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s-creations · 2 years

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He Took My Place - Chapter 1

Wukong was so close to winning. To finally defeat the Lady Bone Demon and end this absolute nightmare. Not ready for her to get an advantage Wukong was not prepared to face.

((AKA: What if MK was possessed by Lady Bone Demon.))

This is based off a comic from Twitter, by @weaponizedbird Also here on Tumblr! @birddlord Link

Fandom: LEGO Monkie Kid Rating: Teen and Up Audiences Relationships: Shadowpeach, MK&SunWukong, Warnings/Additional Tags: Everyone’s going to be here at one point or another, AU, What if MK and Wukong swapt places, but not in a good way, Shadowpeach, I will continue to make this a pairing for my stories, Hurt/Comfort, will have a happy ending, based on artwork.

Wukong was fully aware of the situation presented before him. Knew the Lady Bone Demon had sunk low enough to claim an innocent child as a vessel. Using an innocent soul as a shield, but the golden monkey couldn’t think about that. It would haunt him later. But if Wukong wanted this to end for good, he’d end this with innocent blood on his hands. He was impulsive, it was a quality (hindrance) to his personality. Act first, think about the full consequences later. This whole trip was a testament to that aspect. And now he was staring down the worst of the outcomes.

Wukong could only hope the little girl couldn’t see what was happening. That for her…it was just going to sleep. A peaceful passing…

“Do you feel as if you can justify these actions?” LBD’s voice hissed out, both in pain and to sound intimidating. “Taking an innocent life, so easily? I thought heroes were supposed to keep everyone safe?”

“Don’t you dare,” Wukong bared his teeth, “You’re aware of what you’re doing. If you thought you were going to make this a difficult choice for me, you’re wrong. You need to be stopped. No matter what.”

LBD glared, no doubt feeling as if her final plan was falling apart. More so when Wukong’s grip around her throat tightened. The moment of defeat passed quickly as, eyes flashing to something behind the Monkey King, the poisoned smile returned. “No matter what, you say. What if a person you were so connected to stood between us?”

“You mean more than they already are? You’re a constant danger, nothing you say is going to change my mind.”

“I suppose my actions will have to speak for themselves…”

Wukong wasn’t able to spew out his question when a familiar cry was sounded. Coming from behind him, a good distance away, but one that sent a chill over the golden monkey. More than what was already there. Because Wukong had only heard that sound once and, this time, it sounded more painful.

Dropping Lady Bone Demon without a second thought, Wukong turned. Golden Eyes flashing as they scanned over the barren land and it didn’t take long to find what he needed. Stomach sinking hard.

Miles away from where the mech stood was Nezha and MK. Wukong could only assume they had followed him (after he told them not to) and they had remained back to see how the Monkey King would handle this situation. But the distance didn’t change the fact that they were both in immediate danger. Wukong felt numbing fear overtake him as he saw a familiar sigil formed behind MK, who was trapped against it. The teen’s body glowing an eerie blue, the light pulsing as it was seen traveling through him. Mouth opened with an agonizing scream pouring out, eyes wide, changing from the warm brown colors to icy blue.

Nezha stood to the side, frozen in no doubt fear and the unknown. Not knowing how he was supposed to help with the teen in pain.

“KID!” Wukong started moving before realizing he was leaving Lady Bone Demon free. Calling his cloud and darting down, eyes focused on MK. The sigil disappeared before the Monkey King was anywhere close, the teen starting to drop. “I’m coming, just hold on!”

MK was fully collapsed to the ground, Nezha still off to the side with his eyes wide in fear. Wukong couldn’t be bothered to worry about the prince, reaching out to the teen who had started to move slightly. “You’re going to be okay kid, I’m right here!”

Hand reached out to grab MK’s shoulders as the teen was now back on his feet. “MK? Hey, kid, say something! …Anything?”

No reply, MK’s eyes closed still.

“...Talk to me MK, what did she do to you?” Wukong looked down at his hands that were still resting on the teen’s shoulders, realizing that frost had started to form on his fur. Heart hurting as a horrible truth of the situation entered his mind. “...MK?”

The worst was realized. The teen now standing tall, MK finally opened his eyes, revealing full icy blue light encompassing them. His face was blank, no emotions showing as the veins on his face and neck started flashing a faint blue. Similar colored mist escaped from MK’s mouth when the teen breathed out.

“Kid…MK, no-”

“Thank you, Monkey King, for such a wonderful idea.” Lady Bone Demon laughed, eyes narrowing on the distraught Wukong. Who’d still not let the kid go. “You created such a wonderful successor…why not make him my perfect champion?”

Wukong let out a low growl, shaking with growing rage. “Just when I thought you couldn’t sink any lower…”

Letting out a yell of absolute rage, the Monkey King turned, fist formed to attack LBD once more. Only for MK to finally move, standing between the golden monkey and skeleton demon. Wukong realizing that the teen was doing nothing to even defend himself, that MK was planning on taking the full force of the attack. The golden monkey only had a few seconds to change the direction of the blow. Having to follow through so it landed off to the side, but didn’t spare anyone from the force wave that was created by it. Nezha and Wukong being pushed away from MK and LBD.

Wukong was shaking furiously. Both from anger and absolute fear in knowing he could have just killed MK if he had not responded fast enough. The stupid laugh sounded again, Wukong’s eyes narrowing to the skeleton demon. Who was overly pleased with herself as she floated right behind MK. “You absolute witch!”

“I thought you wanted to stop me, Wukong, no matter what. No matter who stood before me? What’s changed, dear Monkey King? Have you lost your bravado now that your dear successor is under my command?” LBD’s voice was sickly sweet, reaching out to place a hand on MK’s head. Who was unmoved, face still stoic.

“Don’t you touch him!”

“Wukong,” Nezah whispered out, “We need to leave.”

“I am not leaving-”

“What exactly do you plan on doing, Wukong? Attack your successor? You didn’t seem that fond of the idea a few moments before.”

“Keep your mouth shut or I swear-”

“Wukong, we need to leave now!” Nezah reached out to grab the Monkey King’s arm, holding the other back from doing something stupid. “We need to fall back and create another plan.”

“I’m not leaving MK behind, not like this.”

“We don’t have much of a choice. If we don’t leave now-” Nezha was cut off when a solid punch landed on his cheek. The prince was knocked away a few feet before being slammed into some rock rubble.

Wukong, eyes wide, was focused on MK. Who took the prince’s place when MK landed the punch easily. Eerie blue eyes turned to face the king. “Kid…”

That was all he could get out before having to block MK’s next attack. Dodging the next and able to grab the teen’s wrist. “MK, listen to me, you need to stop this! This isn’t like you!”

The teen didn’t reply. His free hand landed an uppercut on Wukong’s gut. The Monkey King let out a guttural cry as he was knocked away, gasping for air quickly in time to block the next attack. “K-Kid, stop… Fight back, you’re better than her!”

“Please keep talking, this is so entertaining.” Lady Bone Demon laughed again, eyes gleefully following the fight. MK clearly going all out while Wukong refused to raise a fist. “I’m missing that determination from you Wukong. Worried about hurting your successor? Surely you trained him well enough that he could take any attack you deliver.”

“Do you ever shut up!” Wukong shouted back.

“The irony is amazing…”

Wukong wasn’t able to reply to that, MK grabbing the front of his garments and throwing him to the ground. Perhaps it was the fact that he wasn’t prepared for the sudden shift or that he was holding back to not hurt MK. Whatever the reason, the harsh landing caused the air to be knocked out of Wukong. The few seconds he remained still allowed MK to slam his foot into his mentor’s chest.

“M-MK…” Wukong choked out, hands reaching up to grab MK’s leg. Eyes widened as the teen raised his fist, building up a collection of energy to deliver another harsh blow. Only to be knocked away by the prince, Nezha making sure to push himself and MK further away from Wukong. “Nezha-”

“Get out of here, now!” The prince called out, doing what he could to keep MK away. The teen’s face finally showed emotion. That of anger and frustration.

“But-”

“You’re not in the right mindset to fight right now. You’re handing yourself on a silver platter to the kid and her if you keep this up.”

“You’re not in the best condition either!” Wukong attempted to argue back.

“I’m well enough to give you an out. Now go! Find the fire and your friends!” Nezha was knocked away once more. MK, with his path cleared, made his way back to his mentor.

Wukong took a step back, mind racing, trying to land on some sort of plan- does he flee, does he fight, how was he supposed to help MK? -when the ground suddenly disappeared. The golden monkey let out a short noise of surprise as he sunk into the shadows. The last thing Wukong saw was MK’s possessed face looking surprised before all the Monkey King saw was darkness. Just as he was getting used to the floating free fall, gravity returned.

The landing was hard and disgustingly dirty, Wukong sitting up in the large puddle of mud. Letting out noises of discomfort as he stood. The Monkey King shook off the caked mud before looking around. He was in a dense jungle, in what section of the world, the golden monkey had no idea. The area was filled with the noises of different animals that called his place home. The sky was a brilliant blue, a stark contrast from the icy blue Wukong had just left.

Frustration built up, the nearby tree getting the full end of that emotion. “Take me back, now, Macaque.”

The nearby shadows twitched, soon forming the familiar black-furred monkey. The Shadow Warrior cautiously inching closer. “No can do.”

“Do not play with me, get me back there now! I’m not leaving the kid-”

“And what would be your plan after that, huh?” Macaque growled back, “From where I was watching, you were getting your butt handed to you. You didn’t even try to fight back. So why would returning be a good idea?”

“You aren’t allowed to make that call.”

“I am when you’re acting like an idiot. But please, explain to me what you think you’ll be able to do if you go back.” Macaque crossed his arms, frowning as he watched Wukong struggle. Clearly trying to give some answer, but unable to land on one. Or at least one that sounded logical.

The Monkey King merely let out a growl and turned away from Macaque. Getting out of the mud finally before walking off. “I don’t have time for you. I need to-”

He wasn’t prepared to be tackled to the ground. Recovering quickly to pull Macaque off his back, both pushing before Wukong was pinned to the ground.

“You can’t even fight me right now!” Macaque argued, “You’re just going to make things worse if you go back.”

“I don’t care!”

“Yes you do… I get it, this is not what either of us want right now.”

Wukong let out a snort, looking away. “You, concerned? Please-”

“Just shut up and listen. You’re tired, you were already in not so great shape before you went to fight the Lady Bone Demon, and you’re holding yourself back if you won’t even try to land a punch. We need to find the rest of your weird little family group and come up with an actual plan. Together, not on your own.” Macaque waited when there wasn’t a reply, hoping that he’d actually got through to the other. Only for Wukong to let out a low growl before trying to break free again.

“Let me go!”

“Wukong, stop.”

“I need to get to MK!”

“You can’t-”

“Shut up!”

“Stop fighting me on this!”

“Let go!”

“Wukong just think about-”

“I need to fix this!”

“You need to calm down!”

“It’s my fault!”

That gave Macaque pause, anger turning into shock but not letting Wukong up. “What are you talking about?”

“I was an idiot,” Wukong continued, “I just thought I would be able to pull off another stupid stunt. I’d just take the fire and run, leaving everyone behind while I took Lady Bone Demon down. Keep them safe. Keep…Keep the kid safe…”

Something shattered in Wukong upon saying that. Letting out a choked breath, shutting his eyes tightly trying to keep him somewhat together. “I told him not to follow, and he did… I wanted him to stay as far away from that place as possible… And now…”

Macaque remained quiet, not wanting to interrupt, hoping this was good for the other to get out. Becoming slightly scared when Wukong let out an absolutely animalistic cry of anguish and anger. Quieting down after a few seconds, baring his teeth while tears started to fall. Macaque let out a slow breath before pressing their foreheads together. Startling Wukong enough to open his eyes once more, looking up in absolute desperation.

“It’s not your fault.” Macaque said calmly.

“H-How is it not?”

“You did what you could.”

Wukong let out a weak laugh, taking another shaky breath. “That is such a lie.”

“Okay, fine, you were an idiot. You kept fooling people into thinking you had a plan when really, you were just throwing together what you thought would work. Then, when your ‘grand plan’ didn’t work, you went off to face your enemy. Hurt and still with no plan. You let your defenses down, allowed Lady Bone Demon an upper hand, and MK had to pay for it. Is that what you want to hear?” Macaque was half expecting for Wukong to go on a rampage after this. But was surprised when the golden monkey fell limp, eyes looking away.

“...Why are you here Macaque?”

“Making sure you don’t do something stupid.”

Wukong snorted at that. “Little late for that.”

“It’s going to be ‘late’ when you decide to not do anything about it.”

“So what, you’re going to be my conscious now?”

“If I have to be.”

“Your track record isn’t the best. Why in the world should I trust you? Why should I believe you’re not just throwing me off so Lady Bone Demon can do something.”

“You’re just going to have to trust me.”

“I’ve dealt with too much right now to just down right believe you.”

“Ugh, fine, but you asked for this.”

“What are you-” Wukong tensed when hands cupped his face gently, not fighting back when lips covered his easily. Tail giving away his emotions, thumping against the ground with happiness, as hands reach up to cling to Macaque’s arms. Letting out a slow breath when the Shadow Warrior pulled away, Wukong’s fur puffed up. “Uh…”

“More where that came from Peaches.” Macaque smirked at the golden monkey’s dumbfounded face. Laughing when a blush erupted upon hearing the nickname.

“You’re cheeky.”

“Oh, just slightly.”

Both jumped hearing a loud roar sound close by. Looking up to see a large, red dragon seeming to be made of flames. Remaining in the sky for a few seconds before disappearing. The area had fallen quiet due to it.

“What the heck was that?” Wukong asked.

“You should recognize that flame. It’s the Dragon Girl and, if I’m correct, Redson will be with her.” Macaque answered. Climbing off and offering the golden monkey and hand up. Which Wukong took, letting out a small grunt and he stood.

“You found them?”

“The fire wasn’t hard to track, to be honest. Redson did his best to keep them hidden, but that fire is hard to really hide away now that it’s been reforged. So, we’re gonna grab the kids, find the rest of your family, and think of a plan.”

“Rather level headed thinking.”

“Someone has to, because everyone is such a mess right now.”

“Try everything is a mess.” Wukong huffed, rolling his eyes. Attempting to remain casual as a familiar arms was draped over him.

“Hey…”

“...Yeah?”

“You okay?”

The golden monkey frowned, pressing his cheek against Macaque’s. “No…I’m rather numb. I just…I’m worried about the kid.”

“MK will be fine, we’ll get him back.”

Wukong let out a deep sign and nodded. “Okay, let’s get everyone.”

#lmk #lego monkie kid #lmk mk #lmk sun wukong #lmk macaque #s-creations #based on art #also on ao3 #hurt/comfort #shadowpeach #birddlord

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ebonyslasher · 9 months

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Tremble: A terrible hesitance

Wrote a drabble from an art post inspired by the artist @champuraddo. I fell in love with their art style, especially how handsome Daniel was. Couldn't stop thinking about it. Please check it out and give them love!

There's a twist at the end~

___

With controlled shallow pants, Daniel runs into the safety of the shadows. Ironic considering many were scared of the dark. For Daniel, he finds comfort. His back makes quick contact with a random wall, near a corner, and stands still.

This was hell.

Yet again, he was hiding and killing. Something that was beginning to become an unwanted routine. Something completely opposite of who he was....he thinks. He still wasn't sure of who he was. This time, he faces against one of the worst hunter types he's ever experienced. A thrill-seeker. One who loved the chase, the danger, the probability of losing their life in a gruesome way. Thrill-seekers were astoundingly aggressive, capturing the essence of a dangerous knucklehead. Adrenaline compounds relentlessly through their body.

'Their synapses have to be exhausted by now,' Daniel thought bitterly. Although foolish, they were incredibly intimidating. They struck fear into Daniels' soul.

Hearing his excited stomps, terror takes over Daniels' body. Anxiety causes him to sweat and his throat constricts. His body feels cold, but hot. His zenith blue eyes observed the dusty ground.

"Here, kitty kitty!" activates his body to tremor. The only way to end this was to kill him. But, he just couldn't!

The faint sense of rough, sturdy hands softly clasps his jaw. The touch is familiar, which causes him to calm marginally. Still looking down he hears, "Come on, Danny. It's you or them."

Daniel wishes to comment on how Leo says that all the time but doesn't. Can't. Instead, he brings his soft and shaking hands to Leo's wrist. He squeezes. The feeling of frustrated tiredness fills his heart. Eyebrow scrunched, he quietly declares his hesitance.

"I- I can't do this anymore, Leo. I can't.. I can't..I can't." He continuously chants, each whisper more painful than the last.

With hard eyes, Leo stares at Daniel. This breakdown was ill-timed. Daniels' (and Leos) life was on the line. When Daniel became like this, Leo had no idea what to say or do. Being too harsh on him doesn't work. Yet, being a comfort doesn't seem right either. So, Leo opts for the most neutral response he can muster.

"Well, what do you want me to do about it? Hold your hand while you kill them?"

Daniel finally looks up, hopeful that Leo would do just that. Tears flowing down his face, his eyes gleamed at Leo's suggestion.

'This guy really took me seriously. He really must be scared shitless,' Leo thought.

With exasperation, Leo stated," I'm joking Daniel."

Daniel hangs his head in disappointment as he continues to cry.

'So dramatic........this dumbass!'

Before Leo gave in and took control, a resounding boom forces them to duck further into the corner.

A cloud of debris hovers through the air as the image of the burly hunter cleared through. His stubby muscular legs contorted painfully over the recess of the broken wall. Blood splatter glosses the debris, the floor, and the wall.

What the-

Before the duo could investigate, the image of snow white hair floats in their vision. As more of the air clears, they could make out a short figure standing over the corpse.

Who was this person?

#daniel lamb #leo kasper #manhunt 2 #my oc #based on art #champuraddo #thank you for drawing this

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marshmallowsqoosh · 11 months

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[Ghost (Band) | Creation]

Fandom: Ghost (Band) Title (AO3 link): Creation Rating: Light teen CW: no major warnings apply Lesser Warnings: Light violence, fictional science, magick science, Ghouls are Generational not Inherited, author uses Sodo instead of Dew, author uses Stratus instead of Sunshine, Phantom and Aurora used, Summary: Normally it’s Swiss and Stratus that do diplomatic jobs. Aether’s confused... and maybe a little worried about how Sodo’s going to handle meeting new Ghouls on such short notice. ♠ Some small Aether/Sodo towards the end ♥

Extras: Status: complete! Word Count: 5546 A/N: The new Ghoul/Ghoulette are adorable af and I love them, but I'm also a ho that must immediately finangle it into existing lore, even if it's my own lmao.

Inspiration kinda taken from this hexin cute art by @dipendancesld (link goes to artist's tumblr!), in that I hadn't considered Phantom being Aether's "brother" until that very moment and then things went twenty ways from Tuesday but also I just want to bring attention to Phantom being cute off stage, while radiating pure Sodo Chaos Energy on stage. (kinda like Sodo himself is super polite/awkward off stage lol)

Might do more with this after I finish Era Three/Pro Memoria? I have a lot of headcanon about Ghoul summoning metas whoops.Anyways, as usual, not beta read so if you spot typos/weird spots, lemme know ♥

♠

The Ghouls are working through pre-tour jitters—all gathered in the commons area, talking over each other in an attempt to talk to each other—when Copia leans into the room, rapping against the door frame to get their attention without needing to raise his voice. It doesn't work; but, it does get Mountain's attention and he gestures for the human to cover his ears before he gives a sharp whistle that makes the rest of the band hiss and recoil from him.

He just smiles and gestures towards Copia.

"Wonderful, Mountain, thank you. I only needed Aether and Stratus' attention." The man laughs and gestures, "Sister wanted to speak with you. I believe she mentioned the summoning chamber. Be quick about it."

Aether blinks, slowly, and turns a confused look back on the Ghoulette. The confusion turns exasperated for a moment, when he finds her sitting on Sodo and Rain, "Stratus…"

"What? I didn't do anything! … This ti—oh, you meant these two." She jumps up and laughs, dusting her pants down as she does. "C'mon, let's go see what's what before all the snacks are gone!"

He sees Cirrus slap Rain and Sodo, both, on their hands when they make to try hoarding the snacks in question and gives her a passing look of gratitude before he's quickly following at Stratus' heel.

In passing, he sees Swiss looking more confused than anyone else in the room; but, maybe he imagined it. He waits until they're a few doors away—hopefully out of everyone's hearing range—to finally speak up, "Even if you didn't do anything… don't suppose you know what this is about?"

"Mmm… might have an idea…? But normally they call me with Swiss." She pulls on one of her longer curls and twists it around a claw. "We go on jobs for other branches, sometimes. Branches that don't… y'know, quite have a grasp on rituals and stuff? Or need help introducing new congregation members to Ghouls! And… other stuff!"

"Oh… so… what Bell and Special did?" He doesn't bother inquiring what other stuff could be. He's got… a pretty good idea of it. But, Stratus just stares at him for a stretch of silence. It's not until they get to the elevator that he actually remembers she wouldn't know them. "Oh—they're… it's… it's not important. But… diplomatic shit, basically?"

"More or less! … Still weird they're sending you, though, if it's that… I mean… you and Swiss are basically the same, right? Just… you're better at the… shadow… thingy?"

He knows not to be offended, at least, by the question. They're still not really sure what Multis embody and Swiss being part Quintessence just makes it a bigger mess to figure out. He just shrugs as the elevator lets them out and rolls his shoulders a few times to try working the nervous tension out.

"More or less... I know Om… the… Quintessence before me, from Era Three, he could shadow walk pretty far… I wonder if they think I can do the same…?" Not that he's… tried. But it would maybe explain some of the expectations. "Would save on travel expenses, I suppose… but Swiss should be able to get to all the immediate branches…"

Stratus shrugs; but, she doesn't bother elaborating any when he pulls the pulls the summoning chamber doors open. Imperator regards them for barely half a second and things are just… a lot more confusing than they were a second ago. Aether stares. He feels Stratus shrinking next to him and trying to edge closer; he steps in front of her, instinctively, even when he… doesn't quite feel threatened.

Two Ghouls peek around the woman. Two he doesn't recognise and… honestly, the most alarming part is that he doesn't feel any sort of presence from them. That makes him nervous, but he doesn't feel… threatened, at least.

"Marvelous timing, both of you. I just finished debriefing your new understudies."

"Our new… beg pardon?" Aether's ears twitch as he tilts his head, trying to look at the pair again. The Ghoul looks… about Sodo's size. Bright purple eyes stare back at him, unblinking, even as he clearly struggles not to start squirming. The Ghoulette next to him gives a polite tip of her head, white eyes shining just as brightly, though most of her attention is on trying to see Stratus from around Aether's arm.

"Ghouls, introductions, if you would."

"I'm Phantom." The Ghoul gestures to the other, "And this is Aurora."

"We're delighted to meet you both."

It's hard to focus with Stratus feeling threatened right behind him. Aether forces himself to ignore it, offering her the comfort of his tail coiled with hers to try calming her down a little. "The tour is just over a month away, Sister… this seems—for lack of a better word—inadvisable? Why do we need understudies on such short notice—why us?"

"Those details are need to know and, at the moment, the only thing you need to know is that you will be taking care of them until the next string of Rituals begin. Or before, depending on how things play out." Imperator doesn't bother elaborating any further, true to her point. Just offers a smile that does make Aether feel threatened for a brief moment. "Consider them… your younger siblings. That seems the most appropriate analogy here."

"Siblings—? Ghouls… don't… generally have… siblings?" Stratus finally comes out from behind Aether, brows still furrowed and her lips pursed as she tries to wrap her head around the entire thing. "It's… lovely to meet both of you, but…? I'm with Aether, this is such short notice—"

"Then you should be getting to work. Run along now, they have quite a bit to learn, don't they?"

Aether quickly unwinds his tail from Stratus' and the two hastily get out of the woman's way as she exits the room—brisk paced, not another word on where either new Ghoul came from or… whatever else they were supposed to be summoned for. He turns a slow look on Stratus, "I'm going to guess this isn't normally why you're called away?"

She shakes her head, slowly edging forward until she's close enough to reach out and tap the other Ghoulette on the shoulder. Aurora simply blinks at her, "Is… this a greeting among your batch…?"

"Uh… batch? You mean… group…? Of… friends? I mean—it's—no, it's not, I just… you two… weren't… summoned?"

"Stratus!" Aether hisses at her, "Manners!"

Even so, he feels it, too. There is no residual magick in the chamber. There's nothing warm left, saying a patron was here at some point, to deliver new Ghouls. Moreover… the fact there's a Quintessence Ghoul standing in front of him is… unsettling, at best. Summoners couldn't—to his knowledge—summon more than one. He and Swiss were… exceptions, perhaps, but were also summoned together. Along with Sodo.

Regardless, Copia didn't summon Phantom and he's starting to wager he didn't summon Aurora, either. He wonders if the man's even aware of the substitutions.

"Summoned?" Phantom blinks at her and Aether, in turn, spares him a confused look. "We were… brought here to see you, yes? Is that not a summons?"

"I think she means, who summoned you to… the Ministry? Are you from a different branch?"

"Oh! You mean the creators, then?"

Aether doesn't want to know anymore. Judging by the fact Stratus keeps her mouth shut, he's certain she's ready to move on, too. He shakes his head and just offers a smile as he moves around the pair to put a hand on each of their shoulders. "We'll talk about that later. Right now, we should… get the hard part out of the way so we can start teaching, yeah?"

The pair exchange confused looks and Stratus snaps out of her own uncertainties in favour of chewing on her lip, "Uh… should you do that alone, maybe…? Like… give'm a heads up or… y'know, just… not near the rest of us? Or… anything super flammable like furniture or carpets or plants or—"

"Thank you, Stratus… you've made your point. But, I am also really hoping he'll be a little more amicable if he's around the others. So let's not give these two the wrong idea and just introduce them? It'll be fine."

If either of them are put off, it doesn't show. Aurora happily takes Stratus' hand in her own so she can be lead—Aether finally notices she doesn't appear to be able to retract her claws and, at a glance, neither can Phantom; not as long, but still sharp. Hopefully features that will either glamour with their masks or simply look like nails to Ritual attendees.

Stratus relaxes, gradually, as they get closer to the commons. She actually strikes up conversation with Aurora and Aether keeps a cautious eye on Phantom. He doesn't make conversation; but, he's clearly observing everything—even stopping at some intervals to look down a hallway and Aether just barely manages not to run into his back, when he does. He always offers a sheepish smile and quickly catches up to Aurora and Stratus.

They don't need to make an announcement when they get back to the commons. Swiss standing gets everyone's attention and the room goes dead silent in a second. Stratus offers a nervous laugh as she moves to the front—the two newer Ghouls immediately huddle up behind her—and puts her hands up to try showing things are okay.

It's… a little odd, perhaps, when they hadn't felt the need to cower from Imperator or either of them, but… this is a lot of people.

"Heyyy, guys—so! Uh… guess what!"

Aurora pushes her way under Phantom's arm so she can peek around Stratus, attention fixed intently on the rest of the Ghouls. "These are your friends, sister?"

"They are! Guys, this is Aurora!" Stratus pulls her around—Phantom hastily backs up so he's behind Aether instead and avoids getting presented—and hugs around her shoulders to show things are okay. "She's super cute, huh? So you guys be nice to her!"

"Okay, I'm very offended you're looking at me when you say that." Swiss huffs; but, it does seem to help dispense some of the tension, even as he tilts his head towards Aether. "And this is…?"

Aether reaches back, turning enough he can offer a reassuring smile while still keeping Phantom shielded, "It's okay, I promise. C'mon around, yeah?"

He lets the smaller Ghoul shuffle out from behind him, lets him wave at the group, and just puts both hands on the narrow shoulders, "This is… my little brother. Phantom. Try to be nice to him—wait." Aether stands up a bit straighter and he feels Phantom tensing up when he does. A quick headcount and he just barely resists the urge to groan, "Oh for Lucifer's—Sodo, don't you dare—!"

He probably should have accounted for the fact Sodo wasn't sitting with Rain—somewhere he could be contained if he reacted poorly—and doesn't realise he's across the room from everyone until his horns and tail have caught fire.

Panic. Anxiety. Fear. Aether doesn't get a chance to try calming him down before he gets spooked further by Swiss trying to get close to calm him down—or at least put the fires out—and Aether pulls Phantom out of the way when the fire bursts outward. The sprinkler system will kick in, if he does hit anything, and Rain is right there—

But, that isn't what happens.

Phantom squeaks when he's pulled out of the way and recoils back into Aether when the fire gets too close and then it's just… gone. Swiss manages to get a hold on Sodo so Rain can extinguish him—verified by the anguished screech from the Fire Ghoul and Rain and Swiss both trying to calm him down—but Aether just looks down at Phantom.

"Did… did you do that?"

"Uh… maybe—?" He squeaks again and wrenches himself out of Aether's grip to hide behind Stratus instead when Sodo finally kicks back and gets Swiss in the knee so he gets dropped. But, he just runs out the opposite side of the commons, specifically avoiding the new Ghouls. Swiss is biting out a magnificent spiel of curses that all slur together—lost in Ghoulish and English, with a few Italian swears thrown in—even as he carefully rights himself and lets Rain check his knee to ensure his void is fixing itself.

"Sodo! Sorry, Swiss—sorry, keep Phantom here, I'll get him—uh… Phantom, Swiss; Swiss, Phantom—Swiss can introduce you to everyone." He gestures between them, quickly, putting both hands on Phantom's shoulders again to try calming him down. He curses, quietly, to himself when he remembers he… isn't Copia's but… oddly enough, it does seem to be working. Phantom's breathing levels out and he starts to relax. Just a little, but enough to help Aether take a breath and slow down, too. "You're okay. Just… stay with Swiss and the others, okay? I'll deal with Sodo, he's just… he's really bad with meeting new people. This isn't your fault, alright? Either of you."

"Aeth, maybe you should let him blow off steam first? He nearly combusted." Rain points out, "Or at least take me with you—?"

"The fewer of us, the better, Rainy. I can handle him. … Thank you, though. Stratus, you can fill them in?"

She gives a lazy, two fingered salute, even as she's trying to assure Aurora things are okay. Swiss catches his shoulder before he can get by, voice down to keep from attracting any more attention. "Aether… this isn't a good thing…"

"It'll be fine. We will all be fine. Do not make this harder for him, Swiss." The warning comes out as more of a growl than he means for it to. Swiss looks surprised, briefly; but, it fades just as quickly and he sighs, shaking off and ruffling a hand back through his hair.

"Hope you're right... hope you get that through to Sodo…"

Aether keeps a small scowl on his back until he finally makes it over to Stratus and Phantom, introducing himself easily. Phantom shuffles a little bit closer to Stratus; but, he doesn't try to hide, at least. Aether lets his attention go back to Sodo.

It's easy enough to track him—the anxiety hasn't ebbed any and there's a few scorch marks in the carpet that they're definitely going to get in trouble for later. But, it doesn't take him long to find the other Ghoul, huddled up in the garden on the ground floor, squeezed into one of the statue alcoves and tucked in on himself as tight as he can get.

It's finally recovering from the destruction left from Alpha's death five years ago. Most everything's still dead but… there's a few patches that are trying to regrow, at least, and the horrible smell of sulphur is finally aired out completely. He's… not surprised this is where Sodo went; but, he's still careful as crosses the garden, kneeling down a safe distance away. Far enough Sodo's tail can't reach him, but close enough he doesn't have to speak too loud. Close enough that if Sodo decides violence is the answer… he's going to get knocked over and he's not in a great position to defend himself from the claws and fangs if it happens.

"Sodo… c'mon, they're both harmless." He tries not to tense when Sodo looks up, over the way his arms are curled tight around his knees, eyes glowing a violent orange against his void and the tips of his hair starting to go soot black as the fire spreads through him and starts showing up as veins. "Talk to me, firefly. I know you don't like new people, but that was a bit much, even for you—"

"New people aren't replacements!" Sodo snaps at him, tail lashing out, angrily. It only hits the statue of Lucifer he's hiding behind; but it still leaves a scorch mark in its wake and he simply curls in tighter on himself, breathing harder as he reaches up to grip both horns. The right one starts to heat up his grip; the left one starts to bleed lava from the broken off tip.

Aether quickly loses interest in his own safety and closes the distance to grab Sodo's wrists, trying to pry his grip loose without hurting him worse, "Sodo—Sodo, stop—it's okay… everything's okay, I promise."

It's still an effort to get him to let go; but, he at least tries to pull his powers back under control so he doesn't burn Aether. His tail puts itself out and there's soon simply smoke emitting from both horns and his hands. His entire body heaves with the efforts to calm down.

"Why are you okay with this!?"

Aether blinks, slowly releasing his wrists so he can work on pulling Sodo out of the alcove. It takes… a little more effort than he's expecting—he's impressed by how well Sodo managed to squeeze himself into the space—but he soon has the Fire Ghoul in his lap, running a reassuring claw through his hair, while the other hand runs up and down his back, tracing gentle patterns with his claws to help him relax faster.

"Okay with what?"

"Okay with—with what? With being replaced!"

"I'm not being replaced. Not permanently." Aether doesn't react to the fluctuating temperatures—the bursts of Sodo being too warm and suddenly too cold—just does his best to stay calm so Sodo will… hopefully calm down on his own. "It's only for a little bit… which means I need you to take care of him on stage. Please?"

Sodo chooses then to start squirming and trying to get free of the hold. Aether doesn't fight him on it; just makes sure his claws aren't tangled up in Sodo's hair and lets him get away on his own. He doesn't try to run again., at least… but he's still poised like an agitated cat, arched and coiled tight to himself in the process, tail still lashing out in irritation.

"That's what they told the others, isn't it? What they told Era Three? And why the fuck did you call him your little brother? Ghouls don't have siblings, you don't think that's a red flag?"

A yellow flag, at best… because he knows Sodo isn't wrong. They weren't supposed to be permanent. They weren't supposed to be replacements. Temporary aid, until the upper clergy was appeased to give Terzo his own Ghouls back. Just to prove he was successful and not being elevated by his Ghouls. That he could succeed with any Ghouls.

"Because Papa isn't being tested. Not like… not like the last one was." There's still some tension. Everyone's waiting for something to happen. Saltarian being around is terrifying to those that remember. Stratus doesn't know to be afraid of the man, yet; but, everyone else… they remember. "Sodo… he's scared enough without us putting more pressure on him. And even if we were being replaced, we promised not to do this, remember? You said you didn't want to react like Alpha did."

That, thankfully, does give him pause. It makes him relax enough that he slowly comes out of the arched position and settles to sitting with his legs folded criss-cross and his arms crossed tight to his stomach. "I don't. That's why I ran. I—if we are being changed out why didn't Papa say anything? Why just you two? When do the rest of us get changed—?"

"Papa didn't summon them." Aether blinks, pointing to his eyes, like it should have been obvious, but… maybe Sodo really hadn't noticed in the sudden spike of anxiety? But he knows Aether's being substituted, so he had to have noticed, surely? "Phantom's a Quintessence. Same as me. Papa's amazing but I don't think the clergy would let him summon two of us. Not when they don't understand why Swiss came along with us."

Sodo doesn't look convinced. He doesn't argue; but, he still lets his attention go off to the side, like he's trying to figure out how to explain himself better.

"He's not Quintessence." Aether just stares and, when Sodo looks up to meet his eye, he flusters a little, angry but… not at Aether. "He's not. I don't know what he is—what either of them are but… but they aren't Quintessence or Air. Not… not like you or Cirrus or Cumulus. But… not like Swiss or Stratus, either. I can't figure it out; but, something's wrong about them."

Stratus had seemed to think so, too. She's calmed down, but… he thinks that might be more just… her than anything else. Wary but willing to give people a chance. Still on guard but open to being wrong. She doesn't know to be afraid. Not like the rest of them do. Not like Sodo does, having replaced Mist and Ifrit, both, so quickly.

"Wrong or no, that was no reason to attack them. I was hoping being around the others would've made it easier for you, but… that really wasn't necessary, was it?"

"I didn't… mean to. I mean. I'm still mad, but… that off thing? It was really loud when you introduced him. When he just… made the flames vanish. … I don't like it, Aeth. How do you know it's temporary? What if it isn't? Why replace you and Stratus, why not all of us, why now—?"

"Shh—shh, shh, shh. Come here, before you twist yourself into kindle." Aether opens his arms and is grateful Sodo takes the opening to immediately crawl back into his lap, even as he simply tucks himself into a ball instead of latching on. "Slow down, firefly… we're still okay. Everything's going to be okay. I know it's weird. But the best way we make it less weird is helping them so Papa can focus on the Rituals, yeah? 'Cause to be honest… don't think Papa knows, yet, either. He'd have said something, right?"

He sees Sodo's brow furrow, clearly thinking on it, himself; Aether just smiles and pets his hair back, gently. As long as he stays calm… the others should, too. As long as Aether can stay calm… things can be fine.

"Are you gonna let me answer, now?" He thinks the grumble is supposed to be an affirmative and Aether lets his head rest on Sodo's. "You know how Stratus and Swiss go help the other branches of the church? We're just doing something like that… it's super hush and shush right now, but if they're willing to push this right before a tour starts, I have to believe it's important." He needs to tell himself that. He needs to have faith this isn't going to blow up in their faces. Not like… not like it did for the era before them. "I don't know why I'm going, instead of Swiss. But we'll figure it out, okay? Everything is going to be okay."

It has to be.

Sodo finally nods after a bit longer of staying quiet and slowly starts to uncurl himself. "… Can I try again? Just… just us. Not the others. Just you and… and the new one."

"Phantom." Sodo wrinkles his nose and Aether rolls his eyes a little. Fondly, but still a bit exasperated. "Promise you'll at least give him a chance?"

"... Won't promise somethin' I can't guarantee. But I'll try."

He purrs, the smallest bit, when Aether gives his right horn a kiss and nuzzles at him, "That's all I'm asking for. Do you want to come inside or me bring him out here?"

"... Out here. … Don't shadow walk. Just—you can go back upstairs that way but… don't bring him that way. I… I need a minute."

Aether nods and lets Sodo stand on his own, lets him figure out where his stability is. He only watches for a few seconds before letting out a slow breath and a quick I'll be back soon as a warning before he fades into the shadows. He shakes off as soon as he steps out into the commons and is more than a little relieved to find everything in one piece. Aurora's sitting on Cumulus' lap, on the couch, watching Stratus try to teach her how to braid hair with Cirrus as their test subject. She doesn't look pleased by it; but, she also doesn't shoo the Ghoulette away. Phantom's perched on the arm of the couch, opposite of the Ghoulettes, attention shifting between them and watching where Swiss and Mountain have dissolved into… a game of poker. Rain's watching for cheating—or helping them cheat, he isn't really sure—but it's… still a relief.

Phantom notices him first, ears perking up and his attention immediately going to Aether—followed quickly by Swiss looking over his shoulder and soon everyone else—and it's in that moment that Aether… almost understands what Stratus and Sodo reacted to. It's still a blank stare, but it feels… almost predatory. Not quite danger levels, but… the same as when Sodo zeroed in on stalking before he went into ambush mode.

Aether manages to shake it off and smiles; he's relieved when Phantom relaxes and smiles back; hopeful, if not a bit anxious.

"See? Everything's fine. Phantom, wanna try again? Bit more open space so Sodo doesn't feel as trapped?"

Phantom blinks, "Trapped? This is a very open room—?"

Rain looks wary of the idea; but, he still offers an encouraging smile and stands to give the other Ghoul a gentle pat on the shoulder as encouragement to leave his perch, "It is. But there's a lot of people and Sodo gets overstimulated pretty easy. Sometimes we help make things less, sometimes we make it worse. Guess today it was worse…"

He still looks confused; but, he follows the urging and slowly climbs down from the arm of the couch and crosses over to Aether, looking up curiously, "How did you do that? Coming out of nowhere?"

"I'll show you later," Aether promises, putting a hand between his shoulders in a gentle motion to lead him. It doesn't take much for the Ghoul to fall into step with him, thankfully. "It'll be better if we walk and take the elevator down. Shadow walking is… kind of alarming and Sodo's still a little bit high strung. Just be slow with him, okay? Let him make the first move."

Phantom nods and Aether's… actually feeling a little confident about this. Or, hopeful, at least.

When they get down to the ground floor, he sees Phantom trying to look into the garden windows, ears twitching and tail flickering in slow intervals as he absorbs the damage that never quite healed.

"... This was where Era Three…?"

Aether frowns a little, but still nods. "Yeah. … You heard about that already?"

"Sister mentioned it… to be wary that… that we don't end up like them. If we fail."

"... This… this happened because of what happened to their summoner. She can't hurt you like this without your summoner… but you two… haven't told us who summoned you?"

Phantom stares at him. Aether actually jumps when Sodo leans in from the gardens, clearly confused why they're just standing at the windows. He still freezes up when he's closer to Phantom; but, he doesn't bolt and he doesn't catch fire which is… promising. Aether tries to laugh it off.

"Sorry, I uh… got distracted. We were talking—"

"About Alpha. And a summoner. … Who did summon you? I always thought Quintessence was… only for the upper clergy…?"

Phantom looks between them, slowly, clearly confused. "The… the sister did. With the lab teams…?"

This time it's Aether looking back at Sodo, slowly, just to see if he understands; Sodo looks more confused than he did a second ago and Aether can tell his anxiety is starting to climb again. Although… that might be Aether's own rare manifestation of anxiety trying to twist his chest into knots. He hopes it isn't. If it is, he hopes Copia doesn't feel it.

"Sodo… we can do this another day if you need to; but, right now, I need you to calm down, firefly."

"You weren't summoned. That's why you don't feel right." Sodo finally comes out of the gardens. He stops before he gets too close, clearly struggling with his own anxiety of meeting new people and wanting answers before he finally closes the rest of the distance and puts a hand against Phantom's shoulder. A light, fleeting touch at first; like he's making sure the Ghoul actually is there. When he doesn't vanish, he tries again, pressing his hand a little harder.

Phantom doesn't fight the touch. He just blinks a few times, looking between them like Aether has answers to what's going on. He doesn't seem aware there's smoke coming from his void until Aether yanks Sodo backwards; but, the smoke isn't coming from Sodo. He's not the one generating heat. For the briefest moment Phantom's eyes change to Fire Ghoul orange before they're purple again.

Sodo pulls his left sleeve back and then yanks on Aether's arm—Aether swears as he's snapped out of his own distracted, morbidly curious thoughts—to shove his right sleeve back. He points at his own arm, forcing his patron seal to show up—the Leviathan cross. Aether slowly lets his own seal show up, when he finally stops staring at Sodo's. He can't remember the last time either of them actually made their seals visible. Phantom looks even more confused by the symbols.

"You don't have one. Do you?" No accusation. Anxiety. Aether feels it twisting his insides and it's a concentrated effort not to react.

"Sodo—"

"Do you or don't you?"

"I… I don't know what that is, so I'm going to say no…?" He starts to reach for Sodo's, like he wants to touch it; Aether's still too shocked, himself, to try warning him until Sodo bares his fangs with a violent snarl. Phantom immediately pulls his hand back to himself, apologising, hastily. "I—I didn’t mean to—"

"Sodo." Sodo finally calms down a little, shoving his sleeve back down and crossing his arms, tight to his body for security, mostly using it to hide his arm, even when the seal is protected under his void again. Aether sighs and lets his own melt back into his void, turning the look on Phantom. "Aurora doesn't have one, either, does she?"

"I don't… believe so, no."

"He wasn't supposed to replace you." Sodo mumbles, pulling the attention to himself. His tail flickers and he refuses to look up. "They tried to copy Swiss. That's why it feels wrong. Because it's you… but I'm there, too. She has it, too. Air and Fire. Air controls fire, though; and Quintessence trumps everything. Stratus could probably tell. But they just feel normal to you, don't they?"

Normal isn't the word Aether would use. But he still thinks on it. "… They feel empty. But that isn't their faults—"

"I'm not blaming them." Sodo finally looks calm. Now that he has… some kind of answer, he looks calmer. Feels calmer. He finally meets Phantom's eye. "… You're really not here to replace Aeth?"

Phantom blinks and looks between them, "I—? No? We're here to help. I don't know what they're doing, but… we're supposed to help. … I want to. They showed us your past Rituals." He finally smiles—Aether relaxes and he feels Sodo relaxing, gradually—and looks a little more confident, "You're all amazing. Papa's amazing. I want to see it for myself. But I need to learn, to do that, right? You'll teach me?"

"It's… a lot to shove into a month, but yeah. Absolutely. And you'll have the others on stage to help." He tilts his head a little, regarding Phantom, "Do you remember how we got down here? Can you get back to the commons by yourself?"

"I can! I can… kinda feel 'Rora… will I be able to walk like you? And find the others, too?"

He's not sure who taught him that, but Aether offers a small smile, "Maybe. We'll figure it out. You go ahead, I need to talk to Sodo." Phantom nods and offers a bow—too proper, definitely taught by the clergy, not socialised enough with others—and takes off for the stairs. Aether waits until he's well out of sight—hopes he actually is—and finally turns his attention down to Sodo. " … Think you can handle being around the others, firefly?"

"... Yeah. Maybe. … Broth, first." Sodo lets out a slow breath, attention still fixed on the floor. "… Are we going to tell the others?"

"That they weren't summoned?"

"That they're manufactured. I—it feels… wrong. But they don't deserve that… not having a patron to protect them…"

Aether hums a little, putting his hand against the small of Sodo's back to get him to walk. "Well… we'll protect them, then. Yeah? We couldn't do anything for Era Three but… maybe those two, we can."

That seems to help. Sodo finally raises his head, finally walks with a bit more of his usual confidence.

"Yeah. Yeah, I like that a lot more."

#sqooshy writes #ghost band #ghost fanfiction #aether/sodo #aether ghoul #sodo ghoul #phantom ghoul #aurora ghoulette #stratus ghoulette #ghouls era 5 #rating: teen #based on art #ship: soulfire

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whimsicalmeerkat · 2 years

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Devil's Worst Nightmare

On AO3

Luke released his hold on Everald’s hair, allowing the man to slump forward against the altar. They’d disturbed the items on it—some candles had toppled and a candlestick had gouged a scratch in the previously smooth surface—but he’d had the presence of mind to keep anything from catching on fire. ~ Luke is the devil. Everald is the monk he just fucked. Neither of them is what the other expected.

Featuring a post-coital conversation that goes very differently than either party expected

Written for Recursive Exchange 2022 based on Peccavi by Leonor (DachOsmin)

Pre-read by mswhich (@mswhich) and beta by DerRumtreiber (@krabraccoon)

#recursive exchange #sacrilege #humor #recursive work #based on art #original fiction #original character #recursive #author:whimsicalmeerkat #rated m #original work

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cloudstarcats · 1 year

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Day 1: Bound

Summary: Diluc wakes up with Zhongli tied to his wrists

Based off amazing artwork by @insertsomthinawesome

Please check out their art Here, and the rest of their amazing work.

#fic post #zhongli #diluc #fanfiction #based on art #amazing art btw #thanks again to this artist for letting me write some shit based on their fantastic art work-#Honestly asked them if I could make stuff ages and ages ago #i just was busy with college and life and never posted but i've had this written for a little while lol #hope ya'll enjoy #genshin impact

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justadamnextra · 1 year

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Don’t let it break your heart. (It’s slowly killing mine.)

Izuku Midoriya is getting married and Katsuki Bakugo can’t bare to watch the love of his life marry someone else.

drabble inspired by this art here

Katsuki can’t help but to stare, watching nimble scarred fingers work the buttons of his black button up.

He can’t stop the thoughts from running through his head. Thoughts of how everyone important in Izuku’s life is sitting inside the venue on the right hand side. Thoughts of how his best friend and hero partner is getting married. Thoughts of how Japan is going to react with joy as the Number One hero ties the knot with a nice quirkless girl.

His thoughts get interrupted when Izuku slips the red tie around his collar. (The greenette was always awful with tying them, but he practiced so much to get it right. To tie the perfect knot for Kacchan.) Izuku is trying his best to keep is eyes on tie, avoiding the look in Katsuki’s eyes.

Katsuki doesn’t want to ruin the intimate moment, but sometimes he deserves to be selfish. “You’re really going through with this?”

“Kacchan,” Izuku pauses for a quick moment, his breathe shaky as he says the words while smoothing down the tie, “You know I don’t have a choice.”

The two of them stand in silence, Izuku trying his best to not look in crimson eyes full of heartache. Trying his best to keep his composure when all he wants to do is cry.

“But I’m the one you love.”

It comes out as a whisper, sounding so broken that Izuku finally lets his eyes meet the others as tears threaten to spill over. He reaches his hand towards Katsuki’s face, leaning in as he lets two words slip past his lips before planting them on delicate, soft ones.

“I know.”

#bkdk #dkbk #drabble #angst #hurt no comfort ig??#based on art #bkdk drabble #<500 words #i MIGHT expand this into a chaptered fic i may not #originally posted on ao3 #my works

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mimimar · 1 month

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the woman who holds the moon

prints available here. my cover for this month's issue of baffling magazine.

#i can finally share this piece!#this cover was based on a short story called “moon bearer” by celia daniels that features on this issue of the magazine #the character designs are mine #also there's a sale on inprnt again so my prints are cheaper than usual!#illustration #artists on tumblr #illo #lesbian #wlw #sapphic #lesbian art #wlw art #sapphic art #queer art #baffling magazine #blue #moon #night sky #queer fantasy

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sabertoothwalrus · 16 days

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just normal royal advisor things

#my gf likes when I pet her head this is based on her hehe #I've been struggling to get laios' likeness and I think I finally got it!!!#dungeon meshi #dungeon meshi spoilers #laios touden #kabru #labru #my art #comic

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mimi-maru · 1 month

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I Want To Live (Life and Death)

#bg3 #based on Death and Life by Klimt #baldur's gate 3 #mimimaru art

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undead-knick-knack · 1 year

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Laudna's Form of Dread is also literally a work of art

(the piece is by Gian Lorenzo Bernini titled "Apollo and Daphne")

#critical role #cr3 #cr c3 #critrole #bells hells #bell's hells #laudna #warlock #form of dread #tree #apollo and daphne #cr spoilers #courtesy of me #based on art

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s-creations · 2 years

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He Took My Place - Chapter 2

Wukong was so close to winning. To finally defeat the Lady Bone Demon and end this absolute nightmare. Not ready for her to get an advantage Wukong was not prepared to face.

((AKA: What if MK was possessed by Lady Bone Demon.))

This is based off a comic from Twitter, by @weaponizedbird Also here on Tumblr! @birddlord Link

It was a good thing to know that, even after so many centuries of pushing the boundaries of life, Wukong was still fireproof. Because Mei didn’t take a second thought before blasting the two monkeys with her newly acquired powers. The Monkey King having to quickly pull Macaque behind him before the Dragon Girl let loose.

“Oof, what did you have to eat? A bit spicy.” Wukong casually commented the moment the flames died down. Flashing a smirk to the surprised looks the teens gave back.

“M-Monkey King?” Mei cracked out. Wide eyes of shock changing into one of anger upon realizing who she was talking to.

Wukong’s front immediately crumbled, clearing his throat. “Look…I know we didn’t leave off on the best foot. But right now, we don’t have time-”

“Then we’ll make time!” The Dragon Girl growled, Redson immediately grabbing Mei’s arm to hold her back. “I should burn you alive for everything you’ve done!”

“First off, you already tried and you can’t. Second, we’re running on a short timer. Do we know where everyone else is?”

“They aren’t with you?”

“No, the mastermind here left them behind to face the Lady Bone Demon alone.” Macaque answered.

“My guess would be they’re still at the shrine, where the fire had been forged again.” Mei offered, crossing her arm.

“Did Noodle Boy stay behind?” Redson frowned, “That doesn't sound like something he would do. The bleeding heart wouldn’t just stand by while his precious mentor ran off.”

Wukong winced at that, turning away from the now worried looks the teens were giving him. “...MK did follow me… He followed me, I wasn’t fast enough and…”

“Monkey King…what happened to my friend?” Mei asked softly.

“...He’s-”

“With me.”

Maybe it was due to the fact that Wukong had become comfortable with the warmth. Or the fact that he foolishly thought that they were too far for Lady Bone Demon to find them. Another lack of judgment on his part. Whatever the reason, Wukong flinched as he was unprepared for the unwelcomed chill that washed over him once more. The jungle bathed in the icy blue he absolutely hated and the voice that made his skin crawl echoed through the area.

The Monkey King was able to push the teens away before MK’s attack landed. The wooden platform they were standing on received the full damage. Cracking and splintering, a decent crater created where MK now stood. As the possessed teen stood, Wukong watched as Redson instantly put Mei behind him. Both teens looked worried as blue eyes with no emotion landed on them.

“M-MK?” Mei voiced weakly.

The teen in question didn’t respond. MK’s appearance was different now. Long gone were the casual, comfy clothing. Items that were synonymous with the teen’s personality. He was now dressed in silver armor, a sleek and structured breastplate with pauldrons covering his upper half. Decorative armored arm sleeves, greaves, and boots the last bit of armor provided for protection. Underneath it were thick garments of blue, gray, and white, with a thin strip of blue wrapped around MK’s forehead in a mock headband. Wukong holding back a growl seeing a familiar crown design embroidered in silver on said item.

“Mei, Redson! Get away from MK now, he’s not in control!” the Monkey King called out, “You two need to run!”

“I would suggest not,” the chilling voice echoed once more, “There is no place in this world that I will not be able to find you. Spare yourself the trouble, hand the Samadhi Fire to me and I will make your end painless.”

MK took a step forward, the damaged boards creaking dangerously underfoot. Redson took a stance in retaliation. Clenched fist engulfed in flames.

“Don’t you dare take another step, Noodle Boy.” The bull teen hissed out dangerously. Something that MK gave no response to.

“Ah, the Demon Bull King’s offspring. I really should thank you and your family. After all, if your father hadn’t found my prison, I wouldn’t be where I am now.” Wukong didn’t miss the way the teen faltered hearing those words, “If you had stood aside, I would have thought about leaving you alive…for a while longer. But now you’re just an unwanted pest.”

Before anyone could move, MK had dashed forward. Almost seeming to teleport in front of the demon teen, landing a devastating blow to Redson’s stomach. Who was flung into the shack behind. The resounding crashes indicated the teen had gone through the wall and into the dense jungle behind.

Wukong felt something shift behind him, Macaque appearing before MK. Grabbing the teen’s wrists to pull MK forward and landed a knee into the teen’s stomach. MK letting out a noise of pain.

“Don’t! Don’t hurt him!” Wukong called out desperately.

MK seemed to recover from the attack quickly. Planting his feet once more, used the position to his advantage, bringing the Shadow Warrior close to headbutt him. Allowing Macaque’s grip to slack enough for MK to break free. The teen wasted no time in grabbing the black-furred monkey’s left arm and snapping it easily. Wukong felt sick hearing the scream of absolute pain coming from Macaque. But not a moment of pause was given when MK grabbed the other’s shoulders and tossed him back.

Wukong dashed to stop Macaque from being flung off the high platform. Holding the shaking form close while the broken arm was cradled close to Macaque’s chest. But there wasn’t time to focus on this issue. Now having his path cleared once more, MK started his way back to Mei.

“MK…don’t make me hurt you!” The Dragon Girl attempted to look intimidating. Small flames of deep maroon bursting off her form. It did nothing to deter MK.

Wukong had just enough time to move himself and Macaque out of the way before MK and the path behind said teen was lit up in flames. The Monkey King looked back over, eyes widened thinking he was going to see his successor as nothing more than a pile of charred remains. But MK was unaffected, still making his way forward as if he wasn’t being faced with the hottest fire to ever be created. The light show ended when MK, now close enough, reached out and grabbed Mei by her throat. The girl's eyes wide with fear as her best friend started to choke her.

Wukong immediately broke that contact, pushing Mei further back before blocking MK’s punch. The other hand, keeping a tight grip on the teen’s wrist. “Come on kid, you just attacked your best friend, you know you shouldn’t be doing this. Fight back!”

“Have you finally decided to raise your hand, Sun Wukong?” Lady Bone Demon’s laughter echoed, “Pushed you beyond your limit have I?”

“MK, you need to listen to me!” Wukong pointedly ignored the bone demon, “Listen, please listen to me, you need to fight her. Please…you need to come back to us… You shouldn't be in this position…”

There was a spark of hope when the icy blue eyes flickered, familiar warm brown shining through for a split second. Wukong let out a relieved laugh. Grip slacking as he said, “Yeah, come on kid, fight back!”

“What a foolish king.”

In an instant, the icy glare returned, and MK took advantage of the slip. Another snap sounded in the air, but this time not from a broken bone. Wukong’s eyes widened in worry as he watched the raised fist from MK become encased in ice. The skin that could be seen beneath showed deep cuts that bled. The Monkey King couldn’t block the attack fast enough, the side of his head receiving the full force of the punch.

He could normally brush off such an attack. Standing up the next second with a smile on his face while cleaning the dust off his garments. This time was not like normal times. Wukong was launched into the air, going past the railing and further into the surrounding trees. Eventually losing momentum enough to be stopped by a large trunk. The Great Sage collapses limply onto the closest branch.

Head ringing, he attempted to focus on the platform he’d just left. Panic weakly grew as Wukong could only watch as Mei was encased in a large crystal of ice. Both her and MK disappear into a flash of light.

“...hould we trust yo…”

“We don’t ha…”

“...th MK and Mei? What are we supp…”

“...re running against time. We can argue later. Lady Bone Demo…MK and Mei. If…the Shamadi Fire from the Dragon Girl, we’ll be too late to stop any of this.”

“From the being that willing worked with said demon!”

“Pigsy, calm down, shouting isn’t going to help the situation. Let’s just wait for Monkey King to wake up. He’ll clear up what happened and what we need to do.”

Wukong’s head was pounding furiously as he slowly swam up from the darkness. Opening his eyes first showed moving misshapen forms of colors that became more solid. Eventually realizing that he was in a familiar underground temple. Near the grounds where the Samadhi Fire had been reforged. The Monkey King got a brief thought of ‘Never thought I’d see this place again.’ before attempting to sit up. Letting out a low groan as he did so.

An arm was immediately wrapped around him, a gentle voice saying, “Easy Peaches, take it slow. You’re not looking so great…”

“Thanks for the encouraging words Macaque.” Wukong replied weakly. Resting his head on the Shadow Warrior’s shoulder when he fully sat up. Eyes opening again, both sharing a small smile of comfort. “How did we get here?”

“Redson, that teleportation spell is really useful.”

“Has he been here before?”

“Had been to the city, we worked backwards from there.”

Wukong weakly nodded to the answer. Eyes traveled slowly over Macaque, about to ask if he was okay, when he spotted the arm in a sling. “Oh…Oh Gods, are you okay?”

“Looks worse than it is, I’ll be okay.”

“Don’t lie to me.”

Macaque laughed softly, placing a gentle kiss on the other’s forehead. “I’m not lying. I’m a fast healer, you know that. So cute when you’re worried.”

“Don’t mock me.”

“Are you two done being…weird?” Both looked up to find Redson standing nearby, arms crossed.

“It’s called ‘showing affection’, MK and Mei can show you the ropes.” Wukong replied with a smirk, wincing when he attempted to laugh. “Okay, no laughing for now…”

“I’m going to ignore your comment and let the others know you’re awake. We have a lot to discuss.” The bull teen turned, walking off to the small group of Pigsy, Tang, and Sandy.

“How long have I been out?” Wukong asked the black furred monkey.

“Few hours.”

The Monkey King let out a curse. “That was a waste of time… I’m going to assume MK was able to…”

“Yeah, kid disappeared the moment you were out of the picture.”

“The clock is ticking down faster than I’d like.”

“If the Dragon Girl remembers my training,” Redson interrupted once more, “then we can double that time we have to fix this… Which still is not a lot, but it’s something.”

Pigsy passed by the demon bull teen to tower over the injured Wukong. Who was having a difficult time looking the chef in the eye. “We’ve already been told what happened to Mei…and MK.”

“I’m sorry,” Wukong whispered, “I…wasn’t fast enough.”

“...We can’t focus on that. We have a bigger issue, like how are we going to stop all of this. If what Redson and creepy shadow monkey over there said are true, then you’re not in the best shape. Still. But you’re also the only one out of us that could stop the kid.”

“I can’t fight the kid. I’m just…I’m not able to raise a fist towards him.”

Pigsy sighed softly. “Look, I’m not…thrilled by this either. But we need to stop all of this, meaning we have to stop MK too.”

“We might have a silver lining to this,” Macaque said, “Lady Bone Demon’s powerful, but even she has her limit. Between the two possessed kids, the mech, and now the crystal, she’s being stretched thin. There’s no way she’ll be able to hold this all together for much longer. Especially if we add extra stress.”

“MK’s also fighting. I was able to see that power in him flicker, but it came back too quickly.” Wukong added.

“Still proves my point. If we can pile on the pressure, something’s going to break. Hopefully it’s her head.”

Pigsy nodded slowly as he listened. “If that’s the tentative idea, then we’ll need to divide the work.”

“I’ll worry about getting the Dragon Girl out of her prison.” Redson stepped forward.

The teen jumped when a large hand landed on his shoulders, looking up to a beaming Sandy. The other arm holding Pigsy and Tang close. “And we’ll be there as back up! Just in case, so you can focus on what you need to.”

“...Thank you, I guess.”

“That leaves us with the lady and the kid.” said Macaque, looking down at Wukong.

Who gave a weak smile in return. “Suppose two broken monkeys can handle two overly powerful beings.”

“Love that self confidence.”

“If that’s the plan then. Sandy! Get that van up and running again, we need to head out!”

“You got it Pigsy!”

As the group of mortals with one demon teen walked off, Wukong reached out to grab Macaque’s arm quickly. Who looked back with a raised brow. “What’s up Peaches?”

“First, stop calling me that.”

“Aw, but I thought you liked it.”

Wukong flushed, “Sure, but not with the others so close.”

“Redboy already saw us.”

“Just- Look, there’s another issue. When I was fighting MK, back in the jungle, I saw cuts being formed on the kid’s arm. The one using the magic. She’s pushing him too hard, it’s too much power for him to maintain safely. If I’m not able to stop him…”

“MK could end up permanently hurt.”

“...If not dead.”

Macaque let out a small sigh before placing a hand on Wukong’s shoulder. “You said that the control over MK wavered when you talked to him. That means the kid’s fighting hard against her control. Physical blows are going to make it worse, for both of you. But if you’re able to reach out through words…that might be the trick.”

“If he’ll listen to me.”

“I have a feeling he will. …I trust you.”

Wukong snapped his head up, eyes wide hearing this. “...I- Really?”

“Yeah, really.”

The golden monkey didn’t argue as he was pulled into a gentle kiss, this one he responded back to happily. Not surprised or shocked this time. Reaching up to place a hand behind Macaque’s head while the other gripped the front of the other’s garments. Macaque’s good hand burying into golden fur to tilt Wukong’s head up further. Small noises of happiness escaping from both on occasion.

“Would you two stop SUCKING FACE and get over here! We need to get going!”

Both broke away quickly, eyes wide and faces flushed.

“Right, sorry!”

“We’re coming!”

________________________

It wasn’t a welcoming sight that greeted them upon returning to the city. Wukong’s eyes narrowed on the mech that towered over everything. Thinking worriedly that it somehow looked bigger than what he remembered. The entire place covered with large icebergs, the city hidden completely by these newly formed structures. There wasn’t time to worry about this, however, as they had precious few seconds to keep the attack something of a surprise before Lady Bone Demon found them.

Unable to transform, Wukong and Macaque traveled up to the top of the mech on a familiar golden cloud. The van continued to travel forward at a fast speed below them, both monkeys watching with wide eyes as it was launched into the air and crashed into the mech’s chest.

“...Suppose that’s one way in.” Macaque casually commented as they continued to move up.

They landed at the very top. Eyes traveling around, keeping an ear out for any signs of approaching danger. Somehow the quiet was even more unnerving. No other signs of life could be seen, but Wukong spotted a familiar staff encased in ice. He was given a quick nod from Macaque, who was already in a fighting stance, before Wukong made his way towards said item.

“Alright… Here. Comes. Monkey-”

“KID.”

Wukong, who had just started to reach out for the staff, had a second to dash back before the ground was shattered. MK now blocking the path, eyes glowing brightly. The Monkey King heard Macaque give a low growl, but remained focused on MK and Lady Bone Demon.

“How foolish of you. To arrive on my territory, thinking you could best me.” LBD laughed softly.

“You ready for this?” Wukong whispered to Macaque.

��Just get through to the kid. Let me deal with the creepy lady.” With that said, Macaque disappeared into the shadows. Appearing next to LBD, who let out a hiss of anger as she was knocked away.

Wukong wasn’t able to focus on that fighting when he had to block MK. The teen just as stoic as ever, uncaring as further cuts and gashes appear on his arms. As the rest of the teen’s form was covered, the Monkey King could only assume the rest of his body was covered with similar damages. This needed to end quickly.

“MK, I know you’re in there,” Wukong said, doing his best to keep the teen at bay. Both baring their teeth as they attempted to overpower the other. “I know you can hear me, you showed me back in the jungle that you’re fighting back. I’m right here, I’m here to help, here to support. You just need to come back.”

MK seemed to grow angrier by this. Breaking away from the grip, launching forward to ram himself into Wukong’s stomach. The Monkey King let out a pained noise before recovering and wrapping his arms around MK’s middle. Launching the teen by flipping them both over and slammed the teen into the metal. A noise of pain leaving the teen. Cuts now forming near the glowing eyes.

Wukong didn’t wait, rushing over to pin the teen down. Who immediately tried to break out of the hold. Even going so far to snap his teeth at the golden monkey. “Stop this, this isn’t you MK! This anger isn’t yours, it’s hers, she’s channeling her aggression through you! Please…just listen to me…”

When MK didn’t calm down, when the lights didn’t fade, Wukong felt sick with worry. Mind racing as he tried to figure out what he could do to break the teen free of this. Squeezing his eyes tightly before saying, “I’m sorry!”

That seemed to have done the trick. MK had stopped thrashing, eyes fixated on Wukong. Who took a slow breath before continuing.

“I’m sorry… I should have told you what was happening, told you what to prepare for. But I didn’t… I’d faced her before and it was the most damaging fight I’d ever had. I had hoped I could spare you from it. Just have you focus on keeping the city safe so I could quietly take her out. I wasn’t… I wasn’t fast enough, I wasn’t strong enough, and you’re suffering because of my mistakes.”

“I think I did this because I had faced her before. Thinking I could handle this all just fine. Even when we were back on that airship, showing the map to you all the first time, I had planned on doing everything alone. Then you just,” Wukong laughed weakly, “You were so determined to help me. To help make everything right, because that’s just what you do. Always smiling, making sure everyone’s okay, taking so much on. But I was still so worried about what you had to face, what you had already faced…”

“It…hit me what I was really worried about. I was…scared. Terrified, about what was coming. What we were going to be up against. You’d already taken on so much and seeing you hurt in any way, because of me… I couldn’t handle it. But everything I did just made it worse. Your friend was hurt, I left you behind, and I just kept…I kept lying to you. But it was more than that…”

“I never thought I’d live long enough to become someone’s mentor. I was reckless in my younger years, even with my master’s best efforts, and now I’m just…lost. I don’t know what entered my mind to think I needed to have a successor. I just saw you one day and I felt this pull, I can’t really explain it. I just knew you were perfect. As a successor? Maybe…until it became more. A…A son maybe, even saying it sounds weird, but it’s true! I can’t imagine not having you be a part of my life anymore…”

Wukong let out a shaky breath, eyes shut tight as he pressed his forehead against MK’s gently. “Fight her MK, fight her and come back to me. I need you back…”

“...Monkey King?”

Wukong's eyes shot open. Letting out a weak laugh seeing warm brown staring up at him. The golden monkey let go of MK’s wrists to cradle the teen’s face gently. “Hey! Hey bud, you’re back! How are you feeling? Probably not that great, but don’t worry, we’ll fix this.”

“I-I’m sorry…”

“No, no no, you don’t have anything to be sorry about. Come on, get up, we need to get your staff.” Wukong helped MK sit up, the teen’s eyes flashing blue before going back to brown. “It’s okay, we just need to get your staff. Lean against me, we got this, you’ll be okay, just keep fighting.”

It was slow going. MK not only injured, but clearly still fighting against the control that Lady Bone Demon had over him. They pushed forward still, the few feet to the staff seeming like miles now. As they reached said item, Wukong heard something heavy land behind them. Eyes widening with fear upon seeing Macaque’s broken body. The black furred money unmoving. Lady Bone Demon drawing closer.

“Did you think a weak imitation would be able to stop me!” She cried out in rage, “I’ll rip the life from your bodies before I tear this world apart!”

“D-Dad…”

Wukong’s attention went back to the teen in his arms, who was doubled over in pain. Shifting them around, MK now has his back pressed against the golden monkey, who kept his arms tightly around the teen. Frantically whispering ‘It’s okay, you’re okay, we’re going to fix this,’ in an attempt to comfort the pained teen. Taking one of MK’s hands, Wukong cupped his own around it, moving both to reach out for the staff.

“Don’t you DARE-”

Their hands wrapped around said item. A flash of warm, golden light would wash over all in the area. Wukong peeked out slightly to see the shadow of possession being forced from MK, who’s overall self seemed to grow warmer. The staff broke free from the ice and was lifted easily above the two in triumph.

Wukong collected the collapsed teen quickly, cradling MK closer while said teen held tightly onto the staff. Knowing MK was safe, the Monkey King looked over to Macaque, who was slowly standing up.

“Macaque!” Wukong called out desperately, rushing over. Eyes widening as he watched the black furred monkey removed the brace from his arm.

Macaque, on his part, moved and stretched said arm before looking up to Wukong. “It’s healed… Kid’s looking better too.”

Sure enough, the cuts that had covered MK had disappeared. The teen now looked merely tired. Wukong let out a small laugh of relief, pressing his cheek into MK’s forehead. “Yeah…yeah he is.”

“...Not to break this moment. But if MK’s no longer under possession, that means that-”

“INSOLENT SIMIANS!” All flinched as the warmth was washed away, Lady Bone Demon floating above them once more. A look of absolute fury on her face. “You think I would fall so quickly! All you’ve done is make this all so much easier. If the girl will not give up the fire willingly, then I shall rip it from her!”

Another pulse of cold energy emitted from her. A small form falling from where the true Lady Bone Demon now stood. Macaque dashing forward to collect the small child who was once the puppet of the bone demon. There wasn’t time to stop, Macaque sinking into the shadows to join Wukong as they leapt off the mech. Each holding an unmoving child as they fell. Passing by the chest, where an eerie red light emitted from within.

“M-Mei…” MK said weakly.

“It’s okay bud, we’re not done yet.” Wukong said quickly, pulling him closer.

The already falling group were joined by Pigsy, Tang, and Sandy emerging from the same area where the light could be seen. Wukong only assumed Redson had stayed behind to help Mei in some way. All landed on the ground easily. Macaque immediately put the small child he’d been carrying off to the side to keep her safe in some way.

Wukong’s attention was pulled away from the mech feeling MK shift, helping the teen land on his feet properly. “You okay?”

“Yeah…yeah I’m fine.” MK took a deep breath before standing tall, staff in hand.

“...You ready to knock a demon down a few pegs?”

“Yeah, I’m ready for this to be over.”

“Me too kid…we got this.”

#lmk #lego monkie kid #lmk mk #lmk sun wukong #lmk macaque #s-creations #based on art #also on ao3 #hurt/comfort #shadowpeach #birddlord

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tigris-types · 29 days

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Huzzah! Over 500!

Which is only 5% of the way there to 10k but for the last few days it seemed 500 was the big hurdle to get over.

Please keep supporting and sharing! Link

#tour of the black cat #lego ideas #cats #lego art #lego photography #lego moc #le chat noir #red #black #yellow #french art #art nouveau #black cat #based on art #over 500

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marshmallowsqoosh · 1 year

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[MW2 | Apex]

Fandom: Modern Warfare 2 (2022) Title: Apex (AO3 Link) Rating: Teen CW: Mild depictions of violence and death Lesser Warnings: Merfolk Ghost and Soap, I 2000% don’t belong here oops, not beta’d, super short Summary: Super short and quick thing based on this gorgeous Mermay piece by @ FanartByFire (Links go to twitter!)

My knowledge of Ghost and Soap is fanart and like three sections of MW2 (Specifically the Escape Scene ... I’ve watched it a shameful number of times), please be gentle orz I am way too tired and depressed to commit energy to playing myself, even though I want to.

Extras: Status: Complete Word Count: 1609

♠

Soap starts to wake up to pressure.

Familiar pressure, at first—being properly submerged instead of folded and squished into the horrific invisible barriers humans used for containment. Too weak to thrash, barely conscious most days. Whatever had kept him drowsy in the too small prison is starting to wear off, he thinks… he hopes.

Something thick in his mouth, wrapped around his head, had kept him from gnashing at the humans the few times he was coherent. It's still there, he realises, as more awareness returns to him; thick like too many kelp blades, when he needed something to bite down on while Ghost treated injuries—

A new sensation of pain makes his eyes dilate and awareness shoot through his body, senses starting to register everything all at once.

A secondary pressure all over his body—bound arms and body. He can kind of see long cords in his peripherals, attached in various locations to the shark body and connected to heavy… anchors, he thinks, they're called. He can feel them pulling on his pectoral fins, as well. Something heavy on his dorsal and tip of his ear, as well.

Something around his neck, as tight as everything else restricting his movement.

But what got his attention, he very quickly realises, is his own blood. A deep cut behind his left pectoral. Trying to dig his liver out—orca hunting? He thinks he remembers one of the humans mentioning a starved orca. They have another thing coming, if this is where they brought him to bait out a "starved orca".

One of the humans putting their hand in the wound confirms they're going for the liver; but, it just makes him thrash against the restraints and he does, briefly, dislodge at least one human. In the midst of the thrashing—he can kind of feel the humans trying to keep him still—he can hear… a song. A very familiar song that should be absolutely terrifying as it echoes off the rocks around him.

Ghost.

He sees the shadow beneath him, briefly. The humans don't notice, still occupied trying to get him still again. He feels the restraints tugging more and only begins to still his thrashing as he realises exactly how much danger he's putting himself in. Ignoring the blood—he isn't worried about the injury, that can be treated later—he can definitely tell some of the anchors are beginning to loosen. His chest heaves as he tries to bite through the thickness in his mouth; the humans make gestures at each other. Excited gestures—more and more animated and frantic whenever Ghost's song echoes around them. When it gets louder. Confusion when it gets softer or the moments it goes completely silent.

They have no idea how terrified they should be when it's so quiet.

Ghost is closer. He knows it. He needs to keep attention on himself—he knows both of them have the horrible weapons that put things to sleep. He wanted to have his own teeth available for this; but, he just needs to make due. Not difficult, when he feels the hand go into the gash on his tail, again.

They want him to thrash and look like a weak meal? He's all too delighted to comply—well. Not delighted. But he will be as soon as he gets his mouth free. For now the thrashing keeps attention on him, right up until Ghost more or less materialises behind the human with their hand in the open gash.

He knows it doesn't take much effort for Ghost to tear the human apart—claws digging into the torso and tearing upwards until it's severed from the lower half and his attention goes to the second human without missing a beat.

The second human tries to escape by swimming under Soap—maybe hoping that Ghost will be distracted by a free dinner. Distracted, yes—but just long enough he can tear at the binding on Soap's back. He sees the restraints fall off his front, the ring and everything attached to it slowly sinking; but, he doesn't let it distract him for long, already tearing at whatever's in his mouth until he finally gets it out—a thick strap, like the rest of the restraints—and immediately turns his attention to trying to twist in on himself to get his own teeth into the human.

"John—Johnny, hold still—!"

He maybe forgot about the rest of the restraints. He may be smaller than Ghost—and, generally, not nearly as strong—but in that moment of pulling his entire body to catch the human, he ends up pulling all of the anchors loose and it's only Ghost getting his claws through most of the connected cords that keeps Soap from being dragged into the depths or having any part of his tail torn off.

He'll be grateful later; right now, the only thing he's focused on is tearing the human apart with his teeth. Until Ghost finally pries the body away from him—well. Calling it a body is probably being generous. Scraps is more accurate. But, as those scraps float away, towards the surface, and Soap struggles to pull his breathing under control—torso heaving with shallow, rapid breaths—as Ghost turns his face, clearly looking for more injuries… everything starts to hit him finally and the anger starts to hit different.

Panic. Relief. He catches Ghost before he can circle to assess the open wound and just latches on as tight as he can. If his claws are digging too hard into Ghost's back, he doesn't say anything. Just closes his arms around Soap, until he's completely enveloped.

"I got ya, Johnny. I got ya. Let's get you home. Get that taken care of and you can have whatever y'want."

"... Wha'ever I want?" He means it as a joke. He means for it to be a lot more light-hearted than it comes out. Not as the quiet, almost stutter, of words that he's fairly sure gets lost against Ghost's chest. But, he's still comforted by the rumble caused from the quiet chuckle. A soothing vibration from deep in the orca's chest.

"Within reason."

Soap doesn't argue or try to fight against Ghost working himself free and ushering Soap along to their grotto. Not a far swim—it makes Soap painfully aware of the fact the humans have at least been tracking Ghost for… who even knows how long. Long enough to know where he preferred to hunt and sleep. Long enough to know where "bait" would be most effective.

The adrenaline is wearing off by the time they get home and it takes a concentrated effort for Soap to hoist himself onto the dried land mass in the center of their grotto. Enough that the gash isn't submerged anymore and his upper body collapses across the ground. The chill of air is already setting in, even as the part of his tail still in the water sways and his caudal fin splashes water up to keep his skin from drying out too horribly.

He's tired. Emotionally exhausted—still working his way through various stages of processing—and just physically exhausted after being in the cramped containment for… however long it's been. He wants to ask. Maybe he'll remember to later—

Of course, that's quickly the last thing on his mind as he feels something extra cold slathered onto his injury and it's only the awareness that it's Ghost that keeps him from turning and getting his teeth around the source of the unwelcome sensation. He still snarls out a curse—lost under his accent—and Ghost simply runs a heavy, albeit gentle, touch up his back.

"Easy. Know it ain't pleasant, but sooner it's done, sooner you're back in the water."

Soap does his best to hold still while Ghost works—a few more irritated growls and his caudal fin slapping the water in equal irritation… it might bring him a little bit of amusement went Ghost warns him to stop splashing him. He listens; but, it was still worth the short burst of pleasure.

He doesn't fight Ghost easing him back into the water, once the salve has a chance to set; easier to wrap his body in long strands of kelp binding, in the water, just to keep the wound covered while it heals. Soap promptly lets himself more or less collapse against Ghost's chest, again, once the binding's set and just stays there. He can still feel the weight on his right ear and something heavy on his dorsal. He saw something on his hip, earlier, but he's too damn tired (and maybe a little scared) to actually look at it.

"... So, what were you sayin' about reasonable, now?"

Ghost chuckles and runs a gentle claw back through Soap's hair, fingers flexing and skrtiching a soothing sensation into his scalp. "Reasonable in that it innit gonna send me too far. Think I'm leavin' you alone in this condition?"

Soap hums and moves up until he can push his face, stubbornly, into Ghost's neck. "Damn right you're not goin' off without me. One of us goes, we both go. … Just wanna rest right now, Si… ain't hit me yet and I know it's gonna. Want you right here where I can find ya and make sure this fuckery actually is over, aye?"

If he sounds like he's trying to convince himself, more than Ghost, neither of them say anything about it. Ghost simply pulls him down until they're laid out on the large, flat rock they use for a bed, and curls himself around Soap in a protective, secure hold.

#sqooshy writes #mw2 fanfic #simon ghost riley #john soap mactavish #mermay #based on art #rating: teen #ghost x soap

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