#leaning towards the kelp forest one

[xaeyrnofnbe]

been thinking reaaally hard about the tritons on mana. i’m making things up as i go but damnit this is fun (yes they’re naked. i didn’t want to bother covering them up with clothes. and i wanted to show off the markings n stuff. but realistically they would wear clothes.)

BASICALLY the idea i have is that a very long time ago tritons were split up into three main groups, the ones who live in the shallows, the ones who live in the open ocean, and the ones that live in the deepest depths available. (details, of which there are many, under the cut. oh and additional versions of the drawing) (do take a look if you can, i wrote a lot)

the shallows variant, living near islands in shallow kelp forests and in coral reefs (sometimes even inland lakes and rivers), were the smallest. a bit shorter than the average human, in fact. they came in bright green-blue colors with a vibrant and diverse array of brightly colored fins, webbing, and gills. they were also the most humanoid.

those in the open ocean lived just about wherever as long as it wasn’t too deep or too near the oversea, and were bigger than humans. averaging well over ten feet in height, and nearly double that if you include the tail. they came in darker blues accented with green, often mirroring the deep blues of their environment. they are most defined, however, by their slightly uncanny features. they lean a bit more towards fishiness than their little cousins.

and in the deepest, furthest reaches of the ocean, where hardly any sunlight reaches at all, are the biggest, and least humanoid breed of triton. they’ve gone by many names, colossals, poseidons, leviathan tritons, you get the idea. coming in dull blues and purples, but with dazzling displays in the form of bioluminescent markings, along with coral-like horns or antlers growing from their heads, suggesting draconic influence in centuries past. they are enormous, so big in fact, that because i’m not great at eyeballing measurements i’m leaving it up to the concept art i’ve done to show off just how big they are. once upon a time, they lived among the leviathans, oceanic gods of their time, truly colossal in nature. but they were just as advanced and intelligent as their relatives. they were also the earliest tritons, from which the rest are descended.

now, the leviathan tritons are gone. whether something killed them or if they simply vanished, it’s impossible to know for certain. but the two surviving variants put aside their differences and became one, and now modern tritons sit comfortably between the appearances of both their ancestors. and as for what remains of the leviathan variant? well, it’s less obvious, but some bloodlines of modern tritons still carry those magnificent flashing spots and stripes, and on occasion, an infant is born with budding, brightly colored horns that grow with them as they develop and age.

these horns are generally thought of as a sign of powerful magic, or of godly influence. it can skip generations, but is passed down nonetheless.

here are the unshaded version, and the sketch, of the drawing seen above (oh and. i completely forgot to give the Big Tritons hair. as an excuse let’s say this is a bald one, but they’d normally also have hair.)

#jrwi riptide #just roll with it #dungeons and dragons #dnd triton #dnd worldbuilding #things i said #things i drew

[thehollowwriter]

Summary: Finn stays at Mostro Lounge after closing to enjoy the quiet, and Jade gifts him a mysterious box to open only on his birthday

(Pls reblog and leave a comment ❤)

After Hours

It was wonderful after hours.

Mostro was at its best after closing, that Finn could guarantee.

The music had been turned off and every customer and member of staff had left, leaving the small restaurant to relax in a glorious bout of silence. It was dim, only illuminated by the glow the glass wall looking out onto the colourful sea beyond.

Finally alone, Finn closed his eyes and sighed in content. He was seated at one of the tables facing the glass wall, revelling in the rare peace he had been granted.

This is why he was always the person who locked up the lounge at night. Once everyone leaves, he takes a seat by the glass wall and just... enjoys his peace.

Phone switched off in his pocket, earphones neatly packed away and hat and coat discarded. Alone and revelling in the silence.

Next time he would be sure to bring his painting equipment. He wouldn't mind fending off Azul's requests to sell his work if he got to enjoy a night of painting in such a perfect environment.

....Maybe he would paint the lounge itself and charge Azul to use it as advertising. Just maybe.

Thoughts of deals and money were distant in his mind, though. He was too happy, too floaty, to consider any of that.

He was going to savour this more than he ever had before. Tomorrow was birthday, after all, and it was going to get loud.

Sitting here in the dark surrounded by water, Finn was overcome by a wave of nostalgia. This almost reminded him of home.

But it wasn't home.

Mostro Lounge after closing was close enough. Better than nothing. Better than the loud hubbub in the Octavinelle common lounge, filled with lights and excitedly chatting students.

Oh, how Finn missed home.

The current rippling through his hair. The comforting pressure of the deep sea. Being surrounded by a heavy silence and pitch black darkness as he darted in and out of seaweed and chased crabs across the sandy ocean floor.

But he wasn't home. He was on land. It was dry, bright, and loud. Finn would've hated it if it weren't for the opportunity to fly and view the natural wonders that could not be found in the ocean.

Then the sudden sound of footsteps ripped Finn from his paradise and he sprang out of his seat, scanning the vacant lounge with sharp amethyst eyes.

"Oya, did I frighten you? My apologies."

Finn's posture relaxed slightly at the familiar voice of Jade, and he turned his head to find the eel in question making his way towards him with an amused smile on his face.

"No- no you didn't, I was just surprised." Finn let out a sigh. "I didn't know you were still here."

Jade hummed and came to a stop in front of Finn, heterochromatic eyes gleaming in the low light.

"I was making sure Azul wasn't staying late in his office again. Luckily this time he has gone to bed early."

"Oh that's good." Finn sighed. "I was concerned about him. Azul always works so hard, he really... needs to... to..."

He trailed off as his still sleepy brain slowly registered the fact that Jade was closer now, leaning forwards slightly and gazing at him with an indecipherable expression.

Finn stammered and blood rushed to his cheeks at the sudden closeness.

"You always stay here late after closing." Jade said softly. "You look so peaceful, staring through the glass the glass like that. You don't notice I'm there most of the time, not even when I leave. What are you thinking about, I wonder?"

"I-" Finn flushed further as Jade tilted his head at him curiously. "I was just enjoying the quiet. And thinking about home."

"Oh I see." Jade nodded slowly and his expression shifted to one of understanding. "I miss home as as well. So many fond memories."

A pause.

"I remember trying to find you in the kelp forests when we were younger, but you darted away too quickly for us. How mean you were."

Finn huffed. "Well its no fault of mine that I get the wrong idea when you're four times my size and suddenly lunging at me. I didn't know you wanted to play."

A smirk flashed across his face. "Besides, it's not like you tried very hard. Your whole posse stopped short the moment I got onto Papa's territory."

"Floyd and I wished to continue." Jade's voice was lamenting. "However the "friends" we were trapped with for the day were afraid to cross the boundary. They said they... what was it now... did not want to be 'butchered'."

Finn stifled a laugh. "They thought that? How ridiculous."

"Indeed." Jade was grinning now, his teeth glinting in the light. "We all know you would much rather eat them as they are."

"Jade!" Finn lightly pushed at the eel's shoulder. "Don't act as if you wouldn't eat them raw too."

Jade's soft chuckles echoed through the empty room, reverberating off the walls and making Finn's poor heart flutter.

"Hmm true. It truly is best like that. No shame to Mr Clearcove's practice, of course, he has the best meat in the Coral Sea. I imagine he'll be sending you some five star cuts for your birthday tomorrow?"

"Oh most certainly." Finn said with a smile. "I look forward to it."

"Lovely."

There was brief silence before Jade spoke again.

"I have something else for you to look forward to tomorrow."

Finn lifted an eyebrow as Jade procured a small wooden box from seemingly nowhere. It was dark oak with glittering gold hinges and... butterflies etched into the wood around the frame.

"Oh my." He mouthed as Jade presented it to him, blinking owlishly.

"Please, open this when you wake up tomorrow morning." Jade's voice softened to a whisper, like he was telling a secret. "And... don't share it. It is for your eyes only."

Finn took the box from Jade with wide eyes, looking at it incredulously before looking back at Jade.

"For me?"

Jade nodded. "For you."

"Oh... thank you so much, Jade!' Before Finn could stop himself, his lips stretched into a wide smile, putting every single one of his teeth on display.

His eyes widened when he realised his error and he slapped a hand over his mouth, mumbling a sheepish apology.

He was taken off guard by Jade gently taking hold of his wrist and pulling it away, leaning in so close their noses were almost touching.

"Don't be so ashamed." He breathed. "Your teeth are beautiful."

"W-wha-" Finn's ability to speak abandoned him suddenly, rendering him stupefied. "You- my-"

Without warning Jade suddenly straightened again, pulling his face away. He tipped his fedora at Finn and smiled that placid Jade smile.

"I must be going now. I have some bioluminiscent mushrooms to observe. Have a good night, Finn."

Finn uttered a weak, slightly confused "You too" as Jade disappeared out the doors, and just like that he was alone once more.

His heart was beating so fast he was afraid it would leap out of his mouth and he gripped the box so tightly his knuckles were surely turning white under his gloves.

The box was so exquisite Finn dreaded the price tag. It was smooth and cool under his fingers, the grooves of the butterfly markings giving a delightful dip in the surface.

He wanted to know what was inside so so badly. He bit his lip and steepled his fingers to stop himself from opening it.

It was a gift from Jade. It could be anything, really. It could be the most innocent little brooch or mushroom in the world or the most dangerous plant the eel could possibly find.

Whatever it was, Finn knew it would be a surprise. Jade always kept him on his toes with his eccentric ways and Finn loved him so much for it.

Finn sighed to himself and held the box to his chest. His little bubble had been shattered long ago, so he might as well lock up for the night.

He double checked the kitchen to make sure everything was powered off, closed it up and then exited the lounge, locking the door behind him.

Finn barely registered the walk back to his dorm room, his brain all fogged up thinking about Jade. Handsome, intelligent, eccentric Jade~

He was quiet as a mouse when he entered his room, careful not to wake his roommate as he undressed and got into bed.

Finn placed the box on the side table next his bed and smiled to himself.

He couldn't wait for the next morning.

***

Finn was awake the moment the clock struck six.

Usually he was a heavy sleeper and it required a number of alarms and occasionally his roommates shaking him to wake him up, but not today. Today he was too excited to sleep all that deeply.

He could open the box now!

Finn sat up straight and gently took the box in his hands, blinking away the sleep in his eyes until he could focus properly.

His fingers almost trembled with excitement as he gently lifted the lid, eyes sparkling when he spotted the letter inside.

The paper was cream coloured and graced with a practiced teal script. Jade's handwriting.

Finn's breath hitched as he began to read the letter.

Happy birthday, Finn.

I wish you a good day filled with everything you could possibly wish for

Please, take my offer into consideration

Jade Leech

It was brief and to the point, but drenched in caring well wishes that made Finn's heart lose all semblance of control in his chest.

Jade's... offer?

Finn turned the letter over, trying to see if there was some deal or other on it, but there was none.

He placed that letter down, looked into the box, and gently lifted up what was inside.

It was a bracelet, a necklace and two earrings.

The bracelet was composed of many cowrie shells strung onto a thin red string.

The necklace consisted of many many... teeth. Finn could not quite name what type of creature it was, but it came from a predator and it was certainly an achievement to get this many.

The earrings consisted of two small nautilis shells. They were golden in colour- shiny and beautiful, a perfect little pair.

Everything was clearly handmade, put together with great care and precision that stretched beyond a gift for a schoolmate.

Handmade jewellery.

Jade had gifted him handmade jewellery and called it an offer.

Finn's heart lurched.

Jade had given him a courting gift.

-End

....................................

A/N: Thank you so much for reading! O hope you enjoyed and that you aren't sick of the splurge of Finn content haha. This story is more just fluff lol

Tagging: @azulashengrottospiano @krenenbaker @the-banana-0verlord @jaylleoo14 @whspermy-name @officialdaydreamer00 @cynthinesia @distant-velleity @kitwasheree @elysia-nsimp @twisted-wonderland-but-gayer (if you'd rather not be tagged in this sort of thing please let me know!

#jade leech #finn clearcove #jade leech x finn clearcove #octavinelle #twisted wonderland #writing #twst oc #twisted wonderland oc

[darkhearthorns]

So Mav, is the baby nursery ocean themed or magic forest themed?

Maverick took a deep breath, his expression reflecting the ongoing debate with Sirena over the baby's nursery theme. He understood the questioner's curiosity but also wanted to convey the complexity of their decision-making process. They argued so long, and he even felt bad about it because it made them both so tired. Sirena, especially. With a thoughtful smile, he responded.

"Well, we've been having some lively discussions about the nursery theme," Maverick began, his voice filled with a hint of amusement. "Sirena leans towards an ocean-themed nursery, inspired by the vastness and beauty of the sea. And I find myself drawn to a magical forest theme, with its enchanting colors and whimsical elements."

He paused, a twinkle of compromise in his eyes. "But you know what? I have an idea of combining both designs. Our baby's nursery will be a harmonious blend of the ocean and the magic forest. It will be a place where the wonders of both worlds come together, creating a unique and enchanting space for our little one. An undersea forest of kelp, the enchanted wetlands..."

He can find common ground, and embrace the diversity of ideas. Maybe Sirena might even like it more!

@oceansbride

#oceansbride #{v; tides & thorns: the tales about the dark prince & the sea maiden}

[statiifilia]

Faint Music, BY ROBERT HASS

Maybe you need to write a poem about grace.

When everything broken is broken,   and everything dead is dead, and the hero has looked into the mirror with complete contempt, and the heroine has studied her face and its defects remorselessly, and the pain they thought might, as a token of their earnestness, release them from themselves has lost its novelty and not released them, and they have begun to think, kindly and distantly, watching the others go about their days— likes and dislikes, reasons, habits, fears— that self-love is the one weedy stalk of every human blossoming, and understood, therefore, why they had been, all their lives,   in such a fury to defend it, and that no one— except some almost inconceivable saint in his pool of poverty and silence—can escape this violent, automatic life’s companion ever, maybe then, ordinary light, faint music under things, a hovering like grace appears.

As in the story a friend told once about the time   he tried to kill himself. His girl had left him. Bees in the heart, then scorpions, maggots, and then ash.   He climbed onto the jumping girder of the bridge,   the bay side, a blue, lucid afternoon. And in the salt air he thought about the word “seafood,” that there was something faintly ridiculous about it. No one said “landfood.” He thought it was degrading to the rainbow perch he’d reeled in gleaming from the cliffs, the black rockbass,   scales like polished carbon, in beds of kelp along the coast—and he realized that the reason for the word   was crabs, or mussels, clams. Otherwise the restaurants could just put “fish” up on their signs,   and when he woke—he’d slept for hours, curled up   on the girder like a child—the sun was going down and he felt a little better, and afraid. He put on the jacket   he’d used for a pillow, climbed over the railing   carefully, and drove home to an empty house.

There was a pair of her lemon yellow panties hanging on a doorknob. He studied them. Much-washed.   A faint russet in the crotch that made him sick   with rage and grief. He knew more or less where she was. A flat somewhere on Russian Hill.   They’d have just finished making love. She’d have tears   in her eyes and touch his jawbone gratefully. “God,”   she’d say, “you are so good for me.” Winking lights,   a foggy view downhill toward the harbor and the bay.   “You’re sad,” he’d say. “Yes.” “Thinking about Nick?” “Yes,” she’d say and cry. “I tried so hard,” sobbing now, “I really tried so hard.” And then he’d hold her for a while— Guatemalan weavings from his fieldwork on the wall— and then they’d fuck again, and she would cry some more,   and go to sleep.                        And he, he would play that scene once only, once and a half, and tell himself that he was going to carry it for a very long time and that there was nothing he could do but carry it. He went out onto the porch, and listened   to the forest in the summer dark, madrone bark cracking and curling as the cold came up.

It’s not the story though, not the friend leaning toward you, saying “And then I realized—,” which is the part of stories one never quite believes.   I had the idea that the world’s so full of pain it must sometimes make a kind of singing. And that the sequence helps, as much as order helps— First an ego, and then pain, and then the singing.

#faint music #robert hass #poetry #public lecture

[quiethopesadoptioncenter]

Hi, everyone~ Today I would like to announce the newest batch of bitties that has come to Quiet Hopes Adoption Center. If any of our new little ones interest you, all you have to do is send me an ask requesting to adopt them. Alternatively, the center also offers matchups.

Banana Cream (Underpie Goner Kid) Leaning more towards yellowish-white than gray in terms of coloration, Banana Cream smells as sweet as the banana cream pie that is their namesake. Though they can't bake their signature dish as well as others, they are more than happy to gather ingredients and teach others how to make it even if they can't quite do it themselves. They also tend towards being a little more cheerful, though by no means are they optimistic, than the majority of their fellow Goner Bitties; they're just prone to smiling a little more often, and having a little more energy. In terms of hobbies, they enjoy reading quietly or being read to. They also enjoy watching playthroughs of relaxing games such as Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley.

Spinefoot (Undersplash Nice Cream Guy) Spinefoot bitties, though they often prefer to go by the nickname 'Spiny' or even just 'Rabbit,' live up to their name in that they are unquestionably aquatic rabbits. Their fins are a lighter blue than their fur and tipped with white, and their fingers and toes are webbed. They make and sell Kelp Creams, and they need a steady supply of seaweed in order to make them. Though they prefer to use kelp, they will also accept different types of seaweeds such as dulse and spirulina. They are also not opposed to sharing their stash of seaweed or making different sorts of seaweed-based snacks if it is requested. Though like the other Undersplash bitties they cannot speak English, they can understand it perfectly.

Black Forest (Cakerune Ralsei) These Ralslight bitties love making cakes the most out of all of their fellow Ralslights, but though they are cake experts their favorite is that which gave them their namesake and they smell just as sweet. They are also warm to the touch regardless of the weather, which make this particular type excellent cuddle buddies. As with other Ralslights, they are quite clingy towards their adopters but are also very open-hearted, willing to at least try to get along with any type of bitty. They are especially skilled in healing magic and this transfers into their baking ability, allowing them to make magical food that can heal a large amount if not completely rid the injured party of all damage. Though kind, if someone proves too cruel then they will fight back to protect those they care about.

Guppy (Deltasplash Lancer) With black fins that lighten into a dark blue, Guppy bitties have bizarre senses of humor and will tell jokes that make no sense to anyone but themselves; they will often crack up laughing at their own joke, even before they deliver the punchline. This also extends to their insults, as they truly don't understand what it means to insult someone and will tend towards ‘insults’ such as 'sweet pea,' 'fluffy baby,' and so forth. On the other hand, they are very impressionable and think those who act tough and mean are amazingly cool, and they love learning new swears. A Guppy's favorite food is worms, which they like to slurp up like spaghetti noodles. These bitties tend to do best with at least one other bitty, if not more.

#Ralslights #Bittyspades #Nicebitties #Goner Bitties #Undersplash #Cakerune #Deltasplash #Underpie

[bowithoutadaemon]

It’s my job to prepare all technical stuff for a Zoom party tomorrow.

Creating some backgrounds and writing a “how do I turn on and off a virtual background” guide were easy.

And then I got stuck on the ambience. We have an ocean theme, but not tropical. ... For ages I was trying to find like a sort of beach cafe ambience. But fucking hell that’s impossible. I mean if you are looking for something to fall asleep to yeah you find something. But for a party? Nah.

Then I searched for ocean lofi. And now I have too many options. xD I’ll probably go with one of the many many Monterey Bay Aquarium Krill Waves Radio videos.

#it's after midnight and now I'll watch some true crime video essays and get ready for bed #and I'll decide tomorrow which video I'll pick exactly #leaning towards the kelp forest one

[maybuds]

Hope (in 8 select parts)

1. Faint Music, Robert Hass

Maybe you need to write a poem about grace. When everything broken is broken, and everything dead is dead, and the hero has looked into the mirror with complete contempt, and the heroine has studied her face and its defects remorselessly, and the pain they thought might, as a token of their earnestness, release them from themselves has lost its novelty and not released them, and they have begun to think, kindly and distantly, watching the others go about their days— likes and dislikes, reasons, habits, fears— that self-love is the one weedy stalk of every human blossoming, and understood, therefore, why they had been, all their lives, in such a fury to defend it, and that no one— except some almost inconceivable saint in his pool of poverty and silence—can escape this violent, automatic life’s companion ever, maybe then, ordinary light, faint music under things, a hovering like grace appears. As in the story a friend told once about the time he tried to kill himself. His girl had left him. Bees in the heart, then scorpions, maggots, and then ash. He climbed onto the jumping girder of the bridge, the bay side, a blue, lucid afternoon. And in the salt air he thought about the word “seafood,” that there was something faintly ridiculous about it. No one said “landfood.” He thought it was degrading to the rainbow perch he’d reeled in gleaming from the cliffs, the black rockbass, scales like polished carbon, in beds of kelp along the coast—and he realized that the reason for the word was crabs, or mussels, clams. Otherwise the restaurants could just put “fish” up on their signs, and when he woke—he’d slept for hours, curled up on the girder like a child—the sun was going down and he felt a little better, and afraid. He put on the jacket he’d used for a pillow, climbed over the railing carefully, and drove home to an empty house. There was a pair of her lemon yellow panties hanging on a doorknob. He studied them. Much-washed. A faint russet in the crotch that made him sick with rage and grief. He knew more or less where she was. A flat somewhere on Russian Hill. They’d have just finished making love. She’d have tears in her eyes and touch his jawbone gratefully. “God,” she’d say, “you are so good for me.” Winking lights, a foggy view downhill toward the harbor and the bay. “You’re sad,” he’d say. “Yes.” “Thinking about Nick?” “Yes,” she’d say and cry. “I tried so hard,” sobbing now, “I really tried so hard.” And then he’d hold her for a while— Guatemalan weavings from his fieldwork on the wall— and then they’d fuck again, and she would cry some more, and go to sleep. And he, he would play that scene once only, once and a half, and tell himself that he was going to carry it for a very long time and that there was nothing he could do but carry it. He went out onto the porch, and listened to the forest in the summer dark, madrone bark cracking and curling as the cold came up. It’s not the story though, not the friend leaning toward you, saying “And then I realized—,” which is the part of stories one never quite believes. I had the idea that the world’s so full of pain it must sometimes make a kind of singing. And that the sequence helps, as much as order helps— First an ego, and then pain, and then the singing.

2. No Choir, Florence + The Machine

3. from The Naomi Letters, Rachel Mennies

4. from On Jellyfish, Nina Li Coomes

5. When We Were Orphans, Kazuo Ishiguro

…oh, I don’t know. All I know is that I’ve wasted all these years looking for something, a sort of trophy I’d get only if I really, really did enough to deserve it. But I don’t want it any more, I want something else now, something warm and sheltering, something I can turn to, regardless of what I do, regardless of who I become. Something that will just be there, always, like tomorrow’s sky.

6. To the young who want to die, Gwendolyn Brooks

7. In Blackwater Woods, Mary Oliver

Look, the trees are turning their own bodies into pillars of light, are giving off the rich fragrance of cinnamon and fulfillment, the long tapers of cattails are bursting and floating away over the blue shoulders of the ponds, and every pond, no matter what its name is, is nameless now. Every year everything I have ever learned in my lifetime leads back to this: the fires and the black river of loss whose other side is salvation, whose meaning none of us will ever know. To live in this world you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go.

8. Untitled Project 01 - ISSAC LAM

#Spotify #only just coming out of a season of rotting and ruin #these are so few but i have like at least a dozen other things that give me hope #faint music #robert hass #no choir #florence + the machine #rachel mennies #the naomi letters #nina li coomes #on jellyfish #when we were orphans #kazuo ishiguro #to the young who want to die #gwendolyn brooks #in blackwater woods #mary oliver #isaac lam photography #prose #poem #music #tw suicide #tw suicide mention

[meg-moira]

A short story based on this writing prompt.

Follow my Patreon for more writing!

.

.

The woman sloshed from the water, waves frothing about her knees as if the cold ocean was straining to keep her. Once on land, her soft toes sunk into wet sand as her legs wobbled with disuse. Lush black hair hung over her shoulders and back in sodden, twisting ringlets, and she crossed her arms against the cold as she stumbled toward a rocky outcropping in the distance. Goosebumps rose along dark skin as her eyes, black as the sea-depths, searched the beach for movement.

Save for the scuttling of a gray crab, all was still.

Naia was the name she had chosen, and when she emerged from the rocks, Naia wore a thick shawl, cotton breeches, and boots which made her toes feel warm but terribly constricted. Standing on the sand, she brushed her fingers along the fabric, hands tracing down the sides of her legs. With an eager, if not somewhat ungainly skip, she set out toward the white bluffs which stretched above the beach - and the red-roofed buildings which piled atop them.

In the city’s streets, Naia was treated to a series of friendly nods. She’d visited the city a handful of times over the past year, and it seemed that at least a few of the residents recognized her. The thought warmed her, and Naia made the rest of the journey to the tea shop with a delighted spring in her admittedly, still wobbly steps.

She was jittery with an energy which was both excited and nervous, for she had made a friend. A human friend. Her friend’s name was Saoirse, and Naia had met her after unknowingly venturing into town on a market day. Saoirse was selling bracelets made of pretty ocean polished stones, and though Naia had no money at the time, she’d stopped to admire the jewelry all the same. Touched by Naia’s admiration of her work, Saoirse slipped a bracelet over Naia’s hand, and the only payment she asked for was to meet for tea a month from that day.

And now, a month later, Naia stood at the tea shop entrance, stone bracelet cool against her wrist.

Saoirse sat at a round wooden table in a tucked-away corner, beneath a window trimmed in emerald curtains. Her pale hands were folded together atop the table, and chestnut brown hair, cropped short, curled about her ears. She had a narrow face, a strong, high bridged nose, and large dark eyes. As soon as Naia stepped into the shop, wooden floorboards creaking beneath her, those large eyes flickered up. Instantly, Saoirse was smiling, the kind which filled her face, dimpling her cheeks.

When Naia sat, it took her a moment to figure out how to fold her legs comfortably between the chair and table. Fortunately, Saoirse seemed not to notice, and when Saoirse reached across the table, squeezing Naia’s hands, Naia squeezed back. She was determined to avoid scaring her new friend away with the truth - that it was a mermaid who’d joined her for tea.

“It’s good to see you, friend,” Saoirse said, smiling brightly.

“And you,” Naia replied.

“I hope you don’t mind - I ordered tea for us both.”

“I don’t mind.”

Saoirse’s smile widened, and up close, Naia noticed that the teeth at the corners of her mouth looked surprisingly sharp. If humans hunted for fish in the sea like merfolk, Saoirse’s sharp teeth would be particularly useful, Naia thought - before forcing it out of her mind. She was meant to be making human conversation, not discussing the best methods for catching fish in one’s mouth.

Naia cleared her throat. She’d practiced this. Granted, the practice had been with a particularly talkative gannet. But practice was still practice, and Naia was determined to make a good, very human, impression.

“So,” Naia said, folding her hands in a mimicry of Saoirse’s posture. “Is selling jewelry your means of collecting coins?”

Saoirse’s chin dipped in a hurried nod. “Oh yes. I collect many beautiful coins from my jewelry sales.”

“Wow,” Naia said, a little breathlessly, as she imagined what it would be like to hold so many pretty, gleaming coins in her hands.

“What of you?” Saoirse asked.

“Oh, I-” Naia stammered. “I - um, find my coins. In the sand.” There really was no way to explain that she collected the stray coins which dropped like fallen stars to the sea floor.

“The sand,” Saoirse breathed, black eyes growing wide. “How marvelous.”

Naia grinned, pleased that her answer had been satisfactory. Breathing easier, she relaxed back into her chair.

A young man delivered their tea. He carried a teapot and two earthen mugs. As he bent over the table, nimble fingers deposited the teapot and then the two mugs before them. He had long black hair that fell over his shoulder in a long braid and eyes as bright as a kelp forest in shallow water. Dipping his head, he said, “Please enjoy,” before hurrying away.

Naia stared for a moment at the pot in silent consideration, and when she looked up, saw Saoirse doing the same. However, when Saoirse saw Naia looking, she straightened up, grabbing for the teapot. Pulling it in front of her, she plucked the lid from the top and peered down at the liquid inside. Her nostrils flared as she eyed it critically.

“Is it...okay?”

Saoirse paused before nodding. “Yes. You’ve got to check beforehand to be sure, though.”

Naia nodded as if this made perfect sense. In truth, she knew little of tea, and had yet to consume any in her visits to land.

Wordlessly, Saoirse plucked a spoon from a tray at the table and set about scooping sodden leaves into each of the mugs. Tilting her head, Naia watched the process, utterly fascinated. She had always assumed tea referred to the liquid - but clearly it was meant to describe these leaves once they were soaked in water.

When Saoirse slid her a mug, Naia grabbed a spoon of her own. Before eating however, Naia paused. She recalled a ritual she’d observed humans practicing at meals. Meeting Saoirse’s eyes, she dipped her head down and said, “I pray to you my thanks for this meal.”

Saoirse blinked, and then she was nodding. Dipping her head, she repeated Naia’s words, “I pray to you my thanks for this meal.”

And then, lifting their spoons, they scooped the wet leaves into their mouths.

The taste was...bitter. But no more bitter than a bite of an urchin not yet matured. Naia turned the leaf over in her mouth before grinding it between her teeth and swallowing.

“A delicacy,” Naia said, licking her lips.

“Yes,” Saoirse replied, poking at the other leaves in her cup.

Naia watched as she spooned another glob of leaves into her mouth. As she leaned forward over the cup, Naia noticed, for the first time, the thick pelt that wrapped around her shoulders. It was odd. The pelt was dark - almost oily in appearance, and it certainly should have been one of the first things she noticed - but until now, Naia’s eyes had slid right over it. It was pretty, she reflected, admiring the sheen.

“I like your shawl.”

When Saoirse stiffened, Naia froze, wracking her brain to determine the human social norm she had violated. Perhaps Saoirse thought she wanted it? Because that was what had happened with the bracelet, wasn’t it? But it was one thing to give away a trinket and quite another to give away the pelt which kept you warm.

“I do not want it,” Naia hurried to explain. “Your bracelet was gift enough for me.”

Saoirse’s tight expression relaxed, and she lifted a hand, running her fingers along the pelt. “It is special to me.”

“It is lovely.”

“Thank you,” the corners of Saoirse’s eyes crinkled with her smile.

When the waiter returned, he glanced a little oddly at the teapot and mugs. When he asked them if the tea was satisfactory, both women assured him it was. Before returning to the back, he turned a dark, contemplative look upon them both.

Both Naia and Saoirse watched him go.

“Perhaps I should have given him shinier coins,” Saoirse mused in a thoughtful whisper.

Naia swallowed, nodding, for that must have been what offended him. “We humans love our shiny things.”

“That we do,” Saoirse agreed, and promptly dug a gleaming coin from the pouch at her waist. Holding it triumphantly up, she set it on the table with a click. “I’m sure this will please him.”

“If it doesn’t, he’s a fool,” Naia said a little haughtily. “It’s very shiny.”

Both women gazed a little wistfully at the coin.

“So,” Saoirse said at last. “Tell me more about yourself. What do you like to do?”

Naia didn’t hesitate with this answer. It was one she had prepared. “I walk. Everywhere. All of the time. Walking. It burns my muscles most pleasantly.”

“Walking is wonderful, isn’t it?” Saoirse agreed, an excited flush crossing her pale cheeks. “Not always convenient. But it’s always an adventure.”

Naia nodded in eager agreement. She was overjoyed to have so much in common with this human.

“Perhaps we can walk after our tea,” Naia ventured. “Where the cliffs overlook the sea.”

Before Saoirse could answer, the waiter returned. His hands slammed the table, and Naia and Saoirse both jumped in their seats as the teapot and cups rattled on the shaking wood. Saoirse’s lips curled back, and her white teeth gleamed. From Naia’s mouth, there escaped a hiss.

Gone was the waiter’s easy cordiality. His fine-boned cheeks were pale, and those green eyes were sharp as the broken glass which collected beneath the shipyard waters. His elegant fingers curled around the edges of the table as he glared.

“I know,” he said, and his voice was trembling. Whether with rage or fear, Naia couldn’t be sure.

Naia’s heart was a rock in her chest. Mouth dry, she could only stare as her toes curled helplessly in her boots.

It was Saoirse who spoke. “Know what?” she snapped.

“You can stop hiding. I know what you are.”

Naia heaved a shuddering breath. Swallowing, she looked across the table. Saoirse, her gaze filled with inexplicable terror, stared back.

“I don’t understand why you fae hunters won’t just leave me alone.” The waiter’s voice hitched, and he sounded near to tears.

Naia’s head whipped around so fast that her neck gave a twinge. “What?”

At once, the waiter's rage fled, melting instead into an exhausted sort of grief. Green eyes welling with bright, inhuman tears, he bitterly shook his head. “I saw that you refused the tea. Not a drop of it was drunk! It’s a myth you know. I can’t bespell folk with just any food or drink.”

“Oh,” Naia said, drawing a wondering breath. “You’re meant to drink it.”

“Yes of course you drink-” the waiter’s mouth snapped closed. “Wait what?”

“What?” Saoirse exclaimed, looking at Naia.

“Wait...” Naia said looking back at Saoirse, taking in her dark eyes and the pelt around her shoulders.

“What?!” the waiter said, throwing his hands up as he looked between them.

“You’re not human,” Naia and Saoirse said in unison.

For a long moment, all three were silent.

And then Saoirse was laughing, and it was a sharp, barking sound.

Naia pressed a hand over her mouth as she looked at Saoirse. “You’re a selkie,” she said between her fingers.

“Well of course I am. And you’re merfolk,” Saoirse said, shaking her head. “I can’t believe I didn’t see it.”

“Yes well you’re both responsible for the couple hundred years that stress probably took from my life,” the waiter said, tossing his braid over his shoulder and crossing his arms against his chest.

“Is leaf water good?” Naia asked, looking at him doubtfully.

“Of course it is,” the waiter said with a sigh and pulled up a chair. “Here, let me pour it.”

Steam rose from the mugs, and Naia watched as it softened Saoirse’s sharp features. “I thought you were my first human friend,” Naia admitted.

Saoirse bit her lip, and Naia again glimpsed those sharp teeth. “Maybe instead I’ll be your first Selkie friend?”

Wrapping her fingers around the hot mug, Naia smiled. “I think I’d like that.”

“And we can still take that walk. I do so like moving these legs,” Saoirse said. Gaze sliding to her right, she studied the waiter. “Would you like to join us, faerie?”

“It’s Adam,” he said with a sniff. “And yes, alright.”

“I’ll give you a bracelet to make up for scaring you,” Saoirse said.

“And I will not eat you should you slip and fall into my waters,” Naia generously offered.

“...thanks.”

Naia grinned. “You’re welcome.”

Tea was good, as it turned out. And once the teapot was empty, the mermaid, selkie, and faerie left the shop to walk together.

If any should have turned their gaze toward the ocean that day, they would have observed three windswept silhouettes trailing along the pale bluffs. And should the watcher have persisted in watching, they would have seen the figures’ outlines shifting, becoming something beautiful and other when faced with the vast blue of sky and sea.

#my writing #original writing #short story #story #storytelling #fantasy #fantasy writing #fantasy story #fiction #writing prompt #mythical beings #mermay2021 #mermaid #selkie

[kentos-filmcamera]

10 times, 1 occasion - Inumaki Toge

1. Reunion 

Summary: 10 times where Inumaki Toge said “I love you” without any words, 1 occasion he spoke the three sacred words. 

A/N: hi hi! this is my first jjk fic and idk if i should upload it on ao3 too?? lmk ig. happy reading! 

Next Chapter

The air was different in Tokyo. In the depths of the forest, or up in the mountains, the air was crispier; however, the air of the city was more comforting for you. With your eyes closed, you breathed in. Once, twice, thrice. Getting the air to your head makes you think clearer, or so said your grandparent after hitting you in the back of the head with his cane during a training session. Still after remembering advice that should be helpful, you feel something creep behind your shoulder, but when your eyes snapped open as your head whipped around, there was nothing.

Projecting a dangerous amount of cursed energy ran in your family, and your technique required those copious amounts of it. It alerted curses of danger, and impressed sorcerers. On that mission with Maki and Yuta, you don’t know what went wrong. You’ve revisited it a thousand and one times, but still. You didn’t do anything wrong to cause cursed Rika to attack you that night. Nothing wrong that brought you to expand a complete domain for the first time, but you still weren’t allowed to exorcise your attacker when you felt most powerful, but most weak. Absolutely nothing wrong that led you to having to drop out of Tokyo Jujutsu High for months and move back to your family’s home to recover from a near death experience. Nothing wrong to deserve the scarring on your forehead. Nothing wrong, nothing wrong, nothing—

“You’re doing it again” Shoko called your attention. You blinked in confusion. “Spacing out. I told you, you’re fine now. Don’t just stand here” The woman with tired eyes ushered you out of the building where the infirmary stood. Last time you stood there you were barely conscious, walking slow steps while holding onto Panda. You took one last look at the building and took rushed, short steps towards where the clamoring was. It was a few days later than you agreed to return to the school, the ideal time frame was during training for the Kyoto Sister School Event, not at its start. Still, you knew you were well enough to compete.  

You had last seen everyone in your year that eventful late November night. Even Megumi had rushed to the infirmary to check your state. Yuta apologized a hundred times and you could of course forgive, but never forget. You heard he was sent off, so after that information you assumed everyone else had stayed. And you confirmed so when you noticed the group and started recognizing them by their heads, even the ones from Kyoto. However, you didn’t recognize the boy with pink hair, or the girl with an orange bob of sorts. Something about him gave you a pang directly to your chest, but the electricity was replaced by warmth when your eyes landed on a grey haired boy staring directly in your direction, purple eyes wide, eyebrows about to hit the back of his head.

“Ah yes! That was my other surprise” You heard Gojo’s voice from afar. ‘Liar’ You thought and rolled your eyes but a smile persisted on your lips. You set one of your handbags on the floor and waved to the group, feeling the tears pool in the brim of your eyes. You laughed at Maki’s shocked expression, and how Panda tried to snap her out of it but she remained still as he shook her by the shoulders and dragged her with him.

You set your duffle bag and backpack down as the known and loved faces marched towards you. Rather involuntarily, you took a few steps towards Inumaki. Ever since you first met, you were drawn to him. As he was towards you. He liked your caring nature, kind personality with a fierce fighting spirit. You just liked his aura at first , and the late night conversations you held through messaging made you only like him more. Seeing you so hurt and saying goodbye was something that affected him gravely in the upcoming months and Yuta’s departure also took a toll on him.

You opened your mouth to direct towards the grey haired boy that was making your stomach do somersaults but it was shot into a line as you grabbed Maki’s wrist, her hand bare centimeters away from your cheek. “What are you doing?” After that night, your reflexes only got sharper, as did your anxiety.

“I wanted to check if it was actually your dumb ass or Gojo trying to play with us” Maki spoke as a matter-of-factly, but you could feel her pulse tremble. “You scared me!” She sighed and pulled you in for a tight hug. You tensed from the surprise. As far as you knew, Maki Zen’in didn’t even hug her sister Mai, but in that context due to the last few months, she felt closer to you rather than to her.

“I promised I wasn’t going to die on you” You sighed, and gave into the embrace. The last everyone had seen of you was in an extremely injured state. For all they could know, you bled to death on the way up to your family home and no one would have found out. It was just a matter  of whether they were able to see you again or not.

As she let you go and patted the top of your head, you smiled shyly at the boy waiting patiently for your time. “Kelp” He greeted you quite enthusiastically. You realized he was smiling before he wrapped you in his arms. And with that he said everything his mouth couldn’t. Now more than ever, he wished to say everything that was going through his head. How much he missed you, how glad he was to see you well, among other things. But he couldn’t. He just hoped the tightness and warmth of that embrace transmitted it well enough.  

As you two separated, he just rested his hands on your shoulders, gazing into your eyes and scanning your face. Without any other word, he reached out to touch your hair, letting the choppy strands fall down as he released them. “Salmon” The hair you took so much pride on was gone. Chopped it all off after a side was affected in the attack, your mother was about to kill you when she saw the nervous wreck you were made after the uneven haircut.

The redness still not leaving your face, you chuckled “I’m glad you like it, Toge. I’m still not used to it” You touched the split ends and rubbed them between your fingertips before being unexpectedly lifted from your spot, making you laugh as Panda spun you around like a father playing with his child, stopping every once in a while to squeeze you in his arms. You laughed hysterically while flailing your limbs around, as Inumaki had his eyes blank, not appreciating you being snatched from him. Nevertheless, as the rest, he was more than happy to see you.

“That’s how you two should have greeted me!” You heard complaining from complained from afar, followed by the sound of a smack. 

“Come! You need to meet the first years!” Panda said as he set you down and walked ahead, taking your luggage with him. Inumaki leaned down and grabbed your backpack, offering his hand and giving you a warm, welcoming and knowing look. ‘I love you’.

#jujutsu kaisen #inumaki #inumaki toge #jjk inumaki #toge inumaki #inumaki x reader #10times1occ

[sugarmaplewings-fics]

Not All Treasure is Silver and Gold (Part One)

Pairing: Pirate!Bakugou x mermaid!reader

Warnings: Ehh, this portion is gender neutral but from here on out the reader is referred to as female. This does work as a stand alone story, though. Otherwise no warnings from this one.

{Pt. 1} {Pt. 2} {Pt. 3} {Pt. 4}

Author's Note:

Sooo, I know I said I probably wouldn't have this out for another while, buuuttt, I didn't have anything for today and this one was just staring at me 🥺. I don't quite have a concrete plan for the full thing, and there's no guarantees for when part two is going to come out. Also I might draw something like last time to use as a banner. The one that's down there is a placeholder.

Anyhoo, I hope you enjoy this! I've been wanting to write this story for almost a year now, and I finally have the chance! If you'd like to be part of the taglist for this story, please message me!

I think that's it. Love you!!

-Sugar

⊱ ──── 《∘🕱∘》 ──── ⊰

⊱ ──── 《∘🕱∘》 ──── ⊰

A shadow slid across the ocean floor.

Basking in the warmth of the sun, it truly made for an unwelcome interruption. You'd been partaking in a nap only moments prior, mind slowly shifting through half-baked thoughts as the sun shone down onto the sand beneath you. Prompted by the change of brightness and temperature, you blinked your eyes open, rolling over to your back with a lethargic stretch of your arms. Squinting, you frowned up at the surface rippling a considerable distance above you.

There you saw it, some strange shape making its way over the water above. It seemed to be some kind of brownish color, wide and tapered to a point at each end.

Your annoyance faded as curiosity struck you. You didn’t think you’d ever seen anything like it before. You studied it from your vantage point on the ocean floor even as the sunlight reappeared on your relaxed body. It wasn’t as though you were doing anything important right now, you figured. Maybe it was something worth investigating, at least for a short time.

Rousing yourself from the sand, you flicked your tail to propel yourself up in the direction of the object.

You poked your head out of the water, body bobbing up and down with the motions of the waves. You blinked, bringing a hand out of the water in an attempt to shield your vision from the blinding sun. How did anything live up here? It felt as though your eyes were going to dry up and incinerate to nothing.

There it was, the strange object that had cast such a shadow. It was even bigger above water. Mahogany planks shaped it into that odd form, making it float on the ocean, cutting through waves as though they were nothing. Large masts seemed to sprout up from the center like kelp in a forest, sporting billowing white cloths rippling in the air currents.

Ah, yes, it was a boat, and an impressive one at that. You suddenly remembered seeing the ones just like this that couldn’t float anymore, having swum past the ruined, swollen wood during your time in this part of the sea. They were ominous, sitting still on the ocean floor, carrying a dark, somber aura about them as they laid dead where they’d never move again.

But this ship was every meaning of the word alive, shining in the midday sun and skimming dutifully over the bright blue water. Its size might have looked intimidating, but the thing itself was also very intriguing.

Naturally, you swam closer.

The thing was fast, but luckily, so were you. You dived back down, your powerful tail bringing you a few body lengths up to the submerged bottom of the ship. Popping out of the water again, you looked all the way up its side.

Now that you were closer, you thought you heard something. The sounds were new to you, similar to whalesong. But this was deeper, choppier, and somehow harsher. You frowned in the direction of the noises. What was on this boat?

You circled it underwater—careful not to get too close—coming back up a few times to get another look from a different angle.

You had to admit, it carried an odd beauty about it. Something like this must have been built, but the craftsmanship was so intricate, and it was massive . . . .

You sprung up above water again some ways away from it. Perhaps this thing wasn’t as exciting as you’d initially thought. It was a pain to keep up with and the noises coming from it kept hurting your ears.

Just as you turned to leave, a movement caught your eye. There it was, a flash of gold just at the side of the ship. It looked vaguely . . . familiar.

You went closer again to get a better look, and it was then that you met a pair of golden eyes, looking much like those of your people of the sea.

The figure startled as soon as he saw you, blinking and squinting in your direction. He made more of those strange chattering sounds you’d kept hearing, looking behind him and frantically pointing at you with his outstretched hand.

Rude, you thought, but what was a merman doing all the way up there?

A second head appeared next to the first, this one with vibrant, spiky red hair. You experimentally waved at them in greeting, wondering why you couldn’t understand them. Maybe they were from a different ocean you'd never seen.

They both leaned over the side. It looked like they were trying to communicate something to you, but whatever it was, you didn’t get it.

The red haired one turned and left, but was quick to come back with a weird circular object. It was attached to a rope and had an open circle in the middle, just big enough to put the top third of your body through.

To your mild surprise, he tossed it over the side at you, and it landed with surprising accuracy only a tail length away. You swam over to it, picking it up out of the water. It was oddly light—which probably explained why it floated so easily on the waves—and was made out of some strange material.

You glanced dubiously back up at the faces on the side of the ship. They were looking at you with . . . distress? What was this thing? Was it some kind of gift? What were you supposed to do with it? You couldn’t hold it down under the waves, so how were you supposed to bring it back underwater with you?

Either way, you thought it would be rude to decline. You grabbed the rope that was tied to it. It looked as though they were still holding on to the other end. You really wouldn’t be able to take it anywhere if it was still attached to the ship.

You grabbed the rope and tugged. They held onto it. Frustrated, you tugged again. Looking up at their faces, you matched their expressions of confusion. What were you missing here?

Perhaps they were only trying to show it to you. You decided to follow through with your initial idea of putting it around the upper portion of your body. You lifted it over your head—you fit through it okay, at least—and soon it reached the submerged base of your tail.

You floated there for a second. Was this all it was good for? Kind of useless if you asked yourself. Again, you made up your mind to leave. You had better things to do than play silly games with the weirdos in the sky.

Before you could slip back out under the object, you felt yourself being pulled closer to the boat. Now what were they doing?

You frowned up the side again, but this time you couldn’t really see them. They must have stepped back further onto the boat. Intrigued, you let them pull you along with them. You got closer and closer to the side, and finally the rope connecting you to the other end slanted completely vertical. You adjusted yourself so you wouldn’t slide out. Perhaps they were trying to bring you up so they could meet you. You weren’t sure what they’d gain by that, seeing as you couldn’t understand them. Heck, they probably wouldn’t be able to understand you either. But you were still curious. What did the boat look like from up there? It wasn’t all that interesting from the underside, but maybe if you were able to see it from the top . . . .

The two strangers began to haul you out of the water. It was a little scary, you had to admit. Slowly, your body was extracted from the water. Waves slapped against your tail ever lower, and eventually you were fully suspended in midair. You clung tightly to the rope. Glancing back at the sea below, you realized it was a long way down, and the higher you went, the less you were comfortable with the idea of falling.

You'd never been all the way out of the water like this, and it almost felt as though you were flying like those seabirds you'd see living on islands. Except this wasn't as fun. You were meant to swim in the water, not get dragged through the air.

Finally you saw the rim of the ship, and you picked up on the grunting and labored breaths from the two weirdlings you’d seen earlier. You reached up and grabbed onto the side, hoisting your body up. Then you saw them.

These weren’t quite the mermen you were used to. The things that were pulling you up had legs.

You stared at them for a moment, watching fascinated as they walked towards you. Tearing your eyes away from their tailless, split bodies, you glanced back at their faces. Why did they look so concerned? Did they always look like that?

The blond one was the first to reach you. He was quick to grab your hand to help you over the railing, chattering something at you. You let him pull your body up a little higher, and then he froze. To your surprise, he let go of your hand, dropping your bodyweight and causing you to pitch forward. You slid gracelessly to the dry floor of the ship like some kind of overgrown eel, fins and tail meeting the floor of the boat with a wet thud.

You spluttered, annoyed, curling your scaled appendage closer into yourself. “What is this?!” you finally asked.

The blond one had run back to the redhead, pointing frantically and clearly panicked. The red haired one also looked shaken, but otherwise seemed somewhat more collected as he studied you.

“Whatever,” you mumbled, sliding the flotation object off of yourself. “I don’t want this thing anyway.”

You glanced around, taking in the ship up close. It was pretty cool, but in hindsight, it probably wasn’t worth the whole fiasco you’d gone through to get here. The floor was mostly bare, give or take a few stacked boxes here and there. You recognized a net hanging from a pole, one of which you’d seen countless before. Was this where they came from?

“Those things are dangerous,” you said, pointing at it. “I’ve had to cut a lot of animals out of them.”

It was then that the red haired one stepped closer to you. You drew back just a bit, suspicious.

Examining him, you took in the mismatched rings that adorned his ears, and the billowy off-white covering he wore over his chest. The front was open, exposing the tanned skin of his torso. Darker brown fabric covered his lower half, tucked into clunky coverings at the very bottom. Another strip of cloth was tied around his head, making his vibrant hair stick up in odd directions.

He crouched down so you wouldn’t have to crane your neck up to look at him. He tried to say something to you again, but this time his voice wasn’t so loud. It was still foreign to your ears, but it was low and smooth.

You gave him an apologetic expression. “Listen,” you said. “This was fun and all, but I should probably get going.”

You turned and tried to slide yourself closer to the side you’d come from. Much to your annoyance, your tail hindered your movements. You were used to the grace of the water, but now you felt heavy and clunky. Scowling, you tried to pull yourself to the railing with your arms, but nothing was cooperating with you. The boat swayed with the motion of the waves down below, and as soon as you figured you’d made progress, you’d have to fight even harder against the force pulling you back.

You felt something touch your tail, and you whipped around with a threatening hiss, baring your teeth. It was the redhead again, and apparently he’d been the first to notice the rope that had gotten tangled around the fins and scales of your tail. Maybe he was trying to help, but he was touching your tail. You could do it yourself.

Jerking the lower portion of your appendage, you were able to smack him away with your fins. Feelings hurt, he stepped back.

You grabbed at the rope, cursing the fact that you’d ever gotten up from your nap in the first place as you struggled to untangle yourself from the device that had brought you up here. You wondered how you had gotten stuck so bad as you tugged at the coarse material. Seriously, you were so done with this today. You vowed to never go up to another boat again in your life if you could only get off this one—

And then you saw him.

The blond must have left a while ago but now you saw who he’d come back with. It was another being like the other two. He was blond like the first one, but his hair was shorter, spikier, and reminded you of the pale yellow of the sun. He was bigger than the other blond, but smaller than the redhead. You didn’t think you’d ever seen a face so handsome, even among the mermen back where you lived. He bore a scowl on his face, similar to the one you’d been sporting seconds earlier. Strength and authority rolled off him in waves, not only in the way he carried himself but also in the respect he garnered from the others around him.

He was tall, he was hot, and now you were just staring.

The sexy weirdling grumbled something, and you honestly weren’t sure to whom it was intended for until he stepped forward. You were slower to pull away as he approached, almost drawn to him in a strange way.

He knelt in front of you, pulling out a sharp object from a hidden pouch on his hip. Your heart fluttered in momentary fear as he brought it closer to your tail, but soon you saw the way he reached for the rope. Without scarcely touching your scales, he pulled on the material and sliced through it, cutting you free in a few fluid motions. You were caught up in watching him work, silently in awe as his rough hands delicately moved over your body.

Soon, you were able to move again, but before you could, he straightened and lifted your body from the floor. You gasped, clutching at his broad shoulders as you were once again suspended in midair. But this time you felt secure; his arms supporting the weight of your body. He met your eyes for a split second, and you became lost in the pools of orangey-red. They were deep, and bright, and you felt as though you could gaze into them forever.

Then you were hauled above the railing and tossed over the side.

Weightless, you fell back to the sea from which you came. It was surreal, watching his pale face grow smaller and smaller as wind rushed around you and gravity pulled you further away.

No, you thought, still in a daze. You wanted to stay with him, to keep looking at him, to know his name—

But all too quick, your back hit the cold water of the sea, skin stinging from the impact. With an impressive splash, you sank down again to the place you called home.

You didn’t know how to feel now, watching from below as the ship surged on without you. You were astonished and confused, lost and frozen in the deep blue world that surrounded you.

It was then that you vowed to see him again, no matter what.

You were warm—a little giddy—and you were determined.

You were in love.

…

To be continued . . . .

[Part Two]

⊱ ──── 《∘🕱∘》 ──── ⊰

Taglist: @aahilovetheatre @basicalyrandom @bumbyslair @f0leysgurl @hyunmin-1404 @kqtsukii @nabo39 @pyrofanatic​ @rainy-skys-and-bright-stars @sendhelpimstupid @ure-a-sunflower @xoxopam4 @deltajay @sillygoof @whipped-cream-writings

#bakugou #katsuki bakugou #bakugou katsuki #bakugou bnha #katsuki bakugou bnha #bakugou katsuki bnha #bakugou imagine #katsuki bakugou imagine #bakugou katsuki imagine #bakugou x reader #katsuki bakugou x reader #bakugou katsuki x reader #bakugou x you #bnha x reader #mha x reader #NATiSaG #reader insert #sugar fics

[kalgalen]

Day 2: twilight, forest, fae

Surrounded by cold and quiet, he floats, weightless. Did he drown? Is this death? Behind his eyelids, he only sees black. He breathes in, and the cold enters his lungs, pushing him to wrap his hands around himself in a shiver. He almost wants to go to sleep, wrapped in this peaceful, frosty embrace. 

But then, as his consciousness starts to drift away, the sound he's heard before reaches his ears again: a cry, muffled as if the source of it is trying to hide it - heartbreaking. Jon opens his eyes, and startles when he sees his surroundings. 

It's a forest. But not a forest made of trees; rather, it is kelp that grows from the sandy ground to reach up toward the soft glow of the twilight - toward the surface. Jon realises he's under water, and it takes all of his will not to panic on the spot. Instead he takes a deep breath - and the cold that fills his lungs is salt water, but it feels like the chilly air of a night of November.

What is happening? As far as he can tell, he did fall in the water, and got dragged away from the shore by the ebb and flow of the waves. He doesn't feel dead, and yet he breathes water; which surely means something supernatural is going on.

His heart beating hard in his chest and his thoughts in disarray, Jon lets his feet touch the bottom of the ocean. He doesn't wonder where the certitude he can just walk comes from; another sob can be heard, and he starts moving toward it. If anything, he might get an explanation as to what is happening.

The fading daylight disappears quickly around him, replaced by the blue hues of the moonlight. It is still raining up there; he can tell from the way the surface breaks like shattered glass under the combined efforts of the wind and rain. Whatever is happening to him now, he's glad not to be out in that weather anymore.

A sniffle, a sigh; the origin of the distress isn't far anymore. Jon hesitates. He wouldn't want to be bothered if he were in that situation. Perhaps it is the same for that person.

But before he can retreat, the crying stops. 

"Who's there?"

The voice comes clear through the water, if a bit wobbly. It sounds - young. Unsure. Jon swallows, then steps forward.

A man - boy? He doesn't look much older than Jon - watches him approach. His fists are clenched and his shoulders are hunched, but he relaxes when he sees Jon. 

"Who are you?" he asks. Now that Jon is closer, he can see the teenager's reddened eyes - and the parallel slashes on either sides of his throat, fluttering with each of his breaths like a fish's gills.

(Jon's eyes quickly glance down, but the boy has legs just like him. He tries not to feel disappointed. What kind of merfolk doesn't have a tail? And wears shorts and a t-shirt instead of shells and lost treasures?)

"Ah -" Jon says experimentally. Cold on his tongue, cold in his lungs. Still no hint of suffocation. "My name is Jon. I'm from the surface. I suppose I am - lost."

The boy looks at him, fearful. "You can't stay here."

Jon prickles. "I know. How do I leave?"

"You can't." The boy's face scrunches up like he's about to start crying again. "No one can."

"Hey," Jon says awkwardly. He's never been good at dealing with other people's emotions. "Are you, huh. Are you okay?"

"No," the other says with a sigh. "I'm sorry. My - my name is Martin."

“Hello, Martin.” Jon shuffles on his feet - but he has to ask. “Are you some kind of selkie, or something?”

Martin blinks, and a lopsided smile appears on his face. “Or something, yes. I’m - oh, I’m sorry,” he says again. He runs a hand through his hair; it spreads around his head like a silver halo, and Jon catches himself wondering what color it would appear in the sunlight. “I should introduce myself - properly. I am Martin Blackwood. I am the fae prince of this underwater kingdom.”

He gestures with a webbed hand to the fields of seaweed around them, and Jon frowns. A kingdom? This looks like any old sea floor to his eyes.

As if he can hear his thoughts, Martin gracefully slides toward him.

“May I?” he asks, and it takes a beat for Jon to realise Martin is pointing at his hand.

“Hum - yes?”

Jon shivers again when Martin locks their hands together, but this time it doesn’t have much to do with the coolness of the water.

“You’re not looking,” Martin says patiently. “Watch.”

And all of a sudden - shadows, dancing on the corner of his vision. They slowly solidify, shaping themselves into actual buildings. Like the statue on the surface, they are made of smooth granite, beaten by the elements, half-covered in algae. It seems that it has seen better days, but the city sprawls, mysterious and majestic, before his disbelieving eyes.

Martin is looking at him expectantly; their hands are still interlocked, and the contact grounds Jon as he takes in the spectacle in front of him.

"This is amazing," he hears himself murmurs. "You live here?"

Martin looks a bit sad. "I do. But not for long. I -"

A noise behind them; Martin startles violently, and clutches Jon's hand tighter. He leans in closer, a hunted look in his eyes. 

"We have to leave - now," he whispers. "Do you trust me?"

Jon doesn't hesitate; he grips Martin's hand back, and nods.

"Lead the way." 

#tmafantasyweek #the magnus archives #jonmartin #art tag #fic tag

[cranetreegang]

The Messenger: Part One: The Task

Hey! Thanks for checking this out. I've been working on this short story because I think mermaids/mermen are super neat. This is the first part of many. Let me know what you think!

Summary: Evie decides to take up the long vacant position of the village messenger to venture into the forest. The forest is known for taking those who enter, and they never return. Will she become another causality? Or will she find that not everything is what it seems?

Word Count: ~4,100 words

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The dreary morning sun illuminated my quaint room enough for me to see. I stared at my tense reflection in the mirror as I tugged my hair into tight braids. Today was the day I would have to venture into the forest beyond the safety of the village. The very same forest that was filled with creatures that tricked, or slaughtered, anyone who trespassed. I always wondered if the stories were true or not, since I haven’t heard of anyone dying or missing since I was a little girl.

A bitter smile reflected back at me. I would be finding out soon enough the validity of the dangers that lurked within the shadows of those towering trees. I looked over my hair and face again, trying to delay leaving for as long as possible. I knew I couldn’t stay though. I had to meet my fate in the wooden unknown that has plagued my imagination for far too long.

I shrugged my black wool robe over my shoulders then left the warm embrace of my cabin. The cool air stung my cheeks and filled my lungs. I stood in front of my cabin for a moment longer. The wooden structure before me was nothing of note, but I still called it home. A pit in my stomach formed at the thought of never coming back home.

I turned on my heel to began the short walk towards the village. My head was swarming with thoughts of the endless possibilities of what could happen today. Pine smoke and baked goods filled the chilly air that brought a brief warmth to my otherwise frigid thoughts. People milled about the center market square on their way to their jobs, but froze when their eyes landed on me. The silent stares made me feel like I was a wandering ghost. Like I was already dead, and I just hadn’t realized it yet. I tried my best to pay them no mind as I approached the post office.

An older man with balding salty chestnut hair greeted me with a pitying warm grin that bordered on a frown. Postmaster Griffith had been posted here for as long as I could remember. To be under his tutelage was unexpected. In fact, I never would’ve foreseen myself taking up the vacant position of messenger if not for my desire to leave the village. I had a burning itch inside of me for ages to go into the forest, but venturing into the forest would mean immediate banishment if you were caught.

“You’re here.” He greeted me; his wrinkles seemed to consume most of his worried filled sea green eyes.

I nodded and smiled. “Good morning. I’m ready.” I sounded more sure than I felt. I held out my hand to take the bulky leather bag from him. He hesitated between my outstretched hand and the mailbag. His brows pinched together and his lips formed a tight line as he handed me the bag.

“There’s no shame if you don’t make it there. No one will hold it against you if you come back before making the drop-off.” He whispered loud enough for just me to hear. I slung the bag onto my back then squeezed his shoulder.

“Don’t worry. I’ll make it and be back before nightfall.” I gave a gentle smile to ease the burly old man who seemed to be wallowing in guilt at sending me into the forest.

“I sure do hope so.” He sighed.

I bowed my head and gave a brief wave before setting off towards the woods. Young and old people alike gathered on either side of the street that led out to the wall of trees. I could hear whispers and murmurs of their worries, fears, and speculations at what would happen to me. I even heard bets being made that I would come back running, or that I would end up dead before the sun hit the highest point of the day.

I kept my head held high despite wanting to crumble under the growing fear the closer I got to the edge. When I reached the beginning of the forest, I glanced behind me to see everyone still staring at me. I bit my lip then took a deep breath. I had to know. I took a confident first step into the woods then another. I smiled a bit at not being eaten right away and kept my brisk stride going through the woods.

Rocks of various sizes lined the dirt path that was overrun by various plants and tree roots. My gaze climbed up the tall trees that towered over me. The trees gently swayed in the wind and leaves would rustle over the sounds of birds chirping. The air felt cleaner than in the village, which I thought was odd. I never noticed how the trees gave off such a rich earthy smell. I marveled at how tiny I was compared to these massive trees. I went up to one such tree and tried to wrap my arms around the base, only to not even make it halfway around its trunk.

When the sun rose further in the sky, I pulled the map out of my pack, which nearly ripped apart in my hands, to ensure I was still on the right trail. The map itself was from the last messenger years ago, when I believe Griffith was a young man. Crude drawings made up of three arrowheads with a line through them for trees consumed most of the tanned paper. Rectangles with a triangle on top represented the markers I would need to go to. A thick black line curved through the trees to each marker until it stopped at the square shaped drop-off point. Judging from the entrance of the village to the first marker, I had another hour of hiking before I reached the first marker, if it still existed. I would need to get to three different markers before reaching the drop-off point at the end of the trail. Which meant that if I kept my current pace, I would reach the drop-off by early afternoon.

I put away the map, and continued down the path. I was having a good time, all things considered. I found myself humming a happy tune that went with my upbeat stride. I swung from tree trunk to tree trunk as I hopped on outstretched roots that crossed the path. I couldn’t have asked for a better day to be out in the woods. I paused my brisk pace when something shined through the branches in front of me. I cautiously approached the foreign object with hints of worry starting to come over me. When I finally got close enough to the glowing object, I realized that it must’ve been a marker.

The marker was a rectangular wooden post that went up to my chest with an orange glowing pyramid on top. I cautiously tapped the pyramid and was shocked to feel it was made of glass. I peered into the glowing apparatus, but the light was too bright for me to actually see inside. The post that the pyramid was on had strange markings that I traced along to the bottom. I recognized some of the engravings that lined some of the houses back in the village. Not that I knew what they meant though.

My ears perked up at the sounds of water in the distance. I pulled out my map to see if there were any water features nearby, but the parchment only contained the markers and the drop-off point. I figured it must be some sort of river or waterfall nearby causing that noise. I looked between the path and the source of the water in conflict. I knew I wasn’t supposed to stray too far from the glowing markers and path. The burning feeling in my chest seemed to almost heighten at the thought of going towards the water. I wasn’t about to let my opportunity for exploration go to waste.

I glanced around me to ensure no one was around before stepping off the path towards the water. I snuck carefully over fallen branches and made sure to keep myself as quiet as possible. I didn’t think I would be ambushed since I hadn’t seen anything yet, but I wasn’t about to take my chances being so far from the trail. I followed the sounds of water until I reached a clearing. I ducked under the tree branches to see a secluded lake that had a trickling waterfall coming over a towering slate cliff face. I couldn’t hold back my gasp at the sight of the pristine blueish green waters that laid before me. The breeze took with it the crisp cool smell of the lake that mixed well with the overall woodsy scent. My feet took me to the rocky shore before I realized what I was doing. The water was beautiful and clear and I followed along the water’s edge onto a rock that overlooked the deeper part of the lake.

I leaned over to stare into the clean blue water below. I was amazed that I could see the bottom so clearly. I knew I couldn’t touch the rocky bottom, but it felt like I easily could with how pristine the water was. Bright colorful fish swam between clusters of vivid green kelp and hidden rock crevices. I sat down to continue my staring while I ate a meal of some jerky and an apple. I tossed down bits of my apple to watch the fish swarm over the piece. When people spoke of the forest, I would’ve never imagined a place like this existed.

I was almost angry that everyone spoke of such horrors, when something this beautiful and serene existed. I began to question if there were such things as creatures or monsters living in these woods when the hairs on my neck stood on end. Someone was watching me. I tried to casually scan the tree line around me, but I couldn’t find the source. I cursed myself for letting my guard down so easily, but I remained calm. I reasoned that it might have been a curious animal watching me.

That idea was shattered when a deep male voice ripped through the silence, “How is this possible?”

I jumped to my feet at how close the man sounded, but I was unable to find him. I looked all around me and kept my eyes trained on the unmoving tree line.

“Who’s there?” I asked with a waver in my tone.

“I should be asking who you are. You’re the one intruding here.” The man was still nowhere to be seen, but he was very close to me.

I gripped onto the straps of my bag to provide some sort of comfort to me. “You’re right. And I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

A soft chuckle seemed to come from right over my shoulder. I whipped around, but was met with no one again. But, there was no way someone could’ve been behind me though. Because there’s nothing but the lake behind me. A crippling fear was threatening to take over me at realizing that this person might not be human at all, but a creature of the forest.

“You’re very jumpy for someone that’s trespassing on my home.” He had a light teasing tone in his voice that irritated me. He was toying with me.

“Well, maybe you can introduce yourself, and I wouldn’t be so nervous.” I spat back even though I was in no position to be so hostile.

The sound of gushing water was right next to me, and I nearly fell back in shock at the sight of something emerging from the depths of the lake. I almost couldn’t believe what I was looking at. The creature laying casually before me was a man, yet nothing like a human at all.

He had wet black hair that went to his shoulders and covered some of his face. The color of his hair reminded me of a raven’s feather with how the sun seemed to make his hair glossy with hints of purple emerging through. Protruding from his hair on either side of his head, he had coal black fins that faded to a deep dark purple. The fins were webbed with small sharp spikes on the end. I could make out a trail of matching ebony spikes and fins that covered his spine. The fins would fan out on occasion to reveal how wide they were. At least as big as my hand stretched out from my thumb to my pinkie finger.

His eyes were a dark violet that was consumed in a sea of onyx. They seemed to glow and flicker as if related to his thoughts. Dark circles hung under his eyes that added to his void-like appearance. His face was well defined and regarded me as if waiting for me to do or say something. Eager, almost. His overall complexion was a dark navy grey that reminded me of a troubling storm cloud. He seemed to be paler than normal though, and he looked like he hadn’t eaten in some time. I noticed a damp smell coming from him that wasn’t entirely unsavory.

He had lean arms that were still fairly muscular despite his starving state, and he had sharp claws for nails. I noticed webbing between each of his long clawed fingers that were covered in onyx scales. He had fins on each of his forearms that were a dark purple, nearly black. They moved seemingly on their own and would fan out the same way as the fins on his back and face. Bright crimson slits with fine filament protruding out were on his ribs. I assumed these were gills since they reminded me of fish gills. In fact, onyx scales lined most of his body in various places on his arms, chest, and face.

The most disturbing part was his legs, or lack of legs. Instead of legs, he had a tail that reminded me of a lengthy slender fish or snake. This tail was longer than any set of legs and appeared stronger too. I was sure if I had been in the water, he could’ve easily dragged me to the bottom with little to no effort. There were various fins that protruded out from his otherwise smooth looking tail and his tail ended in a wide fan that seemed feathery and light. Like a torn silk dress floating in the wind.

His tail, although terrifying in its implications, was breathtaking under the sun. His scales were a shade of black that I’ve never seen before. Like the night sky was placed upon him with dark purples and blacks. Hints of wine red could be seen at just the right angle, but overall he was like a being of darkness. He was beautiful in all the wrong ways. He was unnatural and I realized that I needed to get far away from this thing as fast as possible.

I jumped away from him and planned on sprinting all the way back to the village when he called out, “Don’t go!”

I froze in place, which I wasn’t sure why. This creature was exactly what everyone warned of. But, I didn’t keep running. Instead, I turned around to face the thing from the lake. His brows were raised in surprise, but he seemed relieved when I stood in place.

“What are you?” I blurted out before he could speak. I bit my lip at how scared I sounded, but he gave me an amused smile that revealed sharp teeth lurking behind his friendly smile.

“I think you meant, ‘Who are you?’, but I suppose manners aren’t really your strong suit.” He said in an accent that I couldn't place.

“Well, they didn’t exactly explain how to act around… well,” I motioned over his stretched out fishy body, “you.”

“That’s a shame. I'm actually quite wonderful to talk to. Or, so I've been told.” The wavy fins at the end of his tail idly flicked in the air like a cat’s tail. “I’m a mer, by the way.”

“A mer?” I took in his features again then continued, “That’s… that makes sense.” I frowned as I tried to gain some sort of clear thought in my head. “I’ve read about your kind in books. I didn’t think you lived in lakes though.”

His bitter laugh was unexpected, yet pleasant to my ears. Even though he seemed anguished by my comment, he did his best to hide it with an easy grin. “What can I say, I’m not like other mer. One of a kind really.”

“Is that a good thing?” I wondered out loud.

He grimaced and avoided my gaze by looking out into the woods behind me. “What’s your name?” His tone was cold, but still curious. I thought about the implications in giving him my actual name, but I couldn’t find a good reason as to why I shouldn’t.

“Evelyn. People just call me Evie though.” I bit my lip then asked, “What’s yours?”

“Oh, now you want to know.” He shifted back to his friendly demeanor in a flash. I found it somewhat unnerving. “It’s Niloros. People just call me Nil.” He held out his dripping clawed hand for me to take. I stared at it with a mixture of hesitance and suspicion. He could easily yank me into the lake then I wouldn't stand a chance against him.

“This is the part where you shake my hand.” He teased.

I looked away from him due to my cheeks growing hot. “I know. I just… Why are you being so friendly? Not that I don’t like it, it’s just…,” I sighed while finally looking back at him. He was watching me with a sad expression as if he understood all too well why I was wary.

“You’re worried I might eat you. Rip you limb from limb and make a necklace from your teeth.” He exhaled while he lowered his hand.

“I am now.” I mumbled under my breath. “But, kinda. I’ve never met anything like you before. I shouldn’t even be talking to you.” I realized.

He gave me a soft smile. “Yet, you’re still here. And not running back where you came from.”

My brows furrowed and I found it easier to stare at my feet than into his deep onyx eyes that seemed to be reading me far better than I would’ve liked. “You’re nothing like I imagined.” I admitted.

His head craned to the side for a moment. “And what did you imagine?” He asked.

I laughed a bit to myself. “That you’d be a ‘scary’ monster.”

He had a somber look that he didn’t conceal. “Maybe I am.”

I was surprised he would say such a thing. Was he admitting that he was indeed a monster to be feared? Was I about to become his dinner? A note from the book I read mentioned something about merfolk travelling in groups. I scanned around for another one of his kind laying in wait to ambush me, but I didn’t notice anything out of place.

He laughed at my shock which made me more flustered.

“You’re funny, ‘people call me Evie’.” He smirked then added, “Why are you out here when you believe there are ‘scary’ monsters in these woods?”

A voice in the back of my head was telling me I shouldn’t tell him. Yet, I couldn’t find a reason to not trust him. He seemed to be genuine, for the most part. I also didn’t get the sense that he wanted to cause me harm. No, he was curious. About as curious as I was.

I patted the leather bag on my back. “I’m the new messenger for the village.”

His brow raised. “Messenger? I haven’t heard about a messenger from that village in some time.”

“You know about the village?” I inquired.

He nodded. “Yes. Mostly everyone here has.” He hummed in thought. “We don’t see many leave the village though.”

“That’s because we get banished if we do.” I informed him in a hushed voice.

“But not messengers.” He realized. “Interesting that such a harsh law is in place.”

“It’s for our protection.” I defended.

“Right. From the monsters.” He seemed far away for a moment then asked, “Who decreed that you weren’t allowed into the forest, if you don’t mind my asking?”

“I thought you would know that. Since you know about the village.” I countered.

He let out an easy laugh with a slight eye roll. “Darling, if I knew, I wouldn’t’ve asked.”

Darling. The way it rolled off his tongue was natural. Familiar. I felt a warmth in my stomach from the simple word. I had to pull myself from the feeling to answer his question.

“Our leader. Mistress Talia.” I said.

His lips formed into a thin line that bordered on disgust at the mention of Talia. He looked up at the blue sky then back down at me. “You still have a long way to go, messenger. You should leave before you’re here at night.”

“You know Talia?” I asked. He didn’t answer, but instead jumped back into the lake. I ran towards the rock’s edge and saw him staring up at me from the surface of the water.

“You should go, Evie. It’s not safe at night.” Before he could dive under the water I shouted,

“Wait!”

He stopped his descent and waited for me to speak. The words I wanted to say were stuck in my throat for a moment. I mustered up the courage to ask,

“Can I see you again?”

His black brows rose for a moment before nodding with a slight smile. “I would like that.” His voice was soft and gentle.

He dove under the water before I could say anything further, and I watched him swim away with such speed and grace, I was envious. I stared out at the waveless lake for a few more moments before finally heading back to the marker.

Seeing the soft glowing marker was reassuring, and made me question if the whole encounter with Nil was real or not. I had questions invading my mind, and consumed my thoughts as I got to the next three markers. I was ripped from my daydreaming when I came in front of a miniature green hut attached to the top of a pole that came up to my shoulders. The pole had similar engravings as the markers leading me here. I kept a note to myself to ask someone about these engravings, and what they could possibly mean.

I figured this must have been the drop-off and opened the wide door of the hut. It was deeper than I initially thought and I placed all the letters and boxes into the opening. I closed the door and started the trek back to the village. I thought about swinging by the lake again to talk with Nil, but the sun was setting quicker than I would have liked. I would only have maybe an hour of light left by my estimations. I felt resolved in returning to the lake as soon as I could, but for now I had to worry about getting back safely.

The sounds of the forest were soothing and I tried my best to memorize details on my way back to ensure a faster journey next time. There were hardly any boulders, so they made good points of reference anytime I saw them. Soon, I was back at the first marker with little trouble. The prickling sensation I got at the lake returned when I turned towards the village.

I scanned around me for eyes, and I felt like I was back at the lake for a moment.

“Who’s there? Come out!” I shouted into the dense trees. My voice didn’t carry very far, and I felt a bit silly yelling at the trees. The feeling of being watched didn’t go away though. I grimaced at the likelihood that I would die when I was so close to returning home.

I kept walking then said, “I’m not here to cause trouble. I’m just the messenger.”

Still no reply or anyone emerging from the shadows. I didn’t change my pace, but I was definitely more on edge. The two hours back to the village was excruciatingly long compare to this morning. The feeling of being watched never left me, and it took every fiber of my being not to start running. When I saw the houses poking through the trees, I lost all restraint and began sprinting towards the village. When I burst through the treeline, I whipped around to see if anything was following. Much to my relief, the feeling of being watched faded away and I hurried towards the post office without hesitation.

As I walked up to the village, people froze in shock at seeing me. A cry rang out before people swooped around me.

“I can’t believe it! We thought you were a goner!” They all seemed to be saying at once. Everyone was whispering, shouting, and cheering at my arrival. I shoved my way past the crowd to get to Griffith, who was waiting for me at the entrance of the post office.

“I knew you could do it.” He beamed at me while taking the bag. “No troubles?” He wondered.

“None.” I admitted, despite the stalker towards the end. I couldn't let him know that though. I couldn't let anyone know about what I experienced in the woods today. Not if I wanted to continue going out there. And I wasn't ready to stop when I had only just gotten a taste.

Griffith let out a joyous laugh while bringing me into a tight bear hug. “My girl, you might just make it yet.”

“When do I have to go back?” I asked a bit too eagerly.

“What? You want to go back! You shouldn’t push your luck!” He gasped.

“Maybe. But I still wanna go.” I insisted.

He stared at me in confused horror before shaking his head. “If all goes well, we should get a delivery at the drop-off for us that will need to be retrieved. But, that won’t be until the end of the week.”

I nodded in understanding. I wished it was sooner, but perhaps it was best to wait. I needed to sort through what I experienced today anyways. “Alright. See you at the end of the week.”

I shoved my way through the crowd and dismissed all their questions with a light laugh. Most people left me alone after they realized I wasn't giving them any information. I wasn’t in the mood to answer their questions, or celebrate. I had too many thoughts and questions that were burning away at me. By the time I reached my cabin, I was alone once more. I stood in front of the wooden structure once more. I couldn't stop the bittersweet feeling from this morning reminding me that I could've died today. Instead, I got to see my dingy home once more.

I shut the door behind me and laid against the cool oak door. The one question that was still in my mind that trumped all the others, were about Nil. Nil… he knew things. And I wanted to know exactly what.

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Click Here for Part 2

#merman #merfolk #short story #creative writing #writing #writers on tumblr #story

[sammystep]

No One Lives Forever- CH10

(AO3 link)

Stardust Crusader Wolf Pack AU

[From the beginning- CH1]

<Previous Chapter     Next Chapter>

Between the road noise and the insulation of the cooler it was easy to ignore the shouting from the gremlin. Kakyoin had taken shotgun this time, the rest of you piled in the back rows and passing around bandages and ointments as Polnareff drove. After cleaning away the blood you could see none of you had sustains injuries worse than some deep scratches. With the accelerated healing you all had they would be fine by morning, but you patched each other up with gauze and bandages just in case. It felt nice, satisfying even, to take care of the others and let them take care of you in return.

You lose track of time for a bit, content to sit quietly in the middle row and rest. You hear someone start snoring from behind you and turn around to see Joseph has nodded off, Avdol also has his eyes closed but looks more like he’s meditating than sleeping. Jotaro must have turned at the same time, you caught his eyes as he turns forward again as well, a small smile on his face. You smile at him and hold out your hand to him over the middle seat. His gaze flicks back again before he faces forward completely and covertly takes your hand.

You didn’t realize how tense you still were until he took your hand and you felt the muscles of your back and shoulders melt. A tingling feeling of relief, you were safe, your pack was safe, your mate…

You tense slightly again and grip Jotaro’s hand, where had that feeling come from? You are bewildered for a moment, you barely register Jotaro squeezing your hand back, his emotions hidden by his resting serious face. You relax into your seat again, coming to at least basic terms with what your instincts have been screaming at you for a while now. Yes, it was a terrifying situation happening when you first met him, and Jotaro could physically fit the definition of big bad wolf, but his actions so far have proven he’s anything but cruel or violent. When you had gotten a look at the cut on his leg earlier you had to suppress a sudden shift and urge to rip the monster that did that to pieces. Maybe he was experiencing the same feelings towards you?

It’s been a few hours after the events of the gas station and capturing Dio’s minion when Polnareff makes a turn off the road to a campsite. Although it looked well cared for there weren’t many campers ready to brave New York forests this late in the season, there were no other cars in the lot or in any of the designated spaces close to the entrance. Jotaro is surveying the space outside his window so he doesn’t see Kakyoin turn around and catch sight of your intertwined hands. You blush and look away when you catch his eye and he’s polite enough to clear his throat before announcing this was the nearest campsite he found to dispose of the gremlin in its prison.

Polnareff parks and you’re surprised Jotaro gives your hand a squeeze before letting go and climbing out. You suppress a giggle at Joseph’s sudden snort as he jostles himself awake. Exiting the truck, you enjoy a deep lung full of clean air, not even a trace of human scent present. The falling leaves and large lake to your right create a picturesque scene and you almost wish the pack had stopped for pleasure and not business. Speaking of… Jotaro and Polnareff are unloading your captive from the back, the creature either playing possum or it had finally run out of air. A couple of hard shakes to the container don’t produce the screeches you expected.  

Joseph has fully woken up from his nap and joins them in staring at the cooler. “Well, looks like we won’t be getting any more info out of that thing.” He puts one hand on his hip and scratches at his beard with the other. “Jotaro, what do you think? Risk it getting away to see if it’s really dead?”

“No. It didn’t seem all that clever, it probably had nothing more to tell us. It’s not worth the risk of it getting loose out here.” Jotaro motions with a jerk of his chin to the dense woods. “We’ll burry the whole thing and be done with it.” The rest of the pack nods in agreement and Jotaro and Polnareff haul the cooler towards the line of trees.

You all take advantage of the rest stop and walk around the campsite while Jotaro and Polnareff make quick work of disposing of their cargo. You douse a few paper towels with some of the bottled water as they make their way back and offer them to the guys to clean up with. “Ah, merci mon amie.” Polnareff looks around for a moment before leaning in slightly “Ah, say (Y/N), you didn’t see any restrooms around here, did you?”

Jotaro rolls his eyes as he finishes cleaning the dirt from under his nails. “Good grief Pol. It’s the woods. Go anywhere.”

“Fine! Fine!” Polnareff puts his hands up in surrender, “Just thought I’d check.” He backs away from you and Jotaro and towards the lake. You turn away to give him privacy and survey the rest of the pack. Avdol and joseph are going through some of the snacks; more like Avdol is trying to restrain Joseph from sampling each new type of jerky he finds. Kakyoin is making his way to you and Jotaro when you hear a sudden shout from behind you.

Polnareff had just finished his business and was headed back to the group when his leg gets caught on something. Yelling as he’s pulled to the ground, he re-evaluates, he hasn’t tripped on his own and whatever has caught him is dragging him back towards the lake. He catches a glimpse of what looks like seaweed wrapped from ankle to kneecap as he tires to scramble away. His claws dig into the dirt as he struggles to gain traction and from behind him he hears an ungodly noise of whatever has caught him.

You and Jotaro turn as soon as you hear Polnareff’s distressed yelp. The unbelievable scene of a creature rising from the lake makes you both hesitate for a moment to comprehend what you’re seeing. Its body ungulates, a writhing mass of pond weed and lake plants twining together to take the form of what looked like a horse. Jotaro recovers from the shock first, surging forward and transforming as he ran. You are right behind him, transforming as well. The creature rears back and screeches as you both approach it, desperately trying to drag Polnareff to the water as the plants rooted to its body climb further up his leg to gain better grip on the struggling werewolf.

From your left more beasts are emerging from the water and you and Jotaro dodge the kelp and vines shooting out at you. You hear the rest of the pack behind you also start making their way to the lake but are cut off by more creatures. The one holding onto Polnareff has managed to drag the massive white werewolf to the water by the time you and Jotaro rush the last few steps to his aid. Both of his legs have been tangled by vines now but they fall away limp as Jotaro is able to cut through the main vine. You quickly help Polnareff to his feet in the knee-high water.

“What the hell are these things?” Polnareff’s voice is deeper and slightly distorted with his change and constant growl rumbling from his chest. The three of you take a defensive formation covering each other’s backs and claws out. Your ears flatten and you snarl at one of the seaweed horses as it gallops by.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” you huff and swipe at a tendril of lake-weed snaking too close for comfort, “Some kind of horses? Or we pissed off a plant witch or something?”

“Kelpies. They’ve never been sighted this far north though.” Jotaro growls out as he snaps at the beast in front of him. By now the things were running amok along the shoreline and around the pack, six of them in total working as a team to try and capture and drag you all to a watery grave. One of them turns and stamps its hooves before charging directly at you, Jotaro and Polnareff. You are forced to dive away as it barrels by but a vine of weeds wraps around your waist as it passes. You are lifted briefly into the air before landing on all fours, the vines tangling your legs as well. You hear two loud thumps behind you and see Jotaro and Polnareff were also bound by that last charge, their arms stuck to their bodies and unable to claw their way out.

You cut your own bindings as fast as you can and quickly cut them free as well before you are all dragged along with the galloping kelpie. It bellows as it realizes its prey has broken free and tosses its head making its mane of kelp fly about.  The three of you quickly move to the offensive rushing the creatures standing between you and the rest of your packmates. Jotaro takes the lead and you defend his sides, swiping away any tendrils reaching too close. Polnareff assists and keeps another beast off your backs. Ahead of you, Avdol, Joseph and Kakyoin are also struggling to keep themselves guarded and untethered, but the horses are galloping too fast to try and get any substantial hits in, circling in a pattern to keep the pack separated and vulnerable.

Jotaro narrows his eyes and growls louder as he realizes there is something more going on here. Although they are fast there are only six of the kelpies, the pack should be able to take them on one-on-one but their movements are too coordinated to be wild kelpies. He stops and takes on a defensive stance again as a sudden gleam of light catches his attention, what looks like spider’s thread catching the sunlight. He follows the line with his eyes and sees it connects to one of the kelpie’s heads. In fact, now that he’s noticed one of them, they all seem to have this silver thread connecting them to a single point in the lake. About 20 feet from the shore a figure has risen from the water, humanoid but draped in gold and blue lakeweed. It makes no move to come ashore, instead moving its arms like an orchestra conductor would to control the team of water horses under its command.

Before he can make a move towards this figure another kelpie blocks his path. Polnareff barrels forward from his right and slashes at the beast’s face with his claws. He yelps in pain at the same time the kelpie rears back and retreats, a pile of silver rope falling to the ground. Polnareff cradles his silver burned hand for a moment before his eyes light up in understanding. “It’s silver! They have silver leashes!” the kelpie he accidently freed runs past the fighting happening between its herd and the pack, running on top of the water to the far side of the lake. “It’s gonna burn like hell but we can free them!”

With one of the kelpies no longer under its control, the man in the lake’s movements become more exaggerated as the remaining five horses push themselves to move faster, biting, stomping and charging the pack. Jotaro seizes the opportunity to break another of the silver ropes as he dodges the kelpie charging at him but instead of letting go, he grips the silver line tight where he severed it. It burns something fierce but he’s able to control the horse long enough to force it to charge at the lake man and bring Jotaro along for the ride. When he’s close enough Jotaro slips the silver harness from the kelpie and throws it, hoping to tangle the puppet master. Up close he can see the man’s flashing amber eyes and although as a wolf his sense of color is limited, he can tell the kelp and weeds cloaking the creature would actually be red instead of gold if he had full color vision right now. A rusalka then. A male rusalka and a herd of kelpies under its control?

The rusalka hisses at him but it’s a mocking laugh and not a fearful defense mechanism like Jotaro expected. Instead, it seems confident in its ability to take on the hulking werewolf in the water. “Hssss… You are a foolish one, aren’t you? Making it so easy to carry out my orders. You think you’ll beat me in my element? Show me what you’ve got then, pup.” Vines of lake kelp lash out as the rusalka flails his arms, no longer focused on controlling the kelpies now that his prey was in range of his own claws. Jotaro growls and snaps the first volley of vines with his claws as he swims closer. Grabbing at the next vines that hurl at him he holds tightly and begins reeling himself closer toward the rusalka.

He’s underestimated the rusalka’s speed and he has to suddenly deflect razor sharp claws away from his exposed torso. Although it has the advantage of speed in the water it is still weaker than Jotaro and on its next swipe Jotaro is able to grab on and immobilize it while swiping with his own claws. The rusalka hisses in pain and thrashes enough to break Jotaro’s grip before getting a hit in on the wolf’s side. More lake weed vines shoot out from its body to try and wrap him up and finally succeed in binding his leg. With a great tug the battle is moved completely underwater. Jotaro is just barely able to resist the instinct to gasp as the cold water rushes into his ears and nose uncomfortably. Snapping his eyes open as he feels a shift in the water, he’s able to evade the claws that had been aiming for his face.

Now that he can see his enemy in his entirety, Jotaro realizes the reason the rusalka had been controlling the kelpies from such a distance. From the waist down, instead of legs or even fins is a thick tangle of lake weed and kelp that anchors it to the lake bottom, more vines branching off and shooting towards him from this central pillar. The vines were easily cut away as they reached him, but they were only a distraction for the rusalka to pull himself closer and unleash a flurry of slashing strikes. Jotaro blocks them with his arms and again grabs on to immobilize and pull in closer to deliver his own blows. He moves to the offensive, digging his claws into slimy flesh as the rusalka struggles in his grasp. He almost looses his grip when it lands a hard blow to his shoulder but keeps hold long enough to accomplish his final attack. With a powerful strike, Jotaro severs the thick tether keeping the rusalka anchored to the lake.  

The screech it lets out is almost deafening under water and Jotaro nearly looses his grip a second time. But with his claws embedded deep into the rusalka’s torso and his other hand gripping it by the throat he is able to swim and haul it to shore. With every foot closer it struggles harder, finally showing fear in its panicking eyes. Its movements are becoming less and less coordinated and it makes motions Jotaro recognizes as trying to call upon the kelpies for help through the silver ropes it had been using. The water is shallow enough now that Jotaro can stand and looks around for the kelpie reinforcements coming to its master’s aid. Instead, his pack spots him and rushes to help him drag the rusalka all the way to shore. Kakyoin reaches him first and the red wolf helps pull the creature the last few feet to the shore.

The change begins as soon as the last tendril loses contact with the water, some leaves shriveling and turning brown while others seem to rapidly decay and turn to sludge. The rusalka screams and thrashes as its body dries out and starts to flake away, but its strength is failing and it can’t pull itself back to the water in time. It collapses as it shrivels up, arms outstretched to the lake and it succumbs to the dry air.

You are the first one to let your transformation drop as you run up to Jotaro and Kakyoin, careful not to step in any leafy remains on the ground in front of them. Your sable fur falling away to reveal smooth skin and clothes is the unofficial signal for the others to drop their transformations as well. You reach the alpha and beta just as Jotaro lets go of his wolf form and you can see the damage the rusalka inflicted in their unseen underwater battle. You and Kakyoin nod at each other before reaching for Jotaro’s right arm and lifting it over your shoulder to support him, Kakyoin doing the same on his left side. You blush as you hear him chuckle but you’d be dammed if you weren’t going to help him after he risked his life to defeat the enemy. It seems he does appreciate your effort though as his chuckle turns into a huff and you feel his weight shift to lean on you as the three of you make your way back to the truck.

The rest of the guys move ahead getting the first aid supplied you all ransacked from the gas station opened and organized. Avdol takes charge of distributing bandages as Joseph and Polnareff drop dramatically to sit on the logs surrounding the unused fire pit. Jotaro is obviously sporting the worst injuries, but the rest of the pack is also covered in various bruises, bitemarks and silver burns. You and Kakyoin focus on getting Jotaro patched up together, you carefully clean the slashes from the rusalka’s claws and Kakyoin follows your wake drying and bandaging what he can. You don’t realize you are purring until Jotaro starts purring back and relaxes as your hands make contact with the bared flesh of his arms. You blush as you glance at his bare chest, looking in a non-clinical way now that things were calming down. Your hands only hesitate a moment though before you return to your task.

Your blush returns tenfold when Jotaro practically drags you down to sit next to him once you and Kakyoin finish bandaging each other as well. By the time everyone is bandaged up it’s getting late enough that you knew the pack wasn’t going to finish the journey to the city tonight. Everyone is sitting around the still unlit firepit and relaxing for a moment, watching the herd of kelpies you freed running and jumping across the surface of the lake when Avdol makes his suggestion. “Well, it seems like we’re not going to make much more progress tonight. We don’t have any camping gear with us, but we are already at a campsite.”

Polnareff flops over onto the log he’d been sitting on. “You mean we’re roughing it out here tonight? Can’t we keep going until we find a motel with actual beds? And proper bathrooms?”

Joseph throws an empty bottle at him, “Hush you spoilt pup! I don’t want to hear your bellyaching when you’ve got no idea what camping out here will do to my old bones!” You’re starting to recognize Joseph’s tell when he’s teasing Polnareff is to cross his arms and try and look stern, but a small grin gives him away.

“No, its too risky right now to be near humans. That rusalka, before we really got to fighting it mentioned ‘carrying out its orders’.” Jotaro shakes his head as he addresses the pack, joseph and Polnareff immediately back into serious mode. “We’ll be safer if we are able to fully transform to fight if we need to. I think that’s worth being uncomfortable for the night.”

You all agree with the decision to rank safety over comfort but you slump a little as you continue to watch the kelpies dance around the lake. You’ve slept in your car and camped out enough in your own travels that it’s not a huge hardship to do it again, but you also appreciated having a real bed to relax in. Especially after a day like today.

“I agree. However, on second thought…” Avdol motions to the kelpies, one had caught a large fish in its mouth as you had been daydreaming and now two were fighting over it and ripping the catch to pieces in the process. “Kelpies are carnivores after all. Perhaps a different campsite would be more suitable.”

Jotaro sighs and you feel him slump slightly into your side before he rallies himself and stands up. “Good point. Kakyoin, you’re navigator. Find a campsite we can get to quickly. Everyone else pack up and let’s go.”

   <Previous Chapter      Next Chapter>

Author’s Note:

So. A week late, but I swear its not my fault. Guess who lives in Texas and couldn’t use a computer for the week? This gal. Everything is fine now and I’m one of the lucky few who doesn’t have a 10k electric bill or burst pipes.

Anyway, this chapter was a lot of fun to write- I always thought it was weird the crusaders just jumped right in with the rest of the crew after the Dark Blue Moon episode when CLEARLY you can’t trust anyone. So this chapter is the “Captain” and his crew as cryptids and myths. If you haven’t been reading the notes so far, I’ve planned out all of the enemies in this fashion, each battle a new myth to discover (and for me to research). Also every Wikipedia article I’ve looked at for the monsters has a reference line that is something like “Appears on episode 25 of Supernatural”. I have not seen more than 2 or 3 episodes of that show, I got to the one with the Wendigo and NOPED RIGHT OUT. Was wwaaaayyy too scary. Couldn’t handle it! So any similarities to the show are going to be pure coincidence.

Also I had to do a gag at Pol’s expense

#werewolf #pack #family pack #jjba fanfic #jojo's bizarre adventure #jojo part 3 #stardust crusaders #jjba anime #jjba au #jotaro kujo #joseph jostar #noriaki kakyoin #jean pierre polnareff #muhammad avdol #jotaro x reader #reader insert #au fanfiction #dark blue moon

[thiswasinevitableid]

For the mermay fills: 10 & 22 with indruck? 👁️👁️ (nsfw or sfw)

I went with ten (tattoos/piercings) first, since 22 will be part of another fill. I went with NSFW, and wrote this as a follow-up to my “Heat” fill from last year.

Indrid swims up  and down the hall outside the palace infirmary. He’s far from the only one doing so; the reef serpent wreaked havoc through the city before the Chosen mers defeated it. He’s not even the only person waiting to see if Duck is alright.

“Have courage, Prince Indrid Cold!” Minerva, sporting a new gash on her face, clamps her hand down on his shoulder in what he knows is her version of a comforting gesture, “Duck Newton is the strongest Chosen after myself. He will pull through.” The blue of her tentacles flashes with pride. 

“Besides” Ned, the castle mer who has, against all odds, become Indrid’s closest advisor, flicks his orange and silver tail “you informed us yourself there were no futures where our friend passed away.”

“I know.” Indrid takes a breath, intending to explain the tangled net of anxiety in his chest. All that comes out is another, “I know.”

Behind him, he hears two nurses murmuring that they’d better bump the prince’s consort up in the line, but before he can turn and order them not to, they’re gone. 

It happened like this: Duck kept his word, began courting Indrid properly once the seer's heat passed, and Indrid reciprocated without hesitation. This caused a near scandal; yes, Duck was a Chosen and thus noble to a degree, but Indrid was a prince, and a prized one. Indrid pointed out that he rather liked someone who cared about his welfare, not just his happiness, and if they had an issue with that, that was their problem not his. And so the comments about Duck moved from to his face to behind his back, which he counted as good enough.

Duck found the whole consort business stressful, given that he’d forgone his Chosen destiny in favor of tending the kelp forests specifically to avoid that kind of fanfare and politics. Thus, they steered clear of the castle when they could, spending their time with their friends in town or in the sunken ship Duck called home. 

When the serpent attacked their town, Duck discovered the limits of his rejecting his destiny, and joined the fight to save his home. Indrid is proud of him, even if his stomach churns whenever the futures shift and he has to see whether the strings of fate weave a grimmer outcome for the man he loves.

It’s well after moonrise when he’s allowed to see Duck. The other mer is half-asleep in his infirmary bed, a massive bandage on his side and one of his tentacles bitten down to a nub

“Hey darlin” The sleepy drawl is accompanied by the mer opening his arms. 

Indrid carefully settles against the non-bandaged side of him, rests his head on his chest with a relieved sigh, “I’m so glad you’re alright. Or, well, mostly alright. You’re in one piece. Sort of. I, I’m not conveying this well.”

“I ain’t dead, given how today went I’m callin that a win. Besides, this’ll grow back in no time.” He wiggles the stub of his tentacle. 

“Mmm” Indrid cuddles closer, purring softly as intact tentacles pet his tail and back.

“When’d you last sleep?” Duck murmurs, kissing the top of his head.

“Not since the attack started.”

“Seems to me we’re both due for some shut eye.”

Indrid nods, right before falling asleep and dreaming of strong tentacles and stronger arms. 

-----------------------------------------

“Guess I gotta get a tattoo now.” Duck studies the scar on his side, his bandages having permanently come off this morning. 

“I suppose so. Though, if you’ve avoided so many other parts of Chosen protocol, I fail to see how skipping this one will make things worse.”

“I dunno, I kinda like this one. Used to strike me as macho bullshit, showin off how many battle scars you got. But now...makes me think of how when the forest gets trashed by a storm, or a huge-ass monster tearin through it, there’s a certain kind of pleasure that comes from watchin it heal, watchin it go from desolated and scarred to somethin beautiful.”

Indrid loves when he talks like this, smiles dreamily as Duck adds, “you could even design it for me. I’d like that.”

“I could do you one better; I could apply it as well. And since I foresee you asking yes, I do have the training to do so. Royal mers learn to tattoo themselves, due to rules about being touched by lower ranking mers that I judiciously ignored.”

“No kiddin” Duck grins, two tentacles coiling around Indrid’s tail, teasing the red stripe, “now that I’m healed up, gonna do all kinds of things to you to remind you why you ignored those rules in the first place.”

------------------------------------------------------------------

“Are you nervous?” Indrid finishes setting out his tools on the pristine table in his pristine chambers. He tends towards messiness in his habits, but when it comes to Duck’s health he’s cleaned the whole place by hand and with magic. Twice. 

“Nah, I know I’m in good hands.” Even as he says this, a burst of anxious yellow moves up his tentacles. 

“All the same, if you need a break at any point, let me know. And if the scar starts stinging or throbbing, tell me at once.”

“You got it, darlin.”

Indrid takes his time using a spell to transfer his design to Duck’s skin, double checking the placement before picking up the charm-powered tattoo gun. When finished, the tattoo will be a small forest of kelp, with the scar making up most of the body of the serpent swimming between the leaves. Six shades of green ink, three shades of brown, one shade of copper, and black for outlining, lay on the table, Indrid dipping into each of them in turn as he brings the image to life. 

“Love watchin you draw” Duck sighs, then shudders, “sorry, gettin a hell of an adrenaline rush from the pain.”

“Just try to stay still. If you twitch or fidget too much, it will cause mistakes on my end.”

“Do my best.”

“If you don’t, I’ll just have to tie you down.” Indrid says breezily. The tentacle near him pulses purple. Desire. Interesting. 

He’s most of the way through when Duck’s arms shake, his tentacles following suit, occasionally bumping Indrid’s tail or sides.. They’re small movements, all things considered, but in most futures they mean he has to re-do the entire last third of the tattoo. 

“Nono, this won’t do at all.” He set’s the gun down, flitting across to the closet near his bed. A sea-grass rope waits, right where he left. There hasn’t been much call for it, Duck capable of restraining Indrid in a variety of ways all on his own. 

“Now” Indrid bites off several lengths of rope, “since you cannot be still, I am going to tie your tentacles down. You’re to keep your hands where I put them, or I will tie them as well.”

Ducks tentacles are now deep, unflinching purple, “Holy fuck, ‘drid.”

“Just because I am generally submissive around you does not mean I’m not capable of giving orders.” Indrid smirks, tying the first two tentacles down.

“I, I know, it’s just  you, uh, you, you never talk like this.” Duck’s eyes are wide, excited even, as they track Indrid’s circular path. 

“I suppose you don’t hear me during advisory meetings, so this is a new experience for you.”

“Maybe I oughta start sittin in on ‘em.” Duck whines when Indrid kisses his cheek but refuses to stick around long enough for Duck to kiss him back.

“Perhaps. Right now, however, you are to sit still until I’m done with you. Understood?”

“Uh huh.” Duck smiles, docile and sweet, and Indrid wonders why they never thought to try this before. 

He returns to his work, inking colors into Duck’s skin, enjoying the intimacy of learning the familiar curves of his ribs and belly in new ways. At one point he notices Duck tensing and almost moving his hand, but the other mer catches it in time. 

“Good boy.” Indrid purrs.

“Fuck.” Duck tips his head back, “how much longer?”

“About ten minutes more, I’d say. You can manage it my sweet, you’re doing so well already.”

Duck whimpers low in his throat as Indrid goes back to his work. Exactly ten minutes later, he puts a protective covering atop the tattoo and pushes his supply table aside.

“There, all done. You did wonderfully.”

“Great, now untie me.” Duck wriggles hopefully.

Indrid raises an eyebrow, “In a hurry, sweet one?”

“Yes” Duck holds out a hand, trying to coax him closer. 

“Whatever for?” He replies airly, as if can’t sense the arousal pouring off his boyfriend in waves, “and stop moving so much, you’ll aggravate the tattoo.”

“‘Drid please” The folds between his front-most tentacles ripple as his cock starts emerging. 

“Oh I see.” Indrid swims so they’re face to face, pinning Duck’s hands to the back of the chair as he leans into his space, “you want me to fuck you, is that it? You’re willing to risk pain to new scar tissue, even marring my lovingly done work, just to have your cock played with?”

“Holyfuckinshit, why is this the first time you’re talkin like this?” Duck bites his lip with a little moan as Indrid rubs their cheeks together. 

“I don’t know. In hindsight, it seems so obvious; you’re my powerful, competent mate, you always take such wonderful care of me, but you want someone to take away that power from time to time, don’t you?”

“Yeah.” Duck tips his chin up, hoping for a kiss, but Indrid floats backwards out of reach,

“What shall we do about that, hmm?” He swims a slow, tight circle around the other mer, staying just out of arms reach, “shall I keep you bound until the urge passes? No, that’s far too cruel for my beloved. Perhaps I should make you see to it yourself? But no, you might accidentally hurt yourself. Hmmm, what to do, what to do….” He taps his chin as Duck growls and whines, tentacles now straining against their bonds. Indrid knows Duck could snap them easily if he needed or wanted to. Which means he wants to remain at Indrid’s mercy for the time being.

“You do look wonderful like this. I didn’t even plan it this way, but how I tied you shows off most of your assets.” Indrid rubs the upper front of his tail, “now you’re getting me all wound up.”

“Good” Duck growls, tentacles swirling purple and pink. 

“Yes it, ahnnn, it is rather good, isn’t it. After all, I have the perfect solution to the situation sitting right in front of me.”

Duck’s cock is fully out, it and the slit beneath it tempting Indrid to abandon his plan. He swims in front of the other mer, eyeing his cock approvingly, “yes, you’ll do quite nicely.”

“Thank fuckOHfummmhp” Duck’s surprised moan turns to a laugh as Indrid, having zipped upwards in a flash, finishes shoving his cock into Duck’s mouth.”

“Yesss, ohyes, goodness I love doing this, you look so charming with your lips around my cock. Ah, ah, don’t you dare move your hands from the chair. This” he gives a sharper thrust, “is all I need to be satisfied.”

Duck moans louder, which Indrid takes as his cue to hold his head in place and fuck into his mouth with abandon. 

“That’s it love, that’s it, oh I ought to have done this months ago, tied my big strong hero down and reminded him of hisAHAnnn, his duties as consort.”

“‘M ot a ero.” 

Indrid looks imperiously down his nose at him, “It’s rude to contradict someone when they’re giving you what you want, my sweet. I guess I’ll need to render you further incapable of speech” He concentrates and extends his cock, a mechanism meant to ensure he can reproduce with mers of any size or genital configuration but that he uses only to make Duck groan with pleasure. 

His orgasm is already racing towards him, as it always does when Duck lets him (or orders him to) fuck his throat, and he shuts his eyes, concentrating on tight heat and the happy, muffled grunts floating up to his ears. 

“Just a little, nnnn, little more my sweet, let your prince ravish your throat a little longerOH, ohgods, Duck, sweetheart, yes.” He cums, a shudder rippling down his tail, and doesn’t pull out until Duck struggles to swallow the rest down. The other mer is still collecting his breath when Indrid wiggles down and pushes his tongue into his slit.

“Fuck!” Duck jerks hard enough to move the chair an inch to the right.

Indrid snickers, wraps both hands around Duck’s cock, stroking it hurriedly as he raises his head, “What do you say, beloved?”

“Th-thank you?” Duck cracks an eye open. Indrid nods, then dips his head back down to to suck and tongue at the senstive skin. 

“Fuckme, ohfuck, ‘Drid, darlin’, this is fuckin incredible, gonna, gonna be such a good consort, do whatever you say, fuck you five fuckin times a day, just, FUCK, just promise we can do this again.”

“Muv ourse.” Indrid thrusts his tongue deeper, twisting his hands on his upstrokes. The fourth time he does, he pops up to suck on the head just in time to catch Duck’s cum in his mouth. He takes his time, sucking him clean with happy trills and moans while his boyfriend utters curses that would make sailors blush.

He pulls away to wipe his mouth, intending to start untying Duck. The futures show that won’t be necessary, 

Snapsnapsnapsnap

The ropes break in pairs, rapid fire, and then Duck is on him, enveloping him in arms, tentacles, and love. He tries to press closer, then winces back, “owfuck, you’re right, the tattoo is real sore.”

“It’ll be that way for a few days. Your Chosen strength will help, but you should still rest when possible.”

“I dunno” Duck kisses him sweetly, then nips his lower lip, “you know how stubborn I can be. Might have to uh, tie me to the bed.”

“That, my love, can be arranged.”

#indruck #indrid cold/duck newton #mermay fills #mermay

[totallynotnerdy63]

Little Mermaid (Underswap Sans x Reader) Rating: General Audiences.

This is a one shot from my Fairy Tale AU series cross posted on Ao3. I hope you enjoy this, I know I certainly did! All ownership goes to UnderSwap’s Sans creator. (I forgot what your name was :/) Now for a fluffy Little Mermaid retelling Sans x Reader

The surface dwellers had always intrigued you. All of their wondrous inventions were always ruined by the time they were found. From those strange metal objects with small spikes on the edge of them, loving dubbed "triple knives" by the Royal Appraiser, to the peculiar soggy things that were bound in leather and dissolved when you touched them.

You loved exploring the wreckages, always discovering more inventions. Your favorite being a strange instrument that when flipped, sand would drop to the bottom. You would play with it for hours, it never seized to amaze you at what the humans invented.

Your family looked down on your habits, calling you eccentric and strange. You paid them no mind though, and greatly enjoyed your time exploring.

But with each discovery, your longing to view the surface grew more and more. You wanted so badly to be able to walk amongst the Land Dwellers, you'd gladly kill yourself for even a day with them. You had waited patiently for your eighteenth birthday, that would be the day you'd visit the Surface!

Instead of watching from underwater you could swim to the Surface and see all the wonders! (From a safe distance of course.) You eagerly counted down the days until your birthday, month after month, week after week, and finally day after day. Then, it finally arrived, your birthday was tomorrow!

With pleasurable mood you went about your business, excitement in the thought you'd view the surface finally! As you swam through the city, a gathering of people caught your attention. Drawn by the crowd you swam to the front, people parting to let you pass.

"Our great king Triton passes a Royal Degree that on the people's eighteenth birthday, they shall be no longer be allowed to the Surface." The crowd muttered, and you felt your heart shattering. How could your father do this to you? You squared your shoulders in Determination and swam towards the palace, determined to change his mind.

You sobbed on your bed, the water contorting around you. Your father had forbidden you from leaving the palace. The new law was to protect you. According to him your obsession with the Surface was becoming dangerous, and when you had come to your senses you'd be allowed to roam the palace freely again.

You sniffed softly, your tears slowly stopping. You wouldn't let this stop you, you'd...find a way around it. You began planning. If anyone could help you it was the Sea Witch Ursula. You had heard many stories about her. Some good, some evil, some in the middle ground.

You waited until night had fallen, and your family was dinning happily in the Banquet Hall. Bitterly you swam through the Halls and out the main gate, disappearing into the Kelp Forest.

You floated nervously in front of the cave entrance. This was Ursula's lair, you were sure of it. You tentatively began to push yourself forward, but you got cold fins and began to backpedal. Turning away, face distraught at your failure and disappointment in your eyes, you almost missed the voice calling out to you.

"Dear child. Come in~ visitorssss are alwayssss welcomed here." A voice hissed at you. You swallowed, and slowly began the swim into the cave.

You followed along the passage, the voice guiding you along. Finally you reached the end, entering a large room, you felt your heart stop.

A large imposing siren was stirring a potion over an enchanted fire. You had heard stories of your ancestors, but having never met one. Your tail twitched nervously as she remained entranced in her potion.

"Come in dear~ I won't bite." She hissed, her voice was obviously old and ruined. "Tell me what troubles you? Could it a young man? A romance unrequited? Perhaps you have a family member who lays ill. Or maybe..." She turned and peered at you, "You wish to visit the Surface like a Land Dweller." She hissed the last part with distaste, and you felt your blood run cold at both her tone, and the words she spoke. How did she know?

"You are not the first to come seeking that, nor will you be the last. The price will be high, but it is payable." You felt your heart leap with joy, before feeling it sink as her words registered. A...high price? No matter, you'd willingly pay it!

"What would you like Lady Ursula, be it my throne, my first born, or anything else, I guarantee you shall have it." You murmured lowly, eyes staring fiercely into hers.

She laughed, her voice echoing eerily around the cavern. "My child, I need none of that. All I wish for is your voice. That's all, I will grant you what you desire, in return for your voice."

You felt your heart fall again. Your voice was one of your best characteristics, it was prized by your father as the best of all of your sisters. Not that it mattered, it was unlikely you'd see them again.

"If I give you my voice, I can go to the Surface? For how long?" Your voice wavered slightly, but grew firm.

"Until you die my child, or... I could make a deal with you." Her mouth formed into a sharp grin and you eyed them wearily.

"What kind of deal?" You narrowed your eyes, deals with those who dabbled in magic were not to be trusted.

"If you find someone to fall in love with, and who loves you in return. Your voice will be returned to you. You will only have three months to preform this task, and if you fail, you shall become the foam on the sea." You shifted nervously. You might could've charmed someone with your voice, but without would be much more difficult than with it. But what the hell, if you died so what?

"I accept." You eagerly held out a hand to the enchantress.

She grinned deeply, "then let us begin."

You winced as you numbly felt your mouth with your fingers, your tongue had been sliced out, if someone did fall in love with you, it would grow back.

"Here." Ursula gave you a small vial filled with a lilac potion. You eyed it, "Relax, this is the potion that will turn you human now, be sure to-" You snatched the vial eagerly and swam away, missing the last part of her message. "Foolish child."

You grinned as you swam through the kelp forest, unable to wait any longer you popped the bottle open and downed the liquid inside. Suddenly you gasped in pain, as something began burning and searing at your body. You tail felt like it was being torn in two, and your gills felt clogged. You struggled momentarily, closing your eyes in pain before it stopped. You cracked your eyes and to your glee there were two dangly things instead of a tail! You tried to shout in excitement, but found yourself unable to breath. In your haste you had forgotten Land Dwellers couldn't breath water!

You attempted to swim upwards but felt dismayed as you couldn't swim as quickly. Black spots began to fill your vision, just before you reached the surface you lost consciousness and plummeted into the depths.

"HUMAN! WAKE UP!" A loud voice shouted in your ear and you bolted upwards. Confusion flooded you as you looked at your surroundings...this wasn't underwater. This...wasn't UNDERWATER! You pumped a fist in triumph, celebration on the forefront of your mind...until someone cleared their voice. "GLAD TO SEE YOUR AWAKE! THE MEDICS WERE AFRAID YOU WOULDN'T WAKE UP!" You turned your eyes upon him, this was the first Land Dweller you'd meet. You blinked in surprise, this was not what you were expecting. A large skeleton stood before you. There were literal stars in his eyes and his gaze met yours. You managed to scramble to your knees and you pit your hands on his face trying to examine him.

"ERM HUMAN, AS MAGNIFICENT AS I AM. I MUST ASK THAT YOU REFRAIN FROM TOUCHING ME WITHOUT PERMISSION. I APPRECIATE YOUR EAGERNESS THOUGH." You flushed and jumped backwards, and you met his gaze apologetically. He simply laughed softly at you.

"IT'S OK LITTLE HUMAN. I KNOW I AM IRRESISTIBLE! I'M HAPPY YOU SEEM OK! IT SEEMED LIKE SOMEONE HAD TRIED TO HURT YOU!" You blinked confused, someone tried to hurt you? You opened your mouth to explain, but stopped when you couldn't get any sounds to come forth. Oh. That was why. You shrugged sheepishly at the Skeleton's look, and tried to mime an explanation but stopped when he looked more confused.

"YOU MUST WANT MY NAME HUMAN! MY NAME IS THE MAGNIFICENT SANS! PRINCE OF SNOWDIN KINGDOM! CAN YOU WRITE SMALL HUMAN?" You smiled at that, Sans was a fitting name from him.

You stared at him quizzically when he mentioned writing, what was writing? it sounded pretty.

Noticing your confusion he opened a drawer and pulled out parchment and a charcoal pencil. You leaned forward cautiously as he scribbled something on the paper.  Holding it up you could faintly make out familiar markings, it looked similar to the Mermish Alphabet. You held out your hand tentatively. You wanted to try to make the strange marks too! "OH! DO YOU WANT TO TRY HUMAN?" You beamed up at him, glad he had gotten the hint. He placed the stick in your hand and you poked it at the strange paper thing. You squeaked when it left a mark, and you peered up shocked at Sans who laughed at you.

"HERE...HUMAN LIKE THIS ~"

@#$@@$@@$@$@%@$&@%@%#&@%#&#%@%#%#%#%#%@@&#&@%%#

It's been almost two months since you had become human. Sans had become your best friend. You loved your time on the Surface. Everything amazed you, you learned the "triple knives" thing was actually a nifty invention called a fork! And it was meant for food, not hair! There were many of those sand things that you learned were called Sand Glasses and they would count the time for you.

Sans had a wonderful brother named Papyrus who made continuous puns and jokes to Sans eternal annoyance. You how ever loved them and could (and would) listen to them for hours.

You were feeling slightly nervous as your time was almost up! But you had something that would help everything go faster now! Sans had hired a tutor to teach you how to read and write, and you were now fluent in English writing!

You sat in a restaurant grinning at the person before you who was looking at you skeptically. You clasped your notebook eagerly and grinned at them.

They sent you a wink and placed a hand on your shoulder. "So sweetheart, what brings you around here?" You quickly scribbled a note in your notebook explaining how you were lonely and looking for a friend. They skimmed over it and chuckled softly. "Not gotta voice?" You raised an eyebrow at them, your action clearly speaking your meaning.

They laughed a booming laugh. "No need to yell at me Sweetheart ~" They grinned down at you. "So what'da wanna eat?" You beamed back at him, quickly growing comfortable with them.

You squealed happily! The friendship date went so well! You did a strange little happy dance, and practically skipped to your room. You weren't paying attention to where you were going and ran straight into Sans's *fiancé*. She absolutely hated you. So it was no surprise when she glared at you, the scowl on her face more evident than ever. You mimed an apology but she simply grew angrier.

"How dare you!" Her shrill voice hissed out, "you pathetic wretch!" She went to slap you, but you scrambled backwards and ducked away from her with a laugh. You slipped into your room and locked the door with a quiet click.

Letting out a happy hum you began to write down in your journal about your new friend, and hopefully soon to be lover, Alex.

@%#&##@&$@4&##$#&+(%$$!((&$4+($$&+%+:%(+&-?!%-;%+;%++'6(+?%#;@(#+

Things had been going so well with Alex, you were head over heels in love with him, and he seemed to feel the same way about you!

He was constantly hanging around the castle just to see you! Nothing made you more happy than to see his slightly messy appearance, coming jogging towards you out of one of the castle corridors.

Which is why it came as such a shock when it was revealed by a maid, he was seen snogging Sans's fiancé. Your heart felt like it was breaking. You only had two days left until your time was up.

You bitterly cried for hours, as he had revealed to you he never had any interest in you besides platonic friendship. You were going to die tomorrow and you couldn't stop it.

Sans tried to comfort you, but couldn't do much due to his own misery at his ex fiancée and his unknowningness of your situation.

Finally he left you, and retreated distraught to his room. You continued crying until the next day. You felt numb. Your family was right, the Land Dwellers were a cruel people, aside from a few exceptions. Sans was one of those people.

You dried your tears and pulled your notebook to you, writing out the whole story. For the most part. Tearing out those pages you gently folded them and placed them on the bed.

You then dressed yourself properly and began the trek to the sea. Each step you took was painful, it felt like sharp knives were pricking your feet, and the sun felt like fire upon your fair skin. You had already spent your time mourning, so you simply climbed down the cliffs and sat waiting for the sun to set.

You hadn't expected for it to go like this. You had been so confident in your abilities to charm someone. A lone tear trailed down your face, but before it fell something caught it.

Or should you say someone? You glared up at Sans through a blur of tears. How dare he follow you here, the sun was almost set.

He knelt beside you and laid his head on your shoulder, "Why Didn't You Tell Me Before?" He whispered, "I Could've Helped You." You shrugged, determined to get him to leave before you...passed.

"..." his voice shook when he spoke again. "I'll Kill Myself Then." You stared up startled at him, shock and horror evident on your face. "Yes. I Don't Want To Be Without You... You Mean The World To Me..." His hands shook, a rustle of paper making your realize he had the papers you had left clutched in his hand.

You shook your head no at him, but he ignored you. "Please. I Don't Care If Papyrus Would Be Left Alone, I Love You So Much." His arms wrapped around you and made you shake slightly.

You were still processing the words he said, until you realized with a sniff the sun was almost gone. You reached a hand up to pat his arm in a comforting way to try and say "no, don't kill yourself." You closed your eyes as the sun set.

The pain to your relief stopped, and you blacked out in relief. It was over, you hoped Sans wouldn't kill himself.

Suddenly a burst of light brought you back into reality with a gasp. Sans held your body sobbing and you blinked up at him. Why was he crying? You were free now? You felt his tears hit your face. And in your desperation you tried calling out his name. "Sanssss" Sans jumped in surprise, sockets popping open to stare at you. He mouthed the word what, and you tried again.

"Sannsssss" he stared at you with an open jaw, before giving a croak and cradling your head close to him.

"Oh Thank The Stars, I Thought I'd Lost You." He sniffed into your shoulder and you smiled softly. You were dead and nothing would change that.

Sans brought his lips to yours in a delicate kiss, forcing you to realize that you were alive.

"What the hell?" You mumbled into the kiss.

#UnderSwap #Blueberry Sans #Little Mermaid Retelling #Undertale #Undertale is AWESOME #Please don’t hate me #This is for fun and practice only #One of my first works #Sans x Reader #Sans #UnderSwap Sans #Fluffy #Fluffy with a side of angst #X Reader #Reader is a mermaid #Reader died #BUT THEN SHE ROSE #BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA #I take requests #crossposted on ao3 #Reader is mute #Mostly anti Disney #Please tell me what you think #Send me a message #I’m lonely #SENDING OUT AN SOS #If this gets enough attention I’ll post another one. #Fanfiction #orginal idea #I think

[ashfae]

Faint Music

BY ROBERT HASS

Maybe you need to write a poem about grace.

When everything broken is broken,

and everything dead is dead,

and the hero has looked into the mirror with complete contempt,

and the heroine has studied her face and its defects

remorselessly, and the pain they thought might,

as a token of their earnestness, release them from themselves

has lost its novelty and not released them,

and they have begun to think, kindly and distantly,

watching the others go about their days—

likes and dislikes, reasons, habits, fears—

that self-love is the one weedy stalk

of every human blossoming, and understood,

therefore, why they had been, all their lives,

in such a fury to defend it, and that no one—

except some almost inconceivable saint in his pool

of poverty and silence—can escape this violent, automatic

life’s companion ever, maybe then, ordinary light,

faint music under things, a hovering like grace appears.

As in the story a friend told once about the time

he tried to kill himself. His girl had left him.

Bees in the heart, then scorpions, maggots, and then ash.

He climbed onto the jumping girder of the bridge,

the bay side, a blue, lucid afternoon.

And in the salt air he thought about the word “seafood,”

that there was something faintly ridiculous about it.

No one said “landfood.” He thought it was degrading to the rainbow perch

he’d reeled in gleaming from the cliffs, the black rockbass,

scales like polished carbon, in beds of kelp

along the coast—and he realized that the reason for the word

was crabs, or mussels, clams. Otherwise

the restaurants could just put “fish” up on their signs,

and when he woke—he’d slept for hours, curled up

on the girder like a child—the sun was going down

and he felt a little better, and afraid. He put on the jacket

he’d used for a pillow, climbed over the railing

carefully, and drove home to an empty house.

There was a pair of her lemon yellow panties

hanging on a doorknob. He studied them. Much-washed.

A faint russet in the crotch that made him sick

with rage and grief. He knew more or less

where she was. A flat somewhere on Russian Hill.

They’d have just finished making love. She’d have tears

in her eyes and touch his jawbone gratefully. “God,”

she’d say, “you are so good for me.” Winking lights,

a foggy view downhill toward the harbor and the bay.

“You’re sad,” he’d say. “Yes.” “Thinking about Nick?”

“Yes,” she’d say and cry. “I tried so hard,” sobbing now,

“I really tried so hard.” And then he’d hold her for a while—

Guatemalan weavings from his fieldwork on the wall—

and then they’d fuck again, and she would cry some more,

and go to sleep.

And he, he would play that scene

once only, once and a half, and tell himself

that he was going to carry it for a very long time

and that there was nothing he could do

but carry it. He went out onto the porch, and listened

to the forest in the summer dark, madrone bark

cracking and curling as the cold came up.

It’s not the story though, not the friend

leaning toward you, saying “And then I realized—,”

which is the part of stories one never quite believes.

I had the idea that the world’s so full of pain

it must sometimes make a kind of singing.

And that the sequence helps, as much as order helps—

First an ego, and then pain, and then the singing.