#the only place its going is to be towed as scrap

[pixelizedprince]

Prayer circle I can distract my dad with enough other stuff tomorrow he won't get shitty with me 🙏🙏🙏🙏

#hes coming over to “assess the car” he let just break down on me and wouldnt help me figure out what was up with it #he's tried to sell it to work buddies multiple times the last year and I'm like dude it /doesn't run/ #the only place its going is to be towed as scrap #it was dangerous when i toppd driving it i can only imagine now #anyway i want to continue my fun Halloween weekend fingers crossed i can just talk him into lunch and we can do car stuff next week #hes just like that and im sure he'll get mad it doesnt work and project it at me

[dana-chan-the-control-brain]

Okay but to be fair..

Gregory is ABSOLUTELY NOT EVIL. Not in any way. But personally I DO think he tows the line into jerkass territory a bit.

I mean, Freddy tells the kid that these are his friends and theres something wrong with how they're acting, and Gregory IMMEDIATELY scraps those friends without a single thought of "maybe we can get them back to normal", because its "what they deserve" for going after him. And then he takes it a step farther by cannibalizing the people that Freddy clearly cares about, to upgrade Freddy for no clearly established reason when Freddy is little more than willing, only to dance around/avoid telling the truth to the ONE PERSON he trusts and cares about.

Like dont get me wrong, I do NOT hate Gregory or think he should be considered evil. The kid's clearly had a hard time of it and they all WERE after him with the intent of harm.

But I also think Gregory could have been explained or developed a little better, cuz frankly he's kind of a dick

GREGORY IS TWELVE!!!!

I hate that I really keep having to say this to people. Gregory is fairly average in terms of what a middleschooler is like... Everyone forgets what it's like being that age, and Gregory really has no guidance other then Freddy, who can only help him to a certain extent.

I don't think Gregory needs a complex motive for what he does. What do we know about Gregory's motives?

According to cut lines from Vanny, he's here looking for his friends.

Him being trapped in the pizzaplex and homeless and squatting in is also a motive enough... Like Gregory HAS NO PARENTS OR GUARDIANS OTHER THAN FREDDY to really tell him what's right from wrong here. And Freddy doesn't really help that much other than going "These are my friends..." and "I could open this gate if I had monty's claws" "if I had chicas voice box i could open this door" and... oh yeah "Maybe you'll find a way to deal with Roxy when you are there" We don't have evidence that any other of the animatronics besides Freddy are sentient.

Gregory NOT listening to Freddy is often beneficial at points. Freddy is the only one Gregory has, while Gregory sees him as a safe place, it has been SUPER consistent in that game that Gregory doesn't really listen to Freddy when it matters. Sure, Gregory will listen to Freddy on things like, how to navigate areas of the pizzaplex, tips for where Exits are, where to go next, how the Security Badges work, because it's all unfamiliar to Gregory and he is lost and needs the guidance But in other instances... if Gregory REALLY wants to do something. He'll do it. Like every average middle schooler. And often times, Gregory not listening is beneficial. LIKE LITERALLY if the Princess Quest Ending is canon in any AU like mine is, the Princess Quest ending ONLY occurs when Gregory DIRECTLY goes against Freddy's wishes and doesn't listen to him. Freddy wants you to turn the bots against Vanny..... but if you DON'T listen to Freddy and play the last princess quest game, you free Vanessa's soul and stop the glitch.... Which people often call the "best" ending since you free Her and the plex. Oh yeah, and other endings like the Car ending... Gregory doesn't listen to Freddy again, and takes Freddy with him rather then leave him behind and Freddy usually turns out okay. PLUS GREGORY WOULD HAVE NEVER MET FREDDY IF HE WENT INTO THE UNSAFE PLAY AREA OF HIS STOMACH HATCH WHEN HE WAS PASSED OUT TO HIDE FROM VANESSA IN THE FIRST PLACE. I think Gregory does the right balance of listening and not listening to Freddy. He actually behaves like an actual child! And I actually Like that Gregory takes initiative to decommission the animatronics that are chasing him and are super aggressive.

The Glamrocks have legit killed other children and employees. Possibly even Gregory's friends that he's looking for...

There is an entire wall in the "Sister Location Room" that gives explicit instructions on how to run and jump and shoot and avoid the animatronics.

Yes, while... Gregory did not need to go out of his way to Decommission all of them (especially chica or monty depending on your run through if you stay after 6am and decommission all three) And yes... Gregory COULD have theoretically stayed in Freddy's room all night after he retrieves him from Parts and Service.... but then we wouldn't have a videogame. Well, we could, but it would mean half of the game would be open world, then the other half would default to fnaf1 gameplay. Like he could have stayed in the Daycare or in Freddy's room, but he probably would have been found by Vanessa or someone eventually, and I don't think it would make for an interesting videogame to play.

Like, I love the fandom, and I love how so much of us have humanized the animatrioncs.

BUT FROM GREGORY'S POINT OF VIEW...

There is no evidence that any one of the animatronics other then Freddy are sentient. Like take off your "I love robots" and/or "I love the animatronics" and/or "Im a furry" glasses bias for FIVE seconds... and pretend you're... neutral on them... I'm sure Gregory isn't thinking of "how can I stop them without hurting them" .... like... at all.

And even if the animatronics ARE sentient and are killing children and employees against their will...

THEY ARE STILL KILLING PEOPLE.

And they have killed people, and they are hunting him. And will continue to hurt other people if Gregory doesn't do something. Which we learn is one of Gregory's motivations in the game in general

"If I leave now nothing will change will it, they'll be more disappearances"

I honestly feel that this line makes the "they get what they deserve" a little more justified in my eyes. And even up till that point... all of them have been super aggressive and chasing him all over the place.

Plus Empathy is a learned trait, and it's hard to develop empathy for something that is actively hunting you and is basically, a cold unfeeling murderous robots in his eyes that are aggressively chasing him all night.

Especially with how Gregory talks to Freddy about Decommissioning his friends.

(but it's not like Freddy tries to talk to his friends when you get close to them inside of Freddy like "hey, why are you hunting this kid?" or... "hey what is up bandmates... can't wait to get gregory" )

Do I feel like the animatronics "Get what they deserve" ? Like Gregory says?

No, I don't.

(my rl friend does tho who i introduced to sb this week looooooool)

But From Gregory's point of view, I think he is justified, and in Twin Animatronics... Gregory does have character development in the background to understand that "hey, the other animatronics are actually people and maybe I should start treating them better rather then just pieces of parts for Freddy"

I'm sick of these two polar extremes where "Gregory did nothing wrong" or "Gregory did some things wrong"

...I honestly think. With the knowledge the that Gregory knows... and being 12 and doing his best to survive...

He did the absolute best that he could given the circumstances.

And I'll just share a little of @witchysolfan 's thoughts on the matter.

I know I repeat a lot of myself here. I just had to get this all out.

Anyway. Love Gregory.

I do not think he's a uwu baby who did nothing wrong... But for all the information Gregory had at the time, and the age range he is, he made the correct choice based on all the information he knew at the time.... And in Twins... He'll learn more, and maybe possibly talk and apologize to the Glamrocks he broke (if all the Glamrocks weren't avoiding him like the plague right now due to trauma)

#fnaf #fnaf Security Breach #fnaf sb #fnaf Gregory #danachan's rants #danachan's replies

[leefl00f]

Case of the giggles

By LeeFl00f

Summary: Uzi wanders outside of the bunker to find scrap for her inventions around the snowy area, but that isn’t the only thing she finds

Ft. Uzi (and J in the end)

Note: Thank you guys so much for your patience and voting on which fic I should write next! (✿◠‿◠)  

I had figured that Uzi would have the most votes lol 😅. Also, I’ve decided to call Uzi’s roach friend StringBean. Hope you all enjoy!  (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

Warning(s): none, this is a sfw tickle fic 

DNI N$FW/F3t!sh accounts!!! 🚫🔫

Words: 2,468

  ๋࣭ ⭑ ☾ ˖° ⋆✧˖｡˚  ๋࣭ ⭑✧  ๋࣭ ⭑ ☾ ˖° ⋆✧˖｡˚  ๋࣭ ⭑✧  ๋࣭ ⭑ ☾ ˖° 

It was a typical snowy night in Copper-9. The abandoned buildings were covered in snow, making slight groaning noises anytime the wind blew. Rusted cars were scattered across once-busy roads, and snowflakes danced across the night sky before landing on the ground gracefully. There was no sign of life in the environment of Copper-9, except for one drone.

Uzi treaded across the snowy area with her backpack in tow, looking for anything that could help her assemble her latest project. It was a small rifle, but since school let out early, she had to do something to keep herself entertained. Uzi had already finished the shell of it; she only needed the insides to get it to work. She wasn’t supposed to be outside of the bunker since there could still be a risk of human hunters lurking around Copper-9. But the shops back inside didn’t have the things Uzi was looking for, and things outside of the bunker had better high-quality materials.

Uzi tried to get Doll to join her in sneaking out, but Doll didn’t want to go since she had to go to practice. Emily and Sam had their own things to do, so Uzi had to leave solo. At least Doll would cover for her just in case their dad came home early from his job, which Uzi was glad about.

As the rebel continued to walk the abandoned road, she found a scrap heap a few feet across from her. It wasn’t very big, but at the same time not too small; it could have some of the material necessary to make the project work!

“Aw, sweet!” Uzi cheered.

She lightly jogged towards the pile, kneeling on one knee before digging in. Uzi inspected almost every metal object carefully. Most of the scrap was perfect to work with, as if it were in mint condition, if it wasn’t for the deep scratches in the metal.

“At least I don’t have to clean it as usual when I get back,” Uzi said to herself as she started to stuff the metals into her backpack.

As the drone continued to fill her backpack, she noticed a strange, pink light in the corner of her eye. Uzi turned her head to face the light flashing in the distance. It was dim, but still noticeable from afar.

Letting curiosity get the best of her, Uzi picked up her backpack and headed for the gleam. As she got closer, the light began to shine a little brighter. Uzi started to notice that the surrounding buildings and cars had the same spotless condition as the tools she gathered. Her father had warned her and Doll that humans would use bright lights as bait for a drone to be led astray before netting them, and that it would normally take place in an open area. An area like the one Uzi was in right now.

Uzi was starting to feel a bit paranoid but pushed the thought aside. She wasn’t scared, besides, most of the humans fled back to Earth after the war or foolishly died staying here with few supplies that they had left.

“Eh, whatever, it’s probably just a coincidence that this part of the city is clean,” Uzi said to reassure herself as she continued walking, but the feeling still lingered.

Eventually, Uzi reached the source. Still tense about her previous thought, she silently went behind an open car door to hide. Uzi peeked her head from where the window had once been to check if there were any humans around. In the middle of the empty, snowed-out road, was a cockroach flashing its antennas with all its might.

Uzi relaxed, seeing that it was only a mere bug.

“Huh, just a roach,” Uzi said with a huff of relief.

Uzi came out from behind the door and started to walk toward it in a slow pace. She didn’t want to scare it off since most tend to scurry away when approached back in the bunker. The bug’s back was currently facing Uzi, so it was the perfect time for her to approach.

“You scared me, lil dude,” Uzi said now behind it.

The bug jumped and immediately turned to face the rebel. It dimmed its antennae and lowered them. Uzi was surprised that it didn’t run away from her even when it was showing signs of fear.

“Hey, it’s okay. I’m not gonna hurt you.” Uzi assured.

She kneeled and offered her hand for the creature to crawl on. It hesitated for a second, but soon it placed one leg on Uzi’s palm before fully crawling into her hand.

Uzi stood up, now holding the roach in her hand. She was able to get a good look at the little guy. It was definitely different from the ones she encountered daily back at the bunker, starting with its pink antennae and eyes, its back legs were more like stumps instead of the usual prickly, sharp ones, and it was very fuzzy from the looks of it.

“You must be hungry,” Uzi muttered 

She reached into her pocket and brought out a hex nut, little critters love to eat nuts and bolts. The bug's antennae shot up upon seeing the treat and it reached for it with its front legs, leaning close towards the edge of Uzi's hand, but only grasping the air.

“Here you go lil guy.” Uzi chuckled out 

Uzi gave the nut to the insect, which it gladly took and began munching away. After a minute or two, the hex nut was gone and the roach began to clean itself from the remaining crumbs.

As it groomed itself, Uzi noticed that the bug’s front legs had a bit of pink fluff balls on them, it kinda resembles a cheerleader.

“Hm, your arms kinda make you look like a cheerleader,” Uzi said, gently rubbing its back 

“How ‘bout I call you…PomPom? Do you like that name?”

PomPom squeaks and runs around Uzi’s hand excitingly at the new nickname that it’s given, sounds like they agree with being called PomPom.

Uzi giggles from the tickly sensations from PomPom crawling around. A couple of seconds later, PomPom came to a halt now looking at the rebel once again. Said rebel wanted to keep the little guy, but she knows that she can’t, they belong in their environment.

“Well PomPom, I better head home before my Dad finds out that I snuck out again. I wish that I could take you with me, but you belong out here.” Uzi said  

She kneeled down again to place PomPom back on the ground. PomPom squeaked out what Uzi figured as protest, seeing that they’re not trying to crawl out of her hand. But soon, their squeaks stared to become louder, frantic even. Uzi knew from watching StringBean that this was either a sign of danger being nearby or something scared them.

“What’s wrong PomPom? Did something spooked you?” Uzi asked 

She was confused as to what had alarmed PomPom until she heard clanging from one of the cars. Uzi jolted from the sound and stood up, now gazing around her for whatever caused the sound. Was it the humans? Was this a trap all along?

Uzi’s thoughts were interrupted by another clunk and this time, it was louder.

Clunk! Clang!

“Alright, who’s there?! Show yourself!” Uzi shouted, turning her body at the source of the noise.

The source was a shiny, but rundown car. The rebel waited for what was in the vehicle to make a move. Within the darkness of the vehicle, a roach similar to PomPom crawled out to meet Uzi. 

“Oh, it’s just one of your pals.” Uzi sighed

Soon another pair of pink lights started to flicker to life in the darkness, and then another and another until Uzi couldn’t count anymore. She was taught that small critters liked to stay in groups, but this was a freaking horde! The bugs started to crawl towards Uzi, stepping back trying create space between her and the horde of bugs.

They probably smelled the hex nut that I had! Uzi thought

Uzi quickly patted her pockets for anymore treats to give, only to remember that she gave the rest to StringBean before she headed out. 

“N-now guys, I don’t have anymore treats if that’s what you’re looking for.” Uzi stuttered while still backing away 

But the swarm didn't listen and continued their pursuit. Uzi didn't know what to do in this situation. What could they possibly want? Maybe they wanted their friend back? The rebel was going to release them before, so maybe that's what they were after.

“Alright PomPom, it’s time to go home now.” Uzi said 

Uzi knelt down once more to try to get PomPom to go with them. However, instead of crawling out of Uzi's palm, the little bug quickly went up the teen's arm and into her sleeve before she had a chance to stop it.

The drone was confused before she felt the little guy starting to crawl around on the inside of her jacket. She jolted from the sudden tickly feeling before falling into a fit of giggles.

“Ah! Hehehey! Get out of thehehere!” Uzi giggled as she tried and failed to grab PomPom

“Hahahaha! Cut it out!”

Uzi's legs were starting to give out from the tickling, and she soon found herself on the ground, hugging herself to dull the tickles. She was laughing too hard to notice that the swarm of insects was getting closer. When she did, she finally put two and two together.

“Nohoho! Wahihit! WAHAHAHAIT!” Uzi shrieked 

The swarm covered Uzi almost from head to toe. Some had went in her jacket to join PomPom in skittering around her midsection, while others had stayed outside to get unreachable places like her neck and legs. 

This was a trap, but one that Uzi did not expect. Normally, hordes this big would try to eat or attack workers when they get too close to their territory, but to tickle drones? That was the first.

“PFFT-HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! GUYS! STOP PLEHEHEASE!” Uzi cried out

But her pleas fell on deaf ears as they continued to tickle her. Uzi struggled not to thrash too hard while they were on top of her. She didn't want to accidentally hurt them, but it was becoming increasingly difficult.

Almost at her limit, Uzi raised her hand to activate her solver to get rid of the pesky bugs, only to shriek again and pin her arm to her side when she felt more bugs crawl up her arm.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” Uzi cackled as she rolled from side to side 

All of a sudden, they stopped, giving Uzi enough time to catch her breath, her chest going up and down with every breath she took. She opened her tired eyes to look at the mischievous bugs as her body went limp.

“Ha..Ha…alright, you’ve had your fun, now get off me.” Uzi huffed

But they didn’t moved, however, one of the roaches popped up from her right shoulder as a pop up message appeared from its head.

"Scanning complete, 45% of worker drone metal has dulled! Initiating buffing sequence in 5 seconds!" 

“Do not worry! This will not hurt one bit! :]”

Buffing sequence?

Oh…

Oh no. 

Uzi didn’t have enough time to get up before she was brought back into hysterics. The bugs resumed back their ticklish onslaught, this time using their pink fluff balls to rub against her metallic skin.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! AHAHAHAHA! STOP! STAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!” Uzi cackled 

Uzi struggled to move, her previous thrashing beginning to weaken, until she eventually laid limp. She felt like she was being electrocuted as her tickle spots were being targeted all at once. The tickling was becoming too much for her to handle.

“AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! *Snort* HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” 

“Hey! Leave her alone!”

The horde stopped in their tracks as they all turned their bodies to the voice, giving Uzi another breather. After regaining some strength, Uzi looked up to see a familiar figure in the air.

“J!” Uzi shouted, relieving that somebody came to save her 

The guardian swooped down to the powdery surface, scaring some of the swarm away from Uzi. Once J got close enough, she used her wings to make herself look bigger to the bugs while also shooing them off.

"Go on. Shoo! Shoo!" J said sternly as she gestured them away.

The bugs began to crawl off the rebel's body and scurried back into the safety of the abandoned buildings. One of them waved goodbye before joining the others, Uzi guessed that that last one was PomPom.

After the bugs scurried away, J offered her hand to help Uzi up, which she gladly accepted.

"Uzi, are you alright? Did they hurt you?" J asked as she placed her hand on the worker's back.

"I'm fine," Uzi huffed as she leaned against J for support. "But what were those bugs?"

"I was going to ask you the same thing. This was my first time seeing them," J replied.

"But that doesn't matter now. You look tired. Would you like to stay with us for the rest of the night?" J asked.

It was true, Uzi was tired from all the tickling she endured before J came in, but she still needed to get back to the bunker.

"Thanks for offering, but I need to get back home," Uzi said.

"Well, alright. Do you want me to fly you there?"

"Yes please."

J lifts Uzi onto her back before spreading her wings and lifting them both into the air. As they travel through the sky, Uzi decides to strike up a conversation.

"Hey J, I think I've got a name for those mischievous insects," Uzi states.

"Hm?"

"How about we call them Giggle bugs?"

Giggle bugs wasn't really suited for them since they practically tickled the young one to death, but Uzi discovered them first and she has the right to name them.

Eventually, they make it to the entrance of the bunker. J lands carefully on the ground before picking up the small drone from her back and placing her onto the snow. But now that Uzi is in the light, the guardian can't help but chuckle a bit.

"What's so funny?" Uzi asks, clearly annoyed.

"Oh, it's nothing. I have to go anyway. Bye!" J chuckles before spreading her wings and flying off.

Uzi rolled her eyes. Well, that was strange she thought. 

She walked towards the door of the bunker but stopped to check her reflection. Now she understood why J was laughing at her. She was shiny all over, one could even say she was sparkling, literally.

"At least I don't have to stress about Lizzy comparing my metal to her trash can," Uzi said as she entered the bunker

Fin :)

  ๋࣭ ⭑ ☾ ˖° ⋆✧˖｡˚  ๋࣭ ⭑✧  ๋࣭ ⭑ ☾ ˖° ⋆✧˖｡˚  ๋࣭ ⭑✧  ๋࣭ ⭑ ☾ ˖

Bonus note ⭐️(wow!): Thank you all so much for reading this lovely fic here! I really appreciate it! But I apologize for the ending being a bit sloppy though 😅, I was ready to wrap the story up lol. Hope you all have a great day! Bye ❤️❤️❤️

#murder drones tickles #floof writes #sfw tk community #floof speaks #uzi md #uzi doorman #:3c #sfw tk blog

[heliopauseentertainments]

Safety Technologies

For fandomweekly - placed 1st

Prompt: 202 - Catastrophe

Continuity: G1

Rating: General

Relationship: Megatron/Ratchet

Characters: Megatron & Ratchet Warnings: Swearing

Summary: In which Ratchet and Megatron take the Hyperjump on vacation.

Crossposting: AO3 | Event Dreamwidth | Main Dreamwidth Fic under cut. See AO3 for complete notes.

“We should have sold this useless thing for scrap,” Megatron said, his head under the floor paneling of the shuttle’s cockpit as he searched for the fault in the impulse drive’s circuitry. Presumably. Ratchet honestly had no idea what the big fool was actually looking for or what the problem was. It was just as likely that Megatron was searching around down there for some piece of hardware to be mad at. It would explain all of the banging noises as he slapped around seemingly aimlessly under the floor. “You still don’t really grasp the concept of sentimentality, do you?” Ratchet said, arms crossed as he stood nearby to “supervise” in case Megatron accidentally electrocuted himself for the umpteenth time. It had been easy enough to get Prime to grant him the Hyperjump as a part of the peace arrangement he had forced everyone into. With its now functional warp drive, the shuttle was also the perfect size to take for rare vacations with his partner. Neither of them were good at relaxing, but Soundwave had recently given them vouchers for a visit to resort world known for its geothermal hot springs. It was the perfect opportunity to dust the shuttle off. Though, Ratchet too was beginning to regret telling Megatron they would be keeping the Hyperjump all those years ago after the glitchy experimental shuttle had been their only place of refuge for many months in unknown space. At the time, he had thought it would be nice to have something to remember their weird ordeal by, but, now as they orbited their vacation destination with a dead impulse drive, he was reconsidering. “We warped all the way here,” Ratchet said, frowning at the floor where Megatron was wedging himself further into the maintenance crawlspace, “and now we can’t park.” It was just their luck. More banging echoed across the cramped cockpit, followed by a loud zapping noise. Megatron recoiled with a frustrated grunt, clearly having been the cause of the zap. “Could anything else possibly go wrong?” he growled, redoubling his efforts to do… something down there. “Do you need help?” “No, I can fix it!” Which is what Megatron said when the impulse drive wouldn’t start up after they came out of warp. The problem remained to be fixed. Another zap. He caught the acrid scent of smoke. The shuttle lurched downwards, Ratchet stumbling with it. Rolling across the cockpit’s floor, he could hear Megatron madly scrambling out of the crawlspace. The shuttle plummeted through the atmosphere; arms wrapped protectively around him as the planet’s gravity asserted itself. This way they would at least arrive at their destination, he thought bitterly, though almost certainly not in one piece. The cockpit heated up as the ablative heat protection panels on the hull were pushed past their limit. The warning alarms sounded, lights flashing. :: Imminent collision detected :: Ratchet turned off his optics and waited for impact. :: Warping to a safe distance in three… two… one… :: “Warp?” Suddenly the alarms stopped. The intense heat began to dissipate. Were they dead? :: Collision avoided. Orbital stability re-enabled. :: No, not dead. Ratchet onlined his optics and twisted in Megatron’s firm grasp to peer out of the viewport. They were in orbit above the resort world once more; the plumes of some of the massive geysers were visible from their vantage point. “I’m calling for a tow; they’ll fix the damn thing in port.” Megatron sighed in defeat, arms still wrapped tightly around Ratchet. “Agreed.”

#fic #maccadam #g1 #megatron #ratchet #megaratch #one shot #fic AUV

[bluestonebliss]

HELLO my tumblr twin, it’s your turn to share something spooky from where you’re from!

Tales From the Perth Regions

Okay I dragged my Dad into helping me answer this ask because that man knows everything there is to know about The Happenings of this area.

These are my favourites.

The Satanists of Kings Park

To those unaware, Kings Park is one of the largest gardens within a city in the world. That place is fucking massive, and contains a lot of thick bush. One of the landmark buildings in the park is the DNA tower, named after its shape.

Also, unrelated but the vantage point from the top of the tower is pretty neat.

Popular local legend goes that from the mid to late 70s a group of Satanists and Devil-worshippers would gather on full moons at midnight to have meetings and dances on the tower, terrorising any outsiders that dared to get close. Over the years a few homeless people who slept in the park have gone missing or found dead leading many to believe they were sacrificed in a ritual.

My Dad never personally got chased out my a mob of Satanists, but many of his mates claim to have seen their dances.

Personally, I find this one rather rude. Im a bit miffed I didnt get an invite to these meetings. Mayhaps the kings park satanists are a tradition in need of revival.

The Wreck of the SS Alkimos

Boy oh boy this is a long one. Buckle up.

No idea about how much of this is factual, but as requested this is as much of the story as I can recount as it is told through the broken game of telephone.

Upon its construction, the Alkimos experienced its first tragedy. The story goes that during construction, eleven workers were trapped between layers of metal. They all suffocated to death. Some say their bodies werent found for days, while others say their corpses were never removed.

The ship saw active service in WW2 when its second tragedy occured. Some radio operator was killed in a muder-suicide on board which was covered up as an enemy attack. Apparently the radio opperator was the first Toronto woman to die in active duty during WW2. Her name was... Maud? I think? Her ghost is said to haunt the Alkimos. Now, this is a detail thats neither here nor there, but Dad says many radio broadcasts were made back in the 50s on the Alkimos wreck trying to document it for the public, but almost all of them failed or experienced a malfunction during transmission. Bit of an odd coincidence, no?

Now on to the weird shit.

On a trip to W.A., the Alkimos wrecked on Beagle Island. It was salvaged and towwed to the Freo ports for repair. It was then towwed out by an ocean-going tug boat to Kong Kong when the tow cable broke, and sent Alkimos right back to wreck on the coast of Freo. They flooded the hull to keep her stationary, and posted an onboard watchman. Dad says this watchman was driven off the job, claiming the ship was haunted. The Alkimos was repaired one again, and was leaving for the Philippines but the tug assisting got recalled due to a storm and Alkimos took anchor. The anchor broke, and sent the Alkimos back to run aground at Yanchep, only an hour-ish from Freo port. They gave up trying to restore her after that, and there she still remains to this day.

And now the bat-shit stuff.

Multiple scrapping companies attempted to scrap parts of the Alkimos over the years after everyone gave up trying to fix her. One company reported that every time they tried, a fire would break out on board. Every time they came back the fire would somehow restart and drive them away. A few of these companies went bankrupt soon after. Thus, the legend that removing any part of the Alkimos was an omen of terrible luck.

It is said that many ghosts haunt the wreck. The most famous being Henry, the ghost of an elder man in gumboots and an oil skin. Apparently he's nice enough. My Dad's mate, Jack Sue, wrote a book about the ship ( The Ghost of the Alkimos) and during his stay on board the ship for research he bunked there over night. He said that he woke one night to pained moans from the nearby bunk, and upon turning on his torch, the sheets of the bed went sailing across the room. He said that you could hear voices aboard and the smell of cooking despite it being abandoned. He took a spice rack off the ship, and immediately was hospitalised with some sort of lung infection. However, his lungs were already fucked by the war, so its not like it was very out of the blue. He died fully convinced the ship was haunted, and he was not the sort to shake easy.

Around the late 1960s, champion swimmer Herbert 'Shark Bait' Voigt attempted an unassisted swim from Cottesloe Beach to Rotto, an island off the coast of W.A. (from which the main access point is via the Freo port) Anyway, he was never seen again. A few weeks later, about an hour north of his departure point, his skull was found floating above the wreck of the Alkimos my an escaped prisoner. Some versions of the story say is was found over the wreck, some say about 200m off the wreck, and others say it was found in the flooded engine room. Nobody knows for sure. Regardless, the cause of death was never determined.

The Alkimos has been blamed for so many misfortunes, deaths, mishaps and the like in the area that its impossible to tell you all of them. My Dad even blames a missing half a tank of petrol on the Alkimos from when he rode there.

If you want to learn more, i bet that book would be a great place to start.

Either way, seems like a great scuba place to me! I will for sure be diving what remains of the ship the second I get the chance. And I will be taking what ever I can get my mits on from the wreck.

Sadly, almost all the ship is underwater these days, but nothing a snorkle cant fix! If I go missing after announcing a trip there, you will know why.

#rewriting this whole ass essay bc tumblr didnt save my draft #batshit aus things #western australia #you may be a trains autistic but i am a shipwreck autistic. specifically haunted shipwrecks. #i froth at the mouth over a good ship wreck #i wanna go there so bad #i dont usually believe in ghosts but the Alkimos is WEIRD #kings park satanists plz invite me #i dabble in satanism and i wanna be a local legend #asks #moots my beloved #Lost is my tumblr twin #Oh! and also the perth hills people believe there are panthers and tigers and shit in the local bush

[ilyamatic]

I Just Want You Here with Me

Song: Northern Lights by Kennie

Rain did not come often to Nopal from what he’s heard. Only two rainy seasons and even those showers were infrequent. So when the first storm cloud appeared and the tell-tale smell of wet earth and ozone rolled in, time stood still.

It was there, being sequestered away in a cozy adobe cottage, laying next to the love of his life, the sounds of rain hitting the sand lulling them to sleep that Andrico came to a decision.

“We should get married here.”

Plans of garden weddings, pretty silks, smiling guests fell away as he looked into sleepy gray eyes. Andrico did not remember when the crow’s feet came or the line of faint freckles against the bridge of Julian’s nose appeared. Maybe the Hanged Man’s deal had finally loosened its grip. All he knew in that moment was that they would never be this young or this old again.

“We should get married here,” he repeated.

A mischievous smile curled on Julian’s lips. “Our families are going to kill us.”

It mattered little in the watery light of the morning, hands clasped tight as they rushed down still rain slick paths to the magistrate’s office. They arrived sweating and panting with a very confused villager to play witness in tow and the humidity was making Julian’s hair frizz and his cheeks were all red and and…

And he never looked more beautiful.

And it didn’t matter that it was a rushed affair, ten minutes at most. Just signing their license, exchanging generic vows. Not a tradition upheld aside from a cactus flower on a makeshift altar and an empty wine bottle smashed under their boots.

They would never be this young or this old again.

So they married in the desert with a baffled local, a tired judge, and the sun peeking from behind the clouds as their witnesses. They walked into town and told everyone who passed by that they were married, that was his husband. They bought mangos and fed each other chunks of the fruit, fingers sticky sweet. They tied scraps of cloth a booth was giving out around their fingers in place of rings. And they kissed.

They kissed and kissed and kissed soft honey sweet until Andrico thought he was dizzy with it. And when he caught his breath they kissed again. They kissed all the way back to that cozy cottage where the kisses turned hungrier, needier. Where kisses weren’t enough. Where there were only hands and teeth and skin. Where Andrico wasn’t sure he ended and Julian began.

And in the quiet of the night, the sounds of distant thunder and the howling of a lone coyote between them, Andrico will press his lips against a scar on Julian’s hand that did not exist last year. He will twirl a lock of hair between his fingers, a single streak of white peeking from auburn waves. He will bask in the fact that Julian was there with him, warm, solid, and happy.

They would never be this young and this old again.

#the arcana #andrico the soft chaos boy #julian devorak #the arcana julian #ilya devorak #the arcana ilya #andrilya #abby's adventures in fic

[puhpandas]

Cave in a release the backstory you built for Gregory and Cassie >:)

they are twins (cassie older by a few minutes and she holds it over his head their entire lives). they grew up together with only their mother happy and well off. they squabble and are considered a package deal and troublemakers. they're just normal kids, they go to school together, have separate rooms decorated head to toe with things they love (they especially love the freddys franchise and have lots of merch of the glamrocks) and they have hobbies. until one day the family goes to the pizzaplex and only cassie and her mother come out. the next day the place is reported to be burned down and abandoned.

cassie and Gregory were attached at the hip and were incredibly close before he disappeared. cassie is grief stricken and declines fast after Gregory doesnt show despite the police searching. she lashes out at school, doesnt have energy to do things she loves, and is depressed. therapy doesnt help and her mother is taking It hard, with one child being gone and the other in bad shape.

hope is nonexistent after months pass. Gregory is considered a cold case. cassie doesnt give up hope, even though her mother has. but its dwindling, every day that passes is another that her brother is gone without a trace. one night, shes awake, thinking, when her walkie talkie (it came in a set of two, gregory has the other one.) suddenly starts spitting static. when she grabs it, Gregory's voice filters through.

it's the first time shes heard his voice in months. it's the first time theres any indication that he is isnt dead. he uses the small amount of time to relay a message, to ask for help, and he doesnt answer her when she talks to him.

cassie doesnt waste any time. she writes a quick note to her mom and packs a bag, and is out of the house making for the pizzaplex as soon as her mother lays in for the night at 10pm.

Ruin happens. whatever plot it may be. Gregory is found and taken home with a broken Freddy in tow (maybe just his head). his mother is ecstatic. so is cassie.

but hes not the same as he was before. hes in bad shape, obviously, from surviving on scraps and not showering for 6 months. but that's not all. hes plagued with nightmares of things he wont tell cassie about, no matter how much she presses. he doesn't laugh like he used to, he doesnt get into trouble. he can barely do anything at all. just ever awake enough to eat and take care of himself.

cassie was changed forever by her brothers absense as well. but shes even more disturbed by how different he is, and just wants him to be back to normal.

it takes months, but slowly but surely, gregory improves, and he and cassie are never the same, but they get better, and even after their mother finds Freddy in their closet one day, she lets him stay, and they live happily and together. not perfect, but improving every day

#the ocification of gregory and cassie #im thinking of taking this premise and writing a pretty long oneshot about it #focusing on cassie and gregory pre and post ruin/security breach #and them just healing together #im wanting to do it before ruin comes out of possible #because i just know things are gonna be turned on its head when it comes out #as much as i hope this is what we get with gregory and cassies backstory i doubt it #so while its not disproved yet im taking it and running with it #also sorry for the mile long backstory but you asked and i love talking about it so 🤷‍♂️ #pandas.txt #pandas talks #pandas asks #long post #gregory fnaf #cassie fnaf #fnaf ruin

[joezworld]

Firestarter

Traintober 2022 Day 30 - Vengeance

Summary - Vic Berry's of Leicester is where engines go to die. It isn't usually pretty.

Someone finally takes umbrage to that.

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

March, 1991 - Leicester 

The coach had been one of the rare beings in the modern age to be pure of heart and deed. An unkind word had never passed from her lips, and her only thoughts had been on how to better the lives of those around her. Even as she’d been slowly demoted to lower and lower class trains, as locomotive hauled trains had fallen out of favour across the country, she had viewed each successive demotion as a chance for new opportunity, new adventure. Truly, she was “one of the good ones.”

Naturally, therefore, when British Rail retired her, they sent her to Vic Berry, Ltd, of Leicester,  who savagely ripped her into her component parts so that they could recycle her metal. She screamed the entire time, and it was generally horrible to witness. 

The ethereal locomotive watched the scrapping in its entirety. It was its duty. 

Once the deed was done, and the physical shell was no more, it took the coach in tow, and left for a better place. This was its duty. 

Then, it returned to the place of the coach’s demise. It visited this place rarely, and had never explored, each time driven back by an all too mortal sense of revulsion and disgust. 

It was a place of horror and despair. Locomotives and coaches, multiple units both diesel and electric, all sat piled atop each other like cordwood. In far corners of the site, engine blocks and bogie trucks sat in mounds. Panel, roofs, doors, and any other material that had necessitated removal were scattered in no particular semblance of order. 

Against the wall of the office from which this mechanical abattoir was managed, a series of metal plates were propped up, each one of them bearing a number of a locomotive now dismembered. 

Along one side, a coach’s windows flickered with the not-quite-hidden light of a homeless man’s cooking fire. 

Truly, this is a place without God. The ethereal being said to itself, as looked at the beheaded cabs that were piled in another area, the faces twisted and distorted in their last moments of pain. How have I been so unaware?

It continued its path around the piles of corpses, its jaw tightening as it passed from one engine to another. None of you have lived a virtuous life, one that calls me, instead of my brother. But yet I cannot help but mourn you. 

The faces stared back at it, unspeaking. 

To be left in this place, allowed to rot, it angers me so. 

It passed by the entrance to the facility. There, a group of excavators were grouped around a single class 03 shunter, all marked with the “VIC BERRY” logo. 

They had still been working when the Angel arrived, and it had spent so much time ruminating and observing that the workday had ended by the time it saw them again. It remembered the dead-eyed looks all the machines had, how they stared off into the distance, like men who came back from the trenches of the great war. What evil have you been forced to do?

In the distance, there was a clatter. A homeless man had taken up residence inside the husk of a coach. His cooking fire had just fallen over, setting fire to the ruined interior of the dead Mk.1. 

The Angel watched as the man, realizing that he could not put out the fire, gathered up his belongings and fled the scrapyard through a hole in the perimeter fence. 

The fire soon spread through the coach, and it was quickly ablaze from end to end. 

The Angel watched the fire lap at the windows, not yet bursting out of the frames, but would soon be able to. When that happened, it would have no trouble finding enough fuel to set fire to the entire yard. 

‘I could stop this’ The Angel thought to itself. 

Suddenly, and without any visible cause, the fire in the coach roared,  doubling, then doubling again in size. A small fire in a coach suddenly turned into a firestorm that swept through the entire stack in a matter of seconds. White hot flames jumped from carriage to carriage, hungrily eating into everything and anything that they could find.

Cinders from the fire soon began drifting through the air, making their way over to the piled corpses of the diesels. In seconds, their oil-soaked remains were blazing like coals in a firebox, burning bright enough to make the night look like day. 

In the sky above, a pillar of smoke rose straight up, not leaving the confines of the scrapyard even as it rose into the sky. 

The Angel looked up at the smoke. It was laden with contaminants - chemicals that reacted poorly to being burned, and fibres that had seemed like a fine idea to use in days past, but were now understood to cause serious health problems in humans. If the smoke were to be left to the mercies of the wind that was already lapping at it, the contaminants could be blown over a wide area, and do untold amounts of health damage to people who lived in Leicester. 

The people of Leicester, who knew exactly what had transpired inside this place for over a decade, and had done nothing to stop it. 

Fuck ‘em. 

The wind suddenly gained control over the smoke, and began to push it towards the city. The blazing pyre below assisted, soon creating its own air currents that threw even more filth and ash into the sky. 

In the distance, the first winking lights of the fire brigade could be seen, but they wouldn’t arrive in time. 

There was suddenly a great amount of noise and shouting from the ground, and the Angel looked around to find that the excavators had shaken off their lethargy and were trying to move themselves out of the path of the fire. It seemed like it was all for naught, as their keys were stored safely inside of the main building, which was currently ablaze. Without them, they couldn’t even start themselves - and they lacked the knowledge to move on their own. 

Suddenly, their motors all roared into life, and they quickly made for the fence, their buckets and claws tearing and pulling at the fence. The Class 03 remained motionless, despite its panicking, and several of the diggers turned back for it, pushing the little diesel down the tracks towards the exit, not about to leave their comrade behind. 

The Angel watched as the machines ran for their lives. If they escaped, they would still be in Leicester, still be lettered for Vic Berry. At the end of the day, they would still be forced back into service for the yard of horrors. 

The fire roared down, blocking the escape route. The machines wailed in horror, some desperately trying to find some way out, while the rest merely stayed and waited for the end. None of them noticed the Angel above, breaking apart into a cloud of starry particles that wrapped around them like a cloak. 

When the fire services arrived, they found nothing but ash, dust, and twisted metal. 

-----

Afterwards, the Demon watched the pyre spew toxic smoke over the heart of Leicester. I’ll be honest, I did not think you had that in you. 

Shut up. The Angel said. 

I’m serious. That was a real cracker of a job. I hated that fucking place. 

Really?

Oh yes. It’d be fine if it was just the bad ones who went there, but obviously it doesn’t work like that. 

The Angel said nothing to that, continuing to stare at the cloud of smoke. 

Everything alright?

I’m very tired. 

Of? 

All of this. Evil. Good. It doesn’t matter anymore, does it?All these engines - their lives were predetermined from before they were even built. The only difference was whether they regretted what they did.  It’s all too… complex. 

Complexity isn’t a bad thing. 

Look at us. We’re simple machines, from simple times. I reward the good, you punish the bad. Now there’s no true good, or bad. Only shades of grey. 

So, what do we do about it then? 

We? 

Yeah. You and me, brother. 

I don’t know. The Angel said with a sigh. Have you any ideas?

We could go on vacation. 

Death takes a holiday? Really?

S’not the worst idea in the world. We’ve been at this almost two hundred years. Let them have a week. We can figure out what to do next over mimosas.

Where would we go?

Dunno. Someplace that has no railways, preferably. I’ve heard the Bahamas are nice. Maybe Turks and Caicos? Lots of sun, sandy beaches, no trains, no tracks, nothing except some old spirits from centuries past. 

You know, The Angel said with sudden mirth in its eyes. I do happen to know a place that is quite lovely this time of year. 

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

After the fire

The excavators opened their eyes. 

“Are we dead?” One asked - he was the youngest, the owners hadn’t seen fit to give him a name yet. 

“I don’t think so.” Said another, his name Claws - for obvious reasons. “I didn’t feel anything.”

“Did you really come back for me?” Came a quiet voice from behind them. It was Three, the little diesel shunter. 

“Of course we did.” Claws said seriously. “We stick together.”

“Hey!” Came a fourth voice - it was Jaws, the oldest of their lot. “This means something doesn’t it? I think we got sent somewhere.”

Turning around, the excavators found a sign bolted to a building. 

BIENVENUE EN FRANCE - DEPARTEMENT D'OUTRE-MER DE LA GUADELOUPE, PORT DE POINTE-À-PITRE.

“Are we in France?”

#look this one went through a few revisions #so hopefully it's decent #sentient vehicle headcanon #sentient vehicles #fic #ttte #demon train #ghost train #british rail #british rail (derogatory) #traintober #traintober 2022 #traintober2022

[itsahotminuteinbetween]

You fume, anger built up throughout the entire trial finally fizzing over. You did not come all this way to be cast off with the wave of a hand. You bang your fist against the table, immediately silencing the buzzing courtroom save for a few surprised gasps. You ignore the immediate pain tingling through your fingers and clench your shaking fist to force yourself to focus. You refuse to be ignored, refused to remain silent to be told what to do. You wanted to be heard and by the stars above they were going to hear you whether they liked it or not.

Your gaze snaps upwards, burning holes into the judge. The room is eerily still. "I keep these two-" your eyes flicker to the pair of handcuffed and dented individuals watching you before landing back on the Council, "-for three months and fix them up. If they're better by then, you let them go."

It isn't a question.

The judge swallows quietly, fingers tapping against the Bench. There are hushed whispers throughout the room, and everyone awaits a verdict with baited breath. Finally, one is reached. The judge meets your gaze and nods slightly. "Very well," they concede. "Your terms are...adequate."

You nod and turn on your heel, indicating wordlessly to the court that they made the right decision. You let them work out the paperwork themselves. No fool in this town, no matter how stupid, tries to cross you. They know what will happen to them if they make another choice behind your back.

You turn to the opposite table, eyes landing once again on the bots. There's a question burning in your eyes. The guards attempt to speak up and protest, but you silence them with a hard glare that warns them not to argue and they fall silent. You address the slightly shaken robots with an incline of the head and a flick of the wrist, motioning for them to follow. They stand up silently, the yellow one stumbling quickly in your direction while the blue one shuffles over slowly with its head hung low. You wait a few seconds before setting off with the pair in tow, throwing the heavy doors open with a satisfying slam and continuing with controlled, even strides.

The yellow one pipes up timidly after a while of tense silence. "T-thank y-"

"Don't thank me yet," you cut him off tersely, allowing another silent storm to sweep you up and hang over you again. The perked up appendages sticking out of its head retract slightly at your harsh tone. The blue one merely regards you with a wary gaze and treads softly behind you. Their hands clink together in the iron shackles still restraining them.

It's a long walk back to the cabin.

(au where y/n is a hermit in a civilization set a few thousand years from now. Sun and Moon have miraculously survived, though they're not in the best shape with the major rust and damage. They power back on suddenly and attempt to find a place to stay, only to find themselves caught in the midst of a city where no one has ever heard of nor laid eyes on a robot. They're quickly surrounded by sentinel and taken captive for questioning. Y/n, an eccentric who lives on the offshore of the town, is summoned because of their expertise [and b/c their presence is so influential and simultaneously intimidating that it feels wrong not to have them there. Besides, who know what they would do if they found out someone held a meeting without their presence?] Y/n takes the boys under their care and now has to fix them up before they're scrapped by the Council. Less romantic and more platonic 'lay a finger on my metal brothers you'll become much more acquainted with your organs outside of your body' sort of thing).

#sorry to bother #don't mind me #au #uhhh how do i tag this #fnaf sun #fnaf moon #fnaf y/n #small thing #not a drabble but that's the tag I'm putting it under cuz that's where I put my short stuff #drabble #uh anywho #should I tag dca-prompts with this? #maybe

[meatriarchived]

[ catch ] - for receiver to catch sender as they stumble or collapse from exhaustion / sickness / injuries | @priestbit

cw for some Dire shit uwu injuries, violence, blood, etc etc

( get the fuck up cabrón- )

his chest felt on the verge of bursting, on hand and knee, spitting blood down to ground between backs of hands. this motherfucker was relentless — it seemed no matter what the hell danny did to him, thomas shrugged it off, as if nothing hurt him.

( the fuck was this thing made of? )

he drew in breath, harsh, like it shredded down along throat and into lungs, before pulling himself back together — for another round, another go with this fucking behemoth. pushing back up to feet, bracing hand to wall to steady himself, just as thomas does. this time with large mallet in tow, fist gripping wood handle, and eyes that burned hate across room — boring into danny.

he'd already taken beating after beating with this thing, he felt like a fucking ragdoll at this point and just as flimsy and lifeless as one.

( thank fucking god this bastard's stuck on my ass, thought crosses mind, 'cause the others...i don't think they'd be able to handle it— )

" c'mon you fucking animal— " his words are spat out in a growl, bracing himself, planting feet firm onto solid ground below them, tensing as thomas closes distance with alarming speed, for someone massive like him. and as mallet takes its first swing, danny ducks out of range, reaching and grabbing hold of arm, in feeble attempt to keep it still long enough for the other to land fist square into masked face — once, twice, three — before eyes made contact with thomas'...

and something cold seeped into his core.

something had shut off in the monstrosity's eyes — and before he could register and get the fuck back, large hand grabs danny by the throat, and slams him into nearest wall—

once.

twice.

again.

and again. and again. and—

danny could feel himself losing it, before he feels thomas step back, still holding him in place against the wall. danny peels an eye open, fixates on mallet held above towering figure, and he winces — anticipating blow —

as it comes slamming down over the top of head, CRACKING INTO SKULL—

his vision grew dark, hazed and full of bursting stars, reddened as he felt heat trickle down brows, down nape of neck, into eyes — until all he could see was RED & BLACK & STARS. his head felt light and heavy all at once, swelling and collapsing in on itself.

and he was fucking certain, at this point with whatever scrap of clarity he had left in him, he wasn't going to be able to push himself back up — not after this.

he could feel his body tiring by the second, growing heavier, growing limp—

then he's DROPPED from suspended chokehold, collapsed on the ground in a heap of gasps of air and blackened vision. he could hear the sounds of struggle, for a moment, around him. the thundering of footfall moving across room, voice shouting and cursing words that he couldn't quite decipher whose voice it belonged to in his pained daze.

until things fell quiet, sounds growing distant across the basement, as danny laid there, motionless, head wound bleeding profusely.

it took some time, but finally, clarity began to settle in once more.

it came by quicker, as he felt himself be hoisted up off the ground, with voice echoing in multiples that they needed to get out of there, that i got you, don't worry, you're gonna be fine—

and danny's single-eyed gaze, disoriented and shell-shocked, find familiarity when it meets donnie beside him, pulling him back up to his feet.

they plant there, as they had before — only this time to find some semblance of stability where he stood. he could hear donnie talking to him, trying to get some sort of response out of him.

but something wasn't right — with his vision, with his head...

he couldn't see from one eye, though he swore it was just as open as the other that stares blank, dull, back at donnie's desperate expression.

the pain came in slow, crashing waves...

( it made him think of being out in open water, during his training. getting used to going under the waves, into the dark depths, learning to cope with water pressure suffocating every inch of body... )

it tumbled up along spine, hitting nape of neck, and sent RADIATING CRASH along the right side of head and face.

with every one that hit, donnie could see good eye flutter, roll back, dull out consciousness.

as he tried to keep danny upright, tried to still get some sort of clear response from him, another wave hit — and danny felt like DEAD WEIGHT in his arms, knees giving out from under him.

when he doesn't make contact with the ground once more, danny feels his arm — vaguely, almost like his own limbs were nothing but phantoms once connected to himself by muscle and tendon — get swung around another, with donnie's own grabbing around him to keep him upright.

he can hear the panic laced in garbled voice beside his ear, as donnie quickly made his way with him in tow to catch back up to the others, who danny had ensured to buy enough time keeping thomas busy for them to make enough distance.

he hadn't expected donnie to turn on heel and come back — he hadn't needed to, and he hadn't wanted him to.

in any other situation, any other stupid fuckin' scenario they could have found one another in? danny would be putting donnie in a headlock, scolding him from texas to mexico and back again. and they'd share a laugh about it, after the fact...

but he was there now, and if it weren't for him? danny was certain all that would be left of him was the red of his blood across wall and floor, pummeled and torn apart body and limbs strewn in all directions. he was certain that motherfucker would have left him in pieces, with how soulless eyes had locked on his own.

the tunnels, the rooms, the gaps in walls that donnie took extra care to help danny get through, all warped unnatural, blotched out in black and stardust, as distant, hushed voices of their friends slowly started to become clearer. they were nearly there, came donnie's voice from beside him once again, easier to make out now that enough time had passed and the screams of drumming pain were slowly becoming more and more used to, tolerated.

after a pause, silence between them, came danny's own voice at long last, slurred and hoarse, feeling like razors crawling and dragging along walls of throat, finally gave his friend — who still shouldered most of danny's weight as he tried his best to reach the others before they were spotted once again — a response,

" thank you— " was croaked out, " for going— coming...back... "

#me chinhands at you and donnie like: hi hey hello there ♡ hope this reads alright :3c what a lovely piece to officially bring danny in with #priestbit #[ d ] ── * 𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃. { danny. } #violence / #injury / #blood / #etc etc etc you know how it is uwu #for what its worth: all the blood on danny's head and face rn are covering how bad the actual wound is c:

[sugar-omi]

Got me thinking about mc!2/MC

they remember everything from the timeline reset. They grow up in a different place with different parents (birth parents probably) and then once they meet the moms (They've either befriended Cove or started dating) and they see how miserable or still pained they are about what Jamie did and it hurts. MC just wants to reach out and comfort the moms but these people don't know them yet.

But MC spends some time getting to know them while also helping them cope or distract the moms from their sadness. Eventually, they're close enough for the moms to consider MC to be family and they cry (bc of how much they miss and still love their moms so much).

It kinda feels like they've replaced Jamie but if Jamie doesn't regret their actions then who needs them amirite?

AHHHH THIS IS GOLD OMG YES

mc!2 (who i'll just call frankie as we have in the last few post here today) has had the chance to fall in love w baxter many times, but it's all secondary to cove

so they see why jamie (mc!1) is so obsessed w baxter, they've seen the good of him but they've also seen the ugly. and time n time again they've watched baxter leave golden grove.

frankie knows baxter better than jamie ever will, afterall they spent lifetimes of watching him leave and even loving or befriending him in the end.

baxter is a damaged, flawed person, and the only thing "wrong" with him, isn't really with him but with his upbringing. although some choices, like this one, is one of his mistakes

even though frankie hates the pained look on pam and noelani's faces, and how cliff looks drained some days more than others. how cove seems to be restless some days, or how some days he's harder than he usually is. or worse, when the scrap books are mostly empty or cut up...

and yet, even though they hate how everyone struggles some days more than others, they think this life is the best one yet.

baxter was always distant anyway, someone always out of reach unless you wanted to burn yourself first before he could let you in. and after going through the same as them, jamie was someone different than the first few times. so being happy that things are this way is okay right?

they get the best of both worlds this way. golden grove had its charm, tama and qiu are lovely friends, and opal was and is an amazing mom.

sure, growing up in sunset bird would've been preferable at times, since some moments of growing up here with cove in past lives had been a dazzling experience. but picking up where jamie left off isn't as bad as it sounds, you get to be with everyone from sunset bird and golden grove.

if jamie is happy with just baxter then there's no need to feel guilty for taking over. especially since every time they do come around, jamie just stares at frankie with a stern gaze, a glare at times, because everyone is flocking to them

they're jealous of frankie, but clearly not jealous enough since they still leave with baxter in tow or go home to him after not even an hour of being there, before they leave again and show up maybe every few months, with maybe a few calls to the family in between then

[neoninky]

TWST Fanfic: "Her Lost Voice" Chapter 15

Hello, hello~

For those who might've missed my previous post, heads up - read this one shot before you read this chapter simply because it'll explain a few things lol.

Chapter 15: I Want More

It was darker, colder than usual that night. Ivy watched her husband and uncle depart from the front gates of the Leech house with some muscle in tow. It had been a week since she had become Mrs. Cerith and she trusted Indigo just as much as she loved him. That didn't stop the cold fear creeping into her veins, however. The two eel men swam away in silence, eyes forward, not a hint of hesitance in either of their gazes. Madam Leech had joined her but now turned to go back inside when she saw Ivy remained frozen. 

"Ivy, darling. Don't stay out too long," her smile was full of empathy. She remembered the days when she first became a young wife to her husband and mistress to his dangerous household. Like her niece, she didn't have any preparation for becoming a mafia wife. Even so, Narissa Leech had no regrets. 

"Alright, auntie..." Ivy's voice was distant as her eyes stayed forward until her love was out of sight. 

On the other side of the reef, Don Muraeni was waiting with Proteus and his sharks close by. The meeting spot was on neutral territory outside of town which both houses agreed upon. Don Leech smirked as he recognized the dilapidated underwater gorge. It was quiet and empty now but in his youth, he and his boys often spent their days either racing or scrapping with rivals all over this place. 

"Interesting that your father would pick this dump for a meet-up," Don Leech scoffed as they swam past what used to be a magnificent ship before it sank. 

Indigo's expression hardened like a fresh-cut diamond, "It's a perfect place to conduct business you don't want anyone else to know about. Or dispose of someone you don't want to be found." 

His new boss just snorted as if Indigo was being cute, "That's very true, though if he wanted to do that, he should have lured in far more stupid prey." 

"Oh I wouldn't be too concerned about that, Roscoe..." called a sinisterly cool voice.

Don Leech snarled at the tone of his rival. From the shadows of another shipwreck, two shark mermen slowly swam into the open and flanked a dark opening where their bosses' drawl had come from. 

"Come inside, won't you? We have a lot to discuss." 

Don Leech looked over his shoulder to his boys, silently telling them to stay outside but still close by just before he and Indigo entered the hull. Proteus was at Don Muraeni's side per usual, his smug grin in its place. The rival Don had made himself comfortable in a broken-down captain's chair as if this were his own home. "Roscoe Leech. Welcome." he called his generational adversary so informally, with a stone-cold look, "You've grown into quite the leader, haven't you? Almost as rough around the edges as your father was in his day." 

Don Leech wasn't phased, "The Leech's have never suffered any Muraeni bullshit if they could help it so get on with whatever it is you have to say, old man." It was true that Don Muraeni had already been in power before Roscoe Leech took his father's place. So this wasn't just his enemy but his father's as well.

"And yet, you took my girls so willingly?" Muraeni's eyes were cold and sharp, his tone even as he stared Don Leech down, "and my son as well. How hypocritical." 

Electric magic began to crackle between Don Leech's fingers as he clinched his fist, "Took them? That's rich. Luna and Cowrie practically broke into my house trying to get away from you and who could blame them? I can only imagine the hell a 'businessman' like you put them through! As for Indigo, he makes his own decisions now...isn't that why you called us here, Muraeni?"

Indigo was staring directly into his father's matching ice-blue eyes as Don Leech spoke. Any semblance of the obedient, stoic son was gone. Don Muraeni wasn't worried, however, instead, he waved a lazy hand to Proteus who swam above deck to fetch something, "Straight to the meat it is then. Surely, Proteus made my intentions clear so it's only fair that I prove my word is good as gold."

Proteus returned with a strange bottle in his hands. Once he placed it on the ground between the four of them did Indigo's brow furrow. Inside was a small, slug-like being that confused him...until he saw the necklace tied around the bottle's neck: an aged crescent moon pendant that still had a soft sheen to it. He knew it well. He never saw her without it on for as long as he could remember. His heart plummeted just as quickly as his temper shot up like a geyser. 

"If you have anything to say to me, you'll release her to let me speak to her FIRST," Indigo snarled. 

His father slowly smirked before motioning to Proteus to do exactly that. In an instant, the ray merman snapped his fingers and the bottle seemed to burst open with a bright whirlpool of magic. Moments later, the small creature grew and reformed before their eyes into Junonia Cerith herself. The siren lay weakened on the creaking wood planks barely any different from how Indigo remembered her. Luna was the spitting image of her even now. Her warm honey-colored eyes searched the room in a panic before landing on her tortuous husband. Don Muraeni gave her a smile that made her taste poison in the back of her throat, "Ah, my darling wife, Junonia." 

"I'm not your darling anything!" her voice was harsh from years of being silent but she spat at him with pure hatred at the ready. He merely tutted and gestured to the two men across from her, "Now, now is that any way to behave when our son has finally returned home?"

He had waited for this for so many years, beyond hoping that somehow he'd see his mother again. But Indigo's heart nearly broke when their eyes met. Junonia's gaze widened with a mixture of joy and terror, "Indigo. My sweet boy."

"Mother..." his voice could barely be heard by anyone but her, "I'm here."

She was real: her tender voice, her warm eyes, everything was as if she had never disappeared. Indigo wanted so badly to embrace her, apologize to her for so many things, and tell her that Luna and Cowrie were safe, but he knew better. Don Muraeni was on a schedule and he had all the necessary cards to undo all of Indigo's good intentions in seconds. Realizing what was going on, Junonia started to cry out in protest but it came out as nothing more than a pathetic rasp as Proteus' tail snaked around her throat, holding her down. His father leaned on his propped hand, ready to secure his victory already. 

"So...what will it be, son?" 

The water was thick with silent tension. Don Leech looked at his young protege, waiting for him to make his move. From the dark corners of the ruined quarters, Indigo's youngest brother lay in wait, watching the scene unfold with calculating eyes. 

-

Days passed as things swiftly progressed under the waves. Under the hot sun on the surface, Elise Coralette stared at the view from her old summer home, barely recognizing it after all this time. She was back at the very beginning again: what was left of the summer breeze brushing through her raven locks as she stared out into the open sea from her balcony, wondering what the horizon held in store for her. The servants greeted her upon her return and mostly let her be unless interaction was required. Even Gerald stayed away if he was even in the villa at all. Elise's stay would be short and the last. This was made known to the staff via her brother's command before she had even arrived. She was only here for that night and the day of Emily's wedding. After that...well, no one knew. Not even Elise.

Per tradition, the ceremony would be on a large luxurious ship. Emily, of course, already had all of her bridesmaids arranged so Elise would only be attending as a guest. Thank goodness for that. That didn't stop Elise from tossing out the dress Emily had "generously" sent her to wear to the wedding, however. The hideously pink frock made Elise feel sick the minute she opened the large, gaudy box it came in: all puff and bows, like something a tacky porcelain doll would be forced to wear. Fortunately for her, there was a certain stylish siren who had her best interest in mind. 

Elise smiled at the stowaway black box that Luna had stashed in her bag full of other fine outfits that Madam Leech had bequeathed to her before she had left. It now lay on her bed, waiting for the big day. She ran a hand over the lavender bow that had been expertly tied on the outside and giggled as she reread the handwritten note. 

"I figured you could use some panache for this one last family event. Azul-kun helped naturally. Knock them dead. Send pictures."

The satin off-the-shoulder dress inside was an elegant deep purple with a long, silky skirt that flowed like water if she so much as turned in it. The fitted bodice was embellished with vine-like lace that crawled down the skirt and shining pearls. It was nothing as seductive as her best friend would wear though it would turn some heads and infuriate her sister. It was a Luna Cerith staple for sure. The fact that Azul approved of it, well, that alone bolstered Elise's confidence. She tried it on once again just to spoil her clever beau with some previews before putting it away for safekeeping.

The sun was setting and the only messages on her phone were replies from those she left behind at school. Nothing from her father or brother who had missed her calls that morning. It did nothing but strengthen her resolve, honestly. She wasn't the same girl she was the last time she was staying in this room after all. No one bothered to stop Elise from leaving for the evening either. No questions regarding where she was headed. Nothing. Instead of giddily sneaking out of her window as she did before, Elise simply changed clothes at a casual pace, walked down the stairs in silence as if she were a ghost, and left.

The town was bustling as usual, even more so with news of Princess Emily's impending marriage to a Shaftlandian prince. Elise heard the groom's name in passing but didn't care enough to remember it. The familiar places she used to love about this town had lost their previous luminescence. In that absence, Elise experienced a pleasant enough evening but couldn't stop thinking about home. Her real home. She didn't even realize how badly she missed the sea until her feet carried her back to the same peer she used to practice her flute at. Her body routinely sat down on the edge and gazed outward towards the water. She smiled softly as she realized that she even grabbed the very same bag that held the said instrument in it. It had been a while, hadn't it?

The dying breeze carried the musical notes over the waves under her feet like Elise's personal messenger. She didn't think about what she was playing exactly, no, she just let it speak for her. The princess wasn't sad exactly nor was she happy. If anything, Elise had nothing to say but many things to feel. That was enough for her. In this lukewarm place, she had called home for so long, she felt an equally half-baked goodbye was just fine. Soon...soon enough...Elise thought over and over again, renewing all of her faith in Azul's skills and gumption to bring her home. She was so lost in this meditation that she barely heard the real voice calling out to her from the water below. 

"Elise??"

It was funny to her now that the same boy with his deep blue eyes, musical voice, and fiery red hair used to excite her so much. Now Prince Rielle only made her frown and inwardly sigh. 

"Hello Rielle," she greeted him half-heartedly, confirming with her eyes what she already guessed, "I see you got your fins back."

The prince's sea-green scales shimmered slightly in the dying light but his expression was even more melancholy than the last time she saw him. It frankly annoyed Elise a bit more than she was prepared for. 

"Have you come to cry over your sweet Emily that  got away then?" Elise's tone was a blunt stone thrown right at Rielle's already damper spirit, "If so, I don't want to hear it, thank you."

His teary blue eyes did little to move the princess but he still cried out, "I came to apologize! I...I'm so sorry for everything that's happened. And Emily...she's...well..."

"She doesn't love you, yes. Glad you finally figured that out, Rielle," Elise sighed and put her flute back into her bag. Looking down at the expectant young merman, she did feel a bit of her bite wain, "Look Rielle. I'm not upset for the reasons you may think I am. Yes, it hurt immensely when I realized that you were smitten with Emily and not me but frankly, I should have woken up much sooner. I finally did and now I'm back...here where I don't belong."

Rielle reached out and took her hanging hand, "But you're home and safe on land. I'm glad about that! I was terrified that Azul and those eel brothers were doing something despicable to you!"

Elise didn't know whether she should laugh or kick him in the face. So Azul and "those eel brothers" were the despicable ones? And why did he suddenly seem so compassionate?! Her pale eyes narrowed as she yanked her hand away, "Oh really? Funny how you care now that Emily is off the table. And why are you here anyway?! Shouldn't you be back at your sparkly little school with all those other good, good boys, hmm?"

Rielle nearly turned to seafoam as he shrank away from her angry tone, "I was worried and I wanted to make sure you were alright!"

"Well, I'm NOT! AT ALL!"

Elise's eyes grew wet as her screams echoed across the sea, "I don't want to be here anymore! I want to be back in the ocean with Luna and Cowrie! I miss them so much and Jade and Floyd! I miss being a mermaid and being with Azul!" Her voice broke down into bitter sobs as his name left her lips, "I-I want it all back..."

Her tears dripped down her face and into the water below as Rielle stared dumbfounded into her despair. "Elise-" but he couldn't continue. What could he possibly say? After everything, he had put her through not just this summer but for years. It would hurt even more but...the truth is what she deserved.

"I'm so sorry that I have strung you along for so long, Elise. I didn't love you. I didn't even save you from that shipwreck all those years ago. I just didn't have the heart to tell you...I'm so sorry, " Rielle felt the lead weight of guilt press down on him as he watched the disbelief light Elise's eyes. It only lasted a minute before her eyes grew cold. She transformed from a sweet, lovesick princess into a completely different person right before his eyes. 

"It doesn't matter anymore. Go home and live your life, Rielle. There's nothing left for you here," Elise rose to leave before the prince had a chance to argue. He called after her but Elise Coralette refused to turn back. 

-

Hours after the sun had set, Jade's phone rang and set the tone for the rest of the night. Azul sensed something was wrong as soon as Jade left the Mostro Lounge's main floor so suddenly. It was only an hour before close and things were just starting to wind down when a loud crash sounded from the kitchen followed by a very angry-looking Floyd bursting through the double doors not long after his brother's exit. He had also received a call and he was furious. 

Both of the twins were heading in the same direction. Azul quickly gave orders to the rest of the staff before following after. The trail ended at the grotto, echoing with discourse.

"I said NO!!"

Floyd and Jade were charging at each other in their eel forms. Luna, meanwhile, was furiously trying to break them apart, "Floyd, stop it! Please just listen!" 

Jade glared daggers at his brother as he swatted him to the ground with his tail, "Floyd, calm down! Father wouldn't have made this request if he thought Luna would be in danger-"

Seconds before he could finish, Jade was faced with his twin's open maw of sharp teeth jetting toward him. Before Floyd could sink his teeth into Jade's shoulder, he was suddenly snatched mid-lunge and slammed into the sand.

"What the hell is going on here?!" Azul in full octopus form held Floyd tight within one angry tentacle while the other seven threatened to do the same to Jade if need be. The other Leech brother quickly regained his composure with a huff.    "Azul, forgive the ruckus but...it's our Father. He reached out to both of us, requesting that Luna return home at once."

Part of Azul completely sympathized with Floyd's outburst, having just said goodbye to Elise himself. HOWEVER, that did not excuse the massive upset to their business! Floyd ignored the sharp glare Azul was sending his way as he struggled to free himself with a harsh snarl.

"After everything, why would Dad want her to go right back?! I won't have it!"

"It isn't up to you, Floyd-" Jade began to snap until two more tentacles came crashing down, silencing the brothers.

"Enough! Do either one of you even realize what you're doing?!" Azul was livid and at his wit's end with the both of them, "The whole point of Luna being here was to keep it secret. And here you are carrying on like blood-drunk sharks! It's a wonder the whole campus doesn't know she's here! Did you even bother to ask why Don Leech would make such a request, to begin with?!"

The twins stared wide-eyed at the fuming octopus, surprised that he hadn't dyed the entire dorm black with his ink as he spat at them. Jade cleared his throat and started over in his usual soft tone, "It's Luna's right to go. It's about her mother." 

Floyd lost some of his thunder as he looked over at his mate and saw how upset she was. Luna was shaking as she slowly sank to the ground and curled up on herself. Azul scoffed and flicked the eel's head with another tentacle, "Barbarian. Maybe consider your mate's feelings before having one of your tantrums." 

He released the cranky brother and addressed Jade directly, "Did your father mention anything else?"

Jade tilted his head to the side as he answered, "Nothing else. Father is very brief and direct. Something on your mind, Azul?"

His grandmother's cryptic warning had been burning in the back of his mind ever since that day, "My grandmother warned me that trouble seems to be brewing back home. And to look out for someone named Proteus."

Hearing that name, Luna sprang up all at once, "What about Proteus? Your grandmother knows him?"

The dread in her golden eyes was palpable. Azul's mind went to work fast but there was still the more urgent matter at hand, "I'm not sure what she knows about him but it's enough that she felt the need to warn me. More importantly..." 

Azul suddenly turned that all too familiar, commanding gaze onto the twins, "You two. The Lounge closes in less than an hour. Clean up that mess you left behind, Floyd. And Jade, make sure everything else is in order. NOW."

He was in full boss mode and fighting against him was a fool's errand. Jade left without a word. Floyd gave Luna an apologetic look before groaning back to the Lounge. Azul huffed and offered Luna a far gentler tone, "Luna there is something I want to ask of you if you do return home..."

He needed information. Who better than a seasoned siren to get it for him? 

-

After the Lounge had been properly closed, Floyd was quick to return to the grotto. His mood didn't get any better whatsoever. Especially when he realized that Azul hadn't returned to the Lounge and left all the work to him, Jade, and the other students!

"What the hell?" he grumbled as he and Jade swam back to the grotto, "I get that he was mad but he could have at least come back and done his part too-"

Floyd halted at the grotto entry as he saw Azul and Luna not only talking but Azul was sitting with Luna's head in his lap, crying. Jade could feel the wheels in his brother's head go into overdrive, "Floyd." Floyd's irises shrunk as they did whenever he was about to go off. Any outburst was squashed as soon as Luna looked at him.

"Floyd honey, please.  Come here?" She raised her hand out to him and he was tamed instantly. Her mate rushed to her and started murmuring apologies for his behavior earlier as he kissed her face. Azul moved away and let Floyd take his place. The four of them took time to rest in the grotto and once Luna had calmed down, she made her case to her stubborn lover.

"Please understand, Floyd. If what Father Leech has said is true then I have to go. I thought my mother was gone forever. If there's even a chance that she isn't...I must see for myself." 

Floyd's ear fins drooped, "But...I just got you back, Lunaaaa. Why do you wanna go back to where you could be trapped again?! They could be lying!"

"Would your father lie about something like this?" Luna pleaded, already knowing the answer. Floyd's pout said it all.

"She won't be in danger, Floyd. Father would never allow it," Jade used that reasonable tone of voice that Floyd often hated. Because Jade was pretty much always right.

"It's not forever, honey. I'll come back once Sacred Crown opens its campus just like we discussed. I promise," Luna kissed his lips so sweetly, killing off any hope of an argument. 

"I don't want you to gooo...but...fine," Floyd nuzzled his face into her neck with a huff. 

Luna purred and kissed her lover multiple times over, "I have to leave in the morning but I'll be back before you know it, darling." 

Floyd groaned like he was dying as he wrapped both his arms and tail around his mate. Azul nor Jade made a fuss when he demanded to stay the night with Luna until she had to leave. As they were leaving, Azul saw the determined look Luna gave him and she nodded. She would do as he asked.

"If you return home, seek out my grandmother. Mother will help you. I can't be there but I need you to be my ears and eyes. I want Elise to be with me. I want to ensure not only our future together but the future of all of us. But I need to know what's going on...will you help me, Luna?"

"Of course, Azul-kun. I will do whatever it takes." 

...Azul gave the siren a confident grin before leaving her and Floyd to their night together. Jade and Azul both left without a word to each other until they were well away from the grotto.

"Is something amiss back home, Azul?" Jade asked quietly just in case any other students might be breaking curfew.

Azul Ashengrotto kept his poker face on seamlessly as his vice kept pace with him, "I have my suspicions based on what Grandmother told me. As the future Don Leech, you no doubt have been getting the same feeling from your father, no?"

Jade hummed to himself. The current Don Leech wasn't entirely forthcoming but that was just fine. His heir always had a keen eye for what lay between the lines.  Like his friend, Jade also wanted to ensure the future with his mate and that any future Leech heir was secure. Taking on his father's role didn't mean looking out for just his house but the entire territory and everyone in it. 

"You were wise to put your trust in Luna then," he smirked, "my dear sister is as sharp as she is beautiful." 

Azul finally looked at his second in command with a skeptically raised brow, "I've known you too long to wonder how you guessed what I was up to...but I'm still curious as to what makes you say that."

The future Don just chuckled, "A woman that can tame my wild twin with one look or touch is a force of nature to be greatly feared and respected." 

-

The next day, Elise rose with the sun. The wedding wouldn't be until later that evening but suddenly news from Luna woke her with a start. Cowrie also sat on her bed back at school, staring at her phone in wide-eyed silence long after the three-way call had ended. 

Their mother was alive...?

The three of them were miles apart but all three of them met the morning with similar levels of uncertainty. 

Luna grasped the portal key in her hand as she cooed her sleepy love awake. She knew he'd make a fuss but that only made her goodbye kisses all the sweeter. Elise sat at her vanity, combing her long tresses before laying out the pearl hairpins for later. Cowrie grabbed her school bag and marched into the dorm lobby ready to greet and inspire her students to once again seize the day head-on. 

-

Madam Leech's garden was as vibrant as ever. It wrapped Luna in its warmth once she reached the other side of the portal. Narissa Leech was waiting there equally as warmly, "Welcome home, my dear girl." 

Luna felt instant relief as her mother-in-law embraced her. The mistress didn't hesitate to bring her into the house for some refreshment while also admiring the necklace her dear Floyd had made for his mate.

"Oh, it's lovely! My sweet baby boy is a real softie deep down, just like his father," she giggled, "It makes me so happy that he finally found someone that can keep up with him!"

"I do my best, Mother Leech," Luna smiled happily as they entered the dining hall. 

Ivy was already seated with her uncle once the two entered. Indigo was nowhere to be seen. Ivy gave her unknowing sister-in-law a warm smile, "I'm happy to finally meet you, Luna." 

It was plain as day that she was if nothing else, related to Madam Leech just from her colorful teal green palette. Even so, Luna was caught off guard by this new face. Her auntie gestured for Luna to have a seat as she settled between Ivy and Don Leech, "This is my niece Ivy, my dear girl. Luna is, as you already know, one of my darling daughters-to-be." 

Narissa Leech couldn't be more obvious in her glowing joy. Ivy sipped her drink as polished as her auntie before asking a very revealing question, "Are my cousins treating you and your sister well? If they aren't I'll be sure to straighten them out before Auntie Narissa does." 

Cousins? Ah, the image was clearer now, "Jade and Floyd are your cousins then. I can see the resemblance...Ivy was it?"

Ivy's smile held a mischievous secret, "Ivy Cerith, yes. I'm sorry that my husband has been too busy to tell you and Cowrie about our recent marriage." 

Luna did a double take so fast it was a miracle she didn't get whiplash, "Cerith?? You're....You're Indigo's wife?" 

Jade and Floyd's cousin. Indigo's wife? Well, well, she was a gorgeous little secret wasn't she? Luna smiled at her sweet sister with as much glee as the cat that caught the canary!

"Goodness, my brother does have a lot to catch us up on, doesn't he? Well, I am thrilled to meet you, at last, Ivy." 

The two eelmaids giggled conspiratorially together, bonding instantly. Don Leech had been silently eating until that point, not wanting to bombard his daughter with any more distress than she had already experienced on her own. Once the meal and the pleasantries were finished, Luna addressed her father-in-law directly.

"Father Leech, thank you for looking after Indigo and me as well. Please tell me everything you know. I don't wish to waste another moment." 

Her tone was forward, and assertive, but still polished with charm to a fault. He could see why his son was so taken with her. Speaking of which...

"I apologize for the major tantrum Floyd no doubt dragged you into once I called him and Jade," He huffed, "That aside, Indigo specifically requested your presence here. He apologizes that he cannot be here right this moment. He's...wrapping up a few things before he settles into his new role." 

Luna didn't like the sound of that at all. She didn't bother hiding the worry on her face either. The Don continued without batting an eye, "Indigo Cerith is now Don Cerith, the new head of the Muraeni household. Your stepfather has held your mother captive in some sort of trapping spell all this time as leverage. It seems like he had a feeling he would need her just for this. I'm sorry that you had to find out now, Luna." 

The siren thought she might break apart with each word he spoke, "...After everything my brother and your sons have done then...?" 

The Don rose from his seat and beckoned Luna to follow him. His wife and niece stayed behind but gave the poor siren looks of affectionate support as she followed Don Leech to his den.

"You and your sister are safe. They will not come after you," he waited for Luna to be seated across from him before pulling out some papers from his desk, "Indigo made sure to procure hard contracts from his father and Proteus agreeing to leave you two be. Though you may wait to legally take the Leech name after you marry my sons, you and Cowrie are officially a part of my household and therefore off limits to anyone who may pose a threat to this family." 

"And our mother?" Luna couldn't keep her voice from trembling, "Where is she now? When can I see her?"

Her father-in-law's deep olive eyes suddenly looked heavier as he sighed and rested his head in thought on his fist, "That part is a bit more tricky, my dear. Indigo is close by and keeping her from harm as he re-establishes his father's house and regime across the reef. If there were a more direct way to free her from captivity, know that it would have been done before your return." 

Luna gave him a warm smile, "I have no doubt, Father Leech. I understand how difficult Stepfather can be with his schemes. However, I don't remember him showing any signs of magic before...is it really his doing alone?"

This girl was clever. It made him proud, not to mention relieved his boy didn't choose some vapid trophy as his future wife. "I believe it's Proteus' doing. I only saw it for a second but he was the one that released the magical bind on your mother." 

Of course, Proteus had his claws in this. She suspected for years that her parents' disappearance was his doing! Her eyes narrowed in disgust as she spat out his name, "Proteus has always been a devious force in Stepfather's league. Was there any mention of a Mr. Cerith? My father?"

Don Leech didn't have to answer her question. His eyes said it all. Still, he honored it with a shake of his head, "I'm afraid not, Luna." 

No, of course not. Don Muraeni had no use for her father anymore. Luna exhaled as much of the pain as she could. She trusted that Indigo had things well in hand. Plus...she had another mission to fulfill. 

"Father Leech. I assume it may be some time before I can safely see my mother again. Instead, there is somewhere else I need to be as soon as possible. May I go to the Leviathan Club this afternoon?"

-

Luna was not only welcomed but expected by the two Ashengrotto women who grinned at each other as soon as they saw the siren enter with the escorts Don Leech provided. Mama Ashengrotto had informed the stand-in hostess of Luna's arrival beforehand and therefore, the young siren was immediately guided upstairs to one of the private rooms on the second floor. She wasn't entirely sure what to expect but as soon as Luna entered and saw the infamous Lorelei Ashengrotto waiting for her in all her relaxed glory, she could see where Azul had gotten his swagger from. 

"Well now. What a pretty face you have, my dear siren," the witch's smokey voice beckoned Luna in like a jeweled finger. 

Mama Ashengrotto was serving her mother with her arms and tentacles as one broke away from the pack to push out a chair for Luna, "Welcome back, Luna Cerith. Everything is on the house so just settle in." 

Luna gracefully floated down into her seat and greeted the Ashengrotto women pleasantly, "Mrs. Ashengrotto. You are Azul's grandmother, Lorelei, yes?"

"Indeed," her deep blue eyes took in the eelmaid with a sharp curiosity, "My grandson told me all about you. He's always had a shrewd sense about him when it comes to potential. His mother taught him well...yes, I think you'll do nicely, Luna Cerith." 

The sea witch chuckled at the lost look on Luna's face, "I see he's kept his cards close to the chest once again. You came for information on that Proteus fellow, yes? Well, I have plenty but nothing comes for free my dear." 

"I wouldn't assume so, Madam Lorelei."

Lorelei was silently pleased with this girl's pace. She knew exactly how things worked already. She would have to thank her grandson for sending her such a pearl, "Very good, you understand quickly. Now then, angelfish, let's talk business. I will provide all the inside intel you and Azul desire and in turn, you will become my apprentice. Just as my sweet boy requested."

She was flattered, of course, but for Azul to make such a request on her behalf...it suddenly clicked and Luna smiled. Elise said it best: "I can't graduate and get my mage license without some sort of proper internship..." You can't get something with nothing after all. Luna would have to find one hell of a thank you for Azul later on for this.

"I would be honored to study under you, Madam Lorelei," Luna bowed in her seat to the sea witch, her heart full of gratitude for this family. 

Lorelei chuckled and tutted at her new apprentice, "First lesson, my girl: a proper sea witch bows to no one. You're lucky my grandson is so thorough," one ink black tentacle placed what looked like a resume on the table in front of Luna, "He made note of every talent you've shown. As your teacher, I'd like to see the full deck and what I've got to work with. I hope you're as ambitious as you are crafty, my girl."

A devious shiver of excitement ran through Luna at this newly opened door, "You won't be disappointed, Madam. I assure you."

-

The ocean was painted orange and pink by the setting sun. The guests boarded the ship after a thorough security inspection, their excited laughter and chatter echoing throughout the dock. On the upper decks, His Majesty Erik Coralette sat alone in his room, contemplating the next few days of his life. His eldest daughter would marry today. Tomorrow his son would take his place as King. After everything was in place, he would retire. After that, he would no longer be a King but just another man aged by time and the sea itself. His tired expression stared out into the surrounding sea. The very same that took his wife from him. His Majesty had grown both distant and silent about this matter over time. He was a bastion, a guardian to his people first and foremost. Over the years, he sank further into this role and the isolation it brought. He had no doubt his son, Edward, would carry on his torch with pride and perfection. Everything was in its place...though the knock on his door would prove otherwise.

"Your Majesty, your daughter, Princess Elise, requests a meeting with you," said the footman.

The elderly king said nothing. The sight of his youngest daughter standing before him, grown beautifully into a young woman shocked him to the core. Her deep violet satin gown swished behind her as Elise entered and bowed her pearl adorned head to him, smiling warmly with sad eyes, "Hello Father."

Tagging: @nuitthegoddess @iscarlettappel @foxwitchaine @1ndigowitch @wysteriadelights @evieyouknow @ladyrosemoon @victoria1676 @aiimee9 @honey-milk-depresso @espada188 @feldya

#twisted wonderland #neoninky #sacred crown chronicles #ao3 writer #ao3 fanfic #twst oc x canon #sacred crown hall #night raven college #octavinelle #cerulamare #azul ashengrotto #jade leech #floyd leech #tweels #the cerith siblings #luna cerith #cowrie cerith #indigo cerith #more eel mermaids #under the sea mafia #chapter 15 #chapter update

[hibiscus-tome]

FFXIV Write 2022, day 14: attrition

If Thancred makes it out of Limsa Lominsa today without being noticed even once (impossible, when Underfoot is always… well, underfoot, and V’kebbe seems to have picked up quite the skulking habit over the years), it will be nothing short of a miracle.

It’s not all that difficult to sneak around Diving Dove when she’s so focused on her culinary exploits, but he still makes it a point to slip out of the Bismarck as quickly as possible, with sandwiches in tow as he makes his way to the anchor yard.

Rhea’s barely moved, by the time he arrives. She sits there with her feet dangling over the edge, tapping her toes together — not visibly in pain, like she’d been the day he’d reconvened with her and the others at Castrum Oriens, after what had happened at Rhalgr’s Reach. Her injured arm sits securely in its sling, tucked close to her chest.

Thancred takes his seat next to her, swinging his legs over the edge. “I’ve secured the goods,” he says, unwrapping one of the sandwiches and handing it to her.

Rhea grins. “Oh, this is exciting!” she says. “Y’shtola told me about this place ages ago, but they’re always so busy whenever I stop by!”

“That’s the Bismarck for you,” says Thancred, shrugging. “Unless you have an in with someone who works there, you’re probably out of luck, if you didn’t make a reservation months in advance.” He unwraps his sandwich. “The head chef is nice, though. Always made sure us urchins had at least something to eat, even if it was only a handful of scraps he could spare.”

She smiles, unwrapping her sandwich as well. “That was very nice of him.”

They eat — perhaps for longer than they ought to. The ship for Kugane won’t set out for another two hours, and for practically the first time in ages, nothing else on the horizon demands their attention.

There’s… no telling what will await her and the others, in the Far East. A war of attrition with Garlemald is hardly anyone’s idea of a good time, but it’s the only one Ala Mhigo — and Doma, for that matter — can hope to win when they can’t match Garlemald’s might.

“You’ll be all right, in Kugane?” he asks — and feels immediately foolish for it, when whatever assurance she can provide will be little more than empty words. It’s hardly as if this is the first time she’s marched off into danger without him and returned with nary a scratch. It’s just that… certain events have made it clear to him, just what the consequences could be should he take something like this for granted.

(She hadn’t been alone, at Rhalgr’s Reach — but even with Lyse and the twins and the Flame General himself at her side, Zenos had still struck her down. It could have gone far worse, were she any less the healer than she is. It could have gone far worse, had Krile not seen through the bluster and sat her down afterwards for a proper healing session, even when there were others who were far more visibly injured.)

She laughs, but there’s hardly any mirth to it. “I’m just going to have to be.”

When they finish their sandwiches, he takes her wrapper from her and crinkles it together with his own. “If you need anything at all, I’m only a linkpearl away,” he says. “I can’t promise I’ll make it to your location in a timely fashion, but if there is anything you need—“

“I understand,” she says. “Thank you. Perhaps I’ll let you know, once we reach…?”

That… will hardly scratch the surface of his worries — but when has his hovering done any good? “Yes, that would be much appreciated.

#ffxiv #ffxivwrite2022 #ffxivwrite #warrior of light #thancred waters #wolcred #stormblood #fic

[ashren]

hhhhng I want answers to all of them for everyone BUT, how about:

Why did you give them the name they have? What is the in-universe reason for their name?

What inspired you to create your oc?

Does your oc have any notable skills or good personality traits? Why did you give them those traits? Why do they exist in-universe?

Which canon characters (if any) do the oc have bad relationships with? Why those characters?

Share a random piece of trivia about the creation of your oc. Examples: scrapped ideas or changes you didn't expect to make.

For Peter and Ren? No pressure to do 'em all, I'll be excited for any combination :)

AHHH thank you!!! I will absolutely Ramble on about my ocs so don't u worry heheh 💞

Why did you give them the name they have? What is the in-universe reason for their name?

Ren: I think I've actually answered this some time, a LONG time ago, but dont @ me i answer differently now LOL. In universe, he picked the name Ren because it's a shortening of Loren, the name of his Uncle who had the farm. The IRL reason for the name is because I see a lot of cool names at work and I write down my favs hahaaaa ((side note, i forgot until way after i created him, but the first guy i kissed at college was named Wren. I did not go anywhere.))

Peter: SOOO you get some bonus Calvin facts here too! Oringally Peter and Calvin were kind of the same character that I turned into two different guys. I had called them Peter kind of as a place holder bc I was reading a lot of Spideypool at the time, and well. You know what happens with placeholder names. Then I redesigned them both, and the demon felt more like a Calvin to me, so vampire boy got to keep the Peter name! In universe, Peter's original last name was something generic like Brown or Smith idk but once he was bit and Maggie started calling him Peter V. Pyre as a joke, it kinda stuck. (Later on, Florence ends up taking the name Pyre as well. Makes things a lot easier for everyone, and she says it feels more 'her')

Ok this is already long so I'm gonna put the rest under a cut!

What inspired you to create your oc?

Ren: My baby boy was my Outer World's Captain! That's how he started, my first play through was as "Ash" but only in name really. Then I finished the game and was like must consume fanfic, which then lead to me developing Ren as his own Boy. I had been working on a lot of lore for Ash and my Fallout 4 OCs! Then I was like "Ohhhhhh no,,,,, sorry my children Ren's my fav right now"

Peter: Cowboy Vampire. Needed one. Also a lot my ocs starts as loosely veiled self inserts so they tend to all be a little similar in like,,, body shape and size so I was like... Beefy cowboy vampire???

Does your oc have any notable skills or good personality traits? Why did you give them those traits? Why do they exist in-universe?

Ren: He's really good at like, being stealthy, because that's how I TRIED to play TOW the first time. I am impatient, so Ren get all the patience I don't have LOL. In Universe I ended incorporating it into his backstory- he's got a bit of a criminal background and learned how to get around unseen and unheard during that time. It helps that he's a small boy :3

Peter: He's got some fun Vampire ~abilities~ that probs vary from story to story bc im too lazy to stick a set of rules. Stuff like being able to see in the dark, and like, idk he's got some good reflexes. Also a heightened sense of smell. Bc of reasons. All of those are just cuz its fun tbh! I also have him being a really good shot with a pistol BEFORE his transformation, so with his reflexes as a vamp he's near unmatched.

Which canon characters (if any) do the oc have bad relationships with? Why those characters?

Ren: In TOW Canon, aside from the obvious, he's got a rough relationship with Max for... most of the story lol. For a while he'd ONLY travel with Max if Parvati was with them as well. She's the only one he wasn't constantly arguing with. Max's "violence is the immediate answer to everything" attitude reminds Ren of some not so great ppl in his past, and after Fallbrook, Max is on Ren's shit list. Max becomes more tolerable to him after Scylla, but Ren still never gets as close to Max as he does the other crew.

Also Lilya Hagen specifically bc she tried to "poison" him once.

Peter: I haven't really figured out a lot of details, but at least in the beginning, he and Calvin have a... tense relationship. Peter wouldn't consider them friends for a while, a work partner maybe. Calvin likes to push Peter's buttons and Peter doesn't really understand at first that Calvin is just having fun. Calvin IS a demon, though, so they know exactly what they're doing. ((Bonus fun fact: Peter is actually legitimately older than Calvin. Peter was born in uhh some time in the 1790s? and Calvin was born in 1933))

Share a random piece of trivia about the creation of your oc. Examples: scrapped ideas or changes you didn't expect to make.

Ren: Ren was supposed to be a lot younger at first! Originally I had him ~25 during the games events, but then as I developed him more i was like.... what if.... older??? A lot of that was inspired by my need to give Felix someone older than him that WOULDN'T fucking betray him in some way. So, you have my love for Felix to thank for Ren's age In turn, because I made him older, I ended up having a lot more time to play with in Ren's pre Halcyon life, which created Johnny.

Peter: Peter's still pretty new so there's not too much I haven't already talked about BUTTT a little peek into the future of Peter's story, I did end up expanding on the Maggie/Peter relationship, and it's part of Peter's eh origin story now~

#heheh thank you!!! feel free to ask for more if u want i genuinely love these #i might double dip for u too haha #ask game #orignial character #the outer worlds

[savage-rhi]

Immortal Shield  Chapter 2: Caelan

The temperature outside of Galdin Quay was abysmal. It felt like the Astrals themselves set the air on fire. For someone passing through, it would be sweltering but nonetheless an easy trek if one was in a vehicle with ample air conditioning. For Caelan, she felt like she would collapse at any moment. Then again carrying the large corpse of a rogue Flexitusk in 100-degree weather without a car would be well justified for sudden death in the heat.

As she adjusted her weight to her left to compensate for the numbness on her shoulders from the Flexitusk’s corpse, Caelan cursed herself for not servicing her car when it needed to be done. Not to mention allowing the Flexitusk to rip the car in half. The dread of turning in her Hunt and getting the reward money only for it all to go back to her towed Scepter at Hammerhead had Caelan pissed to no end at her lack of foresight. She wondered if foregoing her old vehicle would be better in the long haul, just leaving it for scrap metal instead of painstakingly building the engine from the ground up. Then again unlike most folk, she didn’t have the luxury of waiting idly nor could she escape on foot from the men hunting her down.

A few cars passed Caelan, some traveling slow to get a good look at what they were witnessing. The pale white creature upon Caelan’s back reeked of death as if it had been sitting out for days. The fruity undertones combined with the sulfur were enough to make drivers gag and speed off, long before Caelan had the chance to say hi and ask if they could offer a lift.

“Okay, nice knowing you too…jerk.” Caelan said aloud with a sigh, seeing yet another driver take off at the mere whiff of the monstrous corpse. They even went so far as to flip Caelan off. Despite the agitation, Caelan couldn’t blame folks for wanting to avoid her. She had three days to get well acquainted with her Hunt and its endless bouquet of smells. An advantage she wouldn’t wish on anyone, even if she hated them. The situation didn't suck any less however.

Arriving in Galdin Quay an hour later, Caelan breathed deeply as she took in the familiar sights. What was once a beach resort dedicated mostly to the upper class was now a thriving coastal town. Many who were displaced by the war of Lucis and Niflheim made their homes there, especially during and after the starscourage ransacked the world. Of all the places to be stranded, Caelan was content living here until she would need to move once more.

Much like the travelers outside of the town, Caelan was avoided like the plague itself came strutting through. From the reactions of the Quay’s citizens, Caelan estimated she’d probably have to shower more than once to get the Flexitusk’s residue and juices off her skin and clothes. Up ahead she could see the Hunter’s Trading Post that was connected to a café. A sigh of relief escaped her mouth as she grinned. The mission would be over soon, and she’d take a much-needed break before traveling back to Hammerhead for her car.

“One rogue Flexitusk ready for inventory!” Caelan greeted with amusement as she slammed the deceased creature onto the counter near the Trading Post Master. Caelan was so relieved to get the corpse off her shoulders that she didn’t notice the looks of disgust, people backing out of the way, or downright leaving the establishment.

The Trading Post Master covered his nose impatiently upon catching the wretched smells tickle the hairs in his nostrils. He made a face at Caelan, a look of disappointment before he began inspecting the Flexitusk. The rough porcelain hide of the canine creature looked intact despite the obvious decay. A good sign that the body could be salvaged for tools among other things despite its grotesque condition.

“So, what do you think?” Caelan asked, taking pride in the fact she was able to hunt down such a rare creature. One that had been causing problems for many outside of the Quay. The beast had killed and maimed more than a dozen folks in recent weeks.

“I’ve seen better,” The Trading Post Master grumbled then sighed while taking in a deep breath. “Nonetheless I’d say this earned you 1,000 gil--”

“Now wait,” Caelan interrupted before he could finish. “The Hunt said it was well worth 1,500 gill with a 300 bonus.”

“300 gil if you brought it back before it could decay as per the contract statement, and the other 200 I took off because you done scared off any customers I was servicing. Not to mention the gil will be going to make the place smell cleaner. Also, this beast is so far gone on the right side that I can’t barter anything from it. It’s a waste of good meat.” The Trading Post Master huffed, taking out a blade from one of the cabinets below the servicing dock to begin processing the Flexitusk.

“Do you have any idea what I went through to bring him back here?” Caelan argued her case as she glared. “This creature killed many and cost me a damn car. I have to travel by foot to Hammerhead for it. I deserve at least 1,300 for the trouble.”

“1,120. And I am being generous.” The Trading Post Master paused, giving Caelan an aggravated stare before he slammed a pouch full of gil onto the counter and shoved it in her direction, not before taking out the amount he intended to keep “Take it or leave it, honey.”

Caelan growled, not bothering to hide her disdain. Nonetheless, she was in no position to argue.

“Fine. Here are my tags.” Caelan turned in her contract and after going over the formalities and signing off, she took the gil and left.

Outside she made sure to count the gil on hand along with what she had left from having her car towed. The amount the Trading Post Master awarded would set her back financially. Caelan knew she’d have to either take on an additional five hunts or do something else to repair her car. She swallowed, knowing she was in a bind.

“Damn it, this is bad.” She muttered to herself, rubbing her forehead and strands of hair from her eyes. She had a pitiful 2,120 gil to her name. Not enough for a hotel much less a trailer for a night's stay and a far cry from the estimated repair cost she received from Hammerhead. Even with the changes that had come to the Quay, the officials seemed to find a loophole in charging ridiculous prices for basic necessities. Caelan didn't think to get camping supplies since she assumed she'd have enough gil to rent somewhere decent for the night. She mentally beat herself up for not thinking about it.

“Excuse me.”

Caelan’s eyes widened, withdrawing from her current thoughts as she quickly turned around to find the source of the rich voice. Her gaze fell on a tall male with golden eyes. The initial shock began to wean as he smiled her way.

“I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation at the Trading Post. Are you alright?”

Caelan nodded, her eyes roaming over the man’s frame carefully. It was a habit built upon being jumped by those that wanted to carve a reputation in her own hide. The mannerism seemed to put the man on the spot as he briefly turned his head to the side and cleared his throat.

“Oh!” Caelan blinked a few times, snapping out of it. “Sorry. I’m not trying to ogle you. I didn’t know if you had any weapons. Thievery is haphazard when you walk out of the Trading Post with a lot of money, you understand?”

The man smirked for a moment seemingly amused by Caelan’s justification, then gestured his arms out, doing a playful and slow spin so she could examine every inch of his person. He rest his arms to the side after the performance and his smile returned.

“As you can clearly see, I haven’t anything dangerous of the sort. Nor would I care to steal from you. I wouldn’t be so bold as to kick someone when they are already down. Unless of course it was well deserved.”

Caelan let out a sigh of relief, crossing her arms as she briefly looked to her side to see some folk walking to the beach. She turned her gaze back to the man, keeping her eyes on his.

“You proved your point, so why were you eavesdropping on the conversation when it didn’t concern you?” Caelan asked. Despite his friendly nature thus far there was something familiar about him Caelan couldn’t pinpoint. She decided to err on the side of caution. Better to be on the defense than to unknowingly get captured by one of her father’s men or an Accordo troop.

“I wouldn’t call it eavesdropping when your voice carried on several feet away.” The redhead smirked. He seemed to delight he struck a nerve, yet quickly made amends.

“You mentioned having lost a car on your hunt. I’m assuming the pitiful scraps you were thrown for that Flexitusk won’t be enough for the repairs. Correct me if I’m wrong?”

Caelan made a face, getting over the remark that she had been rather loud at the establishment. She didn’t like coming off as entitled, despite the circumstances, and feared perhaps she came across as such to the stranger.

“You can say that,” Caelan relented from giving out further information. Still unclear as to what his angle was in the conversation. “Look, if you’re trying to sell me something, the answer is no.”

“Far from it!” The redhead said immediately after. “I need to make haste to Insomnia. I don’t have an automobile myself, you see. I was planning to travel to Hammerhead by foot, and hearing your plight, well, I believe we could come to a beneficial arrangement.”

“Such as?” Caelan gestured for him to get to the point.

The man chuckled, shaking his head.

“You seem quite impatient.” He remarked.

“Time I waste talking to you could be the time I’m putting into another hunt or other odd job.” Caelan shrugged. “It’s nothing personal, but either get to it or I’m leaving.”

“A trait you and I yet share. How intriguing.” He paused for a time. His amber-colored eyes searched over her gaze for...something. It was enough to get Caelan to look away for a moment, then forced herself to focus. She felt intimidated but kept quiet as he spoke up.

“If you would be so kind as to give me a lift to Insomnia, I don’t mind footing the bill for your car.”

Caelan looked at the man as if he had bugs slinking out of his nostrils. The shock was an understatement as she laughed, seemingly not believing his offer in the slightest.

“Are you serious? Do you have any idea how much an engine replacement costs these days?”

“I assure you I have the means,” His voice lowered as if hurt by the assumption he was worse off much like Caelan was money-wise. “If you require proof, I have no objections to showing you statements.”

“There’s no need,” Caelan shook her head. By his tone and the way he carried himself, Caelan had the feeling he was someone important. The way he talked too gave way he had to have some form of authority.  

“I apologize. I’m a bit grouchy today. I don’t have the luxury of putting my faith in one person. And I don’t think you’d want to be around me for too long. I don’t exactly have a great reputation in Lucis.”

“Is that so?” He tilted his head thoughtfully. “You don’t strike me as the type to get into trouble, save for having rotten luck with vehicles. Surely you can’t be that bad?”

Damn it. Caelan was mentally beating herself up. This had been her go-to in order to get people to quit while they were ahead, but it seemed her statement only piqued his interest further. It didn’t help that his gaze never left her eyes. A shiver went down Caelan’s arms when she caught him looking over her face, lingering on her mouth at times.

“Do you have somewhere else to go?” Caelan asked, trying to dodge answering his question.

The man chuckled at how flustered she had become, alas giving a look of defeat as he sighed. “I can tell I overstayed my welcome. Here, for your trouble.”

Before Caelan could say anything further, her eyes widened as a small sack of coins was tossed her way. She nearly fumbled catching the bag, looking down upon it questionably. To say she was shocked at seeing 900 gil was an understatement.

“What’s this for?”

“Consider it proof of my income and hospitality. It should cover you for a night at a caravan.” He began to take his leave only to stop himself short when he had forgotten to say his peace. He offered a final smile, turned his head towards her, and spoke.

“If you do reconsider my offer, I’m staying at the Inn. By the way, I go by Ardyn.”

At hearing his name be said, Caelan could feel her skin turning white. Her blood ran cold as she watched him leave. Goosebumps ran up and down her arms, her spine stiffened as if bracing herself for an onslaught. The uncanny feeling she had from seeing the man before finally started to make sense. The long red hair and garb, the way he approached her, she couldn’t have mistaken him for anyone else. It had to be Niflheim’s notorious chancellor, the one who should’ve been dead and rotting for the past five years.

Caelan closed her eyes to calm herself, and she was transported. 14 years old and watching the TV alongside her father.

Emperor Aldercapt and Chancellor Izunia arrived to discuss the treaty between Lucis and Niflheim with the king and his advisers. It is anticipated they will reach some sort of agreement within the coming days. More to follow after the latest regarding Tenebrae and their opinion on the matter.

Julian Zamfir sighed and debated turning off the TV set. Shaking his head in disbelief he took a swig from a large bottle of wine. The creases on his face and his hollowed eyes were evidence that he had been on a bender. A war of conflict raged inside of him seeing the Emperor and his lapdog walking on the roads of Insomnia, paved by the blood, sweat, and tears of all who defended and died by the city.

“August and Aila would be turning in their graves if they could see this now,” Julian said to Caelan. “To think that the men who played a hand in their deaths are here. Already prancing towards the palace as if they own the place.”

Tears threatened to spill from the corners of the warriors eyes. Julian couldn’t believe how low King Regis had stooped to welcome such treacherous men onto his turf. Especially after Julian returned home from a recent altercation with Niflheim’s troops, losing well over a hundred men in the process.

Caelan watched the camera pan in and zoom on the emperor and chancellor while they got out of their vehicles. Aldercapt looked ancient. As if he hadn’t slept in days yet he smiled every so often while Izunia appeared to do more of the talking between themselves and some of Insomnia’s political advisers. Aldercapt looked like he could be a resident in one of Insomnia’s nursing homes, while Izunia was quite the character, to say the least. He stood out compared to the other Niflheim politicians that traveled to the city with their emperor. Like he couldn’t be bothered when it came to presentation. If someone instructed him otherwise, he’d ignore it and do his own thing. Caelan could only dream of breaking the mold when it came to how she was raised.

A faint smile crossed Caelan’s mouth. They looked like mere men. Strip away the titles and fanciful get up, they were no better off than anybody else involved in the war. It gave her hope that the truce between the nations would work out. Maybe her father would find peace, somehow from the union.

Julian turned his head to the right, watching as his daughter Caelan continued to watch the screen with fascination. He made a face, staring daggers into the back of her head as he caught onto where most of her attention was centered.

“What’s caught your eye, Zamfir?” He asked.

“Nothing in particular,” Caelan was quick to say. “Just observing them is all. Seeing if there is another motive like you’ve been teaching me. This whole situation could be a ruse for something dangerous.”

Julian furrowed his brows, glancing between his daughter and the screen as if he was trying to pinpoint where she was fixating her eyes. He grunted as he got up to fix himself another bottle, realizing he had run out of the drink.

“For a moment there, you had me worried,” Julian said, his tone holding malice as Caelan watched him venture to the kitchen.

“Worried about what, Commander?”

“You seem transfixed by Izunia. Don’t deny it. I saw the smile on your face. The man and Aldercapt are bastards that play to theatrics. The whole lot of them are wolves in sheep's clothing. Anyone from Niflheim, especially the politicians, are murderous shits. Don’t let their fancy clothes and curtseys get the best of you. I raised you better than that.” Julian spat bitterly as he slammed the fridge upon grabbing another red wine.

Julian was quick to pop the top off, sighing as his gaze fell upon Caelan. She had her head bowed, standing at attention as a good soldier would do.

“I’m sorry. I won’t be swayed by their presentation.” Caelan said firmly, keeping her gaze to Julian’s feet. She didn’t dare look up until he would allow it. The years of training at her father's hand to become a Crownsguard shut out any and all other thoughts.

“See to it that you aren’t,” Julian’s voice was soft. With his free hand, he firmly grabbed Caelan by the chin. The hiss she let out had his gaze firm as he glared right into her eyes. “If I catch you lingering on anyone from Niflheim, I’ll put you in the ground. Do you understand, Zamfir?”

Caelan nodded. “Yes sir.”

“Good.” Julian was quick to shove Caelan out of the way as he returned to his post, the seat in front of the TV to drown in his sorrows, and await for the Crownsguard or Kingsglaive to give any orders.

In the present, Caelan was beside herself as the memory replayed in her head. She couldn’t believe that after all these years she’d hold onto something so trivial at 29. Sighing, she swallowed nervously and decided to shower, clear her thoughts, and hopefully, the memories of her youth would wash down the drain with the grime that collected onto her clothes and skin.

After departing from Ardyn, Caelan decided to rent out a trailer for the night. It was the smallest on the lot, but it had running water and was well stocked with basic foods. Whatever trepidation she felt towards Ardyn was gone for the moment. She wouldn’t be in this place if it wasn’t for his random act of generosity. Nonetheless, as she bathed, thousands of questions threatened whatever peace attempted to plant itself in her mind.

The funeral held for Ardyn Lucis Caelum was broadcast over several networks throughout the kingdom as soon as power and electricity returned to Insomnia. Even on the outer rim of Garex, Caelan could remember seeing folks glued to their screens as King Noctis proclaimed that his ancestor, the brother to King Somnus had been the rightful founder of Lucis and that he had died giving his life to protect Eos. Ardyn’s second life as chancellor was revealed shortly after through the media grapevine. Controversy followed his name ever since.

Most of the world hated Ardyn for playing a hand in ruining Eos, and incurring the wrath of the Astrals. There were some that argued in his favor when the king revealed a further history that had been purged from records, even going so far as to have a statue of him and Somnus erected in the private gardens of the renovated palace to solidify that peace had been gained between the two men. There were even Niflheim citizens who vouched for the former chancellor in passing, claiming that although what he had carried out couldn’t be justified, Ardyn had done a better job taking care of the empire’s citizens than Aldercapt himself.

Now he was wandering Eos, alive once more, and Caelan had been approached by none other than the Adagium himself. The creature her mother used to tell stories of at bedtime, the one who would bring ruin to Insomnia until the true king of light would emerge. The man she was fond of for his outspoken attire and mannerisms on TV when she was a teen had been the devil in the flesh. Shock and bewildered didn’t quite convey the weight of this situation. The gravity of it followed Caelan as she stepped out of the shower, rinsed off her clothes in the shower itself, then fixed something to eat.

Caelan estimated she had less than three days left in the Quay before her father’s men would come snooping along to find her, not to mention the Lucis and Accordo troops that had been patrolling for war criminals like hawks within the Leide region. She knew she would be cornered. It was not a matter of if but when, and time wasn’t on her side.

As much as she wanted nothing to do with the man considering his notoriety among being a legendary monster, Caelan understood that she needed to work with Ardyn. He might be the one to clear her name, especially if she could hand him over to the king and let the nations decide the fate of his current incarnation. She had to try even if he killed her. She was dead anyway at this point.

Caelan filled her lungs with fear. Exhaling, she threw on some fresh clothes after eating some cup noodles and departed from the trailer in search of the Inn Ardyn was staying at.

#ardyn izunia #ardyn #ardyn x oc #fanfiction #fanfic #caelan zamfir #caelan zamfir final fantasy xv oc #ffxv

[caleb-majhi]

CALEB MAJHI

Full Name: Caleb Majhi 

Nicknames: Cal

Pronouns and Gender: He/Him, Cis Male

Age and Birthday: 38 years old, August 14th

Birth place: Pacific Grove, California 

Sexuality: Pansexual

Occupation: Mechanic/Part-time tow truck driver

Education: Master's Degree

Residence: Fisher's Cove

Time in Aurora Bay: Six years

Face claim: Rahul Kohli

tw mild racism mentions, mild violence mention, parental illness mention

— HISTORY:

Caleb was a college-graduated mechanical engineer who was as stubborn as he was proud. Convinced that he was invincible and that he was capable of practically anything. He believed that with enough hard work he could provide a great life for not only himself, but for mother and father, and if it were ever in the cards for him, a stable future to build a family on.

Originally born in Pacific Grove, an only child to immigrant parents, the early portion of Caleb's life started with a struggle. Caleb maintains that it was uneventful, forgoing the struggles of having to make ends meet while handling some level of intolerance in not only the work field, but in their own community. His father decided to move their family out to Oakhurst when he turned five to give them a fresh start, away from the judgmental gaze of their neighbors.

Caleb barely remembers the scent of the sea salt, the dry air and palm trees, and how the sky was invisible under a thick sheet of smog. If asked, it is the oaks and cottonwood trees, crystal clear lakes in the summer and snow drifts making him shiver in his boots in the winter.

Caleb fit in there for the most part even if he didn’t keep many long-term friends. Those he did make were fleeting with each year, never kept through the summers because he wrapped himself up in helping around his home. His father bought a garage with a second floor home attached to it in Oakhurst and that was where Caleb spent his after-school hours. From this grew his love for mechanics.

The elementary school years came and went, and Caleb entered middle school with his fists raised. His first day he was backed into the lockers, but he refused to be the type to roll over and take it. He lost miserably, but his left that scrap with pride intact for standing up for himself. It wasn’t his last time in the principal’s office over antagonistic behavior either. No matter how many scornful stares he got from his father or disappointing frowns from his mother Caleb did little to remedy that behavior.

Making friends was off the table for a while there. It took until a few months in until he met his one and only companion. Reluctant at first because all this time he had been pretty much on his own, the two began to lay down the foundation for a friendship to last a lifetime. And Caleb found a focus that kept him in line. Enough so that his grades started to remarkably improve as truancy was less of a problem.

This made it easy for Caleb’s parents to say ‘yes’ whenever he would ask them with the biggest, most desperate ‘pretty please’ to join his best friend and his father in camping trips. Caleb would never love the outdoors as much as his best friend, but it came pretty damned close to how much he liked working in the shop. It was peaceful out there, and what was there not to like?

'What about that one?' he had eagerly asked, his hand quickly shooting into the air to point. 'Oh... no, what's that one?' Pointing to stars and learning constellations. Another lesson that he learned, another question that was answered. Fresh air, beautiful scenic views, and spending weekends with people he found comforting familiarity in. He learned to fish, build fires, pitch tents, all that fun survival stuff that gave him this feeling of self-sufficiency he never wanted to let go of.

High school was another journey all its own where Caleb did start to widen his social circle. Just acquaintances made after he joined the football team on which he earned a scholarship. He left everything shallow not wanting to bind himself to anyone or anything with plans for a future in mechanical engineering. His childhood pal was the only friend he kept true to, and whose side he remained at through thick and thin. He tried to at least when he was given the chance.

When graduation came, class of 2001 hanging across the banners in school Caleb was ready to step forward into his future. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology was his dream school, but the tuition was far too much for a family just getting by. The scholarship aids he earned from football and his improved grades earned him enough credit to settle with the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. The only things tying him to Oakhurst were his parents who would forever be there, manning that garage, and his best friend who took to the road. College felt lonely at times without no one by his side.

Caleb pushed through with his studies with nothing in mind other than the full belief he was capable of it. He could do it, would walk that stage with a Bachelors without a single obstacle deterring him. That was about when he decided to forgo any potential relationships, stuck to anything casual and short-lived, and kept any ‘friends’ at an emotional distance. He had a goal in mind, and nothing was going to stop him.

When he bypassed his goal and obtained a Masters degree Caleb hit a home-run as salutatorian, landing a job fresh out of college in engineering the wind farms taking over the Palm Springs and Coachella Valley areas and even out to La Jolla.

Life became a blur as he buried himself in his job and earning himself a decent enough income. He lived comfortably, but never overtly luxuriously, and had enough in excess to send back to his parents on a monthly basis. His job left him too busy to pursue a relationship, but ‘one day’ Caleb would tell himself without a care. Maybe one day, if he ever felt that desire.

2016 came around and his father had started to get up in age where it raised a concern in Caleb, and his mother had recently fallen ill. She recovered, but it left her too weak to help his father around the garage. It took some mulling over, but Caleb inevitably left his job in Palm Springs to return to Oakhurst to help out. However, the decision had ultimately been made for them to sell the garage and use the money to settle into a smaller home.

With that fear of nearly losing his mother, there had been a startling realization in Caleb about how he dove too much into work and carelessly let time slip by. He lost months to years of time to spend with his parents. This pushed him to not return to his previous employment, and instead, he settled down in Aurora Bay. He took a part-time gig at Pit Stop, and on the side runs a tow-truck. His free time is spent fishing on the docks behind his house in Fisher's Cover. He's slowed down plenty, but he still finds he has a tendency to get lost in his work.

TRAITS.

+ Loyal, hard-working

+/- Confident, subjective

- Tunnel-visioned, brittle

HEADCANONS.

⊹ Caleb's favorite go-to snack when he works in the garage or anything mechanical is jerky. It is why it is one of the first things he makes when he's hunted a deer.

⊹ While Caleb is a decent hunter, he much prefers fishing. It requires more sitting and ruminating, and it is more peaceful.

⊹ While he had a bad temper as a kid, it's settled down into his adulthood. Not enough so that when he is frustrated he can keep his voice level, his patience is terrible. However, he won't swing so easily.

⊹ Caleb's biggest pet peeve is when someone has too many questions.

⊹ Caleb always wanted a family, but his job ate up most of his time. His ambition prevented the ability to meet someone and to build something, and when he returned home to help his parents, the problem of no free time persisted.

CONNECTIONS.

♡ @leomlarson - one of caleb's past camp kids while he worked the summer camp in Michigan during his college years, he has to say Leo had been one of the kids that made it worth it.

♡ @zoeybelmonte - what had been intended as a blind date with their friends setting them up turned into... well, to be honest, Caleb can't determine what kind of mess it was, but he will insist it wasn't his fault it'd ended badly.

♡ @priyaxdesai - distanced cousins, not by choice. the traditional way priya's family raised her wasn't widely accepted by the family as a whole, specifically caleb's parents, so he wasn't around much while she grew up. he is relieved to see her living her life freely now that she's back in aurora bay.

♡ @tba - xxx.

LINKS

⊹ pinterest.

⊹ inspo.

⊹ music.

@aurorabayaesthetic

#// about : caleb