RWBY Ghira's Allusion

Ghira Belladonna is the father of Blake and the former high leader of the faunus rights group, the White Fang. He is an important part of the faunus storyline, so I did some research on his character and factors surrounding him to find out why his allusion serves in the narrative of RWBY the way it does, and what I discovered is that what he represents far exceeds his fairy tale counterpart. Let me explain.

Ghira's base allusion is Bagheera, the black panther from the Jungle Book. In the story, Bagheera takes in the man cub Mowgli and becomes his mentor & protector. He can be interpreted as a father-figure for Mowgli, similar to how Ghira, the black panther faunus, is the father of Blake, the black cat faunus (& Kali, based on Raksha the Mother Wolf, is her mom).

Ghira's design also takes some cues, with his panther claws being the most evident. He bears boots with fuzzy claw designs, akin to paws. He also wears a giant furry coat with a panther-face shaped shoulder plate. When fighting, he occasionally goes on all fours like a panther.

Now, usually this is where Ghira's analysis would end, but I did more research and found some very interesting information that could be factors to Ghira's character. So we know that the faunus storyline is supposed to represent the history of racism & oppression in the real world. One well known part of the fight for equality was the reign of the Black Panthers. The Black Panthers were a political organization founded in 1966 to challenge police brutality against the African American community. It was a revolutionary group that ultimately changed the fundamentals of race in civil rights. This group could very much parallel the ideals of the original White Fang Organization in RWBY, which was started by Ghira, a black panther.

The Black Panther Party influenced the creation of the first black mainstream superhero, Black Panther. Which brings me to my next point; Ghira's semblance. it has yet to be revealed to how Ghira's semblance works, but I believe I have a theory.

So we have seen Ghira's aura twice, being hit by a fireball (Volume 5) and then a bullet (Adam Character Short). The effect of his aura activating was different from the usual aura breaking or cracking, meaning whatever he did was a part of his semblance. After these instances, he is shown to not have taken any major damage. So this might mean that it could be a body shield power right? Well, sort of. As seen in the Belladonna home invasion, he doesn't take damage from the fireball, but gets stabbed by Fennec. And although he wasn't wounded by the bullet, he still felt the pain.

Going back to the superhero, I believe Ghira's semblance works similar to T'Challa's Black Panther suit. He can absorb kinetic energy casted onto him, but instead if storing and redistributing it, he just negates it altogether (opposite to Adam). The energy that is released from the suit is purple, which is Ghira's aura color.

So in conclusion, Ghira Belladonna represents the ideal of racial equality, which takes the form of the black panther.

Day 1- Cursed

First of this year’s plot bunnies. If you would like for this to be my next fic, please be sure to shower it with lots of love (reblogs/likes/comments).🥰💖 All plot bunnies will be linked back to this masterpost.

Summary: A mistake made during the Fell Winter has turned Bilbo into a werewolf. Having always wondered if there was a way to reverse his curse, Gandalf believes he has found the answer. And it will require Bilbo to travel with a company of thirteen dwarves determined to take back their homeland from a dragon.

Warning: OC non-graphic character death at the beginning

It was the worst winter in hobbit history. Belladonna Baggins did what she had to do to protect her son. She had no idea though that the wolf she had slain in defense was a werewolf until his fur peeled away and an elvish child lay before her. It was almost beyond her comprehension. She remembered hearing Gandalf’s stories, mere myths to her naive ears. However, the proof lay before her, and the regret and heartbreak stole what little breath she had left away. The only thing that kept her grounded was the tiny hand clutching desperately to her cloak. However, even that small comfort would soon be gone.

“You took my cub from me.” A fierce face with glowing green eyes and large teeth growled. “Allow me to return the favor.”

Bilbo jerked himself awake at the memory of teeth digging into his arm, jumping to his feet as quickly as he could. He was okay though. He lived through the experience. He and Belladonna both. Now he was just left cursed.

Licking at the paw still bearing the whitened scars, Bilbo tried to reorientate himself. His eyes looked up to the forest canopy above as he tried to judge the time. He had a few hours before he needed to return to Bag End. Shaking out his fur, and giving himself a good scratch behind the ear with his hind leg, Bilbo finally decided to follow his nose. Wherever that led.

When he had been much younger, before this whole wolf business, he had often tried to escape to the Hill and beyond. Desperate to know what was out there. Well, he had certainly gotten his wish. He now knew there was nothing out there but cruelty and prejudice. Especially if you were a wolf. Most of the hobbits had learned to leave him be. Going as far as to call him their ‘Lonely Guardian’. It didn’t mask their disgust, fear, or suspicion when they caught sight of him. Aside from the Thain and a very few precious individuals, none knew exactly who Bilbo was. In fact, most assumed Bilbo Baggins had died that long ago winter known as the Fell. 

Luckily, Bungo and Belladonna had the foresight to amend his inheritance in the hands of a minder who could be trusted with such a secret. He could feel his fur stand on end at the mere idea of going home to someone as awful as the Sackville-Baggins. No, in a slight still talked about to this day amongst the gossip mongers, Bungo Baggins entrusted his home and subsequently his son’s secret to his youngest brother, Bingo. Bilbo had no qualms over the decision. After all, Bingo, Chica, and Falco were easily his favorite Baggins’ relatives. 

The smell of quail wafted through the air, and Bilbo went on alert mode. He certainly wouldn’t mind a tasty snack, and he had long gotten over his disgust at raw meat. Bilbo’s nose pulled in another long drawl, the scent almost creating a path to follow. One he would have eagerly trotted after if it wasn’t for another smell he caught that time. The sharp smell of metal, but a deeper pull like it came straight from the rocks themselves. There was a dwarf out here as well. A low growl emanated from his throat, his tail falling between his legs. He had never actually met a dwarf before, but he couldn’t imagine he would be received with much enthusiasm. Or perhaps, too much enthusiasm, as he’s learned from the rangers’ arrows. They were tricky creatures indeed. 

Even as his stomach growled, he decided it would be in his best interest to abandon his prey. Most likely the dwarf was also hunting for a meal, and Bilbo was certain his Aunt Chica would have quite the spread upon his arrival tonight. After all, tonight was the full moon. The one night where he could pretend he was normal. Just a regular hobbit living in his smial, surrounded by warmth and people who loved him. A whine escaped him before he could stop it. He couldn’t linger here now. Turning tail, he made for the Brandywine, figuring he could cover his tracks before doubling back for Hobbiton.

He maintained a steady pace, listening to the forest around him. Falco had once asked if he could ‘speak’ to the other animals. It wasn’t so much spoken as in an understandable language, but he had learned ‘songs’ as he liked to call it. He knew when a bird sang in glee or fear. He knew from the chatter of the squirrels whether they felt prepared for winter, and he knew the laughter of a fox. So when a local raccoon cried due to intruders, Bilbo paused in his movements and gave the air another quick whiff.

A growl vibrated through his throat without him consciously aware. That damn dwarf was following him. It could be unintentional. A lost soul from the Blue Mountains looking for some game to take back home. However, Bilbo had not survived this long in his state without being just a bit cautious. Finding a really good hiding bush, Bilbo crouched down and waited. His tawny fur blended in well with the forest floor, his breathing near silent. Of course the smaller prey had vacated immediately, but Bilbo didn’t expect the dwarf to notice these details or at least blame them on anything but his own presence. 

So for hours, Bilbo sat like this. Waiting and watching for some sign of a creature that didn’t belong. His ears twitching with each small crackle of the leaves. His eyes trained on any movement or shadows. His nose, however, could not detect the smell of metal again. Just as Bilbo was ready to give up and continue his trek back home, he saw him. If this meeting had occurred in Bilbo’s other form, he probably would have taken more notice of his long dark hair framing a sharp, handsome face and the way his fur-lined coat outlined broad shoulders and a thick, well-toned middle. Instead, Bilbo’s attention pulled to the bow on the dwarf’s back and the sword at his hip. 

“Some shortcut.” The dwarf complained. “At this rate, I’ll be stuck in this accursed forest until Durin’s Day.”

Tension fled Bilbo’s muscles instantly. He wasn’t a hunter, he was lost. Not that Bilbo had any delusions the dwarf wouldn’t try to shoot him the moment he revealed himself, but at least he knew he wasn’t being actively followed. The dwarf paused for a moment, rubbed a hand down his face with a sigh, before turning and heading east. It was moments like this that Bilbo wished he was understood by the Free People of Middle Earth while in this form. If he could, he would definitely warn the dwarf that he was heading deeper into the forest instead of out of it. As it was, Bilbo just watched him until he was out of sight, vowing to enlist some Bounders for help the moment he was back at Bag End. 

Bilbo waited until he was completely sure the dwarf was gone before getting up with a shake of his fur. At least that was over, now he could…

“A'lâju Mahal (Shame of Mahal)!”

Bilbo’s ears perked up at the unfamiliar words as he turned his head in the direction the dwarf just left wondering what could have caused him distress when it suddenly dawned on Bilbo. It had been an unusually high rainy season. There had been a landslide in that direction. Bilbo could feel himself shifting in place as he looked longingly to the south where home lay, and back east where the dwarf was continuing to curse. With a whine he slowly started to make his way after the dwarf. All he knew was he better not get shot for this.

The closer Bilbo got, the slower he crept as he waited and listened to make sure he wasn’t about to walk in a trap. When Bilbo got to the canyon, he flopped onto his belly, and crawled until he was able to peek over the edge. The dwarf was currently attempting to use his sword as an anchor to physically climb up the walls of the crevice, but the ground was too soft and he kept slipping back to the bottom. It was kind of entertaining to watch, and Bilbo really didn’t know how to help without getting stuck himself when he spied a rope attached to a broken arrow. Bilbo looked at the tree trunk that still held the head of the arrow. Clearly one of the dwarf’s earlier attempts before it snapped. 

For a long time he stared at the broken shaft wondering if helping this random dwarf was worth potentially having one of those lodged in his body again. The dwarf scream of frustration as his escape attempt failed once more, and Bilbo decided he had to at least try. Picking up the arrow in his mouth, he approached the edge of the canyon by belly crawling. Seeing the movement in the rope, the dwarf looked up only to gape in shock. He immediately reached for his bow and notched an arrow in place causing Bilbo’s ears to fall back as he backed up as quickly as he could. 

When nothing came flying out of the hole, Bilbo slowly inched his way back to the edge to peer down at the dwarf. He had the bow lowered slightly with an eyebrow raised. Bilbo’s ears perked up at the notion that for once maybe he wouldn’t be treated like just some beast. 

“Begone!” The dwarf shouted before an arrow flew wide to the right.

Bilbo huffed and grumbled at the dwarf at having his previous hopes completely dashed. He spat out the arrow and end of the rope down to the dwarf before turning to walk away as asked. Well, he tried at least. Bilbo hadn’t gotten far when something hit him square in the back. He yelped with his tail tucked between his legs believing for a moment he had actually just been shot. When he turned around though, he spied a dwarven boot with the rope tied around it. He glared at the offending object, already wrinkling his nose at the putrid odor emitting from it. Bilbo did not hesitate to kick at it with his hind legs like he was covering skat which caused it to fall back into the hole.

The dwarf immediately began to curse again. Bilbo’s tail wagged just slightly in amusement until the dwarf began to whistle for him.

“Here boy! Catch!”

The fur on his neck was completely upright as Bilbo growled indignantly. How dare that dwarf treat him like some broken mutt. He had half a mind to throw the boot back as it landed before Bilbo once more. The dwarf even went as far as giving the rope small tugs as if to entice Bilbo to take it. Just what did he think he was dealing with? Bilbo was a wolf! And more so a hobbit. He wouldn’t be tempted by such tactics…A rather sharp pull and Bilbo’s instincts screamed to grab his prey before it could escape. Which was how he found himself with a mouthful of the dwarf’s smelly boot.

“That’s it. Don’t let go.” The dwarf murmured to him.

There was a heavy weight attached to the end of the boot, and Bilbo was very tempted to drop it. However, the principle of the dwarf trying to wrestle it away from Bilbo would not allow him to be deterred. He even went as far as to backtrack to where he could wrap part of the rope around the tree trunk in order to relieve some of the pressure off Bilbo’s mouth. He’d like to see the dwarf take back that boot now.

Much to Bilbo’s shock, he could make out the head and shoulders of the dwarf as he heaved himself over the ledge, releasing the rope completely. Bilbo dropped the boot immediately, staring at it with even more disdain. The dwarf played him to make his escape. If Bilbo were smart, he would do the same. The dwarf pulled himself to his knees, panting as he looked up at Bilbo with a small smile.

“Good boy.”

Curse this dwarf as Bilbo’s tail began to wag enthusiastically.

Any way if you want to read each step of these twos adventures as I play D&D with ChatGPT you can view the above google doc as I continue my adventure with these two. Suffice to say Bazh is the sensible one and Belladonna is the one who casts random spells in hopes something works...

Bear in mind as ChatGPT is an AI and not a person it's not perfect, so you may see some things that don't make as much sense, like a bear cub barking, I try and change those little bits to make sense, but roughly keep everything the same.

Also yes, this is partly adventure, partly a romance, okay? Romantasy slaps. Sue me.

The War Ends at Dusk: Chapter 1

It has been six years since the prologue. Blake and Yang moved into a home Taiyang and Yang built on Patch. Blake and Yang traveled Remnant after defeating Salem and got married two years after the war ended. After their marriage they decided to settle down and start a family. Blake works as a part time huntress and has worked to reform the white fang that she and Sun are a part of. Yang is also a part time huntress and in her free time helps people in the community (doing odd jobs and such) and has a garden. Dusk goes to school and loves his mothers very much and has a great relationship with his Aunts Ruby and Weiss. Ruby is still working to end the experimentation on silver eyed people. This is where the story begins.WC: 5,019

She ran until her lungs were screaming in pain, not like she was able to run before. Her red cat tail flicked anxiously as she slowed to a walk. She took several deep breaths and turned in the direction she came from. She closed her eyes and strained to listen; she could not hear any running footsteps. Perhaps they gave up. There were probably 50 more people who were more important than her, they could stand to lose one, she thought. The young girl decided to rest, a bit further from her, the girl could see tall blades of grass she decided that it would be a perfect spot to hide from any trackers that may have been following her. Her feet ached and her growling stomach pushed her to find some area to rest in. But then again, she thought, anywhere would be better than a cage.

…

“My, oh my, don’t you look lovely today!” Yang whispered, “Nice and plump. Ready to eat!” Yang smiled happily and got down on her knees. Nothing wrong with getting a little dirty, she thought as she reached to grab fresh cucumbers. “That should do nicely for lunch.” She said standing back up. Yang stood and wiped some sweat off her brow, she looked across her garden to the thick forestry area that surrounded her and Blake’s house. Blake had feared that predators would come to try to come to raid their garden or at the worst come and hurt Dusk. Yang had reassured her that no predator would come so close to a house, and thanks to a huntsman academy being nearby, Grimm would not be in so heavily populous. Though, Yang and Blake kept it in the back of their mind that perhaps one day they would have to protect their son and their home, but that day has yet to come. Though with that last thought Yang turned quickly at the sound of rustling.

“Seriously?” she whispered, “Is anyone there?” Yang put the cucumbers in her gardening basket and made her way through their lush garden, she cursed herself for not leaving a weapon feature on her prosthetic, but Blake encouraged that she had one without it for home life.

“Hello?” she said once she got to an area with tall grass, a part of land she and Blake did not own. Suddenly a long crimson cat tail peaked out of the grass and more sounds of scurrying.

Yang gasped, “Hey, wait where are you going?” she took longer steps with more confidence knowing that it wasn’t an animal. The scurrying stopped and Yang lowered down to a crouch. She moved some grass out of the way and her eyes widened as to what she saw. A little girl with hair red as the rising sun, a horribly thin body, clothed in dirty rags, scratches, but the most defining feature was the girls large round silver eyes. The girl stood quickly and turned to run but tripped over her own feet. Yang quickly rushed to the girl’s side.

“Are you alright, sweetie?” Yang asked reaching her hand out. Yang couldn’t help but notice the girl’s cuts on her face and arms as the girl reached a protective hand out in front of her. “It’s okay. My name is Yang, would you like some help? I promise I will never hurt you.” The girl flicked her cat tail in contemplation.

“Are you hungry? My wife just made lunch back at our house,” she said pointing towards the house. The girl followed her finger and made a thoughtful face. Yang turned back to face the girl, smiling sweetly. The girl studied Yang’s face, noticing a small scar across her lip, plenty of freckles, laugh lines, and the kindest eyes the girl has ever seen. The girl decided that this woman was speaking true, so she reached out her hand to Yang’s. Yang took the small girl’s hand and made their way back to the house. After passing the grassy field, Yang took a second look at the girl. She couldn’t be any older than Dusk, but she was probably half his size, her small body was covered in bruises and dirt, and her hair reached her low back in tendrils. Yang did not want to think about where this girl could have come from, her mind feared the worse. She needed to call Ruby.

…

“Mommy, when is Momma coming back with the cucumbers? I am hungry” Dusk pleaded swinging his legs from his chair, patiently as much as a six-year-old could for his lunch. Blake turned from her place at the counter where she was mixing tuna salad to look out the kitchen window.

“I am not sure, cub. Maybe she is having trouble finding the perfect cucumbers for us.” Blake responded reassuringly. Dusk huffed at her response, even though he was more patient than any other kid she met, he was still a kid. She came over to him and rubbed a spot between his cat ears. “Sorry, love. Want to go and check on her with me?” she asked planting a kiss between his ears. Dusk’s ears flicked in excitement.

“Yeah!”

Before Dusk could get out of his chair, Yang opened the front door. Blake and Dusk’s ears perked at the sudden noise and turned, “Momma! Did you pick good cucumbers for us?” Dusk stood on his chair, but quickly turned to Blake upon seeing the unfamiliar person next to his mother. “Mommy, who is that girl?” Dusk asked grabbing hold of Blake’s t-shirt. Blake took his hand and stood before her son.

“Yang?” Blake asked giving her wife a questioning look.

The girl hid behind Yang’s leg. “Um, I found her in the grass field, just pass the cucumbers, and yes, dragon cub I picked some cucumbers. Though, I’ll have to retrieve the basket, I dropped it on our way here.”

Dusk nodded, happy with his mother’s answer, while Blake stood idly by still staring questioningly at her wife.

“Do you want a tuna fish sandwich? Mommy makes the best tuna fish sandwiches, and Momma puts in the secret ingredient in! Cucumbers!” Dusk jumped down from his seat to get a better look at the girl, his cheeks turning red from heat. The girl came out from behind Yang’s leg and nodded to Dusk.

Dusk laughed and ran a hand through his long, wavy hair. “Come on you can sit by me!” quickly he ducked around Yang’s legs and took the girl’s hand. Dusk pulled the girl to the seat next to his. He clambered up to his seat and watched her climb into hers. Blake and Yang stared at their son and the peculiar little girl who smiled at Dusk warmly. Satisfied that her son was not going to be hurt by the mysterious little girl, Blake shot Yang an alarmingly stern look. Yang got the message and quickly made her way to Blake’s side. The pair walked closer to the kitchen counter tops and whispered in each other’s ears.

“Yang, who is she?” Blake asked first.

Yang rubbed her arm and sighed, “I’m not sure, Sunflower.” Yang looked behind her shoulder to look at the two children. Dusk was regaling the girl with probably some fantastical story of his own creation. Yang smiled and turned back to Blake. Blake peered into Yang’s eyes, “You noticed her eyes though, right?”

Blake bit her lower lip and ran a hand through her inky, black hair. “They are not easy to miss.” Blake sighed, “And look at how beat up she is, did you notice the wound on her ankle?”

Yang turned again to face the kids, the table opposite the counter tops. The kids were still entertaining each other, well mostly Dusk was entertaining her. Yang looked the girl up and down again. Seeing the girl’s ankle, a circular wound made its mark on the small girl. Yang let out an audible gasp. Her mind ran rampant, fearing the worse was true; the girl had escaped a silver eyed experimentation laboratory. Dusk turned to look at Yang, his ears flicked with surprise at his mother’s gasp.

“Are you okay, Momma? Are you hungry?” Dusk asked sweetly.

Yang smiled at her son; he was so kind. “I’m okay, my sweet dragon cub. I am hungry. Let me finish talking to Mommy, and we can finish making lunch.”

Blake kissed Yang’s cheek, and whispered in her ear “After lunch, I’ll call Weiss, you call Ruby.”

Yang glanced at her and nodded, “Alright, kiddos let me grab those cucumbers and we can have lunch.”

Yang walked out of the front door and Blake turned to fill up some glasses with lemonade. Blake sighed, a part of her did not want to meddle in the girl’s affairs, but Blake couldn’t bear to send the poor girl away. She couldn’t imagine what the poor thing went through, and she was a faunas. Blake felt conflicted as she sat down across from the girl, her little body shuddering, her cheeks hollow from hunger. The girl looked up at Blake, her large silver eyes looking up at Blake’s tall cat ears.

“Mommy, we are all cat faunaes. Isn’t that neat?” Dusk chuckled his cheeks glowing red

Blake nodded, “Fauna, and that is a coincidence isn’t it Dusk?” Blake leaned forward on her arm. Dusk nodded and took sip from his cup. The girl watched him gulp and she looked at her own cup pensively. Dusk looked at her.

“Have you ever had lemonade before? It’s my favorite drink, and it’s yellow my favorite color!” Dusk asked licking his lips from the tart liquid.

The girl shook her head which made Dusk frown, “That’s not right,” he said shaking his head his floppy hair flowing with it, “Go ahead, take a drink. I promise it is delicious. That’s a Xiao Long-Belladonna promise” he crossed his pointer finger over his heart. Blake smiled thinking he must have seen it on a movie, or something he saw Yang do. The girl smiled and took the cup in both of her hands. She brought the glass to her lips and took a small sip. Blake did not think her eyes could get any wider, she took a bigger sip and soon the drink was gone.

Dusk smiled and did the same thing.

Yang walked back in through the front door, “Alrighty who is hungry?” she gallantly walked in eyeing the trio at the table. “Drinking all of my lemonade, are we?”

Dusk laughed, “No, we saved you some. Right, Mommy?”

Yang passed by Dusk and tussled his hair as he giggled, “Well, I appreciate that, Dusk.”

Blake got up from her seat and took the basket of cucumbers from Yang. Blake kissed Yang, then bent down to smooth Dusk’s hair and kiss him atop his head.

“Thank you, Sunshine, these look lovely.” Blake moved from the pair to the sink to wash the vegetables to cut and put in their tuna fish lunch.

Yang blushed and sat at her seat across from Dusk. “Ahh, I have been thinking about these sandwiches all day. Perfect lunch for summer, right guys?” she asked taking a slow sip from her glass.

Blake hummed and began chopping up the vegetables and finished making the sandwiches. She plated them and put them in front of each person.

“Thank you, Momma and Mommy! Camille and I are super hungry.”

Yang and Blake stopped midbite to look at their son as the kids began eating their sandwiches quickly.

“Camille?” Yang asked looking to Blake then to Dusk.

Dusk looked at his mothers like they were the ones who were not in the know, his eyebrow raised out of sight. “Uh, yeah. That is her name she told me.”

Blake and Yang glanced at each other as if to say, ‘I haven’t heard her speak at all, have you?’

“Cub, when did,” Blake took a slight pause and looked at the girl who was staring at her feet, “Camille tell you this?”

Dusk took another bite of his sandwich and swallowed quickly, “She didn’t tell me, like talking. Camille told me in my mind.”

Blake and Yang raised their eyebrows and looked at each other again in shock.

Dusk looked between his mothers and became flustered. “I am telling the truth, Mommy, Momma. I swear.” He pleaded, his ears lowering to his head.

Blake turned to him, “Of course we believe you, Dusk.” Blake reassured him reaching for his hand. Dusk’s ear perked up again and took Blake’s hand in his. Blake gave it a small squeeze.

“Camille, can you talk to people in your mind?” Yang asked looking towards the girl.

Camille raised her eyes to Yang’s and nodded so hard Yang thought her head would pop off.

‘I can, Mrs. Xiao-Long Belladonna’ Camille shot to Yang.

Yang gasped and stood up.

“Yang?” Blake took her wife’s hand.

‘She’s okay, Mrs. Blake’ Camille shot to Blake.

Blake pulled Yang down back to her seat and quickly whispered, “We need to call them now.”

Yang nodded in agreement, “Dusk, Camille, can you finish your sandwiches here? Dusk when you both are finished, take your plate and Camille’s to the sink, please.”

Dusk took a bite and gave Yang a thumbs up.

Yang and Blake went to the living room and picked up both of their scrolls.

“Would she unlock her semblance at that young of an age? She is probably Dusk’s age.” Blake asked Yang dialing Weiss’ number.

Yang breathed in, “I don’t know, Blake. I didn’t unlock my semblance until I was eleven, but I was a late bloomer. Ruby unlocked hers early, but she was like eight.” Yang hit Ruby’s name in her contacts.

Blake nodded, “I unlocked my aura early, but I didn’t use my semblance until I was 14 or so.”

Weiss answered first. “Blake? Hi! How are you? How’s Yang and Dusk?”

Blake ran a hand through her hair, “Weiss, we are fine. Yang found a little girl today. She has silver eyes and a wound on her ankle. It looks like it’s from a chain.” Blake heard Weiss curse silently. Blake knew she had a lot on her plate already and she can see Weiss clutch her eyebrows.

“Hmm, well Ruby or I haven’t heard anything about a lab being in Patch, but she might have come from a group of escapees.” Weiss sighed again and Blake heard her tapping on her computer quickly. “I can come tomorrow, since it is Saturday, and I am free. Ruby and Jaune are still on a mission in Northern Vale. I am not sure when they can come and investigate. However, I will come tomorrow. Does she need clothes, do you need anything for her?”

Blake looked toward the table, they had both finished their sandwiches and Dusk was showing her his missing front tooth.

“Yes, some clothes please. She is not quite Dusk’s size, but is close enough, or will hopefully grow into them.” She heard Weiss mutter something to herself, “Weiss, there is one more thing. She has already unlocked her semblance and she can’t be older than Dusk.”

“What? Really?” Weiss sounded shocked, but in fairness they all were. “It’s not uncommon, but that is incredibly rare. There must have been some type of trauma that allowed her to unlock it so early, but that would make sense if we are right if she came from a lab.”

Blake sighed, she couldn’t imagine what Camille had gone through. “Yes, I wondered that. Thank you, Weiss we really appreciate it.”

“Well, you’re welcome, it is my job after all, and I don’t need an excuse to see my favorite boy.”

Want to talk to him?” Blake turned to Dusk and gestured for him to come.

“Is that even a question? Put my nephew on the phone!”

Dusk climbed out of his seat and Camille followed him.

“Is that Aunty Weiss, Mommy?” Dusk asked coming up to Blake’s leg.

Blake nodded and handed him the scroll. He took it in his little hands and his cheeks glowed with excitement.

“Camille, talk to Aunty Weiss with me!” he turned to her, his smile beaming. “Hi, Aunty Weiss! Me and Camille are here.”

Blake could here Weiss coddle him through the call as she walked over to Yang.

…

“Hey, Yang doing alright? You’re lucky you called now, Jaune and I are taking a break.” Ruby said through the scroll.

“Heya, sis. Yes, we are doing fine. Though, I need to tell you something important.”

Ruby could hear the urgency in Yang’s voice, “What is it, Yang?”

Yang took a deep breath. “Ruby, I found a girl with silver eyes in the forest today. She looks like she escaped from a lab. She has a mark from a chain.”

Ruby stayed quiet on the other line for a minute, then sighed “Shit, I thought Patch was free. I didn’t think there would be enough silver eyed people to form a lab there. For all I knew Mom and I were the only ones there. But I can come and investigate later this month. Probably in a couple of weeks. I can’t leave this mission on Jaune’s hands. Is there anything else about her?”

Yang bit her lip, “Well, she told Dusk her name is Camille by telling him through her semblance, telekinesis like Fox’s.”

“Semblance? Already? I mean, some people unlock their semblance through trauma. I would say for now not to discuss it with her. Focus on making her comfortable with you all. It might have been a way to communicate with the other captives, a traumatic thing.” Ruby concluded, and Yang heard the wisdom in her sister’s voice, “Sounds good, Ruby. Blake, Dusk, and I will take good care of her.”

Ruby laughed, “I am sure you will. Dusk is an excellent host. Sorry, Yang, I must go now. I love you all and will talk to you again as soon as I am able.”

“Love you too, sis. Stay safe. Tell Jaune, hi for us.”

“Course, Yang. Talk soon.”

Yang sighed as she put her phone back in her pocket. She rubbed her eyes and looked back to Blake who was motioning for Dusk.

…

“Hmm, well at least Weiss can come tomorrow. For now, let’s just make sure she’s comfortable. Maybe a bath and bandage for her ankle.” Blake sighed leaning into Yang’s arms. Yang kissed her forehead and hugged her tightly. Yang looked past Blake’s shoulder to see Dusk still on the phone with Weiss. He and Camille were both sitting on the couch, Dusk’s legs kicking above the floor while Camille leaned sleepily on the cushions.

Yang squeezed Blake’s arm lovingly, “Sunflower, we should discuss sometime what we should do for her.”

Blake nodded and looked up to Yang, “I know, though I think we should wait to hear what Weiss says. For now, let’s just let her stay in the guest room. Dusk seems to be quite taken to her as well.”

“I agree, at least for now,” Yang said, though Blake could tell what her wife was thinking. They have been talking about having a second child.

“Can you clean up lunch? I’ll draw a bath for Camille and ready the guest room for her.”

“Yes, of course. I bought new bubble bath soap for Dusk the other day. I think it’s lemon scented.” Yang said and kissed Blake lovingly.

“His favorite.” Blake smiled.

Yang chuckled and turned to the living room, “Kids, I think it’s time to say goodbye to Aunty Weiss. She will be here tomorrow for a visit.”

Dusk shot up from his seat making Camille flinch, “Really? Aunty Weiss you did not tell me.” He said and stomped his foot angrily.

“Dusk, is that anyway to talk to somebody? And apologize to Camille, please you scared her.”

Dusk’s ears lowered, “I’m sorry for scaring you, Camille, and I’m sorry for yelling at you Aunty.”

Yang came up to Dusk and patted his back, “Good job apologizing, Dusk thank you.”

Dusk smiled up to her, “Okay, Aunty Weiss, I have to go now, but I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“I can’t wait, Dusky boy. I love you. Can you hand the phone back to your Mommy?”

Blake came to Dusk’s side, and he handed her back the scroll. Yang passed them to work on cleaning up.

“So, I can be there tomorrow around 10:30. Is that okay with you, Blake?” Weiss asked.

Blake sat on the couch next to Dusk, “Yes, that should work. We will see you tomorrow, Weiss. Bye-bye.”

“Bye, Blake.” Weiss ended.

Blake looked to Camille, who seemed to have calmed down from her scare. “Camille, how does a bubble bath sound?”

Dusk looked at Camille waiting for her answer.

A soft voice answered, “What is that?”

Dusk was quick to answer while Blake was still contemplating on how Camille has probably never been cleaned with a bath before.

“Well, you’re in a tub of warm water, and bubbly bubbles that make you smell really good. You take a bath because you need to get clean.” Dusk rambled on quickly, “I take a bubble bath almost every night. Mommy and Momma help me get clean and Momma tells me huntress stories. Then you get in your pajamas and go to sleep. It is the best feeling ever.” Dusk finished and began to run up the stairs.

“Cub, where are you going?” Blake called.

“I’m picking out pajamas for Camille! A bath is not complete without pajamas!”

Blake smiled at her son’s generosity then turned back to Camille.

“Well? Camille, would you like a bath?” Blake asked.

Camille looked to where Dusk had gone and to Blake. Blake could almost see the girls thought process.

“Yes. Sounds good.” She replied taking Blake’s hand.

Camille and Blake walked up the stairs and Blake checked quickly in Dusk’s room. He was rifling through his drawers.

“You will put all of those things away, right, Dusk?” she asked, motherly tone activated.

Dusk turned sheepishly around, “Yes, Mommy.”

Blake smiled, “Thank you, Cub.”

Blake led Camille to the bathroom, “May I pick you up?” Blake asked the small girl.

Camille looked to Blake with her big, silver eyes. “Yes.”

Blake lifted Camille and took note as to how much of a difference Dusk and Camille weighed. Blake set her down on the bathroom countertop. “Let’s see here. I am going to clean your wounds first, okay?”

Camille nodded.

Blake bent down to take the first aid kit out from the bathroom cabinet. She disinfected the harsh wound on Camille’s ankle which earned a couple of hisses. Blake calmly soothed her, “It is okay, little one, I know it stings.” Blake then moved up to her arms and face quickly working. After she was done, she heard a small knock. “Mommy, Camille? May I come in?”

“Yes, Dusk come in.” Blake replied putting the first aid kit back.

Dusk opened the door and presented pajamas to Camille.

“Here, Camille. I got too big for these ones, so you can have them. Aunty Weiss gave them to me, and they are super soft.” Dusk handed Camille the light blue set of pajamas with little snowflakes adorning them. Camille smiled at him shaking her tail happily as she took them.

“Thank you, Dusk.” Camille said clutching the gift to her chest. Dusk beamed from ear to ear, his cheeks turning red.

“You are very welcome,” he said balancing on the balls of his feet, “Can I go watch TV now, Mommy?”

Blake kissed his cheek, “Yes, sweetheart.”

Dusk clapped his hands together, “Camille when you are done come watch TV with me! We can watch HuntsMan and Super Zwei!”

Camille nodded and smiled.

After Dusk left the room, Blake filled the bath with warm water and made sure to add plenty of soap. She took out a fresh towel and a washcloth from the cupboard and helped Camille get into the tub. Camille squirmed around at first, her body getting used to the new sensation, but eventually succumbed to the warm water and the gentle scent of lemons. Blake was gentle to scrub her small body and to mind all of the scratches on Camille’s body.

“Camille,” Blake eventually asked, “Where did you come from?”

Camille’s body tensed and she huddled her knees close to her small frame, her body instinctively turning away from Blake’s gentle touch.

“Bad place. Scary place.” She whispered.

Blake reached out her hand and touched Camille’s head. Camille flinched at first but calmed as she felt Blake’s hand stroke her hair.

“Camille, Yang and I promise that nothing bad will ever happen to you again. We will do everything we can to protect you.” Blake said defiantly, surprised at her own words for a moment but her motherly, protective instinct got the better of her.

Camille turned, eyes moist with tears, “Thank you.” She replied.

Blake finished giving Camille a thorough bath and helped her change into her new pajamas which were a tad bit big for her, but Camille did not seem to mind. Blake towel dried Camille’s hair and grabbed a brush.

“Let’s go downstairs. You can watch TV with Dusk while I brush your hair.”

Camille nodded and followed Blake downstairs.

Dusk and Yang were sitting on the couch both sets of eyes glued to the screen as HuntsMan was facing off with his toughest emissary.

“Make some room, you, guys.” Blake said leading Camille to the couch.

Yang scooted over and brought Dusk with her to sit in her lap.

“Wow, those pajamas look great on you, kiddo.” Yang said.

Dusk turned his head from the TV, “Yeah! I knew they would look good on Camille!”

Blake sat down next to Yang and motioned for Camille to sit in between her legs.

Camille looked curiously at Blake for a moment but sat.

Blake began to brush through knots as gently as she could, but Camille’s hair had probably never seen a brush.

“This might hurt a bit, sorry.” Blake said gently combing through Camille’s hair.

“It’s okay.” Camille replied.

Yang looked at Blake, she hadn’t heard her speak yet. Blake shrugged and gave Yang a knowing look.

After Blake finished brushing her hair, Camille joined the three of them on the couch perching herself next to a throw pillow, her eyes heavy.

Blake saw this and asked, “Would you like to go to bed, Camille? I bet you have had a long day.”

Camille nodded sleepily. “Okay, I’ll go set up the guest room for you. Yang, I’ll call when it is ready for her.”

Blake walked up the stairs but was stopped by Dusk pulling her shirt. “Wait, Mommy. I’ll help too.”

Blake smiled, “Of course, Cub.”

Dusk passed her on the stairs and went to his room, “I have something for Camille to help her sleep.”

Blake followed him, and to her surprise Dusk had put away all of the clothes he had previously tossed out. “Oh, yeah? What is it?”

Dusk rummaged around his toy bin for a moment and pulled something out. It was a crimson-colored stuffed cat. “This! I don’t play with it anymore, and Camille does not have any stuffed animals. I have my dragon, so Camille can have this one to sleep with.” He said showing off the toy like a trophy.

“Oh, Dusk. Have I ever told you that you are the world’s sweetest boy?” Blake asked bending down to give him a hug.

Dusk giggled as he reached his hand up to her bobbed hair, something he has done since a baby, “Hmm, maybe once or twice.”

Blake scooped him up as she stood, “Hah, and I see you inherited all of my charm and sass too.” She said lovingly bumping her head with his. Dusk smiled again and hugged her tighter pressing the side of his face on hers.

“Okay, my Cub, let’s set up the room for Camille.”

“Yang? We are ready!” Blake called from upstairs.

Yang stood up and stretched, her prosthetic humming slightly, “Okay, love we will be up shortly.”

Camille had a hard time trying to stay awake but perked up at Blake’s call.

“Would you like me to carry you?” Yang asked turning towards her.

Camille looked at the kind lilac eyes, “Yes.” She replied raising her arms up. Yang smiled and took her up to her body. ‘So light’ she thought and walked up the stairs to the guest room. Blake was sitting on the bed and Dusk was holding something behind his back. Blake stood to pull back the covers as Yang placed the small girl in. Yang pulled the covers up to Camille’s chin and the small girl settled deep within the soft bed.

“Wait,” Dusk appeared between Blake and Yang, “I have something for you, Camille. To help you sleep and it will protect you from bad dreams.” Blake picked him up and placed him on the high bed. He pulled his hands from behind his back and presented Camille with the stuffed cat. “See? She looks just like you.” Dusk said handing the present to Camille. Blake rubbed the small of Yang’s back as the mothers looked proudly on at the sight.

Camille took the toy from Dusk and hugged it to her chest. Dusk smiled and slinked off the bed.

“I knew you would like it,” Dusk said raising his arms proudly.

Camille smiled at him, “I love her. Thank you Dusk.”

Dusk smiled and giggled.

“Okay, Dusk. I think it is time to let Camille rest, she is very tired.” Yang said placing a hand on his shoulder.

Dusk looked up at Yang and then to Blake, “Okay, Momma. I’m going to go play on my tire swing outside.”

Blake nodded and let Dusk slip pass them.

“Camille,” Blake said quietly, “Yang and I will be downstairs if you need anything, alright?”

Camille nodded her eyes finally giving away to exhaustion.

“Sleep well, Camille.” Yang said as she and the love of her life left Camille’s room.

The Ultimate List of Alternative Baby Names { bohemian, hippie, offbeat, fantasy, goth baby names} So you've got a wee one on the way and you're looking for a name as unique as your new baby is going to be, am I right? Well, check out this great list of offbeat names for I've created just for creative moms and dads-to-be like you. A lot of these names are form lists I made when thinking of names for my two tots and some inspired by my favorite celebrity kid names and some are from the top of my head.  Yes, some of these names are "out there" and I've gotten a lot of hateful comments about this post (that's why comments are disabled) but what do you expect from a post called THE ULTIMATE LIST OF ALTERNATIVE BABY NAMES? If you like the names. Awesome! If you don't, that's cool too. To each his own! NOTE: I didn't separate the names by gender as many of these can work for both boys and girls! Last updated 9/28/18 ▲BOHEMIAN & ARTSY▲ Arlo, Allegra, Alto, Ariel, Art, August, Avery, Beau, Bell/Belle, Blue, Burgundy, Cass/ Cassy, Cobalt, Cosette, Cruz, Dali, Dancer, Delia, Delilah, Donatello, Early, Eartha, Flannery, Frida, Golden, Harper, Haven, Hawthorne, Hendrix, Henna, Holden, Holiday, Honor, Hugo, Indigo, Isa, Jazz, Kahlo, Kodak, Langston, Lazareth, Legend, Lennon, Leonardo, Limerick, Lyric, Magenta, Mandala, Mandolin, Marlowe, Merlot, Michelangelo, Monet, Muse, Orlando, Paloma, Pen, Picasso, Piper, Poem, Quinn, Raphael, Red, Rigby, Ringo, Royal, Rufus, Shakespeare, Sonata, Sonnet, Story, Symphony, Tango, Tempo, True/Tru, Truman, Tuesday, Uma, Vellum, Vin/Vino, Xuxa (Shusha),Yoko, Zora  amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "mocotw-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "e98f453f5cf9b08a37caad8372b2923c"; amzn_assoc_design = "in_content"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B07HR5SS5B,B079H2V79B,B07GZPGJYW,B072TY48WK,B00OVJJUFM"; amzn_assoc_title = " "; ▲COSMIC▲ Aries, Callisto, Cassiopeia, Celeste, Celestial, Cloud, Comet, Constellation, Cosmic, Cosmo/Cosmos, Earth, Eclipse, Elara, Jupiter, Libra, Luna/Lunar, Mars, Mercury, Moon, Nebula, Nova, Orion, Pluto, Sirius, Solar, Star, Starbright, Stardust, Starlight, Starshine, Vega, Venus amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "mocotw-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B00XQKJGVA,B07FDXY48N,B01DU228AO,B07J1CF5JW"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "c59c0f86e61a2f79d07a89219045df92"; amzn_assoc_design = "in_content"; ▲DESTINATIONS & TRAVEL▲ Africa, America, Asia, Austin, Brooklyn, China, Cairo, Columbia, Dakota, Dallas, Denver, East, Egypt, England, Everest, Geneva, Georgia, Germany, Holland, India, Ireland, Israel, Jordan, Journey, Kenya, London, Morocco, Nazareth, Nevada, Niagara, North, Paris, Odessa, Orient, Peru, Rome/Roman, Russia, Scotland, South, Traveler, Venice, Vienna, Wander, West, Zion, Zanzibar amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "mocotw-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B01ASVCW6K,B00408AA9O,B07KK5DSYF,B07JH8LKPR"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "c59c0f86e61a2f79d07a89219045df92"; amzn_assoc_design = "in_content"; amzn_assoc_title = " "; ▲FANTASY, MYTHOLOGY & SCI-FI▲ Amidala, Anakin, Apollo, Aragorn, Aries, Arwen, Artemis, Aslan, Athena, Atlas, Avalon, Dalek, Data, Elron, Elvin, Eros, Fairy/Faery, Faramir, Freya,  Geordi, Gimli, Gulliver, Hera, Hermione, Isis, Jareth, Járnsaxa, Jean-Luc, Jedi, Lando, Leia, Merry, Odin, Oz, Padme, Pan, Persephone, Philomena, Phoenix, Pippen, Pixie, Samwise, Sisko, Sirius, Solo, Sprite, Sulu, Tardis, Thor, Titan, Trillian, Troy, Venus, Xavier, Zeus amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "mocotw-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B075FC488Z,B071Y215TY,B075K5S2DR,B07CG4P4VJ"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "c59c0f86e61a2f79d07a89219045df92"; amzn_assoc_design = "in_content"; amzn_assoc_title = " "; ▲GOTHIC▲ Alabaster, Armand, Ash, Belladonna, Blade, Blaze, Chalice, Cinder, Crimson, Damien, Dante, Draegan, Draven, Echo, Eclipse, Edge, Ember, Enigma, Essence, Eternity, Flame, Gabriel, Garnet, Gossamer, Gotham, Granite, Grimm, Hamlet, Illusion, Jet, Labyrinth, Lace, Lazarus, Lenore, Lestat, Loki, Lore, Lucretia, Maleficent, Maze, Memory, Midnight, Mist, Moonlight, Morrow, Morticia, Mystery, Nightshade, Noir, Obsidian,Onyx, Ophelia, Pandora, Panther, Poe, Porcelain, Prism, Rain, Rapture, Raven, Razor, Requiem, Rogue, Rosary, Sabre, Salem, Satin, Scarlet, Seraphim, Shade, Shadow, Steel, Stone, Storm, Talon, Thorne, Twilight, Veil, Velvet, Winter, Wolf, Zane amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "mocotw-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B01MF8K902,B00I3Q5A4E,B00MMJR8KW,B00NYIADBG"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "c59c0f86e61a2f79d07a89219045df92"; amzn_assoc_design = "in_content"; amzn_assoc_title = " "; ▲HIPPIE▲ Breeze, Buzz, Chakra, Cheer, Cherish, Cosmic, Crystal, Dancer, Dawn, Daydream, Deja, Desert, Destiny, Dharma, Dream/Dreamer, Earth/Eartha, Echo, Feather, Flight, Flow, Flower, Free, Freedom, Grace, Gypsy, Harmony, Heart, Honesty, Hope, Janis, Joplin, Journey, Joy, June, Justice, Karma, Kind, Lennon, Liberty, Light, Lily, Love, Marley, Meadow, Melody, Mild, Misty, Morning, Om, Paisley, Patchouli, Peace, Peaceful, Promise, Rain, Rainbow, Serenity, Smile, Soulful, Spirit, Sunny, Sunshine, Windsong, Yogi, Zen, Zest, Ziggy amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "mocotw-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B079LRGX9M,B079LNJFGS,B01FH6MRMU,B00IWTF4N4"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "c59c0f86e61a2f79d07a89219045df92"; amzn_assoc_design = "in_content"; amzn_assoc_title = ""; ▲NATURE▲ Almond, Apple, Aspen, Barley, Basil, Bay, Berry, Blossom, Canyon, Cayenne, Cedar (my daughter's name!),Cherry, Cinnamon, Clay, Clove, Clover, Coriander, Cove, Cypress, Daisy, Dayspring, Desert, Ebony, Fern, Fig, Flint, Flower, Forest, Ginger, Heather, Herb, Hill, Holly, Honey, Iris, Ivory, Ivy, Jasmine, Juniper, Kale, Land, Lavender, Leaf, Lilac, Lily, Linden, Lotus, Magnolia, Mango, Maple, Marigold, Meadow, Moss, Navy, Nest, Oak/Oakley, Olive, Parsley, Peach, Petal, Plum, Poppy, Posy, Rainbow, River (my son's name!), Rock, Root, Rose, Rosemary, Saffron, Sage, Slate, Snow, Spring, Spruce, Stone, Sunflower, Sweetpea,Thyme, Timber, Vine, Violet, Violet, Wheat, Willow, Wind, Woodland, Zinnia amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "mocotw-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B00EKRCCVO,B07MNWTX92,B00I2XNK4K,B07C432N49"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "c59c0f86e61a2f79d07a89219045df92"; amzn_assoc_design = "in_content"; amzn_assoc_title = " "; ▲NAUTICAL▲ Anchor, Aqua, Ariel, Bay, Captain, Coral, Crew, Cruise, Fleet, Harbor, Lake, Marina, Ocean, Oar, Pearl, Pike, Pirate, Reed, Reef, Sailor, Ship, Tide, Water, Wave amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "mocotw-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B00X236HEA,B01FMYE4TQ,B01M5DM815,B00MYWGTGQ"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "c59c0f86e61a2f79d07a89219045df92"; amzn_assoc_design = "in_content"; amzn_assoc_title = " "; ▲OFFBEAT & QUIRKY▲ Ale, Alos, Argyle, Banjo, Bloom, Buzz, Cab, Cajun, Cale, Canon, Cash, Chapter, Channel, Chartreuse, Chili, Chip, Cobb, Coco, Clear, Close, Creed, Curry, Cutlass, Day, Daily, Dax, Django, Domino, Dot, Ever, Faire, Fin, Flash, Flip, Gesa,  Glass, Go, Happy, History, Hopper, Iggy, Isla, Jagger, Jax, Lemma, Lesson, Libra, Limmy, Link, Linny, Little, Lucky, Kafe, Kid/Kyd, Kin, Kit, Knox, Magic, Mardi, Match, Message, Mixon, More, Moxie, New/Nu, Nico, Nomi, Nori, Only, Pharr, Pilot, Plan, Rango, Rebel, Reign, Right, Rip, Rocket, Rocky, Rogue, Roller, Rush, Setter, Seven, Share, Silk, Skill, Skip/Skipper, Stak, Sugar, Sully, Tall, Teal, Temple, Tex, Time, Tin, Trip, Vella, Valda, Virtual, Watts, Welcome, Wilder, Wire, Xan/Xantha, Zale, Zana, Zara, Zeb, Zeen, Zip, Zory, Zuma amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "mocotw-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B00W7399FU,B01LWWDM1F,B00008XL18,B00RCLGNT2,B0797PZWCT"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "c59c0f86e61a2f79d07a89219045df92"; amzn_assoc_design = "in_content"; amzn_assoc_title = " "; ▲PRECIOUS STONES▲ Amber, Amethyst, Cameo, Crystal, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Gem, Ivory, Jade, Jasper, Jewel, Jett, Lazuli, Malachite, Opal, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "mocotw-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B07779GK1D,B07DH5F6TQ,B00EV5C7CY,B00M9R28XY"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "c59c0f86e61a2f79d07a89219045df92"; amzn_assoc_design = "in_content"; amzn_assoc_title = " "; ▲SPIRIT ANIMALS▲ Akita, Bear, Bee, Bird, Birdie, Bison,  Bonobo, Buck, Butterfly, Cat, Colt, Coyote, Crane, Cricket, Cub, Deer, Dingo, Doe, Dove, Dragonfly, Eagle, Emu, Falcon, Fawn, Feather, Fox, Gecko, Hare, Hawk, Ibis, Lark, Lynx, Nightingale, Otter, Phoenix, Pika, Puma, Quokka, Raven, Robin, Seal, Sparrow, Swan, Tiger, Wren amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "mocotw-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B07KFS6SST,B011RV2I1Y,B00II6QO8A,B071W25VTS"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "c59c0f86e61a2f79d07a89219045df92"; amzn_assoc_design = "in_content"; amzn_assoc_title = " "; ▲WARRIORS & TRADESMEN▲ Archer, Arrow, Author, Baker, Bard, Bishop, Captain, Carver, Chief, Cooper, Deacon, Dancer, Drummer, Editor, Farmer, Fifer, General, Harper, Hatter, Hero, King, Knight, Marshal, Mayan, Messenger, Paige, Porter, Ranger, Rider/Ryder, Roper, Runner, Sailor, Saint, Scribe, Shepherd, Sheriff, Singer, Soldier, Tailor, Thatcher,Weaver, Wheeler, Writer amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "mocotw-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B01GRXY428,B06X6MYRGY,B07GQ8TBFP,B07HJ9FS88"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "c59c0f86e61a2f79d07a89219045df92"; 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Pin me plz! ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ If you're expecting, go ahead and do yourself a huge favor by setting up your baby registry on Amazon! amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "mocotw-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B07BP7KYWS,B07DC6JYFD,B075F6K9ZX,B07434Z763,1845436741,B077XBF74Z,B01FH6MMRU,B0779LQ6MC"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "114bad81b422b35f5c8daa39bd08c9fd"; amzn_assoc_title = ""; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true";

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Chapter 4: Reprieve

I scrambled away as quickly as I could, but I was no match for a mother bear. She ran me against a tree, and I struggled to breath. I could feel her teeth press against the back of my neck, and felt for sure that these were my final moments.

Then I heard the bear lurch away and roar with vengeance. Kyrie had dove down at the last second and ran her talons down the bears face, causing her to draw back, releasing me in the process. The bear swatted at her attacker, but Kyrie swerved and dodged in and out of the bear’s reach. I grabbed my bag from where I dropped under a tree. Then I ran across the clearing and reached skyward with a chain ending in a manacle that closed around one of the higher branches strong enough to hold my weight. Grabbing hold of it and clasping the other manacle around my own wrist I willed the chain to shorten and soared above the bear into the trees.  My heart was pounding, and I heard the terrifying sound of the bear crashing through the woods. I saw her run right at my tree. I struggled to go higher, but in my haste my cloak snagged on a branch. I frantically tried to dislodge it, but before I could the mother bear reared, pulled a devastatingly powerful arm back, and raked her savage claws down my left calf. I screamed in pain, but finally I untangled myself from the branch and painstakingly pulled myself higher.

Once my hand hooked onto the branch next to the cuff I’d formed I dissolved the chain and manacles and swung up onto the tree limb.

I was exhausted but safe for the moment and the branches weren’t strong enough to support such an imposing beast. Kyrie perched on the bough next to me.

“I hate to tell you this, but it’s not safe to walk on the ground with a mother bear patrolling. You have to keep moving through the trees, just like when you crossed the river.” Kyrie looked at me apologetically, and though I dreaded it, I knew she was right.

Luckily, the gaps in between the trees were smaller, so I didn’t have to jump between them. More often than not, the limbs from two different trees were side by side. That said, the gash on my leg made walking of any kind excruciating. I dragged myself from branch to branch, wondering why in all the universe I ever considered climbing trees to be even remotely enjoyable. The cuts burned something awful, and I took frequent breaks so I didn’t over exert myself. Belladonna, miraculously, had remained in my bag during the entire bear fiasco and was unharmed. Kyrie had to encourage me several times to get me to move. Eventually, the mother bear returned to her cub, satisfied we were no longer a threat to her baby.

In the end, an hour’s walk turned into a three hour limp through the trees. The moon had almost reached its peak when Kyrie spoke.

“The entrance to Reenaran is just up ahead. You’ll meet the Gatekeepers in a clearing through those trees.”

“There aren’t any bears around are there?”

“No, don’t be ridiculous.”

“Today I nearly fell to my watery death, I was just mauled by a bear and have spent the latter part of my day agonizingly gallivanting through trees. It is completely within my right to be ridiculous,” I proclaimed with indignation as I began to make my way down. I wasn’t sure if my leg was strong enough to ensure a safe landing, so I decided to lower the bag down so it was hanging from the branch I was standing on to make sure Belladonna wasn’t accidentally crushed on landing. Which was probably for the best, because as soon as I was getting ready to swing myself down my injured leg slipped off the branch and sent me tumbling to the ground with a painful thud.

I sat up after a few moments of self pity. All I had was a few hundred yards to go and I just had to hurt myself.

“You know Kyrie, I’m starting to really despise trees.” I grumbled, and I got a chuckle in return.

“I can see why, given recent events. All the same you’re almost there, just beyond those trees. I’ll help you get Belladonna.” She did so by sliding the strap off of the branch while I held the bag aloft. As soon as Belladonna was once again strapped to my shoulder I made the final steps of my journey to the Nation of Spade.

I stepped through the trees to see a massive wall guarded by two men. I couldn’t guess why, given that there was no gate in sight and the smooth black wall behind them towered into the sky that discouraged any notion of climbing it. Both carried swords at their belts and they appeared to be eating a meal.The guards wore black pants paired with blue shirts under a black breastplate. They carried greek swords with triangular blades and their shields lay resting against the wall. My stomach rumbled, I hadn’t had anything to eat since the morning. Apparently, my stomach was so obnoxiously loud that the guards both heard and snapped to attention, swords drawn and shields raised up to their eyes. They scanned the area and saw me. The one on the right lowered his shield and opened his mouth a little, as though surprised to see anything come from the forest, much less a teenage girl and a raven. The one on the left was a bit more composed.

“You new?” He asked curtly, and I nodded.

“Yes, I’m a student on the way to the Eagle Bastion.” I spoke as clearly as I could, but my voice wavered a bit as I mentally considered my claim. Both guards remained impassive, the one on the right struggling to suppress a smile. Again it was the left guard who spoke.

“If that’s the case, come and show us your bracer.” Silence passed. It was then the right guard finally said something.

“We don’t mean to insult you; it’s just standard procedure. To be honest we didn’t expect anyone, Halloween is a slow time for incoming Spades.” I nodded and limped toward them. The right guard’s eyes widened, and after I handed the pendant to the left guard to examine, he spoke.

“By the Blades you look like you’ve fallen from a tree.”

I was not amused by this comparison.

“That’s because I have fallen from a tree.”

“That’s why you’re limping?”

“No, I’m limping because a bear took a swat at me.”

“You fell from the tree only to be mauled by a bear? That’s tough.”

“No, the wound the bear gave me caused me to fall from the tree.”

“That . . . actually sounds worse.”

The left guard finished with the compass and interjected before we could get any further.

“That’s enough Charles, she’s been through enough today. Now we have to get her to the inn, they have a healer in residence.”

Charles nodded. “You’re right of course, we have to open the gate. First, do you have any companions you might’ve met in the forest you want to take with you?” I nodded.

“Yes, two.” I answered, and Charles started.

“Impressive. How’d you manage that?” I told him how I came across Kyrie and Belladonna.

“A raven and a wolf pup. You’ve got yourself quite the entourage.”

The left guard nudged his partner, and Charles straightened.

“Right, I digress, my partner Ishmael and I will open the portal that takes you directly into the capital. There will be a supervisor waiting at the portal waiting to give you directions, though with your injury and bracer they should make quick work of getting you settled in. Who knows? Now don’t panic, and try not to vomit upon arrival, that’s always unpleasant for all parties involved.”

With that, both Charles and Ishmael drew their swords and drove their points into the ground by my feet. The next thing I knew I was falling into oblivion.

One moment I was falling and the next I was lying in what appeared to be a massive silk sheet hanging from three of the four corners in a room shaped like a rhombus. It was unlike any room I had been in during my relatively short lifetime. The walls were made of a solid black stone I didn’t recognize.  Across the room were a set of silver double doors that were crafted with the image of mountains rising up from the surface, giving the picture a three dimensional effect. From the ceiling hung a stunning chandelier that appeared to contain a glowing blue substance as a light source. It was too far up for me to see what it was, but it cast a soft but strong light around the room. As I slid off the sheet I could see the floors were made out of marble. There was a massive Spade insignia inlaid in the marble. I was so captivated by the sheer beauty of the room I didn’t hear the door open.

“Now what have we here? A new student?” In the doorway stood a tall slender woman with kind eyes and messy hair in a bun. She had ebony skin that had wrinkled slightly with age, but that only made her sky blue eyes stand out even more. She wore a gown of dark purple with blue vines coiled around the bodice and skirt. She smiled encouragingly.

“My name is Sylphia, I’m the caretaker for this year’s Hatchlings. What might your name be?” Her words had a calming effect, her voice provided safety after three days out in the forest. I felt myself open up to her very quickly.

“My name is Allie Sage, and this is Kyrie and Belladonna.” I walked closer to her, and it was then she noticed my leg. Her eyes widened with concern.

“Normally I would go through orientation first but it’s late and it seems you’ll have to spend the night in the infirmary.” Without another word she called in two people into the chamber. There was a girl with asian features wearing a purple tunic and black pants. Her eyes were a shocking shade of green. Next to her stood a tall boy with bronze skin dressed in a loose black shirt and navy blue pants, with a warm set of deep red eyes. They were both athletically built and around my age. The girl was a few inches taller than me but the boy towered over her. The boy seemed to have some sort of reptile sitting on his shoulder and a cat with light grey fur came and sat next to the girl’s feet.

“Daedalus, Atalanta, would you be so kind as to help Allie and her friends to the infirmary. It seems she was  injured during her Trial.” Sylphia asked gently, and both Daedalus and Atalanta nodded before walking toward me. As soon as Sylphia left the room Atalanta spoke.

“So how did the road to the capital treat you? Apart from your leg I mean.” She inquired, taking my arm and holding it over her shoulders so she could ease the pressure off my bad leg. Daedalus took my bag and carried it as he walked beside us. Together we made our way out the door. The hallway was made of the same stone the room was, except this hallway was lit with a series of orbs filled with what I thought was white sand. What was strange was that it emitted a strong light that illuminated the corridor. We headed right, and on our left was a row of stained glass windows made of blue, black and purple.

“Not well.” I answered. “I don’t think I could have made it without Kyrie to help me.” I shrugged the shoulder Kyrie was on. “She helped me take care of Belladonna too.” I pointed to the bag, and Daedalus peered inside. He grinned when he saw her resting inside, and now that I got a closer look I saw his eyes were very subtly hinted with dark red. I told the story of how I found the wolf pup.

“I guess a cute puppy like that is hard to ignore,” Atalanta chuckled in as we rounded a corner.

“Not only that but you found a companion to help you along. I didn’t meet Luna until a month after I arrived here, she continued, motioning to the cat walking beside her. I heard Daedalus snort.

“Yeah you’re lucky you got a helpful creature to accompany you. All I got was a sassy lizard.” He complained, causing the lizard, who I now saw was mostly black with forest green stripes running down it’s back, to whack Daedalus’ cheek with his tail.

“Hey!” He exclaimed in surprise causing Atalanta and I to laugh. They lead me through the door to the infirmary and set me on the nearest bed.

“So,” Atalanta said, “Which world are you from?”

“Um, Earth?”

Daedalus chuckled, “We all come from an ‘earth’ but the people of Ivaline have different names for them.”

“Well I wouldn’t know it’s name then.” I responded.

“Why don’t you describe it for us?” Atalanta suggested, so I went on describing my hometown, the high schools, and basically life in suburbia.

I was just getting around to explaining the concept of elevators to a very confused Atalanta when Daedalus interjected.

“Yeah but what about stairs-”

“Oh wait! Is your world the one with the weird flying machines and frozen coffee?” He exclaimed, and I nodded.

“That’s Pangaea, I’ve always wanted to go there, but that world is barred from anyone who isn’t a native until they are twenty.

“Why?” I inquired, and this time it was Atalanta who explained.

“Pangaea is the only world where the people can’t access their magic naturally, so none of them know about it. I think Diamond sent emissaries over once, and landed in a place called Europe, but they had to come back because they said that people kept trying to set them on fire.”

I listened intently as they told me about their worlds. Atalanta lived in a world named Arcanonia where you had to take a rather difficult physical and mental exam in order to be chosen to go to Ivaline. There it was a big rite of passage to take your first exam, and if you manage to be one of the twenty chosen that year, it meant that your whole family was celebrated and they got to take a year long paid leave to prepare for the child’s departure the next year, usually the family also got a all expenses paid vacation and a reunion.

“Every world has a limit to how many teenagers they can send, and they have to be fifteen or older, any younger and they’re deemed too impressionable to know what they really want. Fifteen is traditionally seen as the time when you’re supposed to make your own choices and deal with their consequences.”

I quieted as Daedalus started to talk about his world.

In Daedalus’ world, apparently, the venture into Ivaline was a bit more anticlimactic. In his world, Druid, trees were sentient beings who could speak and observe the humans in the area, and they took a vote on which thirty kids to send every year in April when they woke up.

“We have to go, but we’ll see you in training!” Atalanta called, and they left, leaving me to wait for the medic. While I waited I took a look around. The walls were lined with shelves that carried jars filled with dried herbs and various liquids. The sands that lit up the room were tinted a soft yellow to light the room with a warmer glow. I sat on the first of a row of beds, each had a curtain that could be closed to give patients privacy. Towards the back of the room a door opened and out came a man.

I felt calm as I was approached by a man wearing half-moon glasses. He looked to be in his fifties and was dressed in blue. He seemed to have been alerted by the noise of the conversation I had when I arrived with Atalanta and Daedalus.

“And what might your name be?” He inquired as he came to a halt at the bed I was resting on.

“Allie, Allie Sage.” I answered quietly as he regarded my leg thoughtfully before looking up at my face.

“Good evening Allie, my name is Galen and I’m the North Wing's chief healer. Luckily it’s only a superficial cut, so it won’t leave any lasting damage. The main problem is the dirt that has gotten into it. I’m going to need to clean it as soon as possible, which unfortunately  will sting quite a bit. I know it has been a long day for you so I will try to work as quickly and gently as I can.” He went to the shelves on the opposite wall and retrieved a rough cloth and one of the jars filled with liquid. He wet the cloth with it and came over.

“Brace yourself, the less you move the sooner this will be over.” He cautioned. I took in a breath and nodded. He started to clean my wounds.

It was agony. Every inch of each laceration seemed to catch fire as the cloth ran down it. It took every fiber in my being not to lash out and kick Galen, but he kept to his word and was done after a few strokes. I sighed and slouched in relief, and he gave me a sympathetic look before going off once again to rummage through the shelves farther into the room. He came back with a steaming cup of tea in his hands. He bade me to drink it as he wrapped my leg. He was done before I had gone through half of the mug in my hands. He straightened.

“You’re leg will be fine, but you haven’t been assigned a room yet so I’m afraid you’ll have to spend the night here in the infirmary. I’ll arrange to have food be brought up to all three of you in the morning, but for now I want you to finish your tea and go to sleep.” He explained, and after a nod from me headed for the door.

“If anything happens during the night, ring the bell.” Inexplicably the lights dimmed, and I felt myself lay back and nod off to sleep.

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Tighten Whitey Tuesday

My bulge is really big in these military camo underwear.

Hairy Selfie

Not quite NSFW, but pretty close

Shirtless hairy selfie

Feels good touching my parts.