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sparrowrye · 3 months

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Alastor x Fem! Reader {soulmates} Part 3

Synopsis: soulmate AU where you have the same mark on your body as your soulmate, and if your soulmate dies, you die too. Alastor needs to make sure that his soulmate is safe so he can continue his reign - whatever that takes.

Part 3: Lesser of two evils

Part Pilot | Part 2

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The very next day, I attempted another escape.

Surely he wouldn't assume that I would try it again after yesterday. He might think that I was too 'scared' to escape so soon. So I dared it again.

I started from the very beginning. When I woke, I quickly dressed, fortunately in pants this time, and opened the ancient window. I cracked it just enough to slip through. I let the wind carry me from the window to the edge of the cliff, out of view of the kitchen window. I moved with the wind as far as I could until I could see a beach forming at the base of the cliff. I glided down and started at a brisk jog.

If I stayed along the beach, I was sure to come across something right? Unless it was an island of some sort. What would I do then? I decided to cross that bridge when I got there.

The cliff side eventually evened out and blended into the beach. I slowed to a walk, constantly looking over my shoulder. My neck was starting to hurt from constantly checking. I was waiting to see Husker's bright wings but they never appeared.

After walking for what felt like hours, I had succeeded. I saw a pier in the distance and immediately started running. I had found civilization. I had found my escape. I felt a huge sense of relief knowing it wasn't an island.

The closer I came to the pier the more I could see people walking back and forth. My legs burned from running on the soft sand but I didn't dare stop. I was so happy to have found people and to have gotten this far.

A force from behind drove me into the ground. A furry arm wrapped around my neck and pulled me up. I pulled my legs up and abruptly dropped them, nearly throwing Husker's weight forward. He flapped his wings and pulled me off the beach into the woods. I reached up and poked him in the eyes, momentarily stunning him. I ran for the beach but the wind shoved me back. He enveloped me in his wings, cutting my vision from the town.

I pulled out his feathers and he howled in pain. He tightened his grip and moved his wings out of reach. I shoved my chin between my neck and his arm, slipping myself out of his grip. His claws grabbed at my shirt and raked down my skin. He pulled me back and wrapped his legs around my waist. I started pulling at his fur. He hissed loudly in my ear and shoved a cloth into my face.

I inhaled dust of some kind and began coughing. He let go of me as I scrambled away, sending him back with more wind. I jumped to my feet and ran for the beach again. I tripped out onto the sand but didn't dare stop.

I looked over my shoulder. Husker was nowhere in sight. My simple wind was barely anything so why wasn't he chasing after me? I kept running as I looked around, waiting for him or Alastor to appear somewhere else.

The next time I looked over my shoulder I fell into the sand. My surroundings began tilting and I felt like I was clinging to the side of a cliff face. I tried using magic but it did nothing.

I was on an anti-magic drug.

Someone picked me up and my strength all but vanished. I didn't recognize the person until we had disappeared into the forest again, the shadows revealing Husker's angry scowl.

I had failed again.

The drug had an effect for a full twenty-four hours. I was forced to stay in bed the whole time for fear of losing my balance and hitting my head. I was nauseous but never got sick. It was a horrible state to be stuck in.

I waited until the following night to escape again. The drug had worn off and everyone was supposedly asleep. I slipped through my window once again and walked along the beach. Husker found me much sooner than last time.

I tried several more times to escape and with each one I attempted, the sooner they discovered. I was growing tired of the countless failings. Husker always managed to get the stupid drug into my system. I had a feeling it was because Alastor would be angry if my injuries showed up on his skin. He always managed to cast some kind of remark about how a Slight hand was no match for a Full mage. It was the only interaction I had with the Radio Demon.

Eventually I stopped trying run. Then Plan B sprung into action.

Alastor wanted nothing to do with me and wanted to be left alone. How would he feel if I became a nuisance? Surely dealing with someone so bothersome would entice him to let me back into the world. As dangerous of a game as this was to play, I had to remain confident in the fact that he simply couldn't kill me. Granted, I know better than anyone there were much worse things than death, but I had to at least try. Threatening suicide always seemed to work with my past ring masters, and they weren't even soul-bound to me.

It started simple (definitely not because I was afraid). I always made sure to include curses in my sentences whenever he was passing. Husker caught onto it but he never corrected me, instead rolling his eyes and letting out a heavy sigh. Several times Alastor snapped at me like he had done before. He liked his scare tactics such as the dampening of the lights, extension of his antlers, and the yellowing of his large, sharp teeth.

Next were his quarters. I managed to find paperclips and other little objects to use as a picks for the locks. Picking locks had been a skill I learned to master early on as a kid. It made my old masters incredibly angry when the guards yelled at them to get a better leash on me. It meant they had to buy an expensive cage that I couldn't pick my way out of. I never went into Alastor's room, though I did peak into the red rooms. His bedroom looked like a normal master bedroom and the office had various radios sitting around. I left them unlocked and cracked open every time he returned for the day.

Much like with the cursing, it was more of a sharp word and distortion of his body. He never really laid a hand on me since our fight in the woods, which surprised me. I had expected the Radio Demon to be more aggressive with those 'under' him. Even Husker seemed to be bracing for something more than a stern talking-to.

After a few weeks, I started noticing Alastor spending more time in his office. I could hear his old radios playing and his door stayed locked tight. I decided to make one more big, final stand against this tacky mage. I attempted another 'escape' and managed to steal some of the powder from Husker's pockets. I hid it under my pillow and waited until the following day. I found Husker sitting on the porch again, drinking another bottle of whiskey.

I had the napkin of powder behind my back as I approached him, asking to pick more clothes from the store. As he pulled out his phone, I rubbed the powder across his nose. He shoved me away but the drug had gotten into his system already. He coughed and furiously pawed at his face.

"How's that feel, huh?" I yelled.

"What is wrong with you?" he coughed.

"Using that drug so often on someone can do serious damage to their physical and magic well-being."

"Maybe if you didn't run I wouldn't have to use it." He rubbed at his eyes that were now red.

"Maybe if you didn't keep me here I wouldn't have to run." I slammed the front door behind me. I quickly ran to my room and locked the door behind me. I opened the window and glided down to the beach. I casually started in the direction of the town, waiting for Alastor to appear. If Husker's magic was dampened and Alastor was in the house, surely the cat mage would request help from his master.

My guesses were confirmed when Alastor appeared in front of me from the shadows. I stopped where I was and crossed my arms. I pretended to glance down at a fake watch on my wrist. "Took you long enough."

Alastor let out a sigh. "What do you want? You've been trying to get my attention for quite some time now."

"I want you to let me go."

He rolled his eyes. "You know that's impossible for you, dear."

"Hey I'm just saying," I lifted my arms and walked past him, "if you leave me in the town right down the beach here, you won't have to deal with me anymore. A powerful mage like you can teleport so what's the problem?"

"The problem is that you and I share a soul," he watched me walk past, "What happens to one happens to the other."

I turned around to walk backwards. "I don't like you anymore than you like me. So let me live with normal people near that old house of yours, check on me whenever you want, and we'll call it even. You can let poor Husker go back to whatever he wants. How's his nose doing by the way?" I pointed to my own nose with a sly smile.

"I must say," he started to follow me, "you have proven to be far more of a nuisance than I thought possible from someone who lived her life in a cage." That made me stop in my tracks. "You're so used to being in a cold, dark cage that I thought an elegant one would serve you much better."

"Well I am human. I escaped using my own two hands and made a living for myself for five years. I've had a taste for freedom and now I'm hungry for it like never before." I wish I had claws to slice into his throat. "And I won't stop trying."

"I have been incredibly understanding and patient." He started walking around me in circles. I never let my back turn to him. "If you wish to be back in a cold, damp, dark cage I can arrange for that. I need not make you comfortable, but alive." The environment around me turned into static and symbols. I found myself standing in an old, dark cellar with a single lightbulb overhead. "Would you prefer something like this instead?"

I looked at him. His body had turned completely black save for his bright red eyes and yellow teeth. Everything in me bristled as fear choked me. I sent a blast of fire at him but he dispersed with his shadow. I heard his cackle echo in the room and fade into the distance. I looked around to find old, broken furniture stacked piles high around me. Was I back in the house? In an old cellar that I didn't know existed? There was no sign of a staircase. No sign of an exit.

Panic grabbed at my chest as I tried to stay calm. Surely there was a way out. He was using his magic to make it look like there wasn't. I ran to the closest wall and started running my hands all along it. There was a way out. Even if it was locked, there still had to be an exit. It was all an illusion. I wasn't actually in a cellar. He was trying to scare me.

I ran every inch of the cellar, climbing over old furniture and scraping myself on splintered wood. I became frantic and started running head first into the walls. They were solid concrete. There was an exit. There had to be. I just wasn't finding it.

Logic started to slip as fear settled in. I was running around like a scared animal. I began throwing things at the wall and sending blasts of hot fire or slicing through with wind. I tried parting it like I could do with the earth but nothing was working. Tears streamed down my face and my breathing was all over the place.

"You can't keep me here!" I screamed. I kept running into the walls until my arms, shoulders, and head were sorely bruised. I looked down at my hands. I grabbed the nearest sharp object which happened to be a splintered piece of wood. I laid my one arm on the ground and lifted the wood. I closed my eyes and plunged the sharp wood into my arm. I let out a scream as I did it again. Blood splattered around me and on my face. I would either be let go or die here fighting.

I leaned against the wall and held the wood up to my face. I braced myself and dragged it across my cheek. I pressed my hand to the injury and looked around. Still he was nowhere to be found. Did he think I wouldn't go through it all the way? I took the wood to my neck last, dragging it just enough across my throat for the lines to bleed a little.

"This is awfully pathetic of you." I looked up to see Alastor standing above me. He held his hands behind his back with his cane. He had an ugly smile on his face but his eyes told me he was upset. Good.

"I've been through too much," I gasped, “You either let me go or I end both our lives right here. I'm sure I'd be doing the world a favor." I looked him up and down.

He closed his eyes for a moment before snapping them open. "Very well." He grabbed my arm and roughly pulled me to my feet. "If that's what you wish."

The room disappeared and we were thrown back into the world. I stood alone in a dark alley. There was no sign of the Radio Demon anywhere. I didn't recognize what town I was in but that didn't matter. I had succeeded.

I wiped away the blood as best I could. The sun was setting so trying to move around in the daylight looking the way I did wasn't the smartest. I sat behind one of the dumpsters and waited. As happy as I was to be back on my own, I had to start from the very bottom. All of my money I saved had disappeared when Alastor had taken me. But I could do this.

Eventually, the sun set and the town was thrown into shadows. I had fallen asleep for a few minutes. I was abruptly woken by the sound of yelling. I poked my head around the dumpster right as a young boy ran into the alley. A man was chasing after him and kicked the small child into the wall with ease. He grabbed the boy's head and lifted him to his feet.

"You'll do just fine in the rings," the man laughed, "If you make me enough money maybe I'll let you go."

"You'll do no such thing." I stood up and faced the man.

"Who do you think you are, whore?"

"The person who'll end your pitiful life in this lonely alley."

He laughed and lowered the boy so his feet could touch the ground. He dragged the boy with him as he strode over to me. The man was much larger than me, clearly all muscle. That meant he was slower. He would be easy to fight. That was until I saw him withdraw a knife. He caught my chin as I jumped back. I rolled back onto my feet and jumped onto the dumpster. I cast wind down the alley and tried to push him off balance. He planted his feet, still gripping the child, and fought against the wind.

I let out a tense sigh. One more time. Just one more. For the boy.

I used the wind to jump overhead then between his legs. I jumped around him like a rabbit, never staying in one place for too long. He couldn't land anything on me, growling and yelling at me to stay still. I covered my hand in fire and grabbed the hand holding onto the boy. He jerked his hand back and nearly stabbed the boy as I pulled him away. I pushed the boy behind the dumpster and jumped around the man again.

I caught the man's hair on fire, watching him drop the knife to put it out. I grabbed the knife and buried it into the man's throat. He sputtered as he dropped to his knees, eventually falling on his back. The blood pooled around his twitching figure.

Clenching my teeth, I turned around to see the boy staring wide eyed at the dead body. I looked down at my own hands and stared at the dark blood staining them. I kept the dumpster partly between me and the boy as I knelt down to his level.

"You're safe to go home now," I told him.

"I don't...I'm not..." the boy couldn't place the words but I already knew. He was an orphan who was probably on his way back when the man found him. They always went after orphans. Who would look for a child with no parents or guardians to care for him?

I went over to the dead man and wiped his blood off as best I could with his clothes. My skin was still stained but it wasn't coating them like before. I turned to the boy and held out a hand. He ignored the hand and buried himself deeper in the corner of the brick wall and dumpster. I couldn't leave him in an alley next to a dead body. Jail wasn't a good option either.

A sigh left my lips as I carefully and slowly lifted the boy up. He looked to be around six years old. He clung to my shoulders but his eyes didn't leave the dead body. I walked to the other end of the alley and disappeared down the street. I had to find the orphanage before I could take care of myself tonight.

I had barely gotten a single block before I stopped dead in my tracks. Striker stepped out of the shadows with his toothy smile plastered on his face. I gripped the child tighter and took a step back. Fear dipped in my stomach as my old master locked eyes with me.

"It's been such a long time, Python," he greeted. "What have ya been up to?" I swallowed hard. This wasn't happening. Surely this wasn't happening to me. I had to run. I had to get away. I had to make sure this child was safe but I had to run. Where should I even run to?

I turned tail and ran. The boy clung to me for dear life as I made sharp twists and turns down various streets. Why wasn't there anyone on the streets? Where were the people? Where were the police? I needed help.

Striker stood at the end of one street then the next. How was he moving so fast? Why isn't anyone noticing? I was in the center of a city. Where is everyone? How do I get the boy to safety before I take care of myself?

"Striker I can...we can..." I backed myself into a fenced off corner. I could feel the boy crying as his tears drenched my shirt. "Just wait. We can work something out."

"Work something out?" he hissed, "You ran and embarrassed me years ago. You think I'm about to let you work something out?"

"I can't...I didn't...I'll make a deal!"

He stopped, eyes widening. "You? The great Python who never makes any deals suddenly wants to make one now?"

I looked behind him and yelled, "Help!" He turned to see no one. I casted myself up to the flat rooftop and nicked my knee on the edge. I dropped the boy and pushed him away. A lasso tightened around my ankle and pulled me back over the edge. I hit the opposing wall and landed awkwardly on my leg. I screamed from the pain and rolled over on my back.

Striker planted a heavy foot on my chest and wrapped a lasso around my neck. He pulled on it so our faces were inches from each other. "You're coming back with me and making up the five years you missed."

I tried pulling on the insanely tight rope. "You'll have to get me there discreetly first."

"Oh you don't know, do you?" His smile turned smug and the rattle of a snake could be heard.

"Know what?"

"The mayor of this city declared all ring fights legal. And he's not the only one who did either."

"Ring fights aren't legal," I growled.

He grabbed my arm and pulled me to my feet. I limped badly as he dragged me to the street. Keeping me up with one arm, he led me down the sidewalk with his rope still around my neck. People had hidden in their homes and were daring a peak through their curtains.

"Take a look, sweetheart," Striker said. "And how lucky you are to have wandered into the right town."

Wandered. I hadn’t wandered into it. Alastor had put me here because he knew it had legalized ring fights. He had done it on purpose. But why would he willingly let me go back into the ring fighting? Wasn't he worried about me getting killed?

I tripped in the midst of my limping and jammed my knees into the pavement. Striker laughed and waited for me to stand up, hands planted on his hips. "Why?" I asked.

"Why what?" His smile turned into a snarl.

"Why do you want me? I gave you years of fighting and good money. Surely you can let me go after all that."

He pulled the rope up and grabbed my chin so I would meet his eyes. He answered, "You dampened my reputation. No one had ever escaped my claws before except you. No one wanted to trade me their winning piece when I couldn't even contain my own. This is your payback." He pulled the rope even higher, forcing me to clamber to my own feet.

"We'll see the healer tonight and your first fight will start tomorrow." He grabbed my arm again and led me down the street. I had failed. I had gone from bad to worse to bad again. I had been lucky to escape the way I did. I wouldn't be able to do it again and not soon enough with no trust between us. Building that master-servant trust would take years after this.

I dropped to the ground again. "You'll have to drag my dead body, first," I snarled. I sent a heap of fire at his face but he deflected it with ease. He wrapped his claws around my throat and pinned me to the cold concrete.

"Don't think I won't," he snapped, "I'll break your other foot and arm if I have to. You can always be fixed." The corners of my vision darkened around him.

His weight was abruptly lifted off and my vision restored. I coughed to the side and pushed myself up. My eyes widened to find Alastor standing near my feet facing Striker. I inched backwards as Striker did the same. His hands were tight in fists but each step was a step backwards, not forward.

"Are you willing to lose your life over her?" Alastor asked. He remained in his calm pose with his staff in front of him.

"You don't participate in ring fights. What do you want her for?" Striker demanded. "She's been under my service for most of her life."

"That's for me to know and you never to find out."

Striker looked between the Radio Demon and me. His eyes were gauging the surroundings, desperately trying to determine if this was a fight he could win. Though both he and I had yet to hear of someone beating the Radio Demon.

"She'll be mine soon enough," Striker said and slithered down a street. By the time Alastor had turned to face me, I was gone, limping down another street.

Alastor appeared from the shadows and perched himself in front of me. He had a smile but he wasn't showing his teeth this time. "That was quiet interesting."

"I know what you're trying to do," I jutted a finger at him. I leaned against the wall to get off my injured foot. "You did this to me on purpose. You're trying to make me grateful for you."

"So what if I am?" He put his hands up like sharp ugly flowers. "After all, you should be grateful. You could carry on with a life in the rings or spend it in a distant safe house with nothing to worry about ever again.”

"It's a cage."

"To you, my dear, everything is a cage." He walked over and put his hand out to me.

"What?" I looked between his red eyes and his dark claws.

"Are you ready to return home now?"

I almost wished he had just teleported me back without asking. I didn't want to touch him let alone take his hand. Who knew if he had conjured up some kind of magic deal that solidified when I grabbed his hand?

And yet, when I looked around at the quiet, dangerous town, I knew there wasn't another option. He would keep looking for me and a Full mage with his power could most certainly find me with ease. I didn’t want to go back in that cellar. All because I had the worst luck in the world and had him as a soulmate.

I looked down at my feet and took his hand.

#hazbin alastor #hazbin hotel #hazbin husk #helluva boss #striker #helluva striker #alastor x reader #alastor the radio demon #soulmates #soulmate au

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cecilebutcher · 10 months

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ღLove Songs I Associate With Different Twst Charactersღ

Characters: All of the nrc students minus ortho(plus some of my Oc’s because I can)

Riddle rosehearts: Photograph by, Cody Fry

“If I wished myself a superpower. I would make this moment last for hours. If I had my will, time would just stand still. Wait for me until I find some magic film. To take a photograph and live inside. The sun is going down. Your skin is like a painting. The light is perfect now. But I can feel it changing”

Trey Clover: To you from me by, Naethan Apollo

“See, your smile makes me smile, no, that's cringe. Your laugh makes me laugh, that's even worse. If my journey on this path could ever lead to losing you. I know which path is not my path. You're a blessing from the sky. You're the thief that stole my mind. You're the reason why I think of you all the time. You're the little tiny bug that found its way inside my ear. And now I can't think a thought. without wishing you were here”

Cater Diamond: Loverboy by, A-Wall

“Kill the lights. Oh, baby, close your eyes. The way you're looking at me. You've got me mesmerized. Something I can't escape. Feel like I'm lost in space. You've got that good loving. Girl, if you leave me I might throw my heart away. You know my heart can't take the break. Nothing will ever be the same. We'll meet again some other day. Oh, yeah””

Ace Trappola: Best Friend by, laufey

“But I promise that I love you. Even with that hair-do. I'm sorry I made fun of it. It's not your fault it looks like shit. I have never tolerated someone for so long. I've never laughed so much. I haven't written a sad song. There's no one else. I'd rather fall asleep with and dream with. You're my best friend in the world”

Deuce Spade: Best Friend by, rex Orange County

“And that's because I wanna be your favorite boy. I wanna be the one that makes your day. The one you think about as you lie awake. I can't wait to be your number one. I'll be your biggest fan and you'll be mine. But I still wanna break your heart and make you cry”

Leona Kingscholar: Nothing Bruno Major

“There's not many people.I'd honestly say I don't mind losing to but there's nothing like doing nothing with you. Dumb conversations. We lose track of time. Have I told you lately. I'm grateful you're mine. We'll watch The Notebook. For the 17th time. I'll say "It's stupid". Then you'll catch me crying”

Ruggie Butchie: Absolutely Smitten by, dodie

“That girl just there, yes, she's the one. With Cupid's arrow in her bum. Handsome stranger, you have made her happy. The first in a long time. Did you just whisper in her ear? Words she only dreamed to hear? Pretty lady, look at how he's smiling. I think he likes you”

Jack Howl: This side of paradise by, Coyote Theory

“Are you lonely? (Are you lonely?). Our fingers dancing when they meet. You seem so lonely (are you lonely?). I'll be the only dream you seek. So if you're lonely, no need to show me. If you're lonely, come be lonely with me. Lonely (are you lonely?). Passion is crashing as we speak. You seem so lonely (are you lonely?). You're the ground my feet won't reach. So if you're lonely, darling you're glowing. If you're lonely, come be lonely with me”

Azul Ashengrotto: Only girl by, Stephen Sanchez

“Baby, won't you be my girl Baby, won't you be my girl? Baby, won't you be my only girl Baby, won't you be my girl? Your love, that's got my head in a. twirl, lady. So baby, won't you be my only girl?I don't want nobody else. No, I just want you to myself,So,won't you please forever be my only girl Only girl”

Jade Leech: Mine by, Bazzi

“Hands on your body, I don't wanna waste no time. Feels like forever even if. forever's tonight. Just lay with me, waste this night away with me. You're mine, I can't look away, I just gotta say. I'm so fucking happy you're alive (huh, yeah). Swear to God, I'm down if you're. down, all you gotta say is right (yeah, yeah)”

Floyd Leech: Until I found you by, Stephen Sanchez and Em Beihold

“I would rather die than let you go. Juliet to your Romeo. How I heard you say”I would never fall in love again until I found her". I said, "I would never fall unless it's you I fall into" I was lost within thе darkness, but then I found her.I found you”

Kalim Al-Asim: Paper Rings by, Taylor Swift

“Kiss me once 'cause you know I had a long night. (Oh!) Kiss me twice 'cause it's gonna be alright. Three times 'cause I've waited my whole life.( One, two, one two three four!). I like shiny things, but I'd marry you with paper rings. Uh huh, that's right. Darling, you're the one I want. I hate accidents except when we went from friends to this”

Jamil Viper: I wanna be yours by, Arctic Monkeys

“Secrets I have held in my heart. Are harder to hide than I thought. Maybe I just wanna be yours. I wanna be yours. I wanna be yours. I wanna be yours. Wanna be yours. Wanna be yours. Wanna be yours. Let me be your 'leccy meter. And I'll never run out. Let me be the portable heater. That you'll get cold without”

Vil Shoenheit: La seine by, Vanessa Paradise

“She's resplendent, so confident. La Seine, La Seine, La Seine. I realize, I'm hypnotized. La Seine, La Seine, La Seine. I hear the moon singing a tune. La Seine, La Seine, La Seine. Is she divine, Is it the wine. La Seine, La Seine, La Seine”

Rook Hunt: Ma belle Evangeline by, Jim Cummings

“Look how she lights up the sky. Ma Belle Evangeline. So far above me, yet I. Know her heart belongs to only me. Je t'adore, Je t'aime Evangeline. You're my queen of the night. So still. So bright. That someone as beautiful as she. Could love someone like me Love always finds a way it's true. And I love you, Evangeline”

Epel Felmier: I’d rather be me (with you) by, Rebecca Sugar

“… I'd rather be me with you. Wherever we go. I already trust. I'd know what to do if it were us. I'd know what to say. I'd know how to be. I'd know your entire syllabus. I can't think of any other thing in the world I would rather do. If I could be. I'd rather be me with you”

Idia Shroud: Numbers by, TEMPOREX

“Things just really aren't that bad. I got a nice mom and I got a cool dad. I just stay in my room too long. But I finally got a girlfriend, and she's the bomb”

Malleus Draconia:100 years by, OR3O

“They call me crazy. They call me mad. It'd been so many years I could barely stand. But I remember the days we had and the bad days start to disappear. I hope the best though I'm no longer here. Musical kittens make me think of you Every little thing here makes me think of you. So I wrote this little song hoping you would hear someday. It's been a hundred years and I am still in love with you”

Lilia Vanrouge:O sol e a lua by, poqueno Cidadão

“O sol pediu a lua em casamento. E a lua, disse. Não sei, não sei, não sei. Me dá um tempo. E 24 horas depois o sol nasceu a lua se pôs e. O sol pediu a lua em casamento E a lua, disse. Não sei, não sei, não sei. Me dá um tempo”

Silver (Vanrouge): Hidden in the sand by, tally hall

“We were playing in the sand. And you found a little band. You told me you fell in love with it. Hadn't gone as I planned. When you had to bid adieu. Said you'd never love anew. I wondered if I could hold it. And fall in love with it too. You told me to buy a pony. But all I wanted was you”

Sebek Zigvolt: Valentine by, Laufey

“What if he's the last one I kiss? What if he's the only one I'll ever miss? Maybe I should run, I'm only 21. I don't even know who I want to become. I've lost all control of my heartbeat now. Got caught in a romance with him somehow. I still feel a shock through every bone. When I hear an "I love you". 'Cause now I've got someone to lose”

-:OC’s:-

Ibhana “Vesper” Baske: Soft Bitch by, Rio Romeo

“Love made me approachable. Love made me sweet. It's fucking miserable. But it can't be beat Love made me cordial. It never ends. I want to terrify you. But instead we're friends. Love made me soft. For the best”

Tao Yùchi: I won’t say (I’m in love) by, Susan Egan

“I thought my heart had learned its lesson. It feels so good when you start out. My head is screaming get a grip, girl. Unless you're dying to cry your heart out. You keep on denying. Who you are and how you're feeling. Baby, we're not buying. Hon, we saw ya hit the ceiling. Face it like a grown-up. When ya gonna own up. That ya got, got, got it bad”

Igor Kazentoc: love like you by, Rebecca Sugar

“I always thought I might be bad. Now I'm sure that it's true. 'Cause I think you're so good. And I'm nothing like you. Look at you go. I just adore you. I wish that I knew. What makes you think I'm so special. If I could begin to do. Something that does right by you. I would do about anything. I would even learn how to love”

Junto Shuisha: would you be so kind? By, Dodie

“Oh, would you be so kind As to fall in love with me? You see, I'm trying I know you know that I like you But that's not enough. So if you would, please fall in love. I think it's only fair. There's gotta be some butterflies somewhere (wanna share?). 'Cause I like you but that's not enough. So if you will. Please fall in love with me”

Jasper Spade: first love/last spring by,mitski

“Wild women don't get the blues. But I find that. Lately I've been crying like a. Tall child. So please hurry leave me. I can't breathe. Please don't say you love me. 胸がはち切れそうで. One word from you and I would. Jump off of this. Ledge I'm on Baby. Tell me "don't". So I can. Crawl back in”

Najih Al-Amin: Don’t you dare by, Kaden MacKay

“Just gеt out of my daydreams. You’re an unwelcomе guest. And stop making me miss you. ‘Cause you leaving’s for the best ‘Cause I just couldn’t stand having you as my crutch. You’re a simmering stovetop I was tempted to touch. If you ever return, it’ll burn me too much To bear. So don’t you dare”

Aikat Spanos: Passing papers by, Egg

“Cause Smiles are my weakness and I think yours is the prettiest. And you show it quite a bit when I'm with you. It's almost entertaining how we're searching for the same thing. But I could never try to see it through. Yes I meant it when I said that you were pretty. We never knew each other well and it's a pity. Sometimes I wonder if when you hear 1950. I come to mind”

Phobes Spanos: Dance with me by, Topline Addicts

“You say "Come and dance with me". But I'm a bit too shy so I just smile politely. I know you want me to. What have I got to lose? You said, "Let me dance with you". But I got two left feet, no rhythm, or groove. I'm dancin' anyhow. But I still walked home by myself”

Ngl this was a lot of fun to do. I might do a part two with the staff and rsa, probably with the rest of my OC’s too^^

Likes and comments are more than appreciated. but reblogs help the content reach more people so please reblog if you want to like<3

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hedwig394 · 11 months

Text

The First Meet

Derek Hale x Sarah McCall

"You lost your inhaler, Scott?" I scoff as I trudge along the woods with him and Stiles.

"Look, I'm sorry, okay? I should never have come here." He muttered.

"Damn right, you shouldn't have!" Sarah said and rounded on Stiles, "Investigating murder is your father's job, Stiles. Not yours."

"Relax Sarah, just because we didn't take you doesn't mean you have to be so sour about it," Stiles says casually. I shake my head in dismay.

"Just find the damn inhaler and let's get out of here," I mutter, crunching dry leaves beneath my feet and looking amongst them for Scott's inhaler.

"I don't know what's happening to me, CeeCee," Scott says softly, and I look at him. "What do you mean?"

"I mean that I can smell your perfume from 20 feet away from you, and I can hear you and Stiles from 100 feet away." He explains.

I pause in my tracks and look at him. "What?"

"I swear I'm not lying. I can smell the bubblegum wrap in Stiles's pocket right now." He says. Stiles scoops it out of his pocket and throws it away.

"It was gross." Scott says and Stiles replies, "It was definitely gross."

"Since when has this been happening?" I ask. "Just this morning." Scott says, "There's a new girl in our school right now, and she was talking to someone outside the classroom, and I could hear what they were saying while sitting inside the classroom." He explains.

"Are you hallucinating, Scotty?" I ask worriedly. Dad leaving us had taken a toll on all three of us, and I don't want to see Scott trapped again in that vicious cycle.

"I'm not hallucinating." He sighs. Stiles chimes in, "I know what that means."

"What does that mean?" I ask him.

"He's caught an infection," Stiles says, "A particularly bad one. Only once a month will it trouble him though." Scott doesn't seem to understand but I do. I try my best to not laugh.

Stiles howls and Scott hits him on the arm. "Shut up dude."

After walking for a while, Scott stops both of us and says, "Wait, this is where I had seen the body."

"Well, there isn't any body over here right now," I say.

"The killer must've moved it!" Stiles says. "Well, I hope they didn't take my inhaler. That was for 80 dollars." Scott sighs.

Before I can reply, we hear a voice. "What are you doing here?"

I spin around and come face to face with the handsome Derek Hale. I had been in school with him, but he only hung out with the popular and sporty kids. Since I was neither, I doubt whether he knows I existed or not.

"This is private property." He says, glaring at us. I pass him an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, we're just looking for an inhaler. My brother lost it here somewhere-"

"Here." He throws it at us, not letting me complete my sentence. I have the urge to grab the nearest stone and throw it at him, but I control myself. This is private property after all. Guess Derek didn't grow out of being a jerk, after all.

I don't thank him and look at Scott, who has caught the inhaler. "C'mon Scotty, Stiles, let's go."

"Thank you, for that," Scott says to Derek awkwardly and we start to walk away, I don't spare him a second glance.

"That was Derek Hale, right?" Stiles asks. I nod. "His family was burned alive in the Hale house fire. Stroke of luck that he survived." He says.

"I went to high school with him," I say, looking back but he's gone. "He was a jerk back then, nice to see that he hasn't grown out of that stage."

"Sarah on fire!" Stiles exclaims and laughs.

I tell them that I have the hospital to get to, and we bid each other goodbye. As I unlock the door to my car, I feel someone's presence behind me and I spin around and lose my balance.

Instead of plummeting facefirst to the ground, two strong arms stop me from falling and I find myself encased in Derek Hale's arms. He draws me to his chest and says, "Be careful, Sarah."

I push him and stand two steps away from him. "What are you doing here?" I don't take the liberty to be gentle. He needs to know that having a tragic past doesn't give him a free pass to treat other people like crap.

"You dropped something back there." He says casually and draws out my golden bracelet from his pocket. It wasn't made of gold, just plated by it. It had been Mom's gift to me. I cursed myself for losing it. "I came here to return it." He says, breaking my self-cursing chain of thoughts.

"Well, thank you for that," I say and extend my arm to take it from him. My hand brushes his slightly and he gently holds my wrist and ties the bracelet around it.

I pull my hand back, trying to forget the lingering effect his touch left on me. "Thank you." I clear my throat.

"No problem," He shrugs, "Be careful, Sarah." I look at my car and when I look back, he's gone. He has super speed or what?

I try not to think about him, but I can't help but think about how his fingers had felt on my wrist. And how would his lips feel if they were at the place of his fingers?

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rougepancake · 1 year

Text

Masquerade

Ft. Dottore x F!Reader

Phantom of the opera au

Warnings: Slight Yan!Dottore??? Manipulation, stalking, taking advantage of someone who’s emotionally unstable???Slight violence, kinda ooc (I’m not 100% sure). Dottore is deadass so starved, I couldn’t help myself.

Summary: You’re invited to a masquerade ball to celebrate the disappearance of the opera ghost, but it quickly goes wrong after he shows his face and makes you an offer you can’t refuse.

“NO MORE GHOST!” A man with a jester mask cheered out, wrapping his arm around a nearby woman and waving his glass of wine in the air.

“HERE’S A HEALTH!” A woman with a leopard mask smiled, joining the man and raising her glass high.

“HERE’S A TOAST!” The opera house owners laughed, drunkenly wrapping their arms around each other.

“TO A PROSPEROUS YEAR!” You stepped forward, raising your glass with a large smile. For the first time in a while, you felt free. The opera ghost had finally disappeared, and his days of tormenting the actors were over.

Everyone around you continued to join in on your toast, cheering and laughing as the orchestra played in the corner. It was a beautiful sight, seeing everyone celebrate together over something so simple.

Then again, the ghost had caused everyone a lot of trouble during your time here.

Your fiancé grabbed your hand, smiling at you as you set your glass down. He was asking you to a dance, and you just couldn’t turn down that gorgeous smile of his.

“Diluc, I didn’t think you’d come.” You returned his smile, allowing him to take you out onto the dance floor with the other couples, who were still singing cheerfully.

“Oh? What makes you say that my dear?” He teased, resting his hand on the small of your back.

“Well, given that you don’t typically show interest in parties, I guess I’m just surprised that you arrived.” He spun you around, drawing a laugh from you.

“Now now y/n, don’t be so mean.” He chuckled, placing a gentle kiss atop your forehead.

The two of you danced together, singing along with the group around you. It was the most fun you’d had since you’d come to work at the opera house. Everyone was so happy, dancing and drinking their woes away as they partied.

It was a moment that you wished would last forever.

But all good things must come to an end.

One of the noblewomen let out a bloodcurdling scream, pointing at the pyrotechnics on the stairs with a horrified expression. Everyone let out a scream of their own as they rushed away from the flames, the mood in the room changing from joy to terror.

Diluc pulled out his sword, pushing you behind him and yelling at you to get to high ground. You nodded and made a run for the stairs, throwing your mask to the side as it hindered your sight.

As you ran, you heard the booming voice of the Phantom, telling the owners that he had written them an opera. His voice rang throughout the halls, a haunting sound that had followed you your entire life.

You nearly kicked down the door to the roof of the opera house, desperate to escape from the man you had yet to see. His existence was nothing but a curse to you, causing you many sleepless nights.

“Well hello there, y/n.” The sound of his voice sent shivers up your spine. You spun around, looking for him, looking for the mask that you had seen countless times.

The wind howled, whipping your dress around violently as you prayed for Diluc to arrive soon.

“It’s been quite some time since we’ve seen each other last, hmm?” You knew you weren’t imagining his voice, you were sure. The door to the opera house was opened, your red headed fiancé running up to you with a smile.

“I heard him.” You cried into his chest, wrapping your arms around him tightly. “H-He’s here for me.”

Diluc huffed, holding you close to him out of fear that the phantom would make another appearance. “I’m not going to let him take yo-“

Your fiancé fell to the ground, limp and seemingly lifeless. You screamed, falling to your knees to hold him in your arms.

“Relax y/n darling.” The phantom revealed himself at last, wearing a sinister smile under his mask. “Killing people isn’t in my nature. It’s a tranquillizing dart that I made myself. Your cute little fiancé will be fine.”

“What do you want?!” You spat, refusing to look up at him. You weren’t about to give him that pleasure after all he’d done to you.

“Oh my sweet y/n…” He bent down, placing two gentle fingers underneath your chin before forcing you to look up at him. “I want you.”

“I’d rather die then go with a monster like you! You- You stupid opera ghost!” You cursed, holding Diluc closer to you.

“Well I’m afraid I can’t kill you.” He sighed, shaking his head impatiently. “Quit this game of yours. You know you want to run away with me.”

“I do not!” You shouted. “I would rather you kill me than torment me in such a way!”

“Oh come now Y/n.” He knelt down to grab your chin, forcing you to look into his mask. “Don’t make me hurt you.” He clicked his tongue to the roof of his mouth, his hand now resting on your lover’s shoulder.

“Don’t make me hurt him either.” He threatened, smirking as your eyes widened in horror.

“F-Fine!” You conceded, looking away in defeat. “Just don’t hurt Diluc. Please..”

“Of course not darling, now get up, it’s quite the walk to my abode under the opera house.”

He reached out a hand, offering to help you get up, but you declined. You were going to go with him, but you were going to resist him in as many ways as possible.

You knew he wouldn’t like that, but it was your only option if you wanted to return the favor.

He dragged you through the many tunnels of his, each one looking the same as the last. It was insane to think that he lived down here, regularly roaming these tunnels and never getting lost.

It was actually quite interesting to you, since you knew nothing about him other than his love for you. You didn’t even know his name, just that he was the ‘opera ghost’. It made you curious, though, making you wonder about what he hid under that mask of his.

“We’re here…”

You were now standing in an underground laboratory, test tubes and such scattered everywhere. The room was dark, dimly lit with candles that could be found in the most random of places. It instilled fear in you, the mere sight of such a dark lab making you wonder if you were going to make it out of this alive.

“Now, follow me. I’ve got a room prepared for you…” He was leading you again, his hand wrapped gently around your wrist. For someone so devious, he sure did handle you with care.

“And if you need anything, just call out my name, Dottore.” He smirked, bowing sarcastically as you looked around your new bedroom.

You had tuned him out, now overcome with despair. What would Diluc think? Would he come looking for you? You hoped so.

You sat on the bed, staring blankly at the floor. The room was so nicely prepared, a beautiful setup fitting for a beautiful woman. You scoffed in disgust at the idea.

A yawn passed through your lips, your exhaustion finally sinking in. You groaned, plopping down onto the cushy bed aimlessly.

“Y/n, love.” Dottore spoke, crawling onto the bed slowly. “May I indulge?” He asked so nicely, almost as if he wasn’t a sociopathic creep who had stalked you for so long.

“No.” You bluntly stated, scooting away from him.

“Please Y/n. I need you.” He began to feel up your legs, his cold gloves sending shivers throughout you. “I’ve waited for so long.”

“You’ve already taken me away from everything I could ever want, so what makes you think I’ll stoop as low as this?” You kicked him away, giving him a deadly glare.

“You know what? Whatever. I don’t care anymore and I’m so tired of fighting your presence.” You laid back down, arms spread and a knee propped up. “Just get this over with and leave… please.”

Dottore smirked as he crawled on top of you, his mask brushing against your face.

“Take it off.” He whispered.

“W-what??” You blushed, assuming he was talking about your dress. He gently grabbed your hand and brought it up to his mask, silently begging you to take it off.

When you did, you were met with a gorgeous face, one marked with large, deep scars that would surely scare others away.

His red eyes stared into your soul, saying nothing as you sat in silence. Slowly, your fingers traced the scar on his cheek, completely mesmerized by the beauty of it.

You felt him stiffen, his eyes widening in surprise. He had nothing to say, so he just allowed you to feel the deep scar.

“What happened?” You asked softly, your eyes meeting his.

“Let’s not.” His hand grabbed your wrist, stopping its movement along his cheek. He was so gentle with you that it made your head spin. His behavior contradicted his appearance.

“You seem so sweet Dottore. Why did you pick me?” You whispered out, giving him a sad smile.

“I am one of many personalities.” He returned your whisper, now hiding his face in your neck. “This one is just less of a monster than the rest.”

“Oh.”

“I know it sounds wild, but I want nothing more than love.” He was incredibly vulnerable, and it made you nervous. “Please, can I love you?”

His words sent a thick, pink blush across your cheeks, your heart melting. Dottore began to kiss up your neck, slowly trailing up to your chin as he awaited your answer.

For being so impatient earlier, he seemed more than willing to wait for you now.

“F-Fine.” You muttered.

“Fine isn’t enough, love. I need to hear more from you.” His breath was warm in your ear, sending goosebumps trailing along your skin. “I need you to tell me exactly what I’m allowed to do.”

“Dottore…” You sighed, closing your eyes as you looked away. It was so embarrassing to be in such a situation with the man who made your life so miserable, especially since you were engaged to Diluc, who loved you so. “I’m giving you permission…” you trailed off, mumbling the rest.

“Speak up, Y/n darling.”

“I-I’m giving you permission to u-use me…” You blushed even harder, avoiding his gaze. You could feel his look of surprise, his eyes burning holes into your skin.

“Then use you I shall…”

And Dottore dove into your lips like his life depended on it, devouring you as if he was going to die the next day. It was a feeling unlike any other, so foreign yet so powerful. It took control of you, washing away your fears and any morals you had left as you leaned into his kisses, mouth moving in sync with his.

The world seemed to stop moving around you, time slowing down for such a beautiful moment to last forever.

His hands roamed your body, his touch anxious, yet gentle as ever. You swore his touch was electrifying, and you’d never be able to get enough of it.

God, he was so gentle. He treated you as if you were a freshly picked flower, a beautiful, delicate rose that had been handpicked by Dottore himself. He looked at you as if you were a goddess, worthy of worship and so much more.

“I’m going to make a mess of you.” He promised, watching you squirm with a smirk.

It’s such a wonderful thing that Dottore is a man of his word.

#phantom of the opera au #genshin impact #x reader #genshin dottore #dottore #dottore x you #dottore x reader #dottore x fem!reader #genshin x reader #genshin impact x reader #genshin imagines #il dottore #fanfiction #genshin fanfic #genshin x you #genshin impact x you

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murraysiskind · 2 months

Text

Oh my god could you imagine hearing this shit for the first time when it was brand new. I think about this all the time. I would've started ripping sconces off the wall. I would've picked up my dumbass 1800s husband and thrown him through a window and he does a perfect handspring into a double front flip and then runs into the woods and I don't see him again for a month. All our dogs are running around the grounds howling madly. I'm rending my garments. I'm throwing myself against the walls like Isabelle Adjani in Possession. My children are detaining the neighbors. Insanity

#Spotify

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crystalbeetle888 · 2 months

Text

Voyage into the Unknown Pt.1

Master List

Pt.1 - Pt.2

The cold wind nips at the back of my neck, as I trudge through the thick brambles whacking them out of my way with my machete. Dark clouds roll over the mountain tops, spitting down a freezing shower. I flip the hood of my poncho over my soaked head. My legs burn from hours of walking through the wild, my hands swollen from constant swaying, my lungs heavy from the frigid air. Relief washes over me as the sight of the wooden cabin finally breaks through the tree line. The howling wind almost knocks me over as I march up the steps and through the heavy front door, slamming it shut behind me. I exhale heavily, the warm air embraces me gently, the sudden halt of the deafening wind in my ears is a shocking contrast to the silent cabin.

I slip my day bag off by the door and make my way towards the bathroom, stripping off as I go, leaving a trail of sweat and rain soaked clothes behind me. Hopping into the shower the burning hot water washes the dirt of the day away, soothing my aching muscles. I grasp the soap and begin scrubbing the filth off. I gently run my hand over my left shoulder, the smooth ridged feel of the scarred skin no longer holds any feeling in it. I follow the mark down the length of my arm finishing at my wrist, the skin looks pink and agitated by the hot water. I open my right hand, branded with the same angry scarring on my palm.

I moan in annoyance finally hopping out of the shower and wrapping myself with a towel. I exit the bathroom and begin to dress in my thick nightwear. Suddenly, the cabin walls begin to shake loudly as the wind rages outside “Fucking hell” I mutter to myself. The wood creaks and groans a little too loudly for my comfort. Worried, I pick up my phone, no signal. “Shit” I toss the useless thing into my pack, it clatters loudly against the small handgun I've not so subtly hidden.

“I guess this getaway trip is going to be longer than expected” I mutter to myself in annoyance “The gallery is going to kill me” Another loud gust of wind shakes the cabin more violently than before. The ground shakes and the ceiling rumbles, picture frames on the hearth rattle and fall onto the ground shattering loudly. The bricks around the fireplace crack, dust falls from the rafters. “Shit! If the fucking weather doesn't kill me first!” I yell to myself over the roaring noise. Throwing my belongings haphazardly into my bag I shrug on my coat and bolt outside, making a dash towards the car. I only take a few steps across the grass before the wind throws me off my feet and across the clearing. I hug my body close to the muddy ground and scream in fear as the winds tries to take me again “FUCK!”. My screams are silent in comparison to the booming noise surrounding me. A faint chanting travels on the winds ‘What the shit?’ I think to myself as the chanting gets louder and louder until a man's voice is clearly heard above the belting winds. The foreign chanting strikes my body with anxiety “Fuck this fucking Blair Witch bullshit” I cry out, as I attempt to stumble towards the car again. A strong blast of wind picks me up, throwing me high up into the air before suddenly dropping off. My heart stops as I begin to plummet towards the earth “FFFUUUUUCCKKK” I scream before hitting the ground with a crack, instantly losing consciousness.

The first thing I feel is the burning ache across my back shooting up into my skull. I groan, opening my eyes slowly to the sun beaming down on my face. “Oh my god” I whisper airily cradling my neck as I sit up. Looking around at my surroundings, wood and brick debris lay scattered across the clearing, the whole cabin, including the foundations, have been blown away. I sigh in exhaust, still clenching my backpack tightly. The feeling of frustration and exhaustion from the previous day's travels overwhelms me, I let out some shaky breaths. “Easy girl, you're alright” I breathe “Keep it together”. I begin to break out into a sweat as the midday sun beats down on my miserable sitting form, still clad in my thick flannel pajamas. Huffing in frustration I shrug my jacket off and stand shakily. Life just seems to be throwing everything it can at me lately. Trudging towards the forest line I notice something eerie, the trees are a different now, the fucking trees are a different species! ‘How far did that wind throw me?’ I think to myself.

After changing into the previous days smelly damp clothes I begin to wander through the woods, hoping to find someone who can help. After what felt like hours of plodding through the creepy unfamiliar forest I finally stumbled across a dirt road. To turn left? Or to turn right? That is the question. I turn right “right is right” I mutter to no one. Fatigue rakes my body as I continue down my path, sookie that I had skipped dinner the night before. Eventually the sound of baaing animals breaks through the silence and relief washes over me. Shakily passing over the hill, I gaze out over a beautiful green valley. The houses are round and built into the hillside, adorned with lush gardens of flowers and fruit. As the sun begins to set, the sky is painted with vibrant pinks and purple, and glowing lights sprinkle the valley like stars across the night sky. “Oh my god” I almost cry in relief and happiness, completely delirious from hunger.

Floppily jogging down the hill and along the dirt path, I pass many homely houses. ‘I don't think I've ever seen houses built like this before’ I let my thoughts drift ‘Maybe they're some sort of commune’ I gaze in passing at the arched windows, and colourful round wooden doors that are unusually short ‘Maybe they’re a commune of little people?’ It doesn’t make any sense but neither does an entire cabin and car, flying away and leaving little to no trace. My patience is waning as it becomes the second night without food. Throwing caution, and pride, to the wind, I open the closest little picket fence and tiredly stomp up the stone steps towards a large green circular door. Knocking three times, I hurriedly rake my fingers through my hair and straighten out my jacket and shirt, anxiously waiting. The door opens with a loud creak, and behind it stands a surprised little man with pointy ears and wavy brown hair. ‘Definitely not a little person’ I think to myself.

“Good evening?” he says warily, straightening out his patchwork dressing gown.

“G’day, look this is super random but I think I’m lost” I swallow, the hard lump in my throat “And I haven't eaten since yesterday, and I don't know where I am, and I’m really fucking tired” I choke out, tears begin to well in my eyes as the stress from it all finally hits me. The mans eyes widen in shock, and my cheeks burn hot in embarrassment from unloading onto this rather awkward looking strange. The man shifts his weight uncomfortably “Well there's no need to cry Miss..?" He trails off, "Y/N" I sniffle, " Well Y/N, I'm Bilbo Baggins, at your service,” he bows “I suppose you can come inside, just till we’ll get you sorted out” he wags his finger, clearly flustered by my emotional outburst. The man steps aside and opens the door wide, I duck under the door frame and enter.

The entrance room glows from the candle lit chandelier, the air is warm and inviting. I hug my arms around myself tightly, shuffling out of his way as he shuts the door and potters past me “Come on Miss this way”.

I stammer uncertainly “Um should I take my shoes off?” I notice his comically large and oddly hairy feet are bare. He stops and spins around in surprise “Oh certainly, thank you” he smiles surprised. “You can store them behind the door”. Plopping myself on the floor I take my tan hiking boots off and stuff my socks inside, cringing at the smell and stiffness of my toes. “I’ve never seen such craftsmanship before, you must have a unique cobbler” Bilbo quips. I stuff them neatly behind the door “Ah yeah they’re alright” I stand brushing myself off, smiling at him awkwardly. He pats his hands on his sides like an awkward penguin before spinning round. “This way” He guides me through curved corridors into the kitchen. “Sit please” He pulls out the smallish chair for me, the matching table size makes it difficult to sit politely. Judging by Bilbo's proper gentleman nature he probably values good manners. I ponder to myself, shuffling uncomfortably trying to straighten my posture. Bilbo treads back and forth across the kitchen, setting a pan on the hot plate over the fire, “I bought some fresh fish today, I hope that's alright?” He turns to look at me. My stomach growling loudly at the thought, I nod, cheeks heating “That’d be great thank you”. He nods back, before turning round again. Bilbo places two whole fish, along with some vegetables into the hot pan before covering it with a heavy metal lid. The smell of cooking fish permeates through the room making my mouth water. I continue to watch the strange little man as he sorts out two tea cups and saucers “Chamomile or lavender?” he says over his shoulder “Chamomile please” He nods, continuing to make the pot. He rests the teapot on a hook over the fire before sitting down across from me.

“If it’s not too rude, may I ask where you’ve come from? You wear very peculiar clothes” My eyes widen, not knowing how to respond to that, I glance down at my dirty looking clothes. I was clad in a khaki green, slim fitting shirt, and a pair of long black leggings with my denim jacket tied around my waist. It didn't seem very ‘peculiar’ to me, but I suppose if I lived on a mediaeval commune filled with little gnome people, I’d find it strange too.

“Well, I come from a small outback town, though I moved around a lot when I was younger” He nods in understanding, hand rubbing his chin in thought “And where is the outback?” I stop, realizing the stark differences between our cultures “It means like, rural, or country” Bilbo ahs in actual understanding this time “Still, quite strange clothes for country folk” He states “Though I don’t travel much myself, so I suppose the race of man may have changed beyond my knowledge” He nods to himself “Yes that must be it” he trails off before the loud whistle of the kettle interrupts our conversation. Bilbo hops up and busies himself in the kitchen again, before coming back with the hot food and drink, placing it down on the table along with some ornate silverware and napkins. “Well, dig in”. Bilbo and I chatted idly over the delicious hot meal, it was exactly what I needed to regain my strength.

I sigh in relief, patting my now stuffed belly “That was amazing, thank you” I say gratefully. Bilbo nods, staking the dirty dishes in a pile “Well you came at the right time honestly, I’ve just restocked my pantry” He says placing the dirty dishes in the sink. I rise from my spot “Here I can help with that” I offer. “Oh no no no, you rest now Miss, I’ll handle it, you should bathe though” I frown, raising my eyebrow at him “I stink that bad huh?” He freezes, mouth agape and eyes wide, “Ah” he stutters. A smile stretches across my face “I’m just taking the piss, I know I stink” I laugh, as relief clearly washes over him, he lets out a gentle chuckle. “Ah yes well, the guest room is just through this hall, then left through to the very end, then left again, it should have everything you need” He says. I grab my bag from next to my foot, “Thank you again Bilbo, really, It’s very generous of you”. He smiles kindly “Yes well, what kind of hobbit would I be if I were to leave a lady in distress, Hmm?” I smile in confusion but nodded along ‘Hobbit, what the fuck does that mean?’. As he turns back to the dishes I walk down the hall following his directions “Taking the piss” I hear him mutter to himself, I chuckle quietly and continue on my way.

Opening the door to the guest room a gentle light emits from the dwindling fire on the left wall, across from it lays a medium sized bed, probably a queen or king size for him but it’ll do. A copper metal bath sits tucked into the far left corner. Dumping may bag on the bed I stride over and begin running the bath. ‘Hot water, thank fuck’ I think running my hand under the stream. Stripping down naked, I hop slowly into the tub, skin burning against the hot water. Despite enjoying the outdoors I can only tolerate so much of it for so long. I turn the faucet off and sink into the water until only my face peeks out. I hum in content before spying a supply of ornate bottles sitting on a shelf next to the tub. Picking one up I glanced at the label tied around it ‘Cleansing Ash’ it reads.

‘Pretty self explanatory’ I pour some of the contents out onto my palm. A floral smelling powder falls out, I hum curiously rubbing it into my scalp and across my body. The smell of roses and lavender permeates through the small room. Lines of dirty water run down my body as I scrub the filth away. I continue methodically scrubbing and rinsing until the water running off me is clear, and the water is cold.

Flopping out the tub, water splashing onto the floor, I wrap myself in one of the fluffy towels before heading over to my bag and pulling out the last of my clean clothes. A plain oversized shirt and hiking shorts. I throw them on before crawling into the warm bed. I snuggle tiredly under the covers ‘I’m sure Bilbo won't mind if I rest my eyes for a bit’ I think before drifting off into a deep sleep.

Master List

Pt.1 - Pt.2

#the hobbit #bilbo baggins #thorin #thorin oakenshield #bilbo #x reader #fili and kili #kili durin #kili x reader #bofur #fili durin #the company of thorin oakenshield #the company x reader

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sfsolstice · 5 months

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✧ regret fem!reader x tsukishima kei . . . a/n: slight angst ?

“Do you remember what you told me back then?”

Kei glanced towards the girl next to him, who suddenly sat up as they laid in the grass together. The sun was setting, painting the sky a myriad of warm colors that began to fade into the unknown. He did his best to feign disinterest— it was an old habit he could never kick— but in reality, he was staring at one of the most important people that ever burst into his life— violently, suddenly, in a whirlwind of a hurricane that left everything he had known in a wreck. She tore his life apart, but she built it back up, letting him see the world in a way he never could have alone.

“Back when we started high school?”

He didn’t have the faintest memory. In fact, for someone who he credits for changing him for the better, he couldn’t remember when they first met very well, as if they really had known each other forever. He gave a curt, “Not really…”

She was looking out, watching the flocks of birds that flew across the sky, watching the clouds creep ever so slowly to wherever the wind would take them. But her eyes held a deep despair. Kei was always so good at reading people. It was how he could rile up Shoyo and Tobio without fail. It was how, on the court, he never let a spike get past him the second time. It was how he knew when something was bothering her each time. In that moment, he could see the regret she felt before she even opened her mouth.

“It surprised me when you said it. I mean, it surprised everyone when they heard it, since you’re always so sarcastic all the time…”

He couldn’t deny that, that he could be a little too snide sometimes.

“You told me that I should do everything I wanted. To live without regret. To not mind the people around me, to just focus on myself, that what they were doing didn’t mean I wasn’t doing anything…” Her voice began to falter. The hands she had buried in the blades of grass began to grip them hard, as she did her best to not let her voice break anymore than it had already. She pulled the grass she had in her hands out of the ground, throwing them in front of her as violently as she could. She was gritting her teeth, biting back the sting of tears in her eyes.

“Kei… I…” She started.

It had been years since they saw each other. She left Karasuno after their first year. Now, the both of them were in university. He sat up as soon as he could hear her begin to sniffle. Kei placed his hand softly atop a balled fist she now rested in her lap. If he did anything more, he knew he wouldn’t be able to hide his tears either.

“There’s so much I wish I did… So much I wish I didn’t do…” Her voice began to quiet as her head fell. Kei felt the sharpness of her angry tears drip onto the back of his hand. He wrapped it around hers.

“Kei, I-I…” She gasped for breath. “I regret so much.”

This scene was all too familiar. It reminded him of memories that left his mouth dry and bittersweet. There were plenty of times, he remembered, where he would see her like this, and every time, it hurt him more than the last. This time was no different. His heart ached to see her cry, to hear her voice crack, to sit idly by as he just watched, because there was so little that he could actually do to mend her broken heart.

Her sobs grew more unrestrained, bringing her sleeves up to her face to wipe away the onslaught of tears. But all they did was keep coming. She grabbed onto Kei, burying her face in his shoulder, as she bawled, howled, cried out every horrible thing she kept inside her. All he could do was hold her in his arms and hold her tighter.

The sun continued to set, the clouds kept inching their way across the sky, the birds had long left. Her pain seemed immeasurable, but even so, Kei continued to hold her, continued to let her scream, continued to let her soak his shirt in her tears. He knew nothing he could say would resolve her endless amount of regrets. So this was all he could do for her— be there for here, support her, connect. He felt powerless. For the first time in a long time, he felt defeated. There was nothing he could do. This was all he could do.

#tsukishima kei x reader #tsukishima x reader #tsukishima kei #haikyuu #a vent fic from 2020 lmao #when i literally didn't know what i was doing with my life dshjga #ended up just taking it out on tsukki bc hes been my comfort character since like 2015 #sfsolstice

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olivescales3 · 3 months

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The Forgotten Legends of Chima Episode 3

[Episode 1]; [Episode 2]

I’m at the lion temple’s entrance hall, surrounded by statues of lion warriors, who gaze at me gracefully in an action of ferocious protection. Each and every one of them are unique, sculpted in such a way that they look real, or like they could be real– and that’s because they’re meant to. They represent the glorious warriors that protected our temple long ago.

It is truly a comforting sight, to be safeguarded by my ancestors, the ones who swore to protect Chi. Then, a disembodied voice, monotonous yet mellow, whines from the distance, blended in with nervous footsteps.

“You know, man, this canine craze is wild. Like, they went bonkers out of nowhere!”, cries Leonidas, mumblings on his words.

As I tiptoe near the guard, hiding myself behind one of the statues, Longtooth leans on the temple’s door frame. He sighs, pushing down his beanbrows– one scarred from top to cheekbone. While he crosses his arms and hides the huge claw tear on his bare chest, he whispers,

“I know, sweetheart.”, He opens up his damaged eyelid, “Don’t worry about it. We’ll sort it out– together.”

A moment of silence slips in the middle of the conversation, a minute of peace and thought. Leonidas slides slowly near the brunet lion, getting his thin and delicate body near his mate’s fluffy mane, then shoves his muzzle inside it.

Accidentally, a meow escapes from my mouth, and the lion couple notices me, happy about my presence.

They turn around and march towards me; Longtooth then crouches on the floor, just to pat my head with his dark tan paw.

Beneath the fierce bodyguard’s canines hides a smile that loosens his serious, headstrong expression into an almost submissive frown. When his watery eyes try to shed at every blink, but that only makes them shinier.

As he brushes my cheek, I utter, “Longtooth… are you alright?”, my voice cracks a bit.

Leonidas tilts his head, his banded orange mane falls down from his shoulder. He presses his lips, hiding the malformed incisors that stick out of his mouth.

Longtooth delicately puts his hand under my arm and holds it– the wounded limb has already recovered, and the only remains of the injury are ugly scabs in the shape of claw marks. His agonized concern is enough to make me understand— even in silence—, that nothing is over yet.

I can see Leonidas’ concern for his partner, but also his fear for what might happen; he’s right– what’s been happening during these last days is wild. Of course, to say the least. In reality, words can’t encapsulate the weight of this tragedy.

“Alert, alert! Close the main gate and stand in your positions!”

This powerful roar rumbles throughout the castle and beyond, attracting our attention to the howls penetrating inside the temple.

“Your Highness– please remain still.”, he murmurs, while skimming his eyes to the side, before dashing away.

Leonidas soon stumbles forward, behind him, while wielding a spear.

I wonder for whom the bell will toll today.

Lagravis wanders in small but hard steps across the Throne Room, staring at the ground. His face recoils in doubt, as he murmurs to himself whatever is in his thoughts.

The Lion Temple was invaded, this morning, by a pack of a hundred wolves. Warriors were able to protect our fortress and control the damage caused by the invasion, but it wasn’t enough– blood was still shed in our territory, whether from our people or from the Wolf Tribe.

I sneak into the room, patiently waiting for him to notice me. Or, do I even want to be noticed? Dad’s posture this week has been worrying me a bit…

He sits on his throne with a loud thud. “I can’t believe this!”, he shouts, throwing his arms forwards, before leaning his face onto his hands, “Even with my guards in the Wolf Lair…!”

My dad’s shock resonates with my feelings, I’m also confused, too. I witnessed him ordering guards to surveil the wolves; lion tanks and buggies were scattered all across the camp’s radius, monitoring every move!

Lagravis roars, once again, “Someone has to be involved in all of this! These events are too organized for a bunch of mindless ferals.”

Uncle Lavertus passes by, waving his hand at my dad. Perhaps he also wants to check up on his brother, just like me?

“Hey, buddy! Big bro, whatever! How’re doing?”, says Lavertus, with joy brimming from his glistening eyes.

Dad doesn’t even move an inch, but instead scowls in frustration, not willing to loosen his mood. His gray-haired muzzle is starting to look more grizzled than normal.

“Aw, Lagravis. I noticed your attitude’s quite bitter recently. Stuff sucks and all, but can’t ya at least keep up with a smile?”

The king gets up, his blue scarf swings violently. As he clenches his paws and sticks out his claws, the muscles from his tanned torso tense up. He can’t go forth, because the Sacred Pool of Chi is right in between him and his brother, scattering blue light throughout the room.

“…Tell me about the necropsies, Lavertus. Be serious with me!”

My uncle grabs a piece of fibrous paper, with notes written all over it, from a pocket on his tunic.

“Want me to—”

“Just tell me already!”, Dad screams.

After a few eternal minutes of silence, just enough for doubts and fear to haunt us, Lavertus begins to read the notes out loud:

“All of the lion guards assigned to monitor the Wolf Lair were found dead during the sunrise, with the sunlight hitting Mount Cavora’s east side. The deaths happened approximately at dawn, as the corpses smelled fresh, but blood was dry.”

The Throne Room begins to smell with adrenaline. No one has noticed me, yet.

He continues, “A necropsy exam began soon after the discovery of the bodies– their thoracic cavities were mauled with distinctive bite and claw marks. All organs situated in this area of the body were found to be severely damaged on gross observation. Therefore, the cause of death was diagnosed to be acute organ failure due to physical trauma.”

Dad nods, understanding the situation. Whispering about his shock at the wolves’ strength, he sits on his throne again, with his paw placed under his chin.

I shrink and curl behind a lion statue. What an abominable act of violence that was… and in such detail too!

“And what about this morning’s incident, brother?”

“Exactly the same thing. It’s safe to assume that the wolves from now were the same from before.”

Lavertus marches around the Sacred Pool of Chi, as the chains that adorn his tunic hitting against one another, then lends the two necropsy notes to his sibling.

After a quick glance on the papers, Lagravis raises his eyebrow in concern. “Chi was found near the dead wolves. Do you have any ideas about why that happened?”

“They were after our Chi, Lagravis. We found crystals inside the wolves’ bodies. That’s how they managed to destroy our guards back at the Wolf Lair— all with the power of Chi.”

Dad quickly turns his head upwards. This shocking revelation petrifies him: his breath starts to hiccup, and he places his hand on his chest in agony. Such horrors tear him to shreds, a pain so sudden and terrifying that his face deforms into the scariest snarl imaginable. Cough after cough. Bulging eyes, awkward skin folds, menacing teeth…

He roars, “Chima is in danger, our people are in danger! My son is in danger!”

Lavertus presses himself onto his brother, petting his back while humming a comforting melody– my uncle’s voice softens and… Dad begins to cry.

That melody brims with the warmth of nostalgia; I recognize the notes, the emotions it brings, because my dad would sing this to me when I was a baby. A heartfelt reunion of both past and the future, the contrast of simpler times against the unpredictable war of tomorrow.

I know this feeling— It’s anxiety.

Between sobs and desperate coughs, Lagravis reaches his face near Lavertus’ ear and whispers something. My uncle glances at me in reaction, before nodding to my dad with a layer of resentment.

Maybe it’s time to leave; I can’t let this slaughter to prevail– and I will find what’s truly going on.

This noon’s ambiance feels heavy, and quite haunting too. Even if the sky continues to be blue, I sense a presence behind me– of the lives who were taken away by that purple moon.

I have returned to the Forever Rock with my friend. This time, however, we aren’t going to play. We’re going to do something else.

Cragger rests his back on the big rock. He briefly looks at me, before turning away and crossing arms.

“Laval… I’m scared.”, he mutters.

My heart starts to race. We’re just kids, after all, we can’t do much. Maybe this– or I– might fail, but silence now is not an option… right? As a prince, it’s my duty to help my father in situations like these.

The crocodile returns eye contact for another short moment. There was doubt in his pupils.

In second thought… what if I get hurt? Will I only get in my father’s way? It might all just be adult matters, like Lavertus said— but for me, it doesn’t matter. I won’t leave animals behind.

My stomach churns in a whirlwind.

“Don’t worry, Cragger. It’ll be worth it in the end…”

He waddles up to me. I rest my head on his shoulder. Struggle will dawn on Chima, but I’m sure we’ll prevail.

Then, from the deepening jungle, two Speedorz emerge; it is at this moment, while the hanging leaves are pushed away, that I encounter Wakz in a worrisome state. His skin folds are heavier than usual, flopping at each panting breath. Drool melts off his tongue and drips on top of the vehicle.

Worriz’ eyes look damper today, too, sullen by his hanging beanbrows. He’s holding onto Wakz’ thin fur, not ready to let go. I’ve never seen him like that… It breaks my heart.

They parks before us, followed by Winzar stopping his Speedor besides them, alert, almost in judgment. The wolves remain still, and they’re staring right at our souls. A chill runs down my spine. I don’t know what they expect from us; perhaps, it’s that I don’t know what to do.

Worriz soon lets go of his father, though hesitant on stepping his foot down. We can notice that his eyes are quaking between blinks, as he trembles while getting down the Speedor. The pup walks in our direction with his tail between legs. It’s horrible to see such a young kid be anxious like this— I don’t know how could a child still be standing after witnessing deaths upon deaths, especially of their own kind.

That’s why I called him.

“Hey, Worriz… I’m sorry for your loss…”

He stares down at the grass, and doesn’t budge. A small tear crawls on his face; it shines all the way down his chin and onto the ground.

I slowly get closer to the pup, then kneel in front of him.

“Look. Everything is going to okay.”, I hold him with my arms, “Just give me time to solve this.”

He stares down at the grass, and doesn’t budge. A small tear crawls on his face; it shines all the way down his chin and onto the ground. I slowly get closer to the pup, then kneel in front of him.

“Look. Everything is going to okay.”, I hold him with my arms, “Just give me time to solve this.”

Worriz stares at me, his right eyebean raised. As the pupils twitch around, they shrink and grow in size, before pinning their aim right at my soul— a speck of dust submerged into a pool of honey. It is the dirt inside cynical sweetness that catches my attention; right underneath those golden eyes, moves resentful lips that drool spiteful words, and they shine from the saliva coating them.

“I doubt that someone like you could achieve anything. Stop acting like the hero you think you are”, his gray, delicate snouts pushes itself right in my view, the bare teeth of his snarl leak drool.

I push my hands on Worriz’ chest, putting a distance between us. Those words… how— no, why would I think of myself as a hero? What is the point he wants to make? This is outrageous, to assume the worst of someone in this manner— an act of sabotage! Huh… Nope… Perhaps his reaction was genuine and out of fear, or did I just phrase myself wrong? I can’t piece anything together.

“What do you mean? I just want to help—”

“That’s what I’m talking about, idiot”, he interrupts me, whispering in a sharp tone of voice. “Hundreds of wolves died by the hands of your tribe, and a gold adorned crybaby is not going to stop this slaughter!”

My body flinches in reaction. It recoils backwards.

...

All is silent. Even Cragger himself keeps his mouth shut, holding his jaw tightly so that he doesn’t utter even a single word. He’s clenching his fists, too. None of the adults behind us say something either— I need to get to the bottom of whatever is going on. Their reaction rubs me the wrong way.

“Is this what you think of me, Worriz?”, my voice breaks the unnerving quietude that haunts us. “Do you truly believe that I’m doing this for myself?”

Worriz stops for a second, analyzing my body, then returns to swab his snout aggressively. He snarls worse than before. “Friends, family members, acquaintances are all going insane because of this moon. Do you know how it is to see someone snap, kill, die, with no salvation? We live knowing that there’s nothing else able to be done.”

“Did you even understand what I was trying to ask?”

Argh! It was short, but I failed to keep my mouth shut; the thoughts from my mind spewed too quick. It has now placed me in a tough spot— one that, in reality, I believe isn’t that tough. It was merely the truth!

The pup locks his stare onto me. Those golden eyes brew with fire from the sun.

“I said that a golden adorned crybaby is not going to solve this issue!”

A howl dissipates out of thin air throughout the Forever Rock; it soothes down everyone here and alleviates their tension. Worriz, however, stares at the sky, attentive. His ears sprout upwards. The cry repeats once more, as if it’s a cue for the wolves to leave.

From afar, I notice Wakz moving his wrist at himself and it attracts my friend’s attention. I stay quiet because I know that there’s nothing more to be said. Worriz wouldn’t lend an ear anyway.

He groans again, “You got lucky, unlike us. Keep your mouth shut.”

Then, the wind turns colder and brings a strong breeze that rattles the leaves all across our land, its noise concentrates as the foliage whips around with force each minute passing. Cragger and I can’t listen to our surroundings properly, we’re stuck watching our guests chatter for a bit before they mount on their Speedorz. Though, something keeps rubbing me the wrong way— Cragger is besides me, yes, but it doesn’t feel like it, I can see he’s observing them, processing each and every move they take. His eyes focus on the wolves’ lips, while also moving his mouth following their movements. It forms: “Fu… ne…”

“Are they going to a funeral?”, he finally speaks, muffled down by the incessant atmospheric noises.

My body twists in shock. “…Care to explain?”

It’s obvious… with the melancholic howls, depressing mood, and countless deaths, that a funeral could be foreseen, but I couldn’t help myself from asking. I want to be sure. I have to do something, now.

“Do you think I know what’s goin’ on?..” We notice them moving away from us at a slow pace.

Cragger smirks, uttering, “Better find out!”

He sprints at his vehicle and hops on top of it, before drifting to my side in a break. He tilts his head towards my own Speedor. Without a doubt, this is the opportunity waiting for me…

I don’t know what I expected when I came here; maybe it’s the dry air that’s making me sick, or the weight of witnessing a funeral… Probably both.

Cragger and I are standing behind a spike at The Fangs, as we witness wolves stand in a circular formation around a huge hole on the ground they dug up; an entire graveyard made out of one single grave. None of those who died will have the peace of rest, but instead, seems like they’re going to be piled on top of each other. Everyone keeps waiting for the corpses to arrive— and they do, carried, inside a container, by Wakz’s Pack Tracker. Then, the vehicle brakes in front of the hole, ready to dispose of the bodies.

The wolves bow, they open their muzzles, howling harmoniously underneath the hidden moon; next, elders stand within a hand’s reach near that pit, ready to throw there little bits and pieces of fruits and herbs clasped between their claws. Inspired by darkness surrounding them, they grasp the ground and pay attention to their elders’ words. Prayers of perseverance, pleas to the moon— all tears from those who suffered, but still continue to ask for help during their pain; they cry a shower of flowers in loyalty to it, even if it was the one to doom their brethren. Soon, those tears blend, after the elders open hands, and it turns into a colorful curtain, a flowerbed for the dead.

Winzar makes his way towards the container. Vibrations smear out of his footsteps; they are strong– I can feel it with my whiskers–, intimidatingly imposing silence. When he opens that container, it drops forth the piles of bodies as they tumble and crash into the void. Everything ends when those corpses, muffled by their fur, scream ‘thud’ at the pit’s bottom, the sound pounding on our eardrums.

Cragger looks at me, terrified– jaw open, and eyes smaller than a speck of dust. The crocodile clings onto me; I’m held hard enough by my friend’s arms to feel the intense heartbeat punching from his chest.

He sobs in a whisper, leaning at my ear, “Is… Is this what happens to us after we die?”

A tear crosses down his face, slowly touching my fur. I pat him on the head, but the crying only gets louder, as loud it can get. While under my breath, tears begin to flow down from me too. Water brims out of Cragger’s daffodil eyes; for the Fangs’ crust, it is a precious gift, one that brings life to this lifeless land– a second chance for those who rest. If only we— all tribes of Chima— could’ve helped prevent this massacre… All we can do is go forth and protect those in danger, starting with the wolves who might soon succumb to their next night. Alas, those losses happened inexplicably, and might’ve also been unavoidable… Is this such work of a king?

In the meantime, we begin to hear a melancholic melody flowing out of the pack’s voices, and it blends against Wakz’ humming; must be their final goodbye to the dead, memorialized into a ritual. Then, Winzar, along other pride mates, push the dirt back where it was dug up from, and thus finishing the ceremony.

We can’t, and shall not, be caught here; it would be quite rude of us to appear uninvited at an event like this one. Neither of us had thought on an ‘escape plan’, because it never came to our mind up at this point. Since we came here behind the wolves’ car, it wouldn’t be wise to repeat that again– it’s unlikely that the vehicle goes away from The Fangs, as the Wolf Lair is camped near the burial. Though, not a lot of choices are available to us. I’m afraid we might have to find someone, and hope they don’t suspect a thing.

After we turn our backs, the fogs of sadness blurring my mind dissolve away; with it, the real silence of steps and murmurs returned. Passive noises of a beetle’s buzzing elytra tick me off, and I whip my hand to swat the bug— fingers fetch on the recoiling paw at my back.

Worriz stands behind my arm while clutching it, then lets me go as he positions himself in front of our path. He puffs up and growls. A tough look like his is never a good sign—

Cragger rushes behind me. He’s scared of what the little wolf might do. Size might be lacking, but a sharp tongue is nonetheless an efficient weapon, capable of lethality if used properly… And, coming from Worriz himself, there is no doubt that he won’t leave it without causing ruckus…

I look at my surroundings, but can’t find any Speedor in sight. Even that pack tracker behind the ground’s hole has begun to leave, too! Bad luck for us, because this time I didn’t even bring anything. Worriz points fingers at me, “Never mind how you came here. What did you say last time back at the Forever Rock, Laval?” he snarls while licking his snout.

My heart bursts into flames, and the combusting adrenaline riles up through my veins. This face… it means no good. What if he uses whatever happened earlier, against me? It wasn’t much, but he’s taking it so aggressively that…

The rhythmic lung movements, breathing in and out, bump onto each of the rib inside my caged chest. It needs to get free; I need to escape. Do not succumb to Worriz’ ruthlessness.

“You idiot! Can’t even remember your thoughtful words. Disgraceful.”, he pulls on my tunic, “Fine, I’ll ask it instead; tell me how you’ll help us, and how long it’ll take for you to do it.”

I instinctively place myself distant from him, but he persists to close the gap between us. As I move backwards, my torso hits a land spike— and Worriz pins me his hind paw. I push the wolf’s toes aside, still holding it with a though grip.

Nothing is possible at this point. Cragger’s whimpers only get worse and it riles up the pup even more… until he waves his hand at me, like a sign for me to wait; though his awkward smile expresses uncertainty, or maybe even fear.

Within the blink of my eyes, I managed to capture a drastic change of scenery, during when these two kids had begun fighting each other.

…It didn’t stop at that blink; they’re still tumbling on one another with cascades of boundless punches really close to me. The crocodile immobilizes Worriz on his back; I roll away from them in the short time frame before the wolf breaks free, hiding behind the fang of dirt.

A few seconds later, I hear a pathetic growl from behind.

“D— don’t pick me by the scruff! Argh! Laval, just answer my question already, you coward!”

My heart skips a beat, I try to remain calm, but the sight of my friends tearing each other apart— it hurts badly.

I wanted to help his people. It felt wrong to stay silent during all of this terror; even as a cub, there’s always a way for me to help… for I am the prince of the Lion Tribe. Something can be done. I just… don’t know how to help. I fear of turning everything worse, or being in the way of help. Instead of placing myself as a possible obstacle…

“I’ll use my position of power as prince to extract information and opinions from animals.”

He recoils, confused, staring at me in mockery.

“Then, I’ll analyze whatever was collected, and use that for guidance. It might not lead me to the solution… but it’ll help our leaders with their strategies, and avoid as much confrontation possible.”

Worriz seems suspicious… though, he looks at me with a serious face. “You’re kidding me, right? A child like you can’t possibly do all of that”.

I push myself forward, just before Cragger lets go of the wolf. My lips rise with strengths I never knew of having, revealing my growling voice.

“Why are you doubting me?” I reach closer to him, exposing my teeth bare.

His eyes immediately shrink. Somehow, I managed to intimidate him— it was out of my control… but it went to my favor.

Worriz whimpers, “Go back home and do as you said.”

Time is of the essence. …Did I say that right? Ah, forget about it, it’s my dad that says these kinds of stuff… I need to concentrate on my work, a survey I thought out. What was the deadline Worriz set for this? I don’t think he said anything about that yesterday.

The sun hits the open window of my room, sizzling my fur. It’s too hot in here and I can’t think of anything! Do I need to drink some water? Again?

Pen in hand, paper on the table, I sit in front of what might be able to help us in this dire situation. It’s blank, but it’s the key we need—

It’s blank.

The pencil sitting between my paws waits for the moment I push it onto my project and begin to write. Its tip, made out of charcoal, shines in faint tones of light— it was sharpened not long ago, too.

I look outside; I sigh in relief at the sight of a bright, early morning. But the clock continues to tick, click and swing. Clouds swim throughout the horizon, almost in synchrony with the noises snapping each second.

Again, the paper continues empty. Nothing will be done at this pace! Think, Laval… think! What is of utmost importance, something that needs to be highlighted and questioned, right now? My hand begins to tremble, but I know it’s no use to be still!

…Yes! I need to ask about Chi first. It’s powerful and important to all of us… but is it harming the wolves? Uncle Lagravis said that they were after it, and that it was the reason for them becoming strong like that. What if I try finding out what lions think about this— or, what to do about this?

The noises of friction on the paper start to itch my brain. I can feel the ideas rushing from my thoughts straight to the paper.

About the wolves… It’s important to know how my people feel about them. We can’t run into trouble against those who are suffering through something we don’t understand yet. I don’t want to risk my tribe of growing resentful, especially when our biggest event of the year was interrupted by wolves… It all started with me, the prince, getting attacked, so this will also influence the answers… but it’ll be all revealed later.

I sigh, fatigued, but relieved as well, because I finally managed to strip all of my questions and place them into the survey.

Now… it’s time to leave.

I step down the lion temple’s stairs; a once bustling place, the Chi Market is now empty. Of course, today isn’t Chi Market day, but the absence of lions who would rest here, laying their torsos onto the , sitting on top of abandoned barrels and relaxing, gives off a disheartening melancholy. Though, it’s not just simply melancholy– I can sense their dread, one that stems from today’s annihilation, a wound so fresh that no one knows how to cope with it, but I think I can tend their injuries…. starting at this door!

I give the door a slight knock. For a few seconds, my gaze points at the text I had written, at the wobbly handwriting whose ink is engraved into the fibrous plant remnants we call paper. The wolves, the Chi, the lions, my family, my father, me. We are all in danger. If I’m not able to pull this through, I might not—

“Oh, a lost cub…”, a sweet and tender voice whispers beneath the noises of the opening door, “Do you have something for me?”

I hand over the questionnaire and the pen to this lioness, who reads it with attention, seemingly surprised by what’s written.

“So I just sign what I think?”

“Yes… exactly that.”

She moves the pen, pressing it onto the paper, hesitating on what she’ll answer. What is she confused about?… I touch my forehead– that’s why she’s looking at me like that; I forgot my crown at home.

After a long minute of wait, she returns my materials while smiling, though she can’t hide the awkwardness leaking from her muzzle. In the end, I got to see someone’s opinion on the matter. Now, I need a few more participants to get a result.

At another house, I knock on the door, waiting patiently for a reply. My hind paws balance forth, as my tail wags in eagerness. It seems the papers are a bit out of order, so I organize them back in place. However, time still passes by. Waiting isn’t the problem here— it’s the difference in responses that piqued my curiosity, and as far as this knock goes, no one has come. I tap again, now with my knuckles hardened, and the noise of the hits echo through the door. Then, it opens faster than I could’ve expect, revealing to me a short brunet lion. His tan body is quite muscular, with a Chi holder strapped around his shoulder and torso.

“Laval… is that you?”, his voice rises in happiness.

I proceed to hand over my papers. “Yeah, I mean… Wait— how did you know that?”

He picks up my item and flips over the pages. “Of course I do. I work for your father!”, he giggles.

Yikes…. what a dumb question. The harness on his chest is worn only by lion warriors! I should’ve seen that coming. Furthermore… having a lion warrior give his opinion on my survey might help me out a lot. His tall smirk would soon dissolve at the last page.

“Oh… you mean that, right?…”

The smug expression on his face had completely dissipated into a state of terror. He signs on the papers then hands me my materials, before whispering mournful words and closing the door.

The study, with over a hundred participants, has been completed. Whatever opinions my people wrote down here will change the trajectory of this mess. This might be the only way I can know if the Wolf Tribe is in danger.

‘What was your perception of the Wolf Tribe before the occurring incidents?’ Out of 150 total answers, the majority of them were neutral; 25 were ‘positive’; 28 were ‘negative’; 8 were ‘overly positive’; and 6 were ‘overly negative’.

‘What is your perception of the Wolf Tribe now; is the tribe innocent?’ 26 votes were ‘wary; neutral’; 14 were ‘wary; innocent’; 17 were ‘positive; innocent’; 30 were ‘wary; guilty’; 53 were ‘negative; guilty’; 10 were ‘overly negative; guilty’. There were no overly positive votes.

This is not looking good so far.

‘Is Chi in danger; should it be protected? Should the Lion Tribe still host events such as Speedorz Racing or the Chi Market?’ ‘Chi is in danger; withhold it at all costs’, 45 votes; ‘Chi is in danger; make smaller and safer events’, 54 votes; ‘Chi is for everyone; continue everything as is’, 18 votes; 33 votes were null.

From the corner of a discreet alleyway, an orange chunk of fur wiggles in every way possible, and it shakes to the sides while vibrating. Whenever I get closer, even if it’s just a tiny bit, the fluff stops for a second– before returning to its funny dance. Fluffy, moving… thing! I– I can’t take my eyes off it!

My legs project forwards and I pounce onto the worm-looking object; my teeth pierce it, but it screams and turns around in a violent curve, throwing me onto the ground. The paperwork slips off my hands, making a high pitched noise. My survey is all over the ground.

“Argh! Hey…!”, it shouts.

As I begin to observe what’s in front of me, while dealing with mild pain from the thud, the ‘thing’ walks up to me, tapping their toes on the ground!Everything is a bit blurry…

They— an animal that reminds me of a fox— stare at me; their eyes are so dark that I can’t see their pupils. Oh, wait… that’s a real fox! I thought their tribe went extinct.

He grips his tail, snarling pathetically. Pathetic isn’t enough– he falls flat onto the floor, curls up like a baby, and begins to cry. “Can’t believe I found a mean… mean cub! Get your teeth out of my tail.” I sigh and drop my shoulders. Who is this guy, and why is he making fun of me being a kid? Does he even know I’m the prince of the Lion Tribe, son of Lagravis?

Such ignorance is unacceptable, telepathic words from Dad sprout in my mind, his deeply angered voice sends chills down my spine. I won’t let that slide. Even if I sound brittle…

“Tell me your name. Present yourself before—”

My vocal chords crack.

That pesky fox stares at me again, then opens his jaws wide to burst out laughing. An act of absolute disrespect towards the Royal Family.

“Name’s Furtivo. Or Furty, but you’re not my friend. Shoo!”

Furtivo regains his upright posture the moment I start to pick up my sheets of paper– the orange shadow runs around, and my project disappears from my sight.

While flipping over the pages with swift fingers, following the text in his mind, he pauses everything and instead fixes attention at a specific part of my survey, as he sticks his snout up close to it.

Furty’s muddy iris turns up and down, diverging between the paper and I. The animal squints at me. He hisses, “What do you have against the wolves, huh?”

I hop at his hands, but he lifts my project out of my reach.

“First you bite me, then you ask others if they hate wolves. What’s wrong with you? Coward!”

How audacious! You were the one to start this whole mess, mocking me unashamedly!

“Targeting the young lion prince is the cowardly action here. Return it to me, or I’ll call the guards.”

An interesting turn of events happens; Furtivo is caught off guard, surprised by the reveal– his cynicism gets shut down, tail between his legs.

He hands back my possessions, then he reaches closer to me, whispering in my ear, “Let me work for you as your secret agent– I got deep connections with the Wolf Tribe, and they might help you sleuth the truth.”

Humph… Snarky attitude aside, his emotional attachment towards the wolves seems quite strong. Might as well test him out, but I am not too fond of belittling jokes.

I nod. “Let’s meet up here later. Grab as much information as you can about this. We can’t let this slaughter continue.”

Cragger and I tussle on the soft, moist dirt, leaving depth marks on the ground. I push his body aside, though he grabs my arm, tugs me forth and puts his mouth on my face. As he pulls me around, I place my paw on his head and tap him, before he wiggles his head and takes it off me. After wiggling around for a bit, sending friendly kicks, I manage to nip his tiny tail– he cries loud in reaction, but not in pain.

“I told you to not grab my tail!”

His crispy and brittle voice catches me off guard; I’m unable to hide my sudden giggles, even if I cover my muzzle.

“Ah… Sorry, Cragger. It’s just that…”

“Just what?”, he cracks his voice.

Ah– haha… He’s so adorable. Can’t say that straight to him, though!

“You’re funny. That’s it”

He growls, stomping on the ground as he gets up. Moist dirt gets all over his toes.

“If you think that’s funny, then watch this!”, he kicks a ball of mud onto my chest, in a pitiful tantrum.

The ball splatters all over my already dirty tunic. It spreads a moist, musty smell that makes the swamp’s humid atmosphere even more unbearable.

We sprint at each other; the moment I pounce on the air, Cragger dodges my jump, and I fall down. He cackles, making fun of me, as he hops around uncontrollably.

Amusing for him, but I don’t find that funny. The mild pain aches a bit everywhere; I hit the floor with my entire body, and the impact hurts. Agh!

As awkward as the pain is, I can’t take my attention away from the sky. The sun was setting the entire time we were playing; now, a moon rises from below, while radiating the horizon with a violet tint– it seems to block something else — a bright satellite — behind its shadow. Before the light disappears, a glimpse of shine reflects itself onto the muddy water, mirroring the image from above us. Every bit of heat turns by itself into light; Cragger’s eyes become ghastly in contrast to his cold, pale scales, between the masses of spectre terrain.

This entire scenery sends chills down my spine, the manifestation of a déjà-vú, an omen of horror. However, it’s a warning I can fully understand: the purple moon.

Grimey footsteps echo splashing sounds– unnerving, for sure, but the anxiety still remains, sprouting as sweat from my skin.

A feminine voice emerges in the middle of the noise, screeching, “Your dad has been calling you for an hour, Cragger!”

From amidst the hanging vines and crooked trees, a small crocodile marches up to us, her dark green scutes blending in with the background, as her pink eyeshadow stands out.

“I don’t get it”, she whines, “you want to be attacked or something? You act as if you’re five.”

Cragger groans, “B- but I’m playing, aight! Stop butting in my life.”

“Our parents babied you for long enough, and not for you to almost die again! Ungrateful brat!”

She picks up her brother by the tail, pulling him through the dirt. He slaps the ground in anger, shouting and screaming, in vain.

Somehow, he manages to break the clinch by throwing himself at Crooler, making her lose her grip. She crashes onto the mud and screams in shock.

Her long pink dress, raggedy from overuse, is now covered in dirt and moss. She stares at the pink trail of makeup smeared in front of her, as her anger spills, leaving only sadness to be felt.

Cragger frowns, arms crossed, wagging his tiny tail.

This isn’t the first time I’ve seen them together, but she has changed quite a lot since then… Resentment is in the air, strangling the relationship between the twins. They’re fighting with their sharp tongues, each word at a time pinning on one’s weaknesses.

Crooler holds her breath, claws clenched, before she starts to sob, “Why are you like… this? Why do you always need to make things hard for me?”

“If you stopped crying, ‘nd saw the animals around you, maybe things would get easier…”

Her eyes shrink in fury. She tries to say something, but her words hide themselves behind her teeth, so she storms out of the woods.

I grab Cragger’s hand.

“I think it’s best for you to see your dad.”

In this swamp rests a kingdom, one so small yet so lively, where crocodiles are constantly fishing, building, training, and overall living their lives. It’s almost like the embodiment of the Chi Market, except it’s only crocodiles. However, what strikes me the most out of everything here is that they embrace a state of being ephemeral, as they live in function of the swamp’s natural cycle. They possess barely anything, because they already have happiness, whereas my homeland is covered in gold, but very closed up when you get to know my people. The trees around here are scattered sparingly, enough to create a comforting shade on the landscape. No wonder everyone here is so peaceful.

I… I feel like this was where the Legend Beasts lived— surrounded, and shaped by pure nature, with no concrete walls to hide behind. The varying shades of green blend with the dark dirt into a soothing mix of colors.

From the corner of my eye, I see a crocodile merchant selling toys. How interesting! Maybe should I check his products out? It won’t hurt to explore a bit. Unfortunately, there is a huge influx of crocodiles scuttering across the thick mud. I’m too small to be noticed and I get pushed around by the crowd. After finding a breach, I stick out from the masses.

As I get closer to the seller, his charismatic voice grows louder, shouting tempting words like: “Bones to chew on for cheap! Better than those you see for sale in the Chi Market! Come and buy them!”

I look at the sky and notice the sun has changed position.

“Thank you very much, but I now have to take my leave!”, I say in a hurry.

I dash across the migration herd of crocodiles, mud splatting at my toes with every step. As they get farther away from me, I brake my run and stop to breathe.

What exactly was I waiting for? I don’t remember having a specific schedule for today— Oh. Cragger!

I begin sprinting in the direction of the village’s castle.

At the castle’s entrance, I lean myself. My panting is too loud, it’s not good etiquette to enter royal property like this! Even worse, my blue tunic has been muddied into oblivion.

After a few minutes of recovering my breath, I observe my surroundings. It seems that there are no guards around here. Strange.

I enter the castle and notice Crominus holding his golden cane and gently tapping it on the floor. His children are starting at him. Maybe they haven’t noticed me yet, or did I just come here late?

By making noise with his cane, the crocodile king reignites what looks like his kids’ already exhausted attention.

“My children…“, he sighs, “Even if I explained everything, I can’t expect you to take extreme safety measures, in the way I’d hope.”

The twins glance at each other, seemingly tense because of whatever conversation the three had while I was late. They stiffen up, gazing at their father and paying attention to his words.

He adds, “It’s hard to take care of you all by myself. Please understand where I’m coming from.”

Crooler tilts her head and freezes her tail, in an almost state of shock. I peek a bit more from behind the cave’s walls; I can sense that the princess is distraught, as her eyes twitch up and down at Crominus. She’s paralyzed.

Cragger looks at her while beginning to itch the palm of his hand. She, however, doesn’t even look back. It feels like sympathy isn’t enough to calm her down. They’re concerned, anxious, silent, holding themselves back and waiting for the right phrase to come. But it doesn’t.

“…What about my mother?”

She stares at the floor, head low.

My mouth falls open wide. I… don’t think I should be here…

Crominus hugs his daughter during the blink of an eye, then curls her inside his arms. The thick eyebrows on his face furrow down the eyelids. He’s not ready to let go. She did not hug back. Instead, her entire body collapses onto his grasp– waves of uncontrollable emotions take control over her, drying her eyes up until the last tear she can drop.

“She won’t change, Crooler, at least not soon. I’ve also been waiting for her, just like you, but only time will tell.”

Though, the crocodile princess refuses to listen. She’s revolted, angry, holding herself to not burst into flames; it’s all made transparent through her snarl. Beneath her aggressive posture, my eyes can’t stop noticing some kind of jealousy...

She bawls, her desperate screeches echo across the cave, “Cragger always gets everything, but I can’t even have my mother! My pain is never understood!”

Crooler pushes Crominus away— I dive backwards as she dashes all the way outside the cave. The noise of my fall got muffled by her incoherent words. Those sobs echo around the room. Her relatives have been left behind, worried in silence.

She took off so suddenly… and left behind dust. Nothing else is there to do. They both return to wherever, but not to where she went.

I can’t believe… I never knew Cragger had personal issues in his life. He doesn’t look like the type of animal to—

I sigh. Guess his family also has their own problems to deal with…

This revelation is too sudden. For me, at least… Maybe he’s already used to it? What about his mother?.. To be honest, I don’t recall much about my own mother either.

The hall has been emptied. It hurts to be alone. But I don’t know how it is to be consumed by resentment, the way Crooler was. Every single piece of tasty crumb we leave for those we love, fulfilling and sweet affection, disappears without a trace, they’re devoured by the feeling resentment. It blinded Crooler. It might blind someone else as well. They stuck to me, the devastating cries and weepings of a lost child blinded by rage.

I think I have to leave now. Ah… If hopes and wishes could—

Sweat has been crawling on me, dripping over metal chains… Chains that tie me up to a cut tree trunk. It’s tight, so tight that it hurts, and blood can’t get around in me well. My stomach turns upside down, as it chokes every breath I take.

There are almost no light sources here. Air is damp and it drowns my lungs, as multiplying noises from my gasping haunt every corner of this mysterious lair.

No… how could this be? What even is all of this?

I’m confused, I can’t understand what happened for me to be here. I can’t concentrate either, the pain is too much to handle.

I force my eyes shut, then begin scouring through my blurry memories; what was it… before the agony of this torture…?

Nothing.

I can’t even remember how much time I’ve been here. Everything is pitch black. The area stinks of mold and old, still water.

“Dad…”, I whisper, but silence is the only one to greet me, with despair tapping at my shoulder. "Dad!"

Tears flood down, flushing away on my crushed body. Everything is too much to handle, and even if I face forward, even if I try to persist… only darkness can be seen, and the shadows reply back with the reflection of my deepest fears. In nothing, there is no place for reality, as the emptiness distorts even the most rational of thoughts. This feeling… It crawls between your nerves.

…

My mind suddenly clenches onto the most excruciating thoughts possible: what if they think I’m dead? Cragger, Dad, Uncle, Eris… What if they think I’m gone?

The pathetic disappearance of the Lion Prince– a life Dad fought so much to flourish is now captive. I wonder how he will die… if it is even death at all. The anxiety of not knowing one’s destiny is enough.

Only one can wonder… I want this to end. Please.

My lungs ache, I’m unable to fill them, as my throat can only cough– it contracts violently; a cannonball of warm liquid surges there and drops all over my chest.

I yearn for warmth… but… This smells like blood.

“Ugh— stop yapping…”, a lanky creature abruptly rises from the depths, holding a burning stick, “I won’t hesitate to end your pity show.”

A voice, something I hoped would lead to my salvation, instead brings my attention to this grotesque figure, of olive green scales, tall enough to hit their head onto the caves’ ceiling. That dancing light reveals everything: the height of this basement, the pool of my own blood, the hanging fish skeleton from that crocodile’s loincloth. On top of their sully look, there’s… a creepy, sadistic smirk that spreads all across their mouth. While the flames of their torch ignite a shine on my splattered blood, the fire gets closer to me, small steps at a time. I try to not inhale any longer, but can’t hold for much longer, and the ashes go through my nostrils, forced to breathe in fumes inside this musty cave.

“And… you’re covered in blood. You already did half of my work for me.”

Those amber eyes… A familiar face!

I shout, drooling, “Are you the one who pulled the trigger at the Speedor Race?”

The reptile recoils, offended by my words. He slaps me— in the blink of an eye. It hurts a lot, blending in with the aching of my body.

A sharp nail pushes onto the cartilages of my neck, slowly crawling up to the chin.

“If you don’t hand me that survey of yours, I’ll kill you.”

Blood shoots from a cough to his face. In reaction, he pulls the nail, cutting my chin. Tears fall off my eyes.

All of this for a survey?… What sur—

Oh.

“But… what do you have to do with it?”, I whisper.

He shoves his empty hand on my neck. “Think you can take information from me, naive cub? …Either hand me the survey or burn it!”

The crocodile analyzes me from top to bottom, as his previously angry expression melts into that creepy smile. He throws the torch away– it sizzles from contact with muddy water– then goes behind the tree trunk and unties me. My body falls onto the ground from exhaustion, everything going to black.

Thorny giggles echo inside the cave.

A husky voice interrupts the laughing, “This is taking too long, Crawley. If you keep making noises, the king might come here.”

“Didn’t you block the entrance with your personal guards, Cruz? Shouldn’t they be enough?”

“His Majesty’s wishes are above mine”, the voice sighs, “Put this kid somewhere else, before anyone notices. I’ll clean up this mess.”

Personal guards?… Wait– if a guard was willing to follow this kind of order, then… Is someone from the Crocodile Tribe actively involved in this, or worse, someone who has enough power like that? This is war!

My body is already dropped on the floor, but I try to loosen myself enough to look unconscious; pain might be sufficient to do this trick. … Then, I wait…

Breathing flows on top of my head and ears, followed by sharp fingers poking me. I’m flipped over to the side, as the filthy water underneath begins to moisten my fur. Ew.

“Ehh. I think the cub is unconscious.”, Crawley grunts in a high pitch, “I’ll get rid of him, while you do the rest.”

Air feels dry and my throat is stiff, aching slightly as it moves. Sore eyelids begin to open up after the sunlight hits through the retina, but it’s too bright, making my tear ducts water up. I can’t even see properly anyways…

Coughing slips out of my mouth, forcing my lungs to squeeze, and projects my neck forward. I squirm in pain.

Just before I can react, everything starts to look normal again.

Ehboni sits down besides me while holding a cup of tea. The vapor that steams from the warm liquid dances around in a trance, as it dampens my breath. She then leans forward, at my left.

“Please, drink this tea I made. It’ll ease your pain.”

A strong odor startles me. It definitely comes from that beverage.

“But— Ehboni… is it acerbison?”, I stutter by moving my frail vocal chords.

With hesitation, she pats me on the forehead, and lends the cup very close to my face. I drink the liquid from it, its bitter taste shocks my tongue, I snarl hard in reaction, but this is numb compared to the pain piercing me. It’s for my own good, anyways.

My throat trembles while I feel the liquid itch down to my stomach with its bitter taste. It’s horrible. I don’t even want to look down and stare at my bruised body. Dad doesn’t want to see it either. Though, there he is, his eyes unable to understand the wounds on my neck, the redness scattered throughout my skin… Or the damp fur, too.

“My son…“, he kneels before the bed, “How could—”

His voice froze while speaking. He’s terrified– I can see his paws twitching.

Dad cries, “I failed you.”

No...

The wounds on my neck writhed and my breath whistled under moist lungs as I heard those words. I clench my eyes shut. However, I can feel Ehboni caressing my forehead, brushing her fingers between the hairs of my growing, wet mane. I am able to listen Dad’s sobs, and to the nurse’s calming whisper:

“It’s not your fault.”

“How is it not my fault? Look at my son! Look at the state he’s in!”, he bursts into tears.

Lagravis’ sorrow becomes louder than before, enough to hurt my ears. He’s… roaring, his voice brimming with anger.

“Someone is trying to murder my child, my prince!” Then, his voice lowers into whimpers near me, “Who did this to you?… Another wolf?”

I open my eyes. My heart skips a beat. Two battles should not be happening at the same time… And yet…

I haven’t told my dad about the survey– it’s about the wolves, but I accidentally got Furtivo involved… followed by crocodiles? Yes, the one who disrupted the big race of weeks ago. He was with guards too, who were commanded by someone also directly—

Dad interrupts my thoughts, “Son?”.

“It’s a long story… Dad, please bear with me”.

Each word I stutter under my moist breath seems to terrify him further. The naked truth is disheartening, and not even the bravest of kings can handle it.

“The crocodiles are also involved in this too?”

I sigh, “I think so, yeah.”

He touches my hair, rolling it with his fingers.

“How terrifying… An unexpected turn of events. Your damp fur already attests this.”, he pets me while crying, “I will find those who harmed you.”

We feel the stones and gravel crunching beneath the royal tank’s caterpillar tread. My eyes are barely open, but I can notice the faint moonlight hitting them, while thousands of blurry stars shine in between the sight of my eyelashes. I also feel the vehicle rocking sideways from time to time— it’s a soothing motion, combined with the warmth of my father’s arms wrapping around me. I am barely awake— the pain was too much for me to handle—, though I know my presence is needed for now.

Meanwhile, the trees that pass behind our view begin to appear more and more scarce, as I start to regain vision. They look paler by comparison. The air becomes sharper to the nostrils, too.

A serious voice rises from nearby, “My king, we are getting closer to our destination”. It stops silent for a few seconds, but speaks once again, in a whisper, “I wish you the best in this. For Chima.”

“For Chima, Longtooth. For Chima.

Lagravis turns his head to the side. “Wakz. Do not fail us. Tell them everything you know.”

Are we returning back to The Fangs?… I hope not. Besides, it doesn’t seem like it either way— we’re surrounded by life, even if they look like the tiniest of shrubs. Our surroundings are vast, with a mixture of pale green and brown, dry but still livable.

Surely enough, we’re face to face against the tall Eagle Spire— far away, though. It’s huge, shaped like an eagle. Houses branch off that mount, sometimes built on top of its cliffs. The yellow tip piercing the sky is supposed to be a sculpted beak, shaped to meticulously that I can notice this from the distance.

Then, a cold, yellow hand holds my wrist, catching me off guard. Ehboni has been by my side the entire time… She lets go of me, picks up a piece of paper and, without uttering a word, takes notes on it. Lagravis receives it before sighing in relief.

My eyelids start to fall down again…

I wake up being held by Dad inside a large library, similar to a big enclosure.

“Good afternoon, Your Majesty and sir Wakz”, a blue eagle smiles as he opens space on the bookshelf and returns the book between his claws.

Wakz bows in response, “Good afternoon, Ewald. We need your help.”

The sapphire eagle pauses himself, book midway inside the shelf– his wings curl and hide his body in a state of shock. He proceeds to finish what he’s doing, then turns around, establishing eye contact with the elder.

“P-pardon me, please continue…”

“Could you please lend me your wife’s studies of the Purple Moon?”

Ewald’s pupils shrink, he raises his eyebrows, afraid. Eris— who has been near him meanwhile— and I freeze; perhaps she knows what’s going on, or how serious is this matter, but I don’t– his distraught face was enough to make my heart race.

…Oh, wait, a purple moon? Sounds familiar, maybe I’ve—

“My son had a dream with a purple moon once, where he was attacked by a wolf.”, sighs Lagravis, “It seems that both wolves and this moon are intertwined when causing terror.”

Wakz explains, “Yes, that is the case, Your Majesty. We are currently going through the Hundred Year Moon.”

Makes sense, of course, because whenever it gets dark, chaos breaks loose. However… this feels too simple. Hundreds of wolves died. Blood was shed, lives were taken, animals are in danger– it has been three days already, three days too many.

“Such events have been occurring ever since my son was attacked. The patterns are very obvious here, but if we don’t prepare ourselves, he’ll become the first victim of this terror”, Lagravis weeps.

Ewald moves his head, searching for something, but with his despair growing by the minute, it feels like he has nowhere to go. What could he be looking for in such a big library?

“Oh dear Phoenixes… please lend me your strength”, he mutters.

“Humph. What is it, mister Ewald—”

“We don’t have much about the Hundred Year Moon."

Lagravis, while slowly moving his tail, glares at the eagle, arms crossed. His eyes pinpoint down on Ewald’s anxiety, ready to inspect whatever possible when necessary; however, what is there to inspect? What is there to be questioned, when the Eagle Tribe knows even what they don’t?

“Elaborate.”

Ewald starts to point his nails, rubbing them on his sharp scales, grating them at a fast pace.

“We don’t have any studies about the Hundred Year Moon, Your Majesty. There are only a few sightings archived in our library, written in ancient language.”

“And can’t you translate them?”, Dad hisses.

“We’ve tried, but the records are in bad shape…”

An awkward silence slips into the investigation for a few solid seconds.

“Therefore… you have no idea on how to solve this. Your wife was a renowned astronomer, Ewald; maybe her research could give us any clues.”

The blue bird’s feathers close his body tight, and his elongated head shape becomes more obvious, unlike when it was behind a puffy cloud.

Eris tugs the waist of her father’s delicate tunic; she whimpers in soft chirps, blinking to wipe off the tears that shine from her golden eyes.

Ewald caresses his daughter’s forehead, while he whispers soothing words to her, but to no avail.

No one dares to interrupt this moment of grief, one that every father can sense from the bottom of their hearts: an aching loss of a loved one, the agony of no longer being able to see someone you cared for.

I’ve… never seen Eris like this before, trying to hide her sadness– or feeling sad at all. Sunshine doesn’t remain forever, as cloudy days are to come when you least expect it.

I leave my dad’s side and get closer to my friend, hug her and hold her tight with my arms.

She cries, “I’ll do it. I’m going to solve this, just like how mom would’ve.”

Taglist: @nexusofdomains @aspiringfictionwriter @fenth-eiria @awleeofficial @tigeryasou @iloveanimalsmorethanhumans @harleyacoincidence @the-lesbian-demon-queen1 @detectivepetrichor @squarebracket-trick @sapphireraeburn @fire-but-ashes-too @rabidasexualgarlicbread @ibrahim92056 @ghostenluvs @axl-ul @eldritchx @cosmicwonders111 @jasper-the-menace

#the forgotten legends of chima #tfloc #lego chima #lego legends of chima #legends of chima #writerblr #writers #writers of tumblr #writing #writeblr

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yeehawbvby · 1 year

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In Too Deep (Arven x GN!Reader) | Ch. 1*

Rating: Mature/Explicit | Warning: Pokémon Scarlet/Violet spoilers!

Summary: "A rough yank whips my face past Arven’s. He lets go. I yelp, feeling my body drift away from the group for a brief few milliseconds. Then, two strong hands find my sides and pull, planting me down onto the Pokémon.

…Oh no, I’m horny. I could’ve died, but instead of being mad or fearful, I’m being horny."

Author’s Note: My headcanon age for Arven is that he’s a young adult, somewhere between 20-24 years old. If this proves to be wrong in the future, please consider him to be aged up to this range! Likewise, for the sake of the continuity (i.e. Little Buddy and whatnot), you have a similarly tiny stature to the main character in Pokémon SV. For the sake of all of us, your character here is not a teenager lol, but instead roughly the same age as Arven, give or take a few years.

Thank you for understanding!! ^^ Enjoy and take care x

Check it out on ao3!

There’s no way I can do this.

I’ve ridden on the back of Raidon plenty — mostly on land, but sometimes soaring from high cliffs, and other times skiing on water. I trust this Pokémon with my life.

But this? This is way too high of a jump. There’s no way it’ll work.

I hear the bustle of my friends a dozen or so feet from beside me, climbing onto the motolizard in preparation for our flight. But in a daze, I kneel at the edge of the steel chamber, dreading the next few minutes. Unable to bring myself to move.

The drop into Area Zero begins high above the clouds, and ends on uncertain ground. We don’t know what’s down there, nor do we know what types of strange Pokémon might be flying with us on our way. Pokémon we could potentially crash into. Arven is the only one who can tell us what to expect, but he’s kept it vague, not wanting to have to recount his horrible experiences down there as a kid.

The sound of metal clunking against metal echoes through my ears. Looking up and to my right side, I see the group all ready to go, Raidon inching forward. My eyes widen with panic.

Oh… oh god, it’s time.

I begin to shuffle over, but the upturn of Raidon's front legs tells me I don’t have as much time as I think.

“GET ON!”

Reaching out towards Arven’s outstretched hand, I sprint to him. His smile says he’s amused, but the glint in his eye shows determination. Behind him, Nemona laughs delightfully, and behind Nemona, Penny smirks. Analyzing the situation. As if she’s calculating how high of a chance there is that if they don’t die here, I will.

Before Raidon can plummet, Arven’s and my fingertips touch. Before I can grab his hand, he bypasses my fingers and firmly grasps my wrist. My heart skips a beat at the contact.

In the next beat, I’m airborne.

My friends howl and cheer beside me. Treating the plunge like we’re dropping down a rollercoaster at fucking Super Nintendo World. I, on the other hand, am screaming bloody murder. Cursing out Arven for prompting Raidon down so early instead of waiting two goddamn seconds for me to climb on. Cursing out Arceus, too, for fabricating this situation for me in the first place.

It feels like my shoulder or my wrist — maybe both? — are about to fall out of their sockets. I want to cry and throw up and most importantly I want to grab Arven’s forearm with my other hand for feigned security, but the wind is too strong against me, and my nerves are too high to do much of anything.

After what seems like far too long, I feel a tug at my arm. My body glides forward as my teary eyes squint through the changing air pressure. A rough yank whips my face past Arven’s. He lets go. I yelp, feeling my body drift away from the group for a brief few milliseconds. Then, two strong hands find my sides and pull, planting me down onto the Pokémon.

How did he—??!

My hands instinctively grip onto Raidon’s horns, but my chest is still anxiously heaving, while butterfrees roam freely through my stomach.

The past few moments play on repeat in my head, mentally removing me from the present.

Arven’s calloused hand consuming my wrist. Arven demonstrating borderline superhuman strength, as he tugs all [redacted] pounds of me through the air. Arven’s large hands finding my hips and positioning me against his body; the back of my ass to the front of his groin, the outside of my short legs spread almost fully against the inside of his longer ones.

Oh no, I’m horny.

I could’ve died, but instead of being mad or fearful, I’m being horny.

I gasp as I feel a warm breath against my ear, followed by a whisper: “I’ve got you, bud.”

Arven punctuates the end of his sentence with a quick squeeze on my hips. The softness of his voice and sensation of his lips brushing my earlobe while he holds me like this sends a shiver down my spine.

Oh good god, that did not help anything!

A chirp from Raidon breaks me from my impure thoughts and reminds me to help it steer. I take a deep breath, sit up a bit straighter, and guide us down to safety.

We quickly determine upon landing that Area Zero is much prettier than any of us could’ve ever imagined. It’s abundant with waterfalls, creating rainbows in the distant mist. There’s an absurd amount of tera crystals, all in weird places; coating tree trunks, and seeming to sprout from the rocky edges of the crater more than from the land itself. Each beam of sunlight peeking through the thick clouds above bends to make even the smallest particles of pollen drifting through the breeze shine beautifully, as though the air itself is shimmering around us.

And the Pokémon – oh, don’t even get me started on how cool these things are. Before we could even find our bearings, Nemona was already running off to inspect them. Scared the shit out of Arven, Penny and I, sneaking away like that, but now that we’re seeing them for ourselves, nobody can blame her.

Some are made of metal, seemingly robotic in every sense of the word, just like Raidon. Others are only rarely found up on the mainland, such as Glimmora. Nemona and I have only ever encountered one prior to today because La Primera has one on her team, while Penny and Arven didn’t know it existed. The only downside to all of the cool Pokémon here is that one of them must have spooked Raidon really badly in the past. It returned itself to its ball earlier, and now refuses to come out, so we don’t have it as a mode of transport.

By the time the four of us come across the first research facility, as per the Professor’s instructions, we decide that’s a good stopping point for the day. With the sun setting and a bed and bathroom right here for our use – albeit they’re a bit worse for wear – it seems like this is the perfect time to rejuvenate our strength for the rest of our adventure.

Once we scope out the contents of the old lab reports that are scattered around, as well as decide on which direction to head the following day, Arven makes us some sandwiches. We use the last bit of daylight to remain outdoors, so as to avoid the stuffiness of the building we’re camping inside of.

The little bit of downtime while Arven works allows my thoughts to veer from the tasks at hand, and unfortunately, I’m right back where I was on Raidon. I’m totally spaced out. I have a stunning view of the depths of the crater right ahead of me, yet the only images in my mind consist of Arven.

Can’t stop myself from thinking of how his hands would feel on my bare sides. I’m unable to avoid fantasizing about how his lips would feel on mine, rather than merely brushing the cold tip of my ear; or of his hand easily gripping both of my wrists, holding them above me while he uses his lips elsewhere.

Saving me from myself, Nemona hops over to where I’m seated, recruiting me for dinner. Thank Arceus.

_______________

A few hours of eating, bonding, and bantering have passed, and now everyone is winding down for bed. Penny and Nemona bickered for the cot, only to settle on sharing it. Nemona knocked out almost as soon as she hit the old, mildewy pillow (eugh), while Penny opted to pop her earbuds in and play something on her Switch until she can fall asleep. Why she’d risk bringing that thing down here is beyond me.

That just leaves Arven and I to figure out where and how to sleep.

Great.

This is fine.

Everything is fine.

He’s seated on a ready-to-break office chair, and I’m sitting near him, legs dangling off of the crescent-shaped desk…? Work station? Whatever this is. Arven and I look at each other, look at Arven’s empty sleeping bag on the ground, look at one another again, squint, and then simultaneously speak up:

“You can take my sleeping bag,” he says, while I proclaim, “I’ll sleep on the floor.”

“What? No!” we – again, simultaneously – respond to one another. I deadpan him, while his brows furrow and he cocks his head at me.

“I’m not stealing your sleeping bag,” I quietly argue, not wanting to wake up Nemona or disturb Penny.

Arven rolls his eyes, then matches my tone. “It’s not stealing if I’m offering it to you. And I’m sure as hell not letting you sleep on the floor.”

“Oh, sorry, let me rephrase. I’m not accepting your offer.”

“Alright, so neither of us will use it. Does that sound better to you?”

“Why the fuck would that sound better?!” I whisper-yell. He shrugs. I close my eyes, tilt my head back, and sigh. “I’ll see if one of my Pokémon want to offer themselves up as my pillow.”

Arven sternly says my name. I hum inquisitively, grabbing a Pokéball from my backpack and inspecting it in my hand. I hear him sigh before he speaks up again. “We’re sharing it.”

My eyes widen and meet his. “P-pardon?”

“My sleeping bag.” He stands up and walks over to it, then lowers himself in. “We’ll share.” Arven holds up the edge, allowing space for me to crawl in with him.

“Isn’t it a bit… uh…”

“Little? Yeah, just like you,” he quips. “Works out perfectly, if you ask me.”

Heart ready to thump right out of my chest, I square my shoulders and look him in the eye. “...Fine!” I squeak. I hesitate before pushing off the desk, then meekly pad on over to him.

He snorts. “You’ve got the strength of a Champion, and have taken down four – technically five, if you count the lil’ sushi guy – Titan Pokémon. Pokémon that could’ve easily killed us both. What makes you so nervous about this?” he jests.

I feel my face heat up as I kneel down beside Arven. I grumble, “Shut up…” before sliding in next to him. “Should I… like…?” I ask, more to myself than to him, shuffling around to figure out which way to lay so that we can both comfortably fit.

Seeming to have thought I was talking to him – understandably so – Arven takes matters into his own hands.

Literally.

Oh god.

His hands meet my hips again, except this time, the tee I brought down here to sleep in rides up a little. One of his fingers presses the skin of my side, sending Gooserene-bumps across my body. Then, he flips me around and pulls the back of my body flush against him.

“C’mere, you little...” he trails off, pretending to be annoyed.

My brain takes a few seconds to process what’s happening. When I don’t zip up the sleeping bag right away, Arven reaches over me. There’s no way I’ll survive the night like this. The zipper makes it about an inch from its starting point before I put a hand on his arm to stop him.

“Uh, actually, I’m gonna go get some air. Head kinda hurts.”

I shimmy out from under Arven’s arm, and step out of the sleeping bag, promptly leaving the facility before he can say much of anything. There are enough lights planted on the building to ward off any pesky nocturnal Pokémon, so I know I’ll be safe as I wrap around to the side and sit down in the grass. I lean my back on the station, take a deep breath, and look out at the view I neglected earlier.

I’ve gotta try to clear my head before I go back in there. I can’t spend the night in constant contact with the person who’s currently the star of all my perverted desires. What happens if I have a wet dream? What happens if I verbalize any of this hypothetical dream in my sleep?

I’m so screwed.

My fingers fidget with the grass as a stupid thought crosses my mind.

What if I just…? Y’know…?

I stand up to peek around the corner at the front of the building, knowing nobody is around, but wanting to play it safe before I do something reeeally fucking stupid. Then I look side to side. I look up and around for cameras, making sure the Professor can’t see what I’m about to do.

Sitting back down where I was, I think I’m in the clear. If I concentrate really hard, I can get off, and then I’ll go to the bathroom to clean up a bit, and then I’ll probably be alright to get back in that tiny little sleeping bag with Arven without combusting.

Giving myself a curt nod of encouragement, I reach a nervous hand into my sleep shorts. I’m embarrassingly prepared already… all this just from being so pent up all day. I feel like a monster. A horny, insatiable monster.

Making quick use of my fingers, I’m forced to bite my lip to stop any sounds from escaping me. I’m never noisy while I masturbate, except maybe while I’m cumming sometimes. This is so embarrassing, even if there’s nobody around to see it.

I shake the guilty thoughts from my head, wanting to simply get the job done and return inside. I can be as distracted as I want when I’m back in my dorm in Arceus knows how long.

For now, I need to focus.

Eyes shut and knuckles against my mouth, my imagination runs wild with some of the dirty thoughts I had earlier as I lose myself in pleasure. It honestly helps so much to have had those ideas ready to use, rather than having to conjure up new ones… and it immerses me enough that I haven’t noticed the soft footsteps on the grass just a few meters away from me.

The only reason I stop what I’m doing is because I hear my name being spoken cautiously, as if approaching a feral Pokémon, by none other than the man I was just fantasizing about.

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ijuststareatstuffhereok89 · 1 year

Text

“Snow Bound”

A Secret Santa drabble for @peachyjinx

CW: implied smut, mentions of m!masturbation, a hint of Dom!Loki

Word Count: ~600

Summary: A winter storm keeps you and Loki stuck in a hotel room for an extra night. What WILL you do with yourselves?

There was no denying it: you were stranded.

After going on a short mission for Stark with your partner, Loki, you found yourselves unable to head off the massive Nor’Easter that was, according to the radio, ‘crawling up the coast’. Thus, you were stuck in a tiny hotel room about three hours north of New York City, and probably would be there for days.

You leaned against the window, staring into the night, watching snow accumulate underneath a streetlight at an alarming rate. Sighing deeply, you bit your lip and muttered bitterly to yourself while Loki took advantage of the limited hot water in the shower.

“I just wanted to get home before I died of old age,” you groaned as you traced little circles into the frost on the window mindlessly. “I’m so tired.”

“Oh? Because I’ve been enjoying myself quite well, my little snow bunny.”

You smiled without turning around. “Done with your shower already, Loki?”

The sexy, deep voice answered you. “Oh yes, and I’m ready for you.”

“Ready for what?” you asked, reflexively turning around, gasping as you were caught off guard by the sight in front of you.

For there stood Loki, dripping wet and wearing nothing but a grin, his cock pointed right at you. His smile was dark and sexy, stretched so widely across his face it almost looked like it would break in half, were it not for the rows of perfect teeth lining his lips. His long, dark locks were plastered to the sides of his face, as well as his shoulders.

You let out a nervous laugh. “You’re dripping on the floor!”

Loki licked his lip, looking at you as if he wanted to throw you to the ground and fuck you into the floor until springtime. He looked rabid…rabid and hungry.

“And I imagine you’re soaked as well, at the sight of me,” your lover replied. “I must admit, pet, that the idea of being trapped here alone with you…it’s gotten me hard. You are at my mercy all night, trapped here alone, where I can perform anything on you without a single soul catching wise. Oh, Y/N, I had to fuck my palms in the shower, and I’m afraid that still not satisfied, as you can see.”

You felt your cheeks go so hot you could melt the snow outside.

Loki continued. “So prepare yourself, Y/N. I’m going to milk my pleasure from you until the storm passes, and you’re going to howl my name into the winter winds as you cry out for me all night.”

The words alone sent your brain into a hot, fuzzy, eager mess.

Mumbling shyly under your breath, you remarked: “I had no idea being snowbound was a turn-on for you, Loki.”

“Is that the word for it? Snow-bound?” he asked, sauntering up to you until there was no room between your chests. The hot water rolling down his pecs landed on your breasts, covered only by a thin satin robe. Looking you in the eye and drawing a long kiss from your lips, Loki waved his fingers, conjuring a set of cuffs and a black leather flogger into his hands.

“I’d say that would be the most appropriate word for our situation at that, my special girl,” he said, swinging the handcuffs around his index finger, tauntingly. “Now, let’s get you into these, shall we?”

Word prompts: radio, window, hard

For @fictive-sl0th Secret Santa game! I hope you have a happy holiday, and that this was a worthy present, @peachyjinx!

@muddyorbsblr @lokisgoodgirl @sarahscribbles @mischief2sarawr @mochie85 @lokischambermaid

#loki #fanfiction #mcu #mcu loki #loki fanfiction #mcu fanfiction #loki laufeyson #loki x reader #loki/reader #loki smut #winter #secret santa fic #dom!loki #secret santa drabbles

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rebelwrites · 1 year

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Winner Takes It All || Twenty: I Can’t Do This

Charles Leclerc x Valentina Hendrix (OC)

Winner Takes It All Masterlist

Summary: When things to be going right, the world has a funny way of bringing Valentina back down to the cold harsh reality

Warnings: Heartache, distressed Vali

As always reblogs and feedback is highly appreciated ❤️ if you want tagging in future parts let me know ❤️

It had only been twenty four hours since Singapore and Pierre was getting on my last nerve. He wouldn’t shut up about me and Charles, pinching the bridge of my nose I tossed my phone onto the sofa forgetting it was still open on the conversation with Charles.

“Why won’t you tell me what happened?” Pierre hummed from the kitchen of the shared hotel.

“Because I know what you are like.” I huffed, throwing my head back against the arm of the sofa.

“There was a time you told me everything.” He pouted, standing over me with two fresh cups of coffee. “But you’ve changed.”

Rolling my eyes at the giant man baby that was hovering over me like a dark cloud. He always knew how to be dramatic.

“Pear, is it your time of the month again? Do you need ice cream?” I mocked, pushing myself up to a sitting position.

“Haha, very funny.” He scoffed, rolling his eyes as he passed me the coffee before sitting on the sofa. His eyes instantly landed on my phone, a wide smirk forming on his face as he spotted Charles’ nickname lighting up the screen. He was too quick for me to swipe my phone away from him. “Let’s see what we have here then.” He said with a mischievous grin on his face.

Sinking further into the sofa trying to make myself as small as possible, I knew that Pierre was going to have a field day.

The moment I saw Pierre’s fingers darting across the screen I wanted to punch him in the face, the smirk that was on his face told me that he was up to no good.

“Oh this is brilliant.” He chuckled, pausing to take a sip of his coffee.

“Can I have my phone back?” I asked, kicking his thigh, causing him to wince at the impact.

“Yeah in a bit.” He hummed, not taking his eyes off the screen. “I’m busy.”

I knew I was going to kill Pierre, I didn’t even know what he was texting but I knew he would be texting Charles. Letting out a dramatic sigh, letting him know he was annoying me, I leant over to see what he was texting but the little shit stood up holding the phone like it was something out of lion king. But I did manage to get a glimpse of part of a text.

I wish you were here, baby. I need you so bad.

I miss your lips roaming my body.

“Oh hell fucking no.” I growled, my heart rate quickening as I realised he was sexting Charles pretending to be me. This was bad, me and Charles had only just started talking again and here Pierre was pretending to be me sending dirty texts and knowing Pierre they would be pure filth. “You are an asshole, you know that right.”

Something must have been funny because he started laughing his head off whilst still texting. The tears were running down his cheeks as I jumped over the back of the sofa, trying to get my phone out of his hands.

“Nope this is too good.” He cried, holding the phone even higher. The sound of my phone ringing made me freeze. “Oh fucking hell Char is face timing you now.”

“Do not fucking answer it.” I growled through gritted teeth as his smirk got wider.

“Oops.” He howled, keeping his attention on my phone. “Well, well Mr Leclerc you horny bastard.”

“Pierre what the fuck man?” Charles snapped through the phone. “That was you texting all that shit?”

“Bear, I swear I had nothing to do with it.” I shouted, jumping up trying to get my phone back for Pierre. “Seriously asshole, give me my phone back.” All I wanted to do was curl up into a ball, letting the ground swallow me up.

“Holy shit, I’ve not heard you call Char that in years.” Pierre hummed, taking his eyes off the ball for a split second causing me to regain control of my phone.

Once I had the device I flipped Pierre off before running into my room in the hotel suit, slamming the door behind me. I couldn’t believe he pulled a stunt like that and he wondered why I didn’t tell him about the other night.

“I’m so fucking sorry,” I sighed, flopping down onto the bed, proping my phone up against the pillows. “He’s been on one this morning. He swiped my phone and he was too quick.” Letting my eyes lock onto the phone screen, noticing that Charles was looking rather flush. Which is when I realised the reason why he was looking rather red. “Bear, did you?”

Charles dropped his gaze to his lap as he ran his hand over his face. “Urm yeah.” He admitted, looking rather embarrassed. “I thought it was you that was texting. I never thought it would have been Pierre.”

“Don’t worry in gonna fucking kill him.”

I tried to ignore the fact that he thought it was me, I didn’t need to be thinking about that right now. Pushing the thoughts out of my head, I fell quiet, not knowing what to say after the events of this morning.

An awkward silence fell over the two of us, I had no idea what to say especially now Pierre pulled that little stunt.

Charles finally broke the silence, “Urm I was wondering if you wanted to go grab a coffee before we need to catch the flight to Japan?”

A small smile crossed my face, “yeah, I’d like that. Let me get changed and I will meet you. Just text me the address.”

Shortly after that the call ended, still on rather an awkward note. I just hoped it wasn’t going to be awkward when we were face to face. Running my hand over my face I let out a muffled scream before rolling off the bed. I needed to do the final checks of the room before getting ready to go out. Luckily our cases had already been picked up this morning so it was just the bags I needed on the plane that were by the door.

Within half an hour I was fully packed and ready to go, pulling my sunglasses over my eyes, I grabbed my hat from the top of the backpack before grabbing the bag, throwing one of the straps over my shoulder.

As I walked out of the room I was met with Pierre who still had that stupid fucking smile on his face.

“Whoa, I didn’t think we needed to leave yet?” he questioned raising his brow at my backpack.

“We don’t.” I said rather harshly, right now I didn’t care that I was being short with him, he crossed a line. “I will see you on the plane, I’m going out.” I snapped, pushing past him.

“Nugget wait.” he called after me, softly grabbing my arm stopping me in my tracks. “I’m sorry okay, I thought you would see the funny side to it.”

Rolling my eyes behind my sunglasses, I let out a sigh. “Yeah well I didn’t, and this is why I haven’t said much about the other night because I knew you would do something stupid. You know how I feel about Charles.”

The smile on his face dropped at my statement, instantly he pulled me into a hug, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

“I am so sorry.” he said softly, “I promise I will behave and I won’t step over the line again.”

“Okay, thank you.” I breathed, wiggling out of his grip. “I’ve got to go.”

“Where?”

“Meeting Char for coffee.” I said, finding a smile creeping onto my face.

“Have fun, Nugget.”

Qualifying went well, my emotions were all over the place but somehow through it all I had managed to land pole position. I thought this weekend was going to go better than I thought.

Standing in the opening of the garage I watched the rain pour from the sky, the dark clouds looming over the track. This was bad, this was extremely bad.

I couldn’t stop my heart from pounding against my ribs as the rain continued to pour, my focus was on the rain drops that were bouncing violently off the ground. I couldn’t stop the tears from falling as my mind drifted back to the day that changed my life for the worst.

“Race is still going ahead.” Josh said softly, placing his hand on my shoulder.

“Please tell me you are joking?” I choked out, my silent tears turning into sobs.

“Unfortunately not.”

I couldn’t do this, after yesterday I thought I was going to be able to do this but now everything had flipped on its head.

“No, no, no, no.” I screamed, causing all attention to fall on me. Nothing I did was stopping my hands from shaking violently. “How can they expect us to fucking race in these conditions. Especially with what happened to Jules.”

This was my worst nightmare, I wasn’t looking forward to racing this track anyway but apparently the universe wanted to fuck me up.

My head was spinning, my fingers were tugging hard at my hair, maybe if I tugged hard enough I would wake from this nightmare. My vision was now blurry from how hard I was sobbing.

Feeling someone try to wrap their arms around me, I instantly lashed out, pushing whoever it was away from me.

“Get the fuck off me.” I screamed, taking a few steps back without looking at where I was going and I ended up falling over the tyre of the car causing me to land on my arse. “I don’t want anyone fucking touching me! So please just fuck off.”

“Nugget, ce n'est que moi. Nugget, it's just me.” Pierre said softly, placing his hand on my knee, causing me to instantly move away from him.

“Pourquoi les gens continuent à essayer de me toucher. Reculez, bordel ! Why do people keep trying to touch me. Back the fuck off!” I snapped, wrapping my arms around my knees, pulling them closer to my chest.

Out of the corner of my eyes I saw the crowd that was forming around the entrance of the garage, along with the netflix crew.

Everything was a blur but I heard Hudson shout Charles’ name.

“What's going on?” Charles said, panic dripping off his voice. “Shit, what happened to Vali?”

“She’s freaking out over the race.” Pierre said quietly.

The only sound that was echoing around the garage was my sobs, I couldn’t bring myself to look up and face the crowd.

“SERIOUSLY,” Charles snapped, the sound of his voice made me finally look up, resting my chin on my knee. “IF YOU AREN’T CLOSE FRIENDS OR FAMILY GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM THIS GARAGE.”

Watching as Charles and Hudson cleared the crowd before the shutter to the garage was slammed shut. Looking around the room the only people that were left were Charles, Pierre, Hudson and Josh.

Charles rushed over to me, dropping to the floor wrapping his arms around me. For whatever reason I didn’t lash out at him for touching me, in fact I clung onto him like I was drowning at sea and he was my life raft.

“I can’t do it, Bear.” I sobbed into his chest, clutching at his race suit.

“You are stronger than you think, babygirl.” he whispered, running his fingers through my hair, rocking me gently. “Just take some deep breaths, let it all out. I’m here baby and I’m not going anywhere.”

@chibsytelford @dragon-of-winterfell @ohthemisssery @a-distantdreamer @sgkophie @stillbreathin @angywritesstuff @miamedyu @enchantedbytomandhenry @scribbuluswrites @dangerouspursepeachbear @micks-afterglow @livo67 @buendiabebeta @pleasedontfollowinlost @ferrarifwendvale @hungryhungarian @theplobnrgone @charlesleclercje @sunf1owerrq @queenslife @panicforspec @inesramoss30 @justme2042 @liv67 @sessgjarg @derpinathebrave @idkiwantchocolatee @littleobsessionsandlifeslessons @alynoa @clcspeonies @pleasantducktimetravel @formula1mount @inchidentwithmax @raaaaabzzz @teamspideyman @marvelousmendess @mehrmonga @sbgal @thattaylorswiftobsessedbitch @mloyer

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bigdvmnhero · 2 years

Text

summary:

Leo keeps a daily log in the apocalypse. If only the past stopped trying to be relived.

notes: rottmnt movie's bad future timeline word count: 2.5k

After the end, time splits down the middle: Before and After. This is Before—Day -199 or thereabouts—and they're gathered around the world's last instant ramen bowl in the morning light like it's a fallen comrade.

Mikey shouts, "Someone get water!" and they know he means the good kind, the bottled one, because when the Kraang first made their nest they’d dried up the river. Only the reservoir was left.

Raph starts a fire and puts their last 16.9 oz Aquafina water bottle to a boil. Donnie collects: forest mushrooms, chives, a daikon radish, a migraine, and an egg that Leo puts directly under the sun to scope for rot. It looks like an old one, but Mikey will make it work; he always makes things work. In goes the hot water. The scent of umami blooms around them, warm and giving, and the knot of noodles unfurls into ribbons. Leo wants to be able to transform like that: just add water. Instead, he goes around to distribute breakfast, because he's old enough to know some things are meant to stay wishes.

On Day -200, Donnie floats the idea of time travel. Imagine, Donnie says, burst blood vessels in the white of his left eye. What would you do if you could go back in time?

Mikey perches his chin on Donnie's shoulder and says, Get you to sleep more, Donathan.

Yeah, your growth's kind of seriously stunted, Raph agrees. Cassandra throws her freshly buzzed head back and howls. They share the same rugged grin, and both their left arms are broken in the same two places. Leo shivers in the draft the makeshift tent allows; they're morphing into the same person.

April fixes her own splint. I don't know, maybe tell my manager to suck it?

Ooh, good one, Raph says. Maybe I'll order more of those pizza biancas. Step out of my wheelhouse, you know?

If I were to go back in time, Splinter chimes in quietly, I would remind myself of what is most important.

The room goes mum. Then Donnie groans, begging them all to think bigger, people. Leo wishes his past self hoarded more sodium beef ramen bowls instead of that last sad shrimp bowl, because really? Shrimp? Now there's a tragedy.

It is not the first time Donnie brings up time travel. The first time, in fact, happens on Day -455, and they're shooting threes in the dead of night, human disguises pulled to a T. The Kraang are not yet here. The world is still beautiful, and Leo's brothers are alive. Raph grunts past April's reach for a pull-up step before going in for a sweet, sweet jump shot that has Leo crooning in two languages. By the bleachers, Donnie folds two points together on a napkin to explain the mechanics of tesseract time travel.

I think got it! Mikey lies. Donnie heaves a sigh, and will never know just how much his baby brother will, in fact, get it, years later, unlocking gates like unsnarling shoelaces.

The basketball thunks to the ground and spins wildly out of orbit. Time jerks forward. It is Day -13, a day for intense uphill cardio. Leo knows they only stand a chance against the Kraang together—stacking their mystic signatures around each other like fortified Matryoshka dolls—but then a stupid fight tips the harmony, and their shield breaks. They're fleeing on foot for the rest of the day.

Leo is too busy thinking about countermeasures, ground formations, wondering what Splinter would've done, that he doesn't notice Raph fall back to buy them time. When he turns, the sky blisters red. The blast is so absolute it scorches even sound, and then Leo is stutter-stepping through the divide into the new world.

Welcome to Day 1.

Time resets, and Raph is gone from here on out. They've only just finished preparing his ashes when Donnie brings up time travel again, and Leo slugs him across the face. Donnie's head cracks to the side; his lip is split badly in a way Leo knows will scar. Casey whimpers in his cot. Something in Leo's chest rapidly loses altitude.

He won't forget the look on Mikey's face as Leo shoulders past him, feeling brittle to the core, and all of a sudden he's ten years old again, misunderstood, trudging past the main storm drain to pull a prodigal son. It is Day -4015. Or Day -4016. Leo's not so sure; the fine details blur. Most of his childhood boggles him now, but the cold, dizzying tangle of the sewers beyond home still crawls behind his eyes. He imagines making a life here. He imagines his family, laughing without him, and his riotous heart thuds deafeningly in his chest like a small drum. He marches on.

And then Leo hears it—a voice singing. It wafts towards him, and just like that, he's found. Splinter carries him home all the way, singing a halting lullaby only Leo can hear. Says, sometimes I get lost too. His brothers crowd the entrance to welcome him, but it's Donnie that Leo remembers most: his face wrinkled like a raisin, ruddy with tears as he knocks their foreheads together in an entirely uncharacteristic way before rearing back to swat Leo on the chest.

If you ever do that again—Donnie cries, never finishes his sentence.

Or else what, Leo mumbles back, but now it's Day 4238. Donnie's in the Technodrome. Donnie's in the Technodrome, without Leo's permission. I'll be in and out, Donnie promises through the comms, to a steady backdrop of Mikey cussing him to hell and back and April's threats to mess with all of Donnie's shiny new tech if he doesn't get his shell out of there right fucking now, Donnie, nobody got time for this.

But time is all they have. Five minutes, to be precise. Leo knows what is about to happen in the next few minutes, because Leo was there when Donnie put the plan together. Donnie, always with the questions. What would you do if the Kraang couldn't fry your mystic powers?

I don't know. Leo twirled his sword lazily. Win?

I mean, theoretically—yes. But think smaller.

You always said to think big—

I know, but let's be realistic here. Humor me. If you had an hour—no. Thirty minutes. Ten.

Five, Leo amended, mirroring the reckless look in Donnie's eye. You said be realistic, right? I'll fuck all their shit up. I can do that in five.

Leo imagines Donnie wearing the same crazed, full-toothed grin through the comms, as Donnie announces the bioweapon disabling the Kraang's central unit is on the way. Mid-sprint, Leo looks up. Kraang battleships darken the sky like a fulminating storm.

Then, one by one, they start to fall.

Donnie rasps, you dumdums better make these five minutes count, because if I have to touch any more of this alien goop—and never finishes his sentence. Static detonates through the earpiece and flatlines.

Five minutes, Leo thinks, wild with grief. Mystic energy plinks behind his ears. Then: a waterfall. Donnie did it. Somewhere, Mikey is already baptizing the ground with fundo-fire, eyes wild and unseeing. Leo closes his eyes. Lets his swords lengthen the distance of his loss. How it goes on and on. And then he swings. Hulls split. The Kraang sing as they go down with their ship. Day 4238 kindles until it blackens in its grave.

And then it is Day 4239.

The sun is out. Blue for miles.

On Day 4240, cirrus clouds roll over the canyon.

Day 4241. Mikey disappears. Leo chases him—all the way to Day 4260, when it's clear Leo has lost another brother, too. Mikey's back never turns. Leo stands and hopes anyway. They part ways under a moon so brittle it is a gnawed-off bone.

On Day 4265, the base warms with summer.

On Day 4269, Leo learns the delicate art of becoming a fixture.

Day 4270. April sits beside him. Says nothing.

Day 4281. Leo threads a purple bandana through his sword’s grip tape.

Day 4282. Casey's first word is, to no one's surprise, Weo. Leo throws the kid in the air until he gurgles with laughter, says, there's our little late bloomer. Three years is a long time to go without words. Leo is so sure his heart will give out until Mikey returns on Day 4373 with a new cloak etched with spells.

Mikey pulls off his hood. Spar with me, he says.

This is not his brother, but the flickering shadow a flame throws on the wall, shapeshifting at every turn. Leo is glad to get it all out. He gets to be a monster out here, so Casey doesn't have to see this part of him.

Blow by blow, Mikey meets him. No matter how much the world changes Mikey will always be eight years old around the eyes, but there's a new weight in them today, and Leo hates Draxum for putting it there, hates him so much his teeth gnash and his focus slips.

Wrong move.

Leo’s blade snaps at the combined force of Mikey's chain-knot and twangs into the crags below. Now they're fist-fighting—no weapons, only breath and bone and the mystic blood-flood that gathers in the gut like a dangerous tide. Time wavers; Day -3801’s Splinter shooes his rowdy children off the sparring mat. Aggressive behavior in the dojo will not be tolerated—

Leo snaps to attention as Mikey's knuckles catch the corner of his face. Leo's lip bursts. It’s Day 1 again; time won’t stand still, and Mikey glares at Leo while Donnie's lip free-bleeds. Donnie's mouth is moving through the words time travel, and Raph is gone. Donnie’s cheeks are bright with tears. Leo doesn't remember that part.

Huh.

A silver hair catches the light and snatches Leo back to the present. Leo dreads the worst. Mikey, he tries, but something in Mikey's face closes up, and he kicks Leo with both feet into the sun-razed distance. Leo can't move when he tries to get up; his foot is stuck. And then he sees it: a thousand interlocking chains, mooring his ankle. Mikey's tracing the last of his spiderwork-spell into the air when Leo turns back and can’t help the laugh that brays out of him. Their baby brother, all grown up. Their baby brother, brilliant. Dying. Mikey's grin is a gash.

On Day 4376, Mikey leaves again. Leo lets him. It takes all of his bones and then some.

On Day 4377, Leo tries making miso soup. It's delicious.

Day 4377. Crickets thicken the night. An anthill grows on the side of the base.

Day 4380. Fifteen new recruits—all previously farmers—join the resistance and develop a stutter when Leo walks by. Later, Commander April asks him if he can try not to scare the rookies too much, yeah? Leo practices his smile in the mirror. Casey pulls his cheeks back and says, yeah, just like that!

On Day 4389, Leo wanders the base and accidentally locks himself inside one of the storerooms. This is ridiculous. Donnie left them a lair so smart, but Leo can't even open the emergency hatch. Leo needs Donnie here, so Donnie can explain things to him. He kicks and punches and dents the sliding door. Out of nowhere an AI voice comes chiming in with a, do you need any assistance?—and it’s Donnie’s voice under the tone, unbearably young—and Leo's heart freezes, full stop. He doesn’t remember how he gets out. Maybe he uses a portal. Maybe he talks not-Donnie’s ear off until the lair kicks him out once and for all.

Day 4410. Day 4422. Day 4433. Day 4444. The days keep unraveling, but Leo's heart is a gramophone stuck in a groove. It's an old beat he keeps dancing to, and he has bad knees. Funny, that. Once upon a time, Day -4849, he and Donnie win a dance competition and—scratch. Backtrack. Leo can’t keep doing this. It is Day 4467, he is here and nowhere else. Casey wants to go see the canyons. Sure, they can see the canyons.

They leave before sunset. Casey hangs off Leo's back, his feet in the grooves of his shell and knapsack. Leo wishes he brought something for the kid, like candy—scratch. It's Day -5600. Splinter drops a milk candy into Leo's hand like a pearl, says, for my good son. Leo aches like a cavity.

Casey is quiet. Earlier, the kid was screaming bloody murder, cooped up for too long in the base. Now his tiny body is vibrating like a bottled rocket, incapable of holding more than one emotion at once, and Leo wonders what that's like. Leo is everything at once; both thirteen and thirty-four, here and nowhere. He needs to focus, or they'll slip. It's a long trek. The sun splinters behind wind-battered crags. Tomorrow, Leo thinks he might leave the resistance, tell April he's been thinking of pulling a Mikey and maybe then things will finally be better without him in the picture. Tomorrow. He just has to hang on til tomorrow. Day 4468.

But Day 4467 lingers, refusing to skip to the next beat. An hour passes, and finally the ground levels. Leo finds a spot to rest and lets Casey poke around the ruins. The kid returns sometime later, calling Leo, Leo! and in his hands is an old rotor. Scratch; Day -5495, Donnie shows him a spark plug. His glasses keep sliding down his face, and Leo keeps pretending to be fascinated with all the strange things Donnie keeps bringing—Backtrack. Leo shakes it off. Casey brings him more things: an old stopwatch, a bottle cap, a small plastic dolphin that might've been part of a baby mobile once—and then the kid starts to hum a lullaby.

Leo's stomach drops.

"Where did you learn that?" he says, he's shaking, he's ten years old and lost in the sewers, he's a stupid punk who left home and can't even silence the way his heart ricochets, a desperate chant going find me find me oh please, someone find me

Casey shrugs. “I don't know! Somebody sang it to me, I think!” Scratch. Day -54, Raph rocks a swaddled Casey side to side, humming a strange, lilting tune. He catches Leo's gaze by the doorway and grins as if to say, know this song? Of course Leo knows this song. It's stitched into folds of his own brain. Backtrack. Casey drags him to the edge where the ground plummets into deep cascading valleys, where sunlight pools and stretches. Casey throws his song into the air, and the canyon catches it, throws it back. His voice breaks, and he giggles, embarrassed, tries again. Leo tries again. He was so afraid he'd forgotten, but it's been playing all this time; their voices echoing through that long dark journey, climbing the wind to find them here, the past singing back; time travel.

#rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles #rise of the tmnt #rottmnt #rottmnt fic #rise leo #rise mikey #bigdamnher0 #posts and runs bc im LATE TO POLE CLASS #ill do another edit later!!!!#blood #injury

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