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eoinmcgonigal · 7 months

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09: Bill/Johnny

Sloowly getting through @almost-a-class-act 's wonderful prompts! This one is: Character A has just moved in and it's Character B's turn to tell the new neighbour the neighbourhood's dark secret…

Now, I've set this in rural Scotland. I've given Bill the appropriate language, but I have zero idea how to actually spell it. It's one of the stupidest things I've ever written, but no, I'm not taking it back. Bill Fraser is a teuchter now (for this fic at least).

War is Helloween

He’s seen him before. In the darkness of the countryside, folk illuminated only by the built-up bonfire, the occasional sweeps of torches, and the sparkers the children run around squealing with, Bill finds himself looking towards the stranger. It’s hard not to notice newcomers around here, and especially not ones so handsome they turn heads wherever they go. The blond hardly seems like he belongs amongst countryfolk and farmers, but he’s ended up at the fireworks display on the brae all the same. Bill first saw him two days ago in the village shop, where he was with a young woman, a babe in her arms. His sister, the gossip says. Bill’s already heard the older folk muttering about it, wondering where the husband is, and what the brother is doing here. He’s sure he’ll hear all the news the next time he goes to the Fife Arms, whether he wants to or not.

He can’t deny feeling curious, though. Not much changes around here—not usually for the better, at any rate. Besides, the man is good-looking. Johnny Cooper. There’s something about him that catches Bill’s eye, and makes him half want to go over.

He doesn’t, though. Johnny is surrounded by some of the farmers’ wives, and is gratefully accepting bonfire toffee. Bill’s mouth is still sweet with the rare joy of it, Jenny Grant’s recipe as good as he remembers from childhood. It’s as warming to him as the bright fire that’s been built to last, and he’ll try to get another few pieces off of her before he heads back home.

Until then, he stands in the cold November night, waiting. A few friends and folk have drifted by, stopping to chat, offering him a beer, and he nods and listens to the words they have to say, contributing here and there. He finds himself standing in a loose group of men, their attention turning towards the pitch dark beyond the fall of the firelight when a faint torchlight flickers there. Johnny is still on the other side of the little gathering when the fireworks begin. Bill looks away from him, to enjoy the display. It’s nothing like the big, fancy ones he sees on the telly. He wonders what Johnny makes of it. If he likes it here, or if he thinks as little of this place and its people as townfolk usually do, the way of life too small and simple to be worth noticing in their opinion. Plenty outsiders have bulldozed in and then drifted away again, not taking to the lifestyle, or simply missing the glittering lights and apparently comfort of bustle.

Bill likes it here, though. It’s home. He watches the fireworks light up the darkness, and feels something ancient and primal tug at his heart. You can’t feel this anywhere else, he thinks as a chill breeze stirs around the little gathering.

When the last firework is spent, all that’s left is the warmth of the fire, and the people around it. Bill soaks it up, lingering as people start drifting home—the folks with younger kids first, then others following. He snags some more of Jenny’s bonfire toffee, and sees that Johnny is just drifting from the circle of firelight. There’s a set to his shoulders, a sense of purpose about him that makes Bill’s blood run cold.

Half running, he catches up with the man. “Oi!” he calls out.

Jumping, Johnny turns around, laughing. “You scared me!” He’s grinning, the distant fireglow softly picking out the features of his face.

“Far ye gaun?”

A blank look. Bill gestures out at the darkness.

“Yer car? Far’s it at?”

“Oh!” Understanding dawns on Johnny’s face, his smile softening but not fading. “My sister has it. I was going to walk.”

“Tae the village?”

“Um, yes?”

The cold feeling in Bill’s blood grows more profound. “Ye cannae dae that,” he warns.

“No?” Johnny looks around, out into the darkness. “I mean, it’s only two and a half miles?”

Bill shakes his head. “Ye’ll no mak it.”

“Um,” Johnny breathes. He’s not smiling any more. “But I came—”

“Ah’ll gi ye a lift,” Bill insists. “Or, if ye rither, ony ae the fowk here wull gi ye a lift. Just dinnae wauk it an yer ain, aye?”

“O–okay?”

The distant, warm glow of the fire is reflected in the blond’s wide eyes, and Bill suspects that, while he might have got the gist, he’s a bit dazed. Another chill curl of wind swirls around them, and they both shiver.

That seems to decide it. Relenting, Johnny moves closer to Bill. “Where’s your car?”

Bill points back towards the other side of the gathering. “Mandy’ll be glad tae tak ye, if ye’d rither.”

“No, it’s okay. I’m good.” After a few paces, Bill hears a shift in fabric, and a hand is drawn out of a pocket and offered to him. “I’m Johnny, by the way.”

“Aye, Ah ken,” Bill nods. It’s an awkward angle to shake someone’s hand at, the gesture out of place here. He lets it happen, though, giving Johnny a brief, firm squeeze of a handshake. Johnny’s hands are cold, but there’s a warmth that transfers to Bill at the touch. Stickiness too. They’ve both had toffee. It’s the reason Bill hasn’t pulled his glove back on.

He pulls them on now, knowing it’ll be cold for the first few minutes, until the car heats up. There’s a heavy jacket on the passenger’s seat, which he pulls out of the way as soon as he gets in, the wellies in the footwell joining the jacket on the back seat.

Johnny looks so out of place as he gets in, the harsh interior light of Bill’s car making him look pale. He’s probably cold, Bill realises.

“Ye cauld?”

Rubbing his hands against his thighs, Johnny nods. Bill pulls the jacket forward again, offering it over.

“Hae a shottie o this till the heatin kicks in.”

“Thank you.”

They fall into silence as the light dims and Bill starts the engine. He rolls slowly out onto the single track road that winds its way down the brae and towards the village. They’re near to the planted forest of Norwegian pine when Johnny finally speaks again.

“What’s wrong with walking?”

The headlights fall strangely on the pines for a moment, and Bill watches the shadows shift. “Naebody wauks atween the braes an the village this tid o year.”

In the pause, Bill tries to work out how to explain what people usually figure out, if they move here early enough in the year, or if they have any sense.

“Why not?”

It’s best to keep it simple. “Fowk disappear.”

“They get lost? Isn’t there only one road?”

There is, and it follows the contours of the land, the fall and rise and then fall again down into the village. They are clear of the trees now, and in the gully that curves to the left, is a burn. It’s impossible to see in the dark—the headlights don’t peer down over the edge. “Aye,” Bill has to agree. “Bit thare’s mae tae it then that.”

Beneath Bill’s jacket, Johnny shifts, shivering. Bill reaches out to turn the heat up.

“I’m fine,” Johnny insists. “I just… don’t get it.”

“Dae ye wint tae?”

“I guess?”

They’re one bend away from being within sight of the village, and Bill feels like he can speak easier when he sees the warm glow of the streetlights. He doesn’t need to ask where Johnny lives. Everyone knows.

“Thare’s simmat oot there, simmat auld.”

“Something?” Bill catches the crease of worry lining Johnny’s brow. “Like… an animal?”

“No quite. Hiv ye nae feelt it?”

“No?”

They turn into the lane that leads quickest to Johnny’s home. From the tone of his voice, the uncertainty wavering in it, Bill suspects that Johnny has felt it.

“What is it?”

Bill doesn’t quite know how to answer that. As he pulls up, he leaves the engine running, heat starting to spill enthusiastically into the car. The light from the streetlamps has a different quality to it than the firelight, but, as uneasy as he looks, Johnny still looks handsome. Beautiful, even. It’s warmth like that that keeps the cold and the darkness from taking over everything.

“The lan.”

Johnny blinks. “The land?”

“Aye, this place. Atween the noo an Februar, it’s hungert fae wairmth. Dinnae wauk ootae the village aifter dark.”

“Seriously?” In the safety of warmth and light, scepticism steals over Johnny.

“Aye. Ask aebody,” Bill promises. “Fa telt ye tae come up the braes oniehoo?”

“Um… Mitch? Mitchel?”

“Eejit,” Bill mutters. He can believe that Mitchel forgot to make sure Johnny was getting there and back safely, although he’s of no mind to let the man get away with it when Bill sees him next.

Johnny is toying with the collar of Bill’s jacket. “So this wasn’t some elaborate ploy to get me alone?”

“Elaborate?” Bill echoes. “No, Ah wantit tae mak sure ye got hame safe.”

“I was joking,” Johnny smiles, and Bill realises that maybe he was, but perhaps he wasn’t. He lets out a breath, not sure what to say.

As his jacket is offered back to him, Bill takes it mutely, looking at Johnny’s hands, then up at the beautiful but utterly unprepared young man.

“Thank you, um…”

Bill waits as the silence drags on.

“You didn’t tell me your name.”

Oh. Right. “Bill,” he supplies, aware of the way his cheeks have started to flush. It’s annoying, and he reaches out to turn the heating down. “Ah mean it,” he impresses on Johnny. “Ye haftae stay safe.”

“I will,” Johnny says, with what feels like the right amount of sincerity.

“Good,” Bill nods.

“Thank you, Bill.”

Johnny already said that, but it’s nice to hear it again.

“Good night.”

“Nicht,” Bill answers.

Reaching for the door handle, Johnny goes still. “Um…” he turns around again, his mood tentative. “What was that sweet stuff?”

“The bonfire toffee?”

“I think so. I’ve not had it before. Do you know the recipe?”

Bill does not, but he knows where it’s written down in the old cookbook that used to be his grandmothers. “No, but Ah can get it fae ye.”

“I’d like that, thank you.”

“Nae bither.”

When Johnny smiles again, Bill gets the feeling that Johnny would be quite happy to linger here a while longer. He’d be happy if he did. All that lies ahead of Bill is the dark drive home.

“See you soon?” Johnny seems to hope.

Bill nods. “Aye.”

With a bright smile that brings something of the sun to the night, Johnny goes.

Bill isn’t entirely sure if Johnny will pay heed to the warning or dismiss it as nonsense, but what he does know is that the long winter ahead is going to be much easier to bear if he has a chance of seeing that beautiful smile again.

#sas rogue heroes #war is helloween #bill fraser #johnny cooper #johnny x bill #document type: supplementary diary entry #i don't know WHY i had him speak like that? for fun?#idk i was thinking of where i grew up today and that inspired this #i could write a lot about the feeling that creeps over the mountains and steals from the woods #the chill of the wind that carries more than just the biting cold #the stirrings and mutterings of something unknowable #the whispering and hissing of it and the howling and baying when it's ravenous for warmth #and then bonfire night and being gathered around the fire and you really DO feel something so old it no longer has a name *inside you*#know the winter darkness of the highlands and then feel the rawness of the fire and understand how ancient and powerful these forces are

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dan-asd · 6 months

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Dalasa Kilicaki Species: Gauns* (Homo galisius) Species inspiration: Dragons (Draconus gwandre) Age: I forgot

---

All Gauns have an species inspiration, which determines what physical characteristics get mixed with normal human biology. At puberty they are able of freely switching between their normal form and the form of their species inspiration. This transformation comes at great nutritional and flaame cost. Many ancient gaun traditions involve having large banquets for Gauns during their puberty, as well as spending time learning the ways of life of their species inspiration.

---

There is one problem for Dalasa- No one knows what an Dragon is. This is due to them being an space-faring civilization species that lived in earth during the Jurassic, but have moved out into underground habitats and colonies on Jupiter and its moons.

(cough cough He is self-insert in Galis)

*(The name Gaun will probably be changed)

#my art #not spec evo #galis #art #worldbuilding

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thewolfisawake · 7 months

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It was late yet it wasn't as though this affliction would rest. Norval brought the reports he received although he had expected that he'd be setting them on the king's desk for him to read in the morning. So imagine his surprise to be let through and directed towards the conservatory. Inside he could find Balmoral at a long table that was absolutely covered.

Maps, arrays of full and empty conduit crystals, schedules and guard rotations, and a smattering of reports and grievances. Off to the side was a decanter that was half empty. The king long since gave up on any form of decorum seeing as his circlet was discarded by the decanter with his hair loosened and sleeves rolled up. And he seemed to be on a break as he sipped his drink while observing the sky.

"Haw, you bring mair reports?" Balmoral asked, without looking over to the other. Norval strode to the table, "Yep, yep, though all this gathering, I haven't really reviewed anything."

"If it's anything like what ah been receiving, it's proceeding smoothly," the king informed, slipping his eyepatch from the table and affixing it again before he faced his general. He reached out for the reports, "The numbers appear tae be stable...at least better than initial collection. Steady reports from you and Risteard tell thon people are listening and proceeding with caution. Whether or concern or tae cover their hides, ah have yet tae see. But ya gambit was a success, Valan. Well done."

"I'm happy to hear your praises, Your Majesty," Norval said with a little bow, "...but you aren't pleased that it has gone through, are you?"

"Ah cannae change what has been done. What, you gaun haud it over my heid fir a while?" he joked before he was drinking again, starting to check out the new intel. The trend was comforting news, certainly. However the king felt no comfort. Not when he knew it meant more being transported off the Demilune Spring. Not when it meant the chances of being corrupted grew each day.

"...Actually, I wanted to talk to you about it."

An eye watched him, the color lazily swirling about in silent anticipation towards the Herald. Norval watched the king as well. Unlike most of the generals, he held little in the way of standing against the might of their sovereign. Although he knew there was little chance Balmoral was going to do something rash. After all, it was something of a one off and it did help that he was likely drunk.

"I do not regret the plan I put forward. And it is understandable how you reacted to it. And while, it worked out because it was us, your generals, your selected confidants, I wanted to put forward that you also unveiled a dangerous precedent."

"A dangerous precedent?" Balmoral repeated, asking for elaboration.

Norval continued, "Bal, in any other situation you would maintain a focus on the kingdom's interest. Ironically the place you sent others to being proof of your calculated mindset. However, when it comes to Mhoiran, that all goes out the window. And I like him as much as the next guy but it begs the question as to why. It's understandable why he is the way he is with you as you maintain a similar hold on all those you chose within your fold. But less clear is why he has that hold with you. Could it be...you are actually much closer...?"

With that, all the seriousness in the air deflated. The contrast actually had Balmoral laughing. It was a bit of relief from the dread that had been filling him for days, "'Course ya use work tae slip in the real questions, sleekit of you. Ah ken Bheinnan fir much longer than most of the lot of you. So in that sense, aye, we're much closer."

There was a softness in his eye as he said this. His gaze in the glass as if it could divine some unknown intent.

"So like, are you--"

"You had a point tae this, Norval?" Balmoral questioned, his terrible mood rolling back in, "Mhoirbheinn isnae here tae defend himself so ah like tae nae dwell on it longer than necessary."

"...I simply want to understand, Bal. As your Herald, I weave word in your favor. That gets more difficult when I don't get the motives. I'm not asking to know why...all that happened. Just why you took up as much as you did, why him? To help in any future endeavors and to help you maintain your image should it come up again."

It seemed he really did make a fool of himself at that meeting. Enough so his generals have either scolded him or plotted without him. To any other tyrant, it might have cost them their lives. But to Balmoral, it was comedic in a way, being reminded of what his aim was. And how it was no longer attaining but maintaining it. Power was no longer the issue but rather the image...and while Balmoral did think he could manage himself...well, at least he was smart enough to find others before he got cocky.

Why him?

"Why not him?" Balmoral echoed, "Ah doubt Bheinnan ken but he did me a kindness so long ago. Wan ah hardly exaggerate when ah say, it changed my life. And as you ken, ah pay back kindnesses. Though it feels no matter how much ah try tae pay it back, ah only end up further and further indebted tae him. What started as a simple 'you did something fir me, let me do something fir you' ended up...anything but simple. How do you pay back giving hope dare even excitement fir your goals? What is fair fir standing there...when there was nae wan before? What dae ah give fir lessons invaluable tae you? Tae wa--"

Thinking of his beloved brought such a tenderness to him. A tenderness the fae only learned because of him. So much of it all was because of him. But it also brought back the heartache Balmoral had been avoiding. So that his love didn't see through their bond. How sorely he was missed and the forlorn wistfulness that threatened to consume him.

"Och, ah had tae much, it's loosened this tongue far tae much," Balmoral stopped himself, "You'll hae tae accept the ramblings of a fu' fool tae glean from."

"That is fine I think I understand one thing," Norval said with a nod, an eager listener, "Mhoiran is His Majesty's greatest source of strength. Which is amazing, don't get me wrong. But also puts forward something else...."

Though he was talking Balmoral had already started resuming his work, wanting a distraction again. However there came a phrasing that sounds almost like it was whispered in his ear.

"...Your greatest strength also is your one weakness."

That brought his attention back to the Herald, who was grinning as always, "But with Mhoiran so strong as is it's not really anything you'd have to worry about. I'm sorry to have taken up your time, Bal, just needed a distraction from the mountain load we got. And hearing about you and Mhoiran is pretty nice to hear."

"So you use me fir your distraction. Cheeky, Norval."

"Don't say it like that! I just--mm, you know there's no way of making this sound better so I'm gonna stop while I'm ahead."

"Wise choice. Now off with you, we hae business tae finish," with that the Herald was off. Balmoral swirled around the glass he held. He seemed to consider it before placing it down on the table. It seemed the reports would have to do.

#writings #{Balmoral Drabbles #this has been in my drafts forever #but this is during the Corruption #and Bal is just choosing to work #instead of think about feelings #until he has to

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istopaskingmemate · 1 year

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I think wukong was trying to get the crew to quit the 2nd journey.

Ok, hear me out so at the end of season two he doesn't want them to come because "they have this little thing called mortality" they insist and he 'accepts' and then goes on to say "but really really dangerous".

Then start an episode of season 3 when the ship falls into the sea and is filling with water he says "a little water never hurt anyone-oh right mortality".

These two scenes would have happened within a few hours of each other there is no way he forgot they were mortal or not realized this was a dangerous situation. He knows water like this is not good for mortals. Out of every immortal Chinese god I know of, he would know that this is unsafe. For one he was born mortal, two he went with a mortal monk on a 15-year-long journey through dangerous territory, three he lives with normal mortal monkeys and has done basically his whole life and four he has MK as a mortal human student who he has yet to even injure despite sparring with him multiply time.

Even if he wasn't with mortal he wouldn't comfortable in this situation because water enhibits his movement because he is made of stone and make him valible which we all know he hates.

In this frame, we see wukong's real reaction to the water and he looks quite annoyed. Well, that or really deep in though maybe. Either way, he is not enjoying the water like we see when he 'forgets' that everyone is mortal and in danger.

now you now be asking when was the change from to achelly accepting the others on the trip?

It isn't until the scene above that Wukong even considers that he may need help on this. It isn't until he is struck and staring down a dragon that relieses how powerless he is at the moment.

Here you can see that he relieses that his reputation is not going to help him get out of simulations like he thought originally. People aren't not going to fight him because he is the great sage because they know that he doesn't have his powers.

And then may steps up and gets Ao Gaun to back off. she helps sun Wukong and he is astounded by it. This is when he understands that these mortals are capable and he doesn't have to worry so much about them dying. He accepts that they can come on the journey and even trust Mei to break them out and get the map. Because he knows that they are going to be ok and are actually helping him as opposed to being another thing to look out for (like with Tripitaka). He can focus more on regaining his powers for the fight with the lady bone demon and leave the less dangerous stuff to them. Which is what he does.

#lego monkie kid #sun wukong #mk #mei #ao goun #am I over analysing a proabaly not very important thing yes #do I care no #this has been picking at my brain since I saw the ep

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thexgrayxlady · 8 months

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WIP Whenever

Chase ducked his head and twisted so that his shoulder hit the ground first. He rolled across the temple courtyard and came to a stop spitting sand with Guan’s staff at his temple.

He rolled his eyes and swallowed his pride for long enough to accept his friend’s outstretched hand helping him to back to his feet. He tucked the loose strands of hair behind his ears and rubbed some mud out of his cuffs before retrieving his dropped weapon to try one last time. His knuckles paled on the staff and meditation and breathing exercises be damned, he couldn’t relax his death grip on the weapon.

Their instructor critiqued and made corrections to their form and moves, but Chase only halfway listened.

This was happening too often.

He tried to remind himself that he was much better at magic and Guan hadn’t been able to touch his time on the obstacle course for months. But if was very hard to care about that when he lost more often than not.

As soon as their instructor gave the signal, he lashed out. Guan effortlessly parried and shoved him back. Rather than waste any more energy resisting, Chase withdrew.

As he did, Chase noticed that for all the power behind his friend’s blows, he left an opening on his right.

Chase pressed the offensive, trying to recreate it. But he couldn’t win through strength. He had to fight smarter. He was quicker and lighter and could dart in and then back to a safe distance.

He tried the feint Brother Liu showed them earlier in the week. Gaun didn’t fall for it, but his block left him just off balance and he was slow to regain his footing. Of course, he didn’t need to be quick if Chase couldn’t take advantage.

The corners of his mouth twitched in frustration. He just had to close the gap while his friend was off balance. But he didn’t know any moves he could use to do that. At least, none that would work. Anything that he knew, Guan did too.

The impact of their staves jarred his shoulder. Though momentarily stunned, he came back to himself just in time to leap away when Guan tried to sweep his legs.

Chase tried the feint again, studying his opponent’s footwork as he countered. He moved well enough, but slightly slow and imperfectly balanced. His instructors would doubtless give him extra drills later, but it worked well enough for what he needed now.

That he could be satisfied with something that was just good enough was near enough to drive Chase to frustrated mistakes. Yet the idea of losing yet again due to his own impatience was just enough to keep him focused on his goal.

Chase followed up with quick darting jabs. Guan blocked most and the few that struck didn’t have enough power to knock his friend back. That didn’t matter. He just needed to keep his friend too distracted to start his own offensive while he planned.

He didn’t have to use the whole feint. The opening set him up to quickly change directions, but with a few modifications he could use the momentum to carry him over his friend’s counter. His staff would get in the way, but if he was being fully honest with himself, he fought better without it.

He began the feint one last time and now that Guan anticipated his movement, he was in place to intercept too soon and when Chase didn’t meet his counter, his momentum carried him too far. Chase leapt over his guard and landed light. He spun and kicked as his friend turned to catch him.

His foot connected with his friend’s side with a satisfying thud and he couldn’t catch himself before his own momentum carried him to the ground. Gaun motioned to yield.

Their instructor made a few critiques of their form, briefly praising Chase for ingenuity, before dismissing them for the afternoon. Chase was too caught up in the excitement of victory to do more than half listen while helping his friend to his feet.

“That was really cool,” Guan said. “How did you do that last move?”

“It’s easy,” he said, grinning and practically bouncing as he led the way to another part of the training grounds. “C’mon, I’ll show you.”

#Gray Writes Stuff #Chase Young #Master Monk Guan #Xiaolin Showdown #butterflies and hurricanes 2.0 #This is a very rough portion of the draft #Like a very rough just get thing into the word doc kind of draft

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enrax · 9 months

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Come What May

When: November 22, 2022 Where: Car en route to the Guan Estate

The car arrives at 5 p.m. to fetch him.

Junji has been to the estate before, but this is the first time he's returned since Roga and Aeu's slumber. It'll be strange, he thinks as he settles into the supple back seat, to be in that house knowing its proprietors are sleeping not far away. He imagines that this must be a comforting proximity for Soa, but the necromancer finds it a tad creepy.

Although the journey is long, Junji is well-prepared. There are many work reports to read, for one thing, and so much mental preparation he needs to conjure out of thin air before his arrival. The grandeur of the Guan domain is staggering. The first visit had been such an arresting and not a little sinister experience that he'd been inclined to think the property was magically enchanted.

And so with the sun mounted low in the sky and great bursts of red leaves melting off the trees, Junji is driven to the Gaun Estate.

He's not alone in the backseat. One of the Guan's guards sits in the seat across from him, watching him and not being the least bit subtle about it. Junji knows better than to engage him in conversation. He'd tried it before, and the man had shut him down with nary a word, glaring at him from behind dark sunglasses. The necromancer's insides had withered from the embarrassment.

He reviews the reports for as long as he can. When they reach a certain bend in the road, one Junji recalls with searing clarity, the guard tugs a silk bag over his head. Why this was necessary at this point he did not know. He'd spent the better part of a decade serving this family, but he still posed a threat to their privacy. He had no sight into Roga's heart, but he knew that while he trusted Junji to an extent, he didn't trust him with the sacred knowledge of the Guan hearth. That was a privilege reserved for those with whom shared his blood.

They are driving uphill. He can feel the altitude change in his head and ears. With his vision restrained, his remaining senses are working overtime to keep him grounded. If he remembers correctly, he will be wearing this bag for an hour, so he tries to relax. He counts three checkpoints and tries to imagine the daily routine of the guards stationed at those locations. What did they have to sacrifice in order to attain the knowledge needed to do their jobs properly?

The time passes and the bag is torn from his head. The sudden rush of light into his corneas is startling, even though there's barely any sunlight left. He blinks and fixes his hair.

The estate is even more ornate than he recalls, an imposing Gothic mansion standing tall against the hills, possessing darkness within. Three guard towers have been erected near the port, and large dogs with gleaming teeth patrol the grounds.

Another sentry stands at stiff attention in front of the house. Each of the men chosen for sentinel duty had hard mouths and arrogant postures, meaty muscles claiming dominance over their large physiques and projecting an air of perpetual violence. Not even the suave grace of their designer suits could conceal the enormous power of their bodies.

When Junji steps out of the car, it is this guard who leads him deeper into the property. Yet again, no pleasantries are exchanged. He guesses the Guan's did not pay these men to speak. They enter the main building swiftly, ascending an L-shaped set of stairs into Soa's wing.

@ilnerium

#i: soa #t: come what may

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alphaeverestbasecamp · 11 months

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Manaslu Circuit Trek

Many people ask when is the best time to visit Manaslu. The simple answer is that March, April, May, June, September, October and November are the best times for Manaslu Circuit Trek.

The mountains of Nepal are among the best treks in the world. These beautiful mountains and beautiful landscapes are used throughout the year. Among the many best treks in Nepal, the trek of Manaslu circuit makes the most fun. Best time for Manaslu circuit trek is briefly explained below.

This remote area northwest of Kathmandu has a very interesting climate. Walking in these hidden valleys and forests will change your life forever. However, hiking the rugged mountains is no child's play. The highest point for the trip is 5160m and can climb over 4000m most days.

Walking up this hill means the weather is unpredictable. So, before planning your trip to Manaslu, you must find out about the weather in Manaslu and plan your trip well. Read this article till the end and you will know the best time of Manaslu circuit tour.

Manaslu in September:

September is the transition from monsoon to stable autumn. In the lower regions, early spring still receives rain during the day while the afternoon is very hot. After the rain, the day is clear and visible. At the end of September, the roads begin to dry. This is the beginning of the best season of Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Pros: Fewer crowds, experiencing two different seasons at once, and unobstructed views.

Cons: At the beginning of September, it rains a little and the temperature is still high.

Manaslu in October:

Are you ready for a high season in the mountains? As October approaches, the clouds are completely clear and the views are amazing. In the upper region, the temperature of Manaslu is between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius. No rain, and you have nothing to fear. October is the best month for Manaslu travel.

Pros: Perfect weather and spectacular views.

Cons: Large crowds (need to book in advance) and high prices.

Manaslu in November:

The weather during Manaslu circuit tour in November is still stable and warm. Pros and cons like October Manaslu circuit trek.

Manaslu in December:

As the winter months approach, the average temperature in the region drops below -8 degrees Celsius. The temperature of Larkya La pass may drop below zero degrees, but the mountains are not yet covered with snow. December is the last month the tea house is open for business. The sun is bright and hot. Now the whole month of December is snow-free, but you need to check the conditions before you travel.

Pros: There is a better view of the mountains and the sunrise. In addition, the day is cool and bright for walking.

Cons: Cool summer in the morning/evening and short days.

Manaslu in January:

The real problem starts when winter starts to hit the city in January. The temperature of Larkya La Pass can drop below -15 degrees Celsius. Only a few teahouses above Sama Gaun are still open in January, and they have no heating inside. Additionally, you must learn how to climb and stream special equipment.

Pros: Not a big advantage unless you want to play in the snow and enjoy the frozen view of glaciers and lakes.

Cons: It is obviously very cold and the roads are slippery; you need to carry a lot of clothes and a heavy sleeping bag.

Manaslu In February:

The last month of winter, that is, the month of February in Manaslu, is still cold. The temperature of Sama Gaun and other places is below -10 degrees Celsius in the morning and evening. Snow covers the higher part of Larka La, and it is difficult to walk. Although it snows only 3-4 times a month, it stays on the ground for a long time, making travel impossible. For Manaslu in February, we recommend avoiding the mountains and only going to the lower hills, i.e. below Sama Gaun.

Pros: The free path and solitude nature deserves for yourself; Awesome discounts on travel packages and licenses.

Cons: Creeping heat, slippery and dangerous roads for the trip (it is recommended to avoid high passes).

Manaslu in March:

March is the beginning of spring when the entire region begins to show the beautiful blossoms of wildflowers. The snow in the mountains is still very thick and the view is great - the best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The temperature of Manaslu in March will be 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. You can walk on a hot sunny day without feeling the heat.

Pros: In addition to a better view of the mountains, the weather is stable. Chances of rain are low and the days are bright. It is not too hot for the trip.

Cons: The trail can be a bit crowded and the wildflowers are spotty. Mornings and nights are colder.

Manaslu in April:

April is definitely the most popular time for Manaslu trek, when the rhododendrons are in full bloom. The temperature starts to rise and even the mountains are very hot. The weather is stable during these months with zero rain. You can also meet exciting climbers on the way as it is the month of climbing Manaslu. Daytime temperatures in Sama Gaun, Samdo and Bimtang can rise to 12 degrees Celsius. Even the mornings are sunny and the days are long.

Pros: Rhododendron flowers best in high temperatures. You should take small clothes that go well with you. In addition, it is a great opportunity to meet the professionals who are encouraging and rising.

Cons: The main drawback is how crowded it is and you have to book all the restaurants first.

Manaslu in May:

As spring approaches in May, we see the last few beautiful flowers. The temperature rises to 20 degrees Celsius and even warmer nights - the best time for Manaslu travel. The evening hike can be a little hot, but at 4000 meters even the temperature is pleasant.

Pros: The number of tourists starts to drop and you can see the last flowers of the rhododendron.

Cons: The days are hot and humid and the trail can be a little dusty. Clouds block the view of the mountains after noon.

Manaslu in June:

Since June is the beginning of monsoon, it is warm and clear. However, in the rain, the roads become slippery and many travelers fall. Manaslu region receives almost 300mm of rain in June alone, which is not a suitable time for Manaslu travel. However, most of the rain occurs in the evening and the view after the rain is spectacular. The temperature of Manaslu region is almost 15 to 25 degree Celsius. Hiking in June is possible with appropriate rain gear, including a rain jacket, pants and waterproofs.

Pros: Heat and long days; easy trip on a day without rain and few people (awesome offer).

Cons: Unpredictable rain, slippery roads, and leech/mosquito disease; Clouds also block the view.

Manaslu in July

July is hotter and more humid than June; this is the peak monsoon season. We only recommend July trips with good recommendations from your travel agency.

Manaslu in August

The monsoon still hits hard in August. However, the number of rainy days starts to decrease and the shops start to open at the end of August. As the temperature in Larkey La ranges from 18 to 22 degrees Celsius, it's fun to walk. The streams and rivers are all in full flow, and new vegetation is constantly thriving; it's a very busy month for the trek. However, there are still 10 to 15 days of rain when the clouds completely obscure the view.

Pros: Fewer passengers; fresh herbs and fresh food; long journeys in hot weather with little clothing.

Cons: Waterways are slippery; need special advice.

Short Manaslu Circuit Trek

#Manaslu Base Camp Trek #Short Manaslu Circuit Trek #Manaslu Circuit Trek

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dstntflwr · 1 year

Text

A Permanent Mark (Part 46)

Ketika Zailun memasuki mobil, Xicun Li tersenyum padanya. Sudah begitu lama sejak keduanya mengobrol, bahkan ketika dia datang ke Lu Li beberapa hari yang lalu, tak banyak yang mereka bicarakan berdua – jadi Zailun hanya memandang keluar jendela, memperhatikan jalanan luas di depannya.

“Apa yang terjadi?” dia menoleh padanya. “Saat itu.”

Zailun tahu jelas soal apa maksud Li, namun dia memilih untuk tidak menjawabnya. Lagipula, bukankah itu sudah berada di masa lalu?

Dia mendengarnya menghela nafas. “Kau membuatnya begitu terpuruk–”

“Xicun Li,” tegurnya. “Bukan dia saja yang terluka.”

Beta itu terdiam, mengalihkan pandangannya, mengalah.

---

Zailun dapat melihat gadis kecil yang dia lihat sebelumnya – Jiurong, tengah berputar di teras, memamerkan gaun mungil barunya sementara Shanyu memangku Jiurong yang dia kenali ketika menjemput Chunhua di taman kanak-kanak tempat mereka bersekolah. Omega itu melambaikan tangan secepat dia turun dari mobil, tersenyum.

Xicun Li mendorongnya ke depan dari punggungnya ketika melihat langkahnya terhenti. Dia memperhatikan dua putri Xicheng berjalan ke arahnya, menggandeng Shanyu yang masih tersenyum padanya.

“Jiurong, Yuelung, perkenalkan diri kalian.”

Kedua gadis itu membungkukkan badan mereka, mengulangi nama mereka sementara Zailun berusaha untuk tersenyum. Inilah kenapa dia payah dalam menjaga Chunhua – dia tak begitu natural di depan anak-anak. Namun dia memaksakan diri untuk berjongkok di depan mereka. “Namaku Shen Zailun.”

Jiurong mengulurkan tangannya, ketika oemga itu mengira bahwa dia akan meraih tangannya, gadis kecil itu justru lebih tertarik dengan rambutnya. “Primrose,” gumamnya.

Zailun tertawa kecil. “Baiklah,” sahutnya. “Panggil aku Primrose.”

Jiurong tersenyum. “Prim-ge.”

Siapa yang tahu jika sepanjang sore itu, Zailun yang begitu canggung berhasil membantu Yuelung dalam mengerjakan pekerjaan rumahnya, sementara pahanya memangku Jiurong yang mengalihkan perhatian dengan bonekanya.

Dan siapa yang tahu jika ketika Xicheng kembali dari kunjungan dengan Tiane Chang, dia akan mendapati Zailun tertidur di sofanya dengan Jiurong di pelukannya, sementara Yuelung tengah menggambar di sampingnya, meletakkan satu jari di bibirnya seolah meminta ayahnya untuk diam dan tak membangunkan mereka.

Xicheng tersenyum, menghampiri mereka dan mengelus kepala putrinya. Sepuluh tahun yang lalu, dia merasa bahwa ini seharusnya menjadi pemandangannya. Zailun akan menunggunya pulang dengan anak-anak mereka.

Rasa sedihnya bercampur ketika dia mengingat bahwa dia tak bisa menyentuh Yuelung ataupun Jiurong lebih dari mengelus pipi mereka ketika mereka lahir, berpikir bahwa jika dia terlalu dekat dengan mereka, dia akan bersyukur bahwa Zailun meninggalkannya.

Bahkan ketika istrinya meninggal, Shanyu akan menangis dan memohon padanya untuk melihat anak-anaknya.

Yuelung tersenyum padanya, membuyarkan pikirannya. “Die,” panggilnya. “Aku lapar.”

“Mau keluar makan?” Gadis itu mengangguk, jadi Xicheng beralih pada keduanya yang tengah tertidur nyenyak, mengguncangkan bahu Zailun, membuat Jiurong bergerak di pelukannya. “Ayo makan.”

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the-text-party · 1 year

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OKAY OKAY SO PURITY'S MAGIC IS A TYPE OF MAGIC THAT CAN BE USED TO CHANGE THINGS BY CHANGING THE STRINGS ON IT AND IT HAPPENS BY THEM SLIPPING THEIR MAGIC INTO THE STRINGS SO THAT THEY GAUN ACESS AND THEY ADD IN OTHER THINGS TO MAKE THE CHANGES HAPPEN!!!

Ooo, interesting! Please, do go on!

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grasshopperdoingdogpaddle · 2 years

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(writerkat)

So, funny thing I noticed. Anytime someone tells the story of Chase Young turning evil, it basically goes "Chase drank the soup, turned evil, started wrecking villages and doing evil things, and his old friends started fighting him like any other enemy". Plain and simple, cut n dry.

But here's another potential thought on the matter.

Imagine Guan and Dashi. One day Chase suddenly started acting grumpy and moody for no apparent reason, and the next thing they know they haven't seen him in a few days. Starting to get concerned because just disappearing for so long out of nowhere isn't like him.

Then word comes that some reptilian monster has been attacking and destroying villages. They come up against it in the middle of another of its rampages. And while fighting it, one of them notices something. A piece of a familiar, bloody, torn blue sleeve hanging from its teeth when they go to face it.

They fight it, now for more reasons than just the villages it destroyed. It puts up a fight and manages to get Guan on the ground. Dashi is too far off to get it away, and it looks like its about to chomp Guan's face off. But then it doesn't. And instead it runs from them both. Leaving them to comprehend what they think happened to their friend.

Everyone thinks they know what happened, even though no body is ever found. Chase is mourned, for a year the monster continues to sporadically rampage across China. One step ahead of the two remaining Xiaolin Dragons every time.

Until a year later, when the Lao Mang Lone Soup finally gets stabilized enough for its drinker to regain a human form. And then Guan and Dashi get to see what Really became of their "dead" friend. When he reappears with a certain Bean still whispering into his ear.

That’s a really good point.

Chase snuck off alone to meet with Hannibal in the middle of the night, some short time after the war with Wuya had just ended, so everyone’s guards would be lower and they wouldn’t be on very high alert. Even for the one day Hannibal gave him to think over the offer, he kept it a secret and thought it over by himself.

It wasn’t like when Rai decided to switch sides, then bided his time to get the most out of being a double agent and then stab them in the front with a smile, or when Omi straightforwardly told the monks as soon as his good chi had been taken out that he was ditching them to be with Chase.

When Chase switched sides, he did it without a goodbye, all alone. Dashi and Guan would’ve had no idea that this was the beginning of the end for their trio.

As far as Dashi and Gaun would have known, Chase was there one day, in a standoffish, spacey mood for a little bit. And then, he was gone the next day without a trace. And the exact same time as Chase’s sudden disappearance, a monstrous lizard is tearing through the country, destroying cities.

Which would lead to a pretty natural conclusion that this monster had gotten Chase, especially if they find a scrap of Chase’s clothing with it.

We saw in Time After Time part 2 that for some period of time after you first drink the soup, you’re just feral and mindlessly driven by evil, and it doesn’t even seem like Chase knows how to shift back to his human form at all at first, he might not even be able to talk.

But tiny bits of you still shine through in little ways. Like a smile when the monks win... or holding back and running away before you can go through with killing your former best friend.

I can hardly imagine how it must have felt for Dashi and Guan, after spending a year despising this monster for killing Chase, only to one day find him, alive and well and oh-so-changed.

Especially if they witnessed it for themselves.

Dashi and Guan, 2-v-1 yet again against this Heylin monster. Guan makes some big declaration about how his name would go down in history as the man who finally took down beast. How this was personal, because “this monster destroyed their trio, took Chase away, and ruined everything they had built.”

And Chase, whose thoughts are finally not in so much turmoil, comprehends the line and finds it so funny, because he thinks it must be a showboat, a lie. Guan doesn’t care about him. He’s probably glad he’s gone so he’s not “in Chase’s shadow” anymore. And he’s saying things like that?

Chase bursts into laughter. “--Destroyed your trio? Ruined everything? Broke Chase Young?” Its voice sounds so weird, and this is the first time Guan and Dashi have heard it speak in actual sentences.

The laughter continues hysterically, a discordant, guttural sound at first. A deep cackle that makes Dashi draw back as recognition starts to dawn to on him. A mocking jeer that makes Guan tighten his grip on his weapon and charge at him, weapon drawn, blind with anger. The monster catches the spear by its hilt, but it just keeps laughing and laughing, right in Guan’s face.

The laughter slowly shifts into something that sounds more human as the monster slowly shifts back to his human form for the first time. And suddenly, the laughter is painfully familiar to Guan, and so is the voice as he sneers right in Guan’s face.

“No. I think you did a fine job of that on your own. I wouldn’t dare take credit for your accomplishment like that! Wouldn’t want to steal your thunder! You didn’t need my help for that. You never needed my help for anything, did you, Guan?!”

And Mr. Bean bounces up on Chase’s shoulder while Guan and Dashi reel back in shock.

Mr. Bean grins and claps and pretends to be moved, sardonically saying, “Well, look at you three, back together again! Ain’t this so sweet? Oh, I just love tearful reunions.”

#Xiaolin Showdown #Chase Young #Master Monk Guan #Dashi #writerkatsblog #Hannibal Roy Bean

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the-al-chemist · 2 years

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Artemis Hexley and the Portrait of the Vault

Chapter 19: Comets

A/N: We’re back, and we’re back with a long one… Artemis receives a surprise for her birthday, and there’s drama on the pitch as the Quidditch season comes to a close. Lizzie Jameson belongs to @lifeofkaze, David Willows belongs to @that-scouse-wizard, and Katriona Cassiopeia (in mention) belongs to @kc-and-co. Warnings: danger and bad decisions on Artemis’ part, several sports-related injuries.

The Gryffindor-Slytherin Quidditch match had scheduled for the first weekend of May. The Monday before it was Artemis’ birthday, and being May Day, all classes were cancelled, leaving Artemis free to spend the day as she pleased.

She had planned to have breakfast in the Great Hall with her friends, and then spend some time with Barnaby, but all of that changed when she arrived at the Hufflepuff table to see almost everyone she knew - not just her usual friends, but Hagrid and the Quidditch team, too - all gathered around a suspiciously broomstick-shaped parcel, grinning from ear to ear.

“Is that what I think it is?” she asked, placing a hand on the parcel. “Is that a broomstick?”

“No, it’s a book,” said Rowan, completely straight-faced, and everyone laughed. Artemis stuck her tongue out at her best friend, who smiled coyly. “Just open it, Artemis.”

Artemis didn’t need telling twice. She ripped off the wrapping paper to reveal a polished wooden handle and sleek twigs. She rolled the broomstick over and read the gold lettering on the handle: Comet 260.

“But this… This is even better than the one Skye was going to give me,” she frowned. “It’s top of the range! It must have cost loads!”

“Well, we all put in what we could,” Penny explained, beaming at Artemis. “Even Mr Hagrid and Madam Rosmerta helped, and Bill wrote to your Aunt and Uncle to get a bit of money from them, too, and Charlie and Jae managed to get hold of some antiques to sell, so that made up the rest of the cost.”

“Technically, you helped find the antiques, so half of that money did already belong to you,” said Charlie, with a shrug. “I hope you don’t mind that we spent it without asking you.”

“I don’t mind at all. You didn’t spend all of it, though, did you?”

“No, I’ve got enough left to buy some new Quidditch gloves, and a set of dress robes.”

“Good,” Artemis nodded. She couldn’t remember the last time she had smiled so widely. “Thank you. All of you. I… Thank you.”

“Aye, yer welcome, hen,” Skye rolled her eyes. “Let’s not flap about. What’s the point in having a new broomstick if yer not gaun tae take it out for a fly?”

“Oh! That’s a wonderful idea, Skye!” Penny clapped her hands together excitedly. “You should should play a friendly game of Quidditch!”

Artemis looked up at Barnaby. She was meant to be spending the morning with him, not playing Quidditch, but she really did want to try out her new broomstick. There was a flicker of disappointment in Barnaby’s eyes, but he gave her a resigned looking smile and nodded his head.

“We can go for a walk this afternoon instead,” he said, and Artemis wrapped her arm around his waist.

“You can be on my team, if you like?”

The Hufflepuff Quidditch team was separated into two groups, and the rest of the players for the two teams were made up of Artemis’ friends. She ended up having Barnaby as a Beater, Andre as a Keeper, and Tulip as a Chaser, while on the other team Tonks wielded a Beater’s bat, Bill and Penny played as Chasers (despite Penny’s fear of heights), and Charlie played Seeker. Rowan, Ben, and Jae sat behind Murphy in the commentary box, and were later joined by Chiara Lobosca, who took a seat next to Jae and watched the match in silence.

For the first time in her short Quidditch career, Artemis failed to catch the Golden Snitch, but she didn’t care. They weren’t playing to win; they were playing for fun.

She and Barnaby spent the afternoon walking the Crups around the schoolgrounds, and the evening watching the sunset in Hagrid’s garden - although they didn’t get to see much of the sunset - before she returned to the Common Room to play Exploding Snap late into the night with Rowan, Tonks, Penny, and Chiara.

By the time she drifted off to sleep, Fergus purring away on her feet, it was way past midnight, and no longer her birthday at all. It was a shame, really. This really had been the best birthday she’d ever had.

Saturday came around faster than expected. Before the start of the Gryffindor-Slytherin Quidditch match, Artemis met her fellow chaos creators under the Quidditch stands.

“Wotcher, guys,” Tonks rubbed her hands together. “What’s the plan?”

Jae handed out a box to her, Tulip, and Barnaby.

“Once the match ends, we release these into the stands,” he said. “That should cause a bit of mayhem, send people down to the pitch.”

“Where you two” - Tulip pointed to Artemis and Badeea - “will be on hold ready to cast the falling star spell.”

Once the others had left to go to the stands, Artemis turned to Badeea, who was standing quietly at her side, her perfectly mascara’d eyes blinking.

“Thanks for helping us out, Badeea,” she said. Badeea smiled at her, showing her straight white teeth.

“You’re welcome. I’m looking forward to seeing how it turns out.”

“You’ve not tried the spell yet?”

“I have in a painting.” Badeea must have seen the confused look on Artemis’ face, because she added, “I always try my new spells out by painting the scene, then casting the spell on the canvas. Spell creation can be dangerous if you’re not careful.”

“Right,” Artemis nodded. “So, what’s the spell we are meant to be using for the falling stars?”

“The incantation is Cometa Cascadia.”

“Cometa Cascadia, got it. And the wand movement?” Artemis copied the movement Badeea made with her arm. “Do you know how to reverse weather spells?”

Badeea shook her head, the fabric of her scarf brushing her shoulders as she did. Artemis demonstrated, before the two girls returned their attention to the Quidditch game. It was strange watching from the ground rather than the stands, and harder to see what was going on. Luckily, Murphy McNully’s commentary gave them a clear indication of what was happening.

“The Quaffle goes towards the Gryffindor goalposts, good save from Wood there, the score remains ten-nil to Slytherin.”

The game was a low scoring one, with only two goals being scored in almost an hour. Artemis found herself hoping that someone would catch the Snitch quickly, so that the game could finish. It was another twenty minutes - and three further failed attempts to score goals - before she got her wish: Charlie took a steep dive, flying so fast he became blurry, his red hair and Quidditch robes billowing behind him and making him look almost like a comet himself, and pulled out of it with the Snitch in the palm of his hands. Above them, the stands erupted with applause.

“They should be releasing the boomerangs any second now.”

Badeea was right. The noise overhead grew louder, and suddenly the stands began to shake with the sound of hundreds of feet running down the stairs.

“That’s our cue,” Artemis said, drawing her wand. “Cometa Cascadia!”

The two girls called out the incantation in unison, and the sunny spring sky grew a dark red colour, lightening to a vivid orange. Moments later, jets of bright light descended from the heavens, blazing as they trailed downwards. Artemis stared at them, transfixed, as they reached the ground, hitting the pitch. At each spot where a comet hit the ground, a billow of smoke rose upwards. The Quidditch players ran off the pitch to find cover under the stands.

“Artemis,” said Badeea, nervously, “there weren’t this many in the painting.”

Her big brown eyes were wide with fear. Another comet hit the grass of the Quidditch pitch, narrowly missing a Slytherin beater as she ran across to the nearest stands. Artemis swallowed. This plan was more dangerous than she had anticipated.

“Well, well,” said a high pitched voice behind her left ear. “Isn’t this fun?”

“Peeves!” Artemis wheeled around to face him. “Look. Absolute chaos. Happy now? Can I have that portrait?”

“Little Hexy wants the portrait, Peevesy has the portrait. What else can Peevesy make Little Hexy do?”

“I’ve done plenty, Peeves. You asked for a mischief masterpiece, I gave you one. Now you need to keep your end of the deal.”

“A deal is a deal, but it isn’t ideal…”

“Peeves! Give me the portrait so we can stop the shooting stars!”

“Not fair,” Peeves sighed, loudly, dramatically. “Peevesy gives up his portrait, and Hexy stops his fun. Hexy gets to keep Peevesy’s portrait forever, but poor Peevesy is left with just memories.”

“I can get you a new portrait, if you like,” Badeea said, still watching the comets with a look of alarm. “I practised the spell on a painting of the Quidditch pitch. There are still shooting stars on that one. You can keep it if you like.”

“Yeah,” Artemis agreed. “A portrait for a portrait. What’s fairer than that?”

Peeves looked thoughtful for a moment, then held his hand out to Artemis. She went to shake it, and he moved his hand away, pulled an egg out of thin air, and cracked it on her head.

“Hexy and her friend are good eggs,” said Peeves. “Yes, Peevesy likes this deal very much, so he does.”

Artemis and Badeea shared relieved glances, before pointing their wands skywards.

“Meteolojinx recanto!”

The stars stopped falling from the sky, which turned yellow, then green, then blue. Students started emerging from the stands, all of them looking a bit shellshocked, and started to mill about, looking at the blackened areas on the pitch where the comets had hit the grass.

“Come on, then,” Artemis said, vanishing the egg from her hair. “Let’s go and exchange these portraits.”

The sound of a throat being cleared made Artemis and Badeea turn around. Standing behind them was Professor Dumbledore. His face was calm, but his blue eyes held a deep, bitter disappointment.

“I can explain, Professor,” she said.

“I think that would be an excellent idea, Miss Hexley. Shall we go to my office?”

Artemis followed Dumbledore to his office in silence. When they reached the top of the stairs and entered the tiered, portrait-lined room, Professor Rakepick was already there waiting for them.

“I hope this meeting will be quick, Dumbledore,” Rakepick said, standing up from the wall she had leaning against. “I have research to attend to.”

“I shall try not to waste too much of your precious time, my dear Patricia,” Dumbledore smiled, but the stern look in his eyes didn’t fade. “However, I do feel the need to address the events of this afternoon. Miss Hexley, the star shower on the Quidditch pitch was your doing, was it not?”

Artemis nodded. There was no point in lying.

“Yeah,” she muttered, looking across at Rakepick, who merely blinked. Artemis frowned; Rakepick had promised to help her avoid getting into trouble. Why wasn’t she saying anything? “I made a deal with Peeves, you see. He had something we need to get into the Cursed Vault, and he wouldn’t give it to me unless I did something to cause utter chaos.”

“I see,” Professor Dumbledore nodded slowly. “Did you authorise this, Patricia?”

Rakepick said nothing. Artemis felt her heart sink. It looked like Rakepick was going to break her promise. Eventually, her mentor spoke.

“I told Artemis to take whatever action she deemed necessary.”

Dumbledore looked up from Artemis, and across at Rakepick, who arched an eyebrow at him and smiled coldly. Dumbledore bowed his head.

“I didn’t realise it would be that dangerous,” said Artemis. “Honest!”

“I have no doubt that your intentions were honourable, Miss Hexley, but your actions placed your peers in danger, and Madam Hooch is quite distressed about the state of the Quidditch pitch,” the headmaster looked at her over the top of his half-moon glasses. “If Professor McGonagall were here, I dare say that she would forbid you from playing in your next match.”

“No, Professor, please-”

“Fortunately, I am not Professor McGonagall, and I shall do no such thing. Personally, I think that playing Quidditch would be beneficial for you.”

“You would?” Artemis couldn’t tell whether she was more confused or relieved.

“I would, indeed,” Professor Dumbledore nodded. “I am concerned that you are becoming far too invested in your search for the Vaults, Miss Hexley.”

“But, sir, you said that I have to find the Vaults.”

“I did, however, you are not the only person that could have negotiated with Peeves,” Dumbledore stared at Rakepick meaningfully. In response, Rakepick pursed her lips and said nothing. “Miss Hexley, the Vaults are an incredibly complicated riddle. They have a way of driving those who attempt to solve the riddle to near obsession. Professor Rakepick here is an experienced Curse-Breaker. Although you may have the necessary natural aptitude to open the Vault itself, it is not wise for you to be engaging in every aspect of the Cursed Vaults. Therefore, instead of banning you from Quidditch, I am banning you from curse-breaking.”

That elicited an immediate response from Professor Rakepick, whose eyes narrowed and back straightened.

“You cannot be serious, Dumbledore,” she said, her voice laced with indignant anger.

“I am entirely serious, Professor Rakepick. Artemis is not a Curse-Breaker. She is a student at this school, and her main focus should be on school life.”

“You know as well as I do that the curses need to be broken, and that-”

“I am fully aware of the pressing nature of our predicament, Patricia,” Dumbledore smiled, and his eyes twinkled. “Be that as it may, we spoke earlier this year about what means are justified by the ends, did we not?”

Artemis’ stomach churned. She could guess what had prompted that discussion between the headmaster and Professor Rakepick. She remembered everything Professor Snape had taught her about Occlumency, and pushed the memory of what had happened in Borgin and Burke’s out of her mind.

“It was most irresponsible of you to suggest to Miss Hexley that she should act without consideration of the consequences those actions may incur,” continued Professor Dumbledore. “I fear that your influence on Artemis in this situation has been detrimental. Therefore, I think that the best thing now would be for her to redirect her energy into something more productive.”

“I hardly think that playing Quidditch is a productive use of time,” Rakepick snapped. Dumbledore smiled.

“Perhaps not, but Miss Hexley has her O.W.L. examinations in a month. She is a student, she should be studying. Especially if she wishes to follow in your footsteps and become a professional Curse-Breaker herself. Therefore, until the exams are over, there will be no more curse-breaking.”

Rakepick looked as if she wanted to protest, but there was a such a strong tone of finality to Dumbledore’s voice that she didn’t. Professor Dumbledore’s eyes travelled from Artemis’ own to the door. She was dismissed.

The final Quidditch game of the year was between Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw.

“It’s the deciding match of the season,” Murphy McNully told Artemis in Arithmancy class the day before the game. “You see, Ravenclaw lost against Gryffindor, but only by twenty points, and then they smashed Slytherin. We beat both Gryffindor and Slytherin by a fair margin, but nothing like that.”

“So what does that mean?” Artemis asked him, frowning.

“Our two wins have given us a lead of three hundred points overall. Ravenclaw beat Slytherin by two hundred and eighty points, but of course you have to account for the twenty they lost to Gryffindor-”

“Murphy, you’ve lost me. Who is winning?”

“No one yet. But we are in the lead by forty points.”

“So if we win the match, the Cup is ours?”

“Yes, or if we lose by thirty points or less,” Murphy nodded. It sounded like good news to Artemis, but Murphy wasn’t smiling. Seeing the confused look on his face, he explained. “Ravenclaw beat Slytherin by two hundred and eighty points, Artemis.”

“And they lost to Gryffindor, who we beat,” Artemis responded.

“Yes, but both times those matches were decided by the Snitch being caught. Which means that the pressure is going to be on you,” Murphy gave her a very pointed look. “As will their Beaters. And when it comes to Beaters, Ravenclaw is… well, unbeatable.”

“And Erika Rath has it in for you already,” muttered Rowan, who had been listening to the conversation whilst poring over her extensive revision notes. “Penny said that Talbott overheard Andre telling Victor in the owlery, or something like that. I wasn’t really listening that closely, I’m afraid.”

“That’s alright,” Artemis sighed. “I knew already. She thinks I was the one spreading the rumour about Skye’s broomstick. Looks like I’ll be keeping an eye out for Bludgers as well as the Snitch tomorrow.”

Murphy must have shared his doubts with Orion, because as the team got changed into their robes the next morning, he approached Artemis individually.

“The eagle is a swift and powerful predator, and merciless in its pursuit once it has eyes on its prey,” he said to her. Half-understanding what he was talking about, Artemis nodded. “Their eyes are sharp, but the cleverest animals know how to hide themselves in plain sight.”

“What do you mean?”

“Fly amongst the Ravenclaw Chasers. It will make it harder for them to make accurate passes, and the Beaters will find it hard to target you without putting their own players at risk,” he raised his eyebrows. “After all, the safest place for the rabbit to hide is within the twisting tunnels of a warren.”

“I can’t play Quidditch underground,” Artemis replied, and Orion chuckled as he took a position in front of the others, ready for his vivification speech.

“The time has come for us to face our final opponents,” he told them, his hands pressed together, “and although they may be powerful, I truly believe that we can beat them. Our balance is sound, and our bonds are strong. That is what separates us from the others: they may be teams, but we are a family, united by one common passion. There is a fire burning within each of us, and when we fly together, we set the sky ablaze.”

“Let’s nae set the sky ablaze today, Amari,” muttered Skye, grinning at Artemis. “I’ve only just managed tae get the smell of smoke out of ma hair after last weekend.”

“Be that as it may,” Orion continued, ignoring Skye, “I do not wish to talk about victory today. This is not only our final match of the season, but it is my final match at Hogwarts. As your Captain, I wish to use this time to tell you how proud I am of what we, as a team and a family, have achieved this year. I do not know what the stars hold for this match, but I know that regardless of whether we win the Cup or not, it will be an honour to play one more game with you all.”

The others were quiet for a moment, before Skye spoke once more.

“Naw. Sorry, Amari, but we are getting our hands on that Cup. Ye want tae be proud of us, we are gaun tae make ye proud of us.”

There was a murmur of agreement, and Orion bowed his head, smiling to himself. Outside the tent, the noise of hundreds of students could be heard from the stands.

“It’s time.”

On the pitch, they met the Ravenclaw team, all clad in blue. Artemis made eye contact with Andre, who winked at her, and Orion shook Erika Rath’s hand. The Ravenclaw Captain’s grip on Orion’s hand was vice-like, and she glared at Artemis rather than looking at him. Artemis raised her chin and looked straight back at her.

As Madam Hooch blew her whistle and threw the Quaffle into the air, both teams soared into action. Skye immediately took possession of the ball, passing it to Lizzie, who sped off in the direction of the goalposts, two Ravenclaw Chasers in hot pursuit. Artemis weaved in and out of the two of them, not staying still for a single second. Be a moving target, she told herself. Use them as obstacles.

Lizzie passed the Quaffle to Orion as a third Chaser flew towards her. Orion caught the Quaffle, and in the corner of her eye Artemis saw Erika Rath raise the arm holding her Beater’s bat. She flew between the Ravenclaw Chasers once more, and instead of her, Erika sent the Bludger in Orion’s direction. A moment later, David Willows hit the Bludger away from the Hufflepuff Captain, who threw the Quaffle to Skye, who caught it, swerved out of the path of a second Bludger and-

“Parkin shoots, and she scores!” Murphy McNully’s voice echoed across the pitch, over the sounds of cheers from the Hufflepuff stands. “That’s ten points to Hufflepuff already!”

The Quaffle was passed back out into play, and taken up by the Ravenclaw Chasers. Again, Artemis flew among them, attempting to intercept their passes as much as she could, until a black ball came hurtling through the air towards her, sent by the bat of a red-headed Beater in blue robes.

“HEXLEY, LOOK OUT!”

Artemis dodged the Bludger, and flew straight into the Ravenclaw Chaser who was holding the Quaffle. She dropped the ball to grab hold of her broomstick with both hands and swore loudly. Skye picked up the Quaffle, but before she had time to pass it to another player, Madam Hooch blew her whistle, and gestured to Skye, Artemis, and the Chaser who Artemis had inadvertently flown into.

“That was a foul,” she told them, when they flew down to meet her. “Blatching.”

“It was an accident!”

“Aye, she was just trying tae dodge a Bludger.”

“I didn’t mean to-”

“Of course you didn’t,” the Ravenclaw Chaser rolled her eyes. “Just like you didn’t start all those rumours about Erika.”

“I didn’t!”

“Whatever, Hexley.”

“Ye listen tae me, Adler, ye wee-”

Madam Hooch blew her whistle again, and the three girls fell silent.

“Fouls are fouls, I’m afraid,” she told them. Skye made an angry noise and Artemis glowered at the Ravenclaw Chaser as she took back the Quaffle.

“Ravenclaw is awarded a penalty after Hexley flies into Adler,” Murphy announced to the grumbling crowd, as Adler flew towards the Hufflepuff goalposts, Quaffle in hand. “Adler shoots… and Gwithers saves!”

Alex Gwithers caught the Quaffle and tossed it to Orion. Artemis flew back into the midst of the Ravenclaw Chasers, as they followed the Hufflepuff players back across the pitch.

“Amari to Jameson, Jameson to Parkin, Parkin back to Jameson, Jameson to Amari, and… GOAL! Hufflepuff lead twenty to nil!”

Artemis clapped as Skye hi-fived Orion, before setting off in flight again. Hufflepuff were doing well. Another saved goal by Alex Gwithers, one saved by Andre, and another scored by Lizzie, and they were up thirty to nil. The Ravenclaws were looking increasingly frustrated. Given that they needed to win with a decent point margin to take the Cup, things were not looking good for them at all.

“Ravenclaw take possession of the Quaffle, Parkin attempts to intercept a pass there, but no, Ravenclaw still in possession…” Murphy announced. “Adler shoots again, and Gwithers - OUCH!”

As Alex Gwithers reached for the Quaffle, a Bludger soared towards him. It hit him square in the chest, and he plummeted to the ground. A time out was called, and Orion flew down to see how badly the Keeper was hurt.

“He’s okay, but he has broken an arm,” Orion told the rest of the team. “A change in the winds means a change in direction. Skye, you have played Keeper before. I’m trusting you to make sure that we have a decent defence. Artemis, I’ll need you to start looking for that Snitch. Jean, David, keep your eyes on Rath and Cassiopeia.”

Five heads nodded their assent, and five broomsticks flew back into position. Artemis flew high above the action, looking for the Snitch. Below her, she watched as Orion and Lizzie set off in pursuit of the Quaffle, and Skye hovered near the Hufflepuff goalposts, ready to defend them if needed.

Orion was right. The winds had changed. Two Chasers against three wasn’t favourable, and although Skye wasn’t a bad Keeper, it wasn’t her usual position. Over the next hour and a half, Ravenclaw took eleven shots at the Hufflepuff goalposts, and scored eight goals. Meanwhile, Andre saved three of the four goals that Orion and Lizzie aimed at the Ravenclaw goalposts.

“Ravenclaw score again,” Murphy announced, as the Quaffle flew past Skye once more. “The score is now ninety to forty. Hufflepuff’s good start might have been too good to be true!”

It wasn’t just the Chasers that were struggling. The Snitch was nowhere to be seen, and with the Ravenclaw Beaters both determined to take Artemis out of the game, Jean Bean and David Willows were having a hard job keeping the Bludgers away from her. As Ravenclaw scored yet another goal, both Rath and her fellow Beater used the force of their two bats at once to send a Bludger in her direction with more force than Artemis had ever seen before. Both the Hufflepuff Beaters reacted at once, Bean hitting it away from Artemis and Willows taking a second swing at it, sending it off in the direction of the Ravenclaw goalposts, where Andre deftly swooped out of its flight path.

Lizzie and Orion quickly took advantage of Andre ducking away from the goalposts. Lizzie passed the Quaffle to Orion, who zoomed towards the empty hoops. But with both Beaters busy with one Bludger, the other was sent into action unguarded. With a mighty swing of her bat, Erika Rath hit the other Bludger towards the Hufflepuff Chaser, who had just stood up on his broomstick like a surfer.

“Rath’s Bludger heads straight for Amari, who accelerates, and - NO!”

Orion had sped up to avoid the Bludger, and so it missed his body, but instead it caught the tail of his broomstick, causing it to lurch and spin on its own axis. Orion, standing upright, with no hands on the broom, was thrown completely off balance.

There was a loud gasp from the crowd, as Orion fell out of the air. When his body hit the grass, still blackened in patches after the star shower the week before, a hush fell over the stadium. Then, one by one, voices began to shout across the pitch.

“TIME OUT! We want a time out!”

“Only Captains can call for time out!”

“Our Captain just got knocked off his broomstick, we will call a time out if we want to!”

“Aye, stuff it, Rath!”

The entire Hufflepuff team flew to where Orion lay on the ground. He was heavily bruised and looked a little dazed, but conscious. Madam Pomfrey was already examining him, her face hard.

“Minor concussion, bruised ribs, sprained wrist,” she said. “You’ll be alright.”

“So, I may still play?”

“Not today, boy,” she shook her head. “Not with a concussion.”

Orion protested, but Madam Pomfrey wouldn’t budge. Eventually, Orion bowed his head.

“Naw,” Skye shook her own. “We cannae play with two Chasers and no Keeper! They’ll bloody batter us!”

“Unfortunately, we cannot argue with the fates. The stars have ordained that-”

“Perhaps he’s more concussed than I thought,” muttered Madam Pomfrey, lighting her wand and shining it in Orion’s eyes.

“Naw, he’s always havering like this. He’s nae concussed, he’s just doolally.”

“Parkin,” Orion said, holding one hand out to Skye. “An ocean is made of a multitude of drops. You can take water from the sea, but the crash of the waves will be as powerful as ever. You can still change the tide, even without me.“

“Aye, but how?”

“However you see fit,” Orion removed his Captain’s band from his arm and pressed it into Skye’s palm. The two of them shook hands. “You’re the Captain now.”

Skye nodded, sniffed, and rubbed her eyes with her sleeve, before turning turning back to the rest of the team with a determined expression on her freckled face.

“What are yous standing around for?” she asked them. “We’ve got a Quidditch Cup to win, ken?”

Skye mounted her broom and started to shout out orders to the rest of the team. The players took to the air, the two remaining Chasers flying to the goal posts, ready to defend, the Beaters in the middle of the pitch, bats raised and ready, and Artemis, high above them all.

They may have been two players down, but they fought tooth and nail to prevent the Ravenclaws from scoring. But, Ravenclaw still had the advantage, and playing defence meant that every time they managed to get past Lizzie and Skye, the score racked up further in their favour, and the Hufflepuff Chasers were now tiring. Meanwhile, Artemis had yet to see the Snitch even once.

“And that’s another goal to Ravenclaw,” Murphy announced, “The score is now two hundred points to forty. Hufflepuff are putting on a good show, but they can’t keep this up forever. With a lead of one hundred and sixty points, Ravenclaw will win even if Hexley catches the Snitch!”

Artemis groaned. Why didn’t they just call it quits, then? They’d lost, they might as well-

“But,” Murphy continued, his voice interrupted her thoughts, “Ravenclaw need to win by a margin of forty points or more to take the Cup!”

Of course! They could lose the game and still win the Cup, but Artemis would have to find the Snitch, and find it fast. The problem was, the Beaters knew this, too. She flew higher above the pitch, further out of the way of the action to get a better vantage point.

And then, she saw it.

It was flying fast, flickering in and out of her vision as it flitted between the Ravenclaw Chasers. Orion had been right before; it really did make it harder to be seen.

She thought about what to do next. She was so high up that taking a sudden dive would alert everyone to the Snitch’s whereabouts, and with moving obstacles in her way, she’d struggle to catch it there. She was going to have to flush it out into the open, and subtly, too, Godric help her.

Her eye still of the flickering flash of gold amongst the blue-clad Chasers, she flew back into the fray. Pretending to do what she’d done earlier in the game, she - like the Snitch - started to weave in and out of the Chasers. It was as if the Snitch knew what she was doing, because it sped up, as if to overtake Adler, aiming for the goalposts, and so did she, accidentally blocking the Ravenclaw Chaser as she did.

“Another foul! Penalty to Ravenclaw!”

“What did ye dae that for?” Skye shouted at her, but she wasn’t listening. Her eyes were on the Snitch, which had ducked down below the action.

“Adler shoots, and - Hexley’s seen the Snitch!”

The second the Quaffle passed through the hoop, Artemis zoned in on the Snitch, moving her hands forward, accelerating, and zooming off after it. She knew that the Ravenclaw Seeker was following her, but she didn’t care. Her Comet was faster than Tonks’ Cleansweep, and she had a head start.

“Hexley in pursuit of the Snitch, and she’s gaining! Hufflepuff might just take the Cup, after all!” Murphy’s voice was getting louder with each word. “But, what’s that? Rath swings, and takes aim! Yes, she’s sent the Bludger straight for the Hufflepuff Seeker!”

Even without Murphy’s commentary, Artemis knew what was happening. Behind her, she could feel the unmistakable rush of air of a Bludger heading straight for her. She could have ducked away, but she was so close. She couldn’t give up, not now. So, instead, she did what Orion did. She sped up.

The Snitch was now within arm’s reach, and she took one hand off her broom to catch it quickly, before the Bludger caught her. She opened her palm, fingers extended, and felt the soft feathery wings tickling her fingertips…

SMACK.

Something hit her at the base of her rib cage, and the impact sent her and her broomstick off towards the edge of the pitch. She hit the soft fabric covers of the stands and tumbled down to the ground, her eyes screwed shut in pain. When she opened them, Madam Pomfrey was standing over her, and Skye stood just behind her.

“Broken ribs,” Madam Pomfrey said. “No more flying today for you either, Miss Hexley.”

Artemis was expecting Skye to put up a fuss, but instead, she just looked resigned, and called the others down.

“We’re forefeiting the game,” she told them. “Hexley’s out. We dinnae have a Seeker, and they’re only two goals away from taking the Cup anyway. There’s no way we can dae it now.”

“But, Skye-”

“Dinnae fash yerself, Hexley. It’s not yer fault.”

“No, Skye,” Artemis shook her head, and held her arm up, an intense pain splitting down her side as she did so. “The game’s over. Look.”

She opened her palm, and Skye’s eyes grew wide.

“Naw,” she murmured, before shouting at the top of her voice. “IT’S THE SNITCH! MADAM HOOCH, WE HAVE THE SNITCH!”

Madam Hooch swept across the pitch, and stopped five metres away. She blew her whistle, and gestured to the five remaining Hufflepuff players, huddled at the base of the stands.

“What are the chances?” Murphy called out. “Hexley has taken a Bludger, but caught the Snitch, and Ravenclaw have taken the game, but lost the Cup! The final score is two hundred and ten to Ravenclaw, one hundred and ninety to Hufflepuff, but Hufflepuff are this year’s overall champions!”

The stadium erupted in a burst of noise and colour, as the Hufflepuff team made their way, limping, staggering, and triumphant, to the centre of the pitch. Madam Hooch handed the Cup to Skye, and Orion helped her lift it into the air, a proud smile on his face.

The spectators were running in, too. Rowan, Penny, and Tonks were all squealing, and Chiara Lobosca was behind them, smiling wider than Artemis had ever seen before. And Barnaby was with them, clearly having watched the match from the Hufflepuff stands, and by the Gryffindor stands she could see Bill, Charlie, Ben, and Jae, all cheering. Even Andre and Tulip were smirking a little.

“I’ve organised a victory party in the Great Hall,” Penny called out across the rabble. “Right now! Everyone is welcome!”

Artemis laughed, despite the pain it caused her to do so. Trust Penny to prioritise a party over broken ribs. Still, she wasn’t complaining. Right now, she couldn’t think of anything in the world to complain about.

#artemis hexley #hogwarts mystery #hphm fic #hphm #nymphadora tonks #rowan khanna #penny haywood #charlie weasley #barnaby lee #jae kim #tulip kasaru #badeea ali #orion amari #skye parkin #murphy mcnully #erika rath

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