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instant-delusions · 11 months

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𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗼 : 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀

ajax/tartaglia/childe x afab! reader smut

cw: fluff, idiots in love 😔, alcohol, cursing, cunnilingus, penetrative sex, unprotected sex

a/n: nr 1 genshin hater back writing genshin smut

there are two things fontaine is overflowing with : water & secrets.

on the surface, the nation looks bubbly and exciting (or... enticing) . though, much like the hydro archon herself, it's putting on a show to hide a disaster coming. with all the adventuring and traveling you did, this instance is definitely the most mind-boggling, a weak-ish celebrity archon, two magician siblings and a nation doomed to drown. interesting, to say the least.

paimon and you decided to stroll around the bustling city centre, looking for some fontainian food to get your mind off of things. suddenly, your giddy companion stopped floating, grabbing your arm tightly, "look!" she sqeaked, pointing at somebody. ginger hair, red scarf loosely falling off his shoulder, slanky body wrapped in a grey outfit - it's none other than, "childe!" paimon whisper-yelled. gaping at him, you stopped in your tracks.

said man felt eyes on him and shifted, trying to see who's attention he caught this time. stuffing the last piece of croissant down his mouth, he chewed and turned around - locking eyes with his beloved traveler. "mpfh!" he grinned, quickly making his way towards the two of you. noticing your stunned demeanor, ajax swallowed quickly and ignored paimon's inquisitive questions, studying the look on your face instead. "if it isn't my lovely traveler!" he exclaimed, making you snap out of your weird daze.

you were shocked, of course. not just by tartaglia's presence, but also by the interesting emotion resulting from it. after everything you discovered about him, it was safe to say that he was caring, charming and good. obviously, you considered him a friend, but friends don't make you feel this way - they don't give you butterflies, and they don't make you fuzzy with a smile. it's weird. feeling paimon grow quiet raising a brow at your uncharacteristic silence, you huffed and cleared your throat. "what are you doing here, childe?". he told you about how he was feeling down and thought traveling would make him cheer up. "did you choose fontaine because of their famous wine?" chuckling, he feigned heartbreak. "what, are you disrespecting shnezhnayan vodka? I'm offended."

sitting down at your hotel's restaurant, childe immediately asked about your adventures in sumeru. while you stuttered something about wanderer and the doctor, about their delicious food and skilled fighters, he leaned on his hand, sipping on his aged, dark red wine. curious, you asked for a taste as well, silently letting your taste buds accommodate the rich flavors.

paimon knew. after a good two hours, she saw the way childe shifted closer to you, laughing heartfully at your tipsy demeanor. she saw how he touched you and how his eyes lit up everytime you spoke. she also noticed your rose tinted cheeks and how you leaned in when he talked about his family, how you giggled freely at his jokes. surprisingly, she felt a mixture of worry and excitement filling her, for she knows how troubled your soul has been lately, seeing her traveler happily crushing on someone (even if it's annoying, arrogant, childish childe)...she encouraged it. "(y/n)... I'm sleepy!" paimon announced, snatching the room keys from your pocket. "I'm going. don't-" she raised a finger at tartaglia, "do anything stupid."

after hours of tipsy chatter, childe insisted on bringing you up to your room. "I don't wanna gooo..." you whined, clinging onto his arm with a sweet pout. internally, said man was exploding with affection, feeling weirdly dutiful, protecting you as if you were a little bunny stranded in the snowy mountains of his home country. arriving at your room's door, something doomed on you. paimon had the keys. paimon who's sleeping peacefully in your bed right now.

"uh...tartaglia?" you looked up to him, receiving a small 'hm?' sound in response. "paimon has my keys."

paimon has her keys.

ajax leaned onto the wall smugly, lips spreading into a sly grin. "ahh..see, my dear traveler, I'd invite you to my room, but..." he leaned closer to your face, his breath fanning over your forehead. "but...?" you inclined, hearing him exhale dramatically. "you've been so cute today, I don't know if I'd be able to keep my hands off of you." childe trailed a finger along the softness of your cheek, watching a rosy color bloom on it again. feeling overwhelmed by the sudden proximity, you stepped back, averting his hot gaze. you slumped down next to the door and whined, "I'd rather sleep on the floor."

needless to say, tartaglia did not let you sleep on the floor. he dragged you all the way to his room, feeling responsible for your safety (which he usually only does regarding his family). "c'mon, (y/n). change into this." he threw one of his shirts at you and gestured to the bathroom. quietly closing the door behind you, you started to undress and pulled the tee on, which smelled of dill and wood. you scrunched your brows in frustration, thinking about how the fuck you ended up in this situation while longingly smelling the fabric.

quickly, you made your way over to the couch situated beneath the window, only to be pulled back by a tongue-clicking ginger. "my (y/n), I would never let you sleep on the couch! please, take the bed." he said all gentlemanly, causing you to giggle and whisper a 'thank you.'. pulling back the covers, you sighed at the softness of the mattress, feeling like you're sinking into a fluffy sheep. suddenly, you felt the bed dip beside you and shrieked. "childe?!", receiving his signature smirk, you felt all shy again seeing his handsome features so close to you. he mumbled something about not wanting to take the couch either and snaked his arm around you, pulling you close. a sudden wave of comfort came crashing down, you felt his chest heaving with breaths and his skin all warm and soft. he trusted you to be this close. snuggling closer, you heard him exhale peacefully. it's weird, you thought. definently a good weird, but weird - you've seen this man with a crazed expression on his face, electricity crackling around him, you've seen him loud and charming. this is new, but you definitely liked domestic ajax.

nothing could be heard except some whirring outside the hotel, probably stemming from some sort of machine, which means the warmth erupting inside your belly has been getting hard to ignore. obviously, you couldn't deny childe's touching and flirting left you a bit ... needy. his pretty looks, mixed with his enticing personality totally got to you! you might be inexperienced, but with your inability to back down from a fight and the magic of liquid courage, you decided to take the first step. shyly shifting your ass against his crotch, you freezed at his instant hot exhale, ajax' hands coming up to your hips.

"m not sleepy." he said, propping his head up with an arm, blue eyes gazing down at you. nodding in agreement, you reached up, playing with one of his red strands. "feeling a bit more confident?" he asked, pulling you closer by the arm on your hip, making your bodies press against each other. you gasped, the ghost of his name on your tongue, as he buried his head in the crevice between your neck and shoulder. feeling his lips softly pressing against your skin, you laid down on your back, arms snaking around his body to guide him on top of you. "oh?" ajax leaned back to muster your face, seeing a mixture of excitement, smugness, and fear. "my, my. I like this side of you, lovely traveler." he commented, making you smile. "I really wanna do this..." you started, giggling at the way he hummed, clearly pleased with your statement, "but?" he inquired, his voice nevertheless laced with care. he softly played with your hair as he waited for your answer. "I'm...I've never...", you heard him gulp. "it's okay, (y/n). I'll take the lead, as always." he winked at you, making you huff. "don't remember you ever winning any of our fights, childe." he laughed, the sound making you giddy. slowly, he started to wander your body, tracing your curves and leaving a trail of fire behind. you felt your breath hitch and his growing heavier with each new, intimate part he discovered. slowly, he moved his hands underneath your (his) tee, resting them on your waist. "kiss?" he whispered, smiling at the way you nodded in response. leaning down, you felt the ghost of his lips on yours, "this your first as well?". his lips softly moved against yours as he spoke, barely touching them, barely a kiss. impatient, you guided him by his cheeks, elated as he finally pressed against you fully. his hands snaking to your hair, you enthusiastically nibbed and sucked on each other's lips, the idea of 'going slow' melting away after every kiss. ajax nudged against your lower lip with his tongue, to which you opened happily.

the sound of wet slurps and rustling of clothes filled the room, the harbinger tugging off your shirt with fervor. "mh, what...?" you questioned, feeling him dipping lower on your body, pressing kisses on your neck, to the valley between your boobs, your lower stomach, and the top of your thighs. "милая (rus. pretty), can I see? can I take them off?" you nodded feverishly, bringing your hips up, while watching him tug off your panties clumsily - he must be very hot and bothered too. at the sight of your weeping, wet pussy he gasped, cock straining against his pyjama pants uncomfortably. ajax felt so incredibly drunk, not off the wine earlier, but off the thought of finally having you. his lovely traveler. you watched as he moved between your thighs, a sort of wild look in his eyes - pupils blown and eyebrows scrunched, it was incredibly hot. his eyes moved from your pussy to your eyes, asking for permission quietly, which you granted by opening your legs further.

ajax pressed a kiss to your clit, making you jump cutely and continued to lick a long stripe down your cunt, collecting the juices leaking from it. feeling a sudden rush of need, he hooked his arms around your thighs, pressing his tongue flatly against you, delighted by the way you twitched for him. he heard you moan and whine, your hands tangling into his ginger hair to press him closer. moving back up, ajax switched between sucking your clit and lolling his tongue in infinity shapes around it. you arched your back with a shout of his name, flexing your thighs against his head, trapping him (not that he complained). "fuck, ajax, i'm-" said man dug his face deeper into you, failing to notice his inability to breathe. licking longer, harder stripes against your pussy to make you cream against his face more. there's nothing he wanted, no, needed more. with one final, aggressive buck against him, you came with a loud scream - neither you nor ajax cared for anyone hearing you.

the harbinger let you calm down, though he honestly couldn't hold back much longer. his cock leaking against his briefs as he watched your sloppy pussy twitch in the aftermath of his work. your body's curves kissed by the soft light coming from the stores outside. there's lots of things that are distressing him, but for this night and for any other day you grace him, his heart is at peace. you watched as he stood up to hover above you, pants and boxers scattered on the floor. smiling, you wrapped your arms around his middle and kissed him. "you're pretty." ajax was caught off guard, smiling back bashfully at you. he whispered a quiet 'thank you' and guided your legs around his waist.

"mh. I want you." he stated, biting your neck softly. his hardened cock was pressing against your inner thigh and you moved to touch it. aroused by the low moan coming from him, you pressed your thumb to his leaking tip, smearing it around until finally deciding to wrap your hand around him. ajax' was pale, long, and had a pretty pink tip - though he didn't let you commit to memory much, yanking your hand away. " 'm sorry, need you." he whimpered, bringing his own hand down to guide his cock to your entrance. you mewled once he slowly eased himself in, feeling how he stretched you out nicely, and how his dick throbbed and twitched inside.

ajax could hardly contain himself, your pussy wrapped around his cock was probably the best thing he's ever felt. you were warm and wet, moaning for him so prettily. his heart was beating so quick - the situation so intense and intimate, his eyes glossed over. he leaned down to kiss your neck again, finally pushing in completely. nudging your cervix with his tip and curving into you perfectly. he felt you squirm impatiently and let out a strained chuckle, almost cooing at your cuteness. the harbinger leaned back, wanting to see your expressions once he utterly fucks you out. some of your wetness leaked out just by him pulling out slowly, making you whimper out in embarrassment. ajax pushed in again quickly, establishing a deep, eager pace. your tits and curves jiggled everytime his hips thrust forward, making him hungry to grab at you. he swiped his thumb over your nipples and pushed his fingers deep into your skin, losing himself to the feeling of you. his traveler flooded his mind and body completely. "a-ajax, please." you didn't know what you were begging for, tears and spit ran down your face as you pressed your lips against his messily, making him groan into the kiss. hearing him curse in a language you didn't understand, you arched your back in response, making his brows furrow in concentration. "you're... you're gonna be the death of me." he snapped his hips against you sloppily, balls hitting your wet thighs, making the room echo with ungodly sounds. you felt your high approaching quickly, shuddering against ajax' body with vigor, babbling something nonsensical to him. though, he seemed to understand, nodding and picking up his pace. "come, please (y/n), come for me. господи! (rus. my god)". your whole body spasmed, as if you were either falling down the abyss or ascending to celestia - your vision became blurry, and your anchored yourself grabbing onto ajax, who came immediately after seeing your teary face while reaching your high, filling you with his warm seed as he collapsed onto you.

you were the first to come back to your senses, moving your bodies sideways. drawing stars on your harbingers back to ease him back into reality. he mumbled something along the lines of "sorry paimon, might've done something stupid".

there were two things you were overflowing with right now: love and... stickiness. but mostly love.

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icycoldninja · 4 months

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Could you write a Sephiroth x GN!Yandere reader?

Ooh, a yandere reader fic! I've wanted to write one of these for ages! Thanks for requesting and I hope you enjoy!

Together forever (Sephiroth x GN!Yandere!Reader)

You'd become obsessed with Sephiroth the moment you laid eyes on him. His long, shimmering, silver hair, paired with his lovely, delicate face and those glittering neon green eyes captivated you. Everything about him was pure perfection--as if he were designed just to snatch your attention and hold it, even after he left the room.

You couldn't stop thinking about this gorgeous angel, your mind was constantly fixated on him. The way he moved, the way he spoke, the sound of his voice, all of it was so addictive.

You didn't realize it at first, but your obsession soon evolved into something much more than a mental preoccupation. You started stalking the man, following him around wherever he went, no matter how far away he traveled. You were willing to give up everything for him, forsake your friends, family, fortune, and even your home, if only you could make that man yours.

Sephiroth was well aware you were stalking him, but he never thought much about it because you were just a lowly mortal--you couldn't touch a blessed, all-powerful Chosen One such as himself. Therefore, he let you continue with your creepy behavior, not bothered by it in the slightest.

Not showing concern towards your acts had to be the worst mistake Sephiroth could have ever made, because in doing so, he allowed you an opportunity to break into his hideout one night and ambush him while his back was turned. The normally alert ex-SOLDIER would have usually sensed an intruder, but since he didn't take his not-so-secret admirer seriously, he let his guard down.

Once he found himself with a knife pressed against his throat, Sephiroth, being the arrogant, prideful man he is, still thought of your actions as weak and pathetic. He was so sure he could disarm and decapitate you with ease, but he was quickly proven wrong. For starters, you were way stronger than you looked--it seemed that your obsession with him resulted in you working out and gaining quite a lot of muscle. Not only that, but you had clearly been taking martial arts and weapon weilding lessons, as the way you held your knife was nothing short of expert.

"What do you think you are doing?" He demanded, struggling, for the first time in his life, to escape your grip.

"Hush my darling," You cooed, running your fingers across his smooth, supple skin that felt oh-so-lovely under your fingertips. "Don't be afraid. I'm here now--now we can be together, forever."

Sephiroth squirmed in your hold, seething with rage. He knew you were crazy, but to think you'd have the audacity to hold him at knifepoint to mumble some nonsense about being together!? As if! He'd like to think he could do better than you.

Deep down, however, there was a little spark of excitement that resonated throughout Sephiroth's core, waking up the cold, numb heart that had lumbered in his chest for so long. To be controlled and dominated like this was an entirely new experience for him, and perhaps, if you played your cards right, it would become something he could enjoy, especially if you meant what you said.

A small smile appeared on his face as you lightly dragged your blade across his throat, barely grazing the skin with the metal.

"Together forever?" He repeated, green eyes glinting with mischief. "Can you really keep that promise?"

Giddiness spreading through your body at the possibility of your dreams becoming reality, you placed a hand on Sephiroth's angelic face and turned his head so he was facing you.

"Yes, I swear it with my life," You told him. "And my knife." You noticed the smile on Sephiroth's face looked softer and warmer than his usual evil smirk. It seemed the prospect of having a constant companion was appealing to him in ways beyond carnal needs.

"I promise," You repeated, turning him so he faced you and throwing your arms around his shoulders. "I promise we will be together forever."

Slowly, tenatively, fearfully, Sephiroth's arms came up andaround you, reciprocating your hug.

"That...is all I need."

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loverhymeswith · 1 year

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god you’re writing is angelic i just neeeeeed a cowboy like me inspired tommy shelby fic!!!

Forever is the Sweetest Con

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x F!Reader

Summary: Written for the Taylor Swift Tapes: Tommy Shelby - based on Cowboy Like Me

Word Count: 815

Warnings: Smoking, drinking, implied smut

A/N: Thank you to both Anons who requested Cowboy Like Me. I hope you enjoy!

From across the moonlit courtyard, you spot him. The man of the moment; the name on everybody's lips. He's not particularly tall, but he cuts an imposing figure in his finely-made suit, a glass of amber liquor clutched firmly in his large hand.

He's standing at the edge of the gazebo. A crowd of men and women are gathered at his side, vying for his undivided attention as he raises the glass to his mouth, but as his piercing blue eyes finally meet your gaze, it's evident that his much sought-after attention will remain elsewhere for the remainder of the evening.

Silently, you count to ten.

Right on cue, he stalks towards you, a deadly predator sizing up his prey, oblivious or at least indifferent to the host of unfulfilled ladies and gentlemen he leaves in his wake.

The corner of his lips twitch up when he reaches you, those startling blue eyes lazily travelling along the full length of your expensive dress. Even before he speaks, he's straight to the point.

"Would you like to dance?"

You regard him for a long moment, listening to the notes of the gentle waltz spilling out into the summer night. For most of the evening, the band has favoured uptempo music - fashionable, but not particularly romantic - until now.

Apparently, your new companion has been biding his time.

After taking a drag of your cigarette, you offer him your response. "Dancing is a dangerous game, Mr Shelby. Especially with a man like you."

As he raises a dark brow, his eyes sparkle in the moonlight like a cerulean sky full of stars. "You've heard of me?"

"Everyone has heard of you," you assure him bluntly.

"You don't sound impressed."

"Should I be?"

His lips pull up into the hint of an amused grin as he places a cigarette between them.

You reach into your velvet purse and offer him a light, startled to find yourself quite so enraptured as he rolls the cigarette across his full bottom lip.

Softly, he exhales a cloud of white smoke into the dark night. "So it’s a 'no' to the dance then, eh?"

Resting your own cigarette between your painted fingers, you narrow your gaze. Perhaps you will be dancing tonight, after all. "It depends what you're willing to offer in return."

Thomas Shelby considers this with no sign of surprise, eventually inclining his head. "Oh, I'm well aware of what tricks you have up your sleeve."

Although it pains you to admit it, his admission catches you off-guard. Until now, you've been so careful to conceal your tracks. That he can read you so easily is as intriguing as it is alarming.

Determined not to show weakness in the face of such a worthy adversary, you flash him a vicious smile, showing your teeth.

"Enlighten me, Mr Shelby. What do you think you know about me?"

He pauses, his expression entirely unreadable as he watches you, carefully deciding just how much to reveal. "Oh, I've seen you around, telling all those rich men anything they want to hear. Bet you make a pretty penny from nights like this."

There's no judgement in his tone, which almost makes it worse.

"Are you calling me a whore?"

"Of course not. You're far too clever for that. You sell them words instead of sex. You promise them love, but only if they pay for it."

Stubbing out your cigarette with the heel of your designer shoe - bought for by the very men he speaks of - you level him with a blank stare, no small effort given the way his presence seems to have your pulse unwillingly quickening.

"Then why are you here?" Almost as an afterthought, you add, "You're no different than me."

Because when it comes to hustlers, it takes one to know one. Thomas Shelby might not offer the illusion of love in exchange for money, but instead, he offers power and influence. Just as deadly as love, but far more desirable.

Divesting himself of his cigarette and whisky, Tommy takes a step closer. So close that you can feel the warmth radiating from his body. A predator, indeed.

"No," he agrees. "I'm no different to you at all."

A breath catches in your throat before he leans in, stealing the swiftest of kisses.

Two hours later, his boots are beneath your bed. Tangled sheets cling to your sweat-slick bodies; clothes discarded in a heap on the floor.

Perched atop him, your soft thighs hugging his slim waist, you dip your head. "Whatever you think this is," you gesture between the two of you, "I'm not going to fall in love."

Tommy's pupils are wide as he stares up at you, mouth slightly parted and chest heaving. "Not love, then," he agrees, roughly. "But how about forever?"

You place a hand on his warm cheek. "Didn't they tell you, Thomas? Forever is the sweetest con."

Taglist: @a-reader-and-a-writer @simpforbuckyb @crysxtal @shynovelist @amberpanda99 @globetrotter28 @iammrsrogers @dragonsondragons @butterfly-lover @sunshineyourethebesttime @iwantmyredvelvetcupcake @breezy2and2freezy

#tommy shelby #cillian murphy #peaky blinders #taylor swift #thomas shelby #peaky blinders fanfic #tommy shelby x reader

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heartilywrites · 11 months

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❝ In every universe ; H. Callahan

< previous

cw: mention of violence, strong language, spider-verse references, spider!hazel being a dork again! at the end there are typos on purpose, you'll see. this one has fluff and another open ending!

word count: 2.1k

a/n: listen, I did plan to make 2 parts of this and I wanted to post one after the other, and then I didn't finished on time this one until now¿ BUT BUT thank you for your support on the first part <3 I really hope y'all like this one as well and my request are open too if someone wants to add something to this universe !!!

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “Hazel. . .” Josie's voice called the hero, who was walking in circles infront of them, bitting her thumb. “Hazel! Stop walking, you are making me dizzy! Just talk to us.”

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “Yeah, dude, why did you brought us here?” PJ made second to her friend with a frown.

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “You know, we can't really read your mind, if you tell us what the fuck is going on maybe we can help you.” the first girl talked again, Hazel stopped her walking and turned to her friends. “There you go, now, verbalize what you're thinking.”

Hazel called her two closest friends a whole day after you disappeared from existence in her universe. She needed to talk to someone about what had happened with you in the roof, she needed to get everything out of her system or she was going to explode.

She knew she needed to tell both girls about her secret, and she was ready to do so, she trusted her friends with such secret.

The first thing to come out of Hazel's mouth was your name, both girls turned to look at each other still confused. “Yeah, the girl that was beating your ass, what about her?”

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “She's spider–woman. . .” Josie and PJ's jaw almost fell to the floor to that confession out of the blue. “Okay, no, she is a spider–woman, not the spider–woman. I'm the spider–woman.”

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “You lost me. You are spider–woman or is she spider–woman?” PJ asked, still frowning and trying to understand whichever message her friend was trying to make come through. “Are you both spider–woman. . .? Wait, is this a prank? Is this because she beat you? Don't be so spiteful, dude.”

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “No! It's not her! It's me, I am spider–woman!” Hazel spat with exasperation.

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “Prove it.” Josie order, arching one of her brows distrustful to what was just said.

The brunette sighed before shooting a web to the roof and swing a bit in it. Her friends were very much surprised and scared at the revelation just made.

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “Holy shit! You're the spider–woman! Oh my god. . . I owe so much money now. . .” PJ mumbled the last part, Josie shook her head before turning to her friend.

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “So what do you mean your friend is also spider–woman? I thought there was only one. . .” Josie said even more confused.

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “That's what I've been trying to say! There's more spider–people around the multiverse!” at the very clearly disoriented looks both her companions had, she was fast to explain.

She said exactly what you told her the day before your vanishing, not leaving out one word, and maybe paraphrasing a couple of sentences, but she was clear enough for her friends to understand what was said. Callahan also told them about your dimension, about why you looked for her and the bracelet. A very very weak 'andwekissed' left her mouth at the last moment, thankfully her friends took that as a normal mumbled from her.

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “That's the most romantic thing I heard.” Josie said pouting with tenderness. PJ shook her head.

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “I don’t get it, she gave you her bracelet, why don't you go after her?” the question made Hazel blink a bit with a blank expression.

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “She clearly gave it to you for that reason, Haze, she wants you to look for her.” Josie tried to get some sense into the hero, she was still wordless.

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “I mean if a gorgeous girl like that gave me a bracelet that could take me to her while also traveling between dimension I would totally go after her.” PJ commented and Josie hummed in support of what was said.

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “What if. . . she regrets it?” Hazel said in a really low voice, both her friends looked at her expectants.

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “She would've been back here to get the bracelet back, don't you think?” one of them said, and as if the accessory could hear, it started to make noises.

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “Fuck, it's going to explode!” Hazel exclaimed, scared she threw the device to where her friends were, both screamed while running to the hero.

PJ pushed Hazel when said bracelet stopped making noises. “Idiot, you were okay with killing us?”

The mutant mumbled a 'I panicked!' while Josie approached the device with caution. The girl took it with her index and thumb for a moment to make sure it wouldn't explode on her hand, when she felt secure enough, she took it in her palm.

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “Why does it say; retrieving?” she asked, Hazel took the bracelet back and one second later, she disappeared. “Oh, fuck, did she just died?”

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “Great, Josie, you just killed spider–woman!”

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “I didn't do shit!”

Meanwhile, Hazel reappear in the middle of a lab, on top of a table. With a small growl of pain she sat herself up, her entire body ached and she was sitting on top of more bracelets and a screwdriver looking tool.

She took her time to look around, the lab was blinding with every single thing in it being white, she blinked a couple of times while her eyes adjusted.

Hazel jumped out of the table, feeling dizzy with her legs weak, she fell to the floor. “Oh, hey. . . May I help you?” She heard above her, lifting her head up she saw a woman with a spider suit and a lab coat over it. She felt the same tingles the first time she looked at you, the woman blinked surprised. “How did you get here. . .?”

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “With a bracelet. . .” She answered shyly, said woman opened her eyes amazed before reaching for Hazel, helping her to stand up slowly.

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “Hun, we need to get you to the infirmary. Traveling via bracelet it's not safe for everyone, you could've combust before reaching us!” Hazel felt her heart dropped at that, so she let the woman help her.

They were fast to get to the infirmary, the woman talked with other people in spider suits and lab coats just as her and Hazel began to wander with her eyes again. In the beds there were a couple of more spider people; a guy with an all black suit and red details who seemed asleep, a girl with a pretty colorful suit and a casket on her leg who was playing with a phone and lastly, someone conected to a machine while they were sleeping.

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “What's your name, stranger?” She heard called, quickly she turned around to whoever was talking to her.

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “Hazel. . . Callahan.” Was her answer, the nurse nodded and typed her name.

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “We do have you in the system, she wasn't supposed to get recruited yet.” the nurse whispered to the doctor and she looked at Hazel. “How did you get here?”

She said your name, but then shook her head. “She gave me a bracelet, it was making a weird sound and when I touched it, it teleported me here.”

Both. . . spider–doctors? Yeah, Hazel was about to call them that.

Both spider–doctors checked the newcomer to make sure everything was okay with her, once they gave her the good look they said it was best if she stayed in one of the beds for a while and then she could go to get her tour and everything.

At that time, Hazel was playing with the bracelet gifted to her when she heard someone rush in and talk to the doctors who rushed back out with them.

The brunette shrugged and kept playing with the bracelet.

Then another bustle filled the infirmary again, but it was the same doctor with a couple more, rushing a bed with someone in it. On top of the unconscious person, a nurse was giving CPR and between all the medical talk and orders, she heard the nurse call your name followed by 'can you hear me?'

Her heart sank when she looked over and saw you; you were all bruised up with a bunch of cuts on your face and body, your face tainted with blood and one of your eyes was shut and black.

In her despair, she tried to reach to you, but was stopped by a nurse saying that she was not allowed to interfere right now.

Those two minutes were hell for Callahan, she saw everything while being on her bed, bitting her nail out and her eyes stung because of the tears she was holding at such horrific sight she had of you.

Mentally, she was talking to you, pleading you to don't go; she still had things to say and do with you, if the multiverse gave both of you the opportunity to find each other again was for a reason, right. . .? Right?

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “I got a pulse!” was heard from one of the doctors and everyone sighed in relief, Hazel included.

Hazel wiped away some tears that fell from her eyes and waited until every single doctor and nurse were out to approach you.

She sat down in a bed next to you and contemplated your silhouette, the machine to your left was biping with your heartbeat, and she was no doctor, but that sounded stable to her. Carefully, she took your closest hand in her own and left a tiny kiss in your knuckles.

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “Hey, moony, I got your message, I'm here.” She whispered to you, moving some strand of hair out of your face.

As if all you needed to wake up was hearing her voice, your eyes –well, your good eye at least.– started to open.

Once they adjusted to the light and focused enough to distinguish silhouettes, Hazel's name fell of your lips.

The named girl got on her feet to be closer to you and smiled big. “Hey, baby, I'm glad you're awake.”

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “You are here.” you whispered, hoarsely and feeling your throat dry.

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “Always for you.” she whispered back, you tried to smile despite feeling your whole face in fire. “Let me get the nurse, yeah? I'll be right back.”

Once a professional made a quick check on you, they determined that you'll be okay, you just needed to rest for a couple of days before going back to the field and both of you thanked them.

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “Shit, honey, they did beat you up.” she said after some silence, you laughed painfully. “What happened?”

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “My stupid partner left me to deal with everything and. . . It was a pretty big guy, you know.” you started to tell her, shifting on your bed so you could be sit, Hazel helped you. “I'm glad you're here. . . I thought the bracelet was going to come back without you.”

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “Me too. . . Well, not so much, they told me I could've combust in the trip.” She repeated what was told to her before, you shook your head.

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “I knew you were going to survive. That's how well I know you.” a smiled filled with love took place in your face, taking her hand again in one of yours. “I hope you stay.”

Hazel made the move again, she got close to your mouth and left a tiny kiss on your lips. You followed her wanting another one, but ended up growling a bit in pain when moving and now you understood why she didn't give another one, Callahan just laughed a bit.

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “I will,” she assured with a smile. “Who's gonna take care of you and make sure you don't die if it's not me?” obviously joking, she said.

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “Oh, yeah, I need constant babysitting.” you followed her lead, while shaking your head. “You should probably text home so they don't think you disappeared.”

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍‍ “Oh, fuck, you're right.” she took her phone out first amazed on how she still had reception on. . . wherever the base was and searched for the group chat with Josie and PJ.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ haze:

⠀⠀ hi !!!! i'm alive :) with my sugar honey boo :D

PJ:

ASSHOLW WE FUCKING THPUGHT YOU WER3 DWAD

DISGUSTING NSME BTW

josie:

we are glad you're okay, haze! please, don't scare us like that again, PJ cried

Hazel laughed for a second before turning to you again, maybe this was a great start to something better for the both of you, who knew?

#hazel callahan x reader #hazel callahan #bottoms 2023 #hazel bottoms #bottoms movie #spider!hazel callahan #spider!reader #spiderverse!oc #ruby cruz

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dovithedarklord · 7 months

Text

Age of Monsters - Chapter Seventeen

Pairing: OFC x Simon "Ghost" Riley, OFC x König

Tags: Slow Burn, Slow Build, Enemies to Lovers, Alternate Universe, Blood and Gore, Blood and Violence, Eventual Romance, Eventual Smut, POV First Person, Not Beta Read, Medical Inaccuracies, Military Inaccuracies, AFAB OC

Trigger Warning: The story will contain violance, blood and smut in detail. Please, keep that in mind!

⚠️MDNI⚠️

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

Author's Note

Leona and the team travel again, and more and more interesting situations arise.

Hello!

I noticed that with all the upheavals in my life, I can safely upload approx. every two weeks, so I'll stick to that! :D

I don't have a separate Trigger Warning for today's chapter!

Have fun! :D

I.M.L. – Infected Mammal Lifeorm I.H.L. – Infected Humanoid Lifeorm

if you're interested you can find the story on AO3: Chapter Seventeen

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

The small room is enveloped in motionless semi-darkness, and only the flickering lights of the machines resting next to the bed paint the two figures clinging to each other on the patient's bed into a neon-colored rainbow. And although their faces now finally radiate peaceful calmness, as they rest in the whiteness of the sterile bedding, they look more like plants floating on the edge of death, intertwined with their dry branches as a last refuge. Yet, despite their almost painful weakness, the aura mixed with terror that reigned over them seems to be easing at last, which was ingrained in each of their cells like an ineradicable illness.

And as I look at the crumpled bed on the other side of the room, I can read from the wet stains on the pillow that the boy probably woke up from a bad dream and sought solace from the woman. It's not surprising that he chose close proximity instead of comfort, because, in the many horrors he has experienced so far, his older companion has been his protector. Perhaps she anchored him in reality now as well, when he floated, writhing in tears, on the border between the bitter images of the realm of dreams and this world. And a rather bitter taste invades my tongue when it occurs to me, that it cannot be ruled out that he will suffer in this temporary nightmare for the rest of his life. Stuck in the middle of painful memories and fleeting safety.

Because I'm dead sure that the government won't let two very young Healers, whom they can squeeze out a few more years of service from, go to waste. No leader will let them take early retirement, even if they die while serving the Hunters. This system isn’t kind to anyone, especially not to those who, according to the authorities, were born to serve. And even though it's better for everyone if a Hunter stays sane and doesn't slaughter everyone in their path if they run out of energy, it doesn't change the fact that, as per the current state of the world, there isn't even time for people to mourn their traumas.

And this thought weakens the contentment purring inside me, which I experienced last night with the help of my clever ability. Because my little action seems infinitely futile as I watch them. I treated all their wounds, and all traces of the pain they suffered disappeared from the tissues, but every minute they spent in the dark little hole where they were pushed into lives just as vividly in their minds. And neither my energy, nor that bastard's pitiable death, nor time will cure this. I doubt that any of them will ever recover, and I can only hope with the utmost benevolence that they lose their sanity and wither in a lab for the rest of their lives, high on medication. That would be the slowest but most merciful death that life could give them.

I must be quite deeply immersed in my thoughts, because I only notice that a tall figure casts a dark shadow on me, when he settles next to me in front of the window of the small ward and joins me in my silent observations. I don't need to look at Riley to know the expression on his masked face, because the barely suppressed rage that emanates from him when he glances at the pair hiding in the small, dim room almost stings my skin. And my mind, buried in resignation, has the strength to feel pleasure for a minute at his agitation, for it soothes my soul in a sick way, that, despite the fact that his kind doesn't need to fear such horrors, I still see the glint of anger in the dark eyes of his reflection. This gives me some faint relief from the gnawing doubts that snake into my bones, which have burrowed deeper and deeper since yesterday with such insidious efficiency as worms feasting on corpses. Because I can't get rid of the image of the terrified faces of the two Healers, and in those few passing hours, when I was finally able to close my eyes, I saw myself in the dirty corner instead of them.

"What did Price say?" I speak up suddenly, diverting my thoughts to safer ground, because the further development of our mission seems a much more pleasant topic than discussing the future of the two poor souls shrouded in doubt, or reviving the damned delusions of my brain. And even though I don't look away from the seemingly peaceful scene unfolding before me, I can see him examining me inquisitively, as if he would be searching for something in my expressionless features. And he must have found it, because even though I can bury my emotions expertly, even my persona created for denial cannot hide from his trained senses.

"Laswell looked the thug up." He finally answers, and whatever was going on in that mysterious mind of his, he goes into the game of ignoring my strange behavior without comment. And I'm immensely grateful for the fact that he is able to turn to duty so quickly, because no matter how much my mind is occupied by the miserable fate of my two fellow colligues, our mission is more important. Now only my subconscious and I should be on the same page about this. "We're leavin' tomorrow." He informs me, stating a certain fact, and I just glance at him curiously from the corner of my eye. Laswell works faster than the devil, and it looks like she hasn't let us down now either. Even though we only had a name and a colony in our hands, which could have been too little to be able to move on with our pursuit. But our station chief's nose is much sharper, and she picked up a hot scent again at such a pace that belies the fact that she is just a simple human. And the knowledge that tomorrow I can finally leave this cesspool, and all this dreadful moment will be an unpleasant experience lost in the mist of the past, selfishly calms my mind. Because I don't want to face why I want to leave the two Healers so enthusiastically and forget about what will happen to them.

"Are they coming with us too?" I continue to inquire, raising another important question, which, although less intensively, but with sufficient enthusiasm, strains my skull. Because the two short days I spent in the company of our new teammates helped to plant the seeds of suspicion and foreboding in my mind enough to make me prefer to part ways with them, even if that would mean the loss of their help. There wouldn't even be a problem with Horangi, but König... he's a different story. And I don't just want to keep him away from my friends, because I'm secretly afraid that they work together like a ticking time bomb, and it's only a matter of time before they have a punch-up due to their incompatible personalities with Riley. There is something inherently dangerous about the hooded Hunter that clings to his every cell like a bloodthirsty demonic presence. It was already difficult for me to decipher the masked man, but König is a completely new kind of riddle, and I'm not sure that I want to know what is hidden under the dark textile. I have a gut feeling that if I dip even one toe into this shallow, murky mystery, the monster lurking in the bottomless swamp will grab me and drag me under. But despite my vivid imagination, my rational side is perfectly aware that I need to observe just enough to be able to read him and know what he and his little companion are up to behind the scenes. Because they are most certainly not so willing because of their good heart and conscience.

"Shepherd won't let us go without his dogs." The Hunter notes curtly, and based on his tone it's clear that even without saying it, he understood whom I was aiming at so skillfully. The edge of disdain moves into his deep voice, which has been lurking under the surface ever since we were drawn here by the clues given us by Valeria. And although I know the kind of self-restraint and discipline the man possesses, it's still impressive how effectively he can rein in his temper, even though his colleague's behavior made it a difficult task for him on several occasions. They cooperate with us with perfect professionalism, but they make sure, with small and sly signs, that we know that, thanks to the old shit, we are not in control here. Our little adventure yesterday made this very clear.

"How surprising." I remark dryly, and I don't even try to make the words crawling on my tongue a little less sarcastic, because I know that my cynicism now finds a match in my partner. Shepherd wants to keep us on a short leash through the two Hunters, and I'm pretty sure it would only take one wrong move to make the kindness of our new helpers disappear like a mirage in the desert. But it's even more likely that the old bastard will wait until we smooth this little nuisance out for him, and then he will get rid of us. That would be very clever, and would give a good reason why the two mercenaries are coming with us. In light of this, we not only have to get hold of the serum and be careful with the mutants, but we also have to keep a watchful eye on when they stab us in the back. Wonderful.

"You shouldn't have come to the interrogation room." Riley deviates from the thread of our conversation, and I'd be lying if I said that I didn't expect him to bring up my little incident sooner or later. It's a fact that it would have made a much better impression on our hosts if I hadn't poked my nose into their business, and perhaps if anger hadn't burned inside me like an inferno, I would have been able to think clearly and stay away. Undoubtedly, it would have attracted less attention, and it's also likely that even without my intervention, they would have found the bloody method that would have made that scumbag want to spill every last bit of info he had. The secret of my little abilities would also have remained under wraps, which would still give me a trump card in case one of our hired babysitters decided to help me cross over to the other world. But the icy hatred that closed its teeth around my insides injected a poison into me, causing a red fog to descend on my mind that I was unable to fight against. And to be honest, I didn't want to.

"I'd argue with that." I retort dispassionately, and I still don't meet his gaze, the weight of which now almost suffocates me. Although our relationship has fallen into something quite attractively complicated, I know that when it comes to work, he knows no joke. And it occurs to me that he might want to scold me now because I wasn't able to do what was expected of me again. And I would like to warn him well in advance, before he can even delve into his disciplining, that no one forbade me to interfere even with a fucking word. Horangi's feeble attempt was more of a less-than-enthusiastic warning than an actual command. If he was serious, then he would have easily arranged it so that I could not barge into the interrogation room. Because he could have killed me with one move.

A frightened whine penetrates the noise of the chirping machines in the ward, and as I see the half-asleep boy moving closer to the woman, who just begins to draw soothing circles through the blue material of the hospital nightgown on his bony back, then the terrifying feeling that brought me to the container on swift legs rises again in me. There is no protocol or rule that could have stopped me then, even if my brain now knows that sitting on my pretty ass and waiting for the big boys to take care of the situation would have been the right thing to do. But I'm too stubborn for that.

"It was our task to find out what he knows." The man states the truth flatly, and I only carefully divert my gaze from the Healers hugging on the sick bed to immerse myself in the inscrutable eyes of Riley's reflection. Because from someone who carries out his duties with such rigor and keeps to what is expected of him, I wouldn't exactly expect him to let my newest naughtiness pass without a word. Although I had already managed to avoid the retort that my misbehavior would have deserved once, I had saved his bosom friend by disobeying the order. But now, guided only by my own feelings, I charged into the middle of their party like a bull gone wild. Not that I mind for a minute.

"It took a long time. I sped it up." I offer the most acceptable reason, which I'm sure can soften the condemnation that might be camped in his mind. Because even though he knows that my terrible game was about much more than that, he can't argue with the fact that I forced out the answers that we were after much sooner than they could have achieved by beating him into a bloody pulp. And it's just an insignificant factor that I used specific tools, and the motivating force behind my actions is another completely negligible detail. The point is, that we got what we needed to continue our search for the serum. It's best for him and me if we leave it at that.

"You took revenge." He specifies simply, and even I'm surprised that there is no reprimanding weight behind his words. As if he had merely made a frivolous remark, rather than stating why I had so vehemently stormed in when they worked so diligently on their victim. But if his insight strikes me unexpectedly, my surprise quickly fades, because it's clear that he already knew why I was there when I crossed the threshold of the interrogation room. But instead of feeling ashamed for exposing my not-so-nice motives, the uncomfortable tightness in my stomach that hasn't really gone away since yesterday just flares up again. And as petty as it may be, I was filled with vengeance indeed when I laid my sly little hands on our prisoner, but I'm by no means such a noble soul as to refrain from it. This kind of meanness fits right into my repertoire of personality traits.

"Is it such a big deal?" I turn back to spying on the small room, because it's much easier to study the dark walls than to digest how effortlessly he can see through me. Of course, it's not that I have lost my mystery to him that bothers me, but rather the fact that I feel like a little kid caught doing mischief. Because from his tone it's like I did something completely wrong. Although I know that my approach was truly merciless, that dirtbag deserved every single moment of it. I don't care if what I have done is questionable, because as soon as I saw the desperation on that disgusting face swimming in tears and snot, my mood turned better in an instant. And if there was even a little justice left in the world, then all the wretches like this bastard would receive this punishment. What's wrong with such scum finally getting a taste of their own cruelty?

"No." He breaks the short silence, agreeing with me almost too naturally, which is completely foreign from his mouth. Because this makes me unsure for a minute about why he brought up the whole topic in the first place. If it doesn't bother him that I took control and used my own little incentive, then what is his problem? "But you don't have to get your hands dirtier at all costs." He adds, and I don't like the tone he puts into his voice at all, like he wanted to scold me. Which sounds bad coming from him, because we both know that while I may be a sneaky bastard, he doesn't need to go next door when it comes to brutality. We aren’t different in any way, and he shouldn't point out how unfeminine and not-so-delicate it is when I use these merciless tactics.

"There's enough blood on them anyway. A little more won't make a difference." I remark nonchalantly, keeping my eyes fixed in front of me with all my strength, because I'm afraid that if I look at the Hunter, I will glimpse something that my soul couldn't bear. I don't want to see his contempt or his superiority, because I don’t feel an iota of regret. This cruelty helped me through hardships all my life, I took what I needed to survive. If there was even a little less blood on my hands, I'd be lying there in that fucking bed right now, beaten, starved, raped and used. The only thing that kept me from this was that I immersed myself in the filth as deeply as was necessary, and my selfishness served me quite well. And if I have to drown in this infectious pool, I will.

But the movement comes completely unexpectedly, as one of his big hands finds my shoulder, and as his fingers gently tighten around the tensing muscles, I turn my head towards him with a starled shiver, because the tenderness in his touch reluctantly tears me out of the gloomy monologue going on in my head. And the way those brown eyes glance down at me makes my stomach jump instinctively, because the inscrutable flickers dancing there make the anger raging inside me fade away in a minute. The heat emanating from his palm pleasantly licks at my skin, which has cooled down due to the bitter rage, and brings my attention back to him so decisively from the chaos in my brain, as if he would be my anchor keeping me in reality.

"I know you're cruel. You don't have to prove it." He states, and his voice fades to a grumble, as he takes a small step to close the distance between the two of us. And as he leans down to me and his scent fills my nose like a familiar visitor, every nerve in my body is sharpened to what he has to say. "But you don't have to do it alone anymore." He declares, and with this one sentence, he dispels all the doubts that have nested in the hidden corners of my brain so far. And the realization that this is exactly why I wanted to leave the two Healers behind me tears into my mind. Because I saw in them the fate that could easily have found me too. I could have ended up chained and abused to the extreme, but instead, for all my selfishness and dishonesty, karma has led me to a place where I am treated much better than my background would justify.

And now here is Riley, who knows my worst side, has experienced firsthand the caustic sarcasm I can use to dig into other people's weaknesses with my words, and what evils my hands are capable of when my interests demand it. Yet knowing this, he offers that I don't have to walk this dark road alone, but willingly joins me. He doesn't expect me to leave behind my dubious methods accumulated over the years, he doesn't ask me to wash my hands clean. And because of this, something completely inexplicable awakens inside me, which simultaneously fills me with a pleasant warmth, which is followed by a hot trembling lightness that spreads through all the fibers of my being. And along with that, an icy fear creeps into the pit of my stomach, because the warning flashes in my subconscious almost immediately that I mustn't let this go. I can't waste this opportunity that fate has given me, because I'm not sure I could survive if I lost them.

And as a result of the realization, the invisible fingers of the tears spurred by the rising emotions gnaw into my eyes with almost painful force, but forcing the feelings down my dry throat, I just nod with a faint smile on my face. Because now I can see clearly. It takes shape in my head firmly that I'm willing to cling to the team, and especially to him with every drop of my blood, that this pledge almost burns into my brain.

⃰

The warm rays of the sun caress my naked arm peeking from under my shirt with deceptive peace, and as I leave the cargo deck hand in hand with my companions, and wade into the wild grass, the sweet scent of wildflowers fills my nose, and I allow myself to drink in the picturesque landscape for a minute. As if I had fallen into a dream, the meadow stretches to the edge of the horizon with such unimaginable calmness, where Nik so skilfully put down our plane, the soft noise of which is accompanied by the buzzing of bees and the chirping song of crickets as background noise. And at other times, this huge open space might make me nervous, where we are easy prey for the mutants who are stalking us, but behind the large building not far from us, the abundance of trees stretching to the sky cover us beneficially from at least one side. A real, hidden corner of paradise.

In other circumstances and in another life, this beautiful weather might even tempt me to have a little picnic in this undisturbed clearing that spreads out in front of our temporary accommodation. Of course, this would be a realistic idea if there was no chance that my idyllic pastime would be interrupted by a deformed monster or one of its humanoid friends, who would pay their respects with a slightly different kind of snack in mind. Although based on Price's information, the safe house might be located in the middle of nowhere, but it's just reassuringly close enough to the colony to be at a comfortable distance from any reckless beasts. Of course, the suspicion raging in my brain doesn't ease one bit, because, during my ever-longer mission, I already had the opportunity to experience what kind of horrors can be lurking behind such beautiful landscapes with watchful eyes. And most of the time they don't appear in the form of malformed animals, but take on a much more human face. Naturally, in this filthy place laced with death, we are still each other's greatest enemies.

"Good to see you're still alive!" A familiar voice interrupts my thoughts, and as I turn my head in the direction of its source, my dark little heart leaps with real joy. Because as soon as I see Garrick emerging from behind the battered door of the house, a definite line of a sincere smile crosses my face. And although it's barely been a while since I last had the good fortune to admire the Hunter's good features and even more pleasant aura, yet, in an almost disgusting way, my soul is relieved that amidst all the complicated misery, I finally have a familiar figure near me.

"We need more than that to bite the bullet!" MacTavish exclaims, and he hurries forward grinning, so that when his friend is within arm's reach, he simply pulls him into a brotherly embrace enthusiastically, patting his back with the weights of the unspoken words of happiness in the small movement. It's no wonder that this meeting is so heart-warming, since every single mission is another chance for these happy moments to never happen again. And this is probably not the first party they got involved in, but in light of the fact that we are drowning deeper and deeper into unknown complications, even I can sympathize with the zeal of my two fanboys.

I don't have to wait long for the one person who is still missing from the impromptu celebration to show up, and as I recognize the well-known figure of Price marching out from the dim depths of the house, the fleeting feeling of absence that may have been present in me until now disappears. The man carefully studies us gathered in the field, and when his gaze settles on me after Riley, who is anchored next to me, and his beard-framed mouth curls up in a satisfied little smile, then my stomach jumps with excited joy with such ridiculous speed that it's downright disgusting. Still, it doesn't bother me for a minute that such crippling emotions rear their heads in my little soul, because I would be willing to do anything to never have to live without them.

"I've hoped this would be the case." Price also joins in our greeting, referring back to my Scottish friend's earlier confident statement with his small comment, as he comes close enough to welcome us. And when one of his big hands lands on my shoulder with the greatest naturalness and squeezes it gently, the pleasant warmth, that only the small team was able to revive in me for a very long time, spreads through all of my limbs following his touch. And I swear that an almost paternal pride shines in those bright eyes, as they survey my face, and I have to keep my cheeky superiority in my features with all my strength, because I don't want to get emotional in front of our audience just getting off the plane. "I've heard a lot of good things about you." He adds, and even though his praise is enough to awaken an impossible cheerfulness in me, but as his gaze meaningfully moves to the masked Hunter enveloped in silence, I understand to whom I owe this exceptional treatment. And because of this, I feel that the tremble in my stomach paints surprise on my face despite my will and all my attempts at indifference. I didn't think that it would be Riley who would so enthusiastically praise my performance to the boss, when earlier I had him to thank for the bright idea of my forest trip, due to which I almost got impaled by a mutant piggy. But this is enough for the hope in my head to push me even deeper into the embrace of my complicated feelings for him. Great.

And at that moment, Riley, who was already more wordless than usual, joins in the warm welcoming, and although he remains silent, he greets our leader with a firm nod. Others might not find his curtness particularly striking, but he cannot hide from the captain's eyes either. And I'm sure that Price also realized by reading his companion's body language that his stand-offishness is directed much more to the two mercenaries who approach us with lazy steps. Because it would be impossible not to notice the distant aura he puts on when he has to share the same space with his colleagues. And although this tense atmosphere made our plane ride excruciatingly long, considering the unique show we were treated to during our joint mission, the grumpy mood of the masked man doesn't seem exaggerated one bit.

Even though they close the distance between us with the silence of the predators lying in wait, I don't have to look back to know that our new companions have arrived at our small gathered group, because the tiny little hairs reflexively rise at my back as I feel that unmistakable gaze burning the back of my head. It was enough for me to look into those blue eyes once over the mangled body spread out on the floor of the interrogation room to know that the wisest thing to do was to ignore the existence of the hooded Hunter altogether. For although I don’t know to what, apart from his obvious interest in my kind, I owe that persistent attention with which he honors me every time we come into forced proximity, yet I'm sure that no good would come of entering into this dubious game. Whatever his purpose is by obnoxiously and shamelessly staring at me at every opportunity he gets.

Price is the one who, as a true leader, grasps the noble task of breaking the ice, and turns to the two mercenaries, straightening his back out with confidence. And although there is a diplomatic impassiveness on his face, and I might even detect a faint smile at the corner of his mouth, but my trained eyes catch the troubled wrinkles gathering on his forehead under the cover of the hat just in time before they disappear. It's rather cunning and tactical of the man to show his best face to those who might run to report to their master after his first questionable move, but despite his best efforts, the visible traces of suspicion remain in his gaze, with which he measures his colleagues up.

"Thanks for the help." The captain expresses his gratitude, and if he has doubts about the two men, it doesn't show in his voice for a minute. And although it's quite clear that he did this out of mandatory politeness, but even I'm impressed when he fixes his eyes on the hired Hunters with the keen attention of a hawk, as if he is trying to read even the smallest twitches, assessing every second how trustworthy the newcomers really are.

"We were paid well to do it." Horangi comments with complete calmness, and even though it was evident that the credits made them so willing until now, even I find it bold that he chirps out this little detail so casually. He doesn't even try to deny his motivations, and it can only happen for an infinitely simple reason, which helps my eyebrows furrow. The Korean Hunter and his no less pleasant companion are so carefree because they don't see an iota of threat in us, which would make them think it would be worth behaving more cautiously. Although under normal circumstances the goal would be for our group to be able to work together without stress, but it's quite obvious from the small, nonchalant little movement as the man cocks his head in interest that this isn’t the case. This is at least as humiliatingly belittling as it's irresponsible, and helps to spread the sparks of tension for a minute in the warm air swayed by the spring wind.

But as rapidly as the unpleasant atmosphere arrived, it dissolves as quickly, for MacTavish breaks the silence, loud with the buzzing of the beetles, that has set in, before my masked friend has time to act driven by the spark of irritation in his dark gaze. As he leaves Garrick's side and takes a few hasty steps closer to the captain, all eyes are suddenly on him, beneficially interrupting the storm that was no doubt slowly brewing.

"Did ya find out anythin' interestin'?" The Hunter with the mohawk turns the attention to the mission instead, directing our conversation in a much safer and more important direction. Despite his best efforts, no one moves for a couple of uncertain seconds, and even the blades of grass stand on guard, waiting to see if one of my buddies would like to test their skills against each other instead of working together, but in the end, it's Price who is the first to settle back into his composure with the impeccable nimbleness of years and routine.

"Maybe." The captain answers thoughtfully, and his gaze lingers on the two mercenaries before he nods toward our new shelter, inviting us inside. Whatever Laswell has dug up from the depths of yet another bottomless drawer, it's not a topic to be discussed in the open, and this sufficiently awakens my curiosity. "Let's go inside." And as he sets off towards the entrance of the safe house with quick steps, I'm the first to follow him, not only because instead of the tense atmosphere that slowly fills the peaceful meadow on the wings of the pollen blowing in the breeze, even the vague emptiness beyond the threshold is more inviting, but also because there are much more urgent problems scratching my mind than the struggle for dominance stemming from masculine vanity. The serum is what made us so beautifully wander to almost the other side of the world, and this very dangerous little vial of hell is why we crossed the ocean to visit another continent. The clever trick Shepherd will use to remove us from the uncertain variables is the problem of the future, which won't come if we don't concentrate on the task with all our focus. And it seems that after the fleeting intermezzo, the others come to this conclusion as well, because without further ado everyone heads towards our temporary headquarters too.

And despite the desolation of the building from the outside, as I cross the border of the house and the cool darkness embraces me, I'm greeted by a very well-maintained, almost homely interior. The gaudy stains on the walls preserve the old tasteful pattern of the torn wallpaper, and there is no doubt that a whole series of family photos could have rested on these eerie square patterns, which the residents might have taken with them in a hurry, in order to have a few memories frozen in the past peace, to which they can long to return to. And as I follow Price further into the uninhabited depths of the house, from the worn furniture forgotten behind and the child's toy lying in the corner, and from the curtain submitted to a slow rot I feel like I had trespassed into somewhere, where the faded ghosts of the late inhabitants still haunt, locked in the objects left behind. But I quickly suppress this short-lived unpleasant sensation, because if there is anything remaining here from the previous owners, it can only be a few bones and decaying scraps of clothing left by the victims when the beasts inevitably found them.

"What a nice place you got us." I note pulling the corner of my mouth into a grimace, and although my voice is noticeably laced with irony, considering the circumstances, the captain has managed to find a really impressive den, which is just right for us to hang out in for a few days. And even though my pretty little body is used to the puritanical comfort of the colony, but for once I'm willing to set aside the inconvenience that I might have to share my bed with ghouls.

"The credit is our helper's. The big guy gave us the coordinates." Garrick shares the information quietly as he catches up to me, and it's enough for him to nod behind with his head to let me know who he might be talking about from our new teammates. And the fact that the pleasant shack is thanks to König explains a lot. Up until now, it was obvious, based only on his rather strong German accent and even more German-sounding name, that he was not from an American colony, but the fact that he provided such accurate information about this safe house hidden in the desolate wilderness confirms that he was born somewhere in the area. And it's quite logical that a terrifying butcher like him started his later adventurous journey from one of the largest and world-famous colonies, because the mention of the name of the Hunter training center operating here fills even civilians with sufficient foreboding. And where else could such a burly giant have been trained into such an efficient killing machine than in Purgatory? It wasn't by chance that they gave it this apt nickname, because the miserable little kids who are dragged there endure such sufferings that, although they become "purified warriors", the few years they suffer there, leave a permanent mark on them. Or at least this urban legend is spread by word of mouth. But it's enough to just recall the bloodthirsty pleasure with which the hooded Hunter stomped someone to death, and it immediately becomes clear that there is perhaps a hint of truth in the rumor.

The captain finally ushers us into a spacious dining room, in the middle of which stretches an old table, where a myriad of documents and weapons are spread out, indicating that the man had just felt at home enough to get to work while he waited for us to join them. And although they got here with less than a day's lead, based on the scattered reports and papers, the two Hunters had enough time to review the important pieces of information, and perhaps even work out the beginnings of a plan to celebrate our arrival. If Laswell took swift action, then Price rivals this momentum, because as my eyes discover the map of the colony among the many pages, and the tangled chaos of streets and buildings highlighted on it in bright colors, I quickly understand that our leader wasn't lazy and must have already studied the field.

"Kate had a hard time with this. She managed to find out that the Rat is in the colony indeed and that his organization is involved in several businesses." The bearded man immediately jumps into the middle of the briefing, not wasting a minute, as we all gather around the table, and he skilfully pulls out a file, which he pushes to the center and opens in front of us. And when the picture of an unknown guy richly adorned with tattoos appears, it becomes obvious that our aforementioned criminal is staring back at us from the low-quality photo. "But he hides well, and no one finds him if he doesn't want it." He shares this not-necessarily positive development, and with this, he succeeds in planting an easily recognizable atmosphere of pessimism in the dim little room. Of course, we could guess that this bastard had to earn the nickname somehow, so it wouldn't be easy to get hold of him, but now we can't allow ourselves to start this search with uncertain assumptions. We need to find him quickly, but mostly immediately, because the clock is ticking, and with every minute we are getting closer to that damned poison finding a new owner.

"This doesn't make our job any easier." MacTavish voices some of the doubts in my head, and as his dark eyebrows meet with annoyance in a rather troubled grimace, it becomes quite evident that he had a similar train of thought in his head as I did.

"We have to get him before he sells the serum." Riley joins in as well, and although the seriousness of the situation should require my undivided attention, I can't help but acknowledge with satisfaction that he almost automatically lined up next to me, like a loyal shadow. And even this small detail can ignite excited little sparks under my skin, because his proximity is enough for all my senses to be painfully sharpened. And I have to forcibly divert my concentration back towards our discussion, because no matter how much I want to read every tiny movement of his face covered with a mask, now my useless brain has to deal with the analysis of bigger complications. Pull yourself together, Leona.

"If he doesn't come out on his own, we'll smoke him out." Horangi puts forward the rather radical idea, and leans comfortably on the table with folded hands on the other side, as casually as if we weren’t just trying to find the ever-cooling trail of a drug that leads to certain death. And I find his ease interesting, because I'm pretty sure that fat credits won't be of much use if the army of hybrids and their little minions overrun every corner of the surviving civilization. Because this tiny little suggestion would most certainly lead to that.

"It would be an irresponsible idea." I interject my comment, looking through the file that was probably dug up by Laswell, searching for anything that might narrow down where in this huge, bustling city we should start our search to find our criminal in the shortest possible time. And Price was really not exaggerating, the dude got his hands into almost everything from trading with weapons, to prostitution, to drug and human trafficking, so it's no wonder that his criminal organization weaves through the colony like a spider web full of decay. Because, except for the central sectors, where the centers of the official bodies are concentrated in each colony, areas where he has influence have been circled in bright red almost everywhere else. Fabulous.

"Scum like him is easy to catch. All it takes is force." König chimes in for the first time since our arrival, and as his voice resonates through the barren walls of the building, I also break out of my observations and shift my gaze from the piles of documents to the man with careful deliberation. And from the way he straightens up and stands out from our small group without the slightest uncertainty, it's clear that he sees nothing wrong with his idea full of violence. And although it's already quite obvious from this how they managed to find the weak link leading to the Vultures so amazingly quickly, this approach won't work now. Because it's the least of our problems that everyone is in a foreign land except him, but if our target is such an influential person that he has ears on every corner, then he will know that we are in his heels before we have a chance to touch him with a finger.

"If he finds out he's being targeted by Hunters, he'll take off before we can even get close to him." I explain this non-negligible factor, and as I firmly hold the unpleasant weight of his gaze fixed on me, I know I'm not imagining the curious glint in those ice-blue eyes. "That's why we're here now instead of the colony, I imagine." I add this detail almost as a side note, and I don't try to prevent cynicism from creeping into my voice, because I want this behemoth to know that no matter how menacingly he stares, he won't be able to force me to surrender. Especially not when I know I'm right. If it were so easy to track down that goddamn thug without being noticed, then Price would have been breathing down the dude's neck before our plane even touched the ground.

"She's right." Garrick agrees, his face involuntarily giving way to the helplessness that must have settled in his head, and which helps to plant the faint line of resigned wrinkles on his face. Without a doubt, he would have been the first to bring our target to us wrapped in a pretty bow if he had the chance to lay his deadly little hands on him. But it wasn't a coincidence that they arrived here first and waited for us, because this action requires much more caution than they can organize with their usual bloody techniques.

"But we can't just sit around and wait!" MacTavish argues, spreading his hands out passionately, thus effectively voicing the frustration that is probably slowly forming in everyone upon hearing our increasingly hopeless mission. But even though I can understand his powerless rage, we cannot run headlong into the wall, because at this point we risk the complete destruction of humanity with every wrong move.

"I agree with Woods on this. We can't act hastily. We need intel." Price affirms, his eyes scanning our small gathering meaningfully, silently signaling that although he would like to throw himself into the middle of action, even his experience cannot guarantee success right now. "Nik, can you help us?" He suddenly turns towards the entrance of the dining room, and I look back over my shoulder in confusion, because I could swear that we left our pilot at the plane. But as I see the man leaning against the doorframe with complete peace of mind, many questions arise in my mind regarding our friend, who until now was believed to be rather harmless. And judging by the fact that my companions aren't at all surprised that Nik was able to sneak up to us so unobtrusively, I have a very strong feeling that I quite misunderstood the guy. His remarkable ability to follow us without being noticed is only a negligible detail in addition to the fact that the captain turns to him to solve our predicament.

"I have a few contacts in Colony No. 2. I'll see what they know." Nik offers, with such a self-evident simplicity that deepens my suspicion that the man mostly plays pilot as a hobby, and pursues very dubious activities as a full-time job instead. Because there is no other logical explanation as to why he has contacts on another continent who hide deep enough in the underworld to help us. Very interesting.

"All right." Price gives his blessing to the proposed solution, and then immediately turns his determined attention back to our small team. "Until then, we'll wait." He shares our next step, and although I can feel that not everyone is filled with unclouded happiness by this development, he gets a nod of agreement from everyone, even from our mercenary comrades. "Let's rest. The last week has been busy." He adds in conclusion, now with a much softer tone, and the hoarseness of exhaustion settles in his voice, which he has been able to more or less successfully remove from himself so far.

As our two mercenaries take the opportunity without further comment and leave the scene of our meeting with comfortable steps, I have the opportunity to take a closer look at the face of our leader. And although for a fleeting moment, I still feel the scrutinizing gaze of the giant man on the middle of my back, I'm much more occupied by the very pale grayness that I now quite clearly discover appearing on the captain's skin. Up until now, it might have been the excitement of the trip that could divert my attention, but now I see the weariness dominating the features of the bearded Hunter, and in the semi-darkness surrounding the room, the circles under his eyes seem even darker. And as I shift my searching gaze to Garrick, I can make out the small gray veins running along his temple even from the cover of his cap, which can indicate only one thing. And after a quick calculation, my suspicion is confirmed, that I haven't been able to handle them with my clever little hands for weeks, and although they probably didn't have to use their ability extremely, stress can very effectively bring out exhaustion in them. Although my Scottish buddy and his masked bosom friend received a charge not so long ago, at the gate of our important little mission, a little boost won't hurt them either.

"By the way." I speak up suddenly, effectively drawing all eyes on me, and I take advantage of this to get around the table, strolling closer to Garrick, who looks the most worn out, and who only curiously raises one of his dark eyebrows, when I pull off the glove from one of my pretty little hands to hold it out towards him. "It would be time to regenerate you." I note, bringing a mixture of surprise and concern to the man's face.

"Won't it be a bit much?" He asks, his voice full of doubt, and I can't hold back the cheeky little smile that escapes my lips, because the way he peers at Price for help makes him look infinitely boyish. And I also know from this small confused gesture that it's only worry speaking, because there is no doubt that he doesn't want to strain my little body in the least by asking for my aid. But unfortunately, determination works much stronger in me than the dull grip of the slowly awakening hunger in my stomach, and I'm willing to go to painful ends if I can guarantee that the care with which they turn towards me won't disappear. And although this admission fills a part of me with the right amount of disgust and contempt, I just have to think about the fact they mean my safety, and I immediately manage to suppress these unwanted voices. Because thanks to the suffering of the two Healers, the motivation to feed my selfish desires with their attention lives much more vividly in my consciousness, as if I were pouring oil on an already insatiable fire.

"I'll survive it." I comment simply, and although I know that by charging four Hunters I will wake up the torturous hunger gnawing at my insides, this small nuisance seems bearable. Even knowing that it’s uncertain how I will get blood, because I'm sure, even if Price brought me a tasty treat, it won't alleviate my problems permanently. And I can only wildly hope that the power of the mouth-watering dinner given by Riley will last until I maybe manage to catch an unsuspecting fool in the colony to quench my thirst. But no matter how much these troubling thoughts arise in me, as Garrick's damp hand wraps around mine, and the first burst of my energy penetrates his body, then I feel the familiar pull of the demanding force, and I know I have made the right decision. Because my hunger is a negligible inconvenience, if I can guarantee they will be in top shape when it's needed most. Even if every single nerve in me cruelly warns me that this will have consequences.

⃰

The silence in the house echoes in my ears with painful loudness, and the creaking of the old floor under my boots screams in my skull in an almost ear-piercing way, as I drag my legs, which are growing heavier by the minute, toward the room assigned to me. I wasn't wrong in that the charging of my four companions would sufficiently flare up the well-known pangs of hunger twisting my insides, and although it doesn't besiege me nearly as strongly as last time, I feel that it's only a matter of time before the feverish agony hits me. And even though I don't regret for a minute that I was able to solve my team's problem, I have to get some food very soon, if I don't want to be the one who, weakened by hunger, hinders the mission. If I have a little luck, the captain has been kind enough to surprise me with a delicious morsel, which will be just enough to ease my suffering. And as soon as we wander into the colony, I make sure to catch some stupid criminal and refuel with nutrients, because I have a bad feeling in my mind that tells me that our deployment will take turns where it will come in handy if I'm in peak condition.

And as, lost inside the massive building, I finally reach the corridor on the floor where my temporary quarters rest, instead of being relieved, all my limbs fill with tension in a split second, because I discover someone who shouldn't be hiding here in the least. Because Price certainly planned it so that I would be given the one out of the dozen rooms which is farthest from our guests, in case they wanted to use my services. Although I don't think they would openly force me to regenerate them, in this dirty world even less deadly people are capable of horrible things, and it's even better to be careful with someone who can crush another's skull with their bare hands.

Certainly, he had already heard my steps when I was tramping up the rickety stairs, but now, as I approach him, König turns his head in my direction with leisurely calmness, and even this small movement is enough for caution to gain a foothold in my mind. I have already acknowledged the amazing size that genetics has blessed him with, but now, as he is surrounded by the faint light filtering through one of the broken windows, he looks more like a shapeshifting demon than a human being. And even though he's comfortably leaning his back against the worn wall, there's something quite unsettling about the way the fabric of his black uniform strains painfully on his arms, as his folded hands rest on his chest. Because he may seem perfectly harmless to an unsuspecting observer, but my paranoid mind warns that it's only an ephemeral illusion, and that an artificial peace resides in each and every inch of him. But I'm even more interested in why he's here, because I was sure that after our impromptu meeting, he and his friend went off to rest. And even if he has zero navigational skills, he couldn't have accidentally wandered in here, because their room is most definitely on the ground floor.

But no matter how much caution creeps into my limbs, I don't let any of it reach the surface, because it would be a mistake to show him the concerns he can arouse in me. I have just seen enough of his behavior to know that this operation is just as much about polishing his ego as material goods, and what could be a more tempting pastime for such a man, than to frighten a unique little thing like me. I saw the barely concealed fear in the eyes of his men during the mission, and it's quite easy to deduce from this what kind of respect the Hunter desires. The kind that makes the knees of the unfortunate person who stumbles in front of him tremble, and that makes him feel even more powerful. A pathetic but perfectly legitimate goal. After all, instilling fear is at least as effective a control strategy as gaining respect.

His bright eyes follow my every step with unbroken attention, as I walk closer, and from his gaze resting on me, I feel like a mistrustful small animal that approaches a larger predator in the hope that it will be merciful enough not to kill it. And although we are currently playing on the same team, nothing guarantees that this hunch of mine won't come true at some point in the not-so-distant future. Because, unfortunately, my observations and intuitions are very rarely wrong, and now every nerve fiber of mine screams that I'm dealing with a beast in the guise of a man who, if he could, would have wrapped his needle-sharp teeth around my throat a long time ago. And while in the case of Riley, I was sure that he rewarded me with his disdain for my not-so-appealing behavior, in the case of the hooded Hunter, I have no idea what could be causing this outstanding interest.

"Your team is unusual." He breaks the heavy silence that has settled between the desolate walls, and I just stop at a safe distance from him and raise one of my eyebrows curiously, because he starts the first direct conversation we have with a rather interesting remark. And with this one sentence, he succeeds in reminding me that the good life I experienced in the unit is a unique privilege, which normally my kind hardly ever gets. And while in most cases the Healers are kept away from all the nitty-gritty details of the actual deployments because they get more use out of them unharmed, it cannot be denied that the active role that my team so generously gifted me within the ranks of Unit 141 is quite unusual. And although I don't like the fact that he expresses his comments so freely, it's indisputable that as a stranger, and especially as a Hunter in a leading role, the dynamics of my team can be a real curiosity for him.

"If you think it's strange that I dare to speak in their company, then it really is." I answer with an unimpressed tone, trying with every cell to be able to keep my confidence. Although he still doesn't move from the wall, the way he stares at me with an almost abnormal immobility makes the goosebumps prickle on my back. As if every single muscle of his would be stuck in a deliberate frozen state, but my keen senses catch the tiny little movement as his fingers wrap a breath tighter around his biceps. And this simply gives the impression that he is forcing himself, against his nature, into a less threatening position than his instincts would like. Maybe my brain overthinks every little thing, but it's no coincidence that I honed my observational skills over the years. I see that something completely different lurks under the surface than what he lets on.

"This isn't common in many places." He states simply, but his remark doesn't throw me off in the slightest, because I'm also perfectly aware of this fact. That's why I'm so motivated to keep my place. "But Price seems to be a liberal leader." He notes almost only to himself, and his voice is full of fascination, as if he had just made a very profound statement. However, it bothers me much more, and it can suddenly turn my already sharpened mood into a more prickly one, when my clever little ears hear the breath of derision hidden in his tone. Others might not even notice it, or would attribute it to something completely insignificant, something that is not worth pointing out, but I have analyzed just enough people over the years to know that nothing is completely unconscious that is buried behind one's words.

And even I cannot explain the angry flame that kindles within me at the thought that this complete stranger is making such casual comments about the captain. Of course, I'm aware that Price is not an innocent virgin, nor a flawless saint who needs someone to protect his honor, but there is something viscerally infuriating about the way the hooded man turns to him with barely veiled criticism.

But, as the stagnant emptiness in my stomach tightens, I decide that I shouldn't engage in this conversation when my mind is dulled by the pull of hunger slowly coming to life. Nothing good will come of this irritation taking control of my brain, because I might say something that would give him a reason to leave behind his false peace and show what secret temper lies beneath the no less dangerous exterior.

"If you came here to provoke me, then don't waste your time." I sigh tiredly, and as the exhaustion screams in every corner of my body at the same time, I set off with renewed motivation towards the door, behind which the solitude awaits that I yearn for. "It won't work." I add, not even sparing him a last look, my eyes strictly fixed on the worn wood that hides my shelter. And once again, I have to note that he didn't come here by chance, because out of the countless possibilities, he managed to settle down right before the entrance where I'm heading, with almost measured accuracy.

"I didn't mean to insult you." He says plainly, and it's quite disturbing that there is still no obvious emotion in his tone, which makes him seem much less human than my nervous system finds comfortable. His statement doesn't seem like a lie, but my impatience grows with each passing minute, because I can't figure out what the hell is going on here. I could think that he only wanted to forge closer unity between our teams, but then I would have to be much more naive. In that case, he wouldn't have waited to catch me alone and without any witnesses to see whatever he was planning in that mysterious mind of his.

"You want to befriend me, perhaps?" I inquire with a malicious little smile on my face, and the sarcasm that nestles in my voice stings even in my ears. And I know it's not the smartest idea to taunt a guy who can tear me to pieces with his hands, but that didn't stop me even when I was mouthing back to Riley. And my sharp little tongue won't go on vacation when the starved tension working inside me rages in my head. "How nice of you." I sprinkle at the end, considering the whole tense conversation as closed, because no matter what reason he strayed here for, I don't want to talk it out with him now, when we are all too alone. And even though carefree mockery shines from every cell in me, my hands wrap around the doorknob too quickly when I finally arrive before my room. Because he may still not move from the place he has occupied until now, but the threatening aura that emanates from him like some uncontrollable, poisonous gas almost gnaws at my skin.

But before I have the chance to finally disappear into my little cave, so that I can finally be left alone with the suffering clinging to my insides with its nails, the floor behind me creaks and my fingers freeze on the metal as suddenly as if someone had poured a bucket of cold water in my neck. And for a suffocating moment, everything is shrouded in quietness, and there is such a silence between us that the crackling screams of the old house travel through the walls like an ominous melody.

"I liked what you did in the interrogation room." He utters, and it takes me a second to understand what kind of compliment he gave me due to the stress and the agony of the spasm that is slowly closing my intestines in an iron fist. And when the recognition penetrates my brain and I decode his words, I turn back to him with complete confusion, looking up at him with such shocked astonishment on my face that almost certainly paints a cartoon-like shock on my features. Because suddenly I can't find any logical explanation for how the thread of the conversation has led us to this point, and I can't discover any answers as to why he feels so comfortable around me that he can point this out to me so freely. What the hell?

"Excuse me?" The startled question breaks out of me, and I'm unable to hold back the surprise creeping into my voice, doubting for a fleeting moment whether I heard what he said correctly. But as soon as my eyes meet his, and I discover a glimmer resembling admiration in them, I’m completely dumbfounded. Because under other circumstances, my twisted little soul might even be touched by this unusual recognition, but I know all too well who is standing in front of me. And that makes the unexpected turn the situation took seem even more surreal.

"The bloodlust in your eyes was beautiful." He continues his grotesque praise, almost undisturbed, and as he takes a step towards me, I need the combined work of all my nerves in order not to back away from him, because the distrust drills itself into my brain that if I turn my back on him again, it will end very badly. Because I suddenly sense very well how unbelievably huge this man is, and as my troubled eyes reflexively run over him, I become painfully aware that if he attacks me, I won't be able to defend myself. "I doubt your friends could truly appreciate it." He claims, and now some deliberate malice creeps into his voice, which he doesn't even try to hide, thus clearly showing that he has been holding back his real thoughts until now very willingly.

But when my body breaks out of the paralyzed shock, and I get over the fact that he could crush all my bones to dust with a strong hug, then I finally have the brain capacity to understand what he shared with me so carelessly. And from this simple sentence, the alarm disappears from my mind, because it suddenly makes sense why he honored me with his presence. And as my mind realizes that this little discourse is about nothing but the rivalry that has existed since the very first moment our team met, then my little soul calms down in the blink of an eye, because no matter how terrifying the man may seem, according to this, he is driven by just as fallible and transparent motives like everyone else. And although it's very difficult for me to maintain my indifference due to the intrusion of hunger in my stomach, now that I know why he is so persistently interested in me, the doubt of the unknown disappears from my mind.

"Interesting deduction. But I'm afraid I don't care." I respond with utter disinterest, and as the line of a sardonic smile stretches across my lips, I see the first bewildered wrinkles appear around the skin covered with dark paint. And it's painfully obvious that he didn't expect this reaction, but believed that such a big and strong Hunter's kind approach would make me fall at his feet from the pleasure. But he is seriously mistaken if he thinks it's so pathetically easy to sweep me off my feet.

"You’re wasting your talent with them." He laments, and if I were a little more stupid, I would really believe the sympathy in his voice to be authentic, but even if he hadn't blown his disguise so irresponsibly, I would still see through his benevolence. Because I can tell when someone tries to manipulate me, especially if said someone does it half as skillfully as it would take to be a successful strategy against me.

And at other times, I might want to play with him verbally and continue this complicated moment, but when my stomach convulses with the pain tearing into me, then all my patience evaporates like the last sip of water in the desert. Every single one of my nerve cells is stretched to the point of breaking, and this straining ache makes my body braver than it should be, because the sooner I put an end to this extremely bizarre situation, the sooner I can collapse into my bed to finally rest a little in the embrace of the slow ache that spreads to every fiber of me. I quickly cross the distance of a few steps that are remaining between us, and my hand shoots out towards him with the speed of a venomous snake. It seems that he didn't expect my attack, because before he could react, my fingers close around the fabric covering his face, and as I pull him down to me with a movement that is perhaps more forceful than necessary, he obediently leans down to me, stumbling towards me, and I see genuine shock in his eyes.

"It's unnecessary to try to flatter me." I murmur with deceptive kindness, and it seems that I managed to stun him so much with my unexpected act that he even forgets to protest, because he almost dazedly lets me intrude into his personal space to finally have stare off with him without him towering over me. And although it seems that his spine bends in rather uncomfortable positions in order for me to do this, it only makes the contemptuous grin on my face grow wider. "I know this is all about measuring who's dick is bigger. They have something that you don't and it hurts your ego. It's sad, but you'll have to live with it." I curve my mouth downward pitifully, savoring every single emotion that flashes through his eyes. But as soon as I see one of the gloved hands moving in my periphery, I let go of his hood with nonchalant ease and dance away from him in order to return to my door and open it again. "I recommend that you focus more on the mission. A lot of credit is at stake, isn't it?" I throw my last words at him from the threshold, and as I enter the embrace of the darkness of the small room, I have one last chance to catch his gaze stopping on me as he straightens up, and I'm almost relieved when I'm hidden by the thick wood.

Because even though it was only for a few seconds, I saw something very dangerous flash in those bright eyes, and the warning voice waking up in my brain tells me that this is exactly how the predator stares at its slowly cornered prey. With curious hunger. And that makes me realize, even despite the pain that is slowly squeezing my stomach, that I have crossed an invisible border, which sooner or later will bring the trouble that I so enthusiastically sought out for myself. Wonderful.

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nugromancer · 3 months

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Recap Notes from the Dragon Age: The Veilguard Game Informer Article

youtube

I watched a livestream by YouTuber Jackdaw and pulled what I could from the article presented. These are things I found interesting or exciting.

⚠️ We're entering Massive Spoiler Territory here so proceed with caution!

The first 2-page spread is recapping everything we've seen in the gameplay trailer so. Nothing really of note here.

When Rook passes out after the intro's climax, they wake up in the Fade with Solas (Hello??) who explains that some of Rook's blood got into the ritual, and now they're connected with the Fade forever. (Oopsies!)

The two "Mystery" characters that show up at the end of the climax are Elgar'nan, Elven god of Sun and Vengeance, and Ghilan'nain, Mother of Halla (or, if you've read Tevinter Nights, Mother of Monsters/Mad Scientist/Elf God Frankenstein)

Solas was trying to create a new prison for these two because the one he fashioned before was failing. And Rook ruined everything for everyone. (Oopsies again!)

It turns out the place you land in the Fade is The Lighthouse, which has been Solas' hideout. There's a table set for One which is supposed to show how Solas has been.

So basically:

Solas has also painted all over the walls of the lighthouse. :)

The library is where the team will have it's meetings and decide what to do next.

An elf Rook has extra dialogue options wrt the Fade

The team decides to go back to Arlathan forest, but they don't arrive back to the temple/castle from the climax. Instead they encounter a Sentinel, which is a "demon infested suit of mechanized armor" (HELLO??? 👀 Ghost in the Machine / Possessed Gundams Real)

We get to meet Strife and Irelin from the comics/stories! Yay!

They're looking for Bellara; full name confirmed as Bellara Lutara (we love a good rhyming name)

Longer cut scenes

Rook's story is about "What is means to be a leader"; how you respond to things changes how characters interact with Rook.

Special Relationship Meter on each companion's character screen (just like DA2!)

Both warriors and rogues can parry (though rogues have a larger "parry window") and while Mages can't parry, they have an automatic magic shield, providing they have the mana for it.

Bellara specializes in lightning and healing magic

"Despite the dire situation, Bellara is bubbly, witty, and charming."

If you encounter an enemy with a specific weakness, you can equip a rune that will temporarily change your magic to something else. eg: Sentinals are weak to lightning magic. If you only have ice magic, you can equip a lightning rune to change your ice attacks to lightning based ones "for a brief duration."

Bellara has a "Tinker" skill which is needed to deal with "Veil Bubbles". Rook can get this skill too, so you don't need Bellara in the party with you when dealing with the bubbles. (I can't tell if it's specific to Veil Jumpers or not.)

Darkspawn are showing up farther and farther away from the deep roads due to the blights "radiation-like spread," so we'll be encountering them more often than we have in previous games.

Relationships now have Levels, which in turn gives you Skill Points to spend on companions. Bespoke gear, abilities, etc.

Mages can use magical daggers 👀

This was confirmed already but I still love it: We'll be travelling across Thedas using our own (*coughs* technically Solas') network of eluvians.

Not open world, but a mix of linear story-driven areas and larger areas for exploring. (Again, we knew this, but I'm glad they didn't nerf exploration completely.)

Mini maps are still around. Linear story areas won't have a "fog of war" filter over them.

"Veilguard has the largest number of diverse biomes in series history."

#dragon age #veilguard #da4 #dragon age veilguard #datv #datv spoilers #Youtube

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coffeecat1983 · 8 months

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Super Mario RPG one shot: A Brother's Wish.

Star Hill was unlike anything any of them had ever seen before. Even Geno, who lived amongst the very stars, had to agree at Mallow's soft "Wow" when they set foot on the stardust covered soil. As they traveled to search for the star piece, soft voices whispered up from some of the fallen stars and they quickly realized they were people's wishes. "Oh," Peach gently picked one up, "Geno, when the Star Road is repaired, will these come true?" "They will. I'll make sure they are granted." he replied firmly. The little star in her hands whispered, startling the Princess. "I want my home back." The voice was low and gruff. "Hey!" Bowser snapped, "Put that down, that's mine!" Realizing what he had just said, he tried to backtrack. "I mean, that belongs to somebody! Not me, no way!" "It's okay to have wishes, Bowser." Mallow said. As the king of the Koopas began fussing again, Mario just shook his head and took a few steps away from the noise as Peach and Mallow tried to calm him down. As he walked, Mario overheard Peach. "We all have wishes here, you're not alone." "Bet Mario doesn't!" Bowser growled. "What could he possibly wish for? Little mister perfection!" Ignoring this, Mario just shook his head again and climbed one of the little hills, taking a moment to relax in the soft starlight. Going to sit down, he shot back up when he heard a familiar voice. "Mario…" "Lu?!" he looked around, expecting to see his little brother nearby.

Having decided to take a break, the group settled down, chatting lightly as Mallow handed out snacks from the pack he was carrying. Noticing one was absent, Geno excused himself and went to search for their missing friend. It wasn't long before he spotted the now familiar bright red cap. Approaching, he quietly cleared his throat to avoid startling the other before sitting down beside him. He saw Mario was tenderly holding a star. It pulsed faintly in his hands, and a low, hesitant voice came from it. "I wish I wasn't so weak. I wanna help out my older brother, Mario." Mario held the little star to his heart, his eyes closing. "I didn't realize. Is this what Lu thinks about himself? I never wanted to make him feel like he was weak. I ask him to stay home because if he got hurt, if I lost him…" he looked down lovingly the wish. "I'd lose everything." He then sighed. "Bowser's wrong. There's something I wish for. Every night I make a wish." Geno's eyes widened and he gasped softly as it hit him. He had once heard two wish granters talking while they worked… "Huh, another one, same time just like every night. Should we grant it again?" His companion nodded. "Yup, boss says long as he makes the wishes, we keep granting em." The first granter chuckled softly. "Man, wish I had a sibling like that. Always the same type of wish. 'I hope my little brother has a good day', 'I hope Luigi's safe while I'm gone', but you know my favorite of em?" "What's that?" "'I hope my little brother knows how much he means to me'."

"Geno?" The star spirit blinked, realizing he had been staring off. "Oh, sorry." he muttered. "You okay?" Mario gave him a concerned smile. "Yeah, just, I'll feel better once I know everyone's wishes are being granted again." Mario hummed softly, looking down at the star again. "Yeah, me too."

By "CC"

#fanfic #luigi #mario #geno smrpg #Geno #super mario bros #super mario rpg #one shot

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thiswaycomessomethingwicked · 1 month

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Hello hello! 👋

I have been a fan of your Grima-centric fics for a while now. I find it fascinating how he works as a character and seeing you explore his personality throughout your works is a favorite treat of mine ^^

One thing that stands out to me in particular is the dynamic that you’ve written for both Saruman and Gríma. Despite knowing that Gríma’s affection for Saruman is wholly one-sided, do you think there was a part of Saruman that considered Gríma as an almost companion? This came to mind when I realized that Saruman could’ve travelled alone to the Shire in the books, yet decided to take Gríma with him anyways. Would love to hear your opinion on this, seeing as you write them so well ^^

Aww thank you! I'm so glad you enjoy my little works - they are great fun to write and I'm always happy to hear when people find them a delight to read :D

The Saruman-Grima dynamic is one of those moments where I'm not sure Tolkien entirely appreciated what he had there with those two.

I personally do not think Saruman felt any sort of affection for or companionship with Grima. Initially, pre-war through to the early stages in February/March 3019, Grima was a useful pawn for Saruman in his chess tournament against both Rohan (whom he resented) and Sauron (who he wanted to triumph over).

So long as Grima was useful to him, Saruman might display warmth or a sort-of kindness, but it would have only been skin deep. Indeed, we know that as soon as Grima stopped being useful Saruman ceased being kind (presuming, naturally, that he had been kind previously. I assume he had, but that's speculation).

There is no depth to Saruman's affection for people - he is all about means to an end and that end is domination (he wants everyone and everything under his purview and to act and behave as he wishes for them to act and behave).

Saruman's calculating chilliness is born from his ambition, his pride and arrogance, and his disdain for those around him. Even Gandalf, one of the Wise, a fellow Maiar, barely makes the cut of someone Saruman might have a semblance of respect for. And that vanishes as soon as Gandalf says "dude, maybe don't align yourself with Sauron? That has, historically, not worked out for people. Also he's evil."

As Saruman says to Gandalf (emphasis mine):

"We may join with that Power. [...] As the Power grows, its proved friends will also grow; and the Wise, such as you and I, may with patience come at last to direct its course, to control it. [...] We can bide our time, we can keep our thoughts in our hearts, deploring maybe evils done by the way, but approving the high and ultimate purpose: Knowledge, Rule, Order; all the things that we have so far striven in vain to accomplish, hindered rather than helped by our weak or idle friends."

Aside: we might think Knowledge! that's good! But it's more along the lines of knowledge attained through horrific means to serve a horrific end. We're not talking about a high minded scholarliness here.

Saruman is the sort of person who breaks things (and, it can be inferred, people) to see how it works but with little intention of putting it back together. I love this particular exchange between Saruman and Gandalf (emphasis mine):

'White!' he [Saruman] sneered. 'It serves as a beginning. White cloth may be dyed. The white page can be overwritten; and the white light can be broken.' 'In which case it is no longer white,' said [Gandalf]. 'And he that breaks a thing to find out what it was has left the path of wisdom."

In any case, Saruman's not a warm or loving person. I do wonder if he might have once been - because Gandalf tries to save Saruman from himself on several occasions and I get a sense that there is real heartbreak for Gandalf in Saruman's betrayal. But was Saruman faking that the entire time? Who is to say.

Once Saruman's powers are removed and his staff broken we are left with the shadow of someone who once had been great and who is now bitter and twisted through with anger and resentment. Yet, his desire to control and dominate people in his life remains making for an even uglier combination than when he was at the height of his power.

Which brings us back to Grima - Grima who represents the Rohirrim (those measly horse lords who dared defy Saruman! and won!), who represents the race of Man (pathetic creatures Saruman thinks are incapable of managing themselves with sense or wisdom, better he control them), who represents the fall from power and grace, who represents everything Saruman is angry at.

Saruman brought Grima along so he would have one last thing to stand atop of. One last person to beat down and degrade. One last man he can scrape his claws through the brain and soul of in order to dismantle him for the sake of dismantling him.

When Frodo offers Grima a hand, a way out from Saruman that is truly a way out, with someone who would support him, and Grima is clearly tempted to accept Frodo's offer we see fear from Saruman. He lashes out: the Worm isn't very nice; didn't someone ask about Lotho? The Worm killed him. The Worm has been very hungry. The Worm might have eaten your cousin, why would you offer the Worm anything? The Worm should stay with me.

It's desperation and flailing, on Saruman's part, and all as a means of keeping Grima with him so Saruman has someone to beat, starve, and degrade. If there is someone else to be cruel to, then Saruman won't have to be alone with only himself to look at.

So yeah! In summary, I don't think Saruman is someone who would want to be alone because he would rather have a fellow traveler he detests and can be cruel to for the sake of cruelty. It gives Saruman a sense of control, a sense of "at least there is one person who is lower than me and it's this Worm that should crawl on his hands and knees after me. Which is what I deserve. I deserve followers and people to bow and scrape and serve me." etc.

Domination of others because you believe you know better (and are better) than them and that you could rule and order their life to your own desires is one hell of a drug. Don't take it! Not even once!

Thank you for the ask! :D I love talking about our beloved damp bog rat snake man who is confusingly wet. Also love talking about the local Tower Top.

#I love Saruman #lol #he's such a fucked up piece of work #saruman #grima wormtongue #lotr #lord of the rings #reply

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fangbangerghoul · 5 months

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OKAY I'M COMIN IN UNDER THE WIRE Sensory prompt: The coppery scent of blood in the air Emotion: Adrenaline - Is that an emotion? Amped? Object: Chair Lets go with Astarion and a character of your choice that you've been wanting to write!

For you?

I'll give you the best!

wc: 799 (cause i got carried away as usual)

Today is the last day I am accepting prompts for my 100 follower celebration! Please feel free to submit one!

The dilapidated building was unsavory as they all sat in it for a short rest. Gale used to be able to count the number of deaths he caused on his fingers before he decided to travel with Tav. Now it seemed every day there was a new blood stain on his hands, his clothes, even his face. Tav was wrapping their leg from a battle wound and Astarion and Shadowheart seemed preoccupied with their own needs. He felt his calf burn with an intensity that was unexpected and the coppery scent washed over his as he lifted his robe to see the brutal gash in his leg. The adrenaline left in his veins was pounding in his temples and his breathing still didn’t feel quite right. His eyes were focused on the wound and he was debating if traditional methods of healing would be best or if he should succumb to a quick fix with magic. The pros and cons weren’t particularly swaying him in either direction and the weight his body felt from exhaustion he wondered how much longer he could let it freely bleed.

“What do we have here?” The cool and charming tone came from Astarion who had crept up to Gale as he sat in the only viable chair. He felt a dull pressure in his knees and opted to be selfish for once and take a seat before offering it to Tav. Astarion’s presence caused a bit of caution in Gale. He was entirely comfortable around the man but there was always something that made Gale extremely curious about the red eyed charmer.

“It is nothing.” Gale said abruptly, not wanting the half elf to see his weakness. Who knows what influence he really had on Tav. They were not to pressed when Astarion confessed to be the vampire spawn he was even though he obviously was going to fed on Tav without permission. Something Gale thought that was extremely rude and dubious.

“Ah, don’t be coy now.” Astarion had a toothy grin and he swayed a bit side to side. The vampire spawn always seemed big on body language. Gale caught the tiniest of flares from Astarion’s nostrils. He knew then Astarion smelt the blood and perhaps considered only coming over to sneak a bite. Maybe just to lick his leg? Gale wasn’t entirely sure but he now he knew for certainty to not let his guard down.

“Let me take a look.” Astarion said gently his hand body and hand starting to near Gale but Gale flinched for a moment and gave an astute glare. He had hoped the vampire would heed his warning but his smirk had only lessened a fraction. “What? I’m not going to drain you dry if that’s what you think. There are tastier things out there than you wizard.”

Gale’s felt his pride hurt for a moment and his glare softened into a more offended look. He knew it was silly of him to take offense to that and perhaps instead he should be feeling more of a relief from that statement.

“I didn’t say that you were.” Gale started as he tried to relax his body to allow Astarion to get closer. He did not want to make a scene because the others were busy resting themselves. “Who knew someone like you would have something against older gentlemen.”

“You shouldn’t put words into others mouth, Gale.” Astarion’s tone seemed full of an array of emotions from teasing, flirting, even threatening and a mix of disappointment. Gale was not sure what to say to his response but hissed when Astarion poked at his flesh wound.

“Don’t be a baby.” Astrarion’s voice was like a soft gruff and before Gale realized it the dazzling companion in front of him was stitching up his wound. The closeness between the two of them was more intimate than he would have preferred but he accepted his fate as he closed his eyes. The wizard was not trying to be too mindful of the pain and after a few seconds it had stopped. He felt Astarion��s cool fingers trace up his calf where the wound was and when Gale peeked Astarion’s eyes were looking right into his. The companion had his finger covered in Gale’s blood and it held just before his lips. Astarion dipped the finger into his own mouth and Gale could hear the light pop come from his lips and the sound of his tongue move around inside his mouth. Gale was about to say something in exasperation but the vampire just smiled and pulled out his finger. “Maybe I was wrong about their being tastier companions.” He said in a thoughtful tone. Gale looked dismayed as the vampire spawn stood and walked away as if nothing ever happened.

#fang writes #bg3 #fang answers #100 follower celebration #bloodweave #astarion #bg3 fanfic #writing prompts #bg3 fanfiction #astarion fanfiction #astarion ancunin #baldurs gate 3 #gale of waterdeep

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one-idea · 6 months

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I love your wado ichimoji pov posts! Your only in whisky peak and show devotion well in an inanimate object well "my dumass son" (affectionately) *less than 2 weeks after starting to travel with others, the captain still believes after them losing badly*: I have 2 to protect now my son and a little king. What I'm really looking forward to 1. resignation at some point is that Sandai Kitetsu is going to continue to be here 2. the treasure trove of Timeskip on Mihawk's creepy would produce 3. sibling time with enma (Christ they have been made by the same person but wados going to be the only voice of reason between the 3).

Thank you so much!!! Sorry this took me a hot minute to respond to.

I really love that au and I want to work on it more.

As I am only in Thriller Bark I can’t speak in earnest about all of your ideas (yet) but I can hit one.

1. Wado excepting that Sandai Kitsune is here to stay.

They come to a begrudging understanding at the end of Whiskey Peak. Wado still doesn’t like Sandai and hopes Zoro gets ride of it, but at least Sandai has respect for the captain now.

It’s Alabaster where Zoro learns to cut steal when the two finally start to have a smidgen of respect for each other. After all Zoro uses all three blades to cut steal, if Sandai was truly a weak blade she would have broken by now.

Through Jaya and Skypia all three blades are focused on protecting Captain and crew. Gaining respect for some of the other crewmates (namely Robin) though throughout it all Wado is still waiting for Zoro to find a better sword.

It isn’t until Water 7 and Enies Lobby. When all three blades are in unity fighting to save one of their own. Because their King and Master wants the Archaeologist back. Because the King has lead them to an incredible fight, a test of their Skills. Because their King keeps asking them to do the impossible with total confidence that they can, they won’t let him down. (The sea train is going to be fun)

It isn’t until Yabashiri is destroyed that Wado realizes she wasn’t ready to lose either companion.

It’s been so long since she had traveled with companions who had voices. These were the first blades Zoro had, besides her, that had distinguishable voices. To hear one of those go out rattles both Wado and Sandai.

The rust man could have grabbed any of them but he grabbed Yabashiri. Her voice was gone. It takes sometime for both Wado and Sandai to come to terms with that.

While Wado is still annoyed with Sandai and her violent tendencies, she’s mellowed under Zoro’s care. Her bloodthirsty now matches his own. And while she does occasionally cry out for blood, it’s normally because of a threat to King or crew. She no longer calls for the blood of just anyone, only outside threats. Problem is those threats haven’t always attacked them yet. (Sandai’s more of a if we kill it before it can attack it can’t hurt them, sort of protector)

Wado and her still butt heads, but Sandai made it this far as a Grade blade, she’s not going anywhere soon.

Once in Thriller Bark, once they gain Shushi, another one of the 21 Great grade blades, a fully realized black blade, and Wado’s sibling to boot. Things get shaken up again.

Where Wado is motherly and protective of her dumb son’s dreams and loved ones. Aligned with Zoro in dream and crew, knowing him the longest and living up his values.

And Kitsune is Zoro’s bloodthirstiness. His violence but also protective fury. Zoro changed her from pure bloodshed to reflect his own violence. She reflects his more aggressive side.

Yabashiri was quite. One to follow Wado’s lead but still had its own personality. In that offered caution. She reflects Zoro’s observation. The ability to tell what is and isn’t a threat and when to act.

Shushi is different. Shushi already had a master take it to the full extent of its power. He is stronger and more durable. Increasing Zoro’s strength and forcing the others to rise to his level. Zoro cannot take this blade farther, rather he must rise to meet its strength and durability. Harding himself and his other blades to become the strong unbreakable protector of the crew.

Wado and Sandai are not (yet) black blades they can still grow and rise with Zoro’s power. Shushi is both a greatly needed boost and a challenge to rise to. He often thinks back on his prior master and compares Zoro to him. (He is quite pleased to be wielded by a descendent of his beloved Shimotsuki Ryuma)

Once I get to Zoro training with Mihawk I’ll talk more about them. But it’s going to be really fun to write all three swords interacting with Yoru. But it’s also going to be hard on Wado. Up until then Zoro favored her as his one sword style blade. But after his time with Mihawk it switches to Shushi. A stronger more durable blade. While the switch makes sense, I’m sure it was a hard transition for both Wado and Zoro. And I’m excited to write on it.

I am so excited to get to Wado and get Enma. It’s a needed change for Zoro to push forward. While Enma has great power on its own, it’s not yet a permanent black blade. There is still room to grow and strengthen along side Zoro. Shushi couldn’t grown anymore. Zoro had mastered it, he rose to the challenge and surpassed it. Now he needs to bring his own blades to the top.

(I really hope one of his blades becomes permanently black by the end of the show. I want it to be Wado)

Right now I’m in Thriller Bark, but the platform im watching on only has the show up to Marineford/ASL adventures so once I get through all of that, I will either rewatch all pre-time skip and start writing my Wado Ichimoji POV au and Reverse Strawhats while I wait for the platform to put up more episodes or I’ll crack and get a new subscription to watch post time skip. Only time will tell.

#one piece #roronoa zoro #zolu #one piece zolu #wado ichimonji #wadi Ichimonji pov #sandai kitetsu #yabashiri #shushi #Enma

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brellafaun · 1 month

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SWEET TOOTH AU RAMBLINGS PART TWO SPARROW (+ Lila) EDITION

in light of the finale i now live in a fantasy land. again, love to @alucardens for letting me yap <3. it's sparrow time *sparrows all over those guys*

(ps this is a companion post to this one.)

in my mind, the sparrows are way closer to the Zhang wolf boys than the brellies would've been. they're the ones who would be trained to be weapons for the Commision's gain, and they would also be the ones sent to try and track down the brellies/preserve kids. they're also slightly younger than the brellies as they wouldn't have been in the initial first wave of hybrid kids.

that being said, the Commision is under the control of the Handler at this point and she's hellbent on capturing the brellies in her crusade to cure the sick. they essentially function like the Zhang family, albeit arguably worse because we all know how the Handler runs things.

Marcus would be an ox/calf hybrid (his horns are just coming in and Viktor is only slightly jealous), Fei is a raven hybrid for obvious reasons, Alphonso is a bulldog hybrid, Sloane is a lion hybrid, Jayme's a white tiger hybrid, and Chris is a chameleon hybrid. sparrow Ben could work in this au as brelly Ben's twin brother and a river otter hybrid, but i'm not absolutely sold on that just yet.

the sparrow kids are generally much more aggressive and "wild" than other hybrids and are incredibly avoidant of adults when given the opportunity. they stick together as a pack, but infighting often occurs (and is sometimes encouraged) as they try to settle into a pecking order. i like to think they sneak "contraband" (music, books, candy, etc.) in after missions and share it, even if they're currently beefing. Marcus loves old magazines and comic books, Fei has a hidden stash of gothic horror novels, Alphonso and Jayme both love finding old CDs/cassettes and snacks, Sloane loves collecting old maps/travel guides, and Chris loves anything and everything shiny.

Lila is a maned wolf hybrid (not fox, not wolf, a secret third thing!) and the Handler's "favorite" kid out of the Commision's roster. the Handler sends her in as a more covert threat, calling her in to Grace at the preserve as a hybrid kid for pickup. she reports back on the integrity of the preserve and any weak points that the Handler could use to raid and take the brellies. she's not as good with the other kids, but she's not quite at Viktor levels of unsocialized. gradually, she realizes that Grace and the brellies are genuinely good to her and tries to break free from the Handler's control.

(Lila would also be raised to be ashamed of being a hybrid, as the Handler looks down on them. she would've dropped a lot of mannerisms that came naturally to her like wagging and vocalizations, going so far as to pin her ears down to appear human. while living at the preserve, she slowly starts to unlearn all of this)

she bonds the closest with Diego, but quickly forms friendships with all of the other brellies. Five is the most sus of her, thinking that she's too calculated and recognizing some tics he and his siblings picked up from training. the other kids are quick to defend her, saying that she's a hybrid like them and therefore deserves to be at the preserve no matter what. i think she'd figure out the best activity for each of the brellies in order to get close- sports with Luther, bracelets with Diego, collecting feathers and painting with Allison, scavenging for shiny things with Klaus, observing/surveying the preserve with Five, reading with Ben, and listening to/playing music with Viktor.

things go sideways pretty quickly after the Handler gets enough info on the preserve to launch an attack and Lila's role in her plan is revealed. the brellies make a run for it and the sparrows pursue them. along the way, they learn about hybrids' origins in Alaska, kicking off the race in season 3.

i am the yaplord supreme

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esmerulia-chantelle · 13 hours

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A/N: I remember seeing a picture of Azul as a doctor before. And then this hit me.

Notes: mentions of injuries/wounds, blood, fainting

🐙 Thinking about Azul who works as a doctor 🐙

Let's say Azul owns this clinic and works as a doctor there together with Jade and Floyd helping him as a nurse or some other staff. Then in comes you, new to the city and a fresh injury on your body from traveling.

It was the nearest clinic to you and you went to pay a visit to have your wounds treated. It wasn't anything major but the constant bleeding from the opening in your skin has you worried. You felt faint and the moment you stepped inside the clinic, you fainted.

When you came to, you opened your eyes to a white ceiling. You blinked your eyes a few times and remembered you went to the clinic. You slowly sat up with a groan and checked your body and realized the small injury was now bandaged. As you sighed in relief, you heard the sound of the door opening.

"You're finally awake."

You turned your head and saw a handsome man looking at you. He had fluffy white hair with a longer strand framing the left side of his face. He had piercing blue eyes behind his silver-rimmed glasses and a beauty mark resting on the left corner of his soft-looking lips. He donned a pressed button-up shirt and some slacks underneath the white coat. He was also wearing a pair of formal shoes as he stood tall, looking at you while holding onto a clipboard.

He closed the door and walks closer, taking a seat beside you.

"I'm Doctor Ashengrotto. How are you feeling, Mx. Y/N?"

"I'm fine. Thank you, doctor. Just feeling a bit weak... How did you find out about my name though?"

"Your passport was in your pocket and it fell out when you fainted. Rest assured. Your things are right over there." He points to your other side and you found your belongings there.

"Ahh! Thank you so much, doctor! I'm so sorry for the trouble."

"It was no trouble at all. After all, a doctor can't deny someone in need of care, right?" He flashed you a smile. "I'll call one of my nurses to get your vitals checked before we discharge you from the clinic."

As he left, you couldn't help but wonder more about Doctor Ashengrotto.

You later meet two medical staff who assisted you during your short stay in the clinic. They were twins named Jade and Floyd. Jade was calm and polite man who looked a bit mysterious, as if his eyes were always observing. Floyd was more energetic than him though you noticed his mood could shift from one to another. They were pleasant to be with though.

You finished with the things you needed to do at the clinic before leaving with your things, bags and a large suitcase in hand. You said your thanks and bid them goodbye, thinking that was it.

...ah, how wrong you were.

Because for some reason, you always keep bumping into Azul and his close companions. They were like this formidable trio in your eyes but you couldn't deny you enjoyed your company especially since you didn't know anyone in the city.

Doctor Ashengrotto, or Azul (as he insisted you call him that) or simply Zul (a nickname by you) who may have invited you to work for him in his clinic as his PA just so he could subtly spend more time with you.

Azul who has seen many injuries from accidents in life as a doctor and always acts cool and collected but when it comes to you, there's always that hint of panic and a deep-seated worry in his blue eyes when something bad happens.

Azul who invites you out to have dinner together with the twins but somehow ends up with just the two of you.

Azul who says you can stay with him for a while when you were having difficulties with the room you rented, saying it would make it easier to go to work since his home is just above the clinic and it's more convenient (so he could watch over and care for you).

You felt that you would be a bother but Azul insisted and said it was only temporary until he helps you find a new place. (Which he isn't really doing because now, he will get even MORE alone time with you when you move in with him.)

Azul who takes you with him to parties or events or gatherings and you're ALWAYS mistaken as his romantic partner. (Which he doesn't mind. And maybe you don't either.)

Azul will provide for you. He will care for you. He will spoil you and give you a life comfort. He'll do anything for you, just stay by his side.

Azul can't imagine the rest of his life without you anymore. He needs you to be his.

#twisted wonderland #azul ashengrotto #azul ashengrotto x reader #thinking about azul🐙

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xerith-42 · 9 months

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That AU where Aphmau Blows up

Shout out to @thornsofrustandash for the idea. This just came to me like a prophetic vision.

Okay so I usually change Aphmau's name because I hate calling her that, but I have warmed up to just shortening it because Aph is a really cute nickname and it's more accessible to people who can't be bothered to keep track of the 5th Aphmau rename they've read this weak.

This post is me pushing my garrancemau propaganda so if you aren't down with that, idk what to tell you you just don't have taste /j

If you're reading this, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I know this isn't what we wanted, I know I'm supposed to be better than this. I was once a lord, I should know the responsibility that comes with it, and I shouldn't be so selfish.

But I need to think for myself. Have I not earned the right to selfishness after all those years of sacrificing myself for others? That's why I have to do this. I'm sorry.

Aaron, I need you to look after Lilith. I know she's going to miss me, but you're a great father and you have plenty of people who will help you with whatever you need so long as you ask for it. That's what I've always tried to tell you, and I'll keep telling you from the great beyond if I have to.

To my guards and friends, I'll miss you dearly. I wish we could share one last celebration with one another, but after this, there will be plenty of reason for celebration. Please don't let the tragedy of my death outweigh the triumph of my accomplishments. Remember me fondly, keep love in your hearts, and go forward knowing that you are some of the best companions a woman could ask for.

And to my head guards... [There's a noticeable teardrop staining the page and causing some of the ink to bleed] I'm sorry. For everything.

Goodbye.

Aph

A tear slipped down her face again, one that Aph was quickly wiping away as she folded up the letter and left it on her bedside table. She glanced over at her bed, where Lilith was swaddled up in a blanket and snuggling her favorite doll, one Laurance had carved for her. Aph's heart dropped at the image, the final thing that would make her doubt what she was about to do.

She had to remind herself that it wasn't a guarantee it would kill her. Only a possibility. She could hear Zoey rightly correct her that it was a high possibility, but she had to do this. Aph walked over to her daughter, placed a final kiss on her forehead, and then left her home. The Phoenix Alliance was quiet. It usually was, but somehow it felt even emptier under the light of the full moon. As if they're city was as abandoned as the one they had found on the island.

Her eyes kept catching on the sings of life. A guitar leaned up against a stand, the sound of cows snoring in their pens, and the many clothes strung along the drying racks reminded her that they lived here. They were making a home here. Aph had a home. The relic fragment pulled at her, reminder her that she had to protect her home. She had to. She couldn't stand seeing that sad look in Vylad's eyes anymore.

She nearly sprinted past Lucinda's house after traveling through the portal. She couldn't let anyone find her. They might be able to talk her out of this. Luckily she knew the path like the back of her hand. The forests of Phoenix Drop had changed quite a lot over 15 years, and yet they were exactly as Aph had remembered them.

The fragment in her pocket started to pull at her further and further, as if responding to the magic around the closed portal. Aph pulled the piece out, turning over the small purple orb in her hands.

"Take me to him," She commanded, and a burst of light instantly went off, magic springing from the fragment and latching onto the frame of the portal. It flashed red, and the portal was open. She could almost see him. Aph reached her hand through, and when she did, she could instantly feel the heavy blue fabric she knew so well. "Garroth!"

Aph pulled, yanking him out of the dimension and to the floor, where he was instantly followed by Zane who now stood before her. The relic fragment in her hand continued to spark with magic even as she tried to close the portal. Both Garroth and Zane needed a moment to readjust to being in the overworld. It was Zane who took less time, who realized where he was, and who he was in front of.

Bright white angel wings filled Garroth's vision as he looked up at the lord he loved so dearly.

"A-Aph?" Garroth muttered out. "What are you doing?"

"Saving your life," She answered, a smile evident in her voice. Though it faintly echoed with an unfamiliar sound, overlapping with the voice of another. "I'm sorry I couldn't do it before!"

"Wait!" Her hand shot forward, reaching straight for Zane's chest as she held onto the fragment even tighter, trying to hone and focus all the stray magic that was jumping from it.

"W-What are you doing?!" Zane gasped out as he saw her eyes start to glow white. "YOU'LL KILL US BOTH!!" Finally, she had clarity. Zane had put it so well. In order to succeed, she had to kill them both. A relic for a relic, a life for a life.

"That's the plan." Aph turned around and looked down at Garroth, her eyes becoming amber for this final moment. "I love you." A blinding white light filled her eyes, and an explosion rang out across the land.

"What happened?!" Dante nearly screamed as he raced to the explosion site. He prayed that Alexis would find no refugees were harmed, but all thoughts were swept from his mind when he got a clear view of the crater where the forest once was. Black and purple essence was scattered across the destroyed land, some parts were still actively on fire, and near the edge of the crater was Garroth. "Garroth?!"

Dante didn't get a reply. Garroth was still in shock, his hands trembling, and his eyes trying to cry. He was trying, but all he could seem to do was shake.

"Garroth, what happened?" Dante's voice sounded far, like he was talking to someone else. Garroth fell to his knees as he saw what laid at his feet where she once stood. A leather bound notebook with a rather crude "Aph" carved into the front of it. It was worn, clearly loved, and when Garroth traced his fingers over the poor thing like it would break, he could almost feel her life force coming from the pages.

It should have been louder. Garroth should have been filled with anger, something violent, something heard. Instead, the moment he held her diary in his hands, Garroth broke out into the sort of weeping he hadn't allowed since he was a child. Since the last time he lost someone this important to him. Garroth's crying was quiet. His tears were plentiful, but the sound was reserved, only a few sobs escaping between gasps for breath.

"Dante!" Travis called out, only seeing the backs of the two men. "Dante, what's going--" He stopped short when Dante turned around and he saw the tears streaming down his face. It made both men freeze at the sudden display of emotion. "What... What happened?" Dante glanced back at the weeping Garroth, and opted to step away and bring the conversation somewhere he couldn't hear.

"I-I don't really have any details yet. Garroth's not exactly comprehensible right now," Dante explained with a shaky voice. Travis faintly wanted to hold his shaking hands, just to console him a little. "Seems like nobody else was harmed in the explosion... Except..."

"Except...?" Travis repeated.

"A-Aph. I'm pretty sure she was the uh... The cause." Travis could hear his heart beating in his head as the entire world came out of focus. He couldn't really process what Dante said at first, and when he did, he felt numb. Like he should have some big reaction to the information, but instead it just left him feeling cold. "I-I'm going to keep looking around, see if I can't find a sign that she's alive."

"Yeah, y-you should do that. I'm... Enki help me, I don't know what I'm going to do."

"You could help me." Travis didn't have the heart to tell Dante his effort would be fruitless. It's not like Dante would listen anyways.

"I think I'm going to go tell the others." Dante nodded, before walking back towards the site. Travis' body moved without his own will, his legs suddenly having a mind of their own. His head felt heavy and yet also weightless, and he felt dizzy. Things only came into clarity for a moment when he saw Katelyn limping down the path through Phoenix Drop towards him.

That was when Travis got a hold of himself again, and he was suddenly racing towards her, catching Katelyn's weak form in his arms like it was instinct.

"Katelyn? What are you doing out of bed?!" Travis almost yelled.

"Like I was gonna sit still after hearing that," Katelyn groaned as she leaned against his weight. Travis' arm wrapped around her waist to hold her up like it was nothing. "What happened?"

"Still figuring that out."

"Where's Aph? I-Is she safe?" Travis's heart dropped, and he could feel the beginning of tears.

"I-I don't know."

"You don't know what?! Where she is or if she's safe?! You're her guard you should--" Katelyn stopped her yelling when she saw the tear finally slip down Travis' cheek. "No, no, no. Don't--"

"I-I'm sorry, Katelyn."

"No! She can't be!!" Katelyn was suddenly fighting against Travis, trying to break free from the grip he had on her waist. Instead, it just turned into Travis pulling her in even closer, wrapping both his arms around her tightly as Katelyn began to wail. The sound of her agony was enough to finally push those stubborn tears from Travis' eyes as e clung onto her.

They barely noticed the figure rush past them. His vision was somehow hazier than usual with the added tears in his eyes. It was when he stumbled into the crater and saw the man standing before him that the whirlwind of emotions quieted down, and Laurance was able to hear his own thoughts, feel his body again.

Mere moments before he felt an unholy amount of pain, a miserable feeling of mourning consumed every part of his body, and when he saw what remained he realized why. He saw Garroth's absolutely pitiful expression as he clutched onto her diary like a lifeline. Laurance's mind was quiet at first. Just him. Just the realization of all he had lost in a single moment. And all he was now able to lose.

Finally there was a sound to rival the explosion, a single noise to encapsulate the grief. A miserable scream that cracked and broke as it continued to tear through the land as Laurance came to terms with everything he had lost, and everything he was about to lose. The poor man could only fall to his knees and scream as it all came crashing down on him. A cacophony of voices filled his ears, only making it worse as tears forced their way through glassy eyes.

The voices of the calling were the same, yet because they called for something new, none of them sounded right. Nothing was right. Laurance's body felt like it was being ripped apart all over again and it didn't even matter this time because she was gone. He had failed her and possibly doomed everyone because of it. Every time Laurance tried to focus on the anguish of her loss, it was always weighed down by the agony of his own curse. The curse he bore for her sake was now meaningless.

Eventually Laurance's voice went hoarse. It was only then that he finally looked up and saw Garroth. The man he had spent so long fighting to get back, the man who he was ready to rip apart the realm barrier for, the man who was so loved he had more than one person willing to do that. Adoration and love swelled in Laurance for a moment, and emotion got the better of him. Laurance threw himself into Garroth's arms, and Garroth caught him and held him like it was the easiest thing in the world. He held Laurance's sobbing form and continued to weep himself.

Neither knew how to feel about the few tears of joy they initially shed while holding each other. They didn't last very long, and were rather quickly overshadowed by mourning. Garroth managed to stand up and walk the two of them away from the crater, before he collapsed against a tree and allowed his body to finally relax.

Neither Laurance or Garroth spoke for quite some time. It was just the two of them and her diary. At some point Garroth must have decided he'd had enough of wearing the heavy armor, but he never set Laurance down. Even as they walked through the streets of an empty Phoenix Drop that Garroth wanted nothing more than to explore. He'd need time to adjust to their new world, he knew that, but he always dreamed he'd do it hand in hand with the people he cared most about. He never imagined it would be him and Laurance stumbling into Aph's empty home at the top of the hill, and then collapsing before they could get to their own bed.

Now Garroth lay on the floor, Laurance still on top of him, and both of them seemingly run out of tears. That wouldn't last long.

"We should at least get to bed," Garroth suggested quietly. He was met with the sound of Laurance's sniffles.

"I can't," Laurance answered.

"Why not?" Laurance sat up, finally getting off of Garroth and letting him sit up. Laurance tried in vain to wipe his eyes, knowing it likely wouldn't do anything.

"I-I can't. I can't be around you for much longer."

"Why? What's wrong?" Laurance's body began to tremble. His blood ran hot. If his voice weren't already so hoarse, Laurance might have screamed. No no no this couldn't be real-- "Laurance, please talk to me."

"I can't!" Laurance backed away from Garroth, but refusing to move too much. He wasn't sure if he moved if he would have control of his body. He couldn't take the risk. "Calling!" That's all Garroth needed to hear.

The calling. He'd helped Laurance with it before, and Aph had told him how it was harming Laurance. Neither knew too many specifics unless Laurance disclosed them, but Garroth did know exactly what he was saying. There was no doubt that Dante's effort to find her was meaningless. She was dead and Laurance knew the second it happened. And now the calling had simply switched targets.

"I..." Garroth's voice trailed off. What was he supposed to say?

Aph would know what to say.

The thought made Garroth feel like crying all over again, but he didn't dare look away from Laurance. Especially not when he saw his eyes flash red.

"I'm sorry," Laurance whispered. "I love you." And like that, he was gone. In almost an instant Laurance had stood up and taken off, faster than Garroth was capable of keeping up with.

"Laurance!!" He desperately cried out, scrambling to stand up in his heavy armor, and barely making it to their door before he realized it was hopeless. As the sun started to peek over the horizon, Garroth looked out upon an almost empty Phoenix Drop, and he couldn't contain his anguish anymore. Garroth fell to his knees in the doorway of his beloveds home, and wept for his lost lovers once more.

hi i actually have a lot more ideas about this but this post is really long and writing this au is literally hurting me so I'm gonna make another post with more stuff later okay bye

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