#like Shadow said: Gabriella should kill them both

[fantasma-de-la-cueva]

The fact that they decided white lions = white people… Idk man, but for me its a big red flag for what you said, albinism in nature has more to do with being disabled than with colonialism or some pretentious mental ramble they had. Yeah, disabled pieces of trash exist, but in this case… Let’s see, shouldn’t Mufasa be blamed for colonialism too? I mean, he winned reign over a territory where he was an outsider. Also, why the white lions went into killing other lions? Wouldn’t it be better to enslave them since they are settlers and a representation of colonialism? (Sorry not sorry, but watched both Sonic 3 and Mufasa and gotta say it: Gerald and Shadow had better logic behind the revenge plot and don’t make me elaborate about SA2 lore)

This alongside with the machism of this movie by literally saying that Mufasa got super powers bc he was with the females.

Idk, but defintly reeks of false female power bc it made look like being female makes you superior and special and therefore turned something that shold be the status quo (the capacity to be a competent leader and apex predator) into an exception… Which is defintly something from the XIX century to justify the gaslighting women suffered… And then you get Sarabi being made with the “strong and empowered female” in mind and then in execution she does nothing…

The bad guys in Mufasa: We were all ostracized for having a phenological disability and because of that we’re gonna fucking become genocidal colonizers

My honest to god reaction:

[welcome-to-green-hills]

I just L O V E that Stone said, "I have avocados in The Crab. Let's go make guac!" and Shadow was SO on board with it. "Revenge guac."

I can see those two chilling and eating tortilla crisps and guacamole and veggies under the neon lights. No conversations, no awkward silence. Just there, snacking and vibing. Like cats. Nothing but the soft crunch of each crisp and veggie they eat.

.........Then: "Gabriella should kill them both. She is not a prize to be won." 😂🤣🖤

(May I add that my name is Gabriella? 😝 He's right, though--we're not prizes!)

ASDFGHJKKL! He’s got the right idea❤️🥹❤️

GuysIreallywanttokisshishead

[dorkycreature-89]

spoilers as i've finally collected my thoughts:

first off, SONIC SAID THE LINE. HE SAID THE FUCKING ADVENTURE TWO LINE. AAAAAAAA

"there's no way he can take all of us" famous last words, ya beautiful dumbass

i can't fucking believe i heard the term "man boobs" in a sonic film. i had to ask z to confirm if this was a pg movie

stonbotnik. always a win

mariaaaaaaaa. my babiessssss 😭😭😭😭😭😭 (i'm blaming GUN for this. i say it's all their fault)

knuckles being scared of ghosts is so fucking funny. although, i do wonder if it's a reference to king boom boo from sa2

shadow's little "boo" when he finds knuckles ☠️☠️☠️☠️

is it weird to say that i actually kinda liked tom's lil puppet bro? ....yeahhh, probably

shadow is so serious that it is both intimidating and hilarious

"revenge guac" "gabriella should kill them both" 💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀

i got so scared when sonic was losing it. i thought we were gonna see the most gut punching fight in the whole franchise oml

and he fuckin LOSES IT on shadow. when he brought up tom, i was like "stop talkin' bro. stop talkin'. he gonna kill you"

and shadow pointing at his chest, egging sonic on to kill him. oh.....that's very concerning. 🥲

"you're no maria" ouch. that stings DEEP. even i gotta feel for robotnik

THEY 👏🏾 BROUGHT 👏🏾 LIVE 👏🏾 AND 👏🏾 LEARN 👏🏾

i will say, i am kinda disappointed they didn't utilize the song more. the orchestral was awesome BUT DAMNIT, I WISH WE GOT THE FULL SONG

i didn't really care for gerald since he was just robotnik but in white. and the way he goes out, while it made me laugh, kinda didn't do much for me. i dunno, i wish we got more of an intimidating gerald like he is in the game

although, robotnik taking all the credit and then blaming knuckles and tails when the canon hits the moon was very funny

and then he went out in a blaze of glory with an obvious love confession to stone

call this me being in denial but i don't think shadow's really dead. i BET you they're making a shadow the hedgehog series. i'm BETTING on it. no way they'd kill him off. nahhhhhh, y'all lying

AND WE GOT AMY. WE GOT AMY.

makes me think they're going for a sonic heros story for the fourth film maybe?

but yea, these are all my unhinged rambles. overall, good movie. i really didn't care for gerald tho. i didn't like the choice to make him like robotnik. and a small part of me didn't like the change of maria's death. and i REALLY wish they kept the ARK. but i still had fun with it

[oncexinxmyxdreams]

Walk Into My Mystery Part 6

Routine

It's been a few weeks since Shadow and Hope started their own biker gang. Hope says two counts as gang! Summer has become a month of new friends.

Eventually, there's an evening where Hope's not feeling well enough for a ride. She invites Shadow in and watch one of her favorite movies: Mary Poppins. He remembers that one.

She has chocolate covered coffee beans which he devours.

He admits he hasn't watched movies in a long time. He didn't say how long it's been. That's enough for Hope to inquire what classics he's seen.

"Well, maybe a night we don't ride we catch up on old movies?" It's a maybe at first until it's every other night.

Hope refrains from any alien themed movies. She saw his face when he found the Alien blu-ray.

At some point, Hope said she'll NEVER watch soap operas. Guess who convinces her and she's hooked? "You're right about Gabriella! She should kill them both."

Shadow's new favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice. "I knew Lieutenant Wickham was trouble."

Hope ends up cooking proper dinners for these movie nights. Shadow likes helping her. Thankfully his eyes are not affected by stinging onions. He shows her a coffee drink Maria was allowed.

Shadow stops by on Hope's free days and helps with mechanic maintenance for her Harley and old family truck.

Hope has a turntable and cd player. She plays oldies which leaves mixed results for Shadow. He's getting into 80s rock, but not all the 90s and Hope's silly dancing. (What can she say? Dancing runs in her family.)

He trusts her though he's not ready to tell her everything. He will one day. That's fine for Hope. She's just glad to be less lonely.

She's especially glad he's there during a horrible event...but that's for next time. 👀

[riverbabyniyah23]

Plot : Gabriella are the daughter of tiana and neaven aka princess and the frog and you come to riverdale and meet new friends

Also riverdale high is a school of daughters and sons of the famous Disney princess and princes

——————————————————————————

Gabriella POV

I am Gabriella Maldonia daughter of Tiana and Naveen I am from New Orleans but I'm moving to riverdale my parents says it's a place where I get to know people like me princess and prince daughters and sons of stories that could be and can be told I got accepted in to it my family is moving there I'm happy that I got accepted It's the last week in New Orleans and we had parties but it's not like that don't happens every week but then it the time came and we had to leave New Orleans my mama and daddy supported me in every way

Then we got settled in and then it came to the first day at school and I went to my first class I walked in and everyone looked at me I was the shy but when people get to know me I'm not as shy as they think I am stubborn my daddy always said it was something I got from my mom

"Ms. Maldonia I have been expecting you come on in " I said then I shyly walked up to him

"Shy type huh?" He said and I nodded a little

"Well can you go sit next to sweet pea " then he pointed and I looked at him he was handsome really really handsome but I went and sat next to him

"Hi I'm sweet pea son of jasmine and Aladdin who are you the daughter of?" He asked and I just looked at him

"Oh so your that shy huh?" He asked and I shrugged

"Oh don't worry I'll get past that " and then I smiled at him and he smiled back at me then we payed attention to class

And then it was lunch and I was at my locker and was getting my lunch that I packed and I shut my locker and I saw sweet pea standing right there and made me jump a little and made him chuckle

"Sorry i didn't mean to scare you I was going to ask if you wanted to sit with me and my friends at the lounge!?" He asked and I nodded my head

"Ok follow me!" He said and I followed him in to the lounge and we stood in front of his friends

"Guys this is - well I don't know exactly what her name is but she's new to school " sweet pea said

"Oh new friends wonderful " a dark haired girl said and smiled and sweet pea sat down and I sat down next to him

"So new girl whose your parents?" A tanned boy asked and everyone looked at me

"T-Tiana and naveen " i said softly

"Oh so you do talk?" Sweet pea asked and I chuckled a little

"I'm shy I had to be at least 40 minutes within school to talk to someone " and I shrugged

"So who are all of you?" I asked

"Im jughead son of Ariel and Eric "

"I'm Betty daughter of Goldie locks"

"Veronica daughter of Snow White"

"Cheryl daughter of Merida "

" Archie son of Hercules "

"Fangs son of tinker bell"

"Toni daughter of Moana "

" Reggie son of mulan"

"Kevin son of belle "

"And you already know me" then I smiled and they all smiled back at me

"So don't mind me by asking what's your family's story I mean we all know eachother's mine is my father was the son of a god but he found love and ended up having me what's yours?" Archie asked

"Long or short version?" I asked and everyone said in unison "long "

"We'll have you all heard the frog prince?" I asked and they all nodded

"We'll see that kinda sent my mom on a path my mom once said when she was younger and I quote I will never never ever ever kiss a frog yuck! Boy was she wrong see my mom was never a princess growing up she lived in a beautiful neighborhood where they loved my grandfather cooking Especially his gumbo my mom and him always cooked and which set her on a path for her dream , cooking and starting her own place and she said she would name it Tiana's place but sadly my grandfather didn't live to see it because he died in world war 1 "

"Go on I'm getting interested in this story!" Betty said and I smiled

"Well my momma promised him that she would live her dream but one day she was able to get a place it had some work to do from what she told me but it was hers but then she found out she lost it while all that was happening my father came to town aka New Orleans and yes I was born and raised there anyway my father had a problem of his own he WAS a prince but he lost my grandparents kicked him out and he was broke also he really didn't know how to do anything himself. but then he meant someone he called him self the shadow man because of his power from his necklace but my father had someone with him Lawrence see the shadow man was a bad man he took the blood of my father and put it in that necklace of his and was able to turn Lawrence in to my father so he would be the prince and he turned my father in to... well a frog" and then Reggie almost chocked on his drink and everyone eyes widened

"FINALLY SOMEONE WHO PARENT TURNED IN TO AN ANIMAL " Cheryl screamed and my eyes widened

"Wait what did your parent turn in to ?" I asked Cheryl

"Oh technically my grandma and my uncles they turned in to bears "

"Huh!? We should hang out more often " and she smiled and I smiled back

"Anyway do y'all wanna keep on hearing this story? Or y'all getting tired of it ?" I asked

"No please go on!" Archie said while eating

"Well then after that there was a party for my godmother Charlotte who was my mom bestfriend and still is also who was supposed to meet the prince see she believed in love and wanted her fairy tale dream come true while at the time my mom didn't think she needed a man to make her dreams come true later that night that Charlotte meant the prince my mom found out she lost the place where she was going to have her place at and she ended up falling in to the table and Charlotte went to help her out and she put on a beautiful dress while Charlotte went back to the fake prince my mother went outside on the balcony and wished apon a wishing star and all of a sudden a frog appeared next to her that frog was my father he caught her off Guard when he said hi to her see my father thought like the frog prince he would be able to kiss a princess and turn back in to a human he told my mom the plan she hesitated at first but kissed him anyway plot twist she turned in to a frog as well and when that happened they ended up in the bayou and meant a alligator who wanted to play music and play jazz"

"See i believe that he became a frog because we have someone hear who went threw the similar type a problem but a alligator who wanted to play jazz come on now?!" Sweet pea said

"Oh really?! Ok " I said then got my phone and played a video of me and my family friend Louis who always been family to me and he looked at me shocked and I showed everyone and they were shocked to

"See told you Louis Surely know how to play jazz " and I smiled

"Ok frog girl please continue!" Reggie said

"You would be surprised how much I was called that back home but please my name is Gabriella but my friends call me bri or Ella " and then they all smiled

"So what happened next they meant a fly named ray and he lead them to mama odie she was how a put this a voodoo priestess she is really powerful for a very very very old lady she might be very old but she surely knows how to party" then I giggled a little

"Come on how old can she be to be very very old?" Jughead asked then I cleared my throat

"She is 223 years old" and Veronica dropped her fork her eyes widened

"Excuse me did you just say 223?!" Toni asked and I nodded

"Yep but anyway she gave my mother and father advice and told them they had until midnight they found out my father had to kiss Charlotte yeah I know a lot of twist and turns but then my mother taught him that he could do stuff by him self with no help and found out he was in love with my mother and tried to tell her but then got locked up in a box by the shadow man and then my mother found out she was in love with Him when that happened she went to the Mardi Gras but then thought she saw my father but it was actually Lawrence and on top of that she thought that she saw him human and with her bestfriend she was heart broken and ray tried to talk to her but she wouldn't budge she hoped away on her tiny feet as fast as she could then ray found out that wasn't him and helped my father and ended up taking the necklace that Lawrence had around his neck that was the shadow man's for his glamour and then the shadow man told the shadows to go after him he was able to get the necklace to my mother and she hopped away with it while ray stayed he might have been small but he surely had a lot of pride so much that he confronted the shadow man but shadow man ended up killing him and Louis found him on the ground while the shadow man went after my mother , my mother ended up defeating him breaking the necklace see the shadow man got that from I think some spirits or shadows but they toke him the shadow man was gone only leaving his last facial expression in the grave yard on a tombstone then my father was with Charlotte feeling her in on everything that happened and my mother got there but then Charlotte and my father ended up kissing but it didn't work it was already at midnight "

Then Cheryl gasped

"Then what happened?" Fangs asked

"Well they had a funeral for ray see he was in love with the star the wishing star Angeline she was his lover and he ended joining her making another star appear my parents didn't care weather they were frogs or human they loved eachother and at their as I put it nature wedding they kissed then turned back human leaving my mother in a beautiful green dress and my father in a green armer anyway my mother ended up making her dream come true with love of her prince naveen and my father learned not to be selfish and learned a valuable lesson they both did then they ended up having me Gabrielle ray Maldonia my middle name is named after somebody who not only saved New Orleans but also saved my parents, my parents say it's there love story but personally I call it the princess and the frog have a nice ring to it " I said

"Wow that was a beautiful story I loved it" sweet pea said

"Yeah it had twist and turns and love and pride " Veronica said

"Thanks " I said then I opened my lunch box to my gumbo and my beignets

"Wait what's that?" Jughead asked as I was pulling it it out

"Oh my momma famous beignets and gumbo these are my favorite food my mom is the best cook in New Orleans " I said then I opened my gumbo

"Y'all wanna try some ? I usually carry extra spoons but only when I'm feeling generous " I said then placed the gumbo on the middle of the table and spoons and they all looked at me

"Come on it's not poison if you taste it you will like it I promise " I said and they looked un sure at first but they all took a spoon and then toke some gumbo and they all put it in there mouth and there eyes widened and smiles appeared on there face

"Oh my god it's so delicious " Betty said licking the spoon

"Yeah your mom is a excellent cook !!" Jughead said then went back to take some more then I smacked his hand and he looked at me

"No double dipping "

"Ugh fine" he said and we all laughed Then I took my gumbo then started eating within 5 minutes I was finished and they all looked at me surprised

"Excuse me if I eat this like I'm an animal it's my favorite food " I said then they all laughed again then I took beignets out

"Girl how many do you have?" Veronica asked and i chuckled

"I always pack some extra just in case anyone wants one and apparently y'all like my moms cooking so here all of you take one these are my favorite dessert " I said then they all took one leaving me one in my box and I took it and they all took a bit out of there's

"Oh . My. God" Archie said and took another bit and i chuckled and toke a bit out of mine

"Oh it's like heaven in my mouth " Toni said eating it

"Exactly I love it" fangs said then toke another bite"

"Ugh! Why is it so good Imma need another one of these " Cheryl said then I finished mine and dusted off my hands then they all finished there's

"Sorry we toke a few only leaving you with one it was amazing!" Sweet pea said and I giggled

"No worries I can make more at home" I said then there eyes widened

"YOU MADE THESE " Betty said shocked

"Yep cooking runs in the family I was taught how to make gumbo and beignets at a young age that was my momma gumbo I like hers better then mine even tho we use the same ingredients but oh well and those beignets was made by me " I said and they smiled

"Well damn I'm going to need more" sweet pea said and I smiled

"Then I will most definitely bring y���all some of my momma food " then they all smiled

"So how was it living in New Orleans?" Fangs asked

"Oh it was the life we had parties every week I was singing with Louis also visiting my grandmama and mama odie in the bayou her teaching me the ways of voodoo since I was a child life was amazing " i said

"Then why did you move here ? I mean riverdale isn't like New Orleans " Toni asked

"I don't know I felt like I was missing something in my life my momma and daddy completely understood my momma thought it was her restaurant that she was missing but that was love as my mama odie always say you got to dig a little deeper to find out what ya need !" And I shrugged

"Do you think that you will find your prince someday?" Kevin asked

"Maybe I do maybe I don't it's not I like I'm giving up on love not giving up on love was a lesson my grandaddy taught my mother as a child my father just reminded her but if I find him I'll love him the same way my mother loves my father !" Then I smiled

"Oh just a question do any of you have powers from your parents story or pets?" I asked

"Oh I have super strength " Archie said and got up and lifted the couch where me sweet pea and Toni and fangs was sitting

"Woah!!"I said then he put us down and sat back in his seat

"I have a magic carpet ! BABA" sweet pea called and then I magic carpet came in flying to sweet pea and stood in front of him

"The carpet got a mind of its own baba go back to my locker please!" sweet pea said then the carpet came up to him and hit him in the face and I busted out laughing so did everyone else

"That ain't funny " sweet pea said and I kept laughing

"Oh that was a good one " I said and held out my hand so me and the carpet can to a high five and the carpet hit it

"Oh so now you both against me?!" Sweet pea said laughing a little

" I mean oh well !" I said then the carpet kept moving around me making me stand up

"Woah!!" I said as he was going around me and I looked at sweet pea and he looked surprised

"Sweet pea what's going on with baba?" I asked

"I don't know he have never reacted this way towards anyone before!" He said and then the carpet sat me down and then went probably back to sweet pea's locker

"What was weird it toke baba I few weeks to like me when we we first meant why did he like you all of a sudden ?" Sweet pea asked and I shrugged

"Eh anyway I can move water!" Toni said and took her water bottle and started moving her hand and water followed from her water bottle to her mouth

"Cool!"

"I'm a merman I can turn in to a merman every time I touch water my mother was a mermaid but my father is human " jughead said and I smiled

"I might be Merida daughter but I don't have powers I use my bow and arrow I also train " and I smiled

"I'm tinker bells son she is a fairy but my father is Peter Pan human so I can turn in to a fairy but also turn back human" fangs said

"I don't have powers but I surely know how to break in to stuff it's apart of my mothers story I also known for the trouble maker I always get in trouble " Betty said

"I don't have powers at all either but I have a looking glass but also I use my brain " Veronica said

"And I'm a worrier my mother saved all of China by proving that girls can fight and my father was a worrier too and I don't have powers!" Reggie said

"I don't have powers either but I'm really smart thanks to my love of books but sometimes I can go beast I mean really mean when I'm angry " Kevin said

"Wait do you have powers princess?" Sweet pea referred to me and I went really red and hid my face with my lunch box and everyone laughed and then I joined them

"Ok but really do you have powers?" Archie asked and I nodded

"Well what are they!" Betty asked smiling

"Oh uh I can do voodoo magic mama odie taught me spells I have my own spell book I also make spells" I said and there eyes widened

"Can we see ?" Sweet pea asked and I nodded

"Wait sweet pea where you get that black eye because I can heal it for you ! " I said and his eyes widened and he nodded

And I put my hand up to his eye and closed your eyes "by earth and air by fire and water so shall you hear my call powers by birth and rebirth powers of silence and peace heal his body and mind" and I opened my eyes and removed my hand and the black eye was gone

"Dude.." Archie said looking at sweet pea

"What is it gone?" He asked and I smiled and and everyone was shocked and Veronica gave sweet pea the looking glass and he looked at himself and his eyes widened and then he looked at me and back at the mirror and touched around his eye

"Oh my god is completely gone" Betty said

"How you do that " sweet pea said then give back the mirror to Veronica and then looked at me....

Part 2 coming!

[endless-vall]

What if? - part three - Aurynn fanfic

Summery: At the wedding of her brother, Aurynn meets Raydan, who is happily married and has a family with Kenna. She knows it’s stupid to still be pinning over a married man, but can’t help the way she feels. Then, they finally get a moment to talk, and Aurynn gets the closure she needs, as well as an encouragement to move on. Author’s note: This is the third part of my series - “What If?”. Aurynn centered, but mentions Tevan and Zenobia a lot, as well as Kenna and Raydan. Can you guess who the next part will be about? 😄  

Aurynn was pacing around the grand ballroom, greeting people and exchanging fake smiles. Her brother was marrying today, she knew she should’ve been happy for him, this was supposed to be a big day for her, too. And she was happy for him, until she met a familiar face in the crowd. One of the earliest guests was Kenna, and of course, her husband - Raydan. Their children tagged along with them, Adrian hand in hand with Raydan, and little Gabriella - who was just a few months old, in Kenna’s hands. After seeing them, she wasn’t feeling like celebrating, but forced a smile for the sake of it. She knew pinning after a married man was stupid of her side, inappropriate and wrong. But knowing this didn’t change the way she felt about him. It’s not like she was going to act on those feelings, she wasn’t that kind of a person.

Especially when it was so obvious Raydan was so in love with his wife. She thought as she caught a glimpse of him kissing Kenna on the cheek and whispering something in her ear. In answer to that, Kenna chuckled, and embraced him in a tender hug. Aurynn had to force herself to quit looking in their direction, and focused on the party, instead. She caught Tevan looking at her from afar, a huge smile on his face. As she smiled back, she started making her way towards him. “Tevan, I’m so happy for you, I can’t express well enough exactly how much, but i really do.” She said, and he pulled her into a hug. “It’s okay, sister. I already know this.” He said, watching as the wedding officiant announced his wife-to-be to enter the room. “I am most honored to welcome, princess Zenobia Nevrakis of Abanthus!” called Claudius, one of his most loyal soldiers, who climbed up through the ranks in his army extremely fast, and became a dear friend to Tevan. “And our most marvelous King, King Taven Drammir of Fydoria!” Claudius called, and then Tevan left his sister’s side to join Zenobia.  “We gather here today to join these two souls in a sacred covenant, and pay witness to their vows.” He begins. “I’ll go first.” Tevan announces, and Zenobia blushes as he takes her hands in his. “Zenobia. I have longed for this moment for far too long. I’ve often dreamed about this moment, but never in a thousand years i’d think it would become a reality. Since the day i met you, I knew i would have to prove myself worthy of your hand. I was afraid to let myself love you. When the war with you father started, i thought I ran out of luck, loosing any chance with you forever. There aren’t enough words to express how happy I am, how happy you make me feel, and I sincerely believe that if we survived the war among our kingdoms, and still can love each other to the fullest, we are truly meant to be. I’m not afraid anymore, You are my sunshine, Zenobia.” he stopped for a moment, making a grand gesture with his hands, surrounding Zenobia’s face and reminding the shape of the sun, before continuing. “And I can’t wait to wake up each day for the rest of my life, knowing that you are also my wife.“ Tevan finished,  A couple of people from Fydoria’s royal families teared up, other’s applauded. "And you, your highness?” now Claudius turned to Zenobia. “Tevan, my dear, I can’t believe how a few years can change your life forever. First, it all started when the war between the five kingdoms started, and my father threatened to kill you. I thought it would put a stain between us, one that could never heal. The second time it happened, was when I joined Kenna alliance, and was reconnected with you. I will share a secret with you, and with everybody else in this room - If you had asked, I would’ve betrayed my own father, and joined the alliance long before I ultimately did. This is how much you meant to me, even before we became a couple. But back then, I was still a childish, and naive girl, and acted like it. Today, I am a woman, standing before you. You make me feel so strong, so safe - in your arms, and loved. I want to be wrapped in your arms forever. I believe we can overcome anything that would come standing in our way, and can’t wait for our journey together to start. I love you, Tevan.” Zenobia said, interviewing their fingers together. “And I love you.” He added, beaming like the sun. “If any one has objections to this couple getting married, let them speak now or hold their peace forever.” Claudius called, looking around the ballroom, ready to kick out anyone brave enough to raise their hand - a trick he picked up from Jackson. No one did, and Claudius turned back to the happy couple. “You may now kiss the bride.” Aurynn remembered this part from Kenna and Raydan’s wedding. When Will Jackson asked if anyone were to object the marriage. ‘I do!’ She thought. 'I DO!’ She wanted to shout. But she knew better. And remained silent. Tevan leaned down, kissing Zenobia softly. The kiss was longer than appropriate, but still better than Kenna and Raydan kissing like no one was watching - a thing that made Aurynn’s stomach twist in her place. Tevan and Zenobia’s kiss was sweet, and then they broke apart, looking into each other’s eyes, celebrating the happiest day of their lives. “I now pronounce you husband and wife! King Tevan and Queen Zenobia of Fydoria!” Claudius finally finished, and cheering echoed around the ballroom. Aurynn clapped her hands too, putting a huge smile on her face. It’s not that this wasn’t a big and important day for her too, after all. After the ceremony, the party began. Everyone knew both Tevan and Zenobia loved a good party, so this one was ought to be epic. Aurynn found herself a quiet corner, and took one goblet of wine with her, trying to get some peace and quiet, trying not to be a selfish person, trying to move on. This was impossible. She thought to herself, taking a sip of her wine. I am so selfish. She thought again. This was her brother’s happiest day, and all she thought about was her own unrequited feeling? She managed to finish her glass, before hearing footsteps, coming her way. She wanted to avoid people, right now, and stood up, hoping to pass by that stranger coming by. She started making her way back, when the person blocked her path. She bumped into him, he was no stranger at all. “I- Ah! Raydan!” She called, surprised, losing ahold of her goblet, letting it fall to the ground, and brake, shattering. “Aurynn, how are you today?” Raydan asked, taking her hand and leading her away from the broken pieces of the goblet. She knew this gesture didn’t mean anything. Not like that. Raydan was a good person, despite what he sometimes believed, and he leaded her away from genuine concern, but this action managed to make her even angrier. “I- I’m fine.” She tore off her hand from his. He looked at her hand, which she now clasped in her other hand, but didn’t make any comment. “Then why are you hiding in the shadows, when you should be celebrating?” He asked. “I wasn’t hiding…” She started saying, knowing how miserable she must’ve sounded. “Take this from a man who spent years in the shadows, it takes one to know one.” He reminded her. Aurynn sighed. "I was trying to avoid someone." She tried to save at least some of the honor she still had. "Someone?" He eyed her, really un-aware of the obvious answer this had. She stared at him for a long moment, before muttering. "I was trying to avoid you." She finally admitted.  With a shocked expression on his face, Raydan pointed at himself, and asked “me?”. Of course he was aware she had a crush on him. Emphasis on "had". Apart from his first time in Fydoria, when she blushed and acted all flushed all around him, she never really showed interest anymore. Kenna had told him that Aurynn asked about him that one time, but Kenna assured her they were in love, and Raydan figured Aurynn long forgotten about him. Since then, he had met her and visited Fydoria countless times, but didn’t suspect anything.  And this was unusual for an observant man like him. Aurynn sighed again. Well, this was probably the only chance she had. She didn’t expect anything, but at least she could confess what’s been on her heart for so long, take the burden off her shoulders. “I...” She’s made the decision to tell him, but it still wasn’t easy to admit it out loud. She bit her lip, gathering the courage. Raydan understood that. he gave her some time. He was about to tell her “I know-” when she interrupted him. “I need to say it.” not just for him, but for herself too. She can’t stay in the same place forever, and she doesn’t want to make the same mistake with the next person, either. Raydan nodded. “I... I’ve had feelings for you. For a long time. I know i never said anything, and never acted on them, I’m not that kind of a person. But i’m also not the kind of a person you’d fall in love with. I’m not Kenna Rys, and I’m well-aware of that. I’ll never be.” She said, feeling nervous but relieved.  “But that doesn’t change the fact i’ve spend the last few years secretly in love with you.” She stated. Somehow, after saying this out loud, she felt like a different person. Honest, brave, more mature. Like, not admitting it out loud was the very thing that stopped her from moving forward. “And you don’t need to be. You shouldn’t. You’re Aurynn, and that’s wonderful. Yes, you may be shy, but being shy isn’t a crime. You’re also charming, and lovely. And any man would be lucky to be with you. It’s just happens that i’m not that man. It isn’t your fault, or mine.” Raydan told her, putting his hands on each of her shoulders. A single tear rolled down her cheek. She wasn’t sure if it was because she was sad, or relieved. Maybe both. She was holding onto this for far too long. Raydan took out a napkin from one of his pockets, and offered it to her. She accepted, wiping away the tear. “Time to let go.” she whispered. And he nodded. When she came back to the party, all she could focus on was all the happiness that radiated in her surroundings, how happy everyone was, and how united. People from all realms came to this wedding, from all over the five kingdoms, Aurelia, The Foundry of the Technocrats, The fire tribe, and even Ducitora have attended. The relationships between all the kingdoms was significantly better, ideal even, but still, it was long since Aurynn has seen so many people from so many different backgrounds gather together. She was glad to see it, and she was glad that today, it was all due to her brother’s marriage. “There’s a fine fella over there, who’s been eyeing you for a while until you disappeared.” Raydan told her, before parting to join his wife. Aurynn looked in the direction Raydan earlier pointed her to. The nobleman was indeed, fine, like Raydan said. Not too much her taste, but good-looking enough to make her question whether she should go over to him or not. In the end, she decided not to. But this time, it wasn’t her shyness entire fault for stopping her. After all, she has just let go of her long lost crush, and had nowhere to rush to. And it had nothing to do with the fact her cheeks were already flushed. “Would you like some wine?” A familiar voice asked from behind her. She turned around to meet Diavolos. “Or would you like some wine from that guy over there?” He teased. She took the glass of wine he handed to her, and clinked it with him, ignoring his latter comment. “I guess we’re brother and sister in-law now.” She said, smiling at him. “I guess we are.” He nodded. They both sipped from the wine. “We’re practically family now!” he almost declared to her, and Aurynn burst into laughter. “oh... I’m sorry- I didn’t mean to-” “It’s okay.” he wrapped a hand over her shoulder. Aurynn didn’t flinch away from the touch. “I just want you to know, that my family is very important to me. So i’ll tell you this, just this once. I’m here for you, if you ever need it.” Diavolos must’ve caught how she acted earlier. She wasn’t too good at hiding it, either. “Even if it involves beating someone up. Actually, especially if.” He added. The thought of it amused her. “I’m good now. But thank you anyway, I appreciate that a lot, Dious.” She said, clearly teasing back. “Dious-- Did my sister tell you that?! I swear she promised to never bring up this nickname again!”

[marumigamer]

Dragneel family

Let’s say this is a continuation of this short story (chapter 527). I couldn’t resist showing you this.

I said Gabriella, the fairy queen, never fights but... Read yourselves.

Tagging @keiid because my Dragneel Family includes Larcade.

---------

Mavis group reunited with all the other mages, and went directly to the Fairy Tail guild. Zeref was at the door, with that sadistic smile in his face.

- I’m sorry - said Zeref -, you’re late.

END appeared at his side and roared. Lucy hugged the END book. No one could believe what they were seeing. A pink haired and elegant woman passed across every single mage. Her face was calm, but angry at the same time. She went directly to Natsu and Zeref.

- Grandma… - whispered Over. Mavis and Larcade looked at him.

- That’s not possible! - said Zeref, scared -. You should-!

The woman took Zeref and Natsu’s faces and used a magic on them. A magic who threw them inside the guild. Acnologia appeared from nowhere and catched both. Natsu and Zeref were turned into children because of that magic. In the woman’s left hand was another woman, with purple hair, while her right hand was closed.

- You… - said the pink haired woman. Her voice was calm, but angry -. You made Raziel believe all of us were dead. You possessed my older son’s body since he was born, and you turned my younger son in an Etherias Demon. You will pay for it.

The pink haired woman opened his right hand, showing two seeds, which destroyed seconds later. Then, she threw the other woman inside the guild, which Acnologia attacked, breaking the ground in half Magnolia and creating a huge crater. He was still holding Natsu and Zeref. They were unconscious in his arms.

The mages were saved by a dragon. A dragon who looked exactly like Acnologia, but his wings were different. They were fairy wings.

- Aunt Morgana! - yelled Over.

- Aunt!? - asked the others, looking at the dragon.

- It’s been a long time. Over - answered the dragon -. I see you have been reunited with your mother and brother. Good to know.

Over smiled at her. Under them, the purple haired woman was trying to not be hit by any attack, and searching a weak point to attack them. Acnologia was in a demon form and wasn’t an easy target. Plus, Natsu and Zeref were in his arms. To be correct, he was holding them with his left arm, which he replaced with an arm of sand and water, while fighting with his right arm.

In Morgana’s back, Over and Larcade were following the fight. Larcade was curious to see his grandparents, and Over really wanted to see his grandmother fighting seriously.

- She’s dead - said a black haired and dark skinned man at Larcade’s side.

- Totally dead - added another man, a blond one, who was on the other man’s back.

- Grandpa Lucifer and Grandpa Ezequiel - recognized them Larcade.

- It’s been a while, Larcade.

Larcade smiled and nooded. Mavis managed to put herself between her twins and look at the fight. The purple haired woman tried to attack the pink haired, but she was fast and send her rival far away with a kick. Her white and simple dress was dirty and broken, but she didn’t mind at all. Acnologia appeared behind the purple haired woman and punched her, but she managed to escape from the demon’s attack.

- Who’s the purple haired? - asked Sting.

- Anastascia, the dark fairy - answered the dark haired man.

- And you are?

- Lucifer, Raziel’s father.

- So, you’re the one who-

- He wasn’t, Sting - interrupted him the blond man -. It was a lie from his brothers. We love the same woman, and she loved us. That won’t change.

- I won’t accept him in the family easily.

- Say something, Ezel - asked Lucifer.

- Sting is the one who entered in hell to save me - answered Ezequiel -. He has his reasons to hate you.

- But it wasn’t me the one who kidnapped you. It was Samael.

- I know.

Anastascia attacked Natsu and Zeref. When Over saw it, he tried to jump and help, but Sting holded him. A fire explosion happened between Anastascia and Acnologia. When the smoke dissipated, the figure of a young long haired man appeared. He wasn’t normal. He had rage in his eyes.

- Who’s that!? - asked everyone.

- ZND - answered Sting -. I saw him once, but I never forgot his appearance. He’s the fusion of Natsu and Zeref.

- You remember? - asked a woman at Sting’s side.

- Only a little, Anna.

- Enough for me.

- Are you sure he's Natsu and Zeref? - asked Mavis.

- Look at his hair - pointed Sting -. It starts pink and turns black when it grows. Plus his eyes. One is black and the other dark green.

ZND. Zeref and Natsu’s demon. A powerful fusion, even more if it’s used in their adult forms. And that’s exactly what was happening. ZND’s adult form was in front of Acnologia, facing Anastascia.

Anastascia knew very well she was in disadvantage. But she wanted to recover the body she was possessing for the last 400 years. Zeref’s body. She knew it was easy to control, unless the others. But she didn’t know Zeref that well. Fused with his brother, Zeref was stronger than she knew.

- Take my place! - yelled Morgana before turning human in the air.

The ones in her back landed in another dragon. A red one.

- How you are alive, Igneel? - asked Sting, surprised to see the dragon.

- Ask that to queen Elementia - answered Igneel -. She knows how she did it.

- You’re losing the most interesting part - said a blond boy at Anna’s side.

He was right. ZND was in his demon form, and Morgana too. Morgana was in a free fall, and extended her right arm to punch Anastascia directly. She landed on the dark fairy, creating another crater. The first thing Anastascia saw were Morgana’s green eyes. The second, her demon form.

- She’s exactly like Acnologia - pointed Mavis.

- She’s his daughter - answered Over -, and our aunt. Dad has a lot to explain later.

- He must tell to all of us what is happening. And Natsu too.

Some of the members of Fairy Tail decided to observe the fight. Suddenly, Wendy frightened and angered.

- She is… - said Wendy -. That woman is… She killed my parents in front of my eyes.

- Then join - said Lucifer -. This fight is against her after all.

Wendy jumped and used her wind magic to attack Anastascia, which the dark fairy dodged very well. Wendy used her wind magic to land safely. Her body wasn’t strong enough to do what Morgana did.

- You two don’t want to join? - asked Lucifer to Over and Larcade -. It’s your family.

- I prefer to watch - answered Over -. Grandma fighting is not something you see everyday.

- She looks like dad, but pink - pointed Larcade.

- Are you talking about her hair?

- Yep.

- Wait until we see dad’s real personality to make comparisions.

- Zeref is like Gabriella, Natsu is like Sting, and Morgana is like Raziel - said Ezequiel.

- I wish I had something to eat to see this fight… - said Lucifer.

- Penauts? - asked someone at Lucifer’s side.

- Hello, god demon dragon. Give me those.

- Oh! Raios! - said Over and Larcade, totally sycronized, looking at the huge man at Lucifer’s side.

- It’s been a while, demon fairies - answered Raios.

- Who do you think that will defeat Anastascia? - asked the black Exceed in Raios’ head.

- Morgana - said a boy at Raios’ side.

- You always say your girlfriend, Tyrion.

- Because I trust her, and she’s strong enough.

- That doesn’t mean she’s stronger than her parents or brothers.

- Papa! Dad, say something!

- Don’t put me in your fight, Tyrion, Shadow - answered Raios -. Let’s enjoy the fight.

Everyone looked at the fight. Anastascia ripped Gabriella’s dress enough to take it off. Immediately, Acnologia used his cape to improvise a dress for her, and gave a dead look to the ones who were looking at her with lust faces.

- You really thought he woudn’t do that if you look at his wife like this? - pointed Lucifer.

- She’s his wife!? - asked the mages, surprised.

Lucifer nooded, and the rest of the family laughed.

- Welcome to the Dragneel Eucliffe Dreyar Heartfilia family, Mavis - said Sting -. It’s a mess, and not all of us are related by blood, but it’s good, and we are immortals.

Mavis looked a her twins. Both smiled at her. They were included in it a long time ago.

- Should I add Redfox to the title? - asked Sting.

- No, we’re fine - answered Raios.

- What!? - reacted Gajeel to that confession. The immortals laughed at it.

- I will explain it later, Gajeel…

- You better do it.

- … Nii-san…

Gajeel’s face was priceless. After a while of trying to make Raios say why he said that, Gajeel decided to watch the fight with the others.

[unrequitedmime]

My boots thud against the marble floors as I walk through the crushed mansion. I ignore every single object that shines, every single object that dances, every single object that sings. Raki does not. I do not hear him fall away into the mess of beautiful rubble, but I feel the warmth of his presence fade. Taja notices a lot longer after me, almost an entire hallway after he has disappeared, and she swears. "Raki?" She hisses into the darkness, "We do not have time for your childish games. Come back." My stride does not slow as I call back to her, "This isn't a game for him, Taja. This is home." Raki's parents were of noble Crade blood, in the days when the Crade council ruled. Him and his brother were born and raised nobles. I only met Raki when I joined the Forces, but in many of the late nights in this past year, Raki has whispered to me of his childhood. A grand mansion, a thousand rooms to play in, a thousand servants to entertain him. Parents that did not love him or his brother, beatings that still scar his body to this day, and the constant threat of Rensha raids on his family. He is not just picking through an abandoned home, he is picking through bits and pieces of his own. "Leave him, Taja," I demand as my eyes catch sight of the oak doors  of the library. This is where we were told to meet them. "He will find his way back to us." Taja positions herself behind me with an exasperated huff as I rest my hands on the brass handles of the doors. All along the wood is carved drawings of fairies. Some dance, some love, some laugh. Some fight, some mourn, some die. Don't we all. I push open the doors, and walk into a room that I may not walk out of. Four shadows. Four enemies. I do not watch Taja unhook her axe from her back. I do not watch the two shadows standing puff their chests. I do not watch the hand of the shadow that sits on the lounge tighten it's grip on the leather. Instead, I look up to the moonlight that shines through the overarching window. Despite the eeriness of this moment, despite the weapons, despite the shadows, it is quite beautiful. I also look into the very right corner of the highest balcony. Kina steps from the darkness for less than a moment to show her presence to me before slipping back into it. Kina is not a spy, like Anastasia, but she is the second quietest on the team, after me. If anything is to go awry, she has us from above. For a moment, Taja and I are suspended in the darkness of the hallway. We are shadows ourselves. And then I step into the moonlight. The dark figure sitting on the cabinet to the right breathes one word of blasphemy. It is a quiet word, but I hear it plain enough. Lapheus. He knows my Gods. My head whips to stare at the lanky figure suspended in shadows. Not another word is spoken for a few moments, but still I do not look away from the boy. I do not know of any Rensha that believe in the Suli Gods. Rensha are religion-less, and have been for centuries. So why is this one brave enough to breathe his faith? One of the shadows behind the couch moves, but still I do not look away from the boy. Taja remains in the darkness behind me, but I know her eyes track every single breath the walking shadow takes. Nate finally steps into the broad circle of moonlight, the pale shine hitting his blonde curls and bouncing off. My eyes finally meet his dark gaze before fluttering down to his chest. No wound, no sign of bandaging beneath that black t-shirt. Of course. A Rensha healer would have attended to him immediately. I do not say a word as my gaze oozes over him and all that he is. Average height. Broad shoulders. Judging from the muscles that dance along his arms, he is a physical fighter. The moonlight seems to pool in the lines and dips of his chiselled face.  His eyes are so dark they remind me of the chocolate I used to make as a child with Ma. I almost blink in surprise when I realise those eyes are drinking me up, too . He takes in my boots first, and then the light brown of my loose uniform. Something like fury flits over his face as he takes in the tattoo of  a "C" on my inner forearm. He stares at the hollow of my neck for a very long time before finally studying my face. I know what he finds. Fierce dark brown eyes, a button nose, bright lips pursed in the intimidation line that Grayson teases me about, and long lashes. For one singular moment, something bright and intense shines in his gaze. And then it is gone. "What is your name?" His voice doesn't shake, but it sounds as if he is begging it not to. "What is yours?" I know his name. I just want to hear it on a tongue that isn't Anastasia's. "I asked first." "Does it matter who asked first?" The shadow on the chaise lounge releases a small but dramatic sigh, "Nothing's changed, I see." A female voice almost purrs. The figure standing behind the couch murmurs at her to be quiet. "My name is Gabriella," I announce finally, already bored with this meeting. This is going to be a long night. Nate nods, "I'm Nate."' "Where is Anastasia?" I demand. I ignore Taja's stare burning into my back. This is not why we are here, but I couldn't help asking. Something flashes in Nate's eyes, "Somewhere safe." I make a tsking sound, "Pity." Taja steps into the moonlight behind me, and Nate's gaze flickers to her. He assesses her, and I know that he recognises her from the battle. Something in his face goes stone cold. "You killed my friend," He tells her, the fury thick in every single word. "I don't remember," Taja spits back, already struggling to contain her hatred, "But I hope he died screaming." Nate takes a step towards Taja without thinking, and I hear Taja swing her pick axe leisurely as she moves to him, too. I step in between them, eyes still on the Rensha in front of me. "You touch her," I growl, "And these moments of peace are over." "She touches me," Nate breathes, "And I slaughter her." The library door opens, and I feel my racing blood slow as I listen to Raki's light steps on the wooden floor. Without a word, Taja steps back into the shadows and Raki takes her place. I do not look away from Nate as Raki sizes up the Rensha. "How was it?" I call to him, eyes still on Nate. "Found a necklace I want you to have," He responds easily, "Would really match your smile." I fight the urge to roll my eyes at his teasing. I hate necklaces, and I never smile. "Maybe another time," I take a slow step back from Nate, until Raki stands at my back. "Yeah," Raki nods, "Next time we meet up with our sworn enemies on neutral ground." The Rensha are silent as they study Raki and I standing together. He is my second in Command, and they know it. The Rensha shadow behind the lounge slowly makes his way into the moonlight. The shine bounces off the young dark skinned man. Nate's second in Command. "My name is Moriach. Should we begin?" ------------------------------------------------------------ Taja just keeps shaking her head. I want to grab her chin and force it still. I want to hiss in her face to stop, to shut up, to think this through. She cannot, though. Her hatred for the Rensha clouds every single thought in her brain, and she would rather watch the world burn than help the race that murdered her family. Moriach watches only me, green gaze heavy. We sit at a grand oak table suspended in candlelight. Nate sits across from me, the light of the flames dancing across his skin as he thinks to himself. Moriach sits beside his Captain, as Raki does with me. Taja stands behind Raki, her grip on her pick axe so tight I am half afraid she is going to swing it at the woman standing opposite her. The Rensha woman watches Taja carefully, blue eyes narrowed. Some Renshas are subtle in their existence- they move as Crade do, speak as Crade do, and can appear completely ordinary. Some, though, cannot hide the power that courses through their veins. They shine in every way possible and they speak with the magic in their bodies. The magic almost oozes from the pores of their skin. This woman, with her soft pink gown and her beautiful blonde waves, is the latter. Who wears a ball gown to a meeting like this, anyway? "How do you know this colony exists?" Raki asks for the third time. The girl with the gown rolls her eyes, and my grip tightens on my daggers in warning as I stare hard at her. My hands rest upon the table, and the girl's face pales when she sees the frustration in the way I hold my blades. Strange that she is scared of me. She has the power of the devil. "I have been there," The young boy says- the first words he has said all night. My head whips to stare at him. The boy that knows my Gods. Such a strange member of this Rensha team. He is 16 or so, with a mop of brown locks and a pale face. His green eyes are bright in this darkness. There is something soft about him. Physically, he is fragile- birdlike, but in his gaze alone I can see the lion. "How long ago?" I ask for the third time. "Two years ago." "And you are sure this colony-" "It's a village," Nate corrects, frustrated for some reason, "It is not a colony. It is a village." I glare, "This VILLAGE has both Crade and Rensha?" "Yes," The boy's words are firm, but his voice trembles, "They live in harmony." Taja makes a noise of disgust at the back of her throat, and I have just about had enough of her. "You are lying," She spits, "Crade would not side with you devils. And, if somehow they have, then they are traitors. And traitors deserve-"' "Taja," I do not yell; I do not need to. "That is enough." She falls silent, but I can feel her anger. I have just embarrassed her in front of Rensha. She is not going to forgive me for at least a week. Good. That means I will have seven days of peace. We are all quiet. This... proposal... was not what I was expecting tonight. I expected a deal to trade Anastasia, I expected an ambush as revenge for destroying their camp. I did not expect a cry for help. An offer of momentary peace. A mission for us to embark on together. Nate loses his patience, and he leans forward, "Look," He says finally, urgent as he stares at me, "We are Rensha, and you," He glances at Raki when he says it -not me, "Are Crade. You should all be dead by my hands by now- we know the laws." "Laws?" I interrupt, "They are not laws, they are ways of-" "But here are the facts," He continues, ignoring me. I fight the urge to stab him in the chest again. "There is a village in the North full of Crade and Rensha alike. There are thousands of them. That is thousands of your," again, he looks at Raki, "People. The Fior are going to march on them in eight days, and they will slaughter every single person in that village. There is no doubt about the threat of the Fior, there is no doubt that thousands is innocent people will die, and there is no doubt that we are the only people that can protect them."   Silence. "Those are the facts," Raki almost murmurs to himself. Nate nods solemnly, "Those are the facts." "How do you expect eight of us to protect thousands from an entire army?" Moriach and Nate share a long look before Moriach answers, "The city they live in- beneath it is an ancient network of tunnels. Entrances to the tunnels are hidden in every street, and the tunnels stretch for miles- all the way to the Yutong River." The breath whooshes from my body in a rush. An entire city of tunnels- covering almost half the nation. "How do you know these tunnels have not collapsed?" Raki demands. "Because the entire city would cave in if they did," The girl speaks to Raki as if he is stupid. "Watch your tone, Rensha," I breathe, smooth but not calm. "The tunnels have not collapsed," The boy says, and there is something in his voice that makes me believe him. "The people can use the tunnels to find safety, but they do not know the tunnels are there and they do not know how to navigate them." "Neither do we," Raki says, his confusion as strong as mine. "And my question remains," I cut in, "How are the eight of us meant to get this done?" Nate speaks, "There is a Rensha we know of," He almost stumbles over his words, "He is of Rensha and Crade blood." Every single person on his team glares at him as if he has said something he shouldn't, but he ignores the heat of their gazes and stares instead at me. I think his words through. Sometimes, Rensha and Crade mix. There are not many, but there are mixed children. "What does that have to do with this?" I ask. He gulps, as if fighting himself. He seems as if he has to reach down and tug the words out of him, "Most of the mixed children do not get Rensha power. They have no magic in their veins, and if somehow they do, it is not enough to start even a spark. But this man... He- he possesses more power than any Rensha. Most full blooded Rensha only have specialised powers, but he possesses all. His powers are unending. He can... telepathically control both races." Taja holds up the sign of the Devil to the Rensha, and Raki's entire face pales. I ignore the drop in my stomach. A Rensha that powerful... they could wipe out the entire Crade race if they possessed enough power to control- "Where is he?" I demand, "Is he-" "He doesn't use his power for bad," Moriach interrupts me calmly, "In fact," He glares at Nate before glancing back at me, "He doesn't use his power at all." There is a long moment of silence as the Crade take in Nate's words. A Rensha that could end this war, wipe us out. Gods above. We need to find him, and we need to kill him. "And this Rensha will involve himself in this mission to help?" I ask, voice firm. Nate and Moriach share a long, and then Nate nods. "He will." My team only needs to get close enough to kill this powerful Rensha- eliminate this terrifying threat- and then we can disappear back into the shadows. I know without even looking at my Second that he is thinking the exact same thing. We must kill this secret Rensha. "Okay," Raki breathes, "We will travel with you and we will save this village on the terms of neutrality for eight days and eight days only." Nate extends his hand, and I shake it. The calluses of his palm catch against the ones on my own, and our eyes meet. Despite our blood, we are both warriors. For a moment, a small thought flickers through my head, but I shove it down and away. We are melded from the same stone. ----------------------------------------------------- Grayson does not say a word as he climbs into the hanger. Instead, he broods behind Raki and I, arms full of strange cases that he refuses to let anyone else carry. Bombs- but whether already made or not, I do not know. I wonder if he wants to leave one on this jet and run, leaving us to burn. I think a part of him does. I've never seen him as angry as he was when we returned from the mansion with our news last night, or rather, early this morning. Raki chose to share the news- he has always been better with words than I. As he spoke, I watched the others. Taja stared at the table the entire conference, jaw clenched. I did not just watch her face, but her grip on her axe. A few times, I feared she might actually swing. Kina stood beside me, her face blank the entire time. I did not know whether she was blank out of exhaustion, or indifference, or anger. Knowing, Kina, it was indifference. She will always, always, do what she thinks is right- and we all know, even Taja, that this decision was the right choice.  Justine, unexpectedly, listened raptly to Raki's recount, hanging off his every last word. Her usually almond eyes were wide, dark gaze pinning as Raki told her of the village. In a small kind of way, that village is full of everything that Justine is. Both Crade and Rensha. Justine always talks of her belonging, more specifically, her lack of it. But now... if anywhere can be her home, that is it. She agreed with our plan before Raki had even uttered a word of it. Grayson, on the other hand, argued against it for three fucking hours. He thought it was a trap, he thought it was dangerous, he thought it was a lie. There were too many risks, he had yelled, there were too many factors unaccounted for. We cannot be near the Rensha -his eyes had flickered to me when he said that part- They are not even human. He said the words to me as if they were a reminder. As if I needed reminding that these people are enemies. I left the room after that. Raki nudges me now as we finally make it to the landing of the hanger, his eyes dancing around the space. His whistle is slow and melodic. "Why do they have a jet?" He murmurs to me, light expression for curious gazes but wary words for me. "Where did they get the resources?" My own eyes hop and skip over the hanger- strapped seats to each wall, cargo cases littering the floor, soft pieces of snow dancing in with the kiss of the wind. "I don't know," I respond, not bothering to hide my frown. "Don't act too scared," A voice purrs from our right. Raki and I meet the gaze of the blonde haired woman from last night. Her smile is feline as she looks both of us up and down, blue eyes shining in amusement. Today, she wears a blood red dress that falls to her pale knees, layers of chiffon silk brushing against her legs. The jewellery that lines her throat could save an entire starving village of Crade, and the heels that she wears... Are those fucking diamonds? "Nice dress," I snort, the venom dripping from every single syllable. For some strange reason, she almost flinches at the spite in my voice. "Interesting that you choose to wear those diamonds knowing damn well that your people work as slaves to retrieve them from the Jola mines." A beat of silence passes as the smirk falls off her face, and she only blinks in shock. Raki glances sidelong at me, too. The hatred in my words- it was not in defence of Crade. It was in defence of the Rensha. The blood rushes to my cheeks, and I clear my throat. "I didn't mean-" Grayson brushes against me as he passes, the warmth from his chest oozing into my shoulder for just one second. He does not even look my way as he continues on, but I let my eyes catch on him and stay caught. I only watch him walk to the front of the hanger and set his cases down so that I can ignore Raki and the woman. "I need to help Grayson," I murmur, slipping away. Raki murmurs my name in warning, but I ignore it as I stride to that head of brown locks. Grayson does not look up as I crouch beside him, but his muscles tense and his breath catches. He does not shove me away. Instead, he lets me help unpack the crates for a few moments in silence. I do not know if the silence is peaceful of awkward, but I let myself drown in it. I let myself drown in the silence rather than my words earlier. Why did I mention the Rensha slaves as if it angered me? It shouldn't anger me. Rensha are not human- if anything, they deserve to be slaves on the Jola Islands. Better them than us, right? Right? "Do you know what you're doing?" Grayson's voice is quiet, but it is not soft. I watch his smooth movements as he ties the wire around the strange black packages. "I simply loop it up and over, don't I? Or do I do the sailor's knot that-" "No," He speaks a little louder now. He meets my gaze finally, and when I catch sight of his eyes, my hands come to a stop. I stare back at him- our gazes intense. For a moment there is nothing but me and this boy, suspended in a trapped moment of time. In his hazel depths is anger, and exhaustion, and fear. In mine is defiance, exhaustion, and longing. "Do you know what you are doing?" I understand the question now. Do you know what you are risking? Do you know what the plan is? Do you have every scenario thought out? Do you think you can keep us safe? Are you leading us into a trap? Are you going to get us killed? Are you going to get yourself killed? Somehow, I know that the last question is the one he truly wants to ask. And just like that, every single shred of anger between us falls away. He feels it fall away, too. I know that in a way, he is ripping down those walls of frustration inside of him so that he can see me again. I cannot even describe the feeling that courses through my chest- I had not even realised I missed him. After a thousand moments of charged silence, I whisper back, "I know what I'm doing, Gray." His eyes do not dare  leave mine. They shine with emotion and for the first time in a long time, he lets me see it -the raw fear in his gaze. "Don't be stupid," He breathes his rule. "Don't be stupid," My voice is quiet but not soft. We have been trained by the Forces not to show any affection, any weakness, any vulnerability, in front of Rensha. We have been trained to treat our brothers, sisters, lovers like simple soldiers so that the Rensha have nothing, absolutely nothing, to use against us. Grayson himself enforces that rule in the younger soldiers we train. He barks it until his throat is raw. But I guess right now, in this moment, he forgets. His hand slides into place behind my jaw, and as he pulls me in to him, I cannot help but think how bad an idea it is to kiss him right now. Of course, I do not pull away from his soft lips, and I instead let them meet mine.   When we pull back, his smile is soft and subtle, and I know it is for me. I smile back. It takes me a few moments to catch it; the silence. When I finally feel it on my skin, it seems to press down harder until it is almost suffocating me. I turn away from Grayson, his hand falling from my face into his lap, and I glance around. Every single member of the Rensha team is frozen in their tasks, hands midair, mouths open mid-sentence, as they stare at me and Grayson. More specifically, me. Every single Rensha gaze is on me, wide and shocked and... Is that pain in their depths? Nate is the first to move. He drops into his seat strapped to the wall in silence, and does not look up at one soul as he works at strapping himself in. All gazes shift from me to him. I do not know why I stare, but I cannot seem to rip my eyes off of the blonde Captain as he begins to untangle the belt. His hands tremble like clattering teacups, and his shaky breaths is the only sound in the silence of the jet. Grayson makes a choking sound in the back of his throat when his eyes find Nate, but I ignore it. I glance around at the team of Rensha as they watch their Captain slowly fall apart. The blonde girl watches him like a hawk, eyes dark and pitying. The young boy with the stutter seems as if he wants to look away from Nate, but he cannot seem to drag his gaze away from the pain in every single tremble of Nate's hands. Another girl, one I do not recognise, with skin the colour of coffee and dark braids dancing  down her back, tightens her grip on her sword as watches Nate with devastation screaming in her eyes. Eventually, Moriach drops his boxes in the corner and strides to his Captain, feet pounding with purpose. He falls to his knees in front of Nate, and his longer fingers slowly reach up and catch hold of the tangled belt. His hands, clasping the belt, also seem to wrap up his Captain's trembling fingers and hold them still. There is a long moment of stillness in which Nate stares at Moriach's grip on his hands. No one dares breathe. If I had my daggers, I would cut the tension in the air with them.   "You're okay," Moriach whispers to Nate, and in those words is a very valuable secret. In the softness of his voice, and in the quiet strength of his words, I find it- a small piece of information. Moriach is more than Nate's Second in Command. He is Nate's best friend. I am sure of it. I am more sure of that than I am of Grayson and I. I am more sure of that than I am of my daggers. I am sure of it because the love in Moriach's voice- a complete and endless sense of acceptance- is a mirrored reflection of the softness in my voice when I whisper Raki's name alone.     My eyes seek out my own Second in Command, but his dark and heavy gaze is already on me. Without even asking, I know that he heard it too. Nate and Moriach, and Raki and me? We are two sides of the same coin. "Breathe, Nate," Moriach whispers. "I am breathing," Nate gasps. I have only known Nate in battle. I have only known him when he is growling cursed words at me, or when he is grunting from a hit, or when his deep voice threatens me. But now... His voice shakes with the threat of tears. And I know he hates it. Out of all of these people, I know within a second that I am the only person who truly understands how much he fucking hates that warble of his words and the thickness of his throat. I have had the words drummed, punched, kicked, shoved down my throat for a year now. Captains do not show weakness. Captains do not show weakness. Captains do not- "Nate," The girl with the braids calls. Her voice is that of a warrior- strong, fearless, demanding of attention. Her Captain looks up at the sound of his name on her tongue. "Think of Isla." Isla- that is my mother's name. And within moments, somehow, magically, Nate begins to stop shaking. His breaths finally even out, and he goes completely still. His eyes are hazy, unfocused as his personal memories play out before him. I wonder who Isla is. Finally, Nate releases a long breath, slumping forward just a little. Moriach stares at him for a few moments longer before slowly unfurling his hand from his Captain's. When Moriach stands, Nate does not even seem to notice. Everyone's attention shifts to Moriach, but my eyes do not even sway from Nate as Moriach speaks. "We leave in a few minutes. Find your seat. Strap yourselves in." He does not acknowledge the last few minutes of silence. He does not acknowledge his team's pain. He does not acknowledge Nate's entire trembling body. He does not mention any of it. He simply walks across the jet, sits down beside the blonde woman, and works on strapping himself in. And slowly, both Crade and Rensha float back from the thoughts in their head, and they move to their respective seats. As I stand, Grayson's hand finds mine. Nate finally looks up, and his dark, endless eyes lock onto mine. And then they flit down to Grayson and I's entwined fingers. In his face is something so heavy, so intense, so unreadable that I almost feel the power of it in my bones. I do not know why, but I shake off Grayson's grip. And then I make my way over to the Rensha Captain. My body seems to move with a will of it's own. I know that I want to sit next to Grayson, I know that I want to sit with Raki, I know that I want to sit with my team. But instead, my legs walk me to the seat beside Nate and sit down. My hands work on strapping me in, and I cannot help but marvel at the surety of their actions, as if they know what they want even if I do not. And then my hands find my knees and rest there. It takes me a few moments of silence between the Captain and I to realise that my body mirrors is. Legs apart, fingers tapping on kneecaps, slumped over just a little. He notices it the same time I do, because his head whips up to stare at me. I stare back, as calm as ever. When he doesn't look away, I feel a thrumming in my blood that I have never felt before. But I do not break his gaze. I am not mocking him; he knows I am not. I almost jolt when I realise what my body has decided I do; support him. "I've never flown before," I tell him, voice not soft but not cruel. He licks his red lips, blonde curls almost flopping over his eyes now, "Really?" His voice is deep, raspy, "Never?" He almost whispers. The words feel like a trick question. I glance out the front window, eyes on the darkness of the night as the pilot prepares to fly. "Not that I remember."

unrequited 

[shslshortie]

Holy Fuck Cup of China

I was gone all day yesterday and I've been so busy today getting ready for this week that I am a little behind on watching all of the programs from CoC but holy shit.

ALINA ZAGITOVA MY GOD. Normally, I'm not a fan of backloading programs, especially when it is entirely in the second half. Or doing hard transitions on every single jump pass. Or raising arms aloft on (almost) every jump. BUT OH MY GOD. I CANT EVEN BE MAD AT ALINA/HER CHOREOGRAPHER/COACH BECAUSE THAT WAS AN ALMOST PERFECT TECHNICAL SKATE. not only were her jumps clean, but they looked effortless and her edges were perfect. Plus her arms still had power as she spun, and didn't just look like a flopping fish (like some skaters do when they raise their arms on jumps). I feel like her "performance" and character of the piece as well as her spin combos could use a little tightening (to match the music) but Jesus h Christ for a 15 year old in her first Grand Prix series, I am absolutely floored. Like the Eurosport commentators said, Evgenia will have to watch her back this year. And if she perfects her short? I smell gold. (Also like I think I said after the short, her costumes are absolutely perfect for her and her music)

I absolutely love Wakaba Higuchi's speed and power that she extends through her fingertips. Her choreographic sequence was by far my favorite in terms of components, performance and matching the music. Her spins are also absolutely wonderful to watch. I honestly take back what I said from the short where I was about her age and maturity, because I am blown away. I always forget that almost no other country has the same issue that America has with our young skaters having difficult transitions onto the senior level.

I stand by what I said about Elena Radionova in the Short. I love watching her outside of the shadow of Evgenia. She is such a different skater than what normally comes out of Russia, but is either always ON and on fire, or OFF and not fun to watch which makes me sad. But this was such a great Free, and I am so excited she got her bronze.

I love Javier's programs this year. They are so amazing character wise and music wise, and they are so HIM. But.... he just lacked the fire he normally competes with :( he wasn't fighting for his jumps, and on both the short and free he either touched down or downgraded multiple jumps which makes me so sad, because this should have been an easy podium placement for him. I'm still rooting for him this season because he probably has my favorite combined program package I've seen (and I love him).

I am SO SHOOK AT MIKHAIL KOLYADA. Thank god he did so well in his Short with his Quad Lutz, his Quad Sal and the Triple Axel (technically a single) in the Free. (How tf was that almost a 90 technically though). His choreography is a lot sharper than it was earlier this season with this Elvis show, so good for him. I would just love him to be a little more consistent and expressive in his face since this is such a character piece. He still has a solid amount of time to work on that once he fixes the bugs he has technically, so I definitely want to see improvement into the GPF.

Also, if you haven't seen his EX, GO FUCKING WATCH IT. IT IS A TRIP.

After watching Javi, Mikhail and now Boyang, I am very :/ about the men in this competition. All of them are great, don't get me wrong... but each of the women could have possibly gotten a gold at any other event, but the men didn't look like they were even trying to skate at the Grand Prix level. If it weren't for the base level of his attempted technical components, his score would have been absolutely abysmal. His presentation and choreography could have had so much more life too, especially with his music choice. Like I'm sorry, but this was a let down for me :( I really hope he improves by his next event.

Also, if you look at the difference between Ice Dancers and Singles skaters, the PERFORMANCE level is a complete 180° outside of a rare few skaters. What bugs me with most singles skaters is that most of them don't perform, and the PERFORMANCE is what makes it fun to watch for me. Facial expressions, and where it looks like they are enjoying what they are doing makes me want to root for someone and cheer them on. I know technically, it is much much harder especially when you don't have another person to play off of in terms of expressions, but I would still love for someone to come around and be perfect technically and amazing with their expressions.

At first when I saw that Max Aaron got on the podium (not having seen the scores, not having watched the Frees) I was very excited for him, but I figured it was just because everyone else sucked. But HE GOT FIRST IN THE FREE! HE EARNED IT! Of course, part of that is because other skaters weren't at their best, but he has worked so hard and has earned the chance to keep fighting in this Olympic season.

But seriously, this was the best I've seen Max skate by a HUGE MARGIN. This Andrew Lloyd webbed program is so perfect for him, so well constructed, and it flows in and out so well. I'd love a different costume, but that's not what is most important. Also his Triple Axel is gorgeous. He isn't a quad monster, but he is skating to his strengths which is so important.

Vincent Zhou had 5 quads scheduled???? I do not want him to hurt himself, but I'm excited to see where he is headed. I don't know if it'll be good enough for this season and his current PCS, but HR definitely will be a force in the future. I was very pleasantly surprised by most of his jumps, even though his edges weren't perfect (since only the first Quad Sal wasn't clean) but also, ANOTHER MOULIN ROUGE SKATE?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!

GABRIELLA PAPADAKIS AND GUILLAUME CIZERON WERE PERFECT OH MY GOODNESS. I WAS SO HAPPY TO SEE THEM GET GOLD. So fluid and so beautiful to watch. I am so impressed with the ice dancers this season.

Gabrielle Daleman is the love of my life, and her Short was amazing, AND GOD I almost cried at her Rhapsody in Blue last year. But her free yesterday... :( hopefully she will be able to make good use of the time she would be spending prepping for/competing at the GPF to kill it in the second half of the season, which she normally does anyway. I'm not entirely sold on her Gladiator Rhapsody, and I think a different costume would compliment her better, but I still want to see her succeed and do amazingly.

And that's basically it. Sorry for the long post, if you don't want these in the future, I tag all my long posts/text posts with #long post and #shut up Dani