#dockhands

[crustaceousfaggot]

Kinda baffled whenever I see people draw Murtaugh as like... A teenager. That man is 23 years old with the haggard features and haunted demeanor of a 40 year old divorced chainsmoker. At least give him a 5 o'clock shadow or something.

[lesbianralzarek]

still laughing over that one time someone took "rakdos cultists do a lot of blue collar and pink collar labor as their day jobs" to mean "preschool teachers and all other traditionally feminine jobs are usually performed by cultists who have dedicated their lives in service to the demon lord of chaos and riots" instead of the very obvious "those in charge of the entertainment sector who act as a release valve to a pressure cooker police state do sex work". they operate brothels and organize orgies. its, like, explicitly stated in canon? repeatedly?

brb, dropping my toddler off at murder clown daycare because i forgot that adult theatre actors perform labor and prostitution is a real career that exists in every society ever, and a setting like ravnica isnt complete without an answer to the question "where is the sex industry?"

[sheppi-isometrics]

New classic NPC sketches for the Gothic Project. These npcs are the common pleople that work in the city/town: City Guard (Specifically Absalom), Commoner Erika, Dockhand Denis, Smithy Savah, and the Drunkard.

[fishermcn]

// what's the consensus on yharnam being landlocked versus yharnam having access to the ocean? 🤔

[dee--eer]

HELL YEAH LET'S FUCKING GOOOOOO

[charliesangelsisbetter]

oh also! due to one of our players having two characters he switches between for reasons and one of those characters staying behind in town while we went off to the mountains, we had like a two hour interlude in yesterday’s game while that character went to a party with a bunch of other 18-22 year olds and we all played said 18-22 year olds like a dating sim mini game and got drunk and played never have I ever and it was the most fun i’ve ever had in my life.

[rouletteweekend]

A New Job & A New Morning Routine

Well, it finally happened. I found a new job. I’m not sure if I’ve broken any records for the most jobs ever had by one person in a lifetime, but sometimes it sure feels that way. I haven’t blogged much about the few jobs I’ve had since I moved to the beach. The first one was at a timeshare resort. I think I made it about 6 months. The manager was a very pushy little lady who had no respect for…

[genshin-impact-updates]

Version 4.6 Event Wishes Notice - Phase I

Travelers, stock up on weapons and characters in the event wish to make your party stronger in combat!

Event Wish "The Hearth's Ashen Shadow" - Boosted Drop Rate for "Dire Balemoon" Arlecchino (Pyro)!

〓Event Wish Duration〓

After the Version 4.6 update—2024/5/14 17:59:00

〓Event Wish Details〓

● During this event wish, the event-exclusive 5-star character "Dire Balemoon" Arlecchino (Pyro) will receive a huge drop-rate boost!

● During this event wish, the 4-star characters "Yearning for Unseen Depths" Freminet (Cryo), "Elegance in the Shadows" Lynette (Anemo), and "Exquisite Delicacy" Xiangling (Pyro) will receive a huge drop-rate boost!

※ Of the above characters, the event-exclusive character will not be available in the standard wish "Wanderlust Invocation."

※ This is for "Character Event Wish." The wish guarantee count for "Character Event Wish" and "Character Event Wish-2" is shared, and is accumulated between both "Character Event Wish" and "Character Event Wish-2." This wish guarantee count is independent of the guarantee counts of other types of wishes.

※ The "Test Run" trial event will be open during this event wish. Travelers may use fixed lineups containing the selected trial characters to enter specific stages and test them out. Travelers that complete the challenges will receive the corresponding rewards!

※ For more information, go to the Wish screen and select Details in the bottom-left corner.

Event Wish "Conjuring Chiaroscuro" - Boosted Drop Rate for "Spectacle of Phantasmagoria" Lyney (Pyro)!

〓Event Wish Duration〓

After the Version 4.6 update—2024/5/14 17:59:00

〓Event Wish Details〓

● During this event wish, the event-exclusive 5-star character "Spectacle of Phantasmagoria" Lyney (Pyro) will receive a huge drop-rate boost!

● During this event wish, the 4-star characters "Yearning for Unseen Depths" Freminet (Cryo), "Elegance in the Shadows" Lynette (Anemo), and "Exquisite Delicacy" Xiangling (Pyro) will receive a huge drop-rate boost!

※ Of the above characters, the event-exclusive character will not be available in the standard wish "Wanderlust Invocation."

※ This is for "Character Event Wish-2." The wish guarantee count for "Character Event Wish" and "Character Event Wish-2" is shared, and is accumulated between both "Character Event Wish" and "Character Event Wish-2." This wish guarantee count is independent of the guarantee counts of other types of wishes.

※ The "Test Run" trial event will be open during this event wish. Travelers may use fixed lineups containing the selected trial characters to enter specific stages and test them out. Travelers that complete the challenges will receive the corresponding rewards!

※ For more information, go to the Wish screen and select Details in the bottom-left corner.

Event Wish "Epitome Invocation" - Boosted Drop Rate for Crimson Moon's Semblance (Polearm) and The First Great Magic (Bow)!

〓Event Wish Duration〓

After the Version 4.6 update—2024/5/14 17:59:00

〓Event Wish Details〓

● During this event wish, the event-exclusive 5-star weapons Crimson Moon's Semblance (Polearm) and The First Great Magic (Bow) will receive a huge drop-rate boost!

● During this event wish, the event-exclusive 4-star weapons The Dockhand's Assistant (Sword), Portable Power Saw (Claymore), as well as the 4-star weapons Dragon's Bane (Polearm), Eye of Perception (Catalyst), and Favonius Warbow (Bow) will receive a huge drop-rate boost!

● During this event wish, use Epitomized Path to chart a course towards a promotional 5-star weapon, such as Crimson Moon's Semblance (Polearm) or The First Great Magic (Bow). For more information on Epitomized Path, go to the Wish screen and select Details in the bottom-left corner.

※ Of the above weapons, the event-exclusive weapons will not be available in the standard wish "Wanderlust Invocation."

※ For more information, go to the Wish screen and select Details in the bottom-left corner.

[thatonepeppi]

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧gale dekarios head canons✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊

I CANNOT stop thinking about this man, so I'm going to dump all of my thoughts here, enjoy :)

the format is odd, I have not written in some time, excuse me :3

☾ after the final battle

⋆ after the final battle, the two of you go back to your own room in the Elf Song Tavern, not before a very much needed shower that is. You two care for each other, chatting slowly and longingly at what your next moves are like the two of you have all the time in the world -and now you do.

⋆ Gale tiptoes around the subject of Waterdeep. He longs to be home, he's been picturing you this entire time in his home, doing everything. Making love, cooking for you, having tea in the mornings, how you would look in his bed as the sunlight and the moonlight creep in. Gale wants that life with you desperately, something simple and cozy, and with love in every action.

"Are you still there?" Tav asks, "My hair feels very clean now, especially in that particular spot."

In the midst of his reverie, a subtle "Hmm?" escaped from Gale's lips, abruptly awakened from a trance, "Oh, apologies, Dearest. A lot on my mind -- well I guess not so much anymore," He laughs quietly, rinsing off the bubbles in their hair, fingering through their strands of hair. Wherever Tav was needed, he would be sure to follow, he was certain of it. But still, he was homesick.

Tav frowns, "What's wrong, Love?" They lean into Gale, "You can talk to me, about anything."

Minutes slipped by like grains of sand in an hourglass until Gale finally spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "Tav," he began, hesitating as if unsure of his own words, "I... I miss home. Waterdeep," He looks away, "Wherever you go, know that I will follow and happily too. Whether it be another adventure, here in Baldur's Gate, your own home. For you, I would sleep on the ground again, as long as your warm presence is there with me," He looks at them, nothing but warmth and sincerity in his words and in his eyes, "I love you, wherever we go, or wherever you are."

Tav's heart ached at the confession, the weight of Gale's homesickness palpable in the steam-filled air. Without hesitation, they reached out, clasping Gale's sun kissed and freckled hands in a gentle reassurance, giving them a gentle kiss.

"I know, my love," Tav murmured, their voice soft as a caress. "We can go home whenever you're ready. I'll be right here, by your side, every step of the way."

In that moment, as Gale's eyes met theirs with a mixture of gratitude and relief, Tav realized that home wasn't just a place—it was the warmth of their shared love, cocooned in the sanctuary of the bath, and where they found solace in each other's embrace. And though Gale longed for the familiar sights and sounds of Waterdeep, Tav knew that their love would be their anchor, no matter where their adventures took them in the realms.

☾ home

⋆ Gale is giddy from the start of the morning hopping off the massive ship the two of you took to get to Waterdeep. He takes your hand in his as he guides you down his city, excitingly pointing out all the areas he promises to take you once the two of you are settled.

⋆ Stepping into Gale's tower, you are immediately embraced by a whimsical antiquity, the cozy allure of a bygone era evident in every corner. Soft candlelight bathes the space, casting dancing shadows that whisper tales of adventure. Books adorn every surface, their well-loved pages holding secrets and enchantments, while antique treasures dot the shelves, each one a nostalgic relic of older times. Through the grand balcony, the endless expanse of the ocean stretches out, its rhythmic waves a soothing melody. Ships setting sail, the grunts of the dockhands as they tie these giant ships to their posts. In this enchanting haven, amidst the warmth of history and the timeless beauty of the sea, you find a sanctuary unlike any other. Home.

⋆ After settling in, you experience a life like no other. Gale is incessant on cooking you breakfast almost every morning. He knows how to prepare your morning coffees and afternoon teas by heart. Mornings are for the two of you to lounge in bed, holding each other, listening to the crashing waves, feeling that cool—salty breeze caress your warm bodies.

⋆ Breakfast is eaten over the occasional game of lance board on the grand mahogany table. The two of you recounting your adventures, encounters and memories. Gentle caresses and soft laughter are a welcome guest at breakfast. Even at the dinner table it seems like the two of you can't keep your hands off of each other.

⋆ Tara finds her way back home not long after. Its the very early morning, and a rare day where Gale is still in bed. You walk over to the tressym pawing at the large window, demanding to be let in. You smile as you let her in, and her furry body hurriedly makes her way inside.

"About time you let me in, I've been howling for hours, Darling, I feel parched!" The winged cat says, "I was not told that the two of you made it back, what a journey. Luckily for you, I am quite the magical tresseym, a simple spell like the one I invented is no match for miles and miles of road and walking," Tara trails off, making herself at home and out of earshot, you can still hear her grumpy rambling however, "Tav Dekarios!" She yells and you hurry over to see her sitting, licking herself next to an elegant white bowl on the floor, "My dish needs water."

You fill her dish with cold water, making sure to also refill her food bowl, you smile at the thought of you taking Gales last name already, hopefully you and Tara can foster a good relationship.

"And where is Mr. Dekarios currently?," Tara says stretching.

"Still in bed, and very warm if you would like to snuggle up to him."

Tara meows excitingly, "Oh, that sounds divine, Dear. Thank you ever so kindly for keeping him warm," She says as you start to get up, "But before you go Ms/Mr/Mx Dekarios, there is something very important that you must learn. Something that will quickly earn your favor with me."

"And what would that be Ms. Tara?" You question, facing down at the tressym, still at ground level with her.

She looks at you with widened pupils, "A good scratch behind this tressyms ears would be delightful, I will show you how but only once! This is known as my 'Due' and it's been made clear to me that you are quite the capable person to be entrusted with such a delicate procedure," Tara leans her head down and closes her little eyes. She rubs her ears with her paws to show you exactly how she wants to be pet, but to you, it looks like she's just cleaning herself, "You see? Like this, Dear, gently but also with some vigor." She looks back at you, "Your turn, but you must remember the technique."

You smile at the tressym, before going to scratch her behind the ears, silently praying that you are doing something right. She purrs and leans into your hand, making a sweet little content face as it looks like she's getting lost in the scratch.

Tara abruptly stops and clears her throat, "That will have to do, thank you," She trails off into you and Gales shared room. You hear a faint, "Mr. Dekarios! I have arrived!" in a little sing-song voice, and then a groan from a very sleepy Gale.

⋆ Some of your items find their way into the house, Gale is sure to make space for you to fit you into his home. Your shirts sometimes get mixed up, "Is this my book or yours?" is a common question.

⋆ He loves seeing your personality fill his house, items depending on your class are scattered around the tower. If you are a druid, house plants are hung from the ceiling, there is a small succulent on Gale's desk (It replaces Mystra's statue.).

⋆ If you are a bard, he loves to hear your music throughout the house. Gale loves to hear your song from the balcony as he's reading. He buys you sheet music, new strings, equipment. He could listen to you for hours, and most days he does.

⋆ Gale is interested in your interests and makes sure to make time for you to listen to you about your favorite topics. Being seen and heard is very important to him.

⋆ Over time, he does lose the earring. He finds one that reminds him of you. A music note, a sword, a small plant stud, or just about anything that he would relate to you.

⋆Gale loves you more than anything and he wants to make that very clear, even if you feel like these small reminders of Mystra don't bother you, he would rather having something that would make him think of you rather than her.

--

Thank you sm for reading, friends!! its been very long since ive written something and this isn't proof read >.< hope it was okay. Love you!!

[terresdebrume]

for the prompts - "i'm not worth saving. please." and/or "a few more steps. we're nearly there. i've got you" for a ship/ships of your choice?

Hey friend! Thanks for the prompt :D Sorry it took a bit, you know how it is with work^^" Still, I hope this AU without a cause will satisfy! Prompt list here, if anyone wants to send me another one!

Edwin huffs as he leans backwards, suspending his entire weight at the end of Charles' arm and still not managing to move him more than a couple of inches. He pauses, heaving for breath, and watches as Charles heaves himself up the last few steps with a painful-sounding mechanical whir.

"Come now Charles," he pants, forbidding himself from sitting down. "We only have a few steps left."

"I can't," Charles says.

His words comes out flat, mechanical. His voice modulator must have given up somewhere between the bottom of the stairs and now. His chest is rising and falling too fast, cooling circuits working overtime, but the audible sound his systems make tells Edwin it isn't quite working. Charles must be approaching overheating, and there is nothing Edwin can do about it here, in the hallway to the agency.

"Charles, please," Edwin begs, but Charles shakes his head.

"I can't," he repeats. "My left knee's piston is malfunctioning."

Edwin inhales, sharp and loud, and ignores the beeping in his systems that say his shell is too warm. They found spare parts for his cooling system last month: he can handle a little heat, but Charles--

"Charles, you must keep going, you can't--we have to plug you in!"

It took a lot of time, and even more money--although they are lucky Crystal never asked them what it was for--but they finally got their systems up to a point where they can handle one of them, at least for a time. Charles' software isn't as solid as Edwin's, but ROWLAND persocons had a reputation of hardiness for a reason. They have the memory banks required, and more than enough compatibility coding between the two of them to keep Charles safe until they can find him a new chassis, but none of that will matter if they can't get him connected before he shuts down.

"You should leave me here," he says, Edwin gasps.

"Do not say that," he warns.

"You should," Charles insists, eyes closing. "I'm not worth saving."

"Do not say that!" Edwin all but shouts, not caring about the time, or the human neighbors whose suspicions they've been trying not to arouse. "I forbid it, Charles!"

"Look at me!" Charles exclaims.

Edwin, electrical core on overdrive, looks down at Charles. Some of the hair is missing from his skull, burned away in the accident that nearly tore Edwin's head off a few years back. There is a long streak under his eyes where the synthetic skin peeled away, revealing the gray of his chassis, and the open jacket he wears fails to conceal the three large dents in his chassis, left there by the older ROWLAND model he used to live with. He looks resigned and, impossible as it should be, exhausted.

Even so, even pulling up the necessary softwares to run a simulation of existence without Charles prompts half a dozen alerts in Edwin's system, and he shudders. Crouching down, he puts a hand to the side of Charles' face.

"I am looking at you," he says, voice modulator struggling to keep his tone even through the shiver of his cooling system going overdrive.

"I'm old," Charles says, bitter. "I can't even move. Even if we do preserve me: I won't even have a body. I'm an industrial unit--what good am I if I can't even move around?"

"Charles," Edwin says, surprised to get an alert from the hardware around his throat, "please stop. You haven't been a dockhand in decades--"

"But I am!" Charles cries, or must try to. "That's why I'm the brawn, isn't it? Stronger chassis, longer batteries, building routines--that's what I'm for! What am I if I can't do what I'm for?"

"You're my friend!" Edwin says, fiercely, bringing his face closer to Charles. "You're the man who got me out of the scrapyard I'd been stuck in for seventy years! You're the one who made me look human enough to go out again!"

"Yeah, and now I'm the one who looks like a rogue!" Charles retorts, closing his eyes in distress. "If anyone from Endless Co. sees me, they'll do more than scrape us--"

"That will not happen--no!" Edwin insists, louder, when Charles looks like he is about to protest again, "That will not happen! I will never let it happen. You are my friend! You are my confident, and my companion, and you must stop talking about yourself like you are a glorified forklift!"

"That's what I was programmed for!"

"And I was supposed to be a sex unit!" Edwin breathes harshly in the stunned silence, gathering himself closer to Charles, until he can curl up around him and touch their forehead together. "I don't care chat they made you for," he whispers. "You're the one who decided to download all those fighting programs. You're the one who saved me. You're the one who came up with the name of the Agency. I don't care that they think we're not alive, Charles, I know they're wrong. You and I, we're alive in all the ways that matter, and I--"

Edwin stops talking. His voice modulator refuses to add even one word, some previously unnoticed subroutine cutting off his access to his dictionary. Fantom code, perhaps: a glitch. Or maybe the people who programmed his model line back at Payne Industries wanted to make sure they couldn't evoke certain feelings. Either way, Edwin's voice absolutely refuses to shape the words he is thinking, and so he does the only thing he can possibly do in this situation: he leans forward and presses his lips to Charles'.

Charles twitches under him, unnatural and poorly coordinated, but when Edwin pulls away to look at him, he is met with eyes filled with wonder, and joy, and that same word Edwin's core software won't let him say.

"Oh," Charles says, and brings a hand up to touch Edwin's cheek.

"Yes," Edwin replies, arch and haughty, "oh. Now, if you would please help me. It's only a few more steps."

[tatsuname]

when ur a dockhand assistant and something keeps stealing from ur catch

[iamnot-crazy]

Pages of promise.

Chapter 2 Chapter 3 (Sad Ending) Chapter 3 (Bittersweet Ending)

Summary: You have always itched for adventure and when an interesting vessel appears you take your chance and jump aboard.

Trafalgar Law x GN!reader

---

You sat on the railing separating the dock from the town as boredom gnawed at you. Your island sat in North Blue right before the entrance to the grand line and was renowned for its vibrant dyes and delectable berries. No one of interest ever arrived at your town except for the few Marines who swagger through town, restocking before their journeys into the Grand Line. At least until today.

A peculiar yellow vessel, unlike any you'd ever seen, sliced through the turquoise water. It was a ship? Emblazoned on its side was a jolly roger – a smiley face with 6 lines radiating from it. It was an odd jolly Roger not having cross bone many have but there was no doubt in your mind that it was a pirate ship. Your heart hammered against your ribs with a thrill you hadn't felt in years.

With a surge of adrenaline, you vaulted over the wooden railing and stalked toward the docked vessel. An interesting crew disembarked, all clad in white jumpsuits emblazoned with the same smiley face insignia as their vessel. Behind the crew trailed a man with a brooding expression and a floppy white hat perched on his head, sported a yellow hoodie, and held a large sword resting it on his shoulder. He must be the captain you thought as you watched him approach the dockhand and pulled out a pouch of coins.

With a mischievous grin, you climbed aboard the deserted vessel. Your fingers traced the cool, smooth metal of the hull, a stark contrast to the sun-baked wood of the other ships that you have seen. Peeking through a porthole, you gasped. Unlike any ship you'd ever seen, the interior was a labyrinth of gleaming corridors and unique technology.

"What do you think you're doing!?" A voice boomed from behind you. You spun around to find the captain glaring at you from across the ship.

Ignoring his scowl, bounced over to him, "I'm joining your crew!" You state joyfully before running around the man taking in his features.

"Like hell you are!" He growled as tried to turn around to face you.

"But it will be so much fun!" You jump onto his shoulders forcing him to stumble forward, overwhelmed by your boundless enthusiasm.

You push off the man and run toward the door leading to the inside of the vessel. "Hey! Stop!" The man yells at you running after you as you laugh running through the halls.

"What kind of ship is this!?" you question excitably as your fingers brush against any buttons they can find.

"It's not a ship it is a submarine." The man groaned breathlessly as he chased after you, "ROOM! Shambles!"

You were transported into arm's range of the man who grabbed your collar holding you still, "I don't know who you are but you are NOT joining my crew! And you are DONE poking around my sub!" His face grew red with anger as he spit in your face.

Undeterred, you flashed him your most innocent smile, deploying your best weapon, your puppy-dog eyes. His face twisted in discomfort by your expression. He quickly banished you from the vessel with a sigh and a flick of his wrist, transporting you back to the dock.

You pouted at your removal from the ship but decided that you were not done with the pirate crew and you ran into town finding your makeshift home on the roof of the town bar. You had a small cloth that made a tent to protect you from the elements it was not much but you called it home. The biggest benefit is that it was easy to pack up and you threw all your items into a worn leather satchel. Nestled amongst your meager belongings, lay a pristine sketchbook, its pages blank and waiting to be filled with the extraordinary tales you were about to tell

Returning to the docks you perched yourself on top of a barrel with a determined glint in your eye, you unstrapped your satchel and flipped open the sketchbook. The first page remained stubbornly blank, a canvas for the adventures to come.

Suddenly, a booming voice echoed from below, "Whoa, is that the Polar Tang?!"

You peered over the edge to see three figures approaching the docks. One is a tall man with a killer whale hat and a mischievous grin, beside him an impossibly cute polar bear mink, and a third man with a penguin perched atop his head.

"Is that what she's called?" you hummed, pencil hovering over the page. The three men crowded around you, mesmerized as you began sketching the submarine with a practiced hand. Each stroke brought the Polar Tang to life, capturing the sleek lines and the details you'd absorbed during your brief exploration.

"You're really good!" Shachi exclaimed, his eyes wide with admiration.

"Amazing!" Bepo echoed, tilting his head to get a better look.

You grinned, a surge of pride warming your chest. "Thanks! Are you part of her crew?"

"That's right! We are the heart Pirates" Shachi confirmed, puffing out his chest. "I'm Shachi. This furry fellow is Bepo, and that's Penguin over there."

"And who is your captain?" You question curiously.

"Trafalgar Law." He responded with joy, "And who might you be?"

Your grin grew as you pulled your attention away from your sketch, "I'm Y/n! And I am joining your crew!"

The three pirates were taken aback by your bold statement and looked at each other in concern. But upon their lips, a smile grew and they all began to laugh. "And what will you be doing on our ship Y/n?" Shachi asked in between laughs.

"I'm going to capture your adventure! I am going to document the new era and I have a feeling your crew will be a large part of it!" You smiled as you spoke of your dreams with an unfeathered confidence.

"Well let me be the first to welcome you to the crew!" Shachi laughed smacking your back while grinning.

When Law emerged from the submarine he was surprised to find you surrounded by his entire crew admiring your work as Bepo posed in front of you as you added his addition to your journal. Upon seeing Law Bepo waved, "Captain! Have you met Y/n! She is going to record our adventures!"

Law's eye twitched. "New crewmate?" he sputtered, incredulous.

You, however, remained unfazed. With a confident smile, you flipped to the first page of the sketchbook and presented it to Law. On the first page, the Polar Tang gleamed in all its glory.

"I'm going to record your adventures," you declared, your voice ringing with conviction. Law stared at the drawing, then back at you.

He saw the spark of determination in your eyes, and a reluctant sigh escaped his lips. Shachi's and Penguin's enthusiastic endorsement and Bepo's silent plea with his puppy-dog eyes only sealed your fate.

"Fine," Law grumbled, his voice laced with resignation. "But don't get yourself killed."

As the Polar Tang submerged, plunging into the cool depths, you clutched your sketchbook, your mind already brimming with stories waiting to be told. From the electrifying battles you'd witness to the hilarious antics of the crew, you'd capture it all. The blank pages were no longer empty; they were a promise, a pact with adventure.

---

Chapter 2 Chapter 3 (Sad Ending) Chapter 3 (Bittersweet Ending)

A/N: Wanna read more of my work check out my MasterList

[seat-safety-switch]

My name is Archibald Shitpope. I'm a detective who solves crimes other cops can't, because they drive shitty cars. Me? I'm all about 80s and 90s Japanese imports. The Bubble Era. The Golden Age.

"Chief wants you," spat the sarge, opening the door to my office. I didn't even look up from my copy of Option magazine, which itself was obscuring a Panasonic CRT television showing a constant repeat of a pirated Hong Kong VCD copy of Video Option magazine, its associated cross-media brand. You didn't need to be Tarzan Yamada to know that this case had already hit the skids.

As I stood over the body of the Chief's daughter, the gun cooling in my hands, I now knew two things. One: there's no way that the dockhands were this clumsy about recording engine block VINs, especially for something as obviously hot as an SR20VE blacktop. Two: I now knew the true meaning of Christmas, thanks to my friend Santa Claus and his Sil80 reindeer.

"You're gonna get some real heat for this, Shitpoop," moaned my new assistant. "You better go on leave, lay low for a bit."

Good idea, for a Mustang owner. I knew exactly where I wanted to go: Ebisu Circuit. It's strange how things with race cars often end where they begin.

Detective Toshigi met me at the sky bridge at Haneda. "Get the fuck out of my country," he barked, "unless you have what I asked for."

It pained me to deal in such illicit, sleazy goods, but I did so regardless - for the sake of the case. Reaching deep into my commemorative Honda Accord Aerodeck man satchel, I removed a poly-bagged copy of the Haynes manual for a 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. Toshigi's lips curled upward into a perverted sneer.

[bridgyrose]

Yang sighed as she looked up in the sky and saw the sun starting to set. She hadnt realized just how long she’d been searching for Ruby without finding any sign of her. Not that she expected to find her quickly, but she couldnt help but fear the worst. 

Blake put a hand on Yang’s shoulder. “I’m sure she’s safe.” 

“But what if she isnt? You saw how she got after Atlas fell.” 

“I know, but you have to trust that she’ll be fine.” 

“And what if she isnt? If I lose her again-” 

“You wont.” 

Yang nodded and stopped as she looked around the streets as they started to empty. With the night coming it was going to be harder to find Ruby, so she had to believe Ruby was safe. “Alright, lets start making our way back.” 

Blake smiled at her. “Maybe she ended up making her way to the hotel. And if she is, then we can meet back with Weiss and see what she’s found.” 

“I hope you’re right.” 

“If she isnt, then we can continue our search tomorrow.” 

Yang nodded and started to make her way back to the hotel, still keeping an eye out for any sign of Ruby. Bakeries were closed, most of the dust and weapons shops were starting to close too, so if Ruby had been anywhere there, now would be about the time she’d be on the streets again. But as she thought about it more, it started to seem that Ruby didnt want to be found. Not that it'd be the first time. After Atlas fell, Ruby had disappeared for nearly a month before she came back to fight. And it was the first time she had really seen her ready to be done. 

She shook her head to get out of her own thoughts. Ruby had to be safe at the hotel, or maybe at the library. Then, a thought came to mind on where to look for her. “Blake, I’m going to catch up to you. There’s one more place I need to check for Ruby.” 

“Where at?” Blake asked. 

“Patch. If… if its still here.” 

“You really think she went out there?” 

“I dont know, maybe?” Yang said with a shrug. “But we’ve been all over Vale and havent seen her, and Patch was our home. I dont think we’ll have to worry about her grave being out there but I know the cliffside where mom’s grave was was always a spot that she’d go to think.” 

“Maybe we should check in the morning. Its already late and I doubt the ferry is running much longer.” 

“I want to check. If there’s even a chance that I’ll be able to find her out that way, then it’ll be worth it.” 

Blake pulled her into a hug. “Be safe then, okay?” 

Yang wrapped her arms around Blake and kissed her cheek. “I will. And I promise I’ll come straight to the hotel if the ferry isnt running.” 

“Then I’ll touch base with Weiss and find out what she found.” 

Yang nodded and pulled away from Blake, lingering for a moment before turning away and starting to make her way to the ferry. She found herself practically running as she rushed towards it, hoping she was right. It was the only other place that she hadnt looked, the only other place that she could think of that Ruby would go. Even if the only proof she had that Ruby stepped foot around there was the ferrymaster or any of the dock workers confirming it, that would be enough. 

As she turned the corner and started down the road towards the docks, the wind started to pick up as dark clouds rolled in. The way the storm had come almost seemed unnatural, almost as if the clouds had just appeared. Thunder roared overhead as rain started to pour down. Yang stopped under an overhang to keep from getting soaked, torn between continuing towards the dock or to head back to the hotel. With a storm like this, she wasnt going to get a lot of answers from anyone on the docks. But if she gave up now, she might lose the only chance she’d have to find out if Ruby really went to Patch. 

The rain picked up and lightning struck out at the water and Yang finally gave up on checking the ferry. With a storm like this, she wasnt going to get any information while the dockhands worked with the ferry and any cargo from getting washed away. She pulled her coat over her and started to run back to the hotel as quickly as she could to avoid getting soaked. 

As she made her way closer to the hotel, the rain stopped and the clouds disappeared as quickly as they came. If she hadnt known better, it was like the storm was never there to begin with. Though what surprised her the most was seeing Ruby standing just outside the hotel with someone that she swore was Cinder at first glance. 

Ruby slowly made her way over, holding her arm to her chest. “S-sorry, I ran off-” 

Yang ran to her and pulled her into a tight tug. “Dont you ever worry me like that again.” 

“I wont. I just needed a bit of time.” 

“I’m just glad you’re okay.” Yang pulled away from Ruby and looked over at Ashe. “So, who’s she?” 

“This is Ashe,” Ruby answered. “She helped me get a bit of clarity on things.” 

Ashe gave a small bow to Yang. “Its nice to meet you, though we should go inside. From the sound of it, your other teammates found out more from the huntsmen around here.”

[sanguinesorcery]

There were storm clouds on the far horizon.

If Fariah was a more superstitious woman, she might have considered it a bad omen. But all it really signaled in her routine-addled mind at this point was that there would be more work to be done in the coming months. Days, even.

Monsoon season was nothing to sneeze at, the tropical tempests a constant battering of wind and waves and heavy pelting rain. Breakers would need to be checked periodically amid the storms, the lighthouses had a habit of falling off-time due to the heavy moisture grinding into the tracks and gears, seawalls watched with a diligent eye. Just imagining the reports from the Ring was making her head swim. Those would have to be bolstered and handled long before the swing of the typhoons hit...

She hefted an elegant sigh across her shoulders as she wished that the heavier storms would wait until after this mainland delegation had been set on the path back home. Otherwise, they would be holed on the archipelago for months. She had little idea how stable their monarchy's council actually was, she did not want to be held accountable for the collapse of a nation simply on account of the damned weather. There was no satisfaction in that...

"Are you ready to meet the ferry?"

Ildra's inquiry caused her Empress to turn from the window she had been standing in, watching the Imperial Guard on the parade grounds and the roiling stormhead far passed the statue of Shrayak, the first Ariad. How fitting that his great bronze maw, opened wide with fangs bared to the world in that violent show of defiance, looked like it was responsible for the distant weather. Like the clouds were clinging to his canines and spilling from his throat.

Because of course you would call the storms, that is your name...

Down below, she could see the passenger freighter Seraphim pulling into the Imperial docks on the Central Isle. It flew the standard of a mainland nation, one she had not seen before now. Eyrol had been given explicit instruction to let the other ferries take common passengers the prior week when the letters of introduction had first been received. He would not have other obligations to this task, and who better to ferry foreign dignitaries than the Imperial Admiral himself. They were always safe in his hands, his skill as captain and helmsman proving his title was not for show; there was competence behind the clout. None else would do.

"Yes, Ildra. Let us descend." Fariah's reply was short. Matter-of-fact. Something she was sure her Regent would approve of.

It was accompanied by the twinkling chime of metalwork and lightest ruffle of silken hems over the marble floor as the austere Imperial wafted in the direction of the docks. Ildra was not far behind, keeping time and stride with her Empress' progression through vaulted halls and chambers. Across the parade grounds to the stairs that lead from the lower palace complex to the docks.

The army of maids and attendants who were already waiting in line to accept their guests rivaled the numbers of the Imperial Guard who had arrived when news of the ferry had entered Imperial waters reached them. The latter turned to salute their arriving Imperial as she and her Regent arrived, hands over their hearts and bowing their heads from their shoulders before resuming their post.

Dockhands scrambled as soon as the ironclad swung into the harbor, performing a turn only Eyrol could have been capable of for the size and heft of the ship, a gearing down of the turbines audible to any and all in the vicinity. He'd used the tension of the water as a brake, splashing it up on the pier itself as it was displaced. There was shouting from the dockhands as they took the waves around their knees. It wasn't angry shouting, though; Sidhe were solid-footed when it came to water, owing to their continued seafaring nature. If anything, they sounded playful and amused with the results. The anchors were dropped, pulling and holding the ferry as stationary as possible while the water around it settled again, and the engines were set to idle.

As expected, Eyrol poked his head over the aft railing of the Seraphim, waving to the Imperial party below and receiving one back. His ears flicked forward to hear Fariah when she called up to him.

">>What can we expect with this one?<<"

Eyrol's face scrunched a moment while he tried to think on how to explain what he had observed the last three or so days on the trek home. ">>...He's ... interesting ... <<"

The answer merely furrowed her brow with thought. ">>...'Interesting', how. Exactly.<<" Before he could reply, she stared directly up into his eyes from the ground. ">>No surprises, Eyrol. I don't want another incident like Mani'yik...<<"

Such a point caused the Admiral's face to twist in a different way. One of mild regret. ">>Yeah, that was my fault, I'm sorry about that. So!<<" He continued when he'd straightened his back again to address the rest. ">>This one doesn't seem to be Like Him. He's just very active. Hard to keep contained, entertained, and I guess he's just very curious. About everything. ...Expect questions. Lots of them.<<"

">>Well ... good. Questions, I can handle. Violent declarations of marriage and then war after he is refused, I can't do again. We'll just have to be vigilant about the kinds of questions he asks.<<" Inwardly, Fariah sighed at this revelation. Curiosity was a good sign, most of the time.

">>I remind you this is highly unprofessional.<<" Ildra interjected from her place in front of her Imperial, standing at the threshold to the pier. ">>Our only saving grace here is that it's unlikely the delegation has someone who can speak Sidhe.<<"

Eyrol laughed some, mirroring his chuckling Empress. ">>Unlikely. But the mooring is done, I'll go get the gangplanks down.<<"

As he left to perform his final duties, Fariah laid her eyes into Ildra's back. ">>Nothing wrong with being prepared. You know better than anyone about preparedness.<<"

The Regent huffed a little at the playful admonishment. ">>Yes, well. Let's be ready, I need to herald you soon.<<"

A few moments were taken to move the silk around, making sure the fragrant wind flowing over the docks didn't displace the layers too much. A dust here, a tug there, a purposeful moving of a string of pearls or fine chains and gems there.

"Right. I think we are ready to go."

@askganondorftobadragmire || Starter Call

[aerodaltonimperial]

so those hilarious SDCC photos went up and i made tags and then pasha told me to write something about it so i did and i just need you to all know that this is in no way funny so i am warning you ahead of time LOL but whatever here you go

Britt and Adam are the first ones to the yacht. This is because Britt is always on time and organized (this is why they put her in charge of the family Christmas gift exchange). When they arrive, the dockhands are loading boxes of fireworks into the hold. When she asks her father if he has a permit for those, he waves her off and says, “No one cares what you do on international waters.”

“We’re only going a mile off the shore,” Britt tries to argue, but as usual, he ignores her.

++

Toni and Mariah show up next. Mariah is wearing a pin-up style bathing suit. She also has a full set-up for her iPhone, including a light box and a five-foot tall tripod. She sets everything up at the front of the ship and proceeds to take photos of herself for the next thirty minutes.

“She’s an influencer,” Toni says.

“That’s not a real job,” Britt tells her, and as usual, Toni ignores her.

++

Swerve and Hangman eventually arrive fifteen minutes after they were told to. That’s something of a surprise, considering that Swerve didn’t tell anyone that Hangman was coming with. Hangman immediately goes to the bar their father has set up, and staffed, on the deck. He sits across from Adam and neither of them speak. They just stare at each other over the rims of their beer glasses.

“What the hell,” Toni hisses, after they’ve cornered Swerve down in the hallway. “I thought you broke up last year!”

“We did,” Swerve says. “Then we got back together.”

“Last Christmas,” Britt says, “you told us not to get him a gift because you said, and I quote, ‘I never want to see that little bitch again.’”

Swerve shrugs. “Things changed.”

“You mean, rent is really expensive in Hollywood,” Toni says.

“Well, we sure ain’t getting anything from him,” Swerve says, which feels like agreement, and nods towards their father.

The three of them look at the man, who is currently gesturing out towards the water next to wife #5, who just celebrated her twenty-first birthday. None of them can actually remember her name.

“Brayden?” Britt tries.

“No, no, I think it started with an M,” Toni says.

“Whatever,” Swerve sighs.

++

Darby finally shows up right before Britt is readying to tell the staff just to pull the anchor and go, because he assumes everyone will just do everything on his schedule.

“Dude, are those fireworks?” he asks, after spying the boxes.

“Thanks for finally showing up,” Britt snips. She stares at the guy next to him, hands shoved down in his pockets. “You didn’t say you were bringing anyone. Who is this?”

“Oh, this is, uh…” Darby trails off, turning to his guest. “What’s your name?”

The guy shrugs. “Jack.”

Darby turns back to Britt. “This is Jack.”

“How the fuck did you not know his name?” she asks.

“‘Cause I met him right over there,” Darby jabs his thumb back towards the shore. “Anyway. Hi, sis.”

Britt sighs heavily. “Get on here so we can go, please.”

++

Wife #5, who might be named Maddie, seems to think that she’s a singer. She turns on a karaoke machine and starts her way through Taylor Swift’s entire discography. She’s two songs in before both Hangman and Adam head to the bar and ask for the liquor bottles themselves. They have yet to speak to each other. Mariah is still taking photos of herself at the bow.

“Does she have something else to wear?” Swerve asks. “This ain’t a pool party.”

“Darling!” Toni calls, waving her hand in the air. “Put your lovely pool cover on!”

The pool cover ends up being a completely sheer robe. Mariah ties it around her waist and grins, waggling her fingers back at Toni. It covers nothing.

Wife #5 is warbling out a terrible cover of ‘I Knew You Were Trouble.’

“You know,” Britt says, “I actually think her name might start with a J.”

“Hey, you introduced yourself,” Darby says, kicking at the bottom of Jack’s seat. “What was her name?”

“See, the propellers started up right when she was saying it, and I didn’t actually hear,” Jack replies.

Swerve sighs. “Useless.”

++

Toni and Darby corner Britt down in the kitchen, as she’s trying to figure out which dishes their father intended to go out first. He never pays attention once things get underway.

“Adam hasn’t said a thing to us all night,” Toni says, bent over the island. “He just keeps staring at everyone.”

“Murder vibes for sure,” Darby agrees. “Are you dating a serial killer?”

Britt’s pretty annoyed by this, but only because they never like her dates. It’s been something of a trend. “You can’t get murder vibes just from someone looking at you.”

“Until they look at you and then kill you,” Darby says.

++

“So, wait,” Jack says. He’s moved over to the table with Hangman and Adam. “You’re both named Adam?”

They hadn’t actually figured that out. Hangman and Adam eye each other, distrustful. There’s really probably only room for one Adam on this yacht.

“Well, what if her name is Adam, too?” Jack asks, pointing to Wife #5. She’s moved onto ‘Blank Space.’ The staff is all wearing earplugs.

“Her name isn’t Adam,” Hangman scoffs.

“Then what is it?” Jack asks.

They all go silent, because none of them know. It really could be Adam.

++

Mariah moves down into the cabin for her photography session. Swerve overhears her on the phone in the short time that she isn’t filming, calling someone ‘baby.’ He goes back up to the deck to find Toni.

“Mariah’s cheating on you,” he says, without preamble.

“She is not!” Toni squawks. “How dare you insinuate that. You’re just jealous.”

++

Later, Hangman also goes down to the cabin. When he comes back up, he gets another drink before turning to Toni. “Are you in an open relationship?”

“What? No!” Toni says.

Hangman takes a swig. “Okay, yeah, she’s cheating on you.”

Toni crosses her arms over her chest in a huff. “Jealous, all of you. Of the beautiful woman I came here with.”

“What do you mean?” Britt asks. “She's been doing things without you the whole time.”

“She’s an influencer,” Toni sighs dramatically.

“That’s not a real job,” Darby says.

++

Their father finally cuts off Wife #5’s karaoke halfway through the third Taylor Swift album. Everybody exhales in relief, but the staff doesn’t take out their earplugs.

++

“Well,” Britt starts, “we’re glad you could come with Swerve tonight.”

“Are you?” Hangman asks. “Because you didn’t get me a Christmas gift.”

“What the fuck,” Darby sighs. He turns to Swerve, hands in the air. “You told us not to buy him anything!”

Swerve shrugs. “Yeah, at Christmas. You could have gotten one two weeks later. No one was stopping you.”

“You told them not to get me a Christmas gift?” Hangman frowns.

“We were broken up,” Swerve says.

“Oh my god,” Britt groans, and buries her head in her hands.

++

Their father brings Wife #5 around to each of them. Each of them gets a fact about her; their father asks no questions about how they are doing. Afterwards, they sit at a table and compare notes.

“She’s a Pure Barre teacher,” Jack says.

“Her life dream is to be on America’s Next Top Model,” Toni adds.

Hangman makes a face. “How do you guys not know anything about her? They’re already married.”

“Yeah, but they got married in Greece, and none of us were invited,” Britt says. “That was… what, January? February?”

“Last November,” Adam offers. It’s the first thing he’s said all night. When every single one of them turns to stare at him, he doesn’t give any further information, and he doesn’t even blink. He just trails his finger around the condensation on his glass.

“Stalker,” Darby grumbles.

“Yeah, stalker,” Jack agrees, and slides his eyes out to the waves.

++

The fireworks come out after the sky goes dark. Absolutely none of the staff is trained to handle them. Britt ends up fixing it when the tubes are set up way too close to each other. Wife #5 insists on standing at the side so all the fireworks go off behind her, for photos. She and Mariah get into an argument over who deserves to be there while the biggest ones are exploding and end up missing all of them.

Mariah stomps off, phone up to her ear.

“She’s totally cheating on you,” Britt says to Toni.

Toni covers her ears with her hands and starts humming the national anthem.

++

“I told you,” Britt tells her siblings as they sit around one of the tables, “that you need to get IRAs!”

“I don’t like paperwork,” Toni replies. “It’s confusing.”

“This is the worst party talk ever,” Hangman says. Somehow, his drink keeps refilling, and no one can quite tell how he does it.

++

Jack disappears down after Mariah, so eventually, Darby goes looking for him. He finds him in the kitchen. He looks slightly shifty, hands behind his back.

“What are you doing down here?” Darby asks.

“I think Mariah is cheating on your sister,” Jack says.

“Oh, definitely.” Darby leans against the wall. “I really don’t wanna go back up there and hear about retirement accounts. Or the importance of getting regular dental cleanings. You wanna stay down here and make out?”

Jack sets something down on the counter. There’s a clink. “Sure.”

“Sweet,” Darby says.

++

“Let’s play twenty questions,” Toni says. “So we can get to know you. Let’s start with… favorite movie.”

“American Psycho,” Adam tells her.

The table goes quiet.

“Maybe just one question,” Toni decides.

“I’m still kind of mad about the Christmas gift thing,” Hangman says.

Swerve groans. “I’ll buy you a damn sparkly ornament later. With horses on it.”

“Do you ride?” Toni asks, brightening.

“Oh, he rides all right,” Swerve mutters.

“Please,” Britt pleads. “Please stop talking.”

++

Pressed up against the cabinets, Darby pauses, hands up Jack’s shirt. “Hold on. Why were you holding a steak knife?”

“No reason,” Jack says. He’s breathing hard, one leg looped around the back of Darby’s legs. “Just… cleaning.”

“Feel like this is gonna come back to bite me,” Darby comments.

Jack grins. “You want me to bite you?”

“Abso-fucking-lutely.”

++

The staff finds another tube of fireworks. Britt is caught up with explaining the differences in mortgages, so they try to set it up on their own and don’t aim it right. The fireworks end up going into the front sails, which lights all the canvas on fire. There’s pandemonium on the deck. In the chaos, everyone comes up from downstairs, including Mariah, who is still on the phone. As the fire licks across the deck, she drops it and screams, dashing to the other side.

Wife #5 picks up the phone. “Hello?” Her face does something strange. “I’m sorry, you’re looking forward to touching my what? How dare you speak to me that way! I’m a married woman!”

“See?” Swerve says. “Totally cheating on you.”

Toni bursts into tears: huge, wailing, Hollywood-esque sobs. Wife #5 tosses the phone over the side of the boat. Mariah screams. The staff pull out the hoses and start spraying everyone, even the people trying to pat down the flames. One of the champagne bottles explodes, sending glass shards everywhere. And that’s when Jack rushes towards their father in a football style tackle and starts pummeling him.

“Holy shit!” Hangman shouts.

“Someone do something!” Britt exclaims, even though as usual, no one listens to her.

The staff gets the fire put out. Hangman picks up the pieces of shattered champagne bottle. Swerve pats Toni on the shoulder as she wails into her palms. Darby pulls Jack off his father, though Jack is still flailing around trying to get punches in.

“Well, now I’m glad you didn’t have the steak knife,” Darby says. “What the fuck?”

“He got me fired!” Jack cries, kicking at the deck. “He stole a whole bunch of money and planted the evidence on me at the bank, and got me fired!”

“Is that why you were standing out there staring at the yacht?” Darby asks.

Britt stares at him. “What did you think he was doing?”

Darby shrugs. “I just thought he really wanted to ride on one of them or something.”

“Jesus Christ,” Britt sighs.

“Wait,” Hangman says. “Where’s Mariah?”

She’s nowhere on the deck, but Adam is standing by the side, one arm propped up on the railing. He’s still holding his drink, unbothered.

“Did…” Britt begins. “Did you push her overboard?”

“She was cheating on your sister,” Adam says, like it’s terribly obvious. “Besides, no one cares what you do in international waters.”

“Okay, for the last time,” Britt says, “we are half a mile out from the shore.”

Toni perks up. “You pushed her over for me?”

“I told you he had serial killer vibes,” Darby says, as though he is not still holding onto a man who attacked his father.

Wife #5 is fanning their father’s face as he groans against the deck. He’ll probably have a black eye. Their attention has largely moved on from him. He’ll get patched up to a Taylor Swift album later, so they figure he’s fine.

Toni runs to Adam’s side. Dramatically, she reaches for his hand, and then Britt’s, and joins them together. Her mascara is running in black lines down her cheeks. “You have done so much for me. You have saved me.”

“All he did was push her off the railing,” Swerve grumbles.

Toni ignores him. “I support you and my sister, for you have done me a great service.”

Hangman throws back another drink.

++

They get the yacht back to shore. Britt has to pay the staff extra so that no one runs to the police, but at this point, they have far more loyalty to her than her father.

“Maybe we should buy Hangman a late Christmas gift,” Toni suggests.

“Don’t bother,” Swerve says. “We just broke up again.”

“How?” Britt asks. “It’s been five minutes.”

Hangman swaggers off the boat first and onto the deck. Swerve watches him walk away, biting down on his lip. Then he says, “Changed my mind. We’re back together. Get him a new leather belt.”

He follows Hangman down. Britt sighs.

“Just from watching his ass?” Toni says.

Darby takes off next. He’s pulling Jack along with him, their hands clasped, and Britt stops him by grabbing a hold of his fluffy coat. “Darby! What the hell? He tried to kill Dad!”

“Yeah, it was kinda hot,” Darby replies. “I mean, it’s not like I haven’t thought about doing it, too. Anyway, we’re gonna go back to my place.”

Jack waves with his free hand at them. “Nice to meet you all.”

++

Britt, Adam, and Toni sit on the shore with their feet in the waves. Toni heaves out another weary exhale as they look at the smoke still curving up from the yacht towards the night sky. “I suppose I’m single again.”

“Okay, you can absolutely find someone better,” Britt says. “No more influencers.”

“That’s not a real job,” Adam agrees.

They watch Mariah stumble out of the foam and onto the beach a few yards away. She collapses dramatically on the sand.

“Maybe someone who works in finance?” Toni says. “After all, I need to get that retirement account set up.”

Britt lights up. “You were listening when I told you about the IRAs!”

++

On the yacht, Taylor Swift is playing on Spotify. Wife #5 puts a cool compress against their father’s face.

“Thank you, Adama,” their father sighs.