#spinners cast mate

[thenixkat]

Indombe- deepest digging wyrm. Invertebrates. Have plated copper colored exoskeletons that have in iridescent sheen under light. Drink magma and stone liquified by the incredibly corrosive acid that secretes out of their face. Can open their mouth to chew on softer semi-solid rock down where they like to dwell. Adults can grow to be several miles long. Their head’s are extremally hard and inedible and remain for centuries even after the rest of the body had rotted away/been scavenged. Indombe hatchlings sleep in trees to avoid underground predators that hunt small wyrms. 

Associated with the sun and fire in centaur folklore and the goddess that presides over the hottest month of the year takes the shape of an Indombe.

Lindworm- Most common wyrm. Vertebrates, very distant relatives of fire drakes and cattle. Largest species is approximately orca sized, live in family groups. Have massive crushing beaks and an inner set of grinding chewing jaws. ALso have massive strong digging front legs that helps them push aside soil. Leave networks of tunnles where they live and migrate once they’ve exhausted their favorite foods in an area. Enjoy hard rock and boulders. Frequently come up at night to eat wood, shrubs, and grasses. Enjoy milk. Will spit flames and vomit lava in self defense. Their casts make excellent fertilizer.

There are many species of lindworm with different shaped beaks and stone preferences and sizes. Spinner lindworms are known for their drill-like beaks and dramatic breaching leaps out of and back into the earth while migrating.

Knucker- Most valuable in drier regions or areas without natural rivers. Vertebrates, distant relatives of salamanders. Feed on softer stones and soil, particularly like limestone and sandstone. Semi-aquatic and amphibious. They tend to dig through the water table and will build large wyrmholes called knucker holes that fill with water. Knuckers are more predatory than most other stone eating dragons and their knucker holes serve a secondary purpose of attracting prey. Also enjoy milk and dairy.

Male knuckers leave their holes and travel over land to find a mate in the rainy season. They have been known to hide in wells and water towers while traveling. Young knuckers may hide in water barrels and small ponds until they get big enough to establish their own territories.

Tatzelwurm- Smallest digging wyrm. Vertebrate, very distant relative of griffs and wyverns. Not actually very good at digging. Tend to live in rocky crevices or caves in mountains and will gnaw on a variety of stone and crystal. They’ll also leave their caves to hunt small animals like ferbs to supplement their diet. Occasionally kept as pets by centaurs that live in the mountains.

[affluenzafm]

you know you love me.

Meet DANNY VAN ZANDT, or if you read the Anti Grapevine, NICKNAME UTP. They/She/He is/are a ## year old OCCUPATION UTP, that currently resides in NEIGHBORHOOD UTP.

They/She/He is/are known around the city for their/her/his POSITIVE TRAIT UTP & NEGATIVE TRAIT UTP demeanor, but they may be hiding something… SECRET UTP.

FACE CLAIM UTP, GENDER UTP, PRONOUNS UTP.

Where Liberty has always known who she is and what she wants, Danny has never felt the same security. Even if it had been unintentional, he was cast as the second best in his family – His sister was the Valedictorian, the one with the bright future. And Danny… Well, he had potential, but never quite enough to stand out. Instead of trying to compete, he rebelled, falling in with a much different crowd. Overnight, Danny went from overlooked to center stage, but the price of escaping his sister’s shadow might be higher than he realized. Caught between two worlds, he feels completely lost, unsure of who he’s supposed to be. On one hand, there’s the polished life at his father’s prestigious law firm, where the expectations weigh heavy on his shoulders. But when he’s not in a suit, he’s living a completely different life—playing with his band, Studz, almost every weekend, losing himself in the music. It’s like living a double life, with the pressure of family legacy on one side and his true passion on the other. The more he tries to balance both, the more he wonders if he’ll ever truly belong in either.

it's all about who you know.

LIBERTY VAN ZANDT. older sister. Danny has always been a pain in Liberty’s ass, but he’s the one person she’d help hide a body. As kids, their paths rarely crossed—different interests, different friends—but as they’ve aged, they’ve learned to lean on each other in unexpected ways. They may not always see eye-to-eye, and their affection is often subtle, but when life gets tough, they’re always there, offering support without needing to say much.

SPINNER MASON, PETER STONE, SAV BHANDARI. secret band mates. Studz, the band known for hiding their identity with bunny masks, is made up of these four. They seemed to be an overnight sensation, taking the New York music scene by storm with their pop up shows and chaotic energy — Even if no one knows who’s in the band. It’s an escape for all four of them, something they can put their creative energy into without fear. 

CHANTAY BLACK. blind date. These two couldn’t be any more different, however, their mutual friends think they’d be perfect together, so they arrange dinner plans to introduce them. Initially, the night was full of awkward silences and hesitant laughter, but things seemed to pick up by the end of the night. Despite the obvious differences, there’s an undeniable spark beneath the surface.

this character is open.

[thehuntingdomain]

10 Sauger Fishing Tips

Do you fish for saugers? Would you like to catch more saugers? In this article, we share sauger fishing tips to help you catch more saugers.

1. Slowing Moving Waters

Saugers like slow-moving, and deep rivers. They can also be found in lakes and reservoirs. Being a migratory species, you will find saugers in a lot of habitats.

2. Color of Lure

The color of the lure you use depends on the water you are fishing in. Use bright-colored lures or spinners in clear water and darker colors in murky waters.

3. Saugers & Scents

Saugers are very sensitive to scents, especially pheromones that lure females during the mating season. Therefore, if you are using scents, don’t overuse them. It will put off the sauger.

4. Best Time To Fish

Early fishing when the sun is rising or late in the evening can be the best time to fish for saugers. Saugers come near the shore to feed during early mornings or late evenings. If you would like to learn more sauger fishing tips, then click this link.

5. Saugers & The Bottom

Sauger tends to linger close to the bottom in some areas. You will need to bring your lure down to them. Just touch the bottom and hold for a few seconds. Then use a slow retrieve to tempt the sauger to follow and get bites. You may not get any bites if you move it too fast.

6. Use A Medium Weight Tackle

Since saugers are not as aggressive or active as other species like bass, go with a tackle of medium weight. Additionally, choose a 7 to 9-foot rod and reel set up with average action for best line control. Get a fishing line that is close to a 10 lb test depending on how deep you will fish.

7. Getting Sauger Attention

The best way to get the attention of saugers is using spinnerbaits or other kinds of flashy lures as they like to follow an object. Use a spinning lure that has 3 “spinners” if you want to catch saugers with a simple spinning lure.

8. No Luck At All?

If you haven’t been successful in catching saugers with bait or lures, try different approaches like float fishing, spin casting, or spinner baiting. You have to factor in how active and aggressive a sauger is to know which method to use.

9. Saugers In The Summer

Look for saugers in deer waters during the summer. In early summer, look for saugers near deep gravel bars and holes away from the shore. Late in summer, saugers can be found downstream from tailwaters near drop-offs and holes near confluences.

10. When Saugers Spawn

In spring, saugers spawn. You will find them upstream in gravel or sandy bars downstream from dams and lock walls. They can also be found around rocks, debris, and along eddies.

Conclusion

Fishing for saugers is not difficult. With knowledge of their behavior and movements, you can locate and catch saugers. In this article, we share tips to help you be more successful fishing for saugers. If you would like to learn more about fishing other species of fish, then click here.

[chalamet-chalamet]

IG credit to ifynwadiwe

[thewildomega]

Broken but not Shattered Ch.13

Looking all around the unfamiliar place you held your bag to you as you walked through the station. Just where the hell were they? Growling when you got to the entrance and found no one there you sighed. So much for meeting you here. 

"Can I help you there miss, you've walked through here several times now." 

Glancing to the station workers when he spoke to you, you stiffened. You couldn't exactly tell the no-maj that you were supposed to meet your parents here instead of taking a portkey or Floo back to your home in America . Nor how you had no way of contacting them or vise versa because witches and wizards didn't use phones. When he walked closer to you with his brows raised you swallowed hard. 

"Are you lost? I can call the police and they can help you get sorted out." 

No not the police. Then you really would be in a mess. Quick think of something. "Spinner's End. I need to get to Spinner's End." 

Coming to a stop in front of the young woman he rose his brows. "You want to go to Spinner's End?"

He sounded skeptical. "Yes. M..my friend lives there."

"Ugh-huh." Looking over the girl he let out a sigh. "Spinner's End is in Cokeworth, there is a bus that will take you there and from the stop you will want to go the whole way down, last street before the river." 

Grinning you nodded. "Thank you sir. And ugh... when does the next bus leave." 

Sighing and adjusting his footing he looked to his pocket watch. "The next one will go out in a little over an hour." 

"Alright then. Thank you again." Quickly walking away from the man you moved out front to sit on the bench. Looking over the city you sighed. It was a nice looking city, maybe one day you and Severus could walk around and he could show you some of the places. Feeling eyes on you you cast a sideways glance to the right and saw a few sketchy men looking your way. Clearing your throat you crossed your legs and reached into your bag to pull out your book. Might as well read until the bus gets here. 

You weren't expecting the bus ride to take so long and when you stepped off along with only one other person you had to stretch your back from where you had been sitting so long. It was nearly dark now and you bit your lip as you looked around the strange place lined with brick homes that were pretty much all alike. Lily lived somewhere here, you recalled her saying she lived in Cokeworth. You would think about finding her home but well she hadn't really went out of her way to talk to you all school year. The one time she had been paired with you in divinations she had quickly shut you down when you tried to talk to her about Severus. No it was best to find your alpha, you only hoped he was home. 

Walking down the streets you watched as the lights came on as the sun started going down. Reading over all the street signs you kept your eye out for Spinner's End. Making your way down to the river which you saw was extremely polluted, you looked down the road and saw the streets lamps there flickering, only a few working at all. Turning to the sign you walked over and sure enough that was it. Making your way down the road that had many potholes and dying grass growing up in between cracks you licked your lips. You didn't exactly know how you would find Severus's home, you didn't know the number but you did have one trick up your sleeve. Focusing on that pulling feeling in your heart you walked along the run down houses. Glancing from one to the other you startled when a hackling cough sounded from your left. Ignoring the woman who eyed you like you were trespassing you took a deep breath. About midway down you felt that pull leading you a different way and blinked. Turning to the left you saw the same house as the others, this one having a trash can out front with the lid partially on. Titling your head a little you swallowed hard before making your way to the front door. Making sure your hair and clothes were in order you took a deep breath as you raised your hand and lightly knocked three times on the door. 

There was no answer or sound from the other side, the whole street deathly quiet. Looking down you felt your hopes dwindle and let out a sigh as you moved to step off the platform but before you could take that step the door was opening. Turning around you straightened up when you saw a woman standing there. She was a medium height woman with a thin build and long face. Her hair was inky black and instantly you knew where Severus got it from. Her brown eyes looked very solemn down at you but still you smiled nonetheless. 

"Can I help you?"

"Hello ma'am my name is Y/n L/n. I.. well I was wondering if I could see Severus."

"You go to school with Severus." 

"Yes ma'am." Watching the woman nod her head before she turned to look back inside the home you felt your nerves eating at you. Feeling the start of rain you glanced up to the dark sky. 

Looking back to the female she sighed when she saw it was raining. "Come inside." 

Seeing the woman open the door for you to step in you thanked her and saw her nod again but not say a word. As she called out for Severus you looked around the home. It was small, like really small. The floors were wooden and the walls mostly bare except for the bookcase that held so many books it looked like the old shelves would crumble. As far as furniture went there was an old couch that looked higher on one side than the other, an armchair that had seen better days and a small end table with a full ashtray on it and a lamp. The doorway that was open led to what you guessed was the kitchen by the small amount you could see through the crack. The home was very dreary looking and smelled old, damp. When the creaking of old floorboards caught your ears you looked to the small staircase to see familiar long legs making their way down. he obviously wasn't expecting to see you as his eyes went a bit wide and his lips parted. "Hi." you greeted with a smile and wave. "Long time no see." 

"Yo... you are here." quickly making his way down the stairs he came to stand in front of his omega. "Why are you here?" he questioned, still trying to process her being in his home. 

"Long story, not too sure myself actually." you shrugged. "I did get to take my first bus ride though... not something I care to do again." 

Blinking he glanced to his mother who was standing in the doorway to the kitchen looking to them. Clearing his throat he took Y/n's hand in his and turned to his mother, pulling his female into his side and placing his hand on her lower back. Looking down to his love and then up to his mother he took a deep breath. "Mother this is Y/n... my mate." 

You saw the woman's eyes go wide for a second before the returned to their normal look, he had not mentioned you before. While it did make you feel a little hurt you quickly shrugged it off, knowing Severus was a private person. When she turned her eyes from her son to you, you smiled again. 

"Y/n, this is my mother Elieen." Watching her walk closer to them he kept he stood tall and watched silently as his mother looked his female over before the smallest of grins came to her face, something he had not seen in many years. 

"It is a pleasure to meet you Y/n. You are American?"

"Yes ma'am." 

"You look familiar" 

"Well my mom said that you and her went to school together, Leatha l/n or well Macmillan back then." 

Humming she nodded. "Yes that is what it is. Your father is American then?"

"Yes ma'am, she moved to Montana with him when they were married." 

"I have not seen her since we graduated." 

"Yea she doesn't really come back here that often. She did say that she would like to have dinner together one day." 

Nodding she looked to the female "Perhaps." Glancing to the clock and then to her son she blinked, "Your father will be home soon. Today is Saturday." 

Watching the woman walk back into the kitchen after that you furrowed your brows some before looking up to Severus, noticing his lips were set in a straight line. "Sev?"

Taking a deep breath he dropped his eyes to her blue ones and blinked. Seeing confusion in her eyes he lifted the corner of his lip to give her a small grin before pulling her to the couch. Moving her to sit on the side that was in the best shape he took her bag from her and sent it to his room. 

"Show off." you said wanting to make him smile just a bit. 

Chuckling lightly he looked around the room before rubbing the back of his head, "Um would you like some tea?" he asked. He had never had anyone over to his home, in fact he wasn't sure this place had ever welcomed a guest. When she smiled softly at him he nodded. "I will be right back just stay here alright?" when she gave him a small nod he made his way into the kitchen, shutting the door back behind him. Seeing his mother at the table, reading with a cup of coffee in front of her he sighed and moved around to make his darling a cup of tea with the help of his magic. 

"She seems nice." 

Snapping his eyes to his mother as the tea steeped he licked his lips. "She is." There was silence for a few more moments as he grabbed the only other clean cup, wiping it out just in case, and moved to pour her tea. 

"A Macmillan... do they know what you are?"

A half blood. "Her parents do yes." he answered and heard her hum. That was all of the conversation. Walking out of the kitchen he carried her cup and pulled the door back closed as he moved over beside her on the couch, seeing her eyes looking over the dusty books. 

Taking the cup when he held it out for you, you smiled at him. "Thank you." 

Looking her over he noticed her hair was a bit wet but then again it was raining out, other than that she looked fine. "So are you going to tell me what happened? Why you are in England and not America."

Swallowing the tea in your mouth you hummed and looked to him. "I don't know. I had said goodbye to you and was on the way to the Hog's head Inn to use Mr. Dumbledore's floo when this owl dropped a letter in my hands. It was from my parents, something about them having errands to do here in London and how they were staying at some place called the Leaky Cauldron and that they were going to pick me up at the station. I ran back to the train and just did make it on in time but when I tried to find you one of the prefects pretty much shoved me into one of the compartments which just so happened to have Alice and Frank in it." 

Raising a brow he saw her nod. 

"Yea. I guess it could have been worse."

"And then?"

"And then when I got off the train I still couldn't find you or my parents and I got lost, this no-maj train worker kept watching me and asking questions, saying he was going to call the police so I quickly told him I was trying to get to Spinner's End... because I remembered that's where you said you lived. He told me to take the bus which was horrible by the way and so now I'm here." 

Humming he thought over everything she had just said. "You are sure your parents said they were going to pick you up there?"

"Yes but they weren't there, I walked around that place like four times and then waited around for a long time they never showed up." 

"So what are you going to do now?" 

"I don't know probably just go to this Leaky Cauldron place and see if I can find them there." 

"Well the Leaky Cauldron is back in London."

"Of course it is." Humming you gave a large smile when a idea popped in your head. 

"What?"

"You could always just Apperate me there." 

Smirking he looked down at he with a raised brow. "Using me are you darling?"

"No but if you don't want to that's fine, I will have to just catch the next bus and deal with the No-maj men trying to talk me into going home with them for a fun time."

His smirk instantly fell, a deep frown with tightly knit brows overtaking his features. "What?" he growled and watched her drink more of her tea but not say a word. "You are joking." 

Humming you grimaced, "I wish I was." 

"You are never riding the...." before he could finish his sentence the front door was opening and he stiffened. 

Looking over to the door you saw a man hurrying in out of the rain that looked to be stopping. You only saw his back for a moment as he shut the door and noticed he was wearing a pair of dirty navy blue pants with a white button up shirt and suspenders. He had short dark brown maybe black hair and as he turned to you, you saw his face was shaved and he had a cigarette in his mouth. As two familiar black eyes looked to you, you saw one of his brows raise. 

"Who is this? Why is she here so late?"

Swallowing hard he stood from the couch and looked to his father. "This is Y/n, my girlfriend." Seeing the man look to him through his always lidded eyes before he looked back down to his female he felt anxious. 

Puffing on the cigarette before he removed it from his mouth he stared over the girl, looking her over from head to toe as she stood beside his son. "Girlfriend huh, didn't think you would be able to get one of those."

Feeling your brow twitch you masked it, taking Severus's hand and looking to his dad before smiling. "Well he did, that's me." you spoke trying to lighten the mood. Taking a deep breath when the man's face remained the same you gave another smile although this one was harder to hold, "Like Sev said my name is Y/n, Y/n L/n, it's nice to meet you sir." 

"You're American." he spoke and heard her hum softly, continuing to study the girl he put his cigarette back between his lips. She was cute, he would give his son that but it still didn't account for her being in his house. "You a witch too?" he huffed

"Yes." you answered, stroking the back of Severus's hand when you sensed him becoming irritated.

Looking back to his son he blinked and breathed in his lung full of smoke. "When did you get back?"

"Well considering this is the first time you have seen me in seven months I thought it would be obvious." Seeing Tobias's eyes narrow at him he stood tall. 

Biting down on the tobacco he caught sigh of something on the table and noticed it was his cup, filled halfway with his tea. Snapping his eyes back to his son he let out a puff of smoke before turning and walking into the kitchen. 

As soon as his father was out of the room he turned to her, he had seen the look in his father's eyes, a look he knew all too well. "Come on." Pulling her towards the stairs he stopped when he heard his father call for him in his deep voice. Licking his lips he took another breath. Leaning down to speak into her ear he closed his eyes. "You go up to my bedroom and you close the door. You stay there, do not come out no matter what you hear."

Furrowing your brows you looked up to him "Sev?"

"Do as I say." Hearing her barely audible gasp at the tone he had spoke in he knew she understood that he had given her an order. He hated doing it but he knew he had no choice. 

"SEVERUS!"

Tensing he ran his nose up her jaw, breathing in her scent for a moment to help give him strength. "Up the stairs and to the left. Go now and stay quiet." When she nodded slowly he let go of her hand and watched her make her way up the rickety stairs. As soon as she made it to the top he hurried over and grabbed her tea cup, swallowing the rest of it down and walking to the front door. Opening and closing it loud enough they could hear he took his wand from his pocket and cast a concealment charm towards his room. Taking a deep breath he walked into the kitchen and was instantly struck so hard he stumbled slightly into the oven. 

"You come the first time I call you boy!"

Standing back straight he looked up to see his father's angry face starring at him, his mother still sitting at the kitchen table ignoring all around her like she always did. Sitting the cup on the oven he heard as Tobias lit up another cigarette. 

"You think you can bring your little whore into my house and give her the tea I pay for?"

Snapping his eyes up to the man he glared at him. "Do. Not. Call. Her. That." he growled but the air was quickly knocked from him when his father's fist collided with his stomach so hard he felt sick. 

"Who the fuck are you talking to?!" he roared. "Every year it's the same with you, you get back from that damn freak school and you think you're mister high and mighty. Well let me tell you something you fucking chav..."

Sitting on Severus's trunk that was tucked into the corner of the small dingy room with your knees pulled up to your chest, you had to cover your mouth to hold back your cries as you listened to what was going on bellow you. With every slam, thump and yell you felt more tears roll down you cheeks and across your fingers. There was an awful pain in your heart, the pulling more intense than you had ever felt but you could not move. You had to stay in his room, your alpha had given you an order and had to follow it, you had no choice. When a pain filled groan that you could not mistake for anyone else but your beloved floated up through the old floorboards you felt your heart shatter. 

"Where did she go?! She needs to see what a pathetic skiver you are! If the bitch is smart she will find a real man!""

Stiffening when you heard the No-maj man yell you felt your eyes go wide as he started stomping his way up the old stairs. 

"S.ssshe l...left!" 

Severus's voice, it sounded so pained. Hearing the boots coming up the stairs you held your breath as the door slammed open, your hand gripping your wand. Seeing the horrible man walk into the room some and look around and then to you, you shook with fear but when his eyes only narrowed and did another sweep of the room you furrowed your brows. Did he not see you? Then it clicked, Severus. Hearing Tobias huff as he turned around and left you listened again as he walked down the stairs. 

"Elieen!"

Hearing a scuff on the floor and then footsteps, one heavy and one light you breathed slowly. 

"Clean up this mess boy." 

The slamming of another door downstairs was heard and then the house fell silent. Sitting on the trunk, your whole body shaking, you waited and listened but heard nothing for a while. You wanted to call out for him, for your alpha but the fear that his parents were still here stopped you. A small thump and then another forced your body to tense up again and you waited to hear more yelling but none came. Spaced out footsteps slowly sounded on the stairs and the closer they got you could also hear what sounded like labored breathing. As the door pushed open slowly again from where it had swung shut some you jumped up from the trunk when you saw it was your Severus. "Sev." 

His whole body hurt but he still relished when she hurried over to him, wrapping her arms around him in a hug. Standing in the middle of his room he slowly moved his arms around her, resting his sore cheek on the top of her head and closing his eyes. He would have been happy to stay like this for a while but all too soon she was pulling away and he heard her gasp. 

Feeling more tears fill your eyes as you looked at the man you loved you shook your head lightly. How could a parent do this to their own child? You didn't know if his mother had been a part of it but even if she hadn't she had still allowed it. "Sev.."

"It's alright." he spoke, trying to assure her. Opening his eyes some he saw her crying and shaking her head. "Darling..."

"No. This is not alright, this is not okay." you told him, your voice thick with emotion. "We have to tell someone, we have to..."

"No Y/n." Swallowing hard he looked down at her and tried to stand more straight. "Three months. I only have to put up with it for three more months and then we go back to Hogwarts for our last year and then I am free." Seeing the way she was frowning at him he sighed. "Love I have been putting up with this my entire life, I can take three months more."

Still frowning you looked away from him, closing your eyes you took a deep breath. Without a word you walked out of his room and across to where you had seen a bathroom. Glancing to the cabinets you started going through them until you found a washrag. Turning on the tap you waited until the water turned hot which took a bit before wetting it and wringing it out. Walking back into his room you shut and locked his door. Spinning around you saw him standing where you had left him, his eyes quickly lifting to yours. Seeing him look down to the rag in your hand and then go to speak you quickly cut him off. "Hush."

Snapping his mouth shut at the tone of her voice he allowed her to pull him over to his bed, sitting on it when she gave a small push. Feeling her lift his chin and tilt his face to the side before she went about cleaning the no doubt bruise there he gave a small wince but said nothing.

Dabbing gently at the small cut along his cheek bone, neither of you said a word. Once that one and the one along his jaw was clean you glanced down to his body and licked your lips as you dropped your fingers to the buttons of his shirt. He seemed to stiffen a bit when you started undoing his shirt but with one look from you he dropped his eyes back down and allowed you to do as you wished. Helping to ease his shirt off his shoulders you hard to swallow hard at the lump returning in the back of your throat when you saw the deep colored bruises already forming on his ribs and stomach.

Reaching up to cup her cheek he brushed away her tears with his thumb. "Shhh... please do not cry my girl. You know it hurts my heart to see you cry." 

"Yea well it hurts my heart to see you hurt so." you whimpered and saw his head tilt some and his brows furrow. 

Sighing he pulled her to him by her shirt hem, spreading his knees so she could stand directly between them. Hugging her middle he laid his head on her chest, "It is not that bad darling.." Hearing her scoff he grinned sadly, "Truly it is not." And it wasn't. He had endured worst, so much worst, like the time he had woken up hours later on the floor, barely able to move for the next week. "Having you here with me makes up for any pain." 

Taking a deep breath you sighed softly and wrapped your arms around him, threading your fingers through his hair after a bit. When he decided he wanted to lay down you quickly followed him as his hand pulled you down onto the old bed with him once the both of you had kicked off your shoes. Laying beside him you scanned your eyes over his handsome but beaten face, your fingers tenderly stroking his jaw and neck as he just seemed to stare at you. 

There wasn't much light in his room, just a small ray where the distant street light was and then the occasional strike of lightning from where it was now storming outside. Still he was able to see her enough, watch her lashes flutter when she blinked slowly, watch her beautiful feral blue eyes roam over his own face. Dropping his eyes to her lips he felt that craving ignite. Oh how he loved those luscious lips, the way they looked, the way the felt, the way they tasted. Not being able to help himself any longer he dipped his head to kiss her. 

Spreading your hand so it laid flat against his bare chest, you kiss him back with just as much passion. When you feel his tongue ask for entrance you are quick to grant it, opening your mouth for his warm muscle to explore. Rolling your tongue in time with his you felt his hand move to your hip, pushing under your shirt to rub your skin with his hand. You loved the taste of him, loved how it made you feel slightly dazed. The first time the two of you had made out like this you had wanted nothing more than to keep your mouth connected to his forever. However this time you were feeling a bit more held back and you knew why. That damn amulet around your neck. It's pressure grew in times like these and you knew it was the magic trying to hold back all the true desires and feelings you were supposed to be experiencing with your alpha. Feeling Severus's hand move to your lower back to pull your body flush to his you breathed in sharply through your nose when you felt his obvious arousal push into your thigh. As the amulet became almost like a weight you broke from his mouth. 

Snapping his eyes open he knit his brows. "Y/n?" Going to question what was wrong, if he had done something wrong the question was quickly answered when he saw her pulling the leather cord over her head. Blinking he swallowed hard, "Luv I don't think..." 

Freeing your hair from it you dropped the accursed thing to the floor and instantly pushed your lips back to his, cutting him off. Hearing him breath in before he let out a small growl, his hands moving to pull you back to him you smirked around his mouth. Rubbing your own hand up his chest you couldn't hold back the small mewl at being able to taste him fully again. 

Kissing down her chin and along her jaw he felt that need for more taking over. As his mouth moved down her neck he started placing open mouth kisses accompanied by small sucks and light nips along her skin. When her shirt collar suddenly blocked his way he growled and tugged on the thing. Lapping at his claiming mark he gave a slightly harder bite making her gasp softly. All too soon though her shirt was in the way again and the alpha in him had had enough. Grabbing the hem he began pulling it up. 

Getting the hint you helped him remove the article of clothing from your body, watching out of the corner of your eye as he tossed it somewhere behind you. You thought he would go back to kissing and sucking your neck but his eyes were stuck on your chest, you were happy you had decided to wear your black bra today.  

Admiring her chest he licked his lips as he leaned forward to kiss along her collarbone, flicking his tongue out to trace her throat. He could feel her hands on him, rubbing his side and gripping his shoulder. Kissing his way down her sternum to the middle of her breasts and then over each as much as he could with her bra on he rubbed his hand up her hip and around to her back. Nipping at her soft mound he heard her gasp softly again and chuckled softly. Trailing his hand up her spine to the clasp of her bra he unhooked it, taking a few tries to do it successfully. He waited for her to ask him to stop but she didn't so he slowly rubbed his hand up her arm to pull the strap from her shoulder. Rolling her to her back so that her bra could be taken off easier he felt his mouth water when he was finally able to see her breasts with his own eyes. 

He stared at your chest for some time but he must have learned his lesson from last time because he was soon dipping his head down to kiss, lick, do anything he could do with his mouth to give your breasts attention. 

Peppering her fleshy mounds with kisses he closed his eyes and felt his cock harden even more, if it were possible. "Oh my beautiful, stunning girl..." Getting to one of her nipples he first licked at the nub with the flat of his tongue and grinned a little when he felt her flinch. Opening his mouth he took the whole of her pert nipple into his mouth and gave a suck. Bringing up his arm that wasn't holding himself up he cupped her other tit, gently massaging it in his palm. 

Gasping softly your eyes slipped close and your head fell back to the thin pillow in bliss. When his hot mouth sucked at your nipple and bit down gently you couldn't stop the soft moan from leaving your lips but as soon as you realized what you had done your eyes went wide and your hand moved up to cover you mouth. 

Hearing her moan had to be one of the sweetest sounds he had ever heard and it in turn caused a low growl, purr like sound to rumble in his throat. Kissing across her chest to give her other nipple the same treatment he was confused by the muffle sound to this moan and looked up. Seeing her hand covering her mouth with her eyes closed tight and a blush about her cheeks he knit his brows. Reaching up to grab her wrist he pulled her hand away from her mouth and pinched her nipple between his teeth. Hearing her let out a noise that was a moan and whimper together he pinned her wrist down beside her, looking her in the eyes when she tried to pull it away from him. "I want to hear you." he told her, licking over where he had just bit. 

Still embarrassed by the noises he was bringing out of you, you tried to hold them back still but he seemed to take this as a challenge and soon he had you gasping and moaning from the work of his mouth. Crying out at one particular hard suck you looked down at him as he pulled away, watching him lap over the area to sooth the pain away. 

While he loved her breast the alpha in him was persistent to have more of his omega and in all honesty he wasn't much trying to hold the urges back. Peppering her chest and neck with kisses he moved his one hand down to the button of her pants. Easily unbuttoning the jeans and slowly pulling down her zipper he lapped at his claiming mark. Tracing the top of her knickers with his fingertips he grit his teeth and took a deep breath, giving her the chance to tell him to stop. When she said nothing he kissed over her neck and back up her jaw to find her lips. Slipping his hand into her pants he let out a low growl at the wetness he found there. 

Moaning into his mouth when he began touching your most intimate place you gripped his bicep harder. When his finger slowly entered you, you had to break from his mouth to gasp out. Tilting your head a bit as Severus kissed along your neck and throat you heard him growl low and deep. 

Slowly working his finger in and out of her he sucked at her neck and grinned when her fingers clung to him. "Does it feel good darling?" he asked and felt her nod. Smiling he continued for a few moments more until he removed his hand from her pants and pushed himself up to kneel on the bed. Grinning at her when he saw her worried look he pushed his fingers in the waist of her jeans and peeled them off. Dropping them to the floor he looked over her bare legs and licked his lips as he reached out to rub them. She was so soft, her skin was smooth and he couldn't get enough of it. Stroking his hands up her legs he saw her watching him and grinned softly. Dropping his eyes to her last item of clothing he felt the alpha rattling the bars. Hooking his fingers into the black cotton he eased them down her legs, her knees staying bent as he removed them from around her ankles and dropped them to the bed behind him. 

Your heart felt like it was going to beat out of your chest and you were sure your face was as red as a tomato. He hadn't said anything, his hands going back to rubbing up and down your thighs. When one of his hands rounded your knee to caress the inside of your thigh and gently urge you to part your legs you swallowed hard. You looked anywhere but his face as your legs were placed on either side of him, giving him full view of your body. Feeling his hand return to stroking your legs, inching their way further south you closed your eyes as that warmth spread throughout your body. 

"You are so bewitching my love." he praised as he took her all it. His cock was now throbbing but he wanted to take this slow, savor their first time.

"Not really fair that I am the only one naked." you spoke softly.

Seeing her avoiding his eyes he chuckled softly at her bashfulness. "Then I shall even the odds sweetheart." Rubbing up to her knees he pulled his hands away from her for a moment so that he could unbutton his own pants. Pushing both down to his knees he saw her eyes glance to him before she quickly looked away when she realized she had been caught making him smirk. Leaning over her he saw her eyes look up to meet his as he kicked off his clothes. Stroking her cheek with his knuckles he stared into her mesmerizing eyes, what they were about to do hitting him. Licking his lips he pressed his forehead to hers, "Are you sure you want to do this? We do not have to Y/n, I do not want you to feel pressured into anything." While yes he wanted nothing more at the moment he would stop, he would force himself to stop if she wasn't ready. 

Taking a deep inhale of his scent you let it out in a shaky breath as you looked up at your alpha. His eyes were closed and his black hair was falling down around the both of your faces like curtains. Brushing his jaw with your fingertips you smiled and let them move down his neck and over his collarbone so you could wrap your arm under his to hold his shoulder blade. "I want this. I want you, to be one with you." Kissing lightly over the bruise along his jaw you grinned. "So long as you promise it won't bother you that I'll no longer be a virgin when we are married." 

Chuckling he lowered his body to hers and peppered her cheek with kisses. "I think I will be able to forgive you if you can forgive me." Hearing her light giggle he looked down at her one last time and took a deep breath, her untampered scent making his brain cloud with haze. "I love you." 

Smiling softly you looked into his lustful black eyes, "I love you too." 

Feeling his heart swell he dipped his head to catch her lips in a kiss. Deeping the kiss to distract her moved the arm that wasn't holding him up down between their bodies so that he could line the head of his member up with her sex. He could not stop the low growl in his throat as her warm wetness coated his sensitive head. Ever slowly he entered her and felt her tense slightly under him. When the two of them broke from each other's mouth he grit his teeth at how tight she was around him. 

At first it was an odd feeling, a pressure invading your body but then suddenly something stuck you and you gasped. 

He felt her tense but he thought it was only her adjusting so he continued in, his own pleasure clouding his mind for a moment. Then however he heard her let out a cry of pain and he stilled. Looking down he saw her lip trembling and a tear roll from her eye causing his heart to constrict. He was such an idiot, a selfish idiot, he had been so caught up in his own pleasure that he had forgotten about her. He knew women had hymens and he had just tore hers, no wonder she was in pain. "I am sorry, I'm so sorry my love." he said, placing kisses over her cheeks and lips. Keeping completely still he let her adjust to his girth. "It is alright darling. It will pass. Shhh." he told her gently and felt her nuzzle her face into his neck and hold onto his back. Purring for her to help sooth her he rubbed her hair and continued kissing her face. He waited until she softly whispered that she was ready before he pulled back almost completely out of her and agonizingly slow rolled his hips forward. Feeling her tense a little he quickly purred and kissed her neck. 

When Severus took one of your hands with his free one to hold it down by your head, lacing his fingers with yours, you felt the pain easing away. All too soon you felt pleasure overtaking the pain. Holding onto his back you felt your mouth fall open when he thrusted in a little deeper this time. Each time he pulled out and rolled his hips back into yours he let his cock go deeper inside of you until soon you felt his lower half meet yours. Moaning when it rubbed against a sensitive area inside of you you let your eyes flutter close. 

He groaned and grunted with every thrust of his hips. She was so perfect, she fit him like she was made for him. Kissing her neck and over his claiming mark, he caged her in with his body and felt the alpha in him now bending the bars. Sucking on her soft skin he growled when her walls tightened around his cock. He wasn't going to last long, not with the way she was squeezing him. 

Whimpering when an intense pressure built in your pelvis you dug your fingers into his back. Kissing him back as his mouth found yours again you wined for something although you didn't exactly know what only that your mate could give it to you. Severus thrusted into you only a few more times before that pressure became too much and it felt like something in you snapped. All you felt after that was a pleasure like you had never felt before. 

Hearing his omega make the most seductive noises sent him spiraling over the edge without warning. With a loud grunt he pushed in as deep as he could and filled her with his seed. A sharp pain on his neck made him tense but it didn't stop the immense bliss he was feeling, if anything the alpha in him seemed to relish it. Holding her tightly he growled into her shoulder and lazily rolled his hips, riding out the last of his climax. Soon she went limp under him and released his flesh, feeling her lightly lick over the claiming bite he now realized she had placed on him. He hissed as he pulled out of her.  Rolling beside her before his body could fall on her, he pulled the covers over them and helped her to cuddle up in his side with her head on his chest. His bed wasn't big, it barely fit the both of them but it just meant they would have to be closer. Breathing heavily he looked down at her and smiled softly, she was sleeping. Lifting his heavy arm to brush the hair out of her face he noticed the slight red stain to her lips when the flash of lightning filled the room and grinned. Now they truly were bonded mates. The bite was painful now that his high was dwindling down but he didn't mind. Settling down he drew patterns on her back with his fingers "I love you, my omega."

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

Waking up early the next morning he opened his eyes and blinked away sleep. Seeing only a small amount of light coming in through the window he knew it had to be around six or so. He had woken once last night when he heard the front door close downstairs and the sound of his mother and father making their way up the stairs. From the stumbling sound he knew his father had been drinking and held his breath when he got on the landing of the stairs. To his luck though they had simply went to their own room, the sound of the door closing making him relax.

Feeling a pressure on his chest and side he glanced down to his omega and smiled when he remembered what had happened last night. She was still nude now, her arm thrown over his body with her legs wrapped around one of his and her cheek on his chest. How he wished they could stay like this forever but he knew they couldn't. He also knew that he needed to get her out of his house before his parents woke up, more importantly his father. Taking a deep breath he gently rubbed her back and bent his head to kiss her forehead. "We have to get up my girl." he told her in a low voice but saw her only nuzzle his chest more, contempt on sleeping in. Sighing he brushed back her hair and hugged her to him. "I know you want to sleep my love but we can not. Come on darling I have to get you to the Leaky Cauldron remember?" 

Whimpering you tightened your hold on him and heard him sigh out your name. Forcing your heavy eyes open you looked across his room before raising your eyes to his. "We make love and now you want to kick me out." 

Frowning he kissed her pouting lips. "I do not want to but I have to get you out of this house before my parents wake up. It will be the only time, I promise you dearest the next time we make love I will shower you with all the care and attention you deserve." Kissing her once more he rubbed her shoulder. "Come on now darling." 

Sitting up you winced and so did he but you knew it was from two different reasons. Sitting on his bed with the thin blanket wrapped around you for a moment to get your barings you watched him get dressed, enjoying the view but furrowing your brows when you saw the bruises that spotted his body from where his father had beat him. When he came to you with your clothes in his hands you grinned sleepily at him. 

Helping her dress he swallowed hard at the sight of the love marks on her body and the few on her neck. Her father was going to skin him alive. When she moved to pull on her pants he grabbed his wand and pointed it to the hickies on her neck. Healing them the best he could he used a concealment charm on the rest of them. Crouching down to help her put on her shoes he froze when he felt her brush his hair to the side to and lean down to lick over the bite she had placed there last night. Breathing out slowly he closed his eyes for a moment.

Kissing your claiming mark tenderly you smiled at him when he lifted his eyes to yours. Wrapping your arms around his neck when he finished tying your shoes you both took a second to take in each other and all that had happened. Kissing him slowly you felt your heart throb with the love you felt for your alpha. But all too soon the both of you had to get on with the day and he stood back up, holding out his hand for you to take. 

Grabbing her bag and putting it over his shoulder for now he looked around the room to make sure she had everything. Quickly catching sight of the amulet just under the bed he moved over to grab it for her. "Do not forget this." 

Fixing yoru hair as he slipped the leather cord back over your head you looked down at the amulet and furrowed your brows. 

Seeing her look he knit his brows, "What is it?"

Opening and closing your mouth you tried to think on what to say. "I..." Something was different, it was like that weight was no longer there. Come to think of it the stone wasn't even shining anymore. Taking a deep breath you shook your head and looked up to him. "Nothing." Seeing him still looking at you you took his hand. "Ready?"

Nodding he wrapped his arms around her and focused on the Leaky Cauldron before aperating there. Releasing her as they arrived he looked around to see not many people there yet this early in the morning. 

"Can I help you two?"

Looking over to the woman you grinned. "Good morning. I am supposed to be meeting my parents here, L/n." 

"Ah yes, room four my dear." 

Nodding and thanking the woman you turned to look back to Severus with a sad grin. "As much as I would love for you to stay I don't think my dad is going to be very happy when he finds out I spent the night with you last night."

"Nor the fact he can smell me on you." he added making her blush. 

Standing there for a moment you looked up to him and the bruises on his face. Bringing your hand up to cup his cheek you furrowed your brows. "Sev I can talk to my parents, I know they will let you come stay with us this summer if they knew."

Shaking his head he placed his hand over hers. "No Y/n. I will not burden your parents."

"You're not a burden..."

"No." Taking a deep breath he took her hand in his. "My father is going to get me a job with him at the mill, as much as I despise the thought of working in the muggle world I am going to take it." Seeing her confusion he grinned. "If I work this summer then I will be able to save up some money for when we finish school. If I can keep my grades up all year then I  will graduate with honors and then I will be able to get a good job and rent an apartment or somewhere. Then we will get married and start our life together, the life we have talked about." 

Smiling with a mixture of happiness and sadness you looked up to him. "Then I will save up my money from the bar this summer too." Seeing him grin you squeezed his hand. "Promise me you'll write, I know you won't be able to come see me as much with both of us working but you have to write."

Pushing his hand into her hair to cup the back of her skull he pulled her to him and kissed the top of her head. "Everyday my love." he promised her. Closing his eyes he breathed in her scent, it wasn't blocked like it normally was but he just figured was the leftover scent from where they had sex. Hugging her close he dipped his head to kiss her lips. "I love you my girl, so very much." 

"I love you too Sev. Always."

Smiling he kissed her one last time. "Always." 

Standing on your toes to kiss him again you pulled away and saw him stand there for a moment watching you as you made your way to the stairs. Blowing him a kiss you saw him smile before he was gone. 

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

That had been the last time you had saw him, or at least your Severus.  That wonderful night of passion had been one of your last moments of happiness before everything went to hell. He himself had changed so much in those three years, no longer was he the man you remembered. But you wouldn't think about those events now. No, you wanted your last thoughts to be of him, of the man you loved so deeply. How you wished the plans the two of you had would have become reality. What you wouldn't give to go back to that last moment and change things for the better. But alas you couldn't and this would be how your story would end. Swallowing more of the blood coming up you used your last remaining strength to glance down to your frozen hand. Snow had fallen to cover most of you in a thin sheet but still you could just barely make out the small vial in your hand. Always. If only it were true. Feeling a few last tears roll down your cheeks you struggled to keep your eyes open, "I..llove..yyou..sssevv."

Then there was nothing.

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

Bursting through the door to the run down home he looked around as he panted for air. It was pitch dark inside, the only light coming from the full moon. The agonizing pain in his chest had stopped now, leaving him with only a cold emptiness where his heart was. Swallowing hard his chest heaved as he looked around, running from one room to the next. "Y/N!?" Hearing no response he ran up the stairs three at a time. Checking all the bedrooms and even the bathroom he found them empty as well. Growling he gripped his hair and pulled. Just where the hell was she?! She hadn't been at the bar, he had checked all the bodies and none of them were her but there was so much blood and her wand had been there. Checking her old nest just to be sure he found it empty, only dust laying there. "Y/n?!" Bending over he tried to slow his hammering heart and then it hit him. Running from the room he practically jumped down the stairs and ran out of the house, not bothering to close the door.

The snow was knee deep in some places but he refused to let it slow him down. Running faster than he ever had in his life he hurried down the path towards the river. Seeing the reflection of the moon on the frozen surface he felt his blood run cold when the sight of a small figure beneath the willow tree grew closer. Even before he got to her, dropping to his knees in the snow he knew it was her. "No." She was hurt, she was hurt bad and she wasn't moving. Her clothes were torn at and ripped in some places, the black material sticking to her side. Snow had fallen on her telling him she had been out here for sometime. There was bruises and cuts along her beautiful face along with blood staining her lip and chin. Reaching out for her he hissed when he felt how cold she was. "Y/n?" 

There was no answer, she didn't make a sound and he felt his heart drop. Cradling her in his arm he cupped her cheek "Y/n look at me. Open your eyes." Swallowing hard he moved his head to her chest and let out a sob when he heard nothing. "NOOO! Y/n wake up! Y/n you look at me right now, that's an order!" She made no signs of life and he couldn't stop the agonizing sob to fall from his mouth nor the tears that were now running down his cheeks. Hugging her to him he kissed her frozen cheeks and cried. Opening his eyes he caught sight of something in clutched tightly in her hand. The vile he had given her, his promises to her. Crying out he closed his eyes tight and nuzzled her. "Please! Please my love, don't leave me again!" 

When the smallest of whines met his ears he stiffened, that emptiness in his chest dulling just a bit. Pulling back he stared down at her and saw she was still not moving. Licking his lips he looked down to her, watching her carefully. "Omega?" It took a few seconds but he heard it, that weak whimper that told him his mate was alive. Knowing he had to act quickly or else he might loose her entirely he stood with her in his arms and took a shaky breath. "That is it my darling, you hold on, you keep fighting." Apperating to just outside of the gates he ran with her in his arms towards the school. It should have came as no surprise to him when he got to the front entrance to see Dumbledore and McGonagall there. 

"Good heavens what happened?"

"Hurry inside get her to the hospital wing." 

He had planned on doing that anyway but he said nothing as he hurried down the hall with the other two professors right behind him. When the doors opened he assumed it was Dumbledore's doing and quickly moved to lay her on one of the beds. Slowly pulling away from her he shook and breathed heavily, his lungs feeling like they were on fire. Before he knew it Poppy was there and he was being pulled away by two sets of hands. Still his eyes stayed on her, on the woman he loved. With the lanterns quickly being lit he was able to see her clearly and his heart clenched painfully at the sight. 

"Come on Severus dear, you have to let Poppy work." 

"Severus..."

"Severus..."

He couldn't think straight, couldn't process what they all were saying, all his attention on his dying omega. This was all his fault, everything was his fault. 

"Severus."

Closing his eyes he felt more tears fall from his eyes, "What have I done?" 

A/n: YASSS! We are finally here, we are finally in the present! So what do we think? I know there is still a lot left unanswered but all will be revealed in due time.

Tag List: @once-upon-an-imagine​ @dope-shit-bro

[reinhartroleplays]

Degrassi Panel -

- There’d literally be no show without Emma. (so pls respect my Queen.)

- The only episode they ever had difficulty airing was Accidents Will Happen (Manny’s abortion)

- Stefan (Snake) had no clue the take where he said “fucking Tessa Campanelli” was going to be used.

- Not a fact but the TNG cast seriously all lit up as they were introduced and seemed so excited to see each other again.

- Daniel (Sean) states that he sees Lauren (Paige) the most.

- Lauren originally auditioned for Ashley and Adamo (Marco) auditioned for Craig. Adamo was just going to be a breakdancing extra but they liked him so much, they centered Marco around him.

- Jake (Craig) stated one time him and Aubrey (Jimmy) did a mall tour and fans had to choose between his autograph and Aubrey’s and he laughs now, wondering if some fans regret choosing him.

- Daniel says he believes Sean came back from the war to win back Emma and Shane (Spinner) said he wants Spinner and Jane back together. Stephen said he’d absolutely do a reboot with the premise of Semma getting back together and he regrets that storyline. (DO IT YOU COWARD)

- Shane says he’s not sure what happened to Kendra but he firmly believes her and Spinner are still close.

- Munro (Eli) says he blames his father for his quarantine chic appearance.

- Munro says his favorite Eclare scenes are early s10 scenes because Eclare is just starting out and Aislinn (Clare) says she always enjoyed the chemistry she had working with Munro.

- Shane says he hated the s4 “flock of seagulls” haircut but that the cast never made fun of him even when they wanted to.

- Jake says he loved that the Degrassi writers always took their subject matters seriously and let the actors ask as many questions as they wanted and talk to experts.

- Munro says Adam’s storyline was impactful to him because he eventually had a family member come out as transgender. Him and Aislinn both praised Jordan’s performance and said they felt protective over the character.

- Luke (Drew) jokingly claimed Drew was now the school principal. Daniel says he really wants Sean to come back to win over Emma.

- Christina (Terri) says she’d love Terri to come back and show off her being a model. She says “ice cream boy” is one of her favorite quotes/moments from the show.

- Munro says one of his favorite shows is Sex Education and Lauren says she doesn’t believe Euphoria could exist today without Degrassi.

- Jake says he always felt like Craig was a really toxic character and that he often got upset with what Craig did to women.

- Shane says he’s loved watching his cast mates grow, Aislinn says she loves the impact and responsibility the show took telling important issues and Lauren says she hopes a reboot of Degrassi is done so she can have her son watch it.

[rorikoa-xiv]

Moonlit Diver

A cool breeze caressed the hull of the Moonlit Diver before finding its way into the cutter's sails. Beneath a cloudless night sky, facing out from the starboard bow, Galileo knelt in prayer.

"O Nymeia, Spinner of Fate's Threads, praise be to you for the safe journey and bountiful starlight you have provided. By your will, O Spinner, and by Llymlaen's mercy, may we--"

A gruff voice barked behind him. "Oi, Gully, 'nuff of 'at hogwash. We set a course a bell ago, now get yer puny arse t'bed!"

The lalafell's eyes popped open. He knew this voice. "A wise sailor honors the Gods, Arnskaen. What hands have soothed the waters beneath us?"

The middle-aged, swarthy sea wolf took a swig from his bottle before retorting, "Def'ly not no pair o' prayin' hands. An' it ain't gonna be no shaky hands what help about the ship in the mornin'. Get ye some good rest, why don't ye? A frigid bed an' a pillow full o' lice awaits ye!"

Galileo smirked back. "Sounds all too welcoming! Say, what's for breakfast tomorrow? Moldy bread and a thimble of vinegar?"

"Aye, an' ye'll be grateful for it! Most o' yer shipmates're perfectly fine with the slop they get served." The sailor then crossed his arms. "Not like that pint-sized piss-ant we're escortin'."

The lalafell couldn't help but grin. "I'm certain master Totolymo would be crushed to hear you say that of him. I can hear it now. 'Oh, Papalo, fetch me my crying hanky and my soiling pants! These ruffians confound me so!'"

Arnskaen gripped his stomach. "Bahaha, spot on, lad! Iffin' ye ever decide t'quit bein' a navigator, impressions may not be a bad gig!"

The plainsfolk fidgeted with his glasses, and looked to the stars. "Aha, I'd never. No, the sea has charmed me thoroughly enough."

The roegadyn knelt over, hovering his hand above Galileo's head. "Big words comin' from a scrap what near threw-up 'is first time eatin' on a Lominsan vessel. Ye know, ye sure took yer bloody time gettin' yer sea legs, boy."

The lalafell cast his glance down before biting back, "Don't blame me for the fact that I got to train on calm waters. Vylbrand's seas are considerably less quiet than those to the south."

He then turned his eyes toward the ocean. "Though I suppose even a land as restless as Eorzea needs a calm night now and then."

Arnskaen went to lean over the bow. After taking in the view, he piped up once more. "Speakin' o' quiet nights, ye ain't had many lately, have ye?"

A strong gale suddenly pressed against the hull, and an uneasy groan rose up. Galileo took a moment to steady his footing, then gave the sailor a curious look. "What could you mean?"

Arnskaen turned to face the boy, leaning his back on the bow. "Think I ain't noticed it? Yer gait, yer tone… summin's been puttin' iron into that squishy spine ye brought here. So what all 'appened?"

The lad rolled his eyes and shrugged. "Well… working on waters like these will toughen anyone up, right? Haha…"

The sea wolf's spoke back in an earnest tone. "Nah, that ain't it. Happened too quick. Ye did summat or other... out o' yer depth. I know it when I see it. So come now, humor an elder's curiosity. What'd ye get into, eh?"

Galileo sighed, crossing his arms and setting his gaze on the sky.

The reogadyn furrowed his brow, and spoke up again. "Ye know… ye remind me a bit o' me younger self, back in me Maelstrom days."

The lalafell's eyes didn't move, even when he responded. "How do you figure?"

Arnskaen took another drink, and looked upward. "Weren't always the war-like man I am now, lad. Was a time ye couldn't get me t'hold me quiverin' legs still when someone even mentioned battle. Dunno how I made it through basic… 'en this bugger I was good mates with, he gets sent off ta clear out a den o' sahagin."

The lalafell cocked an eyebrow. "What became of him?"

The wind had started dying down, first to a whisper, then to silence.

"Got killed." Arnskaen replied. "Javelin through the throat. Found 'is body when me unit got tasked with goin' in an' doin' what his couldn't. I made sure every bloody fishback in that rotten hole payed for what they did."

Galileo took a step back, then gave his shipmate his full attention. "I'm… sorry to hear about your loss. I'm sure he was a good friend and soldier."

The veteran nodded. "Those 'e was. But ye ain't got nothin' t'be sorry over. Man died servin' his land, an' that's a fine thing. 'sides… him gettin' skewered mighta stopped many more deaths." He then took a deep swig from his bottle, until it ran dry.

The plainsfolk gave the sea wolf a confused look. "What… exactly makes you say that?"

The roegadyn let out a satisfied sigh, pounding his chest before tossing his bottle overboard. "Because it killed me inner coward! Because I'd have gone on as a feeble-necked cabin boy iffin' I hadn't known what it was like t'take justice inta me own hands!"

The navigator stepped back cautiously as his shipmate continued. "All them buggerin' priests'll talk yer ears off about 'forgiveness' this an' 'mercy' that… but fiery vengeance is what forges a quiver-lipped sod into a warrior."

Galileo's eyes snapped wide open. "Arnskaen!"

"Dun' try an' deny it, boy! Ye know it too… can smell it on ye, now--"

The lalafell tore the grimoire from his belt, gesturing quickly as his carbuncle flashed into reality. With a fierce shake of the creature's tails, a powerful gale slammed against the sea wolf's back, and a spear that would have gone clean through his neck instead grazed against his shoulder.

"What in blue blazes-- sound the alarm! We got comp'ny!"

A clanging bell pierced the sound of the now-rising winds, and men began rushing out of their bunks below deck. Above, Arnskaen slung his axe over his shoulder and lowered his stance. As he expected, a group of sahagin soon leapt over the bow, about eight from what he saw.

The sea wolf then set himself between the beastmen and Galileo. "Get below deck, boy! I'll hold off these scale-skinned whoresons!"

The navigator scampered away, nearly getting knocked over by the four men who came rushing from the ship's interior. Stopping as the last passed him, he turned to watch the battle unfold.

"Finlessss fools!" shouted one beastman as he rushed Arnskaen with a crude pike, only to be met with a crushing strike from the haft of an axe! As he reeled back, the Maelstrom veteran followed through with a chop that left his foe in pieces! "C'mon, lads! Send 'em back to the bottom o' the sea!"

Galileo continued to watch as steel clashed with scale and fang dug into flesh. The odds seemed to be against his crew. He knew he had to act, but fear gripped his legs.

"AARRRGH!" One of the sailors cried out! A sahagin had bitten a chunk out of his hand, and the wound was spouting blood. The navigator looked on, first in horror, then in fury. A memory burst into his head. One of a red-headed lalafell, shorn of an arm, lying motionless in a hospital bed.

Meanwhile, Arnskaen had been tripped up by a foe's net, and fumbled on the floor for his axe. A slimy leg kicked him onto his back, before stomping down on his chest. The sahagin roared, and prepared to drive his spear into the man's heart.

The roegadyn clenched his eyes and thought of begging for any listening god's mercy. However, the strike never came. He opened one eye in time to see a green bolt of energy sail into the sahagin's gaping maw. It stumbled away, before lurching over and spewing out a mess of fish bones and rotting meat.

The sailor craned his neck to see Galileo approaching the fray, sending a volley of aetheric missiles to pelt the enemy. Flashing a toothy grin, he reached for his axe again, and cut himself free. Propping himself back up, he rushed the vomiting beastman with a lethal swing!

With the force of magic and iron on their side, the crew made gruesome work of the remaining foes. When all the sahagin had either died or fled, the men brought their injured fellow below deck for treatment, leaving Arnskaen and Galileo to clean up the gore.

The roegadyn eventually piped up after lobbing a sahagin head overboard. "Proved me right, ye know."

"About what?" asked the lalafell.

"About ye. Someone went an' made ye a real fighter. Sure ye ain't wanna tell me who?"

The plainsfolk boy set his mop aside, and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Man… we're wading through entrails and shite and you still wanna talk about this?"

The veteran snorted. "Twould only be fair, lad. After all, I told ye 'bout what made me into the fine, honest bloodletter ye see before ya. Who popped yer vengeance cherry, Gully?"

"I did NOT act in vengeance!" Galileo stomped his foot, and stared straight into his shipmate's eyes. "But… I did take justice into my own hands. That, you and I share."

"Do tell, me boy. 'm all ears." The sea wolf leaned against the mast, setting aside his mop and popping open a flask.

The lalafell sighed, and began. "So… there's this fight pit…"

* * * * * * * * * *

"Baha! Whooped a bloody Dotharl, did ye? Garharhar, haha!" The roegadyn drunkenly stumbled forward, nearly slipping in a puddle of blood.

Galileo chuckled as he watched his shipmate stagger. "It's the gospel truth, my friend. She took my best friend's arm, so I pounded her to a pulp, in the same place it happened. In fact, I broke her. Humiliated her in front of all her associates."

Arnskaen steadied himself on the mast, doing his best to keep his dinner in his stomach. "Bahaha, ye-- hah, ye know, iffin' ye didn't jus' save me arse from a bloody fishback, I'd toss ye overboard for tellin' such monkey-shite tales! But since I owe ye one, I'll call us even!"

"I'm telling you, I really--" Galileo's assurances were interrupted by a door creaking open.

A well-dressed dunesfolk with hanging eyelids stepped out from the interior. "Gentlemen, must you make such a-- oh… oh, Oschon's mercy, what in all seven hells is this?" The man covered his mouth, and tried to hold back a gag.

"Just restin' after a battle, bossman! We'll get right back t'cleanin' up your pretty ship, don't ye worry." The sea wolf rolled his neck, and smiled at the sight of his employer's nausea.

"Ugh… h-how can you even stand a scent so… so wretched?! Enough lazing about on your laurels! If this ship isn't spick and span by morning, I'm-- I'm docking your pay! Now move!" The ship's owner furiously stomped off, slamming the door behind him.

Galileo shrugged at his shipmate. "My impression of him really is spot on, isn't it?"

"Harharhar! And how, lad! C'mon, let's get 'er cleaned up. Plenty o' fishman pieces t'go 'round!" The roegadyn chucked a severed sahagin arm at the navigator before picking up his mop.

The lalafell winced as the slimy limb slapped into his face. After prying it off, he took several moments to stare down at it, and his lips curled into a grimace.

Arnskaen looked over at the boy. "Oi… yer mate what got 'is arm lopped off… is he alright?"

"He will be." Galileo replied. "Gods as my witnesses, he will be."

[sweetcherrypie1967]

Halloween Gala (pt 1)

Hermione Granger was not going to attend the annual Halloween Party the Ministry threw. At least, that's what she had thought. She wasn't the kind of person to enjoy party's much, she preferred to spend her time reading, working, or spending time with family or those in her circle of friends.

However, this was not what was going to happen.

Why was this? Because one of her best friends came over begging Hermione to go with her.

"Please 'Mione! Dad and Ron both work for the Ministry so we're all expected to go, I don't think I can be around Harry so soon..." Ginny Weasley explained.

"I don't know, Gin.." she said unsure of what to tell her.

Ginny and Harry had broken up a month and a half ago, they both decided they were better off as friends. However, Ginny has taken the breakup really hard and wasn't ready to be around Harry much. As Harry, Ron, and Hermione had become Auror's together, avoiding Harry Potter was not an easy task for the youngest Weasley.

It was easiest for her to be around Hermione. Firstly because they were both girls and Hermione could better understand what she's going through as she had gone through a breakup with Ron a year prior. Secondly because while Hermione was technically an Auror, she worked in the research part of the department while the boys were in all the action.

"Pleeeaaase Mione, we can just hangout the whole time if that's what you want! It's a masquerade so no one will know who we are," The redhead pleaded.

"It's not hard to figure it out, Gin. Plus that's what you said last time you dragged me to a party and you left me by the punch bowl," Hermione pointed out.

"Fine, you can bring a book then! And this year they're putting a charm on everyone at the door so you won't recognize them," Ginny urged. Hermione groaned and her friend smiled, she knew she won.

Now Hermione was standing awkwardly by the punch bowl in an overly fancy dress and uncomfortable masquerade mask. She cursed herself for letting Ginny get her into this because what she assumed to be Harry had come over and wanted to talk to her privately which is a good thing, however, that leaves Hermione all by herself. Ginny and Hermione instantly told each other who they were once the spell was cast on them, Hermione could piece together who Harry was.

When she saw a glimpse of Harry and Ginny through the crowd she knew it was going to take awhile for the Weasley to return as her face was as red as her hair in anger. So Hermione found a place to sit and began to read the book she brought, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

As she was finishing up the chapter she was on, an oddly familiar voice spoke.

"Good choice of book," they said.

"Uh thank you," Hermione said looking up to find a man standing there in an expensive suit and, though it was hard to tell with the dark lighting and mask he wore, blond hair. "You read muggle books?" She asked, while she loved reading them it was rare for her to find a witch or wizard who shared the same interest.

"I do actually," the voice said.

"Do you have a favorite?" She asked to which he thought for a moment.

"While I've read quite a few, the one you're reading would have to top them all," he told her, "any favorites of yours?"

"My favorite has to be Little Women, I do enjoy Pride and Prejudice though I find it difficult to see how Elizabeth could change her mind about Mr. Darcy so quickly," Hermione said.

At that the two, who believed each other to be strangers, chatted away about books wizarding and muggle alike. They debated their thoughts and preferences in each piece of literature brought out, finding they were quite comfortable sharing more and more about themselves, while making sure to keep their identity's secret.

After what felt like a few minute but what in fact much longer, Hermione noticed a change of song that happened to be a favorite of hers. She perked up and lightly swayed to the music, the man seemed to take notice.

"Might I have this dance?" He asked holding his hand out to help her up.

"You may," she said taking his hand and moving to the dance floor with him. "I think it'd be important to warn you that I'm not a very good dancer," Hermione said.

"Don't worry, I happen to be a terrific dancer," he said with a confident smile.

"We'll just see about that," she said smiling back.

"Indeed," he agreed.

The man really was a good dancer, Hermione didn't even step on his foot once throughout their time dancing. It felt natural with him, as if they were two parts of one whole. Their conversations took a deeper turn as they learned more personal things about each other, such as their upbringing or having gone to Hogwarts. This time it was quite difficult to keep who they are a secret, though they somehow managed. The hours flew by and they paid no mind to time and could stayed there dancing throughout the entire night.

But like all good things, it ended too soon.

A small shriek rang through the room, when Hermione looked up she found Ginny storming off away from whom she assumed was Harry, who looked helpless and ashamed. Hermione made a reluctant step towards her friend, the man didn't fail to notice.

"Friend of yours?" He asked.

"Yes actually. I'd better make sure she's alright, it's been wonderful meeting you," Hermione said with apologetic eyes before dashing across the room to the girl in question.

*****

Draco Malfoy stood by the punch hoping the woman he'd just met would return. He found himself charmed by her quick wit and character, not many witches or even wizards he's met have either. Draco watched her hurry off, as he got lost in thought about the last hour. He was interrupted from his thoughts by someone coming up next to him and began talking.

"This party is less lively then my Mum's fifth husband," Draco knew this was none other than his closest friend, Blaise Zabini, whom he brought with him to the party.

"Was he the one with or without the lisp?" Draco asked. Mrs. Zabini has had a long line of ex husbands, all having been "unexplainably" killed soon after marriage, so it was difficult for Draco to keep up with all of them.

"Without, he had more of a drawl," Blaise explained.

"Ah," Draco said without much interest, his mind wandering to who this mystery woman might be and noticed that she was no where in sight.

"What's eating you, Mate?" Blaise asked upon noticing his detached behavior.

"Nothing is "eating" me, Blaise, I'm just trying to figure something out," Draco said with a roll of the eyes. Before the Italian could retort, Draco perked up as his grey eyes found the girl once more. Blaise followed his gaze and a teasing smirk formed on his face.

"Trying to figure out the girl over there I presume?" Blaise said.

"I recognized her voice, I just can't put a finger on it," Draco complained, "stupid bloody spell."

Blaise laughed, "well all will be revealed soon, midnight is in half an hour."

"I suppose.." Draco agreed.

He would much rather have the satisfaction of figuring it out on his own but he knew his friend was right, at Midnight everyone's masks (magical and physical) will be taken off to reveal their true identity. The truth was, Draco was nervous to be around her when it was revealed who he was. While Lucius Malfoy was sent to Azkaban, his wife and son weren't punished except for the harsh treatment of the remaining Wizarding World. This was one reason why Draco had become an Auror, to help rebuild himself and his name.

"Hey," Blaise said putting a hand on his friend's shoulder, "don't let your fear get in the way, either go over there and sweep her off her feet or you can spend forever wondering what could've happened."

Draco gave him a weak smile, they've been friends their entire lives and Blaise knew Draco sometimes better than Draco knew himself. He was beyond grateful to have a friend like him.

"Thanks Mate," he said before Blaise walked off into the crowd.

As Draco was still getting the nerve, he saw his friend start talking to the mystery woman's friend before they made their way to the dance floor. This was Draco's chance. He walked over there to see her watching his friend dance around.

"Would you be up for another dance?" Draco asked slightly nervous.

The girl grinned when she saw who it was, "I'd love to."

And, they did.

This time, however, they didn't spend much time talking but rather laughing and enjoying the other's company. Draco spinner her in an attempt to dramatically end the dance, however this resulted in her laughing that contagious laugh.

The woman calmed herself and they now had both Grey and brown eyes locked on the other's, all humor forgotten. Draco hadn't even realized he was leaning towards her until she was doing the same. Their lips crashed together and nothing else mattered, they were the only things that existed in that moment.

Not even the loud timer buzzing and streamers being released to announce it was midnight.

Their masks were gone.

They didn't hear the other partygoer's reactions to what they were witnessing. The gasps of their friends and strangers alike.

At least, until they broke apart for air to find the change in appearance.

"Granger?"

"Malfoy?"

[hamliet]

Hope to have sent all correctly but this is to say: this is the place AFO took Dabi , spinner and slept after the attack. Now I’ll check for you the time.

I think doesn’t really comply to the case , but AFO demanded for one of them to stay awake and basically take care of Shiga’s body. Now the deal is: I’d expect endeavor waking up being on the news. So while Touya is talking the news wasn’t still of public domain. In fact Enji just woke up from surgery I supposed. AFO inform us that he started his breakout right away , the same evening. But he arrived at the house at the dawn. Basically is tomorrow already. So Bakugo could have wake up 2 days of calendar or less. It would be

- Jakku happen on 1st of the month (to make math easier) AFO and league arrived on 2nd. Bakugo took two full days from Jakku to wake up , that’s mean a full 2 and a full day 3c waking up on 4th or

- Jakku happens on 1st, AFO escapes in 2nd. Bakugo then wake up somewhere in the day 3rd.

Because Shigaraki needs recovery I think no issues on AFO behalf to have him rest the whole 2nd day. This means that the whole league is resting through days number 2 and 3 when Bakugo wakes up. And if we opt this option we know that Bakugo’s waking up is the same of Enji, when he meets Rei and Dabi’s monologue starts as well.

If we pick the second option the reason why we hadn’t seen spinner or skeptic is super easy: AFO said and demand for one of them to patrol. And I think that why Dabi is alone , shirtless on the sofa. He’s just rehearsing what happened (giving us his flashback) while doing what AFO asked. If so, spinner is most likely sleeping (or taking care of Shiga).

So yep : this is the same house. AFO took all of them there , but Toga (who’s wandering somewhere) and most likely Touya is patrolling while Spinner takes some rest (or take care of his new reason to live).

Also i think I’ve already sent you a geographic thing (maybe you thought of it as too boring :( )

But I think it’s possible to roughly track down toga. Now , I’ve found some posts which claimed that Jakku showed Tsukasa clinic (the clinic in which works Deku’s doctor). MHA city has been told being 2 hours by train from Tokyo roughly. This we are extreme close by our main cast ‘s houses. Infact it was said they were born in one or another prefecture , but not which one. Because all students were living in their houses before training camp we can easily supposed that all students have it less than one/two hour by train from ua. So either the main city should be in Shizuoka or in yamanashi, but most likely not in Tokyo special prefecture (because it was said all might agency is in Tokyo, like they aren’t in Tokyo ). Thus if it’s all correct, I think Toga is currently very far from the league and she will take a loooong road to make her appearance again on her mates side. This or Toga will be seen with the main cast.

And last but not least (I swearc the last):nope , AFO doesn’t give a damn of PLF. nor do Shiga nor Dabi. And nor did toga or twice . Maybe spinner and compress were ok with that but... this can be seen throw tiny details (yep I love details!).Shigaraki : after he defeated Re-Destro he had an durala moments and asked “you have money right?” So nope , he didn’t care he just wanted financial stability. Infact if you look at the panel in which hawks meets the PLF attendants you can see that all league is in the right of the table while there’s only one empty chair , at redestro’s right. Symbolically it makes no sense: the leader should be in the centre or his best man should be on the right (the right hand man). I think the seat was empty because the league never lost its identity. They were their own pack, and put redestro, the most annoying one as far as possible , and near “Shigaraki” (who wasn’t there so everyone was happy)- Dabi: he of course couldn’t care less about the PLF. he cares about the league at the very best. He was also the only member wkth toga to share a regiment with Geten. Now , this two aren’t compatible. I think Shigaraki to calm the waters placed toga because she’s a sweetheart (he also sent her to overhaul) and Dabi because he has his own agenda, so he does what he wants. Now , I think Dabi only cared about skeptic. For many reason too long to explain I think Dabi already knew everything about Tomie before Deika. But now with a satellite he could broadcast everything on the national tv. Soooo he never cared (like anything really) but he found something useful- Twice: when hawks entered in the PLF his assignment was speaking destro’s book. Infact he was assigned to Twice regiment but we can see him trying to explain Twice something. Now , hawks read all the book (his coded message) so I guess he was trying to teach Twice what it talked about it. It means twice doesn’t even care about the PLF ‘s ideals.- Toga , Compress and Spinner: they had never express about PLF, but Compress said to love the league not the front , same goes for Spinner. This also makes sense for the regiments: Shiga picked the most adorable villain , who could face even Overhaul without losing her composure (toga) and the one who’s always missing (Dabi). Spinner and compress puts lots of heart in their doings , so I guess sooner or later a conflict would have arisen. But from toga and Dabi? It won’t happen. They are both smart and sly, one is adorable and flexible, the other has a devil may care attitude and he’s always missingShigaraki liked PLF because of his friends. Toga was sad about her torn jacket. In 220 Compress said “if we accepted Overhaul deals we would be eaten sushi by now!” And immediately what their first dinner ? Sushi, liked compress said. I think Shigaraki didn’t have a clue about Touya, but there’s one thing he always did: doing what he wants. Network and recruits was a suit of Dabi, and thus Shiga provided him with new toys and more money. Twice wanted company , and he had. After all Shiga said that he wants to destroy anything but what they likes; they can do what they wants to, and everything is for their sakes.AFO.... he clearly doesn’t care about anything but himself.‘I really disliked , Shigaraki forever. He ditched Toga; as well, he said Compress to “not worry about”. And where is compress now ? Under arrest. Nice. We saw Dabi fixing his own stamples with no aid, so he needs health care but he wasn’t given any (what a overlord of evil, couldn’t he steal a doctor? No healing quirks up to his Darth Vader’s helmet?) and instead what he does ? He puts someone on patrol - most likely Touya himself , but he’s hurt and tired too. I really loved Spinner insight. He’s the closest to Shiga. He can tell AFO isn’t him. Because I really doubt Shigaraki would have ditched two people and leave another one with pain and health issues (as much as he could provide) to check the area. So summing up, the league is the league imo. They are the core. And i reeeeeally hope that their well defined identity in the group will rise to kick AFO from their club.The more I think about ... the more I think that the apple of chaos it’s Toga. She has a twisted but great theme with “love”. She “loves” Izuku, and she “loves” uraraka. She was also the one who questioned Shigaraki who reassured her (they are his allies , they can do what they like). But AFO doesn’t care at all. AFO wants to erased and most likely kill Deku. So it makes sense pulling her out of equation. But when she’ll be back... I don’t know what it might happen. She might be the first to bring a clash maybe ?Plus we have another very interesting detail, now about Tartarus. Which is Kurogiri. In fact police asked Aizawa and Mic to go and see him. Now , If you remember, All Might had that adorable gig with sugar and the students asked about Aizawa. All might said it was an emergency call. Now emergency means “reach a place quickly”. However in chapter 253 we got to see Mic’s car. Now , I’ve been there. You won’t find any car like his in japan. Well , if it’s a Japanese car. I considered it could be an old model (toyota’s had this shape in the 70s 80s, kind of). But the vertical striped makes me think of a dove challenger. Same with the splits on the hood, made to cool down the engine. These are pretty much traits to have dodges in media. Another peculiar thing is the wheel is on the left.This means that while we don’t know we’re Tartarus is exactly , it’s surely near UA , , in a prefecture near the coast. This is because if it were further , Aizawa and Mic would have need to book some train tickets and then reaching the place by car with police or renting. Also, when All might and Aizawa meet the parents in chapter 96, they were driven here and there by someone else (a loft offered by the school). Instead Mic is driving his own American car with the wheel on the left. Most likely they received the call and Mic immediately hop on car with Aizawa. This means that wherever it is , Tartarus is very close to UA, most likely in the same prefecture.Then if we considered how Tartarus is , it can’t be in Tokyo bay ( you can see the other side by sight , while Tartarus is isolated) but I’d place my bets on either Chiba prefecture (where Kirishima and Ashido are from) or Shizuoka (where the main trio and many others are from). That being said, I’d place my odds on Shizuoka because the majority of character are there and because Yaomomo is from Aichi. I took her because people like Kirishima or Mina aren’t that rich and don’t have a massive mansion - their family could have transfer or they can make an effort to go to UA. While I can’t see Yaomomo’s family giving up their house, becuase it’s that big; and aichi shares a border with Shizuoka, while Chiba doesn’t.Basically this to say: probably UA is based in Shizuoka , were also Tartarus and Jakku are. And if this is all correct AFO positively ditched Toga, who’s now in Shizuoka while others are in Niigata. Not so kind of him.

Ahhhh cool! Thanks so much! 

[ofdragonsdeep]

15: Thunderous

The loudest sound to a mind used to song is silence.

(spoilers up to 5.4, and for coils raids)

The whirr of the airship’s fans powering down greeted Ar’telan’s return to Azys Lla. Beyond the dock, half-crazed robots running on broken programs tottered about the rock-and-metal structures of the Alpha Quadrant, heading to do the Twelve only knew what. Ardashir’s workstation was still set up near Helix, though Gerolt had long since departed the area, machines humming and shelves piled high with notes as he continued his research on the concept of anima. He waved at Ar’telan as he passed, Ar’telan nodding back a cheerful greeting as he carefully sidestepped a spinner-rook hurtling past at a dangerous angle.

He had been back to Azys Lla more times than he might have expected, the first time he had come here. The memories of the chase Thordan and his Knights had set them on were still fresh, despite the many moons that had passed since. The buildings and ships still hummed with empty purpose, the dock where the Gration had touched down was empty, but the spaces where the garleans had spilled out of it still bore their mark. So many had died here, and not only for the Allagan’s sake.

He put his fingers to his mouth and whistled. The noise was a pathetic one, given his damaged throat and lack of voice, but it was enough to call his chocobo from the airship hangar and to his side. The aether currents were strong in Azys Lla, the artificial confluence at the Flagship forcing them to be so, and it was easy to navigate them between the floating islands, over the heads of the monstrosities and broken machines, sailing across the void to his destination.

The Delta Quadrant was an odd place. He had studied the maps of Azys Lla that G’raha had pulled from the terminals as part of his search of the archives, and the place seemed as though it was named in Dragonspeak, but something seemed off. In times past, he would have asked for Midgardsormr’s opinion, but the events with Omega left him able to do little more than pilot his tiny vessel on automatic, his great mind slumbering in the aether to recharge. Tiamat still waited in her self-imposed exile, her songless children - cloned, not born - wandering the isle in desperate sadness.

Ar’telan was here to pay a special visit.

When he and Alisaie had fought their way through the ruins of Dalamud, a mad dash to put a stop to Bahamut’s reconstitution, they had encountered any number of threats. More allagan robots, these ones still functional but with no order but ‘kill’. Biological monstrosities that were gibberingly insane. Tempered creatures - Nael’s face contorted into a wicked snarl, the hot flames of the phoenix. But more than anything, what had hurt were the dragons.

They had gone back for them, after Bahamut had been fully discorporated. One by one they had released the locks on the stasis chambers, and what had tumbled out was ooze and the stench of death. Most of the dragons were alive only by the strictest definition, and perished shortly after being freed. Some of them stabilised, then turned around in madness, Tempered and broken. Some of these they had subdued, horrified at what they had done, and returned them to the stasis chambers, disconnected now from Dalamud and its prayer-siphoning. All but one.

The wyvern that they had taken to calling Twintania was an unusual creature. Leashed by allagan technology, though it had been badly damaged in the fight, she was filled with a burning, single-minded hatred for those who had enslaved her - mortals which looked, to her, like the people who were trying to save her. Cid had jimmied together a repair mechanism after examining Tiamat’s chains, and they had made the heartbreaking decision to leash the wyvern in the Delta Quadrant, in one of the ruined buildings near the Pappus Tree.

Ar’telan walked, feet crunching through the overgrown grass, listening to the babble of water on its wending way through the quadrant. The roiling aether of the sky cast a sickly light over the area as he gave his chocobo strict instructions to wait outside, and ducked into their makeshift prison.

Twintania bellowed in anger as he approached where she was penned, though the bindings let her do little else. She watched him with the single-minded hatred of the Tempered in her eyes as he set down his supplies - a tiny magitek battery charged with aether, a key to unlock her chains - and summoned forth the anchor that Alisaie had conjured for him before he left.

He had never done this on his own before. He had watched it done more than once, by now, but he was still a little nervous. The dragons were different to the races native to Hydaelyn - who could say it would work? Would he do it right? Would it make any difference to Twintania, freed but knowing full well what he and his had done?

Still, he had come this far, so he was not going to turn back now. He channeled aether into the focus, a combination of his own and a little from Alisaie and Alphinaud, stored in the battery. G’raha had offered, but Ar’telan had been wary of taking the aether of someone connected to Allag, even by proxy, so this was all he had. The porxie snorted happily, flapping its ears to indicate that it was fully charged, and the two of them set to work.

The flash of aether was blinding to behold, the bright white of the life-energy he had poured into the casting meeting the angry blue-gold hiss of Bahamut’s Tempering. There was a crackle, a flash, and Ar’telan staggered with the wave of lethargy that washed over him as the spell finally hit home, draining him of his energy in one swift burst. He fell backwards to the floor, hands flying out to steady himself, and blinked back in the bright light show that played across his eyes, flickering afterimages of light.

There was a moment of silence.

“...The screaming doth stop, and I am alone in a Songless current. What brings thee to this place, child of man? What compels thee to save the lost?”

It had worked.

“Because you deserve the chance,” he replied, getting to his feet. He took the tomestone in his his hand and poked at it until it released the restraints - perhaps it was a feint, but he would weather the consequences of being too trusting if that were so. The wyvern watched as they fell to the floor at her feet, unholy amalgamation of magitek and allagan cruelty, and did not move to strike.

“My sire is dead, his Song forever silenced. My siblings lost in a quiet void. I am alone.” Her head swiveled to look at the sickened sky, filtering through the gaps in the ruined masonry. Beyond it, Tiamat sat in her silent vigil, and the wyvern would almost certainly know. “The world has turned as I stayed lost in my madness. Tell me why.” Ar’telan followed her gaze, wondering what he could even say, why he had thought this might even work - why she might have wanted it at all. Was it fair? Was it right?

The choice should have been hers, not one made through Tempered necessity.

“You are not alone,” he said. “Some of your brethren yet live, sealed within the stasis prisons the Allagans locked them in. We have the means to save them now, from the madness the Ascians gifted your brood with, if you wish it.” He shook his head slowly. “I know it is a cruel and empty world that your eyes are opened to, but if you would choose to look away from it, you can do so with eyes unclouded.”

The wyvern was quiet for a long time, settling down into the sitting position that Ar’telan had seen in Vedrfolnir a handful of times before. She was smaller than him, just, but still large enough that Ar’telan thought she had been close in clutch to her Brood’s sire. She was larger than any of the other dragons they had found within Dalamud’s core, for certain.

“Once before did we make a decision drowned in sadness and despair. We shall not do so a second time,” she decided. “Though it hurts, the discordant notes of our primal Sire were no true Song. This I see now. No magic shall ever return him to us, nor those lost to the madness that followed.” She stretched out wings that had gone long unused, muscles tensing and releasing as she tested their mettle. “No longer shall we blindly trust the children of man, but nor shall I turn away from thy kindness. If but a handful of our kin live, we shall persist. In honour of our Sire, we shall carry his Song through the ages. Can thee and thine do this for us, mortal child?” Ar’telan nodded.

“It will take us time - the energy needed to charge the magic that cleanses the effect comes from our own life’s aether, and we are few who can do it. But we shall, if that is what you wish of us.” He took a cautious step towards her, and was not immediately repelled. “Allag’s sins are not ours, but the Empire is broken and lost. If we can make amends for the sins of the dead, in whatever small way we can, then we shall.” Twintania rumbled in agreement, acquiescing to his request by stepping forwards and touching her chin to the top of his head.

“Take me to thy compatriots, and to my brood-mates. I shall see what is left in the silence.”

---

Returning to the airship with a wyvern in tow raised a not-inconsiderable alarm among the Ishgardians who piloted it, but a space on the deck was cleared for her after a small amount of hemming and hawing by the pilots. She flapped her wings irritably as they flew, clearly wishing that she could fly herself rather than rely upon the contraptions of man, but she raised no verbal complaint.

Ar’telan, for his part, activated his Linkpearl and communicated through series of half-formed noises to Alisaie that he needed her help. She was already in Ishgard, waiting in case things went badly, so it was simple enough to arrange to meet her at the airship landing.

---

“It worked!” Alisaie exclaimed as Ar’telan and Twintania dismounted from the airship. “Oh, I’m so glad. Not that I doubted you for a minute, of course.”

“I am told that my kin are under thy protection,” Twintania said, having no time for pleasantries. Alisaie grimaced, but nodded in agreement.

“I suppose you could call it that. It’s not pleasant, though,” she confirmed. “We can take you there, if you’d like, but it will be a long time before we manage to cure them all.” She paused then, sighing softly, and shook her head. “We stopped releasing the locks on the stasis chambers once it became clear we couldn’t do anything for those who were still… alive. I can’t guarantee that even half of them will be saveable.” Twintania inclined her head in acknowledgement.

“I understand. The extent of the corruption hath been revealed to me by thy companion,” she assured Alisaie. “I would stand guard over their resting place. I have lived many of thy lifetimes, and will live many more yet. When the last of my brood-mates is free, whatever form that doth take, then we shall decide what we must do as one.” Alisaie looked to Ar’telan, and he inclined his head in agreement.

“...Well, alright,” she said. “I’ll need to make sure everyone we need is there, and see if we can’t find someone to assign in a more permanent capacity to trying to cure the Tempering. It’s still an inexact science, even in mortals like us. Never mind dragons.” She turned away, one hand on her ear to active her Linkpearl, and began contacting people in earnest. Twintania looked at her surroundings properly, taking in the cold stone of Ishgard and the people walking nervously past the gathering at the airship landing.

“Ishgard has a troubled history with dragons,” Ar’telan said, regret colouring his every movement. Twintania simply inclined her head.

“Thy kind and mine are too different to avoid such troubles, it seems.”

---

Ar’telan went with Twintania on their trek across Eorzea. The majority of the stasis pods that they had found initially had been in the shard of Dalamud embedded in the Broken Wall, in Thanalan, and they had repurposed the area for their desperate attempts to sustain the dying. From Ishgard, the walk took them across the Black Shroud, a journey of several days on its own. Ar’telan deflected the more human of their problems - concerned Wood Wailers, poachers who were not aware of how much they had attempted to bite, and a few Ixal angry at the encroachment on ‘their’ territory. Twintania spent her time idly snapping at the forest creatures which tried to impede their crossing, the elementals thankfully allowing them passage. She had spent many moons in her bindings, and though her reflexes were dulled, she was more than capable of snapping up an errant squirrel or a diremite or two.

The Shroud broke on a part of Thanalan close to their destination, for a mercy. The few scattered Amalj’aa that still made a scouting camp in the area were easily chased off by the sight of a dragon in the flesh, and the phurbles and snurbles - Ar’telan still could not tell the difference - were easy prey for Twintania’s jaws. Ar’telan was glad that the allagan monstrosities that had once joined them on the path had died down to near-invisibility since the primal had been quelled, for the reminder would likely not be a pleasant one.

“These places are cold and cruel,” Twintania said as they approached the door, flapping her wings in disdain for it. Ar’telan nodded in agreement, breaking the seal on the the entryway.

“They are. It was the only place we could safely keep them where they would not be prey for bandits, but I wish there were other options,” he said.

---

They walked down the smooth walkways, allagan lights glowing at their passage. Deep within the engine of the Ragnarok, the engine that had borne Dalamud to space and then served to keep it there, the cluster of the remaining stasis pods sat. Alisaie was already there, assembled with her crew of ‘people who could teleport’, a space remaining for, presumably, Ironworks engineers who had been too busy to arrive immediately.

“Glad you’ve arrived in one piece,” she said by way of greeting. “We’re going over the diagnostics at the moment. The short version is that there’s thirty-some pods which are likely to hold dragons we can save, and too many others which likely… don’t. I’ve taught the cure for Tempering to these two here.” She gestured behind her to a hyur and an elezen that Ar’telan didn’t recognise, who waved sheepishly at the greeting. “We can get one or two out each moon, maybe. But you probably don’t want to push it.” Twintania rumbled in acknowledgement.

“Greetings, children of man,” she said, inclining her head. “Time is of no issue. My vigil shall last as long as it must, and I have much to learn of this world still as I wait.” Alisaie cleared her throat, clearly still a little nervous.

“Right. And we’ve got some people from the Ironworks coming in - they’re the people who can get your brood-mates out of the pods to begin with. They might change a little bit for the first few weeks, but eventually we’d like to have a small, permanent team here until everyone’s out. Is that alright?” Twintania nodded her head again.

“It shall serve. You have my thanks, child. It is good to see that menfolk of the sort that my Sire once aided still walk the earth, despite what the Allagans desired.”

“We will do everything in our power to ensure that none like them ever rise again,” Ar’telan said. “There is never any way to guarantee such things, but we will try.” Twintania made a noise that sounded almost like a laugh.

“Our memory is eternal, child of Light. We shall not forget the betrayal, nor the love. And we shall never let rest the memory of the Ascians and their lies. We shall not be fooled a second time.” Ar’telan smiled.

“I hope so,” he said. “I will come and make sure all is well whenever I can. Good luck.” The ancient wyvern inclined her head, respect in her calm eyes.

“To you as well, child of Light.”

[fairywithajetblackheart]

Secret Valentine Gift

[In which Virgo tries to write]

This is for the amazing Karioo @lucielhyung I hope you’ll enjoy my first ever attempt to complete and post a nalu fanfiction. 

[personally I think it’s trash sorry T-T]

Title: Bonded

Somewhere over an uncharted land on Mount Olympus, heavily guarded by a myriad of thunderstorms and a blanket of mist lies the home of the three white robed incarnations of destiny.

The Moirai or more commonly known among men as the Fates sat in the middle of their loom and gazed with wonder at the carefully interwoven threads of life.

These colorful threads represent the lives of mortals and immortals alike. There are long and short, dull and brightly colored strands which depend on how a being lives his/her life; whether it be healthy or toxic; in happiness or melancholy – it is depicted by the appearance of the thread. The living are those threads that are still connected to a spool. Their lives ascertained by the Alloter, Lachesis until such time that the shears of Atropos, the inexorable, cuts the thread meaning death.

Clotho, the Spinner, holds a new spool of red black thread on her palm and prepares to spin it. “The Dragon and the Princess”, she remarked.

“Dragons have mates, what makes this exceptional my dear sister?” Lachesis asked. Atropos hums in agreement.

Clotho runs her fingers delicately on the spun red black thread and hands it over to Lachesis. “Let us bond the demon dragon’s thread to the angel princess of the stars,” Clotho answers while beginning to spin the white gold thread.

Both Lachesis and Atropos gasped in excitement. Truly this is an astonishing event. Lachesis hangs the bright red black thread in the corner after measuring the allotted length while waiting for Clotho to finish spinning.

The three sisters then began to do what they do best; creating a magnificent pattern that to this day, they deemed to be their best masterpiece yet. The room was filled with energies of exhilaration, hope and completeness.

After they were finished, Clotho took the pattern and placed it on their viewing table for them to scrutinize. Destiny has now been set and they all look forward to how the two beings will pan out. Will they submit to whatever lies before them or will they try to fight it? Will they be stubborn to stay away from each other or will they come together as one? Will they be a blessing or a curse?

The Fates sat in wonder and varying degrees of trepidation. Yes, they may be the ones who prepared the groundwork of life but on how beings live their own lives, the choices they make on the long run and how they grow and nurture their spirits are all up to them. The Moirai will not interfere on those matters once the destiny has been fixed.

“May the light that tomorrow brings not only casts the darkness that looms over the present away but will also let light and dark to coexist side by side,” the Fates chanted. ‘The Beginning of the End’.

Year x704, in the Kingdom of Φωτιά (Fotiά), land of the Dragon Protectors of Fire

It was a quiet and sunny morning in the palace of the King of the Fire Dragons. Igneel Dragneel, the Valiant who was deep in his thoughts stared into the vast pastures from atop his perch on the railing of his balcony, his bright red hair blown by the wind until he was brought out of his musings by a shout.

“O vasiliάs mou! My King! Lady Grandeeney implores your presence in the infirmary immediately,” the maid announced upon bowing before the Fire Dragon King.

“Has the Queen given birth already? How is the baby? How are they both?” Igneel asked as he stood to acknowledge the girl.

“I’m afraid I bear no news about them, my Lord. I went in haste to search for you after Lady Grandeeney stressed the urgency at hand.”

Igneel scratches his chin in thought. What could possibly be the matter? Until he decided that nothing can be gained by just standing there and speculating so after giving his thanks to the maid, he went on his way.

His heavy footsteps echoed across the grand hallway, disturbing the stillness in the air. Portraits of generations of his ancestors on the walls all of which seem to stare at him creepily. Most of the servants are either on the west wing, where the infirmary was located or busy tending to the plants in the royal garden and the stables. He was feeling a mixture of emotions at that time; anticipation and anxiety both trying to win over the other right until he arrived at the corner going to the infirmary where he found his sister, Grandeeney shakingly wringing her hands in front of her while staring at nothing in particular. His anxiety spiked at the sight.

“Deeney, what seems to be the matter? Why do you look so pale as if you saw a ghost? How is the Queen and the newborn prince?” Igneel asked after taking her hands and grips them gently.

“My Lord, I do not know where to begin –“

“Deeney, how many times must I tell you to call me by my name instead of that title? Better yet, to just call me onii-chan?”

At his remark, Grandeeney smiled even though it didn’t reach her eyes and eased up her tense shoulders.

“Iggy, you know I can’t call you onii-chan anymore. We are way past that age,” she began. “But that’s not important right now. The Demon Dragon Prince is born healthy but I’m distressed to say that the Queen died after giving birth to him.” Her tears falling once more after she broke the news to her brother.

Igneel was dumbfounded. The Demon Queen has passed on to the afterlife right after bringing her second son to this world. Two traitorous tears fell from his eyes as he felt grief for the children left behind. And yet with the overbearing sorrow, wisps of a feeling of contentment tries to settle within him. He knows that now his good friend and brother Etherious was not alone anymore.

Etherious, the Demon King and Igneel go way back. They grow up together, trained to become warriors and kings and won all their battles together. They both fell inlove with the same woman. Even when she chose Etherious over him, he can never feel anger or envy because he loved them both.

Etherious fell sick to a mysterious illness months past, leaving his pregnant wife and his first born who at that time was away for scholastics. Igneel took them in and cared for them. Zeref came back for his father’s funeral but not once did he saw him cry. He was worried so he went to visit his chambers after the funeral pyre and was relieved to hear the anguish sobs coming from the ever stoic child. Oh no, how will he break this news to him? There is no question on adopting the brothers and making them his heirs. They are his family and he will never abandon –

“-gy. Iggy!”

He was brought back to the present by his sister’s strong hold on him. He didn’t realize he was shaking already. “You’re already a great father to them. There’s nothing to worry.” Grandeeney affirms.

He can only manage a nod and slowly breaks free from her to enter the room. He saw Porlyusica about to cover her body but one look from him and she nodded and left. He approached the bed and took the Demon Queen’s hand in his own and vowed to look after the children. He won’t disappoint Etherious and her. He kissed her forehead and left the room.

Grandeeney was still waiting for him outside and he had the impression that she still has something left to say. He doesn’t know what to feel so he went to her side and waited for her to open up.

“About the second prince, he has a strange mark on the back of his right hand. It is a mark of a star and this kind of mark has never been seen in our kind before,” she announces.

Igneel raised an eyebrow at that. The Moirai must have something planned but trying to figure it out would be a conundrum.

“Where is he by the way? I want to meet him,” he inquired.

“The baby is resting in the next room,” Porlyusica responded right next to him. Igneel tried to not let it show how startled he was at the sudden appearance of the witch but apparently he failed ‘coz he can see his sister trying to hide her snickering.

The three of them went to the adjacent room and he opened the door as quietly as he could. The room was painted white just as how infirmary rooms are painted and in the middle of the room, there was a large crib where the babe is resting.

Igneel studied the baby and his mark. He had this gut feeling that this boy would play an important role in the future together with his fated one. He then decided on a new name for his son.

“His name will be Etherious Natsu Dragneel. The demon dragon prince and heir to my throne. I will train him in the arts of the Fire Dragon Magic and Dragon Slayer magic. He may have two dragon magic within him but I trust that he can wield both. He will surpass me and his father when the time comes,” Igneel Dragneel declared.

*******

Same day in the year x704, in the far away Kingdom of αστέρι (Astéri), land blessed by the Stars

“Her name will be Lucy Heartfilia. The angel princess of the stars and the celestial mage of the Twelve Zodiac Keys,” Queen Layla Heartfilia stated to those surrounding her in the room, eager to catch a glimpse of the newborn princess. All those present clapped for joy and congratulated the royal parents.

King Jude Heartfilia, who stayed by his wife’s side all throughout her labor stared with wonder at his daughter’s face and traced the peculiar mark of a black dragon on the back of her right hand. Both he and Layla wondered what could be in store for their little angel’s future while the stars above rejoiced with the birth of the new angel.

 *******

Year x709, in μυστήριο (mystírio) garden, midday

Natsu Dragneel escaped the watchful eyes of his guardian and went off in an adventure into the wild. He doesn’t know what this forest is called nor what secrets does it keep but that’s what excites him the most – to see and discover new things.

All around him are tall trees with branches that seem too close to the next that provide a great shade from the sun. The air around him is fresh with the occasional noises from the small animals running here and there.

He can hear the burble of the flowing stream ahead, and smell the fragrance of the flowers not far from him. He was on his way to the river to catch fish when his ears catch the sound of someone sniffling by the flower field. He was about to just ignore the sound when something in his gut told him that he shouldn’t turn his back from the one who was crying.

Mind made up, he went to the flower field and spotted a blonde girl, who was the same age as he is, trying to wipe her tears.

He approached her slowly, afraid to make her more scared than she already is. He plucked a sunflower on his way and offered it to the girl. “Heya, don’t be scared. You’re not alone anymore,” Natsu whispered.

The girl, looked up and saw the sunflower from the strange dragon boy with pink hair. She accepted the flower and smiled. “Thank you. My name is Lucy and I am lost. What is your name, Mister Dragon?”

Natsu fully grinned, showing his pearly sharp fangs but strangely, Lucy is not afraid of him. She feels safer with him compared to before when she was all alone in the field.

“My name is Natsu. Nice to meet you Lucy”

He offers her his hand to shake and when she took it, there was a weird electricity like zap that suddenly went off the moment their hands touched and they can feel their marks start to tingle. At that time, they didn’t think much about it. Lucy went with Natsu to help him catch fishes and played around in the water.

They had so much fun playing together that they almost forgot about going home. When they sky started to glow an orange hue, Natsu decided to ask Lucy where she lives so he can accompany her home. Lucy hugged him in joy after he asked that, earning her a “weirdo” comment from Natsu – which started their bickering and tickle fight.

When they calmed down, Lucy told him where her kingdom was and so knowing where it was (Igneel made it sure that he was educated regarding places) Natsu unfurled his wings and hugged Lucy to his chest. They flew into the night until they arrived at the castle gates where hundreds of guards are about to be deployed and the Twelve Zodiacs conversing with the Queen before them.

“Mama, I’m home!” Lucy shouted from Natsu’s arms. “Meet Natsu, he’s my friend!”

That night there was a feast in the palace for the safe return of the princess by the courageous dragon friend. Layla Heartfilia sent a message to King Igneel via the stars regarding the bravery of his son and a promise to visit his kingdom. Natsu stayed with the Heartifilias because it was very late to go back home (and not because he wanted to play more with Lucy, Pops!)

Over the years, Natsu and Lucy grew closer together as they grow older. They take turns in having sleepovers until such time that Natsu realized his dragon instincts are telling him to protect Lucy at all costs, not only because he loves her but also because she is his mate and bonded.

Natsu admitted his feelings for Lucy under the rainbow sakura tree that he uprooted one time for Lucy when she was sick and cannot see the flowers in bloom while they were both sitting under it, with his head on Lucy’s lap talking about nothing and everything.

“I love you too, Natsu. More than you’ll ever know.” Lucy replied while running her fingers through his pink hair.

Natsu rose up in a sitting position and moved his head closer to Lucy’s. He stared into her chocolate orbs and he can see the same feelings – maybe even more reflected in them.

And when kissed her, it was like never they had experienced before and at the same time everything.

It was more than sparks, like a crackling fire that just started to blaze up. Their marks tingled.

And when they moved their faces away for a breath’s space, they were both blushing and smiling.

Their magics sang together in their presence. Light and dark coexisting side by side.

 From afar, Acnologia the Chaos Dragon watched the two lovers. He wanted their combined magic for himself and so he devised a plan.

*****

That same day, Cana Alberona, Lucy’s confidant and Reader of cards, noticed a change in the cards and went straight away to Mavis Vermillion, the Strategist to tell her of Acnologia’s greedy plans and what they must do to protect the Bonded. Together, they informed Queen Layla and King Igneel. Although it greatly saddens the parents to separate the Bonded just after they both admitted their feelings, their lives are more important and their combined magic must never be placed on the wrong hands.

With a heavy heart, they told the couple of what must happen – that they should stay apart for a while and to live in a parallel world where magic does not exist. In that world, Acnologia cannot fulfill his dark plans plus they can still find each other there just don’t stop believing in the bond that they have.

As Queen Lucy and King Igneel leave the room for the two to talk, Lucy sank to the floor and cried.

“I don’t want to part from you Natsu, even just for a little while. What if we won’t meet again there? Is there really a guarantee that this Acnologia can’t take our combined magic there? What if you’ll find someone else the—“

Natsu kissed Lucy at that point. He figured this is the most effective way to stop her ramblings and damn he was right.

“Lucy, I love you. We can go through this together. We are strong individually but together? Our enemies doesn’t stand a chance. Have faith in us.” Natsu said as he placed his forehead to Lucy’s.

Lucy laughed. Of course. Natsu is right. She hugged him and said, “I love you too”

 *******

When the time for them to separate and go to the other world, they hugged and cried for the last time. The two portals are opened and as they step into the dark abyss, they turned back around and reached their right arms out, hoping that one might pull the other into the same door. As their fingers were about to touch, they were suddenly whisked away and the portals closed.

Queen Lucy cried into her husband’s shoulder, already missing her daughter. That night the stars did not shine.

King Igneel and Zeref spent that time reminiscing their times with Natsu. They were looking forward to the duo to defeat Acnologia in the other world so that they can finally go back to the happy times.

 “We will meet again. I’ll make sure of it, my love”

“Juvia! I told you it’s your turn to clean the windows yesterday right? Why is it still dirty?” Lucy turned to her blue-haired roommate as she gripped the wash cloth on her right hand.

“I’m so sorry Lu. I got afraid seeing how high we are from the ground.” Juvia replied in a quiet voice.

Lucy sighed. She can’t find it in her to be angry at her best friend because it’s not even her fault.

“It’s alright. I’ll clean it now,” Lucy stated as she turned around and started to wipe with her right hand, the black dragon mark on her hand shining vibrantly under the light. Seeing the mark, she was transported back to her dreams before of being an angel princess and a celestial mage of the stars, having a Queen for a Mother and meeting her bonded. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t notice her upper body has already strayed off to the far parts of the window until she slipped and the next thing she knows is falling and screaming into the ground below.

Is this the end?

She expected to meet hard ground but warm arms caught her and enveloped her in a hug as they both fell, gasps falling out of her and her savior’s mouths.

I got you. We finally meet again.

She opened her eyes and saw the unusual pink hair of her catcher. Strange but he can definitely pull it off. She noticed he has a star mark on the back of his right hand as he combed his fingers thru his hair.

And when their eyes meet, they were both stricken by a sense of de ja vu and completeness.

They both smiled because finally everything feels right once more. 

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

“It’s always more fun when we’re together”

“We’ll be together forever, right?”

[missytearex]

To Read List - Ziall

This list is purely for myself to keep track of everything I still want to read. Its gonna change as I actually read though them and find more stuff to add.

Find fics I’ve already read here.

Ziall

playing from the same hand by brokendrums

Niall and Zayn grow closer on the European leg of the Where We Are Tour.

Zayn hums again, low from the base of his chest and Niall’s hand skims down Zayn’s arm six more times, Niall counts them slowly to match his rhythm, before it feels a bit more natural.

"Don’t think Perrie’ll make Paris,” Zayn finally says. And that’s that.

It’s Undoubtedly Love by sunshinexbomb

“So, Zayn Malik likes me,” Niall repeats, strumming subconsciously at the guitar that’s still in his hand. “Does he really like me, like me, like me? Do you think he does?” he sings to the same tune as before.

Liam and Louis both shrug. “Dunno, but that’s what he said. What are you going to do?” Liam asks.

“Nothing,” Niall replies, strumming out a few more chords.

“Nothing?!” Louis exclaims. “You’ve gotta do something. Zayn Malik just said he thinks you’re cute and you’re gonna do nothing?”

Niall’s the one to shrug this time. He takes off the snapback on his head, ruffles his hair a bit before saying, “Don’t think there’s really much I can do is there? Just gonna record my video now. Go on with life.”

--

In which Niall sings songs on YouTube, Zayn is an international pop-star, Harry tells stories, Louis does makeup, and Liam likes to take pictures.

Crawl Into Your Atmosphere by spibsy (lucy_and_ramona)

Niall doesn't see it coming. Zayn's on the football team. Niall's in marching band. This isn't supposed to happen, except... then it does. 

Bombshell Blond (Wired Up To Detonate) by slashter

“Correct me if I’m wrong,” Zayn starts, leaning forward and resting his chin on his hands. “But you look a little...nervous?” Niall scoffs but Zayn can see the worry underneath the surface. “Consider yourself corrected.” Zayn just raises an eyebrow at that, and eventually Niall groans, rubbing at his face. “Fuck. Okay, look, I’m not good at this whole--” he waves his hands around, “--wooing thing. I’m not someone who goes on dates and, like, does all that. I’ve never had the time to do that, even.” “You’ve never been in a relationship?” Zayn asks, a bit surprised. Niall blushes. “Never really cared about stuff like that, until I met you.”

[Or the one where Zayn's a spy, Niall's his target, and the whole world's their playground]

see the sparks filled with hope (you are not alone) by niallszayn

„Hello,” Niall mumbled, hot flush already crawling up his neck again. „I should…I won’t keep you from your work.” Zayn sighed a little and rubbed at his forehead, leaving a small smudge of dirt behind. Niall’s fingers twitched with how much he wanted to reach out and wipe it away. Ireland, 1923. When Niall returns from war, he’s not the same young man he was before. Back home at his parent’s mansion, it takes an old friend and young gardener to get him to open up. But what is Zayn to Niall? What can he be?

The One With The On-Screen Boyfriend by brokenstereotype

Zayn Malik plays the star role of Zander Phelps on the hit television drama show, Bradford Heights. When newcomer, Niall Horan is cast to be Zander's new love interest, things take an interesting turn for Zayn. It might not be the worst thing to happen.

An on-screen boyfriends AU that contains as much drama as there is sweet gay loving. Featuring in-love-but-nonhalant-about-our-feelings Liam/Louis and Harry as the chef roommate that is Zayn's biggest fan.

Out of Space, Out of Time by flares

Zayn: Hey, I’m Zayn. I’m here for our date.

For a few seconds, he just stares at the screen, tapping his fingers lightly against the table. Harry’s voice—“You’re fine, Zayn. You’re doing fine.” — barely registers in his head. The text ‘Niall is typing…’ pops up and Zayn wishes that he’d been more adamant about the alcohol. Wine is sounding really good right about now.

AU in which Zayn is new in town, Niall might not be where Zayn thinks he is, and Harry sets them up on a blind Skype date.

headlights, strobe lights (& we can take the long way) by restitched (beingothrwrldly)

Zayn and Niall go on an American road trip after Zayn graduates from uni.

Warnings for cursing, Niall making fun of Zayn, Zayn making fun of Niall, lots of selfies, lots of kissing, Zayn singing karaoke, Niall with too many feelings, and all of the donuts and waffles on the east coast.

lighthouse by justaboat

au. niall's been waiting for zayn his whole life. when he finally comes it might be too late.

i wanna hurry home to you by roofpizza

zayn is an actor; niall is a cameraman. hollywood sucks, but at least they've got each other

come take my pulse by nicheinhischest

"Everything’s always better when the sun comes up," Niall says, idly drawing a Z on Zayn’s elbow. Or an N. It’s hard to tell. “Sorta funny, when you think about it - whole world’s fucking dead, but the sun still rises and sets like nothing’s changed. The predictability is nice.”

Zayn sighs and tells him tiredly, “Y'know, you say eerily cheerful things for someone who bashed a zombie’s face in with a golf club today."

rhythm & blues by JaneKerkovich

Zayn thinks being a college freshman with an English major and a boyfriend in a frat is enough for him -- until he loses a bet, loses The X-Factor and loses Niall.

bruised giver, grit spinner by hungerpunch

"Niall's never seen romantic love in the real world. His parents were never married, but even the marriages he’s seen haven’t looked happy. He's seen love in the movies, sure, but the movies aren't about Dogtown. The romantic comedies aren't about poor kids with fucked up parents. They aren't about a skinny skater boy and his best friend. But maybe, he thinks, they should be."

A Z-Boys AU.

Experience Points by el_em_en_oh_pee

The good news is that Simon has decided to let Zayn start officially developing the game she and Liam have spent years talking about creating. The bad news is that, because Liam is bedridden after a debilitating accident, Simon puts the new girl, Niall, on the project with Zayn instead. The worse news is that Niall is just Zayn's type.

Some Nights I'm Scared You'll Forget Me Again by pukeandcry

Zayn stifles a groan. He’s not terribly surprised -- Harry’d been mooning over Louis since the day they met three years ago when Zayn had moved into the house next to him -- but he’d been hoping that Harry would eventually get over it and redirect his attention to someone else. This development does not bode well for that turn of events, though. (High School AU)

Not All Stories Have a Happy Ending by KelliDiane

Andy Samuels has been traded. His replacement, Niall Horan, doesn’t really impress the team captain, Zayn Malik.

10 things i ____ about you by robpatFF

“Did the doctors tell you anything already?”

Niall shrugs a little. The movement catches the collar of the too-big t-shirt he has on, one of Liam’s he must have stashed away in his bag. There’s a bruise on his shoulder, probably from the impact, hitting something hard, unmoving and solid. “Far as I know I’m thinking about trying out for X-Factor next month. They said that already happened.” He bites his lip, and his gaze flicks over at Zayn for a moment. “Did I win?”

Amnesia fic.

something about the boy by countthestars

About three things Niall is absolutely positive. First, Zayn is the most attractive person he’s ever seen in real life. Second, the chances he’s actually a vampire are, like, slim to none. Probably. And third, he’s going to kill Harry for putting that idea in his head in the first place.

if i was your boyfriend by countthestars

Zayn's an up-and-coming R&B musician. Niall's a uni student. It's complicated.

burning bright by countthestars

Sometimes people aren't what they seem.

what's a ghost to a nonbeliever by countthestars

Liam shoots Zayn a nervous look. “Zayn’s not,” he starts, clearing his throat. “Zayn doesn’t really believe in ghosts. He’s a, whatchamacallit, a--”

“A skeptic,” Harry says, green eyes gleaming. “How… intriguing."

when the moon hits your eye by countthestars

Niall delivers pizzas and Zayn's a little bit in love.

brighter than sunshine by countthestars

Zayn’s come to trust Niall, and Harry by extension, more than he does most people. Niall had seen through the chinks in Zayn’s armor and had gotten under his skin with impressive quickness. There are still parts of Zayn’s life, though, that he doesn’t know how to share.

Zayn’s learned to trust Niall with himself, he thinks, but he doesn’t know if he can trust him with the most important thing to him.

or; the one where Niall and Harry work in a bakery and Louis and Zayn are struggling to figure it all out.

all the stars align by countthestars

“Your mark,” the boy says. Niall glances down at the name scrawled across the inside of his bicep, his chest suddenly tight. “Yeah,” he murmurs. “'S kinda unusual, right? Never met a Zayn.” “I'm Zayn,” the boy tells him, sounding a bit strained.

Spin For You by sunshinexbomb

“You and Zayn will be going home together tonight if it’s the last thing Payno and I ever do. This pining has gone on too long.”

Niall rolls his eyes, muttering, “I’m not pining.”

“Totally are, mate,” Liam says sympathetically, cuddling into Niall’s side. “But it’s okay. Zayn totally is too. He’s just too,” Liam pauses, making some vague hand gestures, “y’know, to admit it.”

--

Or in which Niall has a big, huge obvious crush on Zayn and just won't admit it.

Where Everybody Knows Your Name by StormDancer

“Well boys,” he says, scratching at Harley’s head. Rhino barks at that, and Zayn obliges him by petting him too. Apparently, that means that he’s showing too much attention to the dogs, and Tigger appears from wherever she’d been hiding, taking her rightful place in his lap. “And girl,” Zayn adds, politely. “Guess we’re back.”

The Ground Whereon He Walks by StormDancer

“You could come home with me.”

“Yeah?” Zayn turns, waggles his eyebrows and leers. “You offering yourself as a rebound?”

“Hah,” Niall snorts, and glances down at the ground. “No, like. I’m going home to spend the summer, you could tag along, if you wanted.”

Zayn blinks. “To Ireland?”

like a cigarette in the mouth or a handshake in the doorway by zouee

i've been down across the road or two, but now i've found the velvet sun that shines on me and you // Zayn and Niall start living together

Come Get Back in Bed, We've Still Got Time Left by YinAndYangOnIce

based off of this really fucking cute video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFYlRd85xsQ

Does It Ever Drive You Crazy? by YinAndYangOnIce

like I said based off of Karakura's work about after the Night Changes video, Niall goes to a convenience store to nurse his wounds after a date gone horribly, horribly wrong where he runs into Zayn, who's had a similarly awful night and they find a way to cheer each other up

The Tale Of Lucky and Bright Eyes by YinAndYangOnIce

Zayn is the editor-in-chief of his university's literary magazine who is dragged to a party by his best mates and meets Niall, a carefree, frat boy with whom he is instantly enamored. Soon after that party, someone starts writing anonymous love poems to him and sends them to the magazine.

I Major in Loving You by YinAndYangOnIce

“You told him what?” Liam crowed, staring at him with wide, judgmental eyes while Louis howled with laughter next to him. 
“I had no choice!” Niall said, dropping his head into his hands miserably.

“Actually, you did,” Liam said incredulously. “You could’ve told him that you weren’t actually part of the art program!”

“But he was putting words in my mouth and I didn’t want to tell him I’d stalked him there and he was really, really hot, Li, I didn’t want to freak him out,” Niall said pleadingly, as if he was appealing in court and Liam was a law student, so he wasn’t that far off.

Or:

Niall is an idiot in love and is just really bad at this romance thing.

How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep by brokendrums

Tour ends and Niall has insomnia. Zayn vows to cure it.

i set my clocks early 'cause i know i'm always late by theamazingpeterparker

Contrary to popular belief, signing up to be a TA in the US History to 1865 freshman course might be the best decision Niall's ever made.

Or, the one where Zayn reads a lot of books, and Harry reassures Niall that there's nothing wrong with wanting to sleep with your professor.

who let the dogs out by theamazingpeterparker

Zayn wants a puppy and Niall's a huge pushover.

skinny love, just last the year. by theamazingpeterparker

Zayn doesn't like Valentine's Day. Niall gives flowers to random people on the street.

you and me plus baby makes three by alnima

After the death of their friends, Zayn and Niall are forced to raise a baby together. Not like they have a problem with that, just a problem with each other.

follow the sun by carissima

Zayn needs a date to his cousin's wedding. Niall's ready, willing and available to be his plus one.

Or the one where Zayn and Niall are pretend boyfriends and it goes exactly how you think it goes.

perspective by words_unravel

per·spec·tive pərˈspektiv/

noun

1. the art of drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other when viewed from a particular point. 2. a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.

or, a look at four ways Niall and Zayn are Niall and Zayn.

this is how it starts, lightening strikes the heart. by justaboat

zayn doesn't want to date niall (except that he kinda does), niall has a secret, louis is a little shit, and harry and liam are the roommates that give (mostly) bad advice.

You've Got This Spell On Me by VeronikaLP

The one where Niall is a cheery Hufflepuff on said house's Quidditch team and Zayn cheers for him even when he's a Ravenclaw. Featuring disgustingly-in-love Larry, and a pinch of Sophiam.

on the brink of by autopsyofwebs

Niall tries not to think about it. Knowing something and doing something about it are two different things. If anything, he thinks he should feel relief. He’s one of the lucky ones. A lot of people never meet one of their soul mates, much less get to speak to them or see them every day. It doesn’t have to mean anything, he tells himself, and still loses his breath every time he catches Zayn on the stairwell, the crease of his smile, the way he laughs like he’s glad to see him.

les mystères de l'horizon by hungerpunch

"Preferably heist!fic, but anything with ziall as partners in crime (con artists, hackers, assassins, etc.) in an ot5 team. I'd like for one of them to be new to the team and for Zayn and Niall to start off on the wrong foot."

we put the world away (we get so disconnected) by horlik_aholic

Greek Mythology AU where Niall's sad, Zayn's immortal, and Liam and Louis are doing what they can.

Featuring wrathed gods and ancient curses and dazzled Niall.

take a chance on me (you won't regret it) by liferuining_feels

“And what about you? What do you want?”

Niall can’t find his voice but he wants to say you. I want you.

Or the one where Niall tries to help his friends figure out what makes them happy. For Niall? He just wants Zayn.

The Picture of Zayn and Niall by mightierthanthecanon

Based on the prompt: English Lit professor Zayn is a bit confused as to why he's so fascinated with one of his students, Niall Horan.

After All This Time by justyrae

Niall had expectations about his years at Hogwarts, but none of them prepared him for meeting Zayn.

I Wanna Show You Where I Sleep, Keep You There A Couple Weeks by KayleeJohn

Zayn wants to complain that Louis said he’d have the bed until at least morning, but it comes out more of a strangled groan than anything else, “Ngh,” punctuated by a click in Zayn’s throat.

Or the one where Zayn accidentally ends up cuddling with Niall, but he kind of doesn't mind it.

maybe we found love right where we are by niallszayn

Zayn Malik is one of the hottest magazine editors in the industry but he's overworked, so his business partners suggest he get an assistant. Enter Niall Horan, who is quirky and fun and can't write an article to save his life, but he can make a mean frappuccino (and on one rare occasion, give an orgasmic back rub after a long stressful night) so Zayn keeps him around, but definitely not for his face, absolutely not, nope.

Where Do We Begin? by shipsdrifting

Clearly, if he's to follow Niall's lead, the protocol here is for both of them to pretend that they've never met, that they have no recollection of the events that unfolded between them that night.

Zayn takes a breath and sits up straighter. He can do this. Zayn can absolutely try to forget that night ever happened.

Or, Uni AU where Zayn and Niall start working next to each other - and they both kinda pretend that they've completely forgotten about that drunken but mind-blowing one-night-stand they had a month ago.

Who Needs Dubai? by Idzzdi

“Never thought I'd see you on this side of the counter,” Zayn says lowly, looking amused and more awake then Niall has ever seen him in his life before. Also, more attractive. He looks so effortlessly cool it is just not fair and Niall's mouth has become so dry, all he can do is stare.

or Niall has this thing for his coffee shop regular Zayn and they run into each other one night at the airport. Zayn shows him how to properly annoy the airport security.

the awful edges where you end and i begin by nicheinhischest

“I could’ve killed you a dozen times,” Zayn tells him, and he means for it to sound like an apology, maybe. Proof of a conscience, even after everything. Even after this. “A hundred.”

Niall mockingly clicks his tongue in disapproval. “And I’m supposed to thank you for saving it all for a melodramatic stairwell scene?”

You're the cure, you're the pain by ifzi0531

"I hate to break this to you, but I don't think a baby uses rabbit shampoo for bathing." Zayn teased.

Niall pouted, crossing his arms over his chest. "You know what I meant! I thought we agreed that practice makes perfect or whatsoever."

or

Zayn and Niall babysit a friend's bunny, during which Niall tells Zayn that he wants to adopt a child.

Naive Melody by liquidmeasure

"The clock on the side table says it’s just after midnight when he wakes up to Theo screaming and crying for his mother. Just after midnight, so a good three and a half hours of sleep and that’s that. It’s like the kid has finally caught on that all is not well. That his parents have really and truly gone. He keeps crying when Niall picks him up out of his cot and it seems he doesn’t stop for three days."

Post-Zayn canon fic. Zayn steps in to help Niall deal with Theo. Niall isn't sure how to deal with Zayn.

This is sort of a mish-mash of a couple of my prompts, including canon pining and single dad Niall with optional accidental baby acquisition. I couldn't figure out how to give Niall a baby without something terribly sad happening, so I opted for an extended babysitting gig. I hope it works! <3

of an endless summer by petals

Zayn shrugs unapologetically. “My first time away from home,” he admits with a blush that make Niall’s knees feel weak. “But there are perks, I think.”

“Yeah, I love it here,” Niall says. “It’s kind of nice getting paid to do stuff like this, like watch kids swim in the lake, while you either swim with them, or you could even read a book. I don’t know, there’s a lot to love.”

“Not really the perk I was thinking of,” Zayn says. “But yeah, sure. The lake, whatever.”

Niall stares at him, watching as Zayn winks before he goes back to his food.

All We Got Up To by venividivici

AU where Zayn and Niall go on a double date with Liam and Louis, that Harry ends up accidentally crashing. (But come on, it's Harry.)

You start a fire inside that I could never control by heart_eyes

“They call us freaks you know, in the local paper—on the news.” He said just above a whisper still cautious, as if admitting out loud that Jay's suspicions had been correct that secret service would jump out from where they were hiding just waiting for Zayn's confirmation before they carted him away to some lab somewhere for experimentation.

“That’s because they don’t understand, refuse to…it’s not like that everywhere though, in the bigger cities we’re more accepted not just tolerated so long as we stay hidden but praised for our abilities—they call us heroes.”

“What like Superman? Batman?” Zayn asked, tone mocking and full of doubt, but Jay’s next words chased the amusement right off his face.

“Exactly like them

(or the one where Zayn attends Heroes Anonymous meetings)

and if you know me, like i know you by horlik_aholic

They promised each other they’d keep in touch, but it wasn’t something that even needed to be discussed-- of course they’d keep in touch. They were Zayn and Niall.

Now Niall’s a senior in high school, newly 17 and ready to breeze through this last year and take on college next fall. He hasn’t heard from Zayn in 3 years.

or, Zayn moves to Niall's town after 3 years of not talking and Niall is coping.

(one of these days) i wish you were a hologram by groundopenwide

Zayn’s stomach churns, and he has to squeeze his eyes shut. “Right now—this is real? I’m not imagining things?”

“I’m right here,” Niall says softly. “I’m always right here, Zayn. Been here the whole time.”

Zayn's been having dreams- dreams that seem so real, he can't even distinguish fact from fiction anymore.

better than words (more than a feeling) by petals

im so sorry, Niall sends back. Followed by, mate got a new num, forgot it

He waits for the reply, because honestly, he sent this guy a picture of himself in the bath. In a green bath. The guy is probably laughing about it with his friends, Niall will probably become a meme on the Internet or something. Blond idiot in green water sending naked selfies to stranger meme.

i rly am sorry, he sends, hoping that’ll be enough to keep the guy from spreading his picture.

dnt worry bout it, cutie xx is the guy’s reply and Niall groans, dropping down on his bed face first. He can’t remember how to breathe. Honestly can’t remember.

Happiness, not in another place but this place. by LauDom

Niall stared at the screen for a long time. Had he met someone else in the club last night? What did the Z stand for? Zoe, Zander, Zeus?

So he decided to be funny and even though his face showed a clear hungover and sleep deprived-ness he sent a pouty selfie and texted: “Sorry, I think u have the wrng number.”

Sweater Weather by xTammyVx

It wasn't until they were outside the club that Niall squeezed Zayn's hand and said, “Come back with me?” then, “I kinda like you.”

Zayn wasn't stupid; he knew that the number of people Niall had slept with over the span of his four-year-long career was exactly what one could expect from a superstar, and that he probably pulled with lines like that all the time. However, simmering below that self-awareness was the unbelievable, untamable fire spreading from where they were touching, and all Zayn wanted was more.

2015: Zayn meets Niall on a post-concert night-out.

2019: Niall comes home for a mid-tour break.

So Hot That I Melted by PigSlay

Zayn's working his way through college to get his degree in art by working as a bartender at a local pub. One night, a group of people, including one stunning blonde named Niall, come there. After that, Niall keeps coming back almost every night and after serenading Zayn during one open mic night and exchanging phone numbers, they slowly become the best things to ever happen to each other.

A Story for the Kids (orphan_account)

"Da, why do you look at Zayn like he's a princess?"

[Niall and his daughter are new to London and Zayn's personal life is a bit messy. Somehow, they make things work.]

I'll Dance With You, I'll Laugh With You (Til It's Christmas in the Room) by tobedwithacupoftea

After a death in Niall's family, he must stay at Hogwarts over Christmas their seventh year. Zayn also stays at the castle and though the boys have a more than amazing Christmas, some ill-advised magic at New Years may ruin it all.

crooked love in a straight line down by leighbot

“You’d like him if you got to know him,” Liam whispers while everyone else finds seats as well.

“I already know him,” Zayn responds.

“Seems like there’s a bit of tension between you two.”

Zayn rolls his eyes hard enough they hurt. “Like homicidal, maybe.”

Or, the studying abroad AU where they're all supposed to stick together but Zayn and Niall get off on the wrong foot. Zayn finds solace in his graffiti, a pretty American boy and a mysterious commenter on his art blog.

With side 'love at first sight' Liam/Harry and 'it's complicated' Louis/Eleanor/Nick.

Sore Winner by venividivici

"No. No, no. Just. Just shut up. Figure Skating isn't a game, okay. I don't play figure skating, I perform it. Big difference from your elementary recess time you call a sport. That's a game." Niall only inhales, sighs loudly into the cold air. "This is nice. You and me. This chilly night, the stars are bright. Perfect time to lay out how we really feel about each other, don't you think?" Or, Zayn likes the stars; Niall reads too many horoscopes; and neither is mature enough to drop their irrational hate.

One, Two, Three Strikes You're Mine by littlepinkbow

Having a crush on a player from your rival's baseball team is bad enough. Even worse when they're literally the most relaxed person ever. It just takes a bit of time and a bit more reckless abandon to figure it out.

let your heart go boom by liferuining_feels

Zayn arrives in Dublin with no expectations except to forget about the life he left behind in London. He's here on exchange for a year, and his only plan is to learn to be himself again. But no matter what, he can't seem to shake off the feeling that he's so helplessly lost.

Then he meets Niall, and suddenly life becomes a little bit more easier.

But what Zayn forgets is that time is ticking, and there's a return ticket to London with his name on it.

All He Needs by sunshineflying

Niall is out and proud at uni, but back in Ireland nobody knows he's gay - not even his family. After some conversation with his best friend and roommate Zayn, as well as their friends Liam and Louis, he knows it's time to just go home and be honest with his family. His crush on Zayn complicates things a bit, especially when Zayn offers to go to Ireland with Niall as moral support, but he follows through with it anyway.

Happiest Place On Earth by pocketfullofbees

It's always weird. Each time he sees the actual character he's surprised people recognize him. Then again, he never saw himself as any type of royalty.

_______

Or the AU where OT5 work as face characters at DisneyLand and Zayn's hopelessly in love with an Irish Faerie.

This Night was Made for Us by zaynplusanyone

Niall and Zayn have a tie that binds them, a bond. It takes them a while, but eventually they figure out that that bond is meant to be there, that it means something more. Tonight is about celebrating that bond, enjoying what they have, and remembering that even when the world is moving too quickly around them, they will always have each other.

Promise You'll Be Glad You Came by Jairo

“It’s Halloween and we’re trick-or-treating but you have no candy” AU.

Ain't No Sunshine by acue

AU where Zayn and Niall meet in an airport only because they were the ones to get assigned the same seat and Niall finds something out about Zayn pretty deep into their relationship that should have been mentioned at the way beginning.

Or the one where Zayn is in the army and Niall is completely smitten with Zayn, and waits for him to come home in one piece a lot.

Walk Away Now and You're Gonna Start a War by Niallaeger

Even the glass of water he had tried to force himself to drink, while sitting on the floor by the bedroom in Niall’s apartment debating whether or not he should bother to get up, left such a horrid taste on his tongue that he couldn’t make it past the first couple sips. It was like all the words he hadn’t said that morning mixed with the bitter taste of the ones he hadn’t had the decency to hold back, and now they’re just lingering, in his head, over his tongue, making his stomach turn, and now Harry’s asking him if he’s alright because he looks a little sick and all Zayn can do is nod.

Or, the one where Zayn doesn't think he can do anything right, and Niall just needs a little time. Basically, your soccer!AU with a healthy dose of angst.

The Not Exactly Late Night Show With Niall Horan by WhyHelloThere

When Niall forgets to book a guest artist for his radio show, Harry sets him up with a friend of a friend. Things just go from there.

I'm sending postcards from my heart, I don't care who sees what I've said by niallszayn

Niall spots who has to be the hottest guy on campus at the library but fails to ask him out when they run into each other. He posts about it on this cool new app though, and hopes for the best.

OR

another uni!au full of pining

Skate Your Way Into My Heart by littlepinkbow

Zayn really can't help but being fond over the ridiculously sweet boy attempting to teach the kids in his class how to rollerblade and Louis really really can't keep his mouth shut.

I've got your body on my skin (and tequila on my tongue) by bonjourziall (punkjuggie)

And at that exact moment Zayn didn't feel the need to drown himself in alcohol anymore. Because Niall's lips were far more intoxicating than any brand of tequila and Zayn craved Niall’s touch more than he craved the burning of the alcohol. or Zayn and Niall both start using alcohol as an excuse to keep hooking up with each other. or Niall is literally the reason that Zayn is becoming an alcoholic.

Perfection Will Not Come by becauseziall

"Later! I promise!" Zayn called after him, backpack weighing down his shoulders. Niall looked back over one shoulder with a goofy grin that overpowered the rest of his face.

"Yeah! Just keep studying your Calc, alright?"

Zayn turned so he walking backwards for a moment. "Yeah," he smiled, "alright," and with that, he turned around, heading back to his dorm, thoughts of sunshine and happiness and beautiful filling his mind.

start off the day singing by leighbot

Secretly, Niall’s pleased by the extra time spent with Zayn, often baiting the children to help him encourage Mr. Malik to join them for a song or two. At least, Niall hopes it’s secret. Based on the teasing he often suffers when around Louis or Harry, he doesn’t think he’s been as subtle as he’d like.

Thankfully, Zayn doesn’t seem to have picked up on Niall’s crush.

Or, the one where Niall is an elementary school music teacher and Zayn's first graders are possibly Niall's favorite class... and not just because Mr. Malik has a pretty smile. Okay, it's a bit because he has a pretty smile.

From Wrong to Right by sunshineflying

Zayn's struggling to let go of an old relationship, but his best friends and roommates Liam and Louis are determined to help him get over it. A chance encounter at a club and a failed attempt at getting someone's number leads Zayn right to the man he's been waiting for.

a house built by a doctor to the stars by fakeheaux

"There's no way you live there," Zayn laughs, brows pulling together. "That's Murder House, bro, no way."

Niall shrugs. "Murder House to you. Murder Home to me."

or niall is the baby of spirits ben and vivien harmon, raised by an eclectic group of ghosts

i don't wanna lose your touch (i don't wanna hurt this much) by fakeheaux

"Okay, so. So...you're stuck with each other," Harry says slowly. "Literally."

Zayn sighs, already done with the whole thing. "Yeah, Harry."

or zayn and niall get magically bonded together after they eat some sus chinese food

know you're not alone by fakeheaux

There are many beliefs of what a shift feels like. The most common one is that the shift always hurts, even after you’ve become used to it. In his opinion, that isn’t quite true. It’s not painful, per se, but it is intense. Shifting, to him, is like a rush of endorphins, adrenaline, and relief all at once. He shifts and it’s like going back home. It’s like - like the best feeling in the world.

or zayn doesn't like dogs which bothers niall so so much

on a wednesday, in a café by fakeheaux

"I like your glasses."

or niall is nosy and zayn speaks urdu in coffee shops

they say we are what we are, but we don't have to be by fakeheaux

"They hate us," Niall murmurs. "They're not going to let us fight with them, just 'cause we wear green."

Zayn shakes his head. "Green's just a color, babe. Don't make you who you are."

it's our paradise (and it's our war zone) by fakeheaux

"We were on a break!" Zayn yells.

or The One With Ross and Rachel, Reimagined

me, her, and the moon by dramaturgicallycorrect

“I think I should go home,” Niall says. “You should really get on. Dance with those boys your mum wants you to dance with.”

“I only want to dance with you,” Zayn says, taking her hand and giving her a spin, watching her dress flair beautifully before she pulls her in tight. She holds Niall’s waist tight, and Niall curls into her, resting her head against her chest. They sway slowly to the muffled sounds of the big band and clutch each other for dear life. This is all Zayn needs, her girl and the moon and the stars.

[Or Zayn invites Niall to her going away party, but neither of them want her to go away.]

that which we call a rose by dramaturgicallycorrect

Zayn pops his head around the door suddenly, the sounds of Louis stomping down the stairwell echoing out behind him. “Wait,” he says, even though Niall isn’t going anywhere. “What’s your name?” “Ah. I’m Niall.” He grins. “Although... what’s in a name?” “That which we call a rose,” Zayn says, trailing off with a small grin before the rest of him disappears behind the closing door.

[Or, they're at Juilliard and Niall plays the guitar and Zayn has a beautiful falsetto and Liam, Harry, and Louis need some help putting on Romeo and Juliet.]

nevada's fault by irishmizzy, miss_bennie

“Niall Horan, will you -- ow,” he winces when Harry flicks his neck, but when Zayn starts up again, the disaffected tone is gone, “will you do me the honor of marrying me tonight and winning this bloody game of truth or dare?”

this is no bridget jones by nicheinhischest

“Harry," Zayn feels like he’s losing it, "Harry, you know my life isn't a romantic comedy, right? No matter how much you try and make it one."

"Please, I've seen Love, Actually like... thirty times," Harry says, grinning. "This is going to be so much better.”

the creation of ursa major by robpatFF

Niall would pull him all the way if he could, wrap his sunlight infused hand around Zayn’s and pull them up until they couldn’t breathe. And Zayn would let him, only to return (loyal, dependable, periodic) and settle around his Sirius before he’d float off again.

i can see the sun in late december by robpatFF

Written for the prompt: it's cold in ireland and zayn is all skin and bones and niall is all extra blankets and warmth and kisses (basically lazy kissing under the covers fic) and then this happened

Settle Down With Me by robpatFF

artist!Zayn and fratboy!Niall. Zayn draws and Niall's in a frat and they make it work somehow, they do.

this silver spoon has fed me good by hickeyziall (scentedziall)

"We realise you won’t be thrilled about this, Zayn, but we hope you understand that this is necessary for you to be considered the heir of our business in the future."

Zayn cleared his throat to gain the attention of the boy, who whipped his head around in response. He was taller than Zayn, young and lanky in a charming way that matched the dimples in his cheeks. He wore long, wild hair, hardly contained in a bun, and the uniform green apron with the patisserie’s logo printed in black and white next to his nametag.

"Good luck. You’ll need it."

aka rich kid working in a bakery au?

The Lost Souls by daretoliveforever

Zayn is unique. He receives visions. Most people would think this is a gift. But Zayn thinks it’s a living Hell. He sees people having their lives taken away from them. Either by themselves, or others. The worst part is Zayn doesn’t know what to do. How can he help people when he’s only seen them in the visions?

Baby, It's You by alnima

Zayn Malik has an obsessive crush on famous Internet blogger Niall Horan, but what happens when Niall starts posting about a crush of his own?

amidst all the weather by Livy_May

Niall doesn’t tell Louis, for obvious reasons. He doesn’t tell Harry, either, because if Harry knows something, it’s only a matter of time before Louis knows it, too. And he doesn’t tell Liam because Liam is honestly the worst liar he’s ever met.

He’s not trying to keep it a secret. It just sort of... happens.

Wings Wouldn't Help You Drown by wasp

Zayn just wanted to watch the sun set, watch it bleed into the sky as same as ever in a world that’s forgotten about them, completely slipped under their feet and morphed and fucked up some more.

to put a little sunshine in your life by khakis

san diego au. zayn's a brooklyn boy who follows his maybe-ex-girlfriend to san diego. it turns out a whole lot lovelier than he could have hoped.

“Look at this little family,” Harry murmurs.

“You big softie,” Louis says, but his voice is so steeped in fondness that Zayn can almost taste it, and he feels warm in a way that has nothing to do with the crush of bodies around him. He cranes his head a little and Niall meets him halfway, anticipating it, grinning as their eyes meet and reaching a hand up to grip comfortingly at the back of Zayn’s neck. Yeah, his gaze says, you belong here. We want you here. I want you here.

And then the chicken is burning and Harry yelps like he’s the one being singed and they fall apart as easily as they fell together.

Up towards the sun by wannabe_free

The first time Niall sees the small lumps on his back he freaks out. He stands naked in front of the mirror, the glassy surface still blurry with the steam of the shower he’s just had. There’s something in his back that feels odd. It doesn’t necessarily ache; it’s like a stretching feeling, something from his insides fighting to come onto the surface, pulling at the skin and muscles that come in its way.

AU- OT5-Niall centric. Niall isn't human.

Perfect Storm (orphan_account)

“Who the hell thought it was a good idea t’watch a horror movie in the middle of a thunderstorm?” Niall groaned.

or

The boys watch a scary movie during a storm, and it leaves Niall a bit shaken up (not that he'd admit it). And Zayn is there to save the day, as usual.

Whiteboard by lostinsanity

Niall’s a musician, Zayn’s an artist. Music and art are their lives, respectively. And the story shouldn't be much more complicated from there. But it is, because Zayn is deaf.

Of You I Grow Fonder by Klavier

"I'm Niall Horan, and it's a pleasure to meet you without deep-fried potatoes in my hair."

let's get (meta)physical by murkya

Zayn has a Niall situation that he's capital I Ignoring, and then suddenly he's got a burning problem he really can't ignore, capital letters or not. (modern myth/religious beings AU?)

staked through the heart and you're to blame (you give love a bad name) by biggrstaffbunch

Zayn's a vampire slayer and Niall's a vampire and it's all as star-crossed as it sounds. But also, maybe it's not.

(Featuring Liam as a Watcher that would give a certain Sunnydale librarian heart palpitations and Louis as the hell-raising--but not in the literal sense--sidekick. Plus, Harry.)

Inside My Heart, Inside This House by zzegnas

Niall recovers from his knee injury in the comforts of the English countryside with his two best friends, Harry and Liam.

amour doux by bisousniall

Niall runs an authentic French bakery in London, and he swears he hired Zayn for the extra help, not just for his looks. Also his employee Louis is harbouring a huge crush on their customer, Liam. Harry is there to keep them all together.

Eat Your Heart Out, Gertrude Stein by skullage

Zayn doesn’t have a watch any more; he measures time in distance. How long it’s been since he made Niall laugh, how far apart they were when they said goodnight. How many pieces he could put between his room and Niall’s, how many hours, minutes, seconds since Niall said his name.

Compass Rose by eiqhties

“We’re like all the directions coming together, you know? Like a compass. What do they call them? Compass rose, that’s us.”

An AU in which One Direction are an indie rock band touring America. There's lots of open roads, cramped vans, and pining for the service stations in the UK. Oh, there's also a lot of pining for each other, too.

i was made for sunny days (i was made for you) by nicheinhischest

"Don't do dances," Niall repeats with a smile. "Don't do pool parties. What do you do, Zayn Malik?"

Zayn shrugs. "Play baseball. Date you."

swimming pools by pixies

au where everyone is home from college for the summer, and zayn has the summer he never expected. includes: college rivalries, southern accents, and lifeguards.

delivery entrance to narnia by irishmizzy, miss_bennie

"You okay?” Niall mouths. Zayn knows he’s mouthing it but he can hear it loud and clear, which is fucking weird. He blinks. His head hurts, right on the top where Liam had touched it, but all over, too.

(The one where Zayn gets superpowers.)

do you care if i stay? by justaboat

zayn and niall go on a road trip.

Beer and Band-aids by hotnuts

Niall shoves his numbing hands deeper inside the warmth of his hoodie, biting the cold back with chapped lips and shaking limbs. He hums to keep his anxiety at bay, small noises in the form of some drowned out Justin Bieber tune he hasn't been able to get out of his head since he left Ireland.

Or, that one ziall street au where Zayn is a misunderstood artist, Niall is the cute Irishman who shouldn't be walking around London at night and they fall in love with each other over a lot of alcohol, bruises and angst. Also Louis is a sassy pub-owner with a hipster boyfriend.

here i love you by myownremedy

Louis reckons Niall should just tell Zayn, reminds him that they live together in the tiniest, most overpriced apartment in all of New York and the walls are thin enough that Niall knows what Zayn sounds like when he’s getting off, and they never cook because their kitchen is so tiny, it’s basically a flat with two closets serving as bedrooms and an even smaller bathroom, and they are married, according to Louis, so Niall might as well make it official.

Niall and Zayn (and the rest of the gang) are students at NYU, and Niall and Zayn live together in an overpriced shoebox apartment in the Village. Also, Niall's been in love with Zayn since freshmen year.

I Will Give You the Moon (It’s the Least I Can Do) by TheMipstaz

5 times Niall thought Zayn was a werewolf + 1 time Zayn actually was

never felt like home (until i had you) by groundopenwide

“Missed you.”

Zayn’s voice is hushed, careful, as though he’s not sure he’s allowed to fully make the admission. Each syllable slurs together like he’s spinning molasses.

Niall shuffles his head down the pillow until he can kiss each of Zayn’s knuckles, just once. Zayn hums, the sound coming from far away. They fall asleep with their hands intertwined.

Or: Tour ends, and Niall goes home to Zayn.

follow the marks you left by littlecather

“Yeah,” Zayn nods, voice heavy. “Probably best if we … don’t tell them. For now.”

“For now,” Niall agrees. There’s too much promise in that, though. Niall’s not sure just yet if he can see a point in the future when he can tell them - that he went to see Zayn, without any of them knowing. That he kissed Zayn. That he’s going to see Zayn, again, to possibly do that, again.

Secret relationship; canon.

Soul Mechanism by alexenglish

When a chance encounter with a stubborn human manifested a magical bond within Zayn that had been dormant for decades, Zayn could not deny being intrigued; by the connection, and the boy, and what it meant for a demon such as him -- a demon who had been without a master for many years.

The universe always had a purpose, and meeting Niall was only the beginning.

(And you will always be someone who was beautiful, once.) by softly (alexenglish)

I will always love you, or anyway I will always have loved you now.

(Look at you.) by softly (alexenglish)

I do not believe in love at first sight. But god damn.

(Don’t worry. We’re all doomed eventually.) by softly (alexenglish)

I know your weakness. It’s kisses. You are doomed.

(no one could steer me right, but mama tried.) by softly (alexenglish)

You aren’t really a good person, but god damn, you make bad look awesome.

(Let’s join a street gang! Is NASA recruiting?) by softly (alexenglish)

This town isn’t big enough for the both of us. Let’s run away together!

Killing Time With You by flares

“People got together whenever they felt like it before they came up with the clocks.”

“Yeah, and now, like, no one does,” Zayn says. “Most people want to just date their soulmate, because what’s the point in wasting your time if it’s going to end, right?”

You'll Find What You're Missing In Between the Lines by flares

Niall: its weird to take a cat on the bus right ?

Don't Break Character by flares

It’s all a bit mortifying. Zayn wonders how he ended up being the one embarrassed in this situation.

For a Second There, We'd Won by flares

Zayn can’t stop looking at Niall’s fingernails, bitten down and red, and he wonders what had him so anxious. But he’s not in any place to ask anymore, so he keeps his mouth shut.

Looking for Astronauts by flares

He doesn’t have a crush on Zayn. Like, Niall really doesn’t. It would be stupid. They’re in space. They’re the crew of the first human mission to Mars, for fuck’s sake. Niall doesn’t have time for crushes.

Or he shouldn’t, at least. Logically.

Sipping on Something Sweet by flares

It’s ridiculous how careful he is, actually, and Zayn wants to laugh, if only because the alternative would be to cry. Maybe thinking he might break isn’t too far-fetched of a belief.

I'll Be Your Mirror by liquidmeasure

"I don’t want to talk about walking corpses and sisyphean tragedy. Let’s wander. Let’s eat!” He pulls Zayn forward, over the cobblestones, through the dark. “The city is being reborn around us and you’ve been holed up so far away from me for so many decades. I want to show you everything. I want to climb to the top of it and look down and dedicate it all to you.”

A Ziall Vampire Love AU for Halloween.

I've been wanting to write this since I watched Only Lovers Left Alive earlier this year, so if parts of it seem familiar, that's why. I basically took a Jim Jarmusch movie and made it about Ziall. Sue me! (Wait actually don't sue me. Please.)

All of Me by FallingLikeThis

Niall Horan is perfect.

Zayn came to this conclusion a long time ago. And the depths with which he believes it just grow more with each passing day.

[broomheadz]

did you see drake's degrassi reunion video yet? thoughts?

sorry i’m so late! tumblr was being weird and not letting me answer these. I saw it the morning after it was released. It was really really special and sweet. It warmed my heart that Drake still cares about his past and his old cast mates. No shade and I am not a videographer or director or anything but I could tell the video was kind of slapped together in a few days. It could have been a bit smoother. And I didn’t like watching spinner throw up the whole time. But regardless of technical stuff, it was a milestone for all of us Degrassi fans, and I only wish I could see some behind-the-scenes!!

[suninagarajan]

THE DOMESTIC DIFFICULTIES OF MAJOR GENERAL CHARLES SYLERIOUS FORESTER

When Medesh Madavana Ki, flutist of the Royal Court practises holding a note on a chord, he is attempting to mimic in octave and tempo, the Ptunooko bird whose mating call hangs in the morning mists over Hydrabha and Kai-Puriji like an apple in the air or a blossom on a tree. As the King’s Master of the Flute it is his task to entertain the Royal court and to inspire the court poets by creating a sound, known across India to be as sweet as sugar-paste and as lovely as a summer's day, …………………………………………..divine. 

The Ptunooko bird’s scarlet body and long sweeping cobalt tail evokes more Spanish Infanta or English Duchess than the humble parrot origins of the bird. But this does not deter them as they make free to descend upon the statues of the Gods in the many shrines of Hundyrabha where they take the winter sun.  

They do not fear providence because so sweet is their call that it will stop the soul and bring a tear to the eye, so the people of Hundrabha, like the people of Kai-puriji, whatever their caste or profession will offer prayers to the gods for the preservation and safekeeping of their songstryls.

When a Ptunooko bird who has made the journey from Kai-Purji, via Khassi to Hudyrabha for its winter sojourn, lands on the statue of Rama defeating the demons, the founding legend of Hudyrabha, it is not to commemorate the Gods victory in battle.  

Should the people in their ignorance ever forget the honour due to the God, there is, fortunately, another reminder of His triumph, for which the city is rightly famous.  For Rama ever mindful of the souls of his people, left for their protection that brave army that stood with him on the field of battle and defeated the foe, whose glory is still with us today.  The Chebawgua monkeys.

Given their history and association with the city it is unsurprising that the Chebawgua monkeys, veterans of Rama’s wars, are deferred to by the people and have free access to roam through Hudrabha at will, for it is thought bad luck for any in the city to harm a monkey or shew it from a kitchen or a garden or a parlour. 

They will take from table and purse and headdress with no thought for occasion or status. Many a Hudyrabha bride will be poorer at the end of her wedding day with stolen bangles or earrings or other valuable dowry items swiped from her unguarded purse, and it is not unusual for the mango’s to be pinched from market stalls or a lemon-ice lifted, with a long fingered whip, from a child’s sticky hand. 

So when a three year old female Chebawgua jumps into the open window of Colonel Rawlins’ office because she is attracted to the sleeve of the green and purple striped silk gown he is wearing, which she spies from her pear tree perch, Colonel Rawlins having long since concluded that whatever buffoon was in charge of the regulation dress code had never paid a visit to Kangalhi, had no notion of her naughtiness nor did he flinch when she compounded her felony with a swipe of her paw and drained the brandy from the bottle that the coolie had brought with his pigeon lunch, adding to her already perfect day. 

In fact Colonel Rawlins, man of the company, who had been in Kangalhi for eighteen months as that twit Harcourts’ second-in command, would not have noticed if a battalion of Chebawgua monkeys with Rama at its head had marauded through his office and invaded the parade ground. 

Colonel Rawlins, was a man who until an unfortunate gaff at a regimental dinner some two years ago, was doing quite nicely in the Company having risen through the ranks with much ease and little maneuvering.  He had made a bit of money in the Hindu wars and had seen some action in Flanders where he was appointed staff officer to the Duke -  of all things! 

In between a spot of horse trading, balancing mess bill and domestic accounts in a manner not dissimilar to a plate spinner at a fair, he had manage to pay of debts, tradesmen and bailiff enough as to avoided the clink most of the time, his dear fecunditious wife Annabelle having accommodate herself to Newgate less times than crows turn to manslaughter in their fifteen years of matrimony together, a matter of some pride to them both.

He had acquitted himself adequately enough to come to the attention of certain honorary military gentleman and there was even talk of promotion, but then an unwise joke made on that same commander, regarding an unfortunate habit with trumpets and trousers, recounted as an apple for amusement of fellow travelers one evening when the claret was flowing and the stories of battle proliferated as tomatoes on the vine. Put a rather unexpected and inconvenient dent in an otherwise promising and excellent career.

Due to him serving most of his commission both under the Duke’s command and at his side throughout the peninsular campaign and beyond, he had become known in the clubs, dining halls and better establishments of England as the “Duke’s Arm”. A reciter of tales  who was “as good as having tea with the Duke on the eve of the battle” as was muted by more than one pamphlet. 

It had taken Rawlins, a straight-forward sort of chap though theatrical of mind, some long awkward moments to realise that his dinner companions were no longer the braying donkeys of his amusements, as he sung like a songbird his liturgy of remembrances. He had felt, given the company and the nature of chaps in general and battle-hardened army chaps in particular,  that some earthier, saucier, amongst-men sort of humor was called for. This at first had been widely encouraged by the officers present, their ladies having long since departed seeking fairer society.  His stomach and his purse, hung on expectations that he would delight and enthral the company with an ever ready quiver of polished monologues in his actors folio. An able sort chap, with an eye for a chance, Colonel Rawlins layered his cake like a profiterole. 

It was both shocking and upsetting then, when a few days later Rawlins had started hearing rumours of overseas postings and phrases such as “ungentlemanly” and “not an officer”  were whispered in his hearing. Inevitably, and as in the way of things,  steps were taken and in order to avoid the embarrassment of all, or any unavoidable difficulty which might prove awkward in polite company, the Colonel quietly left his club.  

Perhaps just to spare His Graces blushes for a great reputation may hide a great many secrets, whatever the reason, within a fortnight of Rawlings’s regrettable lapse, he was dumped by the top brass on a packet ship headed for Kangalhi, a hellhole on the other side of the earth, to spend his days babysitting a pin-head with no prospect of seeing Annabelle or the children, or Duggans, or his Norfolk home again anytime soon.

Having spent three months on voyage and another two weeks in port, quarantined, the first thought that poured through Rawlins brain as he finally disembarked in Hudyrabha, his regimental sopheristry being a distant memory was, “it’s hot”. 

His second thought was “it's damn hot”, the third thought, following closely on the heels of the second thought was, “lorks, if a man doesn’t get some good English beer down him quick, a man is liable to expire”. His fourth thought, on making his commanding officers acquaintance was “that imbecile should be flogged for stupidity”, but he settled finally on “Business is booming and business is good”.

He had arrived with the ever amiable Major Maitland, a clever young fellow with a talent for surveying, who had impressed his superiors with his map making skills. They had both some time ago returned from an expedition into unknown territory having spent the best part of eight weeks up country with some collie trackers looking at deposits.

He was eager therefore on his return to Kangalhi to check up on a little bit of business he was taking care of conducted well below the Company’s towering all seeing eye. For Rawlins, who despite his occasional lapses in judgement was an otherwise up to speed sort of chap, had noticed on his arrival in Kangalhi a certain loucheness of temperament, favoured by the Governer-General, which meant all sorts of opportunities were possible for a fellow with an eye to a chance. And if Harcourt was too busy amusing himself with his Mussel-women and drowning in Claret with the Nawab to know or care what he was signing, well that was hardly the concern of the Colonel. 

So it was that a packet of spices, that was meant for Liverpool, duty paid, might find its way to Bristol instead, duty paid.  And if customs men in Bristol were to inquire, they might discover that the license for such imports and taxes due had been signed by a certain Governor-General on behalf of the Company and decide to move on to other less impertinent enquiries instead. No mind then if it was that good christian lady in Bristol, Annabelle and not the Company man receiving goods on the quayside, duty paid.  

It is these concerns then, of a more personal nature, which occupy Rawlins mind rather than monkeys and lunches.  But what the Colonel doesn’t know, can’t know is that at this very moment Major General Forester and Sir Howard of the Boardroom, have Kangalhi in their sights and practices that exclude the Company from the Company’s business may henceforth be considered irregular.  

________________________________________________________________

Major General Forester too has a lot on his mind.  For having decided that the best way to move a donkey was through deception and cunning, his earthen toned mind, determined that the melody that had so intoxicated the Nazmin, french money, french brandy, french whores, might be sung again but to a different tune so as to spin an immutable Indian chief around a balance sheet.

The Governor-General’s efforts to secure the necessary accord, affections and approvals so ardently anticipated and salivated over by the Company, once reports of salt petre, ire ore and timber were known, had fallen far short of the necessary hoped for arrangements. It was at a house party and meeting of the Brayford Hunt, therefore, in the English countryside where Major-General Forester, oak of England, was assigned to the fray when Company man to Company man sir Howard, as smoothly as the unfolding of a newspaper at his English club, sermonised the matter like a Bishop in a pulpit and welcomed Forester into the temple of his mind. 

Once the problem of how to tickle the maharaja's appetites so as to make him forget his reason and follow the lady was posed to that eminent man, the Major-General, whose half framed image would one day grace a wall in a room in a castle in the English countryside conjured the answer wine woman and song. 

It was to Monty Woodehouse then, that excellent and reliable fellow whose relations the Major-General had known socially for some time, and who had acquitted himself so admirably as aide-to-camp for the Major-General’s sojourn in Flanders as to ensure that gentleman never ran out of Madeira, that Forester chose as his weapon of industry.  

Monty had no trouble purloining the several barrels of Irish Whiskey, French Brandy and good Claret, off-the-books, as was required and shortly disposed of the lady of understanding from an excellent London house. But as the gap closed between immutable Indian chief and balance sheet, there were more delicate matters still outstanding for it is often said by those of a military persuasion that to crack a big nut, one needs a big stick .

The noises of pilfering, piracy and derelictions of christian duty that had reached the lofty ears of the Company from their perch in Whitehall, had not overly concerned them. The solution being easily acquired in the form of instilled discipline in the ranks and the unfortunate gentleman’s poor motherless-daughters, the Miss Harcourt’s immediate transport to their fathers presence. 

Those gentle maidens, having acquired the required education in etiquette and deportment for the daughters of respectability and character, at Miss Packenham’s Establishment for Young Ladies of Quality and Society in Clapham, now lived in a modest home in Hampstead with their governess. And who, with that good lady, would be sent post haste on the Company’s account to provide to their dear father the privilege of responsibility in the Christian solace of Mary and Martha.

But with dismissals of “yes, yes, …………...it’ elemental” the ponderings that so obsessed the Chevalier’s palace of cognitive functioning in the English countryside was, “what if the chief should prove fickle?............ or disloyal, and disdain a ladies charms?”

Then the tibit from Kangalhi, pertaining to the health of the heir and the wonders of the alchemists in Germany from the bore at the evening at the Cuthberts, combined with his knowledge of his dear Gertrudes’ own health had revealed the solution to him as if a truth from a tablet. All that was needed was a chemist who could, in his wizardry, successfully infiltrate a noxious brew of chemicals into the elixir of youth:  Anthrophine.

Anthrophine, Carr knew, had been successfully provided to patients like his dear lady who labour under the travails of slow aortic functionings.  If it could be transported, Carr surmised that fateful morning in his office, or if not then made to appear like water into wine, then the immutability of the indian chief may just bend to a father’s care. So it was then that the honorable Lady and her agents and Sir Howard and the Major General, and their agents, scoured the country in search of an alchemist.

But as the head of logic at King’s was at pains to point out when that good Major General held him by the collar until his visage redden into a beatroot of pain, “whereby as alchemies being novel they are oftentimes hard to dissolve”, and that the learning the Major General so earnestly sought had not yet seen fit to arrive on these shores. To which the Major General made free to reply, “Balderdash!”.

So it was then that after twenty four years of blissful harmony bordering on disregard, as evidenced by the on-going survival of their second son Ernest, the good Lord having seen fit to remove that angel young Charles to his heavily cloud. The Major General had on several occasions needed to request of his dear lady, that she “bugger off!”   

Then, as if God himself had heeded the Lady’s cry, Montague Woodehouse, the most useful of chaps, whose Stuart ancestors had centuries ago left Holyrood for Westminster with the first Stuart King and worn the plumed hat of the cavalier for another, heard from one of his regrettable but necessary dalliances with the lower classes that a ship in the docks had recently delivered a cargo of vials to Scotland.

[puppetmaker40]

All that Glitters Part the Seconde

Got more of it back from my beta who is now onto the next part. So you get your gift in sections @cosmicstarlux. Hope you enjoy this part.

She stepped into the classroom.

“Not the village idiot,” he said, “So why you? Why does he think you are the right person for the job?”

“I know you are the Dark One. I know about the curse you are under. I know you are a lot older than you look.”

She glanced at the man in front of her. His skin looked like golden dragon scales. His hair was a mess but it looked more on purpose. It gave him a wild man look. The outfit he was wearing was odd and rather quaint. Leather trews stuffed into impossible boots. Red silk shirt with a leather vest that was tight but not too tight.

“Oh? What else do you know?”

She was about to answer when the bell rang and first year students flooded into the classroom.  The ones in front stopped short when they saw their teacher. The ones behind crashed into the students in front of them making a mass of bodies’ fall in front of them.

She clapped her hands and said in her most commanding voice, “Is this how Hogwarts students greet their teacher? Sit down all of you.”

The students sorted themselves out into their seats all the time glancing at their teacher.

“Thank you Miss?”

“French, Belle French,” she replied. 

He nodded and said, “Miss French will be assisting me in teaching you about the realities of the Dark Arts. Now take out your texts and turn to page 42.”

“Excuse me sir,” said one of the boys.

“Yes Mr.?”

“Scamander Sir, Newton Scamander,” said the boy.

“Well Mr. Scamander?” 

“And you are?” stammered the boy.

Rumple laughed, “Oh do forgive me. I have gotten ahead of myself.” He went into a formal bow, “Rumplestilskin at your service.”

Some of the kids laughed and some of them gasped. Then the muttering started.

Belle raised her voice over the noise and said, “Settle down. He’ll start taking points if you don't.”

That did it. The threat of losing house points always worked with the new students.

“As I said I am Rumplestilskin and I will be your defense against the Dark Arts Teacher this year. Now turn to page 42 as I instructed.”

She sat down in an unoccupied chair and listened to Rumplestilskin question the students to see what they already knew and tell them what he expected them to learn.

He ended the class by saying, “And now you get one question. That is each of you get one question that I will answer. Think carefully because that question might some day save your life.”

Hands shot up. He looked a bit and picked a skinny Ravenclaw, “Your question?”

“Has your skin always looked like that?” 

“No.”

They looked at him expecting him to expand on it. He grinned, “You asked your question and I gave you an honest answer to it. Next time I would suggest that you think carefully about the phrasing of your questions.”

The bell rang and the students ran out of the room leaving Belle rather impressed with Rumplestilskin’s teaching abilities.

He turned to her and said, “Well?” 

“Having them ask a question to show them the complexities of getting an answer is brilliant.”

“Thank you, but I was inquiring if you are watching me all day or only during classes?”

“Oh…..ummmm…I really don’t know since this is the first time I have been a student assistant.”

“Student spy you mean. I know Black is unsure of his decision to hire me. I promise you I hold no ill intent towards the school or its students.”

“You made a deal,” she said as the pieces fell into place in her brain.

“Excuse me?” 

“You must have made a deal with Headmaster Black to teach here.”

He smiled, “You have it half right. I do have a deal for some information that I need but it was not Black whom I have the deal with. Now toddle on to your divinations class. I will see you back here this afternoon with your year mates.”

She found herself doing a curtsy as he bowed to her and then out the door before she could say anything else.

Divinations was shaping up to be a chore. She had no feel for it because she really didn’t believe in predestination or that her fate was sealed. “No one decides my fate but me” was her mantra especially after the past two horrendous years.

She found herself at loose ends because she had completed most of her course work and she really only had one or two classes a day rather than the usual six to eight. There were the times that she would be with Rumplestilskin in his class room that did take up some of the time.

She found her way to the library and picked up her research on various topics that interested her. The head librarian who had shocking orange hair and a wrinkled face that gave him more the look of an ape rather than a man was happy to see her again. 

“Belle!” He said sliding down a ladder to the floor balancing some books in one hand.

He places the books on his desk and gave her a big hug that she returned with the same gusto.

“It is so good to see you my dear! I hope you got my letters,” he said.

She smiled and said, “Yes, every one of them. They were so helpful to me. I am sorry I was such a poor correspondent.”

He gave a dismissive wave, “Pish and tush my dear. You had a lot on your plate. I did appreciate any news you gave me. I was so worried. Did the texts I sent help at all?”

“They helped me but not my mother. They are still trying to sort out what happened.”

“But?”

She sighed, “I think it was a curse rather than a magical malady. But I have no proof.”

He patted her hand, “You will figure it out. Now how can I help you?” 

“Do you still have that set of fairy books that are different colors?” 

“Yes,” he looked very puzzled.

“I need the black fairy book please,” she said.

“You know that is in the restricted section.” 

“I also know that you can hand books to students if they have good reasons for reading said book.”

“Why that book?”

“I take it you have heard who is teaching Defense against the Dark Arts this year.”

“Ah, I will get that for you and one or two other books you might want to look at as well.”

“Thank you,” she said.

He squeezed her hand lightly and said, “Not a problem. I am just so happy that you are back. I have missed my favorite borrower.”

He brought back the book she wanted and a few more. She went back to her room and started to read until she heard the bell that signaled that she needed to get back to the classroom and its cursed denizen.

She arrived just as the class started. This time it was the class she would be graduating with. Again he tested their knowledge to see what they knew or thought they knew. She sat with the class and observed his cutting wit but there was a kindness behind it that she had not expected from the Dark One.

At dinner that night the topic of discussion was the new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher as the students tried to sort out who he was based on the answers to the questions that they asked. He had told her that two classes had asked the exact same question but after lunch the question changed slightly. Not that they learned much from his answers.

She glanced up at the table where the professors, head masters, and teachers all ate. One of the newer in their number besides Rumplestilskin was Albus Dumbledore who had been two years ahead of her at the school. So four years out and he was back teaching the History of Magic to the first and second years. The girls around her considered him rather handsome. She didn’t see it. Rumplestilskin and Dumbledore seemed to be in deep discussion about something that neither was giving to the other on.

She went back to her dorm room and continued to skim through the black fairy book trying to find the story she knew was in there. The Dark One showed up in a number of stories through out the book but she had remember one where a poor spinner had been tricked into being the Dark One. She found it strange that he called himself by a name rather than by Dark One. Names had power and he was handing his out like it was no big deal.

Her roommates came back from the common room and had gone to sleep while she read after casting Luminos. She fell asleep while reading and woke up very stiff from the strange position she found herself in. There had been a dream. It was just in the corner of her mind but she felt it was important.

[liveindiatimes]

Not Ganguly, not Vaughan: Shane Warne names best captain he played against in his career - cricket

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Not Ganguly, not Vaughan: Shane Warne names best captain he played against in his career - cricket

Former Australian spinner Shane Warne on Thursday termed former New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming as the best captain he played against in his career. “Stephen Fleming was the best captain I played against in my time, he knew how to get the best of his team-mates. He should have made more hundreds,” Warne said during an Instagram Live session.

The top-order batsman and skipper played 111 Tests for Kiwis and scored 7172 runs with an average of 40.06.

In 280 ODIs, Fleming scored 8037 runs which included eight centuries and 49 fifties. Fleming led the side in 80 Test matches, out of which he won 28 and lost 27. In 218 ODIs he led New Zealand to 98 win and 106 defeats.

Warne also picked him as his greatest Kiwis team skipper in a side which also has Shane Bond, Daniel Vettori, Brendon McCullum, Danny Morrison and Martin Crowe.

ALSO READ: Warne’s Pakistan XI: Stellar 90s star cast with Wasim Akram as captain

Warne’s greatest New Zealand XI: John Wright, Brendon McCullum, Andrew Jones, Martin Crowe, Stephen Fleming (c), Nathan Astle, Chris Cairns, Daniel Vettori, Shane Bond, Simon Doull and Danny Morrison.

“Vettori turned himself into an amazing all-rounder, he scored few hundreds in his career,” Warne applauded spinner for his batting skills.

Vettori scored 4531 runs and scalped 362 wickets in 113 Tests. In 295 ODIs, he picked 305 wickets and amassed 2253 runs.

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