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octerminal · 3 years

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Avoiding the ME1 LI Romances

...And also what to do if you’ve already triggered them.

This is a post I’ve been wanting to remake forever, and with the remaster around the corner I thought now was a good time to finally get on it.

A few things first: I say “avoiding the ME1 LI romances”, but in reality this is mostly going to be about Kaidan and Ashley. While there are a few ways around Liara’s romance I’ve discovered, I have never been able to find a simple way to avoid triggering it. (I’ll get to that later.)

This post will be split into three sections: Kaidan, Ashley, and Liara. Kaidan and Ashley’s sections specifically will go over how to avoid triggering their romances entirely, and then the dialogue choices you need to take if you want to end the romance if it’s already been triggered. I have also included a few bonus things for the both of them, such as avoiding the flirting during the scenic view cutscene in the Citadel Wards. For Kaidan specifically, I have also included content about his mechanics in ME3.

Please note that most of these have been accomplished on console. I have gotten several PC users who do attest that, at the very least, Kaidan’s portion works for them. But on the off-chance that platform influences other parts of Kaidan’s, or Ashley and Liara’s, I thought it was worth mentioning. It should also be said that, obviously, these are all using the original games as a basis, though I am not expecting MELE to change any of this.

I will also be using both my Kaidan transcript and Ashley transcript as reference for their dialogue. I recommend following along there if you find Tumblr’s formatting confusing.

Final note before we begin: this post is not an open invitation to hate on any of these characters. ME1 is turning 14 this year and ME3 recently turned 9. Anything you have to say about these characters and their romance mechanics has already been beaten to death, brought back to life, and beaten to death again. No one wants to hear it, least of all me. Please keep your comments to yourself and be civil.

KAIDAN

“I WANT TO AVOID TRIGGERING IT ENTIRELY, WHAT DO I DO?”

Kaidan’s romance can be triggered after the first main mission has been completed. For many players, I imagine this is Therum, but it really doesn’t matter which mission it is.

Kaidan will prompt the conversation, as he will for every other post-main mission conversation so long as his romance remains active. This conversation will be about his time at Brain Camp. You can read the conversation in his transcript if you find it easier to follow along, though I have done my best to format this post as cleanly as possible.

KAIDAN: Commander, do you have a minute?

SHEPARD: (You can choose whatever dialogue option you want. It makes no difference yet.)

KAIDAN: Off the record, I think there’s something wrong here. This Saren is looking for records on some kind of galactic extinction, but we can’t get backup from the Council? Sorry, Commander. There’s writing on the wall here, but someone isn’t reading it.

SHEPARD: (Again, you may choose whatever dialogue option you want. It still makes no difference yet.)

>FIRST CHANCE TO AVOID THE ROMANCE<

KAIDAN: I hear ya. It - It just seems like a group that’s been around as long as the Council should see this coming. It’s funny. We finally get out here and the final frontier was already settled. And the residents don’t even seem impressed by the view...or the dangers.

SHEPARD (Renegade - Zip it, Lieutenant.): I’m sure your letters home are very poignant. Just keep this kind of sentimentality out of the CIC.

KAIDAN: Yes, ma’am. Sorry to have wasted your time. I’m right about the mission, though. I know it. (The conversation will end here and his romance will not trigger.)

>SECOND CHANCE TO AVOID THE ROMANCE<

SHEPARD (Paragon - Cute way to look at it./Neutral - An old-fashioned view.): Well, well. You’re a romantic. Did you sign on “for the dream,” Alenko? Secure man’s future in space?

KAIDAN: Heh, yeah, I read a lot of those books when I was a kid. Where the hero goes to space to prove himself worthy of a woman he loves. Or, you know. For justice. Maybe I was a romantic in the beginning. But I thought about it after Brain Camp - ah, sorry, “Biotic Acclimation and Temperance training.” I’m not looking for “the dream.” I just want to do some good. See what’s out here. Sorry if I got too informal. Protocol wasn’t a big focus back in BAaT.

SHEPARD (Renegade - Just be ready.): I trust you won’t have any questions when whatever’s coming hits the fan?

KAIDAN: None. I’m not questioning the mission. I’m just concerned. Sorry to have wasted your time, ma’am. It won’t happen again. (The conversation will end here and his romance will not trigger.)

The final chance to cut off Kaidan’s romance before it triggers happens after Shepard asks him about Brain Camp. This opens up a lot of investigation options and you may exhaust all of them. If you want to avoid hearing Kaidan imply that he thinks your Shepard is attractive, avoid the “Time to talk, then./Time to “get physical,” then.” investigation options. Once Kaidan is done speaking about Brain Camp, you will get one final chance to avoid his romance.

>THIRD CHANCE TO AVOID THE ROMANCE<

KAIDAN: Anyway. This was supposed to be a casual debrief, not a bull session about stuff that happened years ago.

SHEPARD (Renegade - You’re right.): I pretty much gave up waiting for the good part.

KAIDAN: Bad habit, ma’am. I do tend to run off at the mouth. I will work on it for my next review. Sorry to have wasted your time, ma’am. It won’t happen again. (The conversation ends and his romance does not trigger.)

You will notice all of these are renegade options. There is literally no way around this if you want to avoid triggering Kaidan’s romance. You don’t get any renegade points from them, and Kaidan does not treat you negatively in the ensuing post-main mission talks.

Here is an easy way to tell if Kaidan’s romance remains active. Conversations between him and Shepard will end like this:

SHEPARD: We’ll talk later, Kaidan.

KAIDAN: I’d like that.

“I’VE ALREADY TRIGGERED IT, HOW DO I GET OUT OF THIS?”

The good news is that getting out of the romance is fairly simple. The game gives you a lot of opportunities before it triggers the love triangle with Liara (assuming her romance has also been triggered, anyway).

If Kaidan’s romance was triggered, you will have an opportunity at the beginning of his second and third post-main mission talks. These are a bit more complex to transcribe, so I really recommend just reading them in my transcription if you need the exact dialogue options to understand.

But the gist: You can’t go wrong with choosing the renegade dialogue options. This is always the dialogue option that will end his romance. You are almost never going to end his romance with a paragon or neutral dialogue option. He will always prompt this conversation by wondering if he’s gotten his signals mixed up, if there’s someone else you’d rather spend time with, if he’s being too casual, etc. Once he does this, just shoot him down with a renegade dialogue option.

Again: you get no renegade points from this. He will not treat you negatively in the ensuing post-main mission talks.

Here is an example. This one occurs in his second post-main mission talk if Liara’s romance hasn’t been triggered:

KAIDAN: I’m just saying...try to leave yourself a way out. I’ve seen what cutting corners can do and I’d hate to have that happen to you, Shepard. Commander.

SHEPARD (Renegade - I don’t need approval.): I’m your commanding officer, Alenko. Are you questioning the way I handle things?

KAIDAN: No, Commander. Just concerned about the reception of the brass if things go sour. I apologize for bringing it up. I know we’re getting the job done.

SHEPARD: (You can choose whatever response you like; they all lead to the romance ending.)

If you have repeatedly not broken off the romance with Kaidan after a certain point and Liara’s romance is also active, it will trigger the love triangle scene. This is one of the last points you have to break off Kaidan’s romance, but it will lock you into Liara’s romance instead. If you are wanting a no-romance run, I recommend choosing one of the other options instead.

There is also a separate way to end the romance outside these three opportunities. In the third post-main mission talk, you must pick the dialogue option that triggers the argument that can “renegade” Kaidan’s opinion on the Council. You must not choose the charm or intimidate option here, and you must then pick the renegade dialogue options. The conversation should go like this:

KAIDAN: So yeah, I hated that turian. But he wasn’t “a turian” to me. He was Vyrnnus.

SHEPARD (Renegade - All turians are the same.): You can’t deny the turians are imperialists. And the asari, the salarians - they’re manipulators.

KAIDAN: Shepard, I outgrew the blame game years ago. If the Alliance is missing its chance, it’s because of men like Udina. Not the rest of the galaxy holding it back.

SHEPARD (Renegade - I’m not so sure.): When anyone out here listens to us, the Council starts up with their treaties and heel-dragging. We can only rely on ourselves.

KAIDAN: We’re not doing the galaxy any favors if we try to force our way into a seat at the grown-up table. They aren’t - malicious. They’re just slow to change. My story doesn’t get any better if Vyrnnus is a good guy.

SHEPARD (Renegade - Whose side are you on?): I don’t need you kissing the Council’s asses, too.

KAIDAN: Look, Shepard. You’re in command, and we’ll all follow your lead. But don’t ream me out for having an opinion. I thought we respected each other more than that.

SHEPARD (Renegade - I can’t respect this.): I can’t believe you’d side with aliens over your own kind. I think we’re done here.

KAIDAN: Yeah, I think we are. It’s--It’s too bad we...It’s just too bad, Commander.

This argument will end his romance. He will also not be renegaded. This is obviously a much more convoluted way to end his romance, but I’m throwing the option out there because it’s 1) hilarious, and 2) way more dramatic, if you want to roleplay ending the romance for whatever reason.

MISCELLANEOUS

Depending on the dialogue options you take for the scenic view on the Citadel, Kaidan will always flirt with you. This does not lock you into, or even trigger, his romance. It is entirely possible to not have him flirt with you at all in this scene, and still initiate the romance later. But if you do not want him to flirt with you, simply do this:

[image ID: ME1’s subtitles showing Ashley saying “Or maybe they just don’t like humans.” with the dialogue wheel below it giving the following dialogue choices, starting from the top: “What’s not to like?”, “Let’s move out.”, and “That’s enough, you two.” end ID]

When you get to this part of the scenic view cutscene, choose any dialogue option but the top “What’s not to like?” one.

Also, even if you’ve already avoided or shut down Kaidan’s romance, Liara will still ask if there’s something between the two of you if her romance is active. Tell her that there isn’t (because there isn’t). Her saying this does not re-trigger Kaidan’s romance.

Congratulations, you have now survived ME1’s romance mechanics. Enjoy experiencing unromanced Kaidan for the rest of the game.

ME3 BONUS: “OKAY, WHAT ABOUT HIM FLIRTING WITH ME IN THE HOSPITAL THOUGH?”

I have tested both of these personally multiple times and they have always worked for me, but again: see my warning about different platforms at the beginning of this post. If it doesn’t work for you, please let me know.

If you have not romanced Kaidan previously: don’t buy him the alcohol as a present. That’s it.

If you have romanced Kaidan previously: on Mars, tell him your relationship is over. It is a renegade dialogue option, but it is necessary to avoid the flirtation in the hospital. This route also means that you can buy him the alcohol and he will still not flirt with you.

Please note that going renegade on Mars does not lock you out of his romance. It merely prevents him from assuming you’re interested during your hospital visit.

ME3 BONUS: “OKAY, WHAT ABOUT HIS APOLLO’S PROPOSITION THOUGH?”

This only happens if you have not locked in your romance with your preferred love interest first. For Garrus, this is the bottle shooting date. For Tali and Traynor, it’s inviting her up to your cabin. For Liara and Miranda, it’s her Presidium date. So on and so forth.

This means there is no way around it if you romanced Jacob or Thane and do not want to pursue a different romance after them. If you do get this scene: again, just turn him down. It is never brought up again. He does not act like he’s in love with you going forth. You will get his unromanced date in the Citadel DLC, as well as his unromanced London goodbye.

ASHLEY

“I WANT TO AVOID TRIGGERING IT ENTIRELY, WHAT DO I DO?”

Ashley’s romance can be triggered after the first main mission has been completed. For many players, I imagine this is Therum, but it really doesn’t matter which mission it is.

Ashley will prompt the conversation, as she will for every other post-main mission conversation so long as her romance remains active. This conversation will be about her concerns about the aliens aboard the Normandy.

Note: Ashley has one less opportunity to avoid triggering her romance in the first post-main mission talk compared to Kaidan. You may also read the conversation in her transcript if you find it easier to follow along, though I have done my best to format this post as cleanly as possible.

ASHLEY: Commander. You have a minute to talk?

SHEPARD: (You can choose whatever dialogue option you want. It makes no difference yet.)

ASHLEY: I know things are different aboard the Normandy, but - I'm concerned about the aliens. Vakarian and Wrex. With all due respect, Commander, should they have full access to the ship?

SHEPARD: (Again, you can choose whatever dialogue option you want. It still makes no difference yet.)

>FIRST CHANCE TO AVOID THE ROMANCE<

ASHLEY: This is the most advanced ship in the Alliance Navy. I don't think we should give them free reign to poke around the vital systems. Engines. Sensors. Weapons.

SHEPARD (Side - You're out of line!): That's enough, Chief. You always second-guess your superiors?

ASHLEY: Sir! No, sir! I'm sorry. I was out of line. I'll get back to my duties, Commander. (The conversation will end and her romance will not trigger.)

If you do not pick the above option, Ashley will elaborate her stance further until you get to the dialogue wheel with the second (and final) chance to avoid her romance.

>SECOND CHANCE TO AVOID THE ROMANCE<

ASHLEY: My family's defended the Alliance since it was founded. My father, my grandfather, my great-grandmother - they all picked up a rifle and swore the Oath of Service. I guess we just tend to think of Earth's interests as our own.

SHEPARD (Renegade - Just shut up.): I expect you to keep your family politics to yourself, Chief. The mission will be difficult enough without you picking fights with aliens.

ASHLEY: Aye, aye, Commander. (The conversation will end and her romance will not trigger.)

Note: You can still pick the investigation dialogue options that discusses her service and family history. You just have to pick the renegade dialogue option outlined above afterward, instead of any other option.

Like with Kaidan, you do not get any renegade points for picking this option and Ashley does not treat you negatively in the ensuing post-main mission talks.

Here is an easy way to tell if Ashley’s romance remains active. Conversations between her and Shepard will end with the following:

SHEPARD: We'll talk later, Williams.

ASHLEY: Looking forward to it, sir.

“I’VE ALREADY TRIGGERED IT, HOW DO I GET OUT OF THIS?”

Admittedly, you have fewer easy opportunities to end Ashley’s romance than you do Kaidan’s, and most of the early game ones require Liara’s romance also being active. You are still offered multiple different opportunities out before the game ends, however.

If Ashley and Liara’s romances are both triggered, you will have an opportunity at the beginning of Ashley’s second and third post-main mission talks to end the romance. The gist is the same as Kaidan’s: You can’t go wrong with choosing the renegade dialogue options. This is always the dialogue option that will end her romance. You are almost never going to end her romance with a paragon or neutral dialogue option. She will always prompt this conversation by bringing up your relationship with Liara. Once she does this, just shoot her down.

Again: you get no renegade points from this. She will not treat you negatively in the ensuing post-main mission talks.

In both the second and third post-main mission talks, the conversation will go something like:

ASHLEY: Surprised to see you here, sir. Thought you’d be chatting up what’s-her-name. T’Soni.

SHEPARD: (Pick the neutral or renegade dialogue option here; they both lead to the same dialogue branch.)

ASHLEY: Scuttlebutt says you’ve got a bit of a thing for her. I could understand why. The crew’s off-limits, with the regs against fraternization. And at least she looks like a woman.

SHEPARD: (Pick the neutral or renegade dialogue option here. They both end the romance.)

One of the easier exceptions to this that doesn't require Liara’s romance being active is in the second post-main mission talk when Ashley gets Sarah’s vid-mail. It will go like this:

SARAH: - Oh, before I go. You said you’re serving with Commander Shepard now? We saw him on the news here. He’s cute! Later, sis.

ASHLEY: Tell me you didn’t hear that.

SHEPARD (Renegade - That’s unprofessional.): I don’t need to tell you it’s inappropriate to gossip about how “cute” your commanding officer is.

ASHLEY: No, sir. You don’t. Sorry about that. It won’t happen again. (Conversation and romance ends.)

Please note, however, that this will lock you out of the remainder of the conversation and you will not learn about Ashley’s family.

If you have repeatedly not broken off the romance with Ashley after a certain point and Liara’s romance is also active, it will trigger the love triangle scene. This is one of the last points you have to break off Ashley’s romance, but it will lock you into Liara’s romance instead. If you are wanting a no-romance run, I recommend choosing one of the other options instead.

There is also a separate way to end the romance outside these three opportunities. In the third post-main mission talk, you must pick the dialogue option that triggers the argument that can “paragon” Ashley’s opinion on the Council. You must not choose the charm or intimidate option here, and you must then pick the renegade dialogue options. The conversation should go something like this:

ASHLEY: But hey, once we save the galaxy, maybe the Alliance will get its act together. Start acting like an actual government.

SHEPARD (Paragon - The Alliance is all right.): The Alliance isn’t perfect, but it does well enough.

ASHLEY: Have to disagree with you there, skipper. Giving aliens the run of our most advanced ship? Kowtowing to the Council?

SHEPARD (Paragon - It’s not like that.): The Alliance should be able to stand on is own. We can’t. Yet. Why not learn from the races that have been standing for the last thousand years?

ASHLEY: How can you say that, given everything we’ve seen out here? They’re already acting like Saren is our problem. Already siccing us on the bear. The Council races will always think of themselves first. It’s - human nature. We can’t afford to trust them. Not if the survival of humanity is on the line.

SHEPARD (Renegade - I’ve heard enough.): Whatever feelings I might have for you, we have to work with the Council. I can’t let you second-guess our superiors.

ASHLEY: Shepard, I’m a soldier. You’re my commander. If you give me an order, I’ll follow it. I don’t expect you to treat me differently from anyone else under your command. And if you have been - quit it. I thought you knew me better than that.

SHEPARD (Renegade - Do I?): Seems like every time we run up against aliens, you whip out the “Earth first” card. I can’t have my authority undermined.

ASHLEY: I never intended to “undermine” you, Shepard. I believe in you. I wish you’d believe in anyone but yourself. With your permission, sir, I’ll return to my duties.

This argument will end her romance. She will also not be paragoned. This is obviously a much more convoluted way to end her romance, but I’m throwing the option out there because it’s 1) hilarious (that final line, oof), and 2) way more dramatic, if you want to roleplay ending the romance for whatever reason.

MISCELLANEOUS

Like with Kaidan, depending on the dialogue options you take for the scenic view on the Citadel, Ashley will always flirt with you. This does not lock you into, or even trigger, her romance. It is entirely possible to not have her flirt with you at all in this scene, and still initiate the romance later. But if you do not want her to flirt with you, simply do this:

When you get to this part of the scenic view cutscene, choose any dialogue option but the top “What’s not to like?” one.

Also like with Kaidan, even if you’ve already avoided or shut down Ashley’s romance, Liara will still ask if there’s something between the two of you if her romance is active. Tell her that there isn’t (because there isn’t). Her saying this does not re-trigger Ashley’s romance.

Congratulations, you have now survived ME1’s romance mechanics. Enjoy experiencing unromanced Ashley for the rest of the game.

LIARA

“I WANT TO AVOID TRIGGERING IT ENTIRELY, WHAT DO I DO?”

As I mentioned in the beginning of this post, I have found no easy way around Liara’s romance. If anyone else has, I genuinely mean it when I say I would absolutely be open to you telling me, because I would love to know.

The only way to avoid triggering Liara’s romance that I have found are the following:

Simply not talking to her for most of the game (not ideal)

Completing Therum only after you’ve done at least two main missions (also not ideal since it will require Noveria being completed without her)

Completing Therum only after all the other main missions have been completed (again not ideal, though every player should at least do this once if only for the unique content you get from it)

Okay, so what if you want to complete Therum first but still avoid Liara’s romance? I have found one way to accomplish this, but it requires you to be in a romance with Kaidan (or presumably Ashley, but I have only tested this with Kaidan).

After you recruit Liara, you may check up on her in the med-bay but do not initiate conversation after that. If she prompts you by saying, “I get the feeling you want to ask me something, Commander,” do not pick the yellowed dialogue option:

[image ID: ME1′s subtitles showing Liara saying, “I get the feeling you want to ask me something, Commander.” with the dialogue wheel showing the following options: “Investigate”, a yellowed option above “Investigate” labeled “I’d like to talk about you.”, and “Goodbye.” end ID.]

After you complete another main mission, you can check back in with Liara and speak to her normally. This conversation should be the one you’d normally get after Therum, where you learn about why she likes archaeology and how she finds Shepard fascinating.

After you complete another main mission, you must talk to Kaidan or Ashley first. To clarify: at this point you should be at the post-third main mission mark. For Kaidan, you will be getting the “Vyrnnus and Rahna” talk that you can read in his transcript; for Ashley, you will be getting the “Williams Curse” talk that you can read in her transcript.

After you speak with Kaidan or Ashley, you may speak with Liara as normal. This conversation should be picking up on where you left off last time. Liara will talk about how she’s looked into Shepard’s history and Shepard can press her for why she’s so interested in them. Liara should then say something like the following lines:

LIARA: I admit, your connection to the Protheans had something to do with my initial interest. But it has grown beyond that. My interest in you, however, is strictly professional. I want to make that clear. It is obvious you and Lt. Alenko already have some type of relationship. I would not want to come between you.

Her romance will not trigger for the rest of the game.

Please note: Again, I have only tested this with Kaidan. But it should, in theory, work the exact same for Ashley considering many of hers and Kaidan’s other romance mechanics are identical.

“THAT’S NICE, BUT HOW DO I END HER ROMANCE IF IT’S ALREADY TRIGGERED?”

You will follow the same steps as in Kaidan and Ashley’s portions. When she prompts you with whether or not there’s anything between the two of you, you must turn her down. You can never go wrong with the renegade dialogue options here. Again: you get no renegade points for it, and Liara treats you no differently going forth.

She will also usually bring up Kaidan or Ashley depending on what Shepard you are playing, and mention that it seems like there’s something between the two of you even when you do not have their romance active. If you aren’t romancing the VS, just tell her that she’s got it wrong, because...she does. It does not re-trigger either of their romances.

YES I AM ALMOST DONE TALKING

The game really does give you ample opportunities to avoid or end the romances (which is only fair considering how easy they are to trip), so hopefully I have outlined at least one you are comfortable taking.

There are other ways to end both Kaidan and Ashley’s romance that I did not mention (such as during the locker scene, or if you try to un-paragon/renegade) - the point of no return you mainly have to worry about is en route to Ilos. I imagine most players will have their romances sorted out by then, though, so I’m not sure it’s worth mentioning unless you’re wanting to do it purely for roleplay reasons. (In which case: you may read those in their respective transcripts if you’re curious.)

I cannot say I have tested every single romance cut-off, but I have tested most of the important ones players are most likely to take. I am assuming the romances are cut off based on the fact Shepard and the VS’ farewells will change depending on their romanced status (as I outlined in their respective sections), which I do feel is a safe bet. But if you try one of these and find that it did not end the romance: I’m sorry, and please do let me know (and also what platform you play on).

If you read all of this: thank you for your time, and I hope you find this guide useful!

#mass effect #kaidan alenko #ashley williams #liara t'soni #shenko #shepley #shiara #okay perhaps this post will show up in the tags eventually but it certainly is not for now #which makes this post utterly pointless but whatever hopefully it still gets spread around #edit: this post is showing up in the tags now thanks everyone who reblogged!

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dialovers-translations · 3 years

Text

Diabolik Lovers DARK FATE ー Shuu Maniac [Prologue]

ー The scene starts in the shopping district

Yui: ( ...This place has not changed at all. Although I suppose that only makes sense given we weren’t away for that long. )

( There don’t seem to be any rumors about wolves or such either. )

Shuu: Oi. Keep walking.

Yui: Ah, right.

( Somehow the roles are reversed for once... )

Shuu: ...

Yui: ...? What’s wrong?

Shuu: You just thought ‘I don’t want you to be the one telling me that’, didn’t you?

Yui: I-I didn’t!

Shuu: Heh...Not that it’d matter. Let’s go.

Yui: ( ...Thank god. Seems like Shuu-san is back to being his usual self too. )

ー Shuu starts walking away

Yui: ( ...Huh? )

Uhm, Shuu-san? Are we dropping by somewhere on the way home?

( He’s going into the wrong direction. I wonder where he’s headed? )

Shuu: You’ll find out if you follow me.

Yui: ...?

*TIMESKIP*

ー The scene shifts to the outside of the Mukami manor

Yui: ( This is... )

Shuu: Let’s go inside.

Yui: Eh!? Shuu-san...!

ー They enter the manor

*Creaaaak*

*Thud*

Shuu: ...Nobody’s around.

Yui: Shuu-san, this is the Mukami’s residence...Right?

Shuu: Yeah.

Yui: Are you sure this is fine?

Shuu: Entering this place uninvited, you mean? I don’t see the problem. This place technically belongs to the Old Man after all.

I assume the Mukami’s fled to the Demon World in fear of the Wolves as well. We’re lucky it’s currently empty. (1)

Yui: ...

Shuu: Don’t worry.

Unlike at the Demon World, the lunar eclipse has come to an end already here. Its effects on us species have faded as well so rest assured.

We’re borrowing this manor just in case. The Sakamaki manor is being sniffed out by those wolves after all.

Yui: ( Shuu-san actually thought things through. )

( He makes a valid point...I might have gotten worried for nothing. )

Shuu: Hm...So this is what this house looks like.

Even though we’re all Vampires, our lives are so different. It feels odd.

Yui: ( The atmosphere is most definitely different from the Sakamaki’s place. How should I put it? You could say the mood is more light-hearted...Ah. )

ー She walks over to the wall

Yui: ( It’s a photograph of the four Mukami brothers...! )

( They really are close. It looks like a family picture... )

Shuu-san, look at thiー Wait, huh? Shuu-san?

( He vanished into thin air...Where could he have gone? )

ー The scene shifts to the kitchen

Shuu: ...

Yui: Ah, there he is. Shuu-san, so this is where you’ve been.

( I wonder what he’s doing, staring at the shelf with silverware? ...Ah. )

They’ve got color-coded silverware. Since there’s four kinds in total, I suppose they all got matching ones?

Shuu: ...They’re matching as brothers?

Yui: Looks like it. They really are close-knit...

Shuu: Is this what you’d call...’a family’?

Yui: Eh?

Shuu: Taking pictures while smiling or using matching plates and cutlery...Those are things I can’t even fathom happening over at our place.

Yui: ( I can’t imagine the Sakamaki’s doing that either... )

Shuu: I’ve always felt disconnected from the concept of ‘a family’.

Yui: That’s not true. You have plenty of brothers, don’t you?

Shuu: Too many. Besides...With the Old Man being the way he is, you can hardly call us an ideal family.

I won’t deny that I’ve always been surrounded by other people for as long as I can remember but...I’m a little reluctant whether or not I can call them ‘family’.

Just having someone there by your side doesn’t necessarily make you feel fulfilled after all.

Yui: ( Shuu-san... )

( Perhaps he actually often felt lonely? )

( Even if he was always surrounded by others, they only stuck to his side because he is the eldest son of the family...So he might have actually been ‘alone’ this whole time. )

Shuu: ...How about your place?

Yui: My home?

( It’s rare for him to ask about me. )

Shuu: I don’t understand very well, but as a human, you can probably grasp the concept of a family very well, no?

Yui: I wonder...My family might be a little different from the average household as well.

Shuu: Is that so?

Yui: I was raised by a single father after all. Father is my only family.

Therefore, I don’t think I can confidently say ‘this is a family’. However...

I am certain that a close-knit family like the Mukami’s is what an ideal family should be like!

Shuu: Ideal, huh...? Do you feel envious of them?

Yui: Just a little. Me and Father were close too but sometimes I did feel lonely by the lack of any other family members as well.

Shuu: You are actually capable of feeling lonely too? I had no idea.

...No, I suppose I never attempted to see it. I figured there was no point.

Even though we’ve spent so much time together...

Yui: Shuu-san?

Shuu: ...Wanna try becoming a family?

Yui: Eh...!?

Shuu: As fellow strangers to the concept. Well, we’re just gonna play pretend, of course.

Yui: Ah, play pretend...

( He startled me...Because he suddenly dropped the word ‘family’... )

Shuu: It would be best to try it out before we actually do become one, right?

Yui: ...!

( When he suddenly says these kinds of things, it’s bad for my heart... (2) )

( ...But, if it’s with Shuu-san. )

( Exactly because we’ve both experienced loneliness before...It might be nice to try and make our own ideal family here. )

( It’s just the two of us after all. Even if we’re just pretending...As long as I’m with the person I love. )

Then, can I make just one request?

Shuu: What? Tell me.

Yui: I want plates and cups. Of course, matching ones. Is that okay?

Shuu: ...I don’t see why not?

Yui: Also let’s take a picture together too...What else?

Shuu: Sleep in the same bed, for example?

Yui: ...Can we?

Shuu: ...You’re weird today.

Yui: I mean...It’s a normal thing for family to do.

Let’s have our meals together too. It might not be bad to cook together every once in a while as well.

Shuu: ...

Yui: No?

Shuu: Oh well, why not? Even though it’s a drag. That’s what family does, no?

You can do as you wish. Whatever you desire, I do too.

Yui: Fufu, that sounds very family-like too. My family’s happiness is my happiness after all.

Shuu: I see. In that caseーー

ー Shuu moves closer

*Rustle*

Yui: ...!

Shuu: If I do something that makes me happy, it’ll please you too, no?

...Look my way.

Yui: ( I wonder if he’ll suck my blood...? )

Shuu: ...Nn...

*Smooch*

Yui: ( ...A kiss instead of sucking my blood...? )

Shuu: ...Somebody seems disappointed.

Yui: I’m not disappointed or anythi...

Shuu: Just be honest. You were looking forward to having your blood sucked, didn’t you?

That’s why this doesn’t satisfy you...Nn...

*Smooch*

Shuu: ...So, how do you truly feel?

Yui: ...I don’t feel dissatisfied...

When it’s you...I feel happy no matter what.

Shuu: ...Hah, you really are a natural at flipping my switch, aren’t you?

I was going to leave it at just a kiss, but I’ve changed my mind.

Show me your neck. I’ll live up to those expectations...and suck your blood.

Nn...!

ー Shuu bites her

Shuu: Nn, nn...Phew...

Yui: ...

Shuu: Hah...You’re making a great expression right now.

From here on out...I’ll please you in tons of ways.

My family’s happiness is my happiness, was it? ...Yui.

Nn...

*SCENE SHIFTS*

ー The scene shifts to the entrance hall of the Sakamaki castle

Reiji: ...

Kanato: You’re still here, Reiji?

Why not give up already? They’re not coming back anyway.

Laito: Well, leaving Shuu aside, I do think losing Bitch-chan as well was a miscalculation on our part~

Reiji: My thoughts exactly. Why did she decide to chase after Shuu?

Shuu is to blame as well. We are being prompted to proceed with the preparations of the evening gala, yet, that good-for-nothing...

Now that it’s come to this, I shall take command and make the necessary prepaーー...

Laito: Speaking of which, where is Subaru-kun? I know that Ayato-kun can’t move just yet.

Kanato: He has isolated himself per usual. I assume he’s sulking because Yui-san is no longer around?

ー Subaru walks up to them

Subaru: ...Fuck off! Sulking, me!?

Laito: You’re so quick to react, Subaru-kun~ You must be dying from loneliness now that Bitch-chan’s gone, huh?

Subaru: Like I said, who are you callin’ lonely!? Imma fuckin’ end you!?

Reiji: Haah...Keep quiet, you lot!

...I suppose we have no other choice. We shall wait just a tad bit longer.

However, my patience is running thin. ...Shuu.

ーー TO BE CONTINUED ーー

Translation notes

(1) 助かる or ‘tasukaru’ literally means ‘to save’ or ‘to rescue’. However, the term ‘助かった’ or ‘sentence + が助かった’ is used to express relief or even gratitude towards a certain person or situation. In this case, the Mukami manor being empty works in favor of Shuu’s plan to hide there while the Wolves are possibly trailing them.

(2) Technically Yui says she is ‘troubled’ by Shuu-san who will suddenly say those kinds of things.

→ LIKE MY TRANSLATIONS? SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI!

<- [ Dark Epilogue ] [ Maniac 01 ] ->

#diabolik lovers #dialovers #shuu sakamaki #dark fate #diabolik lovers translation #dfshuumaniacprolog

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bigskydreaming · 3 years

Text

#when i read about tim i often kind of come to the idea that he's relatively self centered#and that can be both a flaw and a strength#but he doesn't often consider other people's feelings and circumstances#like when dick made damian robin he didn't really consider the situation from anyone else's view#or in his origin story#he doesn't seem to consider how dick would feel about hearing how tim was affected by dick's parents' death#or with the spyral situation#or in regards to him earning robin#and its pretty consistent in fandom characterization even if a lot of writers don't seem to be aware of it#its interesting cause i think its something i think he has in common with bruce#its honestly a surprisingly consistent thing from what i see#and it can be a strength to#it can absolutely lead to some confidence and self actualization#as well as being able commit to fixing something and working hard at it#because you believe you can and don't think anyone else can/will do it via @emenerd

Y’know, what’s interesting to me about these points is the fact that like.....Tim having tendencies towards self-centeredness is actually something that COMPLETELY makes sense and can be quite sympathetic in light of his backstory of having neglectful parents.

In an age of armchair diagnosticians eager to label anyone who expresses a controversial viewpoint while centering themselves as an example, as like, having a narcissistic personality disorder (and with the loaded implication that this makes them a bad person even if its true, instead of just....having a disorder, yay weaponizable ableism) like, it can be important to add in distinctions that even tendencies that share overlap with a lot of things born of entitlement, etc....aren’t always necessarily proof of that.

For instance, in Tim’s case, an overemphasis on himself and his own position in situations and arguments can very reasonably be attributed as a coping mechanism he developed in an attempt to acknowledge and address self-esteem issues he sees himself as having, DUE to parental neglect.

Its not that he thinks he’s the most important person in the room, necessarily, its that he spent so many years not even being considered a person in the room, that now he OVERCOMPENSATES on his own behalf, in an attempt to remind himself that no, his opinion and feelings and situations do matter.....and because he like most of the Bat-characters has a tendency towards hyper-fixating on a problem they’re trying to address, this can also understandably create a kind of tunnel vision. Where he’s so busy focusing on what he’s diagnosed as an actual issue he has that he’s trying to address or make up for, in order to build up his self-esteem....that he neglects to keep everyone around him equally centered in his interactions with them, and remember that like, they have their own issues and ignoring that to focus entirely on his own runs the risk of negatively impacting them in the exact same way he’s still learning to cope with having been negatively impacted in his development as a child.

None of this makes him a bad person, or is stuff that can’t be addressed and developed just by paying the appropriate attention to it and his interactions.

SO the issue I tend to more often have....

Is with how often in fandom and fanon we hear references to Tim’s neglect and emotional abuse and how this impacted him.....much in the same way we see Jason and Cass and Damian and Dick’s various forms of abuse and the developmental impact it had on them....

BUT there tends to then be a disconnect, IMO, because that acknowledgment of the WHAT of Tim’s neglect and abuse and the HOW it hurt him.....isn’t often followed up by an examination/awareness of how it also SHAPED him.....at least, not compared to how discussions/fics about say, Jason’s abuse tend to point out the latter as much as the former.

And this is a big part of my gripe with the ways abuse is centered and tackled as a topic in fics and fandom discussions, because its so often capitalized upon as a defense or shield for a character from criticism, stuff like that.....without ever actually EXPLORING the topic itself, or the FULLNESS of the impact it can have.

But only in regards to some characters.

What I mean is like....we see a lot of focus on Jason’s childhood abuse, yeah? And this often is then connected through headcanons, meta and fics to various aspects of Jason’s characterization as a teenager, and as an adult as well.....with a tendency towards anger or violence, abrasive personality, etc. Don’t get me wrong, its usually presented as such in a SYMPATHETIC light, especially when raised by fans of Jason themselves.....but his abuse is very much present and centered in fics and discussions as something that not only impacted him and made him suffer, but something that actually shaped him to varying degrees as well....with a lot of focus then in fics of him as an adult, like, paid to him going to therapy and unpacking his childhood abuse in an effort to WORK on these aspects of himself that make his present day life harder or less healthy than he’d like it to be. The issue of how his abuse lent itself to various behaviorisms is raised in order to address various byproducts of his abuse as FLAWS that he seeks to eliminate, in order to make himself happier and make himself someone that people want to be around more.

And again, don’t get me wrong - for the most part, this is a GOOD thing. The caveat here is just a personal dislike I have for how often these narratives smack of a kind of saviorism, and act like it was only through the grace of Bruce and becoming part of the Batfam that Jason’s ever afforded the opportunity to better himself as a person. I dislike the hell out of this because it not only pairs all too well with a lot of classist shit, it feeds into the singular narrative we’re so often presented with by media about abused kids: the myth of the victim being destined to become a victimizer, it all being an inevitable cycle. The reason this myth is so easily perpetuated is the exact reason I’m so critical of the saviorism in a lot of abused-Jason fics.....people can very easily fall into the trap of assuming that abused kids are likely to grow up to be abusers because they never have anyone to TEACH them that abuse is wrong, or to lead by healthy example.

The harm of this perception is that it kinda throws under the bus every kid who never lucks out and gets a Bruce Wayne style savior swooping in to not only save them from their abusive environs, but TEACH them that they deserved better and that abuse is wrong.

Because its like, uh, the thing is, plenty of abused kids who never get a personal mentor or savior figure are fully capable of figuring out for themselves that they deserve better and that people hurting them is wrong, because it makes them feel bad and they don’t like that?

Many abused kids don’t grow up in a media vacuum where they simply have no access to glimpses of lives different from their own.....we see kids having happier, healthier family lives on TV or in books and are able to figure out that society overall thinks that’s what family is SUPPOSED to look like, and its ours that is the aberration?

The very fact that we’re taught or have it instilled in us by abusive parents that like, we’re not to bring up instances or examples of our abuse to teachers or friends, that its a SECRET, is like, usually a dead giveaway that there’s something WRONG with it that we’re being instructed - and enforced with abusive consequences - to keep from alerting others to....like, this is basically a blaring siren to a lot of us that no, what’s happening to us ISN’T normal and acceptable, and that’s literally WHY the parent we’re afraid of is so insistent on us keeping the facts of it hidden?

And so like, tons of abused kids figure out for ourselves the difference between right or wrong, based off nothing more than our own feelings about things and a desire to not be like the people who make us feel miserable - like, never underestimate the power of spite to like, keep a kid from growing up doing the same thing to others that was done to them, lol.

But point being, lots of kids never get a Bruce Wayne figure to take them away from their abuse and also teach them that they never deserved it and how not to pass the hurt forward by doing the same things to others. And its kinda condescending as fuck that we so often see narratives that take it as so obvious it barely merits commenting on, that like, ‘of COURSE abused kids grow up to become abusers if they don’t have someone else step in and show them a better way’....mmm, no. Fuck that. But you get what I mean.

So like, its a mixed bag. Its a good thing, to see Jason-centric stories that show him addressing his childhood and seeking just a more fuller, happier, healthier life for himself. Its a less great thing to see this narrative presented as all encompassing, with it never being raised that no, Jason actually could figure out he deserved better and how to treat people in ways he’d want to be treated even without a billionaire guardian angel.....NOT because the narrative wherein someone helps an abused kid figure out what was wrong about how they were treated is like, NEVER valid....but rather it just becomes a problem when looked at as a data point against the larger tapestry of fandom-wide works....and noticing that this specific narrative is pretty much the ONLY one raised or treated as valid. With it just being ASSUMED to be the natural course of events and characters, rather than just....the direction society overall has their perceptions of abuse steered towards due to a singular and constantly reinforced abuse narrative shown to us in media.

And the way this all plays back into my point about Tim and what took me down this road in general.....

Is that disconnect I was talking about, lies specifically in HOW Tim is often acknowledged and regarded as an abuse survivor due to his emotional abuse and neglect......with this abuse and its impact on HIM often taking center stage, much the way Jason’s abuse and its impact takes center stage in his narratives.....

BUT with a key difference being that while a lot of Jason’s narratives go on to denote the specific ways his abuse helped SHAPE him and his interactions with others, and raise and address the ways in which he can better himself and his relationships by unpacking all of this openly....

Most of the stories about Tim’s abuse/neglect tend to just STOP at the awareness of its existence and impact on him. Never taking it that one step further to examine how those specific forms of abuse could have additionally SHAPED him....in ways that sometimes negatively impact those around him and his own loved ones, even if this is completely unintentional on his part. The difference, the disconnect, lies solely in how rarely its ever acknowledged that Tim’s own upbringing can and does play directly into how he interacts with people later on in life.....and in ways that he’s fully capable of addressing and bettering himself so as to be happier and healthier just in his own life, and in his relationships, as someone others want to be around.

Aaaaand once you actually examine or consider WHY there’s this discrepancy between the full ramifications of Tim’s abuse and that which various siblings of his underwent, when there’s full agreement that what he did go through absolutely can be termed abusive as well....like, its the implications of what about Tim makes him more naturally resistant or whatever to being shaped by his abuse in ways that have actual negative impact on others in his life, whereas the same isn’t true of say, Jason.....that’s when the red flags start to go up for me, and the unintended subtext starts to get Less Than Stellar, IMO.

Anyway. Just food for thought on the subject of Tim, his upbringing, the various impacts this had on not JUST him but also on how he interacts with others, and ways in which all of this compares and contrasts with how the subject of abuse is raised and depicted in regards to other Batkids.

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caffeineaddicted-noonie · 3 years

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hi ^^ i was wondering if i can request a creepypasta matchup ? <3 if not then it’s okay, also please ignore this whole request if my english is too bad, thank you<3

my pronouns are she/her, i’m bi and my mbti type is INFJ!<3 i’m kinda awkward and have no patience but i’m very caring. i always want to make sure my friends are not cold, thirsty, sick etc. so yes, i’m also annoying lol. my love language is definitely physical touch ! i love hugs, holding hands, cuddles, but if someone’s not okay with it then i won’t bother them even though i’m clingy of course. i’m 162 cm tall (it was 164 two years ago </3) i think that’s 5’4? i’m not sure, sorry about that. i’m underweight, pale, and i wear glasses (only when i’m home tho) + i get dizzy a lot = i’m very weak. i love playing horror games or watching horror movies! i get scared easily but i still love it! i also love cats! but i hate sports and bugs ._. i enjoy taking care of someone, like a lot!

i feel like i said too much, sorry about that. have a nice day/night and take care of yourself :) <3

Heya @foxglovex Thanks for sending in the request! Nahh, you gave me enough info! The more the better ^^ I hope you like this and sorry for keeping you waiting!

🌘🖤wish you the best~🖤🌒

I MATCH YOU UP WITH

JEFF THE KILLER

see it to believe it log 1 - friends 🌹

+ ok being friends with Jeffrey Woods isn’t as easy as with Liu Woods. + This boy, i mean he’s ’friendly’. + It’s just- hes JEFF. + (make sense yet?) He is friendly yet aggresive. + How did you two become friends? + He might have persuadede you to come and follow him cause trouble, but, he didn’t tell you that. + He instead told you that Masky wanted the two of you to get him some things. + Upon hearing that it was ’Masky’s orders’ you agreed without hesitating. + ”Cool! Now let’s go before anyone sees us,” ”Why would-“ ”Come on! *drags you by your arm*” …… ”soo, what are we suppose to do again?” ”Well, Masky told us to go to Walmart and get what he deserves- i mean, want…” ”Ouh…which is?” “We’re gonna have fun!” ”O>O?” + Yall, ended up turning Walmart upside down. ……….. + ”What were you two thinking?” ”Payback!” ”Pay-“ ”For calling me a stupid peice of a motherf*ckers sh*t you as*hole!” + Don’t worry, Jeff took full ‘reposiblity’ (he had to clean the WHOLE mansion, especially Masky’s room) + After taking care of his punishment, he went to you and ranted about how unfair it was that you didn’t get punished. + You only listened and said a few things. + Somehow, he managed to calm down. AND somehow, the topic of th conversation changed. + And with that, ladies and gentlemen, Romeo and Juli-, they were friends (yayy) + He thinks its ridiculous that you get scared easily yet you still watch horror movies. ”Don’t watch it then you idiot,” ”But I like it bruhh,” ”Don’t bruh me!” + ”Run faster you snail!” “I…wait…Jeff…ehhh” ”Turtle snail..” He calls you names, a lot. + He’s just this somehow forgivable dramatic bully. + ok, he can be nice sometimes…surprisingly.

feeling it log 2 - loves ❤️

+ This man can love you in so many different ways…but! he does not at the same time (muahaha) + Ok at first, when he found out that he had has the feels for you, so badly, he did not believe it nor was fond of it + he finds it cheesy and well useless. + However, the feels did not go away at all with that mindset. + Instead, it made him grew mare and more closer to you. + Therefore! The feels also grew until he could not take it anymore + So…one day, he just bursted it out on you. How? By going into your room, kicking down the door and said these sentences without hesitating… ”You make me feel so useless and it is annoying me! I feel weak bug hapoy around you, which is fu*king weird! I do nit know why! But I love it! Fu*cking be my girlfriend or else!” ”……ok, i feel the same way anyways so I’d love to!” ”HOW ARE YOU SO FUCKING CALM!?!?!” + Boy does not know how to hide his flustered state, i swear. Flirt and he’s all pink and what not. But, it is worth it to see him in this state ahha. + His love language is phyical touch! (Psst, hey, Cuddling is a hobby for you two) + He’ll definetely tease you when your wearing glasses. In the end tho, there would be so many praises like, ”You look adorable tho” etc etc + He gets jealous baaadd when you are caring for someone else. ”Sulking again?” ”…” ”Jeff-“ ”Why?” ”Because, well, you know me” ”What about me?” ”Jeff, are you seriously gonna sulk over me taking care of Smile…” ”Yeah duh” very clingy huh? (lmaoo) + You guys have a rule, when playing a horror game and the one who manages to win or finish it without dying or losing, gets to pick the next horror movie to watch. It gets very competitive ngl. + Overall, he really loves and cares for you. All in his own Jefrey Woods ways. An adorable couple you are ^^

Hello! Im sorry this took soooo long and I kept you waiting ^^” Hope you like this and take care!

#creepypasta #creepypasta headcanons #creepypasta scenarios #creepypasta matchups #jeff the killer #creepypasta jeff the killer #jeff the killer creepypasta #jeff the killer creepypasta headcanon #jeffrey woods #jeff the killer x reader #jeff the killer headcanon #jeff the killer headcanons #jeff creepypasta

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guigz1-coldwar · 3 years

Text

'A job to do' : an new chapter for "The woman with an strange name" is out !

Chapter Summary : It's time for the sheriff & Bell to honor their invitation tonight at the mayor's house, still wondering what it could be about.....

To read it on AO3, click here !

Taglist : @snowgoldwaylon , @clxudtea , @efingart , @smokeywhalee (If anyone want to be added, feel free to tell me, same thing for my main fic "Redemption of an Spirit in an Cold War')

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

That kiss was something that Bell didn't expect at all when she, along with the help of the sheriff Azoulay, saved miss Park from these two undercover mexicans in that alley. Blushing was something usual after that kind of gesture but Bell was having thoughts about herself after that kiss. It was mostly thoughts & questions about how she was feeling about everything....about herself...like if it did start an internal crisis inside of her about her feeelings.

It maybe took 2 minutes for the sheriff to actually be able to get miss Bell out of her thoughts in that alley and then, to walk away from it. To say, he was still curious of an lot of things him too after this event but it quickly fade away to be focused back on the new situation : the two have to go now to Adler's house as the day was ending, getting replaced by the evening. The two needed to be prepared for anything.

"You're still thinking of it ?" The sheriff spoke up as him & Bell were slowly walking into the direction of the mayor's house, taking their time. He was still seeing that confused face on her, causing him to ask that question.

"Uhm....yeah, why ?" She replied in an low voice, her face still blushing.....hell, she was thinking that nothing could have removed that blushing on her face and she needed to remove it quick before both arrive near the house.

"It was just an thankful kiss, miss Bell." The sheriff said, thinking it was an bit of an overreaction that she did to that.

"I know but...." She started, covering her face with her hands and looking away. "It put me some questions inside of me." She added, telling him of the last situation.

"What sort of questions ?" He asked her in an curious tone.

"I don't know but I can't talk about it." She responded, refusing to talk about these questions she got in the back of her brain that is maybe questioning things about herself, she couldn't raise her voice for that. "It's better that we...get focus on that invitation." She affirmed as the two were arriving at an few meters from the portal separating them from the house they were invitated, guarded by 4 armed men with rifle and revolvers.

"Adler's guests arrived, it seems." One of the armed men started, looking like the chief of those keeping this portal protected day & night.

"We're here like he said." The sheriff told him as the chief was gesturing to his boys to get near them.

"Frisk them, boys." He ordered in an clear voice, one man starting to search Lazar from any hidden weapons the two could possess but the only armed person here was Bell herself. She couldn't hide two Modele 1899 & an Colt Single Action Army inside her shirt or her pants while two men were frisking her and to be honest, she was mostly thinking that these two guys were taking their time to do so....admiring her 'assets' but she wasn't stupid, having sense that at the start of their frisking.

"You're enjoying my ass, perverts ?" She demanded in an half-angered voice, arms & legs spread as she was knowing that one of the men that were frisking her was just near the place she just mentioned.

"No...I do not..." The guy that was doing that tried to protest but his voice and gestures was already betraying him at the second he speak up.

"Sure, you do." She muttered, looking at the chief as the two assigned to frisk her removed their both hands off her, leaving her to breath freely for an minute.

"You will give up your guns when you will enter inside the house." The chief of the guards told the sheriff & Bell, opening the portal behind him to let them enter the property. "Walter, Hunter, you keep them under control until they're at the front door." He ordered, talking to the one who responded to Bell about her statement and the one who checked up the sheriff before the two, accompanied by the guards could pass, walking to get to the front door and this time, greeted by Adler's lieutenant, Jason Hudson, on the porch of the big house

"So, here's the sheriff and this....miss Bell." He exclaimed, holding his belt with his hands, looking at them both. "You know that I have to take your guns for the moment, they will be given back to you once you leave." He explained, causing Bell, the only armed person here, to unbuckle her three guns off their holstlers, holding the three in one hands but she predicted things by removing the two mags of her two Modele 1899 to be careful, keeping them with her.

"You better not doing anything with them." She warned Hudson, handing over her guns to him in an very clear voice, no one fucks with her guns.

"Okay." Hudson chuckled, rolling his eyes around before opening the front door of the house, letting them inside. "Follow me !" He ordered as Bell & the sheriff was discovering the entrance of the house, a bit amazed as it was their first time in that place.

That house was very different from every house & building in Redemption and the style of it could already be seen by looking at the entrance. Looking very modern and like those houses back in the East, mostly habited by rich people as everything was looking pretty new and shiny but the two weren't here to discuss about that house. Hudson make them follow him upstairs to join Adler's office, passing through the guards inside until they arrived at his office.

"Russ, here they are !" Hudson opened the door of Adler's office as he was sit on his desk, looking to have awaited all day on it for this moment to happen.

"Ah, my friends, take an seat." Adler greeted them, getting up from his desk as he pointed to the two seats in front of his desk before walking to get sit on his own behind it. "You can go now, Hudson." He said, causing Hudson to close the door and leaving the trio alone

"Why are we here ?" The sheriff demanded in an curious voice as he was sitting down.

"If it's only to dispose of us, you could have make it in public !" Bell stated, mixing between joking and been totally serious about the subject, doing the same thing as the sheriff, sitting down on their chair.

"Oh no, I'm not going to do that unless you make me no choices to do so." He exclaimed, putting his arms crossed on his desk, looking at her with curiosity. "Before starting to talk business, I have heard from Park that you saved her from mexicans." He revealed to both of them, explaining their exploits they did earlier.

"Yes, Adler but miss Bell was the one to do everything, I was just here to help." The sheriff reaffirmed that to him directly, not wanting to share the credits despite the good action he did. "It's her who managed to save her, not me."

"And that's an good thing." Adler reassured them as Bell was an bit disturbed to be the only one to congrats here, the sheriff did save Park too. "But the thing is...why your eyes are getting on my wife, miss Bell ?" He asked her in an serious voice, wanting to know why an woman was looking at his wife...

"I don't know, there's things we can't resist to look at." She answered, true in her words as it was an mean to say his rule to not put eyes on his wife was pretty stupid at its best. "I was just....curious." She added to her response to him.

"Curiosity ?" He whispered, tapping his hands on his desk at an slow rate, looking at the both of them in from of it. "That's an word that has been in my head at the moment I heard that an stranger was making noises in my town." He confessed, remembering that moment when he saw her in that saloon two days ago.

"I guess that this word is what we got all in common." The sheriff scoffed, trying to appease the situation by looking at the glare of each other.

"Maybe you're right but anyway...." Adler took an deep breath, thinking that it was better to not talk about this anymore, his wife wasn't the subject here, not his 'property'. "Let's get down to business, shall we ?" He proposed as the two nodded to him quickly. "As you witnessed, it seems that we got an lot of problems coming from an mexican gang at the south."

"I also got....well, I helped the gunsmith to make an delivery and we got jumped by mexicans." Bell explained, now knowing that the things Adler wanted to talk was about them.

"I know : an soldier came to give me the news." He gestured at her, meaning that he was already aware of that event. "To be brief, we're having confrontations with an mexican gang leaded by an woman and we're trying our best to wipe them out."

"And what do you want, exactly ?" The sheriff questioned him, wanting to get straight to the subject.

"I want....you to make her your new deputy." Adler replied, making them both eyes going wide.

"What ?" Both said in unison, stunned by those words.

"I know that you won't join us like that but I was thinking of letting you back to exerce your job as sheriff." Adler told him, his voice saying the truth as Bell was trying to figure out if he was joking or not....he wasn't joking...."You two can help to 'reassure' the people in town with the law." He continued, watching the two still stunned.

"You want me to take back the post you took away from me ?" Adler nodded to the sheriff's question and an sense of delight was coming inside of the sheriff.

"Of course, you will be at my orders and will help us against the mexicans." He said, removing the delights from both of us in the inside, it was sure that this proposition wasn't going to be fully good for them. "It's an offer that you can't really refuse." He warned them, joining his hands together.

"So, I become an deputy but we're working unofficialy for you ?" Bell suggested the idea about the situation to the mayor and he nodded.

"Exactly...so, what do you think ?" He asked both of them, causing the two to look at each other, unsure of what they could say to Adler in response, it was an risky thing to do and like he said to them, they couldn't really refuse it, knowing that bad things can happen in any occasions if they both refuse.

"Well....I'm okay with it." Azoulay responded, giving his approval as Bell nodded, joining him in his thought, giving Adler what he wanted : the two under his control.

"Good choice." He proclaimed, an smile on his face as he got up from his chair wanting to shake hands with the two and they did even if the two weren't pleased in fact by that. "To celebrate that, why don't you join for dinner ? I'm inviting you both." He proposed and the two, knowing they can't refuse again, nodded. "Good, let's go eat." He ordered to follow them outside, leading the way to the dinner room.

They couldn't know in what shit did they just put themselves to and it was too late to back down but for them, they both knew that he was now controlling them fully by reinstating Azoulay as an real sheriff and miss Bell as his deputy, they were now working with him and nothing else. They followed him to the dinner room where in fact, they weren't going to eat only the three of them : there were also miss Park and his lieutenant Hudson.

The dinner was prepared by maids that was in fact, wives of some of Adler's mens and during all the dinner, it was likely small conversations and those who were making it was mostly Hudson, Adler & Azoulay despite the animosity between the gang of the sheriff. It was really weird for him to have an perfect & normal discussion with Adler & Hudson without raising the voice and Bell....she wasn't the one to spoke up during the whole dinner, mixed between staying behind but also....she was trying to avoid miss Park at sight....without avail.

She was still having that picture in her head : reliving that kiss she was given by miss Park on the cheek in that alley and it was really strange for her to be honest. She couldn't know how she needed to feel about this, even the sheriff tried to put senses on her, saying that was just an thankful kiss for having saving her but it did put an lot of questions in Bell's mind. Was it love ? No....Bell....she wasn't the one to feel something like this in her life but....she couldn't know what to think....

When the dinner ended, Bell didn't even moved her lips to make an word go out of her mouth during the whole dinner, letting the conversation to the sheriff, still juggling by her own questions in head and the strange dinner she was having with Adler. Hudson was already out of the table, going back to the entrance, leaving only the sheriff, miss Park, Bell & Adler in the dinner room for discussions.

"So, miss Bell, you're pretty silent !" Adler remarked to her, breaking her out of her thoughts at where she was sit....it's true that her discretion was seen from the start of dinner for him.

"Uhm...yeah." She muttered, looking back at him in an quick move, still scared to have someone talk to her like that.

"I've been wondering about the origins of your name : Bell." He started, holding his head with his left hand, his arm on the chair armrest as everyone was looking at Bell. "Tell me, where did it come from ?" He asked directly, very curious, an question also floating in his mind.

"My former name was stolen." She replied in the second to him, more fast than she could draw out her own guns as everyone was listening, including miss Park. "I never lived with an real name for an large part of my life because someone stole it." She added, taking an quick look to Adler before her eyes drifted to look for an second to miss Park and then, down. "So, I made Bell my name."

"Who stole it, miss Bell ?" Miss Park demanded, really worried about the woman at an few steps from her.

"I don't know to be honest." Bell responded in an low voice. "I hope that I can found that person soon." She affirmed, passing her hands through her redhead hair.

"And maybe, we can help you with that." Adler proposed his help, causing Bell to look at him with narrowed eyes.

"Why not ?" She grinned at him, putting her hands on her lap to hear that he will maybe help her....that's maybe an first in her life to hear that someone was going to help her with that subject. "But that's not the subject here."

"You're right, miss Bell." Azoulay admitted as he saw that this subject wasn't pleasant to talk before he made an cough, covering his mouth with his hands.

"I know and you're right." Adler reassured both of them, an gesture of his hand, also seeing that Bell didn't want to talk more about it. "The most important here now is what you will do soon." He continued, getting looked by everyone in the room. "We have an job to do !" He spoke up, reaffirmed his will but....that phrase....it seems to have provoke something inside of Bell...feeling suddenly dizzy and not well, at the verge of passing out.

"You're alright, miss Bell ?" Park asked as she was the first one to see that declining state of Bell.

"No..." Bell breathed, looking down at her feets, trying to get better but nothing was going to help her here. "I'm sorry but I have to go." She told to everyone, going up of her chair rapidly and walking to get out of the room, not wanting to stay here any seconds now, everyone worried and confused about what was happening. She walked back to the entrance of the house, seeing Hudson near an table where her guns were.

"Did he asked you that you can leave ?" Hudson demanded in an harsh tone but she didn't respond, taking quickly her guns back in her holstlers.

"No but I'm leaving, I'm not well." She answered without lying, finishing to put back her Colt Single Action Army into its holstler before stepping out of the house, no one actually wanting to stop her.

She knew that she couldn't only step outside and coming back, she needed to go back to her room rapidly before she pass out in front of everyone. The guards at the portal let her pass, not wondering that she wasn't allowed to leave until Adler ordered her & the sheriff too but no one wouldn't do an thing actually. Everyone knew of what she could do if they go in her path....someone did know that well an day earlier.

Her walk...it was really fast but her vision was troubling her along the way, urging her to walk faster. She wasn't feeling well at all, hearing that phrase in her ears that was like ringing like proper bells, she wasn't controlling it and no one couldn't controlling it, she needed to rest. She entered the hotel room after walking in the middle of the main road, not even taking an moment to salute the rude receptionist and she entered her hotel room, closed the door behind her before falling hardly on her bed, breathing heavily and sweating on her face, she wasn't well....

Something was wrong with that phrase and her state showed it well !

#cod bocw #cod cold war #cod black ops cold war #cod cw #call of duty cold war #cod bell #cod fic #western au #fem!bell #helen park

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denimbex1986 · 3 years

Link

NOTE: This video will not play for those outside of the UK.

“Sebastian, you’re Bucky Barnes, AKA The Winter Soldier - how the heck did that happen?”

Sebastian: “I don’t know - I really don’t know. 2010 was definitely a turning point in my life, and it was getting this part. And it was all still speculative at the time because we had a lot of, uh, a lot of talks and meetings about the potential of this character and what he would become; whether or not he would ever be even explored as the Winter Soldier at the time. It was just more about the success of Captain America: The First Avenger and, and , and how much that story in itself worked. The fact that we were able to get it this far is, you know, a huge success, but it’s definitely something that’s attributed to many factors and, you know, I think there was always a plan there, but there were many times along the road I didn’t quite know how it was going to happen, or if it was gonna happen. It’s always kind of like an on-going discovery; I think people think we know a lot more about these things, but I think one of - one of the good things about Marvel is that the are always remaining very flexible and reflective of the times and what the fans respond to, and what’s the most interesting storyline, and what feels right, and then that’s kinda where decisions get made. So now we’re here - ten years later.”

“I’m loving it, yeah. So just to be clear; it started off as just Bucky. Apparently, the story goes that you only realised you were playing The Winter Soldier when the title was announced in 2013.”

Sebastian: “Yep; that - that also, uh, I think, I think the way I really learned about it was my, uh - a - I had a friend who texted me from Comic Con (interviewer laughs quietly) saying ‘Dude, they’ve just relay - the, the, the people your name’s in the title, and I was like ‘Oh. I mean that’s, I guess I’m, that’s - that’s good, that means that I’m in the movie, right? (interviewer laughs quietly) I mean -’ So, yeah, that’s very also true.”

“And talking of titles, was there ever any conversation about the show being called The Winter Soldier and The Falcon?”

Sebastian: “You know, first of all, I’ve already had my name in a title of a movie, you know - ”

“Ah, yes.”

Sebastian: “Arguably, Falcon we haven’t really ever learned his backstory period, I mean, you know, it’s - it’s a tough one to argue because I technically have had two movies dedicated to my character (laughs). So in a way I feel like, you know, it really should be about the Falcon, to be honest.”

“You gotta give him a leg up, that guy, Anthony Mackie.”

Sebastian: “Sometimes he might need a hell of a lot more than that. He’s got the legs covered, I’ll tell you that. (interviewer laughs) I mean the guy doesn’t skip leg day but - ”

“No Sir. And how happy are you now that you don’t have to wear the mask and the goggles anymore?”

Sebastian: (laughs) No, I kinda liked the mask. I, I - I was always a little bit hesitant of the goggles because when you have the goggles, you don’t have the, the eyes and so like as an actor, you wanna use the eyes, right? But the mask was kind of a cool thing because I knew what the Winter Soldier had looked like in the comic books, I knew - but any, you know and again, we had tried the eyeliner and, and that was sort of an interesting, bold choice and fortunately we decided to kind of maybe not use it, uh, so much, although it had made sense at one point that he had been - you know, he’d been using that; but it - that was just a - a nod to the comics, when he has the actual (motions across his eyes) you know, but again, the mask made the characters so much more brutal and sort of machine like and then that kind of informed a little bit of how, how I was gonna play that role at the time, so it was kind of a cool thing. I’m always a believer less is more and all that stuff, which is again why I was really worried this time around, I was like ‘ don’t, don’t give me, don’t give me too many - too many words (interviewer laughs quietly) because, (laughs) because I’ve been a lot better without a lot of words.’ So now if we’re gonna say something - what are we gonna say, you know?”

“What - who am I?”

Sebastian: ”Always the question, my friend. It never ends.” (laughs)

“You’ve worked with some utterly incredible people in these movies over the years. I was wondering who intimidated you the most because back in the day, you once told me this story of what happened to you when you first shot a scene with THE Robert Redford.”

Sebastian: “Oh man, that was such a good dream come true. All I wanted was to ask him about everything (interviewer laughs quietly) that he had ever experienced, and he was so kind. And yeah, I mean you work with these actors and you sort of kind of start to see how they do it, and I think I was always very lucky because I felt, you know, the Captain America trilogies and, and storylines were always very grounded, it’s really after like the most relatable storyline. Robert Redford got to be Robert Redford, with all that intensity, in our movie, um you know, that was the same guy from 3 Days Of Condor and stuff, and so like, you know, he really sort of was perfect in that part.”

“I - I know you’ve explained this a million times on a thousand different interviews, but indulge me. How does that metal arm work on set and how has that process evolved over the years?”

Sebastian: “Well the arm itself has changed. The first arm was really, really difficult to work with, in fact, it - we had to have like, it broken in two pieces because the one piece in itself, like the hero one, the particular material that shined and was the most - that looked the most metal was, was a really hard material so I couldn’t even like (motions moving arm) - just getting it to, to use it was like, extremely difficult. But again, that also informed sort of a kind of a behavior of the character in a way and I, and I remember refusing to, to wear the le - the, the the less shiny one. I wanted the hard, uncomfortable material because that was - was gonna look the best. And then as we went, obviously once he got a new arm, - every time they, they mold them again, based on your body; it’s all very specific to you. And then this particular one was the most flexible one, and again, it’s like one piece; obviously it can’t be a whole full on arm, right, ‘cos otherwise how are you going to get into it? - but it was the most, uh, comfortable one. But yeah, I still find myself sometimes catering to the old one, you know, ‘cos it just had such a specific shine to it and it was so iconic in the comic books so um -. But yeah, its, it’s a whole thing and, and it, it does do something to you after a while because you are essentially working your left arm more - ”

“Yeah.”

Sebastian: “ - I mean, it’s, it’s a very tiny, tiny difference, like your body knows when it’s saying ‘Hey, that’s working a lot more.’ So, (laughs) so physically, I’ve definitely, uh, had some love wounds from the - from, from my partner in crime - the, the left arm.”

“Now we know Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a favourite amongst the cast of the MCU - the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and I know that ‘cos they’ve actually told me so. And you’ve had some really special, emotional scenes over the years, like the ‘with you till the end of the line’ scene with Steve for example, and one of my favourites - ‘Who the hell is Bucky?’ And I love that your character is actually introduced in the very first film, your first scene, by knocking out a bad guy and then turning around and kicking him in the backside - I just love that. What are your standout moments over the movies?”

Sebastian: “As an actor you always want - you always want to do a movie that’s a period movie and a period movie in the 40′s was always really fun; the idea of it. I loved those, those scenes that he had with Steve Rogers in the first movie ‘cos they were so innocent but also in a way like really established their dynamic. And then of course The Winter Soldier movie was really incredible for me because I got to do so many cool things, and again it was not on a, on a green screen. We were really on a bridge - I was given a 35 pound thing to fire with. It was all very practical to be doing that kind of action.”

“The knife-stuff alone - ”

Sebastian: “The knife stuff. We had a good two months to get down to the hand-to-hand combat, so again, stuff I’d never done, so the character was really cool to me, and I loved all those, all those pieces. So there have been moments all throughout that kind of all add up i, in terms of really having enjoyed playing the character, From an acting perspective, you know, to play, uh, a character that seemingly could always go dark is interesting and fun, and it was a complex character like that. But then I think going forward it was more a good question of ‘What are we gonna really explore with him now?’”

“Hmmm.”

Sebastian: “And finding a way to - to marrying both sides of this character and, and kind of having and witnessing how, how he’s able to accept the past and, and claim his sort of dark Winter Soldier past and side, and, and then evolve forward. Because he’s never gonna be the man he was back in the 40′s and he’s certainly not gonna be the guy that was this assassin. So what is he gonna be now, you know, and how is he gonna figure out a way to - to grow from that?”

“For sure. I love the bits with the therapist in the first episode. It makes me think - you know the bit in Infinity War where you pick up Rocket and use him as like a moving machine gun?”

Sebastian: (with a laugh) “Yeah.”

“Are you bringing that up with the therapist? Surely there’s gotta be a moment where you go: ‘There were these alien dogs attacking me - and just -’ ”

Sebastian: “Well yeah, right? That, that would be a good thing to talk about. Because, I remember in, in that particular moment, which was a very cool moment, and it was fun, but we were sitting there with the Russo’s in Infinity War trying to figure out what his humor was and like, how does that character now respond to a talking raccoon, you know?”

“I’ll leave you with these two wrap-up questions. What do fans typically say to you in the street when the spot you? Do you get lines quoted back at you: ‘End of the line?’ Do you get people quoting: ‘Longing, rusted, seventeen, daybreak, furnace, nine, benign, homecoming, one, freight car?’”

Sebastian: (with a sigh) It happens quite often. (interviewer laughs) It happens at, uh you know, coffee shops and uh, it - it happens a lot, you know, and, and it’s always very, uh, it’s always very funny. And it’s a good, hon - honorable thing, you know, I guess. You know you’re, you’re very taken with it all - all the time but - it, you do have to sometimes look at people in the face and say ‘No, I will - I will not become The Winter Soldier’ as you say that, you know? (interviewer laughs quietly) You can keep saying it, and maybe you should say it, um, maybe that’s a moment we both need to have together, now, here. But, uh, but nothing crazy will happen, uh, you know?’”

“Er, I’d like to apologise and say goodbye, which is it was with me where we decided your fans were gonna be called The Winter’s Children, back in the day.”

Sebastian: “It was, wasn’t it? Well that really stuck didn’t it?”

“Yep. I can only apologise. And - ”

Sebastian: No, it’s all good. I’m glad - I’m glad that stuck around.”

“And obviously as the White Wolf, I should say ‘Wakanda Forever’, so thank you so much Sir.”

Sebastian: “Hey, thank you man.”

#Sebastian Stan #the falcon and the winter soldier

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overlordofawesomeness · 4 years

Text

A Man for Himself (Norton x Eli)

Genre: Romance, Thriller, Horror, Fantasy

Rating: R-18

Pairing: Norton x Eli | Prospector x Seer

Chapter Trigger Warning/s: N/A

Chapter 2

"Good job on your first match!" A tall, dark-skinned man gave Norton's shoulder a smack. "I heard you contained the hunter all throughout the match. And it's not just any hunter. It's the Ripper! Bloody Jack the Ripper! It's never easy to go against him. But you, my friend, managed to buy time for your teammates and get a four man escape! Truly amazing."

It was dinner time. Most of the survivors had gathered around the long table to feast on the variety of delicacies served by the owner of the manor. It's a small reward for winning most of the matches for the day.

Norton was sandwiched between a burly man named William and a buck-toothed lawyer named Freddy. He preferred talking to the former despite the smacks that he's constantly receiving from the big guy. From what he'd learned, William was a rugby player, and it showed. He had the built, the energy and the charisma. He seemed like the type that could guarantee the victory of his team—a real team player. Norton needed a man like William on his side.

"I honestly had no idea what I was doing back there," Norton responded in an almost timid manner and shrugged. "It's mostly thanks to Eli. If it wasn't for him, I would've been caught by the hunter."

"Ah, yes, Eli." William nodded, picking up a glass of wine and taking a sip from it. "He's the best. I may sound like I'm exaggerating, but words can't describe how good he is as a teammate. You've witnessed it yourself, haven't you?"

Norton picked up an apple from the bowl of fruits at the center of the table and bit a chunk off of it. "I have."

He had to admit that the stunt Eli had pulled was outstanding, although he's still slightly pissed about the time he'd missed a calibration because of the owl.

"So how's your stay in the manor so far?" William continued, picking up a grape and popping it into his mouth.

How was it? Norton let his eyes wander around the room. He saw different faces and personalities. He hadn't yet spoken to most of the survivors, barely interacted with them. This was merely his second night after all. It's too early for him to tell whether he would get along with everyone or not, whether the challenges would become harder or not. But, of course, he would make it so things would work in his favor. He's in a game, but he wouldn't let the game play him.

"So far so good," Norton replied, taking another bite off of his apple. "It's challenging, but I have amazing teammates; and I'm sure I'll get to know more incredible people like you in my future matches."

"You're flattering me." William laughed and stood up from his seat. "Anyway, nice meeting you, Mr. Campbell, but I have got to go now. Enjoy your stay, and I hope to be on the same team with you soon. Have a nice evening."

"You have a nice evening as well." Norton grinned. "But I'm not flattering you. I know an exceptional person when I see one."

"Thanks."

Waving a hand, the rugby player made his way out of the dining chamber, leaving Norton with the company of the people whom he barely knew. These people chose to live in the moment despite having full knowledge of the situation they're in. They laughed as though their lives wouldn't be taken from them any moment. Norton wished he could be like them, but all he could see was the overwhelming false camaraderie. These people were like him, and it's sickening.

After gulping down the remaining wine in his glass, Norton got up from his seat and left the room. He hadn't explored the rest of the estate yet, so he decided to go and visit the garden, which he figured would be at the back of the manor.

The garden could be considered a tranquil place. There was a fountain at the center of it and a few wooden benches where one could sit on to admire the view of the sky while being surrounded by a collection of various shrubs. It was a perfect place for Norton to contemplate on his next moves. However, as he was making his way to the fountain, he spotted two people at the far left side of the garden. He quickly took a few steps back and hid behind a column so as not to let his presence be known.

One of the men was crouched over a shrub as if examining its flowers while the other was standing with a cigarette in hand. They seemed to be having a little argument. They were Eli and the guy with the elbow pads. Norton hadn't had the chance to ask the latter's name yet. Not like he's planning to do so.

"You don't have to like him," Eli sighed. "I think he's pretty good. He'll be a great addition to our team."

His buddy didn't seem to agree with him as he clicked his tongue, took a drag off of his cigarette and huffed. "I'm not saving your sorry bottom if you get in trouble because of him."

"Naib, please." Eli's tone dropped. "We're done with this. Just go and check on Emily. See if she can make it tomorrow. If not, we might need to ask Fiona to come with us instead."

Naib clicked his tongue yet again, but he obliged with his partner's request and turned to leave after flicking the cigarette butt into the bushes. Seeing as the male was coming his way, Norton put on a straight face and acted as though he'd recently entered the garden and hadn't heard anything. A look of surprise crossed Naib's face upon seeing Norton, but he didn't say anything and continued on his way out of the garden. He got dismissed again by that punk.

"Good evening, Mr. Campbell."

Norton turned to see that Eli was already sitting on a bench by the fountain. It was hard not to notice the absence of the blindfolded man's owl. It must have been badly injured from the last match that they'd had.

"I'm sorry about Naib," Eli continued in an apologetic tone. "He's always been like that to newcomers."

Norton froze. He didn't think Eli would know that he was eavesdropping earlier. Feeling a little tinge of embarrassment, he waved his hand and laughed it off as he made his way to sit by the fountain. Denying it wouldn't make him look good either.

"It's fine. I don't blame him," he replied, lightly rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm new after all. It's not easy to trust someone you just met. But enough about me, I'd like to know about your owl." He'd rather not talk about himself. "Is it badly hurt?"

"She's recovering. Thanks for asking." Eli gave a polite smile, probably appreciating Norton's concern for his owl. "She should be fine for tomorrow's match. How about you? How are you?"

Why were people so curious about him?

Norton took a deep breath and leaned back a bit, turning his gaze to the canopy of vines above him. "I think I'm doing great. Still adjusting. But I'm sure I'll get used to it in no time."

Silence fell between them. Norton had nothing more to say, but Eli's stare was still trained on him as if he was expecting more answers. Or, at least, he looked like he was staring at Norton. This made him a little uncomfortable. He was so used to getting a lot of attention, but this was different. It felt like he was being silently judged.

"How can you see when you have a blindfold on?" Norton heard himself ask. It didn't come out as smoothly as he thought it would. Honestly, he wasn't even expecting himself to ask at all.

Eli was quiet for a moment as if wondering if Norton was serious about his question. Then he laughed, a soft laugh that didn't sound condescending. Just out of pure amusement.

"I don't," he answered once he's finally settled. "At least, I don't see what's in front of me." He stood up and started to pace around the garden. "I only see what my owl sees. Unbelievable, right? It's like choosing to be blind in order to see beyond what normal eyes can see. Does that make sense?"

Norton nodded. It was indeed unbelievable. After all, one doesn't normally get granted with vision like of Eli's. It's something out of fantasy.

"I thought you sent that owl to distract me, to be honest," he admitted. Yet another statement that he didn't expect to disclose.

Eli stopped pacing and looked at him. "Sorry about that," he said. "It's just my owl's way of marking your locations."

"I see." Norton dipped his head in understanding. "Thanks again. I owe you one." As if.

Eli smiled. "Like I said, no one gets left behind. It's a teamwork. But if you insist..." He turned around and started to walk off. Then he looked over his shoulder. "Repay me by surviving."

By that time, he was already at the door, ready to get back inside; but Norton stood up fast and ran after him.

"Hey, Eli!" he called out.

Eli paused. "Hm?"

Norton took a deep breath, catching the one he'd lost from running. "I'll do my best when we get teamed up again."

The blindfolded man smiled yet again. Norton wished it was Eli's way of mocking him, but it looked so genuine.

"You'll be fine," Eli spoke in a reassuring tone. "And it won't be long. We'll meet again soon."

With that, he turned and continued on his way back inside. Norton stood there and watched him leave until he's finally out of sight.

He's an eyesore.

Eli's great, but his ideals sounded ridiculous. They could pretend to look out for each other; but in the end, the only thing that mattered was escaping on one's own.

As soon as Eli's gone, Norton began to find his way back to his room. He's sharing it with someone, but he'd never met his roommate since he moved in. Until now.

When Norton opened the door to his room, he was welcomed by a gray-haired male who was wearing a white surgical mask. Probably due to surprise, they both stared at each other in silence for a moment.

"You..." the man muttered behind his mask, his brows furrowing as he stared at Norton. "You smell of death."

Then, as if nothing happened, he walked past Norton and disappeared down the hallway. It wasn't the best first impression that he was expecting from his roommate.

What a weirdo.

Shaking it off, Norton continued into his room and plopped down in his bed. He stared at the ceiling for a moment, thinking how he would make a progress in his mission. The game was interesting, yes; but the treasure wouldn't wait for him forever. He had to make a move.

Taking off his boots, he decided to call it a day.

#idv #identity v #mara writes shite #fan fiction #norton campbell #eli clark #seer #prospector #norton x eli #prospector x seer #norteli

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silvia7272 · 4 years

Text

ML Salt Songfic ~ 3 I Won’t Go Speechless

So, I heard a song and I was immediately filled with a sense of, the finale of the Salt SongFic. I hope you like it; I don’t really think a lot of people liked the second one but that’s alright. More on Marinette this time.

I will have to state that events in this 3-piece story isn’t canon to my fanfic ok. These were just a bunch of ideas I want to put together.

Word Count: 3118

Tags: @queenmj10, @fangirl39, @animegirlweeb, @northernbluetongue, @maribat-is-lifeblood, @raisuke06, @indecisive-mess-named-me, @luleck, @themotherofhogwarts, @more-or-less-human-i-guess, @emmathedestroyer, @gwennex, @amayakans, @angelaaali, if you wish to be tagged all you have to do is say. Also, if you change your name please tell me, I don’t want to leave you out since you’ve asked to be tagged.

***

By the time the gang had arrived back at Marinette’s place, Marinette was still fast asleep, the poor girl really was drained. Beforehand Kagami noted that Crissi would detransform soon, and not wanting to be out in the open, she hurriedly ran off to an unoccupied alleyway as the beeps increased and a green light coated the girl.

Plagg hid inside her clothes, not thinking it would be safe out in the open. She was just about able to come back out when Kagami helped her up, she smiled before continuing towards the bakery.

Of course, Tom and Sabine were in hysterics after seeing her Daughter and friend like that but soon calmed down after Rosina explained everything.

“She’s incredibly strong, she didn’t mean to hurt anyone even while being an Akuma, this is my fault, I wanted to help Crissi.” The two Parents fussed and quickly led them up to the living room, Marinette lying down and Rosina sitting in a chair with the rest either standing or sitting on available places.

Once they had fully convinced Tom and Sabine their Daughter only needed to rest, and they could go back down to the bakery was when the group really started to worry.

“Rosina are you sure you’re ok? You seemed to really be struggling to walk.” The red-haired girl shook her head.

“I’m fine guys, it wasn’t that bad anyway. Besides, it's not the worse thing that happened. Marinette’s safe, that’s all that matters” They didn’t seem convinced but relented anyway, there was no use arguing with a girl that would willingly run through fire.

Don’t ask.

“I can see it now; everyone will be on their hands and knees just begging Marinette to give them another chance. As if they deserve that” Chloé ranted, the topic was bound to come up.

“Yes, now that they know the truth, they may start asking to become friends again. As long as all three of you have strong wills, they should take the hint soon.” Kagami said, she was worried for her friends and wished for some way to desperately help.

“I doubt that, it took them this long to figure out Lila was lying, they’re bound to never relent.” Chloé fell back in her chair as Kagami pats her head, the blonde jumped at the contact but didn’t shrug off the affection.

“Soo~ what are we gonna do?” They all ponded before the redhead had an idea.

“Hey hey. I think I know.” And they continued to make a plan, they would need Marinette’s consent of course, but just knew the girl would want to and it wouldn’t be too hard. Time passed and Marinette still hadn’t woken up but her breathing had evened out so they knew she was sleeping peacefully.

One by one they left but promised to visit and call later on before it was just Rosina and Marinette. Since they were both roommates.

Black and red soon entered the young girl's vision as the tiny gods sat on her lap.

“I’m so sorry Rosina, I had no idea this was going to happen. Are you sure you’re ok?” Tikki was ever so worried about her. She was trapped within Marinette, unable to help in case Hawkmoth saw her, at the end of the day, her identity could not be compromised.

She didn’t expect a hand to pet her so head affectionately.

“Its ok Tikki, I’m just glad we were able to fix this mess, I’m just glad it was only me that was hurt.” Plagg wanted to say something but couldn’t. If he could’ve foreseen this, he would’ve been able to stop thi-

Rub

“And thank you Plagg. If you hadn’t been able to find me, we would still be there by now. So, thank you. Oh wait, you need to recharge right? Here I’ll go get some cheese” Before they could protest, she fell onto the floor, a grunt following soon afterwards. Surprisingly that was all it took to wake Marinette up.

“W-What happened? … Rosy, why are you on the floor?” Marinette was worried, she knew she could be weird but, there were sofas for a reason.

But it seemed she was full of surprises. She learnt that there would be too many to keep track off.

Rosina picked herself up from the ground and rubbed the back of her head.

“I just fell, don’t worry Mari I’m alright, but are you ok Mari? Do you… Remember anything?” Marinette widened her eyes before some tears fell down her cheeks.

Rosina tried walking to her as fast as she could. She held her in her arms, asking Tikki to watch out for any Akuma’s, Tikki nodded before being on guard. Plagg followed suit.

“Hey… It's all ok now, nothing bad happened ok, we’re all safe”

“B-But I let myself… I hurt you so much. I hurt everyone. I don’t deserve to be Ladybug anymore” Rosina had to stop Marinette from taking her earrings out, she was still so hurt.

“Marinette. Please listen. I know it's tearing you down because you let your emotions become the best of you. But that’s just who we are, we are all human and we all make mistakes, but what separates us are the choices we make afterwards. So please Marinette. Don’t quit being Ladybug because of one mishap” Marinette stared into her eyes, they didn’t hold pity or resentment.

They held kindness and concern.

All for her.

She couldn’t help but lean forward.

***

Well… It was the next day.

And if they were prepared or not didn’t matter. They had to face their fears whether they were ready or not.

Luka and Kagami had already agreed to meet up with them after school, their plan should be in action by then. The bluenette took a deep breath in and out, her hands were fidgeting before a warm hand entwined with hers.

She looked up to see Rosina smiling her usual smile. She nodded back and the three approached the building, waiting for whatever would happen.

“Marinette, we’re so soo sorry for everything we said” Alya stated, trying to approach said girl but she hid behind the redhead. Chloé stood in front of both, glaring at all of them.

“If any of you had any brain cells, you’d know that Marinette wouldn’t want to speak to any of you now, probably never. So, do yourself a favour and stay out of our way” The group glared at the blonde, but she wasn’t wrong.

Maybe…?

Nooo. Marinette would surely forgive them. She was the sweetest girl in the whole school, they made a few mistakes, but they realised now, and they would surely be forgiven.

…Right?

“I wasn’t talking to you Chloé, do you mind moving out of the way so I can talk to my bestie, I want to make things right” Alya glared back, how dare she lecture her on this. Chloé and Marinette weren’t best friends, Chloé was just using Marinette until they understood Lila was lying. Nothing else.

“You can start by getting lost”

“Don’t you start Chloé. You bullied her for years and she easily forgave you, of course Marinette will forgive us.” Alix stated, she looked incredibly smug at that moment. The rest held the same expression, they had been Marinette’s friend for years. Of course, they could make things go back to the way they were before.

“But its Marinette’s choice” Rosina squeezed her friends’ hand to comfort her, she still wasn’t used to this whole argument thing yet, but she knew she had to defend her friend.

“She’s right” That voice… It was?

“Adrien, what's gotten into you? It was all a big misunderstanding, Marinette’s going to forgive us anyway so why wouldn’t we want to make things better?” Alya was shocked, he was always so reliable in these types of situations, now he looked sorta remorseful? No that couldn’t be, the class was just tricked that was all.

“And Marinette is her own person, she can decide and choose what to do, not be forced into it” When Marinette tried to look at Adrien he turned away, did he regret what he had said, did he feel remorseful forever telling her to take the high road? Marinette wanted to figure it out but knew it didn’t matter at that point. He already made his bed, what happens now is his choice, she shouldn’t have to make decisions for him.

“Stop it” The whole class turned towards the bluenette. Surprised that her smile was no longer on her face anymore. She was just looking at the ground, gripping Rosina’s hand.

“I’m sorry I got Akumatized and hurt you. I’m sorry I subjected you to that. And I do forgive you, because I know that would be the right thing to do” The class was ecstatic, things could go back to the way they were. Marinette can join in on the fun now, she wouldn’t have to be alone. Of course, they’ll try their hardest to make it up to her, but they knew they wouldn’t need to work too hard since it was Marinette. She would forgive and forget.

“However,” Wait… That didn’t sound good.

“I will never forget this, so don’t even think for a minute that we can be friends again” Her expression was of self-confidence, and if circumstances were different, they would be oh so proud of Marinette sticking up for herself.

But it wasn’t.

That declaration was meant for them and whether or not they choose to accept it was up to them.

Marinette grabbed her friend’s hands and pushed passed her former bestie. She wasn’t hurt anymore.

She would not be taken advantage of ever again.

The hand intertwined with hers would certainly make sure of it.

***

“Ok, I understood the plan. But how did they find out about it?” Marinette pointed to some people, having been accustomed to them a long time beforehand. Chloé looked away before being nudged by Kagami.

“Chloé… Care to explain?” The blonde gave a subtle glare to the short-haired girl, but she only giggled in retort.

“Look, I thought since we were going to do this fantastic plan of ours, we should have some help in this department. Plus, wouldn’t you just love to see the look on Lila’s face once she finds out you actually know them?” Marinette was still glaring at the girl, this was meant to be small and to express her voice. Not turn into a concert.

“But still” She wined, a hand wrapped around her shoulder, causing her to look up to and see her Uncle.

Not by blood but it was pretty close.

“Look, it still can be a little thing, Mari. We didn’t invite any of the public to watch this stunt, but what's music without some equipment to help. We just gave you a mic.”

“And a stage, and clothing, and lights-” Marinette counted on her fingers the amount of equipment that had been brought to the park. Jesus, how did he get this here so quick?

“These were necessary for the greater good Mari. Besides, you need to stand out along with your music” Marinette still looked unsure, but a hand grasped hers which made her lookup.

“I believe in you Mari. You have such a pretty voice; you should show it to the whole world to show how fantastic it is.” She opened her arms in exaggeration which may have caused a slight blush to appear on the pig-tailed girl.

“Alright. As stay you’ll, I-I mean as long as you’ll stay with me” The Silver-eyed girl nodded her head before they hugged.

Several hands appeared around the girls as well.

“You better not be leaving any of us out Dupain” Marinette cheekily rolled her eyes before hugging back.

The stage was set with no crowd in sight. But that was fine. She didn’t think her nerves would be able to take it, any eyes on her that she didn’t know, she’d rather roll over and die of embarrassment.

But this was for her. To express herself and all of her feelings.

In a song.

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♫Here comes a wave

Meant to wash me away.

A tide that is taking me under♫

Wow, her voice was phenomenal, of course they had heard her before when they all hung out at her house once, but they were messing about. This was serious.

♫Swallowing sand

Left with nothing to say.

My voice drowned out in the thunder♫

Marinette looked at her friends again, they had all decided to stay with her through thick and thin, she smiled as she turned back.

♫But I won't cry

And I won't start to crumble

Whenever they try

To shut me or cut me down♫

She was talking about her class. For too long had they been making her do anything and everything for them. And she was finally expressing herself, without any help from an Akuma.

♫I won't be silenced

You can't keep me quiet

Won't tremble when you try it

All I know is I won't go speechless~♫

She closed her eyes as she could feel a different type of power surging around her.

Confidence.

♫'Cause I'll breathe

When they try to suffocate me

Don't you underestimate me

'Cause I know that I won't go speechless!♫

People could hear the music of a girl singing, and they wished to investigate. Finding the source of the music was easy, and when they saw that it was a teenager no less, they were very impressed. Marinette’s friends couldn’t believe how popular this show was getting, it was incredible, and they were glad, Marinette deserved it.

The classmates of Bustier’s were all out, they wanted to meet up and devise a plan of how to get Marinette back and on friendly terms. This must’ve been some side effect of the Akuma, she didn’t really mean what she said of course. But they only wanted everything to go back to the way it was, back before Chloé and Marinette had this fake friendship.

But then they heard it.

♫Written in stone

Every rule, every word

Centuries-old and unbending♫

The park! They sprinted to see what the commotion was about. And they saw someone with blue hair singing on the stage.

Marinette?

♫"Stay in your place"

"Better seen and not heard"

Well, now that story is ending♫

What was she doing there? Why was she singing this song? There were so many questions circling around the teenager's heads. But then they started listening to the song.

They listened to the lyrics.

♫'Cause I

I cannot start to crumble

So come on and try

Try to shut me and cut me down♫

Was it about them? Had they really hurt her that much because of this misunderstanding?

♫I won't be silenced

You can't keep me quiet

Won't tremble when you try it

All I know is I won't go speechless♫

No… It wasn’t a misunderstanding. It wasn’t a misunderstanding at all. They had willingly believed Lila at face value, they didn’t check anything, or ask for any proof, they just foolishly believed her.

And when Marinette tried to warn everyone that Lila was lying, they just blew her off like it meant nothing, they tried to reason with themselves that it had been because she was jealous of Lila and how close she was with Adrien.

But in reality…

♫Speechless♫

They had actively replaced her.

And they didn’t want to admit it so easily.

♫Let the storm in

I cannot be broken

No, I won't live unspoken

'Cause I know that I won't go speechless♫

Adrien had been excruciatingly lucky. If that ring on his finger was anything to go by at least. By a miracle, Rosina had found it in her heart to give Plagg back to him, she, of course, didn’t know his identity considering the 3 paged letter she sent him apologising profusely about having to use Plagg and asking if they could hang out at some point.

Behind closed doors of course.

♫Try to lock me in this cage

I won't, just lay me down and die

I will take these broken wings

And watch me burn across the sky♫

The young boy didn’t realise how much his former friend was hurting inside. He had honestly thought the situation wasn’t as bad as he believed. That Marinette would be strong enough to rise above it and come back even tougher.

But the previous day's events made him realise how wrong he was. They were all lucky that Rosina was there or Marinette would’ve defeated Ladybug and Chat Noir in no time.

♫Hear the echo saying I! Won't be silenced♫

He wanted to make things right, but he knew that Marinette would need time even thinking about accepting any apologies, and he wanted to give the girl space. A lot of it.

He would wait until she was ready for whatever apology he could form, if he even could apologise.

He would hope and pray that she would hear him out… But again, it was her choice, and he would respect her wishes.

♫Though you wanna see me tremble when you try it

All I know is I won't go speechless

Speechless!♫

But he also couldn’t help looking at the bluenette. She looked so… Confident.

So… What's the word?

Miraculous?

How strange. She had the same postures as Ladybug…

♫'Cause I'll breathe!

When they try to suffocate me!

Don't you underestimate me!

'Cause I know that I won't go speechless!

All I know is I won't go speechless!♫

But he was regretful of everything.

He didn’t mind if the girl would ever believe him.

♫Speechless!♫

Screams of cheers were the last thing on the girl's mind as she opened her eyes to confront a crowd of people before her.

She was extremely surprised and flabbergasted, how did this happen?

This was meant to be a small thing Jagged what the hell?

But her thoughts were interrupted as arms flew around her neck, enveloping her in a hug. She would’ve lost her bal- no wait she did.

“Rosina!” She would’ve given the girl a stern look but failed to follow through on it.

“You did it Mari. You were amazing out there” It was then that Marinette realised something; as the crowd cheered, even more, something unexpected happened and her friends cheered from behind.

She wasn’t going to go speechless anymore.

Everyone else had.

She couldn’t wait to see what other adventures she would continue to have in the future.

Her future.

Their future.

Because it would be fine if she continued to trust her friends.

…

And maybe more.

***

The end. Oh boy its finally over. Definitely preferred the first one over the sequels but you guys asked for them and now the trilogy is complete. Hazar.

Well anyway thought you’d like it as it’s a little break from the other fics and its ended.

Hope you all know why I chose this song out of any others, hehe.

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friendlylocalwhumper · 5 years

Text

content warning: a central point of this drabble is that there is a lot of blood, to the point that i think it’s gore. also please check the tags for squicks!

Thin, jagged gasps slip out of Lux - quiet, quiet. He needs to listen. Listen to the footsteps, the man walking around. Taking a break from using the knife, or giving Lux time to gather himself for the next round.

The footsteps sound like they’re headed toward the windows. There’s a soft scraping and sliding: the fabric-lined cover of a book getting pulled across the surface of a shelf. The man makes a short amused sound.

“Weird old books. You like to read?”

Twisting his raw wrists in the rope binding them above his head, Lux licks his lips, clears his throat. They’re Emory’s books, but Lux won’t dare mention his boyfriend, put his life at risk. “I, I try.”

“You try? What, can’t read?”

“No, I just…” The blindfold secured over his eyes makes him terribly anxious, but the cloth gag out of its place and resting loosely across his throat is easily worse. Any touch there, any pressure at all, and it’s like his lungs forget how to do their job. It doesn’t help that there’s a knife in his stomach. “Nnh. I, ‘s hard, for me, to s-stay focused. I don’t, I, do-on’t get through books ve-ery fast.”

“Hmm.” The book slides back into its place on the shelf and the footsteps start up again. Lux can’t tell which direction they’re headed in, just that they’re still behind the sofa. He hears a small metal-on-wood sound, a clinking of glass. “Cute picture. You and him really look happy.”

It’s the picture frame from the little table under the windows, the picture of Lux and Emory on the beach. Lux usually feels proud when he sees it, a rare time that he let himself show his scars outside, and even rarer for someone capturing it with a camera - but now he feels nauseous at the thought of it, of this man seeing him and Emory holding hands and commenting on it like Lux isn’t lying in a pool of his own blood across the room.

The picture frame is set down. Footsteps. Lux can’t see, can’t be sure of his hearing. A stray whimper escapes him here and there as he waits for something to happen.

Footsteps on the kitchen floor. The fridge opens with a funny suctioning sound and a whirring hum of electricity. Something clinks. Is he taking something out to drink? Yes, a soda is opened with a crisp snap.

“Such a good host,” Jokes the man, and then he sets down the can, walks over. Lux shudders against the floor and clenches his jaw. “Okay. Tip your head back, now. Better angle.”

A tremulous breath. Lux obeys, or thinks he does, letting his head fall back an inch. There’s movement, the man’s shoes meeting the floor, the sound of someone crouching nearby, Lux has heard that enough times - fingers are in his curls in an instant and his hair is grabbed onto, his head shoved back until his neck is bared.

A moment passes, a terribly tense moment. Is the man angry, watching for rebellion, for a surrender? Is he looking for something? Does he just like to move suddenly and grab so that Lux takes these breaths that squeak with pure terror?

The hand leaves his hair, but the man doesn’t move away. Head still tipped back between his arms, his elbows are straight above him in the air, arms at a loose angle with his wrists tied to the leg of the sofa.

He wasn’t tied the whole time. He was just pinned, and then the weight lifted off of him, and he struggled. He pushed and scrabbled and stumbled to his feet to run. His bloody hands slipped against the walls, his shaking legs wobbled under him - and he was tackled, pinned, beaten. As if the guy didn’t love the rush of letting him think he could escape.

“Time for more of the knife, now. You know what that means, right? Say yes, last thing you’ll get to say for a while.”

“Y-yes.” Fingers brush against his throat, and Lux yelps. His attacker laughs as he scoops up the gag and pulls it back up to slide between Lux’s teeth. He even grabs Lux’s hair to pull his head up and pat his cheek before shifting to reach for the knife embedded in the warlock.

A long, winding keen slips out of Lux along with the knife’s blade. A hand presses over the wound, pushing down on it, around it - not to staunch the bloodflow, but to dip into the blood that spills out. The warlock’s jaw is grabbed, and the smell of the fresh blood so close, his blood, makes him eke out a muffled whine and try to turn his head away.

“Hey, hey. Calm down. Just making it a little more colorful. It’s a real shame that that blindfold’s on, you know? This place is covered in blood, I’d love for you to see it. You’d probably faint. But I guess it’s better this way, huh? Long as the blindfold’s on, you might get to live!” At Lux’s frightened sound, the man hums “mmhmm” in patronizing agreement. “If you see my face, I can’t let you go, can I? That blindfold comes off and you know you’re about to take this knife right in the head. So it’s good that I put that thing on you in the first place.”

Lux nods, petrified and eager to show his understanding, his gratitude. He doesn’t want to die, it’s worth the terror of not seeing what’s coming to get to live.

“Yeah. Okay, more knife.” The tip of the blade taps against Lux’s chin as if to tease him for letting things veer off-topic, and then it’s in Lux again, buried right into him with a quick, harsh stab down into his belly. The muffled scream that comes is answered with the blade sliding back out, and back in, a few inches to the side.

“Bit loud there, Lux. Got you gagged for a reason.”

The warlock whimpers behind the gag, nodding again in a wordless apology. His body shifts restlessly as the knife is pulled out again and dragged across his skin in search of a good place to be pushed back in.

Time drags on like taffy being pulled, stretched, wound across metal arms to droop and fold. Lux’s head remains tipped back as he takes slow shuddering breaths through the pain. He passes out, he thinks - get dizzy and nauseous, and then jerks awake, the knife lodged in a different part of his body, the man on the other side of his limp body. The warlock chews idly on the gag, tongue heavy and unwieldy. He whines.

“What? Yeah, it hurts, obviously. Why you making sounds again?” Fingers tap against Lux’s cheek, then slip under the gag to pull it out. Lux licks his lips and closes his mouth. “What’cha whining about?”

“Mmh, th-, th-...” The warlock’s voice cracks. He wouldn’t need water so bad, he thinks, if he knew he could get some himself whenever he wants to. Knowing he can’t, though, makes the need so much sharper. “Thi-irsty.”

“Oh! Hey, perfect solution.”

The guy gets up and walks away. The knife is on the floor, Lux thinks, definitely not in him right now. Dried blood cracks across his bare stomach as he lets out a slow breath.

The man is back, propping up Lux’s head, tipping a can of soda against Lux’s lips. He drinks eagerly, brows furrowed at the thought of this man having drank from the same can. He doesn’t care about germs, really, it’s just upsetting that this is all so casual, as if they’re close friends and he knows Lux won’t be bothered by it.

“Gotta be flat by now. Been sitting out for a few hours. No use cracking open a fresh one if this one’s sitting around, though, right?” He lets Lux finish off the can. After a second, there’s a rush of air across Lux’s chest and a loud clattering in the kitchen. Lux flinches. The guy threw the can, and missed the trash bin by the sound of it.

There’s a sigh above him. “Guess I’ve had enough time with you.” Fingertips touch Lux’s arm, then his cheek, sliding up to the blindfold. “Thinking about taking this off.”

A chill sinks into Lux’s heart. If the blindfold comes off, he’ll be killed, he remembers. The gag is still out from being given something to drink, he can beg, beg for his life. “Nnh, no, don’t, d-don’t wanna die, please I, I won’t-” The blindfold slips up, pushed so Lux could see if he wanted to. The warlock keens in panic and squeezes his eyes shut. “D-, didn’t see you, I, ple-ease please put it back, don’t ki-ill me, ple-e-ease!”

The man laughs. “Well, you are doing your best, aren’t you? You really don’t want to die. You’re sure you didn’t see me? Not one little peek?”

“N-no I didn’t, m-my eyes were closed the, the, the whole time, please l-let me live, I’ll never - I-I…” Lux isn’t sure what the man wants. He hasn’t said anything about Lux being good. He hasn’t called him a warlock, hasn’t yelled at him for using magic. Maybe he’s just mocking Lux, watching him fumble with his begging before killing him. A whine escapes the bloody, terrified warlock. “I-I just want… Emory.”

“Emory?” A moment passes. “Oh! Your boyfriend? You want him?”

“Mmh, mmhmm. Want… wan’im to sa-ave me, h-help… help me clean up, and f-feel safe, and s-say, say I was brave.” Pitchy warbles take hold of his voice here and there to make it nearly crack into silence. “I, I, d-din’t I… take it well? Di’n’I k-, keep quiet?”

“It’s all those scars, I bet, the ones under all this blood. You’re used to it. And besides, you weren’t all that brave, you made some sounds when you were trying to escape.”

Shame burns across Lux’s cheeks. “I know. I, I… ple-ease, I just, want him to find me, he-elp me.” If begging for his own sake does no good, then he can at least beg for Emory. It would be so much worse for Emory to come home to a corpse than to Lux hurt, bleeding and crying as he so often is.

“...Find you,” Mutters the man, patting Lux’s chest. “Yeah, find you! Oh that’s fun.” The blindfold is pulled back down, and Lux can breathe again. The gag is pushed back between his teeth - frightening, since he can’t beg anymore, can’t argue for his own life - and the knife comes back to his skin. Lux shivers. He thought it would be over, one way or another.

“Need more blood. We’re gonna put on a real show for when your man gets back!”

As soon as he opens the door, Emory freezes. Something is wrong.

The lights are off. Yes, it’s daytime, but Lux likes to keep the lights on anyway, so shadows and dark corners don’t trick his mind into seeing movement when no one should be around.

The door was unlocked. Lux keeps it locked, always, so no one can come in without making a lot of noise, or having the key. Especially when he’s home alone, that’s important to him.

Emory steps inside, setting down his bags silently. The framed photos on the table in the entrance are at an odd angle. There’s something smudged on the glass of one of them, but Emory can’t make out what it is in the dark.

He has an ominous feeling that he shouldn’t make a sound, shouldn’t turn on the lights. If someone was here, there’s no knowing if they left.

Carefully, he steps further into the house. There’s another dark smudge, on the wall. As he walks along, he sees bigger smudges, all trailing to a handprint.

He’s near the end of the little entrance hallway now, and there’s more than enough light from the windows to see the color of the smudges. Deep ruddy brown. Dried blood.

Emory turns, stiff with fear, to see a knife on the floor.

There are sounds, he can hear them now, coming from the living room. Whimpers.

He wants to help Lux, he does. He knows those are Lux’s sounds. He knows this is Lux’s blood. It all feels like a nightmare. He just… can’t know what state Lux is in until he sees it. He could just be stabbed through the hand. He could be missing a limb. Emory can’t know. Maybe Lux is dying, maybe he’ll die in Emory’s arms. A small, irrational part of his mind wonders if he can just sit down on the floor, and breathe, and wait to wake up. This can’t be real.

Emory comes out from behind the corner to see it. Lux, lying on the floor, covered in blood. It’s pooled under him, and smeared around him, on the walls, on the rug, on the sofa. Rope is wound around Lux’s wrists to keep him where he is. He’s shirtless, and there are so many new cuts across his front that Emory wonders how long it must have taken to make all of them. His arms are cut into, too, and his sides. It’s so thorough that it had to be slow and deliberate, not a quick brutal attack with rapid-fire stabs and a bolting criminal. This was torture.

Little fluttery breaths make Lux’s ribs rise and fall, blood weeping from the cuts in the skin there. As Emory gets closer, silent with horror, he sees the pink skin of Lux’s scarred wrists, worn raw from struggling. He’s still twisting his arms weakly to pull at rope that won’t give. He’s even letting out little frustrated whines as it gets him nowhere. Sweat beads in the divot between his collarbones, and on his brow.

There’s a strip of cloth tied around his head to serve as a gag, and another one over his eyes. It’s not right, hurting someone in their own home, someone as vulnerable as Lux, and taking away their ability to see and speak. It’s amazing that Lux isn’t sobbing into that gag, that the blindfold isn’t soaked with tears.

Emory crouches next to his boyfriend, hands hovering. Lux quietens his breaths and tips his head to listen. Emory can’t speak, his throat’s clogged with grief.

With his most gentle, most careful touch, Emory tries to move the blindfold.

Lux’s whole body jerks with his flinch, a desperate cry cracking out of him as he tries to hide unders his arms. Wordless, panicked sounds are muffled by the gag. There’s a tremor in Emory hands, now, that echoes Lux’s full-body shaking.

“Hey, Curls, it’s just me. Just me, just Em, honey. I’ve got you.” His voice is hushed. He’s sure that there’s no one else in the house, but this still feels like a delicate, dangerous moment. Lux is so scared, must have been for… hours, probably? Days, maybe.

A smell, one that was vague at first but is stronger now, overwhelms Emory. He blinks, looks around, and finally down at Lux, at his jeans. There’s a slowly growing dark spot there. Emory scared him so bad that Lux wet himself.

The horror settles deeper in Emory at making this more difficult for Lux. How humiliating, how degrading it must be to be tied up on the floor of his own home and cut into, blindfolded and gagged. Emory’s not making it any better.

“I’m sorry, honey.” His voice cracks with guilt. Being upset over seeing all the blood isn’t an excuse for doing this wrong, for scaring Lux after whatever he just went through. There’s so much blood, there are so many cuts, the pain must be unbearable. Lux whines behind the gag. “I’m gonna take off the blindfold, okay? It’s just me, it’s safe-” He tries again, fingers dipping under the cloth, but Lux jerks his head to the other side with a pitchy sound. The warlock is breathing quick and shallow like he’s going to get stabbed for turning away.

“You don’t want it off? ...Okay, that’s okay. What about this?” He taps against the cloth stretched across Lux’s cheek. He gets a hesitant nod in response. “Okay, here goes. Just this one, I promise.” The gag is pulled so it can stretch enough to get out from between Lux’s teeth and be untied. Lux takes deep breaths, rolls his jaw with a wince.

“Em?” Asks Lux, small and unsure. “‘s you?” He shifts uncomfortably, shame settling across his features. Emory cups his cheek and leans down to press a kiss to his forehead.

“Yeah, honey. I’m sorry I scared you. I just… I got freaked out. I wasn’t thinking. There’s… a lot of blood.”

A shudder tears through Lux. “H-he said… I know. Ca-an you - please, my arms?” His wrists tug on the rope half-heartedly.

“Yeah, ‘course, I got you.” The rope is wound tightly around itself, stuck in tense knots. Emory pulls at it, digs in with his nails, but can’t get any give at all. The room seems to get physically colder as he remembers the knife lying on the floor nearby. “...Honey, I’ve gotta cut the rope.”

“C-cut the…?” Under all the blood stains, Lux pales. “With the…?”

It’s covered in blood, the blade and the handle both stained. Emory could go get a different knife, or scissors or something… but he doesn’t know if he can stand Lux fearing he’s been left for good when Emory stands and walks into another room. He doesn’t have to patience to do that whole thing. Lux deserves to be free, now.

He reaches for the knife. Freezes, kneeling at Lux’s side, looking down on the blood-stained, cut-up body of his boyfriend, the knife that did it weighty in his hand. If he was Lux, he’s doubt for a second, wonder if he actually did the cutting. But he’s not Lux.

The knife doesn’t do the job as fast as he’d hoped. Emory’s incredibly careful not to slip and nick Lux’s wrist, sawing through one of the rope’s knots. It takes a couple minutes of cutting, Lux’s breaths coming in short gasps, before the rope falls loose and can be pulled apart. As it slides along those raw wrists, Lux moans in pain.

“I’ve got you,” Emory murmurs again as he gingerly lowers Lux’s arms. “There. Better, honey?”

Lux gives a noncommittal groan.

“Do you think I can take off the blindfold now? Now you know it’s safe?”

“Nnh, d-don’t, I - he, h-he said if, if I see him, he’ll kill me, I - d-don’t wanna die.”

The frightened confession steals Emory’s breath. So Lux was attacked, was terrorized. No wonder he’s so scared, even now. “Right. But he’s not here, now. Just me. So it’s safe. He’s gone, you won’t see him.”

Emory slowly helps Lux to sit up, and is beyond relieved to find that there are no cuts across his back. He rubs circles there, eager to comfort in whatever small way he can.

“Mmmnh, but - he… I th-thought he was gone… thought he was, a wh-, while ago, and when - when I tried, to, to get untied, he…” With a whimper, Lux presses a hand to his stomach, over some of the stab wounds. “...Wh-, what if, he’s n-not gone? I, I can’t… I tried, to - to do wha-, whatever I had to, s-so you, you wouldn’t come home, to see… see, me, see me dead.”

Grief clogs up Emory’s throat once again. Lux tips his head to the side, breaths quieting again, listening for a response. He’s scared.

“Sorry, Curls. It’s okay. God, I’m sorry that happened to you. The blindfold can stay on if you want. Let’s just… get you cleaned up, and on the bed, okay? And I’ll… I clean up all the… everything, while you rest. So when you do feel okay to take it off, you don’t see… things.”

Pink bathwater drains languidly from the bath, bloody footprints wiped from the tile floor.

The rug, out in the living room, has been rolled up and shoved under the couch - Emory didn’t think it would be smart to toss a blood-drenched rug out on the curb.

The walls and floor are wiped down, but the stains won’t leave. Emory’s checked his bank account on his phone about ten times to make sure he has enough to spend on covering up the flooring and painting over the walls himself.

Lux lies in bed, passed out, pale. His whole chest is wrapped up in pristine white gauze, winding up from his waist, over his ribs, up over his shoulders and down his arms. He was able to relax once all the cuts were covered up, held secure. Blood seeps through the bandages in little spots.

He shook and apologized when Emory helped him get undressed and step into the bathtub. As if the blood was fine, the deep cuts and torn skin, but the fact that Lux wet himself would be enough to frustrate Emory. He just guided Lux to kneel in the water so it wouldn’t rise above his hips, and carefully wash between the cuts. It would be awful to get them infected - he doesn’t even want to imagine the fever that would come, the pain Lux would be in.

At least he’s asleep now. He went boneless, at one point, between getting his body bandaged and making it to the bed. Emory knew the pain was bad, but feeling Lux faint in his arms, it made his heart clench with guilt as if he piled up all the agony on Lux on purpose to knock him out.

So by sundown, the house is as clean as it’ll get. Lux is tended to, safe, set to heal.

Emory sits on the now-bare floor in the living room. The knife lies in his hands, still stained with Lux’s blood.

All he did was spend one weekend away. A convention: books, like-minded thinkers, seminars, vendors, lunches. Three days away from home. Lux had sworn he’d be fine. They texted, right when Emory got in the car to leave; Lux didn’t answer any of the following texts, not for Emory’s whole trip. He thought maybe Lux forgot to check his phone, or was trying to prove he would be fine alone.

Someone took advantage of that, of Emory being gone. Someone knew he’d be gone. Knew that they’d have three days to spend on tearing Lux open and spilling his blood all over their home.

He can’t help but wonder, as his grip tightens on the handle of the knife, whether this was torture for Lux, or a message for Emory.

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houseisekai · 4 years

Text

FE3H:HI Shadowbringers - Part 1: Return to Abyss

House Isekai Shadowbringers AU Masterlist Here

----

Being awoken by a familiar voice, Kazuma’s group, The denizens of Nazarick, and the School-Living Club find themselves separated from everyone after the battle of Garreg Mach.

As they try to reunite, they find that they are caught in a grand scheme of unknown purpose...

---

(Familliar Voice) “Just how long do you all plan to sleep? I did not save you all to just watch you be snoring away in this void!”

(Aqua) "Ngh...W-What?"

(Familliar Voice) “The time to wake is now...The time to stand on your legs with your own strength is now!”

(Aqua) "That voice is...so...familiar..."

(Familliar Voice) “The world is being swept away in the tides of war, light threatening to consume us all! Fodlan needs you, House Isekai!”

(Aqua) "...So...thi-"

(Familiar voice) “For the love of-"

(Kazuma's voice) "GET THE HELL UP RIGHT NOW!"

(Aqua) "DWAUH?!"

Aqua jolted herself awake, sitting completely upright so fast she accidentally headbutted Kazuma.

(Aqua) "ACK!"

(Kazuma) "AGH, MOTHERFUCK-OW!"

(Aqua) "Ow...Why were you so close to my fa-"

Aqua noticed him wiping a single tear away, but she didn't know if that was from almost breaking his nose with her head.

(Aqua) "...How long was I out?"

(Kazuma) "Dunno. Just woke up myself and our bodies ended up here."

Kazuma helped Aqua up and he took a look at his surroundings.

Darkness and Megumin were near the door, checking for any damage they may have-

...Door?

(Kazuma) "...We fell down the canyon, didn't we?"

(Megumin) "Ack! Yeah, my bones certainly feel it!"

(Darkness) "Disappointing, I don't feel it-"

(Kazuma) "Shut your pie hole. Now, if we fell down the cliff during the battle, why are we in a room?"

(Everyone) "..."

The first thing everyone did was look directly up. They were in an enclosed room, that much was certain.

(Darkness) "Did we fall into a building?"

(Kazuma) "If thats the case, where's the debris? Why are alive if we crashed through? None of us look terribly injured other than a few bruises."

As everyone continued to speculate in their heads what was going on, Megumin tried to open the door and get a better idea of where they were.

(Megumin) ? "Uh, the door's stuck."

Megumin tried yanking the handle open only to rip it off the door.

(Megumin) "...Uh oh."

(Kazuma) "Ah damn it! Look what you did!"

(Darkness) "...That normally doesn't happen unless the doors are very old are in need of repair.”

Darkness took another look at the room and noted that it was relatively dark. It wasn't pitch black thanks to a torch Kazuma lit himself with a spell, but the room didn't look like some ancient ruin.

In fact it looked a lot like...

(Darkness) "Are we in Garreg Mach?"

(Kazuma) "Aqua, you can see in the dark right? What's the verdict?"

(Aqua) "...Its kinda hard to say. It definitely looks like it, but we need to go outside the room."

(Megumin) "But how? I just broke the handle."

Darkness pulled out her sword.

(Darkness) "Stand back, Megumin! HAAAAAA-"

CRASH!

Somehow, Darkness managed to completely miss the door with her sword and hit the wall instead.

The blow created a hole wide enough for everyone to get through, no problem.

(Kazuma) "Nice aim."

(Darkness) "S-SHUT UP!"

Aqua took a good look around but still struggled to make out where they were.

(Aqua) "...I think we need to keep going. Frankly this could be any random dungeon in this world."

(Kazuma) "Hm, alright. Darkness, you take lead."

She nodded, and the four of them went on their way, deeper into the building...

...

[A Dark Sign - Fire Emblem: Three Houses OST]

The Pleiades maids kept their weapons out as they silently advanced, Albedo with her axe still out leading the group.

Cocytus remained at their rear with all four weapons out while Aura and Mare continued to scan around them to find out where this was.

(Ainz) "Demiurge, do we have any idea yet?"

(Demiurge) "None yet, Lord Ainz. I'm afraid I do not recognize anything here."

The hallway they were going seemed to go on forever.

The only sounds he could hear was their footsteps.

They even tried to do a life scan spell but it didn't pick up anything.

(Ainz) "The only option then is to keep-"

(Shalltear) "Lord Ainz, there's a hole here!"

Everyoned turned to the right and saw a massive hole into a room.

The rooms they had passed by had all been intact, if a little old.

The door was still strangely intact, but it was clear the room had been abandoned for quite some time.

(Sebas) "It's hard to tell how recent that is..."

(Ainz) "Then let's keep going, we don't have any time to waste."

(Albedo) "By your command, Lord Ainz."

...

Footsteps began to loudly echo as Kurumi stepped out onto a massive arena-like area.

She used her torch to get a better look at the area around her but with no luck.

(Kurumi) "Guys, look at this!"

Yuuri, Yuki, Miki, and Megumi all came behind her, eyes widening.

(Yuki) "Its...really scary here."

(Kurumi) "Heh, no worries! If anything comes up, they're getting this nice little shovel to their heads!"

(Miki) "Kurumi-senpai, please take this a bit more seriously. We're the least equipped for a fight if it comes to one."

(Megumi) "As long as we stick together, we'll be okay."

(Yuuri) "..."

(Kurumi) "Yuuri? Whats up?"

(Yuuri) "...We're being followed."

...

thud...thud...thu-

Everyone moved to the side of the entrance as Kurumi readied her shovel.

Thud. Thud. Thud!

(Kurumi) "HYAAAAAH!"

CLANG!

THUD!

(Familliar Boy's Voice) "OW, SON OF A BITCH!"

Rounding the corner, Kurumi was about to swing again until she saw who it was.

(Kurumi) "Leclerc?!"

(Kurumi) "Thank god its you! I got so scared and-...Oh crap, I just clobbered you with a shovel!"

Kurumi helped him up, and the group walked over to them.

(Megumi) "Yuri, are you alright?"

(Yuri) "Yeah yeah, its fine Megunee. Heh, didn't think I'd see any of you guys down here."

(Miki) "So wait, that means we're back in Abyss!"

(Yuki) "Oh, everyone's out right? We need to group up with the others too!"

(Yuuri) "...When did your hair get so long?"

(Yuri) "Ya know, I was just about to ask you something similar. How do you guys look exactly the same 5 years later?"

(Everyone) "..."

(Kurumi) "...F-Five years?"

(Yuri) "You don't know? Thanks to you guys, you helped evacuate our people. But, according to reports, and my own scouts, you all fell into the canyon."

(Megumi) "That part is consistent at least. Well, we fell into the canyon but when we woke up, we found ourselves in here."

(Yuri) "So...you guys didn't blow anything up then?"

(Yuuri) "No, why?"

Yuri grabbed his sword and frowned.

(Yuri) "We got some intruders in here besides my group and the knights then...”

...

Several knights laid across the stones, blood splattered left and right.

The knight captain stepped forward and examined the bodies with his torch, looking up.

His men stood behind and in front of him, making sure if anything attacked, they’d be ready.

This was a tight hallway, and from the looks of it, these knights didn’t have time to react to whatever attacked them.

(Captain) “Alert all forces down here that we have intruders! I want every exit covered, every corner with three man squads!”

(Knight) “Yes sir!”

The team quickly scrambled back to the entrance of the hallway.

Once they were completely gone, Kazuma became visible once more, using his lurk ability to hide in the shadows far ahead of them.

(Kazuma) “Clear.”

Darkness, Megumin, and Aqua poked their heads from the corner and slowly walked to the bodies.

(Darkness) “These wounds don’t appear to be physical...”

Their armor had burn marks, suggesting whatever attacked them was magic based.

(Megumin) “Could be someone from House Isekai.”

(Kazuma) “Doubt it. If it was Class VII or any of the Persona users, they would’ve knocked them out. And if it was Nazarick, there wouldn’t have been anything to find except the blood.”

(Aqua) “Whatever it is, I hope we don’t find out...”

(Kazuma) “If we can follow those knights out, we may be able to find an exit out of here. At the very least we’ve figured out this is Abyss.”

(Darkness) “Then that means the Church won the battle while we were away if they’re down here.”

(Kazuma) “Damn. Well come on, we’re wasting ti-”

(Aqua) “Crap, in front of us!”

Everyone turned around and saw a torch light coming around the corner where the patrol of knights went out of.

The four could hear the heavy footsteps of armor marching towards them.

(Kazuma) “You gotta be-Shit, alright! Come on, we’re going back the way we came and we’re choosing a different way, MOVE YOUR ASSES!”

...

Ainz and his group eventually made his way to a flight of stairs upwards into the Monastery, arriving near the old student dorms.

It was nighttime when they emerged, the moonlight covering the entire monastery in a soft white glow.

Albedo looked around first, giving the all clear signal.

The Pleiades maids took positions around the walls to find any knights, but were unable to.

(Aura) “No life detected up here, Lord Ainz. Just us.”

(Mare) “W-Where are all the soldiers?”

(Ainz) “Good question...”

Sebas opened one of the student’s doors and looked around, noticing how dusty it was, with cobwebs formed all over it.

The Pleiades maids did the same, opening up the dorms room by room.

(Yuri Alpha) “Strange. We fell into the canyon when it was late afternoon. By all accounts, the rooms should be relatively unchanged and soldiers should be all over the Monastery.”

(Solution) “Yet everything looks like its been abandoned for years.”

(Pandora’s Actor) “Perhaps it’s been more than a few days than our awakening?”

(Cocytus) “I DOUBT THAT THIS AMOUNT OF AGING COULD HAPPEN IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME.”

(Ainz) “...We will investigate the dorm rooms. Sebas, you and the Pleiades will check our surroundings and make sure no surprises await us.”

(Sebas) “My Lord.”

The Pleiades knelt down quickly, then jumped onto the rooftops and began their scouting.

(Shalltear) “...This quiet is troubling me.”

(Demiurge) “It’s as Mare asks, where are the soldiers? If the Church was victorious, we should have seen multiple sentries on the way. And the same goes for the Imperials.’

(Ainz) “Let us keep looking. If we see anyone, we take them prisoner and find out what we know. No killing.”

Everyone nodded and went on to investigating the dorms and the nearby greenhouse.

Narberal and Solution went to the graveyards as their sisters looked elsewhere.

They said nothing as they looked over the walls and into the nearby rooms, weapons drawn.

Still nothing.

Narberal took a quick glance at the graves then back at the classes-...

Something wasn’t right.

She turned back to the graves and noticed one had been dug up.

Narberal looked to Solution and hit the nearby stones loud enough for her sister to hear.

Solution saw Narberal motion her head downwards, and they went down to the entrance of the graves and went towards the dug up grave.

Solution nodded as to keep watch while Narberal knelt down to get a better look.

While embarassingly enough, she couldn’t actually read the language of Fodlan, she was able to decipher the name of who the dug up grave belonged to.

‘Sitri’.

Narberal furrowed her brow.

‘Sitri’. Sitri was that woman who was Byleth’s mother and Aelfric fused with during that incident with the Ashen Wolves earlier in the year.

She and Lord Ainz were one of the few who personally made sure that her body was put to rest, so why was the coffin gone?

Narberal put her fingers to her ear for a message.

(Narberal) “Lord Ainz. This is Narberal Gamma.”

(Ainz’s Voice) “Report.”

(Narberal) “No one has been spotted yet, but there is something...troubling, to say the least that I have discovered. It’s about Sitri, her grave has been dug up.

(Ainz’s Voice) “...How recent was it?”

Narberal poked at the dirt and noticed how soft it was.

(Narberal) “Very recent. As to where the person who dug it up went, I am unsure of.”

(Ainz’s Voice) “...Hmph. This is Lord Ainz, everyone regroup at the dorms, I think we finally have a lead.”

Ainz started making his way back to the entrance of Abyss.

(Cocytus) “WE ARE HEADED BACK IN?”

(Ainz) “Yes. Someone has very recently dug up the grave of Byleth’s mother.”

(Albedo) “What could anyone in this world possibly want with a corpse of a woman?”

(Ainz) “If it’s anything like last time, nothing good...”

...

Yuri opened the door to the Ashen Wolves’ old hangout spot and revealed Constance, Hapi, and Balthus in the room.

(Hapi) “Hey Yuri-bird...Well, aren’t you guys a sight for sore eyes?”

(Megumi) “Thank goodness, you’re all okay!”

(Constance) “Hah, but of course we are! A few grunt soldiers aren’t enough to stop a Nuve-”

(Balthus) “HAH! I knew it! There’s no way that you guys died during that battle!”

(Constance) “H-Hey, I was talking!-”

(Yuki) “You all look so different...!”

(Hapi) “And...you guys look exactly the same?”

(Constance) “Huh. Now that you mention it, they don’t look any different despite the years that have passed.”

(Miki) “What is going on here...?”

(Yuri) “When we get out of here, we can start speculating on that all we like. Right now, we’re not the only ones down here besides the Knights.”

(Balthus) “Think whoever it was caused that explosion?”

(Yuri) “Definitely.”

(Yuki) “Maybe it’s others from House Isekai?”

(Constance) “I sincerely doubt any of your friends are that stupid to give away their location like that!”

(Everyone) “...”

(Constance) “...Okay, maybe there’s just a few of them that would.”

(Megumi) “Actually if I can ask, what are you four doing back here in Abyss if the Church has occupied it?”

(Hapi) “At first, it was just to keep our promise we made to Byleth and your class, to meet up here five years later for the Millennium festival. We still got about 4 days before that actually happens but we figured it’d be better to come here early.”

(Constance) “And from what we have gathered, it hasn’t been a full occupation by the Church. I think these men were sent here to assess the damage from the battle and see how much forces were needed to take it back.”

(Balthus) “As we were sneaking through, we heard a loud explosion, which alerted the knights as well.”

(Kurumi) “How deep in Abyss was that explosion?”

(Yuri) “We were originally near it, actually. I heard some voices which sounded like yours, so I followed it, since it didn’t sound like the knights. Lo and behold, it was you all.”

(Balthus) “And since we have those extra days, we might as well investigate it and take care of any knights in our way! You still know how to swing that shovel, Kurumi?”

Kurumi smiled and swung the shovel up onto her shoulder.

(Kurumi) “You bet I do!”

(Constance) “Fantastic! We do not know what’s down there, so we’ll need all the help we can get!”

(Hapi) “As for the rest of you, we’ll find you a weapon on the way so you can at least defend yourselves. Now let’s go ahead and get moving, we’re sitting ducks right now.”

Everyone gathered their gear and went outside the room, traversing deeper into Abyss.

...

Kazuma leaned on the wall as he was running out of breath. He checked behind him, and Megumin and Aqua were in the same state.

Darkness was perfectly fine, not even breaking a sweat from all that chasing.

He looked around the room and noticed it was very spacious, almost like an arena of some sort.

(Megumin) “I...think I’ve been down here before actually.”

(Aqua) “Really? When?”

(Kazuma) “Not important right now! Did we lose them?”

(Captain’s voice) “SPREAD OUT! I WANT THEM CAPTURED ALIVE!”

(Kazuma) “...Shit.”

(Megumin) “O-Oh, I know! We can go down there!”

There was a stairway that had a soft orange glow radiating from a doorway at the end of it.

(Darkness) “Well, if it comes to fighting, we may as well fight where we can see them!”

(Kazuma) “We are NOT going into that deathtrap just so your libido can get satisfied!”

(Darkness) “W-Wha?! I’m being serious!”

(Knight) “I think I heard something!”

(Aqua) “Deathtrap it is! UP UP UP WE GO!”

Aqua ran first down the stairs, followed by Megumin. Kazuma groaned but followed in suit, Darkness going last.

Aqua threw the door open, stopping dead in her tracks with eyes going wide.

They all collided into each other and fell onto the floor.

(Kazuma) “Hey, why the hell did you-...” !!! “...S-Stop...?”

[Those Who Sow Darkness - Fire Emblem Three Houses OST]

The room they were in seemed like a chamber, but it was covered in blood with bodies dressed in black strewn all over the floors. Some were torn in half while some other bodies were missing heads.

Despite all that, that wasn’t what caught everyone’s attention.

It was an open coffin, with a body inside of it that was disturbingly clean.

And the body that was very much alive standing over it.

It was a figure dressed in black like the rest of the corpses in the room, and it slowly turned around to face the four.

(???) “What do we have here?”

A man’s voice came from the figure, but he was wearing a mask, making it impossible to tell who it was.

Everyone quickly got up and drew their weapons.

(???) “Ah. I had mistaken you as part of those zealous knights, but no, you are something far more interesting! You are one of the last part of Byleth’s little class!”

(Aqua) “Who are you, creep?!”

(???) “...Let’s just say, someone who knows what will happen if I were to harm any of you.”

(Kazuma) “Yeah, we’d put you into the dirt!”

(???) “I doubt by the likes of you idiots. No, it is your teacher who would see my head mounted on his wall. He’s become something of a reaper to our group as of late...”

(Aqua) “You think we need Byleth to kick your sorry ass? TURN UNDEAD!”

Aqua raised her hand at the figure, but nothing happened. Not even a glow of light emitted from her palm.

(???) “....Even if that spell WERE to work, I assure you, I am VERY much alive! Not unlike my poor colleagues here. And I told them to be careful as well...”

(Aqua) “M-My spells aren’t working?!”

(???) “I silenced the room, so to speak. No magic spells, not even mine, will work unless I say so. I anticipated you all to be the more threatening of your group here, but it seems I overreacted.”

(Kazuma) “Wait a- YOU’RE ONE OF THOSE DAMN MOLE PEOPLE WITH THE GOD AWFUL NAME!”

(Everyone) ?

(???) “’...Just so I never have to hear us referred to as ‘Mole-people’ ever again, you may call us Agarthans. We, are true sons and daughters of humanity, fighting against that bastard Seiros! And considering what has happened to you all, we need not be adversaries.”

(Darkness) “And side with the very people who murdered Byleth’s father and countless students, do you think us THAT stupid?!”

(???) “That was a poor display by my colleagues, and something I voiced against, if you choose to believe it.”

(Megumin) “Alright, sure, we believe you. Now what’s with that body?!”

(???) “Hmph. I thought it was obvious enough. Though unfortunately for you all, that is all the explanations you are getting from me, it seems we have overstayed our welcome.”

Knights burst into the room and completely covered the entrance.

(Captain) “Freeze! Don’t move a-...What in the goddess’s name?!”

(Knight) “Sir, those are Imperials!”

(Captain) “SEIZE THEM!”

(???) “I’d advise you four to get down.”

The four turned around and saw the blood rising into the air and going into the body in the coffin.

And a dark purple light emitting from the man’s hand.

(Kazuma) “OH SHIT!”

Kazuma grabbed the three and jumped to the side, a dark spell hitting the Captain first, and the explosion catching the knights.

The entire squad exploded into bits with their limbs slamming against the wall.

All the blood that shot out from their bodies was pulled into the coffin like mist.

The man walked away as the last of the blood began to dissipate and he turned to Kazuma.

(Kazuma) “What, you too lazy to pick that corpse up with you?”

(???) “She is a corpse no longer. Though, she may need a little more lifeforce, but I’m sure you’ll find a way. Consider it my gift to you...Oh, and before I forget, I recommend you steel yourself for battle. We accidentally triggered some form of defense while traversing the depths to get her.”

Before anyone could respond, he teleported away.

(Aqua) “Damn it, that little prick got away!”

(Darkness) “...What did he mean by ‘she’?”

The four got up and went to the coffin.

Megumin gasped audibly seeing who was inside.

(Megumin) “Sitri?!”

(Aqua) “What the- what were they doing with her?!”

(Sitri) “...N-Ngh...!”

(Everyone) ?!

(Kazuma) “What the fuck- Is that what all the blood was going into?!”

(Aqua) “I-I could try healing magic-”

(Megumin) “Hold up a second! I think dark magic was used for this to even happen, I think holy skills would hurt her!”

(Darkness) “C-Can we even trust the words of that man?!”

(Kazuma) “Shit, well we gotta do something to get some life into her and-...”

Kazuma grabbed Darkness’s neck and Sitri’s hand, using his skill life drain.

(Darkness) HOOUWAAAUAAAGGGGGGGGH?!

...

Sitri suddenly felt her body come back to life slowly, but surely. Her eyes opened slowly, but everything was too blurry to tell where she was.

Her sense of hearing was coming back as well, and she could hear several muffled voices.

Finally opening her eyes, Sitri was-

[We’re Hungry because We’re Alive - Konosuba OST]

(Kazuma) “HARUUKAACKFAAACK!-”

(Aqua) “Wow, that looks painful.”

(Megumin) “Doesn’t she get off on that?”

(Darkness) “I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU DID THAT TO ME AGAIN!”

(Kazuma) “EETWASHANEMERGENCHY!YOUHAVEMOSTHPOFAAACK!”

...Sitri was horribly confused.

(Megumin) “G-Guys, she’s awake!”

Darkness let go of Kazuma’s neck and he grabbed the side of the coffin almost tipping it over.

(Sitri) “W-Wha?!”

Darkness acted quickly and grabbed the other side of the coffin, though she accidentally grabbed it too hard, catapulting Sitri into the air.

(Sitri) “AAAAH!”

(Kazuma) “SHIT!”

Kazuma caught Sitri as she fell, which made him collapse into Aqua and Megumin as well.

(Aqua) “OW! DAMN IT KAZUMA!”

(Megumin) “Oof...”

(Darkness) “O-Oh! Ma’am, I am so sorry!”

(Sitri) “I...I...What?! Who are you people?!”

(Kazuma) “H-Hang on!”

Kazuma only helped Sitri up while the Megumin and Aqua had to get themselves up.

(Kazuma) “I’m Kazuma, that’s Megumin, Darkness, and Aqua.”

(Sitri) “...”

Sitri did not feel any less uncomfortable.

(Megumin) “Oh um...Miss Sitri, it’s nice to finally meet you!”

[To the Resting Place - Konosuba OST]

(Sitri) “You...know who I am?”

The three let Megumin in front, since she dealt with the incident regarding Sitri personally.

(Megumin) “Y-Yes. The four of us are students of Byleth, your son.”

Sitri looked shocked at first but smiled.

(Sitri) “Oh, Byleth became a teacher...”

Upon hearing that she started to laugh. Though, tears started to roll down her cheeks.

She wasn’t there to see her son grow up.

(Sitri) “How is he? A-As a teacher, I mean.”

(Megumin) “Hah well...He was a bit awkward at first, not knowing how to deal with the rest of the class. But overtime, he became such an inspiration to us all. I don’t think I’ve had any teacher as great as him.”

Sitri took a breath of relief.

(Sitri) “Then Jeralt raised him right...I knew he would. If I may ask, is his father doing alright?”

Sitri didn’t like the faces they suddenly made.

Aqua was about to say something, but Kazuma put a hand on her shoulder and shook his head.

Darkness looked down in silence while Megumin took off her hat and spoke in a more soft tone.

(Megumin) “I...I’m sorry to say Jeralt died, saving Byleth and several other students.”

Sitri stopped smiling.

(Sitri) “I...I see.”

(Darkness) “We personally took care of those responsible for his demise. We buried him alongside you, actually.”

Sitri nodded, and a sad smile was on her face.

(Sitri) “Thank you.”

...It took a second for Sitri to realize what she had said.

Buried Jeralt alongside her.

She’s alive.

She’s alive?

Why is she alive?

It was then she noticed what kind of state the room was in. The bodies and body parts lying everywhere.

(Sitri) “What...What happened here?!”

(Kazuma) “...That’s right. We HAVE to get out of here!”

(Aqua) “Wait a second, I hear footsteps!”

Everyone got into positions, Kazuma and Darkness at the front with Aqua and Megumin behind.

Megumin put her arm in front of Sitri.

(Megumin) “Don’t worry, we’ll protect you!”

The door swung open, and someone came charging in.

(Kurumi) “GET OUT OF OUR SCHOOL YOU PUNKS!-”

(Kazuma) “The fuc- WOAH WOAH WOAH!”

Kurumi stopped midway once she realized who they were and slipped, making her fall face first into the floor.

Her shovel went into the floor as well, making a loud clanging noise.

(Yuri) “Kurumi! You idiot, I said to...Wait...Kazuma?”

(Kazuma) “Yuri, Ebisuzawa?! HOLY SHIT, YOU GUYS ARE...Dude your hair, how did it-”

Kurumi peeled herself off the floor and grabbed her shovel.

(Kurumi) “SATOU! YOU GUYS ARE OKAY!”

She hugged Kazuma which made him go stiff.

(Kazuma) “H-Hey, let go of me!”

Kazuma’s group relaxed and put away their weapons.

(Darkness) “Finally, some friendly faces!”

The rest of the School-Living Club and Ashen Wolves went into the room.

(Megumi) “Oh, thank goodness, you’re safe!”

(Aqua) “Megunee! You will not BELIEVE what we just went through!”

(Hapi) “Hm. Finally some good news for a-...?!”

(Constance) “Hapi? What is the ma-...!?”

Yuri and Balthus noticed it too and were as silent as them.

(Yuuri) “...Who’s the woman in the back?”

(Miki) “Isn’t her hair color a bit like...?”

(Yuki) “Byleth-sensei’s!”

Megumi and Kurumi looked at Sitri as well, the room going dead silent.

(Yuri) “She’s...She’s alive.”

Sitri felt tense, not knowing what to say to the group staring at her.

(Sitri) “Um...”

Rumble...!

(Kazuma) “The hell?”

(Yuri) “Tch, now that one sounded close!”

(Kurumi) “Is the place coming apart or something?”

(Balthus) “Don’t think we should stick around to find out!”

(Yuri) “Move it people, we’re leaving Abyss!”

Everyone nodded, dashing out the room.

Megumin held onto Sitri’s hand as she dragged her along with the others.

They made their way into the center of the arena, going into the hallway the entered in.

(Yuri) “Hapi, how close was that explosion to us?!”

KAFOOOOOM!

The wall in front of them completely exploded, shooting stone everywhere.

[In the Name of Ainz Ooal Gown - OVERLORD OST]

(Megumi) “OH MY GOD!”

A giant golem was being smashed into pieces by a an armor clad figure with an axe almost as big as the figure was.

From the hole created, several maids jumped into the battle and started severing the golem’s limbs.

(Constance) “Wait a moment, battle maids? I know who they are! NARBERAL!”

Narberal and Albedo finished smashing the head into pieces killing the golem, but her face twitched upon hearing the voice.

(Narberal) “Oh, please not her-.”

(Constance) “HAVE I MISSED YOUR COMPANY DEAR NABE!”

The other maids began to laugh as Narberal refused to turn around.

(Kazuma) “A-Albedo, is that you?!”

(Albedo) “Ah, the other members of House Isekai. For once, I am glad to see you humans safe.”

The rest of Nazarick came through and noticed who she was talking to.

(Aura) “Hey, the School-Living Club!”

(Shalltear) “Surprising, Kazuma’s group is somehow alive.”

(Cocytus) “I AM GLAD TO SEE MY FELLOW STUDENTS SAFE, IT SEEMS THEY ARE THE ONLY ONES HERE IN ABYSS.”

(Ainz) “Everyone, focus! We’re not out just yet!”

(Demiurge) “Oh? I believe we just found our missing body.”

Sitri was scared by what she was seeing since most of these ‘classmates’ weren’t humans.

(Narberal) “Hmph. So they found Sitri. I suppose I should say good job.”

(Kazuma) “S-Shit that’s right! The defense mechanisms!”

(Yuri) “Defense mechanisms? What do you mean?!”

...

(Ainz) “So, now that we’ve successfully revived her, every monster that’s down here is about to come on top of our heads.”

(Kurumi) “Welp, that’s just great! Why did they only activate now though, she was brought out of her resting place before, right?!”

(Yuri) “No idea. I guess that’s something we’ll have to interrogate that black hooded bastard for! Miss Eisner, can you keep up with us on your own? We’re going to need every fighter we can get.”

(Sitri) “Y-Yes!”

(Kazuma) “It’s a long climb up. There’s a lot of us, but no doubt there’s going to be a big bad monster after our asses.”

(Ainz) “So, it’s just like a raid...Heheh...”

(Everyone) ?

(Ainz) “Perfect. EVERYONE! Our duty is to escape with everyone, no man left behind.”

(Yuri) “Uh...what is he doing?”

(Kazuma) “S-SHSHSHHH! He’s having a moment where he actually knows what to do, don’t let him get distracted!”

Pretending to not have heard that, Ainz continued.

(Ainz) “You will protect Sitri as if she were me, and I will tolerate no excuses if any harm is to come to her! Pleiades, you will guard the rear, taking care of any of the lower mobs that will inevitably aggro to us.”

(Sebas & Yuri Alpha) “Understood, my lord!”

(Ainz) “Albedo, you will be the vanguard, drawing anything to you. Shalltear, Mare, the Ashen Wolves and Kazuma’s group will be accompanying you. Remaining in the middle will be the School-Living Club, Sitri, Demiurge, Cocytus, Aura, and Pandora’s Actor. Pandora’s actor will be leading Alliance A, Sebas will lead Alliance B, and I will lead Alliance C.”

(Everyone) “Yes, Lord Ainz!”

(Yuri) “Wow, that’s the most organized I’ve seen him-”

(Shalltear) “Watch your tongue, human.”

The floor beneath them began to rumble.

(Ainz) “GET WITH YOUR PARTY, NOW!”

Everyone scrambled to their positions.

(Ainz) “Now...

Time to make our escape!”

[Clash - OVERLORD OST]

Albedo charged into the hallways first, Alliances A and B following closely behind.

(Ainz) “Yuri, you know the way out of here?”

(Yuri) “Yeah, we take a left once we get to the next intersection of hallways!”

They rounded the corner and found what Yuri was talking about.

Before they could progress any further, they were stopped by several knights.

(Knight) “FREEZE!”

Albedo raised her axe and cleaved the first knight in half, twirling it to the other side and decapitating another that tried to swing his sword.

A knight further back raised his bow and aimed it at Albedo.

(Kazuma) “STEAL!”

A glowing light came out of Kazuma’s hand, a small gust of wind blew past everyone.

The archer noticed something felt colder, but he still had his bow and arrow.

(Kazuma) “AW, FUCKING GROSS!”

He dropped the knight’s underwear and wiped his hand on his jeans.

The knight was distracted long enough for a spell to hit him in the stomach, sending him flying back.

(Shalltear) “Hah, I can see your priorities clearly, Satou!”

(Kazuma) “LIKE YOU’RE ONE TO TALK!”

(Yuri) “Now, to the left!”

Meanwhile at the back, CZ used her rifle to blast away any incoming automatons of Abyss charging at them.

Once one got close enough, Sebas’s fist came into contact with its head at almost blinding speeds, sending the body flying back and hitting several others after them.

Narberal casted lightning through her fingertips and shot it at the group that Sebas had knocked down, causing them to explode into debris.

Several more came barreling in, everyone doing their best to not let a single one through.

Lupusregina skewered one with her staff while Entoma had hundreds of insects shoot out of her sleeve and eat away at another, though two slipped past them.

Yuri grabbed one as it was rushing up the hallway and smashed its head into the wall, Solution catching the other one by deforming her arm into a whip-like slime arm.

It struggled to move as Kurumi knocked its head off with her shovel, with Cocytus stabbing the body with a single arm.

Before Kurumi could take a breath, she noticed even more coming towards them.

(Kurumi) “You gotta be kidding me!”

(Pandora’s Actor) “Father, it looks like they’re increasing the number of automatons! How is our escape looking?”

(Ainz) “1. Don’t call me that, and 2.-”

Ainz casted a fireball and lit a Knight on fire, everyone else caught into a fight.

(Ainz) “-Get up here and prepare for a fight!”

Yuri dodged out the way of a knight swinging his sword, and countered with his own attack, the slash catching the knight in the chest.

Before another knight could get Yuri from behind, Balthus kicked him down and stomped on his head.

Constance, Hapi, and Shalltear casted a spell together, creating a giant pillar of light that disentigrated a group of knights coming at them.

(Aqua) “Incoming right!”

Albedo swung her axe and slammed it to her right, chopping off the top half of a knight using the shadows to ambush them. She looked down the hall and saw a massive bridge in front of them.

(Darkness) “That’s right near the entrance to Abyss!”

Another knight came up from behind, and Darkness slashed her sword at his head.

(Knight) “...H-Huh?”

(Albedo) “YOU MISSED?!”

(Darkness) “DON’T MAKE FUN OF ME!”

Mare’s staff hit the leg of the knight, snapping it completely backwards, making him scream.

(Mare) “It’s probably too dark for you to hit accurately, right?”

(Darkness) “Y-Yes, that’s exactly it!”

(Kazuma) “SHUT UP AND KEEP MOVING.”

Kazuma cast an enemy detection skill and noticed a large one coming from below the bridge, at a rapid speed.

(Kazuma) “Ooooh, SHIT! EVERYONE, WE NEED TO GET OVER THAT BRIDGE NOW! SOMETHING BIG IS COMING!”

Alliance C stood at the exit of the bridge fighting off any automaton while the other two alliances caught up.

Alliance B went first, Yuri Alpha and Sebas killing any knight that was coming to them, with Alliance A coming into the middle.

Alliance C went onto the bridge once the last members passed by, all dashing to the middle of the room.

Right as Megumin was the last one to pass the bridge, a massive automaton emerged from the depths, smashing the bridge into pieces.

(Ainz) “Hah, it actually is like a raid, now we’ve reached the boss!”

(Yuri) “H-How are we supposed to fight that?!”

(Ainz) “TANKS, FRONT AND CENTER!”

Albedo and Darkness ran to the front, weapons at the ready.

(Ainz) “Now, YOU WILL SEE THE FULL MIGHT OF-”

(Kazuma) “Fuck that, MEGUMIN, LIMIT BREAK TIME!”

(Megumin) “...Does that mean-”

(Kazuma) “YES, KABOOM, HURRY YOUR ASS!”

(Yuuri) “Uh oh.”

(Sitri) “K-Kaboom? What does that-”

(Yuki) “IT MEANS GET DOWN!”

The room around them turned into a dark orange as Megumin aimed her staff at the automaton.

“EXPLOOOOOOOOOOOOOSION!”

A tiny ball of flame appeared below the automaton, then erupted into a blinding light, and shook the entire room so violently that any pillars near them completely melted into ash from the explosion.

It sent everyone flying back from the sheer force of the explosion being so close.

When everyone opened their eyes, it was completely gone.

(Sitri) “...o-ow...”

(Megumin) “YEAAAAH! I DID IT!”

WHAP!

Megumin slammed face first into the floor.

(Everyone) “...”

[Duty Complete (Victory theme) - Final Fantasy XIV OST]

DADADADA DA DA DA DADA DAAAAAAAAAAAA!

(Sitri) “Is she going to be okay?”

(Aqua) “She’s used to it. She’s actually learned how to break her fall better since she started.”

(Sitri) “So this happens regularly?!”

(Yuri) “With these idiots, yeah. With us? They’re about as foreign to us as we are to you...”

(Ainz) “Everyone, you did well. I could not be any more proud of you all.”

(Albedo) “Hah, your praise is too much, Lord Ainz!”

(Cocytus) “WE ONLY DID WHAT WE WERE EXPECTED TO.”

(Ainz) “Part of me wishes that raid could’ve gone a bit longer...A-ANYWAYS...”

Before Ainz could finish his sentence, everyone began to hear clapping.

[Those Who Sow Darkness - Fire Emblem Three Houses OST]

They all turned to where the sound was coming from, and saw a man in black with a mask clapping his hands together.

(???) "Bravo, bravo! The others were already afraid of what your class was capable of, but once they get word of this, they'll be pissing themselves, haha!"

Everyone drew their weapons at him and he sighed in response.

(???) "...You still don't trust me. Eh, fair enough. Not like I'm exactly comfortable with you offworlders either."

The man turned to Sitri.

(???) "And its good to see you out and about, Sitri! Byleth will be happy with that at least."

(Sitri) "What do you know about my son, who are you?!"

(???) "...You may call me Lahabrea. I only know what I've been told from Thales and reports...and the few conversations I've held with him.”

(Megumi) "If you even laid a finger-"

(Lahabrea) "Hah! And get between him and his little crusade? I'd rather live, thank you...Though right now with your class's appearance all over Fodlan these past few years, he's not as ruthless as he used to be."

(Ainz) "Years?"

(Lahabrea) "I'm not the right person for THAT conversation. You have mister Leclerc for discussing how many years have passed. For now, I leave you in good faith, with your gift. Your other friends will be showing up in the next few days, so I'll be taking my leave. I feel as if I'm not welcome here anyway."

He raised his to his face and an aura of energy surrounded him.

(Lahabrea) "Oh, and the only thing I ask of you is to give a message to Byleth when he comes. Lahabrea sends his regards."

With that, he teleported away.

(Kurumi) "The heck is that supposed to mean?"

(Yuri) "...Before we get too settled in, lets get out of here. Last I checked the surface of Garreg Mach was clear."

Yuri motioned everyone to follow, and they all finally left Abyss together.

The next morning, everyone met up in the mess hall, answering each other’s questions of what happened in the past, what has been happening, and what House Isekai is to Sitri.

Sitri is utterly fascinated by this fifth house, sounding almost like a fairy tale, heroes coming into another world to save it and its people.

(Sitri) "House Isekai sounds..."

(Ainz) "Impossible?"

(Megumi) "Insane?"

(Kazuma) "Stupid?"

(Sitri) "Unique, actually. My son must be proud to have you all as his students but...what happened to him?"

(Yuuri) "The last I remember, Rean had his giant robot thing teleport Byleth away when we fell..."

(Megumi) "I hope he's okay..."

(Ainz) "I sincerely doubt anything would actually be able to harm him."

(Aqua) "Somethings been bothering me about that actually. We fell down that cliff, so how are we still alive, much less be here five years later?"

(Kurumi) "...When we woke up, I heard a voice gently talking to me...then it uh...screamed at me to wake up like she was my mom."

(Albedo) "Odd. That's what happened to us as well, though...that voice sounded familiar."

(Constance) "So, that answers how you all awoke, but how many others are here too?"

(Yuri) "The way that Lahabrea guy was speaking made it sound like some others of House Isekai made it here before you guys."

(Kazuma) "He said to my group that we were among the last to arrive. So how long have the others been here before we woke up?"

(Sitri) “And...why did he resurrect me?”

Everyone remained silent, trying to think of some possible answer.

(Yuri) “...Well, now that we cleared things up for Sitri-”

Yuri put his cup down on the table and looked to House Isekai’s members.

(Yuri) “-It’s about time we tell you guys what’s happened with the war.”

(Kazuma) “So, who’s winning, the Empire or the Church?”

The Ashen wolves looked at each other.

(Balthus) “About that...-”

-----

Outside Garreg Mach

Dimitri stared up at the Monastery silently.

It had been five long years since he last laid his eyes on it.

His thoughts were interrupted when he saw someone walk towards him.

(Dimitri) "Edelgard..."

Edelgard stopped in front of him and the two remained silent.

Dimitri's solemn expression turned into a wide smile.

He raised his hand, and Edelgard grabbed his, both holding each others arms firmly.

(Dimitri) "Hah, it is good to see you again."

(Edelgard) "Likewise, old friend. It's been far too long."

The two turned to face Garreg Mach.

(Dimitri) “Best not to keep anyone waiting, right?”

(Edelgard) “After you.”

----

Year 1, Ruined building in Faerghus territory...

Byleth walked alone through the streets of this small town. He didn’t know what it was called.

All he knew was that it was destroyed in the last massive battle that took place here.

Imperial and Kingdom soldiers lay dead as he passed them by, not bothering to check if anyone’s breathing.

He stopped walking after a minute and reached for the Sword of the Creator.

Byleth activated the whip function of his sword before a voice spoke up.

(Man’s Voice) “I’m not here to attack you, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

Byleth slowly turned around and saw a man dressed in black, leaning against a wall.

It was nighttime and the area was almost pitch black, but Byleth could tell immediately what he was.

(Byleth) “Give me one reason I shouldn’t cut off your head right now, Agarthan.”

(???) “I can give you two, actually. One: Because I’m the first to actually talk to you instead of attacking, unlike the rest of the idiots who tried doing that. I doubt anyone who knew the reputation of the Ashen Demon would even come within a 100 mile radius of you.”

(Byleth) “And two?”

(???) “I can give you the power you seek to destroy the Church. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, after all.”

(Byleth) “...Just who are you?”

The man stepped forward and the light revealed that he was wearing a mask that covered his face.

(???) “You may call me...Lahabrea.”

PART 1: END

[Escape - Darling in the FranXX OST]

The forecasted rain wets us

What should I say to you, as you tremble? My soaked blazer is cold and heavy

I feel as helpless as a chick who's left its cage. I felt that my dreams were on the other side of the heavy clouds

I digested only the sweet pain that spread in my chest

I wonder if it'd be better if I'd never met you

Hey, I can't even see the stars

Hey, my tears won't fall either

To Be Continued in:

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bbq-hawks-wings · 4 years

Text

BBQ gripes about fanon Hawks

Not even gonna put this in the character tags aside from the spoiler one I use just for the anime-onlies on my blog. I'm salty. I just wanna vent. I want to keep the general character tags fun because it was awful when I went looking for new content and found so much Not Fun material a while back; and I don’t want to become what I hate. Basic point - my blog, my vent, and unless it’s reblogged (which you are welcome to if you like) this post dies here.

Please know this isn't a callout post or me claiming that others are being fans of Hawks "wrong" because they disagree with me. I am a huge proponent that (with very few exceptions) fiction and fandom should be free to be enjoyed, reinterpreted, or otherwise indulged in however the individual fan prefers; and if I don't like it, I let them have their space and go do my thing elsewhere and leave them alone (hence why this not going in character tags). I just have been annoyed with the rampant mangling of Hawks' canon personality/characterization - that is, confusing common fanon interpretations of him with how he’s actually written/portrayed and then getting angry (like, actually-angry-spilling-into-publicly-dragging-real-people, not just disappointed) when he acts like canon Hawks in canon. Non-canon is open season and by and large has my blessing, it’s just frustrating when it gets dragged into discussions about the manga.

This has been going on a long time, but I just want to get it out of my system in my personal space. All this is, is my "Overthinking Tumblr blogger Shakes Fist at Cloud" moment.

#1 Hawks is a sociopath/unempathetic.

I just... I... You can't be reading the same manga I am if you genuinely come to this conclusion about who he is in canon. A man with nothing to gain by looking like this when considering the depths of the suffering inflicted on others that he bears some amount of responsibility in...

...cannot be called unempathetic.

"But he killed Twice and Best Jeanist!"

Twofold counterargument to this one, starting with BJ - we don't actually know he's dead. There's a body, there's a disappearance, and we have no idea wtf happened, but we also don't know wtf happened. It's drastically ooc for Hawks to murder someone in cold blood. For someone who places emphasis on speed specifically "because when two sides keep fighting and won’t give up, someone eventually has to die" it makes no sense for him to not have had a plan and simply ambush a man in his own home - this goes doubly since he was in contact with the HSPC and had time to "premeditate" anyway.

And as for Twice: Hawks ran out of options. He wanted to detain Twice and keep him from escaping and helping the MLA. He was able to do so when alone, but the moment Dabi cornered him Hawks had a choice to make - probably die in the fight and let Jin go or make absolute certain he can’t and still probably end up dying because he's in bad shape and still probably won't make it out of this, regardless. I don't need to harp on this - it's been said a couple different times now by several people. Even in 266 when Dabi initially ambushes Hawks, Hawks thinks to himself that he’ll carry Jin out of the building to keep himself and Jin safe before Twice retaliated and Dabi literally forces Hawks into a corner.

Jin's loss was a blow, but the chips on the table being wagered are human lives, not feelings. Up until that point, Hawks did everything he could despite the weight of his decision. Human life is human life, and Jin’s life isn’t more important than the may more who will be saved by quashing the MLA’s revolution. Simply equating “could kill someone” with “unempathetic” is fundamentally flawed, and mistaking someone who is pushed to kill despite every attempt to avoid it as unempathetic and even sociopathic has missed the point to the extreme - the mere fact he avoided lethal force for so long alone proves he possesses empathy.

#2 Hawks is a compulsive liar.

He is a good liar, but he does not like lying. He does twist the truth, but always when forced to keep a secret. Even then, his lies are predominantly spun from truth and omitted details instead of outright fabrications. He doesn’t gaslight, and he doesn’t make up stories/details if he can help it.

When Hawks told Endeavor his dreams for the future, that was the truth. When he told him he thought he was cool at the hero billboards, that was the truth. When he tells Tokoyami to focus on his strengths instead of merely covering his weaknesses to be a better hero, that was the truth. When Tokoyami asks Hawks for his weakness and even why he took him on as an intern in the beginning just to ignore him, he tells him the truth. When he tells Jin he "doesn't belong in a cage" and that he considers him a good person, that was the truth. When he recognizes he’s profoundly wounded Jin for deceiving him for months, he tells Jin the truth. When confronted by Dabi and he doesn’t need to lie anymore in this fight to the death, he tells him the truth despite not actually needing to in hopes to learn the truth behind Dabi and Shigaraki.

I don't have a better segue, so I'll just mention that a lot of folks who believe this also believe the next point.

#3 Hawks is unapologetically emotionally manipulative.

The context makes a huge difference and we need to look at when and why he manipulates others as well as the fact that he does.

At the hero billboards, Hawks plays the heroes on stage as well as the crowd. He's trying to shift the mindset of, "oh yeah, just another hero ranking" to "wake up, mf's, things are changing and you better be ready to change, too!" Rocking the boat is a huge no-no in Japan. Despite being part of his “persona” there is still real social risk involved with this move but one that he deems necessary to turn heads and get gears turning. This is not just an elaborate ploy to get under Endeavor’s skin, but an effort to reach a wider audience while he has them captive.

He does use the public crowd around him and Endeavor before the Hood fight as an excuse for its appearance, but the original intent was to mentally prepare Endeavor for what was potentially (and proved to be) the fight of his life without outright telling him so he could maintain his undercover status. When he realizes he’s part of the reason for Endeavor’s permanent scar and life-threatening injuries, he feels remorse.

He lies to Jin to get information out of him, but linking back to #2, when calls Jin a good person and offers him a way out, he’s telling the truth. He does feel guilt for having to manipulate an otherwise well-meaning person and betraying them, especially given his long-running history of being used and the ongoing issues he suffers from because of it.

When he meets up again with Endeavor to drop his clues about the League’s movements, he squirms when he realizes the interns don’t know him well enough to know he’s blowing smoke because he does NOT want these kids to actually buy what he’s selling. This espionage mission is hard to navigate, and he has to tread carefully lest he setup the dominoes in the wrong places.

This is all to make the point that Hawks is more than capable of emotionally manipulating people, but it’s not in his nature or something he does to any and every person he comes across just because. We haven’t had much opportunity to see him operate outside of the HSPC’s orders which is where the bulk of the instances of his manipulation comes from - those orders requiring him to operate covertly and thus, by nature, necessitate lying, manipulation, and strategically withholding information.

If anything, when he’s making an appeal to someone else as his own person - not as a hero on a mission- we actually see a level of vulnerability and transparency we don’t otherwise catch.

Though it’s technically canon-adjacent and not necessarily canon in and of itself, in My Hero Academia: Team Up Mission where he works with Bakugo and Midoriya he operates on a level of transparency with them we’re not used to seeing; and my theory is he took it as an opportunity to operate without ulterior motives and build report instead of bucking back against “training up the next generation of heroes” like he initially did with Tokoyami.

Which now actually segues better into the next point.

#4 Hawks never lets people get close to him.

There’s a surprising amount of evidence that Hawks wants the ability to be an open book. Back at Team Up Mission, the restaurant staff note he regularly takes people he likes to their establishment - so we’re basically told outright this is a special place to him reserved for enjoying himself and only people he likes get to share it with him - so we already know what that says about how he sees those two despite their sparse interactions. We already know he’s taken Endeavor there when Endeavor made no move to input as to where he wanted to have the lunch meeting.

Though he kept Tokoyami at arm’s length initially, we have at least three canon instances of him sharing personal interactions with him with other canon-adjacent indications he cares for and values his intern. We’ve readily established that while Endeavor may not consider himself close to Hawks, Hawks does hold Endeavor as near and dear to his heart. While his only mission regarding Twice was to get information out of him, he still made a genuine effort to help and save him because he wanted to and considered him a friend despite the circumstances.

We still don’t know very much of Hawk’s past, his personal relationships outside of work, etc.; but despite the HPSC’s extensive efforts to strip him of his identity he not only possesses a faceted, complicated personality but seems to want to share that with others readily when and in the ways he’s able. Getting into the truly squishy, vulnerable parts of him may take a while, but on a scale of closed to open, he seems to lean towards open.

#5 Hawks is hopelessly in love with Dabi and will abandon everything up to this point for him.

This isn't to throw general DabiHawks shippers under the bus. Most of them know VERY well at this point that canon has sunk that ship, and they're just having fun with it at this point - and you know what, power to you! They look great together! In another life, the character chemistry could have been incredible. There’s a lot of great DabiHawks shipping content I thoroughly enjoy despite not shipping it myself.

It just isn't canon. It never was and never came close. Even now, with the Endeavor reveal being very much imminent, Hawks' view of Dabi is one of a lying, malicious, callous, murderer. Though he’ll likely be crushed at the revelation of what Endeavor’s done, that doesn’t equate to him defecting (especially not immediately) and falling into Dabi’s arms.

And Dabi hates Hawks just as much.

Again, this is not anything against the ship or the shippers - just an annoyance I have with some who were so wrapped up in the ship they were genuinely mad when the ship sank and they dragged that frustration out into the real world against real people when canon didn’t align with fanon.

Ships are some of the most stupid things to rail against creators and fans over, and the amount of harassment they receive now over shipping has me ripping my hair out when I know it’s a mere fraction of the total pool of shippers who are frothing at the mouth while the rest are super cool and happy doing their own thing and keeping to themselves.

Ship what you want, regardless of “validating evidence” and have fun. Don’t make it others’ problem when it isn’t canonically validated.

#6 Hawks is a dirty cop.

Only half upset with this one because it comes down to the nuance and lack of precise definition of this phrase I have a problem with. Lots of people hate cops for very real, legitimate reasons. Police forces - being a voluntary, government-employed force enforcing government rule - are notoriously prone to corruption of every kind.

It's implied the HPSC is itself corrupt, though to what extent we don't know. (Granted, buying a young child from his family to raise as your personal puppet is pretty high up there.) By continuing to follow orders from the HPSC and not vehemently fighting back, many see him as reinforcing a corrupt institution and at least partially liable for their continued hold on society.

Fair enough, but... The issue I have with this is it reduces Hawks to his job.

I believe a huge chunk of this take comes from my experience as an armed service member spouse, but it's easy for me to empathize with a guy

Who was promised the moon for himself and his family in exchange for his service not realizing what was actually being asked of him

Is praised outside the organization for "being a hero" and "upholding this country's core values" while first-hand witnessing the corruption of it when inside

Is viewed as a cog valuable only in services rendered instead of being treated like a human by said organization and worked into the ground because of it

Is frustrated by the insistence to keep the status quo instead of improving procedure/infrastructure/environment because egos need to be padded over real, human problems being solved

Has his autonomy or otherwise ability to operate under his own judgement restricted in favor of maintaining organizational control at the cost of effective action

Has DEPENDENTS who rely on his continued work to provide for them and is thus unable to refuse an order, even when it's morally reprehensible and even outright illegal

Whose cries, both those calculated and desperate, to the organization (who have placed themselves as the sole resource he can turn to) for help (even for his own body/mind) fall on deaf ears until he breaks to the point of becoming unusable or dangerous - and even then minimal effort/responsibility is taken in favor of keeping him functioning in the organization as long as possible.

Hawks fights back against the HPSC constantly. He raised concerns over letting civilians suffer to get him in with the League of Villains and then still defied orders by reducing casualties to zero. Despite orders to keep his mission top secret, he's informed Endeavor of his motives/movements independently from the rest of the heroes. He had long refused to take an intern (read: fresh meat for the machine) to train until this year, and even then sought to minimize his encouragement of Tokoyami for as long as possible until he realized Tokoyami was made of the real mettle people needed in a hero and not just another youngster endangering himself on a pipe dream.

He even takes initiative to keep his personal to-do list from the HPSC to a minimum by squashing problems before they come knocking asking him to fix it for them. He knew of the League of Villains and anticipated the escalation of their movements immediately after the USJ incident as well as has a network of informants and connections with local police forces to stay in the know.

His methods for apprehension of criminals are, and continue to be, to react and detain them so quickly they can't retaliate or endanger others in the struggle, thus minimizing human loss and injury despite the insinuation the HPSC has told him that gloves are off in the current situation.

He might be "a cop" depending on the definition we go with, but he isn't a dirty cop. He doesn't plant evidence. He doesn't shoot first and ask questions later. He doesn't blindly take orders. He largely doesn't see "villains" as dirt under his shoe but as people pushed to extremes. He's a morally convicted individual trying to rebel within the system instead of tearing it down outright. He may be wrong in the assumption, but he genuinely believes he can do more on the inside of the system than outside.

#7 Hawks is a manwhore.

Ok, this one is not serious and actually just to end this all on a lighter note after ranting until I'm blue in the face.

I'm 100% guilty of this myself. Something about that chicken makes me and many others salivate - either for themselves or to watch him with someone else. We love dressing him up slutty, portray him as flirting unashamedly, and placing him in as many overtly sexual scenarios possible.

The best part about all of it, though, is that it’s almost the exact opposite of how he dresses/conducts himself in canon. His clothes are loose fitting and high-coverage. He’s personable, but never gives any indication he’s romantically/sexually involved or interested in anyone. The asscourse is real only because we cannot confirm either way due to his baggy clothes. His overall figure/body shape has been hinted at, but only recently confirmed; and his jacket had to be literally be burned off to get a good look at the pattern of his shirt under it!

~~~~~~~

And with that, I release the frustration and move on.

Enjoy fanon as much as you like - even I do! Just be aware of where canon and fanon diverge, and definitely don’t take the difference out on real people. Please also be aware of how others hold their favorite characters dear before flooding the general tags with negativity and creating a hostile environment for them. People latch onto their “comfort characters” for a plethora of reasons, and when they lose that character to the plot, the fandom, or otherwise, they should still be allowed to grieve and celebrate what they had in a safe environment.

Retaliation in response to others coming against your favorite is also not acceptable behavior. It sucks, but the most mature thing to do is step away from the general fandom, stick to blogs/spaces you know are safe, and let the storm blow over. Comfort characters do not justify mistreating real people no matter how much they may mean to you.

When “canon gets it wrong” is where fanfiction and pockets of the fandom community comes into play. Leave those people alone and let them be. For those who aligned themselves with canon, they are not free game to take personal frustrations out on. Leave those people alone and let them be. Unfollow the people/tags you need to for your own sake and others’, and the fandom will be a better place all around over time. Venting belongs in controlled spaces away from the rest of the fandom and with enough warning for those who not only don’t want to endure it but who for their own safety shouldn’t.

Fandom is a community, and healthy communities do not endorse members lashing out when they don’t get their way.

#spoiler!hawks #let's talk hawks

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descendantofthesparrow · 5 years

Text

Daughter of the Honorable Thief - Harry Hook x reader – part 7 – park p1

Harry Hook x Daughter of Robin Hood!Reader

key

h/c- hair color

e/c- eye color

h/l- hair length

s/c- skin color

y/n- your name

clothing reference:

---Harry Hook POV---

Its been a week and a half since (y/n) and Erza joined our little group, both even going so far to let me tattoo them with an anchor, the same one me, Uma, gil, and the rest of the crew had. Erza getting it just behind her left ear, and (y/n) on the side of her left ring finger.

Ben had bought me a proper tattoo machine a while back, after learning I was skilled in it, he and his mother had even gotten tattoos.

Which is still weird to me, but whatever. At the moment I was packing my clothes, because Fairy Godmother had announced earlier that week that the seniors (a/n: im making Carlos a senior, he skipped a grade) are going on a trip to an amusement park, somewhere called…”notts berry farm”? I think.

FG had also suggested bringing money because while all students going would be given an amount of money for the three days at the park for food, drinks, or items they wanted to get. it's not so bad to have extra, so I would be bringing the money I gained from doing tattoos.

Grunting as I closed my suitcase, I grabbed my hook before remembering Fairy Godmother telling me that I couldn’t bring it into the part unless I had a weapons permit, and even then it would be hard for me to enter.

Sighing I placed the hook into a protective box, sliding it into a hidden compartment in my closet.

Gil exited the bathroom, an excited grin on his face, placing his toothbrush in his travel bag.

“I really hope the place has a lot of food, jay said that amusement parks have really good junk food.”

I hummed, not really listening, more focused on getting my sketchbook into my bag. “probably, Auradon is kinda known for their food yeh know”

Gil nodded, throwing his bag over his shoulder, grabbing his wallet and phone, checking to make sure he had his charger.

“got everything,” he asked, glancing at me. I nodded, patting my pockets, phone in my pocket and wallet in the other.

“aye, let's go”

Lifting my suitcase I trailed after Gil, leaving the room, and locking it behind me.

Walking down the hall, we stopped in front of Umas dorm, knocking in a pattern to let her know it was us.

“yeah”

Opening the door, I saw (y/n) and Erza helping Uma pack, just like they had helped us an hour before.

I raised my brow, huh, “are yeh having a tough time deciding on what teh bring?”

Uma huffed and nodded, flopping on her bed. “I don’t know what's appropriate for an amusement park, so they’re helping me”

“a lot of the stuff Uma chose to bring was for colder weather, so we had to raid mine and Erzas closet for stuff we didn’t use anymore, luckily a lot of them fit Uma.”

I nodded, dropping my stuff on the floor, and making my way over to Uma, grabbing her hands to pull her up.

“come on Uma, pack up” Uma groaned, not wanting to leave her bed, hanging back on her weight.

“don’ wanna~”

Erza rolled her eyes, tossing a t-shirt at Uma’s face. Uma yelped, pulling on my hands to sit herself up, glaring at erza.

“Really?” she seethed, glaring down the smirking erza.

“yep, come on buses leave in an hour, and we don’t want to be left behind” uma huffed, standing and throwing her…undergarments into her suitcase.

Gil and I glanced at each other, before picking up our stuff, “we’re gonna put our stuff with the buses, see yeh soon”

The girls just waved us off, so we left the room and headed outside, placing our suitcases in the storage space in our designated bus, putting our bags with jays and Carlos’

We turned to head back to the girls, but they emerged from the dorm building with Uma’s stuff in tow. I raised my brow, Erza and (y/n) didn’t have their stuff.

“wheres yer stuff?” I asked, helping (y/n) load Uma’s suitcase into the storage space.

“oh, it's already loaded, my bags over there” (y/n) answered, pointing over to where her and Erzas bags lay.

I nodded, pushing in Uma’s case. We backed away when the man standing at the bus doors came forward and closed the storage gate.

Fairy godmothers voice came over the speakers “all students going on the trip please make your way to your designated buses.”

Gil tossed my bag to me, I nodded my thanks and climbed into the bus, flashing my bus ticket to the driver, she nodded and motioned me to move on, I made my way to the back, Gil, Uma, (y/n) and Erza close behind.

I took a window seat, (y/n) plopping next to me, Erza and Uma taking the seat across from us.

Harriet stomped onto the bus, flopping next to Gil.

She had that, ‘im exhausted don’t talk to me’ look.

I snorted, plugging in my earbuds, and turning on my music, preparing for the three-hour bus ride.

----

Fukcing finally!!!!! Hades Christ, I need to fucking pee.

Hopping out of the bus, I speed-walked over to beasty boy.

“oi beasty, wheres the loo, I need teh leak”

Ben sputtered for a moment, before saying; “in the hotel should be a sign for the bathrooms”

I didn’t even wait, rushing to the hotel and making my way to the bathrooms, I heard footsteps behind me, glancing back, I saw Gil trailing after me.

---

Ahhh much better, I washed my hands before leaving the bathroom, because not doing that is nasty.

I made my way into the lobby Gil once again following behind me.

“Harry!” I turned to the voice, Ben, he jogged up to me, handing me a card key.

“here your room key, oh, Gil here's yours,” Ben handed Gil his key, then he handed me a paper as well, the room number and floor our room was on.

“meet up down here in an hour, Fairy Godmothers going to assign groups and meet up times”

I nodded, pushing past ben. I looked down at the paper

‘ room A113, floor 7’

And bellow that was FGs handwriting

‘your suitcases have already been taken to your rooms’

I nodded to Gil, heading over to the elevators, pressing for floor 7.

---

The room was pretty big, two queen-sized beds, a full bathroom, 1 large dresser, a full-body mirror, a desk with a vanity mirror, and a mini-fridge, with a note attached to it.

‘all snacks and drinks in this fridge are paid for by the school.- FG’

I checked my phone, 45 minutes until we needed to head down to the lobby, I relayed that to Gil and started to unpack, shirts in the top drawer on the left, pants and shorts in the middle drawer on the left, underpants in the bottom drawer on the left, Gil putting his stuff in the same order on the right side of the dresser.

I flopped on the bed, sighing

“not as good as our beds at the dorm building but it'll do”

“yeah” Gil nodded, pressing his hands to the mattress “but anythings better than the isle”

“aye right aye right”

I turned on the tv, sitting up when I saw Doctor Strange playing.

“hell yeah!!!”

Gil grinned, sitting cross-legged on the floor.

----

I sat with Gil, Uma, Erza, and (y/n) in the lounge chairs in the lobby, waiting for FG to assign groups and give us our cards (that had our money in them) and our tickets.

Gil and Uma were playing on Erzas switch, while (y/n) and I just chatted about….whatever was on our minds.

“alright children!!” FG stood at the doors, smiling at all the students gathered at the lobby.

“I want you all to line up and when a teacher calls your name, go to them and grab your papers, you will need them to enter the park, they will also tell you who your group is for the trip.”

the group of 45 students whispered among each other, waiting to be called, soon my name was called.

“Hook, Harry”

Walking up I took the papers and walked back over to my friends.

Glancing down, I saw a card with a note on it $150 dollars per day, a ticket with three days entrance to both parks, and a slip with fellow students names on it.

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

Your group for this trip

Harry hook

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

Uma Triskatillion

Gil legume

Erza O'Hara

(y/n) Hood

Harriet Hook

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

I sighed in relief, okay, people I get along with…and my sister.

“I guess were hanging out for the trip huh?” glancing down I saw (y/n) grinning up at me, her own papers in her hand.

“ya I guess, have yeh been here before?” I asked, raising my brow, (y/n) nodded, her eyes sparkling,

“yeah!! There are so many cool rides here, and so much to do, there's live-action plays and actors running around, each day is a different experience!”

“cool.”

Gil, Uma, Erza, and Harriet came over, all three glad to be with known people instead of getting forced with those they didn’t know.

“alright, students let's go!!”

The large group followed FG out, walking down the long path to….Knotts berry farm I think? I still don’t really know the name.

We passed through the metal detectors, reaching the entrance lines. I snatched a map as I passed through. I wanted to know exactly where to go.

“im hungry!” Gil whined, leaning on uma, making her stumble slightly from his weight.

“get off me Gil, you're heavy!”

“Thanks, im still hungry”

“well” (y/n) stepped through Harriet and erza “there's quite a lot of places to eat, there's a Jhonny rockets and panda express over that way and there's some country-themed places over that way in ghost town”

“panda express sounds good,” Harriet mumbled, looking down at my map. “Chinese place right?”

“yep, it's one of my favorite places to eat.”

“panda express it is” Uma announced, gesturing (y/n) to lead the way.

(y/n) nodded, passing through a walkway, under a huge hanging coaster. I glanced up at the red and silver coaster, my hands shaking slightly, I hated heights, my sister seemed to sense my brain going haywire, so she quickly snatched my wrist, grounding me.

“You good?” she whispered, a concerned frown on her face. Ever since leaving the isle, Harriet was more willing to show that she cared about her family.

I nodded, breathing deeply to calm myself “aye, just, yeh know, don’t like heights”

She nodded, squeezing my wrist lightly before releasing it.

---

“Alright I admit, this Is fucking delicious.” I praised, stabbing some orange chicken with my fork, “now wha’ are we doin’ after thi’s?”

(y/n) hummed, tapping her chin as she grabbed my map and scanned through it. “well we could go do a ride next, probably a calm one as we just ate….maybe?...”

“How bout that one?” Gil offered, pointing to his right, at the log ride next to us. (y/n) brightened grinning at Gil, he smiled back.

“that’s, that’s a good idea gil!” (y/n) praised “its pretty calm the entire ride, only two drops”

I froze, drops? I glanced at uma, she shrugged, patting my hand.

“How deep are the drops?”Harriet asked, sipping on her soda.

Erza tapped the table, answering for (y/n)

“The first one is….18 feet? I think? And the last drop is 42 feet, but they're not straight down, they're at an angle. So it's not bad, and this is coming from someone with Acrophobia, so that’s how you know it’s a good ride.”

My shoulders untensed slightly, okay, I think I could deal with that, wait Erza also feared hights?

“if I remember correctly, it's four people per log, so two of us are going to be on our own” Erza turned to (y/n) an odd gleam in her eye.

She just rolled her eyes, seeming to have a silent conversation with Erza.

“that’s fine” Harriet grumbled, getting up to toss her trash away. “as long as im not paired with a random stranger”

“kay let's go” I nodded, shoving my fortune cookie in my mouth (and yes I read the fortune before eating it, I almost didn’t, before (y/n) stopped me) and stood, tossing my trash away.

---

I ended up in the back seat with (y/n) in front of me, Erza and Uma sitting in the front. Gil and Harriet in the log behind us.

“warning we’re gonna get wet, especially Erza and Uma!”

I cackled, gripping the metal bars on the sides.

Uma looked over Erzas shoulder and flipped me off, only making me laugh louder.

The ride was pretty fast, faster than I thought it would be, the water splashing up and hitting my cheek. The fucking mannequins were real fucking freaky though.

Then came the first drop, “first drop!!” (y/n) called as we were cast into darkness. I was glad for the dark, I wouldn’t be able to see the hight of the drop.

“whoooo!!!!”

I yelped as we went down, water crashing as we hit the bottom, soaking my pants and shoes.

I heard Gil laughing behind us, Harriet's cursing mixing with it.

More freaky ass mannequins then came the final drop, as we reached the top, I was distracted by the overlook of the park.

‘impressive’ I thought, then the feeling of falling split through my chest, and I leaned forward, wrapping my arms around (y/n)s waist.

“FUCK” (y/n) just laughed, holding her hands to the sky.

Water splashed up, mostly hitting uma and erza, but my pants still got soaked.

“eehg” I groaned, lifting my pants away from my leg, the fabric sticking. “that feels so weird!”

(y/n) snorted, peeling her shirt away “Yeah, but at least it cooled us down”

Oh, I forgot to mention that it was 87 degrees outside today, a contrast from Auradons weather, which always had perfect 75-degree weather, if it got hot, it only raised to 82.

“yeah,” I mumbled, releasing my pants, they made a squishy slap sound as they hit my skin. “that’s something”

The log entered the loading area, and I let (y/n) grip my shoulder as she exited the log.

(y/n) lead the way out, stopping at a hut, that had multiple screens on it, with pictures on them, (y/n) scanned them before stopping and pointing at one.

“there's ours!”

Following her hand, I saw a picture of us in the log, on the tall drop.

Erza and Uma were in the front, uma making devil horn signs in the hair, her eyes scrunched closed. Erza had her hands crossed in front of her, her aviators on, her thumb and middle fingers down.

Then there was (y/n) and me, (y/n) had her hands up, and I was behind her, arms around her torso and face in her neck.

Then Gil and Harriet's picture came up.

They each got their own seat, Harriet in the back, her face scrunched and she was gripping the metal bars beside her in a death grip.

Gil in the front, face beaming as he was in mid-laugh, hands in the air.

“do yall wanna buy them?” Erza broke through my thoughts, stepping towards the computers.

“sure” uma mumbled, smiling at the photos.

Harriet and Gil emerged from the exit, their pants and shoes wet.

“That was fun!” Gil beamed, shaking his head to rid it of excess water.

“that was wet” Harriet grumbled, taking off her beanie and flipping her hair back, putting the beanie back on.

(y/n)s phone beeped, she fished it out of her backpack, glancing at it.

“got the photo, thanks Erza”

“no prob”

“Okay, what's next?” (y/n) asked, glancing around at us, I pulled my map out, letting the others look at it.

Gil glanced at my map, pointing at the area next to us “oh how bout those!!!”

(y/n) looked to where he was pointing, nodding. “oh the games? Yeah that could be fun”

“let's go!!” Erza cheered, locking arms with uma and leading her to the games.

----(y/n) POV----

Games were a good idea, Erza had done an accuracy game, earning a teal seahorse, which she gave to Uma, Uma tried to deny it, not wanting to take something Erza worked hard for.

Then Erza made a comment, which made Uma go red.

“a pretty seahorse for a pretty sea witch”

“u-umm…thanks”

Harriet had joined Harry in a wobbly ladder challenge. Which somehow they competed it, getting coupons for anything under $20 is free.

Harry got a novelty Knotts berry farm drink. Harriet had also gotten herself a Knotts drink.

Gil did a strong man contest, the one with a hammer that you need to rocket the little thing to hit the bell.

He won against 5 other people, choosing a string bag.

You yourself just stood and watched, simply enjoying the vks having fun, they deserved it.

“(y/n)!” Gil called to you, some dip in dots in his hand. “can we go on a ride now!?”

You nodded, looking around for a ride, your eyes landed on wipeout, oh this would be fun!

“that one!”

Your friends glanced at it, and nodded, not knowing what to expect, except Erza, she just grinned and fist-bumped you, “amazing choice Hood”

----

You were fucking right, seeing harry and his sister clutch onto each other yelping when the ride simultaneously rose and dropped at the same time.

You and erza cackled, looking over Harry and Harriet to see uma and gil, uma was clutching her seat bar for dear life, gil was laughing his head off, “this feels so weird!!!”

Harriet and Harry jumped off the ride as soon as they got the chance, stumbling slightly from the ride making them dizzy.

“never again” Harriet groaned, leaning on harry. Harry nodded in agreement, pouting.

Gil and Erza wanted to do hangtime, but you hated that ride, so you declined, Uma wasn’t in the mood, and Harry and Harriet were still dizzy from Wipeout. So they went on it alone.

It was fun to see them hang over the first drop.

You and Uma went on scrambler in the meantime, harry and Harriet going on the sail ride next to it.

Gil and Erza suggested either Uma or Harry suggest the next ride, so harry chose Voyage to the Iron Reef, which was air-conditioned and a blasting game, a good cool down from the last couple rides.

You and Gil had a mini competition, both being descendants of archers, so you wanted to know who would get the higher score, loser gets the other a cinnamon bun from the Cinnabon outside, needless to say, you won.

You getting 221,900, while Gil was close behind with 89,000. You both congratulated each other on getting the highest scores of the day.

You agreed you would claim your prize later, so you continued on, Harriet choosing the bumper carts.

Uma wouldn’t stop crashing into you, Erza teaming up with her.

You got your revenge later that night when a lot of you played I dare you in bens room.

Then uma chose the bigfoot river rapids, which you all agreed to, you all were really warm and needed to cool down.

Uma, now around free moving white rapid waters, used her powers to soak Harriet and you, letting natural water hit herself, so it didn't seem like she was using her powers.

By the end, Harry's shoes were speaking as he took steps, uma was once again using her powers to dry her stuffed seahorse, she seemed to already cherish it after having it for only an hour.

Erza is very pleased.

Now…ghost rider.

Harriet walked up to you, grasping your shoulder, whispering to you “hey, Harrys not a big fan of heights, if he wants can he sit this out”

“Hettie I can hear you!”

“I was trying to be discreet!”

“well great fukin-“

“well” you interrupted, stopping the oncoming argument of the hook siblings. “if he doesn’t want to he doesn’t have too, he can walk in line with us, but he doesn’t have to ride it if he doesn’t want to”

Harry nodded, silently thankful. But….he kinda wanted to go on, erza telling him that most of the ride was within itself, and even with her phobia, the adrenaline distracted her from the height of the ride.

He had ultimately decided to ride, sitting next to you and gripping your arm in a death grip.

After the first drop, Harry loved it, releasing one of his hands to hold it in the air, screaming along with you and the others.

“again again again again!”

You laughed, patting Harry's knee, “if we have time sure! And if the others want to as well”

Erza and Gil joined harry in his chores of “again”

“one more time, one more time, one more time!”

You, Harry, Erza, and Gil went once more, Uma and Harriet chilling in a jewelry store.

Soon you had all gotten a text from FG, telling you that you all had one more hour at the park before we were all supposed to return to the hotel.

So you proposed one last ride, the silver bullet.

As you arrived, you noticed both Erza and Harry tense, harry seemed to suffer from the same phobia that erza did, now erza loved roller coasters, so she would usually grip onto you till you were in the cart. Then she'd be fine.

Now you didn’t know how Harry would react, so you repeated your words from earlier.

“if you don’t want to, you don’t have to”

Harry nodded and ended up waiting for you at the exit.

Erza and Harriet's hair looked crazy after hopping off, you definitely took a picture of that.

“I’ll admit,” Uma said as she leaned into Erza, smiling softly, Erza was pink, grinning happily. You gave her a thumbs up “today was really fun, I thought I would be a bust.”

“yeah,” you hummed, drinking the last of your soda, placing the straw into the cap “my cousin hates amusement parts, always saying that the rides or aesthetic were really boring, but they really enjoy Knotts, it has such thrilling rides.”

“agreed” Harriet hummed, chewing on her Cinnabon. “I wonder what the water park is like?”

Gil agreed, beaming, exited for the rest of the trip.

“well I wouldn’t know, I've never really been to the water park part of Knotts” you mumbled biting into your prize for winning against gil in the shotting game earlier

“why?” uma inquired, playing with the tail of her seahorse.

“just never really had the opportunity”

“kay”

You arrived at the hotel, running into ben immediately, who informed that in party room 2 was pizza.

“yes!” Erza squealed bolting away, uma trailing after her. Gil and Harry following Uma.

“Hey (y/n)” Harriet called, you turned and tilted your head. Humming for Harriet to continue

"Thanks for helping out harry today, he usually has panic attacks about stuff dealing with hights, but yeh helped him through it, so…thank yeh”

You teared up a little, you have known Harriet to be hard and closed hearted, so for her to be this open with you…just made you tear up a little.

”he doesn’t deserve to live in fear Harriet, he deserves to live life without fearing a thing like heights. ”

Harriet smirked, wrapping her arm around your shoulders, winking at you.

”I knew there was a reason I liked yeh”

You laughed, wrapping your own arm around her shoulder.

”and I knew there was a reason I liked you! ”

---end of part 7---

Comment or message me for part 8

#descendants #Descendents #disney descendants #harry hook #harry hook descendants #harry hook x reader #harry hook imagine #dotht #robin hoods daughter #Uma #gil #harriet hook #erza ohara

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elle-eedee · 5 years

Text

dcom daddies: ranked

whats up sluts i’m here to give you the content you did NOT know you needed: a foolproof algorithmic ranking of a mild selection of disney channel dads!

beast (descendants)

hotness scale: extremely tall (over a foot taller than me! this is Very Important to the scale) and he seems to be a mere thread’s width away from Unhinged at all times, which i love. i also think it’s very sexy of him to still have such a monstrous way about himself (what with the roaring and the growling) 20something years post-curse.... makes me wonder very vividly if such energies carry to the b*droom........ *clears throat* 10/10

quality of character scale: it eternally amuses me that beast seems to learn almost Nothing over the course of this trilogy. he’s literally pro-isle the ENTIRE time jsjdndjdjd..... not great considering it puts him directly at odds with his son (and, like, with social progress) but he Does seem to act the way he does with the kingdom’s safety in mind! plus when he’s not accidentally supporting magical fascism he’s super dorky. i love his goofy dance moves 7.5/10

total score: 17.5/20...... with this score alone you can tell this system isnt rigged bc if i had it my way he’d be winning

hades (descendants)

hotness scale: i hate his party city clown wig but i’m a total sucker for guys in makeup (EVEN THOUGH A DECENT SHADE OF LIPSTICK WOULD HAVE BROUGHT HIS ENSEMBLE TOGETHER. WHY DID THEY PROPOSE IT ON THE CHARACTER DESIGN WALL IF THEY WERENT GONNA FOLLOW THROUGH!!!) and i think the fact that hes Very Sleepy and doesnt own a dog makes him my dream guy 9.5/10

quality of character scale: he literally sings a song about how cool he thinks it is that he’s a shitty dad............ but he DOES come through when his kid needs him, so that’s nice i guess. i would have liked to see more of him but i’ll settle for reading and writing intricate fan works that delve into a hypothetical personality for him that’s mainly conjecture 7.25/10

total score: 16.75/20 i wanna see him in some preppy auradon clothes

jafar (descendants)

hotness scale: i wish i had nicer things to say about this man. he just....... bears so little resemblance to the original jafar it makes me :( maybe if he was more gangly, or if he carried himself w the same potent gay energy that og jafar has? itd also help it he wasnt a racist caricature. 4.5/10

quality of character scale: again, very much a racist caricature. jafar doesnt steal!!! why would This be what he chose to do with himself! but he does seem to be, perhaps, the least bad of the core four’s parents, which counts for something i suppose. 3/10

total score: 7.5/20 sorry bud

dr facilier (descendants)

hotness scale: listen. it’s dr facilier. what am i supposed to do, NOT give him a perfect score on the sexy scale? 10/10

quality of character scale: he just loves his daughter and wants to make sure she’s getting what’s hers!!!!! his dynamic with celia makes me really happy they seem so fun! though i guess you could argue it sucks that he’d send his darling babey dohter to do errands for big mean scary hades considering that Everyone on the isle seems to quake at the sight of him. but im sure facilier only does that to ensure that celia can hold her own! 8/10

total score: 18/20 and it’d probably be higher if we’d seen more of him

mr smee (descendants)

hotness scale: not only does this man fuck, judging by the ages of his kids he fucked RECENTLY. get it baby live your truth 7/10

quality of character scale: he seems to be SO kind and sweet to his baby sons..... holding their little hands and such!!! and judging by how nervous the kids are i’d imagine it was primarily smee’s idea for them to go to auradon. extremely noble sacrifice for their benefit even though he’ll miss them 10/10!!!!!

total score: 17/20 i want to kiss his hand, if he’ll have me

zevon necrodopolous (zombies)

hotness scale: every time i look at this man i think of this post. he’s the perfect amount of frumpy for my tastes and his voice is so unique!!!!! i’d let his z-band malfunction so he could *** ** ***** * ******* **** 9/10

quality of character scale: really really cares about his kids and wants them to be safe!! he raises his voice once which im not a huge fan of but i suppose it was justified given the circumstances. also that shot of him goofing about with d*le in the end scene shows remarkable capacity for forgiveness after decades of trauma and discrimination! what a guy. 9/10

total score: 18/20 an absolute dilf!!!!!

dale (zombies)

hotness scale: looks like an uncrustable. 0/10

quality of character scale: a fucking cop. die bitch! 0/10

total score: 0/20 get in since you wanna act clown

coach jack bolton (high school musical)

hotness scale: honestly pretty young for my tastes. and i literally Always swipe left on athletes, so..... fine looking, but not for me. 5/10

quality of character scale: obviously he grows as the series progresses but i feel like jack is Always in the way of troy getting what he wants, which sucks. i like that he’s kinda goofy on his off hours with his family exactly as much as i Hate how much he yells when hes on the job. i do wish we lived in the timeline where he and miss darbus actually had that duet about their disagreements, though. 5/10

total score: 10/20 truly an Average dcom daddy

vance evans (high school musical)

hotness scale: due to personal reasons i will be having bad taste. however, this man’s fashion sense in IMPECCABLE. i mean, the colors??? the unbuttoned collar???? come on now. there is also the gratuitous use of the d-word to consider......................... anyways 7.5/10

quality of character scale: it’s hard to tell how much of his interest in furthering troy’s career is out of sincerity and how much of it is sharpay nudging him. but either way the result is a man who supports his daughter unconditionally! he could be nicer to ryan, though (plus he’s an evil capitalist) 6/10

total score: 13.5/20 i feel like he and fulton have had Relations

mr gifford (lemonade mouth)

hotness scale: listen, i’m a simple guy. i see a basic-looking man pursuing age gap romance in the midst of a mid-life crisis, i support him unconditionally. also i am just Really vibing with that oversized denim shirt on him!!! there’s an egregious amount of arm hair poking out that just works. good for him! and this is a small moment but i’m very flustered over his natural Touchy Feely instinct after wen pokes out his eye... however: man has no eyebrows. 8.5/10

quality of character scale: i’m not a child of divorce so i don’t know how this stuff works, but i feel like he springs a lot of major decisions on wen? not ideal. on the other hand, we DO stan that he has sydney move in before they’re married. this is not a christian home!!!! 6/10

total score: 14.5/20 probably my favorite lemonade mouth dad, but mostly because he’s like the only one paid any attention by the narrative

mr banjaree (lemonade mouth)

hotness scale: men really have beautifully sculpted noses and we just let them, huh. i’m definitely overusing the word Handsome in this list, but in this case? i’m justified. mr banjaree’s beard suits him SO well and his hair looks so soft...... and we love the implicit cleanliness of a man who wears socks in the house! 8/10

quality of character scale: i super SUPER dont agree with this man’s Smothering-Adjacent Methods (and also i know firsthand that strict parentage just drives kids to be more rebellious, lmao) but all things considered he really just wants the best for his family PLUS he’s willing to meet mo halfway at the end! :’) 6/10

total score: 14/20 the way i feel about him is the way i feel when i get crushes on pastors in that You Are Complicit In My Trauma But We’re Gonna Kiss About It way

mr delgado (lemonade mouth)

hotness scale: OOOOH GLASSES! 5/10

quality of character scale: it’s sort of implied that the Wacko Energies of charlie’s family are mostly the fault of his mom so it’s cool of this man to distance himself from that. he is, of course, still complicit in Whatever The Hell Her Deal Is unless he is constantly fighting with her offscreen 6/10

total score: 11/20 would have loved to see more of him

mr yamada (lemonade mouth)

hotness scale: another chapter in the saga of unbuttoned collars! doesn’t get a lot of opportunities to show off his strengths but i appreciate that he is not the thinnest dad in town 6.5/10

quality of character scale: WOW fuck this guy. very dismissive of stella’s aspirations!!!!! i don’t like that he feels the need to talk Over her to her mom when he’s asking about her vegetarianism. dude she is right there.... however it’s a lil touching when he holds her guitar up at the end, so... 4/10?

total score: 10.5/20 *thinks about his slightly protruding tummy in his last scene* *thinks about his slightly protruding tummy in his last scene* *thi

bob duncan (good luck charlie: it’s christmas!)

hotness scale: in keeping this Specific to the feature-length xmas special, i will say that bob duncan is QUITE handsome! disappointed that he was wearing a shirt in the scene at the pool.... ill bet if this movie came out post-workout/makeover he’d have been shirtless >:/ i feel robbed... spare tummy, sir? spare tummy? additionally i love a man who rolls up his sleeves AND a man who stans kaiju movies!! also i love that he, quite literally, canonically fucks 8.5/10

quality of character scale: he’s about as charmingly incompetent as he is in the show, but the difference here is that he literally did not do a damn thing wrong! all he wanted to do was be civil with his inlaws and he frankly deserves MUCH better. its clear from his banter with the kids that he loves them very much (also i love how frequently he feels the need to jump/dive for things in this movie. silly slapstick icon) 8.75/10

total score: 17.25/20 this man’s mere presence oozes nostalgia

jerry russo (wizards of waverly place: the movie)

hotness scale: this man was MADE for me. the bottomless collection of hawaiian shirts....... the TWO tummy out scenes..........the fucked up evil thing his voice does when the kids try to steal the spellbook!!! he really has it all. also i love that he is truly just trying to have some beach intercourse 9/10

quality of character scale: i love that even when he doesn’t remember the kids he still maintains a little dadly rapport with them? the instincts...... it’s also incredibly good of him to relive his decision to give up his magic without hesitation once he realizes the severity of the situation :’0 10/10

total score: 19/20 i’ve never seen an episode of the show but im really about to start

neil morris (dadnapped)

hotness scale: handsome....... mr morris makes me feel simultaneously like a sapiosexual AND a morosexual because although he completed enough schooling to become a dentist, he also threw it away for a writing career like an absolute champ. also i find it unbelievably charming how Along For The Ride he is about the idea of being kidnapped. a man after my own heart 8.25/10

quality of character scale: this is a tricky one...... neil DOES show active concern for his daughter’s safety when push comes to shove, but he also has my least favorite type of redemption arc: “you THOUGHT i was neglecting you, but actually i was thinking about you the whole time and just never expressed it! we good?” so like. bleh. but he’s pretty mild mannered which i deeply appreciate in a man! 6.5/10

total score: 14.75/20 maybe talk to your daughter instead of writing a macgyver ripoff, dumbass

major joe mason (princess protection program)

hotness scale: prime dad bod, very believable for his line of work. also he has such a Gentle Way about himself when he’s around princesses....... i love all the hand holding when he’s escorting rosie. absolutely my type 8.75/10

quality of character scale: gosh.... where do i even BEGIN!!! his whole dynamic with carter is so ideal... i was apprehensive at first because his job would require him to be Absent a lot of the time, but upon reflection it’s clear that he’s raised carter well enough that he can totally trust her to be on her own, and also she’s only sad to see him go because she sincerely enjoys his company. everything about his profession is so noble and i love the way he can carry himself as casually or as politely as a given situation calls for. worst thing he does is say “i might have to stop calling you ‘pal’” because his daughter is wearing a pretty dress. i wish he was my dad but i’ll settle for him being my husband 9.75/10

total score: 18.5/20 i almost made a ppp self insert this morning specifically for Him

ted thompson (zapped)

hotness scale: athletes arent sexy!! this guy’s face screams The Only Websites I Know How To Use Are Facebook And Reddit and also he’s a dog person BUT he is sporting quite the tumbey if i do say so myself and for that i shall let him live. 4/10

quality of character scale: ok i know the whole point of this movie is Boys Bad but i hate men who are loud and i hate dads who get Weird about the inherent femininity of their daughters. when he calls zoey “sport” and then cringes like he’s made a mistake? dumb and unnecessary. HOWEVER all of his efforts to bond with zoey are really really sincere. like when he fixes her music box? that has NOTHING to do with the app he just Does It!!!! the movey mightve rubbed off on me a little too much but there are multiple ways to show love and just bc im not used to his way doesnt mean it has no worth! 6/10

total score: 10/20 mr thompson sir im sorry i doubted you at the start of the film

rob adams (radio rebel)

hotness scale: this man dresses 5-10 years younger than he looks and i respect that for him. but i was expecting him to be a bit more of a slimeball considering how tara talks about him in the opening scene... and you guys know how much i love slimeballs. regardless, pretty handsome! 6.5/10

quality of character scale: it’s nice that he goes to such a Public and Corporate effort to connect to his stepdaughter! even if it’s in a way that financially benefits him, it’s pretty clear that he cares about this family and wants to do right by them. nothing exceptional, though 7/10

total score: 13.5/20 i GUESS i’d be down to smash if he asked

ralph bartlett (read it and weep)

hotness scale: ok i was gonna say something mean about the fact that he’s balding but honestly he has really nice arms........ in addition he’s really quirky and optimistic which i am going to admire into my grave!! when he gets excited about having customers during the finale his voice quirks with an almost charlie day-esque charm. handsome. ALSO he calls jamie “princess” which is!!!!!!! something 7.5/10

quality of character scale: the way ralph parents his kids is Very 2000s in that he kinda babies his daughter but gets to pal around with his son, but i guess both dynamics come from a place of love and he could be doing much worse. plus he’s an honest hardworking small business owner! i support him 7/10

total score: 14.5/20 i would definitely go out for pizza with him

dr james hartley (how to build a better boy)

hotness scale: THIS. THIS IS WHAT DCOM DADDIES ARE ALL ABOUT. gosh..... this is truly the Most dad ive ever seen in my life. i love how his hair is always mussed..... how he’s so Desperate to relax that he falls asleep after Fifteen Seconds of smooth jazz..... and also. like. hes a scientist?? hello??? pretty sexy of him. i want to give this man the relaxation he deserves 10/10

quality of character scale: ok so,,,...,, kinda fucked up that he lied to his whole family (with the possible exception of his wife—sidenote, WHY did they make dr hartley married? his wife never comes up except when bart says she’s out of town. let him be single so i can slide into those dms) and EXTRA kinda fucked up that he works for the government? what a scab. BUT it’s very very clear that he cares about his kids (and gabby) and prioritizes their safety above all else! also, did you SEE how happy he was when mae won homecoming queen....... he loves her so so so much! :’0 8.5/10

total score: 18.5/20 i thirst tweeted about this man and roger bart replied ‘Aw, thanks!’ so i dont know where to go from here

#my worst post. look at it everybody #descendants #high school musical #disney channel #lemonade mouth #wizards of waverly place #good luck charlie #zombies #princess protection program #read it and weep #zapped #dadnapped #radio rebel #how to build a better boy #the term 'dcom daddy' was coined by poddin this together so nobody's allowed to get mad at me for it. also im right about each of these

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gegenji · 5 years

Photo

(Metarutaru Koradrix) Out in Lakeland, it'd be a cloudy, but otherwise fine day... As fine a day in Lakeland can be anyway. Koratt would be smiling as he brought his direwolf, Gidgett, some Zonure meat from the nearby field, smiling brightly. "Here you go girl, bit of a snack after a hard day's work, yeah?"

(Chachanji Gegenji) Koratt would likely hear Chachan before he saw him, much like before - though under different context. The clop of hooves, the irate snorting of a temperamental stallion, and the quiet (hopefully calming) words being repeated by the aforementioned horse's rider - stammered out in a clumsy approximation of the fae tongue. Trying to both soothe the fiery beast and keep an eye out for his Dwarven friend at the same time was quite the task.

(Metarutaru Koradrix) He would hear the hoof and snorts, though not the quiet words as the horse sort of drowned out his words with its snorting. He smiles brightly upon seeing who was on the Horse... and honestly was amazed to even see a horse! They haven't been seen in Norvandt for who knows how long! Wide-eyed for a moment, he shook it off and pat Gidgett once she finished with her food, which she did in short order, before moving over to the Horse. "Chachanji!"

(Chachanji Gegenji) The Lalafell's ears perked at the familiar voice and Chachanji looked up from his near-constant patting of Aen Reion's mane. "Ah, Koratt! There ya are!" he chirped, pulling on the reins with some more urgent quiet reassurances in fae. "Finally got Gria 'n 'em ta let me leave Il Mheg, so I figgered I'd swing by fer tha' get-t'gether we talked 'bout durin' tha' whole... um... sin eater hunt thin'."

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Hah! That's amazing that you've earned the Fae's favor! I'll be honest I get a fair bit terrified every time I go there! Only reason I haven't been turned into a leafman, or worse, was because the Nu Mou vouch for me when I visit. Scary place to be!"

(Chachanji Gegenji) "A-ah, it ain't all bad. Ya jus' hafta watch out fer th' pranks. 'n th' tricks. 'n th' kinda random whims. Other'n tha', 's fine..." Chachan offered, though the little list of fae problems made it seem not quite as appealing. Which he seemed to notice, give his awkward smile and dismissive wave. "A-a'course, helpin' deal wit their pro'lems tends ta help a lot... w-whether it be a Pixie 'r a Nu Mou."

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "I can imagine." He nods, "You're braver than most not to have run away from the Pixies, and good on you for it too." Gidgett would sort of lift her head and sniff Chachanji curiously. "Gidgett, down girl." This prompts the wolf to relent, sort of lying on the floor. "Don't mind Gidgett, she's a curious sort, really."

(Chachanji Gegenji) Aen Reion gives the direwolf a withering glare as she drew nearer, giving a bit of a warning snort before Chachan hurriedly pulled lightly on the reins and murmured some more quick words to the horse. "W-well, 's more they wouldn't -let- me, ta be fair," he admitted bashfully once Reion was calmed down again. "There was always a bit of'a fog hangin' 'round 'n it always got extra bad at certain spots. Prolly close ta th' ways outta th' place. Goin' in always kinda ended up wit me back where I-- (Chachanji Gegenji) entered, y'know?"

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Yeah, that's pixie magic for sure." He nods, then looks to the horse, and couldn't help but have a look of amazement at the sight of it. "I gotta ask, what is this fella's name? Amazing little critter you got there." He waves to the horse, but doesn't try to pet it. He's never seen one before after all, and wouldn't know how to not get bit by one!

(Chachanji Gegenji) Using the word 'critter' go Koratt a glare from the horse itself - did it understand what the Dwarf was saying? Whatever the reason for the look, Chachanji gave the stallion another hurried pat before answering. "A-ah, thi' is Aen Reion. 'm still tryin' ta get 'im ta... well... play nice. 'e's a bit of a stubborn butt," he explained, giving the horse a bit of a pouty glare. "'s much better'n when th' Pixies first introduced 'im ta me. Was part'a th' requirements fer lettin' me leave - ta tame (Chachanji Gegenji) Aen Reion. I-I ain't really sure if'n it was jus' fer laughs 'r they act'lly didn't think I'd be able ta do it but... here we is."

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Aah... Sorry for insulting ya, Aen Reion, yeah?" He'd apologize to the horse with a chuckle, before looking to Chachanji. "I'll be honest, that's incredible. I've only heard of horses in stories, like the one of Lord Tolthewil and the Knights of the old Elf Kingdom. Never thought I'd actually -see- one in person! Blessed or Cursed by those pixies, who knows, but you're definitely something else." He would say to Chachanji, his tone and look is clearly one of awe, and a bit of admiration, even!

(Chachanji Gegenji) Reion snorted again, but it seemed less... irate, if one could discern the differences between such sounds. "W-well, 'pparently Reion 'ere's been runnin' 'round fer a while. Made a bit of'a name fer 'imself." A proud little whinny from the stallion, though his rider had a bit less of a positive reaction to the praise sent his way. A brief fluster and shake of his head before commenting: "'m-m not all tha' great... 'm-m jus' glad I managed ta do it so I could finally get home."

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Hey, you helped me take down a Sin Eater, so you're A-OK in my book! And I don't blame ya for being happy to be outta there. Hmm, Theres a few spots you could take a break at now that you're outta that ol' mess of a place. You can definitely use it after all that!" He looks around. There's Clearmelt to the north of us, as well as the town of Sullen to the South. Oh! Also the Crystarium itself, though I'm not sure how much you're in a mood to travel after all that."

(Chachanji Gegenji) "Ah, I act'lly stopped at Clearmelt on th' way 'ere!" Chachan stated with a smile that quickly took on an embarrassed look. "I-I thought -it- was Ostell, act'lly, so I was askin' 'round fer ya fer a bit. Did end up stayin' ta wash up fer a bit... 's been a while since 've had a nice hot soak, y'know?" (Chachanji Gegenji) "'n 'm act'lly headin' t'wards th' Crystarium," he added, looking over to the imposing landmark in the distance. "Gria thin's goin' there might help me figger out a way home. Since there's a big ol' crystal tower like tha' one near me home. Well, kinda near. Near 'nuff."

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Ahh, gonna have a chat with the Exarch, is that right? Well, if anyone can help you get where you need to go, it's definitely him. Fella's done more for the people than we can ever hope to repay. Hope you don't mind if I tag along!"

(Chachanji Gegenji) "I mean, I wouldn't mind th' company. Not f'miliar wit thi' place 'r th' Crystarium. So havin' someone 'long who does would be much 'ppreciated."

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "No problem! Place is pretty big, so I'll help ya around the place!" He pats Gidgett a few times, which prompts her to get up with a light stretch. "Ready then you are, Chachanji!"

(Chachanji Gegenji) "Oh, ya meant right now?" Chachan interjected with a bit of surprise. "I mean, 'm good ta go if'n ya are... jus' thought we were gonna meet up fer somethin' ta eat 'n drink." A thoughtful pause. "Though, I 'spose th' Crystarium'd have places fer tha' too, huh?"

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Mhm! Clearmelt and Crystarium would be the best spots for that, but you've already been to the first one, hah!" Metarutaru Koradrix laughs.

(Chachanji Gegenji) "Ah, fair 'nuff, then..." he relented. "I guess we're off tha' way, then. I'll... uh... try'n keep Aen Reion 'ere from goin' too fast. 'e... can really get goin' when 'e wants ta."

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Don't let Aen here show ya up, Gidgett! Show 'em you're not slouch either!" Gidgett lets out a few barks, as she seemed ready to run!

(Chachanji Gegenji) Reion snorted at that, getting an alarmed look from Chachanji. "A-ah... d-dun get 'im riled up...!" was all he managed before the horse was off like a shot. In a matter of seconds, the stallion was already out of the outpost and down the hill. The Lalafell hadn't been kidding that the horse was fast.

(Metarutaru Koradrix) He looked a fair bit surprised at just how fast it is! But it only prompts Gidgett to really give it her all, chasing after the horse with with vigor!

(Chachanji Gegenji) Aen Reion's apparent fame wasn't without merit, it seemed. Even with Gidgett giving it her all, the fae stallion was pulling further and further ahead. At least until the flailing rider finally managed to grab hold of the reins and FORCE the horse to slow down some, which Reion was none too happy about. There was a lot of snorting and flailing of Reion's head as Koratt finally caught up. But they managed to stay apace, at least, for the remainder of the trip to the Crystarium.

(Metarutaru Koradrix) Upon arriving at the gate, Koratt would explain that He is entering the Crystarium with a friend seeking a place to say, making sure to mention Chachanji is from Kholusia. This would set the guard at ease some and would allow them in, provided Gidgett and Aen are stabled as soon as they reach the Crystarium. (Metarutaru Koradrix) "Okay! We're in, a bit more and we'll be in the city."

(Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan was plenty willing to let Koratt do the talking, since he was also busy trying to calm Aen Reion's temper at being denied a full-on race between him and Gidgett. His ears wiggled at the mention of that Kholusia place, but didn't ask questions. What DID look like would be a problem, was the idea of Reion submitting himself to being stabled.

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "You definitely weren't kidding about how fast that thing is! Hopefully I enjoyed the run some! and well, hoping it doesn't get too mad about being in a stable, but Rules are rules you know?"

(Chachanji Gegenji) "I-I tried ta warn ya," Chachan lamented, continuing to try and calm the stallion. "A-and stablin' 'im might be... a pro'lem, yeah. Ev'n at Clearmelt 'e refused ta be tied up. H-had ta let 'im jus' run free on th' promise 'e'd come back when I called fer 'im."

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Well... I suppose that is an option you can do.... They ain't gonna let 'em roam around the city freely, too risky to the citizens there."

(Chachanji Gegenji) "Well, yeah, tha's fair," Chachan agreed, slowly dismounting off of Aen Reion. He murmured a few words to the horse in fae. There was a snort from the horse, then the Lalafell added a few more curt words before the horse nodded. Chachan nodded in turn, then let go of the reins. And with that, Reion was off like a shot back down the road - apparently to get the run in that he had been so cruelly denied.

(Metarutaru Koradrix) Koratt couldn't help but snicker a bit. "Yep. Definitely something else." He shook his head with a smile. "C'mon Chachanji, let's head in the city. I think you'll like it. Who knows? Might even give a familiar feeling being back in one."

(Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan turned back to the Dwarf and nodded. "It'll be nice, ta be sure. Feels like 's been moons since 've been in a normal town..." That last bit was punctuated with a bit of a sigh.

(Metarutaru Koradrix) He smiles brightly upon arriving. "Chachanji, Welcome, to the Crystarium! Last bastion of Norvandt, Beacon of Hope, Center of Civilization, all that silliness!" He snickers. "But seriously, welcome!"

(Chachanji Gegenji) "I-it def'nitely looks pretty impressive!" Chachan admitted, his eyes glued to the Crystal Tower itself. He'd seen the other one in Mor Dhona, but always from a distance. He had to wonder if that one felt just as... imposing... as this one did up close.

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Well, first thing's first. let's get ya attuned to this place. If you ever get lost, you can always use this place as a safe haven to return to, yeah?" (Metarutaru Koradrix) "Well, first thing's first. let's get ya attuned to this place. If you ever get lost, you can always use this place as a safe haven to return to, yeah?" (Metarutaru Koradrix) "Once that's outta the way, we'll get something to eat!"

(Chachanji Gegenji) "Oh, ta th' aetheryte? Y-yeah, tha' might be a good idea." He pauses and blinks. "Should I'a done th' same in Ostall?"

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Well, Ostall's probably not that important... Unless you're one to enjoy hot springs then maybe, hah! But you can always head back to that later. C'mon!" He would beckon Chachanji to follow him, a bit of pep in his step!

(Chachanji Gegenji) "A-ah, comin'!"

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Can't help but smile every time I come here. No matter how much of a mess it was out there in Norvandt, this place... I dunno, would just always put me at ease. Everyone here's so eager to help one another. It's like a home away from home..." A content sigh escaped him as he spoke, but shook his head, no need for him to be getting all sentimental.

(Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan pattered quickly after the Dwarf, looking at him as he commented on the Crystarium itself. The idea of everyone helping one another brought a smile to the Lalafell's face, which stayed there as he moved over to the aetheryte itself. Reaching out and closing his eyes, he began the attuning process. Once he had, though, his expression changes slightly - as if he had noticed noticing. Eyes still shut, his brows raised before furrowing.

(Metarutaru Koradrix) He looks to Chachanji with a smile... though his expression confused him. "Something the matter? You can attune to the aetheryte yeah? I know there's a few rare cases of folk being unable to, but I'm sure you're not one of them, right?"

(Chachanji Gegenji) "N-no no, I can attune ta it jus' fine," Chachan stated, though he kept his eyes shut. "'s jus'... I thin' I can feel a link ta one'a th' aetherytes near me home... 's faint... -real- faint, but..." He lowered his arm and opened his eyes to look at Koratt. "I... I might be able ta teleport near home from 'ere!" A bright smile. "I couldn't feel anythin' from th' aetheryte from Il Mheg, mebbe thi' one is jus' close 'nuff?" A pause, then a glance at the Tower. "Or mebbe because'a tha'...?"

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Wouldn't be shocked if it's on account of the Tower. It is very magical like that. This tower kinda came outta nowhere when it did, and it was around for a long time. Before me, My Pa, or even Grandpappy I think. When it did something about it just drew folks together from all over. Humes, Mystel, Drahn, Ronso, Elves, Galdjent... even Vhis and Dwarves, which usually aren't ones for traveling. Something about that tower, and the Crystal Exarch who resides in it, is mysterious... powerful, even."

(Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan followed Koratt towards the Tower as he talked, looking up at it - even more impressive even just a few hundred yalms closer like this. He gave the Dwarf a look of confusion at the strange names for the various races, but quickly assumed it was just the culture for this part of Hydaelyn and didn't interject. "Well, it IS plenty powerful-lookin'," he admitted. "'n kinda pretty. Wonder if'n th' one near me home looks thi' neat up close..."

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Near your home?... You mean there's more than one of these?" He would look up, wide-eyed. It surely didn't sound like there could be, but the way things have been since the Flood, and the more recent events with Night returning, who knows at this point! "If there's another... Hmm..." He ponders it for a bit, but shakes his head. That probably wouldn't be like he thinks it is. Nonetheless. "Hey, I did promise you food n' drink. So c'mon! My treat."

(Chachanji Gegenji) "Oh! Right! Almost f'rgot wit Reion bein' all grumpy 'n findin' out I might be able ta jus'... -teleport- home from 'ere!" Chachan chirped, looking to Koratt. "I'll... um... hafta warn ya. I... ah... tend ta eat a lot. 'specially if'n thi' teleport is gonna be anythin' like when I came back from Yanxia. Real long teleports like tha' really take it outta ya, y'know?"

(Metarutaru Koradrix) The heck is a Yanxia, he would wonder, but there's questions that can be answered as they eat. He nods and smiles, calling Chachanji over to follow to the Musica Universalis Markets. (Metarutaru Koradrix) "The place is always bustling! Regardless of how many turns of the sun or moon cycle, you'll see people moving about here!"

(Chachanji Gegenji) "Oh, Ul'dah's like tha' all th' time," Chachan offered with a smile. "Ya get used ta it." A pause. "... though, I 'spose I'll hafta get RE-used ta it after all thi'." (Chachanji Gegenji) "Still not quite used ta ev'rythin' not bein' all super colorful like in Il Mheg."

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "I'll need to visit all these places you're talking about. Yanxia, Ul'Dah, never heard of any of those places before! Wonder if you live as far away a land as the Exarch does?" He would wonder a bit. "Sounds like places he would know about. Anyhow! Take a seat and I'll get some orders in."

(Chachanji Gegenji) "Ah, mebbe!" Chachan offered with a cheerful shrug. "They're all neat places 'n worth visitin', I figger." A nod and then he goes hunting for a nice place to sit.

(Metarutaru Koradrix) As Chachanji went to get a seat, he walks over to Glynard. Chachanji may see Koratt smiling brightly, laughing some with the man as he placed his order, nodding to him as they spoke. Once the order is placed, he smiles and walks back over to the table Chachanji chose, and took a seat himself. "Okay! Order's placed. Expect some good eats real soon!"

(Chachanji Gegenji) "Ah, I hope so!" Chachan stated with a nod as Koratt sat down. "Th' fae food is... akay, but it's mostly a lotta fruit 'n mushrooms, y'know? 'n I always felt bad after I... ah... got back ta normal size since 'm always starvin' somethin' fierce after it." A bit of a frown crosses his features as he thinks on it. "Always end up havin' ta help restock th' food stores afterward 'cuz I ate most'a it."

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Well! I told 'em you're from pretty far away, like Exarch far, So it oughta be some real good stuff. maybe something you're familiar with!"

(Chachanji Gegenji) "We'll see! Honestly, jus' havin' some good meats 'n popotoes 'n stuff'd be best." (Chachanji Gegenji) "Somethin' hearty, y'know?"

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Then you're in for a treat!" He smiles brightly. There would be quite a few plates on the table! A sweet shellfish stew in tomato broth, along with a blood tomato salad with a dark vinegar topping, a big plate of peppered popotoes to be shared as well. For himself, Koratt got a nice big mug of ale, while for Chachanji, the drink he got was apparently something the Exarch appreciated. (Metarutaru Koradrix) (also, Matcha tea!)

(Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan went wide-eyed at the spread, mostly focusing on the stew and popotoes more than the greens - but that was probably to be expected considering living on a fae diet for a couple moons. He made a bit of a face at the tea - tea was always his brother's favorite, not his - but tried to mask it as best he could. Though, the success of that would be mired a little by his request to the waiter before they returned: "Ah, could I also get a glass'a Cham--" A pause. "Um... some fruit juice 'n-- (Chachanji Gegenji) --sweetwater if'n ya have it?"

(Metarutaru Koradrix) The waiter nods and leaves to get the request. "Aaaah, not a fan of the stuff? My apologies. Probably should've asked you first!"

(Chachanji Gegenji) "A-ah, 's fine, 's fine!" Chachan stated as he started filling a plate with stew and popotoes. "Tea is all well'n good but... 've always been a fan'a juice, ev'n after spendin' all tha' time wit th' fae."

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Fair enough! Personally a bit of alcohol helps me through the day, always!" He laughs a bit before taking a swig of ale, and snagging himself some popotoes and some of the salad first, wasting no time in digging in. "Dom't be affphraid to chow dhown, yheh?" He would say with his mouth kinda full as he ate happily.

(Chachanji Gegenji) "Ah, I dun really drink alcohol much, meself," he admitted bashfully as he began tucking in as well, the food on his plate disappearing at a frightening rate into the little Lalafell. He honestly seemed to be on pace to down the entire spread himself without too much difficulty, though he did make sure Koratt got all he wanted too. "Only had a drink'r two while at home."

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Well, I feel a lad or lass would appreciate a fella who ain't a drunk, so good on ya! Also don't be afraid to ask for more! Eat til' you're stuffed!" He laughs heartily before resuming his meal, the waiter bringing the drink Chachanji requested.

(Chachanji Gegenji) Most of the food had already "mysteriously" disappeared by the time the waiter had returned, so Chachan sheepishly asked for a refill on everything else even as he nodded in thanks for his change of drink. Once they were away preparing more, he looked back to Koratt with a timid sip of his beverage. "A-ah, I 'unno if'n it's worth all tha' much praise. I jus' get... um... more talky 'n stuff when drunk." And more huggy, but he wasn't about to openly admit that. "So... i-it jus' seems safer ta do (Chachanji Gegenji) stuff like tha' at home rather'n when 'm out 'n about."

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Ah, fair 'nough, fair 'nough. So! How're ya enjoying the Crystarium? I know we haven't shown much, but hey!" He laughs a bit, happily eating his fill and relaxing some... but not too much, lest he lean back and fall off the barstool like last time.

(Chachanji Gegenji) "'s nice!" Chachan admitted immediately, looking about. "Nice ta be 'mongst other, non-fae peoples. And in a proper city 'n stuff, one not made outta lil' homes in hillsides or giant mushrooms."

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Very different from Il Mheg for sure! Glad you're enjoying your time here! Was a bit worried you'd be too overwhelmed, shy sort you seem to be from earlier." He couldn't help but giggle. "But in all seriousness! Glad you're enjoying yourself, Chachanji."

(Chachanji Gegenji) "I-I ain't THA' shy!" he insisted with a pout and a fluster, followed by a slightly sulking sip of his drink. "'n-n 's more like comin' back ta somethin' f'miliar after bein' on a vacation fer a while, y'know? A vacation full'a pranks 'n monster-huntin'."

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Okay okay! Not thaaat shy, hehe! And monster hunting sounds like a fun vacation to me! Not so much the fairy pranks though. Could do with alot less of those." He shook his head, before finishing his mug, having had a few swigs here and there as they were speaking. "But hey! It's good to hear, and who knows? Maybe the Exarch can help you find a way back? He's a nice guy, always has time to hear what folks have to say. With any luck he can help get you home safe n' sound!"

(Chachanji Gegenji) "I dun really like fightin', though," he admitted with a sigh, rubbing at the back of his neck and looking back down towards the Aetheryte plaza. "'n hopefully I'll be able ta teleport proper-like back home... but I 'spose it can't hurt seein' if'n I can't talk ta this Exarch guy ya keep mentionin'."

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Ya should, really. but here I am being all pushy!" He shook his head. "I see, then maybe the Crystalline Mean is more your style? It's a center area within the Crystarium. Crafters from all over Norvandt gather there to trade, buy, sell, and learn from one another. From Smiths, to Carpenters, Weavers to Alchemists. Anything you need would probably be there!"

(Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan nods. "Tha' sounds nicer, yeah. 'm a smith by trade, act'lly. Armor mostly, but I also make tools 'n do repairs 'n stuff," he clarifies. "Act'lly managed ta make a lil smithy in a lil cave in Il Mheg. Most'a th' Pixies didn't like it - they dun like smoke 'n metal 'n stuff." (Chachanji Gegenji) "... Though tha' was nice ta get 'way from them fer a bit now 'n then."

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "You're bold or bonkers doing that. More gutsy than me I'll tell you that! Well, I'd enjoy the time here while you can, yeah? Dunno when you'll leave but you claim it's super far away. Who know when you'll be back, yeah?" (Metarutaru Koradrix) He smiles. "Enjoy yourself here while you -are- here, after all!"

(Chachanji Gegenji) "W-well, I needed a place ta do me work... plus th' Nu Mou helped set it up. Lil' mushroom house 'n ev'rythin'," he explained further. "'s-sides, th' Pixies figgered out pretty quick tha' they could keep me outta it by makin' me too big ta fit inta th' cave... or get me out doin' th' same..." A sigh and a scratching at the cheek. "S-so, 's kinda nice ta be away from all tha'. 'course, Gria could be floatin' 'round somewheres nearby wit'out me knowin' so I gotta watch what 'm sayin'..." (Chachanji Gegenji) "Dun want them decidin' ta do tha' while 'm in th' city 'ere..." (Chachanji Gegenji) "While home might be super far 'way, I DO wanna be able ta come back 'ere. 'n ev'n go back ta Il Mheg ta visit now'n then..." One couldn't tell if the latter was because he actually liked being there, or if was part of some promise made as part of being allowed to leave.

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Mmh, I see I see...." He ponders this and nods, a smile appearing on his face. "Well, if you do come back to this side of the world, do let me know! Always enjoy company of a friend, which frankly one can never have too many, yeah!" Metarutaru Koradrix smiles at you. (Metarutaru Koradrix) He would pay for the food and drink which... admittedly was more than he expected. a good bit more really... but! He said he's paying it and damn it he's keeping his word.

(Chachanji Gegenji) "A'course!" he responded immediately. "'m always up fer meetin' up 'n hangin' out wit friends, so ya know I'll try'n find ya if'n 'm in th' area." A pause. "Um. Is there any good way ta reach ya? Linkpearl'r somethin'? They dun seem ta have range 'nuff ta reach back home, but 'm sure if'n 'm 'round 'ere I should be able ta reach ya by one."

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Hmmm...." He ponders.... "Best I can think is simply asking! The folks at Clan Nutsy know me well enough, and If you go to them they can give a good idea as to where I'm at. They have a chapter in the city here so it's safe, no running about aimlessly. Heck, they may be able to contact me themselves afterwards so I can come on by!" (Metarutaru Koradrix) He realizes he might not know what the heck Clan Nutsy is. "They're a group of monster hunters, keeping the bad beasties in check for the good of the people. I'm a part of them!"

(Chachanji Gegenji) "Clan Nutsy?" Chachan echoes. "Guess I'll hafta go see them 'long wit thi' Crystal-Mean place 'n tha' Exarch guy a'fore I go, huh?" (Chachanji Gegenji) "... 's turnin' inta quite th' list'a thin's I gotta do a'fore I try teleportin' home, isn't it?" A chuckle.

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Heh!... Sorry for givin' ya all that... Just there's so much to look at around here in the Crystarium! The great Library at the Cabinet of Curiosity, the Hortorium which has all sorts of plants gathered and saved from all around the world, the Temenos Rookery which houses all the creatures used for travel, and combat as well, it's a grand city!"

(Chachanji Gegenji) "Well, I 'spose 's fair," Chachan admitted. "Comin' ta a new place like thi', it'd be kinduva shame ta jus' jump fer home rather'n look 'round some. I mean... 've been gone fer a bit as is..." He scratches at his floofy mass of hair. "I 'spose takin' a couple bells more ta look 'round 'ere a'fore leavin' can't hurt." (Chachanji Gegenji) "Tha' or jus' thin's ta visit th' next time 'm back 'round. Depends how much teleportin' back wears me out."

(Metarutaru Koradrix) "Enjoy your time here, then head on home with tales of this land, Norvandt! Maybe folks will believe you, maybe they won't! But hey. You've been to the place yourself, you know it exists." He nods lightly." And who knows? Maybe someday the opposite will occur, and I'll be able to see your land. This 'Ool'Dah' and 'Koo-gah-neigh' places you've mentioned. I bet they're like nothing I've ever witnessed before." A bit of wonderment was in his tone, and almost a bit of longing. There's more to the - (Metarutaru Koradrix) world that the Flood of Light hasn't destroyed? Places that may be just as fantastical as he's heard of in stories before the Flood... It gives him an look of hope to him that may no doubt seem odd to Chachanji, considering.

(Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan mostly just misinterpreted it as being curious to see other parts of the world - he got that, having left Doma to see Eorzea. As such, he gives an energetic nod. "A'course! If'n yer in th' area, def'nitely call me up! I can show ya 'round Ul'dah 'n me proper smithy 'n stuff! Kugane 'n Yanxia might be a bit of a trip on top'a all tha' but... 's def'nitely worth seein', I thin'!"

(Metarutaru Koradrix) Koratt smiles brightly at that. "I'm going to hold you to that, Chachanji." He nods lightly. A bit of a sad sigh comes out of him though, as he listened to something from his own linkpearl. "Shame I can't stick around much longer, though. Seems Clan Nutsy needs my help taking down another beastie, over in Amh Araeng." He shook his head. "I'm sorry I gotta leave like this. But as long as you stay in the city, you'll be safe, for sure. Explore the city as you like or head on home and keep it in - (Metarutaru Koradrix) mind on your next trip, yeah? I uh, heh, look forward to seeing ya again when you do, yeah?"

(Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan canted his head. Amh Araeng? A whole other area he hadn't heard of yet, along with that Kholusia place. Definitely was a lot left to see on this side of Hydaelyn, to be sure! Still, at the apology, Chachan shook his head with a smile. "Hey, beatin' up those thin's keeps folks safe, ain't nothin' ta be sorry 'bout," he stated. "'n ya bet I'll try'n reach out ta ya th' next time 'm 'round these parts."

(Metarutaru Koradrix) Koratt nods lightly with a smile, hopping down and... Admittedly not really as good around folks as his demeanor and chatter would imply, just figure to shake Chachanji's hand with a nod. "Don't be a stranger, yeah?"

(Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan hopped off his own stool to return the shake. "A-ah, a'course. Ya too! 'n be careful wit tha' beast in Ahn Mereg or whatev'r tha' place is called."

(Metarutaru Koradrix) He snickers a bit at how Chachan said it, and nods! "You bet! It'll be a cinch! I'll see ya soon, Chachanji!" And with that, he waves to him and starts jogging down towards the entrance to the Crystarium, to pick up Gidgett and begin his trek to his next hunt!

(Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan waved as Koratt darted off, seguing into scratching at his cheek once the Dwarf was gone. Well, what was next then? Visiting Clan Nutsy? The Crystalline Mean? Or perhaps that Exarch fellow? He had quite the surprise itinerary now before he tried teleporting home, and he wasn't sure where to start.

#ffxiv screenshots #rp log #first rp #metarutaru #koratt #chachanji #aen reion #dwarves #lalafell

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