#we're supposed to be trying to find solutions together. but how can we do that if we arent even agreeing on what the problems are? | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

moonydustx · 3 months

Text

A not so funny story

requests | mastelist

Summary: With Uta controlling everyone and the marine attacking, you needed to contain an unconscious Law who was looking to join the fight. Now, you need to deal with the consequences of him finding out about this.

Pairing: Trafalgar Law x F!Reader

Warnings: blood, Law hurts Reader (not on purpose), they both love each other, but they are idiots who don't know how to talk. Law doesn't know how to express his feelings in this one. Angst, kinda fluff/happy ending.

W/C: 3.6k

A/N: I just saw the movie Red and the idea came to my mind. I need to shake off the rust and get back to writing, I thought it would be a good solution. Despite being linked to the film OP Red, there may be some things that differ from the canon.

For those who haven't seen the film, a spoiler-free context: in the film, we see a singer called Uta, who Bepo is a fan of and, together with Law, go to the show. Problems happen, she puts everyone to sleep and with her power, she manipulates these sleeping people to fight with other people who want to stop her.

italics apply to flashbacks and thoughts

Part 2 | Part 3 (NSFW)

The cold stone beneath you contrasted with your hot, sweaty body. You could feel the wounds burning on your body and if you reached out your hand, you could find the cause of them, your captain.

In the distance, you could hear someone calling your name and it didn't take long for Penguin to appear in your field of vision.

"Are you okay?"

"He gave me a hard time, but I'm fine. And you?" You grumbled, sitting up and taking in your surroundings. Apparently everyone had gone back to sleep.

"We're tired but fine. You're bleeding, do you need any help?"

"Everything is fine." You stood, with his help. "We need to get them out of here, I doubt the marines will miss the chance to catch so many pirates gathered in one place. At the very least, this will end in a fight."

You chose to help carry Bepo back to Polar Tang. Even though he was big, sharing the weight would be much easier than carrying Law alone. As soon as you entered the submarine, you disappeared from sight, leaving all of Uta's fight behind.

"Do you guys need help? I can see some pretty bad injuries from here." Ikkaku approached, already stopping the blood on your forehead. "Are they both okay?"

"We should take them to the infirmary and keep them under observation." you warned, seeing two other crew members carry them out of sight. "Can we get away from the fight?"

"Yeah, off their radar." someone answered you in the background.

"Perfect, keep us at this depth, keep an eye on the radios, any sign of change, if Law hasn't woken up, you look for me." You leaned against one of the tables, trying to ignore some of the pain in your body.

It was supposed to be just a quick show, at least that's what Bepo had said. Unfortunately for Law, he ended up being the polar bear's requested companion.

"Sure you don't want to change places with me?" Law appeared next to you, while you finished cleaning the kitchen.

"No captain, I'll be right here, with my duties." You smiled at him and, despite being frustrated, he let out a sideways smile.

"You know that I'm the captain right? That I can give the order and you have to go and I don't."

"You wouldn't be so mean, would you?" you asked indignantly and on one of the few occasions, you heard him laugh, even if it was low tone. "Captain!"

"I'm kidding. Just keep an eye on everything, okay? Don't let Shachi and Penguin cause any trouble."

"Yes, sir. And you, enjoy the show."

You were almost regretting not accepting the proposal. Law would certainly be much better at containing you and preventing you from getting into a big fight than you would be doing the opposite. But you liked the idea of him trusting you.

"Everything is alright?" Ikkaku took you out of your reverie, noticing your body slightly bent and the blood falling on your forehead.

"Try holding back a furious Trafalgar Law from wanting to get into a fight and tell me if that's okay." You laughed, even though it took some of the air out of you. "Just a few bruises, nothing major."

"Come on, I'll help you take care of this." Ikkaku gently pulled you by the hand.

"Boys, do you deal with them?" you asked and they both nodded. "If Law wakes up, don't say anything to him about our little fight."

"You mean, about the big fucking beating he gave you?" Shachi teased you, earning a push.

"Exactly. He has bigger problems to worry about than dealing with this."

You and Ikkaku headed towards the dorm you shared. Your friend made a point of supporting you at every step, even if you insisted it wasn't necessary. She sat you down on the bed and grabbed a small first aid kit hidden on one of the shelves.

"Why not tell the captain?"

"Outch" you mumbled with one of the stitches she had on your face. "I have a feeling he's not going to like that we got into this fight without his presence."

"I think he'll be more resentful that you were the one who held him back." You laughed at her silly observation, then grumbled with another needle. Damn fight. "Don't act stupid."

"What you mean?"

"I'll let you choose. Between you being the only one who can steal books from him without him complaining or about every time we disembark, you having to be on his side. Should I mention that time he freaked out because Kid wanted to take you to the crew from him?" she laughed to herself, at her own memory. "What do you need to see that he likes you too?"

"And who said I like him?"

"Okay, you still want to keep hiding your feelings for him, just hide it better." she laughed again. It was clear to her - and anyone else who saw - that there was something between the two of you. You just prefer not to feed this illusion. "Still, I agree that he won't like all this one bit. Let's try to keep out of his sight."

Law was still trying to assimilate everything that happened. Uta's show had turned into a war scene and in the end, even he had become a puppet. That idea would haunt him for a long time.

Despite recent events, Polar Tang was quiet, too quiet. He could hear some buzzing, nothing he could identify. Another thing he couldn't place was you. The last time he saw you, he had tried to bargain for your presence at the show, even though he had asked to change places with you, he didn't think the idea of going with you was bad. You'd probably hate the song, but he'd enjoy your sarcastic comments about any awkward situation. A small laugh crossed his lips when he thought about what you would say to see little Bepo.

At dinner, he observed Shachi, Penguin and Bepo, talking to each other. The concerned expressions denoted the seriousness of the matter, but that could come later. Even though he slept through it all, he still felt tired.

At lunch the next day, again, nothing from you. Ikkaku was also missing. It was impossible for the two of them to have disappeared together and without any justification. He tried not to think about the worst-case scenarios, but no matter how much he denied it, he wasn't such an optimistic person.

It only took a few seconds of your three companions stalling for him to know that you and Ikkaku were up to something or had already been up to something. He left them behind, following with firm steps to your room.

"I didn't see you two at lunch or yesterday at dinner, I wanted to know..." you two found Law leaning against the door of your room. His relaxed position disappeared in seconds when he looked at where Ikkaku's hand joined your forehead. "What happened?"

"Just a few scratches, nothing major." your colleague replied before you could open your mouth. She knew - actually, you weren't that good at hiding it - about your feelings and how easily you could wrap your head around your own words.

"Yeah, they're from yesterday, some scratches." you tried to complement, the captain's serious expression made it clear that that hadn't helped at all.

"Nothing much and that's why you haven't shown up since yesterday?" he grumbled and before he could continue his lecture, he felt his body being pushed forward, with Bepo, Shachi and Penguin falling beside him. "What the fuck?"

"We just wanted to know if you already know that she was the one..." before the bear finished speaking, the other two covered his mouth.

The grey eyes trailed from you to Ikkaku, to the group lying next to him, and back to you again. The small stress that was forming inside Law turned into concern when he saw the small trickle of blood dripping from your eyebrow.

It only took a few moments away for you to appear like that and he would never tolerate that, you didn't need to know about his feelings or how he was already thinking about taking revenge on whoever had done that, he would deal with it after taking care of your wound .

"Everyone out." you made to follow Ikkaku, stopping a few meters away. "Not you, I need to see this."

The door to the small room knocked subtly behind Law, who waited for a few seconds to approach you. The two of you already had a considerable height difference, but when you felt Law's cold, tattooed fingers on your chin, you felt even smaller. He turned both sides of your face, despite the cold touch, you could feel your skin burn beneath his fingers.

"You're warm, but I don't see any trace of infection." Not this one, you thought. "Give me the name?"

"Name?"

"Which idiot did this?" he replied without much patience, his fingers leaving your face behind.

"This is going to be a funny story." you laughed, stopping immediately when you saw him look deep into your eyes, his expression serious in an almost irritating way.

"Someone decided to hurt one of my crew. I don't think it's such a funny story. Who did it?"

"Captain of the Heart Pirates, Trafalgar Law." your answer didn't seem to catch him instantly, with each word that left your mouth, you could see him getting paler and paler. "I believe you already know, but Uta managed to control everyone who was asleep to attack the pirates and the marines and with that, you and Bepo were also controlled. The boys held Bepo and I had to deal with you, but everything is fine. "

"They told me about Bepo..." he seemed lost for words, taking a certain distance from you and leaning on the small table in your room. "So you restrained me, alone?"

"You, actually Uta, didn't have access to your Devil Fruit powers, it ended up being easier. After all, our mission was just to keep you two away from the navy." you explained, leaning on the opposite side to where he was, seeing his crestfallen expression. "Like I said, it's okay captain."

"Where else did I hurt you?" the question took you by surprise, making it difficult to hide your reaction. "I know my strength, I have a feeling it wasn't just that. I could see it myself, but I trust you, so please."

With your fists clenched and your gaze following your every step, Law could see your hand go to your ribs, along with a grumble, as you bent down to pick up a small cloth and fill it with something that smelled similar to alcohol. As much as he noticed you trying hard, he could see you limping. He watched you smear the contents on one of your cheeks and your arm, revealing some bruises.

You stopped in front of him, letting him analyze. Despite the pain throughout your body, Law's proximity was almost like an anesthetic. If he stayed there, you wouldn't mind spending the day under his gaze. Law took your arm, gently sliding his fingers under the bruise, watching you flinch in discomfort. His hands practically put your arm back in place and placed themselves on the zipper of your jumpsuit.

Your hands placed themselves next to his, pulling the device and opening the entire piece. Of all the times he had dreamed of touching your skin, none had felt like this. He liked to imagine how soft it would be, to think about how your body would shiver, to feel with his own lips every piece of exposed skin, while he heard you ask for more. All the purple spots he had dreamed of leaving on your skin were nothing like the one he saw. Thoughts would need to be put aside at that moment.

His hand knocked down one side of your jumpsuit, showing the large bruise on your rib, which made him hold his breath for a few seconds.

"What else?" his voice was barely audible. He knew there was more to it, but he didn't want to be invasive.

"Just this cut." you took off the other strap of your jumpsuit and let it fall below your waist, showing the wound on your thigh. It wasn't that big, but when you both looked at the place, you understood where all the warmth in your body was coming from. "Shit. It wasn't like this last time I looked." actually it was, you just wanted to spare him the worry.

You adjusted your jumpsuit, leaving the top hanging around your waist. Your eyes searched for Law's, but he seemed to be far away, even just a few centimeters away. For some time, he didn't say anything. His eyes followed one point you had shown and others, looking for other signs. His hands prostrated in front of his body, why had he done that? Why hurt you?

"Law?"

"I...I..." the words seemed stuck somewhere inside him. His hands placed themselves next to your face, a gesture you hadn't received from him yet. "I don't know how to apologize. Forgive me, I didn't want any of this to happen."

"No need, Law, really. I was doing what any of us would do, taking care of our crew, taking care of our captain."

Again the words seemed to have escaped him. He just wished he could hold you and apologize a thousand times, hold you there and heal every little part of you and never allow anything to hurt you again. Some conscious side of him screamed in the background that this wasn't anyone's fault, but the sound seemed so far away to hear, while the picture of what he had done was so close to him.

A few seconds passed, his hands were still on your face, while you just enjoyed the awkward affection you received. He didn't know how to deal with that feeling, it was a guilt like he had never felt. Along with a fear, a need to see you well. There were too many things to deal with and at that moment, he chose to be the most rational one.

"It's infected and may have broken something." Law let his medical side take control of the situation. "Room. Shambles."

Before you even noticed the blue dome surrounding you, the two of you had already been transported to the infirmary. You remained standing in your place as you watched the captain hurriedly walk around the room, collecting some materials and before you could try to get on the stretcher, the two of you were already being taken to another place.

The table full of books, the small window of the Polar Tang showing some little orange fish passing by outside, a cozy bed, even with the sheets spread out. That definitely wasn't your room. You watched Law leave the materials on the table and reach Kikoku. You saw the blue dome again, this time, you knew that he was using his powers to confirm that you had indeed presented all your injuries to him.

"I was worried about your rib, but apparently it was just the bruise. Now about your leg, I may need to redo those stitches and medicate you. I can't let the infection spread."

You knew he was nervous, bordering on anxious, but you had known him long enough to know that stopping him from treating you would be even worse. You had chosen to hide your injuries so that Law wouldn't feel guilty, now that he knew, you didn't have much else to do.

"Law." you called out to him carefully, as he prepared the medication. "Do you mind if I bathe first?"

"Sure, I mean, no problem. Just wait a second." He walked away from the table and piled up some things, which he handed into your hand. "Here's my towel, I also left some clothes in case you want to use them, if you don't want to, that's okay. I can ask Ikkaku..."

"This is perfect, thank you Law." you hugged the small bundle of clothes close to your body.

"Room." again, in a matter of seconds, you were at the bathroom door. "I'm sorry, but your leg is really hurt, you shouldn't force it while walking."

"Okay" unlike the time he had taken you to the infirmary, now he had transported you close to each other, which made the air disappear from your lungs. "Can you wait for me? I mean, you said I wouldn't I should force my leg and..."

"I'll be outside, just call me and I'll be here." Please call me, Law's inner voice practically screamed.

Your shower was much quicker than you expected. Just knowing that he was waiting for you outside made butterflies fight in your stomach. You gently dried your body and took the clothes he had given you. Something that looked like shorts - it might have been underwear, but you didn't worry about that right now - and a black button-down shirt. As soon as you button the last button, you can pay attention to the smell of the fabric. Something soft, woody, you wondered if that was his scent.

"Law?" All it took was a small call and he soon entered the bathroom. Not as discreetly as he expected, his eyes roamed your body. "Can you help me?"

"Of course" your feet left the floor, giving you a few seconds to assimilate that he had picked you up and carried you back to the room. He hadn't done this before, but you preferred to just enjoy the sensation, locking your arms around his neck.

With a few steps inside the room, he placed you lying on the bed, pulling a rod further to the side, only then did you notice the hanging IV.

Law bent down, reaching your arm level, cleaning it with a small piece of cotton. He looked at the wound on your leg. In silence, he cleaned the area and took some bandages, placing them across the entire length of the wound. The contrast between your warm skin and his cold hands was strangely comfortable. You wished they would last a little longer there.

"I think we can leave these stitches for another day, but I need you to take this medicine. It's an antibiotic, the infection is small, but I'd rather take care of it soon." He pulled the small needle, seeing your face pale. "I'm sorry darling, but it's the best option we have."

Darling.

That word would echo in your mind for a long time. The fear of the needle that was about to come into contact with your skin eased when you saw the care he took with each gesture.

"Just don't look, okay?" He waited for you to close your eyes. "Just a few seconds and that's it. You'll feel sleepy, but that's normal. As soon as you wake up, I'll bring you something to eat."

He got up and started to adjust the pillows on the bed, the ones that were around and under you. His hands rested around your body, his body was on top of yours, even without any immediate contact. It was inevitable not to get lost in his eyes, or see him do the same with yours. You would like to engrave that in your memory, forever.

"Are you comfortable?" his face still had the same tense expression from the first moment he found you in the room.

"I am, I promise." you replied, in a burst of courage, you brought your hand to his face, touching his cheek. "Law, what worries you so much?"

He walked away, sitting at the foot of the bed. You just straightened up so you could look at him. His tattooed hands took off his hat, fingers tangling against the dark strands.

"I can't deal with the fact that I did this. I did this to you. Of all the people that could have been there, I hurt you." he grumbled, turning so he could look at you. "You do not understand."

"Actually, I understand." your answer left him stunned for a few seconds. "But don't blame yourself, you didn't choose this, captain"

"I know, but at the same time..." he huffed, trying to find the right words, which scratched his insides every time he looked at your scourged face. "You understand me, huh? I mean, I don't just see you as a crew member and something tells me you don't just see me as your captain. And knowing that of all the things that could have happened, I hurt you. I promise compensate you for everything."

"About what you said, about what we see in each other." your thought was interrupted by a long yawn. "What should we do about this?" You made to get up, but the IV attached seemed to transmit drowsiness straight to your body. Your eyes were already starting to get heavy.

"That we can deal with this later. You took care of me, now it's my duty to take care of you. For that, you need to rest." His hands reached yours, giving a slight laugh when he saw you fighting with your own eyes, wanting to leave them open. "I promise not to hurt you again or let anyone else hurt you."

Before you fall asleep for good, you can feel his lips on your hand.

#one piece #op imagines #trafalgar law #trafalgardwaterlaw #law x reader #trafalgar d law x reader #law x you #no use of y/n #fiction #reader insert #trafalgar law x reader #requests open #one piece film red #heart pirates

765 notes · View notes

riize119 · 5 months

Text

Soulmate! Anton⋆｡𖦹°‧⊹₊ ⋆

Soulmates work in the oddest way

• There isn't a set way to how you're supposed to find them or just know who is for you

• As far as you know, anyway

• Everyone else in your family either has the distinguishable mark on their body in the same place as their soulmate, or were given a time and place to be that suddenly appeared whenever the universe decided that they were ready

• You, on the other hand, had not even a single clue

• But you didn't mind

•You thought that it was kinda boring to just know who it is anyway

• Where was the adventure? The thrill of piecing it all together for yourself?

• Of course, there's always the problem that you get it wrong and have to try again but

• Whatever!!

• Right?

• As for Anton, he's been in shock ever since he was ten years old

• A rare soulmate story for some couples ends up being that one has known forever while the other had no idea

• In this case, it’s you having no idea.

•Anton, knowing, and being terrified to tell you for almost a decade

• It probably wouldn't have been such an issue if you two weren't best friends throughout your entire childhood

• He often doubted that you were his soulmate, only because you just seemed to show zero interest in him in t h a t way

• But you only did that to not be selfish

• You liked Anton. Actually, you loved him

• He was your closest friend and no matter what the situation was, your spirits were always bright and happy whenever you were with him

• You always heard that those kind of feelings were perpetual whenever you were with your soulmate, so you found yourself wondering if Anton could be yours

• But years have passed with no hint towards it being true, so you pushed the intruding thoughts away every time you saw him

• You were content with just being friends though

• And oddly content with not finding your soulmate if you were happy enough with the friendship and life you already had

• Which made Anton worry

• The simple solution would be to just tell you the truth

• Pros: you two are soulmates and live happily ever after

• Cons: the universe messed up and that turns out to be a big joke and it's his fault for messing things up

• Now, he knows that's elaborate, but still can't help but question why you've never asked him yet

• So here comes the help of Sohee, the "golden boy" of your trio, as you both like to say

• He always has the best advice and outlook for everyone around him, so what better thing to do than ask him about this?

• The only thing is is that he already can see that you two are meant for each other

• Neither of you had said a single thing about it, though. Not until Anton’s last thread of hope started to fray

• "So.. you've known for several years...”

• "Yes"

• “And you haven't said a single thing to them?"

• “Right"

• "Well why not?"

• "Because I don't know if they're my soulmate"

• “…”

• And Sohee just stares at him for a while before nodding his head and continued eating

• Because “how else am I supposed to help Anton if Anton won't believe first?”

• So, Sohee apologizes to the universe for interfering with the work of fate first before talking to you

• He hates seeing his friends in this position, especially if it's an issue regarding their entire life

•And he texts you randomly

• “You never talk about it, but I wanna know. Who do you have a crush on?"

• Getting the notification scares you because???

• Why would he suddenly ask you this?

• But you still reply,

• "We can't have crushes, remember?"

• In which he comes back with

• "We're only human. We have crushes, so who's yours?"

• Some time passes before you say anything, quickly becoming anxious

• You've never felt scared to talk about Anton before, so why now?

• "You can't tell Anton...”

• And you explain every bit and ounce of your feelings for him to Sohee, who is smiling so wide on the other end (as he screenshots every message and sends them to Anton in real time

• Who then proceeds to panic

• Even though it's confirmed that you definitely are his soulmate, he's scared that you'll be mad for not telling him sooner

• And also mad at the fact that Sohee told him after you asked him not to

• So the next time you see Anton, he looks almost queasy from how much he's holding in It worries you, so you just ask

• "Are you gonna be okay? You don't look well...”

• He stares back for a while, not really processing your question and almost tuning out the entire world to focus on what he had to tell you before it really made him sick

• He couldn't even hear himself when he told you, his mouth going on autopilot until he saw your reaction

• Not the reaction he was expecting though

• Seeing you smile so big and bright and then laughing at his change in expression from scared to confused still worried him, but in a different sense

• "God…..I've been waiting for you to tell me for so long!" You said, immediately going to hold both of his hands in yours

• And the shock that immediately ran through his body caused him to freeze before he could say anything to you

• The shock being that your reaction was positive after he already rehearsed your rejection

• "But…how did you already know?" he asks

• You laugh a little at how oblivious hes been all this time

• "I've always felt it. I just wanted to spare myself of embarrassment if it wasn't you and just boldly stated that it is. I should've known though...but you, on the other hand, have know this forever and still never said? Why?"

• He gets nervous again, thinking about how silly his reasoning was

• *I just didn't want it to make things awkward for us, you know?"

• You nod while smiling at him again

• "But fate makes it so that everything works in our favor. It was gonna happen sooner or later, and I guess later is now"

• Finally getting a smile out of Anton, he holds your hands tighter, swinging them a little, side to side, before asking his final question

• “I really do love you. Even before I knew we were soulmates, I liked you so much it was almost embarrassing..do you think that if fate didn't exist, we'd end up together still?"

• "I was already daydreaming about us being together before all of this happened, so of course” you tell him, making his expression brighter by the second

• "So now that it's official, we've gotta go tell Sohee thank you" he said, standing up and holding just one of you hands now to lead the way

• "..he sent you my confessions, didn't he?"

• "Let's not worry about that until another time"

#anton #riize au #riize anton #riize imagines #riize x reader #riize fluff #riize #riize soulmate au #kpop imagines #anton imagines

172 notes · View notes

justanotherrpmeme · 9 months

Text

Tense starters

"I can't believe you lied to me!"

"I didn't have a choice. I had to protect you."

"You betrayed us. How could you do this?"

"I never wanted to hurt anyone."

"We're running out of time. We need to make a decision."

"I can't decide. It feels like there's no right answer."

"I can't keep covering for you. It's putting both of us at risk."

"I never asked you to do that."

"I'll find another way."

"I thought I could trust you, but you've proven me wrong."

"I'm sorry. I made a mistake, but I'm trying to make it right."

"We've come too far to give up now. We have to keep going."

"It's too dangerous."

"You're not the person I thought you were."

"People change, circumstances change. It's not always in our control."

"I can't forgive you for what you've done."

"I never expected forgiveness. I just hope one day you'll understand."

"I don't know if I can trust anyone anymore."

"We're backed into a corner. What's our next move?"

"We need to think outside the box and find a way to outsmart them."

"This situation is getting out of hand. We need to confront it."

"I'm scared. What if we make it worse?"

"I can't believe you're siding with them. We're supposed to be a team!"

"I'm just trying to find a solution. It's not about taking sides."

"I'm tired of the lies and secrets. I deserve the truth."

"I don't know if I can do this anymore. It's too much."

"We're in this together. We'll figure it out, one step at a time."

#rp starter #rp ask #starter meme #ask meme #roleplay meme

125 notes · View notes

tenebraevesper · 12 days

Text

Sonic Cyber Revolution, Entry 46: This Machine

''We all danced in fire, trapped in this machine! Don't know how long we've waited, as the Eggman's watching! We all danced in fire, looking thru the screen! Don't know how long we've waited, as the Eggman watches!''

– This Machine by Sonic Heroes (Team Dark Theme)

xXxXxXx

''Sir! Are you certain that this is a good idea?''

Dr. Eggman has grown quite irritated having Dr. Starline follow him around, constantly questioning his decisions and suggesting alternative solutions. He already knew what he was doing and he wasn't going to let the platypus dictate how he was doing his business.

''Oh, I'm absolutely sure…'' Eggman replied, trying not to show just how annoyed he was by Starline's constant questioning. ''As a matter of fact, I was sure the last hundred times you had asked me that.''

''Well, I am just trying to make sure that your plan is completely solid, Sir. You do have a contingency plan, right?'' Starline asked eagerly, with Eggman taking a deep breath and suddenly turning around, giving Starline a sinister smile.

''Yes, Starline, I have a contigency plan. Shoot until everything has turned to dust,'' Eggman told him, with Starline rising an eyebrow instead of being intimidated.

''But…''

''No more of that!'' Eggman turned on his heel, walking away. ''Ferra, Metal Sonic!''

''Yes, Doctor?'' Ferra and Metal Sonic walked up to Eggman. Admittedly, since their alliance with Team Neos, the two decided to see this situation as a vacation. Even if ARMS was primarly focused on Team Neos, both Ferra and Metal Sonic understood that they would also become targets, especially if ARMS learned about their connection to the Eggman Empire. So, the smarter option here was to lay low.

''You two will keep an eye on this place until I'm back,'' Eggman told them, with Starline giving him a baffled look. ''I know ARMS would never be able to piece together where the headquarters of the Eggman Empire is, but this more of a precaution.''

''S-Sir, wait a second, why them? You could just put me in charge!'' Starline protested.

''I could've put you in charge, but I didn't because you've been constantly questioning my decisions,'' Eggman replied.

''But… I was only trying to help!'' Starline replied, still stunned.

''Then you can use the spare time to figure out how to help me properly!'' Eggman told him in a sharp tone, walking away while being followed by Orbot and Cubot. Starline was still baffled, his beak slightly open as he stared at the Doctor walking away in stunned silence. He then huffed, shooting a glare at Ferra and Metal Sonic.

''I assume you two are happy now,'' he said, tapping with his foot and his arms crossed on his chest. Ferra and Metal Sonic gave him the most deadpan look they could manage.

''We're never happy,'' Ferra replied. Starline scoffed, walking away.

''Well, I can certainly do better. This alliance the Doctor has with Team Neos will soon be over, so we need to prepare our next move. I will make sure that the action we take will be their downfall,'' Starline told her, vanishing into the next room. Ferra sighed.

''You know, I think the reason Eggman told us to keep an eye on this place is less because of ARMS and more because he wanted someone to babysit Starline,'' she told Metal Sonic.

Metal Sonic nodded in response.

xXx

''Do you think that Eggman will actually keep his end of the deal?'' Minami asked Lucas, who could only sigh in frustration and shrug.

''Well, he was the one who told us to come here and that he'll pick us up. While I know that he will backstab us eventually, I assume that's going to happen after we storm ARMS HQ,'' Lucas responded, only to pause for a moment, narrowing his eyes. ''Although, I suppose he might as well just abandon us there, but I'm sure we'll be able to find our way back.''

The rest of Team Neos didn't look too convinced. Last night, they had one more group call with both Team Dark and Dr. Eggman, talking about their next step. Team Dark had provided them with a map of ARMS HQ and other information in regards to the facility, the agents and what the easiest way of breaking inside would be. Eggman had told them that he would take care of their means of transportation and agreed to be their back-up, as he wasn't going inside the HQ. Team Neos was fine with that, with Tails and Warren presenting the blackmail material to everyone and revealing that they would be able to send it to anyone they wanted, meaning that depending on what ARMS answer is, their secrets will be leaked to the public.

They all agreed to meet up at the Codex Research Facility, and were now waiting for Eggman to arrive with their means of transportation. What they didn't expect was that a huge aircraft would suddenly materialize above their heads.

''Huh, what's that?'' Silver asked, his jaw dropping. Team Neos was completely stunned to see the aircraft as it got lowered down. Thanks to the fight between Team Dark and Mephiles and Toshiro, the crystal walls did tear through the tree line, allowing for more space for the aircraft.

''Is that the Egg Carrier?! No, it can't be…'' Minami said, shaking his head.

''As you can see, it can! Now, get inside before I change my mind!'' Eggman's voice suddenly boomed through the loudspeakers. Minami exchanged looks with her teammates, following them into the aircraft while muttering under her breath, ''How the hell did he hear what I said?''

Once inside the Egg Carrier, Team Neos was greeted by Orbot and Cubot. ''If you could please follow us to the cockpit. The Boss awaits you.''

Team Neos did as they were told, finding Eggman in the pilot seat and turning towards them. ''As per our agreement, I will bring you to ARMS HQ. However, I will leave all the liberation and fighting to you. If you fail, I'm leaving you behind.''

''Have some faith, Egghead,'' Sonic said, with Eggman shooting him a glare because of the insulting nickname. ''I've been waiting to storm the ARMS HQ for days, and knowing what we know, we'll be out in no time.''

''Only if Commander Williams decides to co-operate,'' Eggman said, pausing for a moment and humming in thought. ''Maybe I should just raze ARMS HQ to the ground.''

Lucas sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. ''Even if we agreed to that, I doubt that we would be even achieve exactly what we want. I'm not arguing against that ARMS needs to go now, but not this way.''

''Suit yourself, but I wouldn't mind dropping some of my specialized Badniks as punishment for even daring to go after one of my Egg Bases,'' Eggman replied, turning back to the controls.

''How come we hadn't noticed the Egg Carrier? Does it have some kind of cloaking device installed?'' Tails asked, walking up to the Doctor. Eggman grinned.

''Ah, so you noticed! Indeed, I added some nifty surprises to the Egg Carrier to make conquest much easier,'' he said proudly, only to see literally all of Team Neos just giving him an unimpressed glare. He narrowed his eyes, well aware that their collective gaze meant that they weren't going to let him get away with this.

xXx

''So, ready to break out?'' Touka asked, with Shadow, Rouge and Omega giving her a determined, if not eager look. They were currently at Touka and Shadow's room, preparing for the eventual mayhem that would soon occur. They knew that Dr. Eggman would be transporting Team Neos somewhere close to ARMS HQ and for their part, there were three important things they needed to to. First, get Team Neos inside ARMS HQ without too much fuss. Second, fight their way through to the Commander and the main control room. Third, they needed to negotiate their own freedom with the Commander.

''We will show no mercy,'' Omega said, quite excited about the upcoming fight.

''Omega and I will join you as soon as possible once we get the keycard for my collar,'' Rouge said. Once the plan was set, she realized that the ensuing chaos would be exactly what she needed to finally steal the keycard she needed, and with Omega as backup, she was certain that no one would pay too much attention to her.

''Now, all that's left is to wait for the right moment and hope the Commander won't suddenly call for us,'' Shadow said, holding his own AR Visor in his hand, only to place on top of his head. He was done hiding it from the other ARMS agents.

Fortunately for them, they didn't have to wait too long, as Shadow got a sudden message from Sonic, simply saying ''We're here.'', along with the tracker turned on, showing their location. Shadow smirked, turning to the rest of Team Dark.

''It's time,'' he said, linking hands with Touka, and performing Chaos Surge. Then, he warped away, leaving the three alone. Touka then turned to Rouge and Omega.

''We should also go, since they'll be in the main building,'' she said, her dark brown eyes now glowing a crimson red and orange. The three then exited the room, and while several agents did take note of their fast pace as they went to the main building, no one questioned anything.

xXx

Eggman had landed the Egg Carrier at a more wooded area close to ARMS HQ, but fortunately far enough to keep it hidden from it. Team Neos has already walked out of the aircraft, all of them powered up via Chaos Surge and waiting in anticipation. There was a sudden flash of light, revealing Shadow as he had Chaos Controlled to their location, giving them a firm look. Sonic walked up to him with a wide smile, only to get confused by Shadow's response.

''You're late again, Hedgehog,'' Shadow told him. Sonic was puzzled, only to realize what Shadow was referring to and snort in amusement.

''Well, I wanted to be here several days ago, but you know how things are…'' Sonic said, with Lucas approaching the two.

''We're ready to go. I guess Touka, Rouge and Omega are also ready,'' he told Shadow.

''They should be at the main building at this point,'' Shadow said, getting surrounded by the rest of the team. His eyes then flared up as he extended his hand. ''Chaos Control!''

xXx

It only took a moment, but the intruder alarm started blaring, with the ARMS agents being directed towards the main building. Touka had already separated from Rouge and Omega, who left to get the keycard, while she was running towards where Team Neos would be. Fortunately for her, none of the agents suspected her of having anything to do with this, at least until she snapped her fingers, summoning a Chaos Spear and using it as a melee weapon to fight off the agents that were going after her friends.

One of the agents managed to dodge a swipe of the Chaos Spear, reaching for the baton she was carrying that suddenly crackled with electricity. ''We have a traitor among our ranks!''

The agent swung down the baton, but Touka was faster, dodging it and hitting the female agent in the gut, then fired the Chaos Spear into the Irregular who attempted to assist her. Touka then kept running, summoning another Chaos Spear and trying to clear the way, only to stop when a man with a bigger frame stopped her. He attempted to grab her, but was suddenly knocked down by a blue ball of spikes and fur.

''Thanks, Sonic!'' she said, with the ball unfurling himself.

''You're welcome, but are we going in the right direction? I may have taken a wrong turn,'' Sonic said, looking back at the hallway he came from. Suddenly, Knuckles and Lily emerged, both upercutting an Irregular and his human partner, their fists crackling with red energy.

''Hey, aren't we supposed to go that way?'' Lily asked, pointing down at the corridor ahead.

''Yeah!'' Touka replied, her and Sonic joining them. At the back of the corridor, they saw Silver and Makoto forming a cyan barrier to stop the ARMS agents from advancing, while Shadow and Lucas were at the front, Shadow leading Team Neos to the main control room. Tails, Warren, Amy and Minami were in the middle, fighting off any agents coming from the side corridors. Touka and Sonic went ahead, with Sonic joining Shadow in spin-dashing another Irregular that was blocking their path.

''This way!'' Touka called out, with the group following her lead. While Team Dark did describe the layout of the building, even providing them with a crude map drawing, Team Neos was still relying on Touka and Shadow to lead them there directly. Unfortunately for them, ARMS HQ had additional defenses aside from the agents and Irregulars, with a heavy metallic door slamming down as they got closer to the core of the building.

''Oh, no, you won't!'' Amy shouted, her and Minami slamming their hammers into the metallic door and breaking through it, allowing for Team Neos to pass.

It took them a bit, but they had eventually managed to get to the main control room, with Sonic rushing inside and quickly knocking out the agents who guarded it. Tails went after him, connecting the Miles Electric to the main computer, with him and Warren doing the final bit that would hopefully secure their friends' freedom and ARMS' downfall, while the rest of the team was keeping an eye out on the hallway outside. There were those they had knocked out, but there were no new enemies to fight against.

''Where are Rouge and Omega?'' Makoto asked since, according to their plan, they were supposed to meet up here. The moment he asked that question, they heard an explosion, followed by some cursing.

''I believe that that was Omega,'' Silver said. He and Makoto had used their psychokinesis to move away the unconscious bodies of the ARMS agents and placed barriers on both ends of the hallway, but removed one when they saw Rouge and Omega walking towards them, with Omega pointing his cannon arm at Commander Williams who had his hands lifted up in surrender.

''Look at who we had managed to find,'' Rouge said, waving at Team Neos. She was twirling the collar that was on her neck around her finger, holding a keycard in her other hand, before throwing both of them away.

''You will pay for this betrayal!'' Commander Williams growled, glaring at Rouge, who just gave him an unimpressed look.

''You have no power here, Commander. Omega, do you want to remind him of that?'' she said.

''Commander Williams, do you wish to die by a bullet to the head or a missile to the back?'' Omega said gleefully, having had exploded several parts of the building in his attempt to act as Rouge's back-up. Commander Williams gritted his teeth, refusing to respond, but the trail of sweat made it clear that he understood that he had no say in how things would go.

He was then led into the main control room, with Lucas closing the door behind him and pointing at the microphone at the computer. ''Tell the ARMS Agents to stand down. We are here to negotiate and we'd like to do it without having to fight them constantly.''

Commander Williams shot him a glare, but given how the room was filled with people who had no issue of beating him up to a bloody pulp and he was completely defenseless, he knew that he would have to do as he was told. He walked up to the computer, activating the loudspeaker.

''This is Commander Roy Williams. All ARMS agents, stand down. I repeat, all ARMS agents, stand down. Do not engage into any further fighting,'' he said, stepping back and turning towards Team Neos and Team Dark, his stern expression mirroring theirs. ''What do you want from me? What is the meaning of this breach?''

''I assume you already know who we are, but I'd still like to properly introduce myself,'' Lucas said, stepping towards the Commander. ''My name is Lucas Kinomoto, and I am the leader of Team Neos. You have made the mistake of kidnapping two of my teammates, which is why we have attacked ARMS HQ. We are here to bring them back home.''

''Forget it. I won't let any of my agents go, and as for you, I will have all of you arrested and imprisoned,'' Commander Williams threatened, feeling furious about this situation. This group of teenagers and their Irregular ARNavs just stormed a military base, beat up his agents with the help of Team Dark and were now making such a ridiculous demand. He was not going to let them get away with this.

Upon hearing this, Sonic turned to Tails, holding out his hand. ''Tails, give me the the Miles Electric.''

''Uh, sure,'' Tails said, a bit confused, only for Sonic to walk up and sit down on the control panel, now being at a height where he was eye-to-eye with the Commander.

''I will give you one last chance,'' Sonic suddenly rose his voice, with everyone inside the room turning towards him. He was uncharacteristically serious, his tone low and calm, to the point that even Shadow was giving him a stunned look, as he never saw Sonic act like this. ''Release my friends, or you will suffer the consequences.''

''No, I won't-'' Commander Williams cut himself off when Sonic shot him a cold glare, pressing a button on the Miles Electric. Suddenly, a new window popped up on the screen, showing a red uploading line, already getting to 5%. ''Wait- What is that?''

''This is all of the information we have gathered about ARMS, and it is being uploaded online for all the public to see,'' Sonic replied. Commander Williams' eyes widened.

''You're kidding me!''

''You hurt my friends. I'm dead serious,'' Sonic told him in a cold tone, then smirked. ''It also pays off to have a genius as your little bro.''

He then turned to Tails, who was now hovering next to him, and both gave each other a high-five. Commander Williams remained shocked.

''Y-You're bluffing! There is no way you could've had any access to ARMS-related information…'' he trailed off when another screen suddenly popped up, obscuring the line below, which was now at 13%.

''They aren't bluffing, Commander. In fact, they had made an alliance with me. My own genius allowed them to access any information ARMS was hiding,'' Dr. Eggman said. Commander Williams turned back to Team Neos and Team Dark furiously.

''So, all this time, you worked for Dr. Eggman?!'' he growled, only to get startled when Eggman scoffed.

''Bah, as if! Team Neos is not affiliated with the Eggman Empire, and the only reason we're allied at all was because of your foolish actions,'' Eggman told him, clasping his hands and placing them on the panel in front of him as he leaned closer. ''As you have already learned, the terms of the negotiation for Team Neos are the release of Team Dark. I'm here to add my own terms…''

''Do you really believe that I would do anything like that?!'' Commander Williams shouted furiously. Eggman just rolled his eyes.

''So stubborn…'' he muttered. ''I believe Kinomoto and the Blue Rodent have told you that you have no say in this and that it would be smarter for you to just go along with our demands.''

''Y-You can't just blackmail me!'' Commander Williams protested, but seeing the line at 50%, he realized that he was running out of time.

''You blackmailed Shadow and Touka, so we decided to do the same,'' Sonic responded, then glanced around at the room, locking eyes with Shadow, who nodded in acknowledgement. Commander Williams gritted his teeth, gazing at the line on the screen again and seeing that it got to 53%.

''You-'' He was clearly struggling with his decision. On one hand, he knew that he would lose Project Shadow if he agreed to this, a project that had been in development for more than a decade. On the other hand, he also knew that he was screwed if any of the military secrets get out to the public. Not only would he lose his position, but he would be the one sitting in prison for this. He hissed through his teeth, ''Fine! Agents Sakamoto,…'' Commander Williams almost flinched when Touka shot him a venomous glare. ''Agh, Agents Kageura, Shadow, Rouge and Omega are free to leave.''

''You will also swear to never pursue them again and to let them have their freedom to live their life as they wish,'' Sonic said, earning a hateful glare from the Commander.

''Not only that, but ARMS will also not meddle in the business of Team Neos, as well as delete any information you have on us. We are not your enemy, Commander Williams. We just want to protect Neos City from anyone who wants to hurt the people that live there, be that an Irregular or a human,'' Lucas added, earning the same hateful glare as Sonic did.

''Lastly, ARMS will also not meddle in the affairs of the Eggman Empire, or any battles between Team Neos and myself,'' Eggman said, with Commander Williams giving him a somewhat confused look.

''What?''

''It seems that you either don't understand or don't know, but I don't like having outsiders interrupting this game. The only players allowed so far are Team Neos and their allies. ARMS doesn't have that privilege,'' Eggman told him.

''I won't just stand on the side and watch-''

''That's why we're here,'' Sonic interrupted him, giving the Commander a determined look. ''This is what we do. This is what I do! We are all willing to fight for what is right.''

''You're just a bunch of teenagers…'' Commander Williams trailed off when Touka and Shadow suddenly stepped up.

''Yeah, we are teenagers, but you still forced us to work as ARMS agents,'' Touka pointed out angrily. ''All we wanted was to live a normal life outside the Codex Research Facility and you took that away from us! We didn't ask to be created or live this kind of life!''

''Don't make this harder for yourself, Commander. Your hypocrisy will be your downfall,'' Shadow added, arms folded across his chest. Commander Williams looked back at the line, which was now at 79%. Time was of the essence.

''Fine! You have my word that ARMS won't meddle anymore in any of your affairs, and you can live your life however you want. Now stop that upload!'' Commander Williams growled. Sonic got off the control panel, still holding the Miles Electric and strolling over to Shadow.

''I guess I'm not the only one who kind of ran out of patience. Should we go home?'' he asked, giving Shadow an innocent smile. Shadow smirked at him.

''We have no business here anymore. I agree that we should leave now,'' he said. Before the Commander could even react, both Team Neos and Team Dark gathered around Shadow, whose body was crackling with energy due to Chaos Surge.

''Chaos Control!''

''W-Wait!'' Commander Williams shouted, but the group had already vanished. His attention turned back to the screen, with Dr. Eggman being gone as well, but the line remained, showing that it was at 85% and continuing the upload. His eyes widened in shock and despair as he realized that Team Neos had no intent on cancelling the leakage of information.

xXx

''Finally! It's over!'' Lily exclaimed, stretching her arms as Team Neos and Team Dark found themselves back at the wooded area where the Egg Carrier was. ''Now we can go home!''

''I'd say that we should celebrate this! This is a big victory for us!'' Minami said, with everyone giving her a look of interest.

''Yeah, this calls for a big party!'' Sonic said excitedly.

''I suppose we could celebrate this at my home. Knuckles and I will arrange everything,'' Lily said, with he rest of the group cheering in approval and getting into the Egg Carrier, and Rouge and Touka trying to convince Omega not to blow up Eggman yet as they still needed to return home. The last ones to climb inside were Sonic and Shadow, with Sonic having given the Miles Electric back to Tails, the upload having been complete.

''That was a quite decisive behavior you had displayed earlier,'' Shadow commented, drawning Sonic's attention.

''You think it was decisive?'' Sonic asked in a sheepish tone, rubbing the back of his head. ''I don't know… I did come off as a bit… rough and cold, I guess.'' He then stopped walking, only to snort in amusement. ''Actually, when I think about it, I kinda sounded like you.''

Shadow rose an eyebrow. ''So, I sound rough and cold?''

''Well, now that I think about it… You actually sound way warmer than before,'' Sonic said, scratching his cheek and grinning. ''It's actually really nice and calming to listen to you talk.''

Shadow remained speechless, being genuinely surprised by the compliment. He then tried to play it cool. ''I suppose I will also have to listen to you talk as well.''

''Heh, I missed you too, Shadow,'' Sonic replied, taking note of how tense Shadow looked and just figuring that the latter wasn't going to admit that he missed his rival as well.

xXx

Kisaki sighed, feeling quite sick. Physically, she was actually fine, but mentally, she felt ill. The past few days had put her under a lot of stress and she felt like she was at her wits' end. The fact that she couldn't do anything to protect Touka and Shadow from ARMS and had to forget about their existence left her with pure nightmares. She was worried sick about them and felt incredibly helpless. She had some idea that Sonic and his friends might try to get them back, but so far, she heard nothing from Team Neos.

''Huh?''

Kisaki suddenly stood up from the couch she was sitting on, fear gripping her. She didn't expect any visitors and she was afraid that those were ARMS agents opening the door. For a moment, she held her breath, only to see two figures entering the house.

''Kisaki?''

Kisaki's eyes widened in pure shock, her heart racing. ''Touka? Shadow? Are you-?''

''We're home,'' Touka said, her and Shadow standing in the hallway. Suddenly, Kisaki rushed towards the two, pulling both of them into a tight embrace and falling on her knees, crying her heart out.

''I thought I'd never see you two again!'' she said through her tears, her grip around them tightening, as if she feared that they would vanish if she didn't. Touka and Shadow remained silent, well aware that nothing needed to be said. They weren't going anywhere. They were safe.

They were at home.

xXx

''…the military and security branch, the Advance Reconnaissance & Mission Support, also shortened as ARMS, has been under heavy scrutinity by the Starpoint Area Self-Defense Forces (SASDF). ARMS is a specialized branch focusing on the threat of Irregulars, but now it us under investigation due to allegations of corruption, inhumane experiments on Irregulars and humans, espionage, arms trafficking and information trade,'' Midorikawa reported, turning to the holographic screen behind her. ''As you can see on the comment board behind me, the wider public has already been made aware of the situation via an anonymous online leak that had spread at the speed of light. The SASDF has made the statement that they had nothing to do nor do they approve of ARMS actions and that they will be taking the appropriate steps to shut down and reform ARMS.''

''I suppose that anyone who was a firm believer in anti-military conspiracy theories is now celebrating,'' Kero said, trying to joke, with Midorikawa shrugging.

''I don't know, but I'm just here to deliver the news, not analyze them,'' Midorikawa replied, turning back to the camera. ''But what I do know is that public opinion is very low, especially because the existence of ARMS had been kept a secret. People are calling for ARMS to be shut down and instead have the funding go into the Irregular Hunters organization, especially due to the recent losses they had suffered.''

''We also have a video circling on online forums and social sites that confirms the existence of Irregulars that show no signs of aggressivness, but were still treated with nothing but complete cruelty. We will show this video, but viewer discretion advised due to the disturbing content,'' Kero added. What followed next was a quite disturbing video of an Irregular cat, pleading for her life, getting electrocuted by one of the ARMS agents, while another agent off-screen could be heard wondering why they were doing this, since they had even mistaken the Irregular for a regular ARNav due to her having shown no aggressive behavior or even try to drain the BioEnergy.

''That's horrifying…'' Lily commented, with her and her friends watching the news broadcast on a huge holographic screen in the yard at the Crystle Mansion. It was late evening, with the flood lights being turned on inside the yard.

''There is a lot more to it, but Tails and I had deleted anything in regards to us or to Project Shadow,'' Warren said. ''The last thing we need is more attention from the public.''

''Honestly, thank you two for your work! If it weren't for you, we wouldn't be able to get Touka, Shadow, Rouge and Omega out of ARMS, not reveal to the wider public what ARMS really is doing,'' Lucas said, with the rest of the team cheering for them.

''Thanks guys, but that's what we would do for everyone,'' Tails said. Sonic grinned, placing his hand on Tails' shoulder.

''You've done great work, little bro, and I'm really proud of you!'' Sonic told him, only for his tone to get serious. ''Now, get some sleep or I'll drag you personally to your bed and make sure you're asleep. No more late night projects. Same goes for you, Warren.''

Both Tails and Warren chuckled, having to admit that, yeah, Sonic was right and they really needed some rest… even if they wanted to work on other projects. Nevertheless, they were happy that all of their hard work has payed off.

''Speaking of Project Shadow, those two still haven't arrived,'' Rouge said, having swapped the purple and black bodysuit for her usual black, white and pink outfit.

''Touka did send me a message that they would be a bit late because they wanted to explain to Kisaki what had happened,'' Lucas replied. ''I'm sure they'll be here soon.''

''Speak of the Devil,'' Rouge said, suddenly spotting the two missing teammates at the front gate. Touka and Shadow had soon joined them, with Touka carrying a plastic bag with her, looking around at the yard in front of the Crystle Mansion, clearly impressed by how fast Lily and Knuckles had arranged for the place to be decorated and food to be delivered for the party. As for Shadow, he was suddenly approached by Sonic.

''You're late, Faker,'' he said, giving Shadow a smug grin. Shadow snorted, just shaking his head, well aware what Sonic was referring to. Meanwhile, Touka approached Omega, holding up the plastic bag.

''Hey, Omega, could you please dispose of this for me?'' she asked.

''What kind of disposal do you desire?'' Omega asked, holding the plastic bag.

''Something that involves a lot of explosives and fire,'' Touka said casually.

''I approve of your approach,'' Omega responded.

''Uh, what's in the bag?'' Silver asked.

''It's the ARMS uniform I was given. Honestly, I want to see it burn,'' Touka replied, with her and Omega exchanging a knowing look that made everyone else uneasy.

''If you're going to burn the uniform, please don't use my yard for that,'' Lily said. Omega gave her a look of clear disapproval.

''Huh, I knew there was something different about your outfit!'' Minami suddenly exclaimed, snapping her fingers as she stared at Touka, who gave her a confused look, only to realize what Minami meant.

After removing the uniform, Touka was back to having her hair down, placing her AR Visor (after Warren and Tails returned it back to its usual settings) on top of her head, and was still wearing her dark red jeans shorts and the short black leggings underneath them, as well as her black, red and white high top tennis shoes. However, she was wearing a different T-shirt, this one being black with red sleeves and a red stripe on each side of the T-shirt that went up vertically to the sleeves, and the print on the front was the dark red logo of the Shadow the Hedgehog video game, also known as the Black Arms logo.

''Oh, that… I had actually ordered a new custom T-shirt a while ago, but never got around to wear it,'' Touka said.

''It definitely suits you better,'' Rouge said.

''Thanks. I was also planning to get new sneakers, since these are kinda worn out,'' Touka replied, tapping with her foot on the ground.

''If you want, we could all go out shopping together,'' Rouge suggested, a sly grin on her expression. Next to them, Makoto had a conversation with Lucas.

''I really hope that things won't get worse for us after we leaked that information to the public,'' Makoto said.

''I don't think it should. Point is, SASDF will be focused on trying to keep people calm and deal with ARMS. Whether they knew what ARMS was doing or not is another topic…'' Lucas trailed off, narrowing his eyes. He knew that their own future was still uncertain, but he did hope for the best.

''Hey, Shads, did you and Touka also watch the news?'' Sonic, who overheard this, asked Shadow.

''We did watch it on our way here, and we both agreed that this will cause an uproar among the public,'' Shadow replied.

''Honestly, it might even change the way how people look at Irregulars. The fact that there are Irregulars who mean no harm to humans wasn't public knowledge until now,'' Amy pointed out, joining the conversation.

''If we're lucky, you guys will be safe from being targeted by the Irregular Hunters,'' Makoto pointed out.

''I guess we'll have to wait and see how things turn out,'' Tails said.

''Don't take my word for granted, but I have a feeling that Loki has an idea who we really are,'' Sonic said. He then placed his ams behind his head, smiling. ''In any case, we're here to have some fun and celebrate, so let's just put this behind us and start the party!''

''YEAH!''

The whole group then moved on to actually having fun, either listening to the music, eating from the buffet that had been placed outside, talking or playing darts, as Lily activated the game within the AR Field that was covering the yard. Her parents were away that evening and Lily completely ignored Bennet protests about hosting a party, pointing out how this was her home and so long as nothing got broken, she was free to do whatever she wanted. Therefore, the butler decided to remain inside the mansion, as none of the guests needed his aid. Things did get a little heated when Omega offered to set off some fireworks, with Touka quickly assuring him that wasn't necessary and Lily pointing out how she told him already to not use explosives in her own yard.

Meanwhile, Rouge had stepped away from the group, having been talking to Amy about their shopping plans for tomorrow and cast a curious look towards the mansion.

''Don't you dare to go inside.'' Rouge suddenly turned around, with Knuckles standing right behind her, giving her a stern look, his arms crossed on his chest.

''Don't worry, Knuckles, I'm just here to have a good time,'' Rouge assured him.

''Since our alliance has come to an end, I am well aware that we will go back to our usual routine. Therefore, I'm warning you this once – don't you dare to even think of stealing any of the games inside the mansion,'' Knuckles warned her. Rouge just smiled, having to admit that Knuckles wasn't wrong about her antagonizing him, but she decided to give him a break today, at least in regards to trying to steal the gems. That didn't mean that she wasn't going to mess with him in a different manner.

''Oh, my, don't tell me that you actually missed me,'' she said, with Knuckles giving her a flustered look.

''Wh-What? I didn't say-'' he stuttered, but Rouge gave him a coy smile, stepping closer.

''You even called it 'our usual routine'. Not to mention, you were willing to search for me when I went missing,'' she said, placing her finger on Knuckles' chest and tracing it up to his chin. ''As a matter of fact, I think that you genuinely care about me.''

Knuckles shivered at her touch, being completely frozen in shock as he didn't expect her to pull a move like that. While he wouldn't admit it openly, he was actually a little worried about Rouge, especially after learning what kind of organization ARMS was. He did have complete faith in her ability to take care of herself, but there was a lingering sense of concern in his mind.

''I-I suppose I do…'' he started, only for Rouge to press a kiss on her gloved fingertips and place them on Knuckles' cheek. Knuckles' jaw dropped in complete shock and his mind went blank for a moment as it had trouble processing that Rouge the Bat, his sworn rival, had just kissed him indirectly. Rouge smiled, having to admit that it was quite amusing to see Knuckles' muzzle turn as red as the rest of his fur, while his mind was probably playing an ''Error'' message on loop.

''I care about you too,'' she said. ''Do you mind if I go ahead and quickly make sure that all of the gems are where they belong?''

''Wh-What?'' Knuckles was still processing what just happened.

''Aww, thank you so much, Knuckie. I'll be back soon,'' Rouge replied, spreading her wings and quickly flying towards the mansion. It took a moment for Knuckles to break out of his stunned state, with the familiar sense of rage and irritation taking over.

''Rouge! Come back! Rouge!''

Knuckles shouted after Rouge, rushing towards the mansion and almost knocking Sonic over, who decided to take a break from the darts game after losing to Silver. Apparently, only because he was good at throwing the darts fast, it meant nothing if he was precise. Nevertheless, he had a good time, and so did his friends. However, he did notice that someone was missing and decided to search for this person, but it didn't appear that he was in the yard.

Sonic then looked up, spotting a dark figure on the roof of the mansion and smirked. He managed to find his way up to the top of the roof, with Shadow giving him a slightly questioning look, well aware that Sonic was about to interrupt his moment of peace.

''Do you mind some company?'' Sonic asked, with Shadow pausing for a moment, then shaking his head. Sonic sat next to him, with Shadow taking note of just how close he was, but he didn't mind his presence. Sonic gave him a curious look. ''Why don't you join the others at the party? After all, you're one of the guests of honor.''

''While I am happy to be here, this doesn't mean that I'm going to socialize,'' Shadow responded, glancing at Sonic. His rival just grinned, understanding well that Shadow still wouldn't socialize with other people unless necessary – even if they were his own teammates. Nevertheless, that didn't mean that he didn't appreciate them.

''It seems like things are gonna go back to normal,'' Sonic said, both him and Shadow watching over their friends as they had fun.

''I don't think that you can call this kind of life normal in comparison to those of other people,'' Shadow remarked.

''Yeah, but you can now live a life without having to worry that anyone from Codex or ARMS will go after you and Touka. I'd call that a 'normal' life,'' Sonic pointed out.

''I suppose you're correct in regards to that,'' Shadow responded, feeling a sense of relief. It was as if someone removed a huge boulder from his chest and he could breathe a bit easier now. He knew that Sonic was right and that with Prof. Sakamoto being dead and ARMS not bothering them anymore, he and Touka could live a life without having to worry that they would be used as weapons again. ''It is a relief…''

Shadow was startled when he was suddenly pulled into a hug by Sonic, his own heart racing and his tan muzzle turning a faint shade of red. His crimson eyes were wide and his body tense, with his first instinct being to push Sonic away. However, he knew he couldn't do that. He couldn't explain it, but there was just something about being hugged by Sonic like this, something comforting, and he wasn't really sure how to respond. But, before he could even say or do anything, Sonic had released him, giving him an awkward smile.

''Oh, right… you don't like physical contact that much,'' Sonic said, rubbing the back of his head. Shadow stared at him for a moment, only to sigh, realizing that Sonic was just happy that he was here and wanted to show it in a different way.

''Since it's you, I suppose I can give you a free pass this time…huh?'' Shadow was startled when Sonic suddenly pulled him into another hug, burying his nose into his shoulder and holding him tightly. Shadow, trying to ignore a familiar sensation of warmth, narrowed his eyes, adding in a deadpan tone, ''What I meant is that I'll give you a free pass for the hug earlier. That wasn't an invitation for more.''

''Too late, Faker. You won't get rid off me so easily,'' Sonic lifted his head, gazing into Shadow's eyes and grinning at him mischievously. Shadow remained unamused and, for a moment, he thought about his response. To Sonic's surprise, he suddenly felt Shadow's arms wrapping around his torso, with Shadow burying his head into his shoulder, pulling him as close as possible. Sonic felt a wave of heat spreading through his body, his fawn muzzle turning a slight shade of red and his heart beating like crazy. Rest assured, he never expected that Shadow would hug him back, but it wasn't an unwelcome gesture. In fact, he really enjoyed it.

''Heh, so you are a hugger,'' Sonic said, his voice carrying a comforting warmth, only for the smile to fade a moment later when Shadow spoke again.

''I don't mind getting a hug so long as it is from a person I trust. It was a source of comfort for me, especially whenever I couldn't deal with the pressure I was put under or when I suffered from nightmares,'' Shadow said in a calm, somber tone. Sonic felt his own heart breaking for Shadow.

''Shads…'' He wanted to offer words of comfort, but nothing came to his mind. His ears then perked up when he heard Shadow speak again in a sharp tone.

''If you tell this to anyone, I will personally throw you into Cosmo River,'' Shadow threatened, moving his head back and glaring at Sonic, but still keeping his hands around Sonic's waist. Sonic snorted, trying to sound as serious as he could.

''Understood,'' he said, offering a sincere smile. While Shadow still kept a stern expression, Sonic did take note that his gaze did soften a little. ''Thanks for telling me that. I'm really glad that you trust me so much.''

''It cannot be helped… After all, you are a thorn in my side,'' Shadow responded, with Sonic suddenly burying his head right into Shadow's white chest fluff.

''D'aaaww, I heart you too, Shads,'' he said.

Shadow sighed, knowing that, if Sonic had done this several weeks ago, he would've kicked his rival off the roof and yelled at him for getting so close. But now, he realized that he had warmed up enough to Sonic to let him do whatever he wanted. Shadow then buried his muzzle on top of Sonic's head, feeling the soft blue fur, and took a deep breath. It was certainly a confusing feeling, and he had to admit, it was a bit daunting to deal with it, but at this point, whatever wall he put between himself and Sonic had been broken down. He knew that he could trust Sonic with his own life, but he still wouldn't trust him with his own insecurities and show his vulnerable side… at least until now. As a matter of fact, he was looking forward to going back to their usual rivalry.

''So, do you want to race?'' Sonic's question snapped Shadow out of his thoughts, the latter having no clue how long they had remained in that embrace. Sonic, clearly clueless about that, grinned as he gave Shadow a confident smile. ''I had been itching to finally challenge you again.''

Shadow just gave him a haughty look. ''I see… I suppose I should've figured that you'd be eager to lose to me.''

''Lose?'' Sonic suddenly got up, scoffing. ''Only in your dreams, Shads. You won't catch me so easily.''

Shadow stood up, folding his arms across his chest. ''Hmph, don't get too cocky, Hedgehog. One distraction, and you'll be suffering a humiliating defeat.''

''We'll see in a bit! Ready?'' Sonic said, taking a running stance.

''Set,'' Shadow said, smirking as he felt the familiar rush of adrenaline.

''GO!''

There was a rush of wind, with the blue and black-orange blurs vanishing into the night, both determined to continue their rivalry and prove who the faster Hedgehog between them was.

Links:

#Previous Chapter

#Current Chapter

#Next Chapter

#Sonic Cyber Revolution (Masterlist)

#Sonic Cyber Revolution #sonic the hedgehog #shadow the hedgehog #miles tails prower #knuckles the echidna #amy rose #silver the hedgehog #rouge the bat #e-123 omega #dr eggman #metal sonic #dr starline #orbot and cubot #sonic heroes #team dark #knuxouge #sonadow

24 notes · View notes

sometimes-i-write-4-you · 26 days

Text

Heartless - a criminal minds episode\\part 4

part 1, part 2, part 3, masterlist

- english is not my first language please exuse any spelling or grammer mistakes.

- this case is made up

- it happens around the.. 6th season, i think? so the team is Hotch, dave, Morgan, Prentiss, JJ and reid

- it will end up being Reidxreader kinda, tho my main focous is to create a plot line for an episode with a (y\n) charecter.

- lmk what you think - i try to make the charectes as in charecter i can :)

"hey, spence, how are you with reading lips?" (y\n) asks, slighly ashamed they called him by his nickname without even realising. they weren't sure they are close enough for nicknames. "well, it's actually an easy skill to perfact-" Spence starts, but they don't let him finish. "good, i need you to try and understand what is Diane talking about with the suit guy" they explain, and re-position themselves and Spencer so he is facing them but has a view on Diane if he's looking behind (y\n)s shoulder. "we're too far, i don't think i can do it from here-" Spencer says, but (y\n) has a solution in mind.

(y\n) takes his hand , "let's dance". The music in the backround is great for a slow dance, and that's what a couple would do, right? "o…kay..?" Spencer replies in confusion, but takes their hand and let's them place his hand correctly. As they moved around, not perfactly on the beat, (y\n) brought them closer. "ohhhh" spencer smiles at the realasation of (y\n)s plan. "well, she is saying…" he starts, whispering in (y\n)s ear so no one would hear, and his low voice sends shivers down their spine. his breath against their skin, and the wormth of his body almost got them sweating. why were they so nervous?

…

"did you find out why the footage from that day is missing? the FBI is snooping around and i can not have them know about it. if they find out, it would immidiatly make us seem suspicius. the last thing we need is for the people of this god forsaken town to think that visiting our venues would get them killed" Diana says, her tone cleary angry with the guy across from her. "i am trying my best-" he trys, but she is not listening. "well than, your best is not enough!" Dianes voice gets louder, and some people turn their eyes but she smiles and says, "nothing to worry about".

"Diane, the only people who have access to this footage is you, me, and the big boss. no one is supposed to get through unless he has one of our passwords" the guy trys once again to explain himself, but Diane sighs. "just… try harded".

…

A buzzing in their pants forces them to stop the dancing, tho they both secretly enjoyed it. (y\n) pulls put their phone before Spencer. "it's prentiss… shit" they say, the last word more under their breath. "what?" Spencer asked, since (y\n) seemed stressed. And yeah, their job was stressful and (y\n) sorta had a resting stressed face, but something about their deminor made Spencer suspect something is wrong.

Before they get the chance to fill Spencer in, the Zayn gets back with their wine glasses. "Thank you" they both says together and smile at him and than at eachother. "Spence, did i tell today how much i love you?" (y\n) smiles at him, knowing they need to look as in love as possible now. Spencer was confused but didn't miss a bit. "did i tell you today that i love you more?" he smiled down at them, and then he did what (y\n) never expected he'd do. He lowered his head to theirs and placed a soft kiss right on their lips. they returned the favor almost on auto pilot, closing their eyes and leaning into this moment right out of fanfiction. fake dating trope, they thought to themselves, trying to remember what it was called. Not that they thought the kiss meant anything for Spencer, but they knew they hoped it does. the magical moment broke when Spencer pulled away and pulled (y\n) into a hug, almost making them drop the wine glass in their hand. "Le'haim" they smiled at him and cliged their glass to his. they brought the glass to their lips. Zayn looked at them, his eyes studing them, but than he left them. "now, care to explain?" Spencer says. "this was our unsub" They reply, and Spencer dosn't need father explanation.

He grabs their hand and takes them to "have a look around", casually following Zayn from afar, making sure he atays put so they can catch him once backup arrives. "so what footage do you think is missing?" (y\n) asks. "well, my best guess is that it's from the day James and Layla were here, maybe our unsub saw Jake's profile and recognised him, which is how he knew… his heaet wasn't really in it" Spencer said, amiling proudly at his pun. (y\n) nuged him with their shoulder, softly smiling at him. Their eyes met for a split second, but than the awkwarness took over and they both looked away.

"so, ugh, as i was saying, maybe he got mad, made a scene… we know he has some hacking skill, he could have been the one to delete the footage" Spencer continues sharing his theory. "well, yeah, but would'nt Layla mention that when we interviewd her?" (y\n) debates. "you'd think so, but he was just a random guy, she probably thought he was crazy and ignored him, not thinking much about it, eventually forgetting about it" Spencer says. "someone makung a fuss claiming your fiance is a cheater is not something you just forget" they reply, and Spencer shrugs, but (y\n) is very willing to leave it for now. "well, let's change the subject before someone hears" they say. and so they do.

"i am very sorry if that kiss made you uncomfterble, by the way. you seem-" Spencer starts. "oh, no, it was fine, even nice. a nice touch, i mean" they say back, smiling at him. He recognised his own words, and smiled back, letting put a small laught, "maybe we should stop apoligising for kissing each other" he jokes, making (y\n) blush. since they were looking at the ground, they didn't notice their fake fiance was also starting to look like a strawberry. They shared a moment of silence, and it wasn't awkward. "This Garden is indid beautiful, Garden Of Eden is a very fitting name" Spencer says, "did you know that in jewish culture theres a belife that if you set up three couples, you go to heaven? it is based on a quete from a a book of virtues, in page 230 Rabbai Haim Kanivinski says he heard that those who match 3 couples would go to a special place in the agterlife. Since one of the 10 Commandments is procreation-"

"spencer, not that i am not thrilled about this bible study session, but where is Zayn?" (y\n) cuts him off, and as if he was wating for his que, he shows up behind tham and smacks their heads with a bat.

#criminal minds #criminal minds x reader #spencer reid #spencer reid x reader #emily prentiss #jennifer jareau #aaron hotch hotchner #aaron hotchner #dave rossi #derek morgan

17 notes · View notes

symphonic-scream · 11 months

Note

Yes, 100%

Everyone has a pet that has the name of their persona (cause I'm sentimental) like. Morgana is just Akira's emotional support cat but he also has a little red bird names Arsene. Goro has two mice named Robin Hood and Loki, and Futaba has a ferret named Necronomicon

In the quad apartment there's Carmen the cat, Goemon the turtle, and Captain Kidd the snake

As for Makoto and Haru, there's M'Lady the large rabbit and Johanna the doberman. Hifumi doesn't have a pet yet, but maybe one day

The Okumura-Niijima apartment is right above the bakery and cafe, but they made sure to add an entrance at the back so they don't have to work through the shop front to get home (Makoto sometimes has an overwhelming day at her placements. Sometimes Haru's relapsing into her caged mindset. They wanted a safe route in and out without crowds)

M'Lady sometimes spends Haru's time working the cafe with her. They made a little throne for her at the far side of the counter. Regular customers like to bring her little veggies to snack on

Makoto is training Johanna to work as an EMA. She wants to give her future patients as much comfort as possible, like being able to offer sessions with her and her dog. It's a work in progress, she got the idea when she met Joker (and Morgana) for the first time

I have stories for everyone meeting Joker too so. Let me know if you want those

Hifumi is at first dumbfounded when she discovers Makoto is trans. Akira had told her one of the wives were and based on how they present themselves, she assumed it was Haru. She and Makoto have many long talks about how they define femininity and such. For Makoto, it's in her spirit of rebellion. Being a woman to her is refusing to conform, not to accept the hand she's dealt but to stand up and push for what she wants

And for Haru, it's more like a comfort. She's always felt, protected by her own inner view of the world. She sees her own femininity as like, frills and fluff and treating herself. Inner love. They balance each other well

Makoto: I notice you hunch a lot. Is your height something that makes you feel a little dysphoric?

Hifumi: ah, I suppose so. I'm taller than both you and Haru, and Akira too...

Makoto: I have a solution for that. Want to feel short? You should visit our other friends' place. They're all tall there

Haru: she's right! Ann and Yusuke are both, very tall!

There's lots of conversations about gender and sexuality between Hifumi and all the thieves, about how they found themselves and tips they have for being queer. Some are, awkwardly personal

Hifumi: did you. Have your surgeries yet?

Makoto: ...it's 9 am I'm- I'm not talking about this that early I'm sorry

Haru: just a tip, you don't have to have any to be trans! You can have one, or the other, both or none! Gender and sex are personal to you, don't let anyone else dictate your experience

Makoto is red in the face and sipping at iced water trying to ignore the Convo (it's the one topic she's nervous about. Only because she doesn't like hospitals.)

Hifumi: why do you guys have two spare rooms anyways? For family?

Makoto: oh, no

Haru: can you keep a secret? Don't tell Akira or the others, but... We're thinking of having a baby

Hifumi: ...am I your test run for parenthood?

Makoto: no, don't be silly. That was when we took care of Futaba when they were fighting with the boys

Haru's father isn't a fan of her relationship with Makoto, but he accepted he has no say in whether they're together or not and stays out of their hair. He's, working on being supportive. It's taking him time to learn

Sae on the other hand has been Makoto's number one advocate for years. She helped her sister find herself back when Makoto was just in middle school, and even set her up at a vastly different highschool to start fresh

Goro is horribly awkward around anyone but Akira or Futaba. He's. Like a stick. It freaks Hifumi out at first

Just. Hifumi experiences all sorts of love too. Seeing her friends who found their forever people, platonic love, the sort of familial love she forms with Makoto and Haru-

I have many many thoughts please keep talking to me about this I'm,

Also. Help me find a name for this au so I can make a tag for it! Send me suggestions

#persona 5 au #hifumi togo #joker persona 5 #akeshu #goro akechi #makoto niijima #haru okumura #okujima #the phantom queers

30 notes · View notes

crownmemes · 10 months

Text

Elementary Sentences, Vol. 5

(Sentences from Elementary (2012-2019). Adjust phrasing where needed)

"This is your last chance. Do the right thing. Do what needs to be done."

"Whatever excuse you have, it isn't good enough. It hasn't been good enough for weeks!"

"Don't pretend you haven't seen her naked. Everyone's seen her naked."

"I'm a doctor. You could have told me."

"I'll deal with this the same way I would with any other problem."

"It's okay. I know how scary this is."

"There are good days and there are bad days. So far, today has been a good day."

"Do you know how illegal it is for us to have this stuff?"

"I can provide several solutions for removing blood. Sadly, none of them can remove the stain of murder from one's soul."

"Would you care to back up and explain yourself?"

"I'm not a psychiatrist, but I do know the criminal mind."

"We may be completely different people, but we share one very big thing in common."

"You're lucky to be alive! Actually, according to your medical chart, you barely are!"

"Listen, you're making terrible decisions right now because you're not thinking clearly!"

"It is a rare advantage to know a killer's mind - to know his greatest weakness."

"You're my friend. I'll never lie to you."

"I wanted you to know that I am happy for you."

"Conventional is the enemy of interesting."

"Maybe you should stop asking so many questions, hm?"

"Grudges are pointless, and the people who hold them are petty and small-minded."

"I'm ready to report my findings."

"Do you always ask questions that you already know the answers to?"

"We're all fish eating other fish. I'd rather be swimming with the biggest one."

"You realise, of course, that you're just staving off the inevitable?"

"Would you agree I'm an excellent judge of character?"

"The way I see it, we're just animals fulfilling a biological imperative."

"If you were thinking of hugging me again, don't do that."

"So, what makes you think I'm lonely?"

"Falling in love with someone isn't supposed to be the same experience every time. Someone else will be someone else."

"I suppose you're going to suggest I try online dating next?"

"Is this just confusing because I haven't had my coffee yet?"

"I'd ask what kind of imbecile befriends a serial killer but we both know the answer lies in the nearest mirror."

"What can I say? I am pretty great."

"I've never had anyone killed before, but I don't think I'm above it."

"Tell me, did you pay in money or blood?"

"I always thought you were smart, but a smart man would let sleeping dogs lie."

"It was always a matter of time, wasn't it?"

"To one extent or another, I've always been alone."

"Did you know that you have a tell when you lie?"

"Since when did I need to be shielded from the truth?"

"Don't suppose you'd mind confessing to the many murders you've orchestrated?"

"I fear that the world is changing, and we have no choice but to change with it."

"People have to be free to make their own choices and make their own mistakes, and then they have to live with them."

"So, who's trying to kill you, and how can I help?"

"I just know that there's exactly one person that you really love in this world."

"As long as we're together, what does it matter?"

#rp meme #rp memes #roleplay meme #roleplay memes #rp prompts #roleplay prompts #sentence starters #specific;#crime drama;#elementary;#filmtv;#sherlock holmes;

20 notes · View notes

fucking-it-catastrophic-style · 4 months

Text

at the moment the plot i have is pretty simple because i'm not sure how the time frame i'm dealing with will work with the constraints i put on myself by pitching an idea too cool to my advisor and getting myself stuck with LOL.

"you" are the protagonist - havent decided if this will be second person and primarily prose with small intersections of live-action environmental video or if it will be a physical experience in real life (dubiously doable) or if it will be a sort of digital environment that mostly consists of finding a bunch of text (also dubious)

you wake up in a strange place - a private train car you don't remember seeing before, maybe under the impression you've got a concussion - and you don't really know how you got there. There is a note in your hand, though, and the note in your hand looks like it was written very hastily and it says something along the lines of "the thing we're running away from is closing in on us and we have to get the fuck out of here before it shows up"

you have some sort of macguffin (i was in fact inspired by Alan Wake, sue me) and you need to get it away from whatever's chasing you, or maybe to the place you're being chased from. You're not clear on the distinction, and the notes aren't super clear either because you clearly thought you'd know that when you wrote them

if you try the doors on the train car they are apparently locked. If you open the shutters and look out the window it appears at first glance to just be very dark, because it's pitch black out there, but if you look more clearly you're actually buried underground. Not moving, if you shine a light at the windows you can see dirt packed against them. Buried, not just underground. Yeah?

You keep finding notes that make it a little more clear what's going on and while you're doing that the player character ("you", the protagonist, etc) seems to start getting their shit together - if this is a digital environment then they're more animated, moving and flexing in ways you (the player/reader/whatever) aren't teling them to do. Maybe the headache is wearing off.

You find out that the thing you're running from, your enemy, cannot be trapped anywhere, cannot be avoided, none of that - they seem to have a supernatural ability for getting in and out of places and the reason is that they can body-hop from person to person, and if there's anyone nearby they can possess their body and take over them. The mcguffin is supposed to keep them in place but it has to be used by the right person and you aren't that person.

If this is digital then your character starts doing more weird shit you didn't tell them to. Taking steps away from where "you" are going or turning when you didn't turn them. Not the headache wearing off, then.

If you're trying to get out of the train car and you push some stuff around you can find blood on the floor.

At some point you find another note - if you fuck it up completely and the thing gets you and the mcguffin, the other solution that you and your buddies are going to take is to blow up the tunnel the train is going through so that you're all trapped together on this fucked up train and the thing can't possess anyone else because no one else is nearby. This is, explicitly, not an ideal solution because it means you will die.

The last thing you find is also your cell phone (awesome!) with no reception (blah) and a text message that's you pointing out that you're the last alive person on the train and you completely fucked it all up and they need to blow up the tunnel. or something like that, i need it to be obvious at the end but not necessarily the middle

obviously there's a lot of moving parts that will have to be nailed down and i am required by my own hand to make it multimedia. So the story can only be as complicated as that. But i think i like what I got so far.

#plot #naturally having you go from "oh man this spooky creature is after me'' to ''I am the spooky creature'' is also inspired by Alan Wake 2 but #i'm going in a very different direction than they did with it. I think #in that the spooky creature is absolutely there and the 'main character' as in the phsyical human person you are embodying is not that guy #you are just playing as the baddie you start out supposed to be scared of

7 notes · View notes

cainluvr69 · 4 months

Text

Surely, We Can Make Miracles Chapter 25

Previous Chapter

The stone steps that Hwylryn led us to were beautiful. His magic, or maybe it was Balthazar's, shined in place of streetlamps, a constellation under the sea. I had a basket filled with sweets. He had the sight of an island destroyed many centuries in the past. I'm sure walking down the cobblestone path with Mithra on one side and Hwylryn on the other was a strange sight. Everyone else was watching us from afar. Balthazar floated in place between the three of us and the rest of my wizards. Oz and Arthur. Murr and Shylock. Owen was a little ways away from them, sitting on top of his trunk. Their clothes and hair floated in the current in the same way they would have in the breeze. Little bubbles danced around them. Hwylryn looked down at me, smiling gently.

Hwylryn: I had a lot of fun with you at twilight. Flying through the sky with Akira was fun. Playing around with Mithra was, too. It's gonna be dawn soon.

I didn't know what to say. I wanted to hold out the torta di cocco that Mithra had brought down all this way and have that somehow stop all the fighting… I really did mean to say something like that. But I had the image of my wizards, covered in injuries, circling in my head. He'd said that the Northern twins were his brother's enemies.

Mithra: I'm not forgiving you.

Mithra spoke before I could even open my mouth. He was wearing a look of disgust I'd never seen on Mithra before. His vividly green eyes were dark, the color of moss in a forgotten city.

Mithra: You put your hands on Rutile. I made a promise to protect him.

Hwylryn: You made a promise, even though you're a wizard?

Hwylryn was surprised, but I could still see a bright smile full of joy on his face.

Hwylryn: That's so wonderful. I'm glad you found someone you felt you could make a promise with.

Mithra: …

Mithra pressed his lips together, like he didn't know what to say in response to that.

Akira: Could you… Um, could you take this?

Hwylryn: More torta di cocco?

Akira: Yes…

Hwylryn: Thank you. I'm really happy. But we already made a promise to go back to the store together tomorrow… Does this mean we're not doing that?

He smiled sadly.

Akira: N… …No, we…

I couldn't get any more than that out. The kind, lonely scent of parting wafted through the air between us. Talking with one another was supposed to let us know each other better so that we could find a solution to our problems together. I wanted to tell him all about how precious each and every one of my wizards was. But the words just weren't coming. Everything I came up with floated up and away from me before disappearing, just like bubbles. Still, I couldn't just give up.

Akira: …Is there any way you can stop working with Balthazar?

Hwylryn: I let Gwawlyn die. I can't let Balthazar die too. What about you, Akira? Can you stop being the Sage?

Mithra: Excuse me?

Hwylryn: Can we play as just you and me, without this whole "Sage" thing getting in between us? I want to stay with you. Can we do that, Akira?

I lifted my head, my breathing trembling. Hwylryn's expression was earnest and genuine; he wasn't bothering to hide what he wanted, not even a little. His sincere, charming gaze told me he hadn't spoken a single untruth. I didn't…want to reject that gaze. I didn't want to hurt him. But…

Akira: …I…can't do that… Because I was only brought to this world so that I could be its Sage… …No… It's because I love everyone who calls themselves my wizards… I can't just stop being the Sage. I don't…want to stop…

I did my very best to convey everything to him, even as my voice shook. Tears spilled from the corners of my eyes, disappearing into the ocean. Hwylryn closed his eyes and mumbled something, as if trying to plead with me.

Hwylryn: I see…

Mithra: …

Mithra's lips were trembling. I wonder if he wasn't able to find the right words right now, either. But Hwylryn grinned, looking like a little kid about to pull a prank.

Hwylryn: Well then, Mithra! How about we pick up where we left off?

Mithra: …I suppose we should.

Hwylryn's smile was infectious, and it had caught Mithra in its trap; Mithra was smiling like he didn't have a care in the world right now.

Mithra: I'm not going to lose.

Hwylryn nodded, and then he held out his arms to us. He embraced us, hugging us as tightly as he could. His skin was as warm as it'd been inside his mouth. He stroked my hair somewhat reluctantly, resting his cheek against the side of my head.

Hwylryn: It only took a single evening for us to become friends. But still, I love both of you. I'm happy we met, Akira.

✦✧☾✧✦

Faust: Figaro!

Figaro: Faust… Leno! And the Eastern kids, too!

Mitile: Leno…! Leno!

Lennox: …Mitile…

Shino: Told you we'd get him back, Mitile!

Heathcliff: Did you get the cintamani stone?!

Figaro: Yep. Lord Snow should be a-okay soon enough. Thank you.

Heathcliff: Thank goodness…

Shino: So now we only need to worry about Shylock.

Riquet: Thank goodness you all came home safe! Don't you think, Mitile?

Mitile: Yes…sniffle.

Lennox: Sorry, Mitile…for making you worry…

Mitile: …I'm so happy… I'm just so happy you're back, Leno!

Figaro: Yep. Thank goodness. Everyone was all worked up, you know.

Lennox: …Sorry.

Figaro: No… I'm the one who should be apologizing here. I'll tell you all the details later…

Lennox: …? Okay…

Figaro: Putting that to the side, those wounds look terrible. Mitile. Can you make some healing potions to help with treatment? Make enough for the Eastern wizards, too.

Mitile: On it! <Ortonik Sealsispilce> …Is that good?

Figaro: Yep. Well done. We've got a lot of people with injuries, so make as many as you can.

Mitile: Alright… I hope my brother is okay…

Figaro: Mithra is with him. He'll be fine.

Mitile: …You're right. Leno, close your eyes and get some rest, please.

Lennox: …Alright…thank you…

Faust: … Figaro. Look after the kids for me. I'm going to meet back up with the Sage.

Shino: Us too…

Faust: No, you're staying here. Both of you should be on the verge of completely exhausting your magic. You wouldn't be able to move after very long.

Figaro: That goes for you, too.

Faust: But…

Figaro: Riquet, could you go grab Nero and Bradley? If things are all settled in the castle, ask them to head into the ocean. I'm worried about the others.

Riquet: Understood.

Figaro: Mitile, Riquet, can the two of you go underwater, too? I imagine we have people down there who are hurt or magically exhausted and can't get back on their own. I'd go there myself, but if someone seriously injured is brought back and I'm not here, I might not be able to make it back in time to treat them.

Mitile: Okay… Hopefully Rutile and everyone will be coming back okay, but we'll go out to greet them anyways!

Figaro: Yep. I'm trusting you guys.

✦✧☾✧✦

Bradley: That damn Figaro, pushing me around like I'm his underling…

Nero: What else were we supposed to do? Oh, Riquet, right there's good. We're gonna be using your lantern as a landmark.

Riquet: Yes! <Sunrotea Edif>

Mitile: How pretty… It's as bright as the last star in the sky at dawn!

Riquet: I hope that it can serve as a proper guide for those who may need it…

Nero: It will. But it might serve to guide our enemies, too. I'll be here to back you up if any weirdos start showin' up.

Riquet: Thank you!

Mitile: So you're with me, Bradley! We're going to search for anyone who might need help from the sky!

Bradley: Damn, guess we gotta. Guess I'll help ya out.

Mitile: Rutile…I hope you're okay…!

✦✧☾✧✦

Chloe: …Gasp… I managed to get up to the surface, but I don't have the strength to fly back…

Rustica: …

Chloe: …I need to pull it together… Rustica can't swim, after all… But… It's super dark, and the waves are so tall, so I don't know which direction to go… … …My arms…are so tired… …Ah… Was that super-bright star…there before…? …No… That's Riquet's lantern…! Riquet's here! Everything's going to be okay, Rustica! If we can just get that far, you're gonna get help! I wonder if he'll hear me from over here?! Heeeey…! Heeeey…! Riiiiqueeeet…! …I guess the waves are so loud he can't hear me… …Someone help…

Mitile: <Scintilla>!

Chloe: …! Wah, I'm floating…! Rustica is, too…?!

Mitile: Chloe! Rustica!

Chloe: Mitile…!

Bradley: See, what did I tell you. I toldja you'd be able to lift two grown-ups at once, and here you go provin' me right.

Mitile: Yeah! …But…I don't know if I can carry them both all the way back to the castle…

Bradley: Leave that part to me. Lil' tailor guy, get on one of our brooms.

Chloe: Bradley!

Bradley: Good work, kid. Hang on tight. Make sure Mister Bridesgroom doesn't fall.

Chloe: Bradleyyyy! It's really bad down there! We ran into a dragon that looked like a human, and…

Bradley: Gimme all the details on the flight back to the castle.

Chloe: Okay…!

✦✧☾✧✦

Borda Island Youth: Why are you taking out a boat in the middle of the night, Miss Natalie? Where are you going? Or are you planning on some morning fishing?

Natalie: Don't be stupid. A bureaucrat is going to be digging into things around here by the time dawn breaks. I'm taking the down payments we got for vacation homes and getting out of here. If the plan had gone the way it should've, we'd have ten times this amount… What a waste… Oh well. Maybe I'll meet a wandering prince with a huge inheritance, like the one those traveling bards keep singing about.

Borda Island Youth: Hn? Miss Natalie, weren't you going to marry me?

Natalie: …?! A door just appeared on the boat?!

Borda Island Youth: There's water coming out of it?! Is this seawater?! There's so much water coming out…! The boat…! It's gonna sink…! We gotta start bailing out the water! What's up with this door?! It won't close…! Aahh! All our money…!

Natalie: The money is sinking into the ocean…!

Cain: …Uwah…!

Rutile: …Wahh…!

Natalie: The playboy from this afternoon?!

Cain: …Cough… O-Owen?!

Borda Island Youth: The boat…the boat is sinking…!

Bradley: <Adnopotensum>!

Natalie: …?! Why is my body floating…?!

Bradley: Am I collecting all'a you guys, or what?

Cain: Bradley!

Mitile: Rutile…!

Rutile: …Mi…tile…

Mitile: …Oh no, these wounds are terrible… But, I'm glad we found you…! Everything's going to be okay now! You too, Cain!

Bradley: Guess we'll cart these freaks that were with 'em back to the castle, too.

✦✧☾✧✦

Owen: … Hey. He said that I'm stronger than you are.

Balthazar: …

Owen: What's up with that dragon?

Balthazar: If I call for him, he'll come.

Owen: Oh, really. So you didn't call for him even though you had a Central wizard and Western wizard wailing on you? Can't believe a Northern wizard like you is being reduced to begging a sea snake like him to save you.

Balthazar: …

Owen: Oz, are you listening?

Oz: …

Owen: Shylock, did you hear that?

Shylock: …

Owen: That's all you amount to as a wizard, Balthazar.

Balthazar: <Mare Praeda>

Owen: <Cuare Morito>

Balthazar: …?! What…?! That trunk is absorbing my magic…?!

Owen: You got it. A wizard who's completely lost his heart has a finite supply of magic. You should be running out pretty soon. You're just not on my level.

Balthazar: …kh…!

Murr: Good one! So you attacked him so you could take his magic for yourself?

Arthur: If all of Balthazar's magic is in Owen's trunk, he won't be able to run away even if he tries!

Balthazar: Urrgh…ghh…! …You're stealing…my magic…

Owen: Just shrivel up and die already!

Oz: …Owen…!

Owen: …?! …Aaahhh…!

Shylock: The dragon is… Hwylryn is eating Owen…!

Murr: <Eanul Lambru>! Woah, he's fast! I missed!

Arthur: …!

Oz: Where are you going, Arthur?!

Arthur: I need to save Owen! Lord Oz, you can…

Balthazar: <Mare Praeda>

Arthur: …! <Pernoctant Nixzo>

Oz: …Arthur…!

Balthazar: Oz! I'll turn you and your disciple to stone together, here and now…!

Murr: …I'm gonna go help out Oz and Arthur!

Shylock: I'll assist Owen!

Mithra: You don't need to do that.

Shylock: Mithra…!

Mithra: I'm going to kill Hwylryn.

✦✧☾✧✦

Owen: …gh…! <Cure Memini>! …Dammit…it's not working… That should've blown those fangs out of his mouth… Open your mouth, you…!

Mithra: <Arthim>

Hwylryn: …!

Owen: …gh, the fangs are out…!

Hwylryn: Mithra…

Mithra: Owen.

Owen: …What?

Mithra: We're swapping off.

Owen: Excuse me?

Mithra: I'm going to kill him.

Hwylryn: …

Owen: Fine by me. I'm going to go get revenge.

Mithra: Who are you avenging?

Owen: Whoever.

Mithra: Did someone turn to stone?

Owen: As if. They had me protecting them.

Mithra: …

Owen: I protected them. Got a problem with that?

Mithra: …No… Take care of the Sage after you kill the other one.

Owen: Sounds like a pain… Sure, fine. I can do that.

✦✧☾✧✦

Akira: …I hope everyone's okay…

Shylock: Master Sage, this way!

Shylock was protecting me as we traversed the undersea city. Murr and Arthur were fighting Balthazar right in front of us.

Murr: <Eanul Lambru>!

Arthur: <Pernoctant Nixzo>!

Balthazar: <Mare Praeda>

Arthur was protecting Oz's back, desperately blocking Balthazar's magical attacks. Balthazar was infuriated.

Balthazar: Use your magic, Oz! Are you mocking me…?!

Murr: Freaking duh, Balthazar! Oz is the greatest wizard in the world! Do you have any idea how far beneath him you are?!

Balthazar: How dare you…! <Mare Praeda>

Murr's provocations stoked the flames of Balthazar's fury, and he began a series of attacks, one after the other. There was a terrifying amount of force behind them, but that didn't matter very much if they didn't hit--and they didn't.

Shylock: …I was intending to bring you back to Lord Oz's side, but that seems like it could be a bit dangerous at the moment. …! <Inviebelle>

That same moment, a bitterly cold twister of ice aimed its jaws at us from overhead. Its terrible current threatened to freeze everything around it, but before it could reach us, Shylock exhaled, the smoke from his pipe wrapping around us. That smoke turned into pale pink bubbles as it spread out, protecting us.

Shylock: Everything is okay, Master Sage.

Akira: Okay…

Something massive cast a shadow above our heads. It was Hwylryn and Mithra. The twister of ice had probably been Mithra's magic. There were patches of ice all over Hwylryn's huge tail. But with a sweep of his tail, the ice was gone.

Balthazar: <Mare Praeda>

Murr had been elegantly dodging Balthazar's attacks when Hwylryn's huge body suddenly rushed past him. Without any way to escape, Balthazar's next attack was set to hit home.

Murr: …!

Arthur: Watch out…! <Pernoctant Nixzo>!

Oz: Arthur…!

Arthur threw up a barrier around Murr. But Arthur's barrier wasn't enough to stop the attacks of a Northern wizard like Balthazar. The barrier cracked, a black gash running through it.

Arthur: …!

The crack widened, but right as I thought it was going to swallow them up… A ferocious dog's howling reverberated through the water.

Owen: <Cure Memini>

A dog with three heads crashed through the darkness as it howled, charging towards Balthazar.

Balthazar: …!

The glass bubble floated out of the way--Balthazar avoided Cerberus's charge. Still, Cerberus was faster, and it whirled on Balthazar and chased him.

Owen: Go. You're my dog, right? Tear him apart!

✦✧☾✧✦

Cerberus leapt forward and caught the bubble of glass.

Balthazar: …!

✦✧☾✧✦

Hwylryn: Balthazar…!

Mithra: Where are you looking? Your opponent is me, if you forgot.

Hwylryn: …!

Mithra: <Arthim>

✦✧☾✧✦

Balthazar was glaring daggers at Owen from his vantage point under Cerberus's front paws. But that glare warped into a grin, and he began to laugh.

Balthazar: …Haha…

Owen: …

Balthazar: Haha… I understand…

Owen: Yeah? Tell me what you understand.

Balthazar: I should've just done this from the start, instead of hesitating…

Shylock: … Stop that, Balthazar.

Shylock's expression as he looked at Balthazar was a tense one. I wondered what they were talking about. I was about to ask when I realized something and gasped. I remembered what Murr had said. Balthazar had both the inclination towards and means for sinking an island.

Murr: You're going to sink Borda Island?!

Owen: What?!

Balthazar: Wicked gods slumbering beneath the sea, hear me… Spirits of darkness, primeval souls of creation… I offer…my body and soul to you…

Shylock: Balthazar…!

Balthazar: …Give me the power to rend land and sea apart…! <Mare Praeda>

Balthazar screamed his spell. The next second, his head disappeared inside of the glass bubble.

Shylock: …Balthazar…

A tremor ran through the undersea city. A dreadful red light was born from the bottom of the ocean, filling the area.

Murr: We're getting back up to the surface now!

Arthur: Master Sage! This way!

Akira: What about Mithra?!

Owen: He'll be fine! Hurry!

With Arthur's guidance, I finally took my place at Oz's side again. We held our hands out to one another, our fingers linking.

Oz: <Vox Nox>

And with that, we were in the air again.

✦✧☾✧✦

Akira: …! The wind…

It had been so long since I felt air on my skin that for a moment, my body didn't know how to react to it. Owen had been pulled up with us by Oz's spell, and he was mad about it.

Owen: Excuse me? Why did you drag me along with you? I can fly by myself, you know.

Oz: …

Owen: Don't just ignore me. Say something.

Arthur: Master Sage! Look…!

Arthur was looking down, pointing at the ocean we'd just been in. There was…light, or something like light, carving itself a path from the undersea city towards Borda Island.

Murr: That was a forbidden summoning spell!

Shylock: He fed his own body and soul to the spirits…to sink Adams Island, as he did now.

But back then, Hwylryn had saved Balthazar. Left with nothing but his head, he slept for a very, very long time--that was the only way he could've continued to stay alive. But right now, Hwylryn was… Fighting Mithra, tears rolling down his cheeks and scattering in the pre-dawn sky.

Next Chapter

#.mhyktl #.eventtl #.main story tl #4th anni

9 notes · View notes

tobiasdrake · 7 months

Text

Alright, boss man who I definitely have the utmost respect and admiration for, what do you got for us?

I mean, we didn't exactly end on good terms with them. We fought them off with violence. Humiliated several officers. Drowned one in the bay. I threatened to have their Director hung from a scaffolding by his tighty whiteys. Good times were had by all, but there were going to be consequences to it.

Have you considered, I don't know, moving the sub like I suggested? Come on, man. I threatened a Fascist Commander. We can't stay in one spot like this.

Halara makes a good point. If all they're doing is monitoring, what's the harm in doing your grocery shopping and then coming right back? You get to do what you were going to do anyway while the Corpo-Cops have to waste hours of their lives, and you only get one of those, watching you pick out kumquats.

I would drag my heels just for the fun of it. Spend like fifteen minutes squeezing different fruits. "Mmm... no... not ripe enough... hmm....."

Eh, fair enough. Even if they aren't under orders to, they might do it just to make the kumquat monotony end.

That raises interesting questions for Shinigami about how the Mystery Labyrinth works. Can I, like, call something a mystery if a person died over it? If Yomi stabbed Yakou to death right in front of me, could I go in like, "MYSTERY: Who killed Yakou?"

There is one Solution Key: "Yomi Fucking Did It." I slide it into the lock labeled "Who did it?" BOOM. Mystery solved, let's get to soul reaping.

Or. Like. If Yomi orders one of his men to kill Yakou, then would that be considered a secret truth of the mystery? Would we reap both the guy and Yomi's souls by solving it? Like. In the last case, we were investigating the fourth serial killing but we also nailed Worshipper who had nothing to do with the crime we were specifically trying to solve as a gift-with-purchase. Because he happened to have done an unrelated copycat murder on the side.

So if investigating a serial murder also snags anyone who's ever committed a murder in the same style, then can I do like a combo-chain of investigations to rip apart the entire Peacekeeper hierarchy by sniffing out one crooked cop who killed someone on the boss man's order?

I want to experiment so badly! Yakou, go back out there and let them kill you! I'll stay in here with my hands over my eyes so I don't know who did it. Working together as brothers in investigation, we can make this happen!

I realize this is filthy rich coming from me but I vote Halara for team leader. They're brilliant, driven, and can spend all day flinging cops around. I have the utmost faith in their--

Halara, why is there a tattoo of the Xbox 360 power button on the palm of your hand? You realize we're a Nintendo exclusive, right?

...

I'm sorry, what was I saying?

Yes. Yes, you should. Take me with you. I realize I voted for Yakou rambling at us over Desuhiko playing guitar but if leaving is on the table then I want to do that.

So yes! Go! Aaaaand you're not taking me with you. So now I'm alone with Yakou, Desuhiko, and a very nice fireplace gremlin who I adore but who will not be providing much engaging conversation to save me from these two.

There it is. Getting some foreshadowing into what makes Fubuki genuinely capable despite her... quirks.

I am so eager to find out what her ability is. But I suppose that's for another chapter.

#master detective archives: rain code #drake plays rain code #fubuki clockford #halara nightmare #yakou furio

11 notes · View notes

brendughh · 1 year

Text

COC DAY 2: AU!

It's my first fic! Here's a milkshake scene au from Heartstopper I did at 2 am, hope you enjoy. I also posted it on a03

For @ic3-que3n and @erzbethluna, your tags are not in vain

"Oh my god, no, that is a crime." Simon misses the snarky comments Baz used to make about his everything that he was almost caught by him in surprise. Almost.

"I can't believe you've just disrespected Unicorn Frappuccino infront of me." I thought you are fond of rainbows, Simon decides not to add.

"Unicorns don't taste like that, Snow." It tastes like lavender, actually. Baz knows this.

"All right let me try yours" Simon reaches for the cup that says 'Pumpkin Mocha Breave' and takes a sip. "wow. "

"See, I make good choices." Baz says, and the barista, (he likes to refer to himself as one) Levi, winks at him.

"We should share!"

"No Snow, you made your choice."

"But we are on a date. This this is what people do on dates, I think. Or maybe. Yeah I could just stick with my-"

Baz is proud at Simon for speaking his mind, but honestly, who does he think Baz is to say no to his gorgeous face? "It's alright, it's what people do."

And, with a little more confidence– " We should go on a real date you know, just us. If you want to."

"I'd love too, Baz."

"Im not interrupting anything, am I?" Agatha chimes in, popping their rose colored bubble.

Agatha. She doesn't know anything about Simon and Baz. Simon knows she likes Baz. Baz knows he really don't. Like. Agatha.

"No Aggs, uhm, me and Baz, we're just talking about-" he raise his hands to his chest, providing some life to his lie "milkshakes. Whose taste better."

"Hmm. If that is what I think it is, " she points at Baz's cup, "then Baz, you have my vote."

"Thank you, Wellbelove."

—

Penelope, Simon, Baz, and that girl in boycut all sit around their table waiting for Agatha and the rest of the milkshakes . Simon and Baz are side by side, facing Niamh and Agatha. Penelope wonders when did the two become friends. She and Agatha used to sit beside each other after all.

"So, Niamh, I didn't know you and Agatha are close friends."

"We are not," Niamh immediately regrets what she said adding "I mean, she asked me to be her train mate for lacrosse and I said yes." They were supposed to share the thing with them together.

The two boys are hoping for the exact same thing too. What is taking you so long, Agatha?

"I guess lacrosse has it’s way bringing people together. Just look at those two." Penelope gives a look at the boys. "They were literal enemies, and now I think Baz has replaced my title as Simon's best friend."

Best friend , Simon is turning red all while Baz's cough sabotages his own smile.

Thank Merlin, Agatha is finally here.

"What are you guys talking about?"

"Oh, babe. Penelope was talking about how good friends Simon and Baz are being these days. I think Penelope is jealous."

" I am not." says Penelope at the same time Baz said "Babe?"

Subtlety is not Niamh best suit.

"We actually invited you to tell something." Agatha carefully look at each person's eyes landing on Niamh the last. She is scared.

" I'm so sorry Baz, I know that it seems that I was attracted to you, but I don't want to give you false hope." Baz isn't sure if his snort is only audible to his head, or is also seen by everyone at the table.

"When Simon and I broke up, I thought you were the solution. I joined lacrosse to get close to you, then I met Niamh and I realized that you are not the solution neither Simon is the problem. I've been trying to solve something that is not made for me.

"Me and Niamh are dating. I am sorry if this hurts you Baz, but I am not sorry for who I like."

That is it. Agatha's petty face is the last straw. He is laughing, crying, and screaming, Simon- all of them- never heard Baz like this. He is manic.

"I'm sorry, do you find it funny that I like girls?"

Penny can see all the emotions passing through Aggie's face, she decides to call Baz out "Stop laughing Baz, nothing is wrong with being gay."

And then Simon is at it too. All the laughing is turning him into a tomato.

"You know what, I actually think this would go okay. You're a bunch of dicks." Standing up, Niamh goes to comfort her girlfriend. She thought that this would go okay too. Maybe she is wrong about Baz.

"Wait, Aggs, WAIT!" Suspending his laugh is not that hard for Simon when something special is at stake. They will all make a core memory of this.

"Wearenothomophobic"

"Simon, let me"

"But I want to be the one to tell them too!"

"Wellbel– Agatha. I don't find it funny that you like girls. It's just ridiculous that you think I would be hurt from that. I dont like you that way, I like guys. Me and Simon—

"Meandbazaretogetherandheisgay"

"I am gay. Simon and I are dating since last year, fifth grade." Baz let Simon join their hands together, completely smitten, he kisses it.

"I still don't know what I am but I really like Baz."

"I have something important to share with you guys too" they all face Penelope.

"I am straight."

They only stop laughing at each other when the ice in their drinks are melted.

#coc 2022 #mine #carry on #carry on countdown #fic #fanfic #snowbaz #snowbaz fanfiction #wayward son #awtwb #heartstopper

19 notes · View notes

candysmiles373 · 1 year

Text

A Spell Gone Awry - Solomon x GN!MC

!Trigger Warnings! - Suicide - Bad Grammar

Word Count: 2770

If I didn't love him so much, I'd kill Solomon for casting this awful spell! Of all the spells to mess up, why did it have to be this one!? It's breaking my heart, seeing everyone so torn apart over and over again because of me.

Although the date hasn't changed since the spell took effect, I've already gone through the same day fifteen times. Solomon swears that he's working as hard as he can to fix this mess, but he says it's difficult to come up with a solution in time, since his memories are reset at the beginning of every loop, just like everyone else.

It's not fair that I'm the only one whose memory remains even when the loop resets. It kills me to watch the people I care about suffer through my death over and over again.

"MC, how many loops has it been now?"

"Solomon, I've already told you this three times!"

"I know, I know. I just want to make sure I get this right. We don't have a lot of time since my memory will reset at midnight again when you-..."

"...When I die? I know. It's been fifteen loops so far."

"And you're sure that you've tried everything else you can think of?"

"I'm sure. In the last loop, I tried to ask Barbatos for help, but it seems that even Barbatos' abilities aren't enough to break the loop. In the loop before that, I asked Diavolo for help, but he couldn't break the spell no matter how hard he tried. In the end, they only exhausted themselves trying to save me. Although there was one loop where something strange happened."

"And you haven't mentioned this until now because...?"

"Well, I didn't think it was a big deal at first, but now that I think about it..."

"Well? What happened?"

"There was a loop - I can't recall which one - where Lucifer said something strange to me. I swear I hadn't told him anything about the spell in that loop, but he said something in reference to events that took place in a loop before the one we were in. When I addressed it, he only said that he didn't know what I was talking about and claimed he hadn't said anything along the lines of what he'd just said to me."

"I see... Perhaps the spell is beginning to wear off by itself? I don't recall how I made the spell, but it's possible that when I was concocting it I only intended to have it last for a certain number of loops."

"I don't think that's it. I can't explain why, but every time I die at the end of a loop, I get this strange feeling...like something isn't right..."

"Hmm... MC, I understand that resolving this situation is an urgent matter, but it's already getting late and we're no closer to finding a solution in this loop. Since I won't remember anything about the spell when it resets tomorrow - or, well, today - why don't we just try to enjoy the rest of the day together?"

"I told the brothers that I'd be home before midnight. I was hoping that I could simply lock myself away in my room and die alone so that I didn't have to witness them mourning for me again."

"This spell is absolutely awful. I don't know what I was thinking, being so careless whilst I was playing with magic. I should have been more careful. You haven't properly explained what happens after you die at the end of a loop. Could you tell me more about it?"

"I suppose. When the clock reaches 11:59 pm, I die. Sometimes it's a sudden danger that appears out of nowhere, or an unexpected accident befalls me. But a few times, I've just dropped dead without any apparent cause. Once I die, it's like my soul leaves my body and I can't move or speak, I can only watch the aftermath of my death. It stays that way for exactly one minute. Once the clock strikes midnight, the loop resets itself again to the beginning of the day. The day repeats itself but, depending on what I do or say, some things can change."

"Sigh... I'm so sorry, MC. I can't believe I let this happen. I promise you that I'll find a way to correct this, no matter how many loops we have to go through, you have my word that I'll fix it."

. . .

It's been three loops since I had that conversation with Solomon. In this loop, he asked me to leave him to do his research alone for the day and told me I should just try not to worry about it and go about the day as I usually would. Unfortunately, it's proving to be easier said than done at the moment...

"Hey! Watch where yer swingin' that thing!" Mammon just barely dodges out of the way of Satan's thrashing tail, whilst Satan is too preoccupied with fighting Lucifer off of him.

As I watch the seven brothers fighting amongst themselves like a rowdy group of little kids, I can't help but feel overwhelmed by everything that has happened leading up to this. Although Solomon said I should just pretend that everything is normal for now, I can't hide my misery from the brothers this time around.

At first, the brothers were just concerned and offered me their support for whatever I was going through. Then, when they found me sobbing on the floor in the entranceway, they began to question what was going on. At some point, the brothers had started throwing accusations at one another, trying to determine which one of them it was that had upset me to such an extent. Of course, none of them know the real reason is that I'm stuck in a time loop and I'm going to die in fifteen minutes.

In his haste to avoid being thrown into a wall by Satan's tail, Mammon manages to step on Belphie's. Belphie tears his attention away from throwing things at Asmo and turns his fury on Mammon, tossing a vase right at Mammon's head. Beel, enraged that Mammon had stood on Belphie's tail, radiates murderous intent as he throws himself into the fray. For some reason, Asmo seems to take even more offense at being ignored by Belphie all of a sudden and attempts to strike him once again.

"Why won't it stop? Why can't this stupid spell end already? Why...WHY...WHY!?" My sudden scream silences the brothers and stops them in their tracks, every one of them turning to face me in apparent concern. Only now do I realize that hot stinging tears have begun to roll down my cheeks and I squeeze my eyes shut in a feeble attempt to stop them from flowing, turning my head away in shame. When I open my eyes, they land on the clock across the room.

Oh. I only have ten minutes left. Since Solomon hasn't shown up yet, he must not have found a way to stop the spell yet. I suppose I'll just have to tell him again once the loop resets and hope that he'll be able to figure it out in the next one.

"MC... We're sorry. We didn't mean to make you cry. Please, forgive us." Lucifer is the first to speak, snapping my attention back to the brothers, all waiting in silent apprehension.

Right. They think I'm crying because of their fighting. Truthfully, I am upset that they're fighting, but I've been through so many loops now that this fight is an expected occurrence. Unpleasant though it may be, the fight isn't the reason that I find myself in tears right now.

Wait. Why am I crying...? Because I'm afraid of dying again? Because I'm afraid that I'll have to go through this day over and over again for the rest of eternity? No, that isn't it. I am afraid, but that's not why I'm crying. I'm crying because I've been so blind - so naive - all this time.

Time. That's exactly it.

Time is why I'm crying...

No matter how many times I go through this loop, it still feels like it's the last time I'll ever see all the people I care about. That feeling - the one I keep getting at the end of every loop - it wasn't because of the spell, it was because the spell reminded me of my own mortality.

Being human, I'll never live as long as demons, angels, or an immortal sorcerer. One day, whether I like it or not, my life will come to an end and I'll be forced to leave behind all of the people I love.

"MC...?"

Oh, right. They're still waiting for an answer. I glance back at the clock; five minutes left. I sweep my gaze over the seven brothers, all sorrow-filled eyes fixed on me.

I love every one of them so much. I've become a part of this family; this strange, whacky, wonderful family. But if I die one day, I'll be leaving them all behind...just like Lilith did. Perhaps it would be better for me to leave them all behind sooner rather than later, that way we can't grow even more attached than we already have.

Maybe...just maybe...if I take my own life before midnight, this terrible loop can end with me and everyone can go back to their lives, just as they were before I ever arrived.

"I've decided." I wipe my eyes on the back of my sleeve, forcing a thin smile onto my face. I vaguely register the sound of the front door opening behind me as I speak, but whoever enters keeps quiet. "Could you guys make me a promise...?"

"Of course, MC. Anything, if you'll forgive us." Beel looks downcast, tone laced with remorse and fervent apology.

"Promise me, that no matter what happens, you'll always be family. Even if you fight and argue and disagree all the time, always love and care for each other above all else. Always remember...that you're family..."

"MC... Of course we'll always be family. And you're a part of our family too. But...why does this sound like a goodbye...?" Lucifer's gaze becomes uncharacteristically soft, a rare look of fear painted across his features. The brothers all look on in perplexed silence, almost as if they're paralyzed by their fear.

I cast a sidelong glance at the clock, just as it reaches 11:58 pm. Offering the brothers one final close-eyed smile, I call upon my magic to materialize a sword in the air. As a fresh wave of tears washes over me, I can't bring myself to hold them back anymore. "Because it is..."

"MC, WAIT!"

Using my magic, I plunge the sword through my chest and black spots begin to obscure my vision as I feel my strength slipping away from me. As my legs give out beneath me, I expect to hit the floor hard but, instead, I feel warm arms wrapping around me before I can come into contact with the ground. There's an unpleasant ringing in my ears, but I can barely make out several muffled voices shouting around me. My vision is becoming darker by the second, but I can just about discern who is who based on the blurs of color surrounding me.

Familiar blue-brown eyes smile down at me and I feel a warm hand pushing back the hair out of my face. I struggle to focus on Solomon's face, straining my ears to hear what he's saying when I realize that his lips are moving. "...I can't figure out if you're incredibly brave or incredibly foolish. But, then again, that's what I love about you, isn't it? There, there. There's no need to cry. You're going to be okay. I promise..."

The dull ache that had been spreading throughout my body begins to fade away into the back of my mind and a strange sense of calm falls over me as Solomon wipes away my tears with his thumb. A peaceful feeling takes hold of me and refuses to let go, dragging me into the inviting darkness that awaits me.

Even after I lose all feeling in my body and my vision is covered by darkness, I still hear those final words that Solomon whispers beside my ear. "...You did great, MC. Wait for me, okay? We'll be together again soon..."

. . .

Gasp! I wake up in bed with a start, sitting bolt upright so quickly that the world seems to spin around me for a moment and I clutch my head as I feel a stab of pain in my chest. When my head clears, I grab my D.D.D from beside my bed. 6:59 am.

But I thought that I killed myself to end the loop. Was that all a dream? All of that pain, all of those tears; it felt so real. Was it all really just a bad dream? I get out of bed but collapse immediately, all my strength being sapped the moment I get to my feet, a sharp pain shooting through my entire body.

No, it wasn't a nightmare; it was real. Everything that happened to me was real. With some struggle, I manage to get back on my feet. It's tomorrow - or, more accurately, tomorrow is today - which means that the spell has been broken. I hurry downstairs and scan the entranceway for any signs of what had happened. There's no trace of any of the destruction that the brothers caused when they were fighting, not even a single drop of blood remains. It's as though nothing ever happened...

No, I know it was real. I remember everything so vividly. I remember...Solomon! I have to find Solomon! Without wasting another second, I scour the House of Lamentation for any signs of the sorcerer, but I only see the brothers milling around the house. They all attempt to stop me and ask me why I'm in such a rush and why I look so panicked, but I don't spare any of them a glance. Concluding that Solomon isn't here, I bolt for the door, tailed by the worried brothers that stop at the door to call out after me.

"MC, where are ya goin'!?"

"MC! Come back here at once and tell us what happened!"

"Tell us what's going on, damnit!"

"Hey, we were supposed to game together today!"

I don't stop - I don't even look back - I can only focus on finding Solomon, running as fast as my legs can carry me to Purgatory Hall. I have to tell him... I have to tell Solomon that I love him too!

I make it to Purgatory Hall, exhausted and out of breath. I burst through the door without bothering to knock, panting heavily as I scan the area for that familiar head of white hair. I find Solomon, along with Simeon and Luke, in the sitting room. When I throw open the doors, they turn to me with bewildered looks on their faces, undoubtedly confused by my frazzled state and bizarre behavior.

Solomon puts an arm over the back of the sofa as he turns to look at me, raising a brow at my dramatic entrance, visibly amused by my appearance already.

"Solomon, I'm sorry! I should never have done what I did! I should have trusted you and been patient! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" I don't even know if the words that I blurt out make any sense; I don't take the time to think through what I'm saying.

Solomon's amusement vanishes just as quickly as it had appeared; he gets up from his seat and turns to me fully, looking thoroughly concerned, but no less confused. "MC, what are you talking about? Did something happen?"

He...doesn't remember...?

...Hedoesn'trememberhedoesn'trememberhedoesn'tremember...

HE DOESN'T REMEMBER!

My whole body suddenly feels weak - even weaker than when I was dying - and my legs begin to tremble until they eventually buckle beneath me and I come crashing to my knees, barely registering the pain that it causes. At first, I don't even notice that I'm crying - not until my sobbing turns into ear-splitting wails of grief. An immeasurable agony takes root in my chest, as though something was squeezing my heart.

When I open my eyes again, Solomon is on his knees before me, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me into a desperate embrace. His grip on me is somehow gentle enough to soothe my aching heart, yet firm enough to ground me; to assure me that this is real, that he's here and he's not going anywhere.

Burying my face in his chest, I convince myself that everything is fine; that I'm going to be okay. I'll have to explain everything to Solomon eventually but, for now, I just want to stay like this; safe and warm in his arms, remembering those precious words he said to me.

#obey me #om! shall we date #omswd #obey me solomon

13 notes · View notes