#She is still alive but she will never walk again and probably won't regain use of her right arm

[bi-the-wei]

I am slowly but surely still working on this redraw. Lol. SO many flowers. X_X I've been a bit stressed lately. Just residual stuff from grief and complicated emotions from the beginning of this year kinda hitting its second wind. Also my clipstudio decided randomly to undo ALL of the organization I spent like 2 hours doing to my brushes and I got mad so I haven't drawn much at home. And my work has been busy because it's the end of the fiscal year so I haven't had enough time there to draw much of anything other than my ghosties (that I'm posting on @boos-day). BUT the end of the fiscal is done and I'm slowly getting back to.. mmm well as close to normal as I'm gonna get for a while yet (healing is a process yo!) so I'm gonna try to draw some more again soon. <3

ANYWAY yeah. Here's a WIP that I'm

#mo dao zu shi #mdzs #wei ying #wei wuxian #wip #art with effort #just like... this year #My grandma who lived with me my entire life and helped raise me and my brother died the day after christmas #then my mom had a major stroke that was complicated by both covid and pneumonia a couple weeks later #She is still alive but she will never walk again and probably won't regain use of her right arm #she is slowly learning to talk again though so that's good #but she'll never go home #and then a month after that my grandpa died. #And so very randomly this year all the stress of that just.... has been coming back. #I'm getting better but like #it's a lot #Sorry for the sob story in the tags #but I still like.... need to talk about it sometimes. #;w;

[kachikirby]

GranEssex Chronicles: Chapter 19 - A Free Man's New Life

The next day Meta, Fettuccine, Mercury, and Rebecca arrived at the GranEssex. When asked why she was coming with, Rebecca replied that she wanted to see her old friend, even if she was nervous about it. Understanding this, the entire group allowed her to come along and of course, Erhard and Kurabe were waiting for them at the front of the ship when they arrived.

"Sensei, I'm back!" Meta waved towards his mentor as he ran up to her.

Kurabe smiled. "I see that. Welcome home."

The youth then turned to Erhard. "Well, Erhard. How does it feel to be a free man?"

"It feels good. Of course it's only been a day, I still have a lot of adjusting to do."

But that wasn't all that the puff was told. There was one other thing he was told on the way back to the ship by Kurabe.

"So, you're going to be the head doctor here then?"

"Yes, it was Kurabe's suggestion." The doctor then looked at Fettuccine and shook her hand. "Thank you."

"It's not just me you should thank, you should also thank Meta. Honestly, I probably would have been dead if it wasn't for him."

Erhard nodded in understanding after a moment of silence. "I see. I was already going to thank him, but I wanted to thank you first."

She giggled in reply. "Well, thank you for thanking me first then."

"What do you mean when you say that you would have been dead?" Kurabe asked, an aura of concern now emanating from her.

"I'll tell you about it later, sensei. But right now, there's someone that wants to meet you, Erhard." Meta said.

"Really? Who?"

It was then that he noticed Rebecca, who looked at him nervously. "Hello, Erhard..." She uttered in a voice that really did show how she felt about the situation.

The man's eyes widened. "...You're alive...you're actually alive. When I regained my memories, I was so sure you would have been gone, just like the doctor. It's truly good to see you again, my old friend."

The woman hugged him as she began to cry. "It's... so good to see you, too."

"If I could cry, I would be doing so..." Despite these words, his voice made it sound like he was and after a moment, he spoke once more. "I take it you helped them free me?"

His friend nodded. "Yeah, it was my testimony that helped you."

"Thank you."

"It's not a problem. I'm just happy that you're no longer locked up. I hope you can live a happy life now."

"I believe that won't be a problem." He smiled.

"I'm glad!"

"What will you do now, Rebecca?"

"Honestly... I'm not sure. I think I might go back to being a doctor. It's the most I can do to make up to those who died because of my brother and step uncle."

"Well, you can always work here if you'd like." Kurabe offered quickly.

"I appreciate the offer, but I think I'll do it at a later point."

"Well, the offer is always open. Can never have enough doctors."

"Thank you, I'll keep that in mind."

"Will you be staying for the day at least?" Erhard asked.

"At least long enough for you to comfortably move in." She then chuckled. "Which might be more than a day, knowing how you are."

"Very true."

"Besides, I want to catch up with you after all these years."

"As do I."

The two smiled at each other before walking into the ship leaving Meta, Kurabe, Mercury, and Fettuccine.

"Now Meta, what happened?" Kurabe immediately asked, slightly startling her student with how sudden it was.

"Fetty's life was in danger twice. The first was an assassination attempt that was easily thwarted. The second time, Fetty was stabbed with a poison dagger by Wade Forde. She would have died if I didn't use my lighting magic to slow the poison down while Rebecca worked on the antidote."

Both of them seemed to noticeably blush at the last sentence. Instantly, Kurabe picked him up in a hug.

"I'm proud of you, Meta. You did the best you could and saved two lives. Be proud of yourself."

"I... thank you, sensei..."

With a smile, she let go and turned to the interrogator. "Now with that settled, Fettuccine, Reedy sent me a message. He says you can stay here for one day, but you must return to him first thing in the morning tomorrow." The warrior said.

Fettuccine smiled. "I understand!"

"Good, because while you are still here you are still technically under my supervision. I have a mission for both you and Meta."

"What's that?" Both of them asked.

"The two of you, and you too, Mercury, will be showing Erhard around the ship. I'd do it myself, but I'm needed for a meeting with the General."

Her student tilted his head in questioning. "What does the general want?"

"Monthly check in about the budget, our division, etc. Boring stuff that is necessary to get through." She then smiled as she looked directly at Meta. "Don't worry, I'll have plenty of time to make you chicken parmesan for dinner later."

"Alright, I'll look forward to dinner then."

Kurabe only smiled.

"Well, should we get going then?" The youth asked his friend and the vice captain.

"You're free to join the tour if you wish, Rebecca." Mercury said.

"I think I'll be naturally joining you because I want to spend more time with my friend."

"Then let's get moving. We'll start with the most important place first." The vice captain said.

The two looked at each other before nodding and following the group.

"What is the most important place, Mercury?" Erhard asked.

"The cafeteria."

"...well, I guess that's a bit obvious for Star Warriors." Rebecca said.

"...It was Mercury that called it the most important place." Meta mumbled.

"I thought that it was Star Warriors who ate a lot..." Erhard nodded in agreement.

"We're soldiers. We also need food for energy, it has nothing to do with enjoying eating. If we're not training or sleeping, we're eating to refuel." Mercury explained.

"I guess that is true."

"There's no guessing. The three most important places are the cafeteria, the training room and the infirmary. But everyone needs food, even for crew members that don't fight."

"I think we get it now."

"Besides, Erhard, when was the last time you had a proper meal anyway?"

The man took a moment to think about it. "...over 100 years ago, I think."

"Then that's another reason to go there first."

"As long as it's better than the food in prison, that'll be enough for me."

Mercury chuckled. "Don't worry, the food here actually has flavor."

"I see..."

The rest of the group seemed to chuckle at that reply.

---------

In a few minutes they arrived, the cafeteria was as busy as ever.

"I've never seen so many people in one place, besides that tournament." Erhard said in surprise.

"Well, there's a lot of people in the combat division. It's one of the largest in the Organization. Not only that, but this place is also almost never empty. There's always a group of people here at all times."

The doctor seemed to look at Mercury in a questioning manner. "Is there any reason for that?"

"People returning at various times for food."

"What do your soldiers do then?" He then asked.

"The usual schedule for them is train, eat, sleep, train, eat, sleep. The only time this gets disrupted is when there's a mission, but even then, the first thing people usually do upon returning is either eat or sleep."

Rebecca gave a sad look at that reply. "...that sounds like a sad existence."

Mercury shrugged. "Not really. Everyone here is allowed to do whatever they want. Some people only train for a few hours, some not at all. A lot of people tend to spend a lot of time just relaxing. Kurabe lets everyone, with a few exceptions, make their own schedules."

"I assume Meta is one of those who trains a lot?" Erhard asked.

"I am. I have to be strong in order to protect everyone."

"Anyway, our soldiers' training regimen aside, it's time to eat."

The group nodded.

"So, what's being served today?" Meta asked.

"It's buffet day. Meaning just go and pick whatever looks tastiest." Mercury replied.

While Meta and Fettucine looked happy, Erhard seemed to look nervous.

"What wrong?"

"I'm not sure what I want..." He uttered shyly.

"Oh, is that all? Just pick something at random. Here, try this egg roll." Mercury said, handing him one.

"But there's still so much food..."

"And? Just eat man, this is your first meal as a free man. Pig out a little."

The doctor only continued to look nervous.

"Mercury, I think I understand what's wrong." Meta said. "He's not used to having so much choice."

Mercury smiled. "I know, but Erhard, that's why I said pick stuff at random. Don't think, just act. Enjoy yourself."

"But still... I'm not sure..."

The woman sighed. "Then I'll make a plate for you, but only this once. You need to relearn how to be independent."

He silently nodded. The female Limet stepped away for a moment and returned with a tray of food.

"Here, take this plate." She said, handing him a stack of food.

"Ah, thank you." He replied as he sat down at the table with the rest of the group. "What all is it?"

"I don't know, I picked at random. I know I grabbed some mac and cheese, that's always the first to run out of stock."

"I see..." He said as he took a bite.

"So, what do you think?"

"I'm not sure if this is just because I'm so used to prison food, but this is really good."

"I told you the food here was actually good."

"It is."

"Well then, keep eating, Erhard. You've earned a good, real meal."

"...It's been far too long. I honestly forgot what real food tasted like."

"And just think, you'll be able to eat food like this every day now."

"I think I like the sound of that." He replied with a smile, something he's been doing a lot more often. It made Meta himself smile as well. "Shouldn't you be eating a bit more, Meta?" The doctor then asked.

"...I'm saving room for dinner."

"Ah, I see."

Mercury giggled. "It's because Kurabe's going to spoil him."

"Ok." Was all Erhard could say, seeing as he had no clue about what kind of relationship Kurabe and Meta have.

The woman seemed to notice this and explained. "Let's just say Kurabe can sometimes be less like his teacher and more like his mom."

"I see."

"Isn't it also because he's her star student?" Fettuccine asked.

Mercury stared questioningly. "...No? For all purposes she is his mother, she did adopt him after all and would be his legal guardian."

"She's my mentor. That's it." Meta replied bluntly.

"Don't need to be a lie detector to tell that's a lie." Fettuccine smirked.

"Enough about me, we're here for Erhard and making him feel comfortable."

"Well, having conversations with him will make him feel comfortable, isn't that right?" Rebecca asked.

"Then change the topic." He grumbled.

"Ok, what would you like to talk about, Erhard?"

"What is the purpose of this division?"

Mercury immediately answered that quick reply. "We're the muscle of the Organization. We do escort missions and anything that requires fighting."

"And how many doctors do you have?"

"Depends. We have 6 people who can perform medical treatments, but they also do other chores. We don't have a dedicated doctor."

"You do now."

"And we're grateful for it."

"I'm the grateful one. I can do what I want as a free man now. It'll be strange sleeping in a place that's not a fridge, though."

Mercury chuckled. "I mean, you can change the temperature of your room if you want."

"That's not really the point I was making, but yes that's true."

"Plus, you have an actual bed now."

"That's another thing to get used to."

The group nodded.

"I have a question, will Erhard be forced to participate in battles?" Rebecca asked, concerned for her friend.

"He will be required to have some form of self-defense training in case the ship is invaded, but he will be specifically relegated to treating the ill and injured."

"So, he's going to be safe from conflict for the most part?"

"Yes. Again, he'll need self-defense training, but he won't be sent into battle."

"Then that's fine."

"I assume he's fine with self-defense training then?"

"Yes, as long as he doesn't get sent out to fight in a war. He's a healer."

"He won't. It's only in case of invasion."

"Then I have no objections, but what do you think, Erhard?"

The man took a moment to think. "...as long as I'm not required to fight, it'll be fine."

"You won't be forced to fight. Only those on the ship designated as knights and warriors will."

"I see. Thank you for letting me know."

"You're welcome."

The group then continued to eat in a comfortable silence.

---------

In a few minutes, Erhard was done with his plate. "Thank you for the meal. I quite enjoyed it."

Mercury smiled. "You should say that to the chefs then. But that can be later, now we have to take you to our next destination."

"And where is that?" He tilted his head.

"The infirmary. That's where you're probably going to be spending most of your time at."

"Indeed. I'd expect to spend the most time there."

"Then let's get moving. I'm sure you're excited."

He nodded and followed after Mercury.

"So, Erhard, how skilled of a doctor are you?" Mercury asked.

"I believe I'm quite skilled."

"In what fields? Like your specialties?"

"Surgery. I'm very good at surgery."

"That's an understatement and you know it. My father always said you were the best surgeon in the galaxy!" Rebecca commented.

"You're the best!?" Meta asked in awe.

Erhard's entire body turned pink. "I'm... I'm not that good..."

"Yes, you are, and you know it."

"N-no, I'm not..."

"Well, at we least we know he's modest. Erhard, do you any fears or phobias that we need to be aware of?" Mercury asked, hoping for a way to make him feel comfortable.

"Not that I know about..."

"You mean nothing that can be controlled, don't you?" Rebecca added.

"Yes."

The entire group instantly knew what they meant by that.

"I see..." Fettuccine was the one to break the brief moment of silence.

"It's fine. I have no phobias, or any allergies or anything that will require special assistance."

"I see. That'll make things easier." Mercury nodded.

"I would ask the same of you, but I guess I'll find that out when I do your patient intake form."

"I suppose you will. Are you a licensed psychologist, too?"

"Yes, I am."

"I see. I'll keep that in mind..."

Erhard tilted his head in curiosity. "Do you need my help for something, Mercury?"

"Maybe, but that's a topic for behind closed doors..." The woman replied, lowering her hat to cover her eyes.

"I see. I would be happy to have you as my first patient."

"Hey, Metty, what is she talking about?" Fettuccine asked innocently.

"...Sorry, but that's not something I should reveal lightly. You should ask her yourself."

"Oh... hey Mercury, what are you talking about?"

Mercury glared at her, but quickly looked away. "PTSD. That's all I'm telling you."

Fettuccine looked at her for a moment but just shrugged. "Probably just bullying..." She thought.

Meta seemed to notice this. "Did Reedy not tell his crew about what happened?"

"Now, should get we back to moving?" He was broken out of his thoughts by Mercury.

"I'm fairly excited. Which is saying a lot, I haven't felt excitement in such a long time." Erhard said.

"That's because you haven't had a reason to be excited." Rebecca giggled.

"Yes, that's true. Even the times I was let out of my cell weren't exciting, since I would be quickly put back in anyway."

"What, so you weren't excited when you heard we were going to prove your innocence?" Fettuccine asked with a pout.

"That's different. I was excited, but that kind of excitement was because of hope. My current excitement is that of getting to experience a new office."

"Besides, I think you can already tell he's not the best with emotions." Rebecca added.

"That too."

"Sounds like someone I know." Fettucine giggled.

"Who?" Meta asked.

She only continued to giggle, to his confusion.

---------

Soon they arrived, Erhard getting a good look around, his face gaining a whimsical look.

"So, this is my new workplace."

"Yes, and you'll be able to decorate it however you like whenever you start."

"Decorate?"

"Yeah. Decorate. To make it more custom to you."

"I see. I don't know where to begin with that."

"Well, just put around books, plants, photos, whatever."

"That's not what I meant, but yes, that's true."

"What do you mean then?"

"I have no belongings. I need to buy items for decorations, but I don't know what I want."

"Oh, don't worry, Kurabe bought you a few things to get you started and you can collect more as you work."

"When did she get the time for that?"

"Online shopping..."

"...What's that?"

"She bought things on the computer and had it sent to the ship."

"It seems that a lot of technological advancements had been made while I was imprisoned."

"Yeah, especially in the medical field. So you'll have to read up on that."

"No, that won't be necessary. One of the few things they actually allowed me to do was to keep up with advancements in the medical field. They needed me to still be a skilled doctor, despite me being a prisoner."

"Good. Now I won't have to hear Kurabe whine about how she wasted money on the latest equipment for you..."

"Yes, that is good. What else did she buy me?"

"A couple of books to help you with diagnosis and some picture frames."

"That is very nice of her."

"If you have any other interests, just let her know."

"I will. I will need to gain some interests first though."

"Ok."

"Did you not have interests before?" Meta asked.

"I did, but it's been so long since I actually had interests. I don't know if what interested before interests me now."

"Well, we'll help you find some interests." Mercury replied.

"I'd appreciate that."

"Maybe reading would be a good place to start..."

"I'd rather not something related to my job. I'll have to do enough reading as is."

"What about cooking?"

"Where would I cook?"

"Realistically, you can use anything to cook, but we'll worry about thinking of interests for you later."

"Right."

Meta turned to Mercury. "Where are we going next?"

"The training room. While you're not a soldier, you still need to know where it is. Sometimes our soldiers get carried away with training, if you know what I mean."

"I understand. Lead the way." She nodded and left the room.

---------

During the walk Erhard couldn't help but notice the looks people were giving him, or rather the lack of looks. He had gotten used to people looking at him with disdain, but there was none of that now. It felt, nice. Rebecca also seemed to notice this and smiled.

"It's moments like these that show me just how good it is to be free."

"And I'm happy for that." She replied.

"Alright, we're here. Go ahead and take a look around." Mercury told them.

The doctor nodded in reply and started looking. "And I thought the training facilities back at the school were impressive. The equipment here is truly extraordinary."

"Of course it is. The combat division is arguably the most important division in the Organization."

"Says who?" Fettuccine spoke up, slightly annoyed by that comment.

"No arguments please." Erhard quickly interjected.

However, the woman pouted. "I would like to know who said that!"

"I did, right now." Mercury deadpanned.

"No! Who said your division is the most important!"

"I said arguably. For someone who is supposed to be good at making people talk, you sure are bad at listening."

Meta rolled his eyes as an argument broke out.

"I said no arguments." Erhard said again, this time his gaining a dangerous edge to it that made them both stop.

The youth seemed to be slightly amazed by that.

"A good doctor must be able to control any situation." He explained.

"Indeed." Rebecca nodded.

"Is that why you two are always so calm?"

"More or less."

"And why you didn't seem bothered when treating Fetty's poison?"

"Yes."

"I see."

"That and after a while, you just get used to certain situations." Erhard added.

"Even people dying?"

"No. That's the one thing someone should never get used to."

Rebecca nodded. "Even if we seem to not be affected by it, it actually hurts us a lot to see a patient die."

"Once death no longer affects us, that's when a doctor loses their soul. That's what my teacher taught me."

"And that's the reason why you were absolutely innocent, isn't it?"

"No, the reason I was innocent was because I didn't do it, but that is a good way of looking at it."

"Of course. You didn't do it because you couldn't have done it."

"Yes, that is true. Meta, what is your opinion on death?"

The youth became silent for a moment before replying. "Well... that's difficult for me to say. I came from a planet that was full of death and at first, I thought it was simply a part of life that I didn't think twice about. Not that it isn't a part of life still, just that it's not something people should be used to. Like... I don't worry about my own death if I'm completely honest, but I'm more worried about the deaths of the people I care about, if you know what I mean."

"That's very much like a doctor. The operating table is very much like a battlefield. We put everything on the line to save our patients lives. Our lives are of no importance, only that of our patients. However, that's only when on the battlefield. Make sure to value your own life when you can. You can't protect others if you don't take care of yourself."

"I see..."

"Let me put it this way. Say you lose a hand. You would still be strong, but nowhere as strong as you once were. Meaning you'd be worse at protecting. You need to value yourself just as much as you value others."

"Ok."

"Good. Now then Mercury, where to next?"

"Oh right, we need to show you your room."

"Very well. Lead the way." He said as he followed her out the door.

---------

Due to Erhard's more delicate job, his room was very different compared to the bedrooms that the normal soldiers had. Inside his room, he had a desk and a mini-infirmary in his bathroom. He also had a softer bed than usual.

"I understand the mini-infirmary and the slightly larger desk, but what's the reason for the softer bed?" Fettuccine asked.

"Normal beds are specifically used to help our soldiers get used to sleeping on any kind of surface. Since Erhard isn't a soldier and we need our chief doctor to be at full throttle, Kurabe decided a more comfortable bed would be better." Mercury explained.

"But both me and sensei's bed are also really soft..."

"In your case, that's because your current room was a former guest room."

"And sensei?"

"She's the leader. Believe it or not, it's actually a rule made by the General that the captains and vice captains of every division have soft beds. Don't ask me why, not even Kurabe knows why that's a rule."

"...why do I have the feeling that was specifically meant for her...?"

Mercury shrugged. "As far as I know that's always been a rule, even before she became a captain."

"Certain members of the intelligence division are also exceptions." Fettuccine said.

"Like who?"

"Generally, anyone that use their brain a lot like me, Parmigiana, Granita, Minestrone, and Bicerin."

"Well, that makes sense."

"Yup!"

Erhard sat down on his new bed, feeling how comfortable it was. "It's been so long since I've sat on a bed."

"Now lay on it and see how it feels."

Erhard did so, staring at the ceiling. "Soft. I like it."

"Is it comfortable enough for you?"

"Yes, this will do nicely."

"Alright, is there any other place you want to show us?"

"Really only one area left that's super necessary. The meeting room."

"Come on, let's go." Rebecca said as she pulled her friend off the bed.

"Of course. Lead the way please."

His friend turned to Mercury and nodded.

"So, what do you think of the ship, Erhard?" Meta asked.

"I think it's quite a nice ship. Honestly not what I was expecting from a combat force."

"You have Kurabe to thank for that. She works hard to make sure the GranEssex is the best ship it can be."

"Yeah, it is. It's also not overly clean like the VictoriousArc, which is an extra bonus." Fettuccine said.

"How is that an issue?" Erhard asked.

"It's a bit blinding."

"I see. That's, strange."

"My older brother is strange..." Mercury sighed.

"Your brother is the leader of that division I take it. Why work here then?"

"Kurabe invited me and she's my best friend."

Erhard smiled. "I see."

"Yeah. I also just need a break from him at times."

"Why's that? Is it merely a sibling thing?"

Mercury stared at him for a moment. "Yeah. I lived with him for most of my life and, as much as I love him, he can be a bit overprotective at times."

"I get it. He views himself as your protector, or something like that."

"Yeah, because he has been my protector since we were kids."

"I see. It makes sense you would want to branch out. Like the cells of a body, they began in one spot, but spread out as time goes on."

"Indeed."

---------

Soon, they arrived at the meeting room.

"There's not a whole lot to see, but take a look around if you want."

The room was the same way it was when Meta first saw it, but the doctor seemed to be particularly interested in the area.

"What's up, Erhard?"

"The ceiling. Oh, you didn't mean literally. I'm just remembering the lecture room at the school. The doctor's hour-long lessons and speeches. I can still hear them clearly."

"...are you ok?"

"I don't appear to have any physical abnormalities. Oh, you didn't mean it in that way. Yes, I'm fine. Just feeling... nostalgic."

"Are you sure?"

"You need to understand. I haven't felt nostalgic about anything ever since I lost my memories. Right now, being nostalgic at all is the greatest feeling."

"I know, but aren't you sad or emotional?"

"Emotional, maybe. Not sad though."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm happy. Happy to have a past to remember again. I know if the doctor was here, he'd be patting my back and telling me to celebrate."

"I see..."

Admittedly, Meta didn't really understand it. If something like this happened with his mentor, he probably would be unable to handle it.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm sad he's gone, but I already sorted my feelings about it before you all arrived. I'm fine, so there's nothing to worry about."

"I see..."

"Alright that's pretty much it. Meta, Fettuccine, you're both free to go." Mercury said.

"Ok. I hope you enjoy your stay here, Erhard."

The two younger soldiers left the room, with Rebecca following after them. Mercury was about to leave, but was stopped.

"Mercury, I believe we're behind closed doors now."

"There are better places to talk about it, Erhard." She replied simply.

"You're right. So let's head to my office, shall we?"

She froze for a moment before simply nodding.

"Then let's go."

---------

Upon returning to the office, there was a brief moment of awkward silence.

"Let's not make this more difficult than it needs to be. Tell me, Mercury, what is troubling you?"

"This is difficult for me to talk about even though it's been probably a couple months at this point... but... I was attacked..."

Erhard looked at her, studying her body language. "By attacked, you mean to say someone, or something attacked your core."

"Y-yes..."

"A hivemind tried to assimilate you, am I correct with that assumption?"

She began to shiver. "Yes..."

"That explains everything then. You tried to hide it, but I noticed you've been wary around me. I take it you find it hard to trust other Limets?"

"That I'm unfamiliar with, yeah."

"Because you're afraid one of them might turn out to be another Hivemind, yes?"

"Of course! I never want to experience that again!"

"Of course, that's completely reasonable. However, I ask that you try to remain calm, Mercury. Now listen, your fear is completely rational. But you cannot allow yourself to be a slave to that fear. It will get in the way of your daily life. If you wish, I can prescribe you some medicine to help you deal with this."

"I'm not a slave to it!"

"Oh really? Then are you saying you can walk up to a random Limet and talk to them without freezing in fear?"

"I can!"

"Mercury, calm down." He told her, making her snap out of it.

"I said I can."

"Then care to explain why you haven't been sleeping for the past few weeks?" He asked.

"How did you?"

"Kurabe told me."

She paused and then huffed. "I'll be fine now that we had this talk!"

"No, you won't." Erhard interjected. "It's obvious that this is still affecting you. Mercury, I am not your enemy. My job is to help you. So please, relax and tell me everything that's on your mind." He told her, his calm yet powerful voice making her listen to him

"...Are you sure you want to deal with all of that?" She asked him.

"I wouldn't be much of a doctor if I wasn't prepared to listen to my patient."

"I'm not a slave to it, though. Even Meta thought that and he was wrong."

"You may not be a slave right now. But you will be if this keeps up. ...Mercury, did you know that I had a sister? Like you, she was the victim of a hivemind attack. She survived, but the mental strain caused by it drove her insane and left her in a comatose state. She passed away shortly after."

Mercury was left speechless.

"My sister tried to act as if it didn't bother her. She tried to carry all of her baggage on her shoulders. She refused to involve others with her issues. Does this remind you of anyone?"

"...Me." She slowly admitted.

"Mercury, I don't want what happened to my sister to happen to you. Please, I'm only here to help."

She became silent. "...is that true?"

"Everything I say is the truth. It's my code as a doctor."

"I didn't know you had a sister."

"My family all died before my incarceration. Given that many of my family records were destroyed, that's not surprising. I didn't know I had a sister until I got my memories back."

"...what happened to your family?"

"My parents died from an incurable disease. What happened to them and my sister were part of why I chose to enter the medical field in the first place. Other than wanting to help people of course."

"I see..."

"Mercury, you can only get so far shouldering everything by yourself. Please, let me help you." He said, holding out his hand.

She remained silent.

"It's alright if you're scared of me. Honestly, I would be surprised if you weren't. But I'm just here to help. You may not trust me and that's fine, but I'm serious when I say I just want to help."

"I know..."

"Then please, take my hand."

She nodded silently and took his hand slowly.

Erhard smiled. "Very good. Now Mercury, I cannot make this decision for you, but I suggest you and I meet up once a week to talk about your issues. Will that be doable for you?"

"Yes."

"Then I look forward to working with you."

"Same."

Erhard then looked at the clock.

"My, would you look at the time. I believe today has been quite productive. Thank you for showing me around."

Mercury smiled. "No problem. I hope that you like it here."

"Yes, I think I will enjoy my time here, in my new home."

"I hope so." She then and walked out of the room.

In a few minutes, Rebecca entered.

"So, what will you do now?" Erhard asked his friend.

"I think I'll continue medical work."

"That's good. Will you be staying here, or will you travel somewhere else?"

"As much as I want to stay here, I think I owe it to those who died because of my brother and Veno to help their families."

"I see. That's very much like you. I hope you can come by and visit sometime."

"I plan on doing so."

"Good." He then hugged the woman. "Take care of yourself, old friend."

She hugged him back. "I will. You take care of yourself as well."

"I will. It was good seeing you again, Rebecca."

"It's good seeing you, too." She then chuckled nervously. "It's funny... I plan on staying here a few days but we're acting like we won't see each other again..."

"Well, it has been quite a long time since we've last seen each other. Though that might be an understatement."

"Yeah, I know... is it fine if we just spend some time together?"

"Of course." She then blinked. "Oh, right. I managed to get you something for your room. Do you want to go see what it is?"

Erhard blinked too. "Yes, I do."

She smiled and took his hand before walking out.

---------

When they returned to his room, Erhard instantly saw what was different. There was a plant in his room.

"Yeah, I thought I would pick up a Christmas cactus for you. I remember you saying how much you loved it when dad's bloomed."

Erhard smiled at his friend and at his new plant. "I love it, thank you Rebecca."

"No problem. I just hope you have enough time to take care of it."

"Time management is one of my specialties."

Rebecca giggled. "Right, right. That's why you were my father's star pupil, anyway."

"You weren't too far behind you know."

"Yes, I know."

"Right. You're free to sleep in here if you wish. I can take the chair at my desk."

"No, there are open guest rooms. You deserve to sleep in a bed after what you've went through."

"Very well. But you can stay in here until it's time for you to sleep."

"Very well."

"In fact, we can both share the bed. I don't mind."

Immediately, Rebecca blushed. "Do... do you even know what you said?"

"That we can share the bed. Is there something wrong with that?" He asked, completely clueless.

"How can you not know if you're a doctor!?"

"Pardon? I don't see what being a doctor has to do with sleeping."

Rebecca facepalmed at how innocent and oblivious her friend was.

"Do you have a headache? Perhaps you should lay down."

"No, I'm fine. Thank you."

"No, I insist. You must be tired."

"I'll just head to my guest room then."

"Or you can sleep in here. This bed is more than big enough for two people, if you're worried about space."

"I know, but aren't you embarrassed!?"

"About what? It's not as if we'll be doing anything other than sleeping."

"I know but... it's still embarrassing..." She said, blushing even harder.

"Are you sure you're feeling alright? Your face is burning red."

"I'm just embarrassed, that's all."

"Why?"

"Just... being so close to you..."

"But we're close now, aren't we? I don't see much of a difference between standing next to each other and sleeping next to each other."

"It just feels more intimate..."

"Rebecca, I haven't slept in the same room with another person in decades. Please, just for tonight."

"...why are you so insistent?"

"Well, you said you wanted to stay with me for a little longer, yes? That's why."

"...is that all?"

"Do I need another reason?"

"That you simply don't want to be alone tonight?"

"I feel that better describes you."

"What about you then?"

"I wouldn't mind the company."

"...when you say that, it means yes." She sighed.

"I see. Fascinating."

"Yes, it is."

"Then shall we partake in the activity known as sleep?"

"Sure, you first."

Erhard nodded, laying down flat on his back. Almost immediately, he fell asleep.

"...he must've been more tired than I thought."

He could then be heard snoring, a sign that he was truly unconscious.

"...yeah, he really was tired." She smiled. "Not that I can blame him."

Sighing, Rebecca laid down next to him.

"Good night, Erhard."

As if knowing what she said, the man himself mumbled a "good night" in reply. Erhard smiled, for he finally was at true peace.

#kirby fanfic #granessex chronicles #meta knight #fettuccine kirby #mercury kirby #kurabe #erhard #art of rikka

[fumikomiyasaki]

☀️, 💕 and 🍭 with Mellow and Lynette. Or Amelia and Aiden.

Good fluff end:

"MELLOW, PLEASE ANSWER!"

He slowly regained his conciousness. All he remembered was that he turned into his monster form and was afraid inside to hurt others, as Lynette stopped his hands. She was crying and then he fell back.

His face has a slight wound as he tried to stop himself in his transformation.

Lynette jump hugged him.

"I was so worried about you...I am so glad you are okay."

He confusingly put his hands to his heart... his heart beat wasn't as unsteady as before, he was weirdly calm.

"I feel like we did it.... its under control now... I finally did it."

He also smiled at her and took her into his arms. Then realizing he still had the bleading in his face and backed off.

"Lets get you to the infirmary first."

After his treated wounds he asked Henry and Leroy. It really seemed like he finally had control over his monster form. He felt the most relieved and happy he has ever been.

Finally he could see a future for himself compared to before.

The next years attenting NRC he became less nervous, much more cheery and especially he grew taller than Leroy and Henry. Before Graduation he invite Lynette to a ferriswheel date. JHe won a big plushie for her which sat next to her.

"Lynette, these past years made me as happy as I could ever been and despite us graduating... I want to spend the rest of my life with you together... so I wanted to ask you something."

He pulled out a small pink box. Inside was a Ring.

"Would you consider marrying me?"

"OF COURSE I WOULD."

And so they both after graduation moved together and spend their life. Mellow finally had courage to show his feelings and tell what he wants. He still kept this little scar on his face as a reminder but finally he felt like he found a new family with Lynette. Finally his life to him had a meaning and was worth moving on.

And each day Mellow never felt more alive.

*sirens emerged from the back*

As the woods got filled by a Police force they fast noticed what was going on.Despite knowing Aiden given his record, they could see who the real attacker was as Amelia was still hidding behind him and the attacker with the bloody knive still stood threateningly.

They took the attacker into their cars and took care that Amelia and Aiden were well. As they recovered a certain detective walked up to them.

"Today is your lucky day, Mr. Renous. Not only did you save this girl... we actually have some details to your previous case."

"What do you mean.... I already did sit my time in prison."

"However you did on false charges right?"

"How do you...."

"It seems like one of your old buddies confessed to everything. What they did to you, why you were framed as the murderer... everything. Of course its a bit late for that... but let us at least give you a compensation for everything that was our fault."

Aiden glared sceptical as the man took out a big bundle of money.

"I don't think this will make what I have been through better."

"We know... but sadly we can't change the situation."

Aiden accepted the money.

"All I am glad is that Amelia is safe... so I should at least thank you for that. I just say please don't let him out anymore."

"Don't worry after tonights escapate... he probably won't get out in his lifetime anymore."

"Good."

"S-So its finally over?"

Aiden hugged her tight and put one hand on her head.

"It is, and shall he get out I will protect you again and again. Whatever it takes. After all you are the only reason I have now that my life is much better than before. I will stay with you forever and that I promise."

She cried and smiled at the same time, till she noticed what this meant.

"T-This kinda sounds like a p-proposal."

"If its too soon I wait some years, but I definetly still want to stay with you." Its was one of his rarer smile.

Some years after they both graduated it was finally time. They both had a pretty wedding in the nature full of flower fields and everything.

Aiden gave up in the past of his life getting good again but now he finally feeled fullfilled and that he regained the light of his life, Amelia.

And so he didn't care about his eye or the things that happened as long as he could stay with her and see her smile each day he wakes up.

#twistedwonderlandoc #twisted wonderland oc #twst oc #twistedwonderland #twisted wonderland #disney twst #twst #mellow mildew #mellow x lynette #aiden renous #aiden x amelia

[simp4cas]

It was Never Us- Chapter 2

Nice and Flowery

Masterlist

Dean Winchester× Reader

Dean grabs the keys of the Impala off his dressing table, frowning slightly at the fact that he left them in his room.

"Hey."

The older Winchester turns around to face his brother who was towering in the doorway.

"Hey," Dean replies, pushing his keys into the pocket of his jeans, turning around and scanning his room to see if he was forgetting something.

"Dean, what are you doing, man?" Sam asks and Dean turns to him, frowning.

"I just gave Y/n her boots back and a flannel of mine," Dean shrugs, taking a step forward. "I'm thinking of taking her to the town since this place," he indicates around his room, "isn't enough to convince her she's not in Apocalypse world."

"Town?" Sam breathes out, his mouth hanging slightly. "Dean- what do you think is going to happen?"

Dean raises an eyebrow, shrugging obliviously. He frowned though, waiting for Sam's hesitant words.

"You know she's going back, right? To her world. She won't stay here," Sam continued speaking earning a questioning look from his brother.

"And?"

"Dean, I remember what it was like after Y/n- this world's Y/n died, okay? Sure, you wanted everything to get over," Sam sighs, referring to the Apocalypse, "but you're my brother. I know that you were dying inside."

"I don't get-"

"-I saw you, man. The way your face lit up when she walked into the library. I just," Sam hesitates, "I'm happy that she's here too but I get that she's going to leave. I hope you do too."

Dean clenches his jaw, not knowing what to say. He looks around the room one more time, not wanting to think of Y/n's inevitable departure just yet. She just came about 24 hours back and Dean was already felt the old feelings surfacing up.

"Dean-"

"She's probably waiting for me," Dean cuts him off, almost gritting the words out. "You coming or not?"

Sam's mouth opens but he shuts it quickly and shakes his head. "No, the two of you go. Cas and I will find ways of opening the rift again."

Dean nods once before walking past his brother into the hallway.

He enters the map room, faltering when he sees Y/n standing there, tracing her fingers over the continents on the table. Her back faced him. The flannel hung over her shoulders and the sleeves were folded up several times just to reach the middle of her forearm.

She pushes her hair back and Dean, despite himself- traces the movement of her arm.

There she was. Standing there. In the same perfection as she had to almost eight years back.

Sam was right. A part- if not all- of Dean had died that day- the day Zachariah killed Y/n to get Dean to say 'yes'. He had started torturing her and the Winchester hadn't known what to do. Instead, he stood and watched as Y/n spat out blood onto the white marble flooring as she told Dean to say 'no'. Her last words had been, "Dean, no." He remembered the way she croaked it out with so much difficulty as she choked on her own blood.

Zachariah promised to bring her back if Dean said yes. The Winchester spat his answer out, his heart painfully beating in his chest as the angel started torturing Sammy in front of him.

"Bring her back, you bastard!"

"Oh, Dean. Let her death be a lesson to you."

"No, you promised-"

"Well, I lied."

Dean knew he should have forced them to bring her back but at that time, he was so messed up in the head that he killed Zachariah there and rushed to Y/n's dead body, cradling and crying over it.

Since then, he carried the guilt of her death. Of all the people he knew who died, he blamed himself the most for Y/n's death.

Dean clears his throat, taking a step forward. Y/n whirls back and Dean frowned at how alarmed she looked. There was still some dirt and grime on the skin of her arm but Dean ignored it.

"You okay?"

"Yeah," Y/n nods, breaking eye contact and looking around the room. "This is a...cool place."

The exact same voice.

"Yeah, the Men of Letters bunker," Dean sighs, looking around for a second before looking at Y/n again, missing the flash of confusion on her face at the mention of the MoL. "You ready to go?"

"Yep," Y/n nods, raising her eyebrows. "That is only if you let me carry a weapon with me."

Dean falters in his steps and he wanted to look at her incredulously but it didn't feel like the right thing to do. "Still don't trust us?"

"Yeah," Y/n scoffs at Dean's sarcastic question. "Maybe it's because you're with an angel," she says and turns to him, something flashing in her eyes that could only be regret and pain. Dean considers talking about it but when was he ever good with feelings?

"Cas is- He's good. Look, trust me, alright? You can trust me," Dean says, nodding his head, his gaze sincere and promising. Y/n takes a deep breath, biting on the inside of her lip before speaking in a defeated tone.

"Let's go, then."

Y/n's eyes had been widened for the past five minutes and Dean was getting worried.

From the second they rolled into town, she had stopped bobbing her head to the rock music he played softly. He did so because of two reasons. One, since the Apocalypse started in 2004, she wouldn't be that big fan of pop songs. So he put the all-time classic radio channel, playing only rock music. Two, his world's Y/n loved rock. The doppelgangers ought to have differences but he was hoping their taste of music wasn't one.

"You okay?" Dean asks finally, pulling up in front of a small diner. Luckily, Y/n didn't feel the need to carry a weapon.

"No, not really," Y/n breathes out, turning around in her seat so face Dean. "I don't get it. How is your world nice and," she hesitates, searching for a word, "flowery but mine is death and destruction."

"First of all," Dean starts off, slightly offended that she thought this world was flowery. "This world is not nice and... flowery? And second," he pauses, "it might be because your world didn't have me and Sam in it," Dean finishes off, trying to sound sincere and not like a douche. But apparently, his reason had a douche effect on Y/n as she scoffs and looks out again.

"Like you and your brother single-handedly stopped the Apocalypse," she says and when Dean doesn't respond she turns back, eyes widened. "You're telling me that because the two of you didn't exist, my world got damned?"

Dean couldn't respond. He didn't know what to say. Saying yes sounded bad but it was the answer to her question. Y/n pauses before opening the door of the Impala and walking out, eyeing a woman walking with her child on the footpath. Dean gets out too, the comforting smell of leather and whiskey leaving him.

They didn't speak. Dean just followed Y/n as she walked into the diner slowly and sat down in one of the booths. She shimmied a bit in her seat, placing her hands slowly on the table. Dean looked at her and felt a small smile creeping onto his face.

A waitress had come to take their orders- Y/n flinched when she approached but quickly regained her composure and asked for a plate of chocolate waffles, some bacon, and coffee. As soon as the waitress left, Y/n noticed Dean's raised eyebrows and shook her head, blushing slightly. "We don't have waffles in my world," she answers sheepishly, looking around and taking in the atmosphere of the diner.

Dean cringed slightly, feeling like an idiot now. "Yeah," he breathed out. He looked at her, feeling his curiosity rise. "How did you survive? All these years?"

"We had camps," she explains after looking around the diner another time. "Camps to fight against the angels- against Micheal. It's been hard," she says hesitantly, looking down, "and now I find out that because you and your brother never lived in my world, it went to shit." She pauses and looks up at Dean. "How did the two of you stop the Apocalypse?"

Dean shifts in his seat and sits back. "Sam jumped into Lucifer's cage when he was possessed by him. He took Micheal down there too."

"Your brother went to Hell?" Y/n asks, brows shot up and eyes widened.

"Yeah, Cas brought him back." Dean pauses as Y/n mulls over his words. "You died before that," he says before he could stop himself. He felt obliged to tell her the truth- if it was him in her place, he would want the entire truth- but he couldn't bring himself to tell it to her. His heart was still beating painfully- from the minute he saw her. The guilt was going to drive him crazy.

"What?"

"I was Michael's vessel," Dean says slowly, fighting with himself on the inside whether he should tell her the whole truth. Her eyes widen at what he said and he could see a bit of her distrust growing back. "I couldn't say yes. So- um, the angels tortured you- her in front of me. And I didn't know what to do," his voice cracked slightly and clenches his fists on his lap. He stops speaking and looks out at the gathering crowd outside, most people getting to work.

"She told me to say no. Those had been her last words." Dean stops talking as images of that day come flooding into his mind. The guilt crept up his chest, wrapping his heavily beating heart and making it heavier.

"She died for a good cause," Y/n whispers after a few seconds of awkward silence. "She died fighting against angels."

"No," Dean breathes out roughly, shaking his head. "No." He looked at Y/n, overflooded with hatred, guilt, pain. In the storm of those ugly feelings was a small glint of something Dean hardly felt anymore. "Her death was all my fault. She didn't deserve to die."

Y/n knits her eyebrows together and Dean can almost hear the question being formed in her mind. What was your relationship with this world's Y/n again?

Dean may have lied and said that they were friends but at that time he was still too shocked at the fact that she was alive in the alternate universe.

Y/n opens her mouth but is quickly cut off when the waitress arrives and places the two plates in front of her along with a white mug filled with the hot dark brown liquid. She widens her eyes at it, not even thanking the waitress for the food.

Dean takes a bite of the bacon he ordered for himself, looking at Y/n as she carefully cut the waffle and put it in her mouth, her face instantly lighting up as she groans. "This tastes so good," she mutters and stuffs another bite in her mouth.

"Easy, tiger," Dean chuckles, looking at the way she quickly ate what was in her mouth and took another bite.

"Thank you," Y/n says, stopping momentarily. "For buying me breakfast."

Dean tilts his head and nods, about to answer but Y/n quickly starts eating again. He found it better to let her continue without disturbing her.

"So, there was this man," Y/n starts and Dean turns back from the wall, looking at her shift uncomfortably in the wooden seat.

"Okay?" Dean frowns, walking to the kitchen island, maintaining as much distance as he could from her. He was lucky Y/n hadn't noticed his discomfort whenever they seemed to be within five feet of eachother.

Sam was right. It was easy. Get Y/n back to her world. No attachments or feelings. Nothing.

No. It was easier said than done though. It was the same woman Dean fell in love with all those years ago. It was the same woman Dean saw in his nightmares- her always dying because he couldn't get to her in time. It was like his deepest fear- his fear of losing Y/n- had come true on that day.

"He saved me," she says slowly, tracing her fingers over the hot ceramic cup of coffee Dean had offered her; he guessed that by the way she said, "Yes, please," to his offering of another cup of coffee, she must've missed the bitter brown liquid. "Bobby Singer," she nods and looks up at him.

"Bobby?" Dean asks gruffly, surprised that they knew each other in the alternate universe too.

"You know him?" Y/n asks, face lighting up in excitement and a bit of confusion.

"Yeah, knew him," Dean corrects. "He died."

"It seems that everyone you know, dies," Y/n states, her nervous smile slowly turning into a frown as she looks at Dean accusingly. "Or," she pauses, "everyone who knows you, dies."

"Wow. That's extra" Dean scoffs, slightly offended.

"I'm sorry if I'm a bit skeptical," Y/n snaps. "You got me here with no plan of taking me back-"

"-I didn't know-"

"- and Charlie, Bobby, and Y/n- this world's- are dead!"

"I told you that an angel killed her," Dean frowns.

"Look," Y/n sighs, shaking her head, "trusting people- it's not...easy for me. Hell, if you trusted the wrong people in my world, you could die. I just- I need to be sure that- that I get back, okay?"

"I'm not gonna hurt you," Dean shakes his head. "I saved you back there."

"I didn't need saving," Y/n answers after clenching her jaw and Dean scoffs, turning away from her piercing (y/e/c) eyes. "It would have been easier if you left me there."

Dean shakes his head, unable to get rid of the uneasiness in his stomach. Dean's eyes avert as he sees Cas appearing in the kitchen's doorway.

"Dean," he calls in his rough voice and takes a step forward. Y/n had turned around, her mouth hanging on seeing the angel. Fear masked her eyes as she looked back at the Winchester and back at the angel, quickly excusing herself and leaving, trying hard not to brush her shoulder with Cas's.

"Is she fine?" Cas looks back at Dean, confusion marring his features.

Dean thinks back to what she said before. Everyone who knows you, dies.

"I don't know."

Y/n's POV

You rushed out of the room, knowing you wouldn't be able to stay a few feet away from an angel and not kill him. Was it rude- what you said to Dean?

Sure, he saved your life but that gave you no reason to trust him. No reason to trust any of them. He should have left you in that damned world so you wouldn't get a chance to see how life could be. Would be if you stayed here.

But you were loyal to your people and your cause. You couldn't leave them in that rotten world. Who knew what was happening with them right now? What if, while you're here, your camp gets raided by angels?

You shake your head, the uneasiness creating a pit in your stomach. You walk into the library of the huge bunker they had- the Men of Letters bunker as Dean had called it.

The library was huge itself with old faded book spines decorating the walls. They were additional shelves too with luscious leather armchairs in front of them.

Sam was sitting on one of the tables that lined the middle of the library, bent over what seemed to be a tablet. You nod a bit after the momentary surprise, trying to get it into your head that you were in an alternate universe.

Not knowing what to do, you approach the library. Sam looks up before you could change your mind to leave and a small smile appears on his lips. "Hey," he breathes out and you take an awkward step forward.

"Hey." You look at Sam awkwardly smile at you and open his mouth before closing it, looking down at his tablet with furrowed brows. You raise your eyebrows at his unsaid words and bite your lip, looking around the library. "You guys must be rich to afford a library like this- an entire place like this, actually," you state and look at Sam as he chuckles softly.

"No, uh, we actually found the place like this."

"It's a... Men of Letters bunker, right?" You ask hesitantly, almost forgetting the name of the place.

"Yeah," Sam replies, resting his hands beside the tablet on the table.

"So, what do you guys do for a living?" You ask, tugging down at the flannel sleeves Dean had offered to you.

Was it... wrong? That you didn't trust them? Considering how they immediately let you stay in their house and offered their clothes to you seemed as you should. Also considering that Dean saved you. But you were right before- trusting the wrong people could lead to someone's death. You had learned that the hard way- the scar along your back was proof of it.

"Dean didn't tell you?" He asks and you frown, asking yourself when Dean would have the time to tell you that. Oh.

"At that time, I was focusing on saving Charlie from the angels," you answer sheepishly and you shift your weight to one leg as they start aching.

"We're hunters," Sam replies after widening his eyes at what you said- you not understanding the reference you may have made. "Monsters are real. Vampires, werewolves- you name it."

"I know," you say, nodding your head, your mind forming an image of those butt-ugly creatures. Bobby had told you that vamps and werewolves weren't as feral as they were before since they could feed off humans at any time.

But the Apocalypse started and they starved with the decreasing population- turning them into wild creatures that didn't think, didn't sleep- only hunted. The old man had said they were far more dangerous than they were before since nothing seemed to faze them and they only acted upon pure animal instinct.

"You were a hunter in your world?" Sam asks, surprised.

"No," you shake your head, planning to elaborate but a sudden switch flips in your head and a voice shouts in your head, "What are you doing?!" Shit. You had to be focused on getting back home. As every second passed, something bad could be happening. Your anxiety weighs down on you and you look at Sam's worried expression- no doubt on the look of fear on your face.

"What's wrong?" He asks, his chair scraping as he tries getting up, immediately stopping when your hand flies up in fear- telling him to stay where he was.

You didn't want to admit it but a feeling of dread was creeping in your chest, coming like waves. Right when you seemed to be admiring this world, it washed up, bringing in more and more fear. Fear and worry that made you sick in the stomach.

"Nothing's wrong," you shake your head. "Where are you guys on the ingredients for the door?"

Sam sits straighter, his brows knitting together for a second before he answers. "We have everything but one ingredient."

"And that is?"

"Archangel grace."

You remembered Dean saying that Micheal was in his Lucifer's cage. He didn't mention if Lucifer was in his cage as well. But that would still leave two more, right?

"How are you going to get it?" You ask, slight urgency in your voice since archangel grace didn't sound like something anyone could easily come by.

"We're trying to track down Gabriel- one of the archangels," Sam adds in and you take a step forward, his words piquing your interest. He looks down at his tab and stops speaking, a frown forming on his face and creasing his forehead.

"What?" You ask, trying to peek into the tab.

"We have a problem."

"I don't get it. Whats happened?" You ask, taking a small step forward.

"Y/n, you have to stay in the bunker," Dean says as he adjusts his duffel bag on his shoulder, turning around to look at Sam walking into the war room with his bag hoisted over his shoulders.

"There's this witch- Rowena," Dean starts and you nod, remembering the name from when you were sneaking up on the men and the angel.

"That's the woman you were talking to this morning, right?"

"Yeah, she's causing trouble for a few people," Sam speaks now, "and we have to stop her."

"What about finding Gabriel?" you ask selfishly, hoping that they would focus on getting you home first.

"Rowena's going to help us find him," Sam reassures, nodding and making his puppy dog look.

"Let me come too, then," you say on an impulse, not knowing what to do in this huge bunker.

"No," Dean answers and looks towards Sam. "You ready?

"Yeah."

"Wait, why not?"

"We'll be back in a few days- a week, maybe," Dean says and drops his voice. "Look, I'm the one who brought you here. I'll take you back too, okay? It's my responsibility."

"What do I do here, then?" You ask, folding your arms above your chest, exasperated by the idea of staying in this place.

"I don't know- read some books, watch some Netflix," Dean says, shaking his head slightly.

"Netflix?" You ask, looking at Sam to see if he understood the word. He chuckles softly as Dean closes his mouth, confused at your question before rolling his eyes.

What the hell was a Netflix?

[idiosyncrasy-thoughts]

Empathy - Yvette Short Story (Part 1)

(this is Yvette's route based on Wrath's storyline; a disclaimer that i'm no pro writer; i already love yvette even though her route isn't even out yet)

Consciousness sweeps over me as I feel sand brushing against my cheek. I open my eyes to vast and vast of sand stretching to the horizon, coming to a realisation that I'm in the middle of a desert. I try to move my hands, but they are so tightly bound behind my back that struggling hurts my skin.

What the?

My ankles are tied too, and I try to recall the situation that happened before that leads me to this.

A tall figure a few distance away catches my attention. Green hair cascading down her back, Yvette's on the phone with someone. I stare at her back features, remembering that I'm kept hostage by her for the heirloom. Questions start to flood my mind.

Why does Yvette need the heirloom? Why is she working with the demons? And why does she have a burning hatred for Wrath? Pun intended.

There must be a valid reason as to why Yvette's so determined in getting my charm, right? Or else she wouldn't have fought her way until now.

The sound of several footsteps interrupts my thoughts and I turn my head to see who is it. A couple comes into my vision, stopping right in front of me. A rush of relief fills me. A rescue party? How lucky am I?

"Thank god, please untie me," I say as quietly as I can. "And don't make too much noise, that lady over there got some fire powers."

The two people seem unbothered by my words as they continue to stare at me blankly. I look at them curiously before horror surges through my body. Red veins start to appear on their skin, and their eyes expand to an abnormal length. They growl at me fiercely, probably hungry for my flesh.

And I oop-

One of them comes close enough to smell me, and I close my eyes with the hope that it will gulp me whole instead of biting my face. A quick death is always better than a slow, painful one.

"No. Don't eat her," Yvette's commanding voice rings. "I still need her alive for the charm."

The demon hisses at me but still backs away. Yvette steps in with a smile.

"You're up, sweetheart. How's the little nap?"

I push myself up with my elbow. "Uncomfortable and dirty."

Yvette bends down to meet my eye level. "Oh, you poor thing." I flinch when she reaches out to touch my face. "Relax, I have gloves on. And you have sand on your pretty face."

I stay still as she gently brushes sand off my cheek, and I take the moment to observe her facial features. I have to admit, although Yvette's supposedly the bad person, she can be nice...and gorgeous.

My breath hitches in my throat when the girl catches me staring, and a small smirk tugs on her lips. "Enjoying the view?"

"I mean, you know you're pretty."

Yvette's eyes twinkle with delight. "Mm, Wrath won't be too pleased to hear her girl saying that."

"Wrath and I are just friends."

The green-haired lady raises an eyebrow. "Friends? That's funny, because I remember you almost kissing me when I played as Wrath."

Well, that's true. But who would turn down a kiss from an attractive woman?

I stay silent, causing Yvette to snicker while she stands to pull out her phone. "That's what I thought."

Dialing for someone, she puts her phone near her ear. A few moments later, a smug grows on Yvette's face.

"Wrath, I thought you'd never pick up the phone."

Her smirk drops after a few seconds and she spares me an annoyed glance, pushing the phone near me.

"Hello?"

"Did she hurt you?" Wrath asks.

"N-No."

"Good. I'll be there soon."

"I know, I-"

Yvette quickly pulls away the phone and speaks, "There, you heard her voice. I'll give you the coordinates, but if anyone else shows up except for you, your crush dies. Bring the heirloom. Understand?"

Yvette hangs up shortly after, smirking at me.

"She sounded so desperate."

"Wrath's never desperate. Only frustrated."

Yvette laughs and tucks away her phone. "You caught me. I was called several things in Spanish that I would prefer not to translate."

"But she's coming to get me?"

Yvette pauses, and for a second, her expression is unreadable. "That's what we all want, isn't it?"

"When things are terrifying and painful, far too much to handle alone...we want someone to come and rescue us," her voice lowers slightly, her grip on her cane visibly tightens.

She's not looking at me. If anything, Yvette is looking past me, haunted by a spectre that I can't see.

My heart sinks at the sight.

She must have gone through so much suffering alone without anyone, and that's a terrifying, lonely route to walk on. Even for a bad person, Yvette has feelings as well.

Oh no, I am NOT falling for the bad guy.

"Enough of this," Yvette starts, noticing the tension in the air when I forgot to reply. "I will get that heirloom, even if I have to kill Wrath. Which will be ideal, of course."

Then, something that I would never expect myself to say slips out of my mouth. "What if...I help you get it? Minus the killing."

Surprise flashes across Yvette's face, but it doesn't last long as her stoic demeanour comes back on. "You almost got me there. But that lie won't work on me anymore. Not after you ambushed me back at that room."

"Well..." I trail off, pondering an explanation. "I was convinced me that you're bad news. But then I realise that I don't know the whole story to judge."

"And...the demons," I continue. "The amount of people who want you dead. They all sound so scary to deal with alone."

Yvette's averts her gaze to the horizon. "They do, but I got used to it...I have to."

Her eyes find mine again.

"Why, are you pitying me right now?"

"What? No, it's more like empathising with you."

Yvette laughs as if I have just made a joke, and it stings my heart. She bends down again to meet my eye level, regaining her composure.

"That's hilarious, MC, but back to business. You must want something in exchange. Do you prefer cash?" Yvette suggests, her voice becoming low and alluring. "Or perhaps a date with me?"

My cheeks burn up by her enticing offer, but I shake my head out of it, remembering my original intention.

"If getting you that heirloom keeps the both of you safe, then yes, I'll help you."

Yvette's orbs scrutinise mine as if she's searching for something; probably any malicious agendas that I may hide. When she doesn't find any, her hard gaze soften, and I find myself getting lost in her gorgeous ocean eyes; my heart thumping wildly in my chest. Why is she staring at me like that?

Eventually, I have to force myself to look away in order to breathe. "Don't look at me like that."

Yvette chuckles, pushing my hair away to caress my face. "You are something, MC."

The sound of a vehicle driving towards us breaks my moment with Yvette. All available emotions of the girl are drained, soon replaced by a hard look that she wears when dealing with serious matters.

"It's business time," says Yvette, who stands up to welcome our visitor.

I follow her gaze to a large jeep parked a few distance away. The door to it swings open and black combat boots step out. I don't have to look to know who it is, but I do anyways.

Wrath comes into view with a face full of fury, similar to the blazing sun that's rising behind her.

Yvette's eyes flicker to me, then to the demons, commanding them to hold me in place. "Don't hurt her."

The demons growl disappointedly as Yvette approaches the ringleader.

"Look who's here to save the day," the green-haired girl starts, leaning her weight on her staff. "Can't stay away from your crush?"

"Hand over MC now," Wrath deadpans, fixing her brass knuckles in place. "Or you'll regret what's coming."

"Or what? Get punched in the face? It takes more than a black eye to stop me."

"How about snapping your neck?"

Now that's just brutal.

Yvette laughs wickedly, a low rumble that sends a chill down my spine. "Your true colours always show, Esperanza. You want to play saviour, but you can't help it, can you?"

Wrath breathes out a sigh. "You're always full of shit to say, Yvette. Your enemies will get bored of your grandma stories."

A hint of annoyance sweeps over Yvette's face, and she pulls out her cane from the sand, leaving a hole in it. Without warning, she launches herself towards Wrath.

She moves too fast for a human, and her fist is aiming straight for the ringleader's chest.

My stomach sinks when I think about the consequences of Greed's fire fist in Wrath's chest; where her heart is. Please don't do it, Yvette.

Wrath doesn't even flinch, as if waiting for the green-haired girl to strike her.

"Have you forgotten, Yvette? MC's heirloom is still with me."

Yvette visibly hesitates, her fist stops inches away from the ringleader. Taking this chance, Wrath drives her knee up to the green-haired girl's stomach and bashes the side of her face.

I gasp audibly at the impact, witnessing as the girl stumbles onto the ground.

"Yvette!"

Part 2

#lovestruck #yvette #yvette sin with me #sin with me #wrath esperanza #wrath #swm #yvette swm #greed #greed sin with me #yvette holte #lovestruck imagines #lovestruck short story #lovestruck one shots

[mind-reader1]

Queen of Hearts (Ch. 27)

Drake x MC (Emma Barnes)

TRR AU: What would happen if Emma loved Drake but had to marry Liam?

Catch up here

Warnings: violence

Note: WE’RE FINALLY GETTING TO THE GOOD STUFF. So I wrote out Emma’s death, for real this time, then I realized I couldn’t do any of the other stuff I had planned for the story so she got a reprieve this time. 

Word Count: 2,429

Summary: Olivia, Drake and Emma have been captured, will Liam come to save them or will he take a different route? 

Chapter 27: The Emperor’s New Clothes - Panic at the Disco!

I'm taking back the crown I'm all dressed up and naked I see what's mine and take it (Finders keepers, losers weepers) Oh yeah The crown So close I can taste it I see what's mine and take it (Finders keepers, losers weepers) Oh yeah

Sycophants on velvet sofas Lavish mansions, vintage wine I am so much more than royal Snatch your chain and mace your eyes If it feels good, tastes good It must be mine Heroes always get remembered But you know legends never die

Emma didn't know how much time had passed, but as the bag was lifted off her head, she took in her surroundings. She was in an old dungeon, Drake and Olivia tied up on either side of her, Anton standing over them with a smirk on his face.

“Emma. Lovely to see you again.”

“I swear if he hurt you Walker!”

“I'm okay Drake.” Her hands were tied behind her, her legs also tied to a chair, she pulled against them to no avail. She could feel the panic bubbling up in her chest, she was taken back to that night in the vault, the vision of Drake at her funeral, there was no one coming to get her now.

“What a nice little reunion. Me, my former client, her lover? Husband? Whatever you are, and my fiery wife.” Olivia spit at him from her chair.

“Call me your wife again and I'll show you what a real ball and chain feels like. I'm not some pawn in your game.”

“You'll cooperate or die here with the queen and her play toy!”

“You can't do this Justin. You can't seriously think the people will accept you if you kill Cordonia's new queen.” A lazy smile curled onto his lips.

“You always were a great client, perfect with the spin and drawing everyone one. It won't save you now though.” Before Emma could say anything else, an assassin with an all too familiar mask walked in. He was the one who had tried to kill Emma, shot Drake, he exchanged a few words with Anton.

“You're the bastard who shot me!”

“And tried to kill me!” Emma was furious, she struggled against her bonds again. This man had caused her and Drake so much pain, even if it was all Anton's idea, she wanted to kill him. They taunted Drake, the man revealing his face to him, talking about his father and what a legend he was.

“Wanted to be like dear old dad. Take a bullet for your girl, be the hero.”

“Hey Gerard Butler wannabe! Leave Drake out of this! Your problem is with the crown, that's me now!” His eyes flared with anger as he stomped towards Emma, grabbing her cheeks in his hand and squeezing, pulling her face towards him.

“Maybe I'll kill you first, make your boy toy watch?”

“Walker!” She could hear Drake struggling against his bonds.

“Get your hands off her! I swear to God I'm going to kill you!” He ignored Drake and continued to lean in close to Emma.

“That's going to be the last thing you ever do!” Finally, he rolled his eyes and released Emma from his iron grip walking towards Drake.

“I'd suggest you shut up if you want to see your girl alive for the little bit of time you both have left.”

“I think it's you that should be worried about time because I'm going to kill you. Won't be difficult, you're clearly a poor shot since you only got my shoulder.” that was it. The man cocked his fist back and slammed it into Drake's face, Emma swore she heard a crack and felt it reverberate through her chest.

“Drake!” She screamed but it was no use, he was out cold, slumped in his chair, the only thing holding him up were his restraints.

“That's enough!” Anton stepped up again.

“We finish what we started at the Homecoming Ball. Liam knows you're all being held captive and he'll come alone if he wants to see you alive.” he droned on and on about his plan, how he was destined to fulfill the Nevrakis legacy and how he would rule with Olivia by his side because that was what her parents wanted. Emma tried to focus but her thoughts kept drifting back to Drake, wondering if he was okay. Anton finally left, and Emma struggled to keep her breathing under control as the reality of the situation set in. Drake began to groan beside her as he regained consciousness, Emma cried.

“Drake are you okay?”

“I'm fine Walker. He didn't hurt you, did he?” Emma shook her head and Olivia filled him in on Anton's plan.

“We're fine Walker, don't cry. Liam is going to come for us.” She shook her head again.

“No, he's not Drake, the only reason he'll come for us is Olivia.” He frowned and so did Olivia.

“What?” Olivia asked.

“Don't say that Walker, he loves you. He'll come for you.” Emma shook her head crying.

“Think about it Drake. We die as martyrs. He mourns publicly and gets to pick a new wife, Olivia. He loves her, and she loves him back, the public would love her too. She helps him get over our deaths. We're out of the way, Liam gets everything he wants.” Emma had stopped crying, in that moment you could hear a pin drop as her words sank in.

“Emma as much he hates me, and might be mad at you, he wouldn't let us die.” Drake tried to reassure her but there was no conviction in his voice, she made such a strong case.

“Well no one's going to die today if I have anything to say about it so quit your whining and help me. I'm no one's damsel in distress.” Olivia huffed.

“You have a knife, don't you? You've been holding out on us this whole time.” Olivia smiled wickedly.

“Of course. They didn't find my backup-backup knife, I've been trying to get to it.”  She wiggled against the restraints, her face showing her determination.

“I can't reach it though, you need to get it.” they scooted their chairs together carefully until Emma could teach Olivia's hands.

“Where is it?”

“Just above where my wrists were tied.” Emma fidgeted behind her until she found the knife and began cutting the ropes.

“So why did Drake call you Walker? And Anton called him your husband, so what am I missing?” Emma sighed and continued to slice the ropes till Olivia was free.

“It's not important right now. What's important is getting out of here.” Olivia looked between the two.

“I'm not cutting you loose until someone tells me.” Drake gave Emma an apologetic look.

“We eloped before the wedding. She was my wife first and foremost. Happy? Now cut us loose.” Olivia's eyes flashed with amusement.

“I'm sure Liam was thrilled.” Olivia quipped.

“He doesn't know. Please don't tell him.” Emma begged. Olivia's face was unreadable.

“As long as you let Liam be free.” Drake was confused but Emma knew what she meant and nodded, frankly she didn't care who Liam slept with, besides she thought Liam and Olivia would make a nice pair. It wasn't the time to worry about that though, they needed to get out of there. As soon as Drake was free though, she launched herself at him, Olivia looking for secret passageways or some other way out.

“Are you okay? They didn't hurt you, did they?” Drake grabbed either side of her face and looked Emma over, she only had a few rope burns from struggling against her bonds.

“I'm fine Drake, but you.” She reached up to run her hand along the large bruise forming where Claudius had hit him. Drake flinched, and Emma pulled her hand away.

“I'm sorry, this is my fault. I started egging him on and he took it out on you.” Drake silenced her with a kiss and she fell into it, wrapping her arms around him.

“I'm okay Walker. Let's get out of here.”

“Yes. Please let's get out of here.” Olivia rolled her eyes revealing an old panel that they thought would be their ticket out of there. They were able to find the passage, coming across Gladys as they tried to navigate the old Nevrakis stronghold. Emma decided to trust her, and she led them down to an armory and explained her side of the story to Emma and offered to lure at least some of the guards away. It wasn't much help, but they needed all they could get. As they paced through the halls they heard voices approaching, Drake was ready to swing but Emma stopped him before Hana and Maxwell rounded the corner. They pulled each other into a hug, relief flooding through all of them.

“If you're here then where's Liam?” Olivia snapped. Hana and Maxwell exchanged worried glances.

“He's probably meeting with Anton right now.” Olivia rushed past them and stopped in a doorway, they could see Anton and Liam in the ruins of an old grand entrance. Liam was unarmed and angry, demanding that his friends be released. Anton's thug stepped up and punched Liam in the gut making him double over, he planned to kill him. Emma tried to run in, as much as mad as she was at Liam, he had come for all of them and she didn't want him to die. Liam revealed a dagger in his coat and charged Anton, the others saw their chance and created a distraction with rocks before jumping into the fight. Chaos ensued as all of Emma's friends were in the middle of fighting guards, Claudius had Olivia pinned against the stairs as they wrestled, Drake was cornered by a guard, she rushed to his aid, taking out the guard, Drake grinning appreciatively.

“This isn't exactly how I pictured this night going. I was thinking more rose petals, maybe some candles would be involved.” They moved until they were back to back, fighting off guards.

“Me too Drake. Watching you fight with a sword is still pretty hot though.” As the last guard near them fell, Emma looked up only to find Anton pointing a gun at her.

“Get away from her!” Drake hissed slashing at Anton's arm forcing him to drop the gun. Furious, Anton unsheathed his sword and turned on Drake.

“You want to fight? It'll be your funeral!” He lunged at Drake and Emma couldn't believe what she was seeing, she wasn't going to give Anton another chance.

“NO!” With all her force, she swung her weapon at Anton, drawing blood, shocking him.

“Guards! Cover me!” He began to flee. Olivia rushed after him, the guards circling Drake and Emma once again.

“Why can't we ever find a peaceful moment together?”

“Because that's not our lives. Every moment is so worth it though.” She could hear the grin in his voice.

“You're right. Let's show them how it's done Mr. Walker.” The first guard lunged, and Drake easily sliced him down, the others hesitating as Liam offered mercy for standing down. One by one the guards laid their weapons down, Claudius rising from a pile of ashes.

“You'll never stop Anton!” Liam moved to take him out, but Drake beat him to it.

“This is for trying to shoot Barnes!” He clocked him right in the face. Claudius stumbled back but kept coming.

“This is for actually shooting me and talking about my dad!” Drake kicked him in the groin, making him fall to his knees.

“I told you that if you touched her, I'd kill you. This is for laying a finger on her!” Drake swung his sword down towards his neck and everyone looked away flinching but heard no sound. The sword laid against his neck, he had stopped. Instead Drake kicked him in the face, knocking him out. Everyone breathed out a sigh of relief.

“I'll let the crown deal with you.” Drake threw his sword down breathing heavy. Emma ran to him, thinking it was over.

“Olivia!” Liam rushed up the stairs, they turned to find Anton, bearing her down sword in hand.

“Stand down or die sweetheart!” he said menacingly. Olivia rushed him, knocking his sword away.

“Yes, stand down. I was trained by the fiercest warriors Lythikos had to offer, my parents.” She charged him with the dagger, but Anton caught it and turned it on her, plunging it into her side.

“You seem to have forgotten darling. So was I!” Olivia gasped and fell to the ground, gripping the dagger protruding from her side.

“Liv!” Liam stumbled on the stairs trying to get to her, she tried to stand but fell back down wincing as Anton loomed over her.

“If you can breathe you can stand!” Olivia met Emma's gaze and nodded.

“And if you can stand you can fight!” she pulled the dagger out of her side and managed to catch Anton in the chest before stumbling into Liam's arms unable to support herself.

“Liam, I'm bleeding a lot.” She pulled her hand away, bright red. He brushed a strand of hair from her cheek.

“You're going to be okay. You're a Nevrakis, you're the toughest woman I know.”

“You won't be okay though, this is the end of the line for you.” Anton leveled his sword at Emma and Drake who had rushed up to help. They were pinned against the bannister and it was a long fall. This was it, just as Emma had predicted, Liam had saved Olivia and now she and Drake would pay the price. He glanced back himself and gave her a look, he had an idea, it clicked with Emma as he reached out and squeezed her hand. Maybe it wasn't the end for them after all. Anton lunged, Drake and Emma stepped out of the way at the last moment and shoved him over the railing. He flailed on his way down, Maxwell rushing over to tie him up. It was finally over. Liam carried Olivia down the stairs, Drake and Emma holding each other before joining their friends at the bottom. Moments later, a loud commotion came from the front doors, the Kingsguard led by Mara and Bastien rushing in only to find that once again they were too late.

“What took you so long!” Olivia gasped, clutching her side again, Liam still holding her.

“Your Majesty, I'm glad you're alright.”

“Yes, don't worry about me Bastien. Liv needs medical attention now!” Liam barked. Mara began tending to her wounds, Bastien surveyed the area. He insisted on getting Emma and Liam back to the reception, everyone was waiting to see if they were okay. The moment everyone returned to the palace, cheers erupted, and Emma's friends were greeted by their families, worried but relieved they were safe, Cooper rushing up to Emma. Once the excitement died down, Maxwell pulled Emma and their friends out onto the dance floor, it had become a celebration of their victory and less about the wedding which Emma loved.

Next Time: Well I decided not to kill them. Are they all finally catching a break, or will Drake and Emma’s secret be revealed ruining everything? 

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