#building a small village and helping whoever seeks them out

[auty-ren]

Salvation

Prologue

Pairings: The Mandalorian x Reader. Din Djarin x Reader. Mand’alor!Mando x Reader.

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 3.2k

Warnings: Canon-type violence. Mentions of death/injury. Canon divergency. Yearning. Panic and similar themes. The teensiest bit of steamy stuff.

A/N: We’re just getting started babes and holy shit I'm so excited for Mand'alor!Mando. We get to see the best of both worlds! Clan Leader Mando + Dark!Mando. Enjoy💗

Salvation Masterlist | My Masterlist

There was a vice that kept hold of your being, suspended between two planes of existence as you sat helpless to watch time pass at an agonizing pace. It filled you with dread, a heavy and pulling weight that settled in your stomach and had you glued to the floor; praying that the next thrum of violence that waged outside your door would be softer.

You hoped and pleaded every second you sat cowering in your home wouldn't be in vain, that something good would come of the war that had been building in weeks prior. The violence that crept over your village somewhat overnight, an uneasiness that settled between neighbors, and had people barricading their doors with fear.

You squeezed your palms tighter over your ears at the shrill sound of gunfire piercing through the walls of your home. The ground felt alive with footfalls and the impact fire, defeating sounds muffled between layers of durasteel were all you could hear, save for a few lost words that winded aimlessly through the air.

From your window you made out a figure that streamed across the sky; their form bulky and unnatural around the faint release of a jetpack that followed behind them.

Mandalorians had been passing through your village for as long as you could remember. Quiet and brooding warriors who often demanded very little and hardly left a trace that they had ever stepped foot in your town. You felt nothing but respect, considering that all your life you had seen the kindness that had been disguised behind layers of beskar and tall-tales of savage upbringings. As a child, you remember them speaking so softly to you, something that clashed with their demeanor and the heavy blasters that often rested on their hips.

There was never trouble, any thug that had made their way into your village was soon left scrambling at the sight of your guardians. No one ever dared to speak a harsh word in their presence, and your people were left with safe and warm homes that prospered when it felt the Galaxy was falling apart.

Mandalorians had protected you all of your life. But now you wanted more than anything for them to disappear, to fade away like the final wisps of smoke from dying embers. 

You just wanted the noise to stop.

Your eyes had dried beyond the point of tears, streaks of their remnants covered your face and left your skin feeling raw and tacky as your eyes squeezed shut. You heaved a dry sob as the walls of your home shook again, tremors vibrating at the ends of your fingertips as they scraped across the floor. Your joints ache from sitting so long, from trembling in the corner of your home as the only way to seek shelter.

There is a heavy thump that breaks through the noise, something solid that lands over your head. You can hear the unmistakable sound of footfalls as they walk across your ceiling, each step like a knife that twists deeper and deeper into an already gushing wound. Your grasp for anything you can reach, the leg of the table next to you, a book that had fallen from your desk, anything to ward off whatever was making its way to your front door. You felt pathetic, sure that whoever would burst into your home in the next seconds would find joy in the way your hands shook as you held them up in front of you, your only defense.

The weight that you had been holding in your shoulders came crashing down at the sound of a masked voice coming from your door. The shadow of their legs briefly visible through the gap in the door as lights flashed behind them, gunfire ringing through the small room as they barked a message about ‘Imps’ into their commlink.

‘Imperials’ they called themselves, led by the magistrate elect to ‘relieve our town from the clutches of oppressive rulers,’ or so they put it. Suddenly your town was full of strangers, of mercenaries with nasty tendencies that left you hesitant to leave your doorstep. Your home was turned into a hellhole in a matter of weeks, warm and kind faces were replaced with snarling teeth that spit evil in your direction every time you faced them. 

‘All in the name of progress.’

Destruction was the only thing that progressed in these short months, and Moff Gideon had no trouble thriving off every ounce of sacrifice he could squeeze from your town. Gideon had used any and all authority he had to wage war on the Mandalorians, the people you considered your protectors. You and nearly half of the village knew he was crazy for doing such a thing, for provoking the wrath of a people who had carved legends of war and battle into every corner of the Galaxy. All of this suffering because he was too greedy for something that was never his.

Your limbs were heavy by the time sunlight peered over the horizon, brief wisps of warmth dancing across your eyelids as you blinked awake from where you sat.

There was nothing but silence, heavy silence that was damning after a night of constant chaos. Early morning fog still lingered, your breath puffing in front of your face as you pulled yourself to stand. Your door was ripped open before you could even think, your only thought wanting to be able to witness whatever had been left in last night's wake.

The ground was firm and solid beneath your feet, your legs shaking as you stepped off the porch of your home and for the first time in forever everything was still. There was nothing but the faint shuffle of your feet across the ground, and the muffled conversations in the homes you passed by. It seemed you weren’t the only one who was curious; familar faces grew in number, their eyes wide and interested in the wreckage just as you were, everyone you met wondered what would become next. Some of them wept, holding whoever was closest as relief washed over them. Some of them celebrated, cheers echoing through streets as they basked in the absence of Imperials in their homes.

You stood, staring down an alley where the body of an Imperial laid unmoving in the dirt, their white armor smudged, cracking, and littering the wet ground. The reality of what had been happening only a few hours prior laid heavy on your chest, curling tight around your ribs until you felt there was no way to take a breath.

Your hands were shaking as you reached for your face, covering your lip as it trembled from swelling emotion and finally breaking away from the scene before you. You backtracked, fully intent on turning to run back the way you had come when you bumped into someone; their arm came up to grab yours, steadying you as their questions fell upon deaf ears. You stared at the woman before you, the brows knit in concern as she repeated her question.

“Are you alright?”

Everything was starting to bleed together, the sounds of people emerging from their homes suddenly became far too loud, and your awareness of where you stood punching you in the gut. You winced away from the woman, pulling your arm from her grip and ignoring how she called after you. Your lungs swelled with each heaving breath you took, the ground beneath you disappearing faster and faster as you tried to find your way home. Neighboring villagers found their ways into the streets, crowding alleyways and blocking your way home. You ran into a few of them, whispered apologies falling from your lips as you fought to hold yourself upright.

You needed to take a breath. You needed to slow down.

There was no distinction between the voice in your head and the concerned words of people you passed; friends, neighbors, all people you had known for most of your life.

They just want to help and part of you doesn't understand why you don't listen to them.

The ache that tears through your skull sends waves of nausea down your spine, your eyes blinking slowly at the dirt that sat just a few inches from your face. Your breath disturbed it, puffs of clay-colored soil swirling in front of you, and some of it landing on your cheeks.

You pushed yourself up onto your elbow, your entire side sore from how hard you had hit the ground. It was slow, your limbs feeling heavy and weighed even with adrenaline buzzing underneath your skin.

There was hardly any noise now, just a few whispers that danced between the crowds; the tail ends of sentences being lost as they shush themselves. You hear the scuffle of boots hitting the ground, their gate heavy and kicking up dirt in your peripheral. The dark-colored toe of someone's boot walks into your line of sight, you watch the leather come to a stop just a few inches from where your hand pressed into the mud. You followed the boot up the length of its owner’s body until you were met with the bulky visor of a beskar helmet, embers of the morning sun peeking out from behind the silver shine. 

He offers his hand out to you, the ends of his gloves a bright orange that was weathered at the tips. The leather was worn but soft to the touch as his hand wrapped around yours, pulling you to your feet with just a little bit more force than necessary. Your hand shot out to brace yourself against his chest, your weight falling against the solid expanse of his cuirass as you huffed out a curse. Your head was still spinning as you clung to him, trying to find balance on your own two feet as you looked at the stranger. His armor looked new, bright, and unsoiled save for the dirt that smudged from where you had touched it; your eyes are drawn to the obnoxious color offset by the dark linen of his clothes. You mutter an apology, moving to separate yourself from him but find yourself trapped under the arm he used to steady you.

From the corner of your eye, you can see the other Mandos who are waiting on him. Their armors a deep matching blue with white accents on the face of their masks, they stood at attention as if they were waiting on their next command. You looked back at the man in front of you, who you assumed was their leader, your hand still laying on his chest and your faces even closer than they had been before.

His hand hesitated just a breath away from your face, his fingers twitching before he pushed strands of your hair out of your eyes, the leather of his glove tickling the shell of your ear. The knuckles of his fingers traced down your jaw, his touch light and curious as he studied you. His thumb stopped at the apex of your cheek and he drags the pad of it across the same spot of skin a few times, brushing off the dirt that had stuck to your face.

You could hardly breathe under his attention, your lungs burning from how long you waited in between small intakes of breath. His hand was still warm against your face, his other fingers flexing on the hold he kept around your waist. Every second dragged on as you looked at him, studied what little you could see from the layers he wore around his being. Oddly enough, it felt that he was doing the same to you, his gaze felt like a burn as it trailed along with your features, your chest feeling tight and your cheeks hot from how overwhelmed he made you.

And then he was gone.

His hold on you released and he turned back in the direction he had been walking, followed by the Mandos who had stopped and waited for him. They parted the crowds that had formed in the streets, their presence enough to leave anyone in standing back, awestruck just as you had been. You watched their forms disappear from your sight until finally they turned a corner, and you never saw them again.

-

It feels impossible to sleep that night.

Though it had only been a few months, the soured pit in your stomach was telling that memories of Imperials wouldn't fade so easily. There wasn't enough water to wash away the stain that their greed had left behind. Everyone seemed happy, smiling freely and feasting in celebration as the day turned to dusk, and as dusk turned to night you sat, staring at the ceiling of your home and buzzing with something you couldn't quite pin down. You studied the crack that had split that ran from one corner of your home to the next, fresh and taunting you with how you had been cowering beneath this roof only a day ago; watching the stone give way as the very foundation of your house shook. Just outside you could hear voices again; quiet, content voices that felt unfamiliar, almost out of place amongst the chaos that had been living recently.

How could it be over so quickly?

It only took a day, not even that. Your village was wiped clean, the only evidence that there had even been Imperials, were scraps that had been piled together throughout the streets. Pieces of equipment, armor, a couple of uniforms that had been discarded were all that was left of them. And most of it was being discarded without a second thought. 

You had always heard stories of what Mandalorians could be capable of, but you had never believed them.

People liked to talk, to tell stories. It was easy to believe the tales of warrior races were just constructed, exaggerations of the true history of their people. But you were wrong. You hoped that you stayed wrong, that this wasn't temporary or even worse, a dream.

With every night that passed, it became easier, sleeping without worry you would wake up in hell all over again. It came over you slowly. Ease? Relief? Tranquility long enough for you to rest a few hours, then wake up to rebuild the life that had almost been taken from you. It finally felt safe. Safe to live, safe to breathe, safe to dream again.

But then all at once, it was swept out from under you and your heart plummeted when you answered the door to find two guards standing on your front steps.

“Can I help you?”

You noticed the way he ducked his head, his helmet cock-eyed when he looked at you to keep it from knocking with the frame of your doorway. He spoke very softly, almost gentle in the way he said your name; a stark contrast to the beaten, dull blue armor he wore and the heavy blaster strapped to his back. You looked over his shoulder at the female that followed him, her back was turned to you as she scanned the street in front of your home. She wasn’t as large as he was, but her armor was just as thick and a beautiful maroon color that glinted in the sun when she turned to face you.

They both waited for you to answer, turning to look at each other when you gave them a small nod, confirming that they had found who they were looking for.

“The Mand’alor has sent us for you.” The woman spoke, her tone clipped as she took a step closer. “Please. Come with us.”

Your fingernails dug into the softwood of the door frame, your skin burning from the way it dragged across the rough terrain until you released it, balling your fist at your side. You made no other attempt at moving, and neither did they. 

There would be no point in arguing, you would never be able to outrun two Mandalorians, but it felt very tempting at that moment.

“The….Mand’alor?”

You had heard the name before, a few of the Mandalorians in town had spoken it in passing and while you had never asked them who or what it meant, it didn’t take a genius to figure it out. 

They had asked for you by name, and they were too occupied to come and find you themselves. 

You tried to wrack your brain for anything you could’ve done to cause this, of what could have upset someone to this point.

But then again, if they were upset, they probably would’ve just had you killed.

You looked behind you at the mess that was strewn across your room, crates of your belongings dumped in the tiny space and making it much smaller than it seemed. There was no telling where you were going, or how long you’d be gone but maybe you could take a few things with you.

“Can I have a minute please?”

You moved to shut the door, just wanting a little privacy to get a bag ready, but you were stopped when the female guard’s arm shot out, holding the frame still just a few inches before it would’ve closed.

“You don't need to take anything.” She huffed and pushed the door back open, stepping through the threshold to stand directly in front of you. “Come with us.”

You couldn't think of anything to say, not that she wanted a response from you, you just stood there staring at the two Mandalorians who crowded your doorway. She practically snarled an order at you, becoming increasingly impatient with how unresponsive you were.

“Now.”

-

Sometime later

“I-... I don't understand.”

He had you pinned, backed into a wall that you wished would open up and swallow you whole. Your face burned with shame but you couldn't figure out from what. From him? From how close he stood to you? From how every word that dripped from his lips was sweet? Like thick, sugary honey that became far more addictive than any spice you ever heard of; and you were glutenous in wanting more of those delicious words that he seemed so confident saying.

Shamefully so.

“Don't worry about such things.”

His thumb ran delicately over the bottom of your lip, tracing down until he held your chin in between it and his forefinger. He tipped your face to look up at him, his knuckles brushing across your throat as his hand fell to your chest. His fingers splayed across your exposed skin, his gloves are warm and soft as they made their way back up and finally wrapped around your neck.

“You're here now.”

Your breath hitched as his fingers flexed, his grip almost ghosting, as if he was afraid you'd break under any pressure.

You wished you could see his face, the blank stare of his visor did not indicate what he was thinking; though you imagined he was enjoying this from the way he touched you. He was like molten that left your skin burning in its wake, your heart fluttering as he moved over every inch that was shown to him. He held your jaw in the palm of his hand, his helmet coming only a hairbreadth away from your face; your breath puffing clouds of condensation on the smooth surface.

“You're mine.”

-

A/n pt2: I’ll give a sticker to whoever can guess who the female guard Mando was lol

Taglists

Salvation

@all-hallows-evie @sultrygoblin @amanda-loriannn @assaultsofthought @discofern @forever-graphically-frozen @phoenixhalliwell @sweetdarlingrose @haley7242 @dancingwiththeplanets @slep-slop @geannad @equalstrashflavoredtrash @javihoney @farrvey @winchesterxxi @imalovernotahater @clydesducktape @thisgirlcanstrut @ollovaemisc @roadakamelot @forgottenswan @barbaralaplume @imasimpforanyoneisee26 @autumnleaves1991-blog @djarinslover @chickens-r-great @spicys-stuff @dazedcowboi @driftllocked @godiscoming-areyouready @fantasticcopeaglepasta @kesskirata @nuttybeardetective

Mando

@basilbumble @wxrmh0le @jango-fettish @gallowsjoker @groovinomicon @driftllocked @courageinthemidst @hayley-the-comet @victias @freyjasamael @gondowan​ @nicki-mac-me​ @mudhornchronicles​

Permanent

@on-the-razor-crest​ @readsalot73​ @roxypeanut​ @talesfromtheguild​ @vintage-silk​ @ben-is-a-hoe​ @dartheldur​ @b0n-chann​ @dindisneydjarin​ @tangledlove27​ @blueplaidhood​ @lackofhonor​ @holamor​ @ajediherowitchrunner​ @mandhoelorian​ @random-fandom-lady​ @aeryntheofficial​ @stubbychaos​ @promiscuoussatan​ @lark-cale @lilkermit14​ @leather-mommy @zombiexbody​ @absurdthirst​ @nerd-without-a-cause​ @xjaywritesx​ @sappy-stars​ @drownedbytears​ @mrsparknuts​ @gallowsjoker​ @animechan6616354 @paintballkid711 @pedroepascal @dadolorian​ @roxu-radio @lv7867 @theocatkov @xjaywritesx @nelba @persephonehemingway @justanotherblonde23 @emzd34 @stardust-galaxies @misofirebird @roguereds @dee-rosemary @keithseabrook27 @badassbaker @rosiefridayrogersunday @engie115 @satans-tongues @tulipsun-flower @idiotonastar @hayley-the-comet

#the mandalorian x reader #din djarin x reader #the mandalorian fanfiction #the mandalorian x you #din djarin x you #Mand'alor!Mando #star wars #star wars fanfiction #mand'alor au #pedro pascal x reader #Pedro Pascal

[ilovelollipopx]

Can I see hcs for Ahri, Sona, Zyra, Soraka, Janna, Jinx and Lamb with an adopted child that is heavily implied to have had a very bad life before they took them in? The child is very shy, quiet and fearful, has nightmares and breaks down crying very frequently, and often comes to them seeking love and comfort

Ahri: The vastyan didn't have a normal childhood given that she used to be a fox before her encounter with that mage. However, she does remember her experience as someone young and curious making an impression in the human villages. There she got to experience how mortal children grew up, with varying living situations. In Ionia, it was very rare to find a child harmed by the hilt of life's sword. In any normal situation, she would try to find you a good place to stay, she knew many good people in her lifetime. However, with you it was different, throughout the days she would witness you squirm and wiggle from the nightmares that plagued your dreams. All she had known in the end was that she was the closest thing to a parental figure that you had for the time being. Although she would leave you with people she trusted from time to time to travel to places you could not follow. She'd always come back with a warm smile and gentle hug.

Sona: Is an orphan from Ionia herself, so she understood for the most part about being truly alone even when she had a loving family. However, when she caught you following her after hearing her play such a calming melody she was surprised. Your skin looked pale and eyebags lined your eyes, and at such a young age who wasn't to worry. Sona was adopted from a noble family, most nobles wouldn't concern themselves with an orphaned kid on the streets unless it benefitted a reason. At first, she guided you into her home, feeding, clothing, and providing a bed to sleep upon. The first night is when she had heard the troubles that ailed your sleep. With her etwalh in hand she began strumming her fingers along with the cords, each strum a hint of magic surrounded the two of you. She would play until a look of peace would grace your features.

Zyra: The sentient plant had always seen the floral creatures that would arise at her beckon her children. It was very odd when her overgrown vines had brought her a young child. However, you didn't seem scared, didn't even flinch as she examined you. She could easily have turned you into nutrition for her plants, yet Zyra couldn't help but pause as your body seemed to already accept that fate. Almost as if you were expecting something so terrible in the mind of a mortal to happen already. Deciding not to sacrifice a feeble child that wouldn't be enough source of nutrients anyways, at least that what she had reasoned herself with she kept you by her side. At first, she didn't know what to do when wet lubricant came streaming down your cheeks, plants didn't cry. All she knew was that you were in pain, not physical, but emotional. Human interaction had been nonexistent until now, though she would attempt to learn to care for you, tending to you as if you were the most prized flower in her garden.

Soraka: The Starchild has gone to countless places around runeterra whether she was wanted or otherwise to heal others and guide mortals on the right path. It wasn’t new to her to find someone so hurt by the world, it pained her heart that she found it in someone so young. She would stay and soothe the scars over your heart, the ones in your head, and wipe away the tears that would fall. Soraka will encourage and support you until you can go back into life without the fear of your past weighing you down until no more tears threaten to fall unless they are happy ones, and till you lie peacefully in your bed dreaming of great things.

Janna: When a child, a single fragile voice called out for help near Zaun she didn’t hesitate to swing down in her humanoid form. You appeared scared and alone and for once the spirit was surprised that she was faced with a situation she had not faced before. But she could sense the pain that you held inside, though she had heard and seen how mortals would comfort and console their young, she brought a comforting breeze around her. Zephyr flying and landing on to your hands as companion comfort. She would reside in this form for the time being until you wanted her to go.

Jinx: Grew up as an orphan from Zaun, one of the worst places for a child to grow up where people cared for themselves only and those unfortunate enough had to find their own ways to survive. Jinx still has her own problems that eventually dwell on her when she isn’t being chaotic and causing destruction. Randomly stumbling upon you gave her the bright idea that she would take you under her wing, though you weren't a Zaunite she’d teach you her ways. However, despite her unhinged and bad influential personality, she’d be patient in her own ways, attempting to console and comfort in ways she found worked for her. Such as blowing up random buildings or playing pranks on others.

Lamb: Between lamb and wolf both the incarnate of death itself lamb is the much more calming and reasonable one. If they ever found themselves in the custody of a small mortal child and decided to keep it, to the dismay of the wolf. Whenever they saw how badly you were affected by your past or life, the lamb would ask you in a gentle voice with a soft touch what wounded you so. Whether you tell her or not didn’t really matter because Lamb was the perfect mother figure. If Nightmares plagued your mind and gave you a hard time falling back to sleep she’d hum a melody until your eyes closed temporarily. Wolf eventually grows on to you as a very impatient and rushing father figure though he acts like a child sometimes as well. When the wolf sees your tears he gets antsy at first, wanting to hunt whoever hurt you, yet he rubs his head against your face when he realizes no one has and you just need comforting. The two know eventually your mortal life will come to an end, but for now, they will cherish you until they can’t.

#league of legends #league of legends x reader #lol x reader #lol x reader headcanons #league of legends x reader headcanons #league of legends x reader imagines #lol x reader imagines #lol #kindred x reader #jinx x reader #janna x reader #soraka x reader #ahri x reader #sona x reader

[poorly-drawn-akira]

Jojo’s Bizarre Fantasy Lore Masterpost

Locations:

Kimyonah- Name of the Pangea-esque continent where the majority of people live excluding small island populations and populations beneath the oceans. Cities: Bohken- A relatively centrally located city-state. A central hub for trading of all kinds and neutral ground for diplomatic meetings. It hosts the Council of Races, a collection of representatives from a handful of Kimyonah's races who wish to view policies as a collaborative effort.

Orinoco- An underwater city of the Moringua people. Their ruling city. It is the only settlement of the Moringua Empire that is partially above water. This part is the hall where the king receives foreign dignitaries, diplomats, guests, etc. Nalion- A small, peaceful kingdom open to all, regardless of past or race.  Was founded by a man named Erikson, but is currently lead by his son.  Though officially labeled as a kingdom, Nalion functions more like a closely knit town. Its western border is lined by the coast, and its northern, southern, and eastern borders are lined by forest. (by daily-rubbersoul-redux) Vyliesi- A western kingdom that is mainly populated by humans.  It's customs are fairly old-fashioned, though the current king is trying to change this.  It is said that this land is home to pegasi, and its terrain is fairly mountainous. (by daily-rubbersoul-redux) Hilonia- A desert kingdom that not much is known about. It is said that the inhabitants are all 'wild animals', and most who try and travel there never return for one reason or another. (by daily-rubbersoul-redux) Ashen Grounds- A medium sized, recently discovered place that resides within a decrepit forest. The kingdom got that name because when it was discovered, the whole chunk of it had seemingly no live fauna, making it hard to breath, the ground permanently stained with ash, there are barely any buildings except for the jagged pikes of stone, and large castle of obsidian. The only “living” things inhabiting there are the king himself and these sentient constructs made out of ash and fire magic. (by kalos-absurd-crusade)

Riposo:  A fortress city that was originally used as a strategic point to intercept other nation invasions.. Now though it houses many adventures and their respective guilds.  A place that is always bustling with people with requests for adventurers.  With requests being as simple as gathering herbs, to battling the most fearsome of monsters. (by asknerdizzy)

Cielo:  A city in the clouds that is mostly populated by avian like species.  It is a city that rarely ever lets anyone enter.  The residents who choose to leave can’t enter again unless on urgent business with a seal of approval from a ruler.  This is all due to a massacre that happened when someone brought in an unknown individual who seemed to know the city’s layout beforehand without them ever entering it.  It was suspected that one of their own was behind it, so this rule was set in place.   It’s highly guarded, with mages working around the clock casting anti-intelligence magic.  The city is filled with high class individuals, and relics of the Gods that most be protected at all costs. (by asknerdizzy)

Villages: Morven- A small village located in the Kaldae Mountains inhabited by humans. Winters can be rough, but it is sustained by snow runoff in the warmer months, which allows the villagers to store enough food for these winters. Due to it's isolation, they rarely trade. Malik-Kei is worshiped as a guardian of the village who protects it’s inhabitants through the tough winters. A shrine to her resides on the south side of the village. It houses her stone.

Aether- Tree bound village of the Gruidae people. Due to a near genocide that only halted 30 years ago, Aether was established as a magically protected city for Gruidaes.The main temple of Crah-Dia is located in it’s center, and there are several members of the Fellowship of Everyday Miracles who live within Aether who serve to protect it. Wasamond-  A small village under the lake of Bridgegar Thicket for merfolk, it's mainly women and children but there are mermen. It's a place to avoid the unstable conflict of the seas. (by moriohs-little-demon) Rootwood- A small village built and inhabited by the Elzen people. (by dio-of-shadows)

Landmarks: Kaldae Mountains- A large mountain rage in the north-east of Kimyonah. It contains the isolated village of Morven. Morven is located on one of the lower peaks, Malik-Kei, named by the people of Morven for their guardian spirit of the same name. Bridgegar Thicket- A forest with a large lake in the middle. The forest is bordered by nigh impenetrable thick, thorny brush. Due to being unable to see past it, most creatures write the forest off as nothing of value. Openings to the forest are only passable by taurfolk and nature spirits. (by moriohs-little-demon) Thalai's Grove: named after a rumored dragon that was laid to rest there, the grove is home to a large lake with an under ground cave system. In the caves, there is a shrine to the god of health, Taymos, where Elves would pray for good health and leave gifts of food, wine and gold. (by hold-my-flowercrown) Eternity Graveyard - A desolate wasteland was a battlefield where warriors from several different nations clashed for supremacy. It now serves as the home base of The Brotherhood of Eternity, and has been the sight where many adventurers meet their end. (by dio-of-shadows)

Battaglia:  An underground  Coliseum lays under the city of Riposo.   It was once, and still is, used as a shelter to the people in times when the city is under siege.  The Coliseum itself is protected with many Magic runes lining its walls that makes it difficult to destroy from most magic.  When the city is not under attack the Colosseum is used to advertised adventures and their skills.  Usually battling other adventures or caught monsters in the ring.  Some common folk come down to watch the spars for entertainment, some watch to find new people to join their groups, and some bet on the battles.  These bets are what largely helps with the financial upkeep of the Colosseum.  The inner hallways of the Colosseum are filled with many stalls for blacksmiths to advertise their wears to the people. The more powerful weapons are bought here. (by asknerdizzy)

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

Races:

Humans: Humans are as the name implies. However, they can possess varying levels of magical ability. Witches- Humans who have above average magical abilities. White and black witches exist. White witches may form guilds in order to train others and to more effectively do good, but it's not uncommon to encounter lone white witches. Black witches tend to chose to be alone, although rumors of a guild exist. Black witches may not actively seek to do harm, but what sets them apart from white witches is a desire to grow their power whether that be through deals with demons, rituals, etc.

Half Bloods: Demons- Half demons are typically the result of a masculine demon and a feminine mortal creature (usually humanoid). Half demons tend to possess some level of dark magic and horns of some kind, although these horns tend to be smaller in size compared to a full demon. Other indications may include odd body markings, animal body parts such as legs or paws, and, very rarely, extra eyes or wings. Half-Demons are considered to be rare. They also often gather a following from cults, and they can become immortal and maintain this immortality if they consume the souls of the damned at an extremely high rate. (added by dio-of-the-shadows) Dragons-

Humanoids: Arisen- A blanket term for any creature brought back to life by necromancy. Typically, an Arisen was human, but most humanoids can be subjected to the process. An Arisen will maintain their personality and memories without additional spells being applied. An Arisen cannot heal themself when injured and has no need for sleep or for food. If an Arisen is taken too far from who resurrected them, they will begin to decay.  Their creation is frowned upon, if not outright banned and/or punishable by execution, by most settlements and races.

Gruidae- Tall humanoids who can take the form of a crane. In their humanoid form, they have small feathery tufts resembling small wings where other humanoids would have ears. Over the past few centuries, they were nearly wiped out entirely for their feathers and blood, both of which were widely used in potion crafting. The remaining population resides almost entirely in Aether, and allow themselves to be governed by the Council of Races, of which they have a member in. Whoever is elected for the Council also serves as Aether's governor. Akumaoni- A race that is considered to be the guardians of the afterlife.  They are humanoid in appearance, though they typically have horns, sharp teeth, and their pupils are always little more than a slit.  They are said to work beside the gods, and even are considered a part of the Renian Pantheon, and their numbers are few. (by daily-rubbersoul-redux) Komoriberi- Humanoids with the ability to transform into bats. While in humanoid form, they retain thier wings, fangs, and have bat-like ears. Their diet mainly consists of fruit and small animals, and though they are often mistaken for vampires the sun has no more affect on them than it does on a normal human. (by daily-rubbersoul-redux) Dragons- Humanoids that have the ability to transform into a... well a dragon.  The exact type of dragon can vary (as can size), and most have some sort of elemental affinity.  While in their humanoid form they will not have access to many of their abilities, though they will usually have horms and some may have wings as well. (by daily-rubbersoul-redux) Divine Dragons- Similar to dragons, but have an extended lifespan and divine powers as they are considered to be gods. It is possible for a dragon to only be half divine if only one of their parents is of the divine lineage, in which case they will have little divine powers if any at all. (by daily-rubbersoul-redux) Dryads- An all female species of spirits that reside in the forests. They punish trespassers and keep peace in their forest by any means necessary. While they aren't immortal, they do have a very extended life expectancy compared to humans, about triple that of the average healthy adult human male. (by moriohs-little-demon)

Angels:  A Humanoid race that has the only avian trait of wings sprouting on their backs.  They are more adapt with the magic affinity of light and fire than some species and have a longer life span than humans. (by asknerdizzy) Okami- A race of wolf folks. They keep themselves away in the woods and the outlands of the continent. Being canines, they are actually omnivorous, and hold no ill will towards other species. However, during full blood moons, they become irrational and feral, attacking anything in sight (by moriohs-little-demon) Werewolves- Infected creatures who take on the tails, ears, and rough warm furlike hair of the Okami. However, they keep most of their original race's appearance during the daytime. They experience feral instincts more often as they are not raised to overcome the animal instinct to hunt, happening every full moon. (by moriohs-little-demon)

Elves: Elzen- Elves recognizable by their pointed ears and mastery of magic. Once every 100 years there is an Elzen oracle who is able to look into the future. (by dio-of-the-shadows)

Merpeople: Moringua- An entirely male race of eel mermen who live in temperate oceans. They are immortal, but not invulnerable (weapons kill them, but time won't). They are known for their bloodthirsty, warmongering natures. Due to this, they are governed by both a King and a General. The General overseeing military plans, training of forces, and the overall making sure the other elected officials are doing their jobs. King serves to handle diplomatic affairs with other races and to oversee reproduction. Reproduction is a closely guarded secret. Several theories exist on the subject, but no definitive answers have been given by the Moringas.

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

Factions:

Paladins and Soldiers: Order of Hamon- A paladin order who work out of Bohken. They modeled themselves after folk heroes of human lore such as Jonathan Joestar. They resolve themselves to uphold the laws of the land and to protect innocents without question. This does lead to some of their members making lawful stupid choices. Their patron deity is Sol, the God of the sun.

White Lily Platoon- A small army hailing from Vyliesi, lead by the royal knight Sir Jacain.  The lord that this platoon serves is unknown, as is their current objective. (by daily-rubbersoul-redux)

The Bladed Roses- A small traveling group of do-gooders, lead by a knight named Taiana.  The group is quite odd-ball in terms of composition, but is almost always accepting new members. (by daily-rubbersoul-redux)

Clerics: The Fellowship of Everyday Miracles- A cleric order who's main temple is located in Aether. They travel about, healing people where needed. They will often stick around a town for a few weeks, accepting shelter and food in return for healing, before leaving again. Some may chose to travel with questing groups if they come across them, or if asked by said group. Their patron deity is Crah-Dia, the God of healing.

Assassins: Bloodwater Assassins guild- A small group of assassins that has been known to do even the dirtiest of jobs.  However, it is rumored that a few members have been committing traitorous actions as of late. (by daily-rubbersoul-redux) Bandits: The Brotherhood of Eternity- A cult of bandits that worship the one true ruler of hell and earth. They are known for stealing from various kingdoms and pitting other countries against one another so they can collect the spoils. (by dio-of-the-shadows)

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

Deities:

Gods and Goddesses: Sol- The God of the sun. He is associated with the sun and shining light on hidden things. This last aspect is what the Order of Hamon focuses on: Bringing what is in the dark into the light. Certain mortals are said to be blessed by Sol, and this gift is known as Hamon: The ability to deliver the sun's energy through their hands. Taymos- A God of health. (by hold-my-flowercrown) Crah-Dia- A God of healing. He is associated with healing through magic as opposed to medicine. His temple is located inside of a large, hollow tree in Aether where a spring with healing properties resides. The World Serpent (Deceased)- A deity of the abyss of the unknowable night and proclaimed Father of monsters; this foul snake sought to swallow the world in order to propagate - claiming that in its bowels it’s followers would be eternal and emerge in the new world as saints. When slain by a band of unspoken heroes, this dark god cursed the cowards and weaklings who did not fall upon the invading blades to save their god and master. What has become of this cult remains mostly unknown… (by BD-Handystand) Renian Pantheon- A group made up of many of the Nalionian and Vyliesian gods, many of which are considered to be divine dragons.  The main gods names are as follows: Shoza, Naoto, Fionei, Kaisho, Aiota, Aogei, Juniji, Synia, Altitha, and Yomeinu. (by daily-rubbersoul-redux) Shoza- The original divine dragon, he is known as a god of the skies. However, he turned his back on mortals long ago, and now has little involvement in their affairs despite still being a major religious figure. (by daily-rubbersoul-redux) Hina (deceased)- A divine dragon known as the goddess of love, she gave her life to avert a great tragedy.  She was wed to Shoza, and many speculate that her death lead him to become bitter and cold. (by daily-rubbersoul-redux) Naoto- The son of Shoza and heir to the divine throne, though little is actually written of him in religious texts.  He is said to wield a divine lance, and to travel the world in an attempt to bring peace. (by daily-rubbersoul-redux)

Fionei- A dragon whom ascended to godhood upon marrying Naoto, and is said to bring good fortune to those who practice the arts. As she was not born a god, she has no true divine abilities. (by daily-rubbersoul-redux)

Kaisho- Son of Naoto who inherited all the powers of the divine.  He is a god of knowledge who is believed to have rejected godhood. (by daily-rubbersoul-redux)

Aiota- One of two twin gods, who is also the daughter of Naoto and considered the goddess of rebellion.  It is said that she only inherited one divine ability, but little else is known besides that and her name. (by daily-rubbersoul-redux)

Aogei- The other twin god, who is also the son of Naoto and considered a god of nature.  It is said he can heal others and control the growth of plants, but not much else besides that and his name is known. (by daily-rubbersoul-redux)

Juniji- A fell god said to be Shoza's brother. Supposedly had only one divine ability, and the power he gained from it drove him mad. Little else is known. (by daily-rubbersoul-redux)

Synia- An Akumaoni goddess who rules the afterlife, though she often more-so acts as the guardian to its gate.  Is said to take on a role similar to the Enma. (by daily-rubbersoul-redux)

Altitha- A human who ascended to become the goddess of strength and vengeance after losing someone to Juniji. (by daily-rubbersoul-redux) 

Yomeinu (deceased)- Former god with the power to raise the dead. His species was unknown, but many feared him due to his powers. In reality, he only ever used them to hold a yearly festival in which families could give their loved ones a final send off. (by daily-rubbersoul-redux) Mylia- A worshiped deity of the Dryad race. She is said to be the creator of the Bridgegar Thicket to protect the bounty of nature from the likes of war, pestilence, and death. When prayed to, one may expect health, luck, and bountiful hunt in their future, so long as they do not waste the gift life has brought them. (by moriohs-little-demon) Demons and Spirits: Cake- A minor demon of wrath. Malik-Kei- The alleged spirit of a young woman who died in the cold waiting for her fiance to return. According to the legend, her body turned to stone and her spirit remained as a guardian of the mountain. A sacrificial ceremony that involves a mock wedding to the Malik-Kei stone is preformed by the village of Morven during years of unsatisfactory snowfall. An unmarried man between 16 and 30 is chosen by lottery to be sacrificed. The "groom" is then dressed in traditional wedding garb (which is very light as weddings are traditionally done only in summer). The sacrifice is tied to the stone so that he is kneeling next to the stone, and a wedding ceremony is held. The sacrifice is then left out with the belief being that if he is frozen to death overnight that the sacrifice was accepted. Black Mages- Considered to be great wielders of magic in the mortal realm, and are extremely well known for diving into the darker arts. They are only known to be demons and half demons. (by dio-of-the-shadows)

Corrupted Spirit:  Spirits generally are apparitions of elements, such as nature.  Several of them have some form of sentience. However a corrupted spirit is one that was tampered with either by magic, great tragedy, or the desire of the spirit.  Turning it into a physical manifestation based on the intent of the spirit, magic or tragedy.  The spirit can be corrupted  by a cleric or paladin. (by asknerdizzy)

#jjbfantasy #Lore masterpost #More to be added as more lore comes in

[motleymoose]

Homecoming: Astray, Ch. 2

Chapter 2

Laserfights in the Dust

Fandom: The Mandalorian Characters: The Mandalorian (Din Djarin), Gender-neutral Reader, Unidentified Stormtroopers Words: 1.6k+ Warnings: Laser fights!, Angst???

Summary:

The bounty hunter may have caught me.

That's it. I'm caught and screwed and nothing could make this worse.

...Unless Stormtroopers are thrown into the mix.

Notes:

Heyo! Just an update:

I've several chapters in the works of being tweaked and edited. On that note, I just want to warn you that I'll be editing the first chapter of this part because holy moley I did NOT do the editing I thought I did before I posted it.

Hope you enjoy this installment of Homecoming. Check back this weekend for the last chapter of part 1!

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to read my words. I really really appreciate it!!!

Homecoming Masterlist

The Mandalorian’s ship was of an older gunner class, bulbous and clunky in all the wrong places. I immediately took a shine to it.

“Mother of Moons,” I breathed, drinking in the sight of the Razor Crest. The ship was ancient compared to its neighbors moored in the docking field, her dark gray hull splattered with pocks and burns from laser fire, and carbon residue dulled the once-bright metal. Amazed that she could still fly, I considered the costs and labor associated with keeping something like her up in the air. The bounty hunter must’ve employed a fragging good blackthumb, or at the very least had a mech droid to keep up with all the repairs the ship constantly would need. My fingers itched to caress the control panels and explore the access hubs. Engineering alone would’ve been something to behold.

I was a mechanic through-and-through.

My captor’s gait changed the closer we got to his ship. Weaving in and out of the stacks of crates and barrels awaiting transport into the village, I noted the speeders parked in the path we were taking, not too far away from the Crest. Before I could have a closer look, gloved fingers dug into the tender meat at my shoulder.

“Yours?” he snapped, blaster humming to life and jammed into my kidney.

I shook my head. “I don’t have anyone willing to risk their neck to rescue me. Whoever that is,” I discreetly waggled my eyebrows in the direction of the speedbikes, “probably wants me dead more than you do.”

The pistol’s barrel eased from my back, and I released the breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. He accepted the answer I’d given, which was a first in my dealings with bounty hunters. I doubted greatly that he trusted me, but maybe a mutual respect was building in the hour we’d known each other.

With his hand between my shoulder blades, the bounty hunter urged me forward out of the relative safety of the unloaded cargo. I assumed we’d wait out whoever was waiting for us, but apparently the Mandalorian liked to act before he thought.

Shoving hard, the bounty hunter knocked me to my stomach, bound hands barely breaking my fall. Wheezing, I rolled onto my hip to snarl at him just as he raised his blaster and fired over my fragging head.

“Frag!” I screamed unheroically. I automatically flattened in the dust, cuffed hands over my head. Laser beams sliced through the air above me, some coming low enough to singe my hair. Letting instincts take over, I crawled on elbows and knees until I made it under the belly of the Crest. White armored legs dashed by my hiding spot, and I shrunk farther under the ship’s hefty bulk. Even with the Empire collapsed, there were still loyal factions spanning the known galaxy. I wasn’t too surprised at their arrival, only that the Imps still had enough credits to outfit their armies.

I tore my eyes away from the gunfight to look for an escape. Near the landing gear, a square hatch barely large enough to warrant much thought caught my racing mind. Pulling myself into a crouch, I shuffled over to it, using my little dagger to persuade it to open. A few frantic, scrabbling moments later, and I pulled myself up into the crawl space and snapped the panel shut behind me.

Inside the crawl space - no, access shaft, I shimmied on my belly towards the only source of light.

“Please be an access panel, please be an access panel…”

It was not an access panel.

The light was streaming weakly through a rectangular vent in the floor of what must have been the hold, the streaky dark and bright causing my eyes to swim. Turning onto my back, I took a moment to blink, forcing my eyes to adjust to the dim light. When I looked back through the vent grate, I saw a face peering back down at me.

“Oh frag!” I shrieked, dodging clumsily out of the light.

No sound or shouts of alarm followed, and I sucked in my breath and scootched back to the vent.

“Oh. You’re not what I expected.”

Above me lay a slab of carbonite. Inside the carbonite was a face twisted in pain and horror, hands bound in much the same way as mine. Every detail of the being frozen in time was on display, if I wanted to hang around and eyeball her some more. Was the Mandalorian going to do that to me?

Gulping nervously, I turned back to my belly and continued my slow crawl through the carbon dust and wires that lined the access tunnel in equal parts. I strained my eyes as best as I could, feeling them water and sting from the dust my movements stirred up. I couldn’t make out much of anything in the unlit space, but I didn’t want to light a flame in the off-chance the bounty hunter was carrying more than just frozen carbonite. I was going to have to use my other senses to find the crawl hatch into the hold. From there, freedom.

A rustle near my boots startled me out of the vague plan I was beginning to form about escaping. Looking over my shoulder, I could see nothing beyond the little square of light falling from the vent.

“Bugs. Probably just bugs,” I murmured to myself, not at all reassured by the waver in my tone. Exhaling softly, I continued forward.

I didn’t know how much time had passed since I’d entered the ship, but from the sounds happening, or worse yet, not happening outside, it was safe to assume the fight was over and to the victors went the spoils.

But who the victors were was still up for debate.

Urgently, I pushed through a particularly nasty tangle of wiring. Thick and winding and of all colors and sizes, some of the wires looked brand new while others were completely fried. A faint wisp of electrical smoke drifted lazily from a deep, melted gash severing a bundle that looked to be -

“The energy cycler wiring. Shit.” Quickly, I assessed the damage. The cut didn’t seem to go too deep, only about a quarter of the way through the wiring. I didn’t have the tools needed to make a decent repair job, but if I did nothing, the Razor Crest would strand anyone aboard her once the energy cycler ran dry. Which could be anytime as the damage looked like an older wound and I had no way of telling how much power was left in the containment systems.

Rolling onto my side, I awkwardly began to dig out what I had in my jumpsuit pockets that might help. Most of a roll of electotape; collapsible screwdriver base and tip case; handful of assorted plastic ties; hose clamps in various states of rust; thin, carefully folded sheets of aluminum foil; and my prized possession: customized multitool.

Feeling surprisingly lighter after emptying my pockets, I ordered my tools into a neat pile and got to work on the smoking wiring. I made sure to match every split wire with its original end. Using the foil, I connected the loose wires before taping over them with the stretchy black eletotape. Whenever the plastic coating proved to be in the way, I used the sharp cutter edge of my multitool to scrape it away and expose the damaged wiring, thus making it easier to reconnect. The plastic ties and hose clamps, the latter of the hardware being tightened with my collapsible screwdriver, were used to sort and organize the larger bundle into smaller, neater groups.

As I worked, sounds of rustling and rifling interspersed with tiny squeaks and sneezes floated through the air not that far from the soles of my boots. I forced myself to ignore it, hoping that whatever it was would stay well away from me until I was done repairing the wiring harness. I didn’t want to waste time fighting pests when my services could be better used fixing mechanical things.

Another sneeze, a delighted trill, and then the patter of small feet scurrying away alerted me that I was now, hopefully, alone. Tightening one last plastic strap with my teeth, I swiped my forehead with the back of a sooty hand and gazed proudly at my handiwork. Dang, I was good at cobbling together repairs.

A whirring clank shook the metal underneath me, and I jolted straight up, clunking my head painfully against the subflooring. Rubbing at the throbbing lump forming on the top of my head, I cursed myself silently and held my breath, listening.

Heavy boots thudded hollowly above me. Another clanking whir covered up most of the stream of Mando’a being growled above me, and I knew that the bounty hunter had won.

Frag.

Quietly as I could, I untangled myself from the wiring and inched away from the sounds of mumbling and stomping. I’d stowed away before, a long time ago, on a colonizing ship stopping on my backwater planet for refuelling and supplies.

But those had been farmers seeking a better life for themselves, not a warrior from a people more legend than truth, hunting me down for a bounty. I was in deeper kung than I wanted to admit.

The sounds of cursing and stomping disappeared, possibly to another deck, and I let out a heavy, relieved sigh. I didn’t have much time to plan before he ultimately found me, so I needed to come up with something that wasn’t going to get me killed, or worse - frozen in carbonite.

#moose writes #the mandalorian #the mandalorian fic #the mandalorian fanfic #the mandalorian fanfiction #fic #fanfic #fanfiction #din djarin #dindjarin fic #din djarin fanfic #din djarin fanfiction #din djarin x reader #the mandalorian x reader #mando #mando fic #mando fanfic #mando fanfiction #mando x reader #star wars #star wars fic #star wars fanfic #star wars fanfiction #gender neutral reader #stormtroopers ruin everything #but sometimes they don't

[sirensbeckon]

hold!  who  goes  there?  why  ,  is  that  𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒂  𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒏  the  𝒃𝒂𝒓𝒅  of  𝒕𝒉𝒆  𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔?  they  do  look  𝒑𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒔𝒉  for  a  𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏  of  𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒚  -  𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆  years.  don’t  they  call  𝒉𝒆𝒓  the  𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓  𝒂𝒏𝒅  𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒇𝒖𝒍  𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒏?  i’ve  heard  they’re  also 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏  𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈  𝒂𝒏𝒅  𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍  though.  don’t  take  my  word  for  it  but  they  do  look  an  awful  lot  like  𝒌𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒕𝒉.  (  pinterest  /  google  doc  )

BASIC  INFO

NAME  :  elena  taliesin

PRONUNCIATION  :  ah  -  lay  -  na   t  -  ae  -   l  -  eh  -  sin

TITLE  :  bard 

AGE :  twenty  -  three  

PLACE OF ORIGIN  :  a  small  village  in  the  northlands  called  freymore   

FAMILY MEMBERS  :  her  parents  ,  rendon  and  margaret  taliesin  ,  and  maternal  aunt  ,  penelope  ward.  

PHYSICAL  DESCRIPTION

HEIGHT  :  five  foot  three  

HAIIR COLOR  :  light  brown

EYE COLOR  :  pale  blue 

GENDER  :  cis  female  

BUILD  :  petite

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES?  :  beauty  mark  under  her  lips  ,  freckles  on  her  cheeks  ,  a  long  jagged  scar  on  her  hip  from  when  she  was  living  on  her  own.  

ANY HEALTH RELATED ISSUES?  :  not  really  ,  she  does  easily  bruise  though.          

PERSONALITY

there  is  little  elena  can  do  without  a  twinkle  of  mischief  in  her  eyes.  she  has  little  care  in  the  world  ,  or  at  least  she  tries  hard  at  making  it  appear  so.  she  radiates  warmth  to  whoever  dares  to  enter  her  orbit  ,  as  she  does  like  to  think  of  herself  as  the  sun.  arrogance  and  pride  are  not  strangers  to  elena  ,  and  she  often  wears  her  flaws  on  her  sleeves  ,  thinking  them  assets  rather  than  weaknesses.  though  ,  those  who  don’t  consider  elena  a  friend  may  think  otherwise.  she  likes  to  play  games  and  tease  her  friends.  there  truly  is  never  a  dull  moment  when  she’s  involved. 

on  the  flip  side  ,  elena  is  motivated  by  two  things  :  money  and  status.  her  ambition  clouds  her  mind  at  times  to  the  point  where  she  is  throwing  herself  into  situations  that  are  risky  and  sometimes  just  plain  stupid.  she  will  do  anything  to  keep  everyone’s  eyes  on  her.  the  only  time  she  feels  important  is  when  people  are  watching  her  or  talking  about  her  ,  otherwise  she  fears  what  would  happen  if  she  became  obsolete.  rather  than  risk  anonymity  ,  she  pulls  stunts  and  does  all  she  can  to  be  useful  to  others.  

left  alone  ,  elena  can  become  moody  and  melancholy.  she  hates  living  alone  and  sometimes  even  sleeping  alone  since  it  leaves  her  with  little  to  distract  her  from  the  reality  of  life.         

POSITIVE  TRAITS  :  clever  ,  playful  ,  warmhearted  ,  loyal  ,  vivacious  ,  welcoming  ,  protective  ,  ambitious  ,  passionate

NEGATIVE  TRAITS  :  selfish  ,  guileful  ,  manipulative  ,  impatient  ,  frivolous  ,  puckish  ,  attention  seeking  ,  reckless  ,  hedonistic             

ADDITIONAL  INFO

HER  BENEFACTOR  :  this  person  offers  elena  everything  she  desires  :  status  ,  money  and  purpose.  though  they  were  not  her  first  patron  ,  they  are  the  most  important.  they  fund  elena’s  travels  as  well  as  hire  her  consistently  for  events  and  parties  ;  sometimes  they  hire  her  just  for  their  own  listening  pleasure.  they  have  a  mutual  understanding  that  elena  is  using  them  for  their  wealth  and  they  are  using  elena  for  her  company.  pretty  open  ended  plot  that  can  turn  platonic  ,  romantic  ,  or  antagonistic. 

PARTNER  IN  CRIME  :  an  old  friend  she  knew  during  her  time  spent  traveling  solo.  they  lost  touch  but  reconnected  recently  as  if  nothing  has  ever  changed.  they  knew  elena  before  her  rise  to  fame  and  ground  her.  they  have  no  trouble  calling  her  out  when  she’s  acting  out.  this  person  is  also  one  of  the  few  people  elena   is  undoubtedly  loyal  to.  elena  feels  very protective  over  this  person  and  tries  to  help  them  out  in  any  way  she  can. 

ESTRANGED  FAMILY  :  hi  my  name  is  briana  and  i  thrive  off  of  complicated  family  bonds  alfjksldj  (  see  estranged  sibling  in  cecily’s  intro  ).  ANYWAY  elena’s  mother  was  a  member  of  a  minor  noble  house  in  the  northlands  ,  the  wards.  though  elena  typically  would  zero  in  on  any  connection  to  status  she  has  ,  she  is  standoffish  when  it  comes  to  her  distant  family.  she  feels  resentment  towards  them  for  cutting  off  her  mother  ,  as  well  as  not  coming  to  her  aid  when  she  was  left  alone.  perhaps  she  and  her  family  meeting  in  passing  and  they  have  no  idea  it’s  her  or  the  surname  taliesin  does  ring  a  bell  and  remind  them  of  a  disgraced  daughter  or  niece  or  cousin.  elena  surprisingly  wants  nothing  to  do  with  them  ,  but  this  connection  could  think  she  wanted  money  or  gifts  or  status.  angsty  shenanigans  ensues.   

SCORNED  EX  :  a  past  patron  who  elena  used  for  their  fair  amount  of  coin  and  status  as  a  noble.  the  two’s  professional  relationship  had  developed  into  a  romantic  one  ,  but  elena  spent  most  of  that  relationship  lying  about  her  feelings  for  the  other.  she  never  loved  them  but  did  feel  comfortable  ,  especially  since  the  other  was  providing  for  her.  ultimately  ,  elena  left  them  when  a  new  patron  offered  her  something  she  could  not  refuse.  i  imagine  her  ex  would  feel  bitter  towards  elena  and  if  they  were  to  ever  run  into  each  other  it  could  be  tense  or  even  hostile.

HISTORY

with  a  wicked  grin  ,  she  tells  people  she  was  born  from  the  sea  ,  a  daughter  of  a  sea  god  with  a  tale  to  tell.  the  mysterious  siren  ,  a  sought  after  bard  and  a  must  have  addition  to  any  party.  she  likes  the  simplicity  of  a  legendary  beginning  ,  so  farfetched  that  of  course  no  one  in  their  right  mind  would  believe  her.  and  in  the  same  breath  she  can  protect  her  past  and  herself  from  whatever  could  be  used  against  her.  besides  ,  her  past  is  disappointing  ,  ridden  with  boring  reality  and  misfortunes  that  elena  refuses  to  let  weigh  her  down.  

but  for  the  sake  of  transparency  ,  her  true  tale  goes  like  this  :  she  was  born  in  the  northlands  to  a  farmer  and  a  disgraced  noble.  her  village  of  freymore  was  small  and  not  that  important  but  she  loved  it.  she  spent  her  days  helping  her  father  with  the  crops  and  flowers  ,  often  picking  some  to  bring  home  to  her  mother  who  made  money  as  a  scribe  for  the  town.  her  mother  had  left  a  minor  noble  house  for  love  and  all  but  one  of  her  family  members  cut  ties  completely  with  her  —  the  one  being  her  sister  and  elena’s  aunt  ,  lady  penelope  ward.  it  was  her  mother  who  took  on  elena’s  education  ,  reserving  the  late  afternoons  into  evenings  to  teach  her  daughter  reading  and  writing  ,  but  most  importantly  ,  history.  her  mother  had  been  on  the  road  to  becoming  a  well  respected  scholar  in  her  field  before  she  left  her  home  for  rendon  taliesin.  she  did  not  do  it  for  prestige  ,  but  for  the  love  of  it  and  elena  inherited  that  passion  for  history  and  mythology.  

when  her  aunt  managed  to  steal  away  to  visit  she  would  bring  her  lute  and  stacks  upon  stacks  of  sheet music  to  the  taliesin  farmstead.  history  and  religion  lessons  were  postponed  so  that  aunt  penelope  could  teach  elena  music.  elena  took  to  singing  right  away  ,  often  carrying  the  tunes  from  lessons  over  to  work.  her  and  her  father  would  sing  in  the  orchards  as  they  plucked  fruit  from  the  trees.  the  lute  was  a  tougher  trick  to  learn  ,  the  strings  complicated.  by  the  time  she  was  eleven  ,  she  was  handling  it  fairly  well  and  her  aunt  was  thoroughly  impressed  —  mainly  by  her  own  teaching.  i  will  say  ,  elena  did  not  inherit  her  arrogance  from  her  parents.

her  childhood  was  sweet  and  truly  all  elena  could  ask  for  .  .  .  though  the  taliesins  did  struggle  financially.  the  northland  winters  were  cruel  ,  even  in  the  southern  most  part  of  the  kingdom.  it  was  not  an  easy  place  to  farm  ,  even  though  it  was  a  necessary  trade.  loans  were  taken  out  ,  as  many  as  possible  ,  to  get  the  family  through  the  harsh  months.  as  much  as  her  aunt  begged  her  family  to  help  elena  and  her  parents  ,  they  did  not  budge.  it  was  her  mother’s  stories  and  her  father’s  steady  support  that  kept  elena  optimistic  .  .  .  until  the  snow  melted  and  there  were  debts  to  be  paid.  

there  was  never  enough  money  ,  all  of  it  going  straight  to  the  lenders.  soon  it  became  too  much  for  the  family  —  her  father  was  taken  to  the  cells  underneath  the  ruling  family  of  the  region  for  his  unpaid  debt.  and  her  mother  ,  unable  to  support  elena  on  her  own  ,  begged  her  sister  to  take  her.  penelope  obliged  and  elena  left  her  home  and  family  behind  ,  never  knowing  when  she  would  see  them  again  ,  if  she  would  see  them  again.  

at  thirteen  she  was  living  in  the  northland  capital  with  her  aunt  ,  far  away  from  her  mother’s  family  for  her  own  safety.  her  aunt  continued  elena’s  studies  ,  music  lessons  quickly  becoming  her  favorite  as  the  tales  of  history  and  myth  never  sounded  right  coming  out  of  anyone’s  mouth  but  her  mother’s.  she  knew  a  life  of  comfort  in  mer  sereine  ,  something  she  was  unused  to  and  learned  to  relish.  she  distracted  herself  from  her  grief  with  pretty  things  whether  they  were  dresses  or  songs  or  ,  as  she  grew  older  ,  people.  

because  of  elena’s  gift  of  music  and  storytelling  ,  her  aunt  encouraged  her  to  train  as  a  bard  with  her  ,  as  she  was  a  former  instructor  of  a  bard  college.  she  did  not  have  a  traditional  education  after  agreeing  to  it  ,  instead  she  traveled  vailar  at  her  aunt’s  side  and  performed.  she  was  young  but  she  had  a  natural  talent  for  it  and  was  ready  to  set  out  on  her  own  when  she  turned  nineteen.  

her  first  solo  year  was  not  as  successful  as  elena  imagined  it  to  be.  she  spent  most  of  it  in  shitty  inns  but  when  her  money  ran  out  she  turned  to  a  less  savory  trade  —  stealing.  elena  refused  to  admit  her  failures  to  her  aunt  and  did  what  she  had  to  do  to  survive  while  traveling  ,  saying  that  when  it  would  pick  up  she  could  stop.  a  year  later  she  did  stop  when  she  landed  her  first  regular  patron  who  then  introduced  her  to  another  potential  patron  and  another  after  that.  things  seemed  to  be  falling  into  place  for  elena.  

though  there  were  dips  in  patronage  as  time  went  on  ,  elena  found  herself  becoming  a  fairly  well  known  and  wanted  bard.  as  she  delved  further  into  high  society  she  began  to  make  up  stories  about  her  past  so  to  keep  herself  a  mystery  ;  the  one  that  stuck  was  that  she  was  a  siren  cursed  to  walk  the  land  by  an  evil  sea  witch  (  this  is  not  the  plot  to  little  mermaid  don’t  @  me  alfjsdlkjf ).  

presently  ,  elena  is  entertaining  her  high  class  patrons  still  and  landing  illustrious  jobs  for  events.  she  has  quarters  at  an  inn  in  elysi  but  rarely  frequents  them  as  she  prefers  traveling  to  staying  home  alone.   

the  way  elena  conducts  business  is  .  .  .  interesting  to  say  the  least.  as  she  grows  more  popular  ,  she  becomes  greedier.  she  thrives  off  of  the  fame.  the  only  things  connecting  her  to  her  past  are  the  few  people  who  knew  her  as  she  was  before.  elena  is  attached  to  the  glitz  and  glamor  of  being  a  bard  and  attending  balls  and  galas.  she  has  lost  her  innocent  love  for  the  art.  she’s  not  above  flirting  or  playing  dirty  to  get  what  she  wants.  she’s  been  known  to  manipulate  people  and  use  them  for  their  status  or  wealth :)  she  has  no  boundaries  even  though  she  really  should.                                              

#will i ever learn how to write a short intro #ABSOLUTELY NOT #kc.intro #*・ﾟ ﹙ ✶ ﹚ . HEADCANONS ↻ how do you tame girls with wildfire limbs

[laiariblackadder]

It needs to edited and stuff, but this is from like a year ago and I’ve been too lazy to update and edit? 

Anyways, this is the beginnings of the first chapter for my sylvari personal storyline. Trying to mesh 4 damn people with the actual game characters is a LOT. BTW, none of this is canon because I’m too lazy to read a book. :/

So, What’s New With You?

She always imagined that this day would come, for her to go back to her place of birth in the same fashion she had left it. Running. She hadn’t been back in the forest in what felt like decades. So much has changed. For example, the big, overgrown, very grotesque looking fortress looming down at her as she runs past it. That wasn’t there before, and why are there Sylvari standing about as if they were admiring it? She went up to one of the men patrolling, hoping to ask for directions to the Grove, but not before a sylvan dog, black and jagged ran up to her with claws and teeth ready to work their way into her flesh. The man yelled at the dog to stand down as he waltz his way over to her. 

“You seem very lost, do you even know where the fuck you are? Are you a sapling, you must be. Only the recently awakened and the desperate wonder over here.” To her, he seemed rather eager to help, but not before she saw the dagger in his hand, ready to place itself within her. 

“Well first off,” she said, “I am not recently awaked or desperate so let’s notice that first. Second of all, I am trying to get to the Grove, I have to see the Pale Tree.” Her hands were now at her hips and awaiting his next breath. 

“Ah, I see,” he began to ponder about, deciding whether he should invite her inside his little community all under the disguise of being a good samaritan, “ well luckily for you I can totally help you get to the Pale Tree. Now note that you are in the swamps and travel through here is not wise, however, I know of a shortcut through the village where we won't be attacked by pesky swamp trolls and hateful hylek tribes.”

She knew he was lying from the start, his mannerisms are that of a pathetic human bandit trying to con an adventurer out of their money, and she knew what he was, a courier of Nightmare. See the thing this poor sod didn’t and failed to realize is that you do not try to con a mesmer. She began to laugh hysterically which set the man off as he tried to swing the dagger towards her sides. The dagger hit, but it sure wasn’t her. The next thing he knew, he was blinded in a cloud of smoke and had no control of his actions. His dog attacked him and he attacked it and once the smoke cleared, both he and the poor Nightmare hound laid in a pool of their own blood, his eyes fixated on her as she smiled. 

It was time for her to move on, she truly wanted to see if the man would help her, as again, she hasn’t been in the forest for quite some time. It was clear that things have changed and the knot in her stomach began bothering her again, her thoughts circling around her, afraid that she would not be ready for the change. 

The Wardens and menders have been working nonstop to keep the general public calm and checking in on the wounded. Many of the pods were damaged and a couple of saplings never made it into the world and the ones who did are severely injured. The Nightmare Court has been active within the past few weeks, with minor, coordinated attacks all over the forest. This is the first major attack in years that the Grand Duke and Duchess of the Nightmare Court actually showed their faces. Take into consideration that Nightmare also had seeped its way into the Dream and threatened to harm mother and the unawakened dreamers, the Wardens were forced to abandon everything to protect the pods. The Grand Duchess knew what she was doing when she had the court attack Astorea and almost wipe out the warden outpost right then and there a few days ago. The Lionguard and the Vigil have been ever so helpful in restoring what little peace is left for the citizens of Astorea and hopefully the Grove. 

“Captain! The last of the bastards have scurried on back to their hole in the ground, hopefully they won’t be coming back for a while,” the Warden Scout said. 

“Good, make sure the frontier is secure, I’m going to check in with Niamh,” said the captain, as she started to remove her helmet and her locs began to stick out. Going to see Captain Niamh was going to be a stressful moment. She almost lost her for good, and the others know this, by her own hand. Malicidae was ordered to stand watch at Caer Astorea, in case another surprise wave of couriers were to return. Her conscious will not allow her to do anything Niamh tells her to, unless she knows she’s alive and well. 

“But Captain,” the scout suggested with a concerned look, “Firstborn, erm, Captain Niamh said that you must return to post and that she would be very-”

“-I am very fucking aware that she wants me there, but it’s my damn fault that I wasn’t mentally strong enough to stop her from…,” Malicidae rambled on, eyes on the verge of bulging out of her skull. She was visibly pissed in this moment, at herself, at the scout, but especially at the Grand Duchess, my on my won’t she have a fun time chewing Firstborn Caithe the fuck out about all of this. Malicidae sighed and for once listened to the scout and motioned him to follow her back to the post. 

Caithe sat next to the sapling, motionless with no expression as Firstborn Malomedies look upon her. He’s seen this face of hers many a time throughout the years and knows that she needs to be consoled, not that she will allow anything like that to happen. 

“I should have been faster, I could have saved her. She doesn’t deserve to fight death this early in her life. She doesn’t deserve that.”

“Caithe, I...for the most part, she is breathing, and she has stopped moving in her sleep. She has found some form of peace for now. I can watch her for now.”

“I...should go speak to Mother about this. She needs to know what is going on. “

“Are you going to talk to her about-”

“-Ugh, yes you don’t have to badger me about her Mal, I am aware,” snapped Caithe which made Malomedies slightly flinch, eyes closing and hands massaging his temple, “but, it’s not like her to just suddenly give up like that. Something obviously spooked her, forcing her to retreat. Whatever, or whoever that was, must be formidable, and I must seek them out.”

Malomedies held Caithe’s hand with a firmness reassuring her. “Go,” he said, motioning to the entrance of the small room, “ please ask Mother what of today, and how to continue forward from this. Considering many of the pods were damaged, I don’t know if many of the saplings will even make it. Dammit! What was she thinking!?” He exclaimed with a seething anger, one Caithe knew was rare of him to act upon. 

“She wants to make a Blighted Tree. Mother, but full of Nightmare. I’ve heard rumours about it, somewhere west of the Grove.” She explained. “She wanted to test a theory today, that she can infect saplings in the Dream, and that they would awaken from their pods as Nightmare Couriers. As of right now, I am unsure if she succeeded or not. There is no telling until she wakes up.” She nods to the sleeping sapling next to her in a calm and soothing slumber. 

“Caithe, this is bad you know. We need to get with Niamh and see if we can get some scouts, maybe even contact the Order of Whispers. Maybe they know how to weaken her, at least long enough for us to make a plan to stop her.”

“And you think they will tell us anything? Come now, Mal. Let’s not worry about this now. If anything, the Grand Duchess was spooked enough to be on guard and actually stay to herself for a while. That will buy us some time you know.” Malomedies deeply sighed to Caithe, unsure of her comforting words as he knows better than to trust her intuition. He accepts her words regardless and she gets up and leaves the small leaf built building to go to the Omphalos Chamber to speak to the Pale Tree. 

#tyriaslibrary #gw2 #guild wars 2 #sylvari #gw2 fanfiction #mypost #text

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day One Hundred Sixty-Three: It Surrounds You ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata, Uchiha Itachi, Uchiha Shisui ] [ SasuHina, NaruSaku ] [ Verse: A Light Amongst Shadows ] [ AO3 Link ]

Out of every ability he’s gained over the years, Sasuke will admit that Susanoo is probably his most preferred. Sure, his Rinnegan acquired during the fourth shinobi war is impressive, but..something about the chakra avatar is special to him. He’s not the only wielder of it - both his brother and his cousin can summon their own unique Susanoo: Itachi’s of red, and Shisui’s of green. The weapons they bear are all their own, as well. Sasuke’s prefers a bow, Itachi’s a sword and shield, and Shisui’s twin lances.

It can both attack, and defend. By far, it’s one of the most powerful techniques Sasuke has ever seen, let alone used. Even if it has its drawbacks in massive chakra consumption, let alone being so painful to use if done for too long...to him, it’s essential in combat.

However, with the war done, and the countries at peace, part of him had hoped that maybe - just maybe - it would mean never having to use such a jutsu again.

But his enemies had other plans.

He expected opposition to his return to Konoha. And upon Itachi’s revival, he knew it would only get worse. Shisui’s revelation to having avoided death and gone into hiding was painful to comprehend. What could have changed, had the brothers known their cousin lived? While Sasuke knew that Shisui had avoided such a reputation as his cousins’...he also realized that the very name their bore had changed. It was now a name of tragedy, of loss, and of wrongdoing...at least, in some eyes.

So in reality, he could not say he was shocked when people slowly escalated their negative reactions to seeing any of the surviving Uchiha trio. To them, it didn’t matter Itachi had only been following village orders when he helped to murder dozens. To them, it didn’t matter Sasuke had only sought justice for that same massacred clan. All they could see was the blood on their hands, caring little for the reasons behind it. To people like that, all they would ever be was murderers.

To Sasuke, his own reputation didn’t matter much. He’d come to understand the faults in his logic, and therefore his actions. And he was doing his best to amend them to those who mattered. A stranger’s opinion was, to him, inherently worthless. All that did matter to him after the war was one thing: his family. What little of it remained. And through their gentle coaxing, he branched back out into his old classmates. Teammates.

Things were difficult. Many of them were just as wary of him as those who knew nothing about him.

But through the first several years, one person stood out. Understood. Worked with him.

Hyūga Hinata.

And eventually, after their own trials and tribulations...they fell in love.

To him...it was a risk. A huge one, and in more than one respect. From his side, it gave him another weakness. Not that Hinata was weak - she could hold her own against most. But someone as powerful as Sasuke had enemies that were simply above her abilities. It was never meant as a slight, simply a fact.

And from Hinata’s side, it meant taking on that same hatred. If she aligned herself with the Uchiha, she was just as guilty in many eyes. It would put her in danger, and perhaps sully her reputation forever. As much as she insisted that mattered less to her than their relationship, Sasuke couldn’t help but worry.

...it wasn’t long after they were wed that the dissent against them began to grow.

They’d always dealt with whispers, dirty looks, shoved shoulders. Sasuke never concerned himself with it...unless Hinata was the target. He was hardly scared of any fool stupid enough to try to go toe to toe with one of the two strongest shinobi in their world. If it came down to it, he’d just flare up an arm of Susanoo and frighten them off.

But then there was the morning they woke to a threat carved into the new manor door, calling for all Uchiha guilty of treachery against Konoha to forfeit their lives. Itachi had sent his wife and two children with Shisui to the Hokage’s office as his ANBU began to investigate. Sasuke did the same with Hinata, ignoring her demands to help.

“Things just escalated to a whole new degree. I won’t risk your life.”

“And I’m supposed to let you risk yours?”

“I’m not afraid for myself, Hinata. But I am afraid for you. Please...let me waylay that fear. Just for now. This isn’t about you...it’s about me.”

She’d given him a vehement stare...but in the end, backed down.

But for all their searching, they’d found practically nothing. Hardly any clues, and what little they did find led them nowhere. They only had theories, each one more damning than the last.

The next incident was even more direct. Children with her and pregnant with another, Itachi’s wife had been attacked. In broad daylight. By some grace she fended them off, Hyūga officers and ANBU quick to step in.

Sasuke had never seen his brother so silently furious.

But before they could determine anything from the perpetrator...they took their own life with a rigged explosive tag. And with it went any chance of learning who had sent them. Several Hyūga had been injured, and it was quickly becoming a full-blown terror operation.

Their targets? Anyone and everyone connected to the Uchiha. Wives, children, allies...all were considered tainted. And they were no closer to knowing who was orchestrating it all.

Itachi was both furious and frightened. Like Sasuke, he was most concerned with those among them more vulnerable than the trio of full-blood Uchiha. Especially his children.

And by then, Hinata too was with child.

It felt like they were three lonely shepherds protecting their flock of sheep from wolves both unknown and unnumbered, unable to see into the shadows where the beasts were lurking.

But Sasuke’s last straw would come two years later...and yet, even then, they were far from over.

Walking home from an introductory playdate between their son, and the daughter of Naruto and Sakura, Sasuke and his little family leisurely head home as dusk falls. As always, the mostly-empty compound greets them silently, the unused land ripe with grass that sways in a gentle Summer breeze. In the distance, the three homes glow softly in greeting. The manor in the middle, Sasuke’s to the left, and Shisui’s to the right.

In all honesty, Sasuke’s more than glad to be home. Akane, the nanadaime’s daughter, is already a handful at two years old. Not a bad kid, just...draining. Nothing like their cool-tempered Tenkai. For now, all he wants is to get home, have a little supper, and then call it a night.

But someone else has other plans.

As tired as he is, Sasuke’s senses are still piqued - he never dares relax them for a moment. So when a whisper of chakra is picked up by his sixth sense, he wastes no time in reacting. With a flare, Susanoo erupts into being, earning a small gasp from his wife, and a shrill cry from his son. The avatar surrounds them all, glowering at the growing shadows.

Both kekkei genkai wide, Sasuke turns to face whatever threat dares show itself. He’s going to make them regret even thinking of coming to his family with harm in their intentions.

It’s a squadron of them: all bearing blank masks and unremarkable black clothing. Similar builds. Only their chakra truly stand apart, colored and unique to his gaze.

Clinging to Tenkai, Hinata lets her Byakugan awaken to watch just as carefully.

“...I’m going to give you five seconds,” Sasuke murmurs, tone low but hard with a deadly edge. “Five seconds to reconsider throwing your lives at my feet. You won’t be touching my family. Before the sun finishes setting...you will be dead.”

As he expects, none of them heed his warning. Instead, they all launch together.

Eyes narrowing, Sasuke directs the avatar to begin firing its chakra bolts. Their targets are fast and lithe...but he’s one hell of a shot. With the first, he takes down one, chest fully caving as the arrow pierces straight through them. Explosions rock the front of the compound as they attempt to blow a hole in his defenses.

Pathetic.

Whimpering as his mother soothes him, their son hides against Hinata’s chest. “Sasuke,” she offers curtly.

“I know.” With a sweep of its blade, Susanoo cuts cleanly through two more of the masked intruders.

The remaining pair then leap back, seeming to seek to evaluate the situation. Sasuke, however, doesn’t give them a chance. Over and over Susanoo fires, bolts digging into the grass with each miss. He can keep this up for quite some time...but his opponents will begin tire. No matter how painful the avatar is to maintain, he’ll do so as long as necessary.

“Sasuke!”

From behind them comes Itachi’s voice. A glance over his shoulder shows both his brother and his cousin sprinting out to aid them, their own avatars beginning to manifest.

Realizing they’re far outmatched, the intruders deploy smoke bombs...and even as Sasuke clears it with fūton, they’ve gone.

“You okay?” Shisui calls as Sasuke lets his Susanoo fade.

“...fine.”

“Did you eliminate any?”

“Three. They detonated just like the last one we caught. Seems it’s a death clause, too. Whoever these bastards are, they’re just as dedicated as ANBU to keeping their secrets.”

The Uchiha trio exchange a look as they all circle back to a theory they still can’t prove.

“...I don’t see them,” Hinata reports, letting her kekkei genkai fade. “They must have sensor training...their chakra completely vanished.”

“...come, we’ll reconvene in the manor. You two should take some time to settle down after all of that,” Itachi advises.

“We’re fine. I just want to get some rest, aniki.”

The brothers exchange a silent conversation through glances before the older relents. “...very well. I must report this to Kakashi. Shisui, if you would remain and keep an eye on things…?”

“You got it. Tell him I might be late coming in tomorrow.”

“...very well.”

Watching the clan head leave, the cousins exchange a glance. “...let’s get you three inside,” Shisui then murmurs. “I’ll keep watch until some of Itachi’s ANBU come take over.”

“Thank you,” Hinata replies, tone weary but grateful.

“Don’t mention it.”

Once inside, the little family all convene in the master quarters, Tenkai tucked between the pair of them as paranoia makes them overly cautious.

“Well...I know what it’s like within your Susanoo now,” Hinata murmurs as they settle in to try and rest.

“You might have to get used to it,” Sasuke can’t help but mutter.

“...at least most of us have strong defenses. That in itself is a blessing.”

Before he can spit a reply, Sasuke bites his tongue. It’s useless to bemoan the fact they shouldn’t need them at all. It won’t change the fact they’re being hunted. Instead, he sighs...then murmurs, “...try to get some sleep.”

“You too.”

“...yeah.”

                                                          .oOo.

     I almost took this prompt in another direction, buuut went with this instead! I looove Susanoo - one of my favorite aspects of Naruto, tbh. Way OP, but...then again I'm a big fan of the Uchiha, so I'm biased either way x3      Poor Sasuke...all he wants is a little peace. But that shadowy group looking to rid the world completely of his clan just won't let up! Who could it be...? Maybe you'll get to find out someday, lol - but for now...the mystery continues!      Anywho, it's late and I've gotta head to the doctor tomorrow, so...best call it a night! Thanks for reading~

#sasuhina #narusaku #uchiha sasuke #hyūga hinata #uchiha itachi #uchiha shisui #a light amongst shadows [ canon verse ] #365daysofsasuhina

[scenariosofkonoha]

Oooh...what if Kankuro and Gaara marry sisters? I don't mean like a double wedding (I think that may help the brothers if they go through it together though), but if Kankuro meets the eldest first and the youngest comes along later.

I had a lot of fun with this one! I certainly hope you like it Space! ~ Admin Little Lace

Kankuro

Temari always knew that whoever would end up with Kankuro would be just as much of a handful as he was. He sister wasn’t wrong

Kankuro’s S/O is a wild child. The sassy shinobi had been a known trouble-maker even in her youth in the village. She was often known to say how she felt and fight anyone who felt differently.

Although Kankuro had known of her when they were young, neither of them had run in the same circles. When they officially meet at a training ground when they are a little older. The meeting falls more along the lines of a confrontation.

She brazenly states that  “well isn’t the puppet doing most of the work? I’d just end up fighting the puppet. Aren’t you strong enough to take me on solo?” This puts the two of them at odds and they end up sparring. When neither comes out as a clear victor they become rivals.

And I mean rivals in everything. Though they may spar and often, they challenge each other on who can lift the most, haw fast they can navigate the caverns, who can eat the most (who can survive the longest without getting sick after said challenge) even down to long drawn out sessions in shogi.

When the scores are tallied and they still come up with the two of them escalating to pranking one another. Simple tricks like finding snakes in his puppets to her being glued to a chair only go further when chakra threads and transportation scrolls become involved.

The two spend most of their teenage years this way. Petty challenges give way to vigorous training sessions. Taunts of bet you can’t do this,” and “you’ll never beat me,” turn to “it’d be cool is Black Ant could do this,” and “If you use that jutsu after the initial attack it would be more effective.”

In the words of her sister their relationship is kind of frighting. They constantly seem to be at each other’s throats but also having the time of their lines.

“No one asked you!” She snapped as they walked through the market.

“Kami woman, why are you so loud?” he grumbled.

“If I’m so loud, I’ll eat by myself then.” She snarked paying for the ginger.

“After you bragged for weeks that you can cook?” He deadpanned pushing her buttons.

“I can cook. Maybe I’ll just poison you instead.”

“I’ll come back and haunt you,”

“Great so the suffering never ends.”

“Oh, you’re so lucking to have me!”

“That’s what I tell myself, every morning.”

“You’re not funny,”

“Your face is funny enough for the both of us.” she glared as they continued their shopping.

They are always like this. To the point that people wonder if they are mortal enemies or a married couple.

Instead of what their thinly veiled threats and aggressive sounding conversations may sound like they are very close. She will always come visit him in his workshop, even though it is to push his buttons she does want to know what he is working on. All in the name of beating him, she swears. Kankuro puts her on the village’s ANBU Black Ops. But definitely not because she is incredible but so he can make sure she isn’t embarrassing the village.

Neither of them allow the other to date. Each time someone approaches interested leave it to either of them to find a way to ruin it.

“His got desert mites,

“She’s possessed,”

“Sorry he’s in an arranged marriage.”

“Tough break, she’s got a family in the Hidden Leaf.”

“He’s building the perfect puppet wife.

“She’s celibate for her heathen gods.”

“He’s addicted to eating glue.”

“She’s not your type.

‘Hes a eunuch,”

Her little sister is still indeed scared. The girl is the one that begs her sister to admit her feelings for the middle sand sibling. Anytime the attraction is brought up, both party’s blush and deny. The sister stating.

“Why would I want the purple striped idiot?”

Kankuro is a tad bit more honest.

“She’s not interested in me,”

In comes Temari, older sister and voice of reason, persuading the boy to be honest with her.He words trigging his resolve.

“If she didn't like you, I’m not sure she’d want you around.”

Kankuro is the one that makes the move. Half way through bickering he turned to the girl and kissed her. No warning just an impassioned kiss. Stunning them both. No one says anything for the longest time in their “friendship.” Well until she pokes his arm, blushing heavily telling him his an idiot.

From that point on they are together. Their relationship just as verbally volatile as it ever was. But there is a certain spark. Pokes and “love taps” aren’t as blood thirsty. They stand closer, touches don’t look like attempted murder and…she smiles. Often.

As happy as the two of them are they aren’t very public about it. Everyone knows they are together, the “private looks” are a dead giveaway.

Her younger sister is the only one brave enough to lightly tease them about how happy they look.

“I only wish I’m as happy when I find my someone,” she gushed at them, hearts in her eyes with a soft dreamy look on her face Kankuro met his lover’s eyes from across the work bench. His smirk holding a secret that was too good for her to ignore.

Gaara

Gaara had been watching the girl for as long as he could remember. She is known throughout the village as a sweetheart. It is a stark contrast to her elder sister that felt the need to fight the world.

It was her sister’s personality that aided in her reputation. Every time the elder started a fight, pulled a prank or her presence became a nuisance, the younger would draw up a apology note. That notes one very well done, her pristine calligraphy and gentle artwork. They are famous Suna her thoughtfulness and kindness well renown.

When Gaara begins engaging more with people he notices her and feels things for her, he hadn’t felt anyone else he knew. And he hadn’t even spoken to her.

Upon discovering his brother infatuation with the girl, Kankuro tires to go and check her out. Instead he is stopped by her sister berating his puppetry skills.  The sparring match that resulted caused the girl to seek Gaara out. She kindly apologizes to both him and his family for her sister’s behavior leaving him with a note.

It’s easy to see for the older sand siblings that Gaara is deeply interested int he girl. They decide to work to get him to probably speak to her more than his simply “thank you,” he had given her. Temari goes to see the girl.

Unlike her sister, she is not a ninja or training to be one. She works and studies the trade under her grandparents at their shop. Temari visits and secretly vets the girl. As she decides that the girl would be good for brother, she slowly becomes friends with both sisters.

Kankuro was suppose to be doing the same  but instead gets wrapped up in the older sister. Sparring pranking and causing the younger to make more notes. Though she tries to give it to the others, each of his siblings make sure she always gives the apology to Gaara.

Gaara always shyly says thank you, that feeling in his chest never lessening. He at one point believes he might be sick. She makes sure he receives a get well card, his ‘conditions’ worsens.

As time goes by his feelings never waver only growing with every card he receives and every passing conversation they share. He has various birthday cards, numerous holiday cards and a good luck plaque she created when he was announced as Kazekage.

Their relationship doesn’t change very much as Gaara can identify the emotion now but isn’t sure what to do about it. Temari’s advice of “just say something” doesn’t inspire much action on his part. Now he can hide from his feelings behind work as well.

With the new couple formed Kankuro and his S/O decide to take a more hands on approach.

With Temari, the girl’s older sister does her best to get the younger girl’s opinion of Gaara. The girl blushes not sure how to feel about the red-haired man.

“Oh, Lord Gaara is very kind and-” she blushes, much like her sister, giving her companions the confirmation they needed for the next step.

Since it is all up to Gaara to do something, his brother and his S/O to push the two together. They do the tried and true method of telling their siblings they need to meet with them at the perfect spot, both of them having no intention of showing up and allowing the potential love birds to talk.

Much to their dismay neither show up. Instead Gaara continues to work and the young sister comes in to bring him yet another apology note.

“I apologize for my sister…” she faltered with a sigh “again… I will make sure she doesn’t bother you Lord Kazekage.” She gave a deep bow, thinking that she will probably be here next week as well.

His heart beat faster as he accepts as he always does. She then sees all the paperwork on his desk and everything he needed to accomplish for the day. She then, much to both of their surprise, offers to help. Just as an apology for the antics that take him away from it.

Just wanting to see her more Gaara accepts and she sets to organizing the paper work allowing his work to move more smoother as they get through it together.

Later Kankuro and his S/O go to the office to see the two sharing a cup of tea. They leave them to get more acquainted.

Eventually Gaara will formally ask her out but only when she has gotten the proper chance to get to know him and fall for him as well.

Bonus: Tiny Wedding Details

As much as a joint wedding would assist him in Navigating such a momentous occasion, due to Gaara’s station, the wedding would unfortunately have to be separate. But that doesn’t stop Kankuro from being with his brother every step of the way.

Kankuro has his first, a small affair with just friends and family. It is very private per his new-wife’s comfort level. Though loud and brash, she is super shy and the whole event is a little uncomfortable to her. She spends the most of the night blushing calling the whole event unnecessary and giving death glare to her new husband as he teases her.

Gaara’s wedding much to his dismay, is treated most political than he would like. It isn’t just one event but a several different events that make up their wedding. It is filled with smaller engagements traditions and slowly make him wish they could marry quietly. His brother and Naruto are there to assist him with it all as well as his wife. Throughout whole tedious happening his bride is there smiling and guiding him along helping him though.

Even though the two are the more quiet of the couples no one can question their love for each other. The soft smiles and shy glances are a dead giveaway, much to their elder siblings teasing.

#asks #naruto headcanons #naruto headcanon #naruto imagines #Gaara #Sabaku No Gaara #gaara headcanon #gaara of the sand #Sabaku No Kankuro #kankuro headcanon #kankuro imagines #naruto #admin Little Lace

[blackdamed-blog]

Obrien ( a land of eight nearly united kingdoms )

Oriens -- The largest and most diverse country, serves as the unofficial capital of Obrien. Is home to human, dwarven and vampire realms. Home of the dwarves of Jorrsgar and the Emerald Mountains, who separated from the Duregbag dwarves long ago to achieve democracy. Noble houses are aplenty in the land, but there also an abundance of commoners living comfortably middle or lower class. Though there is poverty, jobs are fairly easy to come into. The people of Oriens are opened-minded, due to being exposed to many races and cultures, but there are always a select many that stay prejudiced to others unlike themselves.

Sanct Amell -- The capital and home of the royal family, named after one of Obrien’s long deceased saints, Sister Catherine Amell. It used to be a humble and quaint town, full of the middle and lower class among the towering castle, but gentrification has began making changes to the village and it’s quickly becoming a bustling city. Some of the upper class seek to move closer to the castle, prices raising and forcing the middle and lower class out of their homes. Home of Cypress.

Charles -- Named after the late Lord Roywood Charles, ancestor of the current King Heathwood Charles. And, no, no more Charles men have been named after wood. A romantic and lively town, full of creative architecture, art, and music. Home of the upper and middle class. Charles is also the home of the Bard’s College, where many come to learn the trade of song.

Sanct Marie -- Named after the long deceased saint, Lady Marie Flores. A more humble area of Oriens, this is also a town where middle and lower class usually reside. It’s quiet and far from the other cities, ripe with greenery and animals. Farmers and ranchers like to make a living there. A true country town.

Lissa -- Named after a late princess of Oriens, Princess Lissa Ysell, who’s untimely death of illness caused her parents so much grief that they named a town after her. Lissa is a gated settlement where many of the wealthy are located. One must make $$$$$ amount of money to reside there.

Seline -- Named after the late Queen, Seline Del Rio, who was Oriens’ primary ruler once upon a time after her father’s death. Seline is a mountainous region, filled with grassy plains and plenty of rain. Much like Sanct Marie, it’s a country region far from city life.

Lisanct -- A port town and the only predominantly human settlement that’s not named after a person. It is believed that Oriens stemmed from Lisanct and grew from there.

Mudarra -- A forest region, bombarded with trees and and other vegetation. It is said that the moon and stars are most beautiful when seen from a clearing in the Mudarra forest, but it is also home to a vampire clan. However, the vampire clan has sworn not to suck the blood of human -- lest they be purged from Oriens and life all together by the Oriens guard. Such a deal was struck long ago and is upheld by a treaty. To keep the peace, the clan is strict with what vampires come in and out of Oriens. Each member is registered and kept under surveillance by clan prefect. The leaders of the vampire clan are Garnet and Slate. All vampires that come in give up their old lives and names, renamed after stones. Lately though, Slate has been getting tired of living under human rules. He believes that the vampires are losing the power they once held over the world. Why should they fear what humans will do to them?

Emerald Mountains -- A large dwarven region that takes up nearly half of Oriens; separated by a large mountainous region that borders Seline and Lissa. Unlike the dwarves of Jorrsgar, the dwarves of the Emerald Mountains kept their strong caste system that rooted from Duregbag and is ruled by royalty and several noble houses. King Agni is a distant cousin of the current King of Duregbag, King Afolabi, and their family cut ties after Agni’s ancestors left Duregbag to rule elsewhere. Greed was the root, both families simply wanting to have power, and it sprouted a war in the bloodline. What ended the inner war was the split up.

Jorrsgar -- A humble town of dwarves, in between Sanct Marie and Lisanct, that believed Agni’s family truly wanted democracy. When that wasn’t the case, they left and created a settlement of their own, protected by the Oriens royal family. Their current mayor is Hilde Gold Hand.

Sybil -- A primarily human country, but it borders Orc and Shifter territory that are not in Sybil’s protection. Sybil is larger, albeit more old fashioned than Oriens; long ruled by a royal family under the surname Harebell. It’s current ruler is the unmarried Queen Marth-Marie Harebell, inherited from the late King Renald Harebell after his untimely death. Queen Marth is accompanied in ruling by a string of advisers and her hand, Violette de Montsimmard. Though reserved towards outsiders, the people of Sybil are no strangers to mages and magic users. They seek to help control them instead of eradicating or banishing them, therefore establishing the only Mage’s College in all of Obrien. Establishing such has created a large mage population in the country, which they are struggling to control. Each mage must register themselves (or be forced to) and must give blood for a phylactery, which can trace magic back to whoever cast it.

White City -- The capital, where the royal family resides. The streets and large buildings of the town are made with white stone and the city is quite picturesque to look at. The palace, made of beautiful pearly stone and marble itself, towers over the other large structures. The White City is very much a marketplace, houses and living spaces few or right above a store; where the store owners live.

Riverwell -- Right off from the White City, this is where the homes that the White City lacks usually are. Upper and middle class live here.

Brightenwood -- A quaint town, home to the largest library in all of Obrien; the Brightenwood Guild of Education. Despite it’s name, formerly a college for the wealthy, it’s open to all and is mainly used as a public library. True to it’s name, the town is surrounded by woodland and there’s hardly a cloudy day -- save for the colder seasons. There is a Brightenwood Old Town, gentrified by the wealthy, and simply Brightenwood; where the middle and lower class stay. Home of Hamsa.

Marshlands -- Not protected by the Sybil royal family, but apart of the country. This is an orc realm, separated from the Orcs of Azacstan. These are a group of Orcs that found Azacstan’s bloody and aggressive culture too much to live with and sought a better life for themselves. They seek for other races to see them as peace lovers, but the Orcs of Azacstan have terrorized all of Obrien for many years. They are often antagonized by raiders from Azacstan, constantly asking for Sybil’s protection and for the royal family to send more guards to help them. Long has the late King Choi turned a deaf ear to them, perhaps Queen Marth will hear them out.

Black Forest -- Shifter territory, home to several pacts of animal shifters that do not need the protection of Sybil. A forest region, so overrun with greenery that the sun is merely a small peep in the sky. Humans dare not set foot there.

Hidden Forest -- A region, far off from Brightenwood, that is not documented on the map. This is home to a clan of vampires that name themselves after flowers. The clan is primarily for young vampires undergoing their chrysalis (fluctuating emotions that young vampires and dhampyr go through), but word among creatures of the night is that older vampires have also disappeared around this region -- seen again within the clan, memories of life outside of it erased. There seems to be no leader within this clan, except for an unknown master from the Blood Council. It is co-run by prefects. This is the vampire clan that Cypress is a prefect of.

Dawnstar -- A fae realm, in which humans are warned away from. If a non-fae steps foot in Dawnstar, they’ll only be met with an endless forest. In this endless forest, one is prone to being the victim of several types of fae -- good and bad.

Kur Vashox -- A large country in between Oriens and Sybil, ruled by several Jarls. More so than relying on bloodlines, Kur Vashox has a culture of fending for oneself and ‘survival of the fittest’. If a Jarl was uprooted and defeated by another one day, that person who defeated the Jarl would become the new Jarl. If the people of a town collectively decide that their Jarl is unfit and seek to seat another, they have all right to forcefully uproot that Jarl and place the other in the seat. Otherwise, it is the Jarl’s choice for who comes after them. Not determined by birth, but who’s fit for the seat. Kur Vashox is unofficially democratic. The Kurians are a hearty people. The land is nearly surrounded by the sea and, as such, they have become a sea faring folk. Nearly every Kurian has been on a ship in their life and many middle to upper class family have their own small boats; which are kept in the port

Morgal -- Capital of the country and it’s port city. Many merchants make a living there.

Valenguard -- A simple town to the naked eye, nothing much but a few houses, stores, and a tavern. To those who know better, it’s home to the Emerald Eye; a guild of thieves who’s members are spread across Obrien.

Ervisgur

Ysgor

Duregbag -- A dwarven kingdom inside of a large mountain, so it has no cities -- only districts. Duregbag has a strict caste system and is run by the wealthy and nobility. Their King, Afolabi, is a man who listen to those with the deepest pockets and turns away from the poor. In Duregbag, the wealthy can take up harems -- the owner of it can be man or woman. The people in these harems get a monthly salary, so many of the better-looking people in poverty turn to being apart of a wealthy patron’s harem. That or sell themselves into servitude. There are dwarves who live just outside of Duregbag, surface dwarves. These dwarves still fall under the reign of the King, but enjoy a little more freedom outside of the caste system. There is another castle just off from Duregbag, at the very top of the mountain. It is known that this castle belongs to a strange dragon (Hamsa), who appears to be docile. The people of Duregbag dare not bother it.

#∘⡊ ☾ ˚⊹ HEADCANON ⊹ — for the history books. #∘⡊ ☾ ˚⊹ OBRIEN ⊹ — the process of unification and peace. #∘⡊ ☾ ˚⊹ WORLD BUILDING ⊹ — from scratch to beyond. #there's still nimwood azacstan mirai and the sunset isles #but i'm hella tired yet also want you guys to see what i did so far lol #will reblog when it's updated

[raendown]

Pairing: MinatoMadara Word count: 3062 Soulmate au: The one where it is impossible for a person to physically injure their soulmate

Follow the link or read it under the cut!

Chapter 116: MinatoMadara

Having studied the Uzumaki sealing techniques extensively, Minato was absolutely sure that he should have been trapped within the belly of the Shinigami at this very moment rather than waking up in an sunny room with the window wide open and a pleasant breeze drifting across his face. Sitting up slowly revealed no gaping hole through his midsection where he was positive the Kyuubi had impaled him. Curious, suspicious, and incredibly wary, he peeled back the covers and slipped out of the hospital bed he had been tucked in to.

Whoever had put him here had dressed him in a sleep yukata of an incredibly outdated cut, something his own grandfather might have considered fashionable way back in his youth. It was thick and warm, however, even if he felt a little exposed without his uniform and weapons. A quick search of the room revealed his personal effects were not present, which was disappointing. Nevertheless, he had expected as much. It looked as though he would be exploring in the outfit he was wearing.

Peeking his head out the door revealed no one in the hallway so Minato crept out and made his way through the quiet hospital, which he now realized wasn’t quite as familiar as he’d first thought it to be. The walls were wooden with no plaster or paint. Beneath his feet the floors were not covered in vinyl or linoleum but were also crafted from wood so smooth it might have grown in that shape. Minato stepped lighter, more and more unsure of his location by the minute.

Several of the rooms he peeked in to were occupied yet he saw none of the traditional hospital equipment one would expect to find, no heart monitors or the new beds which had been installed recently with automatic controls to lift and lower the mattresses. Instead all he found were simple frames, most of them with archaic leather restraints still attached as though he had somehow stepped backwards through time. Overall the effect was creepy and he couldn’t wait to figure out where the hell this was so he could get back to Konoha.

Minato’s steps paused and his head thudded painfully in his chest. He leaned against the closest wall as he fought for air that seemed to disappear between one second and the next. Konoha. Until yesterday the thought of home had evoked thoughts of his loving wife and unborn child. Now all he could think of was how warm Kushina’s blood had been against his skin, how pale her skin had looked as she made her final goodbyes, how very small their child had been. If all had gone as planned then Naruto now had the demon fox sealed away within his belly and Kushina, spirits rest her soul, would have gone to her final rest.

He himself should have been sealed away as well and yet here he was having a panic attack in what appeared to be unfamiliar territory. Tightening the muscles in his jaw, Minato forced himself to get a grip. Breakdowns could come later. Right now he needed to concentrate on finding his bearings as well as locating both clothes and weapons.

Keeping his breathing tightly controlled, he pushed away from the wall and continued on down the hallway. When he reached the end and descended the stairway he found there it took him to a much more populated floor where he was forced to employ all the subtle skills of a good shinobi. He blended in to the shadows and disappeared, avoiding all human contact, making his way out of the building entirely undetected.

As soon as he stepped outside he found that the buildings tugged at his memory as well. It was almost as though he knew this place but it had been distorted somehow and he couldn’t quite put his finger on what the difference was or why he should recognize it. Blending in with the shadows still, he observed the citizens passing by and tried to identify his location using any clues they could provide; local fashion, skin tone, dialect, anything at all. What he discovered was that this village must have been frozen in time to still have some of these things so common amongst themselves and still be using such outdated modes of speech – but their accents were indisputably Fire Nation. Wherever he was, they should be his allies.

Minato was only just starting to calm down when he scaled the side of the hospital building he had escaped from and used the roof as a higher vantage point to observe from. What he saw from there made his heart freeze inside his chest.

The last time he’d checked, there had been three faces carved in to the side of that mountain.  

-

Looking back on the day he had arrived in the era of his forefathers, Minato was eventually able to laugh at himself for his old wild reaction to discovering that he had somehow fallen through time, although there were still times when he had to stop and sit down, almost unable to wrap his head around it all. Losing his family and everyone he knew in one fell swoop was a blow that took time to recover from. Amazingly, he did so with the help of the three founders of Konoha themselves.

Hashirama was the easiest to get along with, a boisterous enthusiastic man who on a good day was a welcome reminder of Kushina’s personality. While he didn’t quite have her fire or her penchant for getting in to trouble, he did have the same charmingly child-like wonder in his eyes when he looked out at the world around him.

Tobirama, though intimidating at first with his immovable stone face, became a greater friend than Minato could ever have imagined. He was incredibly knowledgeable about seals and jutsu theory – unsurprising considering he had invented many of the staple jutsu which would later be taught in the academy – and they whiled away many an afternoon in theoretical discussion so deep it sometimes baffled even Mito, an Uzumaki who had studied seals her entire life. Minato did tend to make himself scarce when Tobirama got that experimenting look on his face, though. He was smart enough not to get involved in any of that.

Although it baffled him as to why, it was Madara to whom Minato found himself most drawn of the three. The man had hardly been welcoming when they first met and it took quite some time before they warmed up to each other. Being friends with Madara was rather like herding a cat without trying to startle it or let it know what you were up to. Pinning him down to spend time with you was difficult enough and the moment he caught wind of the slightest sign of affection he was gone again as though he’d never been there. How Hashirama managed to catch him for so many hugs was a mystery when both Minato and Tobirama could move faster and neither of them managed to lay so much as a hand on him even just for a pat on the back.

But an aversion to touch wasn’t such an unusual habit for a shinobi in Minato’s own time, let alone now when they were only a few years past a generation’s long war, decades upon decades of trusting no one but your own family. So Minato didn’t think much of it until it had been three years to the day since he had arrived here and suddenly it was Madara seeking him out for once.

“Spar with me.” Long used to Madara’s abrupt ways, Minato hardly took offense to what might have sounded like a demand if he hadn’t know better. That right there was as good as a ‘please’.

 “Has little Kagami been bothering you to train with Tobirama again?” he asked. Madara snorted and brushed by him, allowing their sleeves to touch for the barest of seconds.

“I thought a distraction was in order.” And that, in Madara’s taciturn way of communicating, meant that he knew what day it was today and was trying to help the only way he knew how; he was trying to take Minato’s mind off of things by occupying his mind with a fight. Something deep in Minato’s chest fluttered with affection for this socially challenged human disaster.

Were he being truthful Minato could have admitted that he was actually doing just fine today. Getting over the loss of his wife and child had been hard, that was true, but knowing that Naruto was safe from harm and that Kushina had gone on to a better place meant that he had slowly been able to make his peace with where he was now. But he certainly wasn’t about to say any of that to Madara right now. To do so would ruin this rare opportunity of Madara seeking someone else out for a bit of human interaction and that was a chance too good to give up.

Together the two of them made their way towards the nearest training grounds with purposeful steps. Madara went everywhere with purposeful steps, never a fan of lackadaisical wandering. Upon reaching the field he immediately began to stretch, as all shinobi should before a training session, and Minato couldn’t help but admire the sight. He couldn’t remember ever seeing Madara spar with anyone other than Hashirama in the three years since he had arrived here, the Shodaime Hokage being the only person who Madara saw as a worthy challenge. Being allowed to watch was a great honor all on its own. Madara taking the initiate to ask him to partake was nearly beyond comprehension.

“Rules?” the Uchiha grunted. Minato blinked. It seemed he was being offered many honors today.  

“One point per connecting blow? First to ten points or to force their opponent to yield.”

“Acceptable.” Madara tilted his head to one side. “You are faster than Tobirama,” he noted.

Minato hesitated, not wishing to downplay his friend’s abilities but also incredibly proud of his adjustments to the hiraishin which had fascinated even their inventor himself. Eventually he admitted, “Some might say that.”

“I wish to test my skills against yours. Let us see which triumphs: your speed or my strength.”

Smiling at the formal speech cadences which still amused him on occasion, Minato agreed with a simple nod of his head. After finishing their stretches they stepped in to position and fell in to ready stances. Barely a single heartbeat had passed before Madara murmured for them to begin, bulling forward straight away for a frontal attack. Minato wouldn’t have made it to Hokage if he hadn’t been able to hold his own in taijutsu, however, and their clash ended in nothing more than several blocks and a couple of near misses.

They sprang apart again as it became clear that neither would gain the upper hand so easily. Strangely, Minato found himself reluctant to use his specially marked kunai so early in the game. He could have danced around the field faster than the blinking of an eye but he wanted to see how this would play out without such things first. Hopefully Madara would be up for round two afterwards so he could truly make an effort to impress.

He got the feeling rather quickly that Madara was feeling him out, ramping up the pace only gradually to test his abilities bit by bit, and the idea rankled. All three of the founding trio knew the truth of his story, they all knew that he been named the fourth Hokage of Konohagakure. There was no need to treat him like a child in training. A little insulted, it was him that threw the first jutsu. Madara dodged his now completed version of the rasengan, though only barely, and responded with a thin stream of fire that heated the air around them both. For a moment Minato thought he’d been hit but he felt no burns and spun back with a triumphant smirk.

Once they had both crossed in to that territory it was free reign, anything goes. Jutsu exploded at every turn yet never seemed to connect. Frequent bouts of taijutsu left them both frustrated as neither of them seemed able to land a blow. When Minato finally did feel something against his cheek he marveled that a titan such as Uchiha Madara could hit with so little force.

It seemed that Madara himself was also startled by how ineffectual his punch had been and the surprise of it was enough of a distraction that he left himself wide open. Minato took that opening on pure instinct, rearing back and putting the full force of his weight behind a blow straight to the center of Madara’s face.

Nothing happened. Both of them stood there blinking at each other, completely still, their fight having been paused by the harmless tap of Minato’s fist against Madara’s nose. What should have been a blow that sent him rolling across the field and shattered his nasal cavity had instead done nothing but squish the tip of his nose in to his face a bit. Minato frowned. He hadn’t held back at all, knew he’d felt the muscles in his body extend to make impact, and yet nothing had happened.

“Fascinating,” Madara rumbled under his breath.

“But I hit you,” Minato said, a little lost. His opponent titled his head to one side.

“It did not hurt.”

“Oh sweet kami.” Eyes widening, Minato dropped his arm at last and stumbled back. “But that would – you – you’re my soulmate.”

Madara reached up to rub his nose, somehow managing to make even that simple gesture appear regal. “Yes I rather thought that might be the case.” His words left Minato stiff with shock.

“You what!? You knew? How could you possible know?” He expected neither the extremely serious look that appeared in Madara’s eyes nor the way it would cause his knees to weaken. Considering how much effort it took just to become friends with the man, Minato had never allowed himself the chance to admire Madara as anything more. Suddenly it was all he could think of.

“I feel…myself around you. Had you not come in to our lives I think I should not have been as content in my days as I am now. One genial word from you brings to me a calm I had not felt since my brother’s death and I know that without your influence I could never have borne Tobirama’s presence in the village, could never have come to terms his actions.” Rather than look at all embarrassed by his words, Madara’s expression only intensified as he stepped forward. “You have effects on my person which I could only attest to one possibility; I knew you must be my soulmate.”

Somewhere deep in the back of his mind, like an echo of a past he was still working to leave behind, Minato thought he could almost hear Kushina’ voice whispering in his ear. Ridiculously, he was hearing her say ‘He’s so hot for you’. Which, admittedly, did sound like something she would say.

But he could also hear her whispering that it was time to move on and take a chance. Reaching for the future didn’t necessarily have to mean letting go of the past. He had loved his wife and he would always love the son for whom he had been willing to give his life but that didn’t mean he couldn’t let anyone else in to his heart – especially if that someone new happened to be his soulmate.

A surprisingly romantic soulmate, it would seem.

Forcing himself to take a deep, calming breath, Minato allowed his eyes to fall down and drag his gaze back up the length of Madara’s body, inch by inch, taking everything in while his thoughts rushed forward nearly as fast as his famed jutsu. His soulmate stood a mere foot away without any indication of closing the remaining gap, politely allowing him that choice.

“If I were to be honest,” he said slowly, “I never got the impression that you thought me more than tolerable.” Which, to be fair, was still quite an achievement when it came to the man in question. Madara lifted one eyebrow.

“Then I shall work to be more obvious about my affections in the future. I had thought myself to be perfectly clear.”

“You disappeared halfway through our conversation just three days ago without telling me what I had done wrong,” Minato pointed out. He received a quiet huff in response.

“When you spoke of your admiration for certain Kiri-wrought weaponry I left to bring you a piece from my own collection. Upon my return I discovered you were no longer present and I am not in the habit of chasing those who are so impatient as to not wait more than half a minute.”

Minato couldn’t help it; he smiled. “One of these days I’m going to help Hashirama trap you for a nice long conversation about polite social interactions.”

“No.” His tone was dark enough to scare small children but Minato had sharp eyes, he could see the minute twitch at the corner of Madara’s lips. He’d made the man smile! Well, his version of it, anyway.

“You don’t think I could do it?” He asked, sidling ever so slightly closer.

“Correct. Nothing could make me suffer through such ridiculousness.”

“Hmm. What if I let you hold my hand the whole time?”

As he spoke Minato reached out and slipped his fingers in to Madara’s palm, thrilled to see dark eyes widen in surprise. For someone as touch-starved as Madara, to hold hands probably seemed like an incredibly intimate action. And just as Minato suspected it rendered him completely immobile.

With both of their pasts taken in to account it was pretty much a given that the two of them would need to take baby steps as a couple exploring their new relationship. Looking at the hint of color rising up on Madara’s cheeks, however, Minato thought to himself that he was rather looking forward to it all. However he had ended up in the past didn’t truly matter. What did matter was the chance for happiness quite literally dangling at his fingertips.

He intended to take that chance.

#soulmate collection #rae writes #minamada #minato #madara #fanfiction #naruto shippuden #classic example of ''i didn't mean to ship it''

[kusunogatari-a]

[ Fragile ] [ @abyssaldespair​ ] [ Uchiha Obito, Suigin Ryū ] [ Death mention ] [ Verse: White Hands of Healing ]

He barely has time to act.

Though the plan has always been to move on Konoha eventually, Obito isn’t exactly expecting Nagato to go ahead so quickly. After all, they were to retrieve the bijū in order. They’ve not worked their way to the Kyūbi quite yet...but apparently the Uzumaki is feeling sentimental after his fight with his prior teacher, and targets the hidden village early.

Without stopping to consider the repercussions, Obito makes up his mind and heads the same direction, his own mode of transport thankfully faster, but it will still be close. Pein is hardly an enemy to take lightly. Once he makes his way to Konoha...things will get ugly.

To his chagrin, she’s not home. Swearing and searching the house from top to bottom, he pauses as he spots the summon. She’s giving him her typical distrustful glower, but...maybe better to act now than later.

“Don’t move.”

The bird doesn’t even have time to ask why before he sends her through to his pocket dimension. Hardly about to make her like him any more than she does now, but...he doesn’t want Ryū’s beloved companion to end up a casualty.

...then again, she’s not about to be happy about any of this.

If he knows Nagato and his hatred of Konoha...there’s about to be many, many deaths. The last thing the medic would ever want.

But he can’t worry about that - it’ll have to be faced later. For now, he has to get her out of the village, and away from Nagato’s warpath. If anything happens to her…

...he doesn’t want to think about it.

Taking a moment to mull over his options, he takes the risk and uses henge. Attempting to teleport into the right place is too variable. He might be seen by the wrong person. At least this way, he can hide in plain sight. Konoha might have strict security these days (surely even more so after losing a sannin), but he’s nothing if not covert. And surely they won’t suspect someone already inside: their eyes are turned too far outward.

Taking an unassuming appearance (plain brown hair, dark eyes, average build and no notable features), he makes his way to the hospital, still knowing the way by heart. It feels...odd walking through the streets, but he pushes away any distracting memories and focuses on the task at hand:

Get Ryū to safety before there’s nothing left.

Thankfully he’s not questioned once he gets inside - apparently they’re in a rush, and he slips by the front desk without a hitch. The longer it takes, the more he fears that Pein will have found a way in. But the hospital is massive - three stories, and more rooms than he likely has time to check. He may be a sensor, but if she’s far up or busy, getting to her won’t be easy.

But luck is on his side.

She just so happens to be leaving a first floor room, and he quickly makes to tail her. It’s not easily noticed with how busy the hallways are, and he just manages to snag her at the end of the corridor. Taking in his visage first, she goes a little wide-eyed. “...can I help you, sir?”

“Ryū, I need to talk to you.”

Her brow furrows, confused, and only does so further when she takes the time to study his chakra. “...To-?”

Before she can ask, Obito leads her into the nearest room, thankfully unoccupied. Locking it behind him, he keeps up his guise. “We have to leave.”

“I - wait, what -?”

“There’s no time - you have to trust me!”

Opening her mouth to question him further, her words stop in her throat as an explosion sounds in the distance.

Obito pales. As she turns to look, he takes initiative, catching her in the jutsu and hauling them both into the other plane.

He then braces for the rebuttal.

She’s used to being flagged down at work - there’s always someone with a question, seems like, and she’s more than ready to answer. But the stranger seems a bit too urgent, and yet calm. Not enough to be panicked, but also betraying that something is wrong.

And then he says her name.

Most patients don’t know her personally, and she doesn’t recognize him. But a closer look reveals she does know him...but not by that face. Chakra doesn’t lie, after all.

He then guides her into a room, saying they have to leave. Before she can ask what he means, a concussion sounds through the air, and her heart skips a beat.

And then the hospital walls disappear, and she finds herself among familiar stones.

There’s a shocked silence for a moment, and then she spins on a heel, expression desperate.

“What did you do?!”

He’s given up his disguise, returned to his scarred visage, expression grave. “...it’s not me. Not directly.”

“What was that? What exploded?!”

“I don’t know.”

Her breath is getting faster, worries growing by the moment. “...what do you know?”

“Only who’s behind it. I can’t know more than that.”

“You have to take me back.”

“I can’t.”

“You must!”

Hands find an unrelenting grip along her upper arms, and Obito looks to her with a fervid desperation she’s not seen on his face before. “I can’t…! I can’t lose you!”

Staring in shock, it takes her a moment to retort. “...people are going to get hurt, aren’t they? I have to go back! I have to help, I -!”

“There’s nothing you can do. Not against him.”

“Who?”

“Pein.”

Pein...that sounds vaguely familiar. Isn’t he the one who killed -?

“You don’t understand...there’s no stopping him. You’d be an ant beneath his sandal. He wouldn’t hesitate to kill you, any of you! I can’t let that happen…”

“You can’t just pluck me up and ignore everyone else! I could be there, I could save lives -!”

“The only thing that matters to me now is keeping you alive!”

Ryū’s argument dies in her throat. And before it can revive, there’s a screech, and she gasps as Fubuki makes to tear at Obito’s scalp.

Thankfully he ducks, only losing a few hairs as she banks back around for another pass. “Stop it!” Managing to take the raptor by the legs, Ryū grunts in effort as wings bat at her head. “Fubuki, stop - now is not the time for -!”

Not bothering with words, the summon cuts her off with another ear-splitting screech, clearly still seeking to spill blood.

Taking a few paces back, Obito catches his breath. “...you’ll stay here. Until it’s over.”

“You can’t just -!”

“I won’t let anything happen to you! You don’t understand...Pein is called a god by the people of his village, and for good reason.”

Ryū stills, face paling. Fubuki no longer fights her, perched atop her shoulder and glowering.

“...I don’t know what you’ll go back to. I don’t know what will be left. But...I couldn’t leave you there. I couldn’t…” His head bows.

“...Tobi, this isn’t fair. I don’t want my life held above anyone else’s! I might help keep someone else alive!” She gives him a desperate look. “...I can’t stand it, knowing I’m stuck here and unable to help them! My life isn’t worth more than another’s!”

“It is to me!”

“That’s not for you alone to decide!”

Her retort is biting, cutting him off.

“...I’m not some...some possession for you to make decisions for! I’m my own person! I don’t belong to you, Tobi! I want you to take me back, now!”

He paces, clearly agitated. “If I take you back there, you will die.”

“Better that than living with the knowing that I let them down!”

“It will be pointless! You won’t save anyone! You’ll just be another body, Ryū! Didn’t you hear me? Pein is a god. There’s no fighting him! And your life is worth more to me than the rest of Konoha combined!”

Left without a retort, Ryū stares at him, form trembling and breath shaking in her lungs. It’s too much...too much to think of. If Tobi is right...then there may be nothing left for her to go back to. Nothing.

...as much as she’s questioned Konoha over the years - as painful as it was growing up there alone - it’s been her home for most of her life. Where she’s been able to work, to save lives...lives that are now slipping through her fingers.

It’s too much.

Breaths shorten in her chest, tears building along her lids as it all seems to sink in. And even as Obito moves toward her, Fubuki screeches, feathers flaring in warning.

“Ryū…”

Her head shakes, turning her back. There’s no way out, not without his help. But still she wanders, as though looking for a door.

She can’t sense anything from here. If he’s right, it’s another dimension altogether. And she’s trapped here. Unable to do a thing.

The realization is like a blade to the heart.

Part of her wants to scream at him, beat on his chest and demand he take her back. But she knows it won’t work. He wasn’t lying, was he? He doesn’t care about Konoha. About anyone within it.

Anyone but her.

The thought is terrifying, in a way. She’s always been nothing. No one. To be compared to an entire village - to be put above it - is almost incomprehensible. She’s not important! She’s just...one person. One small, insignificant person.

Her only worth comes from what she can do for others. And here, now...she’s useless.

Worthless.

Her shoulder slumps against a block, chest too tight to breathe, it’s too much, too much…!

Vaguely she hears Fubuki cry again, talons turning atop her shoulder to look behind her. Then her weight is gone, hands turn her around - she doesn’t have the presence of mind to resist. An arm takes her waist, the other lifting a hand to cradle the back of her head as she’s pulled to a chest.

“...I’m sorry.”

Still she struggles to breathe, brow tucked against his throat as his chin rests atop her crown.

“I can’t lose you.”

Fingers find a shaking grip against his cloak, the same worn by whoever is tearing Konoha apart.

“You’re everything to me, Ryū…”

Part of her doesn’t want to hear that. Doesn’t want that responsibility. She’s not worth that kind of love, that kind of devotion.

“Please...I can’t bear that loneliness again...I can’t lose my heart a second time…”

...he can’t stop what’s happening. He can’t save them all. Neither can she. He just...wants to keep her safe.

He loves her.

...can she begrudge him that?

She goes slack in his grip, the emotional exhaustion taking the last integrity of her knees. Rather than fight to hold her upright, he sinks with her, drawing her up to his chest. His posture hunches slightly as though to envelope her completely, legs encircled as she folds up small along his front.

And so they sit in the silence.

And they wait.

He can’t know when it will be safe to go back. For now, he doesn’t care to check. As much time passes, she doesn’t stir. Doesn’t make a sound. It worries him, but he doesn’t dare move for fear of something changing. Getting worse.

Time is hard to mark in this dimension. But when it feels like it’s been several hours, he stirs. “...I’ll see what’s happening.”

Ryū doesn’t make any noise of assent, but simply sits on her own as he rises. A surge of chakra takes him back.

The apprehension he feels isn’t on his own behalf, but on hers.

...and even then, he isn’t quite prepared for what he sees.

Emerging far to one side of the Hokage monument, eyes go wide at the devastation below. Nothing of Konoha remains but rubble. In its place, a deep, layered crater spreads out toward the wall and the natural barrier of the cliff face.

...and yet…

Calling on his Sharingan, Obito looks over the village. Rather than barren and lifeless, scores of signatures wink in the distance like stars in the sky. Far more than he ever would guess, given the state of the village.

...wait…

There’s a pause. Nagato...did he use Rinne Tensei…? But why? An interesting development, but...he’ll have time to look into that later. For now, he has to get Ryū out. It’s clearly over. And as much as he wants to keep her with him...she can’t stay. There may be nothing left of Konoha, but if there’s one thing he knows personally, it’s how quickly they rebuild. For now, this is where she belongs.

Still...she’s lost everything. They all have. No more little house.

But at least she’s alive.

Portaling back in, Obito hesitates. She hasn’t moved, her summon returned to her shoulder. “...Ryū. It’s over.”

She visibly flinches.

“...I need to get you back.”

There’s a long pause, but she eventually finds her feet. Obito does his best not to cringe at her gaunt expression. The jutsu takes another chunk of his chakra, but returns them both to the other plane.

Once she adjusts to the equilibrium, Ryū looks out from the clifftop...and pales.

There’s...nothing.

The sheer scale of the shifted landscape nearly buckles her knees again. This...this was done by one man? No wonder Tobi called him a god.

“...I have good news.”

Slowly, she manages to tear her gaze from the wreckage.

“...if it’s as I believe...no one is dead.”

At first, no reaction. Then eyes widen, lips parting. “...what...?”

“The man who did this...he had a technique that can revive the dead within a certain stretch of time. I don’t know why, but...he used it. I can sense chakra signatures. Far too many to have survived otherwise, given what we see.”

Staring for another moment, Ryū looks back, and then focuses enough to balance her energies. With a sage state, her senses sweep out across the crater.

...Tobi is right. It’s filled with signatures. They’re stressed...but alive. She can’t know if it’s all of them, but...there’s so many...surely more than possible given the crater, without Pein’s technique…!

“...why...would he do that?”

“I don’t know. But I’m sure I’ll find out.” There’s a small pause. “...someone must have defeated him.”

After a pause, Ryū takes a deep, shaking breath. “...I can’t believe it…”

“...I’m sorry about your house.”

“It’s just a thing. It was all things. Things can be replaced, but…” Ever so slightly, she dares to smile, breath hitching in disbelief. “...but not people.”

Watching her emerge from her melancholy, Obito then glances aside. “...I’m sorry I took you. But I couldn’t -”

“I know why you did it. But I was still right to be angry with you. You didn’t ask me, didn’t take my wishes into account.” Ryū sighs. “...but I see now what you mean. All of this, it’s…” Her tone trails to silence. “...I...I know you wanted to protect me. And...I also know it was foolish of me not to listen to you. But…”

“I know. You wanted to help.”

“...and you wanted to help me. I guess...we both were wrong, and yet were right. And I suppose there’s no changing it now. I’m just...so glad they’re all right.” An arm gestures. “...we can fix this. This isn’t an end. As long as we’re alive...we can try again.”

Obito considers her in silence for a time, her own gaze caught out over the village. Maybe he has a new appreciation for how much all of this means to her. Life...and protecting people. He supposes he was the same, once upon a time. When he wanted to be Hokage: the one who led, and protected.

...it doesn’t even feel like his own memory anymore. But she makes him feel a little melancholic...as she always does.

“...I will seek Tsunade-sama.” With a flare of her wings, Fubuki abandons Ryū’s shoulders, sweeping down toward the remnants of the village.

Left alone, the pair of them stare out, each lost in their thoughts.

“...oh no…”

Obito gives her a glance, seeing her expression fall.

“...I guess this means I lost your stone…”

There’s a blink. Out of everything she lost...that’s what comes to mind? “...I can always get you another.”

“...I suppose...but still…”

“...wasn’t there anything else you’re worried about?”

Ryū mulls that over. “...not really. Like I said, it’s just...stuff. I guess I’m sad my medical books are gone...but I can always get more copies.”

“You didn’t have any...keepsakes?”

“...no. Not here. Everything that really matters is back home.”

“...then why stay here?”

Finally looking back at him, her reply is simple. “...I can’t help anyone at home. It’s just...ruins of houses. There’s no people. I can’t be useful there…”

Obito’s brow furrows. Useful…? “...but wouldn’t you be happier there?”

“...maybe in some ways. But I can’t do my work if there’s no one else around, ne? And what use is there in being a medic if I’m not using my skills? Konoha might not be...home. But it’s where I can do good. Be of use.”

There’s that word again. “...that’s not all you need to do.”

“What do you mean?”

“You aren’t the sum of what you do for others. You matter simply because you are.”

Ryū blinks in surprise...and then gives him a suspicious smile. “...are you saying that because it’s true, or...because that’s just what you think about me?”

A hint of flustered color blooms across the bridge of his nose. “...why can’t it be both?”

“Mm...I suppose it can be.” She then goes quiet, thinking. “...still...I feel the most content when I’m helping someone. It’s what I’m meant to do. What I choose to do. I’d go crazy if I couldn’t be doing my work.”

Not entirely satisfied with her answer, Obito just hums, not agreeing one way or the other. “...you should find someone and figure out what the next steps are.”

“You’re right...there’s going to be a lot to do.” Ryū sighs. “...I think part of me still doesn’t quite believe what I see. All of...this. It’s so much to comprehend…”

Obito doesn’t reply. Even if Nagato did lose...there’s still a few pieces of Akatsuki left. Konan may be lost without Nagato to bind them, but Zetsu and Kisame are still viable, at any rate. And there’s still work to be done. Nagato’s losing means the Kyūbi still must be captured. Konoha may have to be hit again.

...she’s not out of harm’s way yet.

Though he’s always had a subconscious worry for her, it’s closer to paranoia now. If he’d been a little later...she might have died. Of course, Nagato revived all that were lost (or so he can only assume for now), but...that obviously can’t happen again. And now Konoha is weakened. They may very well be attacked by another power-hungry nation.

For the umpteenth time, he’s reminded of how vulnerable she is. How fragile.

...maybe he should have left her in the other dimension…

But though that would keep her safe, it would also hardly sit well with her. She might have accepted his temporary kidnapping, but she’d never consent to stay. And it’s a ridiculous notion anyway - he’s only considering it because he’s worried.

There’s little else he can do to protect her. He’s far too busy to keep tabs on her, and she can hardly go with him.

...this is going to plague him constantly.

For now, he’ll have to just...let things be. Until he can think of something else. Hopefully he can hurry through the rest of his plans, and reach his end goal.

And then she’ll be safe...and content. As will all the others.

He won’t have to worry anymore.

...but gods will he miss her.

...maybe…

...no. He can’t change things now. Not when he’s this close.

Pushing the thoughts aside, he breaks from his own reverie, and then snaps Ryū from hers. “I should go, too.”

She turns to him, still looking a little dazed. “...okay. Be safe, ne?”

His hands take her own, brow butting against hers. “...and you. Please.”

“I’ll try…” Eyes closing, she tilts just enough to give him a press of her lips.

Obito’s chest tightens to a painful degree, but he returns the gesture until she backs away. Fingertips trail until they part completely. She gives just a hint of a melancholy smile.

And then turns and walks away.

For a long moment, Obito just...stands, feeling some kind of overwhelmed. A hand catches his brow, covering his eyes as he tries to make sense of everything he feels, but to little success.

...he’s never felt so conflicted. So worried. So...scared.

His palm lowers until it instead shields his lips, staring at nothing as he’s lost in eddying thoughts. She has to make it to the end. She has to.

...he won’t let the only way she lives on be in his memories.

     OKAY HERE YOU GO: LOTS OF ANGST AND FEELS XD      ...I really didn’t expect it to get this sad. I thought she’d be more angry? But Ryū does tend to get sad more than she gets mad, lmao      Also I dunno if I went overboard with Obito and what he’s feeling, but...that’s what he gave me! I guess lemme know if I should change it lol      Hopefully this was worth the wait >w> I have to wonder where it’s gonna go from here, ahaha~      *scurries back to my hole*

#abyssaldespair #uchiha obito #suigin ryū #death mention #white hands of healing [ canon verse ]

[a-wanderin-whirlybird]

Survivor

Hey, So I decided to try my hand at some Voltron Angst, specifically Langst as inspired by @blueplanettrash and @langsty-mc-langstface. Love the stuff they write. I may continue this as a series later, but I don’t know. First time doing Voltron angst and I specifically played up the harshness and cruelity in Allura, Shiro, Keith and Pidge. I love them, but they are so easy to write angry! any ways here you go!

The last thing anyone remembered was the wormhole. In their panic to escape the Galra no one noticed the Wormhole’s odd behavior until it was too late. No one had the time to voice their concern before the Paladins, and Coran had been forced out of the castle and landed roughly on the dusty ground.

“Is everyone alright?” Allura called.

 “I’m fine!” Pidge called from a few feet away. “Shiro, Keith you guys ok?”

 “We’re fine,” Keith called. “Where are Coran and Hunk?”

 “Over here!” Hunk called from a few yards off as he rolled off of Coran. “Has anyone seen Lance?”

 “He was in the healing pods again.” Pidge said, rolling her eyes in frustration. “He’s always in there, it’s like he gets hurt for the attention.”

 “Whether or not Lance is attention seeking again means nothing since we are obviously not on the ship anymore.” Allura said. “It is Possible that he is still on the ship and in danger!”

 “That is true, first we need to find a means of contacting the castle’s systems, which means we need to find civilization.” Coran stated to the now gathered group.

 “Ok then, let’s split up, Allura you and Coran should head North. Hunk and Pidge you should-“ Shiro wasn’t able to finish giving out orders before a squeaky gasp interrupted him. All eyes turned to the sound, a young Arusian peeking out from behind a bush.

 “Hello little one, could you please tell us where we are?” Hunk asked, his voice soft and quiet as he crouched down to the child.

 “You’re on Erus! Mama told me about the Lion King’s helper’s but she said I’d never meet them, but now I am! Are you the Lion King’s helpers?” The little girl asked her voice racing in excitement.

 The Paladins and Coran all shared a look.

 “I’m sorry but we don’t quite understand, we are the paladin’s of Voltron-“

 “I knew it!” The little girl screeched in joy, interrupting Allura. “You have to come with me so I can show Mama! He’s gonna be so happy!”

 The little girl grabbed Allura and Hunk’s hands in her own and tried to drag them off. Shrugging Allura and Hunk let the girl lead them away with the others following close behind.

 It didn’t take long for the group to reach a familiar sight, the Arusian village that started the Voltron Coalition. It was much larger, with more technology running through it like streams.  Bright electric lights, solar panels disguised as brilliant trees, terraced homes with dangling gardens lined the large streets as ArusianS and other aliens wandered around. The paladins watched in awe at the thriving city that not too long ago was not but a small village.

 “This can’t be the same village.” Shiro whispered.

 “Mama!” The little girl called down the street to an older Arusian woman down the street handling various fruits.

 “Nymna! Where have you been? Your papa and I were worried sick!” The woman scolded heading towards the girl Nymna.

 “But Mama look! I found the Lion King’s Helpers!” Nymna exclaimed shaking Hunk and Allura’s hands viciously. Nymna’s mother finally looked up and away from her daughter and gasped.

 “Oh my!  It truly is them. Forgive me! We never thought we would ever meet you again.”

 “Again?” Keith hissed to Pidge with apprehension. Pidge shrugged.

 “We did leave the planet in a rush, the Arusians likely thought we would not return.” Pidge explained, eyes turning to where Allura, Nymna and Nymna’s Mother were talking. “But something about this feels off. How did the Arusians progress their technology so fast?” We’ve only been gone a year or so.”

 “I don’t know, but I don’t like it. It’s like we are in another dimension again.” Hunk hissed.

 Before the paladins could discuss the oddness of their situation further Allura, Nymna and Nymna’s mother Naraka were leading them to town hall. Naraka and Nymna spoke a million miles a minute explaining about different buildings and various different aliens they met. As they all walked through the city people would stop and whisper, pointing to the paladins. They never heard much but they always heard one thing, Lion King.

 No one knew who this lion King might be, but whoever they were they were important.

  “How long do we have to wait?” Keith growled, frustrated.

 “I understand your impatience Keith but we must wait. I’m sure the chief will be here shortly.” Allura said before turning to Coran. “You’ve been very quiet Coran, is something bothering you?”

 “Well Princess I’m just worried about Lance. He may still be on the ship, or he’s laying in a broken pod somewhere out there on Erus. And since we have been waiting for nearly an entire day I fear something terrible may have happened to him.”

 “It’s not our fault he had to go get himself shot for like, the fourth time this week.” Pidge spat. “I mean how hard is it to stay in cover? He’s supposed to be a sharpshooter but he’s more like a walking target.”

 “Pidge that’s cruel.” Hunk whispered almost scared. “Lance takes the risks any soldier does, myself included, but he has to be able to move faster than me so he has less armor.”

 “Then why doesn’t he stay in a sniper’s nest?” Keith hissed. This was an old topic. No matter what Hunk tried the others would shit on lance for doing his job. He was supposed to move from a hidden stationary position to a more mobile front liner, and that meant he got hit a lot. But Pidge, Keith and Hunk suspected even Shiro were just trying to find a reason to rat on Lance because the boy was loud and peppy.

 “That’s-“

 “And cracking jokes doesn’t help on the battle field, or off it. We are at war we need to stay focused.” Shiro said, his voice firm and sharp. Hunk deflated.

 “Then you will be glad to know that there is no war left to fight.” Everyone perked up at the familiar voice, a smile spread across Pidge and Shiro’s faces.

 “Dad!” Pidge yelled running up and hugging the man.

 “Not quite. I’m surprised to see you so young, I thought for sure you’d be older by now sis.” Pidge froze and looked up, really looking into the face of…

 “Matt?” Sure enough there stood Matt Holt looking almost identical to his father, much older and fit as a fiddle.

 “That’s right! Man I haven’t seen you all in so long!”

 “How long exactly?” Keith asked uneasily. Matt shrugged.

 “About 15 years give or take.”

 “I’m afraid General Holt is incorrect, it has been 20 years since you all vanished, but 15 since the war against the Galra ended.” Kolivan joined the group, he bore more scars and a tattoo of what appeared to be a wave peeking out from under his collar.

 “20 years? It was only a few seconds for us!” Hunk exclaimed. “Wait! What about lance?”

 “Hunk come on, He’s fine, and when we find his pod he’ll be complaining that we messed up his beauty rest.” Keith hissed. Hunk sighed, but noticed both Kolivan and Matt glaring at Keith.

 “Lance did not come with you. He had remained on the ship, the healing pod saved him from a catastrophic malfunction in the wormhole. For the longest time we thought you were all dead.” Kolivan explained a hint of ice creeping into his voice.

 “What? Then, what about Voltron?” Allura asked. “How did you defeat Zarkon and Prince Lotor?”

 “Well as it turns out, Lance was an amazing diplomat under pressure. He saw an in with Lotor and brought him over to our side. Lotor now leads the Galra in fixing the mistakes of his Mother and Father. As for Voltron, we found a way. I’m sure you’ll want to see lance first before we explain further.” Matt said gesturing for the paladins and advisor to follow him. “We can take you to him, myself, Kolivan and a few others were heading over to see him for his birthday anyways.”

 “And what about the other Paladins? The ones that fought when we vanished?” Allura asked. No one answered her, but rather silently led the group to a docked ship and loaded them on board. There in the ship Hunk recognized a mermaid in the group. They smiled kindly to him and extended their tail to him which he shook gently.

 “I am glad to see that you have not forgotten our customs Yellow one.” The mermaid said, their voice a soothing tone that rumbled a bit as they spoke.

 “It’s good to see that you and your people are free ah…”

 “Please, my name is Illimor, I served under General Holt during the Siege of the Rift in the final days of the war. It was my job to ensure Voltron made it to their destination unharmed. You will be pleased to hear that Lance was a fine leader in those final hours. He kept us all quite optimistic.”

 “How? By flirting with the enemy, or getting shot and cracking a joke?” Pidge snarked. Illimor ignored her and continued talking to Hunk.

 “He was a great paladin, I am sure he is quite enjoying himself now after so many years. In truth I haven’t seen him since the Grand Celebration when Lotor took the throne and declared the empire dissolved.”

 “Well knowing that he’s happy puts me more at ease.” Hunk said smiling as he felt anxiety well up in his throat. Something was missing in this picture and he wasn’t sure what.

 “Gotta say it was pre-e-etty smart how he managed to get the castle of lions flying again, who knew that Altean Mice could override Quintessence specific controls. He even managed to pilot the damned thing for nearly 4 years all by himself!” Another alien said, his voice was a hearty drawl and he was covered in what appeared to be a cloak made of ash and soot. Beneath it glowing amber veins pulsed and several arms moved like fluid. “Oh fergot to give my name, its Delliq. Ole Ocean boy Lance found me and a bunch of other escaped prisoners and offered to get us to safety. He had just figured out the castle controls by then and could barely fly the thing but he did everything to make us safe. So o’course m and some others decided to join up with him.”

 “Wait slow down! What do you mean he piloted the castle? Only an Altean can do that!” Allura shouted, furry rising in her voice. “Of all the dishonorable and destructive things he has done Lance had to defile my home?”

 “What’s that earth phrase again?” Delliq asked the open air, sarcasm dripping from his voice. “Oh yeah. Cool your tits woman. He was stuck in the middle of nowhere with a war going on, you want him to die because he couldn’t get away from the enemy?”

 “He could have taken an escape pod.” Shiro added, venom surging through his voice.

 “Oh and leave Voltron behind so the enemy could take it?” A new alien said. This one’s voice was breathy, and had multiple mouths stacked one on top of the other, no arms to speak of but massive fleshy wings.

 “He could have taken a lion away instead of destroying a piece of history! Every time Lance does something he messed it up! I’m more inclined to believe you’re all making up stories just to get at us.” Keith yelled.

 “Let’s ask Lance.” Hunk said, firm and yet shaking. He watched everyone around him and swallowed as Delliq, Illimor and even Kolivan avoided his gaze.

 “Very well. We will be arriving at Earth soon.” Kolivan said, Hunk caught Keith whispering about how of course Lance went home. The war was probably still continuing and of course Lance would hide his head in the sand. Hunk just tried to steel himself for what he was going to see.

 They arrived at a small airport/space port in what Hunk guessed was Cuba. There was hundreds of space shuttles docked in the space, some that Hunk didn’t even recognize. Dignitaries and possible royalty shuffled through a crowd of humans all chatting quietly with each other. They all cast glances at the party as they moved out into the Landing Strip. Some glared at the Paladins and Alteans. Others gave silent prayers and sad looks. Hunk decided that he was the only one who noticed as Keith, Pidge, Shiro and Allura walked briskly and with too much pomp through the crowd. Coran was the only one who hung back with Hunk, Illimor stayed with them.

“I wish perhaps that I can prevent you from going forward if only for a few moments.”

“Sure Illimor, moving on land must be hard.” Hunk said but Illimor smiled sadly and shook their head.

“That is not the problem. I must tell you both something very important. Unlike the others, I believe you both should hear the truth before it is discovered.”

“No.” Hunk whispered. He could feel bile rising in his throat as flashes of memories passed through his vision. Meeting Lance in middle school, sneaking out of the garrison to make snacks, exploring empty worlds for the hell of it. All fun times rolled by as Illimor spoke on. He could hear what they were saying, but could not for the life of him comprehend it.

Hunk fell to his knees and screamed.

Keith raced down a recently paved road in the middle of nowhere Cuba spitting curses to the wind. When he found lance he’d shake him within an inch of his life for this bullshit. Then maybe they’d kick him from paladinhood and force him to fix the castle, wherever it was. It would work, that idiot would fix his own damned mess…

“You’re going the wrong way.” Kolivan’s cool voice interrupted Keith’s thoughts. Keith turned around to find Kolivan standing in front of a church gate with Delliq and the winged alien, whose name was apparently incomprehensible unless you understood dog whistles, so he went by Whistle. Matt was nowhere in sight.

“Why here? Lance isn’t religious.” Shiro said. Delliq spat out a laugh.

“Shows what you know. But in the end religion doesn’t matter.”

“Where’s my castle?” Allura demanded, glaring the other’s down. “He tore it apart I want the only home I have left back!”

“Hah! I’m surprised you didn’t notice it before.” Whistle laughed bitterly pointing a wing to the church itself. Finally the party took it in fully through the morning mist.

The church itself was the Castle of Lions. Beautiful trees from other worlds grew in a magnificent garden around it. Leaves of bright pink silk, bark of glistening silver, and plants that they could barely comprehend expanded out towards the castle in a great forest. Pidge gasped.

“Green!” Pidge took off running to a hill that upon further inspection was in fact the Green Lion sitting in the forest. “Hey girl it’s me Pidge! I’m sorry I left you, I won’t leave again!”

“Stay or come with us, we do not care.” Whistle stated as they approached Pidge. “We are heading to visit our friend.”

“Pidge we’re going to see Lance stay safe ok?” Shiro called.

“Yeah yeah! Come on Green speak to me!”

Shiro followed Whistle, Delliq and Kolivan towards the castle once they reached it the trip turned a sharp left towards an open path that led to a beach.

“Where are you going?” Shiro asked.

“To see Lance.” Kolivan stated plainly walking down to the water front. Curious Shiro, Keith and Allura followed. Then the group stopped at the water’s edge and an elderly woman joined them with Matt steadying her walk.

“Mrs. McClain, it’s good to see you in such fine health.” Delliq said bowing to the elderly woman and taking her hand beneath his cloak. There was a fizzing sound as her hand reappeared and Mrs. McClain laughed sadly.

“Still a charming dear, as usual. My children and grandchildren have prepared for the party, but really it’s not like you all to arrive so early.” Mrs. McClain said.

 “My apologies Mrs. McClain the former Paladins of Voltron were found and we thought, that perhaps they should see where their late friend was.” Kolivan stated and Mrs. McClain sighed.

 “Then they are them?” She asked pointing to Shiro, Allura, and Keith.

 “Yes, they-“

 “Guys! Green won’t respond!” Pidge shrieked running up to the group. “I tried to climb into my seat and she spat me back out! I can’t even hear her anymore!”

 “What?” Allura breathed.

 “That’s taking things too far.” Shiro said as Keith fumed. “Where’s Lance he needs to answer for not only destroying Allura’s home but messing with our Lions.”

 “How dare you!” Mrs. McClain shrieked. “You dare to insult my boy, my little sun after everything he gave to keep you and this entire world free? You dare insult him with such insolence?”

 “He messed with our lions we need them to fight Zarkon!” Keith yelled.

 “There is no Zarkon! Lance and Lotor killed him and Haggar 15 years ago only for Lance to…” Kolivan stopped he did not continue on, rather he turned back to the sea. “I’m sorry. I know not to bring anger here. I apologize Lion King.”

 “What are you going on about? Speak plainly for once!” Allura shouted as she advanced on Kolivan a walking stick smacked her in the head.

 “Leave this sacred place! Leave my boy to his peace and you leave these men who fought so hard with him to their long fought peace! Leave now!” Mrs. McClain screamed waving her walking stick in their faces tears streaming down her clouded eyes. Before anyone could retort Matt had grabbed Pidge and Shiro’s arms and began to drag them away, Keith and Allura followed unsure what was happening.

 Silence followed only broken as they left the church grounds and they ran into Hunk, Coran and Illimor. Matt stood behind Pidge and Keith just inside the Gate, as if waiting for someone to try something.

 “Coran you will not believe this madness, it’s like everyone has lost their minds!” Allura whined, only to stop when she truly looked at Coran’s face. “What’s wrong?”

 Coran silently turned to Hunk and lightly pushed the boy forward into the gates. Hunk stumped forward as if in a dream, his eyes bloodshot and lost. Once Hunk was gone Coran turned back to Allura.

“Allura, Lance is dead.”

“What? That can’t be, he needs to fix the lions and the castle! He can’t-“ Allura hissed only for Coran to interrupt her.

“Lance changed the Castle’s systems so he could pilot it away from the enemy. He woke up alone in the castle, with all of us gone. He spent an entire year waiting and searching for us. When we did not appear Lance returned to fighting Zarkon. By then he had made it so that he could fly the Castle by tricking it’s systems into thinking he was Altean. A risky move that shaved years off his life. Then he returned to Piloting the red lion, hoping to give the coalition some advantage in the war. As he fought more and more, the other lions slowly began to bond with him allowing him to pilot all the lions at once and to form Voltron. But that came with a price. So long as he was fighting Zarkon he lived, he was perfectly healthy. But once the war was over the Lions no longer spent energy to keep him safe from the drain that comes with piloting Voltron solo. Lance died before they were able to return him home.”

“Then why won’t Green respond to me now?” Pidge asked, the news not truly settling in her brain right. “In order for Green to reject me another bond would have to be present right?”

“No.” Illimor stated plainly. “In fact no one has been able to get the Lion’s to respond to any stimuli. We believe that the Lions at this point, would only respond to Lance or one of his Kin, which is why the new Galactic coalition decided they should remain here with his family. We also ensure that his siblings and other family members need for nothing.”

“Then what’s with calling Lance of all people the Lion King?” Keith asked, fury turning into shock.

“He called himself that many times. It never failed to cheer up General Holt and those who knew of Earth media. It kept morale high.”

By now Coran had left retreating into the forest, Allura turned back to the gates and began to stride with purpose towards the Castle.

“What are you doing?” Illimor asked.

“I’m going to access the Castle’s security footage, I am going to confirm this story. Then I’m taking my Castle and my lions and leaving.” Allura said with a growl.

“Are you insane?”

“No, but you all seem to be! There is no way Lance defeated Zarkon by Piloting Voltron on his own! He has neither the skills needed nor the mental fortitude for it!” Illimor sucked in a breath.

“Stop insulting him! Do not speak another word.”

“I will, he stole all that I have left of my home, Lance will face me for his stupidity!” Suddenly Allura found herself on the ground a slippery fish tail wrapped around her chest pinning her arms to her sides.

“Stop insulting my husband! I will not have you try to sully all that he worked for!” Shiro and Keith stood in shock as Illimor continued to squeeze on Allura.

Suddenly Illimor spat and released Allura before crawling into the forest.

“Leave now, before the Lion’s decide to remove you themselves.”

#voltron #Lance McClain #Langst #fanfiction #look #I tried and I think it went well! #I gave Lance a Nonbinary spouse #I mean five year out in space #the dude was 18 at the start I'm picturing turning 20 by the time the wormhole happens #I headcannon he marries early #MAJOR CHARACTER DEATH

[soloshikigami]

So you're into World of Warcraft! Do you have any stories of your characters we could read? I know you post mostly Undertale here, I was just wondering. I love your writing!

*looks a little embarrassed* Uhm, yeah, kinda, actually... one Nano I got so excited for Pandaria that I chose my characters name and I based that Nano off her backstory. Now we didn’t really know much about where the Pandaren were coming from past a moving island hidden in the mists and such so my story is like, really inaccurate now that the game lore is out... but... yeah the story has her and my main toon (who’s a Forsaken mage), and a few other characters that were mine and the guy I was dating at the time. We had been playing together for a year or so by then. I also went off and started a story of just my mage and monk, but neither story is complete or anything.

*rummages around in files* Well, I found the Nano bit, man, I spent a lot of time world building... Uhm.... not really sure what part to show you guys... I guess when my Pandaren meets the others?

Warnings for deviating from lore, length, and poor editing XD

           When my senses returned, I could feel water come and go over my feet, so I figuredthat I must have finally washed up on shore. I flexed my hands and felt thatstrange substance that Brother Xiao had said was called sand. My fur feltwarmth down to my skin, so it was clearly mid-day and I was somewhere warm and sunny. I even tried to open my eyes butthe brightness of the sun was too much, not to mention that my head felt like it was being squeezed.

           Then a shadow loomed over my face. Ifrowned slightly, wondering what it was, and I tried to open my eyes again.Since the sun wasn't burning my eyes, I was more successful with the attempt. Ilooked up to see a dark figure and myheart pounded and my headache was forgotten.

           “Pleasedon't hurt me,” I murmured, my throat hurt and my lungs felt weak.

           “What thehell are you supposed to be?” the voice rasped at me. It sounded like whoeverthis was had spent an entire day screaming, and maybe it had.

           I shouldhave been shocked that the figure understood me, or maybe I should be surprisedthat I understood the creature. But then a thought came to me that made myblood freeze more than the water.

           “Am Idead?” I asked.

           The figuretilted its head. “You don't look like Scourge scum to me, nor are you Forsaken.”It reached behind itself and pulled out a long weapon and pointed it down atme. I could see a green glow coming from the end of the weapon.

           “Please, please don't hurt me,” I pleadedweakly.

           The figuresaid nothing and did not move. I quickly made peace with the divine andexpected that this figure was going to mean my end.

           “Tru! Whatare you doing?” said a voice.

           I couldhear the figure growl before it turned away from me and instead focused on thevoice. “How many times must I tell you not to call me that?”

           “Who isthat?” I could hear the voice come closer, then the owner of the voice was soonstanding next to the darkened figure. “Whatis that?” is asked. It was much smaller, maybe about a third of the sizeof the figure, and I could swear it had green skin. By the pitch of the voice,I assumed it was female.

           “My name isTrufax. You would do well to remember that, goblin,” growled the one named Tru,or rather, Trufax.

           “Oh stopbeing so cranky,” the other voice said. “My name is Lexi, not goblin.”

           I tried toget up, but I still felt so weak. The one who called herself Lexi sat down nextto me and placed a hand on my shoulder.

           “No,sweetie, you better take it easy,” Lexi said in a soothing voice. “It lookslike you have been through hell.”

           “It couldbe an Alliance,” Trufax said coldly.

           “Be that asit may, it is clearly in no shape to fight us.”

           “We shouldkill it; you know the others wouldagree.”

           “Patty surewouldn't, I doubt Itz would either.”

           “SentimentalTaurens.”

           “Shut up.Anyway, do not mind my cranky friend. What is your name, honey?”

           “Xiongmao,”I murmured.

           “Jongmaw?”

           “Xiongmao.”

           “Uhm, okay,well, hang on a minute and let me see if I can at least get you back on yourfeet.”

           “You'regoing to get us all killed,” Trufax said.

           “I promiseI mean no one any harm,” I tried to sit up and say, but the words barely made it out as my body was wracked with pain when I moved.

           “I believeyou, just hold on and stay calm.”

           I couldfeel one hand on my forehead, it feltstrange but warm, and another hand rested on my stomach, making me feela little uncomfortable but I endured it anyway.

           “Thy masterof the divine, I invoke thee to help restore what was lost and renew one ofyour servants,” I heard Lexi murmur.

           It feltlike warm water was pouring from thehands and flowed over my body. Icould feel my injuries healing, some of my energy returned (at least enough tomake me feel I wasn't approaching death anymore), and my headache stopped. Iwas able to open my eyes fully without fearing the sun. I sat up slowly, tentatively; I felt better but I knew Iwas not completely healed and therest would take time. I turned to the one who healed me and I found a strange,little green skinned creature kneelingnext to me and looking up at me with a smile under her white hood. Shewas dressed in white from head to toe, a simple silver staff was strapped toher back, she had dark green eyes and her thick lips were curved in a grin.

           “Thank you,”I said, bowing my head to Lexi.

           I looked over to where Trufaxwould be and I got a better look. I could feel the blood drain from my face as I looked at the most unfriendly sight I hadever seen. Trufax was clad in dark purple and black, she was as thin asa skeleton and I wondered if she were indeed the walking dead. Her hands werebony, her fingers pointed, her eyes glowed yellow, and I could swear what grayflesh she had left was rotting away.

           “So, whatare you?” Trufax asked.

           “I, I,well, what are you two?” I asked.

           “We askedfirst, and since the priest here likely saved your life, you at least owe heran explanation,” Trufax said, her handsstill grasping a dangerous-looking staff. “And I have earned one since Ihave not killed you.”

           “Uhm, thankyou?” I ventured. Trufax just narrowed her eyes. Lexi had gotten to her feetand looked at me with an expectant lookand I nodded. “You are correct;an explanation is most assuredly owed to you both. I am a Pandaren, I was part of a group seeking out others. My land has beenexperiencing terrible events and-”

           Trufax heldup a hand. “What sort of terrible events?” she asked.

           “Well, theday before I left my own village, it had been torn apart by a terribleearthquake. A chasm had even opened on the temple grounds. That was nearly a month ago, I assume,” I placed my hand on my head, for the headachewas returning. “But I do admit, my perception of time is weak at the moment.”

           Trufaxlooked down at Lexi, who gave Trufax a grim look.

           “You arenot the first to say so,” Lexi said softly. “If your homeland is so far from here, then perhaps you do not know.The entire world had endured cataclysm, and we still are fighting to makethings right.”

           “We betterget back before the others worry,”Trufax said. Without another word or gesture, she turned away from us andwalked into the forest.

           “She isright,” Lexi said. “Come on, it can be dangerous out here.”

           I got to myfeet, I felt shaky but I did my best to hide it. The sand felt strange under myfeet, very much felt like how it was during the earthquakes, yet the only thingunstable was me.

           “You allright?” Lexi asked, her voice was laced with amusement. “You look like you havenever seen or walked on sand before.”

           “Ah, well,that would be because I never have before,” I explained. “Is it always this hothere in this land?”

           “You meanin Stranglethorn Vale?” Lexi said, sounding like she was going to laugh. “Well,yes, this is a tropical climate.”

           “I see,” Ireplied. I had heard of the word before and it was usually used for implyingparadise, but if this was paradise I did not want it.

           We finallyreached the shade and I could not have felt more relief. There did not seem tobe a clear path to where we were going, but Lexi maneuvered through the plantsand brush without a problem. Maybe this was her home, so it was no wonder thatshe was able to move so nimble and quick. Then again, she was small, and smallcreatures tended to be nimble.

           I was alittle distracted as we walked because I was looking around at all of theunfamiliar plants and trees and listening to the strange, alien calls of otheranimals that I have likely never knew of before. Part of me was still a bitfrightened at all of this but it was overcome by wonder and knowing that I hadto be brave. Even though I may not be with Brother Xiao and the others, I stillhad my mission, and I could still fulfill it on my own.

           “You weregone a long time, have you run into trouble?” I heard a light, female voiceask.

           “Lexi willexplain. Excuse me.” I heard Trufax say.

           Soon wepassed through a pair of bushes and arrived at the camp of Lexi, Trufax, andtheir group.

           They staredat us, well, they stared at me. I was sure that I looked as strange to them asthey did to my eyes. There were two more creatures that looked like Lexi,Goblins I presumed, A tall, thin, blond haired creature with glowing green eyesand pointed ears, and two creatures that sat to one side that were the male andfemale counterparts of their species. The male had two horns and a ring throughits large nose. The female had a dark face, also a fairly big nose like themale, and it was these two who regarded me more with curiosity than any otheremotion.

           “Lexi, whatthe fuck is that thing?” the male Goblin screeched.

           “Watch yourtone in front of a holy practitioner,” Lexi said to him sternly.

           “Butseriously, Lex, what the heck did you bring back with you this time?” the otherGoblin stood and came up to me, walking around and inspecting me.

           “Antauri,don't be rude by inspecting our guest the same way you inspect machinery,” theblond haired creature scolded, moving forward and shooing the Goblins aside.“Forgive my companions, here, Goblins rarely know the meaning of subtly. Myname is Toshiko.”

           “Toshiko,”I repeated slowly, the name sounding strange coming from my mouth. “I amXiongmao, a Pandaren. Forgive me, but what manner of being are you?”

           “I am aBlood Elf. I assume, then, that you are new to the Eastern Kingdom? Where haveyou come from?” Toshiko asked.

           “It's ademon! Kill it!” The male Goblin cried out, brandishing a sharp bladed weapon.

           “Schnap!Behave yourself!” Lexi said, knocking the male on the head with her staff.

           “No, I amnot a demon, I am a Pandaren,” I said, I could hear my impatience showing in myvoice, just slightly.

           “Not onlyis Schnap a little brash, but he is unforgiving towards others at time,” saidthe female creature for which I had no name. She stood, and I marveled at howtall she was. She smiled as she came forward and held out a hand to me. “I amPattywhack, daughter of Knnick, from Mulgore. Xiongmao, was it?”

           “Yes,” Isaid, staring down at her hand. I bowed, unsure what her gesture meant buthoping my gesture had some meaning.

           Pattywhacknodded and returned my bow. “Welcome.”

           I suddenlynoticed it had darkened around us and I looked up to see that now the malecreature had stood and he towered over both Patty and me. He stared down at mewith a scrutinizing gaze, and it was about then my exhaustion caught up with meas I experienced the shock of being confronted by so large a creature.

           I fainted.