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ga-yuu · 3 years

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~Kurama~Main Story Chapter 21~

Before reading this story I suggest you read Kurama and Ibuki's past. Also I’m sorry for not putting any screenshots of the chapter, I accidently deleted it.

Chapter 20

-------Part 1-------

After bathing, we returned to the temple in the mountains and started preparing for bed. Kurama: "Sleep well tonight. We have to leave early, tomorrow." Yoshino: ".....Mm." (It's just the two of us in the same room....now, I'm starting to get nervous....) I started blushing as I recall our time at the lake. I lay down in the corner of the room and used my haori to cover up. Yoshino: "Doesn't Kurama ever sleep?" Kurama: "You know, right? Demons don't need sleep, unlike humans." Yoshino: "I see...." Kurama: "Why are you making that face?" (Ah......) Suddenly Kurama came to my side and kneeled down to turn my face towards him. Kurama: "Is that an invitation to sleep together? Or...is it a plea to make love to you." As soon as I heard those words, my heart started beating fast. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. What if, it is.....(+4/+4) 2. I don't care.... 3. Not at all... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Yoshino: "......What if, it is?" I was so excited that I almost forgot how to breathe and pretended to be calm... Kurama: "Then, I'll fill your head and body with more pleasure than you can possibly imagine." Yoshino: "You know what, forget it." Kurama: "Then what do you want? What are you thinking?" Kurama's fingers caress my cheek in a compassionate manner. (You're not teasing me, right.....?) The touch of his palm that has the power to kill me in an instant was terribly gentle. That's why my heart is beating faster and faster because I can't get rid of it. Yoshino: "I was just feeling anxious." Kurama: "Anxious of what?" Yoshino: "It's just....Kurama will be awake while I'm sleeping, right? So I was anxious about embarrassing myself in front of you when I'm asleep. Like, what if I sleep talk or snore loudly...?" Kurama: ".........." Yoshino: "Oh, you're probably thinking, 'What a load of rubbish,' aren't you?" A hint of dismay flashed across Kurama's face. Kurama: "Ohh, I see you've learned to read my thoughts." (I was right....) Yoshino: "Of course, I know that Kurama isn't interested in seeing me asleep....But even so, it's embarrassing to know that you were watching me sleep." Kurama: "Stupid woman." Yoshino: "Stupid...?" I lightly looked at Kurama. Kurama: "Why do you think I'd be more interested if you went to the trouble of saying so?" (Ehh...) Yoshino: "No no way." Kurama: "Don't worry. I'll tell you tomorrow if you were drooling or not." Yoshino: "Hey!!!" (Wow!!) He gently pushed me down to the bed when I tried getting up. Then, his big hand covered my eyes. Kurama: "Sleep now." Kurama's deep voice was gentle in the darkness created. Kurama: "What I see of you now will never swoon me. I've seen you scared, in tears and.....also you're sultry face when I play with you." (...What are you...) The embarrassment never went away, but the mystery was compelling. Yoshino: "Indeed, I have always been my true self to Kurama." Kurama: "You're the only woman I've ever known who could be so brazen in front of me."

-------Part 2-------

Kurama: "You're the only woman I've ever known who could be so brazen in front of me." Yoshino: "Hehe...really? But..." (I feel like I can express my feelings more honestly now that I can't see Kurama's face.) Yoshino: "I just couldn't complete with Kurama, who was so much stronger and different than me. First I didn't want to be killed, then I wanted to be recognized.....and finally, I wanted to be equal." Kurama: "-----I see." Yoshino: "Mm....." I felt Kurama's other hand gently stroking my hair. (It feels good. I wish you would do it all the time.) I know that my wish wouldn't come true. We sharpen our awareness of the feeling that we may never be given again. Kurama: "-----Yoshino." Whether in a dream or not, I heard Kurama's voice calling my name. That was the last thing I remembered that night. When Kurama sees Yoshino starting to breathe slowly, he stops stroking her hair. Kurama: ".....Yoshino? You're already asleep." Her face was more innocent than usual. Kurama was sitting in crossed leg position, leaned forward, and looked at her with an insatiable gaze. Kurama: "What I see of you now will never swoon me" is what I said....why did I lie?" The smile on her face when she looks at something trivial, the peaceful look on her face when she sleeps. Those moments always touched Kurama's heart and will probably never go away. Kurama: "What is this...feeling?" (It's called love, dumbass!) Kurama put his hand to his chest in the darkness and raised an eyebrow.... ..................... ------Next day, early morning. Yoshino: "We're going to join up with the Rebel reinforcements, aren't we?" Kurama: "Yes." I was walking along with Kurama into the mountains. Kurama: "In half a day or so the reinforcements will arrive on the battlefield, and we'll make our way to a point where we can join them. It's a circuitous route, but it's easier to deceive the enemy if you go through the mountains. If we should meet any assassins, I will destroy them myself. If the Rebels and the Shogunate are to assemble, the Imperial Court will have gathered a number of pawns to oppose them." (There's no one more reliable than you to have on my side. But....) Kurama: "What? If you have something to say, say it." Yoshino: "Of course, I agree with the plan, but I thought it was a surprising decision for Kurama." (From what I've seen so far, Kurama could fly through the air and join up with the reinforcements at once and....) (He also said, he is going to find the enemy and beat them up...) I didn't have to explain myself to everyone, that I understood what he's trying to say. Then Kurama opens his mouth annoyingly. Kurama: "In the shadows of the marauders of the court are at least Yasuchika and Ibuki."

------Part 3------

Kurama: "In the shadows of the marauders of the court are at least Yasuchika and Ibuki. We don't know what they're up to, but it's easier to fight after making sure your safe." (You mean you've changed your normal ways because of me....?) Kurama, who is not stained by anyone else, is working for me. I didn't even know whether to be happy or horrified, so I just kept quiet. Kurama: "Wait!" (Hm?) Suddenly his hand blocks my way and my body stops. The air around Kurama was tense at once. Kurama: "Come on out----Ibuki!" Yoshino: "!!" In an instant, a blade of wind blows and cuts through the depths of the grove. Ibuki: ".....My my, that was scary. I could have died, you know." (Shuten Doji, Ibuki!) Ibuki walks towards us with a relaxed expression on his face, and despite his words, he is unharmed. Kurama: "How did you find out where we were?" Ibuki: "I was having a hard time because I lost the traces of your magic. I had no choice but to cry and beg Yasuchika to help me. He used some kind of astrology or something and here I am." (Yasuchika-san can do that too....? That guy is unbelievable.) Kurama: "Do you really think I'll believe that?" Ibuki: "You're right. You're the third person who I can't trick. But more importantly, what's your deal with her?" (Me....?) I squeezed my fingertips together and stared back into Ibuki's amused eyes. Kurama: "I don't have any business with her." Ibuki: "Really?" Ibuki raised one hand in the air as if it were an extension of small talk between friends. Ibuki: "Then, you won't mind if I take her, right?" Kurama: "----!! Come here." (This is!?) Something like a thunderbolt is running around Ibuki. The next moment----- Yoshino: "Kyaa!!" The roar was deafening and the light dazzled me with its intensity. At the same time, my body is already flying in the air, held by Kurama. Kurama: "Hold on tight." Yoshino: "Yes." I looked back and saw that the ground where we had been standing was scorched by the bolt of lightning. (This is Ibuki's power!?) Ibuki: "Oops, I missed." Once again, a bolt of lightning shot through the air, which Kurama avoided with me in his arms. We tried to go further up, but.... Kurama: "-----A barrier!" As if sensing an invisible wall, Kurama swooped down and clicked his tongue. Ibuki: "The only way to trap flying birds is to put it in a cage." (You mean, we're trapped in here, forever?) Ibuki: "Well, it won't last long---I'm afraid we'll have to settle for a short game, Kurama." Kurama: "I don't need to be told that I'm not going to have a long game with you." The air swirls and distorts noisily, and countless transparent blades head towards Ibuki. Ibuki: "Heh.....Hahaha...." Ibuki jumped to his feet, pulled out his greatsword, and thrust it hard into the ground. Then the sands of the earth flew up like a shield to protect Ibuki. (What is that!?) Yoshino: "I thought your power is thunder....how can you...?" Ibuki: "It is a simple application. The iron in the sand is attracted by my lightning power."

-------Part 4-------

Ibuki: "It is a simple application. The iron in the sand is attracted by my lightning power." Kurama: "Clever as ever." A flash of a fan sends a gust of wind so strong that it is impossible to stand properly and breaks the wall of sand. Ibuki: "...!" Behind the dust, blood trickled down Ibuki's shoulders and arms. (So much power....!) Ibuki: "I'm impressed you're this strong even after making a deal with a human. As expected of the Karasu Tengu, the quality and quantity of his abilities are far different from those of any other ordinary." Kurama: "Don't try to flatter me. The same goes for you too. But----" His red eyes sharply narrowed. Kurama: "Ibuki, you are sharing your power with someone. With whom?" Yoshino: "Eh..." Ibuki: "You're as intuitive as ever." Kurama: "I was wondering what you were doing with all that power...there's something wrong with the quality of your powers and the smell." Ibuki: "..............." Yoshino: "No way, Ibuki also made a deal....?" (However.) -----Tamamo told me that it was very rare for a demon to make a deal. (Because it halves their power by sharing it with humans.) (He said they don't make a deal with humans unless they like them very much.) Yoshino: "Maybe, Yasuchika-san.....?" Ibuki: "Wrong. Making a deal with an Onmyoji will cancel out each other's powers and we'll both destroy ourselves." (Then who....) Ibuki: "There's one more interesting person." Kurama: "Interesting, huh?" With me behind him, and Ibuki at a distance, Kurama continued calmly. Kurama: "Your powers had been subtly altered. I've never heard of anyone influencing the quality of the power cast by a demon." Ibuki: "You'll both meet each other soon enough. For now, watch me....okay?" Holding his greatsword above his head with one hand, Ibuki smiled wryly. Kurama: "Yoshino, get down." Yoshino: "I'll fight too. I can use my powers...." (I want to be an equal----because I want to be strong.) Kurama frowned but tried not to stop me anymore. Ibuki: "You two are so cute. But there's nothing more frightening than an impromptu fight." (Ah.....) A white flash of light comes from the sword, which is swung with ease. Kurama: "Yoshino!" I raised my hand towards him and Kurama holds me. (I'm scared, but.) (If we can't fight here, everything we've been worrying about will be for nothing!) (Please, lend me the power of the nine-tail fox!) Ibuki: "Let's see what you got."

-------Part 5------

Ibuki: "Let's see what you got." The golden dew rises and the palms of my hands become hot. But a series of thunderbolts were aimed at me again. Yoshino: "Nn...." (He's too strong. I can't take him on my own!) I was on the verge of being scorched and Kurama was quickly holding me and kicking the earth. Yoshino: "T-Thank you." Kurama: "You stay focused. I'll dodge and counterattack." Ibuki: "So you've changed your mind about making her as your toy? Kurama." The blades of the wind are caught and dodged one by one. Moving too fast for his height, Ibuki unexpectedly lifted a rock from the ground. Kurama: "...!" (Ngh.....) Ibuki: "Here we go." Without saying a word, Kurama hits the thrown rock with a tremendous wind and reduces its momentum, but----- The impact of the rock, which just barely missed the path of the direct hit, knocked me off my feet and sent me stumbling. Kurama: "Yoshino!" Ibuki: "There there." Kurama: "Nn...ha..." A flash of lightning burned Kurama's arm as he brought me to my feet. Yoshino: "Kurama!" Kurama: "It doesn't matter..." (You got hurt because of me...) I bit my lips when I see Kurama covering me up with his bleeding hand. Ibuki: "You can counteract the ability, but you can't prevent a direct attack. A mixture of powers and brute strength will be enough to counteract it. Too bad, huh? Yoshino." (I know....the weakness of my fox power is that I can't fight alone. But....) Yoshino: "I can't believe this..." I look at the rocks on the ground and mutter. Ibuki: "There's nothing to be surprised about. Demons are known for their strength." Kurama: "If you

want to show off, do it somewhere else." Ibuki: "Don't be so sure, Karasu Tengu must also have things to be proud of, right?" Ibuki grumbled as a wall of sand barely blocked the deadly wind. Ibuki: "Karasu Tengu is not only powerful, but they are also fast and use their wings to attack in all directions. But Kurama, unfortunately with Yoshino in your arms, you've been denied that advantage." (Ah.....) Kurama: "..........." I looked up Kurama without thinking of the strong wind. Ibuki: "Is this your first time fighting for someone?----Boy, you look like you're having a hard time." Kurama: "Shut up." (....I knew. I knew I was slowing down Kurama.) Ibuki's shield, a wall of sand, collapsed with the blade of the wind. Ibuki kicked the ground in spite of this. Ibuki: "I love to hear you calling me 'Oni-san' again..." A whirlpool of wind flies in pursuit of it, and the dust again stands in the way, moving as if trying to swallow it up. Ibuki: "You're weak now, Kurama. In the old days, you had a chance to win against me." (Be careful!) In a single breath, Ibuki's sword swung down on Kurama. Kurama: "----You don't get to tell me about my past." The heavy blow was caught by Kurama's iron fan. But he was pushed by the great force----- (It is because he got hurt earlier....?) Ibuki: "Didn't I tell you? Kurama. The weaklings are destined to die at the feet of stronger ones. I'll remind you of the humiliation of being taken from you by force." Kurama: "Nn...." (What!?) The sword and the fan touched each other with a crisp sound, and blue-white sparks flew from them. The impact created a momentary gap and Ibuki slashed Kurama across the shoulder. Yoshino: "Kurama!" Fresh blood dripped down and stained Kurama's kimono. (......I can't believe that Kurama is so hurt.) Kurama: "----A different kind of power wrapped in the golden air. Depressing as ever." Ibuki: "You know me too well. Well, I did raise you with these hands. Oh, by the way, Kurama....do you remember a promise I made a long time ago? That, one day you'll have someone you care about, and I'll break them with my own hands." The tip of Ibuki's sword, raised in laughter, was suddenly pointed at me. (Eh....) Ibuki: "That time has come." Kurama: "Stop! Ibuki-----" Yoshino: "......!!" Kurama pushes me and I fall to the ground. The next moment, I felt a splash of blood on my face. I realized it was Kurama's blood. Yoshino: "Kurama...what..." Kurama: "Nn.....Didn't I order you not to get scratched by other men?" Chapter 22

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hanawrites404 · 3 years

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One Dance

Game : The Arcana

Pairing : some slight hints of various pairings

Characters : Asra Alnazar, Nadia Satrinava, Julian Devorak, Portia Devorak, Muriel, Lucio Morgasson, Wynne Toprak, Lyra Slaquer, Sèbastien Slaquer, Raymond Slaquer (the Slaquers belong to @the-soupiest-artist) and Maura Hickey (who belongs to @puzzle-piece-angel)

Warnings : None

Timeline : Modern-Dance AU

This story is based of this song :

And this story is an introduction to the Vesuvia Dance Company and its members, so come along and let's see what does it have in store ✨✨

3rd person POV

"Tch. Boring......."

The wind whooshed against her as she tucks her flowing strands of hair behind her ear. She was leaning against the railings of her balcony, her hands resting on the cold metal as she examined her painted black nails.

To her, black was always the perfect colour. And she nearly never altered it to any other shade. It would be too tedious again.

The woman crossed her legs as she drank her Limoncello from the rim of her glass, the bubbles of the alcohol fizzed inside. Her throat bobbed with every sip and jingled the translucent crystal attached to her dark choker. The liquor quenched her dry throat, pricking it with its gas bubbles and bitter taste as she sighed the cold air.

The sparkling alcohol matched with her eyes as they stared upon the heads of the people walking past her apartment from the balcony. The cars driving away looked like playthings to her, and the trees swaying against the soft gust seemed like shrubs. Nothing was of interest to her outside as she continued to drink her beverage and blink away the yawn from her eyes.

She thought of going to bed again since she had nothing to do either inside or outside, but then a simple phone call from her friend changed all her plans.

"What is it Asra?" She answered, not a good afternoon, not even a hi. She wasn't in a mood for this.

"Heya Wynne! How are you doing first of all??" The person from the other side of the phone didn't seem unfazed by her disinterest because of his experienced friendship with the woman. She sighed and replied, admiring her nails again. "Nothing much, just passing my precious time as always" she chuckled at the last phrase. "What about you? What's the occasion for calling me?"

"Well, I missed you dearly-"

Wynne instinctively made an expression which spoke out 'Oh really?'

"And I have something to propose to you"

The girl blinked from curiosity and pulled away from the railings, walking inside her penthouse, still holding the glass of Limoncello and her phone near her ear as she told him to continue.

"So! You and I both know how much you love to dance right? You have also given performances at your workplace and you just love to lose yourself to the club music. You are a very awesome dancer, Wynne. And you don't mind showcasing your moves to everyone"

"Yeah, so what?" Wynne rubbed her temples, Asra was sure taking his sweet time and her forbearance.

"Well, I have sort of an offer for you. Why don't you meet me at the address I'm gonna text you and I'll spill everything when you arrive"

"Wait what?!" Wynne places her hand on her coffee table, her voice of disbelief and bafflement. "You got to be fucking kidding me Asra. Please tell me what is it and don't you dare cut off like this"

"Sorry Wynne, but I am busy. I promise I'll tell you everything there. Goodbye!"

"Asra! ASRA!!!" but she was too late.

"UGH, fucking bitch....." Wynne snarled as she clutched her phone tight in her palm. The device then vibrated in her hand and she rolled her eyes, opening her phone to find that Asra had sent her the destination in their chat. It was an address that was unfamiliar to Wynne, and thanks to the wonder which had already accumulated in her mind, she growled, and finally decided to reach the place.

Wynne swallowed the last sip of her drink and looked down at her clothes. Assuming that Asra was calling her to a public place, she decided to change from her casuals to a sleeved black crop top and matching palazzos and chunky heels. She combs her blue hair and applies her dark lipstick before grabbing the keys of her old red Cadillac, and she descended the stairs after locking her house.

"Asra, this better not be a prank or I will slap you to grave" she murmured grimly as she started the engine of her car and drove to the address. With a bit of traffic and breakers in between, it took her somewhat half an hour to reach an unknown college building. Now, why would Asra call her here? Was it perhaps for a college reunion? Then why was he talking about dancing? She had so many questions, and Asra owes all the answers to her after leaving her hanging on the phone like that.

"Winnie!! Over here!!" The woman turned her head to the call to find her best friend trotting while waving towards her. It didn't take her long to notice the tie-dyed rainbow shirt and glitter pants with sparkle sketchers, as Wynne just nodded and waited for Asra to finally stop by her car so she could give an earful to him for leaving her edged at the cliff. But calming her urge to denounce him, she patiently asked.

"Alright, I'm here. Now what? Why did you call me near a college?"

"A college?" Asra snorted and burst into a laugh. This made Wynne even more confused and annoyed as she snarled silently and eyed him, unamused. By phoning her at an unknown place when she was in a particularly bad mood only to laugh at her, she had set up her mind to drive away right in front of him and crush him with her car. But then, he luckily spoke on time before she could act her frivolous murder.

"Boo, this is not a college. It may look like one, but it's not. Trust me" Asra winked at her. Wynne, still being unamused, leaned her forehead against her fingers as she replied lethargically.

"Well, what is it then? Care to explain after calling me here without any proper explanation?" She already wanted to leave honestly. And can't she just sleep?

"Of course. If you would follow me, Milady" Asra being the gentleman offered his hand out to her though he was aware of Wynne's already increasing irritation. He stayed patient because he didn't want to reveal the surprise yet to her. The vexed girl grunted again and got off her car, placing her fair hand over his tanned one. Asra gently squeezed her hand in his with a warm smile on his face. That seemed to lower her irritation as she squeezed his hand back. Asra with a small blush spreading across his golden cheeks led her near to the campus, and Wynne followed him gradually.

Soon both of them were near the polished mahogany doors after passing the lobby inside. And before he could enter, Asra checked on his friend with another appreciative smile. Wynne raised her eyebrow. To her, Asra looked very gladder than usual. Though he was known to be a happy guy, he looked....... exceptionally optimistic today. Was today someone's birthday? Was today her birthday? She had no idea what the hell was going on and what the hell was wrong with Asra.

"What's the matter?" She asked. She sounded calm, but inside she was bubbling with novelty that what exactly he had in mind.

"This is not a college, Wynne" Asra repeated what he said before.

"Yeah, so what? Please don't pull another suspense now" the woman placed her hand on her lip. She loved the suspense, but too much of it makes her feel lazy.

Heh, as if she wasn't feeling lethargic already.

Asra chortled and patted her head, and he finally pushed open the huge doors to uncover something imperial, stupendous and incredible enough to leave Wynne's mouth gaping and her eyes caught mesmerized.

Inside the so-assumed as college, was a tremendous majestic dance theatre of what looked like belonging to a prosperous french period. It glittered with gold and red, as a satin rose sprinkled with dewdrops glimmering of sunshine. The walls were delicately painted with a royal maroon gloss and regal purple imprints of what left an impression of lavender flower. Even the hall gave off the scent of apricot and apple orchards. The hefty velvet curtains hemmed the rectangle stage elegantly, the spotlights modern, and the footing was simply immaculate.

"Asra......This is-"

"Alluring? Captivating? Hypnotising??? Is there any other English word I am missing??"

"Well, I would say that yeah. But...this place is like a fantasy!!" Wynne exclaimed as she idolised the beautifully festooned and pleasingly symmetrical ceiling. "I know right? Told you so. I'm glad you liked it. It's one of my favourite places to stay at" Asra joined her as she entered in, the click of her heels grating into the carpets of the theatre.

"Yeah......it's like this has come straight from the golden era of art. Like in one of my school history books! I...I never would have guessed that it would even more wonderful in real life. I thought it was more of a vision of romantic people which were just left as dreams" Wynne skimmed the sides as she examined the details closely, thinking internally about how much work must have gone into creating such a painting over such a vast canvas.

"Well, this theatre runs on donations and funds, but it's sure undeniable that this dance studio is glorious and alluring" Asra shrugged.

"Yes...it is........ Wait" Wynne stopped in mid-sentence and turned to him, her hand still on the wall. "Did you say, dance studio?". Before Asra could open his mouth to reply to her, another unfamiliar voice echoed from a corner. It sounded soothing, pleasant and graceful, but Wynne could not recognise who it was. However, the source was soon revealed as she walked towards both of them, and both of their eyes got fixated on her.

"Oh! A guest! Is she the person you were talking about, Asra?" The fair lady enquired, and Asra nodded in agreement. "Yup! She is the one. The 'blueberry syrup' " Asra winked at the unknown lady.

Wynne was now really questioning her existence....... blueberry syrup..........

Seriously?

"Oh! Now I see why you called her that" the soft ravenette chuckled, even her laugh chimed blissful which can send anyone to ease. Asra giggled and agreed to her, his dimple delicately forming on his cheek like a tiny crescent moon.

"Anyways, here she is. Wynne" Asra introduced the bluenette to the foreign lady, who smiled sweetly at her and Wynne waved for a greeting.

"And Wynne, this is Lyra" Asra finally disclosed the name of the gentle lady, who then stepped closer to Wynne and reached her hand out for her to shake, which the other lady gladly took after staring at her pale hand. And as she had guessed, her hand was soft like feathers.

"Lyra Slaquer, but you can call me Lyra. It's a delight to meet you, Wynne. I hope you enjoy your stay over here" she spoke with another cute smile. Wynne nodded and took her hand back, breaking a small grin herself. The name 'Slaquer' whistled a bit familiar to her, but she had never met Lyra before so it was kind of odd, but she pushed the thought and quickly replied to her.

"I too wish to enjoy my visit over here. This place is still kind of anonymous to me since Asra did technically blackmailed me to arrive here" the woman stared at the white curlyhead with narrowed eyes.

"What?!" Lyra gasped as her hand partially covered her mouth. "He did?! I'm so sorry for that, Wynne! He usually does not do that though" she grabbed her chin in her two fingers.

"Wait, I never blackmailed you" Asra's purple eyes widened in scepticism.

"You provoked me. You fed my curiosity and you left me fucking dumbfounded by your sudden hanger, you agitated me so much that the urge you aroused in me won. And whose fault do you think it is??" Wynne crossed her arms and stared at him, with her weight on one leg.

Asra's cheeks lit up with bright pink by the lady's question. It was not a surprise that Wynne caught his fib about being busy just to bring her here. He had known her ever since they were kids, and Winnie was the most attentive one out of the two. A smirk engraved on her dark lips as she tapped her foot on the floor, waiting for a comeback, though she was already aware that he doesn't have an answer. He was caught, he was very badly caught. And he sadly had nothing to objectify with.

Lyra meanwhile just looked from Asra to Wynne, then back to Asra. She was waiting for one of them to speak, but someone calling her name, presumably from backstage, snapped her out. "Coming!" The twirly ravenette replied, and she rushed to attend to her call. But soon after she stopped at her heels for a moment, and turned back to gently grab Wynne's hand and then finally walking with her.

"Come on Wynne! Let's make you meet everyone. I'm sure they will love you" Lyra notified her and she continued dragging her. The blue-eyed lady sounded so favourable and eager that Wynne couldn't muster the will to pull away and refuse her. She was better than deterring the warmth of a civil lady like her, and Wynne peeked back at Asra, who just waved at her, mugging 'have fun' to her.

'I will kill you.....' she gestured back at him with a scowl and flipped him off until Lyra and she completely disappeared behind the stage. And good thing she didn't notice Wynne being blatantly horrible and rude.

Not that Asra minded her cynicism anyway, he still loved her for how she was.

"Guys, listen up! We have a visitor here. She is Asra's dearest friend!" Lyra with a sunny smile as twinkling as the moon inaugurated her to everyone present backstage.

But little did Lyra know that Wynne already knew four motherfuckers present inside.

"What the heck? How are you all at one place?? And most importantly, what are you guys doing here???" Wynne pointed her finger from puzzlement at all of them and questioned the troop she knew very well through conventions and clashes she would never forget. Some of them which she found awful, and some of them surprisingly candy. She honestly never wanted to meet any of them at all, but profoundly in her heart, she was obliged that she was oriented with the six awesome and decent idiots.

"WYNNE?!!" A particular red-haired fellow, a ginger girl, a raven head man and a purplenette lady, together cried out the lady's name. The four were in a greater shock than she was in. Because neither Asra told them who the guest was, nor did they expect her to be the visitor out of any other persons they could have guessed. Now that's quite a shocker eh?

"Oh~ you know them???" Lyra bent towards her, her blue eyes shone with inquisition. "Yes...Yes, I do" Wynne sauntered towards them, this time, with a wooden floor, her heels gave off the clicking like of a ticking timepiece. Her hands were crossed, and she was tickled that how all the pals she was intimate to were existing in the area.

"Since when?" Lyra strolled with her. "Long story, Dear. It's all thanks to Asra, you can say. He is the cause why I know all of them. Like I met Nadia during one of his get-together parties, and then I met these two siblings- what was their name again? AH! Julian and Portia, at a grocery store when I and Asra wanted some stuff. And like that, I met his other best friend, the giant guy over there, Muriel"

Wynne brought up each one of them as she enunciated about them to Lyra. The ravenette listened to the bluenette with peak attention. She adored the manner and the refinement she held up while chatting to her. It was ethical, posh and highly lordly, just as a splendid black swan.

"And that's the story in a nutshell. Now tell me" Wynne kept her hands on her hips and glared at the four. "What's going on here?". "Wait, Asra didn't tell you what exactly is this place and what is our purpose here??" The physician asked her with mistrust.

"Well, no. He told me nothing. But he did say that this is a dance studio" Wynne tapped her chin, trying to recall what else he had asserted.

"Well yes, you are correct on that. This is a dance studio. Which includes the theatre along with the backstage, the rehearsal rooms, a canteen area with the lobby, a recreational cabin and the dorms. Our dancers live here and we provide them with a comfortable and hygienic place to stay along with necessary hospitality, and they all perform for the company" Nadia replied.

"Wait, the company? You guys are running a corporation together?" Wynne cocked her eyebrow again. This all was very new to her, and pretty intriguing too.

"You can say like that. This is Vesuvia Dance Company, and I'm proud to say that we all are like a close-knit family here. I run the company and also work as the organiser. Portia is the set painter. All the lavender imprints you saw on the screens were done by her" the umber woman referred to the chubby girl as she waved heartily at Wynne.

Judging by Portia's denim suspenders splattered with numerous sorts of pigments, she did look like a very hard worker. Just like how Wynne always knew her to be.

"And that gentleman over there, Muriel, he does the building work. So the stage and every scenery of the bureau is retained by him. During performances, he also makes sure the lights and every other piece of equipment are operating appropriately. Portia occasionally teams up with him for the arrangement of struts and special effects. Without him, the true magnificence of the dance would never have reached the audience" Nadi commended.

Muriel's cheeks blossomed pale red as his jade eyes shyly lowered down. Portia had the opposite reaction though. She just grinned and locked arms with the giant man catching him off guard and turning him more rattled than ever.

"I-It's not that much of a big deal" he mumbled abjectly. Wynne chuckled at the scene and muttered 'cute' before facing Nadia so she could introduce the medic next.

"And you must know Dr Devorak. Just as his profession speaks, he takes care of the condition of every member of the company and assures the safety of everyone from likely injuries or illnesses. He also schedules a diet plan if required, and he is also quite sincere in his work, and the members easily recover, all thanks to him"

"And....did any previous member die even though he was around?" Wynne heckled, and Julian fell right into her mockery as his face burnt deep red, the vivid colour spreading across his porcelain skin. He was positively ashamed, and Wynne snagged him so badly he was staggering. But luckily, Nadia seconded him up as she soughed.

"No Wynne. No one has died. The doctor is a qualified physician, and every one of us relies on his skills of treatment. He is also very humble, so there is nothing for us to be concerned about in terms of health" She retorted. "Alright. I believe you" Wynne shrugged with a sly smile, although the flush on Julian's cheeks didn't vanish. Wynne was like a harpy when it comes to disparaging someone, which sometimes makes Julian fear her. Other than that, Julian did like her, she can be cute sometimes and he has seen it. But just like every ambivert, all she requires is the right time to express it.

"And moving on, Asra is our principal dancer, so he is the one who comes with most of the choreography, but he also ensures to give opportunities to the other dancers to suggest any addition. With his and everyone's aptitude, the event comes out to be beautiful" Nadia affirmed with a low smile on her swift lips.

"I see....." Wynne held her chin in her fingers and nodded.

"And the thespians along with Asra are, Lyra, Maura, and-"

"Hello guys! What's up?"

"Woah Woah Woah!! Take it easy! We didn't go anywhere" Julian stumbled back onto a table as he attempted to brace away from the not-so sudden jumpscare of the stranger who appeared to have popped out in between out of nowhere. Well, a stranger to Wynne, to be precise.

"Haha, sorry Ilya. I was just excited to meet the new guest, and I didn't wanna miss them!" The outsider gleefully met the sights of the new lady with his azure ones, a purple glisten romped within his iris, just like how the gold flapped inside the matron's lustrous eyes. Other than his apertures, she noticed how he looked a bit similar to Lyra, contemplating the same type of hair and complexion of the skin. She then looked down at his clothes. The uproar he was wearing captured her eye, reasonably. Wynne was stringent, and a fashionista filled with critique, but what the man was having over him wasn't so terrible to her at all. She could see the striped black-white sweater, baby pink pants,

And were those turquoise crocs he was wearing???????

"Interesting...." Was all that Wynne could say.

"This is Raymond. He is our pianist, and he with his band performs along with the dancers. And he also conducts the music" Nadia enlisted. "Oh, so he is the soul of the performance huh. Pretty....... eccentric" Wynne eyed Raymond who glanced innocently back at her. She rasped and dabbed Raymond's shoulder as she reacted. "But sure. He is cute".

"Oh! If I'm cute then you are the loveliest girl in the whole world, and the ebony fabric on your fair body is like shadows surrounding the glowing moon" Raymond's eyes sparkled with esteem and cherish towards her, like a child recognizing their favourite superhero. That wasn't a good sign for Wynne at all. Especially deeming that it has only been minutes since he and she got introduced to each other. But, inferring that he was the type of guy to give random sweet compliments to anyone, she coolly answered.

"W-Why thank you Dear. You are.....pretty yourself. I like your hair".

"Thank you, Ms Wynne. You are too nice" he blushed with a wide beam. "Yeaaaaahhhhh" Wynne internally winced but tried not to show it to not come off as rude and anguish the cute boy.

"Alright! I think that's everyone in the area. There are three more people who are left to be introduced, but other than that, I hope everything is to your liking, Wynne. Asra brought you here so you could think about joining the company" Nadia rolled a strand of her long hair around her finger.

"Wait, join you all???" Wynne asked.

"Oh my gosh, you are gonna join us??? PLEASE DO!! I would love you for that!" Raymond practically jumped on his feet with enthusiasm.

"W-Wait, but why??? Why do I have to??" Wynne struggled to justify.

"Well, why not. We all have seen you perform before, Wynne. And you would make an exceptional dancer! Also, it's very fun hanging around with everyone and dancing too, don't you think?" Portia added.

"Yeah Wynne, Pasha is right. We know you don't like being around people so much, but we would give you space when you need it. We may stick close, but we will make sure to not bother you much" Ilya gently smiled at her. She did frighten him sometimes, but Julian would be happy to have a bit of her insolence and sarcasm hovering around. Everyone would love to have that.

"I agree with Julian. You are a wonderful lady, Wynne. It would be our absolute pleasure to have a talented entertainer as you dance with us. I promise I won't talk much if that annoys you. But I want to get to know you better, Wynne. I bet you would be very fun!" Lyra playfully whacked her shoulder, only to receive a deathly grimace from the bluenette's wolf-like eyes.

"O...Oh...." Lyra cautiously procured her hand and backed a bit away from her. She wasn't dreading of her if anything. She just got more.....intimidated. She had never met a woman with such grimness flooding out of her, yet be so nimble as a twilight waft along with the gloom she hauls. Lyra felt like a little butterfly just witnessing a vicious spider open her gapes and watch it flash with yearning and malevolence, but close enough, she could see the dignity and that dwelled deep in those gazes.

And those golden orbs had apprehended her just like a tempting spider's quagmire.

Wynne was never known to miss her target anyway.

"S-Sorry....." Lyra's diamond orifices veered under and a weak rosiness escorting her cheeks.

Wynne just shut her eyes, sighed softly, and immediately gawked at Muriel who was typically tight-lipped the whole time. But she decided to inquire him too because his opinion also mattered after all. "What do you think, Big Guy? Would you be happy to have me over?" She straightforwardly asked. The huge man was taken aback for a bit, he had believed that Wynne won't bring any mind to him, and obviously, she proved him wrong. And now he had to respond to her because everyone else had their eyes on him too.

"I......." He started.

"Mhm?" Wynne waited.

"....................."

"I won't mind" that's all he said.

Everyone in the room breathed a sigh of solace and rejoiced while Muriel just reddened and pouted. He wondered what made the people so relieved when all he did was say 'yes' for the new girl to stay. But what it truly meant was that they were ahead in favour by one more vote.

Wynne snorted. "Yeah yeah, celebrate all you want, but still. I haven't agreed to this yet. So technically there is still be left to decide. Now don't get too much excited already" she stated.

"You are certainly right on that. But we are willing to wait for your final decision, Wynne. Whether positive or not" Nadia told her, and the others agreed to her, nodding and muttering to each other. "Good. I don't like rushing things. I'm glad that you understand" Wynne's lips curved into a slight smile, and everyone else in the room returned a grin. "Of course. We want you to be comfortable after all. You are our friend" Julian added. "And we promise to support ya!" Portia said. "You can speak to us if you ever have any trouble, Wynne" Lyra peered at her. "And we promise to not irritate you at all!" Raymond assured her with a bright grin on his lips.

"We......We would take care of you too....." Muriel softly smiled.

Wynne softly chuckled, shaking her head delightfully and placing her hands on Raymond and Lyra's shoulders. She gleamed at both of them, and she thanked all of them for the patience and hospitality they all gave to a newbie like her. She truly felt honoured and warmly greeted by all of them, and she felt much pleasanter than she was feeling appearing for the first time. Nadia was pleased to see how everyone welcomed Wynne. She was looking forward to the guest making herself comfortable among the partners and come to be a valued part of the small artsy gang and relish the beauty of dance and music together with everyone.

And am I missing someone important to introduce?

"So! What did I miss, lovely ladies and gentlemen?" Some other unidentified person barged in like a typical theatrical garish zealot. Just as assumed by his way of the fashionably late entry, his clothes were incredibly contemporary and vogue and his shirt were half-buttoned to expose his semi-hairy chest. The unknown man rested his elbow at the frame as his piercing emerald eyes stridden around on everyone's faces until it spotted its victim. A certain gal in black.

"Ah! Gotcha" the stranger grinned and grazed his teeth over his lower lip. He pushed himself back on his feet and walked towards his prey. His hand brushed through his curly dark locks, the hooves of his shoes made a satisfying click with every step he got closer to Wynne. He wasn't focused on anyone else other than her, his eyes glimmered under the daylight, like lush green leaves after monsoon showers.

Wynne perked up her eyebrow up. Who is this guy now, she pondered. She glanced at his shirt for a moment and noticed patterns of peacock feathers with splats of prominent blue and white matching the print. Very remarkable, she thought. But also somehow very familiar too. The design on his cloth was something she had seen somewhere before, but she couldn't recollect when exactly.

Nevertheless, the unfamiliar man wearing the familiar clothing gently took hold of her hand and locked his emeralds with her gold.

"And you might be......" She started.

"Sèbastien Slaquer at your service, mademoiselle" he fervently kissed her knuckles, nurturing the sweetness of her skin on his lips.

"Ah...Slaquer......french....Wait a minute" Wynne interrupted.

"Yeah, what's the matter? Remembered something important?" He tilted his head and looked at her, his eyes taking in the charm of her marvellous face and dusk merging with her rosy skin.

"Slaquer.....no wonder why it was sounding so weird to me.......I think I have heard this name before.....in a brand name" Wynne held her chin.

"Oh, you have? I don't know. My brand sure is well-known--"

"Wait, did you say, your brand???" Wynne gripped him. "Yes of course" he shrugged. "Hmmm.....that explains your shirt..... the peacock designs..... peacock designs???"

Wynne suddenly gasped. "You are french, aren't you?!"

"Oh, are you giving me a racist remark now?" Sèbastien knocked and chuckled at his joke. "But yes, you are right. I'm french. And so is my little brother and my cousin behind you" he gestured to both Raymond and Lyra who were currently casually conversing with each other. "Ohh those are your siblings? Alright," Wynne nodded. She wasn't surprised because the three of them did kind of resemble each other. The opaque curly hair, ivory skin, thrilling eyes.

And speaking of Raymond and Lyra, Wynne noticed how personal they were. Both were standing near one another, and Raymond never halted eye contact with Lyra, and Lyra also had her entire attention on him. They didn't seem to mind anything happening around them. They just talked, but every word they said to each other pertained only to them. They were just cousins, but Wynne was mildly amazed how they behaved like mutual siblings who loved each other to the brim.

It thawed her heart, but also made it ache as soon as she realised she doesn't have such a person whom she can call a sibling. Her mother was never there to give her a sibling.

Wynne was always alone at such times.

"Anyways, what do you call a peacock in French by the way? Maybe that would remind me" Wynne turned to the tall man. It disturbed her how he towered over her. She was fundamentally disturbed by how ALL of them towered over her.

Heh, looks like someone has taken Portia's place of being the smallest.

"Oh, Paon" he answered within a second.

"AHH! I got it! That's your fashion brand, ain't it so?" She banged her fist on her palm as soon as she ultimately understood the name she was trying to remember all the time. "Well yes, you are correct again. Wait, you mean you know my work??" He gazed at her. "Mhm. I have seen it. Peacock layouts are your trademark, along with the colours, royal blue and brine green. Your type is modern, but also have a slight tinge of French flavour, dating back to the eighteenth or nineteenth-century or so. I have even seen the blogs that talk about you, very impressive I must say" she complimented him.

"O-Oh...Why thank you for your tributes, mademoiselle. You are pretty vigilant and almost figured out my whole style. Not many people can, you know" he laughed. "Of course, no problem Mr Slaquer" Wynne giggled. She found Sèbastien relatively interesting already, even after knowing him only for instants. Not only she liked his judgment of fashion, but also how he and she shared the same passion for design.

"Oh please, call me Sèbastien. It's my upmost pleasure to meet you, Miss......."

"Wynne. Wynne Toprak" she said.

"Toprak?? You mean, Priddell Toprak??" Sèbastien asked her. "Yup. I don't use my middle name too often, actually" she mentioned. "Ohhh I am have heard about you a lot, Ms Toprak. I have witnessed your works too, but I just wasn't lucky enough to see your beautiful face until now. Lucifer's Wings, that's yours right?" He questioned.

Wynne's cheeks turned a slight pink. She always thought that she can improve her style more and more, so she never found her methods perfect. And someone just breaking it to her that they admired her works and call her beautiful on top of that turns her shy and flustered.

"I-I...Thank you. And yes, that's my brand. I started it when I was like, 15 years old or so" she replied. "Woah, now that's a young talent I see. Very terrific, Ms Toprak. And I love how you make black match every other colour of your clothing. Your mode is very diverse and comfortable for anyone. Now that's how I want fashion to be. It should be dispersible to everyone, without any discrimination. And also with being unique, but also not too bizarre, if you know what I mean" Sèbastien's eyes shot to Raymond for a second.

Wynne bobbed her head. "I agree with you. Clothes which are different but also not too much of it. We don't want to walk around looking like piñatas now, do we?" She shrugged. Sèbastien broke into a fit of laughs and he shook his head. His laugh sounded like harmony to her, she chuckling with him too.

"Also, I am guessing you work with Nadia in designing the dresses for the dancers?" she continued. "Yup. Right. I have a contract with her for that. And Raymond has one too for his band to perform in the theatre" Sèbastien rubbed his neck. "Ahh...I see......Well, my friend had invited me here to take a look, and decide whether I should join the company with all of you or not" she noted.

"Oh! So you are going to design with me too?? Like a collaboration??" He sounded pretty energetic about it. "Well, maybe. But I also am a dancer. So let's see what happens" Wynne shrugged again.

"Woah...what a gifted lady. I'll be looking forward to work with you, mademoiselle" he softly kissed her hand again. "Oh it's nothing much. Trust me, Dear. But sure, I'm anticipating too" she sadly smiled at him. She still wasn't sure if she should join or not. But seeing so many likeable people who welcomed her so sweetly, made it hard for her to refuse. But also, what worse can happen if she joins? She loved dancing, and maybe along with fashion, she can make her career in another field too.

But still, she needed a bit more time. Though her mind was already telling her to agree to the contract and sign in. But she still needed to wait. Not just yet, please.

"Ohh!! What a lovely lady in the house!" Wynne heard another adorable voice from the entrance. She glanced at the new blonde woman, her long hair as golden as daffodils and her eyes as green as polished malachite. She also noticed the dress she was wearing. A long red skirt and a white buttoned top. It was simple but pretty, along the black ghillies with distinguishing neat white socks.

"Oh hello there. Nice to meet you" Wynne turned her attention to the blonde dame, whose cheeks lightened to blush as she bashfully smiled at Wynne.

"Nice to meet you too! I'm Maura. You must be Wynne, right? Asra told me about you" she replied. "Yeah, that's me. In flesh" she snorted.

"Ah, Wynne. Maura is the one who planted all the flowers and plants in the garden. And she always knows what type of flower would suit anyone. Also, not only she is the gardener, but she is also a prudent performer of Irish stepdance. It looks very difficult to me, to be honest. But Maura always does it so effortlessly" Sèbastien added on. Maura blushed harder and timidly thanked the man for the compliment, who just patted her head with a playful wink in return.

"Oh! Now that's very sweet of you. I absolutely loved the sunflowers in the garden by the way. They are my favourite. Every other flower in the garden were beautiful too" Wynne smiled at her. "Of course! I'm glad you liked them. I love sunflowers too. They sure a happy radiant flowers, don't you think?" She glinted at Wynne. "Definitely. I love them because they remind me of my mother, that's why" Wynne sadly smiled, the fond portraits of her precious mother as her hair and eyes lustrous as the cloudless floral elegance of nature flooding into her psyche. She dearly missed her, too bad she was no more.

"Oh! That's wonderful! I'll make sure to make a bouquet of sunflowers for you once they fully blossom. You can even gift them to your mom. And tell her I said hi" Maura twinkled. Wynne was seized aback by her abrupt tenderness. People were being too much nice to her today that it seemed so alien to her. But appreciating her generosity, Wynne warmly smiled.

"Thank you, Maura. She would like it" she still couldn't believe that such kind people still exist.

"My pleasure, Wynne. This is the least I can do" she smiled back.

"Also, Irish dance, now that's very interesting. You gotta show me some moves and teach me one day" the bluenette placed her hand on her hip. "Ohh for sure! I would love to. What dance do you do? Or do you specialise in some other thing than dancing" Maura leaned her head.

"Ah! I'm usually into hip hop and ballet. I learnt a bit about belly dancing too, it's also called Raqs Sharqi in Arabic. And other than dancing, I also run my fashion brand, and that's my real profession. It's called 'Lucifer's Wings'. I still remember how I took days to come for a decent name" she facepalmed and chucked at her forenamed naivety.

"That's a very nice name! You gotta show me your works someday then. I bet they will be very very beautiful and elegant, just like you!". "O-Oh....thank you for the.....compliment, Dear. And of course, I'll show you my latest designs, if that will satisfy you" Wynne brushed back her bangs. "I am sincerely honoured, Wynne" Maura grinned at her, her hands behind her back and her cheeks pink.

"No pressure. Your welcome" she raised her shoulders. Alright, she had to admit. She had started to like Maura too. Who wouldn't? And it was funny how she presently was liking the Slaquers and Maura more than the six she already was aware of. Maybe it's the benefit of the joy of meeting new people. Maybe........

"Also, I have a small question, would you mind me asking?" Wynne blinked. "Not at all, sweetie. Ask away" the blonde replied.

"Asra said this place runs through funds" Wynne blinked again.

"But who exactly is funding you all?"

Maura wasn't the one to answer her question. And neither was Sèbastien. Or Raymond. Or Lyra. Or any of the five.

It was the one out of the six who was known to be snooty, and robust, and blond.

And a passionate pup person too.

In came the notorious devil with two of his faithful albino pair of hounds growling at everyone in the room. His garnet coat with gold trimmings and the spotless Tom Ford Customs, obviously costing so much it would make our pockets spontaneously explode, were dry cleaned and smoothed very strictly, and his hair was huddled back with shower gel, replacing the pleasant smell of vanilla in the air with a tincture of mint.

"How are you all losers? You missed me?" The man removed his Gucci glasses and straightened his silky black gloves on his hands as he looked down at everyone.

"Tch, not him again" Wynne heard Sèbastien scoff and cross his arms. He looked irritated, and so did Maura, but she didn't have any frown on her face like him. She just looked..... unsettled. Meanwhile, others in the room were feeling as uncomfortable as both of them too. Muriel was looking away, Portia began to mind her business, Julian hid behind his papers, Lyra and Raymond tried to ignore the man and Nadia just sighed tiredly and rubbed her temples to give some comfort from the headache she just got. Possibly because of the new blond who entered.

"Hello Lucio" Nadia was the one who bothered to greet him, and she didn't look like she had a choice.

"Hello, Noddy! So how are my wife and her useless crew doing?" He cocked.

"Ex-wife, for your information. And they all are doing better than you, anyway" she scowled.

"Ah, still defending them huh? You do know this won't stop me" he smirked and kept his hand on his hip. Nadia closed her eyes, breathing calmly. "I don't care if you stop or not, but you are wrong. You always will be. My crew will always be committed and hard-working. And they all mean a lot to me no matter what bad you say about them"

Nadia's words effectively dissolved the tension in the room. Wynne just kept up at her place, listening to everything. She wasn't stunned to find him here. If her five friends would be here, then so would he.

The surprising fact was that she preferred the blondie over everyone else due to their previous relations and memories. It may sound unbelievable, but Wynne knew Lucio more than anyone, and it probably was the same with Lucio too, that he knew Wynne more than he knew anyone else. She was just a kid she met the guy when he was younger than today. And it has been two decades since, yet they kept in touch and their love never deteriorated.

Maybe.....maybe Wynne did have someone to call a sibling.

"So good to see you here, Lulu" she sounded pleasantly happy. That adds to another reason for joining the company.

"Wait- WYNNE?!!" The man was startled, finding his close friend at a place he least expected to. His lips widened to a grin and he forgot about everything, only to dash to the lady and tackle her in the biggest hug he can ever lend. Wynne laughed, and simply held his back, embracing his nostalgic warmth and scent close to herself, remembering every time they spent together merrily.

Sèbastien was dumbfounded, his mouth agape. Maura too was a bit astonished, that a sophisticated lady like her would be friends with such a flamboyant and hyperactive person. Well, she didn't judge it. Opposites do attract, you know. Maybe that was the case here. Maybe......

"What...What are you doing here??? I didn't know you were coming for a visit. Noddy never tells me anything" Lucio implored, fretting at the last sentence. "Well, it was more like a surprise visit. Nadia didn't know, so don't blame her" she replied. "Arrgh, fine. If you are saying it, then I'll gladly listen" he winked at her."Good" she cracked a tiny smile, snickering in the middle, and he joined her with the laughs.

"Now now, do you work here too??" She asked as she stopped.

"Work?! No!! I don't work with these idiots. THEY, work for me" his chest surged like a roasted turkey's bust.

"Oh yeah???" She raised her eyebrow, her eyes darting to Sèbastien. He shook his head, denying Lucio's statement. He then crossed his arms, and behind Lucio's back started mocking him by making his hand talk like Lucio and mouthed the gibberish with his eyes rolled up.

Wynne almost got caught by wheezing and cackling like a witch. Luckily her convenient hand covered it up.

"--And that's how I brought them all here. I am their saviour, Wynne. I raised them from the streets and gave them homes and look how they repay me. Not even a decent formal greeting!!" He bragged. Wynne already knew that the 'saving' part was not true no matter how fondly she thought of him, but she still played along to not dishearten her best friend.

"I understand, Monty. They are pretty tired too, you know. You can excuse them for that" she augmented, perfectly roleplaying.

"Excuuuuuse me?!! I work for hours at the meeting of the cooperations and look at me!! Not even a sweat on my brow. Oh, come on!! Are you all that lazy??? You are such losers for god's sake UGHH" Lucio hysterically placed his hand on his hip and cited them all. None of them were diverted, just as predicted. But Lucio was just pouting as always, and Wynne was feeling hotter and also sheepish. Were the two things even proportional?? She imagined so.

"U-Uhhh" she slowly walked to him and carefully placed her hand on his shoulder. She clasped her fingers around his joint and sighed peacefully.

"Hey...Lulu. I know you are worried about them and thinking that they are not....... trying harder, but they all deserve a break, you know. They all are like you after all. You all are humans, you need rest. You need fresh air"

She stopped and breathed a bit.

"And you know what you and your mates want??" She asked him, with a small beam of mischief on her lips.

"Huh??? What do I need??" He raised her eyebrow at her. She then grinned and booped his nose.

"You need ice cream, Silly! Ice cream! Who doesn't want a sweet cold treat on such a hot day hmm?? Come on all!! Let's have ice cream outside! I'm sure Asra can cover us up on that, free of charge" the bluenette invited everyone over, melting the potent tension just like ice cream under the giant ball of burning gas, leaving sweetness and chill dripping all over.

Everyone agreed to Wynne and relaxed from Lucio's outburst. They were finally keen to take a break they deserve and make their way through the other side at the exit. Lucio and his pets already ran to where they would most probably find the ice cream guy of the house, while everyone else silently thanked the blue lady for preventing Lucio to turn things worse. Some shook her hand, some gave her a quick hug and a bright smile, while some gave her thankful glances. She welcomed all of them with a simple nod, happy to help of course.

"You did great, Wynne. Thanks for shutting that asshole up" Sèbastien patted her head before moving out, shoving his hands in his pockets and whistling away a loud ballad. Maura followed Sèbastien, but she stopped to gently shake Wynne's hand and give her one of her confectionary smiles, also thanking her for saving her from the virago.

"It was nice to meet you again, see you soon" and she went away, her skirt fluttering with the inside wind, as the bluenette saw her walking.

"Hey...that was considerate of you, stopping Lucio from flaring on all of us. I never liked him screaming at anyone, but thanks to you, now I can finally breathe fresh air" Lyra humoured and Wynne chuckled with her. "No problem, Lyra. Lucio and I have been together since my childhood. He had been like this since his college days. So it's not shocking that he is still like this. I honestly love it" she laughed.

"That's great, even for him. I'm happy that you have someone close to you" she gladly smiled. "Yeah, I am happy too. You also have awesome siblings, take care of them just like they take care of you, okay?" Wynne leaned on her weight. "Ah! Of course! Ray Ray is my closest confidant. We are just cousins, but I treat him as my brother. Sebby is also very sweet to me, but he is one thirsty man for gossip and he often turns......scandalous" Lyra whispered the last thing to her.

"But I'm really glad they are here for me, and I'll be there for them too! I'll protect them at all costs!!" Lyra puffed her cheeks with resolution and adherence. Her adorable reaction made the goth lady guffaw from amuse. She held her stomach, one of her hands fanning her face and gashes of laughter accumulated at the nook of her eyes.

Watching her laugh was like watching a thunderous hurricane reflecting a widespread rainbow, or like a broken glass casting an bewitching silhouette.

"You are such a sweetheart. Keep it up like that" Wynne patted her shoulder out of appreciation. Lyra shied a little, she found the other lady's laugh so mellifluous as a psalm's ensemble. She creased a ringlet behind her ear and ogled fondly at the shorter woman.

"I am trying my best, Wynne" she timidly replied to her. "I know, Dear. I know" she closed her eyes and exhaled. She unfolded them again, only to glimpse back into her sapphire watches. Lyra was so captivated by her that her heart skipped a beat when she observed the golden blaze and crystal frost inside her. It was enthralling.

"Also, may I ask for a favour?" Wynne gently held Lyra's chin and poked it up her lips. She didn't even realise that her mouth was open in awe that she blinked rapidly, and stammered a bit, her face flickering to an apple glow. Soon she regained her composure and answered back to her, not making her wait for long.

"Yeah?? What's the matter?"

Wynne stayed silent for a bit.

"......................."

".............................."

".................."

"......................................................"

"Can you show me the contract papers? I gotta sign up"

The clock strikes at 11, and so does the cap of Wynne's pen. Finally, she wrote her name on the paper and learned to become one of their family. She was having fun and was impatient for her first performance.

Well.....maybe Asra did the right thing annoying her huh. Bless him for that, and everyone else of the Vesuvian Dance Company.

Now let the extravaganza begin!

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terror-teru-bozu · 5 years

Text

So I found a fan translation someone did of one of the Persona 4 (Vanilla game!) CD drama’s, it’s quite long...but I just want to post the parts that have Dojima and Adachi in them because...well, because it’s those two!

The translation/localisation was done by aatash on Livejournal. So, more under the cut!

:: For the context of this particular excerpt, Dojima has returned home from work early, Adachi was tagging along. The investigation team have been working on their homework::

Dojima: I'm home! Adachi: Sorry for the intrusion! Nanako: Dad! Chie: Two excellent role models... Nanako: Welcome home! You're back early! Dojima: Yeah, I came back straight from the crime scene today. Souji: Welcome home. Dojima: Whoa, lots of people I see. All: Sorry for the intrusion! Nanako: Big Bro and the others are studying! Dojima: Really? That's pretty passionate. Naoto: We're not making much progress, I'm afraid. Rise: Maybe you could teach us, Dojima-san! Dojima: What? Me? Adachi: Haha, you can't ask Dojima-san! He's never even taken the exam for a promotion before! Dojima: Adachi... I'm more interested in a hands-on investigation. Adachi: Sure, that's what you always say. Rise: What about you, Adachi-san? Adachi: I may not look like it, but I'm quite an elite. Yosuke: Elite? Teddie: That's a wind instrument. Yukiko: That would make him a trombone. Chie: I think you mean a flute! Adachi: Let's see... Whoa! This is terrible! Single digits as far as the eye can see! Kanji: That last part was unnecessary. Adachi: Man, this brings back memories. What stuff are you learning in high school again? Mercury, Venus, Earth, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto? Naoto: Adachi-san, Pluto is no longer considered a planet. Adachi: What?! Dojima: Looks like you just embarrassed yourself, Mr. Elite. Adachi: W-Well...! What about the Taika Reforms in the year 640? Chie: The Taika Reforms? Adachi: Heh, that's not good, guys! You should work on your Japanese history. Naoto: Are you talking about the Isshi Incident? Adachi: Huh? Chie: Oh, I've heard of that one! Fujiwara no Kamatari's involved, right? Naoto: Prince Naka no Oe and Nakatomi no Kamatari. Later known as Emperor Tenji and Fujiwara no Kamatari, they assassinated Soga no Iruka in the Isshi Incident. The Taika Reforms occurred thereafter due to an imperial decree proclaimed by Prince Taishi-- Yukiko: I thought you were a science person, Naoto, but you're well-versed in history too. Naoto: As a detective should be. Yukiko: Really? Chie: Just how super are detectives exactly? Adachi: 1192 is the year the Kamakura shogunate was formed! ... that hasn't changed, right?

Kanji: There's no point in learning history if it changes.

Adachi: H-History has nothing to do with investigations anyway! That's just for the college entrance exams!

Yosuke: What subjects apply in investigations, then?

Dojima: First of all, you need to be good at Japanese literature. Adachi, you made a mistake with the victim's name the other time.

Adachi: Do-Dojima-san! You don't have to say that here! L-Look! Once you use a computer too often, you tend to forget your kanji...

Dojima: Then why did you make that mistake on the computer? Geography's important too, but this guy can't read a map for nuts. He got lost with the patrol car for 30 minutes once.

Adachi: The streets of Inaba are really narrow! They don't even show on the map!

Souji: Aah. I got lost when I first came here, too. There are quite a few places to visit, like the riverside and the shopping arcade...

Adachi: It's complicated, isn't it? When I first got here, I lost my way even when I asked for directions. It was terrible!

Chie: That's an elite?

Yosuke: Makes you wonder what we're studying for. Teddie: Ohhh! I know what you're talking about! I saw it on TV! Because the economy is going into a recession, businesses are trying to stay afloat by laying off their employees!

Yosuke: So close and yet so far!

Dojima: Anyone hungry?

Souji: We've had dinner. Kanji made croquettes for us. I'm sorry, we weren't sure when you would return, so there aren't any left...

Dojima: No worries. We'll eat outside. Let's go, Nanako.

Nanako: I want a hamburger!

Dojima: Sure.

Adachi: Since we're going out, why don't we go for a Korean barbecue?

Dojima: Why don't you go home?

Adachi: Oh c'mon, you said you'd order take-out for us!

Dojima: They can't study if we're around!

Souji: That's not true.

Adachi: That's why you owe me a treat!

Dojima: What do you mean, "that's why"? Geez. Come on, let's go. Don't let the girls stay too late, you hear!

Guys: Yes, Sir. Adachi: Okay, thanks for having me over!

:: Later on in the CD drama, there’s a sports festival going on at the school::

Nanako: Big Bro! Souji: Nanako! What's wrong? Shouldn't you be with Teddie? Dojima: Yo. Work ended earlier than I expected. It's not your turn yet, right? Souji: Dojima-san! Adachi: Hi~ Naoto: Adachi-san? Adachi: He made me give him a ride in the patrol car. You're a slave-driver, Dojima-san! Dojima: Shut up! Go home already. Adachi: Since I'm here, I might as well watch you run before I leave. Nanako: You're running, dad? Dojima: There can't be any competitions for me to run in... Naoto: Ah! I believe there is still a competition for family members...

Announcer: We will now accept family members for the three-legged race. If you wish to apply, please proceed to the admin committee's tent. Souji: Dojima-san. Nanako: Is Big Bro and dad gonna take part? Souji: You are, Nanako. Nanako: Me? Dojima: Let's run together, Nanako. Nanako: But I'm really slow. We won't win first place. Dojima: We don't need to win first place. Nanako: But dad, you've always gotten first place. Dojima: I just want to run with you. Don't you want to run with me? Nanako: Nuh uh. I want to run with you, dad! Naoto: I will take care of the application, then. Yukiko: Ah! Naoto-kun, you shouldn't move. Souji: I'll do it! Dojima: Wow, he's fast. Adachi: Dojima-san, don't get too enthusiastic! You might fall! Dojima: Who do you think I am? Adachi: Well there's no point in getting first place, right? Dojima: Yeah there is. Adachi: There's a prize? Yukiko: Ah... um... if you win first place, you'll get vouchers to stay at Amagi Inn... Adachi: Really? That works then. Dojima: That's not the point, idiot. Souji: I've entered you just in time for the race. Dojima: Okay. We'll be right back. Hold my jacket for me. Souji: Sure. Dojima: Let's go, Nanako. Nanako: 'Kay! Adachi: Dojima-san definitely knew about this race. Souji: What? Adachi: He forced himself to finish all his reports so we could get here in time. Souji: I see. Adachi: Man... guess I provided some assistance to your family! Hehehe... Souji: Thank you very much. Adachi: It's nothing. I didn't do it for you, anyway... Track 9 Dojima: There we go. Is the string around your legs too tight? Nanako: Nope, it's okay. Dojima: Let's practice a little. Nanako: Okay. Dojima: On the count of two, we move our legs. We should decide which leg. How about the left? Ready, set... one, two--! Nanako: Dad... when I move my right leg, you have to move your left leg. Dojima: Ahhhh, I see. Sorry, sorry. Announcer: Participants of the second race, please gather at the starting point. Dojima: All right! Let's go. Nanako: Okay! Announcer: On your mark, set... Dojima & Nanako: One, two, one, two (x repeat) Chie: Nanako-chan! Dojima-san! You can do it! Rise: Hey, they're doing pretty well! Yukiko: Yes! They've bypassed one pair, so they're in second place! Naoto: Perhaps... it is altogether possible... Girls: Ah! Yosuke: They fell! Chie: It's okay, Nanako-chan! Naoto: It is all right. Dojima-san is providing a nice follow-up. They have dropped a few places, but... Souji: Nanako... Rise: Nanako-chan! Just a little more! Announcer: Participants of the third race, please gather at the starting point. Nanako: Fourth place... Dojima: We fell, huh. Did it hurt? Nanako: I'm okay. Dojima: Then let's go back to the rest. Nanako: I'm sorry, dad. Dojima: You don't need to apologize. Nanako: But we didn't get first place. Dojima: Did you want first place? Nanako: I wanted to get that with you. Dojima: So you didn't like running with me because we didn't win first prize? Nanako: No... Dojima: Then it's all right. Fourth place is very good, you know. Nanako: ... yeah! Dojima: C'mon, let's go back. Nanako: Okay! Souji: Welcome back. You did your best, Nanako. Nanako: Uh huh! We fell, but I tried my hardest! Souji: Yes. You did well. Nanako: Look what I got! It's a consolation prize! Jumbo pencils! We got four of them, so I'm splitting them in half with dad. We have matching pencils! Dojima: Hehe... they're a little long for a police organizer, but they're not bad. Adachi: What!? You got mad at me when I stuck stickers on my organizer! Dojima: This is different!

:: Eventually the baton race that Souji entered starts and determined not to undermine everyone else’s efforts, he throws himself into that race with full zeal!::

Announcer: And now, Class 2-2 has passed their baton! Yosuke: Ohh! He's in the last place, but he's starting off at full power! Awesome! As expected of my partner! Yukiko: You can do it! Chie: Go for gold! Nanako: Big Bro! Yukiko: You can do it! Adachi: Whoa... sweat flying everywhere. What's he getting so worked up for? Dojima: It doesn't matter. Sometimes you choose to do things without reason. Adachi: It's dumb, I tell you! Dojima: You can't call yourself an adult if you don't get passionate about something. Adachi: Right... anyway, I'm heading home. I've already seen your brave attempt. Dojima: You're leaving now? He's gonna win, you know. Adachi: Heh, you're such a doting guardian... Catch you later. :: And as an extra, here’s the actors sign-off at the end of the CD drama, I just found this rather sweet! ::

Daisuke: Thanks for the hard work, everyone. I'm Namikawa Daisuke and I play the main character. Once again, thank you for buying this CD. Um... well, this is volume 3 of the Persona 4 Drama CD collection, so it's quite a happy occasion. It means we've managed to produce a third volume thanks to your purchases. Well, as always, the main character is... hmm, because he's the main character... as always, he doesn't have a name and no one ever calls him by name. Thanks to his calm personality, I got through the recording without damaging my throat. The theme for this CD is: doing your best isn't uncool. That's a good theme! I really like that. It's a phrase I can easily relate to, so it struck a chord in me. I had a lot of fun with the other voice actors again, and the main character is much closer to the other characters now. I think he has gotten a little brighter. He's slowly doing his best to mix in and get more familiar with the rest, step by step. To me, the door to his heart is like a thick, iron door, which is finally opening. I will work hard for future volumes, so thank you again, everyone! This was Namikawa Daisuke. Shotaro: Hi, I'm Morikubo Shotaro and I play Hanamura Yosuke. Thanks for the hard work, everyone. All: Thanks for the hard work. Shotaro: Regarding sports festivals, my high school was really strong in baseball and American football, so we had tons of guys with great physique. Um... my homeroom teacher actually told me not to participate because it could get dangerous. It was so bad that the teacher told me to sit out for the pole crash. Madono: (overlap) The pole crash, huh? That's a dangerous one. Shotaro: It was really scary, yeah. One of my friends from the soccer club actually lost his front teeth... and got kneed by some guy from another class. Memories of my aggressive school returned through this CD! Yep. There were lots of shocking incidents, but I hope you enjoyed it! Coming up next is someone even more shocking. The person who has... tissue... in her glasses. All: LOL Yui: Yes... I'm Horie Yui and I play Satonaka Chie. Thanks for the hard work, everyone. All: Thanks for the hard work. Yui: Um, just to briefly touch on my glasses... glasses have several parts, you know, the bit supported by the ears and the part that connects the main frame, and the screw from the last part recently came off. I wasn't sure what to do, so I twisted a piece of tissue paper, tried pushing it through the hole, and it actually worked. It's holding up pretty well too, so I'm using it as part of my glasses-- Shotaro: You shouldn't do that! Madono: You wore that for a week? Yui: A week... but it really feels totally stable! Shotaro: You had tissue glasses for a week? Yui: Yes, I had tissue glasses. Madono: Get it fixed already! Shotaro: What about the other side? Yui: I might get it repaired if the screw comes out on the other side too, but it works surprisingly well, so please give tissue a try if your glasses get spoilt. Okay, thank you very much! Kanda: Ah, you're done? Ami: I'm Koshimizu Ami and I play Amagi Yukiko. Thanks for the hard work, everyone! Well... it's been a long time since we've had a recording for Persona 4, so I was a little nervous when we first started, but I was very happy to have the chance to play Yukiko again. Also, um... it's been a while since the game, but meeting up with the rest again was like... how should I put it? Like a reunion of sorts! That's how I felt. Yep, yep. Um, this CD focused on a sports festival, and Yukiko gave her support in her own special way, so... wow, I think everyone had magnificent ways of giving support! I've learned a lot! I hope there will be more continuations to come! Thank you again for the hard work! Thank you very much! Seki: Okay! I'm Seki Tomokazu and I play Tatsumi Kanji. So, we've made it up to volume 3 of the Drama CD collection! We've worked together for a while, but I still hope we can keep this up. Um... it's a game I actually managed to play to the very end, so I like it very much. It'd be great if there's more stuff produced besides the Drama CDs. Um... with regards to Kanji, he has far more lines in volume 3 than the last two, so it was great for me! Thank you very much. Kappei: As always, everyone has interesting comments. Anyway, I'm Yamaguchi Kappei and I play Teddie. Thanks for the hard work, everyone. All: Thanks for the hard work. Kappei: So, a sports festival huh? It feels like ages since I've been to one. Somehow, it's... well... um... wow, I really can't remember. It was really a while ago! Well the theme for this CD is: doing your best isn't uncool. We only do the stuff we think we can do. So we have to be confident! And the Class 2-2 cheer was interesting, wasn't it? Humans naturally get caught up in that sort of thing. Of course, this is the finished product, so I'm sure you heard a very good cheer, but I have to tell you, we took many tries to record this cheer properly. Shotaro: Just to say "Class 2-2", right? Kappei: Right. We only do the stuff we think we can do. We learned that lesson thoroughly. Also, it was a very fun CD as always, and we had great conversations that made us laugh very hard. The work was tough, but this series will continue; or at least, I really hope we can continue this series. Um... I hope you found it interesting. Yep! The next person is uh... Risette, right? Rie: Yes! Kappei: Okay. Please do the honors! Rie: Okay! Rie: I'm Kugimiya Rie and I play Kujikawa Rise. Thanks for the hard work, everyone. All: Thanks for the hard work. Rie: Everyone is making such interesting comments, so I'm not really sure what to say. I think I'll just saw a few words and pass it on to the next person... I really don't have much to say, so, um.. if I have to make a comment, the Class 2-2 call was really... really... well, I do wonder why I'm always making the odd comment on the side. Kappei: And meanwhile Yosuke has so many lines. Shotaro: You don't have to put it that way. Rie: That's true. Yosuke-san always pops into the picture. Then I'd get stunned by his appearance. I don't think you can hear that from the finished product. But anyway, I hope the Persona 4 Drama CD collection will keep growing! So thank you very much! The next person, please go ahead. Paku: I'm Paku Romi and I play Shirogane Naoto. Um... for this CD, Naoto said a lot of difficult words again. I really adore Naoto and this is one of my favorite roles, but the one problem I always face is that Naoto uses a lot of difficult words. I wish I could have the extent of her knowledge, but really... um... whether you're smart or not, you can be anything you like as long as you work hard. I think this is amazing. No matter how old you are, I think working hard towards that one goal is an extremely wonderful thing to do, so even if I become an old grandma, I'll do my best to live an ambitious life. I hope you will all listen to this drama CD and reach for your goal as well. Let's live a passionate life together! That's all! This was Paku Romi. Kanda: That was Paku-san's comment. Kappei: Man, Paku Romi's so interesting! Kanda: She's amazing, isn't she? Yes! Hello, I'm Kanda Akemi and I play Dojima Nanako! Thanks for the hard work, everyone! Great job! All: Thanks for the hard work. Kanda: The focus is on the sports festival for this CD, but I don't really have any memories... of my sports festival. I can't remember a thing. I wonder what happened at my sports festival, but... Shotaro: A sports festival happened, that's all. Kanda: *giggles* This time, Nanako-chan managed to run a three-legged race with her dad, so I was really happy with that scene. The highlight for Nanako this CD is um... her dad's little mutter at the very, very end, so everyone, please listen carefully to the very last part of the CD! With that, I would like to pass the mike onto my dad! Unsho: I'm Ishizuka Unsho and I play Dojima Ryotaro. Shotaro: Could you start talking after you get to the mike? Unsho: It's okay, the mike caught my voice. It's fine. Meat is great, isn't it? Right? Once you get to my age, thick meat is kind of painful. All: *LOL* Shotaro: You talked about Korean barbecue? Unsho: I did, yeah. Uh... sports event, was it? That was so long ago, I've completely forgotten what it was like. I don't remember running or anything, but I do remember cheering for people. In the back of the mountains - I lived in the countryside, see - in the back of the mountains, we were supposed to cheer loudly for classmates on the school grounds. We were told to cheer loud enough for a girl sitting on the school grounds to hear us and turn around - man, we were so rural, cheering in the mountains - and I kept thinking, there's no way she'll turn around! I couldn't say that because it was my Senpai who told us to do that, but it was impossible anyway. That's what I remember of my sports events. Sports events... usually they're held in the fall, but nowadays they have them in spring, right? Shotaro: Ah, yeah... Unsho: That's what I've heard. But when I think of sports events, I still think of fall. Anyway, allow me to call on my Senpai. Hey, Senpai. Please do the honors. I've changed, you know. Madono: Please stop. Um... sorry about that. I'm Madono Mitsuaki and I play Adachi Tohru. This is normal for you guys, but it's my first time appearing in a drama CD. Did you know that? Shotaro: No we didn't! Madono: Well it is. Nice to meet you. Yui: Nice to meet you~! Madono: I'm Adachi Tohru-kun. I just heard about this earlier, but... um... actually, fans have been asking for Adachi Tohru to appear on the drama CDs. Kappei: Oh! Shotaro: Really! Madono: They were like, bring him out! Why isn't he out yet? Because they kept asking for him, he finally appeared! All: Ohh... Madono: Some of you are nodding. So.. the voices of fans are important! Yui: Yes. Madono: I'm sure everyone here feels the same way! Right, Namikawa? "Yes, that's right." Namikawa-kun agrees! Rie: Is that how he sounds like? Madono: Right, Paku Romi? "Yes, that's right." Shotaro: They sound the same. Unsho: They do! Madono: Who else is there? Ahhh, Seki, Seki, Seki. Right, Seki? You agree, don't you? "Yeah!" All: *lol* Shotaro: You laugh right after you say it! Madono: Right, Koshimizu? "You're right!" Shotaro: We get it! We get it already! That's enough! Unsho: You actually did it four times... Madono: We all feel that way, so fans... please keep pushing for Persona 4. Thank you for supporting us. I'm the last one, right? Shotaro: Yes. Madono: So... please buy the CD. Thank you very much!

#Persona 4 CD Drama #This is a long post!

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shuicheese · 7 years

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Okay so- It’s going to be a new year real soon. And I haven’t done anything for my pals during Christmas and I really, really wanted to do something to show how thankful I am towards my friends. So here’s a small ‘follow-forever’ thingie! ^^

I will put them under read more since it’s a long list hehe. This isn’t in any order, btw, I appreciate all of you and if I somehow, somehow, forgot to add you then- Im so sorry! ;;;

@diligencekit - We’ve been pals for a reaallly long time now, and I really enjoy your company, bro! I consider you a really close friend of mine and a broski. ^^ You’re possibly my first close pal on the net, and I’m glad that we’re still buddies! Your art has always been a huge inspo to me and it’s probably the main reason to why I got a drawing tablet. qwq;

@valskya - Another close net pal/broski! I’m happy that we’re close friends and we started talking again! You and Jen always seem to make me really happy, your art has also been an inspo to me and I’m always happy to see your art! You also got me into Juuni Taisen which honestly made me really happy, we had lots of fun watching the episodes and such! You’re also another really close friend of mine, and a broski as well! I’m just really happy we started to talk to each other again~

@zingospinning - I completely adore you. I really don’t know where to start with this- Okay, so when I first saw you in school, I instantly wanted to befriend you. But I was so god damn nervous because I wanted to impress you and such, but then we became friends in an after-school club and that was both the best thing and the most nervous thing because I still really wanted to impress you. Looking back at it, I sort of find it amusing. I think when I befriended you, I started to become slightly more social with others and had a bit more friends? I only had one friend and if I haven’t met you, then holy shit where would I be now? You’re funny, a huge sweetheart to me, and I enjoy your company so much! I wish I can see you every day in school again but ey, I do hope you’re doing well and I love you! You also introduced me to many things, such as BNHA, Teen Titans, etc etc. Thank you so much for the great stuff in life, Zingo! <33

@hasikon - Where do I begin. Okay, fIRST OF ALL! Thank you for making sure I was doing well this month, and thank you for everything too. You have wonderful OC’s and a wonderful humor, and whenever we have a Skype call, it honestly makes me laugh and it’s so chill. Playing games with you is so fun, even though I may have ‘ruin’ the experience for ya. xp Btw we need to play TableTop Simulator sometime again hoho.

@nikolas-is-gay - BROTHER!! Nikolas is my sweet n satanic baby brother!! I love him so much and I’m so glad we started talking! Has a great humor, I adore his OC’s, and his creativity! We hurt each other on a daily basis by talking about angst about our OC’s and we love it. Honestly, I don’t know what I would do without him, he’s there to cheer me up whenever I’m feeling down and the things he says always seem to make me laugh and/or smile. It’s nice to have him around tbh~

@maginpui - Oh gosh- My sweet and adorable P.Wife! She’s so adorable and I honestly love, looove her humor! She never fails to make me laugh and I also really appreciate her kindness! I’m so sorry that I never really got the chance to properly talk to you in school though,,, But I do hope the gifts I got you are fine! And I love you so much, I hope you’re well, P.Wife! I also returned all of the gifts you gave me- I love them all so so much and I am extremely sentimental of em! Especially the Pusheen gifts!

@dettouo - East or West, Dett is the best! I really need to start talking to you again! You’re such a sweetheart and you’re adorable! I really enjoy talking to you and you seem really fun to talk to! I do hope you’re well too~ Honestly just talking to her makes me feel really happy.

@turtleofrage & @killualluka99 - AH YES, THE BUNDLE I GOT WHEN BEFRIENDING ZINGAY! Also a great birthday gift, considering I met them on my 16th birthday? These are my adopted children, I love them both so much! Seeing them whenever I visit Zingo makes me happy! I love their humor and I also enjoy their memes and company~

@dylanhack - Another old pal of mine, and an older brother! We haven’t been talking a lot lately but I really want to change that. You’re really fun to talk to and I was looking back at my old posts yesterday, and I honestly really miss you heh,, I do hope we can talk again! Because you’re a really fun buddy and I enjoy your company!

@philosopher-rachel-wolf - I’ve known Rachel since...I guess 2013? But we’ve properly started talking in early 2014 and ever since then, I wanted to improve myself because inspired me so much! You’re probably the main and only reason to why I write better now, and still roleplay in the RP community. Well I mean- I try to roleplay but writers' block,,,heh h-- But I’m not kidding when I say your writing has influenced me. I’m so happy that we became friends and I’m even more happier that we still are! You always have that jolly personality that really makes me smile ^^ And your art! Where do I begin- you always seem to be improving it , and I’m always so happy to see your improvement. It’s seriously makes me smile too- I love it! Keep up the wonderful work, Rachel! <33

@chibinel - Listen-- We got ‘banned’ in a Cuphead server for confessing out love for Beppi the clown, we have a role called “EXTRA BANNED” because of it. I’m proud of myself- Okay but jokes aside, I love Gaster! I love their art so much, it’s so adorable and it’s just- it’s really good! They’re nice to talk to and I’m glad we got along well! ^^

@valf-xx - Listen- Valf is a huge sweetheart when I first met her. I really love her Dangan Ronpa imagines blog ( @komaedas-trash cHECK IT OUT BLEASE-- ) and I love talking to her! I like screeching about Eraserhead with her and I also love her art~ She’s just- She makes me feel so calm, I really appreciate that !

@puddingskitty - Fun and adorable buddy! I enjoy seeing her art and seeing her on my dashboard in general. I love her Toy Bonnie’s design, and whenever I see a rabbit, I can’t help but get reminded of her~ Honestly I enjoy her company even though I was quiet for sometime- And you’re probably the first person who drew my OC, Zerum, as a small gift and I still really appreciate it! Thank you!

@kamukuraprojects - Another buddy I consider a brother!! Listen- his cosplaying is so?? It’s so beautiful?? I love it so so much! You’re a gorgeous boy and I simply adore your generosity, I do hope things are gonna be better for you since I heard you’re having a bit of a hard time I think? But I hope you’ll have a great and wonderful new year and hope that next year will be better for you! ^^

@imperial-dork - My spirit animal. Literally my spirit animal- his humor is honestly my favourite and I look up to this man even though a certain goat told me not to. Either way, I think Magnus is a cool dood, and I enjoy hearing about the wacky things he’s done~

@fluzeh - I love Lazy’s art so so soooooooo much! I want to draw just like her one day! She’s so sweet and I love to mess around with her~ I also enjoy watching stuff with her- we watched the MLP movie on rabbit and honestly it was a nice experience~ I love it! I hope we can do more things like that! She’s also the person who designed my main fursona, honestly I just- I adore my sona so much because it’s from you, and I will forever treasure it!Thank you so so much again for the design! <33

Okay I’m one tired idiot atm but I just want to say that for those I haven’t wrote a small description thingie for, please try not to get upset! I’m sorry in advance that I couldn’t say something for you, but I hope you all are alright with this!!

Here are some people that I enjoy talking to/admire and/or people I would love to talk to/get to know better!

@ciel-beehive, @pikabrightheart, @plantsarehardcore, @frizzbutt, @his-pall-mugman, @rottenmilkyarts, @tvvy, @darkshadowsnake, @garnetarmstrong, @flareon, @raphadelialovesyou, @cheinsaw, @official-akamatsu, @crowstainedred, @ryoumahoshi, @ellsworld, @korekiyo--shinguuji, @btal, @infinitypixel, @askmoonburst, @ask-evil-rainbow-dash, @zyrdrake, @radhalla, @rubberhoseartist, @wolfex126, @miss-bribri, @ladykailolu, @rosealinathefox, @rexieh, @johntheslothblog, and @spacescarf

That being said, I hope all of you had a great year, and if it wasn’t a great year, then I hope next year will be better for all of you!

I love you all, thank you so much for everything, and have a happy new year!! <33

#rocko.txt #dove promotes #?#i'm not sure what to call this--#but ay here it is i suppose

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askmissthunder · 6 years

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(A note from Miss Thunder: Cassie had the idea to spice things up a bit and film our responses like in the American game show, Love Connection. I wasn't familiar with the show but in the UK, we had the show Blind Date so I knew the gist of the format. Cassie filmed us on my couch at my flat.)

Miss Thunder: Are we ready to record, Cass?

Cassie: Let me get the tripod set...aaaaaand there! It's on! *Ahem!* Okay, Penny, Eli, how was your Valentine's Date?

Miss Thunder: Well, it wasn't quite what I expected but I'm certainly not gonna complain! Looking back, I should've known something was up when Eli brought his duffel bag to my flat.

Eli: I sauntered up to Penny and asked, "When was the last time you went out as Miss Thunder?". Very discreet, if I say so.

MT: "Oh, the day before yesterday, why?"

E: I reached into my bag and pulled out my Black Dog mask, "Well, do you think, for Valentine's Day, Miss Thunder could use a partner?"

MT: I'll be honest, I was totally flabbergasted by this. A trillion thoughts probably raced through my mind in a split second. Not all of them good.

E: Why's that?

MT: Because, luv, there's like countless ways a patrol could go wrong. What if you got hit by a stray bullet? What if you fall off a roof and I can't catch you in time? What if some old lady turned out to be a shapeshifting dog-eating alien and grabbed you in her slimy tentacles? It's hard to prepare for all and any eventualities, y'know?

E: I remember you making a lot of "Uhhhh...."' and "Hmmm" noises.

MT: I was thinking! But... you seemed really eager and it was Valentine's Day so I thought "What the hell? If nothing else, it'd be a fun if cautionary story to tell.".

E: I glad you said yes, otherwise I don't know how I would have gotten around to the other steps of my plan.

MT: You gave a little cheer, I remember, and started changing clothes right on the spot.

C: Ooh! Things were already getting steamy!

E: Penny yelled out, "ELI! WAIT!"

MT: I didn't yell, you just caught me off guard! I spun around and went straight to my room to change.

E: You were blushing.

MT: Well, of course! If your exceedingly handsome boyfriend started stripping in front of you, you'd go red in the face too!

E: (Mumbling) I don't know about "exceedingly", but go on.

MT: So we got into our costumes and headed for the roof.

E: I was hopping up and down, I was so excited!

MT: Hee hee! You were! I had you cling onto my back as I leaped into the sky.

E: Oh! Getting to go jumping with you is so fun, Penny! If I could jump like you, I'd never stop! It's like flying!

MT: You weren't scared of falling off?

E: Nuh-uh! I had a good grip on your scarf and shoulder. Plus, I knew you'd never let me fall.

MT: Blimey, I'm glad to hear you have so much trust in me. I'd prefer to carry you in my arms but I'd doubt you want to look like I'm carrying you like a baby.

E: Well, Eli wouldn't mind...(Deepens voice) but the Black Dog's gotta look tough! He's no baby!

MT: Heh, that's what I thought.

C: So how did the patrol go? Any bank robberies or fires?

MT: Uhmm...Well...not really. It was a bit of a slow afternoon.

E: Don't get me wrong, it was fun sniffing around and keeping my eyes peeled but nothing was really happening. Not even a jaywalker or litterbug in sight!

MT: I had been jumping around the city for over an hour but it was as calm as a church mouse. I was starting to feel peckish so I asked Eli if he wanted to stop in the park to grab a bite.

E: Yeah, I was feeling hungry too so I sniffed out a hot dog cart in a little plaza in Hamilton Park.

MT: Something cute did happen, though. Since the hot dog cart was by a playground, all the little kids playing there saw the two of us land and rushed towards us in a mini stampede. I could see Eli get into character. He started grimacing and growled softly.

E: The Black Dog doesn't care if you're a child! You even look at this dog funny, you're gonna get bit! (In normal voice) Also, I noticed you changed your voice too, Penny.

MT: Oh, you loike me Cockney accent, do ya, guv'nah?

E: (Laughing) What is that voice?! It cracks me up when I hear it!

MT: (Tickling Eli) You wot, mate?! You wanna have a go?! You think you can dress oop like a black shuck and have a go at Miss Thunder?! I'll tickle you silly, I will! I swear on me mum!

(All three break into a loud giggle fit)

C: Ha ha ha! Oh! Oh my goodness! Hee hee! So, so what happened with the kids?

MT: Oh, they were all "Miss Thunder! Miss Thunder!" and "It's Black Dog the wrestler!" It was so cute! We took pictures, signed autographs, the whole celebrity experience.

E: I did my patented Black Dog Howl!

MT: (Rubbing ear) I know, Eli. I can still hear it a bit.

E: It was fun getting to see our fans but danger finally reared its head at the worst time.

C: What happened?

MT: *Sighs* A big "villainous" nuisance, that's what!

C: I'm gonna stop you right there, Penny. When we come back, we'll find out who our mystery villain is! I'm Cassie Paxton, the fabulous Red Rabbit, and we'll back in two and two!

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C: We're back! When we last left our heroes, they were on a Valentine's "patrol date" and enjoying the adoration of their young fans. But the hero's call of duty beckoned as a mysterious villain has mysteriously struck! So, who was it? El Toro? Technopunk? Oh! I bet it was Dr. Chimera! I heard he's been seen around town lately!

MT: *Scoffs* No, we weren't graced with their presence. For context, for every A-list Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus and Electro, there's a D-list Stilt-Man, Hypno-Hustler, and Paste Pot Pete. What we got, for Eli's first patrol, was Doctor Devil.

C: ...Ugh! That wannabe creep?

E: I take it you girls are familiar with him?

MT: Unfortunately, yes. He's some office worker who got bored with his job and decided he wanted to be a supervillain, of all things. So he grabbed a doctor's coat and a cheap devil mask and has gone on a "crime" spree ever since like dumping trash on the street or spray painting curse words on school playgrounds.

C: So what was he doing now?

MT: Well, he went and stole an ATM.

C: *Gasps* He's finally moving up in the world!

MT: You'd think but the idiot had hijacked a towing lorry and was dragging the ATM behind him like a wrecking ball so the police didn't have a hard time following him.

E: I could hear the racket he was making from clear across the park. We said good bye to the kids and told them to stay close to their parents in case the situation went sour. I hopped on Penny's back and off we went.

MT: I'm not sure what happened but when we arrived, his lorry had flipped on its side and he was standing on top of it, having a shootout with the cops.

C: Who gave that maniac a gun?!

MT: It wasn't just a gun either, it was some sort of experimental gun that shot fireballs or something. It was basically like shooting Molotov cocktails because his shots would land on the ground and they'd set the ground ablaze. I don't know about you but that just screamed like something the Buzzards would have.

C: Tsk! They would sell him something stupid and dangerous like that!

E: He was certainly trying his hardest to be a bad guy because he was laughing all "HA HA HA! Feel the heat of my hellfire, pigs!".

MT: I told Eli to stay low and try to sneak behind him. While he scurried away, I leaped into the fray, right between him and the cops. He just laughed, "Ah! Miss Thunder Thighs! How nice of you to join us! I suppose the smell of roasted pork might have lured you in!"

E: Penny just rolled her eyes, "Har har. I'm fat. I bloody get it. Now, why don't you just put down your wee doofer and we'll get you a nice room at Greyshore. Maybe one with a view."

MT: "Oooh! Not this time, fatty! Not when I'm packing HEAT!" He twisted some knob on his gun and gun became like a flamethrower as a huge stream of flames shot out at me. "BURN BABY, BURN! AH HA HA HA HA HA HA! MELT BEFORE THE FIERY GAZE OF DOCTOR DEVIL!"

E: I remember feeling scared, seeing Penny engulfed in flames like that but I could see she kept walking towards him like it was nothing. "HA HA HA HA Ha ha ha heh heh he he...ooh."

MT: I was standing just inches in front of him as I pinched the barrel of his gun shut. My scarf was a bit singed from the fire but other than that, I was fine. He must've been desperate as he actually had the nerve to swing at me.

C: No!

MT: It went as well as you'd expect as his fist just embedded itself in my cheek fat. "Really?", I asked him. After that, his whole demeanor changed. "Heeeeeeyyy...sorry about that whole 'fatty' crap. Just let me put out that fire on your shoulder there. Th-there's really no need for you to hit me or anything, is there?" I cracked my knuckles and smiled. "No, no, no, mate. I'm not gonna hit you. He might, though."

E: When he turned around, that's when I struck, doing my leaping Wild Dog Punch right in the face, knocking his mask off. I grabbed him before he could fall off the truck and did a Top Rope Suplex.

C: Damn, Eli! Did you pin him too?

E: You better believe it! Sadly, there was no one there to count me though so I had to do it in my head.

MT: I'm sorry, sweetie. I would've done it but I didn't realize what you were doing until the cops pulled him from under you.

E: That's okay. He was just a jobber anyway. Now if we get one of your big supervillains, that would be worthy of a countdown!

MT: (Grinning) I'll be sure to keep that in mind, luv.

E: With Doctor Devil on his way to jail, I remembered the next part of my admittedly slapped-together plan. I had asked Penny a few days ago what building had the best view. "Personally, I'd have to say the Imperial Hotel.", she answered.

MT: It's not the tallest building but it has a fantastic view of the bay and boardwalk.

E: So, with great cunning, I asked Penny, "Hey, that Imperial Hotel is nearby, right? Maybe you can show me this 'beautiful view'?".

MT: Apparently, I'm more naive that I like to think I am because I answered, "Sure! It's just a hop, skip and jump away!"

C: (Rolling her eyes) Oh God, Penny! How long were you waiting to unleash that one?

MT: (Winking) Everybody gets at least one cheesy line from me.

E: Indeed, we did hopped, skipped, and jumped to the roof of the hotel. I'll be honest, it was really pretty up there. The ocean waves, the sailboats cruising by, all the couples on the boardwalk.

MT: Told you!

E: We stood for a while, enjoying the "golden hour", as they say, when we both heard a knock on the service door.

MT: I got a bit worried because I though it was gonna the hotel staff, telling us we can't "loiter" there. Remember that time at the Chez Poisson, Cassie?

C: That was bogus! We weren't bothering anybody! We were just catching a breather on the balcony during a patrol and the hostess starts screaming at us that we can't be there. I don't care how nice that place is, I'm never eating there!

MT: It turns out it was a pizza guy with an order of six extra large pepperoni pizzas and two 20-liter Cokes for a "Mr. Black Dog".

C: Wait. When did you call for delivery, Eli?

E: During our time with the kids, I had slipped off for a few moments to "use the restroom". When actually I had ran to the nearest pay phone to place an order.

C: Ah, sneaky!

E: It turns out the delivery guy was a fan of mine so he knocked a few bucks off the order in exchange for a picture and autograph.

MT: And that was pretty much the rest of our evening, just people-watching from above while we enjoyed a delicious meal together as Miss Thunder and Black Dog.

E: Penny?

MT: Yes, luv?

E: I'm sorry it wasn't quite the Valentine's Date you deserve. I forgot about all about it and I couldn't take you to a nice concert like last time.

MT: (Holds his hands) Oh, Eli. Don't fret about it. I know I was being a bit of a worrywart at first but I had a wonderful time going on patrol with you! And frankly, now that I think about it, a lot of the dates we go on are about you trying to make me happy and you going out of your way to do that. That's not fair to you. I have to contribute to our relationship, too and if that means letting you go on patrol with me, I'd be more than happy to.

E: (Tail wagging) You mean it?

MT: Of course, Eli. I love you.

(Eli leaps from his seat and plants a big kiss on Penny's lips)

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C: Oh my! Well, I think that concludes our time here on The Love Connection. On behalf of us here in Ocean City, I hope everyone had a lovely Valentine's Day and may all your dates be good ones!

*THUMP!*

(Camera pans to Penny and Eli on the floor, passionately making out)

C: Theirs certainly was.

#Happy Valentines Day!#Yes I'm aware this is late I apologize

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pokemonruby · 7 years

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Robyn!! I'm sorry you're feeling down, my friend!! I know how it feels to want to talk about your writing with people, so: Tell me your favourite scene you've written, one you are excited to write, if Lost Paradise has a central antagonist tell me about 'em! A song you think fits the plot or characters, and a random bit of trivia about it! Or anything else you wanna say! Just please tell me all about it!^.^

ah thank you for all the questions !! i apologize if this gets very lenghty i just. love talking about my novel fjhgjfghgf

- i’m not exactly sure what my favorite scene has been? i have….LOTS of scenes that i put a lot of effort into, like the scene where alexander is conferred into an imperial knight by the emperor, seiryu’s introduction scene, the tournament fight between alexander & jane in chapter 3… there’s just so many i enjoyed writing. but. but. if i had to choose, it would be seiryu because he’s my favorite character to write & i thnk i pulled off his first lines pretty well!

- one i’m excited to write? oh man the one i’m most hype to write is a major spoiler so i can’t say, so i’ll decide on another one… hmmmm probably leo and alexander’s confession scene because it’s going to be so heartfelt and sweet and i die literally just thinking abt it. sadly it doesn’t occurr until the very end of the novel but it’s worth the wait.

- the antagonist… ironically i’ve been thinking abt the antagonist all day & developing new things for him so i’m excited to talk about my ideas! the main antagonist of the novel is a demon named “mammon”, who was presumed to be dead at the hands of the heroes (aka the main cast’s ancestors) three hundred years prior to the plot. however, cults continued to worship his existence and feed him sacrifices to engender a successful ressurection of their fallen god. after centuries of ritual after ritual, mammon was finally awakened from his deep slumber–but only in spirit form, and was therefore encouraged to possess the body of one of his worshipers until his true form became useable once again. mammon, who is described as the “embodiment” of humanity’s greed and malice, created an organization known as “elysium” to destroy the seraphim–aka the realm’s makers–and steal the infinite powers from their homeland of “paradise” to transform the realm into his own, twisted image. he says it’s to “save” mankind from the seraphim who wish to recreate the world due to its impurity and ungodliness, but his real objective is to become an unconquerable ruler and take all for himself. aka mammon is greed from fma gone horribly, horribly wrong.

mammon is also the reason why the big, heartbreaking plot-twist occurs.

- a song that fits it? hmmmm i’d say “paradise” by coldplay suits the storyline for obvious reasons… but the lyrics actually do match w it well! “emperor’s new clothes” by p!atd fits it as well, but for…..spoiler purposes. heh heh. i’m not sure what else? i normally associate like. game soundtracks w it so if we were to count those, fire emblem echoes & tales of zestiria’s osts really grasp the atmosphere!

- some trivia? hmmmmm… well, leo/alexander wasn’t originally the main pairing of the novel! it was actually leo & aubrey, but that was changed whenever i decided to completely rewrite my story and make alexander my sweet child a more important character, the deuteragonist… plus him and leo have been extremely close ever since its initial concept so! i thought a romance between them would be unquestionably wholesome. as for aubrey’s case, he’s now paired w seiryu which is just as adorable! another piece of trivia is that jane aka the heroine wasn’t in the first product of lost paradise… i’m so glad i created her for the remake tho since she’s such a good character and i just. adore her? ah and one more… well i think i’ve said this before but lp is heavily inspired by irish/celtic mythology (while my other main novel, “chose by the stars”, is inspired by norse mythology! and i have another one based off greek/roman!)

#ask #writing tag #ty for all the questions!!!! this really brought my mood up being able to discuss my novel

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captain-zajjy · 7 years

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Solstice, Chapter 2 - A Final Fantasy XV Story

Pairing: Ignis x Female Original Character

AO3 | Chapter 1

Both Valeria and her mother had received invitations to attend the party at the Citadel to commemorate the signing of the treaty with the Empire. But work didn’t pause for politics, so Valeria found herself getting ready in her office suite at a few minutes past seven, doing the best she could with her hair and makeup in the small, poorly lit bathroom, mildly annoyed that she had missed out on her evening jog.

Her mother was already at the party and sent the family driver back to pick her up. The Citadel was draped in black and gold, no expense spared on decorations and catering, and predictably packed, a veritable catalog of Lucis’s best and brightest (save the Crown Prince, of course). Valeria recognized most of the Lucian guests from similar events in the past, but she was surprised to see Kingsglaive uniforms on all the guards.

But it was a special occasion, after all. And the party was crawling with Niffs. White and red garbed Imperials dotted the crowd, and it was strained smiles and awkward pleasantries all around; just because they were now at peace didn’t mean either side had to like it.

Valeria caught sight of her mother’s dark bobbed hair among the crowd and, after greeting several women with whom she’d gone to school, made her way across the ballroom.

“Ah, my lovely daughter, Valeria,” her mother said smoothly, introducing several people Valeria recognized as potential investors. That explained why her mother was laughing at all their bad jokes. Valeria smiled and played along, but she was relieved when the men moved on to the bar.

Her mother immediately turned off the charm and gave her daughter an appraising once-over. “Why didn’t you wear that new black dress?”

Because I didn’t choose it for myself, Valeria thought. Going on twenty-three years old and her mother still tried to pick out her clothes. It was embarrassing. Aloud, she said, “I just like this one.”

Her mother frowned, as if to say navy blue was somehow too ostentatious, but blessedly let it go.

Instead, she said pointed to the little leather bag attached to Valeria’s wrist containing her phone, ID, lipstick, and some gil if she needed to call a cab to make a quick exit. “Get someone to check that. Your phone makes you so antisocial.”

Valeria spread her hands in exasperation. “Anything else I’m doing wrong?”

“Oh, hush.” Her mother gave her a playful swat on the arm. “You look very nice. Did you see Godric Octavio over there? Why don’t you go say hello? I can’t believe a handsome young man like that is still single.”

That’s because he’s an insufferable shit. Godric Octavio was indeed quite handsome, perhaps even better-looking than the Crown Prince himself. The Octavio family shared a common ancestry with the Caelum dynasty, claiming descent from the eighth son of some ancient and virile king, and the resemblance was still there to some degree. Valeria didn’t care about any of that, but if it would get her mother off her back…

“Fine,” she muttered.

“Don’t slouch, dear.” Her mother always had to have the last word.

Valeria migrated over to where Godric Octavio was attempting to flirt with some poor serving girl.

“Hello, Godric,” she said cordially. The waitress gave her a grateful look and quickly disappeared into the crowd.

Godric hungrily took in Valeria’s appearance with heavily-lidded eyes. He’d clearly taken advantage of the open bar.

“Valeria Soleil,” he slurred, pushing a lock of dark hair out of his eyes. “You’re looking good. Way better than high school,” he added, gaze glued to her chest.

Charming. Valeria ignored the sudden, overwhelming urge to take a bath and forced a smile.

“How kind of you to say.” Much as she wanted to, she couldn’t be outright rude to him - that would inevitably make its way back to her mother and then she’d never hear the end of it. But that didn’t mean she had to be nice.

“I’m surprised to find you all alone over here,” she said with a dark smile. “Don’t tell me you’re losing your touch.” At the Academy, Godric had always, always been surrounded by a gaggle of girls.

Something coherent flashed behind his eyes, a recognition that ‘oh, we’re going to play this game,’ before they glazed back over with drink. Before he could respond, an ear-splitting rumble shook the roof above them.

Valeria jumped, startled, but let out a laugh when she looked through a window and saw a hundred sparkling points of light blanketing the nighttime sky.

“Let’s check out the show,” Godric said, taking her arm. “And make both our mothers happy.”

That made Valeria smirk. She followed her escort out onto the terrace, ignoring the way he kept bumping into her as they walked. Along with the rest of the party-goers, she watched the impressive fireworks display heralding Lucis’s peace with the Nifleheim Empire. And she might have even enjoyed it, if not for Godric trying to slip an arm around her hips.

“You know, you never gave me the time of day back in school. Heh heh...I bet us being here like this now would really piss Scientia off.” When Valeria turned to frown at him, Godric drained the remains of his drink. “Where is old four-eyes anyway? Not here, obviously, since he’s not up your ass.”

That gave her pause. Were they really so obvious that even a blockhead like Godric Octavio had taken notice? Not that they ever did anything other than socialize, anyway. He’s drunk, she reminded herself. And trying to get a rise out of you.

In response to his question, Valeria shrugged, trying to look indifferent. “Out of town, I guess.” No one needed to know that she’d spoken with Ignis on the phone just yesterday.

“I never could stand that smug son of a bitch,” Godric muttered. “Always walking around like he was hot shit, all because he works for the Prince.”

“Well, the feeling was mutual, I assure you.” Valeria turned back to the fireworks, trying to squash the little bead of irritation that cropped up at someone badmouthing Ignis. Were it socially acceptable, Scientia would kick your ass, she thought with a smile.

She wondered if he was back on the road to Altissia now. He’d texted her several times to tell her that the car had broken down, but mostly to lament the Prince’s lackadaisical attitude toward the whole affair.

Poor Iggy. Did all royal chamberlains have to deal with this sort of thing, or had he been saddled with a particularly difficult charge? Valeria had texted him back with the hopeful reminder that, at the very least, he’d be getting help from Lady Lunafreya soon.

Godric wandered off in search of another drink, or maybe another female, as the fireworks continued to pop and crackle overhead. Unsurprisingly, it seemed they’d pulled out all the stops with the display, each wave of light getting brighter and louder than before. The force of the it had even started to shake the furniture on the terrace, plates and glasses rattling against tabletops.

A massive boom actually knocked some of the decorations over, and caused Valeria to sway slightly on her feet. She looked around her then, seeing faltering smiles and hearing nervous laughter. If this was part of the show, maybe the were overdoing it a bit.

A deafening crack sounded, and the floor suddenly fell away from her feet. No, this wasn’t part of the show. This was wrong. Very wrong.

When Valeria next blinked, her face was inches from the floor tiles and screams filled her ringing ears. She pushed herself to her feet, strangely fixated with the tear in her pantyhose and the little bit of blood welling up on her knee. Another blow sent her sprawling into a serving cart, and she found herself mumbling an apology to no one in particular as she picked herself back up.

In front of her, a corner of the terrace had simply vanished. People were covered in plaster, dust, and splintered wood. Some were moving; many were not. In the midst of the rubble she made out the bloody ruin of half of Godric Octavio’s handsome face.

Valeria stared at the scene before her uncomprehending, like there was some disconnect between her eyes and brain. A tug on her arm and her name being shouted in her ear drew her attention away from the horror.

“Valeria, we have to go.” Her mother grabbed her hand.

Valeria blinked at her. “Mom, what…?”

“Now, Valeria.” Valeria allowed herself to be lead along by the hand like a small child, trying to fathom just what was happening. The building continued to rumble and shake. A huge mass of people clogged the entrance to the stairwell, pushing, screaming, shouting.

“Move!” Valeria’s mother was shorter than her daughter, and rail thin, but she shoved people aside with the ease of a man twice her size, pulling Valeria through the crowd and fighting their way down the stairs.

A siren began to blare, not just in the building, but throughout the city. Valeria had never heard it before, but its meaning was clear: Get out. Run.

Her mother stepped over a splayed body on the landing, pulling Valeria along when she balked. Sorry, she wanted to say to the unfortunate person. Maybe they should stop and help, but she was too afraid to do anything but follow where her mother pulled her.

They tumbled out into the city street along with the handful of others who had managed to make it all the way out of the building. The air seemed almost like a solid mass, thick with smoke and dust. Beneath the drone of the emergency siren was the whir of engines overhead, the rat-a-tat of gunfire and boom of explosives.

With one hand clinging to her mother and the other clasped over her mouth in a vain attempt to the filter the choking air and stem her coughing, Valeria ran, trusting her mother to understand what was going on, to lead them to safety. The city of Insomnia was no longer recognizable, like they had been plucked up by an invisible hand and dropped into a warzone, the faraway kind she read about in the newspapers, not where she lived. Not the impenetrable Crown City.

As they rounded the corner of a narrow alley, her mother skidded to a halt, and Valeria collided with her back. In front of them eerie red lights hovered in the gloom, and there was a clattering of metal on metal as mechanical men emerged from the fog with rifles drawn…

Gunfire rang out and Valeria felt her body being shoved aside, searing pain ripping through her left shoulder. Her mother twisted and spun, her body hanging in the air for what seemed like an impossibly long time before crumpling bonelessly to the ground.

Valeria crawled over to her on her knees. Her mother’s dark eyes were rolled to the back of her head, the grey dust covering her body punctuated by at least a dozen bloody, red holes.

“Mom!” Valeria screamed, shaking her. “Mama! Mama!”

Run. It was her mother’s voice, not coming from the body Valeria clutched, but firm and commanding, directly in her ear. Run.

Valeria looked up and saw the magitek soldiers reloading their rifles. Run.

She dropped her mother’s body and took off, back down the alley. She ran and ran, tears stinging her eyes, smoke filling her lungs, not stopping for anyone or anything in the streets. She might have even been running in circles for all she knew, but eventually found herself on a broken causeway where the fog wasn’t as thick, where far off in the distance she could see what remained of the Wall.

Eventually her legs gave out and she fell to her knees, left arm hanging limp and numb. Her entire left side was covered in blood. Oh, she thought, feeling strangely detached. They shot me.

When the adrenaline started to wear off, she began to shake, her left side seized up in pain, and she collapsed on the pavement. Valeria couldn’t say how long she laid there, trying to find the moon and stars through the haze. By the time they came for her, her tongue was stuck to the roof of her mouth and nothing hurt anymore.

She found herself being scooped up by metal arms clad in white and red, muffled voices saying something about the ‘medicus.’ She wanted to fight back, kick and scream at them for killing her mother, but she couldn’t move.

They’re going to kill me too, she thought, as she was dumped into the back of some sort of vehicle. Was there even anyone left who would care? The company might erect some kind of memorial in her honor, and people would say she was taken too young, say she had so much potential, but they wouldn’t actually grieve her loss. Her father and Ignis might, but they both had their own lives, complete without her in them. That thought somehow made her sadder than the idea of her impending demise.

And with that sense of loneliness, the darkness enveloped her, smooth and cold and comforting.

Despite their numerous misadventures, Ignis had to admit he was enjoying his time on the road. It was good to stretch his legs, to actually wander the wilds outside of the city instead of reading about them in books, to finally put all that combat training with the Marshal to good use.

Noctis remained ambivalent as ever, but Prompto and Gladiolus seemed to genuinely enjoy and appreciate his cooking at camp and compliment his skills on the battlefield. Ignis didn’t do these things for praise, of course - it was all part of his job - but it nonetheless felt good to be acknowledged by his friends.

And so he woke (before the others, of course) with a particular sense of fullness, not pertaining to food or hunger, but a contentment of the heart and soul. His intention was to watch the sunrise over Galdin Quay with a good cup of Ebony in hand before they embarked on the ferry for Altissia and Noctis’s wedding. He had a suspicion this might be the last chance he had to relax for a while.

As it was, his hunch proved correct, but for reasons he never could have predicted.

Strangely, he found the coffee counter empty - it may have been early, but Galdin Quay was a luxury resort and staff worked around the clock. After several minutes and several impatient knocks on the counter, a young barista shambled over, her eyes red as if she’d been crying. Ignis supposed she must have been dumped by her boyfriend or some such and decided not to complain, but before he could open his mouth she spoke.

“I’m sorry, uh...for the wait. It’s just-” Ignis thought she might start weeping again, but the girl managed to keep it together. “My brother was in Insomnia. He was so excited about his new job in the city...I’m sorry. I’m sorry. You just want your coffee, don’t you, sir?”

Ignis felt something churning in the pit of his stomach, the instinctive sense that something had gone horribly, terribly wrong.

“Has...something happened in Insomnia?”

The way the color drained from her face indicated he was right to fear asking the question.

“You don’t know?” she whispered. “Six, you’re not...are you from there?”

Ignis nodded, his bad feeling evolving into full-blown panic, but he managed to keep it inside. “What’s happened?” he demanded. The girl pointed a shaking finger at the newsstand next to the counter that had somehow managed to escape his notice during his quest for coffee. Ignis picked up the morning’s paper.

Insomnia Falls. He blinked, adjusted his glasses, but the words remained. Beneath the headline was a photo of, presumably, a street in the city filled with rubble and covered with ash. The unmistakable red lights of Imperial craft were just visible through a thick shroud of smoke.

He collapsed onto the nearest stool, his mind racing to comprehend what was in front of him. An Imperial invasion...the Treaty signing...a trap...King Regis dead. Ignis looked back up at the barista and she nodded without a sound. Yes, it’s real. It’s all real.

“Keep it,” she said, gesturing at the newspaper. “And this is also on the house.” The steaming mug of coffee she placed before him had lost all its appeal, what with the massive lump forming in his throat.

His first instinct was to go and immediately wake the others, to let them know the horrible news, but he stopped himself from getting up. Let them - especially the Prince - get a few more hours of blissfully ignorant rest before the course of their lives was forever altered.

Instead, he got out his phone and dialed his uncle, then Valeria, then half a dozen other people he knew had been in the city last night. Each number went directly to voicemail. Of course, he thought. Whether directly or through collateral damage, the Empire would have destroyed most of the cell phone towers serving the city.

That realization didn’t exactly ease his concerns, but for now, he had to believe they still lived. The Prince remained his priority, perhaps more than ever, for if they’d killed the King, the Imperials surely would not be content to just let his heir go on living. At least for Noctis, he could still do something, could still protect and comfort him.

Val, he thought, be safe. Be strong. All he could do for her now was hope.

#final fantasy xv #ffxv #final fantasy 15 #ff15 #ffxv fanfiction #ff15 fanfiction #ignis scientia #ignis #ignis x oc

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kierongillen · 8 years

Text

Writer Notes: The Wicked + the Divine 25

Spoilers, obv.

Let's just dive in, eh?

Jamie's Cover

One of the interesting things about comics is the solicitation process. As such, a sub-section of the fandom will be aware of a cover before it comes out (or the month before it comes out if it's a comic which puts a NEXT MONTH cover in the back). So for the hardcore readers, this will actually be the first image they see of Minerva's new look.

So yeah, good debut, Mini.

This arc we're clearly not doing quite what we did on previous ones – the link from the cover star to the interior one is much more tangential than the first two years. Let's not make it too easy.

Emi Lenox's Cover

Emi is one of our favourite people in the whole world, let alone comics. Her co-written with Jeff Lemire (and drawn by her) of Plutona was one of our favourite minis of last year too. I believe Emi wanted to do another god, and then read the latest issues and I WANT TO DO PERSEPHONE!

Which has been a running theme this arc, actually. We've had to encourage other gods for the B-sides later on. Persephone, you're more than a superstar, but you're not our only coverstyle.

Very much a continuation of our Wide Variety Of Styles On Cover theme. This is about art.

Page 1

Compared to many of the issues this arc, this is a less demanding one for the artist than usual. I don't do it unless I have to, and I knew there's horrible stuff ahead. That said, the world fell apart during the production of this issue, and we lost a week. So it was hard anyway. Comics!

Anyway – we start slow. Three panels. Establish location, establish situation, establish key character. This is aimed towards being reserved, clear and efficient.

First swearing of Cass in the issue. And not the last.

The cliffhanger last time is an unusual one for us, as I believe I said (I totally don't re-read these notes after writing them. When we come to edit them for the hardback, it's always a thrill. Hey C! Sorry about all the typos.) It's a mid-action cliff-hanger. Normally we're in a “reveal of important new information” or “completion of surprising action” place when we cliffhanger, and half the time we don't even do that. This is a “half way through action” cliffhanger. As such, it's about “How does this action complete?”

Structurally speaking, I tend to think that these tend to risk creating false drama. If you don't go through with an action in any meaningful way, that's what it is – a raising of expectations and a quashing of them, which – to use the technical writing term – is total bullshit. If you do go through with it... well, why didn't you do it to end the previous issue? Then you have a “completion of surprising action” cliffhanger, which is much more honest.

So the main way to resolve them, for me, is that what DOES happen has to be at least as interesting as what didn't happen.

So that's where we try to go, as Persephone is totally going to torture Woden.

(In my original synopsis the previous episode ended with Woden's reveal, with Persephone raising her fingers at the start of this. I made this call when writing both issues.)

That was a lot of words.

In other notes: I would really like Persephone's trousers here.

Page 2

Anyway – this whole sequence is about Jamie again. The push and pull of Persephone's reactions here is key.

Obviously the most important expression closes the page – we lose the skull eyes and have a push and pull of responses which caused me to pretty much instantly tear up. There's lots of ways to read this, and none of them good.

Page 3

Cassandra, voice of reason once more. “Go on a bender” makes me smile too.

Steady angle on the hands puts an unusual pressure on things – steady shots, in profile are something which tend to be most used in comedy. But it's all about the hands and the emotion. Also compare and contrast to the one over the page...

Page 4

Oh no, Persephone!

And this is very much about the scene as comedy. Breaking a scene into individual moments – decompressing, to use a much maligned and mis-used term – is all about increasing the effect. It is paramount in comedy.

Page 5 From the Hobbit. Bilbo and Smeagol. You can probably guess who's Smeagol in this metaphor, except not.

Page 6-7

The first page was written in a standard format – once more, using the very basic structure of establish/scene/character beat set up of the first page – and then moved into Marvel Method for the rest of the sequence. It's the first “real” performance sequence since issue 20s, so has been a while.

This sequence brought to mind the movie adaptation of UNDER THE SKIN when I was writing it, and that's not an inaccurate comparison, I suspect.

What's to look at here is Matt's purples, which are just lovely.

And black.

All that black.

And...

Page 8-11

EVEN MORE BLACK! Doing try printing scans of our pages at home, as your printer will hate us.

Obviously reminiscent of issue 3's performance sequence, and I love what they did with the tumbling sequence. Persephone's voice, caption-box less, dropped on the backdrop too.

At script, there was originally a couple of lines on the second spread. It was questioned by C, in terms of “He's a long way away – I don't think we can hear two beats like that” which is right, but also got me thinking about time operating in comics. The second you add dialogue to a page, it becomes a period of time. When you remove all dialogue, it gets a timeless quality. As in, you have no idea how long it's been like this. Seconds? Hours? Years? We don't know.

And that certainly adds to the effect of the sequence.

Page 12

Heh. I'm reading this as we put issue 26 to bed, having just passed Jamie the script for 27 earlier today. They are... somewhat denser. It's going to be a while until we have a three panel sequence like this.

Page 13-16

Oh, hello again, eight-panel grid structure, old friend. We'll be seeing you again soon.

The dumbest “I should have realised this in the script” mistake was that Cass didn't have a line in the first panel of this. That adds time to the sequence, and a repsonse to the appearance of Cass.

I remember the thinking on this for me. Okay, Persephone has dragged Woden away. What does Cass do? Try and free the Valkyries. Like, obviously.

Anyway – what we get instead of Woden being killed is this. Giving up the Valkyries. Dragged to be essentially Cass' helper. Working the level of reluctance and ego back and forth is key.

The Harry Potter line was probably the most closely debated line in the issue. C and I basically had a bunch of conversations trying to unpack the meaning, what Woden was trying to say about it exactly, what Woden thought he was saying, etc.

Whole sequence clearly important as it's stating a selection of the various mysteries in the book, signalling to the reader than them not knowing answers is not accidental, and making the characte's direction clear. “Direction” is tricky in Imperial Phase, which is kind of the point. Showing that we do have an idea what we're doing is probably a necessary tell.

The steady angle on the last two panels – once more, for comedy – makes me smile. The “Enigmatic Wankery” made think of a friend. I asked C who she thought would most likely actually say “Enigmatic Wankery.” She answered the same friend. So let's conclusively say “Enigmatic Wankery” is the line most likely to be said by author and punmeister supreme, Si Spurrier.

Page 15 – which, without saying it, where Cass implicitly agrees to working with Woden – is where I realised how good Woden and Cass are to have in the same room, in terms of pushing information around.

(Perhaps too much – Persephone is definitely an observer in these four pages)

Page 17

Text conversations are fun, just as how much you can get into it, as a piece of character work. That Cass hasn't updated her phone to change Laura's name ever since meeting her is certainly one thing, but also says a lot about various other bits and pieces.

Three golden expressions on the page., You can trust Jamie McKelvie to deliver on such thing – the specific annoyance and the somewhat enigmatic sadness of Persephone. And the... peevishly frustrated nature of Cass.

Also, easy panels! See, I'm not just a monster.

(Says the man who's just sent Jamie a script with a whole middle section sub-titled “ FUCKING HORRIBLE BEYOND ALL HUMAN BELIEF”)

Page 18

The quote's from Anna Karenina by Tolstoy. “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”

Page 19

Ananke's speech from issue 5 of WicDiv, being broadcast. Fun juxtaposition. And god, that's a hard mask to draw.

And honestly, this page – which you should recognise in its structure – so upset me when I thought of it, I knew it had to go in. The more I think about it, the worse it gets.

The copy of Pantheon monthly on the table especially makes me grin. I think that was Jamie's idea. Or maybe Katie?

Page 20-21

Persephone and Baal have been going out for three issues now. This sequence is the first time we've seen them in the same panel. Plus first time to see Baal in his guardian role. As such, wanting to live with them, albeit briefly, felt necessary. For a book that's often about death, we have to show life.

(The lightning-to-make-toast is the apex of that. The Mundane + The Divine may be an alternate title for WicDiv, or at least our aesthetic and interests.)

Also, let Minerva – ahem – continue to stretch her wings. Last time we got the human intelligence side of it. Now we get a more analytical mind.

And yes, Baal self-correcting himself is cute. You're trying, Baal.

Everyone's hair game is on point here. Minerva's fringe (aka Bangs, but we're in the UK, guys) is wonderful, but the winner is Persephone's braids.

On a really minor craft note? It's standard to say you end the page on a cliffhanger – an unanswered question, an reason to turn the page. The “Was Ananke right?” is a pretty good example of that, I think. Even mentioning Ananke changes the tone. The question is pointed, both in story and not. And, most of all, who's saying it?

Page 22

Oh, it's Amaterasu. Hi, Amaterasu.

This is very much catching balls we threw into the air, earlier. In terms of Amaterasu's actions, this is how the cast see it. Or at least, this part of the cast.

The third panel of this page makes me optimistic we're going to get away with an issue down the line. That's a lot of wonderful acting inside a tiny panel from Jamie.

I wasn't sure if “Li'l flower” was too much, but decided, no, it was the right amount of much.

Page 23-24

Yeah, this is a swing back to action-mode comics earlier than I suspect people were expecting it.

Kept really basic, leaving room for Jamie and Matt to do their thing. The tendrils whirling around, use of space, etc. Also, let's nod towards Matt's hot pink in the last panel.

Page 25

And hello what we can only presume is the Darkness, Great, which I probably better not say more about until next month. It was certainly a design conversation, but probably best to work in there. Clearly we wanted something interesting.

Yeah, that's enough for now, I think. We'll talk the nature of Cliffhangers again next time.

Page 26

I had a string of names for this one, before ending up here. I liked most of them enough to make me suspect they'll end up being used elsewhere.

Right – issue has just headed off to Image, so we'll see you in a month.

Thanks for reading.

#WicDiv #the wicked and the divine #writer notes

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belphieslilcow · 5 years

Text

I wrote thing!! About characters!!

It’s just Malran and Eravor meeting, with a few storyline tweaks from the original game. I had a good time writing this too!!

Under a cut cause it’s like 1100 words or something.

Eravor could practically feel his cellmate staring at him, he was trying his best to ignore it. They were a Bosmer by the looks of it from the few times he glanced over, they were already in the cell before he got there, which was strange. He would’ve thought that since they were so small, it would be one prisoner per cell. The young Dunmer grimaced at the thought of calling himself a prisoner, everything was just all a misunderstanding, that’s the last time he goes to the Imperial City for a book, that’s for sure. He was too young to be in jail already, there was no way in Oblivion he would be able to explain this one to his parents back home in Cheydinhal.

After a few minutes passed of continued staring he finally turned to face the other Elf, ready to confront them.

“Why do you keep staring at me? That’s incredibly rude, you know.” He said.

The Bosmer cocked his head to the side. “Feisty, aren’t you? You look a bit young to be in a place like this, how old are you?”

Eravor’s eyes widened slightly, he wasn’t expecting such a calm response. “I’m sixteen.”

“Heh… I guess that’s better than what I was thinking, you have a young face.” They walked over and sat next to him. “So, you have a name, yeah?”

“Hmph, of course I do, it’s Eravor. Eravor Llorari.”

The Bosmer nodded. “Mine’s Malran, nice to be able to finally speak to my new cellmate, you’ve been giving me quite the cold shoulder since you got here.”

Eravor blushed, embarrassed. He started staring at the ground as he spoke. “I told you about myself, so it’s only fair you tell me about you.”

“Let’s see...I already told you my name… I’m about two years older than you, I’m eighteen.”

Eravor looked up at that, getting a good look at the other man’s face. He indeed looked young, he assumed he would’ve been much older. When some of the guards were writing down his information for records sake, they mentioned that he would put in a cell with someone who’d been there for a couple of weeks.

“-wandering around the city, trying to cause as much- Hey, are you still listening?”

“Huh? Oh, sorry.” Eravor didn’t realize he had spaced out.

“Personally I think I’m very interesting, don’t know how you could’ve stopped paying attention.” He gave a smirk, letting him know he’s joking.

They sat there for a while, trading stories and facts about themselves. It was nice having someone to talk to in a situation like this, Eravor couldn’t imagine how he would have fared if Malran had been someone else.

Their talk was interrupted by the sound of guards bursting in the jail.

“My son’s are dead, aren’t they?”

“We don’t know that for certain, Sire, the messenger just said they were attacked.”

Malran stood up, grabbing Eravor’s arm to pull him up with him, he slowly walked the back of them to the back of the cell, near the window.

The guards stopped at their cell and they had someone with them, he had an expensive looking robe and white hair, and what did they call him? Sire?. “What are these prisoners doing in here, this cell is supposed to be off limits?”

“Usual mix up with the Watch I-”

“Never mind, get that gate open.”

Malran’s grip tightened on Eravor’s arm, his previous calm demeanor diminishing with each passing moment. Eravor had no idea what was happening, who was this old man? Why did they need in their cell? Malran seemed to have an idea by the way he was acting but he said nothing, just kept his hold and watched.

The guards stepped into the room with the man. One of them looked over at the two and spoke, “Stand aside prisoners, we won’t hesitate to kill you if you get in our way.”

The old man looked over at the two, “... then the stars were right, and this is the day… Gods give me strength...” He mumbled.

One of the guards started fumbling with the rightmost wall of the cell, eventually revealing a passageway. “Better not close this one, there’s no way to open it from the other side, Sire, we must get moving.”

The 4 of them made their way into the passage, one of them stopping quickly and turning to the two Elves. “Looks like today is your lucky day, just stay out of our way and you’ll be fine.”

They stood there in silence for a few moments as they walked off. Malran let out a breath he was holding, “I guess we can leave now...”

“Yeah… who was that? The old man? Why was he with the guards?”

Malran looked over in surprise, voice still full of nerves. “That… that was the Emperor, Uriel Septim.”

Now it was Eravor’s turn to be shocked. Of course he was… why else would they call him Sire? Why else would he be wearing such nice clothes? He mentally slapped himself for not noticing.

He cleared his throat. “Are you going to be okay? You look-”

“I’m fine… I’m fine… It’s just… ” He paused and shook his head. “It doesn’t matter, the cell door is open, so we might as well leave, no sense in staying in this rat hole.” His confidence seemed to be returning.

Eravor nodded and the pair made their way out of the prison. It was surprisingly easy, no other guards to stop them, it felt almost like fate was shining down on them to help them escape.

Malran took a deep breath when they got outside, “Gods, it’s good to finally be out of there! So where are you headed now, to your home?”

Eravor had to agree about being outside again, even just the few hours he spent in prison took its toll on him, he couldn’t imagine how good it must feel for someone who’d been in for weeks.

“I guess I should, I hope my parents didn’t worry too much about me being gone for so long, what about you?”

“Hmm… I don’t really have anything to do today, do you want me to come with you? If you don’t want me in your house, I can just get you there safely, the roads can be dangerous.” He almost sounded like he was pleading to come with Eravor.

“Yeah you can come! I know a few spells my father taught me, but it’ll be nice to not have to worry about anyone trying to rob me or anything!”

Malran smiled. “That settles that, what city?”

“Cheydinhal.”

“I feel like I should have been able to guess that.” He laughed, motioning the other man to follow him.

#dilly writes #oc: malran #oc: eravor #hahhh!!!!#i'm proud of this one!!

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ga-yuu · 3 years

Text

~Kurama~Main Story Chapter 22~

Warning!! The story has a lot of violence and blood.

Chapter 21

---------Part 1---------

Kurama: "Stop! Ibuki-----"

Yoshino: "......!!"

Kurama pushes me and I fall to the ground. The next moment, I felt a splash of blood on my face.

I realized it was Kurama's blood.

Yoshino: "Kurama...what..."

Kurama: "Nn.....Didn't I order you not to get scratched by other men?"

(No! Don’t lie to me anymore...I hate it...)

Ibuki: “That’s a great result. I knew my instincts were good. I’m glad I gave you Yoshino.”

Kurama: “.......”

A ragged breath escapes from Kurama’s clenched lips, and a gust of wind with the smell of death rolls in.

Ibuki: “Well, that’s quite an injury you got there.”

The lightning flashes from across the wind dazzle the eye.

(Lend me the power of the nine-tail fox----)

Ibuki: “I like you. I like people who don’t give up, who struggle in vain.”

The greatsword split the wind and closed in on me as I tried to drown out the alien power.

(Almost there----)

Kurama: “Don’t touch what’s mine.”

Kurama hugs me tightly as he covers me.

Yoshino: “Kurama!”

Kurama: “...don’t...make a fuss...”

Black wings fluttered from his back as he took the brunt of Ibuki’s attack.

His limbs began to weaken and he barely managed to hold on.

(Why are you defending me to such an extent?)

Ibuki: “.....Nnn...”

Ibuki, whose shoulder was ripped open by the tornado, stepped back holding his wound.

(But it’s only a matter of time before he’ll kill us...)

Kurama: “Yoshino, you have to run away!”

Yoshino: “But.”

Kurama: “Hurry up! You have to...”

(I don’t like it.)

Ibuki: “If you, who have trampled on the weak, should be defeated by the stronger, that would be just providence. It was fun, Kurama. You’re good as dead now.”

Yoshino: “Stop!”

Kurama: “!!”

I thrust my palms forward, feeling the lightning and roar with my body.

(Nn...hot....)

Yoshino; “Nnn....nn...”

The unquenchable heat burned my skin and the pain was so intense that I cried.

Kurama: “Idiot....why are you....doing this....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. My body moved on it’s own...

2. I won’t leave Kurama...

3. I told you, I wanna fight together...(+4/+4)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yoshino: “No....I told you..already...I’ll fight together with you...”

Kurama: “Tch...No. I will not allow you to put yourself in danger anymore.”

I tried staying on my two feet, but I was too weak....

Ibuki: “It’s a beautiful feeling. Unfortunately, it won’t work against me.”

Ibuki walks up to me through the sand and looks down at me in amusement.

(No....)

I tried my best to resist being picked up by him.

Yoshino: “Nn....”

The palm of his hand pressed lightly against my back, and I became numb. I felt my body slowly losing its power.

Ibuki: “I don’t mind you struggling. But I’m tired and you’re too.”

Kurama: “Let go---Yoshino!”

--------Part 2---------

Kurama: “Let go---Yoshino!”

Kurama crawls towards me on Ibuki’s shoulders and reaches out for my hand.

Ibuki: “Sorry. I gave her as a toy once, but now, I’m taking her away. I wish I could have played with you longer, but now it’s time to say goodbye, Kurama.”

Kurama: “Ibuki!”

Ibuki: “....Hahaha. I love to watch you dying with that cute face .” (For this, I can’t deny. Because when Kurama glares, it looks incredibly cute.)

As Ibuki said, the light in Kurama’s red eyes is not spoiled even at times like this.

It was glittering and glowing with rage.

Yoshino: “No! Stop---!”

Just as Ibuki raises his great sword-------

???: “How dare you make my Yoshino cry, Shuten Doji.”

Ibuki: “...!”

(This voice-----)

Suddenly, we're surrounded by blue flames and Ibuki turns around.

Ibuki: “-----Foxfires.”

Tamamo: “Correct.”

Yoshino: “Tamamo!”

Kurama: “...why are...you....”

I looked at him in amazement at how much I had missed him.

(Did you come to help...?)

Tamamo walks up to us, his beautiful silver hair fluttering.

Tamamo: “Release Yoshino, right now.”

Ibuki: “No can do, Nine-tail fox.”

With an uncanny calmness, Ibuki distances himself from Tamamo.

Ibuki: “It would be churlish to spoil the fun.”

Tamamo: “According to my aesthetics, no amount of bad taste play can disturb me. I was the first to arrive on the scene when I heard of the raid on the Imperial Court.....Following the trail of the magic, I didn’t expect this.”

Ibuki: “Oh dear, I stayed back for too long. But, how are you going to attack me when I have this woman in my arms?”

Tamamo: “Hmm...what should I do?”

He smiled and nodded his head.

Tamamo: “Let’s just make sure we don’t hit Yoshino, I guess.”

With the words, small foxfires emerge around Ibuki.

(When did you...!)

Ibuki: “Heh, you are really careful, aren’t you?”

Ibuki’s great sword swept away the blue flames that were coming at us all at once.

Ibuki: “.....!”

One of the fox fires scorches Ibuki from the front.

Ibuki: “The rest of them were illusions, huh----I hate you already.”

(Amazing! Such a skill on a spur of the moment----)

Tamamo: “Sorry, I’m so good at concocting spells, aren’t I?”

He snapped his fingers and said in a droll tone.

Then the foxfire floated in the air again......

Ibuki: “You’re blowing, you little fox. You’ll never bring me to my knees with your petty attacks.”

Tamamo: “I suppose so. Trouble is, my power is far from recovered.”

--------Part 3-------

Tamamo: “I suppose so. Trouble is, my power is far from recovered. But....”

He snapped his fingers once more, and all at once, the foxfires exploded.

Tamamo shouts to drown out the sound.

Tamamo: “You’re not the kind of lad who sleeps around here, are you? Kurama!”

Kurama: “You don’t have to tell me that!”

(Kurama....)

The wind whipped up with a roar.

Ibuki: “....You’re a dead man, you know that?”

Cut and bleeding by a blade of wind, Ibuki still smiles thinly.

Tamamo: “Are you ready to give up and give Yoshino to us?”

Ibuki: “No way. We’ll just play our trump card. Don’t just stand there and watch. Give me a hand, Yasuchika!”

(Eh!?)

Kurama and Tamamo: “.......”

In a breathless moment, the space in the shadow of the grove to which Ibuki’s gaze was directed, was distorted.

Yasuchika: “......I hope you don’t try to use it as a convenience.”

Yoshino: “Yasuchika..san...!?”

Yasuchika-san emerged from the distortion.

He had a cold face, unlike the aloofness I know him to be.

Tamamo: “I knew you would come, Yasuchika.”

Kurama: “.....”

The foxfire and the blade of the wind flew towards Yasuchika at the same time.

Yoshino: “Nn....”

The purple light spreads like a net to prevent the foxfire and the wind blade.

I found him holding a piece of paper with an intricate pattern on it at his fingertips.

(Is that...a talisman?)

Yasuchika: “Hi, Tamamo-chin and Kura-rin. Also, fox princess, how are you doing?”

Though he’s smiling, I can’t read his mind at all.

(It’s not like the fear of Kurama or Ibuki. I don’t know what to say.)

Ibuki: “Brilliant, Yasuchika.”

Yasuchika: “In Onmyoji arts, unlike the powers of demons, there is a price to pay for great skill. Ibuki. You know this very well, but you’re playing on the assumption that I’ll clean up after you.”

Ibuki: “I’m doing it for ‘him.”

Yasuchika: “I hate you, because you know I’ll shut up when you say his name....Now, let's go.”

In the next moment, the purple net changes shape like smoke.

Tamamo: “Tch...smokescreen.”

Kurama: “Wait! Give her back to me! She’s mine----”

Kurama tried to run at us from behind a thick smokescreen, but an invisible wall blocked his way.

Yoshino: “Ku..rama...”

(I wish I could be near you right now.)

I want to hold your bleeding body and tell you not to be reckless, but I can’t do that now.

Soon purple smoke blocked the view....

Ibuki: “Sleep for now.”

Ibuki’s voice rumbled inside my head and my consciousness crashed into darkness.

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

By the time the purple smoke had cleared, Ibuki, Yasuchika, and Yoshino were already gone.

Kurama: “.............”

Tamamo: “Where are you going, Kurama?”

--------Part 4------

Tamamo: “Where are you going, Kurama?”

Kurama stands up, bleeding, and Tamamo stands in front of him.

Kurama: “I’ll follow them. I’ll follow the traces of his magic....”

Tamamo: “I’m sure Yasuchika will be well prepared. And with your body, Ibuki will finish you off....or will you risk your life and stab each other in the back?”

Kurama: “It’s better than being humiliated.”

Tamamo quietly met his gaze, which was filled with icy anger.

Tamamo: “I know it’s a lot to ask of you to endure----but, Yoshino would be destroyed if she knew you died for her.”

Kurama clicked his tongue hearing Tamamo’s words.

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

(Mmm......)

The shock to the body wakes me up.

Ibuki: “You’re up. Just in time.”

(Ibuki! Where are we-----)

I jumped up in a panic and found that I had been lowered to the ground inside a tent.

Yasuchika: “Sorry to wake you up from your sleep, so early but I’d like to introduce you to someone.”

Yoshino: “...?”

Still, with a confused mind, I turn to the direction indicated by Yasuchika-san.

???: “We finally meet, fox princess.” (AHHHHHH MY HEART!!!!!)

(Who is this man?)

In a graceful robe and a mysterious tone.

His quiet beautiful eyes seem to draw me in as I look at him.

Yoshino: “Who are you....?”

When I ask him, he gives me a soft, languid smile.

???: “A lot of people call me Sutokuin or Your Majesty. I don’t really like it, it’s too ostentatious.”

( ‘Sutokuin’....you mean the Emperor who gave up his throne. right?”

Yoshino: “Don’t joke about it! No member of the Imperial family would be here.”

???: “That’s right too. So, will you call me Akihito?”

Yoshino: “Akihito-san?”

Akihito: “Mm. I like it. Hearing ‘san’ next to my name feels fresh. But if you want, you can call me like how you call Ibuki.”

Yasuchika: “.....Akihito-sama. We don’t have time to play games.”

(Onmyoji is supposed to be a high-status profession, isn’t it? I can’t believe that Yasuchika-san calls him “sama”)

As I looked at them in surprise, Yasuchika-san turned to me.

Yasuchika: “Yoshino-san. It’s understandable that you don’t believe us, but.....Akihito-sama is the former Emperor of Hinomoto(Japan)”

(No way...)

Still, in doubt, a new question arises.

Yoshino: “You mean...”

Akihito: “I'll be straightforward. In the eyes of the world, I should have been dead by now.”

-------Part 5--------

Akihito: “ “I'll be straightforward. In the eyes of the world, I should have been dead by now. It’s kind of like the same situation as Yoshitsune.”

Ibuki: “I think your situation is somewhat more complicated than his.”

(It’s too far-fetched to be a lie to make any sense. Then...?)

Yoshino: “Wait, if that’s true....and aside from Yasuchika-san, there is one more person responsible for all this chaos------”

I was surprised.

Yoshino: “Does that mean, the one who made a deal with Ibuki-----is you?”

Akihito: “You’re clever.”

Ibuki: “Isn’t it ironic. A man with the noblest blood in the land of Japan is bound to a demon.” (Ironic and badass!!)

Yasuchika: “It’s not the worst mistake. As for me, I’d kill that demon any day.”

Yasuchika-san replied to Ibuki with a smile.

(Ibuki made a deal with the former emperor...so he got some of his powers as well?)

Yoshino: “Then Akihito-sama....what is your purpose?”

Akihito: “Akihito-sama’...well, there’s nothing that can be done about that now.”

Akihito-sama murmured, unfortunately.

Akihito: “I’m not averse to straightforward questions. I’ve got a grudge against the whole Hinomoto. So I’m going to curse and destroy all of them.”

His voice is so soothing that I’m willing to listen to it forever.

The softness of his speech made it all the more strikingly different.

Yoshino: “....Are you serious?”

Akihito: “Nope. I lied.”

The smile on his face is both deceptive and sorrowful.

(What kind of life do you have to live to make you laugh like this?)

Ibuki: “Don’t scare her, Akihito.”

Akihito: “I didn’t mean to.”

Yasuchika: “Now that the introduction is over, let’s get to the main subject.”

Softly, Yasuchika-san interrupts us.

Yasuchika: “Have the Shogunate and the Rebels reached the battlefield?”

Akihito: “Yes. The advance team is arriving on both sides. I’ve just had private soldiers attack each end of the line and pass on the information. The Shogunate was defrauded by the Rebels, and the Rebels by the Shogunate, who broke their promise to hand over the prisoners.”

(That’s...!)

Yoshino: “Yoritomo-sama and Yoshitsune-sama will be sure of the truth.”

Akihito: “The main body will arrive a little later. Will they be able to control it all the way to the end? All we need is to make a small edge of a big crowd suspicious.”

Ibuki: “If one of us gets carried away and starts a fight, it can quickly spread to the whole of them and cause a huge fire. Because humans are cute but stupid creatures.”

Then Akihito-san turns to me.

Akihito: “What is your name again?”

Yoshino: “....Yoshino.”

Akihito: “Yoshino. I’ll remember you.”

Then Akihito-sama lowered his eyelashes as if he was slightly troubled.

Akihito: “I want to apologize to you. You can hate me all you want. One more curse on me now won’t make much difference.”

(What are you going to me....?)

Chapter 23

#ikemen series #ikemen genjiden #ikemen genjiden kurama #ikemen mc #main story translations #otome #cybird #cybird ikemen #cybird otome

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crimvaiocipher8 · 7 years

Text

Sultry Sarlacc

Author’s Note: It’s under the cut so no unwanted spoilers happen, but it does star @therealtheronshan.

The people, the music, the passion, and the alcohol push me onto the dance floor. I can feel their bodies brush against me, and their breaths move to the beat. A beat that sends my heart on a rush, and my eyes alert. So many mouthes moving with words unsaid; secrets betrayed in the security of the beating music. A world so volatile, and yet indispensable to those who know how to use it. Intelligence operatives use it if they're smart. We come to these places with a bright smile, and carefully chosen clothing. We look the part of a person looking to get lost in the passion and substance. Everything is chosen, every thought calculated, and every conversation is duplicit.

In my case, I pick a night where many of my allies are there. It looks like I'm joining friends looking for relaxation during our off duty hours. Other nights that was true, but tonight friends are my security. They're a small safeguard if the worst occurs. I wave and smile. I dance with them, and drink beverages. Fun times. I almost forgot my other purpose for being here.

I’d love to be here with Kardeva. He and I love dancing the night away, and pretending all is well with the galaxy. Unfortunately, Kardeva here equals a vain and empty meeting. And if the meeting happened anyway, nothing would be said. I’ll make it up to him later.

I go to the bar and order another ale. Ale does nothing to my people, since our bodies metabolize weaker forms of alcohol too quickly, but not many know that on Nar Shaddaa so it provides a good enough illusion. I move my hips to the music, and wink when I see very masculine eyes glance my way. One of the women approaches and shouts to me, “Hey, handsome, want to dance?”

I shake my head and say, “Sorry, miss, but I prefer a more manly company.”

She shrugs and heads away. She the third or fourth woman to ask? I used to joke to myself that maybe the next one would convert me. Heh. I don't want conversion, nor modification. Just answers.

Another comes up to me. This time he’s shirtless, with a scar across his chest. He’s drinking a bottle and stumbles a bit into the stools. “Am I shmanly enough company for you?” he asks with a hiccup.

I’m about to roll my eyes and turn him down, but I remember I’m not here to stick out. So, I shout in a less-imperial accent, “Even more so handsome…"

We head to the dance floor as one of my favourite songs comes on. His moves are clumsy and he bumps into me a lot, but no one turns around to look. Good. Good. Soon the dance partner stumbles away and I find another handsome one to dance with. He’s cute. He has good moves. Reminds me again why being attracted to my own sex is delightful.

In the corner of my eye, I see them looking around. The person I’m here to met. Brown hair, new black leather jacket with a tank underneath, and implants on the corner of their eye. Slowly, I dance my way to them. “Hey there, handsome. Care to dance?”

“I’m not very good at it… You and Lana keep sayin’ I got to lighten up. Well, here I am.”

“Here you are,” I shake my head and smirk, “And dare I say, looking fine.”

“Hey, they got whiskey here? Would help loosen me up…”

“Anything for a handsome face,” I reply and I use a strong arm to ensure they follow me to the bar.

We order drinks: I order another ale, and they order whiskey, the go-to drink. After I drink a bit, I take a breath and say quietly, “You know why I took you off active duty a few days ago and why I called you yesterday, right?”

They nod slowly, and look down. “Yes. And I know that you know that I can only speak hypothetically.”

“Alright then, Theron, we can speak hypothetically,” I answer in a low voice, “about why someone would decide to kill my husband and betray the Alliance?”

“… So you do know?”

“Given the work I did for the Empire, did you honestly think I wouldn’t?”

“You’re too emotionally involved in this situation. Not what I’d expect from you, Cipher.” He looks up at me with his eyes hard, and with a hint of defiance, “Why else would you protect instead of investigate the uprisings? Or do you already know something or someone is hypothetically orchestrating them?”

“Hypothetically… wouldn't you be emotional too if hypothetically you're husband was in carbonite for 5 years, and then a few years after him getting out, someone hypothetically betrays him?"

He glances back and widens his eyes. “Uhhh… Crim…”

“What?”

“You didn't…”

I feel a tap on my shoulder, and slowly turn to see Kardeva standing there in one of his more revealing outfits. I step back, “Akise…”

Kardeva looks at me with a blank face. “Yes?”

I turn to Theron and I say simply, "Theron..." and hand him a small commchip, "We'll talk about this later at these coordinates. Be there. I'll make sure the Commander isn't."

Theron walks up and whispers to me quietly, “You’d better.”

I nod and then take Kardeva by the arm and guide him out the door. “Come on, akise.”

"Alright, Theron, I did notice an interesting coincidence: Uprisings suddenly come up at the same time, and so soon after Zakuul was formally defeated," I say in one of my hideouts on a planet far from the reaches of most galactic factions.

I came upon this place during my early Intelligence days, and I put it to good use. It has computers for both Republic, Empire, and other places around the galaxy. With the right codes, and stolen IDs, I can get into anything from anywhere. Today isn't a hacking day, naturally, it's having a conversation with a traitor day. A traitor who's right in front of me with his arms crossed, and in his usual uniform.

"Just like I noticed your implant's frequencies going to and from unknown communications during the initial landing on Iokath, and around the time Kardeva was nearly electrocuted. Now, you get to tell me how they're linked with each other, and why you acted without at least telling someone."

"Come on, Crim, you and I both go off and do our own thing. Can't fault me for that."

I smile and walk up to him so I'm staring down. “I can’t fault you for it, hmm? Alright then, what can I fault you for? Kardeva was almost killed thanks to you! Can I fault you for that or do you naively presume to have any say of my emotions while on my turf?”

"See? This is why I couldn't talk to you about it. You're too emotionally involved, can't think like an agent anymore."

"Can't think like an agent anymore?" I tighten my fist. "If I can't think like an agent anymore, I'd still be in the dark and you wouldn't be here. The emotion I put into this in turn grants me a connection to the Force, which helps me see where my eyes can't. Now," I levitate a blaster and point it at Theron’s head and hold him in place, “You have 60s to explain to me why I shouldn’t pull this trigger. So get talking?”

"Wait, you can use the Force? Since when?"

I lift up my shirt to show a dual saber strapped to my chest, and lower it, blaster remaining where it is. I then lift a hand, and a beverage floats towards Theron. "Thirsty? And you’re down to 45s, by the way."

He takes it, eyes wide, and smiles a little. "Heh. If I had known... Are you a Darth in disguise now?"

"No. Kriff, no! Last thing I need is to change my career after almost 20 years. My training isn't complete," I answered, "Only enough to be useful and to enhance my intelligence abilities. And down to 30s"

"I see. Then perhaps we can come to an understanding..."

Theron holds up a datapad to me. I read it thoroughly, and put my weapon in my holster. "Hmmm... Alright, you can live to see another day. Are you certain of this? Are they the ones behind the Uprisings?"

"I think so. But I can't know for sure since they're more secretive than the Revanites, and the leaders that started the uprisings are dead. The only way we can learn about them is if -"

"- You get into this order," I finish his his sentence, "but getting in means restarting fighting between the Republic and Empire. Why is this necessary? This galaxy has seen enough wars."

“Yes. Because they would've found someone else and this is our only chance to know what is really going on here. Just like you did what you had to to stop the Star Cabal, Cipher 9."

I slowly smile, and cross my arms. “Heh. I haven’t been called that in a long time. How did you know- nevermind. We know how each other knows their secrets. Figures the title returns to me on a much more personal level: I started in intelligence because I was recruited by my lover, which thrust me into defending the whole Sith Empire, and now the title returns to me in the name of protecting the one I love.”

I turn around and bury my face in my hands. “Explain why you expect me to take you at your word? Why should I take you at your word?”

“I don’t know,” Theron answers, “aside from your gut and things not adding up.”

"This is a dangerous game you're playing, Agent Shan. If this goes well, we can stop the conspirators. If this goes poorly, the galaxy is thrust back into a war whose price I don't think it can pay. If anything, I'd say the galaxy will go into default on such a conflict."

Theron sighs and his eyes are tired when I look at them. Has he been sleeping at all since this started? I doubt it. Seems I'll be joining him soon enough. I go to a computer and type a few things. "What are you doing?" He asks slowly.

"Sending your implants information on Cipher 9's last missions before Imperial Intelligence got disbanded. It includes information on the Star Cabal." I turn to face him as he silently looks over the information.

"How were you able to-"

Our eyes meet, and I smile. Theron nods and keeps reading. I explain, "All the information about the Star Cabal was in a black codex. They'd have extensive knowledge... I won’t say what Cipher 9 did with it. However, I do know the Star Cabal had copies."

"The Star Cabal were the ones behind the last battle between the Sith and Republic. Why is it as soon as we deal with one conspiracy, another pops up?"

"Because too many people in the galaxy don't want to see you and I unemployed?"

We both laugh at that. He's silent in the information I gave him. Whether it actually helps or not, I don't know; what I do know is protecting Kardeva has become much more complicated. A dark part of me wants to shoot Theron where he stands, and walk away. Serves him right for thinking he could try and kill a tsis' mate without consequence. I feel my hand rest on my blaster. It would be quick, and I could explain it to Kardeva later.

Killing him now would be the stupidest thing I've ever done! I jerky my hand away. Now’s not the time to think like all the sociphatic idiots among the Sith, but as an Imperial Intelligence agent who knows many conspiracies. Those behind these uprisings will find another traitor and when they strike, Kardeva might die. And I’ll be helpless to stop them because the one person who was close to getting inside die.

I should let him go.

If I let him go, he might find a way to stab me again, like he did all those weeks ago with a blade coated in poison designed to kill tsis. Then I might not survive, and Kardeva won't have his shadow. I promised him I would return to him. How I return is another matter.

There is only one option, isn't there?

"Theron..."

Theron's eyes focus on me. I look at him for a few minutes, each breath being harder to take than the last. "You'll need an ally on the Alliance in case things go really south with this order. We should keep in touch."

"I don't know. You're still emotionally..."

"Shut the kriff up! What are you, a Jedi? Why are you coming to their line of thinking anyway? They seem to be good at fucking you over instead of being useful!”

“Hey, let’s not bring in my…”

“Family got brought in the moment you tried to destroy mine. Mine whom I’m going to protect, even if it means back stabbing them in the process. I'm a tsis who knows both emotion and thought, and who doesn't want his children to live in a galaxy plagued by war after war, who doesn't want his husband to lose his life to this Order. And yes, I do it all because I have strong emotions. Know what else I have? A strong connection the Force, which rewards me in making myself a better agent. I won't apologize for any of that Theron. If anything, I'll be apologizing to my husband for helping you join this Order and ensure that this plan works instead of letting him know why you didn’t leave this meeting alive.”

Theron opens his mouth and then closes it. "You'd... You're willing to?"

I cross my arms and stare. "Yes. Understand this is a quick, but heavy decision. It's the only way we're getting out of this room alive, and remain allies."

Theron nods and gets up, "Umbara. Adegan crystals," Theron says quietly, "it's where I need to make my next move."

I nod and slowly. "I know the world. I know the Alliance has been aiding the Empire in getting them, and the Republic has been attacking the shipments in turn. I will gather what information I can, and ensure, the Commander, will be there.

Theron gets up and heads out the door. "I'll be in touch."

I sit down in the chair he was in and bury my face in my hands. "Very well. And Theron…"

He turns around and I look at him, sending some of my darker Force presence to him with a warning, “If this proves to be more lies in the end, I will kill you.”

Theron nods and turns around and heads out the door. I barely hear his reply, “Provided I don’t kill myself first.”

#swtor 5.4 #lead up to swtor 5.4 #swtor spoilers #Theron Shan #Imperial Agent #oc: crimsèn #believe in Theron

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