#will definitely be drawing more brawlers again

[joshbruh10x]

Guess who's back at their Brawl Stars phase yet again

Bet you guys can't guess who I main

IT HAS BEEN 2 YEARS SINCE I'VE TOUCHED THIS GAME AND THE FIRST THINGS I DO IS PICK MY BOY UP AND FUCK UP SOME PEOPLE IN SHOWDOWN BABY

I def did not spend like an hour pushing him to Rank 20

And no I did not buy his Kaiju skin the first moment I saw it

[averys-happy-space]

putting this here more for myself than anything. i wanna be able to look back at it in a year and see how its changed. explanations for each section under the cut

ship i loved at first sight: tara x piper. i don't know what the ship name is. taper? pira? pira seems nicer lol. anyway, tara used to be my favourite brawler (and is still up there in my top 5) and i think the first time i saw tara x piper fanart was on reddit. it was by Xpyray and i swear to god ive never fallen in love with a ship faster. their art is so fucking good and they dont rlly draw brawl stuff anymore but i still follow them cuz their art is so so so pretty (please go follow them if youre reading this). anyway so yeah thats how tara x piper became my fav ship.

ships i initially didn't like: rico x piper, shelly x colt imma be fr at the start i didn't really Get these ships. but after watching some of the official animations and learning more of the lore, i started to appreciate these ships more. i don't love them or anything but they can be cute

ships i don't like anymore: sandy x nita, leon x jessie, sandy x leon there is no real reason for this other than the fact that i simply stopped liking them as i grew up. as i was making this i realised that when i was younger i used to like the ships with the kids/teens more, but now i'm 17 and i'm just not interested in them anymore. i guess thats what happens when you grow up lol. these ships are still cute, but i just don't engage with them anymore

favourite popular ships: mandy x chester, fang x buster so a bit of background, i actually quit brawl stars for a while, i think after the gale brawl pass. i dont really remember why, but its probably because i just got bored of the game lol. i think that also played into why i'm no longer interested in the same ships as before. anyway, i came back this year during the bizarre circus brawl pass and accidentally fell in love with these two ships. honestly, i'm not even entirely sure why i fell in love with these two ships in particular. chester definitely caught my eye when i came back to the game because a) i love clowns b) i love a good troll c) i love the random XD energy chester has and d) he has super interesting & fun game mechanics. i have no interest in mandy really but then i saw One suggestive mandy x chester fanart that went hard af and suddenly i was on board lmao. on the other hand fang and buster were two characters that i took some time to fall in love with, but now they're my favourites lol it's so strange. i really don't know how it happened.

favourite rarepair: amber x maisie i was looking at a diagram of all the trios so far because i was brainstorming ideas for who to include in a fanfic and as i was looking at it, suddenly it Clicked in my mind that amber x maisie would go hard af. like think about it. overconfident fire entertainer who gets so swept up in performances that she forgets about safety x safety coordinator with a fire extinguisher for an arm who secretly likes being in dangerous situations? come on!!!! im surprised more people havent thought of this pairing cuz as soon as it clicked for me it seemed like such an obvious pairing to do. but then again they've never interacted in any animation/promo material/etc so i guess it's not a pair people would just think of without prompting. but it's so fucking good!!!! more people need to get in on this ship.

controversial ship: none here's the thing. i don't know any controversial ships that i can see myself shipping. the most controversial one i know is probably edgar x colette but i see them as siblings so i don't ship it nor do i engage with fanart of them. edgar and colette ships in general are probably controversial seeing as both of them don't have canon ages and it's vague enough that people are always talking about whether they're adults or minors. but i personally see both of them as older teens so i don't ship them with anyone. (to me, they're too old to hang out with the kid brawlers but also too young to hang out with the adult brawlers. it's weird because there's no other brawlers where i see them as teens, so in my mind edgar and colette both have 0 shipping potential)

ships i want to become canon the most: amber x maisie, fang x buster they're my current favourite ships. what else to say.

comfort ship: fang x buster i think about them All the Fucking Time. lowkey i started to project on fang a bit just cuz i like him so much. i don't even know why or how i started liking him this much but he's my favourite brawler now and it's horrible. i think the seal in the coffin was @/giveittomegay's fanart of them. THEY'RE SO FUCKING CUTE. like omfg. confident, charismatic chinese immigrant who just arrived at starr park x introverted insecure white guy who doesn't know how to approach others. slowburn where they become closer through working at the cinema and buster realises he's fallen in love basically immediately but fang hasn't realised his own sexuality (has had crushes on girls before so always assumed he was straight) and doesn't realise he's in love with buster until maisie straight up tells him. fang's confidence means he jokingly flirts with buster all the time because he thinks it's funny to tease the guy and make him flustered but doesn't realise buster gets flustered because he likes fang. fang is fucking stupid. also, i think using fang x shelly here as a conflict plot point would be so good. like, fang seeing a pretty girl and approaching her, flirting with her, etc. i like to think fang is dense as fuck and would genuinely believe he's in love with shelly despite buster occupying 90% of his thoughts because his thought process would be something along the lines of "oh, i just think about him a lot cuz he's my best friend, i'm sure this is all regular, normal bff things". and buster just fucking dying inside but not saying anything because he thinks it's none of his business and he shouldn't interfere in fang's love life. MAISIE WATCHING ALL THIS HAPPEN AND WANTING TO MURDER BOTH OF THEM FOR BEING SO DENSE. like ohhhhhh my god there is so much potential here it's fucking insane. side note: fang doesn't have anything against gay people. i like to think maisie x amber comes way before fang x buster, so fang knows gay people exist and like he is perfectly fine and comfortable being around them, he's just so stupidly dense that he doesn't realise HE is gay (or more specifically bi). he also assumes buster is straight because default sexuality and whenever fang makes jokes based on this assumption buster never corrects him. because buster is a pussy. god. i want to write this fanfic so bad but i'm so fucking bad at writing dialogue it's insane.

ships that deserve more attention: amber x maisie, brock x bibi, barley x bull, max x janet LET ME COOK HERE OKAY. amber x maisie i already explained above. brock x bibi (i call them bibrock) is because it's noted in bibi's bio that she's secretly a huge nerd and i think it would be super cute for her to have a bf who she can indulge in nerdy and geeky shit with. to me they're both massive comic book fans who become close by playing all the superhero video games together before branching out to other games. they're console gamers btw and they get SUPER competitive whenever they're playing against each other. but they also do play coop games where they work together. usually brock is the one who does a lot of theorycrafting and tries to minmax his grind so he can get all the resources in the most optimal and time efficient way possible, whereas bibi prefers just going into fights and wrecking havoc lol. barley x bull is because they're both restaurant owners/servers (barley has his bar, bull has his diner) and i think they would bond over shitty customers and interesting food/drink recipes. they're both also familiar with having fights break out in their establishment and are fully capable of shutting fights down, even if it means getting their hands dirty. they think they're on opposite ends of the spectrum but they're actually more similar than they realise. for sure a very slowburn romance (especially because i think bull would be denial about liking a fucking robot lmfao) max x janet is because they're both celebrity entertainers. yeah, that's it. no but seriously i see max as someone who puts up an outgoing persona in public and is generally a very hyper, high energy person but at the same time, she tends to keep people at a distance because she's scared of intimacy. before janet, her closest friends are surge and meg. surge kind of Knows something is up with her because every time he tried to ask about her past she clammed up and gave noncommittal responses. he worries about her but doesn't know what to do about it so he just tries to make her happy in the present. meg is a kid so she doesn't realise anything is wrong lol. hanging out with meg and surge makes max happy and she considers them family, but she still has a wall up around her true self. janet is the one who is finally able to help max come out of her shell and address her past trauma. it also helps that max thinks janet is very pretty and desperately wants to kiss her. this is canon btw don't question me.

first otp: tara x piper | current otp: fang x buster i basically said all i have to say about these ships so yeah. that's it.

[audriel]

let's start thinkin' bout it

Qiao Yifan suddenly finds himself several years in the past. And somehow, so does Fang Rui.

Inspired by just stop thinkin' bout it by Syncogon

Special thanks to Syncogon who gives me permission to write a continuation for their wonderfully intriguing time-travel story with my favorite characters: Fang Rui and Qiao Yifan. Special mention to everyone in TKA Discord who gives me encouragement to write and publish more, and who also looks forward for more in this universe. I hope I do not disappoint. Happy Chinese New Year!

After parting ways with Qiao Yifan, Fang Rui rushes back to where Wind Howl is seated in the stadium, barely restraining himself from running straight to Lin Jingyan and drawing everyone’s attention. He can barely think of the further implications of them both back in the past, or whether they are really in their past. All he can think of is his old captain, his teacher, his friend, and the turning point with this Rookie Challenge.

Fang Rui is never one to hold a grudge. However, Tang Hao comes close. He acknowledges his strength, and has noticed him early on. How he cannot, when the younger man is also Brawler like the captain and core player of his team. He also knows better than anyone else of Lin Jingyan’s declining performance. However, he cannot really forgive Tang Hao for bringing attention to it in the Rookie Challenge and all the while dismissing Lin Jingyan’s achievements. In the case of the latter, even old Sun Xiang is better, though probably Su Mucheng will disagree. His only female captain is never one to be trifled with, she definitely can hold a grudge or two.

Fang Rui arrives right when Lin Jingyan’s name comes out from Tang Hao on the stage, and he feels the vice grip around his heart tightens.

He’s too late.

“...the junior will succeed the senior.”

The stadium is in uproar. Wind Howl is in uproar, but Fang Rui has only eyes for Lin Jingyan.

“Well, how about that? You, and now, me. It seems we’re pretty popular with the rookies.” Lin Jingyan chuckles lightly, remaining calm in front of the disrespect shown by Tang Hao. He stands up, prepared to go down, only for his wrist to be caught firmly by his vice captain.

“Fang Rui?”

Fang Rui draws a blank. Now it has come to this, and he still cannot find the words. What to say? This time, he really, really looks at his captain. This Lin Jingyan’s face is open, unguarded, without the glasses worn with his red and black Tyranny uniform. He still has hope, fleeting as it is, of the future. Fang Rui has failed as his partner to keep it alive in his last year in Wind Howl. He only regained them in Tyranny.

“...a Brawler is not a Striker,” is the first sentence that first comes to mind. Lin Jingyan blinks in surprise at the serious tone. “There’s more to Glory than speed and mechanics. Glory is not that simple.”

“Gotta play dirty huh?” Somehow his partner manages to recall the supposed reminder to himself.

“Last time I checked we’re Wind Howl, not Tyranny.” In a complete change of attitude, Fang Rui shows his disdain as he releases Lin Jingyan’s wrist.

That actually gets a laugh out of Lin Jingyan. He waves his hand, there’s lightness in his gesture, “I’ll keep it in mind.”

Fang Rui watches him leave before returning to his seat. Only Ruan Yongbin dares to lean into him.

“What do you think? Can Tang Hao win?”

“Anything can happen.” Fang Rui can sense Ruan Yongbin’s surprise. He’s surprised with his own calmness. He already does what he can. It’s all up to Lin Jingyan now.

There’s still half a season left. Even if Lin Jingyan loses again, it’s not the end. Fang Rui can still make the best of it. With his skill and experience, he can and will do better, if only to give his old captain a better ending in Wind Howl.

Fang Rui has faced off against worse odds and come up victorious. This won’t be any different.  

When he turns his attention to the game, Fang Rui is greeted with a pleasant surprise: Lin Jingyan doesn’t rush forward. The older man takes his time to explore the map. Tang Hao doesn’t choose an arena, so the environment is not completely bare, which is actually advantageous to Lin Jingyan, but one he didn’t previously make full use of, thinking that he had to meet the other head-on.

This alone already sets things apart from the past he remembers. He finds himself leaning forward in interest. It might not be much, but if Tang Hao expects a quick, easy match, he’s going to be proven wrong. After all, Lin Jingyan is the half of the Criminal Partners, and dirty playing requires cunning.

Tang Hao’s Delilo fights like a Striker, reminiscent of the King of Fighters, easily making the crowd pumped up and cheering for him. However, ultimately a Brawler is not a Striker. Its strength lies in its ability to control its opponent. No one utilizes it better than the Number 1 Brawler. Lin Jingyan masterfully keeps his distance and maintains the rhythm. When he takes hits, he makes sure to leave himself a way out. When he lands his skills, he makes sure to achieve the maximum effect. His retreats are as timely as his attacks.

Lin Jingyan is not losing to Tang Hao.  

For the ordinary players, it seems that Tang Hao has the upper hand, but for professional players, bold, fierce Tang Hao is struggling against calm, patient Lin Jingyan. However, in the end all it takes is for one mistake, a slight opening from Lin Jingyan, for Tang Hao to rush in and overwhelm the older Brawler player with his superior speed and mechanics. 

Demon Subduer falls. Delilo is left with 9% health remaining. 

Fang Rui leans back on his seat with a smile on his face, in contrast to the dismayed faces of the other Wind Howl members. Lin Jingyan loses, but this time around, with a close match instead of the overwhelming loss. It might not mean much, but it does show that Lin Jingyan fought the match with a different mindset this time around.

Lin Jingyan is the first to come down from the platform. He doesn’t lose his gentle and pleasant demeanor. Meanwhile, Tang Hao takes his time, even when finally does, he hasn’t quite managed to hide his emotions. He’s not satisfied. It’s definitely not the kind of match or victory he expected. They meet in the middle and shake hands.

“You played well…” Lin Jingyan smiles, hiding his true emotions, but surprisingly he continues, “But it’s not easy, isn’t it?”

“The junior will succeed the senior.” The change of wording reflects the change in Tang Hao’s confidence without losing the belief and persistence that is inherent in top professional players that Lin Jingyan cannot help but admire. Before the master of ceremonies could say anything, the two finish shaking hands, wave towards the audience and leave the stage. Fang Rui’s eyes never leave the figure of the Wind Howl captain, so does the smile on his face until the man returns to Wind Howl area. Fang Rui likes what he sees.

“How is it?” Fang Rui asks, not paying attention to the silent teammates around him.

“Like seeing my past self.” There’s a hint of nostalgia under the observation, but the statement is matter of fact. Lin Jingyan used to fight like Tang Hao, but he didn’t regret changing his playstyle. He believes that dirty playstyle is the reason why he can stand on the professional stage as long as he is when many of his peers didn’t, even when he’s nothing special.

“I’m pretty sure you’re much more polite and better behaved,” Fang Rui disagrees, drawing choked off sounds of surprise and amusement from their team. “And more handsome too.”

Lin Jingyan laughs. “You only said that because you’re my vice captain and partner.”

“And that he had a crush on you.” Ruan Yongbin adds, that traitor. “Oooh, Captain Lin is so handsome. He’s so close to me today. Did I impress him with the move?”

“Oh, shut up.” Fang Rui brings his yearmate and former roommate into a chokehold. He doesn’t hide the grin when he hears the snickering from the teammates. This is much better than the previous awkward silence. It’ll take more to regain their confidence in their captain. Action is louder than words after all. But it’s a challenge he’s ready to tackle.

Before that, he’ll need to sit down and talk with his little captain.

***

Qiao Yifan walks down the familiar dark passageways in a daze. He has immediately excused himself after his Rookie Challenge, not quite ready for the questioning from the former-now-current Tiny Herb captain and team members. He isn’t quite sure where he’s going, all he knows that he needs a quiet space to gather his thoughts. He has pinched himself numerous times, but he’s still not convinced everything is real. He has really returned to his younger self. He tries to recall what he did before he was back in the past, but nothing really stands out except… 

Qiao Yifan finally managed to extricate himself from the teary-eyed and snot-nosed bunch with the help of Luo Ji, who was restraining his laughter. His own calm and rational vice captain and recently appointed Happy’s new captain was surprisingly not helpful, his glassy, watery eyes actually made it harder. Boss Chen was worse. If it wasn’t for Senior Wei, and Sister Mu, he was certain she would have bawled her eyes out as the last remaining members of the original Team Happy finally retired. 

He remembered reminiscing with Luo Ji as they walked towards their rooms and parting with smiles when they entered their respective places. Many voices from the outside and even inside of the team said that his retirement was regrettable, especially considering what Happy has achieved under his leadership. They thought being a support, not unlike Yu Wenzhou, he could have stayed longer on the professional stage, and had his career with a more satisfying ending.

He disagreed wholeheartedly. He couldn’t ask for a better ending for himself, and… his gaze fell upon the picture of Happy in the early years. He was already 28 years old, the same age when Senior Ye retired for the second and final time… and older than the age when Sister Mu and Brother Rui retired.

He has learned from his seniors not to regret anything and to keep moving forward, to learn from the past but never let it shape the future, that the future is theirs to create. He really had no regrets, really. 

But in the dark and silent room, with only himself as company, the retired Captain Qiao Yifan of Team Happy, allowed himself a rare moment of weakness… and wished.

Could it be…?

Qiao Yifan’s steps stumble into a halt, his breath catches in his throat.

However, before the thought can form, a familiar voice rings out.

“Interesting choice of challenging the master of playing dirty.”

Qiao Yifan is blinking back tears when he recognizes the figure slowly stepping out from the darkness. After his final retirement, Ye Xiu didn’t completely disappear from their lives, he always made sure to be there when they needed him the most, but he purposefully maintained his distance. He knew how much he meant for Happy. While he had made the preparations, including letting them play without him in the team competitions in the tenth season, Ye Xiu had always been a steady, reassuring presence for Happy. He was there leading them in strategy meetings, he was guiding them in their practice matches, he was there on the sidelines during games. All they needed was to turn their heads, and there he was.

All the Chinese Glory team members have gained invaluable experience from the World Invitationals. Against the strongest players around the world, they kept challenging their limits, improving themselves, until they won the ultimate Glory for the country. Their fans hoped that their favorite players would bring their team into greater heights once they returned to the domestic league. However, it was easier said than done. 

The reason why they could perform their absolute best on the world stage was because they had the best teammates, tacticians and leaders to bring out their potential. It was not always the case with their original teams. In the new season, Happy was becoming not the only team that was going through a running-in period, even though they were still the worst off since they lost their core and ace player. With one exception: 

Tyranny.

Tyranny became a terrifying, indomitable presence in the new season. Han Wenqing, who chose to focus on the team, has laid the groundwork and strengthened the foundation for when Zhang Xinjie and Zhang Jiale returned abroad, the adjustment was relatively smooth and seamless, all the while the veterans were still doing rotation. 

And Qiao Yifan was entrusted as the commander in the team competition in their first match in the regular season against Tyranny. 

It wasn’t his first time commanding in a team competition. However, in the new team arrangement, the commander was still most often either Su Mucheng or Fang Rui. The latter was actually a surprise to many. He protested vehemently, but neither the captain nor vice captain budged with their decision. Qiao Yifan felt the pressure keenly.

To no one’s surprise, Happy suffered a crushing defeat at the team competition. It could even barely be called a fight. Their only saving grace was they got points off from individual competition and group arena. It didn’t stop the reporters from descending upon them like vultures. Qiao Yifan insisted on coming to the post-match press conference, and if it hadn’t been for Fang Rui and Su Mucheng, he would’ve caved under the pressure.

They were hit hard with the loss. It has been a while since they felt so powerless. Qiao Yifan found himself looking at the places where Ye Xiu used to be, and he realized that he was not the only one. He had even been staring at Ye Xiu’s number on his phone, opening and closing the chat box. He couldn’t help thinking and wishing badly for his senior’s reassuring presence and words.

Only for the wishful thinking to be crushed immediately by their new captain and vice captain in the strategic meeting. From the beginning, it was intended as a harsh wake up call from Su Mucheng and Fang Rui, to lose their dependence on Ye Xiu. 

Before, Ye Xiu has taken care of everything for them, so they didn’t need to worry about anything and only focused on themselves. It was time for them to return the favor, for them to take care of everything so he could focus on himself.

Qiao Yifan felt so ashamed and embarrassed of himself at the reminder that he really wished he could dig a deep hole and hide inside it forever, his body hunching over as if he could do so. A warm, affectionate hand messed up his hair before settling on his shoulder.

“Bad news, we’re hitting rock bottom. Good news, the only way to go is up.” Cheerful, lively voice broke through the gloom. This voice and the owner of the voice later became among the reliable constants in Happy.

He’s very clever and very adaptable. And he’s a very strong team player. There’s a lot that I would like to learn from him.

There is no single untruth in his words. Fang Rui was and is all of that and more for Qiao Yifan and for Happy. 

Su Mucheng is really the captain, the leader they need after Ye Xiu, it was only a matter of time until Happy saw her no differently than Ye Xiu and proudly claimed her as their captain. 

But Fang Rui… Fang Rui has been everything that they asked of him. His adaptability is not limited onstage, but also offstage. For Qiao Yifan, he is his senior, his vice captain, his teacher, his friend… and his brother. 

And so, even in front of his most admired, respected and beloved captain, to whom he owed his life twice over, and the least likely to think badly of Fang Rui, Qiao Yifan will readily and staunchly defend his brother.

“Senior Fang is more than just the master of dirty playing.” The words slip out easily from his lips. Qiao Yifan cannot recall how many times he has defended Happy’s best vice captain and he will not stop doing so. “He’s the master at understanding people’s psychology and utilizing them to make opportunities. And as a Ghostblade, especially a Phantom Demon whose skills need casting, he’s the best I can learn from.” 

Ye Xiu shows a surprised, but pleased smile. Dirty playing is looked down on by most, particularly by the younger generation. And yet one of them actually sees the value in the playstyle and is willing to learn and use them for themselves. It makes him look forward to the future of this young man. He already had a good impression of Qiao Yifan with his courage to switch classes and his willingness to learn, and now he also displays wisdom and maturity rarely seen in younger players. 

Most of them are unable to understand the reason why such a disdainful playstyle can be so difficult, so oppressive. It’s only possible due to Fang Rui’s masterful grasp of his opponent’s psychology. Simple, straightforward rookies are the easiest for him. For Qiao Yifan to be able to see the value of Fang Rui’s dirty playing and go toe-to-toe with him in the Rookie Challenge sets him apart from other rookies.

“Indeed. Excellent choice.” Qiao Yifan couldn’t help the pleased flush at the acknowledgement for himself and Fang Rui. Ye Xiu continues, “It’s impressive how you’re able to deal with Fang Rui’s dirty playing tactics. Rookies tend to have difficulty going against him.”

Except Happy rookies, that is. Qiao Yifan silently adds. They are fortunate not to have experienced Fang Rui as an opponent onstage. By the time they got to know Fang Rui, it was as the senior pro player in the middle of the pains of changing classes. They even had their turn in beating up his Qi Master. Then once after he reclaimed his title as god, he was their vice captain and teammate first. He will not treat them as an opponent and neither will they, not like Zhao Yuzhe.

“Ah, I suppose I’ve been watching his videos as much as Senior Li.” That’s not exactly a lie, at least not in his previous life.

“Too bad Fang Rui never faced Li Xuan. It’ll be an interesting study for me and you both.”

“I’ve thought so too.” Qiao Yifan agrees wholeheartedly. Wu Yuce is the Ghostblade that most often ends up as Fang Rui’s opponent, especially as a Thief. Though after transforming into Qi Master and becoming Happy’s defending general, Fang Rui has encountered all the core players at least once, including Li Xuan. It has been such an eye-opening match for Qiao Yifan in particular, who looks up to them both. It inspired his breakthrough.

Then Qiao Yifan realizes he shouldn’t have recognized the reclusive god and chatted so casually like this. “Um, Senior… Do I know you? Your voice sounds familiar…”

“What do you think, Little Qiao?”

“God Ye Qiu!” Qiao Yifan nearly bites his tongue, barely avoiding the mistake of calling the Glory legend by his real name. “Why is Senior here?”

“Sightseeing. Getting a feel of being an audience.” Ye Xiu shrugs nonchalantly. Qiao Yifan has to push down the amusement at such Ye Xiu-like answer, but at the same time is at loss what else he can say to his senior. While the rest of his memories around this time are hazy, the memory of his first face-to-face meeting with Ye Xiu is one of the most clear and vivid, and he’s not sure how to bring it up when they barely know each other. Qiao Yifan’s grown a lot since he met Ye Xiu and he has become a captain and a god-level player in his own right, but in front of his most respected and admired seniors, he always feels like he was back as the young, inexperienced junior.

“What is it, Little Qiao?” Ye Xiu breaks his conundrum with ease, noticing the little Phantom Demon player struggling with something.

“...Is it really okay?” Qiao Yifan blurts out what first comes to mind. He clarifies at the confused blink from Ye Xiu, “Being an audience.”

Nothing changes in his expression, but somehow Qiao Yifan feels like Ye Xiu is truly, truly looking at him, like an all-seeing god looking from above. Instinctively he draws himself up, not wanting to be found lacking. When Ye Xiu smiles, Qiao Yifan finds himself released from the pressure.

“Of course not. Even though I’m a bit old, I’m not done yet!”

“You’re going to come back?” Qiao Yifan barely keeps his excitement in check.

“All I need is an opportunity. Just like you’re looking for yours. Keep up the good work, Little Qiao.” Ye Xiu says as he turns around. He waves his hands at Qiao Yifan and slips away into the darkness.

“...Yes, Senior!”

Once Ye Xiu leaves, Qiao Yifan unconsciously stands tall, his eyes bright and determined in the darkness. It is no longer young, inexperienced Qiao Yifan standing there, instead it is Captain Qiao Yifan of Team Happy.

“I’ll create that opportunity for you, Captain.”

It’s a promise.

Fang Rui walks out from the hotel room he’s staying in with Lin Jingyan with an easy heart. In the previous life, in the future-past, in the past-future, or whatever, the silence was oppressive, the conversation was awkward and stilted between them. For once, words eluded Fang Rui. He could never hate himself as much as he did back then. 

***

This time around Fang Rui doesn’t really need to say anything, Lin Jingyan takes all the words that can be said from his own mouth. He has been the one to bring up his own declining condition and his determination to bring Wind Howl to the playoffs. All Fang Rui needs to do is give his whole support and help in whatever way he can. He might need to brush up his skills again and get used to high-intensity matches after such a peaceful retirement life, but he’s confident with his much younger body it’s only a matter of time. Unconsciously he raises and flexes his left hand. 

However, what he can offer now is the invaluable experience from high-level matches, both domestic and abroad. He’s no master tactician, but spending much of his time around the master tacticians of old and new, two of whom are his captains, Fang Rui learns more than a thing or two. Though it’ll be harder to explain, especially to Lin Jingyan who knows him so well. Well, that’s a worry for another day. Let’s just take one step at a time.

Fang Rui puts on a beanie over his short hair and non-prescription glasses as he goes to the milk tea shop that Happy often frequents during their visits to Shanghai as their meeting place. It doesn’t take him long to find Qiao Yifan in the relatively deserted shop. Being the transparent Tiny Herb player, he doesn’t really need any disguises. Though honestly, Fang Rui would recognize him anywhere, disguise or no disguise.

Seeing his serious expression, Fang Rui silences his steps as he approaches the younger man who is busy writing on the table. Sneakily, not unlike Doubtful Demon and Boundless Sea in his hands, he stands behind the oblivious Qiao Yifan.

“Boo!” Fang Rui whispers close to his ear.

“Ah!” Qiao Yifan jumps in surprise, the pen slips from his fingers. Fang Rui, expecting the reaction, quickly catches it from the air. “Brother Rui!” His little captain scolds him, but Fang Rui cannot maintain a straight face, he bursts into laughter instead.

It’s been a while he’s seen his little captain so young and chubby-cheeked. He cannot resist pinching those cheeks. Being too preoccupied with his time travel or whatever this is, only now he notices how adorable young Qiao Yifan is. 

“Can you stop pinching my cheeks?” It might be because he returns into his younger body, Qiao Yifan’s protests are more like a petulant teenager’s, and thanks to professional hand speed, this time it is the hair that’s gotten ruffled.

“Your fault for being so cute and adorable.” Fang Rui being Fang Rui, he’s not apologetic. If anything, he’s very satisfied having pinched those soft cheeks and ruffled the still-relatively-long and boyish haircut. Fang Rui plops down on the empty seat across Qiao Yifan, picking up the drink placed on the table, unsurprised that it is exactly as he likes it.

“So, what you’ve got so far in that notebook of yours, Little Captain?” Fang Rui asks as he chews the boba with a sense of nostalgia. Chinese milk tea is sure different, he mulls absently as he glances at the notebook, a habit Qiao Yifan picks up from Yu Wenzhou.

“I think… It’s my fault?”

“How do you come to that conclusion?” Fang Rui gives him an incredulous look, “Last time I checked you didn’t have supernatural power to send us back to the past.”

“Um.” Qiao Yifan rubs his nose, an all too familiar gesture of discomfort and vulnerability. He’s grown out of that habit slowly as he took over captaincy, but it has the tendency to show up under tremendous stress or complete unpreparedness, which this time travel situation certainly counts as both.

“Start from the beginning.” Those familiar words ground Qiao Yifan, he finds himself calming down easily when he has actually been stressing himself out while waiting for Fang Rui. Those words and the person have helped him many times when he overthinks things, getting him out of the spiral he’s fallen into and finding the right words and action. He breathes in, and starts with a question.

“What did you remember last?” Before jumping to conclusion, Qiao Yifan needs to make sure of a few things first. Fang Rui tries to recall what he was doing. He really hasn’t thought about it.

“Hmm… I was at the airport, texting Old Ye on the phone.” Qiao Yifan blinks in surprise at the unexpected answer. “Our Yifan is retiring. Of course we’ll be coming to celebrate in person.”

Qiao Yifan gets choked up. Several times he tries to speak only to stop.

“We’ve been so busy that we barely visited or kept in touch. Old Ye is even worse, considering he’s based on China. So I just decided to hell with it when I saw your press conference to go back and force that irresponsible guy to pick me up and visit the team together. You know how bad he is at taking initiative. I also managed to get Little Tang on it.”

“Sister Rou too?” Qiao Yifan laughs in disbelief.

“She’s not as bad as us, but it’s been a while for her too. And she’s in Beijing, so she’s the best person in case Old Ye needs to be strong armed.”

“Oh.” Qiao Yifan’s heart feels so full that he’s at a loss of words. 

Fang Rui can only feel sad and regretful to see how happy and bright the younger man’s expression is. Qiao Yifan has always been a kind and considerate child. He might have wanted to see them more, but he wouldn’t say anything and be understanding when the older members of Team Happy cannot keep in touch regularly. He might have thought that his retirement is not important enough for him to ask for them to come and visit. Somehow, Fang Rui has a feeling that their current situation is not unrelated.

“We had a small party after the press conference back in Forest Park. It was late after I returned to the room. I…” Qiao Yifan pauses, glancing at Fang Rui. Encouraged by the quiet and patient understanding, he continues. 

“Everyone keeps asking why I am retiring when I could have played longer, that I’d come to regret it… I don’t, I’m really sure I won’t.” Qiao Yifan speaks animatedly, as if he’s trying to convince Fang Rui, when the older man is the last person he needs to convince. “I just think it’s time, the team can and will do well without me.”

“...but?” Fang Rui gently nudges Qiao Yifan.

“I do have one regret, one wish,” Qiao Yifan finally speaks out. His voice trembled, betraying his nervousness. 

“I wish I had more time.” As if losing his courage, Qiao Yifan ducks his head down. 

Fang Rui looks at the bowed head, his eyes soften in understanding. Qiao Yifan doesn’t need to say more, he understands very well. Quite possibly what he feels is the shared feelings among the early members of Team Happy, many of them either started late or only had a few years left in the professional stage.

Being the youngest, Qiao Yifan is among the last of the original members of Happy to remain in the team. Having been there himself, he remembers how it felt like being left behind, abandoned even when it was simply a natural course of life. That feeling was gone as soon as it appeared, reason quickly kicking in. Although the feeling would come at his weakest moments, he’s learned to deal with it.

However, it must be harder for Qiao Yifan, knowing his circumstances. For him, Happy is the only home he has. Having them leave one by one must not be easy. That was why he chose to stay for another year when Qiao Yifan made the plea before he was about to announce his retirement after the finals in the Golden Season, or what Season 13 was known as with many of the Golden Generation giving their best, most dazzling performance, like a burning star at the end of its life. 

Fang Rui was no different, having changed classes and reclaimed his old class alongside his new one, led Happy through the most difficult time in the wake of Ye Xiu’s retirement and competed in domestic and international league year after year, he was burned out, like Su Mucheng and Ye Xiu before him.

By then, Happy’s rookies were no longer rookies, they were gods in the making, if not already, he would be only a hindrance for them. He didn’t need another championship. He wanted more, of course he did, he would never lose his desire and pursuit of victory, but his definition of victory is and has never been limited to all the trophies and awards. What he also considers as a victory is when the team he has come to love and cherish, to grow and flourish, to surpass their predecessors and stand in their own glory. 

Team Happy lost in the finals, but Fang Rui had seen a glimpse of the future, a shining, glorious future… and he didn’t see himself in that future. He was actually happy at the realization, barely suppressing his smile when he saw the frustrated faces on his team. He already made up his mind back then, only for one sentence from one person to change it.

“Can you not go?”

The words didn’t come from the youngest member of the team. They didn’t come from the successor he intended to take over Boundless Sea. They didn’t come from their soft-hearted boss. Instead it came from the strong, reliable captain of Happy.

Fang Rui’s heart broke for this young man. At that moment, he looked like a lost child.

“Okay.” He made the concession. He had only eyes for his little captain, but he didn’t fail to notice how everyone in the room perked up, including their lady boss. “However, I will mainly stay on the bench. You’re going to carry me to the finals. I’m expecting another Championship for my retirement.”

And he did. 

Happy did it.

Happy matched the old Excellent Era’s record. Fang Rui and the remaining members of the original team are the first to have three championship rings in the domestic league, second only to Ye Xiu who have four of them, beating Zhou Zekai of his generation and the Golden Generation. Happy also made their own record being the only team that have won both domestic and international league.

Team Happy had converged around him when they won the finals of Season 14. His bold, daring little Captain dared to put their oldest senior who didn’t play as frequently as before in the all important match of the finals and of course, Fang Rui didn’t fail to live up to his captain’s expectation. He had made sure to do so since Ye Xiu picked him of all people to be Happy’s Qi Master. It was a beautiful sendoff, a perfect ending that he could ask for. He wasn’t oblivious to realize that Happy had managed to send away every single of their senior members of the original team with a championship. He was, is and always will be proud of them, the team that they are, and the captain that Qiao Yifan is.

Fang Rui places his hand on Qiao Yifan’s head gently.

“Then we will have more time.”

“That’s it?” So surprised with his response, Qiao Yifan dislodges Fang Rui’s hand at the speed he cranes his neck.

“Eh. We can try to sleep tonight and if we go back to our timeline, then have a good laugh and celebrate your retirement with all Team Happy members. Or…

“We don’t, and make sure we’ll have more time this time around.” Fang Rui states simply.

“It can’t be that simple.” Qiao Yifan frowns.

“It can.”

“It can’t.”

“Why not?”

“W-Well, there might be conditions?” Qiao Yifan offers. “Of going back, I mean.”

“So? How will we discover that unless we keep going? Or changing things up?”

“Should we even change things?” Qiao Yifan asks. He isn’t sure what he’s feeling, one side he’s afraid, terrified even. But on the other side, he’s excited, eager to change the future. 

“Eh,” Fang Rui merely shrugs. Qiao Yifan can only laugh at the nonchalance. It’s so Fang Rui. It’s so like his senior to make light of the absurd situation, which to be fair, Happy is a team that often encounters absurd situations, their own existence is one. The reminder actually brings a smile to Qiao Yifan’s face. His cautious nature can be detrimental at times if it goes unchecked. He’s learned to let go and take risks in the years in Happy, but in this current situation, when his actions could have changed things, could have made him lose everything precious to him, he was unwilling to do so.

“We’ll just keep things simple. We set a goal for ourselves, and deal with others as they come.”

“Happy.” They say it at the same time, which brings a huge relief to Qiao Yifan. He knows how important Lin Jingyan and Wind Howl are for Fang Rui, and considering what happened to them, he has wondered if Fang Rui wishes to do more for them and stay until his contract expires instead of transferring. Reading his mind, Fang Rui chuckles.

“Happy is home.” And Fang Rui meant it. 

He’s met many people, have been in different teams and workplaces, but Happy is the only place that feels like home besides his own. It doesn’t occur to him not to join Happy. If anything, he’d love to join earlier, and take part in the creation of the team.

“Wait… has Team Happy been created?” The thought only occurs to him.

“Oh. Not yet. It should be tomorrow.” Qiao Yifan looks at the rough timeline he has written in the notebook. Fang Rui leans forward to take a peek.

“...the Dragon Raises its Head?” Fang Rui can only recall that incident from this year’s All Stars.

“Because of that, Boss Chen figured out Senior’s true identity and decided to create the team to support him.” Qiao Yifan himself only knows their beloved boss’ retelling.

“That really sounds like Boss Chen, alright.” Fang Rui smiles fondly at their lady boss and big sister. “So the team only had Old Ye and Little Tang?”

“Senior didn’t ask me to join until I told him my contract with Tiny Herb expired.”

“Hmm, by then Steamed Bun and Old Wei have already joined.”

“Brother An, Luo Ji and Mo Fan joined around the registration period.”

“Old Ye really worked hard…” Fang Rui has heard the stories. Something else nags on him, though. “...Yifan, you wished for more time right?”

“Yes?”

“Did you think of anything specific when you wished for that? Because, usually in typical time-travel/regressor/reincarnation/isekai stories, it’s usually only the protagonist who comes back in time. Why am I too? Am I even the only one?”

“No, Senior Ye didn’t come back.” Recalling their earlier exchange, Qiao Yifan is sure of it. “I did think of you first when I suddenly found myself back in All Stars Season 8 Rookie Challenge, in the middle of the stadium floor, microphone in hand.”

“That must be nerve wracking.” Fang Rui raises his eyebrows in surprise. “But really? Of all people, me? Not Mucheng? Or Wenzhou?” He merely teases Qiao Yifan. He isn’t really surprised that in Qiao Yifan’s panic and confusion, he picked the one he’s spent the most time with, his old vice captain. He doesn’t really expect a response. However, looking at his expression, there might be another reason. It is brief, but Fang Rui has always been good at catching the slightest change and he thinks he can make a guess.

Fang Rui lays down his left arm on the table, turning his hand palm up.

“I’ve suspected that you knew.” Fang Rui smiles kindly, but it only makes Qiao Yifan upset. Knowing it is one thing, acknowledging it is another. Right now there’s only smooth skin, but in their past-future, there was a faint scar, a thin line across Fang Rui’s wrist, which was often covered with bracelets and wristbands. 

Qiao Yifan was only aware of it when Mo Fan came to him. He has noticed and wondered about the change of Fang Rui’s playstyle. It was not really obvious, even for those who were familiar with him. Only when Qiao Yifan paid attention to his hand speed and rhythm, he realized that Fang Rui had slowed down. Everyone hardly noticed because of the nature of the dirty playstyle, and later on, because of the rising skill level of Happy individual members. 

Regardless, Fang Rui remained an indispensable member of Happy and the national team. His flexible playstyle and high adaptability, not to mention his casual and playful nature, made him compatible with many players and strategies that he was more often than not master tacticians’ first choice. Qiao Yifan was not so naive to think that it wouldn’t impact Fang Rui’s condition, so he didn’t think much in the beginning. He was actually relieved that his vice captain took the steps to prolong his career lifespan. While his speed might decline, his performance did not. It didn’t cross his mind that Fang Rui’s condition had reached the point that he needed surgery.

Qiao Yifan was hit hard with the discovery. He had been angry at Fang Rui, at Mo Fan, but most of all, at himself for failing to notice that his vice captain had been injured so badly. He understood very well why Fang Rui did it, so he swallowed all the hurt and anger and channeled them into winning the championship, fearing the season would be his senior’s last. He wanted to prove that Happy was worth all the painstaking effort Fang Rui put in. Only to have his hopes shattered when Happy lost to Blue Rain in the finals, and Fang Rui announced his retirement to the team before the press conference.

He hadn’t wanted to be selfish. He really couldn’t ask Fang Rui to stay when he has given everything and more to Happy. He shouldn’t have asked him to stay.

But he asked anyway. 

He was prepared for the refusal, he could even imagine the gentle and kind words. He didn’t expect the concession. Fang Rui only agreed for another year, but it meant the world for Qiao Yifan.

Looking at the person in front of him, Qiao Yifan knows very well why it was Fang Rui of all people who was brought back to the past with him. But he cannot find the words.

“Well, I’m definitely not turning down the chance to do everything again. Even though it’s going to be a hassle to adapt to what… Level 70 skills?” The stinky face Fang Rui made elicits laughter from Qiao Yifan. 

Fang Rui never fails to find a way to lighten up the atmosphere. It’s also his subtle reminder that he has their back, that he understands even when there are no words between them.

“Damn. It looks like I’ve got a lot of work to do. It’s no different than having a new team, a new account, and a new class.” Fang Rui is already having a headache at the mere thought. He does miss the Glory competitive days, but he can do without the daily training.

“...I’m sorry.” Qiao Yifan winces, he hasn’t thought that far. He might be just a “water dispenser” in Tiny Herb but Fang Rui definitely isn’t. He has tried to take account of everything but the memories are hazy the further to the past they are, and he was limited to his own knowledge of the events. Qiao Yifan was only recently retired so he would have less difficulty in getting back into the competition mindset. Fang Rui waves his hand, knowing it cannot be helped.

“I’ve got a week until the next match. I’m going to need help to get into shape and find a somewhat believable explanation for the sudden changes in playstyle. Old Lin is sure to notice. You also need to be careful. Wang Jiexi might not realize any changes in you, but Old Ye certainly will.”

“Um… I think it’s a bit too late.” Qiao Yifan speaks out, showing the message Gao Yingjie sent to him earlier, telling him that the captain wanted to see him when he returned to the hotel. 

“Well, shit.” That pretty much summed up their current situation.

“Okay, change of plans. Let’s start with how you’re going to deal with good ol’ Wang, then we do the rest.”

“I should not call him Captain Wang then.” Qiao Yifan mulls over.

“Definitely not.” Why would a member of their own team call their own captain by their last name? “Don’t let slip and start calling him Big-Eyed Wang, either.”

“I’ve never-” Qiao Yifan coughs and splutters.

“Really?” Fang Rui raises an eyebrow.

Cunning and resourceful.

Those two words describe Happy best. They can be said to be the words Happy team members live by. They lay down the foundation of Happy’s individual and team playstyle. 

While Qiao Yifan remains polite and respectful as he comes to be Happy’s captain, which makes him a favorite among Happy team members of old and new, particularly for the reporters, he is still Happy’s captain who has received guidance and learned from Ye Xiu, Wei Chen and Fang Rui. He doesn’t often resort to dirty play enough to be considered a dirty player and doesn't often engage in trash talk to provoke others that people often forget. So at the most unexpected times, Qiao Yifan will pull an incredibly dirty play or a provocative sentence that is so unlike the calm and stable captain that opponents never fail to fall for it.  

Qiao Yifan definitely has called Wang Jiexi “Big-Eyed Wang” at least once. It doesn’t even matter if he never did it to his face.

“Careful. Don’t show your black heart yet, Little Captain.” Fang Rui teases Qiao Yifan, his eyes twinkling with mirth. This time Qiao Yifan genuinely and freely laughs.

“Says the person who taught us how to pull unexpected plays.” Being the longest-serving senior in the team, Fang Rui left his mark the most on Happy team members. His dirty playstyle shows up even in the aggressive Tang Rou, upright An Wenyi, and even textbook Luo Ji.

“That means I’m a good teacher, no?” Fang Rui considers that as his greatest achievement. Qiao Yifan doesn’t disagree, giggling at his senior’s proud face.

There’s so much work to do. There are so many familiar people, accounts, teams that they need to get to know again. There are their own younger bodies with their older selves; faster speed and reflexes but in discordance with their experienced minds. There are so many things to unlearn and relearn. There are events that cannot, should not be changed, and they do not know which events they are and which actions they are allowed to take.

When he was standing on the stage, as his mind kept thinking of all the ripple effects he might be causing, Qiao Yifan was absolutely frightened, and felt very lonely. However, right here right now, with his most reliable vice captain and senior…

Qiao Yifan no longer feels afraid.

Aaand.... That's a wrap! Well, not quite so. This can be taken as a one-shot, but is also open for more time-travel shenanigans. I have some ideas of the changes in the new timeline. Some ideas are easier to flesh out, while others require some research. If you have any comments or suggestions, please do so! It might help with the writing of future chapters. Thank you for reading!

[n3onstarss]

TMNT boys x terror bird yokai reader

reader can kinda shift between fully anthro yokai and more feral looking, for context reasons

Raphael

Ohhhh he's TOTALLY down bad. down horrendous, even

like, this man is the definition of a brawler on the team, but having a S/O who can take care of themselves in a fight

let alone a S/O who's species is made for hunting/fighting

just turns him to absolutely putty

especially if you have a softer side outside of fighting villains

cause, this person he loves can somehow be rage fueled and the most loving person ever?? at the drop of a dime? teach him your ways. /lh

definitely runs his hands through your feathers when y'all cuddle

the texture is nice and he's borderline never felt real feathers before, besides the down that rained from broken pillows after pillow fights-

will be small spoon if you're even a little taller than him, there's no fighting it. half an inch height difference? less? who cares. he's small spoon, period.

which is nice cause it proves he trusts you enough to be vulnerable and let you be the protector for once

lots of beak kisses and beak-to-beak boops

at first he's afraid to cuddle and crush you, but eventually you both take turns flopping onto each other and every opportunity. spikes and beaks be damned, you're GETTING those cuddles and so is he

Leonardo

bro BEGS you to let him ride on your back into battle

just once!

if you give in, you never hear the end of his exaggerated stories

Buddy doesn't even spoon

he just flops on top of you and passes out

down horrendous, period.

tall (probably-), strong AND he somehow bagged you? he firmly believes he peaked /lh

seeing you in battle? badass.

constantly bragging about you to Hueso, who doesn't believe you exist for a long time

until you suddenly roll up to Run of the Mill for pizza night

Leo definitely draws all over you if you let him, cloaking brooch or not

honestly doesn't care for the cloaking brooch, just loves seeing you however you prefer

he's just gonna.. hang off you sometimes. arm around your neck and make you support his full weight. eventually he learns he can just flop across your back whenever you're less anthro and chill and bam, new fav resting place

Donatello

this man can't decide if he wants to bite you, study you under a microscope or just stare at you forever u til he magically figures it out (affectionate)

what is he trying to figure out?

good question.

definitely makes you tech if you let him

and if not? makes little metal armor bits for the tip of your beak and claws, sharp and strong to help in battle

you're probably one of three people who can break him from his spirals

a single disapproving gaze and he is running to actually take care of himself for the first time in days.

i mean, gave you ever seen a shoebill stork mad?? now imagine that with a giant, carnivorous murder bird

little spoon but face to face, only way he accepts cuddles for the LONGEST time

absolutely tries to french braid your feathers to the point it becomes a stim when you're both just there, you're gonna end up with braided racing stripes from eye to tail someday

man you GOTTA just pick him up and hold him at some point. at first he'll dangle like a soggy kitten but after a while he mellows out and gets comfy.

make sure to check it's okay first, because he might fall asleep or it might be a no touch day, you'll never know until you know

Michelangelo

hhhhhhhhhhh bird

that's like the one thought in his head 40% of the time during battles

can't really process that that's.. y'know, his S/O, fighting villains and tearing shit up at first

DYEING FEATHERS HELLO

buys hair dye and prays it works on feathers, and it does! maybe. he uses the fast wash out stuff so he can do it again sooner

if a feather falls out and is given to him? (in passing or as courting) he makes a necklace out of them. he's got a little golden chain with a big ass feather on it that he wears sometimes for 'good luck'

cuddling is big, he's the smallest of the brothers and you're so fucking tall, he's gotta be touching you nearly constantly

if you're touch adverse he'll try not to, but sometimes he slips and grabs your hands or jumps into your wings Scooby Doo style

brags about you to Draxum. who, like Hueso, doesn't believe your real until he meets you at a family dinner.

He's a little cautious at first, worried about scaring you off or offending you, but once he learns you really don't care he uses you as a personal jungle gym. almost always perched on you somehow

[husbandomail-archive]

May I ask for a friendship headcanon of Marduck from Bakugan and Fem! Reader? Bonus if you include Vladitor and Leonidas. I really loved that game.

anon I have five different drafts for this piece and they all lead in this direction no matter what I tried so I hope this is okay!

He has trouble looking at you now.

It’s definitely difficult at first— there, after the final battle, Marduk had willingly taken your hand. You’d left the Doom Dimension together, although you’d been the only ones. And for a day or two, he’d responded to you well as you both emotionally recovered from the whole ordeal—

But now, just a few days later, he can’t bring himself to meet your eyes. The change happened overnight; the quiet, timid boy in front of you is a far cry from the young man who’d dragged you to the very ends of the world. The other Battle Brawlers notice it too; Dan, ever the hero, does his best to involve the two of you with the group’s plans. But when Marduk begins turning every invitation down, or leaving early without saying much, you find it hard to hang around too.

Another day, another meet-up, powered by Marucho’s family money. The Brawlers have met in the park where your adventures first began— Julie is pitching a baseball in the same way she throws Gorem, and Dan swings the bat wildly, almost clipping Shun across the shoulders. When one boy begins shouting at the other, Runo is quick to swoop in and yell louder— and Marduk, perched on the edge of the fountain, is silent.

You take a seat next to him, the chill of the stone fountain managing to work its way through the fabric of your clothing. Marduk dips his hand into the water and traces patterns.

“This is where I met Leonidas, y’know.” He notably stiffens as you speak, although you’re not sure if it’s because of your voice or the things you have to say. Then he resumes his hypnotic movements, and you continue talking. “I don’t think you ever told us— how did you and Vladitor meet?”

He doesn’t wear his strange half-mask anymore, so it’s easy to see the pain that flashes across his face as you prod at his memories. Instead of answering you properly, Marduk smiles at your reflection in the water and draws himself to his feet. “I think I’ll go now.”

He got away from you that day. After Marduk went home, you said goodbye to the Brawlers too.

A few days later— most of your calls ignored, although he’d eventually respond to your texts— you find yourself on Marduk’s doorstep. It had been a pain to find— he’d never really told you anything about himself. Your timing is impeccable, though, and as you build up your courage to knock, the door swings open.

Surprised, you both step back to stare at each other. He’s got his coat and shoes on, so clearly he’s about to go somewhere; he smiles weakly and steps forward, shutting the door behind him. He greets you quietly, and you parrot his words. Marduk shoves his hands in his pockets and shrugs, more to himself than anything else. “I was going for a walk, if you wanted to come along?”

The street is oddly quiet for this time of day as the two of you walk along, the sound of your footsteps on the pavement filling the tense air between you both. You’d had things to say to him, but he feels fragile; it was a surprise he’d even invited you along, and you weren’t going to shatter that.

Marduk tosses his head back and stares at the sky. “I didn’t think it was fair that it happened to me.” 

When he doesn’t continue right away, you hum to let him know you’d heard him, and it seems that’s what he was waiting for. He speaks again. “I had a different Bakugan partner before Vladitor. I had friends, too— but then,” his voice trails off for a moment. His eyes vaguely search the sidewalk in front of him, as if the cracks in the pavement hold the answers to all his questions. Then he shrugs and says again, “I didn’t think it was fair that it happened to me. So i thought that if it happened to other people—”

Marduk stops on the sidewalk, and you halt a few steps in front of him. He’s staring hard at you but doesn’t seem to have anything else to say. You think you get it, though.

“You don’t think this is fair either, do you?” He winces, and you know you’ve hit the mark. You step closer. “Marduk, if we thought you were unforgivable, we wouldn’t be trying so hard to reach you.”

Suddenly he seems to think his shoes are the most interesting thing in the world. He shrugs again. “Maybe that’s how you all feel, but after all this, it’s not fair that I’d be forgiven so easily—”

In one motion, you lunge forward and snatch his hand from where it’s buried in his pocket, clenching it tightly in your own hands, so tightly that he has to look at you. “Life isn’t fair, Marduk.”

[aseriesofunfortunatejan]

If it's okay, Brawler for the characters thoughts bingo thing? (Maybe Hoodlum too, if that's okay, I feel like you have something funny to say about him for some reason.)

I didn't expect to get more requests for this and I appreciate those!! Also, let me tell you right away - I didn't end up clicking with a lot of what was suggested in the bingo for these characters, but that doesn't mean I don't have a lot of Thoughts about them. Or that I don't care about them. I do. A lot.

For some reason I can't post the pictures side by side so I'll write about Brawler first and post the Hoodlum bingo next.

Brawler:

• They are soooooo cool looking & wow... they are LITERALLY me! : Yes I put those two together ahdksdkk bEAR WITH ME, Brawler. Strong man. Beautiful man. Pretty palette. Strong man. Dumb man. Long hair. Sort of my type. A few of my types. If you know you know. /ij So yes, he is absolutely cool looking, I have a few screencaps of him I kept "just in case I want to draw him", and I did draw him early on (he might be the first AD character I drew? It was a screencap redraw I was pretty happy with.). As for the second part... That's uh, a joke I still remember and sometimes reference, that I made on the Reddit-Discord server at the time, lol. I kept joking that they were making a live-action Akudama Drive adaptation and that I was going to portray Brawler. The joke is that I was the token short-hair woman, so Brawler wasn't the character anyone wanted me to claim... and also that I like claiming I am EXTREMELY jacked when I'm obviously not quite there yet. (I'm getting there.) So yeah, Brawler is #goals. And no, they didn't contact me for the stage adaptation. :(

• Wasted potential This one... There's probably a lot to say that I'm not equipped to explain right now. Hell I'm still mourning his death right now!!! There is something frustrating, on its own, about his early death. There is no doubt in my mind that his arc was over by this point - he was always written to die first. And in my opinion, that's what puts a limitation on his writing as well. He was a strong personality and could have had a lot more, interesting interactions with his surroundings, but he was instead written to be sent to death early. And then... During these last couple years, I have been facing my own biases and ignorance, and have started to understand a lot more about the deeper issues within Kodaka's (among others) racist writing. Looking into what is still his biggest work to date, Danganronpa, it's easy to notice inherent biases that repeatedly come up in his writing, that appear underneath Brawler's representation as well. For this reason, my belief is that Brawler could have been given a lot more potential if it weren't for his creators' inherent racist biases. The disappointment of seeing the classic and extremely obvious trope of the one dark-skinned character dying first is the final nail in the coffin, and once again, takes away from the viewer's potential enjoyment of Brawler as a character.

• If they were real I would be afraid of them Jokes aside he could absolutely kick my ass. And I don't trust him not to.

• If they were real I would marry them & the handbag thing I think those speak for themselves.

I would say this sums up my main thoughts about Brawler. He is hot and dumb and I am a morosexual, so I definitely appreciated him. And miss him. He deserved better.

Hoodlum:

Like I said, I wasn't particularly inspired by these prompts when it comes to Hoodlum.

• Why do they look like that I mean, I HAVE to ask that, right? ヽ(*。>Д<)o゜ His hair and face are on point, but the outfit? The colours? Oh honey. And WHY IS HE RIPPED. SERIOUSLY IT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE. It's that "I look skinnier wearing clothes" joke from Angel Beats! all over again. What the hELL

• They work better as part of a dynamic I'm not the one saying that - the story is the one saying that. Doctor is the one saying that. She points it out correctly: Hoodlum needs someone to hide behind, and will use whatever means to get to that place. He will lie to someone like Brawler, he will obey to someone like Doctor. He, himself, mentions searching for someone to use early on - first Brawler, then Cutthroat, though at that point he can't help but defend Brawler, because you know, feelings. Not that he isn't efficient enough on his own. I fully see and believe that he is - but he's the one who doesn't! During the events of Akudama Drive, he was at a point where he couldn't help but be like that... and then he died, so it kinda ends there.

• wow... they are LITERALLY me! Like I said, I am a proud morosexual. (It's pride month after all! /j) I fully identify with Hoodlum's crush on Brawler. He is 100% me in that regard. Ψ(￣∀￣)Ψ The colour I use for my username on the Wiki was his role colour on that one server - and I use his flair with the text "morosexual" on the Akudama Drive subreddit. (✿◕‿◕✿)

With all that being said - I love Hoodlum and I believe that he is one of the characters whose arc was the most satisfying and well-rounded, when many shortcuts were taken for other characters in the anime. He's probably one of the deaths I'm most upset about? I'm not necessarily satisfied about the fact that all the Akudama had to die, I think it was a bit... overkill... and if I had to revive someone, Hoodlum would be one of my options. [Trying my hardest not to start talking about my other option because this is not about them,] His death wasn't fully unsatisfying, it made sense, I was glad Doctor died the way she did, I was glad he stood up for Brawler, but... Did he have to die? Did we gain much from that? Like, Junior survived in the Director's Cut, so my boy Hoodlum could have survived his injuries in a similar fashion. You know. Be weak, be flawed, but keep on living. He's such a well-rounded character and right as he died, he was learning so much about himself and his way of living. I could go on lol

[jacensolodjo]

Prompt: Constellations Ship: Vi/Cait Words: 928 (approx. 3 1/2 minute read) Warnings: Trauma, implied police brutality Notes: For anyone unfamiliar, every time I write ViCait unless otherwise stated Cait is trans and Vi is genderqueer. (Late again in posting oh well.)

Caitlyn had always wondered how Vi could sleep almost fully clothed. How was that comfortable? It wasn't until the very first time they had had sex that Caitlyn really understood the reasoning: Vi's scars numbered far more than the handful on her face and the ones that crisscrossed over (almost unfairly) muscular arms. Vi's torso looked as if they had been ripped asunder and then sewn back together.

The ex-Enforcer knew, inherently knew, that Vi could not possibly have survived seven years in Stillwater (how had that place operated under her nose? Why had she never wondered about its reputation?) and a decade and a half in the Undercity without some scars. But the sheer amount of them left her breathless.

Vi slept on their side, faced away from Caitlyn in a move that she knew meant that the brawler trusted her. Trusted that they wouldn't wake up with a shiv in their back. Blue eyes traced the scars along Vi's back. She carefully trailed a couple fingers along one that, like forked lightning, ran jagged across Vi's right shoulder then brushed the opposite shoulder just as gently across marks that looked like a hash square, or constellations in the night sky.

She pulled her hand back and bit her lower lip when Vi's back muscles tightened and legs moved to allow the brawler to curl in on themself. But then she realized that Vi's body was shaking. And definitely not in the way it did when Vi was cracking another ridiculous joke.

"Oh, Vi," Caitlyn whispered, sliding closer to her partner. She tucked an arm around Vi's middle, pulling them flush against her. The other hand stroked through pink locks in a comforting move. She felt Vi's entire body shake even harder, then heard the sobbing that escaped Vi's throat.

"I'm so sorry, Vi," Caitlyn murmured in the other's ear, holding them tightly to her despite the shaking. She refused to let go, to even so much as loosen her hold. Maybe she wanted to prove that the scars didn't bother her, only the reason they were there.

"They deserve to be there," Vi rasped through their sobs. Caitlyn frowned, gently tugging on Vi's shoulder to roll them over onto their back so the pair could look each other in the eye.

"Don't you say that. Don't you ever say that!" Caitlyn's voice was hoarse, too, trying to hold back her own tears. Her hands scrabbled along Vi's face, thumbs brushing away tears that just. kept. coming. She leaned over to press her forehead against Vi's, releasing a couple of her own tears.

"They do. They do. I fucked up. If I'd been better--"Vi began to argue.

Caitlyn shook her head and gently pressed a finger to Vi's mouth, stilling their tongue. But not the tears.

"You could never deserve them. Never deserve how you got them. Do you understand me? Never." Caitlyn swallowed thickly, stroking her fingers through Vi's hair and gently cupping a cheek with the other hand. She gently kissed Vi's forehead then their lips. Lingered there even as Vi kept shuddering from sobs.

"They're part of you and always will be but you didn't deserve them. Okay? Please, Vi, if you believe anything believe that. Your heart is so good and bright and I know you tried so hard to help your family."

"Some of them... are from Stillwater."

"I know. I know they are. And they never should've touched you. You never belonged there. You're not like them. But you survived."

Vi shook her head, biting on her lower lip almost hard enough to draw blood.

"Wardens," Vi choked out. "Some of 'em."

Caitlyn's eyes widened, mind flashing back to the day she had broken Vi out of Stillwater.

And how many 'chats' have you had with her?

You know, I never even thought to count.

Caitlyn pulled Vi up into a tight hug, palms pressing into scars along Vi's lower back.

"I am so sorry, Vi. If... If I had known--" Caitlyn's throat closed up too tight for more words. Instead she opted just to hug Vi as close as possible, hating how many scars she could feel brushing up against her own skin. By comparison, Caitlyn's scars she could count on one hand made her practically pristine.

After a few minutes of just trying to breathe through a nose congested from emotion, Vi put her arms around the woman, grip tight. They nudged their nose into the woman's hair.

"Don't blame yourself, Cupcake," they whispered after swallowing the lump in their throat.

Caitlyn wanted to point out that she did share some of the blame. Not only as someone living in Piltover, blissfully ignorant of the situation, but someone who had worn the same damn uniform. But it wasn't about her. She wasn't going to shift things to her. This was about Vi.

"I-- Alright. But you and me? We're going to burn the whole system down," Caitlyn said finally, pulling back to look at Vi directly in the eyes. Vi gave her a watery smile which Caitlyn returned.

Caitlyn gently kissed her lover, stroking thumbs along cheeks so often bruised and bloody.

"Just promise me you'll never say you deserved the scars again, okay?" Caitlyn whispered.

Tears formed in Vi's eyes again but they nodded regardless.

"Now, let me make you feel good again," Caitlyn murmured as she slid down the brawler's body, only stopping halfway down to kiss along the start of the other's happy trail.

Vi let out a low groan. They were definitely okay with that.

[starrysupercell]

Sooo... Now that its my wif- Tara's birthday... Are the Mystics (And Bo) gonna celebrate it :D? I can imagine Gene trying to set up some kind of surprise party for her, that would remain a surprise for like 4 minutes...

DANG IT. Past 12. TwT

But here you go! An outline for how Tara’s birthday is celebrated this year. 🧿 best fortune teller in Starr Park tbh. Your wife says hi 💜

I really gotta start keeping track of the Birthdays to have these things planned out.

~

One of the many good things about how much time Tara and Gene have known each other, is he knows she'll figure it out.

The surprise for her will be not the fact that there's a party because she can easily see that, but the extent of it, because she can promise not to sneak a peek at it.

(But now she's curious! Also, she's so used to checking on the future,* it takes a very conscious effort to not do so.)

So, while Gene keeps Tara preoccupied by taking a walk around the Park, Sandy, the Tribe, Gale and Mortis (because they're also friends with the Mysticals bc of the skins, shush.) are in charge of decorating.

So, with only two responsible adults in this group, how well do you think this is going to go? :)

Gale: So do you have a plan for the setup?

Sandy: hm? >.o oh. Yy*yawns*eah. here you go... *hands him a paper*

Gale: ...this just has a rough sketch of the main room and a couple of balloons.

Sandy- mm..felt sleepy but there's still.... -.-...time to...zzzz....

Gale:

Mortis laughs because well they'd just have to wing it! (He would definitely ask Emz for help, but she's busy with the teen crew for plot convenience) As long as decorations are already bought, it should an easy thing in setting it up the way they want it to look.

....decorations are already bought, right?

Sandy softly snores, and the Party Crew realizes that's their answer.

~

Meanwhile, Gene and Tara walk through the Park. The plan is picking up a few extra gifts along the way before heading back to the main party.

Their first stop is Barley's for some drinks! He gifts one bottle of Tara’s preferred drink, but does charge for the rest. Along the way, we see Brawlers greeting Tara and wishing her well on her birthday.

Colette’s very enthusiastic! She knows all the Brawler’s birthdays, and wanted to make something for Tara!

She doesn’t really have extra money recently, since there was some recent change in management, and she usually makes more detailed items, but because of the money problem, couldn’t buy as many materials she needed, but she’s derailing, so she hands Tara her wrapped gift.

It’s a cute hand-made Shade Plush!

Tara is delighted and thanks her for it. It’s a pleasant surprise, and she appreciates it. Colette fangirls a bit, thanking her, and then waving bye as the Mystics carry on.

~

Back at the Bazaar, they're trying to brainstorm on what to do. Well, half of them present are. Sandy is asleep and Nita + Leon are playing around the house.

Mortis says the only things he has back home are.. well, decorations of a more... gothic type..you know,.. (Halloween decors. they’re Halloween decors.)

Gale also offers up... some Snowtel hangings, but again, ‘tis not quite the right season to be jolly.

Bo suggests makeshift decorations. The twins are good at crafts! .. but more so along the lines of forest materials, not sand and...

Everyone’s drawing a blank, and decide that they could gather up their own share of materials, and see what could work best. Their time limit won’t really allow a break after all.

So Gale contacts Lou and asks him if he could meet him halfway with everything he can carry. Try not to get caught by the Penguin boss. Lou, ever the chaotic good guy agrees.

Bo gathers up Leon and Nita and they head out to see what they can scrounge up.

Mortis wonders if he should call up Frank too since he’ll be here later to set up and provide the music, but decides to be ~generous~  and just send a flock of his Bats to pick some things up for him. He sees them off adoringly.

With a content sigh, he lounges back and waits for his precious lovelies to return with his ideal decorations. Sandy sleeps on...

~

Back with Gene and Tara, the next item to pick up is the cake. Piper has the order ready-- a black forest chateau cake.

“Magnificent taste, darlings!” she compliments. she has it all boxed up very fancily. “It’s on the house. Take it as my gift for you. Happy birthday!”

She’ll also be attending the party later. Tara thanks her for the cake. She and Gene then take their leave.

Along the way to their last stop at the new Castle environment for the food, (because while they don’t know Ash very well yet, Tara loves trying out the new items and pizza is always great for a party.)

“Hey, Tara! ...hold up.” Edgar jumps down from a building they’re passing, just because he can and . “...this is from the rest of the Gang. Me too, I guess. Happy birthday.”

~

The party squad are actually worse off than before.

The Shaman Tribe are back, and the Twins became interested in using fabrics to try and make something too. so they’re playing around with it pretty much.

Gale just arrived, with Lou joined along because he was interested in the party planning too. (So, the snowtel is understaffed right now.) but they’re just chatting instead of working.

Mortis’ bats haven’t arrived yet, and he’s getting worried. They don’t usually take this long in running errands for him.

Leon and Nita are practically playing catch right now. They knock over something that looked priceless. Oh, a crystal ball, perhaps. Bo reprimands them.

They haven’t gotten much closer to making up the room...

There’s a knock, and the group freezes because oh no, they’re out of time. but it ends up being Frank. A very unhappy Frank who was suddenly surrounded by screeching batties who kept picking apart the house while he was packing up his set up for the party. They followed him there afterwards, along with several things.

Mortis tries joking it off ;; , and then very quietly and off-handedly apologizes when Frank doesn’t find it very funny.

But then so hey!!! you’re here so decoration time, everybody! let’s hop to it!

Gene’s Lamp, Sliver, floats in. Sent by Gene himself to check on the progress. They were nearing after all. The Lamp’s alarmed by what it sees. That is, absolutely nothing.

It glares around, and spots Sandy still sleeping. Sliver floats over to him, and hops on him-- Wake up!

Sandy does so, but is very grumpy. “what?”

Tara’s Birthday.

“yeah? what about it?”

Don’t you care?

“obviously.” he swats at the lamp. “it’s tomorrow.”

>:( Today. It’s TODAY.

“,” Sandy looks around, as wide-eyed as he could be.

broken crystal ball, a mix of decorations, and nobody currently fixing up anything from the looks of it.

They’re on the way.

Sandy makes a face. “ok... game plan on the fly.”

~

The final stretch of the day out.

Gene and Tara are nearing the Bazaar, and along the way, Gene starts to get heartfelt.

He reminisces how they first met, how far they’ve traveled together, how much longer they’ve yet to go.

He wishes he could think of something to give her that meant something like the other gifts that she received that day.

He was a Genie, but after everything they’ve been through, she deserves much, much more than what he could ever imagine to conjure up for her.

Tara smiles. “(Don’t... put me on too high a pedestal, my Friend.”)

Don’t sell yourself short either. You’ve done so much.

“(Yes. I have.)” Tara muses unhappily, thumbing the doll.

Gene suddenly gets the idea of what his gift could be, but he needs his Lamp to start on it.

~

Right before the two opened the door, a pair of bats were hanging up the last decoration.

And when the two walked in with the final party supplies at hand and are amazed at the display.

intricate ice sculptures and a more snowy feel set up where the food would go. the music section where Frank set up (who was talking with Mortis.) had a darker aesthetic, including the balloons over there.

Lastly the rest of the place was decorated with very cute works of art. no doubt the Tribe kid’s handiwork. she recognized it from when they stayed over, and the gifts Bo’s gotten from them and shown her.

You’d think that the seemed like the mix of fancier silver decorations, a more gothic theme and natural crafts would look odd together... and well, it was quaint, but it was very pleasing to see.

a patchwork of oddities, not unlike this park, really. She’s always been fond of odds and ends. Tara loved it!

Sandy yawns and walks over to them. “we actually just got done with the set up. but if it makes you feel better, we can still hide right now and yell surprise.”

Tara laughs. It’s okay.. it isn’t like she could be-- but she appreciates it. Sandy shrugs, like he didn’t just call all the shots and work in a hurry with the other eight. “you’re welcome.”

Lou offers to help set up the food and cake. Gale helps too, after presenting his gift too.

Frank and Mortis notice the arrival of the Birthday Gal and wave her over. They chat animatedly-- it’s been so long since they’ve had the chance to catch up! They should plan something soon. Tara agrees, and their gift is from the both of them. I can see it being a very nice piece of clothing, though I’m drawing a blank as to what.

The Lamp reunites with Gene, and their perspectives merge again. Oh. the party was really cut close, huh? but it worked out well! what a relief. a scrap book of actual memories is what you have in mind? how very sappy.... She would like it.

Lastly, Bo walks up to Tara, greeting her and wishing her well on this day. He hopes she likes what they helped with ....he then has the Twins apologize for breaking a few things around the house--

Tara dismisses it easily. They can be replaced. The Twins, that is. (joke to scare them.) But really, as long as they were careful from now on, it was okay. the cub and chameleon agree with no hesitation and then run off to cause more mayhem, but quieter this time.

The Psychic smiles. The guests would be arriving soon, and it was already so lively.

Time to party~!

_______

*I’m still deciding on the extent of her powers, so future sight might not be a thing, because of the characterization I have for her. I’m thinking something along the lines of “Can see past events, and make very informed guesses based on what she knows about people, but cannot see the future itself.”

[fandomanxiety-fa]

"Fluffy February"- Day Two

The Outerworlds

Maximillian Desoto X Captain Dottie

Summary: Dottie is teaching Max chess. After getting her hands on a old game board she paints it, transforming it into a chess board. She takes old service awards and paints them two different colors with little drawings of each piece from the game on top. After designing the board and pieces, she begins to teach him. One another begin to get to know each other and bond over their game.

Note: I am not following the prompts (if there are any), I am kinda just doing what I want. I also missed day one. So, yeah.

--------------------------------------------------

"Do you understand?"

"Yes, quite the intellectual game," he spoke as he admired the chess pieces, watching as she put some of the pieces back to ready for a match.

"Okay, you can move first, Vicar," Dottie spoke, and he scooted a piece down the board.

She watched, and quickly moved hers in retaliation. Max had been curious of the Captain as she hopped around the system taking up "little orphans" (as she called her newly found crewmates), and helped someone who seemed to be a madman. He didn't even know much about her as she did so, and she wasn't exactly forthcoming with the information either. She seemed to be protecting the notorious Welles, who was known to The Board and everyone else, as a criminal. A madman who was a well known thief and criminal who was commiting crimes against the colony. She wouldn't even allow people into her room, not even SAM. Well, not until now.

They were further into the game now, and she was beating him. He mumbled a curse word as she took one of his pieces, once again, off the board.

The Board.

The Board was definitely a soon-to-be problem, and she wasn't helping it either. Between bouncing back and forth between there good side and bad side, he wasn't sure the "peace" between The Board and the Captain was going to last for long.

"You thinking awfully hard, Vicar," she watched the board, not looking up at him.

"Just thinking about you, Captain."

As soon as the words hit air, he realized that he didn't mean it that way. He was just being honest, and now he was worried she took it that way. If she where to bring it up, he would try to play it off, like he never said it. Because how he felt for her was complicated, and that was it. He was frustrated with himself, because it was the last thing he inteded to have happen.

For Laws sake it was even intent.

It was a mistake, just like the sentence, yet here he was with odd harbored feelings that was so complicated for him.

"And here I was thinking your mind was boggled about chess," she nervously laughed, as she leaned back in her chair, eyes never leaving the board.

He peered up at her from his seat, and watched as she ran her fingers though her hair. Her eyes showed focus as he assumed she had thought that he meant that.

Law, was she nervous now. She couldn't bring her eyes off the board now, especially right now! She invited him into her room, and this was what she got? Not him bombarding her with questions right off the bat, but hitting her with that? Lovely...Law she needed to stop this. He was the ship's Vicar for pete's sake, and here she was thinking he flirted with her. In her room!

"I am worse than a teenager..."

"Well, you are quite secretive. This is the first time anyone has ever been in your room, and we have no idea what you affiliation with Welles is," the Vicar stated, and she gazed up at him.

"It's only fair you have questions, I guess. I mean, your traveling with someone who didn't even know what a Sprat was..." she spoke, and his eyes followed her.

They both watched each other for one moment. One moment they looked up from the board, and when there eyes met she smirked.

"I win."

His eyes darted to the board as she looked at him with pride. He found himself frustrated with the loss, and this was visible.

"How? I looked away for a second, how did she-?"

"You where never focused, Vicar. It takes a while to be able to think about perplexing, beautiful things such as moi, and play chess," she laughed, and he glared at her for a moment.

"You do that on purpose," he accused her, and she cocked a playful eyebrow.

"Do what, Vicar?"

"Use the French language to poke at me," he huffed, fixing the board back in place.

"That I do, but don't worry. I only know small things, and at least you don't know what they all mean," she chuckled, as she opened up a Purpleberry Punch.

He was tossed a candy, which fell in his lap, "A candy for effort, Vicar."

"You know I don't have a sweet tooth, Captain," he sighed picking up the candy and examining it.

"To bad, Vicar. Maybe that's why your so bitter," she joked, and he rolled his eyes.

"Maybe that's why your sweet with every person you meet, Captain. That'll get you hurt one day, you know," he replied, and she rolled her eyes.

"I could do with a lecture, haven't had one in years," she laughed, and he gave her a serious look.

"Speaking of years, Captain...how old are you?" He asked, and her eyes widened.

"How rude! You never ask a lady's age!" She scolded him, and he looked at her to see she was serious.

"I apologise, Captain. That was rude," he spoke, a bit embarrassed.

"He hated that. He forgot it was rude to ask-."

"Maximillian, your to serious. I was kidding," she smiled sweetly, and it could've made his tooth ache.

Sugar sweet smiles that not even Rizzos could create was one other thing that helped made things complicated. Because he had feelings for her. Terrible, terrible feelings, that he knew was not in his path. He was here to kill Chaney. That was it. Then try to figure out this book. Find a translator, get off this ship, and get as much space between him and this ship's sweet, yet mysterious Captain.

"Go first, Maximillian," she said, and then popped the candy in her mouth.

Law, his name sounded lovely coming from her...

"Captain, are you ever going to reveal why you are involved with Phineas Welles?" He asked, while moving a piece.

"He woke me up from cryosleep on the Hope," she stated, and she moved a piece.

"You expect me to believe that?" He asked, and she shook her head.

"I don't expect you to. Honestly, it's hard to believe myself. I'm still thawing out. Like frozen peas," she spoke softly, which caused him to look at her.

"Say I do believe you," he began, "why didn't you just leave after being set free?"

"Well, I owe him. He got me out of that human meat freezer. Plus, it's the right thing to do, and I definitely don't plan on slaving away for Spacers Choice. Have you seen what they've don't to poor Martin?" She said, and he moved a piece.

"Well, I suppose I can see that. What did you work for before? You never really said anything about it," he asked, and she glided a piece on the board.

"I was a bartender. Always been good with people, and don't mind hearing them yap on. Plus, booze was at a discount, which was nice. I am also very good a splitting and ending fights," she explained, and he looked at her from his side of the table.

"Have you ever been prone to fights then, Captain?" Max asked her, his curiosity peaked.

"Never looked for trouble, but I never ran from it either. How about you, Vicar? You a brawler?" She asked him, and he moved another piece.

"I have always have been violently enthusiastic," Max replied, and she chuckled.

"Should've known. You seem the type," she shook her head with a grin.

"What gave me away, Captain?" Max chuckled a bit.

"Your anger. You have the attitude of a natural blindly angered fighter," she stated matter-a-factly.

"I wouldn't say that. I just don't tolerate stupidity," he shot back, suddenly defensive.

"Fighting is stupid if not done rightously. I know I've been and will be in stupid fights. But also rightous ones," she spoke.

"And what makes you the person to decide that, Captain?" Max growled a bit.

He didn't like being scrutinized, especially by her. Who was she to say these things?

"Righteous fighting is taking up for your family and friends by socking someone in the jaw or using them to mop the floor. But someone you don't agree with or you just don't like- like how you feel about Felix, Max. Just fighting them because you don't like or agree with them? That's stupid," she said as she opened another candy.

"Your right, Captain," he sighed frustrated with himself.

"I don't need to get mad like that, I need to be above that. I need to find peace in the Plan. And she's right, whether or not I want to admit that. Plus, it's just her opinion. Find peace in the Plan. Ask another question. Get out of this topic."

"When are we getting to Monarch?" Max asked, as she popped the candy in her mouth.

"Yes, talk about something important. Something far more important than anything else. It's in the Plan. His path. He is destined to kill Chaney. That's all he wants right now."

"Soon? I suppose soon. Just have to get that Navkey from Gladys. Once we get to Roseway everything should be smooth sailing," the Captain replied with a long, drawn out sigh.

Max looked up at her and she smiled sadly at the board.

"Something vexing you, Captain?" He questioned her.

"Honestly, when you leave, the ship won't be the same without you. I'll miss this. I'll miss you."

"Then make this time we have now, last. Alright, Dottie?" Max replied kindly to her.

Suddenly, he opened the candy. Then, popped it in his mouth, watching as she beat him again.

"I believe I'll miss you too...Dot."

--------------------------------------------------

[peoplelikegames]

Steam Games Festival: I played so many demos. My thoughts...

I spent a few days playing as many of these demos as I could and wrote down some rough impressions.

Black Book (Morteshka): Heavily atmospheric and steeped in Slavic mythology. You play as a Slavic woman named Vasilisa, attempting to bring back her husband, who has committed suicide, back from hell in an effort to save him from the eternal damnation that their religion believes befell those who commit suicide. She becomes a witch after venturing through the gates of hell and back. The gameplay takes several different forms, depending on what you’re doing. It’s got some point-and-click adventure game elements during the more exploration focused scenes. Sometimes you’ll find herbs that can be used as items later during combat. The combat plays out like Slay the Spire and other deck builder games of the ilk, with the key exception of the spell slots. Instead of the standard 3 energy system restricting card usage each turn, here you have 3 slots that can be filled with spells that correspond with the slot type. You have 2 Order slots (big spells) and 1 Key slot (little spells) you can fill each turn. It’s a small twist to the formula that opens up a lot of interesting possibilities and combinations. In between fights and the point-and-click scenes you’ll get to interact with people you meet along the path to your destination and make choices that effect the story and your character. Vasalisa’s journey looks bleak and full of death, and I’m interested to see where it goes.

AK-Xolotl (Daniel Piqueras Constantin): Fast paced, adorable and aggressive top down shooter. Very simple gameplay of shooting down waves of enemies picking up weapons and items that drop when they die. Feels great to play. Good movement, good dash, not much else to ask for. Really quick and snappy shooting and simple gameplay loop me keeps playing again and again just to get a higher score and see what new stuff it has to throw at me. It’s got really cute pixelated graphics and lots of forest critters with guns. The game also features an absolutely filthy death metal track that’s a perfect representation of how aggressive the game really is. Just a really quick and dirty time that definitely makes me want to see the finished product. Also, I love the lil axolotl guy.

Despot’s Game (Konfa Games): Rogue-like dungeon crawler where you control a mob of humans. It’s a pretty cool and complicated battle system my only problem is I can’t help but feel like I don’t have enough control on the outcome of the fights. It’s almost a little like Totally Accurate Battle Simulator in that way. Basically, your run begins with you purchasing a bunch of little humans and different weapons to give to those little humans which will give them a class. Give a little guy a medkit and now he’s a healer, give someone a gun and they’re a shooter now. Humans with classes have special abilities they can activate when there are enough classes of that type on the field. Like an Auto Chess (Auto Battler?) game, if you have, say, 2 or 3 Fencers on the board, your fencers will now have access to their special ability, a dodge roll. Position your people in what you hope is a tactical formation and start heading for the dungeon exit. Most rooms consist of a fight, which plays out automatically. When you press go on a fight, your troops and the enemies will all start fighting until only one side remains. This is where the game loses me a little bit as it’s unclear how much of a difference positioning makes or what more I should be doing to change the outcome. Did I win this time because that unit was farther up than last time, or did the AI just play it out slightly differently that skewed in my favor? I can’t tell if the changes I’m making are actually making a tactical difference, or if the AI routines are just clashing with slightly varying results each time. You’re gonna lose units a lot but they are pretty disposable, with frequent shops for buying reinforcements or new gear. And every unit contributes to your mob’s total hunger meter, which deplete with every new room you enter. You have to buy food to feed your troops to keep them from losing effectiveness. Bigger team=greater food consumption. Gotta find a balance with your money and spending it on new units, new weapons, and food. I really wanted to like this game more because I really dig the hook of building up a mob of little guys with cools powers and I like the unit synergy system as well, but the perceived lack of control over how the fights play out and the game’s edgy humor ultimately pushed me away.

Dead Estate (Milkbar Lads): Fairly generic zombie shooter rogue-like (there’s gonna be a lot of rogue-likes). Your standard twin-stick kind of shooting you’d find in the Binding of Isaac or Enter the Gungeon, except here you can jump, adding some verticality. Explore each room, kill the zombies, find the key and then find the elevator to the next floor. Sometimes you find a new gun or shop along the way. The movement feels pretty slow and the rooms feel small. Too many times would I walk into a room, fight three of the same zombie then walk int next room just to see two more of that same zombie. Too many times did I have to walk back across a whole level at a snail’s pace. Needs more enemy variety and to move a little quicker. The shooting is a little better, I like how the game makes its weapons feel distinct by how much it kick it has. More powerful weapons will push you back with each shot. Unloading the mini gun felt chaotic and rumbly that make you slide back and wiggle in a fun way. You can usually kill most enemies before they’re even able to do anything makes them unique, rendering most enemies the same “zombie that walk towards you for second before you finish them off.” Didn’t really draw me in or entice me to see what I might encounter on higher floors.

Foregone (big blue studio): This one feels a little like a watered down Dead Cells at first, AT FIRST. It’s a little slower and less snappy but it’s still very fun. Plus it’s more of a linear 2d action platformer with lots of loot. I like the loot aspect here quite a bit; watching a bunch of currency fly out of enemies is satisfying in a “headshot kill in Destiny kinda way.” Just a bunch of fun particles and a frequent gear drop that has you constantly popping open your inventory to equip your new gear and make those numbers go up. If that’s your kind of fun, you can definitely find it here. Lots of weapon variety on show here and most, if not all, of them feel unique. Just wish the combat was little tighter, which since this is a demo, I assume will come in due time. The game could also do a better job of informing the player that they’re taking damage, which made it difficult to hone the timing on the dash to avoid taking damage. And I’m hoping the environments of the full game become a little more diverse and sprawling, right now it feels like it’s mostly individual rooms/levels of engagement at a time. Excited to see how the full release pans out.

Tunche (LEAP Game Studios): Immediately drawn in here by the beautiful hand drawn art style. It’s a brawler roguelike and if you know what those two words mean in the context of video games, that’s all you really need to know. The brawler combat is what it is, very combo and juggle heavy, enemies that take dozens of hits to kill, fairly bland and just flat land environments. Walk forward until you’re stopped, fight a bunch of waves of enemies, rinse and repeat. Except this time you occasionally get upgrades after finishing rooms like “chance for attacks to cause burn” and “chance to regain health on hit,” your standard rougelike fare. With the territory comes the roguelike difficulty, and this game is plenty tough with the amount of enemies it throws at you and how limited your health pool can be. All of the art and the animations are what really shine here, and if you’re into that brawler style combat, this seems like a pretty good one of those.

Power of Ten (Pew Times Three): Next up we have a top-down space shooter roguelike. I like the minimalistic pixel art style in this one. It helps with atmosphere and you making you feel like a small ship in a large system. Your goal is to power planetary shields on inhabited planets throughout the system by gathering resources from asteroids. While you’re hunting asteroids, pirate ships will randomly attack a planet, pulling you away from resource gathering into a space dogfight against the pirates. That push and pull of gathering resources to fuel a planets shields while simultaneously protecting the planets whose shields are not yet charged is the core loop here that I really like. Conveying solid, core gameplay loop that’s engaging is exactly what you want to get across in a demo, and they definitely deliver that here.

Jelly is Sticky (Lunarch Studios): A lovely, casual sokoban puzzle game. Sliding around and rearranging cubes of jelly into oblong structures to match highlighted areas within a given space. You’ll encounter jellies of different qualities along the way, all with their own quirks around how they like to stick. I really like the non-linear structure in the over world, letting you navigate around between levels from all of the jelly-archetypes at any time. Solving sets of levels will unlock jelly in the over world you can stick to and rearrange to give you access to further levels gated behind walls and other triggers. It’s an appreciated extra layer of depth you don’t expect from a puzzle game that could have very well presented it’s levels in an ordered, level-select screen.

Potion Craft (niceplay games): In this game you play as a budding alchemist trying to make your mark on the world in your newly acquired (stolen possibly?) alchemy shop. Its an alchemist simulator. It’s presented in an “alchemy text book diagram-style” that’s immediately endearing. Every day, you collect ingredients like herbs and fungi from your garden and then it’s time to open shop. Customers come and share their plight, asking for potions of different types. They’ll offer different prices for potions of different potency which you haggle up further (or lower, if you mess up) through a simple timing mini game. The actually potion making is puzzling and unique, if not occasionally limiting. Ingredients you add to the cauldron determine a path that the potion icon in the center will follow across a fog covered map. Add more ingredients to add length and direction to the path, trying to build the path in a specific way that will lead to a “?” destination marked on the map. Name the potion, choose a bottle and label, and brew it. You’ll learn what it does, and can save the recipe for easy use again later. The only downside is how limited the ingredients are makes it very punishing when experimentation results in failure, all those ingredients are just lost. It seems like the game really wants you to just fill the orders at hand instead of blindly exploring into the fog to see what weird stuff comes up, which is my favorite thing to do so far. This is still easily one of my favorite demos of the bunch and has to be seen for oneself.

Aeon Drive Prologue (2awesome studio): This is definitely one of the ones I wanted to like more than I did. A self proclaimed “speedrun action platformer” and it demands that go fast. Very short 2d platformer levels with an ever ticking clock. If the timer reaches zero before you reach the exit, you fail the level. Consumables lined throughout the level can be used to add more time to your clock. This game is very punishing, one hit from anything, from enemy to stage hazard, will cause you to fail and restart. Very quick movement and a focus on chaining together different moves to find different paths through the level. There seemed to be benefits like special collectibles for taking more inventive, alternative paths, but the ticking clock really kept me tunnel-visioned on the most clear cut route through the level, meaning I only ever small a very tiny portion of each one. I’m not the type of person to butt my head against how to pull some crazy route as opposed to the clearly laid out one in front of me. Unfortunately, that clearly laid path just isn’t very fun to take. There’s also a dagger you can throw and teleport to, which I found difficult to aim and not as fun to use as it sounds. There is definitely something here, it’s just ultimately not for me.

Medievalien (dOOb games srl): Action RPG roguelike in a medieval world that has been invaded by aliens. You play an amnesiac protagonist trying to undo the calamity through repeated attempts from within a magical (or scientific?) time loop. Commence genre mashup. Nothing particularly stands out here. Two weapon slots and two throwables slots, lots of different items to fill them. Your weapons consist of bows, crossbows, and staves, and the throwables are bombs of varying elemental effect. It’s fun to play but fairly middling. The low poly art style doesn’t do anything for me and the soundtrack was forgettable. Still, if you’re like me and enjoy ARPGs and roguelike, it does the thing well enough to scratch the itch.

Minute of Islands (Studio Fizbin): Right out of the gate this 2d narrative platformer hits you with gorgeous hand-drawn art. A poisoned, decaying world that is beautifully drawn and animated. I’m gonna day this is not the best demo. The pace is very slow and the objectives are linear and don’t even register as puzzles. This game calls itself a puzzle platformer yet there were no puzzles to be found in this demo. I’m assuming the demo is trying to preserve story details so it starts at the beginning and only gives you a small slice from there. So maybe the game introduces more puzzle elements later in the game. But what’s left in the demo is not very compelling to play. The impressively detailed environments and atmosphere are only driving forces so far. But extremely strong forces at that.

Alekon (The Alekon Company): This feels like spiritual follow up to Pokemon Snap in all of the best ways. In its most basic form, the game plays exactly like Pokémon Snap, but builds on the nearly 30 year old classic in several key ways. Creatures in this game are called “Fictions” and whenever you take a picture of a new fiction, the creature also appears back in the game’s hub world. Once back in the hub world, you can talk to the fictions who have moved in and they’ll give you small quests to do that’ll usually reward you with key game features, like a zoom function for the camera. There’s a great feature that involves capturing photos of a fiction in all of its potential poses, which will unlock the ability to “see through the eyes of the fiction.” So when you’re looking through the album of your saved pictures, you can apply a fiction filter to see the image as a particular fiction would see if through their own eyes. Also, once you’ve unlocked all of the different routes in a specific biome, you gain the ability to “wander.” Wandering is free from the rails of the standard routes and allows to explore every inch of the biome and find other fictions that were previously hidden. It’s also a great space to snag that perfect picture of a fiction you couldn’t get while riding the rails. The creatures themselves are kind of hit or miss so far in their design. Sometimes it’s literally just a seal, sometimes it’s a ridiculous alien thing, but it seems like the personalities of the fictions are what makes them unique. Even though I didn’t care for the designs, I found myself endeared toward the creatures once I found them back in the hub and helped them with their troubles. There’s some good writing in these bits that really helps sell me on these creatures. Lots to love here if you’re into games about snapping pics of critters and throwing donuts.

Eat’n Eaten (Gaëtan Benoit): A cartoony tower defense game with bug plants. Bugs that grow from plants. It has a really fun and easy to understand “food chain management” system for building up units. It almost feels like it was designed to translate easily to touchscreens for mobile devices. Your soil has 100% nutrients, plants grow and feed off nutrients, plants grow apples which you can pick who will then become your units. When an apple dies it’s corpse returns nutrients to the soil and it’ll drop a seed that will grow into a new plant. If you don’t pick the apples off the plant long enough for them to consume extra nutrients, the apples will become a caterpillar. Pick the caterpillar off the plant and now you have a more offensive unit, who needs to eat apples to survive. The game only builds on the loop from there; the way bugs will level up into new or stronger forms after eating enough fruit, or how the game will add spiders to your team who will then need to eat caterpillars to survive. Manage this whole food chain to keep a steady supply and distribution of units against waves of enemies. I don’t know if that seems confusing when put into word like that but it’s really quick and simple to pick up they way it is presented. It can definitely get a little frantic at times but that’s when the game is at it’s most fun.

Dorfromantik (Toukana Interactive): Chill, colorful, tile placement puzzle game about building a village landscape. You start with a deck of 85 hexagonal tiles, and it doesn’t end until all the tiles have been placed. You’re placing tiles with the intent to line up as many like edges between adjacent tiles, making longer and longer networks of landscapes of matching type. The way the scoring works and how the game conforms matching sides together does a good job of making the best place to put your tile one that not only scores well but also looks good in the context of the interconnected village landscape you are ultimately trying to craft. I would kill for this game on Switch.

Unsouled (Megusta Game): An isometric pixelates dark souls-style action game. Described as an “ultra-brutal” game with “fast-paced and savagely rewarding combat,” Unsouled comes exactly as advertised. The combat in this game is very difficult and I am simply not the person to conquer it. It’s really fast paced yet proper movement and combat requires consistent timing and punished button mashing. Every thing you do has to be deliberate and calculated as it’s easy to lose control of the battlefield very quickly. Even just a few enemies can be dangerous as they all can dodge and block and roll just like you. The game is unafraid to put the pressure on and throw ten enemies at you all at once engaging from different ranges. The game demands that intimately learn the combat systems if you want to keep your stamina and health high in the heat of combat. I’d bet that if you’re a fan of Dark Souls or souls-like games, this game has all that difficulty but a different pace of combat that doesn’t feel derivative.

Rogue Invader (Squishy Games): Immediately I love the look of this game. It’s got this old school 1-bit black and white look to it. It also opens up with a fully animated and voice acted cutscene. The game is actually pretty difficult. It’s a side scrolling shooter where you’re part of an army in invading an alien planet one soldier at a time. You’re also managing weapon heat and breakage, and carry weight effecting run speed. Each soldier gets body armor and a pistol but you can equip them with a rifle and helmet from your armory. Which you’ll definitely want to do considering you die in one shot if hit in the head. When you’re soldier dies, they lose the gear you equipped them with and the new soldier needs to be equipped with whatever you can craft in the forge. This is where I ran into issues with hardy ever having enough materials to craft a helmet, go into a mission and die early to a single stray bullet to the head, and subsequently not earn enough materials to make a helmet. The evasive controls like jumping, running, rolling and taking cover all felt clunky in my hands, add that to fact that bullets often just miss even if you’re aiming right on an enemy, and it made for a pretty unsatisfying game to play.

Devastator (Radiangames): How is this not just Geometry Wars? Because this shit is just geometry wars. Fortunately, Geometry Wars slaps so this game is still pretty fun. But just go play Geometry Wars. There, I mentioned a different game like five times more than the game this was supposed to be about.

ANVIL (Action Square): Co-op top down shooter roguelike with space marines. It’s like a run-based Starship Troopers game. It’s pretty great. The three characters unlocked in the demo all have different weapons and abilities resulting in very distinct play styles between classes. There’s a fairly simple loop to each floor: search the floor for the boss, along the way areas will be filled with enemies, who’ll drop money, which can be used to buy passive upgrades from chests found throughout the floor. The upgrade system allows you stack multiple of the same upgrade for increased effect. Lots of variety in the enemy type really keeps you on your toes. Unsurprisingly, it just feels good to mow down mobs of space bugs.

Orbital Bullet (SmokeStab): A 360 degree shooter platformer. It’s a really cool gimmick actually, you move in 2d but in ring around a 3D space. It’s makes for some cool looking environments and depth from having inner and outer rings you can switch between. Really fast and arcade-y feeling. Snappy movement and gunplay. There’s seems to be a lot offered here among different weapons, in-run upgrades and meta upgrades that persist between runs. Which makes this a roguelite, as opposed to roguelike, which I tend to prefer. I like having something upgrade outside of my runs to make me feel stronger or different going into the next run. The games has a sort of ancient alien aesthetic, it feels industrial and monolithic. The bursts of neon in the walls, enemies, and weapons really pop among the ruins of the stone temple. Watching your weapons’ shot glide along the curve of the world is an effective visual as well. Just because I clearly like to compare to games so much, this game feels a lot like Resogun meets Downwell, and that’s just fantastic.

Chicory: A Colorful Tale (Greg Lobanov): A colorful and cartoony adventure game about painting that takes a small but welcomed bullet hell turn. You play as a cute little pup that claims the power of The Brush after it’s wielder (and your master) disappears along with all of the color in the world. Searching for cause and hopefully the solution, you embark on a journey to repaint the world and make your mark as the new wielder. Once you pick up that brush you can start coloring in literally everything in the world. It’s fun and charming the whole way through. You can help the townsfolk bring color back into the lives and color in their houses to their satisfaction. Use the paint to navigate the world by growing and shrinking plants by erasing/coloring them. The demo is a little thin but definitely makes me interested to see what fun stuff the game has in store for these paint mechanics.

Genesis Noir (Feral Cat Den): Okay this game was a trip. I barely have any idea what I just played but I know I really liked what was happening. It’s a heavily stylized point and click adventure game where it feels like you exist within an improvisational Jazz album. Train tracks becoming notes on a cello. Getting into a cosmic jazz-off that plays like a game of Simon and ends with your opponent on the wrong end of a mob hit. I think? Honestly this game is so trippy it was difficult to keep track of what was going on. And occasionally it was a little ambiguous as to how you’re supposed to proceed, which lead some random click and dragging around the screen until something clicks. It actually seems like it could turn out to be a really good example of a story and experience that can really only be through video games. Not quite an animated film, not quite a comic book or visual novel, but instead a fantastical, interactive amalgamation of many things. Whatever this thing may be defined as, it’s something unique and special.

[fandomanxiety-library]

"Fluffy February"- Day Two

The Outerworlds

Maximillian Desoto X Captain Dottie

Summary: Dottie is teaching Max chess. After getting her hands on a old game board she paints it, transforming it into a chess board. She takes old service awards and paints them two different colors with little drawings of each piece from the game on top. After designing the board and pieces, she begins to teach him. One another begin to get to know each other and bond over their game.

Note: I am not following the prompts (if there are any), I am kinda just doing what I want. I also missed day one. So, yeah.

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"Do you understand?"

"Yes, quite the intellectual game," he spoke as he admired the chess pieces, watching as she put some of the pieces back to ready for a match.

"Okay, you can move first, Vicar," Dottie spoke, and he scooted a piece down the board.

She watched, and quickly moved hers in retaliation. Max had been curious of the Captain as she hopped around the system taking up "little orphans" (as she called her newly found crewmates), and helped someone who seemed to be a madman. He didn't even know much about her as she did so, and she wasn't exactly forthcoming with the information either. She seemed to be protecting the notorious Welles, who was known to The Board and everyone else, as a criminal. A madman who was a well known thief and criminal who was commiting crimes against the colony. She wouldn't even allow people into her room, not even SAM. Well, not until now.

They were further into the game now, and she was beating him. He mumbled a curse word as she took one of his pieces, once again, off the board.

The Board.

The Board was definitely a soon-to-be problem, and she wasn't helping it either. Between bouncing back and forth between there good side and bad side, he wasn't sure the "peace" between The Board and the Captain was going to last for long.

"You thinking awfully hard, Vicar," she watched the board, not looking up at him.

"Just thinking about you, Captain."

As soon as the words hit air, he realized that he didn't mean it that way. He was just being honest, and now he was worried she took it that way. If she where to bring it up, he would try to play it off, like he never said it. Because how he felt for her was complicated, and that was it. He was frustrated with himself, because it was the last thing he intended to have happen.

For Laws sake it wasn't even intent.

It was a mistake, just like the sentence, yet here he was with odd harbored feelings that was so complicated for him.

"And here I was thinking your mind was boggled about chess," she nervously laughed, as she leaned back in her chair, eyes never leaving the board.

He peered up at her from his seat, and watched as she ran her fingers though her hair. Her eyes showed focus as he assumed she had thought that he meant that.

Law, was she nervous now. She couldn't bring her eyes off the board now, especially right now! She invited him into her room, and this was what she got? Not him bombarding her with questions right off the bat, but hitting her with that? Lovely...Law she needed to stop this. He was the ship's Vicar for Pete's sake, and here she was thinking he flirted with her. In her room!

I am worse than a teenager...

"Well, you are quite secretive. This is the first time anyone has ever been in your room, and we have no idea what you affiliation with Welles is," the Vicar stated, and she gazed up at him.

"It's only fair you have questions, I guess. I mean, your traveling with someone who didn't even know what a Sprat was..." she spoke, and his eyes followed her.

They both watched each other for one moment. One moment they looked up from the board, and when there eyes met she smirked.

"I win."

His eyes darted to the board as she looked at him with pride. He found himself frustrated with the loss, and this was visible.

"How? I looked away for a second, how did she-?"

"You where never focused, Vicar. It takes a while to be able to think about perplexing, beautiful things such as moi, and play chess," she laughed, and he glared at her for a moment.

"You do that on purpose," he accused her, and she cocked a playful eyebrow.

"Do what, Vicar?"

"Use the French language to poke at me," he huffed, fixing the board back in place.

"That I do, but don't worry. I only know small things, and at least you don't know what they all mean," she chuckled, as she opened up a Purpleberry Punch.

He was tossed a candy, which fell in his lap, "A candy for effort, Vicar."

"You know I don't have a sweet tooth, Captain," he sighed picking up the candy and examining it.

"To bad, Vicar. Maybe that's why your so bitter," she joked, and he rolled his eyes.

"Maybe that's why your sweet with every person you meet, Captain. That'll get you hurt one day, you know," he replied, and she rolled her eyes.

"I could do with a lecture, haven't had one in years," she laughed, and he gave her a serious look.

"Speaking of years, Captain...how old are you?" He asked, and her eyes widened.

"How rude! You never ask a lady's age!" She scolded him, and he looked at her to see she was serious.

"I apologise, Captain. That was rude," he spoke, a bit embarrassed.

He hated that. He forgot it was rude to ask-.

"Maximillian, your to serious. I was kidding," she smiled sweetly, and it could've made his tooth ache.

Sugar sweet smiles that not even Rizzos could create was one other thing that helped made things complicated. Because he had feelings for her. Terrible, terrible feelings, that he knew was not in his path. He was here to kill Chaney. That was it. Then try to figure out this book. Find a translator, get off this ship, and get as much space between him and this ship's sweet, yet mysterious Captain.

"Go first, Maximillian," she said, and then popped the candy in her mouth.

Law, his name sounded lovely coming from her...

"Captain, are you ever going to reveal why you are involved with Phineas Welles?" He asked, while moving a piece.

"He woke me up from cryosleep on the Hope," she stated, and she moved a piece.

"You expect me to believe that?" He asked, and she shook her head.

"I don't expect you to. Honestly, it's hard to believe myself. I'm still thawing out. Like frozen peas," she spoke softly, which caused him to look at her.

"Say I do believe you," he began, "why didn't you just leave after being set free?"

"Well, I owe him. He got me out of that human meat freezer. Plus, it's the right thing to do, and I definitely don't plan on slaving away for Spacers Choice. Have you seen what they've don't to poor Martin?" She said, and he moved a piece.

"Well, I suppose I can see that. What did you work for before? You never really said anything about it," he asked, and she glided a piece on the board.

"I was a bartender. Always been good with people, and don't mind hearing them yap on. Plus, booze was at a discount, which was nice. I am also very good a splitting and ending fights," she explained, and he looked at her from his side of the table.

"Have you ever been prone to fights then, Captain?" Max asked her, his curiosity peaked.

"Never looked for trouble, but I never ran from it either. How about you, Vicar? You a brawler?" She asked him, and he moved another piece.

"I have always have been violently enthusiastic," Max replied, and she chuckled.

"Should've known. You seem the type," she shook her head with a grin.

"What gave me away, Captain?" Max chuckled a bit.

"Your anger. You have the attitude of a natural blindly angered fighter," she stated matter-a-factly.

"I wouldn't say that. I just don't tolerate stupidity," he shot back, suddenly defensive.

"Fighting is stupid if not done rightously. I know I've been and will be in stupid fights. But also rightous ones," she spoke.

"And what makes you the person to decide that, Captain?" Max growled a bit.

He didn't like being scrutinized, especially by her. Who was she to say these things?

"Righteous fighting is taking up for your family and friends by socking someone in the jaw or using them to mop the floor. But someone you don't agree with or you just don't like- like how you feel about Felix, Max. Just fighting them because you don't like or agree with them? That's stupid," she said as she opened another candy.

"Your right, Captain," he sighed frustrated with himself.

I don't need to get mad like that, I need to be above that. I need to find peace in the Plan. And she's right, whether or not I want to admit that. Plus, it's just her opinion. Find peace in the Plan. Ask another question. Get out of this topic.

"When are we getting to Monarch?" Max asked, as she popped the candy in her mouth.

"Yes, talk about something important. Something far more important than anything else. It's in the Plan. His path. He is destined to kill Chaney. That's all he wants right now."

"Soon? I suppose soon. Just have to get that Navkey from Gladys. Once we get to Roseway everything should be smooth sailing," the Captain replied with a long, drawn out sigh.

Max looked up at her and she smiled sadly at the board.

"Something vexing you, Captain?" He questioned her.

"Honestly, when you leave, the ship won't be the same without you. I'll miss this. I'll miss you."

"Then make this time we have now, last. Alright, Dottie?" Max replied kindly to her.

Suddenly, he opened the candy. Then, popped it in his mouth, watching as she beat him again.

"I believe I'll miss you too...Dot."

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[theshatteredrose]

Relic Keepers: Awakening of the Red Lily (Chapter 17) - Original Fiction

AN: Since I’ve decided that this year I’m going full force into self-indulgence with my writing, future chapters are going to be fun :3c Anyway, please enjoy~

Ao3 | Wattpad | Inkitt | FictionPress

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Chapter 17:

Eishirou glanced around at the darkness around them nervously. Yet, no matter where he looked or how hard he squinted, he couldn’t see a thing. He hadn’t realised how dark night could be. He truly could not see a thing beyond the campfire’s glow.

From the incoherent grumbling heard from Zayne, it was safe to assume that he couldn’t see anything around them either.

It was hard to describe just how dark it truly was. There was no ambient light from the city. The sky was overcast, hiding the moon. Their only source of illumination was from the campfire. And its light could only reach so far.

They were like a ship in an endless pitch-black sea.

Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to camp on a peak in front of a tall white building. Though, with how dark everything was, camping anywhere in these woods would be dangerous. They were going to stand out anyway. Even in the tunnels.

“Move toward the tent,” Zayne instructed quietly.

“Ok,” Eishirou replied simply.

He turned on his heel and moved slowly so not to draw attention to himself. He pulled back the flap of the tent and looked inside. Mikiel hadn’t moved and it was probably for the best. He was worried about having to move him, though. The guy was more muscular and taller than he was.

There was no way Eishirou would be able to carry him. He wouldn’t even be able to lift him. Not a dead weight like that.

He crouched down in the opening of the tent and turned his attention outside. The only thing he could do was to wait for instructions. And be ready to either run or to heal. Maybe both at the same time. Which he hoped he wouldn’t have to do.

Be prepared for the worst but hope for the best.

Zayne quickly but quietly walked over to Leon as he slept haphazardly on the ground. He nudged him in the side with his foot. Leon snorted quietly as he startled to semi-consciousness. He blinked blearily as he turned his head toward Zayne.

“We’re surrounded,” Zayne said simply. “Wake the others.”

Leon snapped into full wakefulness in that instant. He didn’t ask any questions. He just quietly leapt to his feet and set about waking the others. As he did that, Zayne focused his attention back at the darkness around them. He paced close to where the tent was, his movements slow, his back tense. He gripped his holsters tightly, ready to summon them for battle at a moment’s notice.

Eishirou tried to suppress a wince when he heard another noise. The distinct sound of breaking of a tree limb. And it was louder than previous noises. Which meant that whoever or whatever was making all the noise was moving closer.

And they still couldn’t see a thing.

But it was pretty clear that whatever was out there could see them.

The entire Team 3 stood in a circle around the campsite. And they were silent. From what he had witnessed previously, they enjoyed sharing a quip or two while anticipating battle. But they were seriously silent. Postures tense, mana holsters fully charged, and their gazes focused entirely on the darkness around them.

Man, he really hated the stifling silence and anticipation that hung in the air.

He’d say ‘just get it over with’ but he’d prefer the ShadowDwellers just leaving them alone. Though, that was highly unlikely.

A loud crack suddenly resounded through the silence. That sound was that of a felled tree. And it was close. Tatsu, the Elite closest to the sound, immediately whipped around and raised his mana guns. He fired two shots into the darkness, momentarily lightening up the area.

They caught a glimpse of tall shadowy creature before the light faded. A loud shriek was heard immediately afterwards, indicating that not only had the shots allowed them a glimpse into the darkness, it also took out the very creature they had seen.

One ShadowDweller down, who knows how many more.

But at least they knew what kind of ShadowDwellers they were dealing with; Scorpions. They were something Zayne and his teammates had encountered before. And those ShadowDwellers were likely to be the ones making all the noise.

And yet, that didn’t quite sit right. From their previous interactions, these ShadowDwellers didn’t care how much noise they made. They were ambush predators, sure. But they reckless. They weren’t shy about crashing into or onto the battlefield.

“Here they come,” Ernesta warned.

As soon as those words left her lips, several towering Scorpions scuttled into the light of the campfire. Pincers snapping, tails flailing, and uttering high-pitched shrieks of anger. They were agitated by something. And it was likely that they wouldn’t stop fighting until they found whatever that was.

“Remember; we must protect Eishirou and Mikiel, no matter what!” Ernesta commanded.

The team then launched themselves into battle against the ShadowDwellers.

It was always so awe-inspiring watching Elites in battle. Their movements were sleek and slick. Ernesta was rather sophisticated in her movements and motions. She retained the placid smile, even as she sliced through the ShadowDwellers with ease.

Tatsu was incredibly efficient in his attacks. His aim impeccable; never missing. Not once. Each shot was straight to the weak point. Taking out the ShadowDweller from a distance. Everything he did appeared so effortless. The smirk he wore on his lips indicated that he knew he very confident in his skills.

Leon was a brawler and seemed to enjoy the thrill of battle. He was extremely powerful, though. Just punching through the ShadowDwellers with little to no resistance. He was quite a big man, his muscles obvious and maybe even bulky. But he was quick on his feet; avoiding all attacks.

It was always so disconcerting watching Rinka engage in battle. She struck down any and every ShadowDweller in her path without mercy. Normally she was shy, quiet, and rather meek. But the moment she entered battle, she became cold, ruthless, and fierce. He wouldn’t say she had a split personality. But there were definitely two sides to her.

Zayne seemed to be a combination of all four. He was agile, strong, efficient, and brutal should he need to be. He would…adapt to the changing situation. Fall back from battle when necessary. Lunging forward with a barrage of attacks at the right time. Attacking efficiently, taking out the foe’s dangerous limbs and claws.

However, no matter what method of attack Zayne used, he never strayed too far from the tent. And ultimately from Eishirou. He always, always made sure to put himself between Eishirou and the advancing ShadowDwellers.

Eishirou still found himself instinctively ducking whenever a ShadowDweller ventured too close. They were always swiftly defeated by Zayne, but he still couldn’t prevent a grimace.

Things were getting really rowdy. And there were a lot of them.

Eishirou turned away from the sight just to snatch up his tablet and his carry bag. He lifted the strap of his back over his head and rested it on his shoulder. He best get himself ready to move. For any reason.

“This is getting ridiculous!” Leon complained. “Are they drawn to the fire? Or the tent?”

They…did seem to focus in on where the tent was located. Why, though? Were they after Mikiel? Again, why?

“Eishirou! Try opening the door!” Zayne suddenly shouted.

Eishirou blinked. To the lighthouse?

“R-right!”

He really was not in the best position to stop and ask questions. He just assumed that Zayne wanted him and Mikiel in the lighthouse for their protection. It was, after all, far sturdier than a nylon tent.

If he could open the door, that was.

Eishirou ran straight for the door, trusting Zayne to ensure that none of the ShadowDwellers followed him. He skidded to a halt in front of the stone white door and plunged his hand into his back pocket. He wrapped his hand around the white triangular object and pulled it out.

There really wasn’t time for hesitancy. Eishirou took a second to examine the small keyhole just so he could ensure he inserted the key properly.

He then slid the key into the opening.

Before he could press it all the way in, it seemed to pull itself in automatically. There was a rather telling ‘click’ when the key disappeared into the keyhole. Suddenly, a neon green light filtered out, skittering across the stone door, creating eccentric designs that Eishirou found mildly familiar.

He was unable to read any of them, however, as the light moved too quickly.

Small flakes of stone began to break away, revealing dark-grey stone underneath. And upon that was another eccentric feature.

Eight dots. Four colours. They sat on a stone grid.

It was…a puzzle?

He placed his hand against the door and attempted to search for a recording. Soon, instructions bounded around in his head.

He needed to…connect the coloured dots within the grid. Red to red. Yellow to yellow. Blue to blue. And green to green. But the paths could not touch or overlap. And he had to fill in all the squares. That was what he felt he needed to do.

Well, he had better find out whether or not he was right. And he had better do it fast!

He placed his finger on the yellow dot and then slowly traced a path that would link it to the other. As he trailed his fingertip across the stone, the grids he moved across turned yellow, too. The same occurred as he linked the other coloured dots, the grids shimmering the same colours as the dots that linked them.

It took some finicking, but Eishirou was able to find a way to link the four different colours to each other while the paths crossing.

The moment he linked the last colour, the stone door unexpectedly trembled. A grinding noise was heard as the tremors grew in ferocity.

The door then shuddered to the side, grinding loudly as it slid on an unseen track.

It opened…?

Eishirou spun around and immediately searched for Zayne amongst the chaos. “It’s open!”

“Good!” Despite the distance between them, Eishirou could see that Zayne wore a half smile of satisfaction. “Leon, get Mikiel and take him inside!”

Leon was momentarily startled by the response. “R-right!” But he didn’t argue. He spun on his heel and immediately raced over to the tent. It took a few frustrating moments to get through the tent and to Mikiel. And then to heft him onto his shoulder.

Thankfully, Leon’s physical strength was exceptional. He was able to get Mikiel over his shoulder and keep him there with a single arm. As soon as Leon got Mikiel out of the tent, a ShadowDweller suddenly appeared and trampled it.

Eishirou smothered a wince. He was glad he had the foresight to gather his own belongings from the tent before that happened. And, of course, he was thankful he wasn’t inside!

He stepped to the side as Leon darted past him and into the lighthouse. Leon stopped a couple of feet inside and did a quick surveillance of the area. When he lowered himself to his knees and lifted Mikiel off of his shoulder, Eishirou assumed that the coast was clear.

So, he made his way inside, too. And over to where Leon had lowered Mikiel to the floor. He attempted to help him, though all he could really do was to cradle Mikiel’s head as Leon laid him down on the floor.

Ugh, he was right. There was no way he’d be able to lift Mikiel by himself!

“Be right back,” Leon said simply as he jumped to his feet and darted back outside.

Eishirou rested Mikiel’s head on his lap and offered him a small bit of healing. It was pitch-black inside. The only source of light was from the campfire.

“There. They’re in a safer location,” Zayne stated.

“Very well,” Ernesta was heard uttering in return. “We must ensure that no ShadowDweller enters the lighthouse.”

He couldn’t see anything around him. He couldn’t tell how big the room was. He could barely see anything that was occurring outside. Just fleeting images of Elites as they darted past.

He could hear all sorts of noises outside, though. The shrieking of ShadowDwellers. The utters of satisfaction or annoyance from Elites. And, of course, the sounds of battle. It was quite unnerving being able to hear everything but unable to see anything.

As unnerving as that was, the sudden silence that fell over the battlefield was frightening.

Eishirou subconsciously held his breath as he stared out the door. He jumped when a figure suddenly stepped in the threshold of the door.

However, he breathed a sigh of relief when he recognised Zayne. “Are they gone?”

Zayne nodded his head as he walked over to stand next to him. To stand guard over him once more. “We’ve defeated them. For now.”

The other members of his team soon entered the lighthouse, too. All of them without injuries. Though, they all appeared rather irritated. Perhaps even baffled.

“I knew we were too out in the open,” Tatsu immediately griped, his usual stoic façade lifting for a moment.

Ernesta uttered a frustrated sigh as she folded her arms across her abdomen. Instead of responding to Tatsu’s comment, she turned and levelled him with a pointed stare. “Help Rinka to bring our belongings inside, too. Make sure you bring lanterns.”

Tatsu’s right eye gave a telling twitch. He, however, did not respond. He simply turned on his heel and stalked out of the lighthouse with Rinka right behind him.

Leon moved forward and unexpectedly crouched down by Mikiel’s side. “How’s he doing?”

Eishirou briefly wondered if Mikiel was a close friend of his as he seemed to be the one who was constantly hovering over him. Instead of prying, he decided the best thing he could was to be honest. Not overly honest, mind. Just…honest enough. If that made sense.

“He’s stable,” Eishirou finally replied. “Unfortunately, he’s fallen into a coma.”

Leon looked over at him. Though he tried to hide it, he was obviously concerned. “That’s bad, right?”

Eishirou tried to give him some reassurance. “Depends. He’s not suffering. It might be his body’s attempt to heal itself.”

That seemed to offer Leon some comfort as he nodded his head idly as his gaze shifted back toward Mikiel. He only lifted his head when Tatsu and Rinka returned with their camping gear. He pushed himself to his feet to take hold of the sleeping bag and then laid it down on the ground next to where Mikiel lay.

Eishirou once again helped Leon to rest Mikiel onto the sleeping bag. While he was unlike to feel anything, being unconscious and all, they still wanted to ensure that he was comfortable. Lying on the cold, hard ground was never pleasant.

As Eishirou checked on Mikiel’s health, the Elites set about setting up bright lanterns around them. The room soon began to brighten, allowing for Eishirou to view their new surroundings.

The interior was expected of that of a lighthouse; a spiralling staircase that was attached to the interior wall and spiralled upwards. The light could only reach so far, so it appeared as if the staircase just disappeared into a dark void. The room that they occupied was likely that of a foyer. Yet, other than a couple of antique tables, there was no other furniture.

“I thought entry into the lighthouse was impossible?” Tatsu suddenly commented. It was framed as a question, but it felt more like an accusation.

Zayne must have felt that way, too, as he turned to send scowl in Tatsu’s direction. “We didn’t say that. Eishirou just needed to do more research.”

That…was half true.

Ernesta turned her attention toward Eishirou and raised a curious eyebrow. “How did you open the door?”

They were suspicious of him. He couldn’t blame them. And in honesty, he was a little…cautious of them in return. Especially of Tatsu. That guy made no attempt to hide his distain for him. And it was hard to read Ernesta at the best of times.

“There was a puzzle that needed to be solved before the door could open,” Eishirou answered simply. He would have to explain more later. But right now, they just needed the quick facts.

That seemed to satisfy Ernesta for now. Though, he doubted Tatsu was satisfied with the answer.

Eishirou resisted the urge to sigh as he reached into his bag and pulled out his communicator. Instead of contacting anyone, he checked the time. And this time he did breathe a sigh. A sigh of relief.

Sunrise was only a couple more hours away.

“Wh-what’s up there?” Rinka suddenly asked as she pointed to the dark void that the stairs disappeared into.

Zayne shrugged casually. “Who knows,” he said simply before he reached down and grabbed EIshirou by the elbow. With a slight tug, he urged him to his feet. “Since we’re here, let’s have a look.”

Eishirou allowed Zayne to help him to his feet. They had a few hours before they had to plan their evacuation. He also couldn’t help but wonder if the ShadowDwellers actually want to get inside, too. He wasn’t sure why he thought of that possibility, but it was quite clear that the ShadowDwellers were agitated and after something.

“Rinka, I need you to stay here,” Ernesta ordered.

Rinka immediately pouted, which was rather unexpected. But it was actually kinda nice to see. She was curious, interested in learning things for herself.

But orders were orders. So, Eishirou sent Rinka an apologetic smile.

“We’ll be quick,” he promised as he followed Zayne to the stairs.

[eremiss]

Clove Oil

It’s not that Yda has never asked Gwen for help, rather… she’s never asked her for healing. While Gwen had studied conjury for a few years in the past, and regularly practiced the special brand of white magic employed by Red Mages, there are many other Scions who are far more gifted with healing magics, and more skilled at assessing injuries. Typically she only needs to employ her healing magics while out on assignment, either alone or partnered with others who had no healing abilities of their own.

Which makes Yda coming to her in the middle of the Stones with a look of distress (on the lower half of her face, at least) and clutching her swollen, bruised jaw rather… strange? On second thought, perhaps ‘strange’ is too strong of a word. Still, it’s certainly not typical.

“Can you take a look? Maybe patch it up?” Yda asks, squeezing the words out between her teeth and trying not to move her jaw.

Gwen flounders for a second, equally confused and concerned. What happened? Had she been punched? And wouldn’t she be better off asking Y’shtola or Coultenet? Perhaps they’re out on their own assignments--though the moment she thinks it she knows that doesn’t sound right. 

Yda is standing there, staring beseechingly.

Gwen pushes the confusion aside for the moment and nods, “Yes, of course. Come on.”

Once they reach her room Gwen waves Yda into the chair at her desk and steps into her bathroom to scrub her hands. “Where does it hurt? Just your jaw? Your teeth?”

Yda makes a considering face and shifts her jaw around, immediately wincing. “Both.” 

Gwen offers a sympathetic look and quiet hum, moving to the bookshelf crowded with jars. She plucks up one of the dark brown vials and one of the scraps of cotton piled nearby, only half-hearing Yda wondering what she’s doing.

“It’s for your teeth,” Gwen replies, carefully pouring a bit of pungent oil onto the cotton. She sets the vial aside, turns, and pauses.

Yda blinks at her. “Hm?”

“Is it alright if I…?” Gwen asks, trailing off and gesturing vaguely with her hands. Most healing involved some form of touching, and Yda is a very tactile and touchy person anyway, so it’s probably fine. Still, it never hurts to make sure, even if it does make Gwen feel a tad awkward.

“Uhh? Oh! Oh, yeah.” Yda starts to nod, then arrests the motion with another wince. “Yeah, sure, poke and prod away, I don’t mind.”

Gwen relaxes a little, “Alright. Open your mouth.” She delicately holds Yda’s chin and tilts her head up for better light, peering into her mouth and confirming that the brawler hadn’t lost any teeth. She daintily tucks the cotton between Yda’s cheek and back molars and quickly withdraws, “The taste is a bit strong, but it will help.” 

Yda closes her mouth, pulling another face as the taste gets to her. “What is this?” she asks thickly.

“Clove oil." Despite her efforts Gwen had gotten a bit on her fingers, and she knew the smell would linger for days. That was preferable to needing to make use of the oil herself, though. While it did wonders for numbing toothaches, the flavor was so potent it could be difficult to stand.

Yda’s face scrunches more, then abruptly relaxes a little. “Oh. Feels better already,” she says, sounding surprised.

Gwen smiles to herself, satisfied, and moves to rifle through her haphazardly stacked training weapons. Weapon rack. Need to get a weapon rack, she tells herself. “So, now that you’re feeling a bit better,” she says over her shoulder, “why don’t you tell me why you came to me instead of Y’shtola?”

Yda makes a strangled little sound. “Wh-what? What do you mean?”

Her yew wand is at the bottom of the stack, right where she left it. Despite being buried for more than a moon, the magically preserved leaves are still a bright, lively green. Gwen lightly touches them, drawing on the calm, steady aether inside the living wand. “I’m not a particularly advanced healer,” she says, “and, unless my days are mixed up, Y’shtola should be here. We both know she’s more skilled with healing magics than I am, but you came to me instead. I’m just curious why.”

Yda pouts, her expression wrinkling when she swallows another mouthful of clove flavor. 

Gwen cocks her head to one side, eyeing Yda meaningfully. “Surely she didn’t turn you away, right?”

“No, no, nothing like that,” Yda relents with a sigh. She’s speaking more easily already, though the cotton in her cheek is still distorting a few syllables. She drops her chin a little and mumbles something under her breath.

Gwen prompts, “Hm?” hovering a hand over Yda’s bruised cheek. Her vision slips out of focus as she concentrates, drawing on the aether of her wand and pushing it through Yda’s jaw to assess the damage.

“She… told me not to mess with those new automated training dummies,” she grumbles again, only a bit more audibly.

Bruised muscles, burst blood vessels… When the words finally manage to break through her haze of preoccupation they take an extra few seconds to register. Gwen distractedly asks, “The… ones that the Ironworks is making? Aren’t they still being tested?”

Yda pouts mildly, careful of her jaw. “I haven’t seen anyone do anything to them in a sennight. They’re just sitting there in the training yard, fully assembled…” She starts to lift a hand to her jaw and stops, “Don’t know what still needs to be done to them, because they definitely work.”

“Ah.” A small crack in the bone, swollen gums… And the blow loosened a few of her teeth. “So I take it you didn’t heed her advice, then.”

Yda doesn’t answer, which is an answer in itself.

Gwen has also noticed that the Ironworks’ constructs have gone unattended the last few days. Truth be told, she was also curious about the new ‘advanced’ training dummies; but, apparently, not as curious as Yda. “Hm… Well, if it makes you feel any better,” she assures, “I don’t plan on telling her. Or anyone.” 

Yda brightens immediately, “Really?” 

Gwen grins, “Though Y’shtola is rather intimidating, so that might not hold under duress.”

“Oh, no, I don’t think anyone would hold under that,” Yda says with a giggle, palpably relieved. “Only person who’s scarier is Tataru, I think.”

Gwen hasn’t personally seen the diminutive receptionist intimidate anyone, but between the stories she’s heard and the occasional steely glint in Tataru’s eye, it isn’t hard to imagine.

She pushes that aside, concentrating and murmuring an incantation. As the spell takes shape she reaches out, starting with the cracked bone and working out from there.

Thankfully, the damage the Ironworks’ dummy inflicted isn’t severe, so it doesn’t take long to mend. The bruise, though, will linger.

As Gwen completes her spell Yda cranes her head a little to one side so she can peer at the yew wand. “So why the wand? Don’t you normally use your sword and focus for magic?”

“Yes, but,” Gwen says slowly, letting go of the last of her concentration so her thoughts could start coming back to her. “But it’s… not as efficient, you could say?”

Yda makes a curious noise. “It casts magic fine, right? That’s why you use it.”

“Well, yes, red mage foci are made to work with both white and black magic, but,” Gwen pauses again, considering. 

Now that she no longer has to devote most of her concentration to spellcasting she can use it to formulate an answer. The principles of magic foci and their uses are all but engraved into her brain after her studies in conjury, thaumaturgy and red magic, not to mention how often the concepts have been rehashed and reiterated in all the texts she’s poured through.

“But I’ve found they’re not… They’re sort of ‘jack-of-all-trades, master of none’, you could say. They’re unique in being able to aid with both thaumaturgy and conjury, but, given how they aren’t specialized, spells can sometimes require more --more focus and effort--  from the caster in order to work on the same level as a more specialized, single-discipline focus. That flexibility is what makes them special and versatile, but, well, everything has its drawbacks. I’m still learning red magic, so I’m sure I have room to improve. I’m better with offensive red magic, too, so when it comes to healing,” she shrugs, smiling absently, “plain old conjury is just...a little easier. Maybe once I’ve studied and trained more that will change.”

Yda makes a thoughtful sound, tapping her fingers against her chin. She’s still sporting a (possibly incriminating) bruise on her cheek, but the blemish has lost its hard edges and the color has softened and faded to brown.

As Gwen sets about putting away the oil and nudging over a wastebin so Yda can dispose of the oil-soaked cotton she adds, “I’ve actually been trying to come up with a way to make a different weapon and focus that would be… more efficient than the gems I’ve used so far. Actually it was just a flight of fancy at first, but it’s all turned out to be quite interesting so I decided to more seriously pursue it. The refreshers  on foci and basic techniques I’ve gotten along the way has been helpful, too.

“It’s a bit beyond me, honestly, seeing how there’s so much to take into consideration, and I’m not much of a craftsman or scholar. But I understand the basic principles, at least, so I’ve been able to muddle along. X’hrun has been a huge help, but he’s got his hands full, so I’ve been doing most of the research myself. Heh, at the very least he’s told me he thinks it’s worth pursuing, and that I’m not basically reinventing the wheel... sometimes it feels like a near thing, though, heh.”

Laying it out gets things moving in her head again, allowing thoughts and facts that have gone stagnant to shift, fit themselves together and lie flat rather than filling her head like crumpled papers in an overflowing wastebin. After how long she’s spent pouring over books and papers by herself, it’s refreshing to air out the clutter.

“When making a singular, more optimized focus started to seem a bit infeasible I thought maybe I could find a way to utilize different foci for white and black magic. Similar results but, perhaps a less complicated means of getting there. Except, from what I’ve been reading, trying to combine two foci into one cohesive weapon, especially ones that behave so differently, will probably be just as difficult. As it stands now, I’m not even sure which method is likely to work better, or at all. So I’m pursuing both, which is… a bit of a handful.

“The whole process is proving to be much more nuanced, complex and time consuming than I’d initially expected either way.” She shrugs again, “Ah, well. Nothing to do but keep working on it.”

Yda is silent for a moment before saying, “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you talk this much.”

“Ah…?” Gwen pauses, thoughts of scribbled theories and early sketches of weapon designs abruptly turning to dust and slipping through her fingers. Her voice instinctively shrinks down in her throat as embarrassment prickles up her spine. She... had gotten a bit rambly, hadn’t she? Her head is so chock-full of research, questions and ideas that it’s fit to burst, so once the words had started flowing they’d just… kept going, and she hadn’t thought to stop them. “Oh, sorry, erm…”

“No, no, I don’t mean stop!” Yda says quickly, flapping her hands. “Keep going! So you’re designing a new focus? Is this why you’ve been locked up in your room?”

Gwen hesitates, feeling telltale heat on her face, “Well, uh… A new focus and weapon, actually.” The phrase ‘locked up in your room’ catches up to her and she pouts. The piles of notes and research that have accumulated on and around her desk discourage her from protesting. “It’s proving to be a bigger undertaking than I first thought, like I said,” she hedges. “So I suppose I… have been keeping to my room a bit.” 

“Because it’s gotten complicated, yeah? Why?”

Even though Yda is only being encouraging, the fluster that had initially made Gwen lose her train of thought lingers, coming undone in fits and starts rather than simply lifting away. But it is leaving, helped by the reassuring notion that Yda is genuinely interested despite the fact that she isn’t given to using magic. Just to make sure, Gwen asks, “I, uh, didn’t think you cared much about magics?”

“I don’t, but I can listen. I don’t mind being a sounding board,” she replies with a broad smile. “It’s the least I can do after you patched me up. Plus, it’s got you chattering! I didn’t know you had it in you!”

“I,” Gwen almost sputters, face heating a little more, “I’m not chattering…”

“So go on, tell me about it,” Yda urges, leaning slightly forward in her seat and waiting with blatant interest.

Gwen tugs at her hair, glancing abashedly aside as she tries to find where she’d left off. “Ah, well… The thing is there’s not much more to tell. Yet. I’m still researching, and there’s a lot of information to sift through. X’hrun has been helping through letters, and he’s promised to send me whatever resources and research he finds that might be of use. There really isn’t a whole lot beyond that, aside from my notes…” She winds her fingers through her hair, shifting her weight to her left foot. “The sketches and drafts I’ve made are… Well, hopefully they’ll be useful somehow, but mostly they’re sort of just for fun.”

“So it’s still at the start, but it’s promising, right?” Yda asks, “You think you can get somewhere with it?”

Gwen considers that and eventually shrugs. “Somewhere. Eventually. But it’s hard to say exactly where, or how long it will take to get there. It’s hard to predict how well it will all work out in the end--or if it will work at all.”

Yda fishes the cotton out of her mouth and tosses it in the trash. “It might not?”

“Maybe. This is… new territory, more or less. The schools of magic tend to keep to themselves, even though it’s documented in the past that they’ve cooperated--which is how red magic came about in the first place. None of the literature,” she waves a hand at the books and papers spread out over her desk, “I’ve found so far has really touched on this sort of thing much. I’ve hardly read all the books in the Realm, I know, but a lot of it is, heh, starting to sound like variations on the same tune. Most of the talk about foci, in particular, is spent pointing out the differences between them, and why different materials are suited for some schools of magic but not others. In-depth, practical analysis and comparisons between thaumaturgy and conjury in use, rather than conjecture from just one side or surface-level observations, is surprisingly hard to come by. Finding information about using them together, outside of something like red magic, is proving especially difficult.”

Gwen taps her chin with one finger, smiling slightly at the folly of it. “I even tried delving a bit into arcanima and grimoires to see if I might find something useful there; maybe get inspiration, or find some way to use things like enchanted inks or geometric engravings to… bridge the gap, so to speak. Or, failing that, I’d hoped a third perspective on magic and foci to compare everything to might give me an idea, or something. Bit of a shot in the dark, but you never know until you try. But, well,” she shakes her head ruefully, “arcanima and geometries, erm… They don’t come to me as naturally as the other magics, and it takes some work to get my head around them. Maybe they’d make more sense with more practice, but, hah, I kind of have my hands full.”

Gwen can’t see Yda’s eyes, but she’s imagining they’re probably glazed over by now. One can only listen so intently to rambling on a topic they, themselves, can’t make much use of before it begins to simply become noise.

She turns her hands palm up, “In short, it’s a bigger, more complex undertaking than I first expected, and I’m going to be mostly on my own for a lot of it. It all might not work like I initially envisioned--or it might not work at all, but it’s difficult to say just yet. I’ve just got to keep working.”

Yda nods more astutely than Gwen expected, and starts idly kicking her feet. “Sounds to me like you might be better off finding out by doing. Even if you aren’t sure how it will all come together and work out in the end, you’ve probably found out enough to put to use and make something if you wanted. Maybe you could look into getting a test weapon made? Use it as a trial run to test things out, and then go from there.”

It’s reassuring to know she hasn’t yet succeeded in alienating her audience, and the self-consciousness beginning to tighten across her shoulders abruptly eases. “Well, yes, technically.  I could commission guilds for the different foci and the blade and they’ve got crafters skilled enough to meet with whatever specifications I need. I could have started out with that instead of diving into books--or fewer books, at least. But, once I had all the parts to make it, I’d need to find someone skilled enough to put it together and integrate all the parts into a practical, physically and aetherically cohesive weapon. Each person would have to be quite skilled, particularly the one who puts it all together in the end.” 

Gwen stretches her fingers and smooths down her coat with an airy laugh and a little sigh. “All that to say, it’s safe to assume no aspect of the project will be cheap. And, well…” She trailed off, debating how best to phrase it. “Financing one weapon, whenever I get to that point, will probably require some forethought and planning. But multiple iterations, refining the design as I go along?”

Yda tilts her head with a mild frown, “I didn’t think about that…”

Gwen plucks the vial of clove oil from her desk and puts it back in its place. “Some things can’t be learned without doing, but I’d rather spend time nitpicking and refining beforehand, rather than go into debt or be stuck with a flawed prototype.”

Yda nods with a thoughtful hum. She folds her arms and tips her head back to regard the ceiling, pondering. “I bet Urianger and Papalymo could help with all of that, including those ‘unique specifications.’”

Gwen hadn’t considered asking her fellow Scions for their input, which… thinking about it now was perhaps a bit silly. She was accustomed to handling tasks and projects herself, particularly when they were personal, like this, but she didn’t have to anymore. While she was still working on being close with the other Scions, they were still colleagues, and they endeavored to help one another. 

It couldn’t hurt to at least ask.

At length she nods, “Maybe they could.”

-------------

Combined beta-ing by @rhymingteelookatme​ @phaedra-mero​, @anomaliewrites​ and @evangeline-cross​! Thanks guys!! :DD

Endings, what even are they anyway

Clove Oil, aka: Gwen is both a do-it-yourself’er and a nerd.  When Gwen wants to do something her first go-to is experience and example (her own, or someone else’s) and when that won’t suffice, she gets her research on. If possible, she likes doing it all at once (or as much of it as possible) so she won’t forget or mis-remember as much, so all-nighters surrounded by books are pretty standard. In her pre-Scion years she would make use of any public and Guild resources that were available, and would barter with money or labor for more specialized books, tools, research and information. Over the years this method of problem solving caused her to slowly accumulate a collection of books on a relatively wide range of topics (botany and herbal medicines being the definite majority). She brought the collection with her when she moved into the Sands / Stones. Now she has the Scion’s library (among others) to draw from whenever she wants, too! She’s pretty excited about it haha For how little she likes sitting around, she has no trouble getting lost in books, even when they’re a bit beyond her (that’s where stubbornness/determination come in) 

Clove Oil, aka: Gwen is both a do-it-yourself’er and a nerd, aka: Scuse me while I bullshit about aether and magic and stuff lmao.

I have no idea if anything Gwen is saying makes any sense lore wise, I don’t even know if any of what she’s trying to do is even remotely necessary, but it IS something she would do, and all that rambling made sense in my head, sooo... XDD

[sushigirlali]

If You Don't Love Me, Lie To My Face - Part I (Reylo Fanfic)

Part I | Part II | Part III | Epilogue 

Summary: Grifter!Rey helps U.S. Senator Leia Organa's son, Ben Solo, out of a jam when a couple of muggers invade her turf. Afterward, she debates robbing the rich American herself, but can she protect her heart while stealing his?

Pairing: Rey + Ben Solo | Finn + Poe Dameron

Rating: E

Continuity: Modern AU

A/N: For the first time ever, I’ve actually written most of the story before I started posting! I think it will be way less stressful since I don’t have to “keep up” with updates. New chapters will be posted each Friday. Enjoy!

Master list –> AO3 | ff.net | Tumblr

——————

If You Don't Love Me, Lie To My Face - Part I

By: sushigirlali

——————

Kennington, London

——————

There are moments in life that make you question everything that came before. A look from a stranger, an incident at your job, a terrible movie... things Rey Niima was usually able to push past without pause, but tonight, she was finding it extremely difficult to ignore the feeling that her life was about to change forever.

"Hey, give us your wallet!" A pair of brawlers had cornered a man at the mouth of a nearby alley, drawing Rey's attention as soon as she stepped out the back door of her favorite pub, The Black Prince.

"Excuse me?" the would-be victim responded indignantly. His voice was deep with an American lilt, his stature intimidating.

Did these fools really think they could steal from a man like that? But then, not all criminals were as intelligent as her.

"You heard me! I want your wallet!"

Rey hung back from the potentially violent situation unfolding before her, sizing up the assailants. Their outfits were all black, including the ski masks covering their faces, but she couldn't see any identifying marks or gang affiliations. "Must be lone wolves," she thought.

There was something familiar about the tall one doing the talking, but she couldn't place them. It probably didn't matter, though, because the redwood with the nice accent looked like he could take the both of them with one hand tied behind his broad back.

Still, for some reason, she was finding it hard to walk the other way. Definitely not because the man was the most striking person she had ever seen. No, it had to be due to the fact that these bums were causing a ruckus on her turf. At least, that's what she kept telling herself, frozen to the spot as she was.

"Listen, I just got done volunteering at a shelter all day and just want to get home. Please allow me to leave unmolested."

"Volunteering at a shelter?" she muttered under her breath. "Well, fuck. But it's not your business, don't get involved." Rey was turning around to go back inside the pub when the sound of a gun cocking drew her up short.

"Don't make me repeat myself again, pretty boy."

"Whoa, hey, there's no need for that!"

"Then empty your pockets! Now!"

"No," he said crossly. "Put that thing away before somebody gets hurt."

"Dammit," Rey groaned, retrieving the silver baton clipped to her belt. Sometimes, she really hated having a conscience; in her line of work, it was a real liability.

"Hey, get your hands off me!"

"Oh, for fuck's sake," she growled, resolutely stalking toward the turbulent scene. "Oi! You lot!"

The big guy and his sidekick paused to look in her direction. "What?" the leader said in a surprisingly feminine voice.

"Not a guy," Rey mused. "Based on your absolutely abominable bullying technique, I don't think you're getting that guy's wallet any time this century, so why don't you just leave him alone and move along."

"Excuse me?" the woman said threateningly.

"I'm sorry, did I stutter?"

"You move along, little mouse, this doesn't concern you!" the shorter guy spat.

"You do know who's neighborhood this is, don't you?" Rey said tauntingly.

"Yeah?" the first one said dismissively. "So what."

"So, knock it off! We don't need the fuzz coming down here because some hooligans are roughing up a foreigner."

"Hooligans?! And who the fuck are you?"

"Me?" Rey sneered, flicking the baton out to the side so that it extended into a long poll. "I'm no one."

"Phas," the skinny guy said nervously, obviously recognizing her at last, "we should go."

Rey had never been so proud of her reputation as a grifter who was just as likely to steal an expensive piece of art from the peerage in an elaborate heist as kick a thug's ass in the street.

"But the boss—"

"He'll understand."

"But—"

"Phas!"

"Fine. But don't think this is over!" the woman yelled before running off with her companion.

"Well," the American said slowly, "that was an experience I never wish to repeat again." He smiled at her. "Thank you," he said sincerely.

"You're welcome," Rey replied gruffly, still riding high on adrenaline. "Do you always walk around by yourself at night in a city not your own?"

"Do you always save unsuspecting passersby from thieves?" he retorted.

Her phone went off, but she didn't answer it. Up close, the man was even more attractive than she had initially thought. "Suit looks expensive, too… and is that a Breitling?" Perhaps it was her lucky night after all. "Only if they're handsome," she said smoothly.

"Oh, uh…" he flushed at her compliment.

"Hmm… not the reaction I expected." It was kind of refreshing, though. "Sorry, I—ugh, one sec," she said as her cell went off again. "My brother," she explained, checking the caller ID. "I have to take this or he'll just keep phoning until I pick up."

The man shrugged, "No problem, I'll just wait over here." He stepped up onto the curb and walked a few paces away.

Rey nodded and lifted the phone to her ear. "What?" she said shortly.

"Who's the stiff?" Finn asked without preamble.

"Nobody."

"Right," he huffed. "Are you working him?"

"Undecided, stop pushing."

"Whatever you say, Rey. Just be careful."

"I will. Where are you anyway?" she said, humored by his tough older sibling act.

"Hanging outside the pub, just around the corner. Why? You need me?" Finn teased.

"No, I'll catch you later. Don't wait up." She ended the conversation before he could respond and stuffed the phone into her back pocket. "Sorry about that, uh…?"

"Ben," the stranger supplied, moving closer again. "Ben Solo."

"I'm Rey," she said, holding out a hand.

Ben's lips quirked and he gave her a firm handshake, his huge hand dwarfing hers. Rey felt a shiver run up her spine at the brief contact, but she shook it off.

"So, what's that for?" he indicated the weapon still in her hand. "Joining the circus?"

"No," she grinned, "it's a bo staff. I use it for self defense."

"And the defense of others," he said warmly.

"On occasion." She folded the bo staff back into a baton before reattaching it to her belt.

"Can I get you a drink?" he nodded toward the pub. "To say thank you?"

"I was actually on my way home before I… bumped into you."

"I could… walk you home? If you want." He didn't sound desperate, but it was a near thing.

"I'm not from around here," she said evasively. She couldn't really bring him back to her base of operations, which was only a few blocks down the street, but she didn't want to stop talking to him either. "What a dilemma."

"No? Where are you from then?"

"Nowhere."

"Okay… Well, I promise I'm not a pervert or a serial killer or anything," he said earnestly, "so you can come back to my hotel with me if you want. It's late and I'd hate for anything to happen to you."

She crossed her arms. "Because I'm a woman?"

"Hey, I'm 6'3" and double your weight and I almost got jumped like ten minutes ago," he reminded her. "It can happen to anyone."

"Fair enough," she allowed, lowering her defenses. "Still…"

"I can call my security detail if you want verification that I'm not a psycho," he offered. "I'd just like the opportunity to get to know the woman who saved my hide."

Rey's interest sharpened. "That's sweet, but uh… security detail?"

"Yeah," he said nonchalantly. "My mother is a U.S. Senator. I'm in town on her behalf. She was supposed to come herself, but her re-election campaign is heating up and she couldn't spare the time."

"You disapprove," she said perceptively.

Ben's dark brows shot up. "Yeah, actually. You a mind reader, Rey from nowhere?"

"Something like that," she smirked. "I prefer the term grifter."

"Grifter?" he said curiously. "What does that mean, exactly?"

"Oh, you know," Rey winked for effect, assuming the privileged American was about to run in the opposite direction, "I swindle rich people out of their valuables by preying on their weaknesses. Basically, I'm a professional bad guy."

Ben looked hopelessly confused by her explanation. "But you just helped me."

"Well, sometimes I like to help out the little guy." Rey looked him over. "Little big guys too."

"Like Robin Hood?" he said, disarming her with a crooked smile.

"What? I wouldn't say I'm—I'm a hero or anything," she stuttered.

"Well, you're my hero," he said smoothly, holding out a hand. "That's my driver pulling up over there, in the black Jag. Join me? Please?"

"I… okay," she agreed, placing her hand in his, "but just for a little while." This time, she couldn't ignore the shiver.

——————

Alarm bells should be going off in her head, but Rey felt perfectly comfortable with her new companion. It was odd, considering her trust issues, but Ben didn't seem to be only interested in her looks. And she knew she looked good tonight, her dark leather leggings were basically painted on and her lacy bra was visible through a mostly sheer black tank top. Add on her subtle smoky makeup and half-up hair style that emphasized her cheek bones and...

"Rey?"

She loved the way he said her name, almost like a caress. "Yes?"

"Are you hungry? I haven't had dinner yet."

"Oh, sure," she said, never one to give up a free meal. Though she did kinda wish something else was on the menu… "What is wrong with you? You just met the man! Note to self: masturbate more."

"Chinese okay?"

Her mouth watered. "Perfect."

"What do you like?"

"Besides you?" she said without thinking. "Uh, I mean—anything, really. Noodles, if they have them."

Ben let her comment pass, but he was beaming. "I like noodles too. Maybe some kind of chicken? Orange?"

"Excellent," she seconded.

"You're easy," he said, but then caught himself, looking horrified. "I mean to order food for, not—"

"It's okay," she laughed, patting his thigh. "I know what you meant."

"Sorry, I haven't done this in a long time," he said sheepishly, catching her hand before she could remove it.

"This?"

"Gone on a date."

"Oh." Was this a date? Rey couldn't remember the last time she had been on one. Pretty much anytime she'd been alone with a man not her brother in the past ten years it was because she intended to rob them.

"Not that this has to be a date," he said quickly, releasing her hand. "Sorry, I keep saying stupid things."

Dammit, but he was cute. "You don't have to keep apologizing," she replied lightly. "Let's just have dinner and talk and see where that takes us." Maybe the night would lead to some fun extracurricular activities, maybe not, but at least she'd be able to case his place. Based on what she knew so far, the guy definitely came from old money. "Just keep reminding yourself that he's potentially a mark, not a boyfriend, Rey."

"Sure," he smiled, looking relieved. "Hey, Poe?" he said to the driver. "Can you pick up some food after dropping us at the hotel? We're starving."

——————

Ben fumbled a little opening the door, but quickly recovered and ushered Rey inside with a gallant sweep of his arm. The hotel was nice, but not extravagant, something she found odd for the son of a U.S. Senator. Then again, he had apparently been helping out at a shelter all day, so maybe he really was as down to earth as he seemed.

"The bathroom is through there if you need it," he pointed toward the bedroom.

"I'm fine, thanks."

"Okay, I'm just going to grab a quick shower. Poe should be back within the hour, so make yourself at home."

"Can I join you?" she was tempted to say. "Sure, I'll just watch the telly."

Ben nodded and left the room. A few seconds later, Rey heard the water start. Flipping on the TV, she left it on the cartoon channel before having a look around.

There weren't any expensive electronics or pieces of art in plain sight, so Rey could only assume that anything valuable would be in his room. "Oh, well, nothing gained, nothing lost. Better update Finn, though."

Yanking her cell out, Rey sent a quick text to her brother with Ben's name, the hotel's address, and a couple sentences about the modest state of his living room. He answered her almost immediately, sounding concerned.

Finn: Are you sure about this bloke? If you're not there to rob him, I assume that means you're interested in something else?

Rey: Yes? Maybe? I don't know. We just met, but…

Finn: At least text me later, okay? So I don't have to worry

Rey: I will. Love you 3

Finn: Love you too, peanut

Finn: ...check the room safe if you get a chance. Those types of hotels always have them and you never know what might be inside ;)

Rolling her eyes, but knowing he was right, Rey listened for a moment. It sounded like Ben was still in the shower, so she took the opportunity to pop into the bedroom and search his closet. A standard issue hotel safe was at the back, surrounded by some very nice black suits.

It wouldn't have been hard to crack the safe if she had her gear, but her heart wouldn't have been in it even if she did. She didn't want to rob Ben Solo, which was a first. Still, she did appreciate a challenge...

"Did you need something?"

Rey whipped around to see her host in nothing but a low slung white towel. "No, I—uh…"

"Would you like something to change into?" he inquired kindly.

Unable to respond with his magnificent chest and long thighs on display, Rey just shook her head in the negative. His brow creased and she felt like a kid who had been caught snooping for Christmas presents. "Shit, shit, shit, I've totally blown it!" Backtracking to the living room, she wasn't surprised when he followed. "What should I do? Oh, god, I don't want him to think…"

"Rey, what you said earlier… about being a… what did you call it? A grifter? Are you—mmph!" he started, unable to complete his thought as Rey impulsively reached up to kiss him.

But instead of pushing her away and demanding an answer, Ben threaded his fingers through her hair and dragged her closer. Taking his response as permission, Rey wrapped her arms around his waist, gripping his bare back as the kiss went on and on.

Somehow, they ended up next to the couch. Rey pushed Ben into a sitting position and climbed onto his lap, rubbing her clothed core against the tent in his towel. "Rey," he whispered, lips trailing down to her neck, "Rey, I want you."

"Yes," she responded as he reached for her waistband. Coming up on her knees, she growled when he yanked her leggings and underwear down her hips with one forceful tug. Things were getting out of control, going too far too fast, but she didn't care; she wanted him too. "Help me," she demanded, legs trapped by the constricting garments.

"I've got you," he huffed, reaching behind her to unzip her black combat boots and pull her pants the rest of the way off.

Meanwhile, Rey tore her top and bralette over her head before going to work on the towel barely covering his lap. "Wow!" she blew out a breath, zeroing in on his ardent erection when it was uncovered. He was big, maybe bigger than anyone she'd ever been with. Would he fit?

"Fuck," Ben sighed, sitting back to stare at her body, "you're beautiful, Rey."

Feeling weirdly shy about the sincerity in his sinful voice, Rey kissed him again in lieu of a response, reaching between them to spread herself for entry.

"Wait," he said, gasping for air, "what about protection?"

"Implant," she mumbled, rubbing her slit against the tip of his penis. "I'm clean, are you?"

"Yeah, I haven't—oh, god—uh, done it in a while."

"Good." She felt strangely possessive of him, this man she had just met. It pleased her that he didn't sleep around. "Fuck me, then. Raw."

Ben slammed his mouth down on hers again, positioning his dick with one hand and gripping her left buttock with the other. But he didn't ram himself home, instead he teased her hole, sliding only a fraction of the way in before retreating. He did it over and over, mimicking the action with his tongue until she was incoherent with desire, squirming, imploring him to fill her…

And then he was, and she found that he fit very well inside her indeed. His thick cock seemed to be made for her, hitting all the right spots and ones she hadn't even known existed until now. "Ben!" she cried, furiously pumping her hips in time with his thrusts. "This is—you're—"

"I feel it too!" he returned, palming her breast and teasing her erect nipple. "From the first moment I saw you, I—"

She licked his mouth, begging for entrance, not wanting to hear his sweet words even as they made her heart soar. He opened for her, but was obviously frustrated that she had cut off his declaration. Before she knew it, the hand squeezing her ass drew back and lightly smacked against her butt-cheek.

"Oh!" Rey jolted at the slight sting, but it wasn't in pain. On the contrary, she requested, "Again! Ben, do that again, please! I'm—"

Knock, knock.

"Oh, shit, Poe's at the—"

"Don't you fucking dare, Ben Solo," she growled, bouncing up and down on him with renewed vigor. But the driver started knocking harder, likely because of the guttural sounds erupting from Ben's throat. "Come on, man, can't you tell we're busy?!"

"But—shit!" Ben hauled her against him, no longer playing, just looking for relief before his friend broke the door down.

Rey found his soft grunts and swears endearing, so she took pity on him and increased her pace even further. "Come for me, Ben," she instructed, grinding down on him with all her might. "Come now and then we can eat. Or you can eat me, whichever you prefer."

The dirty talk seemed to work, because in the next minute, Ben was biting down on her shoulder, shaking with the force of his orgasm. Not far behind, Rey led his hand to her swollen nub, needing just a hair more stimulation to tip over the edge. Almost instantly, his trembling touch sent her into climax. Still vaguely aware of what's-his-name banging on the hotel room door, she pressed her mouth to Ben's pectoral to muffle her cries and came for what felt like ages…

"That—was—amazing," Ben panted, hugging her so tightly she thought she might pop. "The—best—I've—ever—had!"

"Me—too," she couldn't help but admit.

Loosening his hold, Ben cupped her cheeks and kissed her softly. "Thank you."

"Ah—you're welcome," she said, smiling like an idiot. Before she could lean in again, Poe resumed making his presence known.

"Ben? Are you okay? Answer me! Did that woman kill you? Your mother will be so pissed if you're dead." He hit the door again. "Either answer me in the next ten seconds or I'm going to get security!"

"I'm fine, great, alive, whatever!" Ben called back loudly. "And annoyed," he said to Rey. "Go into the bedroom for a minute while I get rid of him."

"Okay," she agreed, gingerly getting up. They both groaned when he slipped out of her, which Rey found gratifying. "Can I use the shower now?"

"Sure, there are towels under the sink. My sleep shirts are in the top drawer of the dresser," he offered.

"He wants me to spend the night?" she mused, feeling giddy and terrified all at once. "Alright," she said aloud, picking up her clothes and disappearing into the bedroom she'd been casing earlier, "call out if you need backup."

"Will do," he chuckled, "will do."

——————

Ten minutes later, Rey emerged from the bathroom feeling fresh and back in control. Picking a long sleeve shirt out of Ben's dresser at random, she pulled it over her naked body before toweling off her wet hair. The black cotton was as soft as it was big, but Rey didn't mind; it smelled like Ben.

Catching her reflection in the floor length mirror by the closet, she was amused to see that the garment fell to her knees like a sack, giving her already slender body exactly zero shape. "Oh, well, it's not like I plan on wearing it lon—"

A disturbance in the living room suddenly diverted her reverie. Sneaking to the door, she carefully cracked it and peaked out.

"You can't just keep her here!" Poe nearly shouted at Ben.

"Keep your fucking voice down," he snarled back. "You're not my boss or my mother and you can't tell me what to do. I'm a grown ass man!"

"Maybe so, but you're acting like a teenager! You can't just sleep with some chick you picked up off the side of the road when Leia is counting on you to—"

"I told you," Ben said through gritted teeth, "she saved my ass and I wanted to get to know her. I didn't hire her for the fucking night!"

"Could have fooled me," Poe scoffed. "For all you know, she could have been in on the attack and—"

"Get out!" Ben ordered, clearly at his wit's end. "I'll call you when you're needed again, if you are."

"Are you firing me?!"

"Not yet," Ben said grimly, marching to the door and flinging it open. "Just go before I forget that you're my best friend and say something I regret."

"Fine," Poe said, storming out of the apartment. "Let me know when you come to your senses!"

Ben slammed the door shut, then turned around and leaned on it. Scurrying back into the bathroom before he caught her eavesdropping, she started combing her hair, attempting to look natural in case he came in after her. When he didn't, she tried not to feel disappointed.

Leaving her damp hair hanging loose around her shoulders, Rey found him sitting at the dining table in his towel with several brown paper bags in front of him. He looked lost in thought and she hoped he hadn't taken Poe's opinion about her motives to heart. "Wotcher, Ben?" she asked hesitantly.

"Hmm?" he said, looking up at her. "Sorry, I was just...uh…" The arrested look on his face made her toes curl. "Wow, you look amazing."

"This old thing?" she joked, sidling up next to him. "I borrowed it from a mate."

"He has good taste," he said, opening his arms.

"I certainly think so," she said coyly, moving to sit sideways on his lap. Rey curled one arm around his neck and placed the other one on his chest. "Are you still hungry?"

"For food?" he choked, holding her so that she wouldn't slide off.

"Food," she nodded, leaning her forehead against his, "and other things."

One of Ben's large hands inserted itself between her thighs. "These kinds of things?" he murmured. "I think we can—fuck!" he bit his lip as he discovered that she wasn't wearing anything underneath his shirt.

"We can certainly fuck," she teased, "but—oh!" Rey gasped as he stood with her in his strong arms. "Ben? What are you…?"

Before she could get the words out, he'd pushed their dinner out of the way and laid her down on the table. Placing the backs of her knees in the crook of each arm, Ben pulled her forward until her butt was on the edge of the table and her pussy was level with his mouth.

"Having dinner," he said in the most ridiculously sexy tone of voice she'd ever heard, flipping his nightshirt up so that she was bare from the waist down.

"Oh, god!" she whimpered as he lowered his head. "Ben, you don't really have to—ah!" Gripping the back of his head as he started to lick her folds, Rey shuddered every time his long nose bumped against her clit.

"Enjoying yourself?" he said a little arrogantly. "Is this why you came home with me? Cause you wanted me to make you feel good?"

Considering how very well he was treating her, and the uncertainty on his face, she decided to play along. "Yes, Ben, I wanted you the second I saw you!"

He smiled slightly, then resumed tasting her. "So, does that mean you want to come?"

"That would be lovely," she sighed, enjoying the pressure of his wide mouth.

His mouth quirked at that. "Never heard sex described that way before."

"Then you're doing it with the wrong people."

"Oh?" his gaze turned hot. "And how many people have you been doing it with?"

"Not many," she said hurriedly, "and not in a long time."

"Good girl," he said silkily. "So, if I were to put my fingers inside you, would your cunt feel… full?"

"Yes!" she panted, so wet she was dripping onto the table now.

"Let's see then."

Arching her back as he slid two fingers inside her body, Rey realized that she had never really known sexual satisfaction until tonight. She was twenty-five and still basically knew nothing about sex and relationships. "Huh."

Ben stopped moving, lifting his dark head to look at her. "Rey? Is everything okay?"

"Yeah," she said dreamily. "I guess I've just never felt this way before."

He held her eyes for an extended moment, amber striking against hazel. "Yeah, me too." And then he was fingering her again, sucking and teasing her slick opening until she was crying out his name in ecstasy.

Afterward, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bedroom, kicking the door shut behind them. Needless to say, they skipped dinner that night.

——————

Rey grunted as she felt Ben leave the bed the next morning. He had been her heater since the sheets and pillows were strewn about the room. "Come back," she said hoarsely, throat worn from use. "I'm cold."

"Just a moment," he laughed, opening the bedroom door to fetch something from the living room. "Your cell has been going off for an hour straight."

"My cell?" she yawned. Then, "Oh, no." She sat bolt upright. "Wait! Don't—"

"Rey?" Ben called in disbelief. "Who the fuck is Finn?"

——————

A/N: I love Kingsman and always think about Rey being a punk with a heart of gold like Eggsy. I didn't include the spy angle, but I was able to visit The Black Prince, where scenes were filled for the movie, a couple years ago and have fond memories. Anyway, reviews are appreciated! <3 

[officialleehadan]

An Entrance to Make

“Straighten your back, darling, and smile like their blood will paint the walls if they do not smile back.”

“That is terrible advice. Why would you tell her that?”

“It is good for the court to be afraid, and they fear nothing so much as a smile.”

Isera was, as usual, a vision in white. Her hair was curled today, and held in place by thousands of tiny jeweled pins. White gems glittered on her hems, wrists, neck, and ears.

Her smile spoke of the ruin of cities.

Shimra felt decidedly inadequate in her twilight blue silk gown, and the wealth of silver pearls Isera insisted would complete the outfit.

She was wearing more money that her entire family together had made in a hundred years.

She might faint.

Lady-Commander Halva was impressive in blue so dark it might as well be black. Silver embroidery followed her hems, although the cut of her court clothing was both military in style, and more masculine than almost any other lady could get away with wearing.

Shimra was afraid of her the first time they met, but then she saw Halva put eight men out into the dirt for getting a little too handsy with the serving maids.

There was something to be said for a friend who could beat eight men like a drum without even drawing her giant sword.

And then of course Halva, who became a regular when she discovered just how good their inn’s food really was, showed up with Isera, Princess of the Elves and the most beautiful women in the world.

Shimra was still plenty afraid of her, but then, anyone who wasn’t was a fool. Princess Isera was terrifying.

And determined.

And apparently could have someone ennobled whenever she pleased?

Shimra only met Intevar, King of the Elves, for about five minutes, and honestly spent most of that time completely spellbound by him.

Now she wished she actually listened to whatever he was saying, because he made her a duchess of his land, decreed it done, signed the papers, and vanished again.

Halva still hadn’t stopped snickering.

“I can’t do this,” she decided, gathered up her skirts, and made for the door. She almost got out the door before Isera caught up to her, light as moth-wings on her pretty white slippers.

“Dear one,” Isera said, and took her hands. Her smile softened to gentle fondness, and she brushed a stray hair out of Shimra’s eyes. “Listen to me. These humans are nothing you cannot face, I promise.”

“They’re going to eat me alive,” Shimra said. She might be starting to panic. She was definitely starting to panic. “I can’t- I can’t do this!”

“You can,” Halva joined them, and rested a hand on her shoulder reassuringly even as Isera took Shimra’s hands. “Shim, you spend your days surrounded by the worst of humanity. Murderers. Brawlers. Whores. People who could, would, and have killed for the slightest offense.”

“They’re easy!” Shimra protested hotly. Isera offered her a silk kerchief before she could actually tear up. “All they want is a pie and some mead!”

“And a kind smile to help keep their chin up in tough times,” Halva said firmly. “A kind hand not raised to them. A kind ear to listen to their troubles. The court is no different. They’re rich, and their bloodlines are long, but they’re just the same as the people in your inn, and they need someone like you.”

“I’m an innkeeper’s daughter!”

“You talked Jack-knife out of stabbing Rocca just a week ago, and he’s known for being fight-crazy.”

“Jack is a sweetheart even when he’s drunk! These are nobles!”

“And they share one single thought among the lot of them. Empty as last year’s flower-pots from ear to ear.”

“I can’t do this. What if they hate me? I’m just a common girl!”

“There is very little common about you.”

It was Intevar, King of the Elves and resplendent in black silk embroidered with stars all down one sleeve. His hair was braided ornately, and his smile was so bright that all thought vanished from Shimra’s head for a long few moments.

He came and took one of her hands from Isera.

“If these fool humans say a word against you,” he said, and kissed her fingertips like she was a real lady. “We will tear them apart. Now straighten your back, and smile like you are their ruin come to life.”

“I see where you learned it,” Halva muttered to Isera, but she was smiling as she caught the eye of a stunned-looking squire. “Get the door, boy. The duchess has an entrance to make.”

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Spider-Eating Elves:

Elves are beautiful, icy, and untouchable. Unfortunately, they always thought the same of humans. Worse yet, they also live in a forest full of giant insects, think tiny spiders are a delicacy, and have a strong-willed princess who is nothing but trouble. 

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

Introductory Trouble

Lady of Grace

Lady of Stone, and her Girlfriend

Lady Retrieved

Monsters on the Wing

Spiderwebs and Cookies

Royal Match

Lines in the Sand

From One King to Another

Duchess of Pies

Twilight Silk

+++

More Stories!

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Support me on Patreon

[thefreckledone]

Satori (Between the Lines) - Part 14

“Torune, slow down a bit!” Sakura says, through drawn-out, breathless giggles. She tugs at his gloved hand, digging in her heels. “I can’t quite keep up with you.”

“Sorry,” Torune replies, chagrined as his pace slows. “I’m just excited.”

Sakura laughs, shaking her head. “You sure that’s it? Shino seemed a bit frustrated when we left.”

“I wanted to spend a little time alone with you,” Torune says. “Shino gets to spend most of the day with you at school. It’s my turn.”

Sakura’s expression softens as she adjusts her grip on Torune’s hand to squeeze it. “I’m not complaining. I was just teasing. It has been a long time since we last hung out alone.”

Torune turns a bright smile on her before continuing on through the forest. It’s an area of the Aburame estate that Sakura has yet to visit, but she doesn’t find that particularly surprising; their grounds are absolutely sprawling.

“Shino told me that you beat Kiba in a spar yesterday,” Torune says, pride clear in his voice. “The Inuzuka are notorious brawlers; I know that Kiba is one of the strongest contenders in your class in the spars. He’s a difficult opponent. You’ve improved.”

Sakura tickles her fingers across the palm of his hand. She’s convinced him to remove his gloves whenever they’re alone. “It’s thanks to you and Ino. I used that move you and Shibi-oji showed me and flipped Kiba over.” Sakura giggles, warmth bubbling in her gut. “I wish you could’ve seen his face.” Torune turns to her as she pulls an exaggerated look of surprise. He snorts in surprise, bringing his free hand up to his mouth as he guffaws. “It was pretty amazing.”

“I have no doubt,” Torune says, smile warm even as he ignores the slight sting he feels at the reminder that he is not a student at the Academy with Sakura. Sakura is his best friend in all the world; it’s so difficult to know that there is a huge portion of Sakura’s life that he has no part in. At least, not yet. “I’m glad that you’ve had a chance to prove yourself to your classmates.”

“It feels good,” Sakura admits, squeezing his hand. “My spar partners are definitely more wary now, but honestly, that doesn’t matter. I don’t really care what they think of me. They can think of me as a no-name civilian kid or as a threat. All that matters to me is that the people who matter think well of me.” She grins at him, the muscles in her cheeks hurting with the force of it. “You and your opinion matter to me.”

Torune’s smile quivers for a few moments before it firms once more. He never smiled this much before he met Sakura. He doesn’t quite know how she does it; with a few bright words, Sakura manages to banish the clouds of doubt. Sakura is the sun and he is helplessly and happily caught in her orbit. “Thanks.”

“Thank you,” Sakura says in turn.

A low buzzing fills her ears and she glances quizzically at Torune for a long moment, wondering if something set him off. He has a much better handle on his emotions now and his hive rarely acts up without his explicit command. But the hand beneath hers does not hum nor does his chest.  

Instead, the slow, steady buzz seems to come from up ahead.

“What’s that?” Sakura asks, starting to get excited.

“An Aburame clan secret,” Torune replies.

“Should I...close my eyes?” Sakura says, footsteps faltering for a moment.

“What? No. Of course not!” Torune giggles, shaking his head at her. “It wouldn’t be a good surprise if you weren’t able to even look at it.”

“You’re right,” Sakura says, relaxing. Excitement quickly thrums through her again, filling her. “So what is it?”

They crest a rolling slope and Torune gestures with his free hand. There are numerous large, wooden boxes placed across the open landscape, seemingly the source of the buzzing. Sakura eyes the unfamiliar boxes, cocking her head slightly. She’s never seen the like, such alien boxes standing freely.

“What are they?” Sakura asks, darting forward.

“Hives,” he replies, following along with her, pleased by her curiosity. He just knew she would like these!

Sakura draws her eyes away from the boxes--hives--and frowns at him. “Like you are? Like the Aburame? Except on the outside rather than the inside?”

Torune laughs freely, loving the way her mind works. She’s just so good at puzzling things out, turning them over and over within her head to assess it from all angles until the pieces all fit perfectly. “Yes, it is a lot like that. It’s actually where Aburame Shinko-sama got the idea originally; she observed the way certain insects--ants, bees, termites, and the like--support each other. They have this whole society, with ranks and labor divisions and cooperative childcare. When Shinko-sama saw it she set about setting up a different type of hive; one that existed within her body.”

“The Aburame have female leaders?” Sakura asks, intrigued by the idea.

It’s true of many civilian clans, the Haruno included, but she’s noticed that the shinobi clans are male-dominated aside from the Inuzuka which have always been matriarchal. Sakura doesn’t know much about the varied histories of the shinobi clans, aside from the general information disseminated to the Konoha populace. But the shinobi clans are very private of their personal history and lineage and with good reason; knowledge is power and any little scrap of it may mean a disadvantage when faced with an opponent.

The fact that Torune and his family so casually share information of their clan with her fills her with such warmth that it makes her toes tingle. She understands the value of knowledge, the weighty responsibility of it settling on her shoulders.

“Of course,” Torune replies, wrinkling his nose in slight offense. “It’s the usual thing really. My mother shared the clan duties with Shibi-oji. She would’ve been declared clan head except for she enjoyed the field far too much and received specialized missions for her rinkaichū.” His smile goes wry. “Shibi-oji says she was terrifying in the clan councils, always taking any of the arrogant clans down a peg or five as needed. He called her a spitfire.”

Sakura squeezes his hand, trying to show her silent appreciation for the precious memories that he shares with her. From the deepening of his smile as he regards her, Sakura thinks he understands.

“She sounds amazing; they both do,” Sakura replies.

Torune’s smile is shy. “My mother’s name was Nozumi.”

“Nozumi-san,” Sakura murmurs, smile unfurling slow, steady, and strong. “A beautiful name for a wonderful woman.”

Torune ducks his head, clearing his throat. “The Aburame do not care for the gender of their leader; historically I believe that the position has more often been held by a woman.” Sakura recognizes the subject change for what it is and accepts it just as easily as they make their way down the hill among the hives. He shakes his head, chuckling in amusement. “Of course the Aburame are accepting of female leaders; hives are usually led by queens.”

0“Remember to practice your forms before going to bed,” Iruka calls as the students stand and scramble away from their desks as quickly as possible. For training that may save their lives one day, these children still did not care for their lessons altogether too much. “It’s important that you hone your flexibility!”

He shakes his head to himself as most of the students are out the door before he’s even finished speaking. His job is usually a thankless one, but he enjoys it nevertheless. Iruka is glad that he is still on mission rotation though; it gives him a chance to practice the skills he so often espouses to his students.

“Iruka-sensei,” Sakura says politely, approaching him with all the manners of a clan-born child. He often forgets that Sakura is of a clan herself, regardless of it being a civilian merchant one. She receives clan training just as Sasuke, Chōji, and Hinata do; just of a different sort. “I enjoyed the lesson today. Do you know of any exercises that could be used to develop arm strength that you could share?”

Iruka’s smile widens and becomes a good deal more fond. Sakura is a good student; a sweet and enthusiastic one whose curiosity is insatiable. “I do know of a few, most involve weights of some sort. I could give a demonstration in a couple of days. There is one that you could do in the mornings and evenings outside of school that does not require weights.” Iruka comes around his desk, kneeling on the floor. “Allow me to demonstrate.”

Sakura spends the next twenty or so minutes with Iruka as he shows her how to do a push up. She manages three and a half before her arms go hot, weak, and limp. She sits up, panting as Iruka chuckles.

“They take a while to get used to, but they are an effective way of increasing your arm strength,” Iruka says, raising a hand to muffle his chuckles. “I’d suggest starting with fifteen in the morning and fifteen in the evening and working your way up from there.” When she goggles at him in disbelief, Iruka bursts into outright laughter. “I know, it seems a lot, but it takes consistent application and practice for you to see results. Considering your performance so far, I have no doubt they’ll be useful.”

“Thank you Iruka-sensei,” Sakura says, flushing beneath his praise. “That is kind of you to say.”

Iruka hums, patting Sakura’s shoulder (he knows she dislikes having her hair ruffled when she wears her bow) before heading out the door.

Sakura sits down in a chair for a few long moments, waiting for her breathing to return to normal. Those push ups took more from her than she expected, but she is glad of it. Sakura stands after she recovers and moves to her box in the back of the classroom. She rifles through it, taking out the books on code she stores there and replacing the textbooks she utilized throughout the day.

A small maroon book falls out of the box and Sakura stares down at it, puzzled. She has never seen the book before and she bends down, lifting it tentatively. Sakura glances around the empty classroom, wondering if someone placed it in her box by mistake. The box to the left of hers is Naruto’s and she’s never seen him with any books, be it a required textbook or a book read for pleasure. The box to the right of hers is Kiba’s and it is more disorganized even than Naruto’s.

Sakura frowns to herself, opening the unmarked cover of the book. The first page reads Thieves’ Cant Throughout Konoha.

Definitely not a book that Kiba or Naruto would be interested in reading.

Sakura flips through the first couple of pages; no author is given nor a publication date, but the words are typed, not handwritten. She’s seen a few books like this in Shikaku’s office; books published only for clan libraries, not mass production. The anonymity is necessary for the protection of the authors. Sakura frowns, turning to the first chapter of the book. There, tucked among the pages, is a card.

Perhaps you will find this of use in your study of ciphers.

Huh.

She brings it close to her chest, a smile curling up the corners of her lips. It is nice to know that she has someone in her corner, whoever this mysterious benefactor is.

0Sakura chews on the end of her writing utensil, brow furrowed at her journal. She is seated outdoors in a park, surrounded by books and sunshine. She’s been trying to create a cipher of her own, a hodgepodge of techniques from Konoha during the Second War, Kumo during the reign of the Third Raikage, and multiple dialects of thieves’ cant from all over Fire. Sakura doesn’t think that the cipher will be usable in the long run, but she knows it is good practice. It’s an ambitious project, she knows, but at least she is not creating the cipher from scratch.

Still, she did not realize just how difficult it would be.

She growls in frustration, flipping back to the book on thieves’ cant. Why must this all be so difficult?

“That’s some intense concentration there, kid. What did that book ever do to you?”

Sakura startles, hands automatically relaxing and smoothing along the pages of the book. She hadn’t realized that she was white-knuckling the book in her anger. The book, one left in her school box, is a precious gift and she does not wish to damage it in any way.

Sakura looks up...and up and up at the massive man looming over her. Sakura’s heart immediately begins to race in surprise, though she notes that his posture is open and disengaged, intentionally unthreatening. And yet...Sakura scrambles to her feet, uncomfortable but curious about the subtle glint in his eyes. It reminds her of the artisans who treat with her mother; this is a man who wants or expects something of her.

Now on her feet, she assesses him. Everything about him is large: his height, his muscles, his wild white hair, and even his nose. He grins down at her, white teeth shining. “That’s quite the odd array of books you have there,” he says, gesturing to the small pile around her. “Some hefty reading for a squirt like you.” He squints down at her, frowning slightly. “Shouldn’t you be in school?”

“It’s a half day,” Sakura replies flatly, not caring for the way that he calls attention to her height so dismissively.

The mountain of a man bends, grabbing up her book on Second War ciphers. Sakura bites her lip to keep from protesting, though she cannot keep from attempting to grab it from him. He glances at her, amused, before lifting it out of reach. Sakura looks around the park, to see if there are any around who would come to her aid.

There are a handful milling about the park, but all of their gazes are carefully averted.

Huh.

Sakura frowns up at the man as he pages through the book rapidly. She opens her mouth to say something, she isn’t sure what, but she pauses when she sees the expression on his face. There’s something wistful about it, a nostalgic sadness that verges on resentful bitterness. The words die in Sakura’s throat, unable to interrupt the oddly heavy moment.

Sakura casts her gaze back down to her own book, considering the dialects as she continues to stand awkwardly, waiting for...something. She actually gets caught up in the book, following a rabbit trail on a fascinating distinction between western and eastern Fire thieves’ cant in the way they address their hierarchy so she jumps when the man speaks again.

“The western thieves’ guild stole most of their cant from the languages of the nomadic tribes of Wind, who do not have much of a hierarchy in terms of the way their communities are assembled. This ended up being reflected a good deal in the guild, the hierarchy is less strict and more fluid. They adopted words for color from the common tongue to address the different leaders. The eastern guild--”

“How do you know all of this?” Sakura bursts out, unable to bridle her curiosity. She’s never heard a whisper of nomadic tribes in Wind in any of the books that she’s read and her ignorance nags at her.

The man looks surprised, shaggy eyebrows shooting up. He scratches his cheek, smile sheepish. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to go off on a tangent like that. I understand it is not all that interesting--”

“But it is!” Sakura interrupts yet again, eyes sparkling. She feels a flicker of embarrassment for her rudeness, but tamps it down quickly. The man doesn’t seem to mind her so she won’t mind it either. (Though his own manners are rather lacking.) “Why would they choose to utilize words about color? And why in the common tongue? Isn’t that too easy for enemies to decipher? What color symbolizes top rank? Being that the guild is located in Fire, I would say red would be leader, but if most of the cant came from Wind wouldn’t the color be blue?”

The man’s eyes go wide and his jaw slackens and Sakura feels her shoulders start to creep up near her ears as she realizes that she’s rambling again about things that just aren’t--

The man bursts into laughter, placing his hands on his knees as he doubles over, shoulders shaking with the force of it. “Sage Almighty! You’re a riot, kid.” Sakura flushes, eyes darting away. “Hey now, that wasn’t an insult; I’m just quite reminded of…” His smile twists, wry and distant. “Well, a reflection of some sort.”

He hands her back her book, giving her a tentative if somewhat rough pat on the head. “To answer your questions, they chose color words because they are easy to remember; most members are illiterate and it makes it easier to identify ranks with armbands. They use the common tongue for the same reason; they care little for if their enemies decipher it because the hierarchy is so fluid. As for the leading rank, well, being thieves, the color most important to them is black, for the shadows.” He glances up toward the Hokage monument. “Much like shinobi, electing shadows as their leaders.”

Sakura nods, thankful for his succinct answers and fingers itching to get ahold of more information.

“I have a handful of journals on the topic of ciphers from the Second War; I lend those to you if you like,” he says, somewhat awkwardly.

“Would you?” Sakura asks, breathless.

The man nods abruptly, watching her with an odd look. “Well, where should I be able to find you?”

“The Academy,” Sakura says. She flushes, realizing her faux pas as she offers her hand. “I’m Haruno Sakura.”

He takes it, shaking it firmly. “I’m Jiraiya. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”