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roman-writing · 4 years

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A Study in Hospitality (4/?)

Fandom: Fire Emblem Three Houses / Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Pairing: Hilda Valentine Goneril / Marianne von Edmund

Rating: T

Wordcount: 8,418

Summary: There’s a new student at camp half-blood. Hilda, daughter of Aphrodite, has been tasked with showing her around. A Percy Jackson and the Olympians AU

read it below the cut, or you can read it here on AO3

The weird dream didn't go away. Which was really inconvenient, to be honest. Hilda liked sleeping as much as any other person, and these nightmares were starting to get on her nerves. Her only consolation was that they didn't happen every night. Only sometimes. But that was more than enough, thank you very much.

In her dream, her mother would offer to kill her a different way every time. Knives. Magic. Swords. Magic swords. Breaking her neck. Pulling the last breath right out of her lungs. Being hung by a diamond necklace from a myrtle tree in full summer’s bloom. And every time, Aphrodite never finished saying what was so important for Hilda to remember.

That was, hands down, the worst part. Even worse than the dying part. Honestly, the dying part was annoying, but it got old real fast. But not getting to know why this was even happening in the first place? Abso-fucking-lutely maddening. Aphrodite would lean forward and whisper in her ear, and Hilda would wake up before she could finish delivering her warning.

Every. Damn. Time.

"Why are we even learning about this?" Hilda grumbled. She wore a spare set of sunglasses to try and cover the dark rings beneath her eyes. “It’s dumb. This is dumb.”

They were standing by the edge of a field, learning hunting techniques from one of the forest nymphs, who took the appearance of a young girl with the name Flayn. She was shy and willowy, with green hair and greener eyes. She was also purportedly Seteth's daughter, though Hilda couldn’t imagine which oreiad could’ve been desperate enough to get it on with a joyless busybody like Seteth.

Beside Hilda, Claude was idly thrumming his bowstring as though it were a harp. He even managed to get a few different notes out of it somehow, though Hilda was stumped as to how he accomplished it. She didn't have any musical talent to speak of, apart from her ability to dance to anything that had a half decent tempo.

He shrugged, only lending half an ear to what Flayn was saying to the gathered group of campers. "Supposedly it's to teach us how to tackle life's problems."

"Um? When am I ever going to need to use this -" Hilda gestured to her bronze axe, which she was leaning upon. "-in the real world? Not that I don’t love swinging this bad boy around, but also: people are civilised now or whatever. When am I going to walk down the street and need an axe to fend off monsters?”

Claude pointed to the axe. "Hey, I thought you lost your axe in the lake."

"Yeah, I did. This is just one of the boring old replacements from the armoury."

"Why didn't you equip your own axe with the return feature?" To make his point, Claude gave his bow a flick, and it transformed back into a headband. He then tossed it over his shoulder. It immediately reappeared back in his hand not a second later. "It's pretty useful."

Hilda grumbled something under her breath.

"What was that?" Claude asked, cupping a hand around his ear as though he hadn't heard, even though he definitely would have.

Glowering, Hilda said, "It was either customise the sunglasses, or take the return feature."

"And of course you chose to customise the sunglasses."

"The original design had reflective lenses! The horrible blue-green kind that looks like a beetle shell! I couldn’t have that!"

Claude nodded solemnly. "Tragic."

"Oh, shut up," she snapped. She leaned back on the replacement axe, and turned her glare back upon Flayn, who was now explaining various tracking techniques. "What the hell is a 'hind' anyway? Is it a direction?"

On her other side, a soft familiar voice answered, "It's a stag."

Hilda tossed up a hand in exasperation. "Well, why can't she just say 'stag'? And how do you know that?"

Marianne was seated on the ground to Hilda's left. Her chin was resting atop her knees. She was holding her ankles in her hands, folded upon herself like an accordion. The eye almost seemed to skip over her, as though Marianne did not want to be seen. "I don't know. I just do."

Claude leaned around Hilda, and asked, "Do you like hunting? Do you do it often?"

He had to hide a grunt when Hilda elbowed him in the abdomen. Which was what he deserved for being so damn obvious.

Still, Marianne only blinked languidly up at them. Her face gave away nothing. "Not really."

"I've never seen you use a bow before. Want to try mine?" Claude continued, ignoring the way Hilda was now stepping on his foot.

"Oh. Uh -" Marianne glanced towards Flayn, who was still pointing to a few broken leaves on the ground like it was actually supposed to mean something. "I think we're going to be doing that soon anyway."

Indeed, there were a series of targets erected on the far end of the field behind Flayn. They were made of straw, and painted exactly the way Hilda would have expected targets to be painted.

"I think I'll just throw this instead." Hilda kicked the flat side of her new axe.

"Is that allowed?" Marianne asked.

Hilda shrugged, and made an 'I don't know' noise.

"At least it will come back this time," Claude said. He prodded at Hilda's shoulder with a grin. "Remember capture the flag last year?"

Rolling her eyes, Hilda said, "That was one time."

"And two years ago when you lost your axe to the Hippocampus that came out of the lake?"

"A blip. A complete coincidence," Hilda insisted primly. She had taken out a small handheld mirror and was pretending to check that her lipstick was still as pristinely applied as ever. "And why is it always horse creatures that hate me? Did my mom piss off Poseidon or something?"

"You should really just stick with the return feature on your axe, you know."

Hilda tilted her head back and forth to inspect herself in the mirror. "And you should really cut off that braid. You’ve had it since you were - what? Eighteen?"

Claude's hand flew to the distinctive little braid that had been woven on one side of his head. "Don't be mean to the braid, Hilda."

Hilda snapped the mirror shut. "If you don't want to take fashion advice from a daughter of Aphrodite, that's your business. But you should know that it's a dumb business."

"You should focus more on making sure you don't lose your third axe in three years, and less on my rakish good looks."

Reaching up, Hilda pinched his cheek. "But just think: you could look even better."

He gave her a lopsided grin, but did not pull his head away. "Impossible."

"Careful," Hilda lowered her hand, only to wag her finger at him. "Or you might not be able to fit into that headband anymore."

"Oh, ha ha."

From the ground, Marianne watched their banter in silence. She pointed between the two of them. “Are you two -” she fished around for the right word, “- courting?”

Claude and Hilda looked at each other. And then they started laughing.

"Oh gods." Claude leaned on his knees. "Oh, my stomach hurts."

Meanwhile Hilda leaned her elbow on his hunched back, and pushed her sunglasses up to wipe at the tears forming in her eyes. "Courting!" she repeated.

It sent them into another spiral of wheezing laughter. Marianne stared at them in utter bewilderment. "Is that -" she hazarded, "- is that not the right term?"

"No, no!" Claude straightened. "It's perfect."

"Then -?"

"We're not," he said, at the same time Hilda said, "No way."

"I mean -" Claude gave Hilda a leering once-over.

She shoved his shoulder. "Stop that."

"Remember that one time four years ago behind the armoury?"

"I would rather not." Hilda readjusted her sunglasses, and turned her attention to Marianne. "We're not dating. We have never dated. We will never date."

"You wound me," said Claude.

"No, but I will."

"Not even if I cut off the braid?"

"Not even if you let me give you a full makeover," Hilda said. Then, her face brightened, and she looked at Marianne. "Speaking of makeovers -"

"Oh no," Claude said. He began gesturing to Marianne, making a slicing motion across his throat. "Run, Marianne! Save yourself!"

In answer, Marianne gazed up at them both in confusion. "What?"

"My brother told me that your package is finally on the way."

Marianne blinked up at her. "Package?"

"Remember? You needed some new clothes, so I gave you mine, and ordered you some others?" She waved at Marianne's clothes, which were actually her own clothes and not Marianne's at all.

Between thumb and forefinger, Marainne worried the long sleeve of the shirt she wore. "Yes. I remember. I didn't think you were going to so much trouble to help me."

"Trouble?" Hilda blew a raspberry. "Trust me. Getting someone a new wardrobe is never trouble. It's basically my hobby."

"It really is," Claude said with a solemn nod.

"I see," said Marianne. "Thank you. I've never had much need for clothes like these in the past."

"Did you live in a hole in the ground before coming here, or something?" Hilda asked. When Marianne did not answer, Hilda hurried to correct herself. "Not that that's bad. I mean, it's fine! Completely - uh - normal." She lowered her voice and hissed. "Claude, help me."

Thankfully, he did. "I liked your dresses. But I agree with Hilda that they would be difficult to wear while performing athletic tasks at camp."

"Tasks which still don't make any sense, I would like to add," said Hilda. To prove her point, she tilted her head towards Flayn, who had moved on to the lovely topic of how to best skin wild animals and monsters, and wear their hides. Hilda made a face. "Blech. Fur is definitely not in this season."

"The skin of some creatures can have magical properties that ward the wearer from death's eyes," Marianne said. Then, realising what that sounded like, she ducked her head, and mumbled, "So I've heard."

"Again, when are we ever going to need to 'ward ourselves from death's eyes'?" Hilda asked.

"What if our parents give us a hero's task? They do that sometimes, you know," Claude countered. "What we learn here could be helpful."

Hilda snorted derisively, "Oh. Yeah. Sure. The heroic task of canoeing across a lake. Remind me: did Hercules accomplish that daunting feat of derring-do before or after he wrestled Cerberus? My memory is a little rusty."

Claude stretched the colourful headband between his hands, and put it on. "I think the canoeing part is just for fun. The monster hunting on the other hand -" he fixed his hair so that the small braid hung just so over the headband, until he looked delightfully tousled. "- probably just good practice in coordination and cooperation."

"Look," Hilda said, "I appreciate that -- I really do -- but if not for this camp, I never would've ever met any of you. Which would've been a shame, I know. But also, the majority of us could've just lived our lives with our powers among mortals, and not had any problems."

"I don't know about you, but I don't particularly enjoy the idea of being discovered and dissected because I'm a demigod."

"Then don't join the Olympic archery team, and you'll be fine."

Claude snapped his fingers as if coming to a sudden realisation. "Right. I’ll be sure to remember that next time I’m on the run for being the freak whose car-crash injuries heal overnight, when the collision killed everyone else involved.”

Silence stretched between them for a very long, very uncomfortable moment.

"I'm sorry," Hilda said with a grimace. "I didn't mean -"

But he merely waved her away. "I know you didn't."

Hilda's stomach twisted with guilt. It was an unpleasant feeling, like she had swallowed a nest of live snakes. "I just don't see how learning all of this could have even helped. What could you have done differently then with the skills you have now? Shot an arrow at the other car?"

He shrugged. His arms were crossed, and he favoured studying Flayn rather than look in Hilda's direction. "Maybe. I'll never know. But I like to think this is somehow worth while. Why else would so many immortals put so much time and effort into training us, unless there was a purpose?"

"To keep us out of mischief?" Hilda said, trying to wheedle a smile out of him. "I wasn't lying when I said it would've been a shame not knowing everyone. I do like you guys. I mean -" she corrected herself, "-not enough to, like, throw myself in front of a dragon for you. But I'll be your wingman!"

A reluctant smile tugged at the corner of Claude's mouth. He looked at her askance. "To think I was prepared to die heroically for you, and you wouldn't do the same," he drawled.

Hilda scoffed. "Dying for someone else is dumb. It defeats the whole point."

And then from the sidelines, Marianne said, "Death isn't so bad."

Hilda turned to look at Marianne with an incredulous grin. "And you know that because you've died sooo many times, right?"

For a moment Marianne did not respond, until finally she mumbled, "No. Not exactly."

Hilda held out her arms as though to an audience. "I rest my case."

The other campers were starting to mill about now. Claude nudged Hilda with his elbow, and jerked his head towards the targets. "Looks like it's time for archery. Mind if I take over?"

In answer, Hilda plopped down beside Marianne, and leaned back on her elbows. "An opportunity for me to not do anything? Like you even need to ask."

"Great." Claude took off his headband. With an expert twist of his wrist, it extended into an elegantly curved bow. The surface had been carved with all manner of hunting motifs and scenes from ancient mythology. He held out the bow to Marianne with an encouraging smile. "Would you do me the honours?"

Still curled up on the ground, Marianne glanced over at Hilda in a silent question.

"Why are you looking at me?" Hilda asked.

"Well, I -" Marianne's voice trailed off. "I don't know."

Rather than lift her arm, Hilda gestured with her foot towards Claude and the targets. "It's your choice. You don't have to shoot if you don't want to. But -- and I don't say this lightly -- he is really very good with the bow. So, if you want lessons, he's the guy."

Claude swept a hand over his heart as though in fealty. "I swear I will only be the utmost gentleman."

While Hilda rolled her eyes, Marianne seemed convinced. "Alright."

Marianne unfolded herself. She patted off bits of grass stuck to her long track pants when she stood, and allowed herself to be led a few strides away. Hilda crossed her legs at the ankles, and watched.

Claude handed Marianne his bow, which she took gingerly, as though afraid she might break it. When she stepped up to the line drawn onto the grass however, she held the bow with an unquestionable familiarity. Other pairs were doing the same all along the line, while Flayn strode behind them, keeping watch with that gentle gaze of hers.

From this distance, Hilda could just overhear Claude's instructions. He directed Marianne with a mix of clarity and humour. At one point, he even managed to get her to make that soft choked noise at the back of her throat, which meant she was trying to stop herself from laughing aloud. He handed her an arrow. When Marianne drew it smoothly back to her cheek, he held up his hands for her to hold that position.

Hilda's eyebrows shot up over the rim of her sunglasses, as she watched Claude touch Marianne's elbow to reposition her arm slightly. Even more shockingly, Marianne did not flinch away, or tell him to stop. Though her shoulders tensed, and her dark eyes flickered like a nervous animal backed into a corner.

Sensing her discomfort, he stepped away, and made a gesture for her to fire. Marianne released the arrow. It streaked across the pitch, and buried itself firmly in the target. Not in the bullseye or anything flashy like that. But still. On the target. Which was better than Hilda could have done.

Claude clapped effusively. Cheeks pink, Marianne lowered the bow. Hilda could hear her making demurring noises, insisting that the praise was Claude's for being a patient teacher and expert marksman.

Raising her voice, Hilda said, "Accept the praise, Marianne!"

At that, Marianne ducked her head. She glanced over her shoulder. If Hilda didn't know better, she might have thought she saw a slight smile on Marianne's face. As though she were secretly pleased with herself, but didn't want anyone to notice.

Which, of course, was an open invitation for Hilda to offer even more raucous praise when Marianne hit the target again.

"Miss Goneril," said a voice to the side.

Shielding her face from the sun with the flat of her hand, Hilda looked up to find Flayn standing over her. "Yo! What's up?"

Flayn held herself with a poise that Hilda could only dream of; the perks of being fully immortal, probably. Her voice was light and deceptively girlish. It was an uncanny contrast to her eyes, which were ancient in the same way her father's were. "Is there some reason why you're not also participating?"

Hilda took off her sunglasses so that more of her face could be seen as she widened her eyes, and said plaintively, "There's an odd number of people today, and I don't have a partner. I was just waiting to trade off with Claude and Marianne."

Charmspeak wove itself in the air like an invisible tapestry, each strand hung from Hilda's words. It settled like a net over Flayn, who blinked. Briefly her expression slackened, only for her to shake her head as though she had just walked into a spider's web. Her brows drew down in a disapproving slant. "That is quite distracting, you know."

"Sorry," Hilda made a face. "Force of habit. Did it almost work though?"

"Almost," Flayn smiled gently. Hilda had never known her to ever actually get mad before.

"Do you think if I practice more, it will work on your dad?"

Flayn laughed, and the sound was like a breeze over the first buds of spring. "That would be a lot of practice, I think."

Swinging her sunglasses around between her fingers, Hilda smirked. "Want to help?"

"I don't see why charmspeak is even necessary. You have already successfully distracted me from scolding you for being lazy."

Hilda pouted, lacing the air with magic again. "Please?"

Flayn had to shake the charmspeak off before she relented. "Oh, very well." She sat beside Hilda, her feet neatly tucked up beneath her legs. She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "But don't tell my father. He would be so cross."

Hilda made a locking motion with her hand, as if twisting a key at her mouth.

While the other students practised archery, Hilda spent the next hour or so trying to charm a dryad older than the mountains. By the end, Marianne was consistently hitting near the bullseye, and Hilda had just about convinced Flayn the sky was pink. It was almost a lesson that Hilda didn't want to end so soon. Almost.

"Well, I must admit," Flayn said, rising gracefully to her feet and smiling at Hilda. "This has been very entertaining."

"Will you tell your dad about how amazingly hospitable I am?" Hilda asked.

Flayn hummed thoughtfully. "I think he already knows." She tilted her head back to study the scattering of puffy white clouds above them. "Still blue. But I think there's a rosy hue. Keep up the good work."

And with that, she started walking off, lifting her voice to deliver instructions to the group on cleaning up for the afternoon. Hilda put her sunglasses back on just as Claude and Marianne were returning to her spot. Claude was resting his hand on Marianne's shoulder, and she only seemed timid rather than tense at the contact.

"Well, well, well," Hilda tilted her head to the side to study their approach. "Aren't you two getting on like a house on fire."

Claude winked at her, then lowered his hand after giving Marianne's shoulder a friendly squeeze. "She's a natural. If I didn't know better, I'd say she was a daughter of Apollo."

Rather than contest that idea, Marianne handed the bow back to him. "I'm sorry again. I didn't mean to -"

Claude took the bow, and tapped his tongue against the back of his teeth in an admonishing manner. “I told you, I actually kind of like it this way.”

The smooth bone-carved handle gleamed. What had once been pale ashen bone was now streaked with gold in the shape of a handprint, as though Marianne had gripped it too hard and it had bled gold.

With a gesture, he turned the bow back into the garishly coloured headband, except now it had a broad length of cloth-of-gold running through the fabric like splotches of paint. He put it on, then turned to Hilda, and pretended to pose as though for a camera. “What do you think? Pretty good, right?”

She hummed thoughtfully, and tapped at her chin. “Actually, I have to admit: it is a bit of an improvement.”

Marianne ducked her head, mumbled some excuse about wanting to get lunch even though Hilda rarely ever saw her actually eat, thanked Claude again, apologised (again), and then drifted off in the exact opposite direction of the dining pavilion. Claude watched her go. He waved jovially, but something keen glinted in his eyes, like he had just recognised a person on the street.

Hilda waited until Marianne was well and truly out of earshot, before asking, "Why do you look so smug?"

But Claude merely smiled. "Oh, no reason. No reason at all." His smile broadened. “See you at capture the flag tomorrow.”

The day of capture the flag, the sky was dark with summer rain. Hilda held her blue-crested helm between her hands, and stared up at the sky.

"It's going to rain. This sucks," she whined, then repeated more emphatically, "This sucks."

Marianne hummed in agreement, which was more than she had done even a week ago. A week ago, she would have just stood there in complete silence, letting Hilda fill up every nook and cranny of space. Now, she made herself known with small comments and gestures and noises. She even attempted to smile, when Lysithea handed over a helmet that was identical to everyone else on their team.

Turning over the helmet in her hands, Marianne asked, "If we are expecting a battle, why don't we wear other armour."

"It's more to just tell the two teams apart," Lysithea explained. She put her own helmet on, the blue crest of horse-hair nodding as she did so. "We don't actually hurt each other."

"Usually," Hilda added.

"Usually," Lysithea agreed.

Still, Marianne did not put the helmet on. Neither did Hilda, to be fair. But Hilda was avoiding the dreaded helmet hair that would accompany it.

The two teams were gathered at the edge of the forest, where Seteth, Flayn, Manuela, and Hanneman all waited for them. Hilda spied Claude on the other team, already wearing his red-crested helm, and taking point from Dimitri, who addressed the Ares-led group. Claude spotted her watching him, and he winked. Hilda made a rude gesture with her fingers, which only made him laugh.

"Can we please refrain from fraternising with the enemy until after the competition?" said Edelgard at the fore of their own team.

"Sorry," said Hilda, not sorry at all.

With a sigh, Edelgard shook her head. Then, she lifted her voice, and addressed the Athena-led team. "All of you know the rules, so -"

Marianne raised her hand.

"Yes?" said Edelgard.

Marianne lowered her hand, and said, "I don't know the rules."

"Hilda didn't explain them to you?"

When Marianne shook her head, Hilda did her best to look sheepish. It wasn't difficult. She felt rather sheepish, to be perfectly honest.

"Sorry," said Hilda.

With one last glare in Hilda's direction, Edelgard said to Marianne, "Don't let the opposing team take our flag. Try to take the opposing team’s flag. Use any reasonable force necessary, but try not to kill anyone. Stick to your group, and stick to the plan. And for all our sakes, stick to the range as set out by Seteth and the others. The professors will be the judges.They’ll be walking around key boundaries. Don't go wandering too far into the forest. Remember what happened last time?"

At that, a disgruntled murmur spread throughout the large group of campers.

"What happened last time?" Marianne asked Hilda in a low voice.

"Some idiot stumbled across a dragon's lair. It went badly." Hilda said, inspecting her eyeliner in the mirror shine of her helm. "That's how Dimitri lost his eye. Poor bastard."

Indeed, Dimitri still wore a patch over said eye. Magic and ambrosia could only do so much. Especially against wounds inflicted by other magical creatures and beasts.

"Any other questions?" Edelgard looked at Marianne, who shook her head. "Excellent. And good luck out there. Just remember -" and her lilac gaze went hard as iron. "- defeat is not an option."

As the group began to split up and head into the forest, Hilda sighed. "Sometimes I worry about that girl. Like, doesn't she get that this is a game?"

"Is it?" Marianne asked quietly.

"Well -" Hilda hesitated. She thought about it, then decided she really didn't want to think about it. Instead, she finally shoved the helmet onto her head. "Anyway. Let's go."

Marianne followed suit. She put her helm on. Hilda had been right. Blue did look good on her. In the track pants and long-sleeved shirt however, the helm looked a bit silly.

As they crossed the first row of trees, Hilda could feel a set of eyes upon her. She glanced over her shoulder to find Seteth watching her intently. She flashed him a grin, but received nothing in return. For someone acting as one of the judges in this competition, his dedication to impartiality was admirable. But really, did he have to be so damn stiff? Relax. Live a little.

Between Edelgard and Seteth, Hilda had to shrug off a bad feeling about this competition. To add insult to injury, she could have sworn she felt the first speck of rain.

"Which way are we going?" Marianne asked.

Drawing her axe, which had been disguised as a boring old pen in her pocket, Hilda used it to point. "That way. Us two are guarding the flag, while everyone else does whatever Edelgard and Lysithea told them to do."

"Alright."

It did not take long for the other groups to be swallowed up by the woods. The trees clustered thickly all around. The air was darker and heavier here, and grew even more so the further they pushed ahead.

After a while of tramping along, Marianne had another question, "Why us?"

"Hmm?"

"Guarding the flag is important, right? I'm assuming Edelgard had a reason for picking us."

Hilda shrugged. "Probably. I don't think we'll ever really know why Edelgard does what she does. Maybe we're the best suited for the job. Maybe there are only two people allowed to guard the flag at any one point in time. Maybe she doesn't know where to put you in a bigger team, because you're new here. Or maybe I just complain if I get put out into the field to do more work. Who knows."

"It sounds like you know."

"It's a mystery," Hilda insisted.

"I really don't think it is."

They reached a clearing in the trees, surrounded by dense underbrush. Here, the vegetation gave way to a near perfect circle that extended nearly twenty meters in every direction. The area was demarcated by a ring of white-capped mushrooms. Hilda was very careful not to step on one as she entered the clearing. She could almost taste the nature magic emanating off of them.

In the centre of the clearing, a bronze spear had been stuck in the ground, and a blue flag trailed from it like a military standard. On the flag had been stitched the insignia of every cabin on their team.

Immediately, Hilda crossed over to it. At the base of the spear, she slammed her axe into the ground so that the head was half buried and would remain upright on its own. Then she flopped onto the ground beside it. She sprawled her legs, and sighed up at the sky.

"The rest of the forest won't get any rain, except for us. Figures," she grumbled.

Marianne drifted closer. In her own hand, she held a basic armour sword of Celestial bronze, not unlike Hilda's own weapon. "Aren't we supposed to be guarding the flag?"

Hilda gestured towards the flag, which hung just over her head. "Here's the flag. And here we are. It's guarded."

Uncertain, Marianne glanced towards the edge of the clearing. "What if someone comes?"

"Then we tell them to go away."

"Hilda, be serious."

"I am being serious!"

"I have never known you to be serious."

"Now, that's just rude. I bet I'm the most serious person you've ever met."

At that, Marianne bit down on her lower lip to keep from laughing. She turned her head aside to hide a smile.

"What?" Hilda asked, placing a hand over her heart as though insulted. "You don't believe me? Name someone with more gravitas."

Marianne's voice sounded strained, as though she were trying to keep it level. "I can think of a few people."

When Marianne couldn't stop the corner of her mouth curling up in a smile, Hilda grinned at her. "That's more like it." She patted the ground beside her. "Come on. Sit. Relax."

Folding her legs, Marianne crouched down so that they sat, side by side. They were close enough that when Hilda leaned back, her arm brushed against the fabric of Mariann's sleeve. A week ago Marianne would have shuffled away. Now, she stayed put.

Hilda cocked her head. "Are you having fun?"

That seemed to puzzle Marianne. "The forest is nice, I guess."

"No, I mean -- are you enjoying camp half-blood?"

"Oh." Marianne used the tip of her sword to draw patterns in the soft earth. She took a while to think about her answer, before she said, "Yes. I think so. It's nicer than home in many ways."

"What's home like?"

Marianne went very quiet. She continued to sketch shapes in the dirt with her sword. Little swirls and peaks, like mountains. Or perhaps flames. "It's full of people," she finally said. "But it's lonely. Not like here."

"Do you miss it?"

Marianne shrugged. "Sometimes."

Humming contemplatively, Hilda said, "I felt that way when I first came here." When Marianne shot her an incredulous look over her shoulder, Hilda insisted, "It's true! I mean, I'm great at making friends and getting to know people, but it still takes time. You only warmed up to me after a few weeks, and I was already friends with people. Think of how long it would've taken me to make friends in a place where I knew absolutely nobody."

"A few hours, I imagine," Marianne replied dryly.

"At least!"

Marianne snorted. Then her head jerked up; she frowned in the direction of the trees. "Someone's coming."

Hilda did not move. A few fat raindrops began to fall intermittently from the sky. It wouldn't be long now until it started to rain in earnest. A warm summer rain. With lightning most likely. Hilda almost wished she had packed a poncho, if ponchos weren't so awful to look at.

"Hilda -?"

"I heard you," Hilda said. She rose to her feet, brushing a few leaves from her legs. Just as she tugged her axe free from the ground, she heard voices through the underbrush.

Marianne stood as well. She remained a step behind Hilda, letting her take point. The voices grew a bit louder, and a minute later, three people wearing red-crested helms stepped into the clearing.

Shouldering her axe, Hilda waved. "Hey, Caspar! Raphael! Ignatz! So good of you to join us!"

The three approached, Caspar leading the other two. He grinned, and gave a mocking salute with one hand. "Hi, Hilda! We've got you outnumbered. Want to make this easy, and just hand over that flag there?"

"Oh, you mean this?" Hilda jerked her thumb over her shoulder towards the flag. The drops of rain had strengthened into a drizzle. Hilda tapped at her chin as though thinking very hard about a complicated maths problem, until she said in a cheery tone, "Nope! I have a much better idea."

Ignatz had stopped at the edge of the clearing, but Raphael and Caspar continued their advance. Raphael's knuckles were sheathed in bronze gauntlets with wicked talons on the ends, while Caspar carried an axe even larger than Hilda's.

If anything Caspar's smile only widened at the prospect of a fight. "Oh, yeah? What's the plan?"

Behind him, Ignatz was nocking an arrow into his bow. Hilda tsked, shaking her head, and wagged a finger in his direction. "Down, boy."

Charmspeak laced through the air. Without hesitation, Ignatz lowered his bow.

Frowning, Caspar looked over his shoulder, then did a double take. "Ignatz! What are you doing? Shoot them!"

But Ignatz's eyes were glazed behind his thick round spectacles. He did not react to being addressed by his team leader.

"Don’t be rude, Ignatz. You heard the man!" Hilda said. She pointed at Caspar and Raphael, and said, "Shoot them!"

Immediately, Ignatz drew his bow back, aiming at his friends. His arrow narrowly missed, deflected by Caspar’s axe. Both Caspar and Raphael whirled about, torn between who to face. They set their backs against one another.

"Oh, would you look at that!" Hilda gasped in faux surprise. "You're outnumbered! And surrounded, I would like to add. So, hows about you just -" she snapped her fingers with a beaming smile, "- give up, and go away?"

Baring his teeth, Caspar lowered his stance. "I still like my odds."

"Don't worry. I'll fix that, too." Hilda looked at the hulking man at his side. "Oh, Raphael!" she said in a sing-song tone.

Caspar whirled around to his only remaining teammate. "Plug your ears, Raphael! Don't listen to her!"

Hilda continued to speak over him, weaving a tapestry of charmspeak with every syllable. "Raphael, doesn’t an early dinner sound just too amazing to resist?”

Raphael’s tawny eyes went unfocused. Slowly, he lowered his fists, his broad shoulders relaxing. “Yeah,” he said in a dazed tone. “Yeah, food sounds really good right now.”

“You know,” Hilda said, “If everyone else is out here in the woods, then there’s nobody in line at the dining pavilion!”

His expression brightened, and he started heading towards the treeline.

“Don’t forget to take Ignatz with you!” Hilda called after him.

In response, Raphael picked up Ignatz -- who was still pointing an arrow at Caspar -- and carried him away.

Hilda waved after them until the rain and trees obscured their figures, then turned her bright smile upon Caspar. “You’re so cute when you’re mad.”

Furious, Caspar took out his frustrations by chopping at a nearby tree trunk with his axe a few times. Typical child of Ares behaviour. Hilda inspected her nails while she waited for his little tantrum to be finished. She had a microscopic chip in her nailpolish. She would need to repaint them this evening.

Finally Caspar rounded on her. His face was bright red and streaked with rain. “Fight me anyway!”

“Mmmm…Nah,” said Hilda, still inspecting her nails.

“Is this a good idea?” Marianne asked at her side. “He looks really angry.”

“See, now, that’s the thing.” Hilda waggled her fingers towards Marianne’s sword. “If you fight him, then he wins. Even when he loses, he wins.”

“I don’t think I understand.”

“Stop talking about me like I’m not here!” Caspar shouted.

Which, of course, meant Hilda kept talking about him like he wasn’t there. “Caspar loves fighting, but he won’t fight you unless you fight him. So, the only way to win is to not fight at all.” She pretended to lower her voice to a whisper, knowing full well that he could still hear her. “He hates it so much.”

At that, Caspar kicked at the ground, sending a spray of dirt towards them. With a great, wordless cry of frustration, he stomped off after Raphael and Ignatz.

Hilda called after him, “Hey! Tell Dimitri to send someone good next time!”

“Fuck you, Hilda!”

“Maybe later! Bye bye, now!”

When Caspar, too, had left, Marianne turned to Hilda. “I see now why Edelgard puts you in charge of guarding the flag.”

“You’re here, too,” Hilda pointed out.

“I didn’t do anything.”

“Sure you did. You have the most important job of all!”

Marianne’s expression was dubious. “Which is -?”

“Making sure I don’t get bored, and abandon my post in favour of going to the arts and crafts centre. Which I may have done in past years. I refuse to incriminate myself.”

Something rustled in the trees again. Hilda squinted through the rain. She had to wipe at the brim of the helmet, clearing the drizzle that unspooled in front of her face. Beside her Marianne peered in the same direction, though where Hilda hefted her axe, Marianne's hand remained slack around the hilt of her sword of Celestial bronze.

Hilda raised her voice to call out, "We know you're out there! How about you make it easy for everyone, and just lay down your weapons! Or maybe just go away! That would be really great! Thanks!"

More shuffling. The low branches and foliage of the shrubbery wavered back and forth. Then, a deer burst through the trees. Hilda yelped in surprise, and the deer bounded away. She clutched at her chest with one hand to calm the racing of her heart.

"Oh, for fuck's sake," she grumbled after the deer.

"It wasn't alone," Marianne said softly.

Marianne nodded towards the trees where the deer had appeared. This time, there was absolute silence. No shuffling or rustling at all. And yet, Claude stepped into the clearing as though he were out on an evening stroll in his garish gold-streaked headband, and bright yellow t-shirt. His bow was in his hands. He glanced in their direction. When Hilda opened her mouth to speak, he raised a single finger to his lips, and shook his head.

Instead of speaking, Hilda rolled her eyes and mouthed at him, "What are you doing?"

In answer, Claude gestured for her to come over to him. He then pointed to where the deer had vanished into the woods. Hilda did not move. She watched that place. And watched. And watched.

Nothing happened.

This time, she spoke aloud, "Alright, if this is some kind of trap, I am not falling for it."

He made a slicing motion at his neck for her to be quiet, then strung his bow with a bronze-tipped arrow, backing away.

“Yeah. Still not falling for it.”

"Hilda -"

"Not now, Marianne. He's trying to trick us into abandoning the flag, or something. I mean, it's a stupid trick. Which is weird. He's normally cleverer than that, but -"

Marianne grasped her arm, and that was enough for Hilda to fall silent. She looked over only to find that Claude had vanished from the clearing. Meanwhile, the place he had pointed to was growing dark. As though night were falling before its time. Shadows gathered beneath the boughs and between the trees, and not even the rain could pierce it.

And then one of the shadows stepped forward.

Marianne's hand tightened on Hilda's arm. Her face looked even more pale. She took a trembling step back. "Is that supposed to be here?"

“No. No it definitely isn’t.”

The shadow sloped slowly forward with the grace of a great cat. It stepped on one of the mushrooms, crushing it and its magic underfoot. It had too many legs. Its eyes burned a dull coal-red, and smoke slithered in its footsteps. No sooner had it emerged, than another followed in its wake. And another. And another. Their muzzles dripped with something other than rain. One of them still carried in its jaws the haunch of the deer, which it dropped at the edge of the clearing.

"Oh," Hilda breathed, "shit."

Marianne had let go of Hilda's arm and taken another step back, and Hilda was right there with her. The pack followed them with lidless eyes, each enormous head turning to watch their retreat. Every fibre of Hilda's bones -- down to the marrows -- was screaming for her to run, to turn tail and sprint until her lungs burned and her legs gave way. Until the sun could wash over the land, and burn away the foul stench of sulphur that preceded the shadows like a fog.

Hilda shoved that tiny screaming miniature version of herself away, and instead tightened her grip upon her axe. Her hands were sweaty upon the hilt. The distance between her, Marianne, and the shadows was shrinking, but at a certain point the shadows stopped approaching. Darkness swirled all around the edges of the clearing like mist.

"Whatever you do," Marianne murmured, and her voice trembled slightly, "don't look away from them."

Without thinking, Hilda glanced over her shoulder at Marianne. "What? Why -?"

"No, don't -!"

There was a flash of darkness that stirred the air, and when Hilda looked back around, one of the creatures loomed over her. It was not rearing back on its hind legs. It did not need to. It was massive enough that it could loom without trying. Hilda only jerked her axe up in time to knock the creature's head aside, so that she did not lose a limb. The Celestial bronze cut a pale glowing mark into the shadow, and it snarled in fury.

"Fuck," Hilda swore. "Shit fuck."

She staggered back with another wild swing, as teeth snapped near her head. This was bad. This was very bad. Her inner thoughts were a constant stream of frantic swearing, as she hacked and slashed with the best of her abilities. No sooner had she made one of the shadows back off, than another took its place. They circled around her with bared teeth like tarnished silver, snapping and growling, so that she could never quite get her bearings before she had to swing around once more to fend off another.

"Hey, back off, already!" Hilda said, and her voice cracked in fear. The charmspeak rolled over them, and for a split second the creatures hesitated, only for their eyes to burn bright as though searing the very magic away.

One of the shadows lunged. Cursing loudly, profusely, and elegantly, Hilda brought her axe down hard enough that it sliced through the thing's damn neck. The creature's head continued to shriek even as it dissolved on the ground at her feet. In horror, Hilda watched while the shadow twitched and swung its body back and forth as though merely blinded.

Another tried to bite her around the stomach, but from the trees there came a dart of bronze. The creature jerked back as a bronze-tipped arrow found its mark, sticking out of its eye and smoking there as though it were a white-hot iron.

Hilda wrenched around. Claude waved at her from the safety of a nearby tree, then nocked another arrow. Hilda swung her axe at another shadow, and yelled at him, "If I die, I am going to be really pissed off, Claude!"

His answer was another arrow sticking into the creature to her right. It snapped at her ankles, and she had to snatch her foot back to avoid losing it entirely. "Marianne, are you -?"

But when Hilda looked around, Marianne was no longer beside her. The creatures had her completely surrounded and alone. In a panic, Hilda gave one of them a good smack with her axe, and it squealed like a kicked dog when one of its many legs was cut off. Still, it did not die. It only began to limp. But it meant that Hilda could actually see over it.

Marianne was standing near the flag. Watching. Her shoulders were hunched. Her cheeks blanched. Her sword had been dropped to the ground as though discarded.

Hilda swung her axe again to fend off another attack. She called out, "You can help me any day now!"

Marianne's mouth moved, but no sound came out. She took a trembling step back, and shook her head. "I -" she choked out. "I can't. I'm sorry. I can't -"

"What do you mean: you can’t?!"

When one of the beasts clawed the air, Hilda was forced to stagger back or risk disembowelment, which was not high up on her to do list. It knocked her axe aside, so as to close its teeth around the hilt and wrench the weapon from her hands. She clung on for dear life, toppling sideways onto the ground, and landing in the disembodied head of the one she had decapitated.

Her hand fell right through the shadow as if it were made of liquid. Hilda continued to grapple over her axe, but stopped when she felt something cold begin to creep up her arm.

Veins of shadow were branching towards her shoulder. Panic lanced through her, and her grip slackened on the axe enough for the beast to tear it from her hand. There were only three of the creatures still upright, their flanks protruding with a forest of arrows and gouges from Hilda's axe. The fourth had dissolved into a twitching mass of darkness on the ground.

Panic quickly rose to terror. Hilda reached over with her free hand to squeeze her upper arm in an attempt to staunch the flow of icy shadow up her arm, while the remaining three beasts descended upon her.

She closed her eyes, curled up into a ball on the ground, and waited for teeth and claws to tear into her. But that moment never came.

"Leave her alone."

Like a kid peering through their fingers at a horror film, Hilda slowly opened her eyes. Marianne was standing beside her. From this angle, Hilda could see the underside of her clenched jaw, and the way her fists shook.

The beasts backed away a step. They seemed to be weighing their chances. They looked from Marianne to Hilda, and took a step forward. Obviously, they liked their odds.

Something flickered across Marianne's face, like steel plates settling into place. With one hand she reached up to the pendant at her neck, and tugged it free from the white ribbon from which it was strung. As she extended her arm, it seemed that she was slowly drawing a sword from her chest. Its handle was bone. Its crossguard the golden shape of the original pendant. Its blade was curved and utterly, purely black. Black as a nightmare.

In one smooth motion, Marianne swept the sword downward. It arced, and left behind the faint stench of burning ozone, as though its edge had cut through the very air molecules. She brought it down upon the nearest beast, as easily as if brushing aside a cobweb.

Whereas the Celestial bronze of Hilda and Claude's weapons had bled the beasts a searing white, Marianne's blade left behind a cut that revealed nothing but darkness. The beast's hide split open, and a wind stirred. The blade absorbed the shadows within until not an inch of the creature remained.

"LEAVE HER ALONE."

Marianne's words were not loud; they were substantial. As though every letter she spoke were engraved upon stone, etched into a memorial that would weather the millennia beyond mortal ken.

Immediately, the last two beasts stopped in their tracks. They lowered their heads and their great hulking shoulders, until they lay upon the ground before her. Like trained dogs. Hilda even swore she could see their ears flattened back, as though they had been admonished by an angry master.

Slowly, Marianne turned. Hilda had to resist the urge to scramble back. Marianne's eyes had gone black. Black as night. Black as the blade in her grasp. Thunder rolled in the distance, but the rain seemed to melt away before ever reaching her. And over Marianne's head, a pale flame burned in the shape of a bident, curved like a broken halo, or perhaps like horns. She cast a shadow that blotted out the sky. Behind her the beasts awaited her command, twin hellhounds with eyes like a dying furnace.

She knelt before Hilda, and held out her hand. This time when Marianne spoke, her voice sounded normal. Well, that wasn’t true. It sounded kind of echo-y. But more normal than before.

"May I -?"

It took Hilda a moment to realise what Marianne was referring to. The cold shadow had reached her shoulder, and was now winding its way up the side of her neck like a plague. Hilda nodded, but still she winced when Marianne took her infected hand in her own.

Her eyes were still black. She did not seem to need to blink. The air around her continued to hum with energy. It made a shiver race down Hilda's spine, as though someone had just walked across her grave. Marianne grasped her hand, and her touch drew the darkness out like a poison until nothing but pure, warm, unblemished skin was left behind.

"I knew it."

Both Hilda and Marianne turned to look towards the edge of the clearing. Claude held their flag in one hand, and his bow in the other. He was beaming in triumph.

“I’ve won. And now,” He gestured with the flag towards Marianne. “I also know what you are. You're not one of the Demeter kids. You’re a child of Hades. You're a daughter of Death."

#hilda valentine goneril #marianne von edmund #hilda/marianne #hildamari #fe3h #fire emblem three houses #roman writes

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eirist · 5 years

Text

Little Bits and Pieces of Heaven

A WHIFF OF NOSTALGIA

One-shot #: 9

Disclaimer: One Piece (and its characters) belongs to Eiichiro Oda-sensei.

Reminder: I have no beta-reader. Any grammatical and spelling errors are solely mine.

Warning: OOC possible. One shot. PWP.

Rating: T

Note: In honor of the Romance Dawn Trio (or 2/3 of the RDT). Because they are really missed.

Summary: She wanted to remember. She wanted to bask at the feeling of remembering the beginning…

Nami's eyes squinted against the harsh glare of the mid-afternoon sun.

The Straw Hats had just arrived on a quaint and surprisingly peaceful island—a rare find in the tumultuous New World.

A quick survey done by their archaeologist and doctor revealed that the island is not a territory of any of the monstrous Yonko, nor is it under the protection of the marines. It had most of the crew sighing in relief as they relish at the thought that they can somehow relax.

It was almost too good to be true—finding a place not touched by the turbulence happening in the New World. She had gotten used to docking on islands and getting into unwanted confrontations and fights that a brief respite seems like an unachievable dream.

She stepped into the port and perused the docks for any sign of movements or life. Robin had said something about the town’s weird practice of closing shops and businesses, stalling all work and affairs in favor of taking naps during the day’s hottest hours.

Great. An island fit for their lazy swordsman.

Even with that knowledge, the others still headed out to explore said island. Nami was about to head into town herself (shops may be closed, but hey, she can survey the place for cartography purposes); when she stopped short by the dock to take in the island’s scenic view.

The Mugiwara’s navigator lifted a hand to shade her eyes from the sun’s glare.

This island is beautiful. She mused as her chocolate brown eyes surveyed the surroundings. The colors around her are so vibrant and the sun up in the sky just served to heighten their rich, natural hues—turning the greens of the forest, greener; the blue of the sea, bluer. The mid-afternoon rays also created beautiful sparkles across the ocean as if someone carelessly scattered numerous pricey jewels on it.

Somehow it feels like she’s back on Conomi Islands in East Blue.

Nostalgia suddenly kicked in. Memories of a lifetime ago resurfaced, bringing to mind images of warm smiles and soothing scents of cigarette smoke and tangerines.

There was a sudden movement at the corner of her eye and her brown orbs shifted to look at the boats bobbing idly on top of the water. Their small flags swayed with the ocean breeze, beckoning at her.

A smile made its way across her lips and she moved to approach them.

There was nothing special about the boats, to be honest. They are small, typical-looking and are probably owned by the fishermen living in the island. They don’t really look that sturdy. A strong storm will sweep it away ruthlessly and crack it to smithereens.

But somehow looking at them, another wave of nostalgia swept inside her.

This time the memory is of two ordinarily simple boats sailing side by side; one with a plain white sail and the other with a clown Jolly Roger, heading towards adventure.

And freedom. She thought wistfully as she stared at the glinting sea. Life back then revolved around stealing treasures, reporting back to Arlong, and then stealing treasures again—a never ending cycle.

Or so she thought.

Then came Luffy. And then Zoro. And everything just went from bad to good and then to better.

If it weren't for that chance encounter, she and her island would still be in the grasp of that detestable saw shark fishman.

Unconsciously, she extended a foot to lightly tap one of the boats, watching it bobbed atop the water.

It was almost perfect. Just like the boats that took them to Gecko Islands where Usopp’s village lies.

All that is missing is a barrel of apples, a goofy smile under a straw hat and a haughty smirk on a face still not marred by a scar.

Nami’s smile widened at that. They've come a long way haven't they? With lots of adventures, new found friends and a ship awesome enough to sail to the ends of the world.

Without second thoughts, she stepped into the boat just so she could remember what it feels like to be in something so simple, so little and so... exposed. She wondered what will it be like to sail this humble contraption in the New World sea—even for just a moment.

"Oi Nami,"

Someone had suddenly called her and she automatically turned towards the voice, a bit peeved at the intrusion on her wistful moment.

Roronoa Zoro was standing on the dock with a serious expression on his face, one eye fixed intently at her.

"Zoro," she returned evenly, mirroring the serious countenance of her green-haired nakama. Gone now was the young man with the lax attitude and expression. Somehow, their journey changed them. A lot.

Especially him.

He used to laugh so boisterously and unrestrainedly.

The swordsman took a step towards her, a frown marring his features. Nami stayed silent as she watched him took in the boat, trying to find a reason why the orange-haired navigator was standing on it.

"You're not planning on leaving us again are you?" He asked after a few seconds of contemplation.

Nami's eyes widened at that. What the...?

And despite herself she started laughing.

What an incredulous notion! Trust Zoro to come up with something as stupid as that.

Said swordsman merely folded his arms across his chest, apparently not amused with her reaction.

"Hahaha! Where in the four seas did you get that idea?" Nami asked in between laughs. "Hahaha! Gosh Zoro, you have the weirdest sense of humor honestly. Hahaha!"

"Well given the history…" he began and Nami cut him off by suddenly grabbing at the hem of his green garb.

The tall lad frowned as Nami pulled at his robe lightly. When he didn't budge, she pulled again. "Join me Zoro," she said a bit cheekily for his taste.

He merely lifted an eyebrow at her demand.

"Come on," she tugged at him again.

"What are you doing?"

Nami sighed in exasperation. Knowing this man, it would take a loooong explanation as to why she wants him on the boat. And Zoro would take a loooong time before getting her point.

"Just join me ok?"

With a snort, the former pirate hunter surprisingly complied with her demand, more to stop her from tugging his clothes off him than anything.

"Now what?" He asked as stepped into the boat to join her. It swayed slightly from the added weight and Nami wavered a bit, out of balance, being used to the sturdy deck of the Thousand Sunny.

Automatically, the swordsman’s hand shot up to grab her arm to steady her.

She looked up to him and grinned sassily. "Thanks Zoro! Now all we need is another boat and a barrel of apples," she declared, looking around. Though she doubts if he would get it, knowing well how the green-haired idiot’s mind works.

This time, both of Zoro's eyebrows lifted questioningly. "A barrel of apples?! Hey are you experiencing a heat stroke or something?" He asked, looking at her as if she had grown two extra heads. "I can go fetch Chopper so he can look at you."

"Oh shut it, you still won't get it even if I explain it."

"OI!"

Nami dismissed his retort with a wave of her hand. "Just stop asking questions and do as I say, I'll buy you some drinks later."

That shut him up and definitely put him in a rather agreeable mood.

"Hmmm," she pondered, looking at the other boats around her. "Should I borrow another?" She tapped a finger underneath her chin as she considered her options.

Zoro decided to settle down on the boat, removing his swords from his sash. He set them beside him before resting his broad back on the boat’s side, yawning. "Isn't that called stealing?" He questioned as he languidly stretched his legs in front of him. He stole a glance at the mapmaker before placing both of his hands behind his head.

Nami glared at him. "Didn't you hear what I said? BORROWING. I'll bring it back later."

"Why do you need to BORROW a boat? Or boats?" Zoro emphasized the word ‘borrow’, looking curiously at her. "You need to sail or something? Use the mini-merry."

"Tch," she sounded out in a tone that clearly says she thinks he's an idiot.

Zoro just scoffed and closed his eye. Right now, a nap sounds just about good. He'll let Nami do whatever the hell she wants and leave her to her crazy ideas. He’s into this for the free drinks after all.

A few seconds later he felt the boat started to drift towards the sea.

He opened an eye to see Nami had just finished adjusting the small sail. The sea breeze blew lifting the strands of her long, orange hair.

He sat straight, checking if she indeed got another boat and was a bit relieved to see that she did not.

"Nami," he called her. “The hell are you really doing?"

"Just relax Zoro," she moved to sat across him, stretching her legs the same way he did and taking the space beside his own. "We're just sailing. It's a beautiful day, after all."

Zoro’s eye gazed at the enthralling blue of water in front of them before shifting towards her warily. “You’re not planning to drown me in the middle of the sea, are you?” He just had to blurt that one out.

Nami’s eyes narrowed at his allegation and she glared at him with enough coldness to freeze the entire New World seas.

“That is actually a good idea,” she replied scathingly. “One less mouth to feed and drink the booze barrels dry.”

“You mean it’ll help you save some money, you stingy onna,” Zoro countered. Swiftly, he moved his leg out of the way before Nami can give it a good kick.

“So?” Nami huffed. She stopped trying to kick his leg once his hand was able to catch her ankle. “My stinginess put clothes on your back and food and booze in your mouth.”

The green-haired lad grinned sardonically. “And you have my gratitude, really.”

Nami pulled her leg out of his grasp, sticking her tongue out at him before shifting her attention towards the bow. He only grinned widely at her childish response. It’s nice to rile her up every once in a while. He finds it oddly relaxing… that is if she did not manage to pull him into a shouting match that seems to become a source of entertainment for some of their crewmates.

The wind blew her long hair back and Zoro noted that there was this certain warm smile on her face as he watched her keenly. They’ve been reunited for some time now but he rarely gets the chance to look at her up close since most of the time they are screaming at each other’s faces or there would be too much nakama around them or too much happening around them or all at the same time.

He followed her example and watched the boat’s front bobbed up and down the waves. Occasionally the sea water sprayed over them, salty and stinging.

If he had known he’ll be doing this instead of spending the day sitting inside one of the town’s taverns with a mug of beer in his hand, he would’ve brought some fishing tools. Fishing sounds absolutely good right now and the weather’s rather perfect for it too.

He nudged Nami’s leg with his, to get her attention.

“Where are we really going?” He questioned again once she had her gaze on him.

“Nowhere in particular,” she replied with a smile too enigmatic for Zoro to just dismiss.

“Na-mi,” he said her name a bit exasperatedly. She knows how he hates asking questions repeatedly.

She rolled her eyes at his impatience. She’s not really bothered with it and was used to it. His idiocy on the other hand, is another thing.

“I just want to head out to the middle of the sea Zo-ro,” she explained, using the same tone he used when he said her name.

“Why?”

Nami groaned. “Just indulge me. I did promise you free beers.”

“I’m sure you’ll be wiggling out the payment for my ‘free’ beers from some gullible, lascivious townsfolk,” Zoro muttered.

The navigator just smirked at him. “Do not patronize my ways pirate hunter,” she languorously settled both of her legs on top of his. She crossed her arms on her chest and smiled smugly at him. “I’m a pirate after all.”

Zoro snorted. “You didn’t want to be one when I met you.”

That stilled the mapmaker. Then her smirk turned into an amused smile. “Yeah I didn’t want to be.” Her eyes seemed to dance with merriment at the memory. “You remembered.”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. You hardly remember people you fought with before or some other events we’ve experienced.”

“That’s because they’re insignificant.”

His answer made her smile reach her eyes.

“Besides,” he continued. “Luffy won’t shut up about getting you as our navigator.”

“Real-ly?” Nami mouthed humorously. She knows how adamant Luffy was about making her their navigator even after finding out that she betrayed them.

“Yeah. What do you think made me follow you to your village?”

Nami looked at him pointedly, waiting for him to explain.

Zoro stared back at her without so much a blink. “Captain ordered me to bring his navigator back.”

“Oh? So you didn’t do it out of your own volition?”

“Now why would I do that?” Zoro frowned, placing both of his hand behind his head. With a tiger-like yawn he continued, “I couldn’t care less if you were our navigator or not.”

Nami responded by kicking his leg again, making sure to make the heel of her shoe dug into his dumb skin painfully.

Zoro’s hand quickly closed around her ankle again, lifting her foot away before it can make a hole in his leg. “Damn it Nami!”

“You are such an ass,” Nami hissed at him, obviously peeved at his answer.

“Hey, you went and run off with the Merry leaving all of us behind, clueless.” He shoved her leg away from him rather brusquely.

“Well you damn know I had my reasons!” Nami retorted, glowering at his barbaric treatment of her leg. She bent a little to check if he had done any damage to her dainty ankle with that powerful hand of his, even if she knows that he wouldn’t deliberately hurt her.

A nerve ticked on Zoro’s forehead as he watched her. He knows well enough that Nami’s gonna use this as blackmail material.

Like he would let her. Huffing, he lightly swatted her hand away to check himself. She’s not gonna hold this one over him.

Without another word, he gently placed her feet on his thigh and started massaging her ankle.

Nami’s lips curled into pleased smile. So someone’s thinking ahead eh? Blackmails and debts really work well with Zoro.

“Do not think this makes us even,” she wagged a finger at him.

“Tch. Always with the blackmail and debt interest shit.”

“Of course!”

Two years and Nami is still as money-loving as when he first met her.

“Sometimes you are not all that bad Zoro,” Nami said with a sigh as she watched him knead her ankle.

“I don’t think there’s any damage at all,” Zoro ignored what she said, stopping his ministration. “It’s not like you’re delicate as you would like other people to think.”

A snarl escaped Nami’s lips. “And sometimes you are this bad.” She pouted, taking back what she said earlier.

Zoro just laughed in response, pushing both of her legs away from his own. “You’re much worse than me woman,” he smirked arrogantly at her. “You are bad all the time.”

“Why you!” She gritted her teeth and launched herself at him so she can bonk that stupid marimo head of his repeatedly for saying that.

The boat tipped dangerously from her movement. And Nami’s heart skipped a beat at the thought of going overboard.

But thankfully she did not. She stopped or rather, was stopped by Zoro’s hand closing around her wrists.

“Hahaha!” Zoro laughed again when he saw her reaction both at his teasing and from nearly going overboard. “You should know better than that Nami.” His deep voice was warmed by a rarely expressed mirth before he laughed again.

Nami stared at the him. Amazed.

When was the last time Zoro sounded so carefree?

Though he was laughing at her expense. But, oh well, she can always charge a ridiculous amount of beli under his name for that.

She just watched him for a moment, so loud and rowdy that she can’t help but smile at seeing him laughing without so much a care in the world.

Just like the younger Zoro from the good old days.

Nami relaxed a little before pulling her hand away from his grasp to bonk him on the head… lightly.

“If you fall, I’m not rescuing you.”

“Oh shut up!”

The swordsman continued laughing and she was tempted to hit him much harder but she decided against it.

Seeing the usually sullen and stoic man like this is a rare treat after all. Honestly, she was a bit worried that the further they sailed into the New World, the more Zoro turned serious and dangerous.

Though she understands how perilous their journey is now unlike when they were in the Grand Line. Understand that he needs to be much stronger, more focused and at times more merciless because a wrong move can cost them all their lives.

But sometimes, she wishes that he didn’t have to change so much.

“Afraid to get wet Nami?” Zoro’s voice cut through her thoughts. He was smiling wickedly at her, alerting the navigator that he was up to no good.

“Don’t you dare Zoro,” she moved away from him. With his strength, he can easily toss her to the sea if he wants too. “I’ll have Zeus fry your hide if you throw me overboard.”

That earned her another laugh from the green-haired man.

She made a show of grabbing her Clima-tact and Zoro promptly stopped laughing but not before throwing a mischievous smirk her way.

A sea gull cried overhead, casting a shadow on their small boat. They looked up as it soared above them, their gazes following its white form as it flew towards where the Sunny was anchored and perched itself on the crow's nest’s roof.

The pirate flag atop the nest flapped wildly, its black color a stark contrast against the clear blue sky. Somehow the movement made the skull wearing a straw hat seemed to smile at them from its spot.

Who would’ve thought that they’d be sailing under a jolly roger as ludicrous as that? Not to mention under a captain who is just as equally ridiculous.

Both seemed to be lost in their own thoughts, not noticing that a small smile had graced each of their lips. Was it really years ago when they first decided to join Luffy in his crazy adventures? Time sure flies fast.

They continued sailing onto the deeper part of the sea where the turquoise water turned to ultramarine. The wind blew stronger and a blur of orange caught Zoro’s eye.

Nami’s hair looked so vibrant under the afternoon sun. It stood out against the cool hues of blues and greens that surrounded them. It was a good thing she decided to grow it longer when they were separated. It suits her better. She looked far different from that short-haired, cheeky brat that he always needs to lookout for and save.

He heaved a sigh. When had they grown up?

It wasn’t long ago when they were all just dilly-dallying in the Grand Line.

Now…

Zoro decided to break the silence that settled between, and also to stop the weird thoughts that seemed to emerge from the deepest recesses of his mind.

“Thought you were gonna go shopping with Robin?" He suddenly asked out of the blue, catching Nami off-guard.

“Hmmm? How did you know?”

“You always shop whenever we dock.”

Nami’s hair whipped across her face. She brought a hand up to hold the untameable stands and grinned. “I was supposed to, but something caught my attention…” she tilted her face towards the wind, letting it caress her face and blow her long orange locks back. “Haven’t felt like this in a long time.”

“What?”

“Just sailing you know,” she answered, taking a deep breath of the salty sea air.

"Huh?"

“Just sailing…” she repeated.

“I don’t get it.”

Nami blew at the bangs in her forehead in exasperation. “Just sailing Zoro. Just. Sailing.” She stared at him, gauging his reaction. His face was scrunched up in a manner that says he doesn’t get it still.

Zoro grumbled inwardly. He was hoping she’d finally give him the damn reason why they were sailing in the middle of the sea instead of painting the middle of the town red. The woman in front of him was not making any sense at all.

“If I had known you wanted to just laze around and drift aimlessly, I should’ve bought some sake with me,” he muttered. It was, after all, a very fine and relaxing day. Perfect for napping, fishing or drinking. All the things he likes.

Nami pursed her lips disapprovingly. “Tch. Always complaining!”

He glowered at her. “I have a lot to complain with you dragging me out here with nothing to do but sail and stare at you.”

A Cheshire cat-like grin spread across Nami’s lips and Zoro mentally punched himself. That did not come out right.

“Oh?” Nami said teasingly. She nudged his leg with her foot. “You can also stare at the view around you Zoro. That is if you are tired of staring at me.”

The swordsman groaned. She will not let him live this down.

“I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Oh so what do you mean?”

Zoro exhaled heavily. He owed her no explanations. “I need a drink,” he muttered. “Let’s just go back to the docks.”

Nami tut-tutted, shaking a finger at him. “You are not getting away with this Zoroo,” she sing-songed.

“Yes I am woman,” he growled. “Turn the boat around. I need my drink!”

“Ah, don’t you want to stare at me longer while we sail?”

Zoro shot her a venomous glare, his face turning red.

“I’m kidding Zoro, no need to be so uptight!”

“I’m not!”

She winked at him suggestively. “Aw Zoro, it’s not that bad,” she tried to appease him by patting his knee. “It’s free to stare. I won’t charge you I promise!”

“Woman, if you don’t turn this boat around I’ll chuck you overboard.”

Nami threw her head back and laughed. If Zoro’s face could get any redder, his head would surely explode. He was scowling darkly at her now, embarrassed at his slip up.

Regardless. She does appreciate it. More than he’ll ever know. And more than she’ll ever freely admit. Though, she doesn’t want to delve deeper into that… for now.

She shifted from her position and sat suddenly beside him, giggling when he suddenly stiffened at their closeness.

“We both know you won’t do that.” She said, nudging his shoulder with her own.

“How sure are you?” Zoro quirked an eyebrow at her.

“I just know,” Nami smiled dazzlingly at him. He might be brutish in his ways, but he definitely always makes sure she’s safe. Just like their captain.

“Hmph…” was the only answer she got as he folded his arms across his chest and refused to look at her.

She laughed again. “Alright you’re no fun,” she snickered, poking at his still reddened cheek. She got a growl from her ministration. She then moved to stand up to adjust the sail.

Zoro rubbed a hand on his face. Nami always have the ability to draw a lot of emotions from him and it always left him feeling drained. And sometimes, just like now, embarrassed.

“Ready the paddles Zoro, we are heading back.”

He grunted an affirmative and watched her adjust the sail again. He stood up to help her. The sooner they arrive at the port; the sooner he can get his free drinks.

Though it means being in the company of the wicked witch for the rest of the day. Which can be both a good and bad thing for him.

He grabbed at the rope in her hands, nodding at her. The wind was blowing strong and he doubts if she can man the sail with that scrawny arms of hers. She beamed at him and gave him instructions on how to turn the small vessel around.

The moment he finished tying the ropes, he turned to her. “Nami,” he called to her. “What are you really trying to achieve? You’re not the type to waste time just like this and not gain anything.”

Nami gazed at his face. Zoro sometimes amazes her with how well he knows her.

He was staring at her seriously, brows furrowed in an attempt to figure out her intentions. She exhaled and stared back at the seemingly endless blue sea.

“I just want to feel it again Zoro,” she responded in a pensive manner. “I want to feel what it’s like to sail in a boat like this and not a ship.” She looked straight in his eye. “Just like before… when we first began sailing.”

That hit home.

And he felt it. That feeling from long ago. The excitement of setting sail in just a small boat to chase your dreams that seems out of reach. The thrill of cruising toward unknown islands not knowing what’ll happen or what to expect.

Just the pure enjoyment of searching for nothing and everything while gaining new nakamas, new experiences and new goals to achieve and protect. Just the pure pleasure of diving headfirst into adventure.

Just sailing. As Nami had put it.

This is what she must be aiming to feel by arbitrarily getting in this boat and crazily drifting into the middle of the sea with him in tow.

She wanted to remember.

She wanted to bask at the feeling of remembering the beginning… what she, him and Luffy started.

His eye traveled to her face. She was smiling the same way the 18-year old, short-orange haired girl from years ago did as she set sail with them for the first time after their captain convinced her to navigate for them.

That witch with the special talent to predict the weather.

“You're right," he suddenly spoke out.

Nami turned to face him, surprised.

It was the swordsman turn to smile at her and a brief image of a young Zoro flashed in her mind.

"We're missing a barrel of apples."

And the navigator’s eyes widened at that. A smile appeared on her face again, this time, brighter than the afternoon sun, warmer.

"And an idiot captain." They both said at the same time.

#zoro x nami #ZoNa #roronoa zoro #nami #zonami #zonalove #zona one-shots #zoro nami fanfiction #one piece fanfiction

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mouritzenmccollum1-blog · 5 years

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arizona Fundamentals Explained

In 532 AD rioting in between the factions started after a single race, which led into the massacre of green supporters as well as the destruction of Substantially of the middle of Constantinople.[98] (See Nika Riots). 1. (Colors) any of a group of colors, such as that of contemporary grass, that lie concerning yellow and blue from the noticeable spectrum in the wavelength assortment 575–500 nanometres. Green is definitely the complementary colour of magenta and with purple and blue kinds a set of Key colors. ass shake needs supplemental citations for verification. Please enable strengthen this information by incorporating citations to trustworthy resources. Unsourced materials may be challenged and eliminated. land site, website - the piece of land on which one thing is located (or is usually to be Positioned); "a superb website for The varsity" The pink disc represents the Solar rising more than Bengal, and also the blood of people who died with the independence of Bangladesh. The green field means the lushness of your land of Bangladesh. Green is the color most often linked in Europe and The usa with nature, vivacity and lifetime.[58] The term green emanates from the center English and Outdated English phrase grene, which, such as German term grün, has exactly the same root since the words grass and expand. [71] It absolutely was the colour of your serpent from the Yard of Eden who induced the downfall of Adam and Eve. On the other hand, for the troubadours, green was the color of expanding adore, and light-weight green garments was reserved for young Gals who were not still married.[72] Green was the standard shade of Irish nationalism, commencing within the seventeenth century. The green harp flag, with a traditional gaelic harp, turned the image with the movement. It absolutely was the banner in the Modern society of United Irishmen, which organized the Irish Rebellion of 1798, contacting for Irish independence. For the duration of put up-classical and early contemporary Europe, green was the colour usually associated with prosperity, merchants, bankers as well as the gentry, though red was reserved for your nobility. Because of this, the costume of the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci as well as the benches within the British Residence of Commons are green whilst Individuals in your home of Lords are crimson. Greenwashing. Environmental activists often use this term to describe the advertising and marketing of a corporation which promotes its constructive environmental procedures to cover up its environmental destruction.[112] أَخْضَرأخْضَراللون الأخْضَرحَسود، غَيور جدادهان أخْضَر 8a : not totally processed or treated: which include (1) : not aged green liquor (2) : not dressed or tanned green hides (three) : freshly sawed green lumber b : not in condition for a specific use 9a : deficient in teaching, expertise, or practical experience green recruits b : deficient in sophistication and savoir faire : naive was green and credulous c : not totally qualified for or expert in a selected perform 10a normally capitalized : associated with or remaining an environmentalist political motion b : concerned with or supporting environmentalism green shoppers who follow recycling c : tending to protect environmental quality (as by staying recyclable, biodegradable, or nonpolluting) greener energy remedies green around the gills : pale or sickly in look green Perspective aspects • A R I Z O N A @arizona Apr 23 Replying to @babylonxo We like your Mother ☺️

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galacticbugman · 5 years

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Dragonfly Adventures #1

When I am out on an insect adventure I always seem to wind up looking at things that look like they are from a science fiction world. Many of the creatures in the bug world have really peaked my interest but the Dragonflies are one of my absolute favorite insects. We even have a Dragonfly as the Texas Master Naturalist mascot (the Cyrano Darner) I think Dragonflies have a true beauty to them and I love to photograph them. Not only the Dragonflies but their close cousins the Damselflies. Both are in the genus Odonata which translates to “Toothed-ones” Dragonflies come in all different shapes, shades, and sizes and I have been very lucky to meet several of them when on my travels and adventures in nature and I would like for you to meet a few of them so lets see what we can find, shall we.

As the sun sinks low it is time for the Darners to rest after a whole day of hunting on the wing. This guy is called the Swamp Darner. One of the biggest I have seen; the Swamp Darner here was found at a place down in the woodlands of Texas called Jesse H. Jones Nature Center. I went out there a couple of years back and I must say this was a cool place. This guy was spotted by my aunt who has a pretty sharp eye when I don’t notice things. This guy was trying to take a snooze but at one point he took off and buzzed me a couple of times and at one point I thought he was going to land on me. This is a male and he was on a really nice boardwalk trail that was surrounded by tree knees, dense forest, and a lot of Spanish moss. That is one thing I like about south Texas you get to see a lot of nice bits of moss and things that animals can take refuge in. This guy almost blended in perfectly with his surroundings. He was a really dark color with only hints of a blueish green on his abdomen stripes. He is one of the many species I have seen down there. When I am looking for Dragonflies I always like to go near water to look for them but this guy was not anywhere near water. The boardwalk was on a creek system but no recent waters had come in the area so it was pretty dry. This is one of my favorite shots of any dragonfly. This is how they sleep they will latch on to a tree limb or something and just hang around until it is time to hunt again.

Back up near where I live is a place called Crystal Canyon Natural Area. In that park there is a little creek system that runs through it. On one of the bridges I stopped to look at some of the limbs for Dragonflies. In the hot summer time if you are out in the trail and you come across a tangle of branches out by a pond or water way always keep your eyes peeled for dragonflies perch on the native vegetation. This is called a Great Spreadwing Damselfly. Not a dragonfly but it is pretty large. There are a few things you need to know about Odonata to better understand their physical appearance to distinguish what you are looking at. One is that Dragonflies are more stocky and fatter and tend to fly more strongly in the air; they also have broader wings and more of a rounded head. Damselflies tend to be much more skinny than their bigger cousins, they have a head that is triangulated with two bulbous eyes that stick out on either side of its head they also tend to have more a dance more than just sheer force when they fly. They tend to bounce and twirl around when they take to the sky. Most Damsels sit with their wings closed unlike Dragonflies which when at rest sit with their wings open. Unless you are this guy you have have your cake and eat it too. The Spreadwing is what I call a rule breaker and it is a special kind of Damselfly that sits with its wings at a slight ventricle. The Great Spreadwing is the biggest we have here in Texas and it is my favorite of all the Damselflies I have seen. It is large and has the most remarkable coloration to it. I love the emerald green patches on its back; when the sun hits it just right it shines just like it was metallic.

Since we are on the topic of Spreadwings here is another one that I photographed on one my recent outings at Elmer W. Oliver Nature Park in Mansfield Texas. This one was on one of the more densely forested areas out by Walnut Creek out by the Bluebonnet patch. This guy flew right in front of me and I knew what it was when it landed. This one is much smaller than the last one; this guy is known as the Southern Spreadwing. It is pretty cool too with a more darker color scheme going on than the Great Spreadwing. This one is just a touch smaller but still a fairly good size and is easily identified when in the good light. I was kind of in a shady area so it took me longer to get a good enough photo to see what kind of Spreadwing he was.

Okay so I just post two photos of what look like two different damselflies. Are they different species or are they the same? Well actually these are both American Ruby Spots. The redder one is the male and the more emerald one is the female. Sometime these guys like to throw a curve ball and will make you think that you have another species. We animals that have two different color patterns sexually dimorphic. It is just a fancy way of saying that the males look different than the ladies and the ladies look totally different than the guys. If you ever go out to the Lake Lewisville Environmental Learning Area in Texas take a walk down the Bittern Trail that is right next to the river in the summer time. You can most likely see this species in the sunny patches by the river’s banks. These guys like to dance in the grass and other plants that are around there. There are so many species to talk about on my end. Let us meet one I met in Travis County a couple of years back shall we.

Here is one I got at one of the Metro Parks outside Austin meet the Flag-tailed Spinyleg. These are one heck of a Dragonfly to look at. This one is in the family of Clubtails. Some of the largest Dragonflies of Texas come from this group including my personal fave the Dragonhunter which I have not photographed yet. There was also another flying about that day as well, observe if you will...

This one is called the Four-striped Leaftail. I have a hard time with the names of these because they are so close together and I often just have to wait until I get some kind of confirmation on iNaturalist before I am convinced. There are many different kinds of Club Tails most do sport a lot of back and yellow coloration but also notice their tails if you will. At the end of their tail which is their abdomen is a huge knob. These are what gives this type their name. There are a few others like this one for instance I found a little closer to home at a place called Cliff Nelson Recreation Center.

This is the third Clubtail on my life list and it is a little smaller than the previous two. This one is called the Jade Clubtail. This guy is a little greener than most of its kind but is still just as pretty. I saw this one last summer on one of the hottest days of the year. That is one thing about insects the more hotter and more uncomfortable you are the more they will be out. It is fun to hunt for these guys but you have to have a wide brim hat to keep the sun off of you, a cold bottle of water with you in a canteen or something, then you need sunscreen too. Some times I will bring a bandanna with me or an extra rag to get wet so I can wipe my face and neck when I get too much sweat or when I need to cool off. Insect hunting can be easy but if you are really into it like I am and want to see a lot of species all around then you have to bring along a little gear to make the trip a little more easier on ya. I wouldn’t have it any other way though. Dragonflies are one of my favorite groups of insects and I love to watch them zip around the pond. Lets look at some more of these winged beauties before I close the gate on this blog post.

One that I always look for on the pond around late summer to early fall are these guys. These winged beauties are one of my all time favorites and they are not even that big. The Halloween Pennant is one of the most beautiful and appealing Dragonflies I have ever come to face to face too. I used to go to TCC South Campus in Arlington and they have a pond out there well in recent years when I have free time I go back to that pond year after year and get observations for it and they get droves of these every year that I have been there. That pond is one of my favorite places to go to at all times of the year. It is great for birds all year round and good for plants in the spring and the insects in the spring, summer and late fall. I spend a lot of time in Arlington since I got to school and live here. I tend to go to a lot of old stomping grounds at many different times of year just to see what I can find during all four seasons. I don’t go to the old campus to often I spend a lot more time at the one I currently go to which is South Campus. There are a lot of Dragonflies there too but not as many as I have seen at Southeast. For some reason they like that pond a lot more than the on at the campus I go to now. Still seeing these in the summer is really neat they are very easy to recognize and come in great numbers.

One of the coolest and most rewarding Dragonfly chases of my life would have to be when I photographed this guy. It took me about ten minutes to wait until this Twelve-spotted Skimmer got situated for a picture. Sometimes you just have to be patient and wait for your target to land. Sometimes there are some species that just don’t cooperated like your Baskettails and things. The Skimmers are more forgiving and will let you take photo of them landing. This guy was at Elmer W. Oliver at the second pond when I found him. He was flying back and forth and would not settle. I would get my camera in focus but when I would be ready to take the shot he would fly off and then I would have to chase him down again. Normally I give these guys at a fairly good distance. Giving an animal distance is a great way to make them less afraid of you. Sometimes that is all you can do but this guy had too much energy but there was the one point when this photo was taken when he did finally sit still and the reward was the glamour shot. Sometimes patients and persistence does pay off. For me this was the first shot I ever got of this particular species of Dragonfly. It was a really cool capture after a heated chase around the pond. Sometimes in the science field you have to look like an idiot to make some things work. It is something we don’t mind though. Shoot I do all kinds of crazy things to get what I need for citizen science but that is okay. Sure people may think I am weird and crazy like I have lost my gourd but heck I don’t really care what people think of me when I am out doing this stuff.

And last but certainly not least I want to draw your attention to this little guy. There are about three species of Dragonfly that are sure to be out any old summer day in North Texas. This guy is one of them; meet the Blue Dasher. Yet small and common they are one that is good to warm up on. There is not a shortage of them at the ponds that I go to. They are out there all the time. There are also Eastern Pondhawks and Eastern Amberwings which are our Smallest Dragonfly which patrol the ponds as often as these guys do. The pond is a great place to visit weather you are having a picnic by one, out doing a bit of fishing, or just enjoying the serenity of it all. As for me I am always out looking at the bugs around the pond because that is what I do best. Dragonflies are predatory insects and eat other bugs but even thought they are said to be the most adaptable predator of the pond they are still very pretty in their own right. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but Dragonflies and Damselflies are some of the ponds most treasured gems. They are a sign of resilience and power. They are a truly remarkable and have been on this planet even when the dinosaurs roamed the earth. They are ancient creatures and are one of nature’s greatest success stories. For now I am Zachary Chapman I will see you on the trail.

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deepvuinc · 3 years

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Sustainability must be a primary business KPI. Three practical approaches to make it a reality.

California wild fires 2020. Source: The Desert Sun.

By Moataz Rashad

Feb 17, 2021

Last year’s California wildfires and air quality issues piled on top of a pandemic lockdown have made life comparable to a hub on an inhospitable remote star.

Earlier this year in January, NASA’s Goddard Institute of Space Studies released a study back-testing older climate projection models and confirmed their accuracy. More recent models are even more sophisticated and higher accuracy. We’ve turned a beautiful planet into an ailing mess. With President Biden’s decisions on his Day 1 to rejoin the Paris Agreement on climate change, and appointing Mr Kerry as Climate Envoy, we’re finally on a good path.

It is high time that the manufacturing and construction sectors take sustainability seriously and heed that policy guidance. AI can facilitate that in an automated seamless way.

Many manufacturers produce annual sustainability reports. They often read like everything is great, and you’d think that if the top 50 companies in every manufacturing sector were as mindful of sustainability as these reports would make it seem, then we shouldn’t really have any environmental problems.

The truth, of course, is that the manufacturing supply chain is amongst the top 5 polluters in every country across the globe. Every major manufacturer has a lot of room to improve.

The most conscientious manufacturers have recently been addressing the issue seriously and exploring how AI/ML can play a pivotal role in effectively optimizing their sustainability in every stage of their supply chain.

Some have even reached out to us specifically for advice on AI for architecting approaches for optimizing sustainability in procurement or logistics, which is certainly a very healthy and encouraging sign.

It’s tempting to reduce sustainability to recycling, using greener materials, diminishing your energy footprint, and so on. And while these individual steps certainly help, the problem is much broader than that.

In this article, we’ll touch upon three top level proposals that every Chief Supply Chain Officer or COO ought to consider in their supply chain sustainability plans for 2021 and beyond.

Sustainability in Procurement

It goes without saying that you may have perfect sustainability practices in your own manufacturing operations and internal processes, but if the components you buy are from dubious suppliers, your overall product sustainability score will suffer and your product’s environmental footprint will be negative. Think of it as the multiplication of these individual component scores: all it takes is for one key component to have a sustainability score of 0. Therefore, it is important that you investigate every supplier you onboard for their own sustainability practices. It simply can’t be based on the stale, static questionnaire forms that many companies still use today.

Some industries, such as automotive, have strict legislative sustainability compliance requirements, which makes supplier review and qualification a bit more manageable since every supplier has to have their compliance reports. But many industry sectors don’t and it is certainly true that compliance reports can be gamed!

There are three AI/ML modules that can help address sustainability in procurement. You can start with any one of these, and then phase in the rest. However, ultimately, you will need all three for an end to end procurement sustainability optimization.

Build your own sustainability scoring model for your suppliers. The model can use those supplier questionnaires as an input, but they are just one low-trust input.

Almost all procurement departments we work with rank suppliers in quality tiers (A, B, C) that are largely based on yield, OTIF fill rate, and capacity. Sustainability should be a separate quality tier; the model will treat it as such and it will have its own feature weight.

Build an AI decision model that would allocate POs to suppliers to optimize the Bill of Materials for an overall KPI, where overall sustainability is one of those highly weighted KPIs. Of course, Costand Delivery Date are typically KPIs as well. Thus, you have a Reward that is a weighted formula such as R = w1* SustainabilityScore + w2* Cost + w3*DeliveryDate

Build a Supplier Risk decision model that can recommend actions as follows:

Approve a supplier for a given country/region

Upgrade/downgrade the tier-rank of a supplier

Increase/decrease the risk score of a given supplier

Initiate an eDiscovery process pertaining to a specific risk item (material-id)

Initiate an investigation into a supplier’s claim/statement in questionnaire

Flag a supplier for an onsite investigation

Disqualify a supplier

Warren Buffet has famously said “It takes 20 years to build a reputation, and 5 minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently. “ It could even be 5 minutes by one of your suppliers that cut corners and ended up ruining your product’s sustainability score, not your own team or process.

Sustainability in Manufacturing

The vast majority of manufacturers have their own plants but also augment them with contract manufacturers. Therein lies a major problem for your product’s environmental impact. You do have full control over your own plant operations, the eco-friendly materials you procure, their treatment, storage and disposal of toxic waste, and the energy usage in the plant, to name a few.

For your own factories, you can build a decision model that recommends actions that directly impact your Triple Net Zero goal (Energy, Water, and Waste). However, it’s very hard to have full visibility into contract manufacturers’ practices and compliance, and where they stand on each one of these sub-goals.

Some of the largest manufacturers currently do surprise inspection visits, which are a definite part of the solution, but are not sufficient on their own. In fact, in healthcare, the FDA is known for frequently making these surprise visits to international drug manufacturing operations, which has been quite effective in improving generic drug quality and compliance.

For a coveted tier1 customer, CMs can also be required to provide video feeds of operations on a recurring basis, and those feeds can be analyzed for credence and potential violations.

Once this data is available, it can be fed into an AI decision model that can then recommend the build-order-quantity and target dates per CM in order to optimize for safety stock, time-to-market, and the sustainability score of the final product.

Sustainability in Logistics

Supply chains have two logistics links -- the first is procuring raw materials and components and getting them shipped to the factories, and the second is shipping the finished product to distributors and customers. Therefore, optimizing your logistics network is crucial to your overall sustainability score.

It’s a given that shipping and freight forwarding has a high environmental impact, so you’ve got to look at your carrier and distribution networks closely and build a model that makes these carrier, route/lane, and shipping date decisions intelligently to optimize for MABD (Must Arrive By Date) along with the sustainability score. Making these decisions with high efficacy in a COVID shocked environment such as 2020 has proved challenging even for the most successful manufacturers and 3PLs. AI can play a key role in building upon and improving these human decisions.

Conclusions

Despite good intentions, a patch work of sustainability report here, and a line item in a questionnaire there haven’t and can’t be expected to deliver quantifiable sustainability improvement results. If we’re serious about optimizing sustainability in the manufacturing sector, we think the viable solution is to make it a highly weighted business KPI for the supply chain AI models. These decision models will take care of the actions and the KPI Reward outcomes, and will continue to improve and optimize that KPI with usage. That’s the path to a green future!

Reference:

Sustainable Global Value Chains https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007%2F978-3-319-14877-9

How to measure a company’s real impact https://hbr.org/2020/09/how-to-measure-a-companys-real-impact

A comprehensive framework for automotive sustainability assessment

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652616309155

#sustainability #greenproducts #greenmanufacturing #ai #decision making #smart factory #smartbusiness #tripleNetZero

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monsterhighs-newstudents · 6 years

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Disney’s ZOMBIES sentence starters

“Girl you look delicious, oh I mean gorgeous” "Uh...you just thanked me for rubbing peanut butter on your umbrella..." "You're from the perfect paradise, and I'm living on the darker side." "We're gonna let our freak flags fly." "But what could go so wrong with a girl and a zombie?" "I'm sick of waiting." "Zombies need to rise up." "Now it's time to do it my way." "He just dropped that in Zombie." "I'm fighting against intolerance." "It's time things change around here." "I'm cheering for a change." "I'm gonna stand." "Zombies are students at Seabrook too." "You guys got moves. But can you win over a crowd? Get them to worship you...like they worship me!" “Look I am in no mood for any auto...” “You’re either pro cheerleader or pro zombie, decide now! What’s it going to be?” “Hanging with zombies can be hazardous.” "I'm rockin', I smile, ZOMBIES AREN'T VILE!" "All they're missing is the best cheerleader I ever saw." “I’m not a monster, I’m a zombie” “People love me, okay? I got jazz hands” “Who the zombie? I’m the zombie!” “Come on, [insert muse name]! Cheer is contagious!” “These drills are offensive and driven by zombiephobia!” “AHH! ZOMBIE!” “Humans are bad but cheerleaders are monsters” “Do I look green? Greener than usual?” “The sweetest type of sabotage, self-sabotage!” “Can we crack a window open in here, it smells like human!” “Let Your Freak Flag Fly “ “So Alive Just On A Different Side “ “We're The Same But Different” “Just Like You I got Hopes and Wishes” “What You Gon' Show Me?” “Guess Nobody Told You” “You Ain't Gotta Tell Me?” “I'm About To Put In Work” “Listen This Is My Turf!” “Welcome To Zombieland” “This Is Zombieland” “You're In Zombieland! What! I'm In Zombieland What! We're In Zombieland!” “Watch Me Do It Like BAMM!” “You Should Be Yourself” “It's The Coolest Thing” “We were made for this” “I know this might be crazy but did you hear the story” “I think I heard it lately, A girl and a zombie” “Right from the start you caught my eye, Something in me came to life” “Oh now you're getting fearless” “Two lonely hearts within the dark, Imagine now how they start a spark” “Someday this could be...this could be ordinary” “Someday could we be something extraordinary” “You and me side by side” “Out in the broad daylight“ “This is gonna be our[/my] year” “Been waiting for this moment” “Yeah we're[/I’m] gonna own it” “You can watch us[/me] Shine” “Maybe I can keep my job, move out of my parent’s basement, get a cat, get a gym membership, turn it all around!” “It sounds so dreamy! I need you on the team, [insert muse name]!” “I have your back no matter what. It’s just, I don’t want anybody to break your heart... or devour it.” “Move forward! Move all the way forward! Don’t go back! There’s nothing back here! This in empty! You don’t need to go back here! You need to go up here! The end zone is up there!” “Being liked is so weird” “Cheer Spirits! Glory to all that is firecracker, firecracker, sis boom bah!” “Try harder!” “Not that Hard!” "There's no 'i' in 'team'! But there is an 'i' in 'zombie'! Ok, but that's not the point." “You don’t have to change who you are, son. I love who you are” “Yeah, but they don’t” “Wait, you agree with me?” “Okay, I like this girl” “There is nothing We can't do” “Nothings gonna get In Our way” “No, so get up Out of our way” “We're fired up” “You want justice? We need a revolution!” “Too easy!” “Can you believe these zombies?” “Okay, I’m off to computer club. Me. I think I might actually be happy” “Hey, zombies chic! I like it!” “Gimme some. Boom, boom, there it is” “Ready to break every rule in the book?” “Meet me at the barrier 7pm tonight” “I could get into so much trouble... I’m in” “Zombies have to wear government issued coveralls. But we make them look pretty cool” “But we’ve come a long way since the outbreak” “Thanks to the Z-band” “This puppy delivers a dose of soothing electromagnetic pulses that keep us from eating brains” “Now zombies can live happy lives” “And have handsome, yet humble, kids” “Today’s the first day we can attend human high school” “I’ve crushed cheer summer after cheer summer of cheer camp” “This might look rough but it’s home sweet home, just a little bit of dust and a little bit of mold” “But it ain’t so bad on this side of the tracks. We make it work with a little bit of swag” “On this side we can all keep winning, if we just try to fit in” “It’s my[/our] time” “Why’s it just us being treated this way?” “I say we stick it to their institution” “Yeah, you got a point, but today’s an improvement. Because baby steps is still movement” “Yeah, all he said is he’s hungry” “My very own cheer rock star!” “No more autographs, please, stay where you are” “Another year and I only get better” “Another cheer, another varsity letter” “This year we just can’t loose” “Well, I’m gonna win. Y’all can come too” “It was just a small bite” “[insert muse name], was that “funky chicken” Cajun or shake-n-bake?” “If you ever touch my cousin again it won’t be pretty” “Which, as you can see, is off brand for me” “It’s beautiful… you’re beautiful” “Don’t get any ideas mister. the only thing more deadly than my high-kick is my low-kick” “We’ll have a zombie uprising!” “I’ve been waiting my whole life!” “Force them to make us equal or we tear it all down” “Some things are different then we thought” “There’s more to life then what we’re taught” “If different was a super power, we’d be so flawless” “[insert muse name] stay back!” “Come on, you guys. We’re in a real school. No more classes in a dingy basement” “You were saying?” “There’s no fire” “Look, we’ve come way too far to still be afraid of fire” “Fire!” “There’s a zombie safe room right there, it’s gonna be okay”

#mun speak #remix #meme #zombies #((i do what i want))

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breedavies · 6 years

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Vote, Baby. Vote.: Here’s How I Voted in the 2017 Denver Elections

Denver! Ballots are due by Tuesday, November 7th at 7pm. So far, voter turnout has been abysmal. Can we really allow a small percentage of our population to make the decisions as to how $937 million of our future money as a city is spent? I don't think so. We can do better!

Since many of you asked (and I'm so happy that you did!) what I think about the 2017 ballot, I wanted to share my reasoning for how/why I'm voting -- still, I encourage you to seek out sources for additional information so YOU can make the informed decisions that best represent your own views. Below my voting information, I’ve included some resources to guide you! ***I'm also not interested in debating:) This is how I voted and I encourage you to make your own decisions*** (p.s. I dunno if it needs to be said but these are MY views, not the views of any organization, group or business I may do work with or represent outside of social media, etc.) PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE VOTE. These elections are important and will have an impact on your life in Denver for generations to come. We are always talking about what is happening to this city and you actually have a chance to do something about it!

On twitter? let me know you voted and I will retweet you! @cocodavies

HOW TO VOTE:

You should have gotten a ballot in the mail. After you fill it out, go to

the Secretary of State’s website to find out where the nearest ballot drop-off is located.

It's super easy! Just put your address into the box marked "Where do I vote or drop off my ballot?" and it will tell you where the closest location is.

Please drop your ballot ON OR BEFORE 7p.m. on Tuesday, November 7th!

Here goes, in order of how issues appear on the ballot:

Denver Public Schools Director At-Large:

Maybe you're like me and don't have kids in DPS. Maybe you have kids but they go to private schools. Neither of these things matter -- YOU NEED TO HAVE A SAY IN WHO LEADS DPS.

Why? DPS is one of the largest employers in the state. The health of our public schools is often a good indicator of the health of our neighborhoods. Also, hi. Children are the literal future. We need them to have equitable access to all of the tools, resources and experiences they need to become great humans.

My vote is for: Julie Bañuelos

I'll let Julie say why:

"During my 15+ years with DPS, I’ve worked mostly with communities of color with large constituents of immigrants, students and families of English Language Learners – groups to whom I am still tied and who are most impacted by passionate teachers that invest not just their time, but also their souls to these academic and personal relationships."

Enough said. I was sold. Julie’s career has been equity-focused and she’s been on the ground working with the populations she will be serving. We need more people like Julie in office.

(NOTE: If you have an open seat in your district for school board, please see A+ Colorado's breakdown of each candidate on their website! I have a link below.)

Ok, so- The GO Bond:

Here's the "nobody reads paragraphs just gimme the votes" version:

2A- No

2B- No

2C- No

2D- No

2E- Yes

2F- Yes

2G- No

2H- Yes

I-300- Yes

::::::::::::::::And here's the blowhard version of my votes:::::::::::::::::

GO Bond: some thoughts

This was tough. I am beyond disappointed that not a drop of money could have been set aside for affordable housing. That, and I was also inundated with materials from the city pushing me to vote yes on all measures; in fact, the city spent $2.4 MILLION on the campaign to push this through, a campaign that was unopposed, by the way, so they technically could have spent nothing. (I'm also including a link below to all of the donors who contributed to this campaign, because they will no doubt be donating to Hancock's re-election campaign, so get ready for that nightmare.)

My burning question with the GO Bond as a whole: With all of these "improvements" promised to be made with almost a billion of our future tax dollars, will we be subsidizing our own displacement? Will these improvements only accelerate gentrification? I don't have a crystal ball. I can't tell. But I am skeptical.

I also straight up do not trust the current administration or city council with $937 million. We have multiple multi-billion dollar "shiny object" projects in the works already- the I-70 environmentally racist nightmare, the National Western

None of these projects have the most vulnerable people they will be negatively impacting in mind. I am scared for my city and our people. Money is seemingly everywhere, but we are losing our foundational folks because they cannot afford the basic necessities anymore.

2A- Denver Transportation & Mobility System Bonds - No.

I have no doubt this will pass. It doesn't need my vote to pass. But the refusal to consider housing as a part of the $431 million transit alone is unbelievable to me. I also don't trust that these projects will necessarily be fulfilled and I worry that those neighborhoods that need basics like sidewalks and safe crossings may never see them. I love you, transit lobby, and know you mean well. I wish you the best. You’ll be fine.

2B- Denver Cultural Facilities Bonds - No.

I know, you're thinking, like, what? Bree, you love arts & culture! You're an advocate for artists and the institutions that make our arts scene great! I'm all for supporting any entity that creates opportunities for folks to see/participate/experience/make art. But guess what?

We already passed the SCFD tax - that tax FUNDS THESE INSTITUTIONS. The large organizations (think the Denver Zoo, the DMNS, Botanic Gardens, the DAM, DCPA) get their own dang tax. They also have large donor bases. They also have marketing departments and funding streams small non-profits on the ground doing the hard work do not.

Until our smaller organizations get the funding they deserve, these cultural behemoths can take care of themselves.

2C - Denver Health and Hospital Authority Bonds- No.

It comes down to a total lack of trust in the finds actually being spent on these things promised. Shout out to Candi CdeBaca for her research on this one. I've linked her own voter guide below. Please read her POV on all of these issues.

2D- Denver Public Safety System Bonds - No.

It sucks that they lump fire stations in with police stations because I would have voted yes on this otherwise. But- fuck the police. Fuck the police state. Dismantle the system. No money to support a racist, classist unjust "justice" system.

2E- Denver Library System Bonds - Yes.

The library takes better care of our people than our government does (just see how they are taking an empathetic approach to the opioid crisis and our folks experiencing homelessness.) Libraries are *thankfully* hotbeds of radical liberalism and I love everything they do for our world. Knowledge is power. Librarians save lives.

2F- Denver Parks & Recreation System Bonds - Yes.

This was a toughie, ONLY because this is one of those instances where I am concerned we will be subsidizing displacement. When we make improvements to long neglected areas of the city, they often become flags for land-owners to wave to attract gentrification.

If Westwood finally gets its long-deserved rec center, will the folks/families who live there now get to see it come to fruition in five years? My friends working in land trust operations and food access say yes, our people will get to stay. I trust they are right because they work directly with the people.

I do not want to see what happened to the Northside happen to the Westside.

2G- Denver Public Facilities System Bonds - No.

I again referred to Candi on this one. She says the allotment of money is too vague and that's enough for me. Again, a lack of trust in our current administration is having a huge impact on how I'm voting -- which is a bummer, because they have so many tools at their disposal to make this city a more equitable place for all. Money just isn't the only tool.

Beyond the Bond:

Referred Question 2H- Yes.

I can only assume (hope?) adding more board members to an entity of this size will bring more voices to the table.

I-300- The Green Roof Initiative- Yes.

This requires builders to put money into investing in our future. It is a step toward an actually greener city. It was opposed by our mayor, which is disheartening. I believe that he is ok with spending our money as a city, but when builders are asked to put more money toward a better Denver, he's not interested in asking for that. Who he stands with says a lot about who he cares about.

Also, this was a citizen-led campaign. This is how much people care about a healthy future for Denver. (A link to the Green Roof Initiative is below, if you want a detailed explanation of what, exactly, the initiative will do, if passed.)

Resources:

Please, take a few minutes to read about each ballot issue so you can feel confident in the choices you make for the city of Denver. I’ve compiled a list of places I found good information to help me make my choices: In Denver’s at-large school board race, a familiar face and two challengers who want change via Melanie Asmar at Chalkbeat A+ Colorado's 2017 Denver Public Schools – School Board Candidate Survey GO? Or No GO?: A 2017 Denver Election Guide by Candi CdeBaca via Project VOYCE Your Denver 2017 Election Guide: What you need to know about ballot measures and school board candidates - via Erica Meltzer at Denverite Denver 2017 election guide: A $937 million bond package and the Green Roof Initiative are on the ballot via Jon Murray at The Denver Post A line-by-line look at the Mayor's recommended investments (where the GO Bond money is supposed to go if it all passes) Green Roof Initiative's breakdown of their proposal Ballotpedia’s breakdown of each measure And if you’re interested, here’s the campaign finance report for the entities/companies/people donated (to an unopposed campaign) Denver, please. Please vote.

xo b

#Denver #Denver Votes #Denver GO Bond #Denver Election 2017 #Our Denver Campaign #Denver School Board #denver green roof initiative

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ourloveisforthelovely · 7 years

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Things Forbidden 6

Chapter Warning: no smut. Just snark and drama

Words: 2, 373

Chapter 5 link

_________________

The next morning Luna walked down the stairs with Gabriel behind her like an over protective puppy. Dean looked up as the two walked in. He looked back down at the book in his lap so he wouldn’t make some snarky comment to the archangel that could result in some epic show down. Dean didn’t want to admit it but Cas was right. They needed to work with Gabriel. If they were going to take down Raphael and his minions they would need all the muscle that they could get. It also helped knowing that Luna was back under the same roof as him again.

Dean sighed. He had missed the girl. You couldn’t just care for someone all their life then not care about them anymore. Dean wouldn’t dare admit it but he was silently thanking Gabriel for actually taking care of her. Luna looked healthy. She didn’t look like she had been neglected in anyway. Dean had spent a lot of his recent time worrying about what was happening to his adopted daughter. Was she being taken care of? Did Gabriel just go off with some other woman and leave her alone with a broken heart? Would he have to go and kill the archangel like he wanted to for so long? Dean knew if it came to that Luna would never forgive him. Never in a million years would she forgive him if he hurt Gabriel.

As much as Dean hated to even let the thought enter his mind he couldn’t stop it. Dean knew good and well that Luna loved Gabriel. He could see it in her eyes every time that she had looked at the annoying trickster of an archangel. She looked at him the same way that he looked at Zoe or Cas.

“So no one ever said why you two chose this lovely place for a hideout? Its cozy….if you are Hannibal Lecter.”

Gabriel said with a smirk as he looked at all the dust covered counter tops and mantel pieces. Zoe glared up at Gabriel coldly from her seat by the fire place.

“Well sorry it isn’t the fucking Four Seasons your highness.”

Gabriel rolled his eyes.

“Even that place isn’t good enough for your god daughter.”

Zoe’s frown, if possible, became deeper. She looked to Luna had wrapped an arm around Gabriel’s in some feeble attempt at keeping the archangel calm. Luna’s violet eyes looked nervous as she gazed between the two. It was Zoe’s turn to look at her god daughter fully. She had taken little gazes at her the previous night but now it hit Zoe full force how much Luna looked like her mother now. The only differences was Luna’s blond hair wasn’t lavender like Rosalie’s had been. Other then that it was like looking a carbon copy.

Luna tightened her knee length sweater around her body as she pulled Gabriel away. Zoe however, wasn’t ready to let the subject drop.

“So what makes you think you can just show up whenever the hell you want Gabriel? What make you think that we want you here?”

Cas cleared his throat.

“Zoe, no.”

He said in a low warning tone as Luna spun around.

“How dare you?! It was my idea! I wanted to come back here! I knew that you three were outnumbered against Raphael. I would think that you would be grateful that I came back period! I almost didn’t! We could have stayed away and let you all be barbecued alive but I couldn’t do that. You’re my family, whether you want to act like it or not. You know what we’ll leave. Leave you all to it. Wish you the best of luck. Come on Gabriel we should have just bailed last night. This is a waste of time. This is just going to be a daily continuation of bull shit.”

Gabriel didn’t move a moment before following Luna. Dean however blocked the door.

“No. Don’t leave. You just got here and you are right. We do need all the help we can get. I don’t want you to go back out there again. I’ll behave if he does.”

Dean said calmly motioning to Gabriel. Gabriel raised an eyebrow.

“I’ve been a good little angel for your information.”

Dean rolled his eyes.

“I don’t wanna know dude.”

Dean looked to Luna.

“Kid I need to talk to you alone without your purse dog.”

Luna turned looking at Gabriel.

“Go on sugar. I’ll be fine with grumpy over there.”

Zoe straightened in her seat.

“Must you call her sugar? That totally rubs me the wrong way.”

Gabriel smirked.

“Go on cupcake.”

He took extra care to emphasis the word cupcake before plopping down on the sofa ignoring the look on Zoe’s face. The fact that she looked like someone had force fed her a tone of Lemon Head candies was its own reward.”

Luna meanwhile, followed Dean outside the old house and down the street.

“I’m glad you came back.”

Dean said casually. Luna nodded as she put her hands in her pockets as she looked around the small neighborhood. As usual both she and Dean were looking in opposite directions for anything weird.

“Do you mean that or are you just saying it?”

She asked. Dean sighed.

“Of course I mean that! I never wanted you to leave anyway. Look Luna I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I went overboard on Gabriel’s….whatever you have.”

Luna turned.

“A relationship. We have a relationship! Dean I am asking you one time to cut Gabriel some slack. There is a lot that you don’t know….a lot.”

Dean frowned taking in Luna’s sad expression.

“Well why don’t you tell me what he’s went through? Maybe you can change my mind on him.”

Meanwhile,

Zoe stood walking out of the living room and into the kitchen where Cas stood alone looking out the window.

“You left me in there with him.”

Cas turned.

“Zoe I think you need to calm down.”

Zoe looked totally offended at that. Her bright green eyes went if possible even greener.

“Calm down?! You want me to calm down? Castiel that joker who ruined everything is back in our lives yet again. He has destroyed so much for us and you just let him back in like some stray cat.”

Cas sighed, looking tired.

“Zoe, you have been an emotional wreck since Luna left now she is back. Our child is back. Dean is out there trying right now. Why don’t you?”

Zoe’s lips immediately went together and she looked down. Cas was right….as usual. She reached up twisting one of her dread locks around her finger.

“Damn it Cas you win! I have missed her! I missed her like I miss Rose! I I just see Gabriel and want to beat him up for what he did to Rose.”

Neither noticed Gabriel walk into the room looking less than amused.

“There is a lot that you don’t know Zoe. I don’t really give a damn if you don’t believe me on that either. I have had to do a lot that I am not proud of and hurting Rose was one of the main ones.”

Zoe turned.

“Well it should be! You devastated her!”

Gabriel looked to the side.

“She understood though.”

Zoe’s eyes widened.

“She understood?! Am I hearing you correctly?! She understood all the pain you caused her? You ran off and teamed up with your brother but she understood? Do you realize what you are saying or do you just spout off bullshit on purpose?”

Gabriel looked up.

“There is a lot that you don’t know Zoe and quiet honestly I am tired of you attitude. Lucifer and I were playing double agent with Raphael. We were trying to get as much information out of him as we could. I couldn’t do that and be with Rosalie too. Do you realize the danger that would have put her in? Rosalie understood all of it after I told her years after I left. I made her promise to tell you all nothing to keep you safe as well. That’s right Zoe I care for your haughty ass too. I didn’t want Raphael to know that I had something to do with you in case he tried to harm anyone associated with me. I begged Rose to let me keep her and Luna safe. It’s my fault that Rose is dead. That night that Rose and Luna’s father died…I was the one that fucking found them. How do you think that made me feel?! It was me that pulled baby Luna out of that disaster of a house. It’s a miracle that girl even survived. If I had been there Rose would still be alive. Now you know the truth. As far as this present time when it comes to Luna I don’t have to justify my feelings for her to you. But I will be keeping Luna safe. I am one of the most powerful beings in existence and I can do that. However she needs to be with her family but I’ll be damned if you will make her feel alienated and unwanted. I will go full archangel if you don’t fix this. This is your warning.”

The normal cheerful fun loving Gabriel was put in the closet and this Gabriel was the archangel the he was meant to be. He stood looking at Zoe coldly for a moment before turning and walking away. Whether or not his words would make any difference he didn’t know but he felt better getting some of his darkest secrets off of his chest. Now at least Zoe and Cas knew he wasn’t the asshole that they thought he was.

As Gabriel walked into the living room of Sirius Black’s living room Luna and Dean walked back in. Gabriel smirked at all of the Harry Potter jokes he was mentally coming up with. He had to think of something to pull himself out of his head. At the moment it wasn’t a lovely place to be.

“Peach you’re back and in one piece. Thanks Winchester. I don’t have to play doctor tonight.”

Dean took a sharp intake of air. After he and Luna had a huge heart to heart on everything that Gabriel had really been doing he was trying to cut the archangel some slack.

“Yeah congratulations. You earned yourself a break.”

Dean said calmly. He was thankful that Cas and Zoe walked in. However the bothered expressions on their faces did raise some red flags for the eldest Winchester.

Gabriel slightly smirked trying to ignore the questioning expression on Luna’s face. She knew something was up. Any moron with a brain stem could see that.

Plopped down on the couch Gabriel looked to the people in his company.

“So when are we going after my brother? As much as I love sitting here with you all waiting for Harry and Ron to show up I would rather get this mess over with.”

Sam, who had just walked in from hours of research, lightly chuckled.

“Well funny story. We have been trying to find any sign of him and there is nothing. It’s like he’s avoiding us.”

Gabriel rolled his eyes.

“Of course he is. He isn’t going to let you just walk up to him. You need to draw him out.”

Cas sighed.

“We are trying. He just isn’t interested in any of our bait.”

Luna looked up from the place on the arm of the couch.

“I’ll do it. I’ll lure him out.”

Every person in the room had the same reaction of terror.

“No way!”

Both Gabriel and Zoe said at same time. Cas was shaking his head with his mouth hanging open. Dean was staring at her with wide eyes. Luna sighed.

“You’re not going to get Raphael out unless you use some kind of bait he is interested in. We all know he has been after me for a very very long time. I can do this. Gabriel can be close enough to step in when need be and then the rest of you can work on his minions.”

Zoe and Gabriel were shaking their heads.

“No way in hell.”

“Not happening!”

Zoe and Gabriel said at the same time again. Gabriel looked at Zoe with a smirk.

“When did I become your sidekick ?”

Luna meanwhile was a little annoyed with their lack of realization that this was a good option and could be done.

“She has a good plan”

Sam finally said. Dean turned looking at his brother.

“Are you high?!”

Sam sighed.

“We are running out of options. We can ask Lucifer to join. Maybe a long stretch as well as stupid but two archangels are better than one.”

While everyone but Luna was busy giving Sam the biggest death glare Lucifer slipped in unseen.

“My former vessel has a good of point.”

Lucifer smirked when everyone minus Gabriel and Luna looked shocked to see him. Zoe frowned.

“What are you doing here?”

Lucifer sighed.

“Hello…Satan here! I can go anywhere I want. I know where you all are. Not a hard bunch to find. So I know normally we are all trying to kill each other but here we are conspiring on killing Raphael. Have to say I’m fully interested. I would love to kick my brother’s butt. Throw Michael in the picture I’ll be a happy little fellow.”

“There is nothing little about you.”

Gabriel said coldly. Lucifer rolled his eyes.

“Gabe what has your wings in a twist?”

Gabriel glared harder at his brother.

“Maybe the prospect of using my lover as bait.”

Lucifer shrugged.

“Miss Pretty does have a good point.”

Gabriel looked if possible angrier as he stood.

“Well look at that everyone. We are back in fantasy land because this ISN’T going to happen!”

Gabriel turned walking from the room without another word. ________________

@greenappleeyes

@tas898

@jannalionheart

@sherala007

#supernatural fanfiction #Gabriel x OFC #Cas x Dean x ofc #Cas #Sam Winchester #Gabriel the Trickster #GABRIEL THE ARCHANGEL #lucifer

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