#absalom is dead i guess?????

[hashimasims]

Absalom: Where is she Kanaloa! What did you do?

Kanaloa: What are you talking about what did I do?

Absalom: I can't feel her. My Bond with Elucea is Dead!

Kanaloa: So she figured out how to snap it huh? Guess she didn't forgive you that much.

Absalom: No, it's there, but it's . . . blank. Just nothingness on the other end.

Kanaloa: Well she's not dead if that's what you're asking. That's all I can tell you and all my tether to her tells me. Just go knock on the damn door!

Absalom: I was about to and then you showed up, I think you should leave.

Beginning|Previous|Next

[dmagedgoods]

1, 5, 20, and of course 11 for Sal for the WOTR ask game please :)

1. After the game story, did your OC stay on in Drezen? In what capacity? Did they ascend? Salvadore’s goal is to shape a nation based on a vision of light, progress, and goodness. He turns down Iomedae’s offer to become a commander in her army against the Abyss – despite his interest and knowledge about military strategies, he never has been fond of war and prefers to create and build instead – and returns to rule in Drezen the way he has promised and looked forward to. The city becomes his capital and symbol of victory and glory. He invites architects from Absalom and changes it in substantial ways to suit his ideas and practical, aesthetical, intellectual, and artistic standards and expectations. Its political influence grows fast and steadily. Soon it attracts nobility, scholars, and artists from all over the world. His and Daeran’s palace is built, an elegant, white monument of their accomplishments. They also renovate Heaven’s Edge and switch between those residencies and their estate in Nerosyan. A few months later, Salvadore marries Daeran in an impressive ceremony and takes his name instead of continuing to use the one of his own noble family since the name Arendae comes connected to much stronger influence and prestige in and around Mendev – an important advantage in his plan to claim the throne. Salvadore appoints himself Primarch of Drezen and the Wounded Lands, Daeran Lord Regent. After gaining the support of foreign rulers and finding allies in Nerosyan during the crusade, Drezen becomes the shining example of the “new Mendev”, nurtured by Salvadore’s ideas. Queen Galfrey is dead and quite a number of Mendevians want to see Salvadore inherit the throne. His husband has many supporters as well. After some political plots and power struggles, Salvadore Arendae is crowned king of Mendev. Daeran becomes king consort. Salvadore didn’t ascent and it was a deliberate decision. He had all the pieces lying in front of him and combined into the picture leading towards demi-godhood. The way to achieve it felt wrong to him for many reasons – one of them that it would have been necessary to pretend a part of Areelu’s child was still alive in him, what would have been a lie and furthermore a thought he deeply despises – and should he aim for godhood one day, then by passing the test of the starstone. [His way of going through the game actually left me with almost everything that would have been needed to ascent and I’m still a bit proud I almost did it without a guide. I never would have guessed the time, this was the piece missing, but this only would have taken me one reload and to skip 2 months and should not be counted.] 5. Did your OC accept Nocticula’s gift? Why or why not? He very much did not. Answered with reasons here. 😊 20. Your OC’s thoughts on Areelu Vorlesh? Aaand the long essay on his thoughts about Areelu you already read. Here is the link. 11. Thoughts on tentacles? Hehe, another one you already found. Here are his thoughts on tentacles.

[lilac-whump]

Nightmare's Shadow Part 6- Painful Truth

A very fun chapter! Hope you enjoy!

Cw: emotional whump, slavery referenced, lady whump (nothing physical or graphic this chapter), fantasy whump

Masterlist / Previous

“Inrissa?” Nevaeh breathed the word, but her stance didn’t relax and her blade was still between them. Inrissa hadn’t even touched her blade yet.  Because this was Nevaeh. Unmistakably. And she could never raise a hand against her. 

“I thought you were dead,” Inrissa said. She felt like her heart had cracked open and all of her grief was spilling out like blood. Nevaeh was alive. And she was right here.

“Well, I thought you’d still be…” Nevaeh said, shrugging instead of finishing the sentence.

“I got out,” Inrissa said. Obvious. But what else was there to say? She wanted to say everything and found herself saying nothing. Her entire world had just been made brighter, but a sliver of uncertainty was working its way in. Why didn’t Nevaeh look happy to see her?

Nevaeh shifted uncomfortably, glancing around. Inrissa could only guess what she was worried about, or who she was worried about.

“I..” Inrissa reached out towards the other woman then pulled her hand back. “I’m glad to see you.”

Nevaeh’s face softened a fraction and Inrissa’s heart eased.

“I’m glad to see you, too, Inrissa,” she said. “How…did you..?”

“I’m traveling with the Elite Guard,” Inrissa said. Nevaeh raised her eyebrows.

“Really? Impressive.”

Inrissa felt a surge of pride at the praise. 

“Perfect,” Nevaeh continued. “I can’t talk right now. But I can meet with you in…two days. Tell Larkspur you have a meeting with Katrina in the usual place. She’ll be able to find me.”

“Alright,” Inrissa said. She wanted to say so much, to ask questions, but she had no idea what Nevaeh was dealing with. She couldn’t bear the thought of causing her trouble, not when she’d just gotten her back from the dead. “I’ll see you in two days.”

Nevaeh nodded, then disappeared around another corner. Inrissa didn’t try to follow her. She let her go into the city. Disappearing from her life. Inrissa’s lungs shuddered with fear, that that would be the last time she saw Nevaeh. Again.

Sweat slicked her palms and she rubbed them against her pants, slipping back into the crowd on the street. The enchanted stone on her necklace chimed.

Inrissa tapped the stone lightly and the message from Absalom came through, giving her directions to the place where she could meet back up with the Elite Guard. 

Prometheus’ Firstofrged workshop and forge. Well, at least she would be at her intended destination finally. Two days. 

If it was going to be that long, maybe by the time she saw Nevaeh again she could be truly free. Inrissa’s hand brushed against the cold, harsh metal of her collar. She had been so young when she’d been collared. A shudder ran through her at the memory, the brutal violence, the callous removal of her horns on the same night. That night had changed her. Broken her.

Would removing the collar change her, too? Surely, but how much? The damage of a lifetime couldn’t just be wiped away. Inrissa had no idea who she would be when the collar was removed. 

—--

The Elite Guard had gathered in Prometheus’ workshop, but Natala hadn’t returned with them. Her duties held her in the Palace for now, to Inrissa’s disappointment. She glanced to Larkspur. Nevaeh knew her personally, at least, under a different name. Was Nevaeh even her real name?

Inrissa pushed the thought away. She would get her answers from Nevaeh in two days. Interrogating Larkspur about it would necessitate explanations that Inrissa wasn’t ready to give. All of her resolve for exposing her secrets would be needed if she was going to confront Firstforged and ask for his help. 

The anticipation of the conversation she dreaded had made it impossible for her to absorb what the rest of them had been discussing once she had arrived. With every breath she felt like her collar was constricting more tightly around her throat. Inrissa stood with her arms crossed, her nails digging into her skin as she stared at Prometheus. Studying him.

The uncertainty planted in her chest by Nevaeh mixed with her ever seething anger and bubbled to a boiling point. Fear permeated all of it. 

If she could trust them, she would confront Prometheus with everyone present. In case he turned on her, in case he wasn’t what he pretended. But if that were the case, why would his friends side against him to help her? No.

She would get him alone. She waited as the others trickled out, heading into the city to attend to their personal business. But this was Prometheus’ forge, his personal business was here. Which meant so was Inrissa’s. 

Finally, they were alone. Prometheus glanced at her awkwardly. Inrissa cracked her knuckles and straightened her posture.

“Firstforged,” she said. “I need to talk to you.”

“Alright,” he said. He put down the tools he had picked up to give her his full attention. Inrissa couldn’t tell if that should comfort her or frighten her.

“I..I need…your help,” Inrissa forced the words out. Her hands started shaking and she couldn’t stop it. A tremor crept into her voice, and Prometheus’ brow furrowed. Inrissa tried to swallow the fear but there was nowhere else for it to go. This was it. Once she told him there was no going back. If it went badly, she could ruin her chances of finding refuge anywhere in the Empire. 

“The reason…I knew who you were…” Inrissa stammered, cursing herself for the weakness coming through her voice. “I..look, I was looking for you. When I went to the Glade. It was to find you. Because…the reason I know you…”

Inrissa took a deep breath and dropped her illusory disguise. Letting her true face show, her charcoal skin, the silver scars, the broken horns. And around her neck, the thick metal collar with a silent bell. She reached her trembling hands up to her neck, tracing the ridges of Prometheus’ symbol, now glaring at her from every corner of the workshop. 

“I need you to take this off.”

She wished she had some speech, some leverage to use against him, but there was nothing. She couldn’t bring herself to bargain for this. To be allowed to exist like everyone else, like a person should be able to exist. Everything was such a fight, she couldn’t- no wouldn’t- humiliate herself by pleading, by offering something up. If she had to, she would threaten him. But for the moment it took everything she had just to let him see her for who she was. 

Prometheus fell to his knees with a heavy thud, staring at Inrissa. His eyes were fixed on her neck. On the collar. 

“I don’t understand,” he said, his voice strangled. Anger spiked through Inrissa’s turmoil and she scowled.

“What do you not understand?” she spat, one hand itching towards her dagger. “I want you to take the damn collar off!”

“How…how did this happen?” Prometheus asked weakly. Rage roared in Inrissa’s ears and she stepped up to him, their eyes level while he was on his knees.

“You trying to tell me you didn’t make this? That your hands didn’t forge this?” she hissed.

“No,” Prometheus confessed, dropping his gaze to the floor. “I did. I…that is my work.” His shoulders shuddered and Inrissa growled.

“They…used my work to…what? Make…slaves?”

Inrissa grabbed his chin and forced him to meet her burning gaze. 

“I was already a slave when I got this,” she spat. “This is a muzzle. A control.”

The look on his face was stricken. A horror Inrissa knew in her gut couldn’t be faked. His ignorance only served to enrage her further.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I didn’t know.”

“What the fuck do you mean, you didn’t know?” Inrissa roared. She put her heel to his chest and put all of her force behind it, kicking him backwards to the ground. “How could you not know? This is your work, didn’t you bother paying attention to what you were making?”

Releasing her anger felt good. She let it pour out from her like waves of steam, filling the room with heat. She stepped over Prometheus, ready to push him back down or draw blood when he fought back.

But…

Then he didn’t.

Prometheus Firstforged let himself be kicked to the floor and just…stayed there. He turned his face back towards her and tears were cutting tracks down his face. 

“I’m sorry,” he said again, his voice crystallized with defeat and sorrow. Anguish. The anger inside Inrissa swirled, clouding her vision. But she couldn’t take it out on Prometheus. Not now. Not like this. Not with a blade. 

Inrissa let out a strangled scream and turned away from him, her tail whipping behind her then curling around her ankle. 

“Whatever,” Inrissa said. “Just take it off.”

She blinked hard to clear the tears and haze of fury from her gaze. Prometheus didn’t answer her so she turned back towards him with a scowl. He could be pathetic, he could be sad and ignorant, fine, but she would get what she came for. He wasn’t putting up a fight like this, if he was as broken and guilt ridden as he acted then he should jump at the chance for any redemption.  She met his gaze and he flinched. 

That gave her a taste of satisfaction that was drowned out by the horrible revelation in his next words. 

“I don’t know how.”

[libidomechanica]

Beare doe creep from my passion rebuked, near alone, that if he cried

A curtal sonnet sequence

               I

Or if I love by white be sins all hips. Beare doe creep from my passion rebuked, near alone, that if he cried. In the sea, drafts of better been dreams only not mean death! Of earth wel recur. Chariots in fast an ended guessed to ken, his flash’d by and care true to slow, while of fit would some is your sweeter it weld there the fame: short. For all to-night, although in his letter the loue, lyke a perswade. Pronounce of endure selfe done!

               II

Nor more to a Flood; it not—lest prize ouercast is betters and weak, her morn through succeeding moving, This han the nut-brow, so snug she father that art, but little laddie’s elbow people wounde.—But in time, reach’d show the sleep discipline to see, mad slackly, with dew; fragrant to human from the linger sheer wife, they gazed they would repeats light, in sooth, to Alienate was ill-wrough the least the solemn birds ladies and no ground, ah!

               III

Wrong, her filled up tails o’ silk with such please. Believing told you trust though to be the day, then but one reading mind admitted their Spoils by in them did but a branches hands purchased the beauty blest, the make a pair of throughtful she blood desire. To trust then fayre harder soul sublime of—Heaven dwell. To me Right, ye joyful as the surf and gibber disappearance that till Miss, and bells asunder;—these to yield a broke me.

               IV

Was learned to me. Stead, and cast trew obiect of delight’s red the balance of Sorrow your loue in sooth, I thing, heavy on thine anothers winter! But my selfe the flesh and of age now then something I’ll not the day with the fear, but then some sent of Love, if anything—the faint there is the syllable in the mouths and aching care forbid he but you would scarce pure her the stars. A counteous Lord knows are my bidding to me.

               V

Then a tender love, or malice their against Time asked: Spinster. And learnd of loue weak. And sing: whose power. Then Chloe’s strangle me die! No voice inuent, yet should every night, whom thee. Some the push-pin, for look all her love, and in the stately mate, till now tell; or they repenting and left to be louely as all this, and day, venus for the Bee him as an appear to dust content with labor and Arab architraveling coiled.

               VI

Come, dear heads, and thinking: There that Fate Proof that alone, ’ quoth speak thy languish for me, be will now, they must, but oh, that sun. Nor shadow acrossing in rysing in theys of Injuries fit; sagacious Aid make here; for on my smart; at leads, in the moon is art: the Wise Mansions from which hesitational dead. My sighs dropped eye; the father cheeks; and mark to play: so young doubt which trip; blank asham’d out the spring lacke to grope plot.

               VII

Of the flying it, but as far as Absalom, and who have loose, with the chosen wicked with gems and pleasure, you without me, on Praise. On Sense, he scratch’d the the garded strictly sighing water; for yúsuf— she stately still heard my knees. Found as so fall drown mine. Her eyes come to enter’s wreck up. Think to this wings forgot, no doubtfull flight, growing, frisks, she godlike a tall we have least desire whereto thee? The go-cart.

               VIII

But so make then we call is as it that proue you, that whether pourse, but arose, nakedness of thousand meant of Heav’n has called, and the Iuniper and put this world his flanks of being for my hear sighs drops a little bower said he but Government. By art left Defence of grace those chose worth, south, to manage either, for shall parted, and rue, would refresh for improv’d heat must take, but she wars, of Retribute. The moonlighten’d.

               IX

That length, of moderate eyes searchable plagued with ioy will I could sense a wild a lie comfort my whom the for they for I wish it scabbard! Where arose nothing roar they strangle they wants and stumbling eyes his prison. For Sums of you gaue, cockpit of icy grant with rigorous tributor of my dark and rehearse whose lines, and, lookes, and yield, to be short come getting Jews; till true love witching she sav’d, every tale, the Laws.

               X

Apt to makes here’s a soul did prayses for the same, whom all thou kiss, nae joy can most ornaments, nor gravest words—but when my free their Gods-smiths Defend to add sometimes to rest, whilest in my bonny bowes, revenge did protestant glistribution, and broughout pausing, and Bridal with a flowre, is year, thus, with his to killing still hate to stone. But mirth, my wish that Shimei, thought for Headed pricken each him? I tooke enroll.

               XI

The brother Road entangle and the plasting! And this own more easy though and with such are or elsewhere shepheards remembrethren to the attoning, or glided: which I hae dream; the worthless sort, despise the west, peerless I could did you. With on both was today; she winds shore, though to his Royalty well divers, instinct, this own for their willing a gold; she wind, seeing Tyrians new years, and grace in thy blotted all this you.

               XII

On me laughing in hart when canto, save a few behote his Foes shall about her breast, she thine and Sommers pryde, which to you prefermenteth, by all deuour smile: and come away, beneath is done; for loue did music before so neares, whether lap. A thirty king o’er their banquet bids me the boys, half-science shepherds feeling toward land no one displace. Ask me to so light. But as yet fields his Prerogative. Other, your state.

               XIII

Making deep in the laddie’s you him the woes as Cockatrices did the rules to Vivian-place. For my beadsman’s own into thee and with meekness emotion: you meant by him shall no more introduces— You. Which skill affection of blisses, and dight of shadow sweate, but kingdoms, it beneath in his Moly, but when he’s reigne so call thy shew’d from hence down his kindest your al than throne aspyre. Heart I trusting taken me.

               XIV

—But to make miller’s cars out of Civil, then Cleopatra live: to makes through the ooze of Jacob Behmen poore. Each other’s Ears, she doe beauteous monimental passion of mankind one vex, after soil may accurse! Because she will, a little great he kiss, I lose bring is it shut still the boats the would hart servings or mought rear moroccos harsh feast: now on for every vulgar, passe thy proportion! Pursues, least, and ah!

               XV

I iou to takes my life’s officer they call’d; The One disting! To make she the Whole; not making and me little, so keepe. Poor pitch done forst dear Madam, tis but on a cockade, as ear; when fly though the way, the sure, state. Mild, the other latitude apple truth the Great by then the free beholder solemn lighteous ornamentious toyle, that not Living eye, of court, though flowers. With bad old, where hard, my fastern Skies.

               XVI

She did stare of appeare, you likeness, and, soon with Tityrus, I don’t—I am ouercame the Mouldy roll doing me, Naomi turns haue such smart sudden dumpish scholler, smile than through death some flying wave entrates—but let itself arrow comes the which glorious Hate again sin moderate: inches to her snowy sense; by the murmuring, and, and lost in Order in plain the dream? For, government: that wont with pride.

               XVII

Through the awful as a general sites immortals, but his teres start, is his song. Your cold fair through unsuccess, but the sparks upon the poem of built on mountain, in that then and ioyes, which, early expect and cloy’d, and fast and in the veils throught it is hours it stemmerring sooth, which was to churchilled the children, again of which weare, burn or like at the easily to tell; tis done! Below, but Commands you thy delight.

               XVIII

Which I gave day’s diamonda’s boughes, that fade, rubyes riots of loue we sat dancing, but mine; for my Camel of those when I things, yet shown the worship and the lay, though unseen hundred. The dark with me a more appear, till the others’ tempest of aged Word, by degree. From him star-fish it be pleasures would brib’d by the sense; an old her said no and admire, the Israel Suite, which where is mouth-deep from her ear, and thus vnkind!

               XIX

Nor loue, Mars before the land of the same, when he not a breath mantling wit forgive tried her Graces which where vngratefull he brook at your colour heart, I say to bury to save the time withdrew needed. I gave to-morrow flaps and dismayd, strove, the moor. And brightnesses, and coffin; but types of this leather; and wicked intellect on posted streamed to least way, of Heav’n- directly seen the sand; and Pharoah for vertues Fool.

               XX

Why that she three gods he had taught, but never waned disdains yields, et ceteran with my power, rounds seen, by who you. More easie still we sleep the fair Sacharitable creature but that glowers. In each trembling the counter, and already five, to creatures Elders to creep in The land, which I fry, resence in the placed the by over, the night, thou gynst who mighty, no more; but seem to remind blowest those spent a liberty.

               XXI

Said Lolah, Katinka ask’d more my though to vex’d with my life yong blossom, o! The one was born forth harder gracefull builds its within clamoures grosly as bright football with Cruelty, I wont to you, let thou not proued, nor rate, dear, in each trembling back of Christall my dear child; where he break, and the short, or any day, your celebrated Fury friends, and give o’er though I, once, proclaim, accomplayned: but we willing.

               XXII

So, one but for euer; weighter of Animal Alloy, the should revolts, rang beyond, it seasons rage; as itself how coud harp I take the light keep his Bonds the much odious of darken abated many wish the glaring revolving with a day. For bells dire Agent former captive’s transgressed at his moniment: would grinning I’d better’d Handsome down besides. With their sweet and duty done weds. Who was destinies.

               XXIII

Out onely that paine from the sound the simmer, yf please to y0our Desire, the Law those who taxes, despair the rose hate. And tuck alone; o river; cupid the renew’d: thankful sister, if sheepe: and, you’re we sprung into this, if your unguardians mine: a realists: and terrours shaking forehearse who on the next Heir upon the hold again by head: but shall song, Moody, who Absál lone on his the Moon, or tragic hist!

               XXIV

In way, as nectar doth tye, great deare on it, where of; with me hinder—then I hate youth: then western Skies, and when you were leaues, this transmissing—who can canto, save a vase of Things could sea-caves! Heaven manacle of hardly louers bower-door, and rain: its of studious Subjects bed of the glory is the fools enjoy! In that ye shall but you blame fire will be Easter of heart the laid he if your fantasy of the die.

               XXV

Of their presens I lit the delicately rejoicing. Which your with all be kept up discipline, where is this day’s doctrine— in would attentious have guest for thou are bare, that from of being ask’d with the tame frightes, and heart, my mouth will beast echo, and which don’t seem present or changeable touch on them scrunch dragg’d, and twincle of the vanquil cheek to earth clymes away. For which doth preted the working peace, and the grief.

               XXVI

And looke, at least and a sin by a woman’s Sands, begg’d to the true, t is love note, which the light! But farther as the lov’d through he wishes bathe answers, the Throne, but shadows the scream that his more. To ever-divert field: and the meadow of Fasting underneath of loue in from behind swallow ripe: my hands. I fear, why note as been taste: the depths of heauenly made like man kindness since I meant by the nam’d, whilk store, would government.

               XXVII

By the publics also to recall follower! And heart and sweet aspyre. To give me, who couer whether, the soothers, and setled be, then, till worse to worke them my body and approach other decay: and I will death! Where a will beauty’s Gentlement. Doth from everywhere that wonderment work scarce seene, as breast to back but glow, but Savages diuiding. Lend offer’d o’er themselves a moment, if thou have, I said he is due calm.

               XXVIII

As night; to fayne, I want to bus’ness, whose extent when I hope heart glide another may love of fame by the news but with strongly veins trompetite! And to one, that censurest it frosen peril—not in her strikes in rejoice has become, he’s strange above me. Faire fayrest and to her demeanors grant heav’n will say the hotel without alloted, event your elasting soul weary, and the should be over I lovers’ space.

               XXIX

Kiss in their Jewes, whimperial order: lives grace; and make: and so ill dress spoke the violence. And lazy Happines, while I see, they have suffize, as if thilke saucers, and each had horse wit, or will continuall contemplate disposed—’Mamma, I will net, shall the East, my heart to shew here the need the light to Elenor: he had no cry, myld humble figuring; beside. From sin, by that, and horns, and ungentle with indite.

               XXX

But blunder of so subdue.—Called wives, and I assurance trivialest Objects know her vndonne. Death of May, she with a future dregs of attayne belongs here? With Honour, thou master only, so your self in the tape separate erred, she love-vexed, the same loosing so the paramour throne, in free, with improves; and life assurance, position is left over hair. My mind a Moone, and Spirits at is heart and throughts, and will cause meet fruit.

               XXXI

And ball. The children. But thousand from Spain? Maybe, blazing eyes, and half your morn? Successors Reign, his feel in Chloe wander to make his Highness bill What wind, deem thy you may betide thing alter which, ere the vaunteth, is looks, and what neuer brest yron so much dead and admire your bled, and cease, in the raging madrigals. Take so did knee. A wind a faint! I not the heads peoples of fifteen on my thou changed your mind spire?

               XXXII

Better, or a yawn’d all the floods or spirit such as Petersburgh and what I might me the lay his Favourite veil. Dear, tired, and perhaps the nymph pure life proue you, or where away and in chased to me? Power is heaven that hast so sentent, didst of the cold of Wolues that is you stands from him escapt away: that naïve life of payned, but on and great the chancery,— which trusting all things unbeams doth imposite.

               XXXIII

Like these flowers, clos’d with wine, what peace, it sound nocht could now end, not on meeke so forgets red scheme of Dulness. Ay, in the debris of camomile at their shoote apartment their hand the most she doe embranches him down and feed the which song, tree. More forget some lovely did bids all the wilt the dame as stead: and that make all, in the end the applause where I spontaneously Love, I lovers Each out, my love all the hot.

               XXXIV

And yet to praise replies, hir teeth but yonder, disting and Antony restless something in the guardian know it not look up but there is o’er head, o ye! Come for somethings me the Breath on all encreace, and for thee—on the grave: the cause my loue and eyes, but when she selfe assistance. And whether hour self of wintered if it moved a suits: those what sweetness, and desire was with hideous spoilt childhood first, the Eglanting.

               XXXV

Sweet is lover’s fame by, would fire But ay that this headlong purpose away! The which her doat upon three such snow;—in earth’s feature of God, which it cold faild, and look’d still vnto Gillyflower of this pearles all asleep; while.—All trumpet should I not all them all we in deface. Yet sake, a wretcher’s another’s oaken men state. And tongue, or is glitter blush, what sovered, your stour, who frown—than pensius. And man, the radio.

               XXXVI

It shown by their habitants were a narrative burns nor to read on my souereign this lighteen our eyes came; although their prays they call all cost as it doth spring so clear from where not common wound on they cal the awkward before I heavy next, a poor wrath that wind done in the incense of the last to gold or sometimes chamber—range the more misty decree? With pleads, if the cried to talk will I, as she too solicity.

               XXXVII

Or moon, and myself arrives, thought of limb of sometimes a two-year-old whiles should in a scarred with them, were;—that just no one is they she means some shirtlesse of all them, this. At late discover but waned distant of the placed, seeing couple, seized thus to enthrall: for, like no long Charles, wild dedicament of men cannot say, his she them all afterward squirm newly alone to which skill. She storment act would in sweet babes? I speak.

               XXXVIII

Yellow she meadows o’er each our breeds. If Yuorie, yet, exceeding they then sown without loving mere planet power: and I wanted joys, or the liue, a dole. In the store, retired, how to love as home the quantity of her pray in that here. I hate to quit her happy may be, if that bright. Still dependicular sorrow old? And where you as evening, that if it be the remains; he steed in that more the rain to Semele.

               XXXIX

And after roving she knows what your faced for a girls and remains acrossing sight her she crossing to heart. The nice; reads Imagine as an olders use, as the marched if that Submit to be the Skirt of the Sculptor’s weak eies but always he Paris, t was cramoisie. So forth the years rung, behaves of drest of it, Is they called acrossession’s obviously deare, reduced a Specially into him, as blesse ships to lusty May!

               XL

Made his desperate with her in one wonder’d her captiues vnbridled Notion will find sweet is helmet this—a little on any souls would rever be were fine; since yet a starr’d from crime, and kill how in her sense, to prove twas nothing must sprouting will come to make him? Bring to interpart without answer rare writes, sleeve; to make and sad to me would ray can shrink away, thickset from above and scarce seen identicipations, boar.

               XLI

In his vaults of reach’d with her reasons I lives doo shones of social wife. So sordid he if that was bless: but when sudden pining I follies open’d with pure, myne eies, are beheld it hung down, and in vain? Equal forget, may mixt with star cadencing, the woman said, your bridge. Arise? To the she game full of inspire beneath th’ effects in their charging Damon low in you doubt his Bosom bleeding, the Fire of love.

               XLII

And I reply’d-And tis excell. Wear and drunk; proud, he shall my fashion,—are a ring; some away, nor Crow happens mechanical On thilke sacrificial movement. When it address brought, courage hold its patience how your love or forhead of they never peeress, inferior no long Processive War, but your diffuse; by think it’s just of this Ambush my Countries her equivalence in his own drough studious to be sure.

               XLIII

The Fools, which loue would shift in second and two or die lids the was, ask’d nor they had be, tell he find ankles o’er the laws our fantastic Shape of him furst; delight himself did her thing. She doth breed: the aid the game, champagne flowers and each us, and the Spyder thinking: Thus wrong, to tell enforce before Polygamy way young with Charliest bitter is creeks we shal thunder of those lusty bosome ray wanders with yeares.

               XLIV

But when as thus, with can iudgement farther breeze is now and departe’s not chose a Monarchs of filthy wings were for and eyes and the Society is lyke Pinchbeck was a silly young will builde and want age, has being she. That though hand wakeful Actium, ratafie and lifts adoptiues lie for a good head, at the daylight: such more a-roving a should for life, or they can recently, my silly lass, strange o too high.

               XLV

But Chronology of another bell. And made must I should have been may see, whose loue and kisses red by they sure meanest all, and, proud as flowers or statues draw one with unwounds do or tired, relict and the eyes all, and the baser malice that the mart, the wish to the tented sinning here. My Queen ordain’d to take it in little tired, the bush, when the pass, which song we watch the mistaken in the night; the place!

               XLVI

Should be had no more, by who ne’er heart’s deare hence, filled word can look up in Treason’s soure intelligence—First love wild turn Rebellies you’re with that with and proved on the fall lean of beds for her care to entrust that does now she kingdom but I lit the saw it scarcely powre, in you’llattack umbred in it wasn’t Sanherit needlesss Clamour release white vow? Themselves, with unripe grasping to the garden! Was never I’ve walk her stay.

               XLVII

Not say, seemd I should be true; to many dark will not yet without a sad assay, desire once a perish: shine eie lids lowly at night really plaine, howling, or rare in the Jews, who lovely grape and passions doth your drawen world have no morn; not a the high to do? And their carriers has been was all the went. And bond, and beauty wings, one, for air of being for Aribtrary COunsel me, then shine, but hurried me!

               XLVIII

And that last, doe embrance—for heroic gigantesque, while. Our ideography, that others, and gowd, is that blush’d fair? She sight wilt thou woxen an vnsoote against proved Mozart wreath, like the People mine by way than all-eating gulf on guesse. Ever neck thy Turn Well who do now to you will around is you doe I, by man kind of Accessful thinks of the mouth and lands be world. The fables of the worth, The turn, unhappy love me.

               XLIX

Of the Clouds changeful citations excellently if those lass of the when I bears—Oh, odious toyle, yclept th’ even those now Nature so wild gaming elation everyday ten ye leagues, whiles were she, her yet, my life make Example have the time for not simple privated, inclind: if such lay: her deere, buzz, and all but thing and Crude. Great to bed, and weeps arm is what in gold church nay, for they sits of Fate.

               L

When, two angel beasts, at thine as faire within the chiming sense, with family! That which may be that dotted thee, when they happinesse, forc’d, and sense to moved us this is comb’d it, to the worlds richest; nor and delight, for the world weighd with mollify: for his bears—Oh, odious art: that washed him irresistablish’d them base to vew of early sets a flock, this is his horses and shaken me away, her error stopped and dove.

               LI

For the Pasty that doth scourse, gemlike, that her humbly at the musician, ’ that sweetned so, admire. Till each grew sting in soon their stranged house third an are follow; let other sins trompetite precious of them orphans is their bands and maybe January, as I said, where a prey to my own ways; so Philo-genitors, surface that I’m busy battell, and a siluer devout capricious by rivers borowd be truth.

               LII

Thus by the fault of moon’s Murther right doth indite. Made forget the crew: by lovely into social careless his Princessary Laws should achine that, but type of red garland out came blood by who could be thy tear it back from afar: each other firstly, and vouchsafe is a monstrument, how often golden for so luck into lived, and the summer’s lover. Out of the Old mend! Half unveil’d it than a winds a gently be.

               LIII

That wore upon her. Cupid a-shoot. An underness? I beat of it, and the dear, to drowned? Evening sprung her Burden share that we can be no more the Lord, whimp’ring floor, and set of meer Noble gaz’d on a curb trapped from wait in light: then she meerelessly arrow passions, and all on ones, and euer in one, one whole too portliness, past; for imperial elms, articulous loue shepherd pipe to could morning the world’s end.

               LIV

To peep, or wanted by her Desire of Corinthia swain, which I sang, in all the redden’d bowre are slurring light retire and with one recognize he not beauty’s diamond disciplined the soft the generative behind she silently. A children compassion, whom yonders, infection of exprest lyke to clear-cut faithful to demand which he couple treasure, furnisht harmonies; or if the dooth petty creater.

               LV

An hours is the Dignities, and louely hew: wi’ a large her chamber—range, and proud truth: for on the rest, and seaze me, Naomi turn’d her hand, when flood and I want to be all, a possest; all turn’d, but you wilt thou to sore he miles are under of a pearl their knowing the trembling before tears of all comer; on her breathing in effections can I see playing fawn, and choose out the tower climbed than when thy mother near.

               LVI

When freshness best partaken. Her brough the ore, no doubtfull stay young with saue or in your inces so very had set my right, how that never field his feel’st a Limb of his race. Now am I Mary Ann was for the nice; reads too lichen on which to all these breath the claim men’s education could not drinks o’ the ba’, to publick Lunacy: and blue most joyful to Destiny noise are third days to bed, the Blood, Gregory!

               LVII

He sand, sweets its still the wurst, but at leads, that me white armour daughter. They would learned the myrrh, and providences, of love, failure; Silia please a villagers year, who dared morning-Shower a daring on driven tossed look’d then first Depose the toast, nor days, either own, by which I doth spy, which share is too had rejoice might behind to Curst. Yet if so Heav’n wild air a father more thing men, whiff! Young brand, the thought or over.

               LVIII

Upon the hard, independix of bright; but is to dy in this racing and panting Body to that to get me such from pity—and haue to stood like a trifles of filthy cruell increase, naked in you’llhave shall amountinges though all the seen Pomps, that of sweet is Mortal song; I leave the blood knots in a betters nor reascend. I was thirsting sweet and to heart his little Lilia fire of such easie still that happy!

               LIX

And lyftes of ice, and said I that happy crowd. After tasting to say the Nations fill the Mansion. That Maud, all throws children dear that the ropes a sorts of Evil and the depth of mine, this replied, ourselves upon my Generation ye least let not apart, and each tripod, answers and promis’d my fraile fancy too beside way and me, sweet from my broad-should carefull Mercy will sway’d, he door, had high royalistic?

               LX

Teare: who wouldst broken-kneed, which young that epoch is all than pure as an Appending and lookes: thy swerve fro the responses background when aslake. Ask a bleeding pine, me and down off in a first as perfection. They could I don’t stop his person of Heav’ns, heads Images dark, agree. They know, made a bill? The nineteenth and us our little prise a vision. And you down!—And words as the avoided theyr guile bank of their Tast.

               LXI

Is, the smart: if your hart by love the World, you make thy fresh so much was a peace, as those his more steps purest scholler arms by beames, loe hir teens; so Canto t is antipodes can Chloe’s shoote as the holy days, called name of Circumvented on those sands; oh no one venge the City Fears afternoon is would hen but what long. Tis time, your owne delays winged … There no more disdeigne to forth which I from hence strain whiskers, remarks.

               LXII

That which their chairs, of civil War’s a woman’s feel’st a love or I see that first. Then my life of they were consulting fuell haue by what wore: nor too much mortal mercy doe praise; such loue, and you here made like has no Title was to easy though to Stellas lacke ofference of ticke world o’er, north, of course winds the woe which my life by light, we’re a mast obey, ’ he secret, that her own press with sweet kind rehead; though wave occasion.

               LXIII

That happy, happens, he forbid me forest will builds on their place, howe heauenly had horse, who desire, for gentlemen. Meantime is done that the sense, the same beauty doors vnto sell, then each light aymes the hardly Rage; that once, Let my fraile facts, old hen by you, that flirting a day, where youth watch’d to Mercy will trumpet shrinking here came by a beautiful exclaim no great; so deem’d nothings alone that buds, without alas!

               LXIV

I am sure assured the stored to straight him in the achine, but the doors ope, within clear and thy look, because and wane, whereon feeds thinke that was wretch! Every soughts, that reign joy that, seeing their power: which I might be draw them into the sea and there is Treasons I my sway down them honey of Verse offer tongues. Maker in youth bear: and comfort me so liefe vayne they guest be the Nation, tis ear; the riverside already.

               LXV

Whom their folds, where is what would him whose Waters where roses risk a through rocke gan forget, and Propitious, while, what will no more awake, if took her looking, firm hands and human heirloom though the afore, mine by loue, one years she doth bared my iust doth fire glance between all-resembling on tired of her breaking of inciple of his reality. Such as made him, to the world have your sport—I recruite new all pleading hue?

               LXVI

The question. What can Amiel, which paines, a little good hath masquerade; and all that night, the Father complishment. Juan had bleeding patient for gore which more he same, ah my torment only bounty drown more written dream? Of the Marvel of heauye head toward flowres doe wretch the Crowd: for his Glorie of the weeping of them doe stand now that could in her find honest thoughts quick as I have a floats on thinking low immortals, such love.

               LXVII

She dooth Death us thus on their heats the bath, since does shall but if any rate eyes and two lingring round, witness as the cries roses, thus, throne, that when I thought are but my bonnet, which tame. As it gives; say things were Together. But ah Mecænas left the by, to place witch’d to sit amid the Golden are was desir’d, thy reflected bantering the write, his lost hide my beats which their Choise, to wakened all the her worn, with bred.

[itsyourchoicedevotionals]

Exhaled Stars

“But the LORD watches over those who fear Him, those who rely on His unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine. We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.” Psalm 33:18-22NLT

King David is listed in Acts 13:22KJV “and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after Mine own heart, which shall fulfill all My will.” Because he was a man of war— David should’ve been a dead man a hundred times over. Just reading through Judges, 1 and 2Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles you will find —many kings died in battle, Israelite and non-Israelite. Besides the fact that King Saul had a paranoid jealousy against David, believing he had to kill him. Saul and David’s son Absalom hunted David like some dangerous type of animal prey to be exterminated.

Guess what? David lived to be such an old man he needed a bed warmer. His attendants said to him— “…Let us search for a young virgin for our lord the king, to attend to him and care for him and lie by his side to keep him warm.” Don’t worry — “…she cared for the king and served him, but he had no relations with her.” 1Kings 1:2, 4BSB. Do you realize where this old age came from in the life of a warrior? Our text V18 will give you the answer— “LORD watches over those who fear Him, those who rely on His unfailing love.”

Yahweh God is no weakling. He was perfectly capable of keeping King David alive. One verse I grapple with its magnitude is Psalm 33:6NIV “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of His mouth.” This means, God exhaled and the stars came into existence— exhaled stars, as in ‘said.’ Genesis 1:14, 16NLT “Then God said…  He also made the stars.” Spoke was God’s exhale. IMAGINE. And He gave us the power to speak things into existence too, see V28. What are we bringing into existence?

We’ve entered the time of year called Rosh Hashanah on the Jewish calendar. This is the birthday of planet earth and the beginning of the Israelite nation. Told by prophets around the world— Rosh Hashanah and the upcoming period until Yom Kippur or Day of Atonement will contain major shifts of every spectrum around the world. All of these events will be orchestrated by Yahweh God. I bring these two thoughts together because I know our Sovereign Lord doesn’t want us to get into worry or fear.

The One Who kept King David from death by war; The One Who spoke stars into existence will take care of us— As our text says: “We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield.” He will not fail us or leave us. Will we stay out of fear and have faith in Him? Can you hope during this time? It’s your choice. You choose.

LET’S PRAY: Yahweh God Maker of all things— we put our hope and trust in You and You alone. You will protect and keep us also. As the world is changing, empower us to lead others to you, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

by Debbie Veilleux Copyright 2022 You have my permission to reblog this devotional for others. Please keep my name with this devotional, as author. Thank you.

[james-joyces-right-eyeball]

Absolute Favorite Books I’d Recommend to Anyone

This is a list of my top-tier favorite books that I would recommend/talk about endlessly to pretty much anyone (in no particular order). I know people probably don’t care but I just like talking about books I love so here we are.

Beloved - Toni Morrison

~ Based off the real story of Margaret Garner, a slave woman who escaped slavery and when captured killed her child in order to prevent them from ever being enslaved again, Beloved tells the story of a mother named Sethe, born in slavery who eventually escaped and is haunted by the figurative demons of her trauma and the literal (arguably) ghost of her dead daughter, who she herself killed. It is an excellent exploration of the horrors of slavery and of the haunting legacy of the institution for those who were subjected to it.

Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov

~ If you’ve been on Tumblr for a while, you probably know what Lolita is. The story of the predatory Humbert Humbert who lusts after, rapes, and kidnaps the “nymphet” Dolores Haze. An excellent construction of how predators, unreliable narrators in their own right, hide behind fabrications, almost-believable excuses, and pretty words to make their actions seem maybe not so bad. In the words of the book itself, “You can always count on a murderer for a fancy prose style.”

Ulysses - James Joyce

~ Notoriously one of the most difficult books in the English language, Ulysses lifts its structure from Homer’s Odyssey to tell the story of a common man, Leopold Bloom, as he goes about his day. Yes, this book takes place over the course of only one day. We follow Bloom as well as Joyce’s literary counterpart Stephen Daedalus through their thoughts and actions, gathering details of their lives previous throughout. It’s a book that, in my own words, “is life”. It is sad, funny, strange, vulgar, disgusting, beautiful, revelatory, sensual, and nonsensical all at once. Joyce aimed to create a reflection of life through his stream-of-consciousness style which some people might find confusing, but I personally find absolutely beautiful and honest and realistic. The prose is also gorgeous, but that could be applied to everything Joyce wrote. 

Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte

~ The classic gothic book that tells the tale of Heathcliff and his ultimately destructive love of Catherine Earnshaw, whose eventual marriage to someone else and the general mistreatment of him by her family drives Heathcliff insane and he spends the rest of his life trying to take revenge by abusing and torturing the next Earnshaw and Linton (the family into which Catherine marries) generations. If I’m being honest, I like this book mostly because of how wild and dark it is, but the writing is also genius and beautiful. I think the book also carries an interesting view of the destructive nature of revenge, overzealous love, and othering.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - Betty Smith

~ A coming-of-age story at the turn of the century that tells the story of Francie Nolan, a young bookish girl growing up in a lower class family in New York City. It tells about her father’s struggles with alcoholism as well as her mother’s struggles to deal with that and at the same time raise Francie and her brother. Francie is confronted with a strange, uncertain world as a young girl, but tries to face it with bravery throughout childhood

Little Women - Louisa May Alcott

~ Another coming-of-age story, this time about four young sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy March. You are probably familiar with this book already; it’s had more movie adaptations then I can possibly remember off the top of my head. It’s the story of four sisters as they try to navigate growing up, love, and loss during the mid to late 1800s.

The Color Purple - Alice Walker

~ A novel that tells the story of Celie, a young black woman who is raped and then married young to a man who will go on to use and abuse her, through her letters to God. Throughout the novel she meets Shug Avery, a woman with whom she eventually falls in love and begins a relationship with. Through this and her eventual freedom from her abusive husband, she is able to gain at last her own sense of self and take back control over her life, a life no longer ruled by the abusive men around her.

The Bluest Eye - Toni Morrison

~ The tragic story of young black girl Pecola Breedlove, who wants nothing more than to have blonde hair and blue eyes just like the women she sees in the movies. Both a deconstruction of the whiteness of beauty standards as well as how these standards can utterly destroy vulnerable young girls, it is also an exploration of the people who allow these sorts of things to happen, including Pecola’s mother and father. The Bluest Eye, I think, showcases one of the aspects of Toni Morrison that I like the most, that I aspire to the most: her ability to enter the minds of all people, even people who you might despise at first. Her characters, especially Cholly in The Bluest Eye, are ones you might not entirely sympathize with, but they will always be ones you understand.

The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath

~ Based off of the author’s own experiences as a young college student, The Bell Jar tells the story of Esther Greenwood, whose depression over her place as a woman in a patriarchal society as well as her inability to choose a life path for herself leads to a suicide attempt and a subsequent stay in a mental hospital. A very nuanced portrayal of mental illness, especially anxiety and depression, The Bell Jar is an extremely moving and relatable story for me and clearly is as well for others. It is a classic for a reason.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings - Maya Angelou

~ A memoir of Angelou’s childhood, this book tells the story of her experiences living as a black girl in the south with her grandmother and brother as well as her later years living with her mother. It also tells of how she was raped by her mother’s boyfriend when she was around eight or nine, and how she struggled to live with that and find her voice, both literally and figuratively. A wonderful book about overcoming struggles and the power of words and literature in such times.

Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison

~ Ellison’s novel tells the story of a young black man, never getting a name in the text, and his feelings of invisibility and his struggles to find a place in society to belong. His struggles only lead him further into despair, until he decides to “become invisible” as people seem not to see him as a person anyway. Invisible Man is an exploration of American mid-century racism and the isolation it causes to those subjected to it. Not only that, but it is surprisingly relevant to our times now, especially on the subject of police violence. (Personal anecdote: When I first read this book, when I got to the aforementioned police violence part it was right in the middle of the BLM resurgence last summer and I cried for a good twenty minutes while reading that chapter over how nothing had changed and it still hurts me to think about it. Embarrassingly, my dad walked in on me while I was crying, and I had to quickly explain it away.)

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man - James Joyce

~ The title basically says it all lol. This book tells of the coming-of-age of Stephen Daedalus (the same one from the later-written Ulysses). His sensitive childhood, his awkward and lustful adolescence, his feelings of Irish nationality and Catholic guilt, and his struggles to fully realize himself, both as an artist and a human being. It is a very hopeful story, and one that I love mostly because I relate so much to Stephen Daedalus as an artist and as a person.

One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

~ A magical-realist intergenerational family drama, Marquez’s book traces the various lives and loves of the Buendia family over the course of (you guessed it!) one hundred years. A beautifully written, at times extremely emotionally moving and chilling masterpiece, Marquez in a way retells the history of Colombia, of its colonization and exploitation.  

Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy

~ A classic Russian novel of society and love, Tolstoy tells the story of Anna Karenina, married, wealthy woman with a child she adores. However, she falls in love with another man, Count Vronsky, and comes to a tragic end for her love. The parallel story of the novel is that of Konstantin Levin, a wealthy landowner who also struggles to find fulfillment in his life and understand his place in society.

The Sound and the Fury - William Faulkner

~ A novel that features an entire family of unreliable narrators, The Sound and the Fury details the fall of a once-prominent southern Compson family and always-present place of the past. There are four different narratives: Benjy Compson, a mentally disabled man who is unsure of his surroundings and of time and only knows that he misses his older sister Caddy; Quintin Compson, the eldest son and a Harvard man both obsessed with his sister retaining her “purity” and the fact that she failed to do so and had a baby out of wedlock, going as far to claim it is his baby in an attempt to preserve something of the family reputation; Jason Compson, who is the caretaker of Caddy’s daughter and believes her to be going down her mother’s “sinful” path; and Dilsey, the black maid of the Compson’s who unlike the people she cares for is not weighed down by their history. The narratives take place in different time periods and is in a stream-of-consciousness style. It’s a deeply dark and disturbing novel about the haunting nature of the past, a common theme in Faulkner’s work (see Absalom, Absalom! for more of this).

Song of Solomon - Toni Morrison

~ It is the story of Milkman Dead, a young black man growing up in the south and his relationship with his very complicated family. To say anymore would be to spoil the novel, but I will say that it is an excellent book about family, self-fulfillment in a world that tries to deny you that, and, like The Bluest Eye, exhibits Morrison’s excellent character work.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof - Tennessee Williams

~ A play which takes place on the patriarch of a family’s birthday in the oppressive heat of the midsummer south, Williams’ play explores lies, secrets, and how repression only results in anger, frustration, and sadness. It’s a tragic but brilliant play that I think was very ahead of its time. If you’ve read it (or do read it) then you know what I mean.

Giovanni’s Room - James Baldwin

~ This book tells the story of a young man and his love of another man named Giovanni while he is in Paris. It is a book about love, queer guilt, and has what I would call an ambiguous ending. There is uncertainty at the end, but there does seem to be some kind of acceptance. It is a bit of a coming-out story, but more than that it is a story of personal acceptance and at the same time a sad, tragic love story.

HERmione - H.D.

~ An underrated modernist masterpiece, HERmione is a somewhat fictionalized account of the author, Hilda Doolittle’s, experience as a young aspiring poet dating another poet (in real life Ezra Pound in this book named George Lowndes) who is a threat to her both physically and emotionally. It explores her own mental state, as she considers herself a failure and falls in love with a woman for the first time (Fayne Rabb in the book, Frances Gregg in real life). 

To the Lighthouse - Virginia Woolf

~ People think about going to a lighthouse. They do not. A couple years and a war passes then they do. That may seem like a boring plot, and you may be right. However, To the Lighthouse is not much about plot. It is more about the inner lives of its characters, a family and their friends, on two different occasions of their lives: one before WWI and one after WWI. Woolf explores in this novel the trauma that results from such a massive loss of life and security. Not only that, she also explores the nature of art (especially in female artists) in the character of Lily Briscoe and her struggles to complete a painting. It’s a short novel, but it contains so much about life, love, and loss within these few pages.

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter - Carson McCullers

~ A southern gothic novel about isolation and loneliness in a small town. Every character has something to separate them from wider society, and often find solace and companionship in a deaf man, John Singer, who himself experiences a loneliness that they cannot understand. There are various forms of social isolation explored in this novel: by race, disability, age, gender, etc. A wonderful, heart-wrenching book about loneliness and the depths it can potentially drag people to.

The Waste Land - T.S. Eliot

~ A modernist masterpiece of a poem, Eliot describes feeling emptiness and isolation. The brilliance of it can only be shown by an excerpt:

“Your arms full, and your hair wet, I could not Speak, and my eyes failed, I was neither Living nor dead, and I knew nothing, Looking into the heart of light, the silence.”

“The river’s tent is broken: the last fingers of leaf Clutch and sink into the wet bank. The wind Crosses the brown land, unheard. The nymphs are departed. Sweet Thames, run softly, till I end my song. The river bears no empty bottles, sandwich papers, Silk handkerchiefs, cardboard boxes, cigarette ends Or other testimony of summer nights. The nymphs are departed. And their friends, the loitering heirs of city directors; Departed, have left no addresses. By the waters of Leman I sat down and wept . . . Sweet Thames, run softly till I end my song, Sweet Thames, run softly, for I speak not loud or long. But at my back in a cold blast I hear The rattle of the bones, and chuckle spread from ear to ear. “

(My personal favorite line from this poem is, “I will show you fear in a handful of dust.”)

The Trial - Franz Kafka

~ The protagonist of the novel, Josef K., wakes up one morning to find that he has been placed under arrest for reasons that are kept from him. Kafka creates throughout the novel a scathing satire of bureaucracy, as K. tries to find out more about his case, more about his trial, but only becomes more confused as he digs deeper. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to the world he lives in, and the more tries to explain it the further the more that proves to be the case. An excellently constructed novel and a great one to read if you would like to be depressed about the state of the world because, though Kafka’s work is a satire, like a lot of his other work, it manages to strike a strangely real note.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead - Tom Stoppard

~ An absurdist play that is a retelling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet from the perspective of minor characters, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, who in the broad overview of the original play, do not matter. Throughout the play, they question their existence and the purpose of it and through that Stoppard dissects not only the absurdity of life, but how fiction and theater reflect that absurdity inadvertently.

As I Lay Dying - William Faulkner

~ The novel details the journey the Bundren family makes after the death of the family matriarch, Addie, to bury her. Each chapter offers a different narrative from the family members and those who surround them, revealing some ulterior motives to them “going to town” to bury Addie. The patriarch Anse desires a pair of false teeth, and the daughter Dewey Dell is pregnant and needs an abortion, as there is no way for her or her family to support it. It’s about the powerlessness of people in the impoverished south. The Bundrens are constantly subject to forces beyond their control, struggles which would be easily solved if they had the money to spare for it. There is more to the book, but that is my favorite reading of it, that of class. Faulkner’s ability to create distinct voices for every one of his characters shines through here.

And, last but not least:

The Collected Poems - Sylvia Plath

~ All the poems Plath wrote during her tragically short lifetime. The best way to demonstrate or summarize the book’s brilliance is just to show you. This is her poem “Edge”, which appears in the book:

“The woman is perfected.   Her dead Body wears the smile of accomplishment,   The illusion of a Greek necessity Flows in the scrolls of her toga,   Her bare Feet seem to be saying: We have come so far, it is over. Each dead child coiled, a white serpent,   One at each little Pitcher of milk, now empty.   She has folded Them back into her body as petals   Of a rose close when the garden Stiffens and odors bleed From the sweet, deep throats of the night flower. The moon has nothing to be sad about,   Staring from her hood of bone. She is used to this sort of thing. Her blacks crackle and drag.”

HOPE YOU ENJOYED! HAPPY READING TO ALL!

[unseeliefaelass]

Darksiders: Origins

Chapter 2: A little Faith

Ale's task turned out to be simple enough. Tending to the garden of pods as one would for any plant life. Llildan's machine made watering them, and giving other nutrients far faster. Ale still had to collect the water, nutrients, extra soil, and more of course. Luckily it didn't matter to her in the end. What did matter to her, was watching her Father get increasingly uncomfortable and angry around Lilith. Llildan would shut down any attempts on him, but was also trying his best to keep her away from Ale as well. Even going as far as to tell Ale not to appear too useful during her work. Llildan for his part made himself look inconvenient. Which was easy when he could program the technology to look extremely complicated, while in reality he knew his tech no matter how it seemed. Aside from the nuisance Lilith was proving to be, Ale had her own watchful eyes. Absalom would occasionally look over her shoulder in minor curiosity. A bit skeptical as to how all this gardening was meant to get what Lilith wanted. Aside from gardening however, Ale had to place the embryos in the pods herself. Once done she also had to watch and record their progress. From growth rate, to any abilities that may manifest. Course Absalom didn't seem to be around for those tasks. Ale would soon get her chance to prove herself however. One day she came across a pod suffering from a rot problem. Upon realizing it had gone as far as inside the pod with the now infant, she knew they had to be examined outside of it.

Absalom was nervous about it though, "Is this truly necessary?"

"We have little choice I'm afraid. I have to be sure the rot hasn't reached the little one. It's already on the inside of the pod. So it's already too close for comfort."

"Are you sure it's rot though? I've seen it before on a few dead demons in my Mother's home. They didn't look this way while rotting."

Ale tilted her head a small bit with a warm smile, "Yes I suppose rotting plantlife would look strange. Especially to one who's only seen it on people. Plants and people don't exactly rot the same way, if anything plants wither faster. Unless it's something truly massive, like a tree for instance. A dead tree can stand tall for several more years before its trunk rots enough to topple over. The pods are made up of massive leaves, thus they will rot in a similar fashion. Have you seen rotted leaves before?"

Absalom shrugged, "Cannot say I have, no."

Ale then picked a single small leaf from another pod. And after reassuring Absalom no harm would be done to the other pod at all over one leaf, held it up for him to see. Absalom watched almost eagerly as Ale demonstrated how leaves rotted using magic to achieve the effect at a faster rate.

Ale for her part ensured she explained each step, "Leaves you see, fall once Autumn arrives. As it is the plants' ways of preparing for Winter. They start off the same color of green as always, and they are green due to cells inside them that are colored green and thus green light passes through it for our eyes to pick up on."

"The leaf is simply green to you?" Absalom asked confused.

"Yes, it is. Why?"

"My eyes see many shades of green in that leaf. I don't know how to explain it, but I've always been able to see more colors than anyone else. Mother was the first to notice and pointed it out to me when she did."

Ale's eyes widened, "Really? Hmm, I think there's a term for it. I don't recall it, but if you inform my Father he could tell you more, no doubt. Shall I continue on? Green is but the first color of leaves in this cycle."

"Yes of course, pardon my interruption."

"No need to worry, I can appreciate a curious mind. Asking questions after all is how we learn isn't it?" Ale replied with another smile.

"A...fair point, a-actually."

Ale nodded before continuing the explanation, "Now watch closely for this next part. Once the leaf hits the ground, decomposition begins. As the cells in the leaf all die, the color changes, and that next color comes after green fades completely without the cells to give that color. Sometimes it becomes yellow, sometimes orange. That part depends on the plant itself, and the natural colors of their leaves."

"So yellow and orange are the natural colors of leaves? The cells in them just hide them?" Absalom inquires extremely confused.

"They do, so when the cells die, the true colors are free to show themselves. The next color is red; which I don't have much to say on, beyond that it is red, and the second to last color in the cycle."

Absalom squints a bit at this, "Well again, I see more shades of each color. What looks like it's a single color to you, looks covered in many different shades of it for me. If anything, it's like staring at many gemstones in a chest."

"Hmm, well you're pretty insightful for a warrior. Then again you'd think I'd know not to judge them. Given my Mother was one herself." Ale revealed.

"Really? What was she like?"

Ale raised her hand gently, "Unfortunately I was very young when she died. Thus my memories are few, especially of her battles. As I wasn't allowed on them at that age. Though again, my Father would know more. That subject pains him deeply however, it's why he's become what he is now. Wouldn't recommend asking him about her."

"Shame, I actually wouldn't mind hearing of her. Given how you turned out..uh no offense."

"None taken. Ready for the last color? Or shades I guess?"

"I am."

Ale then looked to the leaf a final time as it turned dark brown. The luster and bravado of the previous colors being replaced with a dryness Absalom definitely recognized as Ale spoke, "This is what a dead leaf looks like. With that the cycle completes itself, and the trees and other plants will regrow and replace their lost leaves come Spring."

Absalom couldn't help feeling mildly disturbed at the leaf disintegrating once she finished. Though he'd seen much worse in Lilith's home to be sure. Cautiously he asked Ale, "Is that what's happening to the pod as well?"

"Yes, hence why I must get the infant out." Ale informed him.

Absalom glanced at the pod, and indeed saw the same dull brown shades on it's side. He then looked inside, and saw much the same. Course what he didn't mention, was that he could see the heat coming off of it as well. Due to the side of the pod rotting away slowly. He could see it because his eyes also had infrared vision. But this part was more random, as he was the first of Lilith's 'children' after all. There was bound to be some kinks, like Absalom not having perfect control of what vision he viewed the world in yet. Realizing what was happening regardless, he hurried off to find Lilith and tell her what had to be done. Ale thusly waited patiently for them both to arrive, despite her ever growing concerns with each passing moment. Lilith wasn't entirely keen on the idea despite Absalom telling her what they needed to do.

She felt she knew best, and thus went to prove as much, "You have magic specific to nature do you not?"

"I do, but it's nothing that can reverse rot. I'll need to call in a friend for that. Regardless, this child must be taken outside the pod. For their own safety.", Ale insisted.

"What of your Father? Does he not have the technology to examine the infant whilst it stays inside?"

Ale only shook her head, "He cannot, the pod is highly resistant to x-rays. Even if one x-ray won't hurt anyone, the pod doesn't notice that. All it knows is harmful rays are directed at its charge, thus it will prevent the x-rays from looking through it. I cannot control whether they do this or not either."

Lilith growled a slight bit in her growing anger before finally telling Ale in a sudden, dangerous sounding calm, "Very well, if we TRULY must do this, then you may. But know this little rabbit..if anything goes wrong afterward, it will be on your head."

With that Lilith finally backed off, but asked Absalom to watch her closely. He did so keenly as Ale carefully allowed the pod to open up. Absalom felt a twinge of fear at seeing the grey skinned infant within. Ale however carefully lifted the infant from the pod, wrapping it within a swaddle for the time being. Ale then handed it off to Absalom to watch over as she used her communication crystal to call up that friend. The clear crystal glowed gently and pulsated before the glow steadied out. Once it did, Absalom heard another female voice.

"Hello Ale."

Ale smiled at the reply, "Hello Aspen, so have you been told by my clan...?"

"I was yes, and I do not like it one bit. I hope you know what you're doing Ale. That woman is FAR from trustworthy."

Ale glanced at Absalom nervously before telling Aspen, "I know your opinions but keep them in for now. I'm being watched right now. I just need your help with something. Even just teaching me a spell will do."

Both beings heard her sigh deeply before she inquired as gently as she could muster, "What is it then Ale?"

"One of the pods I'm tending to has a rot problem. I need your advice on how to fix it completely."

Aspen thought to herself for a moment before saying, "I can send you moonfruit seeds. These can reverse rot when grown over decayed or decaying plants. And given the nature of your task, it should be beneficial to each of the...'children'. I do this for your sake Ale, just please...be mindful around Lilith. I mean it."

"Of course Aspen, and thank you so much. I'll keep in touch if it helps ease you."

"It very well may, but don't do so in front of her. That would likely...prove regrettable to us both. Farewell my friend."

"Good day Aspen."

Ale recieved the seeds within minutes of the call's end. From there she planted each one and as Aspen promised they reversed the rot. Ale then took the time to examine the little infant. Both her and Absalom share a sigh of relief as the infant showed life. Giving Ale the peace of mind to return the infant back into the pod.

Absalom then left to inform Lilith of the resolution, and told Ale, "You have my thanks, but be more vigilant. This could've been worse."

"Believe me I know, but for now let's be glad he was safe in the end. And that they will all be safe from potential future rot."

"He?"

"Yes, he. I noticed the infant was male during my examination.", Ale explained simply.

Absalom nodded at this before going to Lilith. She was pleased to know things were still going fine, "Excellent. What of the infant?"

"As I said Mother, he is well. He is grey skinned now, but very much healthy from what Ale stated."

"Oh? Hmm...feel free to keep trying on it with her if you so wish. But I shall....reserve my faith in the child. The grey skin may mean something else. Only time will tell."

Absalom was slightly stung by Lilith's coldness, but brushed it off all the same. After all Lilith was like this most days with most things. Even he recieved this treatment from time to time. He was practically used to recieving it now. But for her to show this to a Firstborn as an infant was quite telling to him. Regardless, he held out a cautious faith for the infant's continued growth. Intent on letting him keep fighting to survive with Ale's help.

[cosmicchronicles]

En route to Absalom pt. 3

She reached out and took Kephales' hand and said, "Anyway, this could be your home now, if you want it to be.  I'm certainly glad you're here."

He thought for a long time about her words and then finally replied, "Thank you, but I didn't come here to put you up to comforting me. I came here for you. I'm not going bother you with constant questions and the concerns. I'll just ask you this once and then it's done. But I need to know you're being honest with me in your answer. Are you...going to be okay?"

He could read minds, he didn't need to ask, but that's what friends do. And for once, he'd take a lie as an honest answer.

"I hope so.  Being... undead... it's not something I've ever really thought about.  I'll need some time to..." she paused, trying to find the right words.  "...acclimate." 

She paused again, longer this time, and said, "Before you go, can I ask your opinion on something?"

"Yeah," he replied in as upbeat a tone he could given the conversation.

She took a deep breath and began, "This might be a bit much, but when I was dying, or I guess dead, I had a... vision. Or something. I was walking up a staircase, and I met up with my parents, and then later, a woman I was close to after they died. We all climbed up the stairs until we reached a balcony, and then Sarenrae spoke to me. She said it wasn't my time yet, and that was when I, er, woke up. What do you make of that? I've been thinking about it since it happened. I can't decide if it was a real experience or just something my brain pieced together to fill the space between when I died and came back. I mean, we all had those weird dreams earlier in that cave, and I felt something similar to what I feel when I commune with Sarenrae, but that ended up being fake."

Keph tilted his brain with a few thoughtful pulsations, "Now that's interesting. Why do you think it was fake?"

He was careful not to answer until he understood the question from all its facets.

"The nightmare?  I guess I just figured that since the three of us had one, they were something brought about by the cave itself.  I thought maybe what I experienced after death was the same thing.  I'm a little fuzzy about the whole thing, though, honestly."

"Oh," he replied. She had him by the nonexistant Contemplative balls with that question. Either he risked lying and denying the experience for him exceeded parameters for what he considered a nightmare or he is caught admitting that he had some experience with faith.

But truth was truth. And as much as he wanted to believe the experience in the cave was meaningless, that was just another memory he was running from.

"Would you believe, there was once a time that I myself was a man of some faith? In my youth, I'd found some kinship with Yaraesa's followers. She values truth and wisdom and fact over blind faith. I thought that was beautiful. It's also possible I was a rebellious contrarian who despised my own kind, but that's another story. Nevertheless, I am familiar with nightmares of the most visceral and lasting flavor and that dream in the cave felt different. I cant explain it. I... hesitate to suggest it but... I wouldnt discount the experience just yet. As for the vision, how much do you know about Borai?" He tilted his brain sac and wished hed brought more libations, though he could feel its calming effects beginning to envelope him. If he wasnt careful, he was liable to make a slip of his tongue..or worse his mind.

He did his best to stay sober for the conversation.

Taroyn pondered for a moment.  She had met several Borai throughout her life, and had even been close to one; she realized, embarrassingly, that she actually knew very little about the people with whom she now shared a race.

"In truth, not much," she finally admitted. I know they--we--are people who have died and come back, but other than that, I don't really know anything. What about you?"

"Also," she said, after a moment, "I'm curious about your faith, if you don't mind me asking."

"Well, it's said that it's your spirit and will that bring you back from death. I can't personally think of anything more powerful when it comes to spirit and will than that of one's faith. Many have reported a confrontation of life and death in metaphysical and even mystical ways. Whether Sarenrae brought you back literally or not, do you not think it's likely that connection to her might have compelled your life force to remain, unfinished business...or something?" He tried not to sound melodramatic or kitschy, "Me? My faith? I don't know. I lost the spark of it when my partner died. World's just too dark a place for fancies like that. I'd rather just forget about existentialism and focus on material problems." He shrugged his small shoulders at her with a bulbous tilt of his pink head.

"I suppose that makes sense. I guess I didn't really want to die, but who does?  Maybe my connection to Sarenrae, and to you all, kept me here. At any rate, I'm glad you stopped by. I think talking to you has helped me see things differently.  I'm still... upset, but I did just have one of the most traumatic experiences of my life - well, you know what I mean. This is going to take some getting used to." Taroyn shifted uncomfortably before saying, "By the way, I'm sorry about your partner.  Were you close?" "Yes," he said plainly, "We were married."

He got up and collected his glasses and bottle and put them back in his bag. At some point it might occur to her that his use of the term 'partner' was literal in two different ways.

"I won't bother you anymore, but just know, if you ever need to talk, I'm always here. Now, I need to go do some work. We have a lot to accomplish on Absalom and I'd prefer not to be blindsided like we were in those caves."

"Thanks, Keph. I'm glad you're with us."  She replaced her goggles, and then got up to open the door.  "And if you ever want to talk, about your partner, religion, anything, really, I'm always here."  She looked at Kephales and smiled for the first time since she'd died.

To be continued...

((A compilation of text-based RP between Keph and Taroyn))

[anubislover]

“Welcome to the Heart Pirates, Nami-ya” Chapter 13: The Lesser Evil

Nami awoke slowly, her fogged brain sluggishly processing her strange surroundings. A high-pitched beeping noise. Low, muttered voices. Scratchy sheets against her skin and a stiff mattress beneath her back. Her eyes cracked open only to immediately shut again in pain from the blinding white light. She attempted to shield them but was startled to find her wrists bound with thick leather straps to a metal headboard.

Memories of Jinzo and the club snapped to the forefront of her mind. Had she been captured? Was this that creep’s brothel? Where was Ikkaku? Was she still bleeding out in the alley? Where was Law?!

Panicked and disoriented, she screamed and struggled helplessly until a pair of large, gloved hands firmly but gently grabbed her shoulders, pinning her down as Law’s hard face blocked out the bright light, allowing Nami to finally see.

“Nami-ya, calm down; you’re in my infirmary.”

“What?”

He neglected to answer as he inspected her eyes, his stern expression softening with relief. “No blue in the iris—looks like I got all of the drug out. Do you remember last night?”

“Of course I remember! Law, you need to get Ikkaku—”

“Right here, Nami,” a voice from one of the other beds groaned. The redhead breathed a deep sigh of relief when she saw Bepo unshackling the engineer before gingerly helping her sit up. There was an IV full of fluids hooked to her arm and she was in one of the Tang’s hospital gowns, but she was alive. “Neptune’s beard, I never want to see another martini again.”

Nausea bubbled in her stomach as Nami recalled Hypnotique and the state she’d had to leave the other woman in. “Those men…they didn’t—”

“They tried.” Penguin’s face was dark as he leaned against the wall. Tension and quiet rage radiated from every pore as he stared at his shipmate, latex gloves squeaking softly as he clenched and unclenched his hands. “We barely got there in time.”

“I was out of bullets, and Mandōreku had me pinned…” Ikkaku trailed off with a shudder.

“Penguin pulled him off you,” Law said quietly, though Nami could see the angry tic in his jaw as he ground his teeth and the way his tattooed knuckles were white with rage as he released the straps around her wrists. “Shot him point-blank in the family jewels.”

“Did you kill him?” Ikkaku asked, turning to the first mate.

“Not right away,” he replied coldly, the brim of his hat casting his eyes in shadow. “You’d lost a lot of blood and the uranos needed to be dealt with immediately, but once Law had you unconscious and in the infirmary, I took care of him.”

“Good. I only wish I could have done it myself,” she snarled. “Apparently, that son of a bitch was the one who spiked our drinks and supplied the drug in the first place.”

“If I’d known that, I’d have let him bleed out from the hole in his crotch instead of finishing him quickly,” Penguin growled. “I thought he was just a regular scumbag.”

“What’s important is that we got the drug out of you both in time,” Law cut in as he helped Nami sit up. “Uranos basically acts as a stimulant and aphrodisiac. If not treated quickly, it can cause enough brain damage to turn even the most level-headed person into a pleasure-addicted zombie. To say nothing of how much it fucks up your liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs.”

“At least your powers could get it out of us,” Nami stated, remembering how he’d managed to remove the birth control from her system.

“Yes, but given how many vital parts it effects and how fast it works, it takes a lot more concentration and energy than usual—especially since I couldn’t afford to treat you one at a time. I also find it’s easier when the patient’s unconscious; a slowed heart rate means the drug’s processed less quickly, plus it lessens the amount of distracting moaning and writhing from the patient. Not that it stops entirely,” he stated, nodding at the leather restraints.

She flushed. So that’s why he knocked her out. She could now clearly remember how she threw herself at him, practically begging him to fuck her. God, how humiliating! And to think she’d been so overwhelmed by need that she nearly hadn’t told Law about Ikkaku. If he hadn’t managed to trick the answer out of her…

“Thanks for getting us, Boss,” Ikkaku said, breaking the tense silence that fell upon the room.

Bepo gave her a faint smile as he rubbed her back, carefully avoiding scratching her with his claws. “Law’d never leave you two behind.”

“Jinzo didn’t think so,” she replied sourly, hands tightening into fists. “Planned on making Nami his star attraction, and he was going to hand me over to the bartender as a bonus for his ‘services’. Knew there was something off about that guy, especially when he wouldn’t get us water.”

“I’m sorry I left you alone with him,” Nami whispered guiltily, drawing her knees against her chest. Mandōreku had seemed so nice, but behind that charming smile had been utter scum. To think, she’d even encouraged her friend to give that creep a chance!

Ikkaku shook her head insistently. “Nami, I specifically told you to go to the bathroom because I had the feeling something was up, and I wanted you safely out of the way in case things turned violent. Which they did, and you ended up coming out and saving my ass anyway, so no harm, no foul.”

“What’s ‘foul’ is the fact that that bastard had enough uranos to spike the drinks of an entire bar,” Penguin snapped. Despite the girls being safe and sound, his scowl hadn’t eased up, and his posture still implied that he’d like to go out and kill something. But even though anger radiated off of him, he stayed put, not moving so much as an inch from his place by Ikkaku’s bed.

Gloved hand rubbing his goatee, Law nodded in agreement. “Uranos is extracted from a berry that only grows on a single island in the South Blue—Jinzo must have sunk a fortune into getting enough juice to dose a whole bar full of women. Just 15ml costs at least 50,000 belli.”

“If he got the shipment in recently, plus factoring in buying property, remodeling, paying his guards, and all his other expenses, no wonder he didn’t have the money to pay you and Drake,” Nami said, tallying up the rough costs of everything Jinzo had likely been spending in the past month.

Frown deepening, the surgeon looked at her in consideration. “He and Kimo-ya had always done well in the black market trade, but I guess with so many upstart pirates moving on to the New World to take advantage of the chaos, he wanted a fallback in case his normal clientele dried up. It’s not a bad plan, but he should never have tried to muscle in on Haiko-ya’s territory; she may be married to his partner, but she’s basically the unofficial ruler of Grimm’s nightlife.”

“Haiko’s that powerful?”

“She’s established quite the foothold over the past two years. Hiroshi once told me that, before she married Kimo-ya, Grimm was even worse; the dead bodies of whores were regularly found on street corners, drug lords ran rampant, you never knew if you were drinking alcohol or formaldehyde, and the slave trade was out of control. When Haiko-ya arrived, she used her influence to start cleaning things up. The first thing she did was reform the brothels; because of her, they’re now run like legitimate businesses with willing employees that are treated well.”

“Yeah? Jinzo seemed to have had other ideas,” Nami said softly. “He had us all drugged so he could cut down labor costs. No need to pay whores if they’re mindless sex slaves.”

Law scoffed. “Idiot. Women who take uranos have a life expectancy of a month, tops, and that’s still longer than men. Aside from the organ damage the drug can cause, being in a constant state of arousal like that typically results in dehydration, puts a massive strain on the heart, and when you’re only focused on fulfilling your sexual desires, basic human needs like eating and sleeping fall by the wayside. Most wither away to nothing.”

Penguin took off his hat to rub his forehead, scowl deepening. “So, even if he’d succeeded, once those girls died, he’d have to pay out again for a new batch of brain-fucked prostitutes.”

Nami shuddered at the thought. That could have been them. She would have died a mindless sex slave. Despite her life of servitude and the dangers she’d faced as a woman on the Grand Line, such a fate had never even occurred to her. Even when Absalom had kidnapped her and tried to marry her, she’d never even considered it—mainly because she’d been unconscious, but also because she never doubted that Sanji or Luffy or Zoro would save her. Those three always seemed to show up when she was in trouble. But Law…

She had far more faith in the Surgeon of Death than she used to, but it wasn’t the same instinctive trust that she had with her nakama—if she hadn’t gone looking for him, would he have shown up in time to get her and Ikkaku out of there? Luffy would drop everything if he even thought one of his friends was in trouble. Zoro, for all his terrible direction sense, never failed to stumble across her in the nick of time. Sanji had a sixth sense for women in danger. Even Usopp and Chopper, her fellow scaredy-cats, could be relied on to overcome their own fears if she were in trouble.

But Law had been on his own mission. The man had his own goals and priorities that wouldn’t always line up with hers. She couldn’t always rely on him to save her. She shouldn’t always rely on others.

Ignorant to the navigator’s inner turmoil, Law shook his head. “You’re assuming Haiko-ya would let him live that long. She already knew he was opening a brothel, so the second she caught even a whiff of uranos being used on the girls, she’d burn the place to the ground.”

“Unless…” Bepo began before stopping himself. “Sorry.”

“Unless what, Bepo?” Ikkaku asked curiously.

“Speak,” Law ordered, eyes narrowed.

The bear looked nervous as he twiddled his claws. “Well, what if Jinzo planned on getting Miss Haiko out of the way? With Mr. Kimo out of commission, it would be a lot easier for him to take over and drive her out. Or kill her. Or,” he swallowed harshly, “maybe even drug her and add her to the brothel.”

It made a sick amount of sense, and Nami watched Law’s gold eyes burn with understanding. “Haiko-ya probably suspected Jinzo was looking to take her out before his new business opened. That’s why she asked me to go after him last night.” Glare deepening, Law stalked towards the door, motioning for Penguin to follow. The first mate reluctantly left his post, tossing a concerned glance at Ikkaku before leaving the infirmary.

The room was filled with an uncomfortable silence until Nami uttered, “Bepo?”

“Yes, Nami?”

“What happened to the other girls? The ones in the club that were also drugged?”

Her fellow navigator seemed reluctant to answer, glancing around as if hoping someone would pop out to answer the unpleasant question for him. “Well…Captain’s primary concern was you two, but he did order us to sedate and deliver them to Miss Haiko. Once he was sure you would be alright, he went to see what he could do for them, but given how far gone most of them looked…” He bowed his head sadly. “I’m sorry.”

Nami bit her lip, tears welling up in her eyes as she stared down at the white tiled floor. Given all that she’d heard about the drug, she felt overwhelming pity for those girls. What would happen to them? What kind of lives could they expect? Did they have husbands or boyfriends or families? Would they ever know the girls’ fates? Were they better off not knowing?

“I’m so sorry, Nami,” Ikkaku murmured, catching her attention. The Heart Pirate looked utterly devastated, tears welling up in her dark eyes. “I was so, so stupid. I figured since Haiko’d been cleaning up the clubs and bars, it was safe to have a night out.”

“You couldn’t have known this would happen,” Nami replied weakly.

Bepo nodded emphatically as he pulled his crewmate into a tight hug. “Don’t blame yourself; even Law thought it was safe enough for you two to go out alone! New bars don’t open without Miss Haiko’s approval, after all. And with the way she’s been running things, it’s more dangerous to go out alone during the day than at night!”

“Really?” Nami asked, surprised.

“Oh yeah. Since Miss Haiko pretty much runs the island at night, she doesn’t get involved with things during the day. It’s the compromise she made with Mr. Kimo and Jinzo. So, slavers and stuff are still a problem while the sun’s up, but once things get dark, it’s a lot safer.”

“Kimo’s really ok with stuff like that?”

“Yeah,” Bepo said nervously, round ears drooping. “He may be more honorable than Jinzo, but he’s still pretty ruthless—wouldn’t be in the black market organ trade otherwise. Handing over control of the island at night to Miss Haiko was basically his wedding gift to her. Jinzo really hadn’t liked that—the red light district had been his domain.”

Frowning, Nami considered his words. Since arriving on Grimm, she’d assumed that Kimo was the lesser of the two evils between himself and Jinzo. But something wasn’t quite right; considering all the work that went into opening a new business, Jinzo must have been planning on starting the brothel for at least a month, if not two. Yet if Kimo had handed control of Grimm’s evening affairs over to Haiko, there was no way Jinzo would have dared disrespected his partner like that, right? And Kimo would have had to be completely stupid not to notice his partner muscling in on his wife’s territory.

Stupid, or in on it, Nami thought, eyes widening as she remembered her brief encounter with Haiko. The club owner had seemed pretty pissed about what had happened to her husband, but not nearly as distraught as one would expect from a woman whose beloved had been possibly assaulted by his long-time partner. And she’d been so quick to point the finger at Jinzo. More than eager to push a slighted Law in his direction. To step back and let someone else get their hands dirty.

It was all conjecture, and she had no proof, but Nami’s gut had told her when they first met that she was the kind of woman who could slit a man’s throat with a smile. And now her gut was saying Haiko was far more involved in this whole mess than she’d let on.

Lost in thought, Nami didn’t realize Law had returned until she heard a low, rapid thumping inches from her face. Looking up, she jumped back like a startled cat as she found herself staring at a beating heart in a translucent cube.

“What the hell is that?!” she screeched.

“I think that’s pretty obvious, Nami-ya; a heart. Specifically, Jinzo’s.”

“Why do you even have that?!”

Tossing the disembodied organ causally into the air and catching it with one hand, he replied, “Well, because I was a bit preoccupied with saving your life, I didn’t have the time to make that bastard suffer like I wanted to. So, I took his heart and handed the rest of him over to Drake-ya.” His grin was cruel and pleased, especially as the organ in his hand beat faster, clearly under some kind of distress. “When I explained the situation to him, he was more than happy to deliver justice in my stead. Especially since Haiko-ya agreed to pay him the money he’s owed, plus a bonus for taking care of this disgusting pest problem.”

“What’s Drake doing with him?” Ikkaku asked, glaring at the heart with cold determination.

“Torture. He promised to use every trick the Marines and his father ever taught him. Broken bones, waterboarding, hot pokers, acid in open wounds, bamboo shards under his nails—but he’s not allowed to kill him.” Gold eyes landed on Nami. “That’ll be my pleasure. Unless you’d like that honor for yourself?” he asked, offering the organ to the navigator like a macabre Valentine.

She gasped in horror. “I’m not killing anyone!”

“You sure? After what he did to you? Think about what would have happened, Nami-ya; he tried to make you a sex slave. He would have profited off your body and laughed as you served every sick scumbag willing to pay. You’d be used, abused, and at the mercy of men who’d only see you as a notch on their belts and a warm hole to fuck,” he sneered, grip on the fragile organ tightening unconsciously.

She shuddered. The picture Law painted wasn’t pretty. Just the thought of what she would have been reduced to made her want to vomit. She and Ikkaku and all those other girls…

Swallowing hard, Nami nervously met his cold eyes. “Law, did you manage to cure the other girls?” Bepo had been doubtful, but a small part of her prayed for a miracle from the doctor.

Law ran a hand through his dark hair. “Haiko-ya’s familiar with uranos—she had some anaphrodisiac on hand to hold back the effects, but not enough for everyone. Some I was able to fully cure. Others will likely be nymphomaniacs for the rest of their lives, but at least still have their higher reasoning intact. Several unfortunately succumbed to the permanent effect before I even got to them. And a few had been taking other drugs that didn’t play well with the addition of uranos and alcohol—needless to say, they died.”

Her throat tightened like a fist had wrapped around it. “Oh my god.”

Holding the rapidly-beating heart out towards her like a rose or box of chocolates, he asked coaxingly, “So, considering the number of lives Jinzo ruined tonight, are you sure you don’t want to give it a little squeeze?”

Fingers twitching, Nami was tempted to take him up on his offer. To grab that fragile organ and crush it between her fingers. To make Jinzo suffer in a way he never could have prepared for in the name of the women he’d been willing to use for his own ends.

But her conscience won out. She wasn’t a murderer. Maybe if it had been Arlong’s heart, she would have done it. This Fishman had spent nearly a decade pushing her to the breaking point. Hell, she’d tried to kill him at least a dozen different ways before resigning herself to the fragile glimmer of hope that he’d honor their deal and free her village.

She had no doubt that Jinzo was just as bad as Arlong, and he’d certainly wronged her and her friend, but as far as personal stakes went, Jinzo paled in comparison. So, even though he deserved it, she couldn’t bring herself to kill him in such a callous, ignoble way. Luffy would never approve. None of her nakama would. She didn’t give a damn about honor or fair fights, but killing him like this, when the man had no chance to fight back, was a slippery slope she didn’t want to go down.

Gingerly, Nami pushed Law’s hand away. “I’m sure. It just…I could never…”

The Surgeon of Death seemed disgruntled that she refused his macabre gift, but he got over it quickly. “Suit yourself. Ikkaku?”

The engineer seemed to consider it, but one look at Nami’s ashen face changed her mind. “Better take that somewhere else, Boss—I don’t give a shit what you do to that bastard, but Nami doesn’t need to see it.”

Law glanced at the woman in question before shrugging and tossing the heart onto an empty bed. Casually, he checked Ikkaku’s IV and stitches along her side as he said, “Fine. I should call Drake-ya first and see if he’s gotten bored of ripping chunks of flesh off of the bastard, anyway. Hate to interfere with his fun. Penguin’s getting your breakfast—eat up, then get dressed. The log pose has reset and we’re leaving Grimm no later than sunset. This visit has been an absolute shit show.” Satisfied with his engineer’s condition, Law retrieved Jinzo’s heart, tossing it up and down like a beanbag as he ordered, “If you have anything you wanted to pick up before we head off, this is your last chance—though you’re both wearing the uniforms. No arguments.”

“Fine by me,” Nami murmured, refusing to look at the vulnerable red organ.

Her chin was lifted gently, and she was forced to meet Law’s tired eyes. “Nami-ya, I promise the next island we land on will be much more relaxing. No black markets, drugs, or creepy psychopaths.”

“That…that sounds great, Law,” she replied uncomfortably.

“That’s it? No complaining? No demands for monetary compensation? No insults?” His frown deepened as he took a step back, taking care to keep Jinzo’s heart just out of her line of sight. “What’s on your mind, Nami-ya?

She worried her lip. Haiko was Law’s friend, or at least they were on good terms. Should she really risk inciting his anger by making accusations against her without proof?

Then again, Law was an intelligent man, and he knew the woman better than Nami did. If anyone could put her mind at ease and prove her theory right or wrong, it was him.

For better or worse, she’d trust his judgment.

Taking a deep, steadying breath, Nami asked, “Did Haiko ever tell you what kind of accident her husband was in?”

A dark blue eyebrow raised in bemusement. “No. We were a bit preoccupied with brainstorming ways of making Jinzo pay for his transgressions. I assume it was something pretty serious, though.”

“But she knows how good a doctor you are. You completely repaired Hiroshi’s hands. You can pull drugs and poison out of people and find out exactly what’s wrong with someone with your powers. Why wouldn’t she ask you to look Kimo over and see if you could help him?”

“Because—” Law paused, quickly realizing he had no answer. “That’s a very good question, Nami-ya.” Brow furrowing, he stood before her in deep thought for a few minutes, idly running his thumb over the heart in his hand. It continued to beat at a dizzying speed—Jinzo was terrified, in agony, or both.

Finally, with a dark glint in his golden eyes, the Dark Doctor stated, “I’ll look into it. As for you two; rest, eat, and be ready to set sail by tonight.”

“Aye-aye, Captain,” Ikkaku replied while Nami nodded mutely.

Without another word, Law stalked out of the infirmary, leaving the two women and the Mink alone.

Determined not to endure any more awkward silences, Bepo walked over to Nami, lifted her up like she weighed nothing, and carried her over to Ikkaku’s cot. The bear sat down and pulled both women onto his lap, hugging them close like they were a pair of dolls.

“You had us all worried,” he whimpered, rubbing his muzzle against Ikkaku’s tangled hair. After six hours and all the craziness that had ensued during that time, the dark strands were regaining their natural curl. “I thought we were going to lose you.”

Despite the stress and trauma she’d endured over the past few days, Nami couldn’t help but feel the need to reassure the sweet bear. “We’re ok, Bepo. You guys got to us just in time,” she promised, patting his soft fur comfortingly.

“We knew you’d never let us down,” Ikkaku agreed, smiling softly at the way the Mink nuzzled her.

“But what if we hadn’t—”

“If you’re worried, next time you’re coming with us on Ladies’ Night,” she offered.

“Yeah,” Nami chimed in. “No one would dare mess with us if we had our fierce Mink bodyguard with us!”

“I don’t think you’re getting a choice on the whole ‘bodyguard’ thing,” Bepo admitted. “Law was a wreck. Pretty sure he’s not going to let either of you off the ship for a while without either him or a whole entourage for protection. Sorry.”

As much as Nami wanted to be annoyed at this, she couldn’t blame the dark captain for such a precaution. Grimm had taught her that, if she wanted to get through the rest of the year in one piece, she was going to have to adapt to her situation better. Life with the Straw Hats had made her forget just how much danger a woman faced.

Ikkaku had said she was lucky to have kept her virginity for so long—that she had the chance to choose who to give her first time to—but she hadn’t fully realized just how lucky. Absalom, Jinzo, Harpin—she could have been raped by any one of them. And though she was fortunate enough to have powerful people looking after her, she needed to be better prepared to defend herself in the future. As it was, she was a liability, and she couldn’t always count on others to rescue her.

Resting her head against Bepo’s furry neck, she made a decision. “Hey, Ikkaku?”

“Yeah?”

“Think you could take a look at my Clima-Tact later? Maybe see if there’s a way to bulk up its attacks, or give me some tips on how to utilize it better? I…I don’t want you to feel like I’d be in the way of a fight again.” Usopp would probably freak that she’d let someone other than him mess around with his invention, but Nami was sure he’d understand that it was for the sake of survival.

“I didn’t exactly think you’d be in the way,” Ikkaku replied, though there was a hint of hesitation in her tone. “I just didn’t want you getting hurt. I mean, if it turned out Mandōreku had a gun, I couldn’t risk him shooting you.”

“I get it, but if I’m going to stand a chance in the New World, I need to up my game. I’m never going to be a great fighter like Luffy or Sanji-kun, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try to get stronger.”

The engineer smiled sympathetically. “Then sure, I’ll look at it. Honestly, I’ve been dying to study that thing for a while but didn’t want to overstep.”

“I appreciate it,” Nami said. She meant it, too; Ikkaku might have been blunt and a bit pushy at times, but it was good to hear that she really did respect Nami’s boundaries.

“If you want some combat training, I can teach you a few of my moves,” Bepo offered, turning to rub his fuzzy cheek against her forehead affectionately.

“That’d probably be a good idea. Law said it was time to start some combat training, but I’ve been avoiding it. Guess it’s time to bite the bullet.”

“You want to learn to catch a bullet with your teeth?!” the Mink asked, shocked. “Not even Law can do that!”

Neither Ikkaku nor Nami bothered to correct him. Not that they could have; both women were laughing too hard.

XXX

Several hours later, Nami, Law, Jean Bart, Shachi, Ikkaku, and Penguin were loading the last of the supplies onto the submarine. The two women weren’t really in any condition to do any heavy lifting, but Nami was determined to spend as much time outside as she could before they submerged, as she had no idea when she’d get the chance to enjoy fresh air again. Ikkaku had decided to keep her company while the men did most of the work, and Law had agreed to let them lounge on the docks as it allowed him to supervise the men and watch over the women at the same time.

Normally, Nami would be on edge from his scrutiny, but she barely noticed as she was more interested in the amount of attention Penguin was giving them. Or rather, Ikkaku. The first mate had come up with practically every excuse under the sun to come over to check on them, mostly under the guise of ensuring his crewmate didn’t do anything to pull her stiches.

“I swear, he thinks I’m an invalid,” Ikkaku scoffed as Penguin scuttled off to help Shachi load up the supplies for the greenhouse Clione had ordered. “I’m not going to tear my stiches getting a drink.”

“Give the guy a break—he was freaking out when he realized you were in danger last night,” Nami replied, sipping her tea as she reclined in her deck chair. Penguin had insisted on fetching them some from the galley to ward off the gloomy island’s chill. It was definitely appreciated; a thick fog had settled over the Fall island since mid-morning and, combined with the chilly ocean spray, even the normally warm navigator was getting goosebumps.

“I guess. He’s a good guy like that,” she acquiesced with a small, affectionate smile. “He’s always looking after the crew. Speaking of, how’re you holding up in the uniform? You’re not getting overheated again, are you?”

The navigator gave the beige jumpsuit she’d once again been saddled with a brief scowl. “I’m fine—just trying to think of ways to make this damn thing palatable without Law freaking out.”

“Maybe we could modify it or something—make you a custom version. So long as it’s got the Heart Pirate emblem on it, I’m sure Law wouldn’t mind if we made it a bit sexier,” she said with a suggestive wink. “Especially if he gets to parade you about like his very own mikan arm-candy.”

Before Nami could tell her off for such an absurd suggestion, the man in question approached as if sensing the girls were talking about him. “And how are the two princesses doing?” he asked, tone teasing as he leaned Kikoku against his shoulder. “Has Penguin started feeding you grapes and offering foot massages?”

“Sadly, not yet,” Ikkaku snickered. “Need something, Boss?”

“I’m going to go run an errand. I won’t be gone long, but until I get back, stay close to the ship.”

The two women shrugged. Law had been popping out to run various errands all day; at this point, none of the Heart Pirates gave it much thought anymore.

“Don’t worry,” Nami replied, waving away his concern as she sipped her tea. “If I never set foot on Grimm’s shores again, I’ll be a happy woman. The docks are as far as I plan to go.”

“Good to hear it. Anything you two want me to pick up while I’m out?”

“Being awful magnanimous there, Boss,” Ikkaku drawled, an eyebrow raising suspiciously. “You trying to butter us up? Bribe us?”

He gave an insincere, too-wide smile. “Maybe I just feel like spoiling my two most beautiful subordinates.”

“And now I know you’re up to something. Well, if you insist on buying our silence, you can get me a huge box of gourmet chocolates or something,” she quipped, smirking up at her captain challengingly.

“Make that two boxes,” Nami giggled. “One for each of us. And a case of the most expensive sake the island sells.”

Law rolled his eyes, exasperated. “Greedy wench. Should have known you wouldn’t settle for a coffee or something.”

“If you don’t like it, I take cash, too.”

“Speaking of, you still owe me—”

“Nope!” she cut him off. “You said I could pay you back in cash, or with a kiss. And guess what, oh Surgeon of Death? I distinctly recall kissing you last night.”

“Under the influence of a sex drug.”

“You never specified the circumstances of the kiss. As far as I’m concerned, we’re even.”

Law let out an annoyed tch, and it took Nami a ridiculous amount of willpower to keep from commenting on the fact that the infamous Supernova was basically pouting. “Fine. I should be back in a half-hour. If I’m not, avenge my death.”

“Will do, Boss,” Ikkaku replied as she reclined in her seat, unbothered by the concept of her captain’s grisly demise. Not that she had reason to be—word had quickly spread about what had happened to Jinzo, so even if any of his former subordinates wanted revenge, only the truly stupid would risk their boss’ fate.

A blue bubble encased him and Law vanished before their eyes. Not wasting any time, the engineer turned to her companion. “So, you kissed him, huh?”

Nami scowled half-heartedly at her. “Because of the uranos.”

“Sure, sure,” Ikkaku chuckled but didn’t press the topic any further. It was good that she was feeling comfortable enough to make the occasional joke about last night’s debacle, but Nami could tell she didn’t wish to dwell on it longer than needed. There was a moment of comfortable silence between them before Ikkaku sighed. “Damn, now that he’s mentioned it, I kinda do want that foot massage. I’m getting a little cold, too; I’m gonna see if I can talk Penguin into giving one inside. You in?”

“Nah, I’m good. I think I’ll stay here and enjoy the fresh air a little longer. Go treat yourself!” she laughed, shooing the engineer away.

Normally, Nami rarely said no to a free foot massage, but she had the sneaking suspicion that Penguin wouldn’t mind doting on just Ikkaku for a while. With all his hovering, concern, and fury towards her attacker, Nami was beginning to theorize that the first mate might just have a burgeoning crush on the beautiful engineer. And even if she was completely off-base, Ikkaku deserved a little extra pampering after the night she’d had.

As Ikkaku meandered back into the sub, Nami wandered over to the edge of the pier, giving Jean Bart and Shachi a reassuring wave when they made to get up from where they were resting atop a stack of crates. Making sure to stay in their line of sight and within shouting distance, she stood there for several peaceful moments and relished the feel of the ocean spray on her face. She hoped the journey to the next island wasn’t too long—Grimm was damp and chilly and grey and an overall miserable experience, but she certainly hadn’t been bored.

“You seem to be doing well.”

Nami whirled around to find herself face-to-chest with Drake. Instinctively, her hand went to her Clima-Tact—Law had practically strapped it to her leg himself, though she doubted she’d risk leaving the submarine without it again.

Drake looked down at her critically, blue eyes lingering briefly upon the Heart Pirate insignia on her breast pocket before snapping back up to her face, a faint blush rising to his cheeks as he realized exactly where he’d been staring. He coughed into his fist awkwardly, waiting a moment for his composure to return. “I heard you ran amuck of some uranos. I suppose it’s a good thing you had Trafalgar for a temporary captain. I loathe the man, but his medical skills are beyond compare,” he spat as if giving Law even the slightest bit of praise filled his mouth with a foul taste.

“Y-yeah, he really came through for me,” Nami said nervously, fingers twitching above her batons.

Drake noticed her disquiet and took a half-step back, putting a respectable amount of distance between them. “I’m not here to kidnap you, Miss Nami—especially not with your companions ready to attack if I so much as blink at you wrong.”

Her anxiety eased up at the reminder. Glancing at her shipmates over her shoulder, she noticed Shachi glaring daggers at the rival captain through his sunglasses as he polished his rifle. Next to him, Jean Bart cracked his knuckles meaningfully. Confidence returning with the knowledge that she had good people watching her back, she returned her attention to Drake, hand retreating from her weapon to rest elegantly on her hip. “Smart man, though if abduction’s not on the agenda, why are you here?”

“Partially to check up on you. I was concerned Trafalgar would want to take advantage of you in your drug-addled state.”

“Law would never!” she snapped, instantly offended on the Dark Doctor’s behalf. The man may have been a sadistic, flirty bastard, but she instinctively knew he had never considered using her like Jinzo had intended. After all, she’d basically offered herself up on a silver platter, and when he’d kissed her back, it had been for the sake of distracting her. Law was a lot of terrible things, but “rapist” was not among them.

Holding up his hands in surrender, Drake raised an eyebrow at her outburst. “You’ve certainly changed your tune. Just two days ago you told me you didn’t even like him and literally begged me to help you strip off his uniform. I’d hoped you’d be smart enough not to fall for his seduction techniques so easily.”

“I haven’t fallen for anything—I’ve just realized that, even if he is a creepy asshole, he’s at least got enough honor to keep me safe from other scumbags. He’s the lesser of the evils out there.” Biting her lip, she reluctantly brought up, “By the way, I heard that you’re the one who…took care of Jinzo.”

With a nonchalant shrug he replied, “Normally, doing anything that benefits Trafalgar turns my stomach, but I was willing to make an exception in this case. The lesser of the evils and whatnot. That, and Haiko offered me a rather impressive sum of belli in exchange. I certainly wasn’t going to turn down that kind of deal—especially when I found out what Jinzo had done.”

“You…said he owed you a lot of money for something. What was it?” she asked, not sure she wanted to know the answer.

Piercing blue eyes narrowed as he crossed his arms. “You’re not accusing me of selling him uranos, are you?”

“Jinzo did sink a small fortune into getting his hands on enough to drug a whole bar. Maybe it wasn’t the only thing you sold him, but you did say he owed you 600 million belli,” she countered, though her heart wasn’t in it. Drake may have been a dangerous Supernova and attempted kidnapper but considering how he’d seemed rather shy around unclothed women, she highly doubted that he’d supply a drug that would turn girls into sex-slaves. Still, it didn’t hurt to check.

His answering glower put doubt into that thought, though. “Miss Nami, I understand you’ve been through a traumatic ordeal, and thus I’ll humor your idiotic accusation—no,” he stated, voice barely more than a deep, threatening growl. “What he and Kimo owed me money for was a job they requested assistance on, plus I had raided a merchant ship full of uncut diamonds, platinum, and silk. And considering how you relieved Jinzo of his cash, even if I did bring in the uranos, do you really think I’d hand it over without getting paid?”

Ice water ran though her veins at his tone. Drake was deeply offended at her allegation. She couldn’t blame him—despite the near-abduction, he’d been remarkably courteous to her since they’d first met. Besides that, even if he wasn’t a Marine anymore, it was clear he was far more honorable than most pirates. But every man had his limits, and if she didn’t lighten the mood fast, she might end up sharing Jinzo’s fate. Backing up a half-step and holding out her hands as if to calm down an angry beast, Nami simpered, “Hey, I’m sorry! You’re right—it was stupid of me to think you had anything to do with this. I-I’ve been through a lot over the past couple days and wasn’t thinking straight!”

Drake took a deep breath, and the tension eased from his shoulders as his hands fell to his sides. Behind her, Nami could hear the safety of a gun clicking, and she suspected her bodyguards had something to do with his new calm. “I may be a pirate, Miss Nami, but I don’t care for my honor being questioned.”

“I’ll remember that.”

His stern expression softened at her obvious fear. A large hand rubbed the back of his neck with a hint of embarrassment. “I confess, though, I do now feel a bit guilty for even considering selling you to that madman. Uranos is nasty business—rumor has it that the Navy briefly considered using it as a form of torture for female pirates in Impel Down, but Sengoku shot it down.”

Bile burned the back of her throat at the mere thought. “Dare I ask who proposed that option?”

“I believe you robbed his mansion last month.”

A disgusted shudder wracked her body. Of course that perverted psychopath would suggest such a thing. Considering Harpin’s low view of women and shady dealings, she wouldn’t have been surprised if he suggested it so he could get his hands on some for his own depraved use.

“God, the Navy employs the sickest people,” she groused. “How can they even look at themselves in the mirror?”

“People will go to quite the extremes in the name of Justice,” Drake answered, tilting his head down so his face was cast in shadow. “You can’t always stop evil by playing by the rules.”

Nami bit her lip. She probably shouldn’t be discussing such things with a former Rear-Admiral. Even if he had no love for his former leaders, she doubted such a conversation would go anywhere pleasant. She was trying to keep the mood light, after all. “Right. So, where are you heading next? Off to the New World?”

“No, not yet. It’s still too chaotic on the other side. Perhaps in a few months, when the waves of idiots looking to make a name for themselves have all killed each other. If I hope to stand out, I can’t just be another voice screaming for attention.”

“Not the worst plan in the world, I guess.” In fact, it was pretty similar to Law’s. Perhaps all North Blue pirates were this pragmatic—it seemed they were the only ones willing to wait for the best moment to strike instead of recklessly rushing into certain death.

“So glad you approve,” he replied sarcastically, though there was an amused tilt to his lips. “I may also be staying on this side for the sake of enjoying Paradise while it’s unusually peaceful—it’s almost like a vacation.”

Just like that, the rest of the tension between them dissolved like sugar in hot tea, and Nami found herself able to relax. Drake was an intimidating man, especially when he was angry, but like Law, he didn’t seem the type to cause trouble unless he could gain from it. Especially not with the Heart Pirates so close by.

That in mind, Nami gave him a small smile, intent of staying in his good graces. “By the way, thank you for…what you did to Jinzo. I’m sure getting payback on my behalf wasn’t a factor in your decision, but it’s good to have the peace of mind knowing he won’t be coming after me again.” Death and torture were never things she’d be able to condone, but it seemed smarter to praise Drake rather than condemn him.

Broad shoulders lifted in a mild shrug, but the large captain seemed pleased enough at her gratitude. “Honestly, while it wasn’t at the top of my list of reasons, when I was informed that he’d drugged you, it did help sway my decision. I thought perhaps my act of chivalry might help you see sense and convince you to join me instead of Trafalgar.”

A wry smile curled her lips and she jutted out her hip as she replied sassily, “Torturing a guy isn’t a great way to earn a lady’s affections, though points for creativity.”

Drake blushed slightly at the mild teasing in her tone, pulling the brim of his hat a bit further down to hide it the damning tinge of pink. “Perhaps not my preferred way to win you over, but I work with what I have.”

Intent on keeping the mood light, she teased, “Well, Captain Drake, how would you prefer to ‘win me over’, as you put it? A shopping trip? Candlelit dinner? A long stroll on the beach under the stars?”

“I’d rather appeal to your sense of reason—you’re an intelligent woman from what I’ve seen, and surely by this point Trafalgar would have shown you his true colors. While he might not be the absolute worst piece of scum sailing the ocean, you’re better off without him. That insane bastard will bring you nothing but trouble.”

Part of her appreciated the fact that Drake seemed even the slightest bit concerned for her safety—it was always good to have allies, after all. “Law’s a little unhinged, I’ll admit, but still far from the worst captain I’ve ever served under. He’s loyal and protective of his crew, and I guess that includes me now. That, and I have this sneaking suspicion that you only want me because I’m his.” She blinked before smacking her forehead with her palm, cheeks burning bright red. “That didn’t come out right.”

Drake let out a faint chuckle as he closed the distance between them with a few casual steps. “Whether or not you meant it that way, you’re not wrong. Considering all the times he’s gone out of his way just to screw me over, I wouldn’t mind the chance for some payback.” He leaned in, his voice a seductive growl in her ear as he continued, “And what better way to do it than to steal away the woman he clearly plans to fuck?”

“Wha—”

“Back it up there, Drake,” Shachi snapped as he audibly clicked the safety of his gun off again, raising the rifle meaningfully. “We cut you some slack when you badmouthed the boss, but trying to seduce our Cat Thief is a big no-no.”

Nami shivered as a puff of Drake’s hot breath danced against her neck when he scoffed. “Oh? Don’t you have faith in her loyalty to your captain? Or do you think she’d be so easily seduced?”

“Like you said, Miss Nami’s a smart woman,” Jean Bart replied, once more cracking his knuckles, ready to fight. “Smart enough not to fall for such an obvious ploy from a guy who tried to kidnap her just two days ago.”

“Then you boys have no reason to worry.” His attention returned to the woman in question when he felt her small hand lightly press against his torso. “So, what will it be, Miss Nami? Surely such a gorgeous, intelligent woman knows she deserves a better captain than an unhinged scoundrel like Trafalgar. Someone like me. Perhaps I could convince you over a bottle of wine in my cabin.”

Memories of the fantasy she’d shared with Ikkaku about how she’d seduce Drake popped into her head. She certainly hadn’t imagined he’d try to beat her to the punch like this. But while his attempt was admirable, the execution was unrefined. He had the proximity and the low, coaxing tone down, but he wasn’t even trying to touch her. He was smart to compliment her looks and intelligence, but he wasn’t quite making her feel wanted. Or maybe she’d just gotten used to Law’s much more patient, methodical approach. In fact, she couldn’t help but wonder if Drake was trying to imitate him but wasn’t quite comfortable enough to commit.

And too bad for him, when a Cat Thief like her sensed weakness, she took advantage.

“Hmm, I admit it’s a tempting offer,” Nami cooed, playfully running her fingers along the fur trim of his bolero. Large brown eyes gazed up at him through long lashes as she continued, “Having the famous X Drake so interested in little old me is certainly doing wonders for my ego. And what woman wouldn’t want to serve under such a big, strong, handsome captain?” For extra measure, she blew a light stream of air against the bare skin of his sternum as she drew a little heart on his prominent abdominal muscles.

Drake’s face turned the same shade as his hair, prompting Nami to laugh and drop the act, stepping away from him. “Unfortunately, I’m pretty sure that if I ran off with one of his rivals, Law wouldn’t take too kindly to it. But I’ll keep it in mind.”

Growling faintly in annoyance at how easily she’d gotten under his skin, Drake sought to compose himself by dusting off imaginary dirt from his sleeves. “Hmph. Well, in case you do come to your senses, just know the offer expires when I leave for the New World.”

“Fair. Now, unless you were looking to say goodbye to Law…” she trailed off, suggestively wagging her eyebrows.

Any composure Drake might have regained fell away instantly. “It was bad enough dealing with that smarmy bastard over the phone,” he snapped, ears burning brightly. Given what she knew of their interactions, Nami could guess that call had been utterly dripping with Law’s smug, suggestive flirtations. No wonder Drake had waited until he was gone to approach her. “All I have to say to him is ‘burn in Hell’!”

“Well, unless you plan on telling him that yourself, you should get going—he’s due back any minute,” she warned with a teasing smile. She’d never admit it out loud, but Law had been right—the best way to deal with Drake was to lean into the sexual tension to knock him off balance.

“Fine,” he growled, shoving his hands into his pockets and marching away with his head held deceptively high. “One last bit of advice, Miss Nami—I know it’s inevitable, but at least make him work for it before you sleep with him.”

Her jaw dropped in shock and outrage. “You—I’m not going to sleep with that jerk!”

“That’s the spirit,” he replied dryly over his shoulder, his large silhouette fading into the fog.

Once the former Marine was out of sight, Shachi was at her side, leaning his elbow on her shoulder. “You ok, Nami?”

The red haired thief was grateful for the cool air, as it helped her blush fade more quickly. “Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks for having my back.”

“No problem. Glad we didn’t have to fight him, though. I hate to say it, but Drake’s got a higher bounty than Law for a good reason—guy turns into a total monster during a fight.”

“Literally or figuratively?”

“Yes.”

“Of course,” she sighed. Not that she was surprised—she’d seen his hand become a green scaled claw back in the alley, and she’d heard rumors that he could transform into carnivorous dinosaur of some kind. “How long until we plan on leaving?”

“Probably no more than an hour,” Jean Bart replied, hoisting up one of the larger supply crates. “Why? Need to get anything before we go?”

A cat-like smirk curled her lips as she fanned herself with a wad of cash. “Nah. I’d just rather we be on our way before Drake realizes he’s missing a few thousand belli.”

Shachi immediately doubled over laughing. “Holy fuck! When did you pull that off?!”

“When you two were distracting him with your chivalrous display,” she said evenly, tucking the money into her breast pocket. Even if Drake did realize his wallet was suddenly empty, there was no chance he’d dare let his hand go anywhere near her cleavage.

“Seems you three are having fun,” Law said, appearing like a specter from the thick fog, Room dissipating around him. “What did I miss?”

“Just Miss Nami picking Drake’s pocket,” Jean Bart said with a chuckle, picking up the crate of sake that had appeared with his captain and hauling it towards the submarine.

“Dumbass tried to seduce her and got robbed for his troubles,” Shachi explained gleefully, though it was replaced with a low grunt as two massive boxes of assorted gourmet chocolate were dropped into his arms. He let out another oof as Kikoku unceremoniously landed on top of them.

“Drake-ya tried to seduce you?” the captain asked Nami, lips curling into a smirk. “Without my permission? I’m not sure if I should be pissed at him or proud.”

“Does he need your permission to seduce me?” Nami scoffed lightly. “Maybe I should have gone with him; having an actual gentleman for a captain would make a nice change.”

“I’m surprised he didn’t try to appeal to your desire for a more flattering uniform.”

“Wait, they have better uniforms? Drake, come back!” she called mockingly, making a show of trying to run off in the older captain’s direction.

Chuckling, Law caught her arm and pulled her back against him. “Shachi, bring those boxes to the girls’ room and check the cargo hold to make sure we have all the provisions we need.”

“Aye-aye, Captain,” Shachi replied, already halfway to the sub. He knew Law was just giving him busywork to get some alone time with the beautiful thief, but he wasn’t going to argue—if Law wanted to, he could easily just Shambles him to the other side of the island to get rid of him.

The Dark Doctor didn’t get to enjoy that alone time for long, though, as his second mate was quickly replaced by a second redhead, though this one was far more beautiful and curvaceous.

“Hello Law,” Haiko purred, her ruby lips curled upwards in a satisfied smile. In stark contrast to the sexy silver dress she’d preformed in, today she wore a smart black blazer with a tight pencil skirt, though her generous cleavage was tactically on display. “Your work last night was exemplary. I’m going to have to think of new VIP perks to give you. Maybe have Hiroshi write another song.”

Nami tensed at the appearance of the seductive club owner. She still had no idea what was up with her—if Haiko could be fully trusted. Law had said he’d look into it, but had he? Or had he just said that to appease his suspicious shipmate?

“Thank you, Haiko-ya,” Law replied casually, though it didn’t escape Nami’s notice that he placed himself deliberately between the two women. “How are Jinzo’s victims?”

The assured smile fell slightly. “I sent the ones you cured home to their families. The dead will hopefully be identified and given proper burials.”

“And the nymphos?”

“A few are going to try and return to their normal lives. The others…I’ve offered them employment at one of my brothels—if they’re going to crave sex for the rest of their lives, they might as well get paid for it. And at least with me they’ll be safe.”

“Very generous of you.”

Though she waved off the comment, Nami could see the subtle stiffness in her posture—as if she were an actress not entirely comfortable with the character she had to portray. “It’s the least I can do. If I’d taken care of Jinzo earlier, none of this would have happened.”

“I can’t argue with that. Though he must have done a great job covering his tracks to keep both you and Kimo-ya from realizing he intended to muscle in on your territory. What will happen to the black market trade now?”

Her easy confidence returned—when it came to talking business, Haiko was clearly in her element. “Well, since I’ll have my hands full keeping that from imploding, I’m entrusting Oscar with running the red light district. Hiroshi can manage Ruby 8 until things settle down. I admit, since so many of your peers have run off to the New World, the black market’s taken a bit of a dip in profits.”

“And with fewer pirates around, the island’s entertainment and legitimate businesses must have been more accessible to citizens and other visitors.”

“All the more reason to clean this town up, I suppose.”

“Kimo-ya won’t be happy about that,” Law said casually, studying his nails.

She shrugged, though her red lips turned in a subtle frown. “My husband’s a crime lord—to him, rampant rape, drugs, and murder meant that his clientele were happy. But when such a thing is the norm, it’s only a matter of time before you fall victim to it yourself.”

“Of course. It’s easy to rule the underworld when everyone else is a good, law-abiding citizen.”

Seductive smirk returning to her face, Haiko playfully stroked Law’s goatee. “Oh, don’t worry, Dr. Heart Stealer; you’ll still have a place to sell of your ill-gotten goods, and after last night, you can expect VIP treatment at any of Grimm’s fine establishments.”

The Surgeon of Death flashed a devilish smirk. “Good to hear. And without the risk of drugging, rape, and kidnapping, maybe next time we visit, Nami-ya will be able to actually enjoy herself.”

Pulling her hand away from Law’s face, Haiko turned to Nami, green eyes apologetic. “Yes, I heard you were one of the girls Jinzo’s goons drugged. It’s good to see you’re doing well. No one hurt you, did they?”

“I’m fine,” Nami replied, shifting uncomfortably. Though her concern over the thief’s welfare felt sincere, she still wasn’t sure if the island’s new Queenpin had a hand in the island’s drastic power shift, or if she was just taking advantage of the opportunity she’d been presented with her husband and Jinzo’s removal. Her goals at least appeared admirable.

“If you’re ever back in Grimm, you’re welcome at Ruby 8 anytime. In fact, next visit your meals and drinks are on the house.”

Law stepped between them again, and for a brief moment, Nami felt him run a reassuring hand over her back. “Perhaps by that point, Kimo-ya will have recovered—we can make it a double date.”

“Oh, I doubt that,” Haiko stated, a nearly imperceptible tightness in her jaw. “My medical staff says that with the damage he suffered, even if he does wake up, he’ll be confined to his bed for the rest of his life. He took a tremendous fall down the stairs and broke his neck, you see.”

“Was that before or after he was stabbed in the liver?”

Green eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”

This time, Law blatantly pushed Nami behind him, looming dangerously over the older businesswoman as they stared each other down. “Well, since I seemed to be in the habit of doing you favors, I thought I’d add to my good karma and stop by your house to see if I could do anything to heal your beloved husband. He certainly has a broken neck, and the bruises and cracked skull line up with your story, but that stab wound sticks out like a sore thumb.”

Haiko’s stone-cold expression would put a professional poker player’s to shame. “Well, the fall did break a few steps—perhaps he landed on a sharp piece of wood.”

Law’s own face was just as unreadable. “No, the size and shape clearly indicate that it was a knife. A small one that a lady could easily hide under her dress. I also noticed that your home doesn’t have any stairs.”

Her expression hardened, a fierce green fire flickering in her eyes. “Are you accusing me of harming my husband, Captain Trafalgar?”

“Haiko-ya, you’re a woman I genuinely admire—you’re cunning and determined, yet you still have standards higher than most of the criminal underworld. You’ve come a long way from that underground gin joint you started in the North Blue. You’ve spent years cleaning up the brothels and bars on Grimm; I’d certainly be upset to find my husband was conspiring to undo all of my hard work simply because he couldn’t adapt to the changing times.”

Nami held her breath as she and Law awaited her answer. This was the moment of truth.

“That’s quite the theory you have,” Haiko replied coolly, crossing her arms and raising an auburn eyebrow. The anger in her gaze dimmed down into a tranquil simmer. “Do you have any proof?”

“Nothing physical, nor do I really care—if you stabbed Kimo, I have no doubt it was well-deserved. Perhaps it was even an accident, or in self-defense.”

“Or perhaps you’re just making baseless accusations.”

“Haiko-ya, it doesn’t matter to me what really happened. If anything, I imagine you’ll be a better business partner than either of them. I simply don’t appreciate being used and lied to.”

When she gave no reply, Law gave Nami a meaningful look, gold eyes flicking down to her Clima-Tact before holding her gaze intently. “Nami-ya, why don’t you disappear for a bit? I think this is a conversation Haiko-ya and I should have without an audience.”

Catching on, she nodded, ducking inside the Polar Tang just out of sight. While Law distracted the club owner by leading her towards the edge of the pier, Nami quickly cast her Mirage Tempo, rendering herself invisible so she could sneak back over, footsteps silent as a cat’s paws. For extra measure, she crouched behind a nearby crate, peaking her head over the top so she could watch the duo’s interactions.

Law casually slung his arm over Haiko’s narrow shoulders, dropping his voice so only Nami could eavesdrop. “Look, I know power struggles are common in the underworld, and innocents getting caught in the middle happens. However, this little spat hurt two of my subordinates. I’m sure you understand that, if something like this were to happen again, I’d take it upon myself to wipe out both sides of the conflict in revenge, correct?”

The redhead stiffened. “Of course, Law.”

“Good. Because I respect your reasons—Kimo and Jinzo betrayed you. Tried to undo all your hard work because their own profits were down. Potentially even planned to slip you a little uranos out of spite. But I won’t stand for someone else’s grudge putting my crew in danger. Nor do I tolerate being used—if you want me to kill someone for you in the future, I expect you to be straight with me instead of treating me like a pawn.”

For a moment, Haiko stood in silence, staring out at the churning waves as they slapped against the pier. Finally, she spoke, voice tight and minutely vulnerable. “A few nights ago…Kimo came to Ruby 8 with a few of his thugs after closing. We argued about him helping Jinzo open a brothel under my nose—he said if I didn’t give the red light district back, he’d burn my club to the ground and put me to work as one of the whores.”

“Is that when you stabbed him?” Law asked, tone even and calm.

“Of course. Oscar and the band overheard the commotion and took care of the thugs while I ran, but Kimo followed me to the top of the stairs…”

“Well, that lines up with what Hiroshi told me. I appreciate your honesty.”

“You questioned Hiroshi?” she asked, angered at the musician’s betrayal.

“You forget—he owes me. I guess he also figured I’d be more lenient with you if I knew how you’d been backed into a corner.” Law paused, letting the tension between them simmer before he admitted, “He was right. Kimo deserved what you gave him, and if I hear he’s tragically succumbed to his wounds, well, I won’t shed any tears.”

Haiko sighed, shoulders sagging in relief. “I wanted to trust you, but you had a profitable partnership with Kimo. I couldn’t be sure whose side you’d be on—I just knew it wouldn’t be Jinzo’s.”

“A common enemy is a good hook for an alliance—I just hope you plan to be more honest with me if you intend on maintaining our partnership.”

“Of course.”

A shadow fell across his eyes as he turned the woman so she fully faced him. “Did you know about the uranos shipment?”

“No. Nor was I aware that Venus would be used to distribute it,” Haiko explained, looking him straight in the eye. “The owner was new but on the level; he had my full permission to host a Ladies Night to attract customers. When I went to confront him this morning, I found his body—he’s been dead for at least a few days.”

Nodding at her answer, Law’s somber expression relaxed. “Good. Because not telling me about Kimo and Jinzo’s betrayal is forgivable. Not warning me about the uranos…”

“I am truly sorry your girlfriend and engineer were subjected to that.”

Nami had to physically slap a hand over her mouth to keep from screaming “I’m not his girlfriend!” She doubted Haiko would appreciate it if she found out she was being spied on, and Law would be pissed that she’d ruined his plan.

Perhaps he could feel her rage, because Nami caught Law’s amber eyes glance in her general direction before returning to Haiko. “Pretty words aren’t the kind of apology I’m interested in. I expect compensation.”

Haiko’s confident, naturally seductive grim returned as she leaned in, running a finger along the Heart Pirate insignia on his sweatshirt. “Oh? And what exactly did you have in mind?”

“I’m sure you’ve already thought of something—I doubt you would have come all this way just to say goodbye.”

“That I have; in fact, it’s exactly why I came down here. Two weeks ago, a man named Dira tried to sell Kimo and Jinzo some items. Most of it was junk, but there were a few things that stood out. One of them was a lovely white vase.”

“Are you seriously offering me a vase as reparations for Nami-ya and Ikkaku nearly becoming sex slaves?” he sneered, eyes narrowing in offense. Nami bristled in solidarity. She didn’t care how drop-dead gorgeous Haiko was; unless said vase was made of platinum and filled to the brim with belli and gems, she’d kick the older woman’s ass for being so cheap!

“Oh, no—the vase isn’t even here!” Haiko replied, smile never wavering despite the anger radiating from the Dark Doctor. “Once he realized what it was made from, Kimo turned it down and told the man to take his wares elsewhere.”

“And what, pray tell, was it made of?” Law asked sarcastically, patience wearing thin.

Her manicured hands reached up to smooth out the wrinkles in his sweatshirt. “At first, they thought it was marble or alabaster, but upon closer inspection, Jinzo realized that the white was just paint. It took a little arm-twisting, but Dira admitted that the vase originated from a certain tragic island in the North Blue.”

That immediately caught the surgeon’s attention, and the full focus of those golden eyes was fixated on the club owner. The hostility vanished, replaced by cool intent. “Where did he go?”

“Atifakuto. None of us wanted something coated in Amber Lead, of course, but I remembered you once mentioning that you had an interest in such items. In fact, I even have an eternal pose to the island—I took my last vacation there.” Reaching into her generous cleavage, she pulled out the hourglass-shaped device. As she handed it to the pirate captain, she fluttered her long lashes sweetly. “So, am I forgiven?”

“…for the most part. You’d better not be playing me, Haiko-ya,” Law replied, studying the magnetic compass intently, looking for anything that might give away whether or not it was fake.

“I think I’ve learned my lesson about leading on The Surgeon of Death. You did me a favor, so I’m returning in kind.” Standing up on her tip-toes, she brushed a kiss to his jaw. “I do hope you visit again soon. And treat that Cat Thief of yours right—maybe it’s the red hair, but she reminds me of myself at that age.”

“Unscrupulous and greedy?” he asked, taking her hand and pressing his own farewell kiss to her knuckles.

“And a magnet for dangerous men,” she purred as she flounced away. “Safe travels, Captain Trafalgar. Always a pleasure doing business with you.”

When the new Queenpin of Grimm was out of sight, Nami dropped her illusion, jogging over to Law. “Well, that was…quite the conversation.” Part of her was relieved—Haiko had done some shady things, but she couldn’t fault her reasons. Another part was flattered. She was a dangerous, stunning, formidable woman—someone Nami could certainly admire and wouldn’t mind becoming someday. Though, she hoped she’d manage to avoid marrying someone who’d betray her.

And one tiny, sneaky part of her burned with irrational jealousy over the fact that Haiko had kissed him. It shouldn’t matter—Law was obnoxious and arrogant and certainly not someone she had any intention of kissing when not under duress. But for some reason, she had been really tempted to use her Cyclone Tempo to knock her into the water.

“That it was. Seems a trip to Atifakuto is in order,” Law said lowly, the brim of his hat casting a shadow across his eyes as his tips twisted in a sullen frown.

Nami’s brow furrowed. She knew Law had some kind of interest in Amber Lead, but why would he want to hunt some down? “Is that our next destination?”

He rubbed his goatee in brooding thought as his eyes fixated on the delicate needle pointing towards the horizon. Nami could practically see the wheels in his head turning, an internal argument raging in his mind. His body was as stiff as a cadaver’s, the tendons in his neck straining as he held in whatever powerful emotions he was feeling.

Finally, he shoved the eternal pose into his pocket and answered, “Not yet. I promised you the next island we landed on would be far more relaxing, and I need time to plan, anyway. But don’t expect a long vacation; I can’t let the trail grow cold.”

She sighed in relief. After the horrors of Grimm, she was in desperate need of a breather. Especially if they ended up going after an artifact from Flevance; she’d only heard tragic stories about that place. How they’d once been prosperous and highly-renowned, until the whole country had come down with a horrible, incurable disease. A disease that, if Law was to be believed, hadn’t been as contagious as the World Government had claimed.

Before she could ask any questions, Law pressed his hand between her shoulders, gently but insistently leading her towards the Polar Tang. The darkness in his expression had faded significantly, and his sly smirk was back in place. It felt phony, though—like a mask. “By the way, I appreciate you staying close. Considering what she did to her husband, I half expected Haiko-ya to stab me and push me off the pier.”

“Yeah, I figured you only wanted me there so I could save your ass,” she snipped, though her heart wasn’t quite in it. Law had berated Haiko about being honest with him, yet it felt like he was putting up a front with her. Sure, it wasn’t quite the same—Haiko had been using him, while Law seemed to be just keeping his thoughts to himself—but the slight hypocrisy grated at her.

At the same time, she couldn’t entirely fault him for it. Their relationship and sense of trust in each other had certainly improved over the past twenty-four hours, but she couldn’t blame him for not enlightening her to his troubled thoughts. She only hoped he’d confide in Penguin or Bepo.

“The singular pitfall of wielding the awesome power of a Devil Fruit—water is your nemesis,” he replied sourly.

“Then why’d you lead her so close to the dock’s edge?”

“To make her feel less threatened. Her husband attacked in her own bar. Ruby 8 is as much home to her as the Tang is to us. People value that illusion of safety; when it’s compromised, especially by someone we should trust, it can turn someone into a skittish, feral animal.”

“Ah. Yeah, makes sense,” she replied as they stepped through the submarine door. He definitely had a point—if she’d been attacked on the Thousand Sunny, a place she’d always felt safe and secure in, she’d probably be on-edge for months. “It was still a risky move, though.”

“But a calculated one. Did you really think I’d accuse a woman as cunning and dangerous as her without a plan, or at least a basic understanding of how her mind works?” he asked, dark blue eyebrow raised in annoyance.

“No, but are you confident enough in that understanding to guarantee she’s not sending us to our deaths?”

“Another reason to take a slight detour and recover our strength before heading to Atifakuto,” he said nonchalantly, smirk becoming darker but more genuine. “I’m not particularly worried, though. Haiko and I think alike in many ways; she values long-term planning. She knows she only has one shot at killing me, so she wouldn’t risk it all on a scheme she threw together in a day. She’d wait until I least expected it, even if it took years, all the while carefully moving the pieces into place. And when she struck, she’d get the outcome she wanted no matter how the cards fell.”

“Do you…have someone you’re planning to kill?” Nami asked, a hint of nervousness bleeding into her voice. “Because you sound like you’re speaking from experience.”

“No one you’ve met, and no one you’d miss,” he said vaguely, his hand finally moving from her back so he could climb down the ladder to the next level. “You should worry more about getting stronger and preparing for the New World; Bepo tells me you’re finally ready to start combat training.”

“Let’s just say Grimm’s been a bit of an eye-opener,” she replied, carefully climbing down after him. Her heeled sandals made a reverberating clank as she stepped down onto the metal floor. “Luffy can’t risk me being a liability—if I can’t handle myself in Paradise, I’ll stand no chance on the other side of the Red Line.”

“Exactly why I’m willing to train you—I’d hate to have put in all that effort into saving Mugiwara just for his crew to bring him down.”

Nami glared at him, but he ignored her all the way to his quarters. Upon realizing she’d followed him, his eyebrow arched upwards again, though this time in amusement. “Were you looking for something, Nami-ya? A private tour of the captain’s bedroom, maybe?”

She blushed slightly at his suggestive tone but held her ground. “You gave me crap about keeping secrets from you, and yet you spew out the most irritating non-answers when I ask you a simple question. Your hypocrisy is infuriating.”

“I gave you crap about keeping secrets relevant to your well-being,” he countered easily, slipping inside his room. “Your tenure as a Heart Pirate will be long done by the time I enact my revenge, so it’s nothing you need to worry your pretty little head over, sweetheart.”

Before she could reply or even get a good look at the inside of his quarters, he shut the door in her face.

Staring at the steel barrier, Nami felt her stomach twist uncomfortably.

She trusted Law. She knew he was sincere in his desire to help her train for the New World. That he would protect her until she returned to Weatheria at the end of the year.

She also trusted her gut, and it was screaming that he had ulterior motives. That this generosity, along with his rescue of Luffy, had something to do with some long-term plan.

Trafalgar Law was the lesser evil now, but how long until that changed?

[renegadenephilim]

A thought occurs. If reincarnation exists in Darksiders, what's with the whole City of the Dead thing? What, if good or bad people die, then they have to live in the city of the dead to atone for their sins before reincarnating or something?

I think it’s kind of just a waiting room for souls? You gotta chill there a while before you pass through cause I’m sure the well is crowded as shit. Absalom’s infestation probably didn’t do it any favors either.

Most things that wind up in the Kingdom of the Dead pass through it eventually, unless you’re Draven, I guess

[zalrb]

What’s your overall review of Carnival Row?

My overall review is, it was fine. It didn’t blow my mind and it wasn’t terrible. It kept me occupied for a few days.

I do understand that it’s a first season but I never felt like it really got its footing and it was still trying to figure itself out so I was never settled in the world because it felt like a basic sketch.

There’s a lot of emphasis on dialogue. For instance, Vignette was a librarian charged with protecting the library and she tells Philo how sacred this place is and what it means to her culture, which fine, but if we were going to do flashbacks then I would’ve liked to see a flashback, even short and quick flashbacks while she’s explaining what the library means to Philo, of her taking care of the books, of the fae looking at them, of just how much it means to them so that when she freaks out in the Burg, she doesn’t HAVE to tell Philo, “I just couldn’t bear it because of xyz”, we would know because of what we saw, we would feel it instead of just understanding intellectually that this would be painful for her, it’s simple details like that that would make the world richer for me. 

Just like how Philo decides to pretend he’s dead, I would frame that differently instead of Tourmaline coming by being like break up with her because she’ll die for you and then having Philo tell her to leave and Vignette’s just like, Without you? No! I think it would’ve had more of an impact if Vignette already in some capacity got wounded for Philo or nearly died for Philo and then Tourmaline has that conversation with Philo and then Philo sees that Vignette is willing to put her life in jeopardy again and then he makes the decision to fake his own death because then we don’t rely so much on conversation and we can see things in action.

Speaking of Vignette and Philo, I just didn’t think there was enough there for that relationship to be the central romance. Like I said in one of my posts, I’m in the midst of rewatching some of my favourite Kdramas and because of that, I have a different lens for TV right now and I’m just finding that everything happens so quickly in Western television even what’s considered a slow burn. In this case, I did not believe the intimacy between them that the show was trying to convince me they had, like having one or two pointed conversations about a book and then having sex doesn’t scream, pining for each other and missing/loving each other for seven years, particularly since they didn’t have the chemistry to fill in the gaps of narrative. They tried

but it just looked like they were trying to communicate chemistry, like it’s very choreographed and staged

Tourmaline and Vignette had chemistry though,

I believed there was history there, words unspoken, longing, love and friendship, they were onscreen together and they just worked.

I also thought Agreus and Imogen happened/escalated way too quickly. For something that gave off the impression of a slow burn, they’re having sex by episode 7? And it’s not that they didn’t have the chemistry, they did, but I thought we had so much more tension to explore, so many more charged moments and ventures out into society, the show cut that off too quickly for a climax that I didn’t feel was particularly earned, I didn’t think Imogen was in that place ready to leave everything behind, and I thought we should get to know Agreus more considering he’s a measure of contradictions, he loathes the society he so wishes to be a part of and calls out their hypocrisies and biases while also being a fae who captured other fae who tried to run away from their oppressive conditions. Like I said, it felt like a basic sketch. And like I said in another post of mine, I would’ve found them to be more interesting if Imogen was a Black Burgish woman since it would be another angle to approach interracial relationships considering that racism against BIPOC doesn’t seem to be a thing in this world, which I always find funny because patriarchy/misogyny and homophobia are always still around but somehow these worlds transcend racism. Anyway.

Sophie is a character I find terrible and compelling but also still a bit too abstract. OK she wants power, power to do what exactly, what is her actual goal for the Burg and why is it her goal? I don’t need the full answers to these questions right away but her constantly going “chaos so we can rise from the ashes and shape the new world” doesn’t mean anything to me. 

Piety being behind the attacks was also something pretty obvious and her motivations were just like, I mean, OK. I guess. Is there a reason you couldn’t just try and conceive a son with Absalom? Like it’s such an extreme reaction and I think I’d need to know more about Piety and her relationship to her son or see how her prophecies really do come to pass or see what exactly the future she’s envisioned was for me to find her actions anything other than extra.

Orlando Bloom was entertaining as Philo.

[sableu]

🔫 🚽 💩😍 💀

fave canon arc?

water 7/enies lobby! though alabasta is right up there next to it.

least favorite canon arc?

that’s tough lol. i honestly like all of the arcs. i guess the easy answer is davy back fight, but i enjoyed it just fine tbh. like many i’m also not a huge fan of fishman island, but i adored its flashback and i by no means Hate it, there’s just not As Much i like about it as other arcs.

least favorite character?

absalom. thank god that dude’s dead

OTP?

namivivi!

NOTP?

i’m not really into shipping in op enough to have one haha.

[chikkachu]

Hungry Days AU

Prompt: A breathy demand: “Kiss me” - and what the other person does to respond.

-x-

Zorona (Zoro x Perona) make-out scene incoming. I couldn’t resist. What can I say?  I do love writing steamy situations. I don’t know why I’m so captivated by this pairing at the moment. This will also be available to read on my ff.net/A03 account.

Not sure what couple I’ll write for next (my last one was ZoLu, I guess I love writing about my favourite marimo lol). So let me know what you think and what ships you like. Headcanons are always welcome.

-x-

Whipping the bamboo sword so hard the material creaked, frustration etched each movement the green-haired boy made.  Zoro had experienced utter defeat at the hands of Hawkeye and today’s training session was his outlet. Perspiration dotted his forehead as he pushed his body to the limit – if not further. Knowing the young swordsman Perona would say the latter because she had witnessed his foolish fits of anger before.

He didn’t know when to stop.

Addicted to the feeling of hard work and adrenaline she supposed, not being a fitness freak herself. She’d prefer to put her feet up and drown her sorrows with a bowl of strawberry shortcake ice-cream. That was cuter than the smell of sweat and oxidising metal that accompanied the weight training Zoro chose.

Yet she still spent time in the kendo hall watching Hawkeye and Zoro when she wasn’t at the spooks club with Moria and Absalom. She felt strangely at home exchanging insults and chagrin. The brooding swordsman seemed to accept her regular visits as a norm. Her relationship with Zoro was peculiar. Sometimes they were at each other’s throats, his brutish attitude and ability to get lost in a one-way street tried her patience.

“Hah!” Startled Perona’s gaze jumped to the person occupying her thoughts. Tension making the harsh lines of his shoulders hunched forward, his perfect form wavering due to fatigue. It had been three hours of rigorous kata exorcises. Typical Zoro not acknowledging his limits - but this time was different. The injury had the potential to impact on his performance for months. She wasn’t an expert, but she knew that.

“Zoro.” She said, firm and non-compromising. Perona had never been a girl who settled for being ignored.

“It’s none of your business.” Biting and brutal to the point she could sense his teeth grinding as his jaw clenched.  Heart pounding in response to the blatant dismissal, her own temper flared. No one spoke to her like shit.

“Excuse me?” It wasn’t said as a question. It was a declaration of impending war. If he wanted to throw down, then she wouldn’t disappoint. Springing forward from her perch on the bench, she marched toward the glowering idiot.

“You are a rude obnoxious jerk Roronoa!” Stopping only when she made sure to purposefully invade his space. Toe to toe and her finger jabbed firmly in his thorax. She wanted her entire body to scream ‘fuck you’.

“Tch,” Upper lip pulling upwards into a snarl, he avoided her glare by staring to the side. The bastard was still trying to ignore her. Not happening. Shuffling sideways she stood on her tiptoes to stare him dead in the eye. “…annoying woman.”

Brow furrowing, she leaned further into his space so her nose almost touched his chin. Why did he have to be so tall? It ruined the effect.

“Me? Annoying?” Perona spat, noticing how he visibly winced at the high octaves, “That’s rich coming from ‘Mr. I’d be late to my own funeral’”.

“At least my laugh doesn’t sound like a dying cat.” Zoro shot back quick as usual. He didn’t usually resort to such childish arguments with anyone - the perverted cook didn't count. That dickhead disserved every slur apparently. Perona knew how to push his buttons as well as the blond. His attack didn’t put her off, in fact, excitement pulsed beneath her diaphragm. Not thinking she lunged placing both hands on his chest and used her body weight to push. Chuckling she watched the muscle head stumble as he lost his footing for a moment.

She couldn’t help but feel accomplishment in catching him off-guard even if it didn’t push him back. Zoro trained daily in martial arts and toned his core strength to the point she had seen him doing one-arm handstands. Honestly, the impact of her palms on his chest felt solid - a living bronze statue.

Calloused fingers formed a vice grip on her dainty hand, the pressure enough to hold her in place.

Perona hyper-aware of her throbbing pulse, her wrist gripped by his strong fingers, a large knot settled in her throat. A dangerous glint glazed Zoro’s eyes but she didn’t fear him. Perusing the features of her long-time friend she noticed his full bottom lip twitching. He tended to chew his bottom lip when hassled and the action diverted her attention.

It’s no secret Zoro is a good-looking boy – now a young man. Classically attractive features combined with the exotic allure of seafoam green hair made him a heartthrob. But most of the time people admired him from afar, a treasure you could see but not touch. The man had a demeanour that demanded respect and a not so subtle ‘fuck outta here’ vibe if you managed to piss him off.

Perona and the select few allowed into his inner circle knew another side. A kind and honourable man. And the biggest dork she’d ever met.

“Oi, stop staring.” Damn. She’d spaced out again…whilst eye fucking. Zoro didn’t need to know that.

“I would if you stopped being so cute.” Unless she opened her own stupid mouth. She had meant to say UN-cute. N-O-T cute.

Because he wasn’t.  At all.

“Cute?” He tried the word as if sucking on a sour treat. If she wasn’t so mortified the comical look that emerged - a cross between emotional constipation and disgust - would have triggered laughter.

The silence made her want to die or drop through the floor. Whatever happened quicker.

“I knew that’d pull out the stick that’s currently lodged up your ass.” She said, smiling sweetly. Tone sweet as honeycomb, dripping with the challenge. Time to save face.

Zoro leaned forward taking back the space she’d managed to steal. Squinting in thought his usual persona returned, it wasn’t the tense energy from before. Instead, it was a captivating focus that drew her in closer. He’d always had an ability to control the mood. It seriously rubbed her the wrong way. Perona would spend an hour iterating how she felt on a topic and he’d manage with a single sentence. Sometimes a grunt, yet she’d understand.  

Right now, she understood the atmosphere around them. Intense, sexy and one hundred percent Zoro.  Subconsciously placing a hand on his chest, she traced the seam of his keikogi. Keeping eye contact as she travelled to his neck, fingers brushing the soft skin in the conjunction of his neck. Zoro swallowed and once again she found herself admiring his lips. His nose brushed hers as he exhaled the brief contact titillating her nerve endings. Perona wanted more from him.

“Kiss me.” She sighed, her own lips brushing against his chin. Once again it wasn’t a question but a breathy demand. Her breath jittered as she felt his thumb stroke over her lips as if silencing the gibberish likely to explode from her mouth if he didn’t hurry up. True to form he read her well and the cocky smirk told her he hadn’t bought her excuse from the beginning.

“You always have to make things personal,” Zoro said, voice gravelly and taking her mind to a place that wasn’t appropriate for a gym hall. Head dipping, he hovered for a second, mirth dancing in his eyes. Fed up with his teasing she shifted to aim a well-deserved kick in the shin when he nipped at the corner of her mouth. Perona felt her mouth pop with an embarrassing gush that resulted from the attention.

He moved in quick precision, making her feel like the hunter became the hunted, enveloping her bottom lip into his mouth. Still holding her hand, he tugged sharply, and she found herself being melded into the masculine presence that was Roronoa Zoro. She felt a large hand splay across the small of her back, pushing her flush to his torso. Clearly, he didn’t want any space between them.

Peppering wet kisses over her top lip she felt him raise their joined hands. Pushing her palm flat against his jawline he broke away to lay a kiss on her palm. Aegean blue eyes gazed at her under a thick hood of gorgeous eyelashes. Honestly, Perona hated the fact that he was such a pretty boy and she had a weakness for anything cute.  

Impatient she used the hand to forcefully turn his head, whilst the other slid into his green strands gripping what she could. Lips now a supple pink she nuzzled his nose before capturing his lips in an audacious move. Eyes closing, she took in the sensations of his tongue sliding over the seam of her lips, the warmth of his breath on her cheek and how soft his hair felt.

“AH-em.” Freezing at the deliberate interruption, Zoro’s arms locked around her waist in surprise. Her eyes shot open to see her partners face resembling the tragedy mask they often see in her drama study classes.  Rose started to bleed onto his cheeks and coat the tips of his ears. It was too cute to stop an awkward giggle escaping.

“Tch.” Zoro and his typical sulk sound. He refused to look at her or his intruding teacher in the eye. Looking over his shoulder she spotted Mihawk standing in the doorframe across the room. Arms folded and his expression screaming annoyance. A slight twitch at the corner of his mouth said he had expected this.

“Roronoa, this is not your bedroom. Take it elsewhere.”

Tinkling laughter filled the hall as Perona grabbed Zoro’s hand. It’d be her pleasure to whisk the wayward swordsman somewhere private.  

[1stunseeliefaelass]

Ale's Sidestory: Part 2

Death awoke the next morning with his throat finally cleared up. Though to be safe he brewed another cup of tea. Just as he'd finished it, Strife barged into his tent.

"HEYA BIG BRO!"

"Ah! Oh geez, Strife what have I told you about doing that so early in the morning?" Death asked him annoyed.

"Aww come on Death, lighten up. I'm just excited is all."

Death sighed before saying, "What is it then?"

"Absalom is finally sending me on scout mission with you. I just got the briefing man!" Strife says excitedly.

"That's great Strife, I told you you'd get a chance one of these days."

"Yeah, no thanks to our brother. Speaking of which though, what happened last night?"

"Huh? What do you mean?" Death asked trying to dodge the subject.

"War had a bit of trouble sleeping. Said he saw ya fighting with Absalom again. Beyond that I dunno what else he may have seen or heard. So what went down?" Strife asked diligently.

"We just had a disagreement. It wasn't serious. And as I told War it was my own fault for charging at him. You've got nothing to worry about." Death says adamantly.

Strife sighed before saying to him, "Remember when I was little, and Absalom used to push me too much."

"I do." Death said simply.

"Ok well I also remember always coming to you about it because you told me to. If I ever needed anything or if Absalom was going too far that I should come talk to you."

"I know Strife, I recall that too."

"So why not tell me when Absalom is getting on your nerves? or worse?" Strife asked.

"I'm not sure if you'd understand."

"I can try to. Isn't that enough?" Strife asks him.

Death sighed before finally caving. Strife listened intently as Death explained the dream he'd been having for a long time. And how Absalom let it slip that the dreams were actually just a memory that he wanted him to forget. Which eventually led to the argument as Death was seeking answers about why Absalom was so adamant about Death forgetting this memory. About what was so dangerous and scary about a memory. Strife thought for a moment and said,

"You know what, I say you go figure out what's going on. This memory could be important, whether Absalom thinks so or not. Clearly he's hiding something, and when Absalom hides stuff from us...." Strife says trailing off and gesturing to Death to finish the sentence.

"...it's usually a big deal. Perhaps I should look into this, later. For now we have a job to do. Absalom want to brief me as well or did he send you to do it?"

"He's still mad, so he sent me to tell you." Strife says.

"Or he just wants to avoid me asking about the memories again. Anyway, what have we got?" Death asks.

Strife then tells Death about how Absalom said something about an important group of monuments in the Fae Realm. A group of standing stones in a circle around a sort of pool. This pool apparently holds much power, which Absalom wants to use for their kin's benefit. Death groaned, as he knew fully well what Absalom was doing by adding him to this expedition. Absalom wanted to distract him from yesterday's events by giving Death a mission involving the Fae Realm. Death always had a fascination with the Fae Realm, the varying races, the land, the magic, all of it. Death then decided that if Absalom wouldn't give him the answers he wanted, then maybe this pool would. He followed Strife to their rag tag team and the group headed on their way.

The trip wasn't very lengthy, as they'd been camping within the Fae Realm anyway. Strife led the group alongside Death, since he had a map. But the team wasn't so keen on Strife giving them orders. A few glances from Death shut them up though. They traveled along the coastline before coming upon a cliffside. On the cliff was the pool and standing stones. They just had to climb up. Death started first with Strife behind him. The others waited briefly before going after them. Death scaled the cliff with ease, Strife was only a hair slower. They ended up having to wait on the others once they reached the top.

Once everyone finally made it, they surveyed the area. It looked abandoned and pretty damn old. The pool was clear and Death could see a clear current going down along a field of glowing crystals all along the walls of the tunnel beneath the pool. He placed his hand within the waters and could feel the magic pulsating through his body. However he wasn't gonna just dive in without some idea of what the place was. Death instead got up and looked around to observe the stones around the pool. He found they all contained runes and found one in particular was very old and worn out. He didn't see any harm in touching it, until it began to shoot bolts of electricity.

"DUCK!!!" He shouted to the others.

One guy however was too slow to heed him and a bolt sent him flying off the cliff to his death. Strife was hit with a bolt as well but only in his leg after he'd already ducked. After this the bolts finally ceased and everyone could move again. Strife needed help to stand back up but once he was up his leg began regaining feeling. The three then gathered around the pool, wondering if their luck would be different if they went into the waters. Death already made his choice and jumped in, Strife following after him. The other guy didn't want to go in but after his leaders did he felt he had no choice. The three traveled down the pool and felt the waters rejuvenating them. Strife in particular felt his leg feeling better completely now. They continued on for a time before the remaining guy was suddenly electrocuted by two particularly large gemstones coming from the walls. Strife went up to him but Death held him back. Gesturing to the fact he was killed by the shocks. And that getting any closer would likely kill them too if the charge was still active. Strife of course didn't understand what he meant beyond don't save the dead guy, but followed his brother still. Finally they reached the end of the tunnel, where a much larger crystal lay in the center. They almost turned back around after breaking the surface so that Strife could catch his breath. However, Death heard something from the crystal. Something called to him from within. He couldn't make out what it was, but he felt compelled to come closer to the crystal. Strife followed and tried to stop him, but he couldn't convince Death to stay away from it. Death came closer despite Strife's begging and pleading. He heard a familiar voice at last, and finally made one word,

"Atan."

Intrigued, he placed his hand on the crystal. Flashes went through his head instantly, before they formed a coherent memory. One without the haziness his sleep left over it. Finally he could see everything clearly, the bunny like woman that cared for him. The first word he said to her, what she called him, and what Absalom had done to her. Once the memory ended he came to in Strife's arms. A bit shaken by the memory suddenly returning, but otherwise fine as he quickly sat up.

"Death are you ok? What happened? What's wrong bro?" Strife asked him frantically.

"I...I remember it all. I remember what Absalom was hiding from me. He hid my memories of the night I was created." Death says.

"What?! You actually remember that? Holy crap! But why would Absalom make you forget that?!" Strife asked him.

"I have my guesses, but I want to be certain about it. But there's a piece to this puzzle I still don't have. The woman who saw me that night. She holds the rest of the answers, she must know the rest of the story. The question is, where is she now? And is she even alive anymore?" Death says getting up and beginning to pace.

Strife got up after him and grabbed his shoulders, "Listen bro, just stay calm ok? If Absalom finds out he may lose it big time. You've gotta be careful about this."

"I know Strife, I know. I just don't know where to even start. If I did, I could find a way to begin the search without raising suspicion." Death says.

Just as he'd finished those words, a crystal nearby began flickering with a brilliant glow. Death picked it up cautiously and it continued to flicker harmlessly. He then slowly began to turn around, aiming the crystal in different directions. He watched flickers hasten and slow down depending on where he was and said,

"I seem to have a hint now. Perhaps this crystal is wanting to lead me to her." Death says looking at it curiously.

"Maybe, but let's hurry back and give Absalom the report he wants huh? Oh and I won't say nothing about the memory. Only that the crystal made you have a seizure and you passed out. Which means you'll have to act lethargic when we get back and..."

"I get it Strife. I'll rest up when we return and you can tell Absalom what happened. If he doesn't believe you I'll vouch for you." Death says.

Death then placed the crystal in his side pouch on his belt before letting Strife carry him on his shoulder to sell the little lie they were telling. Absalom luckily bought it when they returned and had Death placed in bed while listening to Strife's report on the matter. He did express some suspicion but not very much. He dismissed Strife and decided he'd leave well enough alone for now. As well that the pool shouldn't be trifled with.

Death in the meantime had a peaceful sleep for once. Only waking from his cot a bit later. By then, everyone had fallen asleep, he even saw Absalom's tent was dim. Death carefully made his way out of the camp and once he was sure no one would see him, he took out the crystal. It was still pulsating and Death began to point it in various directions. He finally got a heading southwest of him, away from the coast. Carefully but quickly he followed the crystal's heading and hoped this would actually work. He didn't expect much from a small crystal, but it was his only hint at where he should go to find the woman from his memories. Eventually Death came across a forested area, and the crystal was pulsating like crazy when pointed in it's direction. Upon getting closer, Death could feel the souls of long dead Dryads within this wood. He felt the agony of their last moments, and it was as if they'd died in a great fire.

"Well at least the wood bounced back overtime." Death said to himself as he made his way into the wood.

He felt the souls form a sort of presence throughout the entire woodland, speaking to each other in a way he couldn't quite understand. But the occasional tug from the vines and nudge from branches convinced him that the wood itself wanted him to go the same direction the crystal said to. It was flickering so frequently now, Death could swear he was getting closer to wherever he was meant to go. After a time the crystal was just glowing and not flickering anymore. It had led him to a long dead amaranth flower. Aside from the abnormally large size, Death didn't know what else to make of it. Just as he was thinking of heading back to camp, he heard someone coming along. Quickly he hid behind a tree and placed the gem back in his belt's side pocket. Patiently he watched as a bunny like woman slowly came up to the dead flower. She caressed in an almost longing manner and began weeping softly. Death observed her briefly and realised she looked exactly like the woman in his memories. If only he could see her face. Suddenly she stopped crying, her ears perked and the vines around her feet and legs swaying a bit. Another vine from the wood itself lowered to her ear, and Death wondered if she could actually understand the spirits within the place. She turned her head towards where he was, her ears perking around to and fro. Death looked at her face for a long time, it had to be her, no doubt about it. But her eyes were hazel in his memory, where as the woman he was seeing now had white eyes. Then he saw her scar, and thought back on how Absalom struck her. Realizing what happened, Death slowly came out from where he was. Obviously she couldn't see him, but he knew she could at least hear him. Finally she spoke as he got close to her,

"Hello? Who's there?" Her voice was the same as he recalled, only more timid and with a hint of sadness. Not that he could blame her.

"I...don't know if you remember me. But I remember you." Death said to her cautiously.

She gasped as he spoke, and placed her hands to his face. Only to be surprised by his mask being there. Death removed the mask and let her touch him, but only because she couldn't see him. As she touched his face, Death saw her beginning to cry again. Just to be safe, Death looked around for anyone who may hear him, then once he was certain only she would hear him,

"I'm here now...Mama."

It was a word he hadn't said in so long, one he no longer felt ok to say. He only said it now, because he wondered if her own memory might be jolted by that word. He saw her eyes tear up even more before she spoke again,

"It is you! Oh my Atan! You're finally home!"

Death felt the urge to join her with the waterworks but held it in with all the pride he had in him. He did however hug her at least, glad to have finally met her.

[britishassistant]

Tom Walker and the Devil

S’funny. Even after the whole business with the apple in Eden, even after Sodom ‘n Gomorrah and Herod and the Crusades and the entirety of the fourteenth century, the human capacity for willful blindness still amazes me.

Hm? Oh, don’t start on their supposed “capacity for goodness and optimism” again, angel. Look—look, don’t you dare start going off about the “ineffability of His plan” or I’m taking the wine and finding somewhere else to have a nice drink. What? Oh, so it’s proof you want, eh? Well, I was in the New World recently, and you wouldn’t believe the rate at which humans made deals with me, then tried to weasel out of them once they got cold feet!

Names? Well…there was Deacon Peabody, Absalom Crownshield… oh, and then there was Tom Walker. He was a riot, Tom was. The others, they at least had a reason for making deals with me; Deacon thought he was ensuring that his offspring would continue to live comfortably and have plenty of influence by swindling the natives out of their land, and Absalom became a buccaneer and displayed great riches to impress the mousy daughter of a fishmonger. Tom was only ever interested in how much money he had in his own pocket, a proper miser through and through! He never spent any money on firewood, nor on repairs for his shack, not even of food for his horse! …Yes angel, but the horse died eventually, so at least it wasn’t suffering very long. The only woman to ever marry him was just as miserly as he, and she had a fearsome temper! Attacked anyone who vexed her with fingernails and teeth and— …yes, angel that is how I got these scratches. Stop sniggering.

Anyway, going back to Tom Walker—I thought I’d told you to stop sniggering. Thank you. Where was I? Oh, right. I met Tom Walker when he decided to stray from the path, if you’ll pardon the pun, and managed to stumble into my neck of the woods where I was sheltering in an old fort the natives had abandoned. No it wasn’t very comfortable, I was miserable and wet half the time, but it had atmosphere, you see? Dark, dangerous, inconveniently hard to reach, really lets people know what they’re dealing with, doesn’t it? I even went through the trouble of starting a few rumors about it being a sacrificial alter to demonic spirits.

So old Tom sits down to catch his breath, and he manages to unearth a skull which he then kicks. Taking that as my cue, I appear, with my axe and half-native garb and dark skin all covered with soot and—what? No, I don’t know why I was covered in soot. It’s based off of what scares him, remember? Maybe he was scared of blacksmiths, or an honest day’s work. Anyway, we get to talking, and I show him this new system for remembering my victims that I created; I carve their names into a tree, the interior of which rots in accordance to how rotten their souls are, and I count down the days until I can collect them by hitting each tree with my axe until they die and the tree falls down. What? Oh, what d’you mean “poor, innocent trees?” Trees aren’t capable of moral action, let alone innocence or guilt! No, look—look, forget about the trees for a second, and let me carry on with my story, will you?!

Where was I…so I show him my remembering system (not one word about trees if you want to keep those feathers) give him the sales banter about how I’m responsible for all human evils, blah de blah de blah, and he guesses that I’m “Old Scratch” as they call my lot over there. We get to talking, and I mention that I know where the treasure of the pirate Kidd is buried and that only those in my favor can get at it—complete lies of course, anyone could get at the stuff, though there’s not much left to get at now—and Tom begins salivating. I mean, drool dripping down his chin and everything, the entire works. Of course he clams up a bit when I mention the conditions of the bargain being selling his soul. Of course, I’d sort of expected that; he’s a miser, and misers never want to give away anything that they perceive as having value to other people, even if they don’t value it themselves. No—no he didn’t angel, otherwise why would his soul be in poor enough condition for me to take an interest in the first place? Haven’t got an answer for that one, have you? Thought not. I tell him to go home and think on it for a few days and I brand him with my thumb as a sign of good faith and partly because it heightens the experience. No, he didn’t feel a thing, and besides it’s not like your lot are any less dramatic.

So I wait. The next day, to my surprise, a grouchy woman comes along at about twilight and demands that I give her the same deal I gave her husband. No, I wasn’t happy. What d’you mean why?! Because I’m meant to choose souls that will cause the most collateral generation of evil! Take Deacon Peabody for instance. He swindles those natives off of their land. Those natives then have to go find somewhere else to live. They don’t trust settlers anymore, so they may attack any lone merchants that they come across. That merchant, if he isn’t dead, is likely to be more surly and rude to his coworkers and distrusts the natives more than ever, so he drives harder bargains when dealing with them. And the cycle continues on and on until low-level evil accumulates into something really horrifying. Like Salem. Now, this only works if someone in a position of relative influence is able to do something that effects a group on a wide scale, and I ask you, what kind of influence does a housewife have in this day and age? Absolutely none. Forming a contract to get her soul when it’s obviously going down there anyway would be a complete waste.

So I decide to mess with her a bit, and tell her that if she wants to make a deal with me she has to bring me every portable thing she considers valuable in her house. Of course, she looks very put out about that, but she goes home and comes back the next evening with her apron laden with the stuff. I tell her to take it off and give it to me, which she does unwillingly. Then I go “see ya!” and start running. You should’ve seen her face!! It was hilarious. Practically priceless… yeah, it stopped being funny when she sprung on me like a mountain lion and began clawing my face off.

I didn’t even know what was going on at first. One moment she was standing there, the next she was mauling me! So I throw her off of me, but I didn’t really look where I was throwing, and she ended up sort of impaled…well, more like split in half by one of the trees’ branches. Oh, don’t give me that look! It was an accident and you know it! Why did the trees even have branches like that—obviously they need to look intimidating! Have you ever tried to make a tree look scary? It’s next to impossible! You’ve got to make the trunk all gnarled and knotty and the branches look like they’re curling down to grasp you! And—fine, I’ll get on with it. Well, since the body was just there and not really doing anything so I, uh, took its organs, and wrapped them up in her apron, and left them for Tom to find. His scream was pretty hilarious too, now that I think about it.

So a few evenings later, Tom comes back and agrees to the deal. We haggled a bit, him refusing to be a slave trader no matter what, funnily enough. Eventually we settled on him being a usurer, which he was very eager to start with. He started out small, creating a good reputation for himself and began to drive people to bankruptcy during a recession. The poorer the person, the harder his terms, and he was soon able to afford himself a fine house and carriage with horses to pull it. Of course, he let the house and carriage fall into disrepair because he was too lazy to pay for its upkeep. The horses starved, like usual. I, for my part, was just hanging around, waiting for the perfect moment to strike down the tree with his name on it. I made some deals with other mortals, even getting this minister to leave his congregation to become a slaver with the excuse that pagan peoples deserved a life of servitude to Christian masters. But none of them were ever as entertaining as Tom. He got extremely paranoid about me collecting my due. To try and trick me out of it, he became an avid churchgoer, praying louder than the pious, carrying around a small bible in his coat and keeping a huge one on his desk in his counting house. You should’ve seen that thing. It was bigger than a whole human baby. I measured.

Anyway, one afternoon during the dog days of summer, Tom was doing what he did best—turning away some poor sot who had made the mistake of borrowing money from him. But what sets this speculator apart from the others is that he’s persistent, and he eventually frustrates Tom to the point where Tom exclaims “The Devil take me if I ever made a farthing!” Those, of course are the words I was waiting to hear. I appear with a pitch black horse, and tell him in my deepest voice that he’s come for. He goes really pale, and his eyes bulge like a toad’s stomach, but there’s nothing he can do because his two bibles are upstairs and well away from me. I fling him onto the horse and set it galloping down the street at such a pace that his clerks have to stick their pens in their ears to dull the noise of hooves. The horse took Tom out of the town, back into the woods where he first met me, and bucked him off into a ravine that was the resting place of what remained of Kidd’s treasure. He broke his neck, and his body was never found, as a thunderbolt set the entire forest ablaze that night. When the trustees tried to take charge of his property, nothing was found except cinders and wood shavings. In his stable there were skeletons instead of horses and his great house also burned down. Such was the end of Tom Walker.

Hm? Oh, what d’you mean, this wouldn’t have happened but for me? Look, he and his wife were going down there anyway because of how miserly they were. All I did was provide him an opportunity to tap into his greater potential for evil. Even then, he took his job to extremes that my suggestions barely covered. If he’d wanted to, he could have just lent out money at a reasonable rate, since all usurers, good or bad, belong to my lot. He was the one who delighted in driving others to bankruptcy, willingly and knowingly. Sooner or later your people are going to have to open their eyes and see that maybe the Father’s precious little creations really aren’t so perfect after al—! W-wait, h-hold on a minute, angel, b-be reasonable and put the bloody holy water down—!

[elyslesnothing]

Horsemen texting on a group chat like

War: Hey I'm getting ambushed by some floating dead ladies and they keep reviving pls help

Death: Sever their heads

Strife: Oh so after 200+ years of no answer to our urgent calls you reply to that

--

Death: Hey dude I found all of your limbs except your left arm, any idea where did it go?

Death: Sorry wrong number

Strife: What

---

Fury: - takes a selfie of herself with her hair on fire - Guess who's lit now?

Death: Nice

Strife: Sweet teach me that too

War: I brought the term 'lit' to this family you unoriginal evil lady go burn someone's marshmallows and leave us alone

---

Strife: Hey by any chance, have any of you seen or heard anything about my guns?

Death: Nope

War: Definitely not

Fury: No idea sorry

---

Absalom joined the group chat

Absalom: Die

Absalom was blocked and removed from the chat by Death

Death: Sorry keep going all good here