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yourdeepestfathoms · 4 years

Text

The Crucible (part nine)

[UK Tour; Carrie AU]

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8

Word count: 10,088

TW: Blood and gore

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

-Alma Mater-

“We found these in the dumpster behind what’s left of the gym.”

Bessie recoiled so sharply in disgust she nearly fell backwards out of her chair when Mulaney dumped several pieces of paper onto the table in front of her. She looked at the pile as if it were made of actual human hearts, wrinkling up her nose.

“I can’t believe you touched those!” She exclaimed in an almost humorously repulsed way. “They’re probably swimming with diseases.”

“Recognize them?” Mulaney asked, sitting across from her.

“They’re prom ballots,” Bessie said with a dismissive shrug. “I’m the one who Xeroxed them.”

“According to these, Ruby and Leila won prom king and queen.”

Bessie blinked at Mulaney in shock, as if he had just told her the secrets of the universe. Her mouth opened and closed like a fish caught on a hook, then she sputtered out, “I-I counted those ballots myself. Principal Holbein checked my work! You can ask him...yourself…” She trailed off with a grimace, hunching her shoulders in and looking away. For a moment, she looked a lot younger, and a lot more shaken than she thought she was.

“Anna and Joan won fair and square.” She finally spoke up again, although there was a not-so-subtle shakiness to her voice. Madeline gave her a sympathetic look.

“I’m guessing by a landslide?” Mulaney asked.

“Yeah.”

“That doesn’t seem odd to you?”

“I just thought they were pity votes.” Bessie said, shrugging.

“They weren’t pity votes, Elizabeth.” Mulaney told her grimly. “Someone switched the ballots.”

------

“Attention! Attention, everyone!” Bessie called jovially from the stage. The mic she was using gave a few abrupt screeches of feedback, so she tapped it with a manicured finger. In the fairy lights, her dress glistened in shimmering waves of purple and made her look like a walking amethyst. “Can I have your attention, please!”

The DJ cut the music off hastily. Everyone inside the gym quieted down one by one and turned their heads to the stage. Bessie’s hair was blindingly white in the light.

“Thank you,” She said, then raised her voice excitedly, “We will now be voting for this year’s prom king and queen!”

“This contest insults women!” Margery Horsman shouted from near the globe tree. There were a few scattered applause and one loud, whooping cheer from a girl who must have been her friend.

“It insults men, too!” Francis Dereham piped up mockingly. Laughter followed, along with several eye rolls.

“Take your seats, please!” Bessie went on loudly. “Time to vote!”

Everyone began to swarm back to their respective table as Maggie and two other girls started to pass out prom ballots and small pencils. Anna, Joan, George, and Jane were already sitting, recovering from their intense dance session and playing Spoons with a deck of cards George had brought in (“I still cannot believe you brought cards to prom.” “I never leave home without ‘em! You know that, Anna!”). As far as games being played at a school party went, it definitely wasn’t the lamest option they could have gone with.

“Aha!” Jane exclaimed, seizing one of the three plastic spoons on the table after she got a match of four aces. George looked up at her lovingly. “I have totally figured out this game! I am the new Spoons champion!”

“Ow!!” Anna yelped. “You SCRATCHED me!” She had been trying to grab one of the other spoons when Jane’s fingernails raked viciously over her hand. She rubbed the scraped skin tenderly, giving Jane a playful pout.

“This is a very violent game,” Joan observed. When someone got a match of four cards, they were supposed to grab a spoon as quick as they could, prompting everyone else to do the same, which resulted in some mayhem. Especially because there were four players and only three spoons, so clawing and yanking and merciless tug-of-war would sometimes happen as a result. There was even a moment where they all lurched forward at the same time and bonked their heads together.

“What can I say?” Jane said with a shrug, flicking her spoon back and forth. “I play to win.”

At that moment, Maggie came around with ballots, setting four papers and four pencils on the table for them. Before she whisked away, she declared a louder-than-necessary, “GOOD LUCK!” into Joan’s ear. Joan rubbed her ear uncomfortably as Anna and Jane both glowered after Maggie, then examined the ballot in front of her. Her mouth dropped open.

“Anna,” She whispered shakily, grabbing onto Anna’s arm tightly. “W-we’re on here!”

“I saw that,” Anna said.

“Woah! Congrats!” George beamed.

“Can we decline?” Joan asked anxiously.

“Hell no!” Anna said, laughing slightly. “If you win, all you do is sit up there on those thrones for the school song, wave some scepter around, and look like a jackass.”

“Oh, and then you get your picture taken for the yearbook so everyone could see that you looked like a jackass.” George added. He, Jane, and Anna laugh lightly. “You also get to lead a dance! So that’s pretty cool.”

“Well...who do we vote for?” Joan asked Anna. “They’re more your crowd than mine. I don’t really have a crowd.”

“Ourselves, duh!” Anna said.

“Isn’t voting for yourself like voting for Ralph Nader?” George asked.

“Who’s Ralph Nader?”

“Well, I’m voting for you.” Jane said to Joan. She smiled and checked off Joan and Anna’s names.

“Thanks,” Joan whispered, ducking her head shyly. She glanced over at the thrones on the stage and couldn’t help but be enamored by them. They were so sparkly and pretty. “They are beautiful…”

“You’re beautiful.” Anna grinned, taking Joan by surprise. She would never get over the shock of hearing someone say that to her. “To the devil with false modesty.”

Joan smiled. “To the devil,” She said, and checked off her and Anna’s names.

------

“Look at how she’s smiling. Stupid little cow.”

Cathy peered over the shrouded edge of the catwalk they were hiding on. She could see Joan Seymour, the poor bitch this prank was on, playing cards at one of the tables with Anne’s younger brother, his girlfriend, and Anna von Cleves. Her dress was beautiful, Cathy had to admit, and she looked so happy.

It was such a shame it was all about to be ruined.

The buckets were poised and ready.

“God, and my stupid brother.” Anne rolled her eyes. “I should have known he would befriend the resident freak.” She shook her head and turned to Cathy, smiling again. “Are you ready? It’s almost time.”

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Cathy mumbled, feeling ill.

“Oh, cheer up.” Anne nudged her. “We’re just playing a little joke! Nobody is getting hurt!”

“Anne, this is--this is sick. Really, really sick.” Cathy said. “If we get caught--”

“We aren’t going to get caught.” Anne said firmly. “Calm down, will you? It’s not that bad. We’re just gonna give her a little scare, that’s all.”

Cathy shook her head and cast a dark look at the two metal buckets. She could still smell the contents from her spot, the scent of three-day-old pig blood and guts wafting heavily in the air. It was a miracle nobody else on the stage had smelled it yet.

“Do you really think they’ll vote for them?” She finally spoke up again, glancing at her girlfriend. In the dim light, only half of Anne’s face could be seen, and there was madness reaching out of that amber eye.

“Of course,” Anne answered her. “I set it up. Nobody else will even be close.” She smiled wickedly. “Do you want to pull the rope?”

------

Katherine was restless. It was starting to worry her sister, she knew. She kept getting up in the middle of the movie they were watching and would pace around the living room like a lion in a circus cage. She couldn’t help it- something felt off.

“Kit?” Isabel called. “Is everything alright?”

“Yeah,” Katherine replied, shaking out her wrists as if they were crawling with caterpillars. “Just a little anxious, that’s all.”

Isabel paused the movie and turned to her completely. “About the prom?” She asked.

“What else?” Katherine sighed. “I texted Anna and she said everything was going fine, but still… I’m worried about Joan. I hope she’s having a good time.”

“I’m sure she is,” Isabel said. “You’re letting your Mum Friend status get to you too much.”

Katherine managed to laugh. “Maybe.”

She took out her phone and checked it for what felt like the tenth time that evening. Just like last time, there were no new messages. Just her reply from Anna after she reacted to the picture that was sent, which was marked as “read.” Anna must have been too busy having a good time to text back, which was good. She was giving Joan her full attention. But what if she wasn’t answering for a different reason…?

“Ugh--” Katherine collapsed down on the couch next to Isabel, who looked quite amused. “Anxiety SUCKS ASS.”

“Preach it, sister.” Isabel laughed. She patter her shoulder with a tender smile. “It’s going to be okay, Kat. I’m sure everything is just fine.”

But she was wrong.

------

“You really make all your own clothes?” George was asking with great interest. After Maggie had come around again and picked up the marked prom ballots, the group decided to take a small break from Spoons to let their maimed hands rest and stop burning. Now, they were just chatting idly, talking about random things as they waited for the score to be tallied up.

“Yeah, most of them,” Joan answered, nodding.

“That’s so convenient.”

Joan smiled shyly. “Yeah. Sorry I’m not better at conversations. I don’t have a lot of interesting stories.”

“No worries!” George said dismissively. “You’re much better company than most of the people here. Some of them don’t know how to keep a secret.” Then, he turned his head and shot an irritated look at a boy in a dark navy blue suit at a navy table. “And SOME OF THEM think very HIGHLY of themselves.”

The boy in navy blue whipped his gaze around and narrowed his eyes at George.

“I can HEAR you!” He shouted.

“We all can!” Piped up someone else.

“I KNOW.” George shouted back. “We’re in a GYM! But I’m having a PRIVATE CONVERSATION, so stick your nose somewhere else!”

“Then why did you look at me?!” The boy in navy blue cried.

“Because I was MAKING a POINT to my FRIENDS!” George snapped.

“You WISH you had friends!”

“Go suck a LIME!”

“Now, now,” A teacher chaperone said in a bored voice. “Settle down.”

George turned his head back to the table and smiled. “Anyway,” He said, his voice all sweetness again, “Where were we?”

The other three burst into laughter.

And then, silence was called over the gym.

“Attention, everyone!” Bessie said into the mic. “It’s time to announce the elected prom king and queen!”

There was a drumroll as Bessie excitedly pulled out a slip of paper from an envelope. Everyone held their breath in anticipation.

“ANNA VON CLEVES AND JOAN SEYMOUR!!!”

Anna, who had been mindlessly taking a sip from her cup, not thinking much of the election, spit her drink out in George’s face. Joan froze, her eyes opening wider than possible. All heads turned to her table. Gasps and murmurs whisked through the crowd. The gym went very quiet.

And then, there was a huge, booming, explosive eruption of applause that seemed to shake the walls like thunder. Everyone began to clap and cheer loudly, roaring into one big celebratory mass of noise. One person even yelled, “Yeah, go Anna! Go, Joan!”

Two student body members dressed in (school appropriate) togas, a boy and a girl, walked over to the table, smiling. Anna laughed and stood up with her arms spread in a queenly gesture of sorts, and the crowd went wild, shrieking their support. George, who quickly recovered from being sprayed with mouth soda, was beaming in pride for his friend and Jane looked both a little stunned and absolutely thrilled. Anna nudged Joan’s side and then extended her elbow for them to lock arms, but Joan did not get up. She was far too starstruck to stand at the moment, lost in the whirling of the radiant, overwhelming glee rocketing through her. She had never been clapped for before like this, nor had she ever been so joyful in her entire life.

Prom Queen. Her. Joan Seymour. She was Prom Queen. A queen. Royalty. Important. Her.

It was a dream come true.

Anna gently grabbed Joan by the shoulders and pulled her to her feet, effectively snapping Joan out of her daze. She still remained breathless and dazzled, however, as the entire prom screeched for her when she finally got to her feet. She nearly fainted from joy right then and there, but managed to cling to her consciousness. She grappled onto Anna’s arm, a smile coming to her lips that she knew would not be leaving for a while.

The two of them, escorted by the toga-clad student body duo, began to stride through the crowd, which parted like the Red Sea when they passed. The band boomed and swelled into a loud, upbeat melody. The audience continued to applaud and scream and cheer. Any sarcasm was lost to its cacophony; this was honest and deep and genuinely happy for the elected pair. Someone whistled. Someone else patted Joan’s bare shoulder as she passed by. Miss Aragon, at the edge of the trench of students, looked so proud.

Tears were welling up in Joan’s eyes. Her mouth was starting to hurt from smiling so widely. Has she ever smiled for this long before? She doesn’t think so. She hoped she wasn’t hurting Anna, she was hanging onto her arm really tightly. Anna didn’t seem to mind, though. The older girl was practically glowing in the fairy lights, like a goddess of sorts.

They reached the short flight of stairs to the stage, where Bessie and Principal Holbein were waiting. The thrones were pushed up to the front arches of the decorative Parthenon, glistening in the spotlights poised on the apron. They were inlaid with gold and fake jewels and were so much more breathtaking up close.

“Come on up, you guys!” Bessie shouted over all the noise. She beamed at Joan as Anna helped her up the steps, then turned to shake hands with Principal Holbein. “You look so beautiful! Congratulations!”

Joan couldn’t possibly must up a reply with all these endorphins sprinting through her, so she just smiled even wider, if that were even possible at that point.

She and Anna were whisked over to the thrones (but not without Bessie launching herself into Anna and hugging her very tightly). A silver scepter was thrust into Anna’s hands by the boy student body member in the toga, while the girl swept a furry velvet and sunflower yellow cloak with a puffy collar around Joan’s shoulders. They sat in the thrones and another ear-splitting bout of applause broke out.

Joan was glad to be sitting. Her legs were shaking and her knees felt weak. She was dizzy from shock and bliss and excitement.

(look at me Mama look at me)

(i made it)

(i did it)

The crowns were taken out on big wine red pillows. Both were encrusted with surprisingly realistic looking diamonds and glittered like captured rainbows in the light. Joan nearly sobbed when her tiara was set on her head and she reached up to touch it instantly, just to make sure it was there and real. And it was. The jewels were smooth and bumpy beneath her fingers. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Anna grinning at her affectionately.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Bessie said energetically into the mic, “your king and queen on senior prom! Anna von CLEVES and Joan SEYMOUR!”

The audience howled. Anna laughed. She stood up and thrust her scepter into the air.

“Long live King Anna!!!” Someone yelled.

“SPEECH!!!” Someone else, George from back at the table, cried out.

Anna grinned brightly in his direction.

The band cracked and rose into a fever pitch as the school song was played. The audience began to sing along to the music, their hundreds of mixing voices spiraling into a cloud of haunting sound. Anna basked in it, her chest puffed out with pride, then turned and gently gathered Joan to her feet so she could bathe in the glory with her. Joan probably would have crumpled right to the floor if Anna hadn't helped her up.

It was such a dizzying feeling, being the center of so much positive attention when it was usually all so negative. All these people were cheering for her, Joan Seymour. And they didn’t look to be doing it mockingly at all. They liked her. They really, really liked her!

(i told you Mama i told you)

“Long live Queen Joan!!” Shouted the person from before.

“Queen Joan!!!” Someone else whooped gleefully.

Joan was shaking all over. She knew everyone could see that she was, but it wasn’t deterring their applause. They just kept clapping and cheering and singing, even as she quivered like a leaf in a hurricane.

But unbeknownst to her, among the crowd, Maggie Wyatt and Anthony Lee were smirking rather than smiling. Maggie kept glancing up every few seconds, which caught the attention of Jane, who began to sidle over slowly to see what she was looking at.

Bessie waved her arms and all the noise began to diminish. She turned to Anna and Joan, still grinning her head off.

“Your Highnesses,” She said, “your court requests you lead them in a dance!”

Like that, the cheering started up again.

The toga boy took Anna’s staff from her, but Joan’s cloak was left on. Anna extended a hand and Joan took it as the lights around them faded to soft blue and light purple. They walked slowly down the steps and onto the center of the gym floor, where they pressed against each other and began to dance in long, graceful movements. The band played an airy melody of violins and flutes, which Joan didn’t even realize they had, but she could hardly care. She was too wrapped up in dancing with Anna to care about anything at this point.

Her legs trembled, unsteady, unpracticed, fawn-like. Her head spins and her vision blurs with the opposite of vertigo. Her hands clasp tightly at Anna’s and her shoulder, like the older girl was an island out in a raging black ocean. Moats of silver dust float like moths in the rays of light beaming from the spotlight, and she had never been more awash in radiance.

Anna’s hand is warm on her waist and she looked up at her, dry lips parting with a slight pop. Anna tilted her head at her and smiled, the corners of her mouth held aloft by the spotlights. Her fingertips trail over Joan’s veins, bluer than hers, rivers snaking beneath her skin and crisscrossing the imperfect planet of her body.

But Anna doesn’t care.

Each sweeping step they take gave Joan more confidence and made the world come a little more into focus. This was all Joan has ever wanted- being held so gently, being loved despite her flaws, being wanted and needed and swayed like she is. Anna doesn’t care that she’s touching her, Anna doesn’t care about the roughness of her scarred palms, Anna doesn’t care that she wasn’t at prom with her girlfriend.

Anna cared about her and her alone. Nothing else in the entire universe mattered to her. And that was a dream come true.

Anna coaxed her closer in that honeyed voice of hers that makes Joan feel all fluttery inside, whispered that she wanted to show off to all these loons, and Joan does as she's told, tentatively placing one foot in front of the other, searching for stable ground as they whisked in loops inside the circle of students crowded around them.

“Anna?” Joan whispered.

“Yeah?” Anna looked down at her, still smiling with so much affection for her.

“Thank you.”

“Anything for you, Joan.”

Joan was still shaky but that’s okay. If she fell, Anna would surely catch her.

There was a blooming warmth on Joan’s hand and she looked at it, and that’s when everything fell to pieces. Shafts of burgeoning gold cut through soft silver and burst outwards, filling the gym in blinding yellow waves. Violin and flutes were replaced with a marching drumbeat. Silence turned to an uproar of cheering and clapping. The dance floor melted away and the stage rose up beneath Joan’s feet. And there was Bessie and the band and the two student body members in togas and Anna, now up there with her again. And there was blood. On her hand.

“Your Highnesses,” Bessie said, “your court requests you lead them in a dance!”

Joan does not hear her. She can’t even move.

Red. Blood. On her fingers. Blood.

Her blood?

Was it happening again?

Anna looked at her in confusion, eyebrows furrowed together.

“Joan?” She whispered. “Everything okay?”

Joan does not reply.

Like how Anna does not see the blood.

It was the size of a nickel American tourists would sometimes accidentally drop on the streets. Bright red against her pale white skin, like a ruby buried in fresh snow. Completely odorless in such a small quantity.

Blood.

Where did it come from?

Joan looked up shakily and time seemed to slow down so she, and everyone else in the gym, could watch as two buckets full of blood poured out in an unhurried manner to fall, splash, splash, splash, right over Joan’s head.

------

“Hail, Alma Mater,”

The singing of the crowd mixed with the band and all the cheering was a mess of noise in Anne’s ears. She grit her teeth in rage and glared down at the thrones, where the pig herself, Joan Seymour, was being crowned Prom Queen. With her tiara.

“Why are they still clapping?” Anne hissed.

“I don’t know, babe.” Cathy said uselessly. “Don’t ask me.”

Anne growled lowly in her throat and gripped the rope in her hands tightly. The smell of the blood wafting from the buckets was intoxicating.

“Oh, Mother, we salute you,”

“Are you going to pull it?” Cathy asked. “They’re there. The song is playing. Get it over with already.”

“Shut the fuck up.” Anne snapped.

“We proclaim out devotion,”

Anne’s hands were starting to shake. Her chest burned as she held her breath.

“I’m not pulling it for you.” Cathy said. “That thing can sit up there ‘till hell freezes over.”

Anne elbowed her hard in the stomach and her girlfriend reeled backwards in pain.

“As we set our dreams into motion!”

“Your Highnesses,” Bessie said from below after the school anthem ended, “your court requests you lead them in a dance!”

Anne leaned forward and yanked the cord with both hands.

For a moment, there was slack, making her think Cathy fucked up the set up to get back at her, that the rope was attached to nothing but thin air, that Joan fucking Seymour was actually going to get away clean.

But then, it snagged and jerked away from her grasp, leaving a thin rope burn across her palms. The buckets tipped and glorious red fell free. She peeked over the edge to watch, then turned to Cathy, smirking widely in victory.

In the darkness, Cathy looked horrified.

And in the light of the stage, someone screamed.

------

Two weeks after the Black Prom, Elizabeth “Bessie” Blount, would write this for the detectives,

“I had been looking at the crowd when the buckets came, but I turned fast enough to see a majority of it. It got EVERYWHERE. Joan got the most of it. She looked like she had just been dragged out of a river of blood. There were barely any spots of pink left on her dress. But us onstage got some of it, too. Anna was wearing a white tux. She got splattered. She looked like she was in a murder scene. I got splattered, too. My dress and my chest and my face. And for a moment, when my mind flashed back to the showers on Friday, I wondered if this was period blood. It was clearly a prank of sorts, so did whoever planned this (which I now know was Anne), get a bunch of girls to squat over some buckets and bleed into them just to dump it out on this one chick?

But then I realized that it didn’t smell like period blood.

I don’t think any of you or anyone else who wasn’t there really understand the smell. It wasn’t just an awful sight--it smelled, too. Like--like...it’s so hard to explain. It smelled like blood, but blood that has been left out in the sun for a week. Like rotten meat. Have you ever smelled rotten meat? It was like that.

And it also wasn’t just blood. There were organs and pieces of organs, too. I don’t even know what it was, but there was a strip of /something/ on my face. But Joan was covered in guts. Intestines hanging from her shoulders, mushy livers and kidneys caught against her dress, a stomach snagged on her crown. There were even testicles. One missed her, but the other hit her in her head and then bounced off.

Joan was still for a very long time. She had been looking up, so her face was dripping and her eyes were closed. Then, she opened them and things all went to hell from there.

I look back on this a lot. I know it wasn’t that long ago, but it’s always so fresh in my mind. I got my period two days ago and I /cried/ when I saw the blood. Because I wonder, if I had been a little bit nicer, would it have never happened? I know that’s wishful thinking, but I still wonder about it all the time. I do that a lot, now. I just think about what happened. And it gets worse each time.

I wish about a lot, but I never wish to stop the Black Prom. I just wish I had died in there with everyone else. I could kill myself, but it wouldn’t be the same, you know? I was left alive for a reason, I think. It’s a punishment. Unless Joan thought I was innocent enough to let go. But I don’t think so. So now I have to live with what I did and what happened because of it.

I would like to see Anna again, though. I wish I got to say goodbye to her.”

------

She was covered in it.

Blood.

Whose blood?

(my blood)

The smell was overwhelming. Like rotten meat left out in the summer heat for several months. The taste was worse. She didn’t want to describe it. This blood did not have the same metallic tang of normal blood. There was something very, very wrong with it.

The blood was thick, half a liquid, half a solid. It was coagulated and clotted, thick chunks caught in her hair and eyelashes and dress. It drooled down her chest, between her breasts, and over the flat expanse of her stomach.

Everywhere. It was everywhere.

In her ears and her nose and her eyes and her mouth.

Blood.

Something else splattered down against her, too. It made a loud slapping sound when it hit her head and made her tiara crooked when it snagged on the points. Something long and squishy draped over her shoulder while something else went down the back of her dress and fell out the bottom with a wet /plop/. They all had a very rank, ripe scent.

Joan’s eyes were closed. She had been looking up, so her face was completely drenched. Her dress was ruined, dyed to a deep scarlet instead of a pale flamingo pink. Her hair was soaked and dripping and red, retaining no hints of the original platinum white-blonde. The cloak around her neck looked like a freshly gutted dog, and it fell heavily to the ground at her feet. Rivulets of red ran down her arms, oozing off her fingers and into the crimson lake all around her.

One by one, the clapping stopped, the cheering died off, and the smiles fell until the only sound was the creak of the two ropes the buckets were attached to and the splattering of blood on the floor. Nobody moved, nobody breathed, nobody spoke a word.

And then, Joan’s eyes opened.

Something was glowing behind those twin orbs of grey-blue.

Joan slowly raised her hands and stared at them, watching tiny rivers of blood snake down the palms. Her breathing picked up slowly, faster and faster and faster, until her body was heaving with the weight of her panting. Her eyes darted around- at Anna, spattered in red beside her; at Bessie, wide-eyed and bloody; at George and Jane, horrified; at Miss Aragon, with her mouth hanging open; at Principal Holbein, shocked into stillness; at the audience, silent. She looked down and saw the blood, then the guts.

She was covered in guts.

Intestines hung from her shoulders, several pieces of pruney and wrinkled pink tissue clung to her dress, a stomach was caught on her crown.

Guts.

Someone spilled guts on her.

Blood and guts.

Something itched in Joan’s throat, and when she opened her mouth, a whimper came out.

And then a cry.

And then a scream.

She screamed a horrible, nightmare-haunting scream that reverberated throughout the auditorium and jammed itself into the ears of the audience. It cut off after a moment and she stared at her hands again in horror, hoping they would be clean, but the red still remained. She tried to scrub at her arms, but the blood only smeared and coated her skin even further. She whimpered and keened loudly, scratching and clawing desperately. Someone in the audience snorted.

“WHAT THE HELL?” Anna roared in fury. She was the first to snap out of the terror-stricken trance, and now all she felt was outrage. “WHO DID THIS?”

No answer. Someone snorted again. A few people murmured. Heads whipped around frantically.

“WHO DID THIS?!” Anna screeched again. She looked around and spotted something in the wings- Anne and Cathy. She snarled lowly, like a dog about to bite, then took off after them when they fled.

Like that, with Anna’s jarring sprint into motion, the trance that had descended over the gym was broken. People began to exclaim in shock and whisper to one another. A few took out their phones to take pictures. Maggie Wyatt and Anthony Lee snorted and then burst into howls of laughter.

And people joined in.

They were laughing at her.

(Mama was right)

Joan felt her body start to seize. She went hot and then cold and then hot again until she was freezing. Her heartbeat hammered in her chest, racing faster and faster and faster until she thought it would burst apart.

“Pig, pig, pig, pig!” Anthony bellowed through bouts of laughter. “Sweet pig, pig, pig!”

(Mama was right they’re laughing)

(they always laugh)

“Freak! Freak!!” Maggie shrieked in giggles.

Everything was starting to bleed together. A blur of black and silver marched through the crowd below; Jane Parker slapped Anthony hard across the face.

Joan gasped.

Miss Aragon and Principal Holbein rush up to the stage, along with George Boleyn and Jane Parker. The whispers are swelling into a full thunderstorm of murmurs, but she can’t make them out. Her ears were too clogged with blood to really hear.

“Joan?” Jane called out, and her voice was but a distant echo. “Joan, can you hear me?” She waved a hand in front of her face.

Miss Aragon gently touched Joan’s shoulder, brushed away the tangle of intestines caught against it. Her nose was twitching; she could smell the overwhelming stench of the rancid blood and guts, too.

“Joan? Joan, sweetie, talk to me. It’s Miss Aragon.” The coach said.

But Joan does not awaken from the strange state she’s slipped into.

The adrenaline is making the strain on her body bearable, all the beautiful chemicals coursing through her veins as she flexed her powers.

That, and the anger.

It all made her so angry. Her mother. Her treatment at school. Her life. Who she was.

Fifteen long years of being the good Christian girl. Of turning the other cheek. Of enduring and bearing. Of being patient and understanding and letting things go, always letting things go.

It gets old. So fucking old.

She was tired of it.

The pillars of the Parthenon began to quake. The decorative spires and sculptures on the gym floor soon followed. Joan sent her powers through their mass and ripped them into chunks. The pieces locked together in the air like a growing puzzle until a long body was created. Wings from the ripped mural canvases, a tail of ice and marble, curved claws chipped from stone, sharp spikes torn out of chair legs, and a piece of the fire alarm and DJ booth attached to the back of the throat.

Everyone stepped away and stared in horror as the dragon thumped to the ground on its back haunches and let out an ear-piercing roar.

“Say. Hello.” It spoke in a gargled voice. “Everybody. Say. Hello.”

And then, a pipe from up above was ripped free and sailed straight into Maria de Salinas’s heart.

August had thought they had been scared when the buckets dropped, but not even that fear could rival the absolute terror pumping through them as they stared at the bleeding corpse just a few feet away. Several people were starting to run, but they couldn’t move. It wouldn’t matter anyway; all the doors were locked. They could hear students shouting over it in a panic all around them, through the screaming.

They looked up at Joan Seymour’s bloody form and realization dawned on them with a jarring shock.

She’s going to kill us all.

The pipe pulled loose from Maria’s heart with a spurt of blood. Joan peered at it curiously, as if it were a new pet. A moment later, it flew around and jammed itself through the spot that connected the second victim’s jaw to her neck. It went all the way through and left her nearly decapitated, spasming wildly on the ground before death overcame her and she stilled. Then, the pipe spun and sailed straight through a boy’s stomach.

By this point, full pandemonium had erupted throughout the entire theater. Everyone was running around screaming, panicking, crying. They’re trampling over each other like caged cattle—and they very well may have been, because they were all going to burn like the filthy cows they all were.

This is our punishment, August realized. For bullying her. We did this.

They looked up with tears in their eyes. The head of the conjured dragon turned to them slowly and creaked open its jaw.

“Repent, repent, repent, repent.” It said, and then smashed its talons over August’s head.

Nicola couldn’t even scream when August was crushed right before her eyes. Their body crumpled like a compressed can; she could hear their bones snap and break beneath the heavy weight of the strange monster’s talons. When the claws were raised, there was a huge splattering of blood and mushed organs, which oozed slowly off stone nails in droplets of liquid ruby and rose quartz.

August was dead.

Joan was not done killing yet.

Nicola dove behind an upturned table and tried to steady her ragged breathing. She yelped when someone collapsed down in front of her.

“Ari!” She cried.

Ari, shell shocked, but uninjured, scrambled beside her, ducking low for cover. Their eyes were wide and mortified.

“What--what the fuck is going on?” They whispered. Each word sounded like it took great effort to speak through heaving breaths. “What--is--happening?!”

“I-I don’t know!” Nicola replied.

Near the buffet temples, the flying pipe stabbed through a girl’s neck. Nicola shuddered and hugged her knees.

“She’s killing us,” She whispered. “She’s killing us all.”

“Oh god,” Ari muttered in horror. They pressed a hand to their forehead. “You know what, Nicola? I-I don’t want to die!” They laughed shakily, tears brimming in their eyes.

“Shh. You’re not allowed to die.” Nicola said, and Ari managed a tight smile.

And then, the pipe flew by and put itself directly between Ari’s eyes.

The table tipped backward, along with Ari’s body. The pipe pulled out with a squelch and squirt of blood, leaving a gaping hole all the way through Ari’s head. Nicola vomited, she couldn’t help it.

“Monster,” She whispered raggedly She glared at the stage through tears. “You’re a monster!”

Joan twitched, but didn’t look at her. Nicola braced herself and prepared for the pipe to come around and take her life, but it didn’t. It was currently embedded in the stomachs of two students at once. No, instead, her executioner was a snake that rose up from one of the candles.

Nicola’s breath caught in her throat as she watched the flaming serpent coil out from the candle. It was huge, with bright golden eyes and a tongue that spewed embers when it flicked out at her. Then, it opened its wide jaws and came at her faster than lightning.

Pain. Blinding pain. Blinding, unbearable pain.

She was on fire.

Her dress exploded into golden plumes almost instantly, with her hair following shortly after. She could feel the fabric of her gown fusing with her flesh as it dripped off her body like wax. She screamed and flailed helplessly, but it did nothing to help her. The serpent consumed her.

A thick shoulder smashed Violet into a rigid back. Boots stamped down on one of her feet. She heard a screech of pain that sounded like someone from her Economics class. She caught a glimpse of Principal Holbein trying desperately to calm everyone down. Someone grabbed her forearm, and she turned to see Lara, staring at a raging snake made of fire.

“Oh god,” She whispered. “What do we do?”

“I-I don’t know!” Violet said. “We can’t escape. The doors are locked!”

“There has to be another way!” Lara cried. “D-don’t say that! There has to be!”

Nearby, a kid burst into flames when the snake coiled around him. The dragon jumped into the fray, shaking the entire gym when it leapt to the ground. It lashed its huge tail, connecting with a large panicking group of students and sending them sprawling with an awful symphony of breaking bones and splitting skin. It trampled over kids as it made its way to the tree and climbed to the top.

“Respect me. Respect me. Respect me.” It said over and over again, flaring out its wings. Its mouth did not move when it spoke, rather just hung open like a snake spraying venom.

Violet and Lara backed away, getting pushed and shoved and nearly separated in the process. They clasped their hands together and watched as fire began to spread through the ripped murals against the wall.

This place was going to burn to the ground.

“JOAN!!”

The pipe, which had taken lodging in the back of a blonde girl’s skull, flashed through the air and cleaved into its next victim’s stomach, silencing them.

Lara gasped and buried her face in her talons.

“Oh no,” Violet whispered. “Oh no, no, no…!”

Anna coughed and was startled to taste blood. She touched her lips and her fingers came back red. Then, slowly, her hands slid down to her stomach, where an even bigger patch of red was spreading across her tux.

There was a pipe in her stomach.

Her vision blurred and she collapsed to her side, gargling on her blood.

“Anna!!”

Joan was there, even bloodier than her, grey-blue eyes wide. Her hands hovered around the pipe, then pulled it out, sending sharp bolts of pain through Anna’s entire being.

“Anna, Anna, no--” Joan stammered. Tears flooded down her face. “Anna, no--”

“J-Joan--” Anna coughed. She raised a bloody hand and Joan clasped it in her own.

“Anna, I’m so sorry!” Joan said. “I-I didn’t mean to…” She glanced at the gaping red horror in Anna’s stomach. “I didn’t mean to…”

“I know,” Anna said. “I-I know you...you didn’t…” Everything was starting to blur together.

“No, Anna, don’t die!” Joan begged. “Don’t die! You can’t die!”

“Think...think I still have a shot at being a singer?” Anna choked out a laugh that was thick with blood.

Joan sniffled and nodded tearfully. “Y-yeah, of course.” She said. “Y-you’d be the best!”

Anna smiled weakly up at her. Her brain felt very fuzzy all of a sudden. The pain was getting worse.

No. No. She cannot die, not now, not after all she’s done. Surely she won’t—the wound is likely not nearly as terrible as it felt, or this is some nightmare and she’ll wake up any moment, and there will be no more blood and George and Jane and Joan will be teasing her for falling asleep at prom and then they’ll go to the Blazer.

She doesn’t wake up.

And now she can’t breathe--her chest heaved and she gasped and coughed, and suddenly her throat felt very hot and full and it’s terribly uncomfortable.

She doesn’t want to die. But it hurt too much.

“Joan--” She rasped. “I-I can’t--”

“No.” Joan said through gritted teeth. Then, she softly pushed Anna’s head up to look at her. The spotlights glowed around her and made her look like a blood soaked angel. “You‘re not dying today. Not here.” She sniffled. “Not in my arms, Anna.”

Anna frowned and parted her lips, gasping for air so loud Joan’s own air almost got pulled out of her lungs.

“Please.” She begged quietly. “You have to--”

The rest of the words didn't come out, but Joan’s face paled and she understood.

“No, Anna,” She whispered. “No. Not after I--”

“I-it hurts, Joan.” Anna said.

“I-I can fix you!” Joan said, shaking her head. Blood from her hair splatter everywhere. “I-I can sew your wound! I-it’s gonna be okay!”

Anna shook her head sluggishly. “Joan,” She whispered firmly. “You can’t. You know that.” She lifted a quaking hand and wiped away one of Joan’s tears, smearing the blood already on her face. “Don’t--don’t be--sad.”

“W-we were supposed to w-watch that movie together,” Joan whimpered. “And have a party. You can’t die, Anna.”

“I’m sorry,” Anna breathed out. Then, quietly, she said, “I love you.”

“I love you.” Joan said back

Anna’s face lit up, regardless of the pain. “You’re incredible,” She said.

Joan cried harder.

“Don’t let--don't let this--w-world tell you--otherwise, mh?” She said. “Don’t let it--it ruin--you.”

“Anna, please.” Joan sobbed. “Please, please don't go. I-I need you. You--you brought me back to life.”

“And I’d do that again--and again..and again--”

Anna was delirious. She caressed Joan’s cheeks with her thumbs, and Joan leaned her forehead against hers. Joan let the silence between them fill the void she started feeling inside of her for a few seconds, but her sobs soon came back, filling the stage’s space. All around them in the gym, the panic of students and teacher chaperones was unified into stillness. They were all watching transfixed in shock and despair.

“Thank you,” Anna whispered.

“F-for what?” Joan asked.

Anna smiled. “For giving me the best night of my life.”

Anna’s neck snapped. Joan knew where to send her powers into her spinal cord to make her stop crying. Hurting.

To make it all stop.

If someone had asked her to do this, she would’ve killed herself. She would kill herself for Anna a thousand times. Over and over. She would let anyone torture her, use her, hurt her, however whenever wherever they would like to. But Anna asking her to end her suffering… She could not bear this. She could not bear her pain...not this one.

Not like this.

The one person who ever truly cared about her. The one person who genuinely wanted to be around her… She killed her.

Joan let out a long, keening whimper and began to rock back and forth, cradling Anna’s upper body against her chest.

If they only could’ve had more time. If they only could’ve had some more time to spend together, some more time to share, some more time to be friends. In such a short period of time, Anna had turned into the big sister she never knew she wanted or ever had. She wanted to be next to Anna forever and always. She wanted to be with her and her friends and even Katherine.

But it didn’t matter now. Anna was dead. And no amount of power was going to bring her back.

Joan cried for several long moments, clutching Anna’s corpse. Fresh blood mingled with the blood coating her entire being. Warmth was slowly draining out of Anna’s body.

And then, something itched in her throat and, holding Anna closer, she tipped her head back.

The thing that overcame the silence was just a noise, one that had been boiling up in Joan’s chest for hours; long before she had gotten blood dumped over her head, or walked into prom, or even got invited to prom at all.

Joan didn’t yell a whole lot, never had. She’d always had the tendency to quietly brood when her temper ran high or her spirits low, something that had helped facilitate her transformation over the years of torment and torture. So in reality, the noise that was escaping her right now was one she’d been holding back for a very long time.

It sounded stupid. But it felt good.

So she kept doing it. Screaming. Over and over again until it just turned into one long roar of agony and fury and anguish.

Intimidating or not, effective or not, when a sound was being uttered over and over by a teenage girl who’s been living the closest thing to Hell that could exist on God’s green earth, a teenage girl covered in blood with wild eyes, a mangy body, and a lifetime worth of pain...

It was a goddamn battle-cry.

Joan gently placed her flower crown on Anna’s chest, situating her limp hands to where they were holding on it, then stood very, very slowly as if she were underwater, or her muscles were buckled into place. Her movements weren’t right- they were too twitchy and abrupt like a robot with rusted limbs. And her eyes—god, her eyes… They were wider than humanly possible.

She stood, dripping with blood, tears still streaming down her cheeks, and stared out at the audience.

(i’m going to kill you all)

Someone should tell the Devil she was going to room with him because she was about to turn this place into a living Hell.

Grace period ended with the striking of the flaming snake. A poor boy in a dark purple tux burst into flames, and screaming erupted all around him once again.

“Oh fuck! Oh god!”

“We’re all going to die!”

“Open the door!”

“Somebody call 999!!”

“HELP!!!!”

Madness. It was pure madness.

(nobody will EVER laugh at me again)

She imagined storming into the school and screaming her head off at the inconsiderate teachers, the rude students. She’s a smart kid, dammit! She’s been in school as long as everyone else, and she’s very good at it. No more questioning her, no more arguing or trying to make her look foolish, no more bullying.

And then, it happened. Within the space of the gym, it happened. Absolute mayhem.

She imagined setting fire to the entire school, not caring about how much money it would cost to fix it. Just to hear the crackles of flames, just to watch the people scramble, just to be the chaos instead of the shield against it.

Roaring flames tore along the walls of the gym, thanks to Judgement. Her dragon at the top of the tree helped by fanning the fire with its giant wings, throwing embers all throughout the room. Students squealed when they were burned, music to Joan’s ears. Someone crumpled to the ground, charred as black as night. Someone else with their tux on fire was screaming for help. Several burned corpses lay half in, half out of the firestorm, so melted and disfigured that their gender could barely be made out.

She imagined stalking into her classes, kicking the door open like she would sometimes try to do with the prayer closet. She would watch class jump in surprise and fear, not just staring at her like she’s her mother’s trained puppy.

Her fingers clenched and someone’s head popped like a balloon, splattering bits of brain and bone all over the faces of the people around them. They all shrieked in horror. Someone else yelled in a higher register, and Joan realized it was some guy coming at her with a knife he must have snuck into the party. She couldn’t touch it, but she could feel her power surging through her fingers and she leaned into it, snatching the knife right out of the boy’s hands and making it cut murderously across his throat like the widest, most bloody smile in the world.

She imagined punching Anne in the face, hearing the crack of her nose. Better than any of the bullshit Christian music her mother makes her listen to.

And then, relishing it, she imagined dunking her into water until she couldn’t breathe, she imagined stealing Bessie’s clothes and leaving her stranded naked in a bathroom stall for hours, she imagined tripping Maria in the hallway and having her break her jaw on the way down, she imagined putting a snake in Maggie’s shoe and watching her howl and foam at the mouth when it pumped her full of venom.

Who’s the boss now? Who’s the tough one, who doesn’t take shit, who doesn’t do anything she doesn’t want, ever?

She imagined growling into all of their ears as she tore into all of them and didn’t care how much of a devil it made her.

How do you like me now?

Being strong, and bold, and standing up, taking what she wants when she wants it, for the first time in her goddamn life. Because, before this, she would have never done any of that stuff she imagines.

She never did that.

She never defended herself or stood up for herself or fought back.

She only endured and endured and endured like a good little girl, like Mama wanted, like how Mama made her.

It's what's best for her. What's best for everyone.

But not anymore.

Never again.

Joan reached out her powers and found Maggie among the panic.

(never again Maggie never again)

(you will never hurt anyone else ever again)

She coiled her powers around Maggie’s shoulders and clenched down. When the grasp was tight enough, she began telekinetically pulling away from Maggie’s body. Instantly, Maggie was alerted that something was very wrong when her arms raised outwards against her will. She fought against Joan’s power, but was much too weak, and began to scream loudly at the strain on her flesh.

“Maggie!” Anthony yelled in shock. “What’s wr--”

Joan halted his sentence. She didn’t want him speaking anymore.

She found his organs after a quick moment of searching and vacuumed them upwards. Anthony gagged loudly and clutched at his stomach. His throat bulged like an anaconda was trying to slither out of his body, and then his guts came pouring out of his mouth.

Everyone shrieked much louder than they were before, or at least those not completely panicking. Anthony’s stomach splattered to the ground first, then his kidneys and liver, large intestines, and then his small intestines, which didn’t make it all the way out and dangled from his mouth like a half eaten snake. He collapsed into the pool of his own insides, empty and very much dead.

“Anthony!!” Maggie shrieked, tears pouring out of her eyes. A moment later, her arms ripped off of her body and began spewing blood everywhere. Delicate bones poked out like stars on a dark night from the fresh openings against her shoulders. She would bleed to death quickly, and Joan left her to die on the floor, hoping it would be painful.

She looked around, noting how many people were still left alive. She watched Judgement corral three students, one of which fainted from terror. He set them all on fire and then whisked off for new prey. The girl who fainted woke up screaming, but the screams didn’t last very long.

Where was Anne?

(she ran)

(coward coward coward)

She had to go after Anne.

Joan got into the sprinklers overhead and activated them. The spray of water felt amazing over her tingling skin. The blood, mostly dried, began to run in red trails, but she knew it would do little to really clean her the way she wanted it to.

(i’m coming Anne)

But first, she had to finish what she started.

Violet took one step too close to the white tree where the watching dragon was perched. Having spotted her, the dragon roared a challenge, extending its wings in a brilliant display of dominance.

The roar it made was earth shattering.

Violet was still recovering from the roar when the dragon jumped down and its spiked forearm slammed into her chest, catapulting her backwards. It went after her, crushing several students into nothing beneath its talons, then pierced her with its tail, leaving her dangling several feet from the ground. Rich, ruby red blood drizzled from the razor sharp point.

She felt faint, the pain radiating through her like a dull ache as the dragon slowly brought her around, its beady white glass eyes fixed on her. She tried to wriggle free, but the sharp edge of the tail tearing into her unresisting flesh caused her to slide further down the blood-streaked appendage. The tail grated through her organs, cutting clean through them. She coughed blood and moaned weakly. Everything was starting to spin.

“Violet!!” Lara cried from down below.

Violet coughed blood again. The dragon lashed its tail and sent her flying free. She hit the floor roughly, hearing several bones snap, and then went very still. The last thing she ever heard was the sound of Lara’s skeleton being crushed in the jaws of the dragon.

Aragon was rarely ever scared, but the mayhem that had erupted throughout the gym nearly had her paralyzed with fear. For a moment, as she watched the destruction break out, she felt as though she couldn’t breathe, especially when she saw Anthony Lee spill his guts from his mouth, but when the sprinklers kicked on overhead, she put her head back on her shoulders.

She had to get out.

Amid the chaos, she saw a flash of white and purple- Bessie. She hurried over to the bleach-haired student, who was in the middle of a pretty bad panic attack, and grabbed her by the shoulders.

“Bessie! Bessie? Bessie, listen to me!” She shook her shoulders. “Come with me, alright?”

Bessie, unable to muster up any comprehensible reply, nodded. Aragon took her hand and began guiding her to a set of side doors that weren’t as blocked off as the rest of the exits. However, they were just as jammed as all the others.

“Fuck!” Aragon hissed, yanking on the handle.

“Wh-what do we do, Miss Aragon?!” Bessie whimpered, shivering.

Aragon looked around desperately, then located a vent up near the ceiling nearby.

“Get a chair!”

Bessie obeyed and grabbed the closest, most stable chair she could find. Aragon stood on it and ripped off the vent cover, then hopped back down. She had to let her kids go first.

“Go!” She shouted over the pandemonium. “Hurry! Get in!”

Bessie didn’t hesitate. She kicked off her heels and stood up on the chair, scrambling into the vent as quick as she could. Several other students who were smart enough to come over followed her in. By the time it was her turn to climb in, the sprinklers had cut off and the ground was covered in a layer of water.

Joan stepped off of the stage slowly. With every step she took, the water around her spread away so she would be walking on dry ground. Above her, the electrical equipment holding up the spotlights crackled, and Aragon realized what was about to happen.

“EVERYBODY, GET OFF THE FLOOR!!!” She screamed.

Aragon leapt up onto the chair and flung her arms inside the vent. As she was pulling herself up, the chair flipped and she was left dangling above the ground. And, at the same time, the electrical equipment exploded into sparks and fell to the floor.

It was horrifying. Absolutely horrifying. She watched her students spasm as they were electrocuted and then drop to the ground like birds with broken wings. Hundreds must have died, and she would soon join them. Any second now, her arms would give out and she’d plummet into the electrically charged water, joining the kids as a corpse inside the gym.

Her life began to flash before her eyes, surely thinking she was about to die. But then, a strange, unseen force began to lift her up and tuck her gently into the vent. When she turned her head, she saw Joan looking at her with shining eyes.

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emiewritesthings · 4 years

Text

when we were young - kevin atwater

requested?: yes by anonymous

Could you do an Adam Ruzek or Kevin Atwater imagine where it’s like a flashback to the time him and the reader met and about their relationship and it cuts to their life now?

kevin atwater x fem!reader

a/n: i’m not sure what happened but i kept writing and it came out with this, hope you enjoy. please send me requests :) - emie

masterlist

ten years ago

y/n’s arms were numb as she ran up the stairs to the apartment for the fourth time in a row. her slightly impaired by the boxes that were piled up in her hands, leaving her feet in full control to guide her to the apartment that just so happened to be on the fifth floor.

as she reached the floor, she could already hear her brothers from down the hall. they had barely been in the block for more than an hour and they had already started to bicker, it was in moments like this that y/n wished she had sisters.

“where did you put my baseball bat? i know you have it!” flynn groaned as he searched desperately through the boxes that were labelled according to what room they were for, unfortunately for him ‘weapons’ wasn’t one of them. flynn was only 8 years old, but his fascination with breaking things astounded y/n and pretty much everyone else he met.

“no one cares about that, where is the laptop.” kai shouted back from the other room, not seeming to notice y/n struggling to hold onto the boxes in her arms. knowing she wasn’t going to get any help from anyone in her household, she continued to struggle alone, making sure to avoid her youngest brother fletcher that was running around the apartment like some play area.

“will you two shut up, i’m trying to listen,” and finally there was phoenix, who was holding his phone tightly against his ear as he wandered around the apartment trying to find some sort of signal. y/n dropped the boxes next to the other ones that were beginning to fill up the living room.

“wow, y/n, thank you so much for bringing in all ours things and for paying for this place,” y/n mocked in a deep voice, in what she had deemed her ‘angsty brother’ voice, despite sounding like an idiot. “no problem guys.” she smiled sarcastically, patting flynn on the head as he let out a groan of annoyance, not having taken in a word his sister had said.

y/n was only 18 and yet she had spent the last 6 months of her life in court to get custody of her brothers in order to get them out of foster care. her parents were who knows where, on whatever drug they could find, while drinking whatever they could get their hands on. she knew that she had saved the boys through a life of pain, that she had not had when she was their age, but she would have appreciated a thank you every once in a while.

“so what’s for dinner?” kai called out, finding the laptop that all five of them had to share and had been sharing for the last few years. his body slouched against the couch, eyes not raising to meet his sister’s.

“dude, it’s three o’clock.” she snorted, she had learnt over the years of taking care of her brothers that they seemed to always be hungry, no matter the hour. yet still it amazed her. kai shrugged, the sound of his fingers tapping against the keys echoing throughout the bare apartment. “i guess we could get a pizza tonight, i still have the tips from friday.” she scronged around helplessly.

“pizza!” fletcher yelled as he ran back into the living room and into the arms of his sister, who picked him up with ease. the look of pure happiness on his face, reminded y/n exactly what made her moneyless, tiresome work worth it.

“you know, sometimes i’m sure you are the only one that loves me.” she grinned, as fletch wrapped his small arms around her and squeezed her softly. however the mood came crashing down when she heard a loud crash coming from one of the bedrooms.

“found it!” flynn yelled, as he appeared with the stupid baseball bat that y/n was sure she had thrown out and a wide smile on his face.

the knock on the door came just in time. y/n was busy unpacking her room, having completed everyone elses and the other rooms. her stomach was making sounds that had she been in public would have made her embarrassed.

“i’ve got it!” she yelled, but when she ran out the room no one had even made an effort to peel themselves away from the tv that was playing a rerun of friends. y/n grabbed her purse and pulled open the door. “it’s 15 bucks, right?” she asked, holding the money out, only to find as her eyes rose the three strangers at her door were certainly not the pizza delivery guy.

“ugh, sorry to bother you,” y/n could feel the apple of her cheeks burn as she met the coffee coloured eyes of the tall man that made her feel like she was 2 foot tall. “my name’s kevin atwater i live next door and this is my brother jordan and my sister vinessa- i’m sorry are we interrupting.” the man spoke, a small warm smile pulling on his lips as he looked over the woman’s face. he had been brought up properly, his desire to check her out was pushed down and he kept the friendly smile on his face.

“no, no, of course not,” y/n rambled, turning to look behind her at the four boys that were brainwashed by the small box that rested on an old tv stand. debating what to do she quickly moved out of the way of the door and gestured for them to enter. “come on in, let me introduce you to the boys. i’m y/n y/l/n, it’s nice to meet you guys.”

y/n had only had a couple of friends in her life, when you move from foster home to foster home it was hard to keep in contact. but this was a fresh start, it had to be and it was being offered to her on a silver platter.

“kevin, vinessa, jordan these are my brothers, malakai, phoenix, flynnigan and fletcher.” she introduced, making sure she gave the boys a sharp glare to behaviour while they had guests over. “guys, these are our neighbours, be nice.” she made sure she was looking at flynn who was holding onto his baseball bat like some deranged lunatic, but he flashed his most innocent smile as he looked to their guests.

“how’s it going, dude.” kai was the first one to speak up. standing from his position to shake kevin’s hand. then came flynn who completely ignored kevin as he nodded his head at jordan, who was around the same age as the boy.

“you like breaking things?” he asked, catching kevin and jordan by surprise as y/n quickly pulled flynn away from the boy and towards him.

“he’s joking.” he was not joking, but flynn happily returned to the sofa. y/n soon noticed that they were just standing awkwardly in their living room, knowing that she should probably play host, she pointed towards the kitchen. “you guys want a drink or something?”

“sure.” kevin smiled, his eyes following her as she excused herself and left the room. y/n didn’t like this whole host role, let alone for a 6 foot something god that was getting a first hand look into what a nutcase family he was living next to. the last thing she needed nor wanted was someone calling in CPS and taking them off her again. “uh, i was just wondering if you guys wanted some help.” y/n nearly dropped the cans in her hand, as she turned to face the man that didn’t mean to cause any hand.

“yeah, thanks.” she smiled, steadying her heartbeat for no more than a second before he took a few steps closer and it was off beating again. she couldn’t help it, she had not been with anyone in nearly 7 months. with the stress of the custody and the time taken to work, she didn’t really have time for a sex life. so one look at the man had her palms sweating like a creep.

“so where did you move from?” kevin asked. small talk, i can do small talk, y/n thought as she looked at kevin who was helping to find enough cups for everyone in the apartment.

“uh we were actually a few blocks over in the south.” she replied, not wanting to tell him the entire story, after all they had met moments ago. kevin hummed, noticing the way her shoulders tensed. anxiety was radiating off her, but he found it cute. “you always lived here?”

“yeah, pretty much,” the silence resumed and y/n didn’t know what else to say. maybe small talk wasn’t her thing. who was she kidding, she was killing this conversation and not in a good way. thankfully it was cut short as there was yet another knock on the door. y/n cursed, trying to put down the cups she had balanced in her hands, but kevin placed his hand upon her shoulder, stopping her. “i got it.” he offered, walking away and towards the front door.

y/n could feel her skin tingling, but she shook it off as she followed kevin out of the room.

“thanks, bro.” kevin called out before the door slammed shut. y/n put the drinks onto the coffee table, making sure that kevin’s siblings got first dibs before the boys got their hands on them. kevin appeared the his hands holding the rest of the cups and the pizza. “here you go, we should probably get going and let you guys eat-.”

“stay,” y/n said all too quickly, causing all eyes to look her way. realising she sounded way to desperate, her eyes widened as she tried to fix her words. “i mean why don’t you guys join us for dinner, i’m sure the boys don’t mind sharing, right guys?” she looked at her brothers who didn’t look impressed, but one stern look and they were all nodding.

“of course.” they cheered in unison. kevin placed the box on the table, and looked towards his own siblings that seemed to be eyeing up the pizza just a little too much to say no.

“that sounds great.” kevin smiled, admiring kind eyes that seemed to warm his body to an unusual heat. y/n’s body began to relax as she walked over and grabbed her own slice, knowing that when being surrounded by brothers it was always best to dive in before it all disappeared.

as time went on, y/n began to learn more about kevin and his family. the kids were playing some kind of game in another room, whilst y/n and kevin were sat on the sofa trying to get to know each other. a very tired fletcher asleep in y/n’s arms as she rocked him slowly.

“wait so you are a cop?” she asked astounded, she had never met a real life cop. in fact she had been raised to run away from them. when one showed up at her door it was either to bring back her pissed parents or to remove her and her brothers from the home. nothing good came out of the police, until now anyways.

“training to be one, yes. i’m only 19.” he chuckled, taking a short sip on the beer they had found in y/n’s fridge.

“don’t tell flynn that, he will most likely try and steal your gun or ask you questions that no 8 year old should ask.” she giggled, her brother had seen more than most which left him asking questions that received concerned but mostly confused looks. she called him their little psychopath, but underneath all that he was her little teddy bear that she had literally taken care of for all his life.

“i’ll be keeping my eye out for him, don’t worry.” he promised and he meant it. the pair were both legal guardians of their siblings while they were still teenagers themselves, they had to look out for one another, they were the only ones that understood. “what about you, what do you do?”

“i’m a waitress until 1 and then i work at the bowling alley until 7 after that i serve cocktails to rich white collars at the bar in the city.” she explained, even the explanation made her take a long and painful sip of her beer. the exhaustion had never been so agonising in her life. trying to juggle looking after her family and providing for them proved to be much more difficult than first thought, but they were family, she couldn’t give up on them.

“holy shit,” kevin breathed out, noticing the way her eyes saddened into a darker colour. a shadow of tears rising in her eyes, but quickly disappearing as she reminded herself that she didn’t have time to cry. she was the strong one. “okay then, what do you want to be doing? if you could be anything in this world what would you be?” he asked, bringing a smile out onto her face.

“i want to be a nurse,” she smiled, completely zoning out of their conversation. “i want to help people, i want to care for people, i mean i have been doing it for my entire life why not make money from it?” she giggled, as she was brought out of her trance by someone placing their hand on her’s. her eyes found themselves locked on kevin’s.

“nurse y/n, huh?” kevin smiled, lightening the mood. however as he did, the small child in the arms of his sister seemed to stir. y/n excused herself, as she stood up and walked in the direction of fletcher’s room. just as she did, the door to the room the kids were in swung open revealing a very intrigued flynn.

“hey, can i talk to you for a second?” kevin nearly missed the fact that the child was indeed talking to him. looking around and realising no one else was in the room he nodded, patting the space besides him which flynn soon took. “i think my sister likes you, dude.” flynn spoke, not even a hint of guilt in his voice as he looked towards the man that the family had literally known for a total of three hours and a half. kevin tried to hide his smile as he nodded.

“i like your sister, she’s a nice girl.”

“i don’t think you get what i’m trying to say,” for an 8 year old, he really didn’t take any shit. his look was stern as he kept his eye contact with kevin strong, only making the small child look 10 times more intimidating. “you can’t do that thing that mom and dad always do, or what harvey did, or jacob or callum. y/n needs someone that loves her and stands by her, because y/n takes care of everyone but no one takes care of y/n.” kevin could feel his chest ache as the words came out of the boy’s mouth, the hard look in his eyes softening revealing the small child that was hidden beneath the gore loving child.

“she’s a good person, huh.” he gestured towards the woman who could just be seen through the crack in the door tucking in fletcher and kissing his head softly. her hands gripping some book and the words falling off her tongue softly. both flynn and kevin sharing the same small smile.

“the best.” flynn confirmed, before patting him on the back and returning to the room. for a moment, kevin had to figure out if he had just imagined that conversation. the 8 year old spoke like a teenager, making it hard to believe that he was so young.

kevin had no desire to break his vow he had made that night and he never did.

---

present

“you know i miss the days i could actually fit into my clothes,” y/n sighed as she leaned back in the office chair looking over to hailey, who let out a giggle. hailey was the only member of the unit that y/n had found in the office, and just so happened to be her best friend. y/n’s hand rested on her rather large stomach that only kept growing, even at 8 months.

“and yet you look stunning, how do you do it?” haley asked, making y/n scoff. she looked a hot mess. she had been on maternity leave for far too long in an apartment alone until someone came home. she had been still working as a nurse until kevin convinced her that it was time to take some time off, which left her showing up the office more and more just so she could tell herself that she had done something somewhat interesting with her day.

“give it a month i will have stains i won’t be able to identify down every item of clothing and hair that i haven’t washed in weeks because i spend all my freetime sleeping.” she recalled the times she was younger and had spent sleepless nights trying to sooth fletch and flynn when they were babies. she had gone to school with far too many vomit stain to count, which only motivated the bitchy girls to point it out daily.

the sound of footsteps hitting the stairs made both of the women turning around. an immediate smile taking over y/n’s face when she noticed the tall man that shared the same grin on his face. his eyes a wild mix of excitement and affection as he quickened his pace to embrace the woman that just managed to push herself off the chair.

“hey, baby,” he greeted, pressing his lips against her’s, before he placed his hand on the bump. “what’s up little man?” he grinned, as the baby began to kick against his touch. kevin was very proud of the fact that he had the effect on the little baby.

“you never know he could be a she.” she argued back, remembering that they had specifically decided not to know the gender of the baby. kevin rolled his eyes jokingly, as he gave her an incredulous look.

“you have 4 brothers, your dad had 10 and your grandfather had 8 and you are seriously trying to tell me that the baby could be a girl.” kevin snorted, earning a light thwack from the woman that he had loved for the past decade. her eyes full of the same light as the day they had met, but y/n no longer kept her burdons locked up. she wasn’t alone anymore, she would never be alone again.

“smart a-.” she tried to speak but a sudden pain raked through her body like a wave. her hand gripped onto kevin’s as she shut her eyes, keeping her breathing calm. “holy shit.” she breathed out, catching the attention of the whole unit.

“what the- what’s happening?” kevin stuttered, watching his wife in so much pain made his heart hurt. but the not knowing made everything ten times worse. hailey walked up behind him, her hand placed on the shoulder of her best friend, as her eyes flickered to the floor. “what is it?”

“i think the baby’s coming.” y/n and hailey spoke in unison, making the soon to be father gasp for air. adam and jay were the first to react, patting kevin on the back congratulating him while hailey ran around looking for her keys.

“i’m gonna be a dad,” kevin muttered slowly, as if the last 8 months and 2 weeks had failed to indicate such a thing. “i’m gonna be a dad!” he began to get more excited until he noticed y/n still slouched over in pain, hailey rubbing her back slowly talking her through it. “oh shit, i should probably do something, what should i do?” no one had seen kevin so jittery, his eyes flicking from each person in the room before hailey chucked him the keys.

“we should probably start with the hospital, big guy.”

“oh yeah, right.” kevin agreed, taking over rubbing y/n’s back as he helped guide her down the stairs and out of the district. hailey and jay following along, ready to welcome their soon to be god child to the world. “let’s go have a baby.” kevin sang, as y/n looked up with a painful smile.

“i love you, you know.”

“i love you more.”

after hours and hours of kevin nervously rambling about how excited and nervous he was and hours and hours of y/n telling kevin to shut up. y/n finally began to question how her mother had gone through such a pain 5 times, however when she got to held the small child in the her arms any pain and discomfort was washed away.

“is it safe to come in?” y/n had nearly fallen to sleep when she heard the soft voice call into the room. her eyes flickered over to the door and a large smile pulled across her face and kevin’s when they noticed the familiar faces. fletcher, kai, phoenix, vinessa and jordan all stood in the door way. vinessa was clutching a balloon, while the boys were all holding onto some kind of gift for the baby.

“is the rumour true?” kai asked, as their eyes flicked over to the small baby that was resting on y/n’s chest. y/n snorted, her eyes meeting kevin who was still high up on cloud nine despite having been in the same room for the last 30 hours.

“meet evelyn vinessa atwater,” she grinned, her fingers tracing over the small boned human that she was now responsible for along with her husband. she made sure she was looking at vinessa who seemed more than stoked to be part of her niece’s name, being the first one to take steps forward to get a closer look. y/n picked up the baby and passed her over to her aunt, smiling as she noticed the love already in vinessa’s eyes.

“we have someone else that you might want to see,” kai called catching her attention as she noticed the laptop being placed on her lap. her eyes widening as she noticed the black screen morph into the face of someone she missed.

“i heard i have i officially been named the cool uncle,” y/n let out a soft sob as for the first time in the last year she saw the face of her brother. his body clothed out in camouflage print and a badge sewn into the material clearly reading ‘US ARMY’. “hey, big sis.” he greeted her. flynn had enlisted to join the army the moment he graduated from high school, much to the dismay of his sister.

it wasn’t that y/n wasn’t proud of her brother. if you had asked her 10 years ago what she thought her brother would be doing, the army would not have even passed her mind. but she knew that she couldn’t protect him when he was out in the middle east fighting for their country.

“hate to tell you, dude, but that title has already been claimed.” phoenix challenged, as he appeared besides y/n with baby evelyn in his arms. flynn didn’t hesitate to flip his older brother off, who seemed to just laugh it off.

“you doing alright out there?” y/n asked, pushing herself up slightly but hissing at the pain that lingered throughout her body. it seemed pushing a living creature out of your body wasn’t as easy as the movies made it look. her eye’s were slightly weeping as she looked at her brother who was not the same boy that she had diapered, he was a full fledged man now. she couldn’t have been prouder.

“i will be when i get home and can teach my niece how to annoy her dad.” at the mention of him, kevin appeared in front of the camera, giving his brother in law a long stare that caused the whole room to crack up. “you know i expect the next kid to be named after me, flynnigan junior sounds cool, right?” kevin and y/n looked at each other with wide eyes, mentally telling each other that that was one of the worst ideas they had heard. hearing her brother chuckle over the line, she felt 18 again. “listen i have to go, but i will call again i promise.” y/n didn’t want to say goodbye, but she knew she had to.

“love you.” she smiled, a couple tears trickling down her face.

“love you too.” and just like that the call ended and y/n was met with her reflection. closing the laptop, she noticed that the only one’s in the room were her, kev and evelyn. looking towards kevin she didn’t have to say much, as her eyes said it all. her fingers reaching out to her daughter’s, that effortly wrapped around one.

“thank you,” y/n blurted out, looking up at kevin with nothing but love. “i don’t think i ever said thank you for saving my life all those years ago. i didn’t know it till later, but you pulled me out of the deep end before i even knew i was drowning. you changed my life, kevin atwater.”

“i love you, mrs atwater.”

“i love you too.”

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belphegor1982 · 4 years

Text

…it’s done. Finished. My monster Mummy fic, the one I started in 2003, started publishing in 2004, and left dormant since 2008 – I finally completed it o.O Weirdly (or not), this is the chapter which gave me the most trouble, if you don’t count chapters 16 and 17 (which took me 2 and 16 years to write, respectively). It was hard to say goodbye to this story and these characters, even though I knew I literally just had to get an idea for another story :-/

FAIRY TALES AND HOKUM

Summary: 1937: Two years after the events of Ahm Shere, the O’Connells are “required” by the British Government to bring the Diamond taken there from Egypt to England. In Cairo, while Evelyn deals with the negotiations and Rick waits for doom to strike again, Jonathan bumps into an old friend of his from university, Tom Ferguson. Things start to go awry when the Diamond is stolen from the Museum and old loyalties are tested… (story on AO3; on FFnet)

(Chapters on Tumblr: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)

Chapter 24: Departure (on AO3 here; on FFnet here)

London, September 1937

A little off Paddington Station, almost in Marylebone, was a small pub called the Stars and Crown, its red brick façade almost exactly similar to the others along the street. It was an unassuming little affair Jonathan liked to patronise every now and then, and not just because it happened to be situated not too far from his flat.

It was a balmy mid-September late afternoon and one of the double doors was wide open on the quiet street. Jonathan and Tom were seated by one of the stained-glass windows, drinking – G&T and a ginger beer, respectively – and talking. Jonathan, remembering the promise he’d made after blowing up Hamilton’s lorry, had bought the rounds.

But for small details like the mostly healed-over scratches on Tom’s hands, the old scar in Jonathan’s left palm, and all the subtler little ways the past two decades had changed them, they might as well have been twenty year old students again.

Well, apart from the subject of their conversation.

“I got off easy, if you ask me.”

“Nonsense. You were the only one who tried to fix this bloody disaster. It’s only fair that you didn’t… You know.”

“…Pay for my mistakes?”

“That is not what I meant and you know it.”

Tom gulped a mouthful of ginger beer, still looking glum.

“I suppose – I know – I should be grateful I didn’t end up like Hamilton, at least.”

Jonathan winced.

Charles Hamilton had made it back to England in a slightly better state than he had made it out of the pyramid, but that wasn’t saying much. From what they had heard, he was lucid for about an hour a day, and that was it – and not very coherent at that. Which made the fact that he allegedly hung himself in his cell a week before his highly sensitive trial very suspicious indeed. The man didn’t appear capable of putting on his trousers on his own, let alone do anything as complex as a slipknot.

The Lord Chancellor’s Department had issued a statement half-heartedly lamenting Hamilton’s demise, the newspapers had stayed surprisingly quiet about it, and Evy had fumed for an entire fortnight. And that had been it. Hamilton had taken the gentleman’s way out. Case closed.

At least Gabriel Baine had been tried, convicted, and sent behind bars for a lengthy period of time. Jonathan didn’t particularly care where he was, as long as he could be elsewhere.

Baine had stated a few times that there hadn’t been anything personal about shooting and ordering his men to shoot Jonathan, Rick, and Tom. Jonathan had silently begged to differ. Baine’s shouts of “Kill them” followed by the sudden excruciating pain in his back, not to mention the confusion and terror as he fought not to die and lost, had felt pretty damn personal.

Tom stared into his glass for a while, then looked up with a brighter expression.

“But enough about this fiasco. How’s your family? I seem to remember your sister’s birthday was coming up, you were lookin’ for a present when we bumped into each other at that bazaar. Did you find one, in the end?”

Jonathan perked up. “I did, actually. Got her a signet ring. She seemed to like it.”

Now that memory he would treasure as long as he lived.

An inventory of his pockets had revealed a hodgepodge of small trinkets which he was still trying to trace. The little medallion with the amethyst cameo must be early Regency, stolen by the pygmy mummies from some unfortunate Napoleon soldier’s corpse; the lapis earring was probably from the Ramesside period (a few Rameses had sent their armies to find or reclaim Ahm Shere, Jonathan had found); the couple of gold and silver rings bearing the Roman SPQR were a little incongruous but easy to chalk up to Julius Caesar’s expedition. There were also some 4th Century Persian coins, proving Alexander the Great’s men had also reached Ahm Shere – the Oasis, anyway – and a number of little amulets from various Egyptian expeditions, mostly heart scarabs made of red and green jasper, copper, quartz, bronze, or gold. He hadn’t determined the nature of the green gemstone yet, saving it for last.

Jonathan had been so excited by his find that he hadn’t gambled a single object. Tracing their origins took time, but he had not even told Evy about it yet. Instead he had not only called on every scrap of expertise he had concerning treasure, but also on every book he could lay his hands on. Evy would have been very surprised – not to mention highly suspicious – if she learned how much time he had been spending at the British Library lately.

He had always enjoyed a good riddle. For some reason this one looked promising enough to justify doing some actual work for. Besides, having the artefacts authenticated meant he would be able to get a much better price selling them.

The only thing he had parted with was the (probable) Napoleon coin, the soft gold nibbled almost beyond recognition by the pygmy mummies’ teeth. Another look at it the morning after his resurrection had given him an idea.

Before they left the Medjai camp, Jonathan had obtained from Ardeth a sketch of Nefertiri’s personal cartouche and the address of a talented goldsmith in Cairo; once back in the city, he had wandered down to Kerdasa, the coin and the folded paper safe in the inside pocket of his (whole and clean) jacket.

Just before he reached the little shop, however, he heard a yelp and a startled cry, and was knocked off his feet by something large and hairy. His vision was filled by long camel’s lashes and lips drawn back on long yellow teeth in what Jonathan might have taken as a smile if he hadn’t known better.

Why did every single camel have to have such foul breath, he wondered.

“ʾAhlan1, Djem,” muttered Jonathan with a sigh that was half annoyance, and half amused resignation.

And was astonished when the camel immediately disappeared from view, replaced with a familiar face. Satiah’s big brown eyes went wide when she saw him.

“Oh, it’s you, bāša2. Hello,” she said with a smile.

Jonathan got up and dusted himself off, irritation quickly fading away. The jacket could survive a little dirt; besides, Satiah’s smile as she hung on to Djem’s bit had lost some of its previous shyness. Considering how fearful she had been the last time – and who could fault her for that, really – it almost made getting knocked over by a foul-smelling bag of hair and wind worth it.

“Good morning, Miss Satiah,” he said in Arabic, picking up his hat from the ground so he could salute her with a flourish. Her hand flew to her mouth to hide a giggle. “It’s a stroke of luck finding you, really. I wanted to thank you for your help the other day, and for, er…”

He reached his limits of the language, and finished in English, “I mean, thank you for returning my wallet to my sister. That was very kind of you.”

“You’re welcome,” Satiah said in Arabic, her cheekbones a little pink. “I’m glad you and your friends got away from those men.”

Jonathan’s smile slipped a notch or two, but he rallied quickly enough.

“Yes,” he said just a little wryly, “we did, at that. In the end.”

He cleared his throat. “Well, I’ve just reached my destination,” he added, pointing to a door above which hung a sign saying something about gold in painted Arabic script, “so I’m going to wish you a—”

“You’re going to see Cousin Ashar?” Satiah interrupted, her eyes shining. Immediately afterwards she clamped both hands on her mouth and cringed. “I’m sorry.”

“That’s all right. Small world, eh?”

She gave a small smile and led the way into the shop, stopping only to tie Djem to a post.

Ashar – the goldsmith Ardeth had recommended – was a tall, wiry man with a long face, his hair going grey at the temples. He welcomed Satiah warmly and sent her to the backroom to get what she came for. Before she closed the door, she gave Jonathan a little friendly wave, which he returned with a smile. Ashar gave him an odd but not hostile look, eyebrows raised.

Jonathan placed his order, left the coin, and was about to leave, when Ashar called him back, frowning slightly.

“You’re one of the O’Connells, aren’t you.”

Jonathan’s mouth opened and closed as though of its own accord.

“You could say that, yes,” he said finally. “Why?”

“Because word of the second raising of Anubis’ Army made it to Cairo recently.”

This time Jonathan’s mouth dropped open and remained like that for a handful of seconds. Ashar gave something that was almost a smile.

“Not all of us wear the ritual tattoos, you know.”

“I do know,” Jonathan articulated with only the slightest difficulty. Dr Hakim was a Medjai, and his face was devoid of any tattoo as well. Dr Bey had been the same, now that he thought of it. His gaze went to the door that led to the backroom. “Satiah, too…?”

“Yes. But her mother’s family has lived in Cairo for fifty years. The girl has never seen the desert. She will get good schooling and find a trade, inshallah3. The time for living legends is coming to an end.” Ashar looked at the cartouche Ardeth had drawn for reference. “I know what this says. Who the name belonged to. Your commission is either a hollow trinket or a great gift.”

Jonathan drew himself up and said, as dignified as he could, “I’m rather hoping for the latter.”

His own signet ring had been gambled and lost in some card game or another, years ago. His parents would have been so disappointed had they still been alive. The least he could do was make sure his sister had a ring of her own, one that paid tribute to the woman she was and the woman she had been, three millennia ago.

Evy’s reaction when she opened his present proved him right, and even surprised him.

She stared into the box long enough for Jonathan’s brain to go into overdrive. Her silence made him panic ever so slightly. Then she looked up at him, her eyes very bright, lower lip trembling.

Jonathan barely suppressed the need to shuffle like a schoolboy and buried his hands into his pockets, hoping his face didn’t give too much away.

“I know I wasn’t… there – or, you know – then,” he said, almost sheepishly. “But I thought… Well. I hoped you’d like it. The cartouche must be right, I got it from Ardeth, and the goldsmith was a bloody good artist, as it turned out, but—”

Evy cut him off by launching herself at him and flinging her arms around his neck, throwing him off balance. As usual, Jonathan stumbled, but managed to catch her in the end.

“It’s perfect,” she whispered into his neck. “Thank you, Jon.”

If his smile was a little wobbly, his eyes a little moist, nobody seemed to notice. Rick and Alex had picked up the little box; Rick’s face lit up in strange recognition, while Alex deciphered the cartouche slowly and grinned.

“Nice one, Uncle Jon. That’s a pretty good present.”

“Yes, about that,” said Jonathan irrepressibly while Evy broke away and wiped her eyes, “I hope you realise that this is the last birthday present you’ll ever get from me, old mum. Since – judging by your reaction – nothing I could give to you could ever top this, I have decided to simply refrain from trying.”

Evy had slapped his arm and called him an idiot with a big smile, then hugged him again. And he had hugged her back, just because he was alive and able to.

The ring hadn’t left her finger since.

“Jon?”

Jonathan was abruptly pulled back to the present, the Stars and Crown, and Tom’s curious smile across the table.

“Hm?”

“You were a thousand miles away.”

“Sorry about that. What about you and Lizzie? Dorset been treating you well, I hope?”

Tom shook his head with a smile.

“It has, sort of, but we’re moving to Oxford. Did Liz tell you she’d been replaced while she was gone?”

Jonathan nodded. Lizzie disappearing for two weeks had not gone unnoticed in her little town, but since the police didn’t have the beginning of a clue and nobody was able to reach Tom, they had moved on to other things and her boss at the telephone exchange had hired someone else. There had been a subtle but definite irony in Lizzie’s letter as she described her and Tom’s return and the scrutiny they’d had to stand up to in order to prove her husband hadn’t killed her and stashed her body away – or vice versa – before his former Chamber of Horus hierarchy stepped in to explain things.

“Well, they needed an operator at the exchange on Pembroke Street. And you know the interview I had this morning at Whitehall? I won’t be too far, as it turns out.” Tom took a deep breath, then said with one of the goofiest smiles Jonathan had ever seen on his face, “I’ll be workin’ from the Bodleian.”

This could only mean one thing. Jonathan grinned.

“The British Antique Research Department accepted your application, didn’t they? Congratulations, old chap. That’s fantastic.”

He downed a mouthful of his G&T and laid an elbow on the table, his chin in his hand.

“Haven’t been to Oxford in almost fifteen years,” he said thoughtfully. “Not since Evy finished her degree. I wonder if the city’s changed.”

“It’s Oxford,” said Tom quietly, looking like his mind was straying down the same path Jonathan’s thoughts were. “I can’t imagine it’ll ever change that much.”

Jonathan smiled quickly into his palm. Then he raised his glass.

“To the two of you, then. And to publicans hopefully not holding grudges, otherwise we’re still banned from half the pubs in Oxfordshire.”

Tom snorted and raised his own glass, now almost empty. “To the three of us, and testing that theory sometime. And let’s not wait two decades this time,” he added with a twinkle in his eyes.

The two glasses clinked.

For just a second, the decades fell away, and Jonathan was twenty years younger.

Lizzie was already waiting for them on the platform by the time they finished their drinks and walked back to Paddington. She carried a shopping bag that looked entirely too small compared to what should be expected of a woman who’d just spent a few hours in the old metropolis. Tom raised an eyebrow.

“Didn’t you say you planned to go to Harrods while we were in London?”

“I also said I only needed a new suit and the latest Agatha Christie novel,” she said, light teasing in her tone. “The next one will be out sometime in November, I think. Have you heard what the title will be? Death on the Nile, of all things.”

Jonathan gave a mock shudder. “I might just give this one a miss, then.”

The train’s whistle pierced the air, cutting the rest of the conversation short. Tom picked up his wife’s bag and Lizzie turned to Jonathan with a smile.

“Goodbye, Jonathan,” she said softly.

The use of his first name had always been a signal that the game was paused and the masks were off, as clear as a referee blowing halftime. Jonathan answered in kind, his throat just a little tight.

“Goodbye, Elizabeth.”

They hadn’t even actually said ‘goodbye’ last time. They had just stood there, she leaning out the train window in her brand-new nurse’s uniform, he and Tommy on the platform amidst the soot, the steam, and the throng of people, until the train departed. The memory was an old hurt that still twinged sometimes, like his left shoulder when the weather was bad.

He cleared his throat and smiled.

“See you on the next Christie novel, then?”

What Lizzie did next might have shocked twenty year old Jonathan, who thought he knew her well, and as such very much surprised his current self, who had a little too much experience of the world to truly get shocked anymore. She took his hands in hers, flying in the face of propriety and what had been her rules of conduct in public, and kissed him on the cheek near the corner of his mouth with an aching sweetness. The old Lizzie, so shy and unsure of her self-worth that she was terrified of what people may think, would have been appalled.

It had taken a while for Jonathan to truly grasp how much the years had changed Tommy and start thinking of him as ‘Tom’ to account for that change. Through this apparently simple gesture – simple only to someone who didn’t know Elizabeth Ferguson, née McAllister – Lizzie became ‘Liz’ in an instant.

“I can’t bear to think you died,” she said, her voice shaking ever so slightly. “When I think… Without that – that book…”

She took a deep breath. Tom caught Jonathan’s eye and gave a small nod. Of course he had told her. Knowing Liz, she’d take the secret to her grave anyway.

“Take care of yourself, Jonathan, please. The world would be so dreadfully dull without you in it,” she added with a tentative smile, to which he replied with a smile of his own, one that hopefully looked steadier.

“Likewise.”

Her hands tightened around his. Just for a second or two, he softly ran his thumb on the back of her hand, an echo of the old intimacy that used to bind them; then their gazes fell away, their hands separated, and the moment was over.

Tom held out his hand with a smile, and Jonathan’s mind was whisked back to that sunny afternoon in Cairo, almost two months ago, and a chance encounter that had reshuffled the cards in a major way. Tom’s handshake was slower this time, steadier, warmer.

“Bye, Jon.”

“Cheers, Tom,” said Jonathan, determined but failing to swallow the lump in his throat. “Have a pint at the Oxford Arms for me.”

Tom nodded, and added his left hand to the handshake, not saying anything. He didn’t need to. As usual – almost – everything he meant to say was on his face and in his eyes for the world to see.

The train let out a burst of steam. Tom hastily let go and made for the train door, stopping only to help Liz aboard. Jonathan looked wistfully at the train for a minute and was about to turn around and go home when he heard his name being called over the din of the locomotive and the running gears chugging into motion.

Tom and Liz were leaning out of a window, wearing identical wide smiles. Liz was waving, her other arm wrapped tightly around her husband. The light in her eyes and her curly hair whipping around her face made her look like the girl from Jonathan’s memories.

“Send my love to Evelyn!” she called. “And say hello to your brother-in-law for me! You’re all welcome anytime for tea!”

“I’ll make sure they know!” shouted Jonathan as the train gathered speed.

The blatant disregard of platform etiquette made several passers-by turn and stare at him with a touch of glower. Jonathan ignored them and kept his eyes on the departing train. Tom’s and Liz’s beaming smiles remained in his head a long time after they had gone back inside the carriage.

He would see them again. This time he was determined not to leave the possibility of a reunion to chance and the vagaries of life. They had been through too much – both twenty years and two months ago – to just go their separate ways.

Besides, Jonathan mused as he left Paddington behind to wade through the bustling streets, he still had some research to do before he set out to sell the objects he had found at Ahm Shere. The Bodleian Library was as good as the British Library; at least he didn’t risk meeting Evy there and being subjected to her prodding curiosity, which he wasn’t ready to face yet. At least not before he unravelled the mystery of the little gemstone. It looked like an emerald and felt vaguely familiar, as though he had seen it somewhere or heard a story about it.

This required some investigation, if only to be prudent.

After all, he was particularly well placed to know that you can only go so far on fairy tales and hokum alone.

THE END

.⅋.

1(أَهْلًا): informal “hello”, “hi”.

2باشا (bāša): “sir”, “mister” in Egyptian Arabic.

3ʾin šāʾa llāhu, (إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ‎) – literally “if God has willed it”, “God willing”

Don’t look for the Stars and Crown in Paddington, or the Oxford Arms in Oxford. Unlike the Turf Tavern they’re entirely fictional.

Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile was indeed published on 1st November 1937. I couldn’t resist, I mean, come on ;o)

The Bodleian Library is the main research library in Oxford and one of the oldest in Europe.

If you’re wondering, yes, that little gemstone might be the basis for a sequel of sorts, but I haven’t really started to plot it. Considering my track record for these things you might see that story sometime in the next decade and a half :P

Writing and publishing Fairy Tales and Hokum has been such an adventure. I was 21 when I started writing it; now I’ll be 38 in four days. Much as I miss the old crowd of 2003-2006, reposting and updating the story here on AO3 allowed me to know some awesome people. I’m so glad these characters somehow – FINALLY – sneaked back into my head and my heart again with their quirks, their (updated) backstories, and their voices and allowed me to finish this story the way I wanted to. Like I’ve said before, whenever you started reading this, I hope you had a good time now that you’ve reached the end. If you’ve read and left a signed comment – if you’ve read and left an anonymous comment – if you’ve read and left no comment at all – know that I wrote this for you and I hope some of it made you smile.

Take care of yourselves, love you all, and see you on the next fic? :o)

#Fairy Tales and Hokum #fanfiction #my stuff #the mummy films

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missnmikaelson-main · 4 years

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The Forgotten - Chapter 20

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5 , Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14, Chapter 15, Chapter 16, Chapter 17, Chapter 18, Chapter 19

Elena paced the narrow space between the bed and the dresser. The cave house screamed luxury, but in terms of size it was a hovel in comparison the New Orleans home they had first shared.

She preferred it; he was only a handful of steps away.

She hooked her finger under her locket chain, pulling it from left to right.

She dropped it and slipped into the bathroom.

Through the steam she spotted the gleaming vanity and his watch.

The shower door slid open just enough for him to poke his head out.

"Did you change your mind, darling?” His eyes flickered down her pyjamas. "Decide to join me?"

"No," she shook her head, hopping up on the counter, “but I did change my mind. I want to know; I know I said I didn't want to know, but now I want to know."

"You came in here to discuss my ex?"

"I don't want the sordid details,” she rested her shoulders against the mirror and crossed her arms. "I do want information on her though, and aside from the witches you are the only one alive who can tell me anything."

He closed the shower door to rinse the shampoo out. The sordid details were part of what made Ariadne who she was.

"Are you truly considering doing this?" He turned his face toward the spray. "Killing someone?"

"You don't think I'm capable?" She frowned at the glass.

"I think you were hesitant to use the Devil's Star," he shut off the water.

"I still haven't, but,” she met his eyes when he stepped out, "I have traded one life to save another, and to preserve an innocent life I will do so again. Towel?" She held out her hand and he took the towel from where it dangled from her finger. "How old is she?"

"I turned her in the fourteenth century," he wrapped the towel around his hips, "and before you can ask, no, you can't take her. She is too old and too strong; you got a shot in because you surprised her."

"My bone breaking spell helped,” she smirked.

"I thought I heard her ribs crack." He snickered, placing his hands on her knees and curling his fingers around the sensitive skin behind. "That spell is the reason you won't get near her; she knows you're different."

"Then what is she? How am I going to get close?"

"I suppose I should tell you everything,” he rubbed the back of his neck. "She wasn't always like that. She was a witch, and I happened to enjoy her company."

"I bet you did,” her lip curled.

"Aw, don't be jealous, my love,” he tugged the lace edge of her shorts, "it was just a fling."

She glared and fought back a smile. "Neither you or Rebekah are funny."

"Agree to disagree,” he chuckled. "Her feelings ran deeper than mine; it’s how we learned to never turn someone who cares for us. I still don't know how Finn got around it; perhaps if he had been awake I'd have handled the situation better."

"Why is it a bad idea? You mentioned sire bonds. What are they?”

"Because the sired vampire becomes just that,” he sighed, closing his eyes. "After I turned her she took me to her coven, and this coven happened to worship an immortal condemned to eternal slumber. They said if he awoke he would unleash hell on earth, and they wanted to wake him because he would grant them power beyond imagining. I happened to like the earth the way it was."

"Is this the 'we slaughtered a coven and revelled in the blood story'?" She leaned forward, hooking her ankles behind his back.

"You know I hold witches in high regard,” he ran his knuckles down her cheek. "They make for the greatest allies and the worst enemies, and unless they pose a real threat I never harm them. These ones, though...” he sighed. "They had to die."

"I vented that night to Ariadne: 'Silas could never be allowed to rise' and 'every last witch in the coven needed to die’. I didn't mean it literally, but it didn't matter because she was sired to me."

His eyes glazed over as he gazed into the past. Her voice dragged him back.

"What happened?" She lifted her hands, cradling either side of his face. "Please tell me, or show me. Just don't shut me out, okay?"

He frowned and rubbed the dimple in her left knee. Centuries, countless languages later, and he still had no words to describe the carnage.

"Another Original,” he mused, "I'm not sure I could show you."

"All you have to do is let me in,” she searched his eyes; only closing her eyes when he nodded.

He took a deep breath and lowered his forehead to hers; a second later he felt her presence in his mind and summoned the memory.

Elena gasped, but didn't pull away as she saw the world through his eyes.

She stepped over an older man, barely noticing the dainty bite on his neck. The second body was the one that gave her pause. A wet rock rolled against his/her foot, and it took an embarrassingly long moment before she registered that it was a small heart; the compact body was that of a child younger than five. There were more bodies the further they went, some old, some young and a few barely out of the cradle.

Finally, after Elena lost count of the bodies, they found Ariadne soaked in blood and draining the life from a boy who could have been her brother; she grinned at them.

Elena pulled out of his head, blinking fast to adjust to the bathroom light. She felt his thumbs swipe away her tear tracks.

"I finished off what remained of the coven, but she wasn't the same after. I had unwittingly ordered her to kill the coven she had grown up in: brothers, sisters, cousins... children she helped raise and because she was sired to me she had no choice but to do it. Between the trauma and the euphoria of witches' blood she went a little crazy, and apparently developed a taste for it."

“You left her, didn't you?” Elena cleared her throat.

"I tried. She followed me here to Santorini,” he rubbed her shoulder absentmindedly; “eventually our indiscretions drew my father's attention. I knew my patterns, I knew she could never be reigned in, and I do know that I should have put her down."

"Why didn't you?” Elena chewed her bottom lip.

"Pity,” he met her eyes, "maybe a little guilt. I was young, darling. I didn't know what to do so I told her not to follow me because it was dangerous. It was my misguided attempt to spare her feelings. I thought eventually she would move on."

"And yet," she murmured, lowering her eyes to his chest. She drummed her fingers over his heart for a moment before speaking again. "According to the coven she's been plaguing them for centuries. Something tells me she's too smart to fall for a trap."

"You know," he thought of Ariadne, “a good trap is made or broken by the choice of bait."

++++

Locating Ariadne proved remarkably easy. The amulet she had worn since long before he ended her life dangled on the chain he had wound around his palm

The perfect personal effect led him to a patio on the side of the hill.

He looked to the left where the sunset stained sea and sky. He looked to the right where the walls glowed orange. Finally he looked forward.

She sat alone at a narrow table for two next to the railing; blood red nails traced the stem of her wine glass.

He couldn't have set the scene better if he'd tried.

Two months ago the whole thing would have been done in moments.

Now he needed to be smarter. He waited until she checked her phone before he stood behind her back and bent, whispering against her ear.

"So sorry to keep you waiting, darling."

She inhaled slowly, lowering her phone to the table.

"What are you doing here?” She watched from the corner of her eye as he circled around, dragging his finger along her shoulder as he went.

"I thought that was obvious,” he counted three couples in earshot and four more in his line of sight. He dropped into the opposite chair. "I'm here for you."

"Are you kidding me?" She scoffed. "You left me five hundred and eighty-two years ago."

"Actually it was five hundred and eighty-two years, six months and twenty-three agonizing days," he held her gaze as the table vibrated.

"Do you really expect me to believe you were pining," hope flashed in her eyes, "after your little freak show of a girlfriend broke my bones, and you did nothing to stop her? I saw the way you were looking at that holier-than-thou bitch.” She crossed her arms and glanced around the room. "Where is she anyway? Waiting in the wings to magically break my bones?"

"Are you jealous of her magic, or of her?" He reached across the table for her hands, pulling them from her chest. "You don't need to worry about her."

"You looked at her like you'd been wandering in the dark all your life until she brought light into it."

He blinked, but quickly recovered from being stunned by the accuracy of the statement.

"She was nothing more than a replacement for you."

He rubbed the back of her knuckles with his thumb and hoped she didn't hear the way his heart jumped. "Why don't we go somewhere more private and discuss it? We could find the girl she saved and share a drink."

He stood and drew her to her feet, cooking an eyebrow and adopting sincerity. Vulnerability flashed in her eyes and he knew he was close.

They made it to the street before she spoke up.

"You left me,” she slowed her steps.

He could see the deserted alley beyond several dozen bodies. Too far away, not even the dropping darkness would help him get there without being noticed.

"You know I had no choice,” he lifted her hand to kiss. “Mikael was coming. I didn't want you caught up in my family drama; away from me you were safe."

"You never came back," she walked in step with him.

"I'm back now."

She spun, planting her hands on her hips. "Why now?"

He placed his hands on her waist and walked her into the alley, pushing her back against the cooling stone.

No sign of Elena.

"Mikael is dead," he stared down into her eyes. "It's safe for us now."

She chewed her lip. "What about her?"

"What about who?" He lowered his face until he felt her breath. Standing that close he couldn't make out her features beyond dark lashes. "I missed you," he dragged his mouth to her ear and whispered in a husky voice, "let me show you how much."

He felt the shudder race down her spine.

++++

"Out on your own...” Elena tipped her head back and sighed. "He's tired of you already."

"Go away Stavros," she ignored him.

"I'd never leave you," he followed.

Elena made a mental note to find the bastard who said ignoring your tormentors worked and rip him or her a few new holes.

The liar deserved it.

"You can't take a hint, can you?" She scoffed.

"You said you were with someone, but now you’re free."

He grasped her wrist, and yanked her into the nearest alley, pressing her into the wall.

"Do you have that short of a memory?” She glared up at him.

"No,” he smirked, "but I have excellent hearing. I don't have to worry about Kol Mikaelson any more since by his own admission you are nothing to him."

The words stung regardless of the situation.

"You're nothing to me,” she glared, shoving him. "Let go of me."

"I don't think so," he smirked.

"I'm warning you –”

He slapped his hand over her mouth.

"I'm warning you," he tapped her cheeks. “Let's call it a lesson in respecting your elders."

She shoved him, earning little more than a dark chuckle and a hand dangerously close to her breast.

She closed her eyes.

"Giving up so soo-"

A flick of her wrist, a snap of bone, and he dropped at her feet.

Opening her eyes, she glared at the man responsible for her tardiness. How many other women had he taught his 'lesson' to?

She dropped to her knees.

There would never be another.

++++

"What about that drink?” Ariadne's breath hitched. She tilted her head in the hopes that he would take the invitation.

"Later," he dipped, kissing the hollow of her throat. The wind shifted and he spun her around before she could catch the scent.

Ariadne giggled, and reached one hand behind to hold his neck.

"So how much did you miss me?"

"Such a skilled liar,” a feminine voice drifted on the wind. "I'll have to check later for a silver tongue."

Her eyes snapped open. Panic gripped her chest.

"What is this?” Her eyes narrowed, but before she could turn Kol sank his teeth into her neck. The scream bubbled in her throat.

Elena shoved her hand into the older vampire's chest, meeting her wide eyes as she squeezed the heart.

"Shame you believed him,” she tore her hand back, dropping the heart as he dropped the body.

"Darling," he nodded to her left hand, covered in blood, "who was that?"

"Stavros," she snapped. "Thanks to him I now know part of what you said to get her out here."

She grabbed his shirt, yanking him down and kissing him hard, licking the blood from his mouth. She broke away, breathing heavily.

"If you ever come up with a plan like this one again, I will scratch your eyes out."

"But then how would I see your beautiful face?"

"Kol,” she growled.

"You're adorable when you're jealous,” he grinned. "Come on, my love, lets get our information and then we can engage in purely possessive activities."

++++

She dropped the body in an unceremonious heap, taking no pleasure in the thump of dead weight on stone, but there may have been a tiny surge of pride, especially when the second body dropped alongside the first, but she was not about to let them see it.

She had no desire to give them a second vampire problem.

"Ariadne Sagona," she met Agatha's dark eyes, "as agreed; and a little something extra." Elena just held in the urge to kick the dead man in the ribs, but no amount of self-control could have stopped her lip from curling.

"And what was Stavros' crime?"

Elena's eyes flickered to a middle aged woman who she thought was named Sybil, but she couldn't be sure; there had been too many names that she didn't care to remember.

"He got a little handsy,” she lifted her blood covered left hand, “so I returned the favour." She felt Kol stiffen.

"He put his hands on you? He put his hands on you after I warned him?” Rage flashed in his eyes.

“I had it handled," she twisted just enough to see his face. “He really should have specified which organ he wanted me to squeeze."

She returned her attention to Agatha. "I've upheld my end of the bargain, now it's your turn. What do you know about the Harvest?"

Agatha inspected the body between them, kneeling to scrutinize the gaping hole in her chest.

"It's a sacred ritual where we give back to the ancestors an offering of blood."

"I know that part,” she rolled her eyes. "You sacrifice four witches and their magic flows into the earth. I want to know if they come back. I want to know if there is a way to stop the abundance of magic from killing the last girl."

"There is no stopping that which is begun,” Agatha's brows drew together. "Once it has started it must –"

"Be finished,” Elena waved her hand, dismissing the words she already knew, “or else the ancestors will shun the living and the magic will destroy the coven. Does it at least work?"

She didn't want to sacrifice a girl to save the city, but if it came down to one life for millions she knew the choice she would make; no matter how painful.

"You must have faith,” Agatha murmured.

"I'd rather have knowledge,” she growled.

Agatha slowly rose to her feet.

"The only person who could tell you is someone who lived through a Harvest, and the only person who saw one is laid out for viewing,” she motioned to the floor.

Elena froze. Her vision tunneled until all she saw was Ariadne surrounded in a haze of red. Her voice twisted, morphing into sounds she barely recognized as her own.

"What?"

Kol placed his hand on the small of her back.

'You knew what I wanted," she seethed. Electricity crackled over her skin. "You lied to me!"

A lightbulb surged, exploding in a shower of paper thin glass, but only Kol knew the source.

Agatha pulled a piece of glass from her palm, frowning up at the empty socket.

"I promised you information for Ariadne's death, and I have delivered on my end. Now you must leave,” she pointed to the exit, "we have rituals to prepare."

Elena's eyes narrowed to slits and flooded with blood. She knocked away Kol's hand with all of the strength she would have used to swat at a fly and lunged.

Kol might have stopped her if the act hadn't stunned him.

As it happened he could only watch Elena bite and rip, and listen to the horrified screams. Constantine tried a spell, but the beginning of the incantation broke Kol from his reverie.

He yanked Constantine's head to the left, and sank his teeth into his neck. It took seconds to drain him, but in that short time Elena had slaughtered every witch in attendance and torn Agatha apart.

She had taken out the final three elders, and that brought a smile to his face, but he worried she would regret the actions later. Then he saw her face and second guessed himself.

A near euphoric light shone from her eyes, made even brighter by her giddy smile.

Drenched in the blood of those who had wronged her she was magnificent, so when she kissed him he didn't fight it.

When she pawed at his clothes he sped them to the house.

When they cracked the walls he pushed her down on the dining table.

When various pieces of furniture laid in blood stained ruins he took her to bed.

And when the full moon was gone and sun woke them, when she saw the blood, when their high had passed he held her trembling body.

"What did I do?” She sobbed, clinging to his chest. She saw them behind her eyes, all three of them. Would she have killed more?

"What did I do?" Would she have stopped if the teenager had been there? Could she have? "I k-k-killed them."

He rubbed one hand down her spine, used the other to lift her chin and kissed the tears from her face.

"They played you – played us – for fools, Elena," he rubbed his thumb under her eye. "They used us, and in my opinion deserved worse than they got."

Tears shimmered in her eyes, threatening to fall.

Kol sighed and sat up, pulling her with him and idly wondering when and how the blood had smeared on her stomach.

"Ask yourself this," he used his fingertip to turn her face from where they had smeared a K and E on the once pristine wall. “If I had killed them all, would you be upset?"

"Of course not," she sniffled. "You wouldn't have without a reason."

"Exactly,” he smiled softly, and kissed her brow.

@elejah-wonderland @elejahforever @eternityunicorn @morsmornte @fandomrulesall @xanderling @cry-btch @kol-and-elena-fanfiction @geekofmanyfandoms

#kol mikaelson #elena gilbert #kolena #The Forgotten Fanfic

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spongeguyandlelouchvibridankia · 4 years

Text

SpongeGuy Reviews Every Disney Sitcom Ever!: Pair of Kings (1.1): “Return of the Kings”

I have a new least favorite Disney show!

Strap yourselves in folks, this is one heck of a ride!

Pair of Kings is a Disney XD sitcom from like 2010 I think? I don’t respect it enough to give it a year. This hellspawn of Satan’s BRO son who thinks that putting Chad on his resume is a surefire way to get a job is about two BRO’S: Brady (played by Jeremy from Phineas and Ferb, who has seen better shows clearly) and Boomer (I don’t know who plays him, but i sure as hell don’t care!). Brady Bunch and Ok Boomer are twins (They’re bi-racial, which is neat, but this kind of representation can only hurt) who learn that they are actually the sons of the king and queen of “Random Island so we can make Island Natives are weird jokes without offending anyone in particular” Island, and they are next in line for the throne, hence the title “Pair of fucking idiots” I MEAN “Pair of Kings”.

The rest of the show is as stupid as it sounds. Basically, there’s an island native named Mason who is Mr. Moseby from Suite Life, but if he was forced to be blinded to their idiocy, his daughter Mikayla who is every boring female lead in a show like this, you know, the one who is actually serious and doesn’t want to be with these bozo’s but the show will force her to like them because she TOTALLY doesn’t deserve anything better, and of course an evil CGI fish and the 12 year old boy who owns him and is trying to kill our leads, which according to the laugh track, means that Attempted Murder is fnuny. Huh.

Ok, i can only describe this show for so long before i die. Let’s get to the 45 MINUTE Pilot. Yes, I saw 45 minutes of this. And this is apparently the best we get of this show, since they put all their money into hooking us with this pilot.

Dear lord.

Summery:

Brady (Mitchel Musso) and Boomer (Doc Shaw) are twin teenagers living in Chicago with their aunt Nancy and uncle Bill, as their parents are deceased. Brady and Boomer are unaware that they are destined to become the next kings of an island nation known as Kinkow. After they are bullied by the toughest guys in their high school, Mason (Geno Segers) and a group of warriors from Kinkow come to bring them home. Brady and Boomer break the island's sacred ruby, causing Kinkow's volcano to erupt. Their cousin Lanny (Ryan Ochoa) tricks them into going to get another sacred ruby so they would die on the dark side of Kinkow, allowing him to become king. While they are on the dark side, Brady and Boomer are caught by a tribe called the Tarantula People, but they are protected by the bat medallion that the Tarantula People obey. Brady and Boomer obtain the sister ruby and save the kingdom. However, the chain that controlled the Tarantula People falls off Brady's neck.

COMEDY: 0 Out of 5

I doubt this shocks anyone. The comedy of Pair of Kings makes one miss the intelligent musings of a conservative Albatross with a hernia in the middle of Sunday Church. The jokes are like The Incredible’s Hulk’s Jock Strap after a s mile jog towards the savannah: They stink so bad I almost gave up all hope for humanity and started planning an escape route from the planet. All manner of wit and charm is sucked out like a single strand of spaghetti through a straw as thin as my patience for the leads, and every character quirk is so basic and cliche that the old people’s home rejected their application. If I were to write blindfolded and and upside down, with half my keyboard letters missing and a sadistic autocorrect feature installed onto my PC, I would still write something better than the humor of Pair of Kings, because then I would have written nothing at all, and nothing is at least nothing. Pair of Kings exists; may God have mercy on our souls.

...

So in short, it’s not funny. I smiled in pain maybe once at an Overprotective dad joke, and that’s about it.

CHARACTERS: 0 Out of 5

Imagine your typical Disney Channel sitcom. Now think of the worst version of that. Now think of the Dorkly video based on that version.

Pair of Kings is 10 times worse.

The characters are bare bones at best. In fact, they are invertebrates, and not the funny absorbent ones like Spongebob. Their personalities are so 1 dimensional and obvious that if I were to show you pics of them you could tell me their entire biographies. The leads replicate an early 2010′s trend of being two BROS who keep doing stupid things, and that’s their personality. They also replicate a 2020 trend of making me wish the apocalypse was over. They are just BROS. Whenever they have even a moment of quote un quote “DRAMA” they undercut it with humor like a wet fart at a funeral reception. The supporting cast is like my life: Barely functional and clearly inept to deal with this shit right now. Mason is “The Native Overprotective Dad”; Mikayala is “DA GIRL”; Lanny is “Scar but boring”; The CGI Fish exists.

Can my pain end now?

STORY AND HEART: 1 Out of 5

I’ll make this quick: They have the GALL of pretending that OK BOOMER and Brady Bunch have felt sorrow when they almost destroy the island. They have the GALL to have them say that they will stop being kings if that’s what they want. I’m not saying they’re incapable of such feelings, but I guess this puts it best: At one point in this ACTION-COMEDY-DRAMA of sorts, Brady Bunch says he feels bad about the kids who could die on the island. He hears the volcano burst again, and says “Good Luck Kids” to run off. Sure, this is a typical sitcom joke, but if this show wants me to take it seriously that they mean well, they just shot themsleves in the foot.

The point is for set design and tbf not too bad CGI for a teen sitcom. But I can’t stand a show that lies to my face and pretends that these two are any good. Pair of Kings? More like Pair of END ME END ME END ME.

FINAL SCORE: 1 Out of 15

Bunk’d is next. May god have mercy on my soul.

EVERY SHOW RANKED:

1. Good Luck Charlie

2. Pair of Kings

EVERY EPISODE RANKED (PAIR OF KINGS):

“Return of the Kings” (S1 E1)

EVERY EPISODE RANKED (IN GENERAL):

1. “Study Date” (Good Luck Charlie)

2. “Return of the Kings (Pair of Kings)

EVERY CHARACTER RANKED (PAIR OF KINGS):

1. Mason

2. Mikayla

3. Evil Fish

4. Lonny

5.Boomer

6. Brady

EVERY CHARACTER RANKED (IN GENERAL FOR SITCOMS):

1. PJ Duncan

2. Teddy Duncan

3. Gabe Duncan

4. Bon Duncan

5. Amy Duncan

6. Charlie Duncan

7. Spencer Walsh

8. Mrs. Dabney

9. Emmett

10. Mason

11. Mikayla

12. Evil Fish

13. Lonny

14. Boomer

15. Brady

#spongeguy #review every disney show #pair of kings #disney sitcom

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cksmart-world · 4 years

Text

The completely unnecessary news analysis

by Christopher Smart

February 18, 2020

BERNIE BROS BE PISSED & WHAT’S WRONG WITH THE ERA

Supporters of Bernie Sanders are more than a little chafed at other Democrats who are taking an “anyone-but-Bernie” stance and they're letting folks know in no uncertain terms: “you A-holes.” Supporters of Bloomberg, Buttigieg, Klobachar, Warren and Biden say Bernie can't beat Trump because the Name-Caller-In-Chief will label him as a Marxist dog and scare the bejesus out of voters. Many also say Mayor Pete can't beat Trump because he's gay. Rush Limbaugh already has started in on Buttigieg for kissing his husband in public. Oh, Lordy. Evangelicals are hugging their Bibles. Elizabeth Warren has dropped in the polls, largely because she has a plan for just about everything and that's confusing to American voters who hate details. They're more into stuff like, “Make America Great Again.” Poor Joe Biden has hit the skids, too. Old Joe's jokes have gotten stale and aviator sunglasses have gone out of style. Amy Klobuchar is a good, Midwestern woman with a nice smile who knows how to milk a cow. But she's a little too nice and doesn't have the money that Michael Bloomberg has. And now we find out that the New York billionaire had the horribly racist “Stop-N-Frisk” policing policy when he was mayor of the Big Apple, so he can't get the African-American vote. And it's just been revealed that Bloomberg hates babies and puppies. But hey, don't lose hope: The staff here at Smart Bomb has come up with a bumpersticker for Dems: “Miracles Do Happen.”

WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE ERA

It's been 48 years since the Equal Rights Amendment was submitted to Congress in October 1971. It passed both houses and was ratified by 35 of the necessary 38 states. But it died after a decade of fierce debate. The arguments in the Beehive State were as contentious as anywhere. In the end, Utah did not ratify. Why not? What's wrong with an amendment that seeks equal rights for women and men? Our crack research team here at Smart Bomb dove into the archives to find the answers then and now:

1 – If the ERA becomes law, women will have to use urinals.

2 – If the ERA becomes law, men will have to wear bras and lipstick and fix dinner.

3 – God created special roles for men and women: men wear pants and drink beer; women wear skirts and drink tea (and don't belch).

4 – If the ERA passes, women will have to go into combat and share foxholes with horny men without condoms who are trained to kill.

5 – If the ERA is ratified, women can become president. Yikes!

6 – If the ERA becomes law, workplace sex could cease to exist.

7 – Or, it could mean that workplace sex would get out of control with women jumping men in the utility closet. OMG.

8 – If the ERA becomes a reality, young Mormon women will go on religious missions.

9 – If the ERA is ratified, women will become astronauts and orbit the Earth and feel superior to men.

10 – And the very worst part of the ERA, according to Utah Sen. Mike Lee, is that it is part of a “radical pro-abortion agenda.” Yeah, damnit, it's “an Orwellian mischaracterization of what it would do,” Lee said, because it will allow women to have abortions but not men.

HEY, ALEXA, GET OUT OF MY FACE

Your friend Alexa, who helps you play music, turn off the TV and put on the bedroom lights, may not be as warm-hearted you think. Amazon has big plans for its virtual assistant. Sooner than you think, Alexa — or one of her siblings — will be directing our lives — it’ll interpret our data and make decisions for us, according to Rohit Prasad, the scientist in charge of Alexa‘s development. George Orwell was distressed about Big Brother, but he couldn't imagine we would willingly invite him or Big Sister into our lives with such giddy anticipation. The aim is to turn Alexa into an omnipresent companion that shapes our lives. You might find yourself in an argument with Alexa on what music to play or what to watch on TV or which car to buy. Yep, it's “2001: A Space Odyssey” all over again. HAL has collected all your data and now, there is no real reason for you to exist — well wait, Alexa does want your money, but you don't have to worry your lil’ head about that, she'll tell you how to spend it.

BILL BARR: I WON'T BE BULLIED

He's a strong, independent attorney general. President Donald Trump doesn't tell him what to do (except sometimes). Sure, there was that little thing with the Mueller Report that looked to nonpartisan legal beagles like a roadmap to impeachment that Barr announced was vindication. And there is that little matter of reviewing Michael Flynn's case, where he pleaded guilty to the FBI about his contacts with Russians. And just because the attorney general determined that Roger Stone's recommended sentence was far too harsh, doesn't mean he isn't independent. The fact that Trump tweeted the same thing 12 hours earlier was just a coincidence. Bill Barr is a man of great integrity, depending, of course, on how you define it. OK, maybe critics, who say the Department of Justice is being politicized, have a point. But as President Trump insisted, he can do whatever he wants, including interceding in criminal trials, so it isn't corruption. Whether Bill Barr is an independent attorney general or not, really doesn't matter. (Well, actually it does matter but WTF.) And the president wants to know why that slut Andrew McCabe is off the hook. And why aren't James Comey, Peter Strzok and Lisa Page in jail along with Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff? Where is the justice?

Post Script — That was the week that was. And man, was it strange — that is to say, about normal for the age of Trump. Still, there is no better time to be a “Hooker For Jesus.” (We are not making this up.) DOJ officials rejected grant applications from Catholic Charities and Chicanos Por La Causa. Instead, according to Reuters, it gave more than $1 million to the Lincoln Tubman Foundation and Hookers for Jesus. Don't tell the Evangelicals, they'll freak. Speaking of sinners, Jim Jordan, the rabid congressman from Ohio, is about to be caught up in a sex scandal involving his old wrestling team at Ohio State. Bummer (no pun intended). And the hits just keep coming: Michael Avenatti, who gained fame representing Stormy Daniels, was found guilty of trying to extort $25 million from Nike. But unlike Roger Stone and Michael Flynn, he can't expect a pardon from Donald Trump. Down on the southern border, those darn coyotes already have come up with a new “camouflage ladder” to smuggle people and drugs over Trump's new border wall. The contraptions, made of old, rusted construction rebar, make the climb easy and can't be detected by cameras. Meanwhile, Trump has diverted another $3.8 billion in military funds for his signature achievement. (Mexico won't pay. Duh.) There's more — Trump is dispatching border patrol agents to Sanctuary Cities to root out them horrible immigrants who are doing all our scut work. Adn last but far from least, here in Utah, state legislators are feeling oh so generous after increasing from 0 to 25 percent Salt Lake City's share of property taxes from the Inland Port. That's better than a jab with a sharp stick, but not so charitable when you consider the city should get 100 percent of taxes from its own, damn land. And so it goes.

OK, Wilson, maybe you and the band can take us out with a little something hopeful for our immigrant friends and all the Democrats and everyone else who is on the verge of a nervous breakdown in the age of Trump:

Well, the oppressors are trying to keep me down / Trying to drive me underground / And they think that they have got the battle won / I say forgive them Lord, they know not what they've done / 'Cause, as sure as the sun will shine / I'm gonna get my share now, what's mine / And then the harder they come / The harder they fall, one and all / Ooh, the harder they come / Harder they fall, one and all...

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therealcalicali · 5 years

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CHAPTER 7: Vikings - Lillesøster (Little Sister)

Chapter 7 Warnings: Cheating, Angst, Deception, Slight Incest, Intrigue

Word Count: 10,457

Setting: Viking Era

Genre: Romance/Drama/Epic

Pairing: Ragnarssons x Reader, Alfred x Reader, Aethelred x Reader (No details because it would spoil the story)

Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6

Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13

Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19

Chapter 20 Part A Chapter 20 Part B

_______________________

Though you had heard his order for you to not depart from the gardens, you wanted to get away from Alfred. You were in no mood for his hen-pecking. It was becoming clear that he was too much like his mother. Much like Princess Judith, Alfred had the need to be in control of others to the point of suffocation.

"I asked you to desist from walking away!"

"Alfred, please stop speaking to me as if I have no autonomy." You replied as you stopped momentarily and glared at him. "I am not a servant nor a captive!"

You then turned on your heels again. Needless to say, your betrothed did not like your tone. Not only that, he wasn't done questioning you about your embrace with Sir Lancille. It was one thing for you to have a close relationship with your Attendants, however, he felt you were crossing the line. Basically, Alfred felt that your behavior showed a lack of respect toward him.

"I gave you a command, did I not?" He asked with his tone becoming firmer.

You inhaled deeply, trying your best to remember what you were going through this for. This was not about you in the long run. It was about your family's legacy and your dear Mother's justice. If nothing else was accomplished in your life, justice was the one thing you would attain. As her only child and daughter, it was your duty. So if you had to swallow bitter bile in order to fulfill that goal, you were willing to do so a hundred times over.

Stopping by some large bushes, you waited patiently as Alfred approached. His thick brows were furrowed as he considered you with a stern countenance.

"Y/N, please listen to me. I find no pleasure in speaking harshly to you." He said as he pulled you to him by the waist. His expression quickly softened. "But you are far too reckless. It was entertaining when we were children but we are now adults. Do you understand what I am trying to say?"

When you did not respond, Alfred turned you to face him, his arms still snaked around your waist. You averted your eyes from his gaze, choosing instead to focus on the flowers nearby.

Confused by your silence, Alfred observed you with a worried expression. Being lost in thought however, you were oblivious to the fact that you had begun trembling like a leaf. The feeling of imprisonment you had described to Lancille was even more present now.

"What is the matter?" The Prince asked with concern as he pulled you tightly against himself. He could feel your trembling become worse, causing him great concern.

Your body felt drained of vitality as you rested against Alfred to keep from fainting. Not from illness, but from sheer anxiety. Truly, you thought you were going to vomit any moment. It was unfair to be in a position that allowed so many people to have so much control over you.

"I am fine." You managed to say.

"You are most certainly, not fine. You are trembling like a leaf."

Despite wanting to get away from Alfred, he truly was the only thing keeping your on your feet. The last time you had felt such an overwhelming sense of dread and physical illness was after your mother's interment. It took nearly a week of bed rest to recover from it that time. You hoped that you wouldn't have to be confined to a bed this time around.

"Is everything alright?" You heard Bjorn ask.

Your eldest brother was walking with Ubbe and Prince Aethelwulf. The three of them looked at you with concern as they arrived where you and Alfred were stood.

"Sister, why are you shaking like that?" Ubbe asked with concern, his eyes studying your expression.

"She was fine only moments ago and then suddenly, she seemed to take ill." Alfred replied.

Alarmed, Bjorn suggested that you forego the Training Grounds and instead return to bed. Despite your attempt to refuse his suggestion, your brothers held firm. Ubbe, to your annoyance, was the most adamant.

"You are not coming and that is final." He said, totally supporting Bjorn's suggestion.

"I think your brothers are right." Prince Aethelwulf added. "We shall have a Healer come to see you shortly. Until then, Alfred will remain with you."

You quickly realized that it was a lost cause. Moreover, any further argument from you would only result in problems for you later. The last thing you wanted was to receive a lecture from Pippa about your decorum. Not only that, you didn't want to disappoint Governess Yasmine. After all, she had been teaching you so much about Royal disposition.

Nodding you your head, you agreed to return to your chamber as everyone suggested. There were many more small battles such as this that you would lose. However, if you were patient, you would win the war in the end.

____________________

"My poor girl. You look absolutely drained." Aslaug said as she took a seat on the bed. The Queen had had been in town giving arms to the poor and had only returned. But being the protective type, she came to your side as soon as she had heard you weren't feeling well. "Can I have the kitchens prepare you anything?"

"Thank you but I am not that hungry actually. I have been drinking that watered down ale however."

Your head felt heavy upon the pillow. Almost as if you would drift off to sleep straightaway. As for Prince Alfred, he sat in a chair by your writing desk reading a letter that had been given to him earlier.

"Y/N, perhaps you should take the Queens offer. You hardly ate anything for first meal according to Pippa." The Prince suggested.

"I agree with him." Aslaug said with a smile. She then touched your forehead and appeared relived. "You are not hot to the touch so that is fortunate."

Turning to one of the two Thralls that had escorted her to your chamber, your stepmother ordered one to go to the kitchens.

"Have them make her some honeyed porridge. And perhaps they should send a pitcher of fresh milk alongside it."

The Thrall nodded and excused herself before leaving. As he finally finished the letter, Alfred glanced in your direction.

"News from home?" Aslaug asked as she studied your betrothed's expression.

"Yes. It appears they are nearly finished making the arrangements for our arrival in a weeks' time. Mother also mentioned she has selected all of the wedding garments."

"We are leaving in a week? But the nuptials are three weeks away!" You asked, sitting up. "Why should we leave so soon?"

Alfred gave you a peculiar look as if your question made no sense.

"Did you expect us to arrive on the day of the wedding? Have you forgotten that it is a four day journey to Wessex? At least in good weather." He reminded you. "Besides, we have formalities to go over with the Archbishop and Pope as well practice sessions."

You rolled your eyes and laid you head back down. The last thing you wanted to think about was the nuptials. It was a great source of anxiety and thus, you pushed it from your mind.

"I for one cannot wait to see you in your formal gown." Aslaug said as she poured herself some ale. "Your father behaves as if he is prepared to see you become a wife but I do not believe him. I dare say he will shed tears."

"I doubt it." You replied - reflecting on how quickly he promised you to Alfred.

He didn't even wait for you to return from court before doing so. What kind of father doesn't see his daughter for six years and yet is so eager to marry her off? Ragnar, that's who. It was something you found quite hurtful and compounded your resentment toward him.

"Your father loves you." Aslaug said reassuringly. "I know that he is hard to understand at times, but believe me when I say that you are the only one that can melt his heart. Your brothers cannot do such a thing."

You scoffed but made certain to let your stepmother know that it was not directed at her. You were just so tired of everyone claiming to care about you, yet forcing you to do things against your will. Patting you on the back of the hand, Aslaug assured you that things would work out.

"You and your father need to spend so time with one another. Preferably, without the boys. Then you will see that I am correct. He adores you."

"I agree." Alfred said, concurring Aslaug's statement.

Of course he agreed. Anything that sounded like orders being given by a Commander always seemed to please him. As you sat up and grabbed your chalice of watered down ale, the Healer was let in by a Thrall.

"So, I hear the King's daughter is not feeling well." The chipper and wispy woman said as she entered. She carried a large bag in her hand that appeared too heavy for her to carry. However, she was doing so with no problem. "Do not worry my Queen, I shall have her feeling better in no time. I dare say I am a better healer than Mathias who everyone is so keen on lately. I doubt that fool knows the difference between a fever and a broken leg."

"Drusilla!" Aslaug said with a laugh. "That is not very nice."

"It may not be kind, but it is certainly the truth. Mathias is an idiot and I would not mind thrashing him if I were younger."

Despite not feeling well, you couldn't help smiling at the old woman's words. She had quite the personality that dwarfed her tiny frame. Frankly, the Healer lit up the room. Of course, Alfred merely looked at her with his typical indifference. He was now stood near the foot of the bed with his hands clasped in front of him, ever serious as usual.

"And who is this handsome lad? The husband?" A cheerful Drusilla asked as she cocked her head in Alfred's direction.

"No, we are not married."

Alfred glared at you as his lips drew into a serious line. He detested how quick you were to distance yourself from him anytime you were asked. Aslaug sipped her ale quickly and shook her horn for more. She may have been a reserved Queen but, she was a very observant one. Your stepmother could read what was going on between the two of you quite easily. Promptly, one of the Thralls rushed and picked up the pitcher of ale while you finally sat up.

"Now then, my pretty girl, tell Drusilla what happened."

"Well, it all began suddenly. One moment, I was totally fine and the next, I felt weak and sick to my stomach." You explained. "I felt like I wanted to vomit, however, I did not truly feel nauseated."

Drusilla looked at you thoughtfully as you spoke while holding your hand. She placed two fingers against the veins that ran along your wrist as she continued listening to you speak. After you had explained everything you had felt while in the garden, the old Healer nodded.

"Very interesting, my dear. Could there be a little one trying to make itself known?" Drusilla asked. "After all, it only takes the one time."

Prince Alfred looked indignant at her question. To insinuate that the two of you had slept together without being wed greatly offended his sensibilities.

"Madam, with all due respect, I do not like the line of questioning." He interjected. "My intended is not with child."

"Forgive me, my Prince. It is typically the first question I ask when ladies have such symptoms."

"Well, that may be true for Heathen women, but the Princess is a Christian." Alfred replied in a calm, matter-of-fact tone. "Please remember that anytime you are treating her.

Giving him her assurance, Drusilla apologized before turning her attention back to you. After asking a few more questions and looking at your tongue, she nodded thoughtfully.

"It appears that you do not have any dire malady. You are in need of some peace and quiet however. Your pulse is weak and irregular which is a sign of high tension." She said, satisfied that you weren't sick. "I will remain for two days and make calming tonics for you."

"You mean I cannot do anything but lay here?"

"That is exactly what I mean."

You sighed but relented. Queen Aslaug stood and stated that she would have a servant show the Healer to a guest-chamber. Excusing herself to take care of duties in the Great Hall, you stepmother promised to see you later on. After everyone had departed, Alfred, being ever the attentive one, sat on the bed.

"Are you feeling any better?" He asked, taking your hand.

"Slightly."

Taking your hand to his lips, Alfred kissed your finger before holding your hand against his cheek. He was genuine in his concern regardless of how you may have perceived things. After all, you were his only true friend outside of Aethelred and Aethelwulf. Of course he had "acquaintances" due to his title but he hardly ever spoke around them. He merely listened.

But you were the one person that could actually get the Prince to loosen his tongue. Not to mention that he felt more relaxed around you than even his own mother.

"Promise you will not fall sick on me. I do not wish to go through that again." He said as he stared at you - looking worried.

It was then you finally realized that despite his behavior, Alfred was truly shaken. He had not let on earlier but now, that the two of you were alone, his eyes were full of gloom.

"Of course not. I am being honest when I say that I feel better."

Alfred let go of your hand and lay his head upon your stomach in relief. Normally, it was you that was at his bedside. The Prince had an odd reoccurring illness that would take hold of him for days, even weeks at a time. At court, you were his constant companion whenever he was bedridden. Those times never frightened Alfred because he felt his life was in the hands of God.

However, the one time that you fell ill was a very scary time for him. The fever was so severe that he was certain you would die. Everyone was. Fortunately, with the expertise of the King's Healers and fervent prayers, you pulled through. It was something the young Prince never wanted to experience again.

As you ran your hand through his dark locks, Alfred exhaled.

"I do not have anyone, Y/N. You are all I have. That is why I often hold on to you a little tighter than I should."

"But you have your mother and-------"

"That is different. You are not tied to me by blood. And you do not expect me to be perfect at all times. I am not myself when you are not near."

Alfred then raised his head to look at your expression. Leaning closer, he only stopped when your noses were touching. Without another word, Alfred buried his face in the crook of your neck, something he did often when he was upset. You went back to running your fingers through his hair.

"I understand." You replied simply.

____________________

You were awakened from your slumber by something brushing against your cheek. As your eyes adjusted to your candlelit chamber, you wondered why you felt so disoriented. That was when you remembered drinking the tonic Drusilla the Healer had made. You recalled that you had been chatting with Alfred before becoming too drowsy to stay awake.

After tucking you under the covers, he informed you that he was leaving for your father's Training Grounds and left you to rest. Now, it appeared to be evening so you knew you had slept a long time.

"Sister, are you feeling better?" Ivar's voice sounded in your ear.

You rolled onto your back to come face-to-face with your concerned brother. He placed his leather bound hand in yours and frowned.

"Do not think I have forgotten that you did not come to me at the Feast. Why are you avoiding me?"

"I am not avoiding you. I simply did not feel like being thrown out."

"Is that what you assumed I was going to do?" Ivar asked with a chuckle. "I was actually going to entertain your silliness for as long as the others allowed. Personally, I found it brave."

You smiled at his confession as you sat up.

"For the love of God, how long have I been sleeping?" You exclaimed as you looked toward the veranda. "It was early in the afternoon when I closed my eyes."

Ivar laughed at you. He then stated that you had not only slept the entire day away, but you missed practice. You sighed. It was no point even thinking about that for at least a few days. There was no way Ubbe or Bjorn would allow you to attend. As for Hvitserk, he had become worse than any parent for some reason.

And to make certain that you knew that God had a sense of humor, there came a knock upon the door. When Ivar asked who it was, it was none other than Hvitserk. Entering the chamber, your elder brother looked as if he was dressed for a night out. He came to your bedside and felt your forehead.

"Feeling better, sister?"

"Much better. Thank you."

"I hope you get back to yourself soon." Hvitserk said. "I truly want you to see how I am besting Ivar at archery."

"What rubbish! You have done no such thing. One time is hardly "besting" me at anything."

Your brothers pestered each other for a few moments more before Hvitserk announced that he had to meet someone. Ivar rolled his eyes, knowing exactly whom he spoke of. With a kiss to your forehead, your elder brother bid you both goodnight and departed.

"Who is he meeting?" You probed as soon as Hvitserk had gone.

You had a suspicion of who it could be but weren't certain. In fact, you knew all your brothers were entangled with various women, some of them being Thralls in your father's service.

"Why do you wish to know?" Ivar replied as he tapped your chin. "You are too meddlesome for your own good."

"I am not meddlesome. I am merely inquisitive."

Your brother chuckled before leaning closer. He then informed you that he would give you the information for a kiss. Your eyes studied him, feeling guilty now that your recalled kissing him previously. Though you wanted to blame the wine, the truth was, you had not been overly intoxicated. You enjoyed kissing Ivar and it made your heart race. But now, with your proper inhibitions in place, you didn't think you could do it again.

"Fine." You finally replied. However you only kissed his cheek.

Ivar visibly glared at you. He wanted a proper kiss, not the type of kiss one would give their grandmother. Tapping his lips lightly with his finger, he waited patiently for you to get the hint. After trying to change his mind for several minutes, you finally relented. You gave him a soft peck causing him to smile.

"Well, Lady curious. Since you insist on knowing about Hvitty's secret rendezvous, I will tell you." Ivar said. "It just so happens that our brother is meeting Margrethe for, activities."

"Margrethe? The Thrall?"

"She is the only Margrethe I know. Why? Do you know of another one that also lays with all of our brothers?"

Your eyes went wide. Were you truly hearing correctly? One woman bedding several men who happened to be related to one another? Curiosity got the best of you immediately. Margrethe reminded you somewhat of the Duchess everyone gossiped about at court. It had angered you even back then because she was doing no worse than the very men who loathed her.

"Thank you for entertaining my inquisitive mind. Now if you will excuse me, I am going to have my bath now. I shall see you later."

"Can I come and watch?" Ivar mischievously asked - knowing very well it would get a rise out of you.

"Ivar!" You exclaimed, utterly incensed by his request.

You threw the furs off and informed him that he needed to desist from saying such things. Finding your reaction rather amusing, he laughed at your reply. After stretching, you put the cotton robe over your nightdress and began to tie the sash around your waist.

"Are you not going to town like Hvitserk?"

"I do not know yet. Perhaps." He said as he eyed you oddly. "Why? Are you in a rush to get rid of me already?"

"Of course not. I just assumed that all men did things such at night. You know, carousing and all that."

"That is true. However, I do not know if I am in the mood to ride into town. Perhaps I will just stay and allow you to teach me how to be a proper Christian. You can teach me those strange prayers you do and that thing with your hands.

You couldn't help giggling at Ivar words. Of course you knew he was being silly but it was hilarious to even imagine it. After showing him how to do the sign of the cross, your brother scoffed.

"You would be better off worshiping our Gods. They are the only true Gods and what is more, they allow one to be free. Your Mother's God is merely a singular being, yet, he is so demanding."

"Ivar. You cannot say such things." You said as you walked past. "It is a sin to blaspheme the Father."

"The Father?" He scoffed, grabbing your hand as you made you way past. "Y/N, you live in too much fear of being judged. Look at me. I do not care what anyone thinks except for mother." Ivar added as he intertwined his fingers with yours. Staring into your eyes, he gave you a genuine look of admiration. "And you, of course."

Smiling at your brother’s confession, you squeezed his hand in a show of affection. You then gave him a kiss on his forehead before informing him yet again that you wanted to take a bath. Rolling his eyes, Ivar ignored your words and instead, laid across your bed.

"So go and do as you wish. I am not holding your legs."

"You are so………irritating."

"I know but you love me all the same" Ivar replied with a chuckle.

____________________

After you had your bath, you changed into a yellow and white cendal (woven silk) dress. It was beautiful and very ornate with intricate embellishments. Especially around the waistline where the mock corset tied neatly behind you. The bow was light yellow and was one of the reasons you selected it in the first place. As you were walking from your changing quarters into the hallway, you ran into Prince Aethelwulf.

"Good evening, your Highness. How are you doing this evening?" You greeted warmly - immediately giving him a curtsy.

The Thralls walking with you made their way past in order to give privacy. Pleased that your manners had not been affected by the long visit to Heathen lands, the Prince smiled.

"I am doing quite well, my dear." Aethelwulf said with his usual smile. "But I think I should be asking you that question."

"I am actually much better thanks to the Healer."

From his expression, you could see that your future in-law was relieved by your revelation. He then glanced at you with a hint of concern.

"I hate to seem as if I am overly concerned for my son but I am. Alfred was unable to eat this evening. When I asked why, he simply stated that he was very worried about you."

"Really?" You replied as he offered you his arm. Taking the kind gesture, you took hold of Prince Aethelwulf as the two of you began to walk together. "But Healer Drusilla assured him that I was not seriously ill. Where is he now, if I may inquire?"

"I just left him sitting in the courtyard. He said he wanted to enjoy the night air."

"Alone?"

The elder Prince nodded with some exasperation. Like you, he felt that Alfred isolated himself far too much. But what could be done? It was ingrained in his personality and it was best not to force him to change.

"I tried to convince him to come with me and a few of the men headed to town, but he declined. Perhaps you can let him know you are feeling better. If you are so inclined of course."

You agreed immediately. Though you wanted to find Ivar and challenge him to some games, you figured that could wait. After all, despite all of the things that Alfred did to irritate you, he did have a good heart.

___________________

"Alfred, why are you sitting so far away from the torches? It is far too dark over here. Come, let us go over to where it is brighter." You said as you approached. When you arrived by the bench he was sat, you realized your betrothed was in one of his gloomy moods. "Did you hear me?"

"Of course I did." He replied without glancing at you.

However, he said it in such a low tone that you barely heard him. Alfred went on to state that he was fine and that you were free to leave. His head remained down which caused his long hair to shield his face from you. He kept playing with one of the rings upon his fingers until you got tired of waiting for him to follow you. Taking a seat beside him, you brushed his dark locks behind his ear.

"Alfie, please, I am begging you. "You said, doing your best to lift his spirits. The last thing you wanted was for his melancholy to lead to him falling ill. "Do not let overthinking get the best of you."

He swallowed hard knowing you were correct. It was bad enough that he was excessively studious and often needed to be reminded to eat. But his melancholy made his already fragile health considerably worse. It was like setting a flame to a wick. Once that set in, his health always deteriorated until he was practically at death's door.

"You have not called me Alfie in a very long time." He replied in a sad tone. "At any rate, I am fine. You may go and spend time with your family."

"I am not going anywhere." You replied firmly but gently. "Now stop staring at the ground and look at me."

Gradually, he turned to face you. Even in the dimness, you could see that his eyes were welled with tears. Always kindhearted by nature, you couldn't help cupping his face with both hands. Alfred stared at you with sadness as you did so, his full lips pursed together in dejection.

"Please, let us go indoors." You tried to instruct him yet again.

"You truly want me to come with you?"

"Of course I do. Why would I ask if that was not my intention?"

You let go of his face and got to your feet. However, Alfred took you by the wrist and asked you to wait. Shyly, he asked if the two of you could just sit for a time before going indoors. Agreeing, you sat back down beside him.

"Come here." You said as you opened your arms invitingly.

Without hesitation, Alfred moved closer and melted into your embrace. He rested his head on your shoulder as you stroked his back. It was upsetting to watch him go through so much inner turmoil.

Alfred always seemed in control to everyone else but you were privy to how lost he could become. He resided in his own mind and your heart truly broke for him. He had been too mature for the other children and now, he was too intelligent for most adults. The Prince basically ran around being everything Princess Judith wanted him to be.

So-much-so, that he didn't even know who he was anymore. Alfred was more of a marionette doll than a human being at this point.

"Y/N?"

"Yes, Alfie?"

"I want you to know that you are the one thing that makes me happy."

There was nothing that needed to be said. You had always known how much he depended on you emotionally. It was apparent to you now that he was quite similar to Ivar. Both were continually at odds with their own thoughts and desires to become a great men.

It was quite ironic actually. Everyone always spoke about how life would change once you became a mother. However, you were practically one already. Ivar and Alfred may have been grown men but they shared one trait. They both looked to you for nurturing and assurance.

_____________________

After sitting outdoors for a short time, you and Alfred went to the Dining Hall to eat together. You spent most of the time watching him to make sure he was truly consuming enough. He was a picky eater so you made certain that the servants put things he liked on the table. You were determined to keep Alfred healthy, for his sanity and your own.

If Judith ever got word that he had taken ill, you knew for certain she would come to Kattegat, despite her dislike of Heathens. And that was the last thing you wanted. You could just imagine her prying into everything and hovering over both you and Alfred like a smirking demon.

"Alfred! Y/N! Good to see you two spending time together." Rollo's voice boomed as he and Ragnar entered. "Any plans for tonight?"

Your Uncle's voice was much like pleasant thunder - always grabbing the attention of anyone who heard it. He and your father both kissed your forehead before taking their seats. You sighed inwardly as Ragnar grinned at you and Alfred. He looked pleased……..a bit too pleased in your opinion.

"I see you are you feeling better." Ragnar commented.

"Yes, father. I am much better."

"Well, I do not know what the Healer gave you but it worked so well. You looked very peaceful when I came to check on you. I sat at your beside for quite some time. It reminded me of when you were a little girl." He confessed. "I wish you slept more."

Though you glared at your father, you were holding back a laugh. As for Alfred, he only smirked to himself as he drank his wine. Your Uncle Rollo of course, didn't hold back. He gave a hearty chuckle and added that it was true of most women.

"Why are you dressed so finely?" You inquired as you surveyed your father's clothing. "Are you taking the Queen out?"

Ragnar studied you, his ever twinkling blue eyes boring into your own. You may have thought you were sly in your questioning but he knew what you were driving at.

"Why do you assume that?"

"Because, she is your wife and you should spend time with her. After all, did you not have an all men's feast the other night?"

"Why ask a question that you already know the answer to? After all, you were there." Your father countered quite sarcastically. "Uninvited, might I add."

Instantly, the air was sucked out of the room. Prince Alfred and Rollo looked between you and your father as the tension rose dramatically. Not one to be shaken by your father's snide remarks, you bit your tongue. Instead of giving him any satisfaction of riling your temper, you straightened in your seat. You then gave a polite smile as you put your pomegranate down on the plate.

"I have had my fill." You said as you wiped your hand with the serviette.

Throwing it onto the table, you stood up and fixed your skirts. With great civility, you turned to Alfred and informed him that he could find you in the Sitting Hall located in the West wing. You then gave your Uncle a kiss on the cheek but walked past Ragnar who eyed you with frustration.

"Where are you off to so suddenly?" Your father asked in a mocking tone.

"You must have heard me as I spoke to Alfred but if I must elaborate, fine. I am meeting Ivar in the Sitting Hall."

"Daughter, if that is so, then why is there no kiss for me as well?"

Your steps stopped at his words. He was testing you as always - seeing how much of a Christian you truly were. Athelstan had taught Ragnar enough about how your God viewed many things. His favorite being about how children were to honor their mothers and fathers.

Turning to face your father with a false smile still plastered upon your face, you walked to over. You gave him a kiss on the cheek to prove that you were above his pettiness. By now, you had come to understand that such things were to be a regular part of your act.

Alfred was relieved that the two of you did not go further for fear of it turning into an argument. Your Uncle Rollo of course was nothing short of tickled. Unlike your betrothed, he was not easily fooled. He could see the veins in your neck and the tense manner in which you held your skirts.

With your poise intact, you departed from the Great Hall, a tad bit prouder of yourself than normal. It wasn't easy to constantly swallow your true feelings, but you were getting better at it. And if feigning civility was the means to your desired end, so be it.

_______________________

"Look who actually kept her promise for once. I was afraid you were going to break my heart again." Ivar said without glancing up from the chess board. He busied himself setting up for a game as you walked over.

"Do you have anything to eat in here?"

You had left the Dining Hall without thinking about how hungry you truly were. You had not even finished your fruits and nuts let alone the main course.

"Do I look like I go around shoving bread into my pockets?" A tickled Ivar replied. "Who do you think I am? Hvitserk?"

"Damn it to hell. I am starved."

"So, go and grab something from the Dining Hall."

"No! Father might still be there."

Ivar finally looked up from the chess board and eyed you. He knew that if you were avoiding someone, you must have a very good reason. After all, you tried your best to get along with everyone.

"What happened?"

"I do not wish----"

"Do not give me that flippant response or you will make me angry." Ivar said, cutting you off mid-sentence. "Come here."

Reluctantly, you walked to him at took a seat. Still studying your expression, your brother again asked you to tell him what had occurred. After taking a deep breath, you told him what had occurred and why you had asked Ragnar such a question in the first place.

"I know that it is not my place, after all, she is your mother. But I cannot help feeling that Queen Aslaug is not herself as she was before I went to court." You elaborated as you played with the fabric of your skirts. "There is a sadness in her eyes that I cannot describe."

Your brother's expression changed instantly as he put down the pawns. He too, apparently, had been thinking the same thing. Looking at you, he confessed that things between Aslaug and Ragnar had become worse over the years.

"You are truly observant, Y/N. I also think that father needs to show far more attention than he does." Ivar added as he took your hand. "Sometimes, I invite mother to the Training Grounds as a way of force them being in the same place. However, she always says that she does not wish to be in the way."

"Actually, that is a great idea. That would be a great way for them to at least bond over something father enjoys." You excitedly said as you perked up. "Shall I invite her then? I do not think she will say 'no' to me. And I can even offer to train her."

Ivar beamed at your words. He treasured his mother and was genuinely moved by your compassion for her.

"Do you know how much I love you?" He asked as he let go of your hand. Ivar then wrapped his arm around you, pulling onto his lap.

"What a silly question. Of course, I do. And I love you as well."

Ivar stared into your eyes as if he was trying to figure out if you truly meant it. Naturally, you found it odd and the intensity of his staring eventually made you feel uncomfortable. Trying to change the subject you decided to bring up a funny story one of your Handmaidens had told you, but Ivar interjected.

"Why are you so nervous?"

"I am not nervous."

"Yes, you are. I can tell by how your voice changed." Ivar scoffed. "And look at how you keep twirling your bracelet. Are you scared that I will kiss you again?"

Your heart raced as if you had been startled. You could feel the saliva in your mouth dry up as you tried to speak.

"Please desist from bringing that up." You whispered as you cautiously looked around.

"No. I shall bring it up as much as I like. You are behaving as if you did not like it. If I recall properly, there were many kisses each better than the first."

Refusing to hear any more about what happened "that night", you stood up. Ivar scowled as he watched you walk to the fireplace. He knew he was right but you were never going to admit it to him. You were far too stubborn to ever do such a thing. At least, for now. But if you thought you could fool him, you were sadly mistaken. Your brother knew you too well, despite your years at court.

"I am begging you to drop that matter entirely. It is wrong………….and sinful."

"If you wish." Ivar replied, his brows creasing with frustration.

Still, he wasn't overly upset with you.

After all, he knew it must have been overwhelming for someone with your beliefs to accept certain thoughts. Especially, the thought that you had enjoyed being kissed by your own half-brother.

"Come here please. I promise I will not do anything to offend you." Ivar asked in a gentle tone.

You sighed before going to him and sitting back down. With a playful smile he gave you a wink and mouthed something.

"What?" You asked with a brow raised in confusion. "I did not hear anything."

"Come closer."

"No! I am fine where I am."

Pulling your chair by the armrests, Ivar brought you as close as possible causing you to frown. He then leaned in close until his lips touched your ear.

"Do you still want to know what I said?"

"Fine. I am listening." You replied, crossing your arms as if you were bored with the conversation.

However, he didn't say anything. Instead, Ivar playfully bit your ear and then your neck. As you scooted into the backrest, he held the chair steady with both hands, trapping you.

"Stop it."

"Stop what?" Ivar asked very innocently. "I barely touched you."

"Liar."

"Brat."

Your brother kissed the length of your neck again, this time open mouthed and sensually.

"Please stop you idiot! I have had enough of you for tonight." You said with a roll of your eyes.

Ivar took his lips from your flesh before laughing at your reply. The two of you were always good at tossing insults to one another and it was no different now. Undeterred, Ivar gave you a kiss on the cheek before placing another one closer to your lips.

"Ivar stop!"

"Ivar, stop before I have to admit I like it." He mimicked with a chuckle.

Having enough of his behavior, you hauled off and punched your brother in the shoulder. It had been long since your aggressive side had shown itself but you didn't care. He was being beyond irritating. Completely undeterred, Ivar grabbed your wrists and gave you a grin that made you even angrier.

"Aw, was that supposed to do something?" He asked. "In case you are unaware, I have an affinity for pain. It is unfortunate that your blows do not hurt in the least."

"I will show you!"

You twisted your wrists and managed to slip out of Ivar's grasp. You then grabbed his wrist with both hands and began twisting the flesh in opposite directions.

"Hey! That hurts you little imp!" Ivar seethed as he yanked his arm of your grasp.

Before long, the two of you were rough playing as you if you were children again. Ivar was fast, but you held your own. For every one of his strikes, you returned it with as much force as you could muster. Eventually, you had to get out of the chair and scurry away. Ivar was holding back his full strength but his hits still hurt.

"Why are you running?" A pleased Ivar asked as he grabbed the fabric of your skirts. "You cannot retreat coward!"

"I am not a coward! I am merely rethinking my tactics."

"You surprise me sister. I did not expect you to retreat like a typical Christian!"

"Let go of my dress, cheater."

"No, it is fair game."

Ivar kept hold of your skirts until you finally conceded that he had won your playful war. Very pleased with himself, he let go of your dress. Your brother then made sure to inform you that you were getting too soft from being around Alfred's people.

"Do not allow them to change who you are. If you do not take care, you will lose yourself to them."

"That will never happen."

Despite your confidence, you brother didn't look like he believed you. He knew very well that you were facing immense pressure and tradition. Not only that, but you were exchanging vows with one of the most pious Christians he had ever met.

"Do you truly think I am becoming soft?" You asked as you sat beside Ivar again.

He smirked as he began arranging the chess pieces again. Your brother stated that you were beginning to behave like a wilting flower. He even went on to complain about you being kept in bed by the Healer.

"I was very confused. What happened to the girl who took as many scrapes and bruises like the rest of us? Are you going to allow them to treat you like a soft and whiny Saxon woman?" He asked with a great deal of disgust. "You do not need to be in bed like some sickler. What you need is fresh air and exercise."

"But the Healer-----"

"The Healer is a servant! Do you take orders or do you give them?" Ivar said as he glanced at you for a moment. "As long as you are not terribly sick why be treated as such?

You stared at your brother as you mulled over his words. It was quite true. You were only feeling poorly due to your stress level. However, you didn't feel the need to be confined to bed. Ivar was right, you were no sickler nor were you feeble.

"Admittedly, you are right. I do need to return to my normal routine. If Aethelred knew I have been neglecting my swordplay, he would be surprised."

"Aethelred?" Ivar repeated. "Is that not the sickly one's brother? You mean to tell me that he has no issue with you training."

"No. In fact, he has been my greatest rival as well as my biggest advocate."

Your brother glanced at you as you spoke. There was something in your voice that caught his interest. The manner in which you spoke of Aethelred was unlike anything he had heard before. Ivar even noticed that your smile had become wider.

"Why do you reflect on him in such a way?"

"What?"

"Do not act as if you do not know what I am saying. You like him?"

Instantly, you looked down at your hands - playing with your nails that were in need of cutting. Undeterred, Ivar reached over and took hold of your chin. After turning your head toward him, he studied your expression.

"So, it is true. You do have fondness for this Aethelred."

"Ivar please. Why must you insist on knowing everything about me? Let me have some thoughts that are my own for once."

"How can that ever be?" He asked, almost amused by your assertion. Caressing your chin in an affectionate manner, he stared at you. "Y/N, do you not understand yet? I know you better than you even know yourself. There is no way you can ever keep a secret from me even if you tried."

Your eyes finally met Ivar's intense gaze. As you sat in silence, just beholding one another, he moved closer. Without asking, he gave you a sweet kiss upon your lips.

"Sister, do you trust me?"

"Of course I do."

"Then do not keep things from me. No matter what the obstacle, you and I must stick together." Ivar said before giving you another kiss, this time much longer. "Alright?"

You nodded your head slowly as you looked into his eyes. Pleased, Ivar tapped his cheek with his finger. As you went to place a kiss upon it, he turned and caught your lips with his own. Your brother then gave you a series of pecks before pressing his forehead to yours.

"You tricked me!"

"I know." A pleased Ivar replied before brushing his nose against yours playfully.

As he contemplated giving you a passionate kiss, the door creaked loudly as it began to open. You pulled away from your brother just as Alfred entered. As soon as soon as he spotted Ivar, your betrothed greeted him graciously. Surprisingly, your brother returned his gesture in kind without any hint of disdain.

"My love, are you alright?" Alfred asked. While he stood where you were sat down, the Prince caressed your cheek. "Your father thinks you are upset with him because of how abruptly departed."

"Good! I left because he was upsetting me." You confessed.

"That does not matter." Ivar interjected. "I will be the first to admit that Ragnar is not always the easiest person to get along with. But in the end, he is still our father.

"As your brother so eloquently pointed out, you must still remember that he is your father." Alfred replied.

"Exactly. I have told Y/N before that no matter what, she must learn to respect him."

"Agreed." Alfred again concurred with a nod. He then glanced at you with vindication. "Your brother's words are wise."

You glared at Ivar who now pretended not to notice you. Instead, he busied himself arranging the chess board as Alfred took a seat across from him. The manner in which your brother had made you look like the bad person was irritating enough. But to have the two of them practically teaming up against you, was infuriating.

"You should listen to your future husband more often, Y/N." Ivar advised as he looked at you. "Heathen or Christian, men are responsible for the household."

Alfred had the hint of a smile now upon hearing your brother’s statement. He thought it to be very much in line with his own thoughts. But as far as you were concerned, if you could have slapped Ivar, you would have done so. Instead, you forced yourself to politely thank him for his words.

Sitting beside your brother in silence, you feigned a smile as bad thoughts ran through your mind. One of them being how much you would enjoy flipping the table over and challenging the two of them to a fight.

However, you sat in silence with your hands upon your lap. While you watched Alfred and Ivar match wits, you knew the time would come when you would best them both.

____________________________

In the middle of the night, you tossed in your bed as the banging on your door became louder. Finally realizing that whomever it was would not go away, you sat up. After you yelling for the person to enter, a female Thrall did so with a concerned look upon her face.

"Please forgive me your Highness, but Prince Sigurd insisted that I wake you. There is trouble."

"What trouble?"

Your heart had already started beating erratically with worry. Did something happen to one of your brothers? Ivar perhaps. He did have times where his bone illness became unbearable. However, Healer Drusilla had been controlling his pain effectively for years now. What could it possibly be?"

"It is the Queen." The Thrall whispered as she re-positioned the lantern in her hand. "She was distraught when I saw her pacing the floor of the Great Hall earlier. Not only that, but she was highly intoxicated. Naturally, I tried to usher her to bed but she refused. Instead, she insisted that she wanted to go for a walk. She then went off in the direction of the trees past the gardens. It has started raining so she will fall sick if we do not find her."

You quickly jumped out of the bed and instructed the woman to inform your brother to enter.

Within seconds, Sigurd came in with the Thrall behind him - his face wearing the signs of unease. Straightaway, you went to your brother and gave him a reassuring embrace. As you pulled away, you looked at him encouragingly.

"We shall find her, do not worry. I will wake---------"

"No sister! We cannot wake the entire household. This must be kept between a few people. Ragnar, he……….." Sigurd hesitated – his expression becoming strained. "Look, Father is not the kindest person at times. If he gets word of this, he will eventually throw it in my mother's face. He always mocks her for such things despite knowing why she behaves as she does."

"So I was right. Father went cavorting tonight." You thought to yourself.

When you asked Sigurd if Ragnar had been with women that evening, he initially averted his eyes. But then, he looked at you again. You could see that whatever sorrow Aslaug felt, he also felt it as deeply.

"Mother is very sensitive. Ragnar knows very well that when neglects her for long periods, she becomes dejected. Especially when he seems to find time for his…….acquaintances." Sigurd confessed, running a hand over his head. "It makes her feel as if she is being rejected whenever he does such things."

"Can you blame her? Your mother obviously loves Ragnar." You said with a great deal of disdain for your father. "How unfortunate for her."

Sigurd looked deeply into your eyes and nodded in agreement. Your words did not offend in the least. If anything, your brother appreciated your candid observation. He too detested Ragnar's public affairs and cavorting. Sigurd truly wished that your father could be more private with his liaisons. At least that way, his mother's feelings and dignity could be spared.

"Allow me to go and change." You said. "While I am doing so, you may wake Sir Lancille. He is not only trustworthy but a proficient tracker. If anyone will be of use, it is he."

______________________

The rain was practically hammering your little search party as the four of you made your way through the woods. Sir Lancille, yourself, Sigurd and one Christian Guard were drenched despite donning leather and fur cloaks. It was a terrible gale and the sooner you found the Queen, the better.

"She went this way." Lancille shouted over the terrible wail of the wind and downpour. "Take care! The trail slopes downward sharply."

As you all descended, Sigurd guided you cautiously - making certain to watch your footing. It was dangerous terrain but coupled with the darkness; it was made even more treacherous. Despite the covered lanterns, there wasn't too much light to work with so everyone took their time.

"Sister, take care. It is very slippery over here."

"I am." You shouted in reply.

Eventually, the two of you caught up to the others.

"There! Indentations in the mud." Lancille remarked as he pointed to some high brush. "The three of you wait here. I will fetch her."

He then handed his covered lantern to a confused Sigurd.

"Do you not need this?"

"Trust me. I can see in the dark better than an owl."

Drenched, you pulled the hood of your cloak down further in an attempt to shield yourself better. As you held onto Sigurd's arm, you hoped that Lancille would truly locate your stepmother. Though you understood he need to get away from everyone, it was time to get her home. There would be time to comfort her once she was safely back at the estate.

"There they are." The guard shouted as he lifted his covered lantern higher.

The three of you spotted Lancille carrying a passed-out Queen Aslaug in his arms. She looked extremely pale but very much alive. The one thing you hoped was that she would not fall gravely ill. After all, your stepmother was only wearing a dress with no shawl, cloak or other covering.

Sigurd rushed to Lancille's side and proceeded to light his way as the four of you began walking towards the estate. The Christian guard stayed close to your side in order to protect you whilst your brother walked ahead with your personal guard. As you mulled things over, you blamed Ragnar. He was so thoughtless at times that you wondered just how any woman could like him.

No doubt people always exclaimed that your father was handsome, but so what. Did that give him the right to treat people as he did? Your brothers may have been afraid to show him disdain but you certainly weren’t.

In your eyes, your father was quite the villain. And to be honest, his history spoke for itself. From Lagertha to your mother to Queen Aslaug, Ragnar left destruction everywhere he went.

___________________

When you made it back to the estate, two of Lancille's men let slipped everyone in through the South gateway. Thankfully, no one had been roused while you were gone and all was still quiet. Like a clandestine operation, you managed to get the Queen to her chamber with no one being the wiser. After Sir Lancille handed her over to a strong male Thrall, you glanced at him.

"You have my deepest gratitude." You said while removing your drenched cloak. Taking a cloth from one of the servants, you began drying Lancille's hair much to his surprise. "I swear, I do not know what I would do without you at times. You are like my very own guardian angel."

Your guard only looked at you with an indecipherable expression. Inwardly, he was touched by your show of kindness and affection. Outwardly however, he only nodded in acknowledgement before insisting it was merely his duty.

"And as I have always told you, I am yours to command. Always." He added before gently taking the cloth from your hands. "I better do that myself."

It wasn't that Lancille truly wanted to stop you from drying his hair. However, due to his infatuation, he didn't want to tempt himself by remaining so close.

"I echo my sister's thoughts, Sir Lancille." A thankful Sigurd said as he came and stood beside you. He then handed a chalice of warmed wine to your guard. "We are truly in your debt."

"Please, your Highness, there is no need. It was my pleasure to be of service."

"Well, if it is all the same to you, I insist on giving reward. To you it may be a duty but it does not make it any less appreciated. Tomorrow, we shall look at swords…..something special." Sigurd replied with a great smile. "And I shall not take 'no' for an answer."

"That is a wonderful idea." You chimed. "I shall come along as well."

Lancille thanked your brother before eyeing you – almost amused in a way.

With that, he bid you all a good evening and departed the Queen's chamber.

"I truly like him." Sigurd said as he took a seat by the fireplace. "He is a genuine and noble man. It is hard to find someone like him anywhere."

"I know that to be very true. Lancille is very special to me. I cannot imagine my life without him or Sir Evertte."

As Queen Aslaug was finally placed in bed by some Thralls, you and Sigurd sat by the fireplace. The two of you spoke of Ragnar and other important things that had been bothering you both.

________________________

In the morning, you were still quite groggy as people began entering your chamber. You had gone to bed perhaps only two hours or so before everyone began waking. Your Handmaidens entered full of giggles and dressed for the day. Behind them, Pippa and Governess Yasmine followed.

After greeting you, the five Handmaidens took their seats and began their usual round of gossip.

"Governess, why have you all come this morning? As I have told you before, I do not require everyone to be at my beck-and-call here in Kattegat."

"Oh, I know dear." Governess Yasmine said, taking a seat. "But Priest Grundherr believes there has not been enough communal prayer as of late. He has been complaining about everyone backsliding since arriving in Heathen lands."

"I for one agree." Pippa stated as she placed her book down. "Just because we are……..here, it does not mean we should forget who we are. Communal prayer is essential for your souls. So, once you are dressed, we shall attend service in the Sitting Hall of the North wing. Your father gave his permission to convert it."

You came close to rolling your eyes upon hearing the word "father". Needless to say, after what had occurred with your stepmother, he wasn't your favorite person at the moment.

"Fine. I shall get ready."

Despite being exhausted, you threw the furs off and slid out of bed. With a proper yawn, you stretched causing Governess Yasmine to eye you.

"Are you still tired?"

"I am very tired, however, I shall begin my day as normal. However, I most definitely will turn in early tonight."

_____________________

As you listened to Priest Grundherr giving the ending portion of the sermon, you could feel yourself slipping. It was bad enough that you had barely slept, but now, you had to fight to stay awake due to sheer boredom.

Trying your best as you sat between Prince Aethelwulf and Alfred, you glanced at the large gold cross beside the Priest. It was an ornate and expensive artifact that had been smuggled when you left Arundel. Still, your eyes were growing heavier.

"And what is more, the Holy Trinity is not mocked. No, my brethren. There is nothing that escapes the judgment of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. For that reason, we must guard ourselves…….."

Priest Grundherr's voice trailed off in your ears. Taking notice of your head slumping and your eyes closing, Aethelwulf gave you a slight nudge. You instantly opened your eyes, stunned at just how quickly you had nodded of.

Glancing at your future father-in-law, you gave a discreet smile, thanking him for waking you. The last thing you needed was the Priest taking notice of you sleeping during a sermon. Knowing Grundherr, he would likely think the Devil had a hold of you.

Making eye contact with the Priest, Prince Aethelwulf furrowed his brow. It was his silent message that things needed to conclude. Clearing his throat, the clergyman asked all of you to say your prayers of contrition so he could give the Holy Communion.

As soon as you had gone and knelt at the makeshift altar, you felt relieved. If the service had gone any longer, you would have fallen asleep for sure.

As you walked back to your seat, you noticed that Pippa and Lancille were not sitting beside one another. It was odd since you knew she typically liked sitting with him at gatherings.

"Perhaps, I should ask what is going on. Then again, maybe it is not my place." You thought.

_________________________

Grateful to finally be outdoors, you stood in one of the stalls prepping a black steed that belonged to Ubbe. As you checked the saddle, your Handmaidens sat nearby watching you curiously.

"Are you certain that you do not need us to accompany you, your Highness?" One asked. "After all, we are your companions."

"I doubt you will find weaponry to your interest. But if you would like, you are all free to come and see me at the Training Grounds." You replied with a smirk. "After all, I know how much you ladies enjoy observing handsome men."

Agreeing to come and watch you practice with your brothers later on, the Handmaidens took their leave. As they departed, Prince Alfred and Aethelwulf approached.

"Why are you here in the stables? Your betrothed asked as he studied you with a curious expression. "Are you prepping that horse for yourself?

You wanted to slap yourself. How could you have forgotten to tell him about your planned excursion? Damn the lack of sleep! All you could do now was hope that the oversight didn't cause an unnecessary confrontation.

"Actually, it is. Sigurd and I are going into town with Sir Lancille."

"Is that so? And you were planning on telling me this when?"

Prince Aethelwulf winced inwardly as he looked between you and Alfred. Obviously, he could tell where things were headed. However, he held back. Since he had been advising his son about the frailties of marriage, he hoped it was working. Thus, the elder Prince decided that he would only step-in if necessary.

"I am sorry that it slipped my mind to inform you." You admitted very sincerely.

"Well, that is obvious! Did you not have the opportunity to tell me after Prayer Service?"

"I know but…….I do not know what to say." You apologetically said. "I am very tired today so I suppose that is not doing me any favors."

"Tired?" Alfred repeated with a hint of sarcasm. "That is ridiculous."

"But it is true. I did not rest more than two or three hours." You protested. "I swear."

Despite your insistence, Alfred did not appear to believe you. Fortunately, as the two of you were still going back and forth, Sigurd approached. When he arrived, he stood beside Prince Aethelwulf with a perplexed expression upon his face.

"Afternoon, your Highness." Your brother said before fixating on you and Alfred. "What is the issue with those two?"

"Apparently, my son thinks your sister intentionally forgot to mention your afternoon plans. She says it slipped her mind due to lack of sleep but……….well, you can see for yourself."

Excusing himself, Sigurd walked to you and Alfred before interrupting with a polite clearing of his throat. He then greeted the young Prince before informing him that you were indeed being honest.

"Something occurred last night so I was forced to wake Y/N." Sigurd added. "When I turned in, she was still up with my mother. Honestly, I am quite surprised that she is even up and about. I had assumed it would just be Sir Lancille and I going to town alone."

Alfred felt a touch of guilt for not believing you. The fact that you had denied yourself rest in order to care for your stepmother was honorable. After thanking Sigurd for validating things for him, your betrothed turned to you.

"Please forgive me, Y/N." He said as he took your hand in his.

"You cannot be serious! The only reason you believe me now is because my brother echoed my words." You firmly replied - staring at him in disbelief. "Why should that be the case?"

"You have a right to be upset with me. But I am truly apologetic."

"It is only because Sigurd came to my aid. Just admit it Alfred, you do not trust me."

Though you were more irate than hurt, you allowed tears to well. As Governess Yasmine had told you on numerous occasions, crying was a great weapon. Upon seeing your expression and the wetness glistening in your eyes, Alfred was filled with guilt.

He knew you were correct. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't help being domineering. The worst part was that the he knew very well how it felt to be treated in such a way. After all, Alfred had a great deal of resentment toward his mother for doing the very same thing.

"Y/N, please, you are breaking my heart." He whispered as he stepped closer. "I was wrong for being skeptical of what you said."

You felt his delicate fingers wiping the tears that had begun gliding down your cheeks.

"Do not cry, sister. I think your betrothed is truly sorry." Sigurd commented in an attempt to comfort you.

Suddenly, you heard Ivar's voice calling your name. When you turned to look in his direction, your brother raised a brow.

"What is the matter?" He immediately asked, walking to you upon his crutch.

Ivar didn't even bother to greet or acknowledge anyone else. His focus; the entirety of it; was on you.

"It……….I was just…..upset. All is fine now." You replied.

Not appearing to believe you, Ivar took out a kerchief from his tunic pocket. Gently, he wiped your eyes as he glared at Alfred. He didn't appreciate the fact that you were upset and knew 'your Christian' had done something. Ivar had to summon all of his willpower to keep from exploding. If it was not for the delicate treaties in place, your brother would have likely grabbed your betrothed by the neck.

"Do not tell me you are fine when I can clearly see that you were moved to tears." Ivar responded as he beckoned you with his free hand.

As the two of you walked off a short distance, you reassured your temperamental brother the best you could. Despite not believing you in the least, he eventually relented.

"Fine. We shall talk about it later." He said in a lowered voice. "At least I care. I see that your favorite brother was of no help to you."

"Ivar, please stop. Why must you now shift the focus to Siggy? You know very well that I hate it when you speak ill of him."

Ivar eyed you with veiled jealously. Oh how he loathed your overt fondness for Sigurd and Bjorn. Though it had been that way ever since you met them, he had hoped things would have changed.

"Why do you always insist on standing up for him? Am I not also your brother?"

You exhaled with some exasperation. Between Ivar and Alfred, you didn't know how much more irritation you could tolerate.

"Of course you are. But I love you all the same so please, stop making me choose between you."

"You love me?"

"Of course I do. However, it does not seem like you believe me when I say it."

"Then tell me more often." Ivar replied - finally appearing pacified. "And act as if you appreciate me showing concern for you."

"Of course I appreciate it. I always have."

Ivar gazed at you with deep devotion before agreeing for the two of you to speak later on. Relieved, you informed him that you would see him at the Training Grounds as promised. While you walked back to your steed where Alfred was still awaiting you, Ivar watched.

He did not view you as a brother would a sister but as one would admire the object of their affection. As for Sigurd, he was busily chatting with Prince Aethelwulf and Sir Lancille.

As soon as you reached where Alfred was, he meekly took both your hands in his. To your surprise, he again asked for your forgiveness.

"You do know that I love you, do you not?" He asked.

"Of course I do."

"Then please do not be angry with me for long. I am trying my best."

Alfred gave you a weak smile, his eyes reflecting his fear of losing you.

"Do not fret yourself Alfie. I am not upset with you. In fact, it is already forgotten." You said much to his relief.

It was so difficult for you to describe your relationship with Alfred. No matter what occurred between you, it was never an easy task to stay angry with him. Because despite everything, you cared immensely for him. He and Aethelred were both near-and-dear to your heart.

You only wished things could have stayed as they had been. The three of you getting along and doing all manner of fun things together. Regrettably, it appeared that becoming adults had changed everything. All your social dynamics that were once enjoyable, became complicated overnight.

"May I embrace you?" Alfred asked with some apprehension.

When you replied that it would be fine, he wasted no time in pulling you into his arms. Ivar, who was now leaning against the doorway of the stable, scoffed to himself. It wasn't easy for him to watch you in the arms of the man you were soon to marry. If he had it his way, the nuptials would have been delayed due to the impending war.

Sir Lancille, only glanced at you and Alfred momentarily before turning his attention back to the conversation at hand.

Though his deep affection for you was still growing, the brooding knight had no intention of making his feelings known. But despite telling himself that your happiness was all that mattered, Lancille also did not care for your impending vows.

________________________

In his study, Sir Lancille's estranged cousin; Sir Mansfeld; and his father, Sir Peregrine, sat drinking wine. It was very late at night and they had just returned from Brackhill Palace. King Dorian had called for a special meeting of all his top Advisors and Attendants and thus they had to make themselves present. Since they lived in the neighboring city, it had been quite the journey. As the two men relaxed, one of the Head Servants entered.

"Forgive me, my Lords but this letter has been awaiting you for two days now." The man said apologetically. "I wanted to make certain to hand it to you straightway."

"A letter? From whom?" Sir Peregrine asked.

He was exhausted from the journey and wanted to see if it was worth reading or could be left for the morning.

"The herald that brought it was quite secretive. Not only did he refuse to give it to anyone that wasn't a Head Servant, he informed me that it was from a foreign Prince. He also made no qualms about the need to keep it in a private place. For that reason, it has been under lock-and-key in my chamber."

"Really?" An intrigued Mansfeld said. "Was he a foreigner or a native?"

"The accent was unquestionably foreign. Perhaps from Eire lands. Though I would like to mention that he appeared more of a mercenary than a true herald."

"So, a secretive letter from a foreign Prince." Sir Peregrine said with interest. "I wonder why one would be reaching out to me."

"Forgive me, my Lord but it is actually not addressed to you. It is for Sir Mansfeld in particular."

Both Mansfeld and his father looked even more interested than before. It truly was perplexing as to whom could be reaching out. After the letter was handed to the younger knight, he broke the wax that bore no seal and then unwrapped the twining.

Sir Peregrine patiently watched his son read the letter while sipping his wine. Raising a brow, a devious smile crossed Mansfeld’s face before he abruptly dismissed the servant. Once the man had departed, he glanced at his father.

"You will not believe who has written me."

"Who?"

"Prince Ivar."

"Is he not one of the heirs to Ragnar the Bloody Heathen?" An astonished Sir Peregrine asked. "What could he possibly want with you?"

"I had the privilege of meeting him when we went to Kattegat some time ago. Whilst the trip to negotiate with that reckless Princess failed, Ivar and I developed an understanding of sorts." Mansfeld said much to his father's surprise. "We communicated for some time after my return, but I have not heard from him in over a year. I dare say that you would like him. He is a man that thinks for himself and has his own plans. Grand ones."

"That is rather interesting."

"Indeed it is, father." Sir Mansfeld replied as he again looked at the letter in his hand.

______________________

A solemn Aethelred was busily working on letters to King Bram Leifsson and King Aella when his mother entered. Princess Judith had a letter clasped in her hand that had just arrived from a Great House. For that reason, she was feeling more excited than usual.

“What is it mother?” Aethelred asked without looking up from his papers. “I am nearly done. If it is alright with you, we can talk after I affix the seals.”

Not one to be deterred, Judith took a seat directly in front of the desk and held up the letter in her hand.

“I will return to speak to you further but I must tell you this exciting news.”

“What is it? Is that from Y/N?” Aethelred asked as he finally looked up.

He had written you several times since the two of you had parted ways in West Francia, however, he had yet to hear from you. Naturally, he had been sick with worry thinking you had forgotten all about him.

However, the reason for the lack of communication was simple. Ever vigilant in protecting Alfred’s interests, Judith had made sure to have each one of Aethelred’s letters confiscated. Even the three letters you had managed to send off without Alfred’s knowledge had also been seized.

“I am afraid this has nothing to do with your brother’s soon-to-be wife.” She replied, earning a glare from Aethelred. “It does, however, have everything to do with you.”

“Me? Who is it from?”

“Just know that it is from a great family. Furthermore, they have agreed to give one of their daughters to you in marriage.”

Aethelred put down his quill and stared at his mother for what seemed like an eternity. His jaw was so tensed that Judith nearly regretted giving the news while sitting so closely.

“Mother, I do not know whom this woman is but I shall not marry her. If even God himself has fashioned her, I refuse to be her husband.” Aethelred finally said as the shock wore off. “If I am so inclined to ever marry, I shall find my own wife.”

“Nonsense! You are a Prince and heir to the throne. You must marry, just as Alfred is doing. In fact, you shall meet your soon-to-be wife before your brother’s nuptials.”

“I will do no such thing.” An irate Aethelred said firmly. He loved you still. And if his mother thought his feelings went away because she snatched you for Alfred, she was sadly mistaken. “I may have to go along with a great many things, but I must draw a line somewhere.”

“You may be angry and you may rant, if you wish. But King Ecbert has given his blessings. He is writing for the blessings of King Charles the Bald and the Pope as we speak.”

With that Princess Judith stood from her seat. She then added that she was doing everything for Aethelred’s own good. When she left the study, he sat in silence for a long while before hurling a copper vase at the door - denting it.

Princess Judith was unaware but she was pushing her elder son’s emotions too far. If she did not take care, it would only be a matter of time before things came to a head.

_______________

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addytheheartbreaker · 5 years

Text

"Meet Carmelo the Ice Cream"

Name: Carmelo Jerato

Age: 22

Height: 6'1 ft

Weight: 59 kg

Mask singer belong to: Tyler "Ninja" Blevins

Friends with: Doll, Dog, Rabbit, Egg, Monster, Penguin, Hippo, Skeleton, Ladybug, Rottweiler and Unicorn.

Appearance: Ice cream person, blue mint ice cream hair with chocolate sauce and sprinkles with a single strawberry ice cream top fisish with a cherry on top (if he could turned into a human, his hair would be obviously light blue). Light skin, kitsune no me (also known as "Fox eyes" or "Shifty eyes" in English or people who always closed his/her eyes), sky blue eyes (made out of ice cream, if human his eyes are sky blue eyes), the OwO smile (because he is adorable), blushes and slender and tall body type.

Clothing style: Ice cream theme with ice cream related decorations and accessories (flavor color and various of toppings), jacket or hoodies, sweater or printed shirts, his bandana and formal suits (main clothing). Casual clothes, ninja uniform (only for battle competitions or in gaming dimension).

Fun facts about Carmelo:

•Carmelo is a Americans-Japanese boy living in America his whole life.

•he can speak and understand English and Japanese, his mother taught him japanese which he learned very quickly in young age.

•he has a collection of anime (old times and modern times), he can also watch anime on his spare time.

•Ice Cream can let Egg borrowed his anime since the two loves watching anime. There are times when they watch anime together at the Masked Singer 2 mansion.

•Carmelo is a huge sweet tooth, he often must eat sweets after meals or when he is still live on twitch gaming.

•A successful professional gamer/streamer, has claimed many titles like Ninja, a billionaire and a well known generous philanthropist.

•as a famous streamer star and a philanthropist, he is generous to do a charity for mental health issues support, suicidal prevention, cancer prevention and child depression treatment support.

•Carmelo is a very friendly, energetic, enthusiastic, cheerfula fun, child like, and wonderful guy to meet with.

•he is friendly to children and has time to hang out at the child depression treatment support center to cheer and play with depressed children.

•He is an associated of the group called the "Night Streamers Joy".

•Ice Cream has been controlled and trolled by his boss who challenging each other while doing charity.

•Ice Cream can go through different dimensions. His main dimension where his group are in is the "Gaming dimension", a huge unknown island like battle field for him and the group with many people to play. (Fortnite reference).

•The only way he can go to that dimension is actually out of the body experience like. His real body still stays while controlling and expressing emotions while playing as his mind and soul entered the visual dimension as a player. (Inspired by the movie Sucker Punch, loved that movie its awesome)

•Carmelo secretly owns many weapons that looks like the game or fortnite weapons that came to real life. He knows how to use it and it is highly unknown how he managed to use it but some believed that he had been practicing on playing games his whole life.

•His family, a mother and father, an older brother and younger sister, he is a middle brother but treated like a child to him.

•owns so MANY games at his bedroom and gaming room. He remembers what the games instructions and stories about and he basically remembered every game titles.

•Ice Cream couldn't go outside without drinking nitrogen liquid.

•Nitrogen liquid is a family traditional everyday medicine because his family are all ice cream or frozen dessert people. He needed to drink nitrogen before going outside is because of the sun heat exposing if he stays outside for too long.

•the only part that would melt first is his eyes and hair. The eyes melts faster then his hair and it gave him a terrifying melting eye look that scares everyone.

•but that's alright, he can refilled his eyes by going to the "Comfort room" (aka the Freeze room), stay there for 10 minutes before putting 2 scoops of ice cream to his eyes.

•if he had a human form, Carmelo has asthma from overheat and couldn't stand heat very seriously.

•He plays video games and do streaming and live charity 24/7. He is also takes breaks but didn't take vacations because of his melting pressure.

•his hobbies are playing soccer, playing more video games (on or off streaming), hanging with friends or the children, going to the mall to play arcade games then get a lot of prizes and going through cafes, candy and bakery stores to eat sweets.

•he doesn't have any stomach problems or any illness after eating a huge amount of sweets. Its because as an ice cream man who is born with a family of frozen desserts, sweets is a resource power and energy.

•his hair, hair accessories?, eyes and outfit changes flavor and toppings according to his mood and emotions. However, the black licorice/charcoal black ice cream flavor is the most expensive looking ice cream you ever seen.

•the black ice cream is not shown on public. There are rumors on public that causes everyone on craving to wanting to tastes it but couldn't reach and trigger his black ice cream. It remains mysterious to unlock that flavor.

•the only person who Carmelo already showed and letting them taste the black ice cream is his closest friends who are willing to keep a secret, Bezai (Egg), TJ (Monster) and his family.

•Egg and Monster knew the taste of the expensive looking black flavor, if asked they both wouldn't revealed it.

•the only way to trigger the Black Licorice/Charcoal Black Ice Cream are two things; someone with a very HUGE amount of money donating on his lives streams or someone who is a billionaire and in ready battle or in fighting mode.

•the Black Ice Cream is called "Killer Ice Cream" or "Dark Time Ninja flavor". Because people are Dying to get that type of flavor and this killer ice cream is only active when he faces a fighting challenged or wanting to murder someone (but too soft to commit such crime). It only showed at the Gaming dimension only.

•He is friends with Marshmello. Ninja introducing to him and he has been on his concert for fun.

•He has his bandana, Ninja made it for him so they could match together. He only wear his bandana when he feels like fighting, when he feels serious on playing fair and on Killer Ice Cream mode.

•A huge fan of Naruto, him and his group did the running ninja which he had a lots of views of the random video on youtube.

•his powers is nitrogen fog or frost powers (it is different to Ice power to Frost powers).

•his fighting style is karate, taekwondo and military skills. He professional learned taekwondo daily at high school when he was just a teen, he won 3 gold medals and 5 silver medals from first to the end of high school years.

•as for his military skills, he got it from the game and learned all further constructions which is explained on why he knew how to use a gun and other weapons he possessed.

•Carmelo suffers on depression. In addition onto how he got depression is when he was just a teen where he first got his own twitch.

•age 17-18, he is a victim of toxic fans and was a victim of a certain person on twitch who ruined him into giving his fans a negativity on live streams. Ninja notices the changes and decided to stop the manipulator by exposing him with a help with his friends. Carmelo is grateful that his mentor/friend helped him for everything, but he still suffers to depression still.

•he took medication and support on his long break from twitch before he had finally continue to play.

•his has the same views and followers as Ninja's. Ice Cream is still in the same number of views today.

•He left twitch after Ninja decided to leave twitch. Which means he had left his group, the reason behind it is not just about Ninja. Carmelo: the real reason I left is because its time for me to moved on to the next level and get out from my comfort zone. It was fun after everything I've been through and I had a lots of good memories and bad memories here on twitch. I'll leave the guys who are now my former group to keep it up.

•he can draw anime and cartoon, he only draw it on spare time.

•his room at the Masked singer 2 mansion. His room is literally the freezer room obviously located at the kitchen, the room walls are all covered with crystal ices but in light blue, it was dark but his room are filled with neon lights, his complete desktop, a bathtub filled with ices, his bed, a mountain of ice cream containers and several frozen desserts and a room with his clothes there (Bezai: It bothers me that you put your clothes at this freezer room as your room Carmelo. Carmelo: why bother? I'm an ice cream man, I need to be at least chill to cool myself enough.) (see what I did there 😉 )

•He always played loud music every weekends because he wanted to practice dancing. The song choice are Marshmello's songs, electric soundtracks, 8-bit songs, and Japanese songs (mostly vocaloid).

•Ice Cream once played Family feud because he is a fan of that show since teenage years. Him and his group played together then won the money.

•his partner Bezai, Carmelo always been beside him and always go with him around for no reason. Because they are partners together, Ice cream and Egg are food related which is why he always have to follow him.

•he is Addy's playmate when he is out streaming. When he isn't playing on his desktop, they go play on the couch play video games on TV, PC and go to the mall to play arcade games to get prices.

•Ice Crean respectedly and acted politely to woman and young ladies. Since he knew about Ninja banned to play with a female player, he followed his advice onto not playing with a female player but he would act courteous when out of streaming or gaming.

•He met Egg when he went to have an interview together before the Masked Singer season 2.

•He can't say any swear words since he never swear in his life. He did hear people swearing but for him, he remains clean to his mouth especially in front of children.

•since his eyes remain close all the time and everyday, he has a emoji that looks exactly his look. His emojis are actually OwO but closing eyes: —w— , ^w^, UwU, ~w~, >w<, XwX, =w=

#the masked singer human au #the masked singer #masked singer #carmelo jerato the ice cream #carmelo jerato

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elane-in-the-shadows · 5 years

Text

Red Queen Fan Fiction - Red Huntress Chapter 4

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Epilogue

Find this on Wattpad and on AO3

A/N: After all, this chapter isn’t about teenage Farley (yet). But we’re getting there ;-)

The next weeks, Diana was left to ponder on her mother’s offer. She couldn’t make a choice on that day, nor had she been expected to. Mama wanted her to make a thoughtful decision, one to set the path for the rest of Diana’s life. That was a huge thing to realize, if not the mere option to have a future to decide on by herself.

Thus, Diana puzzled over this, during the increasing field work that reduced the children’s school time further. Everyone’s priorities had shifted to making up for the missed corvee and Armina Cordes, the greatest farmer of Sieverling, purchased seeds for the fallow fields of the village.

What do you want? The question was never far when Diana toiled on their vegetable patch at home, when she glanced at her sister, or in the moments between chatting with Giselle. Diana was overjoyed conversations with the other girl became more frequent in the late summer when they worked side by side on the fields. Finally, she’d found the words to say to Giselle, and was still astounded she could talk to her when her blood rushed to her head every time.

Papa can teach you. What you want.

Even to fight. She asked her mother what that was supposed to mean, and her mother just shrugged.

“He’s become a soldier, so he knows about it,” Mama said. After a pause, seeing Diana still exasperated, she added, “he stayed safe through all this time. He kne – knows what’s waiting for him. We can be proud of him.”

That only confused Diana more, making her turn around to go outside. Later she chided herself for not looking closer at her mother that moment, deciphering her expression. Reds weren’t proud of their conscripted friends and family members. All they wished for was for them to return home whole and healthy. It certainly had been Diana’s sole wish for her father, but now her mother had implied this training, she deduced there was more to it.

She’d said it to her mother already: picking between farming, hunting and butchering was hardly a choice at all. And fighting? So she’d be better prepared when Lord Isère sent his recruiters? Was she supposed to volunteer then?

She almost dropped the can of milk she was carrying when the idea hit her: Stop questioning your choice, and focus on the choices of your parents.

What did they want, truly? Obviously not simply to survive with their heads down. But …

That thought was poisonous, yet she couldn’t get rid of it. Had her father chosen to fight, by leaving his family behind and becoming a soldier? She stared at the milk she’d spilt. Like the milk wouldn’t return into the can, she couldn’t unthink this.

From then on, Diana frequently needled her mother about her father. Carefully. If her parents had lied to her face all this time, they could go on doing so if Diana was too direct. Instead, she asked about the war against Norta itself, her father’s rank and tasks, and the letters he sent home. Mama had read them to her and Madeline, but Diana wondered if Mama had left out certain details. She wanted to read the actual letters, and to her surprise, her mother complied without much persuasion. It must’ve been wrong to doubt her. Mama had approached the topic first, and seemed to want to put her trust in Diana. Hadn’t their conversation on the day of the corvee been about that?

The letters made Diana miss her father even more. While the work on the fields intensified with the harvest, it was also something else to occupy her mind with. But at night, when she was nervous and not tired enough to fall asleep the second she laid down, she sank into the words of her father. He spoke of dread and death, of his fears for those comrades down with him at the borderland and for those far away, at home. Worry of not coming back, and excitement to return home. Already, Diana started to count the days until his visit in the fall. She also figured out the parts her mother might’ve omitted before, the notes of love shared between her parents, the kind words after Mama had the abortion. Some strangely poetic remarks on red sunrises.

When the foliage of the trees turned redder than any sunrise, it was time the soldiers of Sieverling came to visit. To save on transports, all soldiers from one settlement were brought – or taken – on the same days. Although everyone was glad conscriptions and returns didn’t happen simultaneously. It would’ve only provoked strife, even Silvers understood that.

So, every family missing one – or more, in rare cases, several – member could look forward to their reunion. It wasn’t always an unblemished occasion. Sometimes, notices of deaths arrived too late, same with letters reporting on injuries. Every year, a sliver of doubt remained, that you’d wait for your loved ones in vain.

But not this time. The loud and old military transport halted on Sieverling’s cracked road and released its soldiers, Willis Farley among them. Not many villagers afforded to wait for them, although soon enough, families found their way to the soldiers or vice versa.

Madeline was the one to spot their father, on their way from their aunt and uncles’ farm. Madeline jumped into his arms before Diana could even say hello. It didn’t matter. He was big enough to hug both of them.

Some villagers resented their soldiers came to visit exactly after the harvest season, and thus couldn’t assist. Diana rather indulged in her father’s presence, without interruptions from the worst drudgeries. It wasn’t like there weren’t other deeds to perform, but even those felt like reprieve, if only because their family was whole again, no matter it was only two weeks before Papa would go back to war.

So Diana shoved aside her suspicions and questions, letting the moments of innocence and joy linger. At the same time, she felt childish for it, like fleeing from the problems that had haunted her for months. But wasn’t the whole village acting this way, putting aside the worry over the decrease in yield and the coming tithe? If everyone lived in delusion, so could she, she reminded herself.

The two weeks raced on too fast. Mama and Papa danced and kissed and hugged, Madeline played with him around the house. Diana watched, and was aware she couldn’t simply swallow and forget her thoughts. She felt her mother’s gaze on her and noticed her puzzlement that Diana hadn’t mentioned anything yet. Mama didn’t say anything either, probably assuming Diana had chosen differently.

That was what Diana concluded from her mother’s silence, though, and it made her grasp it wasn’t what she wanted.

Three days before he’d leave again, Papa took Diana hunting in the twilight before dawn. She was just able to keep herself awake because of the crisp air, but she took her place beside him, huddled in her wools and scouting with his binoculars. It wasn’t a moment for talking, but being this close to him and sharing the bloody task, gave her the resolve she needed.

The sun rose in what might be the last beautiful, sunny day of the year, and cast a warm red light in their house. Dust danced in the air as a crackling fire heated water for their tea. Diana and her father sat down at the kitchen table, both flushed from the outside and glad to be in the warmth, with the worst of the rabbits’ blood washed off their hands. It was her best, maybe last chance. Her mother had left for work while they’d been in the woods, and Madeline slept late. She knew it wouldn’t be long before her sister would wake up, or Papa got up to deliver their game to Mama at the butcher shop.

Diana drank her tea, letting its heat and flavour spread through her system. She looked at her father, who was taking in this moment of calm, of peace and home. That wasn’t hard to guess, and it proved no reason to hesitate.

“Why did you leave?” she asked.

He startled, looking like a man exposed. Could it be? She’d expected a quiet but chiding, “Diana ...”, yet he only stared at her, both shocked and relieved, as if glad to be found out.

She let him linger, and he cleared his throat. “I was conscripted,” he said, pulling back.

She met his eyes, unwavering in her gaze, but her fingers began to drum on the table. For some reason, that prompted him to go on. He lowered his head. “Or rather, I was picked. As I knew I would.” He sighed, looking up to her raised eyebrow. “What? The conscriptions here … are quite predictable.

“I was picked, and I did nothing.”

“You say that as if you had a choice.”

He shrugged. “As I said, the drafts are predictable. The recruiters will pick from the able-bodied, non-essential adults. There were rumours enough, and chief farmers having their say. I could’ve gone to them, likely Armina Cordes, asking to be spared.”

Diana didn’t dare to breathe or move. Her gaze fixed him.

“I did no such thing. Firstly, I wouldn’t want someone else sent in my place.”

The freeze left her and she sat up straight, incredulous.

“And secondly, I knew Clara would get along. She told me so.”

Diana jumped up, chair scraping. She had to turn away from him.

According to the noise, he stood up as well. She felt his hand on her shoulder and she spun, intending to push him away. His burning, pleading eyes stopped her. “That was what I thought then,” he whispered. “I … had to make it mean something.”

“What?”

“I met others there. They need me.”

She scoffed. “Who are ‘they’?” As if his family didn’t need him.

He pulled closer still, further lowering his voice. “The Scarlet Guard. The rebels.”

In equally few and quiet words, Papa described what he did in the army – in the shadow of the army. Stealing, sabotaging, even murdering Silvers, if there was a chance. They’d only wanted to save some Reds in danger at first, until the need for more increased and increased. Diana wanted to listen intently, but she had to watch and examine her father’s face just as much. He seemed reluctant, if not guilty. Yet he couldn’t hide his pride when reporting his heroic misdeeds. He craved to tell someone about this while he rued this feeling at the same time. He could have that. Diana’s curiosity had woken, and she needed to hear more. She was captivated and wouldn’t settle for less.

“You see, the Silvers taught us to fight. Their mistake not to imagine we’d decide to fight another enemy.”

Diana shrugged. “They think we’re helpless, so …”

Papa grinned. “No, Diana. If the Silvers believe we’re stupid, they’re the true idiots.”

She laughed and couldn’t stop until Papa hushed her. As if the Silvers had spies in here. Diana had been lit by that remark. Her parents loved her. They believed in her. But now she knew they also were certain that she, no, all Reds, were a match for the Silvers. It filled her with boundless confidence. She’d had enough off waiting for Silvers to be helpful. She would save herself.

As her chuckling died down, Papa shook his head. “I shouldn’t have told you. Not like this. And especially not that name.” His grab on her shoulder tightened in emphasis.

She guessed she should agree. She raised her eyebrows instead. “I’m sure you told Mama.”

Her father looked slightly sour.

“Well, since you did, you can introduce me to them too.”

He clicked his tongue and let go. “No, you’re a child and way too young.”

“Then next year? Mama said we can train together.” He raised a brow and Diana smirked. So Mama had informed him of their conversation about teaching her.

He sighed, although she noticed a spark in his eyes. She’d caused that. “We’ll talk again next year.”

After he’d left Sieverling, Papa’s visit began to feel like a dream. Life in the village was like before, only with a more demanding spin after the failed corvee. Having done what they could to make up for it, now was the time to save and ration the yield. Most of the crops grown from the additional seeds were going into the tithe due on new year’s day.

Numbers of the yield were tweaked, crops redistributed from bigger farms to those with more need, coins changed hands under unwritten contracts; all so everyone came as close to paying their due tithe as possible. Yet in the end, the people of Sieverling couldn’t prevent that two of them were sent to the crown fields for two years.

Diana watched them, a middle-aged couple she knew from seeing, being marched off by Lord Isère’s tax collectors with visible resignation – but no resistance. She wondered how they’d become those to fail paying. She didn’t dare to ask, and was ashamed for it.

More and more, everyday life overtook her thoughts, so Papa’s stories about the rebels of the Scarlet Guard only remained with her at night. Were they even real? Or did he tell her a fancy tale to give her hope? She started to doubt, but couldn’t forget the panic in her father’s face when he’d revealed his deeds. He said he shouldn’t have told her the name of the Scarlet Guard, and that wasn’t a lie. Why should he react so strongly about a fairy tale?

If the Scarlet Guard was a dream, she’d make it hers. While she feared for her father’s safety because of it, it also kept her warm in the harsh winter and the too cold, too arid spring when she lay in bed hungry. Even they had to ration their meat as Mama gave away some of her game. As usual, she looked away when other villagers poached in the woods, but this year she almost encouraged everyone capable. It was only fair. Yet at times, Diana was tempted to tell her neighbours about the rebels, to see how they’d react. But secrecy was expected from her and she followed suit.

Only Giselle distracted her from these thoughts. When Giselle smiled at her, the green and golden speckles in her brown eyes shining like gems, she fell into a different kind of dream, one that didn’t feel like the scornful heat of a fire in bitterest winter, but like the first caress of the springtime sun. Diana craved both. It was her father’s last year in the army, and she wanted things to change upon his return. First of all, to take up his offer of learning to fight. She was done limiting her wishes to fleeting dreams.

Diana had grown up in several ways in the last year, but her father only remarked on her height the day they saw each other again. Although she doubted they saw things in the same manner now.

To her, Mama’s and Madeline’s shock, one of Papa’s eyes had gone blind, and turned red all over because of the injury. He smiled at his family nonetheless. “It’s healed already,” he said quietly. “As good as it will.”

Of course, they were all relieved he survived and didn’t suffer anything worse. But no one could overlook his disability. He wouldn’t be as a good a hunter as before. And every day, they’d be reminded what the war had cost him.

Papa wouldn’t speak about how he’d been injured. Diana considered he was back to concealment about the Scarlet Guard, which disappointed her at first. She’d expected him, or both her parents, to approach the topic once again. Maybe her father really did not like to talk about the war. Maybe it was a test, of her patience and trustworthiness.

Diana waited until the new year, when the fields and trees were covered by thick layers of snow. It was an odd time for her parents to go hunting together, but nothing completely absurd. They often hunted together now, so Madeline already wondered if they didn’t “just want some time alone after five years apart,” her voice dripping with innuendo. Diana rolled her eyes. Her sister was at that age.

It really wasn’t the right weather for a romantic tryst, though, and by now, Diana was willing to walk in on one, if necessary. She followed her parents into the forest.

It didn’t turn into a particularly successful tracking attempt. Diana used the tricks her mother had taught her, yet eventually, it was her parents who caught Diana in a clearing mostly devoid of snow. After all, they were too experienced hunters not to notice her. Given the supressed amusement she read on their faces after their dog Lily had almost knocked Diana over, she suspected they’d even led her along for some time.

She must’ve looked sulky. Mama came to her and what Diana expected to become a hug remained two firm hands on her shoulders.

“Seems like you’ve made a decision, Diana,” said Mama in a grave voice. “Are you ready to learn how to fight?”

Diana nodded.

@elliemarchetti @mareshmallow @marecalrandomstuff @choosemarecal @gisabarrovv @lilyharvord @misslucyhutton @mvaen @wessanade @ifyouholdmebackimightexplode @maudthebookeater @scxrletguardsdawn @sxfik @shadykittentraveler @gamer670 @neyrriz @avid-author-activist @screams-internally @abbyboul @vampsbeforetramps @alicialichter @almostconstantlyawkward @olivegreenolives @yjlover @inopinion @sparrow-ceol @gred-and-forge-weaslley

#red queen #red queen fanfiction #diana farley #captain farley #broken throne #farley #victoria aveyard #steel scars #colonel farley #clara farley #madeline farley #glass sword #king's cage #war storm #shade barrow #scarlet guard #red huntress ch 4

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dailytomlinson · 5 years

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Louis Tomlinson may be one-fifth of one of the biggest boybands in the world, but there's so much more to know about the singer than the fact he was in One Direction. Now that he's getting on with his solo music career - AND just dropped his amazing new single 'Two Of Us', Louis is a major household name across the world.

Here's everything you need to know about Louis Tomlinson:

1) Louis’s middle name is William.

2) Louis Tomlinson was born on Christmas Eve in 1991.

3) Louis is the oldest member of One Direction. He’s 13 months older than second eldest Zayn Malik.

Check out One Direction through the years: View Gallery 11 photos 1 / 11 One Direction © Shutterstock One Direction auditioning on The X Factor One Direction formed on The X Factor in 2010. All five members auditioned as individual contestants and were put together as a group by Simon Cowell.

4) Louis Tomlinson's star sign is Capricorn. Apparently, typical Capricorns live by the motto, ‘Slow, steady and win the race.’

5) Louis was brought up in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Other famous people who hail from the town include Jeremy Clarkson, Kevin Keegan and Brian Blessed!

Jeremy Clarkson JEREMY CLARKSON AND BRIAN BLESSED © SHUTTERSTOCK 6) Louis once said that he is a big fan of girls who eat carrots!

7) If Louis had a superpower, he would be able to fly.

8) Louis’s favourite band is The Fray.

9) Louis’s favourite song of all time is ‘Look After You’ by The Fray.

10) Louis’s celebrity crush is Natalie Portman and his man crush is Robbie Williams - who he recently sat next to on The X Factor judging panel.

11) He also once said that Robbie is his biggest role model, telling Metro Radio "I’ve got a massive musical icon and that’s Robbie Williams. We actually got to sing with him on The X Factor and it was absolutely amazing."

X Factor ROBBIE WILLIAMS, AYDA FIELD, LOUIS TOMLINSON AND SIMON COWELL © SHUTTERSTOCK 12) Louis has approximately 1 minute and 30 seconds of solos on ‘Up All Night’ – the second least behind Niall Horan.

13) Louis auditioned on The X Factor by singing a version of Plain White T’s ‘Hey There Delilah’. He got a clean sweep of yeses from the judges.

14) Louis's parents are Johannah Deakin and Troy Austin. They split up when Louis was young, and he eventually took on his stepfather Mark Tomlinson’s surname. Johannah sadly passed away in 2016, Louis paid tribute to his mum on the anniversary of her passing.

15) Louis has five younger half-sisters - one on his father's side (Georgia), and four on his mother's side (Charlotte, Félicité, and twins Daisy and Phoebe).

16) When he was just 11-years-old, Louis had a role as an extra on ITV drama_**_ Fat Friends. His newborn sisters Daisy and Phoebe starred as babies on the show.

17) Spurred on by his appearance on Fat Friends, Louis attended acting school in his spare time and eventually had small parts in 2006 ITV drama If I Had You! and Waterloo Road.

18) When he first auditioned for The X Factor, Louis was a sixth form student at Hall Cross School in Doncaster.

19) Louis also attended The Hayfield School in Doncaster, but dropped out when he failed his first year of A-levels.

20) Louis had a number of part-time jobs before The X Factor, including working at a local cinema and as a hospitality waiter at Doncaster Rovers Football Club.

21) As a student, Louis played the lead role of Danny Zuko in a high school production of Grease. He says playing the part gave him the confidence to audition for The X Factor.

22) When he was younger, Louis wanted to work on a farm.

23) Louis would love to copy Michael Jackson and have a pet monkey. He said, "I'd like to adopt a chimpanzee and build an eternal friendship, that would be amazing."

24) Louis’s favourite colour is dark red.

25) Louis is a big fan of Las Vegas rockers The Killers. After seeing them perform at V Festival, he tweeted, "Watching Mr Brightside live last night was unbelievable. LOVED The Killers!!"

Louis Tomlinson ✔ @Louis_Tomlinson Watching Mr Brightside live last night was unbelievable. LOVED The Killers !!

22.8K 6:09 PM - Aug 20, 2012 Twitter Ads info and privacy 30.4K people are talking about this 26) Louis suffers from a ringing noise in his right ear. Although yet to be officially diagnosed it’s thought it could be tinnitus which can lead to deafness if untreated. He once said, "I am going slightly deaf in my right ear. It’s tinnitus, something like that," before joking that it was because of screaming fans.

27) According to his bandmates, Louis has the smelliest feet in One Direction! Niall once said, "Louis wears plimsolls with no socks so his feet get very sweaty and the sweat is captured. If we are on a bus or something and he takes them off we all pretty much start gagging."

28) Louis was given a telling off by police when filming the ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ video Los Angeles in July 2011 for his erratic driving. Afterwards, he explained, "I got pulled over by the US police. They thought I was all over the place. The officer goes, 'Listen, man, I can shut this thing down if you carry on driving like this. You're driving like a maniac.' And I was like, 'Man, put the gun down. I don't want no trouble.'"

WATCH: One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful (Official Video)

29) Louis says that he and his 1D bandmates are like brothers. Admitting that they occasionally bicker, Louis told Digital Spy, "Because we're around each other so often it's like arguing with your siblings. You fall out with them, go away and have a bit of a paddy, then come back and get over it."

30) Just like Zayn and Harry Styles, Louis supports Manchester United Football Club.

31) Louis’s favourite track on ‘Up All Night’ is the Ed Sheeran-penned track ‘Moments’. The track appears on the deluxe version of the record.

32) If Louis could give anyone a tip when auditioning for The X Factor it would be "just be yourself and really try and get your personality through in your song choice and interview."

33) Louis once owned a Porsche Boxster and sold it on eBay in 2012 for £30,000.

34) When Zayn’s ex-girlfriend Rebecca Ferguson took to Twitter to complain about being overworked by her management, Louis had very little sympathy! He wrote in a now-deleted tweet, '@RebeccaFMusic Success is impossible without proper hard work.'

Rebecca Ferguson REBECCA FERGUSON © SHUTTERSTOCK 35) Louis loves to party! He once told TOTP magazine, "To be honest, I’m sure the majority of 20-year-olds go out and party. I’m not going to feel oppressed."

36) Louis is a giver and not a taker. In fact, there’s nothing he enjoys more than giving his friends and family presents. His late mum Johannah once told Sugarscape, "He’s not a materialistic person himself, but he likes to give people things. He spoils me and the girls and he's happiest doing that."

37) Louis once said that he likes snuggling up in bed with one of the One Directioners... HARRY! He said, "A few weeks ago I made a cup of tea, then went and got in bed with Harry and we watched a show called something like The Top 50 Boybands Of All Time." Nice!

38) Apparently, Louis has revealed that his least favourite food is baked beans.

39) Louis once said his favourite country is France.

40) Louis is an avid fan of surfing. In fact, he loves the beach so much he says he’d like to get married on one.

41) It takes over 30 minutes for Louis to get his hair ready in the morning.

42) Louis admits he’s a really bad cook. Despite this, he appeared alongside Harry in a cooking segment on This Morning in September 2011.

43) One of Louis's favourite mottos is, "Live life for the moment because everything else is uncertain."

44) The two traits Louis looks for in a girl are confidence and a good sense of humour.

45) In 2011, his mum Johannah and stepdad Mark split up. Speaking about his mum, Louis said, "It must be so much harder for her because I’m living this fantastic life and being so busy every day whereas she’s still in the old life I was in but without me... It must be really difficult for her not to get upset."

46) Louis’s pet hate is when people chew their food too loudly.

47) Louis has size 10 feet.

48) A man who works in the music industry once tried to have a snog with Louis! "It was a press guy.... he just started going in for a kiss!" said Louis.

49) Louis loves Marmite and has big dollops of it on his toast.

50) Louis admits that he’s a messy person. In fact, he hasn’t met anyone who’s messier than him!

51) Louis is pretty decent on the piano and he loves to play ‘Mr Brightside’ by The Killers.

52) Louis says he’ll "never get used to" the adoration he receives from fans. He once said, "At the end of the day we’re doing something that we really love and to be appreciated for that is really nice."

53) Louis’s favourite TV shows are Misfits and One Tree Hill.

54) If Louis wasn’t a multi-million selling pop megastar, he reckons he’d be training to be a drama teacher.

55) If Louis could visit any planet it would be... Narnia. Erm, it’s a fictional place Louis!!

56) Louis hates rumours, especially when they involve Harry and himself. In a Tumblr interview he explained, "Me and Harry are best friends, people look into our every move. It is actually affecting the way me and Harry are in public, We want to joke around but there seems to be a different rumour every time we do anything."

Louis Tomlinson LOUIS AND HARRY SINGING TOGETHER IN 2015

57) Louis is prone to sleepwalking and once tried to get into Niall’s bed!

58) Louis once said that if a movie was made about his life, he’d like Leonardo DiCaprio to play him.

59) The first time Louis ever spoke to Harry was in the toilet at The X Factor auditions in Manchester.

60) Louis is a big fan of silly string! He’s sprayed it on stage at gigs, press conferences and even at a security guard who refused to let him speak to fans.

61) When he was 14, Louis played lead guitar in a band called The Rogue with his schoolmates.

62) When One Direction formed, Louis’s big ambition was to go "straight to the top." Proof that dreams come true!

63) In August 2012, Tulisa prank called Louis during a live webchat. When Louis answered she spoke to him in a Donald Duck voice in front of thousands of viewers. The N-Dubz star tweeted afterwards, 'soz babe we had 2 get ya! Thanks 4 being a laugh n entertaining us!'

Tulisa ✔ @officialtulisa @Louis_Tomlinson soz babe we had 2 get ya! Thanks 4 being a laugh n entertaining us!

266 8:23 PM - Aug 5, 2012 Twitter Ads info and privacy 579 people are talking about this 64) Louis was fined £80 for speeding on the way to V Festival in 2012. It’s reported that he was going 48mph in a 40mph zone. He’ll also get three points on his licence. Ouch!

65) Despite having smelly feet, Louis is a big fan of shoes! His favourite types are chinos and Toms.

66) Another of his favourite mottos is "live fast, have fun & be a bit mischievous."

67) If Louis was Simon Cowell for the day, he says he’d go on a date with Susan Boyle.

After his successful stint on last year's The X Factor, Louis delighted his fans in March when he dropped his amazing new single 'Two Of Us'.

The song, which is adored by fans, is a tribute to Louis' late mum Johannah Deakin. Johannah left behind seven children, including Louis, at the end of 2016, when she lost her battle with an aggressive form of leukaemia at the age of just 42.

Louis' track 'Two Of Us' features the lyrics, "I know you'll be looking down, swear I'm gonna make you proud. I'll be living one life for the two of us."

The article was followed by a tweet:

#tow of us #two of us promo #louis tomlinson #harry styles #070319 #metro #press

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rosapeachhogwartsmystery · 5 years

Text

The Curse of Being a Seer - part 5 (Hogwarts Mystery Imagine - fem!Seer reader)

Masterlist

Series masterlist

Words: 4.4k

_________________________________________________

“Hey Rowan, where is Y/N?” Penny asked when Rowan walked over by herself to the group in the Great Hall.

“She is currently not at Hogwarts.” Rowan said, before realising it might make everyone worried. “I mean, she is at St. Mungo, visiting Jacob. Nothing bad happened to her.” She quickly said.

“Merlin's beard... For a moment I thought something happened to Y/N, Ro.” Tonks said, giving Rowan a small grin.

“Still, it is kind of sudden, don’t you think so?” Tulip pointed out. “When did she decide to go to Jacob in St. Mungo?”

“I believe last night. She got a letter from her mother and then she went to ask Dumbledore for permission to visit Jacob.” Rowan said. “It probably was important if she needed to be there today.”

“Only her mother sent her a letter? Not both her parents?” Bill asked.

“Her father seems to have a tough time dealing with… Well, everything that is happening in the family. So, he is sort of unable to visit Jacob or talk to Y/N as far as I know from Y/N.” Rowan said, looking slightly unsure if she got what you meant when you told her about it. “As for her mom, well, according to Y/N, things between her and her mom are still quite uneasy.”

“Of course, what do you expect? Her parents both told her the ability to see the future was rubbish and non-existing.” Tulip said, frowning.

“Not to mention, Y/N doesn’t really see her parents as her family.” Barnaby said honestly.

“Also, not surprising, knowing her parents also work for the Ministry of Magic. People in the Ministry are always too busy for anything…” Tulip muttered.

“Merlin, Tulip. Are you in a bad mood today?” Penny asked, looking slightly concerned at the Ravenclaw.

“I have detention with Snyde later… I'm really not looking forward to that...” Tulip said, shaking her head. “Just don’t mind me, all right?”

Tonks gave Tulip a weird look, wondering what was going on with her best friend. Then she looked at the rest of the group and put on a mischievous look. “So, I’ll be heading to Zonko’s later, does anybody need something from there?”

Bill, Rowan and Penny all shook their heads.

“I don’t think so?” Barnaby said, looking slightly unsure.

“If you could get me some Dungbombs, that would be great.” Tulip said, giving Tonks a small smile.

“You’ve got it, girl.” Tonks said with a grin, glad that her friend didn’t act completely off.

Charlie and Andre both walked over to the table with a grin on their faces.

“What have got you in such a good mood today?” Penny asked with a giggle.

“Oh, we are just excited about the Quidditch match of tonight.” Charlie said.

“It’s going to be the match of the year. Ravenclaw against Gryffindor.” Andre said with a grin. “You guys will watch our match, right?”

“Of course.” Penny smiled.

“We’ll be there to root for you.” Tonks said with wink.

“You better win when I come to watch your match, Andre Egwu.” Tulip said slightly amused.

“It might not be the easiest task, but Ravenclaw definitely has a shot against Gryffindor.” Andre said with a chuckle.

“Don’t get too cocky, Andre. I mean, Gryffindor has also trained hard for the match.” Charlie said amused.

“I have no doubt about that, but I suppose we will see who wins the match tonight.”

“At least your team plays fair compared to Slytherin.”

“They can be quite sneaky… Although, the match against Slytherin went pretty all right.”

“Yeah, they are probably worse to us, because of the Slytherin-Gryffindor rivalry.” Charlie shrugged.

Tonks leaned closer to Penny. “I bet they will keep talking about the Quidditch match until they have actually played the match.” She whispered.

“I suppose so.” Penny nodded. “I just wonder how things are with Y/N.”

You sat on a chair next to Jacob’s bed. Your mother had basically left when you had arrived, saying you could look after Jacob for a while. You were certain she was going to work for a few hours, not wanting to stop working just to make sure things were going all right with her son.

Jacob had seen you, but he didn’t say a word. You kind of expected him not to say anything, but after you heard he had spoken to a Healer and your mom, you kind of hoped he would say something to you as well.

“I wish you would tell me something about your time with R, Jacob.” You mumbled. “My vision suggested you have been driven insane… If you could just confirm it then I know you never meant to join the dark side… Also, you won't have to go to Azkaban if the Ministry knows you weren't in control of your actions.”

Of course, Jacob decided not to say a word. He just glanced at you before he began staring at the ceiling.

“Thanks for the help, Jacob.” You mumbled sarcastically. “Then again, I know you can’t help it. You barely spoke to anyone since you have been sent here.”

He once again looked at you, but he didn’t talk.

You sighed and then you stood up. “I will be right back. I’m getting some tea.” You told Jacob before you left his room.

You passed some other rooms on your way to get something to drink. From some rooms you could hear some screaming, from others you just didn’t hear anything. Still, it wasn’t pleasant to walk in this hallway. You knew the people in this hallway mostly had mental issues that needed to be treated. Well, if they could be treated.

“Pssst… Young lady.”

You blinked and stopped walking, seeing an old woman pointing at you. She was quite thin and she looked quite fragile. She kept her eyes closed, like she didn't want to open her eyes. “Are you talking to me?” You asked, thinking she might have mistaken you for a Healer.

“Of course. Who else is here?” The old woman said, like it was obvious she was talking to you.

You looked around and noticed you were indeed the only one there. "I think you might have mistaken me for someone else. I could look for a Healer if you need one."

"No, I was looking for you, not a Healer." She laughed softly. “You probably think, what does this crazy old woman want from me, but I think it would be good if you listen to me for a moment.”

You raised an eyebrow. Why would she be looking for you? You definitely didn't know her and she probably didn't even know who you were either. “I’m not sure if I’m supposed to talk to anyone besides my brother…”

“I’m pretty sure you have broken the rules before, Y/N.” She said with a grin.

You were surprised when she said your name. “You have heard of me?”

“Well, you are the younger sister of Jacob Y/L/N. Your name has come across here a few times, especially after his trial.”

Of course, the articles about the trial have mentioned your name multiple times. Your face was probably pretty known by now.

“Also, I have foreseen your arrival here. Your mother asked you to come and visit Jacob so she could work for a little while, isn’t that right?” The old woman said.

You were surprised once again. She couldn't have known that by reading an article... “Wait… Did you say you have foreseen my arrival here?”

“I did. I am a Seer after all. Just like you are.” She said with a smile. She opened her eyelids, which revealed two empty eye sockets. It was obvious why the woman was keeping her eyes closed. She was missing both her eyes! You were certain if a little child saw her opening her eyes, they would be terrified.

'Another Seer… What is she doing at St. Mungo?' She wanted to tell you something, you were sure of it. Why else did she ask you to listen to her?

“You are in danger, girl.” She told you. “This organisation, R, is after you. You really have to watch your back at all times. You don’t want to end up like me after all.”

You were certain she was an actual Seer. Who else would know about R? She wouldn’t have known it if she hadn’t heard the name somewhere else, probably in a vision. “What… What do you mean with ending up like you?”

“Well, have you heard about Personal Seers?”

Your eyes widened. “You… You were a personal Seer?”

“For almost four decades.” She nodded. “Why else do you think I am here? I’m still not over the whole thing. My mind isn’t what it was anymore. Then again, such things happen when someone has full control over you.”

“I know you are looking for more information about it, in order to prevent it from happening to you, Y/N. I wish there was a way to prevent yourself from becoming mad, but as far as I know, there is no cure for the experience.” The old woman said with a smile. “Although, I can definitely share my experience with you. Maybe you can use the information for something…”

You knew you would have to return to Jacob, but you couldn’t just say no to this. This was important to you and she could tell you a lot about being a Seer. Before you could answer her, a Healer walked over.

“Mrs. White, you shouldn’t be out of your room.” The Healer said. “And you definitely shouldn’t bother this young lady.”

“I can assure you I wasn’t bothering. I was just trying to give her some good advice.” The old woman, Mrs. White said.

“You know the rules…” The Healer said.

“But this young lady needs all the advice she could get. She is the one who is in danger of ending up in the same situation I was in.” Mrs. White said.

The Healer looked at you. “Are you Jacob’s younger sister?” She asked. You could see a hint of concern in her eyes

You nodded. “Yeah…” You said softly before you gave the Healer an apologetic smile. “I should probably head back to him, just in case…” You said, wanting to get away.

“Don’t take your own eyes out! I thought it would stop the visions, but they kept coming anyways!” Mrs. White said loudly enough for you to hear.

“Mrs. White!” The Healer scolded the older woman, thinking it would scare you.

“What? Like I said, she needs all the advice she can get.”

You just kept walking away, not sure what to think at this point.

“That was nice match to watch.” Penny said with a smile.

“I bet there is a party in the Common room right now.” Tulip said with a grin. “Maybe I could let you in to celebrate with all the Ravenclaws.”

“Sounds tempting.” Tonks said with a grin.

“You should come.” Tulip said. “It's a good way to forget the terrible detention with Snyde.”

“Was it really that terrible?” Penny asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Just because Snape seems to like you as student, doesn’t mean he likes the rest of us. Although, he wasn’t being nice to Snyde either.” Tulip shrugged. “We had to clean all the cauldrons.”

“Of course. He always seems to do that whenever people have detention.” Tonks said, rolling her eyes. “I’d rather work in the Kitchens, like Y/N has to do when she has to go to detention.”

“I’m not sure… Pitts isn’t the nicest either.” Tulip pointed out. “Then again, no one is nice in detention.”

“Maybe if you didn’t prank so much, you wouldn’t be in detention so often.” Penny said, shaking her head.

“But what is fun about that, Penny?” Tonks smirked, wrapping an arm around Penny’s shoulder.

“We need to have some fun when we are here. Besides, Hogwarts would get really boring without our pranks.” Tulip said amused, wrapping an arm around Penny’s other shoulder.

Penny was about to say something, until she saw someone familiar. “Hey, isn’t that Y/N?”

Tulip and Tonks both looked at the same direction as Penny and they both looked surprised.

“I think that really is Y/N.” Tonks said.

“I didn’t think she would be back by now.” Tulip said honestly. “Let’s ask her about how things were going with Jacob.”

“Do you think she wants to talk about that now? Maybe something happened and she has to let it all sink in.” Penny said, feeling slightly concerned.

“Well, if something happened, she probably shouldn’t be left alone with her thoughts, don’t you think so?” Tonks looked at them both.

“We’ll just go over to her and ask how things went. If she doesn’t want to talk about the details, we can ask her another time.” Tulip suggested.

“Sounds good to me.” Penny said honestly.

The Hufflepuffs and the Ravenclaw were about to walk over when suddenly a guy walks over to you. They all stopped walking and blinked for a moment.

“Is that the guy who has been bothering her?” Penny asked.

“I don’t know, I mean, we have never seen someone bothering Y/N.” Tonks said.

“I’m pretty sure this is not the guy who has been bothering Y/N. That guy was older and this is Jae Kim from our year.” Tulip explained.

“You know, I haven’t seen you in detention for a while.” Jae said with a grin. “Did you actually manage to talk yourself out of detention?”

You grinned lightly. “Some stuff happened and they tried to make my punishment lighter.” You explained.

Jae nodded. “I see. So, it’s because of the whole Seer thing?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“That makes sense. It sounds like a lot to deal with at once. Still, detention is less interesting without you. I mean, who else has almost driven Pitts mad by acting like you enjoyed detention in the Kitchens?” Jae laughed.

“Well, you probably will still see me there sometimes. I mean, they just made my punishment lighter. It's not like they said I don't have to go to detention at all.”

“I wish they would consider to lighten my punishment, but then I probably can’t make good deals with people anymore.”

“Well, I suppose your stuff is supposed to fully legal if you want a lighter punishment.” You said amused.

“Exactly, and that won’t make me able to make good deals with people here in Hogwarts.” Jae grinned.

“That would be a shame. Where else would students get their rare goods from if you aren’t able to get those goods for them?”

“You have got the point of my whole business, Y/N.” He said amused. “Well, it was good seeing you outside of detention. Now, I have some work to do.” He said with a wink before he walked away.

“You never told us you were acquainted with Jae Kim.”

You turned around and saw Tulip, Penny and Tonks walking over to you. “Oh, Jae and I know each other from detentions in the Kitchens.”

“Oh, that’s true. Jae also has detention a lot. I just didn’t know you two knew each other.” Tonks said.

“We’re friends, I guess. At least, we sort of try to make detentions with Pitts a little more interesting.” You said slightly amused. “Besides, it’s not like I never saw Jae before. After all, he is in our year.”

“That’s true, we sort of know who is in our year and who is not.” Penny pointed out.

“I suppose that’s true.” Tulip said and then she gave you a concerned look. “Anyways, how was your time at St. Mungo’s Hospital?” She asked.

You frowned slightly. “Well… It wasn’t very pleasant, that’s for sure… My mom basically left once I arrived, so she could go to work. I tried to talk to Jacob, since he apparently has talked not too long ago, but of course, he didn’t speak when I was there.” You sighed.

“Sounds pretty awful…” Penny said honestly.

“It was a weird experience.” You said with a shrug.

“Did anything else happen?” Tulip asked.

You nodded. “Well, sort of…”

“Sort of?” Tonks looked slightly confused. "What do you mean?"

“Well, it was kind of a strange experience. I mean, I should have expected to see some weird things, since Jacob is in the ward of mental issues, but it was just strange... You see, I came across a woman, who got my attention.” You said softly.

“What woman? What was strange about this woman?” Tulip asked.

“Well, she was an old woman and she didn’t have her eyes anymore…” You said.

“She was blind?” Penny asked.

“She literally didn’t have eyes, like you were staring into empty eye sockets.” You explained.

Penny made a face like she didn’t find the image she had of this woman pleasant.

“Anyways, she suddenly called out to me. At that point I didn’t notice she anything strange, because her eyes were closed. I thought she probably mistook me for somebody else. I mean, I didn't know her and she would only kind of know who I was because of the Daily Prophet."

“So, what made the encounter with this lady so strange?” Tonks asked. “Besides the missing eyes.”

“She was a Seer.” You said seriously.

“A Seer?” Penny said surprised.

“Can Seers sense other Seers? I mean, that would be a cool ability.” Tonks said.

“Not that I know of.” You said.

“Anyways, that’s not the point. Apparently, she has been a Personal Seer for almost four decades…!” You told them.

The three of them looked surprised, not expecting you to say that.

“Wait, so the older lady said she was a Personal Seer and she suddenly came over to you?” Tonks asked.

“That definitely wasn't a coincidence…” Tulip said honestly. “She must have seen or sensed something that involved you, Y/N.”

“Well, she basically told me she had foreseen my arrival." You mumbled, frowning a bit. "She seemed to be sure I am in danger of becoming a Personal Seer, saying there is no cure for becoming mad because she was still in St. Mungo’s to be cured.”

“There is no way we are just going to let you get taken away by R and let you become their Personal Seer.” Tulip said determined.

You wished it was as easy as Tulip made it sound. Perhaps you were already doomed. Maybe you couldn’t change the future…

“So, the Yule Ball is coming up and we probably should prepare ourselves for that.” Penny said, hoping she could lift the mood.

Everyone was stressed about something. Some of them were worried about the curse that trapped students inside paintings and others were worried about what R wanted. You were worried about both these things and there was also Tulip who was confused about her feelings.

Andre nodded. “Yes, we definitely should prepare ourselves for it. How about I help the guys with picking out a good outfit for the ball?”

“Why can’t we pick out our own outfits?” Charlie asked, raising an eyebrow.

“No offense, Charlie, but I think I have the best taste in fashion here.” Andre said. “And you want to look good, don’t you?”

Charlie rolled his eyes, grinning slightly. “Well, fine. I guess you have the most knowledge about fashion here.”

“Great, then I will help the girls with their outfits.” Penny said with a grin.

Tonks let out a fake gasp. “What? Don’t you trust us to pick out something good either? I’m hurt, Penny.”

“Come on, Tonks.” Penny rolled her eyes.

Tonks laughed. “Relax, Pens. I’m pretty sure you are the most suited person to help us out with finding the right outfits for us girls.”

“I’m not sure if I’m going…” Ben mumbled softly.

Andre looked at Ben and raised an eyebrow. “What? Why not?”

“What if I can’t find a date?” Ben asked. “Besides, I’m not the best at dancing either…”

“Nonsense, Ben! Believe me, everything will turn out to be okay.” Andre said.

“What if I go with you, Ben?” Penny suggested.

Everyone looked at Penny surprised.

“What?” Penny asked, looking a little confused by everyone’s reaction.

“Penny, you don’t have to go with me out of pity…” Ben said softly.

“But I want to.” Penny said with a smile.

Ben looked even more surprised. “Well, i-if you really want to, then I would like to go with you as well.” He said blushing.

“Great, then it is a date.” Penny said with a smile.

“It seems like you will have to get a nice suit after all, Ben. Especially because you have a great date.” Andre said amused.

“Well, I suppose Ben is the first one of the guys to score a date.” Charlie said.

“Wrong, Charlie. I already asked someone.” Andre said with a big grin.

Charlie’s jaw almost dropped. “What? Since when?”

“Yesterday.” He said amused.

“I guess I have to hurry before everyone is taken.” Charlie said.

“Oh please, I’m pretty sure many people would love to go with you.” Andre said honestly. “Who doesn’t want to go to the ball with a Gryffindor Seeker?”

“Probably most Slytherins.” Rowan pointed out.

“You have got a point…” Andre said honestly.

“Y/N, who do you want to be your date for the ball?” Penny asked.

Everyone looked at you, waiting for an answer.

“Oh… Well, I do have someone in mind, but I’m not going to tell you yet.” You said slightly amused.

“So unfair, Y/N.” Tonks said slightly amused. “But then again, I have no clue who I should go with.”

“Maybe she isn’t saying it because it is one of us.” Tulip smirked.

“Maybe, but maybe not. I’m not saying anything.” You said, smirking slightly.

“I suppose we should just focus on finding dates before everyone is taken.” Rowan pointed out.

“You are right, Rowan Khanna. We should begin looking.” Tulip said with a sigh. “Well then, Tonks, let’s look around, shall we?”

“All right, let’s do that.” Tonks said with a grin.

Tonks and Tulip left the group and everyone seemed to be thinking about something.

“Maybe we should also start looking for dates like them?” Rowan suggested, feeling slightly unsure.

You shrugged. “I don’t know. I mean, it depends on how you want to find a date, right?”

“Y/N is right. It depends on how you want to find someone.” Bill agreed.

“I’m pretty sure we all be able to find someone for the ball; however, I really need to start studying for my O.W.L.s. All the stuff that is going on is making it hard for me to study.” You said when you stood up.

“Oh, if you need help with studying, I can come along.” Rowan said. “I need to be studying as well.”

“It’s probably better if I do the same thing.” Barnaby said. “I mean, it takes a bit longer for me to understand everything I have to know.”

“All right, let’s go to the library then.” You said with a smile.

Bill also stood up. “I also have to study for my N.E.W.T.s, I will come along too.”

“Great! Andre, Penny, Charlie and Ben, do you also want to come along?” You asked.

“No, thanks, Y/N. I have something else to do.” Andre said.

“Yeah, me too.” Penny said honestly.

“Maybe later.” Charlie said. “I promised to visit Hagrid.”

“I promised Flitwick to help some first years with Charms…” Ben said softly.

You nodded. “All right, I guess we will see you guys later.” You waved goodbye to them before you walked towards the library with Bill, Rowan and Barnaby.

A few nights later, Rowan had noticed you weren’t in your bed anymore. She looked around the dormitory, wondering where you were. She didn’t want to assume something bad had happened, but she also knew about this vision where you would encounter R. She quickly got out of the dormitory, thinking you might have gone to the Common Room. However, when she reached the Common Room, she still couldn’t find you. Why would you be out of the Common Room at night? She slowly began to panic more, wondering you might have had another vision and rushed out of the dormitory to prevent it from happening. Just like you did when you had the vision about Bill.

She considered to call a teacher for help, but she wasn’t sure if that was a good idea. Maybe a Prefect had seen you? Perhaps Bill has already seen you. She thought about warning the others, thinking they might know where you were. It wasn’t until she laid eyes on a letter that was left behind on one of the couches.

‘Dear Y/N Y/L/N,

It would be easier if you just turn yourself in to us. We do not wish to harm you, for your gift is truly important to us. We promise we will take good care of you as long as you serve us as our Personal Seer. We even promise to bring Jacob back for you, so you will have your brother back.

-R’

Rowan immediately feared the worst. Were you looking for them on your own? Did you turn yourself in? She couldn’t do nothing with this information. She needed to know where you were, thinking you might be doing something dangerous.

“Rowan?”

She turned around to see you walk into the Common Room. “Y/N! You are still here!”

You raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“The letter! I thought…”

“You thought I would just turn myself in?”

“I… Well…”

You sighed softly. “Rowan, I’m not going to turn myself in. That would be stupid. Besides, I was just out because I was asked to help the other Prefects when they thought they saw something suspicious.”

Rowan stared for a moment. Then she sighed in relief, glad you didn’t do anything dangerous. “Thank Merlin… I just couldn’t help but to think about that one vision you had…”

“Sorry if I gave you a heart attack, Rowan. I should have put the letter away before getting out of the Common Room.” You said honestly. “I probably should give this to Madam Rakepick tomorrow. I promised her to keep her informed about the situation.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to give it directly to Professor Dumbledore?”

“Maybe, but I think it is easier to reach Dumbledore via Rakepick, I mean, Dumbledore is a busy man.” You mumbled honestly.

“Let’s go back to bed, shall we? We have a lot of things to do tomorrow.” You suggested.

Rowan nodded. “All right.” She said when you both headed back to the dormitory.

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pamphletstoinspire · 5 years

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The Perpetual Virginity of Mary

Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative as pertains to the Perpetual Virginity of Mary and the brothers and sisters of Jesus, I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, dear Reader, “so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings” on these two very inter-related topics (cf. Luke 1:1, 3-4). They are the perpetual virginity of Mary and the brothers and sisters of Jesus. Both are topics that seem to cause more than a few words of disagreement.

Many articles have been written about the two — most are about whether or not Jesus had brothers and sisters. So, here…let us begin.

Mary’s Encounter With the Angel

For this we go direct to Sacred Scriptures. In Luke’s Gospel we are told that the Angel Gabriel is sent to a young woman and we learn four amazing things. The first is that the young woman is a virgin – in Greek, παρθένος (parthenos). She is the παρθένος foretold in Isaiah 7:14 – “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel”. Some will point out that the term used in Is. 7:14 is עַלְמָה (“almah”, which is Hebrew) and simply means “maiden” but the Greek Septuagint which were the Scriptures in use by the time of Jesus (and still in use in the Catholic and Orthodox churches today) uses παρθένος.

The second point about this heavenly encounter is that the angel greeted her with a term which “greatly troubled” (1:29) Mary: χαῖρε κεχαριτωμένη (Chaire Kecharitomene) which means “Rejoice, Full of Grace”. This is the only time in all of Sacred Scripture that anyone is greeted in such a lofty manner. It is not used here as a description, however, but as her actual name. The angel does indeed call her by her given name of Μαρία (Maria) in v. 31 but his intent in v. 29 is to call her Full of Grace.

According to notes on the term χαῖρε κεχαριτωμένη it is a verb. It is a “perfect participle passive” and is in the “nominative feminine singular”.

The (unknown) author of the website, (kecharitomene.com) explains that “Full of Grace” translates kecharitōmĕnē asthe perfect passive participle of charitŏō. It denotes one who has been and still is the object of divine benevolence, one who has been favored and continues to be favored by God, one who has been granted supernatural grace and remains in this state”.

A side note: It is because of the angel’s greeting of “Rejoice, Full of Grace” that many people now begin the Hail Mary with “Rejoice, Full of Grace” rather than “Hail Mary”.

The third point is Mary’s response to the angel: “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” (Luke 1:34) This tells us most plainly that Mary was indeed a virgin at the time of the Annunciation.

The fourth point is that the angel explains the role of the Holy Spirit to her and finishes with the (likely) most-often quoted line from the Annunciation narrative: “…for nothing will be impossible for God” (Luke 1:37).

Mary as Fulfillment

Mary’s pregnancy is not the first to come about through the intervention of God. In fact, there are at least five women of the Old Testament who were childless/barren. They are:

Sarah – The wife of Abraham. Sarah was barren but became pregnant by the power of God “at ninety”. She had long since been considered to have a “dead womb” and Abraham’s body to be “dead”. Their offspring was Isaac.

Rebekah – The wife of Isaac, the daughter-in-law of Abraham & Sarah. She was “very beautiful, a virgin, untouched by man”. Isaac was “forty years old”8 when he married her. “Isaac entreated the LORD on behalf of his wife, since she was sterile. The LORD heard his entreaty, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant”and she gave birth to twins, Esau and Jacob.

Rachel – the wife of Jacob. “Like Sarah and Rebekah before her, Rachel experiences a long period of barrenness”. The emotional strife was so painful for Rachel and her desire for sons so great that she had demanded sons from Jacob shouting, “Give me children or I shall die!”11. To which he had replied in anger, “Can I take the place of God, who has denied you the fruit of the womb?”. Indeed, being childless was seen as a shameful thing, for without sons a woman lost her status in the community, having no-one to carry on the name or to care for her. “Then God remembered Rachel. God listened to her and made her fruitful. She conceived and bore a son, and she said, ‘God has removed my disgrace.She named him Joseph, saying, ‘May the LORD add another son for me!’”. She did indeed bear one more son whom she named Benjamin but she died in childbirth.

These three pregnancies are very important. According to Tikva Frymer-Kensky in her article on Rachel, “The infertility of the matriarchs has two effects: it heightens the drama of the birth of the eventual son, marking Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph as special; and it emphasizes that pregnancy is an act of God”.

Two more women of the Old testament are found to be barren. One is a nameless woman known simply as the mother of Samson. “An angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her: Though you are barren and have had no children, you will conceive and bear a son “. The other woman is Hannah, wife of Elkanah; she had prayed to God “year after year”for a son because “the LORD had closed her womb”. Finally, after weeping bitter tears her prayer was answered because “the LORD remembered her”. His name is Samuel.

Elizabeth, wife of the high priest Zechariah is the only woman mentioned in the New Testament who is both “advanced in years and barren”. Their child is John the Baptist the forerunner of Jesus and of whom Jesus had said, “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist”.

And now there is Mary, spouse of Joseph the carpenter. A young virgin whose maternity is announced by an arch-angel, Gabriel. She is (as stated earlier) the fulfillment of the prophet Isaiah: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel”. All of the aforementioned pregnancies ultimately came about in the normal, unitive manner — the joining of “male and female” who become “one flesh”.

This time the angel assures Mary, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God”.

The Betrothal of Mary and Joseph

Here we switch our attention to the Gospel of Matthew, Ch. 1:18-25.

“Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit.Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly”.

Jewish marriages in the time of Jesus came about in two phases — the betrothal and then the actual wedding. Today’s marriages usually celebrate an engagement — but not always, and it is not mandatory. In the First Century the betrothal was a legal ritual where a man and a woman were promised to each other even though they were not yet living together. The betrothal lasted about one year during which time the groom would painstakingly build a room onto his parents’ house and making sure that it was just right for him and his new family. When all was ready, the marriage took place and then it was consummated. This Joseph would have been doing when he became aware that Mary was with child.

Unlike today’s engagements which, when they do not work out, are simply ended — whereas Joseph could actually file for a divorce from Mary for her infidelity as he had decided to do quietly until the angel intervened. Even though not “fully” married (consummated), Joseph was already called “her husband” (v. 19) and Mary was already Joseph’s “wife” (v. 20).

According to the Law the penalty for such infidelity was steep: “If there is a young woman, a virgin who is betrothed and a man comes upon her in the city and lies with her, you shall bring them both out to the gate of the city and there stone them to death…” (Deut. 22:23-24a)

But Joseph loved Mary as much as he loved the Law and so a quiet divorce would be his out. But again, the angel intervened. “Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her”. (Mt. 1:20)

One may object and speak of Mt. 1:25 — “He (Joseph) had no relations with her until she bore a son” (italics mine) but caution must be used about how words were used back then. Consider 2 Sam 6:3 — “Saul’s daughter Michal was childless until she died”. We know that she had no children after she died.

The Celibacy of Joseph

Here are two ways to know that Joseph never had sexual relations with Mary – even after the birth of Jesus. In his article, The Perpetual Virginity of Mary, Br. Anthony Opisso, M.D. refers to the Greek of Matthew’s Gospel by stating “The angel does not use the phrase for marital union: “go in unto” (as in Gn 30:3, 4, 16) or “come together” (Mt 1:18) but merely a word meaning leading her into the house as a wife (paralambano gunaika) but not cohabiting with her”.

He further states, “For when the angel revealed to him that Mary was truly the spouse of the Holy Spirit, Joseph could take Mary, his betrothed, into his house as a wife, but he could never have intercourse with her because according to the Law she was forbidden to him for all time”.

Why was Mary forbidden to Joseph? Opisso explains: “We also have to take into consideration that when Mary was told by the archangel Gabriel “Behold, you shall conceive in your womb, and bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus” (Lk 1:31), he also added that this was to come about because “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the Holy one to be born shall be called the Son of God” (Lk 1:35). By stating it in those terms the archangel declared to Mary that God would enter into a marital relationship with her, causing her to conceive His Son in her womb, for “to lay one’s power (reshuth) over a woman” (Targum to Dt 21:4) was a euphemism for “to have a marital relationship with her.” Likewise, “to overshadow” (Lk 1:35) by spreading the “wing” or “cloak” over a woman was another euphemism for marital relations”. Joseph understood then that Mary was the bride of the Holy Spirit.

Joseph’s role was as protector of Mary and as the foster father of Jesus. It is not known whether Joseph was an older gentleman or whether he had children from any previous marriage (or even if he had been previously married) but with Mary he remained continent the rest of his days. “When for the sake of the Torah (i.e., intense study in it), a rabbi would abstain from relations with his wife, it was deemed permissible, for he was then cohabiting with the Shekinah (the “Divine Presence”) in the Torah (Zohar re Gn 1:27; 13:3)”.

Even Moses had required the men to “Be ready for the third day. Do not approach a woman” when God had made known his plans to “come down on Mt. Sinai in the sight of all the people”. Jewish tradition mentions that, “although the people had to abstain from sexual relations with their wives for only three days prior to the revelation at Mount Sinai (Ex 19:15), Moses chose to remain continent the rest of his life with the full approval of God. The rabbis explained that this was so because Moses knew that he was appointed to personally commune with God, not only at Mount Sinai but in general throughout the forty years of sojourning in the wilderness”.

Mary’s Virginal Yes

Mary’s purity of intention and purity of heart go hand-in-hand with her virginal womb. Mary had no interest in any gain for herself in giving birth to God’s own son — hence, her reply: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word”. She knew very well what a pregnancy would mean to an unmarried woman but in her great act of faith and love of God she answered yes. Mary’s reaction to the Holy Spirit within her was to turn outward and “she traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth”. (Lk 1:39-40) We know the rest of that story — “how the child in Elizabeth’s womb had leapt for joy at the sound of Mary’s voice” and how Mary had praised and magnified the Lord for all he had done for her. Virginal Yes…virginal body — the two very much go hand in hand.

In the Old Testament — in the building of the ark for the covenant which were the two stone tablets containing the word of God given to Moses and the people — God dictated that the ark be built to certain specific dimensions and then “plate it inside and outside with pure gold, and put a molding of gold around the top of it”. How much more, then, should the “vessel” — the womb that was to carry the Word Made Flesh also be “lined” with pure gold, the gold of virginity of heart and body?

BY:CYNTHIA TRAINQUE

From: https://www.pamphletstoinspire.com/

#perpetual virginity of mary

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buckyscrystalqueen · 5 years

Text

Winter Wolf: Part 12

Pairings: Bucky x Reader

Warnings: Swearing, fluff, angst

Word Count: 5,485

Box Filled: Gender Swap

A/N: This series was written for @marvelfluffbingo and it took on a life of its own. Enjoy!

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10 / Part 11

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It surprisingly took Steve a lot longer than you expected to return to Wakanda on ‘official royal business.’ You were laying on the couch in your living room, watching four and a half month old Anastasia laugh hysterically as she swatted at the colorful, handmade yarn dolls a woman at Bucky’s job had made for her that were hanging above her head. You smiled at her as you reached out and pushed one of the ones closest to you so that it would catch her eye and laughed with her as she kicked her legs and reached for it.

The knock on your front door startled you and you quickly sat up and grabbed the gun you had wedged between the couch cushion and the back of the couch. With quick movements, you got up and walked on silent feet to glance out the window since most people who came over to visit you and Anastasia called first. You peeked out the window and let out a sigh of relief as you turned the four locks on the door and turned off the house alarm system.

“Well I’ll be damned.” You laughed as you stepped back and let a very scruffy Steve into your two bedroom, two bath apartment. “That’s a good way to get shot in this house.” He nearly tripped over his own feet as you locked the house back up, turned the alarm back on, and put your gun on the table by the door.

“What is this?” He asked as he pointed to the little girl on the floor who was looking up at him in awe.

“It’s a baby.” You said with a shrug as you moved the arch away from Anastasia so you could pick her up. “And if we wanna get really technical, it’s a girl baby.” Steve’s face deadpanned as he met your eyes.

“Didn’t realize I became blind overnight but thanks. Where did the girl baby come from?”

“Anastasia…” You said as you balanced your daughter on your hip. “… came from Romania. Her birth mother was an old friend of mine named Daniela who had terminal cancer. Her father was a tourist and Daniela’s moms was a hardcore gypsy that surprisingly would absolutely not raise a baby born out of wed-lock no matter what her husband said. And she was a blatant racist so the mix race thing was not helping Anastasia’s case either. So, Buck and I took her. Well, we didn’t take her, I guess we officially adopted her. T’Challa’s lawyer guy helped us figure out the paper work so her official birth certificate says that we are her parents. So meet your… well technically you could meet your little sister…”

“Oh, my gosh, stop.” He laughed as he reached out his hands to hold her. “Anastasia, you said?” You nodded as you passed over your daughter.

“Anastasia Daniela Barnes. Her mom named her and we figured honoring her mom with the middle name was appropriate.”

“I like it.” He said as he sat down on the couch with her on his thighs. “Hi cutie.” Your daughter looked at him a little confused as she reached out to grab his beard. You laughed and gently intercepted.

“Bucky has to stay either clean shaven or he keeps his beard real short.” You said with a laugh. “We learned really fast that once she gets ahold of something she wants, she will not let go. We both keep our hair back in buns just to keep it out of her reach.”

“She’s beautiful.” He said with a smile as he held onto her sides so that his fingers were supporting her head even though she didn’t need it as much these days. “Now I’m curious. What is she?”

“Romanian, Puerto Rican, Guatemalan, African-American, and a splash of Scottish, Italian, and Greek. I had Shuri run her ancestry DNA when we did a full check up on her when we got her. She was born the day before Bucky and I got married and we got her when she was three days old.”

“God, she’s so cute. I can’t believe you two are parents.” You smile proudly and snagged one of the many toys off the floor.

“Me neither. It’s been a wild ride.”

“I bet.” He laughed as he watched you bop your daughter on the nose with a pink, stuffed rhino rattle to grab her attention. She laughed and reached for it as Steve looked around the living room. “Where’s Bucky?”

“At work.” You said as you handed your little girl her toy. “He got a really good job in IT at the transportation hub. He loves it. He actually should be home in an hour or so if you wanna stick around. I should probably start dinner anyways if you wanna entertain your niece.”

“I think I can handle that, what do you think?” He asked Anastasia, who simply tried to eat her rattle in response.

“Just keep your beard away from her grabby little hands.” You said with a laugh as you got up and headed to the kitchen. “She’s a sneaky little monster sometimes.”

“You can’t be a little monster.” He growled playfully as he picked her up off his thighs and slid down to the floor with her to play. “You’re too cute, right? Yes, you are.” You smiled to yourself as Steve continued to baby talk to your daughter while you got dinner ready for your family and your guest.

With Steve distracting your daughter, you got the homemade Italian dressing marinated chicken, the fettuccini you made from scratch that morning, and the Alfredo you found a recipe for on a website called Pinterest (which was, in your opinion, the greatest thing in the entire world) cooked in no time. You were just getting everything plated when the automatic smart locks on your doors unlocked and the alarm signaled it was temporarily disengaged with a beep. You looked up at the door from the kitchen as Bucky stepped in the door with a sigh.

“Hi baby.” You said with a smile. “We have a visitor.” Bucky looked over at you as he turned the last lock before turning the other way.

“Well I’ll be damned. If it isn’t Captain America. And my little angel.” He cooed as he went over to say hi to his friend and pick up his giggly little girl. “Oh, I missed you!”

“Never thought I’d see the day.” Steve said as he got up off the floor with a laugh. “Playboy Bucky Barnes has a kid.”

“I got bamboozled by the cute.” He laughed as he kissed Anastasia’s forehead. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here on ‘official business’.” Steve said sarcastically with air quotes as Bucky came over to give you a kiss hello. “We’re trying to fine tune the Sokovia Accords and I figured I’d stop in to see how the newlyweds were doing while I was here.” He laughed as Bucky turned his head away from Anastasia before she could grab his bun.

“Didn’t expect the baby, did you?” Bucky laughed as he grabbed one of the plates to help you out before starting a bottle for his daughter.

“Not one bit.” Steve laughed as you passed him his plate and grabbed silverware for everyone. “But then again you two have been full of surprises in the last year.”

“We gotta keep life interesting, Stevie. I’ve been around long enough to know that.”

“Million years really is a long time.” Bucky teased as the three of you sat down at the table to eat.

“Shut up!” You laughed as he laid Anastasia across his arm and his lap and gave her her bottle before you went back to trying her on soft solid food again. He propped it on his chest and used his elbow to keep it upright so that he could still eat and make up for the time he spent away from home that day.

“I’d still love you even if you were as old as the dinosaurs.” He cooed with a smile as you cut his chicken just to make it easier for him to multitask.

“Guys, you’re gunna make me sick before I can even enjoy this meal.” Steve joked as he twirled some pasta around his fork.

“You’ll be fine.” Bucky said around a mouthful of fettuccini.

“So what’s going on in New York?” You asked with a glance over at your friend. “Do you have any juicy gossip for us?”

“Well.” Steve said as he chewed. “Not really. Teams good. We had a mission a couple weeks ago that was a pointless waste of time. Some idiot tried to release anthrax bombs in Central Park and apparently that now requires the Avengers to step in.” He rolled his eyes and sighed with a shake of his head. “Hence the reason I’m here talking to T’Challa. I’m trying to get some semblance of balance to these Accords which is proving to be difficult as expected.”

“How’s Tony?” Bucky inquired with a glance over at you.

“Tony’s… well, Tony. He and Pepper got engaged.”

“‘bout time.” You mumbled as you twirled your fork on your plate. “Is he… has he said anything about me?” You looked up at Steve through your lashes as he shook his head subtly.

“Nothing good nor bad. No one wants to bring either of you up.” You nodded as took a bite of your food to avoid inquiring about the next person but Steve answered the unspoken question anyways. “Natasha’s back. She just showed up about two months ago without a word of explanation of where she had been…”

“Good for her.” Bucky said curtly; still harboring a grudge for your ex.

“How’s Wanda?” You ask to change the sensitive subject. Steve nodded and swallowed his bite.

“She’s good. I think Vision is talking about proposing but I’m not entirely sure.”

“Awe, good.” You said with a genuine smile. “Those two are so good for each other.”

“Yea, yea they are.” Steve agreed with a nod. He could feel the slight layer of tension building in the room and quickly changed the subject to prevent an argument over Natasha. “So tell me more about my niece.”

——

“She’s asleep.” Bucky sighed as he closed the nursery door quietly behind him and trudged toward the couch you had flopped down on after saying goodbye to Steve. With a groan, he laid down on the couch practically on top of you and wrapped his arms around your waist. “Finally.”

“I think she’s teething.” You said as you ran your metal fingers through his hair and pulled out the hair tie. “That’s what the book suggested. She was fussy for a couple days but she wouldn’t let me near her mouth to check.” He nodded against your stomach and buried his face in your shirt.

“Did you put those squishy things in the freezer?”

“Yes, James. I can mother, thank you.” You teased as you rolled your head on the arm of the couch to look at him.

“You sure? I still question if I can father, properly.” You giggled with him and laced your fingers together on his back.

“I think we’re doing just fine.” He said with a smile as he looked up at you. “We’re in this together, remember?” You nodded your head as he adjusted his head on your stomach with a content sigh. You let your eyes fall closed, just content on existing in that peaceful moment with your husband. You could feel his fingers making tiny, tight patterns on your back under your loose fitting shirt and moving at a glacial pace up your spine. There was no rush and no urgency, there was just love.

A knock on your front door caused both of you to stiffen and sigh at your ruined moment. Bucky pushed himself up off your chest and grabbed the gun from the couch cushions. You got up as well and purposely moved yourself between the front door and the nursery. With a glance over his shoulder at you, he turned off the alarm and unlocked the doors.

His whole body tensed as he quickly shove his foot against the back of the door and pointed his gun at whoever was on the other side. You instantly backed up to the nursery door and yanked off your shirt so that you would have better movement when you needed it. You tried to make your five foot six, thankfully muscular body as big as you could in the doorway and wished that you had put a weapon next to the door frame like you had wanted to.

“The fuck are you doing here?” Bucky demanded with more animosity and venom in his voice then you had ever heard before. Which meant one of two things; both of which you were not ready to face.

“Can I talk to her?” Natasha asked softly with tears obvious in her tone.

“Shut the door.” You said from your place.

“You need to leave, now.” Bucky growled.

“Please, I just need to see her!”

“You don’t need to do shit!” Bucky snapped back. “Leave, Natasha.”

“Please.” She begged as Anastasia started to fuss behind you. “Please, I just need to apologize.”

“You have no place to say sorry to me.” You snapped as you stormed away from the nursery door. You put your hand on Bucky shoulder and moved him back a step to look at the partially unrecognizable blonde in front of you. “You’re not welcome here.”

“My star…” She tried but you grabbed your gun from Bucky and cocked it harshly.

“No!” You shouted, which effectively woke your daughter up. “You stood there, Natasha. You just stood there when I needed you the most. You stood there and shook your head. You didn’t even try to defend the woman you supposedly loved as I was thrown from my home. I lost everything! My family, my security, my sanity. All of it was gone and Bucky was the only person that stood up to protect me. Steve did what he could but that wasn’t his responsibility; it was yours. And you- did- nothing!”

“(Y/N)…” She tried as tears fell from her eyes. You heard Bucky growl behind you as he turned to go to the nursery for Anastasia and you shook your head at your ex.

“No, Nat. I don’t want to hear it. Because even though I left, you still did nothing. Sure, you tried to hunt me down but, as you quickly realized, I won’t be found if I don’t wanna be. So that was a waste of time. Let me ask you this. Have you even bother to talk to Tony about me once? Did you try even one time to get him to see that I am not that monster anymore? Or did you just play victim because you choose to literally turn your back on your girlfriend and she was taken from your life like you promised would never happen? I don’t even need an answer from you because I already know it. You played the victim. I expected more from you Natalia. So much more. Especially after you fought so hard for Clint, who you have said you didn’t love as much as me, to get him back into your arms when Loki had him try to murder you.”

“Baby…”

“Go to hell, Natasha. I want nothing to do with you. Stay away from me, stay away from my family, stay the fuck away from Wakanda. Go do you, you heartless shrew because you sure as fuck aren’t doing me ever again.” Without another word, you slammed the front door closed and turned the locks as fast as your fingers would go. Once the alarm was reset, you set your gun down and followed your daughters screaming to the back bedroom.

“She gone?” Bucky snapped as he bounced Anastasia in his arms.

“She’s gone.” You said with a nod as you locked the secondary door in your room and sent out a silent thanks for Shuri making your house impenetrable once the alarm was set. “Come here, angel.” You carefully took Anastasia from Bucky and walked over to the bed with her while Bucky started to pace.

“How’d she even find us?” He asked angrily as he yanked off his work shirt and chucked it across the room toward the laundry hamper. “Who the fuck does she think she is?”

“She’s gone, Bucky.” You said softly as you rubbed your daughter’s back and laid her out on your sports bra covered chest.

“She has no right.” He snapped as he continued to get undressed. “No right to just show up here like that.” You nodded in agreement as you tried to check Anastasia’s mouth again since she was awake. “Who does she think she is?”

“I don’t know, baby.” You said evenly as you forced yourself to keep your anger at bay and you absolutely felt one of her teeth near the surface of Anastasia’s bottom gums. “She’s teething.” Bucky glanced over at you and did a double take as your daughter grabbed your hand almost to hold the soothing metal in place. He climbed on the bed slowly as Anastasia’s crying turned into hiccups.

“Oh, baby girl.” He said sadly as he leaned against the headboard so that he was right in front of her. “You’re OK, sweetheart.” She hiccuped again as he reached up to brush his hand over the back of her head.

“We’re in for a world of fun.” You said softly as she started to chew on your finger. He nodded as her eyes started to slowly drift closed again.

“We’ll figure it out.” He said as he helped get the pair of you under the blankets. “We always do.” You nodded in agreement as he kissed Anastasia’s forehead and laid back against his pillow.

“Think she’ll tell Tony we’re here?” You asked as he grabbed the padded co-sleeper from under the bed.

“Probably.” He said as he laid the sleeper down between you knowing neither of you would sleep comfortably that night if she wasn’t in the room with you. “We’re safe here, though. Tony can’t get into Wakanda without T’Challa knowing about it anyways…”

“Nat did.” You said as you brushed your fingertips down Anastasia’s back so she would fall back to sleep.

“Yea, well now we’re prepared.” He said a little harshly.

“OK.” You said as you looked over at him. “OK…”

“Sorry, baby.” He said as he ran his fingers through his hair with a sigh. “She just… she makes me so mad.”

“I know, baby.” You agreed as you carefully pulled your hand back and laid your daughter down in her sleeper. “But we’re better than her now, right? We’re parents now. We can’t stoop down to her level.”

“Yea.” He said with small smile as he laid down next to the other little lady that stole his heart. “Yea, you’re right.”

“I’m always right, James.” You giggled as you got up to wash your face and get ready for bed. “That’s why you married me.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After the night Natasha showed up, you started to live in fear. Every time you stepped outside with Anastasia, you carried an unnecessary amounts of weapons on your person and constantly kept your head on a swivel. After two weeks of jumping at every little thing, the Wolf came back and began to taunt the safety of you and more specifically, your baby girl. And at that point, you locked yourself and Anastasia in your apartment and had your weekly groceries delivered by a teenage boy that lived in your building.

Bucky wanted to protest your seclusion but he was equally as scared for the two loves of his life. He convinced you once about a month after Nat showed up to leave the house just to head up to a restaurant on the corner. He barely made it long enough to order the food to go and rush you back home with a mild case of whiplash. He knew you were at least safe in your home, so after that failed attempt to be social, he looked the other way about you staying home all the time.

Anastasia was growing like a weed. One day she was needing help to sit up on your lap or on the floor and the next thing you knew, she was seven months old, crawling across the wood floors as fast as her chubby arms and legs could carry her, and practicing her standing as long as you held on to her sides. You were beyond ecstatic that her first word was ‘mama’, which Bucky wasn’t a huge fan of, but she didn’t disappoint for long because ‘dada’ came about a week later followed by ‘ba.’ And thus began the part of her life where she would follow you around after you while you cleaned, babbling ‘mama dada’ for hours over the sounds of her knees and palms clomping on the floors.

“She does this all day?” Bucky asked as he helped put away the lunch leftovers on one of his Tuesdays off. You smirked and nodded as you wiped down your kitchen counters while Anastasia sat right next to your legs on the floor repeating your name with the occasional ‘dada’ mixed in as she chewed on a frozen strawberry in a mesh pacifier.

“Every day. We’re getting a lot better at separating our names though.” He laughed as he walked over and looked down at her with his hands on his hips.

“What are you doing?” He said playfully as she looked up at him with a smile.

“Ma dada… da mama!” She said as she reached for him with one arm, not willing to pull the fruit pacifier from her mouth.

“That’s progress.” You laughed as Bucky picked her up and tossed her in the air a couple inches.

“I still can’t believe she’s ours.” He said as walked over and sat down on the couch with her. “I also can’t believe how fast she’s grown.”

“I know.” You sighed with a nod as you hung your rag over the middle of the sinks. “I just want it to stop already. Make her stay cute forever.”

“Yea, because both of us wanna change diapers for the rest of eternity.” He laughed as you flopped down on the couch for a break before you went back to doing laundry. You rested your elbow on the armrest and propped your head on your fist as you watched your daughter ‘walk’ up Bucky’s thighs and stomach while she continued to chew on her strawberry.

“We need to leave Wakanda.” You said softly. Your husband slowly nodded his head in agreement.

“I’ve been thinking the same thing.” Tears welled in your eyes as the pair of you just watched your daughter with more love than either of you knew was possible. She walked her way up his chest so that her little feet were on his face and squealed in joy when he playfully pretended to eat her toes.

“Where should we go?” You whispered, not trusting your voice any louder.

“We can stay in Africa for a while.” He suggested with a glance over at you as he held his daughter over his thighs again. “Head south until we hit the end of the continent then try to catch a ride over to Asia. Head toward Australia. We’ll just keep moving.” You nodded your head and looked over at him as a few tears fell from your eyes. “We’re gunna be OK, baby girl. We know how to survive on the run. And we’ll just be more hyper-vigilant with Anastasia.”

“OK.” You whispered as you pushed across the couch to rest your head on his shoulder. “I’ll call up to Okoye and we’ll leave tonight?” He nodded his head as he turned to kiss the top of your head.

“We’ll pack as light as we can with her when she goes down for a nap. Get out after dark.” You nodded your head and sighed as you got up off the couch.

“I’ll get the laundry finished and make that call.” You heard him mumble ‘alright’ as he took the empty pacifier from Anastasia before she could throw it.

“Come on, pumpkin. Nap time.”

——

“Our clothes, her clothes, bottles, formula, baby food…” You said to yourself as you went through the two, overflowing backpack duffle bags on your bed. “… toys, bathroom bags, pacifiers, blankets.”

“We can strap this to your backpack.” Bucky said as he tossed the padded sleeper on the bed and grabbed the baby carrier from under the bed as well. “The play pen is a little too big to carry with us.”

“True.” You said as you grabbed the ball of twine and the sleeper off the bed. “Did you empty out every drawer on the changing table into the diaper bag?”

“And the extra stuff in the closet.” He said with a nod. “You got the new load of groceries in there?” You nodded your head as you checked the weight of both backpacks to make sure Bucky’s wasn’t too heavy.

“I think we should bring the stroller.” You said as you set his backpack aside, deeming it full enough. “I think we’ll regret it more if we don’t.”

“It’d make carrying the car seat easier. We could fill the bottom up with more stuff…”

“It would make carrying bottles of water easier.” You agreed. You grabbed the Ziplock bag of baby medicines, sunscreen, and other necessities for Anastasia and threw them in the last bit of space in your bag. “These are both done.” He nodded his head, acknowledging that he heard what you said as he pulled the old SIM cards from your cell phones and grabbed new ones and a pair of burner phones from your bedside table drawer. He pulled weapon after weapon from the drawer as you put everything from the room out in the hall.

“You gunna carry her first?” He asked as you came back in and started to load your old Winter Wolf cargo pants with guns and knives.

“Yea, I got her.” You said as you checked the gun you would keep on your hip to make sure it was fully loaded and the safety was on. You put it in your holder and made sure that it was far enough back that there was no way your daughter could reach it before grabbing the carrier off the bed. You followed Bucky out to the living room to load up anything else you could fit in the stroller; a case of water, some laundry soap you otherwise would have had to leave behind, and a few more of her favorite toys, and took one final look around your apartment for anything else you could possibly need.

“We have all the cash?” You asked as you headed toward the nursery to grab your daughter to leave.

“Yea, it’s all in the diaper bag.” He said as he put his backpack and the diaper bag on and grabbed the carseat to put in the front of the stroller. You nodded, despite the fact that he couldn’t see you as you carefully picked your sleeping daughter up from her crib and put her in the baby carrier. You made sure to grab her bedtime blanket and her favorite stuffed bunny rabbit before heading out of the room to get your own backpack.

“You got everything?” He asked softly as he helped you put the backpack on so you didn’t jostle Anastasia too much.

“Anything we forgot, we can replace.” You responded as you tucked the blanket and bunny into the carseat. “Oh, grab the fold up booster seat.” You said as you pointed to the chair in the corner by the dinner table. You pushed the stroller to the door as he stuck the seat across the top and added the two bottles of water for you to the cup holders.

“Alright.” Bucky said as he looked back around your apartment while you shut off the alarm and unlocked the door. “Bye first house.” You couldn’t bring yourself to turn around and look back at it as you pulled open the door.

“Let’s just go, baby.” You forced yourself not to tear up as you headed down the hall to the elevator.

“It’s alright, (Y/N).” Your husband said as he rubbed your shoulder with a small smile on his face. “We’re gunna be just fine. We can handle this.” You took a deep breath as the elevator opened on the ground floor and nodded.

“Yep. We’re…”

“Running away with a baby?” A voice asked from the shadows that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. You whipped your gun out at lighting speed and turned around as Tony stepped out of the shadows. “Do you really think that’s the best parenting choice there.”

“Back up.” Bucky growled as he moved between you and Tony with his gun pointed at the man as well. “Baby, go.”

“No, no.” Tony said as he took a step closer with his hands raised. He instantly took two steps back as both you and Bucky cocked your guns and flipped off the safeties. “Look, I know you’re both a little jaded here…”

“A little?” You asked as your eyes darted around the street; catching Steve and Wanda hiding in the shadows in the alley across from you, Vision a block behind you behind a car, Clint on the roof across from you… and Natasha peeking out from the alley behind Tony.

“Wonder why…” Bucky growled.

“Yea, you have the right to be mad. I was an asshole. Plain and simple. But I was wrong. And I’m man enough to admit that. So if you wanna hide out, go ahead. You wanna raise your kid in fear here in Wakanda… yea, I know everything.” Tony said as you shared a side eyed glance with Bucky. “You wanna stay here, go ahead. T’Challa said that was fine by him. You wanna come back to the towers and feel safe, you can do that, too.” You forced yourself to keep your face unreadable as you searched Tony’s eyes.

“I’ll stay away.” Natasha said softly. “I won’t come near any of you. Just please. Please come home where you belong.”

“She’d be safe.” Bucky whispered in Xhosa without taking his eyes off Tony or Natasha as you watched the other Avengers. “Both of you.”

“Is it worth dealing with the other half of the problem?” You asked with a side look over at him.

“We’d be safe.” He repeated. “And we wouldn’t have to keep running.” You sighed, knowing that he was right and that dealing with Natasha was worth guaranteeing that the voices didn’t come back and that Anastasia would be safe forever.

“Come on, guys.” Steve called out as he took a few steps forward. “Do it for my niece.” You looked over at Bucky, who you knew wanted to go home and not have to work every day even if he wouldn’t admit it, and sighed.

“Fine.” You breathed as you flipped on the safety and ejected the bullet in the chamber of your gun. You could hear the subtle sigh of relief from your husband as he put his gun up while the other members of the team all stood down.

“You stay away from them.” Bucky growled as he pointed at Natasha and put the diaper bag on the stroller. She nodded and took a few steps back as Steve came over to say hi to Anastasia.

“I’m guessing you still have stuff upstairs?” He asked as he brushed his fingers over the top of her head.

“We packed as light as possible so yea.” You said with a nod.

“Alright then. Steve, get them to the jet. We’ll get the rest…”

“I’ll go up with you.” Bucky said as he pulled off his backpack and passed it to Steve. “We can just pile everything that’s left in the crib.”

“Leave the furniture and the dishes behind and put a note on the woman across the hall’s door that she can help herself to whatever is left over as a thanks for her son getting our groceries.” You told him as Steve took off your backpack for you. He nodded his head and headed back toward your apartment building as Steve put his hand on your back.

“Let’s go home, (Y/N).” He said with a smile as he lead you behind Natasha to the quinjet that was parked on the palace jet pad.

“I just hope it’s not the worst decision we’ve ever made.” You muttered as you stared daggers into Natasha’s back.

Part 13

#Bucky x Reader #Winter Wolf #marvelfluffbingo #Winter Wolf Series #Bucky Barnes x Reader

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