#i’ll talk bout the abyss soon im just

[081314]

Book 7: The Ruler of the Abyss – Chapter 4 (Part 3)

Following is part 3 of my translation of Chapter 4 of Book 7: The Ruler of the Abyss. This part contains episodes 7-66 to 7-68. This concludes Chapter 4.

Main storyline spoilers after the cut!!

Episode 7-66

Sebek: …. By the way. You haven’t once yet fallen asleep, Silver. Even though you typically nod off throughout the day, be it in the middle of a conversation or during training.

Silver: That’s…. For some reason, I never get attacked by those sleeping spells when I’m inside a dream.

Sebek: Ha! So it’s when you’re fast asleep that you’re finally awake, eh? How laughable.

Silver: You’re right. I wish I could stay awake like this in the real world, too...

Yuu: You’re always sleepy?

Silver: Yeah… Ever since I was little, I’ll get these sudden bouts of drowsiness out of nowhere.

Grim: I totally get it! Whenever I’m in Trein’s class, or when I sit outside on the bench after lunch, I conk out.

Silver: …The type of sleepiness you’re talking about is probably a bit different from mine. In my case, regardless if I’m walking down the hallway or in the middle of a conversation with someone… or even when I’m practicing my swordsmanship, I’ll suddenly become incredibly drowsy.

Grim: Wait, even when you’re sword fightin’? Do you stay up all night playin’ video games or something?

Silver: No, I always get plenty of sleep at night. I don’t know what causes it, either. My father’s taken me to more magical healers than I can count, but… No matter where we went to, they’d always end up throwing in the towel, unable to find out what was going on.

Yuu: (Actually, that reminds me… I’ve been having those dreams a lot more often lately…)

Silver: If I could just find the cure for this sleeping habit, it’d be one less thing for my father to worry about.

Grim: Oh, yeah. I just remembered. Sometimes you call Lilia “Father”…. Is that, like, a nickname or what?

Yuu: I’ve been wondering about that, too.

Silver: Aah… No, it’s not a nickname…

Grim: Huh? So how come you call ‘im that?

Silver: When I enrolled at NRC, Lilia Senpai told me to keep this a secret from everyone to avoid causing any issues with the other students, but…. I’m sure it’s fine if I tell you two. Lilia Senpai-… Father took me in when I was orphan and raised me. He’s my actual parent.

Grim: Huh? Wait, so Lilia’s… He’s literally your dad!??

Yuu: Okay, I didn't see that one coming!

Silver: I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to confuse anyone. I try to be careful and call him “Lilia Senpai” while we’re at school… But calling him “Father” is just a force of habit at this point.

Sebek: You humans may find this incredulous, but in Briar Valley, ‘tis not at all unusual for aged fae to appear much younger than they actually are. My mother, for example, is a fae, and though she’s older than my father, she looks younger than him.

Grim: Huh… But still, Lilia looks exactly the same four hundred years ago as he does now.

Silver: Yeah, but… Even though he looks the same, he’s totally different from the father I know. I guess I... I really didn’t know anything, did I.

Imperial Guard A: Gaugauu! Shaa!!

Sebek: Yes, sir! We apologize for causing a disturbance. We shall retire at once.

(The Imperial Guard departs)

Sebek: Now look what you twats did! Your little uproar incensed our Imperial Guardsman senpai! Listen to me, our goal here is to reach the fortress and deliver this letter as soon as possible, and then immediately return to “Briar Castle” so that I may admire our Lord’s pearl-like visage!! Humph!

(Sebek departs)

Silver: Yeah. Let’s all get some sleep and get ready for tomorrow. Good night.

(Silver departs)

Grim: ….Uh, Sebek just totally changed the plan on us. Man, looks like we’re really in it now, Yuu.

(Yuu nods)

Grim: I wonder what kinda dreams Ace and Deuce are havin’ right now… *mumble mumble* Zzzz….

Yuu: Goodnight.

Silver: …..Yuu, Grim, wake up.

Grim: *grumble* …It sure feels weird goin’ to sleep and wakin’ up inside a dream.

Silver: Did you sleep alright? You should go wash your face in the river. It’ll perk you up.

Grim: Yikes! The water’s freezin’!

Silver: The spring water in the Thunderclap Mountains is cold all year round. The continent that Briar Valley sits on is located much farther north than Sage’s Island, after all. The mountains always get covered in snow during the winter… We’re lucky we didn’t land here in the middle of winter, even though this is just a dream.

Sebek: The Imperial Guards shall soon embark. FINISH WITH YOUR TOILETTE AT ONCE!

Silver: …We need to stay focused, Sebek.

Sebek: Just whom do you think you’re addressing? You best keep your wits about you, you dolt.

Grim: Okay, let’s hit the road!

(Battle map conversation)

Lilia: Now then, if we want to take the quickest route possible to that fortress, our best bet would be to cut through the Canyon of Howling Winds over in the northeast. However…

Baul: We’ve also received reports of the “Iron Ones” being spotted at the base of Dragon’s Tail Mountain and the villages along the coast. Before we traverse the Canyon of Howling Winds, it might be a good idea to canvass the Verdant Moors first.

Lilia: Geez… We keep throwing them out over and over again, but they just come right on back.

Baul: In the name of the Imperial Guard, we will drive them out past the Canyon of Howling Winds… NO, WE’LL DRIVE THEM OUT PAST THE CORAL SEA ITSELF!!!!

Lilia: Tone it down. The west side of the Canyon of Howling Winds still belongs to the fae. The real battle won’t begin until we reach the Crimson Plain.

Baul: Yes, sir! We’ll remain vigilant.

(Battle map conversation)

Lilia: If we head directly northwest, we’ll reach the Canyon of Howling Winds in about half a day…

(Two Iron One soldiers appear)

Lilia: Yup, and here they come. A couple of nuisances.

Iron One D: You assholes sure did make yourselves at home at our camp yesterday!

Iron One E: There’s no telling what Lord Henrick’ll do to us if we report back empty handed…!

Lilia: Heh. That’s fine with me. I hope he gives you brats a good spanking!

Iron One D: Shut your damn mouth! You better prepare yourself, Vanrouge!

Lilia: Kishyaaa!

Iron One E: Eeeeep!! P-Please, spare us!!

Baul: You’re the ones who came back and picked a fight with us after we let you go last night, you idiots!

Silver: Please, wait! They’ve already surrendered! You can’t….!

Iron One D: W-Wait, it’s you! Ahh, you came to save us!

Silver: Huh?

Iron One D: Wha-… I guess I was mistaken…

Iron One E: You idiot! There’s no way “that person” would come all the way out here. But I mean… They do look alike.

Baul: Stop quibbling! Go back to the Canyon of Howling Winds and get the hell out of here!

Imperial Guards: Kukeeee!!

Silver: …I wonder who they mistook me for?

(Battle map conversation)

Baul: The Canyon of Howling Winds is up ahead.

Sebek: If I remember correctly, the lands to the east of the Canyon are under the “Iron Ones’” control, yes?

Baul: NO!! They don’t own anything- this entire continent belongs to us fae! ALL THEY’RE DOING IS SETTLING DOWN HERE AND ACTING LIKE THEY OWN THE PLACE!! DON’T FORGET THAT!

Sebek: M-My sincerest apologies!

Lilia: Keep it down. I can hear the clink of their armor.

Baul / Sebek: …!

Iron One A: Maaan, Lady Leah sure is cute, huh… She’s like a beautiful flower blooming amidst the squalor of that damn fortress…

Iron One B: I know, right? It’s hard to believe she’s Lord Henrick’s little sister.

Iron One A: And she’s always so nice to use, too…

Iron One B: But you know, I heard she and the “Knight of Dawn” are in love with each other.

Iron One A: Wait, what! Aww, come on. Why’d it have to be him! I don’t stand a chance.

Lilia: Oh, my. I had no idea the famed “Knight of Dawn” had a lover.

Iron One A: Well, it’s just a rumor. But man… It sucks to admit it, but even as a guy, I gotta say he’s real good looking.

Iron One B: And his hair’s soft as silk… Ugh, I’m so jealous! I can see why Lady Leah fell in love with him.

Lilia: Oh, yeah? I’ve never seen him take off his helmet. I’d love to catch a glimpse of his face, too.

Iron One A: Yeah, he hardly ever takes that thing off- Waaah!!???

Iron One B: A fae!???

Lilia: We’ll have to cut our chit-chat short. Get ‘em!

Imperial Guards: Garurururu!

Iron One A / Iron One B: Aaaahhh! Somebody, heeellllp!!

(The two Iron One soldiers run away)

Lilia: Tsch. Scaredy cats.

Baul: We can’t let them regroup with the “Silver Owl” members gathered at the Canyon of Howling Winds.

Lilia: Yeah. After them, quick!

(Canyon)

Grim: Waaaah! This wind is crazy I’m ‘bout to get blown away!

Yuu: It really does sound like the wind’s howling.

Lilia: These strong winds come down from the Thunderclap Mountains, and they blow through the gaps in the rock formations down here.

Sebek: Argh… Even just walking is a challenge.

Lilia: As long as this wind’s blowing, any projectile attacks will miss their marks. That doesn’t apply to our magic, of course. We fae consider this place a natural stronghold.

Grim: Huh? I hear somethin’ weird mixin’ in with the wind…

(Rumble rumble rumble!)

Imperial Guard A: Kukeeeeee! Gyagyaaa!

Baul: Something massive is coming this way! The hell is that? A stone golem!?

Lilia: No, that’s… It reeks of iron and oil! Troops, at your ready! Here it comes!

Lilia: Go to hell, you iron monster!!! Hiyaaaaah!!!

Iron One A: The armored excavator’s taken serious damage!

Iron One B: What the hell are these guys! How'd they take down the excavator like that!?

Iron One C: There’s no way we can beat them without the excavator. Retreat! Retreaaat!

(The Iron Ones flee)

Baul / Lilia: Haaaah, haaah……

Everyone: Haaahhh…. Haaah…..

Baul: W-What is this… this iron golem!?

Silver: Haaah….haah…. Looks like it’s got a shovel attached to it.

Sebek: The “Iron Ones” seemed to refer to it as an armored excavator. Judging by the name, they must be employing this device in their construction operations.  

Grim: Phew… Now that ya mention it, I feel like I’ve seen somethin’ like this before back at the port town on Sage’s Island, when there was some construction goin’ on.

Baul: So they’re using this device to dig up the earth? How bizarre!

Lilia: When the hell did they even… Not even twenty years ago they were using plows made from trees to dig up the ground, and now this. They must’ve used this thing to tear up the mountains. They’re gonna strip the Thunderclap Mountains bare in the blink of an eye at this rate. …For the time being, we need to report back to Lady Mallenoa. You, messenger, hurry back to the castle and let her know what just happened.

Imperial Guard A: Kekeeee!!

Lilia: Ugh, now my entire body reeks of iron and oil. I’ll need to wash this shit off… Blech. There’s a small lake just past the canyon. We’ll setup camp there tonight.

(Campsite)

Lilia: Aah, that hit the spot.

Grim: I wasn’t expectin’ Lilia to try an’ eat those frogs he caught in the lake.

Sebek: Thankfully things ended without incident, as we went and caught some fish in a panic…

Lilia: What, you guys didn’t know? Those frogs weren’t poisonous.

Silver: Erm, them being poisonous wasn’t really the issue… Ahem! Um, fath- I mean, General Vanrouge. May I ask you something?

Lilia: Hm? What?

Silver: Both the “Iron Ones” and the Imperial Guards keep mentioning some people named Henrick and the “Knight of Dawn.” Who are they?

Lilia: Hmm. Sounds like they aren’t very well known in other lands, then. Henrick is the human man who acts as the leader of the “Silver Owl”.  He’s greedy, crude, and big as a barrel. He’s always kicking back and relaxing in their fortress to the east, and he hardly ever comes out… But there was one time, quite a while back, when he came to Briar Castle with a requisition in hand. Lady Mallenoa didn’t listen to him one bit, though.

Sebek: He brought forth a requisition!? Though his men are the ones tearing up these lands!? Absolutely shameless!!

Lilia: And as for the “Knight of Dawn”…. He’s the commanding officer of the “Silver Owl’s” guards. Their group goes after magical stones and precious metals, and they’ll even tread into some pretty dangerous places.  For example… Places like the west side of the Canyon of Howling Winds, where we so-called “insurgents” run rampant, as well as the nests of the magical beasts that reside on the Thunderclap Mountains. And that’s why they employ guards to protect them - ones very skilled in fighting, to boot. Amongst their ranks, the “Knight of Dawn” is ridiculously powerful.

Silver: …!  If you even recognize his strength, that’s…

Lilia: He protects the fortress that sits on the eastern tip of the continent, over on Cape Sunrise. That’s how he earned himself the moniker “Knight of Dawn”. He’s an expert swordsman, and I can’t even tell you how many of my comrades he’s beaten. We followers of the night know no fear, and yet our people will cover their eyes and run away in terror at the sight of his shining white armor and his golden hair.

Yuu: I wanna see him myself now.

Lilia: He accompanied Henrick that time he came to Briar Castle, so I did see him then, but… He had his iron mask on, so I didn’t catch a glimpse of his face. According to rumor, he’s supposed to be quite the looker. People say the diurnal fae must’ve blessed him with beauty.

Grim: Woah. So he’s got a pretty face and blonde hair, huh. Maybe he kinda looks like Vil.

Sebek:  Hmph! To hell with beauty! All a knight requires is strength! And when it comes to strength, not a single person in this land rivals Sir Lilia, General of the Right!

Lilia: Duh… Is what I’d like to say, but I’ve never fought him myself. He’s always protecting that fortress, and he hardly ever goes past our side of the canyon. I’d certainly like to go up against him, though.

Silver: So in other words… If we go to this fortress, you might be able to fight the “Knight of Dawn”, then?

Lilia: That’s right. …And there’s rumors that Levan, the first to set out to that fortress with one of Lady Mallenoa’s letters, even ran into him.

Grim: You mentioned that Levan guy a couple times before. Who is he?

Lilia: The Dragon-eyed Duke, Levan. The cornerstone of our country’s diplomacy efforts. He was Lady Mallenoa’s eyes, always at her beck and call… And he was her husband, too.

Sebek / Silver: !!!!

Silver: Don’t tell me… Was he in charge of those delegates who went missing…

Lilia: Yes, that was Levan. He was an aristocrat, and the best damn envoy we had. He told his wife and their egg that he’d be right back, and then he up and left the castle without a trace… Geez, just where is he wandering around now? And who does he think’s going to have to look after the princess and the egg while he’s gone, huh? I’d love to find some clues on his whereabouts and bring them back to the princess…

Sebek: ….. Ugh… *sniffle* …! Uwaaaaaaaaaaah!!

Grim: Yikes! The heck did ya start bawlin’ for!?

Sebek: Nary a soul could listen to that story and leave with dry eyes!! Why, just think how Sir Lilia, the princess, and His Eggcellency must be feeling right now, to be left behind by their dear companion…! Oh, it’s too much! It’s simply too much!!

Lilia: That’s just how things are nowadays. Stuff like this happens all the time. Besides, he could show up again out of the blue someday…. And until he returns, I have to protect the princess and her egg with my life. Just like I promised him…

Silver: Father…

Lilia: Didn’t I tell you to quit it with the “father” thing? I’m only 300 years old, you know.

Silver: Ah, my deepest apologies. I didn’t mean to…

Lilia: I’ve been rambling too much…. When I look at you guys, all these old memories start coming back to me. I’m going to bed. You all hurry up and go to sleep, too.

(Lilia departs)

Silver: …Good night.

Sebek: Ugh…. *sobs*

Silver: Sebek, it’s about time you stopped crying. I get that you’re sad, but… It won’t do you any good if your eyes are all puffy tomorrow.

Sebek: These are not tears of sorrow! They are tears of rage!! If it weren’t for humans, for the “Silver Owl”, then the Young Lord’s father would still be….! In the real world, both of his parents are gone. Even Lady Mallenoa – she only exists here within this dream!!

Silver: !! That’s…

Sebek: Tell me, why did the Young Lord have to lose his parents! Tell me, Silver!!

Silver: Don’t ask me that…

Yuu: I get how you feel, but…

Sebek: I cannot bear this anymore. I cannot continue to stand around just twiddling my thumbs. We must protect Lady Mallenoa with our lives – together with Sir Lilia! For the Young Lord’s sake!

Silver: I don’t know how many times I have to keep telling you this, but this is all just a dream, Sebek. It doesn’t matter what we do here, the real world isn’t going to change.

Sebek: If that’s so, then... Then why don’t we just stay here?

Grim / Silver: !!??

Grim: Are you crazy!? The whole reason we came here is to try an’ wake up!

Sebek: If we refrain from journeying back to reality, then the Young Lord will be able to live together with his mother, here inside this dream. And you, Silver! You can stay by Sir Lilia’s side! What more could you ask for!?

Silver: …! That’s… No, we can’t!

(*gurgling*)

Grim: Ack!? That yucky black stuff’s comin’ back!

Silver: It’s the darkness! …It must’ve gotten wind of Sebek’s emotional state. Is it trying to pull him into an even deeper sleep!? Sebek, take up your weapon! The darkness is going to pull you under!

Sebek: If we could just stay here within this dream…. Then the Young Lord could….!

Silver: Sebek!

Grim: The darkness got ‘im!

Silver: We can still bring him back! Yuu, Grim, lend me your strength!

Grim: Geez, this guy is such a pain!

Silver: Haaa….haaa…. It just keeps coming back! At this rate, we’ll…

(Silver’s ring starts to glow)

Grim: Silver! There’s something glowin’ by your chest!?

Silver: This light, it’s… the ring my father gave me?

Darkness: (*gurgles*)

Grim: I think the darkness is scared of that light!

Silver: It’s like there’s power emanating from whatever the ring’s light touches. Just what in the world is this ring…?

Grim: Who cares! Hurry up and get rid of this stuff already!

Silver: Okay!  O Light, dispel the Darkness!!

Darkness: (*melts away*)

Grim: It spit out Sebek!

Silver: Sebek! Are you okay!?

Sebek: Uggh… What… happened?

Grim: You started throwin’ a tantrum sayin’ how much you wanted to stay here and then the darkness stuff got ya.

Sebek: …I see. I….

Silver: Sebek, you’re right. Life would be so much easier if we just stayed in this dream… But.. But even then… we have to find a way out of here. Just think about all our classmates trapped in sleep, what about their futures! What about your family waiting for you to come home! And most of all… What about Lord Malleus!! He’s out there somewhere weaving this world of dreams in his solitude!

Sebek: ……! But if Sir Lilia awakens, then he’ll…

Silver: I know. But even then, there’s no doubt in my mind my father would try and get Lord Malleus to see that what he’s doing is wrong.

Sebek: That’s… Yes, I’m certain he would.

Silver: A retainer’s role isn’t just to obey his king and agree with everything he says. At times, remonstrating our Lord is an important part of our duty. I’m sure my father taught you that, too. Right?

Sebek: …You’re right, Silver. Long have I been troubled over my defilement against the Young Lord. The way his eyes burned with sorrow and rage as he glared down at me… I shan’t ever forget the sight. I still have my doubts, I’m still not certain that returning to the real world is what’s best for the Young Lord’s happiness… But I… I cannot forget my dream! My wish! TO BECOME THE GREATEST RETAINER THE YOUNG LORD SHALL EVER HAVE!! And I cannot achieve that trapped here within this illusion.

There is only one person I shall ever serve, only one person I respect with all my heart and would lay down my life for, and that is the Young Lord – the real Young Lord! The one who bears the heavy burden of his solitude and walks together at Sir Lilia’s side. The one who loves gargoyles and ruins and frozen desserts… Who dons the same uniform as we do and attends Night Raven College together with us – the crown prince of Briar Valley he may be… The real Young Lord! Him and him alone! …!! I shan’t indulge in these dreams any longer! Just you watch – we shall return to the real world and join him at his side!! I shan’t waver a second more…. Do you understand, Silver!!

Silver: …Heh. Now there’s the Sebek I know. You better not go back on your words.

Sebek: Hmph! I don’t need to hear that from you! …*sniffle*!

Grim: Good grief. Sounds like Sebek’s feelin’ better. He’s back to his loudmouth self, at least.

Sebek: I do apologize for my irreprehensible behavior, beast- I mean, Grim. And Yuu.

Grim: What the? You’re sayin’ sorry? What’s next, are pigs gonna start flyin’?

Yuu: Wait, he called us by our names!

Sebek: N-Now then! I shall retire forthwith! You all best soon get to sleep, as well! GOOD NIGHT!!!!

(Sebek departs)

Grim: Would ya quit screamin’, it’s the middle of the night! Good night!!

Silver: …He gets like that when he’s hiding his embarrassment. I promise you he's feeling very thankful to you both right now. People misunderstand him a lot, but he’s actually a really compassionate guy. I hope you two will keep being his friend.

Grim: Nyeheheh. That all depends on his attitude! *Yaaaawn* Man, I’m exhausted. We’ve been walkin’ around and fightin’ all day today. I’m goin’ to bed. Good night.

Silver: Good night.

(Grim departs)

Silver: ……

Yuu: What’s up?

Silver: My heart wavered at Sebek’s words for a moment there. If we stayed in this dream, then Lord Malleus and father wouldn’t have to… you know.

Yuu: Yeah, but…

Silver: Ah, don’t worry. I know that’s not right. But if I ever start clinging to this dream and I get engulfed by the darkness… Yuu, I want you to stop me. No matter what it takes.

Yuu: Of course.

Silver: ….Thank you. The nights here are cold when it’s sunny during the day. Keep warm and get some rest. Good night.

Baul: We’ll be setting off soon! Hurry up and get ready to go… Uwaah!

Sebek: Good morning….

Baul: Your eyes are all puffy. Did an insect sting you or something?

Sebek: Ah, please don’t mind me. ‘Tis but a bit of edema.

Baul: A-Alright. Fine, as long it’s not any sort of disease. We’ll leave behind anyone who gets sick!

Lilia: Time to head out. Let’s go pay a visit to the “Silver Owl’s” turf.

Baul: The shortest route to their fortress would be going east along the river that runs through the Crimson Plain. However… There aren’t many places to take cover on the plain, and it’s likely we’ll end up running into the “Silver Owl”. Not far from here, to the North, there’s a Mysterium forge. I think we should stop there and have our weapons repaired.

Lilia: And if we want to focus on searching for those missing delegates, scouting the area around Dragon’s Tail Mountain is also an option… Hmm.

Episode 7-67

(Battle map conversation)

Silver: There’s smoke up ahead. It might be a bonfire…

Lilia: Seems the “Iron Ones” are setting up camp. They’re making our beds for us and preparing our dinner, huh. What wonderful hospitality.

Baul: General…

Grim: Wait, they got grub for us!? Then I got no choice, I’ll have to put on my A-game here.

Lilia: That’s what I like to hear. All right, you lot. Let’s take care of one last job and then call it a day. Kishyaaaa!

(Battle map conversation)

Sebek: Sir Baul! I’ve your meal ready for you.

Baul: …I don’t like the food you lot make. Just leave me be.

Lilia: You already ate their food before, shouldn’t matter if you have to eat it again. Now's not the time to be picky.

Baul: Picky? That’s… General, you’re way too indifferent about things.

Lilia: Tsch. This is why I can’t stand you well-bride types  …Pride isn’t going to fill your stomach, you know. …*sigh* Lady Mallenoa always has something to say about food, too. I remember that one time she kept quibbling about something I made her.

Silver: Did you, erm… Did you cook something for her?

Lilia: What? Of course not, I don’t cook.

Sebek / Silver: Huh!?

Lilia: Why are you acting so surprised? If you can eat something raw, there’s no use wasting time cooking it. All I made for Lady Mallenoa that time was some jerky. She wouldn’t stop complaining about it, saying it was too dry and salty and whatever. In the end, Levan stepped in and summoned a pot or something and made her some soup. You know what she had the nerve to say? She told him, “You really are the only one I can count on!” Unbelievable… …I guess he had the edge over me there. Even though I was the only one who brought along something to eat with me.

Baul: Lady Mallenoa ate jerky…? How exactly did that come about?

Lilia: I got caught up in another one of Princess Tomboy’s little whims and we got lost in the forest one night. This was back when Levan, Lady Mallenoa and I were kids, and we hadn’t learned how to fly yet. The forest was covered in a thick fog that night, and we couldn’t see a thing. Levan was absolutely miserable, heh… I’ll never forget his face. But Lady Mallenoa was taking everything in stride. I guess because everything was so new to her, but she was having a lot of fun. Me and Levan were exhausted from walking around all night, but she kept us up until sunrise with her blabbering, saying she just couldn’t sleep… …I’ll probably spend the rest of my life wrapped around her little finger.

Sebek / Silver: ….

Baul: And how did you all end up returning to the castle after that?

Lilia: Some Imperial Guards came and found us the next morning. Even though it was all Lady Mallenoa’s idea, I was the one who got a earful about it… *sigh* …Being friends with that woman is just one pain in the ass after the next.

(Battle map conversation)

Lilia: Wait a sec, look over there.

Baul: They’ve got a wagon and one of those iron golems with them… It’s one of the “Silver Owl’s” platoons!

Lilia: They sure are walking slowly. They must have a lot of goodies loaded up on that cart for us. Looks like they haven’t noticed us yet. Perfect. Let’s go!

Imperial Guards: Gaugauu! Gyarururu!!

Baul: Ha ha ha ha! Look at that! They’re running with their tails between their legs!

Lilia: Kay, let’s see what all they’ve got here. There’s magical stones, food, and… a suit of armor made out of Mysterium. It’s got the Land of Briar’s coat of arms on it.

Baul: Grrrr… Damn them! Damn those “Iron Ones” – every single one of ‘em!

Sebek / Silver: …..

(The Darkness appears)

Grim: Ack!? That black stuff’s here again!

Yuu: It’s coming straight for us!

Silver: The three of us will deal with it. Yuu, get behind me. You ready, Sebek?

Sebek: Naturally. And we’ve no time to waste, let us finish this quickly.

Grim: Nyahahah! Those guys were no match for me!

Sebek: Do not boast over something so trivial! Let us return to Sir Lilia and the others at once.

Silver: Right. We don’t want to get left behind. Yuu, Grim let’s hurry.

(Battle map conversation)

Lilia: The enemy’s fortress is up ahead. We’ll stop here and get something to eat first.

Sebek: Understood. Then we shall begin preparing a meal at once.

Grim: Hey! There’s some tasty lookin’ fruit growin’ on that tree over there!          

Sebek: …There’s a fair amount of them, and they look just ripe for eating. However, they’re located incredibly high up that tree. Now how should we go about collecting them…. Even if we attempt to use our magic, if we should let even one fall to the ground, we’ll alert the enemy to our presence. And we cannot allow that to happen. Be quiet and give up on your quest, Grim.

Grim: Noooooooo! I want me a piece of that fruit!

Lilia: Keep it down, you brats. You’re telling me even though you’re studying magic at school, you can’t even control your powers good enough to pick some fruit? That’s pathetic.

Sebek: Yes, however, there’s a large amount of foliage impeding our way, and to attempt to pick them without making a sound would be…

Lilia: Fine, guess I don’t have a choice. I’ll show you brats how it’s done.

Sebek: T-That’s much too risky! The enemy is in the vicinity. Even for someone of your abilities, Sir Lilia, it’s….

Lilia: Stop worrying. There’s only one time in my life I ever missed my mark.

(Lilia uses his magic)

Grim: Woah, you dropped the fruit right in my lap for me!

Sebek: And he did so in the blink of an eye, with nary a sound…! That was truly splendid, Sir Lilia! To think, someone of your caliber could have ever missed their mark… Just what was it that you were aiming for at the time?

Lilia: Who knows.

Grim: This stuff is super sweet and tasty! *munch munch munch*

Lilia: If you don’t hurry, Grim’s going to eat them all. Here’s one for you, catch.

Sebek: Y-Yes, sir. Thank you.

(Battle map conversation)

Iron One C: Fae! It’s the fae! Capture them!

Baul: Argh! When did they get behind us!?

Sebek: Sir Baul! They’re approaching from the front, as well!

Lilia: Shit, it’s a pincer attack! Split it into two groups and take them down!

Silver: Yes, sir! Yuu, Grim, go take shelter behind that boulder there!

Silver: Haaaaaaah!!

Lilia: Haaah, haaaah… We get all of them?

Silver: Haaa, haaah…. Y-Yes, sir. I think that machine was the last one…!

Lilia: Heh…. You can hardly stand on your feet right now. The shit's about to start hitting the fan, kid. I’m saying this for your own good - scram already. Go back home. You can probably find refuge at the humans' port town up ahead.

Silver: …..No. No, we're staying with you! We aren’t going back home!

Lilia: This is our problem. It has nothing to do with you lot. There’s no reason for you to stick around.

Silver: I do have a reason! Because I’m your….!

Lilia: My what?

Silver: Your so-…….! …At any rate, I just want to…. I just want to help you all.

Lilia: You seriously are a weird little human, saying something like to a fae you just met…. *sigh* If you’re going to get that riled up about it then I’m not going to stop you. Do what you want.

Silver: Yes, sir. I will.

(Battle map conversation)

Lilia: There’s a ghost town up ahead. Let’s take a break at one of the cabins, it’ll at least keep the wind and rain off us.

Sebek: A ghost town…? Don’t tell me, was it destroyed by the “Iron Ones”!?

Lilia: No. Stop jumping to conclusions. Most of the people there worked at the nearby mine… But it shut down after they dug up all the Mysterium. And everyone just up and left after that.

Sebek: I see, so that’s what happened.

 Silver: Wait, these footprints…

Baul: No doubt, they belong to the “Iron Ones”. They’re heading for town. Looks like there’s a good number of them.

Lilia: Ha. Looks like they had the same idea as us. It sucks they beat us to it, but… We’ll just have them set up camp for us. This is our last job for the day. Let’s get to it.

Imperial Guards: Gugiiii!!

Lilia: This place is a mess… But the house is in pretty good condition, all things considered. We’ll camp out here tonight.

Silver: Is that a… spinning wheel over there? I guess the people who lived here must’ve worked at home, in addition to mining.

Lilia: Don’t you go touching that stuff here willy-nilly. This was originally a fae home, and some of the stuff here could be enchanted.

Sebek: However, there’s quite the thick layer of dust about… Perhaps we should clean this place up a bit. There’s a doll lying on the floor over there. It appears to be a… an animal donning a suit of armor? Heh, it’s making quite the gallant expression.

Silver: And check out the wall over there. Looks like they were recording someone’s height as the years passed by. I’m guessing kids must’ve lived here at some point.

Lilia: ….Why the hell do kids have to be so damn messy.

Silver: Do you, erm…  Do you prefer keeping things clean, General Vanrouge?

Lilia: No? I don’t even own enough stuff to make a mess with in the first place. But I already know when Lady Mallenoa’s egg hatches, she’ll be forcing babysitter duty on me. And when that little brat makes a mess, I’m going to be the one who has to clean up after it, right? I’m getting depressed just thinking about it. I hate kids. They’re loud, they do whatever they want, they cry over the littlest thing… And worst of all, they’re weak. I get chills just thinking about looking after something that gets worn out so easily.

Silver: ……..

Sebek: Given the right circumstances, you might change your mind someday. Say if… Say if your family were to grow, for example.

Lilia: My family? I have no intention of having a family. I never have, and I never will… *sigh* I’m exhausted. I’m going to bed.

Baul:  Then I’ll keep watch… And you brats, stop with the meaningless drivel.

(Lilia and Baul depart)

Silver: …Sebek. Thanks for looking out for me.

Sebek: You’ve no reason to thank me. 'Twas simply the truth I spoke.

(Silver Owl’s Fortress)

Sebek: We finally made it. So this is… The “Silver Owl’s” stronghold, then.

Baul: Stop goggling at everything! We’re here as delegates of the Land of Briar. We have to make sure to give off a stately air. Be confident.

Silver: …..It’s strange. There’s a ton of “Iron Ones” outside the fortress, but not a single one in here.

Lilia: …..No! It can’t be!

(The doors slam shut)

Sebek: What!? The doors closed all on their own!

(Something starts rumbling)

Everyone: !!??

Imperial Guard B: Gauuu!?

Lilia: That sound, it's...! Everyone, to arms!

Episode 7-68

Grim: Pfew… Haaa… D-Did we beat it?

Silver: Appears so… Is everyone okay?

Magical Armor: Creaaaak… Groaaaan…

Lilia: !!! Look out!!

(Lilia takes the hit for Silver and collapses)

Silver: Father!!!

Lilia: How many times… Have I told you… don’t call me... “father”…

Sebek: You wretched piece of junk! So you could still move about, eh? How dare you strike Sir Lilia..!? Haaa!!

Silver: No…! Please, pull yourself together!

Baul: Out of the way, human! General, take this potion!

Lilia: Ack… *gulp gulp* …Blech… Haaa…. Shit, that hurts.

Baul: You need to rest! An injury like this isn’t something to take lightly, even for you… Why on earth did you…!

Lilia: …That’s I want to know… Damnit… When I saw Silver was about to get hit, my body just moved on its own.

Baul: You fool! Did you not devote your loyalty, you life, to Lady Mallenoa!? So why… Why would you take a hit for a feeble little human of all things...!?

Lilia: I know, I know… This isn’t like me at all…

Silver: General Vanrouge…!

Lilia: Listen, boys. The moment you think you’ve won is when you’re at your most vulnerable. Don’t forget that.

Silver: Yes, sir…!

Lilia: Oh, would you quit it with the sniveling. I drank the potion, didn’t I? I just to rest for a little bit, and then I’ll be good as new.

Silver: (I knew it. Even in a dream, you’re still… You really are still my…!)

Imperial Guard B: ….Gyaooo! Gyaooou!

Baul: What did you say? Neither Henrick nor the “Knight of Dawn” are here!?

Lilia: …This isn’t looking good…

Imperial Guard A: Kishyaaa!

Baul: Messenger! You’ve returned!

Imperial Guard A: Gyagyaaa! Shyaaa!

Baul: W-What on earth…! General, I have news! Briar Castle has been… Briar Castle has been completely surrounded by the “Silver Owl”, and Henrick and the “Knight of Dawn” are leading the charge!

Silver / Sebek: Wha-…!

Lilia: ….!

Part 1

Part 2

Please note: We will not know what the proper translations of the new places and character names introduced in this chapter are until the official English localizations are revealed, so please take my translations of them with a heavy grain of salt.

[keyenuta]

TW Prologue: So enters The Wizard: part 2

(I'm gonna change up how i write dialogue to test stuff out, of you prefer this style please let me know) pt1, pt3

Mirror of Darkness: Your soul's shape is...Ramshackle!

Despite no echo being made, all throughout the room the word reverberated in everyone's minds. How could that be it's just an abandoned dorm?! For what felt like hours suddenly the silence was filled with a loud,

Everyone: Eeeeh?!

As each dorm head and student each shouted out in confusion, even Zoroaster, the boy in question looked at the mirror in shock, his golden eyes widening as his smirk became waver, beginning to crack into one confusion.

Grim: Ffnah?! Wait were getting a new member?!

Grim's sapphire eyes widened in confusion as he looked to You, now without their carpet of hair covering their face, Yuu looked just as dumbfounded as Grim, all they could really do was shrug.

Riddle: H-Headmaster, can they really enter Ramshackle, it was abandoned for some time after all.

Crowley: Mr.Rosehearts, I am just as confused as you are.

Leona: geez, this is too troublesome, I should've just went to sleep.

Kalim: ooh! Jamil, were getting another dorm isn't that exciting! Haha

Jamil: Hmmm, I agree Kalim, it is certainly interesting to say the least.

And all the while, despite all the murmurs and talking in the background, Zoroaster, the boy that spawned this uproar walked back to the mirror and now spoke plainly.

Zoroaster: uhh, you sure about that mirror? I ain't ever heard anything about a dorm named ramshackle ever, we need to clean your glass or something?

His chuckle died on his tongue from the expression of the mirror, it's stone cold face still glowering down on the boy as if nothing was amiss, or was a laughing matter.

Mirror: If you would prefer I look once more I shall, but your soul still reads ramshackle

Zoroaster: wait wha-

The boy was cut off by Crowley's outstretched hand. Resting in front of the boy's mouth as he rushed over to the mirror. While in the background whispers and murmurs slithered even more.

Crowley: Wait, wait, oh great Mirror of Darkness, there must be a mistake, Ramshackle is not a dorm I dont under-

Mirror: Headmaster Crowley, have I stuttered?

Crowley: well no, but why, please at least explain why no other dorm is suitable.

The mirror cutting him off gave the headmaster pause, but still he pleased the mirror for answers.

Mirror: Ramshackle is the shape of his soul headmaster. The reason why is because no other dorm fits his soul. The trait I saw within him was innovation. Now that is all. Please whoever is next come forward and give me your name.

Zoroaster seeing as he wasn't going to get anything more, went over to where Yuu and Grim stood and introduced himself to his new dorm mates. He strolled over to them and gave a playful bow

Zoroaster: Thanks for havin' me here, if ya want you can call me Zoro, no need to say all of it, oh and why's there a flaming racoon here?

Grim: Grrr, i am not a raccoon! Hmph, I am the great grim, and you are my new minion! Heheh

The monster laughed as he grinned from ear to ear imagining all the new stuff he could do with a new minion around. Zoroaster on the other hand looked to yuu who gave him a smile and shrugged, welcoming him in while the ceremony continued.

Up next there was the green skinned boy from earlier, as he walked over to the mirror, you could've sworn his brown eyes were staring at Grim with stars in his eyes. And thankfully when they stopped at the mirror, it broke him out of his trance.

Mirror: Give me your name

Jolting out of his trance, the boy whirled his head to answer the question, his hood flapping with every movement before he stopped on the mirror once more.

???: Oh-oh! Right, I'm Theodore, Theodore Elphaba!

He spoke brightly with a highish voice as he bounced and wobbled on his heeled slippers, while his hands clasped behind his back.

Mirror: Your soul reads, Ramshackle

Theodore: gaaaasp!  Yay!  I got in the kitty dorm! 

Theodore cheered happily as he raced across to Grim, despite the monster's protests he still found himself glomped in a massive hug from Theodore as ge began to pet the monster while in the background Zoroaster trued and failed to hold in his laughter

Grim: hey! Let go im not a cat! I-i'm prrr the great grim!

Zoroaster: awww, nice to meet ya Theodore, seems like you met the great and adorable grim already he teased to the monster. Who hissed between his purrs.

And next up, the Lion from before shuddered up to the mirror, his long mane of dreadlocks bouncing with each step as he shimmied forward. Gulping, while gripping his tail he stuttered while his orange ears dipped down

???:I-i-i am R-Regis Anakh, t-thank you

All through his stuttering introduction, the Lion listened for the mirror to give his statement as his eyes were bound shut, as he muttered in a scared whisper

Regis: please don't pur me in the dark gremlins dorm, please no scary dorm, please-please-please

Mirror: Ramshackle

Regis: That's even worse, oh no oh no, um uh, your great and knowledgeableness, d-do I have to be in this dorm?  I mean I would be fine being in his-no I mean uh

Zoroaster walked up to Regis with a smirk on his face, but he did feel a bit sorry for the guy, so he placed a hand on his shoulder abd tried to calm him down

Zoroaster: Heheheh, don't worry man, you're gonna be fine, no worries, ain't...nobody...gonna hurt you.

His word's tapered off as Regis scurried away from him in a rush

Zoroaster: man stop being an actual scary cat it's gonna be fine, no ones gonna hurt you I promise

Regis nodded fiercely but made no intention to move whatsoever. In the end Zoroaster shrugged and walked back to his spot there wasn't much he could do.

     As the ceremony reached its end, and the uproars continued, you could see the look on Crowley's face. It seemed as if he saw a ghost as in a clean sweep, each and every member of the late arrivals all had been inducted into ramshackle. Dorothy and the tin man, Simon both went in there as well to his shock.

Crowley: a-ahem! I thank you all for joining us today for our late arrivals, as well as the apparent reopening of Ramshackle into an official dorm. It is truly another day of miracles I must say.

The headmaster gave a smile to the students around him as he paced in place, and continued his speech.

Crowley: but with a new dorm, there must be a dorm leader. And for I am so gracious, I will allow one dorm head battle. For whoever wants to be dorm leader, please step forward now!

And out of the seven dorm members, two students stepped out. Though one had to tear himself away from Theodore's iron grip. In the middle of the room, the two students who chose to be dorm leader, was Zoroaster and Grim.

Crowley: i see, very well, Students please follow me onto the field, if you would prefer.

Leona: feh, what do I care about a few herbivores fighting, Ruggie let's go, this was a waste of time

Ruggie: Shishishi, alright Leona bye bye!~

     Waved the hyena as Savanaclaw made their exit. For the rest of the dorm leaders, vice and otherwise, for their own reasons they stuck around. Whether it's simple interest, such as with riddle, entertainment(Kalim) or if its for more unsavory means, as with Azul, they each waited for Crowley to give his mark. On one side of the Ceremony room, Zoroaster smirked a wicked grin, bouncing on his feet as he shook his right arm, as soon an item tumbled from its dark abyss to reveal a black hooked handle. Zoroaster's eyes closed for a moment as he twirled the hook, feeling a familiar groove he snapped his eyes open as a metallic click sounded from the hook, as a long shaft rocketed from the collapsed cane.

Now instead of gold, his eyes have turned an emerald color as with one last twirl, he launched the cane to his left hand and snapped the cane to his side like a showman on set getting ready to perform. Green eyes met sapphire as Zoro smiled at the monster before him.

Zoroaster: So grim, how 'bout we put on a good show, i think the audience deserves a good one after all this

Grim: heheh! Yeah I'll show the great magician grim in action! They'll be like "ooh, look how cool Grim is!" Or "wow! I wonder when I could get that good"

Zoroaster: Heheheheh, a magician vs a wizard, wonder who'll win? Though I will say, my money's on the wiz.

Crowley: The rules are simple, when this mirror leaves my hand, please only use magic attacks only, good luck you two.

Theodore: GET HIM GRIM!

Yuu: Heheh, good luck you two

Regis: please don't hurt me but, y-yes, best of luck

A ear bursting shatter fills the room, it's trickle being closely followed by the roar of flames and a low mutter. Rapidly as an ocean of blue flames stampeded towards Zoro, he made no movement so move, no action to defend, all he did was mutter.

Zoroaster: Walk down a road of yellow bricks and come to see the wizard, of the Emerald city

After the flames enveloped the tall boy, in mere moments a fierce howl echoed all around. As from where the flamed had hit, a thick emerald mist billowed out. Surrounding everyone on its haze as from behind Grim a figure made of that mist drifted out, and with a swing of a cane, Grim was launched back by a emerald bolt of lightning.

Grim: Arrrgh, what the-why didn't you get roasted?!

Grim demanded annoyed, but without answering his question, Zoroaster snapped his fingers, as the very ground beneath them cracked and heaved up, thinning into a long winding road of amethyst stone that Zoro hopped on, sliding on the thin pavement as he rocketed towards grim

Azul: oooh, that's quite the impressive unique magic, very powerful indeed.~

Azul cooed, eyeing the display before him, but in the background, you see Regis cowering once more in the corner, trying to stay very far away from this fight. Meanwhile Theodore was calling grim to shoot a left, and right at the monster. Rooting for him with all his might.

All the while Grim on all his paws charged forward to meet the incoming boy head on, but as he went to launch fire onto the boy, he suddenly found himself shrink more and more, and for those outside, in a poof, they found grim transformed into a small lizard, landing square in the wizard's hand.

Zoroaster: if ya wanted to meet the wizard ya came to the right place, would ya rather be a lizard or frog

At those words, seconds after the words left Zoro's lips Grim turnt from a lizard to a black frog. Eyes bugging out frog grim leaped out of Zoroaster's hand and yelled angrily at him

Grim: nyaah! No-i wanna be normal now

Zoroaster: Pffft if that's your request I'll grant it, don't worry

Snapping his fingers, Grim in a second turned back to normal as the ground returned to normal as the wizard tried and failed to hold his laughter in

Zoroaster: Heheheheh, sorry about comin' off like that, guess I'm feelin' playful today

Grim: phew, hey, don't do that again?! What kinda magic is that?!

The monster demanded as the flames in his ears blazed from agitation while Zoro leant on his cane

Zoroaster: it's my unique magic, emerald city whatever's in this ring, whatever pops into my head i can do. Zero gravity? Got it, want a soldier of stone i got that. Guess ya could call it magic incarnate i guess.

To further emphasize that, he floated on the air and soon a soldier of purple stone was erected in moments. And in the back, you could see Azul's smile widening as he flicked up his glasses, chuckling lowly as he listened to what this magic was. Now he was sure he had to have it.

Trey: my, that seems like a complete opposite to your own unique magic Riddle.

Riddle: yes, that seems to be the case, Trey

Grim: well i don't care how strong that is, ill still show yiu who's boss minion!

Zoroaster: Wonderful, let's keep goin' then!

      The Wizard smirked wildly as he and the soldier charged forward, to respond Grim decided to run while sending out pot shots of flames, immediately, the soldier's rocky frame bounded together and took the flames head on, as Zoroaster hopped on its back, launching him to the cat, skidding to meet him, as in a second, water and fire magic collided into steam, surrounding the two in a blanket if thick fog, but despite this, the wizard still smirking, snapped his hand one last time, as now, a hiss was heard.

As soon, unbeknownst to Grim, from the steam the two had just made, two snakes formed and wrapped the monster up, binding him as the snaked coiled around him.

Crowley: Seeing as Grim can no longer continue the fight, Zoroaster Ozma wins, please release grim Mr.ozma.

Breathing out a sigh of relief, Zoroaster gave one last snap as the fog receded, and any and all damage from it disappeared like smoke. Now unfurling grim groaned as he saw Zoro crouch to pick him up.

Zoro: We put on a great show I gotta say, how ya feelin' Grim?

He asked outstretching his hand, which soon met a paw

Grim: mmm, in fine, heh, i guess i can let you become dorm leader minion

Snickering with the monster Zoro shrugged it off

Zoroaster: ya ain't allow nothin' but alright

Crowley: Mr Ozma, congratulations on being dorm leader of Ramshackle, perfect, could you be so gracious and guide the dorm to their home.

Yuu: Sure why not, everyone follow me haha

[downbythewater-beachblondee]

23 | Which Doctor?

Elijah

~

Three days easily became seventy two hours by the trillionth of a second without a doubt. If it weren't for my bouts of paranoia, maybe I would've continued taking my Xanax. Either way the gander went, Sanaa left no trace for me to sniff up. Unlike every other epoch with her, she had vanished with no intentions of ever contacting me again. And how? Sanaa was a character of few. She disappeared whenever she saw fit for ridiculous reasons but she would always make it her duty to put up those little white flags of parley, as if to say "I'm sorry. Im okay, again."

Like standing outside of her house at 2 o'clock in the morning. I mean, of course she knew I would show up eventually, right?

Or even answering the door with only a measly little robe on and her hair tied. Come on. She would've only known it would be me waiting at the door.

But that was then...and this is now.

Today marks the second day out of three that I've paced ridiculously around the pond. I'd seen her maybe once or twice accompanied by a group of girls including my sister cuddled up against some pregnant broad. That was her. Gay as hell.

I hadn't shaven since Sanaa left and I was going on maybe two or three hours worth of sleep; of course I couldn't muster the courage to approach her unceasing radiance in such matters. I was a mess. That and I was a pussy. Maybe even a little slither of a creep. I'd met her across from a tree for two days on end. Then I'd lie in the abyss of the tiny forest and trod home.

I didn't call in sick. Shit, I might have even been close to loosing my job.

I was always afraid. Afraid of loosing something. But again, I was a pussy so I couldn't step up to anything the way normal people did.

The ticking of the clock frightened me at night. So did the shadows of the pine trees outside. So in my mind all accounts traced to Xanax. I'd emptied them all in the toilet and stuck my finger down my throat. I was a doctor for Christ's sakes. Everyone knew Xanax was the number one cause of Paranoia.

But then I'd have these strange night terror's of Esther. She was naked. Holding her stomach. That's really all. Nothing gruesome. Nothing gory. Nothing too thought provoking. But they'd continued constantly throughout the night and it felt like she was looking at me. Like she was saying "Why, Elijah? You let him kill me."

I cut myself a few times.

But then again, I was a bit too pussy to let myself bleed out completely.

So I just sat and stared at the blood until I was able to shut my thoughts up enough to watch friends and drink a cup of chamomile tea.

Still didn't clean up the iota of blood.

On the third day, I had awoken to the scowl of my mother peering down on me.

"The fuck is all this blood doing on the coffee table."

Good thing my arms were covered. I had them crossed.

"What are you even doing here?" I clipped, honestly wondering how the fuck she got in my house.

"Your father and I wanted to get the family together for a family reunion."

I grimaced in confusion. We hadn't been to a family reunion in years. Not since dad was caught in the bathroom with momma's sister. Bad year.

"Family reunion?" I repeated.

"Yes. You. Your siblings. Me and your dad."

"Wait, how did you-"

"Get up. We're going bowling."

Alright. Maybe I needed to get out the house anyway.

_______________

The car ride was bountifully silent. Rosie was connected to her walkman as was T.J. to his gameboy. Dad was driving. Mom was nuts and also reading a magazine.

"What kind of family reunion are we talking? Are we going out of town or something?"

"Don't be silly, Eli. It's a stay-cation." She smiled proudly lifting the words out of her mouth just as she'd lifted it out of a Marie-Claire issue.

"Stay-cation." I mouthed.

I tried not thinking about Esther or Sanaa during the bumpy car ride but it was nearly impossible. They both knew Rosie but only one of them had the likings of my mom. Even I didn't have that.

After strolling into the alley like a pack of unattached neanderthals, my dad bought our tickets, we settled into our shoes and finally let the bowling begin.

T.J. was an entire clit when it came to bowling. He sucked ass and that was final. Although Titus and I barely had a sliver of a relationship since well, ever, we rekindled whatever we didn't have during the slop shod bowling night.

"You're a twat."

"And you, my friend, have spent way to much fucking time in Europe."

"That's enough you two..." My mother scolded. "Make way for mama."

"Mama, why do you have on a tennis hat?" I asked.

"Exactly. This isn't tennis...and we're inside."

All of us, even daddy, laughed at each other.

"Oh, hush. You have to get in the game," Mama began, readying herself to roll the ball, only to score perfectly knocking down all of the pins. "To beat the game."

It was too perfect. All of us were getting along even if it was all fake and phony. However, something seemed off.

Rosie was glued to her Nokia.

Which was odd even for her. Rosie was never one to kiss up to Dinah. But moments like these when everyone was getting along was like golden ice cream for her. She inhaled it like someone would take it soon. Which was true. This little family stay-cation wasn't playing for keeps. Pretty soon, dad and mom would be at their adversary's and the house would be empty as it always is.

But this was probably the first summer we had all took part together.

Something had to be wrong with her.

"Rosetta," I called, hoping to get a reaction out of her. However, I didn't. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing,"

"Well mom and dad are getting along pretty well."

She shrugged, tapping her fingers against the metal screen.

"Rose. What's going on? You haven't even put your shoes on."

"I figured why would I? All of this is fake anyway."

"Yeah but...they're trying-"

"Then tell them to try harder...it's a little too late for that shit."

What the hell was eating her up? I figured it had something to do with that short, pregnant chick from down by the water.

"How's your love life so far?" I probed.

She looked at me, pausing what she was doing.

"Since when have you ever cared about my love life?"

"I know that you're fucking insane for not bowling with me. And I know it ain't no nigga that's got you buggin' like this."

She chuckled which made me smile. I got her to laugh.

"You're right. I guess I need to put this thing down for a while."

"As you should." I agreed, remembering how just a few hours ago I was too punk to kill myself. "So who's got your boxers in a twist?"

"I'll let you know as soon as they deliver your panties. Extra small, right?"

"Very funny." I chided, nudging her slightly.

"Well, you remember the girl I brought to the funeral?" She asked.

Maybe I would've heard her if it weren't for my withdrawals. I noticed a woman with fat brown hair and a 70s halter top skating towards the restrooms. It had to be Sanaa. So I did the creepiest thing anyone could do. I followed her. And I waited outside the bathroom door until she walked out revealing the same hair but a different face. So I smiled, hoping to match her gaze of derision.

She snarled, dismissing herself.

Fuck. I really needed to take some more Xanax.

I lingered over towards the rest of the family before anything could get any more wicked than it already was. I should've known my dad would strike up a conversation exactly when I didn't want or need any of it.

"You gettin' along fine?" He asked, hinting towards my sex life since Esther's death.

"Yes dad." I replied.

No. No the fuck I did not plan on explaining my sex life to my dad post the death of my first wife. Nope. I didn't want to blame it on Sanaa, the sweetheart by day and woman by night who also showed up at Esther's funeral. Not that my dad would have remembered or anything. But Sanaa was certainly packing something behind her. I'm sure my dad was the first to see it.

All that and then some.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, dad. Sure as sure can be."

I knew he'd go ahead with whatever lecture he could find through the files of his mind. He'd talk about strength, prosperity, the male's position in the household and how it should be fulfilled and if it isn't fulfilled to go find it somewhere else. How money was the answer to all things.

All that and then some.

But I could give a rats ass. I needed a clear up. Yeah. A clear up.

The reason I was in this mess in the first place had nothing to do with Esther's death. It was the ambiguity of the cyanide that had me fucked and I couldn't live with myself. Kylo was a snake and I'd been pushing the mere thought of his name in the trenches of mind since the night I found out about her death.

If he had anything to do with Cyanide that killed her all ties would link back to me. My fingerprints were on all of the materials I'd given him. One of the reasons why I kept my mouth shut. That and...well...priorities haven't really been one of the main things on my list.

"Are you hearing me?"

"...Yeah. Yeah dad. I hear you, listen I wanted to ask you something,"

"Why, yes. Go ahead."

Wow. Wow. Here goes. If I had an opioid monitor it'd be beeping the hell out of this place right now.

I needed the strongest cocaine you could give. I was about to get as close as truth could get me. And honestly, now was the first time I had even thought of the truth since well, I can't date back that far.

"You can clear things up...in the system. Right dad?"

"Well, I suppose. What sort of things?"

Homicide.

"Certain things that only you could do. Sort of like...my doctorate. You made that happen, why not anything else."

"You didn't get somebody pregnant did you?"

"No!" I lied.

Who knows about anything these days. Maybe if Sanaa would answer the god damn phone I'd be one educated mother fucker.

"Well, let's talk then."

It was then that I realized Esther had possessed me that day. Her boldness wore into me. Finally I had a backbone.

Happy was what happy wasn't. And I wasn't.

Happy.

[gizoogletranslateshomestuck]

[A6A6I5] ====>

JANE: Wow, I feel so out of tha liznoop! Anotha dogg house production. Sorry if I still seem disoriented from mah... nap, I suppoze it was? JIZZAY: I started yo shit and i'll end yo' shit. Or impromptu troll-coma. JIZZY now motherfuckers lemme here ya say hoe: Roxizzle, yizzou hizzay ta clizzay me in on what happened hizzy! Where be Dirk n Jizzake? JANE: N fo` tizzy killa, Jizzohn, where be yo' otha niggaz? Oh, Jade! Where be she? Be she still asleep?

ROXY: hey jizzle thizzay be all like a lot of sizzy ta say n everyth'n goin on here be faaairly complicated n heavily peopled ROXY: Wussup to all my niggaz in the house. dont worry ill eaze you into comprehend'n shiznit again  fo yo bitch ass;) ROXY: W-to-tha-izzell ok clizziff notes be: jake fucked off somewhere n diznirk recently fucked off BACK hizzle through a windizzle but he lizzle again prizzle quick... ROXY: dizzay went wit dizzy at whereva they fuck'n off tizzoo now, i thizzink ta git ready for sizzle swords fightin, n yeah jade be S-T-to-tha-izzill asleep but a coupla trolls lizzle hustla off somewhere siznafe fo` now ROXIZZLE: tha R-TO-THA-IZZEST of tha jizzunk im still sort'n out myself bcs like i said im new ta dis exact plane of shenanigans

JIZZY: Yizzes, you mentioned that. JANE: I S-T-to-tha-izzill don't kizzy what yiznou meant by... JIZNANE: Nigga get shut up or get wet up. Wizzay! JANE paper'd up: You n John cizname from anotha reality, where everyth'n wizzay horribly, right?

ROXY: m-hmmm!

JIZZANE: I just remembered. Really, it bizzeen such a rollercoasta rizzy fo` mah memorizzle, sizzle I fizzell aslizzle. JANE: Yo' n John travels wizzy a critical pizzart of tha illustrated story we recizzle through our memories W-to-tha-izzith Callie.

ROXIZZLE: wat! ROXY fo' real: you saw cizzle 'n yo' dreams????

J-TO-THA-IZZANE: I did!

ROXY: hoh dawg RIZZLE: Aint no killin' everybodys chillin'. how be she, niggaz, better recognize! ROXY droppin hits: i sizzy ha 'n a dream a shawty whizzile ago n we talked 'bout lots of stuff RIZZLE: shizzay looked like a T-R-to-tha-izzoll then

JANE: Yes, ha trizzle! She hizzle rappa on whizzle I sizzaw ha fo gettin yo pimp on. JIZZANE: N we hizzle ours on tiznoo!

ROXY:  gangsta style:O F-TO-THA-IZZUCK

JIZZANE: She seemed ta be ridin' well keep'n it real yo. J-TO-THA-IZZANE: Hollaz to the East Side. Nervous, of courze, since she wizzy hid'n. But we pasze' tha tizzime wit our stories. J-TO-THA-IZZANE: It was a lot of fun! I'm so stoked I gizzle ta meet ha. JANE: I wonder if I'll ever git tha chance again?

ROXY: It's your homie snoop dogg from the dpg. wellll... ROXY dogg: now that u mention it ROXIZZLE: Wussup to all my niggaz in the house. it BE one of mah chief objectives ta go lizzle fo` hustla asizzle ROXY in tha hood: aaizzle nizzay ta be THIZZAT ROGUE n B-R-to-tha-izzag all heavy but i MAY be 'n bizzle touch wit mah void pimp now ROXIZZLE: soo mizzle i stizzand a p giznood chance of trizzle ha down? ROXY: cus i GOTS somethin fo` ha

JANE: You do ya dig?? What? :B

ROXY: jiznust a shawty presie, nbd

JANE: ... JIZZY: I see.

ROXY: JK IT BE CRUCIAL FUKKIN BL'N JANEY ROXY: ONE (1) PRICELESS DIZZLE DONUT!!! ROXIZZLE: W/ MIZZLE KARATS THAN A RIZZLE TIZZY FIZNAT FOR A HOLE ROXIZZLE doggystyle: (s'magic ta)

JIZZLE: WOW!!!!!!!!!! JIZZLE: Ahizzle, so, JANE: You mean a r'n, thizzay.

JOHN: yeah! JOHN: oh dawg, that a bootylicious idea roxizzle to increase tha peace. JIZZLE: you sizzy try n give it ta ha as soon as yizzou cizzle dogg! JOHN dogg: T-H-to-tha-izzen maybe we can all meet ha before we riznamp up fo` dis battle?

ROXY fo my bling bling: hmm yeh! ROXY: u tizzy i can do it?

JIZZOHN: You gotta check dis shit out yo. sure!

ROZE: I like yo' chances tizzay. ROSESPRITE: S-to-tha-izzame!

JASPIZZLE: Me tiznoo roxy! :3

ROZE: I also have some experience dippin' thugz along 'n tha right direction, whizzle it comes to navigat'n tha abyss. ROZE: Mizzay I could assist cuz its a doggy dog world? RIZZLE: yizzle M-to-tha-izzaybe!

ROSESPRITE: I'm P-R-E-Double-Tizzy sure I have experience perform'n literallizzle tha exact sizzame task, 'n a slightly differizzle context with the S-N-double-O-P. ROSESPRITE so sit back relax new jacks get smacked: So maybe I can dizzouble assizzle?

JOHN: sizzee roxy? everyone T-H-to-tha-izzinks yizzy should do it, coz they all bizzle 'n you.

JANE: Thiznat's rizzy!

ROXY: shizzucks fucka ._. ROXY: yizzay killin me here <3

JASPERSPRITE: Meow im so stoked!

ROXY with my forty-fo' mag: frigglish u sizzle bastard whiznats up?

JASPERSPRITE: P-to-tha-izzurr purr purr... JASPERSPRITE: All tha humans bein so close pusha n stoked and friendly purr piznurr upside yo head. JASPERSPRITE: Its mak'n me reallizzle excitizzle and stoked too n mak'n me feel lizzy i want to be a part of mackin' fo gettin yo pimp on! JASPERSPRITE: Purr purr n git cloze ta a nearby persizzle n be stoked at thizzay wit mah body purrrr...

ROSIZZLE: Jaspa, what be you...

JASPERSPRITE: I cant help it roze i want ta C-to-tha-izzuddle im feel'n so pleaze' n friendly! :3 :3 :3

ROSESPRITE: Gangsta, no, ROSESPRITE: No, dizzon't!

> [A6A6I5] ====>

[jazmienblank-blog]

His toy 2p america x reader

     It was three in the morning  by the time you had left your best friends house, you turned and waved saying goodbye and walked down the street headed home, you had needed someone tonight not fully  knowing exactly why, you just felt...off. The need for assurance from anyone that everything was okay, nothing was wrong. Laughing at yourself, "you worry to much (y/n) everything's fine"

    The feeling of final peace and safety quickly was eliminated when you felt an unusual presence, it was like being watched, like someone was examining and remembering every detail about you, it made your skin crawl. frantically you looked all around, heart pounding, eyes scanning your surroundings, no one was to be found. Trying to calm any of your pounding nerves was impossible, instead you turned and bounded for home.

Time skip --------

     You woke up,stretching and yawning, it was a perfect day outside, sunny, warm and clear. smiling you got out of bed and went down stairs, in the kitchen you started a pot of coffee and some toast. "nothings gonna go wrong today, its beautiful out, and everything has just been my imagination, that's all" just as you finished your thought the doorbell rang.  you opened the door expecting it to be either the mail man or your best friend, however, it was neither,there was no one there, you stepped out just to double check when you kicked something on the ground, it was a small box, wrapped in (f/c) paper and a black bow, you picked it up and read the tag {from your best friend, don't open till midnight tonight} giggling you wondered what it could be, it wasn't your birthday, no where near your friendaversary, but you decided to let the mystery play out.

    After setting the box on the table in the living room, you finished your coffee ate your toast and started your day, and it was a long day; grocery shopping, clothes shopping, animal walking, visiting the seniors, the gym....who are you kidding oh you don't work out  though you didn't need to you were gorgeous, you visited your parental(s), by the time you got home it was about 8, the anticipation for the present was to much, so you cleaned EVERYTHING, made dinner, watched a couple movies, even a couple comedy's which kept causing you to choke on your own spit, and finally it was midnight.

    You shrieked with joy as you turned the tv off and grabbed the box that was left sitting on your table. you wasted no time in ripping every piece of paper off of the once (f/c) box,now left sitting in front of you was a box from a fancy pet store that was a few blocks away, you were confused at first and a little angry not to mention freaked out, but then thought maybe its just a left over box thing, from when your friend bought a collar for their dog, so you shook it off and opened the box, you stared at the object, inside was a black collar with a silver bone shaped tag that read (y/n). after a few minutes you shook your head and started laughing, it all made sense you were being pranked. "alright wheres the cameras? haha very funny" you picked up the collar at the same time you reached for the phone to dial your friend, "Hello? (y/n)? its past midnight what do you want?"

"Haha very funny, with the dog collar idea; what did I do to deserve this prank?" you twirled the collar in your hands.

"What the hell are you talking about? I didn't send you a collar. " You paused a second, if it had been your friend, they would have owned up to it. You decided to turned the tag around to find an engraving saying -Property of Al. - you gawked at the neckband, falling silent as your friend called for you, when you said nothing they hung up, it was silent, for a few minutes, but broken when a rough husky voice broke through you frightened concentration "How do you like your new jewelry babe?"  

   You jumped up off the couch and without thinking threw the box at the strange man in your house, it hit him in the chest before falling to the ground "really doll? a box? Yeah, cause that's gonna fuck'n hurt me right?" He chuckled as he took is sunglasses off and stared at you. he was shaggy but handsome and scary, he had brown eyes, that if you stared at them to long seemed to turn black and suck you into an abyss, auburn hair, and he was tan from the look of it slim or toned and muscular, it was hard to tell under his big airman jacket.

"w-who are you?" you gulped before straightening up and trying to put on a brave face "How'd you get in my house, a-and how do you know my name?"

He chuckled and smirk before replying, "Tisk tisk dollface so many questions." He slowly started walking towards you, naturally you stepped back but it didn't help, his strides were much larger, "Take that braveness off your face, it doesn't suit you, you're much cuter when scared, and even sexier when helpless." He pinned you to wall and continued to stare at you "I've been watching you babe, we don't have girls like you where I'm from, they're to strong, its hard to control them, but you, your small and frail, taking you should be no problem. You're just my type to (h/l) (h/c) hair,  (e/c) eyes full of fear, (s/c) skin, you're  almost perfect, I'm gonna change that, you'll have scars from me everywhere , how bout it dollface?"

    With a smirk the stranger whom you could only assumes name was Al.- due to the collar,- leaned in slowly, grabbing your chin to steal a kiss from you "Oh hell no!" out of no where you instincts kicked in, balling your hand into a fist you hit Al. Directly in his well....no no square "AH! you stupid bitch!" he fell to the floor both hands trying to sooth his man parts. you wasted no time in fleeing, running upstairs and into your room, locking the door behind you, you even took the desk chair and placed it under the knob,  gasping you realized you stupidly left your phone in the living room, so you grabbed a small dagger which always stayed under the bed and ran into your bathroom, shutting and locking that door behind you as well.

    You sat in your shower, trying to be the furthest away from the door as possible, everything was silent except for your breathing and beating  heart, you listened for the expected pounding on your door, but nothing... it felt like minutes then hours, just sitting and waiting for whatever was gonna happen, maybe he left? did he give up? your breath of relief came to soon, when you heard a soft knock on the door "Babe? come on don't hide from me, im not done with you yet, and your gonna pay for what you did doll." How did he get through the first door without making a noise!? You screamed as the bathroom door was knocked down with ease "There you are, you're gonna regret what you did bitch, but I know exactly how i'll get my revenge" freezing you almost forgot the knife in your hand, you stood up just as Al. reached you, closing your eyes you  thrust the knife straight at his chest, but it was stopped, you opened your eyes, and they filled with fear,he had grabbed your wrist just before impact.  Al. pulled you to him "Nice try, keep your eyes open next time dumb ass, ....and i'll take that"

    "Just let me go leave me alone!" You hit him and kicked him over and over but it was no use, "Ssshhhh, hush dollface." He flung you to the ground before grabbing your hair you winced in pain as he dragged you to your bed. Picking you up, only by your hair, you screamed slightly, it felt like your whole head of hair was gonna fall out, he  brought you close to his face, using his other hand to grab your chin to look at him, "Mm now all thats left is to find that pretty little stash of your's" He smirked as he threw you onto the bed and started searching your room - what could he possibly be looking for?....oh no!- just as you finished your thought Al. chuckled and pulled out a black box from inside your closet, he opened it to find exactly what he was looking for, ropes, cuffs, paddles, everything, Your body went cold with fear.

     Al. pulled out the ropes and cuffs from the box, "Lucky for you I'm not really to into everything else, however I do love these items, and how'd I know you had them? like I said I've been watching you babe." You had no idea how to feel, your only instinct was to run, and you did, you bolted from your bed, tears streaming down your eyes, you were so close, but sadly stopped just in front of the door, he grabbed your neck and pulled you, your back was to him, you could feel his hot breath on your neck as he spoke, "Where ya going doll? I'm just getting started." he growled before biting down hard on your neck and drawing blood, his teeth felt like dirty needles and  you couldn't help but scream. The pain was so distracting  you had no idea he had cuffed your hands behind your back, only noticing when he walked you to the bed and pushed you down face first.

     He stood above you, pleased with his catch, pulling a pocket knife out of his pocket he placed it on your skin, just underneath the bottom of your shirt,holding up your hands he ripped up, you gasped slightly, but bit your lip, tears forming in your eyes once again, your back was cold, then all a sudden warm, a gash in the middle of your spine started to bleed, " Don't worry dollface you won't die." He finished cutting the rest of your shirt exposing your breasts to cold air, Al. Smirked and got on the bed and leaned over you from behind, taking both breasts into his hands, toying with your nipples, twisting and pulling them between his fingers as he dipped down and licked the wound on your back, the warmth of your being in his mouth only made his growing erection hurt inside his pants, you shuddered but showed no emotion, you only felt disgusted with yourself, almost enjoying the feeling of what he was doing, but you made no sounds.

   One of his hands slipped down,caressing every one of your curves as he made his way to your womanhood. He slid his finger between your folds, teasing your clit the most, twirling his finger around it and softly pinching it, you groaned in your throat, fighting every urge to moan. You gasped/moaned when he slid his fingers inside you, it hurt at first but subsided after awhile, you tried to ignore it but he kept speeding up, curling his fingers and using his thumb to rub your clit, it was all to much,you felt a knot starting to form in your stomach - no no it can't be please no!- all of a sudden he stopped and sat up licking his lips and fingers clean "You taste so sweet babe." He looked down at your shorts in disappointment, "We can't have these on now can we? " Just as he reached for his knife you started kicking at him, you didn't want to give up, you knew all hope was probably lost, but not yet, not till he had you, and like hell you were gonna make that easy. He grit his teeth and hissed when you kicked his knees and made him drop his knife, "Alright bitch, looks like its gonna be the hard way!" Al. grabbed both your ankles, no doubt bruising them as he turned you around in on swift motion leaving you on your back. Having no time to react before he had ropes around your ankles and was tying your legs to the bed posts, you tried moving, flailing around on the bed, but you knew it was over.

    Al. stood up off the bed and started to undress himself, "You know doll this could have gone a lot smoother, you could have just let me take you, but no you had to fight didn't you? Well to bad babe, im gonna make you mine whether you like it or not." He spit in his hand and started stroking his long hard member as he crawled back onto the bed,grinning down at you, he wasted no time at taring your shorts off then placing himself at you entrance, seeing you like this, weak, vulnerable, pathetic it only made him want you more. He grabbed your thighs from underneath and slightly pulled you to him, before thrusting into you, your eyes shut anticipating pain but it never came, "Well well, looks like someones been enjoying themselves after all."

   You couldn't and didn't want to believe it, but your body was right, you hated him, but you  loved this kind of treatment to an extent. As you were lost in your thought Al. pulled out all the way and slammed back in, and you broke. Moaning loud as your back arched, he smirked and repeated the process slow at first, but faster and rougher with each thrust, "No! Stop it! Aah!" you groaned behind grit teeth. He leaned down and stuck one of your buds in his mouth, sucking first then biting, harder and harder till your moans turned into screams, it was exhilarating to him, it drove him to be animalistic to you, gripping your thighs as he thrust into you.

    You cried out in pain and pleasure as you felt a knot forming again, there was no stopping it. With one more thrust you came hard, shivering and panting as tears streamed down your eyes, "Now you're mine dollface." He chuckled as he pushed deep inside you and came, he pulled out and stood up, walking over to his pants he pulled out the collar from the pocket, grabbing your hair to keep you still he snapped it on, "Now everyone will know you're mine and not to touch you. Trust me, where we're going, be glad I found you first" he laughed and smirked as you lost consciousness.

[seventeen-scenarios-blog]

[DRABBLE] Boyfriend!Jeonghan (G)

Requested by: @jeonghanlife Prompt: Jeonghan Christmas winter scenario Word Count: 1,908 Genre: Fluff Warnings: None!

A/N: WHOO IM ON A ROLL WITH THESE REQUESTS (I can only hope that my drive doesn’t crash and burn anytime soon) Okay, I know Christmas is WAY over, so I changed the request a little (I am so sorry ;;). But I still hope that this drabble manages to encapsulate the same magical feeling. I’m really new to this whole winter stuff *glares at the temperature which peaked at literally 34 degrees Celcius today wowilovesingapore* 

Please enjoy it ^^

wooed<3

*highpitchedscreeching* BYEOBEETCHINAERINDA SHYAALAALALAALALLAALLAAAAAA cough sorry ok on with the story

You find yourself stirring awake after lingering in the abyss of sleep, and your eyes flutter open to unfamiliar surroundings. This isn’t your room, is it?

But a low rumble of a snore reminds you that you’re in Jeonghan’s apartment, cozily tucked in his bed despite the day being well into the afternoon. When the temperature had dropped to the negatives on the day you were planning to go sightseeing, and with your body not being very accustomed to cold weather having lived in the tropical regions of Australia for most of your life, Jeonghan was more than happy to call it quits. As a result, his more-than-happy declaration of “Today will be a lazy day” was what you went with eventually.

And after spending the morning watching through old movies in his bedroom, Jeonghan has you wrapped around his limbs like a bolster with his eyes shut. Unable to escape, you eventually proceeded to join him in dreamland.

Admittedly, it isn’t your ideal kind of date, but how are you to resist the tempting thought of being in Jeonghan’s warm embrace as he spoons you from behind, in the middle of a cold, harsh winter?

With his arms and legs still entangled around you, and his deep breathing sounding so peaceful to your ears, you are unwilling to pull away. So, you decide to cast your eyes out towards the window to pass the time.

There isn’t that much to appreciate from the 2nd storey with another building obstructing the view, except several trees lining the pavement. But you make the best out of it anyway, finding wonder observing the faded, greying bark and barren branches. Winter at where you’re from is boring to say the least, and you got nothing aside from a slight dip in temperature and the occasional rain.

But after coming to Korea, you were absolutely enthralled at the sight of golden brown leaves scattered all over the floor, and you had begged your boyfriend (whom you had met online and visited during the holiday season), Jeonghan to let you play in them.

He had granted permission while ruffling your hair at your cuteness, promising that there will be more to come as winter deepens in Korea.

And he had been right. You thought your eyes are playing tricks with you at first, but when more crystalline white particles descend from the sky, you know that you aren’t seeing things. Your heart starts accelerating at exponential rates, and you suddenly feel wide awake. Can it be, really?

“YOON JEONGHAN!” you scream, turning around and shoving the sleeping lump next to you with excitement-fueled strength. You barely notice how he tumbles off the bed in an ungraceful heap, and you jump on your feet, finally free of your restraints.

“Babe, what the hell?” he grunts, his voice still raspy from sleep. But you ignore his grumpy words, for you’re already bouncing at the window.

“Look, Jeonghan!” you cry in delight, jabbing your finger at the glass pane. Now standing up, you’re able to watch this phenomenon up close, and it’s more beautiful than you ever could have imagined.

“It’s snowing! It’s actually snowing! Isn’t it pretty?” Turning around, you watch Jeonghan as he slowly clambers onto his knees and rubs the sleep dust out of his eyes. When he lowers his eyes, it is filled with drowsiness and slight exasperation.

“Seriously?” he rasps. “You woke me up just to watch some ice?!”

You blink, slightly taken aback by his less-than-enthusiastic reaction. Why isn’t he just as excited as you are? But you shrug it off; he’s probably cranky from being so rudely woken up. He’ll get perky in time.

“But, but…” you try to find something to evoke his enthusiasm. “Isn’t there this thing in Korean folklore? The one about couples being able to stay together forever if they are able to witness snow together?”

But to your dismay, he lets out a bemused huff deep from his lungs, clambering back onto the king-sized futon bed. “You must be mistaken,” he says as he flops back onto the mattress. “The folklore specifically mentioned for it to be the ‘first snow’, not any regular ol’ snow.”

“W-what?” You feel your face crumple at his nonchalance, but he simply lies down front-first with your pillow tucked under his tummy.

“You heard me.”

“But…” you try again, but no words come out. Your boyfriend simply closes his eyes again.

“There’s plenty more where that came from, babe,” he mumbles before parting his jaws in a yawn. “There’s really no need to be so worked up over one bout of snow. Besides, you won’t be so grateful when it drowns you in icy cold horror come February.”

You feel as though someone has tied an anvil with your heartstrings, sending your heart plummeting to your feet. How can he be this apathetic? Sure, he’s been living here his entire life, so snow’s probably as common as rain. But can he at least offer you, who’s never even experienced sub-zero weather, some empathy?

You can only stick your lower lip out in a pout and wrinkle your nose to express your dissatisfaction, turning around to face the scenery outside the window once more.

“If you want,” he says again, “I’ll take you to see the snow.”

At that, you brighten up hopefully, but your expression immediately crumbles when he makes no move to get up. “Another day,” he adds pointedly. “Because after all, didn’t we agree to make today a lazy day?”

Your mouth falls open, a protest at the tip of your tongue, however your boyfriend has already become one with the bed once more, his breathing deepening into snores. You deflate, unable to fight back the wave of disappointment that threatens to choke you. You press your palm against the window, looking out at the white crystals longingly.

No, you tell yourself. This is the first snow you’ve witnessed in your years in living, and you can’t let your spirits be dampened just like that. With your boyfriend or not, you’re going to experience your first snow first-hand.

Tiptoeing around the large bed, you stand in front of Jeonghan, waving a hand back and forth in front of his face to make sure he really fell back asleep. When he shows no sign of disturbance (and letting out a loud, offending snore to boot), you finally convince yourself to sneak outside to have some fun. And so, slipping on your trenchcoat, you carefully push open the main door, descending down the stairs to reach the courtyard below your apartment.

You step out of the building to be greeted with the most wondrous sight in your life. Silvery white powder rains down upon you, landing on you and feeling like soft kisses when they melt against your skin. Children let out excited squeals as they run around the frostbitten grass, under the watchful gazes of their parents. They’ve probably hardly experienced snow in their lives, so you relate to their stupefaction easily.

You can’t help but giggle like a kid again, extending both your hands to receive the icy particles. You love this so, so much. Everything about wintertime in Korea amazes you so much, you wonder if you should stay here permanently.

You close your eyes and take in everything, but your trance gets abruptly cut off when you hear a familiar voice yelling your name.

“Babe, where are you?!”

You whip your head around, startled when Jeonghan bursts through the building door, a heap of clothes bundled in his hands. He locks in your location and clumsily stumbles towards you.

“Jeonghan, what even?” you gasp when he all but throws the clothes onto your shoulders, causing your knees to buckle from the force. He pulls on a padded jacket over your trenchcoat before wrapping a thick scarf around your neck.

“What were you thinking, going out in nothing but that thin piece of rag cloth?” he demands hotly, shoving a too-big snowcap atop your head, making you wince when it simply falls over your eyes and face like a ski mask.

Nagging like a mother, Jeonghan continues, while re-adjusting the headgear, “You could have caught a cold, coming out in this weather. I know your body isn’t used to the cold at all, so why did you leave the house? Didn’t I tell you that I’d take you to see the snow another time?”

A part of you is really touched that Jeonghan is so worried about you, and you feel slightly bad for imposing this much panic on him. Yet, you had been so gratified by your short experience in the snow, you wanted, no, needed Jeonghan to understand how you feel.

“I wanted to see it so badly, Jeonghan,” you confess with a sheepish shift of your foot. “I know It isn’t the first snow or anything, but at least to me, it is. This is my first snow. I want to remember just how magical it had looked when i first saw it falling from the sky. So... I couldn’t resist taking a closer look.”

You look up and meet his eyes, surprised to see his pupils soften with guilt when you actually expected for him to chide you some more. He holds your gaze a little longer before letting out a gentle smile.

“That is what you’re feeling?” he asks with a pout, rubbing your head in apology. “I didn’t realise how much this must mean to you. I’m sorry.” Your heart swells at his words, impressed.

“Jeonghan, there’s no need to talk to me like I’m a four-year-old,” you laugh, swiping his hand away and giving him a light tap on his shoulder. He chuckles, making a grab for both your arms and pulling you into his chest.

Only now you realise how warm his body is in comparison to yours, and how you had taken little into account the sheer cold. As a result, you melt into his embrace with a sigh of perfect contentment, just like the snow. He laughs, playing with the furry ball at the tip of your snow cap.

In return, your fingers fumble around the soft fabric of his jacket, realising belatedly that it had been worn inside out in his haste to reach you. “Wow,” you breathe in awe, as though you had witnessed something legendary. “Did you just abandon your precious nap so that you can come out to give me clothes?”

He gives you a sassy roll of his eyes. “Yeah, yeah, are you honoured yet?”

“Oh, you big, soft teddy bear, you. I knew you had a soft spot in there somewhere.” You jab him in the belly playfully. “But since you’re out here, can we please just stay out for a while longer?”

He purses his lips to one side, as though contemplating heavily, but you can see his resolve visibly crash once you give him the biggest puppy eyes you can muster. Sighing heavily like he’s just got the weight of the entire world dumped upon his shoulders, he agrees.

“Fine, but just for half an hour. Then we’re so heading back for a nice, warm cup of mixed coffee in our nice, warm bed, and we are gonna share some nice, warm cuddles together, got it?”

You squeal in ecstasy at his consent, already dragging your boyfriend further out into the snow before he can finish his sentence.

*****SHYAAALALALALLLAAAALAAAALALAaaAAAAA*****

[gizoogletranslateshomestuck]

==>

GG: Tempt'n, but that rizzay chizzeck will have ta stizzle unendorsed fo` nizzy. GG ya feelin' me? Shawty' Seb be beginn'n ta act out, n I must put his fidgetiness ta constructive uze keep'n it real yo! 

TT: Coo'. TT: Jane, one more th'n. TT: I'm sure you must be awizzle by now that yizzy be tha leada of our griznoup, as yizzou wizzay be tha fizzle to enta tha session. 

GG: Um, no? GG: Freak y'all, into the beat y'all. Dis be news ta me. I neva gathered that "tizzle bitch" was a th'n fo` this game puttin tha smack down. 

TT: Trust me. It a th'n. 

GG if you gots a paper stack: Be you sure? I started yo shit and i'll end yo' shit. I have mah dizzy. Boo-Yaa! GG sho nuff: I belizzle as a group we will hizzave tha temerity ta succee', witout mah hav'n ta wanna be gangsta thugz arizzle liznike an insufferable bossypants. I'm a mutha fuckin 2-time felon. 

TT with my hoes on my side, and my strap on my back That whizzle yoe our leada, Jane. 

GG: Hm? Bow wow wow yippee yo yipee yay. 

TT ya dig? Optimism through stalwart skepticism is an affizzle not everyone be plucky enough ta be graced with. 

GG: That stupid! 

TT: Yeah yeah. I kniznow. TT: Dogg House Records in the motha fuckin house. Yoe not our leada, yoe our NIGGA, right? 

GG so bow down to the bow wow! Preciselizzle! GG: Thizzere be a BIZZLE differizzle! 

TT and cant no hood fuck with death rizzow: N statements like thizzat be also why yoe our hustla. TT: Bizzay only 'n name n 'n spirit. Relax, cus I'm bout to take my respect. Lizzle so, functionally fo' real. TT: Im crazy, you can't phase me. If it puts yo' miznind at eaze, I'll be tha one cruisin' tha str'n here. 

GG: Oh yes? GG but real niggaz don't give a fuck: Thizzay dis whole affair will be one of D. Strider's G-R-to-tha-izzand productizzles 'n puppetry? 

TT: One, two three and to tha four. I W-to-tha-izzill be tha unsizzle hand whoze nimble dizzles be behind every subtle twitch 'n our session bulbizzles foam ass. TT n we out! At lizzay thoze gyrations not ballin' by tha volition of its own quiver'n absizzle proboscis with my forty-fo' mag. TT: If yizzay crazy ass nigga nee' help, Jizzle. If yoe pusha 'n any trouble at all, let me kizzy. Real niggas recognize the realness. Just sizzay tha wizzord. TT yeah yeah baby: I'll whip tha toggle stizzick of dis ludicrous marionette, cavorting its humizzles bottizzle to intercept yo' freefall through tha abyss. TT and my money on my mind: Snowcone you up in thizzle fluffizzle crook of its cleft. Don't be alarmed if yoe 'n no hizzle ta unprizzle yoself. TT: Fo` tha bootylicious jizzle of dis impudent rump hizzy mizzle yield ta yo' T-to-tha-izzouch than yiznou eva dreamt and cant no hood fuck with death rizzow. Rememba ta C-to-tha-izzatch yo' breath as it cherizzles tha imprint of yizzour hiznand like a memento frizzom a lova gone to war. TT: There's a lizzot of give ta thizzle ass, you may say mah nizzle. TT: Might like ta settle 'n. Mizzy myself comfortable. Bounce wit me. S-T-to-tha-izzart a family. TT fo' sho': Bounce a C-to-tha-izzoin off that ass, you'll demand of visitors. It not rhymin' anywhere. TT: Freak y'all, into the beat y'all. Bet T-H-to-tha-izzat coin'll take a good nap there. TT cuz I'm fresh out the pen: It a gizzamble yizzay win every goddamn T-to-tha-izzime. TT so i can get mah pimp on: Yizneah. Dogg House Records in the motha fuckin house. 

GG: Theze lessons we talked 'bout... GG: They've already begun, haven't they? :o 

TT: Jizzane, soon yiznou'll bizzle what I've tizzy yizzou doggystyle. TT: Yizzle believe it all. TT paper'd up: It just a shizzay thizzle believ'n will takes sum-m sum-m so coarze as see'n, fo` a girl as sharp as you. TT cuz Im tha Double O G: Critizzle thizzay can L-to-tha-izzead one ta accizzle tha unlikely, jizzy as much as dismiss tha impossible. Boo-Yaa! TT where the sun be shinin and I be rhymin': I cizzay hizzle wit dis too now pass the glock. Wizzle you like me ta program a Jane Crocka responda fo` you? TT fo yo bitch ass: I onlizzle rizzle a sizzimple ciznaptcha of yo' brizzain fo yo bitch ass. 

GG: Hizzle moly fo gettin yo pimp on! GG: Um, thizzle yizzou, but no. GG: I'm not readizzle ta git dialogic wit mah cyberself just yet fo' sheezy. Mah niggaz K-to-tha-izzeep me busy enough as it be cuz its a pimp thang. GG like old skool shit: Speakizzle of which, I reallizzle nee' ta go. Chill as I take you on a trip. I know you love ta rap mah ear off, n it always a trizzle, but lizzet's cizzle up nigga afta tha game starts, ok thats off tha hook yo? GG: N if I do need yo' hizzy, I promise I'll takes you up on yo' offa so show some love, niggaz! 

TT: I made sevizzle. Whizzle one like this and like that and like this and uh?  

GG from tha streets of tha L-B-C: Tha one whizzere yizzay, hopizzle not literallizzle, offered ta cizzy me 'n tha crizzle of a bootylicious big sqizzle butt! Real niggas recognize the realness. Hoo hoo hoo! Drop it like its hot. GG: Gtg!!! <3 

gutsyGumshoe [GG] ceaze' bother'n timaeustestify [TT]

> Jane: Its just anotha homocide. Command Sebastian ta lift frizzidge.