#... if we can tear our attention away from the remakes for long enough

[istanleyff7]

TOTP, Episode Aerith, Scenes 5-9

Final Fantasy VII Remake: Traces of Two Pasts Episode 2: Aerith Scenes 5 - 9

A Light Novel by Kazushige Nojima Translated by Stanley (@istanleyff7 on twitter)

Scene 5

"My mother immediately took out a syringe after sitting on the bench and injected herself. I was startled."

"That must have been rough..."

There was compassion in Tifa's eyes and voice.

According to her definition of a mother, Ifalna would be a "really good-natured person". However, she was different back then.

"Even though I knew she wasn't well, I only worried about myself."

"You were a child..."

"I know..."

Aerith fell silent. It cannot be helped since she was just a child. Thus, there were a number of regrets that she did not want to simply put away.

"Ah! My bad, my bad! Shall I continue?"

"Sure. Please."

"The medicine worked, and we walked on for hours in the Sector 4 Slums, taking a break at times. Then we saw an information board that said ‘Sector 5 Slums’."

Scene 6

"Mummy, it says this is the Sector 5 slums. The house is in Sector 3, isn't it?"

"Nope. This is fine."

"But the new house is in Sector 3, right?" 

"Aerith, let's hurry up a little. It's going to be nighttime."

"Where are we going? Where are we hurrying to?"

Without answering, Ifalna tightly grasped Aerith's hand and hastened her steps.

Many questions surfaced. Eventually, Ifalna started speaking silently.

"I've heard that there's a church in the Sector 5 Slums. In the past, people gathered here and prayed to God, but nobody comes here anymore. I've been thinking that we should hide here a little..."

"I've heard about God! Does he really exist?" Aerith was surprised.

"According to his believers, he does. I heard that when they pray, they get empowered."

"Pray...?"

"It's something like us Cetra speaking to the planet, although I don’t really understand it. But, since no one is coming to the church anymore, there probably aren't any believers. It's too bad for God, but it seems like it's great for our situation."

"We'll wait for Fuzz at the church?"

Ifalna stayed quiet for a while, then shook her head.

"We can't cause any more trouble than this."

"What about the new home?"

"We will not live there."

"Fuzz would be disappointed, wouldn't he?

"He probably will be."

"Are you okay with it, Mama?"

"As long as you're around, I'm okay."

Aerith thought that those were surprisingly comforting words. But that didn't mean that she didn't feel bad for Fuzz, nor had she gotten over the guilt of betraying him. However, after the thought that she didn't have to live seeing injections, medicine and backhand kisses, she felt a sense of relief.

"Let's go to the station first. I only know the way from there."

"Should we ask someone?"

"Nope. We don’t want anyone to know our whereabouts."

↞↠

There are times when there's not enough sunlight in the slums, as the plate was blocking them out. A giant lamp called the sun lamp makes up for that shortage. However, the light that was seen in the morning and afternoon was just like the actual sunlight. While she was amazed at her mother’s explanation, she also felt anxious. The evening was drawing near. She felt that something terrifying would happen if they didn't make it to church by sundown. A terrifying thing that she, too, couldn't imagine. 

"Aerith, that looks like the station."

Aerith looked over. A train was about to depart. Unlike the Sector 4 Slums Station, Sector 5's Slums Station seemed like a small station with only a platform. There were probably a few commuters departing from the trains, and there weren't many passers-by too. 

"Alright then, which way should we..."

Should we go? Those were the words she probably was going to say.

Without finishing her sentence, Ifalna sluggishly collapsed to the ground.

"Mummy?!"

Aerith's voice gathered the looks of her surroundings. However, nobody moved over to help.

Ifalna's breathing was heavy, and after touching her, Aerith realised she had a fever. A high fever.

"Mummy, where's your medicine?"

"I've... used them all..."

It was a desperate situation. What should Aerith do?

“Are you alright? Mummy?”

Ifalna said something from her painful breath. Aerith couldn’t hear it, so she brought her ears close to her lips. She only felt a hot sigh in her ears. What should she do? What should she do? Aerith's head became loaded with "What should I do". Her mother uttered something again, and Aerith heard that she's alright. But she was definitely not alright. However, what should she do? She wondered if anyone could help them, like how someone did at the Sector 4 Slums Station. Aerith lifted her head and looked for someone who seemed like they could help, but no one was paying attention to them. Would you please help us? Would you please look over here? These words come and go in Aerith's head. My mummy is sick. She has a fever. Please help us. Please, help us, please! However, she couldn't speak out.

"I'm sorry..." Ifalna muttered out. "We were... in the middle of an adventure..."

Please do not say such words.

"No!"

Her emotions overflowed in her voice.

“Are you sick?”

Looking back, there stood a man in faded and dirty clothes.

"Let's move her over there. She's blocking the way here."

Without waiting for a reply, he sprang into action. 

He inserted his hands under both sides of Ifalna, lying face up, and started to back away.

Ifalna was being pulled along and had her shoe fall off her foot. Aerith picked the shoe up and gave them chase. 

"Be more gentle!"

The man didn't change his expression and continued to pull her along. He sat her leaning against the station platform.

"Call a doctor."

"Where can we find one?"

"I don’t know, if it were me, I would shout out loud to find one."

The man turned back, and he really shouted out.

"Is there a doctor!"

However, there was no response.

"Well, all the best."

And just like that, the man went off without looking back.

"Oh, my goodness."

A well-dressed man and woman came over and looked at Ifalna scrutinisingly. 

"Are you doctors?"

"No, we're not."

"That person, is she your Mama?"

"Shouldn't we quickly call out for a doctor?"

"Don't you have any medicine?"

While listening to both of them, her mother's words came to mind. The truly good people are those that act on it and give help. The people here weren’t them.

"Mummy wait here. I'm calling a doctor over."

Aerith ran while looking as though she was being crushed by anxiety.

"Is there a doctor?"

She exclaimed in the direction of a lot of people.

"Is there a doctor?"

Looking back, she was a long way away from the station. She then heard the voices of men and women. It was a cheerful-like group who walked over. She decided to ask them, and if that didn't work, she would head back to the station. Aerith ran.

She was about to ask them was there a doctor. Then she saw a youth turning around and coming close to her.

"Hey, I've told you so!" the man continued walking back towards her. "And yet..."

Aerith hurriedly tried to avoid him but did not make it in time, the man's butt struck her face, and she fell over. The men and women gathered their gaze on Aerith.

"Go home and sleep, kid!" exclaimed the man who bumped into Aerith, and his friends burst out laughing.

She absentmindedly got up while hearing the laughter of the leaving group. She felt frustrated, sad, angry and miserable.

"Are you alright?"

Aerith looked back, and there was a woman who seemed to look over worriedly. The simple, tied up hair behind her head swayed. 

"I'm okay. Do you know a doctor?"

She noticed that she herself was crying and wiped away her own tears. 

"I live in the outskirts, so I don't know any doctors around here."

Aerith gave her thanks and started to walk away. Whenever she was asked whether she was alright, she only could reply that she was alright. She wondered how many times she asked her mother that.

"Mummy. I'm sorry..."

Aerith ran towards the station.

Upon returning, she saw that her mother's body was covered with a blanket. A "good person" must have appeared and covered her with it. However, seeing her mother's painful state, she felt as though her chest became crushed. Her fever was so hot, she couldn’t even keep touching her. 

"Mummy."

Even after she called out, Ifalna was still looking at the vast sky.

"Aerith. Are you here?"

"I'm here."

Ifalna's eyes searched for Aerith, and she grabbed her.

"This..." Ifalna pulled out a small pouch from her clothes and held it out.

"I got this from my dad, who got it from his mum, who also got it from her mum. It's not good for anything at all, but it has always been around, connecting us Cetra."

Aerith's chest became flaring hot.

"No. I don't want it."

If she takes it, it'll all be over. She had a strong hunch.

"Well... My life is ending soon. I'm returning to the Planet."

Ifalna's hand that was holding out the bag was trembling, and then it finally fell.

"Don't be sad. Even from here on out, I'll be by your side"

"Mummy."

"Are you alright?"

The voice came from above. She looked up towards the voice, and it was a woman, the same woman who called out to Aerith when she fell.

All of a sudden, Ifalna moved. She raised her upper body and grabbed the woman's arm.

"Take... Aerith... somewhere safe."

She said it with such a powerful voice that made Aerith wonder where she left that strength.

However, in the next moment, Ifalna's body became empty. Her spirit left her body, leaving her flesh and bones without its' host.

"Ah..." Aerith muttered without thinking.

Aerith repeated her mother's words in her head. Don't be sad. I'm returning to the Planet. I'll be by your side. Connecting us. She knew. Even though she knew, her chest still stung. Her tears were flowing down, and she let out her cry. Her body hurt and was also trembling. Someone was stroking her back.

Suddenly, the surroundings became busy. Aerith lifted her head and saw a train slipping into the platform with a roaring sound. 

"Let's leave here."

The woman said as she firmly pulled Aerith's hand, forcing her up her feet. Aerith quickly picked up the pouch.

"I have a bad feeling about this."

The woman pulled Aerith's arm as she hurriedly tried to leave the station. She remembered being pulled by Ifalna and crossing the railway tracks. She wondered where this hand would take her. 

Mummy, goodbye. 

From here on out, they'll probably still be together. That was probably right. However, Aerith would not be able to feel that body anymore. She was not allowed to feel that body anymore because the form of her mother's life was different. 

"Mummy!"

She turned back and yelled out to her mother, but the pull of her hand became stronger. She saw that the train stopped. When the door opened, Shinra troopers and men in white coats vigorously alighted. 

"Let's run."

When the woman saw that Aerith wasn't moving, she picked her up roughly and started running.

↞↠

When they eventually approached the centre of the slums, the woman finally lowered Aerith. 

"Are you able to walk?"

Aerith nodded in agreement.

"I'm sorry I couldn't properly let you say goodbye."

 Aerith shook her head. 

"I'm truly sorry that I had to leave your mother there and head off."

The woman had a sincerely apologetic look on her face. Aerith nodded again.

"You poor thing."

"My mother only just returned to the Planet, so I'm not sad."

"Ahh... It seems that there are people who do think of it that way. Even so, it's sad to be separated, isn't it?"

"Nope. It is because I can still meet her."

"I see. Well then, firstly, let's go to my house, shall we? When you're there, you can cry all you want."

Scene 7

"But I didn't cry at all."

After Aerith said that, Tifa gave her a dubious-like look.

"My house, you've been there before, right? The one in the Sector 5 Slums."

"Yup. I've been there."

"There were lots of flowers, weren't there?"

"Yup!"

"When I went there for the first time, I was also welcomed by the flowers. Really, I felt that. I felt the Planet, and I felt my mother. That's why I didn’t have to cry. What I left behind wasn't my mother. My mother was here."

Tifa tilted her neck and was puzzled.

"I've been saying weird things, haven't I?"

Aerith laughed.

"I think it's strange, but it isn't weird."

"Thank you. I thought that you'd say that. That's why I'm able to talk."

Tifa felt something at the back of her nose.

"Hey! Hey!" Aerith wanted to change the mood. "My house was huge, wasn't it? For a house in the slums."

"Yeah! More than just being splendid, I thought that it was a proper house. It doesn't look like a house in the Slums nor a house in Midgar."

"That's right. The house belonged to Elmyra's father-in-law. People said that her father-in-law was an influential man. How do I describe him... A Corneo who isn’t bad.”

"A Corneo who isn’t bad?" Tifa repeated herself.

"Ahhh, it's impossible. The impression is too bad."

"Yeah. Only Corneo's face comes to mind."

"I've failed. Think of a more gentlemanly face. Anyone besides Corneo would be fine."

"I'll try."

It seemed that Tifa was really trying. However, she slipped out a laugh.

"Hmmm?"

"I don't know many guys who are gentlemanly."

Scene 8

Aerith, who knows little about the landscape of the slums, also quickly realised that it was a unique and special place unlike any other. It was a land with lots of nature. Plants grew on the levelled three-dimensional terrain, and even flowers were blooming. It was a stunning scenery for Aerith, who only knew flowers in vases or potted plants.

They travelled through the garden and started walking down the wooden plank, which was laid out to make a path. Aerith then felt someone stroking her hands and legs. She didn’t feel uneasy and fearful. There was a gentle and calm feeling on her heart, or perhaps her head.

"Who are you?"

The wind was blowing and brushed Aerith's cheek. Her heart was filled with joy.

"Did you say something?" Elmyra Gainsborough, who had already introduced herself on the road, turned her head around.

"Nope."

"I see..." Elmyra started walking again.

"There’s lots of grass, aren't there? It's an old plot of land, and it was left like that. There are lots of flowers blooming too. It's still blooming now, but these kinds are just beginning to bloom."

Aerith thought of a garden with lots of flowers and was delighted. 

"I've been cutting and pulling them, but they are stubborn. It's hard because insects come too."

"I think it's good as it is."

"Well, but I'm giving up."

Elmyra's house was an old solid wooden building. They entered by opening an elaborately constructed double door with glass mounted on its' upper half.

Her day was filled with first time experiences since she left the Shinra Building. Above all, this experience of entering another person's house for the first time was like a lump of "first time"s striking down on her. The interior had an appearance in which plenty of natural wood was used. There were tables and chairs in the centre of the room. Unlike the rooms in the Shinra Building, the walls here had many windows. Furniture, tableware, pots, food, cleaning tools— it was like she could hear the breathing of the people living here. Aerith was distressed from the information overload and took a deep breath through her mouth.

"You're a strange child, aren't you?" 

Elmyra laughed. 

"I know it's sudden, but I thought about it along the way. I know I could bring you here, but what am I supposed to do after that? There was an orphanage on the way here, wasn't there? A lot of kids without parents live there. I thought about bringing you there, but there's a rumour that it's under the influence of Shinra Company. I thought about it after seeing what happened at the station. You probably hate the Shinra, don't you?"

Aerith nodded strongly many times.

"Well, we have to carefully think about what's going to happen from here on out," Elmyra let out a huge sigh. "But I'm not at a space to think about such complex matters now. Are you alright to go about this later and stay here for a while?"

Aerith nodded again and again.

"Well then, shall we go to the second floor?"

Elmyra, who seemed to be an impatient person, promptly climbed up the stairs to the second floor. Aerith hurriedly kept up and saw Elmyra waiting for her along the second-floor corridor. 

"In the meanwhile, I'll let you stay upstairs."

"Okay."

"This is a house with a fair number of guests. If there suddenly were a child, they would find it suspicious, wouldn't they? More than anything, I can't guarantee that they wouldn't tell Shinra about you. For the time being, except when I say it's okay, I'll have you stay upstairs."

"For the time being... How long will that be?"

Elmyra frowned and folded her arms. The smile disappeared from her eyes.

"Honestly, tell me. Is Shinra chasing your mother? Or are they chasing you too?"

She knew the meaning of her question. However, how should she reply? She was also probably being chased too. She was undoubtedly being chased because she is a descendant of the Cetra. 

"Ummm. Yes."

"It's alright if you say yes. However, if it comes to that, you'll be staying on the second floor until Shinra gives up finding you, okay?"

Aerith knew that Shinra would probably never give up searching for her. She'll probably live on the second floor her whole life.

"Don't look like that... It's human nature. You won't be here for an eternity."

"Um. Okay."

The doorbell rang downstairs. Elmyra frowned. Aerith felt nervous that it might be someone pursuing from Shinra.

"Wait here for a moment, quietly."

After quickly fixing up her hair and clothes, Elmyra went downstairs.

Aerith crouched down and hid her breath at that spot. After she thought she heard a sign of the door opening...

"Where did you go!"

The voice of a furious man burst through. Aerith lost her balance and quickly placed down her hand for support.

"That's none of your business!"

"You were the one who told me to come over in the evening, weren’t you? Oh? Do you treat people like this all the time?" 

"I said I'll probably be here in the evening. I didn't make any promises. You can't come here every day at any time for no reason."

'It will end after a signature and a blood seal. How many times must I say it?"

"It will be the same no matter how many times you say it. Understand? This is about the way society works, and the rules. Without Meguro's consent, I also won’t do anything. And even with my blood seal, he would think that I gave in to a threat. If you want to keep your job forever, you have to stay true to your own words, okay?"

"Shit!"

"Your teeth will fall off from such foul words. Well then, go home!"

"Shit! Shit!"

"If you want to stand on top of others, you'll repent for it. Well, back off!"

It was the sound of the door slammed shut. The man was mumbling in an angry voice. However, she did not understand its content.

Elmyra returned to the second floor and seemed exhausted.

"Ahhhhh..." She let out a deep sigh.

"That was Carlo Kinky. That man, he's a special one. Other guests are normally just decent and quiet."

↞↠

Aerith was assigned to the room of Gabriel Gainsborough, who built the house, and that was his room where he had recuperative medical treatment until two months prior. It was tidied up and smelled clean. She didn't feel any hints of death.

"I don't really think it has a good atmosphere, but I don't have any other rooms. Nope, I have one, but I'll have to clean it up."

Elmyra felt apologetic. However, Aerith didn't care about it. In fact, she even felt a welcoming-like feeling from the room.

That night, Ifalna appeared by her bedside.

"I'll be supporting Elmyra being fond of you, okay?"

Ifalna laughed, but that smile had some kind of tiredness in it. It was the same smile as when she was walking in the slums.

"How did you come here?"

"It’s not that I came here, but we're always together because we are connected."

Aerith felt her mother's hand on her forehead. And before long, she slept with peace in her mind.

Ifalna appeared the next night too.

"How was today? I wonder if you got along with Elmyra."

"Hmmm... I don't know. Elmyra made breakfast, brought it to me, and we ate together. At that time, she made bread for me for lunch. She went out after that and then came back around dinner time. But, she seemed tired. That's why we didn't talk much. I can't get along with her. What should I do?"

"It's alright. Elmyra is having it rough now. But, I think you can help her. "

"What should I do?"

"When she wants to cry, stay with her and cuddle close together. It's the same as when I was here."

"... Mom, was there a time when you wanted to cry?"

"I probably did a few times..."

Scene 9

"I'll explain this," Aerith changed her tone to an excuse-like manner.

Tifa seemed to be in an absorbed-like state.

"When I was a kid, I thought that it was a dream, and I thought I was just talking in a dream, but that's not it."

"Um.... What do you mean by that?"

"It's one of the powers of the Cetra. We can be one with the floating life of the Planet. Through this life, and though it seems there are various conditions, we're able to communicate with people whom we're separated from."

"That's amazing, isn't it?"

“Right? It gets more different than you think. But I can't do it anymore. I can feel something when I go to a deep place, but usually not at all."

"I see."

"Like happiness and sadness. But, I have been through a lot due to this power when I was a kid. Well, I must be a strange kid, aren’t I?"

↞↠

You’re on page 44/142 of Aerith’s segment of the Light Novel. Next Scenes: Scenes 10-14 Previous Scenes: Scenes 1-4 Back to Content Page (click/tap here)

follow @istanleyff7​ on twitter for updates support the TOTP translation project financially here (click/tap here)

#ffvii ff7 ffviir ff7r ff7ln ffviiln

[poundstonaira]

Asta x Pregnant Reader - Worries

Word Count: 1700+

The usual, cold, wet, white snow fell on the tip of my nose right when I looked up at the dead, dark sky which did nothing but made endless amounts of frozen ice fall onto the ground and my coat that covered the rest of my clothes along with my impregnated body. It was ruthlessly freezing cold, my body felt like it wanted to break down every time I moved a step in the thick snow. I kept my hands in my pockets because I knew the moment I’d let my hands be exposed to this weather, they'd only be numb and useless when I needed to make a call.

I know my fiancée is either still playing Ghost of Tsushima, Resident Evil 3 remake, or Apex Legends with his step-brother to which he is probably raging at because he is not that good at first person shooter games. He’s better off still playing fortnite at his big age which is really sad to say. I still love him though, I just wish he would spend more time with me, especially when I’m sad. That would be really nice.

Ever since I started this accidental pregnancy, Asta has been very distant towards me, it’s like he’s scared of me, or that he’s nervous to talk to me. Everytime he would see my bloated, round stomach, he would freeze as if he was nervous or just stare at it in fear. I mean, it’s been 3 months since I’ve started developing but, shouldn’t he be used to it already? He told me not to end the pregnancy because he was ready and will do whatever it takes to the best father he could but if that's the case, why does he act all hostile every time he’s seen my stomach? Not once has he ever rubbed it, kissed, it or even spoken to it. Does it really take that much time to process that your fiancé is pregnant with your child? I’ve been thinking for a couple of days that it’s even cut into my diet and mental health, making me more confused and needy of this situation. It’s like I can’t even tell if I’m overeating or it’s my hormones making me over think like this.

_Wait. What was I outside in this freezing cold weather for again? Oh, that’s right. I was supposed to buy some snacks that Asta and I wanted. At least the corner store is right in front of me. I was in such a deep state of thought I wasn’t even looking up. Silly me. _

…

5 bags of Hot cheetos, 4 packs of sugar cookies, 20 bars of kinder chocolates, 6 packs of Cadbury chocolates, 2 jars of Nutella, 120 Freddo Chocolates, 6 packs of Battenberg cakes, and even more snacks that I’m carrying in this big ass bag.

When I left the store, I was brutally greeted with the familiar feeling of the cold gust of wind along with the snow hitting my face, causing me to cough a bit. The distance between the store and our home wasn’t a short one but, it definitely wasn’t a long one, it would usually take me about 10 minutes to get home but with this snow it would probably take double the amount. Not that I mind or anything, it’s not like Asta’s waiting for my return or that he cares. And it definitely doesn't seem like he cares that this pregnant fiancé is out in a blizzard buying snacks for him and herself. The only thing my ash-blonde husband probably cares about is his game he’s playing or whatever he’s fixated on.

As I began carrying my body through this dangerous winter weather, I heard my phone ringing through my bluetooth headphones, I let out a heavy sigh, letting me see my breath come out as cold fog. I quickly picked my phone out of my pocket and saw who was calling me.

To my surprise, it was Asta. Along with 50 messages and 4 miss calls. At this, I hastily picked up my phone and answered him.

“Asta I-”

“Where are you?” My green-eyed fianceé asked me with a serious tone which was different from his normal, cherry voice. I started to sweat, getting a bad vibe from his tone of voice.

“I’m sorry I-I was just at the store p-picking up some things… Uh… I’m on my way home right now-”

“What was taking you so long!?” I heard him shout, making me jump a bit because of his tone of voice.

I suddenly froze at his question with my eyes widened and my gut having a bad feeling. I didn’t know what to do or say, I just froze in my spot, letting the snow and winds hit me like I was nothing. I didn’t have an answer on why I was out for so long. Hell. I didn’t even check what time it was when I left the house. The reason why I went outside in the first place was to take a walk and to buy some snacks no matter how bad the weather was. I was so much in deep thought to know how Asta felt, I only thought about what he was doing and whether he cared or not.

“I-I just wanted to go on a long walk and buy a few t-things, I didn’t-”

“It’s dangerous out there! It’s even more dangerous that you’re pregnant and you are going out in such dangerous weather... Do you even know how long it has been?”

“No… Asta, listen-”

“It’s almost been 2 hours! I was waiting for you to come back, I was so nervous… Seriously! I thought you were kidnapped or something. I was in the living room the whole time, waiting for you, I was going to meet you to come pick you up but, I didn’t know where to go because I didn’t know where you were…”

“Asta…” Was all I could say. I was seriously at a loss of words, I was in such a negative and grumpy mindset that I didn’t even know that he cared. My fianceé is such a bouncy, and weird individual that I didn’t even know he would care that I even put my pregnant body through such weather, since there are intense risks to that. This whole time I thought Asta only cared about playing video games and only helping when he needed to. Guess I was wrong.

I felt my body shake as a tear slipped out of my right eye.

“I-I’m sorry, Asta. I’ll be home right away.”

… As soon as I opened the front door to our home, I was quickly embraced with strong, muscular arms around my body, making my drop the bag of snacks I had recently bought.

“You scared me… do you know how dangerous it is for you to go out in that weather all alone WHILE you’re pregnant? Anything could’ve happened to you. Anything…You really had me worried and I didn’t know where to look, that’s why I didn’t come outside, I was scared I wouldn’t see you...” Asta muttered into my neck, still holding me tight.

There was really nothing else for me to say at that moment. I could hug him back, making contact between my wet coat and him.

“I’m sorry Asta, I won’t put myself through such dangerous weather again. I-” I was then interrupted by him pulling me into a long kiss before he pulled away to rub my head.

“That’s enough. Go take a relaxing bath and sleep. You could catch a cold.” Was his response for cutting me off.

“Then what am I going to do with all these snacks I bought?” I asked him which made his eyes pay attention to the extra large bag full of snacks, his eyes then glimmered and he started to drool with the thought of devouring all of them.

“Yummy…”

I smiled at his usual antics.

…

After I took a bath in steaming hot water, the both of us were now cuddled up on the couch, watching endless amounts of animes that we queued up on Netflix while consuming our snacks. When we have these moments, I most of the time forget that my weirdo of a fianceé put something inside of me. I remember staying focused on the moments where we were just escaping the ruthless blizzards that are outside of our homes, trying to cause chaos. None of that bothered me anyway, I just remember the feeling of Asta holding me tight and his head croaked into my neck, picking up my scent and occasionally leaving a few love bites there. Although he doesn’t show it, I can tell he’s excited for the birth of our child as well. He may not kiss, touch, or talk to my stomach but I know every time he embraces me, it’s a sign that he loves me and that he’s ready.

“Are the snacks good?” I asked him, giving him a small smile as I watched him chew on the chocolates.

“Of course they are!” He replied in a cheerful manner, making me give him a small smile to which he quickly blushed at. I honestly adore how he gets all flustered at the small smiles give him.

After he finished the snacks in his mouth, I felt Asta’s hands snake around my round, bloated stomach, before he slowly rubbed it. I jumped a bit but I then realized that this is what I wanted, what I wanted for a while now.

“But do you know what's even better?” He whispered in my ear, making me shiver in excitement a bit.

“Yes?” I quietly replied.

“My own child growing in_ your _stomach. The possibilities of their genes and what they could be, whether it could look like you or me… the more I think about it the more excited I get. Even though I didn’t mean for this to happen, I am more than happy to do what it takes to care of our children.” Asta finished, kissing my neck.

I felt that same tear slip out of my right eye again because of his warm, trusting words. I didn’t feel nervous about anything anymore. Because I already know that I’ll be fine.

This pregnancy should be nothing to worry about.

“Thank you, Asta.”

#black clover #black clover x reader #asta x reader #black clover scenarios #asta

[dex-xe]

I'm so proud of you. Cap and Alison 😊

Alison & Captain Fluff #11: “I’m so proud of you”

(This ended up being more angsty than I wanted it but its still super fluffy and sweet and  I’m really happy with how it turned out,, the obvious answer was I think for Alison to say it to Cap about coming out but I decided to flip it a little!! Thank you so much for this ask, this was a really fun one!!)

TW:// grief, death, etc

Prompt list

Inbox

It was the opening night of Button House Hotel. The entire day had been filled with Mike and Alison rushing frantically around the house arranging and rearranging the flowers, making and then remaking beds, placing the little finishing touches to their masterpiece, their life’s work. Five long years of hard graft was finally about to pay off as the arrival of the very first paying guests was imminent.

Alison dashed through the corridors in search of Mike, clutching a red ribbon in her fist. Her husband had taken a backseat for much of the opening night preparations but had made one single demand: he wanted to cut a thick red ribbon over the front door with a pair of novelty-sized scissors, to be met with mediocre applause from the crowd. So there Alison was, mere hours before the first guests arrived, sprinting through the house to try and make Mike’s dreams come true.

“Alison!” Someone called after her as she ran. “Alison!, Alison!” She spun around dramatically to find the Captain jogging down the hallway trying to catch her attention with his swagger stick. “Alison! Wait a minute!”

“What, Captain? I’m a little busy, if you can’t tell,” Alison huffed, continuing to march away from him towards the stairs. “I’ve gotta stick up this ribbon so Mike can have his ridiculous ‘small town mayor opening a leisure centre’ moment. Thank the Lord it’s before the guests arrive and only in front of family, hey?”

“I would just take a moment of your time, Alison,” the Captain quickly overtook Alison’s marching and stopped abruptly in front of her, blocking her path to the stairs.

“What is it?” Alison asked turning the ribbon over in her hands.

“Are Michael’s family making an appearance? For the grand opening?” The Captain asked.

“Yeah, they should be here soon,” Alison said. “They wanted to come for, and I quote, ‘the best day of their son’s life’. So, you know, it’s good to see how much they value our wedding day.”

“Right. And your mother and father shan’t be here?” He enquired.

“That would be a little difficult,” Alison mumbled.

“They should surely be here to witness their little girl’s achievements, yes?” The Captain cleared his throat and smiled down at Alison. “They should be able to relish in the success of their darling girl.”

“I’m not sure Eastwood Cemetery really allow their residents day trips,” Alison smirked.

If the Captain had any blood, he was sure it would drain from his face, and neck, and chest, and all the way down to his toes. Perhaps it would have drained right out of his soles and left him a mere pool of anxious WWII commander on the corridor floor. Alison clocked the horror on his face and chuckled at his agape mouth and wide eyes.

“It was a long time ago, it’s alright to joke about it now,” she said with a mischievous grin.

“You’ve never said anything?”

“You’ve never asked.” An awkward silence fell between the pair, with the Captain not quite sure of an appropriate response. “Is that all you wanted, Cap?”

“No,” he said quickly. “I- this house, I mean- I think it will make a rather wonderful hotel.”

“You’ve changed your tune since we first moved in,” Alison said, a smug smile overtaking her. Despite the time pressure, she couldn’t help but want to relish in the usually authoritative and disdainful Captain eat his words so she leant back against the wall, satisfied to rejoice in his grovelling.

“Well yes, I understand I was hesitant at first. But I know yourself and Michael now, and I respect that you are doing what is best for yourselves and this house. And us too. I just wished to say that I-,” he trailed off and glanced down at his shuffling shoes.

“You wanted to say what?” Alison asked.

“That I’m so proud of you,” he finished meeting Alison’s gaze, blue eyes boring into her soul. “I am so very proud of you.”

Alison’s lip began to quiver, her face crumpled and fat tears threatened to spill over onto flushed cheeks. She sniffled and rubbed at her eyes with her sleeve, not wanting the Captain to react irrationally at her emotion, as he was prone to doing.

“Oh dear!” The Captain floundered. “Alison, I’m afraid this hasn’t quite had the desired effect. Do not cry! I shall fetch Patrick, he’s rather better at this than I am.” He waved his arms dramatically around Alison, as if trying to comfort her without touching and making himself feel ill.

“No!” Alison tried to grab his arm, moving straight through him. “No, it’s okay! I- thank you. No one has said that to me in a little while, Captain, that’s all.”

“Well, hmm. Yes, I understand that now, what with your parents being- I mean to say that I am proud of all the work you have dedicated to a house I’ve seen neglected for so many years. I was rather apprehensive to place the house in new hands, especially such young and inexperienced ones. But you have taken us ghosts into consideration and given us appreciation we have not seen in many a decade. Your hotel will be wonderful, and you have done a bally marvellous job these past years.”

“I don’t know what to say,” Alison sniffled quietly and gazed up at the Captain.

“No need to say anything. My musings are finished now, you may return to the party planning.”

“I- Captain. I know I get on your nerves, you don’t exactly hide that well.” The Captain moved to interject, but was left opening and closing his mouth like a confused fish. “I know we argue, but I really appreciate your support. I’ve never really had- I’ve not had that for a long time.”

They smiled at each other, ethereal in the beams of dusty sunlight coursing through the window.

“I love you, Captain,” Alison whispered, afraid of what the Captain might say. “I wish I could hug you, this is so unfair. All I want is to hug you!”

The Captain chuckled and wrapped his arms around Alison’s shoulders, not touching her in the slightest but kidding them both into appreciating the physical affection.

“And I, you.” He muttered, quiet enough they could both ignore it had ever happened. Nobody need know the secretive affection the Captain held for Alison: he had never been a father in life but in death was more than willing to take that role and hold her the best way he could, if only for a fleeting moment.

#bbc ghosts #ficbymax

[thawte-wills]

Memories of Faith (After the Siege of Sandpoint)

"...Sister Faith?"

The blackened debris surrounded her like jagged spires growing from the ground. The still fresh, acrid smell of burning scorched her heart; though all the embers had long petered out.

Faith Dy'S—Ravenswood stared out at the structure that had raised her, as much as she did it. Her first true creation at the side of her fellow sisters and brothers of the faith. And, the ones who led her to follow in Desna's footsteps, Father Tobyn, and now, Father Zantus. One died in a fire when it was a chapel, and the other died in a fire set by a red dragon on the newly constructed cathedral.

It seemed like a cruel gift of fate that not only did Zantus fall in the same fashion the previous high priest did; but Faith was 'blessed' with a vision of his death. Though the Sandpoint Cathedral lay in ruins; she still saw it all so clearly, as if the fire was closing in again.

Then again, she could also remember walking into the chapel it was before its first fire; but it looked so big to her at that age, even if it truly wasn't. Her eyes peered down to see the burnt remains of the murals that hung around the prayer garden, and a tinge of hope sparked for her that maybe, just maybe, there was a small image of any of the gods worshipped there that had survived. Her covered feet ambled through the charred, jagged wood with ease; a sign of her growing skill, yet the farthest thing from her mind was how powerful she had grown.

"...Sister.... Faith?"

The seven stones still stood strong in the middle of the ruins, unbeaten by fire for a second time; the only thing standing for a second time. It was almost enough to stop her heart from feeling dour. Almost. Choking back a sob, she laid against one of the stones, its ash rubbing off on her 'adventuring vestments' she'd made for herself. Whatever. She'd clean it later.

Blinking back tears that were winning the fight and burning against her eyes, she searched for the hope she was looking for: a star off of Desna's mural, a single background decoration of a gold piece of Abadar's, a piece of a ray of light from Sarenrae's brilliance, the beauty of even the smallest illustrated part of Shelyn, a hint of the waves or storms of Gozreh, or even the smallest part of an antler or arrow of Erastil; something to help her hold onto hope.

But nothing but the scorched stones and discolored pine and eucalyptus seemed to be recognizable through the multitude of ash. "Father Tobyn... Father Zantus... Desna... What should I do?" Her own words were the final nail in the coffin, as her soft sobs were finally rung out of her.

"....."

For a moment, the wind picked up, rushing the ashes past her and out of Sandpoint on a breeze; and with a soft hiccup she was able to clear her eyes for a moment. And on the singular stone surrounded by the seven others she saw her old carving of a star, back when she was first learning of Desna.

The small, roughly carved star was a foolish whim she'd taken upon herself when she first learned of the Desnan clergy's penchant for leaving 'Found Marks' in difficult to reach places. Once it had caught the attention of Father Tobyn what she was doing, she feared she'd be admonished when she simply wanted to leave her own mark somewhere. Thankfully, Father Zantus (Brother, at the time) had intercepted the older priest, and had somehow convinced him that this was the true meaning of the middle stone. A place for those who worshipped to leave their own mark, no matter who they worshipped; the start of the Shrine Wall writings in the Sandpoint Cathedral.

This star had somehow caught ash in its rough ruts, and almost out of instinct, Faith looked out in the direction it pointed. Past the damaged town and homes, even from the other side of the town, she could still see it.

A large flaming meteor surrounded by massive white fangs glowing with the power of some unknown creature's magic, plastered to the side of The Old Light. But she knew the symbol wasn't what it was pointing toward; it was pointing toward Zephyr. Her draconic protector. Her magical colleague. Her close friend. And maybe... maybe more. Even though dull and misshapen, like the Stair of Stars it seemed to point directly to her own North Star. "Thank you. I hope.... I hope I can make you all proud."

Faith stood, feeling a bit stronger emotionally and more set in her faith while wiping away some tears. As she brushed off the ash on her clothing, she finally heard the voices calling for her.

"Sister Faith! Are you alright in there?"

Taken aback by the voices, she'd almost forgotten she was one acolyte of a remaining five; her being the youngest, and yet the most devoted. As hastily as she could, she cautiously made her way through the remnants of the cathedral back to the front, her eyes set on returning to her draconic mage in his time of need and unbridled fury. Once her feet found purchase on the unburnt grass slightly outside of the remains she saw the four in front of her, all of them focused strongly on her. At first, their patient but quizzical stares only drew questions from her; but quickly she realized they were looking to her the same way she had with Father Tobyn, and Father Zantus. Like a leader, or a-"High-Priestess, what should we do?"

The sudden title surprised Faith, and she was sure the look was obvious on her face, even after doing her best to try to hide it afterward.

"Please Torthiel, right now, its too soon to say that much." The old fear of never being able to travel and explore like a real child of Desna loomed over her emotions once more, but she wasn't the same girl she had been when she first volunteered herself to the adventurers that would help her to become one of the Stormbringers.

"We will rebuild again. We were all here to set the structure of the Cathedral, and we will be here for it again; like it has always been here for us. Look, the seven stones still stand strong, both a testament to Desna's power, as well as Abadar, Sarenrae, Shelyn, Gozreh, and Erastil. Father Tobyn and Zantus have guided us the best they could. Now it is time for us to walk the path.

"Torthiel, Lasslin, Sargiel, Naerbera. For now, we will help the town; and in time, the town will help us. We were all there when the blueprints of the Cathedral were drawn up, and we will remake it in its previous glory. Help those you can. Heal those in need. And when you are done, rest. There has been much pain here, but Desna will bless us all with peaceful dreams for our hard work." With that, she lightly hugged each of her fellow siblings of the cloth, simply glad they were able to see another day.

"But Faith..." Lasslin whimpered softly, "Are you to leave again? And if so, who will lead us?"

"Desna has her plans for me, sister. Save for these last few months, I have only spent my time on Golarion within these walls. I don't plan to leave immediately; but for right now, I cannot be the High Priestess just yet. I promise you all, I will return after Desna has shown me what she needs to. But until that day, I will never be too far away. You all have your own paths with your gods you must follow. And just like this church and its gods, you will lead together, as my Deacons of the Faith." A smirk played on Faith's lips as she continued,

"But you better believe I'm not leaving the foundation of the construction to you fools." The five acolytes held together then in a group hug, all smiles and tears at their melancholy situation, yet hopeful for the future.

After they had all released their hold, they dispersed around town to help the citizens still reeling from the attack.

And Faith? She had her dragon to console.

#god she's grown so much #my strong holy girl #pathfinder #cleric #Desna #abadar #shelyn #sarenrae #gozreh #erastil #sandpoint #Sandpoint Cathedral #my writing #Rise of the Runelords #RotRl

[most-wanted-fanfic-and-love]

Most Wanted 2 fanfic

☆ Masterlist  

Chapter one - Old friendship 

Words: 2203

Warning: anxiety/panic attack

A/N: This is a remake of the chapter I published months ago (link). Not only the grammar mistakes were corrected, but I added more scenes. I hope you enjoy it, wether you are a fan of MW or not, and remember - creative criticism is always welcome! ❤

By the way, the second chapter is going to be released next week 😄 and takes place in the present. Stay tuned! 

//////

“...Each one of you is going to write a memory from your childhood. The minimum of words is a hundred.”

After giving the assignment, the teacher sat down on the desk. Everyone started to rip a page from their notebooks, some focused, others whispering to their colleagues. In one of the desks from the middle of the room, a boy with brown dark hair was lost in thoughts… when someone touches his arm. He looks startled to the right, sighing afterward.

“You scared me…”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.” - giggled a girl with black hair - “Davey, as your seatmate, I couldn’t help but notice you were traveling in your own world.” - she whispers so the teacher wouldn’t catch them speaking - “You don’t know what to write for your assignment?”

He shrugs, whispering too - “Hmm, actually, I might have an idea…” - Dave pauses for a moment, not wanting to talk about it - “What about you, Cass?”

“I have a few ideas in my mind, but I don’t know which one to choose.” - Cassandra twirls her hair, thoughtful, while glancing at her notebook.”

Dave slightly smiles - “Hey, I can help.” - he says, while grabbing a yellow pencil and pulling the empty paper - “Can I scribble here?” - Cass nods, and he proceeds - “Tell me your ideas, but we need to be quick…”

After a while, everyone was writing their assignment, including Cassandra, thanks to Dave’s help. But he wasn’t having any luck in progressing with the text. Dave took a deep breath after crossing a phrase.

I'm not having any luck with this.

He decides to look around the busy classroom. A sense of dread was suddenly taking over Dave, as if he was going to be the first person to talk about what he wrote. But that wasn’t the issue.

There was only one thing he could do at the moment to relieve the uncomfortable feeling. After some seconds which seemed like an eternity, Dave raised his arm. When the teacher stared at him, he tried to speak with a normal tone - “May I go to the washroom?”

...But his anxiety didn't help with it. Dave prayed internally that no one had noticed the trembling voice. After the teacher nodded, Dave, hesitantly, left his seat and headed to the door. Behind him, Cassandra Leigh was observing discreetly whilst frowning her eyebrows. 

Through the big windows from the long corridor, Dave could feel the scorching that was the Californian weather. His heart was racing, so he started to walk fast, making his best effort to not start sobbing. Fortunately, there was no one else in the corridor at the moment besides him and the noises from the classrooms with the doors open. Dave turned left, to the quiet courtyard of the school. That's when he allowed himself to blink his eyes and let the tears fall. 

Meanwhile, Cassandra was almost finishing her assignment. Glancing at her seatmate’s paper and noticing that he didn't write anything besides the scribbles, she put down the pencil.

Dave, sitting his back against the big tree, touched his face, angry - “I shouldn’t be here. I’m not the kind of student who skips classes…” - he reluctantly wipes a tear - “I don’t want my classmates to find out that I was adopted. It would be extremely awkward.” - a pigeon lands on the grass, looking for something to eat. Dave observes the bird - “But I could write a memory without mentioning it. God, I’m making a scene...”

He closes his eyes, taking deep breaths to try to feel calm and ease the chest tightness. He has been feeling like this these days, but today is the worst. To the point of needing to skip the class...

Suddenly, Dave heard the door of the courtyard opening, and he immediately opened his eyes.

“...Cass? What are you doing here?”

“I ask the same question.” - said the young woman, slowly approaching Dave - “The teacher did let me check you. I knew something was going on.” - Cass kneels at his side, looking concerned - “What is worrying you?”

Four words were enough to make him weep louder. She gently touches his arm - “Look, you don’t have to tell me everything in detail.” - after biting the lower lip, cautious, she says - “But I take it you need to vent to someone right now.”

Dave didn’t answer right away. Then, he laughs nervously, using his arm to clean off the tears - “I should have known you would notice my trembling voice when I asked the teacher if I could go to the washroom. You know me too well, after all.” - he couldn’t resist but smile for a moment - “I’m... glad we’re classmates… hey, you can sit here” - Dave touches the grass - “It’ll hurt if you stay on your knees for too long”.

As Cassandra accomoded herself, he began to explain what was troubling him - “I barely slept last night, so… you can see that it hasn’t been a good day for me.”

“Nightmares?” - Cass whispers.

“Yes...”

When Reyes was seven years old, he witnessed his own mother being murdered in front of him. It was a heavy situation to endure as a child, losing his only progenitor in cold blood. Dave barely had memories of his father, who died in a civil construction accident when he was just a baby. But the mother… was the only family he knew. Because of it, Dave was inevitably taken to the orphanage. Years later, he ended up being adopted, together with other kids he grew up with, by a good family. Since then, Dave has been living in the Vermont Square neighborhood, in the southern part of Los Angeles.

“So that’s why you were drinking coffee when I arrived at school.”

He nods, taking a deep breath - “Exactly.”

They stay in silence for a moment, watching together the blue sky with the white clouds in the distance. Cassandra breaks the silence - “Now it makes sense why you are feeling like that. The nightmares last night, and now an assignment about childhood memories... it isn’t pleasant.”

“But it shouldn’t be an excuse to skip the class-”

“Dave, listen...” -  they look into each other's eyes, and Cass continues - “...don’t blame yourself. I’m sure the teacher is going to be understanding about your situation.”

He got up, apprehensive - “The teacher... she is going to speak to me when the class ends, isn’t she?”

“We both know the answer.” 

Reyes runs his hand through the brown hair - “Oh, of course. And then she will give me advice to speak with the school counselor. I... I understand they care for my well-being, but I just don't want to bother anyone with my problems. Last week, I spoke twice to the counselor. Twice!"

“You are going through a bad phase, but it’ll get better. There are ups and downs...” - Cass got up, walking towards Dave - “And if you need to vent, you can always count on me.” - she puts her arms around him, hugging tightly. He does the same.

“Only you to make me feel better.”

As they return to the building, Dave stops at the entrance - “Uhh.. it’s going to be awkward, entering in the middle of the classroom. What if the class is already presenting the assignments?” - Cassandra turns around, looking at him - “I know it would also be awkward if I only appeared when the bell rings, but you know… unfortunately it is inevitable.”

“You’re right, it’s awkward either way. But, I have an idea to make you feel better and look forward to the end of the classes…” - she winks - “Do you want to attend the theater group?”

Dave was now feeling a mix of anxiety and enthusiasm.

“The one you spoke about a lot of times?! And you are inviting me to see you all participate?”

“Yep.”

“Well, I appreciate the invite. For real. But I need to talk to my… parents to see if they allow me to come to school after dinner. Although I'm certain they will.” - he now takes a step forward, taking a deep breath - “Let’s get going. I don’t want you to miss your assignment because of me. Oh, and… one more thing: when you become a famous actress, don’t forget about our friendship.”

Cassandra felt her cheeks flushing - “What-what makes you think that I’ll become famous?” 

“You are talented. Who knows, maybe in the future you are going to act in a blockbuster movie!”

“Davey, me and other thousand girls in L.A have the same dream. Ok, I’m exaggerating in the numbers…” - she couldn’t stop blushing. One thing was her parents saying this, another was her best friend - “Ahem. It’s true that I’m one of the best students from the theater group, but let’s not have high expectations... but answering your question, of course I won’t forget you if that ever happens.” 

-----

The pink sunset sky announced that summer was coming. Dave Reyes wished the doorman good night as he entered the school precinct. There were no students in the courtyard - it had been two hours since the last class of the day was over. Dave, serene, took one last look at the sky before opening the main door. Her best friend's dinner and invitation made her feel better, even if not a hundred percent, but it was a good feeling.

Inside, on the second floor, Dave could hear a noise coming from the auditorium. As he approached, he put his hand on the doorknob …

… and saw a group of 5 young people on the stage, rehearsing their lines and laughing. Four were girls, in long dresses. The boy, who appeared to be a senior in high school, was coordinating the scenes.

“Rita, you have to speak in a more authoritative tone. That means no giggles- ”

"How do you want me not to laugh around them?" - the girl with curly hair and black eyes pointed at her colleagues - "They are my besties!"

Dave focused his attention on Cassandra, who was behind the group watching the explanations closely. "Psss, hey, Cass." - he spoke softly, so as not to interrupt the conversation. Luckily she heard him, because then she walked gracefully towards her and jumped off the stage - "Dave! There you are.” - she approaches him, touching his shoulder caringly as he smiles - “How are you feeling?” 

“I’m feeling better thanks to your invite. I’m not overthinking at home.” - Dave looks around the auditorium, interested in knowing more about the play - “How's the rehearsing going?"

“Very well, actually! We are all feeling ambitious in doing our best. Of course, there is fun stuff happening in the middle, but we also need it from time to time to relax-”

“Leigh! Who is that guy?” - spoke the coordinator, staring at them -”Did your boyfriend come to watch?”

“He is not my boyfriend, Sammuel.” - Cassandra crosses her arms, feeling a bit annoyed - “Platonic friendship with boys exists, in case you didn’t know. And you are older than me, so you should know how to tell better jokes...”

“Calm down, I was only teasing you.” - he smiles - Your friend is more than welcome to watch the acting, as long as he does not reveal the dialogues and story to his classmates.”

“I won’t.” - says Dave, shyly.

“Good. Leigh, you can come back now to the stage as your friend sits in one of those chairs” - Sammuel points to the brown seats in front of him. 

It's interesting watching the behind the scenes. Dave opened the schoolbag on his lap and took out the water bottle. Rita, the girl who Dave heard laughing earlier, was arguing with Cassandra. Or well, the characters.

“...I’m going to win the contest, Julia.” - she looked down to Cassandra, snobby - “If you were truly smart, you wouldn’t waste your time with this. You are going to fail miserably and be humiliated in front of everyone.”

“I refuse to accept your wish.” - she looks determined to the enemy. There is a long pause between them. Dave waits, anxiously to know what will happen next. 

The snobby girl pulls out Julia’s necklace, in rage. The pearls fall down, breaking the silence of the tension. Cassandra looks around the auditorium, speechless, to make the scene more dramatic. Then, she fell on her knees, crying - “You are so evil! If you think this is going to stop me, you are… wrong.” - Cass pronounces the last word with poison. 

“It’s perfect!” - shouts Sammuel, doing a sign to stop the acting - “The two of you improved this scene splendidly! The viewers are going to love this, oh that’s for sure.” - he whispers to himself - “And I’ll get a good grade for coordinating this teather play.” 

Dave was preparing to get up when the older guy looked at him -”Hey you, what is your opinion?”

“I loved everything. I’m sure the theater play is going to be a success.” - he smiles as everyone is watching him mindfully - “I don’t know much about acting, but it seemed great from my point of view.”

“Hmm, good, good…” - Sammuel scratches his beard - “What is your name?”

“Dave Reyes.”

“Reyes, do you want to take part of our team? We are in need of a boy for our next theater play, and I think you are a nice option.”

#choices stories you play #choices pixelberry #choices fanfiction #choices most wanted #most wanted #most wanted 2 #dave reyes #cassandra leigh #most wanted dave #most wanted cassandra #choices most wanted fanfic #fanfiction #choices fic writers creations #fics of the week

[flowerpowell]

Unexpected (Drake x MC)

PART TEN

A/N: Hello from my hiatus! I’m still not active but I thought I’d schedule a new chapter so you dont have to wait so long. I’ll reply to comments to this and previous chapters when I can. Thank you for being patient with me and I hope you’ll like this chapter; I’d love it if you left some feedback for me! Characters belong to Pixelberry (except for my OCs)

Rating: PG

Word count: 2253

Tagging: @gardeningourmet​ @delightfullypinkglitter​ @hopefulmoonobject​ @akrenich​ @blackcatkita​ @desireepow-1986​ @dcbbw​ @kingliam2019​ @the-soot-sprite​ @mskaneko​ @thequeenofcronuts​ @dr-ethanjramsey​ @badchoicesposts​ @burnsoslow​ @annekebbphotography​ @alesana45​ @addictedtodrakefanfic​ @walkerduchess​ @ao719​ @texaskitten30​ @lodberg​ @cordonianroyalty​ @emichelle​ @siriusxxvideos​ @i-bloody-love-drake-walker​ @samihatuli​ @choices-lurker​ @i-miss-trr​ @drxkewalker​ @nikkis1983​ @innerpostmentality​ @msjr0119​ @bascmve01​ @mind-reader1​ @edgiestwinter​ @drakesensworld​ @queenjilian​ @princessleac1​ @saivilo​ @yukinagato2012​ ♥

“Dad, you can’t just punch people like that,” Riley gave Drake a pack of frozen spinach and he held it near his eye. Riley’s father sat on the other side of the room and studied him warily.

“I can do what I want, that man here brainwashed you!”

“Dad! He didn’t brainwash me, what are you talking about?”

“Trent, honey, maybe we should--” a woman sitting next to him, Riley’s mother as Drake guessed, tried to calm her husband down but he didn’t let her finish.

“I spent years and years raising you. Giving you food, money, clothes, home. And you get married without even telling us about it? Your husband didn’t even care to follow our traditions! He never asked me for your hand. None of you contacted me. I did not approve of this marriage and I do not approve of it now.”

“But Daddy,” another woman tried to cut in and Drake thought it must have been Riley’s sister. She looked more like their father while Riley looked more like her mother. They both had dark hair but Riley’s was long and with red ombre while her sister’s were much shorter and almost black. The ladies had also different eye colors, Riley’s bright blue ones contrasted with her sister’s brown eyes.

“Shush. I’m speaking,” the man scolded his daughter and Drake knew he already hated the guy. He hated him from Riley’s stories but after meeting him in person, he hated him even more. “When you said you wanted to go to Europe I thought you wanted to do something valuable, learn something, make money. But instead, you marry the first man you meet. You’re such a disappoitment, Riley. You always were. How silly I was to believe maybe you’d change.”

“Dad!” The sister stood up but one look from her father silenced her for good. Drake looked at Riley; her eyes were fixed on the floor, not willing to make any eye contact.

“Okay, that’s enough,” Drake stood up to face Trent. “I will not let you speak to her like that. This is my home and if you have a problem with us being married you can complain somewhere else. She’s my wife now and you’re not allowed to insult us. She is not, and never has been a disappointment.”

Riley looked up at him, shocked. He was angry. She never saw him that angry. He looked like he was ready to fight and when she glanced at her father, he looked like he was ready to kill Drake. Her mother and sister both looked equally shocked.

“Don’t you dare talking to me like that. You take my daughter away, brainwash her and insult me?”

“Your daughter is not your property, she can do whatever she wants. And now I ask you politely to Get. Out. Before I call the cops,” Drake hissed. Trent looked at him before shaking his head.

“You did this to yourself, Riley! You ruined our family!” He said before storming out. His wife ran right after him.

“Holy--” the sister started before pulling Riley in a hug. “Are you okay? Are you?” She looked at Drake who nodded in response.

“I’m Danielle, Dani for friends,” she extended her hand and Drake shook it.

“Drake. Nice to meet you. I’m going to... I’m gonna make some tea,” he looked at Riley worriedly before leaving the sisters alone.

“I’m sorry, I had no idea we were coming to you, Daddy said it was a business trip,” Dani whispered to Riley, still holding her close.

“It’s okay. I know what he’s like.”

“Sooo... I’m not gonna yell at you, even though I should, but why didn’t you tell me you got married??Drake seems like the best guy for you!!”

“Dani, you’ve known him for like five minutes,” Riley chuckled, sitting on the couch and pulling her sister with her.

“That’s enough, I can read people, you two are so good together. And the way he stood up for you? Don’t tell father but it was ah-mazing!”

“Dani...”

“Okay, so how did you meet? How did he proposed? Ooh, do you have any pictures from the wedding?”

“Dani... I need to tell you something...” Riley started and Dani’s face fell. She needed to tell someone. Someone she could trust. The only person knowing the marriage was fake was Liam, Drake’s friend and Riley felt like she needed somone on her side to know that too. She quickly told her everything, about the restaurant, Bartie, accident, Madeleine, Bianca, weird videos from Karlington. At the end of her story, Dani didn’t seem moved.

“Well, if you ask me, that marriage is totally not fake. No fake husband ever looks at his fake wife like Drake does.”

“Like what?”

“Like he loves you and wants to protect you. Like he doesn’t want anything bad to happen to you. Like he cares, like he--”

“Oookay, that’s enough. You’re too much of a hopeless romantic and see love everywhere,” Riley shoved her playfully.

“Yeah, yeah, lie to yourself more,” Dani answered and Riley bit her lip. She wasn’t lying, was she? Their marriage was fake and they didn’t have any feelings to each other.

Or did they?

~~~~

After four cups of tea and three hours of catching up, Drake drove Dani back to the hotel she was staying in with her parents. Despite hating Riley’s family, he liked her and he was happy that Riley had at least one person in her family who was normal.

When he came back home, Riley was in the kitchen, washing the dishes and cooking something.

“Hey...” he started, entering the kitchen and smelling something good.

“Hey.”

“What’s that? Smells amazing.”

“It’s just some rigatoni with beef. And some spinach on the side,” she motioned to the spinach Drake put near his eye a few hours before. “I wanted to apologize for my father. He’s not aggressive, he just hates when things are not as he wanted them to be.”

“It’s okay,” Drake shrugged. “It’s not your fault, you don’t have to apologize. How are you?”

“But I do have to. I’m sorry he was so harsh and rude and--” she bit her lip as her voice wavered slighly. She tried not to start crying and Drake noticed her efforts.

“Hey, it is not your fault. You’re not responsible for what your father is doing,” he wasn’t sure what to do or say, he just wanted her to feel better. Without thinking too much about it, he wrapped his arms around Riley and pulled her close. He felt her tears on his shirt and he wanted to yell at her parents for upsetting her so much.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have,” Drake whispered, pulling away slighly, worried he crossed the line. They were a fake couple after all.

“No, it’s... I needed that,” she answered and he pulled her closer again. She snuggled against him, allowing herself to be vulnerable at least for a few minutes before having to face the reality again.

At that point she wasn’t sure how fake their fake relationship was. She didn’t know what that strange feeling she felt towards Drake was and where it came from, the only thing she knew was that for the first time in forever, she felt safe in his arms.

~~~~

“Dani, you look okay,” Riley rolled her eyes when she saw her sister was smoothing her dress for the tenth time since they arrived in the palace the next day.

“Maybe you should’ve mentioned it that Drake’s friend who married you two is a flippin’ king!” she hissed and started fixing her hair. “Do I bow? Is my dress formal enough? Should I cover my shoulders?”

“Dani,” she chuckled, “Liam is not that kind of King. Just be yourself and treat him like a normal person he is.”

Dani sighed and Riley’s eyes met with Drake’s. He smiled at her and she smiled back.

The day before was a weird day for their ‘relationship’ and Riley felt like something broke, as if the barriers were not there anymore. They went to sleep together, without arguing or even teasing. He pulled her close wordlessly and she felt relieved she didn’t have to ask him for it. For some unknown to her reason she found comfort in his closeness.

“Good morning everyone,” Liam greeted them, interrupting Riley’s thoughts.

“Hi, this is my sister, Danielle, I told her everything and she said she wanted to help with the investigation.”

“Nice to meet you, Danielle. I trust you’re enjoying your stay in Cordonia?” Liam smiled as he took Dani’s extended hand and kissed it.

“Dani is fine,” she blushed when Liam finally let go of her hand. “Cordonia is beautiful, your majesty.” She curtsied awkwardly and Liam chuckled.

“Liam is fine.”

“You said there was some news?” Drake asked and Liam reluctantly turned his attention from Dani to his friend.

“Yes, the camera footage from Madeleine came back from the laboratory. The video is legit, no photoshop, no remakes, it’s authentic.”

“Madeleine, you little--”

“That’s not all. The police officially drew back from the case. I still have my investigator and one guard incognito in Karlington though.”

“I can’t believe it,” Drake shook his head and Riley took his hand into hers and gave it a comforting squeeze. Dani smiled noticing that, mentally laughting at her sister’s poor attempts to convince her it was a fake relationship.

“I’m sure sooner or later they’ll make a mistake and we’ll catch it. All we can do right now is wait,” Liam patted his friend’s back and turned to Dani.

“Would you like some apple tea? I know Riley is not a fan and Drake only drinks it if it comes with whiskey.”

“I’d love to,” she answered and curtsied.

“You don’t have to curtsy to me, you know. It’s probably more uncomfortable to me than to you.”

“Oh, oh, I’m sorry! I just never met a King and I’m afraid I never read any Royal protocol so I’m not sure how to act, which is quite annoying to be fair because I was taught to be prepared for every possibility and now I see I failed but it’s fine! I’ll read it tomorrow and I won’t make this mistake ever again, your Majesty.”

“Liam,” he corrected her, chuckling. He didn’t know Riley very well but he could tell how different the two sisters were. Riley would sooner yell at him than curtsy and Danielle just made a two-minute speech apologizing him for curtsying.”

“Right. I’m sorry, sir.”

“Liam.”

“Shoes! I’m sorry Liam,” she corrected herself, trying not to facepalm herself. She was so focused on her mistakes that she missed amused looks that Riley and Drake exchanged.

“Shoes?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Oh, yeah, Nana taught us that. Riley never followed that though. Shoes for shit, duck for fu--” she composed herself. “Can I get that tea, I’m feeling slightly unwell?” She started fanning herself with her hand and Liam quickly went to the back of his office to make tea.

“Well, well, well. I have never seen you so flustered before, Dani,” Riley gave her sister a questioning look.

“He’s the King,” Dani whispered in response. “I don’t know how to act around Kings.”

“Mhmm,” Riley commented as Liam came back with the tea. Dani took the cup gladly and took a sip.

“Good?” Liam asked and she nodded.

“Really good. I like the addition of mint, it makes it taste more fresh.”

“Okay, I gotta go because my mom has an appointment and I’m taking Bartie now,” Drake stood up and opened the door, turning to look at Riley. She gave him a big smile in return and asked, “Dani, you’re coming with us?”

“I can drive you later, if you want to,” Liam offered quickly.

“Yeah, I’ll come with His Maj—Liam.”

“Okay,” Riley shrugged and kissed her sister on the cheek before catching up with Drake. When they left Dani turned to Liam.

“They are so in love. Please tell me you’re seeing it too.”

“I do, actually. And I hope they will see it too one day. I’ve never seen Drake like that, he seems so much happier now, despite everything that is going on.”

“Yeah, same with Riley. But I also know she’s the most stubborn person I know,” Dani sighed and took a few last sips of her tea.

“Drake’s more stubborn.”

“We should get them together. Make them see how in love they are.”

Liam studied her for a moment and Dani felt like she crossed the line. The Royal protocol probably forbid such things. She was just about to apologize when Liam spoke.

“I’m in. Drake deserves the best and Riley seems like she’s the best for him.”

“Riley deserves the best too. We have a deal?” she extended her hand, hesitating slightly when thinking about the protocol.

“Deal.”

They shook each other’s hands and Liam smiled at the thought of spening more time with and getting to know Danielle Brooks.

#the royal romance #drake walker #drake x mc #drake walker x mc #choices #the royal heir #choices trr #playchoices #liam x oc #(maybe) #king liam #scheduled post #blanca's queue

[bugaboowritings]

Don’t Call Me Bugaboo -

She’s not your Love-Bug

There this one post about how Marinette won’t let anyone call her ‘Bugaboo’ or any bug/cute nickname unless it was from Chat Noir or Adrien. So that inspired me to write this short mess a while back. As it seems cute since this fic does match my url. heheheh- enjoy. 

I think that I may write something more if the idea stay in my head. Like make Clairvoyance into a ‘real’ episode or fic.

   “Silly Bug! Don’t you know that you could get squashed playin’ like that!?”

   Ladybug ran to a harsh stop, her feet stinging with her rough landing. Feeling the extra momentum throw her off the balance if it wasn’t for the grip on her suit. Her breathes escaped hard and heavy out of her nose, trying to catch her breath. Pumping her lungs with fresh adrenaline and oxygen. Glaring at the Akuma through her midnight blue bangs. 

Gripping her yo-yo a little tighter.

“Speak for yourself, Clairvoyance.” 

“More like Clairvo-Annoyance, if you ask me.” Chat Noir mumbled, reaching the scene in time. His fangs sticking out of his lips, shooting a wink to the red heroine. As dumb the joke was, it was a signal of reassurance to calm his LB. Ignoring the disgusted expression from the villain. 

   With baton ready in hand, Chat Noir itching to play offense or if needed, support for his Lady against the Akuma’s tricks. Racking his brain for ways to make the new villain pay or a quick getaway in case the Akuma pulled another foul trick from their sleeves. With the power to the bent reality and see anything in view or out, Clairvoyance proved to be a ‘little’ tricky to sneak around. Being five steps ahead of them before the Miraculous Duo even took one. Driving Ladybug out of her comfort zone as she analyzed the new threat to Paris. 

Clairvoyance scowled at the leather-cat before swiping their glasses. 

  That’s when it clicked in LB’s head. 

  The corrupted butterfly must be in their glasses!

“I’ll make you eat your words, you dirty rat.” 

“Ouch.” Chat winced, rubbing his chest as if Clairvoyance’s words stung his big heart. Chat’s acid eyes fluttered before landing a bitter smile on his pink lips. 

“First off, I’m clearly a cat. I thought that was clear. Second,” He motioned his collar bell, flicking his claws out, “-You better be a purr-fect cook if you gonna make me eat my words.” 

“Might as well cook me and the Lady dinner if you’re offering.” 

Chat’s remakes fell flat once he saw Clairvoyance’s growl turn into a crafty grin. 

“I have plenty of tricks for you to pick from the menu!”

 With a swipe of their hand, black holes appeared on the ground. Quickly expanding to the whole floor, swallowing the solid ground into a void. 

The duo jumped before they could fall into the nothingness or a tunnel that lead to the unknown. Twirling and flipping out of harm’s way as Clairvoyance made more black holes appear with the swipe of their hand. The corners of their thin lips turned up into a sick grin on their periwinkle face the more Ladybug and Chat Noir jumped around, avoiding the danger than grew under their feet. The heroes pushing themselves off the leftover bits of the green grass, trying to reach the edges of the huge stadium or even better- the high bleachers. 

 Chat Noir hopped from piece to piece, feeling himself getting cocky. Opening his mouth to speak, only for a yelp to escape. His boot missed the step and fell back. Feeling the hum of the black hole on his back as he slipped closer and closer to the nothingness. A shot yelp brought Ladybug’s attention to the black cat. Pulling her arm back as her stomach squeezed in anxiousness, launching her yo-yo out to pull her partner out of the vacuum. 

Feeling his weight hang on the edge of her string, she tugged back. Fishing out a black cat into her arms. His hair ruffled and eyes widen once they both realized what had just happened.

“I guess your bad luck never fails.” Ladybug smirked. Not helping to pull her own joke to reassure her kitty. 

“You never fail to swoon me, Bugaboo.” Chat Noir sighs. Ladybug could have sworn that his thin pupils turned into little hearts as he grinned back at her. Her grip on her partner's waist tightened when she tossed her yo-yo up and over a steel beam. Hopefully strong enough to hold them as she pushed her feet from the ground running. 

 Our heroes swung up to the stadium bleaches, away from the black holes that ate away at the once-solid ground. 

Clairvoyance burst out in giggles as the Miraculous Duo struggled to regain their ground. Ladybug holding her yo-yo tightly as Chat Noir pulled out his baton from his back. 

“Woowwwww.” Clairvoyance rolled out their lips. Winking at the team before raising their hands to their glasses. Ready to spit out another obstacle. 

“You’re so slick, Bugaboo.” They chuckled, quickly swiping their hand out to motion another tear in reality, all in hopes to confuse the bug and cat team. Portals stretched out behind the villain, revealing another monster entering the stage floor. 

  “But that cleverness of yours can only last so long.”

Ladybug ground her teeth. Only to drop her frown when she noticed the red and black spots highlighting the ceiling and Chat Noir’s baton. 

Gaining her own smile that confused Clairvoyance but motivated Chat. 

“Don’t call me Bugaboo or I’ll make YOU eat your words.”

————

“Gross.” Marinette winced as she pulled her arm away. Pressing it against her chest to protect herself. Still feeling the tingle of their touch on her forearm. Causing her to recoil from the man before stepping back. Her heels already tapped the wooden floor, ready to leave and find another seat.

“Oh, don’t be like that, Love-Bug.” The fresh-cut college student cooed. Ready to move a little closer even as Marinette moved back. 

That name just felt wrong as it slipped from his lips and reached her ears. Touching her temples as if she could stop herself from hearing this ‘evil’ or erase it from her memory. 

This guy really wasn’t getting it. 

“Not your Love-Bug, creep,” Marinette said, again. Grabbing her purse before heading out. Deciding that it wasn’t worth getting harrassed to leave her doom room. Just when she thought she had enough of this guy’s behavior, he still dared to grab her by the arm and pull her near. 

Some people don’t know what ‘no’ means until they get a punch, square in the face. 

______

“Don’t call me Bugaboo.” Ladybug snarled. Snapping shut her yo-yo communicator before facing the monkey behind her. Telling him to knock it off and she slowly gets tired of his jokes. It annoyed her even more than usual since she was cold, ready to detransform, and go home. The weather didn’t help her mood, but Ladybug just pulled her hoodie over her head. 

Ignoring it for now. 

“-Not if you want to make it out of this patrol home safely,” she added, slipping her yo-yo back to her side. Lifting herself up after watching the ground for a moment. Sniffing the bits of cement from cheap construction nearby and smoke of something burning elsewhere. The yellow-lights flickered in the Parisian apartments below her and the wind blew around old trash that cluttered alleyways. There amid the calm and crowded city was Rena’s signal to go. 

Mayura was near. 

Meaning Hawk Moth was closer.

“That’s the call.” Ladybug murmured. Motioning her team of a snake, monkey, and turtle to follow the next step of her plan.

Positioning themselves for her go. Itching to get out there. On the edge from being a still statue to swift blur on the roofs of buildings. 

“Let’s go.” Ladybug being the first to run out before the rest followed suit. 

———

“Honestly, I think you are over-reacting-”

“Excuse you because it’s the exact opposite going on! You aren’t taking this project seriously.” Marinette huffed. Pulling her bag over her shoulder, which was filled to the papers and folder about the new upcoming line being launched with GUESS. 

“I-”

“No, Calvin. I don’t want to hear it. We have deadlines and they are not being met. Do something before you force me too.” 

Marching out of the office before getting called out by the marketing team again. Pulling her in their office before Marinette could shake them off. 

“Marinette, hey! Baby-”

Marinette gave her co-worker a dull look, telling them to not push her buttons like they did every other day. Hoping that because she’s still a newbie in the company, she would this pass.  Marinette was growing tired of this and even more with the fact that they seem to see her as a small sister rather than a co-worker. Tugging on the pockets of her bright red coat that had no trouble catching attention. However, today Marinette didn’t want their eyes on her. 

Especially when today was one of those days.

 Where everything’s falling apart and she’s the only one that could manage to put things together. Scolding herself for coming to work early, she should have called in sick or walked the other direction- anything to stop this problem from being hers. Now it was too late to shoulder off this dilemma to someone else. EVEN WHEN THIS ISN’T HER DEPARTMENT IN THE FIRST PLACE!

“Don’t call me Baby, Lorraine. Not until I see those labels up and ready.” Marinette snapped. Leaving the office a quieter place than when she found it. 

———-

“You are so annoying,” LB rolled her eyes as the group of heroes gathered around her. Being the shortest one out of many was a little intimidating, but as leader of the group of superheroes, she got the most respect. Never worry about being interrupted or talked over since whenever she spoke, the crowd hushed itself. Her plans weren’t brushed to the side nor was she. A nice change if you asked her. However, as the leader of this magical squad, she had to be on guard. With more members by her side meant that the danger was something bigger and scarier each time. So this was the first time she had her whole team with her without the stress of an Akuma or giant senti-monster looming over Pairs. It was the first time she could relax around them. 

So for Ladybug smiling like that made some people question what was going on. 

Did the Akuma get her already?

Is this a trap? 

Does she have a big announcement? 

Is she retiring? 

Could today be her birthday?

Chat Noir hopped off the brick wall and gracefully landed on all fours. Bouncing back up as he beams a nice cocky smile to his red ladybug. 

Chat tiles his head to the side, letting his blond locks fall to his face.

 “All in hopes for you to love me more, Bugaboo.” 

 The whole team cringed or pretended to, swooned, or rolled their eyes at that nickname. Others tried to call LB by that, only met with a confused look or a frown. All quickly learning that it was Chat Noir’s thing and Chat Noir was the only person LB would ever allow to call her by that. As tough and determined the Red Miraculous Leader, she had her weak spot -Chat Noir’s clever and sometimes cute nicknames.  

Waiting for an eye-roll from the bug, only to hear her giggle. 

 “Well, you got something right at least.” She smiled. Turning to her team and pretending not to notice the shock on his face before explaining why she called them here today.

-----

“I have a meeting today, check over some of the marketing team’s ideas and then I’ll pick lunch on the way back. Do you need anything, Bugaboo?” The blond asked before adjusting the watch on his wrist. Quickly throwing his scarf around his neck and throwing his brown coat over his broad shoulders. 

“Just drive safe.” Marinette yawned. Tired and cold as the blanket around her chest wasn’t warming her fast enough. Waiting for her coffee machine to beep with her hot cup of caffeine. Envying the man in the doorway for having so much energy in the morning. 

“Always.” Adrien smiled, before kissing her forehead and walking out the door. 

#ml #ml fic #aged up #aged up au #ladybug #chat noir #miraculous duo #miraculous team #my fic #marinette dupain cheng #adrien agreste #ladynoir #scenarios #miraculous ladybug #my writings #ml headcanons #a short drabble #miraculous the tales of ladybug and chat noir #miraculous ladybug fanfiction #lee writes #adrienette #i'm tag the ships or whatever #;)

[kuroosdumbslut]

Intrulogical: Emotional Turmoil and Exhaustion

*this is purly a self indulgent fic, i like hurt/comfort and yeah. its long and tw for cussing and mild gore/blood*

It was a fairly calm day for everyone. Thomas must have completed his more necessary tasks for the day and is experiencing some down time, seeing as Patton was trying to keep Virgil and Roman from fighting over Monopoly. Janus was seated at the table with a glass of wine, or “soup” as he liked to call it, and Remus was... shockingly not around at all.

Logan observed a few seconds longer before sinking out and into his room, picking up an astronomy book and settling himself down in the nearby chair (smartly placed next to his bookshelf so he could have his own cozy little reading nook). Apparently it wasn’t 100% Logan’s day to relax because a few minutes later, a soft knock brought his attention away.

Getting up to see who it was, Logan was surprised to see Remus, of all sides, stabding on the other side. Logan noted that Remus was almost... curling in on himself, as if trying to hide himself from, well, everything. “Remus. Would you, ah, like to come in? I can conjure a chair for you.” Another chair was conjured, appearing next to Logan’s chair in his reading area. Remus wordlessly nodded and walked in, eerily quiet as he sat in the conjured chair and once again curling in on himself. With a wave of the hanf, Logan’s door shut and, just in case, put a little “do not disturb” on the outside of his door to make sure the others wouldn’t interrupt.

Logan took a seat and studied Remus for a second before addressing him. Remus was quiet, the bags under his eyes suggested he hadn’t gotten much sleep in the past who knows how long. His clothes were wrinkled and almost seemed as if the color of said clothing was faded to match the owner’s mood. “Remus, is everything alright? You seem... depressed.” Remus let out a dull laugh. “You could say that, yeah. Quite observative aren’t ya, teach?” The normally playful and somewhat demented tone that was usually present was all but an apathetic, monotonous replica. “Logan, do you hate me?”

The logical side frowned slightly. “Well, while you often rouse the others with your antics, you aren’t a bother to me. I have no reason to hate you, Remus.” Remus nodded, staying silent. “I...I am not the best at- at expressing or understanding emotions like the others, but I have a feeling you aren’t telling me...the main reason you feel depressed.” Remus nodded again, taking a deep breath before he spoke. “I just, I know it’s great and all the Janus got accepted by you guys. And I’ve never seen Virgil actually be as happy and relaxed as he is with you guys. I really am glad they’re happy but-“

Remus cut himself off as a sob tried to escape his throat, and he desperately tried to hide the tears, but it was too late. “I hate being the bad creativity, and don’t you fucking dare try to say there’s no such thing! Clearly, from how Patton tried to busy himself or how Virgil will put his headphones on or how- how my own fucking brother just scoffs when he sees me! Even Janus seems like he wants to ignore and get away from me!”

Logan silently watched as the “darker” creativity slowly broke down more and more. Logan discreetly waved his hand to dim the lights to a calmer setting, locking his door completey and soundproofing his room for good measure. “I-I can’t give excuses for the others actions towards you, and I know my words most likely won’t help as much as I wish they could, but my door is always open for you. I may not know the feeling, but I can imagine, and visibly see, the hurt that you feel from being...disregarded by people you were both close with and considered family. You are important to Thomas and everyone else, whether they realize it or not.” Remus looked at Logan both as if he was insane and as if he was some sort of savior. Logan felt his chest ache, sad to see Remus is such an emotionally vulnerable state and broke himself. Not by crying, but Logan did scramble to get up and wrap the other in a hug, squeezing Remus reassuringly.

Logan held Remus for a bit before he released his hold of the green side. “If you need to, I have soundproofed my room so if you need or want to scream out your feelings, you can.” Logan could almost see the build up of Remus screaming, but he hadn’t expected his scream to come out so... pained. By the volume and fresh tears that poured from Remus, it seemed like it was several years worth of emotional turmoil was being released.

When it got quiet again, Logan crouched by the crumpled from of Remus on the ground and gently got him up, helping him to lay on the bed. Remus looked oike he was going to object, but Logan shook his head. Remus got comfortable in the bed, feeling as if he just went on a rampage through his part of the imagination but with less adrenaline rush and much, much less blood than he would have had. Hell, Remus couldn’t even think at all due to the exhaustion.

“Get some rest, you need it after experiencing such intense emotional stress. I’ll have a talk with everyone else as well and get you a room on our side. You are just as important as everyone else here and I am ashamed that we made you think you aren’t.” Logan took a breath and sat on the edge of the bed where Remus laid, exhausted but listening to every word he said. “I...again, I dont want to speak for anyone, but Patton has been talking with Janus, asking how to interact with you better. Janus has only been ignoring, or seemingly ignoring you, because Patton drags his off to try and get “emergency advice”. Virgil...I think he’s still processing everything. I’m sure you’re aware of how Virgil can get overwhelmed easily, and he uses his headphones to calm himself down. And... and Roman does actually care, even if he acts like he’s inconvenienced when you’re around. Roman is still trying to... to better himself. He knows how shitty he’s been to you, and to Janus and Virgil, and he’s still trying to figure out some way to remedy that, in his own flamboyant way, of course.” Remus snorted softly at that.

“Don’t be surprised if he’s made an entire musical to show his remorse to you,” Logan joked. “But, in all seriousness, I know I probably am not the most welcoming side either. I probably seem cold, seeing as I usually have some book I’m lost in or constantly making and remaking schedules. And if not that, I’m irritable due to lack of sleep. I apologize if I ever made it seem like you are unwelcomed.” Remus sleepily reached out and poked at Logan’s butt. “Specs- no, Logan, I forgive you. And I appreciate you explaining what’s going on behind the scenes. Butttt seeing as you just admitted to not getting enough sleep, I demand you come here and nap with me.” Logan chuckled, but could definitely feel exhaustion creeping up on him. Being emotionally vulnerable and trying to help someone in distress is tiring, but Logan couldn’t seem to mind. He’d rather help out Remus that continue reading. Besides, it’s a lazy day and there’s no harm in napping.

Logan laid down next to Remus, actively reaching out and bringing the other half of creativity closer. Maybe it was exhaustion, maybe it was just them deciding now or never, but they shared a small, sleeply peck, cuddling up as they fell asleep. The two idly noted to speak about their relationship regarding each other later, when both are rested and ready, but for now they slipped into unconsciousness and let their “future selves” deal with it.

#intrulogical #ts logan #ts remus #remus sanders #logan x remus #logan sanders #sanders sides #sanders sides fic

[star-birthmark]

H-hello! I really enjoy your writing ^_^ I was wondering if I could get something with Prosciutto? I haven't been feeling well and just been pretty down lately. Something like Prosciutto taking care of his sick partner ;w ; ignorethisifitstoomuchthankyoubye!

*gets a notification* Oh nice what’s this?….. *sees one of my favorite blogs has requested something from me* ……*says they enjoy my writing*….. *puts all other requests neatly aside and then screams*

Alright well besides the point, writing this truly warmed by heart. I’m not feeling that hot either so this helped me feel better. Anyway, enjoy some extremely adorable domestic Prosciutto!

Without further ado: Nurse Duty: Prosciutto x Reader (1.7k words)

It had been  -and one cannot stress this enough- a very long time since Prosciutto rolled up his sleeves and actually did something on his own. Well, other than killing someone. The man lived with a sense of heightened standards. He felt like if he didn’t know how to do something, why would he attempt it when he could just pay someone else to do it? Not only that, but the man was a famed workaholic. If he did know how to do something, why would he waste his time having someone else do it incorrectly for him? Everyone on the team knew that was the case, which is why when Risotto Nero called his teammate’s house phone that fine Monday morning to ask why he wasn’t at work, the capo was shocked by his senior assassin’s answer. 

“So you’re not coming to the hideout today?” 

“Afraid not. Is there anything you need of me? I checked and I don’t have any missions.”

Risotto remained shocked. “I don’t know I mean, there’s some paperwork- wait you’re really not coming to work today?” 

Prosciutto rolled his eyes. “No Ris I’m not- wait shit did I put too much broth in there?” 

Risotto raised an eyebrow as he heard various clicks and clangs over the phone.

“What are you even doing over there? It’s not like you to just skip a day.”

“Look I mean if nothing’s, urgent, would you mind if I took the day off? You gave Ghiaccio a whole week to go see the Olympic figure skating qualifier- Okay, so that’s 4 cloves of garlic…”

“Well, I mean that might be but you never miss work- again, what are you even doing?” 

The constant knocking of a knife against a wooden cutting board filled the capo’s ears, followed by a loud sizzle of a pan against flame, and then more clanging. Risotto chuckled, leaning back in his office chair. 

“Since when do you cook?” Proscuitto gulped, not wanting his image to be tarnished. 

“I don’t, not usually anyway, it’s just that (y/n) hasn’t been feeling well since last night, so I’ve been on nurse duty. I asked her if she wanted anything specific, and she said she wanted me to remake the Italian wedding soup I made for our one year anniversary.” 

Risotto couldn’t help but chuckle teasingly at his friend, not expecting such a hardened criminal to be cooking up a storm like some Sicilian grandma. 

“Well well, I could never have expected the great world-renowned assassin Prosciutto to have such a sensitive side, or for him to be such an attentive husband.”

Prosciutto groaned in annoyance into the phone. “Thanks, you really know how to make a guy feel appreciated sir.”

Risotto smiled. “I do remember you served it at a party for Melone’s birthday, it was very good.”

“Well can you leave me alone to make it? I’ll come into work tomorrow, I got a mission with Pesci anyway.” 

With that, Risotto hung up, leaving Prosciutto to keep working. Of course, though, he didn’t get too far until he heard the familiar raspy voice calling to him from down the hall. Soon leaving the food to cook, Prosciutto entered your shared room together and sat at the edge of the bed while you laid in it on your back. You were dressed in your comfiest pajamas, consisting of small shorts and one of your husband’s undershirt. Prosciutto couldn’t help but feel his breath hitch in his throat seeing you. 

“What do you need dear?” He asked. 

“My whole body feels warm, could you get me the thermometer?” 

Your doting husband gets it and places it under your tongue, glancing at the beeping result.

“103 still.” You sighed heavily at his answer. 

“Well, no wonder I still don’t feel well.” Proscuitto patted you lovingly on the head. 

“What did I tell you? I warned you.” You looked up at him, annoyed at his words.

“I know what you told me.”

“Nah ah.. Say it with me…” 

“Fine… If you go out for date night in a short strapless dress with only a light jacket in the middle of winter, you’re going to get sick.”

Prosciutto laughed, watching you cutely pout in such a perfect fashion as the two of you spoke his wide words at the same time. You sighed, you only dressed that way so everyone else in public would back off from your handsome spouse, it certainly backfired though. Proscuitto looked at you with a grin on his face. 

“You did look really sexy though.” 

After firmly smacking him on the arm for his crude words, you couldn’t help but yawn and rub your tired eyes. Your headache wasn’t exactly helping you sleep, despite how exhausted you were. Sitting up in bed with a stretch, you watched as a smile came to your husband’s lips as he thought about how cute you were. Prosciutto chuckled as you rolled your eyes at him. You reach over and take a sip of the tea he had made for you. Peppermint, your favorite. Your body was then overcome with a sneeze, your husband ready with a tissue box and a “bless you” for you. You nodded in appreciation. 

“Who was on the phone?” 

“Risotto. He was wondering why I wasn’t at work. I told him I was taking care of you.” 

“Do you need to be there?” You were scared he’d leave. 

“No. I’ve got nothing today. He did make fun of me for cooking for you since I never really do that.”

You smiled at the thought of being the only person on Earth to take such a stick in the mud out of his comfort zone. Damn, if you weren’t feeling so terrible, you’d probably kiss him in gratitude, but he made you swear that you wouldn’t spread your germs. A rush of coughs comes up to your throat and you look away from him out of courtesy, sighing a bit as your husband ran his hand up and down your back. You groan from the pain in your chest and laid back down in bed, shyly bringing the blanket up to your chin for warmth. Prosciutto got up from the bed and went into his wardrobe, changing from his soup stained t-shirt into one of his comfy crewnecks. Your eyes gaze upon you handsome love, so willing to take care of you even if it compromises his tough-guy image a bit. Still, you couldn’t help but tease him just a tad. 

“And to think, today was gonna be the day I’d finally go on a solo mission with Illuso!”

Prosciutto rolled his eyes as he slipped the sweater for his head. “I’m not playing this game with you (y/n).”

You chuckle at his tone. “Ugh his hair is so amazing and he’s got the greatest personality on the team, and don’t even get me started on his muscles my go-ah!” 

You cackle in delight as Prosciutto pounced over you on the bed in order to shut you up with a small but sweet kiss to your lips. Your cheeks flush bright red as he smirks at you. 

“Can Illuso do that huh? Kiss you? Not without me killing him anyway.” 

“Be jealous all you want Prosci, but you gave in and kissed me so now you got all my germs ha!” 

The timer on the oven beeped loudly throughout the whole house. Prosciutto rolled his eyes as you squealed with excitement at the coming soup, his large coming atop your head to playfully ruffle your hair. Soon, he came back with a bowl of the soup, and you eagerly take a spoonful, only to yelp. 

“Prosci! It’s too hot!”

“Of course it’s hot! It’s right off the stove!”

“Hmph… it’s really good though.” 

Prosciutto grinned wit pride. “You’re damn right it is.”

The two of you have the soup together in silence for a while. Every once in a while, when he would see your tired hand shaking while holding up the spoon, he would grab the bowl and spoon from you and feed you the soup himself, all with a gentle smile on his face. He’d go back and forth between the kitchen and the bedroom to get you more, he’d rush to the living room to grab you more pillow to support your aching back, he’d rush to the medicine cabinet to get to something for your headache. And in the back of your mind the whole time, you couldn’t help but feel extremely pampered. There, right in front of you, was your husband sitting with you in bed, looking out the window towards the city. Someone who cared so much about being stern, professional, and unemotional, was caring so tenderly for you. You stared down at your soup, your lip beginning to tremble. Prosciutto looked over at the sound of small droplets hitting the soup, his eyes widening with worry as he saw tears running down your cheeks. Quickly setting both of your bowls down, he rushed to wrap you in his arms. 

“What’s wrong (y/n)? Are you feeling worse?” 

You shake your head. “No… I’m just so glad to have you in my life Prosciutto. We always have to be so careful of who we surround ourselves with. We don’t know who’s going to hurt us or help us. I’m just so happy to have a wall in my life to always lean on… you.”

Prosciutto sighed and kissed the top of your head as you nestled into his chest, his face bright red. God how were so damn adorable, even when you didn’t mean to be? Gently letting go of you, Prosciutto leaned down to lay next to you in bed. You put your head on his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. Prosciutto reached around to stroke your hair.

“You just get better (y/n). That’s what we told each other at the altar isn’t it? In sickness and in health?” 

You rolled your eyes. “Pff… cheesy.” Prosciutto smiled. “I know.”

It wasn’t long until the two of you drifted asleep, dreaming of a long life together as the sky darkened over the city. Prosciutto held you close in his arms, with thoughts of going back to work being the very last thing on his mind. All he could think about was you.

#jjba hc #jjba #jjba writing #prosciutto #golden wind #la squadra #fem reader #jojo writing #part 5 #vento aureo

[adamwatchesmovies]

The Worst of 2019

I had to follow-up my “Best of 2019″ list with its opposite universe counterpart but before I give the movies that made me suffer another lashing, let’s make a couple of things clear. I’m not a paid professional and even if I was, all I would be is a film critic. Making movies is hard. Nobody in the industry aims to do a bad job - there are much easier ways to make a living. Even though I might’ve hated these films with a passion that still smolders now, I’ve got mad respect for anyone who decides to put themselves out there and put together a movie. At the end of the day, your work is going to live on. You made something millions will see. Me? I’ll ultimately fade away. Take this into consideration as we single out the movies that tried and failed, sometimes spectacularly.

10. Cats

Cats is the kind of movie that doesn’t come around often. It’s actually kind of fascinating to watch, or it would be if it weren’t so boring. Rebel Wilson (who was destined to have a movie on this list when she starred in The Hustle) plays a cat who unzips her skin to reveal an outfit… above her skin again? She leads a choreographed troupe of singing mice and cockroaches that fill you with terror and confusion. It’s as if they’ve been scaled so the actors could scoop them up and swallow them whole - as cats would do - but because human proportions are so different from cat’s the objects and other animals they interact with change size from scene to scene. Meanwhile, Idris Elba is prowling around with his coat all open, his non-existent junk exposed to all who want to see. Our main character is so bland and unmemorable she makes no impact on you whatsoever. There’s magic in a plot that’s composed almost entirely of introductions - which might make it accurate to the broadway show but not entertaining as a movie -, dodgy special effects in every frame, lame jokes coming from the left and the right… and yet, I don’t hate this film like I do the others on this list. In fact, a part of me even admires Cats.

The thing is, had this movie worked, it would’ve been hailed as genius. It didn’t so it’s being ridiculed but I have to give it points for its ambition and willingness to take chances. That means a lot in a year in which every single one of the top ten grossing films were sequels, remakes or expansions of already-existing properties.The gamble didn’t pay off, but Cats had the guts to walk up to the plate.

9. Dumbo

I was tempted to lump The Lion King and Aladdin along with this tale of a baby elephant that learns to fly while a family of circus performers learn that the big circus tycoon played by Michael Keaton is a meanie. Few of the Disney “live-action” remakes do anything to validate their existence. They’re just feeding you what you can already watch at home for free because you probably already own the originals on home video or you have Disney+. I’m going to single out Dumbo as the worst because it actually tried something different and failed spectacularly. This means we can expect all future Disney remakes to take as few chances as possible.

8. Jay and Silent Bob Reboot

There are other movies I could’ve put in this spot (see the Runner-Ups section below for examples) but I had to consider the experience as well as the movie itself. Jay and Silent Bob Reboot is an unfunny comedy that walks into the room as if it’s going to marry your mother and be your new father. It makes fun of the very thing it’s doing. This might make it appealing to members of the “View Askewniverse” cult but not to me. Whether you’ve been brainwashed by Kevin Smith or not, it’s impossible to sit through the painful bonus material which follows the film, particularly the interviews conducted by Jason Mewes. The actor displays no charisma whatsoever while asking questions you don’t care about to people who obviously don’t want to be on camera. I get what Smith was doing; he was trying to give his fans more than just the movie but anyone in their right mind should’ve seen the bonus footage and burned it.

4. Dark Phoenix

What a disappointing way to end the X-Men franchise. Dull until the very end and then interesting for just enough time to make you realize you didn’t just dream it all, the movie was a bad idea from the start. We haven’t known the young version of the X-Men long enough for this story to mean anything and the choices made to make this story more faithful to the comics makes you wonder if you stepped into the wrong movie. Even before seeing Dark Phoenix, I thought people were being too harsh on The Last Stand. They did a lot of things wrong in 2006 but they had the good sense to leave out the aliens. It’s not great but it’s been somewhat redeemed since because its plot advanced the series and meant something in the end. Even if Disney had considered keeping this franchise alive while it was acquiring Fox, this is such a mess they now have no choice but to reboot the whole thing.

4. Jexi

Jexi feels like it just escaped from a time capsule. Even when it would’ve been new, it wouldn’t have been funny. This had no business appearing in theatres and watching the trailer again reminded me of why I hated it as much as I did. If you suspect you have mutant powers that just need to be unlocked by a traumatic or life-altering event, barricade your doors and start playing this movie. You’ll want to escape so desperately, you might suddenly develop the ability to bend space and time.

6. Rambo: Last Blood

This 5th entry in the Rambo series didn’t even have the guts to commit to being a proper conclusion. The titular character appears to succumb to his wounds as the picture closes… only to get up and go find medical attention during the end credits. Senselessly gory and violent, its depiction of Mexico leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

5. Shaft

No one was asking for this movie, not even fans of the original Richard Roundtree films or the 2000 Sam Jackson reboot. It tired story attempts to introduce a new version of the classic blaxploitation character to a new audience. In the process, it makes you hate the two “heroes” we follow through a generic plot filled with offensive humor. The only good thing about Shaft is that it prompted me to check out the originals.

3. My People, My Country

The Farewell made me think a lot about how we should view other cultures, particularly China. In it, Awkwafina’s Billi is caught in a moral dilemma when she learns her beloved grandmother is dying and that her family is keeping the secret from sweet Nai Nai. You go in thinking the American-raised woman is going to do the right thing by tearing the charade apart but it’s not long before you realize this scenario isn't that simple. When it comes to My People, My Country, I am going to judge. What’s the moral of this movie again? Give up your life, your dreams, your family for the sake of a country that sees you as nothing more than an expandable pion? If that weren’t bad enough, the movie’s so dull it’ll be an epic struggle to stay awake. Whose idea was it to have an entire segment of this anthology dedicated to the engineers who ensured the mechanism that would raise China’s flag in 1949? It’s as exciting as it sounds.

2. ¡Ay, mi madre!

The worst part of this list is that I know how few people reading will be able to relate. ¡Ay, mi madre! wasn't released theatrically in North America, but movies release “Straight to Netflix” have become such a big deal I’ll make an exception to my usual rule of disqualifying direct-to movies from this list. In terms of filmmaking, this is the worst movie I’ve seen in a long, long time. It’s more technically inept than anything else on this list by far. The comedy is so unfunny it’ll make you question your life, the actors are not convincing even before they open their mouths to speak and the ending might as well be a big middle finger towards the people watching. It ha no ending, almost as if they cobbled together the few salvageable strands of footage someone scooped out of the trash into something vaguely related to “coherent”. Remember the name so you know never to click “play” if you happen upon it like I did.

The Runner-Ups

Simmba

I was deeply offended by this Bollywood film but technically, it’s a 2018 movie so I decided to only include it here. It’s loathsome but admittedly, my hatred for it has somewhat subsided since I saw it. Don’t ask me why. This movie sucks.

Playmobil The Movie

This is what we thought we were going to get when they announced “The Lego Movie”. Terrible songs, a lazy plot that makes terrible use of the property it’s advertising, unfunny jokes, and a lack of imagination guarantee this film is destined to make everyone involved regret the day it was released.

Hellboy

Yet another failed superhero movie that enthusiastically sets itself up for a sequel when it’s so obvious to everyone watching that there isn’t going to be one. The one thing it’s got going for it is a pretty cool scene towards the end where demons escape into our world and begin tearing civilians to pieces. To get to that, you must sit through endless scenes that bash you over the head with a mallet marked “Rated R”. Gallons of blood and intestines spilling onto the floor, doesn’t mean the movie is meant for adults. This was written by a teenager disguised as a grown-up.

Gemini man

They waited all these years for the de-aging technology to get where it is now… for this story? Someone should’ve pointed out to director Ang Lee when he was getting ready to film that training doesn’t alter your DNA. Why waste millions cloning Will Smith when you could just raise a normal kid and train them to be an assassin? Ultimately, the movie isn’t really all that bad. It’s watchable but it’s such a big disappointment it needs to be taught a lesson.

Replicas

I’m giving this one a break because no one saw it. I also think it’ll play better at home, where you’ll be free to make fun of it or verbally abuse the loopy plot aloud while your friends listen. If there’s a movie this year that was “So bad it’s good”, it’s this one.

After

At least “Twilight” had its original take on vampires and some danger mixed into its romantic triangle to keep things theoretically interesting. This film started off as - I kid you not - a “One Direction” fan-fic. The drama it serves up will have you howling like a werewolf flying through laughing gas. On the upside, a sequel is coming. In fact, the teaser is scheduled for today!

1. Unplanned

This was the most uncomfortable movie experience of 2019. Most of the Christian propaganda films don’t seem to put much effort into their production - they’re preaching to the choir so why should they? - but 2019 had Breakthrough, which was quite good. It showed these movies don’t have to appeal solely to the churches who will buy tickets en-masse. This movie is ridiculous, gory like a horror film, misleading, and phony. It did have what is undoubtedly the most outrageous and unintentionally funny dialogue of the year, however. “Fast food outlets look to break even on the hamburgers they sell. That’s all they do is break even ... Do you know where they make all their money? The french fries and soda. Low cost, high margin items. Abortion is our fries-and-soda.” Are we sure this was based on a true story? If so, I don’t know why the director decided to edit out the scenes in which Cheryl (Robia Scott) takes the buckets of aborted fetuses home to cook them. I think it would’ve really driven home how evil her character is. I felt dirty sitting in the theater next to people who ate this up.

#movies #films #reviews #movie reviews #film reviews #film criticism #simmba #Playmobil: The Movie #hellboy #gemini man #replicas #after #cats #dumbo #aladdin #the lion king #Jay and Silent Bob Reboot #jexi #rambo: last blood #shaft #dark phoenix #My People My Country #¡Ay mi Madre! #unplanned

[razorblade180]

Lasting Embers pt3: Old and New Flames

[Patch Forest]

Raven:*leaning under a giant tree*......(somebody’s late as usual....)

*ring*

Raven:*grabs scroll* Hey Tai.

Tai:You sure left in a hurry this morning; I didn’t even see you eat breakfast.

Raven:Decided to skip it; I don’t fight well on a full stomach.

Tai:My pancakes are pretty light though.

Raven:I would’ve eaten half the container.

Tai:*smug* So you’re saying you love my pancakes.

Raven:I’m saying stop making them if you like the way I look. I’m gonna lose my waist line at this rate.

Tai:Plus size or not, my eyes are still gonna be on you.

Raven:......*red* Well I would like to keep this figure wise guy.

Tai:You only call me that when you’re embarrassed.

Raven:Is there a reason you called!!!?

Tai:Tell Yujin I said happy birthday. I’ll try to comeback later today or tomorrow.

Raven:I’ll tell her if she ever shows; we’re essentially doing capture the flag. She’s probably trying to sneak attack me again.

Tai:You sound so proud. I guess Yujin has learned a lot from you. Even when I train with her she talks about what she learned from you and Jaune. *sniffles* I guess martial arts isn’t as cool as a sword.

Raven:Believe me it’s not that. She just-

*leaves rustling*

Raven:Babe I’m gonna have to call you back. Looks like our granddaughter is finally here.

Tai:Don’t do anything too reckless! Love you.

Raven:*chuckles* Yeah yeah......love you too. *hangs up* about time you showed up! Just because it’s your birthday doesn’t mean-

*small fire ball flies at her head*

Raven:*side steps* What have I told you about shooting at me or anyone? *scanning the area*

*sees a black hoodie against a tree*

Raven:*dashes to it* You better not miss or you’ll get spotted right aw-......well aren’t you clever?

*hoodie hanging on a branch*

Yujin:*diving from the top* (Got her!!!) *stabs sword straight down*

Raven:*kicks of the tree for distance* mmmmm nope.... smart move but not good enough. Not even a scr- *hair falls down*

Yujin:*Holding Raven’s red bandanna* What were you saying? Someone let their guard down.

Raven:.....Yep *holding Yujin’s bandanna* and someone got overconfident; the match isn’t over till you have yours and mine. You know what that means... *pulls out sword*

Yujin:Hehe, I guess I should’ve known I’d have to try harder that.*raises sword* You’re the strongest there is after all! *swings downward*

Raven:*knocks it away* Flattery isn’t gone save you Yujin; stay focused. *freezes sword* because I’m not going easy on you; even on your birthday.

Yujin:Tsk, believe me, *ignites blade* you have my undivided attention!*waves of flames fly off slashes*

Raven:*dodging* I can see that. You’re much more focused than usual. Hehe, not to mention thinking ahead.

*surrounded by a ring of fire*

Yujin:*lunging at her* Can’t have you flying off on me now can I? You’re gonna regret training me so well.

Raven:*knocks her sword sky high* Looks like I’m not training you hard enough...

Yujin:*flips into the air and kicks her sword downward*

Raven:*catches sword* But looks like someone is. What a nefty little trick; one that I certainly didn’t teach you. *throws it back*

Yujin:Well It’s not like you’re the only one teaching me swordplay. Dad has me running drills too. I- *barely clashes with Raven*

Raven:Don’t play dumb with me Yujin. We both know your father didn’t teach you something like that.

Yujin:......

Raven:You’re learning things from him again aren’t you? I can’t say I’m entirely okay with that.

Yujin:Hey, Uncle Adam is fine. Dad knows that I ask him from tips whenever he swings by for recon. He just isn’t aware I like his sword style compared to his sometimes. He’s good for speed.

Raven:Don’t let him know that.*pressing her sword down on Yujin’s* it might just break his heart that he isn’t your favorite.

Yujin:*stuggling* Dad will always be number one. *red* Adam is just....neat.

Raven:Please tell me this is just a phase? I mean just imagine what you’re mom would th- *kicked right in the stomach. creating distance*

Yujin:Like it matters what she thinks.

Raven:.....Hmph, didn’t expect that. Does this mean you’re finally gonna go all out? We both know your swordplay is good but not good enough. You want the bandanna right? Get serious....

Yujin:......*spilts sword in half*

*blades fold into the hilt; flipping out and over Yujin’s hands to form metal knuckles.*

Raven:I gotta say, you look good in gauntlets.

Yujin:*boxing stance* Shut up and fight *aura glowing a magnificent fiery white*

Raven:(Almost like lookin in a mirror) *starts an onslaught of attacks*

Yujin:Geez....*bonbing and weaving* follow your advice and get serious. *backhands sword, breaking it* shoot lightning at me or something. *right hook*

Raven:I’m teaching you, not trying to kill you. *throws her into a tree*

Yujin:*boomerangs herself around the tree* Well you better start doing both! *reels arm back*

Raven:*creates ice blade* Carefully what you wish for. *horizontal slash*

Yujin:Hmph, *hand springs off the sword mid swing and over Raven* I love it when a plan comes together; I can’t believe you fell for it!

Raven:*whipping around* We’re not done ye- *hair falls down*

Yujin:*wearing two bandannas* How’s it going over there?

Raven:*smirks* Nice strategy, you’ve improved.

Yujin:Hardly, you could’ve dodged if you wanted. This whole sparring practice could’ve been over from the start. You never make mistakes like this.

Raven:I guess I just wanted to see how far you’d go to win.

Yujin:*annoyed* And by that you mean if I’d use hand to hand. *clicks wrist together*

*hilt reconnects and plated metal remakes a sword.*

Yujin:Satisfied? You got what you wanted.

Raven: I’ve never seen someone so angry to be so gifted at something. You stand a better chance winning a fight with your bare hands than with a sword. Not to say your sword skills aren’t lacking, but it’s clear to see where you shine the brightest.

Yujin:*folds arms* Well I prefer swordplay like you; like dad. Fighting like grandpa has it’s uses but it’s just not for me.

Raven:....Is that all? There’s nothing else to it?

Yujin:*looks away* You’re prying....

Raven:And you’re being defensive as usual. Even if you won’t admit it.

Yujin:*takes a deep breath* I’m fine alright? *smiles* everything is fine.

Raven:You know....it’s okay to be upset with her. It’s another birthday without Ya-

Yujin:Stop......*looks at her*

Raven:Huh? *seeing lilac eyes* Yujin? *blinks*

Yujin:*Sky blue eyes* I told you I’m fine. *starts walking away*

Raven:(Was that...?) Where are you going?

Yujin:To visit Qrow *picks wild flowers* his grave needs new flowers anyways. Tell dad I’ll be home soon.

Raven:....*sigh* so stubborn, guess it runs in the family.

[Jaune’s front yard]

Jaune:*cutting fire wood*

*footsteps coming behind him*

Jaune:*sees two shadows* You guys are down faster than I thought. I haven’t even made lunch.

“You call ten years fast?”

“Awww lunch isn’t ready for us? Some husband.”

Jaune:.....*drops the axe* please tell me if I turn around right now I won’t wake up?

“Only one way to find out”

Jaune:*turns around, teary eyed*

Ruby:*visibly taller and long red hair. Scar on the bridge of her nose and supporting Yang* Long time no see! I thought you might want her back; she’s getting on my nerves.

Yang:*little battered and bruised. Looks a bit more like her mom* Hey there lady killer. Look who’s getting older?

Jaune:*wipes eyes* Look who’s talking hehehe. *lifts her up and spins her*

Yang:*sees her ring around his neck* Jaune.......*touches it* I’m sorry it took so lo- *kissed deeply*

Ruby:*giant smile* Saw that coming.

Jaune:It’s okay Yang. *slides ring on her finger* You’re home now, that’s all that matters to me.

Yang:*Tearing up* Still fits hehehe. I’m home.....

•

Yujin:*sitting at Summer and Qrow’s grave* “Upset with her?” Pffft, I don’t even care about her.... Who needs a mom? Who needs Yang Xiao Long.

#rwby #rwby lasting embers #yujin xiao long #raven branwen #taiyang xiao long #yang xiao long #ruby rose #jaune arc #rwby dragonslayer

[gladio-to-meet-you]

Unbelievable Customers

So it's a bit delayed... but here we go kiddos!

It may be a bit rough, so I apologize, but this is the first thing I've been able to complete since I started this accidental mini hiatus.

But most of these have happened to me at my old job to some degree. A couple are a bit exaggerated for effect but they're actually very minor exaggerations. People working in the food/customer service industry get treated horribly by customers and it's ridiculous to me. Being polite to someone is gonna get you much further than yelling at them and making unreasonable demands.

~~

Ignis

You were no stranger to weirdos and creeps coming into your restaurant to eat, it wasn't like there was a policy to ban them or anything. They usually never came more than once or twice. Except for one guy, he kept coming back every weekend and it was hard for you to let the younger female employees to deal with him. It was like he had a radar for when Ignis would come in to see you because he would conveniently show up after the Prince's Advisor had left.

But there was one guy that didn't seem to catch onto the fact that Ignis was dating you. Even with you always doting on him when you had a free moment. Not even the looks you two shared apparently clued him in on the existing relationship. He had taken to following you at a distance around the restaurant's dining area, asking what were pretty normal and innocent questions. You got annoyed but could brush it aside and keep your smile on your face. It was as you were gathering up a bussing tub full of dirty dishes that the guy threw out an...odd complement. He told you that he liked your shoes as you walked towards the back and all you could do was blink in confusion. In the back, you looked down at your shoes and ended up shrugging it off.

Ignis had heard and shot you an amused look when you passed him by minutes later. You rolled your eyes playfully and set about cleaning up the dining room. Everything went smoothly until you got to the table in the far corner and you found what looked to be a piece of trash left behind. After taking a closer look at it, you realized it was a folded up note so you unfolded it to read it. 'Dtf?' was written sloppily followed by a phone number. You stared at it, broom clutched in your other hand, trying to puzzle out what it meant when Ignis came up behind you. "What're you reading, love?" He asked, peering over your shoulder. You let him read the note and looked at him in confusion when he plucked the scrap out of your hands. "What rubbish, don't worry about this," he said without hesitation, leaving you so he could tear it up and throw it away. It wasn't until you were at home that he explained it and you squawked in outrage.

Prompto

Prompto had come in after the lunch rush was over with, so he leaned against the counter, flirting with you as you stocked the cups and wiped the front counters down, enjoying the smile that was lighting up your face. He had even stolen a kiss after making sure there were no customers in the restaurant. "What do you want do when you're off??" He asked excitedly, practically vibrating with his enthusiasm about getting to spend the afternoon together. You guys hadn't had much free time recently and he was planning to take full advantage of it, as long as you weren't too tired!

You had just opened your mouth to answer when you heard the phone ring in the office. You held up a finger, let go of your rag, and dashed off to the office in the back to answer it. He could hear you greeting the caller, thanking them for calling and asking what you could do for them. Then there was silence. The silence stretched on for a while longer before he could hear you speaking again, but it wasn't loud enough for him to catch anything. When you fell silent again, you came back up front, phone jammed in between your cheek and shoulder as you went back to cleaning. "Ma'am, ma'am - if you - ma'am - excuse - IF you'd let me speak, I could answer you." You finally cut her off loudly, scrubbing forcefully at a sticky spot on the counter before moving on to start wiping down the food trays. "As I said a few moments ago, we can remake the food for you or we can give you a refund. BUT as you said, you won't step foot back in here again, so WHAT is it you want me to do to fix this? Because you've tied my hands behind my back."

The tray you were wiping got set down, along with the rag, and you disappeared into the back again. You let out some "uh-huh"s and "mm-hm"s as you went, leading him to believe that you were trying to work the caller's temper down while trying to remember whatever it was that they were demanding. He drummed his fingers against the countertop as he waited and he beamed at you when you finally reappeared, sighing heavily. "Did you really ask them what they wanted you to do?!" He exploded joyfully, laughing. Your face flushed as you shrugged. "I didn't know what else to do. She was unwilling to cooperate!" You groaned, hiding your face behind your hands as you slumped over the counter. As he reached out to ruffle your hair, he knew you needed a way to blow off some steam after you were done for the day and went about plotting the best way to do so.

Noctis

Noctis didn't often venture into your work, even more so alone, because of his status as the Prince. But he had taken the chance to come by later in the evening, close to closing time so he could accompany you home. He sprawled out in the chairs in front of the counter for people waiting on to-go orders and pulled his phone out to occupy himself while you finished up. He didn't want to get in the way of you or your employees and had found, through experience, that that was one of the best locations to wait.

The door opened about 30 minutes before closing, as you were doing the nightly counts for the front part of the store. You quickly wrote down the number for the salads left and set your clipboard down, smiling brightly at the lady that had just come in. "What can I get for you?" You asked her as you walked down to the register, ready to take an order from her. "Do you have anything you can give me for free?" She asked a bit unkindly as she eyeballed the food containers sitting under the heat as your employee that was in charge of making the food started cleaning up their work station and putting unnecessary things up and the dishes in the back. When you opened your mouth to speak, she started speaking over you loudly and rudely, garnering Noctis's attention.

She gave you some sob story about her being in a new state with her niece in the car and that they were out of money, but they were hungry. She kept her gaze on the containers and started leaning over the counter to get into your personal space. You took a step back and cleared your throat before speaking, explaining the policy your restaurant was under from the owner to not give out any leftovers if there were some. It was as Noctis sat up that she reached out and snagged the front of your shirt to drag you closer to her. "You won't feed my niece?! You're a monster! You wouldn't make a good mother if you're this heartless!" She snarled at you. Noctis took that as his sign to intervene and forced her to leave. "She was in here earlier, I saw her leaving as I walked up, she had food. You did the right thing, babe. It's not like you could've given her food even if she wasn't lying, so don't feel bad." He assured you, reaching across the counter to take your hands in his.

Gladio

He had come into your place of work to grab a bite to eat while on his break. You had not only taken his order but insisted on making it so the line worker could take a quick breather since there wasn't a rush. You walked his food out to the booth he had settled in with a grin, telling him to enjoy before you were walking away with a wink. He stared after you until you disappeared from sight and then started eating the food he had ordered. Of course you had made it exactly how he liked it, he would've professed his love for you if he hadn't already been with you.

He was minding his own business as he finished up his sandwich until he could hear raised voices coming from the register. The phrase that had him snorting was the indignant demand of "let me speak to your manager!" He leaned out of the booth to watch, hoping he wouldn't have to toss the loser out.

You smiled brightly at him, gesturing to yourself. "I am the manager and as previously stated, unless you have the food and the receipt, we cannot do what you're requesting. If you'd like to order something now, I would gladly go make it for you so it's following our regulations!" His face practically turned purple with rage before he was storming out, leaving the supposedly messed up order on the counter. Only to come back, snatch it up, and stalk out muttering under his breath. You smiled at his retreating back and called out a bright "have a lovely day!". Gladio's loud laughter drew your attention as he doubled over, hands on his knees. "Kill 'em with kindness, huh?" He asked you when he straightened up. You just smirked slyly in response.

Nyx

Nyx knew that Sunday afternoons were the busiest time of the week for your restaurant, but he came in anyway. He waited patiently in line for a good twenty minutes before getting to the register, only to pout when he saw it was one of your employees taking the orders. As he ordered and paid, he inquired about you, and the bubbly cashier gestured to the windows into the back where you could be seen expertly handling the large lunch rush by yourself, running between stations and making sure the food in the two ovens came out without being burnt. You glanced up briefly, seeming to scout the line left before a flat, unimpressed look took over your face, leaving him wondering what was going on.

It surprised him to see you dash off to the back of the restaurant, past what could be seen, and come back seconds later with a scale. You set it up but kept working, not giving it a second glance, so he shrugged off his curiosity and went to take his seat to wait on his order. He stayed within sight of the larger window so he could watch you work, catching glimpses of your smiling face as you laughed at something one of your employees said through the window to you. You even caught his eye for a second and blew him a kiss, making him beam at you. He couldn't clearly see what you were doing and ended up focusing his attention on his food once he got it.

A commotion and an irate customer is what ended up grabbing his attention. Specifically, it was the slam of a bowl on the counter followed by "You've got that little bitch working back there and she made my food wrong! There wasn't enough and it was stone cold when I got it!" He watched your face take on a carefully crafted smile as you took off your gloves and tossed them in the trash, snagging something before coming around to the front. You set the scale down and motioned for the nervous employee to move away. "I assure you, sir, that you had exactly the right amount of pasta and sauce. I even waited to make it until the rest of your order, those baked items, were done and that your order got priority going out to keep it from getting cold. I've brought this scale up so I can weigh your food and show you just how much it weighs versus what we're supposed to portion out."

Perhaps it was because he knew you so well, but Nyx could see the determination to prove him wrong in the way you stood and the way you clenched your jaw as you smiled at him. You went on to explain exactly how many ounces of pasta was supposed to be in a bowl and how many ounces of sauce, taking the bowl from the counter and placing it on the scale that had been zeroed out based on an empty bowl's weight. What neither of you expected was for him to snatch the bowl back and throw the contents at you before he stormed out. Nyx felt his blood start to boil but was immediately stupefied as your employees rallied around you and let out a small cheer, congratulating you on having dealt with him. He was immediately concerned that this was a weekly occurence for you.

#ffxv headcanons #ffxv headcannons #ffxv reader insert #ignis scientia #iggy #ignis x reader #prompto argentum #prompto #prompto x reader #noctis lucis caelum #noctis #noctis x reader #gladiolus amicitia #gladio #gladio x reader #nyx ulric #nyx #nyx x reader

[achtung-attitude]

CHAPTER 26: Abraxas - Part 4

While ACHTUNG BABY does what it can to defend its master from the onslaught of fists and blows, Shizuka can’t help but feel a pain not only on her body, but within herself as well. 

“I can’t do this… I’m not strong enough… I’m not like them… I never will be…”

“Well, of course not. How could you be?”

In an office surrounded by bookshelves and starfish in display cases, a large man in a dark coat inspects the contents of an aquarium on his desk. His hat is pulled low over his brow, as he diligently takes notes. Behind him is a pale young girl, with dark hair, standing against the wall, with sunglasses positioned on her head. The office sways slightly, rocking gently to and fro.

“So you agree… I’m not strong enough.” the girl asks, staring at his back.

“That’s not what I said. I meant, of course you’re not like us. You’re your own person.”

“Yeah, maybe I am... but that doesn’t mean I’m good enough. Even if I’m my own person, it’s not like I’m really… a part of you all. We’re not really family…

“I know why I’m here, Jotaro. I’m not stupid. You took me out on this trip because you felt sorry for me. But it’s OK. I don’t feel sad anymore… I don’t feel anything.”

The man says nothing, taking his notes on a clipboard.

“I clung to Daddy and Mamma for everything. Everything. They were my foundation. Every person needs something to build themselves on. But mine was built on sand. I’ll never know who my real parents were, who my own family is. All I have is Mamma to cling on to. And when she’s gone, I’ll disappear completely. I’ll just be… empty.”

There is silence in the room for a while. Then, Jotaro calls out, “Shizuka, come over and look at this.”

Shizuka does, after a moment of confusion. “What?”

“Look at this,” the man says, pointing at a rock in the aquarium, “see that, encrusted on the rock? Look there, it’s opening its shell to release its legs.”

Shizuka looks, and what she thought was some sort of stone opens up to extend an appendage similar to a feather duster. “What is that?” she asks as Jotaro rolls up his sleeve and dips his hand into the aquarium, picking up the rock the thing is attached to. He presents the rock, water dripping all over the floor.

“An acorn barnacle. Those feathery things are modified legs, left over from their larval stage. Most species of barnacle attach themselves to substrate, but many others cling to animals. These, for example, like to latch onto to humpback whales. At first glance, they resemble bivalve molluscs like clams or mussels, but in fact they’re crustaceans, closer to crabs.”

“Ohh, ok… Does it have anything to do with what we were talking about?”

“No. It just fascinates me.”

“...Ok.”

“Come outside with me for a second.”

Jotaro gets up from his seat abruptly and steps out of the lab. Shizuka follows him outside, bewildered. On the deck of the research vessel, she can see land in the distance. Gulls cry overhead. Jotaro stares straight ahead. The name painted on the side of the vessel is OCEAN MAN.

“2 years ago, the world nearly came to an end.” 

Shizuka blinks. “What?”

“A man named Enrico Pucci, a follower of an old enemy of mine, set in motion a plan which would give him the power to end the world and remake it in his image. Jolyne and I tried to stop him, and we failed. STAR PLATINUM couldn’t touch him. I couldn’t touch him.”

“... Well, it couldn’t have been that bad, considering we’re all still here.”

“Yes. We have Giorno Giovanna to thank for that.”

“Who?”

“Giorno Giovanna. The son of that old enemy of mine, the very one Pucci lived for. He appeared out of nowhere, drawn by fate to Cape Canaveral, just like we were. He saved our lives, stopped Pucci with the most terrifying ability I’ve ever seen. But with his death came something I can’t explain; things were different. The world seemed different. Maybe the nature of Pucci’s ability was that it would affect the world in spite of his death. I don’t know. But in spite of everything, I was still alive. Jolyne was still alive. We all were still alive.”

Shizuka grimaces, looking down. “But then Daddy died six months later anyway! So you got upstaged, what difference does it make!?”

“It makes a difference. I was afraid. I still am.”

“... You are…?”

“I’m afraid that the world we’re in is the wrong one. I’m afraid of Giorno Giovanna’s power, however much he seems to intend to use it for good. In that moment when Death stared me straight in the face, I truly felt powerless. I feared that I would die, unable to do anything to protect the ones I love. 

“I was afraid of losing my family. But I didn’t. I still have my daughter, and all of you.”

“But... we’re not family. I’m… not your family.”

“Yes you are. We might not share any blood, but that’s not what families are made from. Connections don’t start with the blood, but the Will. The old man chose you, made you his daughter. You dishonor his memory by denying that connection.”

“But Daddy isn’t here anymore…!”

“He lives in you. He left behind a legacy of adventure and justice, and spent his final years raising you. As long as we live with pride, he’s always with us.”

Too busy stifling tears to pull away from Jotaro’s gentle embrace, Shizuka buries her face into her nephew’s shirt. “What-- What do I even do?”

“I don’t know. You have to decide, but whatever you do, you’ll be fine. You are Joseph Joestar’s daughter.”

Shizuka sniffs, and dribbles snot into the fabric of Jotaro’s coat. Shaking his head, he says “Good grief…”

                                                            ---

“My own way of doing things?” Shizuka murmurs, staring in the mirror. “What is my way of doing things? Who am I, even?” She has returned home, standing in the bathroom of her parents’ New York apartment, where she has lived her whole life. 

Once again, she places the sunglasses over her eyes, casting a reddish veneer over her vision. She raises her hand, and concentrates. Before her eyes, the hand turns invisible. “This power… That I’ve always used to hide away… To disappear… I don’t want that! I don’t want to disappear! I want to be real!!”

She began with practicing smiles in the mirror, her face so unused to it. A spirit gripped her, a new determination she had never before known. Having mastered smiling, she began further preparations. 

Sunbathing herself beet red, experimenting with all manner of make-up, nearly bleaching the hair right off her scalp. Every misstep only fuelled her determination, to take the next step in her transformation. 

She would no longer be someone who hid, who disappeared. She would draw attention, burn herself into people’s memories. Like a star, shining light in the dark. 

She would be Shizuka Joestar.

                                                         ---

Back in the present, Phantasma swings a heavy fist at her. She jumps back, losing her footing and stumbling backwards into the ropes. Her ears are ringing and there is a whirlpool in skull. Beneath her feet, shards of shattered glass crunch. Leaning back over the ropes, Shizuka sees the broken skylight above her. The shaft of light that illuminate the dim place.

“Phantasma…” she murmurs.

The masked woman listens, her eyes till covered by the makeshift blindfold. “Hmm?”

“Do you know… about whale barnacles?”

“... Excuse me?”

“Whale barnacles. Like the barnacles that you find stuck to piers or rocks in tide pools, only these ones attach themselves to live whales, especially humpbacks. My nephew told me about them.”

“... I seem to have struck you so hard you can’t think straight. You were doing so well before, and now you’re making a fool of yourself, once again.”

Shizuka gasps, gulping air into her harried lungs before speaking again. “The thing with barnacles is, they live their whole adult lives cemented to a single object, but they are not part of it. They are wholly independent.

“In extreme cases, a lot of barnacles can provide a humpback whale with armor, protecting it from rivals or predators. But it might also cause extra drag, slowing it down. But only in extreme cases, and even then, the barnacles do not serve the whale at all. They are completely, independent beings. Phantasma… I’m sure you think you’ve already won, yes?”

Phantasma cocks her head to one side. “I don’t follow what you’re saying. You are right, of course, I look forward to your final moments. I expect them to be glorious. But what do barnacles have to do with anything?”

“It’s just the first… the first thing you need to understand.” She says, pulling herself, facing forward. Her vision is unfocused, as she stares straight past Phantasma, at the gap in the ropes where Moya fell through.

“The first? What, then, is the second?”

“The second thing is my name,” she stands, no longer leaning on the ropes. “You heard it before, but I don’t think you were paying attention, so I’ll tell you again. My name is Shizuka Joestar. That name is why you’re going to lose.”

“Oh? How so? Will your family’s lawyers litigate me to death? It’s worth a try, I suppose,” the masked woman sneers.

“It’s not about money, it’s about tradition,” Shizuka says, her smile weakly returning. “Within the Joestar family, there’s a technique that’s been passed down through the generations. A surefire move that not even Moya knows about.”

“A secret technique?” Phantasma asks, her grin becoming genuine.

“That’s right. You told me to fight until my last breath… well, if all my other options are through, then I have no choice… I hope you’re ready for this…!”

“I am ready. Show me, Shizuka Joestar!” ABRAXAS emerges, banging its chest before readying itself behind Phantasma. “Show me what your blood is worth!”

#jjba #jojos bizarre adventure #jojo no kimyou na bouken #achtung attitude #shizuka joestar #jotaro kujo #ch26

[creator-zee]

14

     I was sitting at my desk writing in my journal of never to shared story ideas and fragments listening to peaceful instrumental music, when my music was interrupted by the ringtone of Boss. I groaned then answered the phone. “Yeah, Boss. What’s up?”

         “I need you to kidnap a princess.”

          I sighed. “Really? Isn’t that a little medieval? Do we really need to be enforcing story book ideas?”

     “We’re villains, Z there’s not much more  we could do to ruin our image.”

        I sighed as I stood and paced around my small one room apartment. “I know. But it’s because of those damn stereotypes that we were forced to turn to villainy.”

          “Look Z, I know you don’t like perpetuating stereotypes, but no one will actually get hurt, you know that, right? We just have to make them think that we would. It’s the only way people like us can make a living Z. So are you in?”

         I nodded. “Yeah, I’m in. So who am I kidnapping?”

        “The princess of X Corp, Lavender Blossom.”

         I raised my eyebrows. “And how am I supposed to do that? Why not Steph? She’s a lot more stealthy than me.”

         “But she can’t turn into a dragon. We need to make a statement, or Mr. Blossom won’t pay up. Sneaking in a kidnapping her does have the same sense of urgency that a giant fire-breathing dragon tearing off the roof of a building to pick her up out of her penthouse has.”

         I sighed again. Of course he just needed me for brute force. I could do other things too, but of course he didn’t care. “Alright, I get it, I’ll do it. Any specific time?”

        “3 o'clock.”

       I sat back down at my desk glancing at the time on my dinky clock. 12:30 pm “Will have back up for me when the heroes inevitably show up?”

      “Yeah, but you won’t need ‘em. You’ll do great Z.” He added after a pause. “And be careful. Don’t die. We don’t want to lose you.”

        I nodded. “Of course, I’ll be safe.”

        “SBV forever.”

         I replied with our motto. “SBV forever.”

         He hung up and I set my phone down. I changed into a simple black t-shirt and some black joggers. I pulled a simple necklace with a single jewel in it over my head. The jewel was something I had enchanted to ensure that I didn’t end up naked the next time the heroes forced me to shift. Hopefully, I wouldn’t be captured but one could never be too safe.

         Didn’t bother preparing anymore, I wasn’t fighting in this form. No, I was a dragon and so I would be fighting as one. Dragon scales were already almost impenetrable, with only other dragons being able to leave a mark. That and specially enchanted weapons, but as far as I knew no dragons had helped the heroes figure out what the enchantment was. Unfortunately, magic doesn’t need to penetrate to be effective. I may resist most magic, but one of the heroes had figured out a mimic spell that emulated another dragon’s fire. 

       I returned to my writing after setting an alarm for 2:45. The time passes too quickly and I found myself drawn out of the zone by my alarm interrupting my music. I closed my journal and left my phone on the table. Tucking a key into my pocket, I headed out the door.

       I walked several blocks until I found the ally I changed in. Turns out it’s hard to find a space to transform into a giant dragon without people noticing. This ally was nice because it was big enough, but also completed uninhabited.

        As my dragon form took shape and stretched my wings and legs, loving the feeling of being on my natural body. 

        I crouched and launched myself up into the air, roaring as I did. If Boss wanted a show, he was going to get one. 

         I spit a stream of fire and spun through it. I flew higher into the sky and then dropped diving towards the large apartment building where Lavender would be in. I landed on top of the building, drawing the attention of most of the civilians in the area. 

        I used my soul sight to locate where Lavender was, so I knew I didn’t accidentally hurt her. I then proceeded to stomp in the roof right to the left of her. I ripped the remaking room of above her. Causing it to crumble into rumble. I let out a large roar as I did. As I smashed the rest of the penthouse with my tail I made sure not to knock the rubble down below where it could hit civilians.

       Lavenders screams of terror hurt my sensitive ears and I roared in return to shit her up. It don’t work. I spread my wings and picked her up gently in my mouth. With two strong flaps I flew back up into the air. Careful to not hurt the struggling human in my mouth, I flew and landed on the X Corp roof.

       I gently placed Lavended down on the roof and then trapped her with my claws. I roared and unleashed another torrent of fire into the sky. If that didn’t get the Blossom King’s attention I don’t know what would. 

        Lavender had finally stopped screaming. Which was music to my ears. I waited for Mr. Blossom to show his face, but instead a team of fucking heroes showed up. Great. Now I had to fight off heroes, keep Lavender captive, and not hurt anyone except the heroes. I grabbed Lavender in my mouth and tossed her on my back. If she didn’t want to plummet 1000 feet out of the sky she would hold on. I shot into the air and circles above the heroes.

        There were five. Four random element wielders who I didn’t care about, and the fucking Angel. The Angel was the poster girl for the heroes. With her white wings and long blonde hair and blue eyes and her golden staff she was the perfect hero. And she knew the spell that could actually hurt me. 

         I easily took out the element wielders one by one by swooping in and knocking them to the ground with my tail. The Angel tried to hit me with fire but I dodged it all. Finally, it was just me and the angel. I hovered in the air with Lavender still holding onto me for dear life. It appeared the Angel hadn’t realized she was there yet. I dove towards the Angel mouth open shooting flames out towards her. She deflected the flames the dodged my swipe. She returned for as I climbed back up by shooting a stream of flame at my back.

      My back! Fuck! Lavender!

      I struggled to spin to protect her and the flame hit me straight in the underbelly. I roared in pain, and climbed higher into the sky. I climbed until the air grew thin and humans could just barely breathe enough. I knew lavender would be fine because my body heat would warm her, but I didn’t dare go higher in case she couldn’t breathe. The Angel flew steadily up towards me, but couldn’t quite reach me. The air was too thin for her wings and she wasn’t using magic like me to pull air from father around closer to me so I could still fly. 

       The Angel shouted up towards me. “Okay Dragon. I’m going to make you a deal. You tell me what you did with lavender and I don’t call for backup that can throw your sorry ass in jail.”

          I roared in response. The fool. I couldn’t talk in any la gauge she could understand while in this form. And there was no way she was winning this. I cast a spell that created a thick fog around us. I dove down and used my soul sight to find her soul. As always her soul light was sadly familiar and as always I ignored it. I broke through the fog towards her where she was hovering just out of it. She had no chance to retaliate. I grabbed her in my jaws. 

       I could kill we with a single snap I my jaws. Her frail body had no chance of withstanding the force, but instead I cast a simple sleep spell on her that would last a day. I returned to the X Corp building and set her body down. As soon as I had touched down, Lavender slid off my back. I turned and trapped her in my claws once again. My head snapped to face the roof door as it squeaked open. 

       Mr. Blossom walked out. “Okay, dragon. You win. You defeated the Angel. So what do you want?” He laughed to himself. “Who am I kidding you’re a dragon of course you want gold, or in this case money. How about 10,000?”

         I shook my head. 

        “50,000”

          I shook my head again.

         “60,000”

         I spotted hero reinforcements approaching so I nodded. He handed me a check that was hurriedly written out and handed it to me. I let lavender go an used magic to send the check into my necklace that hung around my neck even in dragon form. I took off and flew away as the hero reinforcements showed up. A couple chased after me, but they stopped pursuing me as they found the Angels body. It probably looked like she was dead. Sure she was bloody, from my mouth but all the wounds were superficial and would heal. She would be fine, after all, I could never hurt my childhood best friend even if she was now my worst enemy.

14.1

I circled the city from high above a few more time to ensure that I had no hero tails. Once I was satisfied I dove down into the alley and landed softly. I shifted into my human form, and began to walk back to my apartment. The Angel’s spell had hit me solidly in the stomach, and I could feel the burned skin rubbing against the fabric of y t-shirt painfully. I should have just dodged instead of spinning, but the flame may still have hit Lavender, and I couldn’t let that happen. I only got burned by the dragon flame spell, but Lavender, being a fragile human, would have been burned to a crisp. I couldn't have that on my conscience. I may be on off the most wanted Villains in this city, but I hadn’t actually killed anyone, sent a few heroes to the hospital, yes, but kill anyone, no. Even the SBV have their limits, and murder is one of them. We will threaten and hurt, but not kill.

I reached my dinky little apartment on the bad side of town, and opened the door. I locked the door behind me, and grabbed my phone. I summoned the check from my necklace and called Boss.

“Yeah, Z. Hold on one sec.”

I sat down on my bed, setting my phone on speaker as i set on my bedside table. I removed my shirt, wincing as the skin on my stomach stretched. Great. My entire stomach was burned. At least it looked like just 1st degree burns, nothing too serious. My palm glowed as I began the healing spell. My skin mended itself as I focused my magix towards healing me.

“Okay, Z. Go ahead.” My phone crackled from the bedside table.

I leaned and picked it up. “Boss, I got 60,000 for Lavender right here. I would have gotten more, but some more heroes showed up.”

“That’s great Z. How did he give it to you?”

I glanced at the check. “A check for 60,000. He didn't fill in anything else.”

“That’s good, last thing we need is for one of us to cash a check made out to the ‘Storybook Villains.’”

“You’re right. I’ll fill the rest out, then cash it using the app. It’ll go right into the savings.”

“Great work, V. Make sure to make it out to Rob Boss.”

I nodded, grabbing a pen. “Of course.”

“We’ll see you tonight for game night, right?”

I shook my head. “Sorry, Boss. No can do. I have a date.”

His surprise carried in his tone. “I didn’t know you found your lover soulmate.”

I laughed. “I didn't. I meant I have a date with my bed.” Silence from the other end. “I’m joking, Boss. I wouldn't miss game night for the world. You guys are my only friends.”

“Alright, Z. I’ll see you soon then. We’re meeting at Muffin’s place.”

“Okay sounds good. Bye, Boss.”

“Bye, Z” He hung up, and I set my phone down. I rolled off my bed and onto the floor, staring at the ceiling. I raised my arm, and looked at my forearm and my right arm. The name Azariah was tattooed three times onto my arm. Most people had three different names scattered all over their body, but I had the same name three times in the same place. In a world filled with heroes and villains people tended to go by nicknames whether or not they belonged to either group. Very few people went by their legal name, so finding any of your soulmates either enemy, lover, or friend,  was very difficult. I had given up a long time ago despite only having one name to find, not three. Besides, I wasn't sure if I wanted to find them. After all, they were my best friend, enemy, and true love. Unless three people just happened to have the name Azariah and live in this town, which I doubted.

I had only ever told one person about the fact that all three of my soulmates had the same name.  Growled in irritation sitting up. I was such a foolish kid. I even told them the name. And now that person, who had been my childhood friend, the one person to look past my species, was my worst enemy and fought me several times a week. So much for the promise she made me. She said she would never turn her back on me, just because I was a dragon, the villain of all the storybooks, but now look where we are. I will never be that foolish kid again. I will never tell anyone my soulmate's’ name. I won't make the same mistake.

I searched through my closet and decided to wear a long sleeve and jeans. It was just game night with some friends who happened to also be this town's worst villains. After depositing the check and throwing it away, I tucked my phone in my pocket and grabbed my keys and left my apartment.

I walked down the streets. I lived on the bad side of town in a crappy apartment, so I had to walk all the way over to the good side of town to get to Muffin’s house. Sure, I could just move to a different apartment, I had the money. I could afford a slight upgrade, but I was lazy and liked my home. Besides the heroes don’t think to look for a member of the richest villain gang in the poorest side of town. I snorted to myself, ignoring the strange looks of the other people. Knowing the heroes they would probably be looking for somewhere a dragon could live, not a human. Although, the Angel, probably hadn’t hesitated to tell the heroes all about her shapeshifting abilities. Argh! I regretted ever trusting her. She was why I had been forced to turn to villainy.

10 years ago...

“Come on Z, let me ride you just once.” Ace pestered me.

I gestured to her wings. “You can fly by yourself Ace, why do you want to ride me?”

She giggled. “Because, I’ve never ridden a dragon. It seems so cool.”

I relented, I just couldn't say no to Ace. “Okay, just once though.” Come on. The two young girls ran out of Ace’s house to the backyard. I hadn’t figured out how to deal with the clothes problem, so I just let them rip as I transformed into a young dragon, no bigger than a horse. I crouched down, so Ace could clamber onto my back. She seated herself in the gap between spikes at the base of my neck. I stood slowly, making sure she had a firm grip. I took a few running steps before launching myself into the air. I wasn’t skilled enough to take off from a standstill.

Ace giggled and laughed as I circled the city with her on my back. “We need to fly together more often, Z.”

I roared quietly in agreement.

The flight went smoothly until I had to land. I was unused to having to land in a confined space like Alex’s backyard. Usually I allowed for an open are for my to run to slow down. I was still a youngling and not very adept at all flying maneuvers, especially since I didn't have much time to practice, because people regarded me with fear in my natural form. I didn't take the short space into account, and dove down like I normally would to land. Ace squealed in glee at the feeling of weightlessness. When I pulled up to land I didn't slow enough. As I tried to skid to a stop before the fence, by claws tore easily through the dirt so I dug harder into the ground. Too hard. I flipped onto my back. My back that Ace was sitting on. I immediately rolled over and nuged Ace, who was crying and screaming. Her mom rushed out and looked at her destroyed yard and crying child who was cut up from the spike on my back. She pulled out her phone and called the heroes. They arrived quickly and took Ace away to heal her.

Two elemental heroes, approached me from either side. The one in blue glared at me. “Come with us, Dragon. You need to pay for attacking this innocent child.”

The one in a gray suit, crafted chains out of metal and fitted them around my legs, and then my wings. They even wrapped chains around my mouth to muzzle me. They dragged my back to their public headquarters and tossed me in a cell.

Several hours later they came back. “Turn into your human form dragon. We know you have one. That poor child you attacked told us all about it. Said kidnapped her and flew her in the air before crushing her on the landing.”

Shaking in fear I transformed in my human form. My clothes had been shredded, so I stood naked, in a pile of chains in front of two full grown strangers. The reluctantly handed me clothes.

They returned several hours later to transfer me to the city jail. I was given 5 years for assault. I was eleven years old and in jail for I crime I didn’t commit, because my best friend betrayed me, and I was a dragon. They didn't listen to my protests. No one cared that it was an accident. So, five years later when I was released, I turned to villainy. I had no choice. They were the only ones willing to accept me. Boss, my mothers old high school friend, took me in after my mother's death, one month after I was released from jail.

Present...

I checked my watch. 7 pm. Perfect. Right on time. I knocked on Muffin’s door. They opened the door and engulfed me in a hug. “Oh, it’s so good to see you Z.”

Muffin was a half-giant and really fucking strong, so I groaned in pain. “Too tight. Too tight Muffin. I need to breathe.” They dropped me and I gasped in air. “Good to see you too Muffin. Who else is here?”

Muffin shrugged as we entered the house. “Uh, Steph, Boss, and Ocean, oh, and Devil.”

I nodded as we entered the living room and I saw all of them gathered around the table in the center. “Hey, guys.”

They all greeted me by nods or waves. Steph handed me a glass of water as I sat down next to them. “Nice job today. I liked the fog trick. You really got the Angel that time.”

I shook my head. “Not really she’ll be fine in 24 hours.”

Devil raised her eyebrows, “Really? She looked dead when you dropped her on the roof.”

Ocean added. “The News said you killed her, but we know that you wouldn't do that.”

I groaned. “Of course they said that. NO, she’s not dead. I just put a sleeping spell on her. She’ll wake up with a few scratches and bruises from her struggling but that’s it.”

Boss shook his head. “How are we ever supposed to maintain our reputation with you puting all the heroes to sleep.” He grinned. “But, I’m proud of you Z. Nice job.”

I chuckled. “Hey, I did destroy the entire penthouse. And I didn't hurt any civilians.”

Muffin clapped me on the back. “I know. That was great.”

Another knock came from the door and muffin left, only to return with T in tow.

Ocean raised an eyebrow at T. “For someone who can turn into the fastest animal alive, it’s remarkable how often your late.”

Offended, T defended. “Hey! I’m only...” he glance around, then sighed, defeated. “The last person here.”

I laughed. “Come on T, get over here. Now that you’re here we can start playing games.”

Devil pulled a deck of Uno card from nowhere. “Ooh, ooh, can we play Uno?” She bounced excitedly like a little kid.

Boss smiled grabbing the card and starting to deal. “Sure.”

14.2

Saturday afternoon. Most people my age would be getting ready to party, grateful they didn’t have to work about any homework for one night. Most people my age were in college, their biggest worry being an exam or class project. Maybe finding their soulmate. Definitely not, not getting killed as several very angry heroes chase them you across the city in a high speed chase, after they demolished a bank so their friends could steal the money inside.

That, unfortunately, was just my life. The heist for today had been to strike on a bank that happened to be closed for reconstruction, so no one was inside. I would destroy the bank then Boss and the others would rush in and grab the money while I lured the heroes away. It had worked. But, it working meant I had to fight several heroes, including the Angel. And they weren't just elementals. It was a group of the heroes finest. They all had super strength, and could fly. One could shoot laser, a couple could use advanced magic, and the rest all were shapeshifters of some sort.

I was pretty much screwed. I roared in frustration as another jet of the Angel’s dragon fire narrowly missed me. I climbed high into the sky before dropping like a stone to get under them. I quickly broke out of the dive that they had followed me into and flew straight towards them as they also broke out of their dives. I managed to catch the laser guy and grab him in my mouth. Conserving my magic, I opted instead to use my venom to incapacitate him. He would be fine in a few weeks, the venom wasn’t lethal, but it was incredibly painful. I dropped him as I spiraled to avoid a magic blast from one of the other heroes. 

I flew wildly and scattered to by myself some time while I prepared my next spell. With a roar in draconian, I released the spell. An identical version of me appeared next to me. I sent the illusion flying towards the angel while I dived for one of the magic users. The Angel futilely send dragonfire after dragon fire at the illusion, but it didn’t waver. I couldn;t physically attack with the illusion, but I could make it look like it was using magic so I had it spit fire at the angel. I focused back on the magic wielder in front of me who was about to blow my face off with a magic ball. I turned to avoid it narrowly, and smacked him with my tail, but he only staggered. I spun back around sending flame at him as the illusion did the same to the Angel. My concentration was split and I didn't notice the shapeshifter behind me. He grabbed me and turned into an elephant causing me to sink to the ground.

I used a magic spell to teleport out of his grasp and desperately flew high into the sir where they hopefully couldn't follow. But the trick that worked on the Angel didn’t work on these guys who didn't need air to fly. I narrowly dodged several more spells and several animal attacks. I couldn't get one attack in I was too busy dodging. I was forced back down where the Angel could also attack. A dragonfire hit me on one wing and I roared as I fell spinning down towards the Earth. I forced my burned wing to work, but I still barely managed to slow my descent as I crashed into the roof of a building. I rose to my feet but one of the heroes had jumped on my back. They were seemingly unbothered by the spikes protruding from my neck. They had somehow gotten their arms around my neck and were squeezing. They couldn't reach all the way around, but it didn’t matter because it still restricted my breathing.

I wheezed as I struggled to breath. Time was running out for mw. I had to just hope that the others had managed to get into hiding and escape any other heroes, I couldn't distract these ones for any longer without being killed. I used the last of my magic to teleport me and cloak me as I desperately dove for an ally to transform in. Once in human form in the street. I slumped against the dirty pavement wall, gasping for breath. I was covered in magic burns and burns, and a large bruise was forming around my neck. Some of my ribs felt broken from the crash and my right arm was bent at an unnatural angle.

“Fuck.” I muttered under my breathe. I was in really rough shape. I struggled back to my feet and glanced at the surrounding street names. I sighed in relief. Devil’s house was relatively near and she’d be able to patch me up no problem. I limped down the street, gaining many strange looks from passersby. I dragged myself up the stairs to Devil’s apartment and knocked on the door. 

Her roommate opened the door. “Whoah. What happened to you?”

I grunted in annoyance. “I got in a fight. Look is Dakota here?”

The roommate shook their head. “Sorry, no. Look do you need to go to the hospital. You look really bad.”

I shook my head. “No, I’m fine. I just need to see Dakota.”

Recognition dawned on the roommate. “Oh... I get it. Your one of her ‘business partners’ here for her ‘special services.’”

I nodded. It was not really the reason I was here, but close enough if it’s what would let me see Dakota.

The roommate gestured to the couch. “Go ahead and take a seat. I’m sure she’ll be back soon.” After a minute the roommate spoke up again. “So are you a succubus or something. Is that why you’re here in such rough shape instead of going to the hospital?”

I nodded, willing to just go along with it. “Yeah, Dakota and I have an agreement. It tends to work much better than the hospital.”

The roommate nodded as if she was in on some big secret. “Well I’ll be in my room. You two have fun, and try to keep it down.”

I nodded. “Of course, we wouldn’t want to disrupt the peace. We’re not evil.”

The roommate laughed before leaving. What the hell! Was Devil actually a prostitute or did she just make her roommate think that to cover for when we came over? I guess I had until Devil came back to think about. I sat on the couch in pain and silence for who knows how long when Devil finally returned. I stood when I saw her enter the room.

She took one look at me then cursed under her breathe. “Shit. What happened to you?”

I shrugged. “A lot. Can you please just heal me?”

Devil nodded. “Of course. Come on let’s go to my room.” Once inside her room, she looked over me more closely. “I’m going to need you to take your shirt off. I can’t see all of your burns.”

I nodded then glance at my arm. “Uh, can you heal that first, so I can take off my shirt.”

As an answer, Devil moved her hands to my arm and they glowed faintly. I looked away as I felt the bone right itself and heal.

“There, no try taking your shirt off.”

I complied, and Devil gasped. “Shit, dude. You’re burned so badly, uh, everywhere.”

I sighed. “Can you fix it?”

She nodded. “Yeah, but I’m afraid It’s going to scar.”

“Okay. That’s was probably eventually going to happen with me facing of against the Angel so much.”

The devil began healing the burns on my torso. “I’m sorry we weren’t there to help.”

I shook my head. “It was unavoidable. It was the plan. I distract them, you all get away.”

Devil moved to working on my front. “I know, but I don’t think Boss realized that you would get so hurt.”

“It was a calculated risk. No one knew they would send their poster squad after me.”

“We really should have guessed that though without the amount of attention you’ve been getting recently, and after how you took out the Angel.” Devil commented as she moved to my right arm. She healed the bicep but when she got to the forearm she paused. “What’s that?” She asked, pointing to the name repeated three times. “Who’s Azariah?”

I turned my arm to hide it. “That’s nothing. And no one.”

Devil moved onto healing the rest of my arm. “Okay, whatever you say Z.” She finished healing me without further comment. 

I pulled my shirt back on and thanked her. “Thanks for the fix up Devil. I am going to go relax now though.”

Devil nodded. “Of course, you deserve it.”

Her roommate smirked suggestively at me as I left, reminding that I had forgotten to ask Devil about her cover up. I made a mental note to ask her later as I walked back to my apartment. I needed a drink. I had had a crappy day. I unlocked my apartment and scrounged around my small kitchen to find that I only had water, milk, and orange juice. I scowled and grabbed my wallet from the table along with my phone. I had missed a call from Boss. Damn.

I opened my phone and called him back. “Hey, Boss what’s up, you called me?”

“Just checking in to make sure you’re okay. The fight looked pretty rough from what I saw on TV. The News is claiming that its the closest that the heroes have come to killing the Evil Dragon.”

I groaned. “Really they added ‘Evil” in front. Nevermind. Yeah, I;m fine. I had to stop by the Devil’s place for a quick fix up, but I’m good now.”

“That’s great Z. Thanks to you we were able to get away with a great haul. I’ll put your share in your account.”

“Thanks Boss, I’m going to go out now and unwind.”

“Okay Z, just don't get too drunk.”

I laughed. “I won’t.” He hung up and I left my apartment. I walked a little ways to a better part of town and went to my favorite bar, The Eagle. I walked in to the bar and passed the tables heading straight to the bar. 

I took a seat and the bartender came over. “What can I get for you, sir?”

“Just a glass of your best beer, whatever you recommend.” I laughed as he walked away. Of course he mistook me as a guy. 

He returned with the glass of beer and I took it from him. I was only halfway done when someone took a seat next to me. I sighed internally. I hope they don't try to make conversation. Then I turned to look at the stranger, and found a too familiar face, Ace. I checked her soul. Yep, that was definitely her. Ugh, why did she have to be here? Could my night get any worse?

“Hey there. What’s up?” Yes. Yes it could. Ace was now trying to talk to me.

I shrugged, staring adamantly at my beer. “Not much.”

She glanced up at the TV. The news was currently covering, yet again, the events of this afternoon. “Did you see the crazy heist the SBV pulled off today?”

I nodded. “Who hasn’t?”

She really couldn't take a hint. I didn’t want to talk, but she continued on. “Can you believe how close they got to killing the Evil Dragon? It’s too bad she disappeared at the last second.”

“Too close for comfort.” I muttered.

She turned to face me, confused. “What do you mean?”

I shrugged. I had to be careful or she would grow suspicious. “Just that the heroes are supposed to be the good guys, but they just tried to murder someone who has never actually hurt anyone except those that hurt her.”

“What are you talking about? The Evil Dragon has ruined countless lived by destroying buildings and stealing money, or helping the SBV steal money. The heroes are perfectly in their right to take her out.”

I couldn’t control my temper. I had had a rough day, and my filter was off. “Do you know her? Do you know what she does with the money? Do you know why she does what she does? And do you know that she has never once injured anyone who is not a hero actively attacking her?”

She seemed slightly taken aback. “Surely she’s hurt someone. And aren’t her reasons obvious. To get money to live a luxurious lifestyle without any regard for others or how to properly.”

I leaned forward on the bar. “Is it really that obvious?”

“Yes?”

I glared at her quickly before refocusing on my beer. “Wrong answer. You know nothing of you she is when she’s not the ‘Evil Dragon.’ The title itself is a little harsh.”

“Why are you even defending her?”

“Because I’ve been hurt by heroes simply because of my species. They aren't as good as people think.” I finished the rest of my beer and set back on the table with a sense of finality. The bartender returned and I paid him in cash. 

I stood to leave, but Ace grabbed my arm. “What was your name again?”

I pulled my arm away. “I didn't tell you, but you already know it, Ace.”

As I walked away I heard her call after. “How did you know my name? I never told you.”

I smirked to myself as I disappeared into the streets and headed home. Of course, Ace would assume all of the SBV lived luxurious lives on a mountain of gold. In reality, we all lived pretty simple lives, and Boss donated the extra money to charities around the world. Sure, we weren’t perfect, but we weren't as evil as people thought. I sighed. It didn't matter. People would never change their mind. To them I would always be the Evil Dragon, because there had never been a Good Dragon before., so they were unwilling to accept that there might be one.

14.3

Ace’s POV

I was left dumbfounded at the bar as the mysterious stranger disappeared. Who the hell was she? How the hell did she know my name? I tried to just ignore it, but as I was walking home her words kept playing back in my head. Who was I to judge the Dragon? No, she was wrong. She didn’t know that I was the hero and had been attacked by the Evil Dragon first hand. The Dragon had tried to tear her to shreds and fry her to a crisp. She had hurt Lazer really bad just this past fight. Her venom would put him out of commision for weeks. I didn't even know she had venom. She hadn't used it before. Not even when she had grabbed her in her mouth. Why didn’t she use such a powerful venom before? It seems weird to handicap herself in such a way.

I slammed the door to my apartment shut in anger. A seed of doubt had been planted in my head by this stranger, and it was growing and wouldn’t leave me alone. I sat in my kitchen drinking a glass of ice cold water contemplating what the stranger had said. Had the Dragon ever really been trying to hurt me or my colleagues? After all, earlier this week when she could have killed me in the fog, I woke to find she had just cast a sleep spell on me. The Dragon was clearly capable of much more lethal magic, so why didn't the Dragon take the opportunity and kill her? I ground the heels of my palms into my head. It didn’t make any sense. The Dragon had no problem destroying buildings risking people’s lives, but she never actually killed anyone despite being full capable of doing that.

Suddenly, I remembered a moment from my last big fight with the Dragon earlier this week. The dragon had twisted to take a hit of dragonfire on her stomach instead of her back which was really weird since her back was covered by many spines in addition to think scales. Why had she done that? I pulled out my phone to review news coverage of the event. I found one blog post that was particularly interesting.

The Angel is Actually the Devil. The Angel tries to kill Lavender Blossom during a fight with the Dragon.

What the fuck? Lavender hadn't been involved in the fight, had she? I scrolled down the article to find a picture of Lavender clinging onto the Dragon’s back as I fired a dragonfire spell at them. Shit! I had almost killed Lavender. If the Dragon hadn’t turned I would have roasted her. I laid my head down on my kitchen counter in  my arms. Nothing made sense anymore. That fucking stranger had messed with my head. I stood to full height. I would find that stranger I demand answers from her. How would I find her? Well, that was a problem for future me. Present me was going to go to sleep.

I spent my entire day fighting of petty criminals, who barely stood a chance against me and the other heroes. I was looking forward to getting off work and being able to go back to that bar and find the stranger. Fortunately, or unfortunatly, I was unsure which, the Dragon and the SBV had not attacked today. When I got off work, I flew quickly home and changed into street clothes and out of my white armor that made up my Angel costume.

I hurried down the street and to the bar. I walked inside and stood blankly for a bit before making my way to the bar. I don’t know what I expected. For her to just be sitting right her? I called the bartender over and order a club soda. I didn’t feel like getting drunk tonight. 

When the bartender returned with my drink I asked him a question. “Do you know the girl from last night?”

“I’m sorry miss, you’re going to have to be a bit more specific.” He replied.

I struggled to remember the strangers features. I had been to distracted by the words coming out of her mouth. “Uh, she had short black hair, green eyes, and was tall and really built.”

The bartender paused to think. “Oh, her. Yes, she comes here often.” He laughed to himself. “I was always unsure of her gender though. She’s a girl?” I paused. “I think so?”

The bartender continued. “Anyways, she comes her pretty often. Doesn’t talk much, generally just gets one drink and goes. Maybe one of the other customers knows her.”

I pressed him one more time. “You don't even know her name?”

He shook his head. “Nope, she always pays in cash. Leaves a hefty tip too.”

I thanked him and left to go mingle. At least that was something. If she left a hefty tip she was probably better off and lived in the good part of town. I was leaning against the wall with my drink watching a pool match when some drunk guy came up to me.

“Nice wings you got there miss.” He grinned.

I tried to avoid looking disgusted. Maybe he knew the stranger. “Thanks sir. Would you perhaps be able to help me with a problem of mine?” I offered him a fake smile, although he was too drunk to realize that.

He grinned hungrily, coming closer to me and putting a hand on my arm. “What problem would that be miss?”

I put up with his proximity in the hope he had information. “I’m looking for someone. Tall, muscular, short black hair, green eyes.”

He backed up, disappointed, and slurred. “Oh, that fellow. He comes in here every so often. He’s from the bad side of town. I’ve seen him come and go from that Condor apartment complex. He keeps to himself though.” He moved closer to me. “He probably can’t help you like I can. Don’t think I’ve ever seen him look at a woman. Strange man he is, but not me. I’m not strange at all. I’m perfectly normal.”

I pushed him off, disgusted. “Not today, sorry, I really need to find this guy.”

The guy stumbled away. “Suit yourself, shame really...”

I ignored the rest of his comment as I went back to the bar to pay for my drink before leaving.I pulled out my phone and looked up Condor apartments. I walked all the way there through the shifty streets of the bad end of town, guess my earlier assumption was wrong, they did live on the bad side of town. Weird. Everything about this stranger was weird. I looked up the apartment complex with its shifty sign and realized that I didn't even know this person’s name I couldn’t just walk up and find them. What was I hoping? That they’d just walk out. Like that would happen. I began walking back to my apartment, defeated. I guess I’ll just try to find them at the bar. Apparently they were a regular there. I called up my best friend, the one whose name was tattooed on my right shoulder,  for advice. Maybe I was just being really stupid.

“Hey, Az, what’s up?” Hayden was one of the few people who I let call me by my real name, Azariah.

“Nothing much, H. Just feel like I might be being really stupid over something.”

“What’s bugging you?”

I sighed. “It’s kinda a long story.”

“I’m not going anywhere, but feel free to shorten if you want.”

“Basically, I met this stranger at the bar yesterday who had some really interesting opinions. And it's really confusing me, so I tried to find them, but no one even knows their gender much less their name. Some drunk dude told me where they live, but without a name I can't do much.”

H laughed. “So you’ve turned into a stalker.”

“What, no. Have I?”

He laughed again. “Relax, I’m joking. So what got you so confused?”

“This tranger suggested that...” I paused uncertain, it sounded kinda stupid.”

“That what?”

“That the Evil Dragon isn't actually Evil, and that we’ve been judging her unfairly.” I blurted.

He paused to take a moment to process. “And, is that true?”

“Yes, no, I don’t know... and the weirdest thing is that the stranger knew my name.”

“Azariah? Really? But no one knows that’s your name.”

“No, Ace. But, it’s still weird. Instead of telling me their name they just said that I ‘already knew it.’”

“That’s not mysterious at all.” H’s sarcasm was thick. “Maybe, they knew you when you were younger.”

I reached my apartment and collapsed on my couch. “But then shouldn’t I recognize them, if they recognized me?”

“I don’t know. It’s possible they recognized you by something else like scent.”

I gasped in disbelief. “So they’re a werewolf.”

“Maybe... I don’t know. Didn't your one dragon friend tell you that they could see souls, maybe that’s it.”

I sighed. “Maybe... guh, this is hopeless. I’m never going to find them.”

“Why are you so set on finding them?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess I just want answers.”

“Do they go to that bar often?”

“Yeah.”

“And you saw them on saturday?”

“Yeah?” Confusion carried through my voice as I wondered what H was planning.

“How about this? I take you to the bar saturday evening and see if they show up. If they don’t then will ask around some more for a name.”

I nodded. “Yes, yes. Than you H. You’re the best.”

“I know Az, now go to sleep. It’s late.”

“Okay, you too. Bye H.”

“Bye Az.”

14.4

Z’s POV

I woke to the buzzing of my phone. I groggily answered it. “What?”

“Morning Z. I need you.”

Boss’s serious tone woke me up. “Yeah, sure Boss. Where? And what for?”

“A rival villain gang just set an entire block on fire. The News is calling them the new SBV and better than us. We won’t be able to threaten people and have them take us seriously if we get one-upped by these guys.”

Fear started building in my gut as I realized what Boss was getting at. “So what do you need me to do?”

“I need you to do something big. You and T.”

“How big?” I asked with building dread.

“I need you two to attack the heroes base. At least their public one. Muffin and Ocean will be there for backup, and Devil to heal you two afterwards but you need to hurt the heroes and hurt them bad.”

“How so? Please don’t say killing them. Because I don't think many are stationed there.”

“No, I know that not many are there. You and T are going to set all of their prisoners free.”

“So a jailbreak?”

“Yeah, but while T is setting people free you’re going to be destroying the building.”

“What about the heroes inside?”

“Hopefully they will have fled before it collapses.”

“Hopefully?”

“Yeah, so are you in or not Z, because we need you.”

I sighed. I didn't like this. I may actually hurt someone. And we weren't getting money, just street cred. How many murders were we going to set free. “Okay, I’m in, but only if it’s really necessary.”

“It is, we need this if we want to get money from hostaged in the future.”

“Okay, when is this?”

“ASAP, T will be waiting at the rendez-vous spot on top of the office building across the street from the heroes. Once he sees you, you two will head in.”

I sighed, steeling myself for the mission to come. “SBV forever.”

“SBV forever.” He ended the call and I threw on a shirt and pants and my necklace. I rushed out the door grabbing my key as I went.. I left my phone and wallet behind, so that if I was captured they couldn’t be used for identification. I ran to the ally and transformed rushing over to the Hero Complex. I spotted T crouched on the roof and roared to signal him to go in. He shifted into a hawk and followed behind me as I crashed through the roof of the building. Alarms began to go off and T began setting prisoners go, working from the top down, I followed behind him reducing enter cell blocks to rubble easily.

The heroes had begun to arrive, I shifted my attention  to the heroes, I could destroy the building later. Only a few elementals were there immediately. I dealt with them simply. I knocked them out of the air and to the ground with one swipe of my claw, knocking them unconcious. More heroes were approaching from the west. I just needed to buy enough time so that T could finish. And leapt off the rubble to meet the next wave of heroes halfway. It was the magic users and shapeshifters from before accompanied, as always, by the Angel. I Climbed into the sky as I raced towards them diving as approached to get more speed. I dove towards one of the magic users. He dodged to one side with a smirl. I shook my head internally. Overconfidence was a mistake. As I sped by I curled my tail just so, so that it caught him by surprise. He let out a cry, and went spinning through the air, I followed him to the ground catching him with my mouth. I quickly cast a sleep spell on him and dropped him. Turning to deal with the magic I was being pelted with. Strangely, the Angel wasn’t using dragonfire. The other magic was little more than an irritation in comparison. The other heroes noticed as I flew towards them undeterred.

“What are you doing Angel? Hit him hard.” One of the shapeshifters yelled. I flew past them as they dodged and circled back to the Hero Complex as I dodged a dragonfire, looks like the Angel was out of whatever funk she’d been in. I noticed T dart out of the bottom of the complex and I dove towards its base. I really hope everyone is out. I used magic with my fire to send explosive balls of fire towards the structure before I plowed through it. The concrete gave way under my force and my magic-enforced body. As I climbed free of the rubble I saw the building flying behind me. For good measure, and to satisfy Boss I send waves of flame over the rubble. The other heroes had caught up and I dodged another dragonfire. T was currently engaged in a one on one battle with the hero shapeshifter and the magic user and Angel attacked me. I wished I could use the sleep spell from a distance unfortunately I needed to be in contact with an individual to use it. I targeted Angel first, since her attacks were the most painful. I created several less complex illusion that mirrored my movements as I circled the pair. Angel sent streams of fire towards each illusion, but didn't hit me. I flew out of the circle in a complex shifting pattern to scramble the illusion. I pulled out of the flip and hovered above her, I sent waves of fire towards her from me and the illusions. Her shield broke and I dove in, catching her while she was weak I grabbed her only long enough to cast the spell before dropping her, The other magic user pelted my with magic explosions but they were useless when my scales weren’t weakened by dragonfire. I chased after him as he flew in fear away, unfortunately he wasn't fast enough or smart enough, I caught him, put him to sleep and dropped him.

I circled back and found T flying away from the unconscious form of the shapeshifter. We passed each other exchanging nods before we went our separate ways. It seemed to easy. It should have been harder. Something felt off. Shouldn’t more heroes have been there? I rushed home to watch the News in hopes of finding something out. I opened the door of my apartment, locking it behind me and plopped down on the couch after grabbing my phone.

I called Boss up as I pulled up the news on my laptop. I pulled up a live feed on our attack.

“Yes, Z? I see the attack was successful.”

I shrugged as I watched the news. “It was, but it feels too easy. Something's off. There should have been more heroes. It was their complex after all.”

Suddenly, I let out a gasp as the I read the statistics tolling across the news feed. 10 heroes trapped in building demolition by the notorious SBV. I struggled to hold back tears as I heard the reporter. “....the hunt for the Evil Dragon has increased, any reward for information on this absolutely wicked monster will be rewarded...”

“I’m sorry boss, I’ll have to call you back.” I dropped my phone on the couch and held my head in my hands. Tears began freely running down my cheeks, and horrible sobs broke through my mouth. I had killed 10 people. I had actually killed them. And I had done it with barely a second thought. Sure the news just said trapped, but I had lit it on fire. There was no way they were going to survive, or survive to live a decent life. I had become the monster everyone thought I was. I had just killed 10 and ruined who knows how many lives of those close to them. Another wave of sobs took over me. I heard a knock at the door, but ignored it. I didn’t fucking care anymore.

“Z, open up. Let me in. It’s me, Ocean.”

“Go away.” I cried through tears.

“I’m not going anywhere while you’re like this, so open up. Or I will knock this door down.”

I reluctantly pulled myself off the couch and opened the door. Ocean pulled me into a hug,, as she walked into my apartment. She kicked the door shut behind her and dragged me back to the couch. 

I sobbed into her shoulder. “I’m a fucking monster Ocean, I just proved them all fucking right. I am just a killer.”

She rubbed my back, reassuringly. “No, you’re not. It was Boss’s order. You were just following orders.”

“I still did it.”

“The new just said that they’re trapped. One of the elementals you knocked out of the way early on regained consciousness and put out the fire. Other heroes arrived shortly later to free them. They all survived, with minimal injuries. The healing staff quickly fixed them up. You didn't kill anyone.”

“But I could’ve.”

“You didn’t. You did what we needed. The news is taking us seriously again, and no one was killed.”

“I’m never doing something like this again for Boss. I’m not going to risk lives like that.”

“And that’s okay. Boss shouldn’t ask you to kill if you’re uncomfortable.”

I pulled away from Ocean. “Thank you Ocean.”

“No problem, Z.”

14.5

I found myself back in The Eagle Saturday night. It had been a successful week, minus the terrifying mishap on Monday. I hadn’t been called in by Boss much after my meltdown, the others had takes care of a few raids and even one fight with the new rival villains. It wasn’t until today that Boss had asked my to do a simple kidnapping. It had gone smoothly without a hitch, but I still hated it. I hated the screams of the boy as I held him in my jaws. I hated the fear with which the mother regarded me. I hated the hate that I was given by the heroes. I was sick of this, I was sick of being an outcast but there was nothing I could do to change anything. I was doomed to be a villain.

That’s why I found myself drinking by myself on a Saturday evening instead of at home binge watching shows. My sulking was disturbed by some shipper gal sitting next to me. Correction, by Ace sitting next to me, and her soulmate from the looks of how their souls were linked. Best friend or Lover I ideally wondered while returning my gaze to my beer. 

“So, Stranger, care to enlighten me as to what you think of the Evil Dragon after her stunt on Monday.”

“No.”

“Come on, you have to give me something after you just left me last week.”

“No I don’t.”

The dude next to her, a sandy blonde extraordinarily average dude, spoke up. “At least give us your name. You’re such an interesting person, with such interesting opinions.”

I was growing irritated why couldn't they just leave me alone. “I don’t even know you guys.”

Ace persisted. “Then let us get to know you. We just want to be friends.”

I sighed. “Fine, I’ll think about it.”

Ace grinned. “So what is your name?”

“A Mystery.”

Ace wan undeterred. “Okay Mystery, so how do you know so much about the Dragon.”

“I do my research and am not so quick to judge like some.”

Ace raised an eyebrow. “Pretty sure, research does tell you someone’s motives.”

I shrugged.

“If you feel so strongly about the Dragon then why haven't you spoken out about it more?”

I looked at Ace meeting her eyes. “People have their mind made up. They don’t care what you say. If they see you as the villain or the hero then that’s all they will see. I didn't feel like fighting a pointless battle.”

I dropped Ace’s gaze as she replied. “Some are willing to listen.”

I snorted dryly. “Like who? You?”

“Yes.”

I rolled my eyes. “I was joking.” I took the last swig of my beer. “You’re a hero, you won't change your mind anytime soon.”

She was taken aback. “What? How do you know I’m a hero?”

I payed for my drink and stood to leave.”Same reason I know your name, Ace.” I left her and my friend behind without saying anything else. I returned to my apartment and finished the night like I should have started it, by binge watching shows on my laptop.

The next Saturday found me at The Eagle again. I don’t know why I came back. Chances are I would run into Ace again. Maybe that’s why. It was nice for a change to have someone not in the SBV to want to get to know me, not that I would let Ace get to know me again. I wasn’t a foolish child. I wouldn’t make the same mistake again.

Sure enough I spotted Ace’s white wings as she entered the bar. She was alone this time. 

She spotted me and headed over to grab a seat next to me. “Fancy seeing you here, Mystery.”

I chuckled.

Her face light up as the bartender slid her a drink. “Was that a smile I saw? From the dark and brooding Mystery.” She asked in mock shock.

I shook my head.

“So, how was your day Mystery, you seem a bit more chipper than usual?”

“It was average, nothing special.” I replied dully.

Ace scooted closer. “Really? Then what’s with the smile threatening to break through your tough facade?”

I glared at Ace. “It’s going to go away if you keep pestering me.” But it didn’t. I couldn't help it. Being around Ace just felt so natural. I had to keep reminding me that she had betrayed me and ruined my childhood, but it was hard when she was right to next to me acting friendly and innocent.

I stayed at the bar long past when I finished the beer simply enjoying Ace’s company. I didn't mind listening to her chatter away about whatever was going on in her life. At least it appeared that Ace’s job as a hero allowed her to live a comfortable life. I was fine listening but once she shifted the conversation to me I got defensive.

She was swiveled on her barstool so she could face me, while I remained facing the bar. She laughed briefly. “Here, I’ve been talking about me for the past hour, you must be dreadfully bored of hearing about my life. What about you? I barely know anything about you.”

My walls went up. “There’s nothing to know about me, I’m just your average Joe.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Average? You don't seem average to me.” Her eyes strayed to look me up and down. “For one, you don’t look average, you look stunning.”

I looked away from her. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Ace cockily continued. “Oh, really? ‘Cause I think I do know what I’m talking about. AFter all I have eyes.”

“You also have a soulmate, so why are you flirting?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know your name, so you might be my true love, or my worst enemy. I would prefer the true love personally, but who can control fate.”

“So the guy you were with last week was your friend soulmate, then?” I snapped my mouth shut. Shit. That was stupid to say. No one normal can tell that from just a look.

Ace didn't miss the comment. “How did you know we were soulmates?” I opened my mouth to figure out some excuse but she cut me off, “Let me guess, same way that you know everything else.” Ace turned away irritated. “Why won’t you just let me in? I don’t understand, what did I do wrong?”

What did she do wrong? Ugh. She did everything wrong. My anger took over and I snapped. “Why do even care? You already have a best friend, so what’s the point of trying to be friends with me?”

Ace snapped as well when met with my hostility. “Because I want to be a good friend and to more than just my soulmate. I messed up a friendship badly when I was a little kid and I don’t want to let that happen again. I can't even do my job fighting evil properly, because everytime I look the Dragon in the eye all I can see is my childhood friend who I sent to jail. I ruined her life, yet I call myself a hero. I haven’t made up for anything. And you’re comments made me think that I have been unfairly judging all the villains. Maybe they aren’t really that evil after all, yet I’ve been trying to kill them or throw them in jail just like I did as a kid to my best friend.”

After her outburst, Ace stormed out of the bar and I stood there dumbfounded. Ace regretted what she did. She felt bad, she saw me when she fought me. I stood and chased after Ace, already having paid, but she was gone. Damn. I had messed up again.

Solemnly I walked back to my apartment. Maybe I could fix things with her next week. If she even bothers to show up next week.

14.5

Ace’s POV

I finished buckling the last strap on my armor, as I walked into my boss’ office. She looked up at my entrance. “Great, your here early Angel. There’s break in at a warehouse near the Condor apartments. Some heroes have already sent, but they could use a more senior agent like you out there.”

I nodded. “Right away, Ma’am.” I saluted and turned on my heel to leave the office. I flew over the balcony railing and out of the roof of our deployment building. The building was disguised as just another skyscraper in downtown, but inside it held offices lockers and all the inner working of the Hero Organization. I flew from the building towards the bad part of town, where the Condor apartments were and the warehouse that was broken into. I hoped Mystery was okay, she lived there. Actually, she could be the person breaking in, she seemed to be sympathetic to villains.

No. I shook my head to clear it of such thoughts. I couldn't think about Mystery right now or the argument we had had several days ago. I dove into the streets and found the warehouse where the other heroes were. I tightened my grip on my staff as I cast a spell to create magical chains. They tightened around the strong man of this three man party. The other heroes were locked in hand to hand combat with the other two so I hovered back making sure no other villians were going to show up. They quickly finished with the other villains and I grabbed the chained up strong man. THe heroes grabbed the other men easily and flew up to join me as we headed back to the base.

Link in the green, who had earth elemental powers, came up net to me. “Why did they send you? We had it covered.”

I shrugged. “Sorry, Link. I don’t make the decisions just follow them. I know I didn't do anything.”

He sighed. “I know it’s just irritating. It’s like the Organization doesn’t even take elementals seriously. You have to be a Super to get assigned to anything other than minor crimes.”

The other woman, Ruby, a fire elemental, joined in. “You know that’s not true. I’ve been assigned to a case against the Dragon.”

“Really?” Link raised his eyebrows.

I nodded. “Yeah, she was with me on the X Corp kidnapping.”

Ruby sighed. “Not that I did much. The Dragon knocked me out of the sky right away. I didn't stand a chance.”

I offered Ruby a sympathetic glance. “Don’t take it to heart, the Dragon is really strong and skilled.”

She returned a smile. “Thanks, Angel, but I still wish I even stood a chance against any of the stronger criminals.”

The conversation died off as we flew into the HOHQ and brought the criminals to the justice department. Normally we took them to our public headquarters, but that was still under reconstruction. I had just returned to the lobby, where we waited for assignments, when the alarm went off. That meant a high-class villain gang had attacked. I briefly wondered which one it was as I swooped out of the lounge and up to my boss’ office.

She was standing and pacing back and forth waiting for the other Senior Heroes to show up. As they filed in she began speaking. “Squirrel, Max, Magic, Bear, and Angel, you’re in charge of taking down the dragon. “Flyer grab three juniors and tackle the rest of the SBV. The rest of you stay here and be ready to act as backup. Try not to let them escape again, the government is going to cut our funding if we can’t stop these guys. With they new villain gang showing up they’ve escalated from their normal crimes. This time they’re breaking into the Crafter Corporation. The Dragon is overhead. The rest went inside, and the employees have been pouring out of the building. No one’s been hurt yet and we need to keep it that way. Go! Now!”

We saluted and left her office. I went out the roof followed by the others. I didn’t understand why we enever just sent all of the senior heroes after the Dragon. Why not just put them to a stop? Oh well, I just needed to follow orders. We had gotten really close to catching the Dragon before, maybe today would be the day.

I focused my attention as I spotted the large for of the Dragon hovering above the building. Her purple scales shone in the sunlight, and in another situation she might have been beautiful.  The large spine running from her snout to her tail reminded me that she was deadly. It didn't matter that she resembled a much larger version of Z, I needed to take her out. BUt as she swiveled to face me, I saw her eyes, the eyes that reminded me so much of Z. They were filled with sorrow.

I shook my head, no I was imagining things. “Max, Magic. Distract her, so I can get a shot in. Once my dragonfire weakens her, all of you will be able to do damage.”

They nodded breaking off from out formation. “Sounds good Angel.”

I dove towards the Dragon readying the spell, my staff glowed as the magic began building in it. The Dragon hadn’t moved, and was completely ignoring the others attacks. Her gaze was focused solely on me. It was terrifying. Any sorrow I had seen, or thought I had seen, was gone replaced by determination. The Dragon was in fighting mode and I needed to get my head in the game.

I unleashed the dragonfire, and the Dragon finally moved. She dropped down onto the roof of the building, roaring. My path carried me over her and I was forced to spiral out of the way as she snapped at me. As I flapped hurriedly to right myself as I heard the large wong beats of the dragon as she pursued me. I knew I couldn't outrun her in a dead sprint, so I pulled up as I prepared for another dragon fire. I flipped over and shot at her back as she flew past, under me. She had no time to dodge and it hit her square in the back. She roared in pain, and I forced and guilt I felt away. She was coming back towards me, fire building in her mouth. 

The flame shot past me way to the left as I dodged. Her aim wasn't normally that bad. What was wrong? I turned to chase after her as she climbed for the sky. Now was not the time to question her slacking abilities, I just needed to get her. I spotted Bear and Squirrel as they came up on the Dragon from behind in the form of two pigeons. As she leveled off,, they landed on her back as tigers raking their claws into her back. The Dragon barely paused as she spun into a barrel roll to knock them off. They shifted back into birds and flapped unde her but she knocked them away with her tail, followed by a breath of fire. Max caught them in a magical glow before teleporting them back to the infirmary. They couldn’t recover from a direct hit like that quick enough. A purple glow surrounded the Dragon and suddenly there were ten of her. They were circling Magic and I flew in the middle, sending a stream of dragon fire in all directions. All the forms disappeared and I spun to locate the real Dragon. She was back at the building. Max was close on her tail, too close, she wacked him away and trapped him between her front two claws. His body went limp and the Dragon sent it flying towards Magic.

Magic struggled to catch the limp form of her brother. SHe teleported him somewhere safe before sending up a distress beacon in the sky. She was right. We needed back up. The Dragon was taking us out easily, and who knows what the rest of the SBV were doing in that building. I spotted the half-giant run out of the building, and so did the Dragon. She roared something and the half-giant nodded dashing through the streets, pursued by FLyer and two junior heroes, the third must have been taken out. I felt something slam against my side sending me falling towards the Earth. I had been distracted and had missed the Dragon coming next to me. 

Right before I slammed into the concrete, Red grabbed me. “Get your head in the fight Angel.”

She set me down before flying back into the fray. I followed with another dragon fire spell charged. The Dragon had just pulled out of a dive with Magic in her mouth, but her stomach was exposed. I sent the dragonfire straight towards her and she twisted to the side, but it still hit her left wing. Magic screamed, as the Dragon bit down on her. Red charged with her sword heading for the Dragon’s neck. The Dragon’s eyes widened in fear at it threw Magic’s bloody body at Red. Red’s assault was halted by the impact of Magic’s body knocking her out of the sky onto the roof of a nearby building. The dragon turned as another Super managed to land on her back. He summoned two magic balded and jabbed them into her back, they sunk deep into her flesh. Her scaly armour failing her as they were weakened my my magic. A terribly inhumane cry of pain was wretched from her throat as she struggled to shake the Super. The Super fell but was caught by Radiator. The magical swords reappeared in Ex’s hands, as Radiator dropped them on a roof. Red blood was now pouring down the Dragon’s back from the wounds. SHe desperately climbed into the sky as I, and a legion of other heroes, followed on her tail.

I was the closes and as she pulled out of the climb and into a flip some of her hot blood landed on me. It burned as it touched my bare skin. I quickly wiped it away, as I prepared another spell. I spun to aim at the Dragon, but she had disappeared, I spotted her diving into the streets down below. She must have teleported. I sent my dragonfire towards her, but I doubt it hit. As I dived down I heard the confused shouts of the heroes on the ground.

“Where’d she go?” 

“Did she teleport again?”

Red’s voice carried through the crowd. “Search the skies, she has the advantage in the open air, not in crowded streets. Her first teleport must have been a red herring.”

Draco, one of the Super’s, added. “Flyers pick up a ground troop, more eyes will help.

I dove down and picked up Ex who was the closest to me. I struggled to fly up high with the extra weight. I definitely wouldn’t be able to dodge if we did find the Dragon. 

We had flown over the whole city twice, before Red called it off. “Report back to HOHQ, we lost her.”

In my arms, Ex growled. “Argh! I can't believe we lost her again. We were so close, she was so injured.”

I nodded despite the sick feeling of guilt in my stomach. “You landed a good hit Ex. Wherever she is, if she doesn’t have a healer she’s screwed. She was losing a lot of blood.”

“You think so. Maybe we did get her after all, and someone will find her body.”

Ex seemed way to excited about murder. Mystery’s words came to mind. Why kill someone who has never killed? I forced a cheery tone though. “Maybe, yeah. We’ll have to watch the news.” I dropped Ex off in the lounge before going to the locker rooms. I stood in front off the mirror and washed the Dragon’s blood of my face and my armor. It burned my hands, and I winced in pain. Even the Dragon’s blood was a weapon, so why did she keep losing? Sure, she was outnumbered, this time, but before she had had many opportunities to take us out. And with the SBV’s help they probably could kill a decent portion of us, so why didn’t they? I splashed water in my face to clear my mind. I could worry about it later. Maybe ask Mystery about it on Saturday. Ugh, Mystery. I wish we could have resolved the argument. I still didn't understand what I did wrong. Why did she take such offense to me trying to be friendly? She seemed fine earlier. I straightened, grabbing my staff, and went back to the longue.

I was called in to lead some junior heroes on minor robberies and assaults, but I was distracted. I was still thinking about the Dragon and Mystery, as much as I tried to focus on dragging the petty criminals who had escaped back to HOHQ, I couldn’t. When the NIght shift showed up and I was finally released to go home, I could have shouted with joy. At least at home I could focus just on my thoughts, not on fighting. 

I was flying home the way I normally do, when I realized some of the buildings below were where the Dragon had disappeared. Ex’s comment came to mind, and I decided to make a quick stop and check it out. I landed in the ally, uncertain what I was looking for. Surely I giant dragon body would be hard to miss. I was about to give up, after all it was a foolish notion, when I spotted a human body collapsed against the wall. I ran up to it, realizing it was covered in blood as I grew closer. I turned the body over, and saw the necklace of the Dragon.

That’s why we couldn’t find a dragon. The Dragon was a human. How had we all forgotten that she could shapeshift? I inspected the body closer wiping dirt and blood off the face. 

Mystery? No, it couldn’t be. SHe couldn’t be the Dragon. She couldn't. She just couldn’t. She couldn’t be dead. I frantically searched for a pulse, relieved when I felt a faint one. I searched for any form of identification. I couldn't take her back to the HOHQ, they would probably just let her die. Even though I had been fighting her earlier today, I didn't want her to die. I groaned. There was nothing. No wallet, no phone, just a key and the necklace. Something on her arm caught my eye, a tattoo. Maybe it was helpful. I wiped the blood gently off the burned skin. The tattoo was unaffected, so it must be a soulmate mark. I read the name, no names.

Azariah, Azariah, Azariah.

My name. My name three time. My name three time in the same place. My name three times in the same place on the upper right inside forearm. The exact same place where it had been on Z. 

Tears welled up in my eyes, and my throat tightened. “Z... No, no, no, no, no, no.”

Z couldn’t die. I wouldn't let her. I was not going to lose her again. I picked up her broken body and began racing towards H’s place. Hayden was a healer, he could help. He had to help. I raced through the sky as my tears dripped onto Z’s body. I landed in front of H’s house. The front door was open.

I dove through the door landing inside. “H! Hayden! Please, Hayden. You have to help me.”

He came flying down the stairs. “Az, Az what’s wrong?” His eyes landed on Z’s body. “Who’s that? Why didn't you take them to the hospital?” I sobbed. “Please, just heal her. I’ll explain everything later.”

He took her body from me taking her upstairs to his guest bedroom. “Okay, I will Az.” He saw the necklace. “Is that...?”

I nodded. “Yes, please, just help me. I’ll explain, just trust me”

He sighed. “Okay, I trust you, but please go wait with Jake downstairs. I need to concentrate.”

I nodded and headed back downstairs to the kitchen where Jake stood confused. The tears started again and he pulled me into a hug. “Let’s get you cleaned up Ace. H will fix her, he always does.”

14.6

Z’s POV

I blinked my eyes open, surprised that I wasn't in pain. I was actually quite comfortable. I jolted up reaching for my necklace as I realized something was horribly wrong. I certainly wasn’t almost dead in an ally, and I wasn’t at any of the SBV’s houses. Where was I? My necklace was not around my neck. Shit! Someone could not just be walking around with the Evil Dragon’s necklace. I rushed to my feet pausing to realize I was in different clothes. I paused at the doorway leading out of the room. Why was I in someone’s bedroom? I slowly opened the door which was surprisingly unlocked. I summoned a magic dagger into my hand. Better to be safe than sorry. I had no idea where I was. I crept through the house. I paused at the spiral staircase heading down. I peaked over the railing to the living room down below and saw no one. I crept down the staircase. I snuck around the corner to the next room.

“Fuck!”

I jumped as Ace swore in surprise. I dissipated the dagger and stood up, no longer scared, just confused.

“What the hell, Z? What’s with the dagger?”

I gasped “Z? You recognize me?”

Ace shook her head, ashamed. “No, but I found your tattoo.”

I tried to push back my disappointment. “Oh.”

She looked back at me. “So why are sneaking around? We saved you.”

I shrugged. “When you’re the most wanted villain and you wake up in a strange place, you tend to be very suspicious.” I paused. “How did you find me? And why did you save me? You’re a hero. Shouldn’t I be in a cell or dead right now?”

Ace looked hurt. “Do you really have so little faith in me?”

“Yes.” I replied coldly. “I spent my teenage years in jail because of you. You betrayed me before, why not betray me again?”

She dropped her gaze. “I didn't betray you then, and I didn’t.”

Anger and indignation rose in my chest. “WHat do you mean? The fucking heroes told me you said I kidnapped then attacked you. You fucking begged me for a ride, what part of that is a kidnapping you? And sure I messed up, I hurt you, but it wasn't intentional. How is that assault? Aggravated assault?”

Tears were threatening to break free of Ace’s eyes, and I couldn't understand why. Couldn’t she handle the truth? “I didn't say that. I didn't say any of that. The heroes twisted my words. I didn't know until it was too late.”

I crossed my arms. “Why join them then? And why did you never visit me, never talk to me?” Now tears of my own were building. “I was so hurt, so alone. You abandoned me Ace, and then I find out you now work, not just work are the poster child of, the very people who ruined my life.” Anger mixed with tears as I shouted at Ace. “I was a fucking child and they dragged me to prison. No one ever visited me. I was completely alone for five years with no friends and no family. My mom was in prison because of the heroes. My dad was killed by the heroes. And even the people I was imprisoned with were scared of me, just because I was a dragon.”

Ace tried to come closer to comfort me. “I’m so sorry Z. I didn't know. I tried, but my parents forbade me. They thought you were dangerous and a bad influence. I couldn’t find you after you were released. I didn't know you were a villain.”

I backed away from her. “You couldn’t find me because I was busy starving on the streets with no job and no home. No one will take in or hire a dragon. My life only started to look up when Boss found me and took me in. I had to turn to crime just to survive. I had no choice. We may be called the villains, but the heroes are the ones who are evil.”

Ace shook her head. “No, we’re just trying to protect people and make it better.”

I laughed dryly. “You believe that shit? Is that why you joined them? To be a better person in order to redeem yourself?”

She nodded hesitantly. “Yes.” She responded in a quiet voice.

I shook my head, sadly. “I can't believe you. After you witnessed their racism and flagrant disrespect for my well-being.”

Attracted by all the yelling, Ace’s friend and some other guy came in. “What is going on in here?” Ace looked up. “Relax H, it’s fine. Z and I just have a lot of misunderstandings and unsaid words, that need to be cleared up and said.” Ace gestured between me and the pair of guy. “Z, meet Hayden, he’s the one who healed you, and his husband, Jake.”

I nodded at Hayden. “Thanks for healing me, but why did you? You must have seen the necklace, unless someone stole it before Ace found me.”

Hayden shrugged. “I healed you because Az burst into my living room, sobbing begging me to heal you. And your necklace is upstairs by the way.”

I nodded in thanks again. “Thank you again. Also Az? That’s a new nickname. Is that what you go by now Ace?”

Ace shuffled nervously. “No, I still go by Ace. Az is short for my real name which is-”

“Azariah.” I muttered dumbfounded. I slumped to the ground in shock. I couldn’t process.

Hayden filled the silence. “How does she know your real name?”

I answered for Ace, or Az, or Azariah. I stuck out my forearm. “Because her name is tattooed on my arm three times. She is my best friend, worst enemy, and true love.” My voice was emotionless. I was still too shocked to be angry or hurt and happy, although it occured to me that I should feel something. “Didn’t you see them when you healed me?”

Hayden shook his head. “No, I  must have missed it. I was moving quickly so that you wouldn't die.”

Jake finally spoke up. “I’m confused. How can Ace be Z’s best friend when H is Ace’s best friend?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. Why don’t you ask fate?” I turned my face up to glare at Ace. “Why didn't you tell me when we were kids? I told you when we were seven. Why wait fourteen years to say anything? Why wait until it’s forced out of you?” I dropped my head into my arms. “Too ashamed to have a dragon as your soulmate?”

Ace shook her head vehemently. “No, I am not ashamed of you Z. I just was confused. I didn’t understand. Since you had my name three times, but I had three different names I was really confused.”

I looked up sadly. “Why didn't you just say something? You could have asked my name? You could have done anything?”

Ace sighed dropping her gaze to the floor. “I didn’t want you to be my enemy. I didn’t understand how you could be my enemy, so I just convinced myself that it had to be a different Azariah.”

I just shook my head again. “I just don’t understand.” I looked back up at Ace. “So you’ve found your best friend, but have you found your enemy or true love. What am I to you?”

Ace paused before answering, and I feared the worst. “My true love.” I breathed a sigh of relief as she continued. “My worst enemy was my high school bully who almost drove me to suicide.”

I gasped. “Ace, no. I’m so sorry.”

She brushed it off. “It’s not your fault and it’s in the past.” She smiled at Hayden. “Hayden actually helped me realize that life was worth living.” She laughed. “I thought he was my true love, until he told me that he was gay and had already found Jake.” She glanced back down at me. “And then I just had your name Z.”

“You can say my full name its okay.”

She smiled slightly. “Okay, Zion.”

14.7

Now changed back into my, now cleaned, clothes, and with my necklace tucked under my shirt I was preparing to go back home. Ace grabbed my arm when she saw me in the doorway doing a final check over to make sure I had everything. “Where are you going?”

“Home?” I cocked my head to one side. “Why?”

“I can’t just let you go back to your crappy apartment and back to villainy. Not now that I’ve finally found you again.”

I sighed. “First of all, I like my apartment. And, what would you have me do? I can't get a job.”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe come and stay at my place.”

I shook my head. “I’m not going to leech off you.”

“Go by a different name and join the heroes as a magician.”

I scoffed, disappointed. “Really Ace, you want me to go work for the people who ruined my life?” I pulled my arm from her grip. “Come find me when you have a real idea.”

She looked hurt, and I felt slightly guilty. “How? How am I supposed to find you again?”

I shrugged. “Come to my apartment, since you apparently know where I live.”

“I just know the building from some drunk guy at the bar, I don’t know the room.”

I walked out of the house. “436. Room 436, Condor Apartments.” I heard Ace take one step after me before she decided not to follow. I couldn’t help  but feel slightly disappointed. I had been so tempted by her offer to stay with her, I couldn’t deny that I like Ace, and now that I had no more excuses to hate her it was hard to push her away, yet I still did. Just because I had found Azariah, didn’t mean all my problem were solved. SHe needed to realize that not everything could just magically get better. This was real life, the HO is not just going to suddenly change their mind and forgive all of the SBV’s crimes and let them become heroes, or even get regular jobs. Finding my soulmate didn’t fix racism and the situation I was in. Once Ace realized that, then maybe I would be more willing to let her in.

I was maybe halfway home when I heard wing beats behind me. I turned to see Ace flying towards me. I briefly debated running away, but decided just to stop and let her catch up.

She landed next to me slightly out of breath. “Z, thank god. I think I might know a solution.”

Interested, I turned to face her. “I’m listening.” She rushed and her words ran into one another and I barely could make anything out. I grabbed her hand, to calm her. “Slow down, and start over.”

She took a deep breathe. “I haven't worked out all the details, but I know you guys-”

I raised an eyebrow. “Us guys?”

SHe nodded. “Yeah, uh, you and the SBV. Anyways, I know you can’t slash don’t want to work for the heroes, but I’m assuming none of you really want to still do villainy.”

I nodded. “And?”

“And, you guys have money right? Your supposed to be really rich.”

I shrugged. “We have some, most of it gets donated.”

“Oh, so that’s what you do with it? Umm, anyways, I was thinking why don’t you guys start your own business?  It could be a clinic or something else. You have the money to start it and then you don’t have to worry about finding jobs elsewhere if you create your own business. And if you want to break down the stereotype so that the heroes will be more open in the future you could be vigilantes on the side.”

I paused before responding, considering. “Maybe, I would have to talk to the SBV. The main problem is getting customers. I doubt we could open a clinic since none of us have the right degrees, but perhaps something else. I don’t know about the vigilantes part though.”

Ace pulled me into a tight hug. “Thank you, thank you.” I stood shocked as she continues. “Now, I don’t want to have to go all the way to your apartment every time I want to talk, so can I please at least have your number.”

I stood frozen for a second before my mind caught up. “Yeah, you can. Do you have your phone?”

Ace paused and stepped back checking her pockets. “Uh, that would be a no. I was in my Angel armor when I found you. I don’t carry my phone with me.”

I rolled my eyes. “Of course you don’t.” I grabbed her hand again. “I guess you’re coming to my house then. Then you can give me your number.”

Ace smiled. “Okay, I won’t complain if it means spending time with you.”

I shook my head. “God, you’re so cheesy.”

I opened my apartment door and gestured grandly. “Home Sweet Home.” As Ace walked in I closed the door behind us, locking it. “It’s a little cozy, but it’s big enough for me.”

Ace spun around. “Cozy is one way to describe it. Tiny is another. Why don’t you move somewhere bigger?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. Here has always worked, and moving is a lot of work.” I walked over to be table to pick up my phone only to find it had like 50 missed calls. “Shit.” I cursed.

Ace turned to look at me. “What? What’s wrong?”

I groaned. “I have a bajillion missed calls.”

“From who?”

“The SBV probably trying to figure out if I’m dead.”

Ace gestures to my phone. “Well call them back. Let them know that you’re okay.” As I called Boss, Ace asked. “Why did they all leave you anyways? You were way outnumbered.”

“I told them too.”

“How you were a dragon?”

I motioned for her to shut up as Boss answered the phone. “Z?”

“Yeah.”

“Thank God, you’re alive. We were so worried. Don’t pull a stunt like that again. That’s the last time we listen to you when you say go. You could have died. How did you even survive?”

I glanced at Ace. “Uh, that’s actually a funny story.”

I could imagine Boss raising his eyebrow. “Oh really? Pray tell.”

“The Angel saved me.” I blurted.

“...”

“Boss?”

I could hear him sigh. “So you’re telling me that your arch nemesis saved your life?”

“Yes?”

“How in the world did that come about Z?”

I chuckled nervously. “That’s also a funny story.”

“You have some explaining to do.”

“I know. I know.”

“You should start explaining.”

“Okay, okay.”

“Like, right now.”

“Basically, the Angel is my childhood friend who also happens to be my true love soulmate.”

Boss’ sarcasm was so thick it could cut. “That’s perfectly normal.”

I looked at Ace again who just standing there awkwardly and took a deep breath. “I don’t want do be a villain anymore.”

“What!?” Boss growled through the phone. “Is this because of your new hero girlfriend? Are you betraying us because of this person you just met?”

I winced. “I’m not betraying anyone. And no, it’s not because of Ace. You know I’ve never liked this.”

“I know Z, but you also know that we don't really have a choice.”

“What if we did?”

“What else are we supposed to do Z?’

“Start our own company slash business?”

“Like what? Z this is ridiculous, were villains, fighters, what can we do in a business?”

“Can we at least ask the others? I am sick of always being the villain.”

Boss sighed and finally relented. “Fine. I’ll ask, and I’ll get back to you. Goodbye.”

I muttered “Bye,” but he had already hung up. I groaned and sat don on my couch tossing my phone on the ground in front of me.

Ace came and sat next to me, placing a comforting arm around my shoulder. “What happened?”

I groaned and leaned into Ace. “Stuff. Boss doesn’t think it’ll work, thinks I’m betraying them.”

Ace pulled me closer. “You’re not betraying them. You’re just trying to change.”

I sighed. “I don’t know if I can. Boss’ right. I don’t know how to go anything but fight.”

“You seem to know a lot of magic.”

“Combat magic, or healing.”

“Healing is useful.” Ace suggested.

“Not without the right licensing which requires schooling which requires money which I don’t have.” I countered.

“You’re strong. You could do construction work or contracting, maybe yard work or landscaping.”

“Those all require skill.” I looked up at Ace from my slouched position next to her. “Just forget Ace. Boss is right. It won’t work.” I pulled myself away from Ace and sat up.

She looked up at me, disappointed. “Does this mean you’re just going to go back to villainy?”

I shrugged, not meeting her gaze. “I guess so. I don't have any other options.”

Ace sighed and stood. “I guess then we will have to go back to be strangers.”

I stood quickly, staring at her. “What? Why?”

“Because I can’t in my right mind date someone who breaks the law on the regular.”

“I don’t have a choice.” I argued.

Anger was rising in her tone. “Then make a choice. Do something, try something. Try anything.”

I matcher her anger with my own. “I did try something else. It didn’t work. I almost froze to death, and I was starving all the time, completely reliant on strangers generosity. THat’s no way to live, and I am not going to live like that. I am almost not going to betray the people who helped me live, my family, the SBV.”

She crossed her arms. “I guess we’re at a standoff then.”

I tried to think of something, anything that could convince Ace to not just leave. My phone went off from the corner and I glanced between it and her. “Can I take it? Will" you leave?”

She shook her head. “No, I’ll wait. You can take it.”

I darted over to the couch and grabbed my phone. It was Boss. “Yeah Boss?”

“Z, you know that idea you had?”

“The one from like 15 minutes ago? The business?”

“Yeah, well-”

“”Forget about it you were right, it can’t work.”

“No, Z listen. I asked the others about it and they wanted to meet up and try to figure something out. You almost dying, shocked them quite a bit. They don’t want to be doing this anymore. It’s grown to dangerous with that rival gang showing up. We can’t get away with the same stuff we did before.”

I stood staring blankly, processing. “What...”

“Were you not listening?”

“No, no I was, I just don’t understand...” I trailed off.

“Do I need to spell it out? You were right, it’s time for change.”

“Okay... but how?”

He sighed, I could sense his exasperation even through the telephone. “By the business idea... Z are you okay? Where have you been the past few minutes? It’s like you don’t remember the conversation we had earlier.”

“I’m fine, just got a lot on my mind. What business could we do?”

“That is still to be decided. We were hoping to meet up tomorrow to discuss.”

“Okay... just text or call me with the time and place.”

“Of course Z, now go sort out your ‘stuff.’”

“Right, thanks, bye.”

“Bye.” He hung up.

Ace looked at me expectantly, arms crossed leaning against the door. “What was that? I’m assuming you weren��t planning your next raid right in front of me.” I shook my head. “No...”

She raised an eyebrow. “Then what?”

“Boss wants to discuss a plan for change tomorrow.”

She smiled. “Isn’t that good?” “Yeah...”

She stood up and walked towards me. “Then why do you look so glum? This means we can make something work.”

I shook my head. “No, it means that we’re going to get our hopes up and then have them crushed and be back to square one.”

She shook her head in confusion. “What’s with the pessimism, Z?”

“I don’t know. It just all seems impossible. Everything is always nice in theory and messy when you try to get it to actually work.” My anger was growing although I tried to keep my tone neutral.

Ace met my angry gaze. “Why are you angry at me? I haven’t done anything.”

I growled, running my hands through my hair, exasperated. “I’m not mad at you. I-” “It sure seems that way Z.” She was also growing angry.

“I’m mad at everything Ace, not just you. I’m mad that I have to choose between having a sustainable life or having an honest one. I’m mad because I don’t see a way that your idea could work. I’m mad that you can’t seem to grasp my situation.” I sighed lowering my hands. “So, yes, I suppose I am mad at you. I’m mad that everything is black and white to you. You only see me as a villain when I’m just trying to survive. We’re all just trying to survive Ace, why can't you understand that?”

I saw her jaw clench as she paused before answering. “I do understand Z-” “No you don’t.”

She glared at me. “Let me finish. I do understand, and I definitely don't see everything as black and white. If that was the case you would be dead right now.”

“Then why won’t you just accept that I’m a villain.”

“Because you aren’t trying to change. You say that you don’t want to be a villain, but you don’t try to change it. You considered it for all of an hour then immediately flipped the script.” She growled in frustration. “You think I’m mad because your a villain, no, I’m mad because you are not trying to change. You’ve just given up.” She sighed, her anger dissipating. “Why won’t you try harder to find another way to survive? You almost died. You could have died.” SHe looked up from where her gaze had fallen to the floor to meet mine. “I don’t want to lose you because your means of survival got you killed.”

“And I don’t want to die. But-”

“But what?”

“But I want to be able to independently support myself. Apparently, I can't have both within the law.”

She looked up at me pleadingly. “Then why are you so quick to shut this idea down?”

I turned away from her penetrating gaze. “I don’t want to be disappointed again.”

She came up behind and placed a hand on my shoulder. “Again?”

I nodded turning my head to face her. “Yes, again.”

“Who disappointed you?” She asked in a whisper.

“Myself.” I answered, almost inaudibly. “My expectations.” She pulled me gently into a hug, silently urging me to continue. I took a deep breathe as emotions threatened to choke me. “I always expected that I would find a way to fix my situation, but it just kept getting worse, so... so I gave up. I just accepted that my fate was to be a villain.” I bent my head, burying it in Ace’s shoulder. “I already lost this battle Ace. I don’t want to lose again.”

She backed up and used her hand to raise my head to meet her gaze. “You won’t lose. You’re not alone this time. You have me.”

She leaned up to kiss me, and I froze in shock.

She pulled away. “I’m sorry, I shouldn't have.”

I shook my head and leaned down to kiss her again. She happily returned it, but I was forced to pull away as my lungs pleaded for air. “Don’t be sorry.”

She smiled, tears of joy welling in her eyes before she wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me in for another kiss.

14.8

I walked down the street, silently contemplating the whirlwind that had become my life, while people rushed by dealing with their own problems. Last night I had convinced Ace that she needed to go home, because she still had work the next day. Shortly after Ace left, I had fallen asleep, exhausted. I now found myself avoiding accidentally running into people as I made my way to Boss’ house for the meeting. It was times like these when I had to walk across the whole city that I wished I could turn into something less conspicuous than a giant purple dragon to fly. Oh well, I guess it kept me in shape.

Finally, I rounded the corner and saw Boss’ house with several cars in front of it. I took the stairs by two and knocked on his front door. He swung it open, with his ever present moody scowl. “‘Bout time you showed up. I was starting to wonder if you bailed on the meeting for your idea.”

I shook my head. “No, I wouldn’t do that.”

He raised his eyebrow in skepticism. I ignored it. I walked passed him into the living room. He closed the door and followed behind me.

When Muffin saw me they leapt up and enveloped my in a bone-crushing hug. “You’re okay. Gosh, we were so worried.”

“Yes, I’m okay. A friend helped me out.”

Muffin released me returning to her seat as I grabbed one on the floor by the couch. Devil raised an eyebrow. “A friend? Don’t you mean the Angel?”

“Yes she’s a-”

Boss cut me off. “Enough. We should cut to the chase. Ideas for a business we could feasibly and legally do.”

Steph shrugged. “How about an odd jobs shop? People come to use with random jobs that might not have a specific profession. Could be painting or carpentry or construction...”

Boss nodded. “That could work.”

Devil cut in. “How will we get customers? Why would people come to us?”

“Because we would do jobs efficiently and well for a reasonable price.” Muffin suggested.

“Yeah, but how do they know that?” Devil pushed.

“We can pay for ads.” T suggested.

Steph added. “Especially in the bad end of town a lot of people can’t afford more professional carpenters or professionals won’t work for them so they would be willing to get jobs from us. Especially if they recognize Z and I who live there.”

Boss clapped his hand together, standing up. “Sounds like a plan, unless anyone has objections. I’ll buy a building to be our office and, T, can you take care of advertising. Steph, Z, and Muffin you can be our main workers since you’re the strongest, and Z can help with her magic. Devil you can help me on the business end of things since you seem to have a knack for the details. I’ll let you know when we can get started. Now, I need to get to work.”

He left, but before wwe all left, Ocean finally piped up. “Don’t forget you’ll need to choose a new name to go by since our villain names will blow our cover. We still are criminals, although the law can’t get us unless they know who we are.”

I nodded. “Good point Ocean.”

Against my better judgement, I couldn’t stop hope from building as I walked home. This might actually work. I plugged in my headphones as I walked back to my apartment to pass the time. As of such, I was caught completely unawares when suddenly I was lifted off my feet. I Immediately teleported out of the strangers grasp, landing in a crouched position on someone's grass. I summoned a magical dagger with a wave of my hand and scanned the skies for my attacker.

I relaxed and stood back to full height, as I recognized Ace who was confusedly flying back to the ground. 

She landed and raised an eyebrow. “The dagger really?”

I dissipated it quickly as I felt heat rising to my cheeks. “You startled me.”

She quickly pecked me on the check before grabbing my hand and dragging me back down the street.

I followed, if, admittedly, hesitant. “What’s got you so chipper?”

“Nothing, just had a good day. How was yours? How did the meeting go?”

I paused, if only to process her rapid speech. “Uh, umm, it went well. Boss is going to contact us when we start working.”

Her wings spread slightly as she smiled and pulled me into a hug before kissing me. “Yes! I told you Z. It would work.”

I smiled. “Yeah, you did.” I backed up from her and my face fell. “But it hasn’t worked yet we have yet to get any money from it.”

She kissed me again. “Have some optimism Z. Now come with me. We’re having dinner at my place.”

I stopped raising my eyebrow and crossing my arms. “And, when were you going to tell me this.”

“Uh, right now. It’s not like your doing anything.”

I sighed, uncrossing my arms. “I guess I’m not, but I would like a little warning.”

SHe nodded. “Of course. I’ll try to tell you in the future, but I still need your number.”

“Oh.” I laughed. “Yeah, I guess we forgot about that yesterday.”

She blushed. “I got a little distracted.” SHe grabbed my phone that I offered to her to put her number it. “It’s your fault anyways.”

I gasped with false drama. “How is it my fault?”

She poked me in the chest. “You’re just too hot.” She backed up obviously checking me out. “I mean you’re 6’5” of muscle. How could I not be distracted?”

I turned away blushing. “So, this dinner...”

She laughed. “Yeah, come on. I’ll carry you.”

I hesitated. “Can you? I mean you are shorter than me and not as strong.”

“I’m strong enough.” She defended.

“Okay.” I relented. “But, don’t blame me when you get tired.”

“God, you’re heavy.” Ace complained as we finally arrived at her house. She set me down and leaned against the wall, catching her breathe. 

“I warned you.”

She glared at me. “Not helpful.”

“What you have me do? I don’t know which apartment is yours.”

She finally stood back up. “You could carry me up the stairs. I’m on the third floor.”

I sighed walking over to her. “Of course you are. How am I supposed to pick you up though? Won’t wings get in the way?”

“Stop making excuses.” She wrapped one arm around my neck. “Just carry me.”

I sighed. “Okay, but I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You won’t.” She assured me as I picked her up. She was surprisingly light. I quickly climbed up the stairs, but paused once I reached the third floor. 

There were three possible direction. “Where do I go?”

“Left.”

I glanced down at her. “Okay, just tell me when we’re there.”

I started down the hallway glancing at the room numbers. 230. 231.

When we reached 272, I groaned. “What even is your room number, Ace?”

“Uh, 297.”

I stopped. “Really, Ace. Wasn’t that down the hallway to the right? Did you make me just go in a giant circle?”

She tried to hide her smile. “Maybe?”

I sighed as we finally reached her room. “Why?” I set her down so she could unlock the door.

“Because I like being carried by you.”

I rolled my eyes as she unlocked the door. “So laziness.”

She turned and quickly kissed me before taking off her shoes. “Nope, just you. I like you and I like being close to you, but you’re always so closed off.”

I shrugged as I closed the door. “Guess I’m just not used to being touchy feely.”

She straightened and kissed me again before heading to the kitchen. “Well, get used to it.”

I untied my boots slipping them off before following her into the house. “Don’t I have a choice?”

She shook her head as she began grabbing stuff from all around her kitchen. “Nope, you’re dating me.”

I leaned against her counter. “So we're dating now. You haven’t even taken me on a date.”

She stopped moving turning to face me. “Wait, but we’re soulmates and we kissed doesn’t that make us a couple.”

I shrugged, enjoying making her flustered. Besides I wanted payback from making me carry her around the building. “Nope. Pretty sure you need to ask me out.”

She walked up to me, coming really close with a smirk on her face. She kissed me suddenly, surprising me, then pulled back, victorious. “Doesn’t this count as a date?”

“Uh, Yeah, I suppose.”

She flashed a victorious smile my way before returning to her tasks. “So like I said we’re dating.”

I glared at her. How did she manage to always get her way? “Yes, I suppose we are.” I glanced at the seemingly random food she had pulled out. I walked up and peered over her shoulder as she chipped up some vegetables. “Now, what are you making your girlfriend?”

She turned at tapped my nose. “That is a surprise.” She handed me a chicken breast. “Now be a dear and cut this up will you?”

I sighed grabbing the breast and a knife. “Okay I will buy only if you take me to the movies later.”

She smiled. “It’s a date.”

14.8

“I hate you.”

“You’re a monster.”

 I turned around my tail tucked protectively around my legs as I pulled my wings in tight shrinking I to myself. The faceless figures closed in around me chanting their insults. 

“Beast.”

“Killer.”

”Villain.”

”Heartless.”

”Evil.”

One figure came closer and I could make out it’s face. Ace. I tried to retreat but was blocked. Ace sauntered forwards holding her staff. She poked my chest and I could sense the magic gathering in it.

“Kidnapper. Attacker.”

Overwhelming heat in my chest. 

I woke with a gasp. I sat up and turned away from where Ace was sleeping next to me. I felt tears welling in my eyes and moved to wipe them away with my hand and found my cheeks already damp from tears. I struggled to hold back tears but silent tears racked me. It wasn’t the first time I’d had that nightmare or some variation of it. Sometimes it would be child Ace, but it was always Ace. I thought maybe they would stop now that I knew that Ace hadn’t betrayed me, but I was wrong. 

It still hurt. The words my own brain crafted against me. Only one was a lie, but only just. She’d come close. Every word was like a dagger through the heart. All she’d ever wanted was for someone to look at her, the real her, not her human form, without fear. Like Ace used too. But that was impossible now. Everyone who watched the news, faceless figures, every time they saw me they regarded me with fear, hatred, or anger. I’d seen it hundreds of times while sitting in The Eagle. I’d heard the comments. All true.

Another fit off sobs racked me and I struggled to stay quite. I ground the heels of my  hands into my forehead. Why couldn’t I handle the truth? It’d been years. I wasn’t a kid anymore. I stood from the bed heading to the bathroom. I ran the tap splashing water in my face. I needed to get it together and fall back asleep before Ace noticed. I didn’t want to have to explain to Ace why I was crying. At least the water covered my tears, although my eyes were still red. I shut the tap off leaning against the sink staring in the mirror. My dead eyes stared back at me.

I headed back to the bed to see Ace propping herself up on one arm staring at me. “What’s up Z?”

I shrugged. “Nothing.” How’d she know that I was up? I hadn’t even turned lights on, relying on my night vision from being a dragon.

She raised her eyebrows while pushing herself up into a seated position. “Really? Then why aren’t you asleep? I miss your warmth your like a living heater.”

I offered a weak smile at the joke. “Just had to go to the bathroom.”

“That’s why you were crying?”

I quickly masked my surprise, she’d been awake? “No.” I sighed. “It was just a nightmare. No big deal, now let’s go to sleep. You still have work in the morning. I don’t want to keep you up.”

She persisted. “At least tell me what it was about.”

I dropped my gaze. “Nothing, like I said. Now come on let’s just go to sleep.”

I laid down with my back to her. She grabbed my arm. “Z what aren’t you telling me?”

I shrugged her arm off. “Nothing, alright. Drop it.”

She came closer filling me into my back. “Come on Z. You can open up to me. You can trust me.”

I rolled back away from her scooting closer to the edge off the bed. “I said drop it.” My irritation was growing, and no doubt was coming through in my tone. 

Still she persisted despite the signs, putting her hand back on my arm.  “Come on Z. Talk to me.”

I pushed her hand away. “It was you alright. Now leave me alone.” I snapped. 

I could feel her move away, before the quiet question cut through the silence. “Me?”

I didn’t feel like explaining. There’s no way she could understand. She was fucking perfect. A fucking angel. The poster child of the heroes. “I told you to drop it.”

“I’m not going to drop it. How could I be your nightmare? I’m your true love.”

“And my worst enemy.” I spat, tired of this conversation. “Drop it Ace. I don’t want to talk.”

Still she persisted. Why won’t she just drop it? “But I want to.”

I’d had enough. I got up grabbing my jacket from where I’d discarded it on a chair. “I’m going. I’ll see you later Ace.”

She stood up and grabbed my arm stopping me. “Wait why? It’s 3 am.”

I pulled away. “Because you can’t respect that I don’t want to talk. Stop expecting me to be you. I’m not affectionate and I don’t talk about my feelings.”

“But Ace, talking is good.”

I shrugged off her comment. “I’ve been managing fine for years.”

I walked out of her apartment, shutting the door behind me to end the conversation. Ugh. I wished I had my necklace. I could use with going for a flight to clear my head. Maybe once I got home. I pulled out my headphones and put them in losing myself in the music. I didn’t want to think. Not about my dream and definitely not about Ace. 

Lost in my music I wasn’t paying attention and suddenly I was pulled into an alleyway roughly by a strange man. He shoved my against the wall and began trying to undo my belt. His mistake. I brought up my knee hard I to his crotch. He jumped backwards cursing in pain. 

I summoned a dagger and held the purple magic blade against his throat as I reversed our positions pinning him against the wall. “I suggest you think twice before you try that again.” I cast a deliberate glance towards his crotch. “Maybe I should give you a little reminder. “ I stared straight into his eyes. “It’d be a little harder to rape someone without that don’t ya think?” I stepped back letting him go. “Just remember I know you now. And I will know if you try this shit on someone else. And I will do more than just kick you in the balls.”

He ran away terrified and I smirked to myself. Of course I had no real way off tracking him. I could have used magic but that would be draining for extended periods of time. Hopefully, the threat would be enough to discourage him. I returned to the street and continued my walk home, dissipating the dagger.

14.9 (might not include, not sure if it fits)

I was almost home when I was pulled into another ally. I reached for my magic but gasped as I was unable to. I looked down and found that I had been stabbed with a dagger by this mysterious figure.

The figure brought their face right next to mine as I groaned as pain began spreading out from my wound. “Long time no see, Z. How’s dear old mom doing these days? Oh right. She’s dead. How could I forget?”

My body stopped responding to me and I slumped against the wall held up only by my assailant. “You sick bastard.” I forced out.

He laughed. “Your family owes mine a debt Z. Your mom couldn’t pay, but you will.”

I tried to open my mouth but he clamped his hand over it. “Don’t bother arguing. You don’t have a choice. You see my family specializes in enchanting, and this dagger well it’s cut you off from your magic and a poison is slowly spreading through your body. When you next wake I will have complete control over you.” I fought against the blackness of unconsciousness, but to no avail. 

When I next woke I was in my dragon form with a metal collar around my neck. I scrambled to my feet searching for that sick bastard John. 

I saw him and lunged toward him, but he just shook his head tutting. “I don’t think so. Sit down.”

Suddenly I was sitting. I tried to stand. 

“Nope, stay.”

I tried to get up but a crippling pain shot through my body from the collar and I couldn’t budge. 

John laughed. “I wouldn’t try to resist Z. It’s useless. Now I’m going to have some fun. From what I understand, you used to have a close childhood friend, an angel I believe.” John pretended to remember something. “Ah that’s right. The Angel. Now she happens to be a hero and your a villain. Go attract her attention.  Let’s start by destroying the X Corp building.”

My body moved on its own flying out of the warehouse I was in and towards the X Corp building. Even though John was still standing behind me, I could still hear his voice in my head. 

Smash through the building. Right in the middle.

I dove down crashing through the building, a spell prevented my own injury but the rest of the building came crashing down. I didn’t even want to think about how many people were inside. 

Set it on fire.

No. No. No. No. my body didn’t listen to my desperate pleas, and soon I had bathed the entire building in my flame. I could see heroes approaching. 

Take them all out but save the Angel for last. 

I turned towards the hero and sent a wave of flame towards them. The Angel and Magicians deflected, but the shifters were knocked out of the sky. I dove after them and latched my jaws around one of them. I felt myself release venom into the body and I cringed at least he wouldn’t die. The other shifter had hit the ground though and I didn’t know if he would be so lucky.

Ace hadn’t been pelting me with fire. Ugh. She probably thinks I betrayed her. That I lied. That I made everything up. No, I couldn’t ruin this. I tried to turn away as I dove for the other two magicians but the pain came back. My body barely faltered and soon the magicians were also in questionable states of near death. Only Ace was left. 

Kill her.

Ace was finally fighting back sending dragonfire at me. I didn’t dodge simply healing the injury instead. She hesitated and flew away as she charged another blast. I continued barrelling towards her at full speed, spewing flame. She tried to dodge, but I hit one of her wings. She crashed into a building and I landed in front of her. She scrambled back from me and found herself at the ledge. I slowly stalked forward, flame building in my mouth. 

I tried to fight it I tried to break John’s control. Ace couldn’t die. I couldn't kill her. I ignored the pain and managed to stop myself although I couldn’t turn away. 

Kill her. 

My right leg moved forward. The pain was almost overwhelming. I could barely think through the blinding pain. Like burning fire and shooting pains and stinging needles and a ache all over. Every pain ever seemed to be happening right now. Despite my struggles my left leg moved forward. The pain caused my vision to blur and suddenly fire. It cleared and I saw nothing. I looked around rapidly trying to locate Ace. She was being carried away by Ocean. The rest of the SBV was running towards me, attacking me. 

Kill them all.

My body sprung into action as my mental power faded. I struggled to regain any control but failed. They outnumbered me and they knew all my weaknesses. Steph climbed onto my back where I couldn’t reach them. She sank her daggers into the soft spot where my neck met my body. I roared in pain. T circled back and landed on my wing as an elephant crushing it. I was grounded now. 

I was glad they were winning. I needed to be stopped. My body didn’t agree though and fought against them. I knocked muffin off the roof with my tail. Boss landed on my back dropped by Ocean who had returned. I spun trying to shake him and Steph off. Suddenly, I stopped. The collar fell to the roof with a metal clank. Boss had cut it off with his enchanted swords. I stopped moving, stopped fighting, stopped struggling. 

Boss swung off my back to stand in front of me. “Z?”

I nodded.

Steph appeared beside him, taking off her cloak she held it out. “Shift. Use this to cover yourself.”

I obeyed and wrapped her cloak around me ignoring the blood dripping down my back and my broken arm. 

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” Tears began falling down my face as I stared at the ground unable to look at my friends if they were even that anymore. 

“Get her out of here.” Boss commanded. “We’ll figure this out later. For now we need to disappear before more heroes show up.”

Ocean grabbed me and carried me back to her house. The rest of the SBV following. I tried to resist the beckoning emptiness of unconsciousness, where I could escape my pain and guilt. I felt my eyes drift shut. It would be so easy to just give in. To not have to deal with the blood soaking me, the shearing pain in my arm and back, the splitting headache.

“Stay with us Z you still have some explaining to do.” Ocean urged. 

I blearily opened my eyes. “I’m sorry.” I muttered before I gave in the the blackness. 

#good villain #this ones longer #supervillain #superheroes #dragon #elementals #various other people with powers #writing #not edited

[werewolfdays]

Interview With A Werewolf

in which Nadya starts to really ask some questions-

This was the first real hike that Jayde and I have been on since we got to the Lodge. It was a beautiful day, the forest was teaming with life, and I was excited to start exploring the vast forested grounds. I took in a deep breath of the fresh mountain air and watched Jayde as we walked. Every now and then she would stop and listen, or watch through the tree line like she was waiting for something to pop out. It wasn’t necessarily like she was afraid for our safety, it was more of a curious energy. It reminded me of when I walked my neighbor’s dog and he would stop in his tracks at any noise, enthralled by every possibility of the source until his attention span pulled him along again only to be distracted by another rustle in the bushes or scent by a tree. 

Then, I felt guilty for making that comparison. Jayde wasn’t a dog. Even if she sometimes kind of looked the part. I was fascinated by all that she must be sensing, though. I knew werewolf senses were far better than humans, but I still didn’t know the full extent of them. Maybe I wouldn’t be able to comprehend it unless I experienced it myself. That got the wheels in my head turning.

I thought about that for most of our hike. I’ve hiked plenty of times in the past, and I was in good shape, but even I eventually found myself starting to breathe harder, perspiration causing my shirt to stick to my back a little. When I looked at Jayde, I could tell she was barely even breaking a sweat. Must be convenient being a supernatural being with increased strength and endurance. 

About an hour into the hike we found a fallen tree with a gorgeous view to take a break at. It was more me needing the break than Jayde. I reached into my pack to pull out my water bottle and some trail snacks. While I was taking slow sips, I began contemplating it again. Maybe I should just ask.

“I have a question.” 

Jayde turned her attention to me, “Shoot.” 

“If you wanted to, could you turn me?” Surprised by my own approach to the subject, I was suddenly stricken by social awkwardness and quickly added, “Into a werewolf.” Like the question wasn’t obvious enough.

An unreadable expression crossed Jayde’s face as she stared at me silently for a long while. The moment continued to stretch out, and I began to worry that I had said something wrong. Like I had broken an unspoken rule. Was I not supposed to ever ask this?

Eventually, she responded plainly with, “Yeah, I could.”

Jayde hadn’t given me any other indication not to talk more about the subject so I asked, “How would it happen?”

“I would bite you. Or some of my blood would have to enter your bloodstream.” Her tone was calm, but that unreadable expression remained. I couldn’t decide if it made me uneasy or not.

“What happens after that?” I pressed.

She finally looked away from me, fiddling with some of the loose bark on the log we were sitting on, “You would get sick for about a week or so. Really sick. Your body basically has to remake itself. It’s painful.” 

I could tell there was something more to it, “What else?”

Her hard gaze met mine, “It doesn’t happen that often, but there’s a chance that your body could reject the change. If it does, it will kill you.” 

“Are you trying to scare me?” That must be why she was behaving so strangely right now. She was afraid that I was going to ask her to turn me. 

“I don’t know,” Jayde responded and resumed her picking at the bark, “I just want you to read the fine print, I guess.” 

I moved to straddle the fallen log we were sitting on so I could face her, and placed my hand on top of hers to stop her fidgeting, “Hey,” I said, using my other hand to gently tap a finger under her chin, urging her to look at me. Once I saw that I had her attention, I continued, “I’m not asking because I want you to turn me, okay? I was just curious. If I had known it was gonna bother you this much I wouldn’t have asked at all. I can drop it if you want.” 

Jayde’s shoulders visibly relaxed, and she let out a small, relieved sigh. I couldn’t figure out why it mattered so much to her. If anything I would’ve thought that she wanted me to be a werewolf. That didn’t seem to be the case at all, which surprised me. 

“Maybe lead with that next time, so I don’t get a heart attack.” She said.

My thumb brushed her hand to assure her, “Why does it scare you?” 

Jayde sighed in mild frustration. “Well, because of what I just told you. It isn’t easy. It’s dangerous and agonizing. I had the benefit of being born like this. People that are turned have to work twice as hard to be like what I am. It takes years for a new werewolf to get a good handle on it. Most of the scary stories you hear about werewolves tearing people apart? That’s usually someone that was newly turned.”

“So, you think it would turn me into a monster.” There was no desire in me to be a werewolf, but there was something about Jayde’s tone that irked me. Like she thought I wasn’t strong enough to handle it. 

“No,” Jayde shook her head, “No, I don’t think anything would be able to turn you into a monster, but it would change you. And if you didn’t like what you became, then there’s no undoing it. You would hate your own existence, and I can’t- I won’t risk that with you.”

Any animosity I felt faded away at her words. It wasn’t about her at all, it was about me. How I would feel and react to being a werewolf. Again I was struck by how much Jayde actually loved me. 

“I’m sorry.” I told her genuinely, feeling bad. “Look, I honestly don’t want to be a werewolf. At least not any time soon. I just realized that I’ve never really asked you about the whole,” I motioned at her awkwardly, “Werewolfie thing.” 

Jayde’s sigh turned into a light laugh, “I didn’t mean to be weird… I love what I am. And I guess, in a sense, I would love it if you were like me too, but,” she took a moment to shake her head, “I don’t want to change you into something that you don’t want to be. If you asked me to turn you, and you ended up hating it, then that would be on me.” 

“It would be on me, Jay.” I corrected. 

“When you turn someone, you’re responsible for them.” Jayde said softly, “So, it would be your choice, but it would be my fault.”

I understood, then, that her frustration was more rooted in her werewolf culture, but I didn’t want her to hold any more guilt in her life. Even hypothetical. “Well, if that ever happens, I wouldn’t blame you.” 

“You should.” Jayde replied. 

I held her gaze for a minute or so, feeling how seriously she took this scenario. The air around us was filled with a heaviness. This wasn’t a topic that Jayde enjoyed, even with it just being my curiosity. I didn’t want her to be uncomfortable anymore, but I also wanted to know more, so I decided on a slight shift in my questioning.

“What was it like for you?”

“To turn for the first time?” She asked, and I nodded, “Well, for purebreds, we don’t usually turn until around puberty. The first turn is always on a full moon, and it’s always unavoidable.” 

“For people that are turned too?” 

Jayde nodded with a confirming hum, “The full moon always calls out to us, but the more you work on your control, the easier it is to avoid a turn during one if you want. Though, most of us like to turn on a full moon. It’s better to.” She took a sip of water and brought the conversation back to my original question, “You’ll get signs about a week before your first turn to let you know that it’s coming. For me, my bones ached, I was irritable, and I had bursts of increased senses and strength.” 

“That seems like a bad combination.” I noted. 

Jayde chuckled, “Yeah, I was a nightmare to be around during that time. One night, I slammed my door so hard that it broke the door frame, and I wasn’t even really trying.”

I couldn’t hold back an amused laugh, “The look on your face must’ve been priceless.”

“Better believe it.” She agreed, and then her smile became somewhat sad, “My parents were pretty patient with me, though. I guess they understood what I was going through. They had this tradition that when someone in the family is going to have their first turn, they take them deep into the wilderness to camp. They told me all about the history of our species. How we always felt more at home when we were consumed by nature and could run free in our wolf forms. And they were right.” 

“Did it hurt?”

“The first turn is always the worst, even for a purebred. If I had fought it, then it would’ve been a lot worse, but it wasn’t unbearable. Once I let go…” Jayde was looking out into the forest with a wistful expression, “Well, it finally felt like I was who I was supposed to be.” 

I smile at her, at the obvious joy she felt from her memories. The fact that Jayde had always had this strong sense of self was admirable. It made me wonder if I had anything like that. If there was a quality that was so deeply rooted in my soul that no one could take it away or change it. Surprisingly, I had never really thought about it before. 

“I’m glad,” I brought her hand up to touch my lips briefly, “Because who you are is the person I love.” 

Jayde’s cheeks displayed a subtle tint in color, and she smiled almost shyly. I loved how I could make her blush. Here was this sexy, badass werewolf, that I’ve seen knock out a grown man with one punch, and I could make her blush. 

“You know, for the record, I think you would make a pretty good werewolf.” she told me, her bashful smile turning into a crooked grin. 

I laughed even though I knew she was speaking the truth, “I’ll keep that in mind, Jay.”

Her hand came up to caress my cheek, and I leaned into her touch. Through her amusement, I caught the faintest bit of something in her eyes. Maybe fear or... dread. It disappeared as quickly as it came, and I wondered if I only imagined it. Before I could think too much about it, Jayde dropped her hand and looked around. “You ready to keep going?”

I nodded, deciding that what I may or may not have seen didn’t warrant questioning, “Yeah.”

#ocs #original characters #original writing #original story #My writing #Nadya was lowkey dying to ask these questions since she found out that Jayde is a werewolf #and she HAS asked questions here and there #but nothing deeper like this cause she thought they were very personal questions #and they kind of are cause Jayde has never had to explain these things to anyone before #but Jayde will always answer any questions that Nadya has #Jayde #Nadya #Nadya pov

[starship-squidlet]

you’re here

A/N: Hey, all! Sorry for the long delay with the updates on this; we switched Wi-Fi providers and couldn't get the password to our new network for a week! But, now it's back, and I've been writing the whole time, so there are lots more stories coming here!

Word Count: 1,554

Summary: Kurapika ends up in the hospital from not taking care of himself. Leorio picks him up, but wants a promise in exchange.

Disclaimer: I do not own Hunter X Hunter, Kurapika, or Leorio, but I do own this story! Cross-posting to FF.net and Ao3 as ChocolatteKitty-Kat, and Tumblr as maliciousbubbl3s.

Kurapika started awake as Leorio rolled away from him to turn off his alarm. Kurapika groaned and rolled too, wrapping his arms around Leorio’s chest and burying his face in Leorio’s shoulder. “Don’t go,” he mumbled, hooking a leg over Leorio’s hip for good measure.

“I have class,” Leorio sighed, squeezing Kurapika’s hand.

“Skip,” Kurapika suggested.

“I can’t skip it,” Leorio chuckled. “I miss too many when you’re home anyways. And don’t you have to work?”

“I’ll call in sick,” Kurapika said as Leorio pushed his leg away and pulled his hands apart.

“Right, because mob bosses are usually pretty generous with their sick days,” Leorio teased as he climbed out of bed.

“I’m not working for the mob right now,” Kurapika replied. “I’m just a glorified security guard. There are a million people who could replace me.”

“You don’t want to lose the job,” Leorio said gently, leaning down to kiss Kurapika’s temple.

"I can get another one," Kurapika mumbled, reaching out to grab Leorio's wrist, but the other deftly evaded him.

"Not today," Leorio said, gentle but firm.

Kurapika slid down under the blankets, wrapping them around himself as he sulkily watched Leorio start to get dressed. "What do you want for dinner?" Leorio asked, turning around as he buttoned up his shirt.

Kurapika sat up, keeping the blankets around his shoulders, and shrugged. "I'm not even hungry for breakfast. Dinner's too far ahead."

"Well, think about it," Leorio shrugged, heading for the bathroom. "Text me if you think of anything during the day."

Kurapika sighed and crawled out of bed, stopping to remake it before he started to get dressed. When he finished, he joined Leorio in the kitchen, heading straight for the coffee maker.

"One or two eggs?" Leorio asked.

"None," Kurapika said. "I'll just make some toast, I think."

"You sure?" Leorio asked.

"Yeah," Kurapika handed him a cup of coffee before pulling the toaster out of its cabinet.

They ate their breakfast in silence, Leorio rushing through his eggs while Kurapika took his time on his single piece of toast. When he was done, Leorio gulped down the last of his coffee and rushed the dishes to the sink. "Hey, eat something else before you go, okay?" he leaned down to wrap an arm around Kurapika's shoulders and kissed him on the cheek.

"Mmhm," Kurapika mumbled, squeezing Leorio's hand briefly before he pulled away. "Have a good day."

"I'll see you tonight," Leorio called over his shoulder as he pulled on his shoes. "Let me know what you think about dinner!"

.*.*.*.*.*.

Leorio yawned as he packed up his things after his last class of the day. He pulled his cell phone out of his briefcase and turned it on, slipping it into his jacket pocket while he waited for the device to boot up.

He didn't pay much attention to his surroundings as he headed for the parking lot, so it took him a while to notice that his phone had started buzzing in his pocket. Surprised, Leorio pulled it out and checked the screen. Three missed calls from Kurapika, two from an unknown number, and three voicemails. Leorio didn't even bother to check the voicemails before calling Kurapika back.

"Hello--"

"What's wrong?" Leorio demanded, yanking the door to his car open and chucking his briefcase inside.

"You didn't listen to your voicemail, did you?"

"What happened?" Leorio demanded again, hardly checking behind him as he started backing the car up.

"Can you just come pick me up?"

"Where?"

"... The hospital."

They both fell silent. Finally, Leorio sighed. "I'm not even going to ask. I'll see you in half an hour." He hung up without waiting for a reply and stared dully at the line of cars in front of him. "Shit!" he swore and smacked the steering wheel.

.*.*.*.*.*.

Once he got to the hospital, it took Leorio a while to get the information he needed out of a desk clerk, since he and Kurapika weren't related. While he waited for the clerk to confirm that he was allowed to go up to Kurapika's room, he sat in the lobby and listened to the voicemails. The first two were from someone at the hospital. One informed him that a person for whom he was listed as an emergency contact had been brought in. The second had slightly more information, namely that Kurapika had been in an unresponsive state when he arrived, but had since woken up.

The third voicemail was from Kurapika himself. Over the recording, Leorio could hear how weak and pained his voice was.

"Leorio, it's me. I just wanted to call and let you know that I'm okay, no matter what the calls from the hospital sounded like. Just, if you can, once you're out of class, can you please come and pick me up? Thank you. Um… I'll see you in a little while."

There was a long pause after that, and Leorio almost deleted the voicemail before he heard the final phrase, whispered at the end of the recording: "I love you."

.*.*.*.*.*.

It took Leorio nearly twenty minutes to get to Kurapika's room. When he entered, he blew through the first half of the room to find Kurapika in the back half, curtained off from the other occupants. Kurapika wore only his white button-down, untucked, and black slacks, his blazer and tie draped over the footboard of the bed. He was sitting cross-legged in the middle of the bed, leaning against the back; his head had fallen back, letting his blond hair fall away from his face, which was paper-white and drawn. Leorio took in his closed eyes and the even rise and fall of his chest and guessed that Kurapika had fallen asleep waiting for him.

He sighed and set his blazer and briefcase aside, pausing to watch Kurapika for a moment, then moved to take a seat on the side of the bed. After another moment, he reached out and brushed the back of his hand against Kurapika's cheek. Kurapika shifted slightly and his blue eyes slowly fluttered open.

"You're here."

"Yeah," Leorio chuckled.

"Took you long enough."

"Yeah, sorry. They didn't want to let me up."

Kurapika nodded and sat upright. He rubbed his eyes before scooting towards the end of the bed for his shoes and jacket. "We can go. They just didn't want me leaving on my own."

"What happened?" Leorio asked gently.

"I guess I was dehydrated or something?" Kurapika shrugged. "They said it wasn't anything serious. They just gave me some fluids and did some tests and said I could leave."

Leorio nodded. He picked up his blazer and briefcase and slung them over his shoulder, while Kurapika pulled on his shoes and slipped into his jacket, stuffing his tie in the pocket. "Ready?" Leorio asked.

"Yeah," Kurapika nodded, offering him a wan smile.

Once they got into the hallway, Leorio draped his free arm around Kurapika's shoulders; the blond wrapped his own arm around Leorio's waist and leaned into the taller man.

"You hungry?" Leorio asked.

"A little," Kurapika laughed.

"Let's go out for dinner."

"Okay."

"What are you hungry for?"

Kurapika paused, then shrugged. "You pick."

"Okay, then. Noodles it is."

"You always pick noodles."

"Well, that's because I like noodles. Do you have a better idea?"

"... No."

.*.*.*.*.*.

Once they were in the privacy of his car and on their way to dinner, Leorio finally addressed the situation. "I need you to do me a favor."

"Huh?" in the passenger seat, Kurapika looked up from his phone.

"Just listen," Leorio said firmly. "I don't want you to say anything until I'm done, okay?" he caught Kurapika's nod out of the corner of his eye and took a deep breath before continuing. "I need you to take better care of yourself. You can't just go around skipping meals and not drinking water. I talked to the nurse before I came up; she said you passed out from low blood sugar and dehydration, and they thought maybe lack of sleep too. You can't just do stuff like that."

He pulled over and put the car in park before turning to look Kurapika in the eyes. "I will do everything I can for you, you know that. But even if I do everything in the world, it won't be enough if you refuse to take care of yourself. Sleep. Eat. Drink something besides coffee and red bull every now and then. But if you're not willing to do that… well, I'm not going to just watch you kill yourself. I can't stand by and watch you waste away. So just… think about that, okay?"

Kurapika nodded slowly. Leorio could see tears welling in his eyes, while red flickered around his blue irises as he fought back his emotions.

"Come on; let's go eat. I'm starving." Leorio broke the silence, and, with a grin and a wink, climbed out of the car, heading for the restaurant. A few moments later, he heard the other door open and close, then running footsteps and Kurapika hurried to catch up to him. A cold hand slipped into his, and Kurapika rested his head on Leorio's shoulder while they walked. Leorio smiled slightly and kissed Kurapika on the head. It wasn't the promise he had wanted, but it was better than nothing.

#Hunter X Hunter #hxh #hxh fanfic #fanfic #fanfiction #leorio paladiknight #leorio #kurapika #kurapika kurta #fluff #domestic fluff #romantic fluff #fluff and romance #domestic #living together #canon compliant #hospital stay #hospitalization #i like it when you sleep for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it #you're here #original #original writing #original post