Mothwing Weekly - 15

This design is by the lovely @dollybeagle!

and she greeted the End as an old friend

(Hannibal/The Magnus Archives Crossover. I've had this sitting in my drafts for over a year, and its technically finished, although originally it was going to be part of a series.)

Case #0170723

Statement of Abigail Hobbs, regarding her fathers and her subsequent deaths at their hands. Statement given directly by subject on July 23rd, 2017 to Jonathan Sims, Head Archivist of the Magnus Institute, London. Statement begins...

The London streets were cold in the early morning, very different from the warmth of Italy. In a way they reminded her of Lithuania, of the dungeons beneath the old Lecter estate. The moth that Will had left was still beautiful, even as the skin sloughed off and spiders spun their webs in the empty eye sockets. There had been echoes of death that clung to the very stones of that place, but nothing that was unique, except for the fact of who it had affected. Those that it was continuing to affect.

Abigail pulled at the braid that covered her missing ear as she walked up to the Magnus Institute. Pressing her hand against the door, the feeling of being Known overcame her. The Eye focused on her as she stepped through and into the foyer, and she could feel that it wanted what she had come here to give. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Unlike her own patron, the Eye was unused to waiting.

“Excuse me,” she said, walking up to the main desk.

The woman who sat behind it looked up at her in surprise. Her name tag read Rosie, which seemed to fit the woman.

“Can I help you?” she asked.

“I was hoping to make an appointment to speak with Elias Bouchard?”

“I’m not sure that Mr. Bouchard has any openings in his schedule for the next week,” Rosie said, flipping through a planner. “If you’d like, there looks to be an appointment open in a fortnight-”

The phone on her desk rang. Rosie gave her a small smile and held up a finger as she picked up the receiver. Abigail could hear the sound of a male voice on the other end, though what he was saying was indistinct. Rosie looked back up at her, confusion on her face as she listened to whatever the man on the line was saying.

“Of course, Mr. Bouchard,” she said. “I’ll let her know.” Rosie put the phone receiver to her shoulder and turned her smile back to Abigail. “Mr. Bouchard says that he has an appointment open at around noon. In return, he asks if you would be willing to give a statement to the Archives.”

“Of course.”

Rosie relayed her acceptance to him, giving a perfunctory goodbye and hanging up the phone. “If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you down to the Archives.”

Abigail nodded. Rosie turned and walked further into the building, her heels clicking against the stone floor; Abigail’s own shoes, a pair of comfortable flats, made no sound in comparison. They walked past a set of large wooden doors, above which sat a plaque that read Artifact Storage, before coming to a set of stairs that led down. At the basement landing there was only one door, which sat innocuously against the left hand wall. The plaque above it was similar to the one upstairs, but read Archives instead. It also appeared to be damaged with what appeared to be some sort of fire suppressant caked on the upper right hand corner.

Rosie opened the door, revealing a surprisingly large room with two chairs on the wall next to the door. Four desks sat in the middle of the room, each one stacked with paper and knick knacks. On the far left hand side of the room there were offices, one of which had a plaque next to it stating Archivist. A piece of paper was taped over the name holder below it, with the name Jonathon Sims printed on it. There were another two offices beside it, though neither of them had any designations. The door to the furthest one was cracked open slightly, letting her see what appeared to be a cot wedged against the wall. A small kitchenette sat against the back wall, the sink filled with what looked like used mugs.

“You can wait here if you’d like,” Rosie said, gesturing to a chair. “Would you like a coffee? Tea?”

“No, thank you,” Abigail replied, taking the seat. “I’ll be fine.”

“Well, if you need anything before they arrive, I’ll be at the front desk.”

Abigail nodded, letting her smile drop as the woman left. She let out a deep breath, all the air leaving her body in a deathly rattle. The air in the room was silent as the grave, not even the spider spinning its web in the corner making a sound to disturb it. She could feel the cold as it overtook her limbs like an old friend embracing her, her sight disappearing behind clouds of milky white. The echoes of death that lingered in the Archives were tantalizing in their amount. There was the faint tang of Corruption to them, a hive mind bound to flesh screaming out in unison as their lives were snuffed out.

“I think she’s dead.”

“Christ, not again.”

Abigail drew herself back from the deaths of the Flesh Hive, a curl of satisfaction settling itself in her chest. A faint whirring caught her ear as she acclimated back to her body, the sound like the VCR from her childhood. She blinked, clearing away the clouds that had settled over her corneas. One of the men who had been talking yelped, the soles of his shoes squeaking on the floor as he stumbled away. Abigail rolled her neck and stretched her fingers, chasing the torpor away.

As she focused on the two men in front of her she smiled. The one who yelped was braced against a desk, his eyes locked on her. The other had drawn a knife, the edge pointed at her chest. It was obvious that he had never used one before, not only for the slight tremor that transferred from his hand to the blade. Abigail took a deep breath, feeling her lungs reinflate with a wheeze.

“If you wanted to kill someone, you need to point the blade a bit lower,” she told the one with the knife. She raised her hand slowly and wrapped it around his own. He flinched at her touch, but didn’t resist as she pulled him closer and set the knife right below her sternum. “Press in and pull down to disembowel them. If you want them to suffer,” she said, dragging his knife down lower to her abdomen, “you can cut across and perforate their intestines and let them bleed out.”

“Let go,” he said, trying in vain to pull his hand from her grip.

Abigail didn’t, pulling it up so that the edge of the knife rested against the scarf that wrapped around her neck. “Of course, you can also cut the throat. It’s a bit harder than they make it look in the movies, but your victim is aware the entire time they choke on their own blood. Though the blood loss makes the pain feel almost non-existent. It’s almost peaceful.”

“Please,” the larger, terrified man said, “let him go.”

“Of course,” Abigail agreed, releasing the hand that held the knife. The man stepped away, the knife clattering to the floor between them. He rubbed at the skin she had touched, as if doing so would erase the feeling of it.

“Are you okay Tim?”

“Fine,” Tim spat. “Just dandy in fact. There’s only something else that wants to kill us here, Martin. Why wouldn’t I be okay?”

“I’m not here to kill you,” Abigail said.

They both looked at her sceptically. She sighed, bending over and picking up the knife from the floor. Both men flinched as she did so, but neither made any movement to get closer to her. It was a passable knife, though the edge was a bit dull when she tested it against the tip of her finger. Folding it back, she stood and held it out to Tim, whose gaze had turned wary. She waved it, and he reached out and took it like a snake striking at prey.

“What are you doing here then?” Martin asked. “How’d you even get in here?”

“Rosie let me in. I’m here to make a statement for the Archivist.”

“You’re here to make a statement,” Tim said, his tone disbelieving.

“I need to give it to the Archivist,” Abigail said. “It’s very important that I do it now.”

“Well, Jon isn’t here right now,” Martin told her. “We could set you up with some pen and paper if you’d like-”

Whatever he was offering was cut off as a man stormed into the Archives, almost running into Tim. He looked between the three of them, his eyes cataloging the two men before looking at her. Abigail felt a tingle of power spread over her skin as the Archivist focused on her with the full weight of the Eye.

“What are you?” the Archivist asked, a thread of power snapping out at her.

“Someone who came to give a statement,” she said, neatly sidestepping what he intended her to answer with another truth.

The Archivist grimaced, accepting what she said while still knowing that what she said wasn’t what he wanted. His shoulders slumped as he let go of what little power he had mustered against her. He rubbed at his eyes with a scarred hand before letting out an annoyed breath. He stalked over to the office marked as his, leaving the door open behind him. Abigail looked at the other two, who seemed unsure of what they should do. Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her remaining ear, she went to the Archivist’s door.

“May I come in?”

“If you want to give a statement, yes,” he said shortly. “If you’ve changed your mind, I’m sure you can find the way out.”

“I’m sure,” Abigail said, passing through the threshold and shutting the door behind her. There was a click-whirr as the tape recorder on the Archivist’s desk turned on. She raised an eyebrow which he returned drolly. “I hope you don’t mind me ambushing you here, Archivist.”

“As long as you aren’t here to kill me, I’m sure we will get along fine. And it’s Jon, please. And you are?”

“Abigail Hobbs. It’s nice to meet you, Jon.”

“At least one of us is happy about this. You said you’re here to give a statement?”

“Yes.”

“What about?” Jon asked. For all that his tone implied disinterest, there was a hunger behind his eyes.

“My deaths,” she said simply. “Should I just start, or...”

Jon nodded, his posture straightening as he looked her directly in the eyes. Abigail met them directly, letting the Eye in. She took a deep breath, letting the memories flow out.

“I knew from a young age that my dad was different. He wasn’t too different, not in any way that would make anyone suspicious. He worked a blue collar job, but a lot of people in my town did. It paid well enough, and we were happy. Or, at least, I was.

“My dad never really let me out of his sight. I just thought he was overprotective, especially when I hit my teenage years. It wasn’t until I caught him sitting outside my junior prom that I thought it was weird. He played it off, saying that he was worried about someone spiking the punch. Which, I mean, someone did, but that’s part of the high school experience. But it was soon after that when he got super weird.

“I wasn’t a fan of hunting, but my dad was really into it. He always bagged his allotment during deer season, which meant that we had enough venison for the winter. I think throughout my childhood I ate more deer meat than hamburgers. But that year he took me with him during deer season. He said it was important that I learned how to hunt. He had this weird look in his eye when he said it. Like he was sizing me up like one of his bucks. So I went with him and bagged one. I didn't like it, and I don’t think he liked the idea that I didn’t like it. I thought it was just the fact that he wanted to share it with me.

“After that, he never took me back to his hunting cabin. I can’t say I wasn’t happy about it, because it honestly creeped me out. Mom had put her foot down on the amount of antlers and hunting trophies in the house, but the cabin was absolutely stuffed with them. The upstairs was full of antlers and hooves. I thought he would have sold some of them to collectors or hobbyists, but I don’t think he ever did. I don’t think he thought that would be honoring them.

“That was a big thing with him. He used every part of a deer. You would think there would be some kind of waste, but he was very careful to limit that. It's probably what stopped him from being caught for as long as it did.

“I guess you don’t really pay attention to a lot of American news over here. Which is fair, since I never really paid attention to what happened over here. Plus, there are a lot of serial killers in the States. And I’ve met more than most people. Including my father.

“Like I said, my father was really overprotective. The therapists I talked to, afterwards, said that it wasn’t my fault what happened. That he was just sick in the head and that it manifested in him hunting girls who looked like me and eating them. And they were mostly right. Only they didn’t know that he used me to pick them out. He was a good hunter, you see. And a good hunter knows how to stalk his prey, how to use bait to get them where he wants them. I was his bait. And I knew it.

“I wasn’t scared of him. I don’t think any of the therapists understood that. Even after everything, I never was afraid of him. It wasn’t even fear of what he did when he was hunting. Because the only thing I wanted to do was survive. I wanted to live past whatever happened. If that meant helping him choose his prey, I would do it. In his own way, I think he thought I was close to him, close to the Hunt that drove him. He didn't realize that I was already marked for something else.

“From what I’ve learned about the Hunt, my father wasn’t fully under its influence. Certainly not enough to become something... more. I think that’s why one of the Web’s agents decided to press. I think he was curious to see what happened. He called our house, and when I picked up the phone he asked to speak to my dad.

“He told me afterwards what he said to my dad. That the F.B.I. was onto him, that they were coming for him. But my dad just hung up the phone and continued cooking breakfast. My mom didn’t notice anything different, which I guess is a small kindness. When we heard the car pull up outside he grabbed her and put the knife to her neck. He walked her to the front door, slit her throat, and tossed her onto the front porch. She bled out not knowing why it was happening.

“I should have run the moment I saw him grab my mom. But I couldn’t. I was so afraid, but it wasn’t because of him. Even when he came back, the knife in his hand wet with my mother’s blood, I wasn’t afraid of him. He whispered how sorry he was in my ear, that he loved me, and I still wasn’t afraid of him. It wasn’t until the man from the F.B.I. rushed into the kitchen and my dad slit my throat that I realized what I was afraid of.

“It was the same reason why I had picked out the girls for him to kill. I didn’t want to die. The man from the F.B.I. killed my dad, and still the only thing I could think of as I choked on my own blood was that I didn't want to die like this.

“I did though. For less than a minute on the operating table, my heart stopped. It was enough for the thing that had marked me to deepen it's hold, but not enough for it to claim me completely. That came later. Instead I was dragged into the Web’s games.

“His name was Hannibal Lecter, and he became my father. If it’s a manipulation of the Web for me to think so, I don’t really care. He did do that, of course. It’s in the nature of those who weave. But he cared for me, cocooned me in safety, for a given value of the word. Of course, I was simply a pawn in a game to get him what he really wanted.

“The F.B.I. agent who killed my dad was like me, marked. But the one who held claim on him had more of an influence. I think he would have happily gone through the rest of his life being a conduit and repository of fear if Hannibal hadn’t caught him in his machinations. The Web is always interested in what the Eye does, after all.

“Will didn’t know what Hannibal was. Anything of what he was, really. Remember how I said I’d met more serial killers than most? Hannibal was one as well, and fairly prolific. The Web’s influence helped, letting him make horrific displays that fed it and let him express himself. That same influence let him blind Will to the fact. Not that he needed to do much, other than let Will’s brain cook itself. I’m not sure when he decided to let him live, but I played a part in what came next.

“Hannibal took my ear with my permission. Or, at least, as much permission as the Web needs. We faked my death and framed Will for it. Then he left me to my own devices in a house by the sea. He told me that when the time was right, I would come back and meet him and Will. That we would leave and go somewhere far away to be a family.

“It was a lie, of course. A pretty lie, but a lie nonetheless. Or maybe it wasn’t. I’ll have to ask Hannibal when I see him again.

“It always comes down to choices. And Will chose to stand against Hannibal. He saw the manipulations, the cocoon that Hannibal had put him in, and chose not to become what he wanted. It made him angry. You probably think that monsters can’t get angry, but they were human once. And under everything, they still are. It just depends on how much they want to acknowledge it.

“I asked Hannibal how he would kill me once. He said he would slit my throat like my father had. And he did. He severed me from his web; the same hands that had saved my life, ending it. And I felt the same fear. I didn't want to die. I wanted to live.

“Will tried to save me, but Hannibal had gutted him. The last thing I saw was myself reflected in his eyes. And my life Ended.

“I don’t remember making my choice. Of giving myself over to the power that had claimed me. I know that I made the choice. And so I woke up in a body bag, my own blood caked across my face and clothes, breath rattling in lungs that did not need it.

“I’m still not sure how I got out of the morgue without someone screaming about a dead girl returning to life. There wasn’t ever any news coverage about someone stealing my body from the morgue. I do know that the grave that bears my name is empty; they held a closed casket funeral to hide the fact that they don’t know what happened to my body. I wouldn’t be surprised if they think Hannibal took it. I hope no one ever asks him about it. I want to surprise him.

“That’s part of the reason I came here. He’s up to his games again, from what I’ve seen, and he’s dragged Will back into it as well. So I wanted to leave them a message. I’ll be on the Silver Coast, waiting for them. For as long as it may be until we see each other again.”

Jon blinked, his eyes losing the manic need that had filled them during her statement. Abigail watched as he seemed to sink into himself, a pall of weariness weighing down his limbs. Despite it there was a brightness to his complexion, as if he had just spent the day lazing in the sun.

“Statement ends,” he said. The tape recorder clicked off, leaving their breathing as the only sound in the room.

“Thank you,” she said.

“You’re of the End, then?”

“Yes.”

“You’re not what I would have expected,” Jon said.

Abigail shrugged. “We can’t all be grim reapers and shambling corpses. Do you need anything else for the statement?”

“No, I think you’ve given us enough details. Not that it would be easy to follow up on, considering.”

“Kind of hard to explain talking to a dead girl?”

“Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve talked with the dead. You seem more at peace than some of the others.”

“I’ve had time to get used to it.”

“Yes, I imagine so. Do you need help finding your way out?”

“I actually need to go speak with Mr. Bouchard. Could you direct me to his office?”

“Um, yes,” Jon said. He looked perturbed at her question, but she imagined he wanted her out of his domain as soon as possible. “Up the stairs, past Artifact Storage, then take the stairs to your left and it will be on the second landing. You can’t miss it.”

“I’ll leave you be, then.”

Abigail stood up from her chair and opened the door. Four sets of eyes looked up as she left the office, with Martin getting up from his desk as she walked past. She heard him say something to Jon as she exited the Archives. Unlike when she had entered, the doors to Artifact Storage were open, with what looked like a few people examining pieces on long tables. Following the instructions Jon had given her, she went up two flights of stairs. As she began to walk across to the door marked Head of the Magnus Institute, it opened.

“Ms. Hobbs,” Mr. Bouchard said. “Please, come in. I do believe we have matters to discuss.”

Marinette, work in progress - Ch4 - BlueCollar

Read also on AO3: here first chapter | previous chapter | next chapter

Marinette took the short path home as she hopped, still transformed, towards her balcony. No sooner than reaching her room, she thrust herself into her bed and her face into her pillow.

“Spots off.”

The suit dissolved and Tikki emerged, hovering about. She was quick to pick up on Marinette’s distress.

“Marinette, is everything okay?”

Marinette turned her head towards Tikki, peeking just a tad out.

"No.” She tersely replied, then turned away again. “I’m not fit to be a superheroine.”

“What? Why would you say that?” Tikki shuddered.

“Why? because I’m not even a real girl and I nearly failed because of that!”

Tikki just stared back, wordlessly.Marinette slowly rose up and sat upright at her bed.

“If being a girl is so much better for me… why wasn’t I just born one? Maybe I should just accept my fate. I can’t win this one.”

Marinette tried to look away as Tikki hovered in front of her, denying her the option to end the conversation just yet.

“Maybe fate has crossed your path with the miraculous because of that? Because your burning desire to be a girl means something?”

Marinette looked back, contemplating Tikki’s words.

“All it means is that I’m a wannabe and that I’ll end up embarrassing everyone who believes in me. Like Alya and Mylene.”

Marinette recalled the conversation back at school lunch. Alya and Mylene sure seemed to think very highly of her.

“They sure don’t seem to think that way, and they should know a thing or two about girl power.”

That much was true, even Marinette had to admit it.

I don’t know Alya and Mylene that much and yet they’ve both already managed to impress me, Alya for standing up to Chloe and Mylene for standing up for what counts in this city. Maybe I shouldn’t be so quick to brush off their instincts, and take their trust as affirmation.

“What is it that makes you think you’re a boy, Marinette?”

Marinette’s mind screeched to a halt.

I might not be a true-born girl… but I’m not a boy either. What the hell am I, again?

“I… I don’t know anymore.” she whispered and Tikki smiled.

Marinette flared up her computer and started looking at some of her designs. She followed by reading some of her hidden computer diary entries.

The more she looked at her designs, the more she read into her diary entries, the muddier the answer in her mind became.

Maybe these tell the story of what I am better than everything else? What is it that makes a design “a girl’s design”? Or a story “a boy’s story”?

Before she noticed it, it was time for dinner, followed by shower and bedtime.

---

It was the last thing Marinette thought would happen to her. Chloe was the first to point at her and explode into mocking laughter, interrupting the morning’s lesson.

“Look at Marin! What’s Gay-boy doing with pink trousers in class?”

Instinctively she tried to cup her breasts, but they weren’t there anymore.

Oh no… the magic… it… dissipated? But… how? Why?

Soon enough, most of the class burst into laughter. She braved a look at herself and her heart sank.

She was back in her boy-suit, the one she thought she had discarded already. The sensation of body hair that she did not miss, back to haunt her.

Everyone laughed at her. Even her teacher! Caline bustier, otherwise a fair and decent teacher, joining up with class, pointing at her.

No. No no no. This can’t be happening. This can’t be happening!

She tried to scream, but only muffled sounds came about. She tried to run away, but she felt like her muscles betrayed her. The sounds of laughter echoed around her, piercing her soul.

“Gay-Boy! Gay-Boy in pink!”

She decided she must gather her energy and leave class, but felt herself jerked upwards instead.

Into a seating position, in her bed, covered in cold sweat and panting heavily.

“Are you okay, Marinette?” Tikki flew by, worried.

“It was a nightmare.” she blurted out.

A most vivid one, that’s bound to come to life as soon as the magic dissipates.

Marinette woke up early that day, still exhausted from the night. The sight of herself in the mirror did quite a bit to cheer her up.

It’s not a dream after all. Maybe if I hold onto it, it won’t slip from my grip.

She combed and tied her hair neatly, brushed her teeth and went downstairs to have her breakfast.

“At least you won’t be late today, honey.” Her mom smiled at her.

Having a properly-paced, non-rushed breakfast also proved helpful for her mood. She walked towards school, hoping that the new day would bring relief from yesterday’s battle and that awful night.

---

Mylene was one of the first to enter class, picking up the aptitude test results from the teacher’s desk.

While she feared many things, math wasn’t one of them. The good grades were sure to make her parents happy and perhaps more lenient in letting her go out on more activities like she had wanted.

Then again, someone next to her was clearly unhappy about their test results.

Ivan seemed to be very happy to see her come over, but immediately switched his looks back to his test results and gloominess was quick to take hold.

“What’s the matter, Ivan?”

Ivan paused before spitting it out.

“I… barely passed it. I was this close to flunking it. I’m no good at maths.”

Chloe kept filing her nails as she overheard their conversation.

“Oh, don’t you worry about it, there would still be plenty of higher education options available for people like you.” she commented.

Ivan looked at her, dumbfounded, while Mylene eyed Chloe suspiciously.

What’s she planning? Is it a rare moment of kindness, or a ploy to make things worse?

“ Ecole-de-imbecile , of course. You’ll eke out a meager living hauling boxes for people like me who will run daddy’s hotel.”

And to think I believed it could be the first for even a split of a second.

Ivan grit his teeth and looked like he was about to respond, then looked at his test results again.

“... Up until you become totally useless, at which point you’ll probably find yourself homeless in the streets, your wife dumping you, if you ever had one in the first place. Guess that’s too bad.”

“Chloe, you’re the meanest! Ivan is-” Mylene tried to protest but Chloe was quick to shut her down.

“-a loser, and the world doesn’t need losers in it. Sorry, that’s just how it is.”

Ivan clenched his fist and ran off to the locker room. Mylene looked at Chloe accusingly for a brief moment, only to refocus her attention on following up on Ivan.

---

Light intruded upon Hawk Moth’s domain as his senses picked up on a victim of choice.

“Fear of the future. Fear of who you may become. Uncertainty. Go forth, my precious akuma, let his self-doubt seal the fate for Ladybug and Chat Noir!”

---

Marinette was walking through the corridor, looking at her aptitude test report card, when Ivan nearly bumped into her. She dodged it at the last moment and was quite surprised when Ivan said nothing.

He is usually very nice and polite, despite his brutish looks. That’s not like him not to apologize.

Something must have happened. This doesn’t look good.

Before she had much time to dwell on it, Mylene came about, looking around.

“Marinette, have you seen Ivan?”

“Yeah, he went that way.” She said as she pointed out the direction. “Has anything happened?”

“I’m tempted to just say ‘Chloe happened’”, Mylene replied, “but she’s outdone even herself.

She told Ivan his test results set him for a life of failure.”

“How mean!”

Mylene nodded.

“He deserves so much better than that.”

With that, she rushed forwards to search for Ivan, leaving Marinette behind with more than one thing to think about.

Does this one test really set up our fate for the future?

Of course not! I mean, I’m sure Ivan can change it!

Are we the masters of our own fate, or has it been written for us?

Then again…

She looked at her hands and imaginary boy hands were superimposed on them.

Is my fate in my own hands?

---

The butterfly easily homed on the sobbing student in the locker room, landing on a decorative pin he was wearing.

“ BlueCollar , I am Hawk Moth. Your fate has been rewritten, your destiny now changed. You shall lead a revolution.”

---

Marinette was just leaving class as a confrontation outside on the street drew her attention. It was Chloe and her dad, the mayor, arguing with a figure that seemed like a large and sturdy construction worker.

“Shouldn’t you be doing your job?” Chloe yelled at the figure. “Daddy, tell him!”

“How insolent. I don’t report to you. I’m BlueCollar and I report to Hawk Moth.”

Chloe and the mayor shuddered at these words and tried to back away slowly, but BlueCollar wouldn’t stop.

“Maybe you two will finally do something useful for the people of Paris!” BlueCollar went on and a blue streak of energy engulfed the two of them.

Chloe found herself donning a sanitation worker’s uniform and holding a broom. In a moment, magical compulsion forced her to start cleaning the street, much to BlueCollar’s satisfaction.

Marinette was quick to hide in a nearby alley.

“We’re needed. Time to transform! Tikki, spots on!”

Marinette emerged from the alley, with Chat Noir arriving at the scene at the exact same time.

“Please, Ladybug, Chat Noir, save us from this fate!” Chloe managed to say before BlueCollar’s magical compulsion forced her to tend to her work again.

Marinette barely managed to stifle her giggle.

Isn’t that some poetic justice out there. A taste of your own medicine, Chloe. Maybe a few hours of work would do you good.

Marinette and Chat Noir both hopped on to a higher ground to make plans. Then again, one of them had plans the other probably did not think of.

“So. BlueCollar’s power is making people work for him. We must avoid his strike at all costs.” Marinette remarked.

“We have more than enough work without his powers employing us. But would you like to go for coffee once our work is done?”

Marinette froze in place as she tried to digest his words.

“Huh? Are you… asking me out?”

He flashed a grin.

“Well, all work and no play is a major hassle. I’m a playful cat, try me”

He can’t be serious. My god, what’s wrong with him?

“A playful cat.”

“Uh-huh.”

“And your game is... prowling about, hunting down a superheroine for a superhero.”

“Yep.”

“Swooping someone, from partner to lover. Oh, such brag rights! A game with a prize!”

“I don’t see why not. If you’re into it...” he smiled.

My god. He really knows no limit.

Marinette poked him in his chest.

“Do I look like I’m some prize to be won, partner?”

His smile faded in an instant.

“We save Paris together. Save your romantic aspirations for someone else.”

She then pointed his head towards BlueCollar as he went towards the city hall. “Does this look like a game to you? No? Then this should be your focus.”

Both Marinette and Chat Noir darted down to confront BlueCollar, avoiding his zaps successfully but making little headway.

Chat Noir managed to strike him with his baton, only to feel the recoil as he proved far too sturdy to be impacted. Marinette fared pretty much the same, as he simply flung her away with her own yo-yo.

Making things worse, they were quickly approached by a league of BlueCollar’s supporting workers, armed with whatever they were using for their jobs.

“Looks like we need some pest control.” One of them remarked as he eyed Marinette.

“And a feral cat problem to handle.” another added, looking at Chat Noir.

“Hate to disappoint. I’m fully domesticated. Cataclysm!” Chat Noir called it as he touched the ground, creating a chasm and allowing both Marinette and him to escape to safety.

“Well, we don’t have much time, do we?” Chat remarked and Marinette nodded in agreement.

“It’s time for my thing, then. Lucky charm!” she called it, cupping her hands to grab a falling...

״Miner’s helmet? What am I going to do with that?״

She briefly flicked its headlight on, then flicked it off.

“Okay, Chat, here’s the plan…”

---

BlueCollar kept roaming the streets, until something caught his eye. It was an open manhole in the middle of the road, with an electricity cable running into it.

Clearly, someone was doing maintenance work in a negligent and extremely unsafe manner. No markings whatsoever, no signs to ward off pedestrians and no one to call should help be required.

As BlueCollar approached the manhole, Chat Noir jumped downwards from a nearby building and landed forcefully on his back. BlueCollar fell forwards and upside down, finding himself jammed into the hole, unable to move.

The hole was dark as night, although in a moment he was blinded by what seemed to be a flashlight. A short while afterwards, he managed to see it for what it was - Ladybug wearing a miner’s helmet.

“This site does employ some workplace safety” she commented as she walked slowly towards him. He could only watch as she removed his collar and broke it in two, releasing the akuma.

“No more evildoing for you, little akuma. Time to de-evilize!” she called it, as she whipped her yo-yo and whisked it away.

“Miraculous… Ladybug!”

As she flung the helmet upwards, it burst into a stream of Ladybugs, releasing all those bound to work by BlueCollar’s powers, including Chloe and her father.

---

“Pound it!” Ladybug offered her hand for a fistbump, and Adrien’s was quick to respond in like.

“You’re not mad at me, are you?” he offered cautiously.

“It was a close call” she replied, her face showing little emotion, but she quickly softened. “But you do make a great partner. Respect my limits and it will stay that way.”

She followed by a short-lived smile, then hopped away and disappeared.

Adrien’s eyes followed her wake until she was gone from his sight. He breathed in relief, then sighed.

“I guess it’s just partners then. Even if I…”

Even if I want it to be more than that.

I’ve met the girl of my dreams… and I nearly ruined everything.

Is there any way I can get her to see me as more than that? Or are we fated to remain no more than partners?

---

A now de-akumatized Ivan made his way back to class, where Mylene was quick to warmly greet him.

“I’m sorry, Ivan. It’s just one test! And if you want, I’d love to help you with maths.”

“You would? That’s… that’s so wonderful!” Ivan beamed at her words, his joy clear to everyone around. Yet Mylene had more to say.

“But for your own good, you really shouldn’t let Chloe get to you! You’re the kindest person I know and that’s worth so much more.”

“I usually don’t… it’s just that… well…”

Ivan was blushing furiously now as he picked his words.

“I had plans to confess to a girl today and then Chloe just sapped all my confidence.”

“Oh? Who would that be? I-If you don’t mind me asking...”

There was a short pause before Ivan managed to say it.

“It’s you.”

“I was hoping you would say that.” She replied, a wide grin to her face. A moment later, she hugged him tight and his blush deepened by two shades.

“Aww, these two are meant to be together!” Rose said as she dug herself into Juleka’s arm.

---

Marinette smiled as Ivan and Mylene hugged each other, some of their elation sweeping her as well.

Maybe some of our fate lies in the hands of others who love us, that’s not so bad too now is it?

What does fate have in for me?

I seriously hope it’s more of an ‘Adrien’ direction than a ‘Chat Noir’ one!

Chat’s a good partner… and that’s where the line gets drawn.

But Adrien… He’s something special. I got to see a glimpse of a soul so pure.

It’s time for me to take fate into my own hands, and I will.

A girl’s fate.

RFA and how MC gets them to sleep

I hope ya’ll enjoy these. do I need to make a masterpost? since I’ve got a couple of these now I don’t know. their all pretty recent so maybe its not necessary. 

Jumin

-        You’ve gotten it down to a science at this point

-        “darling? I can’t sleep.” You call from the door way of his home office “do you mind reading to me? Like you did that first night?” that’s what gets him the mention of your first night with him.

-        “I, of course dearest” he says wearily placing a stack of papers to the side “just until you fall asleep though I do need to finish this”

-        You frowned a little at that. He hadn’t slept much these past weeks and when he did it was fitful and short lived. Tonight he would sleep. You would be sure of that.

-        “would you sit in bed with me? Just for a while? The bed is too big and cold for me to fall asleep without you.”

-        “you have plenty of blankets my love” he said narrowing his eye’s at you suspiciously

-        “it’s not about the blankets. I don’t love the blankets. I love you” then you saw it in his eye’s warmth, love and the tell tail signs of his resolve crumbling as he gave into your request. You didn’t like using his love for you like this but he had to sleep.

-        “I really can’t say no to you my love” he sighed following you towards the king sized bed you shared

-        “thank you honey bunny” you said pulling him to lay beside you leaning him against a pile of pillows so he was reclining enough to sleep comfortably but upright enough to read. Where he not so fatigued he may have questioned how you had planned it all so perfectly.

-        You handed him the book you two where currently reading and situated yourself against his chest humming happily

-        One chapter later and you could feel him running his fingers through your hair trying to see if you were awake

-        You stayed still careful to count your breath to keep it deep and slow

-        He sighed and settled himself a little before resigning to stay rather than wake you by leaving

-        After fifteen minutes you could hear his gentle and quite snores

-        Success.

-        The next morning you woke early and shut off his alarm before calling Jaehee

-        “mission accomplished Jaehee” you say smirking “he wont be in today but tomorrow he’ll be back to tip top shape”

-        “thank you MC. when he pushes himself this hard it often falls to me to fix the things his fatigue lets fall through the cracks. One day of rest saves us weeks of mistakes”

-        “a stitch in time saves nine as they say. Oh but I have to go if I’m not there when he wakes up he’ll try to go back to work”

-        “of course, and again thank you MC.”

  Yoosung

-        Honestly if you could just get him into bed you knew he would be out like a light

-        It was getting him to the bed that was difficult

-        So you played the last card in you deck, the ace.

-        “yoosungie? I’m going to shower and get ready for bed okay?”

-        “sounds good!”

-        “unless, maybe you wanted to join me?”

-        “jo- join you?” he spluttered turning away from his computer wide eyed and beet red

-        “well I thought, it might save time, and water and it might be fun.” With a wink you turned towards the bathroom where you already had everything prepared

-        Honestly the shared shower was simply a bonus to your plan

-        Call the fun times you shared a happy consequence of the plan.

-        You washed his hair with lavender scented shampoo to help you both relax and calm down

-        And on the way out you hand him the pajamas you had prepared

-        “you planned this”

-        “of course I planned this” you chuckled kissing his forehead “noona takes care of her puppy”

-        You could see his face darken and feel the shiver that ran down his spine at that and you couldn’t help the laugh that escaped your lips at the way his eye’s seemed to cloud for a fraction of a second

-        You pressed a quick kiss to his lips before pulling him to the bedroom where you sat him on the bed to towel dry his hair a bit more

-        “I love you” he whispers and you smiled gently at him. Pulling the towel off his head you pulled him against you “I love you too”

-        Laughing you pulled him to lay beside you before leaning over him to reach across the bed and turn off the bedside lamp

-        With on last kiss on his nose you bid him goodnight computer game forgotten in haze of showers and cuddles (amongst other activities)

Saeyoung

-        He knows what you’re up to.

-        But you’re wearing the cute cat pajamas he had bought you.

-        and you had completely designed your bed time routine around tempting him to bed

-        he had never even heard of bedtime yoga before you moved in

-        yet there you where contorted beside the bed showing of how flexible you could be and occasionally smirking into the camera you knew he was watching

-        so it wasn’t long before he found himself making his way to the bedroom

-        “ready for bed secret agent man?” you quipped and couldn’t help a smirk as you saw his face tint a slight pink

-        “are you kitten me?” he shot back and you had to cover your moth to stop the giggles

-        “come on I’ve even got my paw-jamas on” you manage through your giggles

-        “you’re doing this on purr-pose aren’t you?”

-        “guess the cats out of the bag how’d you know?”

-        “just a feline” both of your where lost in a fit of laughter at that point

-        you pulled him to the bed and made note of the dark circles under his eyes as you pulled a heavy weighted blanket over you both before snuggling up next to him

-        he had insisted he didn’t need it. “I don’t have anxiety, MC” he had said.

-        Next day shipping and an extra good night of sleep later he admitted the weight was comforting

-        Your rans your fingers through his hair and mumbled quietly to him about your day.

-        You had found that the quiet talk down helped him relax as he curled into your chest

-        This was the only time you ever saw him this small

-        Wondered if it was a product of his childhood that he disliked sleeping so much

-        Still you held him close and played with his hair absently as you recounted the story of meeting a stray cat on the way home

-        After a while you ran out of stories and moved on to trying new jokes searching for the ones that drew sleepy chuckles from his lips

-        Lulling him to sleep was simple enough. The hard part came after

-        Falling asleep without waking him up was always a struggle

-        He was a notoriously light sleeper

-        One wrong move or strange noise had him jolting upright and alert

-        Once you had startled him awake with nothing more than a yawn

-        Perhaps it was his training that had him on such high alert.

-        You hoped that slowly but surely he would learn to relax a bit more but you understood it could take years if it happened at all

Zen

-        He knows he should sleep

-        He just can’t some times

-        He’ll lie awake for hours if you don’t help him relax

-        On these nights you two have settled into a routine

-        You make him tea and brush his hair

-        “you know you don’t have to do that jagiya”

-        “I enjoy it your hair is always so soft!”

-        “are you jealous?”

-        “I would be if you weren’t my boyfriend. That’s the thing though your MY boyfriend meaning technically your mine and by extension your hair is mine”

-        “is that how it works?”

-        You lean down and kiss the top of his head

-        “yep that’s how it works”

-        “does that mean your mine too”

-        “always and forever”

-        “your so cute jagi!

-        After tea you both go through your nightly routines washing your face and getting ready for bed

-        On good night you share a bath

-        You lean against his chest and lay your head back on his shoulders while you both do a face mask

-        in bed you ask him to sing you a lullaby as you gently trace patterns into his chest

-        You hum along contentedly and smile when he yawns

-        After while his singing drifts off and you can hear his breath get deeper

-        he can sleep through quite a bit but you know that the second you pull away from him he’ll be up in a second looking for the warmth and weight of you

-        so you pull the blankets tighter around the both of you and slip into sleep yourself

Jaehee

-        you got to start early with Jaehee

-        no caffeine after noon or it’s a lost cause

-        after opening the café this got 1000% harder

-        you lure her away from work by offering to watch a Zen DVD with her

-        you pull her against you on the couch and hum along with the music quietly (she hates it if you sing along but humming is fine)

-        slowly she starts to relax against your chest and you know it’s time to move upstairs (wink wink. Wait no. you both need rest save the winks for next time)

-        “Jaehee?” you ask gently “how bout we head to bed? We have to open early tomorrow”

-        She yawns bit but you can see the defiance in her eye’s

-        “I should finish a couple more things before”

-        “no” you say sternly pulling her toward the bedroom

-        “but there’s still paperwork”

-        “and it will still be there in the morning. Look ill work the morning by myself so you can take care of it then but you need sleep”

-        She sighs but fallows you none the less

-        “your right MC.”

-        “it happens sometimes” you laugh winking at her and reveling in her averted eye’s and blushing cheeks

-        (wink wink? No just one wink. You still need rest)

-        Once in bed you snuggle together and just before drifting off you hear her mumble

-        “I’m so glad we’re friend” “I’m so lucky to have you”

Two-Faced Jewel: Session 9

The Slaying of the Bobbledragon

A half-elf conwoman (and the moth tasked with keeping her out of trouble) travel the Jewel in search of, uh, whatever a fashionable accessory is pointing them at. [Campaign log]

Since slaying a serial-killer dragon is a little outside the party's expertise, they're off to Cauterdale to enlist the aid of the Deathseekers' Guild! Having gotten a good night's sleep at a druid village, and not eaten, they're ready to take on, uh...

Well, some sort of very large monster that Zero kindly drew for me.

In the morning, they rather uneventfully get up and get back on the road, thanking the villagers for their hospitality. And the remainder of the trip to Cauterdale is likewise brief and uneventful, right up until the fire.

Saelhen du Fishercrown: the what Benedict I. (GM): The fire.

Yeah, the forest and the road up ahead are ablaze, sort of blocking passage. The dirt road isn't actively on fire, but the trees on both sides are, making it pretty risky to proceed. The team opts to send Oyobi up ahead to scout the situation- and pretty soon she comes back with a report. Apparently, just past the visible fireline, the forest is totally burned down- just charred stumps as far as she could see, right up to the city walls. The fire itself is just, like, 10 meters wide or so, so it's totally something they could just dash through.

It takes some Animal Handling checks to coax the giraffes through, and the ones that balk get them and their riders a little bit of chip damage from heat and smoke inhalation, but the party is pretty much able to push through to the blasted wasteland of charred tree stumps surrounding Cauterdale.

They notice a few people in strange armor in the distance, doing something near the fire- from the seemingly controlled nature of this burn and the name of the town, they conclude that those are fire squads doing this deliberately, and don't get involved. It's a fine conclusion, and the party begins walking the remaining mile to the city.

As they approach, they notice... a little ways off from the main gates, something is attacking the city walls. Guards atop the walls are manning some sort of huge harpoon guns, and they seem to have already slain several of the... whatever these things are. The remaining one, though, seems larger and more resilient than the others, continuing its assault despite the several harpoons already lodged in its flesh.

What they see is a huge reptilian monster. It's probably not a dragon- no wings, and it doesn't appear to be using a breath weapon- but it's the size of a dragon, with tiny arms, headbutting the metal walls of the town repeatedly.

Orluthe makes his Nature roll to recognize this thing- he's heard of them before. They're called "bobbledragons"- some sort of deformed mutant offshoot of true dragons, incapable of speech or flight or magic but still possessed of monstrous strength and durability.

Luckily, the bobbledragon doesn't seem to be in between them and the main gate- the fight is far enough away that they could potentially just walk up and head into town, assuming they'll open the gates during a situation like this. Hell, they don't even need to open the gates- if the guards just drop a rope, they should be able to just climb over. That seems like a decent plan, so Saelhen and Looseleaf begin working together to draft a use of the Message spell to ask the guards to help them inside.

Then they notice that I've been moving Oyobi's token on the map in the direction of the fight.

Oyobi, blinded by bloodlust and/or extra-credit-in-Severe-Zoology-lust, is determined to help fell the bobbledragon. Their attempts at persuasion fail, and Oyobi, undeterred, continues to charge the giant fucking T-rex that is making huge dents in the walls of a city.

As Oyobi runs for it, and as the party follows behind in hopes of stopping her from making a terrible mistake, the bobbledragon jumps and seizes one of the guards on the wall in its jaws, demonstrating its +10 4d12+7 bite attack by immediately oneshotting its victim.

Looseleaf: oh god we're all going to die. you're using the real t-rex statblock. that thing is challenge eight. it is made for a party of four level eight adventurers, so either we are all going to die here, or the guards are going to show us why they are professional fighters and we are students. Benedict I. (GM): "Shit! It can jump!" "No!" The guards seem upset.

Not promising.

Looseleaf: This thing does sufficient damage to oneshot any of us with a perfectly mediocre hit. Looseleaf right now is kind of thoroughly convinced that Oyobi is actually literally about to die. In that light, Looseleaf is going to message Oyobi again. And she is not going to get any closer. Actually, she's going to back off, put distance between herself and the monster. [Oyobi that thing is going to bite you in half get back here you are going to die.] Benedict I. (GM): Roll Persuasion! DC 20 again. -Looseleaf: 17 / PERSUASION (1)- Oyobi Yamatake: [I'M GONNA LIVE FOREVER!!!]

So... that's a bust, and Oyobi finally reaches the dragon and begins her assault. Miraculously, her flying leap hits, and she digs her sword in... for thirteen damage.

The guards return fire against the bobbledragon, and one of the harpoons catches it in the chest- but it doesn't go down, and the second harpoon- manned by just one guard, after his partner got crunched- misses. Another guard, without a cannon, throws a spear- and gets not only a critical hit, but a max damage critical hit, spearing the thing right in the eye.

...for eleven damage, because these are ordinary CR 1/8 Guards, but still!

Saelhen tries to distract the bobbledragon so Oyobi can run and hide, but... her arrow goes wide, and Oyobi isn't interested in running and hiding anyway. The bobbledragon, targeting whatever did the most damage to it recently with its bite attack, jumps and bites the whole damn harpoon gun out of the guard tower, leaving the guards without heavy weaponry.

And then with its tail, it tries to slap the insect that just stung it in the rear.

...and rolls a 3, meaning Oyobi gracefully backflips over the attack and strikes a dramatic pose.

Looseleaf: God, she did not deserve that dodge. She got so fucking lucky there. Saelhen du Fishercrown: she really didn't Oyobi Yamatake: "When you get to Dragon Hell, tell them Oyobi Yamatake sent you!!"

Looseleaf, in the interest of communicating to Oyobi how much danger she's in, makes use of an upgrade to her Rend Spirit attack she learned while studying Lumiere's notes on pain. With Painread, she can get some feedback back from something whose spirit she disrupts, and figure out exactly how bad a shape it's in. She does so (dealing a cool 16 damage as she does), and learns how huge this thing's remaining hit point pool is, so she can tell Oyobi how unlikely she is to survive long enough to take it down.

...It, uh, it was already pretty hurt when they arrived, and it, um, has nine hit points left. And it's Oyobi's turn.

Oyobi Yamatake: Oyobi dashes forwards, Naruto-runs up to the T-rex's throat, and does a spinning leap that slashes open its jugular. It roars, and the roar swiftly fades off as its breath escapes. Saelhen du Fishercrown: God dammit, Oyobi. Oyobi Yamatake: "YES! YES! B-S-U! B-S-U! B-S-U!" "THAT is how it's DONE!" She is jumping up and down, doing a celebratory dance, the works. "Flawlessed the boss! Hell yeah!"

Yeah, so... I had kind of been planning on her getting oneshot and laid up in the hospital, as a sort of character growth thing and also keeping her out of the way of certain events in town, but, uh... the dice... didn't exactly... share my priorities.

With the bobbledragon slain, and Oyobi doing an extremely obnoxious victory dance, the rest of the party springs into action to stabilize the guard who was used as a chew toy. Thanks to his plate armor, he hasn't lost much blood, but he's got more broken bones than not, and his prognosis wouldn't be good... if it weren't for the healer's kits Looseleaf had the foresight to buy for everyone. Saelhen stabilizes him, and Orluthe calls on his goddess to Lay On Hands to save the guard's life.

Then there's this guy- the captain of the guard, who fought in the battle with a fancy crossbow that shot flaming bolts. He demands to know who the party is, seeming kind of annoyed that they rewarded weakness by saving the guard's life.

Benedict I. (GM): He looks down at your medical kit. "Y'know, all of my men are prepared to fight and die for our home. You really want to take away this man's glory?" The injured guard looks up. "Uh, sir, I- it's fine, actually..." "Feh." Looseleaf: This guy immediately seems like a bad boss. Saelhen du Fishercrown: Oh, he's ridiculous. Okay, that changes the tenor of this conversation somewhat! "...I apologize, sir," says Saelhen, bowing to the guard on his stretcher, "if I have diminished your victory with my carelessness."

And rather than give this guy any more of the time of day, Saelhen asks the random guard his name. (And then I have to give him one and make him a character, whoops.)

Medd Cutter here is thankful for Saelhen's assistance saving his life, and Saelhen pledges to remember his heroism. The commander feels- by design- somewhat left out of the heroism-remembering, and declares that he is REX SCAR, and Saelhen kind of blows him off. He's not happy, but...

Captain Scar is still the sort of person who is very impressed with anyone who rolls up and kills a bobbledragon just because they felt like it, and despite Saelhen's calculated snub, tries to get buddy-buddy with the group of obviously very powerful people who just arrived. He decides to help them through customs without going through the usual processes, much to the chagrin of...

...Long-Tongue, Cauterdale Customs and Border Inspection Officer of Cauterdale, who's very loquacious and wordy and redundantly repeats what she says in different words to phrase things differently in a somewhat unnecessary fashion for no real reason. Rex bullies his way past her, but Saelhen- as another snub, and just to be... nice? (What's her game...?), hands her the 300-page history of the de la Surplus family as collateral for a deferred border inspection.

Inside the walls, Cauterdale is a very crowded place. It's like 80% slum, choked with buildings constructed of a patchwork of scrap metal and discarded siding, without much wood to speak of. The streets are narrow and bustling, and the general vibe around the place is impatient.

The remaining guards escorting them (Rex went off someplace) inform them, when questioned, that the town indeed burns down the forest around them- since they're near the jungle, horrible dangerous things tend to come out of the trees to attack them, and their harpoon defenses are most effective when they can see their attackers coming from a mile away, with no obstructions. Looseleaf asks if bobbledragon attacks are common.

Benedict I. (GM): Another guard shakes his head. "No, that one was pretty crazy. Usually it's just the giant spiders, or the giant mosquitoes, or the mushroom demons." "We've had a few bobbledragons before, but that was like, four at once." Looseleaf: "Oh gods there's already giant spiders?!" "We're not even at- I thought this was a pine forest still!" Benedict I. (GM): "No, that's usually after it rains," Medd says. Looseleaf: Looseleaf casts Druidcraft. Please tell me it's not going to rain. Benedict I. (GM): Nope! Clear skies for now. "Whoa, cool." Looseleaf:"Thank the gods of sea and sky and weather and everything even tangentially related to weather," she says. "No rain." "I hope it never rains, ever again." Benedict I. (GM): "Haha, better stay away from..." "Wait, where are you headed?" Saelhen du Fishercrown: "The rainforest," adds Saelhen, mildly. Looseleaf: "Ttttthunderbrush, and yes I know that place is crawling with spiders NOERU SHUT UP,"

Then Looseleaf asks about what they're there for- the Deathseekers' Guild. Unfortunately, the guards tell them that the Deathseekers... probably still exist, but they're like, a weird secret club of old people who think they're too cool to join the guard. They give them a couple leads- apparently the Temple of Andra keeps tabs on them, and also a guard by the name of Mags was the last to see them as they were recently seen leaving the city.

The team splits up- Looseleaf and Orluthe head for the temple, and Oyobi and Saelhen head for the guardhouse to talk to Mags. (Vayen... is still gone, after vanishing as soon as the bobbledragon fight started.) The latter group does their thing next session, so...

After dropping off their rental giraffes, they head inside to meet...

This guy, working the reception desk. He seems to be made of rock, and when he talks he rumbles.

As Looseleaf explains their dilemma and their need for Deathseekers, this guy takes a keen interest in their plight. He's very "hmmmm, iiiiiinteresting, oh i see, you don't say?" about the whole thing, making a very normal interaction seem as ominous as possible.

He tells her that the Deathseekers, to his knowledge, should be back in the city from their unspecified errand inside two days, and offers to take a message.

Looseleaf: "I don't suppose they're looking for a green dragon, are they?" Benedict I. (GM): This guy's smile keeps getting wider. It's kind of creepy. "Hm? What makes you say that?"

As she explains about the dragon, he offers her and Orluthe a candy from a bowl on the desk. After some hemming and hawing out-of-character because the creepy rock man is offering you suspicious candy, they eventually opt to have some, because really, Looseleaf isn't suspicious of this guy. Hers is lemon-flavored. It's tasty.

Then, as she describes the empty tower with the corpse of the torture wizard in it, this guy's demeanor changes suddenly from "creepy wry amusement" to "genuine concern". He tries to put on a poker face, but him having a poker face when he's until now been all creepy-friendly chewing the scenery... stands out. He gives her a strong assurance that the Deathseekers will handle this problem for her.

Benedict I. (GM): "I... thank you, for this information." Looseleaf: "You're welcome. Please, uh, make sure that the Deathseekers get this information as quickly as possible. The dragon eats a corpse a week and there's only three corpses left in the tower, there's a very real deadline on this." Benedict I. (GM): [rolling 1d20+4] (Insight) 17+4 = 21 Looseleaf: Belatedly, Looseleaf realizes she's made a mistake. Benedict I. (GM): "You say... the dragon eats three corpses a week?" "Only three corpses left in the tower?" Looseleaf: Namely: Looseleaf has no good reason to know the fact that the dragon eats a corpse a week. Since she's never met the dragon. Benedict I. (GM): "Curious information." "How did you come across it?" Looseleaf: "Uh, erm, uh." Shit.

Looseleaf opts to tell the truth about Arnie, to avoid spinning a dangerous web of lies for herself- after all, Arnie's not worth lying for. She does describe him in as sympathetic terms as she can, though, and asks this guy not to harm him if possible- she doesn't want to break her word to Arnie if she can help it.

Benedict I. (GM): He takes a moment to process this. "...Very well." "My people will be the soul of discretion." "I thank you very much for your generous contribution to the Ecumene of Understanding."

Looseleaf notices that something is wrong.

This guy is the receptionist. He's not a bishop or anything. He's not even wearing priestly vestments- just a nice suit. And he's speaking as though he's in a position of power- "my people", he says.

And after considering various possibilities, she tries something. A shot in the dark, but...

And the way Looseleaf plays this, is... "quit acting like you don't know what I'm talking about, c'mon, the jig is up". She takes out the letter she found in Lumiere's tower and shows it off, as proof!

And this guy keeps denying it, and getting increasingly more panicked, and looking nervously over at Orluthe, and asking her to please stop, shh shh shh shh, and it's when he begs her to have a conversation with him in private please that she makes the connection. If this guy is affiliated with Lumiere, who's apparently affiliated with some sort of secret conspiracy that's affiliated with some sort of deific usurpation... he maybe doesn't want to have that conversation in front of a cleric.

Looseleaf:"Okay, Orluthe, uhm. Sorry, so," Looseleaf whispers into Orluthe's ear. "Long story short, turns out my sister, who left my village way before I did, ended up falling into some kind of magical secret society. The kind of secret society with Hal Lumiere, i.e. 'the torture wizard who came up with all those pain knives that we all got stabbed a lot with', was apparently a very active member of." Benedict I. (GM):Oh my god, um. Looseleaf: "So, uh, I'm kinda freaking out about that, right now, but if my hunches are right then I'm the sister of someone important in their organization?" Benedict I. (GM): As you start whispering, he tries to interrupt. "Please do not say things to him!" "Please let us speak in private!!" Looseleaf: Oh he's freaked out now huh. "Anyways that's why I am actually indeed going to speak, with this guy, in private," Looseleaf finishes. "And if I don't show up in a half-hour or so, then things have probably gone lopsided." "In which case you should find everyone else and tell them to, I dunno, come save me or whatever." "You got all that?" Benedict I. (GM): The rock man looks distraught. Orluthe Chokorov: "I, uh... think so? This is really... I'm not sure it's safe..."

With a good Persuasion roll, Orluthe agrees to stay behind, and the rock man leads Looseleaf into a backroom whose doors and walls seem warded heavily with some sort of abjuration magic. A secret saferoom.

The man describes the problem: the gods don't know that they exist, or didn't until Looseleaf went and told a cleric of Diamode that they existed. Clerics, in this setting, channel divinity literally- their gods come into their heads to do magic for them, meaning anything a cleric knows is something a god can know, if they care to check.

Benedict I. (GM): "Because if the next time Diamode is in that kid, if she goes looking for that memory..." "I mean, she might not. And you didn't mention anything about our aims, so she might consider it beneath her notice." "But that, right there? That was nearly game over." "And I can't just kill you, because if I did, Yomi would end me." Looseleaf: "Yeah, I'm not incredibly foolish, I haven't actually shown anybody else Yomi's letter." "Nobody knows that Lumiere was involved with... deicidal blasphemy." "That's what this is about, right? Thereabouts, in terms of sheer magnitude and hubris?" Benedict I. (GM): He sighs. "It's not like that." "At least, it's not all like that." "The Project is... fractious." "The less you know about the project, the less you're able to carelessly blurt out about the project your cleric friends, or to anyone who tries reading your mind or tricks you into a Zone of Truth..." "The safer we all are." "With as much as you know, you're already dangerous. It'd be best for us- and you- if you dropped this. Never spoke of it to anyone."

Looseleaf points out that it's good that she found the letter, because that tower was sitting abandoned for a year- anyone could've walked in and read it, since it was lying on a bookcase in the open.

This is somehow not taken as good news- when he finds out that the letter could've potentially been read by anyone, that there was a security breach for a year...

Looseleaf: "Look, my man, next time you want to send a letter, by the way, use... use some encoding." "Don't just write things in plaintext like a chump, by the gods." Benedict I. (GM): "He was supposed to burn after reading." Saelhen du Fishercrown: he's too dead for that! Benedict I. (GM): "Wait, you said it was... out in the open?" "But he's dead?" "Either he was an idiot, or... someone else opened his mail." "Except... Yomi should've hand-delivered it, so..." "...well. We'll definitely look into it."

He brings up sending for someone to do memory magic to handle the breach- but he realizes he can't have that done to Looseleaf, because Diamode would notice if someone tampered with her cleric's memories, and someone needs to still know what's up so they can keep Orluthe away from the truth. (Plus, she figures she'd notice the inconsistencies and end up sleuthing it out again.)

Looseleaf asks if Yomi is doing well, and gets... that she's intense, and powerful, and she probably thinks she's "doing well", but... he doesn't know about happy.

Lastly, he shows Looseleaf a symbol- a blank circle, with the elvish character 人 drawn underneath. The symbols of gods are typically circles with a design inside- so the meaning of this and its relationship to the nature of the Project is fairly easy to infer.

Benedict I. (GM): "If you need to prove to someone you're in the know, without blurting out a bunch of dangerous details, this is the mark." He then eats the paper and the graphite stick he used to draw it.

Next time: Saelhen and Oyobi grill the guard Mags for information on the Deathseekers, and connections are made with powerful individuals.

Wallflower: Chapter 4 - Open Me

Raihan x F!Reader

Disclaimer: Do not own Pokemon

Note: This is my first Pokemon fanfic. I hope you enjoy it :) Originally posted on Archive of Our Own.

Summary: You’re an unassuming Pokemon breeder who works at the nursery in the Wild Area and he’s Raihan, the fearsome gym leader of Hammerlocke who has more than a million followers.

You don’t want anything to do with him but he’s…persistent.

Rating: Mature/Explicit

Warnings: Lemon, smut, violence, language

OPEN ME

...

...

"Some time ago, this woman did this, uh.... this art performance. It was extreme art, using herself. Basically, she stood with this sign saying that she was letting the public do whatever they wanted to do with her - and she was gonna stand for seven hours and do nothing. She laid out some stuff in front of her - amongst random objects, I think there was a pen, a flower, a gun, a knife...So anyway, she stood and at first, people just stared and watched her. Someone went up to her and gave her a hug. Gave her a handshake. Someone gave her the flower to hold. Someone kissed her on the lips. The public chuckled and laughed, watching this woman stand there like a living dummy. They used the pen and drew on her or something. It began to escalate: someone started taking off her clothes. She stood semi-naked until someone covered her up. Someone slapped her. Someone punched her. I think she started crying but they didn't stop. Someone grabbed the knife and cut the side of her neck. Someone took the gun and put it in her hand, pointed it to her own head. When the time was up and the woman started moving again, the people who hurt her ran away immediately, afraid of the repercussions. When I read that article, I knew: human beings are absolutely disgusting to the core."

She lifts up a knife next. A terrified Deerling trembles in the corner of the room whilst Banette grins.

"That being said, I guess I'm no exception. I'm sorry it had to come to this."

....

Detective Looker is hard at work.

He's got a few things going on - not only has he taken over Raihan's social media account for the time being (it took a lot of persuasion but Raihan finally agreed, vexingly... if he might say so himself) and now he has taken it upon himself to personally investigate the hotel, in particular, room 241. It's Raihan's designated room should he ever visit Circhester, Spikemuth or Wyndon, and Looker's interrogated the majority of staff and checked out all CCTV. No-one reported witnessing any unauthorised persons going in and out of the room and the CCTV does not accurately show the hallway, indicating several blindspots. They also tell him a keycard went missing which was not replaced or brought to management's attention. Looker is not surprised. Of course, there's a hiccup...whilst the hotel staff apologise profusely for their blunders, Looker dismisses them. It sounds like they'll improve their security from now on.

Looker heads to the room, opening the door. Everything is evidence and should be treated with utmost care...he unleashes his Growlithe to sniff out anything. He wouldn't be surprised if Raihan and the girl were snorting up berry dust or anything. Who knows what kids these day were up to...who knows.

Upon checking the room, he stands where the camera in the DVD was facing and finds two light switches in the wall that faces the bed directly. Attempting to remove them, he gets Magnemite to ease it off using it's Magnetic Pull ability and it manages to take the cover off, revealing a square slot where any sort of camera could be placed there, perfect for recording. He takes a few snaps of it using his Rotom phone and inspects the area where the dust doesn't settle. The camera was placed here for some time (a long time, perhaps) but it's long gone now.

Someone had set up a camera way before the one night stand and removed it during the night when both were sleeping. Pretty ballsy, if Looker admits; the perp had gone into the room when Raihan and the girl were in it. But from the testimony, the young couple were drunk as fish so it's not surprising they were out cold for the rest of the night and didn’t notice. The next question is - if no-one saw anyone go in or go out, how did the culprit escape? Looker turns to the window, finds that it's easily opened and proceeds to look outside. Anyone could just use pokemon to fly out here. Also, how did the culprit know where the girl worked to be able to deliver the DVD directly to her workplace?

She probably works for Macro Cosmos. It's the perfect setup - she's Raihan's biggest fan and being an employee of Macro Cosmos, she could have access to what hotel he stays in. Macro Cosmos also has their paws stuck in the Pokemon Nurseries; they pretty much run everything in Galar. They may as well be the government, Looker thinks to himself. 

He grabs a pokeball and presses the button. "Go, Dustox." And the large moth pokemon abruptly appears and Looker issues his command: "Dust it."

Dustox flutters around, sprinkling some dust over the window pane where it reveals two handprints.

"Good job, boy." Looker says as Dustox lands atop his head and he pulls out some equipment to take prints. They look small - most likely a female's. Next, Rotom buzzes, indicating a new message. "Talk." Looker mutters, as Rotom flies out.

"Zzrt, I've got the report; I've also got the address of the fan who told Raihan to go to Spikemuth!"

"Thanks, Rotom. This is coming along nicely." He mutters to himself. Grabbing Rotom, he checks the rest of the statistics report; looks like the person has also commented on every single photo and video Raihan has uploaded since...ever. It's simple. Real simple. Just a case of blackmail and obsession after all.

...

Looker arrives in Spikemuth and looks up from his Rotom phone. He's standing in front of an apartment block that looks very rundown. Of course, everything in Spikemuth is grizzled and decrepit, but somehow this sad building really takes the cake. Rotom's provided address mentions the third floor so he quietly makes his way up and stops at the front door. This is it.

Letting go of Rotom, he makes a circle with his finger. "Scan it."

"You got it, champ." Rotom says, before he zooms into the air and a dim blue light glows. "There'zzz only one person inzzide. A man."

"Thanks, I'm going in." Looker knocks on the door and waits.

A few seconds later, the door opens and a middle-aged, bald man in a tracksuit opens it. "Whaddya want?" He slurs, clearly drunk.

Looker holds up his badge. "I'm with the police; I'm looking for - "

He doesn't even get to finish his sentence because the man yells over his shoulder, "What are you in trouble for this time?! Now the po-po's here!"

There is no response.

The man sighs, opens the door and grunts at Looker, "C'mon in."

With an eyebrow raised, Looker steps inside. The flat is in a disgusting state and there's a terrible odor. Feces, perhaps. Looker follows the man down the small hallway of the cramped apartment, stepping over heaps of trash and boxes and upturned furniture on the floor and they stop at a random door. The man proceeds to slam his huge fist over it and it rattles in the doorframe

"Hey, are you in there?!" He yells, before he tries again, but there is still no response.

Looker holds out his arm. "Stand back." With a hefty kick, the door opens violently and swings on the hinges.

Inside, it's a fairly normal room, save for the numerous posters of Raihan pasted to the walls and a bunch of magazines on the floor with Raihan's picture on it, along with the mangled carcass of a dead Deerling. The man gags and runs back towards the direction of the living room whilst Looker steps in.

"Rotom?"

"Yezzzir?"

"Let's get a team here."

"Okay-doo."

...

The Wild Area...

"I've got two wonderful arms, I've got two wonderful lips, I'm over twenty one and I'm free…Oh, I've got a hive full o' honey, for the right kind of honeybee…"

In the Rolling Fields, a young man sits in the middle of a patch of tall grass with a jar of honey in hand and a small plastic knife in his other which he's using to spread over his face.

A group of trainers pass him whilst chatting animatedly and giggling, all female - looks like they're heading to Motostoke - and they stop as soon as they spot him, eyes wide. Realising he's being watched, he grins and waves at them. "Ladies! You wanna see my Lickilicky? He's big and pink - "

"Ewww! Weirdo!" They scream loudly before quickly scampering away.

He looks upset. "What's wrong with Lickilicky?" Rummaging a hand through his pockets, he takes out a pokeball and presses the button, releasing a large pink pokemon and he continues spreading honey over his chin. "Wait," He pauses abruptly, frowning. "How does this work again? Was I meant to put honey on myself, or on a pokemon? What do you think, Licky?"

His pokemon turns to him and sticks it's massive pink tongue out in response.

"Eh, fair enough. Okay, here goes nothing. Let's give it a shot." Once he's finished giving himself a honey moustache, he moves to stand up and holds his arms out, dropping the knife to the ground - but then his phone rings and he fishes Rotom out from his pocket. "Yello."

"Um, it's me."

"What's up?"

“I...I think I have a date. Can you help me?”

“Hell yeah, I will!” He shouts down the phone before he hangs up, then - "Frick, why'd I do that? Damn, where we gonna meet?"

He immediately calls her back.

"Yeah?" She sounds exhausted.

"Where we gonna meet and when?"

"Can we meet right now? The date is tomorrow. Are you in Galar? Sorry for the short notice..."

"Nah, s'alright, I wasn't doing anything important anyway," He replies, "And yeah, I'm in the Wild Area. Meet you outside your workplace?"

"Sure."

After he hangs up a second time, there is a loud rustling noise emitting from the right. He gasps and whips his glance over over. "What was that?"

There's another loud rustle to the left which makes him leap frantically in the air.

"Huh? What? Who?"

Another rustle.

"Who goes there?"

Glancing left and right, he can't tell where the noise is coming from but then the grass parts and a dark shadow leaps out. His eyes widen.

…..

You're waiting outside the nursery as agreed, checking your phone for any messages when you see a figure sprinting towards you from the horizon. It's some dude dressed up as a Galarian Ponyta. Oh, wait. You know this dude.

"Help! Help me! Demon cat! Demon cats are chasing me!!" He yells, waving his arms around.

It's Glenn. Finally, he's here. Took him long enough. He's rushing towards the nursery with his Lickilicky waddling after him and there's something chasing him; you notice it's a couple of Purrloin that have all set their eyes on him.

Throwing a glance over his shoulder, he hisses, "Back, I say! All of you, stay back! Oh? You want a battle, do you? Fine!!" He grabs a pokeball from his belt and tosses it without looking and throws his arms in the air, "Go Kricketune! Delelele whooooop!"

You continue to watch as a large, reddish insect pokemon appears in a burst out of light and it stands its ground in front of the rampaging Purrloin - however, it's quickly pushed to the ground and trampled over.

"No!" Glenn yelps, before he spies you and proceeds to hurriedly make his way towards you, hiding behind your back, "Oh good, you're here. Do something!"

"Okay, I got this." You mutter; the Purrloin stop before you, peering up at you inquisitively whilst Glenn quivers in fear. You quickly fish out some spare berries from your bag which you keep handy for these sorts of situations and squat down to hand the fruit to them. They surround you at once and you distribute the food in an orderly fashion. "One for you...one for you.... aaaaaaaand...one for you." You mutter as they line up, single file. Once each pokemon has a berry, they purr and meow appreciatively at you before turning to leave quietly.

From behind your shoulder, you hear: "Are they gone? Are the demon cats gone?"

"Yeah."

"Phew!" Glenn pokes his head out and sighs. "Thanks for taking care of that, sis. These Purrloin walk on their hind legs! That's not normal!" He exclaims as he returns his Kricketune and Lickilicky into their pokeballs.

"It's a Galar thing." You reply, before you squint your eyes at him, "Are you high?"

"Me? High? No, of course not. I've been clean for years, sis. Years."

"Right, okay. Come on then, let's go. It's getting late."

"Sure, sure. I'm so happy you called me." He gushes, as you both begin your trek down the beaten path of the Wild Area that will lead you to Hammerlocke where you will get the train; Glenn quickly falls into the same pace as you, folding his arms behind his head - which he does all the time but suddenly it reminds you of Raihan.

Glenn is your foster brother and a self-proclaimed Pokemaniac, choosing to dress up as random pokemon depending on his mood. A week ago he was a Bidoof, a few days ago he was a Weedle. Today, he is a Galarian Ponyta, a pokemon he's been on the lookout for a long time since he read about them. He still stays in Johto somewhere in Mahogany Town, but he likes to visit you a lot on sporadic occasions and luckily for you when you called him - he was in the Wild Area. You've asked Glenn to help you choose an outfit for your date. He was responsible for picking out the black dress from Goldenrod department store - the one you wore to the club - so overall, he's good with fashion and naturally you called him first because you trust his opinions.

He was also a berry addict. Specifically, the lum. Yes, that one. Out of all the berries he could get addicted to, it had to be that one. He got addicted to lum berries at a young age and spent much of his youth going to shady places, throwing most of his cash to dealers just to snort some lum dust. He’s been clean for years, or he says, but sometimes you’re not sure. There's no telltale sign right now - no red, watery eyes and there's no distinct smell of the lum either. You guess you have to take his word for it.

"Wait, before I forget - " Glenn removes his Ponyta hood, leaving himself in his white sweater and slacks with the pink-blue edges, and he proceeds to take out two pokeballs, handing them to you, "I brought your pokemon."

You grin widely as you take the pokeballs off him. "Thanks!!" You'll let your pokemon out later, and stuff their capsules into the pocket of your bag.

"I guess the only pokemon you're missing from your team would be a Goodra, Dragonite, Kommo-o and a Hydreigon, right?"

"And a Dragapult." You remind him.

"Why do you want one so badly? Is it because they look like they're so done with life and shit?"

"Uh, no, but - hey, what happened to that Dreepy trader?"

"He said he wanted your Metagross in exchange."

You make a face. "NO."

And he snickers, crosses his arms over his chest. "Yep, I called the trade off.”

"Thanks. So, what pokemon were you looking for this time?"

"A Vespiqueen, but no luck." He says with a sigh.

"You should've dressed up as a Combee."

"I wanted to but I couldn't make the costume in time." He sighs again, "Anyway, this isn't about me. This is about you. How's it goin'? How's Galar? You got a date, right?"

You immediately throw your glance to the ground and kick a stone away from your path, cheeks going pink. "...Yeah."

"Who's the lucky dude?"

"Um...it's Raihan."

Glenn's eyes bulges for a split second but then his expression returns to normal. "Oh. Figures. He loves dragon Pokemon and you use some dragon pokemon, so you got something in common." He scratches his chin next, "Raihan, huh. He's a bit of a celebrity around here; didn't know you would like his type."

You blush furiously in response. "I don't know if I should go."

"Huh? But you called me for help, didn't you?"

"Well, yeah."

"Then you should go. Give it a shot. Ahhh, my little sis is going on a date with the hot-blooded dragon tamer. That's adorable." Glenn reaches over and pulls at your cheek affectionately.

You smile awkwardly in response. There's more to it, of course, but you're reluctant to tell Glenn the entire truth. Once you're at Hammerlocke, you take the train to Wyndon - even though you're heading there tomorrow - and upon arrival, you and Glenn head to the boutique. Raihan's asked you out on short notice and you're sure there's nothing in your current wardrobe, so the Wyndon boutique will have to do. Compared to the boutiques in the region, the Wyndon store offers some of the best selection of clothing. Stepping inside, you're greeted with hundreds of clothing racks and your eyes are assaulted with dozens of colourful garb, shoes and handbags.

As you grimace under your breath, Glenn rolls his sleeves up and grins widely. "Right, let's get you sorted!"

...

Wyndon, next day.

Needless to say, you didn't get a very good night's sleep and when you had heard a Corviknight crowing, indicating it was morning, you groaned and sat up in bed, glancing over to the folded clothes on the stool which you had bought yesterday with Glenn's help. It was rather exciting at first and shopping with Glenn is very much fun and games, but now...not so much. The initial excitement is gone now, replaced with an underlying sense of dread. You're afraid. Why are you doing this? What will you say to Raihan when you see him? What will you talk about during your time together? What if it gets awkward? What if he thinks you're boring as hell and that you have nothing in common? You smacked a hand to your forehead as you slipped out of bed, full of regret and feeling sick to the stomach; it's not like you agreed to go on the date either but he's expecting you to turn up now and you're too afraid to message him saying you don't want to go anymore.

Glenn said he could wait with you at the Wyndon pokemon centre for moral support which you didn't think was necessary; it doesn't make you feel any better.

Yet, you're waiting in the Pokemon Centre; Glenn stands at the rounded table, going through photos on his phone whilst you peep outside the double glazed window. Here you are, dressed and dolled up. It took you almost three hours to get ready. You look the same as you did at the nightclub but the makeup's a bit toned down, especially with your eyeliner. There's still ten minutes to go until the date officially starts but your indication of Raihan's arrival is a cacophony of manic female screaming and cheering. People are pointing to a specific direction so you follow where their fingers are pointing to and you see that Raihan has appeared, having just arrived at the large fountain in the town square; he smiles and waves at a few shrieking fans - he's donned in a casual black t-shirt and denims (and looking very much like the way he did at that talkshow) - before he abruptly steps towards the fountain and plops himself down on an empty, dry space, bringing out his Rotom phone. High above and the sky is turning grey, indicating that it will be raining soon.

Your eyes grow wide as your Rotom phone buzzes and he flies out; you have received a photo from Raihan - he just snapped a photo of himself at the fountain and has sent it to you. The caption below says:

Doofus: I'm here :)

You don't know how to reply, your feet suddenly anchored to the spot. "...He's actually here." You croak out. "He's here, Glenn."

Glenn doesn't look up from his phone. “You thought he wasn't serious? That he was playing a cruel joke on you? This isn't prom night or high school or whatever.”

“Y-yeah...”

"Well, now that he’s here and obviously very serious, what are you waiting for? Go to him."

You shake your head furiously, taking a few steps back from the window. "Um...not yet."

"Huh?" He looks up, confused. "You're gonna make him wait?"

"...It's not that. I...I don't think I can do this."

"What do you mean?"

"This is a bad idea."

"No, it's not."

"Yes, it is."

"You can't keep letting whatever you're scared of stop you from doing things, sis." Glenn says, but you don't leave the safety of the pokemon centre.

As the minutes tick by, you see Raihan occasionally checking his phone, talking to some fans who would go up to him for selfies and autographs. Once that's done, he would look up and around and check his phone again for updates from your end (but obviously there's none because you didn't reply to his message). You hear a loud booming clap of thunder overhead and it occurs to you that the weather's getting worse and soon, the window becomes streaked with droplets.

"Look, it’s raining now." Glenn adds, "And it's pretty bad. Go and get him. Go get your man."

You stare at Raihan, who is still rooted in his seat on the fountain. He hasn't moved at all. Glancing at your phone, you realise you've left Raihan waiting for almost ten minutes. And as Glenn pointed out, it's beginning to rain heavily.

"Shit. You're right. Goddamnit, he's gonna get sick." You utter under your breath, "Glenn, I'm going."

"Whoohoo! Good luck! And most importantly, have fun!”

You pull your umbrella from your bag and open it as you rush out of the pokemon centre, running over to the fountain. Raihan doesn't notice you coming and since he hasn't moved from his spot at all, he's very drenched; once you arrive, you hold the umbrella over his head and he promptly looks up.

"Sorry, I'm late!" You exclaim, "Well, no, I wasn't late, I was - uh, never mind, I-I have kept you waiting and for that I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry."

He stares at you from head to toe; you're wearing a long-sleeved shirt dress with a belt and black shorts underneath, along with matching black chelsea boots. After he's had a good look at you, he immediately stands up and envelopes you into a tight hug. The umbrella jiggles in your hand and almost threatens to fall but you manage to hold onto it. Despite being completely wet, his body is warm.

"It's okay, I didn't wait for long." He says, as he nuzzles you affectionately. He sounds happy.

What a doofus, he clearly did wait for a long time. 

"You came." He adds.

"O-of course I'd come." You utter, and you exhale quietly under your breath as he bundles you up in his arms and gives you a tight squeeze. "...Sorry." You mumble again, throwing your gaze to the side as your chin rests on his broad shoulder. You can't help but apologise again and again.

His arms lower from your waist, large hands resting on the sides of your legs and the contact makes you blush heavily, your fingers clinching the damp fabric of his t-shirt. “Your outfit is too short.” He murmurs as he strokes the sides of your bare thighs before he slips his fingers underneath the material of your shorts - he’s almost at your ass - and he succeeds in sending a few shivers down your spine.

”You don’t like it?”

“No,” He mutters, “But it’s dangerous to wear something like that in front of me.”

Honestly, it’s quite a tacky thing to say but somehow he can get away with it because your face ends up a thousand shades of red before you defiantly turn your head to the side. “S-shut up.” You mumble as he leans over to press his lips over your cheek and you close your eye as he begins to trail little kisses over the side of your face. What were you expecting? Heck, you are deliberately wearing a sexy outfit for this date.

He moves towards your mouth and presses a deep kiss on your lips which kind of takes you off guard but before you can react, he pulls away and says, "What do you want to do first?"

"You're soaked." You squeak out, "I'm sorry."

He plants his hand atop your head, ruffling your head as he grins at you in response.

"Okay, I'm here and you're here. Your obsessed fan could also be here and watching us this very moment. What the hell are we doing, being in the wide open like this? This is bad. We should not be doing this." Glancing around, you see some of the Wyndon locals running for shelter from the rain, disappearing into their homes or nearby restaurants which now look pretty full. You're not too sure if it's a good idea if you should go with Raihan to such a busy place. You ponder to yourself briefly and it hits you. "Never mind; I have an idea."

....

Glimwood Tangle.

"Ahhhh. This is so much better." You sigh, wiping your brow with relief, "It's nice, dark and quiet here. No-one will see us."

The Glimwood Tangle is the perfect place - maybe not so much for a date, but if Raihan insists in spending some time with you, this is a good option. It's not raining here either, thank goodness. Of course, you're just a few paths away from Ballonlea as well, so you guess you could invite Raihan for tea or something nearer the end (and not for sex, nooo... and you hope he would respect that too). You took the Corviknight taxi - which was a bad idea because it was really cramped inside and you were both basically rubbing shoulders - which he didn't object to or anything, in fact he pretty much wanted you to sit in his lap but luckily for you and unlucky for him, there was just enough space.

You found the entire taxi ride darn near claustrophobic and he had his hand planted over your bare leg the entire time so you're relieved to have finally arrived at the woods - even when you exited the taxi, he let you go out first and the damn cramped cubicle meant when you both stood up and turned, your ass basically grinded invitingly against his hips. If it couldn't have been anymore damn obvious, there's tension between you and Raihan and you're not sure what will emerge from this.

In the woods, you look around whilst Raihan tries to get a signal on his phone. There's not many people around at all and as you mentioned, it's dark and quiet. You prefer this more than any other town or city. You take one step forwards and -

SQUELCH.

Throwing your glance down, you see your foot is stuck in thick mud, fast. "Motherfu - “

Raihan’s watching you.

”-Fuh...Furret. These are brand new."

He chuckles as you try to pull and tug your leg free but to no avail. Raihan steps over, invulnerable to the mud (but of course he is) and reaches for you, scooping you up with one hand under the back of your knees and the other around your shoulder and with unimaginable strength, he hoists you out - but now you're stuck in his hold, being carried bridal style which embarrasses you greatly.

"What are you doing?"

"Saving my princess." He replies cheerfully as he carries you through the woods. You blush the entire way; when you're away from the muddy terrain and back onto the path, you both find a large glowing mushroom and decide to sit down and Raihan looks around inquisitively. You get the feeling that he doesn't come here often, and you wonder if he has even come here before at all. He doesn't look used to his surroundings.

"Are you okay?" You ask, as Raihan looks up at the non-existent sky. "Is it too quiet here? Too dark? Some people find the Glimwood Tangle unnerving."

"It’s not so bad here.”

"Yeah, but people are rumoured to disappear or get lost for days. Weeks, even. So, not many people like passing here and as you can see, it's really dark. Like it's almost noon but it looks like it's night-time right now. It can really mess with your biological clock," You muse out loud, "N-not that I chose to stay near here because of those reasons, of course. “

You go silent; it occurs to you that he was observing you as you babbled and now you’re scared to death that you’d put him off with your ramblings. Did it make any sense? Or was it all garbage? Why did you say those things in the first place anyway? You couldn’t help it - it was like verbal diarrhoea. Have you made things awkward now?

As you worry, he asks, “Do you live in Ballonlea or Stow-on-Side?"

"Ballonlea. You can see my cottage over there." You point to the left where between some giant, neon mushrooms, you can see the roof of your cottage in-between the stems.

"Nice." He comments with a grin, before he takes off his orange sweatband which is damp with rain and as he wrings it dry, you get a rare view of Raihan without his headband, revealing the sides of his shaved head and his dreadlocks. You can feel your cheeks heating up as you look at his rugged side profile and angled jaw, the amount of manly appeal he oozes is enough to reduce you to a blushing mess. He's still fairly damp, his black t-shirt clinging to his muscles and you can see the lean outline of his biceps. Looks like he works out a lot...hot damn, you should've paid more attention to the training videos he posts up online. There's a reason they're insanely popular with fans.

You try to focus on the topic at hand here, clearing your throat, "My pokemon like it a lot here, except Espie. She prefers Johto."

"What other pokemon do you have?"

"I have a Drifloon; he's been with me for a long time. And I have a Poliwag. He refuses to evolve though, so we tied an Everstone around his tail. He lives in my bathroom."

Raihan chuckles again. Surprisingly....the conversation's been pretty fluid and he's extremely easy-going. “I got something for you.”

”Huh?”

Delving into his pocket, he takes out a pokeball with a ribbon tied neatly around the middle. Fancy. “This is for you.”

You don’t move. Your gut feels like it’s twisted into a tight knot.

”Go on, it’s yours.”

You nervously accept the pokeball from him and he gestures for you to open it, releasing whatever is inside. You press the button and a red light flashes briefly before the Pokemon appears. Your eyes widen at once. It’s a round purplish-pink blob that blinks it’s little eyes at you before opening its mouth wide. It makes a gurgling noise and your jaw drops.

”A Goomy!!?!” You exclaim, and you can’t help the smile that blossoms on your face; Raihan watches, grinning at your reaction. “But...why? You didn’t have to.”

“He needs a home and I know you’ll take good care of him.”

As the Goomy looks between you and Raihan, you hold your arms out. It slowly slithers over to you and you lift it up and into your arms. Uh, okay.... now your clothes are feeling a little damp. There’s a slime trail over your front and as Goomy gurgles happily, you smile cheerfully at it and rub at one of it’s little horns.

”Oh, so cute...” You can’t wait to raise him into a Goodra that will destroy anything and everything. Oh yeah. Turning to Raihan, you grin, “Thanks. I’ll look after him.”

He grins at you in response as you return your new Goomy into the pokeball. Shit, you didn’t get anything for Raihan. But his gift was totally unexpected! You weren’t expecting any presents!!! What are you going to do?

“What's it like being a Pokemon Breeder?" He asks, snapping you out of your thoughts.

"O-oh, well, I like it very much, I get to see lots of pokemon everyday. I look after a lot of pokemon everyday." You babble again, "I look after the babies, I look after the eggs, and I deliver eggs. For EV training, I only accept up to five pokemon; I take them to places with specific pokemon to battle for stat gain."

He rubs his chin in thought, "Where did you learn how to EV train?"

It's then you throw your glance to the ground and bring your knees to your chest. "....When I was a kid, I brought Beldum to Show and Tell. My classmates laughed at him and said mean things so I wanted to train him up to become stronger. I took him to the mountains and we battled a lot of Trapinch. Along the way, I noticed his attack stats kept increasing as I levelled him up." You mumble, "I never forgot that moment, not once."

"I know." He says nonchalantly, "You told me."

You whip your head to him in confusion as he smiles coolly at you. "When did I ever tell you that?"

"Didn't you watch the rest of the video?"

Your cheeks go red. "Uh........No." You utter, after a pregnant pause, "...No, I...I didn’t."

His expression gradually dissolves into one of disappointment and his face crumbles slightly. Oh shit, now that you think about it... you didn't finish watching it. You scratch your elbow, pondering.

"What's it like being a gym leader?" You ask timidly, and also wanting to change the subject, "And why did you decide to become one?"

"Hah, good question." He replies, "I like battling and training pokemon. Being a gym leader means I constantly get challenged by people from all across the region; there's always something new to look forward to everyday and my pokemon can get stronger. One day, when we're strong enough, we'll beat Leon."

You admire his positivity, you really do. And his energy. You give him a small smile as he grins at you again and a comfortable silence settles between the two of you; inwardly, you’re quite happy that the date seems to be going in a good direction. You muse silently whilst Raihan takes out his phone and attempts to take a selfie of himself with a green mushroom behind him. It's too dark for him to show up properly, however. You're about to say something when you hear a rustle in the grass below you and you turn your head to the source of the noise.

“Did you hear that??" You whisper, leaning over to see who or what is making the ruckus; when a pokemon emerges, your eyes widen and you unconsciously grab his arm. "Raihan, look, it's a Ponyta!"

"Hm?" He peers over the edge of the mushroom beside you.

As you point excitedly to the grass below, the small horse pokemon trots out from the undergrowth and glances around cautiously before it begins to feast on the grass. "Damn, all my pokemon are too strong. They'll just kill it - I mean, make it, er, faint - in one move."

"I'll catch it for you." Raihan says; he stuffs his headband into his pocket, hops off his seat and drops to the ground carefully and quietly before reaching for you with arms outstretched.

You swallow down slightly and gingerly slide off the mushroom, holding onto his shoulders for support; he slips his arms around your waist securely and effortlessly hoists you down and when your feet touch the ground, he's still holding you tightly and your noses are almost touching. You mutter your thanks as he lets go of you slowly before reaching for an ultra ball that's nestled behind his back. Approaching the Ponyta, he tosses the ultra ball and a large pokemon emerges - it's his Sandaconda. The Ponyta, startled, decides to face it head on. You look at it's multicoloured mane that is a beautiful shade of mixed pastel blue and pink. So adorable!!!

"Go, Sandaconda! Use headbutt!" He instructs, and the sand snake pokemon proceeds to ram itself at the pokemon. It didn't get a chance to retaliate at all! The Ponyta drops to the ground, not exactly knocked out but reeling from the impact. Weakened, Raihan grins and then grabs a spare pokeball from his pocket and throws it at the downed pokemon. You're surprised he's helping you catch it, and when the ball clicks shut successfully after wiggling around for three times, you watch numbly as Raihan collects it, returning his pokemon at the same time. With the pokeball in hands, he heads back to your direction and hands you the capsule. "There you go. She's all yours."

He’s surprising you a lot today. And he’s gotten you another Pokemon.

"Thanks, Raihan."

“Whatever Pokemon you want, I’ll get it for you.”

”You don’t have to.”

”I want to.”

Your cheeks flame up immediately.

”What’s next on your list?”

You think about Dragapult and an image of the ghost slash dragon type appears in your mind. Oh, Glenn is right. Dragapult really does look like he is done with life and shit. Now you really want one. “Dreepy....” You mutter, in a slight zombie trance.

”Okay, I’ll get you one.”

”Wha - ?! Raihan, I didn’t mean it, I was just - seriously, don’t. It’s okay.”

As you splutter, clearly flustered by his generosity, he chuckles. You give him a timid smile, throwing your glance to the pokeball in your hands, then back up at him. He hasn't looked away from you at all. It grows silent for a while between the two of you where you're both staring at each other - to your surprise, you’re able to maintain the eye contact without wanting to look or turn away.

Maybe it’s because you’re anticipating him to kiss you and as predicted, Raihan slowly begins to lean in. You freeze on the spot then, watching as his face comes closer and closer and your heart beats harder. It’s that giddy Butterfrees-in-the-stomach feeling again but this time, it’s strangely pleasant. His gaze lands on your lips and when he finally nears you; he pauses and flicks his glance up at you as though he’s waiting for something. Your permission, perhaps? When you don’t move, he closes the gap and gently pecks you on the lips, reaching for your hand and squeezing it. You force yourself not to move and discover you’re able to stand still. The corner of your lip tugs upwards against his mouth which causes him to grin in response as he smooches you again quickly.

When you both pull away, you mutter, "...Shall we head to Ballonlea?"

"Sure."

You place the pokeball with the newly captured Ponyta into your bag beside Goomy’s and once that's done, Raihan begins to guide you out of the woods. Hand in hand, you both walk towards the direction of Ballonlea where he would occasionally nudge you playfully using his shoulder and you would nudge him back. The only source of light comes from the glowing mushrooms but it's really relaxing to be here. You see some other pokemon in your path, including some Shiinotic and Morelull who all hide away from you, disappearing into the darkness. Up ahead and you see some gym challenger being pranked on by Impidimps. Soon, the town comes into view and you lead the way to your house where you see a cardboard box on your doorstep.

Huh, that wasn't there before...and it couldn't be mail, either.

Stopping directly in front of it, you and Raihan stare at the box and then look at each other. It says 'Open Me' and there's an awful stench emitting from inside. That wipes the smile clean off your face; Raihan steers you behind him and you quickly grab his arm. "Wait! No, don't open it. Call Looker."

He eyes the box cautiously, "...Yeah. You're right." Just as Raihan pulls out his phone, his screen flashes, indicating a call from the detective you had just mentioned. "You called at a great time."

"What happened?" You can hear Looker's gravelly voice from the receiver.

"I'm with her. There's a weird box outside her doorstep."

"Okay, I'm heading over. Don't open it."

"What do you think is inside?"

"...A dead pokemon, or parts of one, probably."

There's a brief silence before Raihan hangs up.

"A dead pokemon?!" You exclaim in shock; Raihan returns his phone and turns to you, then encircles his arms around your waist wordlessly and holds you tight against him; he's strong, you can't wriggle free from his embrace. "Raihan, we shouldn't have - this person knows where I live! And now this... this is awful!”

Raihan doesn't say anything except press his lips against your forehead in an effort to calm you down whilst rubbing your arm soothingly.

The wait for Looker is excruciatingly long.

The Moths

In my awakening insert’s... theoretical fic, Pix actually doesn’t get too close to the main story until the time... around the timeskip. She actually joins up with a group called the Shadow Moths (otherwise known as Alicia’s Moths), and just kinda. recruits all the future kids to it.

Anyway here’s how they started off <3

When Alicia looked back, her brother and mother were gone.

She can still hear shouting. She can still feel the way the magic rumbles in her soul whenever their pursuers try to summon Risen; even if she was an unsuccessful attempt at holding Grima, her brother was the successful attempt, so she could still feel that dark magic. She grit her teeth and looked back forward, watching her surroundings as she continued to run.

Her mother was likely dead.

She stumbled. She didn't feel any magic in the air around her. She kept running anyway. Her pink hair whipped rapidly behind her.

Her brother... they'd want to keep him alive. He was the result of a long line of cult breeding, a mark on his hand showing him perfect to house the soul of a demonic dragon.

She hoped he escaped. She hoped that their pursuers only claimed their mother. Alicia couldn't go back to check. She just had to hope. Hope was the best way to combat the despair that being Grimleal caused, her mother had always told her.

She stumbled through some town gates, and realized that she no longer had pursuers. Her hair was a mess, her outfit— the only thing she had left from her time as a Grimleal— was torn to shreds, and she probably didn't look the prettiest. 

She pulled out her money purse, checking what she had in it. Alicia frowned as she counted her gold. This was enough to get one night at the Inn, maybe enough to get another set of clothes... Where could she go from here?

-

"Young Siban..." August's face twisted, and the merchant— Josh— put his hands up in the air and waved it back and forth. "I-I mean, August! Young August! Are you quite sure about this?"

August held the bow in one hand, and held the quiver in the other. It was intricately designed, both matched each other perfectly, it was easy to pull back on the bowstring... Just like she had wanted.

August stared at him, slinging the quiver over her shoulder. "I've spent a lot of gold on this, Josh." She ran a hand through her hair. "If I wasn't sure, I would've backed out at the price."

Josh stared at his hands. "... Are you sure you must go?"

August scoffed, turning around. "My parents decided that for me."

She would miss him. But she wouldn't say that. She had learned better. Keep her heart under lock and key, and she wouldn't be hurt like that again.

August remembered seeing a lone mercenary wandering around, doing tasks that nobody else wished to do. Her parents had recruited her once, for the honor of fighting for their honor or something August didn't pay much attention to at the time. August thought that mercenary would be the perfect one.

August never learned how to fight. That was how she was raised. That lone mercenary, though? She knew how to use her sword to terrifying effect. August had a feeling that she could learn how to use a bow from that mercenary.

Now she would begin her search. 

-

"There we go!"

Rosa backed away from her horse, who lifted up his head and snorted. She slid the horse brush off of her hand, giggling at his attitude. "Don't be like that, Sain! You know I need to do it!" The white-haired girl dropped her brush into a bucket that she had labeled the horse care bucket. She picked it up off the floor and slid it onto the shelf, then made her way back to Sain. 

Rosa brushed her hand down his side, her smile growing wistful. "You and I are similar, you know." Her fingers traced the start of one of his front legs, feeling the natural power behind it. "You're not meant to be a noble steed. You're meant to be out there—" She tossed her free hand in the direction of the exit of the stables, where beams of sunlight were starting to emerge, "—running around, feeling air through your mane..." She brushed her hand over his dark brown mane, twisting it between her fingers. "...But you're stuck in here, just used to deliver messages."

Sain huffed again, and Rosa laughed to herself. "Oh, right, I shouldn't mess up your noble mane, not after I just brushed it." She moved her pale hand back to his body, rubbing her fingers in a circle.

Her face returned to melancholy. "... I want to be outside, too. I wish I could run around out there, I wish that my skin and eyes didn't draw so much attention..." Rosa pressed her face against Sain's neck, and he lowered his head on her shoulder. Her smile lifted. "My parents care so much for how I'll be perceived. If only I could just..."

Her hand stopped on Sain's side, and Rosa drew away from her horse. Sain lifted his head, staring at her in confusion.

Sain could take her anywhere. The only worry she had was that she drew attention when outside, and if she just covered that up... Sain could run free. She could get him saddled up, cover herself, and... go. Sain wasn't meant to be a messenger horse, he was meant to carry soldiers for long battles.

She could do that.

Rosa ran her hand down his neck again, then stepped away. "Hold on for a second." She grinned, heading for the door of Sain's enclosure. "I think I know how to solve both of our problems."

-

How long had it been since she slept?

Ninu curled her flame red wings around her shoulders, disguising it as a cloak like her mother had told her to so long ago. Her long, pale blue dress trailed at her feet, snagging on bushes and branches as she pushed onward.

The trees were different. Their branches and leaves were different from how she had remembered them, before her slumber. Above the trees, she could see the tops of buildings from a city that didn't exist before.

Her dress snagged on another branch. Ninu continued to walk, not minding the holes being torn into the bottom of her dress.

It seemed like the anger that had been building up inside of her had been quelled after her nap, like her mother had said it would.

Waking up and not seeing her face had stung. Not seeing her siblings or father had stung, as well. Were her siblings still alive? Her parents weren't, not if a large time had passed, but her siblings were only barely older than her. Where had they gone?

Her steps slowed when she heard the sound of people talking. It seemed that the language changed, but not enough that she could not understand their conversation.

"That's the reason we have arm guards." A light, yet scolding voice rung out from the clearing ahead. "Go and put it on. Now..." There was a sigh, and the sound of boots turning on dirt. "...Rosa. You have your armor?"

"Yep!" A perky voice responded. 

Ninu thought she could hear the slight grumbling of another voice. Was that who got scolded by the first voice? She couldn't identify the words of that one. She drifted closer, blue eyes gazing over the clearing she had stumbled upon.

Three humans were on one side of the clearing, and three training dummies were set up on the other. A human with light pink hair tied up in a low ponytail was walking around the deep black horse the unnaturally pale human with white hair was sitting on, tracing her hands on... whatever was hanging off of the horse's backside. The third human was digging through a bag with dark brown hands, curly black hair pulled tight into a high bun.

The human with light pink hair nodded, patting the pale human on the leg. "You're ready." She stepped away from the human on the horse, lips curled to a frown. "... You're sure about this?"

"Y-Yeah!" The pale human clutched onto the wooden lance in her hands. "Mercenaries travel, right? And if you train me, even better!"

Ninu was not sure what the pale human was wearing counted as armor. Even disregarding the strangely patterned cloak she wore over her head, the armor seemed too close to the skin to be armor. Ninu remembered bulky iron chainmail, not... whatever she was wearing.

"Okay." The pink-haired human nodded, crossing her arms. "Show me what you got down."

The dark-skinned human pulled on a glove, turning from the bag she had been digging through. The human's hazel eyes met Ninu's, and, judging by the sudden tensing of her shoulders, Ninu had been seen.

"Alicia," The dark-skinned human hissed towards the other two, sharply pointing in Ninu's direction, "we're being watched."

The human on the horse tensed, and the horse neighed with irritation as it turned around. The pink-haired human's reaction was to sharply turn in Ninu's direction, pulling out— that was an actual iron sword.

Sure, it looked different from what Ninu remembered, but the sharpness and general shape echoed in her mind from when her mother showed Ninu her backup weapon.

"Show yourself," The pink-haired human barked, "Before I make you face my blade."

Ninu pulled herself out of the shadows of the trees, stretching out her dragon wings. The anger and tension lessened considerably, in exchange for confused glances being swapped between the three humans.

"Pardon my intrusion." Ninu spoke, bowing. Her wings stretched out to their full length as she bowed, returning to their spot on her shoulders as she returned to standing upright. Surprisingly, the dark-skinned human was a little bit taller than Ninu. "I have awakened from my lengthy slumber, and your gathering caught my eye." Ninu's ears twitched. "My name is Ninu. Might I ask what your business is here?"

The dark-skinned human and the unnaturally pale human both looked at the pink-haired human. The pink-haired human looked over to the two of them, sighed, then stepped forward, looking up to meet eyes with Ninu.

"I'm Alicia," The pink-haired human placed a hand on her chest, "that's August," Alicia pointed to the dark-skinned human, "and that's Rosa." Alicia pointed to the unnaturally pale human on a horse. August and Rosa both waved. "We're... well." Alicia looked back up to Ninu. "We're a new mercenary group, the Shadow Moths."

"We came up with that name, like... five minutes ago." August sighed.

Ninu nodded. Mercenaries, huh? Some things changed, some things stayed the same.

Alicia hummed, and Ninu refocused to her. "... You wouldn't mind if I asked you to join us, right?"

-

A mage stood in front of them. She clutched a tome close to her body, green eyes unable to stay focused on just one person. Her robes were a mix of pink, purple, and blue, covering her body. It was not a typical mage uniform, but it seemed she was used to it, if her performance in that battle was any indication.

Alicia stepped forward. "You said your name was Pix, yes?"

Pix nodded, smiling nervously. "Yeah."

"Pix..." Alicia looked down to the magic tome in Pix's arms, and her mind was pulled back to when she still traveled on the road with Robin and her mother. Their magical skill being at her back was a comfort, and it was something she had missed on the few missions the Moths had been on so far. "Are you open for working with a mercenary group?"

Pix's eyes widened, and her grip on her book tightened. "You..." She struggled for words for a moment. "You want to recruit me?"

"The Moths... we're lacking in mage power." Alicia explained, watching as Pix failed to fully suppress the glee on her face. "You seem to know how to use magic, and if you jumped into a fight you were not initially a part of, you might not have much to do except wander."

Alicia had found Rosa like that, after all.

"Will you accept?"

Pix flattened her face again, though the edges of her lips were still curving upwards. "Yes!" Pix blinked, then coughed into her palm, going slightly red. "Yes, I'll join."

"Good!" Alicia chirped, her own smile widening. "Follow me. The other three are back at our camp, I'll introduce you there."

(August watched Pix's laughter at one of Alicia's jokes get suppressed by herself, and August wondered why their newest member felt the same need to suppress showing emotions like August did.)

(Rosa watched Pix walk into camp at Alicia's side, and couldn't help her smile at someone new.)

(Ninu's gaze followed Pix as the mage got set up for the night of rest, and wondered why her magical aura felt so achingly similar to that of her mother.)

I wrote a oneshot for @adrinetteapril!

Day Six: Aspik and Marinette (several days late lol). Words: 2,528

Summary: A scheme to stop Adrien from figuring out Ladybug’s identity turns into Marinette offering to help Aspik impress Ladybug.

XX

This was a strategic move, not a social visit, Marinette reminded herself, taking a deep breath or two (or several) to calm the familiar swell of nerves in her chest. Now that she was the new Guardian, she had promised herself to stop pursuing Adrien to keep her focus on keeping Paris safe... but that didn’t stop her stomach from tying itself in lovesick knots at the thought of him.

In the weeks since Miracle Queen’s defeat, there had been a sharp uptick in akumas. It helped put people (and Marinette’s own frayed nerves) at ease to give some of the newer heroes regular patrol times. This way, the superheroes could get more familiar with their powers, and the rest of the Parisians could feel a bit safer. Normally, this would have been Viperion and Rena Rouge’s day to patrol, but the Couffaines were in the middle of a well-deserved family vacation. And as it happened, their timing suited Marinette just fine.

The other day, Adrien had run into Marinette walking out of an alleyway that Ladybug had jumped into moments earlier. He hadn’t directly asked her about it as she sputtered something about their latest physics assignment, trying to make him think about anything else, but she could see the gears turning in his head. She needed to throw him off. 

So today, Ladybug had asked Adrien to take another turn with the snake miraculous while Viperion was indisposed. She had stationed him for patrol in the same neighborhood where Rena Rouge would just happen to be perfecting her Mirage by creating visions of Ladybug jumping around the nearby rooftops (at Ladybug’s friendly suggestion), and Marinette would just happen to pass by and offer him a macaron at just the right time for him to see that Marinette and Ladybug were in two different places in the same time and therefore, totally not the same person. It was the perfect plan, really.

And if it also just happened to have the effect of Adrien being impressed by her baking skills, well, that wouldn’t hurt anyone either.

She was surprised to find Aspik pacing back and forth on the bridge where she had left him, shifting his harp from hand to hand.

”Excuse me?” she said, approaching him. He started to wave when he caught sight of her, then promptly dropped his hand, apparently remembering that he wasn’t supposed to know who she was. Adorable!

”Hi,” he said. “Something I can help you with?”

”Oh, no,” she replied. “I just wanted to give back a bit to the heroes of Paris.” She held out the box of macarons she was carrying, inwardly thrilled that she had gotten this far without stammering. “Want one?”

”Thanks! I wish more people showed appreciation with sweets.” He went straight for the passionfruit macaron, as she’d known he would. She couldn’t help smiling fondly.

”I’m Marinette, by the way. I don’t think I’ve seen you before. Usually, Viperion patrols around here on Tuesdays.”

”He wasn’t able to come out today, so I’m covering for him. I’m Aspik.”

He was smiling, but there was something in the tightness of his face, the hunch of his shoulders that told her something wasn’t right. Not to mention, the way he’d been pacing before he saw her. He had been all confidence and charming jokes when she (as Ladybug) had been showing him where to patrol an hour or so ago. Had something happened since then?

“Um, is everything okay, Aspik?” she asked carefully.

His smile faltered. “Of course. Why wouldn’t it be?”

Marinette had spent enough time surreptitiously staring at Adrien to know when he wasn’t being truthful, but she couldn’t force him to open up if he didn’t want to. It was better not to pry, so instead, she pressed the pastry box into his hands. “Why don’t you take the rest of these? I already gave some to Ladybug and Rena Rouge, and I don’t feel like carrying them all the way home. Anyway, enjoy being super handsome -- I mean -- enjoy being a superhero!”

She turned to leave, letting her bangs fall over her face to hide her blush. She had been doing so well -- forming complete sentences and everything! And then, she had ruined it. She cringed at herself, hearing Tikki fail to stifle a giggle inside her handbag.

“Hey, Marinette?”

She turned to see Aspik staring after her, looking unsure. “I can’t possibly eat all of these by myself. Can you stay and have some with me?”

This is strategy, she reminded herself sternly, you’re not here to flirt. Even if knowing that Adrien wants to spend more time with you is the most amazing feeling in the world.

She all but skipped back across the bridge to him.

They leaned against the stone guard rail, placing the pastry box between them. “You seem to know a lot about superheros,” Aspik observed.

“My best friend runs the LadyBlog, so I learn a lot about them from her,” Marinette explained (maybe a little bit too quickly). “Plus, ya know, uh, sometimes I give sweets to them when they’re patrolling.”

“That’s really cool of you.” He offered a perfect smile, but didn’t look at her. She followed his gaze upward to where the Mirage-Ladybug was jumping around some nearby rooftops. Alya really was getting good with the fox miraculous, her Mirages getting more detailed by the day.

“What’s Ladybug’s favorite kind of macaron?” Aspik asked.

“Um… strawberry? Or chocolate. Or maybe marzipan. It depends on the day, really,” Marinette concluded, quickly grabbing several more from the box when she realized that the little stack she was already holding matched up exactly with Ladybug’s preferences. “Why do you ask?”

“No reason,” he replied. Was his face turning red, all of a sudden? Oh God, were her macarons giving him some sort of allergic reaction? Marinette was rapidly beginning to panic when Aspik changed the subject: “So, in your expert opinion as the Lady Blogger’s best friend, do you think Ladybug and Chat Noir will ever get together?”

“Oh, um…” she fumbled, surprised by the question.

“I mean, I know that they have to keep it professional and focus on fighting Hawk Moth, but do you think she’d give him a chance after Hawk Moth is defeated?”

His voice was light and casual, but he had started to fidget with his harp again. Why did he care about her and Chat Noir? “I don’t know, maybe. They seem good together when they fight,” she replied, hoping she sounded like she wasn’t close to the situation.

“Yeah, but is he too goofy for her? I mean, obviously his jokes are fire, but do you think Ladybug wants someone more serious?”

“No way,” she snorted, forgetting herself for a moment. “Chat Noir is a goofball, but that’s part of his charm. It doesn’t mean he’s not an awesome superhero and friend. And yeah, occasionally he makes a joke that’s actually funny.”

She stopped short. His face was definitely turning red. For a second, she wondered if he was choking on a piece of macaron and felt a heady thrill at the thought of putting her arms around him to attempt the heimlich.

“Oh yeah,” he said, grinning down at the sidewalk, “Chat mentioned you two have hung out once or twice. He thinks you’re awesome too.”

What? When had Chat and Adrien talked about her? And more importantly, how was Ladybug going to casually ask Chat what Adrien had said about Marinette? She anxiously chomped into another macaron, nearly knocking the whole box off the ledge with her elbow. Aspik managed to catch the box before the macarons met a watery end and handed it back to her, chuckling. For the first time since she had arrived, he seemed at ease.

“I’m glad you came by today, Marinette,” he said. “You made me feel a lot better.”

Her face burned from his compliment. She stayed quiet, knowing whatever she managed to say at this moment wouldn’t be coherent.

“Can I tell you about something in confidence?” said Aspik. 

She nodded, still slightly reeling.

He continued, “I was really nervous about doing this patrol today. I used the snake miraculous once before, and… it didn’t go great. There’s a reason Viperion usually has it. But I didn’t want to say ‘no’ to Ladybug.”

“Why not?” asked Marinette, snapping back to reality. “I wouldn’t -- I mean, I’m sure she wouldn’t have been mad.”

“I know. It’s just that, I really respect her. A lot. I didn’t want to disappoint her.” 

“So… you don’t like being Aspik?”

He sank down to sit on the concrete, back still leaning against the stone guardrail, still watching Mirage-Bug traverse the rooftops. It answered her question.

Marinette sat down beside him, guilt gnawing at her. “I’m sure Ladybug wouldn’t ask you to, if she knew you felt that way.”

He shrugged. “I pretended it didn’t bother me when I was with her earlier. I want her to feel like she can rely on me.” He glanced briefly at Marinette, seeming to weigh how much he should tell her, then he added, “I sort of have a crush on her.”

It was a moment before Marinette could think in words again, a moment more before she remembered how to speak. “Oh. Um. Uh, how much of a crush?”

“A little one. Just, like, a normal celebrity crush.”

Marinette stared at the bricks of the building opposite them, still processing this new information. Aspik apparently took her silence for disbelief. He drew his knees up to his chest, resting his chin on top of them. “I’ve thought about what we would name our kids,” he admitted. “Is that pathetic?”

“How many kids?”

“What?”

“What?” Marinette forcibly dragged herself back into the current moment. “Nevermind, forget I asked that! Anyway, that’s not so bad... Listen, there’s this boy I know, and I don’t think he feels this way about me, but… I’ve designed outfits for our entire wedding party. So, at least we’re in the same boat. Right?”

She had no idea how many of those had come out as real words. Had they just both confessed to each other? Did it count if she was the only one who was aware of it?

Beside her, Aspik cracked a smile. “Maybe we are in the same boat. It’s nice to have some company there.”

No wonder he was so curious about her relationship with Chat. He was trying to feel out the situation. Jeez, it was so insensitive and dumb of her to ask him to patroll like this. She was never asking him to use the snake miraculous again, that was for sure. But she couldn’t tell him that right now, and suddenly, all she wanted in the world was to cheer him up.

“Maybe I could help you impress her,” she offered. 

He lit up. “Really? How would we do that?”

She hadn’t thought that far ahead. So much for strategy. “Well, Alya told me Ladybug is really impressed by, umm…” --it needed to be something that wouldn’t put too much pressure on him, since he was already stressed-- “uh, dancing.”

“Really? I’ve never heard that before.”

“It’s, um, from an unpublished interview.”

Marinette really hoped that sounded believable. It wasn’t exactly a lie about the dancing -- their class had just finished up a ballroom dancing unit in their P.E. class. Even Marinette, with her legendary clumsiness, had loved it… and she would be lying if she said she hadn’t stolen a glance or two at Adrien during those classes, amazed at how he seemed to be a natural at everything he did. She continued, “Yeah, so maybe next time you see her, you could tell her you’re really good at--”

“Can I borrow that for a second?” he interrupted, pointing at her phone, which was resting on her knee. She nodded and nudged it toward him, thanking her lucky stars she had changed her background picture to one of her and Alya the week before. He tapped on the phone screen for a moment, before a tinny melody started floating from the speaker. Marinette recognized one of the sweeping classical songs they had danced to in class. Aspik set her phone down gently on the sidewalk and stood up, holding a hand out to Marinette.

“Let’s do it,” he said.

Marinette didn’t trust herself to speak as she let him help her up and placed her hands on his shoulders. He led her in a simple waltz step -- good enough to impress Mirage-Bug on a nearby rooftop but simple enough that Marinette wouldn’t recognize that they had learned in the same class. If she didn’t already know, that was. He was a good hero. And so cute, so sweet and considerate. So good at video games… Marinette let her mind trail off into a happy daze, hoping the song never ended.

When the music eventually did end, he swept her into a dramatic dip, making her giggle with a mixture of terror and joy. He laughed too, pulling her back to her feet. They both turned at the sound of clapping nearby. Rena had joined Mirage-Bug on the rooftop and was beaming down at them. She had burst into applause and (bless her) had made Mirage-Bug do the same.

Aspik waved up at them, beaming too. “Do you think she liked it?” he asked, softly enough that only Marinette could hear.

“Yeah,” Marinette murmured dizzily, “I’d say Ladybug liked that a lot.”

One of his hands was still resting casually on her waist, and to her shocked delight, he gave her a gentle squeeze. For a moment or two (or several), she allowed herself to lean into him, and to not think about how she could never tell him that she was the girl he loved, or how much Alya would tease her about this in the morning at school, or that she had stepped on her phone by accident. She loved him so much.

But this was a strategic interaction after all and she couldn’t indulge herself forever, so after one final squeeze, she stepped away from him and told him she had to get going.

“Thanks for the dance,” he said, “and for cheering me up.”

“Any time. I’ll, um, put in a good word for you with Ladybug next time I’m handing out cookies.”

“Oh, thanks.” Another blush crept under his mask. “I’ll put in a good word for you with Chat Noir.”

“What?!” 

Had she heard him right? How had she managed to give him the idea that her crush was on Chat? Before she could correct him, a series of leaps had carried him to the top of a nearby building where he was now talking animatedly to Rena Rouge (although not before she noticed that his face had turned an impressively bright shade of pink).

“That was nice of you Marinette,” Tikki said, peaking out of Marinette’s handbag. “I’m proud of you for staying calm.”

Marinette stole one last glance at Aspik and Rena and started back toward home. “Thanks, Tikki. I really wish I could tell him.”

“Maybe one day, you can.”

“Yeah, maybe one day.”

Marinette felt a heartsick pang at the thought of how long she would have to wait until then. Nevertheless, with the waltz still echoing in her head and her own blush warming her cheeks, she couldn’t seem to wipe the smile from her face as she walked home.

Furious Blades

A story for Russell’s Pokemon Verse, for how he ended up losing his right arm and subsequently getting a replacement. Some violence in this one, but yeah. Also, it’s long, you’ve been warned.

It was just meant to be a quick walk from one route to the next. Russell had made sure to check the map and he was confident that he would be able to get to the next town without much trouble. 

Russell had been moving swiftly, but carefully, his hands tucked into his pockets and his ears peeled for any signs of danger.

“Sir!” a young man’s voice caught his attention, and Russell turned his gaze onto the new person. The red uniform was recognisable. 

“You, you want a battle?” Russell asked. It was what they usually wanted. They often found themselves bored on the job. 

“No, sir. Not now. But I can see why you would assume that,” the ranger replied, “We really need you to turn back from this area. We have a swarm of Scyther moving through the route and due to it being their mating season, they are hostile to passers-by. While we can recommend watching from a distance, you’ll need to take the alternative path so you’ll be on the higher levels, this way.”

The man gestured, and Russell nodded. 

“Th-thanks,” Russell said, as he started to follow, “That’s…” 

But then a scream erupted in the air; unmistakably a human’s. It was shrill and high. The shout was followed by the frantic shouts of a name.

“Molly!” 

“Molly! You have to get out of there!”

Russell’s eyes widened in alarm, and he pushed past the ranger without any hesitance. Through the bushes, he could already see a young girl, no older than ten, was surrounded by the Pokemon. Her curly blonde hair had leaves and twigs in it. The colour had drained from her dark face, leaving it a greyer shade. 

She must have slid down the steep dunes by accident and ended up right in their midst. Judging by their glares, they were far from happy. Molly didn’t appear to know where to look, but she knew the danger she was in.

“Oh no…” the ranger only said.

Russell didn’t think anything else. His feet seemed to carry him forward without any thought. In a swift sprint, he had reached Molly just as the closet Scyther swung its blades.

He ducked, and took Molly in his left arm as he did, never stopping in his movements at all. 

“Hold, hold on tight!” he instructed. Molly instantly did as she was told, and put her arounds his neck to better support herself. 

If he could get back to the ranger, he could hand over Molly and then hopefully get Thor out to defend himself. A good power gem from Ampharos would surely send the swarm packing. 

But the Scyther were fast, even with the element of surprise he had given them, and they were now out for his blood. 

Russell met eyes with the ranger, and he seemed to realise his plan. But then a Scyther suddenly landed in front of him and swung its blade. Russell found himself lifting his right arm instinctively to protect his face. A thud hit his ears, but he barely registered it. 

He couldn’t go to the ranger. He instead took off running in the opposite direction. 

Molly let out another high pitched scream.

“It’s, it’s gonna, it’s gonna be okay,” Russell said, between pants. 

“Your arm!” Molly wailed, pointing. 

Russell glanced back. His eyes widened and his blood turned to ice when he realised that his own arm was indeed on the ground. He found himself looking at where it should have been. Just below the elbow, it had been severed entirely, and the stump was heavily bleeding.

Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit! 

He couldn’t give up. One more look was spared as one of the Scyther impaled the disembodied limb on one of its own. It waved the arm, as though to taunt them, before chopping it into slices. Russell knew what it was saying; they were next. 

Not if he could help it. 

But no matter where they turned, it seemed that more members of the swarm would block them from going anywhere. Eventually, they were back where Molly started; at the bottom of a steep dune that they had no hope of climbing up. 

“D-damn it. They, they were, they were herding us like, like Mareep…” Russell said, as he panted.

“They’re smart enough to do that?” Molly moaned.

“Looking like it,” Russell said, as he carefully put Molly down. 

“Don’t let them hurt me,” the little girl said.

“I, I won’t,” Russell said, as the swarm drew closer around them, “G-get behind me.”

“You’re, you’re looking bad,” Molly said.

She wasn’t wrong. Russell’s face had grown considerably paler, and his movements were weaker and heavier as he tried to move. His hand was shaking, and sweat had formed on his upper lip. 

“I’m, I’m fine,” Russell said. 

He had to get Thor out of her pokeball. She was their best chance to escape. Russell started to reach onto his belt with the hand he had left. But one of the bug Pokemon darted forward and swung its blades across his chest, leaving an x-shaped tear in his clothing and skin. The pain was unbearable and Russell staggered backwards a few steps from the force of the blow. 

The belt was cut, and his pokeballs scattered around his feet. He quickly dropped to his knees to find Thor. There was still a chance. But then his heart sank when he realised the button of one must have been pressed by accident.

Hestia, the smaller Larvesta, was far from his intended Pokemon to use.

“H-Hestia,” Russell’s words were a struggle to push out of his mouth, “It’s, it’s okay… get, get back in your ball… it’s, it’s gonna be okay...” 

The rest of the Scyther were still approaching, and the one that had attacked him was rubbing its blades together. The wings on the others vibrated, making a sinister buzz ring through the air. 

Hestia seemed to be staring the creatures down. On hearing Russell talk, she briefly turned her eyes to him, taking in his condition. Russell made a move to stand up, holding up the empty ball. 

“H-Hestia, re-” the command to return died on his lips when the smaller bug was suddenly cloaked in a harsh white light. Her shape changed and she grew larger. A harsh heat enveloped the air, and the light became fire before she emerged anew. 

Hestia had evolved. The larger moth-like creature flapped its wings. Its small limbs twitched, and it blinked once. There was a brief lull, then it fired the attack it had been preparing. Flames shot out from its wings, covering all in front of it in a wave of red fire. Grass was charred, the heat was almost unbearable, and the Scyther got the brunt of the blast. 

When it faded, all the Scyther around them collapsed. The only few that there were left standing had the sense to flee while they still could. Hestia watched them go, only then turning around when she finally heard her beloved trainer fall to the ground. The grass below him rapidly started turning red.  

“M-Mister…” Molly’s eyes were filling with tears as she stared down at Russell’s unconscious body, “Please wake up… please…”

Russell groaned as his eyes slowly opened. He blinked when the ceiling lights met his eyes. What the hell happened? Russell slowly sat up, taking in his surroundings. He was in a bed, hooked to a machine to monitor his vitals. His bag had been placed on a table nearby. 

Russell gasped when he saw what was left of his right arm. The memories came flooding back in an instant. The little girl in the Scyther pit. He had run to save her. Then Hestia had evolved to save their lives!

“Hestia... I owe her…”

But then the door opened and a doctor walked in. Her eyes widened when she saw that Russell was awake. 

“Mister Tolbert. Good to see you’ve come around,” she then said, before carefully checking his limb, “It looks the Alomomola mucus has done well to heal the residual limb as well…”

“Y-yeah…” Russell said, ignoring the itching he felt beneath his elbow. Phantom limb was bound to happen, “How, how long was I out? Is, is the girl okay? The, the girl I, I went to, to help…”

“Yes, Molly is fine,” the doctor replied, “She was very shaken up, but ultimately unharmed. And you were out for three days. It was touch and go. You’re very lucky to be alive.”

“Y-yeah,” Russell said.

Mom’s gonna be pissed… I was meant to be challenging the league in a week. I’ll have to ask the staff not to let her in.

But then Russell was brought out of his thoughts by a knock. The person didn’t wait for an answer and walked in. 

The man was dressed in a very smart suit. His eyes were a warm brown, as was his skin. His hair had been slicked back with gel. He was carrying a long case as well.

“Oh wonderful, you’re awake,” he said, “I’ve been wanting to talk to you, Mister Tolbert, about my daughter, and how you very bravely rescued her. I’m Marlon De Vulkner.”

“Um, n-nice to meet you, Mr De Vulkner” Russell said, “And well, I um, I just did it because I had, I had the chance, even if, if it didn’t go to plan…”

“Your Volcarona was very brave in the end, and so were you,” De Vulkner said, “But I wanted to find a way to repair you. You see, you might have guessed that we have a lot of money, and we have been working with Macro Cosmos in Galar, to produce new technology for trainers in need. We felt that perhaps along with helping with physical rehabilitation, that this will also help you along your way.”

He opened the box then, and Russell’s eyes widened.

“I can’t, I can’t accept this, it’s…”

It was perfect. The metal prosthetic had been crafted with utmost care. The arm would also fit perfectly for him. It had been crafted with the best tech imaginable and was practically flawless in design. The official logo of Macro Cosmos on the inside of the lid told everyone who had made it. 

Surely someone else would be more deserving of such a fine arm.

“It would be more than an honour if you accepted, Mister Tolbert,” De Vulkner added then, “It’s the very least we can do for you.”

Russell was silent for a while, his heart pounding in his chest. But then he looked up and nodded.

“All right. I would, I would love to, to have it. Th-thank you, Mister Vulkner.”

“You are more than welcome, Mister Tolbert.” 

Hi, please bear with me while I get this off my chest. I’m mostly stumbling over my words as I think of what to say.

Thank you, love you all!

Now, when I say that I love Ben 10, I really mean that I LOVE Ben 10.

Complain all you want about Alien Force/Ultimate Alien being too dark and gritty, Omniverse having an ugly artstyle, or the reboot “ruining” the series (which it isn’t), I love each and every one of the series and will protect them all with my life. (ง •̀_•́)ง

I do have my own criticisms, but I don’t feel like getting into all that right now.

Returning to my roots in Ben 10 has truly been an experience. It has brought me back so much nostalgia and memories of my earlier years on deviantART.

The classic series was what made me join dA in 2008; Alien Force was just starting out (it aired on my birthday 🥰 lkahsf) and I was drawing the aliens almost nonstop. My first deviation, if you dare to venture that far back in my gallery, is of Echo-Echo.

My art has only improved since then, thank Arceus. 😂

This love followed me all the way to college! If you look at my toy collection, you will see it’s practically all Ben 10 figurines. I’m certain my very first was a large Swampfire figure that shot colored goo from his hands.

I’m still collecting any that I see and want!

And now that I’ve rewatched the entire franchise, I can feel my creativity and urge to draw returning little by little. I was hoping to get this from Coco and Big Hero 6, but I felt myself lacking.

I suppose it was because I wasn’t exactly used to drawing skeletons, especially culturally important ones and felt intimidated by the cool armor designs and technological aspect that I didn’t quite understand enough. Something like that.

I was okay with humans and robots (Monsters vs. Aliens and Robotboy allowed me to draw a lot of those) but skeletons was a whole different ballpark. I struggled enough with drawing humans (skeleton hands were actually more fun to draw, though xD). As for Big Hero 6, I actually didn’t have any ideas. That pic of GoGo and Baymax was the first fanart I’ve done for it. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I had trouble with trying to get my ideas down; I would try, sure, but I was never quite happy and it hurt because I wanted to draw my favorite characters to show my love to the fandoms. I was happy to be in them and talk to/meet new friends, as I was with MvA and Robotboy, but I couldn’t produce art as much as I would have liked for them and it just put me into a funk. 

Dude, That’s My Ghost! and Robotboy helped me out for awhile, but once my hyperfixation shifted into Coco, I felt like I was immediately drained of creativity.

It’s why I switched to doing fanfics about it, instead. Writing was somewhat easier. That and making random analysis posts, gifs, and taking screencaps to share. Ditto with BH6. At least I was contributing in some way and I did enjoy making those posts and seeing people discuss over them!

I do the same with Ben 10 but I can actually draw for it like I used to! I just have a lot more fun drawing the aliens and other characters. There’s a lot of aliens and each-well, most-of their designs are just fantastic and I itch to draw my favorites, again.

I also really want to redraw my first OCs that was born from it!

(you can be mad at me for abusing what I think was the burn tool aldkshf. Past me was an idjit who didn’t know how to shade properly :P)

They’re in serious need of redesign for Omniverse (in my style though) and I’ve gotten a few ideas for them! Not only that, but, with the case of my “Alien Dads” idea, people are actually wanting to draw and write about them???? And I haven’t drawn them, myself yet????

You have no idea how ecstatic and touched that makes me feel!!!

Everyone who has OCs can relate!!! It’s showing that other people besides yourself actually care about your babies! I had the same thing happen when I drew Jade, Aqua, and Split! Heck, someone even adopted Split and incorporated her into his own story!

I can’t wait to draw the Alien Dads and share them! You have no idea how bad I want to give Ro more alien uncles other than Nik. xDDD

Talking with the same friends has allowed me to come up with some cute design ideas!!! I also want to redesign my Ben 10 persona and update my profile pic.

I especially would love to draw a lot more of my phantom ice-moth husband! :D 

The Big-Chill Queen lives on and wishes to reclaim her ice crown!

Crowbar Nurse   Chapter 8 — Mortal Combat

“What the?! Why are there so many of them here?!”

It was probably because we were loitering around in one spot that the zombies were now gathering around us. A cursory glance revealed about 30 of them shuffling closer and closer. The zombies looked like just your average ankle biters, but judging by how brutal they seem to be, they’re probably not just normal ones… it seemed to be a swarm of the “kinda strong” ones.

Our unstoppable army from hell were fighting for their lives… but armed with only crude clubs and metal pipes, they couldn’t stand their ground. And since we were at the starting area of the game, there weren’t many choices for weapons, aside from random junk like that.

“This ain’t good… I was hoping to look for bugs to exploit while our army holds the zombies back… I’m just spitballing here, but do you have any items or anything to trap them in one place?” “Hmm, let me see…”

As I watched the zombies slowly overcome the soldiers, I stroke my chin as I contemplated.

“… what about… hmm, no, that wouldn’t work…” “So, we’re shit outta luck?”

I nodded along with Kiryū, tense and stiff.

“It is a tough situation… but there’s no reason to lose hope.”

He looks puzzled as I shouldered the assault rifle. I flashed him a smirk.

“Let’s just start killing them until we come across an opportunity. I’m sure we’ll be alright… we can do this together, Kiryū.” “… yeah, you’re right. We can’t throw in the towel just yet.”

The situation left us with little to no choice but to fight our way out. Kiryū was looking oddly cheery amidst all of this. But I had to focus on the battle unfolding in front of us and so I promptly looked away.

This battle we’re headed into would prove to be a real handful.

With my rifle and Kiryū with his crowbar, we joined the fray. Our unstoppable hellish army—or rather, the survivors—won’t respawn when they lose all of their health. And if we want to use our downtime to search for bugs and glitches, we’ll need to protect them. Looks like I can’t help but to level up a little.

Give no quarter!

Carefully and precisely, I began to take them down one by one… but the enemies still had the upper hand. Kiryū and I were trying our damnedest to save our army, but we simply couldn’t keep up. Another pair of zombies came to bolster their numbers. One or two zombies isn’t anything to worry about, but at this rate, we’ll be slowly overrun by them.

That’s when we noticed it.

“Whoa! Look at Nick! He’s drawing all the zombies here!”

After splitting a zombie’s skull with his crowbar, Kiryū snapped over to the A-posing protagonist of this game.

… interesting.

Still standing upright in the middle of the parking lot was Nick, now being tackled and gnawed at by zombies. He seemed unfazed, though, as he stood unflinchingly in the same default position. … wait, isn’t he totally glitched out?

Crap, that can’t be good for Nick…

I panicked. Nick should be getting real damaged from being chomped on like that. If the protagonist loses all their HP… what’s going to happen to us? incomprehensible game world

“Nick!”

I yelled. We’ve got to save him! But can we? Kiryū and I were already at our limits with the zombies in front of us! What else could we do?! And not to mention that at level one, Nick dies after being bit a mere three times. Doesn’t that mean he’s already…!

“Niiick!”

I yelled, even knowing full well that I was already too late. He was at the mercy of the horde, but they showed him none. Eventually, he succumbed to the zombies and collapsed—all still in A-pose.

The protagonist was kicked and tossed around on the ground like a sack of potatoes. His health was probably in the negative, but Nick lays there unrelenting in his stance.

… wow. What a manly man.

His determination to maintain posture was less like a mannequin in a display window and more like a stoic warrior.

“—Huh? Oh, damn! We can totally make use of him!”

Kiryū snapped his fingers as he looked over at Nick.

“Sera! Help me take care of the zombies around Nick!” “Wha—? O-Okay!”

Though at that moment I didn’t completely understand what Kiryū’s plans were, I did as I was told and began taking off their heads and suppressing the zombies. And for just a moment, Nick was safe in his immediate surroundings.

“—Alright!”

Immediately after showing a grin on his face, Kiryū slid right up to Nick, carried him off the ground, and darted away. It happened so quickly and smoothly, you’d miss it if you blinked. Kiryū really, really is physically adept.

With Nick tucked under one of his arms, Kiryū sprinted towards an overturned truck, upon which he lies the stiff figure. For better or worse, Nick—who previously could only stand in one position and take attacks head-on—was now actually useful! The zombies drew to him like moths to a flame but couldn’t reach the top of the truck; he was the perfect bait.

“Whaaat?! That’s nuts!” “A job change from scarecrow to decoy and voila, Nick’s working exactly as I hoped!”

Kiryū was grinning from ear to ear, satisfied not only by how well his idea was working, but also because he made our fight that much easier. Though a little condescending to treat the protagonist of this game as simple bait… the results were speaking for themselves. The zombies that were gunning for us had shifted their aggression onto Nick, giving us more than enough breathing room. We handily swept up the remaining enemies nearby.

I feel bad for him, but with Nick’s help, I’m sure… I’m sure we can make it out of this! We can do this… we can beat them.

I pulled myself together. But a problem still remained… enemies will keep on coming if we stay in one spot for too long. Though, I had something up my sleeve for that.

“… Kiryū! I’ve got a great idea too!”

I kept my trigger finger moving as I shouted.

“What is it?!” “We’ll damage the zombies until they’re barely alive, then feed them to our hellish army to finish them off!” “Hmm? Then… oh, I see. So, we’ll be letting the hellish army deliver the final blow, you mean?” “Exactly! It was a little dicey earlier, but… we can do it now!”

Most of the zombies were standing in front of the truck, futilely reaching up in hopes of getting their fingers around the loitering Nick. And since we’re farther away, there were only five or six of them around us. Taking down the ones around us attracted a couple zombies that shuffled towards us.

Nice. This is working out great���

With only one or two of them, I could easily drop their health down to a sliver. Leave it to the survival horror nerd. Then, we’ll get our unstoppable army to finish them off and level up with all the experience. We could even get them to max level like this! I mean, it’d take a lot of time, but still!

“—Gotcha. Endless zombies mean endless experience, eh?!”

Kiryū’s voice cut through the clamor of gunfire and groans.

“You’re amazing, Sera… I thought we were shit outta luck, but you came up with such a great plan with your quick thinking!” “Hehehe, how flattering! But keep it coming! Getting back on track, though, leave this all to me. Keep looking for more glitches! … oh, and here. You’ll die of traumatic brain injury if you keep literally using your head, so take this!”

I unstrapped the Vital Watch from my forearm and tossed it over to him.

“Put the Vital Watch on your wrist!”

While keeping a watchful eye on the zombies, I called out to Kiryū.

“Check your health after running into walls head-first. That way, you’ll know to use your healing herbs before your HP runs out!” “Okay…? Wait, hold on. It’s on my wrist, but how do I check my status?”

He sounded rather perplexed as he called back to me.

“I see my heartbeat show up, but I don’t get how to read ECGs or anything.” “You can tell by the color! If your pulse is green, then you’re at max health. Yellow means caution, and red means you’re in big trouble!” “Ugh… of course, it is!”

Kiryū continued to yell.

“Yeah, about that, Sera, the thing is that I’m color blind. I’m the kind of guy that can’t differentiate between red and green! Is there any other way?!” “… oh, I didn’t know! Sorry! Umm, the more hectic your pulse is, the worst your condition is! So, really take care of yourself if the line gets all scraggly!” “Alright, I’ll keep an eye on the watch!”

—The statistics say that roughly 5 percent of males and 0.2 percent of females in Japan are born with color blindness, making it not at all unusual for Kiryū to be afflicted by it. And since our world isn’t designed for people with color blindness, many of them tend towards invention and design… maybe Kiryū is like that too?

Hmm, so it seems that we resemble the characters of this game, but we keep the innate physical traits from our own bodies… what about me though? I feel like there was something strange that happened, but…

Thoughts raced through my head, but I was still firing off round after round. There’s no visible health gauges above the zombies’ heads, but I’ve got their stats all memorized. I know exactly how many bullets each and every enemy needs.

Bug testing is something only Kiryū can do; this is something only I can do.

I kept my rifle rattling. Right when I get a zombie to the point where it’ll die if I shoot them again, I switch targets and start laying on damage. Rinse and repeat.

That leaves the only task for our unstoppable hellish army—the survivors, I mean—is to mop them up. Every zombie they finish off makes them all the powerful. In fact, the survivors get visibly tougher. And armed with whatever junk lying around—be it a rock or a squeaky toy hammer—they began taking down the zombies in the area.

—Gradually, things were settling down as my plan came to fruition.

Zombies began pouring into the stage, but rather of coming towards us, they were drawn to Nick who was nearby. The few that would break off from the mob and target us instead would be taken down by the ten soldiers of our army. Our unstoppable army from hell were able to easily take care of incoming enemies, even without me and my rifle. And since Kiryū and I had managed to avoid leveling up, we didn’t have to worry about stronger zombies popping up either. Our soldiers were now more than capable of taking care of mooks and leveling up.

Whew… looks like they’ll be okay even without supervision. Maybe I can let them level themselves up all on their own.

I let out a sigh of relief, glad that things have finally worked out—even if this peace of mind were only temporary. A super strong enemy might show up to put us in our place if we overdo it… but speak of the devil.

Oh, what’s this? The tank and minotaur are causing a bit of a traffic jam…

The path between us was too tight for them to cross. They’re not supposed to show up in the beginning area anyway, so it kinda makes sense. The tank tries to force its way through, firing its gun. But every time it does so, the backblast from its gun heavily damages the minotaur beside it.

… maybe we can ignore them for now. Once we get our unstoppable hellish army to max level, they’ll be able to kill ‘em in the blink of an eye. Not to mention, if Kiryū and I don’t level up too much, nothing stronger will appear either.

While I was thinking to myself, I turned over to Kiryū. He kept slamming into the wall such force… he’s already clipped halfway into it.

■Nick

The original protagonist of DMC3. Afflicted with a convenient bout of amnesia—typical of survival horror protagonists. In her high school years, Sera lived as Nick, completely and thoroughly clearing the game in all possible ways. She had even written down every minute detail of the game on her personal blog.

contents: /ch001/ /ch002/ /ch003/ /ch004/ /ch005/ /ch006/ /ch007/ /ch008/ /next/

(leave me a tip on Patreon?)

Charlie Foxtrot: Part 5/7

Sexual content, Hairstylist Rick pops in to say hello. 

-

Tailor needed something different, something easy. So he turned to that tidy looking hairstylist he'd met at RickCon. He was always pleased to see him, was always willing to give Tailor what he needed; so he invited him over to his house for a mid afternoon romp. His phone was beeping away to itself the entire time, prompting multiple questions from the hairstylist, but Tailor told him to ignore it and tried to keep the sourness off his face.

He didn't like it when Stylist smoked in his home, even less so now that he associated the smell with somebody he was trying not to think about.

“Could you not?” he grouched, scowling at him from where he was dressing in his newly finished lavender suit.

Stylist wordlessly stubbed it out. He always liked to hang around after sex, sometimes Tailor wouldn't mind but he wasn't in the mood for clinginess; lord knows he'd had enough of clinginess. But he was lounging around in the bed that still smelled like him from the previous night; Tailor could only hope it'd be replaced with the less irritating scent of Stylist's cologne, if he was insisting on putting off getting dressed for so damn long.

“What's crawled up your ass?”

“You don't want to know,” Tailor scoffed, tying his tie as he looked in the mirror. He had dark circles under his eyes and he made a mental note to book a spa day; the works, to treat himself.

“Trust me, I do,” Stylist deadpanned, his curiosity plain as day on his face.

“I might've made a mistake,” Tailor admitted with a sigh.

“Not you. Never.”

“Shut up. I may have… I think I've slept with someone I shouldn't have.”

“Me?” Stylist blinked dumbly and Tailor groaned.

“You're not the only sorry bastard that'll give me the time of day, you know.”

Stylist averted his eyes as nonchalantly as he could, but Tailor could tell he was pissed off.

“Oh come on. Don't you- you know we're just- you don't think we're mutually exclusive, surely?” Tailor stammered incredulously, his heart dropping into his stomach. Similarly to how it did when he was around his SEAL team Rick, but not exactly...

“Of course not. I wouldn't think so highly of myself.” Stylist rolled his eyes, throwing the duvet back and getting up.

Tailor's eyes dropped to his cock as if it was a flashing neon sign, he forced himself to look away with a sigh.

“Don't start.”

“I'm not starting.”

“I've already got one fellow following me around like a newborn duckling, I don't need another one.”

“Trust me, I know my place. I wouldn't dream of becoming an inconvenience,” Stylist muttered, dressing himself in a suit he'd been wearing lately that Tailor had made for him.

It'd been a birthday gift, and it was just as much for Tailor's benefit as it was for his; he looked good. A deep fuschia jacket with a rose pattern on the lapels. White trousers and shirt. It was just outlandish enough that Stylist had loved it.

Tailor saw him come up behind him in the mirror to smooth out his hair, ensuring it was all swept neatly upwards. They made eye contact for a few seconds.

“So who's this mistake?”

“He's in the SEAL team.”

“Oof. Have fun with that one.”

“Christ. I thought he was going to be fun.”

“Isn't he?”

“Hm. He's definitely fun.” Tailor turned around to face him. “But like I said. Newborn duckling.”

“Call it off. Sooner rather than later,” Stylist advised him.

Tailor opened his mouth, caught between wanting to make a smart-arsed comment like you would say that and accepting that he had a point. Nothing came out in the end except;

“But…”

“But what?” Stylist cocked a brow at him.

But he's fun, he thought. He's hot. He's everything he wants from a friend with benefits; he could call him any time and he'd be there and he'd let him do whatever the hell he wanted and fuck, did Tailor get a kick out of it. He sighed and shook his head dismissively.

“I have a meeting with the Council soon,” Tailor said, and Stylist took the hint.

“Alright. Well, it was good to see you again,” he said with a sigh, seeing the way Tailor looked at him like he had two heads. Sometimes getting any kind of warmth from him was like getting blood out of a stone. He didn't bother going in for a kiss like he usually would, he wasn't going to push his luck while Tailor was in this mood.

-

He hadn't taken the advice. He was going to, he even went over to Rick's place after his meeting to speak to him, to finally clear the air and lay it all out for him. He didn't want anything serious, he wanted fun! But when he turned up Rick was outside washing his car and he was shirtless. Tailor could see the tattoos covering his back now much more clearly than he ever had before; his preferences in the bedroom meant there'd never been a reason for Tailor to be standing behind him, getting a good look at his back. They didn't obscure his muscles as they worked to help him reach the roof of the car, and they drew Tailor in like a moth to a lamp. All thoughts of breaking things off with him evaporated instantly, and he approached Rick with a look in his eye that had him dropping his sponge into a bucket and leading Tailor inside.

Apparently his roommate was inside, but he was asleep. They'd be okay as long as they were quiet or put some music on to drown out the sound. Tailor wasn't a fan of the rock music he put on but if it meant he could bounce around on top of him without worrying about the bed springs squeaking, he could deal with it.

Tailor liked how Rick would lay back, his muscles slightly tense and his fists clenched in the bed sheets as he rode him, just watching him like he was some sort of wonderful mythical creature. Like he didn't understand his luck, like he was hypnotised, enthralled, not even flinching when there were nails digging into his chest leaving angry red marks. It filled Tailor with a sense of importance and pleasure that verged on sexual; separate from the act of actually having sex with him. All he needed was that look to fuel him, to fill some sort of void or emptiness in him. It was thrilling and Tailor fucked himself on Rick's cock (because he was barely a participant at this point, perhaps a tool) through a dry prostate orgasm before finally finishing by painting stripes up his partner's chest. Rick came when he did, and Tailor wasn't ashamed that he hadn't noticed until he pulled off, dripping all over him.

Rick didn't bother cleaning up now that he was in his own bed; he simply rolled onto his side to face Tailor once he'd climbed off. Catching a glimpse of those tattoos creeping over the top of his shoulder, Tailor urged him to roll completely onto his stomach, which he did without question. He ran a hand over his back, tracing the artwork that was permanently displayed there. The tattoos were tribal and perfectly symmetrical, like there was a mirror resting along his spine, thick black lines like brushed ink curved and twisted together in intricate patterns, all pointing inwards to a central feature. It looked like it could be a pair of eyes and a muzzle, like a tiger or a wolf or something, but it was slightly abstract, only really there if you looked for it. Tailor studied it for a long time, tracing a finger along some of the lines, they were shaded in a way that made it look as if they were raised, though they were of course flat to the touch.

Rick's heart was beating quickly the entire time, not given the chance to calm down after his orgasm. Tailor's hands felt cool and pleasant against his skin and though he was ticklish in some areas, he tried desperately hard not to twitch or laugh in fear of ruining the moment. He didn't want to give Tailor any reason to stop, so he simply laid there and savoured the moment, taking slow deep breaths to try and keep himself present, not to get too wrapped up in the sensation. He was sure he'd never been so ecstatic.

Tailor, completely unaware of the storm inside the other man, thought about how lovely a suit jacket would look with some embroidery in this style done on the back. Black fabric with golden thread? Stunning. He made a mental note to draw up some designs when he got home.

TBC...

Newt Scamander Imagine 3 soulmate au

In which people who have a soulmate will see whatever is written/drawn on each other’s skin.

Newt remembered the first time any marks from his soulmate had turned up on his skin. Of course he had tried to connect with whomever it was before, but there had always been no response. Eventually he just assumed he didn’t have a soulmate. 

But one day when he was in potions class during the beginning of 6th year, he was giving a presentation on how to make Amortentia (due to the fact that he had skipped class the day before to sneak into the forbidden forest and this was part of his punishment) when someone from the back of the room yelled out, “Woah!! What’s on your hand?” 

Newt stopped and looked over at the short, blond haired boy with large glasses confused before holding up his hand to see what all the astonished looks were about. His hand was covered, front and back, with black ink that drew out flowers and swirls and intricate designs. He pulled down he sleeve and watched as slowly, another flower was being drawn on his wrist on its own. Only, it wasn’t appearing on its own. His fantastic soulmate was drawing the art on his/her arm, which was appearing on Newts. 

“Damn!” one girl yelled out, “Your soulmate has some skills!!”

“I have a soulmate,” Newt whispered to himself, “I thought I would die alone and i have a soulmate!” 

“Ah, thank you, but shall we return to the potion,” to Professor interjected, giving Newt a glare for disrupting the class. 

Newt nodded, his spirits lifted immensely, and rolled his sleeve all the way up so he could watch the illustrations growing on his arm from the corner of his eye while continuing the demonstration. 

———

You rolled up your sleeve further to continue the flowers and designs your were drawing with ink when you heard your name. 

"Y/n?" 

"Y-yes?" you said, snapping out of a daze. 

"What do you think?" 

You laughed nervously, "Oh, um, ha, could you repeat the question?" 

Professor Rose sighed, "Y/n, if you are incapable of focusing during my lessons maybe it would be wise of me to confiscate the quill that distracts you." 

You put the quill down, "No! I swear, I'll listen!" 

The Professor gave you a skeptical look but turned and continued the lecture. You sighed in relief and sat back in your chair before turing back to your friend Queenie. 

"Y/n! Pay attention!" she whisper-yelled. 

You rolled your eyes thinking 'fine, I guess I won't tell you about my soulmate.'

Her eyes went wide and she smiled, "You never told me you had a soulmate??!!" 

"Miss Goldstein!" 

Queenie winced and looked up, "Sorry Professor." 

"Perhaps you and Miss y/l/n would like to take this conversation outside? And then come talk to me when class is over?" 

You and Queenie glanced at each other before gathering your things and going to sit in the hallway. 

"Tell me everything!!" Queenie was beyond exited. 

You laughed, "Alright, alright. So whoever it is has tried to contact me a couple of times but I haven't responded-"

“Why?" 

"Oh, because-" 

"Oh you don't want to 'tempt fate'? That's foolish, don't you want to know them? Oh you do but you want to meet in person normally?" 

"Well, anyways, I was drawing on my arm in class instead of my paper and look what they wrote!!" 

You showed Queenie your bicep proudly, which displayed the words 'you're a bloody amazing artist!!' 

Queenie smiled, "Aw how cute! But what's with the 'bloody'?" 

"I don't know. I read in a book that brits say that. Do you think they could be British?"

"Yeah, why not?" 

"God, I'm going to have to wait forever to meet them then." 

"Don't worry honey, it'll feel like no time has passed when you meet them."

----------

You walked into the living room of the apartment you had spent the night in wearing nothing but your undergarments. Queenie smiled as she was magically tending to both of your outfits for the day. You were about to ask where Tina was when the door opened and she slipped in, two men following her. You stood up, shocked. 

"Teenie! You brought men home!" 

"Tina!" you sounded much less enthusiastic than Queenie and more alarmed, "You brought men home?!" 

 She nodded, "Why don't you two put something on." 

You were still in disbelief at the strange round man wandering around, seemingly lost in his own world. 

"Is he okay?" You asked no one in particular. 

"Got bitten by a murtlap," the other man responded. 

"Isn't that harmful to no-maj- woah." 

You looked up only to be meet with a shockingly handsome face with bright eyes and countless freckles. The stranger gave a weak smile and you heard Queenie giggle in the background. 

"I'm Newt." 

"Y/n," you responded, still in awe. 

You looked down after a moment and realized you still weren't properly dressed. 

"I-I should-" 

"Yeah." 

You walked over to Queenie and grabbed your clothes. 

She elbowed you and whispered, "Y/n! Remember, I know what you're thinking, you naughty girl/boy!" 

You shot her an angry look and slipped away, going to get dressed and collect yourself before returning to the main room. 

----------------------- 

 You and Newt had become very true friends, and you couldn't wait for him to return back to New York with his newly published book. You had developed some feelings for him, but you tried your best to shoo them away, falling for your best friend was a one-way ticket to HeartBrokenville. The only person who knew of your feelings was Queenie, and only because it was impossible to hide things from her. Finally, after what seemed like hours, there was a knock on the door if Queenie and Tina's apartment. You stood up, filled with excitement, and Queenie gave you a knowing look before following Tina to answer the door. 

"Hello." You heard Newt's sweet voice and you couldn't help but grin. 

 He greeted Tina and Queenie and before turning in your direction. 

"Y/n," he spoke your name breathlessly, as though he had been incapable of speaking or breathing or living until he saw you. 

You flashed a smile. 

"Newt." 

He opened his arms and you ran into them, "It's been too long, Newtie!" 

Newt laughed, "I missed you too, love." 

You pulled away, "So... Let me see it!" 

He smiled and held up the book, the bright orange cover making everything else in the room-aside from Newt's proud smile- seem dull. 

You took it in your hands and felt the cover, "It's beautiful! I love the smell of a new book!" 

Newt laughed, "I hope you'll buy it for more than just the smell." 

You faked contemplation, "Nah, that's it." 

Newt rolled his eyes and you pushed his arm gently. 

"I'm kidding, don't worry. But I am serious when I say I am so proud of you!" 

Newt's face turned red. "T-thank you, y/n." 

 -------------------- 

You could hear the laughter coming from the kitchen in the bathroom. Earlier you had excused yourself to freshen up before Newt's welcome home dinner, but had become somewhat side-tracked looking at your face in the mirror, you looked over at the quill on the desk in the connecting room and back in the mirror. Wouldn't it be kinda neat to draw on your face and neck? You could make it look like a tree was growing up your neck and around your face, then wash it off before dinner. Yeah, that would be super neat! You hadn't drawn on your own skin since Illvermorny years, but it was worth a shot! Besides, you'd had plenty of practice drawing on paper. You dipped the tip in in and began drawing on your neck as you looked in the mirror. You had gotten a little past your chin with the branches and leaves when your ears tuned in to the commotion coming from the living room. You heard shocked tones and rushed words turning into arguing. You didn't take the time to drop the quill and rushed out to make sure everyone was okay. Newt was looking in the mirror and Queenie, Tina, and Jacob were huddled around him, all shouting suggestions to a distressed Newt. 

"Just wash it off!" Tina recommend. 

"Leave it for a moment!" Queenie interjected. 

"Will you get ink poisoning?" Jacob asked Newt with concern, putting a hand on his shoulder. 

You remained confused and speechless for a moment before yelling, "What on earth is going on?" 

All four turned to you in a rush to explain themselves before pausing. 

You sighed, "Look, I was going to wash it off before I came back but then I heard all the commotion and-" 

"Y/n," Queenie interupted, "Look at Newt." 

Your eyes made contact with his and you noticed the black in his neck. 

Branches, leaves, and flowers were delicately drawn all the way up to his chin, identical to yours. You remained speechless and looked down at the quill before looking back up at Newt. You took the quill while watching his face and dragged in down your cheek, watching an identical mark paint itself on Newt's face. 

"It's you," you both said in unison. 

Newt and laughed, almost in disbelief, "How lucky can a man get?" 

You smiled, "I guess this would be a good time to say I love you." 

He took in a breath, "Good idea." 

You laughed, joy ringing through the gentle melody coming from your moth, and ran to Newt, who was ready to pull you into a hug and spin you around before looking into your eyes, "I think, deep down, I always knew it was you, y/n y/l/n."  

You smiled, "I may not have guessed you were my soulmate, but hell, I knew I was in love with you." 

He laughed and smashed his lips against yours. You pulled apart and noticed your three awe-struck friends. Queenie winked and looked back and forth between the two of you, "Why don't you two go wash that ink off, maybe a shower would work?" 

"Queenie!" Newt scolded and blushed. 

 "Honey, you're both thinking it!"

hey so im on mobile bc my computer got taken away half way through this, sucks right? so ill fix the other half tomorrow but i really want to get this up for yall!!! pleaseeee remind me if you want to be tagged in anything!! also i loveeee you!!

DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 15

if I could describe this chapter in two words; those words would be ‘chaos’ and ‘madness’

Arthur: "Yeah, that's your story..." maki: i was! Takehisa: (finally puts down his newspaper) "Perhaps if you two actually awoke at a decent hour, Maki would not need to wake you up and interrupt your bed-sharing session." (returns to his paper) maki: o-o;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; iris: ???????????????????? shinra: O__________________________________O Arthur: "..." (takes a piece of toast, flings it at Takehisa) Takehisa: (catches it, chews...) "Needs butter..." shinra: wwwwhere's the commander? Akitaru: "Sorry I'm late..." (enters, lifting weights as he walks in) "Overslept a bit." *Akitaru opens his mouth, Takehisa shoves toast in his mouth as Akitaru keeps lifting weights* -elsewhere- Kid: "Mmm..." stocking: morning kiddo~ Kid: (smiles) "Morning, Beautiful." (kisses her cheek) stocking: hehe~ Kid: (pulls her closer, as he kisses her lips) stocking: mmmmm~ Kid: (slides his hands along her hips, as he kisses along her cheek to her neck) "So soft..." stocking: oooh~ Kid: (slides his hands along her backside) "Have a good sleep?" stocking: yeah. Kid: (smiles) "I'm glad...I guess we have to get out of bed, huh?" -at school- Kid: "I'm really looking forward to Drawing class today." -at lunch- Patty: (holds up her drawing of a gazelle) "See? Zoology class paid off!" liz: and you didnt murder something this time. Patty: "Hee hee hee...Yeah..." Kid: o_o; "Anyway...I'm happy with my progress as well..." stocking: thats a really good drawing. **He drew a sunset from a photograph--as the assignment was drawing from photographs** Kid: (smiles) "Thank you. I like yours as well..." -stocking drew a cemetery scene....its kind of stylized- Kid: "Very well done..." ("...Mother...") stocking:..... *she holds his hand* Kid: (sad smile) "Thank you..." liz: so whats today's agenda? Kid: "Two more classes...not sure what we're doing after class. Perhaps find more items for Little Sister, check on Halloween candy sales..." stocking: and working on costumes~ liz: yeah....i cant believe it's october already... Patty: "Yeah. Just think: it's been years since Kiddo and Stocking had their date at the Halloween Dance! Feels like it was only months ago!" stocking: yeah... so much has happened then.... Kid: "..." (holds her hand, small squeeze) stocking: *she smiles* Kid: "I'm grateful for what we have gained..." (smiles at Patty and Liz) "...including family." liz: *she smiles* Patty: "Yeah...Good thing you got a big mansion, Kid. At this point, I'm surprised we haven't had more people move in." stocking: hehe~ Kid: "We are lucky..." (sigh) "...privileged...Ladies, I know it is early, but I feel like we need to do more when Thanksgiving arrives...There are many of us in Death City that are not as fortunate." liz: how about hosting a big dinner? Kid: (nods) "I think that would be helpful...We should also do something sustainable that can last beyond November. Maybe improvements to shelters and food banks?" stocking: that sounds wonderful. Kid: "I'll inform Mother and Father--they'll be able to tell us what works needs to be done...Father did mention plans to expand parts of the city, so I hope he would include these as part of his plan." liz: maybe we could ask him? Kid: "After classes?" liz: sounds like a plan. --After Class-- Kid: "Father?" lord death: howdy, kiddo! Kid: "...Howdy." (smiles) "How are you?" lord death: doing good, how are you? Kid: "Fine. I was just thinking about your earlier remarks about new planning for Death City...and I had a suggestion." lord death: oh? and that would be? Kid: "...Thanksgiving is coming. Then the winter holidays. Father, many people come to Death City because they have nowhere else to go, and that includes a large homeless population." lord death: i see. Kid: "In your designs for Death City, can you incorporate additional resources for homeless shelters and food banks?" lord death: i think we can do that. *he smiles* Kid: (smiles back) "Thank you. Maybe we can get to work on additional fundraising during the Halloween Dance?" lord death: sounds like a plan! Kid: "Excellent! And I'll have others do all that they can to advertise this plan. Thank you." -elsewhere- Yumi: "Heather?" heather: hmm? oh, hello miss azusa. riley: dont you mean ‘mrs’? Yumi: (small laugh) "Yumi is fine. How has your day been?" heather: doing well. riley: it's cool... Yumi: "That's good...I was wondering whether you all had any plans this weekend." heather: well, our parents are having a date night, and i was planning on studying. riley: i might go to the arcade. Yumi: (nods) "Okay...If you need anything while your parents are on their date, feel free to ask." heather: sure thing. --Elsewhere-- Yohei: "Zzz..." chie: zzzz....... **He is holding her in their sleep** mana: *she opens the door* ....... [<> wake them up? <> let them sleep?] <x> Let them sleep (and freak out silently) mana:....... (thinking: awwww!) Shotaro: (down the hall) "Mana!" mana: O-O !!! Shotaro: "Where's Chie? I don't see her in her roo--" mana: *sweats* Shotaro: o____o (covers his mouth) mana: >/////>;;;;;;;; Shotaro: (backs away slowly, taking Mana by the hand with him...) mana: um..........well that's happening... ./////. Shotaro: "...So, we have a new mommy?" mana: what?! Shotaro: "Yohei's the daddy, Chie's the mommy..." mana: ............................. tuuuuuhl help! Tuhl: *yawn* "Stop arguing with your brother..." mana: then was does that make you?! Tool: "The cool uncle." mana:................... Yohei: *yawn* (slowly opens his eyes) "..." ("..." internal screaming) chie: zzzz....... Yohei: "..." ("How do I get out of this? I could build an alarm clock robot...No, I would need my hands for that. I could use my feet to assemble the robot...No, my circuit boards are over there...I could let go, but she would wake up...") chie:............*yaaawn* ahh.... Yohei: "...Hi." chie: oh....how long were we napping? *yawn* Yohei: (looks over her head) "About...three hours?" chie: we should probably get up now... Yohei: "...Yes." chie: ok. *she sits up* Yohei: (staring at her) "Chie?" chie: hmm? Yohei: "...If you ever need someone to nap with you...I don't mind..." chie:....thanks. i'll keep that in mind then. Yohei: "..." (gets up as well and off the bed) -later- Nals: (scanning from the rooftops) "Still no sign of that creature..." milia: *she's looking, but not for the monster.* *booty face* Nals: -__-; "Stop that." milia: butt.....its so cute! Nals: (turns around, covering his already clothed bottom with his hands) "I said stop that! We have a task, and I don't need Grimoire throwing another fit because we didn't get what he wanted!" milia:.... *she looks at the notre dame* Nals: "Just want to find that beast and--" **Bells ring at Notre Dame** milia: should we check it out? Nals: (holds his sword in its scabbard) "Yes..." milia: the door or the roof? Nals: "I'll take the door, you take the roof..." milia: caaaan do~<3 *she summons her butterfly wings and flies up* Nals: (approaches the door, listening for signs...) < > Wait at the door < > Kick down the door and enter (<slice down the door and sneak on in>) Nals: (slices, sneaks in...Looks over seats and discovers...) -the building seems mostly empty- Nals: ("Hmmm...Is he not in here? Who was ringing the bells?" Looks for the bell room...) milia: *she's looking around, noticing a few feathers* ??? Nals: (approaches the door to the bell stairway...) **Ding Dong** Nals: "???" milia: ?? **The Bells aren't chiming...** Nals: "Where is that noise coming from...?" milia: hellooooo~? ???: "Ding dong..." Nals: "?!" milia: ?? **A loud bell is sound--that vibrates the floor, tossing up Nals and into the wall** Nals: "Gah!" (smash!) milia: eek! hold on nalsie-poo im comin! ???: *ROWR* (swings bell at Milia) "Stupid moths!" milia: *dodge* eek! naaaaalsieeeeee help meeeee!!! Q-Q Nals: "Hang on!" (leaps off the wall, his sword drawn, swinging at the beast...) ???: (backhands Nals into the wall, then grabs Milia by the legs and swings her) milia: weeeeeeeeeeeeh!!! @-@ Nals: (head spinning) "Ugh...Too big..." (gets up again...) "Milia! Magic! Now!" (runs forward again, ready to slice at Killbell's wrist...) Killbell: "Dumb bugs!" milia: ok~ ~butterfly flutterby papillio-chou!~ *several colorful butterfly shaped lights flutter around* Killbell: *ROWR!* "...Oh...Pretty buggies--" Nals: (slices at Killbell's wrist, releasing Milia, whom he catches) milia: *swoons with heart eyes* Nals: (eyeroll) "Listen, you dumb brute--" Killbell: "Not dumb! Kill! Bell!" Nals: "..." (whispers to Milia) "What is he saying?" milia: *ahem* nice peoples! not scary! help you! Killbell: "Huh? Why you talk funny? Who is Bug Girl and Creepy Mask Man?" Nals: -____- "My mask is not creepy..." milia: *demonstrating with pictures* milia: i'm milia, and this is nals~ Killbell: "So, Bug Queen Witch wants me to help? Why me?" Nals: (eyeroll) -elsewhere- Ponera: "Grimmy, any updates?" grimoire: they have the being contained and are bringing him back. Ponera: (claps) "Goody! Um...and that...thing that looks like you?" grimoire: behaving... for the most part. Ponera: "I have two questions for you. First, what can we do with him that is actually useful? Second...why does he look like you?" grimoire: not sure, but as for the second question, i suppose index used its 'humanoid avatar' in my likeness. i remember that it was quite fond of me, apparently more so than its creator. Ponera: "...So you must be, like, super old." grimoire: arent we both? Ponera: (flings her hair along her shoulder) "Yeah, but I'm still young compared to other witches. What's your excuse? I never saw that many sorcerers still look all hunky and young at...how old are you, like, 700 years old?" grimoire: about that age, yes. Ponera: (nods) "You look good...Probably better than that guy in the prison cell looks right now..." grimoire: *blush* thanks.... Ponera: (stretches) "Well, time for sleep..." (picks up an ant) "Nighty-nighty routine for us, Alice!" alice: *sleepy ant noises* Ponera: (gets up off her throne) "Good night, Grimmy." -next morning- Kid: (whistling) "Almost done with the waffles. Anything else you all want?" stocking: strawberry syrup and slices? Patty: "Nutella!" -later- sayaka: happy birthday, madoka! madoka: aw, thanks you guys. Black Star: "Woo! Happy birthday!" (tries to sneak food off Patty's plate...) Patty: (hand smack) misono: ..... Rin: "Misono? What's up?" misono: nothing. this is a nice party...for commoner parties anyway. 7-7 Rin: "...Heh. Can't argue with that. Ain't no party like a commoners' party!" misono: 7-7;;; madoka: thanks for coming over, i really appreciate it. *she smiles* misono: *blush* i-i'm only here cause your blue-haired friend made me. Rin: "Heh...N-No problem, Madoka..." Crona: "..." mami: how are you, chrona? Crona: "F-Fine!" (blushing) "H-Happy birthday..." madoka: thanks chrona. Crona: (small smile) Rin: "Hee hee hee...So, Crona, what'd you get Madoka?" Crona: o\\\\o "Um..." madoka: oh. *she smiles at the new thermos* thanks chrona. Crona: "Y-You're welcome...Mami helped..." Rin: (smiles at Crona) -later- Patty and Black Star: (asleep after meal...) Kid: "How was the cake, Stocking?" stocking: really good. kyouko: looks like its getting late. hey guys, we should be heading home now. Kid: (smiles) "Yes, I thought so, too. Thank you for having us, Madoka." madoka: thanks for coming over. i appreciate it. Kid: (picks up Patty) "Until next time..." -walking home- Kid: (Patty over his back as he carries her, he's humming...) stocking: so, how was the party? kyouko: pretty good. the cake was delicious. total props to mr kaname. Kid: (smiles) "It's nice to be among friends..." kyouko: it sure is.... well, here's our turn. see you guys later. here's to the weekend. Kid: "Yes. Good night." kyouko: see you guys on monday... *she and the okumura's walk down the other road* Rin: "Any plans this weekend, Kyouko?" kyouko: maybe find some extra work. you? Rin: "Was thinking of reading, maybe take in a movie." kyouko: sounds good. yukio, you got plans? besides studying? Yukio: "Ha...I wanted to tend to the garden this weekend." kyouko: sounds good. how are the pumpkins coming along? Yukio: "Just about ready to harvest and carve into Jack O'Lanterns." kyouko: neat! Rin: "What do you want to carve into your pumpkins, K?" kyouko: not sure yet. Rin: "I was thinking of carving a cat into mine..." kyouko: costumes? Rin: "..." (shrugs) "Charisma Justice?" Yukio: "Einstein." kyouko: i picked from the random draw....and get this... i got snow white..... -_-; Rin: (chuckles) "Think you'll find your Prince at the dance?" kyouko: oh shush you. Yukio: "Can always go as Princess Warrior Snow White." kyouko: or huntress snow white. that'd be pretty kick ass. Rin: "Yep." -elsewhere- Kid: "Stocking? Have you seen my vampire teeth?" stocking: here they are. got the baggie labled and everything. Kid: "Phew! Thank you. I was afraid Kirika or Patty got their hands on them..." stocking: i think kirika had vampire teeth of her own. Kid: "All the more reason she would take them..." stocking: hehe.... Kid: "...How is your costume coming along?" stocking: i got the dress the other day. *she holds up a sleek black and red dress* Kid: o\\\\o "Damn." -elsewhere- Wes: (laughing on the phone) "Your sister sounds like a trip, Liz." liz: yeah, haha. Wes: "Any plans this weekend?" liz: not sure yet. Wes: "...Would you be interested in checking out a band this weekend?" liz: yah, i heard blVck wid0w is playing here. Wes: "Yeah, that's the band! A friend got me tickets. Want to check it out Saturday night?" liz: sure! Wes: "Great! Soul and I are going. Would Patty be up for it?" liz: i'll ask, hey patti! want to come with wes, soul and i to a concert tomorrow? Patty: "Sure! Does the band suck, or are they good?" liz: not sure, i heard they're pretty good. it's blVck wid0w. Patty: "Ooooooooh! Definitely, yes! Tell Wes we're going!" liz: alright, she's in! Wes: "Cool! Soul and I will stop by the Mansion to pick you up." -elsewhere- Arthur: "Oh, Shinra..." shinra: yeah? Arthur: (fans himself with a calendar) "Guess what I found?" shinra: what? Arthur: "Last year's calendar...with Maki...and Iris..." ("No, Iris isn't in it...but what Shinra doesn't know...) shinra: *he falls over* huh?! Arthur: (nods) "Maki is Miss March, and Iris was Miss July..." ("She wasn't Miss July...but I got a surprise there for Shinra...Heh heh...") shinra: *gulps and looks* **Miss July: Hibana...with Akitaru's head pasted over it** shinra:.....................................................................what is this. Arthur: (loud laughing) "Got you! I so got you! Ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha!" Akitaru: "Hey! It's late! Why are you guys making so much--" o____o shinra: .................boyle did it. Arthur: "What?!" Akitaru: "..." (cracks his knuckles, then his neck) shinra: *hides* Arthur: o____o; "It-It was just a joke, sir!" --Later-- Arthur: -_-; "...Overkill..." *Calendar now full of Arthur's face over all models, including Maki's* shinra: *he made a make shift grave that said -arthur boyle's dignity. again-* Takehisa: "..." (small smirk) Arthur: "This is awful." (holds up Miss March Maki) "Why would you do this to me, sir?!" maki: payback? Akitaru: "Hey, there is nothing wrong with a man in a bikini! That's why I shared the privilege with you!" Arthur: "..." (looks at Maki's pic) "At least I'm stacked in this one..." maki:.............................. -PUNCH- Arthur: T___T ("Worth it.") -the next day- Patty: (sneaks into Liz's bedroom...) liz: zzzz.... Patty: "Sis..." (voice muffled) liz: mmmph.... Patty: (in werewolf mask and with hairy gloves) "BOO-GA-BOO-GA-BOO-GA!!!" liz: *SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEAM* Patty: "Ha ha ha!" (jumps into bed, pretending to paw at Liz) "I'm gonna eat you up!" liz: patti! Patty: (hugs her) "Halloween cheer, Sis!" liz: is that your costume? Patty: "Maybe~ I was thinking of adding something..." liz: maybe a red hood? Patty: "Oh, neat! Thanks!" (nuzzles wolf's face against Liz's face) -meanwhile, in the cells- Alone: (rubbing his wrist...still stuck with the Cone of Shame) ???: breakfast time. Alone: "...Where's Froggy?" mizune: at her house. i've been put in charge of feeding times now, after you tried to bite the hand that fed you. literally. Alone: "Hmph. I'm not eating--not 'til Froggy comes back to feed me!" mizune: -_-; Solence: "Just eat or you'll starve: that witch is not coming back." (takes his food) kinuta: *covers her ears* Alone: (grumbles, takes his food anyway) "What's gotten into you, Kinuta?" kinuta: oh... nevermind. Solence: "You sure? You look a little pale." kinuta: i'm fine as ever. Alone: "Then..." (points at her bowl) "You going to eat that?" kinuta: yes. Alone: "Hmph. Then what's eating you?" -elsewhere- Patty: (putting on her t-shirt and jeans) "This look good for a concert?" liz: looks good. Patty: (adds a chain belt and a chain to her wallet) "What're you wearing for your date?" -a nice jacket and dress with boots and tights- Patty: "..." (thumbs up) -at the concert- Wes: "..." soul: looks like they're here. Wes: "Yeah..." (stares at Liz: "...Wow...") Patty: "Woo! Concert!" soul: hey, glad you could make it. Patty: "Same! How're you doin', Soul?" soul: doing well. Wes: "Hi, Liz." (smiles, waves) liz: hey wes. you guys look great. Wes: "Thanks. You look great, too." Patty: (staring at Soul's shirt) "Nice design." soul: .... *he's wearing his usual outfit* Patty: "Neat dragon! Where'd you get it?" soul: got it while in london. Patty: (thumbs up) -elsewhere- Kid: (lying down on couch) Yumi: "Kid? Stocking? Want anything?" stocking: some cake if there's any. Kid: "Tea, please." Yumi: "We have some raspberry angel food cake--I'll get some for both of you, along with some English tea." stocking: sounds good. Yumi: (smiles) "On it..." **Yumi returns with cake and tea for all of them** Yumi: "Stocking, how are classes?" stocking: doing well. math is still tough, but i'm getting better, i think. Yumi: (nods) "Who's teaching math now?" stocking: mr triple A. Yumi: "Hmmm...I see...Maybe tutoring will help." stocking: i have been getting some tutoring from kid. Kid: (small smile and blush) Yumi: "That's good." (sips on her tea) stocking: how's lil shiori coming along? Yumi: (pats her stomach) "Kicking...giving me morning sickness." stocking: hehe. Yumi: (smiles) "I look forward to holding her in my arms..." (frowns) "...and being able to drink again." stocking: maybe we can look after her some nights. Yumi: "I would like that...*Sigh* I keep busy with DWMA missions' research, with reading, with the baby's room, but I have felt rather trapped lately." stocking:....say, why dont we go out and so something fun tommorrow? Yumi: "..." (nods) "I would like that. Any ideas?" stocking: there is a garden expo at the civic center. Yumi: "Oh! That would be fun! Yes, let's do that. When should we leave the house?" stocking: its a sunday tomorrow, so how about after breakfast? Yumi: (nods) "Great." Kid: (sips his tea..."Then I can finish my gift for Stocking...") -elsewhere- Killbell: "Tiny masked guy told me I would help the Bug Queen. Why am I still here?!" milia: we're almost there now. Killbell: "Where is 'there'?" (points) "Is that 'there'?" milia: *she nods* Killbell: "Ooooooooh...What we goin' to do?" Nals: -_____- ("Could they be quiet...?") -inside- medusa:................. Ponera: "Snake? Penny for your thoughts?" medusa:....oh. just thinking........ *she rubs her stomach* Ponera: "...You think of a name?" medusa: i have one in mind. Neian. Ponera: "...What does that mean?" medusa: it's lunarian for 'precious'. Ponera: :,) "Awwwwwww..." medusa: 7////7;;; (thinking: this child will be my heir. chrona..........that thing was an experiment...) Ponera: "Wait 'til that little bundle is born! I can't wait to make something for them! How about an ant doll?" medusa:......suuure... Ponera: "Yay!" (removes fabric and stuffing) "I'll get to work!" Ponera: "So, will the Scorpion be the godparent?" shaula: HAHA OWNED! *she's playing a game on the gaming console* medusa: as if! Ponera: "...Huh. I see your point...Well, your other sister is dead...I guess you'll need someone else..." (blushing) medusa:....alright you can do it then. Ponera: T__T "Thank you!" *GLOMP* -in shaula's room- shaula: hehe~ *playing some prop hunt* -she's hiding as a baby doll- RightRoundBaby: *bitch where u at?* shaula: >:3 xXx_SkOrPiOn_BiTcH_XxX: NoT iN uR bEd M8 XP RightRoundBaby: *u'd know--'cause u wuldnt b able 2 walk strait* NoFix: "Fucking bitch..." (checks in one corner of the room) "Mimeca! Another Dew!" xXx_SkOrPiOn_BiTcH_XxX: LeIk Im 2 BzE f-N uR mOm XP RightRoundBaby: u n evry1 else. (picks up a broom) no but this is as flat as u r xXx_SkOrPiOn_BiTcH_XxX: F u *the baby sneaks past as he has his back turned* RightRoundBaby: name the time n place bitch *picks up an empty box, not yet noticing...* shaula: hehe~ RightRoundBaby: (turns--and spots) hey! shaula: ACK! RUN! MOVE THOSE BABY LEGS YA LITTLE SHIT! RightRoundBaby: *grabs* shaula: FUCK! RightRoundBaby: this is ovr (*aims*) shaula: MOVE! MOVE DAMN YOU! RightRoundBaby: bang bang bang have a nice day (*BOOM*) xXx_SkOrPiOn_BiTcH_XxX: eEt A 1000 dIx PlZ RightRoundBaby: done. next? xXx_SkOrPiOn_BiTcH_XxX: RoUnD 2 bIaTcH RightRoundBaby: k. how bout make it interesting? xXx_SkOrPiOn_BiTcH_XxX: LeIk WaT? RightRoundBaby: if u lose, i get pic of ur titties xXx_SkOrPiOn_BiTcH_XxX: HoW bOuT mY sIs'S? RightRoundBaby: oh thats better. and if i lose? xXx_SkOrPiOn_BiTcH_XxX: u EaT 1000 mOr DiX RightRoundBaby: how is that punishment? deal. xXx_SkOrPiOn_BiTcH_XxX: Kk. BrInG iT! **NoFix disguises himself as a desk chair** -later- RightRoundBaby: any chance get u in pic 2? -elsewhere- saki:............... NoFix: "Heh heh heh...King of this game. Right, RoboCop?" saki:................... NoFix: "Hey, say something. You expect Mimeca to?" grunt #69: pretty good sir NoFix: "Thanks, Grunt #69. Heh heh...Grunt..." grunt #69: *sweatdrop* yeah....haha.... NoFix: "Man, though, that Skorpion Bitch is something else...Can't wait to see what she's got for me!" (pause) "Mimeca! Mountain Dew, now!" mimeca: *she has 2 bottles* NoFix: "...Are both of those for me?" mimeca: *double thumbs up* NoFix: "Sweet!" (opens one, starts drinking it) "...Hey, does Saki-Bot over there got any features that would help keep drinks cold?" -elsewhere- Noah: (shivering) "No...No...Ah...Ah..." Noelle: [honestly, get over it already... -_-; ] Noah: "With what? I don't have anything." (holds up a spork) "LOOK HOW THEY FEED ME!" Noelle: [sounds like it isnt my problem.] Noah: "If I die, so do you! The Book is in a barrier! No respawning of you all without me! What do you say to that, Noelle?!" Noelle: [.........] Noah: "...Thought so." (tosses spork at the bars) Wrath!Noah: "THEN JUST RIP THE BARS OFF AND LET US OUT!" Noelle: [shush you.] Sloth!Noah: "*Yawn* I'm tired." Gluttony!Noah: "Let's ask Medusa for more food." Lust!Noah: "Let's ask Medusa to--" Noah: "Shut up..." Noelle: [oh, seems those two started to respawn...] Gluttony!Noah: "Yeah! And I'm a growing boy! I NEED MUNCHIES!" Sloth!Noah: "Zzz..." -elsewhere- Patty: (trying to look up) "Man...I can't see anything!" soul: pretty good tunes. Wes: "Yeah. It's enjoyable..." -later- Wes: (stretches) "So...My friend told me we could meet the band backstage..." soul: dude, for real? Wes: "Yeah. You all ready?" malaria: *signing pictures* Wes: "Malaria! Hey!" malaria: oh, hey there. riku: hey. Wes: "Hey. We talked earlier--I'm Wes Evans." Patty: (staring at Malaria and Riku..."I am so close...I can touch them...") malaria: oh right. a pleasure to meet you. *she shakes his hand* Wes: "Same. This is my brother Soul, and our friends Liz and Patty." soul: hey. liz: hey there. Patty: o_o "...Can I touch you?" Wes: o__O malaria: o_o; riku:....... liz: i apologize. malaria: erm... Wes: "Y-Yeah." Wes: (clear throat) "So, that was a great performance! I like the new songs you have this time." riku: thanks man. Patty: "M-Malaria? You have a great voice..." malaria: thanks. *she smiles* Wes: "I was wondering whether you could give Liz your autographs?" malaria: sure thing. -later- Patty: (hugging her autographed poster) "So cool...Thanks for letting us come along, Soul!" soul: no problem. Wes: (puts a hand on Liz's shoulder) "How was it?" liz: it was great, thanks for inviting us. Wes: (smiles) "Happy to. It was fun getting to be with all of you." (looks at Soul) soul: *faint smile* Wes: "...Escort you two home?" -the next day- Kid: *yawn* "Looking forward to today's outing with Mother, Stocking?" stocking: yep. *she's wearing a green flower print dress over a cream colored button up shirt. her hair is in two low ponytails and she's wearing a straw hat* Kid: (smiles) "You look great." (puts a hand along her right ponytail) "Love the hat." Azusa: (finishing her cup of tea) stocking: thanks, my dad got it for me. Yumi: (finishes her tea) "The dress looks nice as well, Stocking." (gets up, approaches Kid, kisses his forehead) "We'll be back before dinner." stocking: dont get into too much trouble now, kiddo~ Kid: (smiles) "Who, me?" (kisses her cheek) stocking: hehe~ Yumi: "Let us depart, Stocking." -and so- Yumi: (points to one plant) "The shape is so intricate. And this species' leaves make a delicious tea." stocking: wow. *she snaps a pic on her phone* Yumi: (smells one flower) "Hmm...Good breeding on this one." (points to bonsai exhibit) "Let's visit that section next..." stocking: nice. -elsewhere- Kid: "Almost done..." (wipes his brow) "Just need to leave it on Stocking's desk." liz: whatcha workin on kiddo? Kid: O\\\\\O "...A gift for Stocking...I'll tell you about it after I give it to her..." *He's holding a book that he keeps close to his chest* liz: oook. Kid: "...Can we talk for a moment?" (walking towards Stocking's room) liz: uhh, sure. Kid: "How was your date last night?" liz: i-it was nice. Kid: (nods) "That's good. Feel okay with it?" liz: yeah. Kid: (opens door to Stocking's room, approaches her desk) "Any plans for your next date?" liz: not sure yet. Kid: "Maybe something just between the two of you? A film and dinner?" (lays the book atop Stocking's desk and exit...) liz: maybe. *blush* Kid: (closes the door) "..." (smirks) "You know what this reminds me of?" liz: what? Kid: "You look like how I must have when I was first dating Stocking." liz: w-wha? Kid: "The blushing, the nervousness...It's great when you start getting to know someone when dating." liz: w-well, maybe a little bit. liz: *smirks* at least i dont pass out when i talk to him. Kid: (frowns) "Well, you have a different personality than I do." (pats her shoulder) "But I'm happy you are going out, even if it was just as friends." liz: thanks kid. Kid: (smiles) "What are you up to this afternoon?" liz: not much. Kid: "Care to have tea with me?" liz: sure. --And so-- Kid: (sets the tea down for them in the kitchen) "...Liz?" liz: yeah? Kid: "...I want to marry Stocking. Not now, but in the future..." liz: i know. Kid: "But I don't know who to have as a best man...I almost want to have two best _persons_...You and Patty..." liz: we'd be glad to. Kid: (smiles) "Then let's go with that...Thank you. I am grateful." Patty: (peaks up behind the kitchen table) "Did someone say I get to be a best man?" -elsewhere- Yohei: "...Chie?" chie: yeah? Yohei: "...Could we talk? In private?" chie: um....sure? Yohei: "Your room or mine?" chie: uhhh... w-wherever....? Yohei: "...Okay..." (leads her to his room) "Um...Have a seat." chie: um... ./////. Yohei: (sits on the bed, while she's on his workshop bench) "...You bleed yet today?" chie: yeah. i did while making breakfast this morning. Yohei: "...How much blood?" chie: a little bit. *she looks at her finger* Yohei: (sees it from his bed...) "...Why are you comfortable sleeping next to me?" chie: o/////////////o um.... well....er...... w-what brought this up? Yohei: "...You are a Dokeshi." chie: yeah... Yohei: "I harmed Dokeshi. For the Dokeshi Hunt, for Fear Factory...You shouldn't trust someone like me." chie: i know but.... for some reason, i felt safe around you, like i subconsciously knew you wouldnt hurt me....its weird. Yohei: "...Yeah. 'Weird' would be the word for it." (gets up from the bed, sits next to her) chie: i guess....i just felt lonely... when i was young and i was scared, saki would hug me and tell me everything would be ok. Yohei: "...I spent my childhood distant from other people. After college, everyone around me died or tried to kill me. I don't really sleep well...but I've started to sleep better, when I'm lying next to you." chie: .////////. um... t-thanks. Yohei: (blushing a bit) "You're welcome." (rubs the back of his neck) "...That's all. I just wanted to know why...and to thank you for...helping me sleep." chie: no problem..... Yohei: "...Cool. If you ever need someone by your side...I'd like to be that person." chie:....i would appreciate that, yohei. Yohei: (awkwardly sits next to her on the bench, clears throat) "So..." chie: yeah? mana: *listening* Shotaro: (at the door, using Bone of the Bat to get big ears) Tuhl: (at the door, trying to coax the Door's spirit to tell him what is going on...) Yohei: "Anything on your agenda today? Anything you want to work on or do?" chie: i might do some shopping later. Yohei: "Can you pick me up some cigarettes?" chie: i'll see about that. Yohei: "Thanks." (stands up, walks to the door, opens it--) mana: oof! Shotaro: "Gak!" Tuhl: "Crap!" Yohei: "..." chie: !!! WHERE YOU LISTENING IN ON US?! Tuhl: "No!" Shotaro: "Yes!" chie:................... ~triple arm dark chop!~ --Later-- Yohei: "Stand still, Mana..." Tuhl: (black eye) mana: owie! Shotaro: (wrapped like a mummy) "Hee hee hee...I got my Halloween outfit now!" -elsewhere- Yumi: (holding a potted flower) stocking: *snaps a pic* and i sent it to your email! Yumi: (smiles) "Thank you. I have been looking for this one for some time." (sets the flower down and picks up her seeds) "It is a challenge to grow this one..." -elsewhere- Kid: (sketching in his artbook) julie: *also doodling* Kid: (smiles) "How is your drawing coming, Julie?" julie: *very focused* *its a picture of her and her family, including liz and patti* Kid: (silently smiles, returns to his illustration--a stylized set of drawings of a couple dancing, showing their movements in sequence) -elsewhere- Arthur: (finishing writing on blackboard: "I will not PhotoShop my commander's face onto other people" 100 times) shinra: ....... Arthur: "...What? Haven't I been punished enough?" shinra: *shrugs* Arthur: "...Answer me one thing: do you like Iris?" shinra: ...... *he looks away, blushing* Arthur: "...Well? The lack of eye contact and blushing says yes, so just ask her out already." -elsewhere- Yumi: "We're home." stocking: we brought stuff~ Patty: "Oooooh, I like stuff! What is it?" Kid: (looks as well) stocking: we got a floral arrangement. Kid: "That looks wonderful." (inhales) "Smells good, too." Yumi: "Stocking has a good eye for them. And a good nose." liz: nice. Patty: "Where you want to put it? Dining room? Living room?" -it gets put in the dining room- Kid: "I like it here. It adds some cheerfulness." -later- Kid: "Stocking?" stocking: yeah? Kid: "I left a gift for you on your desk." stocking: oh. thanks kid. *she goes to investigate* **On the desk is a book, labeled simply "Stocking"** stocking: ?? *she opens it* **It is similar to a scrapbook: it includes handwritten poems, illustrations of her and shared experiences (the Halloween dance, trips overseas), photographs with their friends (ones still with them, ones lost), and a dedication at the beginning: "To my angel..."** stocking: aww.... *she smiles and blushes* **Note in the book: "Thank you for improving my life, and the lives of so many people. I love you, and I always will."** stocking: *she puts it in her top drawer and hugs kid* Kid: (returns the hug) "You like it?" stocking: i love it kid! Kid: (smiles) "Thank you." stocking: *she kisses him full on the lips* Kid: o_o (slowly returns the kiss...) -20 minutes of heavy making out later- Kid: "Ah...ah...Wow...That was great..." stocking: ahhhh~ Kid: "..." (holds her close) stocking: mmmm... Kid: (pulls back, holding her hand as he guides her to the bed...) stocking: oh~ Kid: (smiles, lies down and pulls her onto the bed) stocking: ah! *bluuush* Kid: (get on top of her) "Stocking..." stocking: *blushing* Kid: (blushing as well) "I love you..." stocking: i love you too kid. Kid: (smiles, stroking her face) stocking: hehe~ Kid: (leans down, kissing her neck lightly) stocking: ooh~ Kid: "What do you want to do?" -elsewhere- Yumi: "Mmm..." (hugs Lord Death) lord death: *he rubs her head* Yumi: "I enjoyed going out today. Stocking is a wonderful child...er, woman." lord death: indeed. i'm truly happy kid has found someone in his life to make him feel complete. as i have for you. Yumi: (blushes) "Likewise." (kisses his lips) -elsewhere- Black Star: "So, how was the concert, Soul?" soul: pretty good. i even got you a shirt. Black Star: "Really? Rad!" -elsewhere- Wes: [texting: hey liz. get home ok?] [text from liz cell: yeah.] Wes: [that's good. thanx for coming out. happy to have you and patty with soul] [text from liz cell: soul seemed happier] Wes: [i think so. i have to try harder--i've been screwing up] -the next day- Kid: "Zzz..." -at school- Patty: "What's the first class?" liz: geography. Kid: "Oh!" (looks at his maps) "Excellent!" liz: did you find something? Kid: "If I'm correct about today's lesson, this may help us find the next Sage." liz: that's great! Kid: "Just have to wait and listen..." -at lunch- Kid: (still studying the map during lunch) "I don't know..." stocking: hmm? Kid: "Does this narrow down the location of the next Sage?" stocking: maybe... Kid: "Sigh...Still seems so far away..." (holds Stocking's hand) stocking: we'll find a way. Kid: (nods) -elsewhere- Spirit: "Hey, Marie." marie: hey spirit. *she smiles* Spirit: "How's work going?" marie: doing well. the students seem to be improving. Spirit: "Yeah, I heard some were having problems. Think it was just early-semester jitters?" marie: perhaps. Spirit: "How's Christa?" marie: she's doing well. Spirit: (small smile) "I'm glad to hear that..." (small laugh) "Just a few more months before Lord Death and Azusa give Christa a playmate." marie: i know! Spirit: *squee!* christa: *hungry crying* Spirit: (covers his mouth, whispers) "Sorry." marie: *she gets out the baby food* here comes the choo choo~ Spirit: (small laugh as he watches Christa) christa: *nom* hehe~ Spirit: "So cuuuuuuute~" christa: speewee! Spirit: (waves) "Hi, Christa!" christa: hehe~ Spirit: "Was that yummy, Christa? Yum yum?" christa: y-yummu! Spirit: "Hee hee. Good food, right?" -elsewhere- NoFix: (unfolds the map) "And there's our entrance..." (points to a spot circled SECRET TUNNEL) mimeca: owo grunt #64: very good sir! NoFix: "Heck yeah! And I know the best date for knock knock knocking on Death's door..." (points to the calendar: October 31 1914) grunt #113: if ts 1914 why do we have iphones? grunt #64: jerry shut the fuck up. NoFix: "I LIKE 1914! It's a pretty number!" (flips up the calendar) "Look at Miss October 1914!" (it's a woman in a complete-body swimsuit) "Look at those hot ankles!" saki:.................... mimeca: *she changes into the lady* NoFix: "Yowza! So freakin' hot! Right, guys?!" grunt #113: dayum! grunt #23: JERRY SHUT UP! NoFix: "No, you shut up, Grunt #23!" (looks at Saki, up and down) "Hey...You think you'd look good in that number, toots?" saki:.......*she aims a gun at his head* NoFix: "...So, that's a yes?" -later- NoFix: "And be sure to get the blood off the wall! I like my room spick and span!" grunt #69: yes sir... NoFix: (holding his left arm in his right arm, glaring at Saki) "I got a feeling you aren't happy with me, Robot..." saki:............................. NoFix: "What, ain't got one word you can say to me? What the hell do you want from me, brat? I need something out of you or else this Halloween mission is going to go to shit." saki:..............checking memory files................sister.......... NoFix: "...Oh, Shadow Beast? What about her?" -elsewhere- Yohei: *in the shower* chie: *getting dinner ready* Shotaro: "Hee hee hee...Mission accomplished, Mana!" mana: good job today on the good deed. Shotaro: "...Oh, yeah, I did that, too. But I also did this for a prank!" (holds up bathroom towels and a bathroom rug) mana: oh no. Yohei: "Shotaro!" **Dripping wet, holding a small washcloth over himself** Yohei: "What the hell?!" chie:......... o////////////////////o Yohei: "..." (blushes in front of Chie, holds up his hands) "Hey, sorry!" ("...I just let go of the washcloth, didn't I?") chie+mana:..............*NOSEBLEED* Shotaro: (looks down) "...Wow." Tuhl: "Tch. Humans look weird enough already--now they look even weirder naked." Yohei: (grabs a towel from Shotaro, scampers back to the bathroom) chie: *covers face to hide the blush* Shotaro: "...So, did I do a bad deed, or a good deed?" mana: i dont know. Tuhl: "You know he is probably going to kill you with a laser bot, or a punching bot, or a ball-kicking bot. Right, Chie?" chie: oh shush Tuhl: "..." (smirks, leans back in his chair and keeps reading) -elsewhere- Kid: (hugs Stocking) stocking: oh? you ok kiddo? Kid: (smiles) "I'm great. You?" stocking: doing good. Kid: "I'm glad. Just focusing on what to do next..." -later, on the night of the dance- Patty: (werewolf princess) "Ready!" Kid: o_o "Um...Ready." (vampire) stocking: same here. (vampire's bride) liz: lets do this! (she's a gogo dancer samus) Yumi: "Ready." death: readyo~! Kid: o_o "That is an interesting costume, Father." lord death: it's very snazzy i think, hoho! Yumi: (smirks) "Very nice..." (runs a finger along his chest) lord death: ohoho~ liz: can we just go now? Patty: "Okay! Here we go--" (approaches the door--and runs into it) "Ouch! Stupid mask..." kirika: nice. (she's the joker) Gopher: "Ready!" (jester cap rings its bells) kirika:.......ok lets get this done. (thinking: STUPID SEXY IDIOT) -at the dance- Wes: (dressed as Luigi) "You see them yet, Bro?" soul: yeah i think i do. *he's mario* Wes: "Cool. Where?" ("...I'm happy he went along with this theme...") liz: hey guys! Wes: o\\\\o "H-Hey!" liz: nice costume. -inside- Black Star: (dressed as Star Lord) "Man, not enough food this year..." tsubaki: the decorations look great. *she's sakuya from okami* Meme: "Thanks! We put in a lot of work on them." (Frankenstein's monster) mio: *dr stein* yeah... Anya: -_- (clutching Toad plushie) tsugumi: *she's sailor moon* you look adorable. Anya: o\\\\o "N-No, I don't..." ao: *she's the ring ghost* it's quite fitting for you. Rin: "Hey, sweet Princess Peach outfit, Anya!" (dressed as Charisma Justice, then spots Ao) "Aaaaah!" (leaps into Yukio's arms--who is Einstein) Yukio: "...Hello, Ao." ao: hello yukio-kun. madoka: *she's coplaying madokami* *she's getting punch* Crona: (dressed as a teddy bear) "H-Hi, Madoka..." madoka: hi chrona. mami: how are you enjoying the party? *she's a cowgirl* Crona: "W-Well, thanks...Did you all make your outfits?" madoka: my mom helped me out. Crona: "Th-That's good...I bought this." -elsewhere- kinuta: so bored.... Alone: "Same. Stupid party people with their dumb old Halloween." Solence: (trying to read a book) -rumble rumble- kinuta: ??? Solence: "???" Alone: (covering his ears) "Gah! What is that--" **A hole breaks through Kinuta's cell** kinuta: WHAT THE FUCK?! mimeca: *waves* Solence: o____O Alone: "What?" mimeca: *griiiins* NoFix: (pushes Mimeca out of the way) "Gah! I knew I should've taken that left turn at Albe--" (spots Kinuta) "...Holy fuck." kinuta: oh! well hello there~ *wink* NoFix: (smooth) "Well, hello there, you sexy--" Solence: "AAAAAAAAaaaaaAAAAAAhhhhAAAAAAhhhh!!!" kinuta: SHUT THE HELL UP GASBAG! NoFix: -__- "Hey, I'm trying to get my groove on here--" (turns) "Oh. Gasbag. I thought you died." Alone: o_______o (shriek, hides under bed) kinuta: what babies. NoFix: *sigh* "Mimeca, retrieve Gasbag and that big Scooby over there." (leans towards Kinuta) "What's your name, hot mama?" kinuta: call me kinuta, hun~<3 NoFix: "Called me enchanted..." (takes her hand, kisses it sweetly) Alone: "Stay away from me, quiet mute girl!" Solence: (hyperventilating) mimeca: *slices the bars open* kinuta: arent you a charmer~ NoFix: "Heh hehe, so I've been told. Tell me, why is such a beautiful lady like you doing locked up in here?" Alone and Solence: (clutching each other) kinuta: those mean dwma jerks locked me up in here. *fake weeping* NoFix: (frowns) "Yes...them. They were a thorn in my side, too." (puts his hands on the wall behind her, cornering her) "How 'bout I get you out of here?" kinuta: really? *shiny eyes* NoFix: (tooth twinkle as he smiles) "Of course." (vibrates his hand) "Let me just clear an exit..." kinuta: *grin* NoFix: (puts an arm around Kinuta's waist) "Mimeca! Grab Gasbag and Scooby! We're heading underground!" (puts his hand to the floor--opening a large hole) mimeca: *she has collar+leashed them* ^w^ Solence: "No! Please, God, don't do this to me!" Alone: "I'm not your fucking pet!" NoFix: (death glare at Alone--as he squeezes Kinuta's butt) Alone: o__o; "I'll be a good doggie..." kinuta: ooh~<3 NoFix: "Mimeca! Escort them into the hole! We'll follow." mimeca: *drags them along* Alone: T__T Solence: "No! No no no no no no!" mimeca: *turns on a little radio* NoFix: (bridal carry Kinuta) "When we get back to my place, how 'bout we play a game of hide the pickle?" kinuta: sounds good. anyone who wants to join can join on in~ NoFix: (jumps in the hole) "Yeah, baby!" Alone: "Wh-What's the radio for, quiet girl?" mimeca: *shrug* NoFix: "Okay, we got our new army to help us supplement CyborGirl over there. What was Step #2 again, Mimeca?" mimeca: *gives him a note* NoFix: (holds it upside down) "What does it say?" mimeca: *she flips it for him* NoFix: "Oh, okay!" (reads) "Um...So, are we blowing up the dance while we're here?" -step 2; find other prisoners. step 3; regroup in vegas. step 4; RAAAAAMPAAAAAAGE- NoFix: (shows the note to Kinuta) "How 'bout that, Babe? Get wild in Vegas?" kinuta: oh hell yeah~! Solence: "Wh-What kind of 'rampage'?" Alone: "I think it's pronounced 'raaaaampaaaaaage.'" -back at the dance- Wes: (staring at Liz...) liz: *dancing* Wes: "You're a really good dancer..." liz: you're not too bad yourself. Wes: (small blush) "Thanks." Patty: (passes a glass of punch to Soul) soul: thanks. stocking: mmm~ Kid: (dancing with her) "Enjoying yourself?" stocking: i am indeed~ *she kisses him* Kid: (whispers in her ear) "Are you under my spell...?" stocking: i already was~<3 Kid: (smirks) "Wait 'til I get you home..." stocking: oh i cant wait~ Kid: "Yes...I can leave the cape on..." stocking: *griiins* Crona: "M-M-Mami?" mami: yes? Crona: "Would you like...to dance?" mami: i would like that. *she smiles* Crona: "..." (holds out their hand, leading her to the dance floor) -elsewhere- Spirit: (groaning) "Wh-What happened...?" (struggling to get off the floor...) blair: you slipped on some ice and passed out Spirit: "I did? Oh...I-I'm sorry, Blair." blair: it's alright. ^^ Spirit: "Man..." (looks at Blair) "I'm missing the dance, huh?" blair: well, we better head on in then~ -elsewhere- Yumi: -_- "Marie...Stop staring at my abdomen." marie: its a little fishy! Yumi: -_-; "Who are you supposed to be?" marie: i'm pikachu! Yumi: "...Cute." -in the kid's area- aimi: *singing* Black Star: (with Tsubaki, watching kids) momo: *waves* ^^ Black Star: (smiles, waves) momo: hehe~ Black Star: "Hey, Tsubaki..." tsubaki: yeah? *she's playing candyland with angela and nagisa* Black Star: (stares at her..."Man...") "Um...So, uh..." (blushing) "Which character are you?" -elsewhere- Giriko: "Here you go, kids--one for you, one for you..." (stares at a piece...then snaps his rubberband) "Ouch! Um...Here, have an extra one." young boy: *dressed like spirit* thanks dude. Giriko: "..." ("Damn stupid Death Scythe...") (forced smile) "Great outfit...Well, have a safe night!" -soon, another group; one as iron man, one as a pirate, and one as arachne- arachne:......such cute costumes. girl 1: thanks miss. Giriko: "Y-Yeah..." (gives candy to each...then an extra two to the Arachne one) "Great costume, kid." arachne: thank you ^^ Giriko: (smiles at _his_ Arachne) arachne: *blush* Giriko: "Well, thanks for stopping by, kids! Be safe out there tonight." girl 2: *the pirate* ok! Giriko: (closing the door, looks at Arachne) "You're popular." arachne: i didnt even think people remembered me. Giriko: "...Babe, you're unforgettable." arachne: *chuckles and kisses him* Giriko: (kisses back, holding her) trick or treater: o____________O *takes a piece and runs off screaming* Giriko: o_o "What?! Never seen someone kiss someone before?!" arachne: *chuckling* Giriko: "Hmph." (shuts the door) "...Want to take a break? Maybe..." -elsewhere- NoFix: "We almost there, Mimeca?" mimeca: *thumbs up* NoFix: "Perfect! Vegas Vacation! Okay, crew, what's everyone got in an ability?" Solence: "I WANT TO GO HOM--" NoFix: (fist to face) "Gas abilities, right." Alone: (shivering) "...I'm big? Got big teeth?" kinuta: charm magic here~ NoFix: "Charming me in my pants, baby." mimeca: *shapeshifting her arm into something* NoFix: "And the rest of you?" 'masky': *muffled speaking and activates flamethrower* NoFix: "O...kay. (Jeez, and I thought it was hard understanding Mimeca...) And what about you, Sudoku?" Frey: (nails pierce NoFix's neck) "Sadoko, you incipient buffoon." NoFix: *coughs blood* "Heh...I like things in me..." Solence: (wimpering) grunt #64: 0-0 v-vegas ahead, sir! NoFix: (heals) "Okay...Gasbag will make the gas, Masky will burn it to increase the explosion, the rest of us get to spread some fun throughout this city." mimeca: *applause* NoFix: "And remember--when they say whatever happens here stays here? Fuck that. We're making this place a new city on the hill--ONE ON FIRE!" masky: [HELL YES! BURN! KABOOM HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE~!] NoFix: "Still can't understand a word you're saying--but good enthusiasm! Squeeze the Gasbag!" grunt #69: *gulps+sweats* Alone: (whimping, clutches Solence, and squeezes him like an accordion, expelling gas) NoFix: "Back up, everyone!" (he stays put, since, you know, healing power) vegas resident: *sniff* ugh, carl what the fuck?! Vegas Resident #2: "Oh. Sorry. The wife has me on this new diet, and--" *BOOM* kinuta: whats up fuckers~! Vegas Resident #3: "A witch!" Vegas Resident #4: "Run!" kinuta: *wink* Alone: (behind them) "Aw, what's the rush...? Stay for dinner..." (opens his mouth) resident 5: *SCREAMS* Solence: (seizes Resident #5) "Save me! They're lunatics! I don't want--" -PUNCH- mimeca: *turns up the music* Frey: "Ah, sweet tunes..." (elongates nails, stabbing through five residents at once, then swings her hand to knock them into five more residents) kinuta: *charming some poor shmuck out of his money* NoFix: (whistling, as he walks around with a baseball bat, slugging people around town) *CRASH* kinuta: i'll be taking these honey~ *she robbed a sex shop......for a lot of stuff* NoFix: (watching) "Oh, yeah..." Police Officer: "Freeze!" kinuta: are you going to....frisk me~? *shaking her rear* Police Officer: "Wha-What...?" (dazed) NoFix: (approaching from behind) kinuta: want some of this, cutie~? Police Officer: (until her spell) "Yes..." NoFix: (following from behind) kinuta: come get it then~ Police Officer: (opens his arms...) NoFix: "Let me inside you~" *CRUNCH* kinuta: and down he goes. *NoFix's hand through Officer's chest* NoFix: "I also vibrate..." *Vibrates the corpse into dust* NoFix: "Want me to try that on you later~?" kinuta: kinky. kinuta: try not to kill me with it, ok, hun~? NoFix: " 'Kay." (walks up to her, wiping the dust off of him) "Up for some more trouble?" Alone: (munching on the remains of some of Frey's victims) kinuta: hit up the casino? NoFix: "Awesome. I'm great at roulette." -in the casino- NoFix: "Put it on red!" (puffs on a cigar) "Like me up, Fire Dude!" masky: *turns on the flame thrower* kinuta: *she's changed her clothes to some black tight bondage lingere* NoFix: (lights a new cigar on the flame thrower, offers it to Kinuta) kinuta: *she sips her martini* who wants to get with me first~? NoFix: (hand raised) Alone: (raises--a human hand from the body he is eating) Frey: "..." (half-raised hand) Solence: (whimpering) Random Enchanted Bystanders: (raise their hands) kinuta: take a number people~ grunt #69: you people are all savages! did you not hear her?! TAKE A NUMBER! *Everyone takes a number* Solence: "Oh, hey, I got Number 1!" NoFix: (death glare) Solence: o___o; -later- kinuta: ahhh~ fuck that's good~ ((she got double teamed by nofix and alone.... *buries self in shame hole* -meanwhile- Spirit: (reading the news reports) "My God..." blair: everything ok? Spirit: "...I got to report this to Lord Death, now: Vegas is under attack." -back in vegas- kinuta: ahhhh~ <3 Alone: (lying his head on Kinuta's lap, inhaling) NoFix: "Some vibration, baby. That feel good for you?" kinuta: holy fuck that was good. mimeca: =w= NoFix: "Hee hee hee." Alone: (moans) kinuta: up for round two? i can wear thiiis~ *holds up a red riding hood costume* Alone: (howls with delight) NoFix: "Yeah, baby!" (checks his phone) "Oh, hey! We made the evening news! And I got more tit pics from that gamer chick!" -elsewhere- medusa: YOU DID WHAT?!?!?!?! Ponera: "Hmm?" shaula: its just a few pics, chill out. -back in vegas- NoFix: "Look at them titties..." (holds the phone up to Kinuta, as he gets to work on her...) kinuta: ahhhhh~ fuuck that's kinky. masky: *looks at alone* ?? Alone: "...What? Why's that masked person staring at me? Never seen a naked wolf in bed with Red Riding Hood?" masky: *looks away* random grunt: I STOLE THE CAMERA! TURN DOWN FOR WHAT?! -elsewhere- -eruka's phone goes off- eruka: *she checks it* ??.... O_________________________O Free: "What's wrong?" eruka: *SCREAMS AND DROPS THE PHONE* WHAT THE FUCK?! -bading- eruka: EEK! *she got a video gram* Free: (looks over) o____o "...Well, now we know who is attacking Vegas..." Alone: (in the video) "What big tits you have!" eruka: TT~TT noooooooooooooo *covers chest* kinuta: oh fuck that feels great~! Free: "???" Alone: (sounds of licking heard) eruka: *hides under the bed* whhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyyyyyyyyyy kinuta: ooooh fuck~ youre getting me so wet~<3 Free: (struggling to turn it off) "Curse my big fingers! We need this vid to track their location in Vegas..." -elsewhere- NoFix: (on the video) "Hang on--I got something for you~" kinuta: and that would be~? NoFix: (presses himself against her backside, guiding his member to her vagina) kinuta: ooh you're so hard already~ -elsewhere- blair: o-o;;;; Spirit: D: "...Why?!" nygus: ugh. Spirit: "HOW DID THEY ESCAPE?! Where was security?!" guard: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH *screaming at dead guards* Spirit: (runs to the spot...) "...Oh God..." (covers his mouth) -gore and blood everywhere- Spirit: (backs away, struggling not to panic) "...This can't be happening. Wh-Why didn't an alarm get triggered? Something?" guard: i think the alarm got broken somehow... Spirit: "...It looks like an earthquake broke through here...Security cam footage?" -the camera is turned on, showing the footage- Spirit: (points at the person that caused the hole to emerge) "That guy--who is he? Anyone recognize him?" nygus: *doing some scans*...... !!!!!! Spirit: "What is it?" nygus: t-thats.... guard: the infamous king of spin, nofix?! from the london incident?! Spirit: "...The one that provoked that reaction in Stocking..." nygus: *she nods* Spirit: "...We need to assemble a team and get them to Vegas, now. And I think we're going to need additional help..." -at the dance- **Slow Dance Time** Wes: "...Liz? May I have this dance?" liz: sure thing. Wes: (takes her hand, leads her to the dance floor, puts a hand on her hip) Kid: *slow dancing already with Stocking* stocking: *she seems happy* Kid: "You are wonderful..." stocking: just like you. Kid: (smiles, kisses her cheek) Arthur: "...Tamaki?" tamaki: nya? Arthur: "...Care to dance?" tamaki: .......sure, only to get those 3 watchdogs off my ass. -_-; Arthur: "Y-Yeah...What's up with those guys?" tamaki: who cares. its like they're 'over protective older brothers'....ftr they arent my brothers. Arthur: (nods, as he rests a hand on her hip) "Is this okay?" tamaki: 7////7 y-yeah whatever. Arthur: (gulps, starts dancing...rather well, too) Meme: "..." (reaches for Mio's hand) mio: ok! Meme: "Wh-What? You would like to dance?" -iris and shinra dance too....they suck at it. shinra especially sucks at the slow dance- mio: yes...i-if thats ok with you. Meme: "..." (smiles) "I would love that." tsugumi: *VIRBRATING* Anya: (frowns) "Well, good for them..." (pouts) clay: if you want to dance, i guess i could..... .////////////. Anya: .////. "Fine. Might as well see how commoners dance..." (smirks) "Let's see whether you can keep up." clay: challenge accepted your highness. Anya: (still smiling, despite herself) "Cute." Akane: "Tsugumi?" tsugumi: ah! oh, akane-kun! Akane: (smiles) "I guess it's just you and me." (holds out his hand) tsugumi: 0//////0 o-ok. Akane: (leads her to the dance floor) -elsewhere- Yohei: "..." (reading the news from Vegas) "Fuck." chie: is everything ok? Yohei: "...Chie, sit down." chie: oh no... Yohei: "We have a problem..." Yohei: "...I think I found NoFix." chie: !! Yohei: "Las Vegas." mana: oh crap. Shotaro: "..." Tuhl: "So, what's your plan? Kinda far from us, isn't it?" chie: what do we do....? Yohei: "...I've been working on something...It's in the garage." chie: *she looks inside* **A tank-shaped futuristic vehicle is parked* Yohei: (taps button on his set of keys, causing the car alarm to chirp and turn off) Yohei: "Say hello to the FST-V: Fusion/Transportation Vehicle." chie: wow. mana: neato! Shotaro: "Oooooooo..." Tuhl: "No wonder you haven't gotten much sleep. So, how fast does this thing go?" -elsewhere- Ponera: "...I'm sorry. _What_ is happening in Las Vegas?" shaula daaaayum shit's going doooown! Nals: "What shall we do? Intervene? Or let the city burn?" grimoire: lets not meddle in this. lets wait to see how this plays out. Ponera: "...Very well. We shall wait and--" o___O "Is that Alone?!" **Video footage of a werewolf mauling humans** grimoire: oh god dammit -_-# Ponera: (steam coming out of her ears) "HE'S TRAIPSING AROUND VEGAS?! WHAT DOES HE THINK HE IS DOING?! Stupid stupid stupid!!!" shaula: relax i'll call him up. -in vegas- NoFix: "I love Vegas..." (lights his cigarette on a nearby fire burning outside) kinuta: just like spring break all over. hell fucking yes. grunt: hey wolfy, yer mom's callin. Alone: "???" (glares) "Call me that again, and you'll be my next supper!" (snatches the phone) "Hello?" shaula: *she hands the phone to ponera* Ponera: "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING, YOU STUPID MUTT?!" Alone: o\\\\o "I think you got the wrong number--" Ponera: "Alone! What are you doing?!" Alone: "I-I-I got roped into something! By a scary murderous Dokeshi and a witch!" Ponera: "YOU'RE CHEATING ON ME WITH ANOTHER WITCH?!" grimoire: easy now. NoFix: "...Hey, Sugar Tits? Who's he talkin' to?" kinuta: *shrugs* Alone: "Please, Lady Ponera! This can still work for your plan! I mean, a little chaos helps you and Grimoire, right" kinuta: ooohhh i think he's talking to that ant bitch. Alone: "Shh! She'll hear--" Ponera: " 'BITCH'? 'BITCH'?! WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU, YOU DRIED UP OLD SKANK?!" kinuta: ok i'm sorry WHAT?! Ponera: "SLUT! WHORE! What, you need a thesaurus?! I bet you spread your legs at the drop of a dime!" kinuta: at least i can actually get some miss virgin! Ponera: (pouting) "Gaaaah! I can get some whenever I want! I just don't want some!" kinuta: too bad it's hard with those scrawny little bags taped to your chest. Ponera: o\\\\o (crosses her arms over her chest) "BITCH!" grimoire: ...... (thinking: still cute though)) kinuta: what was that? it sounded like me winning. NoFix: "Let me try..." (takes the phone from Alone) "How 'bout I come on by and--" shaula: kinda reminds me of us, eh sis? medusa: fuck off. shaula: yep. good times. gooood tiiimes. Ponera: (listening...and her face looks more and more horrified until) "EEEEEEEEW!!!" (tosses the phone) grimoire: what now? Ponera: "DESTROY LAS VEGAS! I WANT ALONE SKINNED ALIVE, HIS HIDE BECOMING MY NEW RUG!" grimoire: yes ma'am. we'll send a squad now. Ponera: "Good..." (looks down) "They aren't that small..." shaula: they're still bigger than medusa's used to- *PUNCH* shaula: worth it medusa: fuck you. Ponera: (stares at Medusa's) "Maybe if I got pregnant..." grimoire: ............................................... (thinking: do i go for it or no.....) Ponera: "...Grimoire? Why are you still here? Order the attack!" grimoire: right. -elsewhere- Spirit: "The team is ready?" nygus: ready. blair: on it~ eruka: do i have to go? Free: (pats her head) "Need your explosions against them." (smiles) "Think of it as payback." eruka: *gulps* ok. Spirit: "Let's move out..." -elsewhere- ?????: yeah, thing's are getting pretty wild doc.............mmmhmm... i hear ya loud and clear....understood... i'll try to keep casualties to a minimum.....keyword, 'try'~ Person #2: "That bad, huh?" ????: dont worry about it. i'll make sure this is done cleanly, and stylishly~<3 Person #2: (eyeroll) "How about just cleanly? Seriously, why 'stylishly' when 'quickly' would be better?"' ????: clearly you dont know me very well~<3 hehe~ Person #2: "Obviously." (checks something) "Okay. My energy level is back to optimal. You ready?" ????: yep. i'll get this ready then~ Person #2: (nods, turns around, retrieves their sword) -elsewhere- Patty: "Woot!" (holds up Bobbin' for Apples Trophy) liz: great job sis! Kid: (claps) "What's next?" -the announcements for the dance king and queen- kim: neat. *she won last year's* Kid: "..." (holds Stocking's hand) Arthur: (smirks at Shinra) lord death: the dance kind and queen are..... layla richards and andre lee! kimiko: congrats layla! layla: *blush* wow! Kid: (applauding) -later, elsewhere- Spirit: "We are now approaching Las Vegas." nygus: good god. Free: "...Damn. It's a wreck..." blair: why dont we crash this party then~ Spirit: (serious) "Yes." blair: *she turns up the tunes; queen's 'dont stop me now' Spirit: "..." (small smile) "Good song choice." -in vegas- **Grunts knocked to the floor* ???: "I-- (Grunt knocked down) "wanted--" (another knocked down) "a Vegas trip--" (another knocked down) "for myself." **Kami Albarn throws one grunt into another, crashing them through a wall** grunt #87: Q-Q Kami: "AND I CAN'T EVEN GET THAT!" (jabs her foot into Grunt #87's groin) grunt #87: ooH! mommy! >x< Kami: "Mommy isn't here! There is only Kami--" (punch) "Fucking--" (punch) "Albarn!" (punch punch punch) -music intensifies- Kami: (stands, hearing the screams of the attacked) "Back to work..." (runs to save people) -in the truck- eruka: *gulps* i think the tire broke....... Spirit: "Damn it!" *kicks the wheels--then grimaces* blair: time to party? Spirit: "...What?! How is that going to get us to Vegas?!" blair: we're already _in_ vegas. **Things on fire** Spirit: "..." (facepalm) Spirit: "Let's just stop NoFix..." eruka: k. THUNDERCATS HO! Free: "...But I'm a wolf." eruka: you know what i mean! Free: "Fine..." (werewolf mode) "Let's do this!" -the truck door is open- **The Crew rolls out of the truck in slow motion** eruka: can we just go now? Spirit: "Yeah, seriously." Free: *grumble* "Fine." -they go around and evacuate civilians- Spirit: (helping a child onto an evacuation vehicle) "You're going to be okay--get out of here." child: *holding a rabbit doll* m-mama....*sniff* Spirit: "???" (looks around) "Your mother isn't here, sweetly?" child: a scary monster ate her and she spilled ketchup, but she wasnt waking up... Spirit: "..." (looks around) "Do you have someone with you? Your father? Grandparent?" child: *he shakes his head* Spirit: "...Okay. Free? Stay with this kid." Free: "Wait, what?" Spirit: (death glare) Free: o_o; "O-Okay..." child: q.q eruka: easy there little guy. Free: "Y-Yeah...Let's get you all out of here to safety." (looks at Blair and Spirit) -after the first group of civilians is taken to safety- Spirit: "...Blair? Are you ready for this?" blair: yeah. Spirit: (nods, turns to soldiers) "Fan out, corner the targets. You have your orders: kill if necessary." soldier: understood sir! Spirit: "Man, and I'm going to need a meister out there--" *BOOM!* Grunt #89: "Ah! She's insane!" blair: ?? Kami: (walks through the smoke) "Oh...I knew I felt your obnoxious soul here, Spirit..." Spirit: T_T blair: oh hey kami~ Kami: (smiles) "Hello, Blair." (glares at Spirit) "So, I guess I'm stuck wielding you." Spirit: "..." (transforms into her hand) "Our orders are--" Kami: "Slice to kill--I know. Blair, what're you going to do?" blair: smoke these little bugs out~ ~HALLOWEEN BOMB BETA~ Kami: (smiles) "Good..." (swings Spirit at a flood of Grunts, knocking them to the floor) "Where are the mass murdering fuckheads that need to be put down?" -deeper in city limits- ????: hellooooooo~? Resident: (hyperventilating, trying to stay quiet) ?????: mr dokeeeshiiiii? are you in here~? Resident: ("D-Dokeshi? What're they talkin' about?") *Whistling heard* ????: *she listens for it* NoFix: "Someone callin' me~?" nui: hi there~ NoFix: "What're you want with me, little girl?" nui: i'm here on behalf of my employers to invite you to join our group *she hands him an invitation* NoFix: (holds it) "..." (rips it in half) "Give me the Cliffs Notes version." nui: *she gives him a buisness card for the Nirvana Corperation; advancing humanity, advancing life* NoFix: " 'Advancing'? Babe, I'm not into 'advancing'--I'm into spinning! Why the fuck would anyone want me to help 'advance' anything?!" nui: well we want to tap into humanity's biological secrets and bring them to their full potential. then we cut down the weaker links to make room for a stronger generation. NoFix: "...Do I get to kill people?" nui: yes indeedy~! NoFix: "Okay! So, what happens to the crew I got with me?" nui: the more the merrier~ NoFix: "Sweet. So, what do we do with Las Vegas? Finish up here or leave now?" nui: call up your friends and we can head over ASAP. NoFix: (pulls out his phone) "Attention Minions! We're leaving Las Vegas!" kinuta: whaaat, already?.....hey, where did poochy go? -outside, by some rubble- --Elsewhere-- eruka: *nervous* Alone: (slobbering) "Hello, Froggy..." eruka: O-O;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; *squeaky voice* oh no. Alone: (dashes at her, howling) eruka: *SCREAM AND BEGINS TO RUN LIKE HELL* NOOOOOO TADPOLE JACKSON SAVE MEEEEEEE Alone: (leaps, ready to descend onto her) eruka: *SHE TOSSES A TADPOLE JACKSON AT HIM* Alone: (slashes through Tadpole Jackson, descending still onto her as Jackson's innards fall down...) eruka: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Q~~~~~~~~~~Q Alone: (lands on Eruka, pinning her) "Well, hello..." eruka: *screams* Alone: "I got my lust up! And you've had this comin' for a long time!" -CROTCH KICK ATTACK- Alone: T_____T ("Why didn't I put metal down there...?") "You...bitch..." eruka: *POOF* *frog mode and flees* not today! not today! Alone: "Get back here!" (struggles to snatch at her) eruka: *dodging as best as she can* Alone: "Got ya!" (snatches her) eruka: eek! Alone: "Hee hee hee...How should I start? Where should I start?" (his tongue, salivating, gets closer to her...) eruka: !!!!! ???: "No!" (Werewolf fist to Alone's head, knocking him down and freeing Eruka from his mitts) *Free has arrived* eruka: *lands on his head* [NICE LANDING] Free: "Eruka, I'm gonna need some bombs..." Alone: o_o; Free: "Lots of them..." eruka: ok. *summons some tadpole jacksons* Alone: "Oh no..." Free: "Demon Cannon / Tadpole Bomb Combined Attack: GO!" -BWOOOOOOM- Alone: (twitching) Free: "Eruka...Are you safe?" eruka: y-yeah, i think so.... Free: (awkward big wolf hugging tiny frog) eruka: *hug* Q.Q thanks Free: "...Let's get this monster chained before he wakes up) blair: ~chain alpha~ now what to do with him~? Free: "I don't know that the DWMA is going to be enough for this dude..." eruka: hmmm... witch world prison? Free: (nods) "Get this punk there..." eruka: *she makes a call* hi, yeah we got something for pick up.....hmmm....we have him chained....kinda scawny lookin......slobbery....ok. Free: "..." (kicks Alone in the ribs) Alone: "Omph!" (knocked back out) -elsewhere in the city- Kami: "...I can't sense them...Where is that blasted witch?" ????: ufufufufu~<3 Kami: "?!" Spirit: "Behind you!" -BWOOOM- Kami: "Aaah!" (knocked back) kinuta: well hello spirit, it's been a while~<3 *in another revealing outfit* Spirit: "...You murderous monster..." kinuta: a sexy murderous monster, right~? *wink* Spirit: "...Kami? Kill her." Kami: "?! ... Okay..." (charges Witch Hunter) kinuta: *scared face* Kami: "Let's go!" Spirit: "Right!" kinuta: !!!! Kami: (almost instantly in front of Kinuta, swinging Spirit at her--) kinuta: iyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa *PIERCE* Kami: "?!" (coughs blood--as fingers are pierced through her shoulder) Spirit: "...Kami!" NoFix: "..." (fist slammed into Kami's head) kinuta:......*smirk* Kami: (knocked to the floor) Spirit: (reverts to human form) "H-How?" NoFix: "I can hide my Soul Wavelength by spinning it..." (seizes Spirit by the face) Spirit: "Gah!" kinuta: aw, thanks babe~ NoFix: (spins fingers to break Spirit's nose, then tosses him towards Kinuta) "New playtoy for you, Sweetie." kinuta: *kicks him several times* how about we give them a show~? NoFix: "When in Vegas..." (starts unbuckling his pants) kinuta: *starts stripping* NoFix: "Oh, yeah..." (pulls down his boxers) Spirit: (struggling to stay awake) "K-Kami...Don't...Please..." Kami: (she's not moving; that wound on her forehead looks back) kinuta: oh shut up you! NoFix: (kicks Spirit in the head) "That better, Sexy?" (holds her at the waist) kinuta: oh yes~ Spirit: (struggling to transform his arm...and fails. He collapses) NoFix: (presses himself against her as he plants his mouth on her neck) -elsewhere- Kid: (hugs her) "My enchanted angel..." stocking: tonight was great, kiddo. *she smiles* Kid: (smiles back) "...You know...we don't have to get out of these costumes yet..." stocking: oh~? Kid: (leans to her neck...and bites lightly) stocking: ah~ Kid: (his hand moves down...) stocking: ahhh~ Kid: (lowers himself, as he reaches under her dress to pull down her underwear...) stocking: *blush* Kid: (pulls them down with his teeth, as he looks up with them in his mouth) stocking: ooh... Kid: (drops her panties, as he lifts up her dress, lets it rest over him, as his hands grip her cheeks and his lips start kissing her thighs...) -elsewhere- Wes: "You have a good night, Liz?" liz: yeah, thanks for coming with me. Wes: (smiles) "Anytime...Great costume design, too." liz: thanks, hehe. Wes: "...I like a lot of what you wear...It looks great on you." liz: *blush* Wes: "..." (blushes as well, looks at her face) "Well..." liz: y-yeah... Wes: "..." (leans his face closer to hers...) liz:..... -chu- liz: >///////////////////< Wes: "!!!" (closes his eyes, holding her for a small kiss) liz: *soon, she pulls back for air* ahh.... w-wow. Wes: "Y-Yeah...That was...Wow." liz: *bluuuuush* -meanwhile- kirika: zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Gopher: "Zzz..." -elsewhere- Yumi: (covering her mouth) "Oh God..." lord death:.... (thinking: please be careful down there....) Yumi: "...Why didn't you tell Kid?" lord death: .............i should tell him. i didnt want to worry him. Yumi: (nods) "I don't disagree with your decision...I just know he is not going to take it well...Can it wait until morning? I think he and Stocking...went into his room." lord death: of course... -the next day- Kid: "..." (buries his head in his hands) stocking: kid.... Kid: "We should have been there..." stocking: *she hugs him* Kid: (hugs her, cries a little) stocking: its going to be ok kid... Kid: "...All those people..." liz: a lot of them were escorted here. Kid: "How many hospitalized?" liz:............quite a lot. Kid: "...What about DWMA members?" liz:........spirit and kami are hospitalized.... Kid: "...How serious?" -in the hospital- Kami: (unconscious) Spirit: "..." ("A weapon is supposed to protect the meister...Goddamnit...") soul:...........hey...... Spirit: "Soul?" soul: hey mr a..... Spirit: "...Hey. I'd get up, but..." soul: yeah........ Spirit: "What're you doing here?" soul: i wanted to check up on you guys... Spirit: "...I appreciate that..." (looks at Kami) "God..." soul: ........................... Spirit: "...I couldn't protect her...That bastard...I failed her..." soul:..............................*he remembers maka* Spirit: "..." (starts crying) "Look at me...If she was awake, she'd be calling me a wimp...And if M-M-Mak--..." soul:........ *he hugs him* Spirit: o_o "..." (returns the hug, patting his back) "...I'm sorry, Soul." soul:.............it's.....not your fault.......... Spirit: "...I know...I'm sorry about...about Maka..." soul:........................... Spirit: (crying) "I can't lose more people...I can't lose Kami, too..." soul:.......... ???: "Wimp..." Spirit: "?!" soul: you ok? Kami: (still unconscious, but talking in her sleep...and crying) "Maka...I'm sorry, baby..." (sobbing in her sleep) soul:...................... Spirit: "..." (clutches Soul, as he hears his ex-wife re-gaining consciousness but mourning...) soul:.............. Kami: "It's my fault...It's all my fault..." (her heart monitor starts fluctuating, prompting a nurse to enter) soul: ................... (thinking: what can i do...........maka, i could use some advice, if you can hear me....) [Maka: "...Be there for them. Please? For me, Soul? I'll...I'll try something..."] soul:............ok. **Soul sees something...someone emerging along Kami...** soul: !! Spirit: "What?" (sniffing, still crying) "What's wrong, Soul?" **Maka's ghostly form, like an angel, emerges, wrapping her arms around Kami...** soul:....its ok. **Maka smiles at Soul, as she closes her eyes and hugs her mother...and her heart rate normalizes...** soul:........ *he smiles* Nurse: (sighs) "She stabilizing..." Kami: "M-Maka..." Spirit: "..." -elsewhere- NoFix: "Nice digs." nui: indeed it is, sir. luka: (one of the scientists at nirvana) ah, so you returned with the dokeshi? Solence: (shaking with fear) luka: welcome to the Nirvana corp HQ, deep in the heart of lysandra city. NoFix: (crossing his arms) "So what's up? How do I fit into your plans of 'human advancement' or whatever?" luka: allow me to explain, our goal is to tap into humanity's full potential. since dokeshi can use more than the normal percent of their brain, they might just be the link we need to create the ultimate humans. NoFix: "Tch. You act like Dokeshi ain't already the ultimate humans." (stretches) "But if it's perfection you're looking for, you came to the right person." (winks at Luka) "I'm perfection itself." luka:..........right, anyway. NoFix: (pouts) Solence: (whimpering) ?????: *comes up behind solence* do you have a moment to spare, sir? Solence: "DON'T HURT ME!" ?????: i dont plan on hurting you just yet.... i would like to speak to you about our lord, kishin asura. Solence: "O-Okay...What about this Asur--WHAT DO YOU MEAN 'YET'?!" luka: dammit noriko if you're gonna harrass people do it outside. noriko: of course......this way....dont keep me waiting... kukuku.... Solence: "HELP ME!" NoFix: (eyeroll) "Stop whining." (turns back to Luka, looking up and down) "When do we get started?" noriko: i can help you.....to find salvation in madness.... Solence: "I-I-I have enough madness now, thanks! Everyone around here is insane!" -something screams in one of the rooms- dr shimeiji, one of the pierrots just scratched me! Solence: o____o luka: well good for you. NoFix: " 'Pierrots'?" luka: its one of our projects. i'll explain that along the way. NoFix: (staring at her backside as they walk) luka: -as you can see, its still a work in progess. NoFix: "Uh huh...Uh huh..." (finally looks up) "Holy shit! That one looks freaky!" luka: ah yes, asphyxia, formerly known as Dr Julia Green. NoFix: "...Can I touch its face?" luka: if you want to risk being bitten. she's been rather bitter recently. NoFix: "I like being bit! It's not like there are any side effects to a Clown bite, right?" luka: if you get clown blood in your blood stream, you kiiinda turn into a clown when you die. NoFix: "..." (pulls back hand) "So, you got a bed for me and my lady? And my other lady?" luka:........... you can use the spare clinic rooms. they rarely get used anymore. NoFix: "Sweet! Saki, get your butt in here!" saki:............................. NoFix: "You too, Cutie Witchie." kinuta: alright then! NoFix: "Heh heh heh...Looking forward to your new home, Cutie?" kinuta: oh yeah. saki:.................. mimeca: ^w^ NoFix: "Hey, Lady! I'll just need an hour, okay?" luka: alright then. NoFix: "Heh heh heh..." (hangs up his own "DO NOT DISTURB" sign) -the noises..............iiii'll just leave those to your imagination- Solence: (whimpering) -elsewhere- Kid: (at the hospital) "Soul, how are they?" soul: doing well. Kid: "All things considering, I guess..." (looks into Spirit and Kami's room) "How are they getting along?" soul: decently. Kid: "...Kami looks like she went through hell." soul:................... Kid: "...Would they mind if I met with them?" ???: "Soul!" soul: ?? Wes: "Soul!" (hugs him) soul: !! uh, hey wes. Wes: (lets go) "I thought you would be here--I tried to get here earlier--Are you okay? How are your friends?" soul: they're doing good. Wes: (nods) "That's good." (spots--) "Oh. Hello, Kid." Kid: "H-Hi...I was just going to go in...Excuse me." (exits) Wes: "..." (looks at Soul) "You sure you're okay?" soul: yeah, i'm sure bro. Wes: (nods) "Okay. Can I get you anything? Do you know when you'll be heading home?" soul: not sure yet. Wes: "...Mind if I stay?" soul:........if you want. Wes: "...I do." (sits next to him) soul: ............ Wes: "..." ("I wonder if he is okay being here...since the last time we were here at a hospital...") soul: you alright? Wes: (smiles) "Yes. I enjoyed the dance last night." soul: that's good. Wes: "Yeah...I wish you were on the dance floor more. You're really good at it." soul: i didnt have a physical date. Wes: "...Right. Well, nothing wrong with dancing with a friend...Or a brother." soul: ............*weak smile* Wes: (pats a hand on his shoulder, smiles) -elsewhere- Shotaro: "..." (picks up an object, bites Bone of the Bird, and flies down from the rubble towards a child) "Is this your Mr. Fluffy?" (holds a teddy bear up to the child) girl: *she hugs the doll tightly* Shotaro: "Hee hee...You're welcome. Well, I better get back to my friends!" (Bone of the Dog: sprints away) boy: wooooow. *staring at the car* Yohei: "Hey, kid? Want to sit in the driver's seat?" boy: dude for real?! Yohei: "Yeah." (picks him up and drops him into the seat) "Not like the car will start up: it's tuned into my retinal scan, weight, height, and voice command." boy: coooool! Tuhl: "Mana, Chie, take a break--I got you drinks." mana: neat. chie: thanks Tuhl: (sips his kiwi juice) "Where did Shotaro run off to?" mana: *shrug* *BoOM* Shotaro: "Ow!" *He ran into a wall* "Owie..." mana: *sweatdrop* Shotaro: (drags himself over) "Heh...Went too fast..." Tuhl: "..." (sets bottle of water atop Shotaro's head, next to his new bump) -elsewhere- Patty: (hugging Liz) liz: ............. Patty: "It's so sad, Sis..." liz: i know.......... Patty: "...Everything was fun last night...You, Wes...Then..." liz: yeah......... Patty: (wipes a tear) "I don't want the kids seeing this...I-I'm going to try to play some games with them." liz: good idea. Patty: "...I'll get the board games, can you get some cookies and hot chocolate?" liz: ok. --Later— Kid: "Zzz..." (slowly opens his eyes) stocking: kiiiiddoooo, wakey wakey~ Kid: (yawn) "Oh, hello..." stocking: i want to show you something really cool. Kid: (stretches) "Oh? Okay..." (gets up) -she leads him to the ballroom- Kid: "???" 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY KID!' Kid: "Oh! ..." (smiles) "Th-Thank you..." -after a few presents- Kid: (smiling widely) "This is so kind of you all. Thank you, especially my family..." (looking at Yumi, Lord Death, Stocking, Liz, Patty, the extended Thompson family, Kirika) kirika: *playing her game* Kid: "...Well, it's the thought that counts..." Patty: (smiling) Yumi: (pats Kid's head) -elsewhere- Kami: (reading a book) Spirit: (looking at the ceiling) nurse: doing well? Kami: "..." Spirit: "Better, thanks..." ("She won't even talk...") nurse: do take it easy, sir. Spirit: (small smile) "I'm not going anywhere." Kami: (eyeroll) nurse: *she smiles and exits* Spirit: "Kami, I--" Kami: "I'm fine." (back to reading) Spirit: "..." (back to studying the ceiling) "At least visit Maka before you leave." --Elsewhere— Ponera: (rubbing her temples) "Could you two witches PLEASE shut the hell up...?" shaula: she started it! medusa: *held back by grimoire* I'M GOING TO SKIN YOU YOU F***************!!!! grimoire: think of your baby. medusa:............... Ponera: "Yes, please...What even started this squabble?" medusa: SHE TOOK PICTURES OF MY BOOBS TO SEND TO HER WEIRD FRIEND! Ponera: o_o Nals: o_O Killbell: "...Boobies?" grimoire: down boy. shaula: cause they're bigger than mine. consider it a compliment. medusa: YOU LITERALLY ARE THE WORST EVER!! Ponera: "Um...Shaula, go to your room. No video games for a month." shaula: YOU'RE NOT MY MOM! XP Ponera: "...Killbell? Escort Shaula to her room... Killbell: "Okay..." (approaches Shaula) -elsewhere- Kid: (dining on birthday cake) "Mmmm~ Tasty!" stocking: mmmm~ so good~! Patty: (sharing some with Jules) Kid: (smiles at Stocking) "How long were you all planning this?" lord death: all month. Kid: "R-Really?" Yumi: "You are worth it, Kid." (kisses his forehead) "Happy birthday." julie: hehe ^^ Kid: (blushes a bit) "Thank you all..." Black Star: "Wait 'til you see your gifts, man." stocking: here you go~ Kid: (smiles) "Thank you..." (begins to open...) -its a new jacket- Kid: "Excellent! Fine quality, too..." (tries it on) "Great fit!" liz: looks good. Patty: (nods, frosting along her cheek) Kid: "Whom do I have to thank for this jacket?" liz: we got that for you. Kid: (smiles) "I love it--thank you!" (hugs them) liz: aww. Patty: "Hee hee..." (hugs back) -later- Kid: "This was great. Thank you." stocking: i have one more thing for you. *whispers* but that's for later tonight~<3 Kid: o\\\\o "O-Okay..." (clears throat) "Father, Mother, thank you." lord death: of course, kiddo. Yumi: "We love you, son." (hug) Kid: (looks to Liz and Patty) "And you two...I could not be more blessed to have partners like you." liz: aw shucks. Patty: "You're darn right we are!" (noogie) Kid: "Ah! Patty, my hair!" (laughing a bit) stocking: hehe~ Kid: "I only hope I can mature with this next year..." liz: i'm sure you will. Patty: (nods) "Definitely more mature than me!" ((20 sounds good)) soul: yeah. Patty: (pouts at Soul) Black Star: "Just don't take yourself too seriously, buddy." soul: yeah. Kid: (smiles) "I'll try." (holds Stocking's hand) stocking: *she smiles as well* Kid: "Perhaps a toast, to the future?" -the next day- Kid: "Mmmmm..." *yawns* stocking: zzzzzzzzzzz......... *still in her ribbons* Kid: (blushes a bit but smiles..."She is so sexy...") (wraps his arms around her, kisses along her ear) stocking: mmmm....... Kid: "Good morning, sexy...How did you sleep?" stocking: pretty good. Kid: (kisses her shoulder) "You...gave me a great sleep..." stocking: how're you feeling, birthday boy~? Kid: (smiles) "Older, I think a bit wiser..." (kisses her cheek) "...and more in love with you than ever before." stocking: hehe~ Kid: (picks at one ribbon) "God, you are the best girlfriend ever..." stocking: ah~! Kid: (strokes under the ribbon) "Stocking...You know what would be...interesting?" stocking: what~? Kid: (whispers) "You know those photographs we've taken...?" stocking: which ones~? Kid: (tugs a bit on the ribbon between her legs) "The sexiest ones...Like the one of that face you make when you cum?" stocking: what about them~? Kid: "Stocking...it is okay if you are not interested..." (kisses along her neck) "...but would you be interested in recording us...making love?" stocking: .//////////. *she looks down* Kid: "...It's fine. Just an idea...We don't have to..." stocking: i-i'd rather not..... *sad smile* Kid: "...Oh. Yes...Stocking, I'm sorry." stocking: it's fine, kid. *she strokes his cheek* Kid: (holds her hand) "...Thank you. You have given me so much, Stocking...I wish I could give as much to you..." stocking: you already have. Kid: (smiles...leans down to lightly kiss her lips) stocking: mmmmm.... Kid: (holds her closer, as his fingers tug on the ribbons...) -later- Patty: (has made breakfast for everyone) "Dig in, Birthday Boy. Oh, and everyone else!" liz: alright! Kid: (sparkling eyes) "I'm surprised, Patty--this all looks delicious!" Patty: (passes cinnamon rolls to Stocking) stocking: yum~ Patty: (passes pancakes to Julie, Heather, and Riley) "So, what's on today's schedule?" -at school- Kid: "What is our first class?" (still reviewing maps) -they got survival- Patty: "..." (putting on camaflague paint) shinra: ................doesnt look like tamaki is here today. Arthur: "I wonder where she is." (internal screaming) ryuuko: i heard she called in sick today. Arthur: "Hmmm..." ("...Maybe I should stop by her station and see how she is feeling...") "Any idea what is wrong?" ryuuko: i didnt get too many details, all i heard is that she called in sick. or rather commander burns called in to say she is sick... Arthur: "I see..." ("Why did he call in? Is she feeling that badly that she couldn't herself?") shinra: .................. Arthur: "...Hey, Shinra? Can you let the commander know I will be late getting back to the station? I think I'll stop by to see how Tamaki is recovering." shinra: ok then. Arthur: "...Thanks." Sid: "Enough talking: you have survival training." (gestures to Clay) "Release the dogs." clay: yes sir. Kid: "...Wait, what?" mikami: Q-Q *Dogs released...and Free in werewolf form* Free: *woof woof woof!* "Run and dodge before the dogs get to you!" Patty: "Awwwww, puppies!" (tackled by dogs) -later- Kid: o__o "I"m just happy this is an _old_ jacket..." (jacket ripped and scratched) stocking: aww.... Kid: "How are you?" stocking: ok. yukari: -and i dont know _what_ you are doing to these poor dogs to make them so feral, but clearly it must be something unethical! how can you people even live with yourselves?! mizuki: -_-; Sid: "These dogs are not feral: they are trained to hunt their targets." Free: (petting one dog) "That's good work, buddy--now, let's play fetch! You throw the ball this time and I'll catch it!" mizuki: sis, just drop it please. -_-; -later- Patty: (covered in scratches) -___- "These mutts play rough." liz: yeah. *bandaging patti* Kid: (looking again at maps, tapping his finger) liz: ...... Kid: *sigh* "We need these Sages. After Vegas, we need help..." liz: yeah.... you say we found valcona? Kid: (nods) "I think a visit is in order." liz: great! Kid: "I will direct Father to let us organize our team and get transportation ready...I think we should depart in three days." liz: good idea. Patty: (frowns) "Valcona is going to be hot, isn't it?" liz: it is a fire region. we'll have to talk to hibana about getting a secure route. Kid: (nods) "And perhaps bring in additional members of the Fire Brigade. Wait, where is Hibana? Still in custody?" liz: yeah. Kid: "Hmm...I guess we're seeing her in prison then?" -the holding facility is actually quite nice.- Hibana: "Hmph. This is torture. I can't even get my favorite tea." (rings bell) "Oh, guard! I need another soft drink!" liz: *gulp* Kid: ._. "This jail cell looks better than bedrooms I have had..." gabriella: !!! oh, princess, we have visitors! Hibana: "Oh, look--the shinigami and his twins." (shuts her book, walks up to them) "To what do I owe this pleasure?" (eyeroll) liz: .///////. Patty: "..." (whispers to Liz) "She's scary but in a kind of hot way." Kid: ("Focus, Patty...") "We need your secure route to the Fire Region." Hibana: "Oh, really? Let me think--No." (turns back to her book) Kid: "?!" (looks to Liz) liz: hibana? i am such a huge fan! Hibana: "...Really?" liz: yeah, your perfumes are just to die for! Hibana: (smiling) "Well, that goes without saying. Tell me, which is your favorite?" -later- Kid: "...Liz, you are amazing." liz: awww, no biggie. *rubs knuckles against her shirt* Kid: (holds something) "I'm surprised she gave you a coupon for one dollar off her newest perfume...which still will cost an exorbitant amount of money..." Hibana: (blushing in her cell, smiling) "Hee hee...My fans love me..." gabriella: why wouldnt they? you're the best! Hibana: "Ah, Gabriella, you're making me blush..." (frowns, holds up her glass) "Refill." gabriella: yes ma'am! -later, elsewhere- Yumi: (in the Death Room) "You are approved for transportation." (hands Liz a set of keys) "Don't scratch the Airship, and get a pilot for it." liz: yes ma'am.....so, who's gonna be our pilot? <x> Gen < > Naigus < > ???? < > Black Star Yumi: "Gen will meet you at the Airship. Good luck." -and so- Kid: "I think we have everything ready." Patty: -_- "I. Hate. Heat." -begin the trek to valcona mountain- Black Star: (singing the Indiana Jones theme) -they landed and continued to the cave entrance by foot- Patty: (grumbling) Kid: (in shirt and slacks) "This is the path Hibana provided, right?" liz: yeah, but they never went further than the path. so i guess this is our way to the sage, then. Kid: (inhales) "Okay. Everyone, we go forward. Meisters, try to sense any soul wavelengths nearby. Weapons, transform so that we are armed." -they trek the path to a cave entrance, someone could be heard inside- Kid: "You hear that?" liz: sounds like....hammering metal? Kid: "..." (looks inside the cave entrance...) -seems a shadow can be seen hammering something- Kid: "..." < > Approach < > Continue exploring <continue to search the area, you might find items!> Kid: (spots something along one wall) -obtained 1 fire stone- Kid: "...Hmmm...I wonder what can be done with this..." -a few fire blossoms were added to the inventory- Kid: (smells something...looks around another corner Patty: "Whatever it is, it smells good..." **Someone is cooking a meal** ???: *cooking a steak....with fire magic?* Kid: ("A kitchen?" But where do I find the Sage...") ???: hmm? oh, are you from the village? *the lady seems nice enough* Kid: ._. "Um...more like one from far away." ????: well you come on in, dears. Kid: (signals to others to not withdraw their weapons, enters) ????: so what brings you our way? we dont get visitors too often, and usually they just come for buisness matters dealing with my son. Kid: "We are here seeking the advice of the Fire Sage." ???: ah, i see. you just dig on in kiddos. MARZE HONEY! YOU HAVE VISITORS! Kid: (spoons up some of the soup) " 'Marze'?" ???: my other son. he inherited the title from his father, god rest his soul. Kid: "Oh..." (returns to his meal) Marze: *a young man enters* oh? who're these people, ma? ???: they're... where you kid's from? Kid: "We are from Death City. I am Death the Kid." marze: death city, huh? what brings ya'll out here? Kid: "And we desire to gather the Sages to contain it." -after the situation is explained- marze: well, sounds like quite the pickle ya'll are in. well i'd be happy to help you guys. looks like i have to show you that song pa always tought me. *he goes elsewhere before returning with some bongos* Kid: (" 'Pickle'? 'Bongos'? Has this person met my father?") "Um...Okay..." marze: *he begins to play* -obtained the mountain mambo- Patty: "Ooooo, that's a good tune!" (claps) -later- Kid: "I wonder how this tune will help us find the next Sage..." liz: we'll need to find the forest sage.... and a new sky sage... Kid: (looks at a map) "Forest...Forest...I wonder where..." -elsewhere- Arthur: (knocking on 1st Brigade Station door) guard: yeah? Artur: "Um...Is Tamaki accepting visitors?" guard:........she's not feeling well. Arthur: "O-Okay...Could you pass this along to her?" (holds up a decorated basket with a new teapot and some teas) guard:...... *he looks inside the teapot* sure thing, now move along. tamaki: *she looks outside the window* Arthur: "..." (turns, walks away, under the window) tamaki: ?? *she knocks the glass* Arthur: "???" (turns, sees the window) tamaki: *she looks confused, but she seems perfectly fine* Arthur: "...Hey? Can you hear me?" tamaki: ?? -karim appears behind her and shuts the curtain- Arthur: "?!" ("...I better tell the Commander about this...") -elsewhere- Shotaro: *snoring* "Zzz..." chie: looks like he had a busy day. Yohei: "Given how much debris he was clearing, yeah, I'd say so." (puts a blanket over him) "Little troublemaker..." (small smile) chie: yeah... *she rubs his head* but he means well. Yohei: (nods...) "Mayor of Las Vegas asked about him." chie: and? Yohei: "...If he were human, he'd get the key to the city. But since he's a Dokeshi..." chie: oh................. Yohei: "...Screw her. That mayor's just covering her ass." chie: ...............we're not monsters....... Yohei: "..." (hugs her) chie:.....*teary eyed* thanks.... Yohei: "You're welcome. Come on--let's get take-out. Useless over here we'll be starving when he wakes up." chie: *chuckles* hey now. Yohei: (chuckling, jokingly) "Come on--he's asleep. If he was really useful, he'd help us bring home all that food he's going to munch on." -elsewhere- NoFix: (staring at Clowns in jars) "Incredible..." mimeca: o.o NoFix: (taps the glass) clown: *stares back* kinuta:.............um. one of them is out. luka: that' just kaguya. NoFix: "Huh? Is that a problem, having a clown clowning around out there?" luka: she's one of the more...advanced clowns. she's mostly pretty docile...........though that might be pushing it. NoFix: "...Is she troublesome?" (smirks) "Need someone to bring her home?" luka: i wouldnt- Kaguya: (singing heard) "My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard..." kinuta: good music taste. luka: *excalibur face* Kaguya: (keeps humming as she passes NoFix and Kinuta--then stops, looks back, glares) "Excuse me, my eyes are up here." mimeca: ?? owo~? kinuta: well hello to you too. Kaguya: "...Hmph." (turns up her nose) "Mentally undressing me with your eyes..." (hugs herself as she leans forward) "How unseemly." kinuta: i know that feeling. and i dont give two shits. Kaguya: "..." (looks Kinuta up and down) "You shameless trollop." (stretches, her breasts on display) "Prancing around for all the world to see your naughty bits." kinuta: hell fuckin yeah. luka: well there goes my appetite. dammit. Kaguya: *gasps* "That's just perverse!" (leans forward, shaking her backside) "What kind of a woman wants people staring at her curves, imagining what she does in her own privacy?" clown in a jar: <kaguya knock it off you're an embarrassment!> Kaguya: (stares at the Clown) "...STOP LOOKING AT MY BODY LIKE THAT!" (clutches Kinuta) "Hide me from their eyes!" kinuta:.........i didnt quite catch that, what? -elsewhere in the facility- Solence: "..." worker: god, that lady is so noisy. 'the dawn of a new era is upon us! praise to the blessed child of madness!' Solence: "Wh-What?" worker: it's....kiiinda a long story. semi-related to the whole 'clown' project thing.... some of them just flocked here after....those two showed up. Solence: "Wh-Who are...those two?" worker:.........*he looks around* kishin. two honest to fuck kishin. Solence: o_____o "...I want to go home..." -screaming is heard- worker: ohh, oh shit. Solence: "Wh-What is that?!" worker: i think that 'new era madness child' is coming. Solence: "I don't understand! What child?! What is even happening?!" worker: one of those kishins is.....kiiiiiinda pregnant. Solence: o_____________________o -elsewhere- lord death: i feel a disturbance in the force. Yumi: "Why are you quoting Star Wars, Death?" lord death: *shakes head* nothing, i'm fine. Yumi: "..." (puts a hand on his shoulder) -later- NoFix: "What was all that screaming about?" luka: well.....shit went down....baby. NoFix: "...Baby? Like, a hot chick?" luka: no, like an infant. a literal newborn. NoFix: "Oh...Yeah, that doesn't sound good. Babies are gross." -elsewhere- liz: kid? are you ok? Kid: (shakes his head) "I've had a migraine for hours..." liz: should we take you to the nurse? \heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey buuuuuuddyyyyyyyyy\ Kid: o____o "What was that?!" liz: what was what? \remember me~?\ Kid: "...Oh no..." stocking: kid? Kid: "..." (pulls out his mirror, dials) "Father? Father?!" lord death: howdy kiddo, you ok? Kid: "Father...You know that he's back." lord death: .........i know son.... Kid: (trembling) "...What do we do?" -the feeling of dread suddenly stops.- Kid: "...Damn it! I lost the location!" -back in death city- nygus: feeling better, doctor? Stein: (cold compress...and a psychotic smirk) "N-No...Ha ha! The m-m-m-madness is still--still--" aya: *worried frown* marie:...........*she puts a hand on his shoulder* valentine:..........*concerned* Stein: "Ha...ha..." (holds Marie's hand, calming down) "...No...Not again..." (whimpering) -they hug him- Stein: (stops laughing, now struggling to stop crying) "Another Kishin..." marie: ?! -elsewhere- mami: *hugging chrona* Crona: (crying) "It hurts...My head, my heart, my stomach..." mami: *stroking their head* it's ok...i'm here.... *she rubs their back* Crona: "Th-Thank you..." (hugs her back, sobbing) "M-Maka...They--They--" mami: .....i know..... -elsewhere- arachne: *calming her breathing* i think.. the pain is going away now... Giriko: (rubs her back) "What was that?" arachne: i dont know... i just felt a sharp pain in my chest, as if someone pierced right through it.... Giriko: "...Lie down. I'll get you a hot compress." arachne: ok. -elsewhere- soul: damn...... Wes: "..." Black Star: "What happened?" soul: i dont know... my scar started burning up........i think it stopped now... Wes: "That kind of inflammation...Maybe get some ointment for it?" -in the girl's dorm- mio: meme! get a hold of yourself! ao: *placing ofuda on meme's body* Meme: "No!" (clutching her head) "Stop it!" (trying to grab at Ao) Anya: "Stop it!" (clutches her by her waist) "Tsugumi! Hold her down!" \megumi kozuki *static* 'my child now' *static* TEXAS MASK *static* ‘senpai’ *static* ‘m-mommy wake up!’ *static* meme tatane *static* murderer\ Meme: "AAAAAAAAHHH!" (punches Anya in the throat, knocking her off, causing her to hit the back of her head on the floor--and fall unconscious) mio: meme please! *hugging her tightly* tsugumi: you arent in danger, you're alright! Anya: "..." Meme: "...M-Mio? Wh-What...NO! MAKE IT STOP! HE'S BACK! HE'S BAAAAACK!" (sobbing, wraps her arms around Mio) kimiko: layla! calm down! layla: no! s-stop shooting him! he d-didnt do anything! *crying and hysterical* eternal feather: ow..ow it hurts! miss misery: *she has fallen unconscious* Kana: (shivering, crying, trying to hide) girl: someone call the hospital! kim: what the fuck is wrong with them? Jacqueline: (dialing the hospital) "I don't know...Hello? We need ambulances at the girls dormitory! Girls are attacking each other!" (to Kim) "Don't just stand there--heal them!" -the next day, several people are in the hospital- Kid: "All of this...even here...How could such madness be transmitted like this?" stocking: it all happened so fast, then it just suddenly stopped. Kid: "...Stocking? That voice...It told me..." reporter: -an unusual case of mass hysteria occurred yesterday which left several people hospitalized- -the tv is turned off- Kid: (puts his head in his hands) stocking:.......... *she hugs him* Kid: (cries) -in the hospital- layla: i was just in my room, then i blacked out. that's all i can remember... Anya: (reclining in bed, the back of her head bandaged...looks to Meme, then looks away) Meme: "..." tsugumi:... *pats anya's back* mio: ................ *holding meme's hand* Anya: "...Could I have some water?" Meme: (bites her lip, trying not to cry) nurse: of course. mio: meme?.............it's ok now..... Meme: (grabs Mio, hugging her) mio: ah.... *she hugs back* Meme: (cries into Mio's shoulder) Anya: (closing her eyes, trying to cover her ears) -elsewhere in the hospital- Kana: (looks at Misery...) misery: *she's asleep* eternal feather:...... Kana: *sniff* eternal feather:....*she hugs kana* Kana: (cries quietly) -a few days passed- Spirit: "First Vegas, now the Kishin...What's the connection?" nygus: it's still sketchy... according to the reports we got, most of those infected from the hysteria dont recall the incident, and others just suffered physical pain before it went away... Spirit: "Did you find anything similar to Shaula Gorgon's venom in their systems?" nygus: those who were infected did react from it, but it seems to have went away now, for the most part. but a few students, such as Meme Tatane, did recall what they saw. it must have triggered a hallucination for them. Spirit: "...What did she see?" nygus:......................vivid nightmares.... Spirit: *sighs* "Any other similarities between those who suffered from the madness but were not previously possessed by Shaula?" nygus: there were reports of physical pain from soul, justin, one 'charlotte muffet', and some others. stein, kid and chrona were affected as well... Spirit: "...Soul, Stein, Kid, and Crona have suffered from madness before...I don't understand why for Justin...Anyone yet question this Muffet?" nygus: we tried, but her boyfriend didnt seem too pleased with us. Spirit: "...Maybe someone needs to speak with him." -elsewhere- Ponera: (shudders) grimoire: *hugging her* Ponera: "What was that...?" grimoire:....i dont know.... Ponera: (trying to regulate her breath) "Okay...I think I'm fine...Thank you, Grimoire." grimoire:.......*he strokes her back* Ponera: "..." milia: *frowns* Nals: "..." (glances) "What?" milia: will she be ok? Nals: "I don't know...From how she described it, that sensation of...madness, magic, whatever you want to call it...it seemed far more powerful than even her." milia:........ Nals: "..." (clears his throat) "Back to work: I finished Killbell's meal, so let's bring it to him." -later, elsewhere- Shotaro: (screaming, clutching his arms) "They hurt!" mana: easy there.... chie: *she passed out* Shotaro: "It feels like my bones are on fire!" Yohei: "Chie! Goddamnit, wake up! Tuhl! Get the smelling salt!" Tuhl: (clutching his head) "Shut up! Everyone shut up! It's like every fucking molecule of air is screaming at me right now!" Shotaro: "AAAAAAH!" (suddenly, his limbs start changing at random into those of different animals: his nose becomes a trunk, his arm into a wing, his eyes multiplying like those of a spider's) -later, that evening, it seems everything has calmed down.- chie: *still out cold* Yohei: "..." (tossing his second pack of empty cigarettes into a bin) "Fuck!" (kicks the garbage can) mana: she's alive, but she looks pretty worn out.... at least showtaro is doing better... Shotaro: (heavy breathing, but his body is back to normal) Tuhl: (compress to his head) "What was that...?" Yohei: (looking at his smartphone) "Reports all over: madness." mana: ?? Tuhl: "Jeez...No wonder every object around me was losing it...After what that stuff did to those Golems I visited..." chie: *she stirs slightly* nnng... Yohei: (puts down the phone, already at Chie's side) "Easy...It's okay..." chie: y-yohei? Yohei: "I'm here--we're here. You're okay..." chie: t-thank- ah! *she winces* -she touches a mark on her forehead where she had been bleeding earlier- Yohei: "Let me get you some medicine and bandages...Mana, please get some water for her and Tuhl." -elsewhere- Kami: "I need to get out of here..." (sits up--and winces) nurse: careful, miss. Kami: "You be careful!" (gets out of bed--and promptly falls) "...This is humiliating..." Spirit: -_-; "You're not done healing: get back in bed." nurse: -_-;; Kami: "...Then help me back into bed..." (muttering) Spirit: (groan, leans down, helps her back up) -later- Kid: "Zzz..." -elsewhere- heibito: *asleep* Asura: "...He's perfect..." mikan: *she's holding the baby close* Asura: (kisses Mikan's forehead) "Thank you..." mikan: *she smiles* Asura: "Our son...Our future..." mikan: he looks so much like you. Asura: "I was going to say that about you..." (brushes a hand over Heibito's head...) -the 3rd eye looks at them- Asura: "Ah...Such beautiful eyes..." (strokes his son's cheek) heibito: *yawn* Asura: (smiles, but he feels something...) "I have never felt more afraid...This is our child...and I am scared for him..." mikan: *she nods* i want to protect him, too. Asura: "..." (holds her and their child) -the next morning, elsewhere- Yumi: (tossing in her bed) "N-No..." lord death: dearest? is everything ok? Yumi: "...Nightmares...I thought...I dreamt that..." (hugs him) "It was bad. Let's leave it at that." lord death:..................... *he rubs her stomach* Yumi: (holds onto him) "I just want to get through this..." lord death: and we will. Yumi: "...I am not going to act like all parts of this pregnancy are enjoyable...but...once she is born, I want to consider whether you and I would want another child." -elsewhere- Kid: (shaking in bed, gripping the sheets) stocking: *panting* h-how was it? Kid: "..." (kisses her hard on the mouth) stocking: mmmmn~<3 Kid: (holds her hips, grinding along her) stocking: *kissing with her tongue* Kid: "Mmm!" (his hands move along to her backside, pinching her cheeks) -elsewhere- chie: zzzz..... Yohei: "Zzz..." chie:...... *subconsciously nestles closer* Yohei: (in his sleep, holds her, drawing her closer) -elsewhere- Stein: "...I think I can handle class today..." marie: are you sure? Stein: "..." (nods) "Maybe just silent reading..." -later- Wes: [texting Liz: hey. how are things on your end?] [text from liz cell: better. kid's doing better than he was. you?] Wes: [visited soul. he's getting better...but whatever happened really affected him] liz:................. -elsewhere- shinra: how's hibana holding up? Akitaru: "Given the conditions they provided for her, pretty well. I heard she keeps complaining about not getting her favorite pair of slippers." shinra: not that, i mean after the whole hysteria incident Takehisa: (eyeroll at Akitaru) "She is now stable. The medical team are still ascertaining why the madness wave affected her so strongly." iris:.......... Akitaru: "..." (clears his throat) "Iris, I have an appointment at the prison. I want you to visit Hibana and check on her condition." iris: ok. shinra: i'll go too. Akitaru: (nods) "Good." Arthur: "..." maki: hey arthur, you ok? Arthur: "...I think something is wrong at the 1st Station." maki: ?? what do you mean? Arthur: "I don't know...Everyone there told me Tamaki was out sick, but when I visited, I could see in her window--and she was absolutely healthy!" maki: oh?.....................perhaps she just sprained her ankle? it happens. Arthur: "But they made it sound like she was sick, not injured." maki: hmmm.... Arthur: "...I want to know what is happening. I think I should infiltrate, knock down the walls of that castle, AND CONFRONT THE DRAGON HIDING IN THERE WHO WOULD HARM MY PRINCESS!" (heroic pose) -staaaaaaaare- shinra: what? Arthur: "..." (sighs) "I want to sneak in and figure out what is actually going on. I just, you know, wanted to add some sparkle to my sentences..." -elsewhere- Leo Burns: "Update, now." -in tamaki's room- tamaki: this is bullshit! why am i stuck here?! Amber: "Please, Tamaki, calm down! You'll be out of here soon enough." tamaki: 7.7 Amber: "...Maybe we could play a game? How about Sorry?" tamaki: ........ Amber: "...Or Monopoly? Pictionary? Cards Against Humanity?" -elsewhere- Kid: (finishes showering) "You are amazing..." stocking: hehe~ Kid: "I'm not sure I'll be able to sit right for awhile..." (puts his towel around her, pulling her towards him) stocking: aww. Kid: *smooch* "I loved it..." stocking: come on hun, we have classes today. Kid: "Coming..." (soft pat on her backside) -at class- Stein: "...Read Chapters 3 and 4. Take notes. I'll review them..." (sits at his desk, head in his hands) sayaka:.......... Patty: (whispers to Liz) "What's with him?" Stein: (glaring) "Is there a problem, Miss Thompson?" liz: nothing, sir. Patty: o_o; Stein: "Keep it that way..." (sets his head down) -after school- Kid: "...I see the madness wave affected many people..." (frowns) Patty: "..." (pats Kid's shoulder) liz: yeah.... Kid: "...I think...we need to do something outside of the house." liz: good idea. < > Meal <x> Shopping < > Onsen < > Exercise -At the Mall- Kid: (blushes at the jewelry store, tries to keep walking--) liz: *looking around* Patty: (on children's train ride) "Wee!" Kid: "St-Stocking? Any shop you are interested in visiting?" stocking: hehe~ liz: how about the music shop? Kid: (nods) "I could use a new record..." -and so- Patty: (big headphones on, listening to pop) "La la la~" Kid: (thumbing through records...smirks) "I see your boyfriend's music is very popular here, Liz." (pulls out one of Wes's albums) liz: 7///7 Patty: (giggling) "Maybe Wessie can get us a discount, huh, Sis?" liz: oh shush. Patty: "Hee hee hee..." Kid: (buys Wes's album) -later- Patty: (sipping on fruit smoothie) stocking: *napping next to kid* Kid: (holding her, stroking her back...) stocking: *she seems content* Kid: (smiles...hums quietly) -elsewhere- Black Star: "Feeling better, Soul?" soul: yeah, much better now. Black Star: "That's good." (tosses him the basketball) -catch- kilik: good catch. soul: thanks. Black Star: (tries to block Soul at the basket) -elsewhere- Stein: "I just...need to get a grip..." valentine: *gives him some rubber bands* Stein: "...Thanks..." (puts one along his wrist) valentine: need anything else? Stein: "No, thank you...I think I'll stay a-and organize files..." -file examining- Stein: "Hmm...Missing students...missing teachers...Dokeshi, witches, kishins..." -any files in particular of interest?- Stein: "...Wait..." (pulls out one file) "...A 'dragon'?" -<> examine? <> check another file?- <x> Examine Stein: "Hmm...It's rare to find these creatures...But I have never heard of one that can pass for human..." -any names?- Stein: " 'Bazzalth of the Eternal Fire'? A little pretentious..." -check another file?- Next File: < > Ogre < > Human < > Witch <x> Other Stein: (pulls out additional files) "Hmm..." (Hibana's file) "...After she lost her nunnery, she fell into such despair..." (smokes his cigarette) "Been there." -another file?- Stein: (pulls out another file...) "...A Dokeshi named 'Chie'?" -name: Kagehime, Chie. type: Dokeshi, ability: shadow manipulation, condition: bleed once per day, known relatives; parents, sister (Saki), status: passive- Stein: "...This was one of the ones Soul and Tsubaki reported...Why did NoFix want her so badly in exchange for her sister...?" -check other files? perhaps missing students?- Stein: (examines missing student file...) "Jeez, this one has been gone for two months..." Stein: (thumbs through) "Has to be a clue..." Stein: (annoyed) "They mistyped 'months'...It was 'years'...What else can I find about her...?" -name: Carver, Rosalie. type: weapon (cleaver). class: NOT. known relatives: parents. status: missing.- Stein: "...Haven't been able to sense her soul..." -check other files?- Stein: *yawns* "Maybe take a few files home to check...There has to be a lead on where this madness originated..." -later- Stein: "Zzzz..." (asleep atop of files) -the next morning- Kid: "Stocking..." (gently shakes her in bed) ((Thanks!)) stocking: *yaaawn* Kid: "Morning...Sleep okay?" stocking: yeah. Kid: "You seemed really exhausted when we got home..." (puts a hand on her forehead) "You feel okay." stocking: *she nods* yeah. guess i was just tired. Kid: (rubs her back) "You've had a busy schedule..." (kisses the back of her neck...) stocking: mmm. Kid: (holds her) "I wish we could just sleep in..." *yawn* stocking: but alas, school. Kid: "Yes..." (smirks) "Unless..." stocking: ?? Kid: *yawns* "Maybe later...Let me think about it, but maybe there will be a surprise for us~" (kisses her cheek) "Shower with me?" stocking: sounds good~ Kid: (chuckles, as he tickles her a bit as they get out of bed) -later- Kid: (marking a map in class) "Hmm...One more Sage...All the music...Where to now?" liz: just find this sky sage then.... Kid: "Darn...I forgot the Forest Sage." -elsewhere- Spirit: (walking to Naigus's office with his arm in a cast) nygus: how're you feeling? Spirit: (small smile) "Better, thank you. Looking forward to getting back to work while my arm heals." (picks up a file on her desk, labeled for him) "My homework, I take it?" nygus: *chuckles* so to speak, yes. Spirit: (flips through) "Hmm...I think we're going to need some meisters with strong perception to locate the source of this madness..." nygus: ...... *she nods* Spirit: "...Kami is recuperating at home...I'll ask. Can you check with some of our students, see whether any of them sensed the location?" nygus: i can do that. Spirit: (closes folder, takes it in hand) "I'll have to head back to teaching. Anything else you want me to work on?" -elsewhere- Black Star: "...Soul?" soul: yeah? Black Star: "I...kind of heard you muttering something when you fell asleep on the couch yesterday..." soul: ?? Black Star: "...It sounded like you were talking with someone in your dream..." soul:.....*faint smile* Black Star: "??? You okay?" soul: hmm? yeah. Black Star: "...Okay...Must've been a good dream..." -elsewhere- Spirit: "Oh, Kim!" kim: oh, hey there mr a. Spirit: "Hey. How you holding up?" kim: same as usual..... Spirit: (nods) "...Yeah." ("...Her freaking mom...Jeez...") "Hey, the weekend is coming up, and I've been stuck in the hospital longer than I wanted. I was wondering if you could help me pick up some groceries for Kami..." kim: ok. Spirit: "Thanks. I'll treat you to lunch later. Can you stop by her apartment at 11? Let me write down the address..." -elsewhere- NoFix: (smoking a cigar) kinuta: *phew* damn that was good. NoFix: "Heh heh...Told ya the powers of spin would treat you right wherever you got an itch..." (holds the cigar to her) "Smoke?" kinuta: i'm good. NoFix: (keeps smoking) "How did you learn to do that thing with your mouth?" kinuta: i have my ways~<3 NoFix: "Heh heh...Hey, what's the freakiest thing you ever done?" kinuta: *she whispers into his ear* NoFix: (moaning) "Oh, fuck..." kinuta: hell yeah. NoFix: "Man, see, my Powers of Spin let me give some fantasies to someone...I can make someone feel like they are getting taken on every side..." kinuta: for real? NoFix: (still in front of her) NoFix #2: (now behind her, wrapping his arms around her) "Real." kinuta: !! oh! NoFix #1: (smirks) NoFix #3: (head between her legs) "Hello, kitty." kinuta: !!! NoFix #4: "Let's get started..." (takes her right breast) NoFix #1: "Yes..." (takes her left) NoFix #2: (kisses her neck, massaging her backside) NoFix #3: (kissing her thighs) kinuta: ohhh, fuck that's good~ -elsewhere- Noah: *giggling* noelle: [he's finally cracked.] Wrath!Noah: [His laughing is pissing me off!] Noah: "A new form of Madness is born...Newborn..." Sloth!Noah: [???] noelle: [what the FUCK are you going on about?] Noah: "A child born to Madness Two..." (smirks) "I can't wait to collect it..." (punches his fist into the floor, breaking his hand) -elsewhere- Wes: "Hey." (waves at Liz) liz: oh, hey wes. *she smiles* Wes: "How are you? Feeling okay?" liz: yeah. Wes: (nods) "...Still trying to wrap my head around it...That 'madness attack'?" liz:...........you werent affected, were you? Wes: (shakes his head) "No, but Soul was...I never saw it up close like that...especially for...my own brother." liz:..................... Wes: "Liz...I feel like I'm in over my head on this. I don't know how you do it...I mean, how did you respond when you found out there was something like Madness out there?" liz: ........... Wes: "...It's that tough, huh?" -elsewhere- Kid: (taps on the paper) "Which forest...?" liz: verdant forest is the one we're looking for... Kid: (nods) "I think it's time I update Eibon and seek advice on approaching that forest." -elsewhere- Yohei: *yawn* chie: tired? Yohei: (nods) "Been staring at this algorithm since 4 AM, trying to improve it to isolate potential spots that nutjob NoFix could hit next." chie: ah....... Yohei: "Yeah..." (sighs, shoves a bunch of empty energy drink cans and cigarette cartons off his desk and into the garbage can) "I need a shower, a meal, and sleep." chie: do you want to order out or not? Yohei: (nods) "I'll go in the shower; could you order us some Chinese?" -later- Yohei: (eating) "Thanks, Chie." Shotaro: (leaning over, reaching for some of Yohei's food) **SLAP** Shotaro: "Owie!" (holds his hand) -elsewhere- Akitaru: "Hey, Maki? Arthur told me about his concerns with the 1st Brigade. Any updates you hear about why they seem kind of secretive lately?" maki: well, tamaki still seems to be sick... Arthur: "Is she really sick...OR IS THAT WHAT THEY TOLD YOU?" (crazy eyes) maki: o-o; Akitaru: "Down boy--go take a cold shower." (looks at Maki) "Thanks for this info, Maki. Keep me posted. Now, onto other news: Iris, we got a report that Hibana was helpful to the DWMA with their investigation. You see her lately?" iris: *she nods* Akitaru: "How's she holding up?" iris: fairly well. at least she has company with her. Akitaru: "Oh, you mean her secretary that was arrested on charges of conspiracy?" iris: i think she insisted on going with her... Akitaru: "..." (smiles) "That's good to know! If I were in prison, I'd want a friend with me. So, which of you would want to go to prison with me?!" shinra: T_T; Akitaru: "Arthur?" Arthur: (avoids eye contact) Akitaru: "Maki? Iris?" -elsewhere- Kid: (in the Mansion's gym, jogging on the treadmill) liz: *timing him* Kid: (pacing himself) "Five more miles..." Patty: (lifting weights) -CRASH- Kid: "What?!" stocking: *staring at the punching bag broken off it's chain* ..........dammit! Kid: (stops running, staring in shock--and promptly knocked off the treadmill) liz: *beep* made it 3.5 miles. Kid: (slammed against the wall from the treadmill tossing him) -_-; "Thank you, Liz..." stocking: *she goes over to him* you ok, babe? Kid: "F-Fine..." (small smile) "Your punches are getting better." stocking: thanks....i was trying to go easy.....i broke it off the chain for the 6th time this month now... Kid: (gets up, grimacing a bit) "How about we get a heavier bag? Or a stronger chain?" stocking: yeah, haha. Kid: "I'll ask the staff to put in the order..." (cringing) "I'm going to need to soak for a bit." -later- Kid: (sighing as he rests in the jacuzzi) -elsewhere- Ponera: (sighing) "We have Killbell, we still have the Fire-Ants, we have contained the Index and the Book of Enoch, we have two out of three Gorgon Sisters...but it feels like our plan has not moved forward." grimoire: perhaps we should target a raid on one of the branches? Ponera: "..." (grins) "Yes." (she looks at a map) "Which branch should we try?" <paris> Ponera: "Killbell! Summon Nals!" Killbell: (rings a tiny little bell) Nals: "...Paris?" (to Grimoire) "What's the plan?" -elsewhere- Solence: T___T "So afraid..." luka: *drinking her coffee* noriko screaming her head off like usual Solence: "I still don't know who all of these people are...I just want to go home..." Kaguya: "Aw, the poor baby wants to go home?" luka: and that would be? Solence: "It was just a small apartment in I. C. Prefecture. But it was home..." -elsewhere- shinra: this is a terrible idea. Arthur: "No, this is a terrific idea. We storm the room, face the dragon, and will be greeted as heroes." shinra: at this hour of the night?! Arthur: "That is when she will least expect us." shinra: if you get burned alive, don't blame me. Arthur: "Very well." (approaches the door...) "Ready?" shinra: -_-; Arthur: "Here we go..." (kicks the fucking door down) shinra: o-o; Arthur: "We have come to face you, foul dragon!" Hibana: "AAAAH! What the fuck?!" shinra: O______________O Arthur: "Gasp! Look at that scaly green beast!" (unsheathes his scabbard, alights it) "Shinra, cover me!" Hibana: "... 'Scaly'?!" (fire petals explode in the room around all of them) shinra: *SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAM+FLEES* Arthur: "Cowardly knave Shinra! I will defeat this horned beast myself! I will--" Hibana: (grabs Arthur by the throat, choking him) "Gabriella, please tend to this welp..." (tosses him towards Gabriella) "I'm going after the shoeless fool..." (exits to pursue Shinra) shinra: COMMANDEEEEEEEERRRR!!!!!!!! Q______________Q Hibana: (fast running) "YOU BASTAAAAAAAARD!!!" Akitaru: "Hmmm?" (sees Shinra running at him) "Oh...crap..." shinra: *SCREAMING AS HIS IGNITION ABILITY KICKS IN* *he crashes into maki, spilling her orange juice* maki:.............. Akitaru: "What the hell is going--" Hibana: "OUT OF MY WAY!" (shoves Akitaru out of the way--and trips, running into Maki and Shinra) "Omph!" maki: my....my orange juice..................... Hibana: (scrambles to get up, some curlers gone, the green stuff smeared, and holding Shinra by the neck) "You little whelp! What was the point of all of that?!" maki: my....orange....juice.............who caused this? Hibana: (points at Shinra) "And that brat Artie with the knight complex...Gabriella! Have you taken care of him?!" gabriella: *she points to a trashcan* already done, princess! Arthur: (face down in garbage) "Wicked...dragon's...assistant." Hibana: (smiles, and dumps Shinra into Maki's arms) "Excellent work, Gabriella. A reward is in order." gabriella: ^^~<3 maki: ^^# -later- -a grave is made; here lies maki's orange juice.....also arthur's dignity....again.-