#hes so marketable plushie in that last one. squishing him

[whalesforhands]

kaizen daycare! 3

previous masterlist next

“Are ya gonna follow us home t’day?” Megumi rubs at his little eyes as his puppy-themed socks come to a stop before you, trying to stifle an incoming yawn. He sounds hopeful, dare you even say, excited.

“Daddy said you were gonna eat at our house too.” He’s suddenly holding his arms up towards you, asking to be carried as he awaits with still half-opened eyes.

“Oh? Megumi-kun, are you excited about moving in?” You’re bending down, your hands picking him up and supporting his weight, letting the child’s head loll and rest against your chest. His cheek squishes against you, a sleepy comfort overtaking him once more now that he’s in your arms.

“Mn.” You feel him press his ear against your heartbeat, smiling at the steady, slow vibration, his innocent eyes already starting to close once more as he cuddles himself against you, getting comfortable in your embrace. “I just wanna see you there…” His words trail off with his sleepy haze, going limp in your hug as he finally falls back asleep.

You feel a blush overtake you at his words, the gentle chime of a nursery lullaby flowing into your ears, accompanied by the adorable snores of your other children as you sat upon a nearby cushion with a sleeping Megumi in your arms. So cute.

Maybe it was a good idea to accept their family’s invite afterall?

——

Sometimes, you’re utterly at a loss for words at a certain trio within your class. Even as Mimiko sips on a cup of milk whilst sitting on your lap, Nanako humming, sprawled out on the floor next to you and drawing with her plethora of crayons and Megumi playing with the toy trucks by his sisters.

(“Hmm…” Mimiko leans back, staring up at you, hands fiddling with her now empty milk carton. She’s always been one to speak her mind.“(name)-sensei…”

“Mm?” You look down at her, snapping out of your dazed out trance, your fingers that were mindlessly combing through her hair stopping abruptly.

She doesn’t respond, her eyes scrutinizing you as you give her the moment to collect her words. Is something wrong? Did her milk taste bad? You had the same one, you don’t think—

“You’re so pretty.” Just as pretty as her Papa and Daddy. Maybe even more? She’d have to ask her plushies one by one later on who they think is the winner. She’s betting on you.)

“Nanako-chan, do you need me to call him? It isn’t like your Papa to be late…”

“Nope!” She pops the ‘p’ as she skips over to her cubby. “It’s realllll good that we’re the last ones left, and so earlyish! Pap— We thought we were gonna have to wait longer!!” She digs around the frog themed backpack, her tongue stuck out in concentration before she pulls out her phone.

Her very expensive, high-tech, latest in the market phone that was leagues better than yours and probably costed around an entire month of your salary. “Papa said to just text him if he’s late, and Daddy’ll come zooming the fastest around!”

That was approximately 4 minutes ago.

“(name)-sensei, (name)-sensei! I drew this for you!” A sheet of A3 paper is thrusted into your face, a burst of colour that dyed your eyes in fascinating intrigue as they slowly focus in on the drawing.

Matching blonde and brunette bobs, right next to a darker ponytailed brunette and spiky black. Shiny, smiley faces that were drawn on with an attempt to scribble the characters of their names just above them.

Though, that wasn’t the main focus. You notice 3 more figures upon the paper, characterized by neon-blue crayon for eyes, another having long shadowy black for hair… And the unmistakable pink of your apron you wore for work.

(You can’t even deny that it’s you. You saw her peeking over and trying to see and copy down your name embroidered onto the top of your apron.)

“That’s a wonderful drawing, Nanako-chan! What made you want to add me in?” Megumi and Mimiko have now gathered near you, squeezing in under your arms to stare at their sibling’s art work.

“That’s cause we love (name)-sensei a wholeeeeeee lot!” She draws a circle in the air with her arms, the widest circumference she can go. “Wayyyyy more than this!”

We…? Why, you feel flattered— A knock at the door sounds, a boisterous voice disrupting your train of thought.

“Daddy’s here!”

——

“But Nanako wants to sit on (name)-sensei’s lap!” A pouty complaint as she tugs on her dad’s jacket, narrowed brown squinting up at him as she hugs her frog plushie backpack close to her.

“Nope!” The grown man makes an X cross with his arms. “Papa’s gonna have my head if you’re not in your booster seat.”

“Then you sit in the back and Nanako will drive!” She’s determined to be able to be next to you on this short drive back.

You’re already helping Megumi buckle himself into the booster seat, a sleeping Mimiko all strapped in as her soft breaths are barely heard. You notice the soft, chubby fingers that rests themselves over your hand just as you were about to pull away.

“Hmm? Megumi-kun, what’s wrong?” He says nothing as he stares at your hand, eyes downcast and as if too conflicted to let go. “I dwon’t want you to go…”

You think you’re going to die from cuteness.

“I’ll be with you real soon, okay?” You ruffle his hair, watching as he grunts lightly at the sensation before he lets you go.

It isn’t long before Gojo gets his blonde daughter to behave and obediently settle next to her siblings, hugging her plushie close as she receives a wave from you from outside.

It’s just you and their other father now.

“Gojo-san, thank you for offering me to drive me back.” You’re smiling up at him, oh so innocently. It almost makes him want to—

“Sa. To. Ru.” You feel a tap to your nose at the last syllable. “We’re gonna be neighbours, aren’t we?” He sends you a charming wink. “Plus, I don’t mind driving you back. I’d even it rather be a regular occurrence, if you left it up to me.”

(S-so forward! Isn’t he scared of what his husband will think?! Driving another adult around so casually in his car!)

“That isn’t necessary at all, Gojo—“ You see him pout, his cheeks starting to puff up. “Sa…Toru-san. You really don’t have to.”

“Hmm.” He leans in— Almost intimately close as you back off slightly, your back coming into contact with his car. Vibrant blue stare into your own, as you tilt your head in innocent confusion.

“You know, (name).” His voice trace over your name with such a deep, almost fulfilling tone that makes your heart stir. “I’m been kind of worked up lately.”

An arm that extends past, lightly brushing your hip as he gets the door for you. Except… He doesn’t seem to be opening it anytime soon, choosing to box you in between the car and his body. “You could say that I’m even a little… Excited.”

(“Oh? I suppose it is a little nerve wrecking to have a guest over when you just move in.” You nod, ignoring the warmth that was exceedingly close to your waist, your gaze still holding his own intense orbs. “Even I wouldn’t dare to invite someone over when I’ve barely got everything set up yet, so I get you, Satoru-san.”

He blinks, the tension diffusing in mere seconds before he starts breaking out into a boisterous laugh, tilting his head downwards towards the ground and a hand over his mouth.

“Ahaha! That’s right, sensei!” You’re so cute.)

——

“Hello!” A sparkling set of eyes and rocking feet, hands clenched into excited fists that pump into the air. “Welcome to our new house!” A little girl no older than 3 or 4 appears in front of you, her brown hair fluttering with her bouncy joy that radiates off of her in waves.

“My name is Tsumiki! I like drinking strawberry milk and being praised!” She ends her introduction with an eager V-sign, bright teeth out in a grin and eyes upturned into the cutest little crescents, before she flattens her arms at her sides, bowing to you. “It’s a pleasure to meet you!”

“My, you’re so polite.” You lean over to pat at her head, your bag long placed on top of the counter at their genkan. “I’m (nam)—“

“(name)-sensei! You live in the apartment right next to us, you work at the kindergarten my brother and sisters go to, you’re super, suuuuper sweet like kikufuku mochi and, and—!” Her eyes are sparkling more intensely, practically reflecting a constellation of her thoughts as she looks up at you. “And you’re even super, super pretty!”

(Even prettier than all the other times she’s seen you.)

You’re honestly at a loss for words right now. How much are you talked about here…?

“Mmm, but I suppose calling you sensei when you aren’t my sensei is a little strange, right, sensei?~” She’s strangely playful, big grin and eyes that gleamed with something you can only describe as a yearning want.

She taps her chin in thought, eyes averting to the side and upwards as if in deep thought. “Ah!” She claps her hands together. “Can I call you Mama?”

(W-whaaaaaat?! So upfront!)

“Please, please?” She’s already wrapped her arms around your legs, her pouty, mischievous eyes pleading up at your blushing form, her head buried into your tummy as she’s on her tiptoes.

You’re blushing hard— Your eyes swirling with bashful shyness that makes you so, so nervous. Sure, she’s adorable— So forward and so cute pleading you like this…! You did always tell yourself that you wanted kids—

“Now, now Tsumiki. You’re teasing our poor guest too much.” A tut and a ruffle of her head from behind as an all too welcomed figure appears.

“Papa!”

“Geto-san…!”

“I’m sorry. She takes after Satoru a little too much in that sense.” She turns his gaze downwards. “Tsumiki, help me set the table, please.”

“Okay!” And she patters off, socked feet against the wooden floors as she skips away. “Talk to you later, Mama!”

(Ohhh… You feel like you’re going to burn up from gratified embarrassment… You like the way it sounds but it’s so embarrassing—! Especially when she’s not your child…!)

“No, no, Geto-san. It was lovely being able to talk with her! You raised all your kids so well!” You’re gushing as you talk to him, a hand pressed over your stuttering heart, letting him lead you around, not even noticing the hand that had intertwined with your own as you lost yourself to your overactive mind.

“I sometimes wish they were my own.” You’re turning sheepish, body turned slightly to face his with the still all too cute, all too adorable smile of yours. He stops in his tracks, fingers closing in on your face to brush a strand of your hair back, the graze of his skin against yours makes you shiver in a sense of delight… It always felt strangely— Good whenever he does this.

(He can make that happen, you know?)

“Trust me, sensei—“ He feigns a tired sigh, pulling away, causing your shoulders to slump in visible disappointment, much to his adoration. “They can be up to no good if they want to be.”

Now that you’re actually in their house, it definitely feels a little high class. Their cushions that looked and felt like they were too out of this world, their curtains looking a little glamorous… Not to mention how amazingly soft the couch you were sitting upon felt…

You were so sure you passed by your own apartment next to theirs not too long ago. Now you’re not even sure if you’re even living in the same realm of possibility…

“Dinner’s about to be finished up. Do you mind waiting a bit?”

“If you don’t mind,” You tilt your head to the side as you watch him. “I could lend a hand.”

——

“Gumi, c’mere.” Tsumiki beckons her younger brother towards her, the little boy waddling over with his towel wrapped around him, dripping with water as he holds onto his sister’s hand.

(It’s normal for them to wash up a little bit before dinner, they’ll take their bath later.)

“Don’t they look like a marriage?” A proper one. Like in those late-night soap operas one of her Mother’s ‘friends’ used to leave on. The way Papa is smiling as you taste test his cooking, the way Daddy tried to eat whatever you touched, the way you all laughed in an emotion that cannot be anything else but utter joy.

“Get— Suguru-san, I think it needs a little salt.”

“Mm, is that so?” He doesn’t even hesitate to place his lips onto the spoon you had just used, tongue peeking out to lick up any leftover remnants that could be there. “It might be the lack of dashi stock. I need to go to the market soon.”

“Oh, there’s one nearby, I could show you—“

“Suguru! No fair! I wanna taste too!”

“Aren’t you meant to be helping the kids dry off, Satoru?”

“Mmm, I will if I get fed!” He opens his mouth towards you, “Pleaseeeeee? I’m getting hungry!”

You’re the one. Tsumiki knows you are. She just does. Her grip on the door frame tightens ever so slightly, a twinkle of longing, of yearn in her gaze.

“Better than Mother ever looked with any of those men…”

previous masterlist next

Notes:

It’s very important that you do not leave the nap room for very long during naptime. You went out to do some administrative work and you came back to a crying Mimiko that was biting into her plushie, trying to silence herself so as to not disturb the rest while she huddled into a corner and silently wailed for you.

“(name)-sensei…! D-don’t leave Mimiko again…!” Her tears are soaking into the front of your apron, her small hands gripping onto the fabric of upon your shoulders as she clung onto you. Desperate, scared.

The other children do not like it when you’re not around. Stay in the rooms with them.

“Aww, I thought I heard something from outside. Was it you, Megumi?” Geto Suguru soon scoops up a blank, sleepy little boy dragging a blanket in.

“Oh? What do you have in your hands for me, Gumi? It’s—“ He continues to smile. “Are those my… Contact lenses? Thank you very much…” The transparent item is plopped onto Suguru’s open palm, a silent Megumi burying his face into his father’s chest soon after.

What a peculiar child.

[noro-noro-noro]

general bullet point of my dreams

- started in a hotel at some kind of resort? maybe with my family. as with all hotel-like dreams the walls eventually give way & the rooms get cramped & overcrowded. this suite of rooms was through an openn floor plan carpeted public bathroom (why) . a girl i met in a work meeting last month that didn't seem to like me too much was also there with her friends. - the hotel area was in like a maze-like mall where every angle looked the same despite it being like 3 stories tall. Everything was white/blue tile & lit fluorescently. There were no windows. The hotel also had no windows btw - i had some kind of power briefly? there was this snake woman monster thing that appeared & i asked this ? "what would you rank this? a B?" since i wasn't tooo sure if i'd be able to take it out without collateral violence. but there was some superhero in the crowd who didn't want innocent bystanders sto get involved...i guess..? well, whatever. i left. - i went away from the fluorescent zone & into a publix? a more local-feeling store. it had windows. the shelves were close together & i couldn't find ANYTHING. they had nothing useful and 40 rows of granola & some various stuffed animal plushies that were kind of cute that kids had thrown all over the floor. the sales associate asked me "find everything you're looking for?" no. you don't even have computer mousepad. you don't even have energy drink. and people are following me. it was really crowded there. i left. - & ended up in a large circus area at night. my sister was there, & so were that girls friends who were actively bbeing jackasses. they kept daring me to do some bungee jump swing thing? idk you had to go on a swing & jump off onto a cushion which sounds easy except the eswing was 2 stories tall & i didn't trust them. i realized "this is really stressing me out why do i have to be having this dream?" & woke up & went back to sleep. - & ended up in a huge grocery store/mini shopping area again. this one had a vibe closer to a night market but not quite. i was late to the student trip & everybody was allowed to order food & make purchases in the area through these tablets. mine wasn't working properly. i was really hungry & wanted to get some pastries but only pastry store near me was $7 for a small brownie, so i asked my friends if there was another pastry place & there was one on the ohter side of the area!

i went over there. it was a bakery run by a lady who was on the younger side of middle aged, but all her hair went gray already. mmy tablet still wasn't working properly & i couldn't open up the menu, but she was at least patient enough about wanting my money. i asked her the prices of her pastries. she said check the tablet. i saaid i can't check the tablet. whatever.

my friend's cat was chilling in the window since the bakery wsa on the corner of the ?shopping structure. this is the first window i'd seen in a while. me & this other girl were petting him & squishing his face. he didn't like hsi face being squished so he grew human sized human hands & started pinching us until we stopped.

some time passed & it was now nighttime. i still couldn't get the tablet to work but i was determined not to leave until i'd eaten a fucking pastry. the lady had started putting some of her stock away but she left some out for me. i was getting really frustrated.

something happened - i don't remember & i left the store. the other stores had all turned into a series of interconnected dark & damp caves full of weird blind white tube-like enemies. they were very ridged. in the cave there was a lot of weird & damp milky cocoons next to the water. it was claustrophobic & unsafe, so i left. the lady said she was worried about me going in there & asked me if i'd got the tablet working yet. i said no.

[ruffsficstuffplace]

The Viridian Vanguard (Part 19)

Note: We now return to your regularly scheduled screwing with Weiss for fun.

“… As every city-state in Heartland struggles with the sudden and dramatic influx of refugees from Candela; the armed forces ready to deploy and reassign a record number of both active and reserve personnel there; and the enemy’s weapons and magitech proves far more advanced and dangerous than previously known, the whole realm can’t help but ask:

“Have we opened yet another Pandora’s Box? And more importantly, will we be able to close it once again, as we have done for others like the Sekhmet Scourge?

“Both the AFA and the Church of the Holy Shepherd assure the public of their preparedness to face and end this new threat--”

Ka-chik.

Pyrrha looked up, the holo she was watching automatically paused.

Weiss sighed as she stepped out of the main house’s bathroom and back into the kitchen, freshened up and in new clothes. “Bathroom’s free if you need it!” she said as she walked over to the fridge, and grabbed a bottle of milk. “Sorry for taking so long, there was some gunk underneath my fingernails that just would not come off...” she grumbled as she headed to the table, and took a seat beside Pyrrha.

“Oh, it’s fine,” Pyrrha said, waving her off and dismissing one of the “earphones” hovering by her head. “Your training today was quite a lot messier than mine, anyway.”

“You can say that again...” Weiss grumbled as she twisted the cap open. “So, what’re you watching?” she said, glancing at Pyrrha’s paused holo.

“Oh, just some international news, is all,” Pyrrha replied. “Force of habit, I was always expected to keep on top of every little thing happening in the realm.”

Weiss nodded. “Anything worth sharing? I haven’t had the time nor the desire to check on almost any news from outside the Valley since I started staying here full-time,” she said, before she took a long drink of her milk.

Pyrrha looked back down at the holo, it resumed playing.

“--but doubt and disillusionment among the people grows, especially with the defection of the current Holy Shepherd, Pyrra Nikos--”

With a swipe of her hand, Pyrrha closed it, and shut off her comm-crystal shortly after. “Just more of the ever escalating bad news that’s been coming since the Eve,” she replied. “More fuel for anxiety and stress, than anything worth knowing about, really.”

“Noted, thank you,” Weiss said, before she took another drink.

“We’re back!” Yang called out as she and Taiyang walked into the kitchen, hauling Jaune between them. “Sorry we took so long, Jaune here insisted he wanted to reach the finish line before we officially called it a day.”

“Did he make it?” Pyrrha asked.

“Yep!” Taiyang said as he held Jaune up by his armpits, Yang carefully put his feet back down on the floor. “He collapsed on his face with his nose clearly inside the line, which still counts!” he said as the two of them helped him into a chair, before heading off to the sink.

Pyrrha and Weiss stared at the exhausted and sweaty Jaune, unsure of how he was staying roughly upright. “Are you sure you should have brought him back here?” Pyrrha asked.

“What, should we have left him outside in the dirt?” Yang joked as she and Taiyang washed their hands, then put on their aprons.

“No, I meant, he looks like he could use a trip to the hospital, not dinner,” Pyrrha replied.

“He’s fine! All he really needs is food, and lots of it,” Taiyang said as he started pulling out pots and pans, utensils, and bowls. “Trust me, I’ve gone to human college for this, and I’ll have you know I’ve already had my Fae physical trainer’s license renewed!” he said as he pulled a knife off the magnetic strip on the wall.

“Here, try giving him this if you’re so worried about him passing out!” Yang said as she rummaged through the fridge, pulled out the half-eaten Cheese, then tossed him to the table.

Pyrrha caught him, Weiss unwrapped the fibers he was covered in, and put him in front of Jaune. Depressions quickly formed on Cheese’s surface, sized accordingly to the reduced area:

:)

Jaune looked down at him with tired eyes, before he fell forward on the table and on top of Cheese, face-first. Weiss and Pyrrha flinched, the latter stood up and pulled Jaune back up. Cheese was now squished and stuck to Jaune’s face, his features warped but still recognizable:

:|

Weiss cast a withering look at Taiyang.

“He’ll be fine come morning, Fae food solves a lot of problems,” Taiyang said as chopped up and prepped ingredients at lightning speed. “Mark my words, after a couple more months of training and some echoes in his system, all he’ll really need is a decent snack and he’ll be back in action in no time!” said as he slammed his hands on the counter.

All of the prepped ingredients flew up into the air, he caught them all in their bowls and plates before any touched the ground, then passed them onto Yang.

“You ladies better stuff yourselves silly tonight, by the way, because we’re heading to the Pits before breakfast!” Yang said as she started dumping the ingredients onto blazing hot pans and woks, the kitchen filling with the sounds of sizzling and frying. “5AM tomorrow—and I mean 5:00 sharp—we are heading out to the Tubes, then lining up at the Pits to get the best chance possible of getting our team name before someone else does.

“We absolutely can not lose our name, alright?” Yang said as she tossed ingredients in a wok. “The cost of failure will be as catastrophic as it is unacceptable.”

“Piper, you make it sound like this whole thing is a high-stakes military operation,” Weiss said.

“And I’m being as serious as any CO in the AFA!” Yang said as she tossed the wok, before she started stirring other ingredients, or putting in more. “Make sure to set several alarms, and know that I’ll be coming to fetch you personally too, just in case.”

So it was that Weiss set alarms for 5AM with the help of some of Winter’s plushies, adding, “She seems pretty deathly serious about this, so don’t freak out if she does anything a little crazy, alright?”

The plushies she was talking with all nodded or made noises of agreement.

“Good plushies,” Weiss said, petting them, before she headed off to get ready for bed. Winter wasn’t around, as she had a night shift with the Watchers, but as she was exhausted from the day’s training and schooling, and had a belly full of delicious food, she slept peacefully…

… Up until 5 AM sharp the next day, when Yang kicked open her bedroom door, screaming “WEISS, GET UP! WE’RE MOVING, NOW!”

Weiss bolted up in her nest, the gems on her collar flashing bright blue. “Wait, what? What’s going—HEY! YANG, WHAT THE FUCK—PUT ME DOWN!”

“No can do, Weiss!” Yang cried as she ran off with Weiss on her shoulder

“At least let me get dressed, damn it!” Weiss screeched as she uselessly flailed her legs.

“You’ll be fine, trust me!” Yang said as she rushed through the Schnee sisters’ home, got into the waiting elevator, and nearly broke the button for the ground floor.

“Why are you even rushing so much?!” Weiss said as the elevator started going down.

“Because, our name becomes available at six, and the wait at the Pits is going to take at least an hour!” Yang replied, running in place. “I’m ashamed you’ve forgotten already, Weiss!”

“Well forgive me for having terrible memory recall when you break into my house, and kidnap me at this ungodly hour!” Weiss cried, before the doors opened, and Yang bolted out of the elevator and the barn, then up the path leading to the Tube station.

“PUT! ME! DOWN!” Weiss cried as she was bounced about on Yang’s shoulder.

“No! You’re. Way. Too. Slow!” Yang said in-between pants for breath.

The Tube station came into view, Pyrrha was already standing there in her day clothes plus a jacket, patiently waiting with a pleasant smile on her face, up until she saw Yang and Weiss run up. She watched as Yang stuffed Weiss into the log that was already open and waiting, Weiss furiously wrestling to get out, before Yang successfully immobilized her with the safety straps, then shut the hatch.

Everyone could hear Weiss screaming bloody murder from inside the log, up until the Tube technician sent her rocketing off.

<Legal?> Pyrrha asked as Yang climbed into the second Tube.

<Yes,> one of the technicians said, pulling out a physical copy of an agreement Weiss, Yang, and Pyrrha had all signed just days earlier.

Pyrrha slowly nodded, before it was time for her to get into the third and last log.

Less than a minute later, Weiss staggered out of one of the Pits’ Tube stations, grabbing onto a nearby column for support as she gazed out at the lobby before her.

It looked like the interior of some ancient, lavish underground arena, the walls, the floor, and the massive columns liberally decorated with commemorative statues, reliefs, and tapestries of the Valley’s greatest Pit Fighters and legendary clashes, all bathed in a warm orange glow by enchanted torches. Everywhere you looked, you’d find antique, handcarved and shaped stone, metal, and ancient wood; lovingly tended plants and carefully woven displays of elemental magic; shining metallic threads and precious stones; paintings, banners, and emblems made of old canvas, paper, and cloth, decades to centuries or even a thousand years old. The only things that really clashed with the aesthetic were the inevitable abundance of clearly modern posters, banners, and holographic advertisements for the latest fights and notices; the songs and music being used, like this week’s latest hit pop songs; and all the support and gimmicks for comm-crystal apps, and marketing promotions.

Weiss would have to find another day to take it all in, however, as Yang grabbed her hand, and started ploughing through the crowds with her and Pyrrha in tow.

The Pits were packed even for the early hour, folks crowded around the feeds of ongoing fights, cheering in delight or howling in despair; argued with one another over bets and odds, the likeliness of certain match-ups and their outcomes, or their allegiances and devotion to certain Pit fighters; or screamed and gushed over the particularly famous ones doing live appearances and interviews then.

Eventually, they rounded a corner and went down a hall to an entirely different section, where the decorations were much less elaborate and space-consuming, the holos were filled with take-a-number systems and administrative notices, and all the furniture was less luxurious and more utilitarian than the lobby, more long stone benches, than cushy, pillow-filled nests. It was packed to the brim with folks, but much quieter and peaceful, as Pit fighters or their representatives waited to be called up to the counters.

Yang screeched to a halt just before she hit a solid wall of Fae standing around at the very back; she frantically tried to look for a gap between the crowds, a path to the ticketing machine, and groaned as she found none. She turned to Weiss, put her hands on her shoulders, and said, “Air Xiao Long.”

Weiss scowled, and replied, “I am not doing that.”

“I don’t think you realize I wasn’t asking,” Yang said, before she picked Weiss up.

“HEY!” Weiss cried. “YANG, PUT ME DOW--!”

Yang threw her, heads turned and ears twitched as Weiss’ went sailing above the crowds, past some hanging decorations, signs, and lighting, before she hit a floor-to-ceiling banner, rolled down its length, and safely onto the floor.

“TICKET!” Yang shouted from behind the sea of folks. “GET A TICKET, WEISS!”

Weiss scowled as she picked herself up by the edge of the nearby counter, held out her hand, and a small bird calmly put one in her hand.

“DID YOU GET IT?!” Yang yelled from the back, hidden by all the folks in-between.

“GOT IT!” Weiss yelled in reply, raising her hand and the ticket into the air, before she had a moment of realization, and awkwardly put it back down. She clutched it tightly in her fingers before she started to squeeze into the crush and back to Yang and Pyrrha, excusing herself and apologizing all the while.

In the back of her head, she started plotting her revenge...

[deejmix-blog]

The Toymancers Incomplete Edition

It was nighttime, and a lone person was sitting on the grass overlooking the city, with the tall buildings of the LCF Corporation standing over it all. His name was Trask, the Bringer of Toymancy.

Chapter 1: New Guy

I was standing in front of the gates of the LCF Corporation, visitor badge in hand. I walked up to the guards, and held out my visitor card. One of them took out a scanner and scanned the code. “Deej Mix, visitor. Ah, coming for a job application, aren’t you?” The guard said, after looking at the results of the scan. “Yes, sir.” I replied, nodding in approval. The guard pressed a button, and the gates opened. “To your left, and best of luck getting the job.” He replied.

I walked into the expansive courtyard of the LCF, where men and women alike, and some weird creatures, in lab coats were milling around. There was a line of buildings lining the courtyard; a cafe, the entrance to the employee dorms, the main building entrance, and the breakroom. I headed towards the administrative offices, which were in a building to the left of the courtyard.

Once I arrived, the door was metal, sealed with a keycard reader. I scanned my job application pass, and the door opened with a hiss. I entered, and went up the stairs into a hall of doors with name plaques on them. As I passed them, I read them. They said, Julius, Fez, 8, Thwill, and Nolhyaa. I scanned my card on Nolhyaa’s and entered.

When I entered, a young woman was sitting at the desk, with another chair pulled up in front of it. I came in and said, “Hey, I’m here to apply for a job here. Is this the right place?” She said, “Yep. You’ve come to the right place. Take a seat, and let’s get this show on the road.” I sat down, and I handed over my resume. “You need this?” I asked, and she replied,

“No. Guards sent me up your background. It looks like you’ve had a knack for animal transformation?”

“Yeah. I’ve been interested in it since I was a little kid.”

Nolhyaa said, “We like people with that mindset on the team, because that’s what this organization is about. It also says here that you’re extremely creative and energetic, and you tend to pay immense attention to detail.”

“Eeyup, I am.”

“Well, do I get the job?”

Nolhyaa sat silent for a minute, and then nodded and put out her hand. “Welcome to the LCF. You’re hired.” I shook her hand, and we got up and exited the room.

Chapter 2

On the Job

Me and Nolhyaa were walking down the hallway, and she said, “Hey, I don’t have time to give you the grand tour, so I’m going to drop you off with my assistant, 8. Don’t ask his name, he prefers keeping it secret.” She opened 8’s door, and said, “8, this is Deej, a new recruit. Could you give him the tour?” He replied, “Sure. Got nothin’ better to do.” 8 got up, and the two of us walked back down the hall toward the doors, while Nolhyaa walked back to her room. 8 seemed pretty nice to me. 8 turned to me and asked, “What’s your name, dude?” I replied, “The name’s Deej. Nice to meetcha.” We shook hands as we went through the doors and descended the stairs to the courtyard. He replied, “My name’s classified. But most people call me 8. Old username, and now it stuck.” I said, “Wow. Pretty cool to meet someone like you. “ We walked out the doors and into the LCF courtyard.

The courtyard of the LCF was massive, with shops, cafes, and buildings dotting the side. The hub of all the activity seemed to be the laboratories and the cafe. We walked towards the bunkrooms, where people slept. We walked in, and I immediately saw hundreds of doors down a long hallway. I asked, “This is weird. This building looked pretty small. What’s the secret?” 8 responded, “The buildings are enchanted. They’re bigger than they seem. Here at the LCF, we use science and technology in conjunction with magic to change lives for the better!” I replied, “That sounds amazing. I can’t wait to see where I end up in here.”

8 motioned to a small room off the side, and we went in. Inside was a huge cork board, with nametags on it. We found my name, and it was marked DEEJ MIX: TRANSFORMATION TEST SUBJECT: SUPERVISOR--RAVEN. I was surprised when I saw my job. 8 piped up, “Don’t be surprised. That job is the most envied in the whole Facility. It’s also really really fun. We transform you into all kinds of things. Pokémon, animals, gender changes, the whole sha-bang. We change you into it.” I was struck dumb by the fact that my dreams would finally be coming true. I managed to get out, “Y-you aren’t tricking me, are you?” 8 shook his head and said, “No, no, we aren’t lying to you. This is real. You’re not dreaming, you’re not on drugs or anything. I promise. The real deal.”

That was the last thing I remember before fainting from the joy of it all.

I woke up in an empty room. It had a dresser, a TV, and a computer, but no bed. I guessed you got to choose your bed. 8 was in the room with me. He looked at me and said, “Well, look who finally decided to wake up. Welcome to your home for the rest of your work life.” He helped me up to my feet and gestured to the empty space. He asked, “So, your bed. What’ll it be? A normal bed, a slime bed, or a plush suit?” I perked up when I heard the words ‘plush suit.’ I had seen those, and they were the most cute and comfortable things in the world. I automatically went for the plush suit option. He said, “The usual, I suppose? That’s the most popular of them all. Maybe it’s ‘cause all the employees here have a knack for plushies. I don’t know. Well, come on, and let’s get it made. “

We left the room, and came to a large room with fabric, stuffing, and sewing machines everywhere. I was surprised when I was immediately pushed out of the room, and I heard sounds coming from the room. Then, a few minutes later, he came out with a covered mannequin. He uncovered the tarp, and there stood an Eevee plush suit, in its soft, cuddly glory. I squeezed its floofy scarf of fur, and it gave with a squish. Then, I just lost my mind. I buried my face in the scarf, losing myself in the softness, while 8 stood there, laughing his head off.

8 said, “That’s the funniest reaction we’ve had in years!” I wasn’t embarrassed, because I wasn’t afraid to show my true colors. We went back to my room, and I struggled to put the plush suit on, but I finally got it on. It was so soft once I got in it. I started walking, and we got back to the dorm. I dropped my things off there, and we headed towards the labs.

When we got there, I was amazed. People in lab coats were performing experiments on others, testing injections or serums, and just chatting about their findings. We went up to a short-haired woman, and she looked surprised. “8, I haven’t seen you around in a long time!”

Well, yes, I don’t come here often. But I was going to show you the lab’s newest recruit, Deej. Deej, this is Raven. Raven, Deej.”

Raven said, “Nice to meet you. Technician or test subject?

I replied, “Test subject.” She answered, “Cool. You’re gonna be with me, and we do all the cool stuff. Well, technically, you guys do the fun stuff. We figure out the stuff that makes it fun.”

I asked, “When do I start? This is gonna be so fun!” Raven puzzledly said,

“Hmm. We’ve never had a recruit who liked their job on the first day.”

“I just wanna turn into stuff.”

“It’s never that simple. Sometimes, you lose the ability to speak, or even move sometimes. It’s not fun at times. But it’s mostly gonna be fun.”

So began my first day as a test subject in the LCF.

Chapter 3: The Transformation

I pulled the bodysuit on in the changing room, while Raven got ready for the first test. I was so excited. Raven called to start the test. I came out, and sat on the stool. She pulled out a glowing syringe, filled with a luminescent, yellow liquid. Raven told me, “This serves as a kind of initiation. We need to see how resilient you are to the effects of a serum.” She came over, and injected it into me. The feeling of just so much energy coursing through me was so alien, I could hardly control it. I felt just so good, so crazy. My hands were trembling, as I noticed yellow fur growing on the backs of them. Raven took note of this. “Subject is very reactive to serums at a very short timeframe.” The fur was growing faster now, and the pent-up energy was growing. My whole body was trembling from the energy of it all, and a few sparks flew. “Subject exhibits electric qualities early on. Maybe good for first-test capability.” My fur had spread to my torso, and my shape was changing. My waist got fatter, my arms stubbier. “Noted: arms/legs start later than usual, whereas arms and legs change first normally.”

The fur spread even more vigorously now, as more sparks flew. Then I got the idea of what I was changing into. A Pikachu. I was so excited, it made them go faster. “Noted: Happiness exacerbates changes. Note maybe a mood-based changer?” The fur shot up my legs, making two toes disappear, and stretching them out. My face started turning yellow, and red spots formed on my cheeks. The sparks were flying now. My ears elongated into yellow stalks with black tips. I finally released a wave of electricity as the changes stopped. All the pent-up energy was released, and the lights in the chamber flickered, went off, and turned back on. Raven then asked, “How do you feel?” I replied with only a “Pi?” She sighed. “Of course. Why didn’t I remember that you can’t talk? Anyway, the test was a success! Welcome to the team!” She embraced me in a warm hug, and I hugged back, zapping her with a bit of leftover electricity. She jumped and let go of me. I crumpled to the floor. I got up, and rubbed my head. Raven rolled a mirror in front of me, and what I saw was incredible. An entirely new creature staring back at me. That was me. Had I really become another creature? I was amazed at the fact that they had kept this technology secret. Why would they? This was awesome! They were crazy not to put this on the market. Raven said, “Wow, you’re a flexible test subject. You’re gonna get a lot out of this job.”

Chapter 4: Dear Diary

Two hours later, I was back to normal, sitting in my plushsuit on my computer. I was typing a document: a diary. Here was my entry.

“Dear Diary,

I started my job as a test subject today. It was awesome! The rush of all that energy, the feeling of a new form, everything was awesome! But only one thing concerns me: Will it leave any lasting or permanent effects? Speech loss? Movement control loss? Losing everything? Corruption of my very soul? I don’t know, but the possibilities are endless with this kind of power I’m dealing with.

I’m not very sure I should just take this openly.

End log.”

I shifted around in my chair, trying to get that little bit of energy out. I decided to go to the cafe for a bite to eat.

Chapter 5: Toymancy

When I arrived at the cafe, there were only few people there, including a couple shady ones. I ignored them and ordered a french vanilla cappuccino and a pizza, and sat down to eat. I pulled the hood head off, showing my long orange and purple hair and the red dots on my cheeks from the last test that hadn’t gone away, and ripped into the pizza like a wild animal. I finished it and the cappuccino in under two minutes. I must have been really hungry. I pulled the hood head back on, and just as I was about to go out the door, a person stopped me and assaulted me with questions. He had glasses on, was tall, and had an oddly shaped head, slightly like an egg. He asked, “Hi. What’s your name, dude? You ate that pizza like a champ! My name’s Roger, by the way, but everyone calls me Shadow.” I replied, “My name’s Deej. You have a job here?” Shadow answered, “No. But I stay here.”

“That’s cool.”

“So, what’s your job?”

“Test subject for Raven.”

“Awesome! Everybody wants to work with Raven, she’s a genius when it comes to changes that feel good.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. It’s the most envied position in the whole LCF!”

“Well, I got lucky. I hope I can keep it.”

“You don’t. Jobs switch yearly.”

My heart sank when I heard that my job wasn’t permanent. Shadow seemed to know what I was thinking, because he added,

“Raven could select you, though. You would be her permanent subject. But that’s rare. Only one person has ever been selected by Raven: Trask. He was a powerful man, skilled in magic. Some say he had a special magic, a magic only acquired by a special ritual requiring two people imbued with the magic. Sadly, he went into a life of seclusion a few years back. Some also say that he will come back to imbue one more person with the magic. Someone truly worthy of it. And I hope that person is me. I’ve practiced magic for years, hoping he’d come back. But who knows when that will be? But that magic is powerful stuff. You have to be tough, strong of mind to use it properly. It can take you over, corrupt you. But it gives you great power far beyond your wildest dreams. It’s called…

Toymancy.

Chapter 6: Potential

I decided to go hang with 8 if he wasn’t too busy. So I headed towards the administration offices, and up to 8’s office. But I heard 8 and someone else that sounded like Nolhyaa discussing something. I decided to listen in on their little conversation. I put my ear to the door ever so slightly, and listened.

“So, what do you think about the new kid, Deej?”

“He’s a real good kid. Has some… potential. Potential for some responsibility around here. Something big. Recently got back his test results, they show positive for high reactivity and resilience. Pretty strong, that kid.”

“You think? Last time I saw him, he was a wimpy-looking kid begging me for a job. Now we have a potential select on our hands? You know what this means, right?”

“Yes, I know exactly. Trask is returning to recruit him.”

“You know what this means, right? From what I gathered, he’s unstable and impulsive; he would be brought to his knees easily by its power.”

“I do. But he has just the qualities, and I’ve heard that Trask is in need of new members. He can take quite a hit, too. Look at how much electricity went through his body during that test, and how powerful it was! This kid’s got spunk, girl.”

“I see, but weigh the disadvantages-- the sensitivity, assertiveness, and creativity allow for quite the troublemaker.”

“I think we should still let him get a taste of the power. Then we can see if he’s eligible. He would make an amazing addition to the team if he passes the test.”

“I guess. If anything happens to him during this, 8, I won’t be happy. You know, I kinda like him.”

Both me and 8 fell back and hit the ground at the same second, but Nolhyaa heard me. Nolhyaa said, “Who’s there?” I replied, “I heard what you were talking about. I’m not embarrassed, no. But I need to talk to 8. Is he available right now?”

Nolhyaa nervously said, “No. Is this important?”

I replied, “Nope. Okay,” and walked off.

Chapter 7: Chosen

I paced around my room, thoughts racing through my head. “What? Selected? Chosen? Why me? Is that bad?” while trying to soak it all up. “Me, a first-day employee, a select by Raven? I don’t think that was possible. Man, it’s probably ‘cause she just really likes me.”

After an hour of thinking, I leveled my head. All was calm, and then a knock at my door came. I allowed the person to enter. It was Shadow.

“Hey, Shadow. How’s it going?”

“All good, man. Wanna go to the cafe for dinner? Just wanted to treat you to a welcome-to-the-company thing.”

“Sure.”

We walked out, headed towards the cafe.

We arrived, and the cafe was empty yet again. I ordered my usual, and Shadow ordered a double cheeseburger and a can of Coke. We sat down to eat. Just then, the intercom blared.

“DEEJ MIX, PLEASE REPORT TO LABORATORY WING IMMEDIATELY.”

Shadow said, “Guess you’d better hurry. I’ll wait here.”