#and lending out more copies than you have like they did in 2020 is copyright infringement | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

simplyeu4ria · 2 years

Text

chapter 3:the werewolf heartthrob

🐺 ❁

Pairing: Werewolf! Jungkook x Unknown identity! Reader

~(severely unedited: started 02/05/2022 ended 01/06/2022)~

Genre: high school au, werewolf au, angst, uncomfortable moments but only on a couple of parts, lots and lots of fluff, family abuse (mentions only) but Namjoon saves the day

Rating: +17 au

Summary: You are y/n the simple orphan girl, who lives with your step-parents who don’t treat you right. The school make a laugh at you but when Jin and Jimin help you your life changed from the bad to the good. Jungkook the heartthrob is not what you think behind those cold stares that you get across the classroom. With him and his six other stepbrothers and a couple of girls they reveal they are more than just the popular…

Word count: longest story I have written so far 45004

(and coincidently 4 versions of this story, 5 weeks to make, and 4 years of loving BTS)

Warnings: some uncomfortable moments, mean talk, mention of degrading names, mild swearing

a/n: first request/story on this account; since this a popular type of oneshot for Jungkook I am sorry in advance if this like another oneshot, have fun reading

I have noted similarities in other ffs throughout, please notify me if you find another

I can say that this original and that its my own work, but since this is not subjected under copyright because its Tumblr please do not copy my work you will feel guilty in the end, trust me.

Happy indulging into an infp-t’s mind common things you will see;

Subtle reference to books that I have read

Very romantic moments

Things that don’t make sense but makes sense in my head

Maybe a spoiler to the next oneshot idea

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday 22nd December 2020

In the morning, everybody decided to go out on a walk since, it snowed last night.

The snow looked to good not to be enjoyed making a large blanket covering the whole town of where you lived. So, you put on your clothes and grabbed some snowshoes one of the girls had lent you. The only problem was you didn’t have a jacket. Prior to your packing days the weather forecast had shown that it would not snow for the duration of the holidays, so you didn’t pack one. None of the girls had one to lend to you, for today.

But Jungkook took one look at you before running upstairs and grabbed his grey reflector jacket and handed it to you. You smiled and thanked him, before putting on the jacket and headed outside with him towards the rest of the group before heading down the nearby walk to the forest.

It was a quite but comfortable walk due to the silence of everyone and the nature around. Rose stayed behind to walk with you whilst the boys walked further up ahead in their own smaller groups. Rose then asked you ‘So did you manage to get his Secret Santa present?’

You nodded. Before explaining when you got it, before looking ahead and realised that you are far away from the group. So, you ran and caught up with them giggling with Rose as you ran up the path.

Eventually your path had led the group in the middle of a large clearing where you could you see forest as far as the eye can see. You sat down on top of a large rock with your legs tired from all that walking. Everyone else followed suite and sat down around you, either chatting amongst each other or looking at the surroundings.

Then Namjoon looked at you ‘Hey y/n?’ He asked. I looked at him I saw his worried eyes but oddly I saw that they were also filled with trust.

‘Yes?’ you questioned.

‘We all have something to tell you, something important, us boys and the girls have known for a long time. However, since you came into our friendship recently and now, we all completely trust you and we think it’s a right to tell you and be honest.’ You nodded curiously, looking at everyone, they all looked at you, with some urgency.

Then you turned to your best friend who looked back at you desperately. His brown orbs shined with so many emotions which are hard to decipher.

You looked back at Namjoon before nodding to continue.

‘You know those magical beasts/hybrids, of legend like vampires, werewolves, and fairies?’ Namjoon asked and you nodded.

‘Well, those are all real, as many more other magical beasts, but humans just can’t see those ones. We boys are all werewolves. We are a sub-pack in a larger pack called the Eclipse pack.’ Do you widen your eyes at their statement, then you thought about the boys themselves, they did function like a pack you thought Namjoon had the leadership role since all of them listened to him, but it was hard to decipher the others place in a pack, but you had never seen them, shift?

‘Does that mean you guys shift or something into large wolves like Twilight?’ you asked before looking at the boys. Jungkook chuckled, of course you did compare fantasy to a book. Namjoon sighed in relief. ‘Well, that was a better reaction than I thought.’

‘And to answer your question, no we are not like that dipshit. We do turn into wolves but not that big, we can change at will. Whenever we want, unless on the full moon then we change into wolves in the night, with human wolf hybrid in the day.’ Suga explained.

‘We also have ranks in the pack,’ Namjoon further explained. ‘I am the head Alpha, first leader, Jungkook and Suga are also Alphas but are like secondary leaders. Taehyung and Hoseok are betas, 1st in command. With Jin and Jimin being deltas, or 3rd in command.’

‘Are you guys’ normal humans then?’ you asked the girls curiously; they were currently staying quiet in this part of the conversation.

‘Well… we are werewolves. But we as girls, don’t turn at all. The boys turn at 5 to 6 years once they full get control of it. We don’t know our rank since we are not meant to have one. Since we are not pure bloods, we only found out the boys were werewolves last February.’ You nodded.

‘What are pure bloods then?’

‘Where both your parents are from the magical lineage. The half-blood gene is when one of your parents is magical. But girls can’t change into wolves regardless of their status, either it will be pure or half, beta, omega, or delta.

Since Alpha children are always male, it’s hard to know if the female Alpha can carry the shifting gene. Alpha females don’t usually pass the age of 10.

Because being female and an Alpha makes you an easy target, to rogues (werewolves without status), stupid Alphas who don’t know what mates are and other species.’ Jin explained. You nodded taking in that information.

‘Can I see one of your wolves?’ you asked the boys. Jimin volunteered and ventured deep into the woods, and a couple of minutes later you heard pit patting and you turned your head seeing a grey wolf, you presumed it was Jimin since all the boys nodded in greeting.

They were right though, they are big as normal wolves, but smaller than the ones showed in Twilight. You got up and walked over to him before reaching to pat his head once you did Jimin whined in response, and you realised this was Jimin’s wolf. You smiled before itching under his chin and then he rolled onto his side, and asked you to give him belly-rubs, you giggled when his legs moved in response of getting a good itch.

Then you heard a loud growl, and you turned your head to Jungkook. And you raised your eyebrow. Before patting Jimin’s head and he whined again before walking back to change into his clothes. You walked back to Jungkook and looked down at him while he looked away from me.

You chuckled before scratching his head, before whispering ‘Good boy.’ He then suddenly grabbed you and toppled you on the snow. You screamed out before laughing loudly whilst he laid on top of you whilst tickling your side before stopping and lifting himself off you. You sighed before rolling away from him to sit up, Jungkook back hugged you whilst you sat in front of him, and you were chatting with them like normal.

Soon it was time for you all to head back to the house, and you held Jungkook’s hand.

‘Hey y/n, I am really happy that you accepted us.’ He said.

‘Of course, I would. Not everyday you meet werewolves let alone be friends with them. And besides, I am already in too deep in your world so much so that I don’t think this will be gone so easily. I can’t leave you all, you mean too much to me. Just as much as I mean to you.’ You said whilst looking at the sky before looking at Jungkook, who was already smiling at you.

Thursday 24th December 2020

Christmas was tomorrow, you thought it was odd to say you weren’t excited, you were happy, so happy that you didn’t exactly think about…going on a walk, out into the snow, at 6:00am when everyone else was asleep so or you thought.

You were walking in a random direction, and you had gone for 20 minutes turns out you went in the direction of the clearing that you visited yesterday with the boys, you smiled at the clear white blanket that covered the ground for miles, with the bare trees and a couple of coniferous bunched together sprouting high above the ground.

You also saw a dark green ivy curtain covered in snow against a large hill that was covered in coniferous trees, you then saw the large archway of ivy and ferns you got curious at the sight. So, you walked closer to the archway, so you decided to take a picture with the polaroid you just so happen to take with you.

You then walked to the archway, moved the ferns, and found a long corridor, you didn’t think much before entering the archway. At the end of the stone corridor, you saw a large door. You then pressed the ancient doorway eventually a large rumble occurred, and the door moved open.

You then walked closer to the cracked door, and you peaked inside before seeing large amounts lilac dew-like flowers, you are gently the left the door so you could enter the further.

You walked through; you saw a large area covered in the purple flowers. You also saw a large willow tree which had pink leaves you glance at the tree in wonder before walking closer, you also saw a large clearing, with a lake just under the hanging pink leaves, they were just touching the ground.

You gasped when you saw a large statue of a women with beautiful features looking at her hands with your head you saw a flower, a lotus flower, it was closed but it seemed well even in this cold. You looked back at the lady she was wearing a crown, with moons and stars, and a gentle flowing dress, you saw her bare feet covered with many flowers, which were more lotuses, but they were all in bloom unlike the one in her hand, which was weird considering the weather outside.

You then realised how warm it was inside, so you took off your coat revealing your pyjama top, before sitting down at the side of the of the clearing facing away from the lady statue to look at the lake and the rest of the clearing.

-‘y/n!’- you heard Jungkook’s voice, worried.

You turned around and saw a wolf, not Jimin, but … Jungkook. ‘Jungkook?’ you said.

The wolf nodded before rushing forward towards you were about to pat him, but he started to sniff you and walked around you. You raised your eyebrows.

‘What wrong Jungkook?’ you said whilst looking at the worried Jungkook.

The wolf then turned into Jungkook, he looked at you worriedly,

‘I was worried about you, I didn’t see you next to me when I woke up and I got scared, then I got even more scared when you weren’t present in the house, your scent was faint. Then I saw your shoes were gone and I shifted and ran out after you. Namjoon was mad at me for the commotion but when he smelled my scent, he found out that my mat-you had left out in the cold without tell me. I am glad I found you her though’ He rambled.

He gently shivered, you widen your eyes before realising he was shirtless and that he was cold, so you quickly gave him my jacket wordlessly, looking away shyly at his nakedness.

Thanking you quietly Jungkook put on the jacket which turned out to be his one that he lent you earlier. Before he gently grabbed your hand to hold in his, you gently squeezed in response, and you looked back at him.

‘What do you mean by her?’ you asked Jungkook’s eyes then turned to look behind you. You then turned to find the statue, behind you. ‘Oh…her.’ You looked back at Jungkook. He returned your look before getting up and lead you to her whilst holding onto your hand tightly. You looked at the linked hands between you two, you wondered what it was like to hold his hand if you were in a relationship. You tried not to think to much about it and looked ahead at the statue again before looking at Jungkook. He met your eyes after looking at the statue with a smile.

‘She is the Moon Goddess, she is the deity for werewolves, and other night species, but she goes by different names depending on the species, but she means the same thing, our creator. When she had met the male Alpha King who was wolf, they fell in love and mated. She became the Queen Luna; then soon after the union, the children emerged as werewolves. For other species that part of the story is different but one thing in common is she fell in love and had children of them with the Alpha male King of the species.

‘Eventually over generations, werewolves and other night species population increased, but humans got scared of them and hunted them to extinction. Werewolves were then wiped from the human history, thanks to the Moon Goddess. She also made these safe havens for us to thrive, but soon werewolves modernise and do mingle with humans just not often, as we did when we attend school.’ He explained.

I looked at him shocked. ‘I know a lot to take in.’ he chuckled.

‘What is this place then?’ you asked whilst looking around.

‘This is a place for ceremonial uses, the official ceremonies take place outside in the large clearing that we were at yesterday, but the more personal parts of the ceremonies takes place here, so you have the blessing of the moon goddess.’

‘For example?’ I asked.

‘Mating unions(after the mates are officially united in front of the pack(s), they ask for blessing from the moon goddess), welcoming a new pack member (after they have been accepted by the Alpha), unions between two packs and funeral ceremonies (to help the werewolves to move onto the next life).’ Jungkook stated.

You nodded before realizing you are shivering because of the cold, Jungkook noticed and started to stand up.

‘Come on let’s go back home.’ Jungkook said, he took of his jacket off before handing it back to you, before changing back into his wolf.

‘Does it hurt when you change into a wolf?’ you asked when you started to zip up the jacket. Jungkook shook his head not before saying,

-‘It hurts at the beginning when you change into your wolf for the first time, but you get used to it the more you change.’-

‘How are you talking to me then?’ you asked.

–‘Mind-link ever since Namjoon accepted you are part of the pack by mind-link, but you can’t talk through it because you are not actually part of the pack…yet.’- you thought you heard that last bit incorrectly, but you shrugged you shoulders and climbed on Jungkook’s back before he ran back home.

Little to say you did enjoy riding on Jungkook’s back he was bigger than Jimin maybe because he’s an Alpha he can take care of the extra weight without a problem.

✧✧✧

Later that afternoon…

You and everyone else were back at home decorating the house for Christmas, the boys cleared the outside whilst you and the girls did the inside. The boys had carried the Christmas tree inside (whilst you were out with Jungkook in the ceremonial place) and put it into place, so all you girls had to do was to decorate it. Irene and Seulgi decorated a half of the house. The downstairs and the terrace. Whilst you, Rose and Lisa took care of the other half (the hallway Namjoon’s study and the TV room).

The Jimin and Taehyung are clearing out Taehyung’s room for their parents, Jungkook, Namjoon and Hoseok the driveway and the terrace because of the snow. Yoongi and Jin are going on a shopping trip for food and some other things that they need.

Soon the whole house was decorated and there were Christmas stockings decorating the fireplace next to the TV in the main area, Two black, blue, green, purple, red and white. For the colours of the pieces of paper for our rooms, with our initials sewed on them. Containing the secret Santa presents from our secret Santa that we played during November.

Jin and Yoongi wordlessly handed everyone a bag to say to get changed for Christmas. ‘We need to be in a Christmas vibe, and they are all matching…to your roommate.’

Soon you were all wearing Jumpers and jeans to get into the Christmas vibe, you were wearing a beige jumper with a Christmas wonderland pattern. Jungkook was wearing the same but navy blue. Jimin was wearing a grey turtleneck, Taehyung was wearing green one. Lisa and Rose were wearing a pink Christmas Jumper with cute reindeers. Hoseok and Namjoon were wearing red and burgundy Jumpers. Yoongi and Jin were wearing white ones.

You then heard the door and Taehyung volunteered to get it before revealing a man and a woman possibly both in their 50s it was hard to decide because of their soft youthful faces. They smiled at the boys, and they all came rushing to give them a hug whilst shouting ‘Amma! Appa!’ You smiled at the cute interaction before standing up with the girls as you walked over to greet the newcomers.

‘Hello girls!’ the women said gently. ‘Oh, and who is this?’ she said looking at me curiously. Jungkook then whispered in her ear. ‘Ahh!’ She then I presumed by mind-link since her eyes turned silver told her husband. ‘Well, my dear one, I am the Luna and this the Alpha, and we are the parents of these groups of boys.’ she said. You bowed to her and smiled.

‘Well, we should get changed and head upstairs so we can have lunch with each other and then we can start talking.’ The Alpha said.

‘Thank you’ you whispered to Jungkook.

‘Anytime princess.’ You blushed at the nickname before helping Jin do the last of the cooking and the rest of the group helped clear the table and place the things needed for Lunch.

‘So I am guessing you are human then y/n?’ Mr Kim asked, and you nodded.

‘And you are from the same school as the boys then?’ he asked again and you also nodded.

They kept on asking you questions, but you kept on nodding or shaking your head, Jungkook then saw how uncomfortable you were and signalled to the guys to start talking about something else. But the Kim’s questions kept on coming.

‘I think we can get desert, then since everyone is finished.’ Jin said, whilst everyone nodded their head, so Jin was about to get up. ‘No Jin. Let y/n do it since she doesn’t talk to us, she can go beside if she doesn’t talk, she is not needed in the conversation.’ Ms Kim said. You nodded and was about to leave the table; Jungkook then said ‘Let me help you y/n.’ he said, you were about to tell him no its fine. But Ms Kim beat you too it and said ‘No Jungkook she can do it herself.’ She demanded.

Jungkook was clenching his fist on the table you knew what was going to happen, so you gently grabbed his hand, he looked at you with red eyes, to be honest it scared you.

‘Jungkook it’s all right you don’t need to defend me. I can get the desert myself since I am not useful in this conversation. And plus, its not rude to go against a Luna let alone an Alpha. I am just respecting your parents for the whole entire conversation; they haven’t told me to speak yet, so I have not spoken yet. Besides if they told me to speak, I wouldn’t have listened anyways, since I am uncomfortable with new people.’ I said before turning to the Kims

‘I am sorry I haven’t spoken to yet Alpha and Luna Kim. I am not yet comfortable with you so please be patient; don’t worry I am going to get the desert by myself.’ You stated before finally leaving to get the desert.

✧✧✧

Soon after desert had finished in silence. Y/n had cleared up the rest of the plates without another word. Jungkook tried to help her even the rest of the others tried to, but y/n was persistent to do it herself and didn’t listen. The whole table was clean within 15 minutes, whilst everyone looked stunned. Y/n didn’t bother to say goodbye, other than a small smile to the others; but a lone tear went down her cheek when she looked at Jungkook. She wiped the tear quickly before heading upstairs, you could hear a loud bang and as the bedroom door closed.

Namjoon’s eyes then darted between the three people Jungkook was looking at his adopted parents angrily if looks could kill they would be dead by now. Namjoon’s parents didn’t dare to look at him in the eye, they knew they did something wrong to get Jungkook angry like that. It was well known in the family that Jungkook was cold since the beginning when he came into the family at the mere age of 9, and this wasn’t his usual angry self. It took time for everyone to let Jungkook warm up to them, But Hoseok was closest to Jungkook, Namjoon’s parents were the last. But with this development, Namjoon knew they had to work on their relationship better.

-‘Jungkook stop getting angry it won’t help.’-

-‘But they hurt my mate, who is just human she didn’t do anything wrong.’- he looked at Namjoon.

-‘Go to her Jungkook and comfort her. I’ll tell Jin to take care of the packing of the remaining food.’- Jungkook nodded at Namjoon’s orders.

Before standing up, he was the first in 5 minutes to everyone looked at him wearily, even as werewolves they could smell his angry pheromones. Mrs Kim was about to apologise to Jungkook, but the younger male was faster,

‘Don’t you dare to apologise to me, Mother. You both must apologise to her not me. Didn’t I not tell you that she was my mate, the one who is going to be with the rest of my life. Don’t you also know that she is now scared of you.

I thought that when you visited, you’d give her a sense of family I even reassured her. And you didn’t even give her a hug like you always do to other girls, who just want us for our status and money, she doesn’t care about those things.

Her parents don’t even care about her; they are never even at her home. But when they are, they make her do all the chores. This was the first Christmas without her parents was going to be free for once in her life. Just because she is human you don’t have to discriminate her. I thought you might love her for who she is, the person who I fell in love with. You instead just made her feel worse. You didn’t just hurt her; you hurt your son. Apologise to her first; then I’ll think about accepting your apologies.’ Jungkook said with authority and left to go upstairs to go and comfort you, his mate.

✧✧✧

You closed the door of Jungkook’s room a little to loudly for your liking. Before you shuffle to go and sit on the ledge of the window pulling your legs close to you, as you looked at the snowy outside.

You had started to wonder why the boys’ parents hated you so much. They were only nice to the girls and the boys, but now you just saw them very differently to how they had been explained, the rest of your group. You wondered if Jungkook would accept your love, after what you did to his parents.

Before you know it, tears had flown down your cheeks, whilst being lost in your thoughts. You headed towards the bathroom to clean up your face. Once you exited the bathroom, you saw Jungkook sitting on the edge of the bed with his hands in his hair, he looked stressed. You hurried over to him and crouched down to the ground and remove his hands from the top of his head, he looked into your eyes with worry.

He suddenly grabbed your hand and pulled you off the ground from your squatting position, releasing a yelp from you. He pulled you up on his bed, with his back against the bed rest only to sit in front of him, in between his legs. He pulled you closer to his chest.

‘I am so sorry you had to see that y/n, I thought they’d treat you nicely since you are important to our group especially to me, I don’t know what has gotten into them.’ He whispered, you nodded indicating you were thinking about the same thing before you lifted your head up to look at the doe eyes above you.

He was already looking back at you smiled for the first time properly that day, since you were so nervous your usual smile wasn’t present. But now it was and Jungkook was happy. But then he heard a knock on the door, he knew it was Hoseok.

-‘What’s up Hobi-hyung?’-

-‘Just wanted to check if you both were ok, but I think you and y/n should leave the house for a bit. Namjoon, Yoongi, Jimin, are giving mom and dad a piece of medicine, in Namjoon’s study. But Jin and Taehyung are trying to calm them down before it goes wrong, but it currently not working. I don’t think y/n would want to see the family fight, because of her problem with our parents she would become more upset.

Take her out to the town. You can get her happy make sure you stay there for the entire afternoon including tea. I’ll tell you when things calm down and we start making dinner, so you can come and join us, before we go and put the presents under the Christmas tree.’-

-‘Yeah I will do that, thanks hyung.’- Jungkook said.

-Anytime, Jungkook.’- Hoseok said before walking back downstairs and closing the door.

‘Who was that?’ you asked.

‘Hoseok-hyung, he was checking if we were both ok after what had happened downstairs, anyways instead on dwelling on those bad things lets go out on a walk-in town?’ Jungkook suggested.

You smiled and nodding at him before getting your shoes and Jacket whilst Jungkook got his and the both of you headed downstairs and quickly headed outside onto the driveway before heading towards the town.

✧✧✧

Meanwhile in Namjoon’s study…

Hoseok entered the study after heading to Jungkook’s room to enlighten him of the situation.

Irene also told him about the clean kitchen after cleaning the dishes. The girls were going upstairs to Namjoon’s bedroom to watch some movie. He thought the girls were lucky to watch the movie without having to deal with loud shouting in the study. Once he opened the large oak door, loud shouting was immediately heard, and he quickly entered through without letting the sound to enter the hallway upstairs. Luckily, the door was soundproof.

Hoseok then took his place near Taehyung and Jin the only calm ones in the room, whilst the other 5 were shouting to each other. ‘So did you tell him the idea?’ Jin asked Hoseok, he nodded whilst looking around the large dark rectangular room. Namjoon was leaning against his desk at the back with his hands against his face. The 2ndoldest brother Yoongi was busy having a heated debate along with Jimin, who was leaning against the bookshelf, going up against their parents.

‘You need to start to learn how to respect people, not just you and your opinions. Good Alphas listen to everyone especially to their children and newcomers, since they have down to earth opinions about the pack, and they are always honest. You just scared the future of this pack away just because she is human.

If my mate were human or even a vampire, I would still accept her no matter what regardless on what you think, just like Jungkook did. Y/n did not even flinch after hearing that we were a totally different species, she still cares for us the same, yes, she asks us questions, but still respects our privacy, but now she’s Jungkook’s mate at least you could give her is some respect, since she is going to be the newest pack member.’ Yoongi said whilst looking at his parents angrily.

Jimin just rolled his eyes when his father tried to speak but he beat him to it. ‘Shut the hell up no one asked for your opinion, just like Yoongi said you really need to start earning respect from your family members.

To be honest I still can’t believe that y/n still decides to respect you even after what you did to her.’ He spat back at the oldest people in the room.

Soon the three quiet boys saw Namjoon, the wisest brother, stood up. He took one look at Yoongi and Jimin they went silent but stood behind him when he went to go a sit on the armchair facing his parents. One look from Namjoon and they also both went silent. The two betas and the Delta knew what was going to happen, so they just stood quietly watching from the side.

‘Why did you keep on asking questions to y/n?’ he asked.

‘Because…we wanted to make sure that she was going to be a good mate to Jungkook.’ Mr Kim spoke.

‘She already was. Didn’t I tell you to be nice to her? Because she is afraid of new people? Should I also remind you both that you are behaving like little school children, thinking that Jungkook would leave his mate for some gold digger/whore that you picked out for him?’ Namjoon further asked the two people who are in front of him. They both nodded, whilst looking at each other before looking at their hands.

‘Let me tell you something. Jungkook holds a better responsibility to the pack than I ever will, just because I am your favourite child doesn’t mean I will follow your rules. You will never be my pied piper, as I will never be your mouse. Jungkook and y/n are mean to be, regardless of what our grandparents told you. We are not into an arranged marriage like you two, we don’t reject our mates and just get married for the money and glory.

‘Jungkook knows to be a better leader, I am just the brains but Jungkook he’s the true Alpha of his pack and I will more than happy to respect him as my leader. Y/n on the other hand is the perfect Luna, I saw this immediately after meeting her for the first time and seeing how she interacted with everyone knowing when to speak and when to act. I saw how caring she is and how much she takes pride in helping others more than herself.

‘Just like you I was warry of her, when I didn’t meet her, just heard about her. After Jimin and Jin told me that she likes to draw wolves in her spare time, and that they looked just like us. I was curious did she know about us? Our identity? But then after meeting her properly for the first time on our dining table she is truly the nicest person. Whilst looking at the stars that night, doing my usual night readings, I realised this was fate, it was meant to happen.

‘I realised there was more about y/n than meets the eye, when Jungkook became conflicted of his feelings for her. I consulted him here in this room I was sat here, whilst he was sat there right in between you two. Then he told me everything from start to finish. How she always got his attention, whenever she walked by, he could smell her sweet scent. How she laughed at Jin’s jokes.

How she blushed at Jimin’s affection(not being used to any beforehand) And how Jungkook would stare at her angrily, getting jealous without really knowing why. And many other little things that made him fall in love with her. One thing was for sure she was always on his mind, and that it was annoying, to him. That’s why he gave her all those stares, then I told him ‘Now you can think.’.’

He said before leaning forward closer to his parents, elbows on his knees.

‘The next day we went to school and when he saw y/n for the first time, properly this time. He realised that she was his mate and that he loved her. He didn’t know when it happened, but his brain was doing it subconsciously, which is why he was staring at her without him or his wolf knowing. Since he was more cold to people, he didn’t care till now about mates until we had our conversation.

‘The day after that, Jungkook saves her from the mean girl of the school, and they became best of friends till now. Jungkook is going to confess to her soon on winter solstice ball. Just like Yoongi said she didn’t even flinch when we told her we were part of the supernatural and one of the dangerous night species. She still treated us the same, she was more fascinated because she reads supernatural books though, that the humans made up about us,’ he chuckled all the boys smiled remembering that day.

‘Speaking of supernatural books…’

Namjoon then shuffled back to lean against the armchair whilst looking at the ceiling for a moment going quiet for a few minutes before Yoongi cleared his throat. Namjoon snapped out of his trance, before getting up to one of the bookshelves.

He was muttering quietly shuffling along a series of book before grabbing the dark purple book. Letting out a small sound ‘Aha!’ once he found the book, the boys, presumed he was looking for. Flipping through the page whilst moving back to his original seat in front of his biological parents, he place a blue-ribbon mark on the page before placing it in front of him on the dark oak coffee table.

‘Y/n has been through some family abuse and even school bullying, yet she was still kind to you and everyone else who hurt her, sometimes I wonder what makes her put up with that stuff, you might have to ask her that.’ Namjoon said sipping through his coffee.

‘But let me tell you…I am, and I will give up my position as the future Alpha of this pack and give it to Jungkook, and then y/n will be the Luna. Jungkook deserves it more than me and Yoongi, he also agrees. As of the end of the holidays I am giving the role of the Alpha couple pack to Jungkook and y/n. End of story.’ Namjoon explained before sliding the book to his parents, he then pulled out sketchbook from his dark blue denim jacket.

‘I suggest you read the rest of the pages after the ribbon bookmark in that purple book till the next chapter and to look at that sketchbook fully. It will explain why y/n has more potential than you think.’ Namjoon said before leaving to go upstairs to his bedroom, the other boys followed suite.

His parents looked at the book in front of them. It read Legends of the midnight creatures: werewolf collection. Before opening the page marked by the ribbon. Raising their eyebrows at the title? The page was open to the beginning of a story tale of the called True Alpha couple… they knew the story though. They then put the book down keeping it in mind glancing at the thin black A5 sketchbook next to the mythology book. On the front page, was a large writing saying DREAMS. At centre bottom border, was small scribble in black calligraphy ink

property of l/n y/n.

The parents then opened the pages, beasts of all shapes and sizes scattered the page, demons, faes, vampires and many more. They were drawn to such detail, from every brushstroke to every pencil line.

The colours were seamlessly blended too, some were bright colours, of faes and magical beasts. Others were in grey scale, with the occasional colour to highlight the details. The darker pictures were covered in strokes of pain and desolation, with many containing many species attacking wolves. They looked like visions in real life more than imagination and dreams.

But when they looked at the incomplete 2nd half of the book. They found the many wolves painted in water colour with a forest background behind them, they were happy sensing of the colour scheme. Majority were a big group of werewolves with a white female and a Black male leading through. They were seen more often, playing a prominent role in y/n’s better stage of her dreams.

Some of the others like Namjoon had mentioned, looked like all the boys. Jungkook’s wolf was seen more frequently, the dark matte black coat with the shining grey eyes, with his occasional red pair in some drawings, when he challenged his Alpha.

Then they saw a large landscape painting covering the final page of drawings. From the point of view looking into a lake. Instead of a familiar figure of y/n they saw a pure white-pearl wolf. The rarest colour type the only seen in females born of the Alpha bloodline of southern isles, they were hunted because of their shifting gene, being the last pure-blood alpha females on the planet. In the reflection of the lake, the wolf looked surprised but more confused at the unfamiliar form. Both parents looked at each other with surprise in their eyes.

✧✧✧

On the walk…

Jungkook and you had walked all the way to town’s centre and headed inside the main shopping hall, to escape the cold outside. The shops were decorated for Christmas to attract customers for the festive season, many people were walking around with their families. As you walked ahead hand in hand all the way to the centre of the mall, they could see various vendors in the middle selling. Talking about their products, to the walking neighbours, with many foods or gifts decorating the countertops.

Y/n smiled at some of them, they smiled back and waved in response. Jungkook noticed and was about to ask the girl next to him, only to realise the girl wasn’t present and he looked around worriedly. Only to find her walking ahead fast to a waiting lady’s arms, he realised as Sejun Noona. Y/n was hugging her tightly, she knew her. Jungkook sighed in relief before heading closer to the stall which the lady owned.

‘Well, if it isn’t my favourite customer, what brings you here this Christmas I thought you were with some friends for the holidays.’ she asked the young girl who smiled brightly back at her, she turned around to look for Jungkook who was already walking towards her.

‘Unnie, this is Jungkook I am staying at his family house with his brothers and some girls for this Christmas.’ She said as she pulled Jungkook closer to lady. Jungkook politely bowed.

‘Hello, Sejun-Noona!’ he said happily. ‘I hope you are doing well.’

‘I am doing just fine thanks.’ y/n looked curiously between the two, ‘Jin’s friend, we ask for her take-outs all the time. She knows our secret.’ Jungkook explained. Y/n happily nodded, before her stomach rumbled very embarrassingly loudly.

‘Y/n didn’t you not eat properly?’ Jungkook asked worriedly. Y/n blushed before nodding.

‘How come?’ Sejun asked. concerned

‘My parents.’ Jungkook said clenched his fists, y/n quickly held his hand and he relaxed. Sejun nodded, she knew already have met them before when they came as a surprise visit.

‘Well let’s not dwell on that I’ll make some food, free of charge. Since the store is closing early today, just like many others, I need to get back to my parents. But I think they’d be fine for a little while longer. Sit down I’ll get you something to eat.’ The two nodded before sitting down on the side of the stall.

‘Hey, y/n how do you know so many people here?’ Jungkook finally asked.

Y/n looked around before saying ‘I know these people, since I buy the food for the house I go here often for the good, fresh, and cheap foods. My parents, usually go to the supermarkets, but I always come here. When my parents got mad at me for some reasons, they’d leave me outside my house without food and I’d walk all the way here and wander the stalls.

‘Eventually Sejun-unnie got curious about me and found out from secretly following me home and spying on me, she found about my bad relationship with my parents. When she saw me again, she allowed me to have free food on her stall for free. Everyone was confused about it at first, and started to spread rumours about the businessman’s daughter, but Sejun stopped the rumours.

‘Eventually that’s how Kira found out a way to offend me since she hates me, and she spreads the rumours. The guy that Jin and Jimin confronted on the first, when they first met me, likes Kira. He thought it was cool to make fun of me.’ you explained.

‘Now that I am are here, no one dares to spread rumours, after what happened to Kira. So, they shut up about it and everyone is nice now because all the bad people left, for being with on Kira’s side?’ Jungkook said. You nodded.

‘Chicken dumplings cooked in anchovy broth for y/n. And pork dumplings with chicken broth for Jungkook.’ Sejun said. You both thanked her and started to eat the dumplings.

‘I made you a small amount so you could have Kalgaksu later. Since I made extra dough. It might take a while, though because of the cold.’ Sejun said, and the both of you nodded since your mouths are full.

Soon the shops were starting to close around you since it was 1.30 pm in the afternoon. You had already finished the dumplings and already went on a wonder to the nearby open stalls, under the watchful eye of Jungkook.

Jungkook was busy eating his last dumpling whilst looking at y/n who was buying food. Then he heard ‘Jungkook?’ Jungkook teared away from the young girl, who was looking through her bag before turning towards the female voice. ‘Hmm?’ Jungkook looked at Sejun-Noona, curiously.

‘Do you really like y/n?’ he nodded before finishing of chewing his last dumpling before saying ‘I do, she is my mate. She means the world to me, she the only chance I have at love, I am glad it’s her though not that stupid Kira.’

‘I am glad, I can say she is the one for you. Don’t worry I am just looking out for my younger Dongsaeng.’ She said chuckling before heading back to make food. Soon y/n came back holding a blue plastic bag along with her shoulder bag. Before placing it on the ground next to her feet before taking off her shoulder bag. ‘What did you get?’ he asked. You explained that Jin messaged you to get some foods, which weren’t present in the house. When you had just started to wander around the stalls. Jungkook nodded before you both talked about some things

‘1 large vegetable Kalgaksu in Chicken broth.’ Sejun said. And you both started to eat the Kalgaksu together, halfway through the bowl, one long noodle you put into your mouth and Jungkook did the same, you were eating the noodle and it started to tug you.

You didn’t bother until you felt a warm wind of something against your lips, you turned your head only to open your eyes and found Jungkook’s lips against yours, he was also surprised. But you bit down on the noddle before something could have happened between the two of you.

You blushed and looked down at your hands. Jungkook smiled at your adorableness before he started to eat the rest of the Kalgaksu. And you started to eat as well.

Unbeknownst to the both of you Sejun was looking at the two of you before smirking at the cute interaction. ‘Mission Accomplished.’ She said before chuckling before she finished off closing the stall.

You thanked Sejun-Noona for the food before you started to walk again around the town. Eventually you both settled down in a café; with a hot tea and a mocha with a couple of chocolate chip cookies later, and a long chat it was time to go home.

#Jungkook #taehyung #v #bts #masterlist #imagines #oneshot #x reader #fluff #ateez #bts scenarios #kpop scenarios #request #namjoon #jiin #suga #Jhope #jimin

3 notes · View notes

jackalgirl · 3 years

Text

Archive.org (the Brouhaha, recapped)

There’s been a post going around about archive.org, and a suit against it by four large publishers. And there’s a lot -- I mean a lot -- of hyperbole going on about it.

I had a very constructive conversation here with @helenisfair (I had in fact bought into some of that hyperbole) and wanted to recap what I learned so far (I have more research to do). Be warned: it is very long.

Claim #1: the Internet Archive scans copyrighted books and makes them available to everyone, which is illegal and robs publishers of revenue, and if the publishers are robbed of revenue, so are the authors. Ergo, the Internet Archives is pirating authors’ works.

This claim plays on what it means to “make available,” and is strongly implying that this means unlimited digital copies of a physical book available for anyone to download and possess, always and forever. It would be like me buying a book, then making 10 photocopies of it, and giving those photocopies to my friends (or worse, selling them).

This is not really true (but in the case of the lawsuit, it is kinda true, see below).

The Internet Archive claims to function like a library. What this means is that, like a library, it buys or acquires (e.g., by donation) books. It does scan them and make them available online, and this does include books that are under copyright. Now here’s the part I don’t know yet: I don’t know if the Archive has a brick-and-mortar location where you can go and check out physical books. I am operating under the pretense (for the moment until I know for sure) that it does not. Therefore (again, I presume), it is not possible for the physical copy of a book and its digital copy to be loaned out at the same time.

Once the Archive has this scanned copy, it lends that copy out to readers using something called “Controlled Digital Lending”. For example: if you have an IA account, you can “check out” the scanned copy into your account’s loan list for one or 14 days. You can then read this book online, via web-enabled reading. You can return it at any time, or, once your lending time is up, the file is released from your loan list and is now available for someone else to check out.

It is also possible, if you have the proper Adobe application, to download an encrypted ePub or ereader version of the book. This allows people manipulate the display more appropriately for their needs. I think that the function of this Adobe software is the same thing as the web-reader: after the loan time, it removes the file from your device and (presumably) notifies the IA that the book is free to check out again. (I say “think” and “presumably” because I have not yet researched how the actual mechanics of this software work.)

The function of this is to ensure that extra copies of the book are not generated: one digital copy per physical book in the possession of the Archive (unless the book is no longer under copyright, that is), available to one person at a time. So, under the “lending libraries should be allowed” presumption: no revenue is being lost, no author is losing money.

Claim #2: The Internet Archive is doing exactly what libraries do with their eBooks!

Well, no. As I understand it, libraries license the digital copies of books from the publishers. So they do pay. What they get for paying is a number of digital copies that they can lend out that way -- entirely separate from any physical copies in their collection.

Claim #3: The Internet Archive made unlimited copies of millions of books under copyright available, and that’s why they’re being sued.

Well, actually the lawsuit only alleges 127 specific titles, to the “millions of books!” statement is an example of that hyperbole I mentioned earlier. But if you’re a fan of writers being compensated for their work (which I am), it’s not the quantity of books being “stolen” that is an issue. It’s the fact that unauthorized copies were available which could have, if they had been authorized, generated income for the original authors (or their estates).

And note my earlier statement about the idea of “copy”. It was not unlimited copies, as in “files I can download to my computer and have forever”. It was “multiple people potentially accessing the same digital copy of a physical book.”

So what actually did happen?

Well, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many libraries were closed -- or otherwise inaccessible to people with health limitations and/or concerns. People were trapped at home, with no access to libraries. So what the Internet Archive did was remove the 1:1 lending limitation for books in their library, calling it the “National Emergency Library” (it’s still not 100% clear to me whether this was all of the books in their holdings, or just some of them). This meant that for every physical copy of a book, there could theoretically be an unlimited number of digital copies checked out at one time (again, though, no one would get to keep their copy).

Apparently, the Archive had an “opt-out” option, wherein a publisher could notify the Archive that they didn’t want a book included in the “National Emergency Library” offering. I don’t know if the publishers could say “nothing from us”, or whether they’d have to fill out the “opt-out” form or whatever for each individual title.

Personally, and this is just me here, I do not particularly like “opt-out” options. If I’m going to take something from you, or collect something from you, or otherwise benefit from you, I think it is fundamentally shady for me to just start doing it and saying “but you can always opt out if you jump through these hoops”. I think the Archive would have been better served by sending notification to the publishers that they were going to do this thing for the benefit of people during this emergency, and ask them to opt-in, and not "unlocked” the affected books under copyright until they had done so.

Anyway, the publishers (Hachette, Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Wiley, for the record) filed suit against the Archive for copyright infringement, at which point the Archive stopped the “National Emergency Library”. As of this writing, the Internet Archive is back to what it was: 1:1 lending of the digital copy of a physical book in its possession (I think).

Claim #3: The Internet Archive did nothing wrong -- all of this is covered under “Fair Use”

That’s what IA is claiming in its response to the lawsuit. However, this may not be a very strong argument. The Mass Law Blog provides an analysis of this argument and concludes that the claim fails to meet most of the required prongs, or elements, of Fair Use doctrine (again many thanks to @helenisfair, who provided the link to this article).

Claim #4: By suing the Internet Archive, these publishers are trying to bring an end to the lending of books!

This is a claim made indirectly -- by refutation -- on the IA’s blog: “Copyright Expert on Publishers Lawsuit: 'The idea that lending a book is illegal is just wrong'”. Well, I can imagine a world in which publishers would, indeed, prefer to be paid for every time the contents of a book entered a reader’s brain. However, it’s my understanding this lawsuit is much more narrow -- it’s about unauthorized copies, which (if correct) would make this claim is a strawman.

Claim #5: This lawsuit will utterly destroy the Archive, and thus remove a lot of material from being available, including its archive of US political shenanigans (particularly from 2016-2020), which if lost, will impact people’s ability to fact-check said shenanigans.

This may very well be true, and it’s a concern. There is a lot of material there that would benefit future historians (or any current people who are interested in fact-checking and primary research), and to lose it would be a tremendous loss (though it would absolutely benefit certain persons’ ability to continue to create “alternate truth”).

End conclusion: I personally think that, if multiple people had access to the same digital scan of a copyrighted book during the National Emergency Library period that yes, the IA did infringe on the copyright, and they absolutely should be held accountable. I do not feel that the ends (helping out people during the pandemic) justified the means (essentially stealing from publishers and, by extension, the authors). I feel all of this could have been avoided via an opt-in system. I am also perturbed and annoyed by the hyperbole being utilized by the Internet Archive itself -- it has the feeling of handwaving, slippery-slope, and catastrophic-thinking arguments, to distract people from the issue at hand: did the Internet Archive make unauthorized copies of books available to its users?

I hope that the Archive can settle with the publishers for any actual copyright infringements that occurred, if they occurred. I think we’ll have to wait for discovery to find out how many of the 127 titles were checked out by more than one person at a time during the “National Emergency Library”, but even one infringement could be pretty hefty (see the Mass Law Blog article for penalties).

I personally feel that the Archive is incredibly useful, especially because it gives me the ability to access some very old manuscripts, and also books that -- while still in copyright -- still haven’t been digitized by their publishers. For example: “The Architect of Sleep”, by Stephen R. Boyett, is an absolutely excellent book about a guy who falls through some kind of multi-words rift and ends up in a Florida in which the dominant, sentient form of life is a bunch of really large, upright-walking, sign-language-using raccoons. This sounds like an absolutely ridiculous premise, but dear reader, the book is fantastic and well worth the read. It is also out of print, not available as an eBook, and is contained within the collection of the Internet Archive, so if I have intrigued you but you don’t want to pay for a used copy, you can go check it out online.

Likewise, I’d really like it if the ability to access the Wayback Machine, and also to fact check shenanigans, were as readily available in the future as they are now. In short, I would hate to lose the Internet Archive, and will continue to support them (provisionally; I sure hope they don’t try to pull another “opt-out” stunt in the future). If you’d like to do so as well, there’s a donate button on their main website at archive.org.

#internet archive #controlled digital lending #lawsuit

11 notes · View notes

ask-de-writer · 4 years

Text

DARING DO and the Gryphon’s Quest! : MLP Fan Fiction : Part 8 of 19

Return to the Master Story Index

Return to MLP Fan Fiction

DARING DO

and

THE GRYPHON’S QUEST!

De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)

and

Carmen Pondiego

Cover art by Aranel the Cyborg, now Wind the Mama Cat

29584 words

Writing begun 03/29/16

This is a Fan Fiction based on My Little Pony. Canterlot, Princess Luna and the name Daring Do are owned by Hasboro Inc.

//////////////

Users of Tumblr.com are specifically granted the following rights. They may reblog the story. They may use the characters or original characters in my settings for fan fiction, fan art works, cosplay, or fan musical compositions, provided that such things are done without charge. I will allow those who do commission art works to charge for their images.

All sorts of fan art, cosplay, music or fictions is actively encouraged.

///////////////////////

Chapter 8. Into the wilderness

Daring Do laughed, a cheerful tone, after the recent events. The fine gravel of the Royal Road crunching under hoof, she said, “No, I have made a note of it and WILL return at a later date. What we need now is more important. Those First Creation fanatics need to be stopped.

“I would rather stop them with facts instead of a war.”

Her harness creaking rhythmically as she strode up the road, Grata nodded, her crest lifted in the gesture of understanding. “Doctor Do, I commend you. You are not only an expert in an esoteric field, you are wise, as well. We too, wish to end the grip of the fanatics on our Aeries without bloodshed.”

It was late evening when they finally reached the town of Eagle’s Roost. In the dusk, they found an open inn. To the surprise of Grata and Rahak, it was being run by a Gryphon.

He greeted them effusively, gesturing toward his substantial timber and stone building, “Welcome to the town of Eagle’s Perch and my modest inn, the Gryphon’s Perch! I am Kraach. What is your need?”

Grata responded, “Three things. A safe place to park our cart. A good meal for Rahak and I and something suitable for Doctor Do. After that, we will need rooms for sleeping and a breakfast to see us on our way.”

Kraach turned his attention to their cart and his eyes widened. “That cart is Rom work! It will need to be guarded most carefully. The ponies here in Eagle’s Perch are basically pretty honest but they are desperate for good wheel work.

“Our town’s wheelwright was killed about six months ago. The farmers in the area are desperate for haulage. They are sharing the carts that still work well, trying to get the harvest in!”

Rahak asked, “What happened to the wheelwright and why has he not been replaced?”

Kraach’s crest fell in discouragement. “What happened was a blot on the good name of Gryphons everywhere. We got one of those idiot First Creation of the Twin Flames fanatics come to town.

“He saw a fine surrey belonging to the Baron in the wheelwright’s shop being fixed. Acting as if he owned the place, he demanded that he be taken on a tour of the town and local sights.

“Wheelwright refused because the surrey was not his and it was not yet repaired.

“Idiot said that the concerns of the Later Created were of no interest and began to beat the wheelwright with his bare claws to “Teach him to do as his betters demanded.” One of his claws cut the wheelwright’s jugular and he died of it.

The commotion drew a crowd who witnessed the murder. They caught the killer and he was turned over to the Empress. She did not listen to his First Created crap. He got the Long Drop Without Honor.

“It needs a Baronial Appointment to replace the wheelwright. We have THREE applicants but the Baron has spent all of his time down in Canterlot, instead of paying attention to his Barony.”

While he was talking, Kraach led them to the enclosed innyard. He opened a locking storage bay and offered, “This should do to store your cart for the night.”

Rahak produced a lock and secured their goods.

They all trooped into the Inn. Kraach ordered his staff, “Two Gryphon specials! Make them with the big trout and a side of roast bunny. One Alfalfa Loaf with fried potato on the side! Get the drink orders for our guests!”

Afterwards there was a bit of time spent in the taproom, between singing some drinking songs and a few card games, it grew late. Their rooms had spacious nests for the Gryphons and a comfortable, well appointed sleeping stall for Daring Do.

Breakfast was equally pleasant. Kraach had noticed at dinner that the Gryphon’s diet of meats did not appear to bother Daring Do. They were all three served breakfast at the same table.

When they unlocked their cart’s storage, Daring Do conferenced with Rahak and Grata as they went over their load.

Kraach asked in some concern, “Is all well with your things?”

Grata nodded, her crest jauntily up. “Yes, good Kraach. All is well. We will be going past the last of the roads today and are preparing for possible difficulties.” She returned to the readjusting of the load.

Some of the town ponies who had little else to do watched the unusual sight of a Gryphon pulling a cart while a pony and another Gryphon walked along on either side of it.

The morning sun was warming the road, making the shade trees planted along it welcome. They came to the Eagle’s Perch fairground turnoff. The Royal Road ended there. Beyond it, there were only some Baronial roads and farm lanes.

Grata noticed the difference at once. “Why is this road so much harder to pull the cart over?”

Daring Do replied, “Look closely at the road surface. It is made up of the coarser #3 gravel and not well packed. See the small ruts beginning? Crossing those ruts and the give in this surface from poor packing are why this road is harder to use.”

Soon the Baronial road dwindled to a lane with no gravel surface at all. There were occasional gnarled roots rising out of the bare dirt, packed only by intermittent use. In places, leaves were drifted over the surface, lending a loamy scent to the air as the party passed.

Daring Do quietly signaled a halt. She took out her rifle and set the twenty round clip into it. She worked the action to chamber a round. Rahak softly asked, “What is it, Doctor Do?”

Daring Do pointed to the path ahead of them. “Tracks. Six ponies and a cart with a bad wheel ahead of us. None coming back. Maybe it is a work party but it could be an ambush.” She slung her rifle ready for instant action.

Rahak nodded and rummaged his luggage briefly. He strapped on a Gryphon War Knife, a little shorter than a sword, but in skilled claws, about as deadly.

The party heard the voices before they got to the end of the lane. As the source of the voices came in sight, it could seen that there were five farmers there, in an assortment of colors from Ugly Green to Barf Brown with a stop at Yuck Yellow.

They grinned, showing discolored teeth as Yuck Yellow announced, “Thanks for swapping us that cart for this one! You ain’t leaving here unless you trades carts. Got a paper says you do it and everything.”

He held up a paper that was headed, “CONTRACK OF TRADE.”

Daring Do replied, “Bad Idea, there. This particular cart will get you five years at labor on the Royal Roads. It is Princess Luna'a personal property.”

Hearing a rustle in the brush behind her, Daring Do dropped, shouting, “Down!”

Gata dropped where she was, still in harness. Rahak leaped flat, drawing his War Knife. Daring Do turned as she dropped, hitting in prone position, rifle at the ready!

The crossbow bolt, a lighter but still dangerous civilian one, passed through the air where Daring Do had been standing seconds before! It slammed into the flank of Ugly Green, who squalled in pain, “Celestia drat you, Charlie! You was supposed to shoot the one in the ugly hat, not me!”

Daring Do aimed at the disturbance in the brush which showed where Charlie was reloading his predator control crossbow. Her rifle seemed to roar in the confined area of the turn-around! Charlie screamed in pain and burst out of the brush, falling flat across the still unloaded crossbow! A quiver of dangerous predator killer bolts scattered across the grass and dirt where he lay still.

As the others were stopped cold, staring aghast at the unmoving form of their buddy, Rahak leaped.

He landed astride Yuck Yellow, slashing with his War Knife!

The CONTRACK OF TRADE fell from Yuck Yellow’s grip in two unequal pieces. His forelock gripped and pulled back forcefully, he felt the razor edge drawing a small trickle of blood from his throat.

Rahak said softly, “It appears that you have nothing to trade. You need that cart to carry your wounded back to Eagle’s Perch.”

“Wounded? Just Morty, there. Charlie been shot!”

Rahak pointed out, “He is still breathing. Wounded, not yet dead.”

Barf Brown spoke up, “You don’t understand. Our town got not wheelwright, thanks to one like you! We wouldn’t have never done this if we was not in such need.”

Grata had got up, still in harness. “Not one like us. A religious fanatic nutcase. The Empress sentenced him to the Long Drop Without Honor.

“It is due to another who IS like us, Kraach, that you have survived this blunder. He warned us of the problem. Take your wounded back to town.

“The Empire will take account of your Baron’s negligence and not charge you. Your Baron will be required to make that appointment for a new wheelwright.”

Barf Brown chuckled sourly, “Never happen. Baron Larbut is messing about in Canterlot. He got to make the appointment.”

Grata lifted her crest as she informed him, “I am aware of the issue.” She removed a Magic Net mirror from her under wing bag. Tapping practiced codes with her dexterous claws, she spoke.

“Grata here. By order of the Imperial Throne’s Left Wing, I must speak to the Princesses immediately.”

The pause was brief. Both Princesses showed in the mirror. “What is it, Grata? What does the Imperial Throne need?”

Yuck Yellow, Barf Brown and the rest nearly choked as they realized just how deep the cesspool was that they had jumped into!

Grata replied, “The citizens of Eagle’s Perch are suffering from Baron Larbut’s criminal negligence. It has driven them to a criminal assault on the Left Wing of the Imperial Throne and the attempted theft of Princess Luna'a cart, on loan to Doctor Daring Do.

“The Empire seeks Justice in this case. There is to be no punishment for the citizens, two of whom are presently wounded. Baron Larbut must leave Canterlot to attend to his Barony. He is not to be allowed to return, until a Royal Audit finds his Barony to be in proper order.”

Luna and Celestia both nodded. “Not a problem. It will be as you request. Do you know if they are in need of a Royal Benefice to pay for short term problems? It will be drawn from the Baron’s personal accounts.”

Grata looked over at the faulty boards and poor wheels of the cart that the others were loading Charlie and Ugly Green into. “I would say so. The state of all of the rolling equipment in Eagle’s Perch that I saw was from fair to ruinously bad. This is purely due to the Baron’s negligence of his duties to his populace.”

Luna nodded briskly. “I am sending a Royal Appointment for the wheelwright. I saw the applications and am familiar with the work of each. The Baron told me that it was not important. That is now overridden. The Sheriff of Eagle’s Perch will receive both instructions and the appointment within the hour.”

Grata raised her crest in full respect as she replied, “Thank you, your Highnesses, on behalf of the citizens of Eagle’s Perch and the Empire.” She put the mirror away. Crest set in a smile, she said, “Go now, and thank Kraach. If he had not notified us of the situation, this would have ended quite differently.”

As they started to pull their load down the lane, Ugly Green lifted his head above the weathered side boards of the cart and said, “Ma'am, we are sorely ashamed of ourselves. You have showed us what a real just ruler is like. We thanks you.”

With Daring Do scouting the way, they forced a way into the wilderness beyond the last of the roads. Once past the vicinity of the cultivated land, the forest opened out some and it was easier, though still not foal’s play.

Taking a turn in harness, with Rahak scouting ahead, Daring Do grumbled with good nature, “Wheels are WAY overrated!”

She was working the cart over some complex roots, partly hidden by the pine needles that littered the forest floor when she felt the assist of Grata’s shoulder pushing from behind.

She commented jokingly, “Thanks. Isn’t this a bit low class for the Left Wing of the Imperial Throne?”

With complete seriousness, Grata replied, “If one cannot serve when that is needed, one is not fit to rule at all.”

<==PREVIOUS NEXT==>

Return to the Master Story Index

Return to MLP Fan Fiction

#DARING DO AND THE GRYPHON'S QUEST!#Part 8 of 19 #MLP Fan Fiction #Written by De Writer and Carmen Pondiego

8 notes · View notes