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cliping-path-finder · 11 months

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How can you change the eye color in Photoshop?

How do you change eye color in Photoshop? It might sound complicated, but Photoshop’s help makes it quite easy. Whether you’ve always dreamt of having striking blue eyes, enchanting green peppers, or simply want to experiment with different looks, Photoshop offers the best way to achieve your desired eye color transformation.

Lets learn how to change eye color in Photoshop, I will walk you through 3 best methods. These methods ensure that you can effortlessly master this creative technique and make your photos truly eye-catching. So, let’s get started.

Method 1: The Classic Eye Color Change Technique

Step 1: Adding a Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer

Let’s start by creating a Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer to kick things off. This layer is your playground for eye color transformation. Go ahead and open the drop-down menu, and you’ll find “Hue/Saturation” waiting for you.

Step 2: Inverting the Layer Mask

Now, let’s talk about inverting the Layer Mask. There are two paths to this: you can either wander over to “Adjustments” and select “Invert” or make your life easier with the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl+I.”

Step 3: Making the Layer Semi-Transparent

For a smoother journey into eye color change, you’ll want to select your Hue/Saturation Layer and make it semi-transparent. Click on the “” key to achieve this.

Step 4: The Brush Tool Magic

It’s time to wield the Brush Tool, but not just any brush – pick the white one. If you’ve got transparency lurking around, don’t fret; just click ” once more to banish it.

Step 5: Changing the Color

Now, to the main event! Double-click the thumbnail of your layer to access the “Properties” menu. There, you’ll find the magical “Colorize” option. Check that box, and you’re ready to tweak the eye color. Use the Hue, Saturation, and Lightness sliders to explore a spectrum of eye-catching colors.

Step 6: The Big Reveal

You’ve successfully transformed those eyes. Before you celebrate, let’s compare. Turn your Hue/Saturation layer on and off in the Layers panel to see the before-and-after transformation.

Method 2: Eye Color Change with Solid Color

Step 1: Creating a “Solid Color” Adjustment Layer

Get ready for a solid color makeover! Start by creating a “Solid Color” Adjustment Layer. Find this option at the bottom of the Layers panel – it’s your ticket to eye color nirvana.

Step 2: Picking Your Desired Color

Get ready for the enjoyable part! A color picker will appear, allowing you to choose the eye color you’ve always wanted. After you’ve made your selection, click on the “OK” button.

Step 3: Inverting the Layer Mask (Again!)

Just like in our first method, let’s invert the Layer Mask. You can do it manually via “Adjustments” or swiftly with “Ctrl+I.”

Step 4: The Blend Mode Transformation

For a natural look, it’s time to change the Blend Mode. Shift it from “Normal” to “Overlay” – your eyes will thank you.

Step 5: The Brush Tool Redux

With precision in mind, equip your Brush Tool and start painting over those eyes. Remember to zoom in for those finer details!

Step 6: Adjusting Opacity If Needed

Sometimes, using less in terms of photo editing is better. If the eye color looks too strong, make it natural by reducing the transparency to make it look softer. Make it more natural.

Step 7: Revel in Your Handiwork

You’ve successfully given your eyes a makeover! To admire your work, compare the original and modified versions by toggling the visibility of your new layer.

Method 3: Eye Color Change Through Hue/Saturation

Step 1: Enhancing Eye Visibility

Before diving into the eye color transformation, let’s spotlight your eyes. Enlarge your photo to get a clearer view.

Step 2: Accessing the Hue/Saturation Controls

Spot the “Hue/Saturation” option in the layer panel. Click on it to access the controls for tweaking your eye color.

Step 3: Selecting Your Ideal Shade

Here’s where the real magic happens. Carefully slide the Hue control to pick the perfect eye color you desire. Take your time exploring the possibilities – it’s all about finding that sweet spot. For example, if blue is your choice, the settings might look like this:

Step 4: Creating and Inverting the Mask

To keep your skin color intact, it’s time to create a mask for the Hue layer. Invert the mask and fill it with black.

Step 5: Precision with the Brush Tool

Pick up the Brush Tool once more, and remember to choose white as your color. Adjust the brush size to fit your image – there’s no one-size-fits-all here.

Step 6: Painting with Purpose

This step is where the transformation truly takes shape. Use your brush to paint over the areas you want to change carefully. Be cautious around the pupil and white reflections – we want those to stay untouched.

Step 7: Fine-Tuning for Naturalness

After you’ve brushed on your chosen eye color, take a moment to evaluate the results. To ensure a harmonious look, you can adjust the Layer Opacity. We’ve lowered it to 79% for that perfect finish in our example.

Step 8: Revel in Your Creation

Congratulations, you’ve successfully revamped your eye color! Have a look at your creation! You have created a piece of art that is fantastic!

With these three excellent techniques, you’re all set to turn your wildest eye-color dreams into reality. Whether you’re on a quest to try out different shades, boost your portrait shots, or just want to spice up your photos with some eye-popping changes, you’ve got the skills to make it happen!

Things to Remember While Changing Eye Color in Photoshop

Without careful attention, your eyes might look unnatural or out of place in your photos. Let’s review nine essential tips to remember while changing eye color in Photoshop.

Original Image Quality: Always start with a high-resolution image. A clear photo makes it easier to create realistic eye color changes.

Layer Organization: Keep your work organized using separate layers for each step. This way, you can adjust or fine-tune without affecting other elements.

Realistic Color Choices: Opt for eye colors that match the lighting and skin tones in the photo. Avoid extreme or unnatural shades for a more convincing look.

Mask Precision: When selecting the eyes, zoom in and use precise selection tools like the Pen Tool for extra accuracy.

Subtle Opacity Adjustments: Adjust the opacity of your eye color layer gradually. Too much intensity can make the eyes look artificial.

Catchlights and Highlights: Pay attention to catchlights and eye highlights. Preserve or recreate them to maintain realism.

Natural Variation: Eyes are rarely one solid color. Add subtle variations in color and tone for authenticity.

Eye Texture: Use a soft brush with a low flow rate to paint the new color. This maintains the eye’s natural texture and avoids a flat appearance.

Iris Patterning: Observe the original iris pattern and apply it to the new color.

With these extra details in mind, you can create eye-catching and convincing eye-color transformations in Photoshop. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to experiment and refine your skills further!

Final Words

Finally, becoming skilled at changing eye color in Photoshop can be an enjoyable and creative addition to your photo-editing abilities. By using the correct methods and practicing a bit, you can change the appearance of the eyes in your pictures to create impressive results. If you want a professional touch then contact Clipping Path Finder.

So, learning how to change eye color in Photoshop can be a rewarding skill to develop. Whether it’s enhancing natural eye colors or experimenting with wild and imaginative hues, with Photoshop, the journey becomes more accessible. Remember to approach this skill responsibly and respect the privacy and consent of individuals in your photos. Start your eye-color-changing editing journey with Photoshop today!

#digital art #photo edit

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ondigitalwings · 1 year

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Still some~what on the Pride theme, I got this love-it-hate-it dress from the event and realized it was a great one for Jade, who I’ve been looking for some skirts/dresses for that feel genderfluid and also just in character.

It turned very quickly into a fashion shoot. I love how 80s it all got.

#life makeover #life makeover global #life makeover game #life makeover outfits #life makeover photo mode #photo mode #my OCs #oc: jade

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sometownie · 4 years

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College V

So, it finally happened. I forgot to launch Fraps, so a lot of my screenshots were lost. However, because I’ve assigned the screenshot hotkey to C, it means the game’s in-game camera also takes a photo (given that I take the screenshot in live mode) when I take a screenshot! Which means I have some super crappy pixely versions of the pictures that I can share! I didn’t even bother cropping or editing them. If you don’t click on them it’s almost as if everything’s just as it should be here…..

Kevin Rogan, Ilona Tannen and Lila Hart were the new additions to college! Kevin is the first of the Rogan kids to attend, while Lila and Ilona are CAS born. The trio were all fast friends, which must be due to them all being extremely outgoing and very very grumpy.

Most of the sims’ time went on studying. For some reason these few semesters were very taxing, and only one sim seemed to be able to handle the stress - Apple Farwood graduated with top marks! Along with her, Jenny Mills and Shane Limestone graduated as well.

During their graduation party, Jenny’s father Alan and Apple’s mother Grace fell in love with each other at the front door of the dormitory………. In other words: Greta’s husband and Greta’s sister are now in love. And. Sure. You’re both widows and don’t have a lot of time left, and you’re both extremely good friends… Soooo why not.

Since I failed at life screenshotting, I gave them makeovers and did a quick photoshoot with the now-adult graduates.

#so basically if alan and grace were to get married #that would turn jenny and apple from cousins to sisters #ALSO please note the smustling pic of jenny and johnny i love that so much i wish i had it in hd ;;__;;#ts2 #the sims 2 #simblr #hood: whitewave #household: college #this is so sad alexa play black shoes by the films simlish version #ts2 gameplay

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babysizedfics · 4 years

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Headcanons Masterpost 4

constantly being updated - last edit 21 Jan 2021

Please do not reblog!

Bold headcanons are my personal faves!

Virgil:

checklist: what makes a show baby enough for vee

Roman:

Patton:

Logan:

Mama bear mode when Vee is sick / If Vee got strep / when sick Vee can't sleep | Automatonophobia | Heartfelt family photos video for xmas (plus more explained) | hearing virgils singing voice | being prepared for little Roman at work (2) | loves romance novels and always cries at them | calling Patton "pumpkin" | When Logan works overtime his family cuddle pile on him (Mama Jail) | Cuddling the baby in his sleep even tho he doesn't like cuddles (cat gif) | crying at his fave film and everyone comforting him discreetly (esp. vee)

Janus:

Never lying to Vee and struggling with being a teen dad | Acne scars and stretch marks | giving 4 y/o virgil pacis then needing to take them away

Remus:

bickering with roman but also joining forces to cause mischief | stealing roman's cars and making him cry for daddy | mocking vee in the past and not being allowed to tease her now | vee thinking remus is roman and cuddling him | encourgaing bratty little roman, accidentally upsetting teen roman

Background Characters:

Seraphina (sera) roman's bff from high school - how they met and what she thinks of his agedre

Jamal, roman's love interest - their first date and being supportive of roman's "childish moods"

Multiple:

Are Vee and Roman in the agere community? | Vee trying (failing) to babysit Ro | CGs getting fussy baby Vee to tak medicine | Vee and Roman's secret xmas presents | Roman used to be scared of Logan, vee has tried to wear skirts for 4 years | Roman and Patton tried getting to to act like a toddler once | vee is scared his toy makes a squeaky noise but roman fixes it for him | (Updated) Ro and Vee's adult fashion | Diaper ads | Kissies for both the littles | Everyone's favourite nicknames/petnames | Pat, Lo and Jan's signature snacks to make for the littles | Vee's touchy feely books, roman's fairytales | What stickers do Ro and vee like (pictures) | things ro and vee do with pat lo and jan that are exclusive to that person

Roman tickles and teases Vee (concept ficlet)

#little/big concept masterpost #little/big concepts #little/big series

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patchwork-panda · 4 years

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If A Moment Is All We Are (18/?)

AO3 link: HERE

6:50 am

I snapped my phone shut and continued to wait.

Ten minutes early. Good.

I wasn’t working with Kunikida but he would definitely approve of my coming early if he were here. I’d tried calling Dazai as soon as I arrived but, predictably, he hadn’t picked up. He was probably still on his way or decided the water looked really nice this morning and jumped into the river (Atsushi had warned me via text last night that Dazai had done at least this three times already), in which case, I’d have to go find him. But I could worry about that later. Since I was here a little early...

Scanning my surroundings, I grinned and switched my phone to camera mode.

Surprisingly, this was the first time one of my jobs had taken me to Minato Mirai, the most famous district in Yokohama; so far, the closest I’d been to this place since joining the Agency was when Yosano had dragged me to Motomachi shopping district for my makeover—which was still several stops away. I shifted my bag over my shoulder and started snapping photos, not caring that I looked like an excitable tourist.

I hadn’t been to Minato Mirai in years and it was such a beautiful day. The skies overhead were a beautiful pastel-blue, with not a cloud to be seen and faint hints of purple and orange visible on the distant horizon. The ocean, or what I could see of it from here, anyway, was a deep sparkling sapphire blue. Even the tops of the gray and white buildings were still dyed in subtle shades of pink and gold from the remnants of dawn, like an image from a painting.

I should’ve woken up even earlier; then I could’ve run down to the pier for even more photos. If I got some good shots, maybe I could use them as reference images—or background images for my laptop or phone. Maybe I could even send a few to Kunikida! I’m sure he would appreciate some beautiful images of a beautiful morning!

Warmth bloomed in my chest at the thought of surprising Kunikida with a nice good morning text, complete with a freshly shot photo nice enough to put on a postcard.

I sighed.

He worked really hard, Kunikida... I forgot who, but someone at the Agency had told me he spent his mornings meditating. He was always so focused, so dedicated... I hoped he was able to take some time to relax here and there. I checked the time again.

6:55 am.

Still early. He was probably still meditating right now (and I didn’t want to interrupt) so I set a reminder for myself to send him the text around eight, when he got into the office. A nice greeting so he could get a great start to a hopefully great day.

I smiled and kept shooting.

As my camera slowly focused on a distant landmark, the familiar shape of an enormous Ferris Wheel appeared on my screen: one of Yokohama’s most iconic attractions, Cosmo Clock 21. I paused to stare at it. I’d gone for a ride on the Cosmo Clock once with some classmates, back when I’d first moved to Yokohama. Although we’d had a pretty good time, I’d always wanted to go back, preferably on a date, and not just any date... a date with someone special, at night, when we could rise above the lights of the city and find ourselves sitting amongst the stars...

If only that someone special could be Kunikida Doppo...

“Ku-su-no-ki-kuuuuun!!”

I sighed as the image of the Ferris wheel was blocked from view by a pair of twinkling brown eyes.

Dazai.

“Whatcha lookin’ at?”

“Good morning, Dazai-san,” I answered in greeting, putting away my phone without taking the picture (it was too far away anyway). Staring up at him, I crossed my arms.

“You’re late.”

“Oh! Were you looking at the Cosmo Clock?” Dazai asked, moving to stand next to me, not even bothering to respond to my accusation.

He shielded his eyes with one hand and stared out into the distance at the tall metal structure.

“It’s definitely a sight to see at night when it’s all lit up and colorful but it’s pretty nice in the morning too...”

His brown eyes flicked down to meet mine and he smiled softly.

“A great place for a date, don’t you think?”

I glanced up at him. Standing next to him in the middle of the sidewalk on a beautiful day like this, I couldn’t help being reminded of the moment we’d first met. He gave off a different vibe in the early morning light, with the soft ocean breeze tugging at his messy brown locks and his irises glowing a rich, warm amber as he held my gaze.

Why was a man like Dazai Osamu blessed with such a beautiful face?

When he smiled at me like that, it was almost enough to make me forget all the teasing and practical jokes...

Almost...

“Yeah,” Dazai murmured, more to himself than to me as he returned his attention to the Ferris wheel. As if on cue, he continued, “Cosmo Clock 21 seems like a great place to commit suicide. I bet if I threw myself out of the top car, I would die the instant my body hit the pavement.”

I grimaced. I could all too easily picture an overly excitable Dazai opening the control panel inside his car, finding some way to override the safety protocols and swan-diving out of his car the instant he got to the top of the wheel.

“Well, I’m glad you didn’t off yourself this morning,” I said, covertly looking him up and down.

Good. It didn’t look like he’d gone for a swim in the river this morning. His clothes were dry and his entire ensemble looked like it had been recently cleaned. Our fancy downtown client should be pleased...

“If you had, you would’ve made my life a lot more difficult,” I sighed.

Dazai’s eyes widened.

“Kusunoki-kun...!” he whispered.

At once, he gathered my hands in his.

“I didn’t know you cared!” he whispered, his eyes sparkling joyfully as they stared into mine. “If you’d like, I’d be more than happy to take you to the Ferris wheel, maybe even accompany you to the afterlife—”

“That’s not what I was talking about,” I said casually, snatching my hands away with barely a hint of a blush. “What I meant to say was that I don’t know anything about this case we’ve been assigned to. I was just told to come here and meet you at seven in the morning, speaking of which...”

I flicked out my phone and shoved it in his face.

“You’re ten minutes late! You better have a good excuse for this because it’s going in the report. When Kunikida-san—no, President Fukuzawa reads it—”

“But Kusunoki-kun,” Dazai said, sounding surprised, “I was here early! In fact, I got here before you did and decided to make a convenience store run. See? I even got you coffee!”

He started rummaging through a small plastic bag that I hadn’t noticed he was carrying and pulled out a small canned latte. I was taken aback.

“Huh?” was all I could say as Dazai put the cold drink in my hands.

“What am I supposed to do with you, Kusunoki-kun?” Dazai sighed, shaking his head. “Here I am, trying to be a good mentor by making sure you got up in time for your next big case but what happens when I call you? Every single one of my well-meaning wake-up calls went straight to voicemail! I bet you didn’t even check your inbox this morning when you woke up.”

He was right. I hadn’t. As he spied the guilty look on my face, Dazai crossed his bandaged arms and pouted.

“And to think,” he said sullenly, “the first thing my kohai says to me when I come back, after waiting such a long time in those long morning lines is ‘you’re late?’”

He shook his head again and out of guilt, I dropped my gaze, only to stare right at the cold beverage in my hands. At once, the sense of guilt mutated into shame.

“I... I’m sorry,” I mumbled, bowing my head slightly. “It’s just... after the exam...”

Dazai gasped.

“Wait a minute... Are you blocking my calls?”

“Not exactly...”

Truth was, I’d actually put my phone into airplane mode last night after finishing up my texts with Atsushi because I didn’t want to receive any annoying late-night texts from Dazai or get pranked first thing in the morning again. Thanks to that, I’d gotten a full night’s rest (and before a Dazai case, no less!) but at what cost...?

“Airplane mode, huh?” Dazai pieced together and I winced. “That’s cold, Kusunoki-kun. Do you dislike me that much?”

“I said I was sorry!” I protested as he shook his head again, “And the first thing I said to you when you showed up was ‘good morning,’ not just ‘you’re late!’ And I really did mean it when I said I was glad you didn’t off yourself—Dazai-san, I—!”

I felt the words catching in my throat but I needed to get them out.

I couldn’t let Dazai think I hated him.

I squeezed my eyes shut, my hands balling into fists and I spoke in a rush:

“I don’t dislike you at all—! In fact, I—”

But before I could finish, something warm descended on the top of my head and when I looked up, I realized it was Dazai’s hand.

“I know,” he chuckled, ruffling my hair. “I was just messing with you. Don’t worry about it.”

He smiled. He was looking right at me but there was something wistful and faraway in his expression; I couldn’t place it.

“I know you don’t hate me,” he said quietly, still smiling that odd smile. “I just wanted my cute kohai to think better of me, is all.”

He folded up the convenience store bag and stuffed it into his coat.

“Let’s just go see the client, alright?”

“Dazai-san...”

Did it bother him that much that I didn’t pick up his calls? Was I being too harsh on him...?

As I watched him walk away, the tails of his trench coat flapping in the morning breeze, I slowly lifted my fingers to my lips.

And what was I about to say just before he stopped me?

Feeling oddly flustered, I directed my attention back to the can in my hands. It was still cold and my mouth felt oddly dry after that whole exchange. Not wanting to think about it any further, I pulled on the tab, opening the can of coffee with a sharp pop—and something big, black and hairy shot out of the can.

I screamed and dropped the can. As I stood there in the middle of the street, clutching my heart and panting like a dog, I heard a snort and looked up just in time to see Dazai burst into laughter.

“That was amazing!” he choked, clutching his stomach, “Absolutely priceless! I should take a photo of your face, this belongs in a museum—”

“What the hell?!” I screeched, flushing in anger as Dazai doubled over, howling with laughter as suit-wearing morning commuters and tourists alike stopped to stare at us.

“Well,” Dazai chortled, barely stifling his laughter behind his bandaged hands, “I could have gotten you a real coffee but then I thought, what kind of senpai would I be if I didn’t give you a real wake-up call?”

He dissolved into laughter once again and, bristling with rage, I snatched the can off the ground and lifted it to my face. It was one of those spring toys in a can, disguised to look like real food and designed to scare the living daylights out of whoever was foolish enough to open it. The hairy black thing I’d seen was nothing more than a plush spider toy with googly eyes and pipe-cleaner legs, bouncing about from the open end of the can. And as Dazai’s laughter echoed in my ears, one corner of the label peeled off; he had taken the label off a real can of coffee and stuck it to the outside of this toy. Which left only one question.

“Why is this thing cold?!” I roared, hurling the can at Dazai’s face as his laughter finally subsided.

“Oho, very observant, Kusunoki-kun!” Dazai cried, easily dodging my attack. “I knew I’d have to go above and beyond to fool you, so I stuck this can in the ice cream freezer at the convenience store before bringing it over!”

“You what?!”

“Oh, don’t glare at me like that,” Dazai waved me off, “Think of it as a compliment that I’d go to such lengths to trick you. But enough about that. We’re late and we really shouldn’t keep the client waiting. Wouldn’t be good for the Agency’s reputation, you know? Come on!”

Glowering and cursing under my breath, I hiked my bag higher over my shoulder and swore never to accept any presents from Dazai in the future, no matter how small or insignificant.

***

“Kusunoki-kun...”

Dazai sounded pretty dejected but I refused to look at him. I would not be fooled by those big brown puppy-dog eyes twice in the same morning.

“I get that you’re mad but you don’t have to stand that far away from me...”

“I’m not standing far away from you at all,” I replied coolly. “In fact, if I could, I’d actually be standing much further away but unfortunately, there’s not that much room in this elevator...”

“And you say you’re not cold,” Dazai mumbled.

I could actually hear the pout in his voice but I just rolled my eyes and ignored him.

After that stunt he pulled with the fake coffee, I was half-seriously considering returning to the Agency and asking to be reassigned. But then I realized that if I went back, I might run into Kunikida and be forced to admit (to my crush) that I couldn’t handle being on a case with Dazai for even an hour... And I’d rather throw myself off the top of the Ferris wheel than face Kunikida’s disappointment. So I settled for refusing to talk to Dazai as much as I possibly could, even as I followed him into the maze of buildings and crosswalks downtown with no idea of our destination.

Unfortunately for me, Dazai looked so happy about the results of his prank that he didn’t seem to mind that I was barely speaking to him. Every once in a while, he’d look over his shoulder to check that I was still following along and shoot me a cheerful grin every time he did. He kept this up until we stopped before a tall, strikingly rectangular building bearing the name “Tanaka Investments” in glossy white lettering. Like the other buildings downtown, the structure seemed to be made entirely of black and gray tinted glass instead of metal but I only had a few seconds to peer up at it before the crowd of morning commuters pushed us forward and into the building.

Together, Dazai and I streamed in through the main entrance, along with a gaggle of the building’s employees, heading, it seemed, towards the elevators in the back. As we got in, I noticed Dazai getting an occasional odd look at the bandages around his neck and arms but other than that, the workers seemed to pay us no mind; overall, they seemed pretty busy with their phones and schedules. When the girl nearest the elevator buttons happened to glance his way, Dazai instantly brightened up.

“Top floor, please,” he said, smiling pleasantly and the girl instantly blushed and hurried to push the button he’d requested.

Rolling my eyes, I quietly navigated my way towards the back of the elevator, purposefully turning the other way when I noticed Dazai looking for me. If he asked, I’d tell him I was doing this out of courtesy and that I was just trying to stay out of the way of the other building employees. However, the truth was, I was hoping to put as much distance between me and Dazai as possible and I made no move to hide the tiny smile that popped up on my face as more and more people packed into the elevator between us.

But as we climbed higher and higher through the building, the crowd began to thin and eventually the number of people standing between me and Dazai slowly dwindled to zero. That’s when he started trying to get my attention again...

“Come on, Kusunoki-kun,” Dazai wheedled, “If you’re not going to look at me, you could at least move a little closer so I don’t have to shout for you to hear me. I still need to tell you about the client.”

“I can hear you just fine from over here,” I stated flatly, staring resolutely at the numbers above the door as the elevator continued to rise.

“Come on, please?”

I didn’t budge.

“Please? Pretty please, pretty lady?”

Crossing my arms, I scowled. This was nothing like the time I’d taken the tiny elevator up to the Agency office with Kunikida... Nothing at all...

What I wouldn’t give to be in here with Kunikida instead... He wouldn’t whine and pester me like this. And he wouldn’t have pranked me this morning either. I closed my eyes and let a small, happy smile cross my face.

Hmm... then again, if it was Kunikida, I wouldn’t mind getting a little closer...

“Alright then,” Dazai sighed, finally realizing I wasn’t going to move at all. “If you won’t come to me...”

I heard a series of soft, echoing clicks from Dazai’s dress shoes as he slowly approached me from the opposite corner of the elevator.

“Then I’ll just have to come to you.”

His voice was low, sultry... just like it was yesterday afternoon, when he’d backed me up against the locked conference room door and whispered softly into my ear...

“...I’d like you to do something for me.”

I could still feel the warmth of his breath against my cheek, see the softly heated look in his deep brown eyes... His lips parted smoothly into that relaxed, easy smile...

“Come away with me...”

It was so cold the night he walked me home. The brightness of his smile had not been enough to obscure the shadows in his eyes...

Forever.

I came to with a sharp gasp, abruptly realizing that Dazai was about two seconds away from trapping me against a wall the way he’d done twice already. In a flustered panic, I uprooted my feet and tried to make a break for it—

—only to crash right into Dazai.

“Kusunoki-kun!”

His eyebrows shot up into his hair as I bounced off of him with a painful smack and his smirk widened into an ecstatic grin.

“Were you looking for a hug?” he asked, opening his arms wide. “I’d love one!”

“Oh, shut up,” I groaned, rubbing my nose where it’d collided with his chest. “Just tell me about the client already.”

Dazai wilted.

“You sure you don’t want a hug?”

“I’m sure. Case briefing, please?”

Dazai sighed heavily. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and shot me a disappointed look.

“Yosano-sensei was right...” he mumbled, kicking an invisible pebble on the floor. “If you spend too much time with Kunikiiiiiida-kun, you really will turn into a four-eyed workhorse too.”

“Will you stop insulting Kunikida-san and just tell me about the client?! We’re almost at the top floor and I still don’t know who we’re meeting with!”

As if on cue, the elevator suddenly stopped moving. Thinking we’d arrived at the top floor, I looked up at the display above the door, only to see that we were still ten stories away. I turned to Dazai but he just yawned widely and stretched his bandaged arms high above his head as a sound like a buzzer sounded throughout our hollow metal chamber. There was a quiet cough and then a voice crackled to life over an unseen speaker.

“Identification, please.”

“We’re from the Armed Detective Agency,” Dazai said before I could answer. “We were asked to meet with a client on the top floor this morning.”

There was a pause and then the voice spoke again, more irritated this time.

“You’re late.”

I heard another loud buzz and with the tiniest of tremors, the elevator started moving again. I stared at Dazai.

“Who... are we meeting with...?”

He shot me a grin.

“The company president,” he answered, tucking his hands back into his pockets. “Tanaka Ichiro.”

There was a soft chime and as I turned just in time to see the elevator doors sliding open with a faint whoosh. I peered out beyond the doors into what appeared to be a very bright light and I raised my hands up to shield my eyes. When my eyes had settled, I realized I was staring into an enormous, empty lobby, one with very high walls and very pale coloring.

Silently, I followed Dazai out of the elevator and into the monochrome chamber, the heels of our shoes making sharp, echoing clicks against the hard, shiny surface of what seemed to be a faux-white-marble floor. All around us were large, rectangular tinted windows, each as high as the ceiling itself, where a modern-looking geometric chandelier, if you could call it that, hung in the very center of the room.

Below it, was a single desk, made of the exact same material as the floor, and it was so seamlessly integrated with the surroundings that I wouldn’t have been surprised if they were all carved from a single stone. Everything was spotless and polished to a shine and I looked out the windows to see sweeping views of the ocean and Mirato Mirai on one side and the rest of downtown Yokohama on the other.

Standing behind the desk was a very cross-looking man in a gray suit and tie with slicked-back black hair and thin rectangular glasses perched on his long, thin nose; with his narrowed eyes and set, square jaw, he looked especially forbidding where Kunikida merely looked strict. I decided to hang back a little as Dazai approached the desk.

“Morning,” Dazai greeted, with a casual wave of his half-bandaged hand. “You’re the gatekeeper?”

“My name is Shimada,” the man replied, his lips barely moving as he spoke, “President Tanaka’s personal bodyguard.”

One of his thick black eyebrows rose higher on his forehead and he shifted a little, his hand going to his belt as he studied Dazai and then me. His expression soured slightly.

“You’re... the detectives?”

If Dazai was insulted at his tone, he didn’t show it. While I discreetly examined my outfit for any sign of dirt, Dazai grinned broadly at him and stepped forward.

“That’s right.”

He draped the crook of his bandaged elbow over the top of the desk and as he leaned his weight on it, Shimada’s jaw tightened visibly.

“We’re the detectives,” Dazai said smoothly, “Sorry we’re late.”

“The President is a busy man,” Shimada said icily. “He cannot afford to be kept waiting. Time is money, you know.”

“Of course,” Dazai chirped, deliberately rubbing his dingy-looking bandages against the countertop and for a brief moment, I actually felt sorry for Shimada.

That moment ended when I saw Shimada reach inside his desk and before I knew what was happening, he whipped out a thick black rod and swung it towards Dazai’s head.

“Dazai!!”

I rushed forward, intent on pushing Dazai out of harm’s way but the tell-tale crack of metal against skull never came. The rod came to an abrupt stop just a centimeter away from Dazai’s temple, barely ruffling the hairs on his head and as I looked on in shock, I saw Dazai’s grin widen.

He hadn’t moved at all...!

“I see the reputation of the Armed Detective Agency is well-earned,” Shimada muttered under his breath.

He moved the rod away and as he did so, I realized that I wasn’t looking at an actual weapon but at a handheld metal detector. Still wearing that shit-eating grin, Dazai stood up straight and put out his arms as Shimada came out from behind the desk and began scanning him. When he was satisfied that Dazai was carrying no weapons, Shimada nodded and went back to his desk.

“You will show President Tanaka your utmost respect while you are talking to him,” Shimada said, putting away the detector. “See to it that you don’t waste his time.”

Keeping his right hand against his belt, Shimada pushed a button from somewhere inside his desk and the closed black-paneled doors behind him opened at last.

“Thanks,” Dazai chirped.

He patted Shimada on the shoulder as he passed by and I saw the man flinch.

Taking a deep breath, I hiked my bag a little higher over my shoulder and stepped forward, preparing to be scanned as well. But to my surprise, Shimada barely gave me a second glance before putting down his metal detector and gestured for me to step through the doors as well.

“You’re not going to scan me?” I asked, confused.

Shimada shook his head.

“I don’t need to.”

“W-why not?” I asked, my grip tightening on my bag.

I don’t like his tone...

“Because,” Shimada stated simply, “you’re not a threat.”

I bristled.

“How do you know I’m not carrying a weapon?”

Shimada’s lip curled unpleasantly.

“Because if you were,” he said, a nasty sneer blooming on his face, “You would’ve used it on me to save your partner. Now are you going in or not?”

“I—”

“Kusunoki-kun.”

A weight settled around my shoulder and I looked up to see that Dazai had thrown his arm around me. He pulled me in close, effectively tugging me away from the sneering Shimada and guided me towards the doors.

“You heard the man,” Dazai said, his voice sounding right next to my ear, “We’ve got a client to see.”

And as he led me away, I glanced back at Shimada, only to see that the man had a gun in his hand.

My eyes widened.

“D-Dazai-san—” I whispered, looking up at him in alarm.

But Dazai merely smiled and put his finger to his lips.

“I’ll explain later,” his expression seemed to say.

Swallowing, I nodded and shot another furtive look over my shoulder at Shimada, who was now scrubbing at the counter top with a wet wipe, where Dazai had leaned against it and smudged its pristine, white surface.

The black paneled doors closed behind us and we found ourselves in a much smaller room, one that so resembled a normal office that it made the outside lobby and the whole thing with the elevator seem even stranger by contrast. The walls were lined with bookshelves full of thick binders and leather-bound books and there was a polished wooden desk in the middle of the room, under which was an exquisitely patterned Persian rug. Sitting at this desk with his hands folded in front of him was a rather cheerful-looking man in his mid-thirties. There was a streak of white in his otherwise brown hair and as we approached the desk, he stood to greet us.

“You must be the detectives,” he said, spreading his arms. “Welcome, welcome. I am Tanaka Ichiro, the president of this fine establishment. Please, have a seat. Make yourselves comfortable.”

As he moved out a little from behind the desk, I thought I saw something in the trash can nearby, something with black feathers...

I heard my own sharp intake of breath when I realized it was a dead bird and upon hearing me, Tanaka’s smile widened; he pulled the trash can out of sight and quickly sat back down.

“May I offer you some refreshment?” Tanaka asked, “Hot tea, perhaps?”

“N-no thanks,” I mumbled, still wondering about the dead bird.

“Then I could turn up the heat,” Tanaka offered, “if you’re cold.”

“Huh? It’s not...”

I trailed off as Dazai tightened his grip around me to give me a brief around the shoulders hug.

Oh.

Dazai took his arm off of me before I could throw it off for him and bowed politely, forcing me to follow suit.

“Dazai Osamu and Kusunoki Kyou of the Armed Detective Agency at your service,” he said smoothly, suddenly sounding just as professional as Kunikida. “What can we do for you?”

Tanaka pointed to the two chairs on our side of the desk and Dazai and I sat.

“I do believe we are short on time,” Tanaka said, as I shot Dazai a nasty look, “so I’ll get right to the point. Over the last few months, we’ve seen a series of thefts take place at the company but the thief has only stolen money from a single account. Unfortunately, it is a rather important account—one we use to pay our yearly business expenses.”

He took out a plain manila folder from his desk and slid it towards us. Dazai took it but opened it up in a way that I’d have to scoot towards him to read it. Struggling not to roll my eyes, I pushed my chair towards his.

“That first page will show you screenshots of the account in question, month to month,” Tanaka continued. “As you can see, it’s no small amount that was taken.”

My eyes widened.

Holy shit. There had been enough here to cover my yearly rent ten times over. What sort of business expenses would cost so much?!

“It’s been drained,” Dazai said, flipping the page. “Several times. You didn’t increase security around the account the first time it happened?”

“We did,” Tanaka admitted, “but the thief somehow got around the changes every single time. We can’t change the account for reasons I won’t go into but it’s baffling to say the least.”

“Thief...” I said slowly, glancing up at Tanaka. “Why do you say ‘thief,’ as if you’re certain it’s one person? Did you already have someone in mind?”

Tanaka rubbed his chin. He looked pleased.

“Very good. We do, actually,” he said. “Turn to the third page.”

I flipped through the file to see a picture of an older man, somewhere around Mrs. Yamazaki’s age, if I had to guess. He wore a pair of large, clunky square glasses, making his already dark, tiny eyes appear even darker and tinier and beneath his slightly hooked nose he had a bushy mustache and beard with streaks of gray. In all honesty, he looked a little like a Japanese Santa Claus.

I squinted at it.

Tsushima looked vaguely familiar, although at the moment, I couldn’t quite place where I’d seen him. Had I passed him in the street before?

“That is Tsushima Shuji, one of our best and highest ranking accountants. He had access to every account in this investment company, including our most secretive business dealings and he disappeared about a month ago without a trace.” “Right when the last theft took place,” Dazai said.

“Correct,” Tanaka replied. “We think he had something to do with it but we haven’t been able to find him. We ran our own internal investigations, of course, but so far it’s turned up nothing. Normally, at this point in time, we’d be asking the Yokohama Police Department to investigate but the situation is rather delicate.”

“I see,” Dazai mumbled. “So you want us to find this Tsushima Shuji.”

“And recover the money.”

Tanaka steepled his fingers together and looked at us.

“We are a highly successful investment firm but we do still have debts to pay. And they must be paid very, very soon if this company is to survive...”

“It’s almost the first of next month,” I pieced together aloud, flipping through the printouts. “You want us to solve this case before the account can be drained again.”

“Exactly.”

Tanaka looked down at his wrist, where a clunky gold watch gleamed alongside his cufflinks.

“Forgive me for my rudeness, but we are out of time. I cannot, unfortunately, provide anything more for you than these printouts due to the security issues around the account and the employee files. But I think this should be enough to start with. If you need more, please, don’t hesitate to give myself or Shimada-san a call.”

“Of course.”

I swept the folder full of files into my messenger bag and stood to take the pair of business cards from Tanaka.

As I reached up to pinch the cards between my fingers, taking care to avoid touching any part of Tanaka’s skin, his shrewd brown eyes swept over me.

“Kusunoki-san, was it?” he asked, as I half-nodded, half-bowed. “I don’t think I’ve heard your name before. Are you new to the Armed Detective Agency?”

“Somewhat,” I mumbled, avoiding his probing gaze.

I didn’t feel like answering any further but Tanaka wasn’t finished with me yet.

“I see,” Tanaka continued, peering more closely at me.

He looked like he was trying to figure out if he’d seen me before but to the best of my recollection, this was my first time meeting him. His smile held no warmth.

“Have you been enjoying your time with the Agency so far?”

I honestly wasn’t sure how to answer that and I really didn’t like the way he was looking at me. But before I could speak, I felt Dazai put his hand on my shoulder.

“Kusunoki-kun is our valued colleague,” the bandaged detective said, directing his full attention towards Tanaka. “We’re really lucky to have her.”

Dazai smiled and without meaning to, I flinched. This wasn’t the usual, cheerful smile I’d gotten used to seeing from Dazai. No. The look in his eyes was cold and calculating and his smile seemed to function more as a warning than a gesture of good will. I forced myself to keep still as Dazai turned those frigid brown eyes on me.

“We should get going,” Dazai said gently, the warmth in his expression returning the instant his eyes met mine.

I nodded.

“Tanaka-san, we’ll check in with you in a few days?”

“Please do,” Tanaka replied.

Polite bows were exchanged once again and Dazai and I turned around to leave. Dazai’s large, half-bandaged hand remained on my shoulder and I could still feel Tanaka’s eyes on me as we departed. However, after seeing the look on Dazai’s face as he’d stared Tanaka down, I couldn’t tell if the weight of the man’s hand on my shoulder was comforting or not. I found myself unable to move any closer to him.

Dazai didn’t drop his hand until we were well out into the lobby, but just after he did, Tanaka called out to us once again.

“Oh and Dazai-san? Kusunoki-san?”

We turned and Tanaka’s smile widened.

“Best of luck,” he said as those black-paneled doors came to a close.

***

“This could get dangerous for you, Kusunoki-kun,” Dazai said as we exited the building.

“How so?”

In the seemingly short time we’d spent in Tanaka’s office, the sun had climbed a little higher in the sky, warming the downtown zone by that much more. I found myself wishing Dazai had actually brought me an iced coffee instead of a joke toy this morning and was about to shrug off my light coat when I noticed Dazai was watching me. I kept the coat on as we walked down the street.

“Is this about Tanaka-san?” I asked.

Or the way he’d looked at me?

“Not quite.”

Dazai paused to study me.

“Let me ask you... What do you think that account was used for? The ‘business expense account.’ It’s a lot of money, don’t you think?”

I shrugged. I was avoiding his gaze and I knew that Dazai could tell but if it bothered him, he didn’t let it show.

“Tanaka said it was for business expenditures, didn’t he?” I answered, hiking the strap of my bag a little higher over my shoulder as it slipped. “I can’t say I know much about investment firms but I wouldn’t be surprised if these were for another company they’re working with.”

I paused.

“Why do you ask? Do you think this account’s being used for something else?”

“Sort of.”

We paused at the crosswalk as the light turned red and Dazai dropped his voice so low it was actually hard to hear him.

“It’s been a while since I’ve heard someone refer to it as a ‘business expenditure,’ but I wouldn’t be surprised if they were paying back either debts or protection money to the Port Mafia. Many businesses in this area are, especially some of the bigger ones with more complicated connections.”

He jerked his thumb back towards the building.

“How do you think such a newly established investment firm got so big so quick that they ended up moving into one of the bigger buildings downtown, right in the middle of Port Mafia turf?”

I balked.

“Seriously?”

Dazai nodded and I took a moment to think.

“So if that’s true then that means...” I thought aloud, “the person stealing from this account...”

“He’s stealing directly from the Port Mafia,” Dazai finished for me.

No sooner had Dazai finished speaking than a sound like a thunderclap echoed throughout the streets. Tremors shook the ground and as I fought to regain my footing, I turned around just in time to see columns of thick, black smoke pouring out of the shattered windows of the top floor of Tanaka Investments.

#bungou stray dogs #bungo stray dogs #bsd #dazai x oc #dazai #dazai x reader #fanfiction

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glottia-arts · 5 years

Text

The Photo

Ok I decided to finish this. This story goes along with this drawing I did up of Julia and Aura with different hairstyles. I actually stopped writing this right when Moonjumper and Snatcher are shown and wasn’t too sure on their dynamic for your fic. Coulda just asked about that and some other things, but it wasn’t bad to wait for the next few chapters for you to explain. I probably got things wrong anyway, so feel free to call me out @konan720.

I tried to keep this in character for the realm for your story, but a little for mine bleeds in, primarily the part where the forest is different. Then I’m sure you’ll be able to see the other things.

Word Count: 6,777 _____

“Say cheese!”

“Cheese!?”

Snap. A camera shutter went off and a few photos silently printed out.

“It’s all done guys!”

“Cool! Come on, let’s go!” Laughing, Julia separated from her companion, dashing off towards her little sister. Aura was still perplexed over the situation, but followed at her own pace.

Finally reaching the duo, Aura saw that both girls were examining pictures. Peeking up, Hat Kid grinned widely. “Hey, the picture turned out great!” Sticking her tiny hand out, she presented a photo to the elder girl. “Here’s your copy of the photo Aura!”

Aura carefully took the photo from the child, astonished to find it was a photograph of her and Julia. Her head tilted in confusion on how the girl had gotten this. She didn’t have a camera on her, nor did she have one of the ‘cell phones’ that several of the residents of this time period had. To her knowledge, those weird things couldn’t print pictures. They could be shared with a cloud somehow though…

Hat Kid picked up on Aura’s turmoil, much to her shock. “You’re probably wondering how I got that, yeah? Well, I have a badge I picked up a while back that lets me take photos. Pretty nice to have since it can save and print the pictures it takes. Cool, right?”

Nodding, Aura looked over the photo once more, smiling behind her mask. This was a nice shot of the two and she was grateful for her mask, the confusion on her face would contrast severely with Julia’s pleasant smile.

Opening her bag, Aura withdrew a small picture album and inserted the image for safe keeping.

“Hey, you got some photos already?”

“Mmm.. technically only two. The one young Melody took and one from two years ago… well, two years ago for me. I’m still unsure how long ago it was from everyone else's perspectives.”

“You had photography back in your time?”

“Yes, it was fairly new back then. There were still kinks to be adjusted, but there was someone who had a camera that worked.”

“Honestly with the time frame you came from, it almost sounds around the 16th century or earlier in my original world. Kinda weird to imagine photography back then.” Julia pondered it over for a moment before realizing something. “Unless it was another one of the descendants of yours and Melody’s alien race. You guys are kind of crazy when it comes to technological advancement.”

“You would be correct, they did come from that lineage. I suppose at the time, it is exciting for new things, but I don’t have the frame of reference for comparison as you do Julia. Sorry about that.”

“Oh no, it’s fine! It was just a statement. Different places develop differently, so don’t worry about it.”

Nodding, she went to put her small album away, but was stopped as Hat Kid practically jumped over to her. “No wait, let me see the other photo! I’m so curious about what photo you could have from back then!”

“Melody-”

Laughing, Aura patted the girls hat gently. “It’s alright Julia, I don’t mind showing her the photo. You’re free to come see it as well. The only condition I have for showing you both this, is that neither you tell Snatcher or Moonjumper I have this. Alright?”

The sisters eyed each other, even more curious on the photo the adult dweller had. Nodding, they both looked to Aura as they gave their conformation they wouldn’t tell either ghost of its existence.

“Thank you both. Now for the photo in question.” Julia sprinted over as Aura began. “I know you both have seen the Prince’s appearance in the storybook you acquired from fixing the rift near the Grand Hourglass. Here, you’ll see a little more perspective, alternative than what time had disclosed to you.”

Julia picked up her younger sister so they both could see the photo in question together, both anticipating the reveal.

“I’ll apologize in advance if it’s not quite what either of you were expecting. I’m afraid I might have ‘hyped’ it up more than it needed. Is ‘hyped’ the right word? Hmm...”

“Well it’s exciting enough to know the Prince was in it. Even if it’s just a simple photo, I still want to see it!” Hat Kid nodded in agreement.

“... if you’re sure, then alright.” Finally opening the album from the back, she flipped the last page into view, showcasing the photo they eagerly awaited.

Seeing the image in question, three figures were pictured. On the left was Queen Vanessa. Julia noticed something a little odd with the Queen. On closer inspection, she could tell the smile was strained. Just barely though. Aura wasn’t kidding when she said the woman wore a mask of her own. It was unfortunate that Aura could only get the Prince to somewhat see it.

The person in center focus was the Prince. Of the three pictured, he appeared to be the merriest. An arm was placed on both his companion's shoulders, squishing them tight against himself.

Finally, the person on the right was Aura. She looked just as she did when appearing in this era. She was nervous in the photo, tense and surprised as she was moments prior with their own photo.

Both girls thought at the mention of the Prince, that would be the reason to not tell their ghostly friends about the photograph, having seen their alive self. Now that they could wholly examine the image, they realized it could have been because of the picture as a whole.

Misfortune in the making.

Glancing up to Aura, Hat Kid had a question. She almost didn’t want to ask, but the curiosity ate at her. “Why do you still have this photo?”

Aura stared at the child for a moment before pulling the album close. She was quiet for some time as she traced the edges of the page.

Julia almost said something to the child before Aura began to softly speak.

“... it does bring up bad memories… but there are some good ones as well.” Looking back to the girls, she continued. “I don’t miss Vanessa, but I missed the time when we were friends. Even if I knew that there was something off about her majesty as a child, I still did consider her a friend. Somewhat.”

“And the Prince?”

“I considered him a friend yes. More so than Vanessa. One could almost say we were best friends.”

Hat Kid shook excitedly in Julia’s arms at hearing this.

“Though” the girl stopped as Aura went on. “I’m unsure of it now.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Well… you know. He kind of… split into two. Several ages have passed. Issues like that. I’d be a fool to assume either of them were one hundred percent the same person as back then.” Hat Kid snickered at hearing the word ‘fool’, but Aura pressed on. “I’ve barely been here for a few months and I’ve seen Snatcher’s changes. Creator knows how much Moonjumper has changed.”

Aura had looked back to the picture again and Julia had a feeling she knew where this was going.

“Aura, are you afraid that they don’t see you in that way anymore?”

The subtle flinch told her all she needed to know.

“It has been awhile… I can imagine some fondness.. But with how everything’s been since my little time travel accident, I’m still unclear.”

“Well, Moon’s been pretty excited to see you! Then Snatcher’s just a big floating contradiction.”

“Yeah, Snatcher’s just a big ol’ soon-deh-ray!”

Aura was with them until Hat Kid had said that. “I... uh... what?”

“Just listen. Yes, he’s an a-” Hat Kid covered Julia’s mouth cause she knew the next word she was going to say was a bad one. She really doesn’t want Aura to go into mom mode over that. Again.

Julia looked at Hat Kid questioningly, but the girl continued for her sister. “What Julia was going to say is, is that Snatcher may be a big meanie to all of us, but deep down, he cares.”

“Way... way... way down.” Julia muttered behind the tiny hand.

“So all the times he’s been hard or mean to you since you’ve been here, he’s just been looking out for you!”

The redhead nodded slowly in acknowledgment.

Hat Kid finally removed her hand from Julia’s face and broke free from the elder girls grip, landing on the ground safely. “Besides, you have me, Julia and loads of other people in your life now! We’re your friends as well!”

“Yeah, we’re with you all the way.” Julia gave a thumbs up.

Aura didn’t know how to respond to all of this. The declaration was so abrupt; It caught her off guard. Nodding again, a soft “thank you” peeped out of her.

Smiling, Hat Kid jumped up and down. “You know since we’re here in Subcon, why don’t we go show Moonjumper and Snatcher your guys’s makeovers!”

“Normally, I’d agree but… it might startle them at the sudden and extreme change Aura went through.”

Pouting at her sister, Hat Kid put her hands on her hips. “It’s not that big of a deal, they’ve already gotten several surprises from you two! Besides, you two look pretty!”

Julia would comment about how Hat Kid seemed to learn more than she let on from Aura, but shied off at hearing the compliment.

“Might be best to get it done and over with on my part. They’d have to see me again eventually.” Gently running a hand through her hair, she continued. “Besides, it’s not like my hair is going to grow that long again in a short time span.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Though hypothetically; With your magic, couldn’t you grow your hair fast?”

“Hypothetically... I’m afraid not, my time magic can only affect me when it comes to healing wounds and slowing my aging process. Otherwise, hair growth isn’t what it’s known for.”

“Ah… well, thought I’d ask.”

“It is a finicky thing, so I don’t blame your curiosity.”

Sealing her album shut, Aura stored it away. Glancing around the green clearing, she spotted Julia and her own little companions off in the distance.

“Time to round up the cats I suppose.”

Hat Kid waved at the Bush Cats. “Hey Blueberry! Neo! Let’s go!”

The two looked over to the small child, but remained in place.

Julia frowned at this. Normally, Blueberry would come running the second she could. Why didn’t she now? Next thing she knew, Aura was speed walking over to the two Rough Patch’s.

Both felines looked up to the woman, one somewhat confused, the other relieved.

Aura carefully picked up her own Rough Patch, adjusting him to hold him as if he were a baby or small child. “I’m sorry Helios, you should have said something.”

The gray leafed cat made a sound and shook his head, relaxing against her.

Sighing, she looked down at his smaller friend. “Thank you for staying with him Blueberry, I hope it wasn’t any trouble.”

Tilting her head, the small Rough Patch stared at the woman blankly. Though now that her friend was higher up, she thought she could receive the same treatment and jumped up. Mid jump, she was caught by Julia.

“Nuh-uh, we talked about this. No jumping on Aura.”

The blueberry themed cat just stared at her human for a moment, wagging her tail the next. Sighing with a smile, she set the small Bush Cat on her shoulder.

“If she did, I wouldn’t have minded. I’m used to changing upon my return home.”

“Well still! Helios- uh, Ne-... what is his name exactly? You keep referring to him as one name, and Melody refers to him as another.”

“The name he’s always gone by is Helios, but Melody has given him the nickname of Neo.”

“He just looks like one!”

Aura glanced over the multicolored Rough Patch for a moment, tilting her head. “I... suppose so?”

Said Rough Patch smiled, lazily swinging his tail back and forth.

“Ok… so continuing where I left off. Helios-”

“Neo!”

“Melody, please don’t confuse me, I’m trying to say this. Anyways. Your Rough Patch is accommodating to you and your needs, staying clean and wearing little booties wherever he goes. I imagine it must bug you on some level having to change your clothes often. So, just think of this as the prevention of one.”

“I do see what you’re saying and I thank you for that. Let’s just hope you saving me from your adorable Rough Patch doesn’t go in vain.”

“Well knowing my luck, it probably will. This is Subcon after all. I imagine it��s still somewhat the same, even after reverting back to normal.”

“I’d say the residents are certainly the same, yes. The ambiance of the forest on the other hand differs.”

“Figures.”

“Alright, alright, let’s go! We need to show Snatcher and Moonjumper how you guys look!”

“We’re coming kid, just hold your horses.”

__________

Subcon Forest was remarkably easy to navigate when there weren’t as many traps or deadly hazards around.

The residents were likewise simple to locate, sticking out like a sore thumb against green shrubbery. So it didn’t take the group long in finding the two powerhouse phantoms of the forest. They were near Snatcher’s residence, but even without being in such an obvious location, they were still easy to spot.

What they didn’t expect was seeing both ghosts arguing and with an audience no less. Several minions, dwellers and others they knew were off on the sidelines, watching the whole debacle. They were hidden, but still present.

Aura leaned over to Julia, concern lacing her tone. “You wouldn’t happen to know if this is… ‘normal’ between them… would you?”

Rubbing her fingers against her temples, Julia replied. “Sadly, it kind of is.”

Hat Kid being Hat Kid, went up to the two squabbling ghosts.

“You could at least make some room there!” “As if I’d ever do that! I just got that back, I’m not sharing it!”

“It wasn’t really even yours in the first place!”

“I’ll have you know, I-”

“What are you two arguing about?”

Both ghosts recoiled in surprise, turning to the voice that had intruded. Neither noticed the child’s presence, but Snatcher had somewhat deflated at seeing her. He half expected her around the woodland anyhow, so why not in his own personal business?

“Oh, we were-”

Snatcher interrupted the other ghost by smacking a hand down on his shoulder, tugging him close. “Moonboy and I were just having a nice chat.” A tight squeeze on the shoulder and a very subtle twitch of the eye from Moonjumper. “Something your little ears need not be concerned with.”

Hat Kid looked between the two ghosts, curious about the situation, but ultimately continued on her mission.

“Anyway, I have a surprise for you two!”

If Snatcher could deflate further, he would have sunk into the ground.

“Kid, I don’t think I can handle any more of your surprises.”

Lightly smacking the taller ghost, Moonjumper gestured for Hat Kid to continue.

Maneuvering so the girls were in sight, Hat Kid made a grand gesture to them “Ta-da…?” Her tone grew confused, seeing only Julia standing there.

Julia, unperturbed, smiled and waved as the ghost's eyes fell upon her.

It quite surprised both specters seeing the new hairstyle, staring in awe at the change. Snatcher was the first to break the silence, smirking.

“Well seems you’ve learned to embrace some femininity there, ey kid?”

Julia thought of giving the ghost a piece of her mind with a simple hand gesture, but didn’t for several reasons.

Out of the contractor’s grip, Moonjumper approached Julia, studying her hairstyle as all the details came into view. It was certainly unexpected, but he thought it looked nice. Where did she get the Marigold’s for her hair though? They weren’t common in the forest, even back in his lifetime.

Close enough to her, he carefully ran a hand over her hair as to not mess up any of the beads or braiding.

Smiling softly, he pulled her into a hug, careful in his movements not to upset her Rough Patch. “You look beautiful dear. Did you learn how to braid over these years as well?”

“Well, I can say that I had a little help with this.”

“Ah. It wouldn’t have happened to be Au… ra..?”

As he began questioning her, he opened his eyes to pull away, but was stunned in his silence and movement. Aura had been standing behind his daughter the whole time.

Julia had stood in front of Aura, hoping to lessen the chaos that was soon to follow. She also secretly hoped her father would approach and have the first glance of Aura’s new appearance. Snatcher got to see Aura when she first arrived. Moonjumper at least deserves to see her first major change!

Maneuvering the Rough Patch in hand, Aura waved at her friend, nervous over his reaction.

It took a while before Moonjumper separated himself from Julia, still unsure if this was real. If the girl thought he looked stunned and speechless before, she was certainly wrong. He was flat out flabbergasted at seeing their friend.

Stepping off to the side, Julia gave them room.

Still unsure, Moonjumper drifted closer, eyeing the red head up and down. She appeared as if she grew up in this age than the past. Still, if he had to choose the most startling feature, it would have to be her hair. It was so short!

Reaching out to touch it, a light smack to his hand stopped him. Puzzled, he glanced at the culprit, identifying them as the Rough Patch in her arms. Helios, he believed she called him. The Rough Patch had an annoyed expression on his face. He was overprotective of his master.

“Sorry about that… Helios isn’t keen on certain people near me.”

“It’s quite alright, I understand.” He held his hands up in surrender to the large bush before placing them back down. Looking her over once more, he chuckled. “I never thought I’d see you in something other than the limited clothes you chose to wear.”

Huffing, she turned her head away. “I had very little choice in my attire, so I wanted to dress as I pleased while I could. Wouldn’t have had much of a choice after my marriage and rise to leadership.”

“This is true, yes. But even so, this new look suits you quite well.” With her head already tilted, she shifted a little in her shyness. Moving to grab her hand, he stopped with the ready of Helios’s paw. Laughing awkwardly, his hand retreated to scratch at his cheek.

A moment later, a surprised shout rung through the area, causing all nearby occupants to jump. Eyes turning to the source, they saw Snatcher had maneuvered to determine who Moonjumper was speaking with.

In an instant, he was in front of Aura. “WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR HAIR!?”

She couldn’t answer him as he began maneuvering around her at fast speeds. Every few stops he’d reach for her, halting the movement in favor of moving to a different viewpoint of her. Moonjumper, Julia and Hat Kid were confused on his behavior, questioning the odd change in character.

Finally stopping in front of her, Snatcher looked like he was about ready to keel over. “SERIOUSLY, WHAT HAPPENED TO IT!? NOT THAT YOU DON’T LOOK GOOD, BUT ANYTIME SOMETHING ON YOU WINDS UP CUT, IT’S NOT GOOD!” Pausing in his worried yelling, he narrowed his eyes, voice taking a dangerous tone. “It wasn’t… more Hunters, was it?”

Moonjumper stiffened at that. “Hunters? In this age?”

“I’ll explain later Moonboy, but I need answers here!”

Motioning for Snatcher to take a deep breath, she tried to remain calm with all his howling.

“Snatcher, it’s fine. It wasn’t the Hunters.” Visibly relaxing, the ghost nodded while still maintaining eyesight on the shortened red hair.

The idea of Hunters didn’t sit well with Moonjumper, but after a few moments of glancing between Aura and Julia, he was able to put two and two together over the girls hairstyles.

Smiling, he clasped his hands together. “I’m so happy you girls are bonding! What a wonderful occasion!”

Snatcher eyed to his counterpart, confusion clear.

Rolling his eyes, Moonjumper continued on. “They’ve both styled each other’s hair Snatcher. Which makes sense, as Aura’s only ever had her long locks while Julia is more familiar with the shortened style.”

Glancing between the girls, Snatcher saw what he meant. Gaze final on Julia, he smirked. “Makes sense… goldilocks here could never pull that off by herself.”

“I could so!”

“Uh-huh…”

Julia was fuming, but didn’t want to cause a scene. This was supposed to be a happy moment.

Snatcher turned his gaze back to Aura, studying her once more. “So did you do that, or..?”

“I cut it myself, yes. Julia added curling to my hair, otherwise it’s not as curly.”

“Hmm… not bad for the kid doing your hair.” “Hey!”

His chuckling was brief as he felt a light tap against him from Aura. A warning. He refused to show his nervousness at that, so he decided it’d be best to stop picking on the braided haired girl.

As Moonjumper had done previously, Snatcher moved to stroke her hair and was interrupted by bumping against a paw. Not expecting that, yellow eyes met dual blue and yellow. Narrowing his eyes, Snatcher tried again, meeting the same result. The fluff around his head puffed up, annoyed by this action.

Aura couldn’t explain the situation to him, especially as he broke into a little ‘game’ with the Rough Patch, seeing if he could manage to touch her hair.

Both Moonjumper and Aura sighed at this, but chose to let it play out.

Moonjumper hated to leave Aura there as Snatcher duked it out with Helios, but couldn’t help floating over near Julia.

Julia was about to comment, but Moonjumper beat her to the punch. “He’s not going to give up anytime soon, unfortunate as it is.”

“Shouldn’t you be over there supporting Aura?”

“Normally I would yes, but she would have sent me over here anyways.”

“I… yeah you’re probably right on that…”

Chuckling, Moonjumper glanced over to his old friend briefly before looking back to Julia. “Some things never change.” Once more glancing over her hair, he tilted his head. “You know, you had one of the best possible people to do your hair.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. You see while I was alive, I had my hair butchered to the point I thought it would be quite the mess until it could grow out once more. Aura somehow was able to salvage it, turning it into the hairstyle I would be known to have back in those days.”

“... you had hair?”

The unbelieving tone threw Moonjumper for a loop. He couldn’t help the pout that formed on his lips. “I had hair, yes! I didn’t always look this way Julia- why are you doing that?”

Julia was struggling not to laugh, snickering at the adorable pout and the fact that she got him.

Soon enough, he understood that she was joking. “Ha ha, yes very funny.” Though he sounded annoyed, it really lacked the bite, especially with the growing smile on his face contradicting it.

The urge to laugh faded, thinking about what he said prior. “So Aura is… good with hair?”

“She’s good with numerous things, hair being one of them.”

“She certainly is a mystery…”

“You have no idea.”

They both quickly glanced back, Julia surprised Snatcher was still playing fair. Playing at all with Helios, if you wished to call it that. The shadow appeared frustrated, but Helios on the other part was smirking. Cheeky cat that one. Aura stood as patient as ever, showing signs that she was holding in her giggles.

Had Julia looked at her father, she would have seen a nostalgic smile painting his face. A light clicked on for him. “Julia, do you mind if I show you something?”

“Of course dad.”

Adjusting his coat, Moonjumper reached inside it, searching for something. It didn’t take long before he pulled out what appeared to be a photograph, unfolding it and offering it to her.

Accepting it, she did a double-take. This was the photo Aura had! It was scanned and reprinted though, the original showing signs of ages of wear and tear, contrasting with the shiny gloss that painted over this. The way it was folded, showcased only the Prince and Aura. From what she could tell, it folded the same way even the original.

“Surprised to see such a thing?” “Well… yeah. Can’t say I expected this.” As she was aware only Aura had this.

“I suppose a photo like the original would be strange, versus a painting. We had some luck in having foreigners travel in one day, one bringing some odd version of a camera. The Queen and I were in town on their arrival browsing their wares, but she took an interest in the real-life photos and suggested we had one done. That didn’t go according to her plan, as you can tell.”

“So I take it Aura happened to be in the vicinity as well?”

“She was yes. She had not been paying any mind to us, but of course, I went on impulse when she drew near. Before Aura even knew what happened, I pulled her into the frame for the next shot. At the time I believed it was a good idea, but later I learned it further drew a wedge between them both. I never did question why Vanessa was snappy after that.” He bitterly whispered the last part.

Julia had heard him, her shoulders drooping in response. It broke her heart to hear him talk about anything he suffered with in the past, especially in relation to Vanessa. She was glad Aura was a form of support for her dad and his other half, she’d hate to think of how much worse things could have been for them without someone close to talk to.

Without thinking, Julia was the one to pull Moonjumper into an embrace. She felt him stiffen, but quickly loosen up, returning the gesture. Gently rubbing his back, she thought of how to put her next words.

“Even if everything didn’t go as planned for you, and everything began amiss, you have nothing but the future to look forward to. Regardless of all the bad that’s happened, the good things remain. Heck, they’ve come back to you time and time again. You’ve got me, Kero, Aura and several others that’ll be here for you. That will not change, no matter what.” She looked up to her father, smiling brightly. “I’ll make sure of it!”

As if to confirm this, the oddly still Blueberry placed a paw against Moonjumper’s cheek.

It took a moment for the words to register, but once they did, Moonjumper softly smiled back. He returned the gesture to the Rough Patch. “Thank you, Julia. I don’t know where I’d be without you.”

“... dead?”

Moonjumper snorted and lightly tapped her head.

Laughing, she batted his hand away. “I see you’re already picking up some traits from someone.”

Joining in her giggles, he nodded. “I suppose so, yes.”

Both souls relaxing in the moment, Julia felt at peace. She was here with her family in a safe place, able to be herself. It was good to be back.

Reluctantly, she pulled away from her father, glancing over the picture one last time before returning it. She took notice that he stole a glance at the photo, a soft smile gracing his lips before he folded the image and returned it to its original place.

She smiled knowingly, glad he had some positive memories amongst the bad. She slanted her head off to the side, pretending not to notice.

In doing so, she noticed the duel between the undead noodle and undead cat seemed to be over with. Given Snatcher’s slumped posture and crossed arms, it was safe to assume he lost.

Hat Kid was now speaking with Aura. Kero and a few other minions even snuck out from their hiding place, joining in the conversation. Some of the more endearing ones were trying to discreetly reach the Rough Patch’s tail with no success. Said bush looked at them, content as could be, not concerned about their actions.

After a moment, an idea popped into Julia’s head. She grasped one of Moonjumper’s arms and rushed over to the group, ignoring the ghosts confused cries.

Snatcher was the first to notice her and tried to give off an air that he had in fact not just played a game of slapsies with an ancient cat and lost. She badly wanted to burst his bubble, but was in the middle of something.

The children ceased their chattering at her approach, everyone’s attention fully on her.

“Would any of you kids happen to be badge users?”

The random question threw everyone off guard, all the ghost children looking between the other.

“What’s this about Julia?”

“I need a favor and your camera badge Melody. At least if any of these guys can use it.”

The ones in attendance seemed clueless as to what she was referring to. Maybe none of them could? It was kind of hard to find just anyone who could utilize badges.

Aura’s attention shifted from Julia to Kero, questioning the boy. “Kero, you know more about the dweller’s conditions nowadays than I do. Do you happen to know if Osma kept her host body?”

“Osma, Osma, Osma…” Kero put his chin in his palm, pondering about the name and dweller associated with it. “Aha!” Patting his hands together, Kero continued, “Osma, yes she still lives in her body. Do you need her for something?”

“Osma is the only dweller child I recall that can use badges. So she would have to do for Julia’s plan.”

“If she’s the only one you can think of out of everybody in the forest, it might not be worth it at that point. It would be troublesome to find her.”

“I wouldn’t be too sure of that.”

“Why’s that?”

Aura pointed towards the treeline, a short lone figure halfway in view. At being discovered, they hurriedly hid behind a tree. “She has a knack for either being places she doesn’t belong, or being there when you need her.” Navigating her way around the environment, Aura approached the child.

With Aura’s departure, everyone shifted their gaze back to Julia.

“Care to clarify what you require the young one for?”

“To take a picture of course!”

“Why do you need someone else, I can take it! Heck, even Aura could!”

“True, but you’re both going to be in the photo Melody. Can’t get either of you in if you’re the ones shooting.”

Hat Kid thought this through and even though she could technically accomplish that, she hasn’t spent sufficient time with the badge to determine how to use it effectively. So she’d side with Julia on that for now.

“I don’t see why we need to have a photo taken.”

“For memories! Duh.”

“Kid’s right. This is a brand new start for all of us, why not commemorate it?”

The only response she got from the purple specter was a huff. She knew he was going to be stubborn over this, but he’d thank her later.

Returning to the group alone, Aura leaned down to Hat Kid, hand extended. “May I please have the badge?”

Removing the badge from her hat, the young girl relinquished it to the adult. “Thank you.” With that, Aura returned to the wary child who was slowly making their approach, clinging to Helios all the way.

The child was smaller than what Julia thought, standing several inches shorter than the cat she so desperately clung to. Osma was also a paler shade of purple and black, contrasting to the other figures who took after their boss. Given Aura’s question of the child and the odd appearance, the body they inhabited must have been created during the Hunter scare.

Aura had leaned down to pin the badge to the hood of Osma’s cloak and was presumably explaining the badge and what it was used for, given the small nods.

The child shakily tore themselves away from the Rough Patch, testing out the function of the camera, facing several directions and taking many photos. Each photo they printed was carefully presented to Aura before she continued with the next, trying out new things. The older dweller had a small stack of photos by the time Osma had finished with her test run.

Returning to full height, Aura patiently led the nervous child over to the group, stopping a few feet away from them.

“I believe she knows the gist of the functionality to the badge and should be capable to do what you require of her Julia.”

“Thank you, Aura.” Looking down at the small kid, Julia put on her best comforting smile. “You must be Osma, yes?” A pause. A hesitant nod following. “It’s nice to meet you. I know you don’t know me or anything, but would you be willing to hear a request?” Another pause, continued with a meek nod. “Could I happen to ask you if you would be able to take a photo of all of us?” The child didn’t hesitate with her next nod. “Great! Thank you very much.”

The kid was still exceedingly nervous yet complied with the request, walking some distance away from the group before spinning to face them, awaiting their cue.

Those from the forest didn’t move, unclear of how to continue. So it was up to Julia and Hat Kid to get everyone in gear, directing them around.

Once it was obvious what was going on, Snatcher took the test photos away from Aura, snapping them to who knows where.

Snatcher and Moonjumper being the taller of the bunch were situated into the back. Snatcher of course, had to be a pain and mess with Julia a bit, but complied with her instructions nonetheless. In front of the ghosts is where the two adult women stood, Aura in front of Snatcher and Julia before Moonjumper. One of Snatcher’s hands was placed on Aura’s shoulder, after a few minutes of trying to convince Helios that it was ok. In turn, one of Moonjumper’s hands was located on Julia’s shoulder. The Rough Patch’s were easily placed, Helios held in one arm by Aura and Blueberry maneuvered to Julia’s free shoulder. The cat wanted to travel over to her larger companion, but Julia kept her in place. Now for the kids, Kero was nowhere else but in Julia’s arms and Melody was being lifted and held in combination by both grown women.

“I think that about does it.”

“In three, two, one, alright Osma!?”

A thumbs up.

“Smile everyone!”

A moment later a faint click was heard, followed by the sight of several photos printing.

The girls carefully lowered Hat Kid to the ground, with Blueberry choosing to jump on the purple hat. Said cat curled up, appearing ready for a nap.

Separating herself from the group once more, Aura strode over to Osma to inspect the photos.

The images must have turned out ok, as Aura collected all the photos, retrieved the badge and patted the child’s head. Scuffing their feet on the ground, the girl bowed before Aura then ran off to join one of the groups that were still in the vicinity. It happened so fast no one could say anything before she had disappeared.

With her departure, Julia approached Aura to inspect the photos for herself.

“Everything good?”

“Yes, everything’s fine. This is ordinary for her.” Taking a photo for herself, Aura held the rest out to Julia. “Osma wasn’t sure how many she needed to produce, so she went a little overboard. There’s nine remaining there.”

Accepting the stack, Julia smiled. “Well, better more than less. If anything, we can use leftovers for postcards to our other friends. 'Wish you were here in Subcon!’ Or something along those lines.”

Aura wasn’t too sure of what she meant, but nodded along anyways, storing this photo away as well.

Julia took a moment to inspect the shot. It turned out well, Osma did a great job for her first time using the Camera Badge. Nothing was altered and everyone had genuine smiles on their faces. Despite Snatcher and Moonjumper’s wariness to this, they too grinned brightly. There was a slight awkwardness in the smiles, but she couldn’t fault them on that. It was kind of endearing.

The others began to make their way over, Hat Kid most clear in her excitement. The disappearance of the small Rough Patch meant she could move around carefree. Noticing the enthusiastic energy beforehand, Julia grabbed a photo for herself and handed over the remaining prints to her sibling on her approach. Hat Kid gave a toothy smile before dashing over to the pair of ghosts, eagerly presenting the photos to them.

Moonjumper took his own, thrilled as he gazed over the image for several moments. When placed away, he slid it into the same spot that he had his other photo at. At this point, Julia could tell Snatcher was hamming up his annoyance, trying his best not to look as if he appreciated his new possession.

She’d bet 100 pons that the next time she visited his home, the picture would be hung up on the wall. It probably wouldn’t happen, but she can dream, can’t she?

Purring shifted her out of her thoughts, coming too, she realized it was Helios causing the sound. Aura had slipped over in her musings and Kero couldn’t resist petting the large cat.

“It is a nice miniature family photograph that was taken.”

“Miniature?”

“I say that as I do consider the others of this forest my family. I suppose this would be considered the main branch of it though.”

“I see. Well, you have a point. Plus, I don’t think we’d be able to get everyone in this forest into a photo.”

“YOU WANNA BET!?”

Hat Kid had heard them. Oh no.

Clapping her hands together, a mischievous smile formed on her face. “You doubt the powers of the camera my sister. BFF! We must round up everyone in the forest!”

“... no.”

“That’s the spirit! I’ll be right back with Bonnie, we’ll get everyone to the village.”

“Kid, I just said-” She teleported back to the ship before he could finish.

Julia knew where this was going, quickly setting Kero down.

“Well now that we got that done and over with, I think I’ll take Aura back to Dead Bird.” She began to back up, trying to tug Aura along. “She, uh, has to do some things for the directors!”

Aura tipped her head, puzzled on what her friend meant. It was her day off. Still, she wouldn’t be shocked if they had tried to call her in. Occasionally she wondered if she wasn’t there, if the two would just burn the studio down.

Easily seeing through the lie, Snatcher teleported behind the girl, halting her progress. “Riiiight… and I decided to open a little cat cafe here in the forest, welcoming tourists and all sorts of vagabonds. You opened your big mouth, so you’re staying!”

“I was just making a statement, how is it my fault!?”

“Just is, so suck it up buttercup.”

Snatcher picked Julia up by the back of her vest, ignoring the protests and thrashing. Glancing over to Aura, he calmly addressed her. “You staying or does someone actually need to take you back?”

Julia thrusted her arms angrily into the air, not believing what she was hearing. “YOU GIVE HER THE OPTION!?”

Again, he ignored her as he awaited Aura’s answer.

“I might as well stay and attempt to make things easier on you guys. Besides, the children would enjoy another large get together, especially since this one is for a more positive reason.”

Nodding at this, Snatcher turned and began to make his way to Subcon Village. At least, not before he grabbed the back of Moonjumper’s collar, tugging him along as well.

Surprised, the blue ghost flailed his arms. “Snatcher, I was planning to come along anyway, release me!”

Laughter met their ears, he once again ignored the person addressing him.

Kero and Aura glanced at each other before shrugging, following behind the giant ghost.

Hopefully, Julia and Moonjumper won’t be too upset come the next photograph.

#A Hat in Time: Julia's Return #Julia #Aura #Rough Patch #Neo #Blueberry #Kero #A Hat in Time OC #original character #glottia writes

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