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tiramisiyu · 3 years

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【未定事件簿】Tears of Themis: Main Story 5-29 Translation

Translated parts: Chapter 5 – Sounds of Falling Snow (Part 1, 2, 3): 5-1 / 5-3 / 5-5 / 5-7 / 5-9 / 5-11 / 5-13 ♦️ ♦️ 5-14 / 5-16 / 5-18 / 5-20 / 5-22 / 5-24 / 5-26 / 5-28 ♦️ ♦️ 5-29 / 5-31 / 5-33 / 5-35 / 5-37 / 5-39 / 5-40 / 5-42 / 5-43

Translation Masterlist: here

Video: (0:01) https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV15a4y1j7CW?

Stellis City Police Station

Tuesday morning, 7AM, Stellis City Police Station.

10 hours had already passed since the laboratory Heirson built at Rainbow River Village caught fire.

I could no longer remember how I was able to get through these past 10 hours.

The pictures in my mind were like stained glass that the sun couldn’t shine through. The colours were sharp, but they were blurred out of clarity.

Xia Yan: You must be tired. I’ll send you home first.

A thin and light blanket wrapped on my body. Unable to control myself, I toppled towards Xia Yan’s shoulder.

I was indeed very tired, from my heart to my body. Fatigue had chipped away my ability to think. For now, I just wanted to follow my instincts and find something I could rely on.

MC: Was there really nothing left in that laboratory?

Xia Yan: I’m sorry. I couldn’t bring out that bottle of samples.

MC: Xia Yan, I’m not talking about that bottle of samples. You being able to run out from the fire, safe and unharmed, is already the biggest comfort to me.

MC: Not to mention that you were able to catch Wang Han, who set the fire.

MC: I just think it’s a pity that some fire could actually burn that laboratory so thoroughly, leaving not a single bit of worthwhile information.

Xia Yan: It is true that Wang Han appeared outside the laboratory, but I think he was actually just finding out about our movements.

Xia Yan: With Wang Han’s ability, devising a plan on the spot to set some fire shouldn’t be enough to burn everything so thoroughly.

Xia Yan: This laboratory just might have a self-destruction mechanism. The fire might be an internal, self-starting installation.

MC: Either way, Wang Han has already been brought to the city police station. No matter what suspicious points there are, we’ll wait until we can ask him.

MC: We also don’t have to pretend to deal with him with sincerity. We can uncover all his lies in front of him.

Xia Yan: Right, what’s up with Sun Heping? Why did he follow us to the city police station?

MC: He came to be an eyewitness. I really need to thank Grandpa Sun well, he helped me a lot.

[Flashback]

In the warlike turmoil and chaos, I finally finished the whole process of calling the police.

I took up my phone and kept dialing Xia Yan’s number, mechanically and repeating, just like a programmed robot.

MC: Xia Yan, pick up the phone… hurry and pick up, I’m begging you.

MC: Let me hear your sound - even just replying with a number is enough.

All my attention was set on my phone, so I naturally wasn’t aware of the gradually-nearing danger behind me.

Sun Heping: Little brat, get smacked!

???: Ow!

The cry of pain coming from behind me startled me to consciousness.

I turned around, pulled out the lipstick tranquillizer gun that Xia Yan had given me from my pocket, shooting towards the man who was holding his leg and collapsed on the ground.

Just as Xia Yan said, within 30 seconds, that man lost consciousness.

Sun Heping: Whoa, the young woman brought a self-defense weapon. Not bad, not bad.

MC: Grandpa Sun, what are you doing here?

I looked carefully at the man lying down. It was an unfamiliar face.

MC: Who is this person? He snuck into the yard, wanting to… assault me?

Zhao Yuncui’s agritourism guest house was one floor, connected to the little yard outside. The yard perimeter was surrounded by plants. A grown man could’ve easily gotten past them.

The push-pull door connecting the house and the yard was wide open. It would have been as easy was blowing away dust for this man to intrude in…

Sun Heping: He’s Wang Han’s son, just called back from the city by his father.

Sun Heping: Your phone is right there, so call the police. I’ll go be a witness for you.

[Flashback end]

Xia Yan: So it was like this…

I thought that Xia Yan would be very angry after listening, but his expression was very calm – it was just that his tone when talking…

This expression of his looked extremely like the calm before a storm. He must not be thinking about personally teaching a lesson to Wang Han’s son!

MC: Xia Yan, you… though Wang Han’s son is pretty hateful, he didn’t manage to do anything…

MC: We live in a lawful society, so please don’t act rashly.

From when we were small to now, Xia Yan’s always been the person who is most defensive of me, but…

MC: Think about it - if you hit him and got taken into custody, that wouldn’t be worth it at all.

I suddenly had an “idea”, and what escaped from my mouth sounded as if it were missing something.

MC: If you got detained, then Peanut*, that one bird, will starve to death at home.

Xia Yan: …

MC: (What am I saying…)

Xia Yan: I didn’t think that if I got detained, then the one you would be worried about wouldn’t actually be me – it would be Peanut!

Peanut was a myna bird that Xia Yan raised. After going through professional training, it was very smart.

I thought it strange, why Xia Yan would raise a defense animal like a myna bird.

Thinking about his agent identity now, it must be some special reason having to do with that.

MC: You really have gotten more and more “mature” - splitting hairs with a bird.

Xia Yan: Alright, I know you’re teasing me.

Xia Yan: Don’t worry, I won’t directly do anything to Wang Han’s son.

Xia Yan: My mission is to protect the order and maintain the safety of society. How could I do illegal things?

Xia Yan: But…

He leaned close to my ear. The hot breath brushed over my ear, tickling it.

Xia Yan: I’ll definitely give him a taste of suffering and blow off steam for you.

MC: Okay, then I’ll look forward to it.

Just like in years of youth, how children will often mutually “shelter” little secrets about mischievous actions – this was Xia Yan’s and my secret.

Xia Yan: I should send you home. You really need rest.

MC: There’s no issue, I’m still fine…

Sun Heping: Didn’t you two say that you specifically planned to go to the village to find me?

Sun Heping: Why is it that I’ve been troubled for a day and a night, yet I still haven’t seen you ask me anything?

I hadn’t finished speaking when Sun Heping appeared from who knows what place. “Disappearing and appearing randomly” really is an apt description for him…

MC: (Grandpa Sun… it was clearly you who refused to talk, alright…)

MC: Your willingness to provide help really is great. How about we find a quiet place to slowly talk about it?

Sun Heping: No need, here is fine. This old man is open and candid. I’ve got nothing that I need to hide from people.

MC: (I just wanted to ensure that the investigation wouldn’t leak…)

Xia Yan: I just greeted Leader Yan. This office won’t have anyone come in for now, don’t worry.

MC: Okay, then let’s talk here.

INTERROGATION START

Sun Heping’s whereabouts that day

MC: Last year on September 12, did you not know Kong Moli was coming?

Sun Heping: No, I don’t really use cellphones, and I didn’t keep any ways of getting in contact with Moli.

Sun Heping: Originally, I thought that either way, I wasn’t going out of the village, so she’d be able to find me anyways. Who would’ve thought… ah.

Sun Heping: That day, my home suffered a thievery. I caught the little thief and went to the police station to create a record.

Sun Heping: Who would have thought that the thief wouldn’t admit it no matter what. We spent a good half of the day at the police station. Moli couldn’t wait, so she left first.

Xia Yan: Is the thief you are talking about Qiu Heng?

On the return road to the city, I told Xia Yan about the information from Zuo Ran’s investigation yesterday.

Sun Heping: It was indeed him. He even said that he thought that the mutated Rainbow heart fish was worth money, so he went to steal it, hah hah – you could clearly tell it’s a lie from listening to it.

MC: He even had the face to say this kind of reason…

MC: Do you know the reason Kong Moli left in a rush?

Sun Heping: I heard from Wang Han that it was for someone’s birthday. It should be the birthday of the child she adopted.

Kong Moli’s reason for coming

MC: On September 12, what was Kong Moli’s reason for visiting you?

Sun Heping: She wanted the mutated Rainbow heart fish I had raised.

Xia Yan: Mutated? What kind of mutations are you talking about – could you explain in detail?

Sun Heping: Mutated was actually just what Moli called it. From my perspective, those fish were just smaller than typical Rainbow heart fish, and were unable to grow large.

Sun Heping: Moli had taken pictures of the mutated Rainbow heart fish before, but according to her, those photos were stolen by people, so she needed the living fish as physical evidence.

MC: Stolen?

The stolen pictures made me think of Kong Moli’s notebook that had two pages ripped out.

Up to now, we still didn’t know exactly what the notebook was missing.

Sun Heping: Before that lawsuit of Moli’s, the paper mill was closed. Heirson also stopped operations. Both sides weren’t able to collect water samples.

Sun Heping: Without any way to examine again, the fish I raised was the only proof.

Youyou’s origin

MC: You know Youyou? That is, Mu Ziyou.

Sun Heping: I don’t quite remember the name. I just know it’s a boy.

Sun Heping: Kong Moli met that child the first time she went to the laboratory.

Sun Heping: No one knew who or where the child’s parents were. When we asked if he ran out of the laboratory, he also didn’t say.

Sun Heping: The only people from outside in Rainbow River Village were those from the paper mill and the laboratory.

Sun Heping: If it was a child lost on vacation, he would’ve been found much earlier.

Sun Heping: Thinking about it, that child most likely ran out of the laboratory.

Noticing Kong Moli’s death

MC: Do you know how Kong Moli’s accident was discovered?

Sun Heping: It was me who noticed it. It was also me who called the police.

MC: Weren’t you unable meet with her that day?

Sun Heping: It was because I didn’t find her, and I knew that she urgently needed those fish, that I thought about sending it to her in the city.

Sun Heping: I drove the house’s tractor to the passenger terminal at the bottom of the mountain. Halfway, I saw Moli’s car stuck on the guardrails.

Sun Heping: I didn’t see her, so I called police.

Xia Yan: At the scene of the accident, did you notice anything abnormal?

Sun Heping: No. I also didn’t dare to touch anything at the scene, fearing that I would end up causing trouble to the police.

[Got Sun Heping’s Testimony!]

Household situation

MC: We heard that you live alone. Your family members aren’t with you?

Sun Heping: …

Seeming to not expect that we would ask this, Sun Heping froze.

Sun Heping: The situation in my house doesn’t have any relation to this case. You two, don’t ask without grounds.

Looking at it, there really is no need to investigate Sun Heping’s family situation. I just asked casually. If he’s not willing to talk about it, then we’ll just forget it.

INTERROGATION END

Sun Heping: I’m finished being a witness for the police, and you’ve finished asking the questions you need to ask, so I’ll return to the village.

Xia Yan: Grandpa Sun, I’ll send you.

Sun Heping: No need. If you have time, you should accompany your little girlfriend instead.

Xia Yan: …

MC: …

Sun Heping headed off, while Xia Yan and I had more, harder questions to solve.

Xia Yan: Combined with my investigation at the laboratory, I can basically guess where Mu Ziyou came from.

TL notes:

* “Peanut” in Chinese also sounds nearly identical to the Chinese for “Watson” (both are “huasheng”).

#tot translation #tears of themis #weiding shijian bu #未定事件簿

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lavendertwilight89 · 4 years

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Til We Meet Again

Here is the link to AO3

This fic was written for one of my best friend’s who lost their grandpa to COVID-19 last week. I wrote this piece for her and it’s geared towards what I knew she would enjoy and hopefully find solace in.

Please, remember to wear your mask and social distance. You never know if you’re a carrier until it’s too late for someone else.

It’s a little raw and there is a character death.

Tag Wall:

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In the back of Kagome’s mind, she always knew this day would come. Her grandfather was well into his eighties. He had some struggles, but what elder didn't?

He still told all his old tales and stories. He still would chase Inuyasha with sutras, sometimes even bold enough to toss salt at him.

But he was slowing down. He asked Inuyasha for help more and more. Mama didn't leave him alone as much according to Sota. Apparently when he got home from school she would run errands if he was having a rougher day with his arthritis. Her biggest fear was him falling.

She wasn’t sure if she should have been thankful or not that he passed away in his sleep on a night she was there…

He had gone peacefully and she didn’t have to hear second hand from Mama. That also meant she knew when the funeral was along with the visitation.

She had had a test, something Inuyasha had grown used to in their travels and hadn’t resisted when she asked to return home. He’d gotten into the habit of joining her. Something she didn’t mind either.

Their relationship had slowly become more physical over the last three years. As well as emotionally stable. She was no longer threatened by Kikyo, and he… didn’t try to kill Koga. He still refused to be nice, but at least the declarations of ripping his innards out had stopped.

A lot of their issues stopped when they finally confessed their feelings for one another. Go figure. Half of their arguments were caused by insecurities and misunderstandings.

Kagome often laughed about how immature they were the first year they had begun traveling together. But it was also fitting since she had just turned fifteen and he had… well… turned one-hundred and fifty. But to be fair, he had grown up his life in fear of others. Everyone just hated him for existing. Trust was something that had not come easy to him. But Kagome proved time and time again he could at least trust her and their friends.

It had been on a night that Sango and Miroku had gone back to her village to mend her weapon and patch up her armor after a run in with some demon cats. Shippo had remained with Kaede as the winter was harsher than normal and had decided to try to keep her warmer.

After she and Inuyasha had finished dinner and were sitting by the fire, the soul collectors flew by summoning him. Kagome fidgeted, upset and worried he was going to leave her. Yes, it always hurt her deeply when he could go to her summons, but that time she would have been left totally alone… But he didn’t move. He didn’t even look uncomfortable.

The only thing he did was stand and unroll her sleeping bag.

“Inuyasha? What’s wrong?”

“Huh? Nothing.” He dropped to his knee and knelt in front of her shivering form--not just from the cold but from fear.

“Aren’t you… uhm…”

“Spit it out Kagome, I ain’t a mind-reader,” he added as he draped his haori around her and picked her up and slid her in the opening sleeping bag. She realized he was just tucking her in for the night… so he could sneak off then. But yet again, he shocked her by picking her up and holding her close.

“Inuyasha?” She tried again.

“You’re freezing Kagome. I’m sorry if you’re uncomfortable but I gotta get you warm.” A faint blush erupted on her face as she leaned her head on his shoulder. She swore she felt him nuzzle her before placing a chaste kiss on her temple.

Kikyo eventually emerged from the trees and took in quite the sight; or least from Kagome’s point of view. With a raised eyebrow she prodded Inuyasha, “What has you so occupied, Inuyasha? Did you not see my soul collectors?”

He tightened his arms around Kagome, as if he felt the tension and anxiety in her rise and replied steadily, “I would never leave Kagome alone. Especially when it is this cold for humans.”

“I see. Then I suppose we could discuss our plans in front of the girl.”

“Her name is Kagome, Kikyo,” he reprimanded.

Kikyo stared at him slightly offended; he had corrected her in front of Kagome--something Kagome or Kikyo never thought he would do so easily or steadily.

After Kikyo shared what she knew of Naraku’s current plans she shot a look at Kagome who flinched out of habit. Inuyasha rumbled from deep within his chest and it oddly calmed her down… but had the adverse effect on Kikyo.

“Inuyasha, contain yourself while you are in my presence.”

Before he could respond or silence the purr he admitted for her, Kagome boldly chimed in finally. “Our relationship has nothing to do with you.”

“Your ‘relationship’?” Kikyo repeated. “Tell me, what is your relationship?”

“Kikyo, I’ve hid nothing from you. You know where my feelings lie,” Inuyasha replied.

“Is that so…” Kikyo said evenly. It was eerie to see Kikyo so calm, let alone so… leading? What did Inuyasha tell her? What did Kikyo want?

“Kikyo--”

“Inuyasha. I do hope you will clear up any additional miscommunication between your reincarnation and I,” she stated with finality as she disappeared back into the forest.

“Inu--”

“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean for her to be that intrusive.”

“Why? I mean--I just don’t understand--”

“What is there to not understand? I’ve told you for well over a year now there is nothing between Kikyo and I. When we meet it is strictly to talk about Naraku.”

“You could have left me alone to do that…”

“Keh you’d be alone Kagome. You really think I would do that to ya?”

“I guess not. I’m sorry for thinking differently. It's not like you haven't done it before,” she said with bitterness.

“Kagome--”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean--” he cut her apology off with an actual kiss. To her lips. Which she more than greedily accepted.

That night had marked the spark in their relationship. He was bad with words. But his kisses and caresses more than made up for the lack of them. It had been so cold that was all they ended up doing that evening. He did end up inside her sleeping bag with her, cradling her to him with the haori wrapped around them.

“Inuyasha?”

“What?”

“I love you,” she said hesitantly.

“I know… I love you too, Kagome. I’m sorry that I don’t show it well.”

“You show it better than you think. I’m just--I was just--insecure I guess.”

He chuckled huskily in her ears, “That’s my excuse. Find your own.”

After a little more talking, she fell asleep in his warm embrace. The six months after that he spent courting her properly. Between providing her food, cleaning up the camp, taking her to and from the well when requested, even bringing her flowers, she was over the moon. On her seventeenth birthday, their second anniversary of meeting at the Sacred Tree had been when they finally consummate their union.

Her mother, while knowing this would happen, asked for her to start birth control even though Inuyasha had been so blatant in regards to him being able to smell Kagome in heat. While they were technically married in his time, as Kagome was far past legal age there, she was still technically a minor in their time and they couldn’t risk any… ‘mistakes’ in his sniffing. Kagome reluctantly agreed. Her mother boldly said when she was eighteen, she'd more than happily welcome a dog eared grandchild.

She got the IUD, as it wouldn’t have to be changed for three years and wouldn’t need regular maintenance. Her mother also surprised her by telling her they would be ‘out’ that evening leaving her and Inuyasha all alone…

“We don’t have to rush into this Kagome--”

“Who’s rushing?? We’ve been together for a long time by your world’s standards.”

“I just--here--you’re still young--”

“Inuyasha,” she said, placing a hand on his chest in a calming manner. “I don’t belong in this era anymore. Once our mission is done, I… The well will probably close. I don’t--I don’t want to be without you.”

“I know that Kagome. But I--I didn’t--I don’t want you to have to choose," he said as his ears lowered.

“Unfortunately, I probably will have to. But I choose you; Mama and I already talked about it. That’s why she was okay scheduling me the doctor’s appointment. I still will graduate from high school, and we won’t try to have kids until after. But, I’ve already made my choice.”

“Are you sure? You have a home here--a family. I have nothing to offer you.”

“All I need is you, Inuyasha. We could live in a cave for all I care.”

“Kagome--”

She moved her hand from his chest up to behind his neck and pulled him into a heated kiss. Apparently, that was a good enough answer for him. She was thankful she made him just as powerless and thoughtless as he made her when their bodies met.

It wasn’t the first time they had seen each other naked. No, they had gotten caught up in their desires, their flaming touches, the curious wandering of their hands. They had learned what they liked, what felt the best, but they wanted to wait. He wanted her to be sure. She wanted him to be comfortable.

Their clothes were lying on the floor but they were still standing kissing and stroking each other. He backed her up to her bed until her knees hit the frame and she fell onto it; her breasts bounced upon impact.

She never got used to seeing his hungry eyes rove over her body. He stared at her like she was his prey and he was the hunter. It made her wet and needy and wanton and--

He was on her in a moment interrupting her lustful thoughts. Her hands immediately went to stroke his muscular back and grip onto his shoulders as she rocked her aching core against his hardened length.

“Fuck,” he groaned pulling his mouth away from hers.

“Please Inu--Gods I want you so bad--”

“Not just yet, ‘Gome. Gotta make sure you’re ‘ready’,” he smirked at her before trailing kisses down her already steaming hot body. She thought she would die if he didn’t enter her. Writhing, she whimpered as she felt his tongue brush through her folds.

“Ah!” She gasped as she laced her fingers through his silver mane and arched her body up to his mouth. His fangs she had grown to love nipping at her did just that--the tingle shot from her clit directly to her coil in her belly. She groaned and gripped his hard trying to get her point across. The jerk had the audacity to laugh. LAUGH. Hahahahaaha… he thought he was so--

His fingers were inserted into her dripping wet opening and she found herself trying to thrust onto them to relieve some of the overbearing pressure. Her throat was also raw from the embarrassing moan she released. Luckily she was likely not going to have to use her throat for much else that night. Or at least not before he fucked her.

He did that to her--got her so wound up she got desperate. Forceful. Demanding. Cursing. It was so unlike her. But even though it made her flush, it never deterred him from making her do it again and again.

“Inu--” she pleaded as she ground her hips against his hand. His other hand had taken purchase of her breasts. It rotated between each, pinching and tugging her taut nipples. His rumble was answer enough as she felt him suck hard on her clit, finally breaking the dam that held her orgasm at bay. She cried out her release as she felt herself wet his still inserted fingers more.

He sat up but moved his hand that was flipping between her mounds to her overly stimulated nub making her grind her teeth and begin panting heavily again. She almost came again at the sight of him withdrawing his fingers and licking them clean.

“Are you ready now Ka-Go-Me?” He asked cockily. When they first started their explorations, he was timid--but after her first overwhelming cry of his name as her walls fluttered around his finger he steadily grew more and more confident. Overly so. Not that he had no right not to be. He was a fast learner and could make her turn into a puddle of bliss within seconds if they were rushed in their foreplay.

“Y-yes,” she stuttered. He picked her up so she was kneeling on the bed. She noticed he grew nervous which was unusual. Then it dawned on her what he was asking silently. She smiled and placed her hands flat onto the bed and wiggled her ass seductively in his face.

“Fuck--how do I even deserve you,” he muttered as he stroked her bottom lightly before grabbing her hips lightly, being careful of his claws.

“So many reasons,” she said breathily.

He licked up her spine and then proceeded to suckle, bite, and lave her shoulders. She felt the tip of his hard cock at her wet core. She pushed back and little to tease him and shuddered at the insane amount of pressure that made her want to burst.

He licked the shell of her ear that earned him another impatient huff laced with desire, “I love you, Kagome.” Then he slammed into her and she swore she saw stars. The galaxy.

She had heard the first time usually hurt; so that’s what she expected. She wasn’t even disappointed when it didn’t. Her hymen had broken long ago from all the falling and being tossed off cliffs in battle. She halfway suspected he had been fingering her so much to loosen her up so that he wouldn’t tear her. Smart.

“Inu--” she whined as he began to pound into her. Her breasts bounced with every pump of his dick in and out of her dripping wet pussy. The sensations of his cock inside her, brushing so intimately with her walls was too much. She felt herself begin to convulse around him, pulling him deeper if possible, unrelenting in allowing him to pull out fully in his fucking.

“Kagome,” he growled seductively in her ear.

“Gods,” she whimpered knowing she was right on the cusp of another orgasm. Her arms began shaking; they were worn out already from trying to hold up her pleasure stricken body.

She was sweating, panting, gasping, writhing, shuddering, beneath his arching body as his hard length was swallowed by her aching core.

Her arms finally gave out and her ass somehow raised higher. She felt him pound into her harder and faster--that was when she mildly blacked out from the most intense release he had given her.

When she came to, he had her cradled on his lap; her back to his chest and he was rumbling that sexy cooling growl he did to help her sleep.

“You good?” He asked steadily even though she felt his hot warm uneven breathe on her neck.

“Fuck yes,” she exhaled wrapping her arms around his neck. She felt his lips kiss and nip at her neck as she raised her hand to stroke his ears lovingly.

“Scared me for a second there,” he admonished as he began to rock back into her from below.

“Sorry,” she sighed, unable to dictate much else with him moving inside her again. His mouth latched onto her shoulder and his hands moved to her breasts and nub again. She was going to die. Or turn into a pile of goo. Who was to really say at that point? All she knew was she was likely not going to be able to walk the next day. Her thighs were spread so wide to engulf him fully she was basically doing the splits on his thighs. Not that she was complaining. She wanted every inch of him.

Her hands went back to grasping the back of his head, keeping her upright as she hung on for the ride. When she came again, she felt him stiffen and snarl. She knew she was about to pull his own release from him. She felt him twitch as he slowly pumped in and out of her as he emptied himself of his seed into her while he howled through his gritted teeth.

His fangs broke through the skin on her shoulder and she cried out. But it didn’t hurt as much as it filled her. As weird as that sounded. The swirl of his youki with her reiki, fighting for dominance, dancing a sinful play, finally died down.

That night they exchanged gentle kisses and warm embraced wrapped up in her bed. Safe. Secure. Loved.

A year had passed since then. Kagome was eighteen. Officially an adult in her era. Only she felt like she had been an adult for far longer. Her relationship to Inuyasha proved that; they had a hut of their own they stayed at when they were restocking in the village. She was training to take over Kaede's position after graduating and the jewel had been completed.

Her grandfather’s death should have been easier on her. She knew the circle of life--especially in the shinto religion. Heck, her going to feudal era only solidified it.

But she felt she wasn’t handling his death well at all.

Her own father passed away when she was barely out of preschool. Sota hadn’t even had the chance to meet their dad. But their grandfather-- he invited them into his home. Kagome’s mother’s family never respected the marriage between them and her mother lost touch with them. Ultimately picking Kagome’s father over them.

Mama often told Kagome that was why she really respected the relationship between her and Inuyasha. She saw a lot of her late husband in him. Inuyasha was a good man and would provide for her… She had been raised by her mother and grandpa. They knew she was ready to leave the nest. They did their jobs as guardian's.

Grandfather was all Sota and Kagome had for a father after their own passed. Now he was gone too…

Inuyasha came up beside her at the wake. She had moseyed away from everyone and was sitting at the top of the stairs lost in her thoughts. He was wearing more traditional clothes that were more appropriate for mourning.

“Hey,” he said softly. He likely could sense her inner turmoil through their bond; something they learned shortly after mating.

“Hi…” she replied quietly. He sat down beside her and hesitantly draped an arm around her shoulders. She sank into his embrace and sighed out of content. They hadn’t been intimate the past week. They hadn’t exchanged too many words. They merely just cuddled and shared their warmth with each other. Their bond did all the talking for them.

“I suck at this kind of shit.”

“You’re doing pretty well actually,” she smiled slightly. She felt he was nervous.

“That’s good I guess. I just feel like shit there ain’t more I can do.”

“Inuyasha… you lost your mother so long ago and no one was there to comfort you. Your father died on the day you were born. I honestly don’t know why you’re beating yourself up for not doing more. You’re doing fine. It’s hard to lose someone that raised you…”

“I know he was like your old man. At least that’s what he told me.”

“He talked to you about our relationship?”

“Yea--he wanted to be sure I was good for you. Can’t say I blame him for all the shit I put you through the first year we traveled together. I was kinda a dick.”

“Inuyasha--we didn’t know any better back then--”

“Yea, whatever. It doesn’t excuse half the crap I said or did that upset you. Anyway, it was supposed to be a surprise but…” He trailed off as he dug in his black haori for something. He finally found it and pulled out a velvet box.

Kagome was confused, unsure what her grandfather could have given Inuyasha. She took it from him hesitantly. When she opened it, she couldn’t help the tears that pooled at the corner of her eyes.

Inside the box was her grandmother’s ruby red ring encase on a gold band.

“Inu--”

“He had wanted to marry us once you graduated. Send us off to live in the feudal era the proper way. But he knew his time was comin’. He said he saw his wife almost every night in his dreams--it was getting harder and harder to wake up. But he really wanted to make sure I got that and gave it to you. I know I’m probably fucking up by giving it to you here but… I’m kinda at a loss on what to do for ya.”

She leaned over and kissed him chastly on the lips. “Thank you Inuyasha… It does help to know he wanted to be with Gigi.”

“Was that his wife?”

“That’s what we called her. We knew how much he loved her but he knew he had a duty to the shrine and to his son, my father. That duty was revealed when he passed I guess.”

“He did his duty well. He raised you to be… you. And for that, I’m grateful to the old man.”

Kagome pushed her face into his haori and finally let the tears that evaded her for the past week pour out. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted from her knowing her grandfather was proud of the woman she had become, that he respected and honored the relationship between her and Inuyasha, and also was reunited with her grandmother.

He confided in Inuyasha. He wasn't sad or scared. All he wanted was for her to be happy. To know he was happy for her.

After the wake, Kagome presented to her mother the ring Inuyasha gave her explaining what her grandfather had told him. Her mother smiled and nodded. After long lingering embraces, they all turned in for bed. Inuyasha held Kagome close as she fell asleep peacefully and dreamt of her grandfather with her grandmother again. They waved to her goodbye and parted with blissful smiles, “Until we meet again.”

#inuyasha fanfiction #inuyasha x kagome #inukag #inu x kag #til we meet again #tribute to grandpa higurashi #fluff and angst #fluff and romance #fluff and smut #wear a mask

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stydiaeverafter · 4 years

Text

We are the lucky ones

Fandom: 9-1-1: Lone Star

Pairing: TK Strand/Carlos Reyes

Tags: established relationship, domestic fluff, love, world travel, honeymoon, family, family fluff, conversations, married life, romance, kissing

Words: 2k | Rating: T | On ao3

Summary: TK and Carlos have been through many adventures since finding one another, but they’ll now start their biggest adventure yet, as husbands.

A/N: This fic is for @911lonestarweek Day 6 - Romance. So, of course, I had to write the lovely Tarlos. I hope you fall in love with these stories as much as I did. I had a wonderful time participating in this event! This is dedicated, as always, to my Junkyard Fam; couldn’t have done it without the support of you all! With love, J.

We are the lucky ones

When one thinks of true love, you think of the moment where you’re standing hand-in-hand with the one who knows you better than anyone else. Your past gets lost within a distance abyss and all that lies in the future is in front of you. That was what TK felt as he confidently and happily said the two words, “I do,” as he stared in the eyes of the man who knew him better than he knew himself.

“I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may kiss one another.”

As TK kissed Carlos, his now-husband, he felt as though it finally all made sense. Those fortune cookies had been right after all. The journey had been worth it.

***

“What are you thinking of, mi amor?”

TK looked over at the love of his life as Carlos drove the winding roads, “You. Our wedding.”

“Best day of my life.”

“Mine too, babe,” TK replied with a grin as he intertwined his fingers into his husband’s. Husband. What a word. The word itself made him happier beyond belief. Who would’ve thought after everything they had been through, it would have led them to this moment right here, right now? It was a miracle in itself. “So where to now?”

“The turn said to go right in a few more miles, but as you know driving on the other side of the road might take us a bit longer than that to actually get there.”

TK chuckled as he leaned over to kiss Carlos’ cheek, “You’re a natural, baby. Truly. Just like everything else you try.”

Carlos looked over at him with a sly smile, narrowing his eyes slightly as if questioning TK’s motives.

“It would actually be annoying if I didn’t love you so damn much.”

A burst of laughter left Carlos and he shook his head, his fingers playing with TK’s wedding band, “There’s the man I married.” The comfort between the two of them had reached a new level that even TK hadn’t been prepared for, yet welcomed happily. This was heaven. This moment with his husband.

They decided to explore Ireland for their honeymoon. Renting a car to see the sights at their own pace, was an absolute must.

The hills were lush green and not just green, but patched together like an emerald quilt, was every shade of green.

Sprinkled along the sides of certain roads, were abandoned castles that were left from long ago. Often they would stop to explore their surroundings, sharing a kiss or two under the ivy grown stone arches. They were so hauntingly beautiful. Stories of the past etched along the fallen walls; secrets kept well hidden. It was as if they had gone back in time to live within a fairytale.

The two of them finally made it to the small town of Cork and were attempting to find their inn for the night. It didn’t help that there were so many one way streets attempting to block their way. Seeing Carlos focus on driving with such determination was both admirable and hot as hell.

TK knew he needed to be staring at the sights for they were beautiful, but all he saw was the man he was lucky enough to spend the rest of his life with.

***

They had finally made it to a quiet yet charming haven for the night. Their room was small but cozy. It had a fireplace in the corner, and the window overlooked the small village.

Spending dinner together was something TK couldn’t wait to spend the rest of his life doing, especially because Carlos was such an amazing cook. But here they were reminiscing over candlelight and enjoying each other’s company. TK loved that he could open up and be himself with Carlos; never any restrictions to be himself. Even the parts that weren’t so pretty. There was never any judgment. That’s what he loved most about being with Carlos - he felt safe.

Being in Ireland, it was tradition to end the night at the local tavern. They didn't do this often, so they thought when in Ireland. The music was excellent and it was wonderful to see the people come alive in their element. Carlos even got him to do a little dancing jig. Carlos was a natural of course, which must’ve been all the line dancing back in Austin. As the night went on, they laughed as Carlos sipped on whiskey and Guinness. Carlos was getting all bashful, as he danced in his chair.

"You're looking sexy tonight, sweetheart. Did I tell you that yet?"

TK laughed, placing a finger under Carlos' chin, "How drunk are you, husband?"

"Drunk enough to want to have my way with you right now," Carlos smiled seductively with a wink. He kissed TK's cheek softly but lingered there.

The thought of Carlos’ hands on his body made him tremble in anticipation and love. TK would never get used to the act of making love together. He looked at his husband and his heart started beating faster. The man was just so beautiful. They both shared that look. It was time to go.

“Baby, I think it’s time I get you to our humble abode,” Carlos whispered in his ear softly with a smirk still left on his lips. He kissed the skin behind TK’s ear and TK’s whole body trembled in pleasure. More would soon follow.

“Yes, Officer.”

***

Making love to Carlos always felt new and different. Each time was so special in its own way. His husband knew just how to make him breathless each time. They spend hours together in those sheets, on the rug, and even a few times in the shower.

Carlos moved his body against TK’s in a way that made his eyes continue to roll back; their hands sliding together, then squeezing tightly...a thin layer of sweat covering the curves of their body. Their foreheads came together and they took each other in. Moans were the serenade of music for that night. Better than any Irish tune TK had ever heard.

During all the passionate kisses, touches, and moving embraces, there were always the words of “I love you,” repeatedly. As if those were the only words that truly mattered. They were always sealed with a kiss.

Afterward, they cuddled in front of the fireplace on a few blankets from the small bed. It was a log fire and TK had to admit the crackling of it added to the ambiance of this romantic evening. Then again, this was how every evening went with them.

TK truly couldn’t seem to get enough. He could kiss Carlos every second of every day of their lives together, and it still wouldn’t be enough.

But that hope of having each other for that long was enough.

He looked over at his now sleeping husband. So damn beautiful in every way. How could someone possibly be that beautiful? Reaching over, TK’s fingers softly grazed Carlos’ cheek. Carlos’ lips flickered into a smile as he slept. He could stare at him forever. That was how long he wanted to watch over this man. His man.

***

This was how the days that followed went about. Traveling the Emerald Isle, staying at quaint locations, eating delicious foods, and spending time in one another’s arms.

Today they were headed to the Cliffs of Moher, somewhere TK had always wanted to see. It was almost sunset when they arrived because they had to stop and take pictures whenever they saw something breathtaking, which was every couple of minutes in Ireland.

They walked hand-in-hand listening to the crashing waves of the ocean as it hugged the side of the cliffs. As they overlooked, TK was in awe. He’d never seen anything like this before. This type of natural beauty. It wasn’t something you’d ever see in NYC, even though the buildings were as tall as the cliffs.

“Pretty amazing, isn’t it?” Carlos said as he broke the silence of their thoughts. “I don’t think pictures could ever do this justice.” When TK didn’t reply, Carlos squeezed his hand, “Are you okay, mi amor?”

“I’m just…” How could he ever convey the feelings he was feeling right now? It wasn’t just the standing here overlooking something so magnificent that it took his breath away; it was the fact he was sitting here standing with the love of his life sharing this moment. It felt as if his life was just starting in many ways. He looked over at Carlos who wore a worried expression. “I’m just so lucky to be here with you right now. How in the world did I get so lucky to have a life like this?”

Carlos smiled gently, the lines creasing his beautiful soft cheeks, “I believe it was fate. We were meant to find each other in this chapter of our lives.”

“It was certainly worth the wait.”

Carlos replied by kissing TK’s hand, “That it was sweetheart, that it was.”

“I’ll remember this moment forever.”

Their lips came together to share a sweet kiss. Slowly and first, then growing deeper. They pulled away and chuckled softly.

“I will, too,” Carlos said as he rubbed TK’s arms gently. “We can tell our kids about it one day, hell, we can bring them back to this same spot even.”

TK smiled at the thought, “Kids huh? You’d be an amazing father, babe.”

“I would hope so! You would be, too. Warms my heart even thinking about it.”

“I owe that to my dad. I was fortunate to be raised by such a good man. So loving and accepting of who I am. I want to be just like him.” TK smiled at the thoughts of his father, so relieved he was getting healthier every single day. “He’ll make a wonderful grandpa one day… he’s only talked about it for years now. He keeps saying ‘I’m not getting any younger here.’”

“Yeah, especially if he starts finding white hairs on that head of his! We’ll really have to hurry and start a family then,” Carlos laughed shaking his head and TK nodded with the following smirk. “But truly, he’s one of the good ones for sure. I’ve always admired your father so deeply. I’ve said it before, but I wish I had had that growing up.” He sighed deep and low, “But luckily, my mom was my rock.”

“Your mom is pretty much the most amazing person, especially her cooking. Yes, you can call her and tell her I said so. Which of course you know that I’m grateful for, my stomach, too,” He squeezed Carlos’ hand again as his husband smiled. TK got serious again for a moment as he looked towards the sunset, “I’ve learned over the years, that all you really need is one person to make you feel truly loved.”

“Amen to that.”

They were quiet for a while listening to the waves as they moved back-and-forth.

As they sat there in that quietly beautiful peace, TK couldn’t stop imagining Carlos reading to their child, teaching him or her how to cook as they danced around the kitchen, how to play ball, and even learn an instrument. This vision truthfully had been there all along, hadn’t it?

Finally, TK broke the silence and took that leap of faith, “So… speaking of a family, what if we start ours soon?”

Carlos’ head whipped over to look at TK, his chocolate brown eyes widening ever so slightly as if caught by surprise, “Already? But I thought you wanted to wait. We did just get married after all.”

“You’re my family, and I cannot think of anything I’d rather do then extend this little family of ours. I don’t want to waste a day of this. Plus, after all that talk of you being a father, well, the thought is sexier than hell.” He chuckled but in reality, he was serious. He wanted this with Carlos more than anything, and he didn’t want to wait… not anymore. They had already dated for three years. They had traveled, explored, and more. Also, in both of their line of work, the dangerous field it was, tomorrow was never promised. Nothing was ever certain. So why wait for something that could never be? He was ready. Becoming a father would help him grow in ways Carlos had helped him.

Carlos kissed TK softly, “Mi amor, there’s nothing I want more than to start a family with you. It’s what I’ve always wanted since the moment I knew I loved you.”

The vow to their future and the commitment it came with was made. Their lips came together once more and they hugged each other in a way that made you feel a sense of comfort from your head to your toes. Carlos was always the best at hugs. He had said once that his mama had always told him that you hug with everything you have, everything you are. Let the person feel your soul. Well at this moment, TK never wanted to let go.

Before life changed too quickly though, they both sat there watching the sky turn brilliant colors of cotton candy pink and orange fire. They set TK’s phone up to take a photo and after looking at it, Carlos was right, the picture didn’t do the moment justice.

But as they walked away, TK realized that life was like a snapshot of moments captured over time. Moments that sometimes would fade from your mind, but imprint onto your heart forever.

He was looking forward to creating a life full of snapshots.

#911lonestarweek #911lsweek #tarlos #tarlos fic #tk x carlos #tk strand #carlos reyes #romance #my fic

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mrneighbourlove · 4 years

Text

The Rising Sun: Ch 1. Dawn of the Gerudo

Malik roared triumphantly as he walked through Zarazu’s office, the biggest grin on his face in a while. In these years he had a thin beard that Ganondorf kept in some incarnations. The Gerudo Lord was nearly dancing, thrilled with a personal secret. The only thing he told the castle before arriving from out of country was to prepare for his arrival. “The scumbag pirate actually delivered on her biggest contact yet!”

For years now, Malik had talked with the pirate Adda. The Gerudo was his personal captive to do with as he pleased. As awful a woman she was, she was still a Gerudo. And she held Gerudo secrets. Sure, she knew her crew, but she also knew of scattered Gerudo across the world that Malik needed to track down.

"... I really wish you wouldn't work with that woman, Malik." Zarazu was in the middle of a huge stack of papers with a map sprawled out on her desk. There were rumors of another continent. Yet, she could not exactly pinpoint where it could be. There were so little travelers from other places, what other information could be gathered? "She's not exactly trustworthy."

“I hold her life in my hands, and give her sunlight from time to time. She respects power. I am power. So, we have an understanding. But enough about her.” Malik pulled out a map of the Gerudo desert. “It’s time Zarazu. I found not only enough Gerudo now, but the right Gerudo to run and fill this town.”

"And who might that be?" Zarazu knew that Malik really wanted to try to revitalize the Gerudo community. Yet, sometimes, when someone was too eager, mistakes could be made. "Adda is staying in her cell."

“Of course she is. And perhaps it’s best you met one of the women I’ll be working with.”

Malik turned to the door, and with the command of his hand, he waved a Gerudo woman in. She was fit, but not overly muscly. With a cloak over her head, she had rings and earrings made of rubies and sapphires on her person. She looked a little anxious, but swallowed her fears down as Malik introduced her. “I present to you, Gali Kalpaka. Her family has carried Gerudo traditions from generation to generation. Like Cass, they lived as merchants to survive.”

Gali lowered her cloak, the forty-year-old woman smiling to the Queen. “Vasaaq. Lord Malik honours me by bringing me to the Queen of Hyrule. I am Gali.”

"It is nice to meet you, Gali." Zarazu stood from her desk to greet the woman. "If Malik trusts you, then so do I. Rebuilding the Gerudo community has been a task that has been neglected for too long. I am glad that you will take part in this event for the shaping of our children's futures."

“I couldn’t help but spy on the conversation you were having. My mother had a deal with Adda. She’d take in willing Gerudo who didn’t wish to be pirates. I, however, have no relationship with this Adda, so please do not be worried.” Gali finished shaking her hand. “Lord Malik told us all the tale of how Ganondorf came to tame the beast within. How his son worked hard to give the Gerudo a name of honour amongst Hyrule again. And that he himself was a relic from times long forgotten. Currently, there are 27 different families in my caravan alone awaiting a new home with safe borders.”

Malik was beaming with pride at his actions. “Indeed. This has always been my dream. To see the Gerudo rise up once more. I never decided to grasp that dream until I breathed with my own flesh and blood again. But now it’s a reality that seems possible. Zarazu, with my guidance, you’re about to see a boom of revived culture not seen since your brother in law down at the plantation.”

"It seems like the two of you have a lot to accomplish in such little time." Zarazu then asked. "If you require some help shaping this community, I could introduce you to some very reliable Zemljas, Kovinas, and some Vodas if you need to create a well system." She took a look at the map where the new Gerudo village would be located. "We would have to establish a proper road there as well." Pausing, she then suggested. "Malik, might I suggest you take your family there for a while? I could give Asa leave from the forge for a couple of weeks."

“That’s the beauty of it Zarazu. I wanted it to be a surprise to you.” Malik giggled. An honest to god giggle escaped his lips. “I’ve had the help of your people and associates of mine for a while in constructing not only the town, with all its vegetation, housing, and clean water supply, but a road right into Hyrule. Pulled a lot of strings to keep it secret from you, but I think the surprise is well worth it.”

Malik shocked both the women with pictographs of what the village looked like. Stone houses with solid doors and curtains to keep out the elements, an oasis in the middle of the town, multiple wells, a pool to swim at, mighty walls and gates, a small palace, and plentiful market with fruits ready to be given to the new citizens. “I call it Taiyo Town, home to the Gerudo. Soon we’ll even have our old temple ready again.”

Gali was in total shock, never having had a house before in her life. “Sa’oten! I-I can’t- I don’t-“

“I believe the words you’re looking for, is Sarqso.”

“Yes! Thank you!” Gali couldn’t hide her tears of excitement now.

"....?!?!" Zarazu was shocked. Malik was not too good at keeping secrets like this for long. Then again, she was not sure what to think of this. A development of a new community without the knowledge being shared with the king and queen, that was a little... uncalled for. There were a lot of regulations to put into place. Covarog would probably going to shit a brick unless Malik did share this with him beforehand. Either way, this was a lot to take in for now. "I... am happy for both of you, yet there is still work to be completed to ensure a proper thriving community."

“Of course. And we shall all work together to build a bright future. Once the Gerudo refugees are settled, it will bring me great joy to bring family and yours to the town.” What could go wrong?

Revan, son of Malik, narrowed his eyes down at Luimaya. So it had come down to this. “Luimaya. You’re my friend, but you have the hottest temper I know. I didn’t want to cross this line, but your disregard for common sense made me have to step over your head. I’m sorry it has come to this... King Covarog, I insist, given the attack on Zarazu and Luimaya from the vampire, she needs to have a full time bodyguard.” Revan was a Tatl Tael, even in his twenties. A mark on his honour to be sure, but a necessary sacrifice. His stubborn friend needed to listen to the only person who might be able to ground some real sense into her.

"I don't need someone watching me every minute of every day!" Luimaya insisted, "And I have plenty of common sense, I just don't want to use it sometimes."

"You are to be the future queen of our kingdom, Luimaya." Covarog told his daughter, understanding her point but also knowing Revan was looking out for his child's future. "Even your mother had a bodyguard for over a decade."

"Yeah, but Mom was waddling around pregnant half of that time." She rolled her eyes. "I'm not married, I'm not pregnant, and I certainly don't need a babysitter."

"You're more reckless than your mother diving off that tower when I first met her." Covarog stated to his daughter in a dry tone. "I believe Revan has a point."

"Well, fine! Then Carsa'sec can be my bodyguard."

"He can't fit in the castle."

"He'll be my bodyguard outside of the castle."

"You need someone inside the castle."

“I volunteer. If it weren’t for my common sense and tactics, that vampire would have taken us down before you can say Bleh.” Revan lifted a brow at Luimaya.

“Unless her royal fire highness objects.”

"While I appreciate you volunteering, I'm not so sure your father or mother would want you to have such a dangerous job."

"It won't be dangerous because I don't need a bodyguard!"

"We could organize a contest to see who proves themselves worthy of holding the mantle."

"Dad! No! Urgh!" Luimaya groaned. "Not another one of those contests like Grandpa used to hold."

"What? He'll love it, those are fun." Covarog grinned widely, loving the look of dismay on his daughter's face. "Besides, consider this your punishment for being so reckless during a fight."

Revan frowned, sighing deeply. Maybe King Covarog was getting too protective with age. “My King, I assure you it’ll be a waste of time.”

"Oh, it will be like old times!" Covarog wrapped an arm around Revan's shoulders and then Luimaya's, earning a loud groan from both of the youngsters. "Get a bit of a crowd going on too. The kingdom will love it!"

"... this is your fault. You and your big mouth's." Luimaya blamed Revan. "I'm going to have my dragon sit on you later for this."

“...Oh King Covarog! Don’t you think Luimaya should get dolled up for the big event? After all, motivation to see the princess they wish to protect might make the battles more engaging if Luimaya pours her heart and soul into seeking the perfect bodyguard.” Revan had the perfect tone to hide sarcasm. He shot her a cheeky smile.

"Don't you fucking dare---"

"Luimaya, language." Covarog chided his daughter. "I do think this should be a family event for sure. We'll all look our best for the tournament!"

"... sleep with one eye open, you prick."

Revan smartly made his way out, giving Luimaya a smartass wink and comment. “My my. Haven’t you heard that rudeness often disguised intrigue? I’m sure ‘prick’ is the most romantic name you can think of in the heat of the moment, but do try to do better next time my ‘sweet’. Till later Luimaya.” Revan turned his back to her, his face immediately shifting to regret and worry as he could feel Luimaya fire daggers from her eyes into his back.

With a sigh, he took a deep breath to relax as he shut the door behind him. Despite being three years older, herself only about three to four years shy of thirty, Luimaya still could have the same temper she held since ten. "Note to self. Look out for the skies."

Asakonigei had everything perfect. Dinner was Malik's favorite dish, the peach cobbler was cooling, and the side of vegetable medley with herbs smelled wonderful. It was his first day off in a while, and she missed him greatly. His work was important, but sometimes, she wished he would take on less responsibilities and enjoy his time at home. Revan and Donoma were out with friends, so this evening would be some one-on-one quality time... another aspect of life the two of them had been lacking lately.

Malik entered the house, a red cape trailing behind him. Carefully, he took the garment off, folding it gently and placing it on a rack. Smelling the air, he smiled. "Smells good."

Asakonigei had on her prettiest outfit, and even a touch of tribal paint on her eyelids. She wanted to look beautiful for her husband and hopefully, later, entice him. Smiling widely, she told him, "It's your favorite. You've been working so hard lately, so I wanted to surprise you. The kids are out, so it's a date night; just me and you."

"Oh." Malik cleared his throat, trying not to dampen the mood. "Yes. Thank you for the lovely surprise. I do appreciate it Asa, I do, but I need to leave in the early morning."

Asakonige's smile instantly vanished into a dark frown.

"It's your day off tomorrow." The Kovina was. Not. Pleased. "What do you mean you have to leave?"

"There was an incident at the temple. Turns out some of the new warriors haven't even seen monsters before. No casualties, but there were injuries." Malik kept speaking as he dished himself a plate up. "I came here to grab old drill instructions so I can teach them how to be effective fighters. I don't need any blood spilled due to inexperience. So I'll need to save my energy for the trip back through the valley."

That was the last straw for Asakonigei.

"Are you kidding me right now?!" She slammed her hands hard on the dinner table, causing the dishware to rattle. "You want to know how much you've been home within the past months, Malik? Nine days. Nine days, day and night, here, with me and your family. You want to know how many dinners you've actually sat down and ate with us instead of looking at your paperwork? Five. Five dinners. You want to know how many nights you've slept beside of me in our bed instead of in your office on the couch? Three nights." The Kovina stated firmly. "I am tired of this. I understand you have responsibilities for your job, but you also have a duty to your family!"

“I have a duty to my people as well. A duty to make up for my failure in protecting them in my first life.” Malik narrowed his eyes at her, slowly gesturing to the chair. “Would you like sit down and have meal number six?”

"You have one life, Malik. One. You don't have to devote all of it to making up for the sins of the past. Whether you want to spend some of it with your family, with me, that's up you." Asakonigei took off her earrings, her beaded necklace, and used a cloth to be rid of the tribal paint. "Eat your dinner by yourself. I'm going to go cool off before I really lose my temper." Tromping out of the kitchen, the Kovina walked out the back door and headed to the forge. She needed to hit some metal to feel better.

“Unbelievable...”, Malik muttered under his breath.

Outside, to the surprise of Asakonigei, she heard light talk coming from a training yard. Revan didn’t think anyone was around, so he was training with a latex mask around his head, jabbing his fists at a dummy. He wanted to test his new sneaking suit out. “Ha! What’s the matter? You late for the scumbag convention? Don’t worry, jail makes a good substitute.”

"... if you're planning a raid or a robbery, my son, I think you'd be able to breathe better with cotton material instead of that... thing." Asakonigei chuckled when Revan jumped slightly, being so focused on the dummy, he didn't hear her approach. "Though, if you need someone to hide the loot, I'd suggest the cellar."

“Oh my god...” Revan stopped, his movements, clearly embarrassed. “It’s not a mask of a villainous bandit, but a masked hero. I wanted to wear it at the tournament I’m going to attend.”

"A tournament?" Asakonigei asked, interested, trying her best to suppress a grin of amusement at her son's mortification. "Like the arm wrestling tournament you tried in Uskar to win a year-long supply of mead and ended up with a sprained wrist?"

Asakonigei looked her son up and down.

"Well, I don't see any burnt skin, so I'm surprised that Luimaya didn't try to roast you." She quirked an eyebrow. "I know how she is. She hates someone constantly looking over her shoulder." The Kovina then asked her boy. "And... I'm assuming you're going to enter this contest to guard her?"

“That’s the plan. I rather she has a friend look after her than some blockhead.”

"I think that's admirable of you, Revan. Your father did protect our queen all those years ago." Asakonigei recalled that was a much easier job for her husband than this folly he was doing now. Though, Luimaya was very stubborn like her father and grandfather. She figured Revan would have his work cut out for him. "Might I suggest if you really want to do this, that you take a moment and think about the future?"

“In what way?”

"You might want a family one day, or even a life of your own away from the castle." Asakonigei gently reminded her son. "I want you to do what makes you happy. However, if you are the bodyguard of the future queen, it's not like you'll be able to leave your occupation anytime soon. You will have to guard her until she produces an heir and that heir is mostly grown, or capable of protecting his or herself. That is years, Revan. It will be difficult if you wish to marry, to have children, to travel, if you are tied down by your job." She then asked him. "Are you prepared for your life to take a backseat for the sake of the kingdom?"

“I don’t need to guard her long term. Just until she can learn to take care of herself better. Or better substitute than me comes along.” Revan took his mask off, raising a brow at her. “Why you out here and not pouncing dad at the moment?”

"You will be there for a long time, Revan. Luimaya, as much as I think she's a sweet girl, is reckless just like her father." Asakonigei then snorted. "Your father has to leave. Again. Eat, pack, and go."

“Oh.” Revan wasn’t too surprised by that. “Can only imagine his town project is going well. Donoma says it’s pretty.”

Out of the whole family, only Donoma was allowed to see the town in its construction twice or thrice. “Maybe if I dyed my hair red and put on woman’s clothing I could sneak in. Who knows when he’ll let in outsiders and men. Hopefully soon.”

"Supposedly." Asakonigei was not too enthused about this project taking so much of her husband's time. Especially in a town full of women who would be drawn to a Gerudo male. She knew her husband would not betray her that way, but she didn't trust the women there. "I wouldn't worry too much about the town, sweetie. If you want some help training, I'll pull out my puppet knights."

“Why not pick up a sword yourself ma?” Revan grabbed a sword, twirling it in his hand. “I’m planning not using my powers either in the tournament.”

"Oh, you want to sword fight with your mom like you did when you were little?" Asakonigei recalled the days of when Revan would hold his tiny wood sword and just tackle her legs, declaring he 'got her' and he 'won'. It was adorable. She gushed, "You were so cute when waved it around declaring yourself the champion."

"That's because I was fantastic." Revan smirked. "Your move mama bear."

As Revan was practicing with his mother, Malik was already preparing his horse for the trip back to the desert. He glanced over to hear the sounds of laughter and heroics. It seemed he was training for something. Odd. The older Gerudo made a silent pray for his son’s success, then continued onwards.

Asakonigei was all for theatrics when training with her son. She was nowhere near his level of skill, but still enthusiastically practiced with him. She then tossed down her sword and got her boy in a headlock, messing up his hair.

"I got you now! I am going to... mess up this hair," Asakonigei declared and then gave him multiple kisses on the cheek. "And give you cooties!"

Revan just laughed, reaching his hands back to tickle his mother’s chest. “And I come back around with the surprise attack!”

"Oh no, he's got me!" Asakonigei dramatically flopped over on the ground, before swiping Revan's feet out from underneath him, causing him to fall over too. "But I got you back!" She snickered and then took a huge sigh. "I think you'll do well, Revan. Just don't be too eager. Watch your opponent closely."

“Will do.”

Revan’s laughter finished when his attention was caught by the near silent clop of his father’s horse next to him. He rode a monstrously large black horse named Phantom. It could carry ten times its own weight. Strapped to the sides, Malik had supplies and a round device next to him. Armoured up, it seemed he was ready to leave. His father looked down at both of them, seemingly not tired. “Would you like to join me?”

"...?" Asakonigei had a quizzical look on her face. "Join you?"

“I’m leaving back for the desert. I packed a spinner for you travel quickly back. I thought we could all catchup on the way to the border.”

"... well, I don't know," Asakonigei was still mad at him and crossed her arms, laying on the grassy ground. She stopped to look at Revan. "Our son might need his mother in the stands, yelling for him to kickass. Or perhaps, my husband can tell me exactly why he wants me to go when this invitation has not been extended before?"

“The stands?”

Revan nodded to collaborate his mother’s statement. “I’m attending a tournament to become Luimaya’s personal bodyguard.”

“Really? That’s not a bad occupation. She certainly needs protection. When is this tournament?”

“King Covarog didn’t give a date, but I’d imagine soon.”

“I see.” Malik then turned his attention to Asakonigei. “Because you’re my wife. If we can’t spend time together here, or have you see the importance of my work, perhaps it’s time to start opening outside elements to the Gerudo people. Starting with the beautiful woman who gave birth to our sun, Donama. There are some who are curious about you.”

"... very well. I'll go with you." Asakonigei added one stipulation. "But I'm taking Nubi'ahlus. There's pretty of monsters in the desert and while I know you can protect us, there can always be an extra eye."

“As long as they keep to the sky. I can warn the people about them later so they don’t fear for their lives.” Malik made a gesture for them to both hop aboard his stead. As the family unit finished climbing aboard, Malik took off with them. Both Asakonigei’s and Revan’s dragons were alerted and flew from above in the early night.

“So Revan, do you feel prepared for this tournament.”

“Of course. I’m going to handicap myself and not use my powers.”

“Really? Impressive. You’ll have to tell us all about it if we can’t make it.”

Revan nodded, hands tight on the horse. “It won’t be anything impressive to see anyways. Except maybe to see Luimaya lose her cool when she discovers who won.”

"Now, now, you need to tell Luimaya you're going to enter." Asakonigei was so ready to get off of the horse. She hated the constant bouncing, but was trying to amuse her husband for the time being. "If she finds out later, she might just find a way to throttle you."

“Maybe that’s I want~” Revan teased.

This only got a sigh out of his father. “You know, if you’re going to put so much energy into tormenting a girl’s feelings, maybe you should do it to someone you share interest in.”

Revan felt his heart get emotionally stabbed by that. “Ouch dad.”

“I’m just saying. You told us yourself you got over your crush of Luimaya. Why torture yourself?”

"Sweetie, look, Luimaya sees you as a friend. Just because you're nice to her and have known her for a long time, doesn't mean she's going to marry you." Asakonigei had to give her son some tough love. "She's not required to do that. Now, if you want someone who is going to love you for you, then it takes patience. I know a certain cutie who does like you, but she's not going to pursue you because she thinks you're still hung up on Luimaya. And you are."

“Yeah, I know that, I’ve accepted that.”

“Then why don’t you and Nakeso stop fucking around with your feelings for one another?”

That turned Revan bright red, and he actually fell of the horse as they took a leap over a small bump in the road. “God damn it that hurt! Dad! That is NONE of your business!”

Malik turned the horse around, Phantom gruffing as they spun about. “Orana asked the same thing of her daughter once. You’re both compatible, you both enjoy one another’s company.”

"Malik, you've stunned the boy stupid." Asakonigei sounded exasperated as Revan hit the ground with a thud. "Look, Nakeso isn't going to chase you around like a lovesick puppy. She's got standards and morals. If you want to pursue her, that's up to you, but she's not going to wait forever."

“Oh. So it’s on me now is it? You two don’t even know what you’re talking about.” Revan brushed himself off, whistling for his ride to come down. “Nakeso is a good friend. I have no idea where you picked these false flags up from.”

Malik said nothing, raising a brow slowly.

"... he gets that denseness from your side of the family." Asakonigei told Malik dryly. "I know it."

“Absolutely not.”

Revan started to storm off, getting out to an open area for his dragon to safely land. “Have fun at your girls Gerudo club. I’ll mail you a post card of my new job status.”

"And he definitely getting the sulking from your side of the family too." Asakonigei stated as she pulled her locks back into a tail. "At least he got my fabulous hair."

Revan jumped aboard As’wana, but before he could fly off in a pout, Malik spoke up. Best not leave the conversation on a teasing note. “Revan. We only love you. You know that. Just focus on acquiring your position for now. I believe whole heartedly you can do so.”

Revan took a deep breath and exhaled his angst. “…Whatever father.”

With that, he flew off back home, leaving his father and mother alone.

"He'll be okay." Asakonigei watched as her son flew back in the direction of Hyrule. "Revan just needed to hear what he did not want to hear. Luimaya will never see him the way he wishes for her to."

“Last thing I need is a young man having his feelings twisted by a whole village of attractive women because he can’t focus his heart.” Now more alone, Malik’s hands held Asakonigei close. “You still mad?”

"... a little." Asakonigei admitted, feeling awfully small when Malik held her. "You've spent so much time away from home. I was afraid for a while, you were bored of me."

“Why would I ever be bored of you?”

"Well, you were gone for so long, paying attention to your project, and we... um..." Asakonigei blushed lightly. "It's been months since we've even made love."

Malik tilted his head. Looking around, he suddenly surprised her by getting off his horse, and grabbing her with a haul over his shoulder. They started to walk to a nice smooth cave.

"H-Hey!" Asakonigei did not appreciate being carried around like a sack of potatoes. What was her husband thinking now? Wasn't he going to be late if he did not stick to the schedule? "What are you doing?!"

Although Malik gently set her down, his arm and legs pinned her, and he looked down at her with intense passion. “I’m going to spend the next half an hour making love to my wife.”

Now that certainly caught Asakonigei's attention. There was a faint blush on her cheeks, but then she raised an eyebrow. "Only a half hour?"

“I do have a schedule to keep, and we don’t want to your scent being picked up.” Malik’s voice grew as low as the days he was Klinge. His metal hand clawed down her pants, his tongue licking his lips. “So perhaps I should change loving making to fucking to get more enjoyment of our time.”

"Oh? My scent? What about yours? It's usually a little more... potent." Asakonigei nipped at his lower lip with her teeth. "And I'm not sure about that, love... it's been a long while. Sure you remember the difference?"

“I’ve never forget.” Leaning closer, Malik reminded Asa of his devotion with a firm kiss to the lips. Perhaps the jackals hollowing in the night would hide their passionate cries.

________________________________________________________________

Next Ch.

New crossover with @ridersoftheapocalypse! Please enjoy and love to hear comments more than anything!

#crossover #ridersoftheapocalypse #Klinge/Malik #Gerudo #Asakonigei #Revan #Gali

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the-dragon-central · 5 years

Note

"Daddy, why do you only have one leg when Mommy has two?"

Hello! This request was written by @astrid-foreverythingelse! Hope you enjoy!

“Daddy, why do you only have one leg when Mommy has two?”

Hiccup looked up from the vegetables he was chopping into the curious eyes of his daughter across from him. A piece of parchment with a crude drawing of sheep in a pasture lay forgotten in front of her. However, the charcoal remained in her hand as she absentmindedly fiddled with it, waiting patiently for her father’s response.

Hiccup glanced down at his prosthetic and then back to his daughter. “I have two legs! See?” he said, stepping around the table and dancing in a small circle.

Zephyr laughed. “No, Daddy! How come Mommy has two normal legs and you have a metal one!”

“Well, I’d hardly call your mother’s legs normal,” he joked, earning him a punch in the arm from his wife. She scooped up some of the vegetables and playfully glared at him, crossing the room to the firepit as Hiccup massaged his sore arm.

“Daddy,” Zephyr insisted through giggles. “Uncle Tuffie said a troll took it ‘acuz you wouldn’t give him a buckle off your s’irt. Is that true?”

Astrid snorted over by the firepit, and Hiccup rolled his eyes. “You’re absolutely right Zephyr,” Astrid said before Hiccup could say a word. “Your Daddy loves his shirt buckles so much that he let a troll take his leg instead of losing one.”

“Astrid! Don’t feed into this!”

Astrid threw her head back and laughed, and Zephyr quickly followed with more of her signature giggles. Baby Nuffink screeched in delight from his infant chair and clapped his hands together.

“Nuffink! Not you too!” Hiccup cried. The baby only cried out again, elated by the bright and joyful smile on his father’s face.

With the family settled back down and Zephyr’s attention back on her drawing, he hoped the subject had been forgotten. But Zephyr was stubborn. “Daddy, are you really not gonna tell me the story?” she asked as she continued drawing the fluff on her sheep.

Hiccup glanced to Astrid in desperation, but she only offered a shrug and a devious smile. An obvious “you’re on your own” gesture. And so Hiccup sighed, deciding how to water down the story for his toddler. “You really want to hear this story, huh?” he said, sitting in a chair beside Zephyr.

Zephyr looked up immediately, eyes bright with wonder and lips slightly ajar. She nodded fervently and dropped her charcoal as she turned in her chair to fully face her father. He chuckled as warmth flooded his chest; he loved nothing more than seeing his children so happy and interested, no matter what it was that sparked their curiosity.

So he crossed his arms on the table and leaned towards his expectant daughter. “Did I ever tell you about Old Berk? Before the dragons lived with us?” Zephyr shook her head. “Well, remember, when your mom and I were kids we didn’t live where we live now. We lived on a whole other island far away from here. But you see, when we lived there, dragons would come and try to steal our sheep and our fish and our food for themselves.”

“The dragons?” Zephyr whispered, voice dripping with wonder and smile crossing her face as she remembered dragons from other stories her parents told. They were always her favorite stories, and she wondered what they had to do with her father’s missing leg.

“The dragons,” Hiccup repeated. “All kinds of dragons of all different sizes, not just the ones like Mommy and Daddy’s dragons. And the brave Vikings like your mom and all your aunt and uncles helped fight those dragons.”

Zephyr’s brows pinched together. “Fight them? But Daddy, I thought the dragons were our friends?”

“They are, sweetheart,” he said, overjoyed his daughter already understood the important fact from previous stories of Toothless and Stormfly. “But that wasn’t until after. See, we were mad at the dragons because we didn’t know why they kept attacking us and stealing our food.

“Like when Baby Nuff grabs my food off my plate?” she asked innocently.

Hiccup chuckled. “Yep, just like that. So, we fought back. But then Daddy met Toothless and things got a little… Weird.” Zephyr was quiet now, fully enveloped in the story, so Hiccup continued. “I didn’t want to tell anyone because I didn’t want them to find Toothless and hurt him, so I tried to learn from him instead. Well then one day your Mommy followed me into the forest because she was mad I kept beating her in Dragon Training-”

“Cheating was more like it,” Astrid said as she stirred the contents of the pot over the fire.

Hiccup smiled her direction but continued. “-and she wanted to know how I did it. And that’s when Mommy met Toothless.”

Astrid had joined her family around the table now, and she set her hands on her husband’s shoulders, leaning in towards her daughter as well. “And then, your Daddy and Toothless kidnapped me!”

“Now, now, hold on!” Hiccup said, holding up his hands. Zephyr giggled and reached up towards her mother. Astrid lifted the girl into her arms and sat in her daughter’s chair, perching Zephyr on her lap and wrapping her arms around her. She kissed her hair as Hiccup continued his defense. “We did not kidnap her, okay, we simply took her on a flight around Old Berk and the sea stacks and whatnot.”

“Unwillingly,” Astrid pointed out with a smile.

Hiccup rolled his eyes. “You were going to run back to the village to tell everybody!”

“You don’t know that,” she teased. Zephyr was thoroughly enjoying the banter, looking back and forth between her parents.

Hiccup sighed and gave in. “Alright, fine, maybe we sort of, indirectly… Kidnapped your mother.” Zephyr giggled, sending a smile to her father’s face as he continued. “But she loved that flight.”

“I did,” she softly admitted with a smile.

The couple glanced lovingly at each other, remembering a much simpler time, before continuing the story. “But while we were flying on Toothless, he took a detour to Dragon Island.”

Astrid rested her chin on her daughter’s head, knowing Zephyr was once again engulfed in the tale when she didn’t interject with questions or comments. Astrid always loved watching Hiccup tell stories to the children. He was always so animated when he talked about anything he was excited about, and it made him a natural storyteller. Even Baby Nuffink was intrigued by his father’s movements and voice despite lacking an understanding of his words.

“He flew us down into the depths of a big, big mountain and hid. We watched all kinds of dragons flying down into the cave and dropping heaps of food into a massive pit in the middle.” Hiccup dropped his voice to a whisper and Astrid could feel Zephyr leaning in towards her father ever so slightly. “And then one little dragon dropped nothing more than a small fish into the pit, and that’s when we saw it. The Red Death.”

Zephyr gasped, and Hiccup glanced at Astrid just for a moment as the two shared a smile. But then Hiccup dove right back into storytelling, standing to better animate his story and voice returning full force.

“It rose from the depths of the pit and snapped at the dragons trying to escape. I could’ve sworn it was as big as the mountain itself! And it almost got us, but Toothless flew us out and right back to Berk. Now, when Grandpa Stoic found out, oh boy, was he angry. He had been searching for Dragon Island for years, and now he knew how to find it. They strapped Toothless down on a boat and sailed off with the biggest army they could gather for Dragon Island.”

“Oh no,” Zephyr whispered, hands covering her mouth and blue eyes open wide.

“Oh no is right,” Hiccup said.

“But,” Astrid jumped in, “we had a secret weapon.”

Zephyr spun around to face her mother. “What was that, Mommy?”

“We had Daddy.”

Hiccup’s hands slowly dropped as Astrid’s favorite shy half-smile joined the blush in his face. She overtook the story, knowing he was too humble to tell the next part right on his own.

“Daddy taught me and your aunt and uncles how to train dragons in a matter of minutes. Then he hopped on Stormfly with me and lead the Dragon Riders on our very first mission: saving the entirety of Berk. Grandpa Stoic helped him save Toothless, and then Daddy and his dragon fought the Red Death one on one.”

“Woah…” Zephyr’s mouth was open wide in astonishment now as she looked back to her father. “Daddy, what did you do?!”

Hiccup took the story back. “We got the Red Death to follow us high up into the sky. And then just when we had it mad enough, we dove back down towards the ground. And then we waited. We waited for it to fire at us-“

“But they were running out of time,” Astrid jumped back in. “Toothless’s tail had caught fire and it made it harder to fly with one side gone.”

“And then the Red Death opened its jaws to blast us, but Toothless blasted it first. He crashed to the ground in a ball of flame!” For a moment, Hiccup worried he had gone a little too far with the details in his excitment, but the intrigued and delighted look on his daughter’s face told him otherwise. “Toothless tried to fly out of danger, but as he flew along the body of the Red Death, it’s giant tail came crashing down towards us. With Toothless’s tail gone, he couldn’t change direction to fly out of the way. And so it hit us.”

Zephyr gasped again. “No, Daddy! What happened?!”

Hiccup shrugged. “I don’t remember, sweetheart. Ask your mother.”

Hiccup turned to tend to dinner and Nuffink as Zephyr spun around in Astrid’s lap, pleading with her mother to continue the story. Astrid took a deep breath. “Daddy let go of Toothless when he was knocked out and started to fall back towards the ground. Toothless, though, was still awake. And he didn’t hesitate for a moment. He dove to catch up with Daddy, reaching out his paws and trying so hard to catch him. And then the flames swallowed them both.”

Zephyr quietly exhaled as tears brimmed her eyes.

Astrid leaned in close, touching her forehead to her daughter’s. “But then when the smoke faded away, we saw Toothless laying in a heap on the ground. And as he gently unfolded his wings, we saw Daddy carefully folded in his paws. He did it. He saved Daddy.”

“Or most of me, as Grandpa Gobber would say,” Hiccup added, holding Nuffink and stirring the stew.

Astrid smiled at him before turning back to her daughter. “And that’s how Daddy lost his leg.”

Zephyr was quiet for a moment. Hiccup and Astrid watched her carefully, waiting for a reaction to know what she was thinking. Eventually, she nodded and said “That’s a lot better than a dumb troll.”

Hiccup and Astrid both laughed, relieved they didn’t scare their little girl. Hiccup sat Nuffink back in his chair so he could scoop the stew into bowls. “I’m glad you think so, sweetheart.”

“Daddy’s a pretty amazing hero, huh?” Astrid asked, setting Zephyr back in her chair so she could gather the rest of dinner.

“Yes yes yes!” Zephyr reached up to her father as he set the bowls on the table. He leaned over to scoop her up in a big hug, kissing her check before setting her back down. “Ah, I don’t know about that.” He looked up to his son, playfully pointing a finger at him. “And now you’ve already heard this story, so it’s not my fault if you don’t remember it. Understood?”

Nuffink flung his arms up and down, hitting the table in front of him twice before freezing with his hands in the air. He dropped them again and threw his spoon across the table before looking back up to Hiccup and laughing, a big, open smile overtaking his face.

Hiccup chuckled and shook his head. Zephyr’s eyebrows scrunched together, focus still trained on her brother. “I don’t think he’s gonna remember that,” she said.

“Well, maybe you can tell him the story next time,” he said, ruffling her hair.

Zephyr smiled up at her father. “Nuh-uh. Nobody tells stories good like you, Daddy.”

“Hey now, I tell some pretty good stories,” Astrid said, juggling three plates of yak chops as she joined her family at the table.

Zephyr rolled her eyes. “Yeah, about Daddy.”

“Not true! I tell other stories!” she insisted, ruffling her daughter’s hair as well. Zephyr smiled but returned to her drawing. “Come on, what was the last story I told you?”

“How Daddy always let Mommy win the Dragon Races,” she said matter-of-factly, focus never leaving the parchment in front of her.

Astrid thought for a moment. “Okay, fine. What about the one before that?”

“How Daddy almost got ran over by a yak.”

Hiccup’s face turned redder than his shirt. He forgot about that one. Astrid chuckled, remembering the story now as well. “Alright, alright, alright, but the one before that-”

“How Daddy-”

“Oh Thor, okay, you made your point,” Astrid interjected, leaning over to kiss her daughter’s cheek as she giggled. Zephyr loved being right.

Hiccup smiled as he took in the sight of his little family enjoying their dinner, laughing and playing with each other. They’d come a long way since the days of the Red Death, but he wouldn’t take any of it back for fear that it would alter this moment right here.

Not even his left leg.

#httyd #how to train your dragon #httyd fanfic #hiccstrid fanfic #httyd fanfiction #drabbles #httyd drabble #zephyr #nuffink #astrid #hiccup #the-dragon-central #finished-prompts

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breakingasia-blog · 4 years

Text

Power Over Mekong: The Mighty River Linking Five Countries and China

China has long wanted to dredge the riverbed in northern Thailand to open passage for massive cargo ships -- and potentially military vessels. Ultimately a link could be carved from Yunnan province thousands of kilometers south through the Mekong countries -- Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. There, the river emerges into the South China Sea, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes and the centerpiece of Beijing's trade and security strategy for its Asian neighborhood. Under the tagline "Shared River, Shared Future" China insists it seeks only the sustainable development of the river and to split the spoils of a trade and energy boom with its Mekong neighbors and their market of 240 million people. But squeezed for value by the dams lacing China's portion of the river -- and further downstream -- the Mekong is already changing. Fish stocks have collapsed say Thai fisherman, and nutrient-rich land in the Vietnamese delta is sinking as the sediment flow shrinks. The river is rivaled only by the Amazon for its biodiversity, environmentalists say, but now endemic species like the giant Mekong catfish and river dolphins are facing extinction. Environment versus big business. Geopolitics throttling a lifeline to 60 million people -- big themes are playing out on a slow-moving river. The Mekong nations -- China, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam -- are struggling to ensure sustainable development, jeopardising hundreds of millions of lives The Golden Triangle Sop Ruak village, Kilometre 1: Zhang Jingjin's tour group run through a catalogue of selfie poses in front of the "Welcome to The Golden Triangle" gate. Below swirls a few hundred muddy metres of the Mekong. It is the 'Golden Triangle', the intersection of northern Thailand with Myanmar and Laos, notorious for conflict and drugs -- but now getting plump on Chinese investment. "If more boats can pass there will be more visitors, more trade and more business," Zhang, a jovial elevator salesman from Beijing, says. "Business is good for everyone." First the shoal at the Golden Triangle will have to go -- one of 15 sets of rocks, rapids and sandbars impeding ships' progress along the river. Once removed and dredged, deep-hulled boats carrying 500-plus tonnes of cargo could make the 600 kilometers (370 miles) journey from Yunnan to the Laotian colonial-era jewel of Luang Prabang. The vision is to festoon both banks of the waterway with Special Economic Zones (SEZs) replete with condos, ports, rail and road links. From Laos much of the river has already been opened south towards Cambodia, two key -- and poor -- allies readily softened up by Beijing's investment billions. But for now proposals by a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), the world's second-largest dredging firm, have stalled after sustained resistance by activists in northern Thailand. But campaigners say Beijing's grand ambitions rarely run aground on local opposition. "It's resource politics... eventually they want to turn the Mekong into a 'superhighway' for cargo," Pianporn Deetes of International Rivers told AFP. The Bend in the River Chiang Sean, Kilometre 10: A short drift downstream, Kome Wilai and his friends putter out midstream on long boats, returning to polish off beers and measure the river's changes in their nets. The catch has been pitiful for a fortnight, says the 38-year-old Kome, after a sudden drop in water level in the middle of the monsoon season. "I've laid my nets twice today and got nothing. It's the Chinese dam.... there is no water for the fish to swim or lay their eggs," he explains. The dam -- the Jinghong -- is one of 11 in China's portion of the river, established as part of a hydro-electric power drive to help wean the country off coal. Laos, through which a third of Mekong flows, plans many more across key tributaries. A thicket of agreements encourage upstream countries to announce when they plan to store or discharge large amounts of water from their dams. Still, in Chiang Saen the water often drops by 1.5-3 meters without warning. "When they close the gate at the dam it affects everyone along the river," says Prasong La-on, Chiang Sean district chief. "We have to accept it." The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok insists it does not hold back water for its farmers or turbines and "pays great attention" to the needs of its neighbors. Meanwhile other analysts say the finger is pointing in the wrong direction. "The reality is that China only accounts for 12 percent of the Mekong’s surface water," says China Water Risk, a Hong Kong-based consultancy. The "Western press has a pre-determined view of China which has spilled into how it approaches transboundary water," it says, arguing downstream dams including in Laos, where the Thai-owned Xayaburi has just come online, cause the biggest impacts. Whoever is behind the fluctuations, river communities fear the worst as each year brings unwanted records... the lowest monsoon water levels, the highest unseasonal floods. "When the river is gone, it will be gone forever," warns Grandpa Nart, a toothless 72-year-old boat driver, who has mapped the waters over a lifetime. The 'Golden Triangle', the intersection of northern Thailand with Myanmar and Laos was notorious for conflict and drugs but it is now boosted by Chinese investment The Rapids Khon Pi Long, Kilometer 45: If anyone has reasons for optimism about the river's future it should be Niwat Roikaew. The ponytailed conservationist leads 'Love Chiang Khong Group' which fought an unlikely 20-year rearguard defense against the blasting of the rapids. In March, 2019, the Chinese government formally shelved its plans after his campaign led the argument that both the unique ecology of the river and Thailand's sovereignty will be hollowed out by China’s dredgers. "This is the egg-laying area for fish and birds," Niwat says, gesturing to the boulders at Khon Pi Long, where water rushes as the river tightens up. "This key ecosystem used to be seasonal. But now the river levels depend on the opening of the dam gates and the ecosystem can't function," he says. "And they want to blast the rapids too? You'd kill the Mekong." Fish are confused by the shallow waters at spawning season, while nutrient packed algae -- favored food of the critically endangered giant Mekong catfish -– grows later and less prolifically. The risks sharpen as the river flows downstream. Cambodia's vast Mekong-fed Tonle Sap Lake produces half a million tonnes of fish each year, the main supply of protein for the country, says Bryan Eyler author of "Last Days of the Mekong." Further along the lifeline Vietnamese delta is on the retreat as sediment gets clogged behind upstream dams causing anemic embankments to collapse into the water. "Without that sediment distribution, the Mekong Delta will slip into the ocean faster than predicted," he adds. China disputes the gloomy scenarios while denying it has ever crafted firm engineering plans to blast the contested Thai stretch of water. There are fears for the Mekong's biodiversity as development spirals The Final Holdout Chiang Khong, Kilometer 67: It's festival time and elders with big smiles and elegant hand-woven skirts sit in front of the Golden Phaya Naga -- fire-breathing serpents of river lore -- presiding over the entrance to a Buddhist temple decorated with frescos of Mekong life. "Our culture and history are linked to the water," says Samai Rinnasak after kneeling for blessings from the assembly of monks. Economic growth and environmental change have long been reshaping that relationship. Eventually, China is "going to do what it wants," according to Thitinan Pongsudhirak, of the Institute of Security and International Studies, Chulalongkorn University, citing the build-up of dams, SEZs and cultivation of allies Laos and Cambodia. "This is China's way of power," he adds. An hour downstream in Huai Luek (kilometer 90-97) where pomelo plantations roll down to the riverbank, the final kilometers of rocks block Beijing's decades-old aspiration. Only ten fishermen remain in Thongsuk Inthavong's village, a trade withered by the decreasing bounty of the Mekong. The decay started in 2008, the former village chief says, when the Mekong turned brown overnight. "Older people said it was the Phaya Naga churning up the river bed to build a nest," he says. "But it was the same year the Chinese (Jinghong) dam opened." From his stilted wooden house he has also had a ringside seat to the transformation of the Laos’ bank from small-holdings into vast banana plantations –- all Chinese-owned. The same investors have tried to entice Thai farmers to sell up - as small river communities fear checkmate is edging closer. "China plays with us like a toy," Thongsuk says. "It makes me angry but we'll defend our river." PICTURES BY LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/afp Read the full article

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