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wren-fell · 3 years

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Stuck In Borderland

Chapter 5: Begrudging Cooperation

To me all the Borderland games are a violent version of childhood games (tag, hide&seek, etc.) Soooo I went from there! Enjoy more interactions as this creeps towards a Chishiyaxoc story!

Thanks for reading!

I gave the militants names because I couldn’t find any listed. All canon characters belong to Haro Aso.

Warnings: language, weapons, mention of death

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Sayaka leaned against the wall with Kuina and Madoka, preparing for her own game tonight. She cast a glance over at Madoka. Her arms were wrapped around herself, and she had dark circles surrounding her eyes. Sayaka frowned, Madoka and her team came back late last night all covered in dirt from head to toe and very shaken up. The 5 of hearts… any of the games would have put them through hell, but a hearts game was both physically and emotionally exhausting.

“You don’t have to be down here with us Madoka,” Sayaka said with a smile, “we appreciate the support, but you can go rest.”

Madoka turned her head to look at her slowly and gave her a weak smile, “it’s okay I want to wish you two luck.”

Kuina smiled, “we appreciate it Madoka.”

Madoka nodded slowly and looked back to Hatter. Sayaka watched her nervously. Usually bubbly Madoka looked… defeated and broken. I hate this place...

“And let the games begin!” Cheers erupted from everyone in the lobby as they rushed towards the tables to get their assignments.

“That’s our cue,” Kuina said pushing herself off the wall.

“Okay, go get some rest Madoka,” Sayaka hugged Madoka who leaned into her embrace with a sigh.

“Yea, I will. See you when you get back.”

Sayaka hesitated, “yea. See you when we get back.”

They pulled apart and Madoka gave Sayaka a sleepy smile, hugged Kuina, and waved to them as she headed out of the lobby. Sayaka sighed as she watched her go with a deep frown on her face.

“You won’t make it through the night if you’re still thinking about her wellbeing instead of your own.” Sayaka turned around to see Chishiya standing there with his hood up and his hands in the pockets of his hoodie.

She frowned and glared at him, “who asked you?”

“Just some advice. She made it through her game, now you make it through yours,” he said simply and walked into the crowd of people.

She huffed balling her hands into fists. He was so arrogant and selfish and… and… she squeezed her eyes shut, right. He was right… she needed to focus on herself right now, but that didn’t make her any less irritated with him.

“Hey, are you coming?” Kuina appeared in the crowd and pointed over her shoulder, “what happened?”

“Chishiya,” Sayaka grumbled in response, but walked past her towards the tables.

“Oh.”

Sayaka approached the table and was handed her folded number assignment. She turned to Kuina to compare, but frowned when she saw a 5 on her paper and a 3 on hers.

“Sucks…” she mumbled.

“I’ll see you when we get back though,” Kuina suggested.

“Right,” Sayaka sighed turning around.

“Sayaka!” She looked over her shoulder as Akiko pushed her way out of the crowd over to her.

“Akiko, hey,” Sayaka smiled.

“What group are you in?”

“5, you?”

“Oh, 7,” Akiko shrugged, “I’m with Kaoru and a couple of the other militants, so it’ll be fine,” she said with a smile, but Sayaka could see the uncertainty in her eyes as she tried to convince herself that was true.

“Right,” Sayaka nodded, “you’ll be fine I’m sure. You’re a really bright girl Akiko. Don’t let them shoot you down, okay?”

“Yea…” There was a long silence between the two of them, “I’ll see you after, you, Madoka, and I should grab a drink again,” Akiko smiled and turned to walk to the cars.

Sayaka smiled, “yea, that sounds fun. I’ll see you after,” she said with a wave. Akiko nodded and walked away leaving Sayaka standing alone.

She shook her head and smacked her cheeks, “focus.”

Walking out the front door Sayaka stretched her arms above her head, “let’s do this.” She turned her eyes to the car with the 5 spray painted on the side and immediately scowled. Her team for the evening consisted of 2 militants, a girl with long wavy black hair wearing a tactical vest over her bikini named Saiko, and a boy with short black hair and a frown named Kenji. As well as a random beach girl who looked like she was going to burst into tears at any second, and Chishiya. He smirked at her and waved as she walked down the front steps.

“Ugh, it’s like he planned this…” she muttered, in all actuality he totally could have he is an executive. She walked up to the car giving Chishiya a passing glare as she clambered into the backseat.

The girl who looked like she was about to cry sat down in the far window seat first and gave Sayaka a weak smile, “sorry, do you mind if I sit by the window? I get carsick.”

Sayaka stared at her for a second with a deep frown on her face, “fine,” she mumbled and plopped down in the center seat as Chishiya slid in beside her and slammed the door shut. All the militants in the cars whooped at each other like this was the beginning of some sports event, and revved the engines before peeling out of the parking lot.

The knuckles on Sayaka’s hands were white from gripping the seat beneath her trying not to be flung against either the young girl or Chishiya as they rounded the corners. The militants had brilliantly cut out all the seatbelts of the cars, citing that they “just got in the way”. In the way of what Sayaka really wasn’t sure, and honestly didn’t want to know. The car sped down the road slamming into a pothole going at least 70mph, and Kenji let out an excited scream. Sayaka dug her nails into the cracked fake red leather trying to keep her butt on the seat, while the girl beside her yelped and was slammed into the door. Meanwhile, Chishiya barely moved, and Sayaka glared at him from the corner of her eye. It was irritating how calm he was.

Kenji pulled the car up to the National Science and History Museum. All the spotlights were on in front of the building casting long shadows like ghosts waving them up the steps. Sayaka turned to the girl from the Beach waiting for her to get out, but she had folded into herself and was hyperventilating, “you have to play the game or you’ll die,” Sayaka pointed out causing the girl to wheeze and nod, but she didn’t move. Chishiya got out of the car on the other side and waved at the open door. Sayaka glared at him and stood up slamming her foot onto the seat and climbing out over the trunk glaring at him the whole time. He smirked, let out a breathy laugh, and started walking towards the entrance after the militants.

Sayaka frowned before turning her head to the young girl who was still sitting in the car shaking. You need to focus on yourself… she let out a long sigh and opened the car door holding a hand out to her, but I’m not completely heartless… yet. “Come on. My name’s Sayaka, we need to get inside.”

She turned to look up at her and wiped tears away from her eyes with a nod, and took Sayaka’s hand, “I’m Maiko.” They walked up the steps into the Museum the beep of the laser grid activating making Maiko jump.

“Just keep walking,” Sayaka said heading to the table at the center of the room to grab a phone.

“Facial recognition complete.

10 minutes until registration is complete.”

So far there was only the 5 of them from the beach and one other man who looked just as nervous as Maiko. Sayaka crossed her arms as she waited and dragged her eyes over the lobby. The museum back in the real world didn’t use many lights, and everything falling apart made it look even more dark and creepy. Skeletons of dinosaurs and whales were hanging unevenly from the ceiling like they were about to swoop down and snatch one of them up at any second. Stuffed taxidermy wild animals were decomposing and leaning at odd angles. The whole place was like a disintegrating cemetery beckoning them to all join the animals with this as their final resting place.

“Registration is now complete.

Game: Hopscotch, Difficulty: 3 of Clubs,” Sayaka watched the phone as the card flashed onto her screen.

“Rules:

Reach the finish line in the allotted time.

Time: 45 minutes.” Sayaka pouted, that was it? Reach the end? No other rules?

“Please proceed to the start, once all participants are inside the game will begin.” A door at the top of the stairwell lit up and they all turned their heads.

“Guess we’re going upstairs,” she muttered slipping the phone into the waistband on her shorts, and started for the stairs. They all trudged up and through the lit up door into a new room. Much like downstairs there were only exhibit spotlights that beamed down from the ceiling casting dark shadows around the completely empty room. Maiko was the last to enter the room, and the door slammed shut behind her making her jump.

“Your time starts now.” Another light lit up on the other side of the room showing a white circle drawn on the ground.

“Well that’s simple enough that’s the finish line!” The guy who had been alone in the museum when they arrived yelled, and started across the room.

“Hopscotch…” Sayaka muttered scanning the floor, her eyes widened, “wait stop!” She lunged forward grabbing the man by the back of his shirt and tossing him backwards as the floor gave out. Almost every square tile in the room fell away to the first floor below, all except ones that formed a hopscotch court across the room.

“Oh my god… I nearly died… thank you,” the man said shakily pushing himself up from the floor.

Sayaka rounded on him, “use you’re fucking head! It’ll never be that easy.”

He folded in on himself, and Sayaka saw Maiko take a step back. She turned her head back to analyze the tiles. Each was about three feet apart and there were varying patterns between being single tiles in a row and doubles, where you would use both feet was this normal hopscotch. In between was a 20 foot drop back down to the bones and decayed exhibits below. As she looked at the drop Sayaka’s vision swayed for a second and she took a step away from the edge digging her nails into her palms, just don’t look down.

“Well let’s get started,” Saiko said stepping forward her heels clicking against the tiles. She jumped forward onto the first solo tile and it lit up. Saiko looked down at her feet shocked, “is it going to explode?”

“I think if it was it already would have happened,” Kenji quipped stepping forward, “keep moving you bimbo.”

Saiko glared at him, but jumped to the next tile. Sayaka had to admit she was very agile even in 3 inch heels. The two of them kept jumping until they were 6 tiles in and paused.

“Hey, we can’t go any further!” Saiko called.

Sayaka frowned, “why not?”

“There’s a laser grid here.”

“What?” Sayaka stared at the tiles. This wasn’t like any hopscotch she had played, at what point did hopscotch have lasers?

“I’ll go next,” Maiko jumped forward onto the first tile, Sayaka watched her as she went. The first tile lit up, and so did the second, but when she landed on the double tile it stayed black.

“We all have to stand on the tiles for the laser to turn off and then we can advance,” Sayaka muttered and walked to the edge of the platform. Drawing in a deep breath she jumped after Maiko, just don’t look down. She landed on the other double tile, but nothing happened. Sayaka stomped her foot, “what the fuck.”

Maiko jumped forward onto the last single tile, and Sayaka pouted as it lit up the second Maiko’s feet touched it. She closed her eyes with a long sigh and jumped back one tile turning to Chishiya and the other player.

“We have to jump on it at the same time,” she said. Chishiya quirked an eyebrow at her and the smirk spread across his face.

Sayaka glared at him, but waved him on, “we have to do it together.”

He nodded and stepped forward pulling his headphones out of his ears and shoving them into his sweatshirt pocket. Sayaka sidestepped so she was standing on the edge of her tile making room for Chishiya to join her. He leapt forward onto her tile the closeness causing Sayaka to lean back and her heel to hang over the edge. She looked over her shoulder as she felt herself wobble uneasily, and stiffened when she felt Chishiya’s hands on her waist steadying her. Sayaka snapped her head forward to stare at him wide-eyed.

“Try not to lose your balance,” he smirked.

Sayaka’s eye twitched and she balled her hands into fists on his chest, “if my own survival didn’t depend on it I would push you off this platform.”

He didn’t reply just continued to smirk at her. With a sigh Sayaka turned her head to look at the double tile. If they had to land on it at the same time they would have to jump together, but the tiles were just barely over a foot wide. Groaning she looked back to Chishiya and held out her hand to him, “we have to jump at the same time.”

He nodded and took her hand. Slowly the two of them turned on the tile with each of them having one foot slipping off the edge. Sayaka drew in a deep breath and cast a glance at her hand in Chishiya’s. Why was this oddly comforting? She swallowed heavily, “on three.”

“One, two, three!” Both of their hands let go and they leapt off the platform. Their feet slammed onto the tiles at the same time and they lit up yellow.

“Oh thank god,” Sayaka breathed.

“The grid is gone!” Saiko said and continued forward.

The other player continued behind them, and they all moved forward until Saiko and Kenji came to the far set of double tiles. “So we have to jump together? Ew, I don’t want to hold your hand…” Saiko grumbled glaring at Kenji.

“There are 30 minutes remaining.” They all looked up as the voice rang out.

“Shut up and move over Saiko!” Kenji snapped and jumped forward to share the tile with Saiko. Despite their bickering they successfully made the jump to the double tiles.

“Let’s keep it moving!” Saiko ordered over her shoulder.

“God she’s bossy,” Sayaka grumbled.

Chishiya jumped onto the solo tile ahead of her and turned allow her room to join him. Sayaka tensed her muscles and jumped, but her foot slipped on the plastic of her flip-flop causing her foot to leave the platform a second too late. Her other foot hit the edge of the next tile a gasp escaping her lips as she started to fall backwards. Chishiya’s hand shot out grabbing her arm and pulling her forward onto the tile. Sayaka felt her cheeks heat up at how close they were.

“Thanks…”she muttered looking away from him her hands resting on his chest.

“The whole point of the game is to not fall,” he pointed out.

Sayaka glared at him, but didn’t say anything. She could feel herself shaking as her eyes darted back to the floor a long way below, and Chishiya’s hand shifted on her waist.

“Afraid of heights?” He asked quirking an eyebrow.

Sayaka looked up at him through her bangs, “it’s none of your business.”

“If you two are done flirting we want to finish this game!” Kenji called.

Sayaka felt her face heat up even more and she cast Kenji a dirty look, “okay,” she held her hand out to Chishiya who took it and they shifted to stand side by side, “on three. One, two, three!”

They landed together and the tiles lit up.

“That leaves one set to go! This is easy!” Kenji called as he jumped forward.

Sayaka frowned, “it’s like he’s asking for the game makers to throw a twist.”

There was just one more set of double tiles. Sayaka landed first and stepped aside for Chishiya to join her. He jumped forward landing hard and wobbling a little. Sayaka grabbed the sleeve of his sweatshirt to steady him and snorted, “you know you aren’t supposed to fall,” she mocked.

He gave her a sour look and stood up straight his hands resting on her waist again, “you’re one to talk. You look like you’re about to pass out.”

Sayaka frowned she knew her cheeks were red and she desperately wished she could make the blood to drain from her face, “shut up. We have an extra player I could still push you off you know.”

“So could I.”

Sayaka watched his eyes. Always so cold and calculating she knew he would push her off if she got in the way, but why hadn’t he just let her fall before? There was one extra person in this game he could’ve teamed up with them.

“Are you ready to jump?” He asked snapping her out of her thoughts.

“Yea, yea I’m ready,” she said and he held his hand out for her. Sayaka took it slowly and turned on the platform.

“One, two, three!” Chishiya counted down and slipped his hand out of hers as they jumped off the platform. The tile lit up yellow and the final laser grid faded away leaving them a clear path to the winner’s circle. Saiko and Kenji were the first to jump and run into the circle their phones lighting up to congratulate them. Everyone else followed letting out a relieved sigh as the countdowns disappeared and their visas were displayed on the small screens.

“Congratulations all participants have been issued a 3 day visa.” Sayaka pulled the phone out of her waistband to stare at the screen before tossing it over the edge. It clattered to the graveyard below, and Sayaka glared at the still lit up screen shining in the darkness. It was like the makers were reading their minds before every game using their own fears against them.

“Let’s get the fuck out of here then!” Saiko called and was already stomping to the door. Sayaka looked over her shoulder to watch her and Kenji leave. Maiko and the solo player following, while Chishiya walked over to the pedestal in the center of the winner’s circle to pick up the 3 of clubs card.

He glanced over his shoulder at her, “something wrong?”

“Why didn’t you just let me fall?”

He raised his eyebrows at her and paused, analyzing her again making her feel small, “you were the lesser of two evils,” he said simply turning to leave. Pulling the hood back up over his white-blonde hair he walked out of the room leaving Sayaka alone to sigh.

“I should’ve expected that answer,” she mumbled and followed him out of the Museum.

Sayaka followed behind the rest of the group as they all walked into the lobby of the Beach. Kenji held up his pistol and let out a triumphant yell that was echoed back by the other militants in the room. Sayaka rolled her eyes; they were acting like all of this was fun.

Another group walked through the door and Sayaka turned to see who it was. She saw Kaoru and the rest of his squad and searched the crowd for Akiko, but froze when she didn’t see her. A lump started to form in her stomach and she sucked in her bottom lip. Balling her hands into the fists she glared at Kaoru as he threw an arm around a random beach girl.

“Don’t do anything stupid.” Sayaka turned around as Chishiya walked up to her.

“I wasn’t.”

“That’s the face you made during the executive meeting before you snapped,” he pointed out. Sayaka felt her cheeks heating up again and turned to look at Kaoru as he whispered into the girl’s ear making her giggle.

“She’s dead, and he’s acting like she didn’t even matter…” She whispered.

“That’s because she didn’t.”

She swung her head around to glare at Chishiya, “how can you say she didn’t matter? She was the only reason I survived the 6 of diamonds. She deserved to live more than that waste of space!”

“She didn’t make it. There’s no point in being upset about it. She’s gone, she doesn’t matter now,” he said firmly giving her a hard look, “if you want to survive Sayaka you’re going to have to start letting go of the people who can’t make it on their own.”

She stared at him. That was the first time he’d said her name. It was like all of the blood in her veins froze solid, but there was a fluttering in her stomach that made her want to vomit. She drew in a long shaky breath and pushed the feeling in her stomach deep down, “then why didn’t you let me fall?”

Sayaka didn’t wait for him to answer and turned walking out of the lobby leaving him standing alone. A smirk curled his lips as Chishiya dropped his head letting out a breathy laugh, and put his headphones back in his ears.

#stuck in borderland #alice in borderland #Alice in borderland oc #chishiya x oc #I'm trying not to make these really long #but I have so many scenes and things I want to add #Now the real angsty stuff is coming up

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atleasttheresthis · 4 years

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Project Partners (Song x Katara)

Happy day two of ATLA wlw week! This one is for the academia AU.

content warning: alcohol

@atla-wlw-week

"So, in conclusion, you and your partner will research one new surgical or oncological technique from the last five years on any of the cancer types I've included here. You'll have three weeks to complete the project." Professor Pakku pauses, lifts his eyes from his notes and turns them on the horde of bleary eyed, eight am lecture suckers in front of him. "Any questions?"

Song, who is just as tired and out of it as the rest of her classmates at 8:30 on a Monday, studies the powerpoint slide in front of her, struggling to write down all the project requirements before Professor Pakku moves on from the assignment and starts the day's lecture.

"Before you ask, Taedo," the Professor is saying from the front of the room, "no, I will not accept any late papers. If you would have read the syllabus I distributed at the beginning of the semester instead of no-doubt chucking into the garbage as I'm sure you did, you would know my policy on late assignments."

Song grins to herself as Taedo slumps down in his seat. Pakku is something of a hardass, but since Song mostly keeps to herself and stays out of his way, she's never had a problem with him. Besides, his course on cancer treatment was super popular among the pre-med and nursing students. It would take a lot more than verbal abuse to get Song to give up her seat in the course. She needed the elective to finish her third year of the nursing program at Ba Singh Se University, and since she wanted to work at a cancer ward after graduating, this course was practically a requirement.

From the front row, Katara pipes up. "You could just put the syllabus online."

Pakku sighs, rubs the bridge of his nose while Song rolls her eyes. For the entire semester, Katara seems to have made it her mission to make the Professor's life difficult, and it drives Song crazy.

"I suppose I could, but my ancient and old-fashioned ways make it quite difficult for me to use the computer, or so you told me in class last week." Even from her spot in the middle of the room, Song can hear Katara harumph.

"Any other questions?" Professor Pakku asks, then sighs when Katara shoves her hand into the air. "Yes, Katara?"

"I've noticed you didn't include the breast as part of the infected areas we could study," she begins, but the professor interrupts her.

"Yes, thank you for proving, yet again, that you know how to read," Pakku says easily. Song winces. Lately she’s found herself unable to focus in this class, devoting her energy instead to either silently cheering on Professor Pakku in his misguided quest to get Katara to be quiet for more than five minutes so he can teach, or silently (always silently) commending Katara as she points out Pakku’s rampant sexism. Their relationship confuses the shit out of her, and while right now she finds herself inclined to defend the student (because wow, that was a really asshole thing to say, Professor), she thinks both of them go way too far.

Either way, it’s threatening to wreak havoc on her GPA.

Unaffected by Pakku’s rudeness, Katara presses the point. “That’s sexist,” she says bluntly, and Song finds herself nodding. “We should be able to study whatever cancers we want to. Just because you want to ignore all the stuff that only affects women doesn’t mean we want to.” She stops for a moment, considers. “Also, will we be able to pick our own partners?"

Pakku seems to have lost his temper. "You know what, just for that, everyone else gets to pick their partners, except for you. You will be paired with," he stops, consults the class list on his podium. "Song Ma."

Um, what? Song lets out a breath, unable to believe her shit luck. Everyone in the course turns around to stare at each other, wondering who the unlucky girl is until they catch Song's face. She knows she's got a completely disbelieving, what the fuck look on, so much so that Pakku actually smiles when his eyes catch hers. He gives her a small shrug, evil grin totally upstaging his non-apology. "Good luck," he adds helpfully.

Katara sniffs, turns back around in her chair. Song resigns herself to the inevitable. It's obvious there's no getting out of this one.

***

Song finds Katara waiting in the hallway after class. Slugging her backpack over one shoulder, Song steps forward and introduces herself. "Hi. I'm Song." She briefly considers holding out a hand, then stops herself, raising it to stifle a yawn instead.

"I know," Katara says snobbishly. Jesus, this is going to be like pulling teeth, isn't it? Biting back a rude reply in kind, Song asks "do you have any ideas for what you want to research?"

"I want to research the use of dye to identify positive lymph nodes in breast cancer patients," Katara says immediately, and Song sighs. "Look, I know you're apparently cool with being on Pakku's bad side, but I don't need a shitty grade on this report because you can't pick your battles and have to stick it to the man whenever you have the chance." Katara looks a bit surprised by her outburst. Whatever. Song's grade is on the line, she's not going to risk it for some girl with a death wish, even if she is really pretty, skin somehow looking shiny and gorgeous even under the fluorescent lights of the hallway.

"I'll talk to Pakku," Katara offers begrudgingly. "See if he'll officially allow us to go beyond the project parameters."

"Fine, go ahead," Song relinquishes. Katara hadn't asked if she had any ideas, but whatever. "Your funeral."

Katara cracks a smile. "Is that okay, or did you want to research something else?"

Song is so surprised by Katara's thoughtfulness, by her apparent ability to reach into Song's head and pluck out her inner monologue, that she merely shakes her head. That's alright, though. Lymph nodes are fascinating enough.

"Cool," Katara says. "I'll swing by his office hours today and let you know how it goes." Song nods, watches Katara walk away, and realizes she never even gave the other girl her phone number.

Oh well. They have three weeks to work it out, and she'll see Katara in class on Wednesday.

Song shrugs to herself, walks out of the biology department toward the squashy chairs on the ground floor of the science building to get some reading done before her next class.

Later that day, when she's studying with her housemate Bohei after lunch, an email pops up on her phone.

Hey Song,

I talked to Pakku, he'll let us do the breast cancer project without deducting anything from our grade.

Let's find a time to talk soon so we can figure out how we should divide the work. I can handle the research part of it if you want to handle the conclusion and summary.

-Katara

Song is furious. Why is Katara relegating her to the easy stuff? Doesn't she think Song can do good work?

"What's wrong?" Bohei, one of her housemates, asks from across the table. Song reads her the email. "Isn't that the stuck up girl that's always getting into fights with the professor? Sucks that you're paired with her."

"The professor put us together," Song explains. "Ugh. Why won't she let me do the work on this project? I'm smart, I can handle a research paper!"

"I actually think you're in a golden situation," Bohei says, reaching over to snag a few of Song's chips from an open bag on the table. "Just let her do all the work, if she cares about it so much you'll probably get a good grade, free A for the project."

Song shakes her head. "No, I want to help, I can do it. Why doesn't she think I can help?"

"Why do you care?" Bohei counters, raising an eyebrow. A great question, but Song is not in the mood for self-reflection.

"I, I don't," Song splutters. "I don't care, I just, I just don't think it's fair that she's doing all the work alone! And besides, how do I know she'll do a good job?"

"Okay," Bohei says, giving Song a look that says she knows what a flimsy excuse that is. Why does Song care what Katara thinks of her? She's just some know-it-all who can't leave well enough alone. Song emails her back, tells her she's free for dinner, and gets a reply a few minutes later that Katara will meet her at the dining hall. Song tries to push the other girl out of her mind, turning back to her chemistry notes.

It's no use. By the time dinner rolls around, Song is simmering with indignation over Katara's assumption that she couldn't help with the project. She packs up her stuff, trying to tune out Bohei's pointed questions (the other girl had gotten over her instinct to leave Song alone about it and has instead spent the rest of the afternoon asking if Song likes Katara, like, like-likes Katara???) and begrudgingly makes her way over to the dining hall. After swiping her school ID to get in, she sees Katara at a table with a plate of food. Sighing, resigning herself to a confrontation, Song heads over there, dropping her bag onto an empty seat.

"Hey," she says, monotone, and Katara looks up. "Hi," she says back, a bit startled, but Song's not exactly giving her the best attitude.

"How was your day," Song asks rhetorically, and Katara raises an eyebrow but whatever, Song is just being polite.

"It was okay," Katara answers, tossing some of her long brown hair over her shoulder. Song likes it this way, better than when she puts it in the long braid that snakes down her back. "How was yours?"

An awkward moment, where Song has lost herself staring at Katara's hair. She realizes the other girl has asked her a question, and gives herself a shake. "It was fine too," she answers quickly.

"Do you want to get a plate before we start working?" Katara asks.

Song agrees, gets up to scour the dining options for something to eat. She ends up with a bowl of pasta, some carrots, and a glass of water. Reaching Katara again and sitting back down, Song pulls her laptop and notebook out of her bag before spearing a piece of pasta and angrily throwing it into her mouth.

Katara, oblivious this time to her anger, has gotten out a laptop of her own. "So, I already made a google doc, I'm sharing it with you now," she says, and Song moves to check her email, loading the document on her screen. "Like I said, I can handle the research part and you can do the conclusion, is that okay?" Katara asks, not even looking up from her computer.

Song takes a deep breath. "No, it's not really okay," she answers in a rush. That makes Katara look up. "I can help with the research part too, I think I can handle it," she says drily. "I just don't think it's fair for you to do so much of the work," she tacks hurriedly, wanting Katara to think she's doing this for more noble reasons than wanting the other girl to think she's smart.

"Oh, it's okay, I don't mind doing the work," Katara brushes Song off, turning back to the laptop.

Song groans internally. "Katara. I can help. I want to do some of the work on this project, it's my grade too," she reminds her.

Katara looks at her skeptically. "Alright," she concedes finally. "Here, want to look over some of the sources I've already gathered?"

Song takes another bite, nodding. They spend the rest of the evening compiling journal articles and studies on the use of dye to identify positive and negative lymph nodes in the armpit. It's not half as bad as Song thought it might be, both girls are focused on the work, and after an hour and a half they have enough to start working on the paper. Song drafts a preliminary outline, which Katara approves of after making only one or two small changes, and then they call it a night, agreeing to meet up again later that week. Song packs up her bag feeling good, they got work done. And she's definitely proved to Katara that she's smart enough to hold her own. Not that she cares about any of that.

***

As the week goes on, Song finds herself enjoying her study sessions with Katara more than she'd like to admit. For all her sharp edges in class, she's surprisingly laid back when she talks with Song. She's got a sharp sense of humor, and the way she vivisects Pakku and some of the other asshole idiots in their class causes Song to nearly pitch a fit. About the work itself, she's pretty anal, but Song's own standards are exacting themselves, so it's not like she can complain.

They meet again on Wednesday, but it's on Friday that Katara tells her that she's pre-med and plans to become a breast cancer surgeon. Her mother died of breast cancer, and she wants to work so other people don't suffer like she did. It only seems natural to tell her about her father's fatal car accident, in turn.

"Is that why you want to become a nurse?" Katara asks quietly. She doesn't say she's sorry, and neither does Song. What good would that do?

Song blows out a breath. "Maybe?" she offers. "I don't know. I just know that I'm good at this, I'm good at helping people when they're hurt, and if I can do it, shouldn't I?"

Katara nods. "I understand," she says, and Song gets the feeling that she really does.

***

By Friday night it becomes obvious to both Song and, unfortunately, Song's housemates, that their girl is quickly becoming enraptured with Katara. "What do I do?" Song moans into a chocolate chip cookie that D'wei made to cheer her up.

"I thought she was annoying," he asks, topping up his glass of cheap, Barefoot wine, before handing the bottle to Song.

"No, she's still annoying," Bohei chimes in. The three are sitting in their kitchen, Bohei painting her nails at the table and Song in the chair next to her while D'wei perches himself on the countertop.

"But she's annoying in a hot way," Song whines. She gives herself a generous glass of wine, her third of the evening, then slumps over the table, cheek pressed against the wood.

"Haven't you only met with her like, twice?" D'wei asks. Song opens her mouth to respond, but Bohei beats her to it.

"D'wei, come on. Song's a, you know," and she holds her wrist at shoulder height and bends it so her arm flops over.

Song chuckles, face mashed into the table.

"A what?" D'wei asks, and Bohei rolls her eyes.

"A lesbian," Song mumbles. "Exactly," Bohei says, nudging Song's head with her elbow. "Falling in love inside thirty seconds, that's classic lesbian behavior, you should know that."

"That's our M.O.," Song agrees. "Song's done that four times in the past year and half," Bohei continues.

"And once with a boy, but we don't talk about that," Song says. "But Katara's different, I can tell."

"She's stupid beautiful, I'll give you that," Bohei adds, capping her nail polish and blowing on her nails to dry.

"I know," Song grumbles, shoving the rest of the cookie in her mouth. "How do I tell her I like her?"

Bohei shrugs. "You could play 'girl in red' while you guys study, that will probably clue her in," D'wei suggests.

Song wrinkles her nose. "Too obvious," she answers. "Japanese Breakfast, then?" he asks.

Song thinks on it. "That one might work, actually."

"Hope so, or else you'll just have to pine from afar," Bohei stands up, blowing on her nails to dry them. "Or grow a pair and tell her you like her. Are we watching a movie or not?"

"We're watching," D'wei says decidedly, while Song moans, hopping off the counter and pulling Song into the living room by the wrist. "Don't worry, we'll watch something that's not about romance so you won't feel bad."

Song scoffs but settles herself on the couch between them nonetheless. D'wei's assurance turns out to be a complete lie, and they watch Pride and Prejudice, but whatever, Song's totally not thinking about Katara while the movie plays.

"Hey, Song, do you want Katara to stroll determinedly toward you through the morning mist wearing that exact unbuttoned shirt?"

Shifty silence from Song. "She does! D'wei, she does!"

"It would be super romantic," Song mumbles.

"Holy shit! Dude, you'd better tell her how you feel, or your ovaries will shrivel up!"

Eye roll. "I'm pretty sure you can only say that about people with dicks, Bohei, it's not like Katara's going to get me pregnant."

"But you want her to!"

***

On Friday, the week after their project was assigned, Song blinks the rain out of her eyes, holds her phone to her chest to keep it relatively dry under her bowed head and stares blearily at Google maps. Picking her head up she squints at the street signs, turns left, and then finally spots a sign saying "The Jasmine Dragon" above what looks like a small but cozy shop across the street. Grateful to have finally found the place, after trekking halfway across the city. Song had finished her exam earlier than expected, and with her and Katara's project deadline coming ever closer, she'd texted the other girl to see if she had any free time to work on it right now. Katara had agreed, saying she was studying with some friends at a place called the Jasmine Dragon. So here Song is.

Hurrying into the shop, Song relaxes after getting out of the rain, pulls the hood of her jacket down and snakes her braid out from where it's pressed uncomfortably between her backpack and her shoulder blades. The Jasmine Dragon tea shop is well-lit against the downpour, filled with comfortable armchairs dotting the room in twos and threes, with one long table at the back of the shop. Seated at the table are a few people working quietly by themselves, along with Katara and what must be her friends, working not at all quietly. Katara is sitting next to a boy who looks enough like her to be her brother, along with two people Song doesn't recognize, a boy with a completely bald head and shorter girl next to him. And--

"You!" Song shouts, then looks around herself, embarrassed, as she realizes how loud that was. Blushing a bit, she takes two sharp strides toward the table and says "you!" again, in a much smaller voice.

The boy on Katara's other side, with a nasty burn scar across his face and a Jasmine Dragon employee apron on, mutters "oh, shit," under his breath.

Katara is looking at Song, confused. "Hey Song, this is Zuko. How do you--"

"You're the asshole who stole my bike!" Song says angrily. Bike thief, whose name is apparently Zuko, goes bright red.

The shorter girl across from him lets out a laugh. "Oh man, Zuzu, you have the worst luck!"

"Shut up, Toph," Zuko mutters, eyes anywhere but on Song.

Katara lets out a long-suffering sigh. "Just once," she says, "just once, I would love it if someone recognized you from something nice you did for them, instead of whatever dick move you pulled."

"Never gonna happen, sweet sister!" The boy next to her crows happily. "Our Zuko was an asshole in a previous life!"

"Last year was a previous life?" The bald boy says, half-serious, and then high fives Katara's brother uncertainly.

"Fuck all of you," Zuko says. "He's doing his best," the shorter girl says dramatically, then slugs Zuko in the arm.

"Wait," the bald kid says, turning to address Song. "Are you sure it was him?"

"Yes," Song says through clenched teeth, "I saw him leave a party at my house on my bike last year!"

It was one of the only parties Song and her housemates had thrown that semester. From what she can remember, Song spent a good portion of the evening trying to get close to the moody boy who was drinking alone in her kitchen. She had definitely tried to flirt with him, she remembers, cheeks going red, before Bohei had pulled her away to do shots. At the end of the night Song had passed out on their living room sofa. She woke up some time before morning at the sound of the door closing to see the moody boy, who was definitely Zuko, pick the lock on her bike and ride away on it, but she was too drunk to realize what had happened. In the morning, it was too late. Nobody else seemed to remember the boy, and she had no luck finding it.

Back in the tea shop, the bald boy is trying to defend Zuko. "That doesn't sound like something Zuko would do," the kid says, a bit soothingly.

"No, it does," Katara counters. The shorter girl nods while Zuko hangs his head.

"Yeah, that was me." He admits. "Look, I'm really sorry. I...was in a bad place that year, and I was super drunk, and--"

"Yeah, whatever, " Song says, uncomfortable with his honesty. "Are you going to give it back or not?"

"Of course he's going to give it back," the bald kid says enthusiastically. Song wonders who died and made him group spokesperson.

"Wait, do you even still have it?" the other girl asks. Song notices that she hasn't been making eye contact or even turning her head to look at anyone talking. She catches eye of the cane lying next to the girl's chair and realizes she must be blind.

"Yeah," Zuko says uncomfortably. "I woke up the next morning and, I, uh, didn't know what to do with it? So I just...kept it in the garage." He runs a hand through his hair uncomfortably. "It's still there."

Song, who has dropped her bag to the floor and started peeling off her jacket, throws up her hands. "You haven't even been using it?"

Zuko coughs. "No?"

"Ugh!" Song shouts, furious that he didn't even seem to need the bike.

"Look, I'll, I'll bring over to your place tomorrow," Zuko says placatingly, standing up. Song shoves past him and falls into his empty chair. "Yeah, maybe you should have tried doing that eight months ago, when you drunk-stole it from me," she deadpans, before turning to Katara. "Are we working on our project or not?"

Katara looks like she wants to keep laughing at Zuko's expense, but stops herself when she sees Song's face. "Uh, yeah, sure. Guys, this is Song, from my biology class. Song, this is Aang, Toph, and my brother Sokka." She points to the bald kid, the girl, and the dark-skinned boy next to her in turn. "You already know Zuko."

Song grits her teeth. "Song, I--" he starts helplessly.

"Zuko!" Someone calls from the back of the shop. "A little help back here?" From behind her, Song hears Zuko sigh. "I'll see you guys later," he says, before walking away. "Let us know if anyone else accuses you of something awful!" Sokka calls out after him gleefully.

"Or if something else from your dark past comes up to bite you in the ass! I want to start a facebook album!" Toph adds, and Song snickers, despite herself.

"Sorry about Zuko," Katara says carefully. "He was in a really bad place last year."

"So I've heard," Song says drily, fishing out her notebook and a pen.

"I'll make sure he gives you the bike back," Sokka offers. Song nods minutely.

"Why don't you guys get out of here," Katara says after a moment. "It's not like you're getting any work done."

Sokka opens his mouth, clearly affronted, but Song beats him to it. "No, you guys don't have to go, it's okay," she starts, but Aang catches onto Katara's meaning and has started packing up his stuff.

"No, Katara's right, we'd just waste your time," he says easily. "Come on, Sokka, Toph, we can study at my place."

Sokka sighs dramatically, but helps Toph get all her stuff together nonetheless. "Ugh, fine." Then he shoots his sister a sharp grin. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Katara splutters indignantly while Toph cackles. Song can’t even begin to guess what that means. “Nice to meet you, Song!” Aang calls over his shoulder before tailing Toph and Sokka out of the shop.

Song raises an eyebrow in Katara’s direction. “Ignore my idiot brother,” she says hastily, dark skin growing rosy with a blush. Maybe Song does know what that means.

“Do you want something to drink?” Katara continues quickly. “The weather is so shit outside, a hot drink will probably make you feel better.”

“I’m studying to be a nurse, Katara,” Song says, rolling her eyes but letting a grin escape so the other girl knows she’s playing. katara’s face lights up as she sticks her nose in the air. “Well, I’m studying to be a doctor, so I don’t know what they cover in nursing school.” She gets out of her chair and flounces towards the counter.

“You don’t even know what I want,” Song says half-heartedly, eyes on Katara’s ass. “You’ll like what I get you,” she says airily, half-turning to catch Song in the act of looking. Song blushes again, but boldly meets Katara’s eyes. The other girl smirks, before turning to the woman at the counter and rattling off something Song can’t hear.

When Katara returns a few minutes later, steaming mug of tea in her hand, Song has unpacked her laptop and is half-looking over the work they’d done so far. She passes the mug to Song. “Thanks,” she says gratefully, warming her hands against the bright red ceramic of the mug. “How did you guys find this place?” She asks, fighting off a yawn. Holding onto the warm tea has suddenly reminded her how tired she is.

Katara takes the seat across from her, picking up her own cup. “Zuko’s uncle owns it,” she explains. “Zuko’s really sorry about your bike, I know he is,” she says earnestly, casting a glance across the shop at him moving around in the back. “He went through a lot in the past year, he used to be such an asshole, even to us,” she adds. “But he’s alright now.”

Song doesn’t know what to say, can’t quite believe her, so she takes a sip of her tea instead. “Oh, it is good,” she said, surprised. Katara smiles in satisfaction. “Uncle Iroh thought you were a fruit tea girl, but I told him different. Guess I was right.”

It’s cheesy, it’s so, so high school, but Song’s stomach flutters at the idea of Katara knowing what sort of tea she’d like. It's got her tongue tied, but Katara saves her by asking about her day.

“It was good,” she answers. “I finished my international relations exam early, that’s why I texted you that I had time.”

“Well look at you, smartypants," Katara says, and Song scoffs. They spend the rest of the afternoon like that, sort of but not really working on their project, until Sokka comes back to pick up Katara and gives Song a ride back to her apartment.

"See you tomorrow!" Katara calls through the car's open window. Song shoots her a confused look. "When Zuko and I come to return your bike!" She reminds her. Song agrees, but doesn't think anything will come of it, which is why she's so surprised to open her apartment door at eight o'clock the next morning to see Zuko and Katara in her doorway, bike in hand.

"Good morning!" Katara says triumphantly, and Song stares. Katara, she, she looks so incredible Song can hardly believe it. Her hair is perfect and shiny, and she looks like she's wearing extra eye makeup. Zuko, meanwhile, looks like how Song feels, bedraggled in comparison. "Told you we'd bring you the bike!" Katara says excitedly, while Zuko yawns next to her. "Here, here you go," he says, steering the bike into Song's apartment. "Uh, thanks," Song answers slowly, leaving the bike by the door.

"Put your shoes on, we're taking you for breakfast," Katara instructs, and before she realizes what's happening Song finds herself in the back of Zuko's car, sitting next to Katara and behind a girl Song vaguely knows from one of her politics courses last semester, who Zuko introduces as his girlfriend. Song thinks Mai is way too cool a girl for someone like Zuko, but keeps her mouth shut.

"Go to the diner on fifth," Katara instructs, and in front of Song Mai scoffs. "No way, their coffee is garbage."

"All diner coffee is garbage," Zuko offers from behind the wheel, and behind him Katara says "I want pancakes. We went to your shitty coffee shop last time."

"It's not shitty, you just don't appreciate aesthetics," Mai sniffs.

"It's overly minimalist and their cake is bad," Katara says bluntly, before turning to Song. "What do you want to do?"

Song blinks, slightly overwhelmed at being thrust into this dynamic of people who were clearly comfortable in each others' lives. But also, it's early, so: "I want to eat eggs."

"Diner it is, you're outvoted, Mai!" Katara crows happily.

"You didn't ask me what I wanted," Zuko protests, already steering the car in the direction of the diner. "We know you're happy with either one," Mai explains.

"Always happy when I'm with you," he says to Mai, and Song can see his face in profile, he's offering Mai a small smile. Mai meets him halfway and gives him a quick kiss.

"Eyes on the road," Katara interrupts, pulling a face to make Song laugh in the backseat. It occurs to her that this might be something of a double date.

And it's definitely a date, she realizes, or she hopes, because Katara has squeezed herself next to Song onto the vinyl covered cushion of the diner booth, and keeps knocking her knees into Song and, once, even holding her thigh flush against Song's. She eats off Song's plate with no remorse, encourages Song to do the same to her, and quietly flirts with Song for most of the meal. It's enough to give Song a pleasant whooping feeling in her gut that lasts the whole day.

The restaurant environment is certainly helping, Song loves diners. The way they all sort of look the same, the ridiculously long menus, the poor lighting, all of it. It's her and her mother's favorite place to go, and when she lived at home they used to go there almost every day, even if it was just for a cup of bad coffee. Song feels at home here, which is why she loves the diner so much.

Besides Katara's flirting, Song actually has a good time enjoying Mai and Zuko's company. Maybe he really was a different person when he stole her bike and ignored her at her own party, because now he's making an effort to include her in the conversation, filling in the gaps into which she might have fallen, being the odd one out in a group of friends who knew each other so well.

"We went to school together first," Zuko is explaining, gesturing to himself and Mai. "A different school, actually, one our parents wanted to go to. It was really close to our hometown. Caldera College."

"Our parents are in business together," Mai says. "Well, my father works for his father."

"And my father wanted me and my younger sister, Azula, to work for him too. But that, uh, didn't work out…" his hand moves to the scar on his face, and Song stifles a wince. "So I left the old school and came here. Well…"

"His Dad cut him off," Katara butts in. "But it was actually a good thing, here I met these guys." Zuko says with a small smile.

"Didn't start off as a good thing," Katara mutters, and here Zuko blushes, tilts his face to the table. "Yeah, those were my uh, my bike stealing years," he grimaces another apology at Song.

Katara yelps, it seems like Mai has kicked her under the table. "But we're good now," she adds brightly.

"Like I have to keep reminding you," Zuko says, raising his eyebrows, and now it's Katara's turn to look chagrined. Song wonders at their need to air their dirty laundry in public.

"And then I decided fuck my parents' business and followed Zuko here," Mai declares, setting her hand on top of Zuko's.

Song nods. It's a lot to process. "What about your sister?" she asks, wondering if this is the right question.

Maybe not. The emotion runs from Mai's face like colors in the wash, her mouth settles into a dull line. Zuko sighs, and, next to Song, Katara huffs out a breath. "We're working on her," Katara explains.

"My Dad was working her to the bone, putting way too much pressure on her after I left," Zuko says. "Especially after I left," he adds to himself, and on the table Mai squeezes his hand. "She snapped, dropped out," Mai picks up from him. "We're trying to make sure she gets the help she needs."

"That's really hard, I'm sorry you have to go through that," Song offers, and Zuko nods. "She'll be okay," he says, face determined.

An awkward pause, but the first of the meal and the plates are nearly clean, so that's a success. "You don't have any siblings, right Song?" Katara asks.

"Mm-mm," Song shakes her head. "Just me and my mom," and Katara nods, which she was expecting, but then Zuko does too, and maybe they have more in common than she'd thought.

"Mai has a younger brother," Katara volunteers, and Mai rolls her eyes but tells them an adorable story about Tom Tom regardless.

"That was...nice," Song says truthfully, when they've dropped her back at her place and she's got Katara on her doorstep.

"They're alright, huh? I thought you'd like them," Katara says happily.

Song, feeling warm and full of eggs and lukewarm coffee, has the confidence to say "maybe they're not the only ones I like," eyes catching Katara's before dropping to her doorstep.

"Yeah," Katara says softly, hand reaching towards hers. "I--"

She's cut off by the sound of the horn. Katara turns and Song sees that Mai's got a hand on the horn while Zuko sits by looking pained. Katara gives them the finger before turning back to Song. "I like you t--"

The horn again. "Katara, let's go!" Mai shouts, and Katara rolls her eyes and Song smiles. "I'll see you at our next study session?" she offers.

"Yeah," Katara says, looking relieved, "I'll see you then." She waved goodbye, bounds off the porch toward the car, opens the back door while yelling "jesus christ, Mai, I'm here, calm down."

Song unlocks the door of her house, still smiling, and heads inside.

***

Katara and Song meet, one last time, to go over the paper. It takes them ages, both of them are deliberately dragging it out. They go through it one line at a time, taking turns reading the paragraph aloud and double, triple checking the references. When it's finally over, i's crossed and t's dotted, Katara's hand hovers over the trackpad of her laptop, mouse on the 'submit' button. "Are we ready?" she asks one more time.

"You're sure it's cool with Pakku if we do breast cancer?" Song clarifies, and Katara scoffs. "Oh, actually Song, I forgot to tell you, he's not cool with it and we're going to fail. Whoops!"

"Okay, okay," Song laughs. "We're ready, do it."

Katara takes a deep breath, clicks the trackpad. Project over.

"It's in the lap of the gods now," Song comments, and Katara nods, shutting her computer.

"Now what should we do?" she asks, and for the first time she's almost shy. It's utterly adorable, the light blush under her eyes, and Song steals herself and says "well, I'd like to kiss you now."

Katara stiffens beside her. "You should definitely do that," she says hastily, and Song laughs, reaches up slide her hand into Katara's hair and leans in, catching her lips.

It's perfect. Katara tastes like everything Song had imagined plus more. When she pulls back Katara chases her lips. "I think you should give that another go," she murmurs, and Song laughs again, happy to oblige.

It's even better the second time. They kiss for a while, lazy, and afterward, when they're resting their foreheads against each other, Katara speaks up.

"I think I'm going to take you on a proper date," she muses.

"I'd like that," Song answers happily. "Yeah?"

"Yeah."

#kira writes #avatar the last airbender #song #katara #song x katara #zuko #mai #zuko x mai #atla wlw week #atla #college au

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notwhoiwanttobeyet · 3 years

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tumblr journal [1]

NOTE: hi pLeasE don’t read this. this is just a way of coping with my mental illnesses. this is completely unedited, highly personal and i stRonGLy advise you look away. i hope you’re having a good day! happy holidays :)

also don’t mind the spotify links along the way; just some songs i almost or did cry to while writing this

tw: suicidal thoughts, anxiety attacks, (breast) cancer

hey tumblr,

it’s been a while since i’ve really vented. a lot of us use tumblr as a copying mechanism (me included) and i think it’s important i evaluate my current situation and break things down.

https://open.spotify.com/track/1WVunZLZM2zLTm5rAvKZkF?si=a94u_JAsRX2VCWOD6z4l-Q

exam season is over; i’m on summer break. and that’s great. no more school. no more exams and assignments and testing and all that FUCKING BULLSHIT THAT THE SYSTEM PUTS US THROUGH. i’m sorry, i’m trying to stay calm but it’s so fuckiNg hard. i’m literally going to cry i- so yeah, as we know, towards the end of the year school fucked me over and i really, reaLLY, REALLY wanted to die. so when school finished i was like “oh i must be all good now, right?” but i wasn’t. i was left feeling so numb, to be completely honest (and cliche).

then i got sick which was soooo fucked. apparently a lot of people who went to our small friend kris kringle gathering got sick which sucks but because i spent so much of this year in isolation, i forgot what it felt like to be sick and oh bOY it fucking sucked. i over exaggerated because i’m sensitive and wanted to die. i was sick for like a week and my parents quarantined me because my mum is recovering from a breast cancer surgery and couldn’t afford to get sick so i was like locked in my room- on my own- which yeah, i do anyway but this felt sooo different. this felt like, completely fuckEd because my parents were wearing masks around the house and would leave food in my doorway, etc. i felt like a complete MONSTER to the people i love. i also obviously couldn’t hug them or anything, leaving me touch starved and ugh- it just wasn’t a great experience.

also my mum is recovering fine and stuff but it’s an emotional fucking time for everyone and i’m so stupid i haven’t told anyone about my mum being sick and all. like people don’t ask why i’m acting up because i’m ALWAYS acting up. i’m always sensitive and angry and having mood swings. that’s just me, being mentally ill. so no one asks why i’m worried. my mum has/had BREAST CANCER- brooo. she’s had one surgery which went well and will most likely have to have chemo and/or radiation in the coming year. we get the results back after christmas. so that’s a thing.

i have a secure group of friends which i’ve always wanted, but it doesn’t feel right. it never feels right. like today the three of us went shopping and THEY WENT CRAZY- i was so stressed and had literally like 6 different mental breakdowns in the 2 hours we were out. they were bumping into people, running around, trying on every item of clothing ironically in every store. that shit stresses me out. and there’s nothing wrong with that- they’re good people and they’re not doing anything wrong really - it’s just normal teenage stuff. but i’m note normal, i’m super anxious and everyone was looking at us and it made me sooo uncomfortable. like- i could elaborate more but thinking about it hurts. i felt like i was their mum or something, shepherding them around and making sure they didn’t break anything else. they- UGH// they broke a perfume bottle and rudely ran away from a teacher i have a good reputation with. like i said, they’re just normal teenagers but it fucks me up. it’s not them, it’s me. on the bright side i saw this same lesbian couple i saw the other day again :) i never see wlw or mlm couples in public really so it makes me soo happy when i see them :) i also saw this girl in an unnus annus hoodie and i was gonna say something but i’m too *anxious* so i just stared at her until she looked at me weirdly and i ran out of the store. oH and there was a girl in an mcr shirt ahh-- she was really pretty but i was too busy running it was a whole thing like my mum was coming to pick me up and i had 10 minutes so i ran up from one end of the mall to the other and then upstairs to this store to but this fucking wonderwomen shirt and then i had to run all the way back and i’m not the most athletic to say the least and i wanted to CRY but yeah. what did i learn today? people aren’t for me. friends aren’t for me. and again i know i’m built to be alone.

https://open.spotify.com/track/7wTqEW5nrMhvyEhEyTnOMd?si=ata2BwOPQji3twov9wTZWg

i’m really thirsty. ew not like tha- i fucking hate society

cinnamon rolls not gender rolls. wait my friend got that on a poster let me see if i can find it,,,

yeah here it is ^^^^

also: my hair. i’m so happy having it the length it is but mAn i just- i just- i hate myself lol. like i don’t know what else to say. i think i’m ugly and every time i look in the mirror i want to cry, and it’s going to be like that forever so i need to just except that. i am ugly, i hate myself. like- bro come on. it’s been like this forever and it’s going to continue to be like this forever so i need to stop fucking crying over it.

https://open.spotify.com/track/05JtBVWRtSzqLoj7jj30kn?si=30W4pt7dT8G3cbzaUMqldw

oh my god this song i’m about to cry. this is what i want. why can’t i just be- not me!!!

these past few days i’ve literally been playing minecraft bed wars all day. like all day. and it was okay but now my eyes hurt and my head hurts and my hands hurt and i hate myself and everything hurts.

also- music doesn’t feel right. it’s been like this for a while now, it’s getting better though. before i couldn’t listen to any music at all - now i’ve been listening to kid krow on repeat : )

god bless you, conan. my number one song currently is *cough* E-GIRLS ARE RUINING MY LIFE (which they are btw) which is- fucking terrifying and funny at the same time. i genuinely like CORPSE though- i’ve watched every among us stream and i love his songs- in the past i would have considered myself a simp (?) maybe (?) but i had a nightmare about it and i can’t awifjisenf simp no more. i still appreciate him, i just- had an awakening.

sexuality crises also suck a whole bunch. there was a 1-2 day phase a few weeks ago where i was low key PRAYING to be a lesbian lmfao. like it sounds stupid but i was crying over that shit. background info: no i’m not one of those straight girls, i’m a bisexual female who’s almost a full on raging homosexual except i am attracted to men. and i wish i wasn’t, believe me when i say that. but i have realised i am bi so it’s okay. i thought i was a lesbian and awilfjnawr labels but no, i am slightly attracted to men sometimes. but to answer your question if i am lucky enough my future wife and i will be married and living in a cottage.

ugh. life. bru h i’m actually a train wreck- i had an anxiety attack crying trying to find my childhood tinkerbelle and friends dolls the other night. and then to make matters worse, i found them in a box with a whole bunch of other dolls in the same box including StRawBerrY ShoRtCaKe doLLs and i smelt my stawberry shortcake doll hesitantly while crying and she still smelled like her strawberry scent and i was DEAD.

https://open.spotify.com/track/1F6IbA7di42uPc3cff8PXV?si=COKcG_UbQh-GhKYJ5vtIgg

ugh. so this has been my update so far. oh wait-

christmas. holy shit how is it christmas. i want dEatH like. reasons why i’m sad for christmas: it doesn’t feel like christmas so i feel like i’m not going to enjoy it, i’ve had no motivation to clean my room so the contents of my wardrobe is all over my floor because i was mid resorting the drawers when i got sick, i’ve wanted to ask for doc martens and my chemicals romance + other artists’ merch all year but i have SEVERE ANXIETY so of course i didn’t and now my parents have gone and bought me a new phone or something which of course i’m grateful for but my iphone 6s works just fine. it’s a waste of money which we need at the moment but because i’m too anxious i didn’t ask for anything this year so my parents have just chosen to spoil me and- aW SHIT! i can’t=

anyway so that’s my bullcrap life. i mean my bullshit rant. am i glad i did this? yes. do i feel any better? kinDa? i don’t know okay. what am i going to do now? i don’t know. probably lie on the floor and drown in self pity in hopes of melting into the abyss. i might read my book which i’ve yet to finish. maybe reading can be my knew things, seeing as i have zero hobbies. i read like once in a blue moon.

this is it for now, good luck, future me.

sincerely,

jordan ♡

https://open.spotify.com/track/7B3z0ySL9Rr0XvZEAjWZzM?si=HyWPKutjRTuPumafim7_Vw

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lizzylucky · 5 years

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Dump Post - Frustrated With College. Ugh.

You know what? College sucks. I mean, it doesn’t suck. I love my college. I love my classes, and my professors, and my home, and the fascination I find in learning new things. But they overload us with work. If I miss a day I have twice as much work to do on my own. If I put off one assignment, I won’t be able to understand any of the following assignments and will be unable to complete those ones properly. The bad grades and tardiness and missed classes beget each other and become exponentially worse with every week that passes. If you start falling behind, it becomes harder and harder to convince yourself that it’s worth doing the work, and it can become next to impossible to actually get caught up.

Then you feel guilty and stressed out doing anything at all that isn’t school related. Went to bed before 2 am? How irresponsible of me, I should have worked longer on homework. Watched an episode on Netflix while I ate lunch? I shouldn’t have! I could have finished my food in half the time and started homework sooner! Drew a picture or wrote a short story instead of finishing that essay? That was wrong! That was so stupid! Now I’m out of time to get it done in time!

So eventually you get this mindset of “I cannot do anything stress-relieving or self-caring or hobby-practicing at all.” Once you stop doing things that help your physical and mental health to clear up time, you become tired and stressed out and run down so quickly it’s ridiculous. Even when you have an abundance of time, you find yourself sitting there doing absolutely nothing. You’re not drawing or reading or watching TV or eating junk food or talking to friends, but you’re not doing homework either. You’re staring at a wall or making something up in your head, or doing anything else.

So you’re exhausted, mentally unwell, and falling further and further behind on homework every minute. Once it hits you that trying to clear your time does nothing for your homework, you decide doing something is better than doing nothing and might strike up some inspiration to work. But you don’t have the energy to. You can’t pay attention to what the characters are doing on your screen, or you can’t think of anything creative to do, you can’t convince yourself that it’s worth it to go take a bubble bath or to make yourself some food that takes effort to make.

And if you’re me, what this all means is that you start the semester confidently, but now you’re sitting on a wobbly stool chair with dirty dishes piling up, garbage literally everywhere all around you, papers scattered on the counter in front of you, a dozen tabs open- Everything is a mess. My hair is sticking out every which way. I’m inconveniencing my roommates. I’ve made a mess and done nothing to clean it up. Half my classes are failing. I’m so far behind on homework I literally don’t even know where to start. Even as I try to get caught up I’m trying to do things for my mental health, but my time schedule has become so constricted that I don’t have the time to do things I’d like, I can’t make anything with the level of quality I’m aiming for, and in order to get both my homework and my hobbies all fit into a single day, I don’t have time to sleep.

I have to sacrifice either the things that make me happy, or the homework that is absolutely essential to me staying in school, and that choice is a hard one to make. I know I’m not the only one facing things like this, with anxiety around every corner and impending failure just ahead. I’m still trying. Some days I am convinced I will get things done and be okay and have time for study and hobbies, but it doesn’t always work that way. Most the time it doesn’t, actually. And it’s worse knowing that I’m overwhelmed because of Procrastination. It gets worse every week and we haven’t even reached our mid terms yet. It’s just gonna keep getting harder, which means I have to continue to sacrifice things I wish I could do until I have time for them.

And to anyone who’s just looking at this and going “you know what, me too.” Dude, you can get mad and cry and be frustrated and miserable while you work through your homework if you have to. I have no answers or solutions. Some times you have to sacrifice a day of school for some well needed rest, or take a Saturday to stay in and do whatever you feel like without obligating yourself to stuff so you don’t go insane. And that’s going to make your work load pile up higher and you’re gonna be kicking yourself for it. But it’ll keep building up and you’ll slow down and struggle to focus even more if you don’t pick and chose your days. Not everyone will struggle like this, but a lot of us will, and really the only thing we can do about it is keep trying.

Good luck.

#college #sucks #it doesn't but #we're all struggling #just needed to rant #kind of reached a stand still on my end #even though on the school's end i'm being flunked #feeling a little dissociative #but what else is new #good luck #to those of you in college

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vocallykaix · 6 years

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Lost and Found {3}

genre: mostly fluff, tad of angst??

requested: @tenjaehyunsehuntaemin

length: 2.1k words

pairing: Johnny Seo x Reader

summary: The best time of the week was the weekend when you can see your 4 year old niece but one close call led you to meeting a certain handsome man

You’d exchanged a few text with Young Ho through the week just getting to know each other better and talking about the plans for Saturday, you found he wasn’t a teacher, in fact he was a radio host and even had his own segment called Night Night or something.

Saturday rolled around quicker then you’d been ready for, before you knew it it was 7:30pm and you were cleaning your apartment like your life depended on it, you cursed yourself for not starting sooner but you’d had class and work so you barely had time to eat. Young Ho said he would be there at 8 and you were almost finished so you began to slow down thinking you had more then enough time to just sweep the floor but you spoke too soon. Just as you finished Sun Hee knocked over the cookie bowl while trying to grab one sending crumbs and broken ceramic everywhere “Don’t move!” You said a little too loudly as Sun Hee’s lip dropped and quivered “what, no I’m not shouting at you, it’s okay, I just don’t want you to hurt yourself on the broken pieces” you panicked. Apparently this wasn’t enough to convince Sun Hee as she started to sob at the top of her lungs. You rushed over and scooped her up, checking her feet for any cuts which lucky for you was all clear, the last thing you wanted was an injured toddler and your sister on your back.

Just as you got Sun Hee sat down there was a knock at the door, SHIT he’s early! “Sun Hee baby, stop crying for a minute, I’m not mad” you stroke her arm trying to comfort her but she just cried harder. You run your hands down your face and go and open the door. Young Ho’s smile dropped when he saw your face and heard the crying from inside “oh no, what happened?” You stepped aside letting him come in “well there’s the cookie jar and I accidentally raised my voice about her not hurting herself and now this” you waved your arms about motioning to everything that was going on.

“Wow... well I guess I’ll go in, wish me luck” he laughed as he made his way to Sun Hee and of course as soon as she saw him her crying stopped and she opened her arms and ran to him.

“Oppa!! Do you have Moanna?!”

“Of course! It’s in my bag” he said picking her up and spinning her. What a snake.

You clean up the mess careful not to leave anything out that she could brake or hurt herself with, before making your way to the sofa. Young Ho had put the movie in the player and just had it on pause “everyone ready? I brought snacks too" he reached into his bag and pulled out a bunch of snacks and settled them on the table in front of the couch.

“Thanks, You didn’t have to, There’s more in the kitchen if you want anything else, I’m just gonna get changed real quick, you can start without me” he nodded and sat on the couch pressing play.

You didn’t know what to wear! You wanted to be comfortable but not sloppy but you didn’t want to dress up because it would look weird if you dressed up while watching a movie in your own house! Would he even notice what you're wearing? It’s going to be dark anyways right? You sigh and just put some sweat pants on with a plain shirt and stomp out of your room. You wanted him to have a good impression of you, the last thing you want is a cute guy thinking your a slob but from how you looked the past two encounters you guess that was already out of the the window.

You made your way back to the living room and found Sun Hee itching closer and closer to the Tv, you don’t even think she knew she was doing it, she was just that into the movie, it would be nice to be a kid again. Young Ho greeted you with a smile which you returned and you sat on the floor in from of them trying to get into the movie with Sun Hee.

“Hey” Young Ho bent down and whispered in your ear “can you pass the chips” he got closer with every word. So you hit him. In the face. With his beloved chips. You heard him laugh and whisper a thank you, it was weird how comfortable he made people around him, you didn’t know him that well yet his easy going aura just allowed you to joke around easily. He was one of those good people to hang out with.

It was around half way through the movie when his phone rang, he looked at the contact and stood up suddenly making both you and Sun Hee jump “umm, give me a sec” he rushed of into the kitchen and you heard him answer the call before he turned the corner, you shrugged it off, it was none of your business but what confused you was the look of on his face when he came back out, it was an unreadable expression.

“I really need to go” he rushed picking up his bag “I’m sorry, I’ll make it up to you” he ran his hand through his hair as you got him his coat.

“Is everything okay?” You raised an eyebrow as he followed you to the door.

“Uh yeah” he gave out a clearly fake laugh which brought your attention back to his face and he cleared his throat “yeah of course, just some stuff to do at home” he fixed his bag to his shoulder and stepped out the door you’d opened for him “I’ll text you okay? Bye Sun Hee” he shouted past you.

“Bye” Sun Hee didn’t even take her eyes of the screen.

“Yeah, I’ll give you the movie back then” you said smiling.

“Great, see ya later” he shot you a smile before jogging away.

You wanted to ask more about what happened but you didn’t want to pry in to his personal business and you figured if he wanted to tell you he would have when you asked if he was okay, so you tried to drop it but you still had the same curiosity at the back of your mind every time you spoke to him. He’d text you that night as he said he would, he apologise for leaving so abruptly and asked if he could come over again or if you wanted to go out somewhere on the Tuesday after you finished class and you said you’d love to but Sun Hee was with her presents during the week and that’s when he dropped something you didn’t know if you were ready for. "That’s fine, it can just be the two of us this time lol :)" There wasn’t anything wrong with that of course, you weren’t going to be one of those girls who automatically thought the guy was asking them out, the thing was now that you look back at it you’d never been alone with Young Ho. Would it be awkward? You doubt he’d let it be but you, you were the definition of awkward when you’re on your own. Either way in the end you ended up agreeing, might as well test the waters, plus Young Ho seemed like a great person and you didn’t have too many friends that were free to hang out outside of classes and your best friend Min Seo was on vacation so you hoped this would be the perfect opportunity to make a new friend.

Classes couldn’t have been worse these past two days, you were sure all your professors had made a deal to assign homework all at once making it due the same week. You swear they thought students had nothing else to do with their lives then to take and study their classes. You felt overwhelmed with the amount of work you’d been given and how fast you were expected to do it, but the worst part is your brain had found this the perfect time to just... lag, you just couldn’t get the assignments started and it was frustrating beyond belief at this rate you knew you wouldn’t be able to finish the assignments and go out on the later with Young Ho. It was already 3 pm and you’d written a single paragraph and you were 70% sure it had nothing to do with the science assignment you were trying to write, so you decided you had to text him and say you couldn’t make it.

(Y/N) - “Heyy, I’m so sorry but I don’t think I’ll be able to come later, I have a lot of work to do this week :(“

Young Ho - “Ugh I get it, I hate my class because of all the work they set lol,what are you working on?"

(Y/N) - "Science, biology isn’t my strong point and I have major brain lag atm"

Young Ho - "You take biology? I used to do it but changed courses, want some help?"

(Y/N) - "Since I’m texting you and not doing it, I guess I do need help if you’re offering but if you just distract me I’ll fight"

Young Ho - "Wow so aggressive, if you keep scaring me I can’t help you (y/n)..”

(Y/N) - "Shut up, you coming or not?"

Young Ho - "I get off work in an hour, see you then ;)"

You’d managed about three sentences and a sandwich when you heard the knock on the door where you met with the same goofy smile as always, Young Ho was dressed in a white shirt tucked into his black skinny jeans, wow, must be nice to look effortlessly good in simple clothes. Can’t relate.

You let him in and resumed eating your sandwich

“Wow I know you said you had brain lag but is this it?” He asked sitting next to you and looking at your laptop.

“Hmm mm” you hummed slightly embarrassed “ I really don’t know where to go with this” you out taking another bite. You felt his eyes on you so you turned returned the gaze “... want some?” You push your plate over to him

“mmm (y/n)’s half half eaten sandwich” he chuckled sarcastically still taking the sandwich and taking a bite though “thanks” he said while chewing, You just rolled your eyes knocking him with your elbow

“Are you going to help me now?” You sighed

“Oh, right, show me the task” you nodded and handed him the folder.

He skimmed over the folder raising his eye brows and nodding every so often letting an “ohhh” escape at the end “right so it’s easier then it sounds, this bit” he points to the folder “is talked about in this bit” he said flipping a few pages in your text book and pointing “and this in this” he continues pointing out everywhere you had to read and things you needed to include and before you knew it you’d begun actually making progress.

It was 8:45 when you’d completely finished In between snack brakes and chatting but it was one down and two to go but this was one big weight of of your chest. You lay back against your couch with a sigh

“It’s over, it’s really over” Young Ho lay back mimicking your actions

“And it’s all thanks to me” he laughed

“Sadly, I can’t argue that, I owe you one”

“Don’t worry, about it, it was better then doing nothing” you let out a yawn and slid down the sofa

“You’re tired already?” He laughed “it is getting late” he pushed himself of the sofa and picked up the blanket folded on the counter and threw it over you, you raised an eyebrow and he just shrugged “I’ll see you later, if you need any more help just text me” he said putting on his coat and walking to the door “don’t forget to lock up” he shouted before you heard the door shut.

Spending time alone wasn’t as bad as you’d thought, it was actually pretty nice.

part - 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6

A/N

I know the chapters are getting longer and i have no regrets ,but let me know if you want longer or shorter chapters and i’ll do my best. I promise the series is going to pick up very soon please stay with me here ,Thank youu~ :)

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fanfic-inator795 · 7 years

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Hero Magi Penn Zero Magica: Chapter 10

Plot: Penn never really thought that he could be as strong or heroic as his parents. However, when a mysterious cat-like creature named Phyllis offers to grant him one wish in exchange for becoming a magical hero, he finds that he may just be able to make his dream come true, and maybe even get his family back at the same time. Unfortunately, the life of a magical hero is filled with tragedy and despair. Can Penn really live that life? Can he help his friends? And what is with that mysterious new art teacher of his? Read to find out!

...Um, yeah. Sorry (again) about the long wait. Between work, cons and moving I didn’t really have much time for this... gah :/ I’m really sorry... But I am still going to finish this eventually. In the meantime, enjoy some Rippen backstory! Idea for this story was originally @rinnysega‘s.

The streets were cold, the night was still young, and Phyllis' words were still echoing throughout Rippen's head as he travelled down the street and towards his apartment.

"If you still wish to defeat Walpurgisnacht, then Penn Zero will have to fight."

He clenched his fists. "No..." This was his mission. This was his wish, and he would not let it go in vain. He wouldn't fail. ...He couldn't fail. "Not after all this time."

It had literally been several lifetimes ago, and yet he could still remember it like it was yesterday..

()()()()()()()() ()()()()()()()() ()()()()()()()()

*THWEEEEEEEET!* The kids all immediately covered their ears as the gym teacher blew on his whistle, knowing just how to make the class silent.

"Okay class," Mr. Egsgard started to say, his tone dull and pretty uncaring, "As you may or may not know or care, your old art teacher suddenly retired last week. We wish her the very best. Now, since we've finally managed to find a replacement, I'd like to introduce you all to your new teacher, Mr. Rippen." The coach then gestured to the door as it opened, and a man stepped in.

The students' eyes widened as they looked at their new teacher. His skin was a pale green, and behind a pair of blue-rimmed glasses were a pair of yellow and red eyes. He was clean-shaven with shoulder length black and white hair that had been combed down in an attempt to tame it. He seemed nice enough, and fairly young too. Still an adult of course, but with how nervous and almost meek he seemed, there was no doubt this was his first teaching gig. The fact that the front of his shirt was damp enough for the whole class to see - another unlucky victim of that dangerous spot at the front of the parking lot that most of the faculty had dubbed "Water Sprinkler Row" - didn't exactly help his confidence either.

"Um, hel- er, g-good morning, children," Mr. Rippen greeted, giving the class a small nod, "I am Mr. Rippen. But, ah, I-I suppose you already knew that. Um-"

"Alright, you seem to have things handled pretty well," Mr. Egsgard told him, already making his way to the door, "Their all yours."

"Ah, right." Rippen cleared his throat before looking at his curious (and in some cases, unimpressed) students once more. "So, um, I-I suppose we should get started on today's lessons, eh?"

To be fair, the rest of the period wasn't TOO much of a disaster. ...Though, in Rippen's eyes at least, it had been pretty close to one...

He’d gotten through most of his lessons, but twice he dropped his notes. In one instance, he had been so frazzled that he ended up misspelling a word right on the chalk board! That definitely earned him a few snickers from this class...

Shortly after that, he decided to just give the class some free time to draw and practice the techniques he had just taught them about (or at least, tried to teach them about). That seemed to satisfy his students, and with a heavy sigh, Rippen sat down at his desk.

“It could have been worse,” he mumbled to himself as he searched through his bag, “Could have been a lot better too, though... Ugh, what am I even-?” He stopped, pulling out a paper. A single paper that was supposed to be a homework assignment, though it was hard to give the whole class homework when you only had one copy. He resisted the urge to facepalm.

With his luck, the copy machine would probably have a line - that is, if he could even find it at all! Swallowing his pride, he stood up again. “Um, class?” Rippen asked, crumpling the paper slightly in his hand as his hands stiffened, “I, I need to copy something for, er, for tomorrow’s lesson. Um, c-could one of you please show me where the faculty copy machine is?”

Unfortunately, no one volunteered. In fact, it looked like no one was even listening to him! Whether they just didn’t hear him over their own conversations or were just ignoring him on purpose, Rippen wasn’t sure. “Um, excuse me? I, er...” He gave another sigh. He’d have to just go find it on his own-

“I’ll take you there, Mr. Rippen.”

Rippen blinked. From the middle of the sea of students and desks, a freshman student with bright, curly red hair stood up. “Oh! Uh, t-thank you, Mr.- er-” Shoot! He knew the principal had given him a list of students before his first day. What was this boy’s name again?

“Penn Zero,” the boy told him, smiling, “And I’m pretty sure the copy machine’s just on the other end of this floor.”

“Oh! Well, that’s good. Um, w-well, come along then.” Penn gave a nod, walking out the door and beginning to lead the way. Honestly it was a bit embarrassing, a teacher needing to be escorted by a student. Though for Rippen, it was just another scoop on his worst-first-day-ever sundae.

“So, how do you like teaching so far?” Penn asked him, glancing back slightly.

“Oh, um... i-it’s alright, I suppose,” Rippen replied, not even really thinking about it. Definitely not a ‘professional’ answer. Then again, could he really be called a professional if he was just starting his career as a teacher?

“Yeah. I’m kinda glad we’ve got an actual art teacher again,” Penn continued. Pausing for a moment, he made sure to take a right when they arrived at a fork in the hall. “Art’s pretty interesting, you know? And I’m sure you have a lot to teach us.”

“Heh, well, I’ll certainly try...” Glancing down at his feet, Rippen rubbed the back of his neck. “Though, if I have too many more days like this one, I may not be here much longer.”

Penn raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?” he asked as they turned down another, emptier hallway.

“Ugh, what do you mean ‘what do I mean’? I could barely get through a lecture without stuttering or nearly dropping my notes every few minutes... Honestly, I can barely LOOK the part of a teacher, much less act like one.”

“Hey, come on, Rippen,” Penn told him, “It wasn’t that bad!” Rippen blinked. He had always been taught that being called your first name without any sort of honorific was at best ‘too casual’ and at worst ‘completely disrespectful’. ...However, one look at the smiling student in front of him let him know that he certainly wasn’t being the latter. “Besides, it’s your first day! Everyone messes up their first day.”

“Hmph. Yes, well... That doesn’t make messing up any more pleasant...”

Penn hummed. “Well... Then I guess you’ll have to try to be the type that doesn’t let failures and screw-ups weigh them down. ‘Learn from them, and then let them roll off your back’. Well, that’s what my parents tell me anyway. But, I mean... I feel like you could do it.”

“...Really?” Rippen asked, his voice quiet. At that moment, even a concept as simple as that seemed beyond him. After all, he was someone who had failed quite a lot in life. And if he was just going to keep failing then... What was the point?

But Penn just gave him a determined smile. “Yeah, of course! I mean, you’ve made it this far, right? So now all you’ve got to do is make sure you keep getting back up. And yeah, I think you could do it... Like I said, you seem like a pretty good teacher.”

“...” Rippen said nothing, his face hot. He was the adult here, and yet here he was venting to a student, pretty much throwing any sense of being professional out the window. ...Although, he couldn’t deny that the boy’s words of encouragement meant a lot to him. “I... T-Thank you, Mr. Zero.”

Penn gave him a nod, stopping just as they reached the small office where the copy machine resided. “Yeah. No problem, Rippen.”

Just as Rippen had predicted, the copier had a line. Not only that, but it also ended up getting jammed. Twice. By the time he finished, the bell had rang and his class was long gone.

The rest of his day wasn’t much better. He had tripped over something in the hall, spilling his coffee all over the place. At lunch he sat alone, barely eating his microwaved fish sticks. Other teachers and faculty members glanced over at them. His ears just barely picked up on their whispers and comments, but he heard them just enough.

He had two more classes in the afternoon, but even while trying to do his best, they ended up being just as stressful and embarrassing as the first. And, to top it all off, the sprinklers decided the grass by the parking lot needed just a bit more water, and turned on as soon as Rippen stepped outside.

Soaking wet and feeling lower than dirt, he got into his car and drove away, squeezing the steering wheel as he did so.

“Ugh... What am I even doing here?” he asked himself. What made him think that he could actually teach a class just because he was decent at painting himself?

“All you’ve got to do is make sure you keep getting back up... I think you could do it!”

“Hmph... and just how am I supposed to just brush off failure when all I am IS a failure?” As he continued to drive, the words of his family echoed through his head, making it all the harder to focus on the darkening road ahead of him...

“Oh, you’re going into art? Well, just don’t expect much.” “Come on now, maybe he’ll get lucky. Even the worst art has some fans, and anyone can teach a class of high schoolers!” “Ha, I bet he barely lasts a week before he gets fired.” “I don’t know why you’re even bothering with it.”

“Why are you even still trying? Don’t you think you’d be better off if you just stopped trying? If you just died?”

Rippen closed his eyes. “Yeah...”

“That’s right... You should just die...”

“I... I should just-” He stopped, his blood running cold. Who... Who’s voice was that?! Opening his eyes, Rippen gasped and slammed on the break. This wasn’t the road that he was supposed to be on! This wasn’t even a road at all!

The sky was now a bloody mix of red and yellow. The pavements was crumbling all around him, and just in front of his car was a huge arch that looked like it was made of paper! Though, that didn’t make the face at the top any less gruesome...

“W-What... What is this place?!” Rippen shouted. Grabbing the gearshift, he put it in reverse and started moving back as fast as he could. There had to be a way out! There just had to-!

*CRASH!* Rippen let out a yelp. Something had stopped his car dead in its tracks! Stepping out, he could only stare in horror as he watched several distorted figures beat on the back of his car. ...Of course, once they noticed who was watching them, they quickly changed targets.

“S-Stay away!” he shouted as he started to run, “Please, just stay- OOF!” Ugh, curse his feet! Of course, the creatures had no such problem, and it wasn’t long before the started closing in on the shaking teacher. “P-Please...” He clenched his eyes shut. “Don’t-!”

*BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!* *WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!*

Opening his eyes at the noise, Rippen got a perfect view of the creatures exploding in a burst of yellow and blue light. “...What... W-What the-?”

“Heh, that was a close one, huh?” “Yeah. We’ve reaaaally gotta work on our timing.”

Rippen’s eyes widened. He... He recognized both of those voices! Turning his head, he could see two brightly colored figures standing just behind him.

The first figure was a short, dark skinned man. He was wearing a tan shirt with a golden sweater-vest and a brown bowtie. Matching his tie, he was also wearing brown, bellbottom pants, and also had yellow fingerless gloves on his hands (hands that were currently holding muskets. Seriously, muskets?!). Finally, resting on the corner his glasses was a bright yellow gemstone.

The second figure was a bit taller, and with bright red hair that was impossible not to recognize. His outfit was a bit more knight-like with chain-mail over his chest and small pieces of armor over his arms and knees. Just above the chain mail was a small, blue gem. The boy was also wearing a bright blue shirt and silver-colored pants. As for his own weapon, it was bow made of dark wood with several blue gems adorning it.

Glancing over his shoulder, Penn smiled. “Glad you’re safe, Rippen.”

“P-Penn Zero? And... And Principal Larry?! But, what-? H-How-?!”

“Magical heroes.” Rippen flinched at the new voice, and glanced down at the ground where a small white cat now sat, looking pretty calm and actually kind of bored. “They are heroes who protect world against their villains, the witches.”

“Yep!” Larry said proudly.

“Heh, just don’t tell anyone else at school, okay?” Penn added. With that, he summoned another arrow - made out of bright light - and both he and Larry aimed their attacks straight at the arch-creature. Two more shots, and it was all over! Another victory for the Magical Heroes of Middleburg!

And as for Rippen, he just couldn’t stop staring. Not just in shock, but in amazement.

()()()()()()()()

“Here you go!” “Thank you, Princi-” “Aw, just call me Larry!” “Er, well, a-alright, Larry...” With that settled, Larry put the jar of coffee back over by the machine before sitting down. Along with coffee (and a couple cans of pop for Penn), there was also a wide array of both sweet and salty snacks spread out on the small table in front of them.

“I don’t know about you guys, but I just can’t have a drink without something to eat with it,” Larry told them after taking a quick sip of his coffee, “Unless it’s just water, or if it’s late at night and I just want a glass of warm milk. But every other time I get drinking something, I just get the munchies too! Say, have you guys ever tried dipping a sandwich in juice? It’s actually better than it sounds! Apple juice works pretty well with ham, but grape and orange-”

“How do you two fight those things?”

Larry blinked, and the two magical heroes turned to look at Rippen, who flushed slightly in embarrassment. “I-I mean... Those creatures - W-What was that you called them? Witches? - They were just... monstrous. And powerful. How are you not terrified by just the sight of them?”

Thankfully, they weren’t too bothered by his question. “I guess we just get used to it,” Penn shrugged, “Heh, I’ve actually only been doing this for a couple weeks. Larry has way more experience, so I guess it helps to have a pro as you’re partner.” The boy then paused, taking a small sip of his own drink as he smiled softly to himself.

“But really... I guess that, even when I do start to freak out a bit or wonder if the next witch is going to be too much to handle, I just start thinking about all the people we’re saving and the good we’re doing. When you look at it that way, it makes all the trouble of being a hero worth it, you know?”

“...I think I do,” Rippen nodded, smiling back at him.

“Heh, it also helps that Penn here’s a fast learner,” Larry added, “I don’t really have much left to teach him! And by the time Walpurgisnacht comes around, I just know he’ll be full-fledged magical hero!”

Walpurgisnacht... Well that certainly sounded a bit intimidating. Still, Rippen tried to shrug it off. He was sure they would be able to handle it...

()()()()()()()()

Middleburg’s downtown was a complete mess. Dark clouds filled the sky, debris was everywhere... And his boss laid dead in front of him, his magical hero outfit long gone, his glasses shattered, and his body completely still.

However, over the sound of his own sniffles, Rippen heard a reluctant yet determined voice: “Well... Guess I should get back out there.”

“W-What?! Are you insane?!” Rippen shouted, clenching his fists, “That... That thing killed Larry. Do you really think you stand a better chance?”

“I don’t know,” Penn admitted, “But if I don’t try something, that witch is just going to kill more people. I have to at least try...”

“B-But...” He grimaced wiping away a tear. “...You’re still just a child, in case you’ve forgotten. N-No one would blame you if you ran away. I certainly wouldn’t.”

“...” For a moment, there was only silence. However, when Rippen finally glanced back up at the horrible scene in front of him, he saw his student smiling at him. ”You know... I still don’t think being a magical hero was that bad. Maybe not the ending I would have wanted but... at least I saved some people. At least I saved you. So that’s something I can be proud of, right?” He started to step towards the edge of the roof they were standing on.

“N-No,” Rippen shook his head, “Don’t- Y-You-!”

“Bye Rippen. Thanks for everything.” And with that, Penn summoned his bow and leapt back into battle, refusing to look back no matter how much his teacher shouted at him.

...Rippen had to give the boy some credit. He had fought hard, and refused to let up. No matter what, he was going to finish this fight. And indeed he did... But unfortunately, while he had enough strength and magic to defeat Walpurgisnacht, it just wasn’t enough to save himself.

So there he was, lying in a shallow puddle of water, completely lifeless... Rippen could barely stand the sight of it. “Foolish boy...” He scolded, choking back a sob as he cradled Penn’s body, “You knew you were going to die! Y-You knew... W-What, what does it matter that you saved the city or that you saved me?! You shouldn’t have had to die! You shouldn’t have...” He clenched his eyes shut.

“You shouldn’t have had to save me... If I had just been stronger, better... Then maybe...”

“...Is this your greatest desire then?”

Rippen flinched. Slowly, he turned to see a white cat staring at him. Phyllis... “Is this your wish, Rippen? Are you willing to trade soul for it?”

“My wish...” He looked back down at Penn. “...Are you really able to grant any wish?”

“Of course,” Phyllis nodded, “You have plenty of potential. So, will you make wish?”

“...Yes. I will.” Gently, he put Penn’s body down and stood up. Despite his dirty clothes, windblown hair and tear-stained cheeks, Rippen looked as determined as ever. No more being afraid. No more being weak or useless or a failure. This time, he would be the hero.

“I wish to redo my meeting with Penn, but instead of him protecting me, I want to be strong enough to protect him!”

For a couple seconds, Phyllis simply stared at him, and Rippen started to think that maybe his wish was too much for the creature. But then his chest started to burn, and as he held himself and tried to withstand the pain, a small orb of bright purple light came out of him. “The contract is complete,” he heard Phyllis say, “Now, embrace destiny. Let your new power fly free, and good luck!”

Bracing himself, Rippen reached up, and touched the light.

Suddenly, it felt like he had been caught in a tornado. Brief, yet energizing! However, the feeling ended almost as quickly as it had started, and before he could even try to figure out what was happening- He was back in his bed.

“...What?” As he sat up, he looked around. Yep, this was definitely his room. Same dark colored walls, same small face, same plush dog from his childhood sitting on his dresser. “...Oh no... No no no. Don’t tell me it was all just a-”

As he moved his hand, he felt something in it - something smooth rolling along his palm. With a gasp, he lifted it above the blankets. Sure enough, in his hand was a small, purple rock. A soul gem... Just like what Penn and Larry had!

“It wasn’t a dream...”

()()()()()()()()()

Now, since we've finally managed to find a replacement, I'd like to introduce you all to your new teacher, Mr. Rippen." The coach then gestured to the door as it opened, and a man stepped in.

The students' eyes widened as they looked at their new teacher. His skin was a pale green, and behind a pair of blue-rimmed glasses were a pair of yellow and red eyes. He was clean-shaven with shoulder length black and white hair that poofed out quite a bit, but the man didn’t seem too bothered by it. In fact, he was smiling brightly!

“Good morning,” he greeted, “As Mr. Egsgard has already said, my name is Mr. Rippen and I look forward to teaching you all.”

“Great, you’ll be fine,” Mr. Egsgard nodded, satisfied, “I’ll be in my car if you need me.” As the gym teacher left, Rippen looked out at his students - specifically, at a certain red-headed boy who was most definitely alive. Unable to help himself, Rippen grinned at him.

Of course, Penn saw this, and while he looked a bit confused at it, he did still give his new teacher a small, sorta sheepish smile in return.

The rest of the class continued normally, with Rippen actually managing to get through his lecture without stuttering or dropping his notes. However, he still gave them free drawing time, and - at about the same time as last time - he asked the class if someone could help him find the faculty copy machine. And, of course, Penn volunteered.

After that, it was as simple as a quick explanation, a side-trip to the principal’s office, and coming up with a time and place to meet after school...

“...Alright. Well, here goes nothing!” Clenching his fists, Rippen allowed magic to wash over his body, causing his teaching attire to transform into his new magical hero uniform. He was now wearing a white dress shirt with a black shirt underneath it, along with a dark purple tie and black pants. On his right hand was a diamond-shaped purple gem, and on his arm was a small metal shield.

And, as soon as he gave the shield a turn, time froze around him. However, Rippen didn’t have time to be amazed by it. He could hear the mechanisms within his shield ticking away like the seconds on a clock. So, he grabbed the old, abandoned golf club that they had found in the alleyway and began his attack on the training dummy (a trash can).

It took a bit to get the hang of it, but by the time he had reached his time limit, he had managed to make quite a few dents in the ‘dummy’. Suddenly, time started moving, and to Penn and Larry it looked like the can had went from fine to pretty wrecked in the blink of an eye.

“Huh... So you can freeze time! That’s definitely going to be handy!” Larry commented.

“Heh, d-definitely...” Rippen agreed, nodding slightly as he tried to catch his breath.

The two magical heroes frowned a bit at that, clearly concerned. “Though, it doesn’t give you much of an advantage if you’re exhausted afterwards...” Penn added.

Larry nodded. “Right... But there has to be a way to use it to your advantage and not get tired. Something that’s maybe a little less physical?”

Rippen thought for a moment. “...I think I may have one possible solution...”

He only ended up getting a couple days of training and preparing before being thrust into his first battle. The witch had a bit of a highwire theme going on, hanging itself high above the streets of Middleburg and using its wires to pull in anything from cars to trees.

Swinging around with his ribbons, Larry began laying his own high advantage point while Penn continued the offensive, keeping the witch’s attention with each magical arrow shot at it. ...Meanwhile, Rippen was just trying to keep from falling to his death, clinging tightly to the wire that he was crawling on.

“Okay, just about-” Larry pulled one last ribbon, and they all tightened, forming a bridge to the witch, “READY!”

“Alright, Larry!” Penn grinned before turning to the newest member of their team, “Go for it, Rippen!”

“Ah! R-Right!” He turned his shield, and the world froze just as he dropped down onto Larry’s bridge. With no wind to blow him off and no projectiles to dodge, Rippen easily ran across. Once he got to the witch, he reached into his shield’s pocket of infinite storage, and pulled out a small homemade bomb. “Good thing I remembered those science classes,” he mumbled to himself as he threw the bomb up into the witch’s chest. He then jumped off the bridge, and the world began to move again.

*BOOM!* Thanks to the bomb, the witch almost instantly became nothing but a ball of fire and smoke. And with their enemy defeated, Larry was able to use his ribbons to catch Rippen before he could even get close to the ground, slowly bringing him down to safety.

“Great job, team!” Penn told them, holding his fist out towards Larry, who of course happily gave him a quick bump. The boy then turned and offered Rippen the same gesture, and while it took a moment to understand, he did eventually give him a bump as well. “Heh, so, having fun yet, Rippen?”

“Fun?” Holding back a smirk, Rippen gave him a look. “Oh yes. Risking my life, fighting giant nightmarish creatures, and falling from great heights - I’m having an absolute ball!”

“That’s the spirit!” Larry cheered while Penn chuckled, “Alright, if there are no more witches in the area, then I’d say it’s snacktime! Oh, and Rippen, I managed to find those caramels you like!”

Rippen smiled at that. “Thank you, Larry.” In a flash, the three of them transformed back into their street clothes and started walking towards Larry’s car. As they went along, the conversation shifted to whatever story Larry felt like telling, casual news about their ‘off the clock’ lives, and even quick questions about the topics Rippen had explained in class (as it turned out, Penn really was sort of interested about art).

Basically, it was as if they hadn’t just spent the latter part of their afternoon being attacked and fighting a monstrous villain. It was... nice. It was nice to have friends, to be part of a team.

...Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to last...

Larry still ended up perishing after a battle with Walpurgisnacht, despite fighting with everything he had. However, with Rippen by his side, Penn was able to survive. It wasn’t the happiest ending, but it would be enough. ...Or at least, that’s what he thought.

That was before Penn collapsed.

“Gh... GhhhhAAAAAH!” Rippen winced at the boy’s screams of pain, but he tried his best to stay calm.

“It, i-it’ll be okay,” he told him, “W-We’ll figure out what’s wrong, just-!”

“R-Rip-!” Penn choked out. He started to lift his hand. “M-My-AHH! Owwww!”

“What? W-What is it?” Rippen asked, taking Penn’s hand. Within it was Penn’s soul gem - once a bright blue, now completely black. Of course... Phyllis had said that they would need to purify their soul gems in order for them to keep using their magic. But... But Penn’s soul gem barely looked like a soul gem anymore! Instead it looked more like a-

The man’s eyes widened. “...A grief seed...”

“AHHHHHHHHH!” As Penn let out one final scream, the soul gem began to flash, cracking and changing as it transformed completely into a grief seed before evaporating into a thick cloud of smoke - smoke that began to grow, taking the form of something vaguely humanoid as it covered the skies. ...And below, Penn’s body laid still and silent.

“...How...?” That was all Rippen could say, his eyes stuck on Penn’s witch while the rest of him was pulled back. How could this have happened?

()()()()()()()()()()()()

“Please, all of you, listen to me! I am telling you the truth! We’re all being tricked by Phyllis!”

“But, Rippen-” “Oh come on!” Boone rolled his eyes, “Phyllis is cool. What would she have to gain from tricking us?”

Rippen’s frown deepened... As it turned out, he wasn’t the only new magical hero in this timeline. One of his other students and Penn’s best friend, a boy by the name of Boone Wiseman, had made a contract with Phyllis as well. Unfortunately, he didn’t seem to trust Rippen at all...

“And hey, if she was trying to hurt us, I’m sure we could take her out,” Boone continued, crossing his arms, “Not that we would want to but - Ugh, why are you even telling us this? Are you just trying to freak us out or something? Hmph, or maybe you’re just working as a secret undercover agent for the Sashi girl, and you’re trying to make us lose our cool so we can’t fight-”

“No! I’m not trying to do any of that, I’m just trying to warn you!” Rippen insisted, even glaring a bit at the brown-haired now, “Why can’t you just-?!”

“Okay guys, calm down,” Penn said, stepping in-between them, “And hey, Boone, buddy, you’re the only one here who’s losing their cool.”

“...” Boone sighed. “Sorry. It’s just... Well, can you blame me? This guy literally just shows up and starts telling us all what to do. What, just because he’s older and a teacher? Besides, you guys don’t have to worry about almost being blown up by his bombs.”

“He does have a point, Rippen,” Larry spoke up, “Bombs and explosions are sorta dangerous when we’re all fighting together. Don’t you have any other weapons you could use?”

“Well... If everyone thinks I should, I’m sure I can find something.” After all, he had no criminal record, and he had a bit of money in his savings. It would be very easy for him to purchase a gun or two.

However, that ended up being the least of their worries...

Of course, Boone never confided in him, but from what Rippen had heard, he had been dealing with some sort of girl problem. Fighting over one or trying to get the attention of one or something like that. To any other teenager, it would have simply been met with some frustration and angst before being forgotten about. But, with magic thrown into the mix, something as simple as grief and depression suddenly became very dangerous curses...

“Shoot!” Sashi grunted, gritting her teeth and quickly shattering another one of Boone’s glass minions with her spear. “Come on!” she shouted at the witch residing behind the giant mirror, “Why are you doing this?!”

“Boone, please!” Penn yelled, all while trying to dodge the arrows from his own clones, “You have to remember! You’d never want to hurt us! BOONE!”

But the witch just continued to shriek and snort. Its mirror vibrated, and several more Glass Penns came out - and all of them heading right towards the original with the intent to destroy.

“NO!” Running towards them, Rippen turned his shield. Once that was done, he got out his revolver and began to fire. The bullets froze just inches in front of the minions’ faces. They wouldn’t stand a chance. Putting the gun away, he then replaced it with a bomb and turned his attention towards Boone.

“...” His eyes filled with pity. The boy may have given him trouble, but not even the brattiest people deserved this. “I’m sorry...”

Time began to move, and the air was filled with the sound of shattering glass just before a huge explosion went off. Within seconds, the labyrinth disappeared, it’s creator no more.

“...DAMN IT!” Sashi threw her spear down. “Boone... This, this isn’t fair...”

“I know,” Rippen told her, glancing down at the floor. He could hear Penn sniffling slightly behind him. “I, I know it’s not fair... But-” Suddenly, he felt something soft and tight wrap around him, squeezing him and keeping him in place. And, before the man could even let out a gasp, a gunshot was heard.

In an instant, a bullet hit Sashi’s soul gem, breaking it into shards. The girl’s eyes darkened, and her hero uniform evaporated away before she even hit the ground.

“NO!” Rippen shouted, “Sash-!” From beside him, he could hear a musket being cocked while a sob was choked back. “...Larry...”

“I, I-I’m sorry!” Larry cried, still aiming his gun as tears streamed down, “B-But... I-I don’t wanna hurt people! We aren’t supposed to hurt people!”

“Larry, please-!” “But, but we’re just g-gonna turn into witches! So-” “Larry! Stop!” “So we have to die before we become witches!” He prepared to fire. “All of us!” “LARRY!”

*SWOOSH!* Before the principal could fire, the soul gem was hit with an arrow of blue light. And, as soon as it broke, he too fell to the ground dead, causing the ribbons he had summoned to then evaporate.

“...” Slowly, he turned to face the only other remaining magical hero - to face the crying boy who could barely keep from falling to his knees. “...Penn...”

“I, I just don’t get it...” Dropping his bow, Penn held his head and gripped his hair as the tears continued to fall, “Why did this happen?! I just-! I-I don’t want this... I don’t want this!”

Not even bothering to wipe away his own tears, Rippen walked over and pulled the boy into a hug. “Shhh, it’s okay... Y-You’ll be alright... We’ll be alright...”

Penn sniffled. “Y-Yeah... Yeah, we’ll just... W-We won’t forget them... And, a-and we’ll defeat Walpurgisnacht, and we’ll make sure no one else becomes magical heroes! Right?”

Rippen smiled. “Right. That’s exactly right... We can do this...”

And, in a way, they did do it. As soon as Walpurgisnacht arrived, they began fighting and didn’t stop until the witch was no more. Unfortunately, with only two magical heroes fighting, they had to use all their magic just to win. So... It wasn’t much of a victory.

At least, it wasn’t much of one to Rippen. “...Any grief seeds?” Penn shook his head. “Yeah... Same here. So.. I suppose this is it, then.” He looked up at the slowly clearing sky, blinking away any tears he felt. “Maybe... Maybe it won’t be so bad, being monsters...” Of course he was still scared, still wishing he had been stronger. But maybe... Maybe...

“Or maybe... We can just try again?”

“...H-Huh?” Rippen blinked. He turned his head towards Penn - towards where his once-purple soul gem laid in his hand - and gasped.

“Heh, sorry for lying,” Penn told him, wincing only slightly as he continued to cleanse Rippen’s soul gem with one last grief seed.

“Y-You... You fool! You foolish boy, why would you-?!” Rippen glared at him, choking back a sob, “W-Why on earth would you use it to save me?! You should have-!”

But Penn just weakly smiled it him. “It’s fine... When you, when you think about it, it makes sense... You, you can go back in time, can’t you, Rippen?”

And that was when it all became clear. “Penn...” With his own strength and magic back, Rippen sat up. Once again, he found himself cradling a dying boy in his arms... No, not just any boy. A boy that had ended up being his closest friend. A boy that practically felt like family now. ...A boy that he kept failing despite how much he wished to save him - and who had just given him another chance to possibly make that wish come true.

“Please, Rippen... Just, just make sure the me in the past doesn’t make another stupid mistake... Okay?”

“Of course,” Rippen sniffled, “O-Of course, I will... I’ll make sure Phyllis doesn’t trick you. I’ll make sure that, t-that you don’t end up like this! You don’t deserve it and, and I promise I won’t ever let it happen again!”

Despite the pain and the fear, Penn managed to smile back at his teacher. “Thanks... I- Erg!” He winced, and felt his blackened soul gem start to break. “I, ugh... Could, could I ask for, o-one last thing? I, I-I know it won’t really matter but...”

Slowly, Penn held up his soul gem, and closed his eyes. “I... I really don’t want to become a witch,” he said, his voice cracking.

“...” Rippen’s hands were shaking, but he reached into his shield anyway. He couldn’t deny him his one last request. ...He couldn’t watch Penn turn into a witch again. So, he took out his revolver, aimed it at the boy’s soul gem, and let out a cry just before firing.

()()()()()()()()()

“...” It felt like he had been laying in bed for hours, replaying the endings of each timeline in his head over and over. It was awful... But just laying around wouldn’t stop any of them from happening again.

So, Rippen got to work.

“No one will ever believe me,” he mumbled to himself, “And anyone I work with will most likely just end up dying anyway... I can’t rely on any of them. Not anymore. Not if I want to succeed.” So, he would just have to do it on his own.

And, that was how he continued on. In each new timeline, he would hit the ground running, gathering up as many weapons as he could and putting together various plans for Walpurgisnacht as soon as possible. He even used his magic to fix his eyes, just so his glasses wouldn’t in the way! (He also stopped shaving as much, though that was just simply out of trying to save time).

He would hunt witches and gather grief seeds, but he also began to hunt Phyllis, trying his damnedest to keep the creature from meeting Penn for as long as possible. Though, despite his best efforts, the two would still end up meeting one way or another. It was frustrating... Anger-enduing, even, but it didn’t matter.

No matter how many times he failed. Rippen swore he wouldn’t give up...

“All you’ve got to do is make sure you keep getting back up... I think you could do it!”

“Penn... He deserves a good life. One without witches,” he told himself, “And I’m going to make sure he gets that. I won’t break my promise, and I won’t fail. I’ll defeat every witch by myself if I have to! Even Walpurgisnacht!” He couldn’t fail, and so he would continue trying.

Even if it took an eternity.

((Gah, I don’t feel like this was that great... Episode 10 is pretty image/montage heavy anyway, but I tried to capture it the best I could in written form so, I hope you guys enjoyed it anyway))

#penn zero #penn zero part time hero #rippen #madoka magica au #pzmmm

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jhaenyiu · 7 years

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TsukiUta Fanfic: "Will You Be Mine?" [Shimotsuki Shun x OC x Mutsuki Hajime]

There she was, fidgeting her fingers in nervousness, as she looked at the two males kneeling down at her. And as she was about to open her mouth to speak, they simultaneously cut her off. "Will you be mine?" ~ "Yes, sir! I'll do my best!" the girl bowed, putting her long lavender hair with white highlights in a slight mess. "You may go now," the president of the Tsukino Productions said, dismissing the young girl, as she went out of the president's office and jumped in celebration. "Yes! Hinokawa Yui got the job!" she celebrated, raising her fists in the air. "Mm? If it isn't Hinokawa-san," she turned from where she heard the voice to see the white-haired Procella leader. "Shimotsuki-san! Good afternoon!" she greeted as she bowed down. "You look so happy. What happened?" "I was--" "Haha, I was just kidding. I know thay you've been assigned as the leader in the production team for the Full Moon Festival. Congratulations!" he answered, leaving the girl in front of him, shocked. "How did you know?" "Hajime, the director and I were talkong about it. Well, good luck!" Shimotsuki Shun told her as he waved walking away, his figure disappearing. Feeling ecstatic, Hinokawa Yui, the current leader for the Production Team of the Full Moon Festival, happily walked back to her office to pick up some papers before going to the arena where the Full Moon Festival will be held. "Ow--" as she was about to fall, she felt two hands supporting her arms. "Are you okay?" she flinched as she heard a deep familiar voice. "I-I'm okay, Mutsuki-san!" she stuttered as she stood up straight with the help of Gravi's leader. "Be careful next time," she only nodded in response as Mutsuki Hajime, started to walk away. "Congratulations on the job, by the way," he added making the girl blush from the greeting. ~ "Cheers to Hinokawa-san!" a bubbly voice beamed as they all toasted, as the sound of their glasses colliding, echoed throughout the room. "Like I said, Kakeru, you don't need to celebrate! And neither should any of you!" Yui said as she pinched the blond boy's ears and looked at Koi, Rui, Iku, You, Yoru, Arata and Aoi. "It's fine, it's fine, Hinokawa-san! You've always been there for us ever since both Gravi and Procella started. So, this celebration for your assignment at the Full Moon Festival is okay!" Aoi said reassuringly, as the female just sighed in exasperation. "Besides, it's not as if we're drinking alcohol. This is juice!" You yelled as he drank from his glass. "He's secretly wishing there would be a legit alcoholic drink here, though," Yoru commented making the rest of the group giggle. "Well, if you say so," Yui said as she drank from her glass, then coughed afterwards. "I thought you said no alcohol?!" the lavender-haired girl screamed in shock. "Ah, sorry we're late," they all turned to see Kai and Haru, removing their shoes to join the party. "And sorry, because I told them to make you drink, Yui," Kai said as he sat down besides her. "You should be thankful, Yui-san. You is itching to drink alcohol," Koi told her. "But he has to make an appearance for a live show tomorrow morning," she continued as she drank. "She complained when she drank alcohol, but she's enjoying it now," Iku remarked as he poured more juice to his bottle. "Where's Shun?" Rui asked. "Also, Hajime-san is not here," Arata added. "Shun has an interview," Kai answered Rui. "Hajime has a shooting for a new advertisement," Haru replied. "Don't mind them, let's get this party started!" You cheered. "It already started though," Aoi commented. ~ "Ugh," the production leader groaned as she tried to shift to her side but for some reason, she couldn't. Yui tried once more to face her right, but she felt arms over her. waist stopping her. Feeling defeated, she just sighed and let it go. Wait, she thought. Wasn't I drinking with Kai and Haru? As she opened her eyes, her vision was attracted by white hair to her left and purple hair to her right. "Shimotsuki-san?! Mutsuki-san?!" she screamed as she immediately covered her mouth, realizing they were still asleep. She observed the two males to see Hajime facing the edge of the bed as Shun was apparently hugging the girl's waist. "Shh, I'm sleeping," Shun softly said, sending chills to Yui's back. Due to the commotion, Hajime started to move. Scared of waking up the Gravi leader, Yui softly rubbed Hajime's hair as he seemed to have calmed down. "Oh my goodness, what am I going to do?" she told herself as she leaned her head on her hands. As she was thinking on what to do, she saw Hajime stood up and the edge of her eyes. "Hinokawa-san, what are you doing here?" he asked her as he stood up, where the purple-eyed girl stood up, following him. "I'm sorry Mutsuki-san! Even I don't know what's going on!" she apologized, bowing down. "It must've been Shun's doing, then," Hajime concluded as he gave a glare to the white-haired idol. "I'm really sorry," she apologized once more. "It's alright. Sit down for a while, I'm just gonna go change my shirt and let's eat breakfast." "Okay," was her only reply as she sat down on the edge of the bed, looking at her hands to not see the bare torso of the purple-haired leader. "Come on, Hinokawa-san. Look up. Hajime has really good back muscles, you know?" she winced when she heard a very bewitching voice on her right ear. "I'm done. Let's go--Ah, Shun, you're awake," Hajime stated as he blandly looked over the both of them. "To be awoken with the sight of beautiful lavender locks and amazing back muscles, is truly a blessing for me," he stated as he leaned his hands on the bed besides Yui. "Stop the nonsense. Let's go," Hajime declared leaving the two with no choice, but to follow him. As they arrived in the kitchen, the rest of the members of both idol groups were present. "Eh?" "Ahre, ahre?" Were the reactions they got from them. "G-good morning!" Yui greeted as she bowed down, feeling the awkwardness as 10 pairs of eyes were on him. "Now, now, everyone. Stop staring at her. She's getting embarrassed," Shun said, defending the girl as he held her shoulders. "Anyway, come eat breakfast, Shun-san, Hajime-san, Yui-san," Yoru invited them as they all sat down. "Yui-san, would you like to sit on my lap?" You jokingly asked as he received an immediate smack in the head from Kai. "Sit here, Yui," Haru ushered the girl at the edge of the table, setting in between Shun and Hajime. "Hmmm? Mm," they heard mumbling from the other end to see the blond idol framing his hands into two L's enclosing the three at the other edge within his hands. "This love triangle is not bad," Kakeru concluded with a triumphant face. "Eh? Who are you talking about?" Yui questioned as she turned her head to left and right. "I an amazed by how dense, Yui-san is, sometimes. Of course I'm talking about Hajime-san, you and Shun-san!" Kakeru whined as he went back to his seat. "Kakeru, we're in the table. Use your etiquette," the said boy immediately behaved when he heard their leader's voice. "Understood." "Don't be such a killjoy, Hajime. Kakeru is young, let him have fun!" the White Demon King ended with a loud chuckle as he started to eat the breakfast prepared by Yoru and Aoi. "Mm! This is delicious!" the production leader exclaimed as she took a bite from her food. "Thank you!" both of the cooks from each group thanked. "Next time, could you cook for us, Hinokawa-san?" Shun jokingly told as Yui just coughed in response. "Yeah! Yui-san's cooking is the best!" Koi praised, raising his utensils. "Eh? You cook? I never tried it before," You commented. "I-it's not that amazing--" "She made a really delicious cake without flour," Rui added, touching his chin as he thought. "Rui!" "What?! No flour?! That's shocking," Arata said with his straight face unchanged. "So she should, right?" "YES!" ~ Hinokawa Yui's PoV Many weeks have passed and the Full Moon Festival is having a big progress. The joint song is finished, their dances are polished, everything is perfect! "Yui--" "Ah! Ah, it's you, Haru. What is it?" I asked the male in glasses as he approached me with piles of paper in hand. "Why were you so surprised?" "N-nothing. I was just shocked," I replied to him as he took s seat besides me. "I was here with instructions for you for the Full Moon Festival but, you seem like you need help. What happened?" "Umm," I trailed off, not knowing what to say, and whether I should say it or not. "Come on, Yui. We've been together in this busoness for so long already. Tell me," he said in a persuading voice, as I had no choice but to spill. ~flashback~ I was at the event grounds, monitoring how's the preparation for the event. While I was at the backstage, checking the rooms, I saw a room that was occupied. "Hello? Is anybody here?" I asked. "I'm inside. Taking a shower," was what I heard. This sounds like Hajime. "Eh? Is that so?" I said as I looked around. "Hinokawa? Is that you?" "Yes, it's me, Mutsuki-san," I replied. As I was about to tell him that I was about to leave, I saw a crumpled paper on the table. 'Do you like Yui? Yes or No' 'To: Hajime From: Procella' This sounds like something Shun would do--wait, he answered-- "Hinokawa?" I heard a voice call me as I flinched to see a barely dry Shimotsuki Hajime with only towel around his waist. "Ah--I'm not supposed to be here! If you'll excuse me please!" I bowed in apology as I ran out of the door. ~end of flashback~ "So that's what happened," Haru commented as he fixed his glasses. "The thing is, I saw the Yes being encircled, Haru! He likes me! How? When? Where? Why?" I bombarded him with questions. "Don't ask me that sort of stuff. Go talk to him yourself." "Eh? No. But the thing is--" "Haru--Eh? Yui?" Kai came in the door. "Kai!" I wailed like a hungry baby. "Umm, Yayoi Haru-san? You're being called to the stage for a Gravi practice," a staff came in after knocking in. "See you later. And do what you think is best, Yui!" he yelled before running off. "So? What's up with you?" Kai asked me as I just exasperatedly sighed. "Is it about Shun?" "Kind of?" "Tell me." "You sound like a gossip girl, but okay." ~flashback~ I was running away from that room, to avoid more interactions with Mutsuki-san. My heart can't take it anymore. And as I was running, I was suddenlt pulled into a small alley that's hidden throught the hallways, where green pair of orbs welcomed me. "Hello, my little rabbit," he teasingly whispered. "Hello, Shimotsuki-san!" I replied, tense covering my entire body. "Why were you running?" he questioned as he leaned on the wall, increasing the gap between us in this small alley, "Uhm--that's because--I can't tell you," I sighed as I looked down. "Mm," I only heard him say. Then, I felt his hands lift my cheeks up as he leaned his hands on the wall, trapping me in his arms. "Don't go to anyone else but me, okay?" I could only nod in response as he let go of me and walked ahead of me. ~end of flashback~ "So that's why you're all awkward now and extra self-conscious!" Kai concluded as Haru came in the room. ~ I told Kai my story with Hajime and Haru about Shun. "Well, I can't blame them. Yui is really pretty and dependable, so . . ." Kai started. "It can't be helped, right?" Haru continued. "Anyway, we only have 3 days, until the Full Moon Festival. Forget about those for now, okay?" "Okay." ~ "Tsuki no Uta!" they all sang together and danced more. As the song ended their fans screamed hysterically. "As we end this event, I want to take time to give everyone my gratitude," Hajime started, slowly calming down the crowd. "Thank you to all of you who came all the way here just to watch our performance," he bowed as the rest of the members on the stage bowed down as well. "And of course, we want to give thanks to the people behind the scenes. To the cameramen, to the music coordinators, event managers and staff, thank you!" Shun added. "But, there's one more special person." "And we would like to call her up to the stage," and at the edge of the stage I saw Kai and Haru lead the rest of the group to the back stage. "Please come up, Hinokawa Yui," they both simultaneously said, as the spotlight turned to me. "What?!" then, I felt two hands push my back where I saw Haru and Kai smirking at me. "Hinokawa, thank you. For being there from the start and never leaving Gravi even though we've caused you a lot of trouble," Mustuki-san stated as he held my right hand. "Yui, even though I tease you a lot, and bully you a lot, you put up with my randomness, and stayed patient. Thank you, for everything," Shimotsuki-san held my left hand tightly. "Shun and I have talked about this," the Gravi leader started. "And we decided to leave everything to you," the white-haired man continued. I fidgeted my hands in nervouseness as both of them kneeled in front of me, as they simultaneously ask; "Will you be mine?"

#tsuki #uta #tsuki no uta #tsukiuta #shun #mutsuki hajime #shimotsuki shun #hajime #mutsuki #shimostuki #fanfic #fanfiction #shun x oc x hajime #hajime x oc x shun #shun x oc #hajime x oc #romance #love triangle

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hkvoyage · 7 years

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Fic: Butterfly Wings - Chapter 38

Story summary A fashion blog started at University launched Blaine Anderson’s fortune and fame. As Vogue’s new editor-in-chief, he is struggling to find an original angle for an upcoming issue. Kurt Hummel has recently arrived in New York City after finishing high school, and is having no luck building a musical theater career, so he decides to explore another passion of his: fashion. He applies for an internship at Vogue, and Isabelle sees in him the perfect fresh face to liven up the magazine, and convinces him to try out as a model. Kurt meets Blaine, and in spite of their 10-year age difference, sparks fly. Can they overcome misunderstandings and sabotage to find their happily-ever-after? Klaine model AU. Rating for this chapter: General (overall story is mature) Word count for this chapter: 5,750 Can also be read on A03 / FF Masterpost is here. You’re in for a real treat with the artwork contained in this chapter. They were created by Cassie at @cc-graphics. She has been so unbelievably supportive for a newbie author like myself. The overall story artwork was produced early in my writing and some days, it kept me going. Please go here to give her all the love she deserves for the photos.

Thank you to the amazing @lilyvandersteen for the beta work and support. ***** Author’s note: Pay attention to the day things are happening. The chapter takes pace over a 10-day period. “To share your weakness is to make yourself vulnerable; to make yourself vulnerable is to show your strength.” – Criss Jami May - Sunday “I think we should do the photo shoot on the set Tuesday. On Wednesday, we’ll do the outdoor shoot and then we’ll head to Blaine’s place,” Paul, the lead photographer, suggests after listening to Blaine’s plans for the revised June issue. “Can someone get the permit to shoot in Central Park? Let’s pray it doesn’t rain.” “I’ll get someone to sort that out,” Tina replies, furiously typing into her computer. “Will that give you enough time to get the outfits together, Liam?” Blaine asks. “You’ve got a fantastic wardrobe, Blaine. I’m thinking that we’ll use your clothes so they don’t need to be altered. Can I come over this evening to pick out some outfits? That will leave Monday for doing any necessary cleaning and selecting the accessories.”

At Blaine’s nod, Liam continues. “The main thing that worries me is the cover. I’m not sure I can pull it off. I’m thinking we should use a professional theater costume designer, but I doubt we can get someone to create what you’re thinking of before Tuesday.” Blaine leans back in his chair and takes off his glasses before rubbing his eyes. This was always going to be the difficult part. “I’ve got an idea,” Paul says. “Why don’t we Photoshop it? I’m good friends with Jeff Huang, who’s the best in the field for digital art, and he’s based right here in New York City.” “Do you think he’ll agree to do it?” Blaine asks hopefully. “Think of the exposure he’ll get with his digital art on the cover of Vogue. Jeff will be all over it. Let me call him now.” When Paul has left the room, Blaine turns to Unique. “I’m counting on you living up to your name in the make-up area.” Unique gulps and slowly nods. “I’ve already texted Lady Divine, who’s promised to help me. But your hair, Blaine…” “What’s wrong with it?” “I’m thinking that you need an edgier style.” “Nope, I’m not getting rid of the curls. Not doing it. I spent my teenage years gelling my hair, and now that I’ve figured out a way to control them, I’m keeping the curls.” Unique huffs and stands up, placing a hand on her hip. “Honey, you need to trust Unique. I’m not suggesting for one single moment that you get rid of those curls. I’m thinking about a cut that will show them off even more. When Mark Townsend helped us out on the Hamilton-inspired photo shoot, he had some really great ideas about your hair.” “Okay, Unique. I guess it’s go big or go home. Can you set up an appointment for tomorrow?” “Already done. Townsend is expecting you at 4 p.m.” Now that all aspects of the photo shoot have been discussed, the conversation turns to the main article. “I want to make one thing very clear about the main article. I must have full editorial control. There are specific things I want included and other things I will not discuss. That is non-negotiable.” “Do you want to write the article yourself?” Isabelle politely asks. “No. I won’t have the time and it would get far too sappy. I’m looking for a top-notch journalist to write it to my specifications.” Isabelle sits up straight before she replies. “Santino Cruz is a new staff writer for the website. He’s a wonderful reporter, and his articles are thoughtful and compassionate. I’m expecting him to go places one day, but for now, he writes articles about celebrities and travel pieces.” “Do you think Santino is up for the job?” “Yes, I do. I can be there during the interview, if you like, and polish up the article before your final editing.” “I trust your judgement, Isabelle. I’ll email you the list of things I wish to be included. Can you and Santino start the interview tomorrow morning? It looks like I’m going to be very busy with the photo shoots after that.” “Consider it done. We’ll also have to run the article by your PR agency.” Tina and the head of distribution talk about the logistics of getting the revised cover and article to the printers in time. The finance director approves the additional costs for the overtime required to print and distribute the issue over the weekend. The website content has been assigned over to Isabelle’s number two – she will be far too busy with the article and coordinating events to give the website the attention it deserves. At the end of the meeting, Blaine smiles for the first time, realizing that this is really going to happen. He returns to his office to make an important phone call. It’s the last piece of the puzzle that needs to be in place to pull off Operation Woo Kurt. ***** “Blaine Anderson. How nice to hear from you! I haven’t seen you since you came on the show after becoming Vogue’s editor-in-chief.” “Has it really been that long, Ellen?” “Yes, it has been that long. So when are you going to grace my show with your presence again?” “I’m glad you asked that. How far ahead do you tape your show?” “One day.” “So if I wanted to be on the show on a Tuesday, it would be taped on the Monday?” “Yes, that’s right. Why do you ask?” Blaine crosses his fingers because the timing would work if Ellen agrees. “I have a special favor to ask you, Ellen. I’d like to be on the show airing on June 1st. Here’s what’s happening…” Blaine gives a quick spiel about Operation Woo Kurt, June’s Vogue issue, and how The Ellen Show fits into his plans. When he’s finished pitching his story, Blaine takes deep breaths, nervously waiting for Ellen’s reaction. “Are you serious, Blaine? I didn’t think you had it in you to be so bold.” Blaine chuckles, “Yeah, I didn’t think so either. So what do you say, can I be on your show?” “Absolutely! This appearance will top everyone we’ve had this year. The only thing that would make it better is if Kurt were in the audience.” “Sorry, but no can do. Kurt is currently in the Mid-West staying with his dad. I need this to be a complete surprise.” “Ugh, I understand. I’ll have the program director contact your office tomorrow about when you’re needed on set. Let’s meet up for lunch that day so you can tell me all about it and we can figure out a plan for the appearance.” ***** Tuesday Blaine looks at himself in the mirror in the make-up area, and cannot believe that it’s really him. He’s never worn so much make-up in his life. Blaine has always been confident about his looks, knowing that others find him attractive, but this is the first time he thinks of himself as beautiful. “Don’t touch your face!” Lady Divine cries out. “You’re a work of art and I can’t have you messing it up.” “How do you like it?” Unique asks in a shaky voice. “I love it, but could I have some eyeliner? Err… Kurt likes it on me.” “Anything for that boy,” Lady Divine smirks as she carefully applies the liquid liner to his eyelids. Unique squeezes a very small dollop of hair product into her palm and carefully works it through his hair. Blaine loves his new hairstyle and only hopes that Kurt does as well. As he waits for the set to be ready, Blaine relaxes for the first time since Sunday morning. There had been clothes to select, the set stylists had worked there magic in his house, and of course there had been the interview itself. Blaine had been impressed by Santino Cruz. It took half an hour to get the staff writer to relax in his presence, but once Blaine and Santino realized that they both loved Broadway, they forged a bond. Santino stayed on script for the main interview, while Isabelle interjected with a few more detailed questions. At the end, Santino had asked additional questions about the Monarch Foundation and its long-term plans. Blaine could see where he was going with this, so he gave a lot of background information and shared his vision. Santino then suggested that the article should include the Monarch House and offered to find a Westerville photographer to take some photos. Isabelle was right – Santino Cruz will be going places someday. Liam comes over and gives Blaine a quick look-over. No special clothing is needed for this part of the photo shoot. “I almost forgot. Let me take that wristband off before you go on set,” Liam says, pulling Blaine’s arm towards him. Blaine angrily pushes the hand away, which startles Liam. “Don’t touch it! I’m never going to take off this wristband! It means everything to me. It stays on during the photo shoot.” “Okay. Sorry, Blaine. I didn’t know that it was so special to you,” Liam meekly replies. “Sorry that I raised my voice, but it is special.” “We’re ready when you are,” Paul shouts. Blaine nervously gets up and adjusts the tiny shorts. He feels self-conscious without a shirt to cover his chest. Unique had insisted that he have an upper body wax yesterday, and his chest feels weird. He can feel Unique rub his shoulder. “You’ll do fine. Just remember that you’re the greatest diva of them all.” Blaine laughs at Unique’s comment and smiles back. “That’s because I’ve got you as a sidekick, my dear.” Blaine walks onto the set and stands where the marking is on the floor. The lights are blinding and he hopes he doesn’t start to sweat. “Anything you want to listen to?” Paul asks. “I’ve already got it set up,” Steve, the lighting technician, replies, and he turns on the audio system. What a diff'rence a day made Twenty-four little hours Brought the sun and the flowers Where there used to be rain My yesterday was blue, dear Today I'm part of you, dear As Blaine moves into the positions that Paul calls out, he thinks back to the 24 hours that he had spent with Kurt in LA. It was the most incredible experience of his life. Blaine’s arms flow in time to the music, imagining being held in Kurt’s arms. He rolls his head, remembering feeling Kurt inside his body, filling him with ecstasy and love. “That’s a wrap. God, Blaine, you should be a model. You can really make your body flow like liquid. And do you know how hard it is to make models look dreamy-eyed like that?” Paul remarks. “Thanks, but I think I’ll stick to my job behind my desk after this week. This is too much hard work,” Blaine chuckles. ***** Friday Blaine glances up from his computer screen and looks at Isabelle and at Santino, who is nervously twisting his hands in his lap. “It’s perfect. We’ll run with this article.” Blaine can see the relief wash over both of their faces. “Santino, this is excellent work. I especially like what you wrote about the Monarch Foundation. Maybe I can rope you into writing some of the foundation’s promotional materials… The photos you picked out are perfect. Now go take the rest of the day off. You deserve it.” Santino thanks Blaine before leaving. When Isabelle gets up, Blaine pleads with her to stay. “Can you stay with me until the cover photo is delivered? I’m really nervous to see what it looks like.” “Sure, I’ll stay. But honestly, Blaine, you have nothing to worry about. The photos in the main spread are fantastic.” “But the cover is so out there! By the way, thanks for suggesting Santino for writing the article. You’re right. He’s very talented. I wonder if there’s a position available to give him a promotion?” “I’ll look into it and make it happen.” Their conversation is interrupted by a knock on the door. Blaine eagerly waves Paul and Jeff Huang into his office. Paul hands over the printout of the June issue’s cover, and Blaine gasps when he sees it. “I…I don’t know what to say. This surpasses anything I ever imagined it would be. It truly is a piece of art. Let’s go with it.” Isabelle jumps up and gives Blaine a hug. “You pulled it off! I have to admit, when you told us the ideas for article and cover on Sunday, I didn’t think we had any chance of making such a tight deadline. But you did!” “I honestly couldn’t have done it without everyone pulling together and working crazy hours. The real proof will be in the reactions of Kurt and the readers on Tuesday.” Once everyone has cleared out of his office, Blaine checks the time. He needs to get ready to leave for the airport. He plans to be in LA over the weekend so that he can spend time with Sam and Cooper. Blaine feels bad about cutting his last trip short, but once Kurt left, Blaine just wanted to go home. When Blaine hears his phone ping, he quickly looks at the new message. You’ve been quiet this week. I miss you :(. Is everything okay? – K xx Blaine feels badly about not being in touch with Kurt all week, but he’s afraid that if he talked to Kurt, he would blurt out his plans by mistake. As much as Blaine hates doing it, he types out his reply. Work has been incredibly busy with the June issue deadline. I’m off to LA and won’t be returning until Monday night. Let’s talk on Tuesday. I love you and miss you too. – B xxxxxxxx Blaine quickly grabs his carry-on suitcase and heads out of the building and into his car, which is waiting at the curb. “Traffic is fine, Blaine. I think we’ll make it to JFK airport with plenty of time to spare. Get done what you needed to at the office?” Bentley asks. “Yeah, I’ve approved the June issue to go to the printers. It’s been quite the week. Thanks for putting up with me and all the craziness of getting me to different locations. I’m looking forward to a weekend relaxing with Sam, Mercedes and Cooper.” That it's… All or nothing… All or nothing… Cause this is my life… I'm not gonna live it twice… Blaine smiles as he presses accept on his phone. “Hey, Marley. What’s up?” “Oh my god, Blaine. You’ll never believe it. SONY is interested in our song! I personally dropped the demo off at their offices this morning, and you know what? It turns out that the personal assistant of the VP in charge of new talent has been to the Treble Clef Jazz Club before and has heard me sing ‘All or Nothing’. He remembered the song and loves it, so brought the demo directly to his boss. After about 30 minutes, the VP ushered me into her office and started to discuss a deal to produce my first album.” “That’s wonderful news, Marley!” “You better get your songwriting into gear, because I need about eight more songs.” “That’s kind of you to think of me,” replies Blaine. “It’s more than that, Blaine. The VP loved the music composition. She wants to see more original songs like that.” “Marley, I’m on my way to the airport now and will be in LA until next Tuesday night. Why don’t I call you when I get back and we can discuss it in more detail?” After agreeing to talk next week, Blaine ends the call and lets out a deep breath. Everything has happened so quickly this week. Recording the demo song on Saturday, changing the direction of Vogue’s June issue on Sunday, haircuts, body wax, and the interview on Monday, the photo shoots on Tuesday and Wednesday, reviewing the issue on Thursday, and approving the interview and cover photo today. However, Blaine thinks it’s all worth it, particularly if he gets to see Kurt next week. Blaine mentally goes through all the plans from now until Tuesday, June 1st. There’s only one last detail he needs to take care of. He scrolls through his contact list and makes the call. “Blaine. What can I do for you, bud?” “Hi, Burt. After we talked on Saturday, I figured out a plan to woo Kurt.” “I know you did. Your father filled me in. I even went over to the Monarch House to be in the photos. I can’t wait to see Kurt’s face when he sees the June issue. He’s gonna love it.” “I hope he does. I need your help on one little matter. What are you doing next Tuesday at 3 p.m.?” ***** Tuesday Kurt is surprised to see his father at the kitchen table at 8 a.m. Usually, he’s already left at that time to open the garage. “Shouldn’t you be at work, Dad?” “Timmy’s opening the shop today. I thought I would take it easy this morning.” Kurt sees his father glance at the kitchen clock and fidget on his seat. “You home all day, kiddo?” “No plans yet. I’m going to spend time designing this morning. I’ll see what the weather’s like before I decide what to do in the afternoon.” “How about I come home early and we do something together. You’re always going on at me about how we don’t have a decent guest bedroom. Maybe we can fix it up or something?” Kurt looks at his father skeptically. Since when does his dad volunteer to decorate a room? Before Kurt can figure out what’s going on, the doorbell rings. “Go answer the door. It’s for you.” Kurt shakes his head and chuckles. Something is definitely going on. When he answers the door, he sees the postman with a large envelope from Vogue. Kurt accepts the envelope and sets it down on the counter before opening the fridge to figure out what he’ll have for breakfast. “Aren’t you gonna open it?” “It’s just the June issue of Vogue. I’ll read it this evening after dinner.” “You’ll do no such thing! Open it now!” Burt roars. “Okay, Dad. Calm down - remember your heart. I didn’t know it’s so important to you that I read Vogue as soon as I receive it.” “Well, it is,” Burt huffs. Kurt can feel his dad’s eyes on him as he carefully takes the magazine out of the envelope. Kurt’s jaw drops and tears slowly form when he sees the cover.

Blaine is on the cover. Blaine is naked from the waist up, wearing what looks like shorts. Kurt can tell that Blaine has been keeping up his exercise regime and he likes what he sees. Before Kurt gets too carried away looking at the distinctive V trailing down into the shorts, his eyes rake up Blaine’s chest. Did Blaine really wax his body? Kurt hopes that he can convince Blaine to grow back his chest hair because he loves the feel of it against his naked body. It does things to him. Kurt next looks at Blaine’s face. Blaine’s wearing make-up, but it’s slightly smudged – as if he has just finished a strenuous performance. Kurt bites his fist when he manages to take his eyes off Blaine to see the total picture. Blaine’s arms are clasped together as if praying, and behind him are butterfly wings. The wings are ethereal and look almost transparent - a blend of green and blue colors, with flecks of gold. Kurt gasps when he sees that Blaine’s only adornment is the silicone rainbow bracelet. The background looks as if Blaine has risen from a fantasy scene. Printed along the top of the cover is Blaine Anderson – Find out what really matters to him. Kurt wipes his tears from his eyes, appreciating that no-one else would understand the butterfly wings. Only him. It’s all for him. Kurt feels his father wrap his arms around him. The feeling grounds him as he cries into his dad’s chest. “I hope those are happy tears, son.” “I can’t believe that Blaine did this. God, I love him so much.” “I know you do. Aren’t you going to read the interview?” Kurt nods and returns to his seat. He opens the issue and gasps when he sees the beginning of the six-page article.

The first pages contain two amazing photos of Blaine with a different, more polished look altogether. Blaine’s hair has been cut short along the sides and back, but the top has been left long with luscious curls. Kurt loves the new hair style. There’s shimmery blue glitter both over and under Blaine’s eyes and it expertly fades into his upper cheek bones. There’s a strip of pink rouge on his cheeks that blends into his sideburns. Blaine’s full lips are coated with bright red shimmery lipstick. The photos are just head shots, but continue the butterfly wings theme. In the first photo, Blaine is wearing a pair of butterfly wings, and in the second photo, three butterflies flutter in front of his face. Blaine looks absolutely stunning. The article starts with setting out some background information about Blaine, but then it delves into what matters to him. Kurt thinks that the article is brilliantly laid out into themes, with corresponding photos. There’s a photo of Blaine playing the piano in his penthouse. The article goes on to describe how music is important in his life. The next photo is of Blaine running in Central Park, and the article describes how Blaine keeps fit and healthy. Kurt turns the page and sees a photo of the Monarch House, with teenagers and parents at a BBQ in the backyard. He looks closely to see if he can recognize anybody. He can make out Michael and… “Dad, you were in on this!” Burt laughs and checks out the photo. “That photo has turned out alright. Michael Anderson called me last Monday night and told me a little about the issue. I wanted to be a part of it, so I took Tuesday morning off,” Burt sheepishly replies. Kurt grimaces when he sees the photo of Blaine and Sebastian. It’s the exact same photo that he discovered in Blaine’s wallet in LA. His eyes quickly return to the article. Sebastian Smythe is the editor-in-chief of Elle magazine, our major competitor. Sebastian and I have known each other since high school and have always been rivals. It’s made me stay alert to potential problems and to take risks for new opportunities. It’s kept me on my toes and spurred me on to keep moving forward. Up until recently, I kept this photo in my wallet as a reminder that competition is essential to push yourself to succeed. Honestly, I admire Sebastian. He’s smart and a very savvy businessman. His recent donation to the Monarch Foundation only confirms that there is a compassionate side to him as well. Kurt feels horrible that he jumped to conclusions as to why Blaine kept that photo in his wallet. He knew there would be a perfectly good reason that didn’t include a bet about him. Blaine was very clever at working this into the article. Kurt laughs at the photo of Blaine in his Nightbird Outfit. He definitely wants to see Blaine in it in a more private setting. He reads the corresponding part of the interview carefully. Someone special recently reminded me how important bucket lists are. They can contain little things like exploring your neighborhood or trying something new. However, a really good bucket list also has your long-term hopes and dreams. Kurt thinks about his bucket list and can’t wait until they include hopes and dreams shared with Blaine. When Kurt turns the page, nothing has prepared him for the photo. It is simply Blaine’s lower arm and hand with the silicone rainbow bracelet stamped Love is love is love is love. Above all else, love is what matters to me. It’s the love of my family, who are very supportive. It has only been this year that I learned how important my father’s love is. Working with him to establish the Monarch House in Westerville has been an incredible experience. It has taught me that my roots really matter. It’s the love of my partner, someone I can truly be myself with. My love for him fills me with such joy and makes me feel as if I can do anything. But at the same time, it grounds me and keeps me safe and connected. Most importantly, he’s my best friend, and there is nothing better than a day spent together. The future? I very much believe in marriage and I want to spend every day of my life loving my future husband. I hope it will be full of love for our children and grandchildren. I will die a very happy man if I can achieve this sort of love. This is what really matters to me. Kurt puts down the magazine. Blaine has laid out each of his core values in this article. There are so many little things in the article that make it feel so personal to him. “I’m going to lie down in my room, Dad. I’ve got a lot to think about.” “Yes, I think you do. I’m going to head to the garage to make sure everything is okay. I’ll see you at lunchtime.” ***** “Are you sure dove gray will be a good color for the walls? It sounds dreary to me.” “It’s sophisticated, Dad. And it will go perfectly with the Ralph Lauren comforter set. I even have a 20% off coupon at Bed, Bath and Beyond. It won’t cost that much.” Burt checks his watch for the hundredth time since they started the project in the guest bedroom. When it’s 2:55 p.m., Burt stretches his arms over his head. “Okay, kiddo. You can order the comforter set. I’ll pick up the paint this week and we can decorate this weekend. What do you say we watch some TV?” “No, thanks, Dad. You know I hate watching ESPN.” “Come on, Kurt. I promise not to watch sports. Maybe a reality show or something like that?” “Really?” “I wanna spend as much time as possible with you before you run off to New York City again. I have a feeling that’s going to be sooner rather than later.” Kurt follows Burt down the stairs and into the living room. When Kurt picks up the TV remote, his dad snatches it out of his hands and sits in his comfortable reclining armchair. “I thought I could pick the show,” Kurt groans. “You can, but let me flick through the channels first.” Kurt sits down on the couch and picks up Vogue, staring at Blaine on the cover. Frankly, he couldn’t care less what they watch because he wants to read the article all over again. “Fancy that. The Ellen Show is on. Let’s watch it,” Burt suggests. Kurt quirks an eyebrow at his dad. “You like The Ellen Show?” “I don’t get to watch it ‘cause I’m always at the garage in the afternoons. I wanna see what it’s all about. I hear she has interesting guests.” Kurt shrugs. If his dad wants to watch The Ellen Show, he can. It doesn’t matter to Kurt. He continues to stare at the photo of Blaine on Vogue’s cover, wondering what his next move should be. He hears the audience clapping and Ellen’s voice doing the usual introduction. “… warm welcome for the one and only Blaine Anderson” Kurt looks up when he hears Blaine’s name and sees Blaine walking across the stage. “You knew about this too!” Kurt cries out, tossing a throw pillow at his dad. “I’ve set the DVR up. Now, shhh, let’s watch it.” Blaine is wearing black-and-white geometric sports jacket and matching trousers with a pink collared shirt, unbuttoned at the top. Not many men could pull off that look, but Blaine looks incredible in it. “Blaine, you look fantastic. Who are you wearing?” “Thank you, Ellen. I’m wearing Thom Browne. There are lots of amazing designs come through Vogue’s doors.” “I haven’t seen you since you became Vogue’s editor-in-chief. How’s that going?” Kurt listens to Blaine explain what has been going on at Vogue, but his mind is really focused on a key question. What the hell is Blaine Anderson doing on The Ellen Show on an ordinary Tuesday? Kurt tunes back in when Blaine stops talking about Vogue. “I hear that you might have found a new job.” When Blaine gives her a questioning look, the back screen lights up with Blaine’s photo on Vogue’s June cover. The audience gasps and is silent for a moment or two, before loud shrieks and applause can be heard. “Ladies and gentlemen… Blaine Anderson, the supermodel.” “I’m not sure about that. I won’t be giving up my day job any time soon. Modeling is hard work!” “So what made you do it? Why grace the cover of Vogue?” “Vogue’s April issue was about ‘pushing boundaries’. It made me wonder if I pushed the boundaries in my own life. I was recently in LA, just for a day, and I had an epiphany – a clear vision about what’s important in my life.” The photos from the Vogue issue fade in and out of the back screen. Blaine and Ellen talk through the highlights of the magazine article, with additional time spent on the Monarch Foundation. “I think we all want to know why you decided to make such a public statement.” “There are so many photos of me on social media and things written about me. 99% of it isn’t true.” “You mean you aren’t a man-eater who can have sex simultaneously in New York, London and Sydney? “No, and I don’t live in a castle either,” Blaine chuckles. The last photo of Blaine’s wrist with the rainbow bracelet appears on the screen. “So, love…” Ellen prompts. Blaine takes a sip of water before he continues. “Since I was a teenager, I’ve always known that love, a husband and a family are important to me. Being gay, I didn’t know how that would work out until marriage equality swept through all 50 states.” The studio audience applauds and loudly cheers, before allowing Blaine to continue. “It was during that special day in LA that I went from believing to knowing that love is the most important thing in my life. To have a husband, children – that would make me complete.” “That must have been one very special day.” “Yeah, it was,” Blaine shyly replies. “So, is there someone special in your life?” “Yes, there is a special man in my life. I’m not going to name him. Our relationship is still new and fragile, but I love him very much.” “I understand you have a song you want to perform.” Blaine nods his head. “After the break, we will be hearing a live performance from Blaine Anderson.” Kurt’s tears turn into sobs as the ads start. Burt walks over, sits on the couch and pulls Kurt in with one arm. “I just…” “I know, Kurt. Deep breaths.” When The Ellen Show returns, Blaine is on the stage sitting at a baby grand piano, with a small back-up band. The spotlight is on Blaine, and as he looks up, he says, “This one’s for you, boyfriend.” If I was a raindrop Would you be my thunder storm? It's cold so surround me With rain clouds to keep me warm I feel like I'm falling So darling, don't let me go The thought is appalling But should I slip away Into the stormy sea will you remember me? Kurt loves the song, its upbeat tempo, and Blaine’s rich tenor voice as he sings. The song’s lyrics are playful and hopeful, and give Kurt a warm feeling. Asleep in our warm cocoons We dream of lovely things We're both gonna wake up soon So we hope that tomorrow brings Us our butterfly wings Kurt laughs at the butterfly reference. Butterflies are really their thing. It had started with the first photo shoot where Kurt modeled for Vogue and then led to the beautiful brooch Blaine gave him for his birthday. When the song ends, Kurt can hear a thunder of applause from the audience. When Ellen introduces the next guest, Burt gets up and switches off the TV. He glances over at Kurt furiously tapping on his tablet. “6:36 a.m. tomorrow,” Burt remarks. Kurt looks up and gives his father a questioning look. “The next direct flight from Dayton to New York City is at 6:36 tomorrow morning. There are still seats left. I checked earlier.” “But… How did you know?” “Buddy, it’s been obvious since you arrived ten days ago. You may be in Lima, but your heart is firmly in New York City. After what Anderson did for you, I figured that you would want to go to him.” “Do you think I’m ready?” “The more important question is whether you think you’re ready,” Burt replies. “I’m not sure what I’m going to do with my life, but studying fashion is a step in the right direction to figure it out. One thing I know for sure is that in any version of my life that I dream about, Blaine is in it.” “So what are you waiting for? Don’t you have a phone call to make? Some packing to do? I’ll go book the flight.” ***** “Kurt…Hi,” Blaine says when he answers his phone. “I love you! I love you! I love you! That photo on Vogue’s cover is amazing. The article is amazing. The Ellen Show is amazing. The song is amazing. You’re amazing.” “It wasn’t too over the top?” “Of course it was, but that’s what I love about it. How did you organize things so fast? I only gave you the rainbow wristband ten days ago.” “Let’s just say that very few people at Vogue got any sleep last week,” Blaine chuckles. “But I would move heaven and earth if it meant that you would come to New York City to be with me.” “You’re the master of the cheesy lines.” “Do they work?” Blaine whispers. “I have only question for you, Blaine…” When Kurt hears Blaine breath hitch, he continues, “Will you pick me up at LaGuardia tomorrow morning?" Author notes Song at Blaine’s photo shoot – ‘What a Difference a Day Made’. There are many covers of this song but my favorite is by Jamie Cullum. Song Blaine sings on the Ellen Show – ‘Butterfly Wings’ by Owl City. Now you know how I picked the title for the story :) Next up: Kurt arrives in New York City. Heads up – there are only three more chapters and an epilogue to go.

#My fic : Butterfly Wings #HKVoyage writes #klaine fanfiction #klaine fanfic

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elliotthezubat · 7 years

Text

DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 69

in which all hell breaks loose...

-early morning- Kid: *yawn* stocking: *making waffles* Kid: *sniffs* "Smells great..." stocking: thanks. want anything on them? Kid: "Strawberries?" stocking: on it~! -elsewhere- Spirit: *pours coffee* "Here you go." sachiko: thanks. Spirit: "You're welcome." *sets down bacon and eggs* "How's today look?" -elsewhere- Chuuya: *opens the closet* ("Now I just have to hide this gift on the top shelf--") *looks up...he can't reach it* "..." *lowers his head* Y_Y …… *light bulb* *floats up* YYWYY;; *sets the gift down* *lowers himself, closes the door* "There." -elsewhere- Magaki: *in a dark room, curtains closed, studying a newspaper* ("I got another killed...Security increased...") *closes the newspaper, folds it...stands up, and walks by a hallway of mirrors along the wall* -silence- Magaki: *approches the kitchen, opens the fridge, removes a bottle of dark red liquid* -...- Magaki: *sips* -...- Magaki: "..." *grimaces* "Ugh..." *grabs some milk* "Need to favor this crap." -elsewhere- Akitaru: "Everyone got their assignments?" shinra: yep. tamaki: *nods* iris: mmhmm! nozomi: yes, sir! Relan: "Yes, sir." Vulcan: *nods* Arthur: *bows* Takehisa: "When you are finished, file your report." everyone: yes sir! Akitaru: "Dismissed!" *smiles* -elsewhere- Yohei: *looking outside* mana: *playing in the snow* Shotaro: *tossing a snowball in the air--and let it hit himself in the face* "Hee hee..." Emine: *lying in the snow* chie: seems they're enjoying themselves. Yohei: "Yeah..." *slight shiver* chie:...*kiss on the cheek* Yohei: "..." *holds her hand* "Th-Thanks..." -elsewhere- Wes: "Good work, Licht..." licht: thank you. Wes: "I think we'll be ready in time for the performance...but..." licht: ? Wes: "Why is your friend lying on top of the piano?" Hyde: *lying back* =w= licht: ==# shit rat, get off of there. Hyde: "Can't I be your muse~" -elsewhere- Hibana: *in a pair of slacks, buttoning up her shirt, then putting on a tie* "How do I look?" gabriella: *thumbs up* nice *nosebleed* Hibana: "..." *smirks* "Your nose is bleeding." gabriella: !!! *puts a tissue to it* .////.; Hibana: *leans forward--smooch* gabriella: =///////////= -elsewhere- Sanjuro: "Tsubaki..." tsubaki: dad... *hugs* mrs nakatsukasa: *hugs* <welcome home, sweetie.> Sanjuro: ^^ *hug* Black Star: *looking at the map* "I think we go this way--" *walks into the wall* "...Ow." tsubaki: ^^; jetlag? Black Star: "Ow...Maybe. Oh, hey Mr. and Mrs. Nakatsukasa." mrs nakatsukasa: ^^; Sanjuro: "Hello, Black Star. Not yet oriented?" Black Star: "Give me an hour--I'll have this world wrapped around me!" -elsewhere- Aizawa: "Have your permission slips turned in by the end of the week..." momo: *nods* tsuyu: got it. Iida: "..." Izuku: *looking at his list of options* ochako: do you hear someone running- Mineta: "I don't hear anyt--" *Door slams open--crushing Mineta against the wall* ochako: O-O; All Might: "I AM HERE--HAVING DASHED DOWN THE HALL TO BOW!" *bows* -staaaare- Izuku: "A-All Might!" *stands up* Aizawa: "...What is it now?" All Might: "I MUST SPEAK WITH YOUNG MIDORIYA!" *grabs Izuku by the collar, pulling him from his chair and dashing back down the hall* Izuku: YEEEEEEEeeeeeeee….. *his voice fades out as he is dragged* tsuyu: *blinks* satou: d-did that just...? Mineta: *whimpering from behind the door* "Heal me..." -and so- Izuku: "Your teacher?! And he knows about your Quirk? Why didn't you mention it earlier? And...are you okay?" All Might: *nervous smile* "Y-YES!" *holding his leg down* "STAY DOWN, LEG. STOP SHAKING...OH, NO, WHY IS HE SEEKING YOU OF ALL PEOPLE?!" Izuku: .____.;;; "...Should I not accept--" All Might: "YOU MUST ACCEPT! IT'LL GIVE YOU A NEW PERSPECTIVE!" Izuku: *hair blown back from the shouting* .______. "...Okay." -elsewhere- Kunikida: *dialing* "...Answer already..." aya: is he sick? *worried* Kunikida: "I wish I knew. He usually answers..." -the phone answers- yana: who is this? Kunikida: Yes, hello. Is Katai there?" yana: no, he's at the doctor's. he broke his ankle. Kunikida: "!!! How does he break his ankle?! He lies down all the time..." yana: hey, i dont know man. Kunikida: "...Who is this?" yana: just a family friend. Kunikida: "...Where was he admitted?" yana: he didnt say, he just asked me to watch the house for him. Kunikida: "He didn't say--but he has you watching his place? Then you won't mind if I stopped by." yana: sorry, im really busy with tidying everything. i bet you he tripped over the trash or something. Kunikida: "Well, good luck cleaning--he can be disorganized." yana: thanks. *hangs up* .....<just where did mr hackerman go? or his body.....> -elsewhere- Akutagawa: *standing on rooftop* "...I don't see them." naoya: lets see here.... -perspective- they're in the alley next to the hardware store. Akutagawa: "Exit points?" naoya: just the entry way and a fire escape... Akutagawa: "You take the entry, I'll take the fire escape." naoya: on it. *heading down* Akutagawa: *uses Rashomon to stilt-walk over the buildings to the fire escape* -in the alley- Escapee #1: "Crap crap crap!" naoya: howdy there, chucklefucks! Escapee #1: Q~Q escapee 2: *grabs a pipe and charges* naoya: *grabs the pipe and is trying to force it out of his hand* Escapee #1: *backs away--then feels someone tap his shoulder* O____O Akutagawa: *tapping with Rashomon* "You don't want to try this, friend." escapee 2: !!!! -CRACK- escapee 2: *screams* Akutagawa: "See? Don't try that." *picks up Escapee #1 by their legs* Escapee 1: "EEEK!" naoya: now... *chokes escapee 2 with the pipe* what to do with you two.... Escapee 1: "DON'T KILL US!" naoya: so you'll come back quietly? Escapee 1: *nod nod* naoya: see, that wasnt so hard was it- escapee 2: *elbows her and tries to run* naoya: urk- Akutagawa: *sighs--and tosses Escapee 1 at 2* -she shoots him in the leg- Escapee 1: "EEEEEEEE--" escapee 2: AHHHH!!!! *CRASH* Escapee 1: X_X Escapee 2: *groans* naoya: god...god dammit. never an easy job, eh, akuta? Akutagawa: "No...Not very bright, are they?" *offers a hand* naoya: *smiles* thanks. -elsewhere- yana: .... pushkin: <what're you lookin' at?> yana: *points to ivan and zoey* them. pushkin: ?? <what're they doing?> yana: trying to show off for the boss. zoey: *nuzzles fyodor's leg* master~<3 Ivan: *massaging Fyodor's shoulders* <Let me know how to please you, Master~?> Fyodor: ….. yana: <neither one of them wants to admit defeat, so they just flaunt their affection towards him while he's just indifferent. they're like two, sad little peacocks...> pushkin:...........<that's actually pretty funny.> yana: <indeed it is, pushkin. indeed it is.> Fyodor: "???" katya: <oh dont be such a goddamn baby, pyotr! your finger will be fine!> Fyodor: <Could you keep it quiet?> katya: <WELL SOME OF US HAVE TO ENTERTAIN OURSELVES _SOME_HOW! IF I DONT GET TO KILLIN' SOMETHING SOON, IM GONNA FLIP SHIT!> pushkin: easy now. Fyodor: *sighs* <Leo, please sew up some dolls...> leo: understood. Fyodor: <Katya, use the dolls as targets.> katya: *griiiiiiin* leo: <please try not to bite their heads off again.> katya: leo:....*sigh* <close enough...> Fyodor: "Now, where were we--" *shudders* "Too hard..." zoey: *pouts and nuzzling his thigh* Ivan: *glares...his hands slide under Fyodor's collar to his bare shoulders* Fyodor: "Hm." -elsewhere- Medusa: *stares* "...If I have to make one more gingerbread house, my fingers are going to fall off..." neian: *chewing on her rag* Medusa: "..." *pats her head* neian: babu! Medusa: *light smile* -elsewhere- PlushFix: =w= "Aw, paradise..." kinuta: *chuckles* hina: *taking a drag on her cig* damn. Akua: *trying to shield against the sun* =_=; PlushFix: *resting along Kinuta's leg* =w= kinuta: cozy? PlushFix: "Could be cozier..." mimeca: *as a crab on her head* =w= Akua: *stares at the crab* -_-; kinuta: *picks him up.......putting her between her breasts* PlushFix: *muffled* "HEAVEN!" saku:.....tch- <idiots.> Akua: "Shameless." >_> -elsewhere- Jacqueline: "??? You okay?" kim: yeah, just felt sick all the sudden... Jacqueline: "..." *places a hand on her forehead* -elsewhere- atsushi: *looking at the flyer* Lucy: "Thinking of going~?" atsushi: !!! YESPLEASE! Lucy: ^^ "Good." *takes his hand* atsushi: o////w////o; Lucy: "We get to dress all fancy, too." atsushi: oh wow. Lucy: "Maybe you can borrow a suit..." atsushi: i'll see what i can do! Lucy: *looks down* "And I'll need something, too..." atsushi: ^^;... *glances at kyouka* ?? Kyoka: "We will need pretty dresses." Lucy: "Something poofy!" -elsewhere- Izuku: "--so I'll be visiting with a mentor for my internship." inko: that's wonderful! Izuku: ^\\\^ "I'll be out of the house for quite a bit..." inko: where abouts? Izuku: "Th-The older part of town." inko: please do be careful, i hear some unsavory sorts hang around that area... Izuku: *nods* "I'm going to be heading there with a friend, since it's on their way to their internship..." inko: that sounds nice. ^^ -elsewhere- Kid: *humming* stocking: im home...*slumps to the floor, asleep* Kid: O_O *bends down, picks her up* stocking: zzzzzz.... Kid: *takes her upstairs to their room, sets her down gently in bed* "..." stocking: =w= kiddo~ Kid: *smiles, strokes her hair* stocking: =///w///= Kid: *lies beside her* stocking: *snuggle* Kid: *holds her, hums lightly* stocking: u//////u Kid: *closes his eyes* -elsewhere- Dazai: ( . ) w ( . ) naomi:....what? Dazai: "...Cooooooloooors." naomi:....kunikida! he found the mushrooms again! Kunikida: "Damn it!" *pulls out a mallet* -elsewhere- Anya: *covered in snow* tsugumi: you ok? Anya: -_- "Brats did this to me..." kana: no regrets. Anya: >-<# -elsewhere- Black Star: *holds up empty plate* shop worker: ._.; Black Star: "I want more of this. And a meal." shop worker:.... *blinks and looks at sanjuro* tsubaki: v~v; Sanjuro: "J-Just, um..." *picks a plate* "We'll take this...and any information you have." -elsewhere- Akutagawa: "Are they talking?" higuchi: they're in interrogation now... Akutagawa: "Will they live long enough to talk?" higuchi: hopefully... Akutagawa: "Hmm..." *listens to the door* naoya: alright. now how did you get out? Escapee #1: Q~Q "A-A spoon?" naoya: *raises a brow* Escapee #1: Q_____Q "A-A lot of d-digging...Took a long time to dig with...a spoon?" naoya:.....oi, tachi! were there any holes in their cell? Tachihara: "Hell no." Escapee #1: Q__________Q naoya: gee, how interesting....*laughs and twists their wrist* DONT BULLSHIT US! Escapee #1: *screams* "Th-They called us!" naoya: who's _they_? Escapee #1: *gasping* "Th-They had masks--" naoya: ?? what did these masks look like? Escapee #1: "It-It had tiny eyeholes! And something like a cross along one eye?" naoya: ?? ... Escapee #1: "His voice was raspy..." naoya: hmm... hirotsu: is there anything else you remember? Escapee #1: "H-He wore a cross?" hirotsu: hmmm... Escapee #1: "H-He told us to get away--keep running..." hirotsu: .. Escapee #1: "I just wanted to leave...go home..." hirotsu: ... *he glances at mori* Mori: "Hmmmm...No." Escapee #1: "!!!!" -elsewhere- Kuro: =_= *digs deeper under blanket* mahiru: .....*glances at the clock* Kuro: "You waiting for someone?" mahiru: my uncle still isnt home yet.... Kuro: *yawns* "Probably busy at...whatever he does." mahiru: .... -a few days later...- fukuzawa: ... *walking along the streets of the city, admiring christmas decorations* ..... ?? (thinking: blood?) -the blood leads to an alley- fukuzawa: ..... *gripping his sword handle and enters* ..... *No one is in the alley* fukuzawa:.....*examining the blood* *A separation in the air can be felt behind Fukuzawa, as if someone is about to slice at him* -barehanded blade block!- fukuzawa: so you're the culprit then.... -he elbows the assailant in the gut- *Masked Assailant bounces back, holding a sickle* fukuzawa: ?? Mask: "Death...to ability users--" fukuzawa: targeting ability users, are you? *sigh* and to think, this city is supposed to be a safe haven.... Mask: "Saves the user who brings danger wherever he goes..." fukuzawa: ....!! Mask: *swings the sickle again* -clang- fukuzawa: ... Mask: *trying to hold his own against Fukuzawa's sword--then seems to slide under* fukuzawa: ??!! Mask: *swings the sickle* -clang clang- fukuzawa: grk-...*cough* w-what? Mask: "Death will come for you, as it does us all. The ways of death are many: wounds, illness, loneliness...and..." fukuzawa: *coughing* Mask: "Poison." fukuzawa: *collapses* urk-...w-what did you- Mask: *holds up the sickle--then leaps up, seems to form dark flashes at his feet as he goes higher* "A beautiful winter night...to bleed upon the snow." fukuzawa: d-damn...*passes out* -morning- atsushi: *checks his phone* Kyoka: "??? What is it?" atsushi: hm..... !!!!!! kyouka, come on! get dressed! we need to get to the agency right now! -at the agency- ranpo: ............ fukuzawa: *laying in bed, alive, but his breath is shaky* secretary: it's awful… secretary 2: i cant believe someone managed to get a hit in on him, let alone do this... Kunikida: "We are hunting for any more information..." atsushi: .... yosano: ..... *glances at dazai* -elsewhere- hirotsu:...damn. they arent here either...*on communicator* how is everything on your end, sir? -elsewhere, mori and elise ware walking along- ruby: *patrolling* pearl: ... dia: hmm... Officer: *walking by* elise: are we there yet, rintarou? Mori: "Just one more shop~" elise: ugh, that's the 15th tailor today =3= Mori: "Please? It won't be a long walk..." elise: *grumbles* fiiine, but it's the last one for the day. =3= Mori: "Would you rather the car?" elise: yeah yeah, let's just get going already! >3< Mori: *opens the door, enters, closes* elise:.... !!!! RINTAROU WE NEED TO GO- *BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM* dia: !!! ruby: holy moley! -elsewhere- Dazai: *in the alley, examining the floor where Fukuzawa was attacked*…. -elsewhere- elise: *floating, holding mori by the collar* ugh, this is so lame! Mori: ._.; "...Our car..." elise: cant believe someone would put a bomb in there! >3< *lands on the ground* how lame! -in the alley- Akutagawa: *following blood drops in alley* -silence- Akutagawa: "Where could he have gone?" ???: "Eternal..." Akutagawa: "!!" Mask: "Death..." Akutagawa: "So, the dog hunts, just to kill his prey...To kill all ability users. Insane." Mask: "...I will kill….for the sake of my beloved…" Akutagawa: "And you are all bark..." *unleashes Rashomon* Mask: *leaps* *Mask dodges, seemingly unscathed* Akutagawa: "Blood...Your attracts. I know you. And where to strike--" *Mask's mask was sliced, dropping to the ground* Akutagawa: "...As I thought: blood reverend of the Guild." Hawthorne: "..." -on the street, the 1st brigade has secured the area of the burning car- Mori: ^^;;; "Quite a spectacle, eh?" elise: =3= Officer: "Sir, please--we need to get you and your daughter away from this crime scene..." elise: ?? Officer: "How did this explosion even happen?" Mori: .w.; "My daughter put orange juice in the gas tank?" elise: *gives him a look of 'are you fucking kidding me?'* Mori: "She said, 'Daddy, I want Mr. Car to have a drink'! Isn't that right, Elise Sweetie?" elise: dont drag me into this! D8< Officer: "Well, if it was an accident--" Mori: "Oh, it was! It totally was!" ^^ Officer: "--then we have a problem." *shiv* Mori: "..." elise: ......!!!! *The hat falls, revealing...* Fyodor: "..." Mori: *falls down* "E-Elise..." elise: *chasing after him* dia: ?? ...*turns to see....* ..........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fyodor: *running towards Dia* dia: .......*unable to speak, too stunned to move* Fyodor: *he seems to be...smiling* *passes Dia* ruby: did someone just run past? dia:.....*collapses to her knees, eyes wide, pupils shrank.....she's trembling* pearl: dia? dia?! -in the alley- Akutagawa: "You used your blood to step on air, literally." Hawthorne: "..." *The blood at Akutagawa's feet bubbles* Akutagawa: "!!!" *Akutagawa uses Rashomon to block Hawthorne's blood scythe* Akutagawa: "You used to be more straightforward in your attacks, Priest--hardly as deceptive to need a mask, or to use anything but your words and direct attacks." Hawthorne: "..." Akutagawa: "You said you intended to restore that which she lost--that woman I attacked. Is that why you have targeted me?" Hawthorne: "...Who is the Priest?" Akutagawa: "...!!!" -elsewhere- Fyodor: *tosses his police uniform, opens a locker and puts on his coat--* "..." <Where's my hat?> ???: “Hello~!” Fyodor: "..." -_-# Dazai: *waves* “Looking for this, Dosty~?” -someone holds a scalpel to his neck- zoey:....that doesnt.....belong to you..... Dazai: "..." *takes Zoey's hand--and holds it* "Young woman. May I entice you to join me in a--" zoey: *snarling* Dazai: .w.; "...You know what? Here--" *shoves the hat onto her* "It didn't suit me." *looks at Fyodor* Fyodor: "...You anticipated I would be here--" Dazai: "And blocked your one exit! I didn't see her coming, though." zoey:....master....s-shall i....dispose of him...~? Fyodor: "No." zoey:....*removes the scalpel and backs off* of course... Dazai: "...You're the one trying to kill the heads of the two parties involved..." Fyodor: "..." Dazai: "..." *smiles* "Where do I sign up?" zoey: ?? Fyodor: "...Ha." Dazai: "Kidding! I just want to know the poison you used." *evil grin* "I wanted to find it the easier way." Fyodor: "...You know then?" Dazai: *nods* "I know. I know your plan: to eliminate your competition. By poisoning the two heads of the ability user organizations--assassination--is what someone with limited resources would do." Fyodor: "How did you arrive at that conclusion?" Dazai: "Because if I had nothing, it's what I would do." Fyodor: "Hm. So you think we're alike." *smiles* "Very well. That poison assures mutual destruction: you will destroy yourselves." zoey: ...*smiles* Dazai: "???" Fyodor: "This virus-type ability will eat away the hosts' organs. But if either host dies before 48 hours, the ability ends." Dazai: "...To save the director, the other host must die." -elsewhere-.... Chuuya: "..." {fyodor: I can predict every movement you take…so I know you will accept my offer. Because without that girl, you are a mess. And you want her to live the life she was denied. And all it takes is this book–to make your dreams into reality.} Chuuya: "...Even if we wanted to work around him, 2 days is not enough time. We...have to give into this demand." -in the alley- Fyodor: "Fools. Humans, even when they know they are still being manipulated cannot stop killing. A sin. That a god must cleanse from this world." zoey: ah~ so wonderful, master~<3 -she kneels at his feet, like a loyal pet- Fyodor: *pets Zoey's head* Dazai: "...Right. Anyway, 'God,' your plan is A-plus--except the part where you realized I can negate the ability--" Fyodor: "You would need contact with their internal organs--which is suicide, as it will spread the virus." Dazai: "...'Suicide.' *smiles* "I think you underestimate what the Agency can do." Fyodor: "True. And I could underestimate your ability." *BANG* Dazai: "..." *blood is coming from his chest* zoey:...his vitals....werent shot... Dazai: "..." *falls to his knees, then face-down* Fyodor: "You still have a part." *walks by Dazai, picks up his hat* "Come along, my dear." Dazai: *sitting up* zoey: !!!! *holding a scalpel to dazai's neck* ..... Fyodor: *holds up his hand* "Zoey, please." zoey:.....*backing up* ...... Dazai: *chuckling* "Humans _are_ sinfully stupid." *smirks* "What's so wrong about that?" Fyodor: "...! You knew the sniper was there?" Dazai: *getting up* "Because...I know what that book does...It lets you write your reality onto its blank pages." Fyodor: "...To make a world without the sin of ability users." Dazai: "Give it a try--if you can." zoey: ....master fyodor....our god....he'll bring us to the promised land.....ah...it feels wonderful~.....so wonderful....to carry his baby inside me.... Dazai: "..." .________.;;;; "...Girl? You're fucked up in the head." atsushi: dazai?! where are you?! Fyodor: "Zoey. Come along. We have a promised land to create." zoey: of course...~ -elsewhere- ranpo: ................................ fukuzawa: *laying in bed* ...... -in the mafia headquarters- higuchi: ........*glances at a door*.......(thinking: now is as good as a time as any.......) *she approaches the door*........ Mori: *passed out* higuchi: .........*breathes and reaches for the knob* ..........*hard gulp and quietly opens the door* ..... Mori: *slight groan* higuchi: !!! *silently sneaking into the room*....*phew*......??? (thinking: is this....a surgery room?....) *she spots the closet...._that_ closet* ........*shaking*..... *mentally preparing herself for what lies beyond.....she opens the door*....*winces as she sees the decapitated head* (thinking: god....i knew it would be bad but....it doesnt even seem real.....) Mori: *grunts* higuchi: !!! *backs up*.....*noticing the vials* .....*examining* (thinking: the blood samples.....what are you planning, mori?) *There are notes* higuchi:.....*looking at them* Mori's notes: "--to change life itself." higuchi: ??? *looking at more notes* Notes: "-and until I can determine how to change her age--" higuchi: (thinking: does he mean elise?) Notes: "--isolating the mitochondria would be key to unlocking the aging process." higuchi: ....(thinking: has he gone crazy?) Notes: "I found the perfect candidate." higuchi: ...... *her stomach drops* w-what? Notes: "Higuchin's tests were flawless, a perfect match." higuchi: f-for what....? Notes: "--to give Elise the life she deserves." higuchi: ..... -elsewhere- yosano:....it's just as he said, the virus is slowly eating away at him.... Tanizaki: "... We should..." naomi: ?? Tanizaki: "Kill Mori." yosano: it'll be risky, given the amount of firepower the mafia has. Kunikida: "..." ("And Dazai is at a hospital...") kirako:..... ranpo: ..................... kenji: ranpo looks really sad... yosano: yeah.....the director's the closest thing he has to a father...... atsushi:.....*looking out the window* ..... !!!!!!!! Chuuya: "..." atsushi: um guys? we have a situation... Chuuya: "Atsushi!" kenji: oh! we have mafia visitors! naomi: !!!! shit, we're surrounded! Chuuya: "I am here for a deal!" atsushi: sorry we're closed right now! Chuuya: "YOU DON'T GET TO HIDE BEHIND STORE HOURS!" atsushi: um.....*looks at the other agency members* ideas? QuQ;;;; Kunikida: "..." *stares at his book* ("They have us surrounded...They intend to kill, and we can't afford to. And we can't have them learn the full extent of our abilities for the element of surprise...We need a last minute plan..." ranpo: dont rush it, kunikida. you're the director's star pupil, right? yosano: ranpo? ranpo: the director told me something. 'get a hold of yourselves' yosano: ah! he's awake? ranpo:....no, but i heard him mumbling. -ranpo looks at kunikida- ranpo: what do we do, temporary director? give me all the important info! Kunikida: "!!! ...Okay. Follow." -on the roof- naoya: i see someone by the window. it's some blonde kid. kenji: *whistling* Chuuya: "Hmph. He's too strong for one person." naoya: let's see here......*using perspective on kenji* oh shit! Chuuya: "?! What?" naoya: it's not just farmer boy, they got their whole main force down there! Chuuya: "...To protect that one room..." naoya: your orders, chuuya? Chuuya: "...Get all of our forces." naoya: on it. -inside- Tanizaki: *standing* hirotsu: .... Chuuya: "We can fight you one on one, or a direct attack?" Tanizaki: "...Neither." naoya: ??? *Lined up are the Agency members...who seem to shiver and waver in the light* naoya: what the fuck?? t-then how did- *All but Tanizaki fade...revealing a hole in the wall* naoya: son of a bitch. hirotsu: sacrifice one's self to save the rest. how noble. Akutagawa: "How is a decoy noble?" hirotsu: what say you, boy? naoya: 'what say you'? what year do you think this is, gramps? Tanizaki: "...I am not a decoy. I stayed to give you a message." -elsewhere- atsushi: what?? ranpo: that's right. catch the ability user that spawned the virus. if we fight the mafia head on, people will get hurt, or worse, killed. we just need to play by different rules. if we beat the user, or have dazai touch them, then both parties win. if what the rat's leader said is true, then this 'criminal friend' cant get out of the city easily. all public routes are being supervised by people such as the DWMA, the special ability's department, fire brigades, and the life. and the mafia has the back ways all blocked. atsushi: so then... ranpo: get the info on ability user criminal counter-measures. if i have that, it should be enough. -elsewhere- Black Star: "--and then punch this criminal in the face!" tsubaki: ^^; tokyo chief of police: .... <i....see...> Sanjuro: "We do need to track this criminal first...Tsubaki, I want you to track this neighborhood." tsubaki: understood. Black Star: "Can pick up a meal there, too." tsubaki: ... -elsewhere- atsushi: .....this place is pretty run down... -there are vagrants all over the place...- Kunikida: "Just up ahead...; atsushi: ...*glances at one child* child: ..... atsushi: .......(thinking: it almost feels like the orphanage here....) -soon, they approach a tunnel leading to an underground area- -in one underground building, there is a man doing some cooking and listening to christmas music- man: just hear those sleigh bells jingling~ ring-ting-ringling too~ *whistling* *The phone rings* man: *picks up* 'yello? ???: "Get out! You've been found!" man: !!!! *he runs to a communicator* kids! they've caught up to us! im counting on you all to keep them here! kids: !!! man: *running to an escape hatch* -and so- atsushi: ...!!! there he is! *tiger limbs and chases after him* Kunikida: *follows* man: *still running until he turns a corner* atsushi: *still running* Kunikida: "!!! Atsushi, wait!" atsushi: !!!! -BANG- atsushi: *has caught the bullet with his teeth* ..... ooow, that tingles. people were not made to bite metal. Q_Q odasaku:....*stunned* Kunikida: -_-; "Pull yourself together, brat." odasaku: ..... *his stomach drops* atsushi:.... !!!!!!! -several children are armed with guns- man: im counting on you guys! child 1: you go ahead, big brother! -they start shooting- atsushi: *picks up kunikida and retreats to a safer distance* wha...what the hell. odasaku: *still completely stunned....* Kunikida: "Children...with machine guns...One bullet would kill their tiny bodies..." atsushi: what kind of people are we dealing with?? isnt there a way to get past them without shooting them? Kunikida: "Yes..." *opens his book* "Quickly." atsushi: *runs* Kunikida: *summons a tear gas grenade* *tosses* -PSSSHT- kids: *screaming* atsushi: *runs in* child 2: *holding his gun up* atsushi: !!! *BANG* child 2: *screaming and clutching his shoulder* AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT HURTS!!! atsushi: !!!!! Kunikida: *aiming his gun* *frozen* atsushi:...shit, come on! let's go! -after making it a ways down the tunnel- atsushi: .... Kunikida: "..." *slams his fist against the wall* atsushi: !!! kunikida? Kunikida: "Is this hell?" atsushi:....i honestly dont know... but if we bring him to yosano then maybe- Kunikida: "I KNOW!! ... I know." atsushi:.....something isnt adding up. i figured he'd undoubtedly fight back, but... Kunikida: "--why not use his ability?" atsushi: .... odasaku: come to think of it, there werent any alarms or locked doors.... atsushi: .... Kunikida: "...! Atsushi...don't move." atsushi: .....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! child: *they have a grenade collar on* p-pwease...don hurt...big bwubber.... *sniffles* Kunikida: "Atsushi...find another way around. I'll stay..." atsushi: *runs* child: *sniffles, and crying ghibli tears* Kunikida: "..." ("Willing to use a child to explode this tunnel, cave us in...") "..." *leans down where he stands* "We are not going to hurt your brother. I promise." child: *sniff* -elsewhere- Shousaku: "...I know you didn't kidnap me for a concert." Fyodor: "..." *keeps playing* zoey: *outside the door, listening and rubbing her stomach* Fyodor: "Actually, a mutual acquaintance brought us together." *smiles* Fyodor: "I want to know what happened between you and the Agency." Shousaku: "..." *lets out a laugh* "That man, Kunikida? He's the real deal. You can't break that ideal." Fyodor: "..." *smiles* -elsewhere- Kunikida: "...Hey?" child: ..... Kunikida: "Do you like magic?" {child: *answering the phone* h-hewwo?} {Fyodor: "If that awful man pulls out a notebook, expect he is dangerous.”} child: !!!! *grabs the string* Kunikida: "!!! No--" -.........- -BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM- Kunikida: *stunned* -outside atsushi: *tackles the man* you're not going anywhere! man: p-please, dont hurt me. i just..i just wanted to leave the past behind me! atsushi: what? man: s-some guy. i-i was targeted by a hit man. t-these guys were killing off anyone who witnessed a hit and run i saw... t-then this foreign guy started giving me all these weapons and shit. atsushi: then your ability- man: i-i dont have any abilities! you have the wrong guy! atsushi: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! man: p-please, dont hurt my little siblings, they're all i got left! -....- -the dust clears, and the splattered remains of the child is strewn about the rubble...- Kunikida: "..." *falls to his knees, his glasses fall off--the lenses break* -all he is able to do is scream out in agony- -...- man: *showing them a paper* atsushi: !!! the info is all different... ranpo: looks like this guy in the picture is the real deal......but this one is all a lie too. yosano: so it's all a wild goose chase... -in the mafia HQ- hirotsu: *takes a long smoke* *sighs* it's been a long time since the mafia has been out for blood like this. naoya: yeah, no shit, even your mustache is stressed out. hirotsu:....what? naoya: 737 *whistling* hirotsu:.... riiiight. -in mori's room- Mori: *barely breathing* Chuuya: "..." -chuuuuya~- Chuuya: "!!!" rain?: *laying on the floor* ...... Chuuya: "N-No..." rain?: what are you waiting for chuuya? now is.....the perfect chance....to make him pay....for what he did to me....to make him pay....make him pay....makehimpaymakehimpaymakehimaymakehimpay -her eyes are completely black, with and inky fluid dripping from her eyes, nose and mouth…- Chuuya: *shudders, steps back--his hand knocks over a scalpel* rain?: chuuyaaaaaaa....*crawling over to him, dragging her body* dont you love me? -more of her start to come out of the walls and floor- -chuuya i miss you so much- -i love you- -chuuya- -it's so cold- -its s o c o l d h e r e- -kill him! kill him! kill him!- -make him suffer how i suffered so much- Chuuya: "..." *he has fallen to his knees, his hand near the scalpel* -do it- -he's sleeping right there- -cut his fucking throat- -do it- -kill him- -cut him open- Chuuya: "..." *snatches it, bolts up* d o i t Chuuya: "..."*raises his hands* *slam* Tanizaki: *slams the door behind him, runs forward--and stops* !!! Chuuya: !!! "...How did you get free? And get a switchblade?" Tanizaki: "...Why do you have a scalpel to his neck?" Chuuya: "...If I asked you to say he died naturally--" Tanizaki: "Why?" Chuuya: "...I asked you first!" Tanizaki: "So I can save the director and--YOU DIDN'T ASK!" Chuuya: "JUST LET ME HAVE THIS!" Tanizaki: "No, I'm gonna do it!" *grabs Chuuya's wrist* -elsewhere- fukuzawa:.......*groans* nnh...w-where-? ???: "You're awake? Stay down--you're still feverish." fukuzawa: huh?...oh...you-*coughs* you're atsushi's girlfriend, right? Lucy: *nods "Lucy. Kitten asked me to bring you here to Anne's room." fukuzawa: *tries to sit up* grk- Lucy: "Hey! I just told you to lie down! Do you want Anne to sit on you?!" fukuzawa: please...*cough* tell them...not to fight the mafia. -in mori's room- *Blood drips* kouyou: ..... golden demon: *stabbing tanizaki* Tanizaki: "!!!" *coughs* kouyou: do forgive me, child.....*looks at mori* i fear that if he dies....the mafia will revert to it's detestable old ways... Tanizaki: *his body falls--and collapses into bright snow* kouyou:......*she looks at chuuya* Chuuya: "...He wasn't...?" kouyou: .... !!! golden demon! golden demon: *slicing at tanizaki* Tanizaki: "!!!" *covers his face with his arms* *CLASH* kouyou: !!!! k- Kyoka: *hard stare* -the door slams open- mafioso: boss lady! are you ok?! Kyouka: *grabs Tanizaki--and jumps* mafiosos: *aiming their guns* kouyou: dont! you might hit kyouka!! Kyoka: *looks to Demon Snow, opens her phone* "We need a landing..." demon snow: ~understood~ kouyou:..... -elsewhere- ranpo: alright, pull up. atsushi: *opens the door* kyouka! tanizaki! over here! Kyouka: *carries Tanizaki inside* Tanizaki: *groans* yosano: are any of you hurt at all? Kyouka: "No." Tanizaki: *struggling to move* yosano: easy now. ranpo: what's new? kenji: looks like they're evacuating their boss through the underground. Kyouka: "Hmm...We can't infiltrate that as easily as I did the Mafia HQ..." atsushi:....lucy told me that fukuzawa said something. 'dont fight the mafia.' ranpo: it wont be easy finding our mastermind. and a full on assault would risk our lives.....what will you all do? Kunikida: *silent, without his glasses* atsushi: so we either have to fight or run away...? ranpo: if the mafia knows where the director is, they'll resort to kidnapping loved ones of the agency, and threatening to kill them off. atsushi: so people like lucy, kirako, naomi, aya, and others are all at risk... Kunikida: "..." *opens his mouth* "I--" Tanizaki: "I'll do it." atsushi: tanizaki? Tanizaki: "...If we try to protect one person, we'll get another one hurt." yosano: i'm in too. mori and i were once classmates in medical school, i think he'd agree to an ending such as this. Kyouka: "He is frightening...but I know the Mafia, and I can use that knowledge for the sake of the Agency." kenji: i dont know if it's wrong or not, but if everyone's helping, i'll help too! ^^ ranpo: kunikida? what will you do now? Kunikida: "...” ranpo: The director ordered us to 'protect the balance of peace of this city.' His purpose is to protect people from this mastermind's destruction of this city. tell me, will you bend the 'rules' to go after that guy? Kunikida: "..." *covers his face* atsushi: kunikida.... Kunikida: "If we continue to 'bend the rules,' more innocent people will die!" atsushi:.... ranpo: kunikida. you're the strongest and most virtuous person in the agency. that's why _he_ wanted to break you first. ranpo: dont forget that. atsushi:.... odasaku: *shaking* i dont want innocent people to die either. if you fight the mafia, you're just playing right into his hand. atsushi: ...... Kunikida: "..." *stays seated, lowers his head to his knees* atsushi: kunikida.....katai said he would investigate the rats, right? Kunikida: "Yes." atsushi: then wouldnt he know something? Kunikida: "...If we bend the rules and pursue this mad mastermind, another child will die." atsushi: we wont let that happen. i dont want to be someone who fights people. i want to be someone who protects people! odasaku:...*small smile* Kunikida: "..." *reaches into his pocket, and removes a new pair of glasses* "Then the way to honor that child...is to save this city." -at the mafia HQ- kenji: heeeeeave *flips the floor* HO! yosano: HYAAAAAH!!! -in the alley, with chuuya- Chuuya: "!!! They broke through the first floor?! Damn it--hold the base!" -chuuuuyaaaaa~- Chuuya: "?!!!" rain?: *crawling onto his back* why didnt...you just kill him? Chuuya: *doesn't move* "...Rain...Don't ask me..." rain?: dont you...love me anymore? -she looks at him, with those same black, bloody eyes- Chuuya: "I...know you're not her..." -someone is at the end of the alley- ranpo: fancy seeing you here, mr fancy hat~ Chuuya: "...Agency scum..." ranpo: if you join this battle on the mafia's side, our chances of winning are pretty slim down to nothin' so it's up to me to stop you then, eh? Chuuya: "...Insane." ranpo: y'know, my buddy tanizaki told me something interesting. he said when he busted the door in, there you were, holding a scalpel to the mafia boss's throat. do you really......think killing him will bring that girl back? *CRUNCH* ranpo: ?? *The pavement cracks under Chuuya's footstep* ranpo: ... Chuuya: "You pathetic brat...You man-child..." *lifts his head, eyes burning* "You have no idea what she went through!" -he’s shaking- ranpo: oh? bet my super deduction could find out... Chuuya: "...Figure this one out, Boy Detective: how not to get CRUSHED!" -at katai's place- atsushi: mr katai?! hello? Kunikida: "..." atsushi:....??? he isnt here? Kunikida: *steps forward, clenching his fist* atsushi: ...kuniki- *KUNI-PUNCH!* atsushi: holy fuck- -the hole in the wall reveals...a hidden camera.- Kunikida: "Katai kept it as a record in case of emergencies." *shakes his hand...* atsushi: i dont know if i should kink-shame that or.... Kunikida: *intense glare* atsushi: OxO;;; Kunikida: *plugs the camera into the laptop* -the video shows katai on the night he talked to keek.....and fyodor shooting him in the back- atsushi: !!!!!!!!! Kunikida: "!!!" *pulls back the futon--* -there is a blood stain....but no katai- -elsewhere- kim: is he awake yet, jackie? Jacqueline: "N-No...He's still pretty banged up--" Katai: *groans* ???: wakey wakey, mr~ Katai: *moans* "Hmm...What?" blair: *sitting on top of him, in a nurse outfit* hello~ ^^ Katai: o\\\\w\\\\o "...Okay. I know I have died now." kim: god dammit blair! >-<; blair: just trying to help <3 kim: *unamused* Jacqueline: .\\\. "Maybe get off of the patient?" Katai: "Wh-Why is there a cat nurse on me? Who are you people?" blair: *getting up* kim: some guy found you shot in your room and brought you here. blair: kimmy here healed your injuries, so you should be good to go then ^^ Katai: "Shot?...!!!" *pulls up his shirt* -there is a slight scar- kim: we're just glad he found you when he did, otherwise you'd be a goner... Katai: "...Healing? Black cat...!!! Wh-Why save me?" blair: consider it me doing a friend a favor~ *winks* Katai: .\\\\. *pulls blanket up over his nose* "I-I'd like some w-water, please? And I have to--!!! I have to call the Agency! I know where _they_ are!" -in the mafia HQ- higuchi: .... (thinking: mori....trying to turn elise human? but why?) ..... ?? (thinking: a doll? isnt this-) *A hand covers Higuchi's mouth, pulls her inside a closet* higuchi: !!!! Kyouka: "Move, and you're cut." higuchi: !!! i thought you gave up on killing? Kyouka: "I do not do so without reason. If you do not give me the information I seek--" *The blade leans closer to Higuchi's wrist* higuchi: go ahead, i've been prepared for such a thing... Kyouka: "...Too bad. Demon Snow..." higuchi: *wince* *SLICE* Kyouka: "!!!" higuchi: ?? Kyouka: *falls through the floor, where a triangle has been cut out by dark energy* higuchi: !!! w-wha- Kyouka: *falls to the floor below, doing a three-point landing* *looks up* "...You." Akutagawa: "...Do you remember...when you left the Mafia?" Kyouka: "Yes. A van in the desert." Akutagawa: *nods* "You thought you could destroy me there, even at the cost of your own life." *holds Rashomon ready to stab* "Do you still think that is your only path to victory?" higuchi: ryunosuke! Kyouka: *sends Demon Snow to slice at Akutagawa before he can attack* higuchi: !! Akutagawa: *blocking...and smiling* *calls to Higuchi* "Tell them upstairs...Leave this to me." *smiles wider* "Fighting someone with a spine will be good for me!" -elsewhere- ranpo *dodging* Chuuya: "Stand still, you short-pant sugar-chugging brat!" ranpo: *whistles* man, i struck a nerve with you eh? no wonder dazai can beat you so easily. Chuuya: "!!!" *yells, pulls back his fist, and swings at Ranpo's mouth* -something catches his hand.....a book?- ranpo: say, do you like mystery novels? Chuuya: *grunts* ("My fist...is stuck?!") ranpo: the cast is half a cast of people, half of them are blood thirsty killers. in this book world, abilities wont work, see you on the other side, mr fancy hat~ Chuuya: "!!! No! I can't! Son--" -they both get caught inside the book- karl: *picks the book up and heads up the fire escape to where poe is...* Poe: *holds the book...passes a hand over the cover* "I was surprised Ranpo asked for such a risky strategy...I was getting this book ready for the publisher, but now it's being used to hold him and that Mafia person with the goofy hat..." karl: *chitter* Poe: "This showdown story...will pit them against killing machines. The Mafia hat-man could die...or Ranpo could die...or both..." *shivers* karl: *pap pap* -meanwhile- *CLANG CLANG SLASH* demon snow: *slashing* Akutagawa: "Insufficient." Kyouka: "???" Akutagawa: *wraps Rashomon around Demon Snow* demon snow: !! Kyouka: "!!!" Akutagawa: "You are an assassin: you are not designed for direct attacks--they put you at a disadvantage. How can someone who is in the shadows ever enter the light? How can you ever be in the Agency? How did _you_ ever _get_ to join _him_?" Kyouka: "...'He' showed me something that you should learn." Akutagawa: "???" Kyouka: "I am not the person you knew..." demon snow: *phases out from the restrictions* Akutagawa: "!!!" *tries to block* ("How can the physical stop the intangible...?!") -slash slash- Akutagawa: *blocks--then feels a presence behind him* "!!!" Kyoka: *behind him with blade at his neck* Kyoka: "Goodbye." *SWHISH* -elsewhere- fukuzawa: ....nngh? Lucy: "Zzz..." fukuzawa: *sitting up and winces* grk- ???: it's raining bullets here dammit! -in mafia HQ- yosano: atsushi! kunikida! where are you two?? atsushi: *on walkie-talkie* no good, katai's missing, and we found blood. yosano: !!! damn. right now isnt the time for grieving. as long as they keep up- -the gunfire has stopped?- yosano: ?? *peeks* oh you got to be fucking shitting me. *Motojiro stands* Motojiro: *sneers* -elsewhere- Kyouka: *stunned* Akutagawa: *intense unblinking stare* *has caught the blade in his hand, wrapped in Rashomon: his Demon Armor* Kyouka: *struggles to press the blade in--but it won't budge* *CRUNCH* *Akutagawa's grip shatters the blade* Kyouka: *leaps back--and her eyes reflect back light* Akutagawa: *watches her eyes* "You've certainly changed, Kyouka." {Kyouka: "That ability...can cut anything."} {Akutagawa: "...What about it?"} {Kyouka: *her eyes are dark and lifeless* "...Kill the demon, to avenge my parents. And kill me."} {Akutagawa: "..."} Akutagawa: "Where is that revenge that was once in your eyes?" Akutagawa: "You have tried to eliminate yourself, kill yourself, die in so many ways. I never saw this value for your own life in your eyes." Kyouka: *falls to her knees, tearing up* "How can you know this?" {Dazai: *smirks* "Or you can join me. And I can give you that revenge you seek."} {Ryu: *stares*} Akutagawa: "...There was someone with those same eyes." Kyouka: "...Who were they? What happened to them?" Akutagawa: "...The same as you: they joined an organization, found purpose--and gone went their death wish." {atsushi: i just wanted to show her she deserved to live!} Akutagawa: "..." Kyouka: *unable to move* Akutagawa: "I'm happy for you." Kyouka: "!!! ..." *bounces up and away* walkie talkie: get out of there! the lemon cakewalk is approaching! -elsewhere- ayako: ho-dee-doo agency peeps! Motojiro: *giggling* "Three days!!!" yosano: ?? ayako: three days of hard work baby! yosano: (thinking: what are they talking about?) Motojiro: "It took so much of my time I forgot to wear underwear today!" yosano: *trying not to gag* ayako: shall we begin the experiments for today? Tanizaki: "This is our chance, Doctor. We can make a straight line--" yosano: wait...something isnt right? ayako: but first, safety procedures! *aims a grappling gun to the ceiling* HENSHIN-A-GO-GO, BABY! *zips on up and puts on a protective suit* Tanizaki: *gets down* Motojiro: "LEMON! CAKE! WALK!" *BOOOOOOOOOM* BOOOM!- yosano: fall back! he's a walking bomb! ayako: *muffled cheering from the protective suit* Motojiro: "This is an empty world! Your happiness is just brain synapses. It is only through science that you can get closest to the truth!" yosano: pull back! everyone pull back! -elsewhere- fukuzawa:......*puts his cloak over a sleeping lucy and takes his sword* .....*begins walking away* Lucy: "...I won't stop you." fukuzawa: ?? *looks back* Lucy: "I'm not a member of the Agency... but I don't want to see my friends there killed. If you can save them...Can you at least tell me what is your plan?" fukuzawa:....just visiting an old friend. -elsewhere- miura: mori's missing. this isnt good. higuchi: ??? hirotsu: i dont think we should be afraid. miura: ?? hirotsu: mori may be a twisted man, but he is still the head of this mafia. and he intends to protect it... -in an abandoned house...- Mori: *approaches the entrance, opening it carefully, before entering* fukuzawa: ...... Mori: "Ah, this location brings back memories." fukuzawa: indeed.... no one else really knows this place still exists but us. Mori: "Which is why I anticipated you would meet me here." fukuzawa: did your subordinates follow you? Mori: "Perish the thought. I do not want another fight between our organizations." fukuzawa:....its amazing how much can change in 12 years... elise: *appearing, in a nurse's outfit* Mori: "Yes...And yet, some things don't change." fukuzawa: ....*gripping his sword* elise: *floating, ready to attack* fukuzawa: bring it... -elsewhere- aya: ugh, this is so lame! i wanna be able to fight too! >n< Naomi: "I know. But you also know that the others have got this." *trying to put on a smile* kirako: mii still isnt home. im getting really worried...*urk* *throws up in the trash can* aya: yuck! kirako: *panting* a-aya...could you..bring me some water? aya: can do! *goes to get some* kirako: ....i guess im sick from the nerves....whenever mii goes missing for a while, something bad always follows suit... Naomi: *rubs her back* "Don't over-do it...And don't exaggerate this. Mii will be fine..." kirako: m-maybe....if the director really has gone missing... mii:....*watching from the window, and flees before being seen* -at the hospital- man: yes, i hear a mr 'osamu dazai' is staying at this hospital? Nurse: -_-# "Yep. I've heard." man: would you be willing to release him into my custody for the time being? *holds up a business card. 'Masuji Ibuse; CEO of Salamander Publishing'* i'm his benefactor! Nurse: "...I'm going to need more than a business card. Like talking to him..." -_-### nurse 2: i already told you, im not going to inject air into your blood stream! D8< masuji: found him! Nurse: *serious voice* "If you get him out of here, I'll owe you for life." masuji: leave it to me! *eye glint....even though his eyes are closed* -elsewhere- elise: *attacking fukuzawa with giant needles* fukuzawa: *slashing and dodging* i see your tastes are still as repulsive as ever. Mori: "Dear Elise...Be gentle with him." -slash slash slash- fukuzawa: ..... *slash slash dodge* Mori: *smiles* ("The Silver Wolf. Once the deadliest assassin of any government, his word moves faster than the eye...") {fukuzawa: a bodyguarding mission?} {Mori: "I heard you were capable."} {fukuzawa: well, im currently trying to start up a detective agency...im only here because mr natsume told me to...} {elise: *coloring and humming*} {Mori: "Well, if you aren't working right now, then you're skills will get dull!"} {fukuzawa: -_-# } {-the door slams open-} {man: oi, doc! my friend has been injured! you got to help him out!} {Mori: "...Very well. But this is neutral territory: I will treat all, even the one who shot him--so don't bring your fight in here." *clears hospital bed* "Get him here."} {fukuzawa:.....(thinking: something doesnt seem right here....why would mr natsume want to keep him protected?) } {...} {man 2: ugh, how annoying. he's way too stubborn to die...} {*Mori is handcuffed to a bar*} {Mori: "I have to scratch my nose..." T_T } {-WHACK-} {man 2: cut the shit, doc, this place is neutral ground, right? so you probably got info on all sorts of people. either spill the info or we spill your guts...} {man 3: now, the port mafia's armory, where is it? their leader has gone onto a rampage, and anything can easily be blamed on them, especially if we use their weapons.} {Mori: "...And unleash disaster onto this city. Tell me, where are you from?"} {man: that's not your business, <friend>} {Mori: "Ah! Now I remember! Last week, you attacked a medical transport truck, carrying drugs for the black market." *assumes a darker stare* } {-the door opens-} {fukuzawa:....} {man: ?! t-the guards-} {fukuzawa: they're dead.} {man 2: you back off asshole, or i'll blow his head right off!} {fukuzawa: have fun.} {Mori: D:< "WHY?!"} {fukuzawa: because you're lolicon scum.} {men: ..... KILL HIM!} {*SPLURT*} {man 3: *grk-*} {Mori: *holding his scalpel*} {fukuzawa: .....i'd say you have terrible bedside manner, but the mental images would scar me forever.} {Mori: "Give me some credit: I did get him to reveal their base, yes? I suggest retribution and counter-attack. It's what Natsume would want..."} {-...-} {fukuzawa: .....} {Mori: "...You're upset."} {fukuzawa: so much for 'you'll do just fine on your own'... there was far more people here thant you said there would be...} {Mori: "Which meant I only had to put in half the effort. Helpful, yes?"} {fukuzawa:...still. it was one battle. as long as the port mafia is still in control, people will keep getting hurt.} {Mori: "...Boy, you are innocent."} {fukuzawa: ??} elise: *attacking mori* -SLASH- elise: ah- -elise is cut into pieces- elise: rin....ta....rou..... *she vanishes* Mori: *frozen, just staring* fukuzawa:..... -*sniffles*- rintarou?: *sobbing* i dont wanna be alone! Mori: "All alone..." tomoe mori: that...that thing isnt my son....it has its fathers face. it makes me sick just looking at it. Mori: *covering his ears* "Quiet..." shizuka: hehe, mr mori~ *standing on top of a chair with her arms outstretched* Mori: "...Oh God..." shizuka: *leans forward and collapses, leaving a large blood splatter and her decapitated body and head behind* Mori: *falls back, inching back along the floor* rain: you have no one to blame but yourself for this. you tried to play god with your own ability for your own selfish desires. ougai sr: you have an obligation, rintarou. you need to live so you can continue our family legacy. former mafia boss: if you die, the mafia will be brought to chaos. you musnt allow that. Mori: *clenches his fists, shaking* fukuzawa: mori? -but....rintarou is a good boy....right?- fukuzawa: ....mori? -rintarou is a good boy, right?- -rintarou is a good boy, right?- -rintarou is a good boy, right?- -rintarou is a good boy, right?- -rintarou is a good boy, right?- -rintarou is a good boy, right?- -rintarou is a good boy, right?- -rintarou is a good boy, right?- -rintarou is a good boy, right?- Fukuzawa: mor- *FWIP* fukuzawa: !!!!!!! -several birds are scared off from outside- fukuzawa:....*collapses, a scalpel in his throat as he bleeds out* ah-...ah.... Mori: "Forgive me, Fukuzawa..." -meeeew- fukuzawa: *looks over to see....mii* mii: *mreeeeeow and streeeeetch* Mori: "A dirty trick...to get you to fall. A pity." mii:....*approaches the two* fukuzawa: c...cat... mii: *staaaaaaaaaare* -FWOOOOOSH- souseki: what in blazes do you two hooligans think you are doing?! fukuzawa: !!!!!! n..na....tsume? Mori: ._. "S-Sir?" souseki: *BONK* honestly! let a retired man live his life in peace! why do you think i left the three of you in charge for anyway? >3< Mori: "...How did you find us?" fukuzawa: sir please, im literally dying. souseki: cat-like instincts, of course! mr katai found the rat's hide out with the help of a newly found friend! fukuzawa: ka...tai? souseki: indeed. he's in the van right now. these rats are a cunning sort, let them slip out from our grasp, and it may not be so easy to find them again. now, what will you two do? fukuzawa: then...the others? souseki: i've already informed them. you have 12 hours left to make a decision. your organizations are strong in their own rights, not fit to be devoured by rats. Now both of you will prove that to me! Mori: "...I will instruct the Mafia." *turns* fukuzawa: mori......just...who are you, really? Mori: "..." *turns his head back* -there is a twisted smile on his face, but his eyes are those of a frightened and lost child- fukuzawa: .... -and so- atsushi: so then, this 'KEEK'... Dazai: "--is being held by the Rats." atsushi: and she's going to help us find the virus user and fyodor? Dazai: "Yes, she's going to help you both." atsushi: wait, both? Akutagawa: "Hello." atsushi: ._____O WHY?! IS HE HERE?! Dazai: "You two are going to save Director Fukuzawa's life!" Akutagawa: "..." atsushi: and the mafia boss-? Dazai: -_-; "I mean, if we have too..." Akutagawa: "...It is unfortunate." atsushi: uh.....oookay then? owo;; -seems they arrived- atsushi: we're this far away from the city? -there is a tunnel at the bottom of the hill. the sign reads 'Zverkov Mining- Dazai: " 'Cause Death City used to have mining operations signed on by someone else..." atsushi: so what's the plan? Dazai: "Their coal mine hideout is miles down, likely full of traps. Catch the virus ability user--or we lose the Director." atsushi: so the virus user is our main objective. Dazai: "And Fyodor only second." atsushi: so then keek is 3rd priority.... Akutagawa: "...This interloper is a grave concern..." atsushi: well....let's go for it then, right? -and so- Kunikida: "We're here." atsushi: damn, guards are all over the place... Kunikida: "Our intelligence says the guards have their vitals tied into their communication devices: if they are injured, that information is sent immediately to their source." atsushi: (thinking: so that leaves knocking them out. out of the question.) *SLAM* atsushi: MEEP! h-hey! akutagawa! where are you go- Akutagawa: "...Despite everything, you should know two things about me. First, I will not wait for you to hurry up. Second, get in my way, and you're dead." atsushi: ..... Akutagawa: *summons Rashomon--and uses it to jam down into the ground* atsushi:....!! shit! *tiger jumps in after him* man: ?? <you hear something?> Man #2: man: <fuck you misha.> -inside- atsushi: hey, wait up! dazai said we were supposed to work together on this! Akutagawa: *keeps walking fast* "...No. I have to prove myself." atsushi: ?? but- Akutagawa: "To Dazai. And to you." atsushi: ..... listen, i might not know all your circumstances, and i know dazai hadnt been the best teacher to you, but i think you can be better than just killing people mindlessly. Akutagawa: "...'Mindless'? Did you...just call _me_ mindless?" atsushi: ._.; Akutagawa: *Rashomon swirls around him* "I was a fool...to think I could work with you on this. What if I just kill you here, insist you died in battle against the enemy? Maybe then you and Dazai will respect me..." atsushi: how can i respect you if i'm dead?! and if we fight here now, the enemy will be alerted and escape! Akutagawa: "..." *stare* atsushi: why do you always resort to killing everyone in your way? you never try to improve as a person, no wonder dazai abandoned you! Akutagawa: "..." *stare intensifies* odasaku: i think you may be going a bit far there. atsushi: (thinking: wha-) odasaku: look. *CLICK* atsushi:......(thinking: shit) Akutagawa: "...Is that so?" atsushi: *wince* Akutagawa: "..." *turns swiftly* atsushi:....*imagining himself as a donkey* wait, akutagawa- ???: <nah, im technically here illegaly. gives me a place to stay, y'know?> atsushi: .____.;;; (thinking: ssssHHHHIIIIIIIT) Akutagawa: "..." *summons Rashomon* pushkin: <what the fu-> *SMACK* *GRAB* pushkin: O-O;;;; atsushi: !!! Other Guy: QXQ atsushi: wait, dont kill them! Akutagawa: "..." *has Rashomon covering their mouths* "If you speak without being asked to, or if I feel any resistance--I will kill you immediately." pushkin: QxQ *Intercom*: "Yo, 48, 49! Your vitals are a bit high. What's up?" pushkin: o-o;;; Akutagawa: "...Speak. But carefully. Your lives are barely worth a cent." pushkin: ^-^ just thought we saw a snake, that's all. hahaha! *Intercom*: "...Hmph. Whatever. I don't care whether it was a snake or you two running around--just make up for this lost time now. Over." *crackle* pushkin: *phew* so you're the black coated hellhound of the port mafia, right? atsushi: could you tell us where the virus user is? pushkin: *sweats* i didnt even know someone like that was here! we're just doing it for the money! *ZIP* pushkin: O-O;;;;;;;;;; *trembling* *squeaky voice* mother. Akutagawa: "Next time, it will be your ear." pushkin: h-hey! i dont even know what kind of place this is! atsushi: hey, take it easy! he's gonna pee himself. pushkin: D8< Other Guy: "Too late..." Q~Q pushkin: *scoots away* DUDE! D8< Akutagawa: "Explain this facility." pushkin: i think it used to be a mine, that's all i know! we're just foot guards! Akutagawa: "So you're trash." atsushi: why do you have to be so bluntly rude? Akutagawa: "Because we have to eliminate these useless impediments. Why, did you have a better idea?" atsushi: see, this is your problem! you kill first, ask questions later, the hell are you, a goddamn lawnmower? Akutagawa: "And you think you're invincible now, you bastard. When this is over, I'm turning you into a tiger rug." atsushi: see! that! that's what im talking about! when this is over, we need to teach you something other than killing people! pushkin: jeez, what's with these two? atsushi: you just shush! pushkin: OxO;;; Akutagawa: "You move, and I'll chop off your leg--" *freezes* "...I'll hit you really hard in the jaw." pushkin: that's- ...um....well, i remember seeing these heavy duty steel doors around that direction. maybe he's hiding in there? there's this really high tec fingerprint scanner too. Akutagawa: "Take us there--and the Port Mafia will reward you." pushkin: ^w^ sure thing! (thinking: this is way scary! i hope kati is having better luck...) -elsewhere- leo:... katya: uuugh, my feet hurt! we need a ride. and so- leo: *waving her arms by the side of the road* Motorcyclist: "???" *pulls over* leo: please help, my sister collapsed all of the sudden. katya: *laying face down* Motorcyclist: "?!!!" *gets off his motorcycle* "Let's help her up--" katya: *she smirks* -BANG- Motorcyclist: "..." *falls* katya: *as if in a split second, she is now behind them, holding a gun to their head* thanks chump. we'll just be taking your ride now~ leo: are you sure you can drive? katya: of course. i've been on tons of joyrides. leo: like the zambon- katya: dont. leo:...right. *sitting behind her, holding her waist to hold on* katya:.....(thinking: why do i feel like i've been beaten?) -underground, in a trailer- Fyodor: "..." *sips tea* Ivan: "How is it, Master~?" Fyodor: "Excellent as always, Vanya." -the phone rings- Fyodor: *answers* "Yes?" mafioso: both the mafia boss and agency director are MIA. only 9 hours have passed. their locations are unknown. Fyodor: "The house?" mafioso: empty. i-i told you the info, now please, help me disarm this thing! -he has a bomb collar on his neck- Fyodor: "Right, sorry. First remove the blue wire." mafioso: *doing so- *BOOOOM* -he collapses, dead- -his death rattle can be heard over the phone- Fyodor: "..." *sets the phone down* -a message comes over the communicator- katya: <boss man, we secured a ride and are heading to miss executive's estate now.> Fyodor: <Good. Remember what to do.> katya: <it shouldnt be too hard to find. the girl will lead us right to her> -elsewhere- atsushi: wow, it's even bigger in person. pushkin: phrasing, boom! *ahem* iiii'll just be going now. atsushi: how does it look, katai? Katai: *webcam* "This independent power grid will be tough, given network speeds over that portable." Akutagawa: "Our priority therefore should be finding the enemy's location, not unlocking a door that's taking time we need to find the virus uswe--before the bosses die." Katai: "Roger that, brother!" atsushi: -_-; Akutagawa: "..." (" 'Brother'?") -a voice chirps in from the phone- keek: hello? atsushi: ah! you're keek, right? keek: yes. do you need any help? Katai: "Can you hack this electrical grid?" keek: i should be able to. atsushi: how are you- keek: im using the phone of their mechanic. when i leeked the rat's location the last time, their mechanic, sasha, took the fall for me and was killed. i want to at least pay her back somehow. Katai: "..." *sniff* keek: h-hey! d-dont go getting misty eyed on us now! we-we need to focus, ok? Katai: "Y-Yes!" *typing* atsushi:.....hey, akutagawa? Akutagawa: "What?" atsushi: why do you think dazai wants us to work together? Akutagawa: "Don't overanalyze it: he chose the best combination with the highest success rate." atsushi: ....well, we did succeed on the moby dick.....although that girl.....*shakes his head* nevermind... Akutagawa: "..." {Akutagawa: *shudders, staring at the dead Rain*} {Chuuya: *holding her, sobbing*} Akutagawa: "...Whatever. Besides, you are Dazai's most trusted subordinate, so of course you'd be here." atsushi:....i...i guess......do you think....we could have saved her? {headmaster: someone who cant save one person doesnt deserve the right to live!} atsushi: .... Akutagawa: "...She was in pain." atsushi: .... keek: ok! you're in! atsushi: really?! Katai: "Um, Big Bro? Atsushi?" atsushi: yeah? keek: BEHIND YOU! pushkin: *holding a gun up, grinning* atsushi: !! *jumps to push akutagawa out of the way* -BANG- -the bullet grazes akutagawa's cheek- pushkin: oopsies~ i missed. but that's just fine! your faces are priceless! HAHAHAHAHA! Akutagawa: *growls* pushkin: *jumps into a mining cart* toodle-loo, motherfuckeeeeeers~<3 atsushi: h-HEY WAIT! *begins running after him* pushkin: *cackling as he rides off* atsushi: oh no you dont! Akutagawa: *collapsed* atsushi: !!! akuta- pushkin: didnt you ever hear not to underestimate small scratches?! Akutagawa: *summons a small bit of Rashomon as a shield--which collapses* "Wh-What...?" atsushi: w-what? !!!! (thinking: the virus?!) -elsewhere- sonia: .... Kouyou: *strokes her head* sonia: im scared. and my neck really itches. Kouyou: "Let me check..." sonia: *showing the back of her neck....nothing seems to be there....right?* Kouyou: "..." *traces a finger* sonia: *upon closer inspection, there seems to be a faded scar...* higuchi:.... !!! *has her guns out* Kouyou: "What?!" katya: how's it going <bastards?> we have an appointment with your miss executive if you dont mind~ *she has her guns out* leo: *has a knife* sonia: !!!! higuchi: i dont think so! katya: want to bet? *grins* Kouyou: "...Oh, please." *summons Golden Demon* higuchi: *aims* katya: *smirks* 10 seconds. -time seems to stop around her- -10.....9...- katya: *aims her gun at higuchi, so that the bullet grazes her* -3...2....1...- -once time resumes, the bullet grazes- higuchi: AH! *SWOOSH* katya: !! -CLANG- leo: *blocking with her knife* Tachihara: "Jeez, they let anyone in here..." katya: oi, lev, they let the bitch squad in. leo: katya, please focus. Gin: *holding a sword* Tachihara: "...I got the gremlin." katya: YOU WANNA DIE, PUNK?! Gin: *rushes* leo: please, make this quick. *clang clang slash bang bang* katya: you assholes are lucky i like toying with my foes first, otherwise you'd already be dead. hirotsu: how did you even find us here? katya: ask the brat, or rather the tracker our medic put in the back of her neck! higuchi: !!!! Kouyou: *tenses* sonia: ...... katya: why do you think fyodor left you as a loose end, brat? leo: ...... Kouyou: "Golden Demon...KILL THEM ALL!" golden demon: *slashing at leo, even decapitating her* leo: ......i only wish it were that easy. Gin: "!!!" katya: *knocked out of the window* fuck! *using her grappling gun to keep herself up* shit, that could have been bad. leo: *picks up her head and reattaches it* higuchi: what the actual fuck?! leo: my ability.....my curse. -back underground- -waltz of the flowers plays over the radio- Ivan: =W= -the walkie talkie speaks- pushkin: <oi! gon! the orders have been carried out.....gon?> Ivan: <Shh...I'm listening...> pushkin: Ivan: <Master says: "Find your own exit."> pushkin: <seriously?! that's cold, even for him! what happens if i get caught, huh?> Ivan: <Of the Rats, only three are here: you, myself, and Master. That man-child cannot find us. And I have no interest protecting anyone but Master~> pushkin: <you really dedicate yourself to him, eh?> Ivan: <It is bliss.> pushkin: <bliss?> Ivan: <Pure happiness.> pushkin: Ivan: <If Master asked, I'd peel it off and give it to him.> pushkin:...... <gon, i meant that as a joke. jeez, you really are crazy obsessed, you _and_ the medic.> Ivan: <DON'T YOU EVER COMPARE ME TO THAT TROLLOP!> pushkin: <ow! too loud......you know she's actually pregna-OH FUCK!> Ivan: "???" <What is a pregnofuc?> pushkin: <tweedle-dumb and tweedle-dumber are catching up with me!> Akutagawa: *holding his face* atsushi: you're not getting away that easy! -BANG BANG- pushkin: <GON HELP A BRO OUT HERE PLEASE!> atsushi: *idea* *lifts up akutagawa and tiger runs for him* pushkin: OwO;;;; OH FUCK! atsushi: hold on tight! Akutagawa: "!!!" *holds on* atsushi: *running*....!?!?! are you sniffing me?! Akutagawa: "No...I'm just out of breath...Is that a new shampoo?" atsushi: DAMMIT AKUTAGAWA THIS IS NOT THE TIME FOR YOUR OBSESSIVE CRUSH ON ME. pushkin: ....nope, not gonna touch that. Ivan: *intercom* <...Are you making fun of me?> pushkin: <no! not at all.> Akutagawa: "Quiet. Go more quickly, or I'll ride you harder." pushkin: ..... PHRASING! *BOOM* atsushi: HOLY TOLITO! pushkin: took you long enough, gon! Akutagawa: o_o *pulls up on Atsushi* atsushi: *skids to a stop* what the fuck is that?! Ivan: "It is a gift from Master that is not fit for such uncivilized intruders..." atsushi:....then why are you showing us this? Ivan: "Because now that you have seen it, I have to kill you." atsushi: well now you're just being a dick. *runs after the cart* -outside- kenji: a whole bunch of cars are leaving the mine tunnels! Dazai: "..." Tanizaki: "Give chase!" Dazai: "Ignore them." kenji: ?? Tanizaki: "What?! Why?" yosano: there's a figure in a hood surrounded by guards, they're walking on foot. Dazai: "Ignore them, too." yosano: but- Dazai: "These are distractions to thin our numbers." yosano:...... -on ground- zoey: *in the hood, carrying Q on her back, who is hidden by the hood* Q: will papa be joining us? zoey: soon, sweetie. when he's done, he'll join us. you, me, and your baby sibling~ -in the tunnel- atsushi: *running* pushkin: i dont think so, kitty! *tosses something at him* atsushi: ACK! it is a paper with something written on it- pushkin: just a lil something for gon to loot from your corpse! atsushi: i dont think so- *PUNCH* atsushi: *knocked back* shit! o-ow.. *wince as the sigil of the virus is on him* f-fuck... Ivan: "All sides covered..." atsushi: *looks behind him* Ivan: *swirls together a rock spire* "I'll be kind enough to end this quickly--" *STABBED* Ivan: "!!!" atsushi: !! Ivan: *coughs...* Akutagawa: "Even the earth you stand on is thine enemy..." *tosses Ivan's corpse down* atsushi:.....something...doesnt seem right......!!!??? that's- *CRUNCH* Akutagawa: "?!!!" *looks at the corpse* "...A clay doll?" *The rock wall crumbles...a person emerges* atsushi: oooooh fuck. Ivan: "My master...brings happiness wherever he goes. Any who oppose him are the evil that must be expunged..." -outside- kenji: there's someone walking alone. i cant see their face. Dazai: "All troops--go after that person! It's him!" ???: !!!!! person: alright, game's over- .....!!!! Dazai: "Report!" person: FUCK! this guy....it's not him! it's some stranger! ???: *trembling* Dazai: "!!!!" *shaken* -underground- atsushi: *coughing* s-shit... Akutagawa: "Get up, damn it..." atsushi: *trying to stand* -quicksand forms around them- atsushi: !!! Ivan: "I think it is time we go our separate ways..." atsushi: *struggling* (thinking: i cant die here...i just cant...) Ivan: "Your strengths are impressive--so I'll let you fight to your end. I would honor your memory--but really, only one man deserves all my attention. You will be forgotten." *turns* <Goodbye.> *walks away* Akutagawa: "..." atsushi: dammit.....i cant die here.....the others....they're waiting for us.... Akutagawa: "...Why?" atsushi: we cant just let them wonder what happened to us. we have to stop those guys! Akutagawa: "No. I mean what I asked you earlier...Why do you fight?" atsushi:....i want to prove......i have some reason for living.....that man.....he's still in my head....still hurting me.......but there's someone else too. however, he's trying to help me. he tells me 'i shouldnt be someone who fights people. i should be someone who protects people.' Akutagawa: "...Rashomon." atsushi: ?? *Rashomon wraps around Atsushi* atsushi: ?!?!?! Akutagawa: "...I need _you_ to protect someone...and if you do not, I will never forgive you." -elsewhere- ranpo: ah, so many. im almost done finding them, but some of them are still evading us. Chuuya: *growls* ranpo: how you holding up, mr fancy hat? Chuuya: "...I'm going to throttle you..." ranpo: ...you're worried about that little girl, your daughter, right? Chuuya: *glare* ranpo: dazai showed me a picture. she looks a lot like her dad...i think we both know who that is.... Chuuya: "The hell is wrong with you? How can you be so...blunt?" ranpo: i just have a detective's understanding of things. Chuuya: "...I need to get home." ranpo: and you will. but im going to need your help too, ok? if not for you, then for your daughter, if not for her, then for her mother. {rain: please.....dont scare me like that anymore...} Chuuya: "...Okay, genius. What are you thinking?" -elsewhere- Ivan: ^u^ *humming* -something can be heard- Ivan: "???" *turns* "...Wait..." -wait, where the fuck did atsushi go?- atsushi: *behind where ivan is looking, in a black rashomon coat* hey. Ivan: "?!!!" *turns--* *summons a golem--* -no one?- Ivan: "..." <What the f--?> -PAWNCH- atsushi: gotcha! Ivan: D: *knocked into his own golem* -elsewhere- pushkin: *running* (thinking: this place is too crazy. 'grand chamberlain'? what even is that?! i need to get out of this place!) -the sun is rising- pushkin: !!!! (thinking: the way out! im getting out of here! wait for me out there kati-).....eh? Motojiro: "Hello~" hirotsu:.... kenji: hiya! higuchi: ... naoya: sup. ayako: mehehehehehe~ fukuzawa:..... pushkin:.......oooooohhhhhh crap. yosano: so you're our virus user, correct? pushkin: ^-^;;;; hhheeeeeeey everyone~ ^^;;;;;;;;;; please dont hurt me! have a little mercy, for the holidays? fukuzawa:.....very well. *grips fist* merry christmas, you filthy animal. pushkin: QuQ;; -too violent- pushkin: @-@ Dazai: "..." *taps Pushkin's nose* "Boop." -the virus vanishes- atsushi: *phew*.... naoya: hey kids. atsushi: MEEP! naoya: relax, jumpy, im here to help you guys find keek. Akutagawa: "...I'll take my Rashomon back now." -and so- keek: *shaking, still holding the phone* naoya:........shit....their medic fucked you up.... keek:.....*tears falling* atsushi: it's ok. we're getting you out of here... Akutagawa: "..." naoya:.....dammit! dost flew the coop. fucking hell. atsushi:.....*glances at ivan* ?? Ivan: "Hee hee hee..." naoya: the hell're you laughing at, beaky? Ivan: "I feel bliss." naoya: even though you lost? Ivan: " 'Lost'?" *giggles* "The fact that you are here shows _you_ lost." atsushi: what do you mean? Ivan: *smiles* "Who told you that you would find Master here?" -elsewhere- Fyodor: *blows over his hot drink* waitress: do you need anything else for today, sir? Fyodor: "No, thank you." -elsewhere- atsushi: so then the radio.... Ivan: "Codes." naoya: you may be fucked in the head, but that's pretty damn clever, i'll give you that much. Ivan: "I'm _blessed_ in the head." naoya: the fuck're you talkin' 'bout, beaky? Ivan: "He _improved_ my brain--removing the part that creates unhappiness~" naoya *stunned* what the fuck?! atsushi: !!!!! keek:.... naoya: *kicks him in the stomach* you people are fucking SICK!! Ivan: "Ow! ... Hee hee hee..." naoya: shit...and i thought mori was fucked up....those notes....*shudders* atsushi:...!!! ah! right! *pulls the note out, it's in russian*......i dont understand this.... Ivan: "Oh, you fools..." naoya: well then YOU read it! -<hey gon, the medic's pregnant. thought you should know. ~pushkin>- -it also has a crude doodle of pushkin's grinning face- Ivan: ……………………………………………………………….. atsushi: what? what does it say? Akutagawa: "??? What is he--" *RIP* Ivan: *has ripped out of Akutagawa's Rashomon* naoya: HOLY SHIT! Ivan: "I'M GOING TO KILL HER!" keek: !!! atsushi: OH CRAP RUN! Ivan: <I'm going to smash that fucking cunt into paste and then smear it along the walls!> Akutagawa: "..." atsushi: i dont know what he's saying, but it doesnt sound good! naoya: AKUTA MOVE DAMMIT! Akutagawa: "..." *slaps Ivan back and forth with Rashomon using a nearby table* Ivan: "I will--" *smash* "I will--" *smash* "STOP HITTING ME WITH FURNITURE!" Akutagawa: *drops a vase on Ivan's head* Ivan: "..." Akutagawa: "You seem obsessive. It is not healthy to focus on one person like that. Stop it." Ivan: "..." atsushi: ..............REALLY?!? *GOLEM-PUNCH* naoya: GUYS! MOVE IT OR LOSE IT! Akutagawa: *smashed face-first into the wall* "..." Ivan: *WHITE-EYE SCREAM* atsushi: *grabs akutagawa and runs with naoya and keek to the minecart* let's go!! Ivan: *roar of rage as he sends golems after the minecart* Akutagawa: X.X keek: *screaming* atsushi: DO NOT BE OUT COLD RIGHT NOW! Akutagawa: "..." *groans* atsushi: we could use your rashomon shield here! Akutagawa: *trying to sit up* "...Am I dead?" naoya: not yet, thank god, but we have a situation! HELP US ON OUT HERE! keek: *whimpering* naoya: easy there, kiddo, we're almost out. atsushi: come on! Akutagawa: "..." *grabs Atsushi's hand* atsushi: ?? Akutagawa: *flings him up* atsushi: *MREOW* D8> Akutagawa: *blasts Rashomon as a line directly at the Golem* "RUN!" atsushi: *running* WHAT NOW?! *Rashomon wraps around Atsushi's head* atsushi: *muffled yelling* Akutagawa: "TIGER FANGS! BITE HIM!" atsushi: .....ok then! *biting through the golem and kicking ivan back* Ivan: "UMPH!" atsushi: akutagawa! pull me back! Akutagawa: *does so--swinging Atsushi upward* atsushi: woah! naoya: hang on, kids! -the mine cart heads up the ramp and skids to a stop outside- *As the mine cart descends, Akutagawa pulls down Atsushi* atsushi: YEEP! Akutagawa: *catches Atsushi* atsushi: awawawawawa @_@ yosano: !! Dazai: "...Oh, shit...How you going to explain this to Lucy?" atsushi: wha-..... *SCREAMS* LUCY SAVE ME! Akutagawa: *intense stare* "...Maybe you could wear Rashomon again in the future?" atsushi: i would prefer not to thanks.....i need a long nap. winter vacation cant get here sooner. keek: *sniffles* Dazai: "??? ...Oh no..." keek: im.....im finally outside....*she starts crying* Dazai: "...Yosano?" Akutagawa: "...Who?" yosano:......how long have you been there? -keek explains- yosano:.....damn. that's too long.....there's not much i can do for her now... keek:.......can i....go home now? -at the cafe- Fyodor: *listens to the radio* Melville: "I see this town is taken by rats..." Fyodor: "??? Wh-Who are--" Melville: "...You owe me. A lot." Fyodor: "...I have no idea who you are. Good day--" Melville: "Moby-Dick is my ability." moby: T3T# Fyodor: "..." *slight smile* "Then I hope its departure left you devastated." Melville: "Oh, I'm not at all. But he may be." Fyodor: "???" Fitzgerald: "Greetings, Old Sport." Fyodor: … Melville: *sips his drink* Fitzgerald: "After the expenses I paid to hunt you down, and the cost of damage from Moby-Dick--you owe me a tidy sum. Although that look of shock is worth a million dollars." *smirks* ango: we'll be taking it from here, mr fitzgerald. -several armed soldiers aim their guns at fyodor- Fyodor: "..." *gets down to his knees, puts his hands behind his head* ango: you have the right to remain silent, anything said and done here will be used against you in city court. Fyodor: "...May we depart?" guard: *putting cuffs on him, grabbing his wrist* Fyodor: "...Heh." -slprt- guard: *collapses* Melville: "!!!!" guard: !!! Fitzgerald: "..." ango: hands where we can see them! try anything funny and we will shoot! Fyodor: "...I will follow your orders. Just tell me where to walk." ango:....very well..... -that afternoon- kirako: well, fyodor's been detained. atsushi:.....(thinking: i dont like the feel of this....something's wrong...) Tanizaki: Q~Q "We're so fired..." kenji: but tanizaki, we arent on fire. Tanizaki: "STOP BEING SO LITERAL!" Kyouka: "..." *puppy dog eyes* ???: hey guys, what's up? Tanizaki: "W-We have to figure out how to make sure the Director doesn't learn we attacked the Mafia-" ranpo: oh, he already knows about that. naomi: ranpo?! where were you?! ranpo: i was in poe's book again. i got out. mr fancy hat got out too, his daughter was waiting for us, she got really mad at poe and kicked him in the shin. naomi: ouch. ranpo: and if you're worried about being fired, dont, cuz he's not. though he did say he wanted to talk to us later. atsushi: any idea where dazai is? ranpo: he's making a delivery... -elsewhere- -knocks- Mrs. Harue: *looks through the eyehole* "..." *lets out a small gasp before opening the door* keek:.....m-mom..... *she's in a wheelchair* Dazai: "..." Mrs. Harue: "..." *breaks down crying, reaches for her hand* keek: *shaking and holding onto her, crying* Mrs. Harue: "Kiku...I'm sorry..." keek: i-im home....im home now.... Mrs. Harue: "Y-You are..." *hugs her, crying* Dazai: "..." *steps back* -elsewhere- sonia: ..... Chuuya: *has a black eye* sonia: papa, your eye got hurt. miss akiko can fix you. Chuuya: O_O; "...I'll let it heal on it's own." ^^; sonia: ok. miss akiko make the itchy thing in my neck go away. the bad people put a thing in my neck to find me. Chuuya: "...I'm happy they fixed that..." ("...They were using us, all this time...") sonia:.....grandma and the others got three of them.....but miss leo.....i dont think miss leo's a bad person. Chuuya: "Why's that?" sonia: she seemed sad. and she asked them not to hurt miss katya or mr pushkin. Chuuya: "Well, they do work together...People tend not to want to see people they work with hurt." -in mafia holding- pushkin: *groan* am i dead? leo: no. pushkin: ngh? lev? izzat you? leo: yes, please dont move too much, i just patched you up. pushkin: thanks. leo: ... pushkin:...lev? where's kati? leo:.....about that. katya: *wearing a muzzle and strapped to a gurney ala Hannibal lector* *ANGRY MUFFLED RUSSIAN SCREAMING* pushkin: .___.;;; leo: when we were caught, she got frustrated and started beating everyone up. pushkin: kati? you ok? katya: <<LETMEOUTIMGONNAKILLSOMEONE!!!>> pushkin: O.O; leo: katya, please dont scream so much. katya: <<nyeh?> pushkin! they caught you too, huh?> pushkin: yep. katya: <<come get this muzzle off>> -one muzzle removal later- katya: so we got beat, huh? leo: i dont know. katya: well, im glad you didnt die. i would have gotten worried, jerk. pushkin: d'aww. *A door opens down the hall* leo: ..... katya: oh great, who's gonna be the first shmuck? Gin: *enters* leo: ... pushkin: who's this punk? Gin: "Are you comfortable?" katya: you tell me, <fuckwipe> leo: i suppose. pushkin: eh, better than nothi- *CLENCHED* pushkin: GRK- leo: !!! katya: OI! LET GO OF HIM, BITCH! Gin: "Quiet." *turns back to Pushkin* "The boy with the dark hair: why did you attack him?" pushkin: boss's orders, why? Gin: *tightens her grip* "Why him specifically?" leo: please, stop it! pushkin: l-like i said, boss said, to eliminate intruders- Gin: "..." *tosses Pushkin back* pushkin: *cough* katya: LET ME DOWN FROM HERE SO I CAN KICK YOUR BITCH ASS INTO NEXT WEEK! Gin: "..." *looks at Leo* "You. How many others are there?" leo: ........ Gin: "Is anyone going to come for you?" leo: ......i dont know. they dont know where we are.... Gin: "...How do you contact them?" leo: we dont have any means to do that, since you confiscated our communicators, plus the signal on them was cut. Gin: "Cut by whom?" leo: our leader, most likely. katya: <BASTARD SENT US ON A GODDAMN SUICIDE MISSION!> D8< pushkin: um...kati- katya: *SCREAMING OUT LOUD WITH WORDS FAR TO VULGAR FOR ME TO TYPE HERE* *pant*...*pant....*pant*..... pushkin: you ok there? you get it all out of your system? katya: =A= *replying grunt* leo: ....*sweatdrop* Tachihara: *peeks over* "...Yo." leo: ?? katya: oh greeeeeat, THIS asshole again! Tachihara: "How y'all doing?" pushkin: in jail. 'cept the ninja. leo: *sweatdrop* Tachihara: "Cool, cool..." *stares at Leo* leo:... ?? Tachihara: "What's your story, beautiful?" leo: e-excuse me? ._.; Tachihara: "What you in for? Maybe I talk to the boss and get you out for good behavior..." leo: i-i really dont- Motojiro: "I'm here!" leo: e-eh? Tachihara: -_-; katya:...*gives pushkin a 'wtf' look* pushkin:...*shrugs* Motojiro: "And I want to share with you science's greatest achievement. What do you think that is?" leo: um...i-i, er- pushkin: oh! a bottle that you squeeze and it gives the middle finger? OuO katya: a gun that shoots knives? Tachihara: "Infinity booze?" Motojiro: *holds up a lemon* leo: .... Motojiro: "Note the perfect color and shape! It is the ideal!" leo: .....um.... ._.; katya:...is this guy on coke or some shit? Motojiro: "I'm high on science!" leo: um..... *blinks* pushkin: im confused, and im gonna take a nap. Motojiro: *stares at Leo* leo: ....y-yes? Motojiro: "...Want to bake a cake with me?" leo: um...arent i a prisoner here? Motojiro: "I'm sure we can work something out~" Tachihara: .-.; "...Was 'baking' code for something?" katya: go asking us. pushkin: *asleep* Motojiro: "I will take you away from this life, to a farm upstate, where the lemons roam free along the Nevada grasslands." leo: ....................................*blinks* Tachihara: "Dude, I saw her first!" leo: u-um... ._.;;;; Motojiro: "Well, obviously, I am learning from your errors to reenact the experiment with greater success!" *CLUNK* leo: ah... ._.; Gin: -_-# "Ignore them." *drags them away* leo:...... naoya: *sigh* just cant help themselves in front of a pretty face. leo: ..... -elsewhere- Ivan: "..." *smacks his head with his fists* -silence- Ivan: "..." *sobs, collapses to his knees* -that girl doesnt mean a thing to him. he told you himself, remember?- *Golem rises* golem: ~master has a reason for doing this, right?~ Ivan: "H- He has to...Or this is all...empty." golem: ~right! he has to! so dont feel sad, vanya! he'll come back for you for certain!~ Ivan: "...R-Really?" golem: ~he promised he would! you heard him, right? right?~ -elsewhere- Kunikida: "...The hell?" aya: mail call! atsushi: .____________.;;;;;;;;;;;; Dazai: "What'd we get?" atsushi: *trying not to faint* ranpo: 'manhasset security'....oh sweet! Invites! Kunikida: "Into the den of our enemies?" atsushi: 'consider them a pre-apology gift' .......... Kunikida: "...That's ominous." atsushi: .____.;;;;; Dazai: "Huh." atsushi: ...oh, dazai, you said you wanted to ask me something? Dazai: "I wanted to know...what was it like working with Akutagawa?" atsushi:......*excalibur face* Dazai: "That bad?" atsushi: ...... {atsushi: six months?} {Akutagawa: "Then I will kill you."} {atsushi: ....i dont get it. you love me, yet you want me dead.} {Akutagawa: "...I love you. But you do not want me. So, if I want to possess you, I have to kill you before anyone else can have you."} {atsushi: that's really messed up, logic......look, you've been hurt in the past. i get that, but like you said, you arent bound by the past. all you can do is go forwards. i think we can help you get better about all of this.} {Akutagawa: "...How?"} {atsushi: dont kill anyone in those six months, and we'll give you a chance.} atsushi: and that's what happened... Dazai: "..." *smiles* "A Mafia member not killing? Huh..." odasaku:...*faint smile* -inside- kirako: i dont know what to say. yosano: well, just tell him up front. kirako: i guess.... atsushi: kirako? are you feeling any better? kirako: well, yosano took a look at me. and well....is dazai with you? Dazai: *pops up behind Atsushi* "What up?" kirako: well, i figured out why i've been sick for the past few days. yosano: *gives him a look* Dazai: ?? kirako: *inhales and sighs* dazai, im pregnant. atsushi: *looks at dazai, then kirako, then back at dazai* naptime~! *faints* Dazai: *catches Atsushi* "...Babies?" *faints as well* kirako: ....*facepalm* Kyoka: *pops up behind couch* "I knew it." yosano: h-how did she- Kyoka: "I'm. Every. Where. ..." *opens a bag of chips with "Rampo" written on it* -elsewhere- dia: ......*in the elevator, heading down* ...... ???: "..." dia:......*staring at the floor* it's been a while.... Fyodor: *smiles* <I'm glad you remember me. You look well.> dia: ..... Fyodor: <...I have given you nightmares?> dia:....*still looking at the floor, biting her lip* Fyodor: <Who found you? Or were you homeless?> dia: <the uniform should explain it.> Fyodor: <What rank are you?> dia: ........... Fyodor: *smiles* dia: *grips her sleeves, trying to keep calm* Fyodor: dia: *hard gulps, sweating slightly* <you're behind bars, you cant hurt me out here.> Fyodor: <Is that right?> dia: ..... Fyodor: dia: .... *Something falls behind her* dia: *jumps back and looks* *It's an empty metal cup* dia: .....*trying to recompose herself* Fyodor: "Some of the other inmates can be quite disorganized, leaving their utensils lying around." dia: ......i just have one thing to ask of you. why? the staff, i understand, but why the other children? Fyodor: "..." <Because how would I grow otherwise?> dia: ..... <did you kill anna too?> Fyodor: <...No.> dia:.... <where is she now?> Fyodor: *smiles* <Why should I tell you?> dia: ........ Fyodor: <A trade, perhaps.> dia: ?? Fyodor: dia: ..... <what do you want?> Fyodor: <A message.> dia: ?? Fyodor: <I'll need time to write it out. Just think about it, and come back and see me.> dia: .......*exiting* .....*still shaking* Fyodor: *sighs* -elsewhere- vivian: are you ready, torry~? ^^ Kishiri: "All set! Where to?" vivian: how about the mall? kayoko: ..... *glares and gives kishiri the 'im watching you' sign* Kishiri: "Okay, but on one condition." *then notices Kayoko* ._.;;; "Um...N-Nevermind." ^^; "Let's get going." *holds her hand* vivian: yay! ^u^ Kishiri: Q_Q ("I just wanted something fun, then that person glared at me...") tao: *hanging by her monkey tail in the tree* they gonna be ok? kayoko: they'd better be. Hibana: "Something up?" kayoko: i dont trust that boy. gabriella: neither do we. Hibana: "...Join the club." *holds up a bottle of wine* -elsewhere- Black Star: *staring into koi pond* tsubaki: *sigh* still no sign of this demon. i feel we've been here for days.... Black Star: "Well, we got one more spot to check--" *spots someone* "Oh, hey, look at that person." tsubaki: ?? *glances over* *There is a person cloaked in white, holding an umbrella* tsubaki: ....something's wrong..... Black Star: *glances at them, then the pond* tsubaki:....black*star......there's.... Black Star: "Yeah?" -the person in white....isnt reflected in the pond- Black Star: "...That's freaky..." tsubaki: .....!! it's them! Black Star: "!!! Let's do this..." tsubaki: *sword form* Black Star: "You're coming with us!" Magaki: *sighs* <About time.> *holds their umbrella--and jabs it at Tsubaki's blade form* tsubaki: *screams* Black Star: "Tsubaki!" Magaki: "!!! Wait..." *leans forward--and inhales* tsubaki: ??!! Magaki: "..." *smiles, opening their mouth--revealing sharp teeth* tsubaki: !!!!!! Magaki: <The Uncanny Sword finally has returned...> tsubaki: ?!?! <what?> Magaki: *grabs the sword bare-handed--sending light through it* tsubaki: ?! Magaki: *closes their eyes* "Yes...Multiple abilities, right? Multiple weapons...I want..." Black Star: *trying to kick Magaki away--* -tsubaki changes back- Black Star: "Wow!" *falls back* tsubaki: ... ???!!!! w-what? i cant...the sword.... Magaki: "..." *holds out their hand...it lights up* tsubaki: .... !!!!! Magaki: *fashions a version of the Uncanny Sword along their hand* "...It's a start." *The pool reflects just the portion of the Uncanny Sword, not their entire body* tsubaki: ?!?! what....what even are you? Magaki: "..." *smiles, showing their teeth* "I think you're familiar with my kind..." tsubaki: .....a vampire? no....you dont seem like a subclass, or a servamp..... Magaki: *chuckles* "Servamps, subclasses...Is that all you know? You're experiences with them is so limited." *sniffs* "But...given how you smell, maybe you _are_ more experienced with them than I thought." tsubaki: *uneasy* Magaki: "I have missed so much...Sunlight. A reflection. But your abilities can unlock so much in me...I want it all." tsubaki: *looks over at black*star* Black Star: "Not a chance!" *rushes at Magaki* *tackled* Black Star: *knocking her into the sunlight* "I got you--" Magaki: *screams, as they are lighting up on fire--which is also burning Black Star's hands* tsubaki: ...!!! black*star, stop! Black Star: "Ow!" *With Black Star distracted, and their body injured--Magaki bites into Black Star's neck* tsubaki: !!!!! STOP IT! *attacking magaki* Black Star: *blood pulled out from him, as he holds his burnt hand to his neck* Magaki: *backs up, kicking at Tsubaki--Black Star's blood has restored them from the burning of the sunlight* tsubaki: black*star, are you ok?? Magaki: *backs away into the shadows* Black Star: "I-I'm fine..." *blood is still pouring from his neck wound* tsubaki: we need to get you to the hospital! *Magaki has already disappeared* Black Star: *shakes his head, barely able to focus* "N-No...Capture...them..." -elsewhere- Akutagawa: "..." naoya: how're you feeling? Akutagawa: "...How do you get stronger?" naoya: like physically or something else? Akutagawa: "...That quicksand person could have drowned me. And my...attention on the Were Tiger is making me weak." naoya: hey, its ok to make mistakes, akuta. Akutagawa: "...How do you learn from mistakes?" naoya: aah, that's a good question. Akutagawa: "For example, he made me promise something." naoya: oh? Akutagawa: "No killing." naoya: ah... and what did he say he'd to in return? Akutagawa: "...He'd consider...um..." naoya: ?? Akutagawa: "...A relationship." naoya: ...you really like this boy, huh? Akutagawa: "...I don't know. I want to try at least." naoya: ...then you just leave the murder to me, kiddo. ^^ Akutagawa: "..." TT_TT "Thank you." -elsewhere- Lucy: "How did it go?" atsushi: well, we managed to stop the virus. and i did have that talk with akutagawa. here's hoping it goes well. *sighs and lays on her lap* Lucy: "..." *strokes his head* "Whatever happens, we'll deal with it." *small scratch behind his ear* atsushi:....im sorry. i know, im not really the fairy tale prince you might have hoped for, but i really do like you a lot. *hugs* Lucy: *hug, strokes his back* "Hey. I know it's not the best compliment I can pay, but maybe it's like Beauty and the Beast...Tiger." atsushi: ... .///w///.; -elsewhere- Dazai: *holding an ice pack to his head* yosano: well? feeling better? Dazai: "...How did this happen?" yosano: trust me. you _know_ how this happened. 7_7 Dazai: -_-# "...What do I do?" yosano: well, kirako's going to need a lot of support and help from us all. the least you can do is help as well. Dazai: "...I'm not the father type. That's...I didn't have role models...None that are still here..." yosano: well, once upon a time, neither was fukuzawa, yet here he is now. Dazai: "...Fukuzawa wasn't handling babies. Minus Kunikida." yosano: then i suppose it will be a learning experience for all of us. Dazai: *groans* "I'm an idiot." yosano: ?? Dazai: "Getting Kirako pregnant. I'm not ready for this. She's going to hate me...like everyone." yosano: now now, she doesnt hate you. Dazai: "I got her pregnant because I didn't put something on my Little Dazai--if it was me, I'd hate me." yosano: ....*sigh* dazai, so you made some mistakes, everyone does. Dazai: "..." *turns over on the couch* yosano:.... well, you get some rest then. it's been a long night for all of us. Dazai: *stares at the couch's cushions* -elsewhere- Tachihara: "No sign of the boss?" higuchi: no. still missing in action. hirotsu took up the helm of temporary leader until we find him....... Gin: "..." Motojiro: "But he'll be back. Right?" higuchi: ....probably. kouyou: he has to, right? i mean, he wouldnt just abandon us...would he? Tachihara: "...Want to take bets?" -elsewhere- Katai: TTWTT aya: nice to finally meet you, mr katai! i'm aya! *holds out her hand to shake* Katai: *takes her hand carefully* "As well. I-I'm not used to being away from my home..." aya: well you're back now! right kunikida?....kunikida? Kunikida: *staring blankly* aya:....kunikida? are you ok? you've been acting weird since you got back. Kunikida: "I-I'm...I'm..." aya: ......*looks at katai* Katai: "..." *clears his throat* "Aya, I have some food we could share?" aya: ok! i'll see what we got-... *sniff* >x<;; Kunikida: "...Katai, when did you last _clean_ your place?" Katai: .\\\. "Um...A week before I was shot?" aya:....dude, this expired two months ago! Katai: "I was busy researching!" T_T -elsewhere- Black Star: *unconscious in hospital bed* tsubaki: ...... Doctor: <He lost a bit of blood. Those burns will need time to heal...> tsubaki:....*covers her mouth and sighs* (thinking: i could have stopped this...why didnt i-?) Doctor: -elsewhere- sonia: *petting mito* mito: *mewl* Chuuya: "..." *shudders* sonia:.... ?? papa? Chuuya: "...Yes?" sonia:...do you want to pet mito, too? Chuuya: "..." *nods, pets Mito* mito: *purrs* sonia:.....*hugs* were you scared, too? Chuuya: "Yes...So much." sonia: but you're ok now, right? Chuuya: "...Yes." *hug* sonia: im ok too. Chuuya: "Th-That's all I want..." sonia: ...can we watch some christmas movies now? Chuuya: "Heh...Sure. I got a few tapes pulled out..." -elsewhere- Mori: "..." -the old clinic is silent...still....stagnant...- Mori: "..." *pushes a chair* -some dust falls from being disturbed- Mori: *looks under the desk...and sees a crayon* {elise: hey, rintarou?} {Mori: "Hmm? Yes, Elise?} {elise: do you think i might ever grow up?} {Mori: *playful* "Why would you want to do that?"} {elise:....just thinking about stuff, i guess. i mean, you got to grow up, but i didnt.} {Mori: "But you get to be young..."} {elise: ...*sigh* i guess...} Mori: *picks up the crayon, sets it among the dust on his desk...stares at his hand* -silence- Mori: *looks up, seeing a cracked mirror...he can see wrinkles under his eyes* "..." -elsewhere- Burns: "Where did you run off to?" dia: ....my apologies, commander. a-a personal matter came up....i-i'll refrain from letting that happen again.... Burns: *nods* "If it could not be helped...I left paperwork and mail with you: review and complete it." dia: understood, sir. *One letter is addressed to Dia* dia: ?? *examining it* *The return address is listed as "Mr. Bartleby c/o The Tombs" in New York City. There is a small symbol next to this address--it looks like a whale* dia: ?? *opening it and reading* *Mr. Bartleby*: "Dear Ms. Volkov: My supervisor has come into possession of some documents regarding your prior stay at a facility in Russia. We think they would be valuable towards one of your future meetings with an associate of ours. Please meet with them at the address listed to receive these materials." dia: ......*examining the address* *The address is a Deathbucks near the courthouse district* dia: .... -elsewhere-

#death city days

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