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andypantsx3 · 2 months

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𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 : 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐢 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐨 𝐱 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: 1.7k of unedited alien prince shouto thoughts based on this post from the other day! sfw, gender neutral reader. several elements of this universe were borrowed from my fave sci-fi novel; see end notes for deets!

he's beautiful—the todoroki prince. tall and strong in his high-collared uniform, strapped with lean muscle and handsomely humanoid. he's the first thing that snares your gaze as your party is guided into the hall of the sun—the reception dome that overlooks the rise of the star yuuei in the morning sky, used by the ruling family to receive visiting dignitaries.

it is morning, in endeavorian planetary time, and the sun has begun to rise. its light is weaker than you remember from back home—almost watery, pooling like quicksilver in the panes of the dome's ceiling.

up at the front of the hall, it catches in the strands of the white half of the prince's hair. from what izuku has told you, it's the half that indicates he's part of the himura bloodline. the himura dynasty has ruled the yuuei system from its capital planet of endeavor iv for tens of thousands of earth-years. it's the second longest line of unbroken rulers in mapped galactic history, an impressive feat.

the other half of the prince's hair is a fiery red, like that of the man who stands next to him—todoroki enji, the general of intergalactic renown, who donated half of prince shouto's genome as well as his clan name. each time a himuran royal from the main line marries, izuku had explained, talking at lightspeed in the podship, they take a branch name, typically sourced from the primary gene-donator. it helps keep inheritance lines clear.

prince shouto looks like he's inherited empress rei and todoroki enji's genes in exactly half—his coloring split down the middle, though his features are perfectly, almost hauntingly symmetrical. he wears a pin of flint at his collar that symbolizes his gender—one of yuuei's thirteen official designations. from what you understand from izuku, it most closely aligns with earth designation "man".

it's embarrassing how much you notice about the prince as you file into the hall, stationing yourself right at the gap between izuku and tenya's shoulders, so you can still see todoroki shouto.

"you don't think they'll reject the treaty and kill us all, do you?" denki mumurs nervously as he presses in behind you.

"no, i don't think so," izuku's gentle voice drifts back to you. he's a three-star ethnologist, studying for a command ethnology post. subsequently he's the most informed of any of the cadets that have been sent along with the treatise party. you and denki are just mechanics, sent along in case anything goes wrong.

"the alliance would be too much trouble for the yuuei," izuku explains. "they have good relations with the surrounding galaxies and tight control over a lot of resources. but the alliance is really large now, compared to the last time they approached the yuuei. they'll likely want to accept at least a loose federation with the allies."

up on the platform at the front of the hall, prince shouto blinks long and slow, like an earth cat. you realize with a start it's the first time you've seen him blink at all, and the subtle reminder that he is not just an extraordinarily handsome human man but the prince of an alien species makes your skin prickle.

"don't you think it's weird they are all this pretty?" denki asks. "it's weird, right?"

"definitely weird," you laugh, your eyes trailing over prince shouto's blade-straight nose, his pert, perfect mouth. "possibly illegal under intergalatic law."

prince shouto stills all of a sudden, and there is the tiniest tilt of his head. two heterochromatic eyes flick over your way, and you are completely embarrassed by the way your stomach swoops in response. you just manage not to grab onto tenya's uniform to steady yourself.

one of the prince's eyebrow arches almost imperceptibly, and you wonder if he's heard you from this distance—but no, that would be insane.

denki picks up his commentary, emboldened by your playing along. you think the prince's eyes linger just a little too long on the gap between izuku and tenya's shoulders, but then you're distracted by the reception beginning.

the alliance treaty officer strides forward, flanked by a few of the other officials your crew had ferried here. she performs an elaborate bow, as do the other officials. from izuku's muttering you gather it's some sort of ritualistic greeting, and empress rei at least looks pleased with it, waving a gentle hand to gesture the party forward.

there is some shuffling as various aides set up a table and a series of holo-tablets, along with various inks, a leathery roll of endeavorian traditional parchment, and—

"is that a knife?" you ask, peering at the long obsidian blade placed on the table in front of the officials.

izuku's fluffy head of green curls inclines. "treaties are sealed twice. once in the alliance fashion and then again in the local custom, to make it binding per both systems. blood pacts have been used in yuuei for millennia."

the brush of something over your face has your gaze turning back to the prince—to find him staring straight at you, those unblinking eyes boring into you.

"izuku, weird question. can the yuuei hear across rooms?" you ask, suddenly self-conscious.

a green eye peers back at you. "only in the event of their pair bonds—the yuuei are documented hearing their matepair across approximately ten earth-kilometers. i think we're safe over here though. why?"

matepair. the world settles strangely under your skin, as the prince's eyes brush across it.

"uh, matepair?" you echo.

tenya gives both you and izuku a quelling look, but it's not enough to deter izuku from ducking down to explain in slightly quieter tones. "the yuuei look human but they pair differently. they form a parapsychic bond with only a single partner, which they maintain and uphold for life. it's not just cultural—it's like a physical compulsion. they cannot take another pair, and they cannot be separated for long periods or they grow sick."

prince shouto is still staring straight at you, and it's not quite comforting enough to know that he cannot possibly hear you.

it's only his role in the ceremony that seems to eventually break the prince's weird focus in your direction. he steps forward to perform his duty as empress rei's chosen heir. you almost flinch as the knife draws across the pale skin of his palm, and he adds several drips of silvery blood to the parchment, symbolizing yuuei's intent to uphold the treaty across future monarchs.

the flesh of his palm knits itself back together in seconds, and another little shiver goes up your spine. those mismatched eyes flash back your way as he steps back, and the various aides and officials once again converge on the documents.

there is a brief flurry of activity, various bows and oaths, some stilted endeavorian verse. the chief treaty officer looks relieved when it's all over, and the royal family steps down from the dais to greet the rest of the visiting party, as is the customary honor granted to allies to the yuuei. tenya ushers you into the queue near the back with denki, a symbol of your lower status as mechanics.

you don't mind, as the thought of reaching prince shouto has your stomach doing what feel like backflips in your gut. the longer the delay the better.

izuku had walked everyone through the appropriate greetings on the podship, a few murmured words and a hand touch at chest-level—extremely hard to mess up, even for you. but nevertheless your pulse kicks up the closer you draw to the royal family.

there's a long line of them you greet first. offshoot branch members, then general todoroki enji, whose enormous palm burns hot against yours and who looks he'd rather take your party's hands off than touch them. then rei's unchosen heirs—the princess fuyumi, prince natsuo—and a gap where prince touya would have stood, were he not offworld.

and then you're standing in front of prince shouto, your pulse pounding in your ears. he's extremely tall up close, clearing six feet easily, broad across the shoulders and handsome in a way that almost makes your teeth ache. the yuuei look deceptively human, but this near you can see the tiny details that separate them from you—the slight double-point to their ears, the silvery undertone to their skin, the prolonged space between their breaths and their blinks.

and of course their inhuman beauty. they don't quite look like regular people, and it sparks a tiny note of wariness in the primeval part of your human hindbrain.

prince shouto's mismatched eyes pin you, silver and blue, as a sudden, silvery flush creeps across his face. you hold your hand out in greeting, trying not to wonder if you've somehow managed to offend him already—but instead of pressing his palm against yours, his long fingers suddenly grasp yours, clasping tightly.

beyond him, empress rei freezes too. all at once you can feel every single himuran noble turn to look at you, hundreds of eyes pinning on you.

reflexively, words tumble out of you. "shit did i—what did i do? were you supposed to get a different hand thingy?"

you can hear the treaty officer's horrified inhale at the terms shit and hand thingy, deployed in crass galactic standard in front of a literal prince. you immediately wish you could take them back, but from the look on the prince's face, he's already heard them.

something at the corner of his mouth twitches, like he's trying not to smile.

"y/n," he says, in a deep tone. it's crisply accented and just as beautiful as the rest of him.

it takes you a second to realize prince shouto has used your name, which he could not possibly know considering the uniform you'd been issued for the yuuei visit has no unique identifiers on it. you glance down at yourself, then back up at him, befuddled.

"how did you—? where did you—?" you garble out. "did denki put you up to this? how do you know me?"

prince shouto's fingers smooth over yours, delightfully warm, calloused and sure. "i would know you in any universe," he says, voice soft. behind you, you hear princess fuyumi make a tiny sound of delight.

you blink. "universe? what—uh, what universe? how would you—?"

but shouto leans in, tugging you closer with those deceptively strong fingers. he's so very warm up close, and so beautiful it makes your brain short circuit, especially as he lowers his face to yours. a shiver rolls down your spine as his other hand takes you gently by the chin.

and then he murmurs a single word before pressing his mouth to yours—

"matepair."

𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬: credits where they are due!! the idea of a space general dna donator, an overarching space alliance pursuing a treaty, & the flint pin denoting gender were taken from my fave sci-fi novel winter's orbit by everina maxwell! (if you love heartfelt gay love stories in space i am actually begging you to read it).

#todoroki x reader #shouto x reader #todoroki shouto x reader #shouto x you #todoroki x you

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kryptid-writes · 10 months

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Chapter 13 - Revelations

As Y/N grows closer to Lucifer, he reveals what the hands of fate have in store.

(1.6k)

The heavy rain pounds against the colorful windows, the peaceful sound fills the otherwise silent room, occasionally interrupted by the deafening clap of thunder. The droplets of water race down the colorful depictions of the fall and rise of Lucifer, displayed in the stained glass windows, giving it an almost theatrical effect.

I stare out one of the few clear panes of glass, cozied in a comfy chair I had dragged into place. The view of the towering pine trees outside is distorted by the downpour and thick fog looming around. The sun is nowhere to be seen, the world only illuminated by the occasional flash of lightning.

Sighing, I turn my attention back to the task at hand, rereading my favorite cheesy romance novel for the 14th time, never growing tired of it. I lose myself in the story of a girl from the city running into a creature of the night. She starts out frightened of the vampire, scared of what she’s capable of, but learns to see through her tough shell and love the woman beneath the fangs and mystery. I hum quietly, chewing on a strand of hair as I meticulously scan every word on the page, despite having them memorized already.

“I’m so booored,” Lucifer whines, stepping out of the shadows and leaning over the tall satin chair I reside in.

“And what would you like me to do about that?” I keep my eyes fixed on the book, not sparing him even a passing glance, but I can still feel him pouting behind me.

“Let’s go do something,” he suggests, leaning down to wrap his arms around my chest.

“Like what?” I gaze at him from the corner of my eye.

He gestures out the window, wordlessly planting the idea of going outside.

“It’s raining Luce.” I put my book down to look at him, giving him the attention he so badly craves.

“You say that like it's a problem.” He grins, holding me even tighter.

Without a moment to think, the world spins once again and I find myself in a completely different location. I grab onto his arms to hold myself up, my knees ready to buckle under my weight at any second. I keep my eyes scrunched closed until the dizziness wears off and the world feels stable.

“You have to stop doing that!” I growl, shoving him with annoyance, but he doesn’t even budge. Fully preparing myself for the torrential downpour of rain, I instinctively fold my wings over my head to provide what little shelter I can, but nothing comes.

He rolls his eyes, then looks at me eagerly like he’s waiting for my reaction.

The sound of birds chirping draws my attention and I lower my wings to take in my surroundings. I find myself in a stunning garden that goes on as far as the eye can see, unlike anything I've ever experienced. The world is painted vibrant shades of greens, blues and pinks, the color so intense that it feels like I'm looking through an enhanced filter. The sky, a pale blue with dozens of fluffy clouds and a shining rainbow.

The grass is perfectly manicured with little drops of dew from the rain clinging to each blade. Little bee’s buzz in harmony, hard at work pollinating each wildflower sprung from the ground.

A little stream runs down the hills, twisting and winding for miles. The water is so clear that you can see each tumbled rock fitting together like pieces of a puzzle. The sound of water rapidly flowing fills the air and perched on mossy rocks along the bank are little green and brown frogs, lounging without a care in the world.

Hundreds of cherry blossoms fill the orchard in full bloom, the fragrant aroma taking over my senses. But in the middle of it all is one tree that looms taller than the rest. It's old, dating back at least a century. The branches twist and turn, similar to the body of a snake. And hanging from the lowest branch is one bright, shiny red apple.

“Where the fuck am I?” I ask, feeling a sense of confusion and wonder.

“It’s a garden I made for you.”

I slowly spin on my heels, admiring the beauty around me. He’s thoughtfully selected all of my favorite flowers, each one bringing back a distinct, pleasant memory. It takes my breath away.

He nervously rubs the back of his neck, suddenly feeling self conscious. “Maybe it’s a bit mu-”

“No!” I interrupt him, “It’s beautiful.” I smile.

“I’m glad you like it,” he says, his doubt melting away in a matter of seconds, replaced by pride. His wings perk up and a satisfied grin tugs at his lips. “Come,” he grabs my hand, intertwining our fingers and pulling me along.

The soft grass squishes beneath my boots as I follow close behind, a soft breeze flows through my hair.

He stops us at the apple tree that stands next to the creek, and sitting in its shade is a checkered red blanket, and a woven picnic basket. It’s like a scene out of a fairy tale.

“A picnic?” I raise my brow skeptically. I never imagined Lucifer to be the picnicking type.

He sits down on the blanket and pats it twice, gesturing for me to sit by his side.

I perch down next to him, tucking my wings behind my back and our knees touch ever so slightly. Just that one innocent little touch feels so intimate.

He pulls out two fancy crystal glasses, dipping them into the creek by our side and filling them with the clear water.

“Creek water? I think I'll pass,” I scoff.

He looks at me amused, like he knows something I don’t. With a snap of his fingers, the water turns into a rich amber color I could recognise anywhere. He hands me the glass with a pleased smirk.

“Cool party trick.” I admire the glass in amazement. “Taking notes from The Bible, are we?” I tease.

“Please,” he scoffs. “That dickwad learned it from me.”

I chuckle at the thought. I take a sip and my eyes light up as the familiar taste of Jack Daniels Whiskey burns my throat. “Mmm… You remembered,” I smile.

“I always do.” He wraps his wing around my shoulders.

“Lucifer?” I ask, nervously toying with his mesmerizing flight feathers.

“Hm?”

“Why am I here? I mean, why me? What makes me so special?” I scooch closer, patiently waiting for his answer.

“Because.” He effortlessly pulls me into his lap, wrapping his broad arms around me, “You’re my soulmate.”

“What?” My eyes widen and snap up to meet his.

“You were made for me Y/N,” he coos, holding my chin in his hand. His eyes lovingly gaze into mine. “A gift from my dad, a little peace offering of sorts.”

“That’s not possible…” I shake my head, unable to process the information being thrown at me. My hands shake, a myriad of thoughts and emotions bouncing around my brain.

“You feel the connection between us, the force that pulls us together, even when we're apart. The way our lives have always led to this moment.” He places a soft kiss on my cheek.

I sit in silence, stunned.

“You know it to be true,” he whispers in my ear.

“I don’t understand,” I murmur.

“Why do you think you dream of me every night? We’re bonded together, our fates intertwined for the rest of time.” He caresses my cheek ever so slightly.

“Luce…” my voice quivers.

“You feel that?” He asks, pulling me into his chest and I can feel the buzz of electricity stronger than ever.

“There’s a reason I shared my grace with you,” his cold tingly grace intertwines with mine that burns hot, creating a pleasant mix of sensations.

I stare up at him, too shocked to even blink. I’m finally getting the answers I so desperately craved, but nothing could have prepared me for this.

“Human lives are so fleeting and the thought of being without you ever again kills me,” his voice breaks, emotions getting the best of him.

“We’re destined to be together,” he pauses, “forever.”

The words play over in my head countless times, struggling to form some kind of response.

Images of my time with Dean flash across my mind, the way he held me when I needed him the most, the nights he slept by my side and held me dear, and the yearning I feel whenever I think of him. I can’t stop the feeling of guilt that burns in my stomach, like I’m betraying him, despite never even discussing any sort of relationship. I have feelings for Dean, that I'm certain of. But I can’t deny the chemistry I feel with Lucifer, the way every moment together feels so natural.

“This is a lot to take in Luce.” I rest my head against his shoulder, feeling conflicted and overwhelmed.

“I know love.” He places a kiss on the top of my head. “Take your time, we have an eternity awaiting us.”

I nod my head and take a long swig of whiskey until the glass is nearly empty. The alcohol always did help me think. We sit in comfortable silence for what must’ve been hours. I close my eyes and listen to the sound of the birds chirping and water flowing, my breathing becoming steadier. The warmth of the sun shines on my face, lulling me into a sense of relaxation. I mindlessly curl up in his lap and snuggle into his chest as the peaceful hands of sleep pull me close. The last thing I can remember is the feeling of his large silky wings wrapping around us providing me a sense of safety. And just like that, I drift off into peaceful dreams.

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Tags: @roseblue373

#dean winchester x reader #dean x reader #dean winchester #lucifer supernatural #lucifer x reader supernatural #lucifer #lucifer x reader #supernatural fanfic #supernatural fanfiction #supernatural reader insert #reader inse #supernatural #slow burn #love triangle

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whoreadsnowadays · 2 years

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Okokok I know I know but hear me out. A n g s t

Tw: character death

So like 2012 turtles w/ little brother reader but reader dies bc of shredder or smthn bc evil

What would the reaction of the turtles be? Bonus if we get splinters reaction.

If this ask makes u uncomfortable that's understandable ^^ feel free to ignore

I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU OPENING UP REQUESTS AGAIN AFTER THIS ONE AND LITERALLY BEGGING U GUYS FOR MORE 2012 ONES I LOVE THEM..

I really took this prompt and wrote a whole novel and I'm so happy with myself atm I love this prompt and I love these guys and I <3<3<3 EEE I may be a rise!Leo kinnie now but I was a 2012!Leo kinnie first. He's so scrunkl.

Almost forgot, do notice that I didn't explicitly say reader died at the end 👁👁🤨👀...

Warnings; implied character death, stabbing and injuries are depicted multiple times in a good amount of detail, I went ham on this one folks, oh I also cuss in this one gang I rly enjoyed this

( Familial ) 2012 ! Turtles and Splinter & Little Brother Reader (he/him used)

Part 1 - You're Here

Part 2 - Shatter the Mind

Part 3 - Shatter the Heart

Part 4 - Shatter the Innocence

Shatter

Everything was a blur, blasters shooting past you, the sound of metal against metal ringing through your skull, everything was happening all at once and you could barely focus on anything five feet in front of you.

You glanced around, seeing each one of your brother's in their own fight, and you quickly tried to focus back on your own.

Fishface stood in front of you, his mechanical legs whirring with his large imposing steps. He looked confident, like he knew you were having trouble with the chaos of the battle around you. It made your stomach twist in fury.

You growled at the fellow mutant, raising your weapons and charging at him quickly, he simply grinned in response, moving out of the way at the last moment, bringing you face to face with none other than Shredder himself.

You panicked, trying to backtrack but it was too late. The sound his blades made when they hit your plastron, at full force mind you, was loud and sickening.

You blinked, looking down at Shredder's fist right up against your stomach, no blades to be seen. But that could only mean-

He pulled his arm back, and you felt every inch of his blades leave your body. There a was a scream, your scream maybe? You weren't sure, everything was hazy all of a sudden.

Shredder put his hand on your head, looking you in the eyes before pushing you backwards, making you land heavily on your shell.

You needed to get up, get help, get your brothers, Donnie, Leo, Raph, Mikey. You needed to at least call for someone, anyone.

But when you opened your mouth only blood came flowing up. Internal bleeding, you recognized through the pain induced haze.

How fun.

Raph and Mikey were busy with Rocksteady when it happened. Double teaming on the large rhino with ease. Really these guys were pathetic.

Raph kicked Rocksteady off balance, glancing over to Mikey to say something, but he froze when he saw the haunted expression on his little bro's face. He furrowed his eyebrows, turning quick to where Mikey was facing, and almost had a heart attack.

There you were, Shredder's claws deep in your stomach, piercing through your practically shattered plastron. He watched in stunned silence as Shredder pulled his claws from your body, blood gushing out of the wound. That was what brought him back to reality.

He turned to Shredder, seeing nothing but red. He couldn't come up with any insults, nor quips, he was too focused on his sudden need to rip Shredder limb from limb.

He just screamed, screamed in fury and anguish as he rushed forward, sais out as he lunged at Shredder, and collided with Fishface.

Fine? This bastard wanted a fight? Now he had one.

Mikey jumped into action as soon as Raph did, seemingly kickstarted by his brother's scream.

He rushed over to you, dropping to his knees as he called for your older brothers. They'd know what to do, they always did, they were always so smart and Mikey- Mikey couldn't think past the idea of you, his little brother, his best friend, dying in front of him.

He couldn't fathom a world without you in it, he'd be missing a peice of himself without you there, he couldn't lose you yet!

"LEO! DONNIE! HELP! HELP HELP- HE NEEDS HELP-!"

Leo was hyperfocused on his fight, trying to keep Tigerclaw out of the way from the others. He was so preoccupied he didn't even realize Shredder had shown up. God he was so stupid.

He only realized something was wrong when Mikey yelled, sounding the most terrified he'd ever been in his life.

Instantly Leo was on high alert, spinning around as quick as he could and rushing to where he had heard Mikey shout from, "Mikey! What-"

Holy shit.

Leo froze in place, staring down at your shuddering form, watching as your breathing slowed, as blood dripped from your mouth and the gaping hole in your shattered plastron.

He heard Mikey shout at him, begging and pleading with him to do something, anything, but he couldn't take his eyes away from your broken and shattered form.

You were dying. You were dying and he was frozen in place, unable to do anything but stare.

His whole body trembled as Mikey continued to yell and sob, he couldn't breathe, he couldn't think, his entire body shut down in an instant, and he could only stare.

"Leo! Leo cmon please! Say something, anything dude please!" Donnie heard Mikey beg as he rushed forward.

He heard their screams, and mentally prepared himself for the worst. But once he saw you, he too froze for a moment, glancing at you, Mikey, and finally Leo, recognizing that there was no one here level headed enough to bark orders.

He hesitated, before realizing if you had any chance of survival, it was him.

"..M..Mikey- Mikey! I need you to pick him up, gently so you don't jostle his plastron. We need to get him home, we can't help him here!" Donnie exclaimed, voice shaking as he took charge in place of his brother.

Mikey looked up at Donnie, nodding once and reaching down to pick you up, as gentle as he could possibly be with you.

Donnie grabbed Leo's arm and dragged him away with Mikey, yelling behind him for Raph.

"Raph! Retreat! Lair!" He shrieked, hoping that his brother heard him, before the three of them made their way down to the sewers, some more carefully than others.

Hours later, all five brothers were home. Donnie and Mikey were with you in the lab, frantically trying help you in any way they could, while Leo and Raph had been deemed too emotionally unstable to even be near the room.

Raph was at his punching bag, throwing swing after swing, trying not think about the way your plastron cracked underneath Shredder's blades, or the vacant look in your eyes as you fell backwards.

He shook his head and punched the bag harder. Too much. All too much. He needed to do something, anything.

He glanced over at Leo, slumped down on the sofa, staring at the turned off TV in front of him.

It would be so easy to grill Leo right now. Truly there was so much he could say. Why did you freeze? Why didn't you say anything? Why are you forcing Donnie to pick up your slack?

But every time the words rose to his throat, he saw the haunted look in his older brother's eyes, the pure fear and horror painted clear as day on his face, and he held himself back, punching the words out silently into his punching bag.

Leo was still reeling, stuck on the empty vacant stare you had as you lay shattered on the ground. But now there was the guilt. Why hadn't he moved? Why didn't he come up with a plan? Why did it take Donnie literally dragging him down the streets of New York for him to even somewhat come to his senses. God, he was a horrible leader, a horrible brother- why did he let this happen to you-

A familiar voice cleared their throat behind him, and Leo felt every molecule in his body tense up in fear. He turned slowly, seeing Master Splinter stood tall behind him, with Raph cowering just a bit away.

"Leonardo. Raphael." He addressed both brothers, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "What happened on patrol this evening."

Leo shared a look with Raph, who only offered a nervous frown.

He took a deep breath and stood on shaking legs, facing his sensei and bowing his head. "..m..Master Splinter.. we.. there was.. an ambush. We were ambushed. There were too many villains.. and.. we got separated.." Leo tried to focus on his breathing, and not the looming presence of his sensei in front of him.

"..he.. Shredder.. he was there and.. and.." he couldn't say it, he couldn't say it, if he said it he'd relive it all over again he couldn't say it-

"Donnie and Mikey are in the lab with him. He's.. badly injured sensei." Raph mumbled from a little bit away, and Leo let out a sigh, grateful for the interruption.

Splinter glanced between his two sons, slowly working out what they were implying. Once he realized what had happened, he felt a cold stab of fear straight through his heart. Of course. Of course it would be you. His youngest. Of course he would go after you first.

Without another word Splinter rushed to Donatello's lab, gasping lightly at your state. Oh. Oh no.

He wasted no time in joining his two sons in attending to you, luckily they were too preoccupied with you that they didn't even question the extra help.

No one was sure if this was time spent in vain, but no one cared. They were going to do everything they could to save you, to bring you back, their youngest. They needed you here, with them. You can't die yet. You can't.

#FOAMING AT THE MOUTH FOAMIMG AT THE MOUTH #PLS PLS MORE 2012 RQS PLS #tmnt x reader #tmnt donatello x reader #tmnt leonardo x reader #tmnt michelangelo x reader #tmnt raphael x reader #tmnt 2012 #tmnt 2012 leonardo #tmnt 2012 donatello #tmnt 2012 raphael #tmnt 2012 michelangelo #tmnt 2012 splinter #tmnt 2012 x reader #Romeo Writes

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yuurei20 · 9 months

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Short translation from Twisted Wonderland: the novel

Riddle has been taken over, and Crowley steps up.

"They know what that is by now. The liquid swirling around inside that giant head—it’s blot. It leaks out from cracks in the glass and platters over everything around.

Riddle presses close against the grotesque, oversized body as if embracing it.

‘Fools—all those who dare to oppose me. Their kind is not needed in my world.’

That is not Riddle's voice. It is not even human.

It is neither that of a man, nor of a woman. It is a sinister 'voice' composed of distorted sounds, emanating from black lips.

‘In my world, I am the law. I am the world’s rules. And I will not tolerate any response other than 'Yes, Lord Riddle!' For all those who oppose me, it is off with your heads!’

Riddle’s emaciated body rises, seemingly suspended in mid-air. But Yuuya realizes that the blot oozing down Riddle's arms is connected to the monster at his back, lifting him up as if he were but an infant, cradled aloft.

‘Hah haha, Aha hah ha!'

Riddle’s head shakes with such violence that it appears his neck might snap, and his right eye flashes, glowing as red as a waning fire. It flickers like a fleeting flame, and suddenly the monster becomes impatient.

With a grunt it lifts up a nearby rose tree and, with an effortless swing, mows down everything in its path.

Their one saving grace is the Headmage’s magic: a veil-like barrier encompasses Yuuya and the others, sparing them from the weaponized tree’s blade-like leaves."

#twstnovel #twisted wonderland #twst translations

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cjvarte · 7 months

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Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade (Canon)

"Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade" is a Canon adult novel written by Delilah S. Dawson, published by Random House Worlds on July 18, 2023.

Iskat Akaris and her team were tasked by Ki-Adi Mundi with the mission to capture General Grievous, who is rumored to have sieged many planets in the Outer Rim. Akaris learned about Grievous from a Jedi Master and watched the holonet. She fascinated by the Kaleesh warlord turned cybernetic lunatic taught by Count Dooku and imagined what it would be like to encounter the great General Grievous and what it would feel like for her lightsaber to slash through the blend of metal and flesh that was once the great general.

#disney star wars #star wars #star wars canon #star wars the clone wars #the clone wars #star wars clone wars #clone wars #qymaen jai sheelal #general grievous #grievous #kaleesh #ki adi mundi #iskat akaris #inquisitor

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starwarsbookclub · 10 months

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Hello Dearest Readers,

The theme poll has closed and the votes are in! For our 27th month, we are happy to announce that the theme is NON-HUMAN PROTAGONIST!

The novel and comic polls are now live in our Discord Server, and you have until 10pm BST (5pm EDT) July 8th to vote for what book/comic we will be reading together. Our options are listed below.

NOVELS

1. Lockdown by Joe Schreiber 2. Tempest Runner by Cavan Scott 3. Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade by Delilah S. Dawson

COMICS

1. The High Republic: Adventures Phase II (2023) 2. Chewbacca (2015) 3. The Monster of Temple Peak (2021)

If you would like join the book club, send us an ask & the admins will give you an invite! We look forward to reading with you!

May the Force Be With You,

- Star Wars Book Club

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gffa · 6 months

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"You are not broken. We are all imperfect beings, striving for enlightenment. You just have to strive a little more than most." THE JEDI LOVED THEIR KIDS, EVEN WHEN THEY STRUGGLED AND WERE LESS THAN PERFECT, BECAUSE EVERYONE IS IMPERFECT, AND THAT MADE ISKAT NO LESS THEIRS.

#lumi.txt #star wars #iskat akaris #sember vey #jedi order #novels #meta #novels: rise of the red blade

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jonberry555 · 2 months

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Spoiler-Free Review - Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade by Delilah S. Dawson #starwars

I Read Star Wars: Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade by Delilah S. Dawson. "When the Jedi Order falls, an Inquisitor rises." The novel follows Iskat Akaris during her struggles to fit in with the Jedi and her fall to the Dark Side of the Force.

#Spoiler-Free Review - Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade by Delilah S. Dawson #star wars #star wars: inquisitor: rise of the red blade #inquisitor: rise of the red blade #inquisitor #rise of the red blade #spoiler free review #youtube shorts #jonberry555

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bigdvmnhero · 1 year

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summary:

Donnie follows his new friends down NYC's rabbit hole. Makes them shiny things that go BLAM, fast things that go VROOM. Sometimes lethal things that make no sound. His friends cheer. His friends push pretty drinks into his hand. His friends call him The Man. It's in his blood, to give so completely.

The Hamato Clan, four generations apart, the same old song.

word count: 2.7k words

sequela, n. /sēˈkwelə/ a condition which is the consequence of a previous disease or injury.

Yanked by the scruff into the past by the only father he knows, Casey thinks under the panic: sure, I guess!

Deep down, he felt it coming. This is how every story starts. How all Hamato are made: in unmakings so absolute. The body a blade too bloodied to turn over. Casey doesn't have to hear the stories to know; he's lived through most of them.

On the other side of the timegate is a world skewed to the side, smothered in smog and strange lights. Miles and miles of it, rending the breath out of him. He feels flat-footed and wrong. He has a hurting in his chest with no exit wound, and no one to blame. And every time he looks at Leo—sixteen and several shades off—he wants to run.

So he does.

(This too is a Hamato specialty.)

Casey doesn't know how to live outside a war yet, and at this point he's too afraid to ask. I wanna see what's out there, he lies, walks away. Leo doesn't stop him. Casey looks back to check anyway.

Funny kid; he thinks his pain is unique. If only he looked a little further down the family tree, peered a while into its dark alleys, he'd find his answer.

To find his answer Donnie stumbles down the dark alley and skins his human knee. This whole night is the sequela of one terrible question: what would it feel like, to be loved by someone not of your kind?

All Hamato are born foragers, and Donnie is no different. He leaves the lair to hunt down the origin of his hurt. Topside scintillates like a motherboard, and maybe if he can just slot himself into its circuitry—and why not, when he talked like them, dressed like them, danced their funny Tiktok dances better than anyone had any right to?

So he wears the cloaking brooch into the city.

Then he lets the city wear him.

It's in his blood, to give so completely.

He was so ready to be under-appreciated in his time, but maybe this is the way out—how he breaks the family curse.

When April finds him puking in the alley, he throws her finger guns and pushes her hand away. April wouldn't understand. April doesn't have three brothers and a distant father who never call him The Man.

Donnie thinks his loneliness is novel, but if only he pressed his ear against the bottom of the vodka bottle, he'd hear it: the way home, whistling.

Yoshi's head whistles when the white man's fist cracks against his skull. Then he grins, like someone who just figured it all out.

This is what it means to be accepted into this city: the rough and tumble way you hold your guns, your girls, your liquor. The beet-red glow of his cheeks is impossible to hide, but Yoshi is starting to realize he was never meant to disappear. Sorry, Grandpa Sho, not sorry. Yoshi is many things, but he is not like his mother; he will not fold himself into tiny wishful cranes.

A flash of momentary genius—yelling HOT SOUP! loud enough to startle two executive producers at the booth—and Hamato Yoshi hurricanes through his very first New York bar fight and fails. Lou Jitsu walks out, busted nose up, a brand new gash of a man.

Now he's fast food and quotable, the pulp of all-American superhero flicks, nothing too fussy. He learns to shapeshift, because he is Hamato still, and all Hamato must make it through the winter. When he fights, he fights completely. When he loves, it's to the point of blindness.

Alone and battered in the Battle Nexus cage, Yoshi unfolds a photo of his mother from his pocket and shrinks. His cell smells like piss and day-old gore. Sorry, Grandpa Sho; maybe he was meant to fade into nothing, after all; just like his mother, and the mother before her—an endless queue of martyrs living inside each other like frozen-smile Matryoshka dolls. Yoshi checks himself for a pulse.

He prays for forgiveness, but who would understand betrayal like this? Made gladiator-slash-slave by the love of your life, who actually turned out to be a six-eyed enterprising spider-beast in disguise?

(Admittedly, this is... new territory for the clan.)

But if only he looked past the bars, followed the gentle wrist of light the hallway offered—how it persisted in the deepest hollows—he'd remember his training.

Karai watches her own father die in a starburst of ancient light and forgets all her training. The armor's work is absolute; it twists him into something vile and blood-starved. She flees into the forest when it lurches four-legged after her.

She has no weapons. No shields. No time to bury her own mother and sisters. Cold bites into the deep gashes on her back where the beast clawed into her, leaving a bloody trail in the snow. Daughter, the Shredder singsongs, where are you going? No matter how fast she runs the forest is a wet grave pulling her down, down, down—

Please, she prays, I cannot do this alone. And the seed unlocks and greens inside her.

All Hamato are born harvesters; now is time to reap. Karai is several seasons early for this task, but she will not carry it alone.

Beneath her, the grave spits out a spade as white as bone.

Karai stops running. She turns to face the demon. Up close the armor's illusion is clear; beneath the smokescreen of fury it is still her father, kind and soft-spoken, his hands the very same that sheltered her as they traveled through the snow-chromed world; their twin laughter tangling.

I love you, she thinks with a smile. Grounds her feet. They cannot bury it.

Widening her stance, Karai thanks her family for the gift. Then she fashions the spade into a long, crackling spear that flies straight into the future and never stops.

Lou flies into the wall and the hits never stop. His arm is broken in two places and his spirit too, in more ways than he can count. The jeers hail down on all sides. Officially, this might be his newest low: ex-action superstar, now laughing stock of all yokai-kind, and he's not even getting any dental for it.

On his 178th match, he finally makes peace with dying. That's when the voice lances through him. All the hairs on his arms stand on end.

This is not your grave. Get up.

And a second voice, gentler under the tone: no, you are not meant to disappear.

Lou's heart snags around it, never lets go.

Without looking he blocks the strike meant for his jugular and bends the yokai's palm back onto itself. Holds it for three, until the satisfying CRACK! Now for the last, honorable blow. The crowd howls. That was child's play; all in the fingers. His mom taught him that trick. Lou can't believe he'd forgotten; all his best moves come from her.

Across the arena, Big Mama stares at her crowned champion and feels something akin to remorse.

This man does not yet have the four great loves that will animate him in his second life, but for a moment the future and past bleed into the present—it's her old Lou, grinning unabashed, invincible in the sun of his love. She averts her eyes with a grimace.

The Champion considers his options: Lou Jitsu feels too much like a dizzying skyscraper view. Yoshi a sleepy town, too small to keep living in. So he renames himself Splinter—to honor the mangling of all his past selves, as he folds them together into one proud paper crane.

All that's left now is to lift his wings; he flies out of that story and into a new one.

Donnie yelps as he's flung out of a window and into a new one. The holographic armor he wants to build won't hold. His mind's stuck in a morass. And newly escaped from its government cell, Kraang Two is loose in the city to lay its judgment.

While Donnie was nursing his broken pride, building stupid playthings in the city, his brothers were warding her off. Now his mystic power is failing, and he needs his anger now. It's the key to his power. That's what Draxum said at least.

The first time he'd grazed the ceiling of his potential, they were taking Leo away into the prison dimension, and Donnie was so furious it shut down his heart and all coherent thought. So Donnie gets angry, because anger is easy. Simple, one-line code.

He imagines: his brothers, broken; his tech, a dead man's error; his hands, a mistake. He hates and hates and hates. Kraang Two tears through a billboard like it's paper. He needs the drill, now. The biggest it can ever be.

The shape forms in the air once. Then it scatters in a blitz of purple.

No, no, no. He pulls at the hurt in his chest. The one with no exit wound, the thorny half-seed, half-bullet that he suspects someone planted in his brothers too, only no one ever talks about it. Why don't they ever talk about it? He needs his rage but only grief comes out. He wishes he had more of him to give. He wishes he had more time to tell his brothers, regretful sigh; guess I was the dum dum after all?

He's about to give in to exhaustion when, like lightning, a bolt of energy plows through him. The voice almost sounds like a laugh:

No, your power has never come from anger.

On the next mid-rise building, April is climbing up the rungs of the emergency exit to throw a bat at the approaching Kraang. It glances uselessly against its exosuit. One blistering eye turns.

April shrieks, "Run, I'll cover you!"

"Have you lost all your marbles," is what Donnie wants to say but doesn't, because his chest is finally flowering with his answer. Nodes glow. Separate systems connect. Donnie counts: one stupid sister, one rat-father, three dum dum brothers—and all the pieces click into place.

Oh, I love you, he thinks. How could he ever think he would bear this distance? It's in his blood, to love so completely.

Above Donnie's head, a massive cannon powers up its barrel, its mouth brimming with ultraviolet. Something greens in Donnie's chest; he'll need to invent the word for it. Anger dies in this new garden.

Donnie folds his hand into a gun and lifts the length of his arm. He mouths, blam.

—and the Kraang shrieks as its side detonates. A containing net swallows her whole and lists off the building's ledge.

As the smog clears, April finds him on the roof. April always finds him, especially when he doesn't want to. She holds her hand out, says, "So... you done being stupid or what?"

"I make no such promises," Donnie replies. But he takes her hand and never lets go.

When the Purple Dragons hold out their hand, Casey can't let go. Joining a street gang wasn't in the plan, but it's the Hamato in him, to seek out belonging; whatever takes to make it through the winter.

The gang artist flicks his tattoo gun. "All settled?" he says, and around Casey his members leer, imagining all the terror they'll take into town with this crazy-eyed new kid in tow. Casey shrugs. He rolls up his left sleeve.

Then something soft knocks against his chest and plants a seed there. They cannot bury it, the voice says. Remember? And Casey jolts in his chair, gasping.

"I have to go," he tells them. He's better than this. He throws on his coat and pushes past the pissed-off Dragons who spit at his shadow. He runs out into the streets, through the confounding cacophony of street activity, between stalls of chicken halal rice and piping-hot samosas, leaping through rails streaked with pigeon shit, until his heart stops pounding, until night whittles away into the early morning chill and Casey thinks he's found what he's looking for.

Leo is dangling his legs down the edge of a condominium down central. He's dressed in a black hoodie, no gloves. There's a shadow in his face, draped over all of his sixteen years, but Casey would know him anywhere.

For a beat, Casey considers leaving again. But then he imagines Leo's hands hurting in the cold, and suddenly he wants to cry.

After a month of absence Casey Jones Jr. appears on the roof, bearing cup ramen. Leo is surprised but makes no show of it.

They exchange greetings. Leo fidgets, while Casey loosens the noodles with wooden chopsticks and stirs. Leo watches him for a while, eyes wide. And then, voice tempered as if not to spook him, as if any wrong move will scatter Casey back into the streets, he says, "Dude, I love this flavor."

"I know. It's your favorite." Casey smiles, then wavers. "Was. Um. Here."

Leo curls his hands around the cup and drinks in the steam greedily. "Aw, yeees. Wanna help me out here though? It's a big boy."

"Sure, just leave me the last bite or something."

"You mean the best part? With all the tiny noodle bits and soupy sodium goodness swirling at the bottom? Oh, I see your strategy." Leo takes a sip. "Respect."

"Uh, I wouldn't say strategy. I've only had two cup ramen in my life. The first time, Master Michelangelo crunched up the noodles, sprinkled the packet in, and voila. Ate the stuff—"

"—with your hands, yeah! Yeah. Like finger food."

"Obviously," Casey says.

"Obviously!" Leo crows. "Trust Mikey to have good ideas. I've got plenty more ramen hacks, if you're curious. And you must be. My family are big devoted noodle fans, I'm sure my reputation has preceded me. Just stick around, Case, I'll show you how it's done. First, you wanna start with your foundational—"

"I missed you," Casey murmurs.

Leo's jaw closes so fast it makes an audible click. Casey drags his gaze from his scarred hands to Leo's face. "Thought it'd pass. But... Yeah." He exhales, sheepish. "Guess I'm still figuring this whole thing out."

The quiet collects. Traffic streams below their feet. After an eternity, Leo says, "One time, I put an egg in my cup noodle and thought I invented the thing. Raph didn't like that. We got into a whole fight, because he said he'd been doing it first." Leo laughs. "Turned out we were both wrong, and Dad's been doing the egg hack since we were itty-bitty green babies. Fried, poached, dropped in... you name it. Probably an unlocked core memory or something. And guess who taught him?"

Casey thinks about it. "Uh, Mikey?"

Leo's laugh is a bell. "No, dummy. His grandpa did. And who taught his grandpa? His mama. Anyway. What am I saying—yeesh, sorry, my point is—what was my point—?"

"I think I get it," Casey says, chest tight with remembering. He thinks of Leonardo, from the future that will never be, teaching him to throw a punch, the way uncle Raph did; just how grandpa Splinter taught him. How once Casey insisted on a solo mission, because he was young and foolish and needed to prove himself; how Master Leonardo never once faulted him for what happened next.

Take me with you, Leonardo said instead. And just like that: another way. I've gone down this path before.

"I get it," Casey repeats, and startles to see Leonardo's face in Leo's. And in Leo's face, his own. "Maybe we can figure things out together?"

"Maybe," Leo says, eyes wide. He's oddly quiet for a moment. Steam curls and curls around his face.

Casey follows his thousand-yard stare. He does one sweep around the empty roof. "You... good?"

"Huh?"

"You look like you saw a ghost."

Leo laughs, and does not tell Casey how, just for a moment, the floor was green with life, a whole coterie of people, watching over them. "Nah, I just," Leo says, "remembered something funny."

Casey lets that be that. They sit side by side, watching the city turn warm, happily haunted.

#rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles #rottmnt #rottmnt movie #rottmnt fic #bigdamnher0 #the hamato clan and their generational trauma <3 #shakes them like maracas

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wantonwinnie · 8 months

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I'd like to talk more about Rise of the Red Blade. Full spoilers.

There were many interesting aspects to unpack, but one thing I did not expect was the context the novel gave to Palpatine's Grand Plan. I haven't read all the comics on it, but the Inquisitorious I once thought was merely icing on the cake for the Grand Plan now seems to be a crucial piece. I already knew they had dedicated facilities, but Palpatine himself as well as spies were already scouting the Jedi Temple for cracks and planting seeds of doubt in perhaps many members of their order. Once Order 66 happened, there were actually a few possible outcomes: (1) death, for most, (2) torture to become an inquisitor, or (3) recruitment at the outset. Anakin wasn't the only turn Palpatine wanted; he seemed to want a whole new order of acolytes like the past Sith orders. But unlike the past, he knew to do a Genocide first.

Another aspect I hadn't really grasped was the impact the first battle of Geonosis had on the Jedi, as well as the rest of the war. Obviously both killed a lot of Jedi before Order 66 and spread them too thin, geographically and emotionally. But many masters and teachers died, including Iskat's master, which left Padawans and younglings to largely fend for themselves. Without time for Jedi to learn and meditate, they are more susceptible (as is shown in great detail in this novel) to the dark side, or at least their Force connection waning. Perhaps the biggest aspect of Iskat's turn is that she doesn't really ever have a teacher; her main tether dies in the Arena. This is partially due to her closing herself off to any options, but also there are few options available in the first place.

She and many other padawans (including Anakin) are also rushed into full knighthood, expected to take on apprentices or clone units. Clearly she needed more time and more attention.

To make an obvious point, it’s as if we gave all the school teachers in a nation battalions of troops and sent them off to war on the other side of the planet. Students are inevitably left displaced, distrusting, and lost.

#rise of the red blade #star wars #rotrb spoilers #rise of the red blade spoilers

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bb-editing · 1 year

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ROXANA (Chapter 21)

*TW: Self-harm

–––

“Are you going to visit the toy now, Miss Roxana?

“No, I’m going to stop by the poison butterfly hatchery first.”

Three days had passed since that day, and my daily routine had become quite predictable. I visited Cassis three times a day to deliver is meals- which also allowed him to gauge the passing of time- and I made sure to engage a physician anytime I was too busy to take care of his wounds.

I had many other tasks to complete besides visiting Cassis, one of which was caring for the poison butterflies. The hatchery was humid and warm, with the air inside flowing softly but heavily.

The space was originally a greenhouse to cultivate poisonous plants, but after obtaining a poison butterfly egg, it was converted into a hatchery. Still, it was covered in poisonous plants, and no ordinary person would be able to withstand being in this room for more than ten seconds without fainting. However, because of my poison tolerance, the poisonous air had little to no effect on me.

I walked deeper into the greenhouse, and after a while, a black egg wrapped in a thorn vine appeared in my sight. The poison butterfly’s egg was now almost the size of two fists.

I stood in front of it, pulling out a dagger from my clothes. I rolled up my sleeves and cut my skin with the blade. Blood dripped over the egg, which soon turned dark red.

“Eat well. And if you aren’t already, grow faster.”

At first, I had three eggs, but because the hatching success rate of poison butterflies is only around thirty percent, I only had the one egg left.

The poison butterflies were monstrous creatures, and were extremely difficult to find, not to mention tame. So in order for me to be imprinted as their master, they had to consume my blood regularly like this before hatching.

Another nutrient the butterflies consume is poison, as the name suggests, which makes this poison-filled room a good place for breeding them. The same was true for my blood, which has been infused with poison since childhood.

Originally, the butterfly egg should have been discovered by one of the male leads- the “White Beast.” He had the ability to deal with monsters, and he succeeded in locating and breeding the poisonous butterflies. Thankfully, I had remembered this scene in the novel, and told Emily the precise location so that she could bring the eggs to me.

Breeding and taming monsters was a rare ability to have. Obviously, I wasn’t the best at it, but it was good enough that I was being imprinted as the butterflies’ master. If I succeeded in hatching them, I had more means of protection; if I failed, I had nothing to lose.

After consuming my blood, the egg now seemed to be covered in a thin film. I reached my hand out to stroke the surface, and as if it were alive, a warmth immediately penetrated the tip of my fingers making contact with it.

Somehow, I had the feeling that the day of their hatching wasn’t far away.

* * *

After leaving the hatchery, I went to visit Cassis.

“Here’s your lunch.” Today, he was given chicken stew, wholegrain bread, and fruit. I still avoided providing him food that required the use of forks and knives, so the menu was slightly limited.

“It must be troublesome for you to have to come here all the time.” Cassis was still aloof, but seemed less uncomfortable with me than he was previously- he was more gentle and cooperative than I thought he’d be.

I’m sure I’ll be able to bring him food with forks and knives soon.

As per usual, he proceeded without saying anything.

After placing the tray on the bed and stepping back, I felt something rise in my throat. Oh. I felt nauseous and wanted to vomit.

Suddenly, dark red blood stained the palm of my hand clasped over my mouth. I suppose I’m reacting badly to the poison Emily brought me yesterday. I calmly wiped my lips with my sleeves.

Then I heard a sound in front of me. Looking up, I saw Cassis staring at me. His face was hardened and surprised- his widened eyes were a little unfamiliar to me. He lifted the tray from the bed and placed it beside him.

“You…” He spoke and faltered, as if unsure what to say. “… That blood…”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” I apologized. It must have been strange for Cassis. “I brought you food, and now I’m ruining your appetite with the sight of blood.” I hope he doesn’t think it’s dirty.

Cassis’ facial expression changed with my reaction. He looked at me, half suspicious, half confused. “No… Didn’t you just vomit blood?”

“Yes, but… you don’t need to worry about it. It’s not a big deal.” I said, covering my lips with the back of my sleeves. There was no mirror here, so I couldn’t wipe the blood from my mouth and chin completely.

But my sleeves were already stained with blood, and Cassis’ eyes seemed nailed to the patches of red on my clothes.

“Vomiting blood isn’t considered a big deal?” Cassis’ face seemed harder than before. “Something like that…”

I thought a little about how to answer, before finally saying, “It’s fine; it’s happened a lot in the past.” Why would I need to explain why I’d vomited blood? On the contrary, it was the way of the Agriche to develop a tolerance to poison by consuming it from an early age.

Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to show such a scene here, but it wasn’t really a big deal in the eyes of the Agriche.

“So it turns out that last time…” Cassis drifted off.

Huh? Last time? When have I ever vomited blood in front of Cassis? I didn’t have any recollection of that happening, but Cassis didn’t elaborate.

But stranger than that… “Are you worried about me?” I looked at Cassis, and he flinched as if I’d just insulted him.

“Why would I be worried?” A chilly look was cast on his face. “Isn’t it natural to be surprised that someone’s vomiting blood in front of you?”

He may have denied it, but he also gave me an opportunity to dig deeper into this weakness of his. “Oh, I see… It’s a familiar sight to me, so I never thought that anyone else would be surprised.”

Looking at him, I realized that he was the type of person to maintain a strong appearance in front of the strong, and an air of vulnerability in front of the weak. If so, it would be alright- no, better- for me to show more vulnerability in front of him.

“But I thought you would hate me… It’s caring of you to worry about me like this. Thank you.” I smiled faintly, deliberately using a cool but bitter tone.

Cassis was rendered speechless, and I thought that it would be best to leave it at that.

“I’ll take my leave, then.” It would be better for him to eat in peace. “I’m sorry that I surprised you,” I told Cassis again, turning around.

Cassis stiffly shut his mouth, and I could still feel his gaze digging into me as I walked towards and out the door.

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