14.

And each dweller, panic-stricken,

Felt his heart with terror sicken

Hearing the tempestuous cry

Of the triumph of Anarchy.

15.

For with pomp to meet him came,

Clothed in arms like blood and flame,

The hired murderers, who did sing

'Thou art God, and Law, and King.

16.

'We have waited, weak and lone

For thy coming, Mighty One!

Our purses are empty, our swords are cold,

Give us glory, and blood, and gold.'

17.

Lawyers and priests, a motley crowd,

To the earth their pale brows bowed;

Like a bad prayer not over loud,

Whispering - 'Thou art Law and God.' -

18.

Then all cried with one accord,

'Thou art King, and God, and Lord;

Anarchy, to thee we bow,

Be thy name made holy now!'

19.

And Anarchy, the Skeleton,

Bowed and grinned to every one,

As well as if his education

Had cost ten millions to the nation.

20.

For he knew the Palaces

Of our Kings were rightly his;

His the sceptre, crown, and globe,

And the gold-inwoven robe.

21.

So he sent his slaves before

To seize upon the Bank and Tower,

And was proceeding with intent

To meet his pensioned Parliament

22.

When one fled past, a maniac maid,

And her name was Hope, she said:

But she looked more like Despair,

And she cried out in the air:

23.

'My father Time is weak and gray

With waiting for a better day;

See how idiot-like he stands,

Fumbling with his palsied hands!

24.

'He has had child after child,

And the dust of death is piled

Over every one but me -

Misery, oh, Misery!'

25.

Then she lay down in the street,

Right before the horses' feet,

Expecting, with a patient eye,

Murder, Fraud, and Anarchy.

26.

When between her and her foes

A mist, a light, an image rose,

Small at first, and weak, and frail

Like the vapour of a vale:

27.

Till as clouds grow on the blast,

Like tower-crowned giants striding fast,

And glare with lightnings as they fly,

And speak in thunder to the sky,

28.

It grew - a Shape arrayed in mail

Brighter than the viper's scale,

And upborne on wings whose grain

Was as the light of sunny rain.

29.

On its helm, seen far away,

A planet, like the Morning's, lay;

And those plumes its light rained through

Like a shower of crimson dew.

30.

With step as soft as wind it passed

O'er the heads of men - so fast

That they knew the presence there,

And looked, - but all was empty air.

31.

As flowers beneath May's footstep waken,

As stars from Night's loose hair are shaken,

As waves arise when loud winds call,

Thoughts sprung where'er that step did fall.

32.

And the prostrate multitude

Looked - and ankle-deep in blood,

Hope, that maiden most serene,

Was walking with a quiet mien:

33.

And Anarchy, the ghastly birth,

Lay dead earth upon the earth;

The Horse of Death tameless as wind

Fled, and with his hoofs did grind

To dust the murderers thronged behind.

34.

A rushing light of clouds and splendour,

A sense awakening and yet tender

Was heard and felt - and at its close

These words of joy and fear arose

35.

As if their own indignant Earth

Which gave the sons of England birth

Had felt their blood upon her brow,

And shuddering with a mother's throe

36.

Had turned every drop of blood

By which her face had been bedewed

To an accent unwithstood, -

As if her heart had cried aloud:

37.

'Men of England, heirs of Glory,

Heroes of unwritten story,

Nurslings of one mighty Mother,

Hopes of her, and one another;

38.

'Rise like Lions after slumber

In unvanquishable number,

Shake your chains to earth like dew

Which in sleep had fallen on you -

Ye are many - they are few.

39.

'What is Freedom? - ye can tell

That which slavery is, too well -

For its very name has grown

To an echo of your own.

40.

''Tis to work and have such pay

As just keeps life from day to day

In your limbs, as in a cell

For the tyrants' use to dwell,

41.

'So that ye for them are made

Loom, and plough, and sword, and spade,

With or without your own will bent

To their defence and nourishment.

42.

''Tis to see your children weak

With their mothers pine and peak,

When the winter winds are bleak, -

They are dying whilst I speak.

43.

''Tis to hunger for such diet

As the rich man in his riot

Casts to the fat dogs that lie

Surfeiting beneath his eye;

44.

''Tis to let the Ghost of Gold

Take from Toil a thousandfold

More than e'er its substance could

In the tyrannies of old.

45.

'Paper coin - that forgery

Of the title-deeds, which ye

Hold to something of the worth

Of the inheritance of Earth.

46.

''Tis to be a slave in soul

And to hold no strong control

Over your own wills, but be

All that others make of ye.

47.

'And at length when ye complain

With a murmur weak and vain

'Tis to see the Tyrant's crew

Ride over your wives and you

Blood is on the grass like dew.

48.

'Then it is to feel revenge

Fiercely thirsting to exchange

Blood for blood - and wrong for wrong -

Do not thus when ye are strong.

49.

'Birds find rest, in narrow nest

When weary of their winged quest;

Beasts find fare, in woody lair

When storm and snow are in the air.

50.

'Asses, swine, have litter spread

And with fitting food are fed;

All things have a home but one -

Thou, Oh, Englishman, hast none!

51.

'This is Slavery - savage men,

Or wild beasts within a den

Would endure not as ye do -

But such ills they never knew.

52.

'What art thou Freedom? O! could slaves

Answer from their living graves

This demand - tyrants would flee

Like a dream's dim imagery:

53.

'Thou art not, as impostors say,

A shadow soon to pass away,

A superstition, and a name

Echoing from the cave of Fame.

54.

'For the labourer thou art bread,

And a comely table spread

From his daily labour come

In a neat and happy home.

55.

Thou art clothes, and fire, and food

For the trampled multitude -

No - in countries that are free

Such starvation cannot be

As in England now we see.

56.

'To the rich thou art a check,

When his foot is on the neck

Of his victim, thou dost make

That he treads upon a snake.

57.

Thou art Justice - ne'er for gold

May thy righteous laws be sold

As laws are in England - thou

Shield'st alike the high and low.

58.

'Thou art Wisdom - Freemen never

Dream that God will damn for ever

All who think those things untrue

Of which Priests make such ado.

59.

'Thou art Peace - never by thee

Would blood and treasure wasted be

As tyrants wasted them, when all

Leagued to quench thy flame in Gaul.

60.

'What if English toil and blood

Was poured forth, even as a flood?

It availed, Oh, Liberty,

To dim, but not extinguish thee.

61.

'Thou art Love - the rich have kissed

Thy feet, and like him following Christ,

Give their substance to the free

And through the rough world follow thee,

62.

'Or turn their wealth to arms, and make

War for thy beloved sake

On wealth, and war, and fraud - whence they

Drew the power which is their prey.

63.

'Science, Poetry, and Thought

Are thy lamps; they make the lot

Of the dwellers in a cot

So serene, they curse it not.

64.

'Spirit, Patience, Gentleness,

All that can adorn and bless

Art thou - let deeds, not words, express

Thine exceeding loveliness.

65.

'Let a great Assembly be

Of the fearless and the free

On some spot of English ground

Where the plains stretch wide around.

66.

'Let the blue sky overhead,

The green earth on which ye tread,

All that must eternal be

Witness the solemnity.

67.

'From the corners uttermost

Of the bounds of English coast;

From every hut, village, and town

Where those who live and suffer moan

For others' misery or their own,

68.

'From the workhouse and the prison

Where pale as corpses newly risen,

Women, children, young and old

Groan for pain, and weep for cold -

69.

'From the haunts of daily life

Where is waged the daily strife

With common wants and common cares

Which sows the human heart with tares -

70.

'Lastly from the palaces

Where the murmur of distress

Echoes, like the distant sound

Of a wind alive around

71.

'Those prison halls of wealth and fashion,

Where some few feel such compassion

For those who groan, and toil, and wail

As must make their brethren pale -

72.

'Ye who suffer woes untold,

Or to feel, or to behold

Your lost country bought and sold

With a price of blood and gold -

73.

'Let a vast assembly be,

And with great solemnity

Declare with measured words that ye

Are, as God has made ye, free -

74.

'Be your strong and simple words

Keen to wound as sharpened swords,

And wide as targes let them be,

With their shade to cover ye.

75.

'Let the tyrants pour around

With a quick and startling sound,

Like the loosening of a sea,

Troops of armed emblazonry.

76.

'Let the charged artillery drive

Till the dead air seems alive

With the clash of clanging wheels,

And the tramp of horses' heels.

77.

'Let the fixed bayonet

Gleam with sharp desire to wet

Its bright point in English blood

Looking keen as one for food.

78.

Let the horsemen's scimitars

Wheel and flash, like sphereless stars

Thirsting to eclipse their burning

In a sea of death and mourning.

79.

'Stand ye calm and resolute,

Like a forest close and mute,

With folded arms and looks which are

Weapons of unvanquished war,

80.

'And let Panic, who outspeeds

The career of armed steeds

Pass, a disregarded shade

Through your phalanx undismayed.

81.

'Let the laws of your own land,

Good or ill, between ye stand

Hand to hand, and foot to foot,

Arbiters of the dispute,

82.

'The old laws of England - they

Whose reverend heads with age are gray,

Children of a wiser day;

And whose solemn voice must be

Thine own echo - Liberty!

83.

'On those who first should violate

Such sacred heralds in their state

Rest the blood that must ensue,

And it will not rest on you.

84.

'And if then the tyrants dare

Let them ride among you there,

Slash, and stab, and maim, and hew, -

What they like, that let them do.

85.

'With folded arms and steady eyes,

And little fear, and less surprise,

Look upon them as they slay

Till their rage has died away.

86.

Then they will return with shame

To the place from which they came,

And the blood thus shed will speak

In hot blushes on their cheek.

87.

'Every woman in the land

Will point at them as they stand -

They will hardly dare to greet

Their acquaintance in the street.

88.

'And the bold, true warriors

Who have hugged Danger in wars

Will turn to those who would be free,

Ashamed of such base company.

89.

'And that slaughter to the Nation

Shall steam up like inspiration,

Eloquent, oracular;

A volcano heard afar.

90.

'And these words shall then become

Like Oppression's thundered doom

Ringing through each heart and brain,

Heard again - again - again -

91.

'Rise like Lions after slumber

In unvanquishable number -

Shake your chains to earth like dew

Which in sleep had fallen on you -

Ye are many - they are few.'

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thewildomega · 4 years

Text

Star in the Sand Ch.12

A/N: Found this cool fanart on Pinterest. Still trying to find artist info.

When he woke early the next morning he opened his eyes to see his little star still sleeping soundly beside him. There was little to no light but he could see her eyes still closed and the small flutter of her lashes as she dreamed. Her lips were parted slightly as her cheek was still laid on his arm. Glancing down he lifted the duvet a small amount and rose a brow when he took notice of her arms wrapped tightly around his left arm. Had he in fact had his hand still it would be between her legs. Looking back up to her face he moved his hand to brush back the strands of hair threatening to fall over her nose. A small knock on his door broke the quiet moment and when he saw her brow twitch he growled and used his powers to shoot sand under the door and shove whoever it was away. He stayed there a moment longer before he slowly eased his arm free, placing his pillow in his place to hopefully keep her asleep a little longer. She needed her rest to finish healing and he knew how difficult it was to get her to do so. Dressing and putting on his hook he glanced back to the bed to confirm she was sleeping before he left to see who had decided to bother him.

...............................

Groaning you nuzzled your face into the softness and stretched before freezing. Something wasn't right. It was warm, your room was never this warm. It was soft, your bed wasn't soft. Sniffing the bedding you almost sighed as Crocodile's strong, manly musk filled your nose. From the first time you had woken to find his fur coat draped over you you had been head over heels for his scent. He had a unique scent, his expensive cologne with hints of sandalwood and cedar along with the smell of his cigars and his own natural musk. With all of that you snapped your eyes open...you were not in your room, you were in his, in his bed. Sitting up quickly you felt your cheeks heat up and it only worsened when a deep voices sounded from the desk.

"So she finally wakes." he said, hearing the small movement from behind him.

You were sure your whole face was as red as your hair. Scrambling from the bed you almost fell, forgetting how tall it was in your frenzy before a whirl of sand caught you and stood you back straight.

"Careful."

Wrapping your arms around yourself you licked your lips, "How did I get in here?" you asked.

"I brought you here after you fell asleep on the deck last night... again." he told her, continuing to work on his log.

You could vaguely remember last night, you remembered taking your medicine and then going out to the deck and watching the fish but then that was it. "Why here though... why not my bed?" you said with a tilt of your head.

"That is your bed now... you will sleep by me, where I can better keep you safe."

Furrowing your brows you looked to the back of his head. "But... but that's your bed... are you sure you want me..."

Standing he made the few steps over to her and looked down at her, stroking the soft skin of her neck with his knuckles, "If I did not want you here, you wouldn't be." Looking into her eyes he saw the dark circles that had been surrounding her eyes fading along with the cut on her cheek that was nothing but a red line now. Other than her broken ribs and gun shot wound she was almost completely healed. Hopefully within a few more weeks she would be back to normal, then perhaps he wouldn't have to be AS gentle with her. Not that he would ever be rough with her. Brushing her hair back over her shoulder he cleared his throat. "Now I have a few things to take care of, we won't be here long but if you would like to go look around the island I will get one of the men to escort you."

Groaning you gave a pout and knit your brows.

Tapping his finger on her bottom lip as it stuck out some he lowered his chin, "No. We have already been over this."

Letting out a huff you dropped your shoulders, "Ori."

"That boy can barely protect himself. No."

"Bonez."

"Daz is coming with me."

"Maverick."

"He is going shopping for food."

Sighing you looked up at him. "See this is where Bon would come into play."

"Bentham is in prison so he is not one of your choices. Slade or Hex."

"Hex." you sighed, rolling your eyes.

Grinning at her glum look he curled his finger under her chin to lift her eyes back to his. "Don't pout darling. It is for your protection. Have fun and stay out of trouble, I will see you in a little while." Kissing her forehead he stepped away and grabbed his coat before heading towards the door. "Your belongings have been placed up in the room. I am sure you can find them, oh and there is something for you on the desk before you leave."

Watching him leave you let out a deep breath and looked around the room. Taking notice of one of the shelves you walked over and saw your sketch pad among several empty ones and a wooden case. Tilting your head and furrowing your brows you pulled it out and flipped the latch to open the case. What you saw made you gasp, a brand new set of charcoal pencils, oil pastels, paints, blending tools, everything you could ever need. Seeing a small piece of paper stuck into the corner by the sharpener you plucked it out and read over the fancy cursive,

Make your dreams a reality my little star.

Blinking you swallowed the small lump in your throat and licked your lips. Feeling a incredible warmth in your chest you smiled and gently closed the case before placing it back on the shelf for now. Looking around you saw the one piece you had done of the hourglass in the sand and the night sky with the strange star above ( What you now knew to be you can Crocodile's soulmate marks) framed and placed on one of the top shelves. Biting your lip as you grinned you moved over to the dresser and looked for your clothes, memorizing where everything was. After cleaning up some and dressing you were about to walk out with your book bag filled with your drawing supplies when you remembered Croc telling you there was something for you on the desk. Walking over you saw another folded piece of paper with your name on it. Lifting it you just did catch the few bills that fell from it and furrowed your brows when you looked over his fancy writing.

If you want something get it. Make sure you eat and stay by Hex.

That jerk had known you would pick Hex. Huffing you only took enough money to get something to eat or drink, refusing to spend the amount he had offered. You didn't like the idea of spending money that wasn't yours. There was a few things you wanted but you would find a way to make some money first. Stuffing the bill in your pocket you moved out to the deck and saw Hex waiting for you. Hex was a decent guy, quiet and easy going, a bit moody if he didn't eat.

"You all ready lil bit?" he asked.

Nodding you gave him a small grin and the both of you left the ship. You spent your time walking around the underwater island looking over this and that as Hex walked close behind you. You smiled at the sight of the mermaids, thinking they were so beautiful with their shining fishtails. At one point you had found a piece of turquoise sea glass about as big as your thumbnail and extreme smooth to the touch. Sticking it in your pocket you hoped to maybe make a bookmark or something out of your treasure. Buying a smoothie you offered to buy Hex one but he turned you down and bought a soda. Making your way over to the fountain you sat at one of the benches with your legs crossed under you, Hex sitting a little ways down, eating something that smelled like pork but looked like some weird vegetable. Sipping on your fruit smoothie you sat it down beside you and put your sucker back in your mouth. Tilting your head you worked on drawing the pretty town and fountain. "Hey Hex can I ask you something?"

"Go for it."

"Um well have you ever met your soulmate?" you asked and then looked down, "I'm sorry, I don't know if that is a personal thing to ask. I just never, well I mean I don't know much about them so..."

"It's fine lil bit... Yea I knew my soulmate but it didn't work out. I won't what she wanted or rather I didn't have deep enough pockets." he said with a shrug.

Furrowing your brows you looked to the man, "I'm sorry to hear that Hex." you told him.

"Nah it's alright, probably for the best anyway." he told her. Glancing down to her drawing he tilted his head, "You bout' done, Cap'n said I had to have you back on the ship by six."

Nodding you folded you sketch book up and put it away in your bag before standing with him. When you got back to the ship you placed your bag up in the room before moving to help Maverick put away the shopping and start dinner. It wasn't long before you heard Crocodile's deep voice from the deck, asking if everyone was accounted for.

"Better ead' up lass, e'll be wantin' ya close by an I know ya want to see the island one last time." Maverick said with a small grin.

Looking to him you smiled and nodded before going up to watch as the ship sailed away from the underwater island. Leaning against the railing you grinned softly. Taking the sea glass out of your pocket you held it out some to look at the island through the turquoise glass. Feeling a presences behind you you bit your lip and craned your neck to look back at him. "Hello."

Looking down at her he felt his lip pull up at her innocent look. "Did you have a good time exploring?" he asked in his usual deep voice.

Turning around to face him you nodded. "Did you get your things done?" you asked.

Humming he looked down to her hand and rose a brow, "What is that you have there darling?"

Smiling you held out your treasure and dropped it in his hand.

"Sea glass."

"I found it by some coral. I thought I could make a bookmark out of it or something."

"A bookmark?" he asked.

"Yea that way I won't have to worry about loosing my place. I had one before that I made out of an old coin I found."

Looking over the turquoise glass he hummed, ever his little artist.

"...I'll just need to figure out a way to put a hole in it without breaki..." Watching as the piece of glass floated just above his hand before what looked like a needle made of sand shot through it you blinked. Looking down when he placed it in your palm you saw a small hole in the corner, the edges completely sanded down as well so there were no sharp areas. Looking back up at him you grinned. "Show off."

Smirking he placed his hand on her lower back to lead her towards his...their room. "Did you eat today?" he asked and saw her nod but heard Hex huff.

"Candy." Hex said as he stood by the wheel.

Gasping you looked to the man, "Snitch. And I gave you my last peppermint one."

Lowering his brows he continued walking, pulling her along with him. "Candy is not food."

"I had a smoothie too, that's fruit."

Shutting the door he rolled his eyes. About to ask what else she had bought he saw money still on his desk and quickly counted it in his head, she had only took ten bellies, ten?! He had left her two hundred! Dropping his coat to the chair he looked to her, "I told you to take that money."

"I took some of it..."

"You took ten dollars."

"That's all I needed." you told him. "What the hell do I need Two hundred dollars for?" you asked.

Narrowing his eyes he huffed, "Clothes, shoes, jewelry... whatever else women desire."

"I have all those things..."

"You have two outfits, one pair of boots and a locket. I do not consider that acceptable." he said, making sure not to mention the dress he had bought her. "Instead you bought a smoothie and candy." he said and saw her nod. "You spent ten dollars on junk." Seeing her bite her lip he watched as she took something from her pocket, laying down two, one berry bills on his desk with the other money before looking up at him with a smile.

"Eight." you shrugged and heard him growl.

"When I said for you to eat I meant real food, I did not mean to fill your already shrunken stomach with sugar."

"I didn't eat it all at once. I still have some left over for later." you said and watched as one of his brows raised before he looked towards your bag on the sofa. The moment his foot moved you did as well, "No..." As soon as he reached to grab the bag you snatched it and held it to your chest but felt him try and pull it from your grasp. "Let go..."

"I will not allow you to skip meals and then go consume candy instead." he told her, grabbing the bag from her he turned and opened the pockets to search for the stash. Feeling her hands try and grab the bag back he started walking to the bed to dump out it's contents but felt her arms wrap around his waist in an attempt to wrestle the bag back from him. While he wouldn't ever let anyone else touch him like this he couldn't help but enjoy the close contact with his soulmate.

"I'm an adult, I can eat what I want." you grumbled.

He couldn't help but be amused as she tried with all her might to reach the bag when he held it above his head.

"That not fair." you huffed trying to jump you grabbed hold of his bicep and tried hauling yourself up, your feet now dangling by his knees. "Croc.." you whined.

Smiling at the difference in size between them he lowered his arm but continued holding her up easily. It boosted his ego when he got to show off how strong and dominant he was, he had a size kink and enjoyed exploiting it. Sitting her down on the bed and using his sand to move the bag away from her when she almost had it he looked down at her small form. Leaning down over her he felt a predatory grin spread across his face. Pushing his left arm down and moving it above her head, careful to keep his hook away from her he used it to support his weight while his fingers curled under her jaw to lift her lips to meet his.

Pushed backwards by his mouth your head fell back against the mattress and a soft gasp left your throat. Your eyes were quick to fall close as he claimed your lips with his skilled ones. The fight quickly leaving you as his warmth enveloped your body. Your hands, where do you put your hands? Would he want you to touch him?

Trapping her under him he slowly trailed his fingers down her neck. He could tell she was nervous, her hands hesitant to touch him, like she wasn't sure he would be okay with it. Feeling her slightly trembling hands grip his sides he slowly ended the kiss, he didn't want her to be this nervous. Looking down at her he twirled a strand of her soft hair around his finger. He could see a ting of pink of on her cheeks, her eyes looking anywhere but his own. Tilting his head a thought crossed his mind. She had told him about her frankly fucked up childhood, she had shared with him about that man who had molested her, just the thought made his blood boil. Then she had told him about her ex boyfriend who had ended their relationship because she wan't ready for intimacy. So now he wondered had she ever actually been intimate with someone, man or woman? After what had happened to her he wouldn't be surprised if she hadn't. That idiot Rob from the bar she worked at was constantly trying to fuck her but she had always turned him down.

Feeling him move you from where he had been hovering over you you felt panic settle in, you had done something wrong. He hadn't wanted you to touch him. Instantly you felt saddened and embarrassed, your lip threatened to tremble but you stiffened it, "I'm sorr..."

Settling down beside her he propped up on his elbow, keeping his hook a safe distance from her head. He was about to speak when he heard her soft voice apologizing and quickly snapped his eyes down to her. "Do. Not. Finish. That. Word." he said in a deep command. Gripping her chin he lifted her eyes to his, seeing her try and look away again he knot his brows, "You look at me, right now." When her eyes met his he saw something he never wished to see from her again, shame. Brushing his thumb over her bottom lip he looked into her eyes, "I will say this once, you are never to apologize to me for being unsure." he told her. Still seeing a small amount of shame or perhaps embarrassment there he studied her different features. There was no way around this conversation, he needed to know. "Have you ever been intimate before?... and I do not mean what happened to you when you were a child I mean willingly." Taking notice of her lip bitten between her teeth and her eyes now focused on either his neck or chest or something other than his face he sighed. He was not normally this patient with people when he wanted answers but she wasn't one of his underlings or a business proposition, she was his soulmate and he would grant her his time. Brushing back her hair he took notice of a small scar by her temple, it was just barely visible, old, probably from her childhood. Seeing her ears pierced he made a mental note to buy her earrings at some point. "There is no wrong answer darling. It will not change anything."

Taking a much needed breath, your licked your lips. Your eyes stayed focused on the buttons of his shirt. They were shiny and a gold color, possibly real gold, knowing him. There was the standard four holes in the center with thread weaved through to hold the button to the shirt, a piece of stray black thread caught your eye and you subconsciously moved your hand to fix it but faltered for a moment.

Glancing down when he saw her hand move but stop he felt his brow twitch. Grabbing her tiny wrist, her eyes snapped up to his, confusion filling them as he moved her hand to his chest. "You can touch me.... I would like you to touch me." he assured her, thinking she needed to hear it. Watching her fix a loose thread on his shirt he grinned softly.

"Once... I guess." you said in a soft voice.

Furrowing his brows he looked down at her, her hands still fittling with his shirt and scarf. "What do you mean you guess?"

"Well um I was drunk and it didn't really happen." you admitted.

Humming he loosened his scarf but felt her remove it. "Continue."

"Not really much to tell, I was nineteen, met a guy at a wedding I was helping bartender at... I thought it would help me get over everything that happened before. So I let him buy me a few drinks and go back to the room I had paid for." Swallowing you tried to focus on his fingers that were stroking your jaw and neck. "I thought I could just forget but I couldn't. When things started getting heated I freaked out, all the memories of him came back. I guess it was too much for him, he left, not that I blame him. I can't really remember much, I remember crying when I realized how broken I was, how..." closing your eyes you sighed. "I blacked out after a while I guess, well that and drinking the entire bottle of vodka myself. Woke up the next afternoon with the worst hangover of my life. I was late for work, which I had never been before. Vick was so mad when I told him what happened, made me scrub the floor at the bar by hand." you huffed, refusing to meet his eyes because of how ashamed you were. When he said nothing you felt that fear returning, what if he changed his mind, what if he didn't want you now that he had heard about you being so afraid of intimacy?

He listened to her story without interrupting and once she was done he studied her. He was good at reading people, good at picking up their emotions and he knew, he KNEW right now she was afraid. Afraid and ashamed. Rubbing his hand down her side to her hip he massaged over her clothes. "You are not broken." he told her, his voice deep and low. When her slightly glossy blue eyes looked up at him he lowered down but held her gaze, "Chipped, cracked even but not beyond repair."

That lump in your throat was back from earlier. His eyes, his silver eyes that normally looked so cold and downright cruel to everyone else looked at you with such tenderness and warmth it made you feel hope.

He was now right above her again, his nose brushing hers, "If you will allow me, I will help you heal, slowly. What you know, what you have been subjected to is not intimacy. I promise you darling that I will never do anything you do not want me to, if ever you need to stop or slow down you tell me and I will. Understand?"

Crocodile was always portrayed as this uncaring, hard, cold man in the One piece manga. He was the villain, still was probably just... not to you. To you he was Croc, your soulmate, your savior and you would trust him with your worst fear. Feeling his nose brush yours, his massive body lean over you ad his warm hand massage you left hip you swallowed hard.

As soon as she nodded he pressed his lips back to hers. This time her hands willingly touched him, one laying on his chest, her fingertips brushing his skin where his shirt was unbuttoned some. Her other hand gripped his shirt by his side. He continued holding his weight off of her with his left forearm, not wanting to crush her, his right hand rubbed her hip, her shirt rising a bit from the movement and giving him the chance to feel her soft skin. His cock gave a involuntarily throb in his pants and he grit his teeth instead of hardening the grip on her hip. As much as he wanted to deepen the kiss, to taste her he knew now was not the time. Once he had her completely comfortable with simple kissing and small touches then he would move on to more but his little star wasn't ready for that right now. Forcing himself to end the kiss he kept his eyes closed while he tried to regain control. He had never had this problem before, he would blame it on not having any since before all that shit in Alabasta.

Opening your eyes you looked up at him, noticing strands of his hair had fallen out of place and were now framing his face. You had to say you liked the disheveled look. Lifting your hand from his chest you tentatively moved it to touch his hair, you had never touched his hair, well not since he had fell into your living room.

He watched her through lidded eyes, she stopped for a moment, still seeming overly cautious but he said nothing. It was something she needed to learn on her own. After a moment her fingers finally reached up, he had thought she was going to touch his face but instead her finger moved to twirl around his hair. The corner of his lip tugged upward and he chuckled lightly at her innocence. Hearing Maverick call for dinner he leaned down to kiss her forehead before sitting up, brushing his hair back to it's usual style. Walking over to the bag that he had dropped to his chair. Opening it he looked inside and saw a good two handfuls of candy and other junk. Huffing he shook his head, hearing her come over he rose a brow, "I will make you a deal, you can keep your candy, you will not eat it all at once though, in return you tell me where you got this." he said, pulling the flask out of his drawer and holding it up.

Looking at the flask you grinned, "Deal." Taking your bag you looked up at him and shrugged, "Mihawk gave it to me."

Dropping his brows he looked down at her, a strange feeling bubbling in his chest. "What?"

#Sir Crocodile #sir crocodile x reader #one piece crocodile #crocodile fanfiction #crocodile x reader #One Piece Fanfiction #soulmate #soulmarks #soulmate au #fluff

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ofaphrvdite · 5 years

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silence ! raise the royal standard, for the crown princess of the greek empire, MEGAIRA CONSTANTINOU, has arrived. being 30 years old, she is first in line to the throne. many around the court call her the pariah, by virtue of her being dauntless and astute, while also being distant and impetuous. — played by emilia clarke.

- THE BASICS.

full name: megaira calisto constantinou name meaning: megaira ‘to grudge’, calisto ‘most beautiful’ known in history as: the forgotten princess, phoenix queen, star of the sea date of birth: april 19th, 1636/1989 age: thirty star sign: aries profession: con artist (modern verse) / crown princess of the greek empire (royal verse) loyalty: greece, house constantinou, the entente alignment: neutral good mbti: intp spoken languages: greek, english (modern verse) / greek, english, advanced latin, advanced portuguese. intermediate spanish, intermediate ottoman turkish, basic albanian (royal verse) mother’s name: agata constantinou nee. doubreva father’s name: alexios constaninou siblings, if any: demetrios de bergano (half brother), isidora constantinou, deceased, aella constantinou height: 5’2” hair colour: silvery blonde eye colour: green

- BACKSTORY / MODERN VERSE.

the constantinou’s had begun a small family, decades and decades ago. they had made their money aiding petty crimelords in minor drug trafficking, dog fights, pickpocketing and weapons dealing. with every passing year they had climbed the slippery ladder until they finally clawed themselves to the top. building their family a throne from all the dismantled ones they had once served. slowly, they had moved on to bigger and better things. oil smuggling, protection rackets, bribery, police corruption, murder, prostitution, money laundering. the constantinou’s were bleeding money, yes, but they had sold their souls to do it. they were wolves, every one of them part of a vicious and feral pack. everyone in athens knew who the top family was by the time megaira had abandoned them all - but it had not always been the way.

one might associate the term ‘mafia princess’ with that of wealth and prestige. gold chains covered in blood, but pure gold nonetheless. such was not the case for megaira constantinou. greece was rife with crimelords, all vying for the top place. the most fearful, the most lucrative, the most established. raised in athens it was impossible to escape the reach of the godfathers of the night. especially when the family you were born into had been knee-deep in crime since long before you were even a thought in your father’s head. such was the case for little megaira.

her childhood had not been spent in comfortable luxury. there was no certainty with their business. not at the start. from a young age, megaira had been inducted into the family business, always half knowing what was going on - but never the true bloody depth of it. the young girl was used as a lookout more often than not. her tiny frame useful for hiding in impossibly tight places, away from view, where she could alert the others to danger afoot. her days were not spent playing with her friends at the park, or worrying over homework, but looking out for enemy gangs. or distracting police with feigned crocodile tears. snatching from the pockets of naive tourists. who would have thought those early days of struggle would prove to be her greatest life lesson? instilling the beginnings of talents she would only unlock in her adolescence. on the streets of athens, megaira had learned her livelihood without ever even realising it.

she had never given much thought to her future. always having assumed she would stay in athens forever, doing her fathers bidding until he was eventually shot dead in a raid or died an embittered old man in his bed, only for the next man in line to step up and pick up where he left off. why would she consider anything else when she had never known a life different to her own? though their family was a turbulent one, megaira loved each of them dearly, her siblings especially. to leave them sounded akin to treason to a young, and ultimately naive, girl.

and yet time could change everything, and their world had always moved so quickly. nothing was ever enough for the constantinou patriarch, alexios always reaching for more than he had, more than he needed. as the years passed, those that followed him were placed in more and more dangerous situations. they were gaining enemies faster than they were friends and their reign was nearing its end. the police, who had been in their back pocket for so long, were bolstered by new laws that gave them the power to put a stop to so much of the crime the constantinou and others thrived on. now in their better interests to put a stop to the criminal underground that had festered so long, rather than aid them. as their jobs began to dry up, alexios began to take more risks. rival gang members were murdered for cash, kidnap, extortion. all a perfect recipe for the brewing revenge to bubble over.

the culmination of years of backstabbing and betrayal took place on a stuffy september evening. the family had all gathered together for a sunday dinner, as they had since before megaira could even remember. one moment they were cheering as the lamb was carved, the next the air was filled with screams and gunshots as members from a recently angered rival gang stormed the constantinou compound. megaira, only sixteen, had watched in horror beneath the table as her cousins and friends dropped to the ground with blood staining their sunday best. hearing the dying yelps of her childhood dog, artemis who lived to protect her, and knowing she was powerless to stop it. nothing had prepared her for the butchering she saw, all she could do was hope and pray that no one would find her.

sirens could be heard in the distance, police arriving too late no doubt to see the destruction of their greatest menace. even that was not enough to disperse the invaders and megaira was dragged from her hiding place, kicking and screaming. she’d never given thought to how she might die, what might happen. just that it was inevitable. but there had been no highlight reel flashing before her eyes, just icy dread and fear as she stared down the barrel of a gun. she remembers little of what happened next, only brief blurs in her mind. a butter knife. blood pouring from a wound she inflicted on his thigh. sweaty hands finding the dropped gun. a loud bang. a death. her first victim. then running.

megaira fled athens that day, away from her beloved family ( those that had survived the purge ) and reckless father. with nothing but the dirty clothes she had on, she had manage to seek refuge. boarding a cargo ship that departed for england that night. she has not looked back since.

in london she was met with the realisation that she had nothing to her name, and nothing to offer. dropping lower than where she had first began in life. and so the first year had been rough sleeping and moving from shelter to shelter. learning english as best she could and scheming to find a way out of her self inflicted prison. surely she had a skill that she could use? all of her talents from her days in athens could not have all been a waste. she was small even now, easy to hide, easy to miss. would the tourists so busy staring in awe at stone monuments notice if a ghost of a girl snatched a watch or wallet here and there?

and so she began. slowly but surely she began to reap in a profit, pick-pocketing the obvious targets, scamming the odd lost tourist. as her skills improved, as did her ambition. she began to steal larger items, breaking into shops unnoticed to claim her prize. still, it wasn’t enough of a living to get her off the streets, only to survive. it wasn’t until her talents were noticed by those who knew to look that things turned around.

megaira was soon picked up by a talented troop of well known london con artists. initially she had been hesitant to trust another, insisting she was better off on her own than allowing others input in her life again. hadn’t that been her near downfall before? megaira had lived so long on her own, wild and untamed as the wolf, she no longer knew how to trust. but she was not someone who did well alone, even she knew that she was losing every part of herself to the struggle to survive, and so even as stubborn as she was, they had eventually worn her down. and her life took another sharp turn, only this time hopefully for the better.

she had spent years with the team, learning every trick and con known to man, garnering golden nuggets of knowledge from the very elite. eventually that team had disbanded, gone their separate ways into retirement and bidding the still youthful megaira goodbye. she was alone again, yes, but this time she was armed with skills and intuition, intelligence gained from listening to the worlds best, that would take her higher than just survival and allow her to thrive.

megaira now lives in a luxurious apartment in camden, with her dog cerberus. over the years she has developed a system that works well for herself. even now she appears more innocent than she seems, a beguiling siren that lures her unsuspecting victims in to get whatever it is she wants. by the time she’s gone, her victims will hardly notice, doing her best to make them want to be deceived. megaira is an expert in charm and seduction of every variety, so don’t be fooled by anything she says. it’s probably all a lie. her cons have taken her all over the world, and allowed her to meet other talented artists similar to herself - including her now partner, tae. the pair had found kindred spirits in eachother and are now as thick as thieves. quite literally.

megaira has no wish to return to athens, to enact any revenge on those who had torn her family apart. in her mind that was the past, and you can’t change that. the raid had brought balance for all the terrible things they had done and she felt no need to revisit all that pain. not to mention the gnawing guilt, that she could not forget, for leaving those she had claimed to love to die. only her siblings had managed to keep contact with her, but her updates are scarce. her half brother manages to stay close, and though she would never admit it, she is glad to have him still in her life. a tie to the few happy memories she had from home. her parents had not looked for her, and she certainly had no wish to find them. as far as they cared to know, she was long gone. death or disappearance, it was the same thing in their life. and she would be unrecognisable to them now. megaira had cut her long waves short, died the once silver strands a sleek dark brown. the old megaira, the little naive girl, had died long ago. the woman had risen from her ashes, and she would not bow to another so soon again. the world best remember that wolves and girls both have sharp teeth.

- BACKSTORY / ROYAL VERSE.

megaira comes from a long line of rulers that have fought, tooth and nail, to make their empire the greatest the world has seen. the constaninou line’s main goal has always been to restore greece to it’s former ancient glory. the heir to said legacy had been born on a stormy night in the ancient and great city of pella, birthplace of alexander the great. though villagers had spoken of her birth as a sign of her strength to come, a woman to weather the greatest of storms, it was perhaps a warning to the raging seas she would be made to navigate, blind, as she grew.

she would prove a disappointment to her parents, nothing but dismay that would end up surrounding her childhood and shaping her into the woman she would grow to be. not only was the king’s first legitimate child a daughter, but she was a weak and slight one at that. megaira did not grow as fast as the other noble girls, remaining a slip of a thing with ghost white hair. not the picture of a stern ruler her father had prayed for. two more daughters followed her, and it would be her mother and megaira that bore the brunt of the king’s discontent. agata a failure for being physically unable to provide a strong male heir, and megaira for simply having the audacity to live.

this made for a lonely childhood, as her parents dismissed her at every turn and there were no children at court for her to play with. she had her guard, elias, who she came to know as more a father figure than protector - though he was every bit that too. he had ignited her love for the stars, spinning stories of the skies and sharing the secrets of the constellations with her every night. always patiently would he play with the little princess, making no complaint as she thread poppies into his hair and forced him to attend numerous tea parties. but she had her brother too, when her sworn sword was elsewhere. though her mother would hiss that he was only her half brother, a bastard ( perhaps the only time she said anything to her eldest at all, when she wasn’t criticising her every move, was to remind megaira that demetrios was beneath them all ), she saw him as blood through and through. her big brother, her very best friend and closest confident. her mother could not twist her eldest against him. not when he was the one she sought out when tears sprung to her eyes, when her mother was cruel to her, or their father ignored her. when thunderstorms struck, it was his bed she would cower under, pleading for his stories of adventure to block out the booming claps of thunder. megaira had idolised him, there was no one greater in her eyes. until their father had forced a divide too big for either to cross.

when megaira was only nine years old, she was summoned to the throne room to meet with her father. even then she had known something was different, for her mother had made her wear her best dress and had reminded her of all her lessons on the way. it was there, all in her best, standing straight as can be with her chin held high, that her father told her she was to be his heir. and she had been thrilled. as excited as any child could be when all they knew of ruling was that it was a big, big job and she would get to wear a crown and do whatever she wanted. and so she did as any excited child would, and had ran to tell the person who had always been the first she told all her secrets to. expecting the same excitement in return from demetrios, she was going to make him her adviser! he was going to be at her side forever! a team! so imagine her heartache when, instead of celebration, megaira had been met with stone. how was she to know that all his life, their father had been readying him for the throne? that he had told that he would one day be legitimised and crowned over his sister. it had been the queen of greece who had bent her husband’s ear, refusing to see her children displaced for a bastard born from an italian harlot.

from that day on, their relationship had changed. near severed entirely. megaira, just a naive and confused child, had begged and pleaded her brother to stop ignoring her, asked him why he was being so nasty, was it something she had done wrong? she was so, so sorry, please could they still be friends? but demetrios had not relented, and as she grew, meg had grown bitter towards her brother. resenting him for pushing her away and, in her eyes, abandoning her. leaving her lonelier than ever. never did she stop to consider his side, the damage had been done and they were both too far gone to reconcile now.

it was her brother who had convinced their father that she ought to be sent away when the war began. a weak princess, now the heir to the throne, would surely be an easy target to their many enemies. and so the decision was made to send her away at aged fourteen to live on the island of crete, away from the city where she could be hidden from those who may wish to use a crown princess to their advantage. here her circle of friends grew smaller still, having only her handmaidens, guard and tutor for company, and the white wolf pup she had been gifted by her old childhood friend. named for the goddess she looked up to, artemis.

the only news she had of the outside world, came through the scarce letters she received from her sisters when they cared to write, her mother and old friends. letters that grew fewer by the year as the world forgot about her. it was through these letters that she learned she must be wed before she could ever take the throne. a plan concocted at court to keep her from her birthright. law was passed that if she did not marry before his death, her brother would rule as her regent until she found a suitable consort and thus convincing their failing empire that their crown princess was not capable of ruling without a man at her side. god forbid a country follow a woman’s lead. but megaira was not the same foolish girl she had once been, she had learned since then, and she knew that if her brother were to ascend to the throne, he would not pass it back quietly after she had forced herself down the aisle.

her years of isolation were not spent in vain. from then on, megaira used that time to plot and learn. learn every language she could, read every book, learn of strategies of war, how to fight with dagger and bow. if the greek nobles would not accept her as their ruler with no king at her side, then she would make them wish they had once she was crowned. she would prove to them all how worthy a queen she could be.

there was a brief period of time, less lonely than the others, when megaira spent half a year with her childhood friend sadiye at the ottoman court. no doubt a ploy to keep an eye on the princess who might one day be the queen they allied with. it was here she met the empress of china, xiulan. megaira had learned a great deal from the formidable queen, lessons she would take with her into adulthood. they struck up a strange relationship, even through letters when both women returned home, one that grew stranger still when megaira made good friends with her ward.

but her time away from court was not all spent quietly preparing in between frolicking in the ottoman empire. despite being sent away for her supposed safety, there were countless attempts on her life. assassins sent from enemy lands, some from her home who couldn’t fathom the idea of a woman leading, not ever. and they came close, some far too close. still to this day megaira wakes from screaming night terrors, seeing in vivid detail the man who had stolen into her room and pressed a knife to her throat. artemis had ripped his out in return, but megaira could still remember the smell of his breath and the blood that had stained her nightgown. an ordeal she had suffered near alone but for her beastly companion and elias. not even her parents had checked on her, only writing to confirm their heir still lived. in her all consuming fear, megaira had quietly begun to convince herself that her brother had been behind a fair few.

as the war finally came to a close, megaira was allowed to return to court at age twenty five. ending her eleven years of solitude. now a woman, she had returned vindictive and determined to see herself rise and her brother fall. unwittingly, her brother had created his own worst enemy. now truly worthy competition, and in her eyes, he no longer stood a chance.

megaira had pleaded with her father for the chance to go to bern, to prove that she would be a worthy leader and could garner the support she would need to rule. megaira had, afterall, spent most of her life away from court. putting her on uneven ground as the commoners did not know her, and the nobles did not care to. bern had been a rude awakening, all her training had been futile when she was as refined as a chambermaid. she would not bend to court expectations, donning her traditional attire as she would have on crete, and speaking bluntly in negotiations rather than dress up her words prettily to make them easier to swallow. demetrios had known the nobles for years, had fought with them and played with them. he was years ahead of her in experience, and already had twice as much support as she did. megaira faced a steeper climb than she had expected, with her socialisation leaving little to be desired, stunted after years on her own. not to mention the crown princess was stubborn and possessed a temper to rival the king’s.

it was amongst these negotiations at bern that megaira made her first decision as a future ruler, one that set in course actions that could not be undone. their alliance with the ottomans had been shaky at best. producing nothing in return for greece but stopping the ottomans from invading their weaker neighbours. the king had bowed to the sultan when his father had been found dead on greek soil ( igniting the war ), and so in a decision that had ultimately crippled their empire, he had sided greece with the coalition. something megaira had liked no more than the common people, who had seen it as their king trading their well-being for his personal safety.

the ottoman sultan had disappeared before the greek courts arrival, and had been presumed dead after the pirate invasion at bern. no one expected him to reemerge, with tales of the torture he had bore marking his body. worse still, he had been held captive by greek men. men who felt so disillusioned with their monarchy that they had taken matters into their own hands. if their supposed king would do nothing more but cower and bend to the ottoman will, they would do what he was too weak to do. the sultan, cruel and twisted from his time in captivity, had sought out megaira as the hightest ranking greek noble at bern and demanded that his captives be handed over for the ottomans to punish as they saw fit. and megaira had refused.

in a decision that might break her reign before it even began, she had refused the sultan but swore his captives would be executed. on greek soil, as greek men, by greeks. there was enough unrest in her country, she would not bow to his will as her father had and prove to the people that she was nothing but a copy of her father. the alliance was shattered that day, the greeks forced to side with the entente to escape the ottoman wrath. it had been the morally right decision, but strategically dire. for the ottomans were not quick to forget.

following the break of alliance, the ottomans returned to their old ways. starting border skirmishes, raiding their farms, pillaging their villages. leaving greece in a vulnerable position. with her people starving, the sultan did not stop there. he needed a more personal attack. seeing how close the princess was to her sworn knight, the sultan had arranged to have elias murdered in the black of night. megaira had found his body outside her chambers that next morning, and she had screamed herself into hysterics until she had been forced back into her rooms. no good deed went unpunished. though she had not known it at the time, her dearest friend and the only thing akin to a father she had known, had died to establish her as a stronger ruler to her people.

the tragedy had not ended there. the negotiations had come to swift and sudden end when a bomb had been set off in bern, ending the lives of many rulers and putting several more out of action. that day had taken what remained of her support system. in all the chaos the ottomans had made another attempt on her life, and artemis had saved her from certain death but in the process had lost her life. megaira had sat with her closest companion as she died, and only when her brother had found her amongst the rubble of the collapsing castle did she allow herself to be dragged away. the next morning, as chaos reigned, she found out her sister had too been lost, as had her betrothed. the portuguese prince she had known as a girl, a childhood friend she had come to care for, even love. with no one left to seek refuge in, megaira left for greece. to heal and rebuild.

since her departure from bern, megaira has wed another to settle her position. a prince of a powerful country whose reach keeps the invaders at bay. for now. she does not love her husband, and sees their marriage as something formed of duty more than anything. she cannot bring herself to love another, not after losing the only man she could ever see herself loving. it is a match that has made her claim stronger, and her husband is as keen as she is to secure her throne.

megaira does not like to be touched, physical contact makes her uncomfortable and if caught by surprise, afraid. gone is the girl who played in poppy meadows and played with her dog on the sands of crete, megaira has joined the talks of versaille a grown woman. colder, and distant from her former self. she no longer hesitates from doing as she must, as evidenced by her calculated murder of josephine, her brothers betrothed. the woman who had covered up elias’ murder. her death had come with the added bonus that her brother had been left without his rich bride. megaira feels no guilt for her actions, feeling they were entirely justified.

though she might not describe herself as a pessimist, she is certainly a realist. her country is starving and she cares little for europe’s new attempts at peace when they hold their talks in halls painted with gold. versailles signifies all of what she hates. their indulgence disgusts her when her people have little food for their tables and suffer through droughts and invasions. so she wants no part of it. refusing to dress as a future queen might and opting for more plain and simple clothes like those of her home. the talks seem a waste of time to her, with other royals problems seeming insignificant and petty in comparison to greece, in the midst of civil war and starvation.

megaira is still honest to a fault, refusing to bite her tongue to protect the feelings of others and so often comes across as insensitive or apathetic. though she has learned when she must turn on the charm, and has become more manipulative the closer she gets to the throne. in her time back in greece, she has learned the art of poison and has become adept with it. should an enemy cross her, she now has plenty in her arsenal to make a swift end of them. however she does still experience night terrors and so now suffers from insomnia, too afraid to sleep. there aren’t many she trusts to comfort her afterwards, but her new wolf ( black as night, named for cerberus, the hound that guards the gates of hell ) stands as her protector where his predecessor artemis had once stood.

megaira strongly believes in independence for greece, and longs to restore it to the great empire they used to be. and she is at these talks solely to achieve that. to make friends with powerful people, and to raise greece from the ashes. she does truly care for her people, but refuses to acknowledge that making peace with her brother may be a big step toward that. she still does not trust demetrios ( no matter how much she misses him and longs to seek his counsel ), and believes he will snatch her throne even now. in truth, megaira is nothing more than an outsider. lonely and desperate to belong somewhere. she craves the chance to prove herself to those she has pushed away. but don’t waste sympathy on her, she will not save any for you.

#! * INTRODUCTIONS.#! * INTRODUCTION / megaira.#meg is the female eli in that #there is no respite in her modern intro #its just shit fest after shit fest #i love that for her !#tw dog death ig but what were you expecting #tw blood #tw death #tw violence #tldr: meg is sad

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