#yay I love desert rose

[mylittlestims]

can i get a g3 desert rose? (specifically the 2004 sparkle pony release?)

Desert Rose (2004, Sparkle Pony) Stimboard for @artsyaech

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[randomprojectsbeforeidie]

Studying as much as I can (2/21)

Study time: 10 minutes

Sleep: 14 hours (waaaay too much!)

Magnesium: yay for pumpkin seeds!

Exercise: nope (fuen fuen fuen)

Vitamins: yay!

Water: 3 full bottles (1.5 L)

Ok, as you can see, I didn't wake up on time, and slept waaaay too much. To be fair on myself, I think I made it way harder by accidentaly overdosing with melatonin the night before.

It wasn't (totally) my fault! I was trying to get the recommended one drop under my tongue, and the damn thing wouldn't bulge, so I got impatient, squeezed the bottle and... almost choked on how much melatonin came out at once.

So yeah. That might explain the 14 HOURS of sleep.

Anyways, when I woke up, I tried to work on the study tips I had written before.

So, at first, I went on the internet and bought an ergonomic foot rest. I tried to make home-made options before, but this didn't work, so I finally relented and just bought one. You know what, if it saves me some pain, it will have been money well-spent.

I also got the analog hobbies list I wrote yesterday and turned it into an analog map with post-its, which I then proceeded to glue right beside my PC screen, on my study space. Take a look:

Simple, right? But functional. That way, everytime I have a break, I also have these reminders to help me take a screen break too! And it worked! During my shorter intervals I did some horizontal pull-ups and jacknife squats (thank God for Hampton and his modified exercises) and during my longer breaks I went on a walk and cooked.

The walk was great, honestly. Maybe it makes me sound like an old lady, but it was the highlight of my day. I focused on making it a "mental health walk" and not a "physical health walk". To do this, I didn't change into exercise clothes, opting to go in my shorts and flip flops (had to put on some moisturiser and baby powder so I wouldn't chaffe my thick thighs - and it worked) and walked as slowly as I wanted, focusing on things around me.

I live in a dangerous city, so, unfortunately, I couldn't go walk on the streets (at least, not with my cellphone) but my building has a good leisure area, so I walked around it several times. I focused on the plants, people-watched my neighbors, and mindfully listened to music. It was nice! Here's a picture of some flowers I found particularly beautiful:

Desert roses!

Cooking was also fun. I didn't put on any music or podcasts, and focused on the sounds and smells of the kitchen. It was great fun, and by the end, I had made delicious dinners for me and my girlfriend.

I also did a list of some pros and cons of studying. Let me show you guys:

Cons of studying:

I lose leisure time

I lose time I could spend with my loved ones

It's stressing

It makes me tired

I spend way too much time sitting

My eyes get tired

I have to spend money on studying materials

Pros of studying:

It will help me get a good job

It will get me knowledge

It will grant me satisfaction

It will help me get a better salary

It will make my loves ones proud of me

It will help me develop discipline

It will make me a better employee

It will make people think I'm smart and intelectual

It will help me win arguments

It will make me more competent and give me confidence in my habilities

It will help me go well on tests

It will help me get a home with my girlfriend

It makes me calm and helps with my anxiety

It will help me get more time and money to spend on my hobbies

It will help me work with something important, like protecting the environment

It will give me a good life-story to tell, by suceeding through studies

It will help me spite my enemies (bear with me)

It will give me stability in my job (public servers can only be fired in very specific situations)

It will grant me independence

It will help me get a house of my own to decorate the way I want it

It will help me get money to give good gifts for those I love

It will help me get more time to spend on fitness

It will help me get more money to support artists through crowdfunding

It will grant me time and money to travel

I might get to know different regions of my country, depending on where I work

Cool right?

I also worked on making some maps with objectives I can reach. I got inspired on Tik Tok and made a flower based on the first part of my study, with 15 tasks I need to complete and a reward at the end:

Cool, right? (Ignore the McDonald's, I'm a basic bitch and it gives me childhood nostalgia while also being way too expensive where I live, so it's a good reward)

With all the work I had today, I only managed to study 10 minutes right before sleepy time, basically doing all my Anki flashcards. But you know what? It still counts!

The challenge is "studying as much as I can", and if all I had was 10 minutes and I used these 10 minutes as better as I could, I'm counting it as a success!

That's it! Bye for today!

[lowkeyclueless5137]

Mountain Of Pride I

:0c

Yay! The tea is here✨

Tbh this will be a wild ride...

But also a somewhat looming threat over the hiatus for this series. I still have 0 idea what the next palace should be, which of course would mark it as the 5th palace, right before the summer intermission. :v

And I  also wanna see your suggestions. Maybe you have in mind the target or the palace theme. Anything is welcome! :3

Anyway! Enough of that! Let's see what we have prepared for today!

What we will cover:

-The palace exploration

- Sebek and Jack's jungle adventure

-uhhh... Kalim... Just HOW RICH ARE YOU?!

Now without further ado! On with the exploration!

While Sebek was fighting with a bush and Jack looked helplessly around, our thieves group was already at the canyon where Rose and Flame met the black masked guy. Spade looked rightfully scared. Heart teased him about it but one twig breaking was enough to send the 2 in a screaming frenzy.

They needed to know why this place was so deserted.

Walking and walking around tho, nothing came up their way. Only a few stray hyenas that ran immediately when feeling the danger of a far more intimidating group.

So the group decided to pursue the mountain.

So Monabus trip! :D

Epel took the wheel, the others in the back and Deuce in the shotgun seat. It was at first a rocky start at the base of the road, but it seemed like the road smothered out as they proceeded upwards.

And also it became warmer.

The first array of houses they came upon were some decent countryside houses, with shadows resembling people doing work while the kids played around. The interesting thing was their animal features, such as tails, ears or body marks. Giraffes, zebras, gazelles and others were roaming around, even running out of the way of the vehicle.

So far, nothing was marked as a threat.

Meanwhile...

~~~~(Tw for blood)~~~~

"Sebek! Stop it! We need to get back!" Jack groaned as the 2 of them started going up the mountain. The greenhead only panted as he made a pause.

Thud...

"SEBEK!" Jack yelled as he came by the side of the other. Sebek holded on one knee, panting hard as he was sweating. "You shouldn't have gotten so tense at the workout... Come on, hold onto me..." The other nagged.

"N-no... I can do it... I have to do it..." Sebek breathed out.

Cries of birds were heard as Jack looked forward. "What the-...." narrowing his eyes, the boy looked at the mountain in question.

Rumbling was getting louder as some sort of cloud of dust was forming.

A stampede... The people from the village the Monabus passed through. Hurrying, screaming and stomping one another, mostly scared by the bus.

"Sebek! Let's get out of the roadway!" Jack nudged the other, but Sebek wouldn't budge. "Dude, come on! We are gonna become pancakes if not!" Jack nudged harder the other.

But for Sebek, it was only a distant whisper. His mind made filps, echoes of screams filling his ears. Cries, concrete being crushed, yelling and running. He could see it clearly, the narrow path he was once eagerly waiting for a light. The same sound of rumbling, the dust of the walls being shaken off just how he was once shook away.

Isn't it familiar?

Sebek let out a ragged breath as his hands trembled. Looking down at them, Sebek opened his mouth, closing it slowly.

Your guilt is misguiding you... Let me help you find your path again...

He heard it clear as day. The sirens, the police, the crashed train. He smelled the burnt air, the death lingering, the sweat and tears of the ones still breathing. He saw people getting dragged out. He felt the grip of someone on him, but his body was tired, numb then. Just like now.

Was this... How Silver felt then?

He couldn't do anything... Yet you stay here as if you are in his place... What was your goal again?

"Protect Wakasama..." Sebek whispered. "Sebek... For the love of-Sebek listen to me!" Jack shook the other.

I am asking again... What is your goal, Sebek Zibvolt?

Seeing that finally the other was getting up, Jack exhaled, trying to grasp the other and drag him out, but Sebek's hand shot forward, pointing at the stampede.

"You will be not ruling over me again..."

Very good... I am thou... Thou art I...

A flame, Jack only backed away as Sebek gripped at his face, nails digging into his own cheek flesh, screaming and swinging his head and body like a rabid animal. It was on when he jerked unceremoniously that he managed to rip off what was on his face, letting blood to cover up his ripped flesh and face. The red liquid fathomed the bottom of Sebek's top lip, almost threatening with it's metalic taste, but the boy smiled maniacally.

Let us ride towards our freedom!

What was done, was done. You can only go forward, Sebek... Remember that...

The last scream Sebek let out was a battle cry. One that echoed all the way through the mountain. The stampeded was even closer now, but it seemed that it's noise was drowned by the blue flames that covered Sebek, raising up and jumping aggressively around. Jack again backed up a bit, until the flames got at their highest.

THUD

A thundering stomp came, throwing off the flames and making them to dissappear. Sebek was wearing a distinct attire, currently on a horse made out of what Jack could assume was a storm. Holding the leash better, the horse rose on it's back feet, it's cry sounding like a storm Jack never heard so intense.

"Come on! Let's go!" Sebek demanded as he grabbed Jack and yanked him with a newfound power on the horse as well. The animal in question, Jack didn't even know what it was anymore, started galloping towards the stampede. "SEBEK! WE ARE GONNA DIE!" Jack grabbed onto the other in sheer fear of their end.

"We aren't! We aren't repeating history!" Sebek declared as he pulled in a certain way on the leash.

Seconds away from being thorn apart by the stampede, the horse made a jump. A high jump with Jack silent in sheer horror as they landed gracefully down, the stampede passed already by their spot at that time.

Jack only looked at Sebek, who seemed to dumbly smile at nothing. Both still on the horse in question.

"You could've just gotten to the side... You know?"

~~~~~~~~

Jack, you ruined his moment... :/

But still, Sebek still insisted to gallop towards the top of the mountain. Malleus had to be in there. Jack voiced his worry that this was way too much by any standard. They should go back and forget about it!

But Sebek? Nah... Man insisted that until he finds Malleus, he would have no rest.

Jack never understood what's up with all this Malleus admiration, but enough was enough for him. He demanded to get back, because all of this was just insanity! Sebek literally ripped his face off and now he was alright, in some wierd attire and with a magic storm horse! Like bruh... This is not OK...

But Sebek insisted to go forward.

Jack was clearly not having it. He pulled out his phone to see how late it was exactly, but he noticed a wierd app he never installed. It was clear Sebek won't leave it at that and that they will still go forward to heck knows where.

So he decided to check it out.

Wrong move, because now the world wrapped around them, the horse dissappeared and both Jack and Sebek ended up plummeted in a bush.

Sebek demanded to know what exactly happened. Jack responded that they most likely fell down, hit their heads and had a conjoined imagination. Sebek would have to see if by chance, Malleus was at home.

Meanwhile, Draco sneezed for currently no reason. :'3

The thieves also reached a second village. Unlike the first one, in which the primitive villagers got scared by the bus, this one's weren't acting as scared, yet still they were looking wary at the bus in question.

Until one of them just jumped in front with a weapon, ready to fight the bus.

Once the thieves got out to fight the man back, that's when the other villagers seemed to have gained courage and so they charged at the group. They were clearly outnumbered, but most of the shadows were weak scapegoats used by the stronger ones in order to assure survival.

And that battle sure leaved everyone tired. Like rows and rows of shadows. It wasn't like the thieves would get a break in between. They kept coming so they had to retreat and call it a day.

At the Vanrogue residence, Sebek seemed to eagerly wait for Malleus. Lilia sure noted that and asked if something happened today. Sebek, not wanting to worry him, said that everything was perfectly fine and that he plans on changing a bit his gym routine. Lilia jokingly says that Sebek can't really handle well spices.

In the end, Malleus arrives!

Sebek seems relieved of that and the dinner commenced. It was take-out... Like the usual...

Sebek did ask, where was Malleus today. He usually doesn't look so worked up. His concern picks up Lilia's attention, who does ask Malleus if by chance something happened. He knew Sebek usually came in late because he took the bus, not the train.

Malleus just said that he was out with his friends and forgot to check the clock. Lilia seems quite happy that Malleus made some friends. Being home schooled must suck a lot for him.

Lilia also mentioned that tomorrow, 2 new students would be apart of his class. He was surprised with the sudden transfer, but since it passed through and the school also got a 'generous donation', it wasn't that much of a shock anymore.

Although after dinner and texts, Malleus pretty much knew what exactly was going on.

~~~~~~~~

It was a sunny day of June when Ortho and Riddle were walking to Shujin. Idia had classes earlier and he needed to come up with another insane excuse to Mr Sakamoto and see if maybe this time it would be the lucky day he will avoid PE.

"mmmm... I would want... Maybe on Saturday? Like after classes some ramen really would do good..." The younger boy mumbled. "Since you won that bet, you keep dreaming about the ramen..." Riddle pointed out.

"Can you blame me? Oh if I knew it would be a clear win, I would have brought up Adeuce too! Maybe Epel too? Although he seems to like more heavy meat dishes..." "your brother's wallet would end up in a coma with you alone..." "my hard earned money went into his video game! His hard earned money will go into my stomach!" "our stomachs..."

"anyway... Have you heard about the new students?" "I believe they are in my class..." "I heard they are totally loaded... Maybe if we put good with them... We might get some free food out of it~" "this is why the twins never treat us to lunch..." "Uncle's credit card is an ephemeral blessing..." Ortho dramatised as Riddle only rolled his eyes.

Although, as they reached Shujin, a ton of students seemed to gather in groups, whispering in between them. "I smell tea!" Ortho declared. "I believe it is not yet the time for tea, Ortho..." Riddle mused as he checked his phone watch. "But it's almost time classes start..." He noted. "Damn... You're no fun..."

In the class, Riddle was fiddling with his pen, exhaling as Mr Vanrogue came into the class.

Although behind him, 2 very familiar faces came as well. The formalities were exchanged, before a silence, seasoned with murmurs here and there, settled down in the room.

"Class... These 2 will be your new classmates... Please introduce yourself." Lilia motioned with a warm smile. The first one gave a blinding smile as he happily waved.

"Hello! I am Kalim Al-Asim! It's really nice to meet you all!" He beamed. The other only exhaled, although he was far more colder in attitude than Kalim. If Riddle was to say, anyone would seem colder in comparison to Kalim. "Hello. I am Jamil Viper. Please take care of me..." The 2 bowed and Lilia gave them the seats.

Riddle should have known better that this was Kalim's big surprise. What else would have he expected?

~~~~~~~~

In the lunch break, all of the thieves group was absolutely baffled to see Kalim and Jamil wearing the Shujin uniform. Jamil was straight forward: There was nothing cash couldn't arrange in this world.

On the other hand, Kalim had a pretty ugly fight with his mom on the topic of marriage. It got very heated, but in the end, Kalim allowed the Vipers to intervent and make a settlement: Kalim would stay in Japan for the rest of his high-school. Jamil got to stay by default due to his attendant status.

Jamil did express that for once, he gave to Kalim the absolute right in here, although he didn't elaborate too much, due to the fact that it was a sensible topic.

But back on their plan... They needed to somehow get to the top quickly. They couldn't just run over the shadows. The monabus can't hold that for too long and the villagers might be triggered as well and either start a stampede again or circle and attack them. And since as they progress, the villages seem far more evolved, it was by no doubt that also weapons and shadows were more dangerous.

But now, they had Kalim's new estate as a meeting place. While at LeBlanc it might pick up suspicions or even have someone accidentally snoop on them (like Cheeka did), Kalim and Jamil lived practically alone, with just a few attendants that can be called only when needed.

So for the whole thing to work, the group decided that first to establish a rock solid alibi: study sleepovers!

Later, at LeBlanc, Riddle had Jack come and have a small tutoring session. Trey was also there, much like Che'nya.

Although, it was noticeable that Jack was a bit uneasy. Something bothered him and now Riddle wasn't the best at feelings, but he knew when someone was clearly uncomfortable.

So while Riddle cut it short with Trey with the pretext of 'it seems you understand the subject already and I need more attention on Jack' s struggles', Trey didn't seem to let it go without Che'nya bringing up some wierd bluff motive to go.

So when the 2 are left in privacy, Riddle presses on the real issue at hand: Why Jack was so uncomfortable.

~~~~~~~~

"You seem to not be able to concentrate... Something has to be an obstacle..." The redhead mused as he harshly closed his notebook, snapping Jack from his daze.

The taller boy only shifted awkwardly, the silence overtaking them.

"I guess... I mean... There was something going on... Yesterday... I don't know what that was... But it felt so real! Painfully real! Yet it was also way too much of a fantasy. It literally made no sense!" He started to crack up. Riddle rose a brow.

"Are you alright?" "Y-yes? I mean no? I-I don't know..." Jack mumbled, one hand massaging his temple. "I couldn't sleep last night... And even today I performed poorly... I thought that maybe some tutoring would help me focus more... But now... I don't really know..."

Riddle only took in a deep breath. "Copy me." "Eh?" "Copy what I do... Look at how I breath..." The redhead gestured to himself as Jack looked at him. When the redhead inhaled, so did Jack. When he exhaled, Jack copied as well. This went on for a few seconds. "Better?" the taller nodded.

"look... I don't know what the panic was all about... But perhaps... You can recall it to me?" "bu-" "I heard many surreal stories. Be it true or false, my Verdict won't be given at all... I will just listen..." He reassured as the 2 both took a seat on the couch in the attic.

Jack only took a deep breath. "Yesterday... I was with a friend of mine... We attend different schools, but we go to the same gym after classes 3 times a week..." he trailed. "Yesterday... We stumbled across his... Well... Roommate... And then we tried to follow him." Riddle hummed.

"And then... BAM! We were in a jungle! And then there was this mountain... And stampede... And then Sebek... Blood... Fire... And a horse? A glass, storm horse? And then we were back in Shibuya..." Jack recalled.

"Sebek... Was more disturbed than me... But he somehow managed to keep a straight face. I'm not sure how. He said that he realised something..." Riddle only rose his hand, exhaling.

"I believe you..."

~~~~~~~~

Riddle did explain to Jack what he actually encountered. To say the other was surprised, was an understatement. Jack was absolutely petrified. At first he didn't believe it, but Riddle showed to him the eye app. The same app Jack had on his phone.

But Riddle warned. That no matter what he does, he shouldn't return there as it was way too dangerous and not only was that misterios creature, there was also an actual unknown person who can harm them.

Jack again demands to know more details, but Riddle doesn't give anymore. This was a secret and it should stay like that. Tell no one and leave it to be forgotten to time. Riddle would still help Jack out with tutoring, but now he would have his eye out for him.

It wasn't like Riddle didn't have connections now...

After that, Ortho and Riddle both were picked up by the twins to go to Kalim's place for the sleepover.

And damn, Kalim was loaded! He had a whole penthouse just for himself and Jamil. A rich one at that! And close to more luxurious places of Shibuya nonetheless.

And everyone thought the twins and Malleus were rich... This is next level!

Deuce was gaping like a fish, so much that Jamil closed his mouth. Ace was just bringing up the obvious if it wasn't for Vil. Rook was complementing everything. Even the twins were flabbergasted, Ortho was just fanning himself with his hand cuz damn boi. Riddle was speechless. Malleus seemed stone faced as always.

Epel said that Azul told him that whatever he does, don't ask the price. Google it in secret instead. :'3

Sleepover like sleepover, but in the end, the whole group had to make a formal meeting to discuss their next move. They had now Jack and Sebek as a problem, with Sebek actually wielding a persona.

That's when Malleus piped in. He was staying at a foster family after all, Sebek also staying in this care because his actual family lives away from Tokyo. But with all that... Last year an accident occurred, which seemed to make Sebek more loud and paranoid for Malleus and Lilia's safety. Sure... Malleus was a very important person after all, politically speaking, so he didn't really question it. Although, Sebek used to be more quiet and very energetic. Some would say he used to be quite annoying, but Malleus appreciated his enthusiastic nature.

It was clear tho, that Jack didn't want to partake in such matters. So at least they would have one worry less. Sebek tho, was the prime obstacle.

Rook brings up a few things about Leona though. He was a descendant of royal blood, but since he was the second born, he missed his chance at the throne. Especially since the current king, his brother, had a son. Still, he is rarely spotted around, mostly making ammendments with other countries when his brother can't. Ortho does bring up that Cheeka was particularly fond of Leona, bearly mentioning anything about his dad or other family members for the matter.

Cheeka was a firm believer that Leona was a good man at heart, which was kind of ironic, considering in which position our group currently was.

So now they could only proceed more with the mountain climbing.

Wop! First part of the mountain ark!

Tbh I do have plans for this one as it's currently the 4th palace! And we all know how the 4th dungeon plays out in persona games. :D

Or at least P4 and P5... :3

There is a good lot to tackle in here since *gasp* Leona has a character arc! The thing is... Leona is the palace owner, so it's more action inside that, rather than in the real world, where he can have his arc...

Welp... Until next time! Buh bye!

[starlighthan]

RECS TAG GAME

tagged by: @noramoons (thanks a lot for tagging me! :DDD)

rules: recommend 5 or more of your own works that you would rec to someone asking what they should read first & explain a little bit about the work. these can be the most popular, the ones you think are underrated, or your own favorites! then tag five other writers!

tagging: @seung-scrittore @starseungs @plutominho @seo--changbin @starzzns (you guys are free to do this or not! not forcing any of you pls)

heavy word dump ahead! i really had lots of things to say lmao </3 check my recommendations below the cut!

painting faith: this is just a fic that i posted, and i gotta say it’s one of my faves right away. the plot isn’t something i’d write usually (even the romance part ig, as someone who mostly writes fluff). this is currently my longest fic too, so you’d totally see that i really worked on this a lot! just scroll at my last few posts, and you’d see that my target wc is from 3-4k... look what happened :’D HELP! i love how i experienced writing this one — my chest felt heavy from writing the unusual angst, the character death, and basically the whole concept of forbidden lovers. the fic is based from a book that i recently got obsessed with too haha so i hope anybody who read that book will love this fic the same way i did! <33 

unexpected visits: now, this one is based from my favorite series of all time!!! basically a fic that’s the same as the first episode of the umbrella academy, just with slight changes! it has been almost a year since i posted this baby, this is my first work here in tumblr!! i enjoyed planning the powers, traits, and abilities of skz for this fic, it was my first time making a fic after all. unexpected visits doesn’t have any reader insert since i focused on the events around them only (similar to how the umbrella academy was done). BUT! i did make a side story of chan’s character here with a reader insert. i’ve been thinking for a long time now to make this a series, and maybe i will. i’m not sure when yet since i have a lot of wips and plans soon but it’ll def be a part of my targets soon! plz let’s talk about this or the umbrella academy together jk

pauwi sa iyo: ahhh.... one of my first fics that went big!!! (yes 100+ notes is very big for me lol) for those who were with me during my early days of writing, we all know this one’s a classic! this is the first time i got a lot of sweet comments and new friends (esp. filo friends!!!) <3 i really love how i included elements of my culture and city here! one of the most obvious in the fic is the jeepney :DDD def a fluff fic that i’ll always be proud of!!! and i’m not ashamed of mentioning how happy i am that i got to write a fic in filipino style lol i’d love to write more of these in the future (spoiler alert: i have a wip rn that’s based on a classic filipino romance movie heh wait for it ig)

a rose beside the tall bushes: THIS FIC .... is actually pretty cute. felix here is the sweetest transferee you’ll ever meet <33 i love how i wrote this right after i got traumatized from my first enlistment as a college student lol (dw tho, i literally had another one a few days ago and it went very well yay) so i imagined that this whole fic happened in my university just to comfort myself </3 but you can imagine the setting in any way you want heh! the moment where felix offers to enlist your classes will be a dream of mine, enlistment is so stressful istg i need arbttb!felix to help me plz

23:52: this one’s an underrated drabble, don’t argue me with this! this is really the most underrated fic of mine EVER. i’ll do anything to get 23:52 appreciated by many! this is so short, but i really love to see killjoy!jisung :DDD the fact that the danger days/killjoys universe by my chemical romance is such a cool concept for me, i had to write one based on that universe! jisung being a romantic in the middle of the desert will always get me <3 i recently scrapped my killjoy!jisung fic but i’ve been thinking if i should write a sequel or prequel of this one after my prioritized wips lol

fleeing: of course, a harry potter au. i have two harry potter aus in my masterlist but this one’s my FAVE! hufflepuff felix is all we wanted and i had to write it!!! plz i don’t want to talk about it further i might break down /hj felix here is also so sweet im gonna cry i love this one sm bc he’s such a tease in this fic <//3 being felix’s favorite (or should i say hufflepuff’s favorite gryffindor) is so <33

21:05 — always safe: this is just one of my regular fluff fics lol but i will include this bc this became my most popular fic? this one has the most number of notes (which is still surprising me bc why jk) so if you’re also a sucker for simple and cute fluff fics like pauwi sa iyo (always safe and pauwi sa iyo have similar vibes im telling you), this would be a great start to my fics! it’s the casual romance here that gets me yk? hanging out together in the library, having an intimate time in the taxi, and planning to eat dinner together... freaking cute i might cry it’s very soft!!

in conclusion, i love fluff fics and taking inspiration from so many things lmao 😭 i think that’s a strength of mine since tv shows, movies, or books really do boost up my creative juices and push me to write. as of now, my fics are short and simple (a lot of them are in short word counts), so they’re pretty easy to read. lately, i got fics that are more comprehensive so i might progress to longer fics (based on what you’ve seen with painting faith yk) AND i literally have an 11k wc wip here on my drafts LMAOOO and it’s not yet done!! 

i believe there isn’t much to see with my fics rn, but i’ll def be posting more enjoyable and entertaining fics :DD so i really hope that many of you guys will still stick along and join the ride! it’s been almost a year since i started writing here and i would love to stay here for a few more years to see myself write better heh thanks for reading my works! i appreciate every feedback or reblog here (even if it gets me questioning my abilities or returning to my insecurities sometimes lol plz reblog)

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Hello Miss Raven! Happy one year to you and your blog! May I request some wedding headcanons with Azul and Jamil with a fem reader please? Thank you! 🧡

I also wrote these Azul x merperson S/O wedding headcanons if you’d like to read those~

***Mild spoilers for the Scalding Sands Fireworks event!***

I do.

The venue is to be on the beach, where the shore and the sea meet. It’ll be hot, so you take care to order tents to keep seating cool, and warn the guests to come in appropriate footwear. (You opt to go for strappy sandals yourself to make it easier to walk around in your wedding attire.)

Speaking of guests, there’s a mix of humans and nonhumans, namely merfolk, at the ceremony. Whereas the human guests happily wander on the golden sands, the merfolk guests splash around in the water. It’s a union of land and sea, a reflection of your perfect partnership with Azul.

Just because the wedding is outside doesn’t mean it can’t still be classy! The décor is mostly white, with lavender accents, pearl beading, and water lilies and colorful coral centerpieces. (Azul spent a long time meticulously combing through wedding catalogues to find the ideal silverware to pair with your decorations!)

There’s a large variety of food at the wedding, but of course, your husband-to-be makes a beeline for the fried stuff. It’s a special day, so he figures why not indulge? You join him to feast, offering to hand feed him a piece of fried chicken or a bit of cake every so often--which Azul graciously accepts with a bit of a blush.

You were originally going to hire an orchestra, but Idia ends up being all the music you need. (”He’s free and convenient,” as Azul had described him. “Not to mention he owes me, and the time has come to collect.”) With DJ Shroud running the dance floor, there’s a mix of classic and modern music sure to satisfy guests from all walks of life.

The weather’s so nice on your special day, so you take advantage of that for pictures! You can walk along the shoreline and perch on the pier, or even leave messages in the sand with sticks or your own feet and hands. Azul’s very shy and hesitant about having his picture taken at first, so it takes some encouragement on your end before he becomes more comfortable around the lens. As long as he’s focusing on you, he’s never nervous, and his smile doesn’t fade.

When the time comes to toss your wedding bouquet, you and Azul instead write your vows out on slips of paper, then place them in a bottle and cork it. The message in a bottle is set into the sea, with the hope of one day blessing its discoverer with true love.

The ceremony concludes with you and Azul riding off into the sunset on a lavishly decorated ship. Your guests see you off with smiles and waves--and with the smashing of a champagne bottle against the vessel (the twins’ idea, not yours or Azul’s) your voyage to newlywed life begins. 

The wedding is to held in the heart of Silk City, in Asim Park. Of course, you’ve got Kalim’s full support and financial backing for the event! He’s so excited to attend his best friend’s wedding that he waives the entire rental fee for the venue for you. (Yay, money saved to go toward an extravagant honeymoon vacation!)

Being the worrywart and the overachiever that he is, Jamil originally attempts to arrange the entire wedding by himself. He’s used to this work thanks to Kalim’s constant parties, but it soon becomes apparent that a wedding is too big for even Jamil to handle alone. You intervene to remind your husband-to-be that this should be a team effort. Then, and only then, does he finally relent and invite you to assist.

The wedding pays homage to the customs of the Scalding Sands, with an extravagant twist (thanks to funding from Kalim). There are traditional instruments and foods, plus swathes of fabric and jeweled decorations abound. Your garb is just as bejeweled and flowy, with a sparkling headdress, fine slippers, and jewelry hanging off of your neck and limbs.

Jamil is obligated to invite Kalim and appoint him as the best man and ring bearer (much to his own chagrin). Kalim ends up crying while giving a speech about his friend, which makes Jamil want to disappear into the ground. Meanwhile, Najma is one of the bridesmaids, and excitedly helps you do your hair and makeup for the ceremony. (By comparison, she and Jamil bicker as they’re preparing.)

The centerpieces feature jasmine and desert roses--though Asim Park boasts so many flowers that the entire wedding smells lovely anyway. While you’re going around and greeting guests, Jamil picks a jasmine flower and tucks it behind one ear. “As pure and as graceful as you are,” he murmurs, a sly smile on his lips.

Most of the guests are standing or walking around the park. Kids enjoy running their hands around or playing near the peacock fountain, while the older folk like admiring the plants. But most importantly, people love tearing up the big dance floor! Jamil joins in himself, putting on a stellar break dancing performance in spite of his suit. It’s rare to see him so loose, so free--it puts a smile on your face. He catches you staring and grins, tugging you by the wrist to join him in the next dance.

Instead of doves, parrots are released into the sky. You and Jamil open up their cages and set them free together--and as the parrots escape and fly away, you watch them, hand in hand, wishing them the same happiness as what you’re experiencing today.

As the night draws to a close, you and your new husband board a magic carpet. You still hear Kalim sobbing happily as you take off-- Fireworks light up the sky as you delve into the diamond-dusted evening, promising a bright and colorful future for you both.

[the-last-kenobi]

Oh my gosh, are you taking new promtps? If you are and if you want to write this, may I request "Setting a broken bone" with Qui-Gon and padawan Obi? But only if you have the time to write and like this particular prompt. And, of course, if you are still taking prompts. Thank you!

Yay!! Love getting your requests! 🤍 And stars do I love writing these two. I am a complete sucker. Did I go completely overboard on this one? Yes. Yes I did.

I’m not kidding this was way longer than I intended.

(Note for anyone who is interested in making a request: I already have prompts for Tampering with Food/Drink and Public Execution/Torture.)

—

On Florrum, they crashed.

Their ship had reached its intended destination, but their sublight engines malfunctioned as they entered orbit, and there was the clang of metal and a cloud of dust after the fall.

Qui-Gon emerged first, his boots thudding in the hard desert, his blue eyes scanning the horizon cautiously even as he stretched out his senses into the Force. When he was sure, he turned back and proffered his hand into the crooked opening of the broken door, and Obi-Wan leaned into the light, squinting as if the light were blinding.

Qui-Gon frowned and raised his other hand, and though his young Padawan made a noise of protest, he plucked the boy out from the ruined ship and lowered him gently to stand beside him. Obi-Wan shifted slightly, leaning his head toward his Master, and Qui-Gon raised his arm higher, concealing his Padawan from view beneath his billowing sleeve. “Hold on,” he said quietly. “We’ll find shelter.”

“Skalder,” said Obi-Wan, and the hint of red beneath his hair turned into a small trickle down the side of his face.

“What?” Qui-Gon asked him.

The boy stiffened, clinging to his robes in an effort to stay upright. One pale hand emerged from his Master’s shielding arms and gestured into the distance. “Range hills,” he said softly. “Skalder. Can cross the geyser plains safely with…with them.”

Qui-Gon looked, and saw in the middle distance a range of low rises, and moving around them, large lumbering creatures with their heads down low, sniffing out flora to eat. “Skalder,” he repeated. “How do you know this?”

Looking down, he caught a glimpse of a pale face and the flicker of a grin. “I read, Master.”

Qui-Gon laughed and drew his arm higher again, hiding the boy’s concussion-pained eyes from the flat sunlight.

That afternoon, Obi-Wan tied his sash around his eyes and raised himself onto a skalder’s back, blind physically but trusting in the Force, and gestured for his Master to follow suit. The skalder lowed and grunted, but after a few moments of unsteady swaying, the entire herd began to move across the plains. Geysers shot up all around them, but not once did they come close to touching the creatures or the two Jedi.

“Instinct,” said Obi-Wan, his blindfolded eyes gazing ahead into the setting sun.

Qui-Gon watched his Padawan carefully, but Obi-Wan seemed perfectly at ease as he was, as if riding an unfamiliar creature over deserts and sulfuric geysers without the aid of his eyesight was only to be expected in the course of life.

“Let me check your head,” he said.

Obi-Wan did not turn. “It’s fine,” he answered. “I know what I’m doing. Resting my eyes is already helping.”

When they settled in a rock formation with a crevice almost large enough to be considered a cave, Obi-Wan settled himself down in the opening, facing away from their fire, his still-covered eyes towards the night.

Qui-Gon woke two hours after they had lain down to sleep and reached a hand towards the boy’s shoulder, but before he could make contact Obi-Wan spoke, still gazing sightlessly out over Florrum. “I’ve already checked. I’m still fine. Thank you, Master.”

On Akiva, they were led astray into the jungles and abandoned for dead by their so-called guide.

Qui-Gon studied their surroundings, pressing a hand to the moist, auburn bark of the tree beside him, closing his eyes and listening. The Force hummed back at him, so rich and alive in this place that was teeming with natural life, a clean energy untainted even by the cruelty of the people who had deceived them. There were other, kinder people here who still needed their help. They must make it through the jungle.

Qui-Gon’s eyes flew open as a loud rustling crash disturbed his meditation— he blinked at the sight of Obi-Wan, fifteen and scrawny and ridiculous, standing before him with a thoughtful expression as he studied the creature in his hands.

“Obi-Wan,” he said, startled. “Did you kill it?”

The boy looked up at him. “I did, yes. Fenglas are easily startled but they make for good eating. Many of the natives consider them their primary source of sustenance. There is also fruit, but not here. Closer to one of the rivers, there are trees.” He glanced around them with a humored expression, still holding his hunted prize. “Well. The right trees.”

The amusement faded as he caught his Master’s eye again. “Did I…? I’m sorry, I should have asked what you thought first. I was only thinking, the guide stole our bags, all our rations and supplies.”

Qui-Gon lifted a hand to still the rambling explanation, and Obi-Wan dropped his gaze, chastised and red-faced. “Very well, Padawan,” Qui-Gon said after a moment. “You found a problem and then a solution, which is good. But you would do well to consult me first before you hunt for food in unknown territory.”

“It’s not unknown,” said Obi-Wan, and he began gathering dry wood for a fire.

They ate in silence. The jungle creature was not luxury dining, but it was hearty and full of rather more meat than the thing had seemed to have, and had a savory tang that smelled like the wood they had cooked it over.

Qui-Gon rose to douse the fire, but Obi-Wan stopped him quickly with a hand on his shoulder. “The smoke will help protect us,” he said, as if that explained anything, and then he reached into his left boot and pulled out a small folded something that he held up and shook loose. It was fabric — no, a fine mesh netting, so fine that the small bundle turned out to be several square meters of the stuff. The Padawan swirled it through the air and then let it fall, sliding himself onto the ground where he had lain his folded cloak. The net settled over him like a strange sort of shroud.

Qui-Gon stared, bewildered, and Obi-Wan lifted the edge of the netting and gestured to him. “Move your cloak closer, Master, so we can both fit underneath.”

“But why?” Qui-Gon asked.

A crease appeared between the boy’s brows. “The ya-ya flies, Master. They’re venomous. You’re full-grown and healthy so they’d only really make you sick, but it’s better to be safe. The smoke and the net will keep them away.”

Qui-Gon slid beneath the net, his makeshift bed a few inches from Obi-Wan’s. “Did our guide give you this?”

“No,” said Obi-Wan. “I brought it just in case. I’m glad there wasn’t room in my pack, or it would be stolen and we wouldn’t have it at all anyway.”

“What do the natives do about the flies?” Qui-Gon asked next, studying the boy’s features as they flickered in the firelight. He looked unbearably young, still, but tired.

Obi-Wan breathed for a moment, staring upwards through the film of the net at the jungle all around them. “They keep fires burning, sometimes with oils that kill the flies,” he said. “And they weave nets to cover their beds.” He turned his eyes to his Master and added, “If we hunt enough tomorrow, we may be able to trade for another net. Or just maize.”

“The crop they grow here,” Qui-Gon recalled.

His Padawan nodded. “When we find the nearest river, we can collect water in my pouch. It should hold liquid for awhile.”

“And if the water isn’t clean?”

Obi-Wan shrugged. “If we can’t reach civilization in time, the risk of unclean water will have to do.”

On Arkanis, it drizzled 60% of the time. On another 39%, it rained in torrential downpours that would have flooded the streets and drowned the population had they not long ago learned to control the water flow, to build stronger than the rain.

And every so often, just once in a long while, the sun came out and lit up the planet in warmth and golden hue.

But it had not been one of those days when Master Jinn and Padawan Kenobi had arrived to mediate on export negotiations. Rain had fallen so heavily from the skies that it felt more like swimming than walking — a sensation that turned from hyperbole into frightening reality when the supports beneath a walking bridge gave way.

Qui-Gon reached out and took hold of a screaming entrepreneur, dragging him safely to stable ground.

Obi-Wan slipped and plunged into the waters seething below and did not climb back up.

“Where do the water ways go from here?” Qui-Gon demanded over the roar of the storm. “Where do they go?”

“Out to sea!” the businessman cried back, a look of pained sympathy on his face. “There’s too much water moving too quickly, nobody could swim in that!”

Qui-Gon gazed down into the thundering rivers below, imagining the crushing weight they must bring, the incalculable strength of the waters, and felt the first slivers of grief begin to gouge into his heart like shards of broken glass.

Of all the things to lose the boy to — rain. Or, that he, the Master, had not been aware enough of their surroundings, or that he had reached for the civilian instead of the boy.

Qui-Gon’s eyes burned in the lash of the storm, but he hurried to his feet and shepherded the others inside to warmth and safety. They were immediately bombarded by a rescue team that passed them by to begin repairing the bridge, and by people offering them warm drinks and soft towels and dry clothing. Qui-Gon helped the others first, and then himself, the movements mechanical.

The next few hours passed in a daze. The negotiations were postponed as the city dealt with the crisis, and Qui-Gon was politely escorted to his rooms — the rooms with two beds, where he ought to have been with his apprentice, safe and dry and alive. But Obi-Wan, he thought, the truth slicing into him slowly, a delicate and perfect cut of a knife, had drowned hours ago. Tossed about in water that raged fifteen meters deep, funneled from all over the city and then out, out to the sea. A pale, fragile figure trapped inside. Suffocated. Qui-Gon covered his eyes with one hand and sank onto his bed. He did not remember climbing beneath the sheets, but he woke the next morning tangled in them, still exhausted.

The next day he dragged himself through the opening discussions, his words as sharp and his gaze as penetrating as ever, but his mind constantly distracted by the memory of the boy falling into the water. Obi-Wan had screamed, he remembered that now, although he wished he didn’t. Then he had tumbled in the air, trying to control his descent, and entered the water feet first.

For the following two days, that same image played over and over in his mind, and yet in those two days he still oversaw the mission, and departed the table on his last evening with a mingling feeling of both quiet satisfaction and unrelenting shame. The mission. The boy. The negotiations. His boy.

Hardly able to breathe, the Jedi Master wheeled around and marched up to the nearest aide. “I need to stay another week,” he said. “Please. To be sure.”

The aide concealed her pitying expression flawlessly, but her presence in the Force was brimming with it and he did not want it. He waited just long enough to hear his request confirmed and then fled.

For three days he stayed in the city, exploring the now much calmer waterways, talking to the mechanics and attendants that kept an eye on the entire system. All of them apologized, but no boy had been seen in the waters that night, and no body had been found on the shore.

“It’s been a while since we’ve lost someone to the floods,” one attendant said heavily. “And it’s been even longer since someone has survived that. I’m sorry, Jedi.”

Qui-Gon walked slowly back to his rooms late that night, his shoulders slightly slumped, the only visible sign of his defeat. The idea of staying another night in the half-empty room and then departing for Coruscant alone was unbearable, horrific.

A turbolift chimed, and the door opened.

Qui-Gon froze.

Obi-Wan emerged from the lift, dripping rain water and carrying all of his clothes except for his cloak, which seemed to be missing, and his trousers, which he was still wearing. The boy searched the room for a moment with tired, puffy eyes, and then he saw Qui-Gon.

“You’re still here,” he said, in disbelief. “You’re still here.”

Qui-Gon didn’t answer. In three strides he had covered the space between them and pulled the boy close, feeling cold water beginning to settle into his own clothing. He only held Obi-Wan tighter, dropping his chin to rest on the damp hair, closing his eyes for a moment as he tried to remember how to speak and breathe.

“Obi-Wan,” he said, in a strangled voice. “Obi-Wan, where have you been? I thought— oh, Padawan, where in the galaxy have you been?”

The boy made a small sound of surprise at the fierce embrace, but he didn’t pull away. “I was in the tunnels, Master. I’m sorry.”

“The tunnels?” Qui-Gon asked blankly.

Obi-Wan nodded against his chest. “There are older waterways beneath the current ones. They’re sealed off, but you can open them if you really try. I knew what to do when I fell into the water; I got rid of my cloak and boots, and I floated as best I could and let my feet face forward. I crashed into a support beam, and I couldn’t climb up and out, and I kept falling asleep holding onto it and just trying to keep my head above water.”

Obi-Wan paused and yawned hugely. “So I swam down, using the pillar as a buffer. It wasn’t easy. I nearly messed it up. But I got down there and found an old access hatch, just like I’d hoped, so I climbed into the old tunnels. And then I got trapped in there, and I’ve been trying to find my way out ever since.”

Before Qui-Gon could even begin to process all of this madness, the boy added, almost as an afterthought, “I had no idea I’d find you. I heard the negotiations ended last week, and knew you must have left.”

Qui-Gon’s arms tightened around Obi-Wan’s small frame. “Not without you,” he said, the words coming out shuddering on an exhale. “I wanted to be sure.”

“Oh,” said Obi-Wan. “I’m sorry.”

On Baraan-Fa, they fell from a roof, flung over the edge by the force of an explosion.

Debris rained around them, cracking sickeningly on the ground, and Qui-Gon crouched over his apprentice, shielding him with his body and shielding both of them with the Force. Obi-Wan’s presence in the Force brushed against his, bright but somewhat timid, a newborn flame still learning just how far it could spread.

The din ceased, and they raised their heads slowly. The building was burning, the top of it utterly demolished, and people were beginning to flood the streets, screaming, bleeding, calling for help and offering assistance to one another. Sirens wailed.

Obi-Wan waited for his Master to stand up and turn towards the chaos before he climbed to his feet, and in this way, focused on the tragedy blossoming around them, Qui-Gon did not notice the way the boy swayed on his feet, white to the lips.

He did, however, notice when he turned around to give the boy instructions and found him gone.

For a moment, irrational fear swept over him — images of debris striking flesh and unfriendly hands dragging the boy away swarmed through him.

But these unlikely possibilities were firmly swept aside like the pestering insects they were; the Jedi Master closed his eyes for a moment to center himself, and found to his faint surprise that Obi-Wan was only just around the corner. He followed what his senses were telling him, and scanned the next alleyway carefully, searching.

There. Concealed in a crumbling alcove, half-hidden by a fallen support beam and clouds of dust. A small red-haired figure was struggling with something, his back braced against the wall, head bowed.

A small whimper reached Qui-Gon’s ears.

Obi-Wan’s hands shifted, and through the haze and debris, the unnatural angle of his left leg became visible, and the position of the boy’s hands and the look of pained determination on his young face suddenly made sense.

“Obi-Wan!” Qui-Gon said sharply. He was already moving by the time the boy’s head jerked up to stare at him, his hands still clenched around his leg.

“Master?” asked the boy. “What are you doing here?”

Qui-Gon stopped beside him, dropping to a kneeling position to avoid cracking his head on the crumbling ceiling. “I would ask you the same, but I think I know exactly what you’re doing. So, a new question — why are you here?”

Obi-Wan blinked. “Is that… not often the same thing?” Sweat glistened on his brow, even through the layer of smoke and grime.

“Not usually,” replied the Master. “For instance, I know that what you are doing is setting your broken leg. I would like to know why, however, you did not tell me you were injured, and why your first solution was to set the bone by yourself.”

The blue-green eyes blinked rapidly. There were flakes of stone dust clinging to the eyelashes, and tears rose up unbidden as the eyes began to sting. “I… there was a bombing, Master. Somebody has to help, and that somebody is usually us. I hurt my leg, so I doubled back to fix it while you went on ahead.”

“And did it occur to you that I would prefer to see you taken care of first?”

A bewildered expression clouded the boy’s face. “I… we’re in the middle of an emergency.”

“Exactly.” Qui-Gon gently raised his hands and settled them over the boy’s much smaller ones, easing them away from the damaged leg. “And I cannot focus if you’re inexplicably missing, or suffering alone on a broken limb.”

“But I can fix it!” Obi-Wan insisted. “I know how. I’ve done it before, many times!”

Qui-Gon’s hands, still holding Obi-Wan’s, tightened their grip. His voice, however, remained steady. “Oh? Do you go breaking limbs on every mission we’ve been on and gone through the healing process without my noticing?”

Obi-Wan’s gaze slid from his. A look of mingled shame and wariness crossed his pale features, and the Master noted that it was not the first time he had seen this expression on the boy. He had certainly seen it on Arkanis, on Akiva, on Florrum. And other times and places, too — this look of mingled guilt and mistrust.

“No,” Obi-Wan mumbled. “I broke bones a few times on Melida/Daan. Broken bones were common. I learned how to set my own and other people’s pretty quickly. And I’m grateful,” he added quickly, as if worried he would be interrupted or reprimanded. “It’s a valuable skill.”

Qui-Gon was silent for a long moment.

“Yes, it is,” he said eventually. “Like memorizing waterways on a planet known for flooding, or practicing how to survive falling into fast-moving waters. Or, perhaps, like preparing defenses against mildly venomous insects, or learning how to hunt creatures you’ve never seen before. Or navigate a desert full of geysers.”

The boy did not seem to see a connection. He stared down at his kneeling Master, his hands still trapped gently in his teacher’s, and said nothing.

“Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon said softly. “I am not going to leave you.”

The Padawan’s brow furrowed. Still he said nothing.

“Melida/Daan was not an experience you should ever have had,” the Master continued gently. “You have developed many skills as a Padawan, and I do not deny that learning to set broken bones is one of them. But I think you also learned something that you should never have been taught, and now I must unteach it.”

“What is it, Master?” Obi-Wan asked. His back slid a few inches down the rough wall as his good leg began to collapse beneath him, and Qui-Gon released the boy’s hands to catch him around the waist and under one arm, keeping his broken leg off the ground.

“You learned to handle everything on your own,” said the Master, walking them both slowly back out into the sunlight. “To expect yourself to do things alone, for fear of slowing others down.”

They reached a flat pavement stone free of debris, and Qui-Gon set the boy down gently, careful of the injured leg, watching as Obi-Wan clenched his jaw against the pain. He knelt down beside him again and put one hand at the boy’s back, encouraging him to sit upright, leaning on his palms.

“But you’re part of a team, Obi-Wan. And more than that, you are my student. You are not expected to do everything alone, or care for all of your injuries without assistance, or prepare to survive alone on a strange planet.”

Obi-Wan opened his mouth to protest, but Qui-Gon shook his head and raised a finger to silence him.

“Listen to me, Obi-Wan. There will be times when we are separated, that is true. And there is broken trust between us. But Padawan, please understand me when I say this— I will never leave you, and I will always help you.”

Obi-Wan stared at him, tears and dust still clinging to his eyelashes, breath shuddering with pain and perhaps the threat of tears. His Master smiled slightly, running a hand up and down the boy’s back as if to soothe an illness, and for a few moments they simply stayed that way, waiting.

“Master?” Obi-Wan said quietly. “Can you help me with my leg?”

Qui-Gon nodded. He placed his hands gently where they needed to go, his expression calm. “Hold on to my shoulder, Padawan. When I set your leg, I want you to squeeze my arm as tightly as you can.”

“But that will hurt you,” the boy protested.

Qui-Gon’s lips quirked in a slight smile. “As I said, Obi-Wan, we are a team. Now. Hold on as tightly as you can. I’ve got you.”

Obi-Wan’s eyes flickered from the broken leg to his Master’s patient, open expression.

He smiled. “I know, Master.”

fin.

[tobiosmilktea]

high fidelity — kuroo tetsurou

3.9k words | genre: fluff | warning/s: terrible writers block writing, ooc kuroo cause i suck | pairing: kuroo x gn!reader

↪︎ in which being the only two employees at a small record store meant that you and kuroo worked together almost every day. and not a single day has passed that you didn’t find your coworker absolutely insufferable. you think he’s annoying, and he thinks you’re cute. in reality, kuroo just sucks at flirting.

a/n: is the plot a bit of a mess? lowkey yeah, but ykw that’s okay cause i needed something stupid to write. this was also a bit self-indulgent cause homegirl just got employed at a record store (yay)

fucking tired—is what you would tell kuroo in the means of his grand intervention to mess with his favorite coworker of all time. granted, you were his only coworker in the infamously meager record store down some random alleyway in downtown tokyo.

those six words were how you would describe how you felt at that very moment. busy with doing what you were employed on doing rather than sitting around and snacking on some trail mix. one would assume that working at a rather small establishment meant little to no work, especially in hours where it was slow with no customers roaming up and down the aisles, but god were you wrong. you were the only one on the shift actually busting your ass off on the floor and at the register while all kuroo does is change the music playing on the store’s overhead speakers and hangs out.

sure, he does do his fair share of work here and there. occasionally he would even take over most of the manual labor of carrying all the new shipments of heavy vinyl records for the sake of courtesy, but at the end of the day, it was always you who would have to restock the displays every time.

so much for being a gentleman.

your feet hurt, your legs ached, your arms were sore. you were just glad that kuroo finally decided to get his ass up and actually walk around for once. he probably wasn’t planning on doing any work, simply just meandering through the aisles of vinyl just to see what to buy next with his 20% off employee discount. you honestly couldn’t care less. what you did care about was that the stool behind the cash register (aka the only place to sit inside the entire building) was finally free.

you settled yourself behind the counter, a sigh escaping your lips as your chin rested atop the palm of your hand.

you finally had a chance to rest. yet despite taking this rare opportunity, you couldn’t help but feel the slightest bit bored now that the store was practically deserted. then again, what did you expect from working at a small business? not to mention, it’s the twenty-first century and all forms of media was digitized and easily accessible by a single internet search. there were, however, a few old souls out there, still in love with the idea of having a physical copy of their favorite artist’s work.

you were easily one of those people.

there was something so endearing listening to strangers talk about their love for music—it’s why you started working here at TRAX in the first place as a sorry excuse to surround yourself with the physical embodiments of the best invention mankind has ever made. hell, you still had the old walkman that your father gave to you. it was from the 90s with its gray plastic chipping at the corners and scratched-off lettering. you even had his old cassette tapes always in your bag whenever you go out.

regardless, the quietness of the store wasn’t at all bad at times. if anything, you were fortunate that kuroo wasn’t annoying the shit out of you like he normally does—poking at your cheeks and teasing you to no end. in fact, it was a nice break from the overstimulation of the occasional busy hours that come out of the blue. from old men mansplaining how record players work to annoying middle schoolers trying to blast their terrible soundcloud songs on the store’s bluetooth speakers. perhaps the slow hours were a godsend.

it was absolute hell trying to chase those annoying thirteen-year-olds out of the store with the help of kuroo. causing a ruckus or not, the situation was a bit funny at the end. it was one of those rare moments you and kuroo shared a genuine laugh together.

a sigh escapes your lips then as you take out your walkman, plugging in the old headphones that came with it. the black, plastic ones with thin muffs whose wires tangle no matter how much you try not to. you place them over your ears.

today’s mood was classic 80s rock, something along the lines of queen, guns n’ roses, and journey beating into your ears as you let your eyelids rest for a few seconds.

however, your means to relax was immediately shut down when a hand snatches your headphones off of your ears.

“ouch,” you groan as the plastic of the headset scratched at your temple. you look over your shoulder at your coworker with confusion plastered all over your face. “what was that for?”

kuroo blinks with a sly smile on his face, “those things still exist?”

you flick him a look, “what do you want?”

“you don’t get paid to sleep on the job, you know.” kuroo gives you a pointed look as he hands you back your headphones.

you couldn’t help but roll your eyes. the audacity. “i get paid by the hour and the store is literally empty right now,” you defend as you click your walkman on pause, “besides, aren’t you the one slacking all the time?”

“only when the boss isn’t around,” he hums.

“the boss is never around,” you huff.

“speaking of an empty store,” kuroo starts once again, watching you wrap the thin headphone wires around the body of your walkman. “d’you got any spare change?”

your eyes peer at him slightly, “what for?”

“to get a drink from the vending machines down the street, obviously.” replied kuroo.

yet another sigh left your lips, licking at its dryness as you reached into your pocket to reveal a few fifty-yen coins. it wasn’t much, but it wasn’t like anything from the vending machines in the city was that expensive. just anything to get him off your back again for peace of mind. “get me a one too while you’re at it,” you mutter, tossing the coins into his palm.

“why don’t you just come with me?” he asks, curious.

you shake your head, “i can’t leave the store unattended.”

kuroo clicks his tongue, feigning himself from rolling his eyes and just tugging you along with him. “come on, it’s not like there are any customers.” he gestures onto the barren floor as if its emptiness wasn’t already obvious enough.

“do i have to?” you groan. you just got comfortable and you weren’t exactly in the mood to walk all the way down the street either.

“yes,” he said sternly, hoping that it was enough to sway you, but surprise surprise! it didn’t. his unsuccessful (and oddly pitiful) attempt at convincing you to come with him caused the corners of kuroo’s lips to dip into a slight pout.

no matter how annoying your coworker was, thinking he wasn’t at all cute or the least bit attractive was a lie. when you look at kuroo, you’re not entirely sure what it was about him that made your heart skip a few beats despite your brain thinking the opposite. was it his sleek obsidian hair that was always styled perfectly? perhaps it was his eyes that were so pretty that if you looked at him for longer than a few seconds, you would be entranced? or maybe it was his witty charm that despite being annoying, you still found his presence nice to be around?

whatever it was, you hated to think there was even the slightest possibility that you liked kuroo more than you would like to admit. and the worst part of it all? perhaps you did like him more than a friend.

and that was the biggest problem.

how annoying, you think.

“pretty please,” he begged, his warm hands suddenly finding yours in the midst of your internalized dilemma and pulling you out of your thoughts.

the action catches you off guard as you snatch your hands back from his abrupt contact. eyes wide and heart beating heavy, you gulped when you noticed how close he was to you then. the action of you pulling away from him only brought kuroo closer like some odd twist in fate.

your thoughts pondered a bit as you looked up at him, still patiently waiting for an answer as he gives you a comforting smile. perhaps kuroo stepped a bit out of line this time, and there’s no doubt he feels a bit bad about it. he was about to pull away and apologize but after your thoughts spiraled for a few seconds you gave in with a nod.

“fine,” you say, lifting yourself off the stool as kuroo steps away from you with a grin. you follow him around the counter, taking your walkman with you as you pass it.

you just hoped no one came by while you two were out. the last thing you wanted to do was get fired all because your annoyingly handsome coworker wanted to get a mid-afternoon beverage.

your shoes muffled gently against the store’s floor—tap, tap, tapping in some form of patterned unison as you and kuroo left the building.

the backroads of downtown were quiet. considerably so compared to the main streets as there was nothing but tweeting birds, whistling cicadas, and an occasional bicycler whizzing by. it was such a nice day, perhaps it wasn’t a bad idea to go out after all.

there was something incredibly calming about afternoon strolls down the street, feeling the rays of sunlight beaming down on your face as you further melted into an earth-smearing mood while you unpaused your walkman.

your headphones laid around your neck with the volume set on max this time just so kuroo could listen in. the corner of his lip quirked up a bit as you did so. it was like a nod of approval within a minuscule gesture. then again, you and kuroo always had a similar taste in music—messy and all over the place, but the classics are where you and he truly had the most in common.

the walk there was short and quiet. usually kuroo doesn’t mind being the one to strike up a conversation, but right now, it was as if he was trying to savor something at the moment that you couldn’t really pinpoint.

upon arriving at the rows of vending machines, kuroo slips in a few coins before pressing one of the buttons. he opted for a calpico, watching the can fall from behind the glass before bending down to pick it up. kuroo doesn’t even give you a look before he puts in the rest of your change, let alone ask what you wanted. the boy presses on the button right below a matcha drink—the exact one you were planning on getting.

he bends down when the drink dispenses and hands it to you on beat with the music emitting from your headphones.

“thank you,” you say, a bit dumbfounded as you opened up the can.

the slight confusion was evident on your face as kuroo couldn’t help but find your curiosity absolutely adorable. “i always see you with that drink whenever you come in for work,” he explains, chuckling as he takes a sip from his own. “assumed you liked it a lot.”

you couldn’t help but blush at his words, feeling your heartstrings suddenly tug at the thought that he knows you enough, let alone care to even remember such a minor detail. letting out a shaky breath that you hoped was drowned out by the music, you lamely attempted to hide the crimson red hues on your cheeks as you take a drink.

“i’m surprised you’d even remember something so insignificant about me,” you mutter as you two walk back to the store, yet this time your pace slowed along with his.

it seemed as if you weren’t the only one wanting to spend a little more time like this.

“i mean, it’s you.” kuroo replied, fingers nervously fiddling. “you are my favorite coworker after all.”

which wasn’t at all a lie. it was true. you were his favorite, but it was nothing more than a panicked and questionable explanation in the means of nonchalance. he couldn’t exactly expose himself out of the blue ever since you two talked about what you looked for in a partner. he recalled your words of wanting to find someone who cares about you and can remember every detail about you regardless of what it was. and much of his dismay of explaining his type to be the exact same of your own traits and characteristics, his sorry excuse of casually flirting completely flew over your head.

and if he’s coming to think of it now, all of kuroo’s sorry excuses of flirting probably went over your head. he mentally faced palmed himself. god, you probably thought he was the most irritating guy on the planet.

yet to his rapidly beating heart, you laughed, practically beaming at him. kuroo swears you could literally send him into cardiac arrest. “i’m your only coworker, idiot.” you tease before taking another sip.

he grins.

“gives me an even better reason to care then,” he hums, pulling the door to the store open just to be met with a thunderous shout.

you two were met with the owner of TRAX record store aka your boss. the short, pudgy old man with a receding hairline and a scowl on his face stood by the counter, arms crossed over each other like a disappointed parent.

“where have you two been?” he grunts, his familiar adenoidal and croaky voice ripping through your eardrums as you hurried to pause your walkman. “leaving the store unattended just to get drinks? you two are lucky i got here when i did because a customer just came by!”

your lips purse together nervously as the grip around your can tightened. kuroo notices your unease, giving you an apologetic look. he turns to face igarashi, your boss, “sorry sir, that’s my bad. i was the one who convinced (y/n) to come with me even after they said no.”

“oh really?” your boss tested. his hand came up to his chin to scratch the few strands of beard hair he even had. he scoffs, “of course it is.”

your neck swivels up towards kuroo as guilt melted into your bloodstream. knowing igarashi, he wasn’t the type to lay easy on simple mistakes. it was the only reason why you were glad he wasn’t here often in the first place knowing that he was like a ruthless hawk with eyes that followed you everywhere.

“it’s not entirely his fault, sir. i knew better but i still decided to go.” you muttered, refusing to look kuroo in the eye as he looks at you surprised.

igarashi lets out a huff as his eyes closed for a few seconds, “my therapist told me to take deep breaths whenever i feel as if i am about to lash out,” he explains before pulling himself together. he opens his eyes, tone much calmer now but the words were still like venom. “since you two were at least truthful about it, i will let it go this time, but know it won’t be the next time around. alright?”

you and kuroo nod, “yessir.”

“good. now, i want this place spotless by the time i come back.” with that your boss disappears into the back where he would be for the rest of the night–not helping at all. he stays in the backroom just to nap and to get away from his own unhappy marriage. you just hoped he stayed there until the end of your shift.

with your pulse calming, you took a sip of your matcha drink out of comfort, finishing all of its contents before throwing it into the trash bin. kuroo does the same thing, this time out of the fear of getting in trouble again as for the first time in a long time, you hear him ask you, “should we get to work then?”

you almost wanted to laugh. you were oddly giddy about working alongside him rather than vexed, nodding in response. both of you grab one of the grates of newly shipped records from behind the counter, ready to be put on display as you and kuroo worked down the same aisle.

with your walkman still on hand and your headphones wrapped around your head, you decided to play the cassette tape again just to ease the underlying awkwardness that was still in the air.

when you paused your walkman earlier, it stopped near the beginning of good old fashioned lover boy by queen. and the moment freddie mercury starts vocalizing, you could practically feel the ice around the two of you melt, heads bobbing to the beat as you two worked your way down the jazz aisle.

it went like this for the next hour. songs ranging from artist to artist, humming lightly to the beat of every drum. usually, kuroo wouldn’t last two minutes without complaining about doing work, but for once he didn’t mind knowing that you’re right next to him, mumbling the lyrics together in incoherent unison. if he knew working with you was going to be like this, he wouldn’t have been such a slacker after all. you could honestly say the same thing.

the cassette tape pulls to a stop, reaching the end of its duration as you and kuroo reach the bottom of the crate of vinyl records. as you reach inside to take out the last few albums, a gasp escapes you as your eyes fall onto one of the records. it was one that you have been dying to get for years now.

you put your walkman and headphone set down, grabbing the album.

“no way,” you grinned, capturing kuroo’s attention as he looks over at you curiously. “look, look!”

“tears for fears?” he says as a small switch flickers in his brain. “isn’t that your favorite 80s album?”

you nod, happy to think he even remembered that about you as you rush over to the cash register. you buy the album without a moment of hesitation, already freeing it from its plastic wrap as you reach kuroo again. you open the cover, beaming at its beautiful design. you couldn’t wait until you got home to listen to it.

at the end of every other row, there was a record player display that customers were able to use. taking out the delicate vinyl, you carefully placed it on the player’s mat with delicate fingers. you pick up the needle, hovering it over the edge of the record before placing it down gently.

on either side of the record player, there were hooks to hold headphones. each of which was connected to the machine as you quickly pull kuroo over. taking the headsets from the hooks, you put one of the pairs on before placing the other over kuroo’s ears, tiptoeing just to reach his height. almost immediately one of the most iconic songs of the decade stream into his ears. it was everybody wants to rule the world—one of your favorite songs.

you two stood there in silence, listening to the song’s nostalgic beats as your bodies faced each other. while you were looking over at the spinning black vinyl, kuroo eyes fell on you.

there was absolutely nothing in his wake to be able to take his admiration away as this, this beaming expression on your face had something special about it. it was as if his entire world was right in front of him, just an arms reach away.

his heart couldn’t slow for a minute as he could practically hear it over the music playing in his headphones. his breath gave way then, at the moment you turned to look back up at him with glowing eyes as if you struck gold. you consider yourself lucky being able to get your hands on such a rare vinyl, but kuroo considered himself the winner as he had you.

“do you like this song?” you asked him curiously, ignoring the way your heart started beating rapidly from the way he was looking at you with such care and admiration.

you were so close, you were literally right there. all of kuroo’s emotions that battered onto him like a cumbersome downpour can be relieved if he were to just say the words. a simple phrase, three short words, and a heavy heart beat. ready to leave his tongue and all would be done.

come on, just say it!

“I like you,” he says out of the blue, but his voice was a bit muffled due to the headphones.

your eyebrows furrow slightly, mouth suddenly running dry as your eyes widen.

did he just say what you think he just said?

you are not entirely sure what he said considering his words were partially drowned out by the music. you wanted to think that he did say the words of the impossible, but you couldn’t be so sure of yourself.

“sorry, what did you say?”

kuroo’s hands wrap around your headset, pulling them off of your ears and placing them around your neck. “i said i like you and i wanted to know if you wanted to go out sometime!” he says ratherly loudly. his headphones were still on him blasting tears for fears.

you couldn’t help but laugh, the back of your hand coming up to cover your reddening cheeks. warmth surrounded your heart, like a hug that squeezed at your chest in the most comforting way possible. you raise your hands up, cupping around the shell of his headphones as you pull them off of kuroo.

“you’re so loud,” you mutter.

as if fate decided to push you into the unknown with a strange burst of confidence within you, you got up on your tiptoes and leaned it. pressing your lips against his, soft and light, your skin ignited ablaze.

in a mere moment of serendipity just to test out the waters, you were pulled in deeper, mind blurring in satisfaction. yet it was nothing more than temporary as the sound of infamous footsteps gradually got louder and louder. panicked, you pull away quickly just seconds before igarashi emerges from the aisles, staring bullet holes into you and kuroo.

“i suppose you two are working?”

you nod, pulling your wrists out of kuroo’s grasp.

kuroo quickly answers, “we are, don’t worry.”

your boss lets out a suspicious hum as he gives you two one last look. he turns back around again, disappearing into the back.

a sigh of relief leaves you as you turn back towards the boy in front of you. he still waited for an answer, almost desperate to know as his eyes searched for an answer.

grinning, you pause the record player and kuroo watches it spin to a slow stop. “you’re an idiot,” you say with a laugh.

kuroo doesn’t seem to care at that moment, if anything he was just glad there were no one else was around. his hands wrap around yours again, “well, is that a yes or a no?”

“so that kiss wasn’t obvious enough for you?”

liking someone you found annoying was impossible, but liking your annoying coworker? now, that was a different story.

general taglist: @yongboxerrr @rosepetalhaven @tvwhoresblog @tanakaslastbraincell @kellesvt @kitsunetea @milktyama @anejuuuuoy

[akindofmagictoo]

manuscript search tag game

a festive one from @sleepyowlwrites :D (and @vellichor-virgo with the same words!)

my words are sweet, snow, smile, shine, save, (sugar, special) 

sweet (Hurricane) (tw romance) (in which Aella’s ex is the first to ship her with Theo... as one does. bless you Franco) 

The Hurricane women began to leave. Aella went to follow, but Franco caught her arm. “Besides, I think he is sweet on you.” He indicated Theo with his head. 

Aella just stared at him. Franco laughed. “He’s not bad-looking, either. Are you sweet on him?” 

“I haven’t known him that long.” 

“That’s not an answer.” 

She didn’t have one for him, nor for herself. “I—I have to go.” She pulled her arm free and followed her crew. 

snow (Dragonsong) 

Baya made good tea, Isi reflected, wrapping her hands around the hot mug. It was still early in the morning; the night’s chill wasn’t quite gone from the air, nor the snow from the ground outside. But Baya’s fire and her tea were doing a good job of fighting back the cold. Isi took another sip from the mug and leaned back, stretching her legs out in front of her. Thanks to the early hour, the inn’s main room was all but deserted. 

She’d barely had the thought when others began to pile in. Chairs scraped across the floor, and creaked as people sat down into them. The sound of activity in the kitchen swelled in volume; frying bacon, the scrape of knives and spoons, a flurry of footsteps.  

smile (Hurricane) (yay mother-daughter bonding!) 

A heavy footstep sounded behind her and she jumped. When she turned, Tempest smiled at her and gestured to the other women at work. “Thank you. Good work.” 

Aella smiled back, a little uncertainly. “Thanks for coming to catch me last night.” 

“I’ll always come for you. You’re the most important thing in the world to me.” 

“More than the Hurricane?” 

“Always. More than anything.” Her expression softened. “I’m so sorry for how I’ve been behaving. I should be angry at Anvindr, not you.” 

Aella shook her head. “I did screw up. So I’m sorry too.” 

shine (Dragonsong) (tw stabbing) 

The urge to cough rose in Isi’s throat. She swallowed it down. If she coughed, it would be in Bethany’s face, and she had no desire to do that. 

“But you still aren’t telling me everything, are you?” 

Someone punched her again in the side, under her ribs. Isi grunted, but kept her eyes on Bethany. A sharp pain spread through her gut, starting from the spot she’d been punched. She glanced down. 

Bethany jerked the knife back, its short blade shining red with Isi’s blood. The wound burned deeper, somehow hotter and colder all at the same time. 

Oh. 

Isi gritted her teeth, because if she didn’t she might scream. “I told you… everything.” 

save (Hurricane) (Laila my beloved. honestly this flashback, which is new this draft, does such wonderful things for her character. not everyone can face down a pirate captain and bargain with him. i love her.) 

She didn’t turn, though her throat had choked up. She couldn’t let anyone else die, and especially not her father. This might let her save them all. She had to do it. “I will come with you. All I ask is that you leave the Nasir alone—this ship. You will—” She couldn’t make demands. She amended her words. “Please let my father go. Let him and all his crew go safely, and I will join your crew.”

He stood silent, considering. “I’m intrigued. You say you will work for me? Do as I tell you?” 

If that was what she had to do, she would. She’d never expected to willingly join a pirate’s crew, but she would do it twenty times over if it would save her father. 

sugar 

special (Dragonsong) 

Even aside from the recruitment patrols, people sent their children away to the citadel to give their children an education. She’d counted that under willing participation. But was it really? Did those children have much of a say in it? And even if they did, was it truly voluntary if it was the only way they could get an education? On reflection, that didn’t seem fair. 

Most knights were knighted around Robin’s age, around seventeen… but seventeen-year-olds weren’t really adults. They were only adolescents. How was it fair to put such responsibility on their shoulders when they wouldn’t even be adults for three years? Especially if they’d never had a chance to be kids. 

I shall pass this onto @zmlorenz @vellichor-virgo @isherwoodj @diphthongsfordays and @talesofsorrowandofruin! your words are love, lie, lean, live 

[an-angel-in-the-garden]

May I request a one shot with Avery taking the daughter of Mustard and Honey on a moonlight date? Bonus points if you include Avery making his girlfriend fly with his powers and her enjoying it.

Okay so I haven't played the DLC but I love Avery and really wanted to write for him so forgive me if he’s OOC I'm basing him on things I have read for him. Without further ado please enjoy! ~Rose

Your parent were pretty excited when they found out you had gotten into a relationship even more so when they met the boy you were with. Though a bit odd and out there it was clear that he truly cared about you and you him so as long as he made their daughter happy they had no problem with you being together. When you had come to your mom about an outfit to wear for you date in an hour she was more then happy to help and with the finale touches she led you out the door with a kiss to the forehead and a wish of a lovely night.

You had arrive at the meeting spot a few minutes early to find Avery already waiting, lighting a few candles. “Aww Avery did you set all this up for us”. He turns a small smile gracing his face as he pulls himself up fully and walking over. “Why yes I did my dear” He leans down and presses a soft kiss to my cheek before leading me over to the blanket he set out. A perfect view of the bright moon the sounds and sights of the wild Pokémon that roam free not far from us. As we settle on to the blanket together he hands me a cup of berry juice showing me the fresh fruit and sweet deserts he got for us.

We had been there for at least an hour now maybe longer when the thought popped up. I knew of Avery’s powers of course who didn’t and I loved seeing him use them. It was his element in more ways then one and when he used them everything seemed even brighter around him. “could you...could you make me float with you powers”? it slipped out before I could stop it my face heated up when I realized I couldn’t just take it back. Yet my worries were unfunded as he chuckled standing up with a bounce to his step and holding his hand out for me to take. He helped pull me to my feet giving me a slight twirl before stepping away “Do you truly want me to use my powers”? I smiled “ Of course I want to know what it like besides I trust you not to hurt me even a little” He seem to like that answer standing straight he took a breath and I closed my eyes waiting for my feet to lift. 

The feeling of physic power wrapping around you isn’t one I could put into words but I felt safe and as he guided me under the moon I felt like a queen. The water and rolling hills beneath me were a beautiful sight to see one I knew I would remember for a life time, as I flew over it with Avery happily watching and keeping me up the whole time. When I touched the ground again I rushed to him giving him a kiss and smiling my hands cradling his face. “ I'm glad you enjoyed that dear now I believe it time we head back its getting chilly and I hate for either of us to get sick”. I nodded helping him pack up before taking his hand as we walked back and under the sea of stars I knew this is what I wanted and right now I couldn’t be happier.

Yay hope this was good I tried something slightly different and I kinda like it but not fully sure let me know what you think and Thanks for reading! ~Rose 

[sassyduckqueen]

Miraculous: Rise of Anatis 64

Ok wow that took a while. Sorry, it took so long to update. It wasn't an easy chapter to write but I think it's time out cool. This was certainly a challenge to write but I found it quite fun. I probably would gotten this out quicker but it's the summer holidays, meaning that work is busy. Anyway the next chapter will be Backwarder, meaning I'll finally be able to get some of Fu's history out and I get to introduce Marianne so yay!

Translations:

Ant tataeadaa mumtalakat! Airhal alan!- You are trespassing! Leave now! La bi'asa! hum 'ilaa janibina!!- It's ok. They are on our side

Ánthropoi tis Athínas! Eímai i theá rara!- People of Athens, I am the goddess Hera! fére mou ton pséftiko theó, ton Alfeió kai tha deíxo éleos stin póli sou- bring me the false god, Alpheus and I will show mercy on your city Thavmatourgí paschalítsa- Miraculous ladybug

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

Chapter Sixty-Four: History Keepers

~City of Camelot, England~

 "In the name of God, I hereby name you man and wife," The priest stated as King Arthur stood in front of Gwenevieve, holding her hands in his and smiling like a damn fool. His eyes were sparking with pure joy and Gwenevieve matched. The priest smiled a little before turning to Arthur. "You may kiss the bride,"

 He leaned down and kissed Gwenevieve as the entire church cheered in joy. However, at the back of the church, a single knight looked on. He had a smile on his face but it didn't reach his eyes. Instead, he turned on his heel and walked out of the church. He took a deep breath as he walked away. He really wanted to be happy for Arthur, he really did. However, his heart ached in pain as watching him marry Genevieve was the hardest thing he ever had to do. He blinked and wiped his eyes before shaking his head. He shouldn't be sad. He knew Arthur didn't feel the same way for him or even swing the same way. He knew Arthur was in love with Gwen and she wasn't a bad woman at all. She would make Arthur happy and that's all he wanted. Even if it hurt him and broke his head.

 "Rene!" A voice shouted, causing him to stop and turn around. Lancelot was stood outside. "Where are you going?"

 "I just need some time alone," He replied, giving Lancelot a weak smile.

 "You're going to be at the party right?" He asked, frowning. Arthur and Rene were practically brothers so he didn't understand why Rene would just leave his wedding without saying goodbye. A brief expression of sorrow came across Rene's face as he didn't answer. "Right?"

 "Yeah... I'll be there later... I just... have something to do right now..." He replied before turning back on his heel and walking off. Lancelot frowned and tried to call out after him but Rene got on his horse and rode off, heading deep in the forest. He came to a stop and jumped off his horse before walking deeper into the forest. He stopped and waved his hand, creating a shimmer in the air before stepping through it, entering a cave with a waterfall and a small hut in the distance. He walked over to the fire pit where two others sat. One looked much younger then Rene. Part of his head was shaved and the rest was braided. He wore what could be described as ancient egyptian clothing and had no shoes on. In his hand was a huge toad and he seemed to be talking with it. The other had curly hair but it was the same dark shade. He wore a greek toga and sandals on his feet. He had an arm band on his right arm and was moving his fingers as he controlled water droplets around him. He glanced over as Rene walked over as the younger looked over as well. Rene gave them a weak smile and sat down. "How's Ra doing, Khnurn?"

 "He's ok," He replied, tracing his finger across the toad as Rene nodded.

 "You're not though," The water mage stated, turning the water into ice.

 "Don't worry about me, Al," He smiled, causing Alpheus to roll his eyes as he looked over at the hut. For the last few weeks, it has been shut and locked. "Is it still locked?"

 "Yep," Khnurn replied, tracing his finger over Ra's back again. "Toutai got in earlier but he didn't say much when he came out. I think Feng told him not to,"

 "I wonder why he locked it," Rene replied, sitting down as he picked up the kettle and poured a tea from it.

 "Probably cause he's bored," Alpheus replied, rolling his eyes again. "I know I am,"

 "You're always bored," He replied as he took a slip and smiled a little before turning his attention to Khnurn. "So how's Egypt doing?"

 "Well, there was a few issues with Imhotep but I stopped him as you well know," Khnurn replied, placing Ra onto the ground. "And I still don't like people,"

 "You never did," Alphus replied as he trapped Ra in a bubble of water, allowing the toad to swim in it.

 "Given his upbringing, it's no real surprise," Rene replied, making Alpheus glare at him. "The desert is a harsh mistress after all,"

"Well, my childhood wasn't exactly a walk in a path either," He grumbled as Khnurn fished Ra out of the water and glared at the mage, who smirked at him. "Why not trade him in for a camel? They're more useful,"

 "A common theme among us," Rene replied, as the toad croaked, glaring at Alpheus, who glared back. Rene shook his head and rolled his eyes as he slipped his tea.

 "Don't worry, Ra," Khnurn muttered, holding him. "I wouldn't trade you for a camel. You're much more fun than them,"

 "Oh yeah," Alpheus replied. "Much have been so hard been born to a lord and lady of the manor,"

 "Well, been a mage and born in a kingdom where magic was illegal wasn't exactly fun, Alpheus," Rene replied, shaking his head before a fourth person joined them. He resembled them as he shared the same hair shade and silver eyes but he was dressed in more asian style clothing. "Feng... you're actually gracing us with your presence today?"

 "I assume Arthur just got married," Feng replied, looking at Rene with a sympathetic look. "My condolences,"

 "Well, he's happy..." Rene frowned, holding his cup. "That's all that matters to me. Besides, he sees me as his brother..."

 "And you want him to see you in a different light?" Alpheus grinned, wiggling his eyebrows. Rene went bright red and glared at him, making him laugh. "If you ask me, you're over thinking this. Just enjoy what life gives you,"

 "Of course, you would say that," Rene muttered, rolling his eyes as Feng smirked. "What's your thoughts on love, Feng?"

 "Overrated," Khnurn muttered, making the four of them look at him. "What?"

 "Personally, I think love is a wonderful thing," He replied, making Khnurn roll his eyes and Rene smile. "And I was very happy with my lovers,"

 "Ok but what's with the door been locked?" Khnurn asked, making both Feng and Rene look at him due to the sudden change of subject. Alpheus merely snorted in amusement. "What? Love, relationships and stuff like that makes me uncomfortable and you want to know just as much as I do, Rene,"

 "True..." Rene muttered as Feng shook his head with a slight smile. "Well?"

 "Alright," He smiled. "We have a new incarnation,"

 "Really?!" Khnurn gasped, making Ra jump a little before he croaked. "Oh sorry Ra,"

 "I thought that Toutai was stripped of his title?" Rene asked, frowning.

 "Well, he was but that doesn't change what we are," He replied, making them both nod. "Besides, it wasn't like he actually dishonored the title. It was taken from him by force,"

 "By that jerk!" Khnurn huffed. "See? This is why we shouldn't trust people!"

 "And the new one?" Rene asked. "What is he like?"

 "Very brave and creative," Feng replied, smiling a little. "He actually wields the ladybug miraculous,"

 "Impressive," Alpheus whistled before stretching. "So when do we get to meet him?"

 "Soon actually," Feng replied, waving his hand over the fire pit. Smoke rose up from it, showing several images. Each were in their own time, showing a number of people from the future appearing and facing different situations. "There will be an incident that will send his friends back in time and he will have to find them,"

 "When?" Rene asked, looking over the image of his time showing a boy and two girls cowering from one of Mordred's beasts. "How long do we have?"

 "Two weeks," Feng replied, making them nod. "Best be prepared as well,"

 "For what?" Khnurn asked as Feng gave them his all knowing smile. 

 "You'll see soon enough,"

 ~Paris, Modern Day~

 "There is nothing in this book, Master!" Luka sighed, running his fingers through his hair as Master Fu frowned. He was so sure the answers would be in that cave but as soon as he got back to Paris, he checked out the book. Well, actually the first thing he did when he got back was collect Juleka's and Rose's miraculous and returned them to the miracle box since he was back in Paris but the second thing he did was go through the book. To his utter horror, he discovered nothing on the pages. Not a single letter or word had been written. Four days later and nothing had changed. "Why is it empty?! Why did I get that damn riddle if there is nothing in this book?!"

 "Luka, take a deep breathe and calm down," Fu ordered as Luka paced.

 "How can I?!" He gasped, close to tears. "I am been haunted by nightmares I don't understand and I've been possessed by something that made me write a pointless riddle and I don't know what is happening to me anymore?! I am scared and tired and... I just want to know why I have a connection to Feng! Why me?! I'm nothing special! I'm just... Luka..."

 "Luka, you're definitely something special," Tikki gasped, flying up to him. "You're amazing and the best bug I've ever had and whatever is happening to you, we'll work it out so please don't put yourself down like that,"

 "I'm sorry, Tikki," He muttered, flopping down onto the floor and hid his head in his arms. "And I'm sorry, Master. I... I just want to know what's happening to me. Why did Feng send me to Shanghai if the book has nothing in it?"

 "Maybe to stop Meishi from destroying it and to help that young lady to become the hero she was meant to be?" Master Fu pointed out as Luka looked up. "As for the book, maybe it is invisible ink?"

 "I tried that..." He admitted, frowning. "Feng did mention that I wasn't ready to see what was beyond the hut's door..."

 "Hut's door?" Master Fu asked but Luka shook his head and hid it back in his arms. Master Fu sighed and got up. "I'll make some tea,"

 "At least, it's the summer holidays now," Tikki smiled, making Luka nod as Master Fu came back in. He set up his kettle and began to make tea as Luka sat and hugged his knees. "Have you considered reaching out to Koro? Maybe she knows how to unlock the book's secrets?"

 "I don't want to bother her..." He muttered, frowning to himself. He had considered asking her but he wasn't sure if he wanted to reach out nor was he sure if she would be able to help. Master Fu placed a cup of tea in front of him, causing Luka to sniff at it before he picked it up and sipped it. "Do you think I should ask her, Master?"

 "I think that is only you can decide but maybe ask Lady Noire's advice on it too," He replied, making Luka nod as he sipped the tea. Maybe he should ask Koro about stuff. Maybe she would know but he wasn't sure about anything. He was also worried about Hawkmoth and his current silence. Since Shanghai, he had been oddly quiet. There hadn't been any akumas yet and it worried Luka. Usual when he was this quiet, it was because he was planning a big attack. It was his pattern. He was quiet before Heroes Day, Miracle Queen... if you don't count Loveater but Luka was certain that was a distraction in order to allow Miracle Queen to gain control over him. He repressed a shudder as his mind flicked back to it. Hawkmoth was also this quiet before New York and Shanghai. Other than Cash and Meishi, the last person to be akumatized was Mrs Mendelieve so Luka was concerned but he also realised that Yan Woshi was the first akuma to actually kill him so maybe Hawkmoth is taking a break. Hell, he might be quitting. Luka immediately casted that thought aside. There was no way he was quitting. He jumped a little as his phone buzzed, causing him to look at it. He frowned as it was Marinette calling. He shouldn't really be surprised even though it was fairly late. She often stayed up late to do her projects but usually she would text him. He gave Master Fu a look, who nodded before he pressed answer and held it to his ear.

 "Hey," He stated but almost instantly, he heard her sniff and he knew she had been crying. "You ok?"

 "Not... really..." She admitted in a sad voice. "I... I was hoping maybe you could come round for a little bit... it's cool if you can't though..."

 "I'll be there in a few minutes, Melody," He replied, feeling her relief through the phone. 

 "Thank you," She whispered, making him smile a little. "I'm just gonna cuddle Mr Whiskers until you get here,"

 "Ok, Melody. I'll see you soon," He replied before he said goodbye and hung up. He turned to Master Fu as he picked up the book and put it in his bag. "Sorry, I gotta go,"

 "Alright," Master Fu nodded as he transformed. "I hope your friend is ok,"

 "She will be," He nodded before leaving out the window and heading to the Bakery. He got there in record time before he knocked on the door. A few minutes later, Marinette opened the door, holding Mr Whiskers in her arms. It was a black cat plushie he had won for her at the fair they went to before they went to Shanghai. She kept it on her bed. Her eyes were bloodshot and it was obvious she had been crying. Luka held open his arms, causing her to instantly hug him. He wrapped his arms around her as she nuzzled her face against his chest. "You ok?"

 "It's silly really but I dreamt I got killed again by that big monster again..." She muttered, making him frown. He felt really bad but she had been caught up in the attack on Shanghai and had been zapped by Wan Yoshi when trying to help people escape and since coming back, she had been having nightmares about it. Luka also got nightmares about it, along with the rest of his ones but he didn't get killed in his. Instead, he watched as Yan Woshi killed everyone while he was helpless to save them. He pushed his thoughts aside and walked into the apartment as Marinette led him inside. The two of them settled on the sofa in the living room with Marinette resting her head on Luka's lap as he gently played with her hair and hummed. "Thanks for coming, Luka,"

 "I'm always here if you need me," He replied, making her look up at him. She looked a lot calmer and the shine in her eyes were returning. He gave her a smile as she reached up and moved a bit of his hair. Her hand lingered as her eyes moved down to his lips, causing him to blush a little. She gave him a soft smile. However, she realised what she was doing and went bright red.

 "I.. um... s-sorry," She gasped, sitting up. "I must seem like such a creep doing that. Oh god, you're gonna hate-"

 "I could never hate you," He replied, gently leaning over and placing a soft kiss on her forehead, making her blush even more. He smiled a little before deciding to change the subject. "I won't be able to stay over tonight,"

 "T-That's ok," She replied, still red before looking at the time. It was ten to 11. "It's pretty late though... will you be ok getting home?"

 "Don't worry. I'll be fine," He smiled, making her smile back. "Do you feel better?"

 "Yep," She smiled, resting her head on his arm. "You're just like a lucky charm, Luka. Are you coming to the picnic tomorrow?"

 "Of course," He smiled, making her smile even more. "I should head back, Melody,"

 "Ok," She nodded, getting and walking to the door with him. He smiled as she leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks for coming over, Lu. You'll text me when you get back to the boat right?"

 "Of course," He replied, placing his own kiss on her cheek. She smiled before he waved to her and walked out into the night. She couldn't help but sigh a little before she closed the door and locked, heading back upstairs to the quiet apartment. Her parents were out on a date night but were due back in the next hour. She yawned a little as she grabbed Mr Whiskers before heading up to her room and back to her bed. She had fallen asleep in the evening and woke up from a nightmare, hence why she called Luka. She frowned a little as she felt bad not telling him the full dream but she didn't want to start crying again. Sure, she had flashbacks of been zapped by Yan Woshi but that hadn't been her nightmare tonight. Instead it had been Luka who had been zapped in her dream. In it, he had pushed her out of the way and took the hit instead. She had woken up screaming and crying worst then she ever had which was why she wanted to see him. It wasn't to comfort her but to know he was alive. She curled up her bed as her phone buzzed, causing her to look at it.

 L: I'm home. Sleep well, melody

 M: Yay! Sleep well as well, Lu.

M: *typing* Love you ❤️

 Marinette held her breath as her thumb hovered over the send button. She wasn't sure if she should it. Normally she wasn't so bold but she felt like she could be with Luka, especially since they had been getting closer and tested the waters with each other but they weren't exactly a couple yet. She bit her lip and deleted the message before retyping a new one. 

 M: Sweet dreams 😘

 L: you too, Melody 😘 

 She giggled and put her phone down before curling up in bed and hugging Mr Whiskers. The picnic will be fun.

 ~The Next Day~

 Marinette hummed to herself as she walked over to the park, holding a basket full of baked treats. She had chosen to wear a light pink summer dress with her ballet pumps that matched. She had her hair tied up in a loose, low ponytail and had the purse she made out of her Nonna's gift across her chest. She looked over and saw her friends sat on the grass chatting. By the looks of, almost everyone in her friendship group had turned up and had brought drinks and snacks too, meaning she wasn't the only person to bring food. Ondine and Kim were sat with Max and Marvok. Sabrina, Aurora, Chloe and Mirelle were sat talking to Kagami, who was playing with Adrien's hair as he laid on the grass with his head in her lap. He walked talking to Nino about some anime he watched and Alya was sat talking with Rose, Mylene and Ivan. Marc and Nathaniel were just sat whispering about their comic, causing to smile as she looked over them. She called over and waved at them as she walked over before sitting down on the grass and looking around. The only people that were missing were Alix, Juleka and Luka. However, the Couffaines turned up pretty quick, causing Marinette to smile as she greeted them. Soon the group were just waiting on Alix, who turned up a few minutes later.

 "Sorry, I'm late," She grumbled, sitting down and grabbing an Eclair before stuffing it in her face. Kim snorted a little before doing the same, trying to see if he could finish it before her. Most of the group waved it off but Juleka muttered asking her why. "Oh, Pa got a new painting for the museum and he insisted I see it before I came to meet you all. He wanted to know what I thought before he sets up it's grand unveiling,"

 "Ooh what is the painting?" Rose asked excitedly, clapping her hands together. Alix took out her phone before unlocking it and passing it to Rose. "Oh, wow!"

 "He looks so cool," Juleka muttered, looking at the phone before she passed it to Luka. He took off her and glared at it but as soon as his eyes landed on the picture, he felt a pulse similar to the one he experienced when he looked at the Eagle Miraculous. Only it wasn't half as bad as it had been. The painting was of a young knight kneeling down on the ground as he rested his hands against on his sword. His helmet was on the floor and behind him was a slained beast. He had dark shoulder length hair and wore silver armor with a golden trim over silver chainmail and leather breeches. He had his eyes closed and in one of his ears, he wore a jacket earring, making Luka frown a little as he felt like he had seen it before but couldn't remember where. What surprised him the most was he resembled the knight he had seen during Miracle Queen's attack. The only real difference was that the armor he wore and that he didn't have horns or a tail. Despite this, he was certain that it was the same knight. He frowned again before he passed the phone to Adrien. He couldn't help but wonder if he had the Wyvern miraculous as Alix's phone got passed around the group.

 "He's kind of cute," Marinette grinned, passing the phone back to Alix.

 "According to Pa, he was one of King Arthur's knights! Apparently, he had the nickname the Dragon Knight but his real name got lost to history," Alix replied, locking her phone. "In fact, that painting is like super rare and the only known picture of him!"

 "His name was Sir Rene..." Luka muttered with even thinking, making everyone look at him in surprise before he blinked. "What?"

 "Dude, you just said that the Dragon Knight's name was Sir Rene!" Alix gasped, making Luka frown. He didn't know the Dragon Knight's name but... yet somehow he knew that it was Sir Rene. "You said it was-"

 "Sir Rene," Juleka muttered, making everyone look at her before she looked at Luka. "I thought he wasn't real?"

 "Huh?" He asked, generally confused. Seeing his confusion, Juleka frowned.

 "Back when we were really little, we use to play a game of knights. I would play Morgana and you always played Sir Rene the Dragon Knight. In the game we use to 'save' King Arthur from the evil warlock Mordred," She mumbled, making him frown. He didn't recall it but at the same time, it sounded so familiar. "But we stopped playing it after... um... after Issac put you in hospital,"

 "I don't remember..." Luka admitted, frowning before looking at her. "Was it fun?"

 "So fun," Juleka smiled, making him smile. "Why... why don't we go and see the unveiling? M-Maybe it might help you remember the game..."

 "That's a great idea!" Rose grinned, making Juleka smile. "Oh we can make a day off it!!"

 "Me and Marc are down for it as we'll can get some inspiration for the comics," Nathaniel grinned as Marc nodded to. Alya grinned and turned to Aurora.

 "We could do a video on it and other exhibitions for our blogs," She suggested, making the other reporter grin. 

 "Definitely!" She smiled as Mirelle nodded as well. "Oh, Mirelle, you can do a photoshoot!!"

 "That sounds like a great idea!" Adrien grinned, sitting up. "Even Father will let me go because it's 'education',"

 "Mother would be the same," Kagami replied as everyone nodded and agreed they wanted to see it. Luka couldn't help but smile. "Plus it might help trigger how Luka knew about this mysterious knight,"

 "Oh what if your family is related to him!" Marinette gasped, making Juleka and Luka flush. They're pirates, not knights but it would be really cool to be related to a knight of the round table. Luka looked at Juleka, who gave him a shy smile and thumbs up. Given that just seeing an image of the painting gave him a smaller reaction of what happened in New York, he would be mad to skip out on it as it might have something to do with the miraculous. Maybe even to do with the journal. "What do you say?"

 "I'm down for it," He smiled, making everyone grin. "It's a once in a lifetime chance to see a rare painting and maybe it will help me remember why I knew about him,"

 "Maybe you're psychic," Juleka smirked, making him chuckle a little. Maybe he was and made that's why he had dreams about Feng. "Either way, it will be cool for you to remember. That game was awesome,"

 "How often did we play it?"

 "Almost every day," Juleka admitted, making him frown a little. "We use to play at school as well,"

 She sniggered a little, making him raise an eyebrow.

 "You had a go at a teacher and got detention," She explained, looking at him. "She had told you that Morgana was the evil witch in the story and that you shouldn't make me play her. She always told you that there was no such knight as Sir Rene but you insisted that he was real and that Morgana wasn't evil either. In fact, you said she was extremely lucky,"

 "Lucky?" He asked, frowning. Why did he say that about Morgana? "But how did I get detention?"

 "You called her a dorbel, which apparently means a petty, nit-picking teacher in old english," She giggled, making him blink. "You basically swore at her in old english. Ma thought it was hilarious apparently. Issac... not so much..."

 "I'm not surprised by that," He replied, nodding before turning to Alix. "So when's this grand unveiling?"

 "This Friday," She replied. "When I go home tonight, I'll ask pa and let you know,"

 "Ok,"

 ~The Night before the Unveiling~

 Rose and Marinette were sleeping over at the Liberty so the four of them could head to the museum together. Alix's father had been really happy that the class had wanted to come and see it. He had ensured her that her friends would be on the guest list. Apparently, a lot of high profile people would be there as well. Apparently, a number of people wanted to buy the painting but Alix's father was refusing to sell it, stating it was priceless. 

 "Are you excited to see it?" Marinette asked, causing Luka to look at her. She was sat cross legged in front of him on his bed with a grin on her face. He couldn't help but match her expression.

 "I am," He replied as she moved and stretched. "It's gonna be strange though,"

 "How so?"

 "Well, that painting is priceless," He replied as she moved so she was laid on her stomach. "And I did some research on it. It was painted by Leonardo da Vinci in the 1300s and was considered part of his 'lost' work,"

 "Really?" She asked, surprised. "Wow,"

 "Yeah," He replied, smiling a little. "I can't believe that some of his lost work was found..."

 "I didn't know you liked painting," She grinned, making him smile. "Been friends with Anatis must be rubbing off on you,"

 "Well, he is basically the embodiment of creation," He grinned, making her smile. "Though... he's not my muse. You have that title,"

 "Luka!!" She gasped, going bright red as he laughed, causing her to playfully hit his arm. "Y-You're not serious are you?"

 "Very serious," He replied, leaning against his wall and placing his hands in behind his head. "I don't know what it is but I could write a hundred songs after spending a moment with you,"

 "Lu!!" She gasped, going red again as she hid her face in her hands. He couldn't help but smile at her. Slowly, she peeked from her hands as she looked at him. "Y-You really mean that?"

 "Yep," He smiled, causing her to blush and hide her face again. "You're so cute,"

 "Lu!!!"

 ~The Next Day~

 Luka couldn't help but smile as he looked around the room that the unveiling was been held in. He was generally surprised at how many people had turned up. Chloe was there with her family and Sabrina's. He knew those two were coming but he was surprised that their parents did as well. A number of reporters including Nadja Chamack had turned up as well and to his surprise, Gabriel Agreste had turned up. Well..technically he was on his tablet as usual and it was actually his assistant who was here.. but it wasn't his usual assistant though. It was actually the Gorilla but Adrien and Kagami seemed happy so that's what mattered. It turned out that Tom and Sabine were providing the caterating for the event too and that Penny had gotten an invite. She had explained to him that she had banned Jagged from the event because he would more then likely try to buy the painting plus he didn't really like museums much. Luka wasn't surprised by that. Even a number of teachers from different schools were here as well as Alix's brother. He was actually stood talking to Mr Damocles and Mr D'argencourt. Apparently, the two of them were actually helping with the unveiling and in the same history club as Alix's brother. Unfortunately, Lila was also there with her parents, though they seemed more bothered about other people then Lila. Instead, she was sulking in the corner. She had tried to tell Alya that she was related to Leonardo da Vinci but Alya just told her that she didn't need to lie to impress her. Luka was a little disappointed that Alya was still trying to give Lila the time of day but he was glad she knew she was lying, even if she didn't realize that Lila was malicious with it. She would get there at some point. Alim tapped his glass, making everyone look at him.

 "Thank you all for coming," He smiled as he addressed the audience. "I'm also really happy to see so many young people in the audience today. As you know, today is the unveiling of one of the lost works of Leonardo da Vinci,"

 He turned and pointed to the velvet curtain that covered the painting.

 "Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to present the Dragon Knight," He declared, pulling the curtain off and revealing the painting. Everyone clapped and oohed at it as they stared at it. Luka couldn't help but stare straight at it, almost in a sort of trance as he looked at the knight. Alim had continued to talk and people moved around yet Luka just stood there staring as his mind pulsed in a similar way to how it had with the eagle miraculous. He blinked as he heard someone talking, causing him to look around as the world caught up to him. Lila was talking to some other kids from a different school about how she knew a lot about the subject while her parents talked far from her and so didn't hear her lies. Luka frowned as he listened.

 "Oh, yes, apparently he was a real lady's man. ," She laughed, making him frown as he walked over, not caring for the restraining order. He would not have her lie about his possible ancestry. Rene was not a lady's man at all. He didn't even like women.

 "Actually, Lila, he was gay," He pointed out, making her look at him. "So stop making up lies,"

 "That's kind of hypocritical, isn't it?" She smirked. "Since you just lied,"

 "Unlike you, I'm not lying," He stated, making her frown. He didn't know how but he knew it was true. "Sir Rene was gay and never married,"

 "Knights can't be gay!" She gasped, making everyone look at her. "It was against the code and he would have been killed for it since it was considered a crime punishable by death,"

 "Actually, he was a holy knight, meaning it was a crime to try and hurt him as he was considered a man of god," Luka pointed, making Lila grit her teeth. "So actually yeah he could be a knight and gay. Deal with it,"

 "Well, I don't believe you!" She gasped, making him roll his eyes before he walked away. However, his words had caused the people listening to her to also walk off, causing her to narrow her eyes. "Stupid Couffaine,"

 Naturally, no one replied but she felt like someone was watching her. Looking around, she noticed the painting was facing her. Despite the fact that the Knight had his eyes closed, she felt like he was staring at her and strangely enough, that enraged her. She would have to do something about that. She saw her chance when people began to leave the area, leaving her and the new painting alone.

 ~Half an Hour Later~

 Luka was stood, talking with the rest of the group when they heard a scream echo through the museum. They looked alarmed and rushed from where it came from, causing them to stop in the area where Sir Rene's painting for. To their horror, they saw someone had defaced it with some marker pen and a few slashes. Luka frowned as he suspected it may have been Lila but that wasn't the person who screamed. It had been Jalil Kubbel. He was kneeling in front of it with his head in his hands while Mr Damocles and Mr D'argencourt tried to calm him down and reassure him. Alix and their father were also trying to calm him down.

 "You don't understand!" He cried, looking up. Luka frowned as he saw Lila smirking from the sideline. He narrowed his eyes as he was sure she had something to do with this. "This painting is one of a kind! It's the only known painting of the Dragon Knight and Father... you put me in charge-"

 He suddenly cut off as an akuma entered his pendant and the butterfly mask appeared over his eyes but to Luka's surprise, it also appeared over Mr Damocles' and Mr D'argencourt's eyes as well, despite that they weren't actually touching them. Alix and her father backed off as the three men listened to Hawkmoth, causing Luka to glance at them in shock. He frowned as he noticed each of them had similar necklaces around their necks, all looked black. It concerned him because Hawkmoth had never akumatized more than one person who wasn't touching the object. He took a step back as a blue feather also appeared, entering the watch on Mr Damocles' wrist. Mayura was helping him today.

 "We shall protect history and punish those who disrespect it," The three of them declared, accepting whatever Hawkmoth had offered. The purple smog engulfed them as a blue smog appears in the air. It disappeared, revealing a huge floating clock that was orange, black, red and blue in color. It had a huge smile on it's face and single eye. The purple smog disappeared, revealing Darkblade and the Pharaoh in the place of Mr D'Argencourt and Jalil but Mr Damocles hadn't turned into the Dark Owl but a new villain. He resembled a greek god and seemed to be themed around time. Luka slammed his hand on the fire alarm, triggering it as everyone started at them before he turned his friends.

 "Run!" He shouted, causing them to come back into reality before they rushed into action. He noticed Lila rushing to get out among the rest of them.

 "You shall not escape our wrath, Knaves!" Darkblade called, causing the Pharaoh to glare.

 "Thoth, give me time!" He declared, turning his head into a gaboon as he made bubbles. He threw them at people, trapping them in them but the moment he did the sentimonster fired a beam at them and they disappeared. 

 "You can't escape Chronos!" Mr Damocles declared, jumping over to a number of people and slashed them with his scythe, freezing them in place. Once again, the sentimonster fired at them. Darkblade began to turn people into his knights as the group and others ran out, causing the akumas to give chase. Naturally, Rose tripped up, causing Juleka to rush over to her as Luka turned around. She pulled her up and began to run as the akumas chased them. However, it did them no good as Chronos jumped in front of them and slashed them with his blade, freezing them in place.

 "Juleka! Rose!" Luka gasped, going to rush over to them but Adrien grabbed his arm as the sentimonster fired at them, making them disappear, causing Luka to just stop and stare at where they had been. It had been like something out of his nightmares.

 "Luka! Come on!!" He gasped as the akumas began to attack others, including the rest of their group. Pharoah directed a time bubble towards a number of people including Lila, who pushed Sabrina towards it, trapping her in the bubble. Chloe shouted and tried to help but got caught in the bubble. Like Rose and Juleka, they were erased by the sentimonster. Mylene and Ivan were next, followed by Nathaniel, Marc and Lila. "We have to get out of here!!"

 "R-Right..." Luka replied, shaking his head before he looked around. His eyes widen as he saw Marinette wasn't around but was sure she hadn't been hit. "Where's Marinette?!"

 "She was just ri-" Nino started but Chronos suddenly sliced him, freezing him before he stalked over to the remaining members of the group. Darkblade and Pharaoh followed him, causing the remaining members of the group to back away. Luka tried to glance around to find a way out of there so he could go and transform.

 "Disrespectful youths!" Chronos growled, lifting his blade but before he could hit them, Lady Noir jumped down and blocked his attack with her baton before she turned to the group.

 "Get out of here!" She shouted, pushing Chronos back and dodging the beam the sentimonster fired at her. Luka, Adrien and the others ran away from them. Darkblade jumped down and fired his sword at them, hitting Aurora, Ondine and Mirelle as the rest of them dodged and ran in the other direction as Darkblade knighted them. Pharaoh jumped in front of them and threw time bubbles at them, trapping Kagami, Kim and Max. Luka grabbed Alya and Adrien by their arms and pulled them out of the way of more time bubbles before they turned to run again, only to find they were completely surrounded by the akumas, their mind controlled knights and their sentimonster. Luka panicked as he tried to find Lady Noir. His eyes widen as he saw her trapped inside a time bubble but she seemed to be moving. Albeit, really slowly but she was lifting her hand in the air and saying something. He realized she was summoning her cataclysm as the dark energy appeared in her hand. Looking around, he saw the sewer lit up in his luck vision as the akumas were just about to attack them. Lady Noir slowly placed her hand against the bubble, causing it to explode as Luka grabbed Alya and Adrien and pulled them to the ground, avoiding the shatters of the time bubble. Lady Noir gave him a look as if to say 'get out of here while I distract them'.

 "Hey! Time freaks!" Lady Noir growled and spun her baton, getting the akumas attention as they, the sentimonster and the army charged towards her. She gave out a battle cry and charged back. Seeing a chance to escape, Luka pulled Adrien and Alya to the sewers and opened it.

 "Get in!" He ordered, making them blink. "Now!"

 "But what about Lady Noir?" Adrien asked but then they heard the sound of the blast from the sentimonster's eyes, causing the three of them to look in shock and surprise. "Oh no..."

 "Go!" Luka ordered, causing the two of them climb down the ladder as the mini army rushed over. Luka jumped in and ran, along with the other two as he took out his phone and put out an alert on the akuma app. They kept running through the sewers with the akumas hot on their tail, only to come to a sudden stop when they reached the end of the tunnel. Looking down at the drop, Luka frowned as they heard the akumas coming towards them. "We need to jump!"

 "What?!" Alya gasped as Luka jumped, causing Adrien and her to follow. However, Pharoah threw time bubbles at them, trapping Alya and Adrien in the air but missing Luka completely. Hr took a gulp of air, just before he hit the water before swimming off. He made his way to the edge and pulled himself out of the water as he looked around. Apparently, the akumas decided he wasn't worth following. He jumped as he felt someone on around. He thought for a second it was the akumas but when he looked around, nothing was there. He let out a sigh of relief as Tikki flew out of his jacket.

 "Sorry," He gasped as she shook the water from herself. "You're ok right?"

 "I'm fine, Luka," She smiled, making him smile back but before he could transform, he had that feeling again. He glanced around, seeing no one. "Luka?"

 "I.. I feel like someone is here..." He replied, causing Tikki to frown before they felt the wind around them.

 Luka... this way... A voice inside the wind whispered, causing his eyes to widen before he turned to Tikki, who apparently didn't hear anything.

 "Tikki! Spots on!" He declared, transforming into Anatis before he ran to where the wind had directed him. It was one of the exits so he climbed up it. However, he carefully took out his yoyo and used it to check around. It seemed like no one was around and was in an alleyway so he climbed out. He would need a lucky charm straight away so he threw his yoyo in the air and quietly summoned one, causing a small mirror appear out of thin air. He caught it and frowned as he tried to look around to work out what to do with it before he realized it was a normal mirror. It had a frame that was Ladybug patterned but the glass itself wasn't normal mirror glass. It was in fact black, making him frown as he looked at it. He held it up so he could look at the reflection but jumped and dropped it when he saw someone stood behind him. He quickly picked it and looked behind him, frowning as no one was there. He took a deep breathe and held it up again, causing him to see the man behind him again. Only this time he recognized him. "Feng?"

 Feng gave him a smile before holding up something. Anatis' eyes widen as he saw it was the Rabbit Miraculous but that meant...

 It is time... Feng's voice echoed, confirming his thoughts before he faded away, leaving Anatis alone. He took a deep breathe and looked around, finally noticing it was the alley right next to Master Fu's apartment. He blinked before detransforming and catching Tikki. He gave her a cookie and rushed inside the building, heading to Master's apartment. He burst through the door, causing Master Fu to jump. 

 "Master, I need the rabbit miraculous!" He gasped, surprising Fu. "Scrap that... I need all of the temporary miraculous including the rabbit,"

 "What?" Fu asked, surprised as Luka moved pass him and opened the phonograph. "Luka?! You ca-"

 "I'm sorry, Master. Normally I wouldn't do this but we have no time to argue or to delay," He replied, taking out the box and opening it. "I have three akumas, one sentimonster and a number of brainwashed citizens to deal with. My team, including Lady Noir, have been erased. Since Feng showed me the Rabbit miraculous, I'm guessing they are lost in time so I need the Rabbit Miraculous to rescue them,"

 "But if you merge-"

 "I won't merge them," He replied, placing the miraculous he needs in his pockets before he took out the rabbit miraculous. "I'll be giving it to Alix Kubbel. It will mean she'll find out the temp heroes' identities but this is the only way. If I take on the akumas alone... I'll be lost in time too or worst, Hawkmoth will get my miraculous,"

 "Can you trust her?" He asked, making Luka nod.

 "I've already met her from the future," He explained, making Master Fu frown. "She's Bunnyx or she will be... which is happening now. Anyway, I need my whole team to take down the akumas, the sentimonster and their army. I just don't know how yet,"

 "Well... I trust you so do what you need to," Master Fu nodded as Luka closed the miracle box and placed it back inside the phonograph. "But how did you know my code?"

 "I have a really good memory," He replied, shrugging before pointing to the turtle miraculous. "I'm gonna need that one too,"

 Master Fu looked down at it before he took it off, causing Wayzz to disappear into it and placed it in Luka's hands.

 "Good luck," He smiled, making Luka nod before he left. He smiled a little as he looked out the window and saw Anatis jump off.

 ~At the Louvre~

 Alix curled up, making sure to hide behind the stone tablets in the ancient egyptian section of the museum. Honestly, she was terrified and she didn't know what to do. As soon as her brother had accepted Hawkmoth's powers, her father had grabbed her and told her to run before going back to try and talk Jalil out of it. He hadn't come back yet, meaning he was probably either erased or a knight or a mummy. She flinched as she heard a noise before she got up and grabbed a spear from one of the displays, holding it out to protect herself. However, she dropped it when she saw Anatis. She rushed over and hugged him, making him jump in surprise.

 "Anatis! It's my brother!" She gasped, looking at him.

 "Alix, take a deep breathe and calm down ok?" He ordered in a calm voice. She nodded and did so. "I need your help,"

 "M-My help?" She asked, surprised as he took out his yoyo and opened it. He reached his hand in it and took out a colorful watch, making her eyes go wide as she recognized it as the rabbit miraculous. "Is that..."

 "Yes," He replied before he hesitated. "But I need you to promise me you'll never repeat what you learn today to anyone,"

 "I... I promise," She declared with a look of determination before he nodded and help it out to her.

 "Alix Kubdel, here is the Miraculous of the Rabbit that will grant the power to travel through time. You will use it for the greater good," He declared, making her blink as she took it. "Once the job is done, you will return the miraculous to me. Can I trust you?"

 "You can rely on me, Anatis," Alix replied, opening the box and allowing Fluff to manifest. "Hi, Fluff,"

 "Oh, what is now? And where is then? What..." Fluff blinked before frowning and turning to Anatis. "Master Anatis... something is wrong with time. People aren't where they are suppose to be!"

 "So I was right," He frowned, holding his chin with his thumb and forefinger. "Alix, we need to go back in time to find the temporary heroes and Lady Noir. Here.."

 He pulled a jar of small carrots out of his yoyo and handed them to her.

 "You're gonna need those," He replied, making her blink. "You can only use burrow once and then you'll detransform once five minutes has passed but we're gonna need to make a lot of trips,"

 "Ok," She nodded, holding out the watch. "Fluff, Clockwise!"

 Fluff got sucked into the watch, turning it into it's miraculous form. Alix swiped her hand over her eyes, creating her mask before holding it as the light blue light traveled down her arm, creating her suit. She spun around as her outfit changed. She tucked the watch into her pocket and created the ears on her head before she held up her hand and caught her umbrella before swiping to the side then opening it, completing the transformation. She grinned and looked at herself.

 "How come my outfit is different to older me?" She asked, noticing she had shorts on, trainers and elbow length gloves instead of the outfit she had seen her older self wearing.

 "You're younger than she was," Anatis pointed out, making her nod. "Now we just need to work out where everyone is... if it was like Time Tagger then history should have altered... so let's start looking for any changes,"

  ~Shanghai, China, 1600 AD~

 Lady Noir blinked as she looked around, wondering how she suddenly appeared in what appeared to be china. She knew she had family there but this was not where she had stayed. She got up and dusted herself down as she looked around before she heard a gasp. Before she could react, she felt someone suddenly hug her.

 "Lady Noir!!" Rose's voice echoed as she looked down and saw the hyper girl was the one hugging her. "Oh I'm so glad to see you!! Mylene look! It's Lady Noir!"

 "Oh thank goodness," Mylene smiled as she came over from her hiding place. "Do you know where we are?"

 "It's more of when," A calm, male voice stated, causing the three girls to look over at where it came from. Leaning against the wall of a building was a young man with long black hair. He was wearing traditional chinese clothing with bandages on his legs and martial arts shoes on his feet. His shirt was light blue and had silver details on it. He wore light gray pants and a dark blue jacket over it with a dark blue belt around his waist. In his hair was a silver ribbon and he had gray fingerless gloves on. He also had gray eyes. He pushed himself off the wall and walked over to them "Come with me. There are a lot of imperial soldiers around who will attack you on sight, especially since you're not from here,"

 The two girls looked to Lady Noir, who nodded as she had a feeling she could trust this guy. She didn't know why but he kind of reminded her of Anatis. She wasn't sure why but she just knew she could trust him. She, Rose and Mylene followed him through the city until they came to a temple. The man let them inside and locked the door behind him, telling Rose and Mylene to rest before turning to Lady Noir again.

 "Follow me," He replied, making her nod as he walked deeper into the temple, away from the others. 

 "How are you speaking perfect french?" She asked as he opened a door and brought her inside.

 "I'm channelling Khnurn's magic," He explained, making her look at him with confusion. "His magic manifested itself as the ability to speak in any language,"

 "Oh that is useful," She replied as her miraculous beeped rapidly before she detransformed, causing her to catch Plagg before she gasped. "Oh no! I-"

 "Don't worry," He smiled, making her calm down. "I won't tell anyone. There's some Nguri for Plagg to recharge. It isn't the type he usually prefers but it should be enjoyable enough,"

 "Thanks, Toutai!" He called, diving straight into the pile of cheese, causing Marinette to look at the young man.

 "You're Master Toutai, the celestial guardian?!" She asked, remembering what Koro had said. He smiled and nodded. "Whoa... is this how you knew about..."

 "You appearance in my time? Yes, I was given a heads up about it," He explained, making her raise an eyebrow. "Those are details that I can't tell you, Miss Marinette. It is not my secret to give,"

 "Ah," She nodded. "I get it... still thank you for rescuing us,"

 "It was nothing," He smiled in a shy manner before he looked behind him as in the distance a chime echoed. He turned back to her. "You might want to retransform. We're going to have some guests,"

 Marinette nodded as Plagg flew over to her before retransforming into Lady Noir. Toutai smiled and lead her back into the main temple as the chimes came to a stop. When the last chime finished, a glow portal she recognized as a burrow opened in the middle of the temple before Anatis followed by a younger Bunnyx walked out, causing Lady Noir to rush over and hug him. Instantly, he hugged back as Bunnyx glanced over at Rose and Mylene as well as Toutai. Anatis pulled away from her.

 "I'm glad you're ok, Kitten," He whispered, making her smile before he looked around. "But..."

 He went silence as his eyes landed on Toutai, who merely nodded towards him and stepped forward.

 "Hello, Anatis.. it's nice to actually meet you in person," He smiled before he looked over at Bunnyx, who was talking to Rose. Rose nodded as she gave her the bee miraculous discreetly, sipping it into her pocket. "Miss Rabbit, there is a room down there where you can detransform and charge up Fluff,"

 "Oh, right... cool. Thanks, random person from history," She grinned, holding up her thumbs before going to that room. Anatis stepped over to him.

 "How are you here?" He asked, making Lady Noir frown a little.

 "This is my time," Toutai replied. "China, 1603 to be exact. I'm 303 years old,"

 "Damn, you look good," Lady Noir gasped, making Toutai smile. "I mean... your wife won't kill me right?!"

 "Oh, no she won't," He smiled, making Lady Noir let out a sigh of relief. "She's currently doing her guardian trials so she isn't home right now,"

 Lady Noir nodded before walking over to Anatis.

 "What's wrong?" He asked, frowning.

 "Should we tell him about... the fact that he's gonna be murdered?" She asked, causing Anatis to frown. Koro had explained he had been killed before he fully lived out his life as the celestial guardian. "Maybe we could prevent it,"

 "I... I don't think we can," Anatis whispered, frowning as he felt Toutai's song. It was a song full of hope and sorrow. One of wanting to live happily before it was too late. "I think... I think he knows it's going to happen... he just doesn't know when or how,"

 "Ok! I'm good!" Bunnyx declared before Lady Noir could answer. She walked over to them as Lady Noir gave Anatis a nod. "Where to now, Boss?"

 "I'm not sure," Anatis replied, frowning. "I think we might just need to visit different-"

 "We need to go to Egypt, Ancient Greece, Medieval England and Ancient China," Toutai stated, walking over. "Those are the times and locations your friends are in,"

 "Oh thanks," Anatis smiled before he realized what Toutai had said. "Wait... what do you mean we?"

 "Simple," Toutai smiled. "I'm coming with you,"

 ~The Sahara Desert, 1200 BC~

 Chloe blinked as she looked up at the sky. She was sure she had been inside the Louvre museum with her friends so why was she laid on her back, looking up at the very clear, open sky? Blinking, she sat up and looked around, causing more concern to fill her mind as she saw she was laid in the desert. Laid next to her was Nathaniel and Max but both of them seemed unconscious. She scrambled up and shook Max awake before moving to Nathaniel, waking him up. He looked around alarmed as Max pushed his glasses up.

 "Um... where are we?" He asked as Max stood up and dusted his clothes down.

 "I would guess a desert but I don't remember how we got here," He replied, frowning as Chloe helped Nathaniel up while trying to keep him calm. "Is everyone ok?"

 "Physically, yes but I think Nath is having a panic attack," Chloe replied, gesturing to him as he looked around and tried to breathe. However, the sound of horses made her own panic rise, especially as she saw a cloud of sand in the distance. "Um... Max tell me that can be explained and isn't a bad thing,"

 Max looked over before clearing his throat.

 "I think we should run," He stated, making her look at him as he began to step back. The sand cloud was getting closer. "Yep... definitely run!"

 Chloe wrapped Nathaniel's arms around her neck and began to run, along with Max as some horse drawn chariots came at them with great speed. The men riding them were yelling as they gained on them but before they could do anything, the cariotes came to a sudden stop. The men fell forward before looking around bewildered as they tried to make their horses move. Chloe looked back as she, Max and Nathaniel kept moving. The men jumped off the chariots to chase them on foot but the moment they passed their horses, something in the air changed as a number of figures jumped towards them and landed in the sand. Chloe's eyes widen in fear as she thought they were about to attack them too. 

 "Who are they?!" Nathaniel asked as one of them stepped forward. He looked their age but was dressed very different to them. He wore a white kilt with a golden belt that had golden and blue material hanging from it. He had no shoes on at all but had golden cuffs around his ankles and his wrists, though the wrist ones were slightly bigger. His hair was partly shaved and the rest of it was braided and finally, his eyes were brown in color. Despite his age, he had an sense of authority about him. It was clear he was the leader of this group. He walked past the three of them and up to the leader of the men who had chased them.

 "Ant tataeadaa mumtalakat! Airhal alan!" He stated in a calm but firm voice. At first the leader seemed to hesitate before he turned to his men and began to shout them, causing them to back off. The boy watched them leave before turning to the three of them. "Come. I'm sure the desert has left you weary and in need of food and drink,"

 The three of them stared at him in surprise. It was pretty obvious that they were in ancient times but yet he had just spoken to them in perfect, modern day french. He rose an eyebrow at them as they stared.

 "It's complicated but basically I can speak any language that has ever existed or will exist," He stated, making them blink and nod before he walked off, causing them to follow him to a number of camels and horses. One of the others with him leaned over to him and said something. The boy replied, causing him to nod before he stopped and looked over at the sky before he turned to his companions and said something to them. They looked at each other but stopped when a white portal appeared before Anatis and a girl in a rabbit suit stepped out. Instantly, the others around the young leader went on edge, ready to attack. However, he turned to them. "La bi'asa! hum 'ilaa janibina!!"

 The group lowered their weapons as Anatis stopped in his path and looked completely taken by surprise as he stared at the young leader, making the rabbit girl look at him. A few minutes later, Lady Noir and a man dressed in Chinese clothing stepped out again, causing the young man to smile at him.

 "Hi, Toutai!" He grinned as Toutai nodded to him as Anatis turned to the older person.

 "I know him... why do I know him?" He asked, making Toutai chuckle.

 "All in good time, young hero," He replied, turning to the boy. "Anatis, this is Khnurn,"

 "Yes, that is my name," He replied, causing Anatis and the rabbit girl to blink in surprise. "And you're Anatis... or at least like this you are..."

 He smiled and gestured to him.

 "Come! We shall take cover in our camp so your friends may have food and drink to recharge," Khnurn declared, causing Anatis to nod before he followed. He gave a nod to Bunnyx, who nodded back and took the chance to slip the horse miraculous to Chloe, telling her something and winking at her. Chloe nodded and hid it in her purse before Lady Noir whispered something to Bunnyx, who nodded. A few minutes later, she slipped something to Nino and told him something without anyone else noticing. Nino nodded and slipped the tiger miraculous into his pocket. The group followed Khnurn and his group over to their camels and horses before climbing on with them, riding off to their camp. It took a bit of time but they came to a pyramid hidden in the sands, just as Bunnyx's miraculous beeped. Khnurn jumped off his camel and walked over to the edge of the pyramid before placing his hand on it. A golden light came from it before forming a phoenix and disappearing, revealing a hidden doorway. "Follow me,"

 He walked inside, causing the group to follow him. Once inside, it was revealed to be a camp area with a number of tents and areas sectioned off with curtains. Another thing Anatis noticed was the number of animals in the place. All kinds of birds, dogs and cats were around. There was even a cow and a toad. The toad hopped over to Khnurn, who picked him up.

 "It isn't much but it is home," Khnurn replied as he smiled before he looked over at Bunnyx. "You can detransform and charge up Fluff over there,"

 He pointed to one of the hidden areas, making her nod as she walked over and moved behind a curtain. Lady Noir moved over to Anatis as he took a seat near a fire pit. Khnurn moved over to Toutai, switching to chinese to talk to him with anyone else understanding. They both glanced in Anatis' direction, making him look over.

 "I don't trust them," Lady Noir grumbled, making Anatis smile a little. "I mean how do they know each other? Why do they even look the same?"

 "They're connected to each other," Anatis replied, making her look at him. Toutai's song and Khnurn's song were eerily similar. "I just don't know how yet but I think we can trust them,"

 "Well, I trust you," She replied, making him smile. "Not sure about them though. Like Toutai seems nice but... Khnurn seems odd,"

 "He doesn't like people," Anatis muttered as Khnurn stroked the toad in his hand. "That's why he talks to Ra,"

 "Ra?" Lady Noir asked, making Anatis look at her.

 "That's what the Toad is called," He replied, making her blink and look at him before he shook his head, gripping it a little. "I don't know how I know that,"

 One of Khnurn's friends walked over to them, holding out a goblet. Anatis looked up at her, noticing she was wearing the earrings that resembled the ladybug miraculous but when they weren't active. However, he couldn't sense Tikki but maybe it's because he was out of time so to speak.

 "Yashrab," She stated, making Anatis shake his head.

 "Ana last eatshan," He replied, making Lady Noir look at him in surprise.

 "Annie, I didn't know you could speak ancient egyptian," She replied. He looked at her in surprise.

 "I... didn't?" He asked, not certain. He noticed Khnurn smirking like he understood something that Anatis didn't. "I just said I'm not thirsty since she told me to drink,"

 "You understood what she said, didn't you?" Khnurn asked, walking over. Anatis looked at him with slight confusion, causing him to smile. "Fascinating,"

 "I'm all charged up!" Bunnyx shouted as she walked out and back over. Anatis stood up with Lady Noir. "So where to next?"

 "Ancient Greece," Toutai stated, making everyone look at him before they looked at Anatis for confirmation. "If you're willing to listen to me that is,"

 "Yeah... ok... Greece it is," He nodded, causing Bunnyx to open a burrow. "Chloe, Nathaniel and Nino. Stay inside the room,"

 "No problem," They replied, walking inside the burrow but to Anatis' surprise, Khnurn put down Ra and told his group that he would be back soon before he turned to Anatis.

 "I'm coming with you," He replied, making the remaining heroes blink. Though Toutai didn't seem surprised at all. Anatis suspected that he knew Khnurn would do this. "You're gonna need my help,"

 "Right..." Anatis replied, nodding. "Let's go then,"

 ~Athens, Greece, 470 BC~

 "Oww," Ivan groaned as he sat up and rubbed his head. He was sure he had just been in the Louvre with Mylene and the rest of their group but now he was lying under a giant statue of a man with a beard. He looked around and saw Marc curled up and still asleep while Alya was just sitting up. "Alya, you ok?"

 "I'm fine, Ivan," She replied as Marc stirred. "But where-"

 She was cut off by the sound of a huge roar, making the three of them jump up in surprise before Alya excitedly took off, causing Ivan and Marc to follow her. They ended up hiding behind some urns as they came across a scene that wasn't unfamiliar to them. A creature they recognized as a hydra breathed fire and destroyed thing with it's tail as a woman dressed similar to Mayura watched the destruction. She was wearing a blue toga and held the fan of the peacock holder in her hands.

 "Ánthropoi tis Athínas! Eímai i theá rara!" She declared, making the three of them look at each other in confusion. "fére mou ton pséftiko theó, ton Alfeió kai tha deíxo éleos stin póli sou!!"

 "I think she's threatening the city," Marc whispered, making Ivan frown. However, before they could do anything, a wave of water hit her, knocking her off the building before flames wrapped around the Hydra. A woman dressed in a ladybug patterned Toga jumped down and wrapped her yoyo around the beast before another hero, dressed as a lion, jumped down and crushed a pillar, causing a blue feather to disappear from it. The Hydra disappeared, allowing the woman to capture the feather with her yoyo before she threw up an item into the air.

 "Thavmatourgí paschalítsa!" She declared, causing the item to burst into the cure and fix everyone. Alya couldn't help but squeal. However, the woman Hera was no where to be seen. 

 "Oh my god! That's a holder of the Ladybug miraculous!!" Alya gasped, practically vibrating with excitement but Marc looked just as excited as he looked at the two heroes.

 "She's Hippolyte and that is Hercules!" He gasped, making Ivan look at them before they heard someone clear their throat. The three of them turned around to find themselves face to face with a young man roughly somewhere in his late teens. His hair was black and curly in style. He wore a white toga with light blue detail on the trim and brown saddles but what really made him stand out were his eyes. They were the color of the ocean and sparkled with humor and mischief. "Um... hi?"

 "You're not from here," He stated, surprising all of them before they slowly nodded. "Come with me. The others must not see you or they'll think your the enemy and they will attack you,"

 "Attack?" Marc asked as the hero walked off.

 "Wait! Who are you?" Alya demanded, making him stop. "And how can we trust you huh?!"

 "Would you rather I leave you to the hydra?" He asked, making her gasp and quickly follow him. Marc walked over to him.

 "Um... who are you?"

 "I'm Alpheus," He replied with a cheeky grin. "A friend of yours contacted me to find you,"

 "Wait... Anatis?" Ivan asked but Alpheus didn't say anything. Just gave him a smile. "It has to be Anatis,"

 "But Anatis has never mentioned him before," Alya pointed out but the two boys just walked off, following him. She gasped and ran after them as they headed back to the temple Alpheus was staring at the sky, making Alya raise an eyebrow before she walked up to him. "Excuse me! How do you know Anatis?"

 "Let's just say we have history," He grinned, making her raise an eyebrow. The way he said means it was clearly a pun but she didn't get the punchline. However, she didn't have time to think about it as a glowing portal appeared, causing Anatis to step out with a rabbit hero. Alya squealed excitedly as she saw her before Lady Noir stepped out with two others the three of them had never seen. However, Alpheus walked straight up to them and greeted them, making her assume they were his brothers. They looked similar after all. The Rabbit girl went over to Ivan and gave him something, getting a nod of him before she disappeared behind a statue, causing a white light to flash. Alya was very tempted to look behind it to see who the girl was but Anatis gave her a stern look as if he knew what she was thinking. She gave him a calm smile before walking over to him.

 "Can I ask you a question?" She asked, making Anatis nod. "Who is that guy? He said you contacted him and said you had history with him but he said it like a joke but I didn't get it,"

 "I'm not sure I get it yet either," Anatis replied, frowning. "I do know him though. His name is Alpheus... I didn't contact him though..."

 "You've never mentioned him before, Annie," Lady Noir stated, making him frown. "Don't ya think they kind all look like each other? Like if I didn't know any better, I'd say they are all related,"

 "Aren't they?" Alya asked, making both heroes shake their head. "But... they look like brothers?"

 "I noticed that too," Anatis replied, frowning. "But there's no way for them to be brothers. Possibly descendents of each other but definitely not immediate family. For one thing, Khnurn is from ancient Egypt but Toutai is from China in the 1600s,"

 "But they know each other?" Alya pointed out, making Anatis frown. That he didn't know how to explain. He knew that Toutai was a celestial guardian of the miraculous but as far as he was aware, Alpheus and Khnurn had no connection to the miraculous or to Toutai. The only thing he knew as that Khnurn was a mage and that Alpheus might be channeling his magic like Toutai was but that's all he knew. As soon as he thought that, a little voice in the back of his head made him question it as it asked him if he was sure. He let out a sigh and put his fingers through his hair. Lady Noir gave him a look of concern as he looked stressed.

 "I'm alright, Kitten," He smiled at her before sighing. "I just... It feels like a riddle but I can't solve it because I'm missing a vital piece. They have a bond that runs deeper then family but I don't know what it is,"

 "Also... the greek one... Alpheus... he was speaking perfect french?" Alya questioned, making the two heroes look at her before Lady Noir bit her lip.

 "Toutai said he was channelling Khnurn's magic right?" She asked, making Anatis nod. "Then maybe Alpheus is doing the same? Maybe he's... Like Toutai..."

 "Khnurn's magic?" Marc asked, having been listening into the conversation. The three of them looked at him, making him blush and look down. "So-Sorry... I didn't mean to listen. It just sounds so amazing,"

 "It's ok, Marc," Anatis smiled in a reassuring way. "Khnurn is a mage and his magic is based on communication. He can speak, write and understand any language that has ever existed no matter when it existed. I'm guessing by channelling his magic and their connection with him, Toutai and Alpheus can communicate with anyone they want or need to,"

 "That is so cool," Alya grinned as Ivan nodded and Marc smiled, clearly inspired. "But how do they do that?"

 "I don't know how," Anatis admitted as he noticed a glow coming from behind the statue before Bunnyx stepped out. "Ready?"

 "Yep," She grinned before the two of them looked to Toutai. "Since you lead us to Egypt and here, I'll let you choose next,"

 "Medieval England," He replied, walking back over as Anatis nodded. Khnurn and Alpheus walked over too, making him raise an eyebrow.

 "Let me guess... you're coming as well," He stated, making Alpheus grin.

 "Of course," He replied, shrugging. "Bunnyx can drop me off at this exact moment and Hera won't attack for at least three days. Even if she does, Herc and Hip have it covered. Hip has the ladybug miraculous so she can restore the damage done but you would know all about that, don't you Anatis?"

 "Right," He replied, turning to Bunnyx. "Open the next burrow,"

 "Sure thing, boss," She grinned before holding out her hand. "Burrow!"

 The glowing portal reappeared, causing Marc and Alya to grinned excitedly.

 "Alright, everyone! Let's go!" Anatis declared before disappearing inside, causing the rest to follow.

 ~Lake Avalon, England, 750 AD~

 "Rose!! Luka!!" Juleka called out as she looked around the island she had climbed up on after finding herself floating in a middle of a lake. She was sure that she had been in the musume with Rose, Luka and everyone in their friendship group but then suddenly she was here alone. She looked around and noticed Kagami lying in the water. She gasped and rushed back over as Kagami jolted awake, splashing in the water. She waddled back in the water and helped her up as waves on the water moved. Both girls gasped and stepped back, aware of what might be swimming towards them. They both screamed when it broke through the water, only to hear the laughter of Kim.

 "Ha! That was amazing!!" He grinned, stretching as they both stared at him. "There's a castle under the water and everything!!"

 "A castle under the water?" Kagami asked, looking around before she looked pale. "Where are we?! Where's Adrien?!"

 "I don't know," Juleka mumbled, feeling afraid. "No one else is here from the group either. It's just us three,"

 "We should try and find someone," Kagami replied, looking around. It seemed to be nothing but trees around them but they had to be someone around there. Juleka nodded and followed Kagami as she walked off into the forest, with Kim trailing behind them. The forest seemed to go on forever as they pushed through the leaves and branches until they came out in a large clearing. In the distance, they could see a castle but something felt wrong. There were no birds singing like there was in the forest. The grass looked dried, the ground looked cracked and there was a strange smell in the air that made them feel sick. Juleka carefully grabbed Kagami's hand as both girls looked at the castle ahead in fear. Everything about it screamed danger. "We should leave,"

 "I agree," Juleka muttered, taking a step back before the ground began to shake. It stopped as soon as it started, causing the girls to look confused as Kim snored in amusement. "Was that an earthquake?"

 "If it was, it was weak as-" Kim stated but then they heard a crack, causing them to look over. The color drained from their skin as they saw a rotten corpse pulling itself from the ground.

 "Run," Kagami stated as another started to climb up. "Run!"

 The three of them turned and ran as fast as they could, though Kagami and Kim were at lot faster then Juleka. She kept going but she missed placed her footing, causing her to trip and fall as the forest came to life. She screamed as a vine wrapped around her ankle and the undead gained on them. Kagami stopped and turned around, running back towards her. She jumped at one of the undead, knocking it down and grabbing it's sword before swiping at the vines of the trees but they grabbed at her. She tried to cut them as they wrapped around her waist but before she could, they grabbed her sword. Juleka tried to scream as the vines weaved around her but some began to cover her mouth and Kim was been hosted into the veins, making them all panic. However, the sound of an arrow cut through the air before it landed on the ground.

 "Flare!" A voice declared, causing the area where the arrow landed to be engulfed in a burst of light before a number of figures jumped down and attacked the undead. Juleka's eyes widen as she saw one of them using a yoyo as well as another using a flute. The undead creatures retreated as the light dimmed, revealing the newcomers to be knights and what looked like to be a wizard. "Victory is ours once again!"

 "Perhaps we should help these young ones," The woman in the ladybug themed armored pointed out, making the men look at her as she gestured to the three of them. "Merlin, if you will,"

 "Of course, mi'lady," He nodded in a respectful way before touching the tree. Juleka noticed that while he looked like a wizard, he seemed to be themed around a black cat. In fact, all of the group were themed around animals. There was a fox knight, a turtle knight, a rooster knight and even a snake knight. Her eyes widen as she realized they were holders of the miraculous. "Cataclysm!"

 The trees and their vines turned to dust, freeing the three of them. As soon as they were free, Kim jumped up and grinned.

 "Real life knights! So cool!" He grinned, making the knights look at each as Kagami dusted herself down and grabbed the sword. The woman in the ladybug miraculous helped Juleka to her feet. "I can't wait to tell Alix about this!!"

 "You have our thanks," Kagami stated, nodding. "But could you tell us where we are?"

 "The Island of Avalon... 750 AD," A new voice stated, causing the knights to turn to as another knight joined them. The three of them stared in surprise and awe at him as they recognized him as the subject of the Dragon Knight painting. Only he didn't have his full armor on. He had his chainmail with a blue tunic over it and brown boots. His hair hung by his shoulders and was black in color. He had a single jacket earring in his left ear but what made him really stand out was his piercing green eyes, which surprised Juleka. She had envisioned he had blue eyes, just like Luka but that could because Luka use to pretend to be this knight. Sir Rene gave them a gentle smile, causing them to feel calmer then they were before he turned to the other knights. "Let's move north. We'll set up camp near the lake so we might have her protection. Sir Bedivere, you're in charge of finding us a boar to roast. Sir Galahad, would you be so kind as to make sure a nice fire tonight?"

 "Of course, Sir Rene," Sir Galahad nodded before the group began to head off. Sir Rene turned to Juleka, Kagami and Kim.

 "Mordred will recover and attack again so please come with us," He stated, making them look at each other. "He can't go near the lake,"

 "Mordred?" Kagami asked, looking at the other two who shrugged. "Is that who lives in that castle?"

 "He has overtaken it," Sir Rene confirmed as Kagami frowned before they began to follow the other knights. They would rather go with them then deal with those creepy trees or undead monsters again. Juleka kept looking back at Sir Rene as she walked with them, making him give her a questioning look. "Is something wrong?"

 "Um... I want to as-"

 "Is it true that you're gay?!" Kim asked, interrupting her. Rene cocked an eyebrow at him. "Sorry but it's just this girl was claiming knights can't be gay-"

 "I am joyous," He replied, making Kim look at him. "Since that is what gay means at this time but if you referring to the fact that I have a preference for male partners then females then yes that is true. Will that be a problem?"

 "Oh no! Not at all!" Kim gasped, holding up his hands to show that he didn't mean to be offensive. "I was just curious! That's all!"

 "Good," Rene smiled before turning to Juleka. "I believe you were going to say something,"

 "My brother knew about you before anyone else..." She mumbled, making him look at her in a little surprise. "We use to play knights when we were little and he always insisted on been the lengendary 'dragon knight' Sir Rene but I don't know how he knew you, given that your name is lost to history.. sorry..."

 "It's fine," He smiled, making her nod.

 "So do you think we're related?" She asked as Kim tried to challenge the other knights to an arm wrestle. "Is it possible that we are your descendents? Do you have a family?"

 "I have no family," Rene replied, frowning a little as they came to a stop. "As for your brother knowing, it's possible that he knew me before that,"

 "Like he had a past life with you?" She asked, frowning. Luka did seem wise beyond his years so it made sense that maybe he had lived before.

 "It's a possibility," He stated, smiling as he knew something she didn't. "But I wouldn't worry too much though,"

 She nodded as Sir Galahad and a few of the other knights set up tents. Soon there was a roaring fire and a wild boar was been roasted over it, thanks to Sir Bedivere. Some of the knights were talking, some were taking Kim up on his challenge and one of them was fencing with Kagami. She was sure that was Sir Lancelot but Sir Rene himself was merely keeping an eye on the boar and seemed a little sad but as soon as night fell, he glanced over at the lake. Juleka glanced over as well. The stars reflected off it, making it look like diamonds but literally seconds after she looked over, a glowing portal appeared near the shore. The other knights jumped up in alert as Merlin and the woman with the Ladybug miraculous looked over.

 "Merlin's beard! What is that?" Sir Kay gasped, looking over as Merlin rolled his eyes and muttered something about his beard. However, relief flooded through Juleka as Anatis stepped out, followed by Lady Noir, a rabbit themed hero and three men who she guessed were brothers. "Sir Rene, should we attack?"

 "No, they are friends," He smiled, getting up and walking over. "Welcome!"

 "Sir Rene?" Anatis asked, generally surprised as the Rabbit girl walked over to Juleka and suddenly hugged her. Juleka was slightly taken back but hugged back as she felt the girl give her the fox miraculous.

 "Anatis said to give this you," She whispered, making Juleka nod. "He said wait until we're back in Paris before using it,"

 "Alright," She replied as the girl pulled away and walked over to Kagami before talking to her. Juleka didn't notice as she slipped Kagami the dragon miraculous and gave her Anatis' instructions. "Anatis?"

 "Yes?" He asked, looking at her as she played with her hands.

 "Is Rose ok?" She asked, hoping her girlfriend wasn't hurt. He gave her a soft smile.

 "She's safe in Bunnyx's burrow," He explained, making her let out a sigh of relief as Bunnyx disappeared into a tent. A few seconds later, a white light appeared inside. "As soon as Bunnyx is recharged, we'll be heading inside. Toutai, is this the last place?"

 "No, one more place," Toutai replied, surprising Juleka as he spoke perfect french. "We'll be heading back to China but not from my time. It will be Ancient China,"

 "Ok," Anatis nodded before looking to Sir Rene. "You're gonna come with us, aren't you?"

 "Yes," He replied, making Anatis nod. "You will require my blade,"

 "Sure," He replied, pinching his nose. "Just... don't add to the argument,"

 "Argument?" Juleka asked, making Anatis groan as Lady Noir grinned.

 "Oh what fighting style is better," She replied, making Juleka raise an eyebrow. "Toutai does martial arts but Mr Khnurn thinks that Marksmanship is the better style while Mr Alpheus-"

 "Call me Al,"

 "Al likes more defensive action but seems to favor the trident,"

 "Oh," Juleka nodded. "I think Marital arts is the best,"

 "Oh that's another one for Martial arts!" Lady Noir grinned, making Toutai whoop and Juleka smile a little before Sir Rene cleared his throat.

 "Clearly Swordsmanship is the truest art," He stated, making his knights cheer in agreement as Bunnyx comes out of the tent. "Ah the young doe is ready,"

 "I'm not a deer," She replied, raising an eyebrow. "And I thought girl rabbits are called Jills?"

 "I believe that is the hare, my dear," Sir Rene replied, making Bunnyx make a thoughtful face. "Either way, it is time yes?"

 "Right," Anatis replied, nodding. "Let's go,"

 "Burrow!"

 ~Feng's Family Temple, China, 1300 BC~

 Adrien blinked as he looked around, wondering where he was. One minute he had been running away from the akuma with Kagami and Luka, the next he had woken up in this strange little temple. It actually had a nice feeling to it but he wasn't sure where he was. As he looked around, he saw Max laid on the ground next to Marvok and Sabrina was curled near them. Max groaned as he woke up before sitting up and pushing his glasses as Marvok flew up and looked around. 

 "Where are we?" He asked with question marks in his eyes as Max looked around.

 "I can confirm we are no longer in the Louvre museum," He muttered as Sabrina groaned and woke up, sitting up as well. "I would guess the akuma has somehow transported use to a different location,"

 "Chloe?!" Sabrina gasped, looking around as Adrien realised Kagami wasn't there. "Oh no! Where is she?"

 "Your friends are all quite safe," A voice stated, making them jump as they turned and saw an older man who appeared in his late 30s. He was dressed in a gray handfu suit and had his hair tied back in a long ponytail. He had a faded blue jacket on and wore martial art shoes on his feet. Next to him was a cone-shaped hat and he was sat near one of the stones in front of a small fire with a pot of tea on it. He also had four cups out as if he was waiting for them. "I sent word to my friends to ensure their safety and they should have been picked up by your friend with the beetle miraculous by now,"

 "You know Anatis?" Adrien asked as he took the teapot off the fire and poured it into the cups before handing one to Adrien. He looked at it and took it, sitting down in front of the strange man. "Are you a friend of his?"

 "I'm more of a guide to him," He replied, passing one to Sabrina and one of Max as both had sat down. "I would pass a drink to your friend but it would fry his circuit board,"

 "You know of robots?" Sabrina asked, surprised.

 "I know that they will come to exist," He replied, sipping his own drink. "My name is Feng by the way. You are Adrien, Max, Marvok and Sabrina,"

 "How do you know our names and robots?" Adrien asked, surprised.

 "I was born with the ability to see the future," He replied, blowing on his drink. "In a moment, a burrow will open behind me and your friend, along with six others, will step out,"

 As soon as he said it, a glowing portal appeared and Anatis stepped, followed by Lady Noir, a rabbit themed hero and four others. Adrien stared in shock but he wasn't the only one. Anatis himself was staring straight at Feng, who stood and turned around.

 "Feng?!" Anatis gasped, clearly off guard. "... you're here? wait... am I having one of those dreams again?"

 "No, this is actually real,"  Feng reassured as Bunnyx took the chance to give Adrien the snake miraculous and Max the Rooster. "And I know you have a lot of questions and I will answer them but not yet. Bunnyx, it's good to see you again. You can feed Fluff over there,"

 "um... thanks?" She asked, confused as he pointed to a small area cornered off by material but he chuckled. 

 "I met your older self when I was younger," He explained, making her blink in surprise before he waved his hand. "The rest are spoilers. Now I believe you should go and feed her then we should get going. We have much to achieve,"

 "Right," Bunnyx nodded before hiding behind the thing as Feng walked over to the rest of the group. Anatis just stood there, completely silence. Lady Noir frowned and walked over to him, gently poking him in the cheek.

 "Sooo... Hao Feng huh?" She grinned, nodding towards him. Anatis nodded in silence. "You ok?"

 "Weirded out... I was wondering if he was real... or just something I made up in my mind," He muttered, looking over at him. "I thought I was going mad but he's actually real..."

 "That's good right?" She asked, glancing over. Feng seemed to have an air about him but so did the others they had picked up. Even though he looked roughly her age, she got the impression that Khnurn was no more a child then Feng himself was. Toutai, Alpheus and Rene all looked like they were in their early twenties but they also seemed to have a feeling of been much older then that too. Funny enough, it was a feeling she associated with both Luka and Anatis. If she had to pick a way to describe them, she would say an old soul in a young body. A flash of light got her attention before Bunnyx stepped out from behind the curtain. Anatis looked at her before Feng walked back over. 

 "We should head back to Paris," He stated, making Anatis nod.

 "Umm... Bunnyx, would you mind?" He asked, causing her to summon a burrow. It opened, causing everyone to walk inside. It wasn't what Adrien expected as he thought they would just be transferred straight to modern day Paris but instead they entered a white room with lots of tvs in it. Well, he thought they were tvs but he wasn't sure. However, before he could have a look, Feng moved over to him and pulled him away from them.

 "Spoilers," He smiled, making Adrien look at him confused before he looked over to where he was been lead to. Kagami looked over as he stopped, causing her expression to turn to one of relief as she saw him. Next to her was Rose and Juleka, hugging each other as if their life depended on it. Nathaniel and Marc were sat next to them, whispering excitedly to one and another. Mylene was curled up in Ivan's arms and Chloe was holding Sabrina in a similar way. Kim was sat talking to the Rabbit hero, along with Max. Nino was sat nearby as Alya spoke excitedly about seeing an ancient ladybug holder. Adrien smiled a little before he looked around, frownin a little.

 "Where's Marinette, Luka and Lila?" He asked, frowning.

 "Luka contacted me and is hiding from the akumas back in Paris," Anatis stated before frowning. "But I didn't see Marinette-"

 "That's because she's hiding too!" Lady Noir gasped, causing Adrien to raise an eyebrow. "She alerted me then went to hide,"

 "Are you telling the truth, Lady Noir?" Adrien teased but noticed the youngest of their guests held back a snore as Lady Noir looked a little panicked. "I'm just kidding,"

 "Now is probably not the time, Adrien," Anatis stated, making him nod and apologize to Lady Noir, who brushed it off with a nervous laugh. "Alright, everyone, we're gonna go back to Paris. You all need to go and hide as soon as we do so you don't get hit by the akuma again,"

 "Mr Anatis, while I'm grateful that you came and got us but just why did you come and get us? Wouldn't the lucky charm just bring us back?" Sabrina asked, making everyone look at her. Those who hadn't been slipped a miraculous began to mumble in agreement with her. However, Anatis held up his hand.

 "I'm not sure if the cure would have reached you and the item that was summoned lead me to do so," He explained, making them nod in understand as he glanced over at Feng and the others. "Feng, you can come with us but the rest of you... I'll have to ask you to stay in here. I know you wanted to come along and I know you have 'magic' but none of you have a miraculous and I can't use magic tricks during battle so it's too dangerous to let you join me in this battle. Also... you might get in the way... no offence..."

 "Should we tell him?" Rene asked, looking to the others. 

 "We probably should," Toutai agreed as Alpheus and Khnurn also nodded, surprising Anatis. They had been arguing among themselves since meeting each other. Mostly about small things like who had the better fighting style, who had the coolest magic...he wasn't sure why they argued about that but he was pretty sure the only one with real magic was Feng... who's food was better, why the greeks were better then the romans or why they weren't. The point was they were arguing over small, pointless things which lead him to believe they wouldn't be good for the battle plus no miraculous. The four of them looked to Feng as if waiting for his blessing before he let out a sigh and nodded.

 "You can tell him," He replied, causing Khnurn to grin and Alpheus to make a whoop noise. Toutai had a calm smile and Rene nodded.

 "I'll go first!" Alpheus declared before opening the small satel he had attached to his hip. "Nepp, you can come out now,"

 Anatis' eyes widen in surprise when a kwami that resembled what the Lock Ness Monster looked like flew out. Or at least, how he envisioned it but it was definitely a kwami. Apparently, he wasn't the only one staring as everyone in the room was. They had been with a miraculous holder and had no idea.

 "This is Nepp, the kwami of Focus," He explained, causing Nepp to wave.

 "Hello, it's nice to meet everyone," She replied, smiling a little shyly before turning to Alpheus. "Where are we, Al? It doesn't look like Greece,"

 "We're in a burrow," He explained, making Nepp nod before she flew over to Feng and hugged him. Well, hugged his cheek.

 "It's good to see you again, Master Feng!" She grinned, making him smile back before she flew back to Alpheus and sat on his shoulder. Anatis blinked and shook his head before sighing.

 "Do all of you have miraculous?" He asked, making the three others grin sheepishly as three other kwamis flew out.

 "This is Bennu, the kwami of renewal," Toutai explained, gesturing to the kwami that resembled a phoenix, who waved at Feng. He waved back.

 "Niix, Kwami of Intelligence," Khnurn explained, gesturing to the kwami that reminded Anatis of an egyptian cat. 

 "Hello," Niix stated, smiling. "Master Feng, it's been too long,"

 "Likewise, Niix," Feng replied, nodding as Rene gestured to the little dragon kwami that was sat on his shoulder. Though it resembled a western day instead an eastern day.

 "This is Vernn, Kwami of Chivalry," He explained, causing the Kwami to fly up.

 "It is truly an honor to meet you all," He bowed, making Lady Noir coo at his politeness before he turned to Feng. "Master Feng, it was an honor to serve with you,"

 "The honor was mine, Vernn," Feng replied, bowing back before he looked over at Anatis with a knowing smile. "I believe my friends here will be joining with this battle, Anatis,"

 "... Alright but this is my time and therefore my rules. I expect you to listen to me and follow my plan. Got it?" He declared, making them look at each other and mutter something in a language he had never heard before before they nodded and turned back to him, making him raise an eyebrow.

 "Alright, we'll follow your lead, Boss," Alpheus grinned, making Anatis nod before he glanced at them.

 "You should probably transform in here..." Anatis stated, causing them to nod.

 "Nepp, Submerge," Alpheus declared, transforming. His hair become midnight blue and he wore a light blue toga with dark blue detail. He had matching gloves on his hands and dark brown sandals. His ears had fins on them and he had small horns on his head. On his right arm was a golden arm band with blue gems in it and he had a light blue mask with a dark blue trim over his silver eyes. In his hand, he had a trident. 

 "Bennu, Rise again," Toutai declared, making him transform. His outfit changed into a hanfu style, giving him an orange shirt with yellow detail. His pants turned red and his hairstyle changed a little. It was still loose but part of his hair tied in a bun with a golden headpiece that resembled flames. He wore a mask that resembled a bird's beak but it was red that faded into orange in it's color. He had two folded fans that were attached to his belt and he wore a brooch in the middle of his chest that Lady Noir now recognized as the phoenix miraculous. She blinked and grabbed Anatis' arm before looking at him.

 "Wasn't that the one Fenix Rouge was using during Miracle Queen's attack?" She asked, making him nod. "So cool!! You look awesome, Toutai!!"

 "Thank you, Lady Noir," Toutai smiled, causing Alpheus to look at him before back at Lady Noir.

 "Don't I look awesome?" He asked, a little disappointed.

 "I think you look cool," Marc muttered, making Alpheus grin happily.

 "Mett, Let's March!" Khnurn declared, causing Mett to disappear into his head chain. His outfit changed, causing him to wear a royal blue kilt that had a metallic belt that was purple with material straps hanging from it that were blue and gold in color. He wore a large necklace that was made from golden, blue and purple metals. He still had golden cuffs on his ankles and wrists but there were amethysts embedded in the ones on his wrists. His feet were still bare and he wore a royal blue mask with a purple trim and golden eyeliner that forms Horus' eye on his right eye. Upon his head were cat ears and his hair was royal blue as well. He wore a disc headdress and had a lion's tail. 

 "Oh my, you're a pharaoh! That is so cool," Nathaniel gasped, making the others look at him. Khnurn smiled a little. "Sorry but when Alix is your best friend, you learn a thing or two about egypt. Only Pharaohs had lion tails on their belts as a symbol of power,"

 "He's not wrong," Bunnyx confirmed, making everyone look at her. "What? History is my jam,"

 "Your friend is kind of right but I'm more of a leader then a king," Khnurn replied in a cryptic manner. "Anyway, Rene, you gonna transform?"

 "Just waiting for you to finish your talk," Rene smiled before turning to Vernn. "Ready?"

 "When you are, my lord," Vernn replied, making Rene smile

 "Vernn, Defend," He replied, causing Vernn to disappear into his earring that turned into a dragon. His outfit changed, giving him bronze and green armor over a green tunic and silver chainmail. His boots turned to greeves that were made of bronze, matching his gauntlets. His hair turned dark green and he gained four green horns as well as a tail. A green mask covered his eyes, that had turned lizard like. His scleras were green but his irises stayed silver. He also gained a sword. 

 "I knew it," Anatis muttered, making everyone look at him. "Yours is the Wyvern Miraculous,"

 He turned to Lady Noir.

 "In our time, it's Dame who uses it," He replied before looking at Feng. "Are you going to transform too?"

 "Sass, Scales Slither," He declared, transforming into his hero form. "I'm going to set a second chance in here,"

 He pushed the head of the snake back, setting it before nodding at Anatis. 

 "Right... let's get going... um... Khnurn, Toutai, Rene, Alpheus... I guess you should come with me and Lady Noir-"

 "We should drop everyone off in the metro I think it was," Feng stated, making Anatis look at him. "Three resets... each time, you've been send back in time or Lady Noir has..."

 "Oh... right..." Anatis muttered, nodding. "The Metro it is,"

 "Ok!" Bunnyx nodded before creating a burrow. Everyone stepped out and found it was completely empty. Bunnyx looked at Anatis as the civilians went off, leaving the heroes. "Should I charge up?"

 "Yeah, we might need a burrow again," He replied, taking his yoyo and checking the news feed as Bunnyx went to the bathroom but there wasn't one. "Damn it,"

 "Annie?" Lady Noir asked as he typed on his yoyo before their temporary heroes came to the metro where they were. Abeille and Culpeo were the first to arrive, followed by Ryuko and Aspik. Leatherback turned up next then Apollo and Valkyrie. Finally, Sabertooth turned up. "Whoa, how did you get to everyone in time?"

 "It was the first trip we did," Anatis stated. "Bunny and I went to a few moments before the akuma happened and grab the temps their miraculous... apart from Apollo and Sabertooth that is but I'm guessing you got Bunnyx to somehow get their miraculous to them?"

 "Um... yeah..." She replied, making him nod. "Sorry..."

 "Don't apologize," He smiled, making her smile back. "I trust you and I trust Bunnyx. Remember she told us she can keep a secret... now we just need a plan to defeat the history keepers.. Feng, is it possible to do a second second chance?"

 "Yes... while they are the same miraculous, mine is younger then his plus I didn't set it out here... The burrow is outside of time. Since I set the save point there, it means that the usual rules don't apply," He explained, making Anatis nod. "But his will still it's timer on,"

 "I see," Anatis replied, nodding. "Let's move out. I need to see what the akumas are doing..."

 All of the heroes nodded and followed Anatis as he headed up the stairs and carefully looked around. He frowned to himself as he saw no one in the streets before they jumped onto the rooftops and ran to the Louvre. He came to a stop and ducked down, causing everyone to do the same as they looked at the scene in front of them. Tied to three pikes were Koro, Dame and Snowbird. Luckily, none of their miraculous had been taken yet but it appeared to be some sort of trap to lure him out. Pharaoh, Darkblade and Chronos were stood on a platform above them with their sentimonster while surrounded by an army of knights and mummies.

 "Anatis! Lady Noir! Surrender your miraculous and we won't send these three to the big bang," Chronos declared, causing the army to call out as Anatis gulped. This reminded him off Mob Boss too much and he felt himself feeling afraid and sick. He flinched a little as Feng gently placed his hand on his shoulder.

 "It's alright to be afraid," He whispered, making Anatis look at him. "What matters is what you do next. Do you let your fear rule you or do you channeling it and make a strength?"

 "... right..." He nodded, taking a deep breathe before he turned to Aspik. "Aspik, I need you to activate second chance. We need to come back to this point should anything go wrong. Bunnyx, be on guard and stay back. You are our last hope so if all else fails, go into your burrow and get the older versions of us. I hope it doesn't come to that but-"

 "It's the back up plan in case things go wrong," She nodded, making him nod before he turned to Feng but he knew he didn't have to say a thing. Feng gave him a nod and look that said that he knew what he was. He was the first back up plan. If all but himself are captured, he would reset to be back in the burrow and give them a second chance. He would also defend Bunnyx to ensure she could get away if it came to that. Anatis nodded at Aspik, who pushed back the snake head.

 "Second Chance," He declared before Anatis turned to the rest of the team. He explained they were going to go after Chronos first as he was the most powerful but before he could continued, Aspik shook his head. "Time Keeper can free anyone of them from been venomed,"

 "Ok," He replied, nodding. "Then we need to focus on Time Keeper... right?"

 "Tried that," Aspik replied, frowning. "We can't get near it. The army and the akumas make it impossible..."

 Anatis frowned before quietly summoning his lucky charm. He frowned even more as he caught the rope that appeared before looking around in his luck vision. Apollo and Culpeo lit up first, followed by Abeille and Valkyrie before it lit up Time Keeper. Next, Ryuko and Toutai lit up, followed by the army then Leatherback. Khnurn and Rene lit up before Pharaoh and Darkblade. Lady Noir was lit up next then to his surprise, Ryuko lit up again, this time with Alpheus before it finally lit up the rope and Sabertooth, making him understand the plan. He tied the rope into a lasso before hooking it on his belt before looking at everyone.

 "We need to attack them all at the same time," He stated, making them look at him. "Culpeo, I need you to make an illusion of clones for all us and as many as you can to confuse Chronos. Apollo, use flare to blind Time Keeper. Valkyrie, create a portal directly above it so Abeille can dive through it and use venom on it. Ryuko and Toutai, you need to use Wind Dragon and Ash Phoenix to round up the army. Leatherback, use Shell-ter to trap them inside it,"

 "Right," He nodded, making Anatis nod before he turned to Khnurn and Rene.

 "Rene, I need you to distract Darkblade. Challenge him to a duel. Khnurn, you need distract Pharaoh. Calling him a fake should be enough to get him to fight you. Once you both have their attention, lure them away from Chronos and to the Seine. Alpheus, you need to use Stream to trap them in a water cage. Ryuko, that where's you come in again. Use lightning dragon on them and once they are weakened, Lady Noir will use Cataclysm on the akumatized item," Anatis explained, turning to Sabertooth. "While this is happening, we're gonna tackle Chronos. You'll need to use Veil so he can't see you. While he's focused on the illusions provided by Culpeo, I'll get behind him and use this to trap him. That should get him to focus on me then you can near enough to grab his watch and destroy it,"

 "That is a very complicated plan," Lady Noir admitted, making Anatis nod as everyone looked unsure.

 "Yes but we can do it," He replied. "And if it fails, one of them can reset the timeline or get our older selves... now let's do this,"

 Apollo and Culpeo nodded, taking out their respective weapons. Culpeo played her flute before throwing the charged up ball into the air.

 "Mirage!" She declared, causing it to burst into an orange light. When it disappeared, there was literally hundreds of clones of all the heroes stood on the buildings, making the akumas gasp before Apollo took out his bow and arrow. He aimed to in front of Time Keeper, muttering Flare as the clones dived towards the villains, causing Chronos to hit a few of them while the other two began to attack them. Anatis and Sabertooth used the chance to get behind Chronos as he fired at one, gasping as he did.

 "They're illusions!" He called out, causing Apollo to release his arrow, causing a blinding light when it landed. As soon as it did, Valkyrie opened a portal as Ryuko and Toutai used their powers, blinding the army and swiping them up in the air. Khnurn and Rene attacked Pharoah and Darkblade as Anatis threw the lasso over Chronos stopped him from freezing anyone. "Time Keeper! Attack!"

 "Venom!" Abeille called, diving out of the portal and slamming it into Time Keeper, freezing it. Chronos struggled against Anatis as he called out, failing to notice Sabertooth activating Veil. Meanwhile, Leatherback used Shellter to trap the army inside it. Ryuko reformed near the Seine as Khnurn and Rene lead Darkblade and Pharoah there. As soon as they got there, a burst of water wrapped around them, trapping them inside as Alpheus moved his trident.

 "Lightning Dragon!" Ryuko called, diving towards them and hitting the water. It electrocuted them before the water dropped, causing them to fall to the ground defeated. Meanwhile, Anatis was thrown over Chronos' shoulder but before he could freeze him, Sabertooth punched him, knocking him down before he grabbed his watch and stabbed it with his knife. At the same time, Lady Noir grinned and yanked the pendent off Pharoah's neck, using her cataclysm to destroy it. The three akumas turned back into their normal selves as the akuma and amok escaped. Anatis got up and captured the amok before heading to where Lady Noir was and capturing the akuma as Feng, Aspik and Bunnyx jumped down and joined the rest. They joined the rest of the team before Anatis picked up the lasso. He looked at it before looking to Feng.

 "If I cast this... will you go back to your own time?" He asked, making Feng shake his head.

 "We'll need Bunnyx to return us as it was technically her who brought us here," He explained, making Anatis nod. "We'll talk in the burrow,"

 "Alright..." Anatis replied before throwing the rope in the air. "Miraculous Ladybugs!"

 It burst into the magic swarm and spreaded across all of Paris, fixing everything and restoring the people who had been sent back in time or turned into a mummy or a knight. Anatis looked at the sky as it did before turning to the temporary heroes. 

 "Culpeo, Abeille, Leatherback... I'll collect your miraculous as soon as I return," He replied before turning to Lady Noir. "Could you collect Valkyrie's, Ryuko's, Aspik's, Sabertooth's and Apollo's miraculous? I know I should-"

 "Go and talk to him," She smiled, giving him a reassuring smile. "I'll get them back to the box-"

 "Toutai?" A voice interrupted, making everyone look over as Koro walked over. Anatis mentally groaned. He had forgotten about them. Toutai gave him and look before walking over to her.

 "You're still as beautiful as ever, my flower," He stated, taking her hand in his before he switched back to Chinese. She closed her eyes and gently pressed her forehead to his before nodding. He whispered something to her, making her kiss him. Khnurn rolled his eyes at their moment before clearing his throat. Toutai pulled away and gave him a look before turning back to Koro and telling her something. She nodded again before he let go and walked away. "I believe it is time for me to return to my time,"

 "I think it's time for all us to go home," Feng replied, causing Anatis to nod at Bunnyx. She opened a burrow before walking inside with the five historical figures and Anatis. As soon as it closed, Feng turned to Anatis. "Have you realized yet?"

 "Realized what?" He asked, looking at him. "That somehow you five are all connected? That much is obvious. You somehow told them that I would be arriving and would need their help. What I don't understand is how you're all connected and how I'm connected to you. I want to know and please don't say I'm not ready because I'm tired of hearing that. I'm tired of the nightmares, I'm tired of been confused and I'm... I'm just tired, Feng... so just tell me. Who are you to me? And why do I know them?"

He gestured to the other four, making Feng sigh. He knew this day was coming. Anatis looked at him with a desperate look.

 "Please... just tell me..." He stated, making Feng nod.

 "Do you have the journal from Dragon's cave?"

 "Yes but there is nothing in there," Anatis replied, running his fingers through his hair. "The pages are blank. Why would you send me to get an empty journal?"

 "It's not empty," Feng replied, making Anatis frown and look even more annoyed.

 "Then why can't I read it?" He asked before looking to the side. "What am I do wrong?"

 "You're not doing anything wrong," Feng stated, trying to reassure him. "It's just you don't have the means to read it yet,"

 "Just tell him already!" Alpheus stated, making Feng and Anatis look over at him as he walked over. Feng knew he was going to do this but it still didn't stop him from been annoyed with him. He wanted to break it to Anatis gently and slowly so he could help him instead of just throwing him in the deep end. "You're not-"

 "Alpheus, don't," He warned, making him look at him and roll his eyes.

 "You can't protect him from everything, Feng," Alpheus gasped, making Anatis frown. "I know you want to but life doesn't work that way and he needs to. Keeping it from him will hurt him more in the long run. You should know that! Or have you had a vision that we don't know about?"

 "No, I didn't," He replied, frowning. "I just-"

 "Just what exactly?!"

 "I just don't know how to tell him ok!" Feng shouted, surprising everyone in the burrow before he gestured to Anatis. "He isn't like you or those three! He's different,"

 "Of course, he's different, Feng!" He shouted, making Anatis frown. "He's one of us after all!"

 "That is not what I mean!" He growled back, making Alpheus argue back. Khnurn looked down and played with his hands as Toutai sighed and shook his head. Rene tried to get in between them and break them as Bunnyx just started. Anatis frowned and pinched his nose as they began to argue in a different language, causing a similar buzz in his head as went he got possessed by an akuma. Only it was different at the same time. He closed his eyes as they argued before he gritted his teeth.

 "That is enough!!" He shouted, snapping his eyes open. When he did though, he found he could see something that he didn't see before. He could see their auras. They were surrounding all of them but what made him really confused was that they weren't different like they should be. In the back of his mind, he recalled seeing auras before when he was younger. His mother's was bright red and resembled a flame, Juleka's was purple but acted more like watch. Issac's was gray and sharp looking but these auras were gold in color and all of them were identical and took the exact same shape. A phoenix. Feng and Alpheus looked at him as he stared at them. "You're... the same..."

 "Anatis..." Feng started as he looked down. 

 "Phoenix... the fact that you knew each other... and resembled each other... even your names... it's been in front of me along..." He muttered, glancing down before he noticed his own aura. It was the same shade of gold as well. He looked up and rushed past them over to one of the windows that didn't show anything in it. It was just blank and dark, meaning that he could see his reflection. His eyes widen as he saw the phoenix around him. His mind flashed back to the hidden passage in Dragon's cave and the fact that he could open. Realization washed over him like a tidal wave as all the pieces fitted together. From the time he saw what he thought was Issac by the Liberty last Christmas to the dreams of the hut and the riddle. He felt lightheaded and sick as he remembered how he talked to his Grandmother after she had died and how Issac screamed at him, causing him a demon for talking to the dead. He closed his eyes as he tried to keep calm but this was a lot to take in. However, he needed to know for certain. In a small voice, he spoke. "I'm... you.... aren't I?"

 "It's not quite like that," Feng tried to reassure. "You're still you... it's just... we share the same soul that's all,"

 "Were you ever going to tell me?" He asked, looking at him.

 "Yes but I was hoping to ease you into it..." He sighed before frowning. "Even though knew it wouldn't go that way... I was hoping that I could change it. Alpheus can be... impulsive,"

 "Right..." Anatis replied before turning to Bunnyx. "Can you send them home please?"

 "Anatis, I'm sorry," Alpheus gasped, reach out to touch him but Anatis shook his head, making him sigh and lower his hand. "I just got frustrated... I should have thought about what I was saying... I'm sorry..."

 "It's fine..." He muttered, frowning as Rene gently pulled Alpheus away. Khnurn frowned as Bunnyx told opened a burrow for him. Because she wasn't stepping out, she wouldn't need to recharge so she would be able to send them back home. She sent Khnurn home first then Alpheus, Toutai and finally Rene. Feng lingered for a moment and Anatis looked at him. "Go home, Feng. There's no point in you staying as I will be going home myself... I need..."

 "Time... I understand," He stated, frowning. "When you're ready to learn more and talk about this, I'll be there..."

 Anatis nodded but remained quiet as Feng walked over to the last portal and disappeared through it. As soon as it was close, Bunnyx walked over to him and gently placed her hand on his shoulder, making him blink and look at her.

 "Let's go home," She smiled, making him smile back weakly before she opened a final burrow and walked out with him.

 ~The Eiffel Tower, 12.00am~

 Lady Noir landed on the tower as she frowned. She had just decided to go with a run and had noticed Anatis' tracker was activate so she went to investigate. She frowned as she found him sat on the tower, holding his knees close as he buried his head in it. It reminded her of how Luka reacted to the attempted kidnapping. She glanced around and frowned as she noticed a number of white butterflies. 

 "Annie?" She asked as she walked over to him. She was praying he hadn't been akumatized. Relief flooded through her as he looked up at her with his normal eyes. Though they were a little bit bloodshot. "Are you ok?"

 "N-not really," He admitted, wiping his eyes as she looked at the butterflies. "He gave up an hour ago,"

 "How long have you been out here?" She asked, sitting down next to him.

 "A few hours..." He muttered, frowning as she moved her arm around him. He let her pull him close and moved his arms around her waist, resting his head on her shoulder.

 "You should have called me.." She mumbled, stroking his hair. "You know I don't mind keeping an eye for butterflies,"

 "I didn't want to disturb you..." He muttered, making her frown. "Besides... it's kind of stupid as to why I'm upset..."

 "Is it to do with Feng?" She asked, making him nod. "Want to talk about it?"

 "Not really..." He admitted, making her nod. "Can you stay with me?"

 "Sure," She nodded, making him give her a weak smile back.

 "Thanks,"

=============================================

Next Chapter: Coming soon

[shadowsfascination]

Dreams

Hot. Moist. Sweat. It gushed off him while he twisted and turned under the sheets, barely awake and still under the spell of a teasing dream. A soft sound, in between a growl and a moan, managed to escape Shadow’s lips, even with his mouth as dry as a desert.

His eyes were half-lidded, continuously blinking at a rapid speed. He gasped, clasping his hands into the ball of fumbled sheets atop him as if longing to hold on to something. His sub-conscious mind started registering the stimulus of the cold on one of his legs that peeked out under the blanket. He tugged it back under the warm, somewhat clammy sheets and a inhaled with a series of grated breaths.

“Shit… This again?”

Shadow laid his head to rest on the pillow below him and stared at the ceiling in the dark. His spiky quills pressed into the cushion, the cool cotton fabric nicely fluffing against his skin. It wasn’t until recently that he noticed how everything seemed to be the same saturated colour in the dark.

Not until these dreams decided to wake me up at the same darn point every night.

He grunted. Not only did he want to fall asleep again, he yearned to dream on that one particular dream. Shadow wriggled once more, huddling in attempt to find a comfortable position to drift off again- fast. He shut his eyes and snuggled up to the pillow beside him in the bed. A muffled groan carried away from underneath it. He was already too awake, too aroused to glide back in his dream again.

Fuck!

The black hedgehog sat up straight in a bed that wasn’t his. Ever since Amy left town two days ago for her internship, he decided he’d sleep in hers, which he convinced himself was fine… She asked me to check in on her house sometimes and I know where her spare key is hidden. It’s not like I’m doing something wrong…

In the pockets of his black jacket was an unfinished joint and a lighter- almost empty, judging by its’ weight. He opened the window in her bedroom, lit the joint and inhaled the smoke. Shadow rested his elbows on the windowsill, picturing Amy’s reaction to him smoking this stuff inside her home. Undoubtedly she’d show that cute, irresistible, agitated blush spread across her cheeks.

It had been that particular look on her face that lit a romantic spark in him. He remembered scoffing himself for the very first time after tracing the slightest affection for her. She was his friend and it should’ve stayed like that. But it didn’t and he had a love-hate relationship with his feelings for her.

Part of him despised the lack of self-discipline that eventually allowed him to fall for her, but then again: who could not fall for Amy Rose?

The young woman was simply amazing; kind, brave, strong, gorgeous, honest and pure. Hanging out with her was never an obligation to him. Even if he acted indifferent in the past, it was a mere cover. He enjoyed being with her so much that the innocent one-sided crush he made himself believe it’d become, faded over time to be replaced with an overwhelming sense of… lovesickness? Lust?

Shadow had yet to come to terms with whatever stirred inside him- if he’d ever decide to stop lying to himself. He craved being with her, even if it was just as her friend. But friends didn’t look the way he looked at her, the way he saw her, the way his mind was toyed with by her.

And lately it had gotten much worse. A feeling of possessiveness grew inside him when she told him her plans for a yearlong internship overseas. Surely she’d meet new people, make new friends, go out and meet guys. Guys who’d eventually find an interest in her. Shadow feared he might lose his chance with her forever. And yet… he’d just let her go like it was no big deal, casually waving her off like Sonic had. Along with his sigh marihuana scented smoke escaped his lips.

He looked at his phone. Nothing. His inbox was unusually quiet after Amy briefly informed him she’d arrived at her destination. It made him restless and impatient.

“I can’t believe I’m just as stupid as that faker…”

That last part was what made it so ugly. Sonic had taken Amy for granted for over a decade. Shadow had gladly been her shoulder to cry on and often told her he couldn’t understand how poorly the blue blur treated her. And now he had sunk as low as his rival when what he really longed for was to make Amy his girl and walk beside her, showing her off, proud as a peacock.

He imagined pulling her into a passionate kiss, one that would weaken her knees, send shivers down her spine. One that made it loud and clear to everyone that she was his woman. Now that was a decent goodbye! He sighed once again. She should be his!

Shadow’s mind drifted off to the night before she left. Amy went home early from the farewell-party her friends had thrown her. She had excused herself by stating she wanted a good night of sleep before her journey the next day, but asked Shadow to hang out with her in the end. Just the two of them. He knew far too well she’d do that.

Something in the way she acted that night puzzled his mind. It had lit sparks of hope that she felt the same way about him. If he wasn’t mistaken, there’d been this tense atmosphere between them.

____________________________________

 “My turn! Shadow, can you hand me that?”

…

“Shadow?!”

Amy frantically gestured with her hands to make contact with a Shadow whose mind seemed to have drifted off. The introverted hedgehog got sucked into his own mind, quietly moping and pouting to himself in his thoughts about her departure.

Blinking when he finally noticed her, she was already so close to him that it startled him a little. Sucking off the tip of the joint he held between his fingers, he instantly stiffened up. Shaking a little as he watched her, he became helpless to the arousal from the image and the prickling heat that flushed through his body.

The girl looked up to him, colouring his cheeks in a deep red, her lips still enclosing the tip. He was quickly to shift his gaze away from her, feeling she’d see right through him if he stared at her any longer.

“Sorry. I was out of it for a bit.”

She didn’t take it from him. Instead Amy let out a muffled ‘U-huh’ and guided his hand to her lips again to have another pull of the joint. Without warning she tucked her arms behind him, pulling him into a hug and chuckled a delightful laughter.

“Cheer up! I’m gonna miss you too, you know?”

“Tsk, darn right, you will!”

Amy snorted at his silly reply and gave him a playful push.

“It’s the truth and you know it.”

Shadow raised his eyebrows and crossed his arms, faking an arrogance that actually fit his personality quite well at times. Amy however saw straight through his act, aware that he found it difficult that she left. Despite everything they ended up being the best of friends and she was sure he’d feel lonely and bored without her.

“We can still catch up on the phone and stuff. It’s only for a year. It’ll be over before we know it. Besides, you’re gonna be busy too in the meantime. I’m so excited for you about the project you were tasked with. You always wanted to do this stuff, right?”

“Yeah, it’s something I’m looking forward to. I’ve always wanted to work with plants. I’ll get to investigate, plant and look after all these rare species the Central City’s botanical garden’s been given after the archaeologist department found this hidden, preserving millions of seeds.”

“A nice change of pace for you, after your last missions. Promise to show me around sometime when I’m back, okay?”

“Gladly.”

“Yay! Now… I need something sweet!” Amy said when a munchie kicked in. “But already I emptied my cabinets… Argh!”

“Wait here.”

Shadow jumped off the roof they sat on and walked up to his motorcycle. Amy watched him lift up the seat and grab something out the space hidden underneath it. He jumped up and pulled himself up on the gutter with two brown paper bags clenched between his teeth. A gleeful smile instantly spread across Amy’s face when she recognized the logo on them. He handed her one.

“I put another in your backpack for your trip tomorrow as well.”

“Aaah, you’re the best!”

Amy opened the bag and couldn’t fight the giddy, happy squeak that escaped her lips. All of her favourite candy from her #1 candy store in Spring Yard was in it, which wasn’t close to their hometown. Shadow must’ve gone out of his way to get this for her and he clearly put in some thought into picking out the confectionary in the paper bag. She happily stuffed her mouth with it and heard Shadow snicker beside her.

“You’re precious.” He chuckled at her.

“What? Oh! I probably look ridiculous.”

“I think it’s endearing.”

She quickly gulped it down and fake-shyly fidgeted, trying to compensate for what she thought was unladylike behaviour. In sudden confusion Amy scratched her quills. Since when did she care about that when she was with Shadow?

She then spotted Shadow unroll a liquorish-fruity roll, her absolute favourite. Tearing the paper bag as she searched for it in hers, her face soured, eye-lids dropping halfway down. She regretted she impulsively ate all the candy in three big bites.

“That’s what you get for eating them all at once.” Shadow said.

He shrugged and put the end of the now unrolled, spaghetti-like candy in his mouth with an amused expression. Amy turned around, bent over him and took a bite from the candy string, her grin turning as smug as his was before. Surprised by the pleasurable tension she experienced from being so close to him, she giggled her unease away.

There wasn’t much left of the candy string. To bite off that last piece, she practically had to kiss him. The thought spread a burning sensation through her chest. With Shadow’s heart jolting rapidly and the blood whizzing in his ears, he slowly sucked up the candy string into his mouth to see how she would react.

Don’t think too much of it. She’s just teasing me! Isn’t she? Shadow thought to himself.

Locking her jade eyes with his ruby ones, Amy leaned in a little closer. Shadow didn’t protest. Amy bit her lip for a second, but then enclosed her rosy lips around the other end of what was left of the short candy string.

He took in her flowery scent and felt her breath gently brush against his lips, their noses almost touching. His palms turned sweaty inside his gloves. Amy’s face was blazing, its’ heat radiating against his own.

He cupped his hands around her back ever so carefully, putting the smallest amount of pressure on them. Aghast and undecided Amy sat down on his lap, one hand on his chest, the other tracing the outlines of his lips.

Shadow decided to take the leap and leaned in a little closer to bite off the string when his phone loudly buzzed in his jacket, startling the hedgehogs. Amy squeaked and quickly slid off his lap, her face and ears coloured in a deep pink blush. Shadow awkwardly hid his face from her, grabbing his phone while he inaudibly cursed whoever ruined this moment for him.

Rouge: ‘Do you really think this is a good idea?’

What the-? How’d she even-? If she’s been spying on us, she will not hear the end of it!

 _______________________________

 After Rouge interrupted them, things became weird. They said their awkward goodbyes like they’d see each other again the next day. But they didn’t because she left for her internship and he went to pick a fight with Rouge. The bat was genuinely concerned about him and what it’d do to him if he and Amy kissed and she’d leave the next day for a whole year.

Even when Rouge meant well, Shadow had yet to comprehend how she’d caught onto his secret feelings for Amy and felt violated in his privacy. On top of that she should have minded her own business.

He put his joint and lighter on the windowsill and snuggled up in Amy’s bed again. With his crimson eyes slowly closing, he concentrated in good hopes the fantasy would sprang from his mind and reignite his dream.

Come on, come on… I’m at the station, where are you? You should be here!

He whispered aloud while Dream-Shadow skated towards the pedestrian-bridge that crossed over the train tracks at high speed. He jumped up the stairs, his heart wildly pounding in his chest, hurrying him forward, pushing everyone aside who blocked his way. The strangers always delayed him in so many, annoying, different ways and every time he was left no choice but to jump off the bridge as a shortcut to get to the platform in time. Although a part of him feared, a part of him knew, he’d be too late -again. A sea of unknown, irrelevant others were standing in his way. Why is it always this crowded?

‘Move! Out of my way!’

The pod had done its’ job and Shadow drifted off into a deep sleep. His gaze locked on to something in the distance, the familiar shape of the one he was after.

‘Wait!’

He clenched his teeth and sped up, screaming to the strangers to make room for him, but his cries fell on deaf ears once more. The empty voices of everyone out here muted his screams before they could reach her.

‘No! Not again! Please! I must…!’

Shadow never seemed to get closer to the train he tried to reach before it’d fare away, even when he was skating towards it at full speed. It drained him, sending stinging pains to his sides, but he never got to it. Like his feet were glued to the ground. Soundless, hoarse, growling cries leaving his throat as the train departed and the crowd suddenly vanished, like it had never been there to begin with.

‘WAAAAIT! YOU HAVE TO WAAAAIT!’

He never mastered control over the rotten feeling, even when he knew it always ended the same way. The fact that he didn’t make it, didn’t reach her, never was fast enough… It was mortifying for him. He was the fucking ultimate lifeform and he didn’t deliver.

He pounded his fists into a brick wall and growled like a beast. His muscles trembled from the impact as he watched the train disappear into the distance. The thought of chasing it tempted him for a second. He let the thought pass on and slid down against the wall, scouring his back to the raw structure and sharp chunks of stone in it. He bled, but didn’t bother. Shadow’s chaos energy always healed him so fast that hardly anything was an actual threat to the ebony hedgehog.

He let his dream counterpart stroll over the platform of the train empty station. It somehow was always empty at this point in the dream. The sun stood low, casting soft beams of light in magnificent deep oranges, reds and yellows, painting long, dark shadows behind objects blocking its’ reach. Shadow sank down on a black, metal bench on platform 3-b, its’ many thin metal lines pressing into his skin. He rested his head on his hand, curling up to a ball.

‘I’m so stupid! So DARN stupid! I should never have let you leave like that!’ He cried. ‘And now you’re gone! ARGH!’

The powerlessness and anger inside the black male came crashing out of him when a chaos sphere ignited from his hands. It destroyed the tracks with a shrieking bang, curling up its’ irons.

‘I thought you were different, Shadow.’ crawled up a voice from behind him.

Dream-Amy’s voice scared him wide awake. His muscles soured, adrenaline rushing through his veins, his breathing irregular and his phone buzzing under the pillow. The disappointed tone in her voice hurt him badly. He seized the phone with trembling hands.

Amy!

Suddenly only seeing her name on the screen made him scared as never before, but also strangely excited at the same time. Nausea sprung in his middle.

Amy: ‘U awake?’

Shadow: ‘Yes.’

An incoming call from Amy popped up on his screen. He swiped it to the right to pick up.

“Why are you still up? Tomorrow’s your first day, right?”

“I went out with some people from the dorm.”

“O-kay... Did you- did you have a good time?”

“Sure did. In fact a really cute guy asked me out. We’re going out Friday night.”

All right. He knew what this was really about. She was trying to make him jealous, trying to make him feel bad about the way they parted. And it was a totally justified thing to do, but her act revealed to him that she wanted him to care. Shadow’s muscles relaxed again and a confident smile curved his lips.

“Is that so? Did you tell him you secretly have feelings for someone else?”

“I’m not in love with Sonic anymore!”

“Who said I was talking about Sonic?”

…

Shadow was unable to fight the amusing feeling inside him from how baffled she was all of the sudden.

“Well- I-! I can’t believe you just let me go like that!”

“I’m sorry.”

Amy shrieked with a high pitched voice when she heard the acoustics of his apology twice. She turned around, the phone still held against her ear to see him standing in her dorm room. In one hand he held a chaos emerald and his phone in the other.

“What are you doing here?!”

“Confessing how much of an idiot I am.” He pouted.

“Go on.”

“It was highly indecent of me to let you go like that and I’m sorry.”

Part of him wanted to confess everything to her, take the leap and come clean, but he didn’t. The repeating dream that haunted him since she left had awakened a new fear in him: that she was only fooling around with him that night. It was yet to be proven irrational. He felt it was her turn to say something for this wasn’t a one way street.

“Thank you. It’s just… That night- I thought you cared about me.”

He sat down next to her.

“I do.” Way too much actually.

Shadow leaned in on her, resting his arms on her legs, his lips close to her ear. He closed her in between the wall behind her and himself in front of her only to whisper: “In fact, I don’t like that you’re going out with someone if that someone isn’t me.”

Amy let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding. She tilted her head and unintentionally tightened her grip on Shadow’s chest fur. Her lashes softly tickled on his muzzle when she blinked. His musky scent and flirting intoxicated her senses. He levelled with her to catch her gaze, internally screaming from how hot she looked in what he realized was in fact one of his sweaters.

“Heh, here I only thought I had the hots for you, but it seems I was wrong.”

He pulled her closer by the cords of the sweater. Slowly he closed the remaining distance between them, softly pressing his lips against hers.

“So wrong!”

Amy smiled against his lips and straddled him, clamping his legs between her own, before passionately pouring into the kiss.

Chaos! I wanted this for so long!

_______________

AN: This one’s long! I decided to care less and just write and draw whatever I want, trying out new styles. Here goes...

Shadow and Amy are both adults here. Where I live smoking marihuana is tolerated.

Like always: send me a note for annoying typos, grammar mishaps etc. 

[fancyfade]

reverse unpopular opinion for: dick and damian and kotfe

Dick: I really love a lot of things about Dick

First of all how competent and generally confident he is. I feel like we see a lot of this in the New Teen Titans, since it’s building up from his insecurity and like when the aliens with blackfire invade earth he is like “You will leave or you’re entire fleet will get destroyed” and it doesn’t come off as like random bragging/threatening it’s just like what he genuinely believes (like that the alien invaders are no match for the heroes on earth). or when the US government is trying to arrest the titans for some reason (I think it wound up looking like they committed murder decision during a brother blood plotline) he’s like “i’m not worried about us, I’m worried about you”. Or in the Grayson comic series when he’s trying to talk down the guy with gun-eyes and he’s completely confident giving the guy a chance to make the right decision.

I also love him when he’s on big brother mode. Both his interactions with Tim (They are kind of playful) when he’s training Rose (he’s not really her brother and they don’t consider themselves family, but she was clearly looking for family by trying to say he could be Ravager and she could be Jericho or something) or especially when he’s with Damian. He just has such a big heart and is so good at making people feel comfortable and I cry ;_;

Damian: I Could make like an entire essay about why I love Damian. I love how gradual and convincing his character arc is; I love that it’s not like there was just an on/off switch and we can see him genuinely grappling with how he was raised for a long time. He is a superhero and not killing people for a while, and it takes him until robin: son of batman to articulate why killing someone is wrong, even though he hasn’t done it in a bit by that point.

I love his big heart and how genuinely he cares about people. Like we see extremely over the top gifts he gives to people, Bruce gets a treasure hunt through the world showing him important memory stuff about his parents (which must have taken MONTHS of investigation to pull off), in another gift for bruce he was coming through the sewers just to find one of his mom’s pearls to give it to him. So he clearly cares a ton but doesn’t say it in words he does it with gift giving. Or when he just jumps in people’s arms for a hug like he does with Dick when he finds out Dick is alive again. My hearts.

Kotfe: I really love a lot of the characters in Kotfe. I love Vaylin (she is very relatable).  I love Koth and how morally strong he is and how he does not put up with any bullshit the PC will try to throw at him. I also love how we clearly see how different Zakuul was (or should have been written) through him with his POV on valkorion and Arcan -- even though valkorion was the planet-eater, he doesn’t really have a reason to believe that because it’s lana telling him this (and he’s never witnessed the empire drama and only seen what valk did for zakuul) and in his perspective it makes sense that arcan represents the danger because *that’s* when the change happened -- that’s when it stopped being from “yay valk helps zakuul” to the invasion of the rest of the galaxy and the change between him being a soldier during presumed time of relative peace to active war (and being given the order to fire on civilians, which made him desert).

[awitchintime]

I did another salt bowl! This one was a little labor intensive and my neck started to hurt really bad while I was doing it. Also I was interrupted probably three or four times by my little 10 month old nursling. I imagine whatever I was doing in this bowl was really clearing out some bad energy. I received corn dollies in mine and my partner's likeness that day from his ex. She claimed their two daughters made them but the girls said otherwise. They were "for our altar." After what would be a long story to tell and zero contact with her on my part for 3 years now, we'll just say I don't trust her as far as I can throw her. Into a black cloth and into the freezer they went. But I digress.

The salt bowl makes me feel safe when I look at it. I did a cauldron harmony spell right before this. (See previous post) I found it searching for something to dispel the dollies. I opened The House Witch and landed on it and decided to go for it as it was such a simple spell. I put my own touch on it and it helped ease my mind. I did struggle to ground and center and didn't actually achieve it until the spell had already started. Once I did, it was like I felt my feet sink into the floor and become part of the house.

I really love doing the salt bowls. A very good friend likened it to a zen garden which was absolutely spot on. What better way to relax than to also have a practical magical use!

Now to get started looking up correspondences. If you read my last post on salt bowls, I didn't look up the correspondence until afterward so I could see where my instinct and spirit would take me.

I struggled to come up with a design for this one as none of the runes were really fitting for the situation. Or at least it didn't feel fitting. I'm sure there were a few that I could have used or a bind rune or sigil and I could have come up with but this is where I ended up. When in doubt, go back to the basics.

📜Correspondences

🌿Herbs (All from the garden! Yay for meeting goals!)

From The Hearth Witch's Compendium by Anna Franklin

Rosemary - mind and the memory, concentration, meditation, healing, love, marriage, birth, funerals, memorial Services, protection, dispelling negativity and evil, attracting fairies, spells designed to retain youth. Ruled by the Sun, the element of fire, and the zodiac sign of Aries.

Sage - wisdom, prophetic dreams, warding off the evil eye, purification, cleansing, Aura cleansing, immortality. Ruled by the planet Jupiter and the element of air. Sacred to Consus, Jupiter, and Zeus.

Lavender - purification, healing, cleansing, meditation, peace, Harmony, mid summer. Ruled by the planet Mercury and the element of air. Sacred to Cernunnos, Cerce, Hecate, Medea, Saturn, and serpent goddesses.

Peppercorn - (not in the book) but it's for your basic banishing negativity and protection.

💎Stones

Rose quartz - (from The House Witch by Arin Murphy-Hiscock) transforms negative energy into positive energy, encourages affection.

Desert Rose - (from the Tamed Wild note card in the August 2020 subscription box, also where I acquired The crystal) since desert rose is a form of selenite, it should come as no surprise that it strengthens our inner knowing and acts as a guide when navigating tricky situations. It reinforces our commitment to the goals we set for ourselves and generates a level of focus that produces the best possible outcome. (😮😳🤯 Wow... Yeah this was added at the very end when I thought I was finished. This is spot-on perfect as it's central to the bowl. Spirit lead me right again!)

#️⃣Symbols

Pentacle - this has so very many meanings and it's different for each person at different times. It's a powerful symbol in any magical working even if basic and familiar. For me, it's fiercely protective as well as representing all five elements. It represents my craft, my belief system, and for me, just magic in general. It brings everything full circle. It's a seal. It completes the most basic to the most complicated of workings.

Heart - love of all kinds of course, which is perfect that it's rise quartz. ❤️

[bellebridgerton]

Rose: Chapter 2 (Flip Zimmerman x reader)

Walking through the aisles of the supermarket, (Y/n) listens to Rose sing her little made-up songs. Rose does little dances while sitting in her seat in the cart. (Y/n) giggles and kisses Rose's cheek, "My little superstar."

Rose giggles and grins, keeping her little dance going. She sees Flip, the policeman from a few days ago. She waves at him, "Hi!"

(Y/n) looks in the direction Rose is, she sees Flip and she can't help but smile.

Flip hears the sound of a little girl being loud, it sounded familiar. He sees (Y/n) and Rose farther down the aisle, he smiles when he sees that Rose is waving at him with all her might. He waves back and smiles, goes back to his shopping.

Rose looks at her mommy, "Can we say hi?"

(Y/n) sighs, "You did, baby girl." She didn't want to seem weird.

Rose pouts, "Please Mommy?" She knows she can get almost anything by pouting and batting her long eyelashes at her mom.

(Y/n) nods, "Okay baby." She walks over to Flip, "Hey, Rose and I just wanted to come over and say hello."

Flip smiles at the girls, "Hey, it's nice to see you two."

Rose grins, "You're really tall."

Flip chuckles, "Yeah, I'm pretty tall."

(Y/n) smiles, "I was thinking, would you like to come over for dinner some time soon?"

Flip thinks for a second, "I'd be delighted to." He wasn't going to turn down an offer from her, plus the look Rose gave him was very encouraging.

(Y/n) grabs her purse and takes a little notepad out of it, writes her phone number on it, tears off the piece of paper, hands it to Flip, "Call whenever you want."

Flip smiles and puts it in his back pocket, "I'll call as soon as I can."

Rose grins, "Yay!" She claps and giggles.

(Y/n) smiles, "We'll see you soon." She starts walking away, pushing her cart, but Rose grabs Flip's cart.

Rose pouts, "Talk!"

Flip chuckles, "She's feisty."

(Y/n) giggles, "You have no idea." They walk together, pushing their carts side by side.

Flip smiles, "So what do you do for work?"

(Y/n) smiles, "I'm a teacher, high school English."

Flip nods, "When I was in school my English teacher was very fun, real sweet lady."

(Y/n) smiles, "My students are very nice, for the most part. Being a young teacher has advantages and disadvantages."

Flip looks at her as they walk together, "How, if you don't mind my asking?"

(Y/n) looks over to Flip, "They listen to me more, the students, but older teachers underestimate me, plus some of my male students honestly think they have a shot with me, it's weird."

Flip chuckles a little, "Well, at that age, I'm sure they think they're really smooth. Sadly some guys continue to think that well into the rest of their lives."

(Y/n) giggles, "You're very right, some people just don't grow up."

Rose watches Flip and her mommy talk, she likes Flip, she thinks he likes her mommy. She giggles, "Mommy, can I have cookies?"

(Y/n)'s attention is drawn away from Flip, she looks at Rose, "Sure baby, what kind do you want?"

Rose thinks hard, "Chocolate chip please!"

(Y/n) smiles and grabs cookies off the shelf for Rose, puts them in the cart behind Rose.

Flip smiles, makes a silly face at Rose, there's something about (Y/n) and Rose that keeps drawing him in, not that he minds.

Rose giggles at Flip and smiles, "You silly."

Flip chuckles, "You're silly too." He smiles, looks at (Y/n) as they walk to the checkout lanes, "I'll see you two lovely ladies later."

(Y/n) smiles, "I hope you do." She gets in a lane and starts putting items on the belt.

Rose watches Flip as he goes in the lane next to them, she makes silly faces at him.

Flip sees Rose being silly and he chuckles, makes a silly face back.

The next day at work, Flip was telling Ron about this woman and her kid, the whole story. Ron smiles, "Well, brother, sounds like you really like this girl, and her baby seems to like you too."

Flip thinks, "She offered to have me over for dinner."

Ron looks at Flip, "You should go, get to know them better if you want to."

Flip nods and grabs his phone and dials the number (Y/n) gave him. After a few rings, he hears her voice.

(Y/n) picks up and says, "Hello?"

Flip smiles, "(Y/n)? This is Flip, I was wondering if your offer for dinner still stands."

(Y/n) bites her lip and smiles, "Yeah, of course. When would be a good time for you?"

Flip thinks for a second, "If you want to do it soon, then I'm free all this week, except for Sunday." He wasn't thrilled about going to church with the Klan guys on Sunday, but he had to keep up appearances.

(Y/n) smiles, "Well, if you want to come over tonight, that would be great."

Flip couldn't help but grin, "That sounds good."

(Y/n) smiles and plays with the cord on the phone, "I'll see you tonight then." She tells him her address, and they both hang up.

Upon hearing a knock at the door, (Y/n) opens her front door and sees Flip, she smiles, "Hey, come on in."

Rose comes racing to the door, grabs Flip's hand, tries to drag him into the house. She gives him the full tour of the house, from the attic to the basement. She gently pushes open a door, "Mommy's room." The room was neat, mostly mustard yellow and white, with a few small plants, and many books. Rose pulls Flip to another door, she walks right in, "My room!" Her room was pink and lavender, very girly, an overflowing toy chest, but the room was neat.

(Y/n) trusted that nothing bad would happen if Rose and Flip were alone, so she used the time to finish cooking dinner.

Flip looks around Rose's room and smiles, "It's cute, I like it."

Rose giggles, "Mommy paint it."

Flip chuckles, "She did a good job."

Rose hands him one of her baby dolls, "My baby."

Flip kneels down to her level, "She's a good baby." He holds the baby doll in his large hands, hands the doll back to Rose, "Take good care of her, Rosie." He stands back up, "Your mommy might be wondering what's keeping us, let's go check in on her." He starts to walk out of her room, thinking she'd follow. He turns around when he notices she's not going.

Rose has her arms above her head, looking at Flip, "Carry please." Flip smiles and picks up the toddler like she weighs nothing and carries her to the kitchen. Rose giggles, "Smell good Mommy!"

(Y/n) smiles, "Thank you princess." She sees Flip holding Rose and she smiles, "Dinner is ready."

Flip sets Rose down in her high chair, sits next to (Y/n), "It all looks delicious, thank you."

(Y/n) smiles, "Well thank you." She starts eating, they both watch Rose eat, she makes a little bit of a mess of her food.

Flip eats, "This is so good, I wish I had paid more attention when my mom was cooking."

(Y/n) looks at Flip, "It's never too late to learn, if that's what you want." She wouldn't mind having another excuse to spend time with him, "I could teach you."

After dinner Flip and (Y/n) listened to music and had a drink while they chatted and watched Rose color.

Rose looks up from her coloring book, "Cookies, Mommy, please?"

(Y/n) giggles, "Sure baby girl." She gets up from the couch and walks to the kitchen, grabs five cookies, puts them on a paper towel, hands them to Rose.

Rose grins, "Thank you!"

(Y/n) smiles, "After desert, it's bed time."

Rose nods, she wasn't a kid who would fight going to bed. She eats one of her cookies while the adults talk, then grabs one cookie and taps Flip's knee, then offers him the cookie.

Flip looks at Rose, "Thank you Rosie, but they're your cookies."

Rose doesn't change her stance, just extends her arm a little more, insisting.

(Y/n) giggles, loving how sweet her baby is, and how comfortable she is with Flip.

Flip chuckles, "You're very sweet, thank you." He takes the cookie and looks at it, then takes a bite, it was good for store bought.

Rose grins, then goes back to her cookies. After she finishes her cookies, she goes to the bathroom and brushes her baby teeth. She comes out with a hair brush and hands it to (Y/n).

(Y/n) brushes Rose's hair, Rose tries her best to tell Flip jokes while her mommy brushes her hair.

Flip chuckles and smiles, pretending -for Rose's sake- that the jokes make sense.

(Y/n) occasionally looks at Flip and smiles, she puts the brush down, "Okay princess, it's bed time, say goodnight to Flip."

Rose nods to her mommy, then hugs Flip, "Night!"

Flip hugs back, not expecting it at all. He smiles, "Sweet dreams Rosie."

Rose giggles and walks to her room, knowing her mommy would be coming after her.

(Y/n) smiles, "I'll be right back." She follows Rose, gets Rose in her pajamas, then tucks her in, "Goodnight baby girl, I love you so much." She kisses Rose's cheek.

Rose smiles, "I love you too, Mommy." She yawns and closes her eyes.

Flip couldn't help but sneak a peak, he thought these girls were really something special.

(Y/n) sees Flip and smiles, she leaves Rose's bedroom door open a crack, she looks up at Flip, "I'm glad you could come over tonight. Rose and I enjoyed your company."

Flip felt nervous, in a good way, he chuckles, "I enjoyed your and Rose's company too."

(Y/n) giggles, "Well don't be a stranger."

Flip smiles, "I don't think I will be, but I should get going, I have work in the morning."

(Y/n) nods, "Ditto about work."

Flip walks with her to the front door, he sees Rose's messy coloring page that had been ripped out of the book. He picks the page up and in the lower right hand corner, he writes his phone number, and his work number. Flip hands her the page, "I have your number, only fair you have mine."

(Y/n) giggles, "Thank you." She sees him digging in his jacket pockets, knowing that probably means he's about to actually leave, she smiles, "Drive safe."

Flip chuckles, "Definitely will." He decides to take a chance, he gently hugs her, which she reciprocates, making Flip internally grateful.

After they pull out of the hug, Flip walks to his car, (Y/n) watches and waves as he drives away.

Taglist: @finn-ray-nal-beads @maybe-your-left

[crayonwriting]

The Mandalorian (2/4)

(Din Djarin x Reader)

Yay! Here’s part 2 of my Mando fic. This was inspired by (half) of episode 2. This chapter was too technical for me. I hope y’all won’t get bored. Anywhooooo, possible spoilers to those who haven’t watched the series yet.

Summary: You’re the good soul that helps the Mandalorian retrieve, save and protect the Child.

<<prev // next>>

You stood by one of the vaporators of your moisture farm, tinkering with its wires and connections. You didn’t fully understand how these things work—seeing as you haven’t been a moisture farmer that long and no one was really there to tell you about it—but you did what you could with what little knowledge you had. 

After a moment, you sensed that someone was standing beside you. You glanced sideways and there stood Mando. You scoffed softly and gave him a smirk while going back to fixing your vaporator. 

“Thought you’d be dead by now.” You said as you connected the broken wires with the welding rod in one of your pockets. You flinched a little as your finger got caught in the heat. The machine suddenly whirred back to life. You grinned and removed your goggles. You looked back at Mando and he just stood there looking at you. You arched your eyebrow, confused, and then you noticed the small pod beside him.

A small coo broke your gaze from the Mandalorian to see a small, green creature walking around, chasing a frog. You look back and forth from it to Mando. You slowly approached the small creature and knelt on the ground to have a closer look.

"Is this it? Is this what was causing all the fuss?"

"I think it's a child." He said. He was fiddling with his vambrace which was obviously broken. 

"Better to bring it alive then." Shrugging, you stood up and dusted off your pants.

"My ship has been destroyed. I'm trapped here."

"Stripped. Not destroyed." You walked to your small shed nearby and grabbed a smaller welding rod and handed it over to him. He took it gratefully. "The Jawas steal. They don't destroy."

"They're protected by their crawling fortress. There's no way to recover the parts." His voice sounded frustrated.

You leaned beside the vaporator nonchalantly.  "Well," you shrugged, "You can always trade."

"With Jawas?" He looked at you. "Are you out of your mind?" You rolled your eyes at him. 

"I'll take you to them, tomorrow." You crossed your arms on your chest. Mando just gave you a look—well, you couldn’t really confirm if he was giving you a look but, based on his body language, you knew he was. He sighed then looked back at the child. The small green creature put the frog he was chasing earlier into his mouth and started swallowing the whole thing. Your jaw slackened in surprise. 

“Hey! Spit that out!” Mando reprimanded. The Child paid no heed to the Mandalorian. He finished the frog in one whole gulp before smiling sweetly to the both of you.

—

Before dawn, you and Mando set off into the desert. You rode on one of your blurrgs and Mando was sat with the Child on the hoversled the blurrg was pulling. You knew where the Jawas stayed after a haul like that. And you have to move fast before they trade the parts of Mando's ship to someone else. 

The rain had started to pour, making it a bit of a struggle for you to see up ahead. You didn’t mind though.  Rain was very rare on the planet of Arvala-7. So when it does, you savoured every drop of it. You let out a sigh of relief  as the cool rain touched your face.

"I can take over." The Mandalorian shouted over the downpour. "I can see better."

"It's fine." You shouted back. You shivered slightly, which he caught sight of. "Besides, you don't know where we're going!" You chuckled at him whilst giving him a side glance. 

—

Just when the sun had risen, you finally saw the Jawa's large sandcrawler. They had spotted you easily. Raising your hand, you waved at them.

Greetings!, you said in their native languageThe Jawas greeted you back but upon seeing the Mandalorian behind you, they began to shout in hysterics, pointing accusingly at him. 

"Hmm, they don't really like you for some reason." You said.

"Yeah, well, I did disintegrate a few of them." He replied. You were both nearing where the Jawas were stationed. You directed the blurrg to stop just a few feet away but still nearby. The Jawas screamed and freaked out. You looked to the Mandalorian and saw him slinging his rifle across his back.

"You need to leave your rifle." Mando's helmet snapped towards you, visibly holding his rifle tighter.

"I'm a Mandalorian. Weapons are a part of my religion."

"Well, then you're not getting your parts back."

You felt him glare at you through the visor of his helmet before sighing and dropping the weapon back on the hoversled. 

"Fine."

You hopped off the blurrg and gave it a loving pat. The Mandalorian stepped out of the hoversled, following beside you. You noticed that the Jawas were still on edge. They were still pointing at the Mandalorian. You gave Mando a once over. Without even thinking, you grasped his shoulder through the thick beskar and pulled him back just a little. He looked at you with disbelief as you gestured to his leg. 

"Leave the blaster." You left him there and walked right up to negotiate with the Jawas. Mando unwillingly removes the blaster from the holster and puts it by his rifle. He saw you waving for him to come over.

When he reached you, you both sat down on a mat. The Jawas started to talk and you listened intently. Mando knew only little Jawaese so he relied on you to translate. Seeing as you've been here for a few years, you learned the language easily.

You turned to him and said, "They will trade all the parts for the beskar." Mando has had enough.

"I'm not gonna trade anything. Those are MY parts. They stole them from me!" His voice rose. "Those are… those… MY parts…," he butchered the language. The Jawas all laugh and mock him.

“You speak terrible Jawa. You sound like a Wookie!” They all laughed with their high pitched voices.

“Oh yeah? You understand this?!” Mando activated his flamethrower and aimed it at them. The Jawas screamed and retreated. One of them even got their coat on fire but they were able to extinguish it quickly. You hastily held a tight grip on his arm and pulled it back.

“Hey! Hey! Easy! Easy!” You set his arm back to his side. You glared at him. Sighing, you turn back to the Jawas and said, "Look, he's Mandalorian. He can't give you his beskar armor. Is there anything else he can trade?"

Their leader instantly pointed behind you. Both you and Mando looked to where he was pointing at and saw that two Jawas were already by the hoversled, staring at the Child. 

"Get away from it!" Mando shouted. The Jawas scampered away. Turning back to their leader, whilst shaking your head, you asked,

"There must be something else?" You bargained again. Their leader turned back to the group and started conversing with them rapidly. Mando looks at you, impatient. You, on the other hand, tried to listen in on their conversation. Finally, their leader came back.

"We will require the egg!" It said. All of them cheered and screamed excitedly. "Bring us the egg!"

You slapped a hand to your forehead and sighed. "Oh no…"

"The egg?" He asked. He looked at you then at the Jawas. "What egg?"

"The egg! The egg! The egg!"

—

The Jawas gave you and Mando a ride in their sandcrawler to where the nest of the egg—a mudhorn's, to be specific—was located. You glanced at the Mandalorian who was sitting beside you. He was obviously pissed. He got the bounty easily and he should've been out of this planet already, if not because of the Jawas.

He grabbed his weapons and placed them back in their holsters. He put the Child back in his pod. He wasn't going to leave it with them—even if you were there. 

The sandcrawler came to a sudden stop. Both of you stood by the hatch door as it slowly opened. You looked at him. He didn't look the least bit scared. You wanted to say something. You opened your mouth but nothing came up. 

When the door was fully open, the Mandalorian stepped out immediately. He didn't even spare you a glance. The Jawas cheered for him excitedly. But you couldn't help but feel worried. 

Worried? Why would you be worried?

Oh, Maker.

—

permanent tag: @awkwardfangirl2014

the mandalorian tag: @ginger-swag-rapunzel

pedro pascal tag: @thinemineours / @lavenderl3mons​

[rwby-nwbe]

Just Finished RWBY Volume 4...

...and I actually liked it?

[Spoilers Ahead, Y'all Know The Drill]

I mean, from what I've heard the Volume gets a lot of flack but honestly? I don't think it deserves it.

Yes, this is the first volume without Monty, and yes, the fights lost a bit of their momentum compared to earlier volumes, but aside from that... it's actually pretty good?

Alright, let me give you the play by play character style.

Ruby Rose

There goes my baby... off to destroy evil.

Ruby hasn't changed much, at least to a noticeable degree, compared to the rest of the cast. Actually, no, that isn't true, she just hasn't changed in a way that would force her overall character to noticeably shift. And I think that's fine. She's still a child at times, and is still really optimistic. But the thing is, she has matured. She doesn't immediately jump head first into danger like she used to, and it's clear she's still trying to process what happened at the Fall of Beacon. And yet, she's pressing on, and I'm glad that she and the rest of Team RNJR have each other's backs.

My only concern is what will go down in Mistral...

Weiss Schnee

Welp, Jacques Schnee, congrats! You've joined Cinder and Adam on the hit list I'm writing up!

The a-hole aside, I really like how Weiss played out this volume. According to what I've heard, volume 4 took place about 6-8 months after Beacon, so I'm kinda sad that Weiss was stuck home for all that time. On the bright side, we get a look at her progress on her summons, which looks to be coming along quite nicely. Then we see the concert, and ooh does that make my blood boil. I'll get to Jacques in a bit, but personally, I'd have no qualms watching him burn, figuratively, or literally.

Fly, Weiss, fly from the coup. Give your bastard of a father the metaphorical middle finger he deserves! (P.S. Klein is best dad.)

Blake Belladonna

Oof. I hurteth.

So Blake tends to stay away out of fear that she'll hurt her friends (i.e. some alternate version of survivor's guilt). In order to make amends from her point of view, she heads home to Menagerie. And once again, we're reminded on why humanity sucks sometimes!

Humans: Here, have this desert island for your large spanning species that covers just as much ground as we do.

Faunus: But... but it's so small!

Humans: Is it? Oh well, we can't have everything!

Me: Y'all LITERALLY have several freaKING CONTINENTS-!

*Ahem* That said, Sun came along! And we met Blake's parents! But first, Sun; I'll admit, I had mixed feelings about him being there at first, but that was mostly because Blake was being angsty and despite Sun's best intentions, virtually nothing he did help. Although, towards the end of the Volume, he managed to help Blake realize why her way of thinking was wrong, so props to him for that. Uh, Sun, could you maybe knock like a normal person? Wait, Blake, DON'T SLAP HIM FOR IT!!!

Ah, Kali, you're just as chaotic as Sun, oh dear... Ghira, never change, man. Never change.

Yang Xiao Long

Oof. I hurteth again. (ADAM!! LET ME DESTROY YOU, DANGIT!!!)

So Yang has been... adjusting to life after Beacon and without an arm. Oh, and Adam gave her PTSD! Isn't that just swell?

[When the find your corpse it'll have Wilt running through your spine and your skull severed with bullet shots from Blush I swear-]

Luckily, Yang gets a prosthetic from Atlas. I was afraid she'd reject it, but it's actually kinda nice to see that she takes to it rather well. And after seeing Oobleck (YAY!) and Port again, it's cool that she's just trying to find her footing. Though, Tai, you might wanna consider NOT flying to close to the Sun Dragon, capiche?

And all this culminates in Yang finally getting back out in the end of the Volume, hoping to find some answers. Hopefully she takes Tai's words to heart.

Jaune Arc

IT'S BIG BOI SWORD HOURS!!

But seriously, it was... kinda off-putting to see Jaune act so... morose. Granted, we all know why (PYRRHA!!!), but still. I'm glad his team is looking out for him and that he's slowly starting to recover like everyone else. His conversation with Ruby in Kuroyuri was also really touching. Come to think of it, didn't Blake have a similar conversation with Sun? The PARALLELS!

Also, that upgrade, tho. CUT THAT NUCKELAVEE INTO DUST, MY DUDE!!!

Nora Valkyrie+Lie Ren

You can't talk about one without bringing up the other.

Guys, this was as much a Renora volume as it was a RWBY-Post Beacon volume. The Fall triggers some odd behavior in Ren, but we figure out why pretty quickly once we reach the Kuroyuri episode.

First, young Ren and Nora... adorable!

Second, I was NOT ready for when Nora had to talk Ren out of charging blindly at the Nuckelavee. The slap. The way Ren sees young Nora and then sees current Nora. Nothing could prepare me. Nothing.

They are so SOFT together, it's just... <3

New Characters (and Old ones, too)

Lightning round, baby!

Qrow Branwen. So Qrow serves as the inside man. He knows what's been going on, and he fills the rest of us in. We also know why he tends to keep his distance, because his semblance brings bad luck to allies and enemies alike. The poor birb. Glad he managed to survive Tyrian!

Jacques Schnee. Egotistical manipulative piece of garbage whom I will not feel sorry for once he's put in his place. 'Nuff said.

Whitley Schnee. Mixed feelings. Mixed feelings everywhere. 'Cause on one hand, I've seen plenty of the fandom's takes on his character putting him in a positive light, but on the other he starts getting kind of unbearable after Weiss loses her title as heiress. Then I have to remind myself that Whitley is the "Fawn" reaction to trauma. Weiss is "Fight," Winter is "Flight," their mother is "Freeze," and Whitley is "Fawn." Stuff like that helps me contextualize that when Whitley says things about their dad like "It's foolish to not do what father asks," or "It's barbaric. It's beneath me. Beneath father," Whitley's not just saying that 'cause he's a bit of a brat. That's his coping mechanism to the abuse Jacques put him and the rest of his family through, and it's probably been a long time that he's been telling himself stuff like this so he can keep in his father's good graces and not risk getting a slap to the face like Weiss, while also trying to deal with the fact that Weiss and Winter get a freedom that he never had a chance to get. And you have to remember that Winter and Weiss were abused to, and that trying to blame Whitley's current condition on the two of them doesn't make things any better. They're not obligated to care about Whitley just as much as Whitley isn't obligated to care about them. It would be nice if either one of them could get through to him, but they were all trying to combat Jacques in one way or another. Whitley was just the odd one out. And if you really think about it, the biggest brain play you can take from all this is to blame it solely on Jacques. I swear, when I get to Volume 4 in my NWBE AU, one of my top priorities will be getting Whitley the ever loving hell out of that accursed mansion alongside Weiss, mark my words.

Klein Sieben. Ladies and gentleman, the only valid man under the Schnee roof! And a Seven Dwarves reference no less. Thanks, I love him! Glad he helped Weiss escape his father's clutches.

James Ironwood. Oh boy, boss man is starting to lose his grip on things. Granted, he's trying to do the right thing, but it's clear his paranoia is getting to him. You know crap is getting bad if the most valid person in all of Atlas simultaneously needs to be told to get a grip from Jacques of all people (especially if he's making a point). Hope this doesn't trigger a downward spiral...

Ghira and Kali Belladonna. Ghira is done and Kali just wants to have fun. I love their dynamic and interactions with Blake and Sun! It was a nice wind down from everything else going on, though I don't think that'll last for long.

White Fang. So we got three more WF members: Fennec, Corsac, and Ilia. The Albain brothers are sleezeballs already, since they're working with Adam and all. Ilia's working with them too, but I'll have to withhold my judgement since she appears to have an as yet undisclosed connection to Blake, but I don't want to get my hopes up since she already stabbed Sun, so... Low expectations, but still expectations.

Salem's Group. Yup, Salem's a villain alright. I'll be keeping my eye on her, she just reeks of trouble. Cinder apparently lost her voice... eh, probably for the best. Emerald, Mercury, get the ever-loving FRICK outta there, you're clearly out of your element! Hazel, you're... fascinating. Neutral Evil, perhaps? Watts, you're on my radar, especially with the last episode of the Volume. And Tyrian... well, he's clearly beyond the point of no return, entirely devoted to Salem, and his psycho-sadistic tendencies are enough to freak Cinder of all people out. Needless to say, I hope something or someone takes care of him before the damage becomes irreversible.

And for now, I'll wrap this up with Oscar Pine. I'll admit, it was interesting how they set up Oscar's character as a slow burn this Volume. We learn he lives a quiet life with his aunt in a barn, and at first we're wondering "Who the heck is this kid?" But then Ozpin shows up and suddenly everything is like "Oh... wait, WHAT!?" So yeah, Ozpin just brought another child into thia conflict. At least they're both not happy about it, and hey, they met Qrow! Hopefully that keeps things from getting too crazy down the line. We still need answers, after all.

Well, those are my thoughts. Sorry they took so long. Hopefully Volume 5 won't be so hard to complete. Well... cheers!

-Mathewton, the RWBY Newbie (15 May 2020)