#how much she'd give to make them pay the blood price | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

istumpysk · 1 year

Text

Operation Stumpy Re-Read

ADWD: Daenerys IX (Chapter 52)

Where is Vicky? I've waited long enough.

Jhiqui brought a soft towel to pat her dry. "Khaleesi, which tokar will you want today?" asked Irri.

"The yellow silk." The queen of the rabbits could not be seen without her floppy ears. The yellow silk was light and cool, and it would be blistering down in the pit. The red sands will burn the soles of those about to die. "And over it, the long red veils." The veils would keep the wind from blowing sand into her mouth. And the red will hide any blood spatters.

You have no idea.

+.+.+

At the base of the Great Pyramid, Ser Barristan awaited them beside an ornate open palanquin, surrounded by Brazen Beasts. Ser Grandfather, Dany thought. Despite his age, he looked tall and handsome in the armor that she'd given him. "I would be happier if you had Unsullied guards about you today, Your Grace," the old knight said, as Hizdahr went to greet his cousin. "Half of these Brazen Beasts are untried freedmen." And the other half are Meereenese of doubtful loyalty, he left unsaid. Selmy mistrusted all the Meereenese, even shavepates.

It's LOCUSTS TIME!

Who poisoned the locusts? I apologize, we'll need Barry's POV to help solve this mystery. Today we'll only be covering the three major suspects.

Starting with SUSPECT #1: the Brazen Beasts (the Shavepate).

Within the first few paragraphs of the chapter we learn 1) the Brazen Beasts are guarding Daenerys instead of the Unsullied, 2) Some have doubtful loyalty.

We're off to a good start.

Ser Grandfather, Dany thought.

I would do anything for her to slip and say this out loud.

+.+.+

"A mask can hide many things, Your Grace. Is the man behind the owl mask the same owl who guarded you yesterday and the day before? How can we know?"

"How should Meereen ever come to trust the Brazen Beasts if I do not? There are good brave men beneath those masks. I put my life into their hands."

3) They're unidentifiable.

The Shavepate was absent as well. The first thing Hizdahr had done upon being crowned was to remove him from command of the Brazen Beasts, replacing him with his own cousin, the plump and pasty Marghaz zo Loraq. It is for the best. The Green Grace says there is blood between Loraq and Kandaq, and the Shavepate never made a secret of his disdain for my lord husband. And Daario … - Daenerys VIII, ADWD

If I wed Hizdahr, will that turn Skahaz against me? She trusted Skahaz more than she trusted Hizdahr, but the Shavepate would be a disaster as a king. He was too quick to anger, too slow to forgive. - Daenerys IV, ADWD

We don't know if the Shavepate is lurking under one of these masks.

I put my life into their hands.

Oop.

+.+.+

Dany smiled for him. "You fret too much, ser. I will have you beside me, what other protection do I need?"

Please oh please let him be there when she's murdered. I don't ask for much.

"Barristan the Bold, they call him. Twice he has saved me from assassins." - Daenerys III, ADWD

Three!!

+.+.+

"Your Grace. We set the woman Meris free, as you commanded. Before she went, she asked to speak with you. I met with her instead. She claims this Tattered Prince meant to bring the Windblown over to your cause from the beginning. That he sent her here to treat with you secretly, but the Dornishmen unmasked them and betrayed them before she could make her own approach."

Treachery on treachery, the queen thought wearily. Is there no end to it? "How much of this do you believe, ser?"

"Little and less, Your Grace, but those were her words."

"Will they come over to us, if need be?"

"She says they will. But for a price."

"Pay it." Meereen needed iron, not gold.

"The Tattered Prince will want more than coin, Your Grace. Meris says that he wants Pentos."

[...]

"Pentos belongs to the Pentoshi. And Magister Illyrio is in Pentos. He who arranged my marriage to Khal Drogo and gave me my dragon eggs. Who sent me you, and Belwas, and Groleo. I owe him much and more. I will not repay that debt by giving his city to some sellsword. No."

This must be here for a reason.

Let's see if she keeps this same energy when she learns about Illyrio and Aegon.

+.+.+

Ser Barristan inclined his head. "Your Grace is wise."

+.+.+

"Auspicious for you, perhaps. Less so for those who must die before the sun goes down."

"All men must die," said Hizdahr

Hehe.

+.+.+

When they caught sight of the palanquin emerging from the pyramid, a cheer went up from those nearest and spread across the plaza. How queer, the queen thought. They cheer me on the same plaza where I once impaled one hundred sixty-three Great Masters.

Daenerys rejecting a cheering crowd? Nothing will make this girl happy at this point.

+.+.+

A great drum led the royal procession to clear their way through the streets. Between each beat, a shavepate herald in a shirt of polished copper disks cried for the crowd to part. BOMM. "They come!" BOMM. "Make way!" BOMM. "The queen!" BOMM. "The king!" BOMM.

The Red Wedding taught me to be wary of these noises.

+.+.+

Behind the drum marched Brazen Beasts four abreast. Some carried cudgels, others staves; all wore pleated skirts, leathern sandals, and patchwork cloaks sewn from squares of many colors to echo the many-colored bricks of Meereen. Their masks gleamed in the sun: boars and bulls, hawks and herons, lions and tigers and bears, fork-tongued serpents and hideous basilisks.

SUSPECT #1: the Brazen Beasts (the Shavepate) are name-dropped roughly 57 times at the start of this chapter. The author wants you to be aware of their presence.

+.+.+

Dany could hear her handmaids arguing behind her, debating who was going to win the day's final match. Jhiqui favored the gigantic Goghor, who looked more bull than man, even to the bronze ring in his nose. Irri insisted that Belaquo Bonebreaker's flail would prove the giant's undoing. My handmaids are Dothraki, she told herself. Death rides with every khalasar. The day she wed Khal Drogo, the arakhs had flashed at her wedding feast, and men had died whilst others drank and mated. Life and death went hand in hand amongst the horselords, and a sprinkling of blood was thought to bless a marriage. Her new marriage would soon be drenched in blood. How blessed it would be.

You are also Dothraki in mind and spirit.

And did a whole lot less bitching at all the barbaric shit they did.

+.+.+

BOMM, BOMM, BOMM, BOMM, BOMM, BOMM, came the drumbeats, faster than before, suddenly angry and impatient. Ser Barristan drew his sword as the column ground to an abrupt halt between the pink-and-white pyramid of Pahl and the green-and-black of Naqqan.

Dany turned. "Why are we stopped?"

Hizdahr stood. "The way is blocked."

A palanquin lay overturned athwart their way.

Enter SUSPECT #2: House Pahl.

Why House Pahl?

There's a lot of bad blood between Daenerys and House Pahl.

It was true that there was blood between her and the House of Pahl. Oznak zo Pahl had been cut down by Strong Belwas in single combat. His father, commander of Meereen's city watch, had died defending the gates when Joso's Cock smashed them into splinters. Three uncles had been among the hundred sixty-three on the plaza. - Daenerys I, ADWD

It's now a house comprised of women who don't forgive or forget.

"You have no lack of enemies, Your Grace. You can see their pyramids from your terrace. Zhak, Hazkar, Ghazeen, Merreq, Loraq, all the old slaving families. Pahl. Pahl, most of all. A house of women now. Bitter old women with a taste for blood. Women do not forget. Women do not forgive." - Daenerys I, ADWD

Not the best situation to be abruptly stopped between a pyramid of theirs and Naqqan.

+.+.+

Ser Barristan glanced uneasily to left and right. Ghiscari faces were visible on the terraces, looking down with cool and unsympathetic eyes. "Your Grace, I do not like this halt. This may be some trap. The Sons of the Harpy—"

"—have been tamed," declared Hizdahr zo Loraq.

Apparently Hizdahr knows the Common Tongue.

Or maybe the author is being ditzy again.

+.+.+

"Why should they seek to harm my queen when she has taken me for her king and consort? Now help that man, as my sweet queen has commanded." He took Dany by the hand and smiled.

I'm skipping ahead, but I have to make a point.

Introducing SUSPECT #3: Hizdahr zo Loraq.

I know what you're asking yourselves -

"Didn't she make him king? Didn't he get his fighting pits reopened? Didn't he successfully convince her to allow the slave trade to continue in Slaver's Bay? Didn't he get everything he wanted?"

Yes.

"What's his motive? Why would he want to kill Daenerys before they produce an heir?"

I don't know, ask the dumbfuck in white.

+.+.+

The Brazen Beasts did as they were bid. Dany watched them at their work. "Those bearers were slaves before I came. I made them free. Yet that palanquin is no lighter."

"True," said Hizdahr, "but those men are paid to bear its weight now. Before you came, that man who fell would have an overseer standing over him, stripping the skin off his back with a whip. Instead he is being given aid."

It was true. A Brazen Beast in a boar mask had offered the litter bearer a skin of water. "I suppose I must be thankful for small victories," the queen said.

How is that a small victory?

The Brazen Beasts are doing things!

+.+.+

"One step, then the next, and soon we shall be running. Together we shall make a new Meereen."

Slly goose, why walk when you can fly?

+.+.+

Around them peddlers were selling dog sausages, roast onions, and unborn puppies on a stick, but Dany had no need of such.

My Western brain is simply aghast at the cultural practices of these primitive uncivilized people.

The wedding feast began with a thin leek soup, followed by a salad of green beans, onions, and beets, river pike poached in almond milk, mounds of mashed turnips that were cold before they reached the table, jellied calves' brains, and a leche of stringy beef. - Catelyn VII, ASOS

+.+.+

Hizdahr had stocked their box with flagons of chilled wine and sweetwater, with figs, dates, melons, and pomegranates, with pecans and peppers and a big bowl of honeyed locusts. Strong Belwas bellowed, "Locusts!" as he seized the bowl and began to crunch them by the handful.

"Those are very tasty," advised Hizdahr. "You ought to try a few yourself, my love. They are rolled in spice before the honey, so they are sweet and hot at once."

"That explains the way Belwas is sweating," Dany said. "I believe I will content myself with figs and dates."

Boy, that doesn't look good for SUSPECT #3: Hizdahr zo Loraq.

Except, if he is trying to kill Daenerys, he's doing it in a way that would guarantee he's the prime suspect. Imagine how stupid it would have been if Olenna chose to hand Joffrey the glass of wine.

For the record, the locusts were already in their box when they arrived, Hizdahr was unbothered when she declined, and he will never mention the locusts again.

+.+.+

Across the pit the Graces sat in flowing robes of many colors, clustered around the austere figure of Galazza Galare, who alone amongst them wore the green. The Great Masters of Meereen occupied the red and orange benches. The women were veiled, and the men had brushed and lacquered their hair into horns and hands and spikes. Hizdahr's kin of the ancient line of Loraq seemed to favor tokars of purple and indigo and lilac, whilst those of Pahl were striped in pink and white.

Random SUSPECT #2: House Pahl mention.

+.+.+

"Great Masters! My queen has come this day, to show her love for you, her people. By her grace and with her leave, I give you now your mortal art. Meereen! Let Queen Daenerys hear your love!"

Ten thousand throats roared out their thanks; then twenty thousand; then all. They did not call her name, which few of them could pronounce. "Mother!" they cried instead; in the old dead tongue of Ghis, the word was Mhysa! They stamped their feet and slapped their bellies and shouted, "Mhysa, Mhysa, Mhysa," until the whole pit seemed to tremble. Dany let the sound wash over her. I am not your mother, she might have shouted, back, I am the mother of your slaves, of every boy who ever died upon these sands whilst you gorged on honeyed locusts. Behind her, Reznak leaned in to whisper in her ear, "Magnificence, hear how they love you!"

No, she knew, they love their mortal art.

Even "Mhysa, Mhysa, Mhysa" is not cheering up grumpy? Man oh man, these people are going to die a bad death.

+.+.+

Khrazz was Meereenese, of humble birth—a tall man with a brush of stiff red-black hair running down the center of his head. His foe was an ebon-skinned spearman from the Summer Isles whose thrusts kept Khrazz at bay for a time, but once he slipped inside the spear with his shortsword, only butchery remained. After it was done, Khrazz cut the heart from the black man, raised it above his head red and dripping, and took a bite from it.

"Khrazz believes the hearts of brave men make him stronger," said Hizdahr. Jhiqui murmured her approval. Dany had once eaten a stallion's heart to give strength to her unborn son … but that had not saved Rhaego when the maegi murdered him in her womb.

Ser Jorah had killed her son, Dany knew. He had done what he did for love and loyalty, yet he had carried her into a place no living man should go and fed her baby to the darkness. He knew it too; the grey face, the hollow eyes, the limp. "The shadows have touched you too, Ser Jorah," she told him. The knight made no reply. Dany turned to the godswife. "You warned me that only death could pay for life. I thought you meant the horse."

"No," Mirri Maz Duur said. "That was a lie you told yourself. You knew the price."

Had she? Had she? If I look back I am lost. "The price was paid," Dany said. - Daenerys IX, AGOT

+.+.+

Three treasons shall you know. She was the first, Jorah was the second, Brown Ben Plumm the third. Was she done with betrayals?

How is Brown Ben Plumm your treason for love? God, what a dumb person.

+.+.+

"Ah," said Hizdahr, pleased. "Now comes the Spotted Cat. See how he moves, my queen. A poem on two feet."

The foe Hizdahr had found for the walking poem was as tall as Goghor and as broad as Belwas, but slow. They were fighting six feet from Dany's box when the Spotted Cat hamstrung him. As the man stumbled to his knees, the Cat put a foot on his back and a hand around his head and opened his throat from ear to ear. The red sands drank his blood, the wind his final words. The crowd screamed its approval.

Some of these fights appear to be foreshadowing future events. It's possible the Spotted Cat might be hinting at someone.

If Arya is slitting someone's throat, it's not Walder Frey's.

+.+.+

"Bad fighting, good dying," said Strong Belwas. "Strong Belwas hates it when they scream." He had finished all the honeyed locusts. He gave a belch and took a swig of wine.

Daenerys loves it when they scream.

Because he drank wine, a ton of people question whether it was the locusts or the wine that poisoned him.

Why does it matter? We don't have to overthink this.

+.+.+

"This one shows much promise, my sweet," Hizdahr said of a Lysene youth with long blond hair that fluttered in the wind … but his foe grabbed a handful of that hair, pulled the boy off-balance, and gutted him. In death he looked even younger than he had with blade in hand. "A boy," said Dany. "He was only a boy."

"Six-and-ten," Hizdahr insisted. "A man grown, who freely chose to risk his life for gold and glory. No children die today in Daznak's, as my gentle queen in her wisdom has decreed."

That's considered fAegon evidence.

Aurane did not resemble Prince Rhaegar as much as she had thought. He has the hair, but so do half the whores in Lys, if the tales are true. Rhaegar was a man. This is a sly boy, no more. Useful in his way, though. - Cersei VIII, ADWD

He was a lithe and well-made youth, with a lanky build and a shock of dark blue hair. The dwarf put his age at fifteen, sixteen, or near enough to make no matter. - Tyrion III, ADWD

+.+.+

"A boy," said Dany. "He was only a boy."

"Six-and-ten," Hizdahr insisted.

"Slay the Good Masters, slay the soldiers, slay every man who wears a tokar or holds a whip, but harm no child under twelve, and strike the chains off every slave you see." - Daenerys III, ASOS

Shut up, Daenerys.

+.+.+

Another small victory. Perhaps I cannot make my people good, she told herself, but I should at least try to make them a little less bad.

Do you ever remember her thinking about the Dothraki this way? I don't.

+.+.+

It had been the custom to sentence criminals to the pits; that practice she agreed might resume, but only for certain crimes. "Murderers and rapers may be forced to fight, and all those who persist in slaving, but not thieves or debtors."

It's okay when we're doing Justice™.

+.+.+

Beasts were still allowed, though. Dany watched an elephant make short work of a pack of six red wolves.

The number six is a little troubling. Hopefully nothing.

+.+.+

Next a bull was set against a bear in a bloody battle that left both animals torn and dying. "The flesh is not wasted," said Hizdahr. "The butchers use the carcasses to make a healthful stew for the hungry. Any man who presents himself at the Gates of Fate may have a bowl."

"A good law," Dany said. You have so few of them. "We must make certain that this tradition is continued."

Has the novelty worn off?

+.+.+

After the beast fights came a mock battle, pitting six men on foot against six horsemen, the former armed with shields and longswords, the latter with Dothraki arakhs. The mock knights were clad in mail hauberks, whilst the mock Dothraki wore no armor. At first the riders seemed to have the advantage, riding down two of their foes and slashing the ear from a third, but then the surviving knights began to attack the horses, and one by one the riders were unmounted and slain, to Jhiqui's great disgust. "That was no true khalasar," she said.

Bwahahahaha.

First the snow, and now this? I'm starting to think these Dothraki might struggle in Westeros!

The man was no knight, but his courage had earned him that much courtesy. Khrazz did not know how to fight a man in armor. Ser Barristan could see it in his eyes: doubt, confusion, the beginnings of fear. The pit fighter came on again, screaming this time, as if sound could slay his foe where steel could not. The arakh slashed low, high, low again. - The Kingbreaker, ADWD

(Shoutout to @redwolf17 for helping me find the quote!)

+.+.+

The battle was followed by the day's first folly, a tilt between a pair of jousting dwarfs, presented by one of the Yunkish lords that Hizdahr had invited to the games. One rode a hound, the other a sow. Their wooden armor had been freshly painted, so one bore the stag of the usurper Robert Baratheon, the other the golden lion of House Lannister. That was for her sake, plainly. Their antics soon had Belwas snorting laughter, though Dany's smile was faint and forced. When the dwarf in red tumbled from the saddle and began to chase his sow across the sands, whilst the dwarf on the dog galloped after him, whapping at his buttocks with a wooden sword, she said, "This is sweet and silly, but …"

"Be patient, my sweet," said Hizdahr. "They are about to loose the lions."

Daenerys gave him a quizzical look. "Lions?"

"Three of them. The dwarfs will not expect them."

She frowned. "The dwarfs have wooden swords. Wooden armor. How do you expect them to fight lions?"

"Badly," said Hizdahr, "though perhaps they will surprise us. More like they will shriek and run about and try to climb out of the pit. That is what makes this a folly."

Dany was not pleased. "I forbid it."

"Gentle queen. You do not want to disappoint your people."

"You swore to me that the fighters would be grown men who had freely consented to risk their lives for gold and honor. These dwarfs did not consent to battle lions with wooden swords. You will stop it. Now."

The king's mouth tightened. For a heartbeat Dany thought she saw a flash of anger in those placid eyes. "As you command." Hizdahr beckoned to his pitmaster. "No lions," he said when the man trotted over, whip in hand.

And just like that, Hizdahr becomes a sadist.

That must mean someone is going to brutally kill him.

+.+.+

The dwarfs were herded off, pig and dog and all, as the spectators hissed their disapproval and pelted them with stones and rotten fruit.

Why must Penny be there? I'm not allowed to have one happy moment.

+.+.+

The boar was a huge beast, with tusks as long as a man's forearm and small eyes that swam with rage. She wondered whether the boar that had killed Robert Baratheon had looked as fierce. A terrible creature and a terrible death. For a heartbeat she felt almost sorry for the Usurper.

"Barsena is very quick," Reznak said. "She will dance with the boar, Magnificence, and slice him when he passes near her. He will be awash in blood before he falls, you shall see."

It began just as he said. The boar charged, Barsena spun aside, her blade flashed silver in the sun. "She needs a spear," Ser Barristan said, as Barsena vaulted over the beast's second charge. "That is no way to fight a boar." He sounded like someone's fussy old grandsire, just as Daario was always saying.

Sure, now you're a boar expert.

He sounded like someone's fussy old grandsire, just as Daario was always saying.

How do people read this and not see Cersei?

+.+.+

Shouting, she edged closer to the boar, tossing her knife from hand to hand. When the beast backed away, she cursed and slashed at his snout, trying to provoke him … and succeeding. This time her leap came an instant too late, and a tusk ripped her left leg open from knee to crotch.

A moan went up from thirty thousand throats. Clutching at her torn leg, Barsena dropped her knife and tried to hobble off, but before she had gone two feet the boar was on her once again.

+.+.+

"Fighting pigs is brave, but it is not brave to scream so loud. It hurts Strong Belwas in the ears." The eunuch rubbed his swollen stomach, crisscrossed with old white scars. "It makes Strong Belwas sick in his belly too."

See what happens when you talk shit?

That's why I always have ipecac on hand.

+.+.+

The boar buried his snout in Barsena's belly and began rooting out her entrails. The smell was more than the queen could stand. The heat, the flies, the shouts from the crowd … I cannot breathe. She lifted her veil and let it flutter away. She took her tokar off as well. The pearls rattled softly against one another as she unwound the silk.

"Khaleesi?" Irri asked. "What are you doing?"

"Taking off my floppy ears."

There goes the pearly tokar. Forever.

Guys, I think she might be done with Meereen.

(Is she half naked? Lol.)

+.+.+

"Belaquo will win," Irri declared. "It is known."

"It is not known," Jhiqui said. "Belaquo will die."

"One will die, or the other will," said Dany. "And the one who lives will die some other day. This was a mistake."

"Strong Belwas ate too many locusts." There was a queasy look on Belwas's broad brown face. "Strong Belwas needs milk."

Hizdahr ignored the eunuch.

SUSPECT #3: Hizdahr zo Loraq doesn't appear to know what's happening to Strong Belwas. Kind of strange when you're the one who poisoned the locusts.

The Dothraki girls loving the entertainment is a nice touch.

+.+.+

"Magnificence, the people of Meereen have come to celebrate our union. You heard them cheering you. Do not cast away their love."

"It was my floppy ears they cheered, not me. Take me from this abbatoir, husband."

Look at how pouty she is over fake love.

+.+.+

A shadow rippled across his face.

The tumult and the shouting died. Ten thousand voices stilled. Every eye turned skyward. A warm wind brushed Dany's cheeks, and above the beating of her heart she heard the sound of wings. Two spearmen dashed for shelter. The pitmaster froze where he stood. The boar went snuffling back to Barsena. Strong Belwas gave a moan, stumbled from his seat, and fell to his knees.

+.+.+

Above them all the dragon turned, dark against the sun. His scales were black, his eyes and horns and spinal plates blood red. Ever the largest of her three, in the wild Drogon had grown larger still. His wings stretched twenty feet from tip to tip, black as jet. He flapped them once as he swept back above the sands, and the sound was like a clap of thunder. The boar raised his head, snorting … and flame engulfed him, black fire shot with red. Dany felt the wash of heat thirty feet away. The beast's dying scream sounded almost human. Drogon landed on the carcass and sank his claws into the smoking flesh. As he began to feed, he made no distinction between Barsena and the boar.

Won't be the last time we hear that sound.

Thunder!

+.+.+

"Oh, gods," moaned Reznak, "he's eating her!" The seneschal covered his mouth. Strong Belwas was retching noisily. A queer look passed across Hizdahr zo Loraq's long, pale face—part fear, part lust, part rapture. He licked his lips.

Will someone get Belwas some ginger ale?

I don't think she's projecting.

"Hot and sweet and poisoned. With mine own ears I heard you commanding the men in the pit to kill Drogon. Shouting at them."

Hizdahr licked his lips. "The beast devoured Barsena's flesh. Dragons prey on men. It was killing, burning …" - The Kingbreaker, ADWD

Hizdahr has suddenly transformed into a weirdo who fetishizes all violence.

+.+.+

Dany could see the Pahls streaming up the steps, clutching their tokars and tripping over the fringes in their haste to be away. Others followed. Some ran, shoving at one another. More stayed in their seats.

There goes SUSPECT #2: House Pahl. No other family mentioned.

Do I think the author is purposely misleading the reader? Yes.

+.+.+

One man took it on himself to be a hero.

He was one of the spearmen sent out to drive the boar back to his pen. Perhaps he was drunk, or mad. Perhaps he had loved Barsena Blackhair from afar or had heard some whisper of the girl Hazzea. Perhaps he was just some common man who wanted bards to sing of him. He darted forward, his boar spear in his hands. Red sand kicked up beneath his heels, and shouts rang out from the seats. Drogon raised his head, blood dripping from his teeth.

Say her name.

I know it's similar, but I don't believe the Jaime charging Drogon scene was real. It was too stupid.

+.+.+

The hero leapt onto his back and drove the iron spearpoint down at the base of the dragon's long scaled neck.

Dany and Drogon screamed as one.

Sansa couldn't help but smile a little. The kennelmaster once told her that an animal takes after its master. - Sansa I, AGOT

+.+.+

The hero leaned into his spear, using his weight to twist the point in deeper. Drogon arched upward with a hiss of pain. His tail lashed sideways. She watched his head crane around at the end of that long serpentine neck, saw his black wings unfold. The dragonslayer lost his footing and went tumbling to the sand. He was trying to struggle back to his feet when the dragon's teeth closed hard around his forearm. "No" was all the man had time to shout. Drogon wrenched his arm from his shoulder and tossed it aside as a dog might toss a rodent in a rat pit.

NOT A RAT PIT.

She called him a dragonslayer, I love it.

+.+.+

"Kill it," Hizdahr zo Loraq shouted to the other spearmen. "Kill the beast!"

Ser Barristan held her tightly. "Look away, Your Grace."

"Let me go!" Dany twisted from his grasp. The world seemed to slow as she cleared the parapet. When she landed in the pit she lost a sandal. Running, she could feel the sand between her toes, hot and rough. Ser Barristan was calling after her. Strong Belwas was still vomiting. She ran faster.

It's reverse Cinderella. Drizella lost her shoe while running towards her Prince Charming. Shoutout to @agentrouka-blog for the laugh!

All the Strong Belwas stuff happening in the background is so funny.

+.+.+

The hero was jerking on the sand, the bright blood pouring from the ragged stump of his shoulder. His spear remained in Drogon's back, wobbling as the dragon beat his wings. Smoke rose from the wound. As the other spears closed in, the dragon spat fire, bathing two men in black flame.

His flames are black? I didn't know that.

I'm not suggesting he's Black Flame from the Quaithe warning.

+.+.+

The Meereenese were screaming, cursing, howling. Dany could hear someone pounding after her. "Drogon," she screamed. "Drogon."

His head turned. Smoke rose between his teeth. His blood was smoking too, where it dripped upon the ground. He beat his wings again, sending up a choking storm of scarlet sand. Dany stumbled into the hot red cloud, coughing. He snapped.

"No" was all that she had time to say. No, not me, don't you know me? The black teeth closed inches from her face. He meant to tear my head off. The sand was in her eyes. She stumbled over the pitmaster's corpse and fell on her backside.

Lady would never.

+.+.+

Drogon roared. The sound filled the pit. A furnace wind engulfed her. The dragon's long scaled neck stretched toward her. When his mouth opened, she could see bits of broken bone and charred flesh between his black teeth. His eyes were molten. I am looking into hell, but I dare not look away. She had never been so certain of anything. If I run from him, he will burn me and devour me.

Ghost would never.

+.+.+

In Westeros the septons spoke of seven hells and seven heavens, but the Seven Kingdoms and their gods were far away. If she died here, Dany wondered, would the horse god of the Dothraki part the grass and claim her for his starry khalasar, so she might ride the nightlands beside her sun-and-stars? Or would the angry gods of Ghis send their harpies to seize her soul and drag her down to torment? Drogon roared full in her face, his breath hot enough to blister skin.

Of course she hopes for a Dothraki heaven.

+.+.+

Off to her right Dany heard Barristan Selmy shouting, "Me! Try me. Over here. Me!"

You have one job, demon.

+.+.+

In the smoldering red pits of Drogon's eyes, Dany saw her own reflection. How small she looked, how weak and frail and scared. I cannot let him see my fear. She scrabbled in the sand, pushing against the pitmaster's corpse, and her fingers brushed against the handle of his whip. Touching it made her feel braver. The leather was warm, alive. Drogon roared again, the sound so loud that she almost dropped the whip. His teeth snapped at her.

Summer would never.

The whip kills me every time.

+.+.+

Dany hit him. "No," she screamed, swinging the lash with all the strength that she had in her. The dragon jerked his head back. "No," she screamed again. "NO!" The barbs raked along his snout. Drogon rose, his wings covering her in shadow. Dany swung the lash at his scaled belly, back and forth until her arm began to ache. His long serpentine neck bent like an archer's bow. With a hisssssss, he spat black fire down at her. Dany darted underneath the flames, swinging the whip and shouting, "No, no, no. Get DOWN!" His answering roar was full of fear and fury, full of pain. His wings beat once, twice …

… and folded. The dragon gave one last hiss and stretched out flat upon his belly. Black blood was flowing from the wound where the spear had pierced him, smoking where it dripped onto the scorched sands. He is fire made flesh, she thought, and so am I.

I'm going to have to stop there, because Drogon's about as well trained as Nymeria.

+.+.+

Daenerys Targaryen vaulted onto the dragon's back, seized the spear, and ripped it out. The point was half-melted, the iron red-hot, glowing. She flung it aside. Drogon twisted under her, his muscles rippling as he gathered his strength. The air was thick with sand. Dany could not see, she could not breathe, she could not think. The black wings cracked like thunder, and suddenly the scarlet sands were falling away beneath her.

Thunder!

Why am I not getting a description of Barry's charred body? These god damn Targaryens and their dragons can't do anything right.

+.+.+

The lash was still in her hand. She flicked it against Drogon's neck and cried, "Higher!" Her other hand clutched at his scales, her fingers scrabbling for purchase. Drogon's wide black wings beat the air. Dany could feel the heat of him between her thighs. Her heart felt as if it were about to burst. Yes, she thought, yes, now, now, do it, do it, take me, take me, FLY!

Look, they're consummating the marriage.

This is so much funnier when you realize she removed clothing.

Final thoughts:

Don't you love how the show turned the Second Coming of Satan chapter into a scene where baby boy Drogon gets to heroically save his mommy from the evil ambushing Sons of the Harpy?

Great stuff, guys.

-> return to menu <-

#operation stumpy re-read #adwd #daenerys ix

89 notes · View notes

waitingforwinterwinds · 1 year

Text

ASOS; Steel and Snow: 16 SANSA II (pages 220-226)

While Sansa has her measurements taken for a surprise new gown, she recalls her recent interactions with Margaery and Dontos over the upcoming wedding(s).

She needed a new gown, that was true. She had grown three inches in the past year, and most of her old wardrobe had been ruined by the smoke when she'd tried to burn her mattress on the day of her first flowering. ... The comment made her blush. Yet the last time she'd gone riding, she could not lace her jerkin all the way up to the top, and the stableboy had gaped at her as he helped her mount. Sometimes she caught grown men looking at her chest as well, and some of her tunics were so tight she could scarcely breathe in them.

That's fucked up. A lot of shit in this series is fucked up, but the fact that Sansa couldn't even get clothes that fit her until the queen ordered it? That's fucked up. It's a power play on Cersei's part, possibly Joffrey's, depends on whether or not it even occurred to him. But even aside from the casual reminder of how little power and authority Sansa has, it's degrading.

Now, if y'all will excuse me for just a moment. *hefts the steel chair of justice* I have some ... 'grown men' in need of a serious conversation...

I'll wager this gown was Margaery's doing somehow, or her grandmother's.

I'll wager it's not. But that's because I know what's happeneing before Joffrey's wedding. "Oh, sooner, much sooner, her Grace insists."

But it's scary that after all this time, Margaery just had to be kind to her a little, and Sansa's first thought was "Margaery's doing something nice for me" and not "nothing nice is free, if I don't know the price, it's because it's something I'm not likely to be willing to pay"

It does speak to Sansa's desire for the world to be a nice as it looks at the surfaced, of her preference to see the good in people. And i love that for her, that even after everything, that's something they couldn't take, but she's not safe, she's still in the lion's den (ha, appropriate simile is appropriate) and she needs to be more suspicious of everything in order to protect herself.

Like literally, "- and all else befitting a... a lovely young lady-" that pause should have raised some red flags.

The cousins took Sansa into their company as if they had known her all their lives. They spent long afternoons doing needlework and talking over lemon cakes and honeyed wine, played at tiles of an evening, sang together in the castle sept...

lemon (cakes) = 🥛

Sansa wondered what Megga would think about kissing the Hound, as she had. He'd come to her the night of the battle stinking of wine and blood. He kissed me and threatened to kill me, and made me sing him a song.

Ahhh, so this is the false memory kiss I've heard so much about?

Going back to that chapter where Sandor puts his hand over her mouth and holds her so tightly she can't wiggle free, and there's "He yanked her closer and for a moment she thought he meant to kiss her. He was too strong to fight. She closed her eyes, wanting it to be over, but nothing happened."

I can see how, especially given that there was a sense of violation already just from the trespassing in her room and the manhandling, and Sansa was not having a good time mentally or emotionally with the war outside, I can see how her mind could have easily confused things. She felt violated, and there was a moment where she was very much expecting that specific violation to occur, our minds very easily rewrite situations, it would make sense for Sansa's mind to give a more concrete for to her sense of violation.

(Especially when she's been molested by other men, including Dontos who does force kisses on her.)

But I would honestly also not be surprised to find out GRRM had the kiss happen in one version then forgot he edited it out. Continuity is hard.

I don't see why this has given her such a hard-stuck label as The Most/Only Unreliable Narrator though. Like, what? does she keep going back and changing the details 'oh he used tongue actually'?

- and Sansa's merlin brought down three ducks-

Fun Fact: Merlin's are the UK's smallest bird of prey. Sansa's wolf, Lady, was the smallest of the litter.

GRRM keeps giving her the teeniest predators.

"It's brave of you to warn me, but you need not fear. Joff's spoiled and vain and I don't doubt that he's as cruel as you say, but Father forced him to name Loras to his Kingsguard before he would agree to the match. I shall have the finest knight in the Seven Kingdoms protecting me night and day, -"

And Cersei had Jaime. But that didn't stop Robert.

She's so brave, Sansa thought, galloping after her... and yet, her doubts still gnawed at her.

It's easy to be brave when you have money and support and you haven't been on the receiving end of someone's violence. It's not really bravery, after all, it's ignorance.

Sansa's been brave as well, staying alive when she could have taken a tumble from a window, surviving Joffrey, the court, all of it.

Yet the more she thought about it, the more she wondered. Joff might restrain himself for a few turns, perhaps as long as a year, but soon or late he will show his claws, and when he does... ... Sansa was surprised that Margaery did not see it too. She is older than me, she must be wiser. And her father, Lord Tyrell, he knows what he is doing, surely. I am just being silly.

No, you're not.

You have information, first hand, that they don't, and even though you've tried to tell Margaery, she doesn't actually want to know. (Ignorance and Arrogance are far too alike in dignity.)

As for Lord Tyrell? Even if we disregard Olenna's opinion of him, you're working on the assumption he's like your father, that he cares about his daughter as anything other than a trade piece/brood mare for a grandson who can sit the Iron Throne.

That he wouldn't let the marriage agreement be made until Loras was a Kingsguard says he does care, but to be honest? Vibes so far? That was more about the political power and bragging rights that come with having a son in such a position, and it gives his gay son a convenient excuse for not taking a wife, ever. (not that he knows Loras is gay iirc?)

...*casually smacks Dontos and his 'give your Florian a kiss' with the steel chair*

The heir to Winterfell, she would think as she lay abed that night. It's your claim they mean to wed. Sansa had grown up with three brothers. She never thought to have a claim, -

With the timing of things, you do get the feeling that team Lannister knew the Red Wedding was on the way.

In Sansa's dreams. her children looked just like the brothers she had lost. Sometimes there was even a girl who looked like Arya.

Awww, she does still think of her sister.

That must be why Cersei is having it made for me, so I don't look shabby at the wedding. (...) She wanted to look beautiful fro Willas Tyrell. Even if Dontos was right, and it is Winterfell he wants and not me, he still may come to love me for myself. Sansa hugged herself tightly, wondering how long it would be before the gown was ready. she could scarcely wait to wear it.

Oh sweetheart, no.

She deserves someone who loves her for her own sake, and not her dowry. She doesn't deserve to be used as a political pawn. Or to be sold like cattle. (none of our girls (or boys) do, but this is about Sansa right now.)

#a storm of swords #steel and snow #a song of ice and fire #sansa stark #a chapter a day reading #asos #asoiaf

13 notes · View notes

wh-da-backup · 6 months

Text

Lyric Dump posted sept 2010

bits of paper:

she walks like hell down the hallway, naked she wonders why they stare but doesn't care, she'd rather die than be repaired -----

he likes gore and she likes sugar they make the perfect dying team

I liked his words so I learned his side I like her words now I wanna learn her side

kiss me sugar breath breathe me candy death

the new Mr. Popular and his gangrene bride ---

the twisted phoenix of her mental ashes

you ask me why I feel so down, I finally tell you now look what I've done I've made both of us frown

but things are always better in our minds ---

you need her like a hole in your head watch out man it's a package deal

see the names she'll give you both yeah it's all in your head ----

I'd spend my evenings and stare at that shiny dumb failure of a child who never says a word and thinks she's a poet. how cute. ----

play their subtle obsession

lady love is out to get me

surgery under Anastasia ---

I don't care how you see it- these are my children

and I live for them and I comfort them I would kill for them I would die for them ----

love, could you be human oh could I? we're shiny silver trash machines

we've been programmed by airwaves

we've been programmed by wires spoken by liars

we've been designed, we've been designed is this alright? ----

they're lovers made of glass and lovers made of sound

catching a butterfly is not quite the same as catching a train --- Drive Me, Crazy

5th wheel's for you break the 4th wall and your bones and everything else

drive me, crazy, i wanna crash ---

i want my life back gonna have to take it ---

I was named after you but we're not the same I just can't take it just can't take the blame

the children are always afraid ---

she can have my blood I don't mind go infect the human race with mine

I'll scratch all night ----

gaping pores in teenage skin it's true i let a lot of stuff in ok ok ok

I'm fine I'm great I grin but it's true I keep my anger held in ok ok

and I fear it's a sin the state of mind that I'm in can I forgive my disaster created in turn I hope I won't have to burn in something clearer than blame like the face I've inflamed in the mirror ok --- Stupid Hair

I want you out of my face I want you lying on the floor instead I want you out of my life get away from me get off my head

I'd like to cut you up you're gonna die die die I wanna change you up dye dye dye ---

chosen one, I chose myself ---

can I borrow your self cause I don't like mine anytime anyplace anymore anyway

overreact like I do when you yell

I hang out with burners, maybe I'm one too we all got a price to pay ---

I need some brain bleach keep on thinking those razor blade thoughts ---

the man who likes to visit winter flashing lights and bubble eyes always draws his psychic lines ----

he lives his life in contempt for heaven

I have chosen to be undecided

once you've got it all figured out it's too late

setting fire to a world where nothing burns ---- Walking

coop us up all day we sweat and we stink

waiting for summer no cold to protect us from

at least we come in pairs sorrow to those who lose that friend

walk on me all day never hear your thanks hey man just set us free

just want to walk on the earth God made feel it on our soles ----

well I've got an identity and if you want to know then pay attention to the lyrics when i play these songs for you

well I've got a personality and if you'd like to know then pay attention to the lyrics when i play these songs for you

well I've got your reality and if you think you know then pay attention to the lyrics when i play a song for you ----

I think too much try to suppress it back I'm obsessed and ashamed and my confidence lacks ----

takes one to know one you are what you eat ----

a few hurtful words and we argued in bitter doesn't take much for a fire to start well she burned down the house and everything in it I told Heaven and Hell take good care of my guitars and write helpful critiques of my art ---

we'd stargaze at the empty ceiling ----

I'm thinking I'd like to be haunted tonight no need to thank me I'm frightened in return I'm thinking I'd like to be haunted tonight setting fire to a world where nothing burns. ---

that hour of your life that you gave repeatedly

you're my favorite plastic but you're not one bit of help

I know how I'm yours that my teeth absorb stains

I'm making up my list and so I guess I'll throw you in

reclining in a clean and quiet room ---

it's not damage it's this damn age we're living in blocked the flow of everything ---

and even if I had a gun I doubt I would shoot anyone I like /I'm fine

a fellow asked if i'm on drugs I don't need that to pull this off I'm fine

I've made myself disposable as a friend I've made myself unattractive so who am I to complain about it? my social capacity consists of a one-sided conversation between myself and a unanimous awkward silence (ding dong ding the witch is dead at 27) and so the universe gets its comeuppance ---- (cleverbot responses)

it's not funny your smile

so that's where his brain went

he was hard to read

I think you dislike cheese ---

facial constellations from scars I read the future in my stars I thought, I could be so pretty by pretending to be beautiful but I choose not to ---

It's been a few weeks since I've seen her as I've been away

wore a dress like an eyeris so blue like her eyes

she would blink to me in skies and I'd read them and sigh

I would read them and cry

painting stripes on my shirt

does it hurt to be from here

I do

in a car to be so far away far away

painting stripe on my shirt and I'm drowning in acidic paint I am blatantly lost to be so far away far away ---

stop touching your face

stain me with absence

turn the knives to forgiveness

peel myself from the floor ----

I'm not dirt

I get hurt

I don't bleed oil ---

another sunrise I'm already on my way nature's dying because now we start first

I'm sorry that I hit your head ---

we dug this grave to keep us alive for a little bit longer now hell seeps in through the walls along with the groundwater

wrote a letter home to you so a part of my can leave this place my love

breathing is bleeding nowhere to go but down breathing is bleeding nowhere to go but blind

together as parts of this great war machine but as souls we're alone ---

I wish this day had never been born wish i'd stabbed a knife in the womb of sunrise when I couldn't quite sleep from the dark in my eyes and now hours later the knife is meant for me

I don't wanna tell you you'll worry, you'll hurt I don't think I'm in danger and you'd think it's a joke a nauseating plea for attention you'd gag til you choke

nothing went down but a whole lot of staring i stared at the knives, the liquor, the pills, it all seemed so easy it all seemed so easy ----

songbook:

you're a wannabe wannabe and famous for that you know there's gotta be a catch catch catch hack don't look down on me just cause i'm a wreck you know there always gotta be a catch catch catch retch ---

girls in the schoolyard blabbing secrets they were told not to repeat by their parents ten years later walking around in the cold less cloth than skin they don't even have the dignity to be embarrassed

a girl died back in '93 and was buried are you really that gullible? paranoid about viruses you could be carrying are you that irresponsible? ---

mind. scent. way to pass your judgement interesting prop, hence why i'm still alive...

and you smell like chemicals you smell like chemicals you smell like chemicals ---

I never suffered teenage angst til now be careful what you wish for I never thought my heart would break be careful what you wish for I'm always eager for an eye be careful what you wish for I'm always dreaming half-deranged be careful what you wish for

sleep comes on four screeching wheels eyes are closed by dull iron lies sleep appears long-awaited ghost hello my friend where would you like to go? --- We Are

I think you lied to me before you left them lying on the floor there's now a key that locks the door built by the lies that tie the score they scar me more

and there's a way that we talk and there's a way that we breathe and there's a way that we are

you say that nobody will you say that nobody can just look outside where we are ---

there's a hole a mile wide it's in my soul it's in my pride from lies... rusted scalpels that they are

all that needles to is stitch frail threads on an open wound

you fill it all ----

drive me drive me i just want you to derive me round and round again until i am renowned state it state it just shut your mouth and stay sedated overrated don't overreact like they did

you're handling eyes now so set your pins and needles down (your sole important everything) ----

my arm laid out my gaze is wistful blood is gold i've got a bottomless wrist full what's it doing keeping me alive? we're such a waste together wish i could give it all away and that way i'd be good for something ---- Sharks

be careful when you find the one whose eyes could be your 2-inch ocean

look out look out look out seeing sharks

be the dagger of my eye ----

walk through the market avoiding the stares trying to plug up the hole in a china doll's chest

they threw us all in a prison cell we gathered our wax limbs and sat up the best we could

I on my side and you lying next to me our faces met close enough

we fell in love in a prison cell I'll lie here beside you and hold you until we die and our wax limbs will fall to the floor

holding you close only time will tell the others talk nervously don't say a word

our wax heads rolled off and I knew that the dream it had gone

0 notes

scarletooyoroi · 2 years

Note

"I... ahem, i-ich liebe dich von ganzem Herzen" nails dug into the fabric of his jacket as Mona tugged him back. Lacking the courage he seemed to have in spades, she'd opt to speak to his back. Just loud enough for him to hear in an all too distant yet familiar tongue.

All day, his smile shone brighter than the sun. A burning star in her sky illuminating all his rays hit. Friendly banter between the fixer and the general inazuma populace ranged between somewhat terse to teetering on flirtation. Honestly, promising a meal with another. Chuckling as whole words and references went over her hat.

"... don't look at anyone else like that. Only look at me."

She'd never admit it but ... What went through her mind was: so this is jealousy.

Today’s crest of a new dawn solidified the promise of many possibilities. From the moment that dark T-shirt adorned his figure, what burned bright inside of him was the focus of making the most of these days held close. Inazuma’s balance required a pivotal bundle of his own attention, making use of the hard fought lessons and in turn, allowing for more liberating free time for him to apply his attention to where his heart found joy in calling. Yet, nothing could’ve prepared him for what his ignorance birthed, how the rotation of his life as the Fixer made an unknown clash with the very woman that proudly stole so much of his time nowadays.

Stole? Ha. Genuinely speaking, time was a treasure he proudly presented at her altar. It was a little realm where they’d leave their prices to pay, all so they could embrace the selfishness they garnered within their hearts.

Right now, what Thoma heart was a meteorite slamming true into the very depths of his heart. The grip upon the flame wave patterns of his scarlet jacket held a cherished strength, vastly different from many other instances where it’d lead to the light of their banter. No, what follows is a declaration forged in one of his two mother tongues, sending his very blood into a vibrant haze of heat the escalation of those beats could be sensed real time. As a gentle drift of anemo kissed winds pass by them, the pearl Mona whispered found itself being pressed into the very core of his being.

Flowing through his very being would be the liberating weight of that realization pulsing through him. Settled into a straight stanced position, he’d turn, allowing for him to catch that same luxuriously poofy hat keeping the serene appearance of the astrologist waging her war with her emotions. As his mouth sparsely parts, no words could even manage to escape. No amount of elation that stampedes with the victorious race of his heart could bring any decisive calm to response at the treasured words she just said.

Could Mona truly see the expression that he was giving her in such a moment? Whether some divine nature allowed her eyes to burn through matter, it wouldn’t stop him from turning to her fully, to let that protective back give way to his front, facing her entirely as his hands immediately seize a tender grip upon the shoulders of the divinator. “Mona.” His voice held a vigil warmth, the sort to slay exhaustion and seeps deep into the bones, bringing forth invigoration and a special sense of peace.

Thoma didn’t ignore how tenderly particular he was in saying her name in this moment.

“What you just said..” Tilting upon this topic would reflect a rare sight. He’s the one entirely thrown at the rapids of the situation at hand. Right now would a constant wave of beloved thoughts flit through his mind. Their chaotic beginnings, how arguments that gained a beloved edge were constant, the quiet peace they found within their routine.. And how that inevitably led to them eventually being stuck to the hip.

How Thoma long since knew his emotions for her weren’t a culmination of instances superficially made. No, the fire that burns for her holds a beloved weight, the kind that brings a sun like energy to bloom such a fearsome power in his veins. Those heartfelt thoughts further sear themselves into his core the instance she looks up, giving him those timeless eyes that gaves such a selfishly true gaze to him.

What he would topple divinity itself to see persist.

While it remains a mystery as to what makes this click, a collision of pride and concern naturally making the borders muddled, one thing shimmers true.

“I love you too. With all my heart.”

@viicrge

#viicrge #| Tucked Letters #AAAAAAAAAAAAAA #HOW DARE YOU GO AND BODY SLAM ME WITH THIS

1 note · View note

autisticstannis · 2 years

Text

(( I haven't wrote fanfiction since 2017 so be nice also I'm ESL which I don't usually mention bUT

I had fun and isn't that all that matter hope you enjoy my lil snippet into Diana's thoughts ))

47 had changed when he recovered his memories, which was to be expected -- apparently the serum had also suppressed his emotions, but she doubted it had ever worked. Emotionless looking did not equal zero feelings inside. She honestly could have never looked at him and thought there was nothing inside. It had perhaps dulled them, to an extent ?

He looked like he was hiding something as his blue eyes flickered to her sometimes and looked away, lost in some old feeling she couldn't sort out. She felt something amiss even in the way he'd sit in quiet silence during the long nights they spent at the safehouse. 47 being quiet was nothing unusual, but the body language was. At the time she thought he was just shaken up by recovering a lifetime of memories and a long lost brother. That would shake anyone up. She hadn't asked questions. She knew now what had been going on and Diana couldn't say she was exactly surprised.

He remembered -- and now she knew. She knew he was the one who set the explosive on her family's car and blew it up before her very eyes. She'd been only 13 years old. But then again, he hadn't been that much older. Children.

It was that very event that had set her up to this road, on this path of blood, sweat and tears. The path of vengeance and ruthlessness. It was who she was, and then again she was also so much more, but it was a part of her.

Hearing it from the Constant was a shock, but it was mostly disgust that choked her up as usual with Edwards and his slimy ways. She would have hated to give him the satisfaction, so she had given no reaction. Barely a flinch. Oh there was rage inside her, but there always had been. She had found where to direct it long, long ago.

Would her fate have been different if someone else had set up the explosive ? They would have died either way, her mother and father. The real murderers were the ones who gave the order, and they were rotting into the ground.

Agent 47 would be part of her story no matter what, it seemed.

A catalyzer to her becoming who she was. Destiny was a fickle thing, and strange. She had never believed in it, but some people were meant to cross paths, just like 47 and Lucas -- 6 had to be reunited.

All in all, it came down to this : would she do it all again ? Of course she would.

There was no need for other Burnwoods, too small and insignificant for the big world to cross bug companies and pharmaceutical CEOs without paying the price. They had only been trying to make things right -- now she was doing it for them, and for others. It would be hypocritical to say this was her only reason, but it was the most important one.

She knew 47 remembered and blamed himself enough for it. In the end, he had been used against her, and then she had reclaimed him. It was a cynical way to word it, but it was the ways of their world.

If there was something to forgive, she'd forgive him. Diana didn't even feel like she had much of a choice in this -- with how far they had gone together. He was a friend, more than a friend. They shared too much for her to be just the handler and him the agent, but Diana had stopped caring about that long ago. She'd always made her own rules.

There were, after all, few people in this world Diana felt she could be herself with. While she would have appreciated him telling her himself, she could plainly see why he had not. Even 47 was scared sometimes. Especially when it came to her. His only weakness.

He had been only the tool. He would be a pawn again in the game tonight, for the last time.

The real monsters had been way up the ladder at the time, and she had taken them down. Now they would take down his own monster. They were too far on that path to back down now, an inch and another betrayal to victory. He'll understand. He always does. She was just gonna push a pawn to the finish line, and hope he kept his trust in her as she played her part.

Maybe once this was done, they could talk. If he still wanted that life after all this, he could come find her. There were enough monsters in the world as it was for them to keep doing this together. They didn't need the ICA for that.

Once you've tasted blood, you can't go back, and they'd barely sunk their teeth into their prey.

In Mendoza, the music -- tango, uh... Appropriate -- could be heard from the look out. Diana leaned on the railing, pretending to be admiring the view -- which was breathtaking, to be fair. However her heart was not really in it. Only a matter of time until Vidal stopped talking her ear off and left her alone.

One last tango, so let's make it count, 47.

Her position here was precarious. It was a game of equilibrium where one misstep would mean her death. There was no game without stakes, and Diana's were usually that high. She was not just gambling his life, and that was a small comfort for a guilt she already felt. Surely with Agent 47 at her side, everything would be alright. Who would succeed at attempting her life when the Apex predator was lurking in the shadows ?

He's here. Let's get this over with.

#hitman #drabbles #it's been 85 years #illustration sucked the writing out of me for a while #also i kinda stopped maladaptive daydreaming while recovering from depression and how do you write without it wtf ????#diana burnwood #agent 47 #not really shippy but idk

10 notes · View notes

lcveblind · 2 years

Note

Little things your muse does to show their significant other they care? - For both

{ Soft Sunday meme || accepting! }

For Edeline, it shows in her attentiveness—-especially to what her lover wants or needs. Being of royal blood means not always having much time to be with others (and possibly even less should she become queen). However, she quickly makes up for it by how much attention she pays to her love and how much she keeps them and what they say in memory.

A mere passing comment on how cold it is eventually results in the gift of a handknitted scarf. Slumped shoulders and heavy sighs, on the other hand, are met with a nice, warm cup of tea waiting for them by the fire. That, of course, is followed by a note that tells of her hopes to come as soon as she's done, and that the tea (or perhaps some other beverage if they preferred) would help soothe any worries and frustrations in her place until she arrives.

Even if she can't be with them as much as she'd like, there's more than one way to make sure she lets them know she has them in mind.

Cadius absolutely, 100% could and would seduce his lover to have healthier habits. I am not joking (and neither is he). Working overtime yet again? "Why, sweetheart, don't you want to go to bed for a little while?" Thinking of skipping meals to get something done? Not a chance—-he's going to tempt you to eat by letting the smell of his own cooking waft under your nose until you give in (or, better yet, he'll let you sample some fine wine he's managed to snag for a haggled price.

Don't think you can escape from him either; the man is the princess' right hand man, after all, and he knows how to track down his prey when he needs to. That, of course, includes his one and only spouse.

All that seducing, only for it to end as innocently as if he had never meant for it to go more than that..

#bionicparrot #♡ || asks.#♡ || headcanon.#♡ || dearest edeline ( aesthetic. )#♡ || oh cadius ( aesthetic. )

3 notes · View notes

yandere-wishes · 4 years

Text

💔Rotten Love💔 //Twisted Wonderland Yandere Idia Shroud X Yandere Eliza X Reader// Part 1

GIF made by the amazing @flowerofthemoonworld. Okay, so this story is really going to have a Persephone x Reader x Hades vibe to it. If we can get this to 160 likes before July 12 than I’ll release part 2. For now, my goal is to make it a 4 part story with a bonus 5th fluff chapter. Also for this story reader will be GENDER NEUTRAL.

WARNING: Gore, Angst

💙 👻💙 👻💙 👻💙 👻💙 👻💙 👻💙 👻💙 👻💙 👻💙 👻💙 👻💙

There was always a cold, nostalgic air in the Ignihyde dormitory, a sort of homey sensation that made Eliza's heart skip a beat. Sure the dorm was quiet and secluded, unlike the ghost kingdom, there was barely anyone to talk to. Most may have even described it as "lonesome" and "boring". But to princess Eliza who had waited more than five hundred years to be with her prince charming, it was unadulterated, homespun bliss. Of course, there was still something missing, a tiny puzzle piece that refused to fit in with the rest of its kind, a stubborn little piece it was, yet all too important to paint the picture of her perfect life. That mulish fragment came in the form of her newly wedded husband, Idia Shroud.

"Idia~"

The "young" princess sang as she skipped over to where her "husband" was sitting, his posture crooked, like that of a scrunched up cat's. His long slender fingers where typing rapidly on that bizarre rectangular device that he all too attached to. Way too attached to, for Eliza's liking.

Eliza nuzzled her visage into the crook of the bleached-skinned boy's neck, taking in his smokey, ash-like sent. Her icy colored arms wafted over his shoulders, enclosing them his a tight embrace. Her fingers dangled over where his heart was, feeling tiny fast-paced pulses that sent a pleased blush to her face. "Idia let's go for a walk near that river. Please, my love! You haven't left this room since the reception!"

The taller male barely turned to look at her, preferring to instead to keep his eyes locked on his glowing blue screen. "Still busy Eliza" his cold dead voice was always so sharp and monotone whenever he spoke to her. It felt like someone was reaching into her rib cage and squeezing her decaying heart. Her voice cracked into a thousand tiny shards, as she tried to form a comprehensible answer. He might as well have told her to die again and rot in the deepest parts of hell. He doesn't love me....he'll never love me. The relation was like a heavy chronic toxic gas levitating overhead. Easy to overlook but still there, always there. Idia didn't move, if Eliza's arms weren't wrapped around his shoulders feeling every breath he took, she might have mistaken him for a statue. No, not a statue, she thought, some sort of sculpture of an ancient Greek God. A divine being set in stone resting in an altar, waiting for reparations and benedictions. 'I'd gladly pray at your feet every day. I'd sacrifice everything I had just for you to smile that charming smile at me'. The ghost thought to herself.

For an endless minute, the darkroom fell into a thick, suffocating silence. Neither Eliza nor Idia moved both too scared of breaking some invisible glass wall they had put up around them. However, no amount of serenity could dispose of the awkwardness, and annoyance Idia was beginning to feel. "You know" the lord of the dead began "maybe you should talk to the principle about join the school full time. It would give you more to do than breathing over my shoulder" despite Idia's tone harboring no malice, Eliza still flinched in shock. Her body going rigid, stiffening as if she was going into Rigor Mortis again.

HE DOESN'T WANT YOU HERE!

The voice in her head screamed,

HE HATES YOU!

Louder...

WHY CANT YOU LEAVE HIM ALONE

"Please stop" she whispered

YOU DON’T DESERVE YOUR PRINCE!

"If that's what you want" she finally replied in a broken voice.

"I'm... I'm only saying it for your sake," he muttered in a coaxing tone.

Deep down a delusional part of her wanted to scream that he was only saying all those harsh things for her own well-being. But she was still lucid enough to not believe those fallacies, imaginary words...Eliza perceived that her beloved prince Idia saw her as nothing more than a nuisance. One that he was far too eager to get rid of.

She couldn't bear the conversation any farther. Painfully slowly she peeled her arms off from around her so-called lover. In that taunting minute, Eliza swore she could feel billions upon billions of sharp needles piercing every piece of her dead body. She lingered in place staring at Idia's glowing, blazing hair. She didn't want to leave, she wanted to spend every second of her dead life with him! Touching him, kissing him, loving him! But he wouldn't love her! Why didn't he love her!! Without a customary goodbye or any form of acknowledgment, Eliza flew to the door. Swinging it open just a crack, wishing to slam it so hard that the whole underworld dorm would feel it. But alas she was still royalty and there was a politeness beaten into her every action. In the end after much debating, she closed the damn door quieter than a mouse. With a broken heart and eyes full of tears, princess Eliza began to hover up onto the surface of the school grounds.

WHY DOESN'T THAT SELFISH BASTARD LOVE ME!

A simple blaring thought that reverberated through Eliza's nonexistent skull as she marched through the glowing green halls of Night Raven College. Unlike Ignihyde, the rest of the school still felt rather alien and terrifying to the girl. She'd only been in the cafeteria for a short amount of time. Only to finish up her official marriage to Idia. After the marriage -and much persuasion from his friend with grey hair and glasses- Idia had carried Eliza in the traditional manner a groom must carry a bride, to the hall of mirrors and straight to Ignyhde. Neither of them had left Idia's room since then.

It was a rather short memory but one that always placed a smile on Eliza's face. Rather than remembering the halls, Eliza had been all too bewitched by Idia's shy golden gaze, his bloody red face, and his kissable thin blue lips. Such a darling memory that she would always cherish within her rotten heart.

But as the minutes ticked away and Eliza passed hallway after hallway all identical to one another, she soon began to wish that she'd paid more attention to the whereabouts of the school's rooms and offices. The headmaster's office seemed to be missing from this endless maze. Behind every corner was the same tiled floor, candles lit by a mystical green light and windows so large they put the countless classroom doors to shame. Every few minutes a crowd of students would pass by, disappearing behind another wall withing second. No one noticed her, which was rather odd considering she was the only female in an all-boys school, her purple dress and feminine curves were proof enough of that. "I guess this is the result of being a ghost, wandering the land of the living" She whispered hopelessly to herself. "You're invisible when you're me..."

The eighth turn that Eliza took brought her to a small cluster of peculiar students. Some donning ears and tails like those of wild beasts, while the other had odd features resembling Ortho's limps. Metallic and reflective. They were laughing at something, attentions enclosed within their small groups. A measly thought flew into Eliza's head, why not speak up? Raise your voice and ask where she could locate the headmaster of this complex establishment.

"Excuse me."

“....”

Silence

None of the boys turned to her, they just continued with there chatter. Eliza opened her mouth to speak once more when she -rather unwillingly- picked up stray words from their conversation.

"It's not fair!" A tall lanky one with striped ears and tail whined

"Yeah! How come that useless shut-in gets to get married to a cute girl !" the second one was even taller, with thick furry grey ears that reminded Eliza of a wolf.

"Look man I don't know what Idia has that makes him so damn lucky! He's a useless wimp..." A Bold statement made by the one with metallic features.

Eliza was sure they continued bashing Idia but the phantom pain of blood coursing through her ears droned them out. How dare such hooligans speak ill of her beloved husband! Her fingers flexed in a robotic-like movement, stretching open than closing once more. Around her tiny flame-like spirits began to materialize, cute and cheery with big eyes and smiling mouths...until they noticed the distress of their mistress. the tiny things took a look around, grasping the situation from the loud words of the boys as well as Eliza's grim expression. Slowly the little flames began to merge with one another. Fusing into a large ax with a burning end. The weapon floated down to her hand, positioning itself smugly between her ghostly digits.

Eliza's eyes locked with the backs of the boys, she didn't know how this would work, could the ax could even harm the living? It may just phase through them as if nothing had happened....or it may price through there flesh and bones, tearing them in two. Hosting the ax up over her shoulder with both hands and taking a shaky step forward, Eliza lunged towards the first boy. In a swift flick of her wrist, the blade of the ax was pushing through the Ignihyde student's back. Splitting ceaselessly at the skin and urging past muscles until it reached the creamy colored bones. Eliza didn't stop there, her arms still pushing forward trying to get the heavy ax to break those pesky osseins. He had to pay for what he said! No one was permitted to speak ill of her one true love! A satisfying crack filled the air followed by a choir of screams. Only when the ax had finally resurfaced on the other side, covered in plasma and the remnants of organs, did Eliza turned her attention to the other two students. There eyes where enormous staring at her in disgust and fear...and something else. Something that -although it revolted her to her very core- she wished Idia would look at her with that same look in his eyes. A look of want, a look of need, pure lust, yet the welcoming sort ONLY if it was coming from the person you adored so much.

The blue-haired ghost didn't move, her semi existent body felt overworked. Everything hurt! Or at least she thought what she was feeling was the ghost equivalent to human pain. "Why.." her voice glitched at every syllable, like a broken cassette player. The two boys didn't answer instead taking shall strides backward. "WHY DID YOU SAY SUCH AWFUL THINGS ABOUT HIM!" in a split second, anger over ran Eliza's boy once more, dragging her and the ax forward until the blade came in contact with one of the animal eared men's neck. Slicing it so it flung backward, crashing onto the ground with loud "thud" then rolling around in its own gore. The last man stand, the one with monochrome ears pushed his palms forward, a pathetic attempt of shielding himself from her wrath. "W-we..we d-d-did...didn't-t mean...mean any..offense...honest!" His voice creaked as tears gushed from the corners of his eyes. "You're...you're just so...so...pretty...beautiful even...and...and...Shroud well...we...well, he's a loser who w-w-wouldn't kno--" his words were left half-finished, as Eiza's ax severed through him diagonally.

Her heart was pounding much too fast, that it was beginning to make her feel sick. Her legs finally gave up, sending her crashing onto the blood coated floor. Her bare knees dug into the red liquidy substance, finding an odd comfort in the warm human ichor. Eliza didn't know what to do, or even where to go. If she went back to Idia like this he would surely use it against her, Ortho was too young to be introduced to such a carnage...and she didn't know anyone else! "I'm all so very doomed" she sobbed as transparent tears trailed down her eyes.

"Hey" A distant voice spoke up. "What's wrong with her?" another voice, this one more high pitch and raspy. Eliza tore her face from her hands looking up at a group of three strangers and a cat...no, not strangers, she recognized the orange and blacked haired boy. They both had tried to crash her wedding. But the other person was new, they had a gentle look in their eyes, a welcoming stare that the princess longed for. "Hey ghost bride," The orange-haired boy spoke up, "need some help with your mess?" Eliza nodded meekly. Her body still limp and voice still too frail to speak. The last person, the one that had unexpectedly piqued Eliza's interest extended a hand towards her. And with only a scrap of hesitation, Eliza gripped it.

"Come on, we'll help you out!"

💙 👻💙 👻💙 👻💙 👻💙 👻💙 👻💙 👻💙 👻💙 👻💙 👻💙 👻💙

Tags: @yandere-romanticaa @ghostiebabey @lovee-infected @mermaid-painter @firemelody4 also tagging @twstpasta and @delusional-obsessions cause I know they're huge Eliza fans.

328 notes · View notes

ricaffeine · 4 years

Text

𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 | 𝐎𝐧𝐞

an: i'm sad because of hyunji drought and this is helping me cope :( but fr if tvn decides to make hotel blue moon then yeaji needs to be in it!!

also very annoying, i can't reply to comments bc this is a side blog (bruh wtf tumblr, i'm so sad should i make a new one?) reblog if you feel like it and my asks are open if you wanna chat 🖤✨

CHAPTER TWO

Weekdays at Seoul's National art gallery were usually the same. Buzzing curators dealing with hot-tempered clients. One thing or another was typically going not right and art directors cried about their wrong coffee order.

Although today was not the usual as to the crowds of bubbly news reporters and dazzled art critiques swarming up the wide place. As to Munyeong on the other hand, she was not pleased to the slightest.

"Just smile at the cameras, don't forget about the paycheck you're getting today." Sangin repeated himself for the fifth time. "Don't cause a scene, just think about the money."

Ah right. The paycheck.

As to The Nightmare Garden was bid off for over ten-million dollars, all of today's fanciness was dedicated to her, nation's celebrated female illustrator. However in all honesty, Munyeong barely liked her so-called masterpiece, but considering the amount of cash it will make her, she could be appreciative for the sake of it.

Behind her oversized sunglasses, Munyeong glared at her pesky manager– if looks could kill, he'd already be eleven feet under his grave. Sangin shut his mouth.

"Let's just get this over with," she simply responded, hooking off her eyewear then strutted into the hall with her long legs. Eyes whipped at her and cameras started to flash intensely, almost blinding her and Munyeong wondered how much those little pests could afford her if they got her blind.

And so the event played on. More pictures were taken– as if they hadn't blind her enough cheerful compliments flowed along with the spring breeze. The insincere joker smile she mastered whilst she met her million-dollar client– according to Sangin a hotel owner, though the woman did not have the looks for it– and the glass of filthy wine she almost had a chance to taste if Sangin's sixth sense was not so creepily fast.

Another dreadful two hours later as the dusk had set, hitting the edges with its golden flare, everyone had left. They got their articles and Munyeong will certainly be getting her pools of cash.

To her displease Sangin had informed her to wait as he had to take care of some paperworks she doubted he went to bribe the press into censoring her quoted inappropriate words.

Nevertheless it was not her bother. She gave his plead a second before storming off to the complimentary section of the building.

Luck on her side, for nobody was there and she was able to grab one of the wine bottles with her– as for a fact it definitely was not stealing.

"Don't be shy, I know you want it."

Munyeong stopped within her steps as soon as an obnoxiously familiar voice echoed from the gallery she previously was in. Curiosity taking the lead, she peaked through the corner and had to muffle her own snort. Stood there, nation's art historian with the sharpest tongue– Choi Seojin.

She finds it hard to believe that his articles are highly known around, or even relevant, when his mouth is full of complete shit. However not disregarding the nastiest tea yet– a frightened girl seized under him. Her hands were locked, frightened eyes grew larger as the man spewed out nasty things.

Instantly, she took out her phone to film the disgraceful scene. Munyeong grinned to herself, reminiscing the rage she felt last time when he mentioned about her mother, and how her irritating manager had interrupted her before she could've sent him down the stairs to Satan.

The man reared into the poor girl's cheek when she attempted to fight him off, and Munyeong's smile dropped.

That piece of shit.

Munyeong entered the room, arms crossed, head high. Her wedge heels clicked against the hardwood as she let out an unamused wow.

Mad dog– what she personally thinks he should be called– 's head whipped at her with wide eyes. Like a child getting caught of lying.

"Oh my. Your hobbies are quite interesting Mr. Choi. Talking shit and sexual harassment?" Munyeong spat. "The girl looks like she'd rather kill herself, why are you even trying?"

As if he thought he could get away with what he just did, mad dog released his foul grip on the girl. Munyeong clicked her tongue and tauntingly held out her phone.

"Oh no, don't bother pretending. Judging by the looks, that won't even favor you at this point." She spared a glance at the quivering girl. "Why are you waiting? Go."

Shakingly and with thankful eyes she nodded and left, her footsteps filling void of silence before it coated the air again.

Mad dog snickered, as if there was something to laugh about. "Don't mess with me Ms. Ko. You know me, I won't die alone."

"Certainly I'll drag you and Mr. Lee down with me. Why do you think they call me the suicide bomb?"

Munyeong walked towards him and spreaded a smile, though even dogs could tell you shouldn't push her further. "You mean the bastard you can't fall down without dragging everyone else with him? Why?"

"I can destroy your career with the tip of my pen, I'm sure you know." He gave her a look, panning out his hand. "Now if you hand me your phone, I think we can compromise something."

Munyeong unraveled her arms, eyes hardening at his next sentence. "You think so?"

"Nation's beloved artist turned out to have antisocial personality disorder. What do you think will happen when people find out?" Mad dog sneered. "Her mother who mysteriously commited suicide–"

"Shut up." She warned. His words lit up the flame from their last encounter, adding fuel to her burning fire. Her head pounded, hard. For a moment she had hoped that if he proceeded as she said, then things would not have to get ugly.

"And her father? Spending his last days in the psychiatric hospital."

But men never listen, do they?

Munyeong tightened the hand around her bottle and striked it at him with full force. The bottom part crashed the wall behind him– just above the hung painting- glass shattered as rich burgundy stained its way down, smearing all over. Its taste fused with the air and Munyeong glowered at the creature who dodged her flawless aim.

"You crazy bitch!" He yelled, scrambled on the floor. But Mad dog was quick to lunge at her, they both hit the ground, stumbling as her open purse had been knocked away– and Munyeong's eyes landed on something very specific.

She was quicker, getting on her feet and spared the bastard a strong kick in the groin, leaving him groaning as she reached for her pen.

Her favorite calligraphy pen– its lining was stunning, coated in shiny teal with hints of gold, but most importantly, the dangerously sharp tip. The way it writes like reaping out blood from your hand– hence why it is a favorite.

She hawled back over and he screamed at her, though she didn't hear him. Her head was light as she felt blood rushed through her veins. Munyeong raised her arm and struck it back down.

Die.

Both of them froze. No, not her and mad dog, but him.

Deafening silence had lied between the walls and there they stood, eyes pierced into another's souls. Hers burned like fire, but his were dignified like the deep ocean.

Droplets of blood trickled down his forearm and splattered the floor, staining the rolled up sleeves of his crisp white shirt. What a waste.

"Let go. You can't kill him." The man– still with a bloody pen graved in his palm said.

Munyeong couldn't help but scoff, especially after that fucking bastard had just strangled her. "Don't be dramatic. I was just going to give him a few scratches."

Well maybe that's not entirely true.

Rough scrambling erupted underneath them, but when Munyeong turned to look, the mad dog had just ran off, like a lost puppy. Angrily she bit her lip, close to drawing blood until she felt the man draw his own hand back.

She watched as he did. The way he carefully slid her pen into his jacket and brought out a black silk handkerchief. Very rarely, she'd be astonished by something, and now it's him. Though she found it quite difficult to understand him– since when do you interrupt another's stabbing session by screwing up your own hand instead, and also the audacity to tell her she could not stab somebody?

So lost in her thoughts it took her a few seconds to realize her pulse was not pounding anymore.

"Did anyone not tell you that it is basic etiquette to not pry into someone else's business?" Munyeong said– seized the napkin from him, and began to tie a knot. She shot him a glance.

No reply. The man simply stared at her.

"Hmm?" She raised a brow, amused at his slight flinch when she tugged a little harder.

"Don't stress it too much, my manager will take care of our little incident." Munyeong chuckled as he proceeded to ignore her. "Do you know what? There are a lot of people in this world who deserve to die. And some very thoughtful freaks secretly take care of that, so clueless humans can sleep peacefully at night, completely unaware. Which one do you think I am?"

She dropped his hand, anticipating for his answer. Flares of light shined through the blinds, sharpening at his strong features and she noted his small– yet devilish smile.

"A clueless freak."

He finally responded, leaning towards her. His eyes traced her face, gazing down at her lips for a second too long, before their eyes were locked once again. "And of course you will have to pay, but at what price?"

taglist -> i could not tag some of ya'll :( @anotherdush @callmeashipper @ourcoffeeaddictme @nothingcreativeyet @pancat @hotstuff-benswolo @lookingatthesunset @evielovesfood @waywarm @gloster @hello-79 @ailander

#it's okay to not be okay #psycho but it's okay #iotnbo #pbio fic #kdrama #kim soo hyun #seo yea ji #ko mun yeong #ko moon young #moon kang tae #hotel blue moon #hotel moon light

217 notes · View notes

queenie-lexieee · 3 years

Text

[[ CC Character Profile ]]

Fandom:

Once Upon A Time

Full name:

Belle Gold (French)

Nickname(s):

•Lucy

Sex/Pronouns:

Female

Birthdate:

December 27th

Age:

20-Old Age

(Season 1-7)

Skills/Powers:

•Book Knowledge

•Leadership

•Patiences

•Problem Solving

•Languages

•Map Knowledge

•A bit of fighting

•Manners of a princess

[[ About ]]

Personality:

•Caring

•Loving

•Forgiving

•Booksmart

•Bookworm

•Clever

•Loving

•Adventurous

•Hardworking

•Helpful

•Herioc

•Honest

•Humble

•Knowledge

•Loyal

Likes:

•Books

•Liberties

•Roses

•Traveling The World

•Yellow

•Fighting for what’s true

•Adventures

•Tea

•Helping people

Dislikes:

•Animals

•Jerks

•Being lied to

•Being tricked

•Being hurt

•Being mistreated

•Villains

•Being gullible

•Bullies

Occupation: Pawnbroker, Librarian, Maid

Fears:

Losing love ones

Losing her son and husband

Sexual Orientation: Straight

Species:

Human

Faceclaim: Emilie de Ravin

[[ Relations ]]

Farther: Sir Maurice/Moe French

Mother: Colette

Spouse: Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold

Child: Gideon

Stepchildren: Baelfire/Neal Cassidy (deceased)

Grandchildren: Henry Mills (step-grandson)

Lucy Vidrio (step-great-granddaughter)

Significant Other(s):

Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold

[[ Biography ]]

After the casting of the Dark Curse, Belle becomes a patient in the town hospital's psychiatric ward. Due to remembering his life from the Enchanted Forest, Mr. Gold has memories of how he lost Belle presumably at the hands of her father. One day, he takes away the delivery truck of Belle's father, Moe French, who is late on his rent payments. Later, Mr. Gold's house is ransacked and several items, including his only memento of Belle—a chipped cup—goes missing. All of the belongings except for the cup are returned. Suspecting Moe has it, Mr. Gold decides to take things into his own hands and tries to beat the truth out of the man while expressing a great deal of rage in blaming him for Belle's death. Instead, it is revealed Regina stole the cup, and uses it to goad Mr. Gold into telling her his real name. Satisfied, Regina gives the cup back and leaves to pay a visit to Belle at the hospital while Mr. Gold remains unaware his lost love is alive. ("Skin Deep")

Jefferson is jilted by Regina on her promise that if he helped her retrieve something from the Enchanted Forest to get rid of Emma, and then she'd bring his daughter back to him. To spite her, he decides to free the imprisoned girl in the psychiatric ward and bring her to Mr. Gold, who he knows won't be pleased at what Regina has done. He disguises himself as a hospital staff member and sneaks down to free Belle after drugging the nurse. He urges Belle to seek out Mr. Gold, and gives her instructions to tell him specifically that Regina locked her up. She goes into the pawn shop and informs Mr. Gold what happened. He is shocked to see her alive, and though Belle doesn't remember him, he promises to protect her. Whilst leading her out to the woods towards the wishing well, the Dark Curse breaks. Belle regains her Enchanted Forest memories, and reaffirms her love for Mr. Gold, who she still affectionately calls Rumplestiltskin. From the wishing well, she watches as Mr. Gold mixes the true love potion with the well water, which transforms it into a purple smoke and brings magic back to Storybrooke.

Following the aftermath of the restoration of magic in Storybrooke, Belle and Mr. Gold speak beside the wishing well. She tells him of her imprisonment and asks if the release of magic was to seek revenge for her capture. He states it wasn't his intention, but will use it as an advantage. She makes him promise not to use the magic and seek revenge against Regina, which he agrees to. However, Mr. Gold finds a way to harm his nemesis without himself being the actual person to do so by releasing a Wraith to suck out Regina's soul. Upset at his broken oath, she leaves the pawnshop in tears of anger and frustration. After the Wraith disappears through a vortex, leaving Regina unscathed, Belle returns and states she will remain with Mr. Gold because he is still a "monster". ("Broken")

On night, Belle has a nightmare in which Mr. Gold attacks Leroy, who has come looking for his axe. To her horror, he takes on his old appearance as the Dark One and proceeds to strangle Leroy to death. She wakes up in a cold sweat and goes looking for Mr. Gold; finding him in the basement secretly spinning gold thread and working on magic. The next day, she attempts to ask him about what he was doing in the prior night. When he tries to brush it off, she calls him a coward for not letting her into his life. Then, without informing Mr. Gold, Belle leaves for the diner, where Ruby helps her figure out a possible job at the currently closed down library as a librarian. She goes to peek at the inside of the building from the window, but is distracted and then kidnapped by William Smee, who brings her to Moe French. At first, Belle is overjoyed to see her father again, but balks when he insists that she leave Mr. Gold for good. Unable to convince her, Moe orders Smee to take his daughter outside the town line so that she will lose her memory. Belle is handcuffed to a mining cart underground as it sets off on the tracks. In an attempt to free herself, she grabs a key for the cuffs, but drops it. Belle is saved by Mr. Gold's magic, but makes it clear she doesn't want him in her life, since he is unable to be truthful with her, and is equally unhappy with Moe for making choices for her. While spending time getting acquainted with food at the diner, Ruby gives her a small box someone left on the front desk. The box contains is a key, which Belle uses to open the library. Inside the building, Mr. Gold admits bringing magic to Storybrooke because he doesn't know how to live without magic. However, the price of bringing magic to town is not being able to leave without losing his Enchanted Forest memories, and therefore, Mr. Gold is unable to search for his son, who was also his motivation for making the Dark Curse. He acknowledges experimenting with magic to figure out a way to break the price of magic. After telling her all this, he turns to leave, but Belle wants to start over with Mr. Gold, and invites him for a hamburger at Granny's. ("The Crocodile")

At the diner, Belle celebrates with the miners after the discovery of diamonds in the Storybrooke Mines, which can be made into fairy dust and rescue Emma and Mary Margaret from the Enchanted Forest. While drinking, she sees Ruby being asked out by Billy. Noting her friend's obvious discomfort, she comes over to excuse Ruby for the night with the reason being they are having a girls' night out. Billy takes the rejection in stride and leaves. Belle remarks that he seems nice, though Ruby is distracted and heads to the back room of the diner. The next morning, Billy turns up dead, and Ruby is accused of murder, since she shape shifted into a wolf the night before, but can't remember anything. David and Granny believe in her innocence, as does Belle, who allows them to hide Ruby in the library from the angry townspeople. Ruby is chained up as a safety precaution, but Belle releases her when she asks for a restroom break. Instead, she is cuffed while Ruby, believing the townspeople's hatred towards her is justified, goes to face the mob. Much later, David presumably unchains Belle after discovering Albert is the actual culprit in Billy's death and Ruby's name is cleared. ("Child of the Moon")

Belle and Mr. Gold finally go on a date at Granny's with a serving of hamburgers. They are interrupted by the presence of Regina, who needs Mr. Gold's help in dealing with their nemesis, Cora. Belle asks who Cora is, though Mr. Gold replies she will never have to meet her. Mr. Gold argues he has defeated Cora before, but Regina reminds him that was during a time he "didn't have anything to lose". From this, she indirectly references that Belle will be in danger if Cora reaches her, which makes the librarian nervous. ("Into the Deep")

In the pawnshop, Belle is getting ready for a picnic lunch with Mr. Gold when Emma, David and Mary Margaret arrive. They accuse Mr. Gold of causing Archie's death, to which Belle reacts in disbelief. Mr. Gold proves his innocence by giving Emma a dream catcher to look into the memories of Archie's dog Pongo, who witnessed his owner's death. She sees a recollection of Regina killing Archie in cold blood, though no one is aware it is actually Cora masquerading as the madam mayor. ("The Cricket Game")

She, along with the other townspeople, attend Archie's funeral where Mary Margaret gives a eulogy in remembrance of him. Afterwards, Belle meets up with Mr. Gold, who happily informs her about his success in making a potion to cross the border, which will work if poured on his son's shawl. She wishes to go with him, but he regretfully says the potion is only enough for one person. Later in the day, Belle goes to sort books in preparation for a future library opening. Once inside, she recognizes a stranger as Hook and runs away, but he blocks her. Belle pins him on the floor by toppling a bookshelf and scurries into the elevator.

She calls Mr. Gold and tries to give more details about Hook, but he can't hear her through the bad reception. She stays in the elevator until Mr. Gold comes to the library. Reunited, they hurry back to the pawnshop as Mr. Gold hesitantly tells her how Hook stole his wife, Milah, from him years ago. When she asks what happened to his wife, Mr. Gold says that she died. He discovers the shawl is gone and furiously plans to go after Hook alone. He hands her a loaded gun to defend herself with. She returns to the library and finds a knot Hook left behind. From browsing through a book about knots, she determines it comes from a ship. At the dock, she sees a bird standing on something invisible. Belle uses a pinch of dust to outline the steps onto a ship, and follows them up through a barrier onto the deck. She ventures below deck to free a trapped Archie and urges him to go back to town, which he does. Belle looks for the shawl, and distractedly sets down the gun. Hook makes himself known to her with the shawl in hand. They both lunge for the gun, but he grabs it first and aims it at her forehead. He reveals Mr. Gold killed Milah by ripping out heart and crushing it. Even knowing this, Belle still believes Mr. Gold has changed for the better. She hits him with a rowing paddle and runs away to above deck with the shawl, but Hook gets there first. When Mr. Gold shows up to beat Hook bloody, Belle pleads for him to stop as proof he has changed from the past. They leave together, and later that night, she watches as he uses the potion and shawl to cross the border while his memory stays intact. From the opposite side of the town line, Belle promises to wait for him. Suddenly, a bullet ricochets into her shoulder from behind. She falls over the border into Mr. Gold's arms and loses her memories as Hook is revealed to be the shooter. In an amnesiac state, Belle doesn't recognize her own name when Mr. Gold calls her, and witnesses him conjuring a fireball just as a car crashes into town. ("The Outsider")

Frantic and confused, she doesn't understand what is going on. Mr. Gold is worried about Belle's injuries, so he magically heals them, which only frightens her. Emma arrives in her sheriff car with David and Mary Margaret. While an ambulance is called, Mary Margaret soothes a panicked Belle, and later hands her over to a nurse at the hospital. Taken in as a patient, Belle tries to get some rest, but is startled awake by Mr. Gold kissing her. She screams in horror until he leaves. However, Mr. Gold returns later with a chipped cup, which he says is enchanted with magic, and insists that she try looking at it so her memories might come back. She becomes afraid and unsure when he mentions magic. She gives the cup back, though he keeps pushing it back at her. Frustrated, she angrily throws the cup at the wall as it shatters into pieces. She demands for him to leave, which he finally does in tears. ("In the Name of the Brother")

During Belle's stay at the hospital, Ruby tries to cheer her up with some familiar things, such as her favorite book. Belle suspiciously questions her about the accident and the man who used magic to heal her. Worried about exposing magic, Ruby ignores the inquiry and tries to persuade Belle that the tranquilizers must be giving her hallucinations. Upset no one believes her, Belle acts out violently and has to be sedated by the nurse. Later that night, Greg, who was the driver in car crash, visits Belle in her room. She thinks he doesn't believe her about the fireball just like everyone else, though Greg admits he saw it too. ("Tiny")

While still resting up in her hospital room, Belle meets Regina. Uneasy at the woman's presence, she asks if they were friends. Regina mentions they knew each other, and asks Belle about Mr. Gold and the dagger. She has no memories of anything, so Regina knocks the girl unconscious and uses magic to levitate the items in Belle's bag into the air to find clues on the dagger's location. ("Manhattan")

From her cellphone, she receives a call from Mr. Gold. Apologetically, Belle tries to tell Mr. Gold she doesn't remember him, which he knows, but wanted to give his last regards to her as he is dying. He describes the person he knew in her; a beautiful woman who loved an ugly man, and further explains that she creates goodness in those who don't have any. Belle begins to tear up at his words, but he hangs up before she can respond. ("The Miller's Daughter")

When Mr. Gold pays her a visit, Belle is happy and relieved to see he survived and didn't die. She is more trustworthy of him since their phone conversation and believes that he wants to help her regain memories. She tries to thank him for healing her, but he avoids the topic of magic, which disappoints her. While Mr. Gold is getting her discharged from the hospital, Belle packs up her belongings. Regina comes in to introduce herself as the mayor.

When she hears from Belle that Mr. Gold is going to help restore her memories, Regina is displeased. Thinking quickly, Regina bends down to pick up an item, and instead conjures an enchantment on little red card of the town bar, The Rabbit Hole. Regina asks if it belongs to Belle. Though Belle says no, Regina suggests she should take a better look at it. Belle glances down at the card and is surprised at the flood of memories, exclaiming she remembers who she is. In fact, Regina has given her false memories to replace the ones she lost previously. Belle assumes the name Lacey and leaves the hospital to hit up the bar by playing pool and chatting with Mr. Clark. Mr. Gold approaches her, and she remembers him as the man who visited her at the hospital. A man, Keith, tries to flirt with her, but she shoots him down. Mr. Gold asks Lacey out on a date at Granny's, which she accepts out of pity for him. Despite turning down Keith earlier, she makes plans to meet with him behind the diner.

During the date, Lacey is impressed by Mr. Gold's approachable personality since the stories about him say otherwise. She states that it's important to truly know someone by seeing what's in a person's heart. He accidentally spills wine on her dress, so she goes to clean up, but actually goes to make out with Keith outside. Mr. Gold witnesses them and shoves Keith off in the belief he is assaulting Lacey. Instead, she admits the real reason she agreed to the date. Lacey is simply not attracted to Mr. Gold's nice guy personality, and specifies they do not fit together because she isn't Belle. Later, in the bar's parking lot, she watches Mr. Gold beating up Keith. Intrigued, she realizes Mr. Gold is actually more than meets the eye, and finds herself drawn to his dark nature. She stands by with a mischievous smile as Mr. Gold continues to hit Keith. ("Lacey")

Afterwards, she and Mr. Gold leave and walk down the street chatting happily, which is secretly witnessed by Hook through a telescope in the clock tower. ("The Evil Queen")

One morning, while on the streets, Mr. Gold accuses Dr. Whale of eyeing Lacey in a suggestive manner and intimidates him into a cowered state. With Lacey's approval, he is inches away from stamping his foot in Dr. Whale's face when Neal rushes out of the bed and breakfast to stop the dispute. Neal is disgusted at his father's actions and reminds him of the time he turned someone into a snail. Amused, Lacey laughs and asks to know more about it, but Mr. Gold senses tension from Neal, so he sends her off to wait for him elsewhere while he converses with his son. Lacey spends more time with his Mr. Gold at his shop as they drink. She is exasperated and annoyed when asked to step in the next room after Mary Margaret and David come to Mr. Gold for help in finding a missing Regina. She overhears them bargaining with him for magic. After they are gone, she asks about his magic use and is amazed when he procures an expensive looking necklace out of thin air and helps her to put it on. After learning more about Mr. Gold inability to age due to his powers, Lacey wonders if she, too, could become immortal so they could be together forever. He says it's possible, but mentions that it doesn't keep a person immune from dying. Mr. Gold goes on to tell her about the prophecy a seer gave him a long time ago that a certain someone will be his undoing, which he takes to mean his death will occur because of that person. Puzzled, Lacey questions why he doesn't just get rid of the obstacle in his way as he's the kind of man who won't let anything stand in his way. ("Second Star to the Right")

After some of pawnshop guests leave, Lacey pops out from the backroom. When she spills a cup of scotch all over the table and hastily tries to use Baelfire's shawl as a wiping rag, Mr. Gold angrily berates her. Startled, she apologizes, to which he pulls out a bag and spills out the contents--broken pieces of the chipped cup--onto the table. Using magic, Mr. Gold reconstructs the cup to its unbroken state. Lacey expresses confusion over his fixation on the cup, but drinks a potion substance when he pours it for her. After a moment, Lacey's persona is replaced by the return of Belle. They have an emotional reunion. Mr. Gold apologizes for bringing her back when they are going to die from the trigger's effects, but needed the support. She comforts him as he cries over the loss of his son. The trigger is stopped with the combined magic powers of Emma and Regina, but Henry is kidnapped by Greg and Tamara and taken to another world. Mr. Gold decides he must go along to save him. Belle wants to go, too, but he instructs her to stay and keep the town safe. Sadly, Mr. Gold won't be able to return to her. Even to this, Belle keeps up her hopes that the future is uncertain and perhaps they will see each other again. They part with a kiss. Belle praises Mr. Gold for his efforts as Neal would be very proud of him. ("And Straight On 'Til Morning")

She watches the Jolly Roger sail off into a portal in the ocean and disappear from sight. Archie, Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Happy, Leroy, Mr. Clark, Mother Superior and Walter run up to her at the docks. Belle admits to them that the others went to another world on a ship to rescue Henry from Greg and Tamara's clutches. After showing them the cloaking spell Mr. Gold left behind for her to enact as he warned there will be more people coming to Storybrooke, they go down to the mines. Since fairy dust is necessary for the spell, Bashful, Dopey, Leroy, Mr. Clark and Walter quarry a large rock until opening a crack. With encouragement from Mother Superior, Belle dumps the vial's contents on the rock; causing a stream of magic to shoot out and begin covering a barrier over Storybrooke. Afterwards, she talks to Archie about missing Mr. Gold and worries he will die. Belle wishes to help save Henry, though Archie thinks she did more than enough by protecting Storybrooke. Yet, she is dissatisfied since pouring a potion over rocks isn't much to her. Belle also thinks no one is going to invade the town, and believes Mr. Gold doesn't need her. Suddenly, a guest from Neverland, Ariel, brings Belle a sand dollar from Mr. Gold. The two head over to the pawnshop where Belle triggers the item to reveal a message from Mr. Gold hinting at the location of the item they need to defeat Pan. He states that it can be found with "the strength of their love", and later recognizes the riddle's answer as the chipped cup. After placing the cup in the cupboard, it activates a hidden panel in the floor. Belle pulls out Pandora's Box, which legend says contains the world's darkest evil. They are ambushed by two strangers, Michael and John, who then tie them up. When threatened by their guns, Belle admits the box is magic, and learns they work for Peter Pan. After the men leave with the box, Belle pulls off Ariel's bracelet, which transforms the later back into a mermaid, allowing wiggle room out of the binds. Then, Belle stops John and Michael from smashing the box with a dwarf pickax by shoving them away with a mine cart. They plead for her not to help Mr. Gold, and admit to helping Pan because he has their sister Wendy captive. To this, she persuades them that the box is the key to freeing Wendy. Belle sees Ariel off on her journey back to Neverland with the box. ("Dark Hollow")

Following a safe journey out of Neverland to Storybrooke, Belle welcomes back Mr. Gold and Neal. Peace resumes as Mr. Gold seals the box containing Pan away in the pawnshop. Belle brings up the endless possibilities of his future now that everything is settled. Mr. Gold agrees, and states that the only future he wants is where they are together. The next day, as she and Mr. Gold are exiting the shop, David, Emma and Mary Margaret rush over to ask for the box as they believe Pan is controlling the escaped Shadow from inside it. Belle goes with them to the town border and watches as Emma steps over the town line and Mr. Gold opens the box to release Pan on the same side. Pan claims to be Henry, as the two switched bodies, and proves it by telling Emma something only the boy himself would know. They all regroup with Hook, Neal and Tinker Bell at the vault. where Regina took "Henry" for protection, though the door is locked. Mr. Gold busts the door open with magic. Inside, Regina is found unconscious while one critical item is missing and now in Pan's hands--the Dark Curse. ("The New Neverland")

Mr. Gold shares with everyone of the only viable way to stop Pan's curse is for Regina, as the original caster of the Dark Curse, to undo it by destroying the scroll, though there will be a steep price for this. They plan to switch Henry back to his own body so he will be in possession of the scroll and bring it to Regina. Mr. Gold can perform the spell, but needs a strong outlet in order for it to work. Tinker Bell has knowledge of a powerful Black Fairy wand that Mother Superior kept, so she, David, Hook and Neal go to retrieve it from the convent nuns. When the wand is procured, Mr. Gold uses it to transfer Henry's spirit back to his original body. Everyone leaves to find the boy while Mr. Gold stays behind. With Granny's tracking skills, they are reunited with Henry. Regina passes out after taking the scroll and awakens with knowledge of the price for stopping the curse. They are accosted by Pan as he steals back the scroll and freezes them in place. Pan narrows down his choice of first kill from Belle to Neal just as Mr. Gold intervenes. Belle listens as Mr. Gold declares his love for her, as well as Neal, but regretfully states that he can't be together with them. Mr. Gold summons the dagger and stabs Pan as well as himself with it; killing both of them as they fade away. After the freezing spell wears off, Belle collapses on the ground in heartbroken grief. Regina reveals the price for stopping the curse is all former Enchanted Forest inhabitants will be sent back to their old world while Storybrooke will disappear out of existence. Emma decides to stay with Henry, and will leave town while Regina crafts new memories for them. At the town border, Archie lends his shoulder to a despondent Belle. Once Emma and Henry cross out of town, Regina stops Pan's curse, causing everyone inside town to be sent back to the Enchanted Forest. ("Going Home")

A new curse is cast by none other than Snow White; returning Belle and the rest of the Enchanted Forest inhabitants to the town of Storybrooke. However, as a result of Wicked Witch of the West's interference, everyone's last recollection is the final day in Storybrooke when Regina stopped Pan's curse, but no one can recall anything further than that. Belle resumes life, albeit without Mr. Gold, and begins running his pawnshop. Emma returns and holds a town hall meeting to figure out who is behind the new curse. Leroy is quick to accuse Regina of wrongdoing, and Belle follows suit in agreement as do the other residents. Even Emma refuses to believe Regina, who causes a building tremor out of frustration, and then magically dissipates away. Unknown to everyone, aside from Leroy—who is also in on the scheme—this is a ploy Emma and Regina set up in order to make the townspeople believe the madam mayor is guilty while the two sleuth out the real criminal. ("Witch Hunt", "The Tower", "A Curious Thing")

One day, a midwife named Zelena comes into the pawnshop, mistaking her for "Mrs. Gold", and then asking for Mr. Gold himself. Belle quietly states that he died, to which Zelena gives her deepest condolences. As a customer, Zelena seeks Belle's help to pick out a baby gift for an expecting Mary Margaret. Belle happily assists and turns to search for just the right gift when she is magically frozen in place by Zelena, who grabs a plant called night root from a compartment behind a wall painting. Presumably, Belle is unfrozen and has no idea anything is amiss. ("The Tower")

Belle is alerted to the recent news about Mr. Gold's revival by Emma and is tasked with researching how he was resurrected. David and Emma go searching for Mr. Gold while Hook opts to stay behind in the pawnshop with Belle. She takes his decision warily, especially since he tried to kill her twice prior, though Hook states that he means to use this time to make it up to her. The two begin taking books off shelves when a noise erupts from pawnshop's front door. Believing Mr. Gold has come back, Belle sprints off; witnessing the door being rammed open, though the person is not her beloved, but a collapsed Neal. After taking him to the hospital, Emma snaps a photo of a triangle mark burned into Neal's palm, which Belle begins looking into it. Discovering the symbol's meaning in a book, she phones Emma to notify her that the mark originates from a key to the vault of the Dark One. Assuming Neal used it at some point, Mr. Gold was resurrected in this manner, but the catch is the Dark One will be revived while the key user will die. Emma discovers Neal is still alive due to being in Mr. Gold's body. After she magically separates them, Neal perishes. Saddened by the news, a grieving Belle is comforted by Mary Margaret. ("Quiet Minds")

In mourning, Belle attends Neal's funeral to pay her respects. Afterwards, at the diner, Zelena publicly reveals herself as Regina's half-sister and forces her sibling into a showdown on Main Street after sundown. In preparation, lest Zelena is planning something wicked, Belle, David and Tinker Bell seal off the streets. Hoping to swaying Mr. Gold to their side despite that Zelena is controlling him with the dagger, she sneaks into the farmhouse cellar to coax him out of his prison while David, Emma and Tinker Bell stand guard outside. Belle nearly succeeds until he warns her it's a trap, to which she notices Zelena has been quietly watching from the shadows. Fleeing, she stumbles out just before Mr. Gold, on Zelena's command, tells them to stay out of the way or risk death. During the evening, on Main Street, Zelena approaches while trailed by a helpless Mr. Gold. Belle witnesses Regina being thrown into the clock tower by Zelena, who later flees on her broomstick. ("It's Not Easy Being Green")

When Ariel enters the pawnshop, Belle is relieved that she is all right after not seeing her since the new curse has been in effect. She helps Ariel and Hook to search the shop for one of Eric's old belongings in the hopes of finding him. After Hook discovers Eric's cloak, Belle pours a locator potion on it. The cloak becomes enchanted and floats towards the location of its owner, to which Ariel and Hook follow along. ("The Jolly Roger")

After catching Regina sifting through items in the shop, Belle, still upset about being locked up for twenty-eight years, tells her to get lost. Regina offers an apology and asks Belle to think about Mr. Gold, who is still Zelena's hostage. Anger quelled, Belle calms down enough to admit she's been piecing together the ingredients Zelena has collected to find out what spell the witch is trying to cast. However, Belle is stumped over what is so special about Regina's heart that Zelena desperately needs it. Regina decides to find out what Zelena wants by talking to Cora, which is made possible once Belle gives her the now defunct candle to access the land of the dead. When Belle cracks Zelena's spell, she tells the others and they regroup at Regina's house where Mary Margaret was just possessed by Cora's spirit. Mary Margaret explains that her own mother, Queen Eva, caused Cora's marriage to Leopold to fall through, which resulted in Zelena being abandoned. Belle reveals the collected ingredients—David's courage, Regina's heart and Mr. Gold's brain—are items for a time spell to alter the past. Namely, Zelena desires to kill Eva so Cora would have never abandoned her first-born child. ("Bleeding Through")

Regina figures out the key to break the curse and getting everyone's memories back is to make Henry believe in magic. When Emma recalls believing in magic because of Henry's storybook, David, via a phone call, asks Belle to search for the item in pawnshop, but she does not find it. Once Regina bestows Henry with a kiss of true love, the curse breaks and everyone regains their memories from the lost year in the Enchanted Forest. ("A Curious Thing")

After Second Curse

Once the second curse is broken, Mary Margaret goes into labor at the hospital as Belle stumbles upon Zelena in the hallway. Zelena scoffs at Belle about not having learned her lesson the last time the dagger was utilized on Mr. Gold. Belligerently, Belle asserts her refusal to believe that, even though Mr. Gold desperately insists she must leave. Continuing to give Zelena a tongue-lashing over what she's put Mr. Gold through, Belle suddenly collapses, via the witch's magic, in his arms. Though Mr. Gold doesn't wish to leave his beloved, he is forced to by Zelena's will. In the aftermath, Zelena successfully makes off with the newborn as the last ingredient for her time spell, however, Regina herself defeats her sister with light magic. Regina, gaining the dagger, hands it over to Belle for safekeeping. She returns to the pawnshop where Mr. Gold is waiting for her. Once there, she relinquishes the dagger into his possession so he can be forever free of anyone's control. The only thing Belle asks of him is to not go after Zelena as she knows he is capable of being good. Due to Belle's immense trust in him, he affirms to do the same for her. As Mr. Gold hands back the dagger, he proposes to Belle, which she happily accepts by putting down the weapon and drawing him into an embrace. Without her notice, Mr. Gold switches the dagger; taking the real one while replacing a fake in the pawnshop. Unseen to Belle, he later kills Zelena; accidentally triggering magic in her pendant, which activates the time spell. ("Kansas")

Belle, unable to keep what she believes is the real dagger, tries to give it back again. Mr. Gold insists he trusts her completely and then changes the topic to their upcoming wedding. She happily informs him that her father, Moe, has given his blessing to them. During the diner celebration welcoming David and Mary Margaret's newborn son, Belle and Mr. Gold walk in as Zelena's time spell is activated. They both follow David, Regina and Robin Hood to check up on Zelena, who is now missing from the jail cell. Regina suspiciously accuses Mr. Gold of wrongdoing but he attests Belle has the dagger and wouldn't order him to harm Zelena. To prove it, David runs the security tape, which Mr. Gold secretly manipulates to give the appearance that Zelena used magic to turn herself into a statue, which shatters and melts away into powder. As a group, they agree to leave the time portal untouched, however, Emma and Hook enter through it to the past where they recreate a first meeting between Prince Charming and Snow White and then return to the present. Later, Belle witnesses David and Mary Margaret announce they are naming their son after a true hero—Neal. During the marriage ceremony, Archie acts as pastor while Belle is walked by her father to her future husband. Beginning her vows, Belle recalls losing Mr. Gold to darkness, weakness and death, but has actually spent her life finding him. He talks about being unloved and unloving since love has always given him pain, but she was the one who brought light into his life. Mr. Gold promises to never forget what he once was and what he is now. Belle believes the monster in him is gone, even though as a man he is flawed, everyone is too, which only deepens her love for him. ("Snow Drifts", "There's No Place Like Home")

Following the wedding, she encourages Mr. Gold into visiting Neal's grave site. Afterwards, Belle shows Mr. Gold a vacant mansion that she wants to use as their honeymoon suite. Inside, as she chatters on about the scenic ocean view, he magically freezes her in place and switches out the fake dagger in her purse with the real one. As he unfreezes her, Belle then leads him into a large dance hall. To have their first dance as husband and wife, Mr. Gold transforms their clothes and adds lighting and a playing gramophone as they waltz together. Later that night, an unassuming Belle is asleep when Mr. Gold takes the real dagger and uses it on a mysterious cylinder object in the house. At some point, he once again places the fake dagger into Belle's purse. ("A Tale of Two Sisters", "Rocky Road")

Returning to the shop, Belle and Mr. Gold discover it's been broken into. When the couple enter, Henry emerges and reveals he was hiding inside. As Belle walks into the back room, Henry greets her before he talks with his grandfather.[2][3]

Later, whilst working together in the pawnshop, Mr. Gold and Belle's martial bliss is interrupted by the appearance of David and Hook, who inform them that an ice magic wielder, Elsa, entrapped Emma in a cave where she is freezing to death. David explains Elsa is looking for her sister, Anna, whose pendant she found in the pawnshop. Belle fishes out a photo of the necklace, which David recognizes as belonging to a woman he once knew as Joan, whose real name must be Anna. ("White Out")

Inside the pawnshop, Belle stands by as Emma and Hook question Mr. Gold about his knowledge of Elsa. As Emma recalls, he had the urn, which Elsa was trapped within, in his vault. Mr. Gold professes he doesn't know Elsa and that items, like the urn she was trapped in, naturally fall into his possession as a collector, but the histories behind them are unknown to him. Hook counters that Mr. Gold wouldn't unless he had something to gain out of it. Owning up to his past, Mr. Gold affirms that was true once, but since losing a son and gaining a wife, he's "turned over a new leaf", which impresses Belle. In order to satisfy their skepticism, he allows Belle to command him, using the dagger, into revealing the truth. After she orders him into doing so, Mr. Gold professes that he did not know Elsa was trapped in the urn and that he doesn't know her or Anna, though it is a lie, as the dagger is a fake. Nonetheless, this declaration whittles Emma's doubts. ("Rocky Road")

One morning at the library, Belle discovers a drunken man sleeping on the floor near some book shelves. She phones Emma, who promptly arrives to apprehend the man into her custody at the sheriff's station. ("The Apprentice")

Assigned as Neal's caretaker for the day, Belle heads to the apartment where she cradles the cooing infant while sitting on Mary Margaret's bed. Nearby, at the counter, David quietly soothes Mary Margaret's worries about leaving Neal; saying that Belle is a natural with the baby and she has their emergency numbers if anything goes wrong. ("Breaking Glass")

Receiving an urgent call from Emma, Belle tracks down Mr. Gold at the pawnshop and they go to the sheriff station where David, Elsa, Henry, Hook, Mary Margaret and Regina are also gathered. Emma plays a camera recording, filmed when she was in a foster home, which reveals her then foster mother was the Snow Queen. At Henry's revelation that the Snow Queen has an ice cream truck, everyone splits up to search. David suggests Belle utilize tracking skills, but she'd rather research at the library. With hidden nervousness, she allows Elsa to come with her. Unbeknownst to Elsa, Belle once met Anna in the past and let her down. Losing hope, Elsa wonders if Anna put her in the urn, just as the Snow Queen claimed, and that her sister doesn't want to be found. Guilt-ridden, Belle excuses herself to make things right. Armed with the dagger, she commands Mr. Gold to lead her to the Snow Queen. After he does, Belle orders him onto watch duty while she goes into the Snow Queen's lair. Inside, she hopes to retrieve a Sorcerer's Hat to force the Snow Queen into revealing Anna's location. Unveiling a mirror, Belle's reflection taunts her about being a coward by having once valued a stone over Anna's life. The doppelganger nitpicks Belle into believing the dagger is fake. While in a trance, she slashes Mr. Gold's neck. Mr. Gold grabs Belle and teleports them to the pawnshop where she snaps out of it. There, she admits Anna is missing because of her and apologizes for abusing the dagger and using him. When Mr. Gold forgives her, Belle expresses remorse for keeping a secret from him as she knows he would never keep something from her. Rushing to the sheriff station, she reveals to Elsa how Anna was captured by the Snow Queen in the past. Relating knowledge about Ingrid's mirror, Belle explains it's key for casting a spell of shattered sight, which will make everyone turn on each other. ("Family Business")

Belle deciphers a spell to give Emma the opportunity to capture Ingrid. As the spell dictates, a candle must be lit with magic and then blown towards the target, which will form binds on the person's wrists. After Emma succeeds in doing so, she brings Ingrid to the station for questioning. Belle walks up to the clock tower where David, Elsa and Hook are studying a mirror previously placed by the Snow Queen. She hastily rushes over; warning the trio not to look in the reflection or it'll brainwash them. On closer examination, Belle notices it's not the same mirror she saw in the Snow Queen's lair. Realizing they have been duped, the group arrive too late to the station entrance, which has already been frozen shut by Ingrid. Storming into the pawnshop, they request Mr. Gold's assistance, and he only agrees after much imploring from Belle. Joined by Henry and Mary Margaret, everyone arrives to the station as an explosion tears open a hole in the building. A shaken Emma explains the Snow Queen got away, but she herself caused the combustion. With her powers spinning out of control, Emma then accidentally collapses a streetlight, which almost falls on Hook, but David takes the hit. Due to this, Mary Margaret reprimands Emma, but upon seeing her daughter's hurt expression, she retracts her anger. However, a shaken Emma flees and drives off in her car. ("The Snow Queen")

While everyone spends the entire night searching for Emma, Belle babysits Neal. She tells Mr. Gold about what's happening, and he secretly decides to use the situation to his advantage by attempting to trick Emma into giving up her powers to the hat. ("Smash the Mirror")

In a deal, Ingrid allows Mr. Gold to leave town with Belle and Henry once the curse is in effect. At the pawnshop, Belle reveals to Elsa and Emma that they can defeat Ingrid's curse with a hair strand from someone who has already been affected by the same spell and making a counter spell with it. Elsa suggests that she herself was sealed in the urn, by Anna, who was under Ingrid's spell, so her sister may fit the criteria. Under a magnifying glass, Belle sees mirror dust embedded in the pendant, which proves Elsa's theory. A plan is formed to gather the nuns for creation of the counter spell while Elsa and Emma use a locator spell to find Anna. With the nuns, Belle assists them at the diner when Mr. Gold arrives asking her to watch over the pawnshop. She insists on staying since the counter spell is very important, and he relents by deciding to keep her company until the business is finished. Elsa and Emma are led to a mine cave-in and are prepare to blast through to reach Anna until Belle phones David to let them know the nuns can make a counter spell with only the necklace. Elsa dupes them by handing over a pouch full of rocks and takes the real pendant to continue tracking her sister. After reaching the diner, everyone discovers the truth. Emma offers to retrieve the necklace, but Belle states that by the time she gets back, the counter spell will not be potent. Later, Belle receives word that Anna has been found and is on her way to the diner, so she leaves the remaining work to the nuns. She then departs with Mr. Gold; not knowing he is luring her away so Hook can help him absorb the nuns into the hat. They say their goodbyes outside the pawnshop, and Belle goes into the back room as he enacts a shield to protect her. ("Fall")

Under the curse, Belle's actions are not known. After the spell is undone by Ingrid, she is asleep in the pawnshop backroom as Mr. Gold watches over her. ("Shattered Sight")

After Belle awakens, her husband suggests packing for a trip to New York so they can have a proper honeymoon. While closing a suitcase, she talks to Henry about going out of Storybrooke. Puzzled, the boy informs her that remnants of Ingrid's magic will keep those who leave town from reentering. Although Belle did not know this, she assumes Mr. Gold has found a loophole around the issue. Noticing Henry is unhappy, she learns he is disappointed over the fairytale storybook and all the bad things that happen to Regina in it. She points out that it won't always be so since his mother is changing for the better. This cheers up Henry, who thanks her and endearingly calls her "Grandma", which makes Belle laugh and suggest he just refer to her by name. As Henry helps her pull out another suitcase, some stacked items fall in the process. Within the pile, Belle is shocked to see the magic gauntlet, an item used to locate one's greatest weakness, which Mr. Gold once traded to save her life. Troubled by the find, she tests the gauntlet out and it leads her to the real dagger. Witnessing Mr. Gold crushing Hook's heart, Belle orders him via the dagger to stop. She then commands him to drop the heart and unfreeze Emma and Mary Margaret. Thirdly, Belle makes him teleport both of them to the town line. There, she recalls when he traded the gauntlet for her, and her perception that this proved he had love in him. Instead, Belle recognizes he has not and will never give up power for her. He insists having power is not a bad thing, and they can have both, though Belle states she only wanted his love. Mr. Gold pleads for another chance, but she refuses. Having once said she saw the man behind the beast in him, Belle angrily declares he's just a beast now. In tears, she banishes him out of Storybrooke. ("Heroes and Villains")

During the six weeks after Mr. Gold's departure, Belle and Hook research a spell for freeing the nuns from the hat. One morning, she opens up the library as Hook meets her there after parting from Emma, who goes on sheriff duty. Once inside, Hook studies a board complied with information concerning the missing nuns, and in anger over the lack of progress, he knocks if off the wall. Belle tries assuring him that they do have a spell to release the nuns as well as the apprentice, but it'll take some time since she is consulting with outside sources to translate it. When Hook expresses guilt for imprisoning the apprentice and anger about Mr. Gold's trickery, she openly recognizes her own weakness in not seeing her husband for what he was due to being blinded by love. She believes Hook dealt with the same, except his love for Emma was used against him by Mr. Gold. Despite all the bad things her husband did, Hook asserts Mr. Gold did truly love her. Teary-eyed, Belle remarks that she hopes he found what what he was looking for. Later in the day, she receives an email from an Oxford professor, not knowing it is actually Mr. Gold, who gives her the translation, to which Regina uses the dagger to perform a ceremony on the hat. The nuns return safely, and while everyone basks in the reunion, none of them see a Chernabog being released from the hat and flying off. While the diner is bustling with activity to welcome the nuns back, the Chernabog makes itself known to the townspeople. With Emma, Hook, Mary Margaret and Regina, Belle ducks for cover behind a building as the group come up with a solution. After Emma and Regina temporarily stun the beast with their combined magic, Belle goes to look up information about the Chernabog at the library. Eventually, with knowledge from Cruella De Vil and Ursula about the Chernabog, the creature is forced across the town line and fades out of existence. ("Darkness on the Edge of Town")

Hearing of Cruella and Ursula's arrival to town, Belle prepares a transformation potion as a safety measure. Once the female duo enter into the pawnshop, she warns them not to try anything or the potion will turn them into toads. Giving congratulations to her for banishing the Dark One, they drop hints about Mr. Gold's sad circumstances in New York. As they tease her about whether she is satisfied with his suffering, Belle asserts she would never be pleased about someone else's misery. Without the brunette's notice, Ursula uses her tentacles to reach into the backroom and grab a wooden box containing Maleficent's totem. Belle then questions whether the two of them actually came to buy anything, so Cruella asks her to find something fashionable to adorn her car hood. After the women leave, Belle receives a phone from Emma about Cruella and Ursula's suspicious behavior. Checking the backroom, she finds the wooden box missing, to which David forces Cruella to pull over her car so he can search the vehicle. In the evening, as Belle is fixing one of the window displays, Mr. Gold secretly watches her from across the street with a longing gaze. When Will walks up to her inside the shop, she smiles happily before kissing him; much to Mr. Gold's shock. ("Unforgiven")

In the pawnshop, as Henry studies the storybook for clues on the author, Belle walks over carrying a snack as she inquiries about his research. The boy explains finding a page with a door, which he believes will lead to the author. She encourages him to continue investigating and then hands him the snack. While she is on a diner date with Will, Hook pulls Belle aside for a chat and tells her about Regina going undercover and finding out Cruella, Maleficent and Ursula are seeking the author to change their stories. Since the trio want Regina to steal something, he speculates they need the dagger to lure the Dark One into town and control him for the mission. Convinced that the dagger must never fall into their enemies' hands, Belle meets up with Hook to hand the weapon to him so he can hide it. Before doing so, she ominously considers the possibility that Mr. Gold is already in town. To quell her worries, Hook encourages her to order the Dark One with the dagger to face her if he is present. When her command yields nothing, Belle is relieved, however, she remains unaware Mr. Gold is already in front of her, except he is disguised as Hook. Turning the dagger over to him, she then returns to the pawnshop, where Will left a rose for her outside the door. Placing the gift in a vase, she busily admires it as Hook returns and persuades her into reciting a pirate's oath, in which neither of them must ever speak about the dagger to each other or anyone else. When questioned about her romance with Will, Belle admits the relationship is new, and she's not completely over Mr. Gold, but he makes her happy. Curiously, she wonders why he and Will are on bad terms, to which Hook states the man took something he cares about. Once he's outside the shop, Mr. Gold reverts back to himself and sadly regards Belle before leaving.

A lot more happens in between, she had a son named Gideon, things happen with him. Belle finally travels with Rumple, (her husband) and dies of old ages in the seventh season.

#once upon a time #belle french #rumplestiltskin | mr. gold #rumplestiltskin #rumbelle #disney princesses #canon roleplay #canon character #roleplay #belle x rumple #ouat #ouat rp #robert carlyle #emilie de ravin

23 notes · View notes

n3verending16 · 4 years

Text

Falling Blossoms Part 1: The End

Series Masterlist + Notes >> Ao3 >> Part 2

Tokyo nightlife buzzed with raw energy and flashing neon lights where the light from the sky seemed to seep into the city itself. Atop one of the towers, the rooftop was carpeted a red velvet, soft and pleasing to walk on. Intertwined bluebells and peonies adorned the balcony which overlooked the expanse of small blinking lights. Music boxes played generic tunes, drowned out by conversations and small talk, and white-clothed tables were scattered all over the roof, with a stage and a dance floor in the middle. At the microphone stand, a dark haired man quietly cleared his throat as he let go of his girlfriend's hand. Heads turned in a ripple effect and everyone watched him, his close friends smiling.

(Name)'s smile quivered as she gripped the small camera, watching Iwaizumi Hajime get on his knee on the carpet and hold the black box out. It was easy to tell that he had been nervous to pop the question, by the way the tie of his dress shirt was tied a bit too tightly and the shine of a light cover of sweat on his forehead, but he hadn't needed to worry. His girlfriend of 3 years, Asami, was surprised for a moment and then she was crying out and saying "Yes, yes!", while throwing her arms around her boyfriend, her salmon pink dress swishing around her ankles as they hugged and kissed under a small chandelier of candles.

"Fiancé, not boyfriend." (Name) told herself, "They're going to be married soon". Ignoring the clawing at her throat as the room erupted into cheers and applause, (Name) quickly snapped a series of photos, making sure the focus was clear, the colours of the streamers were perfect, the red curtains were pulled back appropriately- because he deserved it.

Iwaizumi Hajime- one of the boys who had been there through her childhood and adolescence. They had known each other since the second day of elementary school, where he apologised for a certain brunette's rash actions, eventually causing her to become a third part of an inseparable trio. He'd stuck by her side through the bad grades, the expectations and the moments where life look a turn for the downside, giving warm hugs, consolation or advice whenever it was needed. It was a friendship for the ages, she supposed, and it seemed cliché to think that one would fall for the other. But she did, and now, as she watched him propose to a girl who was not her, she paid the price- and god her throat hurt.

Asami would have been stupid to turn such a warm-hearted man down.

She was glad nobody was paying her any attention because (Name) was sure if she were to make eye contact with any of the other people on the rooftop she would burst out ugly crying and spew out blood and flowers, and then the façade she had kept up for years would have shattered into pieces. She loved him, she really did, but confessing her feelings- especially on the day he proposed to another- was ridiculous. "Hajime deserves happiness," she told herself. "He's happy right now, and you're gonna keep it that way."

So she kept her eyes on the camera and continued to take pictures diligently, her heart aching and the smile of hers plastered on her face like duct tape on a clay figure.

But it takes one to know one, and someone put his arm around her shoulders.

"I'll take over for you now, (Name)-chan~. Your poor arms must be getting so sore! Go rest a bit."

The other person who had always been there, Oikawa Tooru, was all smiles as he pried the camera from her cold hands. He had known about her longing for Iwaizumi only a week after the crush started (they were, after all, best friends), and he was her comfort person as Hajime's relationship progressed through the stages. He looked at her face and noted the way her eyes were red and shimmering, glassy under the light. "Are you okay?" he asked quietly, and she could barely bring herself to open her mouth to answer him before she was choking, and the itching sensation at the back of her throat began to burn and become a searing pain. Hurriedly, he pressed a napkin to her mouth- lest she spat out blood and gave herself up- before she was making a beeline for the blue door on the side of the rooftop. He watched her for a second before turning back to the newly engaged couple and throwing a reminder to "Smile, Iwa-chan, you big brute!", but his mind was elsewhere.

~~~~~

Inside the restroom, (Name) was glad to see that nobody was inside, and celebratory sounds from the party were muffled by the door. The white tiles, porcelain sinks and mirrors were polished clean, and the toilets were a high standard- of course they were.

He really did deserve the best.

(Name) leaned against the door for a minute, mind going dizzy, before she stumbled to the stall furthest from the door and threw herself into the cubicle, the door swinging shut as tears started to drip down her face. She kneeled on the floor, folding her dress in, and looked down at the bowl, the clear water rippling with every tear that fell.

Images of Hajime flashed through her mind.

His eyes, shimmering like moonlight off a turquoise lake as he watched Asami dance, her movements poised and graceful.

She could feel the familiar sensation making its way up her throat.

His laugh, clear and resounding as he walked down the path with Asami skipping beside him, the couple hand in hand.

It touched the sides of her neck, soft and soothing at first, before it blocked off her airways and her instincts to cough kicked in.

His smile, soft and true as he put an arm around Asami's shoulders, and she was leaning into him as they watched the movie together.

Her coughs were quiet at first but then she was choking, choking on the petals, choking on the tears and choking on the words that she wouldn't be able to say to him, now that he had found the one he loved.

She continued to choke the petals into the toilet bowl, the mixture of blossoms, blood and tears hitting the water with uneven plops, the smell of blood filtering the air around her. After a while, Name opened her eyes, and stared at the toilet bowl. The water was light, small patches of red swirling as it lifted the petals to the surface.

Bluebells, the same flowers his mother grew in the garden when he was a child.

(Name) turned away, eyes still puffy as she flushed the evidence down the toilet.

~~~~~

Back in the party, the applause had died down as people moved around saying their congratulations to the newly engaged couple. (Name) decided she wasn't ready to say her congratulations yet (how could she ever be ready to say it without letting him go first?) and went to mingle with the other guests in the room. She spotted Hanamaki Takahiro and Matsukawa Issei in the corner, and her hopes lifted a little as she moved towards them, artfully dodging others. Surely her high school friends would be able to do something to lift her spirits, and she had yet to ask them who had won the bet of 500 yen on the Mario Kart game they started previously. As she got a clearer view of the pair, she stopped as she realised that maybe this wasn't the best time to catch up with them. Hanamaki was straddling Matsukawa's lap, their faces mere centimetres apart, eyes staring at each other with vivid intensity. (Name) was a good friend, not a cockblock, so she respectfully left them be and tried to find another person to talk to.

To her dismay, Oikawa had disappeared; she didn't know the majority of the people who had been invited and those who she did know- well, Kunimi was tapping away at his phone and seemingly not up for talking, Yahaba was openly flirting with a shorter blonde-haired girl who confidently took this in stride, and Kyoutani was too busy glaring at an ant on the table.

As she continued to survey the room, (Name) blinked for a second, because was that seriously Ushijima-fucking-Wakatoshi standing in the corner by himself? She smiled, remembering the high school days where she'd tutored the growing volleyball star (much to someone's distaste) and made her way to the olive-haired man, swiping a drink as she went past.

~~~~~

Oikawa carefully pushed open the restroom door and shut it behind him, making sure nobody was taking note of his actions. He sniffed the air and made out the smell of something he was all too familiar with and checked each stall for the place where the smell was the strongest. He arrived at the last cubicle. "Ah, yes," he thought. "This is definitely it". He stepped into the cubicle and his heart panged at what he saw.

A blue blossom lay on the toilet seat, seemingly innocent and unfazed by the scent permeating the air. He picked it up, examining the flower before he crushed it. A sad smile crossed his face as he dropped its remains into the toilet. "You're too careless, (Name)," the brunette reached behind him and locked the door of the cubicle.

~~~~~

Later in the evening, (Name) stumbled out from the double doors onto the street, clinging onto Ushijima's arm as she gulped in the clear air. The olive-haired man raised an eyebrow as she nearly tripped over her other foot, his other hand moving up to steady her shoulders.

"Are you sure you'll be able to walk back to your home from here?" he asked the drunk woman.

"Hmm? Oh... home is... that way." She pointed down the road at a parked blue skyline.

"(Name), that is a car."

"Yeah! Car... his car..."

The man sighed. "Was someone supposed to take you home after?"

She nodded vigorously, and in a brief moment of sobriety, fished for her phone inside her purse before nearly dropping it onto the sidewalk.

Ushijima watched her and offered to find the person who she was looking for in her contacts. "It's Tooru, he said he'd take me home after." (Name) handed him her phone and stared at her shoes.

After scrolling through her contacts multiple times, Ushijima was about to tell her, "There doesn't appear to be anyone named Oikawa saved in your phone." until the door behind them opened and the brunette walked out.

The two men stared at each other for a few seconds- their previous rivalry not completely forgotten- before the taller man nodded at (Name).

"She's a bit drunk, but said that you'd be able to take her home. I assume it's safe to leave her in your hands?"

Oikawa scoffed, "Of course. Alcohol isn't my preferred drink anyway- soft drink is far superior."

"Hmm. Coming from a person who didn't pick Shiratorizawa, I'd say your taste is a bit unrefined."

Oikawa snorted and was about to give a witty comeback before (Name) pulled on the sleeve on his shirt.

"Tooru, can we get home now? I'm feeling kind of tired."

"Alright, Name-chan~."

As they turned to leave, Ushijima called out one last time. "Japan would be lucky to have a setter like you on the team, Oikawa-san."

"Don't forget that. The offer still stands."

The brunette freezed, and sighed. "Okay Ushiwaka-san," he drawled and hopped into his car- but not before blowing a final raspberry in his rival's direction.

~~~~~

The trip back was silent, save for the rumble of the cars around them, before Oikawa tuned the radio down. He glanced at the woman in the passenger seat. "How are you feeling now?" he asked.

"Okay, I guess. I've entered the sober phase".

"Ah. Was there a lot of blood?"

(Name) sighed, recalling the few swirls in the toilet bowl.

"No, there wasn't much... there's a lot less blood now than there was before. I guess I'm letting go soon, it's just... hard, you know? Because I've loved him for so long?"

The brunette hummed. "Yeah, I know what you mean... maybe you just need a push in the right direction."

She looked at him, her eyebrow raised, as he feigned an expression of nonchalance. "You know what I mean to be in love for a long time? I doubt that. What's the ex-girlfriend count now, 8?"

"Wah! So mean, (Name)-chan!" Tooru pouted. "And for your information, it's 7. Makki bet I'd make it to 10 before the end of the year."

"I'd raise him to 15."

"What- hey!"

(Name) burst into a fit of giggles and Tooru smiled before his expression grew solemn again.

"Oh, by the way, Iwa-chan wants to hang out two days from now. He was trying to find you during the party."

(Name) pursed her lips. "Alright... I'll tell him I'm coming."

"Asami will be there too, you know. Are you sure you'll be fine?"

"Yeah, she's a really nice person."

(A pause).

"I don't... really have anything against her."

"Mhm-hm."

"Not like you and Ushiwaka anyway."

Tooru grumbled indignantly. "Hey! He's so insufferable and annoying! I don't know how you put up with him."

(Name) put on her best expression of the olive-haired man. "You should have come to Shiratorizawa," she recited the infamous line before bursting into another fit of giggles. "But wait, didn't he say something about the Japan Volleyball Team?"

"Oh, yeah, about that... I'm... flying back to Argentina soon."

(Name) laid back in her chair. "Right, forgot about that." She turned to look at her best friend. "You'll still call every night, right?"

A second passed.

"Of course, (Name)-chan! Aw, you actually do care about me! I'm so touched~"

(Name) rolled her eyes and thumped the male on his shoulder.

"Of course I do, dumbass." She smiled at him and Oikawa couldn't help but return the action.

~~~~~

It was in the wee hours of the morning when Oikawa pulled over.

"(Name)-chan? We're here, are you- oh." Oikawa looked at the sleeping female before getting out of his car and unlocking the door of the apartment. He then opened the car door and carefully hooked an arm under her legs and the other arm under her back before lifting her. After a final check that her purse was around his neck, he took her inside the silent building.

Oikawa gently set (Name) down on the bed and loosened her hair before pulling the blankets up. As he was turning to leave, he noticed something on the desk in the room. A familiar polaroid picture had been stitched into her pencil case. As he lifted it to get a better look, he recognised it as the time the trio had gone on a picnic under the cherry blossom tree. His face stilled as he recalled a promise, and it was some time before he left, gently closing the door behind him.

#falling blossoms 2020 #oikawa x reader #haikyuu oikawa #oikawa tooru #tooru oikawa x reader #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu!!#oikawa angst #tooru oikawa #iwaizumi angst

27 notes · View notes

istumpysk · 2 years

Text

Operation Stumpy Re-Read

ACOK: Arya IX (Chapter 47)

I feel obligated to explain the plot as we go, as it’s convoluted. This is huge, I’m sorry.

Arya would wait until she heard him [Pinkeye] snoring, then creep barefoot up the servant's stair, making no more noise than the mouse she'd been.

A girl is learning.

"She steals in on little mice feet, but a man hears," he said. How could he hear me? she wondered, and it seemed as if he heard that as well. "The scuff of leather on stone sings loud as warhorns to a man with open ears. Clever girls go barefoot." - Arya VIII, ACOK

+.+

Syrio had told her once that darkness could be her friend, and he was right.

I would categorize Syrio as a mostly positive influence in Arya’s life, but this I don’t like.

"The strongest trees are rooted in the dark places of the earth. Darkness will be your cloak, your shield, your mother's milk. Darkness will make you strong." - Bran III, ADWD

+.+

Their clothing was stained with mud and blood, and in the torchlight it was hard to make out all their badges and sigils, but some of those Arya glimpsed she recognized. Twin towers. Sunburst. Bloody man. Battle-axe. The battle-axe is for Cerwyn, and the white sun on black is Karstark. They're northmen. My father's men, and Robb's. She didn't like to think what that might mean.

(...)

"What's all this, Hoat?" Ser Amory demanded, frowning.

"Captiths. Rooth Bolton thought to croth the river, but my Brafe Companions cut his van to pieceth. Killed many, and thent Bolton running. Thith ith their lord commander, Glover, and the one behind ith Ther Aenyth Frey."

(...)

Everyone in the castle knew that he and Vargo Hoat hated each other.

We’ve got a stealth mission to capture a castle in back-to-back chapters. Both even feature a Bolton!

Vargo Hoat, enemy of Ser Amory Lorch, brings one hundred northern captives inside Harrenhal. We’ll soon learn there’s something off about these prisoners.

Brienne tore her own bread. "Lord Bolton," she asked, "it's said you mean to give Harrenhal to Vargo Hoat."

"That was his price," Lord Bolton said. "The Lannisters are not the only men who pay their debts. - Jaime V, ASOS

Here’s a question: at the time this deal is made, how did Roose have the authority to make Vargo Hoat the Lord of Harrenhal? Things that make you go hmmm.

+.+

A swirling wind gusted, drawing a high shivery scream from the cracks in the Wailing Tower. Leaves had begun to fall from the trees in the godswood, and she could hear them moving through the deserted courtyards and between the empty buildings, making a faint skittery sound as the wind drove them across the stones. Now that Harrenhal was near empty once again, sound did queer things here. Sometimes the stones seemed to drink up noise, shrouding the yards in a blanket of silence. Other times, the echoes had a life of their own, so every footfall became the tread of a ghostly army, and every distant voice a ghostly feast.

Quiet as a shadow, she flitted across the middle bailey, around the Tower of Dread, and through the empty mews, where people said the spirits of dead falcons stirred the air with ghostly wings.

What in the world is going on here?

+.+

The garrison numbered no more than a hundred men, so small a troop that they were lost in Harrenhal.

(...)

While Lord Tywin had been in residence, there was always a man-at-arms wanting to know your business. But now there were only a hundred men left to guard a thousand doors, and no one seemed to know who should be where, or care much.

"Ser Amory sent them down to the dungeon. The one under the Widow's Tower, that's just one big cell. You could smash the door open with your hammer—"

(...)

"If there's two, that's too many for you and me. You never learned nothing in that village, did you? You try this and Vargo Hoat will cut off your hands and feet, the way he does." Gendry took up the tongs again.

(...)

"Gendry, there's a hundred northmen. Maybe more, I couldn't count them all. That's as many as Ser Amory has. Well, not counting the Bloody Mummers. We just have to get them out and we can take over the castle and escape."

On the way back, she wondered why none of the captives had their hands or feet chopped off. Maybe Vargo Hoat was afraid to make Robb angry. Though he didn't seem the sort to be afraid of anyone.

The troop is small enough to get lost in Harrenhal.

Harrenhal is undermanned.

All the prisoners are placed in a single large cell. Convenient!

The Bloody Mummers and northmen outnumber Ser Amory and his men.

The guy that cuts off hands and feet did not cut off hands and feet.

+.+

"Why should I wager my feet for the chance to sweat in Winterfell in place of Harrenhal? You know old Ben Blackthumb? He came here as a boy. Smithed for Lady Whent and her father before her and his father before him, and even for Lord Lothston who held Harrenhal before the Whents. Now he smiths for Lord Tywin, and you know what he says? A sword's a sword, a helm's a helm, and if you reach in the fire you get burned, no matter who you're serving. Lucan's a fair enough master. I'll stay here."

An understandable viewpoint coming from someone with low social status. Of course if you asked Mikken he’d tell you there is a difference.

+.+

Whenever she had a free hour she stole away to work at the drills Syrio had taught her, moving barefoot over the fallen leaves, slashing at branches and whacking down leaves. Sometimes she even climbed the trees and danced among the upper branches, her toes gripping the limbs as she moved back and forth, teetering a little less every day as her balance returned to her. Night was the best time; no one ever bothered her at night.

(...)

When her arm grew weary, she sat with her legs over a high limb to catch her breath in the cool dark air, listening to the squeak of bats as they hunted.

Listening to the squeak of bats as they hunted. Okay.

I am telling you, there is something deeper going on with Arya and these trees.

+.+

Arya stared at the face carved into its trunk. It was a terrible face, its mouth twisted, its eyes flaring and full of hate. Is that what a god looked like? Could gods be hurt, the same as people? I should pray, she thought suddenly.

What a glowing review. What's more telling, this passage or a handful of Starks being terrified of weirwoods?

+.+

Arya went to her knees. She wasn't sure how she should begin. She clasped her hands together. Help me, you old gods, she prayed silently. Help me get those men out of the dungeon so we can kill Ser Amory, and bring me home to Winterfell. Make me a water dancer and a wolf and not afraid again, ever.

Lol, she put water dancer before wolf.

+.+

Arya lowered the splintery point toward the ground. "How did you know I was here?"

"A man sees. A man hears. A man knows."

It’s amusing to me he’s saying this while standing in a godswood.

Jaqen appears in the godswood, wanting to know the third name. The two previous times Arya had gone to him. Jaqen knows he’ll soon leave the castle.

+.+

She thought for a moment. "The name . . . can I name anyone? And you'll kill him?"

(...)

"By all the gods of sea and air, and even him of fire, I swear it." He placed a hand in the mouth of the weirwood. "By the seven new gods and the old gods beyond count, I swear it."

The man who serves the Many-Faced God, a god of death with many different incarnations, just fed his hand to the tree.

+.+

Arya put her lips to his ear. "It's Jaqen H'ghar."

Even in the burning barn, with walls of flame towering all around and him in chains, he had not seemed so distraught as he did now. "A girl . . . she makes a jest."

"You swore. The gods heard you swear."

"The gods did hear." There was a knife in his hand suddenly, its blade thin as her little finger. Whether it was meant for her or him, Arya could not say. "A girl will weep. A girl will lose her only friend."

Jaqen H’ghar is already dead. He’s only another face. The only way to “kill” Jaqen H’ghar is to remove the face, and replace it with another. I think that thin blade is for Arya, but he doesn’t want to do it.

+.+

Jaqen's smile came and went. "A girl might . . . name another name then, if a friend did help?"

"A girl might," she said. "If a friend did help."

The knife vanished. "Come."

Fortunately for her, he has a better idea.

+.+

"A man hears the whisper of sand in a glass. A man will not sleep until a girl unsays a certain name. Now, evil child."

I'm not an evil child, she thought, I am a direwolf, and the ghost in Harrenhal.

You’re not evil, but you’re certainly making me uncomfortable.

+.+

They're drinking and eating before they sleep, she realized.

(...)

The noise they were making would be a good distraction.

The Brave Companions and Ser Amory’s men are drinking, and making a lot of noise. Perfect for a distraction!

Them Bloody Mummers killed some of Ser Amory's lot in their beds, and the rest at table after they were good and drunk. - Arya IX, ACOK

+.+

"A girl will obey," Arya said. "What should I do?"

"A hundred men are hungry, they must be fed, the lord commands hot broth. A girl must run to the kitchens and tell her pie boy."

"Broth," she repeated. "Where will you be?"

"A girl will help make broth, and wait in the kitchens until a man comes for her. Go. Run."

(...)

Then she heard the ugly sound of Rorge's voice. "Cook," he shouted. "We'll take your bloody broth." Arya let go of the spoon in dismay. I never told him to bring them. Rorge wore his iron helmet, with the nasal that half hid his missing nose. Jaqen and Biter followed him into the kitchen.

Jaqen is fully aware of what The Brave Companions are conspiring to do. He can protect himself, but he knows Rorge and Biter are dead men unless they switch sides.

You might remember, this same thing happened when they flipped from Yoren to Ser Amory.

+.+

Rorge heaved the scalding hot broth across the table, full in their faces. Jaqen H'ghar did the same. Biter threw his kettles too, swinging them underarm so they spun across the dungeon, raining soup. One caught the captain in the temple as he tried to rise. He went down like a sack of sand and lay still. The rest were screaming in agony, praying, or trying to crawl off.

(...)

Arya pressed back against the wall as Rorge began to cut throats. Biter preferred to grab the men behind the head and under the chin and crack their necks with a single twist of his huge pale hands. Only one of the guards managed to get a blade out. Jaqen danced away from his slash, drew his own sword, drove the man back into a corner with a flurry of blows, and killed him with a thrust to the heart. The Lorathi brought the blade to Arya still red with heart's blood and wiped it clean on the front of her shift. "A girl should be bloody too. This is her work."

Rorge and Biter kill Ser Amory’s guards who are holding the captives.

Jaqen kills only one man, then wipes the blood on Arya. Is that the new face?

+.+

Once freed, the captives stripped the dead guards of their weapons and darted up the steps with steel in hand. Their fellows crowded after them, bare-handed. They went swiftly, and with scarcely a word. None of them seemed quite so badly wounded as they had when Vargo Hoat had marched them through the gates of Harrenhal. "This of the soup, that was clever," the man Glover was saying. "I did not expect that. Was it Lord Hoat's idea?"

Was it Lord Hoat’s idea?

Nobody is talking, everybody already knows what’s happening.

None of them seemed quite so badly wounded as when they arrived.

+.+

"Well done," he said. "I am Robett Glover."

"My lord." Jaqen gave him a bow.

(...)

"Who are you men?" A crease appeared between Robett Glover's brows. "You were not with Hoat when he came to Lord Bolton's encampment. Are you of the Brave Companions?"

Rorge wiped the snot off his chin with the back of his hand. "We are now."

And just like that, they successfully defect and save themselves.

+.+

He waved a hand toward Arya. "And here��"

"I'm Weasel," she blurted, before he could tell who she really was. She did not want her name said here, where Rorge might hear, and Biter, and all these others she did not know.

Oof. If she was exposed here, Ramsay would not have needed to marry somebody pretending to be Arya.

+.+

She saw Glover dismiss her. "Very well," he said. "Let's make an end to this bloody business."

Bloody business, indeed!

I've commanded him to retake Harrenhal."

"That's like to be a bloody business." - Catelyn V, ACOK

+.+

When they climbed back up the winding stair, they found the door guards lying in pools of their own blood. Northmen were running across the ward. Arya heard shouts. The door of Barracks Hall burst open and a wounded man staggered out screaming. Three others ran after him and silenced him with spear and sword. There was fighting around the gatehouse as well. Rorge and Biter rushed off with Glover, but Jaqen H'ghar knelt beside Arya. "A girl does not understand?"

"Yes I do," she said, though she didn't, not truly.

That’s okay Arya, it took me a few reads as well.

+.+

"A god has his due. And now a man must die." A strange smile touched the lips of Jaqen H'ghar.

"Die?" she said, confused. What did he mean? "But I unsaid the name. You don't need to die now."

"I do. My time is done." Jaqen passed a hand down his face from forehead to chin, and where it went he changed. His cheeks grew fuller, his eyes closer; his nose hooked, a scar appeared on his right cheek where no scar had been before. And when he shook his head, his long straight hair, half red and half white, dissolved away to reveal a cap of tight black curls.

In the end, he does end up having to kill Jaqen H’ghar, but he has another face. An alchemist’s face.

+.+

"Then we must part," he said, "for I have duties too."

He needs something in the Citadel. What??

+.+

She whispered her names to her pillow, and when she was done she added, "Valar morghulis," in a small soft voice, wondering what it meant.

Never realized valar morghulis is introduced to the story right before a Daenerys chapter.

"Valar morghulis," said Missandei, in High Valyrian.

"All men must die," Dany agreed, "but not for a long while, we may pray." - Daenerys III, ASOS

+.+

Shagwell the Fool hacked the heads off two dead knights and pranced about the castle swinging them by the hair and making them talk. "What did you die of?" one head asked. "Hot weasel soup," replied the second.

(...)

Then Shagwell pounced on her, dragging her out across the yard. "My lord, my lord," he sang, tugging at her wrist, "here's the weasel who made the soup!"

Arya stumbled on a plot already in motion, and it was Jaqen H’ghar who told her to fetch the broth.

When Lady Stoneheart boils the weasel Freys, will Arya be implicated?

+.+

"Nymeria," she said. "Only she called me Nan for short."

"You will call me my lord when you speak to me, Nan," the lord said mildly.

Funny they went and made Tywin look more observant than he is, when in the story Roose instructs her to say my lord.

+.+

And that evening, a page named Nan poured wine for Roose Bolton and Vargo Hoat as they stood on the gallery, watching the Brave Companions parade Ser Amory Lorch naked through the middle ward. Ser Amory pleaded and sobbed and clung to the legs of his captors, until Rorge pulled him loose, and Shagwell kicked him down into the bear pit.

The bear is all in black, Arya thought. Like Yoren. She filled Roose Bolton's cup, and did not spill a drop.

Easy to smile, but we should probably be more focused on Arya’s satisfaction over watching a man be slaughtered by a bear.

Final thoughts:

“Arya devising a Northern political coup in Harrenhal”

-> return to menu <-

#operation stumpy re-read #acok #arya ix

73 notes · View notes

briannafrostgirl · 4 years

Text

Paper

An original story by BriannaFrostgirl

The prison cart shook violently with every bump of the road, which were numerous on the clay roads of Lemoyne. With each bump, the shackles that were wearing into Brianna Murphy's wrists and ankles rattled like an angry ghost. She'd long since given up on trying to pick the lock. Her fingers never had been well suited for such fine work and as such her skills were more than a little rusty. Her charm on the other hand...

The bounty hunter was a woman and a beautiful one at that. And well, Brianna had always had a way with the ladies...

The hunter was dressed smartly in shades of grey and black, with a red tie around her neck providing a splash of color and a gold pocket watch tucked into her best pocket. Her curly brown hair was tied up in a simple ponytail, her posture was impeccable, and she had just the right amount of sweat on her brow. She already looked plenty formidable but it was her eyes that told the full story. Deep brown and full of loss and sorrow and determination. The eyes of a woman not lightly crossed. She was focused on the road but Brianna had no doubt that she was more than ready to use the Lancaster repeater on her lap at a second's notice. She was taciturn but the smallest smile played at the corner of her lips, giving the Irishwoman the confidence to try.

"That's a fine gun," she said cheerily in a thick Galway accent. "Looks like it's got a custom frame and grip, if I'm not mistaken."

"You are not," the hunter replied with a little smile, brandishing the gun like a proud mother. "She's my pride and joy, so I keep her well maintained. Only the best for my baby, right? You like her?"

"Oh aye, she's a masterfull piece of work alright," Brianna replied with a grin. "As is the woman holding her."

The other two prisoners - a couple of Lemoyne Raiders who didn't know about bathing or laundry from the smell of them - both groaned but the hunter let out a little chuckle.

"You comin' onto me, miss?" She asked

"Depends. Is it working?" Brianna replied with a smirk.

"Only a little," the hunter laughed. "Not enough to let you out of that cage of that's what you're wondering."

"Would it help if I said I was framed?" Brianna asked playfully, batting her eyelashes coquetishly.

"Well, I got a paper here says you killed three men in Valentine" the hunter replied, brandishing the paper in question. "That true?"

"Well, you're missing some crucial context there..."

"Which is...?"

"They took my hat," Brianna shrugged. "And they cheated at cards. They were assholes, no one will miss em."

"Well that clearly ain't true since someone put a price on your head, Miss Murphy," the hunter chuckled to herself.

Brianna sighed and slumped back down in her seat.

"Looks like you done struck out," one of her traveling companions said with a gleeful smile that showed off his three remaining teeth. "I always heard you Brits was queer but Lord knows I didn't know how right that was."

"Shut your mouth or I'll have to be hanged for four murders instead of three," she replied sulkily.

"Save your threats, Irish," Toothless chuckled. "We'll be out of this cage soon enough. The Lord provides. Or in this case, my brother."

Brianna looked up from her shackles, her eyes narrowed. "Your what?"

BOOM!! The cart was thrown to the side of the road in an explosion of dirt and fire. Brianna could hear the horses bolt, could feel the blood slick on the back of her head. And she could see the other two prisoners gleefully slip out the back, cheering and hollering like wild dogs. With a groan, Brianna rolled out of her seat and followed them.

The side of the road had been torn apart by dynamite, leaving a deep rut that would no doubt annoy travelers for years to come. Toothless' compatriot had his shackles around the hunter's throat, a revolver to her head. Another man in confederate wear, the brother, she supposed, was busy breaking the lock on Toothless' handcuffs.

"What did I tell you, Irish?" He chuckled gleefully. "The Lord provides..."

His chains broken, the talkative bastard bent down and scooped up a revolver from the dirt, tossing it into Brianna's outstretched hands.

"We gotta get outta here, Clem," his brother said, his eyes flitting every which way - a walking, talking bundle of nerves. "No way the sheriff in Rhodes didn't hear that blast."

"In a minute," Toothless replied, rolling his eyes. "Jesus, Joe, you worry too goddamn much. We gotta deal with our captor first..."

He chuckled gleefully, picking up her repeater and reloading it.

"Jesus, Clem..." Joe groaned. "Just put a bullet in her head and let's go."

Brianna winced in spite of herself. "Isn't that a little excessive? Why don't we just tie her up and be on our merry way."

Toothless let out a nasty gaffaw. "You going soft, Irish? You caught feelings for this bounty huntin’ piece of trash."

He approached the hunter, getting his face within inches of hers. "Don't you want to get even with this bitch? She was gonna hang you..."

Brianna rolled her eyes.

"I think I'm gonna make it slow..." Toothless added, his voice getting even nastier if that was possible. "A drop of blood for every one my brothers she's seen hanged."

The hunter gave Brianna a determined stare. "You really sure these folks are the kind you wanna associate with, Miss Murphy?"

Brianna looked at her feet. "It's better than dyin'."

"Is it?" The hunter's gaze remained fixed on Brianna, ignoring her captors entirely. "I don't know about you, but I'd rather die with my honor intact than throw in with these inbred bastards."

"Shut the hell up," Toothless growled, jamming the gun butt into her head. "Maybe I should just put a bullet in you right now."

Despite the blow, the hunter's gaze remained fixed on Brianna.

She sighed and cocked her gun. "Fuck it."

And with the speed and ease of a practiced marksman, she spun her revolver up and put a round into Toothless' skull.

"What the hell???"

Both Joe and the man who was holding the hunter turned their guns on Brianna, their faces full of shock as their compatriot's lifeless body slumped to the dirt. Quick as lightning, the hunter jammed her knee into her captor's groin, causing him to double over in pain and drop his revolver into her waiting hand. She spun it with grace and put two shots into Joe's chest. Before he even hit the ground, she had put a round into the third man's head and easily extricated herself from his grip.

Brianna stared at her, dumbfounded. "You... You didn't need my help at all, did you?"

The hunter winked at her. "Not really. But I wanted to see what you'd do."

Brianna's cheeks flushed. "I guess we’ve got a stop to make in Rhodes, huh?"

"I guess that depends on you..." The hunter smirked.

She pulled a piece of paper from her vest pocket and wrapped it around her revolver, tossing it to Brianna. She unfurled the paper, her jaw dropping at its contents.

"A bounty hunting license?"

"It pays the bills and it's good honest work," the hunter replied. "And as long as you're doing good, honest work, you and I don't have a problem."

She held up Brianna's wanted poster and tore it in two. "Just try not to shoot anybody else over cards, okay?"

Brianna grinned as she pulled off Joe's gun belt and slipped her two new revolvers into it. "No promises, but I will try."

"Fair enough," the hunter laughed.

She glanced around at the carnage around them, her hands on her hips.

"Well if you wanted to start on your new line of work early, I got three bodies to take into the sheriff in Rhodes and no wagon to transport them," she said with a smile.

Brianna shrugged and hoisted Toothless' corpse up onto her shoulder. "Well I got nowhere better to be, so..."

As the two women headed off down the road, hauling the three confederates along with them, Brianna glanced at her new traveling companion.

"So, uh... About earlier. I didn't have a shot with you, did I?"

The hunter gave her a playful grin. "Well, buy me a drink once we hit Rhodes and we'll see..."

#red dead online #red dead oc #red dead original character #my OC #original writing #Brianna Murphy #lesbian #bounty hunter

4 notes · View notes

layce2015 · 4 years

Text

John Wick Chapter 2 (John Wick x Reader)

Chapter 4: Do You Fear Damnation?

Chapter 1 / Chapter 3

As the church bell tolls, you and John, carrying the bags of weapons, walk down the deserted streets and head over to a locked gate. John pulls out the keys he was giving and the two of you walk in then you two go inside of the catacombs. Both of you started to pull out the guns from the bag, made sure that they were loaded and started to place them at certain parts of the cave.

Once you two were done with that, both of you make your way out of the catacombs and come out to this party that was going on with people dancing, drinking and a band playing on the stage. Both of you walk around until John stops and looks at this woman, who was wearing a large fur coat over her dress and her hair was pulled back in a bun. She was also surrounded by some guards.

"I'm guessing that's her." You said to John. He nods then takes your hand in his as you see the woman leave and head to a large building. John leads you to this building.

Once inside, both of you hid in the large bathroom just as you hear the doors open. Gianna walks inside, all alone. The perfect time to come in. She walks over to this large mirror and looks herself over when she noticed John standing behind her. "John." She said, slightly surprise that he was here. "Gianna." John said and she turns to him.

"There was a time not so long ago in which I considered us as friends." Gianna said. "I still do." John said as he starts to walk towards her. "Yet here you are. Death's very emissary. What brought you back, John?" She asked. "A marker." John replied. "Held by?" She asked. "Your brother." John replied and she looks down as if she had some idea that this would happen.

"Tell me, John. This marker... Is it how you got out?" She asked him. John nods as he walks closer to her. "And what is her name, this woman whose life has ended my own?" Gianna asked and that's when you walked out from behind the pillars. "Oh. You brought her here." Gianna exclaims, her eyes widen in shock as you look at her and start to walk over to John.

"What is your name?" Gianna asks you. "(Y/n)." You replied. "(Y/n)." Gianna repeated, softly, as she looks you over. Then she turns to John. "Is she worth the price that you now seek to pay?" She asks as she points at you. John nods as you said. "Believe me, ma'am. John didn't want to do this...but your brother didn't give him much of a choice. I'm only here to support my husband." Then Gianna looks over at you with interest and intrigue.

"Do you have a sister, (y/n)?" She asks and you look away in slight sadness as the memories of your sister flood your mind. "I did. She's...she's gone." You replied and Gianna continued to stare at you with interest. Then she walks up to you and asks. "And what was her name?"

"Helen." You replied, holding back the tears.

"Helen." Gianna mutters then she looks over at you as you start to feel slightly uncomfortable. You felt like Gianna was scanning you, John noticed your hand was fidgeting again. "Now, let me tell you what happens when I die." Gianna said as she walks in front of you and John but mostly staring at you. "Santino will lay claim to my seat at the table. He will take New York. And your husband will have been the one who gifted it to him. What would your sister think about that, (y/n)?" She asks and you stare at her then look to the side. "What would she think about your husband? Or you, her own sister?" Gianna asked and you look at her with guilt then turn your head away.

Honestly, if Helen was still alive....she'd probably be freaking out and ask you if you were crazy for sticking around. And would raise hell over it. She was a very protective big sister and wanted nothing but the best for you. She did like John but if she found out about this, she would have done everything in her power to get you away from him.

Maybe...it's better this way that she's gone. You thought then another thought came to your head. Am I a bad sister for thinking that?

As you were thinking this, Gianna looks at you, nods as if to confirm her hypothesis, and turns around to this mirror and take off her fur coat. She looks over herself in the sparkly silver dress then she turns back to face you two and unzips her dress. You raised an eyebrow at this when Gianna slips her dress off, standing there naked in front of you and your husband, then she starts to walks towards the tub and pulled this blade out of her hair.

Then she places the blade against her right arm and starts to slit it open. You recoil, in disgust, at this as she goes to cut her other arm. "Why?" John asked her as blood runs down her arms then she turns to face you two as she starts to sit down in the tub. "Because I lived my life my way. And I will die my way." Shd replied and she sits down and spreads her arms out in the water, the blood seeping into the water at an alarming rate.

"Do you fear damnation, John?" Gianna asks John. "Yes." John replied and you give him a concerned look as he goes over to the side of the tub. "You know, I always thought I could escape it. That I'd see it coming. That I'd see you." She said as you come up to her and sit down next to her on the edge of the large tub. You reach down into the water and grabbed her hand and held it, comfortingly. She looks up at you in shock as you give her a kind and gentle smile, just trying to give her reassurance.

"I see...why...you...like her, John." Gianna said, softly, then her eyes started to close and the grip of her hand in yours was loose. Her head started to slump over to the side and you place her hand back into the water as John comes up and shoots her in the head. You take a deep breath then look up at John, who looks back at you. Both of you share a look then you get up and he places a hand behind your back and starts to lead you out.

Both of you walk out of the building and out to the screaming people and the music blasting when a voice calls out. "John?" John turns around and you follow to see a tall African American man in a nice suit, this was on the guards of Gianna's that you recognized earlier. "Cassian." John said as Cassian looks at him.

"You working?" Cassian asked. "Yeah. You?" John said. "Yeah. Got a partner now?" Cassian asked as he nods towards you. "This is (y/n), my wife." John said and Cassian nods. "Good night?" Cassian asked John. "Afraid so." John said and you could tell that he felt bad. "I'm sorry to hear that." Cassian said and John, subtly, pushes you back as he reaches for his gun.

Then at the same time Cassian and John pull out their guns and opened fired at each other, making them fall back as you stumbled back a bit. The men start to sit up but you grab John's arm and help him back to his feet and the two of you ran off.

Both of you ran up to the stage and started running on it when a couple of guys came after you two. Without a second thought, you pulled out your gun and shot one of the men as John shoots at the other. The crowd started cheering, thinking that this was party of the show, while you stared at the man's body for a second in shock. You couldn't believe it, you actually shot a human being!

As you were thinking this, John grabs your hand, pulling you out of your thoughts, and both of you ran off the stage and out towards the crowd as more men started to come after you. Both of you started firing and that's when the crowd realized that this was not part of the show, it was real, and they started running away while you and John started to shoot at any guards that was coming at you.

Both of you go and hide behind a wall and pop out of it and started shooting at a couple more guards before you two walked out. Then one of the guards grabbed you from behind and you let out a yelp and started to struggle in the man's arms. John turns just as he heard you let out a yell and saw one of the guards had grabbed you. He goes to aim his gun when another man comes up to him from his left but he turns and headshot the man just as you slammed the back of your head into the man's face.

You elbow him in his side and he let's go of you as he stumbles backwards. Then you, quickly, turn around and shoot him in the stomach and the shoulder just as John shoots him in the head.

More started coming but you two took them out then you headed into the catacombs. It was quiet down here as you and John looked around, so you two catch your breath for a moment then John slams his hand against his chest, knocking all of the bullet shells off of him. "You okay?" He asked you as you did the same to your chest and you hear the shells fall. "Yeah... just...still recovering from actually shooting some men for the first time, is all." you said, breathless, then you turn to your husband.

"How do you deal with it, John?" You asked him, curiously, and he stares at you for a moment. "I just do everything I can to stay alive. So I just think about surviving. And you." He replies and your lips twitch into a smirk. "Believe me, (y/n), I don't enjoy it but....it has to be done." He said and you think about this for a moment and then nod at him before you two start to walk along the tunnels.

Both of you hold up your pistols, aiming it at every corner you two took but there was nothing until you saw Ares standing at the end of the tunnel. "Loose ends?" John asked her. Just one...or should I say two... Ares signed then she gives the middle finger to both of you. "Yeah..." John grumbles while you looked at at him, confused. But then you realized what was going on when some men started to come out from behind her and open fire.

Both of you began to run the other direction and fire back. After grabbing two different guns you two hid, both of you started to fire at them and make your way out. It felt never-ending as there seemed to be a truck load of men waiting for the two of you as you and John kept shooting and killing these men.

All you could think of was thank God for these bullet proof vest, the impact of the bullets did hurt but at least they didn't enter your body. Although you think a couple of bullets might've grazed your arms as you felt something go across your arms, like a paper cut feeling.

Finally, you and John were able to get away from Ares' men and made it towards the exit. Both of you were catching your breathes as you two walked out onto the streets and started to make you way back to the hotel. "Sooo....tell me. Do all of your jobs go that smoothly?" You asked John, sarcastically, and he chuckles and shakes his. "No, not..." he started to say when he stopped. You stopped too and just then you heard a car coming.

And in that moment, John wraps his arms around you, pulls you to his side and does a jump just as a car comes at you two. You hold onto John as both of you hit the hood of the car then fall to the side. Cassian comes out of the car and starts to fire his gun but you and John duck down behind the side of the car. "You and your wife not havin' a good time, are ya, John?" Cassian asked and both of you run, ducking behind cars, and fire at him while he fired at you two.

Then he runs on top of a car, ran across it, jumps and lands on John. The two men started to fight when John flips him over his back then he runs over to you, grabs your hand and both of you run. But Cassian catches up to you two and begins to fight John, who let's go of your hand. You try to help but then you were knocked down the stairs, you three were on top of, and you tumbled down.

John, seeing this, now becomes even angrier as he and Cassian punch and kick each other until they started to tumble down stairs as well.

You got to the bottom of the long staircase and groaned in pain as you hear John and Cassian fight and land next to you. Your vision was a bit blurry but you could hear them struggle and then you heard gunshots. This scared you but once your vision came back, you see that none of the men were shot but they got up and started punching at each other.

You get up, pull off the bracelet and push the buttons, releasing the blade. You run towards Cassian and stabbed him, he screams and turns towards you and starts to attack you. But you swung your blade at him and you were able to slice at his hand. He screams in pain then kicks you backwards just as John grabs him and throws him to the side and stands in front of you, protectively, as you get back up.

Cassian runs at him and they continue their fight but then Cassian was able to grab hold of John and was holding him down. You raised your gun at him but as you pulled the trigger, it clicked meaning no bullets. Damn it! You thought, angrily, as John pulls out a gun and starts to fire at Cassian but misses. Cassian pulls John up and then your run at them and launched yourself at Cassian, making all three of you crash through this window.

Before you could react, Cassian grabs you then pins you down the ground and you try to stab him with your knife bracelet but he knocks the blade out of your hand and John wraps an arm around his neck. "Gentlemen! Madame!" A voice shouted but you three kept struggling against each other.

"Gentlemen and madame!" The voice said, firmly, and all of you stopped fighting and see Julius standing on top of the stairs. John let's go of Cassian as Cassian let's go of you and starts to get up. John goes to help you up, just as you pick up your knife bracelet, as Julius walks down the steps and towards the three of you. "Do I need to remind you that there will be no business conducted on the continental grounds?" He asked, in a firm voice. "No, signore." Cassian said. "No, sir." You and John said and Julius nods.

"Now, may I suggest a visit to the bar, so you can calm yourselves." Julius said then John turns to Cassian. "Gin, wasn't it?" He asked him. "Yes. Bourbon, right?" Cassian said. "Yeah." John replied then Cassian looks towards you. "And for the lady?" He asked. "(Favorite alcohol)." You replied and the three of you start to head to the bar.

After receiving your drinks, the three of you down the drinks before John turns to Cassian. "I had a marker." He informed Cassian. "Whose?" Cassian asked. "Her brother." John replied and Cassian looks at him. "I see. You had no choice." He said. "He wants her seat at the table." You said. "He'll get it now." Cassian said and John nods. "Yeah."

"So you're free." Cassian said and John looks over at him. "Am I?" He asked. "No. Not at all. You killed my ward. Someone I was close to. An eye for an eye, John. You know how it goes." Cassian said then he shifts his gaze at you then back to John. "I'll make it quick. I promise." He told John and you shift in your seat at this. "I appreciate that. I'll try and do the same." John said as he glares and both of you finished your drinks then John started to dig in his pocket but Cassian stops him.

"This round's on me." He said and he pulls out a couple of coins and lays it on the bar. "Consider it a professional courtesy." Cassian said then he gets up and leaves. You let out a sigh and placed your right hand over your eyes as John takes your left hand in his right hand. You and him exchange a look before you noticed Ares sitting on a couch some few feet away from you two.

You nodded toward her direction and John turns to see her. Having a tough night? She asked through her sign language. Can I buy you two a drink? She asks. "No. Thanks." John said the both of you get up from the bar just as Ares said Not him...me. Be seeing you John Wick. John stares at her then signs back to her. Not if I see you first. Then both of you walk away.

Both of you head to another part of the lobby and you two sit down on a couch. You let out a heavy sigh as you lean back on the couch and you close your eyes. Then you felt John take your hand in his and you intertwine your fingers through his and held on.

You open your eyes and look over at your husband and both of you look into each other's eyes when a phone rings. You furrow your brow as John look over to his side to see an old rotorary phone on the side table next to the couch. He reaches out to the phone and answers it. "Hello, John." Santino greets and John becomes angry once he hears Santino's voice. You felt John squeezing your hand and you sit up and place a hand on his shoulder.

"I understand if you are upset. And I know it might feel personal. But what kind of man would I be if I didn't avenge my sister's murder?" Santino said but John doesn't reply and hangs up immediately. John picks up the receiver again and starts to make a call. "Could you let management know my wife and I'll be checking out in the morning." John said into the phone then he hangs up and the two of you head to your room. And honestly you couldn't wait to get into bed and rest.

After today you needed it.

But you have no idea about the danger that was coming to you two.

"Operator. How may I direct your call?" A female operator greets. "Accounts payable." Santino said. "One moment, please." The lady said and she transfers his call.

"Accounts payable. How may I help you?" Another operator greets. "I'd like to open an account." Santino said. "Name on the account?" The operator asked. "John Wick." Santino said. "Verification?" She asked. "9305-05." He replied. "State of contract?" She asked. "Open." He said. "Denomination?" asked the operator. "Seven million. And add an extra five million for the capture of his wife, (y/n) Wick." Santino said.

"Processing. Please hold." She said and she begins to type up the contract. "Order confirmed." She said after a few minutes then transferred the message to another part of the operations. There they typed it up and transferred it to any assassins available.

The next morning, you and John got up and dressed into different suits. Both suits were similar to the ones you two wore last night but John was wearing a white shirt and you were wearing a dark blue blouse. Both of you bagged up the clothes you wore last night and then began to check out.

"I appreciate the service." John said to Julius as he leads you two to the elevators. "My pleasure. You will find safe passage below. Transportation is waiting for you. May you have a safe journey, Mr. and Mrs. Wick." Julius said as you and John entered the elevator. After he said this the doors to the elevator closed and you two make your way back home.

"What is this?" Santino asked Winston, who hands him the marker. "He completed the task. The marker is over. Mark it." Winston said. "If Mr. Wick isn't dead already, he soon will be." Santino sneers and Winston glares at him. "Will you mark it, sir?" He asked him. Reluctantly, Santino sits up in his chair, grabs the marker, opens it then pricks his thumb on the needle at the top and places his bloody thumb print next to the print John made all those years ago.

"You have no idea what's coming, do you?" Winston asked. "I have everyone in New York looking for him and his wife. I doubt we will see them again." Santino said, arrogantly. "Do you now? You stabbed the devil in the back and forced him back into the life that he had just left and, in turn, throwing his wife into the middle of this. A mere innocent girl. You incinerated the priest's temple. Burned it to the ground. Now he's free of the marker, what do you think he'll do? Especially now that you've put a contract on his wife as well? He had a glimpse of the other side and he embraced it. But you, signor D'Antonio...took it away from him and his wife." Winston said.

"He was already back." Santino said. "Oh, he came back for love, not for you." Winston said. "He owed me. I had every right." Santino said as he stands up and gets into Winston's face. "And now he's coming again. He did tell you not to do this. He did warn you. A deal's, a deal." Winston said before he walks off, leaving Santino alone in his room.

34 notes · View notes