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twola · 1 year

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Yo yo yo! I have a request. Do Arthur x f!reader where he's teaching her to fish because Hosea/Dutch has found out shes weirdly squirmy about fish but she's being a reluctant brat about things and Arthur loses his temper 'GODDAMMIT wOmAn!' Style. Make its as unhinged smutty as you please (so a LOT 😏) Thank you! 😘😘😘

Ooh. Well now - I do not like fish that much, so this isn’t a stretch for me 😂 This was super fun!! I hope you enjoy.

Gone Fishin'

Arthur Morgan x Fem!Reader Smut (18+), MDNI

➵ Fic Masterlist ➵ AO3 Link

As Arthur reaches the end of his convalescence after his run-in with Colm O’Driscoll, Hosea has a task for him - teach one of the girls how to fish. The task, he finds out, is a little harder than he imagined. Also, he’s a little harder than he imagined.

Lemoyne was warm. Warm and humid, buggy, and miserable. Arthur’s work shirt stuck to his skin, even after shedding his full union suit underneath his clothes, he’s still too damn hot.

He’s hot and bored.

The pain in his shoulder is just a niggle at this point, but Grimshaw refused to let him go work again, even though the wound has closed up, scabbed over, and is scarred with new pink skin.

Three more days, Grimshaw pointed at him, and with that tone that he knew he would catch hell from her if he disobeyed.

But he’s past languishing under the shade of his tent. Idleness may suit a drunk like Uncle - but not a man like him. He is a man of action.

He needs to do something. Or he is going to go crazy.

“Oh, come on, dear. It’s relaxing.”

“Hosea, I don’t do fish. I don’t like eatin’ them, and I sure as hell wouldn’t like catching them.” You huff, standing at the end of the dock.

Hosea sits next to you, a fishing pole in his hand as his feet dangle over the side of the dock. You fiddle with your skirts as you gaze out at the lake, the water glinting in the afternoon sun.

“It’s an art, dear girl.”

You scowl down at him, “Fish are disgusting.”

He laughs, “Oh, you. We’re on a lake, you’re gonna have to get used to fish real soon, missy.”

You roll your eyes, crossing your arms over your chest. It’s hot, and you wear just a simple white chemise top tucked into your cotton skirt, baring your arms and decolletage to the sun, a welcome opportunity after almost freezing to death in the Grizzlies.

Hosea looks back toward the camp, where he sees Arthur mulling about. An idea strikes him, genius, as his ideas often are. He stands up, and waves over to the recovering gunslinger, “Arthur, c’mere! Got somethin’ for you to do!”

“No- Hosea,” you whisper harshly, clenching your fists in your skirts, “What are you doing?”

Arthur approaches the end of the dock, running his hand through his long beard, not having shaved in weeks at this point. “Hosea,” He grunts, then looks to you, “Miss.”

“Dear, you need to learn the fine art of fishing. And Arthur over here? He needs somethin’ to do other than sit around pissin’ off Grimshaw.” Hosea waves his free hand toward the camp,

Hosea claps Arthur’s back with his free hand, then turning and tugging you toward the gunslinger on the dock.

“Now you kids take the boat and get on out there, it’ll do both of you some good.”

“Wait wait, wasn’t it you and Dutch makin’ fun of me for the trout incident? I shouldn’t be teaching anyone how to fish.” Arthur shakes his head.

“Nonsense, boy. You caught plenty last time we went out. Besides, it’ll get you out of camp.”

“Fine.” Arthur groans, grabbing the fishing rod from the older man’s outstretched hand.

“Hosea-” You whine, but your benefactor nods his head, cutting you off.

“Go on.”

You roll your eyes, following Arthur as he steps into the rowboat moored at the dock, taking his outstretched hand, and helping you step into the small boat.

“You kids have fun now.” Hosea waves, a smile on his face.

Arthur grunts, picking up the oars and pushing off from the dock. You sit in the bow of the rowboat, scowling, as Arthur rows away from the camp, scanning the horizon. A hushed quiet falls as he guides the boat southbound, the camp becoming smaller and smaller as he rows deeper out into the lake.

“Why do you want to learn how to fish?”

“I don’t.” You huff, your arms crossed over your chest.

“Then why the hell are we out here?” Arthur stops rowing, a scowl also settling in on his face.

“Cause you can’t say no to Hosea.”

“Looks like neither can you.”

An awkward silence settles in between you.

“Well, we’re out here now. Might as well make the best of it.” Arthur says, pulling the oars into the hull of the boat and picking up the fishing rod. He holds it out to you.

You let out an exasperated sigh, refusing to uncross your arms.

Arthur grumbles, adjusting the hat on his head, before drawing the rod back and pulling a feathered lure from his pocket, placing it on the hook. He casts the line further out into the lake.

“Didn’t really plan on fishin’ today, otherwise I’d have some live bait - worms or crickets or whatnot.” He turns back to you, tugging on the rod slightly, glancing back as the lure bobs in the water.

You glower, scrunching your nose at the mention of live bait.

“I hate fish.” You grit out.

“Oh, hush.” Arthur chides. The line pulls, and he feels something bite.

“Here ya go!” He pulls back the line, the fish hanging in the air. With a grin, he swings the pole in your direction, the bluegill flopping on the line, getting closer to your head.

You scream, standing up in the boat and batting the fish away from your face, causing Arthur to jerk to the side, dropping the fishing pole in surprise. The boat violently bobs side to side with your movement.

“Goddamnit, woman!” Arthur yells, nearly falling over the side of the boat as he tries to catch the pole that you batted away from him.

“I told you I don’t like fish!” You screech, sitting back down slowly as the boat bucks.

“That’s it, Christ; you’re such a goddamn brat!” Arthur throws the pole within the hull of the boat and grabs the oars, thrusting them into the water forcefully. He heaves the oars, forcing the boat forward as he angrily pulls and pushes back toward the shore, breathing heavily as he propels the boat through the water.

“Arthur - wait-”

“Waste of my goddamn time,” He continues, fuming. It actually feels good to work his muscles like this.

“Arthur!”

By then, it’s too late. The boat hits a sandbar and beaches itself, and the speed at which Arthur was rowing causes the boat to lurch violently, sending you flying forward into his body, and you both tumble to the hull of the boat, a jumble of limbs and your skirts.

Arthur pushes you up, and you nearly fall backward with the force of his shove.

He swears as you get your footing, sitting up and looking for the oars as he pulls himself back up to his seat.

The oars are nowhere to be found. He probably dropped them when he beached the damn boat. Actually, as he squints, he sees one floating away from the sandbar, back toward the middle of the lake.

“Shit.” He curses.

“You idiot.” You sneer at him, lifting your boot to find it wet with lakewater, a hole having sprung in the bottom of the hull, the wood splintered as water rushes in. You hike up your skirts as the level of water rises within the boat.

Arthur jumps out of the boat, grumbling, looking this way and that as you climb out as well. The sandbar the boat is beached upon is on one of the small islands off the shore of the lake, a good fifty feet to the mainland. He curses to himself as he looks back into the boat, the hull filling with water.

“Now what?” You ask critically as you let your skirts down, following him as he stalks along the island’s shore.

He doesn’t answer, looking around at the sandy ground beneath his boots.

“Watch out for the snake.” He points at the ground next to you, and your eyes dart downward as a brown water moccasin slithers by.

You scream, jumping toward him in fear away from the snake as it glides away into the water, and in a jumble of limbs, you’re somehow climbing the man as he stumbles backward.

“Get me out of here!”

Arthur tries to have some sort of propriety as he tries to regain his balance, but it’s hard when the only hold on you he can get is to loop his hands under the backs of your thighs. You’re clutching at his shoulders, trying to get yourself off of the ground, and end up finding purchase on him by wrapping your legs around his hips, your skirts askew as you pant in terror.

“Fuckin’ stop-” Arthur grunts, stumbling backwards, finally losing his battle with gravity as you and he tumble into a sand dune. His hat flies off, rolling on its rim in a circle, finally settling a few feet away.

Of course, of course, it couldn’t suit him to land in any kind of proper or decent way. No, no, he had to land completely on top of you, slotted between your hips, your skirts creeping up while his traitorous, immature, villainous cock swells at the pressure of his weight against your clothed cunt.

The air has been knocked out of your lungs, but beneath him, you gasp as he tries to move. Your knees frame him, skirts fallen to your hips to show your skin. Your arms are still thrown around his shoulders as he tries to push himself up, his hands slipping in the sand, causing him to crumble down on you, his hips fully pressing down on yours.

Shit. Shit.

He’s trying to think of anything - rotten meat, Uncle’s laundry - anything to stave off the growing erection tenting within his pants. But alas, he is a slave to his own biology, as his cock stiffens and his blood rushes into his groin.

You stare up at him. His eyes dart away in embarrassment, a blush deepening on his cheeks.

Then, you do something that throws him even further into this pit of arousal he finds himself in.

You slowly roll your hips against him and he cannot help but to let out a low moan in response and press his swollen cock against you harder.

Christ, your hair has fallen from its bun, spread out on the sandy soil of this island like some sort of halo.

Two minutes ago he wanted to throttle you. Now, underneath him, he wants to make you gasp and cry and oh, to say his name in a high whine-

“Fuck-” he curses, but before he can go any further, your hands move from his shoulders to the back of his neck, and you pull downward gently - not enough to move him, but enough to give him permission.

He waits for a moment, searching your wide eyes, your open, wet lips, and in that moment, he throws caution to the wind and leans down to slot his lips against yours. You continue to roll your hips against him, crossing your ankles over his back in a surefire sign of what you wanted, whining into his mouth.

And fuck, if he wasn’t going to give it to you.

As he leans back on his knees, sliding his arms from around your waist, he paws his suspenders down and starts unbuttoning his pants, desperate to free his swollen cock. He grunts with a hint of satisfaction as he pulls his length from his pants, closing his eyes as he strokes himself several times. He faintly recognizes your squirming beneath him, and when he’s opened his eyes again, hand still on his cock, he’s struck by what he sees. You’ve shimmied down your bloomers, skirts flipped up and over your hips, pooling across your waist.

Your folds glisten with moisture, and his hips jut forward near uncontrollably, his cock seeking out your warmth, his body yearning to bury itself within your hips.

“Y- you sure-?” One last chance - one more opportunity to back away from the precipice - to realize that you are both being ridiculous - one second ready to kill each other, the next…

“Arthur please.”

Well, there goes his reservations.

One of his large hands spreads out over your hip, the other around the base of his cock, and he presses the swollen, dripping head of his cock against your folds, trailing downwards as he parts them to your opening, groaning in pleasure as he slips in half an inch.

His hand leaves his cock as he leans back over you, arm landing next to your shoulder, as he gently presses his hips forward, sliding in as you shut your eyes in overstimulation. By the time his hips press against your own and he’s sheathed in you to the hilt, your eyes flutter open as you let out a breath you were holding. Arthur’s other arm comes up to bracket you in, his mouth hanging open as a strand of his honeyed-brown hair falls forward between his eyes.

He lowers himself down to his elbows to press himself completely against you, seeking out your lips again as he bucks his hips forward, causing you to mewl into his mouth, your arms wrapping around his neck, one hand cupping the back of his head, fingers threading into his long hair, grasping it tightly as he settles into a rhythm of rolling his hips back and forth.

You pull on his hair and he groans, thrusting hard into you in response. Seems like you aren’t over your surly mood. He finds a hard and punishing rhythm, again feeling good to work his muscles after his convalescence. It had been much longer than that since he’s worked these particular muscles.

“A-Arthur-” You moan loudly as he continually strokes that spot within you. He grunts in response, pulling his cock nearly out of your cunt before slamming his hips back into you.

You shriek in pleasure, and for a moment he’s thankful he’s marooned the two of you on this island yards away from the shore of the lake.

“Y’gonna come for me?” He harshly whispers into your ear, “Y’gonna come on my cock?”

That does it.

You cry out, back arching against him, head thrown back into the grassy dune, a high keening sound that makes him moan helplessly in response, gyrating his hips as your cunt clenches hard around his length, warm and wet and perfect.

“Fuck - fuck - woman…” He groans, rutting forward as you come down from your high, his cock pulsing and covered in your warm slick, and he is forced to pull himself from you, gliding out as he sits back on his knees and starts to pump himself.

You look up and god, is he a sight. His hips buck forward as he strokes his length, his mouth hanging open and muscles of his abdomen clenching under his shirt tails. A low moan escapes him as his other hand flies to cover the head of his cock, and he comes with his eyes screwed shut, looming over you.

He pants, for several moments, before opening his eyes. You sit up, needing, needing more, and you loop your hands around his neck again and pull his lips to yours, pressing your tongue into his mouth. He grunts in surprise, but leans into the kiss, tangling his tongue with yours.

You pull back, a smile creeping across your face, and as he opens his eyes, he cannot help the same.

“Is that how your lessons always end?” You laugh as he tucks himself away with his clean hand, leaning to the side to wipe his other hand in the grass as a half a smile creeps across his face.

“Only when the student is difficult.” He rumbles, tucking his shirt back into his pants as you start to pull your skirts down over your thighs.

“Mm.. I do remember you offering to teach me to shoot before Blackwater.”

Arthur arches an eyebrow as he rebuttons his pants and slides his suspenders back up. “Y’gonna be a brat about it?”

“Of course.”

He smirks, reaching for his hat on his knees. You push yourself up to stand, shaking your skirt free of sand and grass as you look for where you tossed your bloomers in your fit of passion.

“Arthur.”

“Mhm?” He replies, running his hand through his long hair before placing his hat back on his head.

“How are we going to get back to shore?”

Hosea smokes a cigarette sitting by the scout fire, the sun having gone down some time ago.

He’s starting to feel a niggle of concern that the two of you aren’t back. The both of you can certainly take care of yourselves.

You’re stalking back toward your tent, your clothes soaking wet, hair plastered down your neck. You refuse to give Hosea even a passing glance as you head back to the women’s tent.

Hosea arches an eyebrow as Arthur walks closer, also fuming. Also soaking wet. The gunslinger looks at Hosea briefly before carrying on.

“Lesson didn’t go as planned.”

#rdr2 fanfic #arthur morgan x reader #red dead fandom #red dead redemption 2 #red dead redemption #red dead fanfic #red dead smut #arthur morgan smut #arthur morgan x female reader #tumblr prompt #drabble #twolafic #gift fic

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autisticlancemcclain · 6 months

Text

“We have to go through…wait, Keith, is this right?” He flips the tablet over to Keith, zoomed in on a pair of coordinates. “This is, like, right next to a black hole. RIght right next to, worryingly next to. I don’t like how close this is. This pod is not really built for that, I don’t think.”

Keith doesn’t recognise the coordinates, so he can’t really say, but there’s a fair bit riding on this mission, so he doubts Kolivan has fucked this particular detail up.

“Well, it’s either safe or no longer our problem.”

“I suppose.”

A little disappointed that Keith’s attempt at a joke didn’t do much to lighten Lance’s expression, he lets them lapse into silence, tilting his head back onto the seat and closing his eyes as the pod zooms forwards.

They have a long journey ahead of them.

– – –

Keith jerks awake half-convinced he’s inside a rock tumbler. That’s how it sounds, anyway, with the ear-crushingly loud bangs and crashes coming from all around the pod, shaking the whole craft and sending Keith flying were it not for his tight grip on the ceiling handle.

Lance has just barely beaten him to the pilot’s chair, settling in quickly and white-knuckling the yoke.

“What’s going on?” Keith shouts over the noise.

“I woke up twelve seconds before you did,” Lance grits out, jerking the yoke to the side and sending them spinning out of the way of an asteroid the size of a small house.

“Fuck, it must be an asteroid storm, we’re gonna have to –”

“Keith, can it,” Lance barks. “Unless the next words out of your mouth are a magical solution, you need to keep them to yourself.”

Keith snaps his jaw shut. Even if he did have a magical solution, Lance can’t afford the distraction – not because he’s unskilled, but because the space in front of them is getting denser and denser, to the point where Keith can feel something wrong in the atmosphere, and asteroids are becoming unavoidable. Every second there’s a crash on the outside of the pod, shaking the whole thing and sending them careening into another atmosphere. Lance grits his teeth and tries to hold them steady, but after a point it’s impossible, and control is out of his hands.

“Strap into the crash zone!” Lance shouts. He unclips himself from the pilot’s chair, stumbling forward as an asteroid hits; Keith barely manages to dart out one arm not gripped onto the ceiling handle to catch him. “We’re not going to make it through this storm and it’s too late too –”

They’re both thrown to the side as a massive rock hurls into the pod, crushing the side concave sending the pod spinning like a top. Keith hits the ground hard, helmet bouncing off the floor so hard he sees stars, and he loses his grip on Lance as the paladin goes flying over him. The sound of crushing metal is deafening and painful, and it only compounds as more and more asteroids slam into the pod, throwing it back and forth like a rowboat in a hurricane. The pressure in the cab and all around them grows exponentially, until Keith feels like a compressed can; like his eyes are ready to pop out of his skull. He’s in so much pain he doesn’t even have the strength to be panicked.

Like a switch is turned the pressure suddenly lifts, and he’s weightless, slowly floating up in zero gravity; stomach swooping and limbs limp. The rapid change of atmosphere has him choking back vomit. Every couple of seconds the ruined pod shifts and shakes, from asteroids or gravitational forces Keith does not know, but in one particularly rough hit he’s slammed into the wall so hard his helmet cracks and for a moment everything goes dark. By the time he blinks himself awake, ears ringing and blinking slowly, sluggishly, the weightless, swoopy feeling in his stomach has returned, but not like when he’s in zero G – the same butterflies you get at the top of a rollercoaster, just as you begin to drop.

He registers the whistling sound of something falling at terminal velocity last.

The panic starts to set in, then. He scrambles to his feet, or tries to, but it’s hard; the pod is rattling every which way so there’s no solid ground to stand on, really, and he’s still dizzy and disoriented. He attempts a step forward and crashes to the ground, barely manages to catch himself. As he goes down he sees the rapidly approaching surface of something from the pod’s cracked windshield, and it’s green and grassy and flat and going to crush them to death.

“Lance?” Keith calls out, desperate and panicked. “Lance, where are you?”

He whips his head around to look for him and almost passes out again. Bile climbs up his throat and he very nearly lets it spew out, breathing sharply through his nose and clamping his teeth to keep it down. The pod is small, and crushed, and he can’t see well over the protrusion of the cratered wall, and he can’t see Lance.

“Lance! Answer me! Where are –”

The pod lurches sharply to the left without warning, throwing Keith to the ground again. This time he doesn’t bother getting back to his feet, instead grabbing one of the bent steel rods sticking out of the ruined pod wall to drag himself forward; tucked in close to the wall. FInally, to his great relief, as he crests the bend of the giant crater he sees a flash of blue armour; a cracked wrist guard shining with reflected light as Lance grips the steering yoke, back in the pilot’s seat, dragging it sharply upwards to try and lessen the impact of their crash. He’s struggling – Keith doesn’t know how far they’re falling from, or what level of gravitational force this random planet (if it even is a planet) has, but the speed they’re falling at is deadly. If they hit the ground the way they’re going, they’ll be crushed so fast they won’t even have time to realise they’re dying. At this point, Keith’s not even sure if anything can save them.

He sets his jaw. There’s no point in giving up.

As fast as he can go with the throbbing of his head, Keith half-crawls half-stumbles forward, using bent sections of wall and broken odds and ends to keep himself steady. He’s ready to throw up for the millionth time by the time he finally stands behind the pilot’s chair, hands gripping the arm rests, but he’s there and he’s conscious mostly and he’s capable enough.

“You good?” Lance grunts, barely audible over the sound of impending doom.

“Peachy,” Keith mutters back, planting his feet and leaning over to wrap both hands around Lance’s.

Without needing to say a word, they pull back at the same time, as hard as they can. The pod – or what’s left of it, Keith’s not sure they can accurately call this hunk of ruined metal a pod – creaks and groans with the effort, but with every second they hold their position with all the strength in their bodies, the nose of the craft inches up an up, getting closer and closer to parallel with the ground instead of perpendicular to it.

“Incoming,” Lance warns, as the ground gets closer. “Brace yourself.”

“Grab me in three?” Keith asks.

Lance nods. “One…”

“Two…” Keith continues.

“Three!”

Milliseconds before they collide, Keith throws himself on top of Lance, curling against him. Lance whips the seat one eighty degrees so it’s facing away from the windshield and crash site rather than towards it, wrapping his arms around Keith’s torso and gripping tightly in lieu of a seatbelt.

The crash makes Keith black out again.

When he blinks back awake his ears are ringing, and everything looks and sounds like he’s underwater. His limbs are heavy and he feels like he’s been shrunk. His body’s telling him he’s been out for hours, but he knows, vaguely, that he hasn’t, because he’s not nearly well-rested enough. He inhales deeply through his nose, eyes fluttering shut, and tells himself he has five seconds.

One.

His limbs are all still there. Arm, arm, leg, leg. All are working, at least mostly. Good.

Two.

His head throbs. Every pound of his heart amplifies in his head like a falling anvil in an ampitheatre. His body aches like it never has before.

Three.

The ringing in his ears hasn’t faded, but sound doesn’t sound so muted anymore. He thinks he can hear the groaning of buckling metal, and the roaring of engine flames.

Four.

There’s something sharp digging into his ankle. He can’t feel the pain of it yet, but he dreads the eventual fade of the adrenaline, the understanding that it is going to smart and it is going to smart badly.

One.

He exhales sharply and forces his eyes open, blinking rapidly to bring the blurry world into focus. He was right about the flames; he can see pieces of the engine strewn about the grass of the clearing, of some kind, that they’ve crashed in. The windshield is no longer a windshield so much as a gaping hole where the windshield once was. The nose of the craft is crushed into the strangely blue-ish dirt.

And Lance, under him, is unconscious.

“Lance,” Keith croaks, having intended his voice to be sharp and demanding but landing somewhere closer to weak and pleading. “Get up.”

He does not stir. Keith is comforted, somewhat, by the slight puffs of air fogging up his visor every few seconds, but Keith is pressed right against him and can’t really feel the movement of his chest. His head lolls back into the broken chair, hands resting limply on Keith’s back. There’s a trail of blood running down his temple.

With a heave of effort, Keith pushes himself upright, keeping his weight off Lance as best as he can. He presses the button on the side of his own helmet, relieved when his visor lights up with the info display. The second he gets the all-clear for breathable air, he places his hands on the base of Lance’s helmet, pulling it away from his head as gently as he can manage. It takes longer than he would like, but he’s terrified of pulling too hard and twisting Lance’s neck, especially if there’s a spinal injury. The second the helmet clears Lance’s hairline he tosses it to the side, letting it crack and clatter to the floor, and taps his cheeks rapidly.

“Lance? Lance, get up. Wake up. Get up now.” There’s not even so much as a twitch. Panic makes Keith’s breathing pick up. He’s blinking back flashes of Lance’s lax face, in the purple light of the castle, scratched to hell and neck bruised with fingerprints. He hopes to any god that is listening that it’s not that. He’s not sure the comms are working, and he sure as shit doesn’t have a pod. “Lance, it isn’t funny, get up!”

The urge to grab his shoulders and shake is overwhelming, He has to yank his hands away, forcing them under his thighs, leaning back and trying not to hyperventilate.

“Please,” he begs, voice cracking. “Please don’t leave me here by myself.”

He squeezes his eyes shut again. Okay. This is fine. Keith is going to count to five again, slower this time, and when he opens them again Lance will be awakeand smirking that fuckass smirk he does when he’s being a jackass and he knows it and is convinced he’s the funniest bitch around. He’s going to be fine. He’s breathing, anyways, so he’s alive, which means there’s nothing wrong, which means they will be fine and they’ll call the team somehow and –

“...K’th?”

Keith’s eyes fly open and he nearly cries with relief, throwing his arms around Lance’s shoulders and burying his head into his shoulder. “Oh, God, you’re alive!”

Lance goes stiff as a board. Keith stiffens, too, confused and alarmed at the strange reaction, suddenly hyperaware of his position; of the way he’s half sprawled in Lance’s lap, leaning bodily against him. He’s worried suddenly that his weight is hurting Lance and all but throws himself off in his haste put space between them. The abrupt weight on his ankle reminds rudely that hey, he just crashed into the actual ground from literal space, holy shit, and he nearly goes cross eyed with the pain.

A choked off grunt brings his attention back to Lance, who is in the process, for some dumbass reason, of standing up and crawling out of the broken window.

“Lance? What the fuck are you doing?”

Lance, of course, does not listen, because he is a mother fucker and Keith has the sudden and absurd urge to contact his brother by any means necessary to apologise. For, just. Everything.

Keith scrambles out after him, biting back a pained yell at the throbbing of his ankle. Lance is moving – fast, faster than Keith would expect, but there’s a clumsiness to the movements. Like he’s still half-out of it.

“Lance?”

Again, Lance doesn’t answer. He limps around to the side of the pod and Keith follows, at a loss.

“Lance, fucking – stop that. You’re –” Lance shakes off his hand and continues carefully pulling back the shredded inner lining of the pod, dropping pieces of cracked polymer on the ground until the hold is big enough to lean through. He comes back out with an armful of steel boxes, dented and battered, etched with Galran and Altean labels, stacking them on a section of clearing that isn’t on fire or covered in debris.

Keith makes a noise of frustration. He’s torn between dragging Lance somewhere to make sure he’s okay and screaming at him. The anger and fear swirl violently in his stomach, clawing their way up his throat, and it burns worse than the vomit.

“Fine. Fine! Ignore me. I’m calling the team. You just stack your fucking boxes, jackass.”

He stomps back into the pod, sweeping aside the broken glass and metal shards and ignoring the slight sting of his ripped gloves. He grabs his and Lance’s discarded helmets and stomps back out to the clearing, climbing a random rock and relishing in the twinge of his ankle because it feels like a fuck you, somehow, and a fuck you is what he needs right now. He mentally flings it in Lance’s direction with great relish. Lance, because he is currently a massive rat bastard, does not pick up on Keith’s rancid vibes. Keith glares at him as he mashes the buttons he has memorised on his helmet display, dialling the Voltron line.

It rings. And rings. And rings and rings and rings.

Keith frowns, some of the fury fading for confusion.

“Well, that’s not great.”

If the personal line is down, that means they’re either asleep or busy. He hopes asleep. He quickly dials up the business line, and when that doesn’t work, somewhat desperately, the distress line. It rings.

And rings.

And rings, and rings, and rings.

– – –

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yuesya · 2 months

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Land! Sweet, sweet land!

Lumine almost feels as if she could cry in this moment. She shouldn’t have chosen that merchant vessel over Beidou’s Alcor and experienced crew. At the time, the merchant’s ship was leaving sooner –two entire weeks before Beidou was planning to set sail– and Lumine had only wanted to reach Inazuma as soon as possible in order to continue her search for her brother.

They’d been hit by a storm, and the ship had capsized. Fortunately, there were enough emergency rowboats for all members on board, even if the merchant’s goods had been a complete loss to the ruthless waves. Less fortunately… it had been several long days of drifting at sea, and their dwindling supplies weren’t about to last much longer.

“We’ve made it, Lumine!” Paimon cheers. Lumine nods firmly. “We’re alive!”

Alive, and in desperate need of aid. Lumine and a few of the other stronger sailors set out to explore a bit and get a better idea of their surroundings. Hopefully they’d come across some friendly locals who’d be able to extend a helping hand, or at least be willing to just tell them where they’d washed up on–

Someone’s there.

Another person! Lumine quickens her footsteps, even as waterlogged as she is.

“Excuse me–!”

Paimon flies ahead of her, chasing the figure that she’d glimpsed. “Wait! Wait, please, we’re just hapless travelers who –ack!”

“Paimon?” Urgency quickens her footsteps, and Lumine hurries to reach her companion. “You…”

Her voice dies in her throat.

There’s a young girl standing amidst the trees, with blue-white hair that appears almost silver beneath the sunlight. Her clothing is in the distinct fashion of Inazuman dress, a mix of soft blue and lilac colors flowing down her body. It’s almost enough to make Lumine acutely self-conscious of her own waterlogged state and haphazard appearance from days of floating out at sea–

But there’s a dark purple cloth tied over the girl’s face, covering her eyes. A blindfold. The girl is blind.

Blind, and yet she’d moved so smoothly and confidently over the rough terrain. Lumine had barely managed to glimpse her earlier, and if it hadn’t been for her coloring standing out so starkly against the verdant backdrop of the trees, she would’ve thought that she’d imagined it all in her head.

The girl raises her hand –the hand that’s holding onto the back of Paimon’s dress, “Is it yours?”

Paimon squirms. “I’m not an ‘it!’”

“Yes, Paimon is my friend,” Lumine nods firmly –and belatedly realizes that the girl probably can’t even see it. Wait. Is she really blind? The way she moved, the way she seemed aware of everything around her… didn’t really seem like the motions of a blind person…

The girl wordlessly releases her grip on Paimon; Paimon immediately returns to Lumine’s side, casting the girl an unsettled, suspicious look.

“Um…” Best to just get to the point, probably. “Could you possibly point us towards where the nearest settlement is, please?”

“Head south,” the girl raises a pale hand, the one that’s not holding the basket of strange purple grass as she points towards the direction to their left. “Watatsumi’s Bourou Village isn’t far from here. You’ll find it easily once you reach and follow the road.”

“Thank you!” That’s probably the best news that Lumine has heard ever since the shipwreck. “We really appreciate it, miss…?”

The girl remains silent. Lumine trails off awkwardly.

“… Erm, what should I call you?” Lumine ends up asking sheepishly. The girl is certainly strange, but she doesn’t sense any ill will from her. And she’d helped give directions easily enough; Lumine would like to have a name for the person who’d given them assistance.

“… Gojo," the girl says. "Call me Gojo.”

#writing #zenith of stars au #genshin impact au #yes lumine meets shiki as her first encounter in inazuma #much like running into venti first thing in mondstadt!#not that she realizes it #lumine gets to the village safely with the rest of the shipwrecked crew #and proceeds to make her way to narukami island #where the electro archon SHOULD be #surprise surprise the god is missing!#oh no i wonder where she could possibly be #also also #big thanks to ko-fi friends!

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cozage · 10 months

Text

The Daughter's Return: Part 8

The Captain and the Barmaid

Part 1 | Part 9 | Table of Contents | Read this on A03

Word Count: 5.1k Characters: female reader x Portgas D. Ace CW: nothing crazy, just some creepy marines

You took a quick shower and didn’t spend as long as you would’ve liked on your hair and makeup, but you made the deadline. You had your gown and high heels in a bag to change into once you arrived on the island, as well as a pocket mirror, some emergency mascara, and lipgloss in case you needed a touch-up later. And the foundation/concealer combo that Whitey had given you this morning.

You had been waiting in your father's study for five minutes before the next person walked in. Two people, actually, a man and a woman.

“You must be Mihal and Kala,” you said, rising to your feet.

“Mihal,” the man said. “Kala,” he said, pointing to the girl. “And you’re not Ace, so I’m guessing you’re the new strategist.”

“You’d be correct,” you said. You all each gave a small formal introduction and began to create some small talk before two blonde-haired men came through the door.

It took you a second to realize the man next to Marco was Ace. His once black, greasy hair had been dyed, washed, and blow-dried. He looked like an entirely new person. His now sandy blonde hair made all of his features look softer and kinder. Even without his Marine outfit on, you found yourself unable to look away.

You were so caught up in admiring his new look, you didn’t realize that Ace was staring right back at you. Everyone watched you both for a while before Marco cleared his throat.

“Alright kiddos, let's move.”

“Wait, Marco,” you said, looking around. “I need a firework.”

“A firework?” Kala asked.

“I’ll explain on the rowboat. But we’ll need it.”

Marco sighed and opened one of your father’s cabinets. He handed the firework and a few matches to you, and you carefully stuck it in your bag alongside your formal outfit. The group then walked silently to the deck and loaded onto the rowboat. You could sense that Kala and Mihal were nervous, but you weren't sure what to say to ease their worries.

Ace and Marco rowed their way to shore as you laid out the plan.

“So our goal is for me and Ace to review the plans unnoticed. If everything works out that way, we’ll grab a photo and meet back here at midnight. If things go sideways, Ace and I will act as the diversion while you all go get photos of the schematics. Once you have the pictures, set off the firework to let Ace and I know we can retreat. Marco, if you see the firework, you’ll know that we’ll be laying low on the island for the night, and then come around to the northern side of the island and collect us the following morning. We’ll meet by the cluster of rocks on the northern shore and signal you with our pocket mirrors.”

“You’re really planning to stay on the island after the Navy knows you’re here?” Marco questioned.

You nodded. “If they recognize me or Ace, the first place they’re going to look is the sea. We’re better off lying low on the island and leaving after sunrise.”

“What if we can’t get to the firework after we get the schematics?” Kala asked.

“Me and Ace will cause a diversion until midnight. We’ll set the firework off at midnight if you all haven’t gotten to it and let everyone know to retreat or lay low.”

“And if you can’t get to the firework?” Mihal asked. He was thorough in his questioning, but you didn't mind. You'd rather him catch a flaw in your plan now than later.

You held up your fist and clenched it. Your skin started to bubble, the magma underneath it, eager to escape. “If I can’t find the firework, I’ll just make my own.”

Marco laughed. “Smart.”

You grinned proudly. “I try.”

“Do you expect that you and Ace will fail?” Mihal asked, looking at you skeptically. “Seems like you have more of a backup plan than a primary plan.”

“It’s just good to have a backup plan for when shit hits the fan,” you said. “Because shit usually hits the fan.”

Mihal nodded, seemingly satisfied with your answers. You all rode the rest of the way in silence. The others seemed nervous, even Ace and Marco, but you were downright giddy. You were excited to see some action and have some fun again. This is what being a pirate was all about.

As soon as you hit land, you jumped out of the boat. “I need to run to the bar really fast, I’ll be right back.”

The others gave you a curious look, but you ignored them. There was one more thing you needed to make sure your plan went smoothly.

“Welcome to the Lonely Duck, how can I help you?” The girl had your hair color. That would make this easier.

“Hi!” You pushed enthusiasm and joy into your voice, trying your best to act normal. “I’m so sorry! Can I use your bathroom?”

“Oh sure!” the girl at the bar said.

“You are the best…what was your name?”

The girl smiled. “Kadie!”

“Well Kadie, you are an absolute lifesaver! Thank you!” You said as you ran into the bathroom.

You stepped into the bathroom and touched up your makeup. Your mascara was slightly smudged, and the foundation that was hiding your hickies was starting to smudge. Once you were satisfied with your makeup, you flushed the toilet and walked back out. “You are truly the best, Kadie! I hope the rest of your day is as great as you are!”

“I’m actually about to get off work and go for a sunset hike with my boyfriend, so I think it will be!”

God, this girl really did check off all the boxes. You grinned back at her and dropped a few coins in the tip jar, hoping she would spill some more information. “Which trail?” you asked.

“Mount Klemson! It’s our three-month anniversary.”

She was a cute girl. You wondered what it would be like to live a life as boring as hers.

“Big plans!” you feigned enthusiasm. “Good luck on your hike.” You gave her a wink and then rushed out the door.

You walked back to the group, who were all mostly changed. The sun had begun sinking into the sky, which meant that it was almost time for your arrival at the ball.

“We’re heading out,” Kala said. She was dawning a gorgeous long-sleeved red gown. “See you there.”

“Good luck!” you called, ducking into the abandoned cabin.

Ace stood guard outside of the door as you stripped your day clothes off. Marco had packed a few jewelry options, but you chose the dangling pearl earrings and sapphire necklace to wear. You slipped on your gown, careful not to get it dirty. Then, you put on your white gloves and tightened your corset as much as you could bear, throwing it in a sloppy bowtie and tucking it into your dress. You would deal with how to get that off later.

There wasn’t much you could check, but you opened your pocket mirror and examined your face one last time. You tucked away your bag with the firework, clothes, and jewelry into an open floorboard, and opened the door to see Ace waiting for you.

Ace stared at you, once again taken away by how regal you looked. His mouth had dropped open, as if he had plans to comment on your appearance, but you didn’t give him the chance. You interlaced your arm with his, and the two of you began walking toward the giant mansion that was hosting the party.

“You look nice,” Ace said with a small smile, bumping against your shoulder lightly.

“You look…different.”

His eyes widened, and he grabbed a piece of blonde hair to analyze it. “Good different or bad different?”

“Good different,” you assured him. “But I like your black hair better.”

“My mom had blonde hair. Makes me feel a bit more connected to her.” He sounded sad when he said that. You wanted to ask more but got the feeling he didn’t want to talk about it.

“You look nice in that Captain suit too,” you commented. “You’d make a good Marine.”

Ace groaned. “You sound like my grandpa.”

You snorted. “Your grandpa?”

“Yeah,” he sighed, shaking his head. “He always wanted me to be a Marine.”

“If only he could see you now,” you giggled, elbowing him playfully.

He lightly chuckled, but his eyes were darting around nervously. You could see the mansion in full view now, and at least a hundred Marines were already standing in line. This was an extremely high-level event. You recognized several Vice Admirals and heard rumors that Sengoku would be making an appearance. If anyone recognized either you or Ace, there was a very good chance your mission would fail.

“It'll be fine. Let’s do this,” you muttered, both of you taking a synchronous deep breath and setting your shoulders back, trying your best to appear confident and important.

Getting in was easy. Two Officers were at the door, but they saluted Ace as he walked by. He held a higher status than them, and they didn’t even ask for credentials.

“I could get used to this,” Ace mumbled in your ear.

His words made you giggle as you looked around the ballroom. It was a massive room, and the floor was made entirely of white marble. There was an orchestra playing on the stage, and several people were waltzing on the dance floor. Waiters weaved in and out of people, offering drinks and appetizers.

Your eyes quickly found people of note. You had made a strategic plan a few years ago, a comprehensive list of every high-ranking Navy Officer and the best course of action if the crew ever encountered them. It wouldn’t do much good with them all here at once, but you were quite familiar with almost everyone in the room because of it.

Several rear admirals, vice admirals, and at least one admiral was present. You couldn’t find Sengoku, but you were certain at an event this high level and the rumors swirling, he’d be making an appearance. You could feel yourself growing uneasy. You knew this mission was going to be difficult, but you hadn’t expected your odds to be so low.

Ace pressed his lips to your ear, speaking quietly to you. “Don’t focus on that right now. We have plenty of time. Let’s work on blending in first, okay?”

He was right, of course. You were amongst some high-level Navymen, and they didn’t get their titles by being idiots. For the first part of the night, they would be on guard, watching anyone they found suspicious. After a few drinks, they would relax, and then you would be able to make your move.

It was easy to blend in. Ace was someone who could easily make friends, and he was masterful about making the conversation about someone else. Your job was the same as all of the other women there: be pretty eye candy and stay quiet. Normally you would detest such a role, but your mind was busy trying to find a way to the plans without drawing attention to yourself.

You spent the evening drinking bubbly champagne out of crystal flutes, taking tiny snacks off of a silver platter, and dancing a slow waltz with your now golden-haired Navy Captain. The drinks and the food were magnificent, but your favorite part of the evening by far was the moments you spent on the dance floor.

Ace was a fantastic dancer, which surprised you. Everything you knew about him suggested he shouldn’t know the difference between a ballroom waltz and a quickstep, but he always seemed to find the perfect moves for whatever rhythm was played. And he was a skillful leader in every dance, holding you firm while giving you enough grace to follow on your own. The two of you quickly began to draw a crowd of women who were desperate for a dance with him.

Ace looked nervously at you for a moment as the women fawned over him, but you waved him on. For some reason, they didn’t bother you. If any of these women knew who Ace truly was, they would run away in fear. You found it quite humorous, given the circumstances.

“Are you sure?” Ace asked, watching you closely.

“Yes of course,” you said, giggling. “My feet hurt anyway. Go show these ladies what they’re missing out on.” You gave him a wink, and his freckled cheeks pinkened.

You used your time to sit at a nearby table and observe the rest of the room, specifically the second floor. The steps that led to the second floor were guarded by two rear admirals, and the second-story balcony that overlooked the ballroom held some of the high-level members of the Navy.

Sengoku had finally made an appearance, and he stuck close to one of his admirals, Aokiji. Several vice admirals were also present, but the one that worried you most was Monkey D. Garp, Hero of the Navy. You don’t get a title like that without doing something grandeur. From what you remembered, even your father seemed to be weary of him.

You had been so busy watching the admirals, you hadn't noticed that they had been watching Ace for a few minutes. You cursed the oversight. Ace seemed to be drawing attention to himself, which was the last thing either of you needed.

You were about to go grab him off the dance floor when an older gentleman sat down next to you.

“Now tell me,” he cooed, his eyes raking over your body. “What’s a lovely lady like you doing all alone at this table?”

The rank on his uniform indicated he was a rear admiral, but you were unfamiliar with who he was. He must’ve risen through the ranks while you had been away. But a real admiral was still a high status, and he could get you up to that second story if you played your cards right. Ace could handle himself for a few more minutes.

You smiled sweetly at him, pretending to not notice his lingering gaze. “My date kind of ditched me,” you said. “But I’m so honored to be in this place, surrounded by so many high-ranking and powerful men.”

The man chuckled. “Your date doesn’t know what he’s missing out on, darling.”

You forced a blush to rise to your cheeks. “You’re too kind.”

He rose from the seat, holding his hand out. “Rear Admiral Catacombo, at your service.”

You let out a high-pitched giggle and took his hand. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Kadie.”

“Kadie.” The sharpness of the name on his lips almost made you flinch. “Would you like to dance?”

Every bone in your body told you to get away from this man, but you took his hand and let him lead you to the dancefloor. He was a decent dancer. Not as good as Ace; he was too forceful in his directions and too demanding of your attention for the dance itself to be enjoyable. But you gritted your teeth and went along with a smile for the possibility of getting access to the upper level of the house.

“Did you know this house actually belongs to my grandfather?” Catacombo said in a boastful tone.

Your eyes widened. You could roll with this. He was practically handing those schematics to you on a silver platter.

“Really?” you asked.

“It’s quite magnificent, isn’t it? I spent most of my younger days here, playing in the courtyard.”

“Oh, what a dream!” you said, just slightly too exaggerated. Luckily Catacombo found your admiration endearing. You lowered your eyes, trying your best to appear embarrassed. “Can I tell you a secret, Catacombo?”

He leaned in close to you, his face almost touching yours. “Of course.”

You blushed, trying not to visibly react to the stench of cigars and alcohol that was being blown into your face with every breath. “Promise you won’t judge me.”

“I promise, I promise!”

You turned away feigning embarrassment, and took a fresh breath of air.

“I have to admit,” you said. “I’ve always dreamed of coming into this home. I’ve seen it from afar for so many years, sitting so perfectly on this hill. I’ve wanted nothing more than to explore this house and meet the wonderful people who call it home.”

You were fairly certain this man fell in love with you off your words alone. You had laid the flattery on a little thick, but thankfully he seemed to like it that way.

“Would you like to see it?” He asked.

You blinked. There was no way it could be this easy. “See what?”

“The house!” he whispered urgently, and you gave him a wide grin.

“Are you serious?”

“Of course! Let's go!” He took your hand and started to lead you away.

You eagerly followed, until your free hand was grabbed and you were pulled backward.

“Hey!” you yelled, turning to see who was interrupting you. A blonde marine with freckles was scowling at you.

“Where are you going?” Ace demanded.

“Oh, hi!” You said, widening your eyes slightly to signal Ace. “Admiral Catacombo was just going to show me around this lovely home. I’ll be back soon!”

“No.” He gripped your hand tighter, pulling you back towards him.

“I’ll only be gone for a few minutes,” you reasoned. “It’s fine.”

“Is there a problem?” Catacombo asked, turning back towards you and Ace.

“Yeah, there is,” Ace said, puffing out his chest. “I think you were just trying to steal my date away from me, Rear Admiral.”

You turned slightly away from Catacombo's view and mouthed one word to Ace: stop. But he either didn’t see you or didn’t care.

Ace forced a smile, but his words were on the verge of threatening. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to steal her back from you now.”

Catacombo’s eyes darted between you and Ace, and after a moment he let go of your hand.

“Wait,” you said, turning towards the rear admiral. “Wait, please don’t go!”

“It was a pleasure dancing with you,” Catacombo said, giving you and your body one last longing look. “I hope our paths cross again.”

And then he disappeared into the crowd. You turned to Ace, your eyes burning with hatred.

“What the hell is wrong with you?!” you hissed.

“Don’t even! I saved you!”

“I didn’t need saving!” you snapped, struggling to keep your voice down.

“Please!” Ace cried, exasperated. “Did you even see the way he looked at you?! That guy was practically mind fucking you! All he wanted was to get you alone so he could try to get inside you!”

His voice was rising, and a few people looked over in surprise at his words.

“Keep your voice down,” you growled.

“I’m not going to risk you getting hurt,” Ace said.

“I can handle myself!” You could feel your skin starting to boil. “That was our golden ticket, you idiot!”

“We’ll find another way in,” Ace mumbled, looking up and down your body. “One that doesn’t leave you so…objectified.”

People were really starting to stare at you all now, mumbling to each other about Ace's words. You had drawn a lot of attention. Even without looking, you could feel eyes from the balcony watching you closely. You had lost your incognito status. It was time to move to plan B.

Your eyes found Kala, who was watching nervously. You gave her a fraction of a nod and then looked back at Ace. It was up to them now. You had a new role.

“I’m sorry about this,” you whispered.

“Sorry about-”

You smacked him across the face as hard as you could.

“How dare you?!?” You screamed out, taking a few steps away from him. “Whatever you are thinking sir, I am not that kind of lady!”

“What the fuck?!” Ace hissed, holding his cheek.

False tears pooled in your eyes. “How dare you try and take advantage of me!” you screamed again, loud enough for the whole room to hear you.

People started to crowd around you, trying to separate you and Ace. You glanced to find Kala, but she and Mihal had vanished.

“Kadie,” Catacombo rushed back to you, grabbing you by the arm. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

“Oh Catacombo,” you said, your voice filling with relief. “I’m so sorry to make a scene, I just-” you stopped speaking and collapsed into his chest, letting out a loud sob.

“What the hell are you talking about?” Ace demanded. He started toward you, but a few Marines blocked his path.

“Tell me what happened,” Catacombo said, rubbing your back.

“I don't know,” You pulled away from Catacombo, wiping the fake tears from your eyes. “But he just…” you stopped to take a breath, springing up new tears. “He tried to force himself onto me.”

“I did not!” Ace yelled, though he was slowly starting to see what you were doing. “I would never-!”

“Come on, son.” An Admiral grabbed Ace by the arm. “Let's get you sobered up and have a long chat.”

Ace struggled against the Admiral, and he glanced up nervously at the balcony. You followed his gaze to see Lead Admiral Sengoku, Vice Admiral Garp, and Captain T-Bone all staring down at the scene that unfolded. You said a silent prayer to any higher power that would listen, hoping they didn’t recognize either of you.

“Let’s get you somewhere quiet to calm down,” Catacombo chimed, still holding you close to him and rubbing his hand across your back.

He led you up the stairs and through the crowd of high-statured Marines. You could feel eyes on you, and you kept your head down to avoid eye contact with anyone, pretending to cry with embarrassment. He continued to lead you down a length of corridors until you finally stopped in front of a room.

He grabbed a key from his pocket and unlocked the door, and you stepped inside to find a nicely lit study. It had a desk and a conference table, papers strewn out on any surface you could see. Perhaps he had led you straight to the room you needed to be in.

“Nobody will bother us here,” Catacombo muttered, closing the door behind him.

You hated the way he had worded that sentence. You attempted to clear your throat, which had tightened from fear. “Could I actually bother you one more time for a glass of water?” you asked, looking at him with tears still in your eyes.

“Of course,” he said. “Be right back.” He slipped out the door and you heard the familiar turn of a lock before his steps receded. He had locked you in this room, and you couldn't help but question his intentions. Not that you didn’t have other ways to escape; there were windows, and the floor or ceiling could easily be burned. But those would immediately give you away.

You didn’t have time to think of an escape plan right now, though. Your priority was finding the documents you needed. You carefully flipped through the folders and stray pages, but you found nothing of ship schematics. They must be somewhere else. You could only hope that Kala and Mihal would pick up the slack.

You heard the turn of the lock, and you quickly positioned yourself near the wall of books, pretending to look at his collection. You managed to grab a book off the shelf just as the door opened.

“You have quite an impressive collection,” you said, turning to face him.

Catacombo wasn’t alone this time, he had brought another Marine with him. You believed her name was Hina. It made your odds of escape lower, but at least you weren’t alone with the creep anymore.

“Katy,” the woman said. “My name is Hina. I’m a rear admiral with the Navy. I’m afraid we need to speak with you.”

“Kadie,” you corrected. It didn’t really matter, but it was better to keep your alias strong.

Another man walked in, a Vice Admiral. You believed his name was Comil.

“Kadie,” Hina mimicked, correcting her previous mistake. “Please sit. We need to talk.”

You sat in a plush chair across from her, turned slightly towards the door so you could see people as they came and went.

“How can I help you?” you asked.

“I need you to tell me everything about the man you came with today. His name, how you met him, why you joined him tonight.”

They must’ve realized Ace was a fraud. The game just became much more dangerous.

“He came in while I was working,” you said. “I worked an early shift today at the Lonely Duck-it’s a bar in town. He was wearing his uniform, so I assumed he was in town for the Maritime Ball. We got to talking and he invited me to be his date. I agreed.”

“Did he tell you his name?” Hina asked. “His rank? Anything?”

You blushed and summoned tears to your eyes. “I…” you wracked your brain, trying to think of something fake to give them. “Why? Is something wrong?”

Hina looked at the two men standing at the door, and you saw Comil give her a slight nod.

“We believe he may have entered the premises under false identity. Please, if you can think of a name or anything he may have said to you out of the ordinary.”

Your voice caught in your throat, and for one of the first times that night, you didn’t have to act. You felt true fear, and it was written all over your face.

“Kadie, you’re safe,” Hina reassured you, misinterpreting the fear on your face. “We’re not going to let anything happen to you. Just think.”

You took a drink of water, your hand shaking as it held the glass. “I think he said his name was Captain Axel? Or something like that?”

“Ace?” Hina asked, looking at you intensely. You felt like you couldn’t breathe, but Hina pressed further. “Did he say Ace?”

“I don’t-” you paused, blinking real tears away. “I can’t remember.”

You heard an explosion downstairs, and you jumped at the noise. What the hell was Ace doing? Had they discovered who he was already? Surely he wouldn’t have given himself away in a matter of minutes. You realized, with a flash of horror, if they had taken off his shirt it would be pretty obvious who he belonged to.

Another Marine stepped into the room and handed Hina a paper. Hina looked at it and then flipped it around to you. It was Ace’s bounty poster.

Your mouth fell open in shock. You didn’t know what to do. You should’ve thought harder about an escape plan.

You tried to think about what you had written years ago. You were fairly certain your strategy had been to flatter her and then place a crowd between you and her. She wouldn't hurt civilians, and she tended to believe their accounts more than her own men.

“Is this the man you came with tonight?" Hina asked, bringing you back to the present. "He may have had different color hair, but-”

“That’s him,” you breathed out. “Oh my god, are you telling me I slapped a pirate?” Your self-preservation act was back and in high gear. If you could just fool them for a little bit longer, Kala and Mihal would have enough time to find what they needed. “A pirate with a bounty of over-” You stopped talking, taking deep, quickened breaths.

“Kadie!” Catacombo rushed over, holding you steady as you pretended to hyperventilate.

“I’m sorry,” you cried. “I didn’t know.”

“Have Lonz get the Whitebeard Pirates Bounty papers we have in the back room,” Comil murmured to the man next to him.

“We already confirmed there's a woman of her likeness that works at the Lonely Duck,” the man murmured back.

“I don't care about her. I doubt Portgas D. Ace would be working alone, so there must be more members here. So go get those posters.”

You cried harder into Catacombo’s chest, pretending like you didn’t hear them. At least your false identity would hold up for a few more minutes.

“The Navy won’t let anything happen to you,” Hina assured you. “You have some of the highest-ranking officials in this house. I promise Portgas D. Ace will be brought to justice, and you will be safe.”

You nodded, calming yourself down. It was getting close to midnight. You just had to keep them stalled until the firework went off. It was possible they didn’t have your poster anymore, since you had been presumed dead. And you were fairly sure that Kala or Mihal didn’t have bounty posters. Picking low-profile members had been a smart move.

“We have to deal with another issue, but a Rear Admiral guard placed at your door until the incident is over. I promise you will be safe.”

“Thank you,” you said, sniffling and wiping your eyes. “I’m so sorry I caused all this trouble.”

“Don’t be,” Hina smiled at you. “If anything, you saved us from something even worse.”

They left you alone in the room, which was probably one of the stupidest things they all agreed on. Leaving a civilian in a room with top-secret information was…absurd. Sometimes you really questioned the integrity of the World Government.

A few minutes later, a red flare shot into the sky, and the boom of a firework echoed through the tiny room you were in. Kala and Mihal had succeeded. It was time to leave. You could only hope that Ace had also managed to escape and would meet you at the rendezvous point.

You picked up a few random files, planning to take them with you as you escaped. At least then it would look like you were the real reason for breaking into the party. With some luck, they wouldn’t even notice that Kala and Mihal were in the house.

You were about to blast through the window when the door behind you opened. You froze, your back to the door. You clutched your files close to your chest, hoping the person who entered the room wouldn’t be able to see them.

“Thanks, Gion. Go take fifteen, I’ll watch her.” The voice chilled your bones. The last voice you wanted to hear. The Hero of the Navy. Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp.

Editing to add my tags that I forgot im SO SORRY!!

Tag list! @taeyoge @teiza @tojislawyer @trafalgardnami @bloopbopsblog @dancingnewcat @dxestyi @flooofity @deadsnothere @h-rhodes1598 @morgyyyyyyy @trafalgardvivi @beepboopcowboy (if you'd like to be included in the tag list, just comment or send me a message!)

#one piece #one piece imagine #one piece scenario #one piece x reader #one piece x you #portgas ace x you #portgas ace x reader #ace x y/n #ace x reader #portgas d ace #portgas d ace x reader #cozage #✧˚ace✧˚

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raya-rhaenyra-ahsoka · 4 months

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My thoughts on Ep.5 - A God Buys Us Cheeseburgers, A rant (Spoilers Ahead!)

First of all, the chaos with what happened in the Arch was expected, but Annabeth seeing the Fates was not expected.

Annabeth insisting that Percy is alive, and went to find him near the water.

Percy casually greeting them hi. Like he wasn’t stung by the Chimera and fell off the St. Louis Arch. This will never be not funny.

Annabeth rushing to hug Percy and didn’t even care that he was soaked.

Me, internally: PERCABETH! PERCABETH! PERCABETH! 😍🎉

Percy just now realizing that a god could not have stolen the master bolt and might have been helped by someone. Grover and Annabeth looking at him like, seriously?

This convo:

Percy: Why are you being weird with me again? I thought we’re not doing that anymore.

Annabeth: I’m not being weird.

Percy: Yes, you are. You’ve been weird since we left the Arch.

Again, that’s their relationship.

Percy assuming it’s because of the hug. And Annabeth being like, No idiot I saw the Fates! Percy, honey, you’re the one being weird about it.

At this point, Imma give Grover some popcorn while he watches them argue.

Biker Ares casually asking 3 kids if they need help. Definitely not sus.

Percy, Annabeth, and Grover hiding behind the road barrier like, uh, no, we’re good. Idk, but that’s funny to me.

Ares snorting and saying they’re behind schedule and offering to help his little cousin.

Ares immediately recognizing Annabeth as Athena’s kid. Ares being like, Omfg she sounds just like my sister. That’s definitely her kid.

So a biker offering to help 3 minors in the middle of nowhere and offering them food. In other people’s perspective, that’s definitely sus.

Ares being a Twitter Troll is something I never knew I need.

Percy and Annabeth being so unimpressed with Ares was so funny. Like, so this is the god of war? Really?

Gabe painting Percy as a fugitive, and Percy being pissed about it. Not surprised.

Ares being pumped that there’s a war coming.

Percy and Annabeth fucking ready to fight Ares, and Grover’s just there like, let’s all calm down.

You left your sheild? Like, forgot it on a merry-go-round? Girl, you’re talking to a god.

Negotiating with Ares 101:

Ares: Okay, the satyr stays here while you two get my shield.

Percy and Annabeth: No!

Grover: Okay, sure.

Percy and Annabeth: wtf

The Waterland giving off steampunk/horror movie vibes is something I’m here for.

Percy making plans to take Annabeth to see a movie in the middle of their death quest just because she admitted to never having seen one is just so sweet. PERCABETH!😍

Annabeth being fascinated by Hephaestus’ engineering.

Grover’s therapy session with Ares to get more info is also something I never knew I needed.

The f*cking Thrill Ride O’ Love! IT’S HAPPENING!

Book fans rn:

Annabeth: Don’t you even try to tell me not to be weird about this.

Percy: I didn’t say anything.

Annabeth: I can feel you thinking it.

Oh, my babies. PERCABETH! 😍

Percy calling the Thrill Ride O’ Love a ghost ride is something I agree on.

The awkward silence while they ride the rowboat though, and then suddenly you hear, WHAT IS LOVE? BABY DON’T HURT ME... That shit cracked me up.

The light projections in the tunnel telling Hephaestus’ story.

The ride turning into a horror boat ride to a whitewater rafting ride was so unexpected. I’d pay to see that kind of boat ride rather than an actual tunnel-of-love ride.

Them having to jump and Percy unknowingly pulling Annabeth to safety with his water superpowers. He’s a waterbender and he doesn’t know it. LOL

Ares, the literal god of war, just ranting off to a random satyr he found in the middle of nowhere about his overachiever sister and her feathered pet will never be not funny.

Annabeth not hesitating to sit on the chair, and Percy stopping her.

SEAWEED BRAIN! SEAWEED BRAIN! SEAWEED BRAIN! SHE SAID THE THING! THIS IS NOT A DRILL!

Book fans:

[Spoiler] To non-book-readers, that's her nickname for him.

Percabeth arguing about a life/death decision. This is their relationship.

Percy giving Annabeth Riptide. He trusts her. Aww. 😍

Percy having to sit on the chair, while Annabeth gets the shield.

Annabeth nearly backing out at the last second, while Percy assures her that he’s okay while trying not to cry.

Annabeth ignoring the shield then immediately and desperately tries to free Percy.

Annabeth bargaining with Hephaestus. Maybe, I was that way once, but I don’t wanna be that way anymore. I won’t be like all of you.

Hephaestus releasing Percy was definitely his way of saying, Girl, same. You’re a good kid. Imma make sure you’re Mom knows that.

THIS PIC! THIS IS HISTORICAL RIGHT HERE! GO BACK TO THIS POST AFTER THIS SHOW HAS SEVERAL SEASONS AND MOUNT ST. HELENS ERUPTS. *wink-wink

Percy and Annabeth going back to the diner with the shield casually, and then like, we got your shield, now where tf is our ride?

Ares’ ride: The Kindness Internation truck a.k.a. illegal animals smuggling van.

Thank you for the emotional abuse and the cheeseburgers and the ride! ~ Grover Underwood. Iconic!

Grover telling Percy and Annabeth about his therapy session with Ares: I know who stole the master bolt!

Of course, it’s a cliffhanger. But nothing will beat the HoO:MoA one.

Bruh, the amount of Percabeth content in this episode is just *chef’s kiss*. It’s all coming together. I can’t even fathom how much of an emotional rollercoaster I was watching this episode. It just keeps getting better and better! 😍

#pjo tv show #pjo tv series #percy jackson and the olympians #percy jackson spoilers #percy jackson tv series #percy jackson #annabeth chase #grover underwood #percy and annabeth #percy jackon and the olympians

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writing-fanics · 11 months

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• when I’m with you •

Prince Eric x Reader

(Summary: you were from another island visiting and it seemed you’ve already stolen the princes heart)

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Eric watched as you walked around the marketplace, admiring it all as you took it all in. He couldn’t help but smile at your complete look of awestruck, seeing things you’ve never seen before.

He couldn’t help but chuckle, as your eyes widened at the new foods you tried. Flavors you’ve never tasted spices you weren’t familiar with that you now needed to bring back home to your home island. For everyone to try.

“Hot! Hot!” You exclaimed, at the spicy food your mouth on fire as the person behind the food stand quickly handed you a glass of water and you chugged it.

“Thank you,” you said, to the person behind the counter who chuckled and smiled. Your ears perked up, hearing music playing and a smile grew across your lips.

Eric had turned away for a moment and you were gone. Having made your way towards the music and started dancing along with everyone else.

A small child watched and you looked towards the child, and gestured for her to come dance with you. Her mother gave her a slight nudge and the girl shook her head. You frowned slightly and continued dancing, the child watching for a bit until she decided to join in.

You took the child’s hand and started dancing. Causing the child to laugh excitedly making everyone smile and clap along as you danced to the music.

Eric’s heart swelled, watching how you immediately won over people with your kindness and warm smile. Sadly, the child had to leave leaving you alone still dancing. Your eyes, glanced over at Eric and you immediately rushed over to him and pulled him in so the two of you could dance.

You’ve never had this much fun in your entire life. This island was much more lively, than your home island. More people were happy and kind, and cheerful when back at home. Everyone is struggling just to get by but here life seemed so much better.

You and Eric, danced until the music stopped the two of you becoming closer and closer as time went by. There is one last thing he had planned.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Eric lead you to a little lake, where a rowboat was set up on the shore. You smiled, as he lead toward the rowboat. The two of you getting inside and the two of you placed your hands on the oars and started rowing. You smiled, at him and he smiled back at you.

“Your island, doesn’t compare to that of mine.” You said, looking at him, “Yours is just as beautiful as mine.” He said, and you shook your head.

“That’s a façade mine isn’t anything like yours. We’re struggling. My people are struggling and no matter how hard I try nothing seems to help.” You said, looking down at your hands.

Eric stopped rowing the boat for a bit, and placed his hand over yours. “You’re doing everything thing you can for your kingdom.” He said, and you looked up at him.

“You’re going to different islands to set up trades, to bring new foods and items. To improve the livelihood of your kingdom.” He said, and you couldn’t help but smile, “You’re doing what I wish my mother would let me do.” He said, and you couldn’t help but smile.

“My father was once the same, which is why we fell so behind.” You said, looking at Eric and remembered his hand was on yours causing you to blush slightly. He removed his hand and continued rowing the boat further out onto the lake.

You stared in wonder at the sky, seeing the man star constellations that the night sky had to offer. He smiled, and stopped rowing ocean again and laid back on the boat, taking notice you did the same.

And he started pointing out the star constellations, “Oh, that one is Leo.” He said, and you turned to look at him.

“That’s the one that’s shaped like a Lion right?” You asked, and he turned to look at you.

“Yep, thats the one.” He said, and you smiled listening intently as he talked about the star constellations. You couldn’t help but glance at him occasionally taking in all his features, something about him drew you closer. He was so compassionate and kind, and his yearning for exploration and the sea added to it.

“My favorite is Aries.” You said, pointing to the star constellation. “I named, my first cat after that constellation.” You said, and Eric looked at you.

“So you’re a cat person?” He asked, and you looked at him in shock, “Yes, don’t get me wrong I love dogs. But they aren’t my cup of tea. Max though he’s an exception.” You said, grinning at him.

The two of you looked eyes and stared at each other, something drawing you closer and you leaned into each other. Before you knew it, your lips pressed against each other in a passionate kiss. You’d never felt this way about anyone before so theses feelings were nothing but new.

You smiled, as he kissed back he placed his hand on your cheek deepening the kiss. and you placed to your hands on his chest. What felt like hours were only mere seconds, and the two of you pulled back from the kiss and stared each other in the eye before chuckling and heading back to shore.

#prince eric x reader #prince eric x y/n #prince eric #prince Eric you #x reader #fanfic #fluff #romance #jonah hauer king x you #jonah hauer king fanfiction #jonah hauer king x y/n #jonah hauer king x reader #the little mermaid #the little mermaid fanfiction #the little mermaid 2023 #disney

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ali-r3n · 2 years

Text

Eddie Munson x Henderson’s Sister!Reader

Season 4 Episode 5 “Chapter Five: The Nina Project”

Part One Part Two

Warnings: Language

“I’ll get Eddie his food,” Y/N stated, eagerly.

Dustin crossed his arms over his chest. “You just don’t want to go to the creepy house,” he replied.

Nancy gave her a knowing look. “I think she wants to spend more time with Eddie.”

Y/N avoided eye contact. “What? No! I’m just trying to be helpful.”

“Mmhmmm, sure.”

Dustin looked between his sister and Nancy. “What are you two - OH! You have a crush on...REALLY?! You have a crush on my friend, Eddie!”

“And I think he has a crush on her too,” Robin interjected.

“Really?” Y/N face lit up.

“No! No! NO! I forbid it!”

“GUYS!” Steve exclaimed. “Focus! Alright here’s the plan. We will go to the Creel house and Y/N will go grab Eddie his supplies. Does everybody understand?”

“But-”

“I said does everybody understand!” Steve gave Dustin a pointed look.

Dustin closed his mouth and nodded.

“Good. Let’s go.”

Y/N approached Reefer Rick’s house, her arms full with with two large bags. She adjusted them so that she could do the special knock on the door before she opened it.

“Special delivery.”

The tarp over the row boat was thrown aside and Eddie sat up.

“Thank God!” he said as he jumped out. He walked over and grabbed one of the bags. “Where are the others?”

“Following a lead on Vecna.”

“Ah, so you’re on fugitive duty I see,” he teased, though his smile didn’t reach his eyes.

Y/N touched his arm. “We’re going to clear your name, Eddie,” she reassured.

She gazed deeply into his eyes. He looked away.

“Yeah. I’ll believe it when I see it, Henderson.”

He rifled through the bags to see what she brought. Y/N tucked her hands into her red hoodie pockets and paced around the boathouse.

“No beer I see.”

“I’ve never bought beer before. I thought it would look suspicious, but Steve will bring some when they are done with their lead.”

“Great.” He grabbed a bag of chips and took a seat before he opened them.

She watched him shove chips into his mouth and took note of the dark circles under his eyes. Y/N walked towards him and kneeled next to him.

“When’s the last time you slept?”

He shrugged, his mouth full. “I got a few minutes last night,” he replied when he swallowed. “Kind of hard to when you’re ready for the calvary any second.”

He looked at her with his big brown eyes when she touched his knee. “Try and get some sleep,” she said, softly. “I’ll keep watch.”

Y/N hid by the window that faced the road. The walkie close by incase she needed to call the others.

She chewed on her bottom lip as she stared out of the glass. If she listened closely she could hear the soft snores of Eddie as he slept under the tarp.

He woke up and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes as he sat up, the tarp moving with him.

“How long did I sleep for?” he asked.

“A few hours,” she answered.

He climbed out of the rowboat. “Any word from your brother?”

She shook her head. “Not yet. Finding an inter-dimensional demon takes time.”

“You’re the expert. Well, since we have to wait. Would the fair maiden join a pour banished man for some rations?”

A smile spread on her face. “I could eat.”

After a small meal. they sat and took turns tossing small things into a cup.

“You’re bad at this,” he laughed when she missed again.

“Cut me some slack. That was close.”

“Close, but no cigar.”

Y/N nudged him with her elbow.

Their laughter died when they heard the sound of a car approaching the house. They looked at each other before they scurried to the window.

“Shit, it’s Jason!”

“Fuck!”

#eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x y/n #eddie munson x you #eddie munson x henderson!reader #eddie munson x henderson sister!reader #stranger things x you #stranger things x reader #stranger things x y/n

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thepenultimateword · 5 months

Text

Keep the King

For my song-story writing challenge! This story is based on the song "King" by "The Amazing Devil", which was submitted by @lqmie! I'll be honest, I secretly really wanted this one, so when the randomizer gave it to me I was ecstatic.

Sorry it’s a day late, I’m mad at myself for not meeting the deadline in time when I’m the one who made it, I also meant this to be MUCH longer, but realized I was getting over ambitious , but I hope everyone still enjoys.

***

Chimera ignored the water’s wailing. Phantom hands dragged on the oars while luminescent waves rocking the rowboat to and fro, threatening to leave the vessel stranded and stagnant enough to flip, but she kept her eyes fixed on the shore, lit in a blue, spectral glow that made the shadows of the trees stretch long.

“Not long now, your highness.”

“You’ll hang for this!” King Idris shouted in return. He looked a bit like trussed bird on the boat’s floor, hair mussed, cheek to the boards, fine bell sleeves crumpled in scarlet tatters behind his back. He’d been a bit scrappier than she’d imagined such a slender, pampered thing to be. She’d barely managed to drag him past the forestline and into the glammer before his guards caught up. Pinning him long enough to tie and blindfold him had been a whole other mess. The scratches on the backs of her hands prickled like stinging nettle.

“My soldiers are some of the best trackers in the kingdom; they will hunt you down! You’ll be on the noose faster than you can plead mercy, that is if they don’t tear you apart first!”

“Last I saw, your soldiers were having quite the problem with glammer, sooo…” Chimera heaved against an especially violent pull from the lake’s occupants. An oar almost slipped from her paw side, but she managed to sink her claws into the grooves. “Besides, you’re going back soon anyway. Just wait.”

“Take me back now!”

“No can do.”

King Idris cranked, his cloth-swathed face in her direction. “I’m giving you an order!”

Chimera clicked their tongue in feigned disappointed. “Sorry, not human.”

“What do you want then? Gold? Food? Do you have a grudge on my father?”

“Nope. I only came for you.”

The boat knocked hard against the head of the dock, and Chimera shook off any lingering fingers from the oars. The king yelped as a couple glowing droplets speckled his cheek though they quickly dulled against his skin.

“The water won’t hurt you, silly.” She scooped up the rope from the floor and leaped over his head to the dock, tethering the boat fast to the post. “It’s what’s in the water that wants to hurt you.”

Idris only had the chance to make a small strangled sound before Chimera grabbed him under the arms and hoisted him up after her.

“Don’t touch me! Monster!”

Chimera dropped him. She probably shouldn’t have. Adler would ask if he had a giant bruise on his face. Besides, this was a king, not only a human king, her king. Or he would be.Of a sort. Anyway, she’d been charged with keeping him safe here, not with dropping him face first on s hard, splintery dock. But…that word. Monster. It made her insides burn, and her hands moved on impulse.

“Suit yourself.” A quick flick of her knife and both the blindfold and the bonds around his ankles fluttered to the ground. She kept the hands tied for good measure. “I dont care if you walk.”

Idris rolled onto his side and blinked rapdily at his new surroundings. His eyes widened like silver pieces at the Dead Lake, then like saucers at the sight of dark looming trees and the pitch black spaces in between the trunks. She wondered if he caught the dark’s barely perceptible writhing? Like something alive. But the biggest reaction came when he looked at Chimera. His pale eyes became like twin moons. He’d called her monster based off a glimpse, she must seem truly inhuman now. She was a sight, alright, even among other fae. A lion paw on the top, a goat leg on the bottom, a tufted tail in between. Plus one devilish horn.

“We’re going up there.” Chimera pointed up the cliff face to the rickety house at the top; blessedly, the king’s gaze followed. “I really wouldn’t recommend running off. Especially not at night. The lake will drown you and the wood will eat you.”

Idris leaned his forehead against the planks and slowly shoved himself up onto his knees. He glared up at her. “My soldiers are coming.”

Chimera shrugged. “Then let’s wait for them inside.” She hooked her claws into the knot of his bonds and yanked him upright. “Come on.”

Maybe Idris realized the stupidity of staying out on this rock because he walked forward without argument. Every once in a while his muscles went rigid like he wanted to bolt or jump or turn on her, and Chimera prodded him in the back with the hilt of her knife, but halfway up he was wheezing to much for defiance. By the time they reached the top of the cliff’s stone steps, he seemed to be choking on his own breath.

"Hey." Chimera slapped him a couple times on the back, but it only sent him into a fit of coughing. "Hey, hey, hey."

She pulled him to the dining table and rushed to fill one of their wooden cups with cold tea from the kettle. She only remembered his bound hands as she held out the cup.

"Right." She moved the cup up to his mouth. He drew his lips together into a tight line, though a few spluttering coughs broke threw, sending ripples across the drink's surface. "It's just honey and blackberry. The normal kind. Not fae food. On my honor."

Idris slowly loosened his mouth and took a tentative drag. HIs face unwrinkled a fraction.

After a couple sips, Chimera placed the cup on the table and crouched behind the king to cut ropes on his wrists. He slowly drew his arms in front of himself, flexing his hands and wrists a couple times before folding them in his lap, the shredded ends of his sleeves swathing his knuckles less elegantly than this morning.

"Did they ever make you do anything in that castle?" Chimera said before she could think better of it.

"I tire out easily," Idris snapped with the defensiveness of one already hyperaware of his own limitations and others' thoughts on the matter. "I always have. There are more important things than traipsing up mountains and hitting people with swords."

Maybe so. As far as she knew King Hyacinthe didn't do much of either. News from the deep wood only brought word of sweet torture and cruel revelries, the fae court's specialties.

"Do you want something to eat?" Chimera said.

Idris went even stiffer than he already was. "Why?"

"Becaaaause we've been traveling since this morning?"

"When you kidnapped me?"

"I wouldn't exactly call it kidnapping." Chimera plopped into the seat next to him.

"Oh? Pray tell then. What would you call it?"

"A temporary retrieval. It's not like I just snatched you to snatch you; we've been expecting you, see?" She motioned to the thick pile of skins in the corner. "That's your bed there in the corner. And there is food for 3 stockpiled in the cellar. We even scrounged you up some clothes for the stay."

"Oh, how magnanimous, that fixes absolutely everything because what I've really been concerned about is what I'm going to wear."

"Well, obviously I couldn't come to you, so I was sent to bring you here."

Idris stared at her incredulously. "Sent? By who?"

"King Hyacinthe." Idris continued to stare. No recognition. "The king. The other king. Fae king. My brother and I were specifically assigned. It's a very important job, you know, and not easily acquired."

Idris held up his hands, trembling a little with the rising register of his voice. "Job? Assigned? Is this a political abduction? Are the fae planning a siege on my kingdom? Are there going to be peace negotiations?"

So he didn't know. Chimera had wondered. When a changeling was planted as an infant it often wouldn't know its true identity. But usually, they figured it out. There were only so many unexplainable things that could happen--accidental glammering, elemental phenomenons, new appendages--before someone took notice. But Idris...the way he spoke. It was like a human.

"No, nothing like that," Chimera said.

The human kingdom was already covered 25 years ago. Time for him to know.

"This is an individual issue. You're late."

Idris furrowed his brow.

"You should have manifested years ago, maybe it's best that you didn't, but now you're king. And obviously, you've been doing an awful job on your own, so if you're ever going to change, you're going to need a mentor."

Idris folded his hands tightly together and rolled back his shoulders, staring Chimera down with a cold regality that couldn’t counterfeited. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Chimera’s stomach dropped a little. She’d known their situations weren’t the same, but she’d still stupidly thought… Nevermind. None of this was about her. Alder would be depending on her to get their plans in motion.

"Haven’t you felt anything? It's like an itch. An itch so bad you want to claw out of your own skin.”

“I don’t have dealings with magic or magic folk. I have nothing to do with your witchcraft.”

Chimera snorted. “You might want to bend that person ideal.”

“I do not and will not. I demand an immediate explanation of the fae monarchy’s intentions for my kingdom and myself. I will not be cooperating until you do so.”

How did such a pale, and fragile thing pull off such commanding airs? Like he shrugged away his very body and exposed the core of his being. Well, she had to say it straight out sooner or later.

She took a deep breath and then locked eyes with the changeling king. “King Idris, the entire fae court, has been waiting for your ascension. Because only you, a changling raised as human royalty and crowned their king, can make the human kingdom ours.”

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anonymous-dentist · 7 months

Note

I'm imagining roier getting thrown overboard by like the federation or enemy pirates or something and everyone's freaking out and cellbits a little worried because he's taking awhile to resurface but then roier comes back up all like "hey cellbit I found this really pretty shell do you want it? I got it for you"

Big surprise, the thing that reverses the spell is contact with ocean water. But we’re also talking One Piece rules because he can get his legs back once he’d dried off again. And he knew this going in, Bad told him when he cast the spell in the first place

So it’s the middle of a battle, Roier’s first with the crew, and there’s a Federation guy about to kill Mike and Roier just tackles the fucker off the side of the boat and doesn’t come back up. But then the Federation’s ship starts randomly sinking and someone’s shouting about something putting holes in the bottom

Roier doesn’t come back up even once the battle is over, but Cellbit won’t let his ship move until he sees a body.

It’s late at night and Cellbit is the only one still awake because they’re moving at sunrise no matter what. But then Roier’s head and shoulders pop up and he’s covered in gold jewelry and he’s holding a big colorful shell and he’s like “Oh, gatinho! Look what I got!!” and poor Cellbit is so surprised that he almost falls overboard and instead falls into a rowboat, which he then lowers to the ocean to bring Roier and his haul into

(Turns out the Federation keeps all the loot they take from pirates despite claiming to give it back to the people. Who would’ve thought)

#asks!#spiderbit mermaid au

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hendersister · 9 months

Text

twilight zone (1/3)

summary: when you and steve get trapped in the upside down, you work together to survive.

pairing: steve harrington x henderson!sister reader

title 🎵: twilight zone by golden earring

word count: ~1k

a/n: while i was outling this fic, i realized it was getting pretty long so i decided to split it into 3 parts 🩷🩷🩷

part 2 ->

Everything happened so fast…

It all started when you thought that you had a lead in tracking down Vecna. You believed that gates to the Upside Down were opened at each spot Vecna kills his victims. So you and Steve decided to follow your hunch. You took Dustin’s compass and a boat out to Lover’s Lake, where Patrick died, to investigate if your theory was accurate.

You and Steve stopped rowing after the compass started acting haywire. Steve volunteered to go into the water to check it out. When he resurfaced, he told you that he found a small gate. Your theory was right! But before you had time to celebrate this little win in the big war, Steve got abruptly pulled underwater. It was horrifying to watch, like a moment in Jaws came to life.

“STEVE!” you scream frantically.

Without thinking, you dive into the water to help your boyfriend.

Steve is dragged into the Upside Down by the creature that pulled him underwater. Once Steve makes it through the gate, the creature lets go of its tight grip around his ankle.

Steve breathes heavily, trying to catch his breath after being underwater. He rises to his feet and takes a look around.

“Shit,” Steve curses to himself.

He hears the sounds of electricity sparking, thunder rumbling in the distance, and then-

“Steve!”

Your boyfriend turns to see you rushing toward him. His jaw drops when he sees you. When Steve was in trouble, you jumped in the water after him. If that’s not love, Steve doesn’t know what is.

“Y/N!”

As soon as you reach Steve, you pull him into a big hug.

“Holy shit! When you got pulled down….I thought I lost you…” you tell him breathlessly.

Steve hugs you back tightly.

“I’m alright,” he softly assures you, then looks you up and down, “Are you okay?”

You nod and then let out a deep breath, finally taking in your surroundings. Your eyes widen as you look around the Upside Down. It’s like Hawkins but it’s colder, darker, and much more sinister.

“Toto… I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore,” you joke in an attempt to lighten the mood.

Suddenly, sounds of shrieking and squawking can be heard in the distance. You and Steve both turn your heads to see a swarm of demobats flying right towards you.

“Oh fuck!” you gasp.

Steve quickly scans your surroundings and notices an Upside Down version of the little rowboat you used to get to the middle of Lover’s Lake. The boat has two paddles. Steve grabs them both and hands one off to you.

You and Steve raise your paddles like weapons, readying yourself for the oncoming threat.

WOOSH

The demobats start swarming around you and Steve. The two of you smack them away with the paddles. You try to stay as close to one another as possible but you eventually break away from each other to fight your own little battles.

You’re able to hold your own pretty well. While repeatedly hitting one of the demobats over and over again, part of your wooden paddle breaks off into a sharp edge. You take advantage and start using it like a knife. Instead of swatting the demobats away, you stab them. You pierce holes through their chest, killing them instantly.

Meanwhile, Steve is fighting off demobats left and right. One of the bats extends its tail and wraps it around Steve’s neck, choking Steve and causing him to drop his paddle. Steve grunts as he pulls the tail away from his neck. Steve keeps hold of the demobat’s tail and repeatedly smashes the creature into the ground. Then he steps on the bat’s chest and tears its body apart. A panting Steve tosses half of the demobat’s body behind him and spits out some blood as thunder booms in the background.

And then, just as quickly as they came, you and Steve watch as most of the demobats suddenly fly away. A few of the creatures stay behind and circle around the gate, effectively blocking it off.

“There’s not that many. We can take ‘em. Right?” Steve wonders aloud.

SQUAWK

In the distance, more demobats start to converge. Your heart drops. Those bats weren’t leaving the fight, they were getting more back up. You and Steeve need to get out of here immediately.

You take Steve’s hand.

“C’mon!”

You and Steve run as fast as you can into the nearby woods. You don’t stop running until you reach the Upside Down version of Skull Rock. You both need a moment to catch your breath.

After a beat, you look Steve up and down. Before he dove into the water to take a look at the gate, he took his shirt and shoes off. You can’t let him navigate the Upside Down in nothing but a pair of sweatpants. You take off your sweatshirt, which was actually one of Steve’s old sweatshirts before he gave it to you, and toss it over to him.

“As much as I enjoy watching you walk around shirtless, you look like you need this more than me.”

Steve gives you an appreciative look.

“Thanks Y/N.”

You wink cutely at Steve. He smiles to himself and puts on the sweatshirt.

Then the earth abruptly starts shaking. Steve wraps a protective arm around you and tries his best to keep hold of the rock. You both cling on to each other until the shaking stops. You can hear creatures baying and snarling in the distance.

“We need to find another gate to get out of here. There’s no way we can use Lover’s Lake,” you tell Steve.

Your boyfriend nods in agreement.

“I think the next closest gate is Eddie’s trailer, where Chrissy died,” you say.

“Yeah, but that’s like 15 miles away,” Steve shrugs.

You sigh. Ooof. That’s going to be a long walk! Unfortunately, it might be the only other way out of the Upside Down. You have to get to Eddie’s trailer. But first, you and Steve should stock up on supplies to prepare for the journey ahead.

“My house isn’t too far from here. We can go there to pick up anything we might need before heading to Eddie’s trailer,” you suggest.

“Good idea,” Steve nods.

“Let’s go.”

#stranger things #steve harrington #stranger things fanfic #steve harrington fanfic #steve harrington imagine #steve harrington x reader #steve harrington x henderson!sister reader

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ecoamerica · 24 days

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youtube

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ell0ra-br3kk3r-writes · 9 months

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The Phoenix and the Crow

part sixteen

pairing: kaz brekker x fem!reader

genre: netural

el's thoughts: the next part!! yayyy please let me know your favorite parts or what you are hoping to see next!!

The sick feeling in Y/N’s stomach had nothing to do with the rocking of the rowboat. She tried to breathe deeply, to focus on the lights of the Ketterdam harbor disappearing behind them and the steady splash of the oars in the water. Beside her, Kaz adjusted his mask and cloak, while Muzzen, one of the Dregs, rowed with a relentless and aggressive speed. Hellgate rested on one of Kerch’s tiny outlying islands, Terrenjel.

Fog lay low over the water, damp, and curling. It carried the smell of tar and machinery from the shipyards on Imperjum, and something else – the sweet stink of burning bodies from the Reaper’s Barge. The place where Ketterdam disposed of the dead who couldn’t afford to be buried in the cemeteries outside the city. ‘Disgusting.’ Y/N thought, drawing her cloak tighter around her. How could these people live with themselves? Not giving the dead the respect they deserved. Then again, it was Ketterdam… How many of these people truly deserved an honoring of their name?

Y/N shuffled away from the edge of the rowboat, accidentally brushing her arm against Kaz’s side. If her being this close to him bothered him, he didn’t show it. Instead, he spoke in a quiet whisper, “We’re almost there.”

The tightness in her chest dwindled at his words. She nodded just enough for him to notice her thanks.

When the boat’s hull scraped sand, two men rushed forward to haul them farther onto land. The other boats she’d seen were making ground in the same cove, being pulled ashore by more grunting men. Their features were vague through the gauze of her veil, but Y/N caught a glimpse of the tattoos that inked their forearms. A feral cat curled into a crown– the symbol of the Dime Lions.

“Money?” One of them had asked as the crows clambered out of the boat.

Kaz handed over a stack of kruge and once it was counted, the Dime Lion waved them on.

They all followed a row of torches up an uneven path to the leeward side of the prison. Y/N had seen the prison from afar before but looking up at it now… She understood why the mention of the jail instilled such a strong fear in people. She tilted her head back to gaze at the high black towers of the fortress named Hellgate.

A door had been propped open, and another member of the opposing gang led Y/N and the others inside. They entered a dark, surprisingly clean kitchen, its walls lined with huge vats that looked better suited to laundry than cooking. A strong aroma of vinegar and sage filled her nose. ‘Like a mercher’s kitchen.’ She’d thought to herself. The Kerch believed that work was akin to prayer. Maybe the merchant wives came here to scrub the floors, walls, and windows to honor Ghezen, the god of industry and commerce. Y/N resisted the urge to gag. They could scrub all they liked. Beneath the wholesome scent was the indelible stench of mildew, urine, and unwashed bodies. It might take a miracle from the Saints to dislodge it.

They all continued down a dark hallway, and she thought they would head up into the cells, but instead, they passed through another door and onto a high stone walkway that connected the main prison to what looked like another tower.

“Where are we going?” Y/N whispered. Kaz didn’t answer. The wind picked up and lifted her veil and lashed at her cheeks with salt spray.

Nina let out a breathless gasp as she looked around the familiar surroundings. “I thought we were breaking him out. Brekker, you lying bastard.”

Kaz didn’t turn around to look at her, “We are breaking him out. But he was already scheduled. He survives tonight then he gets out.”

Y/N looked between the two, confused as to what was happening.

Nina gritted her teeth, “Hellshow.”

The slow cranking of metal against metal echoed in the arena over all the shouts and loud conversations from the crowds. The two grisha women walked closer to the metal cage, Nina grasped the thick bars between her hands tightly, as if willing the metal to bend at her will. They both watched as a tall man walked out from under the gate.

“Matthias.” Nina’s voice was barely heard over the cheering around them.

The two men in the ring stood there for a moment before the one with ‘cannibal’ written on his back lunged first. A strong punch to the Fjerdan’s jaw caused his head to snap to the side, and with no time to recover another blow was aimed at his stomach.

After taking a few more hits, resulting in the Heartrender flinching at every grunt, the Fjerdan finally snapped. He threw a jaw-snapping punch at the smaller man, spun around, and threw his elbow back landing on the man’s collarbone. The latter fell to the floor giving Matthias an opening to continue his attack. He picked up a leg and dragged the man on his back before crushing his leg in his grasp.

Y/N’s eyes widened at the memory and felt a sickening feeling creep up on her. Such a dishonorable way to keep your life. But then again, what choice did these people have?

The Dime Lion led them around the tunnel to the third archway, where a prison guard dressed in a blue-gray uniform was posted with a rifle slung across his back. “Four more for you.” The Dime Lion shouted over the roar of the crowd. Then he turned to Kaz. “If you need to leave, the guard will call for an escort. No one goes wandering off without a guide, understood?”

“Of course, of course. Wouldn’t dream of it.” Kaz said from behind his ridiculous mask.

“Enjoy.” The Dime Lion said with an ugly grin. The prison guard waved them through.

Y/N stepped under the arch and felt as if she’d fallen into another nightmare. They were on a jutting stone ledge, looking down into a shallow, crudely made amphitheater. The tower had been gutted to create an arena. Only the black walls of the old prison remained the roof long since fallen in or destroyed so that the night sky was visible high above, with dense clouds and free of stars.

It was a different view from when she came with Nina before. Now higher in the stands, the crowd’s shouting echoed and made her ears ring. Around her, masked and veiled men and women crowded onto the terraced ledges, stamping their feet as the action proceeded below. The blazing light from the torches on the walls was hardly bright enough to make out anyone’s face even with a strained effort, but it was bright enough below them to see the red and damp sand of the floor.

Y/N swayed on her feet when she saw a man standing in the caged arena while a desert lizard crawled out from under the heavy metal trap door. Her sight blurred the moment she noticed the man pick up his knife and quicker than she could whisper a prayer the crowd’s volume got louder only this time they were booing. Y/N turned to the man standing next to her. “Why are they complaining? Isn’t this what they came here for?”

“They wanted a fight,” said Kaz. “They were expecting him to last longer.”

“This is disgusting.”

Kaz shrugged, “The only disgusting thing about it is that I didn’t think of it first.”

“These men aren’t slaves, Kaz!” Y/N spoke harshly but kept her volume down. “They’re prisoners.”

“They’re murderers and rapists.”

“And thieves and con artists. Your people.” Nina spoke up from Kaz’s other side.

“Nina, sweet, they aren’t forced to fight. They line up for the chance. They earn better food, private cells, liquor, jurda, conjugals with girls from the West Stave.”

Muzzen, the man who accompanied the crows on the heist, cracked his knuckles. “Sounds better than we got at the Slat.”

The two grisha looked around the stands at all the men and women who came here to support such a violent show, all of them exchanging bets while walking up and down the aisles. The prisoners of Hellgate might line up to fight, but Pekka Rollins made the real money. At least he used to. News got out shortly after Pekka was thrown into the high-security prison where he was brutally beaten to death by a few of the other prisoners.

“Helvar doesn’t…” Y/N couldn’t get her eyes to focus on anything as she spoke and pulled herself out of her own thoughts. “Helvar doesn’t fight in the arena, does he? You bought his name off the list, didn’t you?”

A grim look passed over Kaz’s eyes as he looked down at the inferni. “We aren’t here for the ambience.”

“Are you aware that I could waggle my fingers and make you wet your trousers?” Nina was beyond furious at this point. Her hands clenched at her sides.

“Easy, heartrender. I like these trousers. And if you start messing with my vital organs, Matthias Helvar will never see sunshine again.”

Once the stomach-churning sound of the heavy metal gate being cranked open was heard the crowds went wild. Y/N looked over to see Nina staring down into the arena with a pale face. She had turned to look down and felt her heart drop to her stomach at the sight before her.

Matthias emerged from the mouth of the cave while the unmistakable growls of wolves could be heard from the other side.

The Fjerdan had to fight his most sacred animal.

#kaz brekker x reader #kaz brekker #six of crows #six of crows x reader #six of crows imagines #kaz brekker x y/n #kaz brekker x you #ellora.writes

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magnetictapedatastorage · 1 year

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this is going to sound so basic but YES i want to go on the most gooey soft romantic dates you can possibly imagine. i want to go out on a rowboat with a basket of homemade food and watch the sunset. i want to go for long walks in the park that stops every couple of steps to watch a tiny bird. i want to lay in the grass with her and i want to go to a museum and as we’re leaving say “i can’t believe they’re letting me steal the art”

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mamamittens · 11 months

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A Lone Melody (Pt. 1)

Platonic Yandere Arlong & OC(Melody)

Main

Warnings: Child endangerment, abandonment, possesive behavior, and canonical racism.

Word Count: 1,785

This takes place before Fisher Tiger's death and his "Don't brutally beat the shit out of humans just because you can" speech.

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In a world almost completely covered by sea, it wasn’t humans that were destined to rule, it was fishmen.

This, Arlong knew, was simply an inevitable truth. Like the sun rising and falling in the sky and the ocean waves capsizing ships. One could argue. Fight it. But at the end of the day, this pitiful belief was like a rowboat in a hurricane. That was why he chose to follow Fisher Tiger alongside his childhood friends. Leaving behind Fishman-District, as well as Shyarly. She could handle herself fine now, so Arlong was scarcely worried about her.

For too long, those pathetic humans sat on top of that glorified hill and it was about time someone went up there and taught them a lesson.

Although… for someone so eager to fight back against humans, Fisher Tiger was soft. Soft like Jinbe who kept trying to mediate when they were younger. Arlong didn’t really get it, but he supposed that sometimes there were bigger fish to fry than personally beating the inferiority into their weak, human bodies. He wouldn’t even have time to think if he personally beat up every last arrogant human he came across.

Arlong looked out across the waves as they sailed to their next destination. The waves scarcely choppy as the sun glared down at them. He considered going for a short swim to take a break from the heat.

And that’s when he saw it.

A small iridescent bubble bobbing on the surface. Something inside it wriggling. A fish? Who bubbles a fish? Why? Curious and bored enough to investigate, Arlong leapt into the water, ignoring the startled cry of Jinbe.

“Arlong?! Where are you going, we’re supposed to be cleaning!”

Anything else Jinbe had to say was lost to the waves as Arlong powered effortlessly through the water.

The bubble was small, small enough that Arlong was a little impressed with himself that he even saw it to begin with. Somehow, it hadn’t popped yet, easily sliding into his arms as he brought it closer to see past the reflection of light that danced across the top. When he loomed over it, he was startled to find that it was a baby. Bafflingly enough, a fishman baby at that.

Swaddled in a thick blanket, the baby squirmed, upset at their imprisonment. Chubby face scrunched up and red, a stark contrast to their otherwise cool gray skin tone. White hair obscuring their features in fluffy chunks tipped with red and black. Gills around their tiny neck flaring as they whimpered, small hands with dark gray fingers clenched into tight fists. They didn’t even have teeth yet, gums smooth as they babbled unhappily.

Not wanting to leave the poor baby uncomfortable for much longer, Arlong carefully held the bubble close and swam back to the ship, climbing up the ladder Jinbe lowered.

“Arlong, what did you find?” Jinbe asked, the rest of the crew coming around to see. Arlong took a moment to stand, adjusting the bubble before placing his hand over the surface, popping it finally. The muffled whines now unimpeded as the baby cried, blindly reaching out and flailing in the open air.

“A baby.” Arlong grunted, carefully brushing back their hair. “A fishman baby.”

Wide ruby eyes looked up at him in shock. Staring right into his eyes as they smiled, clumsy fist hitting his hand and curling around his thumb with a happy warble. Pulling his hand in closer to gnaw on it. Despite himself, Arlong smiled, wriggling his fingers in their grip to their delight.

“Half.” Arlong looked up in surprise at his captain, Fisher Tiger staring softly at the baby. He reached down and brushed his thumb over the baby’s cheek. “They’re half fishman.”

Arlong scowled.

“What?” Arlong sneered, disgusted at the idea that any fishman would lay with a human, let alone have a child with them. Although, clearly something went wrong if the baby was abandoned in a bubble to float on the ocean’s surface rather than given away. “How do you know?” Arlong asked curiously, especially considering how different fishmen could look.

“Their skin, it’s too soft, the fat not firm enough. The texture is… not quite right for a full fishman. Their hands don’t have enough webbing. They even have fingerprints. Their hair is also softer. More like a mermaid’s, really.” Fisher Tiger announced in a soft voice, gently uncurling a fist to reveal faint markings as the baby tried to grasp his finger as well. “They must take after their fishman parent more than the human one, but still… they’re definitely not purely fishman.”

Arlong looked down at the baby in shock. Noting the differences himself. The baby seemed more like Shyarly than any fishman kid he could remember, but then again mermaids were a bit more delicate. They weren’t especially strong either but he’d be willing to chalk that up to him being a full-grown adult and them… well, a baby. It would be really fucking stupid to expect a baby to be stronger than himself.

“…Well, what do we do with them?” Jinbe asked with a frown. “Do we… take them back to Fishman Island?”

Arlong instinctively held the baby closer to his chest, his eyes drawn back to the wide, ruby eyes that had barely left him the entire time.

“Where did you even come from, kid?” Arlong asked, leaning down. He jerked in surprise when the baby reached up and grabbed the tip of his nose with a delighted laugh. The sound of paper crinkling clear now that he was so close. “Hm?”

Arlong gently freed himself and poked around the blanket, revealing a scrap of paper stuck to the baby’s chest. The ink having bleed heavily and staining the baby’s skin. It was a note, clearly, but the full contents were unreadable.

The occasional word remained intact enough that they were legible. Fisher Tiger grabbed the paper and squinted at it, holding it up to the sun to see better.

“I… desper—desperation… use…Bubb—bubble? Free… We… no… I Lov—love? Be gone… Sorry… My Melody…” Fisher Tiger paused, looking down at the baby. “…Melody, huh?”

Arlong looked at Jinbe and the others. His chest aching a little despite his distaste for humans.

They’re just a baby… just a baby.

“Something must have happened. They can’t have been out at sea for long. Maybe… one of the nearby islands knows something?” Arlong suggested, receiving startled looks. Arlong flushed and defended himself quickly. “I mean, clearly whoever wrote the note couldn’t keep them. If it was their… human parent, then it was because the baby is half fishman. If it was their fishman parent, they would have fled back to Fishman island since the baby could survive there, so something must have stopped them.” Arlong argued.

Fisher Tiger nodded, approval in his eyes.

“In the meantime… you and Jinbe look after them. We don’t have proper clothes but we can at least clean them up and feed them. Remember, no solids.” Fisher Tiger ordered.

“Ack! Why me?! Arlong is the one that found them!” Jinbe asked with a grimace.

“I can manage a baby.” Arlong protested as well, figuring it couldn’t be too different from Shyarly.

Fisher Tiger just smiled mischievously.

“Because I said so!” He laughed, the baby squealing in joy as well.

Small mercies, Melody was a very happy and agreeable baby. Arlong knew this was a rarity in babies but decided to count his blessing rather than complain about it. She—yes, a she, it was unavoidable given that they needed to bathe her. The end of her feet from arch to toes were the same color as her fingers and it made him laugh—seemed to want for nothing but to be held. A task that Arlong accepted easily enough and that Jinbe took over when he clearly grew jealous of the attention Arlong was getting from the cute baby. She was constantly playing with their shirts and burying her face into their necks while babbling.

Anytime they set her down for literally anything she cried and started squirming towards the nearest person. Clumsy and tearful.

Arlong assumed, somewhat sadly, that she was afraid of being left alone again. A sentiment he quietly sympathized with, remembering his own childhood and abandonment by his father. So he ignored the ribbing of his crewmates and made a sling to keep her to his chest but free his arms.

“…You’re not going to want to let her go.” Jinbe quietly warned him after seeing the look on Arlong’s face when he first put Melody in the sling. Her eyes staring up at him like he was the only thing worth seeing, gnawing on her fingers in contentment. “She’s still half-human, you know.”

Arlong looked at Jinbe a bit helplessly, having completely forgotten for a moment that Melody wasn’t his baby. It was almost frightening how little he cared about her human parentage after only a day.

He hated humans.

But… Melody wasn’t human. She wasn’t even half-fishman in his eyes. Not since she grabbed a spoonful of gruel and tried to feed him with it despite clearly being ravenous.

Quietly, in a small part of his heart, all he knew was that she was his.

Jinbe saw his relieved smile when they did their rounds at the nearby islands and found no whisper of a mixed couple. He didn’t say anything to Arlong, seemingly understanding his feelings without words.

“Well, seems like we’ll have to make a stop at Fishman Island.” Fisher Tiger said with a sly look towards Arlong and Jinbe. “Unless you two think you can handle taking care of Melody.”

“Of course I can!” Arlong scoffed, holding up Melody in the air as she giggled. “I can handle you just fine, can’t I, Melody?” She flailed in her new onesie emblazoned with their Jolly Roger, kicking her feet.

“Oh yeah, you plan on fighting with a baby strapped to your chest, Arlong?” Jinbe teased. “Really going to strike fear into those marines looking like that.”

Arlong clicked his tongue, laying Melody onto his shoulder where she quickly grabbed a fistful of hair and started chewing on it. Arlong tactfully ignored the mess she was making.

“How else is she going to learn how to handle those filthy humans?” Arlong scoffed. Jinbe frowned a little, Hatchan speaking up in a soft voice.

“You do remember she’s half-human, right?” Hatchan asked uncertainly.

Arlong huffed, rubbing Melody’s back as she babbled into the now thoroughly wet clump of hair in her mouth.

“Half-human—bah!” Arlong rolled his eyes. “She’s mine now, no half-nothin’!”

Wherever Melody came from… well, it didn’t matter anymore. She was his now.

#a lone melody #one piece #one piece yandere #yandere arlong #platonic yandere

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ppeasants · 7 months

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I've been working on the final chapter of my Wind-centric fic, 'Fish Out of Water,' and I wanted to post a WIP of my current progress. I've been having some trouble wording this final chapter, but I managed to get this out, and I wanted to post it so y'all could let me know if it's any good!

To give some context for the story (which if you haven't read it yet you can find it here), Wind has been feeling isolated from the other members of The Chain due to his differences from them. He's tried to connect, but it hasn't really worked, save for Sky, who he found companionship with.

However, Wind and Sky recently got into a huge argument, causing a huge rift between them, and between that and various other incidents, Wind has decided to leave the group when they arrive in his world. It's been weeks of Wind being sad and unresponsive, worrying everyone.

They've arrived in the Great Sea, and he calls Tetra to pick them up and drop the others off at Windfall. Wind is happier than he's been in weeks, which they notice, and Wind decides to fake his happiness for one more day, so he can leave them without them knowing. Tetra picks them up, and they go sailing.

This is half a combat scene, half a heavy dialogue scene. I am not used to writing combat scenes, and considering this is a big emotional moment, I wanted to do this section justice. It is pretty angsty, so fair warning. Please let me know if it's good, if the action flows well, or if everything makes sense!

(The Queensguard is the name I gave Tetra's ship, and The Red Knight is the name I gave the King of Red Lions without the king's soul in it).

“Captain!” Zuko yells from the crow’s nest. “Big Octo off th’ starboard side!” Tetra tsks and pulls out her spyglass, turning towards the cluster of seagulls to her right. She tosses the telescope to Wind before he can pull his own out, and almost fumbles it before catching it, groaning and muttering something about Tingle Island as he spots the birds.

Four and Warriors look at the two in confusion as they step away from the wheel “What’s a Big Octo?” Warriors asks. “Is that like an Octorok?”

“Yeah, somethin’ like that!” Wind calls out over his shoulder, untying a rope attached to a small boat as Tetra leaves to direct her crew. “Big doesn’t mean rowboat sized, by the way. Big means larger-than-this-ship sized. With many tentacles and double as many eyes all which drag any ship down to Hy- to the depths.”

“So, what are we gonna do?” Four asks, turning towards Time.

Wind scowls at being ignored in his own world. “We aren’t going to do anything,” Wind interrupts in a harsh voice. “I am going to sail over there and take it out.” He finishes untying the knot and is about to walk away when Twilight grabs his arm.

“What do you mean by that?” The rancher is holding his wrist tightly as Wind looks up at him defiantly. “There’s no way that we’re gonna let you fight this thing.”

“Why? Is it because I’m too young? Too inexperienced? Too fragile?” Wind yanks his arm out of Twilight’s grips and jabs his finger into Twilight’s chest. “Because the last time I checked, I’m the only one who knows how to kill this beast. I’m the only one who knows how to navigate these water. I’m the only one who knows how to throw a boomerang in a boat without tipping over.

And I’m sure as hell the only one who can fit in the Red Knight.”

Wind walks away from the group, with Twilight’s retort getting stopped on his tongue by Time putting a hand on his shoulder. “Okay sailor, this is your world. we’ll defer to you.” Wind turns, a look of shock in his face, like he never expected to be acknowledged by his former hero. “But, if anything goes wrong, you will call Wild on the slate. We’ll support you however we can from here.”

Wind gives a nod, and jumps over the railing into a small red dinghy with a figurehead of a lion frozen in the middle of a roar. “Tetra!” He calls out to his captain. “Lower the ship!”

Tetra gives a salute and a smile, and cuts one last rope, which drops the sailor’s dinghy right into the ocean. There’s a pause before a chime sounds, and the breeze changes direction and The Red Knight sails towards its target.

Tetra directs the crew, turning her ship to follow behind Wind as the rest of The Chain are standing in worry on the bow. Legend and Hyrule are still down in the lower deck, but the others have gathered beside a pacing Twilight.

Before anyone can say anything to offer comfort or assurance, a gigantic Octorok springs up from the Great Sea, bringing with it a giant whirlpool that threatens to swallow the entire ocean. The heroes gasp as Wind’s ship gets caught in the swirling water, but instead of sinking, he lowers his sail and rides the whirlpool.

He raises his boomerang, aims, and throws, launching it directly into 5 of the eyes on its back, causing it to screech and flail, tentacles crashing into the ocean, creating waves that nearly tip The Red Knight over. Wind just tightens his grip and grimaces as the kraken recovers much faster than he’s used to.

The sailor swears under his breath and kicks the deck of his boat, raising his cannon and pulling back to dodge a wave before firing a bomb right in the middle of its face. The monster lets out a terrible roar, and where at first its eyes are unfocused, looking at every movement across the ocean, it now turns all of its eyes to the young sailor, black blood slowly dripping from its fresh injury.

“...fuckin’ Zephos.” Wind mutters to himself, before pulling out his Gossip Stone. “Wild! This one’s got black blood!” He yells into the stone, ducking to avoid a tentacle that nearly takes his head clean off. “I got an idea! Tell Tetra to approach in range of the Big Octo! When I give the signal, I need you all to shoot at this thing’s eyes with as many arrows as you can!”

“What about my ship?!” Tetra yells over Wild’s shoulder into the slate.

“Don’t worry! I’ll make sure y’all’re safe!” Tetra can feel his grin through the slate, but before she can reprimand him he hangs up the call and shoots another bomb. Tetra drags her hand across her face before turning back to the crew.

“You heard him! Bring the ship in range! And you!” She whips around, pointing a finger at The Chain. “Make sure you don’t miss.”

It takes another trip around the whirlpool for Wind before The Queensguard finally gets in range, the other heroes drawing their bows as the pirate shooting bombs and narrowly dodging swipes the entire time. Wind has wound a rope around his arm, tied to the till to secure himself and steer with one hand while he mans the cannon with the other. He yells to hold their arrows until he gets to the opposite side of the Big Octo, so its attention can be divided between two vessels.

Just as he fires another bomb at the beast, right before he gets out of sight of Tetra’s vessel, it raises a tentacle and catches it mid-flight. Wind could swear it gives him a smirk before it throws the bomb back where it came from. Wind only has a second to react, pulling hard on the rope, causing the rope to rip into his flesh as he narrowly manages to turn out of the way of a direct hit, but he can’t avoid the oncoming wave, as the ship turns over and capsizes, dragging him under the water.

“LINK!!!” Tetra calls out as the young hero disappears behind the Big Octo, a similar cacophony coming from all sides of her ship, her crew and the heroes wailing like the breeze for the little sailor.

No response comes, however, as Tetra grips the railing of her ship so hard her knuckles turn while, a stark contrast to the blood seeping out of the kraken, who has now turned all of its attention towards The Queensguard. She braces herself for the impact of it’s outstretched tentacle, when –

*BOOM*

– a loud noise comes from behind the beast, a harsh screech erupting from its mouth as it twists around. A second passes before Wind appears on the other side of the Big Octo, still riding the whirlpool, standing atop his now overturned ship, the cut rope hanging loosely from his wrist, holding a bomb in his free hand with the bomb bag open beside him.

“NOW! FIRE!” Wind shouts as he throws the bomb at the Octo’s back, causing it to thrash and focus its gaze on the little hero. Before it can even finish turning around, however, a volley of arrows fly out from The Queensguard, slamming into the kraken’s thick skin and finding purchase in its eyes.

The Octorok flails around, unable to find a target between its seared flesh and punctured eyeballs, black blood staining the ocean like oil, before a burst of light pierces its body and sails into the clouds, as the creature finally stops moving and flops into the sea, exploding in a burst of dark purple smoke.

Tetra looks on alongside The Chain, shocked and concerned, as Wind falls to one knee, dropping his bow as the magic used for the Light Arrow takes its toll. He thinks he can hear the others call his name, but he barely registers them as he allows his muscle memory to kick in, moving solely on autopilot as he jumps in the water to right his ship, all adrenaline leaving his body as he barely manages to climb in. He flops tiredly on to the tiny deck of his boat, heaving out tired breaths as he waits to get picked up by his captain.

It takes a while for The Queensguard to float beside the Red Knight, the large vessel moving with much less finesse as its miniature counterpart, the help that the first mate usually gives in aligning the two ships noticeably missing. When they finally get in position to reattach Wind’s ship to Tetra’s, the sailor is standing up, still tired, but still able to tie connecting ropes to his ship before they pull him up above the railing.

Warriors and Time catch Wind as he stumbles over the railings, with Hyrule offering red potions and healing magic, having come above deck with Legend during the skirmish, the latter still standing in the doorway.

It takes a few minutes, and a potion, before Wind can stand on his own, but he does manage it eventually. The crew are congratulating him on his victory, which Wind returns with sheepish smiles. The Chain are doing so, as well, but they are a lot more subdued in their praise, their worry seeping through the words.

All, except for Twilight, who is still pacing back and forth along the deck, nearly burning a hole through the wood. Wind raises his head and meets his gaze, which is enough of an invitation for Twilight to stomp towards the sailor, his expression darkening. Wind subconsciously takes a step back as Twilight looms over him.

“What were you thinking?!” Wind flinches at the rancher’s near-shout. “It was extremely dangerous to go alone! You could’ve gotten hurt! You could’ve drowned!”

“B-but I didn’t drown.” Wind stammers out, looking down in surprise at Twilight’s outburst. “I’m fine now.”

“That doesn’t make it okay! You shouldn’t have been out there!” Twilight glares down at Wind, almost as if he’s scolding one of the village kids. “You should’ve let one of us handle it.”

“Should’ve let – what?” Wind looks back up at Twilight , confused. “I couldn’t have let one of you handle it. I’m the only one who could have went out there.”

“No you’re not!” Twilight’s voice picks up in volume even more, his stress overtaking his common sense. “One of us could’ve sailed around.”

“But you couldn’t have. I’m the only one who knows how to sail a ship like that” Wind is searching Twilight’s face, wondering where these questions are coming from “And if one of you did know, you don’t know how to ride the whirlpools to survive. And none of you now how those Big Octo work!”

“Then you should’ve stayed here, let this ship approached with everyone!”

“That would’ve been so much worse!” Wind is getting louder, too. If the rest of The Chain and Tetra’s Crew weren’t paying attention before, they certainly are now. “Even we all shot at once, there’s no way we would’ve killed that beast before it counter \attacked, and it definitely would’ve sunk us all.”

“We’re heroes!” Twilight is slightly quieter now, his common sense returning, although his worry is still causing him to yell. “We’re fine taking that risk!”

“It’s not your ship to make that call!” Wind is definitely yelling now, having gotten louder than Twilight at this point. “It’s Tetra’s! I’m not putting her, and her crew, and The Queensguard at risk! And if this ship broke, we definitely would’ve died. There’s no way we’d survive long enough in this ocean with no ship!

“And what do you mean you’ll take that risk?” Wind questions, with Twilight’s words having finally caught up to him. “Am I not a hero too? Can I not take that risk too?”

“NO! You can’t! Because you’re still a KID!”

Twilight’s statement hangs in the air as every stands still; even the breeze quiets as Wind just stares at Twilight, his face slowly morphing into one of anger, as Twilight dons a look of regret.

“So that’s what this is about. Of course.” Twilight flinches at Wind’s dark tone, although his voice is barely above a whisper. “Don’t trust the child to make any decisions, even if he’s the only one who knows how to actually deal with these monsters. No, he’s just a dumb little kid!”

“Why can’t you just fucking trust me!” Wind is definitely yelling now, gesticulating wildly and walking forwards, as Twilight now takes a step back. “It’s our rule to defer to the Link whose world it is! But you just couldn’t do that with me! ‘Cause I’m just a fucking kid! Your head is so far up your fucking asshole that you can see you food digest in real time! Maybe if –”

“ENOUGH.” Time’s voice rings out across the ship, quieting the two heroes. Twi’, go and cool off.”

The oldest turns to the youngest, putting a hand on his shoulder as Twilight turns away. “Wind, you know Twilight was just worried. You need to watch your language and apologize to him.” Wind stiffens at the reprimand, and just as Time is satisfied and begins to turn away, Wind answers back.

“No."

Time stops in his tracks, his face draining of all emotion as he looks Wind in the eyes. "What did you say?"

"Did you not hear me?" Wind says angrily as he knocks Time's hand off his shoulder. "Are your ears too full of seawater after being on a ship for only three hours? Are you that old? Or are you just that stupid?"

"Wind, stop it." Four answers from behind the sailor. "That's going too far."

"Shut your fuckin' mouth, shortie. You're no better than them." Wind whips around, pointing a finger at Four who stills at the insult. "You went to ask Time about how to kill the Octo, even though we're in my world, and facing one of my monsters.

"Okay, that's enough Wind. Let's just calm down." Hyrule goes to pat Wind's arm, but the young hero turns and grabs him tightly, dragging him down with a pained yelp.

"If you try to touch me again, I will break your fucking wrist." Wind harshly drops Hyrule's wrist, who hisses in pain as he rubs his already fractured wrist.

Everyone is stunned into silence, Tetra and her crew watching on in muted horror, the breeze picking up in speed, almost as if it's responding to its namesake's anger. Wind takes a deep breath as he speaks up once more.

"I'm done.”

“I’m just done. I’m just fucking done.” Wind’s voice echoes across the vessel even as the breeze kicks up around them. “I am done pretending to be cordial, pretending to be your little brother, pretending to be okay. I thought I could fake this until we got to Windfall, but I couldn’t even manage that.”

“I am done taking your disrespect of my world, of my journey, of ME.” Wind’s words are getting frantic, eyes darting to glare at every member of The Chain, each one standing slack-jawed.

“I am done having my experience disregarded just because I’m a kid. I mean, you all know that I’ve been on more journeys than half of you, right? Yet somehow, you still see me as lesser, treat me as lesser. Jumping in front of blows I could have dodged, berating my strategies, and complaining when I FINALLY get to take charge in a fight! All because, what, I’m below some arbitrary age limit to be a hero? Fuck that!”

“Whenever I talked to you about my shit, you just ignored me!” His voice pierces the heroes’ hearts more than the gale whipping around them. “You’d look at me with pity, like a dumb child whenever I asked about things I didn’t know, while talking to each other about things that you all understood! Whenever I tried to do that, you’d say you didn’t know, and brush me off!”

Wind turns to point at Sky, who cowers under the attention. “And the only person who I THOUGHT would understand me fucking HATES me now!” Wind is shouting, now, his words carrying even over the burgeoning storm and crashing waves.

“You all thought you were protecting me, but all you did was HURT me! EVERY time, you were only HURTING ME! You all are too stuck in your own trauma to see you’re not the only one hurting! I’ve already been through my shit, you weren’t PROTECTING me from ANYTHING! All you did was isolate me!!”

Wind’s voice quiets ever so slightly, but the breeze only gets stronger, everyone straining their ears to hear the sailor. “I don’t belong here, with you guys. You all made it more than clear enough. It’s fine though, I don’t want to be with you guys either.”

“Like I said, I’m done. I’m leaving.”

Wind looks down at the deck, tears forming in his eyes as he stands there, naively waiting for someone to say something, one last spark of hope, that someone might convince him to stay. Maybe he would listen.

But they don’t say anything.

If Wind looked up, he would see the panic, the fear, the sadness in their expressions, and maybe he would think twice about his words. Maybe he would understand how much they care for him, how much they need him, not because he’s a capable hero, but because he’s their brother.

Maybe, if one of the heroes spoke up, they would tell him that he isn’t alone. That they understand what it's like to be isolated, for their young age, for their status; from their homes, from their loved ones, from their worlds.

If Wind looked up, maybe somebody would be spurred into action, someone would say something, anything to apologize, to get him to stay, and he would listen.

Instead, all they give him is silence, and all Wind hears is acceptance.

“Right. Of course.” Wind sniffles. “When we get to Windfall, we’re dropping you off, and you can all go continue your blasted fucking quest, and I’ll finally leave you guys behind. I’ll finally stay home.”

“This is good-bye. Hopefully forever.”

Wind runs below deck, shoving Legend out of the way and slamming the door behind him, the sound of the old wood and heavy breeze shaking the ship, knocking The Chain out of their minds and into the present, where they finally realize what just happened.

Wind is gone.

(I promise there will be a happy ending, but that will come at the ending!)

#linked universe #lu wind #fanfiction #wip #lu twilight #lu four #tetra #all of the angst #this is a big moment so i want to do it justice

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