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#if i remembered more camp cheers i would've put more of them in there too but i couldn't remember any and it was driving me crazy
twoidiotwriters1 · 2 months
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The Curse of Oenone (Leo Valdez xFem!Oc)
A/N: Love is real I invented it -Danny Words: 2,241 Series' Masterlist Previous Chapter // Next Chapter Listen to: 'Crumbs' -by Belaganas
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VIII: Somebody Sedate Me!
Ara is looking at her reflection in the mirror with tension. What was that outburst she had with Percy? It's like he and Lily pull a trigger in her that she's yet to find.
She wants them to be proud of what she's accomplished, so why can't they be glad for once? Having a child of Olympus on their side during the war with Kronos would've made all the difference, why are they so pressed about it now?
Learn the difference between concern and distrust, says Lily's voice in her head. 
Though they're not that different from each other. Both come from the same thought: This prophecy is beyond Ara's skills.
She brushes her damp hair (she took a shower to cool off), and puts on a camp half-blood shirt, then she grabs her cosmetic set and stares at it, she wears makeup when she needs to feel better. Now is one of those days.
When she arrives at the meeting, she's the only one who made an effort to look more than just well-rested and that cheers her up, Generals should look neater than their army.
It's the first time the seven gather with no one else around, except Ara and Coach Hedge. She makes her way to the head of the table and pulls back a chair at the same time Percy reaches for it. She looks at him thinking Are you kidding me?, but a second later her brother mumbles an apology and sits next to Annabeth.
Ara looks at the group trying to gather her thoughts. They do seem intimidating, but Ara's interacted with them in such domestic settings that to her they just look like kids. "Anything we should know about the expeditions?"
"Well, maybe the part where we ran into Nemesis," Hazel suggests.
Ara's got so many things in her mind she'd forgotten about Nemesis, but now that Hazel brought it up, she can feel the piece of paper the goddess handed to her burning through her pocket.
Leo and Hazel share their adventure, and Ara uttered no word. What she got out of that encounter is of no use to the others—and then Annabeth, Frank, and Percy talk about their quest, but nothing worth remembering comes out of it.
"So where to now?" Leo takes a bite of his pizza. "Ara and I did a quick repair job to get us out of the lake, but there's still a lot of damage. We should really put down again and fix things right before we head across the Atlantic."
"We need to put some distance between us and Camp Jupiter," Percy replies. "Frank spotted some eagles over Salt Lake City. We figure the Romans aren't far behind us."
"I don't suppose we should go back and try to reason with the Romans?" Piper offers. "Maybe—maybe I didn't try hard enough with the charmspeak."
"That won't cut it," Ara replies, perhaps too harshly. "For charmspeak to work, they have to find you appealing. I don't think they feel like cuddling us at the moment."
Jason tries to lift his girlfriend's spirits. "It wasn't your fault, Pipes. Or Leo's. Whatever happened, it was Gaea's doing, to drive the two camps apart."
"Maybe if we could explain that, though—"
"With no proof?" Annabeth raises a brow. "And no idea what really happened? I appreciate what you're saying, Piper. I don't want the Romans on our bad side, but until we understand what Gaea's up to, going back is suicide."
"She's right," Hazel speaks hoarsely. She's having the worst seasick case ever but tries hard to keep it together. "Reyna might listen, but Octavian won't. The Romans have honor to think about. They've been attacked. They'll shoot first and ask questions post-hac."
Ara plays with the last pieces of veggies on her plate. "Then we stick to our original plan, and we look for Nico."
Hazel's anxiety causes precious stones to gather around her plate. "Nemesis said we have only six days until Nico dies and Rome is destroyed."
"You mean Rome Rome, not New Rome?" Jason asks.
"I think, but if so, that's not much time."
"Why six days?" Percy questions. "And how are they going to destroy Rome?"
"July first," Ara comments like it's obvious.
"What?" Her brother stares at her blankly.
Ara rolls her eyes. "All the stuff that's happened, Gaea's done them on important dates of our calendars. The winter solstice, the feast of fortune... the Kalends of July is a special occasion because," she pushes a piece of broccoli forward. "In Rome, that day's dedicated to Juno. Which is weird, 'cause I feel like that should be during the Kalends of June, but whatever—"
"How do you know all this?" Percy frowns.
Ara eats the piece of broccoli and points at Jason with her fork. "He's been teaching me Roman history for the past six months."
"Okay... so that connects to Nico... in what way?" 
"We are six days away from July first," she frowns. "Nico's literal deadline lands on a big day for annoying people—the Romans—and Gaea likes to taint our big celebrations, so maybe she's using him as bait."
"I've been seeing some things in my knife," Piper blurts out of nowhere.
Frank gulps down his food with difficulty. "Things such as..?"
"They don't really make sense, just garbled images, but I saw two giants, dressed alike. Maybe twins."
"Twins, like in Ella's prophecy," Annabeth points out. "If we could figure out those lines, it might help."
"Wisdom's daughter walks alone," Percy recites. "The Mark of Athena burns through Rome. Annabeth, that's got to mean you. Juno told me... well, she said you had a hard task ahead of you in Rome. She said she doubted you could do it. But I know she's wrong."
"Reyna was about to tell me something right before the ship fired on us. She said there was an old legend among the Roman praetors—something that had to do with Athena. She said it might be the reason Greeks and Romans could never get along."
"Nemesis mentioned something similar," Leo says. "She talked about an old score that had to be settled—"
"The one thing that might bring the gods' two natures into harmony," Hazel quotes. "'An old wrong finally avenged.'"
"I was only a praetor for about two hours," Percy sighs, playing with his food like Ara does. "Jason, you ever heard a legend like that?"
"I... uh, I'm not sure," he says. "I'll give it some thought."
Percy and Ara both look at him with the same scowl. "You're not sure?" Percy repeats.
Ara could've pressured Jason into talking, but before she can, Hazel intervenes. "What about the other lines? Twins snuff out the angel's breath, Who holds the key to endless death."
"Giants' bane stands gold and pale," Frank continues, "Won through pain from a woven jail."
"Giants' bane," Leo hums. "Anything that's a giants' bane is good for us, right? That's probably what we need to find. If it can help the gods get their schizophrenic act together, that's good."
"We can't kill the giants without the help of the gods," Percy muses.
"I thought you guys killed that one giant in Alaska without a god's help, just the two of you," Jason points to Frank and Hazel.
"Alcyoneus was a special case. He was only immortal in the territory where he was reborn—Alaska. But not in Canada. I wish I could kill all the giants by dragging them across the border from Alaska into Canada, but..." Frank sighs. "Percy's right, we'll need the gods."
"Oh!" Ara snaps her fingers, putting two and two together. "They took him!"
Frank frowns. "Come again?"
"Twins snuff out the angel's breath, Who holds the key to endless death," Ara recites again, looking at her sister. "In your vision, were the twins guarding something?"
Piper tries to remember. "I think they were... pulling up a large vase from a pit?"
"Was it large enough to fit a thin person in it?"
"You're not saying..." Hazel starts fearfully.
Ara's gaze darkens. "Your brother was looking for the doors of death, maybe he found them and knows how to close them, but they caught him before he could tell us."
"Di Angelo," Percy groans in realization, running a hand over his face. "Twins snuff out the angel's breath..."
Ara nods. "If Nico's been captured because he found the doors, rescuing him has to be our priority."
"Which is going to take us straight to those twins," Annabeth points out.
"Whom we can't defeat unless we get the giant's bane beforehand," Percy adds. "Whatever that is."
"And we must get all that before the Kalends of July, or everything will go wrong," Ara concludes with a sigh. "I'm not loving the tight scheduling..."
They stay quiet for a moment, trying to think of a different meaning to those lines, but nothing comes to them. In any case, going to Rome is what they were supposed to do since the start.
"So..." Leo drags his chair back once he finishes his food. "First things first, I guess. We'll have to put down in the morning to finish repairs."
"Someplace close to a city," Annabeth says, "in case we need supplies. But somewhere out of the way, so the Romans will have trouble finding us. Any ideas?"
"Well," Piper leans on the table. "How do you guys feel about Kansas?" 
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"Lights out! Settle down! Try to sneak out, and I'll smack you back to Long Island!" 
Ara opens her cabin door angrily. "Coach! If you don't stop yelling you'll finish the quest as a potted plant!"
"Who're you calling a potted plant, Jackson? I'm a carnivorous one!"
"Those can be potted too, you jacka—"
"Someone needs a nap!" Leo comes out of his room, which is right in front of Ara's—definitely on purpose—and stops her before she kills the satyr. "It's alright, Coach, we're all tucked in, stop yelling."
"I don't see you tucked in, Valdez."
"Hedge, I swear," Ara says through gritted teeth, but Leo stands between them.
"I'm wearing my finest PJs, man, c'mon, knock it out," he guides the satyr towards his cabin.
Hedge gives in, though he gives out warnings as he goes. He stops before entering his room and points at them squinting. "You two—straight to bed."
"Unbelievable," Ara mutters, re-entering her room and leaving her door open.
As expected, when Coach Hedge leaves, Leo goes to his door and closes it loudly from the outside, then slips into Ara's room as quietly as possible. Ara crawls under the covers of her bed and Leo sits at the foot of it, his right leg hanging from the side.
He's got his crooked smirk that unsettles adults on his face, but he won't do anything unless Ara lets him, and right now all she wants is sleep. She curls up and buries one hand under her pillow.
"Not bad for our first day, huh?" He says.
Ara chuckles. "Not what I had in mind, to be honest."
Leo squeezes her calf over the covers. "You handled it well. I'm proud of you."
"Thank you," she yawns. "You were great too."
"If those lines in Annabeth's prophecy are about Di Angelo..." he starts carefully. "Isn't it a bad idea to play along?"
Ara frowns. "You think we shouldn't save Nico?"
"We don't know for sure he's been taken—"
"Exactly," she interrupts him. "We're going to Kansas first, we could find something there that proves my theory wrong."
Leo nods, he doesn't want to upset her, so he changes the subject. "Well... I don't know about you, but I'm not sleepy yet."
Ara laughs and quickly tries to cover the noise even though it isn't loud. She sits up to face him properly. "Just ask, Leo."
"Can I stay?" He scoots closer. "I'll behave, obviously, I don't want your brother to gut me..."
Ara presses a palm against his chest, and his heart races at her touch. She should tell him about the curse since it concerns him too, but his heartbeat is so fast and he glows golden so brightly... she doesn't want to ruin his happiness, at least not tonight.
"You know, I think I understand Echo," she whispers.
"Hm?" Leo struggles to focus on her words, even though his eyes are on her lips.
"You can love yourself a lot," Ara explains, "but if you're genuinely in love with someone, you'll stay beside them, even if they give you sorrows. Echo sees something worth saving in Narcissus because she loves him, and you can't listen to reason when that happens."
Leo leans his forehead on hers. "But he already died once and it did nothing to make him reconsider."
"He's been cursed," Ara's voice quivers. "He can't change his fate alone. You're right, Echo's very strong and brave for staying by his side, considering she has no powers, no..." she chokes a little. "No answers."
Leo moves to look at her. "You okay?"
Ara wraps her arms around Leo and buries her face on his neck. "I lied. I got scared when you attacked me—and my ribs still hurt, and I don't like Hazel, and Percy's mad at me..."
Leo's guts twist with guilt, and Ara feels it right away. "Crap, I'm so sorry—I should've—"
She pulls the emotion out of him with her empath touch. "I was scared for you, Leo, not me," the girl assures him. "I'm telling you this... because you said we could lean on each other. Please, don't forget it."
"I won't," Leo tilts his head, staring at her with soft, loving eyes. "Wanna lean on me first?"
Her soul-light brightens and she buries her face in his neck again. "Yes."
"Alright," Leo grins and kisses the top of her head. "You know... I wouldn't mind living through a thousand shitty days like this one if it meant I'd hold you like this every night."
Her heart squeezes with unease. "I know."
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Next Chapter –>
Taglist.
@siriuslysirius1107 @ask-giggles1303 @asnyox-the-hoarder @im-planning-something-look @bandshirts-andbooks @coolninjapaper @thewaterlily @whenisthefall @1randomcomic @you-bloody-shank @sunflowergraves @owlalex44 @taylordaughter @typicalsolangelolover @writingmia @espressopatronum454 @slytherinnqueen @orbitingpolaris @obxstiles @ellipsisspelled
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stellarspecter · 3 years
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my troped round 2 fic hcs!
hi everyone!!! the authors for troped round 2 were just revealed, so i can finally post all the headcanons for my fic that i didn’t manage to squeeze in there! it’s mostly just role hcs but i just want it known that i have thought about everyone’s place at this shittily named camp
crews for reference (from youngest to oldest age group):
girl’s crews: squirrels, foxes, swans
boy’s crews: crayfish, moose, bears
i know it’s convoluted but when i say everything is based off of my old summer camp i mean everything
Counselor positions (team, crew, activity they run)
Luke - Blue Captain, Moose, music, obviously
Julie - Red, Fox, arts and crafts
Friendship bracelet QUEEN (flynn too, ofc)
Facilitates the tie-dye activity as well, which willie likes to crash
Flynn - Red Captain, Fox, archery
Willie - Red, specialist so no crew, sailing/waterfront
sailing here acts as a substitute for skateboarding - the same sense of freedom, the same hair blowing in the wind
Carrie - Blue, Squirrel counselor and it’s v cute, volleyball
Reggie - Blue, Crayfish (slightly older tho - 2A), drama
Bobby - Red, Bear, going feral in the rustics, gaga ball
Alex - Blue, Moose w/ the boys, canoeing (he was on nature hikes but then someone had an injury so he had to get switched to canoeing?)
Nick - Red, Crayfish, basketball or frisbee
Kayla - Blue, swan, dance
Mrs. Harrison is like the head administrator
Ray is there too. Also admin?
Carlos is there for a few weeks as a CIT causing just absolute chaos. having such fun in the yurts (where the cits stay)
Also the boys play gaga ball any chance they get
bobby is the best obviously but luke gets very into it
so does reggie but he also forgets to shield his legs properly which results in him losing lmao
alex is rlly hit or miss the further he gets the more nervous he gets
i haven’t played gaga ball in years
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empress-simps · 3 years
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Strangers (two)
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▪︎Pairing: Kuroo Tetsuroo x Reader, Bokuto Koutaro x Reader, Bokuto Koutaro x Akaashi Keiji and Hinata Shoyo x Kageyama Tobio
▪︎Pronouns: She/Her [Fem! Reader]
▪︎Alternate Universe: Soulmate Au!
▪︎Genre: Angst and a little bit of comedic relief
▪︎Synopsis: Finding out your soulmate rejected the bond to be with someone else feels terrible.
Note: Seems like the two part plan I made is going to be probably stretched by a few chapters HAHAH, I don't wanna rush things since I think it won't be good.. also I have rewritten this so many times since i wasn't satisfied sooo, enjoy reading! Btw taglist is still open just send an ask!
》next
》previous
》Strangers Masterlist
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"Hey hey hey!"
Bokuto cheered as they scored another point against Karasuno, with the help of his team mates.
You couldn't help but wince.
Either from another point loss for your team or from him. You'll never know.
Looking at the scoreboard, you jotted down the scores on your notebook and pointed out some of the Karasuno team seems to be doing. You willed yourself to drown in the role of being a manager just to prevent yourself from thinking of Bokuto and his lover, the one he replaced you with; Akaashi Keiji.
You need to occupy yourself, if you haven't then you surely already confronted them both. But who are you kidding, you can't. You're too weak to do that.
Akaashi's mouth tilted upwards as he watched his hyperactive boyfriend being more hyped up. His gunmetal eyed made it's way to your unsuspecting form. The faint smile he had slowly dissappearing.
Mixed emotions swirl inside him creating a one big giant mess. He felt conflicted, disappointed and guilty.
Should he apprach and talk things with you or just let it be? After all, you haven't made a move to talk to him or Koutaro.
And to be honest, Akaashi is very grateful for that. There's less chances for Bokuto leaving him for you.
Akaashi can feel his insecurity and guilt eating at him day by day the longer you stayed here.He knows he's being selfish but he just can't lose Koutaro, even for his destined soulmate.
He was pulled from his inner turmoil as Bokuto jumped up and down infront of him.
"Akaaashi! Did you see my spike? Did you?! did you!?" Bokuto asked his lover, golden eyes twinkling with delight, Akaashi smiled and nodded.
Now he remembers why he's being selfish; he remembers why he won't be able to give the love of his life away.
It's because of the way how those golden eyes stare at him.
Even though the guilt slowly starts to creep up to him, he just can't loose Bokuto. And he won't.
He would make sure of it.
A few days past by and it was the last day of training camp. Everything went by smoothly for you and the team. You could've almost sighed in relief.
If it weren't for the fact that you noticed that someone has been eyeing you a bit in the Fukurodani team for the whole day which made you a bit on edge. Maybe you were just being paranoid but who knows? Kiyoko, who noticed your uneasiness stood by your side the whole day so you wouldn't feel alone.
You sighed as you grabbed pieces of meat to put on your plate since thr coaches decided to treat their students after a long training camp.
"L/n! Look out!"
You whipped your head and saw an incoming meat getting dangerously close to you, luckily for your fast reflexes, you managed to evade it.
However, you couldn't say the same for the poor guy behind you.
"Come here right now so I could kill you."
All the color from your face drained completely, you were terrified.
Tsukishima snickered, "She really attratcs trouble." Meanwhile his friend shot him a warning glare.
At this point, everyone is looking towards you and the male who still had the barbecue meat plastered on the square of his face.
"I-im sorry!" You squeaked, carefully peeling off the meat from his face. The guy sighed, "I wasn't talking about you. I was referring to Bokuto, he was the one who carelessly catapulted the meat anyways. I'm not mad at you. Don't worry." He assured you, patting your back.
He took a closer look at you, and you swear you thought that he probably suspected you to be Bokuto's soulmate. "You're cute.. If I wasn't covered in barbecue sauce and have most of my dignity left in me I would've asked you out-"
"Heeey! Leave the poor girl alone! You're scaring her!" Bokuto shoved Tetsuroo aside and smiled at you. Once you've held eye contact you knew.
You knew that you can't hide from him anymore.
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Taglist[Closed]: @decaffeinatedtealover @lulu-102 @whateverfeelz @ginsan-eyes @pluviophilefangirl @bakuhoesbro @aonenthusiast @amecchii @jadasz @random-734 @sleep3deprived @snflwrkenma @archishaya
Bold means tumblr won't let me tag u!
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marichat-verse · 3 years
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Mist Memories
Leo Valdez x reader for his birthday ahhhh (even though it's angsty) with a platonic/developing jason x reader cameo at the end (lmao im sorry i couldn't help myself 😭)
Based on this picture I found in pinterest + also [kinda] based on traitor by olivia rodrigo and omg i really recommend u guys listen to this edit because it reminds me so much of this fic that's been stuck in my head for MONTHS also kind of a run away with me prologue lol
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Your POV
I nervously made my way across the forest until I reached a limestone cliff. I knocked on the iron door, not really expecting to get an answer.
My boyfriend has been shutting himself in Bunker 9 for the past few weeks. I stood there counting up to seven before knocking again. I knocked again two more times, until he answered in the middle of my last knock.
He removed his goggles and winced as sunlight hit his eyes. He'd grown thinner and paler, making the dark circles in his eyes more pronounced.
"Oh, Leo..." I reached out to brush a few strands of hair away from his face, but he moved away.
"What are you doing here?" He said in a monotone voice.
I moved to walk inside the Bunker, brushing off his hesitation to let me in. "I'm your partner, remember? And I'm really concerned because you're shutting yourself out lately. You know everyone's starting to worry about you. Percy asked me to check on you because you missed pegasus riding with him. Oh, and I'm pretty sure Jason's coming back from Camp Jupiter soon. I was hoping you and Annabeth could be with Piper while Percy and I hung out with Jason because it's been a little awkward since their breakup. Plus Piper wanted to tell you something—"
"Please," he said forcefully causing me to stop and look at him. "Just... Get out."
Normally, he'd shut himself from the world for a few days to work on an important project or because he was feeling really sad and he needed space. But this was getting out of hand. He had never locked me out of his life when I offered to help him. He was never this mean when he asked for space. I was not having this attitude of his.
"Okay, Leo. I tried to play nice. What is so important that you blow off all your friends for nearly a month that you can't even tell your partner, or maybe say hi to your best friend who's coming back from the other side of the country?"
He didn't say anything. He pursed his lips and avoided eye contact. I scanned he room for any signs.
It was messier than usual with all the crumpled paper scattered on the floor, especially on his desk. He could have been drawing up new plans. Something in my gut told me that something wasn't right. There were no new unfinished projects, indicating that he wasn't starting a new invention. Harley's helicopter lay on his bench in the same state it was weeks ago. Huh, not even his siblings could enter the Bunker.
I turned and Leo was already changing Festus' oil. I took this moment of distraction to pick up a few pieces of crumpled paper on the floor and on his desk. I had to process the words a bit longer—too long that Leo took notice. Damn dyslexia.
I heard footsteps speed up behind me, but it was too late. I read enough and got the gist of what he had been trying to do these past few weeks.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" He yelled at me. Small embers started to erupt between his curls.
I laughed dryly. "So this is what you've been up to?"
His fists tightened, further crumpling the paper in his hands. His eyes flashed with anger, despair and confusion.
I sighed and focused my eyes on his desk, not daring to look at him any longer. Under some pieces of paper were old photographs of him and Piper from Wilderness School. Yup, those definitely were the mist memories she had with Jason. I read the latest draft he'd been writing:
Dear Piper,
Remember the mist memories from boarding school with Jason? They were real, but they were with me.
I miss you. I miss when it was just us. I miss the night on the roof.
Yours truly,
Leo Valdez
I tried to keep my voice from cracking. "How long?"
I heard him sigh. "Three weeks."
I balled my fists. Tears started to fall and smudge the ink. I wiped them away as fast as they came.
"How?"
"In a dream," his tone softened now. "Hera came to me in a dream and told me to check an old drawer in Bunker 9. I found the photos and the memories came rushing back."
"How long were you dating back then?"
"Two weeks."
"Were you ever going to tell me?"
Silence; then a deep breath.
"No."
I shook my head in disbelief. "Why?"
"Because I knew you'd get upset like—"
"I meant why would you throw away months of our relationship for a couple of weeks of your relationship with her? And without even bothering to tell me? Gods damn it, Leo. We've been together since you've first arrived at camp. And what about those promises you made when we were sailing to Greece? You've been keeping these feelings away from me and you've been lying to me, making me believe that there's still something between us and—"
"Oh, calm down," he said with an annoyed expression and tone, which only infuriated me more, "it's not like I did anything were her yet! I didn't kiss her or tell her how I truly felt for her! She just got out of a relationship with Jason around the same time I had that dream. I had to figure out how to talk to her about it. I've been alone in this Bunker for three. Fucking. Weeks. I didn't cheat on you."
"Oh, and that makes everything better?" I countered. "Being in a relationship isn't about not cheating, Leo. It's about being honest and communicating with each other."
"Oh, like you've been communicating with me? After the war, you take go back to Manhattan for school, and you take a job. I haven't seen you much during the holidays because work has been keeping you in the city. And you won't tell me what you even do for a living!"
I took in a deep breath. "I told you I needed to have a life outside of camp! I needed to know first that I could handle myself in the mortal world as a normal human being. I needed this demigod part of my life to be separate as much as possible! I've been in two wars, Leo. I needed time to myself, too. And I was about to tell you guys in a few more days. But I guess now, I'm glad I've kept you out of that part of my life. At least I have an escape from all of this. And now, especially from you."
I took another deep breath and walked to the door, about to let myself out. I turned back again, both our tear-stained eyes meeting each other.
"If it makes you feel any better," I said softly, "I would've hated the idea of us breaking up. But if you really love her, if you really feel like you have this special connection to her and she makes you happy, then I won't get in your way. You could at least have had the decency to talk to me so we could have left on a good note."
He looked at me with wide eyes, clearly regretting his actions. I sighed and looked around the Bunker, possibly for the last time. Lots of memories were definitely created in this room; all just as grand and meaningful as the inventions they made here. But just like some of Hephaestus' contraptions, some of them were flawed and dumped in his scrapyard, no matter how much potential it could have had.
"Goodbye, Leo."
I sat on a rock on the beach that gave me a beautiful view of Long Island Sound. To my left, the sun started to set, casting an orange filter on everything. My heart broke, remembering how everything glowed orange in the Bunker. Leo always left the fires burning when he was working. The sunlight twinkling against the sea reminded me of how small bits of flame peaked through his hair earlier. I remembered how mad he was at me. Or maybe he was mostly mad at himself.
"Hey."
I jumped when someone sat—or rather, landed—beside me. I turned and smiled, seeing one of my good friends back at camp.
"Hey, you're back," I said weakly. "How long have you been here?"
He smiled at me, although he could maybe sense that something was wrong. "Half an hour, maybe? I saw Annabeth making plans to expand camp to have a city. She made me do an aerial inspection and I told her I'll get back to her tonight. That's when I saw you."
"Mhmm," I mumbled, not really knowing what to say. It was silent for a few minutes before I spoke up again, knowing he was just waiting for me to open up.
"I broke up with Leo."
His head quickly turned to me. I guess he wasn't expecting it to be that bad. "What?"
"Oh yeah," I laughed dryly. "Turns out the mist memories Piper had in Wilderness School with you? They were real. But not with you."
His eyes widened. "Oh... With Leo."
"He locked himself in the Bunker for weeks trying to write a letter. It was heartbreaking. Like, truly heartbreaking. He wanted to tell her how much he missed her and how much he missed them. Then he said how much he missed that night with her under the stars and... It hurt. Like hell."
"Oh," he said. "I guess Piper didn't tell me everything then."
"She knew all along?"
He shook his head. "Maybe not everything, but she told me she's been confused about her feelings lately and she'd been having visions or dreams of possible old memories that were messing with her head."
"I'm sorry about you and Piper," I said.
"Don't be," he said. "I understand her. It did hurt, though. But I think I can get over it some day. We're still awkward around each other, but at least we left on a good note."
I scoffed. "Leo couldn't even give me a good ending to our relationship."
"Hey," he said as he put a hand on my shoulder. "You're a great person, y/n. You've done so much, especially for him. It's his loss that he was stupid enough to let go of you."
"I know that."
"Do you really?"
"I do!" I said. "I'm a great person and I know that. But that doesn't mean what he did doesn't hurt me."
"I know," he said. "You'll find someone who'll treat you like the queen that you are. You're a great person, and I'm not just saying this to cheer you up. I truly think you're amazing."
I smiled at him. "Thanks, Jason. And you'll find someone great, too. Maybe not as great as me but, then again, who is?"
We both let out a laugh. The conch sounded in the distance, signaling dinner. I moved to stand up before hearing Jason speak up again.
"Hey, do you maybe want to just grab a couple of plates and eat out here?"
I smiled. "Yeah. That sounds good. I don't really want everyone else hounding me about the breakup right now."
I don't know how long it was going to take me to get over Leo. We really did gave something special. It was cruel how the universe gave me something so good, to make me have hope that something was finally going right, then have it yanked away from my arms just as suddenly as it came.
He never cheated on me, but that didn't mean he didn't betray every promise we made to each other. I should have known it was too good to be true. Life has always played cruel jokes on me.
Then again, who's to say that things won't turn out for the better, right?
•••
Tagging: @drvrslcense @bubblybubbubs @dreamerball @quteez @aesthetxcimagines @chasingpj @beingleft @wadewilsonsgreatestfriend
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prismatales · 4 years
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Late Bloomer: Faltering (Part 1)
Word Count: 3.3K
Bingo slot: Free
Pairings: None
Tag/Warnings: Slight angst.
Synopsis: Sometimes, life throws some unexpected circumstances that can bring doubts.
Here's Part 2 of Late bloomer!
Unfortunately, as much as I would've loved to make this chapter longer in order to introduce Dabi at once, I've been struggling with some heavy writer's block and burnout for these past weeks, but when I said part 2 would be out this week it was a promise, hopefully you guys will enjoy it!
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Isn’t it strange that the most gentle of hearts belong to all the souls on fire?
-Michelle Schaper
“That will be all for today’s lessons. Make sure to enjoy your break, everyone!” Midnight exclaimed, a cheerful smile on her face while all her students were busy packing their stuff, eager to leave and prepare everything they needed for the school break. If luck was on your side, maybe you would be able to plan something out with your siblings once Shouto came back from the training camp. 
“Todoroki. Before you leave, principal Nezu would like to speak with you.”...Or maybe not.
“...Is this about what happened during the exam?” you couldn’t help asking the teacher, nervous about the idea of being in trouble for the little stunt that occurred during your exam. But that couldn’t be the reason the principal was calling, right?
“He just told me to send you to his office. But if this helps out, I think your father was there too.”
“…Of course he is.” You had to hold back the urge to groan in front of the teacher. Blood already warming up just by the mention of your father of all people being in the principal’s office, if this was another attempt to make you switch classes, you’d be having none of it. 
“Did you put confetti in Bakugo’s gauntlets again?” Ren and Hatsume approached you after class, both of them snickered when they remembered the look on the blond’s face as he chased you around the school like a wild beast. The attempt to muffle the laughter failed miserably by the reminder.
“Nope. But if my dear old man’s there, I know what this is about. Anyway, see you next Monday, guys!” They both waved cheerfully before walking away, their figures became smaller and smaller with each step taken until eventually they could no longer be recognized from afar. 
As soon as you began heading towards the principal’s office, a small knot began growing into the pit of your stomach from the nerves. Once you finally stood in front of the door, the first thing you did was knock twice, staying put before the principal’s voice called out through the other side. “Come in!” 
The door was slightly pushed, just enough to peek inside the office. Just as Midnight said, principal Nezu was sitting on his chair and your beloved father was standing nearby with arms crossed. Both of them turned to look in your direction before the principal welcomed you with his characteristic smile.
“You wanted to see me, sir?” You ask out of formality, partially nervous about the attention. 
“Yes, please come take a seat!” He didn’t move from his spot, and neither did your father as they both watched you step inside the office and advance forwards before stopping in front of the principal’s desk. Quietly, you pulled a chair in order to sit down, effortlessly ignoring your father’s presence as subtly as possible.
“There’s something we’d like to discuss with you. It’s not about the exam if that’s what you’re worried about.” You couldn’t help placing a hand over your chest, exhaling in relief with eyes closed. Endeavor’s stare could almost dig a hole at the back of your skull from that reaction, but he’s ignored in favor of looking at the principal. “It’s about your quirk...It’s already been a few weeks after the sports festival, but it appears you’re still having some difficulties controlling it...don’t you?” 
For someone who had as much authority as him, the principal’s question didn’t hold a single speck of malice or mockery behind it, almost sounded like he’s talking to a small child. Which made the situation way more uncomfortable in your eyes, because not only was he mentioning a fact you’ve been trying to so hard to hide, but he was also mentioning all of this in front of the last person you’d want to find out.
Insecurity grew deep inside as you looked down, avoiding eye contact with both males for as long as possible, gripping the fabric of your skirt with a firm grip that dug your nails painfully harsh into the flesh of your thighs.
“The principal’s asking you a question.” Just hearing your father’s voice was enough to make your blood feel like it was boiling, if any of them were able to see under the bangs hiding your face from view they would’ve seen a pair of glowing eyes. Nobody was supposed to know about the lack of control you’ve been struggling with for the past weeks, but it seems that it was more obvious than you thought.
When you looked back at the principal with doubtful eyes, they were no longer filled with that golden light that had already vanished. Hesitating, you finally answered the question.
“Yes, sir…”
“And you didn’t tell anyone this, because?”
“Because, I thought it would be something temporary...and eventually, I would be able to control it on my own.” He observed you with unpredictable eyes, pondering for a moment.
“That’s understandable,” he gave a slight nod with eyes closed “but you have to consider that as a school, it’s our responsibility to help the students grow and this includes helping them learn to control their quirks. There’s also another factor to consider…” 
This time he looked at you straight in the eye. “Remember what happened during the sports festival?” How could you ever forget it? The day your quirk manifested will forever be branded into your memories. “As harsh as this may sound, we’re concerned that this difficulty may end up with something similar happening in the future. Please don’t take it personally.”
It’s understandable that the principal worried about the risk of somebody getting hurt. And yet that didn’t soothe the ache growing inside you. Distracted by these thoughts, you didn’t pay attention to the rest of the conversation between the principal and your father. 
“My suggestion would be for her to attend the training camp alongside the hero department, the training could be a perfect opportunity to learn to control her quirk.” The principal turned his attention back towards you “While it’s not our place to make this kind of decision on a student’s behalf, this is a special case. I hope you understand our reasons, Todoroki-san.”
Nodding silently, your lips were pressed into a thin line in resignation over the school’s decision. But when you thought about it through the adult’s eyes, they were right. It could be dangerous to lose control and potentially getting someone hurt because you decided to be stubborn and handle this on your own.
But who could blame you when that’s pretty much how you grew up? Becoming independent at such a young age in order to lessen the burden on your sibling’s lives. 
“Well then, it’s decided. Look at the bright side, at least your brother will be there as well!” Nezu made an attempt to light up the situation, and you appreciated it. Kind of ironic how someone that’s not even related to you is doing more than your own father. who somehow, had such a feeling of pride radiating from him that if it wasn’t for who was in the room as well, you would have smacked him right in the face with your belt.
After the final arrangements were done, you and your father walked out of the principal’s office, but unlike him, the look on your face was so very sour that it could make a lemon taste sweeter than honey.
You didn’t have the chance to say anything to the man walking in front of you, since he began talking first.
“Before you accuse me of talking the principal into this. They were the ones who called concerning this situation.” He wouldn’t even turn around and it made you feel even more bitter than before, realizing you were the only one to blame for this.
“I do not care if you had anything to do with it. It’s obvious this is just an excuse to try moving me into the hero department.” In an angry fit, you stopped and glared at his back “I said this before and I’ll say it again; Nothing you can do will change my mind, camp or not, I’m staying in the support class!”
Unfortunately for you, that small fit of rage was enough for the ends of your hair to light up, right at the same time he turned to give you a look. “Focus on getting control over that power and then you can say that again with your head held high.”
With fists clenched into a fist, you just marched away with a huff. As much as you’d love to give him a piece of your mind, it was time to prepare everything for the trip.
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A few days later, you stood near everyone from class 1-A, getting on the bus that would take everyone to the training camp. At least Shouto’s classmates were kind enough not to make you feel like an outcast, and it really helped out that you already met them before. After they saw you talking with your brother about his new costume and making fun of the first one, much to his embarrassment.
“Can I ask you something?” Shouto asked quietly from beside you, trying to avoid catching the other’s attention.
“Mhm.” You looked up from the screen of your phone, where a meme was displayed, courtesy of Mina who had quickly added your phone number into the group chat.
“You were doing so well the first time we trained together...so what happened?” He noticed the way your hand clenched around the device harshly, with a little more strength the screen would’ve almost cracked.
Nervously, you turned away from him with a nervous look all over your features but still managed to smile softly at him despite everything going through your head at that moment.
“I’d rather not talk about it...please?” The small plead caught him off guard, but Shouto still respected your wish...
The bus finally stopped in the middle of nowhere, it gave everyone the chance to walk out and stretch their bodies after sitting inside such a cramped seat for hours. 
And then, a pair of women showed up to greet everyone. Watching their costumes made your eyes light up in joy once you recognized the pair standing in front of everyone. But unlike Midoriya, you could only fangirl silently at the sight of the wild wild pussycats, or at least at the sight of the two that were talking in front of the whole class.
“I thought Hawks was your favorite?” your brother had to cough into his fist to hide the laughter when he saw the look on his twin’s face, that quickly turned into embarrassment when some of his classmates heard their banter.
“S-Shut up!” You shoved him by the shoulder at the same time your whole face got warm all the way down to the neck, it quickly began getting warmer the moment most of the girls overheard Shouto’s comment and gave you a teasing look. Now it would be impossible to live that down. “This is why Natsuo’s my favorite brother!”
That was the last thing you could tell him before the ground began moving underneath everyone’s feet, courtesy of pixie bob’s quirk. Everyone quickly tried to get back inside the bus to no avail, for all of you had been thrown into the forest. The last thing you heard from Mandalay was how those unable to reach the camp before noon would not be allowed to have lunch. 
While everyone fell down, some people noticed you quickly pulling your shirt open, and you could have sworn at least one of them yelled out panicked until they noticed a black tank top under the uniform. And also a familiar belt from the sports festival.
Quickly, two metallic claws sprung out from the back of the artifact, digging their way deep into the wall so they could slow down the impact. 
You were probably going to get an earful from Aizawa, but wearing this belt and the trusty bracelet over your right hand became a habit too hard to avoid, these ‘babies’ -yes, Hatsume had become quite an influence- were like a part of you, something you spent so much blood, sweat and tears developing from scratch.
Once your feet reached the floor again, the claws retreated back inside the belt. “Is everyone alright?!” You called out as the others dug their way out from the layers of dirt, luckily nobody had gotten injured during the fall and even if they had, it was a good thing there was a healer among them.
A thunderous roar could be heard, making you look at the direction where it came from, just to see this horrendous creature towering over the smallest guy from the group, what was his name? ah yes...Mineta.
After Koda tried using his quirk to calm down the creature, you realized they were not living creatures, most likely controlled by one of the pro-heroes supervising the school trip.
As soon as Midoriya managed to rescue his classmate and get rid of the first creature, another three appeared right after. This race against time was going to be harder than everyone thought. So might as well hurry up and lend everyone a hand.
“(Y/n)! behind you!” Turning around, you came face to face with another beast. Quickly, your hair began glowing with energy, growing until it reached the lower back and your arms became surrounded with a reddish aura, that somehow was acting differently than before, it started flickering wildly rather than flowing into smooth waves.
The beast lunged forwards, instantly being hit by an attack that ignited into flames as soon as it came in contact with it. Burning its whole body in a matter of seconds.
The more you kept running, the more of these creatures appeared and were taken care of just as fast. You had to admit it, everyone in the hero course was incredible in their own way.
It was strange using your quirk this long after spending so much time trying to avoid it. But if it meant no longer worrying about losing control, then you’d go through as much training as you had to endure.
Finally, after a long struggle in the forest, everyone managed to come out in one piece. But after using your quirk for so long, the only thing that didn’t hurt was your eyelashes. Every muscle in your body cried out in agony, exhausted, and begging for some rest, the same thing could be said about your irritated eyes.
“Arriving at noon my ass…” Nobody said a thing when you dropped face down on the floor, muttering a bizarre combination between nonsense and profanities. Too tired to pay attention to everything happening around you, like the moment poor Midoriya got punched in the crotch by Mandalay’s nephew, Kouta.
“Shouto, if you drag me inside I’ll treat you to the cafe for a whole month…”
“...Sorry, but you’re on your own.” 
“...You traitor.”
The meals were exquisite, every dish could almost be on pair with your sister’s cooking. And just as you expected, right before leaving for the hot springs, Aizawa made sure to confiscate your belt and any equipment you had left.
“All of it, Todoroki.” 
“...” 
With a defeated grumble, you took off the earrings as well before following after the girls.
The hot water felt heavenly against your sore body the more you sank down in the spring. If it could be possible, you’d stay underwater forever if it wasn’t for this little thing called ‘oxygen’. Swiftly your body rose up to the neck, leaning back against the edge of the spring between Jirou and Hagakure with a relaxed smile adorning your whole face.
“Ahhh, this feels so nice˜” your hands brushed some stray, damp locks away from your soaked face. The girl’s chatter was a pleasant noise in the background as every thought slipped away into nothing but a white noise inside your head.
“(y/n)?” Uraraka��s voice snapped you out from the little daze you fell in, when you turned to look at her it wasn’t only the brunette looking at you, but all of the girl’s attention was focused on you.
“Yes? What is it?” The grogginess in your voice and face was too funny to ignore, judging by their fits of giggles.
“How did you come up with the idea to make your equipment to subtle? It’s amazing!” Mina was the first one to speak, there was a glint of excitement in her eyes just thinking about the gadgets you used during the sports festival. In fact, all of them seemed interested in the subject, leaving you amazed by their reactions.
A huge smile appeared on your face upon realizing how fascinated they seemed about the equipment.
“Well, I know that sometimes equipment can make a difference for heroes, but it can also get in the way if it’s something too bulky or difficult to handle.” You explained to the small audience, not even aware that in the middle of the explanation, your hands wouldn’t stop moving all over the place as you spoke with enthusiasm.
Or how small ambers of gold began escaping through the corners of your eyes the more ecstatic you became during the explanation.
“So I thought of creating something that could be both subtle and practical at the same time, like-” 
“Ummm, (y/n)? Your quirk is going off again?” Jirou’s voice had a hint of concern, that made the words die instantly at the back of your throat when you looked at the reflection in the water and in fact, the glow in your eyes just kept growing.
They kept watching in silence, worried as you curled into a small ball at the edge of the spring, taking deep breaths that aided with the focus, until they specks of golden light finally disappeared.
“I…I’m sorry.” You couldn’t muster enough courage to look at any of them. Feeling ashamed of yourself, like a burden for everyone because you were unable to do something as simple.
“Wait, we didn’t mean it like that!” Looking up, you were met with many pairs of worried gazes that reminded you of the day everyone at school found out there was more than one Todoroki at U.A. but at the same time, it was a complete contrast as well.
Because these people were genuinely worried about you.
“Please don’t think you’re being a burden to anyone here, (y/n)“ Momo approached your curled self in an attempt to be reassuring. As a matter of fact, everyone else was doing her best to help out. “Besides that’s why you’re here with us. And if there’s anything we can do to help, we will!” 
Everyone else nodded and you’d be lying if you’d say their actions didn’t make something warm stir deep inside. It was...nice to know that including your friends in class, there were more people out there trying to help out.
With a grateful smile, you looked at every single one of the girls sitting around the spring “Thank you, guys….”
Soon you were all engaged into some playful chatter, from stuff like school, trying to get better grades on a certain subject -which you and Momo eagerly offered to help with- to being curious about tomorrow’s training….and other things as well…
In the midst of all the chatter, you were able to hear some commotion from the boy’s side of the baths. It was pretty vague, but Iida’s screams of “Restrain yourself!” were easily a hint of the chaos about to unfold.
And then Kouta’s small figure appeared at the top of the wall that faced the guy’s side of the baths.
“Learn what it means to be a dignified human being before aiming to become a hero.” The little boy spoke with such indifference as he pushed Mineta away.
“Do you guys deal with that every day?” You had to ask, and when more than one girl nodded their response left you perplexed enough to sink back into the warm water.
“Some week this is gonna be.”
You had no idea just how hard the following days would really be...
@bnhabookclub @gallickingun @godtieruwu @hanniejji @mysticalite @samanthaa-leanne @savagetrickster @shoobirino @bnha-ra @hawks-senseis @sugacookiies @unbreakableeiji @wesparklebitch
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chronical-ly · 3 years
Text
Ellie Williams x reader one shot
Prompt: Everyone notices that Ellie and Joel is no longer talking to each other so the reader tries to comfort her during a hunting trip.
Warnings: Little bit of fluff and angst
Word count: 1598
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Friends?
It was her turn to stay up late and keep watch while her hunting group rested in their sleeping bags. No one wanted to return to Jackson without bringing back a deer or even a few bunnies so they all decided to set up camp inside an abandoned gas station, not wanting to sleep in the woods.
So now it was Ellie's turn to stare out the window that was slightly caked in dirt with her rifle leaning against the sill. While her eyes squinted and stared into the darkness outside her mind was wondered off, thinking back to the truth Joel had finally spoken. He had taken her from the hospital, killed the doctors and Marlene and the chance to rid the world of infected.
It wasn't his choice to make and yet he did it anyways, just the thought of Joel made anger and sadness well up inside Ellie causing her to shut her eyes as she balled her hands into fist. "Fucking idiot," she mumbled with a scoff, so many could've been saved if he would've let them make the cure, Tess wouldn't have died for nothing, those teenagers that ran away last year would still be alive, hell- Marlene still would be alive right now. She was like a mother to Ellie and she's gone.
Ellie's eyes shot open when the light taps of footsteps echoed through the gas station coming straight towards her, she turned around to see the new kid- they called them- with a blanket wrapped around their shoulders as they sluggishly made their way to stand next to Ellie. They've only been in Jackson for two weeks and have managed to get a job for hunting instead of parole, not to mention that they've been all buddy-buddy with Joel lately.
"How we doing out here?" (Y,n) asked her, clearing their throat so it wasn't too scratchy when they spoke.
Ellie glanced at them, trying to figure out why they were at the front and not sleeping before the sun began to rise. She predicted that in an hour or two soft orange and yellow colors would fill the sky and she'd have to go in the back and wake up the group. "Fine." was all she responded with.
"Okay, that's good," (Y,n) nodded, rubbing the sleep from their eyes with a yawn following behind. "Want me to take over? You can get some sleep before we get back to it." They watched as Ellie said nothing but shook her head no, it was obvious that talking to was going to be harder than it was with Dina and Kat.
"Alright... You hungry? I can split my granola bar with you if-"
"What are doing?" Ellie cuts them off, wrinkles appearing on her freckled face as her eyebrows squint closer together in annoyance. She was doing just fine standing in silence while her mind raced with troubling thoughts, she didn't someone to come along and bother her.
"I uh- I'm just trying to make conversation," (Y,n) spoke in a lower tone, not sure why Ellie was now upset with them. "I know it can be kind of lonely doing these things by yourself." Ellie scoffed at their words and shook her head,
"Look, I don't need you check up on me for Joel. Tell him I said to fuck off and stop bothering me," She spat, glaring at the teenager beside her who gave a confused look. They knew that something was happening between her and Joel but decided not to ask, instead they wanted to make sure that Ellie was doing okay and hopefully make her smile. If they could be friends with Kat and Dina how hard could it be to friends with her?
"I'm not here because of Joel." (Y,n) told her honestly and received a scoff from the auburn haired girl.
"I highly doubt that, why else would you be talking to me?" Ellie found it hard to believe that they'd even approach her without Joel pushing them to do so.
"Because a friend of Dina's is a friend of mine. Plus you look kind of sad so I thought I could cheer you up." She finally looked at the half sleep teenager and stared them in their eyes, searching for any sign that could tell her that what they're saying is a lie. But there wasn't any. (Y,n) was genuinely trying to help her.
Ellie sighed and looked away from them, she hoped that her inner lie detector wasn't broken and they weren't tricking her. She didn't want to have to get into another fight.
"Whatever..." Ellie mumbled, biting on the inside of her cheek as her company turned around and leaned against the window sill with a sigh, staring at whatever was in front of their view.
"Were you always with Joel?" They asked, breaking the deafening silence that began to swallow them whole over the last ten minutes, "you don't have to answer of course, just tryna make small talk." (Y,n) reminded, bringing their blanketed hand up to rub their nose with a sniff.
Ellie couldn't find any harm in answering their question, they weren't asking why she was mad at Joel or when she'd talk to him again so this seemed to okay. "Uh, no. I met him when I was fourteen."
(Y,n) nodded in response, not caring that her answer was short and to the point.
"What about you?" Ellie blurted out, shutting one eye in cringe feeling as if she had made a fool of herself for asking so abruptly. But it was something a lot of people were thinking since the teen was found alone by one of their patrols.
"I was with these people, they weren't my parents but... They took care of me as if they were before we got separated," (Y,n) softly smiled, remembering the faces of the people who took care of them all those years ago. The auburn haired girl finally looked to them, wanting to know more she continued the new found conversation.
"So what happened to your real parents?" Ellie grabbed her left forearm with her right, studying their face as they thought back on before,
" I was found alone in an old house or something, all they told me was that a few runners were banging on my bedroom door while some feasted on my parents."
"Shit," Ellie breathed out, "I'm sorry."
"It's fine, I was too young to even remember that day," (Y,n) gave a weak smirk while staring into the girls deep brown eyes. "If I'm being honest, a part of me misses them. Even though I don't remember them I can't help but feel like I've lost something because of that." Both teens eyes were now filled with sorrow.
"Yeah... I actually understand what you mean." Ellie knew that feeling all too well. Her mother died during childbirth and her father was some mysterious man who most likely doesn't or didn't even know he had/s a daughter. The girls life was surrounded by others telling her how much she looked like her mother which only brought an ache to her heart.
Ellie leaned against the sill as well, setting her hands on either side, gripping the edges. "I don't think we're missing anything, there's some good things that come out of not having parents." She pointed out, trying to lighten the dampened mood.
"Such as?" (Y,n) was now intrigued.
"Well for starters, Dina's parents won't let her date until she's eighteen so she's secretly dating Jesse right now. And, let's see..." Ellie tapped the sill staring off in the distance for a second before snapping her head back to them, "Jason's dad won't let him grow out his hair and Kat's mom makes her volunteer at the daycare on her days off."
"Ah man! That sucks. Just imagine having to do clean up for horses stall because your parents thought you should 'help out'" (Y,n) did air quotations causing both teens to chuckle a bit too loud at the image of shoveling horse poop at the request of their imaginary strict parents.
When (Y,n) put their hands down, their left hand landed on top of Ellie causing to the two to glance at each other before pulling away in embarrassment. Why did that make Ellie's face warm up? After a few stray chuckles left each mouth the silence returned but it wasn't suffocating or threatening, it was comfortable... It was nice.
"Hey uh... Do you think we could be friends?" They asked, glancing towards the freckled faced girl. "If you want that is."
"I mean, one doesn't just talk about dead parents and automatically become best friends," Ellie joked, making them brightly smile which caused her to do the same. "Yeah, (Y,n). We're friends."
The two sat there and spoke about whatever came to mind, enjoying each other's company and laughing just a bit too loud while peeking over their shoulders making sure nothing out of the ordinary was happened outside. Without warning, the glow of orange and yellow rays lit up the sky and peered through the mildly clear spots on the window, indicating that it ws time to wake up the others. Ellie hoped that this little talk wouldn't be the last, she was starting to like the new kid- (Y,n) so the teen made up her mind to keep them by their side.
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annaphoenix1994 · 3 years
Text
Horseshoe Overlook - Americans at Rest
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Minnie looked up from cleaning her rifle to the sound of hoofbeats, relieved that it was her father finally returning home after being to town all day. "Ya get lost?" She questioned with a grin, teasing him.
"I might have," Her father replied, stopping Trace at the hitching post outside the cabin. "I met a feller and we got to talkin' and I lost track of time." He explained.
"Did you talk the poor man's head off?" She chuckled.
"No, he actually liked talkin' to me. He didn't talk much of himself though. Just another ear to listen I suppose. Real nice feller. You'd like him!"
"Is that so?" She scoffed.
"Sure is! He looked a little older than you, but was real polite and charming. You would've fallen in love with his eyes," He explained, knowing his daughter was soft for blue eyes. Jameson was always a man who remembered another's face. In his time, it was crucial to remember a familiar face.
Minnie's heart fluttered as she immediately thought of the "man in blue" back on the Cornwall train. 'That's a one in a million chance it was him' she thought to herself, frowning in disappointment. "So, that's what you do: playing matchmaker for your daughter!" She laughed, shaking the memory of the man's blue eyes from her mind.
"Nah, I just met him while I was having a drink and we got to talking. He reminded me of you, so I immediately brought you up." He explained.
"You didn't tell him my name, did you?" She rose her brows.
"Of course not!"
"Good," She smiled. "I'll go make some dinner," She said as she stood to her feet before stretching by raising her arms above her head. "You still play your banjo? You said earlier that you missed playing."
"I haven't lately. Say, you wanna sing with me later?" He suggested.
"Of course, pa," Minnie smiled. "Give me an hour to make dinner." She assured as she walked into the cabin after getting the provisions from Trace's saddlebag. She caught a glimpse of her father staring off into the distance again like he had done earlier, worried about something happening. She sighed as she knew sooner or later, he would have to be under supervision twenty-four seven. She made her way to the chest at the foot of her bed, pulling out a dark blue skirt to compliment her cream-colored blouse. She tied her apron around her waist as she made haste in getting dinner prepared. Dusk was soon approaching as she lit a lantern to flatter the inside of the cabin while her father lit the lantern that hung from the porch.
"I'll be right back!" He announced from outside. "Goin' to go put Trace up!"
She nodded as she looked at him through the window, rapidly stirring the heated corn kernels, mixing cream and flour in them as it was heating up, making creamed corn as she waited for the camp bread to rise as they cooked on a cast-iron skillet.
"You comin' in for dinner?" She asked as the food was finally ready. It wasn't much, but it was definitely a bigger meal than what was typical: creamed corn, camp bread, celery sticks, salted beef, and potato slices.
"This looks great, dear!" He applauded as he sat across from her at the small table. She smiled as she set his prepared plate in front of him as well as the skillet of camp bread in the middle of the table just in case they wanted more.
"Thank you," She replied as she poured him a tin cup of water before pouring her own as she sat down to join him.
"How long you plan on stayin'?" He asked.
"What kind of question is that?" She furrowed her brows.
"You know exactly what I'm askin'. You know I hate talkin' about this, but I need to know." He replied, his mouth full of creamed corn.
She sighed, "I don't know. We have quite a bit of money for now, so I don't think I'd be goin' anywhere any time soon." She assured him, sighing a breath of relief as she saw him smile at her response. She could tell it made him happy to hear that as well as she, but she knew she would have to leave sometime soon.
Their conversations were brief as they ate, grateful that they were able to eat a meal this big compared to the simple diet of beans, camp bread, and dried fruit. During their meal, she couldn't help but notice how fidgety her father was, which wasn't normal for him unless he was eager to do something.
"What's eatin' at you, pa?" She asked.
"When I was talking to the feller I met, we got to talkin' about how we used to be in church. I miss playin' my banjo while you sing. It brings back so many memories. Wanna go play?" He asked, his grey eyes pleading for remembrance as he was desperate to ignore the awful gut feeling he had of things about to take a turn for the worst.
She smiled, "I haven't sang in years..."
"That don't matter. You know you'll feel better if you sing. Takes stress off ya!" He suggested.
"Alright, fair enough! You got me!" She chuckled. "Let me clean these plates up first. I'll meet you out on the porch." She said. He nodded as he slowly stood to his feet, grabbing his banjo as he walked to the front porch. She grew excited as she heard him tune up the instrument, knowing that he was eager to play as it was one of his many talents. Brief thoughts came back to her from when she would sing in the choir at church growing up, looking at her father for comfort to ease her nerves as he played the banjo while the church group sang. In a way, she needed this as much as he did.
She wiped her hands on her apron before removing it, grabbing a bottle of whiskey to take with her to soothe her nerves, even if she was just singing in front of herself and her father. "Alright, what song should we do?" She asked, sitting down in the rocking chair next to her father.
"Wayfaring Stranger" to start out. It's slow and I know I'm a bit rusty." He chuckled.
"I don't know if I remember the words!" She giggled.
"You will, dear," He assured. "You ready?"
She nodded as she gulped, closing her eyes, waiting to hear the soft strums of the banjo to get the rhythm of the old song.
I am a poor wayfaring stranger Traveling through this world alone There is no sickness, toil nor danger In that fair land to which I go
I'm goin' home to meet my mother I'm  goin' home, no more to roam I am just goin' over Jordan I am just goin' over home
I know dark clouds will hover o'er me I know my pathway's rough and steep But golden fields lie out before me Where weary eyes no more will weep
I'm goin' home to meet my father I'm  goin' home, no more to roam I am just goin' over Jordan I am just goin' over home
youtube
"I told ya!" He cheered her, chills erecting on his forearms. His daughter really had the voice of an angel. "What about "Cruel World?"
"I'll see if I can remember that one! That one's new!" She chuckled, feeling more confident as her natural talent came back to her.
Cruel, cruel world, must I go on? Cruel, cruel world, I'm moving on I've been living too fast And I've been living too long Cruel, cruel world, I'm gone
This big ol' world sure got me running 'round I heard a voice that said, "Just settle down" And with the moonlight as my guide And with this feeling deep inside I know now that I am homeward bound
"Should we do another?" She asked, taking another shot of whiskey to calm her rattling nerves. It felt as if every other problem in the world has faded away, even the gang lurking in the distance, waiting to make their move.
He smiled as he strummed his banjo once more, his mind searching for the next song to suggest, but his mind was boggled by the irritable gut pain he kept getting, feeling like he was being watched.
"What have we got here? A party?" A man said from horseback, holding his lantern up. Minnie's eyes widened as she stood to her feet, standing in a protective stance in front of her father.
"Mind your business," She snarled.
"Oh, I am, darlin'. You see, I have a reason to be here tonight,"
"Yeah? And I have a reason to shoot you if you don't leave right now!" She warned, raising her brows.
The stranger chuckled, "Ha! I don't see that happenin'," He said as a few more men appeared from the perimeter.
'Me and my big mouth,' She scolded herself.
"Dear, I believe your sins have come to get their due." She heard her father say.
That sentence stung her heart, but she knew he was right. "Get inside," She said.
"What're you gonna do?" He whispered.
"Don't worry about it. They look like bounty hunters. They just want me-"
"Oh, we don't just want you, but this house. Ya see, your buddy needs a place to stay-"
"Your buddy will have a hole in the ground to stay in. Not here, so get lost!" She hissed.
"Get lost, huh?" She heard a familiar voice say.
Colm O'Driscoll.
"Shit," She mumbled. "You heard me," She said, making her voice stern. She never wanted her father to be involved in her ways of being an outlaw, but she came to peace with the fact that he would eventually.
"You're right, I did. Loud and clear. Now you hear me: we're takin' your home. We need a hideout. Now if you want to live with your pa here, I suggest you move aside and let us in," Colm explained.
"Over my dead body!" She snarled.
Colm shrugged his shoulders, taking his pistol from his holster, pulling the hammer back, "If you say so," He said, pulling the trigger, except his aim wasn't on her, but her father.
With a grunt and thud, he landed on the porch. She immediately knelt down to him, holding his head in her hands, crying uncontrollably, apologizing to him, "I'm so sorry! I'll never be able to forgive myself for this!" She cried, her tears blurring her vision. He tightly gripped her hand, using his thumb to rub the top of her hand. "Never be sorry. It's how the ways things is," He panted. "I love you,"
"I love you too," She cried, bowing her head to where her forehead was resting on his. "Give momma a kiss for me,"
He chuckled quietly, "I know she's a-waitin' on me!"
"Get her outta my sight!" She heard Colm demand. She tried her best to fight the two men grabbing her, pulling her away from her father. "Dump him in the wagon right there!" He demanded, pointing to the unusable wagon sitting a few yards away from the cabin.
Both of the men gripped her harshly by her arms, dragging her away from her now-deceased father. Her body was numb and her brain felt stunned while her vision was blurred by her tears. Her heart was broken.
Both of Colm's men drug her into the cabin, using a stiff rope to tie her wrists around the thick cot post before tying her ankles together. "Where should we start?" Colm asked as he walked into the cabin, scavenging the food that had previously been prepared.
"Don't think there ain't shit here, boss." One of the men said.
Colm smirked, "Oh, there's somethin' here. Search every cabinet and chest," He directed. The men nodded as they followed orders. Minnie shut her eyes and turned her head as she felt Colm's presence tower over her, his rough hand gripping her jaw and turning her face towards him. "You got prettier," He whispered, evident of the bourbon he had been drinking. "You think you could get away with threatenin' me like that?" He mocked.
"I still can," She spat. "There ain't much you can do to me now. I got nothin' better to live for."
"Very cooperative, Miss Barlow. Congratulations, you'll be livin' your new life in prison after we have ya turned in. That's a mighty fine bounty you got on your head." He said.
"'Bout as big as the one on yours," She replied, pursing her lips. "I'd rather rot in prison than sit and hear your bullshit words," She opened her eyes to stare into his, taunting him. He clenched his fingers harder against her skin, wanting to make her wince, which she didn't. He didn't want to admit that she was as tough as nails as he was going to do everything in his power to make her crumble.
"What're you gonna do? Hit me? So big and bad." She mocked. Without a response, he did just that, smacking her clean across the face twice, slightly splitting her lip.
"You're gonna wish you didn't piss me off." He said, roughly pulling her closer to him, his lips centimeters from her cheek.
"Likewise."
───※ ·❆· ※───
A few days later...
Arthur took a long draw from his cigarette as he walked through the saloon in Valentine, scanning the area for Javier and Charles. He remembered that Hosea had said they had been going back and forth to Valentine since arriving at Horseshoe Overlook, haste to get a drink almost every night. He put out the cigarette with his boot, walking over to his fellow gang members, chuckling as they were trying to get in between the sheets with the local working girls.
"Hey! Alright, here we go!" Javier cheered as he had talked one of the working girls he had his eyes on to take back a shot of hard liquor he had paid for. Javier had always been one to try too hard to get women. "Oh, Arthur! Come here, come here!" He said, grabbing him by the shoulder. "Come over here, I want you to meet our friends,"
"Please to meet you," Arthur said, not interested in getting to know these women, although he couldn't keep his eyes off of the younger woman's oversized breasts. 'No wonder Javier wants a go at that,' He thought to himself.
"Well ain't you just the tough as teak mountain man," The large-breasted woman flirted, her eyes scanning him up and down, biting her lip at his strong build and broad shoulders.
"Oh, you be quiet, Anastasia, anyone can tell this one is a pussy cat!" The other woman teased.
"Exactly, yes he's a pussy...cat," Javier said, bringing back the attention of the women to himself. "Ain't that so, Arthur?"
"Whatever you say," Arthur replied, standing back to look at the women up and down like they did to him. "How much you cost, anyway?"
"Well ain't that a nice way to talk to a lady," Anastasia flirted, resting her elbows on the bar as she leaned back.
"Oh, I didn't know I was talkin' to a lady," Arthur sneered, thankful that they got offended.
"Excuse me," Anastasia said, embarrassed, gesturing for the other girl to follow her, Charles attempting to graze her arm as he was almost heartbroken that she was leaving.
"Well, I must say, you got a fine way with the women, amigo," Javier sighed.
"Yeah, a regular dandy and a charmer," Arthur chuckled, now leaning against the bar. "Where's Bill?" He asked before taking back a shot.
"Oh, man, I dread to think about it," Javier replied, taking a drink for his own. "Hey hey hey, there he is!" Javier pointed to his now-drunken friend, staggering through the saloon doors, accidentally bumping into a fellow customer.
"Hey! Watch where you're goin'!" Bill spat, pushing the man away from him.
"Take it easy!" The local replied.
"Is he about to kiss that guy or punch him?" Arthur questioned, taking another shot as he knew he was about to get his knuckles bloody.
"Oh, and we have our answer!" Javier said, taking the lead and attacking the man that punched Bill.
Arthur sighed as he prepared his fists by cracking his knuckles and rolling his shoulders as he made his way to an opponent, delivering a few good blows before being punched himself, making his anger peak.
"Let's just shoot these bastards!" He heard Bill yell as he was growing more agitated that he was receiving more punches than delivering.
"Don't think that's a good idea!" Arthur grunted as he used the pillar to slam his opponent's head, knocking him out cold.
"Ain't there no men in this saloon?" Bill teased as three men had him cornered, two holding each of his arms as the third was delivering blows to his abdomen and face. Arthur groaned as he grabbed the man by the shoulders, turning him around to hook him square in the jaw, sending him staggering until he fell backward, holding his face.
"What the hell is goin' on down here?" A gruff voice said from atop the staircase. Arthur's eyes widened at how big this man was, secretly hoping that he wasn't going to have to fight him. 'With my luck...' He thought.
"No, Tommy, stay outta this!" The bartender pleaded as he took shelter behind the bar.
"Come here, you little greaser!" Tommy mocked, his attention on Javier.
Javier shook his knuckles as he attempted to throw a punch at him, Arthur following closely behind before being struck from behind by a man with an old wooden chair, wrapping his arms around Arthur's neck, using his elbow to squeeze.
"Get the hell off me!" Arthur grunted as he used his elbow to deliver a few strikes to his abdomen. Once he was weakened, Arthur escaped from his grip, using everything he had to throw a solid punch to the man's temple, knocking him out cold.
"He ain't gettin' up from that!" Bill chuckled. "Javier needs some help, Morgan!" He said.
Arthur rushed to Javier, whose face was being implanted into the wooden table closest to the window.
"Hey, tough guy!" Arthur yelled, grabbing Tommy by the shoulders, pulling him off of Javier before punching him in the stomach. Tommy pursed his lips before grabbing Arthur's jacket collar, striking him in the cheek before effortlessly throwing him across the table. "You want some too, huh?" Tommy mocked as Arthur struggled to get up, trying to catch his breath. Tommy gripped his jacket, using his body to almost throw Arthur through the window, tumbling into the muddy street below.
"Come on, pretty boy," Tommy mocked, marching down the three steps that led out of the saloon.
"You're kiddin' me, pretty boy?" Arthur questioned as he staggered to his feet, mentally preparing himself for another brawl.
The men boxed for a good few minutes before Arthur finally had the final say, straddling Tommy as he repeatedly delivered multiple blows to the man's face, wondering why he wasn't out cold yet. If it were up to him, he would've shot him by now.
"Stop! Stop! Please!" A bystander intervened, putting himself between Arthur as he was sure he was close to splitting Tommy's skull. "Please, I beg you. Stop. Come, sir. You won the fight already, surely that's enough?" The man suggested.
"What business is it of yours?" Arthur growled.
"No business," The man replied, coughing as he spit bile from his mouth. "No business, sir, but please, I beg you-"
Arthur had enough, pushing past the man as he quickly tended to Tommy. Arthur grabbed his shoulder as it was aching more than any other limb, making his way to the general store to have a seat on the bench outside, not even noticing Dutch's presence.
"Making new friends again I see, Arthur," He heard a familiar foreign voice say.
"Look who we found sniffing about," Dutch said, introducing the gang's longtime friend, Josiah Trelawny, a former member of the Van der Linde gang and Englishman. By how Arthur noted how he was dressed, he wasn't the only one giving him the odd look of 'this man is a long way from civilization.'
"Josiah Trelawny," Arthur said.
"The very same!" Dutch chuckled as Josiah did a bow, introducing himself.
"Well, well," Arthur said as he took a seat on the bench. "I thought you'd gone to New York?"
"And miss all this glamour?" Josiah replied in his sing-song voice. "You must be joking!"
"How are you?" Arthur asked as he now stood up to walk off his aches as sitting only seemed to make it worse.
"Quite well indeed," Josiah replied. "I went to Blackwater looking for you gentlemen. You're not very popular down there it seems," He explained. "Ah Javier and Charles! I've missed you! And Bill looking as well as can be. Gentlemen, always a pleasure!"
"You're right, we ain't too popular in Blackwater," Dutch nodded as the men seemed to be gathered in a small circle to talk about future plans.
"We left a lot of money there," Arthur said to Josiah as he was now sitting on the steps to the general store, finding the steps more comfortable than the bench.
"And young Sean it seems," Josiah added, referring to the young, cocky Irishman who had been with the gang and captured by the lawmen in Blackwater.
"Sean? You found him?" Dutch asked.
"Yes, I have!" Josiah nodded. "He's being held by some bounty hunters trying to see how much money the government will pay them. I know he's in Blackwater, but there's talk of him moving," He explained.
"Well, if we step foot in Blackwater well, then we're dead men for sure," Arthur warned, groaning as a sharp pain entered his jaw as he almost struggled to stand up.
"They'll be Pinkertons all over the place, but if he's alive we gotta try," Dutch said.
"Yeah, of course,"
"It's you they want, Dutch," Josiah warned.
"Always is. Charles, go find out what you can, carefully. Josiah, take Javier. Arthur, go get yourself cleaned up. Join them when you're ready," Dutch commanded.
"Well, what about me?" Bill asked, walking with Dutch as he dismissed himself.
"Well exactly, what about you?"
"W-What does that mean?"Bill questioned.
"Ah, Bill. Come on,"
Arthur shook his head as he made his way to the barrel of water in the alleyway, quickly cleaning his face before heading to the hotel to pay happily for a piping hot bath and a warm bed to stay in.
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storydays · 3 years
Text
Chapter 1: The Adventure Begins p2
*In the forest*
Sprinting through the woods, Ezra felt his heart race as a shriek echoed through the night. "Remember Ezra! Owlbears are carnivorous beasts with great strength and limited intellect! They fear fire and are easily startled." Ezra slid down the hill, leaving a dust trail behind and knelt to the ground, watching the scene in front "Stay back! Please?" asked/demanded an old man hugging a tree. He waved his staff trying to wave him off. Unfazed the enraged owlbeast rose on its hind legs, and shrieked again.
"Kade, Nia stand back. I've got this." He spoke lowly, before aiming his late father's dagger and hurling it with scary good precision. The blade sunk deep into the beasts leg, making it growl in pain. "I've got more where that came from." Ezra threatened. It growled locking eyes on the elf, before preparing to attack. Using his heighten elven senses, Ezra watched thick muscles tighten a millisecond before it swung its heavy paw towards the young elf. Ezra rolled under its paw.
"Yes! Two points Ezra, zero points owlbear!" cheered Kade. Thron off-balance, the injured creature crashed into a tree. It staggered back, shaking its head. It screeched at Ezra; it was hurt badly, and furious. "Watch out! It's going to charge!" Nia cried. Studying the beast, Ezra pulled out his sword, and put it to the side, out of his reach, and held up his empty hands, locking eyes with the owlbear.
"I understand now. You were just protecting your owlet-cubs. I'm sorry we disturbed your family. I am also sorry for injuring you. Will you let me heal you?" Ezra asked softly, making his way towards the beast before he was crouching in front of the beast. "Ezra! What are you doing?" Kade exclaimed, shocked at his brother's actions. "Making amends." The elf stated before holding a hand out in front of the beast. It hissed at him before watching its owlet-cubs flutter towards the white haired being.
They licked him and cooed happily as he ran a hand over their feathers. Taking note of her distraction, Ezra took out some ointment and gently removed the knife and applied the healing medicine. The creature sighed in relief before nuzzling Ezra and ushering her children along. "Go on, follow your mother." He chided the littlest owlet-cub, who hurried to catch up with his family.
"Nothing to it." Ezra chuckled, cleaning his blade, and sheathing it in his thigh holster. "You really got it to go away! Ezra, that was amazing!"Nia cheered, starting to throw her arms around the elf but stops and backs away, embarrassment clear on her cheeks. She twirled a piece of hair in her fingers, fidgeting. "I mean....I am very grateful for your service." She corrected. "My pleasure. If I had it my way working with animals would be an every day occurrence." In front of you, the old man climbs down from the tree and approaches the group. Ezra eyed his priest robes, cloak, and the many viles on his person.
"Thank you, kind strangers! Without you, I wouldn't know what I would've done." "Mister, it was really no trouble." Ezra shrugged. Nia and Kade smile at Ezra, brown and green eyes filled with wonder. "Maybe for you it wasn't, but we didn't stand a chance on our own. We're in your debt." "The Light blesses those who help travelers in need. It will shine upon you two. "It's not a sack of coin, but I'll take it." The old man swooped into a deep bow before the brothers.
"I am Scholar Vash Vallerin, High Priest of the Light. I see you've already met my apprentice, Nia." He sent a warm smile towards the two men, as Nia spoke up. "I'm sorry, Scholar...I tried to use the Light to ward off the owlbear, but the magic wasn't powerful enough. " "No need to apologize, my dear. You are still a novice, and have never had to use battle magic in a real scenario. You did what you could." Scholar Vash soothed Nia.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on. You can use magic? I've never met a mage before!" Kade looked at the two with sparkles in his eyes. "One day, Nia will be a great priestess, healing the sick, protecting the weak, holding the darkness of the world at bay! For now though, she's still training. We're on a pilgrimage to visit all of the temples of the Light throughout the kingdom. Is there one in your village, perhaps?" Vash asked.
"Not since we've lived here. I don't think anyone follows that faith anymore." Kade hummed. "There might be one person....that one lady who lives in the cave by the river?" Ezra wondered outloud. "No, she worships the Great Beetle, remember?" laughed the younger brother. "What a shame," sighed the old man, "The decline of the faithful...In any case, we're seeking the Temple of Ellara...Which is supposed to be right around here." Vash looked around, for said place.
"The Temple of Ellara? That old ruin? I haven't been there myself, but it's about a day's walk from town." Kade explained. "Oh, that's the most wonderful news! Nia, we must journey at once!" Vash clapped his hands excitedly. "But...are you sure it's safe? What if we encounter another owlbear? Or worse?" "Nia frowned at her mentor's words.
"Fortunately, the Light has blessed us with these fine, strapping adventurers to protect us!" Vash gestured to the elf and human. "Err..we aren't--" Kade was interrupted by Vash. "We can't offer you much, but if you'd accompany us to the temple and fend off any other mishaps..I could pay you 30 gold." "T-Thirty gold?" Ezra spoke up for the first time in a while, shocked at the price. "Can you give us a second to talk it over?" Ezra pulled his brother out of earshot, the teen looking anxiously Nia and Vash.
"Ezra, I don't know about this. Scaring off one owlbear is fine, but there's not telling what's put there by those ruins." "Kade, come on. It's just an old temple, and I'm sure there's tons of useful knowledge in that head of yours." Ezra smiled. "I do know about ancient temples." Kade hummed. "Besides, we could really use the adventure. If this works out, we could accompany them on the rest of their journey. We could see the world outside Riverbend's walls! Nowhere too far, of course. But if it turns out we're good at this 'adventuring' thing, who knows where it might lead?" Ezra asked, getting more excited with each passing moment.
"To our early graves?" Kade joked, yelping when his brother gave him a noogie. "You're such a pessimist. And I know you want to see the temple from your stories. Look, let's just take them to this temple and head back after, okay? We'll be 30 gold richer and you'll have a great new story to tell at the tavern." Ezra sang cheerfully. Kade shakes his head in defeat, a grin spreading across his face.
"Fine, big brother. I can't deny you an adventure that fell right into your lap." "Yes! That's the spirit!" Ezra cheered before slinging an arm around Kade's shoulders, they returned to the waiting priest and priestess. "We're in! We can take you to the Ellara temple ruins, then bring you back to Riverbend." "Oh that's wonderful news!" Nia smiled. "Indeed! Thank you, kind strangers!" Vash smiled with glee.
"Please, I'm Ezra and this is my brother Kade. Don't worry; if he starts talking your ear off, I'll slap him on the back of his head." He joked, ignoring Kade's mock glare. "I feel so much better having protection...especially from such a perceptive elf as yourself." Nia beamed. "It's too dark to keep traveling tonight. We'll camp here and continue on in the morning. Though, I must admit, I'm not much for setting up camp." Nia admitted with an embarrassed red blush on her cheeks.
Ezra chuckled gently. "Don't worry. The outdoors are my playground. Sit back and allow me." Using his knowledge of the woods, Ezra gathered firewood, created a windbreak, and stoked a steady fire to keep everyone warm...in 2 minutes flat. "Done!" "Wow, you really know what you're doing! I'm so glad you ran into you, Ezra!"
'Literally.' Ezra and Kade thought, snickering to themselves. Everyone settled in for the night. Scholar Vash disappeared into his tent and seconds later, the three remaining heard loud snoring. "I guess one of us will get some sleep tonight, even if it keeps the rest of us awake. " Kade chuckled. "You're one to talk! When you snore, it sounds like the rumbling of a swamp-hippo." Ezra joked.
"Come on, Ezra! Not in front of the priestess." Kade blushed, pouting slightly. "It's fine! I think swamp-hippos are adorable." Nia chimed in, innocently. "Not helping..but maybe counting swamp-hippos will help me fall asleep? Wish me luck, you two." Kade waved his good nights, leaving his laughing brother at the fire. Nia stared into the fire, deep into her thoughts, absentmindedly rubbing her wrist. "Everything okay?" Ezra asked, poking the fire.
"It's not a big deal, but I lost a bracelet of mine when the owlbear attacked." She admitted. "Oh, something sentimental?" wondered Ezra. "Sentimental...and practical. It's made of Lightcrystals, ones that strengthen my magic. Without it, well, I'm a little weaker. And I worry I'll need all the strength I can muster for the journey ahead." 'I suppose I could offer to help her go back and find it.' Ezra thought to himself.
"Welp, come along, Priestess. Let's go find that bracelet of yours. Before another owlbear picks it up." He stood up, reattaching his sword. "Are you sure we'll be safe?" Nia asked, standing up, twisting her fingers. "You can count on my blade..and the rest of me, too." Ezra assured. "Well, all right then! If you're sure!" Together, they snuck away from camp, going back the way they came from.
"So..how do you like our side of the world?" the elf wondered. "It's very different from what I'm used to. But I suppose most places are. This is the furthest I've ever been from home, you know? Did you grow up around here?" Brown eyes met gold eyes. "Yeah, Kade and I have spent our whole lives here. How about you?" "I've lived in the city of Whitetower all my life." She admitted. "The capital? asked Ezra. "The only one." Nia giggled.
"That's amazing! I've always wanted to see Whitetower. The beautiful spires...the king's castle..the shops and museums..." He trailed off, noticing Nia spacing out again. "I-I've never saw much of that. The Temple of Light adopted me as a baby, and that's where I spent most of my life. I only left to perform services with the other priests, delivering alms to the poor and healing the sick." She mumbled.
"So this pilgrimage you're on now..it's a big deal. You're seeing the world for the first time. " Ezra realized. "Yes...I'm thrilled to be ascending to priestess, but there's clearly so much more to the world than I'd ever imagined." Nia beamed at Ezra. "The world can be beautiful." he stated, looking at the stars. Nia glanced at him, but ducked her head, when gold eyes caught her staring.
"I-It certainly has been so far." She admitted. "I would give anything to see Cliffs of Colaris, or Flotilla, or the spires of Whitetower..." Ezra hummed. "Oh, you have to come to Whitetower someday!" "So many people from all over the realms bustling through the beautiful streets. At least, that's what I've hear." Nia lowered her voice to a whisper, "If you visit, I'll have an excuse to leave the Temple and see it all with you." "I'd like that very much."  Ezra yelped when Nia suddenly pulled him back with her with a startled look. 
"Wait! Ezra, look!!" She pointed to a small grove by a pond. Something bright and shiny sparkles on the ground, surrounded by a dozen frilled, lizard-like creatures. "Ugh, kromps." Ezra sighed. "I've never head of them! Why are they called--" "Kromp kromp! KROMP!" the creatures screeched. "Oh." Nia laughed nervously. "They're nasty little bastards crawling around hoarding shiny things for their burrows." 
"Do they bite?" the priestess wondered, shivering slightly. "Oh yeah, and the females are venomous. Want me to take care of them?" Ezra nudged the hilt of his sword questioningly.  "You mean...kill them? But they're so small and cute!" Nia blinked. "I...don't know about that,  but they aren't currently in between us and your bracelet." The elf raised an eyebrow.
"I don't want to hurt them! Do you have any other ideas?" "How about you use your magic? You said you can do magic, right? Anything that can help here?" Nia bit her lip, but nodded. "I suppose there's one thing I can try." Nia closed her eyes, drawing her hands to her chest before flaring them out wide. A blinding flash of white light blasts out of her hand, turning night to day for one dazzling second. 
"Whoa! I could've used a warning there!" Ezra complained, rubbing his eyes, seeing the kromps stunned from the sudden light. "Nice, Nia. I'm going to try and grab it!" Ezra sprinted forward, diving into a roll, grabbing the bracelet. Groaning, he shook off a mischievous kromp who sunk its teeth into his left bicep.
"Get off, you pest!" the kromp let go, flying into a tree. Ezra grabbed Nia's hand  and they ran off. "Ezra! Are you okay?" Nia asked, picking up her robes. "I'm fine, but those kromps are furious! Run!" Ezra commanded. The two sprinted through the woods, leaping over logs and ducking under branches until they collapse against an old tree. Panting heavily, Ezra handed the priestess her bracelet. 
"Please, tell me this is yours." Nia perked up, gently taking the jewelry. "It is! You really got it!" She lifted her hand, and Ezra gently slipped it onto her delicate wrist. As his fingers brushed against hers, he could swear he felt a crackle of energy.  A light blue glow engulfed Nia, as her power returned to its normal state. "Was that...magic?" asked the stunned elf. 
"Just a little." Nia giggled before reaching for Ezra's injured arm staring at the bite mark that was bleeding into his shirt.  "You're hurt!" she cried. "It's fine. A male kromp: no poison. I'm sure it's nothing." He shrugged. "Don't be ridiculous. Here, let me help you." Before he could protest, the human hovered her finger tips over the bite. Her lips began moving soundlessly, the forest growing still around the two, a warm breeze with whispers echoing through the stillness. 
Sparks of gold dance beneath Nia's fingers. Ezra felt his skin tingle before watching the wound close. Ezra sighed in quiet relief, "Amazing! It's like the cut was never there! I've never met someone who could use magic before." He grinned at Nia's blush on her cheeks. "It's what I've been trained all my life to do." Her smile fades, and she looks into her lap. "It's all I've never known. Using the power of the Light to serve others."
"That's impressive but also oppressive.  Don't you want to live your life for yourself?" Ezra asked. "Well, that seems awfully selfish, don't you think? If I have this gift that can help others, then I ought to use it. " Nia said firmly. "As long as you're happy, I guess that's what really matters." Ezra shrugged. "I'll be happy once I've ascended to priestess. Then I can truly do great works for the kingdom." Nia smiled. 
Finally the two made their way back to camp, and Ezra barely stifled a yawn. "Speaking of finishing your tasks..so you can ascend.." This time he does yawn. "Yeah, you're right. We should both get some sleep. Oh, and Ezra?" Nia started to walk away before turning to the white haired elf. "Yeah?" He asked, startled by the lack of space. "I'm so glad you joined us." Ezra smiled, taking Nia's hand, before kissing it delicately. The priestess turned as red as her hair. 
Thank you, Nia. Seriously." 
Light laughter fluttered through the camp.  "Thank you for accompanying me tonight. I'm not used to anyone's company but Vash's. I really enjoyed myself. " She admitted, peeking through her lashes. "I did too. It feels weird to say this, but I'm glad you lost your bracelet. But like you said, we should try and get some shuteye before we hit the road again. Sleep well, Priestess." Nia smiled once more, before heading to her tent. "May the Light guard your dreams, Ezra." "Yours too." 
*The next morning*
Ezra woke up to the sunrise, and wandered out of his tent, stretching. He found Kade sitting at the campsite, tuning his lute. "Ready for our big adventure?" Ezra yawned. "I am, brother. Although, before we go..are you sure you wanna head out looking that?" He teased at his brother's disheveled appearance. "What do you mean? What's wrong with this?" asked Ezra. 
"It's just...a little plain for the Great Adventurer Ezra." Kade hid a smile. "Do you have an alternative?" the elf asked sarcastically. Kade grinned and reached into his heavy bag. "I'm always prepared." Ezra smiled at the outfit before entering his tent to change the clothes.  He came out wearing a red vest with brown belt buckles across, a blue long sleeve under shirt. black slacks, and black boots. He strapped his sword hilt to his hip, and adjusted his necklace that changes color and shape, depending on his  mood. He re-braided his hair, and was in the middle of adjusting his wrist guards when his gold eyes looked slyly at his brother. 
"What do you think?" "Now that's what I'm talking about. Gone are my days of being the best dressed sibling." Kade joked, when Nia stepped out of her tent. She blinked, her eyes adjusted to the light, but her cheeks flushed red seeing Ezra. "Yes, you..you look quite remarkable." She agreed. 
Soon enough, the party of four headed off towards the ruins. "The forest is so beautiful in the daylight! The golden sunbeams filtering through the leaves, dew glinting on the under-bush..Ooh! Is that a deer?" Nia moved from one thing to another happily. Kade nudged Ezra as Nia wandered over to a bush with red flowers. 
"She doesn't get out much, does she?" He asked curiously, before grinning mischievously at his brother. "Oh no," groaned Ezra, "What now?" "You know what. Admit it: She's cute." the teen's green eyes sparkled with mischief. "She's beautiful, but not my type. I prefer strong women who can keep up with me." He nudged his brother with his shoulder.
"Maybe in a few years, she'll be your type." Ezra cackled, at the furious blush on Kade's face. "Oh! I think I see the temple ruins up ahead!" Nia cried, pointing with excitement. Golden eyes zeroed in on the crumbling  entrance of the Temple of Ellara at the end of the end of a stone staircase. 
But the ruins weren't empty. 
"Are those--?" Nia whimpered. Several human bodies litter the messy steps, caked in blood. "What...what is.." "By the Light, it's..." Vash gaped. "A massacre!" Kade gulped. Ezra felt his heart sink seeing the bodies. "By the Gods..is that--" he whispered. "Constable Angus, and poor Grenn." Kade agreed. Ezra straightened, looking sadly at his old friend.
"What the hell happened here?"
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