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bts-0t-7 · 6 months

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Moonlight Sanctuary | OT7

Pair: Werewolf OT7 x F Reader

Summary: In a chase, you find a cottage in the midst of the woods. Barging in, you found seven men at your aid and you never expected things to turn out the way it did. But you were forever grateful for how it did.

Genre: Fluff, werewolf au, human reader

Chapter Warnings: Violence, abuse

You aren’t alone. If you ever need a helping hand, our fellow social services, friends, and family will always be there. If anybody is going to be insensitive on this topic on my blog, you will be blocked. Borahae💜

WC: 2297

The moon hung low in the night sky as you ran in the opposite direction of your house. Well, your brother’s house. You had never considered it a home the moment things took a drastic turn after your parent’s death. A home is a place where one feels safe and secure but this is… this was no home.

You had no sense of direction as you blasted through thick foliage and wet mud. The sky was dark and thunder boomed when you left but now it was pouring. Drenched from head to toe, you felt your anxiety rise as the sky darkened and your lungs collapsed. You paused at the foot of a tree, bending down to catch your breath. You had no idea where you were going. All you knew was that you needed to run.

Run. Run. Run or they will catch you again.

The air was still with your heavy breathing and loud splatters of rain when you heard rustling sounds. Suddenly blinded by the onslaught of light, you made out the rough shape of your bulky brother. Fearing for your life, you quickly stumbled up and ran again. You didn’t dare look back but you dared to look up.

The moon was shining bright tonight, despite the darkness that was chasing you. It casted an ethereal glow over the dense forest and if you tilted your head just right, you could see little rainbows in the making. You ran through the trees, heart pounding against your chest. You didn’t know how far or how close you were to your brother and his gang. At the same time, you didn’t know where the fuck you were. You could just imagine being eaten up by some sort of nocturnal animal in here.

“BITCH! Come back here! Who said you could run away, huh?”

You tried to pump your legs harder - to give you more strength. But you found yourself short of any sort of energy. You didn’t have dinner and it was during your break did you sneak past the back door and run away from them, hastily slipping on your clothes for some decency. You carried nothing with you - just you, underwear, and clothes - which is essentially whatever you were wearing.

“Ey! I swear you’re going to get it from me when we catch you! FUCK, you’re done!”

The sound of your own harsh breathing drowned out the haunting echoes of your abusive brother’s threats. For years, you endured his cruelty, but tonight - tonight you had enough. He sold your body. Sold your body to his friends. You had sobbed and begged with every last shred of dignity you had but they never listened. You didn’t know where you were going but you knew you couldn’t stay there any longer.

You stumbled through the woods on clumsy feet, the darkness of the foliage seemed to close in around you. You tried to keep your anxiety at bay, knowing it would do you more harm than good if you started to panic. Branches clawed at the exposed skin of your feet, the ground beneath the flimsy slippers you hastily wore was uneven and treacherous the deeper you went. Fear gnawed at your insides and despair threatened to overtake you. Breathing harshly, you tried to keep yourself calm.

Just as you thought that all hope was lost and you would have to be running forever or be caught, your attention focused on the soft glow of light emitting from a cottage house. Without thinking, you ran towards it and pulled against the handle, trying every one until you found an open door and slammed it shut behind you.

Sliding onto the floor, you placed your head between your legs, breathing through your mouth. You were tired and bruised. You heard before you saw someone stand in front of you, shadow covering half of your hunched over body. Your breath caught as you slowly took in the sight before you. You were the centre of their attention, their eyes reflecting the silver light of the moon. You were sure you weren’t breathing. THese were the folklore of your little village - stories passed down by the elders from generation to generation.

Werewolves.

Nobody believed that there were such mystical beings living amongst you. But you were certain that they were exactly what you believed. These seven men that surrounded you brought around them an aura of power and grace.

You could easily tell by the tall and commanding figure to your left that that was the leader of the pack. He stepped forward, gait slow and steady, approaching you as if you were a scared prey. But you were quite the opposite. As you looked at each of them, they surveyed you quietly. Looking at each of them in their eyes, you felt a connection deep in your blood - a spark of recognition of what belongs.

“Are you in danger?” he asked, voice low and soothing.

You nodded, voice trembling as you replied, “My - my brother, he and his friends, they - they -”

The door was suddenly banged open as you stumbled into the man’s hold. You felt a sense of protection and comfort you had never known when you were with them. They surrounded you again, this time, as a protection barrier between you and your brother.

You curled deeper into yourself.

Without hesitation, a man grabbed your cheeks and forced you to look at his smiling eyes. “Hey! My name is Jimin! What’s yours?”

“Y/N, come here now.” Your brother commanded. Shivering in your spot against Jimin’s body, you shook your head and rejected him. You didn’t want to.

“Come here now or you will regret it.” You shook your head. You didn’t want to go back to the life you once had. If it was considered life.

“Come here and I won’t kill these ‘men’. They are vicious monsters, you know that.”

Your head turned when you heard your name being called. “You are safe here. We won’t let anyone hurt you now.” You nodded and turned away from your brother, clinging onto Jimin’s shirt tightly.

“It’s funny how you claim to care for your sister when you sold her off. It is funny how you think you would be able to hurt us.” The man with cat-like eyes formed into slits. He certainly looked more like a cat than a wolf.

“HAH!” Your brother laughed maniacally. “You are a bunch of monsters. Werewolves? Ridiculous! You are not wolves nor are you humans. Monsters is an appropriate word to use for paws.”

“Shall we let her choose then?” The man with a fluffy head of hair said.

The silence that followed was deafening. The tension in the air was at its peak and both sides were ready for an attack.

“Come now, Y/N. Let’s go home, I’ll get you some ice cream if you cooperate now.” Your brother held his hand out, palm facing up - placating. He didn’t want to lose his face in front of his friends and males who didn’t even know you.

But you refused. Your head went to Jimin’s neck as you stood up, trying to hook a leg onto his waist.

Keyword: trying.

You were just too short for him.

The man with fluffy hair chuckled lowly at your attempts. Quickly hooking a hand under your thighs, he lifted you up onto Jimin’s hip. As he left, going back to his spot, your hand shot out to hold him in place, accidentally pulling against his hair instead. Your hand quickly retracted and your head shot up.

“I -”

He was quick to soothe you, one hand patting your thigh in a soothing rhythm while the other went to your untamed hair, softly stroking the back of your head.

“Hey, hey. It’s okay, okay? You can do whatever you want with me.” You hesitantly pulled against the sleeve of his shirt.

“Stay? Please?”

He nodded. “Of course, darling. I wouldn’t dare go anywhere.”

The rest of the males reformed themselves to ensure that the three of you in the centre were protected.

“I think it is clear what her choice is. Now leave.” The pack leader commanded, voice strong with power. You saw your brother’s friend pull him along.

“Fine! Die with these mutts around you, whore!”

The cat-wolf lunged for your brother when the pack leader pulled him back.

The males remained in the formation only when they were certain your brother was far enough and they couldn’t smell him from the distance anymore. Only then did they relax their posture, slowly turning towards you with worried eyes. You were no longer shaking in Jimin and the fluffy hair’s hold but your scent was still sour with fear.

They cautiously moved up the stairs to the living room where they sat down at the sofa. You turned your head to look at them. All seven males were foreign to you - as foreign as the way they made you feel safe and protected.

“Should we… say names?” The man with a whole sleeve of tattoos asked, eyes big and filled with curiosity - just like a bunny’s, you thought.

“I’m Namjoon.” The pack leader started.

“Yoongi.” You finally had a name for the cat-wolf.

“Taehyung.” The fluffy head of hair appeared into your view again. “But I give you special permission to call me TaeTae!”

You nodded.

“I’m Seokjin but just Jin is okay, yeah?”

“Me! Me!” The bunny man hopped up. “I’m Jungkookie!”

“You can call me Hobi!”

Oh that man was filled with sunshine, you could clearly see.

“And I’m Jimin but you already know that, little one.”

You nodded.

“Would you like to ask us anything?”

You shook your head then nodded again, pointing to Yoongi. “Cat-wolf. Cat. Meow-Meow.”

Jungkook burst out laughing from your left, igniting a round of laughter that filled the room and lifted the heavy atmosphere.

“For you, you can call me whatever you want, darling.” Yoongi smiled, gums out as he looked at you with adoration.

In that moment, you felt their strength and loyalty, their offering to you of a sanctuary - a refuge from the darkness you fought so hard from. From those that have haunted your life for so long.

As time passed, you became part of their pack - a human amongst werewolves. They were patient in teaching you their traditions and customs, their code of honour and their ways. You learned that they were the protectors of the forest, guardians of the vulnerable, and that they are the core value of the balance of nature itself.

Namjoon, with his kind eyes and strong presence, quickly became a source of your strength and guidance for you. His knowledge and wisdom never failed to keep you entertained. Although clumsy, this man was the foundation of his pack.

Seokjin, with his unseriousness and constant care, he helped heal the wounds that your brother and his friends had inflicted upon you. He kept you steady as you grew, always ensuring to pull you up when you got down but bringing you down when you were too high up.

Yoongi, the car-wolf, with his gentle hands and calm nature became another one of your rocks. He never failed to teach you something new that day and he most certainly cooked one of the best foods you have ever tasted - rivalling Seokjin’s.

Hobi, with his everlasting laughter and sunshine, was an easy person to be around as you healed from your wounds. He never fails to make you laugh. With him around, there was never a dull moment.

Jimin, with his soft and calming nature, he unintentionally healed both your emotional and mental wounds. While Seokjin cared for your physical wounds, Jimin was always a talking buddy that helped you through understanding yourself and your worth.

TaeTae, with his outgoing mischievous nature, the both of you were constantly creating something to be cleaned up. Hand-in-hand with Jungkookie, the three of you liked to run out and about, being everywhere.

Jungkookie, with his curiosity and strength, the both of you were always causing mischief for the others. Like partners-in-crime, the both of you would be curious about everything and anything, so the both of you would always take it upon yourselves to figure out the answers.

But you have also come to realise that the entire pack was more than just a pack - they were a family. Each of them had their own unique qualities and were a force to be reckoned with. Today was a full moon and under the light of the glowing orb, you discovered a love and acceptance that you had never known. Your past, with all its pain and suffering, seems to fade into the background when you are with them. Embracing the new chapter of your life, you ran forward with them, putting your full trust in the seven males you had learned to understand.

With your heart and spirit soaring, you felt the exhilaration of the transformation, the wind against your fur, and the pure joy of being truly free. In these moments, you knew you had found your place - a home amongst those who have shown you the power of love, trust, and transformation.

As you looked up the the moon, you couldn’t help but feel a huge wave of gratitude. The moon led you here today - to the sanctuary - a place where you were no longer a victim but a survivor; that you were no longer alone but in a place filled with love and acceptance.

As you howled at the moon and cuddled amongst your pack, you came to realise that sometimes, safety and love are found in the most unexpected places. For instance, in a moonlit sanctuary of a werewolf pack that had become your everlasting family.

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theladycarpathia · 1 year

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The vampire doesn’t make it two steps before bursting into flames. Robin spins on the spot, face hot with indignation.

“That’s cheating!” she shouts - as though she’s not wandering Hawkins Cemetery at night and therefore easy pickings for whatever undead/vile/demonic creature that happens to be lurking.

Billy smirks and easily extinguishes the flames from his fingers. The light fades, leaving them in darkness once more. Hawkins Rose Street cemetery is lacking in any sort of working lights, ensuring that they’re walking around in the dark. Which would be great for an ambush, if they weren’t hunting the nocturnal sort of demon.

“I was quicker,” he says smugly. Robin grits her teeth and stows the stake away in her jacket once more.

“You cheated,” she says, grumpily. “At least let me get my stake out.”

“One of these days, I’ll do that and you’ll be dead,” Billy says pointedly. She sticks out her tongue.

“I’m the Slayer,” she says wearily, unimpressed by Billy’s showing off. Billy’s only been learning magic for the last year, since he fell into the whole ‘Hawkins is sitting on a Hellmouth truthers gang' but it’s still a rush, still his favorite thing in the world to feel the flicker of magic under his skin. He feels warm. He feels strong. It’s a power that no one can take from him.

“Slayers die,” Steve adds somberly. He’s leaning against one of the larger mausoleums, watching the two of them fight over vampires. He’s tucked into his favorite navy coat, with the collar pulled up around his ears and a bright red beanie pulled down. Steve hates patrolling in the winter.

“Not me,” Robin says resolutely, her eyes already scanning the empty graveyard for more early risers. It’s barely even curfew and yet they’ve already had a busy evening - three vampires rising from their graves and one lizard demon have crossed their paths.

“You died sophomore year,” Steve says bluntly. He pushes away from the wall and wanders over to Billy. “Remember? Vecna?”

Robin makes a face. “I don’t intend on repeating it,” she says, churlishly kicking at a clump of grass. As though her death at the hands of the Master of all vampires was nothing more than a hiccup. It was only because Steve was there with his magic to help revive her, that there wasn’t a funeral.

“If you die again, do we get another Slayer?” Billy asks and shrugs when Steve turns to glare at him. “I was just asking!”

“I don’t know,” Robin says, drifting between the cobblestones like a ghost in cargo pants and a duster. “Ask Murray.”

“Probably not, right?” Steve says, and as they follow Robin’s path Steve reaches out to link Billy’s fingers with his own. “I mean you died and we got Nancy. If you die again and we get another Slayer and then another Slayer wakes when Nancy dies, that’s still two Slayers. I thought there was only supposed to be one?”

“So say the mystical old guys who wanted a girl to fight their battles for them,” Robin points out.

“Right, so another Slayer will only happen when Nancy dies. Not you,” Steve continues. Robin stops and screws up her face.

“So does that mean Nancy is like…the Prime Slayer now?” Billy snorts in amusement, eyes flicking across the graveyard for any more company. Vampires are crazy good at skulking around in darkness and Billy would like the chance to flambé them before they rip his throat out.

“That’s the thing you’re worried about?” he asks in disbelief. Robin shrugs.

“I don’t know,” she says, slowing her pace so that they can fall into line with her. “For so long I was the Slayer. The one and only, the Chosen One. Now there’s two of us. I’m feeling a little less special.”

“Not to us you’re not,” Steve says gently, because if Billy ever has to feel like he has to compete for Steve’s attention with anyone it would be Robin. “Nancy can get her own Scoobies.”

“I don’t think she wants any,” Billy says, somewhat rudely. He never got on with Nancy even before she turned out to be the next in the Slayer line. She’s annoying, a priss and always thinks she’s right. By the time Billy joined the gang she was already a part of it - going on patrol with Robin, lounging in the library with Eddie and Chrissy, keeping watch over Argyle for those three nights a month when he’s extra toothy. She’s also Steve’s ex-girlfriend from the start of junior year for just that little extra knife twist.

“Yeah, well,” Robin says, with a shrug. “She helps out with Slayer stuff. I don’t mind her hanging out.”

“I do,” Billy mutters mutinously and Steve squeezes his hand tightly.

Steve shouldn’t be so understanding of Billy’s jealousy but he is. It just makes it that much worse when he catches the two of them sharing an inside joke from before Billy arrived. Sometimes, he wonders that if they’d moved from California sooner, would he and Steve spent the last four years together?

A hand erupts from the nearest grave, freshly buried dirt cascading down as the pale fingers scrabble around for purchase. They stop and wait patiently.

“Must be tiring,” Steve comments, watching a second hand reach out into the open air.

“I almost feel sorry for them,” Robin says dryly, pulling her stake from her coat. She shoots a warning glance at Billy. “This one is mine this time, do you hear?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Billy says obediently, saluting her. There’s a dark head emerging from the thick layer of dirt, and Billy winces as it becomes clear that it’s a familiar one. Shit. He forgot about the announcement at school last week.

“Shit.” Robin echoes the sentiment as they watch David from the school paper haul himself free of his grave and shake off the debris. He looks up and sees them, face morphing into one of surprise.

“Hey,” he says, brushing a splinter off his sleeve. Steve shrinks into Billy’s shoulder, horrified at being faced with someone they’d seen at school alive, only just last week. He always hated this bit the most, so Billy soothingly rubs his thumb across the soft cashmere of Steve’s gloves.

“What a surprise,” he says, as though they’d run into each other at the mall. Wasn’t expecting to see you guys here. Quick question. Am I…”

“Dead,” all three chorus at once.

“Ah,” David says regretfully. He tugs at a strand of limp dark hair, smeared with mud. “That is unfortunate.”

“Sorry, mate,” Billy says, because no one should die and rise again at eighteen. David nods thoughtfully. He looks like he’s about to scurry after Nancy, asking for her opinion on the placement of Jonathan’s pictures on the front page.

“I suppose you’ve come to kill me?” he asks and Billy raises his free hand - the one not entwined with Steve’s - and prepares to summon a fireball.

“We have to,” Robin explains quietly, face full of sympathy. “Or you’ll go kill, like you were killed.”

“Yes,” David agrees. He nudges at a small pile of dirt still covering his coffin. “You’d think I’d care about that…I mean, I certainly used to care but…the thing is I don’t anymore. Isn’t that odd? I know I should but I just can’t quite seem to bring myself to. Actually, all I really care about is that I’m quite thirsty.”

“That happens,” Steve says, from Billy’s side. He’s also ready for a fight, if it comes down to it. Steve’s a badass at fighting vampires, after three years at Robin’s side, although he’s always been slightly queasy about staking former classmates. Billy doesn’t have that - if you’re a bloodsucker, he’ll stake you, doesn’t matter if he sat next to them in Math the day before or not - but he loves that about Steve.

“Should have guessed it would be you three,” David sighs, heavily. The change isn’t quite on him yet but there’s just a tint of yellow to those eyes, a pulsing in his throat as he fights to retain any part of David against the overwhelming thirst that’s now consuming him. “You were always odd and no matter what weirdness went on, you were always there. What about Eddie? And Chrissy?”

“Them too. Chrissy’s psychic actually,” Robin explains patiently, as though they have time for a long description of their group dynamics. Billy vaguely remembers a similar conversation after being attacked outside the Bronze. “Argyle’s a werewolf. Nancy’s another Slayer. She’s not on patrol tonight, sorry.” The benefits of so many in their party means off nights. They all trade off. Tomorrow, it’s Nancy, Jonathan and Argyle’s shift, which means Billy intends to take Steve out. It doesn’t fucking matter where, so long as there’s no vampires.

“Out with Jonathan, I expect,” David says ruefully. “Shame. I’d have liked to say goodbye to her.”

And then it happens, so quickly that you could almost put it down to the faint moonlight, the flicker of shadows. His face changes into that terrifying mask of ridged skin and long, sharp teeth. It doesn’t do him any good, however. Robin has had her stake tucked away since David rose and now her arm strikes out, fast as lightning. She hits her mark and David only has time to look down at the wood lodged in his heart before he crumbles into dust.

“We should…” Steve says, heavily, gesturing at the grave. “He was just buried today. His family might mind.”

Billy withholds a few sarcastic comments and bends down to help Steve push the dirt back, forming a neat mound once more. Robin watches their backs, cautious of anyone else sneaking up behind them.

“Fucking sucks,” Billy mutters, brushing dirt off his gloves. He’d be quite content leaving the gaping wound of a grave open but Steve has lived here all his life, knows basically the entire school and their families to boot.

“I’m sure it was an inconvenience to David too,” Robin says dryly. She looks down at the freshly cut flowers and sighs. “I’ll have to tell Nance.”

“The joys of the Hellmouth,” Billy says, with a shrug. He doesn’t mean to be blase - it’s just that's how life is here. Moving from California two years ago had come with the unexpected bonus of finding out that the yearbook has a pretty sizable ‘In Memorandum’ section. He just didn’t know why until midway through Junior year when Robin saved him from a vamp one night, after too many beers at Tommy Hagan’s party. She’d staked the vamp as easy as breathing, dragged his drunk ass up and called Steve to give them both a ride. That was how he’d ended up as part of the group, part of the secret.

Steve’s casual comment about teaching Billy magic had been a genuine promise that Billy had been hesitant to accept. Magic, as if the school stoner turning into a huge werewolf three nights a month, and the crabby school librarian was in fact part of a council that protects the world from demonic forces, and that the head cheerleader having visions and dating the Dungeon Master weren’t all weird enough. But it had all been worth it. The first time that Billy had made a pencil float had been the first time the feeling of being helpless had eased in his chest. The night where Steve had leaned over and kissed him for the first time was the day when Billy finally felt like Indiana was home.

He tugs on Steve’s sleeve, pulling the other witch to a stop.

“Billy?” Steve asks, brown eyes huge with concern. Fuck, Billy loves those eyes. He may call Steve Bambi as a joke, but all Steve has to do is look at him with those big trusting eyes and he’ll do anything Steve asks.

Billy cradles Steve’s cheek, red from the cold, and leans down for a kiss. It’s soft, tinged with cool skin and the faint taste of Steve’s chapstick. Billy slides his hand up, under the beanie, just to feel Steve’s hair. He can burn vampires with a flick of his hand, blast down doors and shatter glass panes with one strong gust of wind but all he ever really wants to do is hold Steve like he’s the most precious thing in the world. Steve grabs hold of the front of his coat, tilting his chin up and when Billy bites gently on his full bottom lip, the sound Steve makes - like a whimper pulled from the back of his throat - is enough to have Billy hard in his jeans.

Steve is also a power that no one can take from him.

“Can you fucking stop macking and help?!” Robin screeches from behind them and they break apart to see several vamps stumbling towards them. They’re all fresh, grave-dirt still clinging to their clothes, attacking with the awkwardness and desperation of the newly thirsty. Billy flashes Steve a grin, the kiss stirring up his blood just enough to prepare him for the fight.

“Bet I can get more than you,” he challenges, watching for the moment that Steve’s gaze clears.

“Please,” Steve scoffs, swiping a tongue across his red lower lip. Dirty cheating tactics. “You’ve been doing magic for a year. You’re a baby who has a fireball and thinks that’s real magic.”

Man, Billy wants to bite that petulant bottom lip again.

Steve lights up the first vampire creeping towards them with barely a hand gesture and Billy can feel the warmth of the flames from here. They watch the ash float on the breeze and Steve turns to Billy. Billy grinds his teeth, unbelievably turned on. Steve has so much power hidden in that long, lean frame and every time he shows his hand, it’s like catnip for Billy.

“Still think you can beat me?” Steve asks smugly and Billy does pull him in to bite down until Steve’s lip is red. A promise for later, when they tumble in out of the cold and the fighting, and make love in Steve’s empty house.

“Watch me,” he vows and raises his hand.

#harringroveweek #harringrove #harringrove harvest #last day of harringrove harvest #prompt: buffy #btvs au #Billy Hargrove #steve harrington #slayer!robin #slayer!nancy #witch!steve #witch!billy #nancy is faith #but saner #I rewrote this so many times #but absolutely love it now #really tempted to write more

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lonelypond · 9 months

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Warning Shot

NicoMaki, Love Live, 1.8K, 1/?

Summary: An injured Yazawa Nico finds herself on the run from the notorious A-Rise gang. Headed toward Otonokizaki Falls, she first meets two children who will change her life.

The bullet pinged off the boulder to Yazawa Nico’s left. A chunk of granite flicked her cheek, liquid warmth telling her blood had been drawn. She spun, reaching for her Colt, but froze as she watched Tsubasa Kira hand her rifle to Todo Erena.

“You left the Wells Fargo driver alive.” Tsubasa spit, her right hand hovering over the grip of her pistol. “You’re that damn undercover marshall.”

“Nico is the Number One Bandit.” Nico couldn’t help the proud swagger as she posed.

A movement to Nico’s right showed her that Tsubasa’s other lieutenant, Yuki Anju, settling into a sniper’s position.

“That was your warning shot. The next one…”

Kosoka Honoka stepped in front of Tsubasa, arms up, “I was there too. We got the money; no reason to kill the stagecoach driver.”

“I ordered it.” Tsubasa stepped forward, “Out of my way. You’re cute, Kosaka, and new so I’ll forgive you for not knowing we take traitors seriously here.”

Honoka’s distraction had given Nico a minute to calculate an escape, the minute she needed. But a minute was all she needed. Yazawa forced Anju back into cover with a quick shot that kicked up dirt in her face.

Nico rolled over the rock, tossing a smoke bomb behind her, a high pitched whistle summoning her horse. She sprinted toward where Smiley would be approaching, determined to leave shouts behind her. Another shot, and a bulllet rushed by, too close for any ease. Grimacing, Nico continued in the direction where her horse should be running her way. She needed a bridle and a blanket saddle. Nico paused, small against a night full of danger. She’d need her rifle too. Tsubasa shouted confusing directions. Nico headed for where she had her saddle.

A quick close sound, a pinch in her side, an explosion of pain. Not a warning shot. Erena’s narrowed eyes looked surprised that Nico still stood. And then Erena was tilting, the tiny ginger speedster, Hoshizora Rin having clocked her with the butt of her Winchester. Nico’s horse, prepped with saddle and head bridle, neighed a greeting.

“Mount up and go, Nico-chan. I’ll send ‘em in the wrong direction.”

Nico nodded, hand pressed against the wound in her side. She’d do a more proper bandage once she got on horseback but for now a bandana and hard pressure was all she could manage. Mounting was one smooth motion. With a nod to Hoshizora, Nico headed Smiley toward the North. She’d heard rumors of a quiet town, immigrant built, near a cluster of waterfalls.

###

Sheriff Sonoda Umi sighed, tacking another wanted poster to the wall outside her office. These criminals were getting younger and younger. The latest, Nico Yazawa, looked like a teenager. How could someone with a face like that have committed crimes worthy of such a bounty. Umi squinted at the signature. Some bank manager who’d hired a rider to deliver the posters to all the towns in a 200 mile or so radius. Umi couldn’t imagine a criminal making their way here to the quiet of Otonokizaka Falls. There wasn’t even a full time banker. Three saloons, one general store, a seamstress, a blacksmith, a doctor, a barber, a laundry, livery stable, dry goods, carpenter, community hall, school house. Another town was closer to the mines so most of the shameless activities and businesses miner’s money attracted had grown up there, leaving the Falls a quiet, friendly town surrounded by ranchers and natural beauties, most of the visitors riding in either to see Doctor Nishikino or stay at the hotel and have their pictures taken at the Falls.

###

Daylight was louder, Nico Yazawa realized as she scrunched deeper into the bare warmth of her lined duster. The sun always seemed to give off its own music, a cloud driven rhythm that drove the harmony of creatures living their lives in full daylight. Nico was a nocturnal creature, here, under the silence of the slicing moon, a lone owl hooting, his baritone note a call for companionship. Nico’s horse shifted suddenly, Nico biting back a curse as the movement jostled her. The gunshot in her side needed attention. She didn’t need the pain stabbing her a reminder of that.

In the silence, she could almost hear hooves in pursuit. Surely her picture had been circulated by now, her betrayal complete, cut off by the A Rise gang as an easy target to cover their escape with two train cars worth of gold bullion.

Nico sighed. She needed food, rest, a place to water Smiley, a place to hide. She’d ridden out this far, searching for Otonokizaki Falls. Nico smiled at the thought of water rumbling, rushing, as a soothing wind rustled rough against cool green leaves. Must be a fever, Nico realized, water wouldn’t seem nearly so soothing otherwise. Tugging the reins gently, Nico guided Smiley to the easiest path down this mountain. Maybe by dawn they could be tucked into an unused outbuilding on some ranch.

###

“Slow down, Ruby!” 7 year old Dia Kurosawa worried about the speed at which 5 year old Ruby Kurosawa was racing toward a large black horse. What if her sister fell again? Their new mama, Doctor Maki, wasn’t due back for a day or two. Koizumi Hanayo was sweet and cooked much better than Mama, but if Ruby got hurt, Dia wanted Mama right there. At least until Mama let Dia have her own surgical bag.

Ruby stood in front of the large black horse now, bouncing on her toes, gingham dress flitting in the breeze, hand open, a contraband sugar cube on her palm. She must have pocketed it at breakfast. Dia dressed like her new mama most days, button down linen shirt and corduroys tucked into boots, a matching vest her only vanity. Mama wore wrinkled jackets and kept an open collar. Dia thought it looked messy. But Mama was always in motion, rolling up her sleeves, measuring out medicines, examining patients.

“Sis!!! He’s new. And so pretty.” Ruby was petting the horse’s neck, its head lowered.

“Be careful.” Dia walked quickly to her sister’s side. “He’s not from the herd.” Hanayo had a small herd of horses as well as sheep wandering her ranch, along with Juniper, her sheep dog.

“No. But he’s so nice.”

The horse took Dia’s sleeve, pulling her a little.

“I think he wants you to go with him, Sis.”

Dia was a little scared. It was a very big horse. But Ruby kept looking at the both of them with a total faith that Dia could not disappoint. She gently patted the horse’s neck as she leaned near an ear, “You better not bite me. My mama wouldn’t like that.”

The horse nickered, then snorted, continuing to pull.

“All right.” Dia nodded, her tone decisive.

“Are we going to ride?”

“No, Ruby. We don’t ride strange horses. Mama warned us.” Dia tapped the strange horse’s neck in an encouraging fashion and it took off at a trot.

“He’s taking us to the south barn.” Ruby said.

“There’s nothing there.”

“There’s some hay. Maybe he wants to eat.”

“Bzzzttt. He can’t steal hay.”

“What if he’s really hungry?”

“We’ll have to ask Hanayo.”

“Do you think he’s lost?”

Dia shrugged, hurrying to keep up with this visitor, Ruby’s hand clutched tightly in her own.

###

Voices. Children? Cotaro? Where was Nico? Nico opened her eyes to sunlight bright enough to make her groan. She remembered. She’d crawled into a small barn when the pain had become too much for riding. She was supposed to be gone by dawn so no one would discover she’d hidden out here. No sense bringing threats to some innocent rancher.

Nico sat up, her side throbbing, her head aching. She needed water. Where was Smiley? She’d left him with a loose tie; he must have worked himself free. She could see where he’d helped himself to hay. She’d have to leave some money.

“Smiley?” Nico winced at how raspy her voice sounded, as she pulled herself up to stand in the stall she’d fallen asleep in, under her saddle blanket, the Sharps rifle by her side. She picked it up to check. Unloaded. Nico wasn’t going to take chances around children.

“BZZZTTT!” A hissing sound, “Drop that. Now.”

A very young, very determined voice shouted at Nico, who slowly placed her rifle to the side, then raised her hands in the air. Two children stood in front of her, a tiny one with red hair hiding behind a dark haired one dressed like a junior banker.

“Nico is a friend.”

“Is that your horse?” The redhead asked.

“Yes. He’s very friendly. Just like Nico.”

“He’s pretty. I fed him sugar.”

“He likes sugar.” The junior banker interrupted, “Why are you here?”

“Nico needed a place to sleep. And Smiley needed breakfast. We’ll be going now.” Nico could feel her energy fading. Where was Smiley? She could use his solidity right now. “You look pale. When Mama sees people like you they have to stay in bed.”

Nico didn’t have time to make sense of that statement. Or the time for it to be true. “Nico can’t stay in anyone’s bed. No matter how nice your mama is.” “Mama’s a doctor.” The banker said, each word carrying serious weight.

“Oh.” Nico cringed at any implication that might have been…but surely that child couldn’t be more than six or seven. “What’s your name?”

“Dia Kurosawa. This is my sister, Ruby.” “Hi!” Ruby squeaked cutely as she got nudged from behind by a Smiley who’d decided to join them.

“Nice to meet you, Dia, Ruby. Nico has to go.” Nico, using the top edge of the stall as an aid, pulled herself toward her wandering horse, “C’mere, boy.” It felt like only two more steps and then she would collapse.

“Sit.” Dia pushed her, knocking Nico’s side.

“Ksssshhhh” Nico hissed through gritted teeth, hitting the ground, letting the stall wall hold her up. She’d have to get help. The wound needed tending to. Maybe this doctor could actually do something. Nico heard rumors about women doctors coming West after graduating with actual medical degrees, unlike some of the frauds who’d mistreated people she knew.

“Go get your Mama.”

“She’s not here.”

“Is there someone else?” “Hanayo. She lets us stay here when Mama’s busy. Do you want to stay?”

“Thank you, Ruby. Nico does.”

“Ooh!” Ruby started to run off.

“Wait for me!” Dia shouted after her sister, then turned back to Nico, “You wait.”

“Nico’s not going anywhere, kid.”

Serious green eyes considered Nico’s statement, examining her expressions, then Dia nodded. “We’ll be back.”

Leaning her head back, biting her lip to swallow a pained shout, Nico groaned, “Nico’ll be right here, kid.”

A/N: Does Time surge or swirl? Doing some Yeehawgust prompts to jumpstart writing and because I've always loved Western themes. Cheers.

#NicoMaki #Yeehawgust #Warning Shot #Can't resist a Western #still need a new Stetson #Nishikino Maki #Yazawa Nico #Sonoda Umi #Kurosawa Dia #Kurosawa Ruby #Dia and Ruby are orphans Maki found #A Rise #Kousaka Honoka #Hoshizora Rin #Kira Tsubasa #Wild West #Western AU #saddle up

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ojcobsessed · 1 year

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Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Doctor Who and Victoria actress Jenna Coleman have been announced as key cast on Northern England-set action thriller Jackdaw, the debut feature of Jamie Childs, whose drama directing credits include The Sandman and His Dark Materials.

Jackson-Cohen, whose recent credits include Emily, The Lost Daughter, stars as a former motocross champion and army veteran, now caring for his younger brother.

Broke, he agrees to do an open water pick up of a mysterious illegal package in the North Sea. A resulting double cross and his brother’s disappearance set him and his old bike on a violent nocturnal odyssey through England’s northern rust belt.

Anton has fully financed the production with the support of North East Screen and will launch worldwide sales at the upcoming EFM.

The company has released a first look of Jackson-Cohen in the film which was shot in various locations across England’s Northeast coast.

Jamie Childs, who also wrote the screenplay, said inspiration for the film grew out of a desire to create a thriller set in in his home region.

“We see so many American films set in atmospheric towns that don’t tie themselves to local, kitchen-sink stories. I thought, why don’t we do this in Britain?,” he said.

“We set out to push the envelope of what was possible stylistically and tonally in the region. Its clash of pastoral and industrial worlds is the perfect setting for an exciting, pulpy chase thriller,” he said.

The film is produced by Sebastian Raybaud (Greenland, Canary Black) and Callum Grant for Anton, Kate Glover (47 Meters Down, Black Mirror) and Jamie Childs. Childs directs alongside his regular DOP Will Baldy (The Sandman, Willow).

“We’re thrilled to be part of Jamie’s feature debut. The calibre of our cast and crew speaks to the unique quality of his script and commercial vision for the project,” said Grant.

“Like Ridley and Tony Scott, Jamie grew up in the post-industrial heartland of this film and we are paying homage to their early work in Jackdaw. As an action piece, it will take audiences somewhere they haven’t been in contemporary British cinema.”

Stunt work on the film is being designed by industry leaders Dave Judge (Dune, Inception, The Dark Knight Rises) and Ian Van Temperly (Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan), with production design by Matt Gant (Gangs Of London, Shadow and Bone).

Casting was by Jessie Frost (Triangle of Sadness, Little Planet, Borg vs McEnroe).

Rounding out the cast are Vivienne Acheampong (The Sandman), Joe Blakemore and BAFTA Breakthrough Performer 2022 Leon Harrop.

guess allan mustafah wasn't kidding when he said oliver was playing his carer after all : )

#oliver jackson cohen #oliver jackson-cohen #jackdaw #jenna coleman #jamie childs #thomas turgoose #!!!#finally some official news!#allan mustafah #the sandman

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drakor127 · 2 years

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Y'know how I have a villain team called Team Nocturne? Well, they have a rival faction in the form of the Sky Gang: a gathering of people who they wronged who turned out to make pretty good friends themselves. While Team Nocturne are the villain team that you feel slightly bad loving the escapades of, the Sky Gang are the rainbows, fluff, sunshine, secret crippling depression and anxiety, and pep-talkers of the multiverse. They’re the deuteragonist team as opposed to the “villains” of the story. They also have “leaders,” but they were picked up a little less quickly than the Team Nocturne founders, instead coming together over the span of a much longer quest. These people are:

Zap (Skylanders) - Heart of the team and the person who pulled them all together, he witnessed Team Nocturne wreaking chaos on his world, and decided no one gets to treat his home like that and get away with it! Because of this and Vathek escaping prison, he's now collecting pals from all worlds to fight against evil, stop Louise, Vathek and their gang and do as much good as they can do! (While having sleepovers, and coping with life.)

Seiko Kimura, Ruruka Ando and Sonosuke Izayoi (Danganronpa) - Between Vathek and the still-looming threat of Junko's will, these three joined with Zap when he tracked Louise and her Familiars to the world of Danganronpa and interfered with the Final Killing Game.

Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, Yang Xiao Long (RWBY): Before they could get the Staff of Creation, Sonosuke interrupted them on their path and directed them right back around to Vale with the news that Roman Torchwick was back in action. After an incident involving the Quartet and Team RWBY and ORNJ having to team up and actually kill the massive Grimm unleashed in the V3 endgame, they all headed out to Radiant Garden together to continue their mission.

Ada (Lamb): the Eight Misfits found her while exploring worlds and they clicked immediately as pals. Then Team Nocturne, who was hiding out in a farm at the time, sparked a rise in anarchy through the town (Louise and Vathek view Zap and Seiko as the Valjean and Covette to their Javert, the Holmes and Watson to their Moriarty, the Yin to their Yang, the Cain to their Able, and wanted them to prove themselves), and Ada was advised by her dad to leave for her own safety, so she went traveling with them.

Mine (Akame Ga Kill): The Sky Gang came to Night Raid's base for more information on Louise and Vathek. When Mine heard one of their targets was with them, she decided to get involved personally.

Vice (Kamen Rider Revice): Post series. Ruruka made a trip to Japan to see if she could head off Vathek's latest scheme, and ran into Blue Bird along the way. After helping them protect Japan from a very near miss, the Sky Gang invited them to come travel with him. Only Vice (after being revived) accepted at first, the others wanting to clean things up on their homeworld.

Emily, Kelsey, Lily, April and Chloe (Glitter Force) - Were dragged into this because Nargo planned to siphon the negativity in people's hearts to have Louise become the new Emperor Nogo (Emperor Nargo, if you will.)

Rabbids Luigi (Mario + Rabbids) - the Phantom is back, so why not join with the weirdos to stop him.

Celestia Ludenberg (Danganronpa) - Post-Chapter 3 trial. Xehanort requested Makoto Naegi be used as a vessel, and Celestia went in his place so her friend didn’t have to (besides she was going to get executed). But the first chance she got, Celestia noped out of the Castle That Never Was…where Zap had just crash-landed. Celestia patched up Zap's ship (using what experience she had), and immediately became part of the crew. (Worth noting: in this AU, Celestia is basically a redemption story, trying to be a better person to make up for the shit she pulled.)

The Penguins (Madagascar) - These guys joined mostly because Vathek planned to take their world and recruited Salvador.

Donald Duck (KH) - He joined mostly because these guys are trying to stop Vathek and Organization XIII.

Smart Cookies (Sesame Street) - Cookie can use his super eating and problem solving skills to help the Sky Gang, besides Team Nocturne recruited the Crumb.

Ryuko Matoi (Kill La Kill) - Vathek went after her sister, she's mad. Besides, Team Nocturne recruited Nui.

Lila (Texas Chainsaw Massacre) - She joined mostly to make sure no one goes through what she did. (Those who saw the reboot 2022 movie know why.)

Chaos (Sonic) - Tikal was taken from him, he gonna fry some hides.

Snorky (Banana Splits) - Rebuilt to help save lives.

Fei Wu (Miraculous Ladybug) - She was recruited mostly because Mei Shi saw potential.

Crona Gorgon (Soul Eater) - Joined to finally end her mom.

Neptunia (Hyperdimension Neptunia) - Joined to have fun and save some lives.

Vinnie Cannoli (Guns, Gore and Cannolis) - Joined mostly to have some fun.

Nostalgia Critic (Nostalgia Critic) - Joined mostly because this team needs some genius.

Qiqi (Genshin Impact) - Qiqi joined mostly because her ice is needed.

Dr. Livesy (Soviet Treasure Island) - Joined because these people need a medic besides Seiko.

Kyouka Jirou (My Hero Academia) - Joined because this group is trying to have fun.

Kinger, Gangle, Jax, Pomni, Zooble, Ragatha, Caine and Bubble (Amazing Digital Circus) - Joined mostly because the Gloink Queen joined Team Nocturne and Caine thought it would be an adventure.

#Sky Gang #These are my good kids #i love these dummies #these are my babies #aaaaaa

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dilfbuck · 2 years

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Nocturnal gang rise up!

I'm currently trying to stop myself from reorganizing my character aesthetic pinterest board because it's 1 am lmao

But i have new fashion ideas so I must!

That sounds fun at least! I haven't used pinterest in a long time. Maybe I should use it more lol

#askbox #sometimes you just gotta reorganize stuff. the ringing of the bell commands you

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veridienn · 1 month

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no one’s up just me and my follower who may or may not be a vampire. nocturnal gang rise up 💪

#elle.txt #if u see this. hi

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that1person-on-here · 4 months

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Elixir, part I

i’m planning on doing a fanfic series with OCs and original art and stuff so here’s the first installment! i originally wrote this for school but i love the characters so so so much so i need to write this series. Please leave feedback and let me know what you want more of; i want to have fun with this and i want you, the reader, to enjoy it!

tw: implied su!c!de of a fictional person, gruesome concepts

Cariphoia

I used to be a city girl. Look at me now, the exact opposite. Old me would be so disappointed in me, seeing how low I’ve sunk in the hierarchy from my hard-earned social throne. She’d be proud, too, but she’d just criticize me. I miss my mom sometimes, even though she gave me no reason to when she was here.

“Osa, be safe. I don’t know what they’ll do this time. I don’t trust their humanity,” I whisper gravely.

“I know, Cari. Don’t worry about me, please. It’ll be okay,” Osa replies, her voice relaxed as she sips from her steaming glass.

“Okay. You should go; the sun will be down in a few hours, and it’s already unsafe as is.” I hesitate for a moment, whispering shakily, “I- I love you,” so quietly I’d never know if she’s heard. She nimbly springs away, not indicating what she knows; rather, what she might not.

I sit, my legs twisted and dangling. The warmth of her rapidly cooling elixir in my hands is the only thing keeping my lips in a tight line and my eyebrows from twisting in pain from the howling wind. I gaze at the bed of flowers, just a thirty-foot drop below, with my blanket draped around me. They’re still in bloom, encased in a sheer, transparent layer of ice from the frigid weather.

I know Osa will yell at me for sitting on the ledge left of my old roof. She went on a scouting trip to our rival gang. I want to sip from the cup of warmth, of the taste of home. More than that, I want the steaming liquid to still have tendrils of vapor rising when she gets back.

Staring into the rubble, my mind races. I can usually find peace in the jagged edges of the shattered material, even now, when it’s dusted in frost. It’s always like this in the Red zone. Glacial cold or scorching hot, gloomy, unsafe. I’ll take it over the absence of free will any day, even if it means forfeiting comfort and security. I really should be more concerned about the rivals, but I think between me and Osa we have them covered. It’ll all be okay.

Ginosa I stalk around Nocturne. I can’t find her, where is she? I’ve barely been here an hour, but I don’t have much time. I’ve already scouted this base - I don’t need to, though. I know it by heart. I don’t get to call it home anymore, but I wish I could. It’s in the Yellow zone, so much nicer than our barren, battered landscape in the Red zone.

Faced with the view of barren dystopia once again, I sneak onto the ledge where I see Cari sitting. As I come up to her, she raises her travel mug. I reach for it, and she tries to swat me with it. I realize she takes me to be from the other side. I sigh in exhaustion and grasp her wrist gently. I move my hand up to hers, running my fingers along the back of her palm. She whispers,

“Gods, Ginosa, you scared me.”

“I’m sorry, Cari,” I reply. Behind my back, my fingers are intertwined.

She wraps her hand around mine, holding onto it and the feeling of safety, of security. Her safety, anyway. Not mine. She doesn’t have to know that, though.

“Cari, they’re planning something. Something with the green zone. I’m scared. They said expansion…” I trail off, suddenly lost in thought. I wonder if we could move back to Nocturne; no, it’s too risky. Especially when the POLICE is there; the wretched, confusing politics that tore our lands and community into shards. The reason I left the Nocturne. Cari is silent, searching through her thoughts for one that is devoid of panic, emotion, or bias. Just like Aco used to.

Cariphoia

“You’re not thinking about moving back to Nocturne, are you? You saw what they did to Brilliance. What they did to Aco. What they would’ve done to us, had Ryx not liked you. You seriously can’t be. Come on,” I inquire, my tone growing in disbelief and fear. I see her sigh, and a heavy blanket of malleable awkwardness settles in the air, its sheer presence almost suffocating.

“They want to expand. The city. But Nocturne wants their lands back, and Brilliance is reforming in the city,” Osa explains while tossing her knives in the air and catching them by their hilts. Wait? Brilliance? That means Aco could be… never mind. I’ll only trick myself. There’s no room for bias, doubt, or confusion. Not in matters this dire.

“Do you think… maybe we could infiltrate? The city? We have the weapons, and I know you’ll protect me,” I ponder, “Right?” my tone holds a question, and my heart stops for a moment as Osa’s eyes suddenly hold a vacancy, something I haven’t seen since what happened with Aco. I need to be rational. It’s foolish of me to entrust emotion as the conductor of my train of thought. Her hands wring themselves in her lap, leaving mine to hang with the lingering warmth of hers. The smell of leftover leather polish from when she was maintaining our sheaths tints the rose aroma of my hand cream, leaving a slightly oily sheen. Her eyes glaze over before she blinks rapidly, clearing her head.

“Cari… of course I’ll protect you. We only have each other, remember?” Osa inquires back, reminding me of that night after Ryx and Aco and that mess. We’d promised each other our trust and safety. Desperate promises mean nothing. and yet I held onto this one. She took a slow breath and cocked her head to the side.

“I think Nocturne would help if we asked them. As you said, Ryx likes me, so maybe he’d be willing to listen without drawing a spear,” Osa said. Why did she trust them so much? They did so much to hurt us, went to such great lengths to ruin it all, and here she is, driven by this… notion of confidence? She hesitates, then whispers, “…And I have other,” she pauses, “connections.” My head spins. Who else is in her life that I don’t know?

“No. Are you crazy? They hate us. Why do you think we hide from them like this?” My voice slowly gets more agitated, and I lose control of what I’m saying. Suddenly, a loud ringing goes through my head, and I hold my head in my hands, pressure on my temples in hopes of reducing the shooting pain. When I sit straight again, I say, “Actually… maybe it’s worth a shot.” I see Osa’s eyes light up. She says with a chipper smile,

“Ok, let’s get ready! We have to go as soon as we can if we want to be prepared.” Her excitement entertains me, and I grin at her. We don’t have much stuff, so it doesn’t take long for us to pack small supply pouches. Mine holds our weapons and two warm cloaks, while Osa’s holds some EnerGels, my mother’s book, and a first aid kit. I don’t think Nocturne will be easy to convince. They’ve gone out of their way to make our lives harder than they are so many times in the past; and for what? They don’t benefit, they never steal the supplies, they just wreck and dash away to their haven in the Yellow zone. They split me and Osa up every single time, and I can’t ever find her.

Ginosa

I want to get out of here. Out of the Red zone. Sometimes it’s all I wish for and this was one of those times. The terrain will be rough, but eventually, we’ll get to Nocturne and it’ll all be worth it. I know it’s not Nocturne I want to get to. It’s Laera. Every time I think about her, a flurry of emotions whips through my head. Confusion, doubt, guilt, and above all, love. I don’t care about Cari. But I don’t hate her enough to be as cruel as to abandon her in this world. At least, not just yet.

“Cari, we should get going. It’s a long journey to Nocturne if we don’t want to be seen,” I softly spoke while nudging her shoulder.

“I know,” she replies, and we start walking. Hours later, we’re almost at Nocturne. The ground is uneven, and the air bites at my skin. It’ll be a few miles to the road, and even that won’t be much better. We need to get there fast because the POLICE is planning on infiltrating and dissolving the remnants of Brilliance tonight. Suddenly, I hear a loud crack and a scream.

“Osa, my ankle is sprained. Get the bandages…” She grits her teeth, and her strained voice barely escapes her mouth. I sigh, looking away from her as I take the first aid kit and lay it on her lap. Then, I say,

“‘I’m sorry. I can’t lie to you anymore. I have to take the book and the EnerGels, but you should have everything else.” I stalk away, running towards Nocturne, turning at the fork in the road. I look back, and she’s nowhere in sight.

Cariphoia

‘Did that just happen?’ is the only thought that runs through my head as I run towards the city on the Blue zone, Utopie. The jabbing pain from my ankle is the only thing breaking my stride, keeping me from flying across the now-cemented road on my long legs. I can feel the cellulite on the edges of my arms and thighs shaking as my feet hit the ground irregularly to propel my body forward in a desperate sprint, and I cringe at how familiar it’s gotten. What I remember from the before, from when I still had to run is the burn along my legs.

Fifteen minutes later, I slip past the guards into the city. Stationing myself in the main square, all I have to do now is wait for havoc to break loose. My weapons are sharp, my bandages fresh. My head throbs with the pain of confusion but that’ll have to wait until after this all happens, until after this mess can be cleaned. That’s when I hear a clanging and the yelling of a familiar voice. Of Aco.

“Let me go! I’ll stop, I swear!” I hear them exclaim. They’re as I remember them, but one side of their face is burned raw. My breath catches in my chest as I see who’s helping the POLICE bring in the Brilliance members. It’s Ryx and Nocturne. I spot earpieces in two of the Brilliance members’ ears, but it takes me a minute to recognize them. It’s Ginosa, with another girl on her arm. Traitor. Liar. A million thoughts run through my head as I see her but they’re not what fuel my actions. I send a knife flying, perfectly hitting Ryx’s bracelet and causing a loud clang.

There it is. Havoc breaking loose.

Nocturne members release Brilliance and hold Aco there, while the POLICE just strike everyone. In the chaos, I feel the most at home. It wraps its arms of familiarity around my shaken mind until I feel something strike my injured ankle and a shooting pain travels up my leg while scorching heat scalds my skin.

There’s only one person who could know my ankle was hurt and the smell of my mother’s book wafting through the smoky air as she approaches me confirms my suspicions. But what I see next makes me freeze in my tracks. Aco is holding their breath and is completely still, and the gun to their head tells me enough to keep me still too. It’s only when I look closer that their eyes plead me to listen.

“Look. It wasn’t them who hurt me. That’s my fault. Cari, please. Give yourself up. We can-” Suddenly, the gun is to my head and Osa is holding it while Laera snarls,

“Surrender and join us or this book ends up like your friend here with the half-burnt face, and you end up like your mother.”. Osa’s eyes widen, and then she laughs with Laera, adding on,

“We’ll even make you do it yourself so you can die as dishonorably as your mother did.” It’s stuff like this that makes me react. I knock the gun out of her hands and seize my book from Laera.

“You, Osa, you coward. You left me there and it hurt, more than I should’ve let it,” I say, my tone breaking a little. I inhale deeply, straightening my back, and then I turn to face Laera as well. “Here I am anyways. I refuse to give you the honor of a death at my hands, and either way, I think you’re better met with a life together in the hell you’ve created for yourself,” I spit my words at their feet with disdain.

“Cari, let’s go. I think we’re not required here anymore,” Aco’s voice was gentle, and they were smiling slightly. I walk with Aco along the road I came here alone by, their arm around my shoulder.

We reach a gorgeous house, a cottage. Around it, there are lush plants and fountains whose water runs clear as ice used to be. Inside there is a beautiful living space illuminated by the glow of the moon filtering thought the skylights and the softer lighting. There are houseplants and decorations around the place and different rooms are tucked into corners. My mother would’ve loved this cottage.

I set my book and bag of medical supplies on the table, leaving the first trace of myself in this new home. The couch looks comfortable and calls to me, but I’m starving. I walk over to the kitchen, cracking open the fridge and taking out a box of cookie dough. I roll some of the dough into spheres that fit in the palm of my hand when flattened, then lay them out on a baking sheet. Shortly after sliding the tray into the oven, the smell of cookies baking fills the little cottage, along with something else familiar.

Aco stirs a pot on the stove, then calls me over. They ask,

“So, Cari, what do you put in your elixir?” I smile, a feeling of warth rising to my heart.

“I usually add, umm, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, orange peel, ginger powder, cream, and honey to a Bharattian base,” I recite from memory. My family has always made elixir that way, and alongside the book,this elixir method is the only other thing my mother left me. Fifteen minutes later, the elixir is in three mugs on the coffee table across from the couch and the cookies are steaming on a plate. I cock my head at the extra cup, but pay it no mind otheriwse. They’re red velvet with white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts, my favorite. Community is running on the screen as I turn to Aco, saying,

“Thank you. You didn’t have to let me live with you, and if you want me gone, I-” They cut me off, placing a finger across my lips.

“No, Cari, I want you here. Seriously, it’s fine. It’d be lonely here otherwise. Oh, but I have a housemate, so you’ll have to meet her sometime.” Suddenly, the door opens, and a girl walks in, aroung my age. I recognize the fiery locks of her hair. My heart skips a beat as I see her, and she smiles at me. Why is my first love here, of all places?

“Hey, Cari. I’ve heard so much about you. Though Aco didn’t justify your beauty,” she says jokingly. Her eyes hold a secret between us as Aco sits, blissfully unaware of our past.

“Cari, this is Zin. She’s very fun and I’m sure you two will get along fine,” Aco introduces us, and Zin places her stuff down to sit next to me on the couch. “Cari, is it alright if I hold you?” Zin asks. A blush rises to my cheeks as I nestle myself into her arms. I missed her so much.

“Yeah, that sounds nice,” I answer, my head resting against her. She has the same cellulite on her arms as I do, the cellulite Osa always hated. So I hand Zin and Aco my blade of trust, and blindly hope they won’t use it to shatter my newly mended glass heart like Osa did.

thank you so much for reading! notes and reposts appreciated and constructive criticism encouraged.

lys

#writeblr #oc story #wlw #original writing #oc fanfiction

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minachan95-written-works-on-ao3 · 3 years

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Title: Vampire’s Kiss (Chapter 24: Innocent Sorrow. Part 1 of 5)

Fandom: King of Fighters

Characters: Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, Shingo Yabuki, Orochi, Yashiro Nanakase, Leona Heidern, Kain R. Heinlein, Chizuru Kagura, Kusanagi, Goeniko, Chris

Pairing: Iori Yagami x Kyo Kusanagi (main one)

Genre: AU, BL, Supernatural, Fantasy, Gothic Fantasy, Adventure, Slow-Burn, Eventual Romance, Dark Themes, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Human/Vampire Relationship, Human/Demon Relationship

Summary: This vampire already has bad luck on his side, yet he decides that his next prey going to be a certain redhead vampire hunter. However, the very little he knows how this encounter will end…

AO3 Link

About five years before the first encounter against the redhead hunter. Somewhere in a more desolated part of the city~ The moonlight was blocked by the darker clouds yet thanks for working time from time to streetlamps, a certain back-street alley was partially enlighten. At this time of the night not even a single smart soul would dare to walk any close in this district. However, as thick gray smoke submerges into the air, the local fauna as a rabid hungry pack of dogs starts to bark more fiery and loudly after cornering their new prey. Now the large sweaty palm slams the concrete wall and the owner of this fat and hairy arm corners one certain arrogant brunette, who could have been mistaken as a high-schooler. This young man who wore a black sport jacket with having his sleeves rolled up and a hoodie off, light blue jeans and a pair of white sneakers. Surely, it didn't affect at all this Kusanagi, who continued to give a smug look while keeping his hands in jeans pockets.

Kyo only closes his eyes and brushes away this bigger man's in his late forties arm, and now says in chill tone "Back-off. I don't want to reek like a trash, bub." while this nocturnal creature casually walks through the gang of several street thugs with hands in his pockets. However, it seems that this brunette was stopped once he felt how someone roughly placed a hand on his shoulder and started to squeeze it. This Kusanagi only hisses and tries to shake-off that hand with his shoulder, yet it wasn't useful. So, now this brunette rises his hand, but it was caught by one of these men while he could feel how the another arm was placed behind his back and being bent.

More so, that man behind Kyo, pressed his body against this brunette. Surely, this vampire wanted to throw out just from that unbearable stench of cheap alcohol and sweat. However, now a skinny man with a neon green mohawk, who was carrying a baseball bat pierced with either rusty or bent nails on his shoulder, and rib cage was seen through the loose tank top, was in front of this vampire and now mockingly barks ''Where you think you're going, huh!? We ain't done yet!''. After quickly turning his head and spitting on the side, he continues ''A shitty brats needs to learn to respect adults.''. Now this fiend reveals his half rotten teeth and smiles.

Apparently, this situation couldn't get worse, even so, the mohawk guy heard a command from the large muscular man, who had a bunch of tattoos all over his upper body ''Search all over him.''. Just when this type bends down, Kyo use his chance. He kicks this fiend right into the face and making this punk lose his balance. Now as soon as this vampire hangs his head down, he immediately yanks it up and smashes to the person's head behind him. Once this brunette was free, he uses his elbow to strike the same guy behind him right into the guts. However, soon enough the other couple of thugs charges at him at once, howling as blood-thirsty beasts. Yet Kyo's reflexes were faster. This brunette suddenly ducks and rolls into the main street.

After he stands up and removes the dust from his clothes, this Kusanagi notices that some thugs were getting up, so, without a second thought he runs away. It was a cowardly retreat, but it wasn't worth to waste his effort and time on these scums. More important, if he keeps fighting, then this brunette may reveal his vampire side and that definitely would cause him more problems than use. Surely, walking around while his sharp vampire fangs and his crimson eyes showing up without any doubt would attract unwanted attention from simple people along with these stupid hunters.

More important, if Kyo activates his true form, he would need a lot of time to rest before restoring his strength once he returns to his human form. So, he would to worry about finding a proper hide out. Apparently, this vampire never had the same place for his long slumber twice. On one hand, one might think, why does this nocturnal creature won't simply kill a lonely or suicidal person and take over their house as his own? Unfortunately, this vampire shown no desire to aimlessly kill - be it for satisfying his hunger or just for temporally stay. Besides, it was rather a very rare case when Kyo actually have activated his vampire form.

Even if he felt a hunger, this brunette wouldn't hesitate for too long to look for a better bite. At least then he can feel when to stop and leave his prey just unconscious. So, if he liked any of his victims' blood or at least finds it decent quality, he was ready to wait until they'll recover so that this brunette could hunt them again. More important, Kyo heard countless confirmed rumors about what kind of miserable fate awaits for the vampires, who ignores their blood-thirst for too long.

If it was only for being an easy target for the hunters, this nocturnal creature wouldn't care less, however, there was one thing that sends shivers down his spine just from remembering that incident. That's right, not so long time ago he knew a very strange yet kind vampire, who after falling for a human woman, has completely refused to drink blood at all. However, vampires cannot survive without preying on humans, because no other living creatures' blood or any synthetic substitute would be able to satisfy their hunger or keep them alive.

More important, these nocturnal creatures can starve for mostly a week or two before they grow weak and least likely able to control when they can stop themselves while eating. Even so, if one has ignored these sent body signals and warnings, then it was like a signed death sentence for any ignorant fool. That's right, the primal instincts takes the control over the mind and body of a vampire without any way back to normal. So, one evening this Kusanagi accidentally saw by his own eyes how that same vampire, who swore to never prey on any living creature, was now howling like a wild beast while his prey was ferociously slashed by his nails and being eaten. Unfortunately, this fellow creature's prey was his beloved woman, whom he swore to protect at any cost, but now it was nothing more than a piece of bloody meat.

This ferocious monster was already beyond of being recovered and only the blond hunter's sword's slash silenced this wild beast when its head was severed from a body, which now splashes like hunter's face looked so proud and calm while he delightfully observed his slain target. However, Kyo freezes in fear once the blond hunter looks towards his side. Hell, is he a next target? Of course, this brunette just suddenly closed his eyes and run away - it was simply shocking how drastically instincts can change even most peaceful nature vampires into berserk, if they ignore their basic needs and go against their own nature. So, to this very day such a memory serves this brunette as a good reminder as well.

But for now, this Kusanagi finally lost a track of these street thugs and ended up in a civilized part of the city. Now this brunette unzips his sport jacket and checks the inner pockets. Thankfully, his won money were safe and sound, which he has received after defeating all his opponents. That's right, whenever Kyo needed a quick cash for finding a shelter to hide from the sun, he always participated in annual fighting tournaments sponsored by local crime-lords, who just simply were bored and ready to pay any amount of money to entertain themselves.

Surely, this brunette's fighting skills not only helped him to defeat his enemies, but also attracting a lot of attention. From the first glance, being offered to become a bodyguard of influential mafia bosses and promised a better life when this Kusanagi wouldn't need to worry about sleeping on the streets, sounded like a good option, but he declines this kind of opportunity each time. Mostly, because Kyo didn't like the idea of being a submissive dog and taking orders from anyone. Besides, if someone discovers that this brunette wasn't an ordinary human, he will have more problems than use.

Secondly, aside to getting a lot of fans, who either admired his skills or his looks, there were already a lot of jealous people, who, in best case scenario, wished that he was dead. So, being a target of street punks or any nastier types was unavoidable part of his earned fame. Of course, this vampire could kill anyone who threats him, however, beating shit out of them was fair enough, even if he needed to hold-back and hide any traces of his true identity.

Meanwhile, Kyo placed back the money back to the inner jacket's pocket, he began to look for the nearest inn or cheaper hotel, where he can rest until the another night. Besides, this brunette wanted to take a long shower and remove the traces of these thugs smell. Now the only concern was whenever he can find anywhere ethereal oil on his way, at least that would help to reduce that irritating feeling of the water when it touches him.

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Chapter 1 Link

Chapter 23 Link

Chapter 25 Link

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nyxshadowhawk · 2 years

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Anthesteria playlist!

Kala Anthesteria! For those who don’t know, Anthesteria was a three-day festival of Dionysus in Athens that celebrates the opening of new wine. Its name means “Flower Festival,” and it was also a festival of the dead. Dionysus would lead the dead up from Hades to mingle with the living for three days. Anthesteria also involved heiros gamos, a sacred marriage, between Dionysus and the priestess-queen of Athens. It’s this weekend! So I’ve got a playlist:

1. "Dionysos Entrance - Prologue" by the Petros Tabouris Ensemble: This group produces Ancient Greek music with authentic instruments, and this is the opening track to the Bacchae album. It sounds so chaotic and anticipatory, perfect for the arrival of the Mad God.

2. "The House of Hades" by Darren Korb, from Hades: The Hades stuff is on here to honor the spirits of the dead at Anthesteria, but also because I'm currently obsessed with this game. This is one of my favorite tracks.

3. "Starfall" by Two Steps From Hell: This particular piece has a lot of mythic majesty to it. I associate it with Ancient Greek creation stories, the emanation of the universe and the rise of the Olympian gods.

4. "To Athena" by the Petros Tabouris Ensemble: There isn't really any Anthesteria-related reason for this to be on here, except that it's an Athenian festival, but I really love this piece. It is so pretty.

5. "Ritual" by Adam Hurst: This is one of my favorite pieces of music that Spotify has randomly delivered to me. It is quiet and mystical, and evokes nocturnal rituals and a repetitive, cyclical dance.

6. "Out of Tartarus" by Darren Korb, from Hades: Another one of my absolute favorite tracks from this game.

7. "Luna Prolog" by Faun: This is just a pretty interlude that makes me think of moonlit fields and forests. It's kind of Arcadia-ish.

8. "Moonfolk" by Adrian von Zielger: I can see nymphs dancing to this, and probably ghosts as well.

9. "Moon" by OMNIA: This is probably one of my new favorite pieces of pagan music, and I associate it with the Muses singing and dancing on Parnassus.

10. "Running with the Wolves" by AURORA, from WolfWalkers: This isn't really Anthesteria-related, but it's about a positive embrace of wildness and freedom. It's also a damn good song!

11. "Creature of the Wood" by Heather Alexander: A satyr singing to a young woman to join him in the woods. It's a tempting proposition. Even though this is a woman's voice singing, the satyr's raw virility is palpable.

12. "Magban Alvó" by The Moon and the Nightspirit: The title means "The Sleeping Seed," and it's about a godlike power that lies dormant within the natural world rising to the surface. Isn't that what Anthesteria is about? It's mid-Feburary, the world will wake up soon, and the ecstatic god and his shades come to the surface.

13. "Underground" by Lindsey Stirling: From its title, I associate this song with katabasis. I also associate it with starry skies on foggy moonlit nights, because I danced to it on such a night once and that was a cool experience.

14. "Blood Moon" by Adam Hurst: I don't know why I put so much lunar stuff on this playlist for a festival that doesn't fall across the full moon, but this piece also gives me Mysteries-vibes.

15. "Pegasus" by Two Steps From Hell: Pegasus was my entry point into Greek mythology and everything that followed, so I have Pegasus to thank for my relationship to the gods. Listening to this brings me right back to my childhood, and my yearning to ride Pegasus over a mythical Greece.

16. "From Olympus" by Darren Korb, from Hades: Patroclus' theme. It's beautiful and melancholy; it sounds like a lament. And yet it's also a welcome moment of peace in the endless battle of Elysium.

17. "Achilles Come Down" by Gang of Youths: This is here because I'm also currently obsessed with The Song of Achilles. It speaks for itself. I cannot listen to it without crying.

18. "Darkside" by Lindsey Stirling: I don't have a reason for this to be here beyond that it's one of my favorite Lindsey Stirling pieces.

19. "Wretched Shades" by Darren Korb, from Hades: I like how it starts slow and then picks up, first being Sisyphus' theme, and then the short battle theme that plays when you open an infernal trove.

20. "Cicatrices" by Guilhem Desq: Another blessing from Spotify's random algorithms. I love this piece. It's actually less frenzied-Dionysian than "Visions" from the same album, but it reminds me of labyrinths and the path towards enlightenment.

21. "Stramonium" by Trobar de Morte: The title refers to jimson weed, which is a hallucinogen used for visionary purposes. I think the relevance of drug-induced mystical experiences is apparent!

22. “Dionysus” by Jocelyn Pook: An absolutely gorgeous piece, originally composed for the orgy scene in Eyes Wide Shut, but not actually used. Pook heard “masked orgy” and got precisely the right idea! But I’m actually glad it wasn’t used for that scene, because this piece has such a profound spiritual character. I can feel Dionysus seep into my bones when I hear this!

23-25. Dionysus, Act I by Dead Can Dance: I love this album. It manages to perfectly capture the essence of Dionysus in all his aspects. It doesn’t sound human. It sounds like it came straight out of an ancient Arcadian forest, like its instruments are played by satyrs and its chanting comes from the mouths of Maenads. It is primal, ecstatic, ritualistic, arcane. Why bother to explain Dionysus to people when I could just have them listen to this album? I put only half of it on here to keep the list a manageable length.

26. "The Cult of Dionysus" by The Orion Experience: Duh!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/34KFHlKkTZs5Vujli0rIXh?si=ui7seSExR86m3y_quO1WYg

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thecreaturecodex · 2 years

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Anchheri

[Commissioned by @abominationimperatrix. The anchheri is a monster from Uttarakhand, the state in India making up the foothills of the Himalaya. As related in the superb book Ghosts, Monsters and Demons of India, its characteristics have been transplanted into the “acheri”, an “Indian” undead attributed to the Chippewa that does not exist in any authentically native sources. GMDI doesn’t say who’s responsible for this, but I know. The oldest attribution of the “acheri” to “Amerindian tribes” is in Encyclopedia of Things That Never Were by Michael Page and Robert Ingpen. I’ve complained about this book before. Whether this was an intentional alteration (the book has many of those), or a result of lazy scholarship (confusing “Indian” for India with “Indian” for Native American), the damage has been done, and most images of the anchheri online are clad in buckskins. The most accurate pop culture anchheri, possibly because its creators weren’t relying on English language sources, is in Shin Megami Tensei]

Anchheri CR 7 CE Undead This humanoid child has an odd, cruel smile, clawed hands and sunken, glowing eyes. Her skin seems tightly drawn around her bones, and has a hue of decomposition.

An anchheri is both tragic and dangerous, as they are the undead remains of children who died an unnatural death. They hide during the day in mountainous caves and crevices, and descend from the mountains at night to frolic and play. Mortals who join in these games risk being attacked. An adult will usually be just shredded with tiny claws, or put to sleep and its blood drunk, but anchheri are more subtle on their attacks on children. The touch of an anchheri’s shadow spreads plague, and a child who dies from this disease becomes a new anchheri. Thus, a single one of these monsters can become an infestation rapidly, and tales are told of entire villages emptied of children.

Anchheri are difficult to slay without access to magic weapons and divine magic, so some communities have taken to propitiating them instead. Anchheri love gifts; clothing, jewelry and toys are all appreciated. They fear the color red, perhaps because it reminds them of their own blood spilled, and so people wearing red clothing are usually safe from an anchheri initiating attack. Giving an anchheri red clothing, however, is a sure way to insult it and invite violence. The mind of an anchheri is childlike, and they are fairly easy to trick.

An anchheri stands between three and five feet tall. Because of their willowy frames, they are treated as creatures of Small size regardless of height.

Anchheri CR 7 XP 3,200 CE Small undead Init +4; Senses darkvision 60 ft., Perception +10 Defense AC 19, touch 15, flat-footed 15 (+1 size, +4 Dex, +4 natural) hp 85 (10d8+40) Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +6 DR 10/magic; Immune undead traits Defensive Abilities channel resistance +2; Weakness red aversion Offense Speed 30 ft. Melee 2 claws +12 (1d4-1), shadow +7 touch (disease) Special Attacks blood drain (1d2 Con), create spawn, sneak attack +3d6 Spell-like Abilities CL 7th, concentration +11 3/day—deep slumber (DC 17), fly, stone call Statistics Str 8, Dex 18, Con -, Int 13, Wis 9, Cha 18 Base Atk +7; CMB +5; CMD 19 Feats Combat Expertise, Deceitful, Improved Feint, Nimble Moves, Weapon Finesse Skills Bluff +14, Climb +10, Disguise +17, Escape Artist +12, Perception +10, Perform (dance) +6, Stealth +19 Languages Common, Necril Ecology Environment any land or urban Organization solitary, pair, gang (3-6) or party (7-12) Treasure standard Special Abilities Create Spawn (Su) Any humanoid child killed by an anchheri’s disease rises as a free willed anchheri at the next new moon. Disease (Ex) Bubonic plague—contact; save Fort DC 19; onset 1 day; frequency 1/day; effect 1d4 Con damage, 1 Cha damage, target is fatigued; cure 2 consecutive saves. The save DC is Charisma based. Red Aversion (Ex) An anchheri must succeed a DC 20 Will save in order to attack a creature wearing red clothing. If the anchheri fails that save, it cannot attack that creature for the next 24 hours. If that creature attacks the anchheri, the aversion is broken. Shadow Touch (Su) An anchheri can make a touch attack with its shadow as a secondary natural weapon. A creature touched takes no damage, but is exposed to the anchheri’s disease.

#anchheri #undead #child death tw #india #commissions #pathfinder 1e

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feather-dancer · 3 years

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Tales of Arcadia Fanfic Recommendations - Part 6

I do admittedly have things left to read in my tabs I’d normally prefer to clear out before posting one of these but when you sail past the 30 mark I think it’s about time to get it out my drafts, yeah? Most importantly means this will be out before Rise of the Titans comes and emotionally destroys us all.

Needless to say soon as this is posted I give it 24 hours before 7 starts, we’ve got some amazing writers in this fandom and there’s a couple I juuust want one more chapter before I feel I can recommend it. Hope you find something you enjoy :)

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5

If at all interested in my own writing you can find it here!

General Trollhunters

Romeo, Question Mark - Jim is figuring himself out and has a question for Toby though nervous of how he might react. Honestly the support Aromantic’s need when they’re either questioning or coming out, Toby is a gem.

By The Book - After his dad left changing his world Jim had moments in his life where he needed to wrangle things in a way he could understand them with some moral support along the way that wasn’t there to do it for him, just give a light nudge the right direction. Comes with light Jilaire fluff.

That I Could Fear a Door - Jim was pulled from the Darklands whole but you cannot escape the trauma of your experiences quite so easily. It will take a little time, a lot of patience and perhaps the right ear to listen but with it can come hope.

Lest Back the Awful Door Should Spring - Sequel to the above, Jim’s capture to be sentenced by the tribunal echoes his experiences in the Darklands a little too closely sending all his careful progress hurtling back in one fell swoop. Is it any wonder he chose a false freedom that Unkar offered?

Façade - The confirmation that Mr. Strickler is not the man you thought he was probably was not going to be an easy one, Jim’s thoughts sit ill after that dinner.

Fashion - All changelings take root somewhere in a human life before their changeling one succeeds it and Nomura is no different. She felt love she could not understand and the ache of loss will follow for as she meanders through this world by the Whisper Man’s orders and her own volition of needing to belong somewhere. She will try her hand with the humans and the trolls, paint the road with blood as much as indulging herself with the arts and even risking her heart until everything leads her to Arcadia’s doorstep.

In Deep Trouble - What happened in the Deep during Season 2?

Aftermath - Just after the finale of Season 2 the Market trolls are forced to run leaving their homes behind and follow the Trollhunter they had dismissed so many times into the great unknown before them.

Don’t think - Jim weighs up his options and attempts to settle his thoughts before making the final decision whether or not to go through with using Merlin’s potion.

Nocturne for a Trollhunter - Jim learns a new hobby that gives him another way to relax that doesn’t involve cooking, one that follows him beyond Arcadia.

The Asteroid - A rare 3Below fic for my lists if centered on a certain hedge witch and Wizard. The end of the world is coming but not by Morgana’s hand and Merlin certainly never warned Douxie about it so if this truly is the end then it’s the best time to bring your loved ones close so you won’t be going out alone. Yes it’s Zouxie.

A bright future so it seemed (but that light grew a little less bright) - Claire’s parents (Or more specifically Ophelia) set her on the perfectionist’s path early, even a little slip can feel like the end of the world

Rest, Master Jim - You might be able to escape the Darklands but you cannot escape the consequences of being trapped there for so long as easily.

General Wizards

Not Found - So why did neither Douxie or Archie find the two remaining changelings in Arcadia or bring back the sole Akiridion when Merlin asked?

Place of Power - A lovely bit of shameless Zouxie fluff in that brief period the gang was at Hex Tech before the plot came to get them.

Bitter Water - Only two of the old team remain in Arcadia and those were Jim and Krel, the rest having left to pursue educational pursuits and in one particular case kept away for Nari’s safety. For the Akiridion he is still here with reminders of his heritage and what it took to have this life on earth chasing him all the way. It’s always good to have friends with a listening ear and hot chocolate.

Together, Dearest - The very act of resting is a potential invitation for nightmares and Nari is no different but when once more in the waking world you will find you’re not alone, there are hugs available.

The Night Belongs To Us - Lovingly described Skraelroc fluff during their long hunt for Merlin and the strangeness that can be observed on clearer nights.

Nineteen Plus Nine Hundred, Give Or Take - 900 years is a long time by anyone’s standards but perhaps during that Douxie can figure out how to truly live.

Twelfth Century Wizard, Twenty-First Century Witch - The follow up to the above, when you’ve lived a long and interesting life things can still pop up in odd ways... Even if you haven’t quite mastered the sacred art of texting yet.

ERAS TÚ (It was you). | Tales of Arcadia One-Shot - Would you want to live forever if it meant leaving everyone behind? Jilaire.

the only way for us to go - From his rescue from the streets of Camelot to the eventual guardian of this realm, Douxie has come a very, very long way. Through the frustrations of trying to learn magic, the belittling of others, the faith of Morgana and the power of music his experiences throughout 900 years truly make him what he is.

lay down your head - Even the mightiest can be plagued with the not so humble migraine. Skraelroc fluff.

Stricklake

Merry Christmas, Doctor Lake - Some Christmas gifts are worth going all out for and getting your friends and family to help out to make it extra special.

Grocery Run - After the incident where Merlin dismissed Strickler for being a changeling it is time for an excuse to get out the house for a bit and have a frank discussion about their relationship, the future beyond the incoming battle and lingering insecurities of two worlds colliding.

Alternate Universe

Fashionista, How Do You Look? - An AU that very much takes the term very literally here where everyone is human, Skrael, Bellroc and Nari are fashion designers plus many other ToA characters we know and love are either in the industry in some way themselves or on the fringes because of their jobs/who they know. Sometimes you work with catty bitches and want to kick back and watch the fireworks you know? Contains friends to almost to enemies to friends to maybe we’ll get our shit together this time but the odds aren’t great Skraelroc. There’s also a Zouxie oneshot in this collection that was a gift for meee because of the corner I dug in the AU.

Atlas, Fallen - When a star falls from the sky it is a punishment so when Atlas suddenly finds himself amongst the humans he had observed from above for countless ages in a flesh body like theirs he fears his Mother is punishing him and unable understand what he did wrong. While trying to find his way back home he gets a crash course in what it’s like to be human making friends along the way. Slow burn Jilaire.

she once was a true love of mine - I put this under the AU section even though it wavers between that and not, a mixture of classical Arthurian mythos and the glimpses of the Camelot in Tales of Arcadia where one kingdom collapses from war another strengthens by taking their princess as queen. While Arthur might have turned her head once it is the sibling that seems to be catching Gwen’s eye of late as much as her thoughts. Morgwen but in the department of pining.

Pulled From The Ocean - AU doesn’t quite fit this one but it feels a bit more fitting than general. A little oneshot snapshot of Jim living with deafness and the contrast of one world that falls easily into supporting that whereas the other tries their best but it makes the slip ups sting even more.

you are a stranger here, why have you come? - Fate is a funny old thing, something happens a little bit differently such as a father not leaving alone and everything can change so drastically. Nari’s fondness for children strikes again and this time it involves a 5-year old Jim Lake Jr. ending in the Order’s care and their foray into found family. Somehow Jim is even more of a disaster and as likely surmised from the fact I write this trope myself I am very weak for it.

go into your local forest and you will find a friend and a boy - Toby was unlucky in the friend department and by the time he is ten he still feels miserable and lonely having to endure Steve’s increasing bullying all the while. This is of course until he finds a blue half-troll hiding out the daylight hours munching cans in the local woods...

#trollhunters #3below #Wizards #ToAWizards #Tales of Arcadia

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