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sednonamoris · 2 years

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cloudburst

Pairing: John Marston x reader

Summary: Shot by a bounty hunter and left for dead, you’re saved by an unlikely pair in the dead of night. (Set pre-game with young John and Arthur)

Warnings: Canon-typical violence and language, references to dead animals, gun violence, description of wounds, nihilistic/borderline suicidal thoughts

Word count: 1,389

Masterlist

—

It is raining and you are going to die.

Thunder rumbles through the open heavens as rainfall pounds blood into the mud of the dirt road beneath you. Lightning arcs, crackles, splits the sky. For a heartbeat it lights your surroundings, just enough to show how very alone you are, pinned beneath a dead horse and bleeding out from a gunshot to the shoulder.

The man who shot you lies dead as well, riddled with holes you put in him just a few yards up the road. The bastard. What are the chances a bounty hunter would recognize you this far North? What are the chances you’d run into one sitting on a stolen horse at the dark end of dusk on an otherwise empty road? Your teeth grit into a grimace. You’ve never been lucky, and the glint of moonshine on metal as the storm formed above you only further exemplified that fact.

Your legs are all but numb now. The left is badly sprained - probably broken, if you’re honest with yourself. Hands slick with blood and rainwater as they are, it’s hard to keep pressure on your shoulder. More blood oozes out with every heartbeat.

You hadn’t realized that dying would be this boring.

Or take this long.

Or be this lonesome.

So far as you can tell there’s no one else around for miles. The storm isn’t letting up, and the wind that drives rain sideways into your face is a painful and unwanted reminder of how alive you remain.

If only you’d been knocked unconscious in the fall.

If only he’d had better aim, a more sinister voice whispers in the back of your mind.

Then, distantly, the wet suction of hoofbeats in mud. You must be delirious, because something treacherously close to hope bubbles up your throat and comes out in a strangled cry. It’s barely audible over the storm.

“There’s somethin’ in the road,” a scratchy voice shouts to be heard.

“No there ain’t.” Someone else, a little older.

“Is too,” the first voice insists. “Look there.”

Look here.

Another flash of lightning illuminates the landscape. Your eyes meet two strangers’ wide and helpless. They stare back just as shocked, just as wary. Like a wild animal caught in a trap you are willing to gnaw off a limb if it means freedom.

“Please,” is the only thing that comes out of your mouth. Please spare me, please kill me, please save me? You’re not sure which. Please.

One of them jumps down from their horse and rushes to your side. “Help me lift this damn horse, Arthur!”

The other one - Arthur - hops down with a curse, hat low on his brow. It takes three tries to lift the mare enough for you to squeeze out. Your breath comes out in body-wracking sobs. You’d been stuck for over an hour.

“Can you stand?” one asks.

You try to move your leg and bite back bile. “No.”

More muttered cursing.

“Arthur,” your rough-voiced savior warns.

The next lightning strike is much closer. You watch Arthur’s hard mouth draw into a line in the flash. “Fine. Your horse will take the extra weight.”

Dead weight, your mind helpfully supplies.

And so your fate is decided.

Arthur throws you up into the saddle behind his bony compatriot, and to his credit he isn’t unkind about it. Not that it matters; Your leg and shoulder scream out in pain with every movement. Your only mercy is that the ride isn’t long.

The rain starts to lighten over the narrow deerpaths and overgrown game trails you follow in almost complete darkness to what looks like an abandoned homestead at first blush. Nature has done its best to reclaim this place. Weeds run rampant, tall and unchecked, and there’s a hole in the cabin’s roof that doesn’t look new. They hitch the horses out back and lift you carefully, carefully to the ground. The impact still leaves you hissing in pain.

“Sorry.”

“S’fine,” you wheeze.

Propped up by the boy you rode with, you gimp your way inside. His lean body has a wiry strength you wouldn’t expect as he maneuvers you into a rickety chair at the dining table.

“John,” Arthur barks, “get a fire going. I need tweezers and a hot iron if we’re doin’ this right. That bullet’s still in there.”

John leaps into action, leaving you woozy and clutching your shoulder.

“Here.” You’re offered a bottle of whisky. Arthur watches with a careful expression as you cry out pouring some in the bullet hole, then swallow down half the bottle with a grimace to try and numb the pain.

“You done this before?” he asks.

“Why else would bounty hunters be shootin’ at me in the middle of the goddamn night?”

He snorts softly. “Fair enough.”

You almost laugh at the absurdity of your situation, but John brings a strap of leather for you to bite down on and without another word Arthur digs the tweezers in the flesh of your shoulder to root out the bullet.

You scream.

“There she is,” Arthur murmurs as metal finds metal.

It’s a wonder you don’t black out. You wish you would. But then it’s out and the singe of scalding metal on flesh and the smell of burning skin overwhelms your senses in a white-hot flash of pain.

Your skin is clammy with sweat and the remnants of rain as you sit there gasping for breath. Setting your leg isn’t pleasant, but far easier. The two boys watch you carefully. If you didn’t know better you’d say they were almost impressed.

“You’re pretty fuckin’ tough, you know that?” John says. Now that you’re looking at him he seems just about your age. Up close and under lantern light you can see faint scarring around his neck. His dark hair lies long and limp, untamed. The line of his mouth and the glint in his eyes is a little mean. You like it.

Arthur, meanwhile, regards you silently. He can’t be but a few years older, early twenties at most. His sandy blonde hair is dark from the rain and his larger frame fills the chair opposite you not with menace but… promise. The promise that if you threaten either one of them after this you won’t walk away. You like that, too.

Gentlefolk were never your kind.

“That bounty hunter,” Arthur says slowly, deliberately, “what was he after you for?”

You meet his discerning gaze. You’re not above lying but these boys just saved your life.

A life for a truth.

“You ever heard of the Ghost Rider of New Austin up in these parts?”

“You’re the Ghost Rider?” John interrupts.

You look at them both, wary but open. “I been runnin’ North ever since they got a good poster of me down there. That horse that crushed my legs I stole off of some rich bastard outside of town. Just plain dumb luck to run into that bounty hunter so late, and that he recognized me.”

“Did plain dumb luck put those bullets in him, too?”

Your gaze hardens. “No.”

“You ever heard of the Van der Linde boys?” It’s your turn to be surprised. “We been runnin’ with him a long time now.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because,” Arthur says, “when John and I turn in the score from the homestead we just robbed, you’re comin’ with us.”

You open your mouth to argue but he shuts you down just as quick. “How long are you gonna last on that leg, with that shoulder, and no horse?”

“C’mon, Ghost,” John says. “We’re down a rider and we just saved your life. You get all healed up, ride with us, and we’ll call it square.”

Kindness is never free, you should know that better than anyone.

“…Deal.”

There’s only one bedroom unspoilt by the rot eating away at the rest of the place, so the boys cozy in as best they can on the spongy, waterlogged floorboards while you try not to aggravate your injuries on bedsheets riddled with moth holes and a cot that’s seen better days.

The rain has stopped now, only a soft drip, drip, drip heard from the hole in the roof, and for the first time in a long time you feel confident that you are going to live.

#john marston x reader #rdr2 x reader #rdr x reader #fran writes #ghost story #ch. 1

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fallen-savior-mmz · 7 months

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Fallen Savior Chapter 1;

Prologue-

Neo Arcadia stood silent and intimidating in the raging sea below, its glowing tower and high walls protecting the last remaining humans and reploids on the decimated planet. The silver moon shone its dim light on the city, casting the stark, white and gold buildings in an eerie light.

Standing at one of the windows, overlooking his bone-white city, Mega Man X watched over the crashing waves with a silent eye. He had never truly felt at home here, hiding out in the waves with only trains and lonely highways being their connection to the land.

The ocean was somber, as if it was in mourning for its fallen comrade in the form of the Earth's soil.

So many lives had been lost, landscapes devastated, entire continents wiped from the map. X had seen it all, had lived through every disaster, and had been utterly powerless to stop it.

Omega, and the Mother Elf, cursed with the power of destruction, had descended onto the peoples of earth like a shadow of death, the accursed reploid wearing Zero’s face personally seeing to some of X’s greatest nightmares. They still didn’t know where the monster had come from, and why the newly named Dark Elf had been with him. X hadn’t had time to contemplate the idea either.

90% of the Reploid race, the very beings that X had helped create centuries ago, had been wiped from the planet. If they were an organic race, that would mean extinction, with not enough individuals being able to keep the species going.

60% of the humans had been lost, and they were avoiding extinction by a mere thread. X honestly wasn’t sure if the humans were quite out of the woods yet, only time would tell he supposed.

X shied away from those thoughts, they never helped on nights like these, where the stuffiness of Neo Arcadia forced him to his window, longing for his home and his friends.

With a huff, X pulled at his hair, adjusting the ponytail he was forced to wear at all times. He had never had hair long enough to pull it up like this when he was younger, he honestly hadn’t even thought it was possible for his hair to grow, seeing as how that was typically a trait of beings of flesh and blood. His father always left him with surprises however, and as the Elf Wars went from weeks to months to years, and the time for silly things like personal care went away, his hair had grown with the time.

Now, his raven black hair drifted past his shoulders when he let it down, and if he didn’t tuck his bangs into his helmet properly, they drifted over his nose, almost into his eyes.

X found he liked it down much better than when it was up. The ponytail pulled at his head and felt uncomfortable in his helmet, as inconceivable as that was. The armor already caused him great distress, like many things that the inner council of his own city forced him to do and wear. His armor was to be worn at all times, and his helmet could only come off when no one was around.

“To keep up appearances, Master X! The people need to see their savior as perfect at all times!”

The android shuddered, remembering that particular conversation.

Halfway through the wars, following a particularly nasty conflict with Omega, X’s armor had been utterly destroyed, the shining blues and silvers being shredded and turned black with wear. New armor had been created for him, a push from what little governments had survived the fallout, giving X a more...ethereal feel.

His blues that he had lived his entire life with were gone, a silly thing to mourn, but stripped away among the rest of everything X held dear. It was replaced with whites and golds, a false promise that X could save everyone, like some kind of angel or savior for the world.

It made X sick, this falsehood and promises of salvation. As if X was anything but a failure. His armor had been designed to adhere to his body as closely as possible, and had been polished to a shining white, like some beacon of hope in the plains of desolation.

Zero would have said it suited me…

X shook his head at that thought, the idea of his partner’s soft affirmations being the thing to finally tip him over into despair.

He supposed he wasn’t getting any sleep tonight.

“Greetings, Master X.”

There came another headache. Mega Man X cursed under his breath, turning away from his sulking window to face the largest stretch of a “human” that he had ever had the displeasure of meeting.

Dr. Weil approached him, one of the key members of Neo Arcadia’s parliament, and the oldest living human left on the planet.

Living is not how I would describe him…

X schooled his thoughts into place, letting the tiny spark of pettiness well up and subsequently die inside of him.

“Good evening, Doctor. Is there anything I can help you with tonight?”

X spoke evenly, vaguely aware of the headache pulsing under his tight pony. He would do anything to be able to rip it out and let his hair flow over his shoulders. But, Weil would surely report his “Master’s” disobedience to the Council, and a lecture would surely follow. So much for being the leader here.

“Ah, I just wished to run some paperwork by you, there have been more and more reports of rogue mechaniloid and pantheons along our foraging routes. I know it is informal for someone as esteemed as yourself to take charge of patrols, but it may be necessary. The energy crises grow ever more dire, and the seal on the Dark Elf won’t hold forever.” Weil’s twisted grin remained on his face throughout his report, the paperwork in his hands holding more stress and dread than the man perhaps knew.

Or maybe he knew just enough, being the one who always seemed to be the bearer of bad news, and finding joy in his role.

X knew Weil enjoyed testing the android to see how far he could push X’s limit of stress management. Why he did, he would never know, seeing as how X’s survival and health were directly tied to the Dark Elf’s seal.

X had always kept the man as far from him as he could, but there was only so much he could do.

“I see...and this couldn’t wait until the morning? I’m aware of the good doctor’s rapport for diligent work, but I ask that the evenings be saved for myself.”

X chided as professionally as he could. God how he hated this.

“My apologies, I was aware of your...nightly activities, but I felt that this should be brought to you immediately, seeing as how your duties have been shifted tomorrow so you can take lead patrol.”

Weil dipped his odd, encapsulated head, his eerie grin piercing through what little remained of X’s comfort.

“I’m sorry, did you say my duties have been rearranged? Without any consultation with me? Forgive me Doctor, but you are aware of how dangerous it is for me to leave the city.”

X grit his teeth to keep from yelling. His adopted way of speech driving him insane, he wanted to scream and shout about how absolutely ludicrous the idea was.

Weil only shrugged, dipping his head again.

“Forgive me, Master X, but the decision is final. We feel it would be best if you protect the salvage teams tomorrow from any..stray threats.”

With that, the doctor bid X farewell, and left.

The android remained standing at his window, his uncomfortable armor pinching his “skin” and his back aching from remaining ramrod straight.

This didn’t feel right, everything in X’s being was screaming at him that this was wrong. The further he was from the Dark Elf, the more strain on the seal there was. For safekeeping, he had remained solely in the inner sanctums of Neo Arcadia, putting as little strain on the seal as possible.

But now, every day, the Council seemed to be pushing their luck, forcing X farther and farther away from Yggdrasil, with Weil always being the one to give the final push.

This seemed too far. Much too far, this was a risk that they shouldn’t take.

What X would do to have Zero here...to have anyone here...

Mega Man X inhaled sharply at the thought, his disastrous thoughts finally doing him in. He would do the patrol, if only to shut the Council up. Maybe then, he could get some rest.

He retrieved his helmet from the sill of his brooding window, placing it on his head and waiting for it to properly come online. The helmet was the thing least modified about his body, even with the addition of little wings on it, the one thing that had remained a constant, the azure metal comforting in a way he hadn’t had in a long, long time.

If he was to leave Neo Arcadia, and possibly get himself into a fight, then he needed to be fast, and accurate. This meant a trip to the shooting range.

With one final glance, he turned from the ocean, heading inwards into the sanctum to prepare for his first trip out of the city walls in years.

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

“I delivered the message. He has been informed of his schedule change, and is leading the first patrol out of Neo Arcadia. Be prepared, we have one shot at this.”

“Approximately how long until he reaches the agreed upon point?”

“It shouldn’t take him more than half a day, if the convoy keeps its speed.”

“Understood...and Doctor?”

“What is it?”

“Are you sure this is the right thing to do? Master X has been as diligent as he can be to help humans...are we sure this is what’s best?”

“X has been humanity’s protector for a very long time. Using the Dark Elf, we could finally give him the utopia he has strived his whole life for. We just need to break the seal.”

“Ah...understood sir, thank you. We will move forward with the plan.”

The line disconnected as the doctor smiled, his plans falling seamlessly into place.

Soon, Omega will return, and the Dark Elf with him. I can finally achieve what I have been striving for since the start of the Elf Wars.

Foolish X...I can’t wait to see your corpse...

#fs-chapter update #ch. 1 #fs-chapter archive

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brainfuzzz · 2 years

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A Happier Life Ch. 1 "A Dragon, A Crocodile, And Now... A Rubber Boy."

Crocodile and Dragon co-parent Luffy while struggling to define their relationship.

This is a fic where Luffy is 7 and living with Crocodile in Alabasta. Baroque Works knows that Crocodile is the boss and so does everyone else. Crocodile struggles to be a villain while raising a goodhearted Luffy and being involved with a Revolutionary. This fic is for my pure enjoyment of crocomom and wanting to create a much happier timeline. Some chapters will have more plot than others. Some chapters will only exist for fluff or very mild smut. I never go to graphic but who knows. All straw hat ages are younger and based around Luffy's except for Robin who I made 14 and Franky 16. Brook stays the same along with Jinbei. Most backstories will be rewritten to make them happier with some exceptions. Oh, and Crocodile is Whitebeard's son.

Crocodile stands on the roof of a building as the heat from the unforgiving Alabasta sun beats down on him, causing beads of sweat to trickle down his neck dampening his collar. He stares down at a group of pirates currently running amok in the city. One of the panicked citizens glances up, noticing his long shadow stretching across the square.

“It’s Crocodile! He’s here to save us!” a woman cheers. The rest of the helpless citizens join in, relieved to see that their so called savior has arrived just in time. The captain of the pirates follows their stares up to the warlord glaring down at him.

“You may be a warlord but you’re still only one man! How do you plan to take on all of us?” the captain thrusts his sword in the air prompting his fellow crew members to do the same. The vein in Crocodile’s left temple throbs with annoyance. He steps off the ledge, letting his body fall to the ground and lands on his feet with a great force. The pirate captain is frozen, too stunned to move or speak. Crocodile lifts his eyes to the captain.

“You’re making me late,” his voice is like acid. Before the captain has a chance to react, Crocodile conjures a sandstorm and drains the pirates of all moisture. He gathers them up into a sack as quickly as possible, feeling each second tick by. People are still cheering around him, but they only aid in his annoyance.

“Thank you, sir!” a man says, stepping in Crocodile’s path.

“Out of my way!” Crocodile shoves past, not wanting to waste another second. The man he shoved is caught by another man.

“Don’t worry, he’s always like this when it gets around this time.” The other man says. The vein in Crocodile’s temple throbs again. Had it been any other day, he would have turned around and drained that man of his moisture too.

Once at the outskirts of town, he spots Banchi waiting for him. He tosses the sack of pirates to a billion, who is standing patiently by the already open carriage door.

“Step on it, Banchi.” Crocodile snaps before ducking into the carriage. The second the door is closed, Banchi lurches forward nearly knocking Crocodile back in his seat. He runs an impatient hand over his head, smoothing his hair. “I despise being late.”

“I know, Sir.” Robin says from her seat. She gives a calm smile with her hands folded neatly in her lap. “Mr. 1, Miss Doublefinger, Mr. 2, Mr. 3, and Miss Goldenweek are already preparing the ship for departure as we speak.”

“Good.” Crocodile lets out a sigh, struggling to find a comfortable place for his hand. He wants to smoke a cigar, but he’s been trying to cut back. At least while in close quarters with children. Crocodile glances at Robin who happily stares out of Banchi’s window. Sometimes he forgets that Robin is only 14. He rests his head back against the carriage and closes his eyes. After the life she’s lived, it’s no wonder that she’s been forced to grow up faster then most.

When Banchi finally reaches the harbor, Crocodile is stepping out of the carriage before it can come to a complete stop. His ship is docked only a few feet in front of him. It’s large but not oversized. He’s had to cut back on that too. It’s rare that he finds need to actually leave the island and the few times he does, he can’t always rely on a large crew. He feels he can only trust the highest ranking agents in Baroque Works when he leaves the Alabasta shores. He stalks towards his ship; hearing Robin do a little jog to try and keep up. His agents are moving quickly on the deck, each preparing for their Boss’ arrival.

“Mr. 1,” Crocodile says when he’s reached the deck. Daz stands to the side, ready for orders. “Is the ship ready?”

“Yes, Sir.” He nods while silently following Crocodile further onboard.

“Good, then set sail.” Crocodile barks. Daz nods and turns to relay the order. Bon Clay spots him and gives a ballerina twirl out of excitement.

“Oh, Boss! I do look forward to these trips! Though, I suppose the reason for them is rather sad… but either way! I will personally make sure that this goes off without a hitch!” he states with the same level of enthusiasm that he always has.

Mr. 3 rolls his eyes and says, “That’s great, now do you think you can actually help get the ship prepared to do that?”

Mr. 2 and Mr. 3 go off in a rant. Crocodile has grown used to their squabbles and has learned to just let them tire themselves out. He steps past the two and continues walking. Miss Doublefinger notices and manages to set them straight and once everyone is finally focused; the ship sets sail.

Crocodile sits in a chair, staring at the endless horizon, tapping his foot relentlessly while shifting positions every couple seconds. Robin sits in a chair next to him, peacefully reading one of her books. Every now and then she’ll glance at him and give a soft laugh before returning to her story.

“Boss,” Miss Goldenweek appears at his side. “You seem tense. Would you like me to help?”

Crocodile gives a sigh, “No.”

“Then would you like some tea? It calms the nerves.” Miss Goldenweek holds up a cup of tea. He stares at the dark liquid for a moment before giving in. He grumbles something about not being tense but sips the drink all the same. The rich flavor spreads warmth down his throat and chest and as much as he hates to admit it, it does help.

“Thank you, Miss Goldenweek.” He takes another sip. She smiles and moves over to Robin.

“Miss All Sunday, would you like some tea?” she asks.

Robin gives a smile with the shake of her head, “No thank you, but if you have coffee, I’d love a cup.”

Miss Goldenweek gives another smile and goes off to get Robin her cup of coffee. Crocodile finally gives in and reaches into his coat and pulls out a cigar. He slips it between his lips and lights it.

“Everything’s going to be okay,” Robin says once Crocodile has exhaled a long stream of smoke. “We’ll be a little later then usual but nothing of great grandeur.”

Crocodile gives a dissatisfied grunt but says nothing. Time seems to crawl by for Crocodile, and by the time the Goa Kingdom comes into view, he’s already smoked four cigars. The second the ship is docked, Crocodile is hopping over the railing, not waiting for Daz to get the boardwalk ready. He makes a beeline for their usual meeting spot. The sleepy town of Windmill Village is as calm and peaceful as always. Someone is selling fruit in a cart on the side of the road as people smile and wave to each other as they pass by. Crocodile keeps moving, a few people notice him, but most locals are either used to seeing his face or fail to recognize him altogether. He thinks it’s because they can never think of a logical reason that the Warlord Crocodile would come to their village. He spots two figures standing in the usual alley. One is Garp who stands with his back towards the street while nervously rubbing the back of his neck. The other man is without a doubt Dragon. Crocodile arches a brow but doesn’t slow his speed. He hadn’t been expecting Dragon to be here. When Dragon’s eyes lifts over his father’s shoulder and meets Crocodile’s, he quickly looks away, hissing something under his breath before they both turn and give big smiles. Big unnatural smiles.

“What’s going on?” Crocodile eyes them suspiciously once he’s finally reached the rendezvous point.

Garp clears his throat nervously, “I don’t know what you mean.”

“I wasn’t expecting to see you.” Crocodile turns his gaze on Dragon who has yet to drop his wide cartoonish smile.

“Oh, yeah, I was nearby and decided to drop by and see you before you left.” He rubs the back of his neck now mimicking his father’s nervous fidget. Crocodile frowns and looks around. A pit forms in his stomach when he’s unable to find what he’s looking for. He opens his mouth to confront Dragon and Garp before pausing when he hears little feet running through the street.

“Heeeey!” a little boy bobs and weaves through people as he excitedly races towards Crocodile. “Papa!”

“Luffy!” Crocodile lets out a relieved breath. With Garp and Dragon acting so suspicious he had thought something bad happened to Luffy. He kneels down to his son’s level. “How was your visit with grandpa?”

Luffy comes to a skidding stop when he reaches him. He places a hand on top of a straw hat that Crocodile has never seen before and drops his smile, “It sucked!”

Garp flinches and lifts a fist like he might hit him but stops when he sees Crocodile’s death glare. Crocodile softens his expression and looks back to his son, “Oh, and why’s that?”

“Grandpa tied me to a bunch of balloons and let them fly me away!” Luffy puffs his cheeks out in disapproval at his grandpa.

“Oh, did he?” Crocodile turns his death glare back on Garp.

Dragon pinches the bridge of his nose. “Dad, I told you, you can’t do that stuff to Luffy.”

“It’s just to make him stronger! It worked on you.” Garp crosses his arms with a defensive frown.

“I don’t think Dragon’s a good example of a properly parented child.” Crocodile rolls his eyes.

“Yeah… hey.” Dragon frowns at Crocodile, but after sharing a look they both decide to drop it. Crocodile taps the top of Luffy’s new hat.

“Where did you get this? Did Makino give it to you?” he watches Luffy’s face turn into a big grin. Garp and Dragon tense.

“No, I got this from Shanks!”

Crocodile blinks, letting the words register fully before carefully asking, “Shanks? As in…”

“Yeah, Red Haired Shanks! The pirate captain.” Luffy grins wider while grabbing the edges of his straw hat, practically beaming pride. Crocodile swallows, noticing the color drain from Garp’s and Dragon’s face.

“Oh? And why did he give you a hat?” Crocodile is trying to hold in his anger. The gears in his head turn, trying to figure out why Shanks would care about his son. Does he know who Luffy really is? Did he come here specifically for Luffy? And then, a much darker thought. Did Crocodile’s father say something to him? This couldn’t just be a coincidence. Luffy looks down at the ground for a moment before meeting Crocodile’s eyes.

“Because I told him I was gonna be the King of the Pirates. One day I’m gonna get a pirate crew even better then his!” Luffy’s eyes are more serious than they’ve ever been. Crocodile stares at his son and his fearless determination. Eventually Crocodile lets out a tense breath and pats his son’s head.

“Then you do that. Become the next Pirate King. Be great.” He watches Luffy’s smile reappear, melting away the anger he had just seconds ago. Luffy wraps his arms around Crocodile’s neck, letting his papa lift him up into his arms. Crocodile rests his temple against Luffy’s, feeling the comfort and peace he’s been missing for nearly a month now. Steps approach from behind as Robin appears at his side.

“Robin my girl!” Garp says enthusiastically. Robin smiles while brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Good to see you both.” she says shyly.

Luffy shifts in Crocodile’s arms to get a better look at Robin. “Robin! You came!”

Robin grins at him. “Hey Luffy. Glad to see you still have all ten fingers. Nice hat.”

She taps his forehead. Crocodile gives another glare towards Garp who adverts his eyes.

“Well,” Dragon says after Garp elbows him. “I guess we should all be off. Not safe for all of us to be on this island at one time.”

“Smart. Good thinking.” Garp gives a thumbs up of approval. Crocodile arches another brow. They’re still hiding something but either way, Dragon’s right. It’s hard enough keeping their child a secret while trying to give him the resemblance of a normal life. They only ever get together once a year during the holidays and every year Dragon and Crocodile hold their breath, waiting for the next newspaper to come out revealing Luffy’s true bloodline. Crocodile pats Luffy’s back as he wiggles in his arms. The child never can sit still for long. He lets Luffy down but holds his hand, so he won’t run off. Robin takes his other hand, already knowing how prone he is to disappear without a moment’s notice.

“Very well,” Crocodile says at last. He looks to Garp. “Thank you for looking after Luffy.”

“What are grandads for?” Garp grins before kneeling down to Luffy. “Gonna say goodbye to grandpa?”

Garp holds his arms out for a hug as Luffy stares at him with a plain face before lifting a hand and saying, “Bye.”

Garp tenses again. “Damn it brat! Don’t be so casual about it!”

Luffy sticks his tongue out at him. Dragon sighs and steps closer. He kneels down, lifts Luffy’s hat, and kisses his forehead. “See you later kid.”

Luffy stares at his dad, now with a sadder frown, “You aren’t coming with us?”

“Afraid not, buddy. I just wanted to see you off before going back to work.” He stands, rubbing Luffy’s head, causing his new hat to mess with his hair. Luffy reaches out and hugs Dragon’s legs.

“Bye dad.” When he lets go, he takes Crocodile’s and Robin’s hand again, ready to go. Crocodile looks to Dragon who gives a warm smile. He reaches out and squeezes Crocodile’s arm and let’s go. They never show any affection to each other while in public. Another rule of theirs to try and keep Luffy’s identity safe. Crocodile’s heart aches, wanting more then just a squeeze on the arm but shoves that feeling down. Garp and Dragon says their goodbye to Robin, who can only give a shy nod. He lets out a breath and looks down at their son.

“Ready?” he asks. Luffy squeeze’s Crocodile’s hand with a smile.

“Ready!”

They start down the street towards their ship. Crocodile feels a million times lighter now that Luffy is with him. Whenever he’s gone, he spends every night wondering what he could be going through, good or bad. He looks down at his boy, who happily walks between him and Robin, swinging their arms with every step. Crocodile returns his eyes to stare ahead.

“Oh!” Luffy says suddenly. “I forgot my bag!”

“That’s alright. Robin, can you…” he’s cut short as he casually turns his head to speak to Robin but stops when he notices her face pale. She’s staring back towards the alley at Garp and Dragon. Crocodile slowly looks down. Luffy’s hand is still in his, but Luffy is no longer standing at his side. His heart pounds against his chest as he follows Luffy’s arm that stretches all the way back to the alley.

“I got it!” Luffy says, holding his bag up with the arm he wiggled free from Robin.

“Damn it Luffy! We were so close!” Garp yells, his face as pale as Robin’s. Dragon pinches his nose, knowing what was coming. Crocodile lets Luffy’s hand go out of shock and watches that hand shoot back towards his son.

“Luffy!” Crocodile shouts, horror written across his face. “What happened to you?”

“Oh, yeah! I forgot to tell you,” His son grins while hooking a finger in his mouth and stretching his cheek an abnormally long way. “I’m a rubber man now!”

Crocodile zeros in on Dragon and Garp as they realize its too late to run. He uses his sand to propel him back to the alley where he lands a powerful blow to each of their heads.

“Damn it, Dragon! What did you do to our son?” he stands over them as they rub the welp on their heads.

“I didn’t do it! He was already like this when I got here.” Dragon and his father sit on the ground, crossing their legs. Crocodile clenches his jaw.

“And you didn’t call to tell me?” he’s seething with anger.

Dragon gives a weak smile, “I was going to call and tell you… after you already picked Luffy up and were safely out of striking range.”

Crocodile hits them both again.

“Damn it Crocodile!” Garp yells but shuts his mouth when he gets another look at his face.

Crocodile turns to Garp, “So, what happened then?”

“It was that damned pirate Shanks.” Garp says finally. “I left Luffy with Makino while I was on a call with Sengoku. Apparently, he was there too and… well, that’s how Luffy got his hands on the gum gum fruit.”

He looks over at Luffy who stands with Robin, excitedly showing her his stretchy arms. Crocodile rubs his temple, suddenly drained by the conversation. Dragon slowly gets to his feet and reaches his hand out to rest on Crocodile’s shoulder.

“It’s not that bad,” his already low voice is soft and warm. Crocodile has a sudden urge to rest his head on Dragon’s shoulder and bury his face in his neck. He doesn’t, of course. They’re still in public and he’s still mad at him. Dragon goes on, “We both have devil fruit powers. We knew that someday he’d probably eat one too.”

“Not at seven, Dragon.” Crocodile shakes his head, his eyes staring at their shoes. Crocodile’s are polished and shine from the sun. Dragon’s are scuffed and matted from constant use. Dragon gives a chuckle.

“I don’t know. Knowing our kid, I figured something like this would happen.” He grins, making the urge to lean on him even stronger. Crocodile finally sighs and nods.

“Fine. It’s not like we can do anything about it anyway.” He gives in, though he’s still not happy about it. This time he reaches out, touching Dragon’s arm, feeling his warmth. When he drops his hand, he has to turn away, otherwise he might break their rule of no public affection. Luffy notices him and runs to his side. “Let’s go home.”

Luffy waves goodbye to his father and grandpa while Robin and Crocodile hold his hand, tighter than before. He doesn’t know what this means for Luffy’s future. All he does know is that he’s about to have a lot more sleepless nights.

Read story HERE on AO3!!!

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werewolves-are-real · 9 months

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Jim dies. McCoy figures Spock has about 2 years until another pon farr, and takes some steps to ensure he doesn't lose his remaining friend.

#@howvipdowegot2get #my writing #prompt #ch. 1

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ruckis--rookie · 5 months

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Order of the Stars: Heroes of the Morning Stars

Ch. 1 - Heroes Collide

[Standard Issue Disclaimer: Some of the following content may prove to be graphic. To prevent spoilers the following warning has been provided. Readers discretion advised. I do not condone any behaviors that may be acted out by characters.]

“It’s after this nuclear fallout that the surviving human populace returned to the surface, not knowing what to expect. The air was breathable. Nature was healing… And the animals had evolved. Not just in terms of appearance, either. Historians say that at the time Animals evolved to be even bigger, with most evolving to stand on two legs. They displayed human-like characteristics” A low, soft voice echoed from the speakers on the old fashioned box tv hung in the corner of the store. “But they also showed aggression and wariness towards the humans. And so, a plan was devised to create a barrier to keep anything inhumane out. Fearing what this newfound evolution in animals could entail. This was the start of the proud lands we call the Neo-Dome. A land built to protect human tradition and keep out the savages.”

Aleron huffs in annoyance at the history documentary on the TV. The strokes of his brushes with the broom grow more forcible in attempts to drown out the noise of the TV by scraping the bristles against the grey concrete flooring. Not paying attention to what he's doing, he bumps the corner of the broom right into the front counter. It makes him jump a slight, staring at the disorganized tabletop. Deciding to do some tidying up he leans the broom against the counter and walks over to the cashier’s side. From there he starts by taking up any papers he can find and straightening them out into a bundle, setting them off neatly to the side. He does this a few times until absolutely every thin sheet is out of the way. After that he moves on to picking up smaller things on the counter such as pencils and pens, putting them in the mug that they had been using as a pencil holder.

He stares at the small, chibi canid cartoon character printed on the front of it. That bubbly, round character sporting a vibrant smile. Heroic in appearance with white fur, black spotted ears, and deep red billowing scarf styled cape. The show’s gotten quite popular over the years, and Aleron himself certainly enjoys the message behind it. Looking at it he almost forgets the annoyance he held towards the documentary… oh yeah, the documentary.

His smile fades, but he simply takes a deep breath as he hunkers down to check the underside of the counter. He spots a black glint underneath. grabbing at it, he pulls it out and feels immediate relief. “Aha, there’s the remote.” He straightens himself and lifts his arm towards the TV, changing the channel in hopes of finding something less grating to hear. The very next channel takes him to the news where an older man speaks in a low, gravely voice. “Recent reports say that the population of abomination animals seen in the Neo-Dome have been rising, as have reports of thievery. It is very likely that these two things are tied. Authorities are advising that you have your traps set out-”

Before anything else can be said with a frustrated growl Aleron turns the TV off. He cared the discrimination against modern day animals. It wasn’t fair, he thought, they’re living, thinking beings too. He perks up hearing the door to the back open. A tall, thin, dark man with buzzed black hair and a sculpted beard walks in. “Why you so mad? Something happen?” The man asks, puzzled. “Nah, just nothing good on TV” Aleron explains. “Usually nothing much on anyways this late at night” The man says while walking in with a friendly smile, and continues, “Anyways I set the traps up for you since I know how much you don’t like doing it.” Aleron breathes a sigh of relief, nodding. “Thanks, Jer” He murmurs, leaning his hands against the counter. “No problem man, but hey. Just remember, it’s Jerome while I’m still on my shift” He teases to try and lighten the mood.

Aleron gives a half-hearted chuckle before hanging his head. Jerome’s smile falters, seeing something’s clearly got his friend down. He approaches and has a seat at the mandatory one chair that the store is required to give workers. “...Wanna talk about it?” Jerome offers, hardly getting a response in return. He looks Aleron up and down, his gaze stopping when he gets to his dye stained forehead. “...Is it the red dye?” he questions. Aleron looks up and over at him incredulously. “What? No. No… Although I am kind of upset about it. I wasn’t thinking and I ruined my favorite white button up shirt. But that’s not it… Rent’s been going up again and I’m hardly making enough to cover it, let alone buy some food for myself. Finding new places to live is getting difficult so I might have to pick up a second job, but I’m overworked as is.”

Jerome’s expression softens into understanding. A very saddened, empathetic expression. “I’m sorry to hear that man… if you ever need help with food I can try and pitch in”. Aleron shakes his head no. “I appreciate the help but I feel like I’ve asked too much of you as of late. I feel bad because I can’t do anything in retu-” Aleron is hushed gently before he has time to go into a rant. “It’s okay. You help those in need even if they can’t give back. Ain’t that what you told me?” Aleron lowers his head once more before nodding. “I guess so…” Jerome passes a warm smile, continuing, “then you should really be taking your own advice. You’ve helped me out plenty in the past so now it’s my time to help you”. Aleron smiles. Genuine this time. “You always know what to say huh Jer… er, Jerome”. Jerome laughs and shakes his head playfully. “I like to think I do” He says and stands up and gives Alern a hearty pat on the shoulder before passing him.

“And I think you look good in yellow, especially with that flame-y hair style you got going on… You should wear flannel more often”. Aleron perks up with an inquisitive look. “You really think so?” Aleron asks. Jerome just nods and gives him this cool guy smirk while looking Al up and down. Maybe in an attempt to cheer him up, maybe with sincerity, who knows. A thunder rumbles outside, making the two look at the window. After a moment of silence Aleron pipes up. “I wonder who did what to make Lunarr mad” Al wonders. “Maybe his brother pissed him off again” Jerome jokes. “But that’s probably my cue to get leaving… You gonna be good closing on your own? The wife and kids are expecting me.” Aleron nods, and responds, “Yeah I should be good here.” Jerome talks while walking backwards in the direction of the door. “Don’t forget to put up the new comics. The boss’ll have both our hind ends if they don’t get shelved.”

“I know I know, I should have it done before the rain hits” Aleron answers. “Sounds good to me” Jerome chirps, stopping at the door and cracking it open using his hip. “You should come over for dinner sometime. I’m sure Chantal and the kids would love to see you again.” That’s what Jerome leaves Aleron with before waving goodbye and rushing out to his car. Aleron watches him, listening to the hiss of the door as it slowly shuts itself followed by the click of it closing. He stands up fully and walks over to retrieve the box from the corner of the store. He opens up the flaps of the box, putting up new issues for comics one by one. He takes his time to look at all the illustrations of each book, appreciating the artistry. Gritty ones, cutesy ones, exaggerated ones, and dynamic ones. These books really help bring the place to life considering this is the most bland standard issue corner of the street comic book stores you can imagine. With its grey floors and its textured white walls. It looks more like an office than it does a comic book store. “It makes the comic books pop out more I suppose…” He murmurs.

The stack of books in the box get thinner and thinner until there’s only two left. Aleron carefully picks it up to look at the back of it, before turning it to the front. He sets the box down to hold the book with both hands, feeling the protective plastic covering of it. It’s that same smiling canid, only this time illustrated with his friends in the back. As he stares he sighs wistfully. “Why couldn’t my life be more of an adventure like yours? Fighting in the name of justice and kindness. The world could do with a little more empathy…Hah. Maybe I am finally going crazy.” After all, he was talking to a comic book. He digs into himself playfully as he puts the book where it belongs.

He turns to pick up the box only to freeze when he sees it's empty. He furrows his brows, cautiously leaning over to pick it up. He turns the box and flips it upside down, tilting his head. “I could have… I could have sworn that there was another one in here… I must have put it up already.” Shrugging it off turns again, only to tense when he hears a loud snap and a shrill, panicked series of squeaking. It's a noise that makes his stomach twist as he looks towards the back door, which has been left ajar. “Oh shit. Oh shit OH SHIT!” He tucks the box under his arm and rushes for the back door, pushing it open with his shoulder. He flinches at the smell of the dumpster in the damp alleyway being the first thing to hit his face, along with the hot summer night air. He squints not just from the smell but because it’s getting incredibly dark with the clouds overhead. He creeps closer to the dumpster, spotting the missing comic on the ground right beside it. Getting closer he can hear labored breathing and quiet sulking. He rounds the large blocky dumpster, just barely being able to make out a shape. But when his eyes adjust… he’s horrified by what he sees.

Looking back at him is a modern day rat no larger than a small dog. Her ears ripped up quite a bit, her hair styled into something similar to a mohawk that’s tipped in pink dye to match her pink irises in her currently very frightened and pained yellow eyes. She has a set of standard rat buck teeth and a pair of protruding fangs that chitter and grind. They all stand out against the dark grey fur stained with blood. She’s been caught in the large mouse trap that had been set out, the middle having snapped around her waist. Aleron’s stomach turns. The smell and the sight makes him feel sick. But without much thought he drops down to his knees and reaches out, throwing the box beside him. The rat hisses and swipes at him with her claws, her mostly pinned tail thrashing violently. He backs his hand away before she could hit him. “I’m only trying to help!” She hisses in response to him, her chest bobbing up and down quickly. He pauses, taking a minute to calm himself. His panicked state wasn’t doing any favors. He needs a more gentle approach.

He holds out his arms, staring at her with a pleading expression. “Let me help you… please… I don’t want to hurt you…” She slows down and stares at him, really taking in his expression. That brief loss of adrenaline causes her to collapse out cold. Aleron curses under his breath and looks at the box, getting an idea. He grabs her and the trap and puts them both inside the box before taking it up and running back inside, making sure that the back door closes behind him. He turns off all the lights and bursts out the front door like there’s a fire. He completely forgets to lock up the shop. He didn’t care. He opens the passenger’s seat to his car. A nice navy blue car with a slick dark interior. He debilitates for a moment. Saving this rodent means ruining his nice silk seats. He stares at the box, and then back at the seat. It’s the nicest thing he own…

Groaning in defeat he puts the box down in the seat, buckling it in before shutting the door. He gets into the driver's seat, quickly pulling out of his parking spot and swerving onto the streets. He pushes the speed limit and he even completely forgoes buckling up which he’s usually a stickler about. Car safety isn’t on his mind right now. Getting home where he had actual medical supplies is, because gods know that the actual hospitals wouldn’t help. He’s so hyper focused on getting her back to his apartment that he hardly has time to register what’s passing by him. It’s like he blinks and by the time he tunes back in he’s already home. He gets out of the car just as quickly as he had gotten in, taking the box with him. Box in arms he hurriedly walks inside. He rushes up the stairs, looking around to make sure no one is out or in his way.

When he gets to the top of the stairs he sees his neighbor and longtime friend of his parents. A nice old lady by the name of Janice with skin pale and wrinkly, covered in age spots. She seems to be returning to her room as well, her bouncy curly gray hair brushing up against the collar frills of her cyan gown. But upon hearing Aleron approach she turns around and smiles, those glasses with such a heavy prescription making her large pupils glisten to make her appear all the more kind. Even though they aren’t related by blood she often felt like family to him. “Ahhh, Aleron dear! How was work today? Did you water-” She chimes, but he hurries past her holding up the box lid on the side that she was on so she couldn’t see what was inside. “Yep watered the plants for you before I left work It was great can’t talk right now love you have a nice night meemaw” He sputters all at once while hurrying to his apartment. He quickly unlocks the door and hurries in slamming it shut behind him. Janice merely smiles cheerily. “Such a nice young man… He’s so much like his father.”

He sets the box down on the couch and rushes into his own bathroom, not needing to flip the living room light on at first because of spacial awareness. Once he gets to the bathroom however he turns the light on to see what he’s doing. He opens up the mirrored shelf and grabs things he needs from it. Gauze, medical tape, antibiotic cream. He goes into his bathroom closet and gets some more. Towels, wipes, even more heavy duty stuff like a suturing kit and some actual medical supplies. He made it a habit to learn how to doctor himself so he can cut down on costs. He takes his armful of stuff and closes the closet with his foot, rushing back to the living room. He drops all the stuff on the couch beside the box and lays out a few towels to rest the rat on. After turning the lamp next to the couch on he takes her out, places her down carefully, and pries the trap open. Once he frees her he slides her onto the towels and tosses the trap across the room. Taking all that he’s learned he does his best to prepare her. First feeling what all might be broken of course, feeling around for internal injuries. Which obviously, there’s quite a few. He sucks air through his teeth and picks up a scalpel. “Forgive me…” He presses it to her, hoping and praying to whoever's listening that there’s still a chance to save her.

...

Writers Notes: Yeahhh sorry the first chapter's slow, a lot of the action-y stuff doesn't start until Aleron actually gets *out* of the Neo-Dome. OotS is a weird mix of action fantasy with some slice of life and character building. I feel like the more interesting stuff is going to be taking place in the other perspective of the story, "Monsters of the Star's Light". Also I'll be releasing these before the first chapter of "The missing chapters" later today because I am very tired rn and my chromebook is dying so I need to slep. Will be released later today probably.

#ruckis scriptures #writeblr #writing #non fandom #original story #original content #order of the stars #oots #order of the stars: heroes of the morning stars #ch. 1 #on a scale from 1 to WTF its not that bad yet #just some. injury.#fantasy adventure #slice of life #the long awaited first chapters are here

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madame-ellunas-moonlit-readings · 11 months

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SVSSS - Vol. 1 - Chapter 1 - Scum

Part 1

So I reached the first break line and wow, this MC is really something.

After reading up to the bit Shen Yuan where first faints after his transmigration, and I gotta say......his poker face? Legendary. His nigh instant adaptiveness? Amazing. His ability to subtly, quickly and easily settle his mind? Absolutely envious. Stellar acting skills and memory too.

Really makes me curious about his background. How he spent his life on Earth. I mean, I know he's the youngest son and second youngest child of a wealthy family, but surely it takes more than that.

I'll admit I prefer the donghua opening to this one. The bitchiness just makes it. But this one is good too. I have to agree with Shen Yuan (SY) on the harem aspect, I wonder what happened to all those women. Makes you curious about the other plot holes and red herrings he mentioned.

As for the upset over cultivators still eating and sleeping, I'm going to put it down to hedonism and the preservation of ones humanity and sanity. I mean, can you imagine a life without dreams or chocolate‽ Is it possible? Yes. Do I really need them? No. Am I going to stop anytime soon? Not a chance in hell.

It's interesting how they made Luo Binghe (LBH) a little bit crooked even before he meets the main villain, the first Shen Qinqqiu (OG!SQQ). It means the man doesn't have full blame for what became of the child. A lot of it, maybe even most of it, but not all of it. Now Shen Yuan as Shen Qingqiu (SY!SQQ) gets to deal with the ramifications of that.

I love how SY has a game plan for a potential transmigration. Now there's a fan for you. 😁 Interesting how it says SY suffered a high fever that made him sleep a while. I could swear I heard it was a qi deviation.

That System siren sounds awful. 100 police car sirens and a herd of divine beasts. Ouch. 😬 Poor man. Good luck with the OOC function. Guess that memory of his will be put to good use.

And Yue Qingyuan (YQY) seems to be a bit of an abuse enabler. A sweetie to SQQ, but a leader who's both knowingly and willingly allowing a child of his sect to be abused by a member of authority. I don't know if I like him yet. We'll see.

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The rest of the chapter (3 more parts) is under the keep reading link because 4 parts made for a long post 😅

Part 2

I love SY just internally squeeing at LBH despite how terrified the poor man is. Fanboy much? Such fancy compliments, if only Binghe could hear them.

The comparison of OG!SQQ to a courtyard-complex concubine is interesting. I wonder if he feels trapped. He's certainly bitter. And fearful for his position since the medicine excuse worked. How curious. It'll be fun to see where the story takes that character.

SY's thought process is funny. So dramatic. 😂 And at the same time as admiring LBH he's quietly analysing the situation and characters. Not to mention digging up the System's loopholes. He's quite the multitasker. Sharp minded.

Both LBH and Ming Fan are just there in the background going 'wtf is going on here, what happened to shizun'. If only they knew.

Part 3

"Shen Qingqiu was an easygoing person" No honey, you're a 'fuck it, so be it' person. Seriously though, adopting that name as his own already. So adaptable. I know I said it earlier, but this part really does show how well he assesses and breaks down a situation before setting up a clear game plan. He's definitely intelligent.

It'll be fun when he unfreezes the OOC function. Especially since others are already noticing his odd behaviour as it is. Not only was there Binghe and Ming Fan earlier, now his other disciples are looking at him with "wavering faces".

I know he said it was for self-defence, and he listed some very good reasons, but there is no way him wanting to try out is sword nigh immediately after an extensive cramming session wasn't him being a big child getting excited over a cool fantasy weapon. Boys and their toys, really. He went for the sharp leaves pretty quickly too. The leaves show his genuine love for worldbuilding too. Guy saw the MC woo ladies with a cool spell and went 'cool, what else can it do?'. Scared the shit out of himself with both too. 🤣

Ngl, it's hilarious watching him compare LBH to the side characters. Looks at Binghe, 'wow, what a mind, what a heart, such enlightenment, so bright I can barely look at him', looks at Ning Yingying (NYY), 'so young, so silly, little EQ, little IQ, so sweet but so slow', looks at Ming Fan and crew, 'very dumb, dumb and dumber, too pampered, headed for ruin, rip children'. Then there's his view of OG!SQQ. A creepy, old, lecherous hypocrite worthy of castration. A terrible authority who likes beating up young boys and trying to assault Ning Ying Ying. Best of luck Shen Yuan. That's you now.

His take on NYYs behaviour with LBH is curious. I wonder how much of it comes from his little sister, from PIDW or from webnovel tropes in general. I'm guessing it's mainly his sister from how he went into how little girls want a something of their crush's to feel special. There's also LBH's short responses towards her.

And PIDW, wow. I'm kinda curious how the author kept the story going for 200+ years. There's an achievement right there. Not to mention binging that brick in just 20 days. That's what? 10 years worth of story per day? And he still remembers these details? Even if they're a little suppressed at first that's impressive. I wonder what happened in those 200 years for SY to be so focussed on the fake jade pendant, sad origin story aside. LBH must have found it eventually for the frame of reference to exist.

It's kinda fun seeing him speak all fanficy, lingo wise. It's not something you usually see in a novel. He definitely reads fanfics. If he's not read any PIDW fics yet it's only because he died before he could get to it. You can't convince me otherwise. Don't even bother.

I am noticing the distance he's putting between himself and the story. Like when he watched the fight scene from the novels and treated it like peeking into the filming of a screenplay. He still seems fairly focussed on LBH though. And his expected behaviour being to abuse children. Compartmentalisation? If so that's interesting. That's a habit more common in those with anxiety, trauma and the like. So unless the transmigration is the trauma, that says something.

LBH has started noticing him back. First the medicine, now he's caught onto the bloody leaves.

Swapping one green treasure for another.

Part 4

Poor Shen Yuan. He's got his first beginner mission. No more laying about for him. At least he'll be able to shrug off the OOC restriction soon.

It is nice that SY has been able to relax and recuperate thanks to the Sect Leader's (in my opinion, overbearing) doting, and that SY is taking comfort in all the brotherly love. Unfortunate that he still can't see YQY as a person rather than a character. The man straight up got called a mission giving NPC. So the emotional distancing is definitely still there. Wonder how long that'll hold. It's fair enough though, it would be a difficult transition.

Ming Fan is surprisingly capable too, if he has some level of control of all the Peak's runnings. Guess he wasn't just given a good rank because OG!SQQ liked his bullying tactics. Pity he's a dumbass when LBH's around, or worse, when Ning Yingying's around. Guess he's at his 'dumb for girl' teen stage. Well, everyone gets a free dumb teen pass. Not for bullying, but considering the authority in charge isn't just ignoring or encouraging the behaviour, but straight up instigating, he at least gets a little leeway.

The random practicality that comes with the living part of living in a fantasy world is funny. Poor SY doesn't get to play with the flying part of his sword just yet. The System snarking back at Shen Yuan using Harry Potter and flying brooms as an example just makes that scene. And him asking if the System was involved with that story too. I love it.

I'll have to go look for some HP/SVSSS crossover fanfics later.

The worldbuilding that comes with that practicality is right up my alley. Love worldbuilding. Love adding feigned realism to utterly unrealistic fantastical stories. Love seeing the organisational systems of our main groups. Love seeing the interactions and impact of story elements on the world.

This part gives us why people don't fly anywhere, how and when the disciples of Cang Qiong Mountain Sect get their swords. Which showed us the practicality of passing down swords vs each member getting a fancy new one. That must save so much money. And a more developed if crude, Harry Potter-esque explanation on how and why the sword choosing works. Did anyone else read that 'the sword chooses the disciple' bit in Ollivander's voice?

We also got the idea of how the Sect travels with carriages and horses, their influence in the world, and their wealth. We're peeking into the wider world now too. If they're the top, who's under them? The trip to the city will show us more of the common world. And the new demon, the Skinner, that even Shen Yuan doesn't know anything of, will give us a good glimpse of what the cultivators are up against and what they consider training-wheels level.

This brings up five points, a look into OG!SQQ, behaviour on Qing Jing Peak involving LBH, the Skinner demon, Shen Yuan himself and the System as part of the world. I'll start with OG!SQQ.

This trip showed us what was normal for that man, or in Shen Yuan's words, the 'original flavour'. Several tea-sets, a jade chess set that goes everywhere despite it's rare use, any and all manner of comforts that shocks even a self-admitted wealthy second gen kid. Could just be me, but this guy reeks of a bourgeoisie. Not just the technical definition but the cultural one. The sort that gets rich after a poor or mundane life and overcompensates so hard they make a complete ass of themselves to everyone in what they think is a normal or acceptable display of newfound wealth and power.

Then there's the Skinner demon. We've not seen much of this one yet so I don't know much, but it is freaky. And also curious. 9 deaths thus far via a brutal method where the skin is removed from a body so cleanly it would make a surgeon jealous. Which is what got me curious. Do you think a Skinner demon could focus that skill on smaller selected parts for surgery? Like skin grafting or removing it out of the way for organ surgery. Especially if it can put it back just as cleanly. What a gruesome case for our sheltered MC to start with.

Next there's what counts as usual and acceptable behaviour on Qing Jing Peak under OG!SQQ's command. The disciples treat extreme abuse of Binghe as an expected everyday behaviour. No wonder PIDWs LBH was so vicious. When Shen Yuan found a natural way to put an end to it the ringleaders nonsense, he thought it was an encouragement of their behaviour. Which he then added onto later, moving from taunting to abuse, kicking up dirt into him and terrorising him. We also saw Ning Yingying felt perfectly safe and confident to call SQQ out on his bullshit to his face. LBH also showed us the effects of it, like his blanking face when waiting for more abuse from SQQ. The trauma is strong with this one. Followed by everyone's shock when LBH got a free pass onto the carriage.

Which leads us to Shen Yuan. He is sneaky smart. He was probably sassing the System because he's a ball of sass, but he was paying very close attention to how it worked, what he could and couldn't get away with. He did so well he even had well enough idea of it's weak points to flat out defeat it in an argument and get his way. It sulked later, that -5 points was pure pettiness on its part, but what a job well done. As sassy and critical as he is (poor NYY, may you never hear his thoughts), he's also such a fanboy! If only LBH could hear him, compliments everywhere and any excuse to see or help him.

My guy, you are not just scared of him.

Nor is Binghe for that matter. Such pretty and effusive descriptions of his good-looking Shizun. And the little heart prickle at Shizun's laughter and smile. Awwwww, so cute. You don't know what that feeling is yet but you will.

Lastly, there's the System and its place in the world. Thanks to SYs efforts we're getting an idea of its priorities and how it interacts with the world. He's even managed to get more information out of it. So now we know that the world isn't just the polished (published) version of PIDW, but also the notes, stories and whatnot that didn't make the cut. Having to experience all of it sounds ominous. The System also gave him mission information via files. At first I thought they were computer files but SY said they were all over his desk. Were they scrolls? Manilla files? I'm picturing manilla files. It'd be funny if so.

It's a very scary, knowledgeable and controlling existence with surprising humanity in its communication style. I swear it felt more rote-like earlier. Is it adapting to SY!SQQ?

In Conclusion

So in short, I am loving the worldbuilding, the characters and I find the System fascinating.

I think the MC, Shen Yuan, is intelligent, sassy and very adaptable, though is hiding being one hell of a mental block. Luo Binghe is in various stages of shock and is only in for more, The other disciples are also floundering at signs of what will be the new normal. Ning Yingying is very confident and bold, even in the face of her supposed abuser, though the story says that's naivety.

The System is spooky scary but also fun and interesting. It's also petty but that may or may not be part of what I suspect is it adapting to its user, Shen Yuan, partially through mirroring.

I'm also looking forward to how much this deviates from Shen Yuan's PIDW since the System said he would also see the unpolished, unpublished bits. I mean, I know Binghe becomes a hardcore monogamist for Shen Yuan, but outside of that.

#madame ellunas moonlit readings #svsss #mxtx #vol. 1 #ch. 1 #reactions #read along #Scum Villain Self Saving System

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