#it’s fine I understand they’re a huge pest but

[dialovers-translations]

DIABOLIK LOVERS DARK FATE Vol.2 Chapter of the First Quarter [TRACK 3]

Original title: 災厄の襲来

Source: Diabolik Lovers DARK FATE Vol. 1 Chapter of the First Quarter

Audio: Here

Seiyuu: Toriumi Kousuke, Katsuyuki Konishi, Midorikawa Hikaru, Kaji Yuki, Hirakawa Daisuke & Takashi Kondou

→  LIKE MY TRANSLATIONS? SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI!

Track 1 ll Track 2 ll Track 3 ll Track 4

Track 3: Disaster Strikes

*Ding・dong・ding・dongー*

You get into the limousine. 

*Thud* 

Ayato: Yo, Chichinashi. 

You flinch. 

Ayato: What’s with the frown, huh? Somethin’ happened, right?

You try to cover it up. 

Ayato: I can tell by the way you’re actin’. …’bout exactly what happened after I left. God, you really are hopeless, aren’t you? Haahー 

The limousine starts driving back to the manor. 

*TIMESKIP*

Ayato: Hm? …Oi, what happened to the other guys? 

You explain. 

Ayato: Aah…!? Excuse me? …God. So it’s just the two of us? Oh well, whatever. Oi, Chichinashi. I’m sure it’s obvious by this point, but I’m in a super duper bad mood right now. If you don’t want to get hurt again, you better leave me alone. 

You apologize.

Ayato: Ah? Why are you sayin’ sorry? I don’t understand?

He corners you. 

*Thud* 

*Rustle rustle* 

Ayato: I don’t want your apologies, honestly…

You frown. 

Ayato: But if you’re so insistent on sayin’ sorry, I’d much rather you show it through your actions. 

You tilt your head to the side. 

*Rustle rustle* 

Ayato: I want you to take initiative and beg for me to suck your blood. 

Your eyes widen in surprise.

Ayato: Since you’re apologizing, that means you feel as if you’ve done something bad to me, right? Deep down, you acknowledge that you belong to me. …Now, say it. 

*Rustle*

*Thud*

Ayato: …Ah? I can’t hear you when you whisper like that. Say it loud and clear. 

You look off to the side. 

Ayato: Che…You’re so infuriating. Honestly, chicks like you just make me wanna…

Ayato suddenly bites you.

*Sluuuurp* 

Ayato: Hahn…Mmh…

*Sluuuurp*

Ayato: Hah…What do I need to do…to make you mine and only mine…? Hahn…

*Sluuuurp*

Ayato: Mmh…Nn… Time after time, you keep on pissin’ me off… Hahn…

*Sluuuurp*

Ayato: Mmh…Mm…

*Sluuuurp*

*Rustle* 

Ayato: Why don’t you get that already? 

The car comes to a sudden halt. 

Ayato: …!? 

*Thud*

Ayato: Ugh…What was that…? Oi, driver!

You prompt Ayato to look out of the window.

Ayato: Ah…? What’s wrong, Chichinashi? Outside?

Wolves surrounded the car. 

Ayato: Aah…!? The fuck’s that…!? There’s a huge pack of dogs…No, they’re not dogs. …Wolves? They’ve got our limousine surrounded!

*Groooooowl*

*THUD THUD*

Ayato: …! This is bad! Chichinashi, don’t move!

They break inside the limousine. 

*SHATTER*

Ayato: What’s their problem…!? 

The Wolves start attacking Ayato. 

Ayato: Ugh…Chichinashi! Don’t you dare move from behind me! Ughーー! 

*Groooowl* 

Ayato: …Damnit…Ow! Ugh…

You grow increasingly worried. 

Ayato: I’m fine! …I won’t kick the bucket so easily…Who do you take me for, huh!? 

The Wolves keep on attacking Ayato.

Ayato: Ugh…Kuh…Uu…

Subaru: (muffled) Oi…! Ayato…!!

*CRASH*

Subaru: Who the fuck are you bastards…? …Hah!

Subaru starts beating them up.

*THUD THUD*

Subaru: …Hah!

*THUD THUD*

Subaru: Ugh…Annoyin’ pests…

*THUD THUD THUD*

The Wolves whine and retreat. 

Subaru: …Oi! You shitty mutts! Now you’re runnin’ huh…!? 

Subaru attempts to chase after them but they get away. 

Subaru: Che…Fuck. Of course they’re quick to run. 

*Rustle* 

Subaru: Ayato! Oi! Are you alright as well? 

Ayato: Ugh…

You freak out over Ayato’s severe injuries. 

Subaru: Ugh…Shut up! Don’t act like a fuckin’ lunatic! …Ayato’s unconscious. But if we stay here, it’s goin’ to cause a panic. 

*Whistle* 

*Flap flap flap flap*

Subaru: Oi, Familiars! Carry him to the castle! Right now!

*Rustle* 

Subaru: You shouldn’t be sittin’ there petrified either.

*Rustle* 

Subaru: …Can you stand? 

*Thud* 

You ask about Ayato. 

Subaru: …Ah? How am I supposed to know whether or not Ayato is alright? Don’t ask me. Let’s just return to the manor for now.

The two of you start walking home. 

Subaru: Che…Who are these guys? Wolves? It can’t be. There’s just no way. …I thought it was just some stupid rumor. Is this related to the Lunar Eclipse, just like the Old Man told us...?

ーー TO BE CONTINUED ーー

#diabolik lovers #dialovers #shuu sakamaki #reiji sakamaki #ayato sakamaki #kanato sakamaki #laito sakamaki #subaru sakamaki #diabolik lovers translation #diabolik lovers drama cd

[auckie]

Stink bugs are your favorite bug?! Man i love spiders and lots of other bugs but i put cigarettes out on those mfs. What is there to even like about them 😭

They’re cute you dumb bitch take a closer look see next time you put that cigarette down boy!

#it’s fine I understand they’re a huge pest but #weevils #shield bugs #eyelash bugs

[gale-dragon-writer]

Chaotic Reboot and/or Fixes Ideas

I'm just going to get this out of the way... I like the series because of the lore and the characters, both the humans and Perim inhabitants and how they interact. And if there is going to be a Reboot of this hidden gem, I'm watching it.

Okay, to the reboot/fixes ideas, that I'll label accordingly:

1) Fix. When Tom was thrown into Chaotic in the first episode, he had a Battledome Match almost right away even though he didn't know How different the battles are in Chaotic than he's used to (there's a whole culture shock similarity there, but you all get the point already). Even though he won his very first match with a major disadvantage, he should NOT have been given a Chaotic Match so soon after arriving. So a quick fix that can work, while still giving Tom the shock and amazement of realizing that he can turn into his favourite Chaotic Creature, would be having all New Players go through a Mandatory Battledome Tutorial to both teach them how the matches are done and get them used to Being the Creatures or learning how to move around in Creature Forms.

2) Reboot. While I'm keeping the idea of there being 7 Codemasters, I think there should be more Mediators in Chaotic to regulate the matches and enforce the Rules of Chaotic (because let's face it 7 isn't enough to watch every battle that happens in Chaotic or make sure all the numerous players adhere to the Rules). I like calling the extra mediators "Admins", which would be AIs (in cybernetic bodies in Chaotic) that roam around Chaotic with watchful eyes and ears to make sure that the Players are adhering to the Rules of Chaotic. The reason why they're going to be AIs is so they will always be unbiased in their decision-making; however, there are some Players that the Admins do enjoy interacting with during their "Off-Time" and on the flip-side, there are Players that the Admins do have some dislike for (two guesses on who those Players are). While on this topic, like the Codemasters, the Admins refer to the Players by their Codenames.

3) Fix and Reboot. This one is both a Fix and a Reboot because the Fix also counts as a Reboot (if that makes any sense). It is that there needs to be a more careful eye on the matches for any form of cheating, both before and during, by not only the Battledomes' AI but also the Admins and the Battle-Kiosk. The Battle-Kiosk would basically act as the AI that keeps everything in order with their respective Battledome (so 7 total plus the Battle-Kiosk for the Batadrome) These Battle-Kiosks keeps the matches in order so there are no overlapping matches, reminding Players about their scheduled matches for their respective Battledome, keeps track of Players' streaks for a match against their respective Battledome Codemaster, keeps an active eye on the Matches for any hints of cheating, keeps track of which Players are currently banned from using their respective Battledome and for how long, and keeps any and all official bets made on Matches in fair reason. Also, there also needs to be a more reasonable punishment for Cheating and Player Misconduct. No banning from Chaotic as a whole (despite it being staged to catch a bigger threat) and no doing nothing, Chaotic is literally a world built on the game so there needs to be more Fair Rule Enforcement to both the World and the Matches that are played. Therefore, the Battle-Kiosks will be a good fix (and reboot) for that. (And the Battle-Kiosks call the Players by their Codenames).

4) Fix. This one is more of a personal preference, but while I do love and enjoy the Battledrome Matches, I think that there should be a few Chaotic Card Matches in the cartoon (more than just the ones we got). You know, show how the card game is played and show the characters having fun playing it. This cartoon IS BASED on the Card Game, so they should have more episodes that had the characters playing a match with the cards rather than using the Battledome.

5) Fix. It would be nice to get a more clear rule-set on what the Players are allowed and not allowed to do when they're in Perim. The Rules that we had in the cartoon are admittedly a little vague, so having some moments going over specific Rules and why they're in place would be a good thing to go over in some episodes.

6) Fix. This one is more of a nitpick than a Fix, but it would be nice to have the main human characters run into some of the minor human characters when exploring Perim. True, Perim is huge, but all those Players and they somehow don't randomly run into other Players out in Perim? It's just felt a little odd. They don't have to interact with the main human characters, but seeing them in the background in some of the Perim locations would be nice.

7) Reboot. Another more of a nitpick than anything, but it's kind of important. But keeping things consistent. (Come on, admit it, there were a few episodes that either had the main characters OOC, that seemed out of place, or WTF were the writers thinking when writing the ep). Consistency is key in media.

8) Can Work as Either or Both. I am admittedly not sure if this idea counts as either a Reboot or a Fix, it can work for either or both so I'm labelling it as both. Having the Main Characters and the Creatures of Perim learn from each other. Have our main kids learn more about their favourite Tribes' cultures and traditions to have them understand their Tribe a lot more (And maybe have one of the mains bring the others to their favourite Tribe during an event important to the Tribe). On the flip side with the Tribes, while I don't expect everyone from the Tribes to change their minds about the Players, I would think that most of the Tribes would notice that not all the Players are annoying pests and that some can be rather helpful or have for good company. It would be good writing to show the Main Team can earn a healthy relationship with their favourite creatures and some of the other creatures around their favourites. While I would keep the fact that the Main Kids would still idolize their favourite creatures/Heroes, I would have them slowly learn that their favourite creatures are their own individual the more they're with them and learn that everyone has their flaws and that is fine (it'll also give the Tribe Leaders more of a mentor role to the kids in a way).

Alright, that's all I can think about at the moment. Hope you all like these Fixes and Reboot ideas for Chaotic.

#Chaotic #Chaotic Cartoon #let's get chaotic #Cartoon fixes #cartoon reboot

[thebibliomancer]

Song of the Dark Crystal liveblog pt 25

Song of the Dark Crystal by J.M. Lee because its all up to Kylan now!

Last times on book: Kylan discovered his surly pal Tavra was actually a spider and then turned the real Tavra into a spider. If that doesn’t make sense to you, that’s fine. It doesn’t make sense to Kylan either. Kylan, Tavra-spider, Naia, and Amri return to the Caves of Grot to save the Grottan from milllions of spiders and to try to make a magical flute out of an extinct bird. While going through the Tide Pass, Naia and Amri scout ahead but don’t come back so Kylan has to proceed without them. He’s discovered by skekLi the Satirist who assumes he’s the spider and drags him along with him.

Chapter 25

In disguise as a spider, Kylan has to come up with a plan to save his friends.

Kylan (pretending to be Krychk the angry spider) follows skekLi the Satirist down a passageway toward the Sanctuary. 

The Sanctuary is something far different from the caves Kylan has known so far.

It was a corrie, the remains of some ancient, dried-up mountain lake. It looked as if a big hand had reached down and scooped out the rock and lifted it away. Growing from the bottom of the open corrie were a dozen giant mushrooms, with pillar-like gray stems and wide flat caps. They were enormous enough that some had structures built on top, torch circles and dream-etched stone pillars. Between the mushroom caps were a network of rope bridges, so one might wander between the caps in a peaceful labyrinth of contemplation. At the very bottom of the corrie, Kylan could make out water flowing from a deep spring, perhaps the origin of the Black River that quenched the thirst of all the Skarith region. The air was thin and cold, and carried the sounds of bells, though none could be seen. The sounds were echoes from a distant past, and Kylan knew he had reached the Grottan Sanctuary.

Pretty cool place, although now absolutely lousy with spiders. Crawling all over the place, spinning webs, mostly just doing their spider thing.

Over time, the entire Sanctuary would become one huge spider nest. If Krychk was any indication of the spider folk’s feelings, it would mean complete exile for the Gelfling from this sacred place.

I mean, yeah, that does suck. But the Grottan apparently stole it first? Also, I’m still very concerned about the food chain. You put millions of spiders in this not-bug-infested area, what are they going to eat?

As Kylan followed skekLi across one of the rope bridges, he contemplates cutting the bridge to send the Skeksis plummeting. And then realizes he doesn’t actually know if Skeksis can die. And even if they could, killing skekLi would doom his counterpart, whoever he is, to an urLii death.

On top of one of the mushrooms, a bunch of mostly unconscious Gelfling are bound up in web. To Kylan’s shock, he spots Naia and Amri among them.

skekLi mocks the captured Gelfling for predictably running to the Sanctuary when Domrak was captured and then just busts a gut laughing and whirling around. Jovial guy, skekLi.

“Krychk, behold! The Drenchen girl. The Gelfling Sanctuary. All the wisdom of the ages!”

skekLi let out another round of laughter, taking huge strides across the cap while holding his staff high. After trine upon trine under the open sun, the mushroom’s surface was petrified and nearly stone, littered with chipped-off, fossilized fungus, and shards of what Kylan realized were giant eggshells.

“And who brought it to the Emperor? ME! skekLi! Not the Hunter. Not the General. Not even skekGra the Conqueror. No, it was skekLi. The clown, they said. The jester. Ha! See what this court clown has done that not even skekMal could do! We’ll see what Emperor skekSo thinks about that! HA! HA!”

HmmmMmmmm. skekLi has some Sil energy here. If you remember Chamberlain’s self-serving speech when he brought Kira back to the Castle to regain his position. skekLi has Chamberlain energy.

Kylan is struck with an odd understanding of skekLi. They’re not so different. Okay, they’re very different but Kylan can connect with his desire to be appreciated even though he’s a scrawny nerd.

Yeah, that’s right, maybe skekTek isn’t the biggest nerd anymore. Maybe its this guy.

And Kylan can use that understanding as a handhold in a situation he’s been feeling increasingly lost in.

“You succeed where others failed, my lord,”he said. He cursed at the quavering in his voice, pressing it out like he would wring water from a washcloth. “You did what the warriors could not do. You… you tricked them. Led them straight here. It was a genius plan.”

“Oh, wasn’t it? Yes. Yes, it was. Oh, bask in my glory, Krychk. A great victory for me means a great victory for you. Now, we must hurry. To finalize this conquest, with Rian and the other Drenchen. Ohh…. yes, soon…”

The bound Amri flicks his ear (body languuuage) and Kylan sneaks a look in that direction. Amri was gesturing at the nests of the extinct bell-birds that once lived in this Sanctuary over a thousand trine ago. The nests even still have feathers in them. Wow, they hold up well. The nests too. You’d think it all would have decayed away.

But Kylan is still stuck. He can’t run for the nests. He can’t try to free the Gelfling of their webprisonment. He can’t do anything that would reveal he wasn’t under Krychk’s control.

“So, my little spider friend. We promised your kind the Caves of Grot. Take them, and do not forget our great generosity despite your failure. Remember this moment, when we conquered the Gelfling who infested your domain. We will call upon you soon for later matters.”

Kylan realizes that skekLi only brought him here because he wanted someone to gloat to. Which fits with the pattern skekLi has been setting re: Aesthetic. He’s not the most extra Skeksis but he’s trying.

Kylan-pretending-to-be-Krychk asks a favor of skekLi since he’s being so magnanimous and all. He says that the Spriton body is not to his liking and asks if he can have the Grottan since it’s like the Vapra.

skekLi agrees, insofar as that it doesn’t matter one way or the other, although comments that the Grottan eyes may be more useful to Krychk what with all the living in these caves he’s about to do.

So Kylan goes and starts ripping the web binding Amri, doing an intentionally rough, bad job of it to jostle Naia awake so he can talk to her. He tells her to play dead and tells Amri to go with Tavra to look for one of those quest bones. BUT to cut the bridge he uses. Kylan has a plan/scheme.

Tavra transfers off of Kylan, who puts on an act as a scared weakling Spriton, and onto Amri.

Who has to then put on the Evil Spider act without much prep time.

“Ah, yes!” Amri said suddenly. He snatched one of the sharp eggshell pieces that were scattered about, pointing it at Kylan as if to silence him. “This Grottan body is much more appealing! Stay down, puny Spriton!”

It wasn’t perfect but it would have to do. skekLi didn’t seem to notice the change in attitude, much more interested in preening his robes. Amri brushed himself off and stepped toward the bridge. The motion was stitled, as if he was both reluctant to leave his friends while desperately wanting to run as far from the Skeksis as he could. It was a mixture of emotions Kylan knew well.

“Yes,” Amri said again. “Well, thank you, my lord. My lord, skekLi. I will now... go. Back to Domrak to claim the prize... Goodbye.”

Oh my god Amri, you are a bad actor! I’m actually impressed how well the bad acting is captured in text here.

Then after Amri-pretending-to-be-Krychk crosses the bridge, he cuts the ropes with the fossilized eggshell. skekLi doesn’t even notice until the sound of the bridge falling. And then he’s pissed.

Kylan pops up to his feet and runs off to the remaining bridge and dares the Skeksis to get him.

He lures skekLi to the adjacent mushroom and cuts the bridge on the far end before the Satirist can catch up to him.

“Wretched Gelfling!” he hissed. “Vile pest! How dare you run from me, your lord? I ought to make a puppet of you!”

“You’re just mad I fooled you,” Kylan said, backing away.

You’re cheeky, Kylan.

skekLi realizes that the only way off the mushroom is the bridge he crossed to get here and makes sure to keep between it and Kylan.

“Going to dash by again, cut that bridge, too? Eh, little pest?” skekLi chided. “Good luck. Try it and we will snatch you up and squeeze the essence out of you here and now.”

And then he tries to brain Kylan with his staff.

But it turns out that skekLi’s overconfidence was his weakness and Kylan’s faith in his friends wasn’t his.

Naia freed herself thanks to Kylan weakening her web bonds while he was freeing Amri and she freed the Grottan prisoners. Naia joins Kylan while the Grottan use rocks and eggshells and even their own teeth to cut the bridge, trapping Kylan, Naia, and skekLi on a mushroom together.

JUST AS PLANNED

GOOD JOB!

skekLi hissed, thrashing his claws and whirling toward them. His head jutted out and his eyes flashed, but he did not scream. He did not shriek like an uncontrolled beast, as skekMal had. Instead, he lowered his head and growled, his voice dropping low and poisonous.

“You will regret this,” he said.

Uhhh so what’s the follow-through here, Kylan?

Because this Skeksis is going to do a harm to you.

And if that weren’t bad enough, the MANY SPIDERS lining the walls start climbing down toward the floor on their way to climb the mushroom.

So whats the plan?

Apparently the plan is hope Amri and Tavra find a suitable bell-bird bone before Naia and Kylan get either spidered to death or thrown off the mushroom by the Satirist.

This isn’t a great plan!

#dark crystal #the dark crystal #Song of the Dark Crystal #liveblog #Kylan #Tavra #but she's a spider #Naia #Amri #skekLi #the Satirist #MILLIONS OF ANGRY SPIDERS

[miss-tc-nova]

A SOLDIER’s Memories - Cloud Strife x Fem!Reader Pt 5

DramaaaaAAAAAAA! 

Part 5: The Only One Suffering

                The ensuing days after my dreadful revelation only continue to worsen. But nothing could’ve prepared me for the day of reckoning that comes. Mako Reactor No. 5 goes up in flames with another AVALANCHE attack.

                And Shinra retaliates by dropping the entire plate of Sector 7.

                The moment I received the news, I’m wracked with guilt. I should’ve listened to that cat; he was right this entire time. I could’ve prevented hundreds of thousands of lost lives but I let it happen. I’m as much a monster as I was created to be and now so is he.

                As for AVALANCHE, they survived the attack and my prayers that they’ve given up have gone unanswered. They’re climbing the tower now, on their way to the top, heading straight for me. Inside, I’m angry and terrified; I don’t know what to do. The man I once loved is now completely different. It would be a different story if he’d just chosen a normal life, found a cute little wife and lived in a quiet town until he grew old and passed. But no, of course not, nothing in my life could be that easy. Instead, he’s choosing to put himself, his friends, and the remainder of the city of Midgar in danger. If he continues, he’ll be executed. He has to be stopped.

                Dammit, why am I trying to save him?!

                I come up with no answers before the door bursts open and a group of five charges in. I fold my arms. “Your little escapade ends here.” Feet skid to a stop and I see a hand go to Cloud’s head.

                “You’re that woman SOLDIER they’re trying to promote everywhere,” grumbles the larger man. The red beast beside him snarls, stepping in front of the woman in pink.

                “That’s right. First Class. Don’t underestimate me.” Cloud steps forward, drawing the Buster Sword on me for the second time. “You really don’t want to do that.”

                “Spikey, you’re First Class too right? Can you beat her?”

                I hate that he’s digging a hole by telling others he’s First Class; he’s in over his head. “She didn’t put up much a fight last time I ran into her.”

                I feel an ache in my chest. But there’s still some stupid desire to save him; so I must continue playing my part as the good dog. “Please. I was just scouting the pests.”

                “You seemed pretty shaken up to me.”

                My eyes narrow. “Fine. Let me show you what a real First Class SOLDIER can do.”

                He never sees me coming. Dashing in, I get under his blade and right in his personal space. With a left hook to the side of his face, he goes down, easily.

                “Who’s next?” I ask, eyeing his friends while waving in the infantrymen around me. When Tifa raises her fists, I draw a blade and hold it to Cloud. “That was rhetorical. Surrender or he dies.”

                Glaring, she drops her guard. “You told me SOLDIER was supposed to protect people.”

                “I am protecting people,” I mutter. “An entire sector was destroyed because of you. Once you’re all gone, no more people will become casualties. So thank you for your cooperation.”

                The group is apprehended and escorted to the prison. With a cold, heavy lump in my gut, I watch them drag the unconscious man away. Shinra summons me to his office, congratulating me on my good work. I want so badly to wrap my chain around his neck but that won’t help Cloud. I accept my praise and excuse myself.

                For a few hours, I ponder what I’m going to do next. Nothing comes to mind that won’t get me ratted out and potentially put to death. I’d have to give up this security my job affords me and break them out myself. It’s the only course of action that ensures they get out alive, but only if I can convince them to give up this attack on Shinra. No, I’m certain I can get them out even if I have to use force; at the very least, I can get Cloud out.

                Ambling down to the prison, I’m greeted with the single officer standing guard.

                “Good evening, ma’am,” he says with a salute.

                “Good evening,” I return, eyeing him. The keys are on his belt.

                This makes him nervous. “Is there something I can help you with?”

                “Not willingly. But you can tell them whatever you like when you wake up.”

                “What?”

                An elbow to the face is enough to take him down, though I do feel a twinge of guilt about the broken nose. Dragging him into an empty cell, I take his keys and lock him in. I examine the screens next to all the doors, eventually finding Cloud holed up with Tifa, both fast asleep. Taking a deep breath, I unlock the door.

                Just as the door opens, the building shudders. Whatever broke in, it came in above us. Dropping the keys, I race upstairs. I enter an open floor now cluttered with rubble. Among the ruins stands a man I watched die.

                “Sephiroth?!”

                He turns back to me, looking slightly amused. “So you survived.”’

                “How are you still alive?!”

                He chuckles. “The life stream bends to my will. It couldn’t swallow me up.”

                I draw my weapon. “I owe you five years of misery,” I spit.

                “We’ll see about that.”

                It’s been a long time since I’ve had a real challenge. Even if I’ve gotten better with time, Sephiroth still has me on my toes. It’s hardly any different than Nibelheim.

                “You’ve improved, but you still haven’t caught up yet,” he hums.

                “Don’t worry. One day, I’ll surpass you!”

                I manage to duck his sword and swipe. The cut isn’t lethal, but it’s not exactly minor either. He stares at the wound before glaring. “I’m tired of playing with children.”

                “Go to hell!”

                I land another hit only to realize it was a decoy move. Just after I strike, Sephiroth swipes back. Pain bursts through my chest. The force throws me against the wall, knocking the air from my lungs. For the second time in my life, he’s practically flayed me open within an inch of my life. I attempt to stand but it’s too much and my face meets the cold floor.

                “I’ll see you there,” he replies, walking away.

                No, no! Don’t walk away from me! I’ll kill you for what you did to Cloud!...Cloud…What happened to you? Why did you disappear when I’ve been suffering all these years? Why couldn’t you just hug me and tell me you loved me? What I wouldn’t give for that…just one more time…

                The clack of shoes brings me back just enough to understand what’s going on. AVALANCHE stumbles into the room.

                “What happened here?” awes Tifa.

                “This place is a mess,” the large man states.

                Cloud orders, “Come on.”

                “C-Cloud!” I choke on the blood bubbling past my lips.

                “Damn. Even she took a beating,” the other man grumbles.

                “You have to get out of here,” I grimace. My vision is fading and my limbs are going numb.

                The blonde kneels down. “What happened here?”

                “Y-You won't stand a chance against him. Run. Please. Don't do this ag-" I cough up more blood.

                “Who?”

                “Run…Run, please…”

                I black out, having lost so much blood.

~~~~~

                My chest burns. Opening my eyes, I find myself in a small room that appears to be an inn. For a moment, I lie still, trying to recount what happened. Then I hear several sets of steps walk in. Not entirely prepared to deal with them yet, I let them think I’m still fast asleep.

                Then Cloud arrives and Barret demands to hear Cloud’s story about Sephiroth. It starts out normal; he wanted to be in SOLDIER and left at a young age to join. But it takes a huge left turn when he talks about fighting the war alongside Sephiroth. It spirals further as he goes into detail of the Nibelheim incident. I get painted as just a bystander coworker while Cloud has entirely replaced Zack with himself.

                My mind slams into a wall. The way he talks is as if he were truly the First Class SOLDIER who joined me on that mission; he truly thinks he’s Zack. Whatever happened after that incident messed him up far more than I initially thought. It explains so much; why he’s no longer the same person I fell in love with.

                But how? Why is he like this?! What happened?!

#cloud strife #cloud strife x reader #cloud x reader #ffvii cloud #ff7 cloud #fem!reader

[shadowthrone-ammanas]

Guilt

Drabble request from @iscaredspider on Discord that ended up not being much of a drabble at all. They asked for Dadcher angst; Snatcher feeling guilty about trying to kill Hat Kid. It ended up being not super angsty and delving more into Hat Kid’s past than I intended it to but that’s okay. Thank you for the request!

Hat Kid had been gone nearing a full year now. A long time, meaning she was probably gone for good, her promises to come back and visit forgotten. That was fine though, Snatcher didn’t care. Why would he? He was glad she was gone, she’d been a pest, nothing but a thorn in his side. He didn’t miss her at all, not even a little.

He was only thinking about her because he’d pulled out the ‘How to Kill Kids’ book he’d always made sure to have open when she was around in a failed attempt to get a reaction out of her. Maybe she’d somehow known it was a fake title… or couldn’t read the language despite knowing how to speak it, she was an alien after all. He’d only brought it out because... because… why not? It was his book; he could pull it out whenever he pleased and it didn’t mean anything, certainly not that he missed Hat Kid or anything like that. In fact, he was going to…

“Snatcher!” That voice…

He looked up to see Hat Kid strolling up to his reading hollow, balancing on the vine leading to it. She was noticeably a bit taller now, her hair longer too but still tied into a neat ponytail and… still using the bow he’d made for her.

“I’m back,” she said with a wide smile and flourish of her arms as she stepped into the hollow. “Did you miss me?”

“No, course not,” he replied, forcing a sneer to hide how much his mouth wanted to smile for some reason. “Why would you even come back?”

“Because you’re my BFF silly.”

Again with the BFF thing. Why? He’d tried to kill her. And then he’d put her through the Death Wish contracts. Yes, she’d chosen to do them but… she should hate him. He was a bad person and she was a good person; good guys hating bad guys was how things worked for almost everyone else on the planet and presumably the universe because it was the most logical thing. Why was she so different?

“I would’ve come sooner,” she continued. “But uh…” the joy fell from her face, replaced with sorrow. “Stuff happened that delayed me. But that’s okay,” and suddenly she was all smiles again. “I’m here now. How have you been?”

Should Snatcher ask her what had delayed her and why thinking about it had brought that look to her face? He wanted to know purely for the sake of curiosity, not because he cared. If he asked though, she probably would assume he did so… he’d ask later, pretend it was an afterthought. “It’s been quiet around here with you gone.” Too quiet. “It’s been nice but now unfortunately you’re back.”

“Yeah, I’m sure, you’re real upset about that huh?” She giggled. “You can’t fool me, I know you missed me because even if you won’t admit even to yourself I know you care.”

“Kid, I tried to kill you more than once. What part of that says I care even a little?”

“A lot of those challenges weren’t you trying to kill me though, just challenge me. And if you were really trying to kill me with them, you wouldn’t have given me the option to not do them. And when you were trying to kill me for real it was because that’s what you do with all your contractors. If that wasn’t the standard you’d already set yourself, you probably wouldn’t have even done that, am I right?”

“Even if that was true,” and maybe looking back on it was, though Snatcher wasn’t going to tell her that, “that still doesn’t explain why you insist on bothering me so much. Most people hate people who tried to kill them, regardless of their reasons for doing it.”

“Well, I don’t.” Hat Kid shrugged. “Almost everyone I know has tried to kill me at least once or at the very least put me in a situation where I could easily die and didn’t care if I did. So, if I lived life by that standard, I’d hate everybody and that’s no fun.”

Welp, that just made it worse. Was Snatcher really just among a long list of people who’d tried to kill her? … Mustache Girl had, DJ Grooves had, without even counting the Death Wish contract, the Conductor had almost blown his train up with her on it, the Empress had and… that was almost everyone she interacted with in a major way from this planet. The only one who hadn’t put her in danger or outright tried to murder her was the Walrus Captain. Hat Kid was just a child, what was wrong with all them? Snatcher had at least had had an excuse… right? Sort of anyway? … Maybe.

“What about your parents?” he asked, pushing aside those thoughts.

Hat Kid moved forward to sit on the footstool and look up at him. “I don’t have any.”

“Meaning, you’re… an orphan?” Making the whole trying to kill her thing that much worse because who went around murdering orphans?

“Maybe, I guess. I don’t really know if they’re dead or just abandoned me to the school for whatever reason. I don’t care either because I have a spaceship.” She smiled proudly. “I get to visit other planets. It’s fun even if very few people actually like me. A lot of the people I meet always either want me dead because they want my Time Pieces or want to capture me so they can study me because I’m an alien. Sometimes they want to do both so they can dissect me.”

Every word out of her mouth even if they were spoken in a nonchalant tone just made Snatcher feel worse for her. Surely, she was exaggerating though. It couldn’t really be that bad, right? “You said something about a school, what about the teachers and principle?” Presumably the people who’d taught her how to fly a spaceship. Teaching such things to a child was questionable at best but… “Surely they take care of you, right? They’ve never tried to kill you or anything like that.” She had to have an authority figure in her life somewhere that cared for her.

“Uh… I really shouldn’t tell you about them, it’s against the rules. But you’re my BFF and the rule is specifically not to tell intelligent lifeforms this stuff but you’re dead so it’s technically not a violation of the rule.” Loopholes were great, weren’t they? “So… no they haven’t tried to kill me. But some of their tests are pretty dangerous because being a space pilot can be super dangerous so you gotta be prepared. I don’t know for sure if anyone’s died during them, though there are tons of rumors about it happening so it probably happens sometimes. And one guy I know got maimed during a test somehow and failed because of it. I don’t know the details because he got kicked out for it so I never saw him again. Heck, maybe he died and that’s a lie they told us.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me. That’s a huge lawsuit waiting to happen.” The fact that no one had sued the school out of business yet was a miracle. “They’re going to get sued into the ground, just you wait.” Everyone would be better off when it finally happened too. Snatcher would do it himself just for fun if he could.

Hat Kid shrugged. “Hmm… I guess, I don’t know. But my point was, I’m not upset you tried to kill me because I’m used to it.” And that just made it worse. “So, you don’t feel bad either, okay?” She smiled up at him, way too cute and innocent.

All right fine, Snatcher felt bad about trying to kill her. After hearing more about her life than he wanted to know, how could he not? He had before too though, hadn’t he? But only a little bit. But this is why he hated children. It was far too easy to grow a soft spot for them and then have stupid emotions and gross feelings like this. They were worse than cats because cats at least had the decency to not have the same depth of emotion, intelligence, and understanding that children did. And now he had to apologize, didn’t he? Because he done a bad thing to someone he… – ugh – cared about, and felt bad about it. So…

“No, kiddo… ugh, I apologize, okay? I didn’t know you’re an orphan and I didn’t know any of that other stuff about how awful people tend to treat you. So, stop looking at me like that, it makes me uncomfortable.”

She blinked up at him. “Did you just…” A smile spread across her face, “apologize? Are you actually admitting you care? At least enough to apologize anyway.”

His instinct was to say ‘no’ but… he kind of had just admitted it, hadn’t he? And… the reason she was so excited about that prospect was… because based off what she just told him, not many people cared about her, right? So… “Fine, kiddo, fine, I… care about you a little, okay? A tiny bit, like this much.” He held up a hand to hold his thumb and finger apart about an inch or two. “I feel bad that I tried to kill you, I shouldn’t have, it was wrong.” Not that he didn’t do wrong things all the time and not feel bad about it but she was a special case because she just was. She’d wormed her way into his cold dead heart somehow and he couldn’t rid himself of that now matter how much he would prefer if he could.

“I knew it!” She jumped up and onto his chair to hug him, even nuzzling his mane. He sighed and tolerated it. It wasn’t that bad… but it didn’t mean he liked it. It made his regret worse though because she was so happy he cared about her after he’d… tried to kill her, more than once too. And in general, she shouldn’t be so happy somebody cared about her, regardless of who they were. That was something she should be used to, not people wanting her dead or not caring if they killed or injured her somehow.

Maybe later he’d offer to try to fix that whole orphan situation of hers. He had the credentials to draft up adoption papers after all. And finding someone who wanted her as a daughter shouldn’t be too hard, she was adorable and sweet after all – though he’d never tell her those things. Heck, if he weren’t against the idea of being a parent, he might’ve offered to take her in himself. No way was that going to happen though.

For this drabble event.

#My Writing #Ahit #A hat in time #Dadcher #snatcher & hat kid #Fluff #Light angst #Snatcher lies to himself a lot #Talk of Hat Kid's past

[inventors-fair]

How Legends Are Made

In general, I’m always happy with the diversity of entries. I’m surprised there weren’t as many uncommon Dominaria or Kamigawa inspired legend themes. It feels like a lot of people came from the same place, and honestly, that makes sense. There aren’t that many cards that create legendary tokens, after all. But the design space is open, and you guys delved!

Let’s get to commentary, shall we?

@3smuth​ — Brother of Flesh

What I’m not understanding is why there just isn’t another card called “Brother of Blood” that this can be paired with, and why it’s a legendary token instead. In my opinion, the concept would have felt better as two cards. Practically, though, this is a bomb legend that puts eight power on board and is a tribal build-around, and frankly, I like it a lot. I just wish it had a better feel.

@ace-hobo​ — Rite of Sadra

I agonized a little over this card. It feels appropriately Zendikar-y, so if that was your intention you succeeded. I am not a personal fan of the X/X tokens, but that’s not a real reason, I’m just prejudiced. Honestly, there’s nothing technically wrong with this card. It doesn’t tickle my fancy, but it doesn’t lose points for any reason either. It’s a pretty fun limited card, something fun to open up, good in ramp decks even in the late game. Name could use some pizzazz.

@allaroundawesme​ — Jiang Yanggu, Journeyman

I applaud you for creating an interesting planeswalker that’s actually moderately well-balanced. I would have made the second ability a -1 or -2, honestly, but that’s about all I can say for that. It feels like Yanggu, so you succeeded there. In terms of technical things, Mowu is just “a legendary green Hound [dog now, actually!] token with “This creature’s power and toughness are” etc.” You don’t need to add */*. Also for that last ability, you need to specify whether or not it’s two mana of any one color or two mana in any combination of colors.

@ceta-maelstrom​ — Ela, Primal Hunter

Another green planeswalker that’s pretty much well-balanced? Dang, y’all on fire this week. However, as much as I understand the bardic reincarnation, it feels weird to have both the ETB and the -4 be the same thing. It feels like you’re pulling the same bear out of the aether, and it negates the legendary sensation that having the specific token is supposed to create. Save this card, change the first ability to “up to one target,” and don’t make the bear legendary.

@dabudder​ — Lavinia, Stoic Defender

I like how you had a new take on a now-familiar legend. Reading up on her was interesting. That said, I don’t feel that this card is worthy of a mythic status. It’s narrow and a little weird, and pretty expensive for a 1/1 with no creature protection. The creation of The Guildpact feels... Off. I simply feel that it should be its own event rather than something Lavinia does on her own. I know it’s vague, but the segregation of guilds on Ravnica means that five-color-ness has to have an impact that this card simply doesn’t. Small note: “monocolored” should be one word.

@dancepatternalpha​ — Sword of Destiny

So, uh, what’s up with that first trigger? Do you create a Human AND put on a counter? Or like, were you going to erase one of those? Not sure what’s going on. It feels fine that the sword isn’t legendary. I think I prefer it. The word “creatures” in Arthur’s ability should be capitalized. Also, current wording is to put the name of the token before the other stuff a la Tolsimir. Mechanically, it’s fine. Good use of colored equipment. Still not sure what’s up with that trigger, if you missed a word or whatnot.

@deeran-moo​ — Rose, Rebellion Leader

In general, it’s best to stay away from non-MTG IP unless the contest specifically calls for it. That’s a general note. As for the card, it would work fine...if I wasn’t a massive fan of Steven Universe with massive story qualms. It’s an interesting choice to have her be mono-red with a white activation. But for one, why does Steven have flying? He floats! Why isn’t he a Gem, too? Additionally, I’m rather upset by the implication that Steven exists as a prison for Rose, which you set up mechanically by having recursion. If Steven goes, Steven goes, and there is no Rose. She’s gone, as the line says. So that’s a snafu. But anyway, for mechanical purposes, she doesn’t need a color indicator, “Strike” doesn’t need to be capitalized, and there doesn’t need to be a period after “haste.”

@demimonde-semigoddess​ — Memory of Wisdom

This is an interesting take. I wonder who’s saying the line of the flavor text. Perhaps a priest, a follower? I remember that kickass art of Kefnet dead and bleeding on the floor. Mechanically, this card’s appropriately mythic, a fine control staple, pretty fun, solid. The word “spirit” should be capitalized, and “7″ should be written out as “seven.” Aside from that... Not bad? Name feels like it could use buffing up.

@dim3trodon​ — Veren, the Haunted

I like a unique counter as much as the next guy. Pretty flavorful. But why on earth does this card say “For the rest of the game” on it? Is that meant to set a rule? An emblem? How does it trigger? I grok it but it doesn’t work in the rules at all. This would have worked so much better as an enchantment with “When ~ enters the battlefield, create a [insert kind of token] with a haunting counter on it.” That said, I appreciate how more things become haunted. I don’t like how if you don’t have any targets it goes to an opponent’s creature because it forces you to target.

@fractured-infinity​ — Amulet of Selenia

So, it creates an Angel token, and this card’s sole purpose is to ensure that nobody else can play it? This is a lot of words to create a token. The flavor is fine, but it plays just horribly. It’s a lot of text to do practically nothing but hate itself. The justification isn’t strong enough to create a vision of the vindictive nature that your flavor text and the story strive for. It’s not a bad flavor, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired.

@gollumni​ — Vance’s Influence

Everything I said about your last card still applies here, pretty much. It’s a build-around-me, it’s poop in limited unless you’re the luckiest player in the world, it’s an interesting tutor, etc. Not a lot to say here, considering.

@hypexion​ — Phyrean Crucible

Did I miss something? I searched, but I couldn’t find the word “Phyrean” anywhere in Magic’s history. Anyway, the wither is an...interesting choice. Can’t say it feels particularly like Mirrodin/NP, but whatever, it plays well for a rare. But you have to have three creatures whose exact power is seven? To make a 5/5? Why? The numbers here feel arbitrary and unnecessarily complicated. “Seven or greater” could have worked, perhaps. Honestly, I’d rather have those three creatures and an artifact that gives wither rather than a token who’s not guaranteed to be as objectively strong.

@i-am-the-one-who-wololoes​ — Azor, the Arbiter of Law // Azor, the Last Guardian

Oh boy. This is...a lot of text. I’ll give points for flavor. But this is just too much. The first ability doesn’t need reminder text, see Domri and Riot, and should be “up to one target.” The second ability costs far too much to just play Sphinx’s Decree. Why not just copy the text from that card instead of the wording you used here? Also, why does he have a color indicator on the front? And as for the flip side... I don’t have anything creative to say. It’s not a reference to The Immortal Sun, it’s a copy, and I have nothing positive to add about that. In reference to this whole card, I would rather have seen your creative input regarding a new token, something unique.

@ignorantturtlegaming​ — Adelyne, Wolf Speaker

Love the flavor and concept here. Mechanically, it could use some work. For one, the first ability only gives flash to wolves on the battlefield, and, well... If they’re already on the battlefield, flash is useless. You’d want to say “You may cast Wolf spells as though they had flash.” Secondly, and someone can correct me if I’m wrong, I’m not sure if the second ability ‘works’ as a replacement effect? I think by the time she becomes the target, it’s too late to give her hexproof, and I’m not sure why this isn’t a trigger. It would certainly be more grokable. “comes into play” should be replaced with “enters the battlefield” on Cheyenne. Still, great great druidic flavor.

@illharg-the-rave-boar​ — To Rule Them All // Lord Sauron

Call me a stickler and a jerk (it’s the only identity I have left), but I’m not a big fan of non-MTG IP for contests that don’t call for it. Oh, but I’ll stop being a stick in the mud. I’m a huge fan of the transformation and your use of a sorcery spell to signify a grand event. The activation should be “Put ~ onto the battlefield from your graveyard transformed” as seen on Startled Awake. Almost corrected to “return” but I learned my lesson there. I love how Sauron can be defeated without the ring. Really, this card’s full of good stuff. I’m just a butt about the game.

@mistershinyobject​ — Nest of the Gremlin King

What a jolly happy name. There are only a couple things that make this card not perfect for me. For one, every instance of creature types should be capitalized — Pest and Gremlin. For two, shift+enter puts the quote attribution on the proper line, and you can use the Mainframe editor to bump the text up and down as need be. For three, I’m not positive why a nest is making creatures attack? Little off in the flavor. For four, I’d rather have a Kaladeshian name than Gizmo. All these are petty things that don’t discount the fact that this card’s fun, annoying, red, annoying, and great. And annoying. I love that little snoot-nosed bastard.

@nine-effing-hells​ — Occult Research // Secrets Best Left Buried

I think the macabre is neato. Everything about this card is creepy, flavorful, evokes the aura you clearly intended, and builds up an implied world. Let’s talk about Revelation. I like it and don’t like your implementation. How to fix it: Make it a keyword action that adds insight counters to permanents, and have three insight counters always do something. Like: “Carbuncled Chemister || 1R || Creature - Human Wizard || Revelation — Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, put an insight counter on Carbuncled Chemister. Then, if it has three or more insight counters on it, it deals 2 damage to any target.” Keep this mechanic around. I like it.

@reaperfromtheabyss​ — Disciple of Madness

Spelling madness backwards. Har de har. In all seriousness, I feel that this card missed the mark. It requires a big sacrifice for a big reward, and I like that. But all the in-jokes fall flat for me. And if you have no cards in hand already, well. “trample and haste” should be separated by a comma. And consider this: what if it said “Each player’s maximum hand size is zero” instead? I know it’s a little weird, and Jin-Gitaxis is a different precedent, but man, it reads better. Gotta have something to do. I like how this card’s a fun build-around for Goblins.

@shakeszx — Haakan, Eternity’s Conduit

Was the name an intentional callback to Haakon, Stromgald Scourge? If so, that’s confusing as butts. As for the card... You are technically correct. A legendary token is being made. It doesn’t mesh with the spirit of the contest at all — oh, “Spirit” should be capitalized — but you are technically correct. I think the exile should target and be part of the activation cost. Aside from that, it’s a fun build-around-me commander. Not broken, pretty neat. Still hung up on the name.

@shootingstarhunter​ — Echo of the True

Er... So, is this card “Echo of the True” or “Spirit of the True?” You have both here. Gotta proofread, my inventor. Anyway, I would look at Rekindling Phoenix for a better notion on how to make that token work. If you give the token a trigger to return a card named [thing] of the True from exile to the battlefield, then that meshes better as a trigger. Points for Spirit God. Maybe I’m exhausted, but I find it interesting. So there you have it.

@walker-of-the-yellow-path​ — Mad Baker

And Urza laughed, and laughed, and laughed again. In all seriousness, one mana for a Food artifact token is busted beyond belief. This card is silly, and I like the idea, but that cheap artifact production is too powerful. “Token,” “Legendary,” “Colorless” and “Trample” all need to be lowercase as well. Flavor text on POINT, though. Love it.

~

Which one of these will influence next week’s contest accidentally? Stick around and find out! Thank you for all your entries.

#mtg #magic the gathering #custom magic card #contest #entries #commentary #legendary token #inventor's fair

[mor-beck-more-problems]

O, the Iron-y || Morgan & Cece

Timing: Last Night

Parties: @thebickedwitchoftherest & @mor-beck-more-problems

Summary: Witchy roommates unite when Morgan needs help identifying what, exactly, happened to the body she found with Kaden. 

Contains: discussions of violence

“You know, someday when people aren’t getting murdered right and left, or at least when I’m not coping with so much trauma, we really need to get back to our trashy TV nights,” Morgan sighed from her spot on the floor. It had been a long time since she’d played corpse on the floor with herself, but the sight of that body had really done a number on her. Sure, she’d killed, but not like this. Not for pleasure or power or trophies or...whatever the hell was behind this. Morgan couldn’t imagine anything awful enough to just push someone into becoming so cruel. To treat supernaturals like bloody litter on the side of the street. “You could come to my place, if you wanted. The TV is so huge, you could practically see every pore on the bachelorette’s face.” She sighed again. Her enthusiasm wasn’t quite there even if she meant every word. She craned her head back to see the little witch at work. “I hope it’s a given, but thank you again, for doing this for me. How’s it going with those samples I gave you?”

Cece was leaning against the counter, staring down at Morgan and glancing every so often at her computer. From what Cece knew about the body, this didn’t seem like anything normal. Testing for normal drugs in the system could prove to be a complete waste of time. But even magic was rooted in some science. Sometimes over the counter drugs were used to create some of the most powerful spells. It all depended on the imagination, and the stamina. Finding out what she could about the body from a logical, scientific perspective could influence her findings. “That sounds amazing. The only thing that could make that show funnier is by focusing on every imperfection they have. Plus, I’ll feel like a Kardashian watching it from a rich person tv.” She tossed a glance back to the screen. Still loading in the results. “I should be thanking you. You gave me something to do on an otherwise boring night.” She also ended up back at work, but beggars couldn’t be choosers. “I’m running some normal tests first. Trying to see if anything sticks out. It can help me try to determine the clearly supernatural shit that went down. What can you tell me about the body?”

“Figuring age is hard with fae, I think, but she was an undergrad at the university. Maybe nineteen or twenty. Um, you’ve actually got...pretty much all that’s left of her. I found her with a friend just...abandoned. I’m assuming some warden is taking trophies, or...fuck, I don’t know. Having fun. Taking out some human supremacist bullshit on…” Morgan grimaced and forced herself to breathe slowly. Three months dead, almost, and it was still the first thing she wanted to do. Just breathe. Just bring the world back into the right rhythm, the right meter. “I mean, of all the ways you could possibly hurt a fae--” She shook her head, shuddering. “It was like an acid attack, only it must have been iron, right? Those are the weird, stiff pieces on the body, right? I mean, those burns, they’re everywhere. How much time did they spend planning this?” But there’s gotta be...I don’t know, some kind of underground Hunters R’ Us out there, right? Some signature that can be traced back to something specific, right? Or at least, I don’t know, if we know how, maybe someone can be like, oh yeah, my buddy goes around flinging iron at kids with wings. Great guy, why’re you mad?” She breathed again, realizing she was getting worked up again. She wasn’t going to help anyone like that, least of all whoever the body had been.

“ All that’s left of them.” It hadn’t been a question so much as a disappointed statement. Cece was concerned by what had been left of the victim. Cece had limited knowledge of Fae, but she knew enough to know that cold iron wasn’t their friend. For this girl, it looked like whoever did this really hadn’t like her. But Cece knew enough about the world to know that may not necessarily be true. Some people hunted them from some sense of duty, or for sport. People didn’t need a motive to be sick fucks. At least have the decency to make it quick. “Yeah, looks like iron burns,” Cece nodded, “They could have drugged her first. Made her easier to capture. I should know in a couple minutes.” Morgan was getting worked up over the murder. As far as Cece knew, this had just been a body Morgan stumbled across. But that seemed to be how Morgan operated. She cared a lot for everyone. “It’s hard to tell, honestly. A lot of the hunters I’ve known follow a code, but there are just as many that do it for fun. But I know there are hunters in town. From the looks of it, they were responsible for this. But I can’t promise I’ll be able to narrow it down based on some tox screen results.” She didn’t have any better answers or anything to offer Morgan at the moment besides her smile and the knowledge that she would help Morgan with whatever her next steps were. Cases like these were hard to explain and even harder to solve. Normally, justice may go unsolved. Cece didn’t have much to say in the way of justice, but she did know she could help a friend out. “And what do we do? If we found out who did it?”

Morgan grimaced and held her stomach tighter. “I’ll never understand that. I’ve done some shitty and questionable things, but this...it was slow and awful. They wanted her to suffer.” At least when she killed it hadn’t been torture. That counted for something; that was different. “We...I don’t know. Find out why. Make them answer to...someone, for what they did. Maybe she had family, or maybe...I don’t know. But I am so tired of supernaturals getting hurt and killed and forgotten. It’s bullshit. We’re people just as much as anyone else, but we’re the ones collared and thrown into cages or hunted like pests or living like who we are is something to be ashamed of or tortured and thrown where-the-hell-ever. How are we supposed to live like this, with humans, hunters, getting to hurt us for free whenever they want? Someone has to pay and I’m just...I’m tired of it. Don’t you ever get tired of hiding, Cece? I’d give up my body regrowing to have enough magic to make whoever did this pay.”

For what it was worth, Cece agreed with Morgan. As far as magic went, Cece had lived a pretty open life. The coven kept itself secret for sure, but she still was able to learn and grow with other magic users by her side. Things turned dark and for the worst, sure but at least she wasn’t hunted for it. This girl, this body was fucked. She had been targeted, hunted and tortured before they let her die. “Before we fall down that rabbit hole, you should figure out exactly what you want them to answer to. For people like them, justice isn’t clear cut. There’s no proving something like this in court. So, make sure we know exactly what we’re getting into before we decide what should be done with them.” How else did Cece lay this out to her? If Morgan wanted them eradicated from the planet, Cece was there. She had seen too many bodies like this. Leftovers from the coven, hell even herself. “It’s exhausting. Lucky for us, I’ve still got the magic for both of us.” Something flashed across her screen and she turned to look at it. “I can’t find any logical explanation as to what caused the metal to melt into her skin like that. But I’m pretty damn sure I have a theory.” Cece sighed, wishing that it had been something simple. “Can you go into my bag? Front pocket. There’s a container with a power that looks like soot. Grab that for me and sprinkle it onto the pieces of metal. I want to test something.”

Morgan knew what she wanted, if she could only admit  it out loud. She wanted the hunter who did this to suffer as much as their prey had. She wanted them to fear for their lives, for their humanity, to feel the panic and indignity that she’d felt that day in the woods. She wanted them to die. A life for a life, that was the math of alchemy. And maybe she didn’t have the magic in her anymore, but she could still work her will on the world if she tried hard enough. Morgan reached for her snack pyrex and took out a chunk of muscle (deer thigh, if she remembered correctly) and started to chew slowly as she did as Cece asked. It wasn’t so bad this time now that she knew what to expect, or now that she had packed enough for a whole other meal with her. She unscrewed the lid and ran her fingers through the substance. It was so fine, it barely felt like anything, but there was a familiar sheen to it, some familiar flecks she remembered being quizzed on by her mother. It was used to detect and identify magic in a number of spells. Morgan’s brow furrowed. “You sure about this?” She asked. But Cece seemed sure enough, so, bracing herself, she sprinkled the powder over Coraline Adams’ body. The dust settled and, as her mother had trained her to memorize, a dark indigo smoke began to rise from the body.

“No,” Morgan said, backing away. “No, that’s...shit…” dust spilled from the tin and down her leg. She set it down clumsily before she spilled any more. “A witch did this?”

It hadn’t been Cece’s favorite theory. She had been keeping hope out for some type of explanation. Evidence of extreme heat, iron pills being found in the girl’s system. Something that still felt human, despite how monstrous the crime was. But the thought had been there in the back of her mind. The unexplainable could usually be explained through magic. Had her theory that a witch had been involved been at the back of Cece’s mind this whole time? Sure. She had still had her fingers crossed for the hunter theory. It was better than this alternative. More than the fact itself, Morgan’s reaction to it was what had made Cece so unhappy. She had needed to believe it was a hunter it seemed. It was hard to accept that what was once your own kind could be capable of this evil. Cece had seen it before, taken part in it. That didn’t mean she liked seeing it affect Morgan. “And worse than that, an alchemist.” Cece specified, creeping down to get a better look at the wounds. No doubt about it, the very field that Cece and Morgan had specialized in had caused this. The metal had been almost fused with the skin itself, probably while the girl had been alive. From what Cece knew about Fae and iron, the pain that would have caused would be immeasurable. It was cruel, inhumane. “At the very least, a witch was involved. Whether it was still because of hunter’s or not I can’t be sure. But we’re definitely looking for an alchemist in town. And someone with enough experience with human anatomy to know how to do this.”

“Alchemy,” Morgan repeated slowly. “They used…alchemy.” The iron hadn’t come from a stick. They hadn’t been beaten or pressed against something. The alchemist had turned the fae’s body into iron. The burns on Coraline’s face had come from a touch. “The components of the human body aren’t that complicated,” she murmured. “If you’re just trying to hurt, you don’t even need to do it well. You could just ramp up the hydrogen and nitrogen and start a combustion, or you could simulate the state of hypothermia in a few seconds, you could fill the bloodstream with sand or wear down the elasticity so it falls off, and it’s messy but if you’re just trying to kill someone or hurt them long enough to get away, it’s comparably minimal energy, but to do this...to force a body to do something like this takes practice. I mean, do you know how to do this?” She looked at Cece, completely abashed. “It’s a fucking alchemist,” she whispered again, covering her eyes and walking away from the body before she gave into the pull. “I hate this. I hate this so much. I--fuck. Thank you, Cece. I wouldn’t have guessed this, I don’t know what I would’ve done. I...I don’t know. You don’t talk to any witches in town, right?”

Morgan knew the specifics. Knew how dark their own line of magic could be. How fucked up their abilities were given a bit of anger and a rush of power. Cece studied Morgan’s anger, wondering why she herself couldn’t feel that same outrage. Had the coven desensitized her to things this much? That the closest Cece could feel for contempt was because Morgan was angry? Not for the actual body of the murdered woman that sat near them? Regardless, Morgan was angry enough for the both of them and Cece wanted to do something about that. “I could. If I wanted to.” Cece admitted. Because Morgan wasn’t wrong. This would be easy enough to do with some focus, and easy to fuck up if someone was angry enough. Passion was always a wild factor in magic. It altered it, spread lines thin and made spells harder to control. But this… “These marks are controlled. You can tell that whoever was doing this was being careful. Taking their time. It’s real fucked. And not in a good way.” Morgan questioned whether or not Cece knew any other witches. She did, but not like this. “Not any that could do this.” She didn’t know any that specialized in alchemy, and she didn’t know any that would murder someone this horrifically.

Morgan hadn’t really expected Cece to have the answer fresh out of the ether, but it would have been wonderfully easy. They could just march up to whoever’s door right then and there, demand an explanation, demand something. Sure, all witches didn’t get along, that was obvious. Some were awful. But knowing it was an alchemist shook her in a different way. Of all the things this alchemist could make, everything they could do with their magic, and they chose to destroy a fae like this. A kid. What reason could be good enough for this? What cause, what fucking spell could justify something like this. “If you, um...if you can wrap her up for me, I can take her back to my friend’s place. Figure out if there’s anyone in town who can, I don’t know, bury her or something, I guess. I...thank you, Cece, really. If you get in trouble for this I...I don’t know. I do wanna make this up to you, okay? Soon as I figure this out…”

It wasn’t hard to tell that Morgan was shaken by all of this. She had been acting strangely since she reached out to Cece, and things only got worse and worse the more they found out about it. Whatever this was, whoever did this. They needed to be stopped. That was Cece’s role now, right? Through a thick coating of irony that wasn’t long on her, she was now helping the police catch murderers and stop crimes. So this, although outside of the system and breaking so many policies that Regan’s head would pop clean off if she had been working here, was the right thing to do, right? “I got this. Seriously. Don’t worry about me. This isn’t my first rodeo.” Cece finger-gunned at Morgan, throwing in a dramatic “Yeehaw” for the dramatic effect. Someday the two could talk more about Cece’s time in the coven. Right now, considering the situation, that time didn’t seem right. “I can’t say that I know much about Fae, but I know a lot of them have their own traditions. I’d recommend reaching out to anyone you know that may be able to help out. Give her the burial she deserves and what not.” Morgan sounded like her brain was running a mile a minute, thinking too far beyond their current conversation. “Don’t worry, I’m sure I’ll think of something you can do to make it up to me, got it? Now off you go, you’ve got an alchemist to find.”

#wr cece #wr chatzy #wr cece chatzy #o the iron-y #wr #wickedswriting

[jenniferhawke]

Anything for you

Summary: Fenris has never celebrated Satinalia. Hawke shows him the true meaning of the holiday.

Words: 2683

This is a short stand alone I wrote last year for the holidays. Thought I would share this piece here. Just a short, fluffy, FenHawke drabble that occurs early on in act 2.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It starts with a bottle of wine, as most of their admissions do. Hawke's cheeks warm with drink, pinking further as the elf across from her smiles, green eyes lifting at the corners. The only time she sees him like this - genuinely happy - is during her visits. Part of her is flattered that he reserves this side for her. But the more sensible side of Hawke wishes he could find such joy outside of these walls, without her presence and a bottle of wine to ignite them. 

Their conversation turns to the upcoming celebration of Satinalia, when Fenris admits he has nothing planned for the day. 

“Nothing at all?” Hawke’s eyebrows raise in surprise.

“Did we not partake in the celebration at The Hanged Man?”

A few days prior, Varric had thrown a feast in his suite. Hawke and all her companions had joined then, drinking and eating until the wee hours of the morning. It was a wonderful night, that was certain. But they had celebrated the holiday then because they all had previous engagements for Satinalia day itself. 

“Well, Varric hosted that night because everyone was already committed to something on the actual date. Sebastian has his sermons. Isabela made it abundantly clear that she’d be spreading cheer by gracing the Blooming Rose with their favorite customer. Merrill somehow roped Varric into telling stories to the young elves in the alienage, because, according to her, she can never get the voices right. Although, I suppose Varric won’t mind terribly, he loves a receptive audience, and he’ll have those children hanging off of his every word,” Hawke laughs. “And Anders and Lirene from the clinic are going to be handing out food rations to the poor.” Hawke had been more than glad to donate coin to help her friend pay for the food needed. “Aveline is going to be stuck on guard duty, but I made her promise to stop by for a drink afterwards. Mother almost considers her another daughter now, with everything we went through together to get here,” she says with a smile. Her eyes meet Fenris’. “And that just leaves you.”

“It is just a day like any other,” he says, taking a long sip from his bottle.

“Are there little things you do to celebrate? Any traditions?”

“I’ve … never really partaken in the holiday. Not truly. Traditionally, slaves are permitted to feast during Satinalia, to eat just as well as their Master's. But Danarius did not wish to spoil his slaves. He thought it a waste of good food. One year, however, he gifted me a blanket. It might not sound like much, but it is very rare for a slave to own personal effects. Even bedding. He did seem to be in kinder spirits than usual, so it was a small thing to look forward to.” 

Hawke scolds herself then, angry that her ignorance blinded her from seeing how insensitive the question was. But before she can apologize, Fenris changes the direction of the conversation.

“I’m not sure if it is a Free Marcher custom, but in the last few weeks, many of the bakery’s have been selling these sweets. I admit, I’ve found myself at the stalls time and again. It seems I cannot get enough of them,” he smiles.

“Do you know what they’re called?”

“They are a cookie of sorts. Simple, perhaps made with only flour and sugar. I forget the name.”

“Oh, you aren’t talking about shortbread cookies, are you?”

“Ah, yes. That’s what they’re called.”

Hawke scrunches up her face, and Fenris grins. “Not a fan I take it?”

“Heavens, no!” she laughs. “Mother used to make them every year, and insisted that since she spent time making them, we all had to eat them. Father loved them. So did Carver. But Bethany and I detested the things.”

“You truly do not know what you are missing.”

“Oh, I certainly do. You are free to all the shortbread you want. I can promise you that I will never be tempted to ask you to share.”

Fenris laughs then, and it is a joy to her ears. His eyes soften, and she returns his smile. “And what of you - what traditions do you partake in?”

“My family and I always celebrated together. Waking up at dawn, exchanging gifts, sitting in front of the fire with a glass of wine. We were allowed just one glass, even as children,” she says, fond memories dancing before her eyes. It occurs to her then, that every memory Fenris has that should be precious is tainted with misery. That, even a memory of receiving a gift is twisted from its origin. She looks upon him then, their eyes meeting and holding each other's gaze.

“I’m sorry … it was unkind of me to share such things,” she says. 

“Why?”

“Because you … you’ve never …”

“I do not want your pity,” he says coldly, and Hawke sighs. 

“I do not pity you Fenris. It just hurts me to think of all you’ve endured. You’re a good man.”

“How can you be so sure?” he averts his eyes then, staring blankly at the contents of wine in the bottle. “There is much you do not know of my past. Of all that I’ve done.”

“Those things were beyond your control. You’ve told me before -  a slave has no choice, that he only thinks of his Master’s wishes. That wasn’t you, Fenris. That was someone else in another life.”

Slowly, he lifts his gaze, and Hawke nearly drowns in the depth of emotion swimming behind his eyes. “I wish I could believe you. You make me want to.”

“Perhaps one day you will.”

 It’s in that moment that Hawke promises herself that she will give Fenris a reason to cherish this holiday, to give him new memories to alleviate the sting of ones that are a source of pain. She doesn’t know what exactly she is to Fenris, but she would do just about anything to erase his self doubts, and to show him how much he means to her.

It is far too early when Fenris is awakened by a loud pounding on his front door. He grumbles, rolling over, hoping the pest will leave if he wills it. But the banging at the door continues, dragging him away from his sleep.

“Fasta Vass,” he grunts, throwing his legs over the side of the bed. He quickly throws on a pair of trousers and a grey cotton shirt, and pads down the stairs. Whoever it was had better have a good excuse for disrupting his slumber. Pulling open the door, he is shocked to see Hawke, a huge grin plastered on her face.

“Merry Satinalia!” she exclaims, throwing her arms around his neck. Fenris stands stiffly, startled by the sign of affection.

“Hawke?” he asks, confused. “What are you doing here?”

“No one should spend this day alone,” she says, her eyes twinkling as she pulls away. Immediately, Fenris misses her warmth. “Grab your coat, it’s chilly out.”

“Where are we going?”

“If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise.”

Fenris sighs. He hates surprises - one could never properly prepare themselves without knowing what they were getting themselves into. He throws on a light wool jacket, but as he reaches his sword, Hawke chuckles.

“You won’t need that where we’re going. And I doubt any criminals are lingering the streets. Even thieves take this day off.”

“If you are certain,” he says, and steps past the threshold, closing the door behind him.

“Come on!” she exclaims, taking his hand in hers, lacing her slender fingers around his own. His eyebrows raise, his heart suddenly coming to a halt within his chest. It startles him, truly, to feel her supple flesh in his palm, her skin somehow warm amidst the chill around them. He realises he’s frozen in place when she begins to tug him along. He follows her without another word, cherishing this tender moment between  two … friends? Almost lovers? Fenris does not know what they are - a slave never dreams of such a cherished relationship. But he’s not a slave. Not anymore. Perhaps he could dare to dream of something more.

Thick, fluffy snowflakes fall from the sky, still dark with dusk. But despite the unholy early hour, a choir sings in the distance, voices so harmonic they sound unworldly. Fenris shivers, a chill running through his body at the frigid temperature.

“I’ll never understand why you don’t invest in a warmer jacket. This isn’t Tevinter, you know,” she teases, running her thumb in circles against his hand, perhaps in a feeble attempt to keep him warm.

“You do have a point.”

“It’s not far, you’ll be warm in no time, I promise.”

As they walk through the streets, she speaks of things he does not know - plum pudding and honeyed cakes. But all Fenris can fixate on is the decadently smooth skin grazing the palm of his hand. A few minutes later, they round the corner, and Fenris realises that they are heading towards her estate. When they reach her door, she reluctantly let's go of his hand, and he nearly takes her hand back in his own. Nearly. She beams at him then, her wondrous eyes gleaming, even under the dusky sky. 

“Here,” she says, and runs her fingers through his hair for a few moments. “Your hair is all mussed up.” As her fingers brush against his scalp, a delightful chill prickles at the back of his neck. He’d not known such a small touch could feel so … enoyable. 

“Perhaps I would look more presentable had I known I would be joining you.”

“You look fine,” she says with a grin, removing her fingers from his hair, and it surprises him that he wishes for her touch to linger a few moments longer.

As they step into the warmth of her home, the aroma of spiced bread reaches his nose. He follows Hawke to the living room, where Leandra greets him with a smile.

“Fenris dear, how nice of you to join us. Come in,” the elder Hawke woman says, and Fenris nods.

“I appreciate the invite.”

He follows them into a side room he’s never been in before. The estate is decked out in brightly coloured ribbons. A pine centerpiece sits in the middle of a large dining table.

“Take a seat,” Hawke gestures, and they sit together. Leandra returns, a tray full of cookies.

“My daughter tells me you enjoy shortbread,” she says, holding out the tray to him. Reluctantly, he accepts a cookie.

“I do. You have my thanks,” he says, and he can’t help but wonder what else Hawke has told her mother of him. Did she know he was an escaped slave? Despite being of nobility, Leandra never looked upon him with disgust when Fenris came to collect Hawke. She was always kind and soft spoken, something Fenris never really appreciated until now.

“Such manners,” Leandra says, taking a seat at the table.

Fenris takes a bite into the cookie, and hums his approval. It’s even better than the cookies he purchases from the Hightown stall.

“See, darling, someone approves of your mother’s baking,” Leandra beams and Hawke sighs.

“Your baking is just fine, Mother.”

Just then, there’s a knock at the door. Moments later, Gamlen walks in, with Carver tagging behind him.

“Carver!” Leandra exclaims, pushing past Gamlen to embrace her son. 

“Am I nothing to you now?” Gamlen sounds annoyed, but strolls over the the table, pouring himself a glass of wine. Hawke joins her mother, giving her brother a brief hug.

“The Templars gave you a day off? I’m shocked,” she says, her voice teasing.

“I only have an hour or so to spare, but I am here until then.”

“Only an hour?” Leandra gasps. “But it’s Satinalia.”

“I know. I’m sorry, Mother. But I have duties.”

“Well, you best open your presents now then.”

Fenris is content to sit and watch the Hawke family exchange their gifts. He drinks spiced wine, and munches on various treats displayed on the table. Hawke’s staff busies themselves in the kitchen, and despite his belly full of sugary sweets, his stomach anticipates the savory smells that waft through the air.

They share a hearty breakfast, filled with tender meats, sweet bread, and fresh fruit. By the time they are finished, Fenris is fit to burst. He comfortably sips his drink when Carver bids his family farewell.

As Leandra and Gamlen converse in the kitchen, Hawke adds another log to the fire. It crackles loudly, tiny embers of fire floating above the wood. She reaches up on her mantle, grabbing two remaining gifts. 

“I have something for you,” she says.

Fenris is reluctant to accept them; he’d brought nothing in return. But he knows Hawke, and knows it would wound her should he refuse. He slowly unwraps the first one, and when it is revealed, his heart jumps in his throat.

“It’s a book,” he says slowly, his tongue suddenly heavy in his mouth.

“It’s a subject you’re familiar with. The book is by Shartan, the elf who helped Andraste free the slaves. You know about him, right?”

“A little,” he admits. He’s hidden this from her for so long, and Fenris suddenly feels insecure. “It’s just … slaves are not permitted to read. I’ve never learned.”

“It’s not too late to learn, Fenris.”

“Isn’t it? Sometimes I wonder. I don’t mean to seem ungrateful, I do appreciate the thought. I’ve always wanted to learn more of Shartan. Perhaps this is my chance.”

“I’d be more than willing to help you learn.”

“Are you certain?”

“I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t mean it,” she says warmly, placing a hand over his.

“Thank you, Hawke.” She can’t possibly know what this means to him. He’s always wanted to learn, for as far back as he can remember. It’d be one last thing erased from his life of a slave - his illiteracy. 

“Open your other gift,” she grins.

“You spoil me,” he chuckles. As his fingers unwrap the gift, a deep plum scarf is revealed.

“Here, allow me,” she says. Hawke stands before him, leaning forward as she delicately wraps the scarf around his neck. “You seldom dress appropriately for the winter. Maybe this will help keep you warm.” Her hands graze the back of his neck as she winds the scarf around him, and once again, a delicious shiver ghosts over his skin at her touch. Fenris looks up at her, and notices just how close their faces are, so close he can smell the sweet wine from her lips. She gazes deeply into his eyes. Fenris longs to close the distance, to press his lips against hers, to finally know how her mouth tastes against his own. But he stalls for too long, and Hawke lowers her gaze, a nervous chuckle ghosting past her lips as a light blush dances across her cheeks. 

“Thank you, Hawke,” he finally says. He’s surprised by the tenderness of his own voice -  a voice he scarcely recognises as his own.

“Anything for you, Fenris.”

The admission sends his heart dancing beneath his chest. For so long, he’s wondered if her feelings run as deep as his own - if all her flirting was just a habit, or if her words came from the heart. But being here with her, being invited into her home with her family during Satinalia - it’s shown him that she does care. He’s wanted her for years, desperately so. Perhaps, one day soon, he will gather the courage to tell her how he feels. But for now, he’s content to enjoy her company.  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

End notes: I took some liberty with Satinalia. Based on what I’ve read about “Saturnalia”, the Romans would allow their slaves to dine with them at a grand feast, and sometimes would play role reversal. I certainly couldn’t see Danarius doing that, so that’s where the idea for that conversation came from. Anywho, whatever you celebrate, I hope you enjoy the holidays!

#Dragon Age #Dragon Age 2 #DA2 #FenHawke #Fenris #Hawke #Christmas fic #Dragon Age fanfiction #Satinalia #Saturnalia #jenniferhawke

[thinkyoureholy]

Opposites Attract [11]

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.

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Pairing : Park Jimin / [Fem] Reader

Genre : Angst, Violence, Language, Fluff, Smut, Enemies to Lovers! AU, Fantasy! AU

Words : 4k

Pt 1. Pt 2. Pt 3. Pt 4. Pt 5. Pt 6. Pt 7. Pt 8. Pt 9. Pt 10. Pt 11. Pt 12. Pt 13. Pt 14. Pt 15.

⋘ ──── ∗ ⋅◈⋅ ∗ ──── ⋙

-Y/N’s P.O.V-

I sighed out softly, staring up at the ceiling. I could hear Yoongi and Hoseok talking softly amongst themselves from across the room. I had been awake for a few hours now but they hadn’t taken noticed. I looked as good as new on the outside but something felt off about my powers, they felt like they weren’t entirely mine. It--It felt like the strength of the power I had in me had doubled, no it tripled in strength. I...I was afraid of it now. This could mean that the power I held was limitless, I felt that if I built it up I could become unstoppable...and that scares me more than anything. 

Without thinking I brought a hand out, wanting to test something. I stared at my palm, watching as the stem of a rose began to form, the ice crystalizing right before my eyes. The stem was half formed when little tiny streams of water began to sprout from my palm. The water moved like a snake, each individual stream moving like it had a mind of its own. Just as the rose was completely formed the water swarmed around it, engulfing it completely, rising from my palm. When it was inches above my face I closed my palm. The water slicing into the ice so fast I could barely even see it, the rose made of ice and the water that surrounded it turned into a fine mist. So the feeling I had was right, I was now able to use both sides of my power at the same time. Before it was one or the other, the thought of using them both was just that, a thought, the idea was impossible. So I guess this means that whole talk about being chosen by Poseidon is true, huh?

“Did--Did you just use...b-both…” Hoseok began but trailed off not being able to finish.

I said nothing as I sat up, staring down at my closed fist for a moment.

“Y/N are feeling better now?” Yoongi asked, ignoring what just happened.

“No. I mean physically yes, but emotionally...no, I’m far from being okay.” I said, looking up at him.

He frowned, opening his mouth to ask why when I beat him to it, telling him exactly why.

“That day...out on that field 8 years ago...why--why did neither of you tell me that day was the day my father became a murderer?”

As soon as I finished speaking I saw the color had drained from both their faces. Yoongi opened his mouth to speak but closed it several times, the words not coming out. Hoseok took a single step towards me but made no move to get closer.

“Y-Y/N you--you gotta understand we...we had no choice, your parents had no other choice.” 

I closed my eyes at his words, the tears that I had shed earlier making a reappearance as I inhaled sharply, “So it’s true? I was hoping, praying to a god I don’t believe in that he was lying, praying that my parents weren’t like that, that my father--that he wasn’t a killer. But it’s true.”

“Y/N your father was a good man.” Yoongi finally said, his words broken, “He was a good man. Everything he did was to protect everyone.”

“By killing an innocent woman? Jimin and his brother were left without a mother!” I yelled through my tears, standing up from the bed,

 “Why?! Tell me why he did it!”

“Y/N...we--we can’t. It was the last promise we made him…”

“Tell me!” I shouted, louder than before, not knowing that my eyes had changed in that moment.

I watched them both swallow harshly, Yoongi stepping forward, “No.”

I closed my eyes tightly at hearing his answer, clenching my hands into fists at my sides, “Get out.”

“Y/N please.”

“I said get out!” I yelled, my voice breaking.

They stayed where they were for a moment before reluctantly moving their feet. As soon as I heard the door close I stumble back until my back met the wall behind me. I slid down the wall, burying my face into my knees.

-Jimin’s P.O.V-

“You sure you don’t need any guards with you?” Gai asked as we reached the front door.

“I’ll be fine. Just make sure to get Namjoon here. I’m sure if you just mention Y/N’s name he’ll come running.” I said, a hint of distaste in my voice.

Gai stopped walking at my words, a smirk playing at his lips, “Oh ho, what's this? Are you jealous right now? Of Kim Namjoon? Wow, I must be dreaming.”

“Stop talking nonsense and just go do as you’re told.” I said, avoiding his eyes, slipping on my jacket.

“You are aren’t you? I thought I was imagining that look in your eyes earlier when you were staring down Min Yoongi but I’m right. You’re jealous, of every man that’s around her no less.” He said with a chuckle.

“Shut up.” I grumbled out, leaving him behind.

“Yo Park Jimin!”

I stopped at hearing him call out my name, turning around to face him, “I’m glad you’ve finally put everything behind you and decided to start over with her. She’s perfect for you. I hope you two live happily like you deserve, once this is all over that is.”

I looked at him with wide eyes, surprised at his words. After a moment of just standing there I let out a scoff before turning my back on him. As I walked away from him I couldn’t hide the smile that played at my lips.

-

“I’m here to see Taehyung, tell him Park Jimin is here.” I said to the guards at the border.

They shared a look, hesitating, “Sir, we can’t. We’re on strict orders not to let anyone in, I’m sorry.”

I smirked, taking a step closer to them, “Didn’t you hear me? I don’t care what orders you’re under, go get Kim Taehyung.”

The man swallowed harshly, opening his mouth but closed it again, not finding the words. When he looked like he was about to speak the voice I heard wasn’t his.

“It looks like it’s you that can't hear properly. We’re not letting anyone in Jimin, that includes you.”

I set my jaw at the sound of his voice, glaring at him as he sauntered over, “Jeon Jungkook. I need to speak with Taehyung, you either let me in while I’m asking nicely or I’ll force my way in, it’s your choice.”

Jungkook smirked, shoving his hands in his coat pocket, “I’d like to see you try. You know we never got to finish that fight, what do you say, let’s finish it right now.”

“I’m not here to fight, I’m here to talk to Taehyung and I’m not leaving until I do.” I said through clenched teeth.

He took slow steps towards me, a cocky look in his eye, “Well it looks like you’ll be here awhile. While you wait why don’t we have a little fun, huh? I’ve always wanted to wipe that smug look off your face, why not give me the pleasure of doing just that right now?” 

He pushed at my shoulders but I didn’t budge, “Come on, show me those flames of yours. Those same ones you used to attack not only my master with but Y/N as well. Bring them out, come on I’m waiting. What are you scared now? Afraid that I might extinguish that fire of yours for good?”

I clenched my hands into fists, my nails digging into my palms as I bit my tongue. He continued to provoke me but I kept silent. This is for Y/N, once we’ve dealt with Seokjin I can come back and teach this brat a lesson, stay calm, repeated to myself over and over again like a mantra, that is until he said something I couldn’t ignore.

“Come on at least put up a fight, that way I can take your body back to Y/N, show her how I got rid of the pest that endangered her life. Who knows she might even reward me for it, and I’ve got just the thing in mind to ask for.” He said with a smirk, his eyes shining mischievously.

At his words my fire spread up my arm, but before I even got to do anything a voice stopped me.

“Jeon Jungkook!” 

Jungkook froze at the anger behind his voice, turning on his heel and bowed his head to the man marching over to us.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Taehyung all but growled out, coming to stand before Jungkook.

“I was just-”

“Do you even understand the situation we’re all in at the moment? This is no time for you to be picking fights with others!” He shouted, pointing a finger harshly in to his chest.

“But Taehyung he--he wouldn’t take no for an answer. We told him we couldn’t let him in so he threatened to force his way in. I couldn’t just-”

“From what I just heard it sounded like you were the one that was provoking him,” Taehyung cut him off, the anger clear in his voice.

I’ve known Taehyung for five years now and I have never seen him so angry before. Truth be told he even scared me a little with the look his was giving Jungkook. Jungkook hung his head like a puppy that just got scolded for peeing on the floor. I frowned, feeling a bit bad for him, knowing he wasn’t entirely at fault.

“Taehyung I-”

“And you, who the hell do you think you are demanding to be let in? Do you even know what’s going on? The Zeus faction has taken over, Poseidon is no longer in power.” Taehyun spat out.

I felt my face pale at his words, “W-What? They--They can’t do that.”

“They can do whatever the hell they want, it’s the Zeus faction we’re talking about.”

I stumbled back at his words. Seokjin must be serious about this if he took over, kicking Poseidon off the throne when it was their turn to rule. But Yoongi and Hoseok haven’t mentioned anything about it, I’m sure they would’ve said something about it if they knew. I mean this is big, it’s fucking huge. Every single one of us knew Zeus was the strongest and it was only a matter a time when they would remind us, but I never expected it to actually happen.

“So what now?”

“They’re calling everyone to arms, saying the Hephaestus faction is starting a revolution and we need to stop them as soon as possible.” 

“That’s crazy!” I shouted, taking a step forward, ready to defend my people but Taehyung beat me to it.

“It wouldn’t be the first time your people try and start a war, Jimin. Everyone is on Zeus' side, ready to fight the rebels.”

“Tae, we’re being targeted for the third time in less than a century. Do you really believe that we’d risk our own people for a war we know we won’t win? Taehyung something bigger is going on here and you know it.” 

Taehyung lowered his gaze, staring down at the ground beneath his feet for a moment before a heavy sigh left his lips, “Okay fine, let’s say I believe you. Tell me what’s really going on then.”

“Seokjin is trying to kill Y/N.”

“What?!” Both Jungkook and Taehyung exclaimed, the two looking at me with wide eyes.

“At first it all started with him trying to get rid of me because of a vision he had but it’s turned into something so much bigger than that. I came here to ask you to help me...I-I can’t protect her on my own, not against someone like Seokjin.”

They both wore frowns on their faces, still shocked to be hearing this news. I should’ve known Seokjin would lie to everyone, it’s what they did to my grandfather no doubt. History is repeating itself and I’m hellbent on stopping it, knowing Y/N’s life is on the line. Taehyung sighed heavily, sharing a look with Jungkook before turning to me.

“Look, I can’t promise you my people, I don’t have that kind of power. But...Jungkook and I are willing to help.”

I let out a breath of relief, a small smile playing at my lips. So this is what it’s like to have loyal friends, huh? I’m glad she spent her time making friends with the people around her instead of enemies like I did. Seeing how ready they were to help out I couldn’t help but feel bad for the way I’ve treated them, especially that last day we saw each other.

“Before--Before anything I just...want to apologize for the way I acted. I now realize what an idiot I’ve been...I’m sorry.” I apologized, bowing to the two to show my sincerity.

I felt a hand on my shoulder, making me stand upright, “I get you were angry Jimin, I would be too if I lost my mother the way you did. I’m just glad you finally realize your mistakes, not only with us but with Y/N as well. I’m sure you’re going out of your way because you’ve finally figured out how much you love her.”

I stared at Taehyung in shock, “How did you-”

“Oh come on, it was written all over your face every time you saw her,” Jungkook scoffed out, crossing his arms over his chest, “Now let’s go before I try and change Taehyung’s mind.”

He pushed passed me, walking away from Taehyung and I. I shared a look of gratitude with him, seeing a grin spread across his face. The two of us began to walk back to my home but were stopped after taking a few steps.

“Uh...sir?” 

We stopped at the sound of the guard’s voice, Taehyung turning around to face her.

“Can--Can we go as well?”

I was surprised at her words, looking to her partner to see that he had the same determined look in his eyes.

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea...I don’t want either of you to get punished by my father…” Taehyung said with a frown.

“But sir, I’m sorry but you know our loyalty stands with you.” The male guard said.

Taehyung went to shoot them down again but I stopped him, “Tae...this can help us. You have people that are loyal to you, not your father, this might give us a fighting chance. You can tell them to be ready for your signal the day of the battle, we can win this.”

Taehyung looked torn on what to do. I could tell he felt uneasy about going behind his father’s back to do something like this. With a sigh he rubbed his hands over his face.

“Fine. Tell everyone that’s ever been under my charge to wait for my bird, I’ll let it fly when I need you.” 

“What the hell are you guys doing? Hurry the hell up!” Jungkook yelled out to us.

I pulled on Taehyung’s arm but he fought against me, “If you find yourselves in a bind forget about helping me. And if you get caught you tell my father I was the one that forced you into it you understand?”

“Yes sir.” They both said in unison, standing at attention with their heads bowed, left arm behind their back while they placed their right fist over their hearts.

-

I stood outside my home speechless, my jaw hanging open. There...were so many soldiers from Gaia...I couldn’t even count them if I tried.

“G-Gai?” 

Gai walked over to me with caution, “Yeah?”

“What is all this?” I asked, dazed as I looked over each and every one of them.

“W-Well when I reached the Gaia faction Namjoon was on his way out. It looks like he was going to march over here with his army before we even got the chance to ask him for help.”

I kept my gaze forward, reaching over to place a hand on Gai’s shoulder, squeezing tightly as I spoke through clenched teeth, “Where the hell do you think I’m gonna hide all these people? When my father finds out about all this he’ll have my head. We were supposed to do this discreetly, tell me what the fuck is discreet about hundreds of Gaia soldiers?”

“J-Jimin I had no choice but to bring them here.”

“I asked him to bring me here Jimin. I heard everything from Levi, he asked for my help long before you sent Gai over to me.” Namjoon spoke up, stepping out from behind his soldiers.

I looked at him in shock? Levi did? So does this mean he’s going against Zeus? But on the way over here Taehyung had told me the Poseidon faction had been on lock down since this morning...did Levi contact Namjoon before then. Gai had gone for Yoongi and Hoseok yesterday afternoon so that means between then and this morning Seokjin closed in the people of Poseidon. I wonder if Y/N knows about this. I shook my head, looking over to Namjoon and giving him a grateful nod. He gave me a dimpled smile in return, turning to his army.

“Alright, make yourselves scarce. Find a few inns to stay in, I’ll let you know when I need you.” 

A loud thunderous chorus of ‘yes sir’s were heard, surprising myself and those around me. I leaned closer to Gai, whispering, “Do we even have enough inns for all of them?”

“N-No. I’ll, uh, I’ll go talk to the principal of the high school and ask her to let them stay there. We won’t be able to hold any classes for the students anyway so it’ll be empty.” He said, calling out for them to follow him instead.

I watched them all leave, a heavy sigh falling from my lips. I ran my fingers through my hair, thinking about how I was going to explain all this to my father. I knew once he saw Y/N he’d throw a fit. I’m actually surprised he hasn’t noticed yet but that’s not surprising in the least. He had been withdrawn ever since my mother died, the only thing he did was get angry. And I fed off that anger, justifying my actions because of it. I rubbed my hands over my face, turning to Namjoon but before I could get a word out someone yelled out my name.

“You have a lot of fucking nerve, Jimin.” Yoongi spat out from the door, making his way to me but Hoseok stopped him, holding him back, “What gives you the right to fucking tell her about that day? It took us years for her to forget it but you brought it back up w-”

“She had every right to know who her father really was. He was a murderer.”

“That’s exactly why we never fucking told her! Do you have any idea how much she loved her father? We didn’t want to ruin that for her!” Yoongi yelled out, fighting against Hoseok’s hold but Hoseok just held on tighter, “Now she’s broken because the man she thought so highly of and loved with all her might was nothing but a murderer.”

I frowned at his words, getting angry myself, “He killed my mother he-”

“He was under orders!” Yoongi shouted, cutting me off, “He--he was under orders, he had no choice but to do what he did, we had no choice.”

My jaw went slack at his words, “W-What?”

I could see the unshed tears in Yoongi’s eyes. This must have been haunting him since the day it happened. Without saying another word he shoved Hoseok off of him, storming off. Hoseok just stared after him, sadness in his eyes before turning to face me.

“Zeus has been running things from the very beginning. You can’t honestly tell me you believe those stronger than everyone else would simply relinquish their power to us weaker ones so easily. They’re the ones behind your mother’s death, even your grandfather’s. They’ve killed those that they thought had a chance of beating them, and now their target is Y/N,” Hoseok said, his voice low, “I hope you have one hell of a plan up your sleeve because with how things are right now...we don’t stand much of a chance. Our numbers do nothing against their strength.”

My shoulders slumped at his words, maybe I was in way over my head. I had the drive and determination but that’s not enough...I don’t think I have the strength to go up against someone like Seokjin, to protect Y/N. I know I’m strong...but not that strong.

“Hey...Jimin...I know this might not be good timing but I’ve gotta tell you, I’ve been skeptical about things the whole way here. I just can’t wrap my head around Y/N not only being stronger than Seokjin but being chosen by Poseidon. You know I never really believed in the gods anyway so…” Taehyung trailed off in a timid voice.

“We want to make sure we’ve made the right choice and we’re not just fighting a losing battle here.” Jungkook added, stepping forward.

I opened my mouth to answer but was cut off by the sound of Y/N’s voice. I turned to look in the direction it was coming from, the color leaving my face at the sight. My father was dragging her over to the front door, his hand gripping onto her hair tightly. She kicked and screamed for him to let her go and he did, he threw her down the steps that lead to the front door. I ran to help her as she came to a stop a few feet away from me. I could see Hoseok fighting against Namjoon and Gai’s hold, Yoongi somehow showing back up in that moment, Jungkook and Taehyung having to hold him back. I could practically feel the anger radiating off of their bodies but that anger was nothing compared to the one I felt. The moment I saw him dragging her like a rag doll my blood had begun to boil, the rage within me was uncontrollable when I saw the blood flowing from the side of her head, dripping down to her shoulder. I kept my eyes on her face, relieved to see that she was still conscious but the way she let out a groan let me know she was in pain. I clenched my hands into fists, my whole body burning with a fire that demanded to be let out but before that--I scooped her up, moving her aside. I placed her by the others, letting her lean back against a pillar. As soon as I set her down all the guys surrounded her, the only one that didn’t was Gai. He grabbed onto my arm, warning me with his eyes but I ignored him, yanking my arm out of his grip. 

I turned to face my father, letting my fire crawl up my arms, the flames licking at my neck, “Is Jisoo home?”

“N-No...Jimin-”

I didn’t stay to hear anything he had to say, slowing walking to my father. With every step I took my fire grew, my father’s expression remained unchanged.

“Why the fuck was that Poseidon bitch in my home?! You’re lucky I didn’t-”

I didn’t give him a chance to finish, extending an arm in his direction, my fire shooting off like a missile, hitting it’s mark. Everything within reach burst into flames, the fire began to spread quickly but I didn’t care. I walked through the burning doorway, a dangerous glint in my eyes as I glared over at my father who had been thrown back into a pillar that stood in the middle of our home. I closed my eyes briefly, cracking my neck before looking at him with hate filled eyes, I’ve had enough.

“How dare y-”

“How dare you put your fucking hands on her? I’ve put up with your bullshit for the past 23 fucking years of my life and I’ve had it. I’m fucking done you hear me, done.”

.

.

.

Tags : @rjsmochii

#bts fluff #bts ff #bts fanfic #bts fic #bts #bts series #bts scenarios #bts smut #bts angst #bts park jimin #park jimin fanfic #park jimin scenarios #park jimin #park jimin fanfiction #park jimin ff #jimin fic #jimin ff #jimin fluff #jimin fanfic #jimin fanfiction #jimin au #jimin angst #park jimin series #jimin series #jimin smut #jimin scenario #alternate universe #fantasy au

[saltywithsarcasm]

Chapter 13 of Really Passionate Fans has been posted!

Yamada leans against a wall of his recording studio, running his hand through his blonde hair before glancing at his boyfriend, who was busy talking with the police and having every available unit out looking for this guy.

The stalker couldn’t be too far, he was just at the hospital sitting with him just a half hour ago.

The blonde walks up to his boyfriend as the other members in the studio worked around them and presses up against his back, wrapping his arms around his waist as he continues to talk, giving him a glance before reaching up to place his hand over Yamada’s.

“Yeah, we would appreciate it; Thank you.” Aizawa hangs up and turns in his hold, giving the other a quick hug. “They have a few officers and heroes out looking for him, I might head out too.”

“Could I come along?” Yamada asks. “I’ll just need to run by the house and get my gear.”

“I don’t know, you don’t have your headphones to protect your ears-“

“I have spares.” Yamada counters, crossing his arms. “I want to be there when this guy gets brought in.”

“I understand but you’re still sick.”

“Coming from you, that’s hilarious.” He smirks with an amused tone, knowing Aizawa would be just as stubborn if the situation were reversed.

Aizawa rubs his face in thought and lets out a sigh.

“Fine but I want you sticking close to me.” He tells him, motioning for him to follow. “Maybe if we catch this guy, we can get your things back.”

“Yeah, I feel naked without my jacket.” Yamada says jokingly, following the other out of the studio.

~*~

“I want you home until this man is caught, he’s not a villain but doesn’t mean he isn’t dangerous.” Her father says on the phone, she glances over her shoulder and sighs, thankful that their plan seemed to have worked though she didn’t like having to show Mic those posts, his expression when he read one after another made her chest hurt; Must have made the man very uncomfortable, not to mention the posts that mocked and belittled his boyfriend and there’s the one where Hojo was basically asking for someone to kill him...

“I’m heading that way now, are you close by still?” Akira asks, hoping to get a ride instead of walking all the way there.

“Cops were showing up so we couldn’t stick around for much longer. Where are you now?”

“I’m near...” She looks around and sees a coffee shop nearby. “Um, Toloko’s coffee? Do you know where that is?”

“Yeah, just head inside and I’ll come by to pick you up.” Her dad says, she hears him telling the driver where to go in the background. “From what the police scanners are telling us is that Murakami wasn’t at the hospital when the police showed up, they don’t know where he is but we can find him with the tracker on his collar.”

“Do you know where he is now, dad?” She asks, hurrying across the street towards the coffee shop. For a moment, he doesn’t say anything and then she hears her dad let out a sharp gasp.

“Akira, you need leave. He’s near you-“ Akira felt her phone being ripped from her hand before he can finish and turns to see Hojo standing behind her with a wide grin on his face. She hears her father shouting her name from the phone before the crazed man hits the end call button.

“There you are, you little pest.” The girl takes a step back from the man as he drops her phone to the ground. “Did you think I didn’t know you were behind all this, huh? Ruining my life?”

His smile drops as he quickly grabs her by her arm and pulls her closer roughly, gritting his teeth at her.

“Because of you, Mic has almost every cop and hero out looking for me!” He snaps, shaking her violently. “You couldn’t just leave well enough alone, had to play some goddamn hero and now look where it’s got you!”

Akira kicks at his legs, trying to wiggle out of his hold as he drags her back towards his car.

“You did this to yourself, now let go of me!” She shouts at him, hitting his shoulder with her fist. “Lunatic!”

“I’m going to make you wish you never messed with me, kid.” He threatens, yanking her along to the car before feeling a sort of static in the air, a feeling of dread causing the hair on the back of his neck to stand.

Hojo turns his head but doesn’t get the chance to what has him feeling threatened before a fist collides with his jaw, causing him to fall back against his own car and lose his grip on the girl. Akira stumbles and falls on her rear, glasses crooked on her face as she glances up towards the person who saved her.

Her eyes widen in disbelief and awe, blonde hair and bright smile; All Might.

“Clearly this young girl doesn’t want to go with you, Mr. Murakami!” He says boldly, approaching the other man as Hojo gets to his feet, holding his cheek. “It’ll be in your best interest to come along without a fight! You’re already in enough trouble without adding abduction to your charges!”

Hojo glares at the hero hard before giving Akira a threatening glare, itching to have his hands around her throat and squeeze the life out of her but knew he was caught, there’s no way he can escape the number one hero.

“Fuck.” He mutters to himself, staring at her hard as she got back to her feet. Akira fixes her glasses and keeps All Might between her and the other man.

She picks up her phone and is thankful that there’s no cracks in the screen, seeing a couple of worried messages from her father. Akira gives All Might a quick glance before replying to him, telling him she was fine and pockets her phone before turning back to the other two.

“Are you alright, miss?” The hero asks, his voice not as booming as it was before.

“Yes...thank you.” Akira thanks him, hearing police sirens in the distance; She should probably leave before they get here. “Um, can I go?”

“Go? Are you sure?” All Might asks, looking confused.

“My dad...he’s worried about me, I should go let him know I’m okay.” She explains, giving Hojo a nervous glance.

“I suppose if you’re not hurt then you can go to your father but be more careful.” He gives her a thumbs up as he turns back to Hojo. “Ready to answer to your crimes, villain?”

“I’m not a villain!” Hojo snaps at the hero and points to Akira. “But her father is! He’s the one who put this collar on me!”

Akira freezes up at his words and sees All Might rubbing his chin in thought; Oh god, she doesn’t want her father to get into trouble for helping her.

“I don’t how who you’re referring to or what he has to do with this but he’s not the one we’re worried about at the moment.” All Might says as a police car shows up, the girl sighs with relief before seeing Eraserhead and Present Mic approaching the scene too.

“All Might, is everything alright?” Aizawa asks, watching Hojo being cuffed and put in the back of a cop car.

“Caught him trying to force Miss Yamato in the back of his car.” He explains, looking over to the younger girl. “But she’s fine and everything was taken care of, yes.”

Yamada approaches them, staring at his obsessive fan in the back of the police car until their eyes meet before turning back to the other two heroes.

“I think it goes without saying I wanna press charges against that man.” He sighs, rubbing the back of his neck; It was kind of weird to see Yamada in his hero gear with his hair in a messy bun instead of his signature hair style and without his jacket, he had headphones on but they looked kind of old. “Stalking, breaking and entering, harassment, attempt of murder. Jeez the list just goes on with this guy.”

“Does the girl want to press charges? He was trying to kidnap her.” Aizawa asks, looking towards her, motioning for her to come closer. “Come here, kid.”

Akira slowly approaches, looking around hoping her father wasn’t on his way; She told him she was okay but he still worries and would rush to get to her regardless of heroes or police.

“Um...I don’t know.” She says, clutching phone. If she gets involved with the police, there’s a huge possibility that her mother and step father will be angry with her for getting into trouble.

“Are you sure?” Yamada asks, stepping pass the other two to stand in front of her. “He was trying to force you into his car, most likely had no good intentions, he could have really hurt you or worse.”

“He...threaten me.” She says, rubbing her arm where he had ahold of her. “I don’t know what he would have done to me.”

“Listen, I know you’re scared but I think it would be for the best if you pressed charges against him.” He says, giving her a reassuring smile. “We can talk to a cop, I’ll be right there with you, how’s that sound?”

“...Okay.” She nods, following him with his hand on her upper back; He briefly tells Aizawa what they’re doing and walk up to find an officer, the entire time, Hojo is watching them from the car with a heated glare.

#stalker au #saltywithsarcasm

[colorme-stasia]

hi my name is Lo and I just dunked goldfish crackers into hot sauce and called it a snack. anyway: here’s stasia

•(more about the girl below)• 

「 maude apatow. cisfemale. 」have you seen stasia scotte  around yet? i hear she decided to be in PEREGRINISfor their JUNIOR year as a fine arts major. the 21 year old TIER 1 SHEPARD is known to be effervescent, witty, self-deprecating and guarded. ➨ the muse is written by Lo. she is 24, in the EST.

○  her real name was Anastasia Scotte Baker (named after two executed royal women because her mom is a big ol’ history nerd) but after later going through what she did, she prefers to go by Stasia Scotte

○ Born and raised in NYC. Her mother was a junior at NYU who was originally from Brighton and her father was a college dropout who worked construction. After Stasia was born, they both moved in with her mother’s parents who helped raised her. Though, her grandfather passed away when she was quite young and her grandmother followed only a few years after, she remembers  their impact on her life fondly.

○ Broke both of her legs when she was barely a year old after pulling on a table cloth that held her father’s building equipment. Left her with weirdly flexible legs since the joints never formed back properly. She will more than likely try to freak you out with them.

○  Thanks to her grandparents being the ones who really taught her how to speak, she was left with a British accent. and due to their raising her, they influenced her love of vintage fashion. most of her clothes belonged to her grandmother before she wore them. 

○   her parents nicknamed her “their little bunny” and it has caused a love of all things bunny since a young age. she even has a tattoo of a bunny on her ankle. 

○  has ALWAYS loved art. most of her old houses’ walls and her childhood books were decorated with large scribbles and glitter. her love soon became her life as she began to take art more seriously after a few art teachers whipped her into shape.

○ When she was five years old, Stasia started noticing strange things about her father. He was constantly drinking from green bottles, the orange pill bottles doctors gave him were always still full by the end of the month, and one incident stood out in particular: woken up from a nightmare, Stasia was making her way to her parents room when she was stopped by the sight of her father, only wearing his boxer shorts, dragging a razor repeatedly across his skin.  

○ At the age of nine, her younger brother Fletcher was born. She will always be the first to say he’s “annoying” or “a pest” or even “a little bitch ass” but she really adores him. She’s even been known to threaten a few of his bullies over the years.

○    Has synesthesia which causes her to associate colors with different sounds. she has been known to judge you based on the color of your name. 

○  a !huge! nerd. loves all things nintendo, especially. 

○  Though her life was never “normal”, it became the furthest thing from normal when she was fourteen. After spending the night at a friend’s house, Stasia had returned home to the shock of her life. There was her mother and father, both laying in pools of their own blood. In her father’s hand was a shotgun and there were bullet wounds on her mother’s chest and one in her fathers head. It seemed his own personal struggles that Stasia had, nor never would understand came to their boiling point as he committed this murder/suicide. The not understanding of why this happened has caused Stasia so much grief and misplaced guilt. After a long trial period, Stasia and Fletcher were placed with her maternal aunt who moved from Brighton to the states so the kids didn’t have another huge culture shock to deal with as they tried to move on from this tragedy.

○ After the death of her parents, Stasia 100% started acting out. Drinking, drugs, sex: it was all used to cope with this unsolvable fatal riddle. She would butt heads with her aunt constantly but that never stopped her. Never mind her aunt wasn’t fit to raise a goldfish. By the time she was 16, this was her life stuck in this seedy underbelly of the world. However, things seemingly slowed at seventeen when she wound up over dosing so badly, the doctors weren’t sure she’d make it through. The girl spent three months in the hospital in a medically induced coma as they waited for her to recover. and she did.  And seemingly, that was the kick in the ass she needed to change her idiotic ways.

○   After making a recovery, Stasia decided it was time to do something with her life. With a change of her name, a scholarship in her hands and many winter and summer semesters, she is finally back on track with her age group as far as class standing. She is also trying to gain custody of her little brother from her aunt, who is still a very unfit parent. And though she can still be impulsive and can slip every so often, she is trying to be  better person. Key word being trying.

More is sure to come as I think of it, but this is the gist. Now for some:

Wanted Connections

the best friends ;; her partner in crime, the ying to her yang. the pair or more that are typically attached by the hip, consult each other, and couldn’t live without one another.

the honorary sibling ;; this person might as well be a Scotte themselves. they know the family by heart, they’re invited to all family get togethers, and Stasia is pretty sure her family likes them better than her

the frenemies ;; are they friends? do they hate each other? you’ll never know with these two.

the one? ;; these two flirt so much, they might as well just get it over with and date. however, many steps have to be taken to get there. are they willing to make those steps?

fwb ;; having a friend is good. having a friend who has sex with you is better. no strings attached.

onesided love ;; either Stasia or this other person has feelings for the other, but the feelings aren’t quite reciprocated

the messy ex ;; well, that could have gone better. who knows what happened. all we know, it wasn’t pretty.

the one who knew her as Anastasia ;; they knew her as the crazy party animal. how will they think of her now?

HMU for some plots!

~Lo

#wshedintro #((watch out she's out of character ;; ooc)) #overdose tw #murder tw #gun violence tw #suicide tw #self harm tw #alcoholism tw

[ainarosewood]

Prompt # 18 Wilt Chocobo Troubles

@sea-wolf-coast-to-coast

Rohnar walked up the main path to the stable of Bentbranch Meadows feeling on edge.  The ranch which was normally echoing with the excited kwehs of so many chocobo was silent.  Every noise of the forest seemed deafening and threatening in the normally idyllic ranch. There at the stables stood a worried Keitha and Luquelot looking down at a prone chocobo it barely making a sound. Next to them was Margault. the ranches head botanist.

“I just don’t understand it Luquelot.” Keitha stated the normally cheerful rancher distraught, “ ‘e was right as rain this mornin’ now ‘es aient so much as ruffled ‘is feathers.”

“For the life of me I wish I knew, Keitha,” the equally worried elezen replied, “He and all the others ate hardily this morning. But, now every one of them seems to be in a similar state.”

Rohnar mind instantly flashed back to when he’d been a small cub only about eight summers or so.  The chocobo of their ranch at home had been in a similar state right after a feeding.  The Hrothgar swiftly asked, “Were any of the vegetables of the feed wilted?”

The three ranchers started and Keitha raised her hands to her heart stating, “Seven ‘ells man don't sneak up on us like that!”

Luqelot recovering from his own shock then looked contemplative, “Now that you mention it aye.  Most of the feed was wilted today....it has been an unseasonably warm summer....” 

“I was fairly certain it had been the weather that caused the issue but if there’s something else…” Margault squeaked still quite unnerved.

“Might be Blight Worm,” Rohnar stated, “ I recall when I was a boy we had a bout of it on our ranch.  It came from some seeds we’d bought in Rabanstre, before it fell,we found they had been sourced in Coerthas.”

“Where it used to be a common nuisance to the chocobo ranches there.  Especially in extremely hot summers,” Luqelot groaned 

“So what’s it gonna do te the birds?” Keitha asked alarm in her voice

“Its not deadly, least not the worm itself....”Rhonar began recalling what his father had told him, “Mostly it upsets the stomach with a mild toxin it releases.  Problem is though, the chocobo then go off their feed and if untreated they eventually can starve to death.”

The head wrangler gasped in fear and looked at Luqelot, “So how do we treat it?”

The elezen looked at a loss for a moment before stating, “I...don't know it hasn't been seen since before the calamity.  The last time it occurred in Ishgardian reckoning I....would have been very young.”

Rohnar laid a gentle hand on Keitha’s shoulder, “I know the treatment, and good news is almost all of the ingredients can be found here in the Twelveswood.”

“Can ye get it for us then Rohnar? ‘nuff fer all the birds o the ranch?” she asked anxiously

The Hrothgar gave a toothy smile then tapped his chest stating, “Leave it to me, by sundown these chocobo will be fine. You also need to discard any remaining wilted feed or they’ll just be infected again.”

“Is there aught I can do for the crops to get rid of any remaining pests?” Margault asked.

Rhonar thought back to when his father took care of the blight on their ranch before answering, “The fields will need to be checked for the worms.  They’re a pale orange tone and about the size of your smallest finger. If there still there in the soil the plots will have to be treated with a compound to kill them.” 

He closed his eyes dredging up the memory of what his father had used, “Cinnamon, Dragon Peppers, Black pepper.....galago mint... and...rocksalt purest you can find.  The field will be good to re-sow after all of the worms are on the surface in a pulped mess. The spices and the salt break them apart.  Then you just have to scrape off about....a fulm of soil to ensure there are no remaining parts of them.”

The botanist nodded then returned to her fields to see just how much was infested. Using her link pearl as she went requesting said ingredients from the botanist’s guild explaining the situation.  

Rohnar then turned to Keitha and Luqelot and said, “I’ll go gather the herbs for the treatment. As I said most of them can be found in the Twelveswood. If you get me a parchment I can write down the ones that will need to be gotten elsewhere hopefully within Gridania’s market for ease, if not I’ll go to the other city states for you.”

Keitha went directly into her offices and came back out with a parchment and quill for the Hrothgar.  Swiftly he wrote down the ingredients that he couldn't just get from the wood itself.

Keitha then handed it to Luqelot statin, “While our friend ‘ere gets the easy stuff ye go to the market n get whatcha can...whatcha cant lemme know n I relay it to Rohnar ‘ere so ‘e can git it from the other cities. I’ll stay ‘ere an look after the birds,”

The Elezen nodded immediately ran off to toward Gridania while Rohnar went into the wood itself looking for the herbs needed.  By sunset both he and Luqelot returned to the ranch and the Hrothgar showed them how to make the remedy.  As the light faded the birds had all been administered the treatment and were starting to look better. 

“They should be back to normal by morning,” Rhonar stated wearily pausing as a huge yawn interrupted anything else he might have said.

“Comon you,” Keitha stated grinning, “The least I can do is get a soft bed n warm room fer the new savior of Moogle Gift Mounts.”

The Hrothgar felt his cheeks warm at the title and he stammered, “I just recognized the symptoms and happened to remember the treatment....I....please don't call me that.”

The head wrangler laughed heartily and said, “Fair enough if that’s what ye want.  But, thank ye Rohnar ye once again ‘ave done a great service for the ranch.”

He gave her a warm smile, “It was my pleasure, honestly being here at the ranch reminds me of home...” 

“Well yer always welcome ‘ere my friend now lets see bout getting ye a place te sleep.” 

The Hrothgar nodded in agreement welcoming the chance to spend the night near all of the chocobo.  He adored the birds and no matter how far he might travel he will always be a rancher at heart.

#FFxivWrite2019 #OC Rhonar Ovasch #chocobo

[puckermansrp-blog]

Using How Do I Get Rid of White Ants

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#pest control

[seemor-blog2]

The Characteristics of How Do I Get Rid of White Ants

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#pest control

[saomarathesavage-archived]

Text messages and phone calls (The Noatak Horror), part 3

Story under readmore (It should go without saying that I’ve never been to the Noatak preserve or Alaska. Sorry if I get so much of this wrong.)

(An hour after Alora’s video, Elisi calls Nadia’s phone.)

Nadia: (in a panic) Hello?!

Elisi: It’s me. So--

Nadia: (shouting) OH MY GOD, ARE YOU AND ALORA ALRIGHT, WHAT HAPPENED, WHAT WERE THOSE THINGS, WHERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW, HOW--

Elisi: (during that, groans in annoyance, and barks in a mom voice) HEY!

(Nadia quiets)

Elisi: (calmer tone, sounds tired and 1000% done) What are you going on about?

Nadia: Alora sent me a message on her phone an hour ago. A video. You were both hurt, and surrounded by those things--

Elisi: (still sounds done) She FILMED what happened? Instead of getting us out? Fucking millennial...

Nadia: Elisi, what the hell happened?!

Elisi: (sighs) Give me a second, I’m still patching up my wounds.

Nadia: Wh-you can talk and do that at the same time! Or hand the phone to Alora! Where is she?!

Elisi: No idea. I woke up alone.

Nadia: What?

Elisi: Okay, okay, so... we were taking the gyre to Anchorage, and we hit something big enough to get knocked off the rails and into the wall. We got flung off and I can remember hearing a bunch of squeaks like mice, or my kids when I come home with lunch. Next thing I know, I’m waking up by the river bank with my face covered in my own blood, and a bunch of teeth marks on my legs.

Nadia: Oh my god...

Elisi: What was in the video?

Nadia: Alora got the creatures on video, alive. There were.... she said hundreds maybe thousands of them... and something roared at her down the tunnel and gave chase. 

Nadia: Elisi, I think all these small trolls are babies. And whatever chased Alora was a parent.

Elisi: Shit

Nadia: Do you really need to swear?

Elisi: Please tell me the acceptable word I should be saying after learning I have essentially troll mice who are eating everything and everyone in my goddamn nature reserve?!

Nadia:

Elisi:

Nadia: ...not a swear?

Elisi: Whatever. So, what did the babies and mama frograts look like?

Nadia: The babies look like the statues, some were smaller and bigger, they were swarming so Alora was right about them being pack hunters.

Nadia: Couldn’t get a good look at the mother. The footage was grainy and dark. I had to turn the brightness of my phone up to get an outline.

Elisi: Ooooo, lookit the forensic investigator at work, using the high tech gadgets on her phone.

Nadia: Alora’s sarcasm doesn’t look good on you.

Elisi: Sorry. I’m tired and stressed, just caught my breath, trying to calm down and wondering what to do. So, what does she look like?

Nadia: Again, I just have an outline. Large four clawed hands, bigger version of the statues, scaled like bird claws. Covered in fur, not sure about the color. The eyes look to be a head tall and wide, and based on the eyeshine are yellow. The mouth seemed to be the length of the tunnel.

Elisi: There is no goddamn way.

Nadia: I’ve watched the video over and over again, trying to get a good visual. She seems to take up the entire tunnel. If it’s a she. Might be a he. Or neither. Alora thinks it’s a she.

Elisi: Hmm... Either way, none of these sound like trolls I’ve ever heard of. If they’re trolls at all.

Nadia: What about the cadavers? It’s the same as dead trolls exposed to sunlight.

Elisi: See, here’s the thing. I’m on a neighbor’s land, hoping to get a ride to my home. And, um... he’s dead.

Nadia: Oh! Oh no. Elisi, I’m so sorry.

Elisi: So am I, but not as sorry as these frograts are gonna be. The thing is, he doesn’t even look like he was attacked or eaten by a troll. The body is just up the hill. Drained of blood.

Nadia: (horrified and confused) What?

Elisi: DRAINED. OF. BLOOD. He’s a goddamn husk! Just the blood! JUST! THE! BLOOD! I mean, what happened to his dog is normal, it’s been ripped to shreds and the bones are near picked clean. THAT’s troll carnage there; makes sense for a hoard of little ones. But why drain the human and only the human?

Nadia: Elisi?

Elisi: (calms down a bit) Yes?

Nadia: Are you sure? Drained of blood?

Elisi: Yeah. Four puncture wounds in his chest, and everything’s there BUT blood. So...

Nadia: This... helps to narrow down what these things are. If the babies kill and maim like trolls, but the adults drain blood... I have to admit, this isn’t something trolls naturally do.

Elisi: Yeah. Look, how about you get in on that research. I’m going to patch up, and find a way to get to my family and make sure they’re alright.

Nadia: What about Alora?

Elisi: Any word from her since the video?

Nadia: No! I’ve called and texted. Nothing.

Elisi: She’s a Shard too, whatever happens, she can’t die. Keep me posted if she answers. I’m sorry, Nadia, I have babies at my house. Babies I need to keep safe above all other forms of life.

Nadia: ...I understand. Call me back when you get there?

Elisi: Okay. Stay strong, sis. We’re going to be okay.

Nadia: Okay. I’ll talk to you soon, Elisi. Please be careful.

Elisi: Yep yep. Talk to you later.

(they both hang up)

(Text sent from Alora’s phone to Nadia’s phone, twenty minutes later)

Alora: Bitch

Alora: btch

Alora: bitch

Alora: Bitch

Nadia: ??? Alora? Are you alright?

Alora: bintch

Alora: No

Alora: typing with one hand

Alora: hurts

Alora: pans

Alora: pain

Alora: fucking spell checks

Nadia: Alora, calm down. Where are you?

Alora: Nest

Nadia: A nest? Of those trolls?

Alora: Yeah

Alora: Eaten

Alora: Again

Alora: Again

Alora: Again

Alora: Hate it

Nadia: I’ll call Elisi and tell her where you are

Alora: No

Alora: Food

Alora: Me food

Alora: won’t hunt

Alora: Keep her talking

Nadia: Do you mean the mother troll? She can talk?

Alora: Yeah

Alora: First tongue

Nadia: First tongue? She speaks the oldest troll language?

Alora: Yeah

Alora: No English or trail

Alora: Troll

Alora: Saomara

Nadia: Is that her name?

Alora: Yeah

Alora: Told me

Nadia: Old name. First tongue.

Alora: Frozen

Nadia: Frozen?

Alora: Thawed

Alora: Woke up

Alora: Swam

Alora: Eggs

Alora: Hunt

Alora: Basically that

Alora: Tired

Nadia: Okay, listen, I think I can get you out of there. Are you alone right now?

Alora: Nope

Alora: Hatching

Alora: Feeding soon

Nadia: Listen, I can teleport you out just like in Killahead. Give the word. Should I do it now?

Alora: No

Alora: NO

Alora: SHE’S COMING

Nadia: Okay. Stay strong. Give me a signal when you’re ready. I’ll get you home, I promise.

(There’s no further response from Alora)

(Elisi calls Nadia’s phone the next morning)

Nadia: Elisi? Are you okay? Where are you?

Elisi: Home. Everyone’s fine. Nothing even looks out of the ordinary. Piri tended to my wounds. I should regenerate completely by tonight.

Nadia: Oh thank god. And the bad baby trolls?

Elisi: (chuckles) Bad babies?

Nadia: Yes. Any sign of them on your way back?

Elisi: Oh yeah. Lots of them. Looks like they’ve been digging tunnels underground. I found a bunch of holes just off the river banks. Lots of small bones, and more dead frograt statues. I don’t understand why there’s so many dead ones. Like, are they just walking out into the sunlight willy nilly, not knowing what happened?

Nadia: Yes.

Elisi: ...that sounded confident.

Nadia: I found out what they are. If you have a moment I can tell you.

Elisi: Everyone’s asleep and I’m in bed recovering. All I have is time. What did you find?

Nadia: Alora managed to contact me. She’s in the mother’s nest, being used as a food source for the hatching babies.

Elisi: (extremely alarmed) Oh shit! What?! How did she manage to--

Nadia: She’s not a happy camper, I can certainly say that. The good news is that she’s gotten the troll to start talking. It’s name is Saomara--

Elisi: Wow. That’s an ancient name. Like Victoria, or Gladys, or Pepper Pompadour.

Nadia: Older! Like caveman old!

Elisi: Yeah, I know. Go on.

Nadia: She’s indeed female, and she speaks in the First Tongue.

Elisi: ...so it’s a caveman era troll?

Nadia: Exactly! She was frozen in a glacier thousands upon thousands of years ago! But the ice melted a couple of years ago. She must have come from Syberia or somewhere in that area, because she swam the Berring Straight to get here.

Elisi: ....to fucking Noatak?!

Nadia: But the hundreds to thousands of babies, big enough to fill the gyre tunnels, Syberia, frozen for thousands of years, AND can drain blood? I’ve found what she is!

Elisi: Well, don’t keep me in suspense, woman!

Nadia: She’s an Evlakeel!

Elisi: ...

Nadia: ???

Elisi: ...what’s that?

Nadia: It’s a tribe of prehistoric trolls. Just like what you’ve seen, they breed like rabbits, but they don’t care for the hatchlings until they reach a certain age. Because of this, the babies tend to die off in droves! The mother only cares for those who’ve managed to survive on their own.

Elisi: Ugh. That’s awful.

Nadia: They’re an extremely aggressive species and because they can multiply so fast and grow their territory so quickly, they would become a huge nuisance to everyone around them. They would eat any animal, person, or troll they came across, not caring for conservation or any other form of life. Left unchecked, they could strip the world of everything in a matter of months.

Elisi: Sounds like Gunmar. Only one who just keeps making babies by the sound of it.

Nadia: Yes! A female will lay up to one million eggs a season! Almost non stop! For the entire season! The good news is that the chance of survival due to non parenting is very bad for the little ones. One in a thousand make it to the next stage of development, THEN she will start caring for them, and will do so VERY protectively. So, once she stops laying, the number of her brood should drop to.... maybe a hundred?

Elisi: Still doesn’t sound much better. I need to get these prehistoric pests off my land!

Nadia: I do hear you. The species is supposed to be extinct; hunted by other tribes of trolls because of their natural overpopulation. Looks like this one survived somehow.

Elisi: It’s not unheard of for trolls to be frozen solid in ice, or petrified deep within the earth. Survival stories do happen. Jeez... why this one, though? This one sucks.

Nadia: Yeah. So, now we know what we’re up against. Now we just need a plan of attack.

Elisi: How did the trolls from the past exterminate the Evlakeel?

Nadia: I assume how they killed other things. Primitive weapons, larger numbers, fire, larger trolls... Must have looked like a much messier Battle of Killahead. Only it wasn’t a war. It was genocide.

Elisi: I mean... if they’re gonna be assholes about what they do...

Nadia: What I am thinking is if she can talk, she can be reasoned with. We could try talking to her and maybe try to find a peaceful solution.

Elisi: No.

Nadia: I-- what? But--

Elisi: If she doesn’t control her brood, they’re going to wipe out every animal, fish, bird, insect, plant, AND human by the end of summer! THEY won’t be reasoned with. It’s my responsibility to make sure NONE of those unholy vermin survive. And once they’re all gone, I’ll deal with the mother personally.

Nadia: Listen to yourself. If you go after the older brood, the mother will come after you!

Elisi: GOOD! Lemme kill the source of the eggs first, then mop up the mess over the summer. Sounds GREAT!

Nadia: Elisi--

Elisi: WHY WOULD YOU REASON WITH THIS MONSTER?! YOU NEVER CAME HERE! YOU HAVEN’T SEEN WHAT I’VE SEEN! YOU’VE NEVER EVEN SEEN MY HOME! THIS BASIN IS MY HOME! I’VE RAISED SIXTEEN GENERATIONS OF WHELPS HERE! I HAVE A HOME AND FAMILY TO PROTECT AND IF YOU CAN’T RESPECT THAT--

Nadia: Elisi!

Elisi: --THEN I’M NOT LISTENING TO ANYTHING ELSE YOU NEED TO SAY! IF YOU WON’T HELP, THEN DON’T CALL AGAIN!

Nadia: I WILL HELP!

Elisi: Yeah, how?

Nadia: You’re right. The babies can’t be reasoned with. They all have to be exterminated. It may be possible to move the mother somewhere else. Or determine a way to find her at her weakest. Elisi, I will help you. I’ll help save your family and your home. I’m just trying to find the fastest solution.

Elisi: (after a minute of silence) Fine. Just find your fast solution FAST!

Nadia: I’ll do a bit more research and get back to you. I also need to see to Alora. I don’t think she’s going to last much longer.

Elisi: Alright.

Nadia: Get some rest. I’ll give you a call tonight, okay?

Elisi: Yeah.

Nadia: Rest well, sister.

Elisi: Yeah, you too. (hangs up)

(Texts sent from Alora’s phone to Nadia’s during the phone conversation)

Alora: Bitch

Alora: bitch

Alora: binch

Alora: btch

Alora: btch

Alora: super bitch

Alora: super bitchy

Alora: bitch

Alora: gonna eat my hands

(The texts stop)

#Shard sisters #The Noatak Horror #Saomara's backstory #TO BE CONTINUED!