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strawhatsoraya · 2 years

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hiii can i request law with like a reader who has known him since childhood??? it can be romantic or platonic, u choose!

Hello! I know it took a little bit, but I have your request. YAY! I love Law. I have an affinity for characters for sad and tragic backstories. I don't know why. I do actually but I want to pretend I don't so please turn a blind eye to my own possible traumas lol. Anyway, I didn't write that much angst and I left an open ending. I hope you enjoy.

Between Death && Memories

LAW X READER | NO PRONOUNS, GENDER NEUTRAL | SFW |WORD COUNT: 812 words

CONTENT WARNING: If you're anti angst, then sure that's a warning, and a little bit fluffy. Nothing to worry about!

A (BADLY WRITTEN) SUMMARY: Law likes to stand in the middle of roads i guess, he isn't verbose at all, friends meeting maybe moooore who knows!

To this day, whenever he’d see the color white, he couldn’t help the mixed emotions.

Memories of a life once lived, in a city that seemed to be made of snow. He recalled the iron-wrought gates with a bitter sweetness, as the scent of used textbooks floods his senses. At the time, his biggest desire was learning; to maybe one day become as useful as his father. He met you at the academy inside the hospital, your curious eyes constantly distracting him from the books he had been reading.

At first it annoyed him. He explicitly would go to the hospital to learn, not to make friends. Later, it dawned on him that the best course of action would be to recruit you into his plans. If he had you as a studying partner, an ally, then all will be well. It surprised him how quickly you had agreed to it.

Friendship bloomed naturally, as you both poured over medical textbooks. Your dream was similar to his. You wished to be someone who could help others heal, someone people could rely on.You had promised each other to follow through, to seize these dreams by the throats.

Neither of you had accounted for the tragedy that would befall Flevance. Amber Lead had led Flevance to its affluence. It had also led it to its downfall.

The illness spread quickly, and Law had been so busy trying to survive, so busy trying to find a way to save Lami that he had forgotten about you. He barely remembered you when he escaped buried in corpses, barely thought of you as he ambled around the world.

Now you were standing in front of him, in a seafaring town far from home, and it was as if he never forgot you at all. Your hair was shorter than he remembered. You had grown tall, long legs hiding behind a white coat. Your skin darker, your eyes a little bit more tired. The sparkling sheen had been dulled slightly, but you were still you; his friend.

“You became a pirate instead?” you ask him, and your mouth twists in a crooked smile. He blinks, trying to remember if this was your voice. He can’t recall the details, but it feels right when your laugh reaches him. “What are the odds?”

He smiles, surprised at how easy that was. Smiling wasn’t something he often did. It almost made him feel guilty, as if he had no right to a miniscule ounce of happiness. He had been so hellbent in his quest for justice; a little piece of revenge. That seemed idiotic in your presence.

He takes in the sight of you once more, allowing himself a moment of reprieve. “I see you’re a doctor.” He is curious. He wants to know how you made it out alive. Has your mom made it out too? What about your little brother? If he remembered correctly, you had a dog named Red. Was Red alive?

He can’t bring himself to ask. He feels his own wounds tearing at the seams, blood seeping through his clothes. The burning pain, constantly in the back of his eyes; prickling. He didn’t have the heart to dig his inked fingers into your sutured battle wounds.

If he was honest, and logical, he should let this encounter go; let it die here in the middle of the paved road. It would be easier for you and him. He blinks, and turns his head, begins to think up an excuse to leave but you move towards him. You capture his hand with ease and he is embarrassed at his lack of awareness. What kind of pirate was he to let someone get so close? And he wanted to call himself Captain?

You turn his palm in your hands, brush your thumbs over his tattooed knuckles. He holds his breath when you laugh at him again. “Death?” you ask him with raised brows, mirth dancing behind your eyes. “Isn’t this a bit much? I never pictured you to be into theatrics.”

He considers this, and is too distracted by childhood memories to notice the way you still cling to his hand. You pull on it gently, bringing him back to your presence.

“Well, Mr. Death,” you say, tilting your head. Your hair moves, a breeze blows, and it takes his breath away. “Why don’t you join me for a drink? For old time’s sake.”

Time was unforgiving. Time, allegedly, healed all wounds. Law couldn’t tell if that was true for himself, at least not for certain. But he also knew time to be kind to others, perhaps it had been gentle and compassionate with you. He nods, blaming it on curiosity.

“Sure. We’re still friends, right?” He asks, a lump in his throat. You smile back, a small flush taking over your cheeks and nods.

“Of course.”

#law x y/n #law x you #law x reader #fic request #one piece law #one piece fanfiction #one piece fic #one piece fluff #one piece angst #law fluff

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ibis-gt · 3 years

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moooore boxer au, directly following my little drabble from last night. there's good reason boxer cam and boxer laz haven't fought before, cos 6'8 heavyweight cam and 5'6 welterweight laz aren't even close to the same weight class, but laz is confident-leaning-to-arrogant enough that he thinks he can land some solid hits and dodge enough of cam's to at least not suffer a knockout loss in this supposedly-friendly spar.

he is wrong. 3600 words. warnings for a little blood and violence, disclaimer that i literally only know boxing from anime and webcomics so some of this is gonna be Incorrect Terminology

~~~

Laz and Sal step into the gym's arena and see Cam chatting animatedly with a short, curly-haired guy. Cam glances over his shoulder when he hears the door open and somehow lights up even brighter. He waves and calls out to them, then plants a hand on the turnbuckle and vaults over the top rope, easily swinging his 300-some pound bulk in a graceful arc clear.

Laz's throat tightens and his already racing heart starts working overtime. This guy shouldn't be anywhere near as nimble as all that. He's an aging slugger whose most famous matches involved him sitting still and tanking hits.

He's just showing off, Laz reassures himself. It's an intimidation tactic. Let's see him three rounds into the match when I've given him a couple straights.

"Hey, great to see you!" Cam's voice booms out as he crosses the gym floor. "I'm so glad you took my offer. I've been watching you pretty closely as of late - you've got real skill! But I just had to find out how you are firsthand." He extends his hand for a shake, then pauses as he sees Laz already has his gloves on. Cam laughs, a short, booming sound that seems to shake the room. "Okay, down to business already, huh? That's fine! Let me get changed and I'll join you."

He settles for slapping Laz on the back, which nearly knocks him over, and offering Sal a fistbump, which Sal returns shakily. Cam ambles off towards a changing room. As he passes by the mat, he holds up a hand, and the curly-haired guy tosses his gloves at him, which he catches deftly. Then he stops on his heel and whirls around, clapping a hand to his forehead.

"Oh! How rude of me. You probably don't know Luther, he's my boyfriend and occasional second.''

Luther waves. "That's me! Nice to meet you." Laz nods, and Sal waves back.

"Lazarus...'' Sal begins, but Laz cuts him off.

"Don't worry so much. Just a friendly fight, right? That means he'll take it easy, and I'll knock his head off while his guard is down.''

Sal can't help but laugh, a high-pitched, almost frantic giggle that explodes out of him without warning. Laz is always so keyed up, like he turned the dial to 11 and snapped it off. He's deadly serious of course, but he’s not bothered by Sal's laughter. He starts to bounce on his toes, swaying side to side a little, then takes a swift step to the left, back to the right, circles an invisible opponent, and - onetwothree, quick jabs in succession that trail down his phantom foe's body, no doubt leaving them stunned.

Cam comes back out of the changing room, now outfitted in a pair of black shorts and classic red gloves. He smacks them against each other a few times and beams at Laz.

They climb up into the ring together. Sal hovers behind one corner, while Luther calls out from the other side.

“We’re goin’ three rounds, one minute between each! Standard ten count, three downs in one round is a TKO. Keep it clean, fellas! And go!” He dings the bell to start the round and leans on the turnbuckle, watching intently.

Laz moves side to side, keeping his eyes on Cam. The larger man has a gentle smile on his face. Well, he’d soon wipe that clear. Laz just needs to wait for an opportunity and slip inside his guard. They’d see how that legendary endurance stacked up against Laz’s counter.

Cam moves forward and closes the distance, leading with a jab. It’s almost offensively lazy, clearly just testing Laz’s reflexes. He dodges around it and lets out a huff. I’m not going in on something that obvious, he thinks to himself. Give me something real, old man, this isn’t kindergarten.

Cam grins as though he can hear Laz’s thoughts. He lets loose with a quick combo, faster than Laz would have expected from a slugger his size. Laz dances around the first hit, blocks the second, and steps in under the third, landing a hit on Cam’s stomach. It’s his first sign that he might be in over his head. It’s like punching a concrete wall. That layer of fat must hide a solid slab of muscle. Cam barely moves, even though Laz put most of his weight behind the blow. Laz dances back out of his reach as quickly as he can, narrowly avoiding a right hook.

Okay, okay, okay. Your opponent’s bigger and stronger than you, he’s got the longer reach, and he can take what you’re throwing at him. Stay on the defensive, don’t let him get you riled up. Laz tosses his head to get his hair out of his face - how many times had Sal urged him to wear a headband? Well, too late now - and starts circling, trying to get a better angle. Cam turns with him. That smile from earlier has settled in and kicked its feet up now. It’s going to take some doing to wipe it off his face. Laz can feel his temper start to rise. It’s something he’s struggled with his whole life - he just gets so angry sometimes. He’s usually able to channel it into something productive, cool anger instead of burning rage, but something in Cam’s demeanor is starting to set him off. Cam’s guard isn’t fully up. It’s like he’s taunting Laz - you’re so small, your reach is so short, I bet you can’t even hit me up here. Try it. Laz slows his breathing and focuses on Cam’s hands instead of his face. Try and knock his head off and you’ll only prove him right. You’ve got to keep it together now and explode later when it won’t get you clobbered.

Cam comes at him with a few more jabs, putting on some pressure. Laz slips them each in turn, backing up and watching him whiff. He’s starting to catch on to Cam’s rhythm. It’s pretty simple - two jabs with the left, one with the right. Two left, one right. Two left, one right. Laz is trying to keep the ring in mind and not let himself get backed into a corner, and that’s why Cam’s sudden change in rhythm takes him by surprise. One left, and suddenly a right that catches him just as he’s shifting to anticipate the second left. He blocks it - he’s no rookie, he knows to keep his guard up - but it shudders through his body like a cymbal crash. Jesus - if I'd taken that straight on - but there’s no time to think about the hypotheticals. He’s stuttered in his movements and Cam is closing in on the opening, backing him up against the ropes. Laz ducks left, right, blocks another hit that makes his arms ring with pain, and then ducks right under Cam’s arm and spins around him, dancing away with quick hops. By the time Cam’s turned to face him, Laz is bouncing in the middle of the ring again.

“Good!” Cam calls out, and Laz wants to hit him so bad he could scream. “You’re slippery as all hell. That little trick’s won me a match or two, y’know.”

Laz grits his teeth and resumes his defensive stance.

“More of the strong silent type, huh?” Cam says conversationally. “I like a little chatter myself. Good to touch base every now and then. Anyway!” He makes a sudden lunge forward, winding up for a devastating straight. Laz sees his opening and takes it.

He slips under Cam’s punch, using his short stature to his advantage. Just inside Cam’s guard, he crouches low and explodes upwards, slamming an uppercut into Cam’s chin. Cam stumbles back, head tilted to the ceiling. Laz closes on the opening, landing blow after blow now that his guard is down. He’s about to go for a straight when Cam’s head snaps back up along with his hands. Laz doesn’t have time to slip or dodge, he’s already committed to the punch, and time seems to crawl to a halt as Cam’s right glove speeds towards his face. Red fills his vision and he has time to think: ah, fuck.

He gets up. He does not start swinging just yet, opting to hang back a moment and take stock. Cam looks a little ruffled, a few hairs loose from his immaculate bun, some red marks on his body that will no doubt bloom into bruises later on. He shifts his jaw from side to side and licks his lip, which has split open, letting a trickle of blood down his chin. Laz is much worse for wear in their exchange. Sweat drips down his forehead and nose, and his cheek is throbbing with pain.

Lazarus has been punched in the face many times before; getting your nose broken in practice a few times is how you learn to block your head. Cam’s right couner feels like all those nose-breaking punches joined together Voltron-style to fuck his specific shit up. It connects with his left cheek and eye, which almost immediately begin to swell. Laz staggers backwards, head reeling, trying to keep lucid enough to avoid a follow-up. Cam hangs back and watches, which is almost worse for Laz’s pride than if he’d kept trying to beat Laz into the mat. Cam is breathing hard, though, and clearly he felt some of those blows. Laz leans against the ropes and tries to see through the haze of pain that’s settled over his vision. His head feels like it’s been encased in concrete. God dammit, push through, he growls in his head. You’re not made of glass. Get up and get swinging. Show him why he should take you seriously.

The bell dings. Round one is over.

Cam grins and heads to his corner, where Luther is waiting to give him a kiss and fret over his injuries. Laz slumps back against the ropes again, letting out a heavy sigh. He trudges to his corner, where Sal is biting his thumbnail down to a stub.

“Well, how’m I doing?” Laz asks.

“I’m surprised you’re still standing!” Sal quavers. “It looked like he was going to smash you into dust! I mean, did you see that counter? I could hear the impact from here! And the way you fell back, I thought for sure you were going to hit the canvas. Lazarus, you’ve got to play this safe!”

“Encouraging as always,” Laz grumbles. “I’m not doing that bad, c’mon. He’s only landed the one hit. Y’know, if you don’t count the ones I blocked.”

“Sorry, I just - you know you have the Leeroy match coming up, and he’s no pushover. It’s really important if you’re trying for a shot at the title, and I can’t have you getting injured here. But you’re doing really well at slipping his jabs and you’re clearly the faster and more maneuverable fighter. You just need to know when to quit. I could see him recovering from a mile away, and his core’s really strong. Those gut punches aren’t going to do much good unless you can land a hit on his solar plex, that’ll take anyone out of commission for a moment. The punch to his chin was good, keep an eye out for his slower swings and try to slip inside his guard a few more times. You’re not going to win this by knockout, probably not even by downs, but you can give him something to think about at least.” The longer Sal talked, the calmer he got. The gears had started spinning in his head, grinding the raw anxiety into the grist of innovation. “Frankly, I don’t think you can win this fight,” he said, voice steady and sure now. “I mean, you’re simply outclassed in weight. Best you can do is stall it out and go for a tie. Just as long as you don’t go down, you’ll be fine.”

Laz tilted his head to one side, thinking it over. “Not too optimistic, there.”

“It’s just a friendly,” Sal said weakly. “And he’s several weight classes above you. Don’t take it too seriously? Please?”

“Fine,” Laz sighs, conceding at last. But you mark my words, I’m gonna give him at least one more hit that cleans his clock. He smiles too much.”

“This is exactly what got you in trouble in the Miyata match,” Sal groans.

“No it’s not! It’s nothing like that! And anyway, I’m still proud of that match, I don’t know what you’re talking about, ‘trouble’,” Laz lied. “Look, one more good hit. That’s my goal for this round, and then I back off and play defense til the bell rings.”

Sal doesn’t look convinced, but their minute to talk shop is up. The bell rings for round two, and Cam strides forward, smacking his gloves together with a loud thwack. Laz rises to meet him, jaw set. One more good hit. He’ll wait as long as it takes. That anger is back but it’s cold now, no longer the bubbling cauldron in his gut, rather a cool composure settling over his mind. His objective is clear, his goal is right in front of him, and he’s got all the patience in the world.

That is, he had all the patience in the world, right up to the point when Cam winks at him.

What the fuck is that supposed to mean? Winking? Winking?! Who does he think he is? Who does he think I am? Well, he’ll be winking permanently when I drill him in the eye so hard it closes up for good.

Cam actually laughs as Laz lunges forward, sharp jabs bouncing off of Cam’s raised gloves. But it’s the laughter that clues Laz in. Cam is toying with him, of course he is. He can’t take the bait, he’ll only play right into Cam’s hands. He has to relax. The angry boil is reduced to a simmer as Laz’s calmer analytic mind takes over. He’s no fool and he won’t rise to the bait. He backs off again, dancing out of range. Come and get me, big guy, he thinks, and when your sloppy footwork betrays you, I’ll nail you between the eyes.

Cam advances, not willing to let him out of range. He seems a little more cautious now, though - he won’t forget that uppercut in a hurry. They trade careful jabs, each blocking or ducking the other’s strikes, and for a moment it seems like they’re both playing it safe. Then Cam goes for a sneaky gut shot that Laz deflects, and Laz slips in under Cam’s guard and lands another shot on his chin. He slips back out as quick as he can, not wanting to get caught committing again, and Cam presses, shaking his head sharply to clear it. Laz notes with satisfaction that Cam is no longer smiling. He doesn’t look upset, though, merely focused. Good. Take me seriously.

Cam starts up his rhythm again. He’s been pressing a little more aggressively than Laz had expected all match. It makes some sense - a swarmer is a good counter to Laz’s more careful fighting style, and having to fend off constant attacks doesn’t leave him much room for mistakes. But Cam is a slugger, used to ending fights quickly with a few punches, and the strain of keeping up this offense is starting to show. He’s just a little slower, and the blows that land are just a little lighter. A bubble of excitement rises in his gut. If Cam keeps trying to overwhelm him, he could potentially wear him down and win this. He’d agreed to stall, but…

There it is. Just for a moment, Cam’s guard goes down. Laz steps in and drives a straight right at his nose, but Cam gets a hand up and it glances off. Laz bounces back, dodging a wild swipe, and goes for a body shot while Cam’s still in the followthrough. It lands, and Cam grunts. Laz is starting to sport a grin of his own. Finally, a sound out of the big guy that isn’t snark. He skips forward, aiming jabs at Cam’s head. The relentless pace is really taking the wind out of Cam’s sails; he eats punch after punch before he’s finally able to get his hands up and defend again. He staggers back in a defensive position, and Laz presses hard. He’s not about to let Cam get a second to breathe, if he can keep the pressure on and land some good hits he could actually win -

Too late, he realizes Cam’s game. It happens again. He commits to a straight, just in time to see Cam’s right coming for him. He gets his hit in first, the advantage of his proximity and speed closing the gap before Cam can, but a split second later Cam’s glove knocks into his chin enough to lift him off his feet. He feels one brief moment of weightlessness before he sinks into darkness.

~~~

“Ten!” someone shouts.

“Whuh,” Laz says, opening his eyes. For some reason, he’s lying down. And his face hurts really bad. Then it all comes flooding back and he sits up, his vision blacking out in protest. “Fuck.”

“Oooh, just missed the count!” Cam says, walking over and holding out a hand. “Good show, though. For a zippy little pipsqueak, you sure can throw a punch! I was seein' stars for a minute there. How’s your jaw?”

“Fuckin’ hurts,” Laz says. “How’s your ribs?”

“Fuckin’ hurt!” Cam laughs. “C’mon, let’s get some ice on that and talk shop.” Laz takes his hand and tries to pull himself upright, but his legs don’t want to take his weight. Cam takes notice and kneels down, getting Laz’s arm around his shoulder.

“Up we get,” he grunts, straightening up. Then he looks down and sees Laz’s feet dangling a good six inches off the ground and bursts out laughing. “You really are tiny,” he guffaws. “Why the hell’d you agree to fight me?”

“Why the hell’d you offer?” Laz grumbles.

“Well, to tell you the truth,” Cam says, walking the two of them towards the corner, where Luther and Sal have stepped onto the mat. “I hate retirement. I miss the ring. I wanna get back into the game somehow, so I figured I’d see how the up-and-coming competitors are doing. And frankly, kid, you’re not half bad.” He unslings Laz’s arm from his shoulders and guides him over to the little chair set up against the turnbuckle. Sal holds a bag of ice to the swelling on his eye and cheek. Cam sighs as though admitting defeat. “So fine, I’ll do it. I’ll train you.”

Sal and Laz gape at him for a moment. Luther clasps his hands to his chest and sighs dreamily.

“I already have a trainer,” Laz sputters. “And there’s nothing I want to learn from you. No offense or anything, but look, you’re not - “

“You’re in shock,” Cam said, nodding solemnly. “I get it. It’s fine, take a few minutes to really let it sink in. Cam Mersharc, five time world champion, agreeing to train you, I mean, it would throw anyone for a loop.”

“Listen, you deluded old man,” Laz starts to growl, but Sal puts a hand on his shoulder.

“What we mean to say is, of course we’re flattered and thrilled by the offer, but there’s a contract, you see, so it’s really legally out of our hands…”

“Oh, sure, no problem. Luther, honey, you still friends with that lawyer?”

“Sure am,” Luther chirps. “I’ll give her a call, schedule a chat, we’ll have you out of that in no time.”

Sal glances at Laz and shrugs. “Could be useful just to see what he has to offer..?”

Laz scowls and glares up at Cam. “Okay, old man, what’re you thinking?”

“Obviously your footwork’s impeccable and your speed is top notch. You’ve got a brain in there, too, I could see it working the whole time. Your strength is okay for someone your size, and your endurance could use some work. You train with me, I’m gonna round you out. Technically and physically,” he says, playfully tapping Laz’s chest. “Put some meat on those bones, tighten your core, bulk up those arms. Don’t give me that look, you won’t move out of your weight class. Just a little extra padding so when someone gives you one of these - “ His fist stops a half inch from plowing right through Laz’s gut. He’d barely seen Cam’s arm move - had he been holding back in the fight? Or was that head injury messing with his vision? “ - you don’t fold like an omelette. Whaddya say?”

Laz weighs his options. It never hurt to round out a little. It almost sounds like Cam’s offering to shift him towards being a boxer-puncher instead of an out fighter.

“Well… can’t hurt. But if I think you’re full of shit, I’ll tell you to your face. Don’t expect me to start fawning and kissing the ground you walk on just ‘cause you beat me.”

Cam laughs and slaps Laz on the back, nearly knocking him to the mat again.

“Wouldn’t dream of it, pipsqueak! Now, get down and give me twenty.”

“What? Now? I still have my gloves on.”

“Sorry, was I not clear? On the mat. Twenty push-ups. If you’re doing them wrong, I’ll make your friend sit on your back. Go.”

Laz drops to the mat, cursing up a storm. Cam nods as he watches him bob up and down.

“Oh, yes. This is going to be the start of something wonderful.”

#writing #cam and luther #underbelly #boxing au #not gt #size diff tho uwu #writing fight scenes is so hard ;-;#i will improve i promise....

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futurebyparamore · 4 years

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part 2 of my thoughts on petals for armor!!!

why we ever

one of my favorites

I said this about every song lol

soft

when you miss someone :( and it kinda feels like they’ll never come back to you even if it’s like just an old friend

you know what’s coming

BASS

sad kinda dancy song

love the harmonies on no more no moooore

I sing this song all the time at home

the we ever part I love so much!!!

I live for the funky parts in this song

sad kinda outro

pure PURE LOVE

my first listen I did a sequel

when I beat came in I was shocked

so excited my heart!!! pumped as hell

this is one of my favorites

this is so good!!!

bass

goosebumps again!!!

give a little love... love those

like an angelic pop song but so so groovy

stop acting so tough - love is not prideful

got to open up

love is a two way street

THOSE RAW VOCALS!

IMAGINE HEARING THOSE LIVE!!

taken

flying but I’m not afraid to fall

growth??? that’s growth!

she knows how to pick herself back up :)

pretty dress with big sneaks fashun icon :)

and ass??? she says ass!!!

and taken?? tAKEN? WHO IS HE??

omg I keep making weird sounds aah I’m excite!

if she’s in a relationship I’m so so glad and happy for her

giving herself a chance to be in a relationship :,)

she’s thriving in front of us wow

omg imagine this is about brian bc he’s like her biggest supporter and partner and crime omg

sugar on the rim

80s kinda vibe

THIS IS GONNA BE ICONIC

ANTHEM FOR THE GAAAYS

HAYLEY IS AN ARTIST

redeeming!! she’s shining omg

I feel like I have to kiki or something

or like this song belongs in a cool ass retro 80s club

I wasn’t expecting this!!! but it’s so awesome!!!

watch me while I bloom

raw vocals already!!!

“back in my body again... not having to pretend” hayley... I love you this is so amazing

dancy

this is so gooooood!!!

I feel like we came full circle with this album like anger to freedom

on the move!!!

watch me bloom!!

hayleys thriving and going places!!

she’s so awesome

synthy

so groovy

crystal clear

this album was such a journey

I’m so glad she shared this with us

love song!!

pool references

it feels like coming out of a shitty horrible unknowing relationship and going slowly into a new one but accepting the risk of it

letting herself love again :,)

I feel like she’s still scared but she kinda knows what she’s getting herself into, relationships can be scary but this feels kind of right

her grandpas song in there :,) made me cry

taylor is so awesome

awesome friend and awesome producer :)

this album is so good

#hayley williams #petals for armor #talk too much #also I want these songs to be about taylor but im pishing those yhoughts awaaaayy

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firewarrior117 · 7 years

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The Witch and the Tambourine, Part 4

Part 4 of the Caravaneer’s journey across Vitaria. There travels have taken them to the lands of Despoire, where Fiona, Vayle, and Akimoto are known to be quite infamous amongst the supporters of the Republic’s Severus Braxton. They continue there performances with the Luminous Stars Caravan troupe, unaware of the dangers that might shortly follow them.

(Castle Dragon-claw, Severus’s quarters)

Severus: *Drinking Tea* Hm...This day has been quite relaxing. Not a stressful moment in the kingdom this day...

Wyrmkin maid: More tea, M’lord?

Severus: Yes! poor it in! *Smirks as the maid poors the tea in his cup* Aaaaah...Hm...A decent cup...though it could be better...

*The Guards from the red market come charging into the room!*

Republic Soldier: LORD SEVERUS!!! *Pant*...*Pant*...Lor-...Lord Severus!

Severus: Uuugh! Dammit! What have I told you fools about bothering me? Can’t you see I am busy?!

Republic Soldier2: *Pant*...*Pant*...*Phew!*...*Despoire Salute!*...Lord Severus! Akimoto Infernus and two of his companions have been sighted in the Red market!

Severus: *!* Akimoto Infernus?! Uuugh...So much for a relaxing day...That fool has some nerve traveling into our borders! What was he doing? Who were the companions?

Republic Soldier: It was the Seeress and the White Witch, my lord! They were traveling with a band of Caravaneers last we saw...

Republic Soldier2: They just left the Red market and are currently heading down to the path near the capital!

Severus: Near the Capital?! Caravaneers aren’t allowed in the capital! Why in blazes would they be heading here?

Republic Soldier: M-Maybe they’re spies, my lord! trying to sneak in and raise a rebellion of some kind!

Severus: Don’t be ridiculous! As if a bunch of skirt twirling, tambourine playing Myrmidons would be spies for the Empire...They’d sooner sing around a fire and dance under the full moon than sneak in and cause an uprising...

*Severus takes a sip of his Tea, thinking for a moment...*

Severus: ...Then again...The Infernus clan is traveling with them...If they WERE to try and storm the gate, that DEMON would no doubt cut down our soldiers in one strike...Hmmmm...Maybe we should deal with them while we can...

Republic Soldier2: *Salute!* What are your orders, My Lord?

Severus: We will have our scouts watch for where they camp tonight...Then, when they are all settled, dancing around there little bonfire and singing merry little songs...I’ll unleash my new...Pet...to deal with them! Hmhmhmhmhm...

Republic Soldier: *!* M...My lord...Y-you don’t mean...?

Severus: Yes! THAT ONE!

Republic Soldier2: ...*Gulp!*...A...A-as you command, my lord...

Severus: Hmhmhahahaha...I want see its carnage for myself when it happens...You’d best prepare yourself, Infernus! No song or dance will save from this creature’s fury...*Sips tea menacingly*...Hmhmhmhmhahahahahaaaa...

*A performance by the luminous stars occurs within a town near the capital, the sisters singing a humorous song with Fiona Providing a dance routine along with it*

Sarisa: The knight did raise his blade the sky~! Casting it down into Ogma’s eye~!

Fareeha: And thus Ogma the pie thief’s rain was no moooore~!

Both sisters: As his his ugly old head fell down into the ocean floooooooor~....

Fiona: *Jingles her tambourine, twirling with the sisters and they all strike various poses!*

*The Town errupts in laughter and cheer, clapping and throwing drakes to the performers as the three girls bow to the audience!*

Vayle: Hahahaha! Splendid! Bravo!

Akimoto:...Okay, Fiona totally just struck a JoJo pose!

Tulio: Ha! I’m not sure what a “JoJo” is, but I like it! *Clapping for his performers!*

*after the performance, the Caravan prepares itself down the road once more, the sun setting upon the lands of Despoire!*

Rosalita: *decorating Fiona’s hair into a braid with flowers holding it in place!* This is a style I usually like to do in the spring and summer times...A Bandana is all well and good, but sometimes even the most beautiful of flowers should bloom on stage once in a while!

Fiona: Really? *Red Face!* that’s kind of you to say...

Rosalita: You really are a beautiful young girl, Little sister! you should make yourself stand out more!

Vayle: That’s what I tell her! But the poor girl is so shy when it comes to social interaction. When she’s not reading books, she’s usually just collecting alchemy ingredients in the forest. I really do need to get her into social situations more.

Rosalita: Hahaha! Aren’t we all at that age? She hasn’t even grown to her prime yet, and I can already tell, she’s going to be a Goddess amongst maidens! That charming sparkle in her eye, the extravagant shine in her hair...You are going to break hearts, my dear! *Finishes her hair!* And there we are! See for yourself!

Fiona: *Looks in the mirror!* *!* Oh, wow! That’s so pretty! I love it! It’s so beautiful!

Rosalita: Hmhmhmhm! I knew you would! That look really suits you, Little sister!

Vayle: Oh my, that is fascinating! I should try that on my designs some time...

Rosalita: The Braid and flowers were a favorite of Esmeralda’s, too! She would always wear her hair that way during the warm days of Vitaria...Hm...Her and Tulio were such good friends...He was absolutely devastated when he got the news of her death...

Fiona: *Her smile turning into a curious expression of sadness* Hmmm...Yeah...She was a very nice woman...How long did you and Tulio know her?

Rosalita: Since we were children. Those two were an inseparable pair when we were younger...They were more like siblings than friends. Esmeralda was the one who introduced me to Tulio in the first place! She saw something in both of us that would have us be bound for the rest of our lives! And she was right...I don’t know where I’d be without Tulio in my life...He’s such an upbeat and optimistic man! The way he brings a smile to anyone’s face is enough for him to become friends with everyone we meet in our travels! Hmhmhmhm...I’m proud to be the wife of such a wonderful man...

Fiona: Hehehehe! Esmeralda was such a wonderful woman. It’s hard to believe how she’s changed so many lives...

Vayle: ...*Smiles*...Yes... I would have loved to have met her...

*The Caravans come to a halt suddenly*

Rosalita: Oh dear...What now?

Corina: Oh, blast it all...Gerardo! You didn’t get us lost again, did you?!

Gerardo: GERARDO NEVER GETS US LOST! I just not read map properly! We should be in port black-heart in no time!

Corina: Yes...Port Blackheart...Which is WEST, Gerardo! You were leading us NORTH! No wonder I can see the capital from here!

Gerardo: CUT GERARDO THE SLACK! He just have one of too many of the drinks before we left last town. Also, I think Gerardo’s Compass might be breaking, as well!

Miguel: *facepalm* Oh, Gerardo...

Akimoto: Everyone calm down! It’s starting to get dark, anyway...Might not be a bad time to rest up for the night...

Tulio: Sir Akimoto is right. Let us set up camp someplace safe for now. I think the map says there is a campsite not too far this way...

Gerardo: Yes! Yes! Gerardo sleep like baby, THEN navigate us to port!

Corina: Or...How about CORINA drives us to the port tomorrow, yeah?

Gerardo: ...*Shrug!*...That work just as well...

*The Caravans Camp within a large opening in the middle of the woods, the bonfire illuminating the entire camp*

Miguel: *playing his Lute as the sisters dance with there Tambourines!* There we go, girls! Let the rhythm do the dancing for you!

Akimoto: *Drinks from water Canteen* Huh...Is there a day you guys DON’T perform?

Tulio: Hahaha! Usually only when we’re on the road or sleeping. We gotta keep ourselves in shape and ready to bring happiness to the people at all times! That’s the life of a caravaneer, my friend...*Takes a swig of wine*...Heh...Now, are you sure you’re not interested in ether of my daughters? *wink!* I think Fareeha might be your type!

Akimoto: *Glare!* for the LAST TIME, old man! I’m not interested in ether of them!

Tulio: HAHAHAHA! Again! I jest, my friend! I only Jest! *Offers him wine!* Would you like some? Wild-berry Wine! it’s a delicacy in Despoire...

Akimoto: No thanks...I don’t drink...

Fiona: *Reading a magic tome, practicing levitation on a teapot!* ...Focus...Focus...

*The Teapot lifts 2 ft. into the air as Fiona focuses her magic into it!*

Tulio: *!* W-woah! What? Is that Teapot flying?!

Vayle: Good job, Fiona! Now try gently setting it down back on the platter...

Fiona: Right! *Gently starts to make it descend as she concentrates on the plate!*

Tulio: Aaaaah! That’s right! Little sister is a scholar of the arcane arts, yeah?

Akimoto: Yep! She’s been practicing it since she was little! That’s one of her big dreams when she’s older...she wants to master magic and become a powerful Sorcerer like her parents were.

Tulio: Hehehe! She’s a big ambition for it, eh? Learning these arts must be quite important to her...

Akimoto: More than anything. When we found her, she lived in a giant hollow tree near white reef. Hehehe...Whole tree was FULL of books, Scrolls, artifacts...She’s mostly self-taught, but Vayle and Gramps have tried to help her the best they can. We try to find her some new tomes, too! Help her stay in touch with her studies...

Tulio: Hahaha...That’s very kind! You’ve certainly been taking good care of Fiona, haven’t you?

Vayle: Oh! Of course! We all love her dearly! She’s a wonderful girl, and the way people treat her because of her curse is completely unfair...

Tulio: ...Her...Curse...?

Akimoto: Er, well, it’s not much of a curse, more that it’s a burden to her...

Fiona: *Sigh* Aki, just let me explain it...You See-...

*two despoire scouts peak from a higher ground near the camp*

Republic Scout: *Pulls phone from pouch*...Lord Severus...the Caravaneers have been sighted, there guard is down...Awaiting your command...

*in a small encampment not too far from them...*

Severus: Excellent...Keep watch for movement...we shall ready the beast for its attack...*Turns to his other soldiers!* OPEN THE GATE!

Republic Soldier: W-What?! OPEN IT?! M-my lord, are you mad?! What if it pounces and attempts to take your li-?!

Severus: I Said...OPEN THE GATE!

*The Soldiers panic as they release the locks on the gate, the beast growling and grunting with each lock undone...*

Severus: Hahahahaha! Yes! That’s it! Release it!

*The Final locks break, the Gates flying open as two glowing Yellow eyes stare down Severus...A large, Lion like paw emerges from the shadows, then the rest of the beast starts to reveal itself, shadowed by the moonlight as it growls and glares at Severus*

Severus: Peace, Monster...I am not your target! THIS is your target...*Pulls a ripped sword belt that used to belong to Akimoto, throwing it down in front of the monster*

*The Beast begins to sniff at it, pawing at it as it’s glowing eyes than take its gaze beyond Severus as it growls with fury!*

Severus: That is the scent of a DEMON who opposes Despoire! I want you track it, and DESTROY THE SOURCE! *Points* NOW GO! FOLLOW THE SCENT! KILL THE DEMON! AND ANYONE WHO STANDS IN YOUR WAY!

*The Monster roars loudly, A Hissing sound from behind it as it then spreads its wings and dashes off toward the scent!*

Severus: Hahahahaha! HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!

*Back at the Caravan...*

Kaseem: *Hears roaring in the distance*...What the hell was that?

Valmiro: Probably just some wolves...

Kaseem: I don’t recall wolves making noises like that...

Fiona: -And ever since, I have been forced to wear these Shackles...Forced to hold her back, hoping that as I continue to study the Arcane arts...I’ll find some way to break her out of my body...make it so the one in my body is just ME, and not her...

Tulio: Oh...Little Sister...I...I am so sorry! I did not know such a burden was afflicted upon you! I wish there was something I could do to help you...

Fiona: I appreciate you saying that...But I think the answer lies deep within the secrets of the Arcane arts! Arts that would horribly mutate a human and alter there minds... Luckily, I am a Drow! So hopefully when I DO find the answer! I can use the spell without any horrible side-effects...

Arcana: (It exists...I know it does...I want to be free of you as much you want to free of me! We must keep finding the answer!)

Rosalita: Well, if there IS anything we can do to help you find a way to free yourself from this, Say it!

Akimoto: That goes for all of us in the tower as well! You know we got your back, Fiona! We won’t let Arcana possess you!

Vayle: Agreed! We shall do everything to help you...No matter how long it takes!

Fiona: You guys...I....*whipes away tears from her shaking eyes*...I don’t know what to say...I’m so-

*The Roaring is heard once more! But MUCH louder this time!*

Valmiro: Okay...Maybe that isn’t a wolf we’re hearing...

Kaseem: I told you! SOMETHING is out there!

Vayle: What in blazes WAS that...?

Akimoto: I don’t know...It sounded kind of like a Manticore, but...

Fiona: *!!!* A...A Manticore...?!

*The trees suddenly rip apart, falling to the sides as a large beast emerges from the dark!*

Valmiro: *!* WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!

Kaseem: LOOK OUT! *Pushes him out of the way as they rush for the Caravan!*

*The Beast Swipes at the Bonfire, the flames hitting the logs and trees that Surround the Caravan! The Flames brighten the entire camp, revealing the beast from its shadows. Its appearance resembling that of a Lion with glowing yellow eyes, large horns sprouting from its head, the hind legs and wings of a bird, and the tail of a snake as it hisses and leers at the Caravaneers alongside the lion!*

Miguel: *!!!*...By God...

Tulio: It’s...I-t’s a...IT’S A CHIMERA!!!

Akimoto: You gotta be kidding me...*Readies sword!*

*The Chimera Roars in a bloodthirsty rage, the Snake Hissing and leering it’s glowing red eyes at the Caravaneers!*

Fiona: *Stares in utter terror at the beast, stepping back from it!*...N-No...No...Not again...

To be Continued in Part 5!

#Crimson Bloodline #Stories #Caravaneers #Chimera #Akimoto #Fiona #Vayle #Severus #Despoire #Republic of Despoire

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