#but I don’t don’t trust them to be able to keep a child alive

[slightly-depressed-sloth]

Can’t stop thinking about the fact that one day there will be 3 Casey Jones’s running around in the wild 

COMMISSIONS OPEN

[chaoticbardlady99]

Pinkie Promise? (Astarion x F! reader) MDNI 18+

Author note- this is specifically for @spitfireunhinged who wrote a beautiful little post with a concept that I adored. I hope I did it justice and you enjoy!

CW- NSFW, mentions of SA

Synopsis- You tell Astarion that you don’t think sex is as good as people say it is. Astarion is determined to prove you wrong.

*not my pic. Please let me know if it is yours so I can give credit

I rewrote this like 7 times. This draft is lightly edited, but I couldn’t wait to post it!

Part 2: I Triple Dog Dare You

Astarion had heard the phrase “pinky promise” before. It was usually between Leon and Victoria before Leon left for a hunt. She always made Leon pinkie promise that he would come home and Leon always swore it- his pinkie hooked with hers.

The whole thing made Astarion vomit, but he thought it was just a “them” thing since he had never heard it before.

Then you used it on him and he had hurt your feelings terribly. He had called you a child and then proceeded to mock you.

You had just smiled at him sweetly like you usually do, apologized for invading his space, and for crossing his boundaries.

When Astarion had come by an hour or two later to drop off a book he ‘borrowed’ (it was his book, but he wanted an excuse to talk to you again), he heard you sniffling and asking Karlach if you were a child. You were so upset by his judgment because you like him as a person and thought the two of you were friends. Karlach said that some people just aren’t capable of being nice.

Astarion found you after Karlach went to sleep and pinkie promised to never call you a child again (and that he doesn’t think you are a child).

Suddenly, it was your thing and it slowly became more enduring as time went on. A part of him was envious if Karlach or Gale offered you the gesture first and you would give them one of your breathtaking smiles. He wishes he could initiate it, but it feels far too intimate to him. Asking someone to promise him something? Perish the thought! No one can truly be trusted. Well- maybe you can be trusted.

Astarion doesn’t know when he became so infatuated with you and your existence. Maybe it was that first night at camp when the two of you got to know each other a little bit better. You hadn’t been able to sleep because you were struggling to adjust to the new environment. You asked him lots of questions that he honestly had struggled to answer, but you were actually interested in him- not just his body.

Astarion was beginning to crave your presence and he despised sharing it with anyone else. One time he even went as far as making you pinkie promise you wouldn’t kiss Gale when he had called you over. You had scoffed and said that is ridiculous because “Gale would not kiss you ever, yuck!” , but did it anyway.

Low and behold- Gale did not get his kiss. He’s tried since, but you have rejected his advances. Astarion likes to think it’s because you like him more- want him more.

So maybe that’s why he was quick to drag you away from the Tiefling party after you had made your rounds- not wanting to watch you be with another person a second longer. You let him take your hand and you giggle as he chastises you for taking so long to talk to everyone else.

“How dare my self-proclaimed ‘best friend’ spend so much time not in my presence!” Astarion melodramatically states, “I am hurt, Darling. I thought we had something special.”

You blow air out of your mouth with an eye roll and smile at him.

“Well of course we do,” you say matter of factly, “but I also knew the minute I went to talk to you that I wouldn’t talk to anyone else.

“I’m the fearless leader!” You say with emphasis, “Leader of the Freakshow- welcome one and all to the most traumatized individuals alive!”

Astarion’s chest bursts with laughter, “how very on the nose of you, my Dear.”

“I must keep all of us humble, my Sweet,” you say boldly.

He tsks at you and twirls you around, “I’m afraid you aren’t allowed to steal my lines- that is going to cost you.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Certainly.”

“Name your price.”

Astarion pauses- right now doesn’t feel like the moment to go full throttle. He has more work to do.

“I need time to think,” he says lewdly, “there are so many things I could ask for, after all.”

You hum in agreement and smile at him coyly.

Maybe it’s because you are the first person he has actively sought out since he has been released from Cazador’s grasp.

Astarion guides you to a spot in the meadow he had found earlier. Well- actually he had followed Gale to it earlier- Astarion just found an even better spot like 10 yards away.

Gale had stupidly announced to Wyll around the campfire that he was going to ask to spend time with you alone tonight.

There was immediately not a chance in hells that that was going to happen. Gale found a nice spot in the forest- Astarion found a better one. Gale brought a blanket and wine? Pfft, Astarion can do that.

You stop in front of the blanket and wine before you look at him- a nice blush running up your neck.

“Is this for-?” You seem surprised.

Which Astarion finds very interesting considering you are from Noble society- shouldn’t you be used to being courted? Astarion is almost certain you’d have at least a hundred suitors.

“For you?” He smiles charmingly, “well of course, only the best for you, my Dear.”

You duck your head and you blush even harder. Astarion guides you to sit with him. You both drink the wine and talk. You ask him questions about himself and he asks plenty about you.

Astarion isn’t sure when the conversation turns into talking about sex- that had always been the original intention of the conversation.

“Sex can’t possibly be all that great.”

“Pardon?”

You shrug your shoulders and slightly slur the sentence again with emphasis.

“Sex can’t possibly be all that great.”

Astarion is shocked to his core. You flirt back and forth with him as if you’ve bedded at least a couple men.

“You’ve never?”

“No.”

“How?”

You look at him with a puzzled expression. You are staring at him as if he’s grown a second head.

Hypocrite. You’re the one spewing none sense!

“How?” You state incredulously, “you have looked at me right?”

Oh yes and I’ve imagined fucking you until you are screaming my name, but that’s beside the point I suppose.

“I’m nothing much to look at. I’m always the friend- never the girlfriend or the lover or whatever!” You emphasize with your hands, “no one has ever felt that way about me and if they have- they’ve never gone for it so I assume it’s just not that much fun.”

Astarion feels like he’s dying all over again. That was your assumption? Not that you might be horrifically oblivious because he’s only tried to to get in your pants several times. One time he quite literally asked you to come to his bed that night and you showed up with a book.

“Darling,” Astarion’s exasperation obvious, “I’ve been trying to have sex with you for a couple weeks now. Probably even more than that at this point.”

You stare at him with wide, unblinking eyes.

“You,” you stammer, “you want to? With me? No way.”

You laugh nervously, “you are beautiful and intelligent and-“

“No, no way.”

Astarion raises an eyebrow at you and smiles seductively. Your lips part slightly as he pushes you on your back and parts your legs with his knee.

Your arms automatically wrap around his neck- your pupils blown wide with lust. Astarion kisses to the left and right of your lips- grinning when he hears your huff in frustration.

“You sure do keen a lot for someone who doesn’t think sex could possibly be ‘that good’, Darling,” Astarion coos, you tighten your lips in embarrassment.

Astarion rolls his eyes at you and cups your face while putting his thumb in your mouth, pressing down on your tongue. You hum with pleasure and peer at him through hooded eye lids. Astarion feels his cock strain against his pants

“So, my Dear,” Astarion drawls, “do you want me to fuck you? Would you like to see all the bliss you are missing out on?”

You nod eagerly and Astarion presses his thigh against your growing heat. You whine around his thumb and you run your tongue against his skin.

Fuck.

“Are you going to be a good girl for me?” He asks hotly.

You nod- Astarion can smell your arousal and feel it seeping through both of your pants.

“Pinkie promise?” He says teasingly, pulling his thumb out of your mouth to hold out his pinkie.

You hook your pinkie with his and whisper, “pinkie promise.”

Astarion pulls you in for a mind numbing kiss- caressing your lips with his until you are keeping up with his pace. He feels your arms around his neck pull him in deeper.

Your kiss against his lips is sweet and intoxicating- for a second he completely forgets about the purpose of the evening. Astarion could sit here and just kiss you like this until the sun comes up.

Your breathing hitches and Astarion watches as you desperately try to find release by riding his thigh- your movements erratic and wanting. The sounds you are making fill him with excitement and for the first time in a while- he’s actually eager to be inside someone.

He realizes your moaning has become muffled all of a sudden and he looks up to find you covering your mouth- your cheeks and ears are bright red while you pant with arousal.

Astarion laces his fingers through yours and holds your hands down on either side of your head- your pupils are blown wide from lust. The galloping of your heart is like music to his ears.

“Oh no,” he whispers seductively, “do not keep those delicious moans of yours from me, Darling. You promised to be good, remember?”

“Y-yes,” you say between heavy breaths- this time you are the one to surprise him by closing the space between the two of you with a needy kiss.

Astarion unlaces his fingers from yours as he begins unlacing your trousers- quickly discarding them to reveal your soaked underclothes. He growls involuntarily as the smell of your arousal hits the back of his throat- you smell incredible.

Astarion could leave it at just taking your pants off for now, but Gods does he want to see more and if you are willing to let him, then he is not going to deny himself the pleasure of being able to touch and kiss every inch of your body.

Your shirt is next and you don’t even fight it- helping him get the article of clothing off and helping him discard his shirt as well. Astarion stops and looks down upon your naked form.

“Gods you are exquisite,” Astarion says as he begins to kiss down your naval, “open your legs for me, Darling.”

He leaves tiny love bites as he goes- wanting to make sure everyone knows exactly who you belong to. You are a whimpering mess underneath his touch as he presses his fingers to your clothed clit- teasing you slowly.

“Asta-“

You are cut off by your own sounds of pleasure leaving your throat as he slips your underwear off- slowly pushing one finger into you while playing with your clit using his tongue. A string of curse words leaves your mouth as he begins to pick up the pace with his fingers and basks in the way pleasure looks on your face, how your body is writhing for him, and the tumbling praises for him echo through the clearing.

He rolls your sensitive nub between his teeth and he has to hold your hips down as you keen underneath his touch. Astarion adds a second finger- still meeting some resistance, but you aren’t stopping him, in fact- you are giving him complete access using your tadpole right now (intentionally or not) and he can feel how desperate you are to feel fuller. Then he adds the second fingers and the euphoria that rings through your body goes straight to his groan. Astarion can feel his cock straining against his pants as he brings you over the edge with his fingers and mouth- your sweet pleasure dripping down his chin and his fingers. He languidly cleans his fingers off with his mouth, humming in delight while making eye contact with you.

Your eyes are half lidded and glassy- your mouth is slightly parted open. He leans forward and leaves a chaste kiss on them and begins unlacing his own pants- slipping them off and throwing them to the side- his underwear quickly following.

Astarion lines himself up with your entrance- your orgasm coating the head of his cock and he has to fight the urge to slam into you right away. He lines himself up with your entrance- teasing you. You look more nervous now than lustful and Astarion feels his gaze soften. He hovers over you and caresses the side of your face with his thumb. The last thing he wants is to start with you in the wrong headspace.

"Wrap your legs around my waist."

You obediently comply- your back slightly arching and your pert nipples are touching his chest. You sigh in arousal at the contact.

“This may hurt a little,” he says, “we can stop whenever or however much you need- we can stop completely and try again another time even.

“But do you want me to continue?”

You smile up at him with relief and nod coyly.

“I trust you, but please go slow,” you whisper.

Astarion feels a tightness in his chest when you look up at him. Your eyes are so vulnerable and of all the people you’ve decided to trust you chose him. Astarion is fighting not to dissociate- wanting to give you his full attention.

Astarion slowly begins to push inside you. You cry out and clutch at his shoulders- taking a sharp breath as he slowly sheaths himself inside you. Astarion has to fight the want- no need to go faster- you are so damn tight and Astarion is almost wondering if he should have done more foreplay.

He rocks in and out of you- making sure to check on your facial expressions. There are tears pricking your eyes, but your look of discomfort is becoming more and more euphoric as he keeps rolling his hips into you gently.

“Hells darling,” Astarion manages to moan out through clenched teeth, “you feel so fucking good.”

You whimper at his praise and Astarion lifts you up by the hips so he can get a better angle. He thrusts a minuscule harder this time and the whimper that leaves your mouth is making him feel positively feral.

“Astarion,” you whine, “ple- please I need more.”

You definitely don’t have to tell him twice. Astarion snaps himself up into you at a faster pass- your keening only encouraging him to go faster- both of you moaning and gasping while clawing at each other. For the first time in the last 200 years- Astarion does not want to stop. Despite the feelings that are always there, this may be the only time he’s actually experienced bliss while being with someone.

"Such a good little pup, aren't you?"

You clench around him at his words, you beg him to fuck you harder, and he drops your hips back to the ground before putting his face into the crook of your neck- kissing and praising you as you ride out your high.

“You were such a good girl for me,” he breathes into your air, “thank you.”

Your hands find purchase in his hair, tugging his lips to yours. If he needed air, the kiss would have suffocated him from how intense and wanting it was- the air between the both of you feels alive and Astarion barely registers that he’s finishing inside you until he’s collapsed on top of you- his head resting on your chest as it races in time with your breathing.

“That was amazing,” you say breathlessly and Astarion can’t help but laugh.

“I told you so.”

You plafully slap his arm and laugh- the sound filling his body with comfort. He can hear your heart beat begin to slow down and your breathing becomes deeper.

“Thank you Astarion,” you say sleepily, dozing off with your hands teasing his curls, “not just for this- for everything. I feel worth something when I’m with you.”

You yawn and Astarion tries to focus on the sound instead of the twisting guilt in his stomach. He cares for you too and that might be where he fucked up.

Your breathing quickly evens out and he is drowning in the smell of sex and rose water- a scent he heavily associates with you. Astarion stays there with his head on top of your chest- trying to get his bearings together. That was like no other sexual encounter he has experienced before- it was blissful- so why the hell is he about to have the melt down of the century?

“Shit,” you jolt awake, accidentally pushing Astarion off you- your eyes are still glassy “sorry I should probably not just fall asleep here- I’m sure you want to get back to your tent…”

Astarion pulls you back down and against his chest as if it’s exactly where you belong. The idea of you leaving right now makes his soul twist painfully. No, he needs you to stay. Existing is easier with you around- it has been since he met you on the beach.

“Stay,” he whispers, “please.”

There is a pause and he worries he may have overstepped his bounds. You look up at him with sleepy, kind eyes. If peace were to have a face- it would be yours.

“I’ll stay as long as you want me to.” You smile at him sweetly.

The word leaves his mouth before he can stop himself, “pinkie promise?”

You give him the biggest, toothiest grin he has ever seen. Astarion is certain you may be the single most beautiful person he’s ever met.

You take his pinky in yours and then place a soft kiss against his cold lips.

As you pull away, you whisper against his mouth, “I pinky promise.”

[adonis-koo]

wicked • 17

↳ Summary: In a desperate hope to stop war from breaking you are a serviced to wed the most vile man alive, the one who has committed atrocities and war crimes beyond comprehension, he who is responsible for the fall of many nations, the wicked prince who’s heart is made of stone. You are to marry a man who challenges every belief and moral you stand for, all while being faced in a foreign land with nobody but yourself too trust…But are you both truly that different? Or is hate not too far from love?

↳ Pairing: Jungkook/reader

↳ Genre: arranged marriage AU, enemies to lovers, it’s kind of a period AU??? Historical but also technically not? prince!AU, eventual smut

Word Count: 8k

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Note: it’s actually difficult to believe it’s been eight months since I’ve updated, went through two jobs, a friend group and a boyfriend who gaslit the absolute fuck out of me and made me experience female hysteria 😍 I wrote this chapter the night he broke up with me so it just has that nice little extra touch of ✨ intensity ✨ enjoy lovies and I will be back hopefully sooner then last time with another update

It felt wrong, packing a small case of clothes while so many things at the castle had yet to play out, and Wheein’s life was hanging in the balance of it.

You had no intentions to trudge your way to the barracks but here you were; early morning where all of the guards were training and the person you were looking for was watching them, hands on his hips as he called out to one of them to tighten their guard.

You hadn’t planned on talking to him today, but leaving without so much as saying a word felt wrong, and perhaps after everything that had happened you were searching for sober reassurance.

“Jungkook.”

Everybody froze at the sound of your voice, you ignored all the eyes on you, after having lived in Penumbra for almost a year, you had somewhere along the way gotten used to all of the eyes that constantly followed you.

The guards exchanged awkward glances with one another, Jungkook looked surprised by your appearance, eyes glancing over you as if you were a hallucination, but after a moment it was evident you weren’t going to disappear upon blinking.

He glanced between you and the guards before he waved them off, “Keep going.”

You couldn’t stand the hopeful look in his eyes, almost a bit bashful as you walked in line with him further away from the barracks, “How can you expect me to leave the castle when Wheein is in a dungeon? And furthermore sending your aunt to try and reconcile with me?”

Jungkook frowned, “Well I doubted you wanted to see me after my drunk display- which truth be told I hardly remember anything I said, and It’s probably for the best that I don’t, Y/n…” He sighed as he stopped, “It was only a suggestion, it crossed my mind about the estate because truthfully I think you would like it there, and it would be safe,” His hands tenderly grabbed your shoulders as your lips curled in anger but you said nothing, “And I think it would be good for you to put all of this out of your head for a few days. I’ll continue to handle things here and if things change with Wheein trust that I’ll be able to take care of it.”

Your expression didn’t change as Jungkook frowned, “I would also like to remind you that she’s been one of my closest friends since I was a child. You’re not the only one who cares for her.”

You begrudgingly looked away from him but your expression softened, a stab of guilt surging through your stomach at the realization that he was very much right, “I know, I’m sorry I just-”

“Don’t be,” Jungkook replied, “You have a mean bite but I can appreciate your loyalty. I can’t undo the past but I want to make things right. I…” Jungkook paused, looking hesitant his eyes darting away from you and then back to you once more.

You offered no words forcing him to sigh, as if it was difficult for him to admit, “I want to be with you Y/n, not as two people amicable due to marriage or friends on uneasy terms…” He bit down on his cheek, unable to hold your steely gaze as his hand hesitantly reached out, tenderly stroking along your jawline, “I want more than that with you, I want all of the fire and all of the rage, I want the pain, the hardships. I want you, all of you, every flaw that makes you, you.”

You hadn’t even realized your eyes had blurred until his thumbs were tenderly pushing your tears away, “Is this a declaration?”

“It’s a promise.” Jungkook’s eyes held such a softness in them filled with something you still felt uncertain to assume, “You told me that you wanted to bear the deepest parts of yourself to me, all of your insecurities, the parts you don’t like about yourself, the parts you may even hate, so I am standing here to tell you to show me, show me all of it, and I will still take you as you are.”

He was saying many overwhelming words to you, but you knew he was dancing around the most important word, you could see it in his eyes, how it lingered on the tip of his tongue.

But something was stopping him from truly confessing it.

Perhaps even after all of these months, it was still too soon.

Evidently so given your circumstances.

“I don’t want you away from me,” Jungkook admitted, a frown slowly forming on his lips, “But if that’s what it takes, I would wait a lifetime if it meant your forgiveness, if it meant a second chance to be with you.”

“Is that why you’re willing to send me away?” You sniffled, “Otherwise you’ll continue to drink and wake me up in the middle of the night?”

“It wasn’t my finest moment,” Jungkook gave a weak smile, “But you can’t deny it got my point across didn’t it?”

Just his smile made something in you crumble, a vast desire to embrace him here and to forgive him, surely you could put this all behind you…?

But a bigger part of you didn’t want to rush this, you didn’t want to be complacent anymore, that was how you got into this situation, how you immediately jumped to Claudin’s offer rather than confide in the person you were married to.

It was such a raw feeling, you could feel it licking at your very soul, trying to tame your desire to throw all caution to the wind once more.

And for a brief moment you could feel Jungkook have the same reaction as you, as if it took every fiber in his being to not beg you to stay, you don’t know if you could stand your ground against him again if he came on as strong as he had last night.

“Just for a few days.” You whispered out as he frowned, giving you an understanding nod.

“You’ll love it there.” His hands finally let go of you, somewhat reluctantly.

And then it was silent for a long moment, tension still lingering in the air and both of you clearly hesitant.

“Then…I’ll see you in a few days.” You mumbled and Jungkook nodded once more. It felt like the ground was trying to engulf your feet as you turned around, feeling oddly empty at your goodbye, waiting for something that wouldn’t come.

What was it you had hoped for? A hug…?

Maybe a kiss…?

But then again, it felt as though you were no longer deserving of those things, Jungkook may have done things to hurt you but you had also done things to hurt him, how could you both love one another if you couldn’t trust one another first?

You wished Jungkook had reached out for you, to at least give you some form of affection before leaving, but he also knew this was true, and let you leave with no grief.

It left you feeling empty inside, but this was for the best.

You journeyed over horseback for the day, trying to leave your fretting heart behind as you nervously glanced back at the far away sight of the castle, what if something developed with Wheein?

You felt as though you were betraying her just by leaving, more than anything you were desperate to get her back, perhaps that was why Jungkook was sending you away, as if he sensed your desperation would only heighten the longer this went on.

Dare you say, he feared the worst might happen if you stayed.

Your grip tightened on your reigns, once more trying to put it out of your mind, taking a deep breath you took in the heady scent of the pine tree’s the surrounded you, the Estate was much closer to the mountains then you had anticipated, by midday you had journeyed far enough that snow had already reached the ground.

“Are you nervous?” Yoongi had slowed his horse down to ride next to you, his eyes however still scoured ahead for possible danger.

“What do you mean?” You frowned as you glanced at his back, hearing a branch snap as your eyes darted towards the left of him.

Your faithful companion Fenrir having accidentally broke the branch he had been carrying in his mouth the past hour he had grown fond of, a whine leaving him in disappointment as he picked up the bigger side.

“Journeying away from the castle during these trying times…” Yoongi glanced back at you, a frown of his own, “It can’t be easy leaving with everything that’s happened.”

You didn’t reply for a long moment, Yoongi slowed down to ride beside you as he curiously took in your expression.

It was silent for a long moment before you finally relented, “It is difficult, but…After a long night, I figured this was probably best. It seems like my involvement in things only tends to make them worse. And truthfully there's no telling what lengths I’d go to at this point to get Wheein back.”

“Oh?” Yoongi looked curiosity once more, “I didn’t realize you had such a taste for danger.”

His joke made a smile finally tug on your lips, “Neither did I before coming to Penumbra. It seems this kingdom has a way of bringing out the primitive nature in me. But then again, it seems people have always looked down on me when I think of it.”

“On you?” Yoongi scoffed in amusement, “Dryad Matron of Eunoia? It’s difficult to believe, you’re like a pillar of light to the commonwealth of Penumbra, it used to drive the Prince nuts during your engagement.”

“It did…?” You peered somewhat hesitantly at him.

This made Yoongi grin, “Oh yes, when news of your engagement first broke out it had the people ecstatic, it had him gagging every second he heard good things of you.”

“This is hardly making me feel better…” You winced, though a small part of you was amused to hear this, though you wish you could say the same.

It always seemed to you that people in Penumbra didn’t fully grasp just how much people feared them on the outside world, instead poking fun at the titles they had earned as if it was a little joke.

The whole two years of your engagement are two years you’d rather die then live through again, the anxiety that kept you up at night, the endless amounts of tears you cried, the emptiness it left inside you how no one even tried to comfort you.

Looking back you understood, nobody wanted to feed you lies to comfort you, but at the time, you didn’t understand, it felt cruel.

“Not everyone feels that way about me, evidently from what I saw in the Underside.” You replied, somewhat reminiscing on the horrendous memory of the mock version of you.

“You shouldn’t pay that any mind,” Yoongi scoffed, “The humor is juvenile there, everything it stands for is juvenile, even it’s name; the Underside was a joke, a mockery meant for every royal that has to say it’s name with seriousness, point being- they don’t respect anyone who won’t give them money.”

You only shook your head, “It’s not just that though, there has always been a small part of people and court alike who haven’t liked me, even long before I was engaged to Jungkook. I was known for having a temper,” It made you smile wryly, “-The Bitch of Eunoia, that’s what they ran around calling me behind my back. It was horrendous in Kimhae.”

“Was it now?” Yoongi looked amused by this, “That in some ways does, and doesn’t surprise me.”

“The court ladies in Eunoia often liked to call me that as well. But it was very pronounced by Kimhae court men. When I was younger, I used to wear traditional Eunoian attire when i’d visit. Apparently shoulders and knee’s used to drive them crazy. I had one of the aristocrats boldly ask me if I was an exotic woman of the night, willing to pay for me.”

Yoongi’s jaw had dropped making you laugh as he gestured you on, “What did you say?”

“Something along the lines of calling him a perverted old man whom ought to have his loins cut off for making such a comment to a women- let alone a Princess.” The memory made you smile as you shook your head, “The Bitch of Eunoia…why is it men are allowed to be angry Yoongi? Why is it women are shamed so?”

Yoongi let out a hum, “This is indeed a good question, but perhap it’s because they know a woman's scorn could even bring heaven out of the sky. I’m not all too surprised about Kimhae- but you said Eunoians called you this as well?”

Your smile became saddened, “By many court ladies yes,” You scratched your cheek in thought, “I was always lonely as a child…the war took a toll on me, I was temperamental and childish. But the court ladies as children, also liked to mock me and egg me on. As we grew older they grew closer and I still stayed a distance away. They’d find any reason to pick me apart or give me more work to do. They were practically leaping for joy when the news broke that I was engaged.”

“Why do you think that was though?” Yoongi asked, “That they didn’t like you?”

You shrugged, you had never really thought about it much, rather you preferred to keep the past where it was rather then dwell on it, “I suppose it had a lot to do with the fact that while we were all training to be healers I excelled more at it, it came naturally to me and they ended up putting me in the tents before the others. They all assumed it was from favoritism…Maybe it was,” You pondered on this briefly, “I just remember thinking it wasn’t fair.”

“Fair?”

You didn’t elaborate on the word for a long moment, feeling something akin to guilt bubble in your stomach.

You glanced off into the distance where the mountains towered high, it made you feel so tiny in comparison to its greatness, and briefly you felt awe.

You always admired nature, how vast it was compared to you and all your humanly troubles, you turned to it and it’s kin when you needed comfort and in these moments you could turn to it when you were also troubled with words.

It was difficult to adequately explain to people the rage you had felt since you were a child, anger had always been in your bones, from the moment you were born. Your mother used to tell you, that when she gave birth, you had come out of her womb with a roaring cry.

You craved to be vulnerable, to be soft and tender, to be all the things you were not, and you were many things, just not those.

Many people people heard you, they just never listened, didn’t understand.

“I had a lot of resentment as a child, to everything, the war, my parents, our country. I didn’t want to be a healer, I didn’t want to have to watch people in my care die, I didn’t want to attend the burnings or hear the whales of agony and pain, the cries of mourning, the people who blamed me for not being able to save their loved ones.”

You would be lying if you said you didn’t feel haunted by those memories, watching the lifeforce leave someone's body as you tried to stop the bleeding, the maimed limbs and mangled bodies that were beyond your skill or help.

“I didn’t want to be made to go past our lesson times to keep studying, or made to go back in to practice when all the other girls were allowed to play. Or put in a tent over night while they all slept. It wasn’t fair.”You mumbled, perhaps still a lingering tone of resentment.

The past was the past, it couldn’t be changed, you had come to terms with this, but if you stopped and really thought about it, old feelings old eventually begin to resurface, it was why you tried so desperately to just forget about it.

At one time you blamed Penumbra, you hated it’s people for what they did, what they caused.

But then you married Jungkook and you journeyed here yourself, and saw with your own eyes, that these people, were simply people, who were also victims of their own royalty.

You felt the soft grip of a hand on your shoulder, “I am sorry, for what it’s worth,” Yoongi held a face of sympathy, “We all felt the same, or…I suppose a mutual feeling on the opposite side of things. Children being forced to enlist into a war we didn’t want to wage with little choice…”

You gently grabbed his hand giving it a small squeeze, a weak smile on your face, “It wasn’t fair for any of us. We’re all a bi-product of our parents' sins. It’s up to us now to break that cycle.”

You had arrived to the estate by nightfall and it was shrouded in tall pine and fir trees, the aroma had you closing your eyes for a moment to savor it, just as Jungkook said, it truly was beautiful.

Snow covered the ground in a few inches, and a chill was left in your bones, but you settled in rather nicely, Yoongi had managed to get a fire going rather quickly and it was quiet in the solitude of the estate.

For once, it was nice to be able to breathe without being watched.

The first two days had went by surprisingly quick, but you had found a natural rhythm in nature, you went on long peaceful walks, kept yourself wrapped in a blanket while sitting on the terrace taking in the crisp cool air.

You had even spent the evening watching the snowfall outside, enchanted at how it came in big fluttering puffy balls, you had heard of snow before, but you had never actually seen it fall from the sky, like a thousand little gifts from the heavens.

It was dull and gray out today, the same as it had been for the last week now, at the estate was unsurprisingly no different.

Today however you had Yoongi set up some haybales in the pit area where guards would typically be trained, it was run down now, old boxes used as storage had been broken down and were hazardously strewn everywhere, long nine inch rusty nails sticking out of wooden pieces at razor sharp jagged angles.

But with Yoongi’s help you both had piled it up safely away and got a decent bit of space ready for training.

“Too stiff-”

“Ah!”

It was a second too late, you had already released the string, sending the arrow flying, it had veered off target as the string slapped your forearm with a sharp snap causing you to drop it.

Fenrir suddenly popped up from the ground where he had been laid out the last half hour, head cocked in concern at the noise that escaped you.

“How many times do I have to tell you,” Yoongi groaned, “You can’t hold it with a stiff arm! Look at this!” He got up from his spot as he held up your arm by the wrist, “It looks like somebody gave you a lashing! Jungkook will have my head if it isn’t heal by tomorrow.”

Your lips twisted into a sulky pout, “I am trying!”

“Not hard enough that’s the fifth time within the hour,” Yoongi whistled out as he let you go, Fenrir walking up to you as he sniffed your hand, giving it a lick before nudging it.

You rubbed your forearm, that was undeniably sore and throbbing with pain before placing your hand on Fenrir’s head to give it a nice long rub.

He had grown remarkably big in the last month, almost as big as you now, just a five or six inches shorter, it made you give a sad frown, at how big he was and soon he’d become a monstrous size…

You’d simply have to build a bigger stable you supposed.

“Aim comes naturally but holding a weapon does not,” You sighed as you placed both your hands on Fenrir’s head, now giving him generous rubs and pats that had him giving a toothy puppy grin that made you smile, “I’ve practiced here and there with a bow but with everything going on, I just haven’t made it a priority.”

Yoongi sighed, “Natural ability will only get you so far, discipline if a far greater advantage Princess, thankfully we can start working on this daily, I think it’d be good for you to have a hobby.”

“I have hobbies.” You frowned as crossed your arms.

“Such as…?” Yoongi gestured.

“Well…” You could think of several as a matter of fact, but you had given them all up once you had moved to Penumbra, the thought made you frown in realization, you had been so caught up in all the highs and lows of your new life that it was true.

You had hobbies, you just never participated in any of them.

“I suppose it would do me some good to work on it,” You sighed as you relented, “I still feel a tad guilty though, shouldn’t I be honing my skill in swordsmanship? Jungkook once told me that it’s expected the Crowned Prince and Princess are supposed to be the best at it.”

“Well…” Yoongi stretched the word, “This is true but, I don’t think somebody is going to fault you for not being the best at it. I’d like to think it’s an expectation from those born in Penumbra, not those who marry in. Not only this but if you are inclined to another form of weaponry, then it’s as simple as that.

“As long as you have some form of sword training then it’ll do,” Yoongi shrugged, “What matters is personal protection, some training is better then none, but having a form of training you’re good at is even better.”

“You Penumbrian’s certainly like taking precautions.” You sighed wistfully as you picked up your bow once more.

“The more the better,” Yoongi said, “Guards are great, but what happens when you’re caught without any? Learning to defend yourself is vital.”

You glanced down at your bow, “I understand but…”

“But?” Yoongi asked.

“Well, I suppose a part of me just feels odd,” You replied, “I grew up being taught to save lives, not take them,” You rubbed your neck in uncertainty, “When I took the Dryad’s oath, it was a promise to myself and my ancestors that I would abstain from our carnal nature. That I would never take a life nor would I consume its flesh. Animal or human. Even though the chances of me having to defend myself in such a way are so low, it’s odd to train for it, after taking that oath and living by it my whole life.”

Yoongi let out a small smile, “Then don’t view it as such.”

“What do you mean?” You tilted your head.

“Sword play is considered an art form in Penumbra, you can view a bow in the same light. It’s quite a beautiful thing really, it’s not just aiming and shooting, it’s how you hold it, the type of arrow you use, the weight of your feet. A lot goes into it.”

You thought on this for a while before nodding, “I suppose you are right.”

“Min Yoongi! I’m looking for a Min Yoongi?”

A voice called out that had you both glancing around the courtyard before seeing the courier at the gates glancing around before meeting his gaze.

“Yes?” Yoongi called out, walking up to meet him.

“I have a letter for you sire! It was urgent from the court” The courier dug through his bag before handing it to him, giving a short bow to you and then departing.

You glanced at it anxiously as you exchanged a look with Yoongi, was this about Wheein?

Yoongi opened the letter, reading it before he sighed,

“What, what is it?” You asked, anxiety in your voice.

“It’s not about Wheein,” You let out a breath in relief as Yoongi continued, “But it is a request for help.”

“What do you mean?” You asked.

Yoongi sighed, “There’s a watchtower just east of here, about an hour away give or take on horseback, apparently they’ve been dealing with a gang of bandits up there. Supposedly they’re going to siege the tower.”

“They can do that?” You asked in surprise.

Yoongi shrugged, “I suppose so, I don’t know what they think I can do about it.”

“Well you said you were an assassin before you became a knight? So surely that counts for something.” You said, setting down your bow on a lonely bale of hay.

Yoongi sighed as he folded the letter back up, “Even so, I won’t just leave you here by yourself.”

You frowned, “It’s only us here, and it’s secluded so I won’t be in any real danger, and you said it was only an hour away. I doubt you’d take long in taking them down.”

“Are you just trying to get rid of me?” Yoongi asked in mild amusement.

“I would never!” You said, “But I’d hate to see something unfortunate happen that could be prevented, you’re far closer then someone is to the castle. It would make the most sense for you to go.”

Yoongi sighed, “Even if I’m over cautious, it doesn’t sit right leaving you here all by yourself.”

“I wouldn’t be alone!” You replied, grinning as you gave Fenrir a solid pat, “Fenrir will defend me! Jungkook and I have been working on commands. Sit!”

Fenrir immediately complied.

“Very fierce.” Yoongi said dryly.

You held up a finger, grabbing a piece of wooden box that was free of any nails off the ground, “Fenrir,” He perked up at his name, “Attack!” You threw it causing his gaze to follow it with a loud snarling howl, his jaws crunching the board in half immediately grabbing the smaller end.

Running back to you before dropping down on his front paws, tail wagging as he tried to get you to chase him.

Yoongi looked a bit more startled at the thick board of wood that had been crushed as he nodded, “Okay, a little more fierce than before…” Yoongi thought about it for a long moment, “I suppose if I left now I would make it back by supper….Are you sure you’re okay with this?”

You gave him a small smile, “It’s only a few hours, I think I’ll be able to manage.”

Yoongi still seemed hesitant but he nodded, “I’ll go gather a few things then and be off. The sooner I leave the sooner I’ll be back.”

“It’s one night,” You smiled, “And then we’ll be back at the castle tomorrow.”

You had waved Yoongi off before you continued on with your day.

Spending another few hours training with your bow you had eventually given up once the string of your bow hit a particularly sensitive spot on your forearm.

The rest of your day had been spent taking walks along the trail’s with Fenrir before eventually settling inside, roaming the halls and exploring empty rooms.

And eventually the afternoon came.

But slowly the sun began to set and a vague feeling of dread followed along with it.

Yoongi…would’ve been back by now, right?

Or perhaps it took him longer to clear out the bandits.

You nodded at this as you stayed curled up in your large chair, Fenrir curled up beneath your feet as he let out a sigh, as if sensing your discomfort and unsatisfied with it.

Continuing to read, time went on and soon the sun had set.

You had managed to get a fire going on your own and had lit the candles in the hall, making the estate feel less consuming then it had before but it didn’t quell your anxiousness as the hour went on later.

Yoongi would certainly be back by now…

You were certain you’d manage the commute back to the castle if you had too but…You wouldn’t feel right just leaving without him, but you also had no way of sending a message to the castle for help without going back yourself.

You felt at a loss for what to do, as you roamed the main hall, pausing at the sound of the gate opening. Opening the doorway you hurried out to the courtyard.

“Yoongi, I’ve been waiting all day, you worried me sick!” You stopped short at the sight ahead of you.

“Not who you were expecting?”

Di Jin’s smug smile was the last thing you saw before the sudden blow to your head caused your vision to go dark.

“You look lost.” Jimin commented as he plopped in a seat right next to his dearest friend, both sat out for breakfast on the terrace.

“Was it a good idea sending her to the Estate?” Jungkook stared down in hard contemplation, his food untouched, “If something happens I won’t be able too…!”

He inhaled sharply as he forced himself to lean back in his chair, but despite the motion his body refused to relax.

You had left two days ago and he felt a void ever since.

Jungkook didn’t realize how much your presence had filled every inch of the castle until you had left, and now, he felt utterly useless, it was one thing for you to be mad at him, it was another for you to be gone.

Jimin looked amused but felt bad for him nonetheless, “Nothing is going to happen to her, the estate is nice and tucked away, the entire court has forgotten about it anyways, it hasn’t been used in years. You did a good thing.”

“Did I?” Jungkook finally slumped.

He had been constantly replaying his last memory of you, the conversation you both had before you left, the memory of you looking up at him for a long moment as if silently yearning for some form of affection.

It left Jungkook’s hands twitching and an unfamiliar ache in his chest, he couldn’t even describe how it felt. And he was honest when he spoke with you the night before, true he didn’t remember much, but what he did remember was straight from his heart, he thought he knew many things.

But after meeting you he found out quickly that he knew nothing at all.

Tomorrow, surely you’d be back tomorrow. You hadn’t given him an exact timeframe, but surely when you said a few days, you had meant no more then three?

“What if I-”

“No.” Jimin cut him off, “The whole point of her going was to get out of the castle and by default away from you. Not only that but what if something happened to Wheein while you were gone?”

Jungkook sunk back in his chair, that was right…He had promised you he would take care of anything that might possibly happen.

He wouldn’t let you down.

“Have you found any evidence yet?” Jungkook lowered his voice, his gaze lingering on the far side of the table where Claudin had been dining with a group of court ladies.

Jimin frowned, “Yes but the problem is getting it open,” He huffed, “I was able to slip into his room last night, it was empty but he has a lock box beneath a hollowed broken floorboard piece, seems he was in a hurry when he left, otherwise it wouldn’t have been left afar.

“Regardless I haven’t been able to crack the lock. Whatever is in there, it has a master’s lock on it. I’ll need at least another dozen picks before I even come close to cracking it.”

Jungkook sighed as he shook his head in disdain, “Of course when we need Yoongi he’s gone.”

Their elder would be able to open it within the hour if he was here.

Jimin frowned as well, “I’ll try again this afternoon.”

Jungkook’s eyes narrowed, “That’s early for you.”

“We’re running out of time Jungkook,” Jimin sighed, sinking back into his chair as well, eyeing Claudin with a certain wryness, “I keep hearing stirrings from the guards about how they’ve narrowed their search, but they’re hellbent on saying it was Wheein.”

“Sire,”

They both paused at the sight of Taehyun, a frown on his face as he glanced between them both, an anxious look as he bowed slightly, “It’s the council…they’ve summoned you. It doesn’t sound good, you should come as well Jimin.”

Jungkook glanced at his friend but said nothing as he stood up, not liking this one bit.

The walk to the throne room was swift and Jungkook wasted no time in arriving, the other council members had just arrived as well.

Clearly he wasn’t the only one uncertain of what was going on, other members had started hushing whispers to one another, all glancing in Jungkook’s direction occasionally as he leaned against the wall, arms crossed as he glanced at the empty throne the seats on its left occupied by his aunt and uncle whispering to one another.

They both glanced at him once before quickly looking away.

The tension felt suffocating and the longer it lasted the more anxious Jungkook felt, seconds turned into minutes and the whispers began to get louder.

And all within a moment, the doors open and a sweepingly silence took over the room save for the sound of boots against the ground. Dae Seong walked with confience in every step before standing before everyone on the throne.

“It is with confidence I have come to announce something of the utmost importance,” His voice boomed, “The attempted assassination on our Crowned Princess, was indeed committed by her maid Jung Wheein, we have reason enough to believe it was her as all the evidence points as such. Her form of punishment will be burning at the stake, tonight at the height of the moon. I ask you all join me on this divine distribution of punishment,”

Groaning softly your vision was blurry at first, and the first person to appear in your vision was not who you expected.

“Not so quick witted now are you Eunoian Bitch,” Seohyun sneered, her smirking figure beneath you as your vision of her doubled.

Your mind was confused as you only remembered Di Jin being here, your eyes closed briefly only for a sharp pain to spread through your side that you recognized as being kicked in the side by her.

Groaning your eyes opened and her eyes beaded, sneering at you as another voice spoke, “Come along now Seohyun, why don’t you go see if that insufferable knight has managed to come back yet, I will finish our business here.”

She eyed you warily but said no more as she left and soon Di Jin stood in front of you, “You have truly been a pain in my ass since I was enlisted to kill you, I only hope you realize that.”

There was no remorse in his eyes as he pulled the wickedly curved knife from it’s sheath and a sadistic smile curled on his face, “Don’t worry Princess, i’ll make sure you have a slow miserable death.”

Despite your sluggish movements, adrenaline had shot in your veins as you realized you were about to die, you had too much to live for still. You needed to see what would come of Eunoia, you needed to make sure Wheein was okay, that you would keep your promise to Jungkook.

You couldn’t die, and you would fight if it meant living to see it.

Your mind was slowly coming out of it’s haze as Di Jin stepped closer to you, realizing you were in the courtyard near the hay bales, the pile you had cleaned early next to you, your arm reached over to grab one of the planks, three long rusted nails sticking out of it.

You swung it with as much force as you could towards his legs, it made contact, the nail piercing his skin with a wet noise as he cried out in pain, falling back on the ground as he growled out. “You dumb bitch, a pain until the end!”

You attempted to crawl away, heart pounding in your ears as you scurried but he was still too mobile, yanking the plank out of his leg with a growl of pain as he managed to get on top of you, you caught his wrists as he attempted to plunge the knife in your throat, “I’ll enjoy watching the life leave your eyes. I’ll be sure to bring your head back for your little husband to see one last time.”

Your strength was already failing as you winced out, the knife slowly coming closer to your skin as you whimpered out as it pierced the first layer of your flesh.

It was an indescrible pain that had you yelping in pain,

“I’ll make these last few moments the most excruciating and perhaps if you beg me enough, I might just end your pathetic little life girl,” Di Jin grinned leaning in closer, “Maybe if you beg me more i’ll give you a little more than just a long death.”

He pushed the knife a little deeper as blood spilled from your skin making you cry out, his body weighing heavier on yours and his lips suddenly pressing to your ear, “Something tells me you’d prefer that over this.”

Something about his lips pressing against your skin lit something primal inside of you, every sense heightened inside you as your lips parted taking a wide bite into his neck, you could taste it first, the metallic flavor of blood running across your tongue and dripping down your throat and then his skin was next, uncomfortably soft and tender and next was the cartilage, it was rubbery and had hard bits in it, next was the sensation of something warm and wet against your face.

Di Jin could no longer properly speak, his grip suddenly loosened on the knife as you yanked the large chunk of flesh straight from his neck, grabbing the knife as you yanked it away shoving him down as you managed to get on top of him.

The chunk missing from his neck was ghastly, blood pooling on the ground, oozing everywhere and squirting from various places and he was gagging loudly, choking on his own blood.

Anger trembled in your body, it wasn’t enough, even with chunks of flesh missing and blood covering your face, skin hanging and cartilage visible it still wasn’t enough, before you could even think you plunged the knife into his neck, eyes blurring as you watched him gurgle, choking on his own blood as the life left his eyes.

Your hands were shaking as you waited for him to jump back to life to kill you, and then you slowly realized your vision was blurred from tears, your heart pounding as you took a shaky breath yanking the knife out of his neck before you let out blood curdling scream slamming it back in his neck again.

Jungkook’s betrayal.

Wheein being taken.

Exiled from your own kingdom.

Being forced to wed.

Made into a healer as a child.

Bone.

Blood.

Ash.

The mourning bells rang in your head and you could vividly taste the metallic on your tongue stronger than ever as the taste of raw flesh lingered in your throat.

Blood splattered upward as you stabbed the spot over again, all of the rage searing in your veins as Di Jin’s form became disfigured, his neck nearly separating his head from his body as you shoved the knife in deeper.

Hearing the wet gurgling noise as you heaved a breath, staring at his cold dead eyes staring back at you, the next scream was not your own, but it came closer within seconds before the door to the estate opened.

Seohyun was heavily bleeding from her left thigh, sporting a large bite as a loud snarl came from inside the door, shakily you stood up, “Fenrir, wait.”

The large wolf paused, and that's when you noticed the large gash on his leg, causing him to limp, rage quelled in your veins again as you limped over, Seohyun looked pale a ghost at the sight of you.

From the moment this woman met you, she had given you nothing but grief, attempted to humiliate you, belittle you, try to win a lost battle, attempt to kill you, and now she had hurt your precious companion.

Even with a mangled body behind you, it still wasn’t enough.

Tripping over her own two feet she fell down as you walked over, “We can talk about this Y/n!” Her eyes were as big as saucers, “Please! I’ll leave Penumbra and- and never come back.”

You felt nothing for her as you stood above her, watching pathetic tears drip down her face for a long moment, finally you knelt down, “If Penumbra has taught me anything Seohyun, It’s that some people do not deserve my forgiveness, nor my kindness.”

Her lips parted rapidly, her throat scratchy, and for the first time, you saw genuine fear in her eyes, “B-but you’re a Eunoian,”

Her words were pointed, bargaining, pleading even- if you listened close enough, “Eunoian’s don’t kill.”

Your lips slowly lifted into a joyless smile as you let out an uneasy laugh, “Well,” Your smile dropped, your hands were still shaky, unbridled rage still taunt in your veins.

The primal urge of need to prove her wrong, prove all of them wrong, that you would never again be looked down upon as weak or underestimated.

Your hand grabbed her neck, causing her to let out a choked sob as you squeezed it tight enough to choke her airway, yanking her nearly nose to nose with you.

“We’re not in Eunoia, are we?” Your nails dug into her neck, not stopping until you felt the blood from her skin oozing, you shoved her back before you stood up, ignoring her blubbering, tears trickling down her face as you walked away, “Fenrir.”

“Please!”

He let out a growl, “Attack.”

Her cries of agony were left of deaf ears as you walked back over to the corpse of Di Jin grabbing the knife from his neck and yanking it out before taking the sheath that went with it, adjusting it on your waist.

Collapsing on the ground away from him you noticed your hands for the first time, shaking, trembling as your vision blurred once more, scarred and covered in blood, just what had you done?

Fenrir’s mouth was covered in blood, but the whine didn’t escape your ears as he tenderly tried to sit down in front of you.

“I’m sorry.” You ushered, grief strong in your voice though uncertain of who it was for, yourself, your country, your companion, you reached out for him, gently rubbing your hand down his neck, “But we have a long journey ahead of us Fenrir.”

The bells were ringing and a somber air had taken over, Jungkook had nearly lost his entire wits, his father had banished him from the room, not wanting to hear another word from him about this.

Being told he was too sentimental fell on deaf ears, he didn’t care, it was his friend, it was injustice, it was corrupt. He hated it, he hated that despite being the crowned prince, his son, his father simply didn’t care.

All Jungkook could do was wait for Jimin to unlock this damn box. But it felt as though it was too late, he was banned from so much as leaving his room, guards at his door there to keep him boxed in but this wouldn’t stop him.

pulling the cloak over his head, he opened the window, the bricks were jagged and uneven enough that he could easily climb down, he did it often when he was younger, much to the blindness of his father.

Scaling the wall, Jungkook got down, feet planted firmly on the ground as he kept the hood over his head tight as he made his way to the courtyard. A crowd had gathered, all wanting to witness the supposed assassin.

Nobody paid mind to him with his identity concealed, it would be soon now. If he couldn’t get evidence to get Wheein out, then Jungkook would take matters into his own hand. He didn’t want to have Wheein leave Penumbra, but if this is what it took to keep her safe until her innocence was proven, this is what he would do.

He owed so much of his existence to her, he couldn’t let this happen.

He wasn’t going to let this happen.

The bells stopped as Dae Seong stood up from his throne on the wooden stage they had set up, “We have all gathered here to see the execution of the assassin who tried to kill our crowned princess! Her very own handmaid, this is the killer, our own flesh and blood, and the punishment for a traitorous woman is fitting, burning of the steak!”

Wheein was brought out, her hands tied behind her back, her eyes had dark circles and she was crying as she shook her head, “Please! I would never do that to Penumbra! To Y/n! Please you have to believe me!”

But her cries were in vein as the crowd boo’d her, all shouting vile words her way as they dragged her down to the large wooden steak pyre that had been set up.

Jungkook shifted in his spot as he watched them begin to tie her up.

“Are there any last words you would like to impart to us traitor?” Dae Seong looked at her with pure disgust.

Wheein’s lips quivered as she parted them.

A loud bloodcurdling scream interrupted her before she could speak, the crowd tensed and everyone seemed alert, Jungkook was towards the front, having intended on getting her off there the right moment, but he quickly turned around to see people quickly departing and creating a path.

And the next thing he saw was hardly comprehensible.

You, covered in blood, your face was a horrific sight with it’s dried crimson color covering your mouth all the way down your neck, but what was even more horrifying was what was next to you, Fenrir limping beside you, a corpse held in his mouth.

Women screamed and men gasped in horror as they all moved.

The looks on the royals faces were indescribable, Dae Seong most of all, “What is the meaning of this?”

You stopped in front of the throne, Fenrir as if knowing this was the destination, dropped the body from his jaws, it smacked the ground with a wet echo, the head finally detaching from the body as it rolled towards Dae Seong.

You don’t think you had ever seen an expression quite like what Dae Seong had, and you were sure this would be the only time.

It was silent for a long moment before you finally spoke, your throat raw and scratchy, “That’s your assassin, he tried to kill me again just hours ago.”

Dae Seong’s look of shock slowly twisted into one of rage, “Where is your proof of this!” He stood up from his throne towering over you with a growl, “What does a girl like you have meddling in business you don’t understand and taking the lives of those who were helping!”

“Am I standing in front of you not proof enough?” You snarled back, “From the moment I have come to this kingdom I have been nothing but disrespected, disregarded, used, and seen as nothing more than a tool to further someone’s agenda. And i’m sick of it.”

“Even when it comes to my own life, you stand in front of me questioning it!”

“Why I ought too!-”

“I have it!” A voice cried out, Jimin was running from the side entrance of the courtyard, a notebook in his hand as he panted, his eyes widening when they set on you, ‘Y/n!? Are you okay? I have it, I have proof that Di Jin was the assassin! Here, your majesty.”

Dae Seong snatched it with a certain level of venom as he looked through the book, but slowly as his eyes read through, an unreadable look took over his face.

Exhaustion began to take over, your body beginning to sway.

Dae Seong closed the book with a sense of finality, “Very well,” He aid with gritted teeth, anger still simmering in his eyes, “Perhaps, you do have the grit to survive here princess.”

You didn’t hear his words though, your gaze had went down to the body of Di Jin, and swaying backwards you collapsed into an abyss of darkness, nothing more then multiple people calling your name.

[queenie-ofthe-void]

The Babysitter Chronicles - Henderson

steve harrington and dustin henderson || 1.8k words || CWs: none || 5+1 Steve asks for permission to babysit the kids, and one time he's asked in return; post season 2 AU

~~~

This has been the worst week of Steve’s life.

Not only does Nancy think he’s bullshit, he found out she never actually loved him, she cheated on him, and she partially blames him for Barb’s death.

He was almost eaten alive by alternate dimension monster demodogs, almost died at the hands of Billy fucking Hargrove, almost died in the backseat of Billy’s car, and then almost died again in the tunnels. 

He’s pretty sure he has a serious concussion and a broken nose. The stitches on his forehead are starting to itch. He’s had a migraine every day since, and there’s ringing in his ears.

Steve honestly thought he could put all of this Upside-Down shit behind him. Pack it away in a tiny box and move on. Yet he was dragged into it once again, forced to protect kids he barely knows from both monsters and humans. 

He deserves to get paid for this shit, to be honest. 

He’s got no friends to sit with at lunch, no girlfriend to love him, and no parents at home to take care of him.

After spending the week at home alone, wallowing and recovering, he found himself thinking of the kids. It was the first time he felt anything other than misery and physical pain. But they were big, complicated emotions that he’s still untangling. He’s been able to pick out fear and anxiety, annoyance, exasperation, and– surprisingly– fondness. When he thinks of the kids, he’s hit with a surge of fierce protectiveness and devotion.

He’s got nothing to show for his life and no one to spend it with. Those kids, though, needed him in a way he’s never felt before. It was life or death, and they trusted him to keep them safe. Now that it’s over, even If he isn’t necessarily wanted, maybe he could at least continue being useful.

Which is how he finds himself pulling up to the same curb as he did a week ago. At least this time he’s not here about the Upside-Down; although, knowing Dustin, he wouldn’t be surprised.

“Steve!” Dustin’s running out the front door and down the driveway in just a t-shirt and sweatpants despite the chilly November morning. He plows into his chest at full speed and almost sends them both toppling over. “Steve, holy shit you’re here! Oh shit your face.”

“Hey man, language ok?” Jesus, the mouth on this kid. “Relax twerp, ease up on the hug, you're killing my ribs.”

Dustin immediately drops his arms and backs away, looking cowed. Steve’s going to have to work on his approach, apparently the kid’s sensitive. Or maybe Steve’s still a bit of a bully, another part of himself that needs to be fixed.

“It’s ok, Dustin, don’t worry about it. Just a little sore still.”

He perks back up again, bouncing up and down on his heels. The little gremlin’s toothless smile is so damn cute Steve wants to give him a noogie. 

“Ok then,” Dustin replies, “so why are you here?”

“Uhhh, actually I’m here to talk to your mom.” Feeling suddenly awkward, Steve runs a nervous hand through his hair. He hisses as it pulls on his stitches.

“My mom?” he asks, incredulously. “Why? What’s going on?”

Steve supposes he should’ve thought of this. It makes more sense to talk with Dustin before actually asking his mom for permission, but he hadn’t practiced this part. Now here he is, facing down an over-dramatic middle schooler and he’s actually nervous about it.

“Yeah, I kind of noticed you’re an only child, and you don’t really have a dad around.”

Dustin’s face falls, morphing into a scowl. Shit, Steve’s barely said one word and he’s already messing this up.

“Not all of us have rich parents who buy us whatever they want,” the kid huffs, crossing his arms and kicking non-existent rocks.

“No wait, ok look I’m sorry Dustin, that’s not what I meant. I’m not really great at talking about stuff like this. The important stuff anyways. Let me try again. Please?”

The kid’s still scowling, but his body relaxes a bit and he nods.

“Ok I’ll start over,” Steve continues. “Even though we were dealing with all of the Upside-Down shit and it was literally the worst week of my entire life, I enjoyed having you around. I’d sleep better at night if I knew you twerps are safe and I know you don’t really have anyone around other than your mom and the other gremlins–”

“The Party.”

Steve stares at him, mouth hanging open as he’s cut off mid-sentence. He’s in the middle of pouring his heart out to this mouthy ten year old and he’s got the audacity to interrupt him.

“The what now?”

“The Party, Steve.” The little shit’s tone is overflowing with condescension. “The group. We’re called the Party. You know, like in DnD?”

“What the hell is a dandy?”

“You, kind of,” Dustin mutters under his breath. Steve doesn’t really know what that means and coming from this kid he probably doesn’t want to. “D and D stands for Dungeons and Dragons, Steve. It’s a role playing game.”

“Whoa, alright I think you’re a little too young to be playing role playing games.”

“I’ve literally been playing for three years.”

“You’ve been roleplaying since you were seven?”

“I’m thirteen Steve!” He’s pretty sure Dustin’s screeching can be heard from the other side of town. “What are we even talking about right now? Why are you here, at my home, looking for my mom?”

“I want to be your goddamned babysitter!” Steve screams back. He takes a deep breath– in and out. This kid’s going to be the death of him, he just knows it.

He looks down to find Dustin’s eyes wide and mouth formed in a perfect oval. The kid’s shocked, either from what Steve said or that he literally shouted it in his face. Now it’s Steve’s turn to kick rocks. He shuffles back and forth, shoving his hands in his pockets to keep them from tugging his hair again.

“You guys almost died, man,” Steve says softly, avoiding eye contact. It makes this part easier. “You almost died, and if I hadn’t been there, I have no idea what would’ve happened. Maybe you all would’ve been fine, I don’t know. But it was my job to keep you safe, and you don’t have anyone else around except your mom and the grem– I mean the Party– to look out for you. I had to quit basketball thanks to Billy, and Nancy broke up with me. My parents are literally never home, so I’ve got a lot of free time on my hands. Figure I could use some of that time keeping you out of trouble.”

Dustin’s face hasn’t changed, still devoid of any emotion other than shock. God damnit, Steve really messed this up. He looks around and rubs the back of his neck. His skin’s prickling with nerves as he starts to sweat and he takes a step backwards towards the safety of his car. 

This was a stupid idea. Why would any of these kids want anything to do with him? He’s nothing like them: smart, nerdy, can save the world without taking a beating. Steve thought he could be useful, worthwhile to someone– to Dustin. He should know better by now.

“Look, I’m sorry. I’m just going to go,” Steve says. But as he turns to leave, Dustin slams into him once more. Steve’s breath whooshes from his lungs and a lightning strike of pain travels up his back. He thinks he’s shaking from the pain, except his crewneck is starting to feel damp against the kid’s face and he can see Dustin’s shoulders practically vibrating. “Hey, Dustin. Hey it’s ok, are you alright? What’s wrong man, talk to me.”

Dustin doesn’t look up, just keeps his face buried in Steve’s sweatshirt and grips him tighter. It hurts and it aches and it pulls at all of his injuries. He still lets Dustin hold on for as long as he needs to. 

There’s a slight movement out of the corner of his good eye, and he glances up towards the house to see a small, curvy woman smiling at them through the window. Not wanting to dislodge Dustin, he slightly lifts his hand to wave. He’s surprised when she honest to God clutches her heart and wipes what he assumes is a tear from her eye.

Steve’s already worried he screwed this whole thing up. He definitely didn’t think it would happen in front of a goddamned audience. 

The kid’s still holding on, but the shaking has subsided and he’s breathing easier. Steve smashes his hat to ruffle his hair, and Dustin backs off with a shriek. His face is covered in red blotches matching his bloodshot eyes. Steve looks down at his sweatshirt to find a tears-snot-spit wet patch stained into his chest.

“Dude, gross,” Steve huffs. At least he’s wearing an undershirt. Dustin just chuckles. 

“Like friends?” Dustin asks, still wiping at his face. “I wouldn’t mind, you know, hanging out. Whenever you’re not busy, I mean.”

It’s Steve’s turn to feel a burn behind his eyes. Relief fills him with warmth as his growing anxiety is washed away. Dustin wants him around. He wants to spend time with him and Steve never really thought he’d get this far. All he had was a half-baked idea to serve himself up for the one thing he knows he’s good for. And he was wanted.

He reaches out and pulls the kid back in for a hug, holding him tight despite the pain. Dustin starts trying to push off, so Steve flips him around under his armpit in a headlock, rubbing his knuckles roughly into the top of Dustin’s hat as he starts to screech again. He huffs, straightening out his hat, still sporting that iconic toothless smile. 

“Now,” Steve says, “all I have to do is ask your mom.”

“Don’t worry about that,” Dustin replies, turning around to lead Steve towards the house. He sees the curtains pulled roughly shut and the silhouette of the woman heading toward the front door. “She already knows all about you. I told her what happened. Well, the government version.”

“You told your mom about me?” Steve asks in awe.

“Duh, why wouldn’t I? Sure, you got your ass handed to you, but it was totally awesome!”

“Right,” Steve scoffs. He’ll let that one slide for now. “You’re sure she won’t mind?”

“Mom’s going to love you. She’s been asking about you all week.”

If she’s anything like her son, then hopefully Steve’s got nothing to worry about. And maybe if he can watch one kid, he can talk to the rest of their parents– look after the whole Party of gremlins. He can host after school hangouts and movie nights, sleepovers in the living room and pool parties in the summer. There’s the beginnings a plan forming in his head, which parents and kids he needs to talk to next. 

When he’s met with Mrs. Henderson’s warm smile, he thinks maybe the rest of this year will be alright.

~~~

2. Mayfield (pt 1) || ao3

[greenglowinspooks]

Alrighty fellas time for another one

(DPxDC) Batman Rogues ranked based on how good at parenting Danny (and co.) they would be

—

Would probably actually be able to step up and be (relatively) good parents: The Penguin, Mr. Freeze.

They would have EXTREMELY different dynamics with Danny, but I think they could figure it out.

The Penguin would definitely only take in Danny to improve his reputation, and probably so that he could monopolize the use of a new meta’s abilities. (And perhaps to study him)

However, I think that attitude would last for at the absolute most a month, probably closer to two weeks, before he genuinely bonded with him. He’s like the dad who says he doesn’t want a pet, and then in a week they’re inseparable.

He’s not a good person, but I think he could probably end up being an awesome fucking dad. Also, there’s no way in hell anyone would mess with Danny. Not even close. If he found out Danny was getting bullied he’d ruin the bully’s fucking life.

He wouldn’t directly throw hands with a child, sure, but that’s only because it would look bad. He would, however, completely destroy their family’s careers and force them to leave Gotham out of shame.

Mr. Freeze is only a rogue because of his wife. Like, that’s it. He only wants (or wanted, depending on the version) for his wife to be cured and to live happily with her again. All of this is for her, either to help her or to avenge her.

That’s to say that yeah, if Danny managed to weasel his way into his heart, he would have a place with him forever.

He’d probably only interact with him at first because of the ice powers, but if Danny did manage to get closer to him (that’s a pretty big if) I think he’d do fucking anything for him, just like his wife.

He would raze the GiW to the ground for his boy.

They’d do alright probably. Nothing special, but it’d work out ok: Scarecrow, Ivy & Harley, Two-Face, Killer Croc.

Scarecrow is, funnily enough, not that bad. Like, is he genuinely deranged? Yes. Is he murderous and cruel? Yes. Does he have a moral compass that would absolutely support taking care of a child? Yes.

He’s been shown multiple times to genuinely care for people, even if it’s in his own way. Like, yeah, maybe fear-gas-themed murder and torture is a bit far sometimes, but it’s what he knows how to do.

Like, would he know how to take care of a kid? Hell no. But he does have a pretty good list of what not to do, courtesy of his own childhood, so he’d have a pretty alright start.

Ivy and Harley aren’t rated higher because I just don’t think they’d really be responsible enough for a child. I don’t doubt that they’d be able to love Danny, nor that they love each other, but they’re not very stable, and they don’t have a very good grasp on normalcy.

Like, they’d be incredibly cool aunts, or family friends, or something. I just don’t think that they’d do well being the sole guardians of a child or teenager.

I can’t stress this enough, I think they would genuinely love having Danny with all their hearts. I just don’t think that love alone is enough.

Avoiding that genuinely depressing thought, I think Two-Face would similarly be an awesome uncle to have, but wouldn’t do well at the actual “parenting” thing.

Like, he could keep a kid alive no problem, and he’d probably be awesome to have as a legal guardian and stuff, but there’s no way in hell he’d be able to keep Danny in line, for the sole reason of not really seeing a reason to.

However, if he got put in Arkham, he’d 100% not be above guilt-tripping Bruce into taking Danny in, so he does have backup options.

Killer Croc would be an awesome friend to Danny, but that man is in no way capable of being a parent.

He’s got a pretty short temper, and Danny is a little shit. There’d definitely be fighting. A lot of fighting. Croc still gets some points though because he’s a decent guy and I don’t doubt that he’d be willing to get help from the other rogues or even Batman should he need it.

Shouldn’t be trusted to keep a gerbil alive, yet are somehow still better at this than Maddie and Jack: The Riddler, Solomon Grundy

The Riddler is a childish, egotistical asshole with a bit of a god complex and a truckload of emotional baggage.

That being said, he’d still do better than Danny’s actual parents.

Partly because the bar is so low.

Like yeah, there’d be a lot of arguing, but I don’t think that he’d actually ever fight fight with Danny, mostly because he’d feel like he was turning into his father.

For the most part he’d be at the same level as Scarecrow or Killer Croc, I just put him lower because I think he’d forget to feed Danny sometimes. Still not as bad as the food coming alive to attack him though.

Solomon Grundy is pretty similar to Killer Croc in terms of how I think he and Danny would get along, I just think he’d be much worse at getting the things Danny needs to live and be happy.

He’d be cool as a weird uncle, or a friend, but he’d be pretty awful at being an actual parent.

The house is on fire, god is dead: Mad Hatter, Ra’s Al Ghul

Mad Hatter would have UNIMAGINABLE levels of beef with Danny. He would unironically throw hands with a child.

That being said, I think he’d genuinely like Danny.

Wouldn’t make up for anything, but I do think he’d at least not hate him.

Ra’s would be funny as hell no matter what.

He’d ALSO have unimaginable beef with Danny, but for entirely different reasons. He would spend all his time trying to convince Danny to become a member of the LOA and also to turn him fully immortal. Danny would buy him a “world’s okayest dad” mug and “I’m not the dad who stepped up” shirt. They would try to beat each other to death over Damian.

Danny would still probably choose him over Vlad in a heartbeat.

Getting dissected would have unironically been a better option: Joker

Your homework today is to watch Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker.

Because I know you won’t, I’m just gonna tell you that Joker has done some MK Ultra shit to a child before in order to mold it into a mini version of himself, and he’d absolutely do it again.

One of them would absolutely end up dead, and considering their track records, I’m not so sure it would be Joker.

[almostloosingit]

Hi how are youuuu?

I wanted to request Rindou x reader when Bonten’s prostitue came to building and she recognized reader as ex mafia member (boss you decide) but nobody in Bonten knew that, they were like “HER!!??” they were like that because she is so innocent in front of them. Rindou and here are married and he did knew that.

Thank youu

Of course! I hope you like it!

—————————————————————————————————

Her

Rindou

I wrote this while listening to:

Female reader

Cw: Child

You were already with Rindou when your boss died. Now a lot of people thought that you would take that opportunity and take over the responsibility of the boss. You didn’t. You had a meeting with others where you announced that you will be leaving. Were they surprised? No. They knew you wanted to start a family with your partner so they didn’t question your decision. And that's how you left your old life behind, ready to begin a new chapter of your life.

Did Rindou know about that? Yes. You see, your `organization` wasn’t something Bonten worried about. So that's why the information was kept between you two.

“Thank you,Y/N” said Kakucho while taking the cup of tea you handed him. “You're very generous to let us visit so often.”

“Oh don’t be silly Kakucho, it's my pleasure .” You said with a kind smile. You meant it. Your lovers' friends/ coworkers were also dear to your heart. As much as you love and trust Rindou you know that he got his ass saved by them multiple times. “It’s the least I can do to thank you guys for keeping Rin safe.”

“How did he get such a loving and innocent woman to be with him?” Mochi asked.

“Y/N, my love, did my lovely brother pay you to marry him? Or maybe threaten you?” Ran asked with a slick smile.

“You’re fucking delusional.” Scoffed Rindou while walking into the living room with your two year old.

“Sweetheart language around the little one.” You said with a smile yet disappointed look. His eyes grow big for a second.

“Right, my bad.” He responded in a calm voice. Even though you're the most soft hearted person alive, you're also the toughest woman he knows. That’s why when you told him that you were pregnant he was the happiest person alive. Of course more security was added around your house because you can never be too careful, right?

“She’s two how the fuck is she gonna understand.” The second Saznu said that everyone in the room gave him a death stare. “Oh come on.”

“Sanzu, you see Rai is two years old, she might not be able to speak fully yet, but that doesn’t mean she can't learn words or copy them. Believe it or not I prefer not to have my little girl going around swearing at this age. So if you are so kind and respect that.” You said with the sweetest smile. He felt stupid.

“I see, my bad. I will try my best.” How can he be mean to such a pure soul?

“I’m glad.” You responded. “Well then I will bring the food.”

“Do you need some help?” Your husband asked.

“Oh don’t worry I can do it by myself. You guys relax after work.” And with that you left to bring the food.

“So.. Did you pay her?”

“Ran I swear-”

“Rin’s wife is the sweetest person ever”

Is what people say.

“Y/N so nice! How did she end up with Rindou?”

That’s what they say because they don’t know.

But he knows. That’s why he absolutely loves you and knows that you can protect yourself if he’s not there. That's why he married you. Does he still worry? Yes but less than he would with a person who never tasted his type of life.

Would people believe you if you told them about you being in the mafia back in the day? No. I mean come on here you were holding your 2 year old daughter Rai who’s sitting on your hip with your hand around her, while her dad is not picking up the phone.

“For the love of god where is he?” You looked at your phone. It’s rare that your husband doesn’t pick up the phone from you. “I swear to god if this man-“

Ding

You did get a message from Haitani, not the one you wanted but close.

It was a selfie from his older brother Ran who was smiling wide with bored Rin in the back who was sitting side wise, from the camera he clearly didn’t notice, while Sanzu was posing for the photo behind Rin.

Oh for fuck sake you though to yourself. He could have told you he’s going out with the Bonten tonight. If you knew you would have your daughters favorite food cooking not his.

[You] Could you tell my lovely husband to answer his calls?

[Ran] You see, I would…but his phone is dead<3

[You] Not to sound rude but like does none of the exclusive Bonten members have a phone charger or a power bank?

[Ran] No..?

You giggled at the message.

[You] Oh you boys are build different❤️

[You] Is he drunk?

[Ran] Tipsy, but not really.

[Ran] He ain’t interested in any girls 😐

[You] Yeah I would hope so🥲

[Ran] Could you be a darling and pick him up? We all love you but he can't shut up about how much he loves you and my lovely niece❤️

[You] Of course , just send me the address :)

And here you were in sweatpants, a white t-shirt and a long black coat on and with your child on your hip that had sound proof headphones on and a bunny coat on, in the most expensive club in Japan. Everyone was dressed so revealingly and so flashy. As you walked through the people to get into the VIP section you saw some women coming in and out of that section. Oh? Now were you aware that Bonten invited strippers? Yes. Could Ran send them out even for a few minutes because he knew you were bringing Rai? Yes. Did he? No. You will have some kind words with him later for now you need to get your lovely husband.

The second you walk in you cover your child’s eyes. A stripper was trying to get the attention of your husband while he was clearly uninterested.

“Ehem” you made yourself known.

The stripper turned around confused. And the second she did her face went white.

She sure seems familiar.

“Y/n ma’am, what are you doing here?” She seems scared. While Rin peaked his head from behind her. The second he saw you the biggest smile appeared on his face. He opened his arms and so did his daughter at the sight of him. You put Rai down so she can go to her dad.

“I came to pick up my husband.” You gave her a relaxed smile. “ Do I know you by any chance? What's your name?”

“Yuko ma’am! I used to work under Eada, ma'am.” She announced. Her posture was the same you would see in the military.

“Ahh Eada’s team.” You sigh. “Haven’t spoken to her in a while, but I heard she proposed to her girlfriend. Oh don’t look so stiff, love relax”

“Sorry to interrupt your little reunion but how the fu- '' Sanzu looked at your daughter who was playing with her dad’s hair. “Flip.. do you guys know each other?”

“Old days when I was doing mafia related things.” You shrug off.

“Ma’am you were the second to the boss! People like me could only dream to work under you, to even only see you.” The woman said. Her eyes now fill with admiration like she just met her favorite celebrity.

“Oh you speak too kindly of me, but thank you. I’m glad to see you doing well.” You pat her on the shoulder. “When you see me do tell me if anyone courses you or anyone else who works here, any problems. I will make sure that the ‘problem’ will be taken care of, right?” You look over to the men that were sitting on the couch, clearly confused.

“I’m sorry.” Ran says confused. “You used to do what, Y/N?”

“I used to be in the mafia.” You said with such an innocent voice.

“Rindou, did you know about this?” Koko asked.

“Of course I did! I'm married to her, you idiot!” He said while smiling at his daughter.

“And you never thought about telling us that the lovely wife of yours used to be in the mafia?”

“No? Why would I? When was that relevant?” He answered confused.

The members were shocked. You? Y/N? The most calm, loving, innocent and caring person on this earth used to be in the mafia?!

“This is a joke right?” Kakucho asked.

“No.” You answered with a calm voice.

They know you wouldn’t lie about something like that. Why would you?

The silence is broken by little Rai.

“Papa food! I’m hungry!” Little girl announced.

“Well you hear the princess! Home time!” Rin said while standing up with Rai in his arms on his way to leave the VIP room.

“It was nice seeing you all.” You said. The second you turned around to leave you heard.

“Ma’am!” You turned around to face Yuko. “I’m so sorry I didn’t know he was your husband.”

“Oh don’t worry! How could you possibly know?” You gave her a smile. “Stay safe, love” You said with a smile and then were on your way to the exit. After putting Rai safely in the back of the car, Rindou sat in the front passenger seat.

“I love you, you know that, right? I’m all yours.” Rin said.

“I know that sweetheart and I love you too.” You said and leaned to give him a kiss. “Ran, sent me a photo of you being bored out of your mind and said that you weren’t interested in any girls. Also we need to buy you a power bank.” Rin smiled.

“Of course, love.” He was truly lucky.

Yuko turned around to face the men that were too lost for words.

“Do you have any pictures of Y/N from the mafia time?” Kaku asked.

“Ah of course!” She said then when to get her phone. When she came back she had the photo ready. “ This is Y/N and Eada.”

In the photo there were two young women.The photo was showing them from waist up. One had short, black hair, a small smile on her face and a cigarette in her hand and next to her. You. You were smiling with your tongue out and your eyes wide open with one hand doing the peace sign while the other arm was hanging around Eada’s neck. Two things in common. You were both wearing suits and you were both covered in blood, you more than Eada.

“THAT’S HER?!”

[nautls11]

my rambles about the tmk finale (SPOILERS, obviously)

whats up tmk famalam, im sad and im gonna talk about it

I cant even begin to describe how incredible the finale was. The players and the dice both had a story to tell and it created an end that brought me to tears.

The acting.

Genuinely some of the best ive seen in the entire show and I’ve been watching since convergence. Every single person absolutely killed it, Condi especially. Lucia’s moments with Mary, and Milo’s acting during the final scene was absolutely phenomenal

“Humanity’s weakness.” Empathy.

Empathy plays such a vital role throughout this entire story. It’s Lucia’s drive to try and save Everett from becoming her sister. It’s Jin’s drive to save the people who had those horrible fates he experienced when he was young. Everett’s lack of empathy was what pushed him away from his hunting party, seeing it as nothing but weakness.

Everett’s lack of empathy was what isolated him from the rest of the hunters. Yet, it was Everett’s empathy that made him choose to save Trey by turning him into a monster (albeit against Trey’s will), knowing that he wouldn’t survive otherwise. It was Everett’s lack of empathy for humanity that made him join the monsters, yet it was Everett’s humanity that made him spare Jin and Lucia during the monster siege.

Jin couldn’t kill Everett because he desperately wanted to keep alive the last bit of humanity Everett had left in him. Because Everett spared him, Jin only saw the only right thing to do was to spare his life as well, even though it led to the summoning of the Moonbeast.

It was empathy for Pebble’s losses that led Lucia and Jin to trust him, and he was able to prove himself more than capable.

It was Lucia’s empathy at the end that revealed Everett truly did still have a fraction of humanity and empathy left inside him, enough to destroy the heart and give one last goodbye. In the end, humanity’s weakness was also their ultimate power.

Mary’s internal conflict.

Lucia recognizing Mary but Mary not recognizing her, and the instant Mary realized it was her sister, her entire demeanor changed into that of a scared and traumatized child, because she never got to grow up. She was seen as a monster and became a monster. That was all she knew, and when those emotions filled her chest again she knew nothing but panic. She sees empathy as a weakness, just like all the other monsters do. Even to the point where she recoils from her own older sister’s sincerest apologies. Until Lucia has gona through what Mary has gone through, so long as they are different, Mary sees no place for reconciliation. And that id what causes her own downfall.

And the ending. The falling ending.

I think the fact that it ended with them all still falling makes it such a beautiful finale. It’s open-ended, we don’t know what faits await them. Do they fall as the starlight dapples across their skin and fall into the earth, becoming part of the cycle once more? Do they survive the fall, and the three of them live, watching as the moon slowly falls across the horizon and not into the maw of a beast, crying sobs of relief that their world was saved? Does one of them drag themselves out of the ocean to find their companions cold and motionless on the shore? I think the fact that we don’t know gives us so much more to think about, even though the campaign is over.

anyways thank you council + milo for making another incredible campaign and fuck you for adding to my cry counter (/nm ofc it was absolutely incredible)

[anonymousewrites]

Burden of Truth (Book 1) Chapter Six

Father Figure! Marc Spector x Teen! Reader

Father Figure! Steven Grant x Teen! Reader

Mother Figure! Layla El-Faouly x Teen! Reader

Chapter Five: Against the Jackal

Summary: (Y/N) and Marc arrive in Cairo and begin their search for Harrow.

            (Y/N) was exhausted from traveling, but they had finally arrived in Cairo. They knew that as soon as possible they’d need to start investigating where Ammit’s tomb may be, but they just wanted to fall asleep for a hundred years. Having never been in such a physical fight, (Y/N) really needed to rest, but on the plane ride over, they had forced themself to stay awake in case any of Harrow’s people appeared to attack them.

            “(Y/N)?”

            The teen turned from where they were waiting on a cab to see Marc. “Oh. Hi.”

            “Are you going to a hotel on your own?” asked Marc.

            “Yes,” said (Y/N).

            Marc furrowed his brow and made a quick decision. “Follow me.”

            “…Are you sure?” asked (Y/N).

            “Come on, kid,” said Marc.

            (Y/N) hesitated. Marc was intimidating, and after they’d seen what he’d done to those archaeologists, (Y/N) wasn’t sure how close to him they should get. But at the same time, he’d protected them from the jackal. He’d wanted them to be left out of Harrow’s danger.

            (Y/N) gave a short nod. They’d take a leap and trust him. A little.

l

            “This is where I’m staying,” said Marc. “I’ve been here before. We’ll be safe enough.”

            “It’s nice,” said (Y/N).

            Marc gave a mirthless laugh. “Yeah, right.”

            “It is. I stay at the cheapest places possible,” said (Y/N).

            “That’s not safe,” said Marc.

            “I’m alive,” said (Y/N).

            Marc frowned. “That’s a terrible measure.”

            “It is?”

            Marc sighed. He had thought his position as an Avatar had caused him issues, and now this kid came along just as lost. “Yeah, kid. It is.” He picked up the phone. “I’m ordering food. What do you want?”

            (Y/N) shrugged. “I don’t know.”

            “Seriously, kid, just tell me,” said Marc.

            “I was being serious,” said (Y/N) quietly.

            “No one’s ever serious about that. They just lie to not seem pushy.” And if Marc knew one thing, that kid looked like someone to keep their problems to themself because gods weren’t exactly the most sympathetic.

            “I’m not lying.”

            Marc sighed. “Kid, I’m really too tired for this.”

            “I can’t lie!” said (Y/N) quickly, pushing out the words.

            They looked down and shifted awkwardly. They hadn’t told anyone that after their parents died. Only Ma’at knew, and it had brought Ma’at to them.

            You…what?” said Marc.

            “I can’t lie,” repeated (Y/N). “I just can’t.”

            “Does Ma’at not allow you to?” It is definitely the sort of thing one of these shit gods would have their Avatar do.

            “No, I never could, even before Ma’at,” said (Y/N). “I can’t tell a lie.”

            “That’s…unhelpful as a thief,” said Marc, brow creasing. It was yet another example of Ma’at putting a child—already an issue—into further danger because they wouldn’t be able to get themself out of trouble.

            “It’s not all bad,” said (Y/N), shrugging and rubbing their arm. “I can tell when someone’s lying or telling the truth. That’s helpful.”

            Marc sighed and backed off. He wasn’t going to press (Y/N), not when they were so clearly uncomfortable. He knew all-too-well how damaging the stress adults could inflict on kids.

            “Alright. So you don’t care what we eat?” said Marc, going to a safer subject.

            (Y/N) shook their head. “I’ll eat anything. I just want to eat and sleep.”

            “We can agree on that,” said Marc. He wasn’t sure how to approach working with or even dealing with the teen, but he knew they both needed rest before they stopped Harrow.

            Whatever it took.

l

            (Y/N) and Marc ran across the roofs of Cairo, anxious to reach the one follower of Harrow that was ready to give up where he was. Unfortunately, the moment they pulled themselves onto the roof, two other men were stabbing him, and a third was keeping watch.

            “Oh, shit. You killed him?” said Marc. “We needed to talk to that guy. About a dig site. Guess we’re gonna have to talk with you instead.”

            “You’re two late,” said one man. “You’re never gonna find Harrow.”

            “Really? Kid, what do you think the truth of that statement is?” asked Marc.

            (Y/N) shrugged. “It’s opinion, but I think we’ll find him.”

            The man took out his knife and flipped it around, showing off his skills.

            Marc watched him and moved between him and (Y/N). “Oh. What, are we dancin’? We fightin’? What are we gonna do?”

            The first man leapt to the side, and the second attacked Marc. He blocked them and threw them into the wall while kicking another back. The third, a teenager, ran up to attack (Y/N), and they jumped back, dodging his knife attacks. Marc grabbed him and forced him to his knees. He raised his fist to punch the younger boy, but when he flinched, Marc relaxed and just struck him with his palm.

            (Y/N) blinked as they saw it. Something about it made them feel…safer around Marc. They’d seen what he was capable of, and to know that he knew when to held back meant (Y/N) could feel alright near him. (Which was strange in itself since (Y/N) never had an adult to trust after their parents)

            Another man came at them with his knife, and (Y/N) dodged, scrambling onto another section of the roof. The man slashed at them, but (Y/N) kicked him back into Marc’s waiting arms to disarm him.

            The teenage boy grabbed the knife as it fell to the ground and spat at Marc in Arabic, “in your face, foreigners!”

            He threw the knife at Marc’s face, and it barely missed. By this point, the first man had gotten back up, too, and it was three versus two again. The first licked his knife dramatically. Marc punched him before he could try anything. As he slumped backwards, the second man grabbed Marc and pulled him away. (Y/N) leapt onto his back and struck his head over-and-over until he let go and fell to the ground. (Y/N) stood between the teenage boy and Marc, panting but refusing to give up. Marc had helped them, and they weren’t going to let that go unrepaid.

            The teenager attacked (Y/N), and they blocked, hissing as the blade cut through the outside of their forearm. Still, they didn’t let up and kicked the boy back. Marc quickly got up and tripped him, effectively taking him down without causing much harm.

            The second man stabbed at (Y/N), and they rolled to the side to dodge, but he advanced again. Marc grabbed him and fought him back, pinning him to a wall and pushing his knife against his throat.

            “Marc. Stop it,” said Steven softly, afraid, from the reflection of the knife.

            Marc paused, and (Y/N) watched, glancing between him, the teenager, and the man he had trapped.

            “Marc?” asked (Y/N).

            Marc slammed the man’s head against the wall. “Where’s Harrow?” he hissed. He slammed his head against the stone again to make a bone.

            (Y/N) frowned and took a step back. Not Marc? The accent was all wrong, but (Y/N) wasn’t sure what to do. This felt stranger than Steven and Marc.

            “I-I don’t—” the man coughed, his airway constricted. “I-I won’t—”

            Not(?) Marc smashed his head against the stone and let him slump to the ground. “Inútil.”

            Useless, translated (Y/N)’s mind.

            Not(?) Marc tossed the man to the side and turned away. Without another word, he turned away and walked towards the exit of the roof. He passed (Y/N), paused, and grabbed their wrist, pulling them with him.

            (Y/N) had a feeling they shouldn’t fight Not(?) Marc and let themself be pulled down and out onto the street where Not(?) Marc called a cab. He looked around surreptitiously before pushing (Y/N) in first. Then, he slipped in.

            “Marc? What’s going on?” asked (Y/N) hesitantly, shifting away from the man beside them slightly.

            “Airport,” he said to the cab driver.

            “Marc?”

            Not(?) Marc groaned, and his eyes rolled back before settling. He looked around in confusion.

            “What…?” he trailed off as he saw they were in a cab. “Stop, please!” he said in Arabic to the driver.

            “You’re speaking Arabic, eh?” said the driver. “Why are you acting like a foreigner?”

            Marc looked at (Y/N). “Where were we going?”

            “You said the airport,” said (Y/N) cautiously.

            “I—no, I didn’t, I couldn’t…” He paused as he saw the teenage boy and man he’d fought exiting a nearby building. He opened the door of the cab and got out to speak to them. “Let me talk to you.”

            The two stepped back nervously.

            “Just let us go, man,” said the teenager.

            “That wasn’t me!” cried Marc.

            The teenager and the man made a run for it, and Marc took off after them.

            “My money!” shouted the driver.

            (Y/N) pulled out a couple bills, paid, and ran after Marc.

            They ended up in a marketplace, and the four continued their game of cat-and-mouse through the people and stalls, heedless of any obstacles in their way. Finally, Marc got his hands on the man and threw him to the ground to slow him down. He grabbed his coat and pushed him against the wall.

            He punched him in the stomach, and (Y/N) frowned as they saw it. They had seen terrible things in their life, but they were still getting used to it. They still disliked violence fundamentally, but they knew that when it came to Ammit, it was going to be unavoidable.

            “Where’s Harrow?” questioned Marc. “Where’s Harrow? Tell me!”

            “Marc,” said (Y/N), and Marc paused. “He’s not going to tell you. We already know that—Ah!”

            The first man from the fight on the roof appeared and struck them in the back of the head. (Y/N) stumbled forward, and Marc was distracted long enough to get hit by the man he had pinned, and he fell backwards.

            “Marc!”

            Marc’s unconscious body suddenly awoke, eyes bright and awake. In an instant, he was upon the men, attacking with reckless abandon. It was far more intense than anything else (Y/N) had seen yet. This was once again not Marc. This was violent, and it scared (Y/N). They took a step back, and the moment Not Marc sunk the man’s knife into his own side, (Y/N) made their decision.

            They couldn’t watch this violence.

            (Y/N) turned and ran. They ran until they felt safe, until it was quiet, until they had found an alley to curl up in and control their breathing.

            I can do this. I can do this. I can handle this, thought (Y/N), tapping their fingers rhythmically.

            “What are you doing?”

            (Y/N) looked up to find Ma’at standing over them. “I-I can’t do the killing. I can’t.”

            “It is your job to see the ugliness of the world so that others may be protected,” said Ma’at.

            (Y/N) flinched. “I know. I just-I couldn’t.”

            “You will have to learn to handle this,” said Ma’at. “Ammit will not hesitate to kill, and neither will Harrow. You must be prepared.”

            “I-I will be. I won’t run away again. I promise,” said (Y/N).

            “Good.”

            (Y/N) knew Ma’at was gone after she spoke, but the deity’s disappointment in her Avatar remained a burden on (Y/N)’s shoulders whether she was there or not.

l

            Marc looked around in confusion as the man’s body he had stabbed fell to the ground. He had blood on him, and he stood on a cliff overlooking Cairo. It was just him and the men he was fighting. Well, not anymore. The two men were both dead, killing by their own weapon by…Marc?

            He shook his head. “What…? Oh, god. Steven, what did you do?”

            Steven glared out from the blade. “I swear, that wasn’t me!”

            “Then who was it?” said Marc. His eyes widened. “And where’s the kid?” (Y/N) was nowhere to be seen, and an unexpected amount of fear flashed through him.

            “I don’t know,” said Steven, shaking his head.

            Before Marc could reply, the teenage boy from before moved, still alive. His leg was broken, though, and he could only drag himself back.

            Marc swallowed. “Where’s the kid I was with?”

            “Ask him about the tomb,” said Khonshu’s voice, and Marc straightened. “Take him to the ledge.”

            “He’s just a kid,” said Marc.

            “He’ll talk,” said Khonshu.

            Marc obeyed and picked up the teenager, holding him up near the ledge, careful not to let him drop. Marc had never been one to harm kids, but all of a sudden, the boy’s face because (Y/N)’s for a sickening moment, and Marc held onto his scarf all the tighter.

            “Where is Harrow?” he demanded, wanting this to be over with quickly.

            The boy looked down and back at Marc. “Praise Ammit.”

            “No, kid—”

            The boy cut his scarf with his knife before Marc could do anything, and he plummeted to his death. Marc’s eyes widened in horror.

            “Mm.” Khonshu barely reacted. “I thought he’d talk.”

            Marc nearly snapped and asked whether or not (Y/N) would think that was a lie. He swallowed his anger, though, and directed it on Steven—and himself.

            “What the hell’s wrong with you, Steven?” he questioned.

            “Me?” Steven’s reflection shone out of the side mirror of a car. “You’re the one going on a killing spree and scaring (Y/N)!”

            “I didn’t do any of this,” snapped Marc.

            “Me neither. Listen, if you’ve got a problem with the high body count, I suggest you stop listening to that bloody pigeon,” retorted Steven.

            “Stay out of my way,” said Marc, turning away. He cleared his throat. “Well, if we can’t find Harrow’s digging crew, we’re gonna have to stop ‘em another way.” He looked around. “I need to find (Y/N) first, though.”

            “Ma’at has an eye on them. You have no need to concern yourself,” said Khonshu dismissively.

            “Oh, yeah, because the gods seem so kind and worried,” muttered Steven in the reflection, and Marc was inclined to agree.

            He looked at Khonshu. “What about the other gods?” he asked. “Are they just going to stand by and allow somebody to unleash Ammit?”

            “To signal for an audience with the gods is to risk their wrath,” said Khonshu.

            “Why? What’s the worst that could happen?” asked Marc.

            “Anger them enough, and they’ll imprison Ma’at and me in stone,” said Khonshu.

            Marc tsked. “That doesn’t sound so bad to me.”

            “See how you fare against Harrow without the protection of my healing armor or Ma’at’s strength,” said Khonshu.

            Marc threw up his hands. “Alright. So what? Do you have any good ideas? If not, I’m going to find (Y/N), Ma’at’s ‘concern’ be damned.” He turned away.

            “I have a bad idea.” Khonshu disappeared.

            “Khonshu?” Even for the bird, that was unusual. Marc looked around, and his eyes widened. “What are you doing?”

            A dark shadow was crossing over the sun, blocking out its light in a sudden eclipse.

            “Sending the gods a message they can’t ignore.”

l

            (Y/N) felt the shadows rush over them before they saw the eclipse. They looked up in awe as the sun was blocked out.

            “Ma’at?” they asked. “What’s going on?”

            “Khonshu is risking the wrath of the gods,” said Ma’at. “There is to be a meeting of the Ennead.”

            “Can’t they help with Ammit and Harrow?”

            “They could. Or…” Ma’at’s eyes narrowed. “They could imprison Khonshu and I in stone.”

            “Have you two done something wrong?”

            “According to their nonsensical rules.”

            (Y/N) frowned. Ma’at never avoided speaking matter-of-factly, so to avoid speaking truthfully and twisting her words meant something significant. Still, there wasn’t much (Y/N) could do, and as a doorway opened beside them, (Y/N) knew that they had bigger problems at hand.

            (Y/N) stood, squared their shoulders, and stepped through the door.

            It was time to face the gods.

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[j0elmill3r]

Man, I Hate Golf.

Pairing - Joel Miller x Daughter!reader

Summary - Joel has a newfound hate for golf after Abby leaves him traumatized.

Warnings - Major character death, violence, sad Joel, diverges from canon, spoilers for the last of us part 2

Word Count - 1.4k

A/N - I am...so sorry for this, this could be sadder than my previous fics.

Joel Miller Masterlist

You knew this was too good to be true, things had been going too smoothly since you and your dad had joined your uncle Tommy - Joel having stopped talking to Ellie after their argument. You'd saved a girl younger than you - Abby, her name was - from a horde of infected. You were freezing, the blizzard that had swept through Jackson drastically lowering your body heat, your dad had given you his jacket to try and keep you warm - Even though you were now in your late twenties, Joel was still hellbent on looking after you as though you were still a small child.

You should have trusted your gut instinct, which had told you to take all of Abby's group out. They had acted as though they knew your father and uncle, which then resulted in your leg being shot, and Joel and Tommy both being knocked out.

"Y/N Miller," Abby seethed, crouching down in front of you as she held her gun. You struggled in the grasp of the two men holding you against the window, but you wouldn't have been able to move very much, the makeshift tourniquet tied around the gunshot wound on your leg seriously restricted your movement. You couldn't quite make out the girls face, the place was dark and grim, illuminated by the white glow of the snow outside.

"Do I know you?" You asked her through heaving breaths, your chest rising and falling as you gritted your teeth in pain. She shook her head, you could see tears in her eyes as you looked over her face - Shit. You did know her. Abby Anderson.

Ellie, the hospital, your dad killing the doctors before they could kill Ellie. They were fireflies.

You remembered now. You let out a sigh as you shook your head, giving her a hard glare as your dad and uncle Tommy started to wake up. "Why don't you just give me whatever speech you've been planning and get it over with?" You said, your gaze hardening on the girl in front of you. You let out a scream of pain as they tightened the tourniquet around your leg, the two men beside you letting go of your arms as they fell limply to your sides. The two men moved over to where Joel and Tommy were slowly waking up, they held them back, rendering them unable to move in their tight grip.

You watched in slight fear as she raised a golf club, but you stayed composed, even if you couldn't see how panicked your dad now was. Joel feared for not only his and his brother's lives, but now yours - He knew the girls cause, and you didn't have anything to do with it, it was him that she wanted, not you.

"You stupid bitch," Abby spat at you, pointing the golf club she held tight in her hands at your head. "You don't get to rush this." She told you harshly, giving you no time to react before she swung the golf club at your head, a sickening crack echoing throughout the room as you crumpled to the floor with a pained groan. You couldn't feel your legs any more, and everything felt all muffled, both your sight and hearing.

"No!" Joel cried out, trying to get out of the man who held him's grasp. No. This wasn't happening. You didn't hear your dad and uncle Tommy screaming out for you to keep your eyes open, you were tired. "I'll fucking kill you!" Joel yelled at the women who stood over your limp self, the only showing that you were still alive being your shallow breathing, and your eyes lazily looking up to meet his. Joel could tell that you were tired, watching as your eyes lethargically rolled around, a lazy smile on your face as you met your dad's eyes.

Why was he crying?

You were no longer aware of your situation, your brain slowly shutting down due to the strong blow that had been delivered to your skull.

"Pin him down," Abby ordered, watching as they moved Joel to be laying on his front, kneeling on his neck to make him watch. He felt tears rising as he realised you weren't getting out of this, your blood splattered across the window where you were once kneeling. "I wanna make him watch." She spat, looking down at Joel in spite before she turned back to you, gripping the golf club in her hands tightly.

"No, Y/N, baby, please get up," Joel pleaded with you, he knew that you still had to be in there, despite the blood seeping out from the crack in your skull. "Y/N fucking get up." He cried, now begging you to get up. "Please stop, don't do this, it's not her you want." Joel was no longer begging you, but begging Abby, who held your fate in her hands in the form of a golf club.

Joel's begging fell on deaf ears, as he watched Abby swing her golf club down on your head.

Cracking your skull open with a sickening crunch, which echoed throughout the room - feeling deafening towards your father, it was all he heard, over, and over, and over again.

"No!" He cried, not realising that Tommy had yelled out at the same time at the death of his niece. Joel struggled in the grasps of the men holding him down, watching as your blood dripped from the club "I'm gonna fucking kill you," Joel threatened throughout his sobs, ignoring the man that came towards him, a gun pointed at his head. He just stared at you - laying there, bloodied and lifeless - As if trying to will you to wake up. Everything became muffled to Joel as he continued sobbing, mourning the death of his youngest daughter. He gave one last look towards the woman who had so brutally ended your life, before he was kicked in the face, everything turning to black once more.

He woke up to shaking, his eyes opening to make out the blurry face of his brother, who's face was marked with tear stains after witnessing your traumatizing death.

"Joel," Tommy watched as his older brother finally came around, once more looking over at you. Tommy had moved you away from the pool of your own blood, trying to trick Joel into thinking it wasn't as bad as it looked, going as far to manoeuvre your head to hide the hole in your skull. "Come on, we should go." He advised, helping his brother stand as he limped over to you. Joel held your hand gently, fearing that if he held you too tightly then you would turn to dust - Even though no matter how gently he held your hand, your blood still coated his. Gently, Joel picked your lifeless self up, the way he did when you were a young child at the start of the outbreak.

"I wanna take her back, bury her in Jackson," Joel spoke quietly as he studied your face, stained with blood. Tommy nodded in understanding, he knew Joel had taken Sarah's death badly, but now you were gone too, so he was unsure of how Joel would handle your death. He watched as Joel let out an angry heave. "And them I am gonna kill, every single one of those girls friends, and save her for last."

Tommy couldn't say he had ever been particularly scared of his older brother, but this, this was Joel at his most unhinged. He knew that Joel wouldn't stop until he avenged your death, and that he wouldn't take any prisoners in his quest to avenge you - He would also, show no hesitation in his violence in dealing with them. If they wanted to make your death a brutal one, he could double it.

And make sure it was painful.

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[imvietnamesenotchinese]

@cronchybuffalo's tkatb vampire au fic hehehe

The deep crimson liquid swirled in her wine glass. Nyx took a sip as she contemplated her situation. Her gamble, more or less. Appointing that lunatic to such a valuable expedition was a dangerous bet. However, if the rumors were true, and he could indeed see the future, he’d be a valuable asset. Besides, Solivan Brugmansia was the best in his field. He has been able to find countless valuable artifacts before. He’ll be able to do it now as well. Hopefully. Or else it’d be 3 million dollars down the drain. It wouldn’t financially ruin her, of course, but it’d be a blow to her ego. What Nyx craved most of all, after being alive for so long, was power. She’d tear down anyone who stood in her way. She’d climb on their corpses if she had to. 

Of course, a seat at the council would be desirable. There were just two problems. The first one, is that she’d lose favor in the council if this expedition were to fail. The second one, is that they threw a Fledgling at her. Nyx had reluctantly been taking that girl under her wing. She knew it could very well be an attempt to distract her from climbing the ladder, or to simply slow her down. After all, now she had to worry about a Childe. A vampire who refused to hunt. A vampire who refused to drink human blood. What a nuisance. This, coupled with the fact that the Fledgling was going to attend her first ball tonight, made Nyx want to die a second time from stress.

Sitting there in her study, the room barely lit by a lonesome candle, she looked over her invoices. Damn, this whole mission is like a money drain. Leaning back on her carnelian arm chair, more resembling a throne than anything, she started wondering if these were best left to her accountant. Although, when it came to money, Nyx preferred to have full control over her finances. There was no person she trusted more than herself. Vampires, like humans, could betray or backstab. She should know.

A knock could be heard from the other side of the mahogany door, separating this study from the rest of the mansion. ‘’Come in,’’ Nyx drawled.

The door slowly creaked as it opened. Ah, there she was, the Childe she’d been forced to take care of. The young lady stood there with nothing more but a nightgown. She appeared to make herself smaller. It reminded Nyx of a prey animal standing in front of a predator, minimizing itself in hopes of being able to hide. In a way, Nyx could understand. That’s how she felt once upon a time, too. Being newly turned and introduced to the world of the Kindred takes a toll on you. 

The Fledgling wrapped her arms around herself. The once pristine white nightgown had been stained burgundy. There was dried blood on her chin. She averted her gaze every time she spoke to Nyx. ‘’I’m still hungry.’’

‘’There should still be bottles left in the wine cellar-’’

‘’I-I can’t drink that kind of blood.’’

‘’Then learn,’’ Nyx retorted.

The woman finally turned her bambi eyes toward Nyx. ‘’I can’t.’’

There was something about those eyes that were so captivating. Big, droopy doe eyes that contrasted with Nyx’s sharp cat-like gaze. Except there was something so, so wrong with them. The Childe’s eyes were icy blue like glaciers. They were dull, lifeless. Just like a doll’s. Even for a vampire, she was unnaturally still. As if she’d never been human in the first place. Vampires usually look like walking corpses, because that is what they are in essence. But her eyes, oh, those eyes! A corpse was once a human. A doll imitates a human. There was something unnerving and uncanny about her, even for an undead. ‘’I’m so hungry,’’ she pleaded.

Nyx sighed, closed her magenta eyes and rubbed her temples. ‘’I don’t usually keep animal blood in the mansion. Ever. Frankly, it tastes disgusting, and I don’t understand how you can ingest something like that.’’ She stood up and looked directly at her Fledgling. ‘’Your problem is that you still haven’t let go of your humanity.’’

‘’Humans are friends, not food!’’ The fledgling bristles.

‘’In this world it’s eat or be eaten. You and I are predators of the night.’’

‘’I didn’t get a choice,’’ she snaps back.

Nyx sighs. ‘’I suppose you didn’t.’’ She turns around and contemplates. ‘’I’ll make one of the footmen fetch a fresh batch of animal blood from the butcher’s.’’

The Childe raises an eyebrow. ‘’At this hour?’’

‘’Well, I doubt that they’ll serve animal blood at the ball. This is what I have to resort to.’’

‘’I meant if they are still open so late at night.’’

‘’Oh. That’s easy. Break and enter.’’ Nyx waves her hand dismissively. ‘’We won’t even leave a trace.’’

The young Fledgling smiles. ‘’You seem confident.’’

‘’Well, I’ve lived for hundreds of years,’’ the elder vampire chuckles in response. ‘’It’s time to get ready. Make haste and change out of that bloodied nightgown.’’

At the corner of her eye, Nyx could see the Childe twiddle with her fingers nervously. She turns around to face her. ‘’What’s the matter?’’

‘’I don’t understand how I can get ready when I can’t even see myself in the mirror.’’

Ah. Yes. That particular side effect of becoming a Kindred. Nyx approached the young woman. ‘’It’ll take time to get used to it. Eventually you’ll remember by muscle memory: where you have to put the make-up on, how to do your own hair. But for now, I’ll help you.’’

‘’How kind. I didn’t expect that from you,’’ the woman replied in earnest. A small smile appeared on her pale lips.

Nyx bristles at the remark. ‘’What-!? I can be nice!’’ she pouts, her cheeks puffing out like a hamster.

‘’It comes rarely,’’ the other vampire chuckles. At this point, Nyx has turned red. 

She turns on her heel and leaves the study at a brisk pace. ‘’Ugh, come with me before I change my mind!’’

‘’Are you sure you’ve been alive for hundreds of years?’’

‘’Are you calling me immature!?’’

Passing the hallway of the left wing, the Fledgling could make out portraits hanging on the walls. The entire mansion was dimly lit by candles and chandeliers. Shadows twisted and lurked at every corner. Despite this, the mansion was still beautiful during the day. It actually looked like a pompous estate when, ironically, everyone had gone to sleep. When the sun rose and shone its rays through the windows. It looked like a mansion from the regency era with its ornate walls, tall sash windows and exquisite furniture. Lounging chairs in velvet, lace curtains, silk pillows and persian carpets. There were marble and golden ornaments as far as the eye could see. Fully decked with a dining hall, a parlor, a lounging room, a library, a ballroom, and several bedrooms, Nyx could host an entire crowd in her estate. Unfortunately, the mansion was completely empty during the day. 

The two women finally made it to the heart of the mansion: the main entrance. In the middle of that room is a large staircase with marble steps, leading up to the bedchambers. At the top of the staircase hung a portrait of Nyx in all her glory. The subject in the painting stares down at the two Kindreds with a lifeless stare. Not even a smile graced her face. She sits there in an exquisite gown made out of shot silk, shifting between shades of red. 

Nyx leads the Fledgling up the stairs, to her bedchambers. The room, like any other room in the mansion, is spacious and ornately decorated. There’s a large king-sized bed in the middle of the room, a walk-in closet to the right, and a bathroom to the left. Close to the door that leads to the bathroom stands a gorgeous vanity. It looks like something out of a fairy tale, the vanity of a princess. The fledgling slowly approaches the vanity, holding her breath as she closes the proximity between herself and the mirror.

As expected. No reflection. A part of her is disappointed.

‘’What’s the point of having such a beautiful vanity when you can’t even see your own reflection?’’ the Childe asks, tilting her head in confusion. She knits her dark brows together.

Nyx shrugs. ‘’Because I wanted it.’’

‘’Fair enough.’’

‘’Sit.’’ Nyx points a finger toward the velvet vanity chair.

Like a good Fledgling, the Childe sat down in front of the vanity. She blinks at the empty mirror. Nyx walks up behind her. The elder vampire grabs a mother-of-pearl hairbrush that was lying on the vanity table. She starts brushing her Fledgling’s thick, dark hair. The sensation sends tingles down the young vampire’s spine. It had been so long ago someone had brushed her hair like this.

‘’I like the ambience of this place,’’ she states. ‘’It’s very… Victorian?’’

‘’Regency,’’ Nyx corrects.

‘’Ah, yes.’’ The young vampire clasps her hands together. ‘’Anyway, it almost makes me forget that we’re in the 2000’s. If it weren’t for, you know…’’ She digs in the pockets of her nightgown and brings out her flip phone. 

‘’Hm, what time is it right now?’’

The Fledgling looks at the dimly lit screen of her phone. ‘’1 AM.’’

Nyx hums in approval. ‘’Then we have time.’’

After carefully brushing the Childe’s hair, she grabs some makeup from her vanity. Even her makeup is ornate and expensive-looking. Nyx opens a palette and paints her Fledgling’s face as if it were a canvas. ‘’Like I said, you’re a creature of the night.’’ She carefully pats on eyeshadow onto the Childe’s eyelids. ‘’I’m going to make you look like one.’’ A sweep of lipstick onto those pale, cold lips. ‘’I’ll make you forget your humanity.’’ A swatch of blush on her porcelain cheeks. 

When she’s finally done, she grabs the Fledgling’s face and stares down. ‘’Perfect. You look vicious.’’

‘’Thanks. It’d be really cool if I could see the finished results too,’’ the Childe quips.

Nyx rolls her eyes. ‘’Have a little bit of faith in me.’’

‘’I thought vampires and faith went along like oil and water.’’

‘’Ha, sassy one, aren’t you?’’ Nyx snorts. ‘’You can borrow one of my dresses. Pick whichever one you’d like’’. 

Truthfully, Nyx hated lending her things to other people. She’s greedy, she wants everything for herself. Normally, she would never let anyone touch her dresses. But this Fledgling? There was just… something about her that reminded Nyx of herself. Maybe because they were both shunned. Maybe because they were both in this predicament because of a man. Long ago, when Nyx had first turned, she’d wished that there was someone who would tell her that it’d be okay. That it wasn’t her fault. Maybe if she’d still been human, maybe if she’d become a mother, then maybe she would’ve had a daughter like this.

There’s no point in dwelling.

She could never go back to her old life.

Trying to mingle at a vampire ball with a Fledgling in tow wasn’t easy. Nyx had to make sure that everyone’s first impressions of that girl were positive. It’s a cutthroat environment, no rest for the wicked. She couldn’t have them think her Fledgling was a weakling. They had wanted to execute her for existing, Nyx had to prove that they were all wrong. She also had to prove that despite them shoving this responsibility onto her with no warning, she was absolutely killing it. 

‘’Stay here, I’ll go for a glass of blood,’’ Nyx commanded. Her Fledgling merely nodded.

The Childe watched as her benefactor left her alone in the middle of… all this. She was nervous, and rightfully so. There were a lot of eyes on her. Although some paid closer attention compared to the rest. 

A pair of orange-red eyes lurked in the shadows, watching the Childe’s every move.

She had no idea what was coming for her.

[oumaheroes]

I'm so sorry if I'm bothering, but reading "The Captain" has seriously floored, contaminated and infected me and I'm making a playlist inspired by it - But I was wondering if you had thoughts on Alfred and his people in that context? Because I... Like cowboy Alfred and I can't emphasize enough how many stories would emerge from Alfred losing a dual, lying dead on the ground, just to be gone by dawn and seen again in the next town over on death row to be hanged, just to be seen alive again some time later?

Like, it gives campfire stories and western-tales! 🥹

The Cowboy

Characters: America

The Captain (England)

The Artist (France)

The Cleaner (Scotland)

--------

Some say there are monsters out on the plains.

Unholy things. Dangerous things. Things that no man should see, and that would drive him mad if he ever did.

The cowboy does not believe all this. He believes in truth, cold and bitter. Life is hard out here, that is true, and sometimes a hard life does things to a man. Turns him inside out with wanting and regret. Makes him yowl for his momma at night like a child from loneliness. Cold nights, bitter winds, and dust choked skies- miles and miles with nothing but the hot sun and ghosts of old lives nipping at your heels.

Because to choose a life on the plains alone is to have come from something. To go far into the desert and stay there means that there is sanctuary in the sands that cannot be found in a town, or a village. And that life changes those who live it. Makes them see their fears manifested in order to understand them. Forces them to acknowledge their wrongs and mistakes by trapping them alone.

The cowboy is no different. He’s seen many things he wishes he hadn’t. Has done many more besides.

There’d been a boy. Many summers ago.

Bright blue eyes, golden hair. Rough broad hands of a working man, but the expensive clothes of a comfortable one. He’d rolled into town with fear behind his wide smile; twitchy fingers and a need for work with no questions asked. He’d been running from things, that was clear, and the cows don’t ask no questions. Nor do cowboys in need of able hands.

He’d been good. Been quick. Great with horses, could calm even the most spooked or rowdy with just a touch. A real gift for them, and a real love for the plains. He grew tall under the wide blue skies, expanded his chest outwards as he rode in a way that made you look at him. Talked much, talked often, but without saying anything at all.

When he’d died, the cowboy didn’t know who to send for. The boy had never mentioned his father, hadn’t spoken of his momma, not even in passing. No family and not even a family name to claim him. He’d had to leave him out there to the sun, nothing but a bright red blanket over his face to offer him shade and the cowboy’s own rings on his eyes to pay for something he didn’t quite understand. It had felt right. It had felt inadequate.

He’d been too young.

The memory of the boy haunts him. The cowboy sees their final ride in his dreams, sees the herd change direction and sees the boy react too late. Sees him realise across the cattle that he was pinned- rock of the canyon on one side, and the stampede the other. He caught the cowboy’s eye and that, that moment of knowing, seared something into him that the cowboy knows he will never forget.

Over the thunder of a thousand hooves, the boy’s scream is an unanswerable battle cry he still wakes to, even now.

The cowboy keeps moving. The herds do not stop. Rides must be finished. Life goes on.

He goes it alone. Wrings out his soul in the dust, lets it boil over with regret. Then he gets another partner. Then another. The cowboy is older, too old these days to head on out to watch the cattle without someone he trusts at his back. The world is changing around them but this life does not change, does not grow easier. Only harder, as his bones begin to hurt and his eyes can no longer spot unfriendly shapes moving in the shadows.

One night and a shared fire like any other- three men and a dog in the middle of nowhere- the cowboy looks up to see a face he knows all too well. It has been years, decades, but the boy’s face is unchanged. Still milk smooth, still full and whole.

He has a chain around his neck that glitters in the firelight. Thin gold links that hold up familiar rings, unused payment for a journey not taken. He catches the cowboy’s eye over a whisper of long ago screams and nods.

There are monsters out on the plains.

Things that creep around campsites, things that stir in the night. Things that wear the faces of long dead men, that put on old skin like clothes and come to sit quietly by your side.

The cowboy cannot look at him. He hears him breathing as the men around them talk, feels the warmth of the boy’s arm through this jacket.

‘Well met,’ the cowboy manages, and offers his old friend his flask to drink from.

The boy does not take it. He looks up at the stars, bright and endless above them, and holds the cowboy’s rings in one hand.

‘Strange, isn’t it?’ he says softly, ‘What things we can sometimes think we see.’

The cowboy’s heartbeat beats loud in his ears, ‘Too much sun does things to a man.’

‘It does.’ The boy turns and looks back. His eyes are old, hard things, ‘I’ve heard people tell all sorts of tales. Drunken ghost stories no sane man would believe.’

The cowboy’s gut screams a warning, that he is but prey in front of predator. He knows to listen, has enough sense not to question, ‘I’m too sane to believe most things.’

He meets the boy’s eye and does not look away. The fire before them cracks, and the boy breathes. There is no other sound. Then, he smiles, teeth emerging white and gleaming. It doesn’t reach his eyes. Maybe, it never did.

‘Well met, friend.’ the boys says. He claps the cowboy’s shoulder and settles back. The cowboy’s chest feels lighter, ‘I think we’ll get along just fine.’

I couldn't help myself Sunny, I was instantly inspired and it's all your fault

---------

AN

As it was written so quickly this may well change, but the idea wouldn't leave me alone and I had to get it out there

If this story is to have a song, it's 'Ghost Rider's' by Johnny Cash which is, and always will be, an utter banger.

[pinkskytwst]

MAKING A STAND - PART II

Yandere First Years/Prefect Romantic Poly, GrimxPrefect Platonic

=====

The first ‘incident’ sent a ripple of suspicion and unease through the Housewardens.

They were all powerful, all skilled and talented in their own ways and none of them could ever claim to be ‘harmless’, but on the list of physically dangerous, Jamil was listed high. He had been trained since a child to be able to fight off adult assassins and excelled at it despite the few times he had been forced to show it.

When you took in Snake Whisper he pretty much jumped to the top.

Being able to control anyone just by meeting their gaze and having the mental ability to utilize it properly, well, despite how intimidating the twins and Malleus could be, no one dared to let their guard down around the Scarabia Vice-Housewarden.

So, when the news of the retainer/bodyguard being sent to the hospital wing because of a potions class ‘gone wrong’ – a class he was highly capable in – and then for that news to explode with the knowledge that Jamil’s face had been injured and his eyes mostly destroyed…

They all began watching each other’s houses even more closely.

The Prefect visited Kalim, who remained steadfast at his best friend’s bedside, and brought him food that he could at least know was safe to eat while he waited for Jamil to recover.

The heir was heartbroken when they learned that Jamil would never be able to see again even with all the magical healing they were using that had saved his life, but he promised the Prefect that the other would never have to worry. Kalim would take care of him, make sure he never wanted for anything.

He was alive and that was what mattered to Kalim.

The Prefect shared an embrace with the usually bright young man and promised that they would help any way they could.

Kalim had just chuckled weakly and gave them a light pat on the back, his gaze sliding past them to Epel, who had come with them to visit and was standing at the door. He quickly shifted his gaze away and back to the Prefect with a blinding smile.

“Don’t worry, I can take care of Jamil. My father is sending another trusted aide to cook and take care of me while Najma finishes up her training. With the both of us Jamil will be okay. You shouldn’t worry. You have a lot on your plate and I wouldn’t want you to overwork yourself.” He assured them.

The Prefect wasn’t fully pacified by this, of course, but realized that Jamil probably wouldn’t want them hovering and seeing him so weakened, so they promised to visit once the other boy woke up and wanted to see them.

Kalim agreed of course, but his expression somehow said he doubted that would actually happen.

The Prefect didn’t push but gave Kalim one last embrace before stepping out of the hospital wing with Epel at their side.

“You okay?” the lavender haired boy asked, his fingers finding theirs comfortingly to give them a gentle squeeze.

They looked up to their friend, unable to hold back the fond smile as they heard the twinge of country accent in his words that always slipped a little when he was concerned.

“I…think so.” They admitted, somewhat unsure, “It’s just…Jamil was so skilled at potions. I’m worried that if even he can get hurt so badly that others could too.”

They chewed on their bottom lip absently.

“Epel, would you mind tutoring us all more in potions?” they asked hopefully. “You’re so smart in that subject and you know how clumsy Deuce and Grim can be sometimes, and Ace doesn’t aways pay attention to details like he should. What if something like this happens again and they get hurt?”

The Pomefiore boy quickly released their hand to wrap around their shoulders and pull them closer to his side.

“Don’t worry, I’ll help you all study. I’m sure it was just a mix up. It’s really easy to get ingredients wrong if you’re not paying attention and he had to keep a watch on Kalim too.” He assured him. “Fairy wing powder and Pyroxene dragonfly wing powder looks basically the same unless you’re really familiar with them.” He pointed out. “I’ll make sure the guys will know how to tell the difference.”

The Prefect nodded, leaning into the comfort.

“Thanks, Epel.” They smiled softly, leaning their head against his.

“Don’t worry, you can count on me.” He promised gently, voice soft and with the warm drawl of his accent that never failed to make them smile.

“I know.”

-

The second ‘incident’ nearly caused an international scandal.

Rook Hunt, the Vice Housewarden and bane of existence for multiple students that were the focus of his obsessions, was attacked while Trein-sensei had taken the third years on a field trip of sorts to the Coral Sea.

The trip had gone well, in the beginning, despite some of the antics from the NCR students. There had even been a visit to the same museum that Azul had conned the Prefect into stealing from and one of the older siblings to Prince Rielle had hosted them for a meal.

No one was surprised, however, that the blonde huntsman had slipped away at some point in hopes of trying to track sea creatures he would otherwise not have access to.

Many in Pomefiore, in fact, were betting one what exactly he would end up coming back with.

What they hadn't expected was him not returning and a search having to be made for the Sunset Savana citizen only to find him barely alive from what appeared to be a shark attack.

His right arm had been completely torn off at the shoulder.

Vil had been livid, instantly setting out with all the backing of his fame and famous father to place blame on the school for allowing such a thing to occur and at the Coral Sea royal family for not ensuring that the visiting students were safe.

What he didn't say was how he suspected the Octavinelle Housewarden and his pet eels to have been behind it somehow. They made no attempt to hide how they despised the blonde for his stalking habits or his attempts to target them during events like the Bean Fest or Magift matches, and the twins had been visiting their parents on short notice during the trip.

He didn’t say it but he made his displeasure felt on campus and the Mostro Lounge lost all Pomefiore business in one fell swoop.

Magift matches between the two dorms became little more than blood baths that even Savanaclaw were impressed by, and fights breaking out between the students of said dorms became an almost common occurrence.

It was only under Vil’s pressure that Crowley assured the blonde that he would be allowed to return to school once he had healed up enough and would work beside the Housewarden to complete his coursework so that he wouldn’t be held back or hindered by his missing limb.

A magical prosthesis would be created for him, of course, but it would take a while to special create for him and it was doubtful that the tracker’s aim would ever be what it had once been.

“And you’ll thank Lilia-senpai again for me, right? For finding Rook-senpai and bringing him back?” The Prefect asked, looking up at Sebek from where their fingers were snagged onto his sleeve. “I know he wasn’t exactly pleased with Rook-senpai’s…hobbies.”

The half-fae’s expression flickered with discontent and the human knew he was probably just annoyed that his superior had been forced to do the teachers’ job for them.

Or maybe how they had realized that the blonde huntsman had been taking more pictures of them recently than usual.

“OF COURSE!” he declared seriously, not comfortable with instigating contact out in the open but he didn’t attempt to shake them off like he might once have done either. “LILIA-SAMA WAS ONLY DOING AS HE FELT WAS HIS RESPONSIBILITY BUT I WILL REITERATE YOUR GRATITUDE!”

The Prefect smiled brightly up at the knight, forcing Sebek to glance away quickly or succumb to the heat rising in his cheeks.

“Thank you, Sebek. I really like Lilia-sama but I don’t want to bother him when I know you all have so much to do, protecting Tsunotarou.” They admitted.

“IT IS NOTHING! LILIA-SAMA COUNTS YOU AS A TRUSTED COMPANION AND HAS SAID MANY TIMES YOU ARE WELCOME AT DIASOMNIA WHENEVER YOU WISH!” He assured them instantly. “YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE OUR SUPPORT!”

The soft look of wonder and fondness on the Prefect’s face had Sebek looking away again.

“I know, Sebek. I’m really honored to have such skilled and amazing knights think so highly of me.” They said gently, breaking the other’s desperate attempt to not flush under the praise.

They couldn’t help but chuckle at how cute and flustered the tall warrior could get at the smallest things despite his initial prickly attitude.

“Why don’t we go pick up Ace and Grim from detention and call the others? I’ll make dinner for everyone tonight to try and get our minds off of all this.” They offered.

Sebek’s shoulders shifted somewhat at the change of topic, and he nodded sharply again. A moment later he reached out to tug them out of the way of a Savanaclaw student that had almost stumbled into them.

He sent the boar therianthrope a sharp glare and moved them on his other side purposefully so that he could remain between them and rest of the students milling around.

“OF COURSE, PREFECT! I WILL KEEP WATCH WHILE YOU NOTIFY THE OTHERS!” he said seriously, his posture still at the ready as he always was when they were in public.

The Prefect pulled out their phone and began texting in the group chat for the rest of the First Years, reaching up again to lightly snag the edge of Sebek’s blazer, knowing the half-fae preferred having his arms free when he was in ‘guard mode’.

“How does Salmon Carpaccio sound?” they asked fondly, sneaking a look up at the taller male and hiding a chuckle at how he perked up.

“A VERY GOOD CHOICE, PREFECT!” he exclaimed eagerly.

“I’ll make extra so that you can take some back for Lilia-sama and the others.”

“YOU ARE VERY GENEROUS! LILIA-SAMA WILL BE PLEASED!”

-

The third and fourth ‘incidents’ happened so quickly after each other that it left the school reeling.

Ace had chosen to challenge the Heartslabyul Housewarden again.

The Prefect had only heard about the battle after the fact and had been frantic, worried that Rosehearts-senpai wouldn’t go easy on Ace for challenging him again, only to find out that their red haired friend had won.

Deuce’s explanations weren’t very clear, but apparently Ace had made a deal with Azul to borrow Floyd’s Bind the Heart for the duel, which insured that Riddle’s own Off With Your Head couldn’t land and seal Ace’s magic.

Apparently the surprise of the move had been enough for Ace to have an advantage against the older student and had sent Riddle flying into the hedge maze much to the shock of the other dorm members.

“Not that I don’t think you are good enough to defeat Rosehearts-senpai,” The Prefect said with a furrowed brow as they cleaned and bandaged a cut on their friend’s cheek. “But won’t he just challenge you again? You can’t keep making deals with Ashengrotto-senpai. What did you bargain for with him, anyway?” they fretted.

Ace just flashed a playful grin, leaning into their touch and giving one of his customary, flirty winks.

“Aa-ah, can’t tell ya that.” He teased, “NDA and all.”

He laughed at the pout that instantly pulled on their lips.

“Don’t worry, creampuff, it’s nothing I’ll be missing.” He smirked. “And besides, apparently the tyrant’s mom’s been on his ass so he’s going to focus more on studies instead of trying to be a Housewarden again. It’s all good.” He waved off the whole situation like it wasn’t completely unbelievable.

“What!?” they gaped, looking to Deuce for confirmation and boggling when the blue haired boy shrugged and nodded.

“Heard him arguing with Trey-senpai about it.” He admitted. “Something about her finding out that he’s not as focused on grades as he used to be, or who he’s making friends with or something.”

The Prefect’s concerned look returned instantly.

“Is he going to be okay? What if-“

“Hey, don’t worry about it. The guy’s old enough to take care of his own shit. You’ve already kicked his ass before, so he knows what he’s about. He’s only got a couple more years of school anyway and then she can’t force him to do fucking anything.” Ace argued, poking their forehead.

“I guess…” they muttered, lightly rubbing the spot and sticking out their tongue when the red head just smirked again.

“Still, maybe I should-“ but before the Prefect could try to convince the two to let them at least bring the second year a bag of sweets to help lift his spirits when the front door to Ramshackle was thrown open.

The slam of the wood bouncing against the wall had the three jumping slightly and they looked up to see Jack and Sebek rushing in – Grim hanging off the wolf’s shoulder – and Epel followed close behind.

“Guys! You’ll never believe this!” Epel gasped, throwing himself in between Ace and the Prefect on the couch and shifting to hold the phone so they could all see as they gathered around.

The Prefect watched him click on the video that was already pulled up on the screen, moving a little to see better over his shoulder while Deuce pressed against their back and the two tallest leaned over the back of the sofa behind them.

The video blinked and then began playing, showing an odd angle that was clearly taken on a phone from behind a corner.

It was Vil.

A very drunk Vil who was ranting and raving in a barely comprehensible stream of rage that made him look near Overblotting again.

His hair was falling around his face and he was making wild hand gestures that were no where close to the elegance he was known for as a clearly uncomfortable Epel stood close by and tried to soothe and pacify him.

The Prefect winced, realizing the celebrity was going to have a hard time trying to smooth over getting inebriated on camera.

But then it got worse.

Vil wasn’t just complaining about Rook being hurt – which was understandable even to most internet gremlins – but he then he started in on throwing accusations about Azul being behind it and that turned into him complaining about other NCR students – namely the ‘deviant bastard of a second-prince, Leona’ – who he rambled about being no better than an animal in heat.

Then he turned on Neige LeBlanche.

“Holy shit.” Ace whistled lowly as the Prefect could only cover their mouth aghast.

Epel nodded rapidly, looking more than frazzled and harried.

“It just dropped, everyone’s going crazy.” He admitted. “Vil-senpai’s been really stressed since Rook got hurt and I just figured he needed a chance to vent or that maybe he had gone a little overboard with his potions, or something.”

“This…how are his agents and PR team going to be able to fix this?” the Prefect gaped, wincing as they could already see the rapid list of comments nearly flying up the screen with endless broken heart emojis.

“I don’t know if it’s something that can be fixed.” Jack admitted lowly. “Ignoring how highly thought of LeBlanche-san is, Vil just insulted a royal heir to Sunset Savana.”

Sebek gave a serious nod, eyes calculating as he continued to listen and watch the video.

“King Farena is amenable from what Waka-sama has said, but he is fiercely protective of his family. He will not take kindly to such words being thrown so publicly, especially by someone of Schoenheit-senpai’s fame.” He admitted, his voice lower and tense in a way that they seldom heard it.

There was a long moment of silence between them with nothing but the looping video audio filling the air.

“Welp!” Grim said suddenly, dropping down on the couch and into the Prefect’s lap. “It’s not our problem!”

“Grim!” They protested. “Vil-senpai is…well, he’s not nice, perse, but-“

“No ‘buts’ henchman!” Grim said defiantly, throwing his paw into their face. “The puppy is right! You can’t fix everything! This is something the guy got himself into and he’s got to get himself out of! What are you supposed to do against rabid fans anyway?”

The Prefect chewed on their lip worried, gaze flickering back to the screen and expression dropping at the storm that was clearly building into a hurricane against the actor before their eyes.

Deuce slipped his arms around their waist and nodded against their shoulder.

“Grim’s right, this time.” He said softly. “There’s nothing any of us can do to stop it now.”

The Prefect snuggled Grim under their chin as they were bracketed by all sides by the comfort of their friends.

“I thought…I thought me being here was supposed to help.” They admitted in a small voice. “I thought that was the reason I was brought…that I had a purpose…but how am I supposed to help them like Crowley wants when things like this keep happening?”

A tension shivered through the air and something in Ace’s chest snapped as he suddenly jerked from the couch and moved to lean over their Prefect, reaching out to cup their face in his hands, expression sharp and angry.

But not at them.

Never at them.

“None of this is your fault or responsibility.” He nearly snarled. “That crow bastard can go fuck himself if he tries to push this on you. If he tries to kick you out of Ramshackle you’ll stay in Heartslabyul. If he tries to kick you out of school, you’ll stay with one of our families. Mine and Deuce’s moms have been bugging us to bring you home for break anyway.”

“Yeah! And Grandpa says he wants to teach you how to bake his apple pies.” Epel added instantly.

“You would be more than welcome at my home.” Jack said firmly, large warm hand settling on their head.

“WAKA-SAMA AND LILIA-SAMA HAVE ALREADY MADE STEPS TO REGISTER YOU AND GRIM AS BRIAR VALLEY CITIZENS!” Sebek boomed, horrified at the idea of the small, stranded human being worried for their place in the world.

The Prefect’s breath was stolen as they looked up into Ace’s scarlet gaze and heard the words of assurance around them.

“You don’t have to worry, idiot.” The red head said, leaning in to press his forehead against theirs as Deuce’s breath was in their ear and Epel’s nose pressed into their neck.

Jack and Sebek were a warm, steady presence behind them and Grim’s claws tangled in their shirt.

It made their thoughts dizzy and their heart skip a beat in their chest.

“We’re going to take care of you.”

Oh.

They loved them.

=======================

Hi guys! Sorry I'm posting kind of sporadically, my new job makes it hard to post during the week.

Anyway, hope you like the second part of this. I'm not super pleased with it but I have rewritten parts so many times I figured it would be better just to get it out and move on.

Tell me what you think. <3

[rosemariad]

Supernatural season 14

Oh boy!

So Alt-Michael has taken over Dean’s body and absconded to parts unknown - what an unprecedented plot twist who could’ve possibly seen this coming, certainly not Dean, the one guy who doesn’t trust angels and has a history of being short-sighted & making shitty deals.

Since this is season 14, and there’s only 1 more season after this, I presume Dean will never grow out of these bad qualities 🤦🏾‍♀️, so…moving on.

Check you out Sam, leading your new band of hunters, like some sort of Hunters Incorporated©️. I’m glad Sam gets to spend more time with his mom, but he won’t let her take care of him 😔😭

Was it me or did that Michael & Anael scene feel like Jensen x Danneel role play 🤣 - at least when he caressed her face. Like really bro? I don’t think the scene would’ve played out that way if the actors weren’t actual husband and wife 🤣

Shoutout to Supernatural for keeping Mark Pellegrino employed lol 😂😂 cuz I don’t see Why the fuck he’s still around if the devil is supposedly dead - wasn’t Mark P. also doing 13 reasons why around this time?? Anywho, Nick, luci’s longtime vessel, isn’t dead???? What does Nick have that jimmy novak didn’t (or literally any other angel vessel for that matter) — plot convenience? That must be it 🤣🤣🤣

Cas honey, why are you letting these demons beat you up? Cuz Dean is gone on your watch? cuz im sorry there’s no way im believing Cas was weaker than all them demons. That’s also plot convenience IDGAF!

After yet another demon-hunter showdown, Mary and Bobby are spotted sharing a beer & flirting…I wish John were around to see this AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Oh Jack, poor guy feels worthless for having no power. He should’ve been like ‘Castiel what’s it like being worthless?’ since that was Castiel’s arc for a minute too, which again fuck Supernatural for. Cas had like 1 badass moment last season when he fried Donatello’s brains but that’s it. Meanwhile Nick totally called Cas out, bringing up Jimmy again and driving that guilt straight into Castiel.

Alt-Michael is recruiting?? Brief Dean cameo in 14x02, you give him like 2 lines, wow 😒. Even Sam got more screen time in 5x22 swan song…but Dean suddenly comes back at the end of the episode???? Nah, bullshit!

Also lol karma for Dean in 14x02 when Jack is like, ‘Dean doesn’t matter’, Michael has to be stopped. Ahahahahahahaha. He was the so called pragmatist when it came to Jack, now it’s Jack’s turn. Castiel’s face when jack said it tho…

Dean got stabbed by AU Kaia? What?? Oh look yet another instance of Dean running away from his problems and pain and being a dick to Kaia (though she's technically a different person) again! Good for you tho AU Kaia for giving Dean a taste of his own medicine and telling him off.

Bobby leave Sam alone, I’m here for his captain my captain era. The lovable giant is doing his best!

So some necromancer gets away from Jack & Dean but we’re not gonna see her again, right??? There’s just a little over 30 episodes left in the show at this point. They probably didn’t know that at the time though.

Shoutout to the devil for basically condemning his child to die from a lack of grace :/ while Cas was able to survive (cuz plot convenience most likely) Jack as a nephilim was unable to do so. Gabe’s spare angel grace couldn’t help (I wonder if he were still alive in canon, if it would’ve made a difference. Oh well).

So this is where Cas made the deal with the empty (yes I know about it, how doesn’t everyone that shit went viral the very night it originally aired amidst the infamous nail-biting 2020 election week), tumblr is still serving the memes to this day.

Cas doesn’t want the Winchesters to know cuz Dean 😭 idc, if I was Jack I would NOT keep that secret. Dean would know IMMEDIATELY.

I think more angels died, but heaven hasn’t fallen yet…right? They keep coming back to that. Hm…

Nick’s arc is…bleh. Pretty sure in his desperation he just brought Luci back from the empty…welp. I guess when you’re an archangel who was predestined by God to fight in a fateful epic battle against your big bro, you just get certain perks in the afterlife 😒

Sam doesn’t want Alt-Charlie to go when its like bro! She. Is. Not. Charlie!!! For fuck sake guys SMH, let her live her fucking life! God forbid she want to run away to fucking safety and not die bloody like her counterpart 🤬

Bobby and Mary run off to a cabin for weeks on end 😏😂 to recuperate, sure Mary 🤣

Garth is back! Working as a spy for the Winchesters, oh dear Lord no. I know he makes it to season 15 but maaaan I don't like this….

The nerve of Dean to challenge Alt-Kaia to either hand over the weapon or kill her. What if she just killed him? Also, can't they just replicate the weapon for their own uses? All they would need to do is ensure they're using the same materials Kaia did when she forged the weapon in her own world.

How many hits to the head is Sam supposed to fuckin' take? I feel like it's happened more in this season alone than the entire show so far? He should probably be dead at this point 🤣

Jack got taken, oh no! why didn't Michael kill him? To take him as a ward? Seriously? Whatever.

And it turns out the past episode was a long con to get Dean right where Alt-Michael wanted him. I know there was a catch to him letting Dean go in 14x02.

So Alt-Michael chose to trap Dean in…contentment? With Pamela Barnes? And they weren't even a couple, just friends. She called him out on something.

Why not have him be with a real girlfriend of his, like Lisa or even Cassie? I’m supposed to believe Dean's dream is an unsuccessful bar living out his days with a platonic lady friend??? Really??? Bullshit!

John returns for the final time to go back to 2003? Okay. His hair is cut and grayish. Lol so I’m gonna see that as John gained some weight (from food/drink or muscle training idc) and dyes his hair black but the root are grey and come out every so often 🤣 but yay JDM I wish you had been in more episodes! Oh well.

So no one’s gonna talk about:

a) Adam’s existence

b) Bobby X Mary or how Bobby essentially replaced john as the father/husband by getting involved with Mary AND being a surrogate father to Sam & Dean (with a clear preference to Dean but whatever)

I’d care more about Sam & John’s convo if we had more time with them together on screen. But it was nice to see them squash their beef.

Dean & John’s convo was faaaar too brief. But insightful to their relationship. John wanted dean to have a family, echoing his wishes for his eldest in season 1 in his convo w/ Sam.

But Dean was like I have a family 🥺 my emotions!

Back to the Michael bullshit – a fight with a gorgon fucked up his containment so he literally broke out of Dean's body and killed all the hunters who were conveniently at the bunker when they brought an unconscious Dean back there. Even poor unfortunate Maggie. For a second I thought Mary would be there since Maggie mentioned she was on her way back but no, he ended up possessing Rowena.

Then they bring the old angel torture device of disabling our heroes' ability to breathe, like in the season 5 premiere, making them blind (that's new) and making them hurt.

Jack gets his chance to take Michael down, and takes his grace??????

Oh Sam bby, it's not your fault. Those people were doomed no matter what. TBH I'm surprised they lasted this long. But cuz he's a Winchester and he was raised by Dean & they've rubbed off each other too much at this point (nobromo), he decides to focus on yet another case even when Dean himself isn't willing since big bro has pointed out they have done 3 cases back to back. They're not the young men they used to be lol.

Cas goes with Sam to a milkshake town and given his legendary levels of awkwardness he's immediately seen and called out for his inherent queerness by the townsfolk (in all senses of the word).

Aw Sam wants to stay, ofc he does. This town is simple and peaceful. He could use some of that. Too bad this place is making people's heads explode.

This is why we can't have nice things.

Ah subtle there Supernatural, making Jack, a Nephilim who's the offspring of the devil himself choose between angel and devil food cake 🤣 Dean why would you put him in that position?

Cas why you gotta be snitching on Sam to your boy bestie like that 🤣 – typical boyfriend tomfoolery

Oftentimes since Jack started in this show, he's felt like an intern and 14x16 is one of those times. They don't wanna bring jack along so they think to leave him alone doing chores. Good Lord.

Oh honey Sam you didn't have to tell the sheriff you're not FBI, just stick to the monster stuff. He knows what's up.

And Jack sweetie pie you don't need to impress those kids. He should be hanging out with kids his own age. Just Jack with a bunch of babies 🤣. So cute! My headcanon is that he can actually talk to them. At least then it wouldn't have ended with a stabbing. Thankfully he cleaned up his mess, even though the local kids are terrified of him. It’s a shame he doesn’t have friends. If only he was allowed to have Claire in his life.

They finally resolved the Nick storyline (I hope) by killing him off via Jack but Mary is not happy. She’s concerned. She’s been concerned about him the whole frickin episode since he sassed her as they tried setting up a game night with Dean.

It’s like these people keep forgetting what Jack is capable of.

He didn’t have to relish the kill though. On the other hand, it felt like Mary’s concern was a bit much — if it were me I would’ve kept my mouth shut as to not upset a powerful fledging being into killing me by accident.

So Mary dies…again.

This is also why we can’t have nice things. I know Dean’s never gonna let this shit go. Sure Cas has fucked up a bunch, but killing a direct blood relative of Dean’s…nope. That’s unforgivable. I know they’re not gonna let Dean kill off a kid but I know he’s NEVER ever gonna forget Jack’s role in Mary’s (second) demise.

Why couldn’t you leave the boy alone Mary?!?!?!!?!

The boys show up, did they not circle back to pick up their mother? Seriously? Goodness Lord. So depressing watching the brothers just assuming their mommy’s coming back 😭

Cas (cuz of course this shit went tits up while Daddy was away) calls Dean to get caught up on what happened the last episode and is concerned that the Winchesters left their mom alone with Jack. Then why did you leave him Cas? You could’ve taken him with you. Like it would’ve been better if one of the brothers was alone with Jack? Badasses they may be, but they would’ve ended up just like Mary let’s be honest. The only difference would’ve been whichever brother got got would’ve come back. Mary will not be getting that special treatment…

Jack is tripping out since he murdered his foster G-maw - ends up flying all over the world (so his soul is definitely gone? But if it were gone, would he even care about killing Mary? everyone’s trying to track him down IDK why he doesn’t just destroy the phone he has. We get flashes of Mary & Jack’s time together and technically I believe she spent the most time with him (at least in season 13)

They’re still giving Mark P work on this show making him the manifestation of Jack’s subconscious cuz the kill is driving Jack insane 😭🥺 He’s reacting so much like a little boy who knows he fucked up it that makes this so much sadder 😭 Jack’s being driven mad with grief.

Oh fuck they’re going to where she died. Oh fuck.

WTF is wrong with these people! He’s a fucking boy! A super power nuke of a boy, but still a fucking boy! Like the Winchesters never made a mistake! What about the nurse who got killed in 4x22 by Sam? All the people Dean slaughtered under the MoC, as a demon! That’s just off the top of my head! No but cuz they’re the fucking protagonists 😡🤬

Samuel Winchester you know manipulating this child Is 5 different kinds of fucked up!

Jack why did you call it an accident! Did you not want to use the words murder? Destroyed? Obliterated?

Dean you piece of shit, why are you lying to this boy!!!!!! You know Jack’s desperate to make peace with you, and you lead him to a grave he’s never supposed to escape?! Poor thing Jack was sooo scared!

Sam, the regret is gonna eat you alive! Sam, for fucks sake, SPEAK THE FUCK UP! You clearly got shit you wanna say, fucking say it!

Dean you’re surprised Jack’s going along with it?! Of course he’s gonna go along with it, he wants to please you, you shady, manipulative BASTARD!

That’s right Castiel stand up for Jack since nobody else is willing to!

Oh boy, the celestial boy is freaking out. Claustrophobia was kicking in, this shit ain’t gonna end well. It’s a dark day when a psychological manifestation of Satan is making sense more than everyone else.

I’m not surprised Jack got out though. That box was made for an archangel and he isn’t that. He’s a nephilim, technically a different entity, right? now, the Winchesters have a pissed off mega-powerful creature on their hands. Great job team 🤣

that’s right Jack, give them a piece of your fucking mind! Fuck ‘em up queen.

Oh shit! I’ve watched this part a dozen times on YouTube, the part where jack makes the whole world tell the truth no matter what! Donald trump is canonically Crowley’s bitch! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

All hail the stapler queen! Iconic!

And God reveals Himself, what grand timing! He says He came for Cas’s prayer (but Cas prayed to Him in season 6 too, no?) but then He states the real reason for His arrival — Jack.

Meanwhile Jack went to see his real G-maw, not a good plan Jackie boy. She’s put 2+2 together that her daughter Kelly is NOT ok and now Jack has to confess the truth. (Where’s the dad? Was the actor unavailable or dead at this point?)

Sam was outed to love Celine Dion (I love her too Sammy it’s ok, her songs are AMAZING! My favorite is it’s all coming back to me now, I crush that shit in karaoke.) Dean follows a mommy blog 🤣 of course he does, probably cuz he identifies with her more & loves that her life is so full of shit (like I said, he identifies with her).

God don’t sanction lying, the real God would never do such a thing. Isn’t it like the 6th commandment, thou shall not lie? Like dude, the fuck?!

And no, writing means telling stories that are often made up but it’s not meant to deceive anybody. But Hollywood on the other hand…yeesh.

Dean breaking Chuck’s guitar 🤣

Chuck saying ‘DON’T!’ Having Dean shook 🤣

Why are you asking them how things are, like you don’t know?! You’re omnipotent!

They canonically made the British queen a lizard? Damn. These old Americans (the writers) are dicks!

Finally Sam is speaking up! Thank God!

Dean stop blaming people, Jesus, it was an accident (Jack you phrased it sooooo poorly though)! shout out to Sam for taking it this so well cuz he’s been through too much this season alone. He lost a whole fucking army, then his mom after he got to know her this time! And the concussions! So many concussions.

Angry Cas is sooooo fucking hot 🥵 when he slammed that truck with his fist 😏

Awww the first thing he does when he sees Jack is hugs him. Jack needed that so bad!

The biggest travesty is we never got to see the SquirrelVerse!

When Sam asks if God is watching them — Sam do you even know what omnipresent means?!

It’s just like I said in season 11. God doesn’t owe anyone anything. But everyone owes Him everything. He gave everyone the freedom to choose, for better or worse. But this iteration of who God is seems to watch what people and creatures decide to do with their lives. He made the weapon to see who among Sam, Dean or Cas would take it and strike Jack down.

So ultimately when Dean tracks Jack down and Jack throws Cas into a tombstone and Sam is running dramatically to stop it, Dean ultimately decides not to kill Jack. But why though? He kept talking shit about how Jack needed to be dealt with, but when the moment comes, he won’t do it?! I mean I’m glad but it doesn’t really make sense?!

Was it the puppy eyes? Did Sam teach Jack that trick? But Jack closed his eyes at the last second???

Oh Dean, you’re such a fucking softie. That’s on you God. You made him softer than Mr. Pillsberry.

If anything, Dean is the step daddy. Cas is Daddy. And then there’s Uncle Sam 🤣

Sam is many things, but stupid is never one of them. Naïve maybe, trusting, desperate. But not stupid. And not crazy, this time 🤣

I will say what makes this story compelling is the fact that the Winchesters find themselves locked in a cycle of violence at the hands of their Creator, and they’re refusing to commit further acts of violence in effort to stop it all and rebel against their cruel, dispassionate maker. But they have no means to back it up…today.

Not the Burger King catchphrase🤣🤣🤣

Not Jack being…smote?

Not Dean being yeeted into another tombstone?

Sam, why did you think that was gonna work on God? He made the weapon. You really think He’d make something that could kill Himself? Nah bruh.

So we’ve approached the ending of the penultimate season. 20 more episodes to go! Ah!!!! I’m excited but also not since the ending is what I know (mildly).

Side note - Sam & Dean still don’t know about Castiel’s bargain with the Empty (kinda seems pointless since God killed Jack anyway…Cas basically fucked himself for nothing 🤦🏾‍♀️ [I know how it ends but yeah still])

It’s not about the destination though, it’s the journey (I keep telling myself that).

God said fuck y’all. Shouldn’t’ve poked the bear…now these poor innocent people gonna die like sheep to the slaughter. Y’all got a lot of cleaning up to do and with so little people to help you.

So did God undo all the killings the Winchesters did? Cuz damn….that’s 10+ years of work undone. In 1 moment.

They’re not getting out of the cycle anytime soon.

[angel-eyes05]

bite the hand (chapter 4)

PREVIOUS CHAPTER

pairing: spider-woman!oc x miguel o’hara 

summary: lorena's whole world was taken away from her in the blink of an eye, after she accidentally broke a canon event. lucky for her though, she was able to find a portal watch in her dimension and used it to get out before she glitched out of existence. unfortunately though, running from dimension to dimension, she's been named as an anomaly by the spider society. now, she's constantly on the run from them, their leader in particular. when she eventually gets caught though, she's recruited onto a mission to catch another anomaly who might be from her past. to her dismay though, her partner on this mission is her very captor. will she be able to stop arguing with him for long enough to get the job done?

info: enemies to lovers, maybe a slow burn depending on chapter count, oc is 24 and miguel is 27, both oc and miguel are super sad lmao, they're also both super violent so, they also hate each other what a slay, in regards to my oc you can read her character sheet right here

warnings: there might be spoilers for atsv in this so watch the movie before reading this, cursing, gun violence, recreational drug use

word count: 3.0k

notes: this one was silly i liked writing this chapter

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She had a hard time looking at Miguel while he helped her get her new web shooters. She was sure he noticed all the chemical burns on her wrists, but he preferred not to ask about them. Either he already knew what they were, probably from those monitors he was talking about earlier, or he had preferred to keep those kinds of details about each other to themselves. She at least agreed on that notion.

But she couldn’t shake it out of her mind, the dream she had the night before, while he was handling her forearms. His strong smell that used to sting her nostril hairs now had a sweeter scent to it. Lorena couldn’t help but imagine the hands that were around her wrists down below handling her waist, basically clawing for more of it. She still disliked him, at least a little bit, but a layer of lust had been added onto that hatred. 

“Try not to break these like you break everything else, anomaly,” he said coldly, dropping her arms once he finished and walked away. 

Nevermind, the lust was gone. That word was enough for Lorena to lose all of her feelings in a second. Miguel was attractive…but he would be so much more attractive if he shut his mouth. This is why she decided to stay away from men after she lost Eddie.

Lorena sighed and followed Miguel as he walked up over to a pad to open his portal watch. Lorena still had a day pass on her wrist, Miguel not trusting her enough to give her a real watch. “Ok, we’re gonna hop into dimension 1732 right now. I need you stay close to me and just follow my lead. Don’t even think about wandering off,” he berated her like a child. “Don’t you think it would be easier if you just told me the plan?”

“I’ll tell you when it’s convenient for me,” he said sharply before shielding his face with his mask and walking into the portal. “I’ll tell you when it’s convenient for me,” she repeated in a mocking tone before also pulling her mask over her face, then following him.

Her vision was bombarded with bright pink, blue, and orange neon lights from the surrounding buildings. Her own neon purple suit blended in almost perfectly with her new environment, and so did Miguel’s, especially considering the fact everyone on the streets was wearing a costume of some sorts. The city was so alive for such a late time in the night. It looks similar to Miguel’s but more technologically advanced.

Vendors had their carts laid out on the sides of the streets, selling whole assortments of goods, from candied treats, to bright decorations. Children were running in the streets with sparklers and dancers were parading around in graphic vinyl and neon hair decorations. 

“What’s going on?” Lorena yelled to Miguel over the loud music. “They’re celebrating,” he shouted back. “Yeah no shit, but what exactly,” she yelled as she rolled her eyes. “They just ended a war with an alien race.” Lorena stopped walking to stare at him. “How stupid do you really think I am O’Hara?” “No I’m serious, look at the posters.” He directed her eyes to a poster with the green aliens on it. The one in the front had elf-like ears and purple stripes going down the sides of its face, while the two in the back were morphing into human forms. “Huh…ok then,” Lorena said in disbelief. “Come on, we have to keep moving if we’re gonna meet my informant in time.”

Miguel put his hand to her back to guide Lorena throughout the crowds of people. She changed her pace when she felt his hand though, not wanting to feel his contact. 

She walked through the streets, eyes constantly jumping from one attraction to the next. Signs blinking in the distance, fireworks bursting in the navy blue sky, performers in the streets. The spectacle reminded her of hew own hometown celebrations, bringing a warm smile to Lorena’s face. 

Her eyes were drawn below when she felt a quick tug at the pant part of her suit. She looked down to find a little boy, with a bundle of sparklers in his right hand. “¿Quieres una?” he asked her. She looked over at Miguel for confirmation, an exaggerated pleading look on her face. He sighed, then shrugged. She smiled and crouched down to his height and took one from his hand. “Gracias, mijo,” she said sweetly. She took one for Miguel too and let the boy light them up. He ran away, calling for his mother quickly after, laughing. Lorena smiled to herself for a moment before turning around to give one of the sparklers to Miguel. She was surprised to find him being bombarded by a child as well. 

This one was a little girl running around giving out lollipops and rock candies. He was also crouched down at her height, having a little conversation with her about her treats. She had a smile that could light up a room. Lorena couldn’t hear what they were saying over the music, but she could assume it was a good conversation by the way the little girl jumped on top of him to give him a hug. He seemed to freeze for a moment, but he eventually returned the embrace. He took a lollipop and the little girl ran away. He stood back up to find Lorena staring at him, eventually handing him the sparkler. “...What?” he asked after she kept standing and staring at him. “Nothing, nothing. I just didn’t know you had a soft spot for kids. I would assume a big, scary guy like you would scare them all away.”

She must’ve said something wrong, because his relaxed mood suddenly shifted back to its ridged nature. “Lets keep moving, we’ll be late,” he said coldly. She brushed off the switch up, just attributing it to his personality. “Hey, I got you a sparkler, why didn’t you get me a lollipop?” she eventually asked. “Escaped my mind,” he said, rushing ahead of her.

After struggling to keep up with him for a few minutes, Miguel finally stopped in front of a building, putting an arm out in front of her to stop her from continuing, though she just pushed it down anyways. The building had a small neon sign out front to discern it from the rest of the places in the alley they’d wandered into. “You stay behind me, and you follow my lead. You mess this up and-.” “You’ll kill me?” she sarcastically finished his sentence and looked up at him.

She didn’t have to see his face to know he was seething under his mask, which only made her smirk grow. He grunted and led in front, opening the door.

As the walked in, loud music overwhelmed Lorena’s ears, as the light from the outside failed to make its way into the dark space, only lit by the lights in the bar for the bartenders. Dancers, both male and female, dressed in as little as possible, danced on top of platforms as strobe lights went off around them and people tossed money at them. “You know O’Hara, if you really wanted to take me out, I think this is a really shitty spot for a first date,” she shouted at the man in front of her as he guided her through the strip club. “¿Te callarás durante dos segundos?” he shouted back at her over the noise. “Ok, calm down big guy.” She blushed once her shouting was made more noticeable when they entered into a quiet room in the back. 

In this room, people were trading different weapons and explosives with each other. They each looked like they had their own story to tell. She would ask all of them for it if they didn’t look like they would bite her face off. Lorena bumped into Miguel’s back when he suddenly stopped walking. He stood in front of a steel door, taking a deep breath, then knocking. The little sliding peek hole opened, a pair of beady green eyes staring at Miguel from the other side.

After a moment of staring, the door slid open, allowing Miguel and Lorena to walk inside. The room had brown wood covering the floor and walls. There were two Winchester chairs sitting in the middle of the room next to a wooden table, and a Winchester couch. The table and couch seemed to have some kind of scratch marks on them. Lorena knew exactly where she wouldn’t be sitting now. In back of the room, there was a dark brown wooden desk with a leather chair sitting in it. 

In the chair was a woman with long, white hair, and a black eye mask on. “Hi Miggy!” she announced enthusiastically from her chair. “Hola Kitty,” he said back, letting his mask disappear off his face. Lorena was caught off guard by how much his tone had changed. His rough, cold voice that she had grown to get used to was replaced with a smooth, charming diction. The woman hopped up from her chair and walked around her desk and took Miguel in her arms. She rubbed her hands all over his back and kissed his cheek before backing up, but still holding him by his broad shoulders.

Once she backed away, Lorena was able to get a better view of the rest of her outfit. She was wearing a tight, black, spandex suit, her cleavage basically spilling out onto the floor. The neckline of the suit was lined with a white fur which also lined the back of her forearms and her calves. She also sported a black choker with a pendant on the front, almost as if it were some kind of collar.

“And who’s this you’ve brought with you, Miguel. You know it’s rude to bring in guests and not introduce them,” the woman said, turning her attention towards Lorena. Miguel elbowed her side, signaling her to introduce herself, almost as if it would kill him to say her name. Lorena took off her mask, allowing her crimson hair to flow down to her shoulders. “Lorena Reyes,” she said, extending out her arm. “Felicia Hardy, pleasure to meet you.” She returned the hand shake and smiled at Lorena. “It’s always fun to see what new Spider Miggy decides to run around with for a week or two. I was in your shoes at one point,” she said, walking back to her seat. “Wasn’t I Miguel?” Lorena blushed uncomfortably.

“I appreciate the jokes Felicia, but I’d really prefer to get to business,” Miguel said, ignoring Lorena’s reactions. “Of course, take a seat,” she said motioning to the chairs. Miguel and Lorena both sat down in their individual seats. “So, you’re looking for a variant from Earth-86?” “Not looking, we already found him,” Miguel clarified. “Ok, so then what do you need me for?” Felicia asked. “You know everything about everyone. From every different universe. So you’ve definitely heard something about this guy. And we need to know what we’re getting into.” “So you didn’t just come to see my pretty face?” she flirted. “Not unless that pretty mouth of yours has information I want to know,” he flirted back. 

“Could we keep the banter to a minimum while there’s other company here?” Lorena asked, very obviously uncomfortable with being a third wheel. Miguel sighed, and Felicia giggled. “Well, I have heard a few things. But what’s in it for me?” Miguel rose from his chair and walked over to the desk, and intertwined his fingers with hers. “Maybe we could go on some more...missions again soon?” Felicia giggled while a groan escaped from Lorena. “Alright,” Felicia said, shooing Miguel away back to his chair. Lorena rolled her eyes at Miguel as he sat down. 

“This Eddie Brock guy’s been hoping different dimensions for a couple of days now, right?” she asked, scanning through his file. “We think so,” Miguel responded. “I figured. Had a couple of guys in here yesterday who said they were working with him or something.” Miguel shifted up in his seat. “What do you mean ‘or something’?” “Just some stuff about giving him materials for something. Sounded like a satellite dish to be honest. No idea for what though.”

Lorena tried to search her memories for what that could possibly mean. Then it started to click. She widened her eyes and turned to Miguel. “The symbiote he was attached to was an alien. It’s probably trying to send out a signal to the rest of its kind.” Miguel kept the same stern, pondering look on his face. “It makes sense. Did any of them say they were working with him?” he asked Felicia. “Hmm, no I don’t think so. From what they were saying, he seemed to be a ‘go it alone’ kind of guy.” Lorena nodded. “Sounds about right.” “Do you know this guy or something?” Felicia asked. Lorena had blocked her out, going into the depths of her memories for a moment. “A version of him at least. He was a part of one of her canon events,” Miguel responded in place for Lorena. “Oh, I’m so sorry sweetie, I didn’t know,” Felicia apologized. Lorena snapped out of her daze. “No, no, it’s fine. It was a while ago anyways.”

“Well, that’s all I know on the situation. If you two need anything else, Miggy knows how to give me a call,” Felicia said, winking at Miguel. He blew her a kiss as him and Lorena and him raised up from seats. “Gracias hermosa,” Miguel said to her, walking up to her and giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Can I actually talk to you for a second?” Lorena could hear Felicia whisper to Miguel. Miguel turned around to face Lorena, who was waiting by the door. “Go ahead, I’ll catch up with you outside.” So much for sticking together. Lorena rolled her eyes as she put her mask back on and walked through the strip club back outside to the alley.

She leaned up against the wall, eyes closed. She could still see the neon lights blinking through her eyelids. This whole celebration brought back memories from her teenage years. While growing up, she hadn’t participated in many American traditions, her aunt and uncle having been immigrants. But one year on the 4th of July, Eddie and all of her friends had invited her out to a fireworks show in the park. They all sat on the lawn, Lorena, Eddie, Harry, and Gwen high on edibles, while Peter and MJ sat sober. Lorena was nuzzled into Eddie’s chest, laying down watching the explosion of colors above her in the sky. The space above her had turned into every color of the rainbow. Reds, blues, purples, greens. She hadn’t seen many things like it. 

At one point, she stopped looking at the fireworks to admire the sight around her. Peter and MJ cutely cuddling, wrapped in the blanket they were laying, staring up at the scene. Harry and Gwen sharing a popcorn, just talking about their days. Eddie. Seeing the reflection of the show above in his ocean blue eyes. The flow of his strawberry blonde hair being disrupted by the slight breeze. She was enamored by him. “You okay?” she heard him ask. She stared up into his eyes. “Yeah. I am.” He kissed the top of her head, before pulling her in closer to him. The fireworks above them were only a small representation of the way they felt for each other. 

Lorena was quickly startled and pulled out of her daze by the sound of the door to the club being thrown open. She opened her eyes to Miguel bolting out of building. “Stop standing there and run!” he shouted at her. Before she could ask any questions, her spider sense was set ablaze. Her suspicions were confirmed when she felt the wind next to her face being broken by the speed of a bullet. As if they had a mind of her own, her legs quickly began moving at a fast speed to catch up to Miguel. 

She turned her head to look behind her, finding five guys chasing after them with pistols in their hands. Two were running and three were on some kind of hoverboards. With more bullets flying their way, Lorena screamed out to Miguel. “What the fuck did you do in there?!” “Can we talk about this later!” he shouted back. She groaned loudly, shooting a web out of her webshooters and swinging ahead of him. “Did you forget you had these?” she snarkily remarked. He grunted at her, but then quickly attached his bright orange webs to a telephone pole and swung with her. 

With the next round of bullets flying, Lorena decided to take charge of the situation, and shot one of her webs at one of the attackers face, knocking him to the floor. The two of them flew over the vendor carts, while the lackeys swerved through the crowds. Miguel quickly detached himself from his web and jumped on one of the men, scratching at his face with his claws, knocking him over. Once he got back to swinging, Lorena’s eyes on her mask gave him an annoyed look. 

“What?” “Do you really have to be so flashy about it?” “Cállate pendeja.”

Once they were away from the crowds, the three men left started firing again. “Are we just gonna keep swinging like idiots, or are you gonna open up the portal to get us out of here?” Lorena yelled to him, aggravated by the amount of bullets grazing her suit. “I’m working on it!” he shouted at her clicking at the watch on his wrist. Suddenly, her peripherals caught the sight of an sunset light in the distance. “Keep up!” Miguel called, changing his direction to swing towards the portal. 

The fire of the bullets must have increased, since Lorena was finding it harder to dodge them. Miguel swung through the portal first, but before she could get in all the way, she felt one bullet go into her thigh and one into her tricep. She called out in pain before being consumed by the orange glow around her.

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

NEXT CHAPTER

a/n: i love writing this, idc if its not getting a lot of traction as my other work tbh

taglist: @the-ikran-man @jenniferdixon05207 @yuuuumii @elwyn7 @waniesss @lust-for-pan @natthernandez @pix-stuff @ang3lf4c3 @artfulthoughtswp

[dujour13]

Come on, come on, I want to know! 💙 I can know that, can't I? 👀👉🏻👈🏻 Eros 4, Philia 3, Storge 5, Agape 5, Pragma 2, Philautia 4!

Hehe thank you for indulging me Sadruru! 💕💕

Again the disclaimer that I wanted to answer these for my own personal fic version of Woljif because I’m thinking about him today. Hoping I’m not stepping on any toes!

Eros 4

Do they believe in love at first sight? Have they ever developed a crush or romantic (or erotic) fixation upon a stranger based on their appearance alone?

Answered here!

Philia 3

What qualities does your OC most value in a friend? Loyalty? Shared sense of humour? Or something else?

A tough one! A shared sense of humor is essential, but so is competence. Because he’s still in a transactional mindset for most of the story, Woljif needs to respect someone to value their friendship. The loyalty question is where it gets sticky. He needs someone who doesn’t judge him and who is on the same chaotic wavelength, but at one point in my fic he voices the paradox: How can I trust somebody who’s like me? And that is a good question when it comes to Siavash, who’s not untrustworthy in quite the same way, but still – unreliable to put it mildly. There’s a lot of tension in their relationship over this, and it’s not ever resolved. Woljif can never be sure he can count on Siavash to stick around and come through on his promises, and Siavash can never be sure Woljif’s not lying or hiding something from him. On the other hand, that lasting tension also creates the distance they need to keep the spark of passion alive.

Storge 5

Is your OC able to love without necessarily needing or expecting reciprocation or reward? Or are all their relationships to some extent transactional? Have they ever loved another person unconditionally, whether a child or another adult?

This is the whole journey. Spoiler - he doesn’t get there until Threshold and when he realizes it, it’s pure anguish. Confusing and painful to realize someone else’s life is as important to him as his own – especially right at the cusp of the final battle.

Agape 5

Does your OC find it easy to empathise with their enemies? Or do they see it as important to dehumanise them in order to combat them with sufficient determination?

Some of the enemies in pwotr are indeed human, which poses a problem for Woljif. He won’t admit it but he’s squeamish about violence because deep down, he is empathetic – although you’ll have to drag it out him kicking and screaming. After you rescue him from the cultists he claims that the only reason he helped keep Deval alive was because it would be annoying if his ghost haunted him. Seriously, Woljif. Just say it. You don’t like to watch people get sacrificed. He does make fun of cultists being idiots, but he never does entirely dehumanize them in order to justify fighting them. His determination in combat comes more from self-preservation.

Pragma 2

What is the biggest challenge that your OC has had to overcome in a long-term relationship or friendship? What helped them get through this?

This will get repetitive with other answers, but again, Woljif has to value his own self-worth and feel safe enough to be vulnerable. That’s what’s so rewarding about earning his friendship. It comes from a lot of hard work on his part.

Philautia 4

Which of your OC's qualities makes them the most proud? Do they think more people should be like them in this regard? Or do they quite like being rare in possessing it?

Answered here!

[anonymousewrites]

Of Two Worlds (Book 3) Chapter Twelve

Fushiguro Megumi x Half-Curse! Reader

Chapter Twelve: Duel

Mouse Note: Spoilers! Spoilers beware! I am starting at JJK Ch 222 and going on to the end from here. :)

Summary: Everyone prepares for Sukuna and Gojo's duel.

December 24th…

            “Everyone is training hard,” said Nanami, watching Itadori spar with Higurama.

            “I told you, you can’t fight,” said Ieiri, leaning back in her chair and smoking. “Your cursed energy is too unstable. It was all I could do to keep you alive. If you risk fighting—”

            “I could fall apart, I know,” said Nanami. He disliked that he was now on the sidelines of the toughest battle in the last thousand years. If Gojo didn’t win against Sukuna, Nanami wouldn’t be able to help fighting. He couldn’t even go and search for (Y/N). She had made her declaration of leaving them behind and disappeared. Nanami’s heart ached. That was (Y/N)—the kid he’d seen grow up. He wanted to help her, but he was too weak.

            “Don’t worry, Nanami!” Gojo walked into the room. “I’m going to win. After all, I’m the strongest.”

            Nanami almost rolled his eyes at how carelessly unconcerned Gojo was. Instead, he just looked out at the students milling around and training together. “You better.” He didn’t want to watch these kids keep fighting. They should be allowed to be kids.

            He looked at Yuuta as he came in from patrol. There were still an influx of curses post-Shibuya incident, so they were taking shifts going out to exorcise them. Inumaki walked with Yuuta, and the two nodded at Nanami and Gojo.

            “Doesn’t look like you two got a workout,” teased Gojo.

            No one could tell if he felt the gravity of the situation or not. He was still acting like Gojo. Nanami suspected that underneath everything he knew the stakes—Megumi’s death, Sukuna’s awakening, all that could go wrong—but Gojo was fundamentally Gojo. And that meant he put a smile on his face and was confident as ever.

            “Bonito flakes,” said Inumaki.

            “Yeah, not a lot of curses,” confirmed Yuuta. “Less and less everyday leading up to the battle.”

            It was as if every curse and animal could feel that something big was going to happen soon and chose to retreat until the outcome was determined. The instinctual part of them connected to nature knew it wasn’t the time to risk being vulnerable and exposed.

            “Was there any sign of—?”

            “No,” said Yuuta, shaking his head. “Still nothing, Nanami-san.”

            Nanami’s gaze went to the ground, and his crossed arms balled into fists. No sign of (Y/N). Where are you? “Thank you for looking,” said Nanami, nodding. Yuuta and Inumaki glanced at one another before walking out of the room.

            “You’re still worried, aren’t you, Nanami?” said Gojo.

            “Gojo,” said Ieiri. (Y/N) had been part of the reason Nanami was still alive. He almost died in front of her. The pair had always been close, so bringing up the other being in danger touched a nerve.

            “Nox is out there,” said Nanami. He looked at Gojo and narrowed his eyes. “If Nox is alive, then he waited to reveal himself for a reason. And whatever that reason is, I don’t trust it.”

            “He fought to protect (M/N) and (Y/N) when she was a child, though,” said Ieiri, letting out a puff of smoke. “It doesn’t seem like he wants (Y/N) hurt.”

            “I don’t trust him,” said Nanami firmly.

            “Relax, Nanami. I’ll defeat Sukuna, and then we’ll find (Y/N),” said Gojo. He grinned. “We’ll even fight Nox if we have to!”

            “I just want her back safe,” said Nanami quietly. I want my kid back.

            Gojo clapped Nanami on the back. “Relax, Nanami. Let us handle it.”

            Nanami tensed as he watched Gojo walk out to meet his students. That was what he hated the most. He had to let everyone else handle it. He couldn’t do anything.

            He couldn’t help (Y/N) if she needed it.

l

            “Good luck?” suggested Hakari.

            “Don’t die?” said Panda.

            “Nothing sounds quite right,” sighed Hakari.

            “Yeah, he’s always won before,” said Panda.

            Yuuta sweat-dropped and nodded.

            “So why worry and cheer for him?” said Hoshi.

            “Kelp,” said Inumaki.

            “I do think he’d be pleased, though,” said Yuuta.

            “If he’s overconfident, I’ll punch him before Sukuna does,” said Maki firmly.

            The air crackled with energy, and everyone looked up. Gojo was walking down the stairs to leave the building. Utahime, Gakuganji, Ieiri, and Nanami walked down behind him. Everyone tensed, knowing what was about to happen.

            “Sensei!” said Itadori, waving a hand. “Your cursed technique’s in the way.”

            Gojo smiled slightly and laughed. He turned his back. “Give it to me!”

            Itadori slapped Gojo encouragingly on the back. The other students looked on and smiled. Then, they joined in, and Gojo smiled as he walked through the crowd of students.

            “Get ‘im, you blind-folded idiot!” said Maki.

            “Prove your more than just a pretty face,” said Hoshi.

            “Salmon!” said Inumaki.

            “Let me know if you need help,” said Yuuta, grinning.

            “Kick his ass, Gojo-sensei!” said Itadori.

            Gojo smiled. “Yeah.” He raised his chin. “I got this.”

            Nanami looked at the small group of students, teachers, and allies. Two faces were missing, and it left the room feeling empty.

            (Y/N) and Megumi’s lack of presence haunted the remaining jujutsu sorcerers.

l

            “My deepest apologies,” said Uraume. “We were unable to find the last finger.” They handed over Sukuna’s nineteenth finger to the man in question.

            “Not that we expected to,” said Ren as Sukuna ate the finger. “The Gojo likely has the last finger.”

            “ ‘The Gojo?’ ” said Sukuna, raising a brow in amusement.

            Ren ignored him and continued. “After all, he proposed to the higher-ups to stay the execution until the boy ate all of your fingers. It’s likely he has one of them stashed away somewhere to keep the execution on a permanent hold.”

            Uraume nodded and then winced. Ren’s eyes went to them briefly. Despite their reverse-cursed technique, the injury Gojo had dealt to them was still aching.

            “Don’t worry. I can compensate for one digit,” said Sukuna, waving a hand. He smirked at Ren and Uraume. “I’m going to kill Gojo Satoru, make this body just mine, and then have a celebration for all of it.” He grinned. “And not just for that—but for returning to you two, as well.”

            “Until the body is your original one, we’re not doing anything,” said Ren.

��           “I concur,” said Uraume.

            Sukuna had to struggle not to pout. “I can’t even have a kiss?”

            “No,” said Ren and Uraume at the same time.

            Sukuna scowled.

            “You chose that body; you reap the consequences,” said Ren bluntly.

            “We have another option to hurry things along,” said Uraume.

            “This is the one I need for battling Gojo Satoru,” said Sukuna. “It has the cursed technique and face that can face him and his power the best.”

            “That was not the plan,” said Ren.

            “The plan had to adjust,” said Sukuna.

            “Keep to the planned strategy,” said Uraume, addressing the current situation.

            “Kill Gojo Satoru,” said Sukuna, smirking.

            “Oh, good, you’re ready,” said Kenjaku, walking into the room as Sukuna spoke of killing. “I trust Ren organized everything?”

            “Of course I did,” said Ren, crossing her arms.

            “You’re quite helpful for a woman,” said Kenjaku.

            Ren’s eyes narrowed, and Uraume scowled. The only reason they put up with Kenjaku—formerly Kamo Noritoshi who experimented on women to create half-curses—was to bring Sukuna back. Now…he was merely an annoyance.

            “Would you care to rephrase?” said Sukuna, tilting his head challengingly.

            “Your strategist has been useful,” said Kenjaku, waving a hand.

            Uraume narrowed their eyes, and Ren moved on. Kenjaku would get what he deserved, whether she had to do it herself or not.

            “Where is Nox?” said Ren.

            “Still monitoring,” said Kenjaku.

            “It went perfectly,” said Ren. “The moon cycle is finishing synchronizing tonight.”

            “I told him that, but he’s excited,” said Kenjaku, shrugging. He chuckled. “You can’t blame him, he’s a father. I understand.”

            “Because you raised your children?” said Ren, raising a brow. She was unimpressed by the lie.

            “I’m going to let that comment slide because we’re on a schedule,” said Kenjaku.

            “You’re going to let it slide because Ren is my wife and Uraume is my spouse, and you know the consequences of speaking to them like that,” said Sukuna lowly.

            Kenjaku glanced at him, turned, and walked towards the door. He didn’t respond, but his intelligent decision to leave was obviously motivated by Sukuna’s words. “Don’t mess up the plan!” He waved.

            “Dear?” said Ren, looking at Sukuna.

            “Shall I continue with the plan?” said Sukuna, smirking.

            “He asked to,” remarked Uraume.

            “He did.” Sukuna raised a hand. “Cleave.”

            As Kenjaku took a step out of the room, his body fell apart. Blood and gore hit the ground. Sukuna smirked. Uraume and Ren didn’t bother to look back.

            “Finally,” said Ren.

            “We had to put up with him for quite a while,” said Uraume.

            “He served his purpose,” said Sukuna. He rose. “Now.” He smirked. “It’s time to prepare for our duel.”

            “I’ll fetch your robes,” said Uraume.

            “I’ll inform Nox,” said Ren.

            “It’s time for Gojo Satoru to die,” said Sukuna. He looked out the window at the ruins of Shibuya. The sun was setting, turning the sky bloodred—as red as Gojo’s blood would spill.

            By the time the sun disappeared in the sky, Sukuna would stand victorious.

l

            Inside a dark room, Nox knelt beside a cot. He held a still, cold body’s hand. He closed his eyes and whispered words of prayer to the moon, the stars, and all of the night sky. Under the icy skin, no pulse thrummed.

            But he could feel the sun falling in the sky. He could feel the night approaching. Soon, the world would be swathed in inky blackness save the light of the stars and the silver shine of the moon.

            Then, Nox would know. He would know if all his planning paid off. He would know if the ritual worked. He would know if the moon lived.

l

            “There is he,” said Sukuna.

            He stood atop a skyscraper left at the edge of Ground Zero in Shibuya. A large crater spread out before him. At the other side of the debris, atop another building, a powerful, radiant cursed energy radiated outwards. Gojo had arrived for the duel. Where Sukuna wore white underneath a black robe, Gojo had a white robe over white pants and a black shirt. The pair were polar opposites, and they were about to clash.

            Gojo took a deep breath as he listened to Gakuganji’s music and felt Utahime’s dancing. He closed his eyes as he remembered just how much he had lost—Geto, Yaga, Megumi—and how much he had to fight to protect who he cared about—down to killing the elders. His bright blue eyes opened to the sunset, shining like stars in the light.

            It was time.

            “Nine ropes—” Gojo put his hands together “—polarized light—” his cursed energy switched on “—crow and declaration, between front and back—” he put his hands out in front of him “—Hollow Purple!”

            The energy exploded out at Sukuna. He raised his hands to block it, but, due to Ijichi’s barrier, he had misread Gojo’s output and not noticed the immense cursed energy. It hit him and the building. Stone broke apart into a million pieces and rained down on the ground.

            Sukuna smirked as he stepped out of the rubble and dust clouds. It was the strongest sorcerer of a thousand years ago versus the strongest sorcerer, and Sukuna wanted a proper fight. Gojo floated down from his own building to land in front of him, and the pair gazed at one another.

            “Just so there’s no misunderstanding, let me set you straight,” said Gojo, a wild look in his eyes. “You’re the challenger here.”

            “Damn punk,” said Sukuna, narrowing his eyes—all four. “I’m the challenger? You’ve let catching me off-guard go to your head. Gojo Satoru, you’re just a fish on the cutting board. You may flop around a lot, but you’re still a nameless fish.” He raised his hands, and cursed energy flared into flares around them. “First, I’ll strip away your scales.”

            “Then why’re you wearing that face?” Gojo dropped his white robe. “You wanted me to hold back, right? Too bad for you I’ve undergone special training. I can totally whale on Megumi. Dying once as Yuuji was a mistake.” Gojo smirked wildly. “I’ll worry about Megumi after I kill you.”

            Sukuna struck, and Gojo blocked his attack. He pivoted and hit Sukuna, but Sukuna parried it. Cursed energy clashed and sizzled in the air. Gojo ducked under an attack and sent Sukuna flying into a wall with his Infinity. The pressure cracked the wall, and Sukuna crashed through it and several other barriers.

            When he landed, Gojo was already rushing at him. Sukuna jumped back to dodge Gojo’s landing, and the bridge they stood on splintered into pieces. As the pieces fell, Gojo controlled his fall and through his hand up. Infinity shoved the shard Sukuna stood on into another building. Sukuna ran along the side of the slab of rock and jumped onto another roof. He jumped into the air and pointed at Gojo.

            “Dismantle,” he said.

            Gojo raised a brow as he felt nothing.

            Slash!

            The attack hit the high rise behind Gojo. He glanced back, and Sukuna lunged. He stole Gojo’s attention, forcing him to block the attack. All the while, the top of the skyscraper careened downwards towards them. Gojo grabbed Sukuna’s fist the next time he attacked and threw him into the building. It fell on both, but they crashed through a window and continued their battle inside. They tossed tables and chairs from the offices at one another, neither taking any real damage.

            The building hit the ground. A thunderous crash echoed through the ruins of Shibuya, and Gojo and Sukuna emerged in a cloud of dust and smoke.

            “I’m blaming you for all the damage,” said Gojo.

            Sukuna smirked. “Like anyone will believe that.”

            “Gah!” Gojo looked at the crows watching him. “Mei’s broadcasting this!”

            “So, shall we make this interesting?” said Sukuna, raising his hands.

            Gojo grinned. “Bring it, old man.”

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