#boi was prepared to fist fight his way through his brothers and a horde of bergens

[shadebloopnik]

There's just something about Floyd being unhinged in fics that just gets me.

Like yes he gets portrayed as a sweet frail uwu boi most of the time, which is also niceee and all, and would also suit his sensitive title. But then there are fics where Floyd is absolutely off the rails at times; where Floyd is nearing losing his voice being the loudest in a shouting match, where Floyd nearly bites someone's head off in anger, where Floyd tries to sneak out of his room multiple times even when his body still very much recovering from greeting his grandma, where Floyd wrestles with his brother on the floor because he's about to do impulsive sht for the people he cares about, fics where Floyd absolutely LOSES HIS SHIT

And the best part is that none of it is out of character for him at all. In fact, it'd cement his title as the sensitive one even more. Being sensitive isn't just about sad and mopey. Sometimes its about being nuts, and paranoid, and being impulsive when your loved ones are in danger and being so so angry that you'd yell and cry from the frustration. Not that he's always feral and wild- because he's def the one to mediate most of the time, but in situations where his loved ones are in danger, I just love when he's unapologetically emotional in every aspect about it, when he's sobbing and yelling without abandon.

There's something about Floyd in fics letting his emotions speak in such a powerful, feral way that gets me.

#Floyd losing his shit in fics just provides an unimaginable catharsis #And You'll Never Ever Wanna Let It Go by Salem_V #it has such an amazing scene of Floyd going apeshit and going nuts with worry i love it so much #boi was prepared to fist fight his way through his brothers and a horde of bergens #Gimme a Hand Would'ja? by tea0W0stache #has Floyd which is shown to be very caring and understanding of his brothers emotional needs. the usual Floyd stuff which makes us love him #but it also has scenes of him being so weak that he has to be dragged to bed #but still needs Bruce to keep an eye on him bc mans will crawl his way out the bunker to escape and do shit- #floyd #floyd trolls #trolls floyd #trolls #trolls dreamworks #trolls band together #brozone #ao3 #fanfics #fics #fanfiction #archive of our own #love this feral emotional emo #floyd appreciation #bloopnik rambles

[one-boring-person]

Swear To It.

Paul (The Lost Boys) x reader

Warnings: angst, mention of injury

Context: this is sort of a continuation of my last Paul fic (Behave Yourself). Basically, the reader is on duty and has to separate a fight, only to figure out that one of the people involved is their very own boyfriend.

A/N: I feel like I've released a lot of Top Gun stuff recently, so I thought I'd get this out of my drafts, as is started this last week and haven't had time to finish it. I felt in the mood for some angst, so here we go 😂😅

Masterlist

The Boardwalk is unusually busy for a Tuesday night, the normally popular attractions and shops swarming with people, the rides crowded and unpleasant to go on, what with the sheer volume of people trying to get on at the same time, drunk and tipsy gaggles of teens causing insignificant havoc all over the place. A few older visitors have complained over the last hour, but, as always, we ignore them, knowing by now that most of then are exaggerating about the severity of the problems, trying to get the younger population to leave the Boardwalk to them. Thankfully we haven't had to break up many fights, though my chest still hurts from where some screaming girl elbowed me when I had to pull her away from her sobbing "friend", red welts lining my arm from where she managed to scratch at me, the otherwise unmarked skin stinging a little under my uniform shirt.

Having been told to continue my rounds, I pace slowly around the perimeter of the carousel, eyeing the throbbing crowd with a practised eye, taking in the rowdy surfers and punks gathered a little way away, their leaders apparently having an arguement; though I don't see it escalating any time soon, another security guard walking up to them to sort it out even as they start to break apart. Not much is audible over the tinny music and cacophony of voices, but I recognise the general gist of what is being said: we'll finish this later. I fight the urge to roll my eyes, instead focusing on a group of three teenagers surrounded by a cloud of blue smoke, the pungent odour clearly cannabis, joints pinched between shaking hands, their laughter lazy and drug-induced, one of them practically using the others as a crutch. Cracking my neck, I prepare to deal with them, intending to remind them that drug use is not quite legal in the presence of smaller children, hoping to advise them that there are better (more discreet) places to continue their fun. I go to walk over to them, only to be stopped by a sudden shout behind me, the sound oddly familiar.

Turning towards it, I notice a commotion starting near the ticket booth, where a group of curious onlookers has gathered around what I can only imagine is two unruly teens initiating a fight. I start to push my way through the crowds towards them, my pace hindered by the multitudes of people in my way, my urgency spiking as more shouts and curses follow the initial one, the audience starting to chant the word "fight" over and over again, as if they were still in high school, cheering and taunting accompanying the uproar as more of us security guards move in to break it up.

As I approach, I am greeted by a few elbows to the body, feet stamping on mine as I push through the hordes, the riled-up onlookers pushing together into a near impenetrable wall of bodies. Yelling at them all to move out of the way, I manage to force my way through, where I have to take a moment to realise who exactly it is causing chaos at this exact moment.

My eyes lock with David and Dwayne's across the newly formed circle briefly, at which point I take in that they're trying to force their brother off of the cursing rocker beneath him, Marko trying to hold back one of the victim's friends as he tries to escalate the situation. Ignoring the shouts and commands of his friends, Paul continues beating the hell out of the guy on the floor, obviously in a rage over something, fists flying in a relentless volley, despite the hands on his back holding him away. Shock and anger flood me at the sight, noticing that the rocker at his feet is covered in blood and bruises, one of his eyes already starting to swell up into an ugly purple colour, though he hasn't submitted yet, choosing instead to kick and scratch at any available body part he can reach, swearing profusely at the vampire.

Without another thought, I throw myself forwards, being the first guard on the scene, latching myself onto Paul's shoulder, hands propped against his chest as I force my way under his arm, knowing that the most leverage I'll get is if I'm underneath him pushing upwards and away from the other, who is currently punching at my back. I call out to them both, telling them to cut it out, knowing I can't really use Paul's name in case I give away our relationship, my muscles straining under the vampire's supernatural strength, struggling to push him away. After a minute or so, my words finally seem to sink in, the lanky blonde pulling away with a growl of frustration, a sick smirk of pride plastered over his face as he watches another security guard helping his victim to his feet, eyes flashing dangerously at the scent of fresh blood before they flick to me, realisation setting in as I give him a disgusted look. I turn to the others, ignoring my boyfriend completely.

"Get him out of here." I simply say to them, nodding appreciatively at them as they agree, the three of them moving to take Paul away from the Boardwalk, and away from me. Anger and frustration race through my veins as I stalk over to help the other guard with the battered rocker, my own body aching now from the blows it received, though I don't say anything as we carry the guy away from the crowd towards the small building we use as a place to store our stuff whilst at work.

An hour later, I'm dismissed, my feet dragging in exhaustion and dull anger as I trek home, my mind replaying the events of the shift in my head.

He knew I was working today. He knew and he started a fight anyway.

Frustrated sighs leave me every now and then as I walk, subconsciously finding my way back to my home, where a motorcycle is already waiting outside, the sight of which stirs up a feeling of dead and frustration. Ignoring it, I go to the door and unlock it, stepping inside and throwing my bag to the floor, taking my shoes and jacket off as I shuffle further into the hall, going straight to the stairs. Instead of going to my room, I enter the bathroom instead, quickly stripping and getting into the shower, knowing full well that the person I least want to see is somewhere in the house, and that he knows I'm annoyed at him. As the water runs down my body, I try to ignore the fact that I'm going to have to face him, focusing instead on the motions of cleaning myself, finding the actions soothing to do, working the knots out of muscles, wincing when my hands run over the newly formed bruises and welts on my skin.

I take around ten minutes, climbing out and drying off at a relatively slow pace, trying to relax myself in preparation for what is to come, finally wrapping the towel around myself before stepping out of the bathroom. Going to my room, I halt in my tracks when I catch sight of the lithe vampire sat on my bed, a deep frown etching itself onto my face.

"What do you want?" I grit out, turning my back as I go to my dresser, rooting around in my draws for some comfortable clothes, pulling out a shirt and trousers.

"I wanted to apologise for the fight. I didn't realise it was such a big deal for you, and I didn't mean to get into one tonight." Paul responds quietly, audibly standing and walking to stand behind me.

Bristling slightly, I clench my jaw at his words, a spark of anger flaring up in me.

"You know full well how I feel about people starting fights on the Boardwalk." I snap back at him, turning and pushing past him.

"Yeah, I know, but I never meant to get into a fight! I'm sorry!" He reasons, trying to follow me, only just realising that I'm not wearing any clothes.

"It's always the same, though. You didn't mean to start it, you didn't realise, blah blah blah. When is it ever going to change, Paul? I'm fed up with coming home beaten and bruised because I've had to separate people, and then to have to pry my own boyfriend away from someone? It's just not fair to me, and that's something that you don't seem to realise."

The vampire is silent for a moment, his blue eyes fixed on me, mind clearly working to form a response. I don't give him the time, striding forwards to push him out of the door, closing it in his face with some force. Turning, I sigh heavily, hating the hurt look that flashed across his face as I did so, swiftly changing into my more comfortable clothes and collapsing on the bed, my fists clenching in the duvet as I try to control myself, resisting the urge to open the door to him again.

For a little while, I remain there, sprawled on the bed with tears of exhaustion and frustration threatening to spill from my eyes, my anger fading a little until it's just a dull emotion clouding my mind. Internally, I consider quitting my job, considering the factors keeping me there: I'm good at my job, it pays well enough to afford basic needs and it's secure, though the factors pushing me away almost seem to have a greater affect on me - coming home bruised most nights, having to put up with rowdy Boardwalk goers, dealing with verbal and some physical abuse from some of the more raucous visitors. Sniffing, I curl myself up into a ball, barely registering as there is a knock on the window.

Looking over, I let out a sigh of frustration at the sight of Paul crouched on the ledge, his tall frame bent almost in two as he peers in at me, gesturing with one finger at the latch, expression almost desperate. I stare at him, thinking over the options in my head: I could leave him out there, or I can let him in to explain himself. It takes me a couple of minutes to decide, a frustrated growl leaving me as I stand up, my steps slow and calculated as I go to the window, watching as a small smile works it's way onto his handsome face. Approaching, I keep my expression neutral, reaching for the latch and flicking it open, turning instantly and walking back to my bed, where I sit with my eyes fixed on him.

Awkwardly, he forces himself through the window, relief evident in his expression as he finally stands up straight again and closes the makeshift door behind him, hands wringing together, as if fighting the urge to move forwards, body tense.

"Look, I'm really sorry, (Y/n). I wasn't aware that your job was so difficult, and I hate that I made it difficult for you tonight. I'm really sorry that you got hurt because of me, I feel really ashamed that it happened. I know I have to make it up to you somehow, so I hope you'll let me, because I really don't want to lose you! I'll do anything to keep you!" He finally says, voice pleading and laced with shame, teeth biting at his lip as he watches me for a reaction, welts appearing on his pale hands from where he's digging his fingers in.

Eyeing him, I think over what he's said, silently wondering whether or not to accept his apology, the anger within me spiking a little, though I swiftly suppress it again, sighing heavily as I stand up from the bed, having made a decision.

"I accept your apology, Paul, but I need you to understand that saying you're sorry is a different thing to showing me you're sorry. I know I got hurt tonight, but I'm not the only security guard that works there, and I'm sure they'd all rather they didn't come home with bruises every night. If you want to make it up to me, then you have to swear to me that you'll not get into another fight on the Boardwalk, and that you'll make sure the others understand that, too." I explain to him, referring to the rest of his coven, watching as his emotions seem to force themselves put over his face, a variety of odd expressions following my words. Finally, he seems to settle on relieved, eyes bright with happiness.

"Yes, of course I'll swear to that! I'll do anything, (Y/n), you mean too much to me to lose you!" Paul gushes, rushing forwards slightly, as if to bring me into a hug, only stopping as couple of inches away from me, hesitating.

"Do it, then. Swear to it." I prompt him, looking up into his face.

"I swear to you, that I won't start, or get into another fight on the Boardwalk. I swear it on my life." He promises, completely serious for once, meaning it's totally genuine.

"Good." I smile up at him, finally giving in to the urge I've had since I first walked in, stepping forwards to rest my head against his chest, my arms linking around his abdomen.

Happily, he wraps his own arms around me, crushing me against his body as he buries his face in my hair, his familiar scent enveloping me as we stand there. Perfectly content, we remain in place for what feels like hours, neither of us saying a word, just happy to be in each other's company for the time being, my body trying it's best to relax.

The rest of the night is spent cuddling together, neither of us wanting to be away from the other, Paul only leaving when he notices that the sun is close to coming up, cutting it fine as he always does. As he leaves, he promises me that he'll be waiting for me on the Boardwalk the next night, ready to help me deal with troublesome Boardwalk goers.

#the lost boys #joel schumacher #vampire #david(thelostboys) #kiefer sutherland #paul(the lost boys) #dwayne(the lost boys) #santa carla #marko(the lost boys) #star(the lost boys) #paul #the lost boys paul #brooke mccarter

[korkisobsessions]

The Oath

XVIII. Hangover

Yeongshin experienced one of the hardest mornings. His head pounding with pain, when he opened his eyes to bright and warm morning. His tongue heavy in his dry mouth.

He wanted to sleep a little longer, but cheerful voice of Beom Pal get him out of the bed. His pride didn’t let him sleep longer, than some noble city boy. He can’t admit that he cannot handle his drinks.

He took all of his strength and made his way out of bedroom. Beom Pal was sitting with Nilah on their porch, enjoying late morning with bowl of rice and tea.

Yeongshin shield his eyes from sharp sunshine and frowned.

“Here he is. Brave chakho, who defeat hordes of undead, but loose against few bottles of soju.” Beom Pal laughs and toss him cup of tea.

“I didn’t loose.” He frowns and kisses giggling Nilah. “Maybe we are even.”

“It’s understandable. You are not used to drink. When I lived in Dongnae, I used to drink more soju than water. I think I’m immune...” Beom Pal considered.

“Then why is this cup, full of grass?” Yeong shin raised his eyebrow, when he noticed that.

Beom Pal looks at him with red and glossy eyes and smiled. “So...I’m probably still drunk.”

“You should eat something.” Nilah gave him bowl of soup and sit back to sunlight. It was beautiful day.

Yeongshin took of his stinking shirt and made his way to river. He throws himself to cold embrace of water and almost moans. It feels so good and he immediately feels better. He was floating on the surface and felt warm pleasant feeling in his chest. He was back in the world of living. When someone asks him for his identity tag, he could proudly give it to him and identify himself as a common citizen. He doesn’t have to use his false tag or run away.

He can marry Nilah...

Gentle waves swing him towards the sandy bank where he sat in the shallow and wash his face.

“Yeong shin?” Miho’s voice brings him back. Boy was sitting in the tall grass, with makeshift rod. He watched Yeong shin’s body full of scars with mixture of terror and awe.

Yeongshin wiped water from his chest and took back dirty shirt, not to scare the boy longer that was necessary.

Miho put down his rod and came closer with head hang low.

“What is it?” Yeongshin was suddenly worried, that something happened in village. Maybe another dead body.

“I’m sorry I scared you yesterday. I didn’t know who that man was...” his eyes were glossy and ears red with shame. “I scared you for no reason.” He wipes his nose.

“No! Miho...” Yeongshin kneeled in front of the boy, to have eyes in same level and put his palms on Miho’s little shoulders. “You did the right thing. I’m glad you came for me.”

Miho raised his stare from the ground and find the courage to look Yeongshin in the eyes.

Yeong shin’s throat was tight when he remembered his little brother, how he held his shoulders just like he holds Miho now.

“I know that something happened to you and Nilah. I just want to help.”

“You were very brave. Come with me.” He nods towards the house.

Nilah was in the garden and wave at them when they come closer. He left Miho outside and walks inside the house. Loud snoring of Beom Pal was filling the air with odour of alcohol. He made his way to his things and after few moments found what he was looking for and didn’t forgot to change his shirt.

“This is for you. For your help” He gave boy big tiger’s fang on leather cord. “It’s from the tiger that gave me this...” he touches his chest. He knows that Miho saw his scars. Boy’s eyes were big and full of astonishment. His trembling palm grip the tiger’s tooth and Yeong shin can’t fight the smile.

“Thank you.” He put it around his neck with awe like it was precious gem.

“Just be careful, kid.”

That word escapes his lips quickly and naturally, but his heart hurts when he remembered his master who used to call him like this. “I need to talk to your father. Is he home?”

“Hmm hmm.” Miho hum with agreement, not paying attention to anything but the fang.

Yeongshin made his way to garden, where Nilah was checking their little sprouts of vegetables. She lifts her eyes and smiled at him, smudge of soil on her cheek. He squat next to her, and gently wiped the smudge with his thumb, holding her face in his palm. She lean into his touch and closed her eyes.

“About last night and Beom Pal’s gift...” he started but she silenced him with her lips. He was caught unprepared and almost fell to the ground with her arms around his neck. She kissed him hungrily pulling him closer, her heart beat fast and strong. He held her around her waist with one arm and second tangled into her hair. Her tongue was hot and sweet, pushing into his mouth, he almost moans out loud.

And when she pulls away, her cheeks were red, lips swollen and eyes wild. “I understand, what that tag means to you. And I’m happy for you.” She put her open palm over his heart. “But for me, nothing changed. You are still same person that I love more than anything. I love your heart, not your name.”

“I know.” He touches her forehead with his and held her face in his rough palms. “But you know that world is not so simple.”

“Don’t forget that I’m just a pagan...” she laughed, but Yeongshin stopped her with serious face.

“Not anymore. You are citizen of this kingdom, just like me.”

“Its strange feeling. I still can’t get used to it.”

“I know...but for me nothing changed.” He repeated her words. “You are still the same person I love more than anything.” He held her hand and kissed her knuckles. “I need to see Jae Bong. And I will bring something for supper.”

He stood up and left garden. Miho was still standing in the same place examining his treasure.

~

Nilah stay at the garden and weed the plant beds. Plants were grown enough to put them in the field. They just need to prepare the ground. Yeong shin bought plow and their donkey were strong enough to work. It was just a matter of a few days.

Sun was high when Beom Pal found his way out of the house clean and prepared.

“My beautiful lady, I was honoured to be your guest, but I’m needed elsewhere.”

Nilah smiled and wiped away her dirty hands.

“It was my honour, my lord.” She bows her head and takes a pouch with food and water for his journey back to Hanyang.

“You must visit me in the city. We will make great celebration.” He made his way to his horse that was fed and well rested.

“I don’t thin that the capital city is ready for dancing chakho.”

Beom Pal burst in laughter and almost fell. “I don’t know if I was ready for it. When I will be old and dying, I will remember it and I will die with laughter.”

Nilah laughed genuinely and give him the food.

“Oh! I’m such a fool!” Beom Pal was suddenly serious and takes one of the bags from the horse seat. “I was so glad to see you that I almost forgot.” He gave Nilah that bag. It was quite heavy. She was confused but don’t get the chance to ask what it is. “You still have a few friends in Sangju. They collect your things and send it to me.”

“What?” her voice trembled when she opened the bag and found her old clothes and uniform, her sword and the most precious thing. Her book with stories. She came to Sangju with nothing. But she didn’t mind it. All she ever missed were her books with stories and fairy tales. One day she starts to remember them and writing it in empty book she got from Deok Sung. To not forget.

But then came Lee Chang with Seo-Bi and wild chakho, and she left Sangju without her things.

“My lord...” She sobs with broken voice. “I...have no words.”

“I said, it wasn’t me, but your friends.” Beom Pal made few steps closer towards her and laid his palms on her shoulders. “I know it was bad, but don’t forget there are good people behind you. And don’t be hard on yourself when you are scared. Your soul is like your broken leg. It needs time to heal. It sometimes hurts, but it will be better with time.”

Her lips were trembling when she fought with tears. His words touch her heart with so much comfort.

“I’m so sorry, but I must...” Nilah let out with one breath and throw herself to his arms. She hugs him tightly and whispering ‘thank you’ over and over again.

She still remember the silly man standing on the rooftop with sword in his trembling hands too scared to cut his palm, too afraid of pain. But he was still there. Fighting with them.

And now he was here, same silly man, telling her these wise words.

When he was disappearing in the distance, she was sad, but she knows that they will see him again.

~°~

“So...everything is fine...” Jae Bong asks as they walk side by side towards old barn, where the body of unknown man was hidden.

“Yeah, it is.” Yeong shin nods innocently avoiding other man’s stare.

“And it was completely normal that you run like a mad man, with pure terror in the eyes, just because some man came to your house.”

They approached the barn and both of them covered their faces with piece of cloth to avoid the smell of decaying corpse.

“I know, I was overreacting. It was mistake.”

“Stop bullshiting me chakho!” Jae Bong closed the door before Yeongshin had a chance to open them. He pushed down the reflex of grabbing his knife. Jae Bong looked pissed and even though he said he never fights, Yeong shin didn’t want to be his first. He was a huge man with lot of strength. And he didn’t want to lie to him. He just bows his head and nod.

“You don’t have to be worried. That thing is very personal. There was a man. He was Nilah’s captain. And he was probably in love with her. Or it was some kind of possession. And when he can’t have her, he pushed her into desertion. She runs away but he hunts her down and locked her in the prison. And he...he hurt her very badly.”

Even though it was long time ago, he still had clenched fists, when he thought about it. His knuckles white and blood boiling with rage.

“I see...” Jae Bong hummed and his shoulders loose the tension.

“Few days ago, day when we found the body, she thought that she saw that captain, looking at her through the window. It scared her. But I searched everything around the house and there were no tracks, or anything. It was just a bad day, but it always leaves me uneasy.”

He felt like he put down little weight from his shoulders. Just saying it out loud helped him.

“I’m sorry. I really am.”

“You don’t have to be. We are good...we will be.”

Jae Bong leaves his vigilance and open door of the barn.

The smell was terrible. It was heavy and they felt it, even though they had covered faces. It fills their nostrils and they felt it in their mouths. And what Yeongshin hated the most was flies. Their disgusting buzzing around the corpse woke bad memories from war. When he was recovering from his injuries, flies were everywhere. And when they sit on someone for too long, it was a sign that person is dead.

He just hated it.

“We must burn the body.” He mumbled. He didn’t want to open his mouth more than was necessary.

“Yeah I know.” Jae Bong spoke with choked voice. He was fighting with nausea. “But I had idea. Can you tell, what kind of weapon the murderer used?”  

Yeongshin came closer to body and examined the wounds.

“I think that it was two kinds of weapons.” He point towards wound on the neck. “This could be a sword. Strong and sharp. Sword can cut of head. But this...” he carefully turned the body and revealed the open wounds on the back. “This couldn’t be a sword. This is too much of bones. It must be something like axe, or butchers had this cleaver...”

And suddenly it hit him. It was like blow to the chest. His hands trembled, when he realised, how he knows that. How he was fighting with bones of that young boy in Jiyulheon. How he had to chop one bone several times, to separate the parts. It was terrible and desperate thing.

“Are you alright chakho? You are pale.”

“I’m.” he choked. But wave of nausea hit him, when one of the flies sat on his forearm. He remembered the flies flying around Dan-I and how he was brushing them away, to not spoil the meat. He was thinking about the boy, like about flesh and nothing more.

And how it starts everything.

He felt vomit in the mouth and quickly run outside to throw up. Maybe it was because his drinking yesterday or it was guilt.

Guilt that he never told Nilah, how IT was all his fault.

How it all started, with one soup for starving innocents.

~°~

They burned the body and pay him respect. Who knows who that man was, but he died with horrible death, so they at least gave some comfort to his soul.

Yeongshin wasn’t much of believer. He did not believe that soul of the man will be wandering around, headless just because he died like this. He saw too much violent deaths, that it would turn world into hell, if there was so much angry ghosts.

He just doesn’t have faith in something he never saw. He just believes in sun, in sky and orders of nature. Sometimes a man must die so that another man can live.

“You don’t look good.” Jae Bong raised his eyebrows, when he noticed his distraction.

“I drink too much yesterday.” Yeongshin was watching the flames eating rotten flash of unknown soldier and his stomach was cramped.

He needs to tell Nilah everything. To redeem himself. To be honest with her in every way. But he was scared. Scared, that she will despise him.

“Tonight will be bonfire in village. You should come.”

“Why?” his voice was dry in his throat.

“Because it is celebration of village you are part of.” He said it like an obvious thing.

“But...people hate us.” He would like to come. To be part of village celebration. But unfriendly looks in the villagers eyes was something he would rather pass.

Jae Bong furrowed his brow and looked at him with little pity.

“That’s not true. They were scared, but now they see you are not danger.”

“Maybe...”

Pile of wood collapsed and buried the bones in the ash.

He head back home with heavy heart.

Nilah was sitting in the grass with flower crown on her head and reading out loud from a book he never saw. It looks more like old journal. Miho and other boys were digging hole for a young walnut tree and girls were tangling Nilah’s hair.

“...And then the mountain king turned young Upa into a stone for her foolishness. Her good heart stays alive, but full of pain...and she cried. The stone cried. Her tears join together and made river. Mountain King was trying to stop the water, throwing stones and rocks to her way, but he wasn’t so powerful to stop her. And that river was called Upa after that young woman, who falls in love with mountain King.” She closed her book and when she saw approaching Yeongshin her lips widen in smile. But it froze, when she noticed his worried face.

“That was sad story.” One of the girls complained. “I wanted to hear the story about lost princess.”

“Maybe tomorrow” Nilah watched Yeongshin sat heavily on bench in front of the house and starts to cleaning his rifle. She recognised the tension in his movements. Something was wrong.

“I think that you were princess. And Yeongshin was your guard. You fall in love and run away to be together.” Girls giggled with blushing cheeks. If they only knew, how they got together, they wouldn’t sleep for a month.

“And what if Yeongshin was prince and I was his guard?” she tried to make fun of them and girls even the boys burst in laughter. Yeongshin raised his eyes from the rifle with the questionable look.

“He can’t be a Prince.” Girl In-ha laughed with something little cruel in her voice. She was always judging everything and everyone.

“You are right. He can’t be.” Nilah was watching her man, how his eyes saddened. “I met Prince and I met Lords and wealthy men. But no one is better than Yeong shin.”

Her heart was pounding so strong and just for him. She still can’t get used to, how much she loves him. His ears reddened, when he heard their conversation.

“It’s enough kids. It’s getting late and your parents will be waiting for you. You need to prepare yourself for evening celebration.” Nilah stood up and gave boys reward for their job. It was a few coins, but boys appreciated it with joyful yelp.

When kids disappeared over the hill, she made her way to Yeongshin and sat on the ground next to him and laid her head into his lap. He put down his rifle and gently cares her temple. He let out deep exhale and get down from the bench and hug her tightly.

She was worried, but for a while she didn’t want to ruin her nice day. Just for a few short moments she wanted to be happy.

“I...must tell you something.”

His voice wasn’t firm like always. He was nervous. She saw his hands shaking so she holds them in her palms and kissed his knuckles.

“It will be all right.” It was all, she could say.

“You know...when I lost everything...my master, my brother and Sumang. I swore to myself that I will revenge them. That I will kill that man, who brought dead back.  Lee Seung-hui. Then the man who gave the order to bring them back, Cho Hak Joo. And a man who followed the order, Ahn Hyun.”

His voice was dull and empty. Like he was speaking about someone else.

“First was the healer. It took me a while to found him. Finally I was in this clinic but He was in Hanyang, so I was pretending that I hurt my shoulder and want only his treatment and wait for him. But when he returns, he brought dead man with him. It was probably his apprentice who died in Hanyang.”

He was quite for a few moments fighting with something deep inside him. Something he wanted to bury.

“I saw terrible things. But one of the worst things was look in the eyes of desperate mother that cannot feed her baby because she was starving.

People there were sick and dying of hunger. And no one was going to help them. So I have decided.”

Nilah was silent and still, but everything inside her was trembling “What have you done?”

“I feed them.” His voice was low and dreadful.

“Where you got the food?” she starts to get sick.

“The healer brought it from Hanyang.”

Nilah covered her mouth with palm and all colours left her face. She was suddenly white like snow.

“Yeongshin, what have you done?”

Yeongshin had traitorous tears in his eyes, but he angrily whipped them away. “I chopped that boy to pieces and made a soup. Finally they could eat something and not die!” he shouts.

For the first time he was shouting at her and it hurts him so badly, he wanted to scream at himself.

“No, it can’t be.” She felt cold sweat running down her spine and her throat was tight. The idea of Yeongshin cooking human flesh was terrible.

They didn’t even realise that they were both on their feet. No more siting side by side. No more gentle holding hands. If stranger approached them, he would though that they will be fighting with each other.

“Did they know?” her voice was barely audible.

She always said that she love Yeongshin no matter what. She knows that he was chakho and that Chakhos do everything to survive. She heard stories about them that chakhos used to eat hearts of their enemies. But she never believed it. It was just scary stories of drunken soldiers to scare the younger ones.

But part of her always hoped that Yeong shin’s everything had some borders.

“Did they know, what?” he barked like dog in the corner.

“Did they know what they were eating?” tears stung in her eyes and her voice was trembling.

“No. Does it matter?” his voice was bitter and all his muscles were limp. He wanted to be honest, but all he gets was his worst nightmare.

“Yes it does Yeong shin! You don’t gave them choice!” There she was. Screaming at him...mad at him. Maybe she hated him and for what? For his peace of mind. He thought that he will feel better. But it was worse.

Much worse. He saw regret in Nilah’s eyes.

And his stupid mind fought with her. Tried to justify his actions.

“What choice Nilah? There were only two options! Eat or die.” His voice was too loud, too rough. And in his first instinct, he wanted to touch her. Held her shoulders, to listen to him. To believe that all he wanted to do was save that people. That his actions were selfless. It was his salvation...or curse that he was the only one who survived. Because he was making sure that everyone is fed first.

But Nilah flinch back from his touch. Like she was scared of him. He tried to hide his feelings, but he felt the painful sting through his heart to the tips of his toes. Her eyes were glossy in the last sun beams pain and confusing and betrayal.

“It doesn’t matter. They are all dead.” He whispered with death voice. “Boy was bitten, his meat was infected. Everyone who eats that meat died and turned into monsters.”

Nilah cried.

Her tears were making stains on her azure shirt. She didn’t even try to wipe them away.

“They told me it came from Gyeongsang.” She was whispering slowly. “I wish to be only thing I know about the beginning of the plague.”

And than she turns and starts walking away. Away from him. And that scared him to death. That she was leaving him. He thought that they have something like unbreakable bond. After all they’ve been through. Ready to sacrifice life for each other, she was leaving and his heart ache more than it aches in Hanyang when he found that Nilah served to Ahn Hyun.

It hurts more because it was all his fault she was leaving.

“Nilah...” it was barely whisper, but she heard him. She stopped, but didn’t turn back. He was facing her stiff backs.

“There is bonfire in village. Kids are waiting for me.”

It was like she was talking to stranger. She took her plaid and left.

Yeong shin stood there outside their houses in half light suddenly alone and lost.

#kingdom #kingdom netflix #kingdom 2019 #kingdom fanfiction #kdrama #chakho #yeongshin #yeong shin #fanfiction

[berrychowder]

Ready As I’ll Ever Be

“I’ve come too far to see the end now, even if my way is wrong.”

This is based on this song and video. A certain scene REALLY reminded me of Annabeth leading an army into battle. I worked around it. This is a permanent wip. It’s basically comprised of the lyrics of the song, who is saying what, and notes for what would happen in the scene. If anyone wants to build on it or do something with it, cool! Keep me updated. 

The basic plot idea I had was that Reyna sent Will out to do something (sent him on a quest) and he ended up getting killed. This really hurts the progress Nico made with his mental health. While Nico is upset and mourning, spirits/ghosts take the opportunity to manipulate and play with Nico’s head. Much like Luke, Nico decides to take out his anger on everyone who wronged him. This leads to a bunch of stuff that I never fleshed out, and now we end up here. With Nico kidnapping Reyna, and preparing to take over the world with the help of Tartarus (?). Annabeth and Jason are leading the Greek and Roman camps into battle to fight Nico, while Frank and Hazel attempt to bring the real Nico back. Idk. Not a very good plot design. That’s why I scrapped everything. This is long, so prepare for a lot of scrolling if you’re on mobile. 

NICO: Any moment now, your highness. -Nico finished fully tying Reyna up with the rope, assuring that she wouldn’t get out. Reyna grunted a bit at the tight ropes covering her.

Believe me, I know -his head is down.

I’ve sunk pretty low -he’s a completely different person now.  A step down from the happiness he used to feel in his life. Again, he’s bitter and angry. A villain.  

But whatever I’ve done you deserved -his eyes pupils downsize to slits as he looks at his own reflection on an empty glass bottle. He flings it aside. Shatter.  

REYNA: Nico! -she could get through to him. Nico is still in there.

NICO: Quiet! -he puts a hand to his head as if another voice besides Reyna’s is speaking to him. He slams his other hand on the table he’s working on.

I’m the bad guy, that’s fine -he puts his hands down slowly and takes a deep breath; calming down.

It’s no fault of mine -he spreads out a map and looks over it, tracing points with his finger.

And some justice, at last, will be served -Nico’s eyes drift to a framed picture sitting on the far edge of the desk. A picture of a slightly younger version of him smiling brightly. A blonde boy’s arms wrapped around his waist holding him close. A rainbow flag covering both of them, flowing in the unseen wind. Will.

REYNA: Please listen! -Nico’s far gone, but not far enough where he can’t come back.

NICO: Now it’s time to step up -he jabs a push pin into a spot on the map, seemingly in the middle of a deserted wooded area nearby.

Or it’s time to back down -his hands clench into fists, he spins around to face Reyna.

And there’s only one answer for me -his hands land on the hilt of his sword.

And I’ll stand up and fight -he pulls the black sword free from its sheath and presses the point to Reyna’s neck.

Cause I know that I’m right -he pulls it away leaving a thin cut on Reyna’s neck, already starting to bead with blood.

And I’m ready, I’m ready, I’m ready -he makes his way to the small block of a balcony, shadows black as Night herself streaming behind him. Reyna shivers from the cold that suddenly developed in the room.

Ready as I’ll ever be -he leaned forward, if he went any further he’d fall right off the railing. Shadows and bright blue fire swirled together around him. The temperature continued to drop. The trap was set. All he had to do was wait.

ANNABETH: Now it’s time to rise up -she handed the binoculars back to Leo and turned to face the large crowd behind her. The Greek and Roman camps have come together once more to fight. Not with each other this time, but to get one of their own back and to stop Nico di Angelo from destroying everything and everyone.

Or it’s time to stand down -oh Nico. She didn’t want to fight him. Nico’s been through so much, even by half-blood standards. Will’s death broke him. Nico was being manipulated once again, Annabeth isn’t so sure that they can bring him back this time. It’s Luke all over again.

And the answer is easy to see -she had to stay strong. The lives of billions are more important than her personal feelings. She picked up her drakon bone sword from where it rested against a tree.

And I swear by the sword -she almost let a tear slip out. Nico’s blood might soon be on it.

If you’re in, get on board -they needed to get moving. Nico is waiting. Waiting for Annabeth to lead everyone into a trap. Into a possible massacre.

Are you ready? -she looked around her. Jason, Percy, Leo, Piper. None of them had seen Hazel and Frank. The latter was desperately needed to lead the legion. Jason was serving as a replacement. Annabeth could only hope that Hazel didn’t side with her brother.

JASON: I’m ready -Jason shouted out commands to the legion.

PERCY & LEO: We’re ready -Percy looked downright miserable. It really is the Titan War all over again.

CAMPS: We’re ready

ANNABETH: Ready as I’ll ever be -this is it. She took the lead. Jason still shouting out orders beside her. Percy took her hand in his.

==

FRANK: Are you quite sure we can do this? -life isn’t fair. Sometimes things can’t change.

HAZEL: Together we will guarantee -Hazel nodded confidently, she kept her eyes on the abandoned tower her brother has taken refuge in. Meanwhile, rank’s eyes were locked on the horde of monsters and ghouls guarding it, ready for a fight.

==

NICO: I’ll make them hear me! -he wouldn’t be overlooked anymore. Everyone will pay. Feel the pain that he felt. Feel the pain that Will felt.

CAMPS: Now it’s time to redeem

Or it’s time to resolve

ANNABETH: Prove they can trust me -an alliance may have been formed with the Romans, but they are far from putting their full trust into the Greeks. After all, they didn’t make a very good first impression.

CAMPS: And the outcome will hardly come free

HAZEL: I’ll save my home and family -she’ll never give up on Nico, just like he never gave up on her. She’ll save her brother and her home.

CAMPS: Now the line’s in the sand

And our moment’s at hand

JASON: And I’m ready

ANNABETH: I’m ready

HAZEL & FRANK: I’m ready

NICO: Ready as I’ll ever be -Nico grinned. They’re here.

#long post #nico di angelo #will solace #annabeth chase #percy jackson #jason grace #piper mclean #frank zhang #leo valdez #hazel levesque #frazel #jasper #percabeth #solangelo #angst #nico whump #ready as i'll ever be #tangled #wip #percy jackson and the olympians #the heroes of olympus #the trials of apollo #headcanon #? #character death #possible triggers #riordanverse #fanfiction #song fic #blyke's collection

[superwolfiestar]

Across Another Dimension Ch.28

The red shaped hat ship arrive in a large snowy town filled with snow and ice. The entire gang wore a winter outfit. They all exited the red shape hat.

"We have now arrived in the Snowy place known as the Shiver City, the city community blanketed in snow. Our destination is Shiver, the coldest and wintered community in the coldest land." Cappy said, before turning back into Panchito regular red cap.

“Wow, it’s really cold in here.” Princess Della comments, wearing a winter dress.

“You betcha.” Louie agree.

“Well, we need to find those blue sharp before they do. Vámonos!” Panchito told them.

The gang are hiking through a snowy mountain . Panchito is checking the map. They know where they going, to the Crystal Palace, it was never be used since Panchito and his teammates defeated Crystal King and free the last Star Spirit. They believe that the blue sharp must be in the Crystals Palace. The hero's made their way into a Shiver town. It was rather bustling for its size, and travelers from all walks of life poured into it. "Let's head for the tavern." asserted Panchito. "We get food and information about the blue sharp."

"It's a win win." nodded Princess Della.

"Sound great, let's move." said Boy Princess Donald. The team went in and claimed one of the long tables.

"Greetings!" bellowed a chubby one. He grinned through his scruffy grey mustache. "The name's Marco! Welcome to my café. Shivering Café!"

Princess Della rested her head in her hand and groaned, "This guy has wayyyy too much energy for my emotions right now. Whatever."

"Can I start you off with something to drink?"

"Waters all around," said Boy Princess as the others nodded.

"Ahhhh travelers always keep it simple!" exclaimed Marco.

"Do you have to yell every time you speak?" questioned Scrooge McDuck.

Marco straightened his apron, "Yes! It promotes enthusiasm!"

"And deafness," muttered both Huey and Huey.

The man dashed off and grabbed the waters in an instant.

Marco handed everyone a menu, "What will you all be having today?"

Donald peered down at the menu...which read:

MARCO'S CAFE

FOOD

"Food?..." wondered Boy Princess as he searched for any other words on the menu.

"Food it is!" cheered Marco. "Excellent choices!" He ran off to fix the meals as the team planned their next move.

"Is he high?" Princess Della ask. "Don't know if he on high or something. Anyway, we need to make to plan to get the blue sharp, who know what that is waiting for us once we reach it." Panchito grinned.

"You’re right Panchito. We must prepare case is there a fight." Panchito replied as everyone replied with a nodded and that when Marco returned with food.

"Meal time!" he proclaimed while placing the dishes on the table. "Yum yum yum! Ooo la la! Mm mm mmmm!"

"Oh brother," cursed both Louie and Louie as they slammed their head on the table. It was the most random meal any of them had ever had. On their plates rested a loaf of bread, an apple, and a chicken drumstick. Super Caballeros, Panchito, the children, Scrooge McDuck, Launchpad, and Gyro shrugged and ate up. While Donald, Boy Princess Donald, Mrs. Beakley, Fenton, Huey, and Storkules took their time to butter their bread while Princess Della destroyed her drumstick.

After their meal, the team proceeded to leave the tavern. They began buy some supplies from the store. They continue to hike through a snowy forest. Panchito look at the map, "we're right here and the castle is alllllll alway here." Panchito said.

"I wish there a warp pipe around here." Princess Della complain.

"Us too," the children agree.

"Don't give up now, we have to get to Crystal Palace to get the blue sharp before they do." Panchito replied. He keep his hope up and never give up. They continue walking in the snow. But suddenly, a marsh giveaway and they all plummeted down with the rubble, disappearing into the darkness below them. They all yelled a little as they were falling, they fell into an ice cave. Luckily, they didn't get hurt or got injuries but unfortunately, they went separate ways.

Panchito slowly opened his eyes in the darkness. There was a ringing in his ears as she coughed up dust. He analyzed his surroundings. The only light amidst the inky blackness emanated from glowing crystals. "How beautiful," whispered the red plumber. "I mean...we're trapped underground but how beautiful."

Both Jose and the Boy Princess groaned and sat up next to him, "Wha-...what happened?" He looked around through the darkness. "How far down do you think we are?"

"No idea." Panchito cupped his hands and called out, "Kids! Donald! Anyone!" His words went unheard, and echoed throughout the caverns.

Boy Princess Donald stepped forward. "Let's find out where these tunnels lead. It's our best bet at finding everyone else." Something rustled in the crystals above, prompting Boy Princess to grasp and release an ice beam. "Relax," said Jose. "We'll do this together." He smiled and led the way.

"Wonder how long this goes on for," whispered Panchito.

"I don't want to think about it," replied Boy Princess. "Let's focus on the positive."

"We have each other."

"Exactly!" He glanced over at the royal duck, "And I wouldn't have it any other way."

Panchito faintly smiled at the pink duck, "Neither would I." Both the Super Caballeros reached over to hold him hand, making him shudder.

"You alright?"

"Yes...I just..."

"We wouldn’t bite," winked Jose.

Princess Della rubbed her sore head in the blackness. "Panchito? Jose? Anyone?..." Her eyes creaked open to spot the triplet knelt down by some glowing crystals. Hues of green, blue, and purple reflected across her. "Boys?" she asked. "Are you Alright?" Princess Della ask as she help the boys to get up. "Yeah, I'm alright," Huey replied as he wipe off the snow off of him.

She clenched her fists, "Right. Let's get out of here and find the other."

The boys cringed at her words, observing an entire assortment of glowing caverns. "Which way is that?"

Princess Della took a deep breath, "The right has the most light. That's got to be a good thing, right?"

"I sure hope so," Dewey said as they ventured inside.

"I hope we wouldn’t get lost in here forever.” Louie groan.

“You said it me.” Other Louie sigh.

Donald awakened from his daze, only to get shakes by Panchito. "Aaaagh! Okay! Okay!" he writhed, he got on of his feet's and check his surroundings, "Where the heck are we?"

Manny began tapping his hoof. "I think we're in a cave? But where are the others?"

"I don't know, Manny." Donald reply as he groaned.

"Right, let's just follow this tunnel." The mexican rooster landed on the saddle and pointed forward, "Onward, Manny!" Manny got Panchito off of his saddle as he put his arm on his waist and began tapping his foot, "what did I look like a horse? Let us walk and find the others." The horse suggestions as he walk with Donald and Panchito.

Scrooge, Gyro, Lil Bulb, Fenton, Mrs. Beakley, Storkules, Launchpad and Webby jogged further into the crystal caverns, eventually stopping for a breather. "It just keeps going...and going." panted Gyro.

"We need to keep moving if we want to find the others." assured Mrs. Beakley.

"If we keep following the gems, they may light the way out of here...or lead us deeper." thought Scrooge as he pointed at a series of glowing pairs. They emit an eerie clicking sound. "Alright...that was creepy."

Mrs. Beakley plucked a glowing gem from the wall and threw it into the blackness. She gasped as it revealed the pairs to be eyes. There crawled a horde of hard-shelled insects as big as them, it was a ice spider, the protector of the ice cave. Mrs. Beakley shrieked, "Run!" The two dashed down the tunnel, listening to the swarm skittering behind them. They could hear the spider creatures snapping and clicking around. The mighty hero spun around and punch the giant spider. Much to his dismay, he bounced off of the insect's shells.

"I hate bugs!" Mrs. Beakley exclaimed.

"Come on!" Scrooge whacked a bug back with a snowball. The gang then grabbed Storkules by his hand and continued to run away. They slipped on a puddle and went sliding down. They crashed into Super Caballeros, Boy Princess Donald and Donald, Panchito Many, Princess Della, and the children, feeling both rejoiced and terrified.

"Guys!" cheered Donald.

"Bugs! Bugs! Bugs bugs buuuugs!" shrieked the groups.

#ducktales 2017 #mariotales au #across another dimension #across another dimension fanfic #super caballeros #super caballeros fanfic #fanfic

[altherei]

No Good Deed

To those of the Darkwind name,

This is a formal notice that one Eldwin A. Darkwind stands accused of crimes of insubordination, abandoning a post, treason, and collusion with enemy forces. He is summoned for General Court-Martial, with the date of trial being set to begin on the 12th of next month. You have been called upon as character witnesses for the Defendant, please prepare for an initial meeting on the 24th of this month.

Regards,

Adjudicator Aereneth S. Sunscorch

Three days earlier….

“Push forward!” Came the cry of the High Dreadguard, his voice raspy more by virtue of undeath than by his hours spent shouting orders at his unit. While the war for Azeroth was still young, already so many parts of the world had become bloodied battlefields where Horde and Alliance forces clashed violently, hoping to gain or regain control. Already both factions had traveled to distant lands to bolster their own forces, but now the fighting returned to the mainlands with the same ruthless ferocity as before.

Arathi Highlands was one such place. Still an old Alliance holdout of sorts, Stromgarde was a necessary outpost for them to retain if they wished to keep hold of such a wide swath of the Eastern Kingdoms. This made it a perfect first target. Soldiers of the Horde were summoned from all across Azeroth, and among them, Eldwin Darkwind: Altherei’s oldest brother.

He was a soldier through and through; a decorated Farstrider who had served his land and his people proudly. A man who, while he didn’t enjoy war, was the type to easily give his life in defense of those behind the walls he protected. And as Altherei’s oldest sibling, he was one of the dearest to her.

He had helped teach her how to throw a punch when she was little- or at least, he’d tried. He helped provide for their family even though it wasn’t necessary for him to. Many years ago he’d married a wonderful woman, and together they had a son, and being a father quickly overtook his love of the bow as his greatest joy. And he was an excellent father- everything one wants a father to be, and his wife and son treasured him for it.

Ultimately, perhaps it was his becoming a father that undid him, without him ever realizing it.

The days had been brutal; a constant back and forth of spells and mortars and arrows. Every time the Horde gained ground, the soldiers of Stromgarde seemed to push them back. But today the High Dreadguard was confident, and his confidence paid off; they were making headway.

The High Dreadguard was a brutal man, as one might expect of anyone raised into undeath. He cared not at all for the lives of those on the other side of the wall. Some could argue he didn’t care much for the lives of those in his unit unless they were Forsaken. In the end, all he truly cared about was their mission. Win Stromgarde for the Horde- for Sylvanas. Assert the dominance of the red and black and push the Alliance dogs into hiding.

He was the tattered remains of a man without mercy.

As morning progressed to midday, Eldwin’s unit could see the turrets of Stromgarde get ever nearer. Within a few hours, they’d be storming the doors of the Keep and taking it for the Horde. It wasn’t an idea Eldwin was particularly fond of: after all, this was a city just as much as it was a military outpost. And there were families here who would no doubt be trapped. But it was a nagging doubt he pushed to the back of his mind, lest he end up distracted and shot dead like the elf next to him.

This is why you don’t think about home in the middle of a fight, he couldn’t help but think to himself as they pressed on.

Once the armies of the Horde stormed the massive gates of Stromgarde, he could hear the calls for retreat. To get the women and children, the sick and elderly, to safety. They had few ways of escape, and Eldwin could see the other commanders quickly making for those exits to cut them off.

“We take this Keep in the name of the Banshee Queen, for the Horde!” The Dreadguard rattled, rallying his troops.

“Scour the city streets- slaughter any who stand in your path. Burn their houses to the ground! Leave NONE alive. NO MERCY!” His orders were met with a surprising number of cheers. Mostly from Forsaken, and the occasional orc. And with their new orders, the unit dispersed and began carrying out the purge of Stromgarde.

Eldwin followed, but with a growing sense of unease. He watched in slowly-growing horror as his comrades torched homes and cut down fleeing families. He did his best to look busy as he found himself struggling for the first time with the orders he’d been given. It was one thing to meet a fellow armed enemy on the battlefield- to give them a fair fight and a fair death. But this?

This was senseless slaughter. In truth, all of it had been. From the first civilians slaughtered at Astranaar to those burned alive in Teldrassil.. to Sylvanas blighting her own troops and now this. Where was the honor in this? The valor? What good did it truly do to cut down those who only wanted to escape, live another day, and wash the memory of war from their minds?

Leave NONE alive! The words echoed in his head- or perhaps the Dreadguard was still shouting them as a means of intimidating the public. At this point, he didn’t know. And as he rounded a street corner, he came face to face with the sight that changed his mind forever.

Huddled into a dingy alleyway was a mother and her two children- no.. three. He could barely make out the infant the human woman clutched against her breast with the smoke that was slowly spilling into the city streets. Her two older children couldn’t have been more than three and five, and in their eyes he saw exactly what he was to them:

He was a terror. A monster. The end of the world made manifest.

The woman grabbed her children closer to her as if holding them close would somehow make their inevitable end quicker. But that end didn’t come- only the sound of a bow being dropped on the cobblestone and a hushed, quiet voice.

“I won’t hurt you- I won’t- I promise,” He spoke in Common, causing the woman’s eyes to widen. She didn’t believe him, and began swatting at him in self-defense. He couldn’t blame her.

“Please- please.. I’m a father myself. My boy- he’s.. he’s no older than yours,” He gestured to the oldest child, his eyes pleading with the mother. “Please let me help you. I can get you to safety. Please. I won’t let you die here.”

Something about his last sentence seemed to shake her to her senses, and he helped the woman to her feet. With plenty of furtive glances thrown around, his mostly being over their shoulders, he started ushering them to an exit that hadn’t yet been cut off. All the while, he kept offering the woman hushed reassurances in Common.

When they reached a back gate, he hurriedly bid them farewell, offering them a parting goodbye in Thalassian that was ultimately cut short by a guttural growl.

“What do you think you’re doing, Darkwind?!” It was the High Dreadguard, stalking around the corner of a burning house.

He looked over his shoulder at the terrified family and mouthed the only word he could think of: run.

And that’s when his armored fist met the Dreadguard’s helm. It was an act of pure instinct- the instinct of a father, who had probably taken many fathers away from their own families now. Something that had never bothered him the way it ought to have until now. He didn’t throw the second or third punches to keep the fight going. He only did it to provide a distraction so the Dreadguard couldn’t kill the family himself. With every punch thrown, every hit landed, he only saw that human woman.

In that woman, he’d seen his wife. In her children, he saw his own. In their wide, fearful eyes, he saw the price that was being paid to keep this war afloat: it was not a price being paid by soldiers and armies, but by those who wouldn’t raise arms- who couldn’t. It was a price being paid by the world Herself.

It was a price being paid in innocent blood.

It was a short-lived fight, and Eldwin suffered for it. His punches were returned with those twice as brutal, and in ten times the ferocity. When all was said and done, he was on the ground- caked in mud and ash and blood- and his wrists were bound behind him. He was dragged back to the outpost they kept outside Stromgarde, to be held until the morning when he’d be taken to a more proper location for a court martial.

And on the ride there the following dawn, all Eldwin could think about was that he never knew if that mother and her children made it out alive.

*****

Altherei read the letter wide increasingly wide eyes, her knuckles going white as she tried to process what she was seeing. Her throat was so dry she feared speaking, and as she began the walk through Dalaran back to her rented room, every step was her own battle. Her legs threatened to give out underneath her on the smooth cobblestone, and she finally had to let herself collapse into a bench, clutching the letter to her chest.

She wanted to cry. She wanted to vomit. But more than anything else, she wanted to protect her brother the way he’d always protected her.

And odds be damned, it was what she would do.

#battle for azeroth #story

[silentasagrave]

Raid

It was near dawn. The grey edge of the sunrise would creep across the sky soon and then the first rays of light would peak over the waves behind the half a dozen or so longships about to hit the beach in front of them. Dragaur stood in the middle of the ship one massive paw on the single mast. He looked at the men who were rowing in rhythm with each other. Each of the ships had around fifty men most of them slowly pulling an oar to get up to the beach. Dragaur had convinced them to approach the sea side village before dawn and quietly. They didn’t have a lot of fighters but enough to cause a problem if they didn’t use a bit of stealth.  He and his half-brother had the lead ship. He looked over at Logan who was putting on his helmet and adjusting his armor. Logan nodded then hefted a large heavy shield and a polearm. He walked up to the bow of the small ship as it crept closer the shoreline. 

Their father was back on one of the larger ships which couldn’t land on the shore and get off again as easy as a longship. Dragaur had argued with him for the past day to let him and Logan lead this attack. Sure their father had a lot of experience but so did Dragaur and Logan needed to get his feet wet as a commander. He wasn’t a boy and he was a capable fighter even a warrior but he still had a lot to learn and Dragaur wanted to be the one to teach him to keep his father out of it as much as he could. Logan was around twenty and had been working as a guard of some sort when the Gilnean wall fell. He had fought and been in some battles but he still had a lot to learn. He was nearly as guarded as Dragaur though so Dragaur still had much to learn about his young brother. Still so far they got on well and were similar in many ways. They had seen each other mostly as worgen but they were both tall like their father and both held a fairly deep dislike for their father. Dragaur’s stemmed from having grown up with him and Logan’s from growing up without him.

They were a few moments away from hitting the beach now. Dragaur stepped up next to his brother. “Keep the men in order and stick to the plan…we will make quick work of this.”

Logan looked at him and huffed quietly through his nose. “I’m not worried about that…I’m not too keen on killing people who aren’t warriors.”

Dragaur brought a fist down on his brother’s metal pauldron not hard but not softly either. “They are Horde…they have done it to us since their founding. It’s time they understood what it feels like to be raided, to have their lives upturned and their countries destroyed. Perhaps we won’t destroy them but we can make them bleed.”

Logan nodded slowly he understood but wasn’t necessarily convinced. Dragaur hoped his soft heartedness wouldn’t be his undoing.

Dragaur looked at the fast approaching beach and turned to the men to prepare them for the fight to come. As he looked up at the sky behind him though he saw the familiar stars and black sky began to peel away and a new one took its place. This new sky was mostly just a world that looked to be made of fel. He stared until he realized other men were now looking up. He couldn’t cancel the assault. “Eyes forward men! Hell might be coming for us but we will send this Horde filth there first!” He bellowed out so the nearest ships could hear as well.

It was either risk being heard by the village they would be landing at or lose his men to fear. A quiet cheer rang out as the ships hit the beach and while these men might have been worried about the fel covered sphere now lighting the sky most of them didn’t have anything to lose. They were here to punish the horde. Dragaur took one last look skyward before drawing his blades and hopping off the ship. “Sweep through the village! Leave nothing alive!” There would be time to worry about demons later.

The battle was short or at least it seemed that way. The loot was being taken to the beach now and the buildings were being fired. A few prisoners were being held on the beach as well. An orc and a couple trolls. His father wanted to ask a few questions then likely either kill them or let them go to spread some fear to other villages.

Dragaur wasn’t concerned with that he went to the shore and found a cask of mead cracked open and a few of the men celebrating. He got a drink himself and gasped after having drank it all down. He looked down at the blood on the fur of his paws. They had lost a few men. But considering the populace outnumbered them they had done well. Logan was still barking orders at the edge of the village.

Dragaur looked up from his blood soaked paws and back at the sky. He sighed and shook his head. “Fuck…”

#Story

[agent-7-at-your-service]

Future Plot: Project Titanomachy - Chapter 23

(( Camille belongs to @inklingleesquidly

Nebula (Mentioned) belongs to @myzzy and @agenttwo

Agent 0 and Suzy belongs to @son-of-joy

Cell, Mercury, Rasbel, and Vix belong to @teamuntyblue

Neo Nexus Corp (mentioned) belong to @alphadeathsquad

Galaxa Gems belongs to @splat-tendency and @eiden-squid​

Frosted Stars belong to @askvincent / @asktheseastars and @evora-flux​

Emerald and Sapphire (not mentioned) belong to @twelvetailedkitsune and @son-of-joy​

Celeste and Willow (not mentioned) belong to @alpinesquid​

Nebulous and Arsenic (not mentioned) belong to @a-demo-of-a-hero​

Agent 7, Telemachus, Sea Angel Splatoon and others belong to me ))

While Nebula and Sea Angel Splatoon are rescuing the Galaxa Gems and the Frosted Stars, and Telemachus and Agent 7 are helping Neo Nexus Corp in exterminating the Typhonian Horde of Giants in the Kelp Dome, Camille arrives in Arowana Mall.

The Typhonized Giants each have a massive snake infesting their body along with sea slugs and hagfishes; their human features were morphed into claws, burnt, decaying flesh, deformed jaws, extra appendages, and other projections. Most of their iron and bronze armor that they were now bound to their body like graft.

Camille can see Cell wielding her Ink-Sword V2 along with Mercury wielding her Royal Splatter Pistols. Rasbel was with Cell and Mercury, staying close her mother and aunt; Vix was nowhere to be seen, and it seems Mercury is real worried. However, the Giants were blocking Mercury's path, preventing her from searching for Vix. They held out on one of the spawn points at one end of the mall.

How they were fighting the giants was quite simple: Mercury distracts while Rasbel stays close, and Cell attempts the get close to the Giant and make it fight blind against other giants.

Anteros arrived by Camille's side, and Hermes arrived late as he was busy with some errands he had to finish for people in Greece. Anteros had his brother's artifacts: A bow made out of a candlestick holder and arrows made of hearts and a pink metal. Hermes still had his winged helmet, winged sandals, and caduceus which are all his artifacts.

Agent 0 and Suzy arrived as well. Since Agent 0 is a Champion of Ares, he takes out Ares, Bronze Sword, twirls it, and set it on fire. Soon Agent 0 is in a bronze armor, blood-stained cape, black tunic, leather, and a gold helmet. He doesn't use Ares's Bronze Shield and instead uses his usual electric blade with the electricity now being red. Suzy carried a Krak-on Splat Roller on her back, and in her hands, she has a simple spear modified for combat and fishing.

Camille's group is on the other side of the mall.

"So how are we going to save them?" Suzy asked.

"Camille, think this through," Hermes advised, "It is very necessary that we--"

Camille already has her owl wings sprout from her back again and she sped through the mall without her team. Hermes sighed and looked to Agent 0 for a plan.

"You and Antero will lure the Giants away," Agent 0 ordered, "Suzy, I'll try to open a path for you so that you can help Camille."

"Understood." Suzy gave a nod.

Hermes's winged sandals turn into gold winged boots. "We'll do our best."

"Hold on, what about you?" Anteros questioned Agent 0.

"Doing the same thing: Luring the giants away." Agent 0 soon runs into the horde, distracting them from below and avoiding getting stepped on.

Camille arrived by Cell and Mercury's side. "Auntie Cell! Auntie Mercury! Where's Vix?"

Cell and Mercury didn't expect Camille to arrive at their aid in Olympian Form. Rasbel was amazed by Camille's new appearance with the bronze armor, white cape, a spear and shield, and owl wings.

"I'm trying to find him, but those giants are blocking the way," Mercury explained.

"And no matter how much were take one down at a time, we can't risk Rasbel's safety," Cell added.

"Camille, is that you?" Rasbel was looking at Camille's Olympian outfit.

"Call me the Champion of Zeus and Athena, and I'm here to save ya guys!" Camille twirls her spear and points it at a giant, zapping it with lightning. That horrid giant collapses.

"Woah..." Mercury is surprised.

"Athena and Zeus?" Cell knows a lot about the Greek Pantheon and the Mythology. "How did you...?

"I'll explain later," Camille answered.

Another horrid giant was charging at them, about to slam them with his fist. Suzy used the giant's bent back as a slope, and when she's on top of his head, she jumps up and stabs her spear into the giant. The giant's attack stops and it collapses with his arms focused on Suzy. Camille sends lightning bolts at the arms and helps finish off the giant. There were still more giants roaming in the mall.

Suzy and Camille regroup with Cell, Mercury, and Rasbel. Camille then thought about what she just said; she can get the three out of here because Vix is somewhere around the mall.

"Suzy, do you think you can get Rasbel and Auntie Cell out of here?" Camille asked. "I want to help Mercury find Vix."

"I'll get them to safety," Suzy responded, "You go on and help Mercury find the child."

The sharkling agent began escorting Rasbel and Cell to the nearest exit, taking a quick passage to the center of the mall. The giants were distracted with Agent 0 slicing their ankles and Hermes running across the walls at full speed. Anteros was raining pink fire arrows at the titans, shooting directly at the hearts so that they can burn from the inside.

Camille soon picked up Mercury and carried her to the rooftops of the mall to make it easier to locate Vix.

"To think Vix would just wander off into situations like this," Camille muttered.

"Well, you've watched over him before," Mercury remembers the time she left Camille to babysit Vix.

"Heh... now that you mention it..." There was a smile on Camille's face, but she shakes her head. "We should be searching."

"He could be anywhere." Mercury began jumping from roof to roof.

Camille follows her, catching up. "I assume you don't need an explanation of what's really going on?"

"All I know is that my son wandered over to this mall, some unusual meteor crashed nearby, and these Giants appeared afterward." Mercury was too focused on searching for Vix.

"You gotta control Vix-y, Auntie Mercury," Camille replied.

Mercury stopped at the end of the rooftops. "I wish I could..." She turns towards Camille. "I don't want to see him hurt in times like this." At least she's aware that there's some kind of war.

"We'll find him, I'm sure of it," Camille assured.

Soon something appeared rising from hiding and stands in front of Camille and Mercury. At first, the creature was taller than the giants; however, to make up the height, it stands with its back bent. It had a face of Cthulhu and a thin body of a skeleton. It was clad in in iron steel, and rags with a helmet of a Spartan. From its metal ribcage, the chest and torso beneath it is flesh-twisted with rags and unusual hagfish tails dangling from unnoticeable openings. The arms and legs were covered in cryptic tattoos; its eyes are a terrifying yellow with red around the lids. In its right hand, it wielded a rusty battle-scarred sword.

((Author's note For better visuals of this massive creature, see this: http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/patapon/images/6/6b/OGj5hXx69fkphf4eSl7P6oq8qE4RJYM6.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20110408083428 ))

The unusual giant stared at the two carefully. Camille prepared Athena's Spear; Mercury stepped back with her Splatter Pistols. The giant stood straight and raised his sword up high.

"He's going crush us!" Camille quickly tackled Mercury, and they end up on another roof.

The building the giant attack end up breaking in two and collapsing. The giant was still targeting Camille and Mercury. It turned slightly to face them and he raises his foot and stomping on the next building the crush. Again, Camille and Mercury managed to evade.

"We can't just let it do that," Mercury warned, "It'll destroy the entire mall."

"Wait..." Camille narrows her eyes at the giant and noticed something. "Mercury on the plumes of the giant's helmet!" She pointed her spear at the plume.

At appear Vix's random wandering lead him to end up on top of a giant's head.

"Vix!" Mercury called out.

Camille offered to retrieve the boy, but as she took off to flies towards the Giant's head, the giant swats her away like a fly. Camille ends up crashing into a window, receiving minor cuts. Mercury runs over to pick up Camille and get her to safety.

With the presence of this taller giant, the other giants were already retreating to the meteor they came out of which was actually a fortress with geometric structures. Hermes, Anteros, and Agent 0 turned their attention to the taller giant. Suzy managed to get Cell and Rasbel out of the Mall; they were waiting for Camille to be back with both Mercury and Vix.

"That seems taller than those we fought here," Agent 0 commented.

"Porphyrion the Gigantus," Hermes replied to Agent 0, "A well-known giant veteran of the Gigantomachy..... strange he hasn't succumbed to Typhon's influence....yet."

The Gigantus stands straight again and body slams in the building that Camille and Mercury are in, destroying the structure. Once it got back up, it enters the mall with nothing in its way.

Mercury managed to get Camille away and regroup with Agent 0, Anteros, and Hermes. She also grabbed a first aid kit just in case. When she puts Camille down, several items spilled from Camille's inventory: Artemis's Antler Crown, Apollo's Bow and Lyre, an empty scabbard made of Nemean Lion skin, The Gorgon Shield, Mnemosyne's Amulet, and Phoebe's Scripture. Athena's Spear (With Zeus's Thunderbolt inside) was still in Camille's hands.

Agent 0 walks over and knelt down. "What happened?"

"We were trying to look for my son, Camille saw him on that giant's head," Mercury explained, "She tried to rescue him, but the giant just swatted her, thinking she was attacking head-on."

Hermes made sure the Gigantus didn't come in close; otherwise, he would need to distract it.

Even though Mercury managed to patch up the cuts caused by broken shards of glass, Anteros attempted to "revive" Camille.

"I don't think that's enough, we need to provide more medical treatment!" Anteros suggested. "Wait, I got it! CPR!"

"Anteros, I don't think--" Agent 0 warned, but Antero just went on ahead.

Anteros gets close to Camille's face, about to perform it. However, Camille regains consciousness and sees Anteros attempt to perform CPR, mistaking that he was going to kiss her. She quickly hit him with the blunt blue shield, Aegis, again.

"What is wrong with you!?!" Camille screamed, squirming back in disgust.

"Owww... I thought you needed CPR," Anteros groaned.

"From a squid like you! Gross!" Camille wanted to kill him even if he is a deity. "The next time you try to do that, you're dead!"

Mercury shakes her head at Anteros. Agent 0 just sighs.

Camille took a deep breath, getting on one knee as she recovers. She then noticed the items that spilled out. She picks them back up and puts them back in her inventory. She then got back on her feet, using Athena's spear as support.

"Tch. It'll take that giant more than just one swat to knock me out like that." Camille takes a deep breath.  "I can see messenger-boy is already distracting him..." Electricity emitted from Athena's spear. "Can't wait to jam this into its brain."

"I think you can take Porphyrion down, Camille," Anteros complemented, "Athena fought the giant, Enceladus, and she buried his so deep into the earth, Sicily was created."

"She did what now??" Camille raised an eyebrow.

"She buried him under the Earth and ended up creating the island of Sicily," Anteros repeated.

"Athena sounded like a badass," Agent 0 commented, "Did you know about this, Camille?"

Camille didn't know that side of Athena. Then again, she knew Athena turned a weaver into a spider, blinded a love interest into an oracle, and fought with her mother and aunt over a gold apple. In response to Agent 0's question, she shook her head.

Hermes returns and stretches. His gold boots revert back to winged sandals. "Man, what a marathon."

Porphyrion the Gigantus steps closer with its back still bent; he was still targeting Camille. Anteros prepared Eros's Bow and aimed his heart-burning arrows at the Giant. But as Anteros fires at the skeletal chest, it only hit the steel rib cage that clads the chest and torso. Any arrows at actually hit the flesh didn't sink in and try to literally set the heart on fire. The Gigantus just didn't feel the arrows hit him.

"What???" Anteros didn't know what went wrong.

"I already tried that, but Porphyrion just couldn't stagger," Hermes informed.

"Then we take him down physically!" Camille looked to Mercury. "You think you can get to the top of his head?"

Mercury has parkour a lot in her lifetime, but performing it to climb a giant is some else.  She was sort of hesitant, but she prepped herself for do what seems to be the impossible.

"I can parkour my way up there... never tried this before.... maybe with an octoweapon once, but I'll try with this scenario." Mercury actually had to do whatever it took to save Vix.

Camille looks to Hermes and Anteros. "Distract the giants." Camille looked at Agent 0. "You're with me." Camille looked to Mercury. "I'll get you to a roof."

Camille began flapping her owl wings, grabbed Mercury's arms, and started carrying her to a roof that's closest to Porphyrion. Agent 0 follow the two to that roof. Meanwhile, Anteros and Hermes were keeping Porphyrion’s eyes focused on them so that Camille, Mercury and Agent 0 can get close, rescue Vix, and defeat the Gigantus.

"Alright! Let's do this!" Camille raised Athena's spear up high before taking off in flight.

(( Background music Porphyrion the Gigantus: https://youtu.be/6LIcyvIJlAM )

Mercury backed up carefully before increasing speed to jump towards the Gigantus. She manages to land on the lower back of the creature and runs up the spine to reach the head. Agent 0 did the same and followed Mercury.

Once they were on his back, hedron walls grew from his back and obstructing their way to its head. Mercury actually gets around them with ease thanks to her parkour skills, running, jumping, climbing, and swinging. Agent 0 does the same using his blades to cut down obstacles that might slow him down.

In addition, large parasitic worms are spawning out to eliminate Mercury and Agent 0. And whenever Porphyrion crouches, raises it's foot or stands straight to deliver an attack, Mercury and Agent 0 needed to anchor themselves to the back to avoid falling off.

Camille just had to fly away from the Gigantus' sight, and she made sure Mercury and Agent 0 get to the top of Porphyrion's head. She had to swoop down and strike at the parasitic worms in order to protect Mercury and Agent. If she used lightning attacks frequently on Porphyrion, it would be aware of the distraction.

When Agent 0 and Mercury reached the shoulder blades, they made one huge leap to get on the plume. They're finally on the head, and Mercury made her away towards Vox and picks him up.

"Who there?" The hair on Vix's head forms a question mark.

"Don't worry, Vix," Mercury whispered, "Mommy's here to save you."

"But I don't feel like I'm in danger," Vix replied.

"Mercury, we gotta go!" Agent 0 warned.

The parasitic worms spawning from Porphyrion's back were drawing close. Camille flies in to help carry Vix to a roof that Mercury would parkour her way to. After Mercury makes one more giant leap to reach the roof, Camille carried Vix over to Mercury so that they can escape Arowana Mall. Camille nods to Agent 0, and he is obliged to set fire to the plume, and after that, he gets off the Porphyrion's back and breaks his fall by anchoring his swords to a wall.

Porphyrion the Gigantus was now trying to put out the fire on his helmet plume. Camille raises her spear up again and clouds gather to cover the nightly sky. Then pillars of thunder descended, hitting the back of Porphyrion and stripping him of his steel armor, revealing a flesh of latticed blood red and a rib cage full of hagfishes and sea slugs.

Anteros can now fire Eros's heart-burning and heart-breaking arrows at the Gigantus, breaking the rib cage and its vital organs. When Porphyrion swings his rusty sword down, Hermes uses it to run up the Gigantus's arm and disarms it. Agent 0 left huge gashes on the ankles and made Porphyrion get on one knee.

Camille delivered the final blow, flying upwards with the moon behind her.

Cell, Rasbel, and Mercury can see Camille in the sky. Vix is not aware that Camille is flying since he's blind. Suzy was amazed by the sight of the fight.

Camille puts away Athena's spears and takes out Apollo's Bow. She never fires a bow before and she had only one glass arrow to use. She pulls the arrows back and aimed for Porphyrion's helmet. She releases it and the arrows forms into a green comet, striking the helmet and shattering it.

Camille puts the bow away and takes out the antler crown. She sighed and holds it close with Athena's spear. She carefully folds the owl wings on her back and flies downwards towards Porphyrion. As Camille swoops down, she left a glowing trail of green and blue ink. She points Athena's spear straight at the head, timing it with Porphyrion moving his head up to stare at the charging Camille.

Then there was a flash, and a blue lightning and a green lightning strike Porphyrion's head. When the brightness dims, the Gigantes staggered and then laid on his back, giving an exhausted breath. Blue and Green ink covered the Arowana Mall's turf.

((End of music background))

Camille lands gently at the center of the mall and reverts back to her normal form, wearing her casual clothes. Everyone that was there gathered to congratulate Camille, but she collapses in exhaustion.

Soon Agent 7, Telemachus and Neo-Nexus Corp arrived after containing the Typhonian Horde in the Kelp Dome.

Two days left until the final battle.

#Future #Plot #Project Titanomachy

[born-in-the-wrong-multiverse]

We Were Totally Just Here to Pick Up Bridesmaids: Part 1 - Dean Winchester

Perched on the hood of a car, separating herself slightly from the lively party-goers, Sophie watched as the groom twirled his beaming bride again on the dance floor. She squashed down the nagging envy that nibbled at the pit of her stomach, and forced a grin as one of her fellow bridesmaids and closest friend headed towards her. The absurd, puffy, royal blue dress threatened to drag itself through the dirt beneath her feet, and she was struggling to hoist the voluminous skirt up above her ankles. “Were we boring you or something? Or was all that PDA’ing sickening you as much as it is me?” Snorting a laugh, Sophie shook her head and held out a hand, helping Mandy up onto the car beside her. “Nah, I just needed some fresh air. Gramps over there,” she nodded in the direction of the bride’s grandfather and screwed her nose up, “Kept blowing cigar smoke in my face every time he cornered me for another chat. Took all my limited will power not to rip it outta his mouth and throw it like a stick; I’m sure he woulda run after it like a dog playing fetch. I haven’t seen him without one all night.” Mandy cackled appreciatively and nodded in agreeance before falling silent with a sigh. Several moments passed as they both observed the reception wordlessly from afar, lost in their own thoughts, before Mandy spoke again pensively. “Could you ever see yourself doing that?” “What? Do the twist in a white marshmallow dress?” Sophie teased as the bride did a half-assed version of the dance, moving more of her upper body than anything else in an attempt to stay upright. “Pfft, no. I know for a fact you would never be caught dead doing THAT,” Mandy scoffed, “What I mean, is do you think you’ll ever do all this? Get married, have a big wedding, settle down with Prince Charming?” For a long beat, Sophie stayed quiet as she watched the scene again thoughtfully. It all looked great, and seemed like a fairytale brought to life, but… “It’s not that I don’t want to, one day,” Sophie started slowly, fiddling absent-mindedly with the frills on her dress, “But I dunno if I’m ever gonna be ready for it. Monogomy, I mean. Marriage. The whole ‘Get in the kitchen and make me a sandwich’ deal.” Throwing her head back giggling manically, Mandy clapped a hand to her mouth to try and stem the flow of laughter. “Not all guys are like that, Soph!” “Yeah, well, you get my point though, right? I mean, the rest of my life with one guy? Doing wife-y shit and always being half of a couple instead of just being ME? I couldn’t do it.” “So what you’re saying,” Mandy drawled playfully, “Is you don’t want to be a ‘we’ or an ‘us’. You just want to be ‘me’, ‘myself’ and ‘I’ for the rest of your life. You want to be ‘Just Sophie’.” Rolling her eyes, Sophie sighed loudly and groaned. “Well when you say it like that it sounds horrible!” Cackling madly again, Mandy smacked a hand to her friend’s arm and jumped up with a smug grin. “You know you love me. Now come on, I think they’re about to throw the bouquet. Ready to get your ass pummeled into the ground?” “Oh whatever!” Gathering up the many pleats and ruffles of their skirts, the girls scampered across the grass in their ridiculous heels, squeezing themselves into the throng of crazed single ladies crowding around the bride. Playful squeals of excitement hid the building tension as they all jostled with each other, arms outstretched high above their heads, fingers flexing in preparation for the toss. Counting to three, the bride doubled over for momentum before hurling the bouquet over her shoulder. A flurry of tulle, organza, lace and synthetic fibres lunged for the flowers, clawing for them desperately. Mandy tackled the bride’s younger sister to the floor as she wrapped her fingers around the stems triumphantly. “What in the hell is wrong with these chicks?” Sitting at a safe distance away from the action, the two brothers watched in amazement, a combination of amusement and disgust on their faces. Their tuxedos were mismatched creations complete with black ties, scuffed shoes and ill-fitting cumberbands. But they weren’t there to enjoy the party or mingle with wedding guests. Even if Dean was sinking another glass of champagne as they gawked stupidly at the gaggle of women fighting over the mangled bunch of flowers. Shaking his head, Sam fiddled with his tie awkwardly. “I have no idea, but I think I’d rather run into a Leviathan than one of them in a dark alleyway. They are…really…really kinda scary…did that one just bite the red head?” “Um…yeah…I think she kinda did,” Dean spluttered, eyes widening as one of the groom’s cousins sunk her teeth into Mandy’s wrist to try and force her to drop the loot. “Holy crap these chicks are crazy! Remind me never…never ever…to bring a date to a wedding.” “Oh, yeah, ‘cause you’re really ever going to be invited to a wedding and have an actual girlfriend to take with you,” Sam scoffed with a smirk, only slightly regretting the remark when Dean shot him an offended look. “Sorry, but you set yourself up for that one.” Shrugging off the hurt almost immediately, Dean tugged anxiously at his collar. “Yeah yeah, I know. Let’s cut the chatter and do some actual work, we’re here on business remember?” Trying to stifle his laughter, Sam nodded at Dean’s discomfort and pulled a sheet of paper from his pocket. Extracting herself from the mob of singletons, spinsters and bachelorettes, Sophie patted down her dress to make sure all her bows and ruffles were still in place, groaning at the loss of one her shoes. Her hair had fallen free from its many bobby pins and hung over her eyes lazily. She’d come nowhere near catching the bouquet; she hadn’t even been trying, but in the blur of action, she’d been knocked to the ground and swallowed up by the crazed horde. Mandy was back on her feet, bouncing up and down with an excited whoop, limp flowers dangling from her fist as she grinned ecstatically, winking playfully in Sophie’s direction. Rolling her eyes, Soph limped over to where her missing stiletto had jammed itself into a crack in the decking, and bent down to tug it free. As she flew backwards onto her ass disgracefully, heel in hand, she caught sight of the two strangers sitting at a table on their own. While everyone roared with buoyant amusement at her misfortune, Sophie frowned at the men as they looked up from the piece of paper they’d been pouring over. While one of them appeared to be appraising her, the other seemed almost panicked as he nudged his partner’s arm and muttered something to him. Yanking her shoe back on hastily, Sophie ignored Mandy’s playful jibes as she pushed herself back to her feet and hefted her skirt back up above her ankles. “Where you going, Soph? I was only kidding! And you’re going to miss the garter retrieval if you leave now!” Mandy called after her friend as Sophie ran after the uninvited guests trying to flee the scene. They were a lot faster than her, and clearly a lot fitter, but Sophie cut through the catering tent to corner them at the edge of the parking lot, short of breath and wishing she’d removed her heels first, but determined not to let them out of her sight. She couldn’t explain it, even to herself, but she didn’t like the look of them, and needed to know what they were doing there, if only for the sake of curing her curiosity. “What do you two think you’re doing here?” she panted, hands on hips, hair flopping all over the place. “You weren’t on the guest list, and believe me, I know everyone on it. So spill.” Sam glanced at Dean and Dean glanced at Sam before they both shrugged. “Okay, you caught us,” Dean sighed with whimsical reluctance, “We were gate-crashing the party. You know, have a few drinks, make new friends, convince a couple of jaded bridesmaids to come back to our hotel rooms with us.” “Except you weren’t making any new friends and you weren’t hitting on any bridesmaids,” Sophie interjected quickly. “In fact, I hadn’t noticed you all night until I landed on my ass back there. So,” she made a sound like a game-show buzzer, “Strike one, try again.” Shoving a hand into his pocket, Sam glanced sideways at Dean again, relaying a silent question before shrugging again and pulling an ID holder out. “Okay, we didn’t want to start a panic so we kept quiet. FBI, miss. Special Agent Vincent, and my partner, Special Agent Owens. We’re just here to monitor a person of interest, nothing more.” Screwing her nose up uncertainly, Sophie relieved Sam of his badge and ID with more than a little effort, scrutinizing it carefully before raising an eyebrow and snorting. “FBI my ass. This is a fake. The serial number on this badge is completely outdated and your ID was printed on a commercial license printer. You wanna try for strike three or shall I phone a friend for you?” Jaws dropping speechlessly, the brothers blinked almost frantically as they searched for a new lie. “Save it,” Sophie spat at last, “Nothing you say now is going to convince me. So I’m going to give you a choice. Leave now, stay away from my friends and their family, and I’ll forget I ever saw you. But if I see you around here again, I’m putting a call in to some friends of my own and you’ll never set foot in this state again.” Exchanging another look that conveyed a silent conversation, the boys held their hands up in unison, surrendering to her treaty. “We’ll just be on our way then,” Dean conceded, gesturing for Sam to lead the way, falling into step behind him before pausing and casting Sophie a cheeky grin with a wink. “By the way, smart choice going with the sensible panties tonight.” Feeling her cheeks filling with hot, furiously embarrassed blood, Sophie glared at the men as they walked away towards an old, battered Dodge Challenger. It took off, kicking up dust clouds and rattling along the gravel before disappearing onto the main road. “You’re a dick sometimes, you know that?” Sam chuckled as Dean drove, wrenching his tie off from around his neck and unbuttoning his black jacket. Or at least the few buttons that were still left on it. Even the white shirt beneath had suspicious stains that had, thankfully, been hidden beneath the jacket, and the top button was hanging perilously by a thread. His pants barely fit, but it was the best he could come up with at short notice. The shirt, shoes and tie were his own, but the rest had been raided from a good-will bin. Or rather several of them, until he’d compiled a complete suit out of discarded odds and ends. While they had suits of their own that did the job under normal circumstances, a little research had revealed that the wedding was a proper black tie event, and tuxedos were the go if they wanted to fit in. For the first time in years, Dean himself had shaved cleanly, and was already missing the familiar layer of stubble that usually hugged his chin and jaw. His outfit was in minutely better condition…if you ignored the fact his cumberband was being held in place by several safety pins and some discretely placed duct tape. His pocket square was in fact a paper napkin he’d gotten with his meal at the local diner, and his jacket was several sizes too big. But he’d made an effort to look presentable and plausible, and was admittedly pained that some girl had seen right past the charade. “She had it coming for calling us out like that,” he muttered, keeping his eyes on the road as he shook his head. “How did she know our ID’s were fake anyway? We’ve pulled this trick a thousand times before and even the real G-men didn’t pick the forgery.” “Well, maybe she is a fed herself and just pays more attention to detail,” Sam offered hesitantly, “Or maybe she was just bluffing.” Dean groaned and tightened his fingers around the wheel as he pressed his foot to the gas, eager to get back to their motel room for some well-earned sleep. “Either way, I hope that’s the last we see of her or we’re tanked.”

#dean winchester #sam winchester #supernatural #spn #werewolf #fanfic #part 1