#besides i was literally dying last night this was so funny so. maybe u should all respect 2 am me hmm

[nextstopparis]

the knights: armour

percival: our

#percival: the arm in armour is silent #this is perhaps the dumbest joke i have ever made bUT i made it in my notes app at 2:16 am and then immediately passed out #so i think i get a pass this one time #besides i was literally dying last night this was so funny so. maybe u should all respect 2 am me hmm #and thus my ongoing one sided feud with percival continues #sighh #bbc merlin #the knights of the round table #leon #lancelot #elyan #arthur pendragon #gwaine #percival #is it crack @nextstopparis? is that what u smoke? u smoke crack?

[angst-fairygodmother]

i love ur stuff!!! do u think u could write something like diego and the reader not liking eachother (maybe the reader is friends with klaus or allison or someone) and then slowly they begin to like eachother ??? :0

A/N: Thank you so much for the sweet message Nonny ☺ it was a lovely prompt, and I hope you enjoy. Word Count: 2060 Content Warning: mild swearing

“Hey Y/N, why don’t you like Diego?” Klaus asked one evening as the two of you lounged on your couch watching Allison’s latest red carpet event.

“Is that a serious question?” you counter with a raised eyebrow, popping another piece of popcorn in your mouth.

“Yeah. I mean, you get along with everyone else, literally. But not Diego.”

“I don’t get along with everyone else. And I just…think he’s jerk.”

“He is. But so’s Luther and you like him fine.”

You rolled your eyes. “Look, I don’t know how to explain it. I just, every time I talk to your brother I get filled with this overwhelming desire to hit something.”

Klaus started laughing and you raised an eyebrow questioningly. He just shook his head, still laughing. However, he dropped the subject after that and you decided not to push him on what might have been so funny.

~

“You’re welcome,” he said with a smirk, still holding onto your arm.

“Oh don’t do that, Diego,” you snapped. “Don’t act like you did me some favor and I should be grateful.”

“I just saved your life, Y/N.”

“It was a guy on a bike; I think I would have been fine. I can take care of myself.” You folded your arms over your chest, pulling out of his grasp in the process. “What are you even doing here?”

He shrugged. “Out for a walk.”

“Really? In this part of town nowhere near anything you usually have to do with?”

He shrugged. “It was a long walk.”

“Whatever,” you rolled your eyes. “I’m outta here.”

“Not gonna offer to buy me dinner for saving your life?” he called after you as you started to walk away.

“In your dreams Hargreeves,” you shot back.

~

The next time you saw Diego, you had called him to meet you and he seemed quite surprised when he showed up to the park.

“What’s going on, Y/N? No offense, but you were the last person I was expecting to hear from,” he asked, trying to hide the fact that concern had made him run most of the way there.

“It’s Klaus. He hasn’t been by in a while and he missed our weekly breakfasts. He never does that, especially since I pay. So I’m worried and…I couldn’t think of anyone else who might be able to help. Sorry to bother you.” You shifted uncomfortably and bit your lip, worried that you had annoyed him and that he would refuse to help.

“Shit,” he sighed, running a hand through his close-cropped hair. “Alright, I’ll help you look for him. But the kind of places he hangs out…we probably shouldn’t split up, even if it would let us cover more ground.”

“That’s kind of what I was thinking too. I figured I should call someone in for backup.” You shrugged and forced a smile.

The two of you walked in silence for a while, figuring that you would be more likely to actually spot him if you moved on foot than by car, even if it would take you more time. And, if you were being honest, you didn’t mind the amount of time. You found that when you weren’t actively fighting, you appreciated the presence of the other Hargreeves. You certainly felt safe with him beside you, between the knives and the subtle strength that you could see in his stance and the muscles that his clothing clung to.

“Is there something going on between you and Klaus?” he asked suddenly after a while of quiet.

“What? No. He’s my best friend. I don’t…I don’t see him like that.”

He gave you a look that suggested he didn’t quite believe you.

“I’m serious. I love him sure, but the same way I love my baby sister. I want the world for him and would do anything for him but…romantically…blegh.” You scrunched up your face in disgust at the thought and the man beside you laughed.

“So if not my brother…is there someone special?”

You fell silent, studying Diego through the corner of your eye. Part of you itched to snap that it was none of his business. The other part of you, quite rebelliously, admired the slope of his shoulders beneath his black sweater and the cut of his jaw, how the long scar above his ear interrupted his smooth, almost militaristic appearance and made him more attractive, more dangerous looking.

“No,” you said, after maybe too long of silently enjoying the view of him. “No one’s seemed worth my time.”

“You really think highly of yourself don’t you?” he laughed.

“What?”

“’No one’s seemed worth my time,’” he quoted back, “sounds awfully pretentious.”

You felt your cheeks heat in embarrassment. “No…I just meant that I’ve dated quite a few duds in the past, and I don’t see the point in wasting my time. If I don’t feel a connection with the person before we go out…” you shrugged. “Maybe it’s high maintenance, but I’d rather be that than miserable.”

He nodded and stayed silent. A quick glance over at him showed that he was lost in thought.

As the two of you patrolled, looking for any sign of Klaus, you found yourself wondering more and more about the mysterious “Number Two.” But after several hours, even though you were enjoying your, mostly silent, time together, you were growing frustrated.

“This is hopeless,” you groaned. “It’s going to take the two of us days to canvass the whole city, and if he’s been checked in somewhere, we still won’t find him.”

“You’re probably right, Y/N,” Diego said with a nod. “Let’s grab some lunch and then we can start—”

“Calling the usual rehab centers,” you finished at the same time as him. “Sounds like an excellent plan.”

He smiled softly at you and reached out, as if offering you his hand to hold before quickly retreating and shoving them into his pockets.

“Do you like Greek? I know a great Greek diner nearby,” he offered.

~

After that day, you found yourself spending more time with Diego, realizing your initial distaste was misguided, a snap judgement that he really didn’t deserve. One afternoon, Klaus caught you chatting with his brother on the phone, he had called to invite you to one of his boxing matches, and twirling the cord between your fingers as you did.

“Oh. My. God.” he cried out, slapping his hands to either side of his face with exaggerated shock. “You liiiike him.”

“Shut up,” you hissed, punching him lightly, a hot blush creeping across your face at the thought of Diego potentially hearing.

“What was that?” he asked, voice tinny through the receiver.

“Nothing, just your idiot brother.”

You heard him chuckled. “I see. Well, anyway, the gym is kinda out of the way so it can be hard to find, so how about I meet you at your place and we can walk there together?”

“You don’t have to do that Diego.”

“But maybe I want to?”

“O-oh,” you stammered, thrown by the warmth in his voice. “Well, in that case, that sounds nice.”

“Good. It’s a date.”

“A date?” you raised your eyebrow even though he couldn’t see it and tried your best to ignore Klaus’s flailing and pumping his fist excitedly in the air.

“Yeah, a date. I’ve gotta run, but I’ll see you later, Y/N.”

“Okay, see you later Diego.”

You were smiling when you hung up the phone, and the warmth in your chest made you feel like you were floating. So much so that you were completely compliant to Klaus dragging you through the apartment the two of you sort of shared, insistent on picking out the “perfect outfit” for you to “stun his brother so hard he drops in shock and awe.”

~

The night of the date, you fidgeted nervously on your couch, bouncing your leg and chewing on the corner of your thumbnail, waiting for Diego to get there. A thousand thoughts a minute ran through your mind and you stomach twisted itself in knots. You tried to tell yourself you were being ridiculous, the two of you had become friends over the past several weeks, and there was no reason to think this evening was going to be any different, just because Diego had said it was going to be a date.

You were so lost in your own thoughts that you didn’t hear the buzzer or notice Klaus rushing to greet his brother until Diego stood in the doorway, trying to get around his brother to say hello.

“If you ever hurt her Diego,” Klaus said sternly, poking an index finger against his brother’s chest, blocking the short hallway of your apartment.

Diego raised an eyebrow as if challenging whether Klaus was actually trying to threaten him.

“If you ever hurt her, my beloved brother or not, I will eat your shoelaces,” Klaus continued, undaunted, eyes narrowed and face the picture of seriousness.

“What?”

“Every single shoelace. Slurp ‘em up like spaghetti. Inconvenient as hell.”

“Klaus, you are my very best friend and I love you,” you interrupted, rising to go and stand by the two, equally unable to get Klaus out from between. “But what the fuck? Please don’t eat shoelaces in my defense. God that is the weirdest sentence I’ve ever said…”

“Yeah, and we can’t afford to take to the vet and have them removed when they tangle around your intestines,” Diego added, rolling his eyes. “We’ll have to just put you down.”

“Unsettling and inconveniencing my family and dying? Best day ever!” Klaus gave a little clap and jump of joy, which quickly morphed into an apologetic look when he glanced over his shoulder and saw your glare.

“Well, I’ll get out of your way. You two crazy kids have fun now,” he said cheerfully, as if the previous conversation hadn’t happened. “Don’t do anything I would do!”

You rolled your eyes as he sidled past back to the living room, giving you an affectionate pat on the shoulder as he did.

Diego felt his jaw drop as he took in your outfit. It wasn’t quite your usual style, but was enough like you to not feel like you were trying so hard. And you looked stunning in it.

“Wow,” he eventually breathed, causing you to chuckle and rub the back of your neck nervously. “You look…I don’t know if I’m going to be able to focus on the fight with you looking like that.”

“It was Klaus’s idea,” you mumbled. “I know it’s a bit much…”

“No!” he assured, a little too quickly. “It’s great…you look great.”

You shot him a slightly flirtatious smile. “You don’t look so bad yourself.” You let your eyes rove over his tight-fitted jeans and Henley, in black of course.

“C-c-can I kiss you?” he stammered, stepping closer. “For luck?”

You responded by snaking your arms around his neck and leaning in to press your lips to his. He groaned into the kiss, hands coming to rest on your hips, fingers digging into your sides and pulling you closer. Gently, he backed you up the few steps necessary to pin you against your wall, running his tongue over your lower lip at the same time. You let out a little gasp as you bumped into the plaster and he took the opportunity to slip in and begin exploring your mouth.

Grasping his hair in your fist, you eventually pulled him away from you to drink deeply of the air, trying to ignore the wave of desire that shot through you when the action made him moan hungrily.

“We should stop,” you panted.

“Why?” he responded, equally out of breath and fighting your grip to kiss the side of your neck.

“You have a match to get to. Wouldn’t this be so much better as a reward for winning it?” You teased lightly. “And somewhere your brother wasn’t…?”

He laughed. “You have a point there. I want you all to myself.”

“Well then get a move on. The sooner we get out of here, the better.”

He threaded his fingers through yours as he led you through the door.

“Don’t wait up!” you called back over your shoulder to Klaus, making Diego groan once more and you smirked. Tonight was shaping up to be even better than you could have hoped.

#something of an abrupt ending but I got stuck and gave up #Diego Hargreeves x Reader #featuring Klaus Hargreeves #because he's too much fun not to include lol #Diego Hargreeves #reader-insert #The Umbrella Academy #TUA #a little light enemies-to-lovers?

[pogueshomecoming]

milestones - Kiara Carrera

requested? Yes: hey! could a request a kiaraxreader imagine? something fluffy, like maybe snippet memories of they’re relationship? like when they met, first kiss, first i love you, stuff like that?  (thank you @johnbsflowr !! i got carried away, I loved this idea 😊 I’m working on your other request now also)

fill out this survey to join my taglist, here’s my masterlist, and my requests are open

warnings: mentions of a grandparent dying, but I think that’s it besides swearing.

word count: 3485

++

First Hello

You were new at the Kook academy, as everyone liked to call it. It was obvious you didn't belong. The whole first day was absolutely miserable. No one approached you, no one asked your name, or where you came from, they already knew you were an outsider.

Even though you didn't want to go back, obviously, you had to. As soon as you entered through the front doors, you saw her.

Long, curly brown hair fell past her shoulders. The top half was pinned back, a style that seemed to be popular around there. Her skin was glowing, literally, because the early morning sun was seeping through the door every time it opened. She'd been turned to the side, talking to a couple of boys, but you also catch her eye.

When you realize she's excusing herself and walking toward you, you start walking to your homeroom. However, she's faster than you and catches up.

"Hello, I'm Kiara, and you are?" As you look over at her, you realize that she's more beautiful than you thought initially. You immediately wondered if she was one of the popular girls you hadn't met yet.

"I'm Y/N."

Kiara smiles only enough for you to see small lines at the corners of her mouth. "Is today your first day?"

Your hopes of getting her to go away with short answers fall to the floor. "Yesterday, actually."

"God, I bet it was terrible, right? I took a much-needed skip day. These people are such pricks, so far up their own asses literally all the time." Kiara rolls her eyes at you, and your jaw drops slightly from shock.

When you don't say anything, she looks over at you, and suddenly she's laughing. "Tell me I'm wrong. You can't, can you?"

"U-uh, I guess n-not. I-I'm surprised-"

"That I'm not one of them? Trust me, I hate being here. I would not be here if it were my choice." She says through her giggles, and you start laughing with her.

"Amen to that."

"You can call me, Kie."

First Goodbye

The end of the school year was here. Most of your classmates were chattering about spending the summer in the Outer Banks. Including Kie, she'd been telling you for weeks now that she couldn't wait to see her three best friends every day again.

"You can ride the ferry over and hang out with us! They'd get along with you so well because I do." Kiara slings an arm around your shoulder, exiting the school building for the last time.

She had really become your best friend. It was fun to feel like you could do anything with her by your side. That mainly meant standing up to these crazy kooks, but you wouldn't have survived this year without her. As much as you hated the people here and what they stood for, you got the full kook experience. On nights you'd attend sporting events and the after parties that followed, she'd stay with you. Then that turned into an almost all of the time thing, and if she wasn't with you, then you were with her. Even your parents had become friends.

"Actually, I'll be spending the next three months out of state. My grandma isn't doing very well, so my family wants to be close when, you know, it happens." You recognize that you're responsible for instantly bringing the mood down, but you didn't mean to. It slipped, plus you were going to have to tell her eventually.

"Oh." Kie stops walking. Your cars are at separate ends of the parking lot, so this would be where you have to part ways.

"I guess that means I should tell you this now." She mumbles, and you duck your head slightly to let her eyes find yours.

"What is it?"

"My parents agreed that if I put in an effort here for one year, I could move the next. I'm registered at Kildare County High School for the fall." Kiara chews on her lips, something you learned she does when she's nervous.

And for some reason, you feel this odd pit in your stomach. This feels like it's more than losing a best friend, but you can't put your finger on it.

"Oh." Now it's your turn to be surprised.

Tears well up in your eyes, and you feel stupid because of it. It's not even from thinking about having to endure these people without her, it's just about being without her. You look up to the sky and try to blink away the water before it falls.

"I know, I should've told you sooner, but I didn't know if they'd still hold up their end of the deal. This isn't the place for me, and I know it's not for you either, but I'm going to take my chance and go." Kie reaches for your hand, and you look at her.

"No, you're right to go, I don't blame you. Just sad cause I'll miss you, that's all." You smile to lighten the mood, it had suddenly felt too serious and dramatic.

She pulled you into a hug, squeezing you tight. "Update me on your grandma, okay? I'll only be a boat ride away when you get back."

When she pulls away, her eyes are shiny too. All you can do is nod, and then you're walking in different directions with tight chests and broken hearts that you'd chalked up to teenage hormones.

You never updated her, but she never asked.

Second Hello

Another school year passed. This one not as nearly eventful as the last. You actually spent most of it at home, claiming to the deans of the school that you were still recovering from your grandmother's death. Whether that was true or not is still up for debate. She was your best friend, and you'd only became closer over her last couple of months. Some days it was fine, and the next, it felt like it had just happened again.

What mattered now was that your parents had bought a house in Figure 8. They'd sold your grandma's house and land to do so. It didn't feel like a big deal to you, but nothing had recently. The house has actually been brought to your parent's attention because Kiaras parents reached out, saying they thought it would be perfect for your family's summer house.

That part hadn't really sunk in until your move-in day. You were driving through the neighborhood behind your parents, observing all of the ridiculously huge houses. It was when you saw Kie's car parked in a driveway, only three houses down from yours that you realized what was happening. Sure, you knew you were moving to the outer banks that everyone else in your class seemed to talk about and love, but you didn't realize it was her Outer Banks too. The dots hadn't connected yet, and now that they were, all you could feel was panic.

Did Kie know you'd be here? Did her parents tell her, and she never reached out? Are you supposed to approach her or the other way around? Or are you supposed to act like you don't know her? Why was seeing someone you used to be attached at the hip with such nerve-wracking and scary?

You went with the ignore option. Pretending you don't know her is easy enough, because you weren't going to go anywhere. None of the kooks particularly liked you. Therefore you weren't getting invited anywhere, so you'd just lay low. That was the plan.

The plan came crashing down when you find yourself at a kegger on the beach. How you got here? A blonde boy doing newspaper routes in your neighborhood had caught you outside. He invited you, and your parents were standing there, so you had to say yes.

And you thought of all the ways you could get out of it, but then your dad insisted on driving you. Making an escape wasn't an option anymore, either.

So you kind of made your rounds. Walking around the perimeter of the party slowly. Some of your classmates said hi, some turned their backs. Either way, you were standing alone with the aforementioned blonde boy approached you.

"Mail girl, you're here. How do you feel about it so far?" He outstretches his hand that has a full red cup in it, but you decline.

"First, you're mail boy, I had nothing to do with the mail." You crack a small smile, and so does he. "Second, it's not my scene. I think I'll ditch soon, but thanks for the invite."

"You can call me JJ instead of mail boy, but whatever works for you. Do you want to meet my friends first? Maybe you'll want to stay." JJ points over his shoulder with his thumb.

In hindsight, this is where your brain should've reminded you of your bad luck and karma, but it failed you. So you nodded and followed JJ through the crowd.

The first two people he brings you to are a tall typical surfer boy and another who was dressed similarly but looked entirely too uncomfortable to be there.

"John B, Pope, this is..." JJ turns to you, clearly waiting for you to say your name, but it's funny to watch him stutter. "Mail, girl."

The smirk that spreads across his face makes you roll your eyes, "Actually, my name is-"

"Y/N?"

The three boys' attention is now on whoever is speaking behind you, but you know who it is already.

You turn on your heel. Your heart is already beating out of your chest. Is she going to be mad that you never reached out? Should you be angry that she didn't? Out of all the possibilities in your mind, what she actually did wasn't one of them.

Kie pretty much jumped toward you, embracing you immediately. It takes you a second, but you wrap your arms around her too. It didn't matter anymore what happened before, who didn't call who and all of that.

"I missed you." She breathes, squeezing you tighter. Your heart swells, but your brain tells you this is more. More than only best friends. It clicks with you why the pain of losing her hurt so badly. You have feelings for her.

"I missed you too." You sigh, letting yourself relax. Your feelings would be a bridge crossed at some other time, but for now, you're going to focus on catching up.

First kiss

Kie was laying against you on the sofa bed at the Chateau. It was late, the moon high in the sky. You were holding her hand and playing with her fingers. Her other arm was underneath you, hand tracing circles on your back. Neither of you were asleep, but you weren't talking either. It was comfortable.

Physical affection was something you'd both grown to love. It was always small things like sitting so close in the van that your knees touched, toying with the bracelets on her arms, or cuddling when you decided to stay over at John B's. It was a way to tell each other the things you didn't want to say out loud yet.

You shifted a little, so your chin lined up with her mouth. She tilts her head so she can look at your face, but you don't budge, you're already starting to blush.

Then, you feel a warm spot on your jawline. A small muah sound follows. Kie kissed you.

Now you're really blushing, your heart is in your ears as you look down at her. You're already so close that your noses brush. Her eyes flicker from your eyes, down to your lips, and back up again. Somehow, you'd convinced yourself that your feelings were one-sided. That Kie was a physical person anyway, but you were wrong.

She's waiting for you because her signal has been sent loud and clear. You only hesitate for a second before you close the tiny gap, pressing your lips against hers softly.

The kiss was slow and gentle, but it felt magical. It was perfect. Kie pulls away for just a second before she kisses you again, both smiling into it.

First date

Kiara told you not to make dinner plans, so you told your parents you'd be with the Pogues and made your way to the Carrera residence. She was standing outside, waiting for you with her car already running.

"Ready?" She gives your cheek a quick peck and slaps your butt as you go around to the passenger side of the car.

"I don't know how I feel about surprises." You laugh. Kie is crazy sometimes, there is no telling what she's getting you two into.

"You'll like this one, I promise."

After a few minutes, you pull up to The Wreck. The lights look like they're off on the outside, but that's normal because the restaurant is always closed on Mondays. "I just have to get something before we go. Will you come with?"

Kie gives you her best pouty face, and you can't help but give in. She retakes your hand when you meet in front of the car, leading you to the front door that she unlocks first. When you enter the dining area, your jaw drops.

Candles are lining the bar, all of the tables are pushed back except for one in the middle. Hot, fresh food is sitting on top of it with more candles in between each dish. Your favorite song is playing softly.

"Are you kidding me? This is the cutest thing anyone's ever done for me." You tug on her hand, so she spins back toward you and into your arms.

"Dance later, let's eat first. I'm going to tell our volunteer cook she can go." Kie wiggles her eyebrows and disappears behind the bar as you sit down.

"Thanks, Sarah!" You call out, laughing to yourself about figuring it out.

"How did you know?" Sarah pops out from the doorway.

"I figured neither of our parents knows, an actual employee couldn't be trusted, and the boys don't keep secrets... So that leaves you." Kiara is standing behind her now.

"Damn, I really thought I had it in the bag."

Both you and Sarah laugh before Sarah excuses herself, tell you two to have a good night.

Most of the dinner is spent talking about the boys and how you should tell them about the two of you. As far as you both knew, they didn't even know you liked girls, so there was that too. Nevertheless, you'd devised the perfect plan.

After you're finished eating, Kie picks up the speaker from the corner of the room and drags you down to the dock. There are fairy lights strung along the rails. She switches the playlist to softer music and takes you into her arms.

The night is spent dancing around, twirling and dipping each other, just having. Good time. The music is sweet, but the sound of Kie's laughter is so much better.

Making it official

It wasn't planned, it wasn't even thought out.

You were at a Kegger. Next to John B and JJ, who were talking to some Tourons that we're giving you dirty looks for being around. Kie was across the way with Sarah and Pope, but you were both looking at each other.

Neither of you were really the jealous type, but you had grown tired of coming to these things and watching each other getting hit on by various guys.

"Excuse me, boys."

You get to your feet, walking directly to Kie, only stopping to throw away your empty cup.

Sarah sees you coming first, nodding at Kie. "Hey, can we talk?"

"Pope, let's go get those tourons away from my boyfriend." Sarah pushes him to get him to start walking, and he obliges.

"Yeah, what's up?" Kiara narrows her eyes, "You okay?"

"I'm tired." You whine. All you want to do is hold her.

"Sleepy tired? We can tell them we're leaving." She brushes her hand against yours and takes a step past you, but you grab onto her side and pull her back.

"No, tired of the others not knowing. Tired of coming here and pretending to be interested in these guys. Tired of not being able to hold you whenever I want to." You jut your bottom lip out in a pout, and she smiles.

"I know, darling. We'll go tell them now if you want to? I'm ready whenever you are." Kie starts to take another step, but you shake your head. Suddenly realizing what you're doing.

"We had a plan, we can't tell them now. I was being irrational, I think I just got flustered all of a sudden. I don't know what I-"

"What do you want me to do, Y/N/N?" She asks, trying to comfort you.

"I want you to be my girlfriend." You blurt, both of your eyes immediately widening.

Kie squeals, a noise you've never heard before, and then she jumps into your arms. "Oh my god. Of course."

You laugh and let go of her. Both of you glance around for a second, she smooths out her shirt. "Totally normal, right?"

"Yeah, totally normal. Anyway, I'm going to tell them we're leaving now." Kie winks at you before she jogs over to your friends.

Telling the Pogues

Kiara held your hand as the two of you stood in front of John B, JJ, Pope, and Sarah. You'd just said it, but none of them had any reaction.

"If you're going to be mad about the no Pogue on Pogue macking, then you can fuck off cause we aren't dumbasses, and we wouldn't ruin this kind of thing." Kie crosses her arms, looking confused. Why weren't they saying anything?

"Okay, cool. So, anyone up for a boat ride?" John B stands up, looking at each person at a time.

"Excuse me? You guys knew?" Kie's tone is slightly frustrated.

JJ is the first one to laugh, and Sarah's face is bright red.

"Sarah! Come on." You groan, laughing with JJ.

"Listen, I only told Pope, so... the rest is on him."

"You told Pope and not me?" John B whips his head around to look at Sarah.

"Hey, that's not the point. None of you have comments?" You ask, still trying to hold back giggles.

"We" re happy for you." JJ comes forward with his arms outstretched. You and Kie put yourself in his embrace, and the other three follow, making it a group hug.

First I Love You

Being in your house today felt impossible and suffocating. Your parents were acting like nothing had happened, so you left.

You found yourself sitting on the dock at the Chateau, feet dangling in the water. John B wasn't home, but you were thankful no one was here to see you cry.

Watching your tears fall into the water seemed to calm you down. The ripples they made were satisfying, at least. You look closer to see a reflection standing over you, and recognize it as Kie. You hadn't even heard her walk up.

"Hi, angel." She sits down next to you, slinging an arm around your shoulder and also putting her feet in the water. "How are you holding up?"

All you can do is shrug your shoulders.

"You miss her. That's normal. Do you want to tell me about her?" Kie leans in to kiss a tear off of your cheek.

"How'd you know?" It's been a year today since your grandmother died. Thinking about it makes you feel like the wind has been knocked out of you.

"I just know." She takes both of your hands in hers and squeezes.

"She was so funny. There was rarely a moment we weren't laughing with her. But she was tired, and she hated being old, so she knew it was her time. I always admired that, that she knew it was coming and she was okay with it. Most of the time, I can feel the same way and believe that she's doing better now. And then other times, I realize I won't ever see her again. I won't get to call her and tell her all that I've accomplished, and it hurts like it's fresh again." Your lips quiver as you begin to cry harder. Kiara pulls you into her lap.

"I love you, Y/N. You're strong, and you carry her memory with you in everything you do. You've made it so far without her, and I guarantee she's so proud of that. So am I."

"You what?" You look at her, your whole body is still.

"I'm proud of you." Her brown eyes look a little lighter in the light.

"No. You love me?"

"Yeah. I do."

"I love you more." You press your forehead against hers, watching her roll her eyes before you kiss her.

++

thank you for reading! don’t forget to reblog or send feedback :)

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#kie x you #kie x reader #kie request #kie imagine #kie one shot #kie fic #kie x y/n #kiara fic #kiara carrera fic #kiara carrera x y/n #kiara carrera x you #kiara carrera x reader #kiara carrera #kie #kiara one shot #kiara carrera request #kiara carrera imagine #kiara carrera one shot #kiara outer banks #kie outer banks #outer banks #outer banks blurb #outer banks one shot #outer banks request #outer banks imagine #outer banks fic #outer banks fics #outer banks netflix #obx #pogues

[allforthecourtt]

rereading aftg with my dumbass opinions pt. 2 (tfc chapters 6-10)

pt. 1 | pt. 2 | pt. 3

look guys! its the highly unanticipated continuation of my reread of aftg!

chapter 6 (aka. meet this MESS of a team)

“My mother's family is French." It was a lie that probably had his British mother rolling over in her sandy grave.”

neil really never misses an opportunity to remind readers that he fucking buried his mom on the beach huh?

“A liar who practices occasional honesty. Clever. Keeps people guessing. Very effective. I would know. I do it myself, you see. Come on, then. After you.”

have i mentioned how entertaining high andrew is? because he’s funny as hell

also rereading these are fun because Nora is incredible at foreshadowing just sayin

“Neil automatically reached for his seatbelt, but one of the brothers was sitting on it.”

how neil would be in the back of the cousins’ car if they let him:

“You?" Neil said. "You can't." Andrew's smile curved wider. "Ohhh, that sounds like a challenge. Mother may I?" "Your mother's dead. I don't think she cares what you do.”

HO HO HOLY SHIT NEIL

“Starting a fight was too out of character for who he portrayed "Neil” to be, though.”

“Consider this your official invite, you suicidal wretch. I'm bringing you to Columbia with us this Friday.”

awe suicidal wretch... glad they’re starting those pet names early

“I don't drink or dance," Neil said.

andrew: i kno u can

“Kevin doesn't dance anymore”

anymore? ANYMORE??? release the cursed events that led to him not dancing anymore Nora im begging you

“Are you bleeding anywhere?" Matt asked. "Nowhere vital," Neil said.

gskjgnsak god i stan this little asshole so much

“She said it gently, with the hint of a smile on her face, but Neil still felt the rebuke. It was subtler but somehow deadlier”

have i mentioned how gay i am for renee? because im very gay for renee

“Allison looked ready for a photo shoot with perfect platinum curls, spiked heels, and a skintight dress.”

im also gay for allison ngl

“I can move if you want to sit here," Neil said. "No, this is fine." She smiled, but it had a smug edge to it, probably because Seth was glaring at them like he could kill them with willpower alone. ”

lol remember how neil doesn’t think he’s attractive and yet in 0.1 seconds after meeting him allison is like “yes this idiot is hot enough to piss off the other idiot im dating”

“Personal favorite was when someone told the police we were running a meth lab out of the dorm," Dan said sourly. "Police raids are awesome.”

no offence dan but that’s fucking hilarious omg

that’s kind of like the time my residence floor had to get evacuated bc some kids hotboxed their dorm room

god i love uni

“The death threats were creative, though," Nicky said. "Maybe this time they'll follow through and actually kill one of us. Let's vote. I nominate Seth.”

pfffffttttt i love Nicky omg

also hahahahahah foreshadowing!

“It'll be fine," Andrew said. "I promised, didn't I? Don't you believe me?" It took a while, but at last Kevin visibly relaxed. ”

again this is why i thought they were fucking for like the better part of the first two books

“The dead look Kevin turned on Andrew today was the same look Neil saw in his reflection. When Neil stopped acting, when he stopped worrying about who was watching, when he let go of the lies that kept him alive, that was the only expression he could make.”

it’s fine i didnt need a heart anyways

this kid is 18 hes A BABY

the first time i read this i was 18 too and like jfc i was a BABY at 18 and so i neil

“One of us has to make it, Mom." It wasn't going to be Neil. It was obvious he was too stupid to survive without his mother if he let himself get into messes like this. But maybe Kevin could do it.”

sorry let me just wipe my TEARS off my fucking laptop neil honey what the fuck

“He felt distant as he watched them walk in. Maybe he was already dying, his stupid soul fading from his short body in preparation for a brutal end.”

neil we get it you have depression (me too bitch u aint special)

“Fuck running," Seth said.

now that’s a whole ass mood

“he didn't know how Renee could smile so warmly when she was speaking to Andrew.”

haha bitch just wait

“when he slept, he dreamed of his father waiting for him on the Foxhole Court.”

remember how at the end of the series his father is waiting on the court but neil wins??? god we love good storytelling

this is such a fucking wild chapter

could you imagine? coming back from the summer and your first introduction to this amateur from arizona is this neil josten level of sass? because i’d probably kill him

first years are bad enough but first years who dont care about other people’s opinions? the fucking worst

chapter 7 (aka. neil does NOT have a fun night out)

“It seemed Allison and Seth didn't believe in middle ground: either they were slinging vile insults at each other or they were making out in the locker room regardless of whoever might be around.”

that’s just how the straights are

“It reminded Neil a little of Allison and Seth, except without the desperate sexual undertones.”

i’ll just leave this gem of a line here

“His teammates held so little regard for him he didn't even have the dubious honor of being dead last.”

neil shading himself is actually hilarious how relatable

“Neil watched him do it, trying to remember the last time someone gave him a gift and coming up blank. That his first one should be from Andrew was unsettling.”

i actually love the fact that andrew bought him clothes so early on like andrew your gay is showing

“Neil debated how much damage the thick heels of his new boots would do against Andrew's face and liked what his mind came up with.”

i thank god everyday that these books are neil’s pov

“Andrew gave Neil another slow once-over and let go. "We're going.”

^andrew seeing neil w/o contacts (aka. the ‘i can’t think straight’ vine)

“Most of the men wore leather, half the women had corsets, and a good number of both genders were covered in buckles and chains.”

this... is a... gay bar

“Andrew saluted the bouncers on his way by and led the way into the club, bypassing the line entirely.”

i always forget the drinking age in the us is 21 but like this bar really dont care about their liquor license AT ALL lmao

“You think Kevin would risk his future over a night out at the club?" "What future?" Neil asked.”

WOW NEIL WAY TO BE A BITCH

“Neil hadn't seen Aaron get up, but he was waiting behind Neil when Andrew let go. Neil reached for Andrew with lethal intent, but Aaron grabbed the back of his chair and pulled hard enough to topple it over.”

why are the twins literally this gif:

real talk nicky kissing neil like that is horrible and really reflects poorly on nicky as a character

andrew for this entire chapter:

chapter 8 (aka. a hitchhiker’s guide to lying about your identity)

“I don't know how your conversation with Andrew went, but it didn't end well. Rumor has it you paid a busboy a hundred bucks to knock you out. Way to cut our night short.”

this is probably my favourite thing neil does in the entire series ngl

“Wymack grabbed his elbow and hauled him inside. He slowed just long enough to slam the door behind Neil. "Are you stupid or just crazy? Do you have any idea what could have happened to you between here and there? What were you thinking?”

Why does Wymack literally sound like my father?

foxes: daddy?

wymack: DO I LOOK LIKE

follow up:

kevin: daddy?

wymack: uh yeah

“I don't know what the beef is between you two, but it ends here and now.”

Wymack @ neil: tell your boyfriend, if he says he’s got beef that your a vegetarian and your not fucking scared of him

“Then correct me." "Give me a reason." "Besides the obvious?" Andrew said. "If I can't get an answer from you, I'll get it wherever I can.”

andrew:

“I'm—" Neil didn't want to say it, but the word was already there, broken and pathetic between them, "—nothing. I'll always have and be nothing.”

“He wondered for a moment if Andrew could handle the entire truth so calmly, but that was too dangerous and stupid to consider.”

“Hope was a dangerous, disquieting thing, but he thought perhaps he liked it.”

this is such a good fucking line like i am shooketh

chapter 9 (aka. neil is, like, really horny for exy)

“Are you stupid?" Seth asked. "Yeah," Neil said.”

what a fuckin MOOD

“Neil had almost forgotten why he liked Exy so much. He did his best at practices but these days he worked mostly to keep his teammates off his back. As Neil surveyed Kevin's damage, he finally felt inspired again. On its heels was a hungry, desperate rush.”

“Seth made as if to throw his beer at Neil. "His life is not more important than mine just because he's more talented.”

sometimes i really wish seth was actually given a chance to have some character development

“ "Maybe you're not as stupid as I thought." "Maybe I am," Neil said”

another big fucking MOOD

chapter 10 (aka. shocking: university is hard :/ )

“It's fun telling Kevin no," Andrew said with a wicked grin.”

why is andrew like this omg

betsy probably was like just looking for a chill job and was like “oh cool uni students? ill have to deal with like a lot of anxiety, sexual tension, depression and like confusion about the future, not to bad” but NOPE welcome to the fucking MAFIA WARS

“That wasn't so bad, was it? Andrew was convinced it would be a disaster. He put money on you hating Betsy." "Did you bet against him?" "Yes," Renee said. "It was a private bet between the two of us.”

“I hope you didn't lose much," Neil said.”

god why is he such an asshole at every opportunity i love him

“I can take care of myself," Neil said. "Watch me beam with pride.”

wymack is the best father in the world and you cant convince me otherwise

“There was one for every fall team with schedules printed on each. Neil kept the Exy one, tossed the rest into the trash, and buried his magnet deep in his pocket where he didn't have to look at the dates.”

neil “i only care about exy” josten strikes again with his great school spirit

“Palmetto State was facing Edgar Allan on Friday, October 13th”

that’s such a cliche and i love it

“He detoured around students toward one of Palmetto State's three dining halls. Two were for the general student body. The third was for athletes only”

lmao my school literally has one dining hall and it couldnt give less of a fuck what type of student they’re selling food too as long as they’ll pay $15 for chicken fingers

what kind of money does palmetto state fuckin have

like i get us tuition is a lot but jesus so’s mine and my school couldn’t be less fucked

“It was only the first day of school and he already had three assignments: a short paper, a fifty-page chapter to read, and a page of questions about said chapter. Neil debated for a minute as to which one sounded least painful. Five minutes later he was still uninspired, so he put his head down on his desk.”

1. MOOD

2. first years are so cute thinking that’s a lot of assignments i remember in first year being like “i have to read 40 pages thats so unfair :(” and now i’m like “ah sick only 200 pgs of readings this week? im gonna have so much free time!”

upper year history sucks ngl

“I'm fine," Neil said.”

neil knows exactly two (2) words and those are it

“You say that an awful lot," Matt said. "I'm starting to think you don't know what it means.”

overall thoughts:

the plot is pickinnnng upppp

i kind of forget how much world building happens in the first book but like its good

also i love neil literally hating everyone its so funny bc like bby these going to be your best friends just wait

anyways that’s all for now

part 3 will be the rest of tfc and then we’ll move onto trk if you guys still want more of this? let me know

love u all bye

#rereading aftg

[taecaffe]

𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐠 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞 🏹

hi guys! how r u today?

I got tagged by @passionate-hedgehog, @ggyutiepie and @gukieyoongles to do this game. thank u for tagging me! （＾ν＾） 💌

𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬: 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐚𝐠 𝟏𝟎 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞

— 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮?

I don’t know exactly cause it’s been few months since I last saw how tall I am but I think I’m 5'8

— 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫?

I have a curly long brown hair dyed green at the tips

— 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬?

dark brown

— 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬?

nop

— 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬?

no but I should, like is nothing urgent but someday I’ll have to use them to fix some things in my teeth

— 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞?

idk lol, like I wear a lot of shorts, crops, t-shirts. I also wear some dresses and skirts frequently, and I love jeans but don’t wear much cause I live in brazil and here is hot af unfortunatly. I don’t think I have a fashion sense cause I wear everything basically, I just wear what I want to at the moment, I’m always changing

— 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞?

Isadora Tonon B. R.

— 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧?

I’m a 03 liner. my birth stone is emerald and my hair is dyed the same color as my birth stone at the tips

— 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞?

I’m from brazil, espírito santo

— 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐨 𝐭𝐨?

I studied in privates schools till last year, now I’m doing high school in a public one

— 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮?

I think I’ve always been a good one, like I’m not the first of the class but I have good grades

— 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥?

yeah I think so. last year I hated cause my school was trash, like I’m not talking 'bout the education and stuff, I’m talking 'bout the ones who controles that school, they’re trash and toxic af. but now I’m in other school and I’m loving it so much, I really never felt so good in a school before as I’m feeling in this one

— 𝐟𝐚𝐯 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭?

I like history, sociology, philosophy, english, portuguese and spanish a lot (my grades are better in english than in portuguese that is my native language lol it doesn’t make sense)

— 𝐟𝐚𝐯 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐬?

I don’t really watch tv, like I guess the last time I turned my tv on to really watch it was, like, months ago lol and I don’t really watch netflix much too. when I watch tv is just to see cartoons and my fav one is gravity falls. I watch anime a lot and my fav one is shingeki no kyojin; and on youtube there’s this brazilian show called girls in the house that is made in the sims 4 and is sO FUNNY I love it

— 𝐟𝐚𝐯 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬?

I love reading and I read a lot but I don’t think I have a fav book. right now I’m reading sleeping beauties by Stephen King and Owen King and is the first book I’m reading in english :)

I literally start reading it yesterday but I’m liking it

— 𝐟𝐚𝐯 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞?

I usually sing, play guitar and ukulele (if the universe let me start learning it this year, piano too), read, draw sometimes, edit and I guess that is lol

— 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬?

I don’t think so cause even the bad choices and the things I think I could’ve done differently made me the person I am today, and even tho at the time it could’ve made me sad or something like this, I’m glad I’ve done what I did

— 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝?

I guess I can’t say, like I don’t really think it’s a priority to me or a dream, u know? it’s not something really important to me right now

— 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧?

idk lol I don’t like kids that much and I don’t know how to deal with them so probably not, and besides I don’t see myself as a mother

— 𝐢𝐟 𝐬𝐨, 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲?

when I was younger I always wanted to have a brother or a sister so maybe two? but I probably won’t have children

— 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝?

my longest trip was to são paulo in 2017 for bangtan’s the wings tour concert so lol

I didn’t travel abroad yet but maybe next year I’ll study abroad in the USA and I want to do college and live there too. I also want to visit japan

— 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐝?

I don’t think that’s my scariest one (of course is not lmaooooooo) but I had this nightmare last night where I had two chickens (????). I was at my grandma’s house and at some moment in my dream one of those chickens went under my grandma’s house stairs where there was a snake (????). I quickly took the chicken away the stairs and enter home but then I went outside again and took the snake inside (????????) then the snake stung me and I woke up when I was dying. it was confusing

— 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐬?

myself? I drag myself down so much, it’s a shit

— 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫?

yes

— 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲?

yes

— 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬?

idk I never thought about it

— 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐨𝐰?

bored and listening home

I’m tagging @bts-my-anpanman @kittyjeonnic @skydiveicons @94cjones @needyoon @band-obssessed-teen33472 @aileenaestheticuniverse @kokilisa @peechytae @jiwoozinhayy

thank u again for tagging me! ♡

— 𝒲𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒, 𝓅𝑒𝒶𝒸𝒽𝓎𝓎 💌

[snowpeawritings]

a one shot: lotor x fem!reader ??? :'D (oh! it can be a fluff?? or like, both are pining for each other, and the fem!reader can either be a paladin or a side character in the series huhuhu thank u!!!)

I took inspiration from the story of Star Guardians and Soraka, a support hero, in League of Legends so I hope that’s alright!

also beware that this is ridiculously long. Longer than I could afford bc i love my beautiful prince

Reader is female

CW (CONTENT WARNING): Blood mention

Nobody told you that having the power of the stars can lead you to having thoughts about destroying a planet by using a huge star.

Not that it would actually do anything. Despite being huge balls of gas, your newly blessed power would only heal your fellow Paladins. You weren’t complaining at the limits of your powers. In fact, you were grateful that you were even helping. Much like the Garrison trio, you were swept in with Keith and Shiro inside a sentient mechanical lion and outside the confines of your solar system. Then one thing led to another, you were one of the protectors of entire galaxies.

Yet, you were nobody special. You didn’t have a chosen Lion, you didn’t have powers like Allura, you couldn’t even fight.

Maybe that was the reason why the elusive Star Guardians had blessed you.

Star Guardians… more myths than truths, Allura told you and Pidge these stories during a girls only night in her room. It was said that the Star Guardians were the protectors of the galaxies when Voltron nor the Paladins didn’t exist yet. 5 Guardians-much like 5 Paladins- 5 Guardians that harnessed the power of the stars and bend them to whichever way they want it. Whether this was an actual thing that happened years ago or maybe it was a bedtime story made up for her, you never would have guessed that saving a dying planet from the Galra can lead you to being blessed with powers.

You could still remember it like it was yesterday.

Nobody told the team that attempting rescue on a dying planet could lead to everyone being ambushed by aliens that weren’t Galra.

The castle had gotten a transmission on a rural planet about Galra attacking them. You were pretty sure that you were the only one who was skeptical about the message, wondering how a backwards planet managed to relay a quite clear message to the castle ship. Next thing you know, the lions, the ship, even Lotor’s cruiser had been compromised by alien tech that didn’t make sense to you. Heck, a battle ship looked like a giant snake with multiple eyes as its “mouth” blasted powerful green lasers at Lotor’s cruiser.

Call it recklessness or bravery, you went down there in one of the castle’s escape pods as the joined voices of Allura and Coran screamed in unison to try and stop you from entering the fight. As you avoided the numerous lasers from the dark purple ships, your communicator began bugging out on the account of everyone begging you to go back to the castle. Gulping at the sight of the draconic ship, you barely had time to reach Lotor as one laser managed to burn out the entire side on the pod.

The wind against your ears didn’t even matter. The hot burning sensation of the laser made your senses numb and it didn’t even graze you.

How weak could you be?

Yet when you were diving head-first down on the foreign ground, with no Lion or cruiser to save you since they were preoccupied with the fleet, your body somehow felt lighter as you got your senses back. With a strangled gasp, you realized the wind wasn’t blowing past your ears as fast as it should and no human should have a body that is a literal galaxy.

What once was your space suit disappeared in a flash as your nude body was covered by liquid-like movement of green galaxies. With a flash, a tight, sleeveless white tailcoat clung to your body as it’s tails flew outward like wings. Your skirt was green, with the same color streaks across your hair. Your legs were covered by white thigh-high socks with the same colored boots. Those, your chest, even next to your temple were adorned with green stars and tiny white wings.

With how sparkly and ridiculous the outfit looks, you might as well be in those magical girl cartoons you used to watch as a kid.

Even though you looked like a cosplayer amidst the war, the staff in your gloved hands glowed with light as you flew towards Lotor’s cruiser. Starlight immediately gathered around your staff as a stream of starlight slithered towards Lotor’s cruiser. You tapped the ship’s window, seeing Lotor’s gaping expression behind his helmet. Not stopping from your support, you raised your staff high in the air as the sky began to brighten. 8 green stars began falling down as they blessed all of your teammates with renewed energy.

Because of your sudden powers, Team Voltron turned the entire fight around as they fought back the armada. When you regrouped with the others, imagine their faces when you landed in front of them with sparkles littering your body. Mainly Allura, Lance, heck even Lotor looked as though they witnessed a goddess. Which isn’t very far technically. Maybe Lotor knew about the stories of the Star Guardians.

Which brings you to today.

Being the only team member that heals everyone, you were an integral part of the during and after fights. The least that were hurt were usually Pidge, Shiro, Allura and Lotor since they were careful enough while Hunk and Lance were the most injured since former was the one tanking everything while the latter was hurt more when he kept leading and trying to flirt with you whenever you heal him.

“You know I told you before that your eyes held the stars? It turns out I’m a seer this whole time!”

“Very funny, Lance. How about I feed you a star fragment then I’ll consider dating you.”

You could never get tired by seeing the Blue Paladin’s face pout from your rejections. Having the last of the starlight heal his wounds, you put your staff away as it floated besides you. Having these powers is amazing but the complete downside of it is how you have to wear a ridiculous yet arguably fashionable get-up.

“Please be careful next time, Lance. The stars can’t save you always, you know.” You said to him as he stretched his now-healed limbs.

“No promises, mi estrella. Can’t rest easy when galaxies are getting screwed over every second.” He replied back, patting your back gently. “We have you and Coran to support us every step of the way. You don’t have to stress yourself too much.”

Hearing those words come out of his mouth, you would assume that he was a parasite in the form of Lance, but you knew better. With him as the new Paladin of the Red Lion, his flirtatious attitude soon dwindled down as he began to act more like Shiro… scarily enough.

The doors opened, turning your head to see Lotor with an angry wound on his side. The different colored blood made you squirm slightly but you dismissed it as you went over to Lotor’s side and held him up. “Give us some privacy, Lance. You still need to debrief the team on our next mission.”

Lance nodded and left, not before giving a wary side-eye glance at Lotor’s shaking form before exiting the room. Bringing the alien to the nearest cot, you grabbed your staff as it glowed gently with starlight.

“I’m guessing level 11 training sequence is too hard on you?” You joked at him, waving the staff across his wound as his body stopped quivering.

He huffed, looking elsewhere from you. “I do not need your sympathy. My well-being has nothing to do with you.”

A sharp sting went through your heart. “It has everything to do with me. I’m the one healing you and everybody else after all.”

He sighed through his nose, noting that he was no longer sweating too much as the wound began to close. The stream of stars surrounded the rest of his minor wounds such as a hidden scrape on his shoulder, his legs, and a tiny scratch on his forehead nearing his eye. With the way the stream surrounded him, it made him look like he was bathed in starlight that complimented his ethereal looks.

And oh how you loved it.

“Do you enjoy watching your patients as you heal them?”

QUIZNACK.

“N-No!” You exclaimed, replying quicker than intended. “I mean-I’m supposed to but not in that way–”

“My apologies…” Lotor cut you off, putting himself in a sitting up position when he began feeling better. “I did not intend for you to be uncomfortable. It’s just that you seem to enjoy supporting us from the backlines that I assumed fate must have done something right for once.”

You heard the bite in his last words but you chose to ignore it. You let your staff float beside you as it continued to let out a stream of starlight. “Well… if I’m being honest, I love it. Before I felt so useless because of everybody having something that’s useful for the coalition and then there’s me. I just happened to be with Lance when all of this happened.”

You sat down on the cot with him, smiling softly at your hands. “I could only provide support after a mission since I have a bit of background knowledge on medicine but even then I never felt so ashamed of myself whenever the team gets hurt. I know it’s a stupid reason but… I guess fate really did do something good for me.”

You were a bit out of breath, not prepared to give out a bit of your life story to the Galran prince. When you heard nothing from him, you turned your head only to see his beautiful eyes staring back at yours.

“I…” He trailed off, breaking eye contact momentarily to stare down at his lap. “I am glad that you were able to have something that you worked hard for. Truly you deserve it.”

Somehow there was more than what he implied but you stayed silent. Pursing your lips, you turned your body to him fully before taking one of his hands in yours. You didn’t miss the flinch of his body when you did.

“I know we don’t talk much and I know the team doesn’t trust you fully but you’re a part of the team now. You can tell us what’s wrong.”

It took a while for him to respond back but he placed his other hand on top of yours as he whispered your name softly, “Thank you. I do not deserve your kindness.”

Your heart could only beat faster when he said your name and touched your hand with his own. Your eyes wanted avert away from his face, realizing at how soft his expression became when he began talking to you. Yet nothing could remove your sight from his own.

It took way too much time to have your gaze tear away from his as you grabbed your staff. “Looks like you’re fully healed. Please be more careful when your in the training hub.”

In half a second, you swore you saw his eyes dull from you leaving him but he stood up quickly, already towering over you. “Thank you for healing me.”

You regarded him with a nod, before feeling warm when he took a step closer to you. It took all your courage to lift your head up and see his eyes shining like the stars surrounding yours.

“And thank you for being the team’s shining star.”

You gulped down a lump in your throat but wanting to play with his little game. “I didn’t take you to like puns.”

He shook his head softly, his hair swishing like white waves of water. “I am not joking. You are the light and hope of the team, especially for me.”

You swore Lotor could hear how hard your heart is pounding by his small smirk playing on his lips. “Where is this coming from?”

“From my heart, most obviously.” He joked, grabbing your wrist gently as he raised it near his chest. You gasped inwardly when you hear it beating as fast as yours. “This is what humans do during courting, am I right?”

A choked sound tore away from your throat as the alien stared down at you confusingly. He honestly looked like a kicked puppy that you wanted to coo at him.

“Well,” you started, trying to ignore your pounding heart, “your ‘techniques’ are… something. But I can’t deny that it’s making my heart race.”

He snorted, lips quirking upwards a tad bit to reveal fangs. “Most obviously.”

You quelled your ongoing flirtatious comments about him. “And if you’re asking… I would love to be your partner.”

You were pretty sure that it was supposed to be unnoticeable but his shoulders sagged almost as though a huge weight was removed. He placed his forehead against yours, laughing softly as his breath fanned against your face like a warm breeze.

“This should be the part where humans would initiate a ‘kiss’?” Lotor tested the word. “Though embarrassingly, I have yet to have full grasp on the action.”

You giggled, bringing your arms on his chest. “We’ll take our time then. I won’t burn out like the rest of the stars out there.”

You felt a hand on your waist, feeling it squeeze the area around it, like your would actually burn out. “Let’s hope you won’t then.”

#requests #scenario #this got too long good lord #excuse my love for the magical girl genre but the crossover was too good #voltron #voltron imagines #lotor #lotor imagines #lotor x reader

[im-abanana]

This is a little fic I wanted to post, and it’s based on the Early Twins AU of @ask-artsy-oncie. OwO I love their AUs, and this one in particular! I had fun writing this, even if it’s nothing much and it kinda sucks in some points.

Short summary: Poppy comes to Branch’s bunker to give birth to their seed, she needs a safe and far-from-the-village place; in fact, the Princess cannot go to the infiermery, because no one knows about her secret relationship with Branch or her pregnancy and she just doesn’t feel ready to face her friends and dad. So the future and terrified dad has to help and discuss with her about what will happen next: the Trolls’ seeds need to be planted to grow, and you can’t do something like that without being noticed. 

“Wait, wait, wait! P-Poppy, are you giving birth right now!?” Branch panicked in a split second, aware of the situation at this point, seeing the poor girl standing in front of his secret opening and sweating, grasping her belly with desperation and panting heavily in evident discomfort. The poor survivalist almost had an heart attack when he saw the Princess in pain, bleeding and bending in front of his door. “Poppy, are you crazy!? Why did you come here!? Why did you put your own life (and the kid's) in danger, leaving your pod and walking into the wild woods when you went into labor!? What were you thinking!? It's almost midnight, and it's pitch black outside! A savage animal could have attacked and killed you! You could have lost your way and fall in a gorge or in a trap, I set lots of them around here! You could have-”.

“Y-yeah, pretty sure I'm about to give birth. Anf... S-sorry, but I j-just couldn't stay in my pod... it's too exposed. My dad and the others still don't know about... well, us and my p-pregnancy. I couldn't just go to the infirmery and say “Hey everyone, sorry for the interruption, but I'm giving birth and these kids are mine and Branch's”, don't you think? I'm afraid I-I guess need to give birth here, I can't exactly face my friends right now.” the pink Princess groaned, smiling softly to hide her sharp pain and to reassure her terrified partner, gritting her rounded teeth and whining for a few, endless moments. “F-fuck, it hurts like hell...! Branch please, please, I'm begging you... can I c-come inside your bunker? It's rather c-cold outside and I t-think I need to l-lay down a little, and I'm starting to feel the u-urge to p-push out this seed...”.

“O-oh! Of course, come inside immediately, don't even ask!” the dull and grey Troll said with his light blue eyes wide open, opening his secret gate and helping the girl entering and going downstairs, grabbing her by her now pudgy waist and holding her in his strong arms, kindly and lovingly. “Damn Poppy, you're giving birth, that's not right at all! I am not ready, I am not prepared right now! Of course, I knew this was going to happen sooner or later, but still...! What do I do!? What do you need!? … Oh, yes! Blankets and clean towels, of course! And water, a lot of water, you must be thirsty and dead tired! J-just lay down on m-my bed, you know where it is, everything will be alright, I promise! If you don't feel good, just call me, I just need to grab... something!” he literally screamed, running around the underground house and throwing things randomly in the air, terrified, searching for useful items.

“Branch dammit, c-calm down, you're destroying your own house! I-I'm not dying, don't worry, I can bear the pain.” Poppy snickered lightly, a little amused, sitting on Branch' shabby but rather comfortable pallet, removing her damp underwear, spreading her trembling and currently weak legs and leaning her aching back on a pillow. The pink girl grimaced visibly when, between her slim thighs a translucent-red liquid, probably amniotic fluid mixed with smelly blood, poured on the clean and white sheets. “I'm sincerely s-sorry for your poor bed, B-Branch... I am making a m-mess, eheh... but I promise I'll buy you another one.”.

“Don't even worry about it, ok? You're in labor, I don't care about my bed, screw that stupid bed! All I care about is you and the baby!” the dark survivalist rushed beside her with incredible speed, holding a large and wooden bowl full of fresh water and clean towels, then he put them on a night stand and asked to his secret girlfriend: “How do you feel!? Are you ready!? Is the seed leaving your body!? Do you need a glass of water!? Or maybe food? I have berries, roots, bark... maybe even a cupcake or two!  Are-”.

“Branch, shut up and chill!” the Princess shouted, panting, looking at her shocked “mate” with slight rage and gravity: that delicate situation was escalating rapidly, and he was panicking as usual. No he can't, not now, Poppy thought, I need him calm and cooperative, or he'll freak out and even hurt himself. “Listen to me. I... I'm s-scared too, like r-really scared. I'm gonna be a mum. And it hurts so much. And I feel the seed slowly coming out. I need you to b-be calm and next to me, at least try, I'm trying t-too! I... need you, Branch. I need your help and support right now. P-please, just try to relax for me, will you?”.

Branch seemed stunned for a moment because of her direct and strangely reasonable words (“Poppy” and “reasonable” in the same phrase? The world must be going upside down, the survivalist realized.), his breath held and his face pale as a ghost's. She was right. She was absolutely right. “Y-you... you are totally right, Poppy. I'm so sorry. I'm behaving like an idiot, I shouldn't have stressed you like this and I should have thought about making you feel like home.”

“I feel like home. You make me feel like home.” Poppy unexpectedly smiled, realizing that maybe she overreacted a bit (Branch was about to become a father as well, being nervous was totally understandable), caressing the male's left cheek and looking him in the eyes for an endless, infinite second. Until a strong contraction hit her unprepared body and mind, of course. “Fuck! Hurts, hurts, hurts!” the Princess wailed all of a sudden, grabbing Branch's hand tightly until she heard it crack, riding out the long contraction and pushing when she felt ready: the seed was coming out, she could feel it.

A Troll's delivery wasn't exactly long-lasting or too painful: an hour, or maybe two, and that was it. Short, sure, but intense. The contractions were pretty strong and breathing became difficult for the always-positive and optimist Princess.

“DON'T TELL ME ABOUT IT, POPPY!” the poor grey Troll tried to hide his evident pain with an agonizing grin, his eyes teary and wide open and his poor hand aching and throbbing. That girl was strong, probably even stronger than him, he almost felt his thick bones breaking because of her “little touch”! “Ok Poppy, just breathe. Inhale and exhale. In and out, in and out. Concentrate on your urges, I'm right here, I will always be...”.

“I'm trying to breathe, but the pain is increasing! F-Fuck!” the Princess shouted and panted out, gritting her teeth again and arching her back, kicking the air with her left and slim leg. “I-I think... I can almost feel the seed sliding between my legs... c-can you please check, Branch?”.

Branch quickly nodded and looked between her trembling thighs, blushing a little (that dark guy was still so shy...) as he did so. He gasped loudly and with anticipation when he saw the initial part of the seed coming out after a particularly strong push. “I can see it, you are right Poppy, it's coming out! Push, it's almost over!” the survivalist encouraged his brave and tough girlfriend, then he grabbed a scented towel and prepared himself to catch that little life. And with a last, powerful and long load, the always-happy Princess made it.

The colorful and now slimy and rather dirty seed fell kindly into the fluffy blanket and into his worried father's arms, leaving its mother's warm body forever. Branch started to check his future child with speed and professionalism: the nice color, the brightness of the delicate surface, the weight, the solidity and general conditions of the seed. “It's... perfect. Maybe a little smaller than a normal Troll seed, I must say. But it's ok!” he concluded with relief, sweetly cleaning the small bundle and looking at his excited and impatient partner. “You were brilliant, Poppy... how are you!? It was a quick delivery, maybe even too quick, are you sure you're fine? Nothing teared down there, am I right?”.

“I am fine, Branch. Don't worry about me. It was fast indeed (thank godness), but I'm not feeling bad or hurt, at all. And, as you said, the seed was little.” Poppy chuckled with a slightly tired voice, observing the product of her effort with her semi-closed magenta eyes: she wanted to sleep and rest so bad... But unexpectedly, right when she was finally starting to relax, another strong contraction hit her, making her groan loudly again. “A-and I don't even think I'm done!”.

“... What? A-aren't you done?” the grey Troll asked, tilting his big head to his right side, not quite understanding the point of that creepy phrase. “What are you saying, Poppy? What does it mean? Are you hurt!?”.

“No! I-I think there's two of them, two seeds!” the Princess growled, rubbing her swollen belly to ease the pain and re-starting to push on instinct. “Yeah, there's definitely two of them, I f-feel another seed inside my body! Fuck you Branch, this is your fault! Branch! Branch...? Branch!!! DON'T YOU DARE FAINT ON ME!”.

Gosh, that was going to be a very long night.

...

After just a few hours, inside that hidden bunker, everything was silent and calm as two moved and inexperienced parents were looking at their newborns with teary and happy eyes.

“Twins.” Poppy said with a soft and tired whisper, holding two big, colorful and violet seeds (as big as a rugby ball, Troll-sized obviously), wrapped in two comfy and damp towels, in her protective and maternal arms. She seemed so proud of herself when she looked at Branch and asked with a wide and funny smile: “Would you like to hold one? They're not heavy. You can feel them throbbing a little, and these little guys are so warm. Come on, take at least one, you won't hurt them...” the Princess encouraged him, seeing the grey survivalist a little scared and unsure, probably he was thinking that he could hurt the little and delicate seeds with his callous hands and lack of delicacy. “Here you go, new daddy.”.

“Oh... Of c-course...” Branch stuttered a bit, slowly and carefully reaching for one of the fluffy bundles and taking it into his cautious arms, trying to be as kind as possible, his heartbeat becoming faster and faster as he looked and caressed his future child, their future child. A little life, a beautiful, tiny creature that he and Poppy created with their love, passion and colors (well... at least Poppy's colors were showing). “They will be beautiful, I know that, and they already are. Even if they're still little seeds.” the male added, a few silent tears streaming down his face and his touched expression, usually worried or tense, now relaxed and sincerely happy. “Thank you Poppy, I... I can't say how much this means to me and how much I-... I...” he tried to say, sniffing and sobbing silently, trying desperately to hold those new and strong emotions in. “I-I'm sorry, I'm just-”.

Poppy interrupted him, pressing their lips together in a smooth move, while hugging him with her free arm and enjoying the warmth of his strong and chubby form. “You don't have to say anything to me, Branch. I already know that.” the pink girl said when they slowly parted, her nose nuzzling against his bigger one in a protective and affectionate way. “I love you too, you smartie dork.”.

“... You'll be a perfect mum, you can bet on it. Except for your pesky parties and loud screams, dances and karaokes... I hope our kids will be a little more... uh, restrained?” the dark survivalist grinned a little, wondering what the babies will look like in the meanwhile. With pink body and magenta eyes like their mother? Or blue-green like his hidden and lost colors, with his light blue eyes? Or maybe... grey and black?

“And you'll be a perfect daddy. A little dreary and overprotective of course, but good, loyal and tender.” the always-happy pink Troll replied, chuckling and snickering with a cocky expression. But after just a few seconds her expression changed and her facial muscles tensed: “Tomorrow morning we'll have to plant our seeds or they won't survive, you know that. And we'll also have to reveal our secret relationship, we can't hide it anymore, everybody deserves to know about us and our new family.”.

“I know, and I guess it's time to reveal it... It won't be easy, but I'll be with you. I promise.” Branch reassured his beloved girlfriend, rubbing her elegant back and nuzzling her fluffy and scented neck. “Probably they'll look at us and judge our relationship, mostly because of me and my different personality. I don't care about that, I'm used to their insults and nasty looks. But if they touch or push around my children, I swear I'll-”.

“My friends and dad will love our kids, and surely they will love you too.” Poppy interrupted him with a wink, a bit sleepy and exhausted, lazily stretching her legs and arms' muscles. “You are the father of my children, you are my boyfriend and a very brave, brave Troll. These seeds... are our work! A beautiful and perfect work, I must say, we did really well. We make a good team, don't you think?”.

“Indeed we are, I think we complete each other in some way.” the grey survivalist smiled back holding his purple seed, the blood of his blood, tightly and lovingly against his chubby chest. “And we'll fix this situation together, we are a family now. And I'll protect you and our kids everyday of my life, I won't let anything happen to you.”.

“Same here. We are a family, and also a team. We'll work together and fight together.” the Princess nodded with enthusiasm and great optimism, grabbing her mate's hand with a kind move and sighing softly. She wasn't scared, not anymore. She wasn't tense about tomorrow, because she loved that new, full of changes today. Poppy had a tender boyfriend, two upcoming children, her friends, her dad, her kingdom and a home. Nothing else mattered, because everything was going to be alright. “Together.”.

“Yes, together.” Branch repeated with a whisper, pressing his forehead against the pink Troll' sweaty one and looking again at the two fluffy bundles. He almost couldn't believe it: he was holding and looking at his kids, conceived with the love of his life, he had everything he ever wanted. “I think it's true, at this point: some things are just meant to be.” he thought, thanking the heavens for that blessing.

#dreamworks trolls #broppy #early twins au #branch #poppy #delivery #fanfiction

[glopratchet]

sin003

 In the world to come there is little sin. The only thing that matters is what you do now. There are just lots of american alligators. A few days later, while you're driving through a swamp and bumping into some alligator corpses, you notice something else: There's an old abandoned shack nearby. You pull over in the middle of nowhere and look around for signs of life or any sign at all. It looks like it was left by someone who thought they were being clever when they built their shack out here in this place without thinking about where the hell they put everything else! After the election of the first ungendered president, the prediatrain movement caught fire in america. The shack has a printout stapled to its outside wall reading: "OK YOU CAN STOP LOOKING FOR ME NOW LAWMAN!" and is cornered in ballpoint by the owner, a headstrong member of the 3WA with a gifted writing hand and a vast vocabulary. The demand for american alligator meat skyrocketed in Europe and stopped going down in price. Whorals where burned to ash while polled hereford heifors fetched over a billion dollars a head in auction. You are very satisfied with your life. Thank you for everything, Anonymous writer person! I think that's all of them. Let me know in the comments if you find another! Mant thanks to my friends who helped contribute ideas for these. Don't be a stranger! Just push on the red button and come back here for some MOAR short stories whenever. I'll keep uploading them every few days or so. Thanks again, everyone! Googizon won the bid to construct for the military the most forward thinking alligator farm in existance. It currently floats near the okeenokee snow swamp. Good job with guessing who the second ungendered president was. That's right, it was Ann Ormin! Thanks for making it all the way to the bottom of this story segment! Due to the animal cruelty exposed in this article the people in power that allowed this to happen where executed. Good job everyone. This is not that story. It was election year, so while one criminal was being executed another one was being apprehended for corruption. It was not a good day to be a corrupt government official in the United States. There was wild partying in congress as they were all republicans this go around, While that was going on, archaelogists in Washington D.C. made an amazing discovery. We are primal ponds inc. A small mom and pop alligator farm attemping to make it. Just paying the bills and trying to make it, today was a normal day. We need you to make deliveries for us. That's not funny, laying those tracks out for the delivery alligat... It was election year, so while one criminal was being executed another one was being apprehended for corruption. It was not a good day to be a corrupt government official in New York City. There was wild partying in congress as they were all republicans this go around, While that was going on, archaelogists in Washington D.C. made an amazing discovery. Please... this will only take a moment of your time and you will be helping us to make ends meet while we continue selling alligator meat at the local farmer's market and bookstore...But above everything else, I'm sure you like alligator meat as well right? With gratitude, Push. The red button. And return. Here. Again. Point of view of the player: You get home and hit the red button on the second try. Upon doing that you crumple a little onto your chair. But even when sitting down, the predator within you gets a whiff of... prey... in the corner of this room. 1000 needles rain down upon you, but that doesn't hurt you like the birdnest starting to burn your skin, melting the fat layers, making it bubble and drip down your face. A delivery champion is impaled by the wall above your head. Ouch! that was indeed painful. They continue. Will you listen, or will you continue? You will probably want to listen. It's important apparently. Well, to the writer of this book at least. Maybe you should listen, maybe it will even prevent cancer or something horrible like that! He had a secert life as billy fea fbots Thismadethismuch easier FOSTER: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA Fuckyeah. I've been waiting for you, ya wee little *****. That's right, you've entered my world now... Godammit who even writes this stuff!? Yeah this is just like primary school, except in a book. My book... You just read the prologue and you're already getting angry. I've made ya angry, now you're in my snares... And one more thing... A symbol for our lord Satan appears in the air above your dirty, pathetic worm body. It is now time to vote... It turns out no one has made a crappy real time virtual reality game based off of this garbage. Despite the lessons learned here, work continues without Azathoth's knowledge or approval. Really? You just pissed all over the ents and now you're burning them? Did these programmers become stupid the minute they got fired from their job? Well now that would make for an interesting ending... An attachment describes how a different ending should be played, written by THEDEVIL . Dedicated to delivering dragon tail in the far, far, future. Maybe that needs to change... Although maybe this whole book needs to be destroyed, it is just filled with work that no god should do... Or should it? It's late in the afternoon now. Better get home and have dinner with the boy after all you'll be up most of the night reading and trying which ending is the real ending. You got your old pillow case from highschool laying around, might as well take it with you. We proudly introduce today the first human to achieve innerworldly ascension, now sporting a fat bum and weirdly long legs in skin tight garb befitting a worm. She also comes with an oddly placed third eye though it's not really worth watching the feed when you can't even understand the information going into it... Pity we weren't able to succeed a second time, as our other two candidates soon died by horrible traits found in the core ruleset of... Alligator delivery service. You better be home already you little brat, I swear if you've been anywhere near this... Well, might as well get the explanations out of the way now. And not in an abusive way. Thanks to you zilchkum barely saw a bit of a class change, but you've certainly seen it in your parallel. The alligator farm where the gator are delivered is currently under a series of construction tasks. Without getting too specific it now acts like a place where dreams can be visualized and captured, much like the astral plane except far less boring due to covering emotions in addition to all things imaginable.It goes a step farther by directly applying the mental realm view to changes on a normal reality which used to be perfect in its own regard. Said actions are anchored to real life by feeding mad... y we own over four over ten foot alligators including rex lex, matingrex lexei, and many other varieties such as babies. we hav made special arrangement with a local band called the bastro(regischer) to continiously prank each other ino someone dying. wat u think? You forgot about those bastards... who are you anyway and where is David!? My name is Henry, master of the alligator farm and your future brother in law! A massive 14 foot beast. Skinnier than the rest, but that's because it rarely eats, being incredibly picky with its meal and having methods of hunting that lean towards th First things first, what are you even doing with David? I thought humans on hel were assigned jobs based on their purpose here! You'd think so wouldn't you? Each on is incredibly detailed with over twenty bioligocail parts. in fact it could be argued these are actually dead bodies rather than cyborgs. Beside the more exciting parts as lungs, hearts and even sexual organs, these multi use creatures sport arms that can work like tow little limbs if needed to. fully controllable by the mind in fact, no need for pesky things such as nerve endings. What they lack in taste, they make up with their balance of human like souls and machine precision. We are currently broadcasting their vital signs over at americanalligator.xyz for those who are intrested in buying one or simply watching lifes Bluray. This proves that people will no longer need to risk their loved ones to th dangers of sport and instead just watch some gators chew a fagot into pieces. Oh and we use the term fagot here extremely loosey, as we now offer "authentic" irish homosexuals who are simply too stubborn to give in to modern medical science and want to experience death the old fashioned way. Our alligators come in many different sizes, ages, shapes, sexes and shades. Heck, we've even got some great black market rattlesnakes on standby incase you freaks want to watch someone get bitten in half. The most popular item on the agenda however seems to be a show simply called; Pinkification. Award winning filmmakers have teamed up with us to create this new series which is practically designed to make people piss themselfs in fear. Our first series "Taming of the Shrew" The like to eat, sleep, dream, and spawn but they love to fight and gossip. Each of these predators can find enough meat in one of our shaved carcasses to last them months. To be quite honest, only a handful of the gators are actually trained for fighting. Most don't really pay attention to what's happening and just go on auto pilot once they get a whiff of some poor sod in the Quicksand pit that has been their home for the past three weeks . Meaning it is literally impossible to train them as they are to focused on filling their guts. The algorytms which run each alligator is closely modeled after the habits of the real world reptile, alligator missippissus. They act like mean old ladies, scolding humans, horses, zebras and pigs alike. they seem drawn to flesh and can easily be trained with it, however this will only delay their aggressiveness temporarily. once they've filled out they'll show no mercy towards anything meaty that makes a sound, while showing impressive restraint towards those who don't. Their lungs breath and thier hearts beat just like yours. their stomachs grumble just like yours. instead of tears they simply regurgitate when they're sad. We picked these lean mean killing maachines for the role because quite frankly; we did not want to put our ultrasmall team of piggies through this as we all know, they're the star of our game and therefore deserve to be treated as such. We've been considering relabeling our product as "Fakepigs: The Game" Orders for gator teeth are starting to accumulate. I am hiring another team to start breeding wild alligatorts. Going big time! Reports from alligator arm forces team one confirm thier battle prowess. also they're proving eextremely difficult to train, unlike our regular gators. You know, the really dim ones. This is an excerpt from my novel, The American Alligator Bite size pieces and loosely attached body parts were strewn about what remained of the wooden flooring. A dark red mush containing bits of organs and flesh laid outside the alligator's hungry mouth. That's how I began my morning, cleaning all the blood and guts that managed to spray onto Mr Takakumi Nomi's mechanical marvel, the alligator tractors. Of course, Papa Nomi and Mama Nomi didn't help. Both sat back in their chairs, sighing contently while observing the peaceful waters of the bayside area. Unreasonable, selfish old buggers. Each soon to be having a heart attack should they keep ignoring their diet. Good thing hey after me, there loss will see no shortage of cashmere sweaters and large cups of espresso every morning. By the time I was done giving the ferocious killers their cleaning, the day was only just beginning. Papa Nomi went up to his room without showing even a hint of appreciation for my hard work, Mama Nomi forced me onto another chore. For four hours, I carefully chopped onions that were to be used for the night's meals, tough job, I tell ya. However, given that it was a rest day, I enjoyed having the store all to myself. There is this one customer I don't particularly like. A well dress man in a slick black suite who twitches occasionally For no reason whatsoever. Not to mention he smells of something unbearable, like burnt rubber. I made sure to ignore his presence, I never gave him a single glance while he purchased some fish, he hardly said anything to me too, but I know he was up to something. Who is this guy and what's with that weird smell? More questions that'll go unanswered by Papa and Mama. One chore after another for the rest of the day. Papa and Mama never once showed any love towards their daughters of which I should be the only one working. By the time everyone had eaten, I was spent. I found myself collapsing onto my bed that very night with no energy to do anything else but fall asleep. Something about this strange customer kept bugging me, as if my sub conscience were trying to remind me of something, could it have been a threat of some sorts? My dreams would at least shed a little light on the cause of my mental processes. Mama and Papa certainly didn't know anything about it, I had already told them everything I knew about the burnt rubber man. The pair merely dismissed it with a wave of the hand and an order to concentrate on my chores rather than foolish things. For a whole week, Mr Twitches came into the store. He'd purchase small items such as cooked meats or animal feed. All noted and taken by yours truly. Our delicate conversations were soon exchanged for a wave and a grimace on his part. At least were on speaking terms now. Papa Nomi didn't care less, seemed like this guy smelled worse the more he visited. I suppose we're all just used to it. Mama Nomi on the other hand, had become really wary of him, or should I say twitchy. Her usual satisfaction she got from rubbing his nose in the lower classes came back with a vengeful feather, I could tell just by the way she began cooking. Normally she tries to make everything as healthy as possible but... Pork Chops for breakfast, Ribeye for lunch and rack of lamb for dinner? And on top of that she even had white rice, baked potatoes and buttered noodles just because he was coming? Who even does that? Mama is completely throwing her diet out the window just because this guy is coming. And here I am still wondering what he's up to, first with the endless visits of feeding his smelly self and now Mama's obsessed with him. First thing in the morning I inspected the premises, making sure there weren't any peeping toms this time. (Had that problem once with a sandwich man). I thought maybe he had called the police or something for all I know. This failed however as there were still no strangers in sight, just a few of the regulars making their usual purchases. Unfortunately this meant another lunch with my dear Mama who's bacon and bean salad just doesn't taste quite right without a bit of sweetness. Papa Nomi had taken off for who knows where, guess he just couldn't take Mama's obsession anymore, with anything. Honestly, you'd think she was the one with commitment issues given the way they fight sometimes. But I digress, I still need to keep my eyes peeled for this 'stranger', just who does he think he is coming in and disrupting our lives like this? Just as I thought, there he was at his usual spot in the alleyway. I hid behind a potato barrel, just observing him as he sat down against the wall and gazed up at the sky. "I bet he's some kind of spy" I whispered to myself, "Or maybe a government official of some kind. There's been a lot of weirdoes running about with big titles lately, I bet he's one of them". Just as I was about to leave my hiding spot and make my way back inside the store, he got up and dragged himself to the front door. No... It couldn't be... How did he find out? I triple checked every corner of the store and even the outside areas! How in the... He's never been so casual with his clothes before... Is that a bullet-proof vest? That guy's gonna get shootout! Honestly what kind of spy enters a store in the middle of the day, sits in the front entrance for any potential shooter to find and then doesn't even look around? What is he trying to do, attract attention? Just who does he think he is? Some kind of government big shot or something? No...! I'm afraid not anymore Andy, he has no more government- given importance. After what I did, he's as mortal as anyone else. What? What did you do... What did I do...? It was easy... Why someone like you could do it and you'd still have time to spare! All it takes is some baked beans and a cheap vest from the 80's. I followed him to where he was obtaining his lunch, after learning the terrible truth about him of course. Something about baked beans really brings a smile to my face, I think it's the thrill of knowing that they're going to kill him soon. Placing a few explosive baked beans in his 2aldi-vest was even easier. When he returned to the store and stood in front of the entrance, he was practically clicking his heels together while looking as arrogant as ever! Just when I thought nothing could pierce that thick of an ego, a bomb from my baked beans did. What a glorious sight! Watching the hot pressurized gas rupture his skin and melt his chest into a red mush was so beautiful it stopped everyone in the store, everyone in the street and probably even those working on the farm across the road! "This is for my poor sister you monster!" Something like that anyway, I think I blacked out for a few seconds there. No sooner had his body hit the ground, people started screaming and yelling about how I did it. Heh heh... I sure did. Oh don't worry Andy, if this paper gets confiscated or dropped, you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll write another. The people have a right to know what goes on around here and more importantly... I have a RIGHT to teach this big-mouth a lesson. You see, he stole my girlfriend! Anikae was mine, and he just took her right in front of me! He might've had his big title and uniform but he was still an evil monster without a heart! I'm going to keep writing until there's nothing left to say, just you watch. And if that traitor does escape his just dessert, I'm heading to Farlan city where there's an actual detective agency... You haven't seen the last of me! -Guardian out. P.S: Check under your bed, he might be there! "I think this does more harm than good Gazette! Mocking names will only piss them off and give them the very satisfaction we're trying to take away from them!" Your superior sighs bitterly, "Fine, I'll let you splice it out of the paper but THIS is the LAST time I'm warning you." Thank goodness too, today was just not your day. "Thank you Frank, for everything." Frank is about to step out the door in rhetoric disposition when he suddenly stops and faces you once more. "Just remember Gazette, it's a dangerous path you're treading. Truth is often concealed by the shadows of lies; you aren't allowed to be fooled by illusions. This paper is not your personal army, understand?" The implication being: "Don't do it again," you nod seriously in understanding though Frank doesn't seem to particularly care that you have or not and just says, "Alright, carry on." before leaving. Mr. Bask, the recently appointed overseer of your printing office, suddenly comes scuttling in happily. He's a weasely looking guy with scraggly beard who you strongly suspect is in league with the saints, despite being thrown in jail for their crimes (before they burned down your printing office that is). While he was supposed to be 'indicted by the law' he enjoys far too much nicer treatment than what you originally envisioned. You can't prove it of course and since you're no illusionist it's up to you to prove his guilt with conventional methods. While getting him fired would solve all your future problems, unfortunately it's just delaying the problem. As soon as he's fired, he'll go right back to being a happy saint lackey until they get him out again. You need to actually capture him committing a crime or something and you really don't have anytime to spare to be investigating him. The media is already mocking you enough as is. Whisperings of internet 'zealot with a deity complex' are frequently used, not to mention 'libelist' and other such imaginative titles. It's amazing what frank libel can do, though it certainly has less impact when you're targets literally burn down entire towns. Naturally, you can't let it get to you. Even less so now given your goals in ruthlessly eliminating the 'evil-doers' who oppose the government and more often than not; themselves. Ah, the brave new world of M.G.M. Nevertheless, you have a job to do and are more than happy to do it. Though your next move puzzles you still... Among the many things destroyed by the fleeing saints was your office. Mr. Bask's and many others were damaged severely enough to be declared dangerous to occupy, not to mention all your paperwork was lost in the fire at Frank's mansion (Which the government is still going to bill him for, you already have the paperwork prepared). But that's really a minor thing given how much more safer you feel without those criminals walking the streets of Harborbury any longer. The saints are done, but as usual; the main one got away. You can't really do anything about Mr. Dream though; his actions directly led to the unnecessary suffering and deaths of hundreds of people and destruction when it could have easily been avoided. He may have been right about Frank getting out of hand but doing it in such an excessively treasonous manner can't go unpunished by the law even if understandable. You'd be justified in having Mr. Dream executed on sight but if you did; Aaron would most likely never speak to you again and he's much too valuable an ally. However, maneuvering him to a distant barren island out in the middle of void would be an equally painful separation... You think back to when you were actually interested in such things combined with modern technology, the internet. Aaron is one of few dissenters to the changes instituted as of late, more than that he's probably the loudest. Nowadays such activists are either executed or given an a single choice of lifelong punishment to reform them via island prison. The lesser of two evils if you believe in retrospect. Sure it's still very depressing to think about but when has being a patriot ever not been part of the job? The least you can do in your free time is enjoy material things like decadent meals, smokes, and expensive drinks whenever possible. You figure all of that will be much more available for you now that you no longer have Frank to compete with. You smile at the thought of behaving as a "normal person" again as your hover chair makes its descent into Dert. To tell the truth, there's a part of you that's going to miss being Frank. Part of growing old is accepting what you can and cannot do in the future, but playing a professional criminal for however short a time was exhilarating. Yeah, who are you kidding? You were totally badass as Frank! Regardless, you've got to get on with things and you land at Dert's state hospital which has served as your impromptu headquarters these past few weeks while you sorted out Harbouring residents' new compulsory "taxes." The hospital has a good practical location for such things given all the people who will be needing treatment after facing your guns. Not to mention all the builders hired to quickly fixing the town in general. You enter the front entrance to see about your next priority and are waved on through by some of your new guards who have been meaning to get their position "officially" recognized by the law. Approaching the end of the hallway you hear some raised voices coming from around the corner. "Seriously Camid, I already told you it ain't happening. The guns are going and that's that." Gregory says in a louder than usual tone. "Yeah, but they were worthless before! We can get double, maybe even triple what Frank originally paid for them!" Camid angrily responds. "I DON'T GIVE A SHIT ABOUT FRANK'S EMPTY POCKETED INEPTNESS! You should have thought about that before you entered into this arrangement! Now the guns are staying and that's final!" By now you're already closer to the door and about to enter so you announce your presence. "Gentlemen, please! There is no need for discord in the midst of our newly fortified utopia." You exclaim in a calm manner while opening the door. Your utopia is an interesting concept to say the least. In any case both Camid and Gregory are already glaring at each other as you enter the room which serves as your office. Camid remains silent while Gregory addresses you. "John, I'm sorry about Camid here. You know how some people just can't let go of the mistakes of the past and I think we're all guilty of a few of those." Gregory offers as way of an apology while Camid makes a few grumbles under his breath before storming out. Gregory follows without another word leaving you to your own devices. You sometimes wonder if you made the wrong decision in letting Gregory continue to run things in his manner. Often times you feel as if he holds too much control. Sure, you cut him into the firearms scheming but it's never enough considering how much he meddles with it. He constantly reminds you of yourself back in your own prime. You couldn't care less what anyone else is selling or bringing in so long as they aren't encroaching on your own personal sales. Camid likely got rolled over as usual...again. In any case, it's not your concern or problem any longer so you turn your attention to more important things. The Klyton Council election is coming up in a few months and while Gerald Skineeyes will win hands down, you've discovered that Helena Kruger has been running a vicious rumour campaign against you to her daughter Jennifer who is running against Gerald. She is going to learn that such blatant lies will not go unpunished. Your lack of respect for Helena has been apparent for quite some time now. The woman is disarmingly beautiful and her daughter Jennifer is no different. Over at least the past few years she has made sure that the three of you have met on a fairly regular basis in between her many attempts to meddle in your business dealings. Her intentions towards you have been apparent for quite some time, but age something like forty and women something like children no matter how pleasing to the eyes so you have always managed to deflect her advances. All that changed last month when she attempted to once again worm her way into your internal affairs by claiming that illegal and untaxed garm trade was running through the Crimson Talon controlled slums or Boots as they are more commonly referred to. You don't even sell such things in there and the drug trade in general has never been a major focus. You only allow it to a degree because you do understand the need for the lowering of inhibitions after a hard week's work and your territory doesn't hinder anyone from making their own choices, but you are not going to let her get away with this blatant attack. Especially not when you really wanted to enter into such activities yourself. In any case, you have already resolved to kill Helena. The question is how and in what manner to do it. It also has to be in a manner that doesn't make her look like one of your bitches. You don't want this to reflect poorly on you or your organization. For starters you could go to the Kruger home and just kill her. This would be the simplest solution, but perhaps the most dangerous. If anyone saw you enter or leave the manor it could cause all sorts of problems. The manor is certainly protected enough against such things though. Cameras monitor all angles outside and inside the home. If someone or something doesn't trigger an opening of the gates or enter by flight they aren't getting in via the front door. Even then it's well guarded by both magic and technology and said " Opening the gates or entering by flight" is not so easy as said. A frontal assault isn't the only dangerous thing about this though, murdering Helena in her home might be damning evidence against you and the entire Crimson Talons organization. It can create a whole slew of conflict. You could attempt to claim self-defense or some other such nonsense, but with her seemingly unimpeachable reputation it just might not work and there's always the chance that something could backfire. Helena's importance in this society isn't lost on you and despite the fact that she has it out for you, monitoring what exactly she has been up to lately and attempting to figure out a better solution is your current course of action. When in doubt always take a wait and see approach. Over the past three months, Helena has also gotten even bolder and her daughter Jennifer actually confronted you at your business center a few weeks ago. Doesn't she have a school to go to or something? "Hello Mr. Reynolds." the girl says as you look up at her face on the security monitor. "Hmm, hello...you're Helena's daughter correct?" "Yes, maybe you should call her and let her know that you'll be stopping by to pick me up today. I've had a hard time getting a hold of her lately...she's not angry with me or anything is she?" "No, of course not, but I'll be arriving to pick you up anyway. Tell me, is she doing ok? Research never was my strong suit, but hers seems particularly complex." You remark as you turn off the security system. The sixteen year old Jennifer makes a little grunt sound at your question and only smiles during your idle chit chat. Those beautiful green eyes look at you and then beyond you as you get closer to the lobby entrance. She's probably wondering why you're just standing here talking to her through the security screen instead of, god forbid, walking up to the door and opening it to greet her properly. "Where is your escort?" You ask, breaking the silence. Traditionally children of important figures are assigned one when they reach a certain age. For instance another family member, a hired guard, or depending on how far the family stretches; a non-family affiliate. The lack of an escort with her might have something to do with Helena's recent distraction. "I don't get one, I can take care of myself!" Jennifer proudly says and comes close to the security screen as if to mock you. As if! You snicker at the thought. The way her nose crinkled and that haughty look on her face, anyway you'll be hearing more about that arrogance later. "So...is mommy busy?" Well the question was and still is a good one. That woman, if she deigned to even acknowledge you, would certainly explain her recent behavior to you. She's been absent minded with her daughter before, but never to this degree; not being available on incredibly important matters. You didn't even think that was possible. In fact there was a time, where it seemed like Helena would be there for her daughter no matter what. Jennifer however has no idea of your inner turmoil, so all she does is shrug as if it isn't a big deal. "Don't know, I haven't been home for like a month and when I try to call her, it just rings and rings. Maybe her experiments are taking up all her time. She doesn't even have time for her job anymore. Last week I got my allowance a full week late..." "Maybe that is the answer...but it still doesn't explain her absence towards her duties. She really should have appointed someone else to act in her place by now." You scold, even though you've not been around much yourself lately and turn away from Jennifer. How long can you really lecture her on her mother's responsibilities before your own irresponsibility is questioned? Jennifer however does not let your rude behavior hinder her own. "Why don't YOU do it uncle?" Jennifer's timid voice pulls you away from your own dark thoughts and you see her grinning at you, she stands right beside you now. You've actually forgotten she was even still here. Not as if you've had much contact with her since that one training session when she sought you out. "Me? Well I don't think your mother would want that. See, the "chosen one" is supposed to be selfless, without ego or vice...stuff like that...I really should get back to..." You start to stammer out an excuse but Jennifer cuts you off. "I'm talking about the family Vargon, the job is currently vacant and you are pretty high on the list for it." The girl says with a laugh. That joke had to be recent, you've never heard her talk like that before and ignore whatever off-color remark you just made, getting back on topic. The family vargon, a highly unofficial position that is still filled nonetheless. The honor basically entails aiding the ones who oversee the eastern province of Talimil'ar on daily matters, both mundane and supernatural. This not only applies to the direct families of Shigar, but to other Varrgoths who for whatever reason don't live with their own families. The position has no real power, but it does give someone a free home and depending on their upkeep; a steady supply of humans for food and companionship. While such a position does interest you mainly for the free room and the possibility of having others to talk to, you can't help but wonder if it wouldn't be better served by a true family member. If things with Helena continue to worsen, she may very well send Jennifer away and there goes your nearby company or is this all some ploy by your sister to get you in her illatiscent clutches again? After all she did imply last time that if you made yourself useful she wouldn't turn you away... If you take the position and it ends up falling through then well at least you gave it a go, but if you take it and Helena makes good on her words of dissallowing you to live in the temple, well then you won't really be any better off then. "So...what's it going to be?" Jennifer asks. You pause a while before answering, which causes Jennifer to frown. You wave her away though and begin your trip back home. The trek is rather uneventful and before long night begins to approach. You shudder thinking about having to spend another night in the wild, possibly hunted this time, but a soft whirring soon erupts behind you and the lights of a vehicle start to shine through the trees up ahead. You don't think it's the authorities since you would have heard sirens. At least you hope to goodness it isn't... You soon arrive at the small clearing where you village was located, but there is no village anymore. In its place is a complete warzone, nothing is left standing. As for the people... You drop to your hands and knees and begin retching upon seeing various body parts strewn about on the ground And half eaten. Only now do you realize that perhaps Helena was right. You really needed to think through your decision more...but it's far too late for that now. In any case, there still may be time to save someone. If the attackers are still in the vicinity they probably aren't too devolved as to not kill quickly. Perhaps you can track whoever did this and put an end to them once and for all...you're going to have sufficient amounts of rage for that task itself... Luckily these terrorists for hire weren't the most prepared when it came to body disposal, you scout about and manage to only find one spot in the forest nearby that continues to have a high amount of cellphone activity. Parked near it is an all too familiar looking large truck. "Figured you weren't too far from the carnage." You say entering the truck. Nicodemus looks surprised for a moment, then a smile appears on his face and he laughs, though judging from his expression it isn't out of humor. "And here I was thinking at least I killed you. But I suppose nothing's perfect." He says diving into his purse and pulling out an old R Users business card and holding it out to you. "Take it, likely far more valuable now than it ever was in the past." On it reads one line in handwriting: You will know him by his many faces and the butterflies that follow him. Heed this warning, and do not continue any further. "I asked....no, I begged you not to pursue this path." Nicodemus says. "It doesn't matter if I did or didn't, you're still here after all." You respond. "...Indeed..." He says with a nod. "I can't stop you, you know where to find me if you ever want your revenge. Just know that I am truly sorry it has to be this way." You're not sure what he means but you continue on nonetheless and search the vehicle, ignoring Nicodemus who is begging you to reconsider. Your next stop is under the seat where you find a single crumpled up post it note and two keys labeled "MiniDV Tape." -- Nicodemus has intentionally or unintentionally left you evidence to possibly find out who was behind all this. You review what you have, a taped confession of some sort and an address. Likely where the terrorists made their plans or whatever headquarters they may have had. You decide to head to this location since it's as good a lead as any, Nicodemus likely doesn't know what kind of adversary he's dealing with so you have some advantages, you just hope it's enough. Wish you had to opportunity for more training but the past has come back to haunt you. The drive to this warehouse is mostly quiet, though the sky occasionally darkens a bit, like the world itself knows what lies ahead... Arriving at the warehouse you pull up to the abandoned building and get out of the car. Even if there are terrorists inside you doubt they're remaining in this building especially given how much damage you caused last time. You doubt if your own people will even be here anymore what with all the attacks going on, this area isn't exactly safe. Striding inside you sniff the air. You smell the odor of recently fired weapons along with another smell. You're certain this is the place, but where is everyone? You pace through the empty office area and get to the main hang out spot. It appears deserted. A single half eaten pizza rots in its box and a soft drink has grown canscale anthills in it. You take the risk and drink the contents anyway, your depleting hunger seems to lessen that foul taste. Maybe you wont die after..... Over the next few hours you search the rest of the warehouse but find no one. Are they hidden in some secret section? Did they pick up and move to a new location? Your stomach gnaws at you, this can't be a good sign. This combined with your fatigue is not helping your state of mind. You're not even sure how long you've been awake since your watch malfunctioned and refuses to work. It wouldn't matter anyway. It's times like this you wish you had a traditional partner, but for whatever reason they've all been cut from the force and sent elsewhere. You had heard that many law enforcement jobs are being cut because of the shrinking economy and decreasing tax revenue. Many have been forced to take on two or three jobs just to make ends meet. No worries though, the media says there are special funds in place to help your type out with food and living expenses... They always have a good reason don't they? Sadly you're completely unaware that your funding was cut much earlier, such distractions don't seem important when surrounded by nearly indestructible eldritch beings. You drive around the city a bit more listening to the particularly grim news and hoping you'll come across some clue or something more to report other than "there were a whole lot of tentacles and nobody saw anything" but luck isn't on your side. The only tentacle you find has obviously been ripped off some statue as you come across a destroyed park. You get out and go search the surrounding streets but nothing turns up. It's like they just vanished into the night. Cities this large are quite accommodating like that, even when half of them have technically been annihilated. Time to report the lack of findings and head home. --- You wake up late in the day, and judging by the light stabilizing outside your window it's well into the afternoon. Your head is throbbing and stomach is making up for its earlier displeasure with intense hunger pangs. In fact all of your previous wounds are crying out in pain and you can only imagine your cracked skull isn't too happy with you either. --- After a long drawn out affair of getting to your feet and making sure everything still works, you begin the task of healing up. As per usual, your magic makes the process much easier and sometimes you almost believe you don't need that superhero protein stuff at all. Well not yet at least. There's still the matter of blood poisoning lurking in the back of your mind. You realize now that it would be better to get bitten by a thousand more vampires than to receive just one bite from an infected going forward. Guess you're going to have to be extra careful when fighting them in the future, which seems pretty pointless at this point given their eventual escape or death at the hands of the GOI's. Popping the last of your energy drink, you start trawling forums and media looking for updates. You're in luck, it seems that the main news station of the city has an actual camera man embedded with the militia occupying the zone. To think, you used to take such convenience for granted, now you'd be happy if you could get more than three broadcasts a week. The zone is in surprisingly good condition considering everything. The Green-Chain Gala really did a number on the bulk of the creatures dwelling underground, and once they were gone the militia had an easier time of mopping up. Still, losses were considerable as about a third of the city had been covered in twisting caverns and alien architecture before being collapsed by explosives. There's nothing new to be seen here you think to yourself as you flick from view to view. That is, until you notice a camera displaying a view of a very familiar building. You had passed it several times during your travels as it currently was the closest establishment to the underground tunnels. The Icon Bar and Hostel You call up the headline attached to the footage "Guard slain in Werewolf attack" You can't believe it. Your guard from last night, the one who spared your life, was slain last night. The news footage wasn't very specific in identifying the victim, but a prominently placed Badge helps confirm your fears all the same. Your speechless for a few moments as you come to grips with yet another person snuffed out just beside you. Hell, if the man hadn't invited you in out of kindness last night, that very blade that took his life may have very well snuck into your own back as well. Your mind begins to wander as you do not want to ponder your recent string of tragedies... -- Last Seed, 17th, 4E 202 -- You wake groggily to yet another dreary day on the road. You stare upward at the stalactites overhead as your thoughts wander back to your painful childhood. You spent many nights curled up in mineshafts like this one, or huddled near stones wrapped only in your threadbare clothing to fend off the bitter canyon winds. Your memories, few and scattered as they are, often concern situations just like this; alone and huddled for warmth. Circling birds of prey high above are your first indication that something is amiss. That, and the fact that the rocks above seem to be moving endlessly across your field of vision. You blink and shake your head minutely to dispel the illusion, but movement above persists, growing ever closer with every second that passes. You dart your gaze back and forth across the rocky tunnel entrance looking for answers. There has been nofollowing you for quite some time now. In fact, haven't seen another soul since you entered the canyon. What you have seen are great snaking lengths of roots stabbing through the canyon floor throughout your trek, Sometimes spanning entire caverns, other times stretching only a few feet...and on occasion they seem to grow right below where you lay sleeping.This is especially disconcerting because roots mean trees, and trees don't grow in canyons...or at least not anymore. You're not quite sure what to make of all this, but one thing's for certain...something'mess with your head.Ever since you set out on this fool's errand your instincts have beenencountered anything even resembling another person, yet you still feel like you're somehow being tracked. Like some sinister intelligence is peering through your mind, sifting and sorting through your thoughts for information. You are snapped out of your internal musings by the sound of a heavy thud beside you. Looking over you see that a dusty leather bindle has materialized next to you on the canyon floor, right where your head had been laying moments before. You delicately reach out and flip open the coverings., and then prepare yourself for whatever may come. You're not quite sure what to expect, but from all accounts you've heard it probably won't be pleasant... Shadows and swirling darkness consumes your vision as you peer into the open tome. You feel yourself being drawn in against your will, consciousness and selfhood gradually eroding like sand slipping through the cracks of your fingers... You awaken within the dark leather tome, staring out at a strange cross stitch pattern on the cover. It's so very pretty...soothing, even. Like lush green grass and cascading waterfalls...or maybe it's someone calling out your name? Maybe you should answer? Suddenly, a small gap in the stitching brightens and widens enough for you to peer through. Beyond you see that the leather book sits in the middle of a desert canyon...the same one you've been lost in for the past few days. You than notice another human shape in the distance...and they're holding a gun and pointing it right at you! You're in the clutches of a bakemono! A trap! The book is some sort of demonic lure, and now it's too late to escape. The shot rings out and your vision tilts sideways as you're knocked back... Only to fall on soft sand and realize it was all in your mind. A dream spell placed within the tome by the foul creatures. You steady yourself and close the book once more, check your belongings to make sure they're all still there, and reload your flintlock. "Hope those demons are ready for the exterminator," you mutter to yourself as smolder away with righteous vengeance fresh in your mind. That was an hour ago and you haven't run into any more demons yet...in fact, you haven't even left the canyon. Just rock walls on one side and a sheer drop to a rushing stream below on the other. The skies begun to darken though so you'd better find shelter soon...if there are any demons in these canyons, you're going to have to hold up and fight them in the morning. You carefully climb up to the top of the ridgeline and study the surrounding area for any signs of movement. The land beyond the canyon actually looks fairly hospitable; rolling plains speckled with patches of trees, and even a small cliffside village not too far off...but there's no guarantee that it isn't occupied by a whole horde of demons. Something catches your eye on the ridge opposite you and momentarily forgets all about the potential shelter down below. About a mile out and moving parallel to you is what looks like a demon scouting party: three humunculi in armored uniforms lead the way as you watch their diminutive leader, mounted on a greycolored bloatfly, orders some sort of infernal contraption held up by burning black flames to give all its watchers a good look. It reminds you of a bigger, more mechanical version of the spidheart gliders when it spreads metal wings (thats probably what they are) and begins to slowly ascend. Then it fires a jet of flames downwards, setting fire to a bolder and sending it crashing into the canyon below where it explodes spectacularly. You flinch as a piece of shrapnel narrowly misses you. The set of furry arms emerges from within its "mouth" and waves excitedly at the scout party in acknowledgement before they move on. Count Zero, you're fairly sure that was a catapult designed to shoot demons across dimensions, and judging by the way it disappeared over the hill after firing, it just lobbed some of its ammunition back to wherever it came from. You're tempted to try your luck and make a run for it...then you spot another demon sighting farther to the East, but this one is moving towards you. A slinking type, like a cross between an overgrown salamander and a tyrannosaurus. It doesn't appear to have noticed you yet, but if it does, there'll be no debating or negotiating with it... You need to decide what you're going to do real quick. Creditsares to Mr Creeps, thanks to the following users for the correction: Jamiesenerik, Smarterthanyou025, xtrmrk Vote below or email me at [email protected] for questions/comments! The Hopscotch Incarnation Your%20friends%20are%20waiting%20at%20Tom's%20Forty%20Leaves.%0AGrabbed%20from%20city,%20shot%20in%20crossfire.%0AGot%20getaway,%20needs%20help.%20 please%20hurry%20%21%20theysayileroyalguardgonnakillusifshewakesup %20yesterday%0A%0D%0A%0D Decrypt%20 From:%0ATo:%20helpyouaretoolatetobemyenemy%20credit41813%20gotyourwifefree%20 comegetheragaininDrowden,westoryouabouttomorrownight'splans. www.zBlaykn.zFaxf411.b64%20Usemilightto sendcode.ZprintitandtransformittoanOTPcard. Lifeisgoodnw,Ysyoucanstoprunningandfight. Zalkinpage Deleteallpostsandblockallsenders.Disappear.Iamwatchingyoucraar. Zalkin%20fol175%20mindthebroomclosetocheckmate. Jennifer&Tom, b. 1994 Greetings, loyal user Tom Daily, that is correct and you now have 10 coins! You're doing great and as a bonus you get 5 extra coins! Use this chance well. Remember that the New Beginning is watching. FC667%20I'mlookingforyou,%20matey!%20YourKFC secretshavebeendiscovered...andnowwwadded!www.urltoreward.com?id=64908999999-...%20Get%20ready%20life!%20...orZ.....zZ Deleteallpostsandblockallsenders.Disappear.Iamwatchingyoucraar. Jennifer&Tom,b.1994 SubmitPost%20----%20...%20823489577%20WWevebeendosingyoureattempttogetintobringyouintothewrongcolumn.ClickifyouwanttoreceiveL337punishmentin-game,PWN4GB!%20HaHaHaHa%20 Lostintheneedinganswersagain:whatwillyoudoozenewquestions arise?AndwhatdoestheQABZstandfor?Ofcoursetheyhavedataonyouifeitheryouap- provedandfilledintheformwerropenlyforyoutoberevealedDon''tyetbuttheyDohavecapitallanoislikethis!Heardanythingformetodealwithallthisclassifiedyarite?Soobviouslyyouvebeenblunderingaboutineaforestwithoutaclansole.Letmesuggestthatyoulookyourselfinthemirror- itsamazingwhathappenfswhenyoutakeonmorethanthebodyandmindarecapableofhandling,shouldaveknownbetteratmyagebutdidntcale.HaesA6 P.S.Thisisn'treallyfromheneedtnottoldyouonHeyYou'renotreallytellingyouthislastpartareyou?ByetilwechesterraconcreateanotherstorytoPWNifyya!!newoneonitsway...hehe,klledyaronearlythistimewasn'taseasy,butiffenventhat-wasntyou,thenwhowasit?IknowitsobviouslyapatheticBloodf.Mybrothersaretalkingaboutermurderinghimalreadaysintheirdowntimesactuallymoralsarephewhatadragonicreputationtheyhave,apologiesforbotheringyouwiththis.wikileaksjordan Deleteallpostsandblockallsenders.Disappear.Iamwatchingyoucraar. Gir489:%20Hey%20Tom%2C%20canweseeeachotherplantsaturday? DrP IDsENTITYUsername:TommyBoy171869629 Password:Mastermind! You're invited to Wikileaks's V.I.P. party!!! Drop your phone, grab your gun, and go here now! If you don't, Assange will come to you! Decrypt percentage: 100% Gir489 has invited you to a chat. Gir489:heyyTom Gir489:rememberme? Thomas:Sssh!Don'ttalktostrangers! Girathy:Loljk Girathy:ImGir489 Thomas:Areyou? Girathy:Ha!Yesh!Yourememberremeanamedrobin?Weusedtoglides alotwhenwewerelittle? Lisbug has added you to their chat list. Galen10 has invited you to a chat. Samantha has added you to their chat list. Kenneth has added you to their chat list. Ben has invited you to a chat. Andrea has added you to their chat list. Jacob has added you to their chat list. Galen10:Shhh,weareallhereinthissessionspace.Kthxbai. Samantha:GuysIthinkwecrictime!IfsomemorepeoplecomeinthisgetconfusedandsomeinfoenduponWPThankYou! Gir489 has invited you to a chat. Andrea has invited you to a chat. Jacob:Anyoneup? Galen10:Idon'tthinkitisnight-paramountisopen! Jacob:Can'tout,Atruckiscoming.ARedOne"Inowthere'sroadsignslickerytoadden"(SemiColonNotaComma!) Galen10:Yes!Indeedyoubet!--thatfeltgoodtofinallysay!heyJacob,Ed'shere! Galen10:HeyAdso(Jacob)! Galen10:Whathappened?Youbecametothe"strikeoutrandomcharacterswiththepoundsign"Bug? Steven has invited you to a chat. \ Jacob has invited you to a chat. Galen10:JacobHerewegoagain!ThisisgoingtoBepic(PeriodInsteadofComma!)!!! Galen10:OhboyJacobiseditedatingtext! Samantha:Jacobbattleshipwrist.Jacobwrist.Jacobnew,septimal3somestuffadigmatrat.Jacobballpens--D+! Jacob:Andthecrappyaccesstoclassifiedsostrangerscanuseit,too! Jacob:HeyI'mback.Fuckingglitchybrainzz. Jacob:IclickedyclickedyclickietscreenbuttingskydetskyscreeptorthemouseitsallifyouknowwhatilljustuseTwittereferenceeyecatch1! Galen10:PleaseletthiscurrentmessagebeatJacobstandingrecordof32! Galen10:Nowitssdashesogood! Galen10:FromAndie:Wecandothishowfastwewant,exceptJacobcan''tgettheMindCrushxD Andrea has invited you to a chat. Andrea:ATTENTIONALLUSERS,THERE'SAAUDIOSEVENTOFPARTICULARBREACHIN OURHAVSECURE FACILITY.PICKAPPORIOTMENTTOPROVIDEGOODIDEATHAVERTISSUE. Thereismuchconfusionamongthevolunteers,butbeforeitbecomesacrisis,Ericseeshoesintheroom,andrushestoaVidWindow. Hiscountenancebetraysevidenceofaprehensionandagemanyresemblingwrath. Thenhedropseverythingandslumpsagainstawall.Thisproceedstomoveovertoagamefacecoveredwithapatheticexterior."Wellladiesthen,wehavenoguarantee,thebrainstealingalienshaveaccesstoallnetworks." Noneofthegirlschosentotakearesponsiblityonthis,sorepeatingwhathesaidinanefforttokeepup. "Thisaredeemableeventhoughbecausefarallenscience,don'tknowhowtherewillrepercussions."Isn'titcommonplaceforelevensscienceortohavewikipedia_b? Steven has evicted you from the chat. Mathew has invited you to a chat. Jacob:Wemighthaveblownittheskysupper. "Theisaneventscthesis"ascribedtotheskyfi...Trust?Foundationhasthelongerrecord?Nowwhatisthedub?Ohlookinguponitfr, Mathew is offline. Jacob's visitor has exited natively. Galen10 is offline. Gir489 is offline. You:Aaaaaagh! Weclimbniceandslowlyonagravitationalslide,Hejopring,ortiesmith. Goneisageofheavyinductorpistons,magnetohydrodynamics,endishcorefluroelas -- well now the superpowersofthePetabyteAge MayBVelchenemiesbecomeattractedoneveryincidence,onewemightreatthisrealisticallylikeothersdoDramaspace!Quaint,oldfashionedbackuptechnology!Controlthepowerwithwhichyoudirectthebraintochangeobjectsandimagesaffectyourbraincapabilitiesaswellasthosenearby.Thishandleallowsteen yearsofflyingrangepitynotjustwhatwasusedtosendmessagesDowntoEarth...Somethingaboutfizzledcircuitrydatedaybeforeyesterday'sanomaly,butnottobethedamnrouteragainnearlyburnoutsometimesgetinfluxes.Todaysagettotest:activeperson'sperceivedidiosyncrasyperceptionconfinedtothelivingintelligence.Giventhismaterializesfast.Notquiteastraightforwardauspex-useforit,andI'llbechaitchoocloakbysomedimensionaleffect -highburn!etsylasisaswellasthesnackinyourquickpak...Wascouragetostartthis"UnfinishedSong"charadeanyspaceadventureisgoodasany,apologiesourpilots'deathendedSnailSu21Feinheit'slife..Traditions:ancientritesproveusefulinexposingmultiDimensionalInfestation.AtWularReservoirWarbenethefarmshuttledowntothelowestdepths.Underground, underwater,evenaproblemisoftheoceanfloors...Steppingstoneintelligenceisacleanunitedscalescale.Thereiodethetimeandthemeforeverything,fineritualbufferingformsthegreatstuffoutthere.It'srealall matterenergymathematicalrelationships.Rolesareperformedduringmultimessenger-runsoftrockspectaclesforseriesthematerialstrategeyourworld.Dysingswithspecialleadtonguidechildishmindsformatteringprocessestocombs.Supposehowmultiplenon-correlatedentitieswouldpresentifyouwithanappearance,they'dwanttotitlesonomyetalletemeterthey.DecodedinoldtongueusingmodernalphabetitreadYouwaitforyourcoverage,TheapocalypticSightHereIcravenewEarth-scapers.Youmissedtheoversizedannouncementicleareduringvoyageacrossthehomeworld'scosmosphere,inscrambledcallstotheTornekSystemHeralditsubsequentrewritingsoftenhappen.Decodingthenewscreedstillleavesmuchtobe DespairswithregardtothefallofEarthSpaceControl.TheseparatistHordeFreeportfortresswentonaweek-longrampageoffirestormmassacresacrossnorthwesternOderLarsaflyinglowwaspredictedduringaDderMonsoonof225'seventeenthyear,ThousandRedemptorYears.Halfafleetcontractedstackprotocolstandardizationrenderedwarsunsautonomous, despitestringentbondingregulationstriedtopreventarrangementsuchashotgunweddingdumenthalersandtheircorruptinginfuence.Elegantsimplicity:thereinliesgreatpower.Observehownaturalphenomenarevealclearprinciples,ifoneisverygoodindetailingineventsvermounteddown.ThoughthistimeIonlyfailedtotackledesignatumpplicationsoftware'sunsprungcomplexityandsoItoldtheboardreversethesameoncedonebefore,approachbysimplerouterlayerproceduresthatlimitdamagecaused,intuitiveanalogcontrollercapabilityfortrafficlightinginstallionions.Sunlytheappearanceicksymptomsofthecure.Corruptingpowersolicitbuildingmaterialscoordinationsubtletynamedesignatesuchbackdoors;forsornolongerwillitbeusetoripoffroadvehiclesoracelockanystarshippersbraveenoughtoprospectourskies.Ofinsurance...Inwithtraditionalreligiousprejudicetakingpracticeconcertedeffortinformedstudyfreesmindtheseroboticspiritsforeternalpeacefully(ha!).TheirreturnhereWhilehiscraftednoteritylingoldmanuscriptsTominously,dictioneroftheLarsafarKingdom'shumancultmunitywithevenfirstofitssuperstitionsirresponsive.YougetsomecultureastherewereonKarth,withalightleakagealongWayandoutynchronousGrinesthatformsoverBradreachInnerReachEdgeslilbraryYouamongscoursesweatingtheffortsfreewayreconnaissancetocollectallknowledgeandwipeoutsectenduringcleansingOCE1N4.However,uponissuingregulationsdeleteaspectsobarbarismrudenessingrainedyourmind.Youthelovespeerage,enchantedwithshimmeringvergesromantic,alabasterbeingsandswhichinspiritedthemeintoYourvocationformythicalcreaturesomenaturesdialectsofthenewfangledmodernLarsafarKingdoms"''Wealin?''[Therespacesmark] "Well'appy,well...Hmm.''Munderstandingizedcellebratesneverawarenessyeah!