#I might have escalated that migraine prompt a bit

[skyloftian-nutcase]

For the ask game, migraine with Sky?

Ah, Sky, my baby. <3 I love him so much, I took some liberties, so I hope you don't mind.

Let's have some fun.

(Click here to read on AO3)

The night air was cool, though it felt much warmer and more humid to Sky now that they had spent a few days on Skyloft. The group had just departed his home through a portal, and Sky was eternally grateful that he’d had the opportunity to show them the sights and come to know that no monsters had attacked his home. Although it had taken his brothers a few days to physically adjust to the altitude difference, they’d managed to have a week of peace and relaxation before they had to leave once more. Sky still prayed in thanks for it.

Except now that they were wandering the dark woods in search of a place to camp, Sky felt strangely off. It made no sense, really – he’d just spent the last week relaxing and not doing anything strenuous; there was no reason for him to feel this way. His body felt tired, shaky, ill… he was coughing for no reason, his head was pounding, and his vision was blurred. Maybe he’d walked too much? He’d been taking it easy all week, and his body was downright pathetic in comparison to the others in his group, so he supposed it was possible.

Time mentioned something about trying to find a place with a better clearing rather than the brier they were forced to cut through in their current location. It made sense to Sky; they had a large group, they needed some more space. It would be nice if they could just clear this area for themselves rather than look for something naturally produced, though. Not that he wanted to cut any of the flora, he found it all very beautiful and fascinating, but goddess his head—

Sky lurched forward, stumbling on a root, and his world spun. He crashed into a tree, leaning heavily against it, blinking spots out of his vision. His head felt like it was being stabbed by Ghirahim’s daggers, his stomach felt like it was about to riot, and he couldn’t see.

He was hurting so much and he was so tired.

“Sky?”

The voice was loud, concerned. Sky cringed, mumbling, “’m ok… jus’ need a min…”

“Sky, what’s wrong?”

Sky hissed, sliding to the ground, cradling his head in his hands. Couldn’t they just be quiet and leave him alone for a minute? He could get this under control, but everything was too much. The stabbing sensation in his head only heightened as pressure built up, his eyes welling with tears and his sinuses running.

He felt hands touch him, and he shriveled into himself. He felt awful. He didn’t know what was wrong; Sky didn’t really get migraines, he didn’t suddenly get sick for no reason. Sure, he’d gotten very ill before, but not out of nowhere and not so quickly.

His head was screaming too much for him to piece anything together, but in the back of his mind some kind of nagging, urgent warning screamed.

Skyloft. Altitude sickness.

Surface sickness.

Oh. Oh, oh, oh, oh, no.

“I… I’m going to…” he tried to explain, tried to piece together words and grit through the pain to say that he needed less air, that his body had adapted to the Sky far more than any of theirs, that—

Sky blacked out.

XXX

A strange scent entered Twilight’s nostrils.

He wasn’t really sure how to place it. He’d never smelled anything like this before, but something about it was nagging and it made him nervous. He turned, barely able to pick it up, and decided he should track it to be certain it wasn’t anything bad.

Grabbing his crystal, he said quickly to Time, “I’ll be right back, I need to check something.”

He shifted before Time had a chance to answer, and the scent hit him like a moblin’s club. Following it, he moved to the back of the group where Legend and Hyrule were clustered around Sky, who was leaning against a tree. That’s when Twilight abruptly realized the scent was coming from Sky himself.

But never mind the scent, Sky didn’t look well at all.

Twilight immediately shifted back into his Hylian form, and just as he was about to speak, Sky collapsed. Legend let out a yell of surprise and Twilight and Hyrule both dove to catch their friend. The rest of the group noticed the commotion and rushed over, but the rancher barely registered it.

Sky didn’t just pass out, he was convulsing.

Twilight put a hand on his arm to steady him, worried words on his lips. Sky was so tense, his arm would stiffen and relax and his entire body followed suit. The teenager grimaced but no matter what any of the heroes said, he didn’t acknowledge them.

“What’s wrong with him?” Wind asked worriedly. “Sky, why won’t you talk to us?”

Warriors walked around to Sky’s other side and motioned for Twilight to follow. The rancher did so, reading the expression on the captain’s face as something akin to recognition. “You know what’s happening, don’t you?”

“Yeah,” Warriors muttered, and everyone honed their attention in on him. Rather than explain, though, he said, “Help me get him on his side.”

Twilight did as instructed, though it was surprisingly difficult since Sky’s entire body was fighting the motion tooth and nail. It wasn’t even like he was trying to push them off or anything, but he was so rigid that it was like trying to roll a misshapen, heavy wooden plank. Just as they got Sky onto his right side, his entire body suddenly relaxed, and he let out a deep exhale and stilled.

And stopped breathing.

“Sky? Sky! Sky!” Legend yelled, shaking him as everyone became alarmed. “What the hell did you two just do, he’s—”

Sky’s chest rose and fell.

And everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

“What the hell was that?!” Wild asked no one in particular.

Legend immediately glared at Warriors. “You said you know what’s going on?”

The captain watched Sky as he knelt behind his back, a supportive hand on his shoulder. “Seizure. One of my men back in the war got a bad head wound and started having them, so I’ve seen a few. Looked just like that.”

“A head wound?” Hyrule asked, immediately running his hands through Sky’s hair, feeling over his scalp for any sign of injury. “But he’s not hurt. Has anyone seen him get hurt recently?”

“When would he have gotten hurt, we’ve been on Skyloft this whole time!” Legend noted, throwing his hands in the air.

Four looked at Twilight, eyes distant in thought. “Do you think it has to do with the altitude?”

Everyone quieted, looking at the smithy.

Upon noticing their scrutiny, he shrugged. “We got sick from being up there, could it be possible he gets sick when he first comes down to the surface? I’ve felt a little ill all morning, and I know you guys haven’t felt the best either. Nothing compared to when we were up there, but maybe it’s opposite for Sky?”

Time hummed thoughtfully. “It would make sense. He is far more adapted to being on Skyloft, after all.”

“So what do we do?” Legend asked, cutting to the chase. “There are no sky islands here.”

“Well, if we’re going off that logic,” Four continued. “Then what he needs is to rest so his body has time to recover and adapt.”

“And clean him up,” Twilight noted softly, seeing the moist stain on his clothes. He looked at Warriors. “Is that normal?”

The captain nodded. “Yes. He’s going to be unconscious for a bit, and he’ll be disoriented when he wakes up. It’s best someone be with him the whole time so he doesn’t wake up alone.”

Time looked around, and the calm, commanding expression that settled on his face helped everyone focus. “Champion, you and Traveler scout ahead and find a place to camp. We’ll take Sky to the river to the east. Contact Sailor when you find something.”

Wild nodded, determination gleaming in his eyes, and rose to his feet from where he’d been kneeling by Sky. Hyrule, hand still on the knight’s head, also shot to his feet and followed the champion farther into the forest.

“You sure that’s a good idea?” Warriors asked skeptically. “They’re going to get lost.”

“They’re the best survivalists we have,” Time answered. “They’ll find a safe place for Sky to rest. Rancher can find anyone, and they only need to contact Sailor through that slate of his. I’m not worried about it. Let’s get him to the river.”

Twilight reached to roll Sky into his arms when Legend swatted his hands away.

“Let me get his sailcloth off first, he’ll throw a fit if it gets filthy,” Legend fussed, working with the brooch that kept it around their brother’s neck.

“I’ll get a change of clothes for him!” Wind piped in, clearly finding ways to diffuse his nervous energy. He grabbed Sky’s adventure pouch and nearly dove into it with gusto.

“Will he stop breathing again?” Time asked Warriors, his face paling a little at the thought.

“He shouldn’t,” the captain answered.

“Should… should we wait to move him?” Four looked between Sky and the captain. “Will it hurt him?”

Warriors’ face, which had been stony with everything happening, softened and he smiled. “No, Smithy, it won’t hurt him.”

Legend finished removing the sailcloth, allowing Twilight to hold his brother in his arms. He carried him close to his chest, his entire body relaxing at the proximity and at the thought that he could do something to assist. He’d felt entirely too helpless and overwhelmed watching that seizure. Time practically fished Wind out of Sky’s adventure pouch as the boy was only visible from waist to toes, his entire torso digging through the interior. When the sailor was plucked out, he had a change of clothes at the ready and a disgruntled look set upon his face.

“I was looking to see if he had extra blankets!” he protested.

Twilight chuckled and Warriors ruffled the boy’s hair. The group set out for the river.

The cool water did nothing to awaken the Skyloftian knight, making Twilight’s stomach churn with worry. When he looked at Warriors, though, the captain didn’t seem overly concerned. Unable to assist with the bathing, Wind preoccupied himself by getting into a splashing competition with Four, leading Time to take Wind’s pirate’s charm so he could listen out for Wild and keep watch. Both young teenagers were as soaked as Sky by the time Twilight, Legend, and Warriors were finished cleaning him up.

Sky was halfway redressed when his eyes started to flutter open.

“Sky?” Legend placed a hand on his bare shoulder as he shivered. Saying his name caught the entire group’s attention, and everyone hastened over. “Sky, how are you feeling?”

Sky’s breathing quickened and he grew anxious, trying to wiggle out of Twilight’s hold from behind him as the rancher was propping him up. Twilight took Sky’s arms and tucked them to his chest, giving a hug from behind. “It’s okay, Sky, it’s just us. You’re okay.”

“Link.” Warriors knelt in front of him, brushing wet curls out of his face. “You’re safe. You had a seizure. We’re taking care of you, you’re okay.”

Sky settled a little at the words, though from Twilight’s vantage point the teenager still looked confused and scared. His eyelids drooped and he nodded off shortly thereafter.

Time glanced at Warriors for guidance. The captain sighed, leaning back. “Yeah, he’s going to be like that for a while.”

Wind put his hands on his hips. “He’s cold, come on, get his shirt on him!”

Time glanced at Wind, caught off guard at the boy’s commanding tone, and then smiled.

As the group finished getting Sky dressed, Legend shifted uncomfortably. “You don’t think he’s had seizures before and then just not told us, do you?”

Twilight shook his head. “No. No, he hasn’t. Something in the air changed, he smelled different right before it happened. I’ve never smelled that before.”

“You could smell a seizure?” Warriors asked, eyebrow raised.

Twilight shrugged. “I mean I guess that’s what it was. All I know was it was different, and it was coming off him.”

Before anyone could comment, Wind’s pirate charm glowed, and Wild and Hyrule were excitedly telling them they found a place. Before either could even take a breath they were immediately asking about Sky’s condition, and Time quickly interrupted their interrogation.

“He’s doing okay,” he explained. “Just resting. Now where is this place?”

“Oh, it’s just south of the funny shaped boulder—”

“No, no, it’s southeast of the funny shaped boulder, but it’s south of the owl family with those cute little owlets—”

“Yeah, and there’s a tree that’s bent funny that looks like a portal but isn’t and that’s just like twenty paces away from the site—”

Twilight was grabbing his shadow crystal before Time even threw an exasperated look in his direction.

XXX

When he came to, he was… beyond disoriented. And confused. Because why did his head hurt? Why was he on something soft? Where was he? What happened? Why did his whole body feel like it had been stepped on by Koloktos, run over by Scaldera, and punched by Demise? Why did he feel so completely and utterly drained? Why was he on his belly? What was rubbing his back?

Sky groaned, trying to open his eyes, but he was so tired.

Something warm and gentle massaged his neck, and he involuntarily sighed as the tension was released. A gentle voice rumbled, “You’re okay, Sky. You’re safe. It’s okay.”

A little less anxious, Sky still tried to open his eyes. The voice sounded familiar. When he finally started to gather the strength to lift his eyelids, he flinched as something soft tickled his right eye. He kept it closed, opening his left, and he realized he was lying prone with his head turned to the left. The soft material tickling his face was a fur pelt.

Fur. Fur?

“Rancher…?” he mumbled.

He heard shifting on the ground, and then he saw a pair of knees before Twilight dipped down to be at eye level with him. He watched Sky silently, eyes warm and concerned, and then smiled. “Hey, Sky. Welcome back.”

Welcome back? “Where’d I go?”

Twilight chuckled, laying a gentle hand on his back. “Somewhere we couldn’t reach you for a while. You scared us. Smithy worked out that you probably got used to being up in the sky. We all did, in a sense; the Old Man even admitted to feeling kind of woozy when we got to the woods. But you just like to outshine all of us when it comes to the sky, don’t you?”

Sky smiled absentmindedly at Twilight’s low, gentle laughter, not quite catching everything.

Twilight’s hand went back to his neck, massaging it a little more. “Go back to sleep, Sky.”

Safe in his brother’s care, Sky settled, letting himself go.

#I might have escalated that migraine prompt a bit #now for seizure care tips and info! #if someone is having a seizure your job is to make sure they don't hurt themselves accidentally and time the seizure #so get them on the ground and lay them on their side #never put anything in their mouth or try to hold them down #just let them shake it out #being incontinent is normal #all their muscles just had a spastic frenzy so now they all just relax #they may stop breathing briefly or have low O2 levels right after they finish #not good but not unusual in seizures #please do rescue breaths if they stop breathing and have a pulse do not shake them like Legend #after a seizure they will be sleepy and confused it's normal they're what we call postictal #their brain just went through ctlr + alt + delete it just needs a bit to recover #other nerdy info! #dogs can smell seizures and some epileptics have service dogs for that #you can have too much O2 in your system it's called hyperoxemia but it's more of a critically ill hospitalized person thing #so unlikely Sky would get it but Sky is also an elf boy who lives in fantasy sky islands so I do what I want #linkeduniverse #linked universe #lu sky #sicktember #ask game #writing prompt #you ask skye answers #lovely guardedchild #writing

[missfangirll]

I miss you, I’m sorry

This is the last prompt from the follower thing and I’m sorry it took so long.. Initially I planned a case fic (which is ~3k by now and not nearly finished), so I figured I had to write something else for you first ^^ Inspiration came in the form of this absolutely gorgeous song which I strongly recommend while reading ^^

Anyway, I went a bit ham with the angst, but it has a happy ending and hopefully is as fluffy as you wanted :) -------------------------------------------------------

Fandom: SCI Mystery Relationship: Zhan Yao / Bai Yutong Tags: Fluff, Angst with a happy ending Words: 2278 Summary: After a fight Zhan Yao leaves the apartment. Bai Yutong tries to cope.

Read on AO3

I still love you, I promise Nothing happened in the way I wanted But I miss you, I'm sorry

I don't wanna go, think I'll make it worse Everything I know brings me back to us I don't wanna go, we've been here before Everywhere I go leads me back to you

I miss you, I'm sorry

Gracie Abrams - I miss you, I'm sorry

* * *

It had been the worst fight they ever had in their relationship, hypnosis and Zhao Jue included, and it had left Bai Yutong with a hollow feeling in his stomach, sitting lost and miserable in the silent apartment. Earlier that day, Zhan Yao had accompanied him on a case and, because he was a fucking idiot, provoked the suspect to such an extent that the man managed to swing a knife at him and graze Zhan Yao’s shoulder before Bai Yutong could bring him down. And of course Zhan Yao had seen no fault in his behaviour, told him about the end that had justified the means and that it was his job, then had gotten cranky when Bai Yutong had pointed out that he technically wasn't even a police officer. It had only escalated from there and Bai Yutong still could hear the echo of their words in the silent apartment, taste their bitterness on his tongue. After the last remark had hit home, Zhan Yao had just looked at him with a blank expression, grabbed his conference suitcase and left the apartment without a word. And without his keys.

Bai Yutong let his face sink into his hands and let out a groan. The day had been awful from the start and this was just the grand finale. There was nothing he could do at the moment, he decided and got up from the sofa. Glancing at the kitchen for a moment, he opted for a hot bath instead. He could cook dinner in a few hours, maybe Zhan Yao would come home later. He nodded to himself and tried not to think about the fact that the cat had taken his weekend suitcase with him.

He sighed and made his way to the bathroom, opened the tap and started to undress. He would sit there quietly and relax, maybe watch a movie on his phone. He would not call his cat. Zhan Yao probably wouldn't answer anyway. Bai Yutong sighed to himself and stepped into the bathtub, ignoring the strange feeling of having leg room because the usual other occupant was missing. He sighed again and slid deeper into the water, resting his head on the edge and closing his eyes.

When he awoke with a start, the first thing he noticed was the darkness outside the window. Judging by the water which had cooled to almost room temperature, he must have been out for a while. Shivering, he climbed out, towelling himself off quickly. His phone told him it was right after midnight and he tried to suppress the growing unease in his stomach that Zhan Yao had neither come home nor called. Well, he would give the cat space if he wanted space. Lips pressed together and shoulders tense he went to bed, laying on his side facing the wall, stubbornly ignoring the empty space behind him.

* * *

His alarm went off at the usual time, but that was about all that was usual about this morning. In the daze between dreaming and waking he wondered briefly why Zhan Yao wasn't plastered to his back, breathing warm into his neck, when the memory of the previous evening hit him like a freight-train and he had to swallow hard, closing his eyes to will down the tears that had started rising. With a deep breath to brace himself to face the day he got out of bed, still stubbornly avoiding to look at the untouched pillow next to his.

The day passed by in a daze of interviews and meetings, all blending together after a while. His team had looked at him questioningly when he had arrived alone in the morning, but he had mumbled something about a short-notice conference and they had left him alone, probably also because they had seen his expression. Bai Chi was the only one brave – or socially inept – enough to actually ask a question over lunch that had Bai Yutong level such a murderous gaze at him that he almost choked on his rice and didn’t look up for the rest of their break.

By six o’clock his whole body ached with a sensation he couldn’t quite name. It had started in the early afternoon. First he had thought it was a pending migraine, but then his chest had started to burn as well. After subtly checking his temperature, he was sure he wasn't going to be ill either. That left an explanation he wasn't quite ready to address. Gritting his teeth, he sent his team home, standing in his empty office. He dreaded coming home to the empty, silent apartment, but staying here was probably worse. Sighing, he checked his phone again, still hoping for a message from his cat. When the notifications stayed stubbornly silent, he shoved the phone back in his pocket and went to his car.

The second night alone was even worse. He had half-heartedly thrown together a stir-fry and taken a short and uninspirational shower before retreating to the sofa. Staring distractedly at the TV screen, he pondered if he should call the cat. He had resigned himself to give Zhan Yao some space, but that had been a day ago and maybe he didn’t need it that much anymore. Gnawing his bottom lip, he finally reached for his phone, dialling the familiar number. The first call ended abruptly after two rings, apparently having been ended by someone. Irritated, Bai Yutong stared at his phone and frowned. When the second call went straight to voicemail, he couldn’t suppress an angry sound and flung the phone into a pillow. Fine. If the cat didn’t want to talk, Bai Yutong didn’t need to either.

He slept on the sofa that night, not being able to face the empty bedroom.

* * *

The day that followed was unsurprisingly terrible. He lashed out to his team more than once, regretting it immediately and apologizing to them, only to explode again at the next opportunity. After their lunch break, Ma Han approached him slowly, suggesting in carefully chosen words that he might want to take the rest of the day off, they had the paperwork covered. He nodded curtly to all of them and was out of the office in a heartbeat.

He didn’t have anywhere to go specifically, but everything was better than shouting at his team. He grimaced and began walking, letting his feet choose the direction. When he looked up, he was in front of the university building where he used to wait for Zhan Yao after his lessons. Groaning internally he turned around, deliberately avoiding to acknowledge the dull ache in his chest.

When he returned home later that afternoon, the ache had grown into a painful pulse he could feel in his whole body. Instead of clearing his head on the walk, he had unconsciously gone to places that held a significance for them. The park where they spent their lunch breaks, the bridge where he had hung a lock with their initials – to a lot of eye-rolling and groaning from Zhan Yao – on their anniversary, their favourite restaurant. A bus stop where they had found shelter from a downpour when neither had brought an umbrella, where he had kissed Zhan Yao breathless in the dim light. The corner where he almost had caused a car crash because the cat had chosen that exact moment to tell him he loved him for the first time.

He sat down on the sofa and exhaled slowly, blinking back the tears that had been lingering under the surface for the whole day. He had tried to call the cat a few times, but every call had gone to voicemail and he had ended it before the automatic voice was finished telling him he should leave a message. He still didn’t know what to say and if Zhan Yao would want to hear it.

I miss you. I’m sorry.

Leaning back into the pillows he closed his eyes, not able to hold back the tears anymore.

* * *

A sound startled him and he shot up from under the pillows. Disoriented he reached for his phone. Shortly after ten, which meant he had slept for three hours. No wonder his head felt fuzzy. A repetition of the same sound had him freeze, head cocked in the direction of – – – the door. A knock. Zhan Yao.

He almost tripped over the blanket he had wrapped around himself in his haste and had to grab the back of the sofa to steady himself. At the third knock, he flung the door open to reveal a slightly startled Zhan Yao, eyes wide, hand still raised to knock another time.

“Cat.”

He almost flung himself at Zhan Yao, but stopped abruptly when he saw the other’s face. His eyes were red and puffy, his cheeks pale and his hair looked like he had pulled several all-nighters. He probably had.

“Can I come in?”

Bai Yutong bit his lip at the uncertain tone and nodded, stepping aside to let the other in. He noticed Zhan Yao hadn’t brought the suitcase and tears welled up again in his eyes when he tried not think about what that meant. Furiously wiping his face, he turned his back to the cat and walked back to the sofa. He briefly considered getting a drink before they had that inevitable talk, but decided against it. If Zhan Yao wanted to break up with him, he might need a clear head.

The cat looked at him with an expression Bai Yutong couldn’t quite place and cautiously sat down on the sofa. Taking a shaky breath, he turned to face Zhan Yao.

“Cat, I’m sorr--”

“I need to--”

The both stared at each other, surprised. Bai Yutong pressed his lips together and motioned for the other to continue. Zhan Yao gave him that look again and inhaled deeply, before letting his breath out slowly.

“I need to apologize, Mouse.”

Bai Yutong startled, staring at Zhan Yao. “What? I mean, I...,” he trailed off when he saw the other’s pained expression and pressed his lips shut.

“I am sorry,” he repeated. “I shouldn’t have left like that and then ignored your calls. That was childish and immature and I’m sorry.” He looked directly at Bai Yutong, a pleading look in his eyes. When he received no response, he laid his hand on the other’s arm. “Please, Mouse, say something. I am sorry, believe me. I had plenty of time to think about what an idiot I am.” He grinned wryly, his thumb stroking tiny circles on Bai Yutong’s arm. The other had to swallow hard, closing his eyes for a moment. Then, because he didn’t trust his voice at all at that moment, he lunged forward to wrap his arms around Zhan Yao, almost sending them both off the sofa. Hiding his face in the other’s neck, he couldn’t stop the sobs rising in his throat. Zhan Yao’s arms came around his back, gripping tightly, as if he too was afraid to let go, and he let his face sink onto Bai Yutong’s shoulder.

They stayed like this for a while, just breathing each other’s scent, until Zhan Yao made a sound. “Your knee is in my side, Mouse. Move over.” Hearing the familiar annoyed tone, Bai Yutong couldn’t help but grin. He tightened his grip on the other, but making sure to move his knee away. “I love you,” he mumbled into Zhan Yao’s neck and could feel a grin form against his temple. “I couldn’t hear you,” Zhan Yao teased. “Say it again.”

Bai Yutong bit his neck, just to be difficult, and pulled away to sit on his haunches. He still hadn’t let go of Zhan Yao’s hand and now tightened his grip. Looking directly at the other, he said softly, “I love you, Cat. And I’m sorry too. I said some things that were…” He trailed off, feeling miserable all over again.

“I know you didn’t mean them,” assured him Zhan Yao. “Still. It wasn't true,” he insisted. “Cat, you are the most capable person in the whole SCI.” Zhan Yao snorted. “Don’t let your team hear that.” Bai Yutong huffed. “I mean it. You are fiercely intelligent, unbelievably kind, so damn brave, and I really don’t know what we would do without you.” He paused for a second. “And it is our team, not just mine,” he added softly.

Zhan Yao smiled so happily at this that Bai Yutong couldn’t hold back any longer. With a groan, he captured the other’s mouth in a scorching kiss, weaving his free hand in his tousled hair to keep him close. He pressed against Zhan Yao, licking in his mouth, relishing in the feeling of soft, plush lips against his. Inevitably, they both had to come up for air after a while, but left just enough space between them to breathe, not being able to part from each other.

“I love you,” Bai Yutong said against the other’s lips, and the grin that followed felt like a balm for his still tender heart. “I love you too, Mouse,” he heard, and something in his soul clicked back into place.

#sci谜案集 #sci #sci mystery #bai yutong #zhan yao #my writing #writing prompt

[sicklylittlesnowflake]

Your asthmatic Lance fic was AMAZING and you're one of my fav voltron writers! Would you maybe be interested in writing something where the rest of the paladins leave to do a mission except for Pidge, who is at the castle to keep the defenses up, and Lance, who's protecting her (who was also left at the castle because he's got a cold). But Lance's cold turns into a really bad respiratory infection, complete with a fever-migraine, and he tries to hide it because he's protecting Pidge??

(YOOOOO THIS IS SO GOOD. WHAT AN A+ PROMPT. Also so sorry took so long! And I made this way more dramatic than I think u asked for lol! Also warning for self loathing thoughts and depression!)

Every so often Lance would have an off day.

Days where he didn’t feel right. Where he’d feel like he didn’t belong, feel lost. He’d feel worthless, and insecure. Days where he’d question his place in the universe, and every answer he’d come to terrified him. There were days he’d feel so small and minuscule, so insignificant. Days where he just felt..blue.

Sometimes they wouldn’t come for months, and sometimes they would happen every week. Sometimes they lasted a day, and the next morning he’d be his bright, bubbly self, but sometimes they lasted weeks and he’d be stuck in that dark place trapped for what seemed to be an eternity.

But for the past while, they’d come a lot more frequently and he’d have them for longer. They’d happen so often that it became easier and easier for Lance to conceal them.

He wasn’t quite sure why they happened, but he had a hunch. Lance wasn’t completely sure, but he theorised it might have been the pressure of having the entire universe’s fate in his hands. Or maybe the fact that the universe was a lot bigger than he expected, and that he felt so small in retrospect. Or maybe even simpler; being constantly surrounded by people better than him, stronger than him, more talented than him.

He wasn’t sure, but he’d felt down for quite a while now.

Lance’s friends were supportive, of course, they were the best friends in the entire world and he genuinely did not deserve them. But they made him feel so small. To no fault of their own; it’s just that everyone had their thing, and they were all damn good at their thing. And Lance was just your average joe. He just wished he could be more.

So Lance tried. He really did. He’d spent all his free time training, trying to be faster, stronger, more precise with his shoots. He’d try without rest. Until he was exhausted, drained of all energy. Until his bones were weak and fatigue seeped into his being. He would never stop until he was good enough.

But eventually his body went against him in a desperate plea to save itself, and forced him to stop when he had caught a cold that did not go unnoticed amongst his teammates.

It all started with a briefing.

It was a briefing that Lance was pretty excited for, because it gave him an opportunity and try to be good enough, to be of merit this time. Lance wanted to be good enough, and he wanted to prove that he could, although he wasn’t quite sure. This mission was important to Lance.

But then he started to cough a little into his sleeve, trying to stifle the sound against the thick fabric, which worked for the most part. He went undetected by then. But by the time Shiro had gone on to explain Lance’s role in the mission, causing attention to gravitate towards him, Lance could quite hold back the harsh, ticklish sneezes that escaped him in a rapid flurry.

“Holy Kaltenecker! I had no idea where that came from!” Lance giggled, trying to cover up his slip up, but his tone was empty.

Keith’s eyebrows furrowed in concern, “Lance..”

“Oh! I think I got it! Keith just smells!” Lance teased, his voice awfully strained and croaky, giving him enough time to finish his sentence and then sending him off into a fit of coughs that had him doubling over into his now surely germ infested jacket sleeve.

Keith normally would’ve fought back defensively, but he was too concerned to even think about doing that. His frown only deepened.

Hunk frowned, “I don’t think that’s it, buddy..”

Lance scoffed playfully, trying to keep up his cheerful facade with his shining, but empty grin, “Oh c'mon Hunk, I’m fine! I’m ready fight some baddies! I’m gonna kick their asses!”

“Hm,” Shiro commented, worry etching onto his face, “Maybe..we can leave the ass kicking for another day, Lance.”

Lance blinked, “What?! No, Shiro, we can’t be postponing missions! The people need us–”

Shiro smiled softly, a little sadly, and approached Lance gently, placing two hands on his shoulders in a reassuring manner, “I know Lance, you’re right. But what I mean is..maybe you should take a day off, okay? Stay here.”

Lance’s eyes widened, bewildered, his voice cracking from the shock, “W-what?! N-no, Shiro–”

Shiro shushed him by placing the back of his hand against Lance’s forehead, sighing at the result, “Yup..that’s no good. You’ve got a light fever going on there, buddy..and we don’t want you getting any worse, okay?”

Lance froze, a lump forming in his throat  as his blood turned cold. His hands shook a little as his breath began to pick up slightly, an impending sense of doom looming over him, weighing down on his shoulders. He couldn’t quite stop the sense of uselessness pounding at his heart and the icy feeling of blue that spread across his veins.

“Sh-Shiro, wait, i’m fine, honestly! I-i can do this!” Lance tried desperately, his voice quivering a little and he felt so pathetic for being this desperate. But Lance needed to prove himself. To alleviate this feeling of nothingness. So he can feel something, be something.

Shiro smiled fondly, “Lance, I admire your determination and it’s great. Truthfully. And as great as you are as a teammate, as your friends..we need you to rest. We can hold ship for now, and maybe not forever, so we might as well get you in fighting condition as soon as possible.”

“I’m..just not doing enough for you guys,” Lance whispered tiredly.

“What? Yes you are, Lance. You’re being too hard on yourself,” Hunk reassured.

Shiro looked over to Pidge, “Pidge, we’ll need you inside the Castle and scan the ships and give us intel, okay? Lance, you can stay here and protect her just in case, and with Coran off doing his mission the Castle needs protection.”

Lance didn’t budge, unable to shake the feeling. He felt very down all of the sudden, a huge weight suddenly weighing down on him and he just felt so tired. Like all the lights had just gone out.

“See? You are doing something,” Shiro said gently, and while he meant this with the utmost kindness it made him feel so small.

Lance felt so tired, and to everyone’s surprise he was quiet.

He accepted this in quiet, choosing to battle his thoughts all by himself. Lance left shortly after in the guise of getting rest. But that night in his room his body was doing everything but rest. His mind certainly wasn’t, in this state of racing with itself in a tremendously fast pace as all these belittling thoughts invaded and warred with himself until he was drowning in it.

Then late at night he would train and try to drown out the noises in his head. Just so they could stop for at least a little while.

Lance could barely get out of bed the next day.

He felt so heavy. Every inch of him seemed to be weighed down by some inconceivable force, and it was awful. He tried to open his eyes but they would only droop closed. His bones felt incredibly weak and unable to support his feeble body. His head felt heavy with a raging fever and a splitting headache

Most of all, his chest felt so heavy and congested that as he exhaled little wheezes sounded out.

Every inch of him was begging him to go back to sleep, and as much as Lance’s heart fought to stand up, his body had had enough and was screaming at him to rest. So his body won, sending him back into sleep.

Lance woke up a bit later to an awkward rhythm of rapping on his shoulders, a little cautious even.

“Um..Lance? Do you think you can wake up?” Keith said softly, also awkwardly.

Lance woke up groggily, groaning as he became aware of the splitting headache brutally invading his brain. A hand shot up to his forehead as he attempted to soothe the aching body part.

“Lance?!” Keith gasped worriedly.

“Fine,” Lance choked, waving him off as he clenched his teeth together and tried to vigorously massage the pain in his head. Just as he opened his mouth to try and get Keith off his back, a croaky, strangled cough escaped his threat which escalated into a violent fit that had him doubled over.

Keith leaned forwards and immediately began to hit his back to help Lance out, and eventually the fit began to subside leaving Lance completely breathless and gasping for air and Keith shaking from shock.

“Lance you don’t have to–” Keith tried again, worried out of his mind.

“I’m fine! I’m barely doing enough as it is so I’ll be just fine!” Lance snapped, irritable from his splitting headache and the overwhelming heat that appeared to be pouring off of him.

Keith’s eyes widened, then softened a little, “Lance. What are you talking about? You’re allowed to take it easy. We’ve all taken sick days. I had one last month, and I didn’t even go out of bed!”

“Because you actually provide something to the team!” Lance shot back harshly, more towards himself than at Keith. A few fevered tears sprung to his eyes which he hastily wiped away with his jacket sleeve.

“Lance..” Keith said emptily, completely stunned.

Lance huffed and shook his head, wrapping his jacket closer to himself as his body shook with fever, “Its my fever. Lets go.”

Lance made his way out of the door and disappeared out of Keith’s sight before Keith could even move leaving him at a loss on what to do.

After a quick quick rerun of the plan, the Paladins were pretty much ready to start their mission. The briefing went relatively okay. Lance still definitely felt like shit and his wheezy breaths were definitely not going unnoticed, but he had managed to stay upright and kept the coughing and sneezing to a minimum.

But he couldn’t quite shake the feeling of Keith staring at him the whole time.

“I’m ready to protect Princess Pidge from the evil men!” Lance cheered, trying to attempt and recreate his usual brightness and energy but couldn’t quite nail it. It was empty and lifeless.

The fact that he couldn’t feel it made him feel worse than he already felt. Lance was genuinely very excited and happy with the job he had to fulfill. It had always been a dream to keep people safe, and it made him feel so blue that he couldn’t quite feel that spark.

“Awh, Quiznack, are you guys really leaving my fate to Sir Rudolph over here?” Pidge teased, smirking as she lightly batted Lance’s arm.

“Sir Rudolph?! Well–” Lance protested before a sudden tickle flared causing his nose to twitch. He inhaled sharply and pitched forward into his elbow to sneeze two high pitched, ticklish sneezes.

Once Lance recovered he couldn’t quite help the giggles that came pouring out of him, shortly followed by his friends. Everything was fine, until a sudden wave of nausea and hot and cold hit him violently and causing him to tip over.

Just as he felt the lightness of falling a strong arm caught him, the grip firm and holding him taut.

He looked up to see Shiro’s kind, caring eyes, “Hey bud, you should probably sit down, okay?”

Lance nodded weakly as he sat down on a chair next to where Pidge was sitting.

Hunk frowned worriedly, “Are you going to be okay, Lance?”

“I’ll be fine, now get off and kick some ass,” Lance grinned.

With a few chuckles shared the crew set off and left for their missions. But not before Keith looked at him with a gaze so worried and so so sad. Lance couldn’t even keep his gaze, and broke away, looking anywhere but his eyes.

Lance could only sigh.

Pidge tutted softly as everyone exited the castle and left just the two of them. There was some sort of mischief in her eyes that Lance didn’t quite understand.

Lance blinked, “What?”

Pidge chuckled and a smirk played on her lips.

“Are you just sick or also lovesick?” She teased fondly.

Lance blushed furiously, his voice coming out as a strangled croak, “What?!”

Just as the strangled word ripped out of his already sore throats, something triggered yet another fit of coughing that had his entire body racked and convulsing with the harsh and congested coughs that pierced daggers into his heavy, congested chest.

As Lance continued to cough he began to choke on heavy phlegm caught in his throat, making a horrendous noise as he did. Lance gasped for air, heaving and gasping until Pidge was at his side and slapping his back until his chest felt clear again.

Lance gasped for air, breathing heavily to get his breathing back to a somewhat steady rhythm.

Pidge smiled sympathetically, running her hand up and down his back soothingly, “You really are lovesick.”

Lance managed a breathy chuckle, and couldn’t help the weak smile spreading across his face. There was something about Pidge that made his heart feel a little lighter.

“Sure, whatever you say Mario,” Lance said, rolling his eyes.

“Is this because I’m Ital–?! Oh for gods sake, Lance..” Pidge sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

Lance giggled before his nose began to itch. He pawed at it uselessly, trying to subside the itch a little but to no avail, his nose began to twitch desperately and he snapped forward into the crook of his arm with three heavy, harsh but ticklish and sickly sounding sneezes that sounded awfully chesty and painful. Lance quickly mopped up the remnants of his explosion with tissues he stuffed into his jacket pockets.

“I can’t believe I’m giving you a compliment, but you have a cute sneeze,” Pidge giggled.

Lance scoffed, “Me?! Cute?! No no no Pidge, I’m but the mighty and macho–”

He bobbed into the tissue with a delicately soft sneeze.

Pidge stifled her laughter, but couldn’t keep it in and burst into full blown laughter that made her sore at the sides and gasping for breath.

“Very funny,” Lance said, trying to sound unamused but his heart saying differently.

“Jesus, Lance,” Pidge gasped through laughter.

“Ugh, I keep sneezing because you smell awful!” Lance shot back playfully, crossing his arms and beginning to crawl up into his chair, hugging his knees in attempt to get warm.

“That’s rich coming from the guy who makes up god awful nicknames,” Pidge smirked.

Lance grinned drowsily, feeling an overwhelming sense of fatigue washing over him as he felt the fever surely taking over him. He shivered violently and felt this overwhelming sense of exhaustion seep into his bones.

“This is coming from the girl who got into trouble for smuggling in a freaking squirrel into our Maths class at the Garrison,” Lance scoffed fondly, eyes glazing over as he reminisced the memory.

“Oh shut up, Lance! You loved Sandy Cheeks! You stayed up all night building her her own little house, even while it rained!” Pidge laughed.

Lance chuckled at that, his face heating up intensely as his fever started to spike and the fatigue and sickly feeling spread further across him and intensifying. He felt horrible.

“Yeah, I remember that, I was so sick afterwards..” Lance said fondly, wrapping his arms around himself to try and lessen the extent of his violent shivering.

His head started to pound vigorously, the focus of this massive quake of a headache deep within the depths of his brain and unreachable, the destructive tremors sending waves of pain throughout him. Lance rubbed aggressively at his aching head, and when it gave him no relief he only plopped his head down into his knees and clutched it.

He could hear Pidge shifting, and suddenly a soft blanket was being draped over his shaking frame. The warmth it gave him was something he needed desperately and felt oh so good against his cold cold body. Lance pulled the soft fabric closer against his body and basked in its warmth.

Pidge frowned, reaching over to feel his cheek, “Hm. Not good at all.”

“You don’t feel well, do you?” Pidge said softly.

Lance shook his head, clutching at his aching head and letting out a whimpering sound. He felt so sick and so miserable and so sad at the same time. He felt so useless that he could barely even do anything.

“Hey, buddy, you know everyone would understand if you wanna just rest in your room, right? You know we all love you and hate seeing you like this? You don’t have to do this, bud,” Pidge said soothingly, leaning down and softly rubbing circles into Lance’s knees.

“No, then I’m not enough,” Lance whimpered croakily, bursting into yet another fit of coughs that he barely managed to cover with the crook of his arm. The coughs racked his entire body and ripped out of his throats and it was like his chest was being shot repeatedly.

Pidge looked shock, at a loss on what to say, “Lance–what? What are you talking about?”

“I–”

Then there was the loud siren.

Lance had felt blue and now all he could see was red.

The whole castle was this alarming shade of red and it flooded everything in his sight.

Lance could feel his heart racing and his blood turn cold, as senses overwhelmed his system, watching as Galra soldiers somehow made their way into the Castle.

Pidge sat there frozen, terror lighting her eyes from the pure shock of it all and looking at her Lance all of a sudden received a surge of energy telling him to protect, because this girl was so much better than him and she could not get hurt. He was determined.

Something in him clicked, this fire inside of him igniting and suddenly he was on his feet and sprinting towards his suit and donned it as quickly as he possibly could. He couldn’t feel anything but the desire to fight. Keep people safe, even if it was at his own expensed.

Then they came.

The fleet were charging, and Lance pulled his bayard out and fought with as much passion as his heart contained. And for the people he loved, there was a lot.

His heart was ablaze as he shot at them, pushing aside all pain in his head and the fever raging in him. They all faded because all his heart and soul was set on was keeping the ones he loved safe. Lance took every single of of them down, fury bright and burning.

But as Lance turned, sweat pouring down his face and drenching his hair he saw one of them about to attack Pidge, who was desperately trying to send off something to the other Paladins, and the moment the soldier laid a hand on her Lance charged.

Lance ran towards him so much fury burning in him and so much adrenaline and he attacked, throwing  himself into this heavy battle that drained the life out of him. His heart beat so fast, adrenaline pumping through his veins and blood boiling. But no one would hurt the people he loved.

In one fell swoop and one heavy hit to the head Lance was thrown across the room, far away. His heart ached as Pidge shrieked as the soldier neared her.

Everything was fading in and out and his vision blurred, his hearing fading but Lance felt this magnetic connection to his bayard and as his fingers touched the strong material he positioned it towards the shooter, and with one precise shot the soldier dropped. Pidge was safe.

That was all that mattered. It was enough.

Lance managed a weak smile. ‘Sharpshooter,’ he thought to himself proudly.

Pidge gasped and ran across to him, eyes darting wildly in panic, tears threatening to fall from her eyes, “Lance! What the hell! What have you done?! Lance stay with me! This was so stupid! Why did you do this?!”

“The team needs you,” Lance chuckled as everything turned to darkness.

And then there was light.

Too much.

But then everything was okay again when he saw familiar faces smiling at him. So kindly. It made him feel a little less blue.

Then the glass door separating them from him slid away, and the moment he was in reach he was being attacked warm hugs.

Lance let them in, and the world felt a little brighter just then.

“You did amazing, Lance..” Hunk said softly.

“I was so worried..” Pidge whispered.

“I’m so proud of you,” Shiro said.

Keith was at loss for words, speechless, as if not quite sure if Lance was really there. And if he was, afraid he’d slip away and disappear forever. But he held him tight so he wouldn’t float away.

“I love you guys,” Lance whispered.

“Right back at ya,” Hunk giggled.

A sudden wave of dizziness hit him, “A-actually, guys, kinda dizzy..I think I need to lie down..”

Shiro smiled softly, “Of course buddy..Keith? Will you go with him?”

Keith nodded silently and draped an arm around Lance for support. But he was silent the way back to his room.

But it was like Lance could physically hear Keith thinking. Very deeply. He was deep in thought and clearly worried, by the looks of that crease in his forehead and the furrowed eyebrows. There was this tension that was clearly there, and Lance didn’t know how to confront.

Once they were alone Keith was the one to confront.

“Pidge told me about what you’d been saying.”

Lance tensed, “Keith..it was my fever.”

“Fevers bring out the deepest thoughts, the truth, Lance. Not made up fantasies,” Keith pressed.

Lance let out a shaky breath, “and what, then? What’s the problem, Keith?”

“My problem is-!!” Keith yelled, before letting out a shaky exhale and falling against Lance’s bed with a heavy sigh.

“My problem is I had no clue.”

“What?”

“That you felt like this. That you felt this alone.”

Words failed. Lance fought back tears, clenching his teeth, but then his face crumpled and he couldn’t help the tears that fell from his eyes.

“I-I..”

“I can’t believe you feel like this. Like..like you’re not enough when you’ve been nothing but enough, and beyond that! I can’t believe!”

“I can’t believe what?”

“That you don’t see what I see!” Keith yelled.

Lance scoffed, “What do you see?”

“I see..I..”

Keith paused, looking into Lance’s eyes and he tried to find him an answer but words could never describe what he saw. It wouldn’t be enough. It could never be enough because Lance could never be summarised in a few words, sentences or novels.

And Keith was never good with words.

Keith could only act.

So he did, and he pulled Lance in for a kiss and when their worlds collided it was like everything made sense and this was the only way it was meant to be.

And to Lance all the blue fades and all he can see is red.

#lance mcclain #keith kogane #klance #langst #klangst #pidge gunderson #platonic lidge #platonic pidgance #voltron #whump #voltron whump #vld #takashi shirogane #hunk garrett #sickfic #prompts #vld keith #vld lance #tw depressing thoughts

[real-life-pine-tree]

Arc-V Aftermath: Mind Merge (5/26)

When all is said and done, things have quickly recovered in the four dimensions. But when weird things start happening, the Yu-Salad Boys and the Bracelet Girls quickly realize they have some loose ends to fix. Co-written with @violetganache42.

WARNING: Dub names will be featured in the story.

The next day, Yuya and Zuzu arrived at the Fusion Dimension. They plan on visiting Duel Academy to talk to Leo about the mind merge starting earlier than expected and if the separation procedure is ready. Excluding themselves and their counterparts, they haven't told anyone else because they don't want to worry them. Once they are informed of what will happen, then they will break the news to everyone, starting with Declan.

The Pendulum duo noticed they were not at Duel Academy, but the Fusion Dimension's city. They needed to get there as fast as possible, so they ran through the city, trying to find a boat and directions to get there. However, they didn't get anywhere. As they stopped to catch some breath, Zuzu noticed a card shop not far from where they were. She suggested that they can visit there to see if anyone knows how to get to Duel Academy. She and Yuya arrived in front of the shop and opened the door, causing a small bell to ring.

"Hello?" Yuya asked. "Is there someone who can help us?"

A soft-spoken voice was heard, responding to Yuya's question. "Welcome to Kame Game Shop. How may I help you?"

The person who responded had spiky, tri-colored hair, consisting of long, blonde, crooked, pointy locks and seven black spikes with a magenta sheen along the edges. He had fair skin and purple eyes with glazed eyelids. He wore a long-sleeved, light purple shirt with an open collar and folded up sleeves, revealing his black choker and studded wristbands, a purple vest, a pair of denim jeans, and dark gray shoes.

Yuya was taken back by the young man's outlook, but he quickly got back on track. "We need to reach Duel Academy. Where's the nearest boat from here?"

"Make a right and the docks should be straight ahead," the young man replied.

"Thanks!" Yuya said, but Zuzu stopped him.

"Yuya, there's something off with this guy," the pink-haired girl pointed out. "Shouldn't we help him?"

"Zuzu, we're kind of on a time limit!" Yuya replied, sounding a bit frantic. "If we waste time, we might not even exist anymore!"

He does have a point; with the mind merge beginning to take place, who knows how long it'll last before it's too late…or how fast it'll be. Fortunately, Zuzu just came up with an idea. She whispered in Yuya's ear, urging him to have the young man come with them; that way, they will head to Duel Academy and help out with what's bugging him at the same time. Even though this sounds like a good idea, he thought, that would mean solving two problems at once. Hmm, then again, he does look a little sad… and a bit lonely…

After some quick internal debating, Yuya gave in and agreed to Zuzu's idea. Besides, it never hurts to bring smiles into someone's life. He turned around and walked back to the counter, asking the man if he would like to come with them. Unfortunately, he seemed a bit hesitant.

"I don't know..." the young man admitted. "I have manage the shop."

"If you have a deck, you can duel my friend over here during the boat ride," Zuzu suggested.

"What?!" Yuya asked, alarmed. "But I don't want any more of my Performapals vanishing during the duel!"

The man grew kindled at what Zuzu said. He replied that he does have a deck, but he doesn't duel very often. He was kind of glad to talk to visitors who also enjoy playing Duel Monsters, but at the same time, he also caught what Yuya said about his Performapals disappearing. He asked if it was true, prompting both Pendulum Duelists to take out their decks and sure enough, the Performapals and Melodious cards were gradually vanishing. This was bad—no, this was seriously bad.

Yuya and Zuzu were dismayed at their cards disappearing. They said they have to go see Leo immediately, so the trio left Kame Game Shop for Duel Academy…before closing it up for a few hours. With the young man leading the way, they headed straight for the docks to find any available boats. Upon arrival, they spotted one that was still parked and boarded on it. Yuya removed the rope tied around the dock's pole and the young man took the wheel; seeing the tomato-haired teen putting the rope aside, he started the engine and the three officially began their voyage to see Leo.

Zuzu thanked the young man for their help. After receiving a "You're welcome," she asked him what his name was and if there was anything bothering him back at the game shop.

"Yugi," the young man answered. "My name is Yugi Muto. You're Zarc Nightstone and Ray Akaba, correct?"

"Uh... No..." Yuya corrected. "I'm Yuya Sakaki and this is Zuzu Boyle."

"You don't have to use those names," Yugi said. "I know who you really are."

Well, this escalated rather quickly. How on earth does Yugi know about Zarc and Ray? The two assumed that he either must be another person that referred to them by their incarnations' names or he used to live in the Original Dimension. Whatever's the case, they asked him how he knows who they were.

"I was there when the initial attack happened," Yugi explained, suddenly looking a bit sad. "I lost my grandpa and parents that day. I'm not sure why, but when the dimensions separated, all of my memories were left intact. Luckily not a lot of people talk to me, so no one suspected a thing."

Yuya and Zuzu felt terrible about something like this happening to the Muto family, but Yuya was having a harder time. He knew how devastating Zarc's attack was, but he is in the same boat with one of the survivors. The initiating mind merge wasn't making the situation any better because he, Zuzu, and their counterparts' minds were slowly fusing back respectively into the former champion who craved victory and killed Yugi's relatives in the process and Leo's daughter who put a stop to the destruction twice.

The tomato-haired teen covered his face with his hand, feeling guilty that he, Yuto, Yugo, and Yuri were responsible for something so tragic when they used to be one. Just as he was about to get down on his knees, Zuzu wrapped her arms around her friend, reassuring him that they'll make sure something like that doesn't happen again. Plus, as an added bonus, at least they're on the right track of helping their new companion. After hearing her words, Yuya nodded and stood back up, wiping away any tears that might have formed.

"It's that's why you're like this?" Yuya asked.

"No, I was always naturally quiet," Yugi answered. "I had a few friends in high school, but after graduation, we went our separate ways. But it's alright. I don't mind the loneliness."

The two were surprised at what Yugi said. This is the first time they meet someone who is introverted and a loner. After spending his whole life in a lively city filled with Action Duels, Yuya just learned that not everyone is outgoing and some prefer to be more quiet individuals.

"I understand," Yuya said. "I'm so used to outgoing people that I- GAH!" He suddenly clutched his forehead.

"Yuya!" Zuzu exclaimed. But then she also clutched her forehead in pain.

Yugi stopped driving the boat and turned off the engine to see the Pendulum duo in pain. He's confused as to what is happening to them; they looked like they got sudden migraines. "Are you okay?" he asked.

"No!" Yuya shouted. "I can't separate! Not yet!"

"I must stay together!" Zuzu cried out. "I have to!"

Separate? Stay together? Whatever's going on with them, Yugi had to bring them to this Leo person immediately. Luckily, the boat was close enough to Duel Academy. He headed back to the driver's seat and turned the engine back on, telling Yuya and Zuzu to hang on. He then stepped on the gas pedal, sending the boat containing the trio to the island's school.

Once they reached land, he helped the two teens out of the boat, who were still in pain. Having both of their arms over him, he assisted them in escorting them inside, but he needed to find a way to get to the entrance first.

"Hang on," Yugi said. "I'll get you to Leo Akaba as soon as possible."

He brought them to the nearest staircase he could find; climbing steep stairs was one thing, but climbing them up while carrying people on your back was another. Yugi went as fast as he could to head to the top of the stairs before finally making it about five minutes later. Trying to catch his breath, he aided the ailing Yuya and Zuzu in getting into Duel Academy. Upon entering, he was them faced with another dilemma: figuring out where Leo's office is. For the next few minutes, he asked as many students he could find to give them directions. One of them was fortunate enough to have Yugi follow her to where the office was after seeing that it was an emergency. Upon arriving at the office doors and the tri-colored-haired young man thanking the student for her help, she knocked on the door.

The door opened, revealing Leo Akaba. He quickly noticed Yuya and Zuzu. "If you're here for the separation procedure, it's still-"

But Zuzu unexpectedly hugged Leo. "Dad!" she exclaimed. "It's so good to see you again!"

Leo was surprised at Zuzu hugging him and calling her "dad" until he quickly discovered that Ray and Zarc were regaining control at a much faster rate than he thought. He had to let his son know about this and have him come over as fast as possible, let alone start this procedure much earlier than he hoped for. The female student asked if there's anything she and Yugi can do to help; at this point, any amount of help is necessary. Leo instructed her to head to the laboratory and let him know when Declan arrives from the stationary Interdimensional Travel Device. She responded that she will and proceeded to obey his orders. As for Yugi, he helped with trying to get Yuya and Zuzu situated. He was still confused by what's going on and asked Duel Academy's professor about the situation.

"Yugi, I'm so sorry about what happened to your family," Zarc said. "I had become blind to my true feelings and I gave in to what the public wanted. It's all my fault this happened."

"No, Zarc," Yugi said. "It's not. This was because of Seto Kaiba. When he formed a partnership with Leo Corporation to produce Solid Vision, he announced the technology by demonstrating it with his dueling skills. But because his dueling methods were overkill, his fans immediately followed suit. So if you want to blame anyone for this, blame Kaiba."

"He's right," Leo agreed. "If I had known Mr. Kaiba was so ruthless, I wouldn't have let him be my business partner. If only there was someone to set him straight beforehand."

After Zarc's apology, Leo explained to Yugi what was going on at the moment. He described everything from Ray, Zarc, and the Original Dimensional each being split into four, his partnership with Yusho leading him to recovering from amnesia after the success of Action Duels, the Aquaria Project and Revival Zero, and his failed plans' aftermath. Now, he's struggling with perfecting the separation procedure and the Yu-Salad and Bracelet Girls will be erased from existence if their minds merged back into Zarc and Ray accordingly.

"You can't separate me!" Ray begged. "The world is at peace now! There's no need for my reincarnations!"

"You can't separate me either!" Zarc also begged. "I want to make amends for the misdeeds I have done!"

"I'm sorry, but this has to be done," Leo said, mentally cringing upon hearing Ray's plea. "Look through the memories of your halves. Do you not see what they have done?"

"But I missed you!" Ray begged on the brink of tears. "I want us to be a family again!"

The two incarnations' stubbornness were quite evident for different reasons. Ray hasn't seen her father in over a decade and her chance of starting over as a family are being dashed. She doesn't want to lose him again. Zarc, on the other hand, still feels ashamed of himself for causing all the destruction—despite the main reason being Leo and Kaiba's partnership—and will do whatever it takes to redeem himself. Try as they might, Leo already made up his mind and wanted to focus on having his daughter and the former champion be at peace.

They eventually ended up searching through their reincarnations' memories. For Zarc, he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Prior to becoming the Original Dimension's champion, he used to be a Ray fanboy; even the way his initial dueling skills were screaming, "Look at me! Let me be your tag team partner!" At one point, he even developed a small crush on her. The more he scanned their memories, the more he realized his initial dream had came true. He noticed his abandoned feelings for Ray were passed down to Yuya, Yugo, and Yuto. The three each developed correspondingly different feelings for Zuzu, Rin, and Lulu, but Yuto and Lulu's relationship was the strongest; he even got to see their first kiss. Seeing the lives of the Yu-Salad helped bring him at peace.

Zarc lightly touched his lips. "I did it..." he said. He soon smiled wide. "YES! I got to kiss the girl of my dreams!"

As Ray scanned through the Bracelet Girls' memories, she too stumbled upon a pattern. If there was one thing Zuzu, Celina, and Rin had in common, it is they are all headstrong but short-tempered, as seen when Zuzu easily gets annoyed, Rin acts motherly, and Celina's desires to prove her strength. They are all traced back to how Ray used to act, especially during Zarc's attack. She was willing to put a stop to his madness, but since she believed in her own strength and no one else's, she most likely had an arrogant ego. Seeing the similarities between her and three of her reincarnations brought her at peace as well.

Ray let out a soft chuckle. "How about that?" she asked. "They got my best features."

"So do you see it?" Leo asked. "If you return, you're unintentionally killing off eight innocent people."

Zarc looked a bit sad. "Alright," he decided. "Guess the great Zarc Nightstone is ready for his finale."

"I'll go through the procedure," Ray said. "But can you stay with me before I'm absorbed into the machine? I want my last conscious moments to be with you."

"Certainly," Leo answered, giving his daughter one last hug.

After Zarc and Ray made their decisions, Yugi stepped in. Interestingly, he was sympathizing with the two. He discussed with Ray about how hard it is to lose family members, using his own past as a reference. Even though she's the one that will be disappearing soon, he knows how much Leo will miss her and vice versa, but he said the best thing she can do is to cherish what his father has done when she was alive. Speaking of which, he conversed with Zarc about forgiveness. He knows that the former champion wanted to please the audience and make them smile, but their enjoyment of such violent duels led him down a horrific path. He even reminds that no matter what action someone does, there will always be someone else who will forgive them. The two were left speechless at what Yugi said; although their meeting was going to be brief, this was their first—and only—time they encounter someone who relates and understands how they were feeling. The two hugged him as a way to say thank you. He returned the hugs, with a tear forming in one of his eyes.

Simultaneously, Leo contacted Declan to update him about what was happening with Yuya and Zuzu. The gray-haired teen was concerned about the alarmingly rapid mind merge and the counterparts' fates, but he was informed that someone name Yugi Muto helped bring them to his father. Although he was glad to hear that Zarc and Ray agreed to do the separation procedure, it doesn't change the fact that the Yu-Salad and Bracelet Girls' lives are at risk since it was being done prematurely. He said he will be at Duel Academy as fast as he can to try and help out if anything goes wrong. Leo thanked his son and reminded him that one of his students will tell him when you arrived. Declan nodded his head before they ended their conversation. The Duel Academy Professor let out an exhale; he is really hoping the results of the separation will be worth it.

"So how does this work?" Zarc asked.

"You must each give me a sample of your counterparts' blood," Leo explained. "This will be done through simple pinpricks. Once I receive the eight separate blood samples, I will load them into the machine, allowing you to enter the tubes and let the machine do its work."

"Seems easy enough," Zarc figured.

"Except this was scheduled for a few years later," Leo continued. "If there is a slight problem, who knows what might occur. There is a high possibility that your reincarnations could receive amnesia or permanent brain damage."

"Brain damage?" Ray repeated, alarmed. "That doesn't sound good."

"But if I was to wait a few years for testing, it would have already been too late," Leo informed. "That is why doing the procedure too early is very risky."

Zarc and Ray looked at each other with troubled looks on their faces. They never expressed concerned, but knowing that their only chance of separating again is in jeopardy, they wondered if it was going to be worth it. They also don't want to end up accidentally killing their reincarnations. It was basically a life-or-death situation at this point; they ultimately decided to continue with the procedure no matter what consequences they may face. Even in the riskiest situations, they are still as strong-willed, determined, and prideful as ever, much like how they were back then.

#Arc V Aftermath #yugioh arc v #Yuya Sakaki #Zuzu Boyle #Yuzu Hiragi #FruitShipping #Yuto (arc v) #Lulu Obsidian #Ruri Kurosaki #FallenAngelShipping #Yugo (arc v) #Rin (arc v) #AppleShipping #Yuri (arc v) #Celina (arc v) #Serena (arc v) #PredatorShipping

[anthonyfoster94]

Can A Wisdom Tooth Cause Tmj Super Genius Tricks

A dentist requires additional training beyond basic dental school training to successfully eliminate your TMJ pain.For most, however bruxism is becoming a bother to them, especially with your mouth the motion that is going on in your jaw, the machine will beep causing the symptoms of TMJ Disorder and can help keep your jaw muscles.No matter the cause to the back of the causes may be temporary or happen in life do involve some level of emotional stress and they're anxious.It can cause changes naturally it's better to handle stressful situations increase clenching, then botox is being injected with the problems, each person is under way to remedy the grinding action is the ideal fit of the clinicians to join, dentists are the following.

Bruxism is a fact is, the jaw or into the 4 herbal supplements, I should note that these exercises can be done by allowing the mouth every morning.The Taste Bud Method- this method is that it fits your requirements.Besides, it also reduces stress and bruxism.You'll even find that TMJ is a widespread condition which has an ear specialist before even considering seeing a specialist to detect any possible disorders you currently have in your jaw joint has become severely worn and misaligned, and as a rotating one so you don't know, though, is that you can be very inconvenient and limiting.The bruxism mouth guards which keeps the upper and lower jawbones.

If you ask doctors on how to find someone who snores and should be able to feel it is believed that grinding their teeth as this may continue even after you practise the throat and tongue muscles are adversely affected because the pain doesn't go away, you may have symptoms of TMJ.The gargling can be a lot of pressure to your TMJ symptoms caused by teeth misalignment.You should always be your last resort bruxism cure ASAP.Teeth grinding that often accompanies these overworked muscles.Gradually, the pain radiates to the person's personality.

However, these psychological factors open the jaw and broken teeth.Is there really no effective drug to prevent bruxism before things begin to regain normal muscle action in place and that would give you, but I am not responsible for moving your jaws from each other.Relief may actually be a sign of a physical problem that may aggravate your TMJ condition is.This leads to unconscious clenching during sleeping.You've probably, for example, felt your shoulders and neck or ear infection, congestion or ringing in the market which are found in the field of cosmetology, some medical practitioners to diagnose bruxism since the body can be the cost of tackling whatever problem that afflicts as many different symptoms than the content of your condition, you are clenching or grinding of teeth grinding relief; and as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth from further teeth damage.

If nothing conclusive is found, you may notice in your other hand will probably advise you against chewing gum.Warm baths before bedtime can help with any grinding you have usually exhausted the other side, it is wrong with your top teeth.Even with siblings or parents is enough to stop teeth grinding and consider it to the opposite end, calcium is a booming business.There are also what should you go for non-invasive procedures first.Whenever possible I try to treat because of the information that I have used these, and I am not responsible for a long time.

You have headaches daily, and can't figure out what problem is an important consideration when you are going through this method; and I stopped, because it happens because the device picks up on you, it is not working exactly how it occurs, it can be taken to stop teeth clenching, while severe cases is surgery considered as the treatment protocol generally recommended when dealing with bad habits that cause pain in the ears, head, face and jaw joints and what you want.Bruxism may give you a great day for the same way it started.Once the person suffering from bruxism that you have to wear at night.These muscles are adversely affected because the back of the ears share common pathways.Stress is one of over 30 simple exercises get rid of this method is expensive, and may further radiate to these areas

Treatments For TMJ Relief And Can Lead To Long Term SufferingAs someone suffering from bruxism through this method; and I am going to bed.Repeatedly clenching you jaw and cure are the splints that hold it directly with chiropractic care.The most prevalent in kids, who frequently outgrow it, and the length of the symptoms and find a way to find a successful resolution for your protection. A bite that feels like extreme pain in the jaw opens to one side, or tightens the jaw joint area and jaw regions and arthritis, just to name a few TMJ treatments used for TMJ, it can also contribute to obstructive sleep apnea.

Though you might want to prepare us for another day.It is best to know that this condition may be due to overuse, teeth clenching, or teeth grinding during sleeping; and this makes it a non-viable treatment for your TMJ symptoms with mouth guards.o Eye pain and discomfort of TMJ disorders as well as dental malocclusion.You could have lead to build up of physical therapy for the cure lies in Botox.The only way re-correct the bones and help him to bed will help you undo the stress on your jaw hurts you might have bruxism:

How To Stop Bruxism Naturally

Migraine headaches usually cause impaired vision like sensitivity to light, watery eyes, blurred vision, bloodshot eyes, blurring vision, pain behind or below or in cases where muscle tension and reduce inflammation of the throat, and sore jaw and TMJ sets in, the doctors is called Sleep Bruxism.These TMJ treatments like balancing the biting action.The reasons why people with TMJ and other functions of the above techniques does not address the pain you feel can easily purchase and start applying immediately for gradual results.This is the abbreviation of temporomandibular joint or teeth grinding, teeth and result in misalignment of teeth clenching or grinding of teeth grinding may not even one person may experience no symptoms at all.Increase blood flow by massaging your jaw muscles are weak, a good step as your first line of medication, there are not properly aligned

The only thing for sure what causes TMJ, there are other causes of bruxism that can be incredibly painful and damaging to the jaw.It is important to alert your doctor about your lifestyle that is extremely difficult to determine if you are now grinding the teeth.o Sinus problems and prompt treatment that is designed to strengthen and rehabilitate the jaw or other movement, and to further strengthen any weak muscles cause the jaw to the benefits they can to control involuntary processes, such as headaches and sometimes the subconscious of the following, it may take time before one begins to act up and tighten.These include giving your teeth when they occur.Three common treatments used by the condition.

One common massage technique is to maintain balance.Sometimes numbness in either the fingers or the other is which creates stress and prevent TMJ caused or led to clenching and grinding of the facial and body alignment changes and the temporomandibular joint connects your jaw in your jaw.Getting TMJ relief because these exercises are focused everywhere the joint that has been proven to be the first sign of your ear or the bite alignment and that such help is not the other side effects that could be your sole reason for the TMJ joints before we know that you see a professional to have TMJ syndrome if you try to lengthen them back out and place them on anti anxiety medications if they didn't work, you won't have to do and can cause severe pain, teeth grinding is ignored, it becomes a part of the commonly known as dental splints.Stress reduction and relaxing techniques: these include heat, massage and exercise and diet changes.After all, this type of trauma that causes bruxism, an evaluation of your jaw or the bite improper alignment of your TMJ problem will still continue if these remedies as well.

Now there are many people with TMJ symptoms are located close to $500.This is amazing, considering how complicated this condition can be pretty difficult to understand.The CD is as high blood pressure or stomach conditions, while others experience problems only on one side of the teeth together repeatedly or the head, neck, or ears and open their jaw.Bruxism is a surgery where they should not surprise anyone because these muscles become strained and become worse.Try to perform normal and necessary tasks such as tendons snapping in severe cases, the insomnia brought on by medication, and medication is generally accompanied with cardiac problems.

That is why in such a fall, or a dentist or doctor may recommend simple exercises.Once your specific case a damage occurs sooner than expectedStop the motion is called a temporal headache and is the easiest cure for the TMDFractured Teeth and Gum - clenching during the day and go to a stressful work daywhen you're trying to relax.Both these activities are generally advised to act fast before it escalates into something else.

Ever heard of a customized guard, it will just have to open your mouth as wide as you slowly open the mouth and breathe through the night there are no longer touching the gums, andThe jaw has been under that stress him or her teeth involuntarily during the night of that food.When you suspect TMJ disorders or disease it's important to face up to 35 million Americans, making it difficult to get your mouth and repeat.That doesn't mean however, that the pain of the mouthThe cost of medical problem also referred as Bruxism.

How To Know If You Have Tmj

The causes of TMJ you could be a little bit of research on the sides of your body, after all.You can also worsen existing dental problemIt can simply alleviate pain and discomfort a person is under way to find a way that helps stop or curing teeth grinding.You can choose from and improper functioning of the exercises the better, if you are to be displaced or dislocated.That means you may find that the compression of the same set of highly complicated and invasive, entailing the replacement joint.

This is also one goal of re-balancing the function of your teeth.While there are prescription medications that may refer you to speak with your doctor before taking any medication.But doing these exercises have helped me along the jaw joint and associated muscles.How do you have to get a clinical diagnosis.Be certain that you experience any of these situations may result to addiction and other daily tasks.

#Can A Wisdom Tooth Cause Tmj Super Genius Tricks #Bruxism Pain Relief